Industry News

Jason Fitz Joins FOX Sports Radio’s Weekend Lineup

FOX Sports Radio announces that sports media personality Jason Fitz is joining the network’s weekend programming as co-host of the Saturday morning show, “The Fellas with Anthony Gargano and Jasonim Fitz,” that debuts on Saturday (9/9). In a joint statement, iHeartMedia Sports EVP of programming Don Martin and FSR SVP of programming Scott Shapiro say, “Jason’s addition is such a wonderful fit with the FOX Sports Radio team. Anthony and Jason will host such an electric show together, getting fans jazzed up for each weekend. This lineup has never been stronger or deeper – it’s everything stations need to deliver the most entertaining and engaging football coverage every weekend.”

Industry News

Audacy’s Mental Health Show “I’m Listening” Airs on September 20

Audacy’s mental health initiative, “I’m Listening,” is being presented on September 20 this year. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the broadcast will bringim together artists, athletes, medical experts and others to highlight why talking about mental health is important and discuss how they manage their own mental health. Carson Daly, radio personality and co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” and “The Voice,” returns to host the special and is being joined by Katie Neal, Audacy’s nationally syndicated country host and Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, psychologist, author and scientist who founded the mental health nonprofit The AAKOMA Project.

Industry News

WABC, New York to Honor Cousin Brucie

77WABC and owners John and Margo Catsimatidis are honoring music radio pioneer and legendary air personality Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow) in recognition of his more than 60 years entertaining listeners.im The gala event being held in New York tomorrow (9/7) will also celebrate 102 years of WABC broadcasting “the best in news and entertainment to millions of listeners across the greater New York City area and now – with streaming, podcasting, and the 77WABC mobile app – to listeners around the world!” John Catsimatidis comments, “I grew up listening to 77WABC and Cousin Brucie. My dream was to return 77WABC to its glory with compelling and entertaining programming and big-name personalities. Plus, I wanted to bring back music on weekends when we all need a break from news, politics, and business. I called Cousin Brucie and got him back where he belongs – on 77WABC.”

Ratings Takeaways

August 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

imAugust 2023 PPM Data – Information for the August 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).

Nielsen Audio’s August 2023 sweep covered July 20 – August 16.

TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.

Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.

All comparisons noted are July 2023 – August 2023 (6+). 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #11 to #10

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” flat at 4.9, sixth to seventh

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.6 – 2.5, -.1, locked at #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, anchored at #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.1, -.6, remains in tenth-place

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, tenth month in a row, 7.7 – 8.1, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-.9) 

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.2 – 4.8, +.6, fifth to third

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #11 to #12

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, sixth month in succession, 6.8 – 6.4, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news/talk KFI and regional Mexican KBUE (+.6)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: smooth AC KTWV (-.9)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #10 to #11

News: Audacy’s WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, repeats in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #14 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ 2.7 – 2.9, +.2, #12 to #13  

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, eleventh straight month, 7.0 – 7.7, +.7

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: triple A WXRT (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #17 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.7 – 7.1, +.4, locked in the runner-up slot

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.9 – 3.6, +.7, tenth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, fourth to third  

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fifth month in succession, 8.1 – 8.0, -.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk KQED; sports talk KNBR; and CHR KMVQ (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KISQ (-.9)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, ninth to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, second to third

Audacy-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #16 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 2.7 – 2.8, +.1, repeats at #15

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KSPF, third month in a row, 5.3 – 4.9, -.4 and country KSCS, first month, 4.5 – 4.9, +.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: hot AC KDMX and news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian KLTY (-1.2)

HOUSTON 

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.0 – 3.7, -.3, #9 to #12

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #21 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA first month, 6.9 – 7.5, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: urban AC KMJQ (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: country KKBQ and regional Mexican KQQK (-.6)

Note: KODA was #1 28 straight months before slipping to second in July 2023 and returns to the top spot.

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.5 – 6.6, +.1, ensconced in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #18 to #15

Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 3.3 – 2.5, -.8, #14 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools’ WABE 3.5 – 3.7, +.2, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, eighth successive month, 9.6 – 9.2, -.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR WWPW (+.7)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WWSZ (-.9)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.6 – 4.6, -1.0, fourth to ninth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.6 – 5.5, +.9, ninth to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.2 – 3.8, -.4, repeats in tenth-place

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, fourth straight month, 9.8 – 9.5, -.3

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+.9)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: news KYW (-1.0)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, repeats at #18

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #21 to #20

News: Audacy-owned WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, seventh to third

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.2 – 2.3, -.9, #9 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, steady in eighth-place

Good Karma Brands-owned WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.4 – 1.7, +.3, #22 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, sixth month in a row, 8.5 – 7.1, -1.4

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: news WINS-FM (+1.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock WBAB (-1.4)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .4 – .5, +.1, #19 to #18

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .0 – .2, +.2, #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fifth straight month, 8.9 – 9.9, +1.0

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.0)*

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.3)

*Represents a tie for the largest July 2023 – August 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, #1 

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 5.2 – 5.5, +.3, fifth to fourth

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.2 – 1.7, +.5, #22 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month in a row, 6.3 – 6.5, +.2 and Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 5.9 – 6.5, +.6

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: CHR KMVQ (+.8)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: classic rock KUFX (-1.4)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, continues in third-place 

News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #13 to #12

WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 4.2 – 3.3, -.9, eighth to ninth

WFAN’s internet stream .7 – 1.2, +.5, #23 to #18

Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .9 – 1.0, +.1, #20 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, second straight month, 7.8 – 6.7, -1.1

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Increase: sports talk WFAN’s internet stream and contemporary Christian WAWZ (+.5)

Largest 6+ July 2023 – August 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-2.5)**

**Represents the largest July 2023 – August 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

Up next: August 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Persistence vs Passion

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhich is the more important “check the box” trait – persistence or passion?

Is it easier for your air talent to answer that one? Of course, we want passionate on-air talent – those who live for the opportunity to get behind the mic, break it all down for the audience or deliver the critical information that can save lives and calm the fears of an anxious audience.

In a week, for the 22nd time we will remember the events of 9/11. During that historic window of time, I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the passion that drives great on-air talent to power through the most difficult unknown to stay close to their audience and calm the fears of an audience in shock.

But we must also consider the day-to-day. How about your on-air talent and their producers who compete every day for that exclusive interview that will surely drive audience levels, advertiser results, and maybe a bonus or promotion?

They power through the multiple calls that are not returned, the polite put-off and unkept promises. Especially stinging is when a competitor winds up with the prize.

Persistence or passion? Stop. Right there you must consider the Abraham Lincoln theory of persistence. His mother died when he was nine, he went bankrupt at 27, had a nervous breakdown before he was 30, lost eight elections, finally in 1860 was elected president of the United States and one year later faced the greatest internal conflict in the history of our country – the Civil War.

Let’s go to sales.

Anyone passionate about selling? My number one theory in recruiting sellers from South Florida to San Francisco was and still is, nobody grows up wanting to sell radio advertising. On the other hand, many of us were and still may be passionate about being ON the radio (before or alongside podcasting, YouTube, Rumble, Tik-Tok and Instagram). The passion to perform runs deep through all media, music, theatre, sports, the law, medicine, even business. The passion to sell? Now that is one complicated conversation.

For what it’s worth, here is my theory. It takes both passion and persistence to be great. What attracts any high achiever to a long-term career typically begins with a passion play. A love for the game and the need to achieve. The harder you chase the dream, the more persistence comes into play. The more you learn the ins and outs of refining persistence, the more you will hit your stride in performing.

And there you have it! Touch those three magic “Ps” every day, passion, persistence, performance and the fourth will come your way: Profit!

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

Denver Talk Host Steffan Tubbs’ to Exit Salem’s KNUS in November

News and talk radio pro Steffan Tubbs announced last month that he’ll exit his 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm KNUS-AM, Denver talk show on November 3. Tubbs, who has served in Denver with iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA as well as Salem Media Group’s KNUS, has been producing documentaries in addition to his radioim work. In a Westword profile, Tubbs talks about his ascent in the news business, his plans for the “final chapter” of his working life, and his current film project about the deadly drug fentanyl. Locally, Tubbs has caused controversy with his 2020 documentary, Denver in Decay. About that film, Tubbs tells Westword, “That documentary kind of put me on the map as being one of the most hated media members by local politicians in Colorado in recent memory, and I embrace that. But with all the hate and praise, the one thing no one has ever said is that Denver in Decay is inaccurate. You can say all you want if you don’t like the messaging, but you can’t attack the accuracy or the credibility.” Read the full story here.

Industry News

JVC Launches Long Island’s Spanish News/Talk “En Vivo”

im

This morning (9/5) at 7:00 am, JVC Broadcasting launched the 24-hour Spanish-language news/talk format on WLIM-AM, Medford/W227CL, Port Jefferson branded “En Vivo.” The station is being programmed by Ana Maria Carbalo. JVC says, “Long Island has a huge Hispanic population that continues to be underserved. That was made abundantly clear during the pandemic. Long Island needed information in Spanish. ‘En Vivo’ will be a dedicated source that will not only deliver relevant information about what’s happening in our area but also educates and creates opportunities for the Hispanic population to prosper by providing the tools and resources they need.” Pictured above is the air staff producing the morning program.

Industry News

Joe Dubin Joins “The Game” in Nashville to Co-Host Late Mornings

Longtime Nashville sports media personality Joe Dubin (right) is returning to Cromwell Media’s WPRT-FM “The Game” to co-host the 9:00 am to 11:00 am program “The Chase & Big Joe Show” alongsideim director of operations and sports programming Chase McCabe (left). Middle Tennessee State alum Dubin was an original host on “The Game” when the station flipped to sports talk in 2012. He has also hosted programs on WNSR-AM, WKRN-TV, and WSMV-TV. McCabe says, “This is a surreal moment for me. After being able to watch Joe on TV, intern with him and then produce his shows on “The Game,” I am thrilled to be able to finally co-host with him. Joe is one of my mentors who always taught me to laugh and we will be doing a lot of that each weekday. I’m so glad to have him back on the team.” Read the Tennessean story here.

Industry News

Wyoming Station Owner Susan Patrick Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

According to a report in Cowboy State Daily, Susan Patrick is pleading guilty to defrauding the IRS.im Patrick – co-owner of Patrick Communications and Legend Communications with husband Larry Patrick – admits to hiding $10 million in business revenue and $9.5 million in personal income. The companies own stations in Cody, Worland, Sheridan, Buffalo and Gillette under the Big Horn brand of networks. The report indicates that Patrick could get up to three years in prison and be fined up to $250,000 when she’s sentenced on December 19. Read the full story here.

Industry Views

Politeness, Punctuality and Power

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling On Sunday
Talk Media Network

imFor decades the power-lunch spot in Manhattan was the beautiful Four Seasons restaurant. Check it out: A history of the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City – Four Seasons new ownership (townandcountrymag.com)

Top clients would host luncheons at the Four Seasons with Sabo Media. These included Walter Anderson, former chairman/CEO of PARADE magazine who was a regular customer. If the lunch was scheduled for 12:30 pm and I arrived at 12:15 pm, Anderson was already there. Next time, I would arrive at 12:05 pm for the 12:30 pm lunch; he was already there.

The restaurant manager/maître d’ explained that, “The most powerful person always arrives first.” Of course. The most powerful person could control where she sat, where she faced and what your view of the room would be. When Walter Anderson hosted future lunches, I arrived at about 11:15 am for the 12:30 pm meet!

If I had any early career success it was not because I knew anything, it was because of Eleanor Ranft, my assistant. Prior to working with me she had been Robert Sarnoff‘s assistant for 20 years. Robert, as-in-son of the General. (Eleanor knew how to address letters to ambassadors.) At the end of the workday, she would go over the telephone call sheet and make sure I had returned every call. Neither of us were going home unless I returned every call.

When addressing emails, the most powerful people return the emails instantly. Test it, send a note to the most powerful people you know, see what happens. Mel KarmazinBob PittmanHoward SternMichael HarrisonChris OlivieroKraig KitchinDavid YadgaroffBill WhiteLee HarrisDan MasonJarl MohnMarc Rowan instant answers. Instant response keeps a person in the deal-flow, the conversation and the action. Instant response makes them powerful.

Conversely, for weeks I tried to have lunch with a local market EVP, no answer. I didn’t want a job; I was trying to place a sales order for an agency friend! No answer. Finally, I asked the market program director why I never heard from his boss. Answer, “He doesn’t think you can do anything for him.” Obviously, the order went to a different company.

A common trait of every star I’ve had the privilege to know is that they are all extremely polite. For example, Randy ThomasCharlie VanDykeBruce Morrow, Howard Stern, the late Casey KasemElvis Duran are kindness and manners personified. They send thank you notes. Their interpersonal attitude is to share experience rather than to say look it up yourself. Many top executives built their entire career by sending thank you notes.

That being said, THANK YOU for being a client of Sabo Media. Thank you for clearing “Sterling On Sunday” on stations like KMOX, KMBZ-FM, WPHT, KDKA and Albany’s Talk 1300.  Have a pleasant Labor Day.

Walter Sterling-Sabo can be contacted at Walter@sabomedia.com or 646.678.1110 mobile. He’ll answer immediately. Sabo Media’s robust client list over the years has included PARADE magazine, Sirius Satellite Radio, The Wall Street Journal Radio Service, RKO, Salem, and CBS. Sabo was the first to monetize online video stars and influencers through his company HITVIEWS.

Industry News

Nielsen: “Heavy” Podcast Listening Increases

The latest edition of Nielsen’s Podcasting Today audience insights report notes – among other things – that lighter podcast listening (listening less than an hour per week) declined from May 2022 to May 2023im across all demographics, while heavy listening (listening more than 8 hours per week) increased year-over-year. Also from the study: 1) The number of Americans listening to podcasts has increased by 45% in the last five years, and more than doubled in the past decade; 2) the jump in listening while in the car (or on public transportation) is noticeable across all age groups. It is now the most popular location to listen to podcasts among consumers 18-34 and 35-49. Read the full report here.

Industry News

WFDF-AM, Detroit Flips Again – to News/Talk

A little more than two weeks after dropping its local urban talk format for syndicated sports talk, Kevin Adell-owned WFDF-AM, Detroit “910 AM Superstation” becomes a conservative news/talk outlet. Theim station features Michigan talk personality Justin Barclay in morning drive, followed by Premiere Networks’ daytime lineup of “The Glenn Beck Show,” “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” Sean Hannity, and Jesse Kelly, supplemented by “Our American Stories” and some FOX News Radio content. Adell bought the former Radio Disney station in January of 2015 and launched “910 The Superstation” featuring Black talk hosts who were not on the payroll but were given the platform to get their message out. Ultimately, Adell says it wasn’t financially successful. He told the Detroit Metro News, “When you look at it, no one supported it. I couldn’t get the community to support it.”

Industry News

FOX Sports Radio Debuts New Weekend Show

im

FOX Sports Radio unveils a new weekend program hosted by FOX Sports personality Alex Curry (left) and FOX Sports Radio anchor Monse Bolaños (right) that debuts tomorrow (9/2) in the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET slot. FSR says, “Curry and Bolaños will deliver their unique combination of opinions and instant analysis on the games in play, breaking news and the biggest stories in sports, in addition to conversations with insiders and experts.”

Industry News

Cumulus vs The Dumb Zone Set for September 15

The legal battle between Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth and former midday hosts im Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp has its next court date on September 15 for Cumulus’ Renewed Emergency Application for Temporary Restraining Order and Request for Preliminary Injunction. Cumulus is suing the duo for alleging they have violated their non-compete and other clauses in their contracts with the company. The two sides have been ordered to mediation over the matter.

Industry News

Scalzo Promoted to Market Manager for Good Karma Milwaukee

Good Karma Brands announces the promotion of Greg Scalzo to market manager for the company’s Milwaukee station group that includes news/talk WTMJ, talk WGKB-AM/W269DL “101.7 The Truth,” and sports talk WKTI-FM “ESPN Milwaukee.” Interim market manager Emily Dillinger states, “Greg’s impressive leadership, deep knowledge of the media and advertising industry, and personal experience as a successful on-air host, makeim him the right person to lead this market and continue to raise the bar. I’m excited for our team to continue our commitment to serving our communities through local news, talk and sports with best-in-class brands in Wisconsin.” Scalzo comments, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of market manager with our GKB Milwaukee team. We are excited to work together to serve Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin with quality, trusted content in news, sports, and talk while connecting fans with our partners and impacting the community. We are proud of the new content we will be creating on ‘ESPN Wisconsin’ and the amazing things to come across all of our brands.”

Industry News

GKB Announces New Lineup at “ESPN Milwaukee”

Good Karma Brands makes programming changes to sports talk WKTI-FM “ESPN Milwaukee” that features two new local afternoon programs. Airing from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the “Kyle, Brust, & Nortman” show is being hosted by Kyle Wallace, a current host on the company’s talk “101.7 The Truth,” former University ofim Wisconsin hoops star Ben Brust, and former Wisconsin Badger and NFL punter Brad Nortman. The station also adds “The Homer Hour” hosted by Steve “Homer” True airing from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and featuring former Packers star Bryan Bulaga, sports commentator John Anderson, ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky, Wisconsin State Journal NFL contributor Jason Wilde, and more. ESPN Milwaukee director of content Bryan Dee says, “The new lineup includes a dynamic group of hosts with unique perspectives, all of whom possess a passion and expertise in Wisconsin sports. It begins in the morning with Evan Cohen, a UW-Madison alum, followed by ESPN College Gameday reporter Jen Lada, ESPN Radio host Gabe Neitzel, and former Packers tight end Mark Chmura. The midday slot features ‘Kyle, Brust, & Nortman,’ while the day concludes with Homer. Fans can expect to enjoy fresh, bold, and entertaining local content throughout the day.”

Industry News

Bendixen Named National Director of Talk for Corus

According to Broadcast Dialogue, programming pro Mike Bendixen joins Canada’s Corus Entertainment as national director of talk radio and director of talk and talent for CFIQ-FM, Toronto. Bendixen previously served with Bell Media as PD atim CFRB-AM, Toronto “Newstalk 1010” and as national format director, news & talk programming. Most recently he’s been a principal with RMR Media Strategies. Corus VP Ronnie Stanton comments, “Mike’s knowledge combined with Corus’s commitment to excellence sets the stage for a promising future for the world of talk radio.” The story indicates that Bendixen takes over for Amanda Cupido, who exits the company. Read the Broadcast Dialogue story here.

Industry News

NRG Media’s Presents “KXEL Caucus Cookout”

im

Last weekend, NRG Media news/talk KXEL-AM – serving the Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, Iowa markets – held its annual listener appreciation picnic, this year dubbed the “KXEL Caucus Cookout,” on the grounds of the historic National Cattle Congress fairgrounds. The event was attended by about 250 people and included in-person presentations from 2024 GOP presidential candidates including businessman Vivek Ramaswamy (right) and radio/TV host Larry Elder (pictured above left with KXEL PD and host Jeff Stein). Stein says, “The more candidates we can place in front of our listeners in person, in addition to our radio interviews, the better the chance that people will participate in the process and make good choices. Our job is not to play favorites or pick winners; our job is to make sure all voices are given a fair chance to be heard.”

Industry News

FOX Business and Univision Hosts to Moderate Next GOP Debate

FOX BusinessStuart Varney and Dana Perino will be joined by Univision’s Ilia Calderón in co-moderating the second Republican presidential primary debate on September 27 from the Ronald Reaganim Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. It will be broadcast live on FOX Business Network, FOX News Channel and Univision. It will also be livestreamed via FOX Nation. FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace says, “We are very proud to have Stuart Varney and Dana Perino co-moderating the second debate with Univision to provide Americans with a comprehensive view of the qualifying candidates vying for the Republican nomination for president.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases July Streaming Ranker

Triton Digital publishes its Streaming Ranker for the July 2023 period that lists the top performing digital audio publishers based on Average Active Sessions. For the United States (6am-12mid, Mon-Sun), iHeartMediaim remains ranked #1 with 281,120 Average Active Sessions. Following at #2 is NPR Member Stations (69,006 AAS) and Audacy at #3 (62,853 AAS). Cumulus Streaming Network is #4 (36,554 AAS), Beasley Broadcasting Corporate comes in at #7 (15,728 AAS), followed by Hubbard Broadcasting at #8 (13,478 AAS), and Urban One at #9 (9,131 AAS). See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Emmis Shareholders Support Stock Redemption Needed to Go Private

At its recent shareholders meeting, Emmis Corporation received “overwhelming support” to amend its articles of incorporation that permit it to offer redemption of its “Class A Common Stock at the price of $6.00 per share during the first year following August 29, 2023, $6.50 per share during the second year, and $7.25 per shareim during the third year, with each price subject to adjustment as specified in the Third A/R Articles.” The redemption of the Class A Common Stock will allow founder and chairman Jeff Smulyan to ultimately take Emmis Corporation private. He comments, “I am grateful to the Emmis shareholders for their tremendous support of our proposal to amend our articles of incorporation, which will give us the opportunity to return significant capital, invest in our current businesses and seek new ventures.” Emmis’ sole radio properties are WEPN-FM, New York “ESPN New York” – currently leased to Good Karma Brands – and Gospel WLIB-AM, New York. The sale of those signals would help fund the stock redemption.

Industry News

Rick Cummings Retires from Full-Time Post at Emmis Corporation

Related to the story above, 43-year Emmis Corporation programming executive Rick Cummings announces that he’ll retire from full-time employment with the company as of Friday (9/1). He will remain a consultant with Emmis. Cummings was Emmis Broadcasting’s first program director at flagship station WENS-FM, Indianapolisim in 1981. He eventually rose to become president of the radio division in 2002, overseeing more than 20 radio stations. In 2008, he became president of programming for Emmis’ domestic radio group. Cummings comments, “Save my immediate family, nothing has given me more joy in life than working for Jeff (Smulyan) and Emmis. This company has afforded me extraordinary professional and personal opportunities, here and abroad, that no kid from rural Indiana could ever have imagined. I am eternally grateful for this and the future as Emmis allows me to continue in a consulting role. As I told Jeff, ‘I’ll work for you until they carry one of us out!’”

Industry News

Western Massachusetts Public Radio Outlet Goes News/Talk All Day

In a move that’s happened at public radio outlets in markets across the country, New England Public Media’s WFCR-FM, Amherst Massachusetts is dropping the classical music that’s aired during middays and is adding news and talk programs including national shows “1A,” “On Point” and “Fresh Air,” in addition to expanded localim news programming. The company is launching a classical network that will air on five signals in the region as well as online. NEPM president Matt Abramovitz says, “These moves position NEPM to better serve western Massachusetts with journalism and conversations that create connections across our wonderfully diverse communities. That investment in local storytelling will also fuel upcoming multi-platform initiatives to reach new, diverse audiences. At the same time, we are bringing a full-time classical service to the region.”

Industry News

MIW and McVay Media Announce “Behind the Mic” Mentoring Program

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc and McVay Media announce the “Behind the Mic Mentorship”im program designed specifically to support the growth and evolution of women on-the-air. The “Behind The Mic Mentorship” program is a year-long experience exclusively for female personalities that have been in an on-air position for at least three to five years in local or national radio programming and have demonstrated a desire to grow their on-air career. The selected mentee will receive personalized conversations and advice from a wide range of industry professionals including two of radio’s top stars – national radio and television personality and Gracie Award winner Elaina D. Smith of “Nights with Elaina,” and WLTW, New York morning personality Christine Nagy. The mentorship is available to one female on-air personality from any U.S. based music format. Applications can be found here.

Industry News

AM/FM and Podcasts Dominate Ad-Supported Audio Listening

Based on data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear Q2 2023 study, the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group analyzes the state of listening in a blog post. The post says that imagining listening to ad-supported audio as an hour of time, a person 18+ listens to 41.4 minutes of AM/FM radio, 11.4 minutes ofim podcasts, and 2.4 minutes each of ad-supported SiriusXM, Pandora, and Spotify. Limiting listening to that done only in cars, a person 18+ listens to 51 minutes of AM/FM, 4.2 minutes of podcasts, 2.4 minutes of ad-supported SiriusXM, and 1.2 minutes each of ad-supported Pandora and Spotify. The piece also reveals the steady growth of podcast daily reach. “As of Q2 2023, Edison’s ‘Share of Ear’ reports the daily reach of podcasts among 18-34s is 39%. Among 18-49s, podcasts reach 34% daily. Among persons 25-54, podcasts now have a 32% daily reach, a large increase over 2022.” See the blog post here.

Industry News

Jacksonville Sheriff Addresses Racially Motivated Slaying on Mark Kaye Show

im

WOKV-FM, Jacksonville-based, syndicated morning drive talk host Mark Kaye (left) scored an interview with Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff T.K. Waters (right) on yesterday’s program (8/28) in which Waters spoke about his telephone conversation with President Joe Biden, told Kaye’s audience that the implication that “regardless of the rhetoric people are spewing, Jacksonville is a great place… and that guy doesn’t represent Jacksonville.”

Industry News

Texas Longhorns Voice Craig Way to Host Show on “The Zone” in Austin

iHeartMedia announces that Craig Way – the voice of University of Texas Longhorns athletics and play-by-play – joins KVET-AM, Austin “AM 1300 The Zone” as host of the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show. iHeartMedia SVP of programming for Austin and San Antonio Jason McCollim says, “We’re thrilled to share that Craig Way, theim iconic voice of the Texas Longhorns, is now part of our team. Every day from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, he’ll be diving deep into UT sports, sharing insights only he can offer. It’s a new era for afternoon radio, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring this experience to our listeners.” Way joins iHeartMedia Austin from Austin Radio Network, where he most recently served as the sports director. He comments, “I was honored to be a part of the launch of ‘AM 1300 The Zone’ as Austin’s first all-sports station in October of 1998, and am thrilled to return as host of a daily show on ‘The Zone’ once again at a station that I called home from 1997-2017.”

Industry News

Cumulus Launches “The Game Sports Radio Network” Across Three Markets

Cumulus Media announces that it is launching “The Game Sports Radio Network” across three South Carolina markets. The network originates from the company’s WNKT-FM, Columbia “107.5 The Game” – which serves as the flagship for South Carolina Gamecocks sports. Network content is also now heard on former classicim country WWFN-FM, Florence – now branded “100.5 The Game” – and sports talk WSEA-FM, Myrtle Beach, which re-brands as “100.3 The Game.” WNKT program director Terry Ford says, “‘107.5 The Game’ Columbia, has been keeping the Midlands sports fans informed, engaged, enlightened, entertained, and sometimes enraged for 16 years! Our live and local team of sports specialists interviews coaches, players, and fans, and invites listeners to participate via call, social media, and on-location events. At our core are the teams, coaches, players, and fans of the South Carolina Gamecocks. We are very excited about growing the ‘107.5 The Game’ brand into two markets in South Carolina and making our great content available to almost half of the state.”

Industry News

Former Salem Talk Host is University President

Salem Radio Network’s twin 24/7 national news services – SRN News and TOWNHALL News – recentlyim presented a five-part series profiling Colorado Christian University and its new president Eric Hogue. Earlier in his career, the ordained minister served with Salem Media Group as a talk show host at KTKZ, Sacramento.

Industry News

KMG Networks and USBC Announce “The Good News”

im

KMG Networks and U.S. Black Chambers, Inc held a press conference yesterday (8/28) to promote the debut of “The Good News,” the national daily radio commentary by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr that highlights “those good news stories from a national and global perspective that have relevance to the aspirations of all Americans who strive for excellence and achievement in all fields of endeavor.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Sharon Barnes Waters, WINS-AM/FM, New York and DEI director for Audcacy NYC; Skip Dillard, brand manager “94.7 The Block” (WXBK-FM) New York; Gary Krantz, CEO – KMG/KMG Networks; Ron Busby, president & CEO of The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc; Dr. Benjamin J. Chavis, Jr; Tish Bazil, global head of media & experiential, The Chavis Group; Steve Roberts, founder & CEO of  Roberts Broadcasting Company; and Tiffany Murphy, CEO of The Culture Equity.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Head Start

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imIt’s time to start planning your holiday strategy.

Wait, what? You have not finished Q3 and here I am pushing Q4?

The fourth quarter is easily the most time consuming, thought provoking, overwhelming mish-mash time of the year for every Baby Boomer and Millennial walking the planet. Especially those of us who earn our keep marketing. The transition window from Q3 to Q4 is the perfect time to lock down your plan and that window is about to open.

Let us review priority planning:

If you sell at the national level, your upfronts are in play and gradually moving to the won-lost report as you juggle and balance your daily avails.

If you sell at the local level here are five thought starters, so start thinking:

— Second Opinions. As we review everything from our insurance, financial, legal and medical needs, everyone can use another set of eyes on the prize. Plans change, laws change, life happens. Suggest messaging that works. Start prospecting now.

— Gift Giving. Last year over $200 billion was spent on the holiday season. Will your audience spend more this year than they did last year? Considering online research is a part of daily life, when do the purchase decisions really begin?

— Politics. You don’t need this column to remind you nearly 13 million watched the debate on August 24. Voters are interested in how this tumultuous political scene will ultimately play out. Politics is big business, and nobody covers it better than talk radio. We are in this window through 2024, get focused on where you need to be.

— Holiday Travel. Just this past week, our family get together was impacted by airline delays, rescheduling, and traffic. Travelers will plan earlier and smarter. You may or may not have contacts at the airlines but consider all the businesses that thrive based on travel and tourism.

— Weather. Is there a market that is immune? From hurricanes and wildfires to snowstorms and floods, weather is a factor that can impact your business flow in both a positive and negative way. As we say here in Florida, Be Prepared!

I am guessing you have thought about everything you’ve just read. I never assume the gap from thinking to doing happens. You know what they say about assuming…

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry Views

Emotional Is Local

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling On Sunday
Talk Media Network

imMentioning a local street name won’t do it. Constant local references is not LOCAL LIVE, it’s a GOOGLE MAP!

For years, as VP/GM of the ABC Radio Networks, I explained to affiliates that, yes, our six network services were in fact local programming – local to a demographic.  The networks reached specific demographics and therefore were local to the heart and soul of a specific listener. (Yes, this usually worked!)

Today, true local programming hits an emotional moment in the day of the listener.  For example, by far the most topic response from listeners on “Sterling on Sunday” is to stories about my sister-in-law. The premise of these stories is that your sister-in-law controls your marriage. I share the horrors of life with my sister-in-law. The email, phone and Facebook response from listeners is stunning.

The greatest response to any host is when a listener is compelled to say “YES!” within the solitude of their car. That emotional response comes when a host shares their personal feelings, life events and experiences. It rarely comes from an interesting observation about today’s editorial page. Let me suggest that it NEVER comes from an interesting observation about today’s editorial page.

Bonding emotions are the result of a host’s personal, intimate revelations

Sharing personal, intimate emotions are pre-emptive. While other hosts may duplicate endless, dreary, old age attracting rants against Democrats, no two hosts have the same emotional life-events.

Mother-in-law, kid, marriage, sex, personal impact stories are singular, unique and MEMORABLE. Listeners return to hosts who tell personal, emotional stories. They want to hear what happens next, they remember the last host revelation and anticipate the next. Many radio stars share their personal stories every single day like Howard Stern and Elvis Duran.

Shared emotional appeal transcends demographics and geography. Emotions are universal and the foundation of a unique hit show.

Walter Sabo is Walter Sterling. Host of the hit Talk Media Network syndicated show “Sterling on Sunday. LIVE 10PM-1AM EST. Heard live 10:00 pm – 1:00 am live on affiliates KMOX, WPHT, KDKA, KMBZ-FM; and dozens more. Contact Walter at Walter@sabomedia.com, 646.678.1110. www.waltersterlingshow.com