Industry News

Frank Comerford to Chair BFoA’s Celebrity Golf Tournament

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships chief revenue officer and president of local sales Frank Comerford is the chair for the charity’s 2023 Celebrity Golf Tournament taking place at Greenwich Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut on September 11. The annualim fundraiser is the BFoA’s second largest annual fundraiser. Comerford says, “The Broadcasters Foundation is the only charity devoted exclusively to providing aid to our colleagues in broadcasting who are in dire need. For me, chairing the Celebrity Golf Tournament is an opportunity to give back.” BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “We’re grateful that Frank is donating his time and leadership to this year’s Celebrity Golf Tournament. The Celebrity Golf Tournament brings in a significant amount of the much-needed dollars we need to continue to help our colleagues who have fallen on tragic circumstances and need our help.”

Industry Views

Pending Business: What Will You Focus on Today?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imSimple question, tricky answer. Unless you are organized.

If you are a professional athlete, you are paid to put points on the board or stop the opponent from scoring. Did you ever watch a competitive body builder work in the gym? Some have a journal and a tripod to mount their mobile phones recording technique as they work through their routine, carefully blending form and precision. The professional entertainer? Paid to sell tickets. Professional politicians? Easy, get the most votes.

Professional ad seller? You get paid to close business.

Is the better question, “What business will you close today?” Of course, it is. Wait, most sellers never start every day with the stomach-churning question, “What business will I close today?” Maybe that question is a little too focused. After all it drills down the process to the very measurable result of being organized, skilled, and focused. Just like that high achieving athlete or getting a ticket to that sold-out performance, someone was ready to answer that elegantly simple question, “What will you focus on today?”

Let’s start the process of learning how to better sharpen our focus skills. Suppose we start with an easy how-to, as in how-to prioritize your call activity. Your sales calls will fall into five major categories:

— New Business. The lifeblood, the very oxygen of the radio business. Remember this: radio advertising, when measured honestly (political ads, COVID economics adjusted) is a single digit growth business. Unless you are making developmental calls, attrition, competition, and the wobbles in the economy will overwhelm you. Make the developmental calls a priority.

— Renewals. The most efficient sale you will make is the business you currently have. Work on renewals when timely.

— Service. My experience is this is the number #1 weakness of most radio ad sellers. Learn how to follow-up, check-in and listen without looking for a transaction. It’s about making sure your rapport is healthy and ready.

— Collections. Do you need an explanation? Just be sure of your numbers and documentation before you make the call or send the email.

— Internal. Collaboration with management, programming, production, or biz ops starts here.

Simple enough. Five columns to list, prioritize and budget your daily call activity. Owners and managers who are reading this, help your sellers when they get distracted. What will you focus on today?

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

TALKERS 2023: Video of Todd Starnes Addressing Conference Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/26) with the morning greetings presentation, “Setting the Stage:im Triple Perspective.” The presentation, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered by multi-platform talk media star Todd Starnes. Starnes brings a lot to the table. He is the owner/operator of a heritage news/talk radio station – KWAM, Memphis. He hosts a local show on the station. He is also a national radio syndicator delivering his own midday radio show to a rapidly growing number of affiliates. Starnes effectively shares his experiences and view of the industry from all three perspectives. Check it out here! 

Industry News

Salem Receives Delisting Notice from Nasdaq

On Friday (6/23), Salem Media Group, Inc received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market that Salem’s Common Stock failed to comply with the $1 minimum bid price required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market based upon the closing bid price of the Common Stock for the 32 consecutive business daysim prior to the date of the notice. Salem now has a compliance period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance for the minimum bid price requirement. That expires on December 20, 2023. To regain compliance, the minimum bid price of the Common Stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days at any time prior to the compliance date. In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Salem says it intends to monitor the closing bid price of the Common Stock and may, if appropriate, consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

Industry News

Audacy Board Agrees to Pay $3.2 Million in Executive Retention Bonuses

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Audacy reports that the company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved $3.2 million in retention awards to officers, including $1 million toim chairman, president and CEO David Field; $850,000 to EVP, strategic initiatives and CFO Richard Schmaeling; $500,000 to EVP and COO Susan Larkin; $250,000 to president, podcast and streaming and chief digital officer J.D. Crowley; and $600,000 to EVP, general counsel and secretary Andrew Sutor IV. These retention awards are intended to be in lieu of an annual bonus with respect to 2023.

Industry News

Dom Giordano Day in Wildwood, New Jersey

im

Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia talk host Dom Giordano (left) with Wildwood, New Jersey Mayor Pete Byron (center), and Curtis Di Domizio of the Real Diamond Tribute Band (right) at Mulligan’s Shore Bar and Grill for a remote broadcast to celebrate Dom Giordano Day. The annual event was created four years ago by Mayor Byron and is celebrated every June 22. The show was broadcast live on WPHT from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm.

Industry News

Tim Donnelly to Host Afternoons at “99.9 The Fan” in Raleigh

Capitol Broadcasting Company announces that sports media pro Tim Donnelly is the new host of the afternoon drive program at WCMC-FM, Raleigh “99.9 The Fan,” effective in mid-July. Donnelly most recently served with Max Media’s WVSP-FM, Yorktown, Virginia “ESPN Radio 94.1.” He also serves as a weekend fill-in host for the CBS Sports Radio network. Capitol Broadcasting general manager Brian Grube says, “Tim has aim very successful track record in radio. His experience as a college athlete gives him a truly unique perspective. This is a robust market for sports. College rivalries dominate the landscape while local pro teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, NC Courage and Durham Bulls unite fans under one umbrella. Tim’s coverage will give listeners a broad understanding of the sports that intersect here, and his expert analysis will pinpoint what’s at stake for fans, teams, and the Triangle.” Capitol says, “Afternoon drive on ‘99.9 The Fan’ will also feature the talents of local favorite Dennis Cox, who will produce the show and take on a larger on-air role alongside Tim.” Donnelly will also contribute web content and analysis on WRALSportsFan.com and original longform audio content for the Capitol Broadcasting Podcast Network.

Industry News

FOX’s “Kennedy Saves the World” Expands

FOX News Audio’s “Kennedy Saves the World,” hosted by Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery, expands from aim weekly podcast to a daily podcast. FOX says, “The program, also now available in video format, will showcase discussions on politics, parenting and culture with fan favorite segments like Party Swap, Kennedy’s Court and Happy Hour. Special guests including Jimmy Failla, Kat Timpf, Dagen McDowell and many more will appear regularly on the program.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “A Pepper & Egg Sandwich on American Bread”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Recommended interview: The author is retired radio host and newsman Joe Taylor, a voice you might remember from KDKA and elsewhere.

His story is the sort of interview Jim Bohannon used to love, a reminiscence of growing up in the 1950s, what life was really like in that “Great” America that Donald Trump romanticizes.

im

Joe recalls a time when many people still considered Italians “not-quite-real Americans, traversing two very different worlds, attending school with kids whose last name didn’t end in a vowel.”

Joe writes – and speaks – with affection, respect, humor, and humanity, and new relevance. Contact joetaylor43@comcast.net

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

The D.A. Show’s Kickoff to Summer Party

im

Pictured above (at center) is Damon Amendolara, host of the CBS Sports Radio syndicated program, “The D.A. Show,” at the show’s annual Kick Off to Summer Party broadcast live from the West Babylon, New York childhood home of Mraz, the show’s producer. Mraz’s father, Bob, built an outdoor bar in his backyard that rivals those at beach resorts. More than 50 “D.A. Show” listeners flew or drove from near and far for the party. Amendolara says, “I know, ridiculous, but we’re like a big family. We’ve built a real community. Every year, more listeners join us. We may be the only syndicated radio show in America that invites listeners into our own home!”

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of Jimmy Failla’s “Morning Wakeup” Routine Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstraim University will be posted, continuing today (6/23) with the comedy presentation, “Morning Wakeup.” The standup routine, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered for the third consecutive year by FOX News Radio midday star Jimmy Failla. Sporting his trademark flashy jacket and ultra-cool boots, Failla – one of the rapidly rising stars on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred – satirically poked fun at political correctness as well as himself. Check it out here!

Industry News

Bold Gold Media Group Flips WVOS-AM to News/Talk

Bold Gold Media Group announces it’s flipping the AM side of classic hits WVOS-AM/FM, Liberty, New York (along with two FM translators) to news/talk as “Catskills News Talk.” Bold Gold says, “The station will become the new home of the legacy morning show, ‘Ciliberto & Friends,’ starring popular radio personality Paul Ciliberto, which will form the backbone of the station’s programming, along with greatly expanded local news provided by legendary news director Mike Sakell.” Bold Gold Media New York general manager Dawnim Ciorciari says, “Taking a legacy AM radio station and re-imagining it into an additional radio format in a local market is an exciting expansion of Bold Gold’s local broadcast portfolio, and is a testament to an incredible team of local broadcast professionals, a supportive community, and the importance that local radio continues to have to provide local news, talk and information.” Bold Gold Media New York director of programming Chase Daniels comments, “The launch of ‘Catskills News Talk’ marks another BOLD move in our New York market as we expand our programming offerings and bring back the heritage ‘Voice of Sullivan.’ Putting this station together required a lot of well-thought-out decisions and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to bring it all together.” Beyond morning drive, the company has not revealed programming details other than to say, “Popular radio shows covering a variety of topics including financial market updates, investing, lifestyle, health, politics, sports and others will round out the station’s programming.”

Industry News

Mark Kaye Bit Scans Heavy Hundred for Cage Match Opponents

Morning drive talk host Mark Kaye – WKOV-FM, Jacksonville and other Cox Media Group news/talk stations – recently did a bit riffing off the Mark ZuckerbergElon Musk cage match story. Kaye, wondering which fellowim talk hosts he might be able to beat in a cage match, used the recently published 2023 TALKERS Heavy Hundred to muse over potential opponents. Kaye – ranked #81 on this year’s Heavy Hundred – says he’s pretty sure Sean Hannity (#1 on the Heavy Hundred) would kill him. Check out who he thought he could beat in this hilarious bit here.

Industry News

Danny Lipford to Retire from Radio and TV

Home improvement expert and radio & television pro Danny Lipford announces that after 35 years in the media business he is officially announcing plans for his retirement. Lipford – head of the Today’s Homeownerim media franchise – has hosted and produced more than 1,000 TV shows, 800 radio shows, and traveled all 50 states during the course of his media career. Lipford says he’s shifting the business model of his media company, which will now focus on streaming and licensing the brand’s extensive library of home improvement content. Lipford will continue to host his weekly two-hour “Today’s Homeowner” Radio show, and “Tips for Today’s Homeowner” radio features through the end of 2023, with the final show and features airing the week of December 25.

Industry News

LI News Radio Celebrates 500th Airing of “The Nonprofit Voice”

im

JVC Media and radio host Ron Gold recently celebrated the 500th edition of Gold’s weekend program, “The Nonprofit Voice,” broadcast on news/talk WRCN-FM, Ronkonko, New York. Gold is CEO of Marketing Works and over the past 10 years has been joined on air by leaders from nonprofit organizations of all sizes to discuss the important work their agencies do and the challenges they face. Pictured above (from l-r) are: Town of Brookhaven supervisor Ed Romaine, Gold, and Town of Islip supervisor Angie Carpenter.

Industry News

Elvis Duran Show Attends Alan Freed Broadway Musical Rock & Roll Man

im

Recently, members of Premiere Networks’ “Elvis Duran Show” attended the new Broadway production based on rock ‘n’ roll radio pioneer and Cleveland DJ Alan Freed. The Duran show trio’s review of the show is simple: “If you’re in radio, you must see this show. ” Pictured above are (from l-r) Constantine Maroulis, former “American Idol” contestant as Alan Freed; Joe Pantoliano, revered character actor and member of the Elvis Duran Group’s Character Actor Hall of Fame, plays Leo Mintz and Morris Levy; Skeery Jones, “Elvis Duran Show” cast member; David Katz, partner and CEO of the Elvis Duran Group; and Nate Marino, “Elvis Duran Show” producer, a.k.a. “straight Nate.”

Job Opportunity

Cumulus Seeks Experienced News/Talk Programmer

Cumulus Media is looking for a program director for its Chattanooga, Tennessee news/talk stations. The program director will be responsible for growing and operating strong brands and must have a strong programming background and passion for growing others and a passion for the local community. You willim program two legendary news/talk stations. Energy, enthusiasm, attention to detail and experience in news writing/delivering and talk show hosting is a necessity. You must have the ability to interact with listeners and handle multiple phone calls at one time. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing and motivating on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience of a news/talk format. The position also requires a daily AM drive air-shift, along with live appearances and live broadcasts! See more and apply here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Making the Connections Between Local and National Radio and Television” Panel Discussion Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/22) with the panel discussion, “Making the Connections Between Local and National Radio and Television.” The three-way conversation, sponsored by the Michael Berry Show, was facilitated by WPG, Atlantic City (and regular FOX News Radio guest star), Harry Hurley (pictured above and below at center). Participants included president/CEO JVC BroadcastingJohn Caracciolo (pictured above and below at left) and FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade (pictured above and below at right). See video of the session here

im

Industry News

Harrison and Madison Tackle a Variety of Issues on Sirius Show

Heavy Hundred titan Joe Madison interviewed TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison Tuesday morning (6/20)im on his long-running “Urban View” channel program on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The two legendary radio figures took a deep-dive into the subjects of podcasting, AM radios in cars, the role of boomers in today’s culture and the way in which the annual TALKERS Heavy Hundred list is compiled. Don’t miss this conversation! Listen to the audio here.

Industry News

Todd Schnitt and Compass End “Schnitt Show”

Radio personality Todd Schnitt announces he’s ending his Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated afternoon drive news/talk program to focus on his “MJ Morning Show” on CHR WRBQ-FM, Tampa. Launched in October of 2001, “The Schnitt Show” was eventually heard in more than 75 markets. Schnitt says, “For over 20im years, I have been working two daily jobs. The time has come for me to focus my full energies on ‘The MJ Morning Show’… This is bittersweet as it has been a joy and privilege to host ‘The Schnitt Show’ and I am forever grateful to our affiliates, sponsors, partners, and most importantly our listeners for supporting the show for so many years.” Compass Media Networks CEO Peter Kosann says, “How many people in the history of radio have hosted two-daily, drive time shows, targeting two completely different audiences, and doing it successfully for over two decades? The answer is virtually no one else. Kudos to Todd for his work ethic, creativity, ingenuity, and talent. It has been an honor to serve as Todd’s syndication partner all these years and we look forward to working with him on this next chapter.”

Industry News

Report: Budget Cuts at Disney Cancel ESPN Radio Morning Show

According to numerous reports, including from the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, the financial scalpel being applied to Disney’s ESPN Radio has dropped the nationally syndicated morning show hosted by Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Max Kellerman. The story also says that this move is just part ofim more “significant on-air layoffs” affecting ESPN personalities that could come as early as next week. Johnson, Williams and Kellerman have other roles with ESPN and their individual status with the company is not certain, but Marchand speculates that contract buyouts by ESPN are a possibility. ESPN will put a morning show back on the network, but the talent will need to make significantly less than the “Keyshawn, JWill and Max” hosts were making. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Tavis Smiley’s KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Second Anniversary

On Monday (6/19), Tavis Smiley’s SmileyAudioMedia, Inc celebrated the two-year anniversary of the launch of talk KBLA-AM, Los Angeles. The company says the station was built to “give disenfranchised citizens a voice in current political, social and cultural issues with empowering, sustainable and restorative language.” Tavisim Smiley adds, “We launched KBLA Talk 1580 on Juneteenth, two years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 health crisis. We’re extremely proud that in two short years, KBLA Talk 1580 has become a trusted community resource in Los Angeles and beyond. Our mission to enlighten, empower and encourage, resonates with our growing audience.” Additionally, over the past two years the company has launched SAM Digital, its own brand of white label products that are designed to help businesses and service providers reach an even wider audience, grow brand awareness, and increase sales by targeting specific audiences with direct messaging and by measuring the performance of their outreach campaigns. It also recently debuted the SmileyAudioMedia Podcast Network to expand beyond traditional radio broadcasting.

Industry News

“104.5 The Zone” in Nashville Renews “3HL” Afternoon Show

Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” renews its afternoon drive show “3HL” starring Brent Dougherty, Dawn Davenport, and Ron Slay. The company says, “Brent Dougherty is known as ‘The Mayor of Middle Tennessee Sports’ and is a well-known fixture in Nashville’s sports scene.im Dawn Davenport is seen every Saturday on the college football sidelines, and her relationships and knowledge of the SEC are huge assets for ‘104.5 The Zone’ listeners. Ron Slay is an SEC Player of the Year for the Tennessee Volunteers Men’s Basketball team and is a beloved natural entertainer.” Cumulus Nashville VP/market manager Allison Warren and program director Paul Mason say, in a joint statement, “Today, we celebrate the powerhouse trio Brent Dougherty, Dawn Davenport and Ron Slay. They have proven time and again to be a driving force behind 104.5 The Zone’s success, dominating the ratings and capturing the hearts of our listeners. They have an undeniable chemistry—a lightning in a bottle connection that brings our audience together. We are grateful to our clients, who have become our biggest fans, for choosing this remarkable station and these influential personalities to support their local businesses.”

Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Special Addresses Schools-Parents Conflicts

iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is presenting a special, two-hour news program on Sunday (6/25) at 4:00 pm titled, “He Said, She Said, They Said…,” addressing the conflict between schools and parents over the ongoing introduction of books, curricula, and instruction about alternative lifestyles. This KFI News Special isim being produced by the award-winning team of Steve Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez with associate producer Nick Pagliochini. KFI says, “Parents and protesters continue to gather at school board meetings around the country to express their frustration over districts’ that try to introduce books and language which address the transgender community and other LGBTQ+ issues. Faith-based leaders have also joined the protests along with advocacy groups that represent parents of public-school students. Critics say these issues should be addressed exclusively in the home while supporters say it is critical to be inclusive of all lifestyles to better prepare children for the real world. ‘He Said, She Said, They Said…’ features multiple sides of the issue. There is also a companion podcast with extended content that will be available immediately following the broadcast on the iHeartRadio App.”

Industry News

Audacy and TuneIn Renew Distribution Agreement

Audacy announces it is extending its digital distribution deal with TuneIn that provides streaming of its 250-plus stations and entire podcast library to the content aggregator. Audacy says the partnership expands the reach of its content to more than 200 additional platforms and connected vehicles and devices, including Tesla, Rivian,im Lucid, Bose, Samsung and Xbox, as well as on the TuneIn mobile app and TuneIn.com. The agreement also gives Audacy access to TuneIn’s advertising supply and brings select TuneIn original content to the Audacy digital platform. Audacy chief digital officer J.D. Crowley imcomments, “Streaming of AM/FM Radio is one of the fastest growing segments of all digital audio today. As consumer demand for Audacy’s best-in-class local audio content continues to increase, we’re committed to meeting the listener wherever they wish to consume, and we’re delighted to expand the availability of our unique live sports, news, and personality-driven audio content to over 200 new TuneIn-supported platforms. We’re equally thrilled to welcome TuneIn’s premium exclusive content to the Audacy digital platform.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career” Panel Discussion Posted

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/21) with the panel discussion, “Navigating a Radio Talk Showim Hosting Career.” The session, sponsored by C. Crane, was introduced by managing partner, Goldman McCormick PR and syndicated host, Ryan McCormick (pictured at right) and moderated by WPHT, Philadelphia host, Dom Giordano (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Heather Cohen, SVP, the Weiss AgencyMartha Zoller, host, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA; Frank Morano, host WABC, New York; Rich Valdes, host, Westwood One; and Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA. See video of the session here.

im

Industry Views

Talk Radio’s $4 Billion Mistake

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

imIn the early 1980s, talk radio made a $4 billion mistake. Prior to then, there were approximately 50 full-time talk stations in America. They were predominantly found in major markets and had been in the format since Marconi. The original talk stations had two key traits: They were dominant in ratings and much of their popularity was driven by women hosts.

Mary Margaret McBride hosted an NBC, then ABC Network show based from WOR, New York at 12:00 noon.  From 1938-1957 she led midday radio listening. Nope, not a cooking show. She featured the most powerful, newsworthy guests and grilled them. She prepped for 23 hours a day and sweated every minute. Her popularity was so great that she required five secretaries just to answer her mail. Her 10th anniversary was held at Yankee Stadium. McBride’s 15th  anniversary filled Madison Square Garden, hosted by Eleanor Roosevelt. Correct, Mary Margaret and her listeners were honored by Mrs. Roosevelt.

How about the money? During many early years, it was believed that no advertiser would buy daytime radio.im Then Mary Margaret read live copy. OR Mary Margaret had her guests read live copy. Sales for advertisers exploded. (Source: It’s One O’ Clock, Time for Mary Margaret McBride by Susan Ware https://a.co/d/iHShiad)

The historic galaxy of remarkable women talk show hosts is vast: WOR (Always number one through most of its history) Martha DeaneDora McCannPatsy McCannMary HealyPegeen FitzgeraldArlene FrancisSherrye HenryJoan Hamburg — yes, all at the same time. Throughout the country the stars include: Sally Jessy Raphael (20+ years on major market radio), Dr. Ruth WestheimerDr. Tony GrantAnnie AielloMimi BenzellDorothy KilgallenJohnnie Putman and the most powerful broadcaster in Ireland, Marian Finucane. (Worth the listen: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/21683976/)

The audience for the content featured by those hosts is thriving and watching daytime TV. Before 1982, daytime TV was the happy land of soap operas and game shows. Then, as content delivered by women hosts left radio, it was embraced by TV. Sally! Dr. Ruth! Oprah! Ellen! The View, The Chat, The Chew, Jenny JonesJoan RiversQueen LatifahKelly ClarksonRicki Lake.

Today daytime talk TV is a $4 billion business. I take credit for… a lot. I am proudest of the fact that few execs have hired as many women managers and women hosts.

Question to talk radio chieftains, where are the women hosts?

Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry News

Audacy Officially Announces New WFAN, New York Lineup

In the aftermath of the announcement of WFAN, New York afternoon drive personality Craig Carton’s exit from the sports talk station to focus on his FS1 show, the media reports of who would replace whom are confirmed by Audacy as it unveils its new program schedule (effective July 24) below:im

5:00 am – 6:00 am ET: “The Warmup Show with Al and Jerry

6:00 am – 10:00 am ET: “Boomer and Gio

10:00 am – 2:00 pm ET: Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata *NEW

2:00 pm – 6:30 pm ET: Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber *NEW

7:00 pm – 12:00 am ET: Keith McPherson

12:00 am – 5:00 am ET: Chris McMonigle *NEW

Chris McMonigle is currently producer of the “Carton & Roberts” show. Additionally, Shaun Morash, who previously produced “The D.A. Show” with Damon Amendolara on CBS Sports Radio, will serve as a producer and on-air contributor for “Evan & Tiki” alongside executive producer Tommy Lugauer. Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero states, “The new lineup card of WFAN continues to exemplify the station’s extraordinary depth of talent with all-star veterans and next-generation voices. This roster, with the additions of Tiki to afternoons and Sal to middays and including the market-leading ‘Boomer & Gio’ morning show, will continue WFAN’s now nearly 40-year dominance of the sports conversation in New York.”

Industry News

FNC’s Baier and MacCallum to Moderate Republican Primary Debate

The first Republican primary debate will take place on August 23 on FOX News Channel with anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum serving as co-moderators. The event takes place live from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pmim from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace comments, “We are extremely proud to have Bret and Martha moderating the first debate of the 2024 presidential election season as Americans learn more about the candidates ahead of exercising their constitutional right to vote.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Acquires Manadge Ad Platform

Triton Digital announces it is acquiring Manadge, an advertising intelligence platform that specializes in programmatic advertising. Triton says Manadge will enable its publishers and demand partners to see advertising-related data and analyze performance in real time via an intuitive analytics platform. Triton Digitalim president and CEO John Rosso states, “Through this acquisition, we further demonstrate our commitment to providing robust tools to enable growth in the global audio industry. The Manadge platform will enable Triton’s publisher, sales house, and demand partners to better analyze advertising data and use Manadge’s powerful UI to make data-driven decisions for their business.” As part of the acquisition, the Manadge team will join Triton Digital’s team, bringing a high level of talent and expertise to Triton’s product and engineering efforts.

Industry News

AWM Presents 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

im

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation presented the 48th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City yesterday (6/20). Host Elizabeth Vargas, anchor of “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation, led the program alongside presenters Judi Franco (pictured above), co-host of the “Dennis & Judi” midday show on Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5”; Sara Haines, co-host, ABC’s “The View”; Maxwell, host, iHeartMedia’s WHTZ, New York “Z100”; Shima Oliaee, CEO and founder of Shirazad Productions; and Brigitte Quinn, creator, host and managing editor of Audacy affiliate Newsline on WCBS-AM, New York. See the full list of honorees here. Photo: Getty Images for AWM

Industry News

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Celebrate Second Anniversary

The nationally syndicated Premiere Networks program “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” celebrates its two-year anniversary today (6/21). The program fills the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart occupied by the late Rush Limbaugh and currently is heard on more than 470 affiliate stations. Premiere says the program’sim podcast averages more than 13 million monthly downloads. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We couldn’t be more proud of what Clay and Buck have accomplished together over the past two years. They had big shoes to fill, and they hit the ground running with their fresh, dynamic and entertaining brand of news talk. The results speak for themselves, and we’re proud to mark this milestone with them as they continue to deliver impressive returns for our partners.”