Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Media is presenting live programming surrounding the 2024 Republican National Convention beginning Sunday, July 14 through Thursday, July 18. Originating from Milwaukee, the network’s convention coverage will be presented across all of FOX News Media’s platforms, including FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX News Audio, FOX News Digital and FOX Nation.

Virtual News Center adds Lake Cumberland Broadcasters, LLC’s WJRS, Jamestown, Kentucky to its roster of radio affiliates. Virtual News Center will provide daily local newscasts anchored by Jayme Monacelli.

TuneIn and the Big 12 Conference announce a partnership that includes the launch of a 24/7 Conference-branded audio station on TuneIn ahead of the Big 12’s college football season kickoff on August 29. Additionally, TuneIn Premium will offer fans in-game coverage.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Joe Biden’s determination to stay in the presidential race and Donald Trump’s prospective vice presidential candidates; Trump distances himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025; the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling; the intense heatwave affecting the U.S. West; and Hurricane Beryl hits Houston area leaving millions without power were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

WURD-AM, Philadelphia Parts with Host Over Biden Interview

WURD Radio LLC-owned urban talk station WURD-AM, Philadelphia cut ties with talk host Andrea Lawful-Sanders after she admitted to using questions provided by President Joe Biden’s team during her interview with the president. Though the move is being termed mutual, it’s clear that Lawful-Sanders was asked toim leave the station. WURD issued the following statement: “On July 3, the first post-debate interview with President Joe Biden was arranged and negotiated independently by WURD Radio host Andrea Lawful-Sanders without knowledge, consultation, or collaboration with WURD management. The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners. As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.” You can see the station’s complete statement on the matter here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: WHO ARE You Talking To?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imWe – inside-the-box – live and breathe radio. Listeners have their hands full just living and breathing. Their day is time crunched and financially challenging, and we want to be its soundtrack.

But listening is free, unlike umpteen other purchase decisions they agonize. So, what’s high stakes to us is low stakes to them. We only matter if we matter, and we’ve never had so much audio competition. Accordingly, this exercise, which has been helpful at stations I work with:

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Describe the listener your station targets. Then ask other staffers.

— Is everyone profiling the same person?

— Does your programming content address their needs and wants?

— Is station imaging about the station? Or their needs and wants?

— Do commercials offer solutions? Are you missing categories?

Well worth the investment in conference room pizza.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Edison: Podcasting Gaining on AM/FM’s Hold on Spoken Word Listening

The most recent edition of Edison Research’s Weekly Insights presents data that indicates podcasting is continuing to close in on AM/FM’s dominance of spoken word listening in the U.S. In 2017, 66% of spoken word audio was consumed via AM/FM radio and 13% via podcasting. Seven years later, AM/FM accounts forim 43% of spoken word listening, and podcasts 36%. Keep in mind that for Edison’s purposes spoken word content includes news, sports talk and play-by-play, audiobooks, talk shows, and “personalities.” Edison states, “Podcasting’s share of spoken word will almost surely surpass that of AM/FM within a few more years. There is one more thing to note – the advantage for AM/FM is coming entirely from those age 65 and older. Among those ages 13-64, podcasting has already passed AM/FM listening by, 41% to 39%. Meanwhile, among the oldest Americans age 65+, AM/FM radio continues to dominate, with a 66%-13% advantage. Curiously, that 66%-13% difference among the oldest Americans is the exact same difference we recorded for all Americans 13+ in 2017.”

Industry News

Salem Prepares for RNC Milwaukee Broadcasts

Salem Media Group is preparing for next week’s programming from Milwaukee – site of the 2024 Republican National Convention. This includes live broadcasts of Salem Radio Network’s “Mike Gallagher Show” from media row at Panther Arena, adjacent to the RNC venue at Fiserv Forum. Salem’s SRN News andim TOWNHALL News will provide top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts live from broadcast seats inside Fiserv Forum, as well as live feeds of acceptance speeches from Republican Presidential nominee Donald J. Trump (7/18) and his as-yet unannounced vice-presidential running mate (7/17). SRN VP news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “As the 2024 presidential campaign kicks into high gear, SRN and SNC will provide live coverage of the RNC that will be second to none. Along with Mike Gallagher, SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston and SRN News U.S. Senate correspondent Bob Agnew, we’ll have on-site perspective from our “America First” host, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, who served as a national security strategist in the first Trump administration.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Rumble content creators will host live programs on media row at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week. Rumble Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski says, “It’s the biggest stage in politics, and Rumble will be there to host the free exchange of information in the marketplace of ideas. More and more, people are turning to Rumble for their news and analysis, live, on the spot, from people involved in making the news. All voices are welcome, and no one has to fear being canceled for their point of view.”

The Society of Broadcast Engineers – the association for broadcast and multimedia technology professionals – completed a member recruitment drive that ran from March 1 to May 31 and the organization recruited 79 individual members and one sustaining member.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The aftermath of Joe Biden’s debate performance and calls for him to drop out; SCOTUS rulings; Donald Trump’s legal battles; Trump attempts to distance himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 plan; the Israel-Hamas war and protests in Tel Aviv calling for a cease-fire; the leftist New Popular Front prevents a National Rally takeover in France’s elections; Boeing pleads guilty to defrauding regulators; and the intense heatwave in the Western U.S. & Hurricane Beryl heads for Texas were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

FOX News Channel Marks Another Quarter at #1

FOX News Channel announces that it finished the second quarter of 2024 as cable’s most-watched network in total day and primetime for 90 consecutive quarters according to Nielsen Media Research. FNC says it is the only network to show growth across the board versus 2023 while CNN and MSNBC both shed doubleim-digits in the key 25-54 demo. For the second quarter in a row, CNN hit a 33-year low in total day, 18-49 and 25-54 demos, delivering its smallest younger audience since 1991. In total day, FNC delivered 1,304,000 viewers, 154,000 with 25-54 demo and 96,000 with 18-49 demo, securing a 176% advantage over CNN viewers and 61% over MSNBC. In primetime from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, FNC saw 2,037,000 viewers, 214,000 in the 25-54 demo, and 135,000 with 18-49 demo, a 230% lead over CNN and 77% over MSNBC. FNC continued to dominate the share of the cable news audience, capturing 50% of viewers across total day and 54% of prime viewers, the highest level of share for the network since 1Q’2023.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Research announces that the Sports Audio Report: Female Fans with SiriusXM Media and Group M will be presented in a webinar on July 16 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says the webinar will explore the unique audio listening habits of U.S. female sports fans and show how they interact with sports beyond the field. The webinar will be presented by Salma Aly, manager of Research at Edison Research and Sophie Anderson, associate director, podcast sales marketing at SiriusXM Media.

Salem Media Group closes on the sale of its Christian music stations in Nashville and Honolulu to Educational Media Foundation for $7 million. This transaction was previously announced on March 21, 2024.

PodcastOne announces the debut of its latest podcast, “Wholeheartedly with Kendall and Galey.” Hosted by fitness instructor and wellness influencer Kendall Toole and DIY home renovation expert and HBO MAX host Galey Alix, the podcast debuts on July 17 with weekly episodes dropping on Wednesdays. PodcastOne co-founder and president Kit Gray says, “Kendall and Galey have infectious energy and enthusiasm. Their passion for bettering the world around them is inspiring and PodcastOne is thrilled to give them a podcast platform to communicate with and grow their audiences. Their relatability strikes a chord with listeners and advertisers alike, and we’re excited to launch ‘Wholeheartedly.’”

Industry News

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

SCOTUS presidential immunity ruling; Donald Trump NYC sentencing delayed; Joe Biden debate performance and calls for him to leave the race; the U.S. migrant crisis; the economy; France’s National Rally party win and Thursday’s UK elections; the new $2.3 billion Ukrainian military aid package; and Hurricane Beryl wreaks havoc in the Caribbean were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

NOW POSTED: The State of Sports Talk Radio – A Fireside Chat with Fred Toucher

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One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The State of Sports Talk Radio: A Fireside Chat with Fred Toucher” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which took place at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. It features TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviewing long-running Boston sports talk radio mainstay Fred Toucher, the highly-rated morning co-host of “Toucher and Hardy” (with Rob “Hardy” Poole) on WBZ-FM “98.5 the Sports Hub.”  Harrison and Toucher discuss parallels between sports talk radio and news/talk radio regarding the tendency to focus on telling listeners opinions they want hear. It also explored the pros and cons of working within a duo or team format, handling the rise of women’s basketball and the impact of sports betting as a programming element. The segment was introduced by John Fredericks, owner (and talk show host) of the rapidly growing John Fredericks Radio Network. To watch the video, please click here.

Industry News

Mark Levin Extends Relationship with Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media and talk radio host Mark Levin extend their deal for Levin to continue hosting both his syndicated radio program on Westwood One and his podcast, “Mark Levin Audio Rewind,” on the Cumulusim Podcast Network for multiple years. Additionally, Levin will also develop and host an all-new show for the network, his first ever original content podcast series. Levin’s radio show airs live from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm nightly on close to 400 affiliate stations. He says, “This has been my radio home for 23 years, and I am more excited than ever – especially during these tumultuous and historic times – to continue my relationship with my first-rate broadcast partners for many years to come. I understand my obligation is to serve the millions of patriotic Americans in the audience. I am blessed to do what I do, and I am committed every day to providing detailed analyses of current events along with historic context, commentary, and my in-depth perspectives to deliver the very best broadcasting I am able to share with our many listeners.”

Industry News

Neuhoff to Sell Remaining Radio Stations to Woodward Communications

Neuhoff Family Limited Partnership announces that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Springfield and Bloomington, Illinois radio stations to Woodward Communications, Inc for a sum yet to be announced. The asset purchase agreement has not been filed with the FCC yet. The stations include sports talk WFMB-AM in Springfield and four music brands plus three music FMs in the Bloomington market. This transactionim ends Neuhoff’s time in the radio business after almost 70 years. At one time, Neuhoff owned 24 stations – plus digital assets – in five markets. Woodward Communications, Inc operates eight stations – including news/talk WHBY-AM – in Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Neuhoff family trustee Julian Hickman says, “This final sale is bittersweet for our family, reflecting both a proud legacy and an emotional farewell. Our grandfather, Roger Neuhoff, poured his heart into the broadcast industry since the mid-1950s. The stations have been a vital part of our family and community, and while we cherish the incredible journey, it is time to turn the page.” Trustee Makena Neuhoff adds, “We would like to thank the incredible teams of local broadcasters in Springfield and Bloomington. We will forever cherish the memories and the significant impact our stations had on the local communities.”

Industry News

Legendary WLW, Cincinnati Host Jim Scott Dies at 81

Longtime Cincinnati morning radio personality Jim Scott lost his battle with ALS on June 28 at the age of 81,im his wife Donna Boland announced. Scott worked in Cincinnati for 47 years, first at WSAI and then at WLW as morning host. During his long and successful radio career in Cincinnati, the Binghamton, New York native immersed himself in charity work with the March of Dimes, the Salvation Army, the United Way, and others. He retired from WLW in 2015. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2021 and went public the diagnosis last year.

Industry News

Retiring Tom Herschel Honored with CAB Leadership Award

Audacy Cleveland SVP and market manager Tom Herschel – who recently announced his retirement after 22 years with the company – was honored as a 2024 recipient of the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Leadership Award. Herschel states, “While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to such an incredibleim group of individuals and the remarkable brands we have the privilege to represent here in Cleveland, this decision fills me with joy. By making this move, we’ll finally have the opportunity to be fully present in our family’s daily lives and participate in the precious moments as our grandsons, Charlie and Emerson, grow and flourish. On a personal note, this transition opens the door for me to explore passions and interests that have been not-so-patiently waiting on the sidelines for way too long. I’m looking forward to the luxury of my first summer without a job since I was thirteen. Not to mention, I’m very ready to chase ‘the dream’ of achieving a single-digit golf handicap (hey, like I said, a guy can dream).”

Industry News

WTKS-FM, Orlando’s Monsters Still Going Strong After 30 Years

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Russ Rollins – the lead host of the long-running “Monsters in the Morning” program on iHeartMedia’s WTKS-FM, Orlando “Real Radio 104.1” in Orlando – checks in with TALKERS with a brand-new photo of the current cast of the program. [Above from l-r are: Deisi Del Toro, Amber Nova, Angel Rivera (back) Rollins, Angelique Martinez and Ryan Holmes (front).] Rollins says, “It’s funny to think that I’ve been doing this radio show for over 30 years now, having seen many talented individuals come and go. Like ‘Saturday Night Live,’ our show has been a launchpad for numerous talented personalities. While many in radio might find the constant change challenging, I consider myself fortunate to have worked with some of the best talent in the industry. Our new cast is young, vibrant, and incredibly funny. It’s invigorating to meet new talent and give them a platform to shine on the radio. As the host and one remaining original member of ‘Monsters in the Morning,’ I’ve witnessed the evolution of our show and its members over the decades.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Supreme Court rules presidents have immunity for official acts; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the presidential race; the economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war; France’s National Rally party’s round one victory; and Oklahoma orders the Bible to be taught in grades K-12 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Disruptor Radio’s Memphis LMA Creates Tennessee Radio Network

Disruptor Radio LLC – the company owned by John Fredericks – has entered into a Local Marketing Agreement with KQPN, Inc. to operate KQPN-AM, Memphis with an option to buy. Disruptor says theim addition of The John Fredericks Radio Network into the Memphis market combined with its airing on WENO, Nashville creates the Tennessee Radio Network, “part of the company’s ongoing growth.” The addition of KQPN-AM “Down And Dirty 730” makes the number signals operated by Disruptor Radio now 19. John Fredericks states, “Adding Memphis to our burgeoning Tennessee network is a critical component to our growth plan, as it complements our very successful WENO-AM 760 The Flame station in Nashville. Memphis is a growth market in Tennessee and we are excited to offer our new listeners a real choice in conservative-populist talk: The Down And Dirty 730.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The new podcast “Beyond The Scalpel,” hosted by the Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC premieres. The podcast explores the newest techniques and technologies revolutionizing plastic surgery and dermatology. It also presents factual information that dispels common misconceptions in the industry. Dr. Elie Levine says, “This program will offer listeners a tremendous amount of insight into the large number of cosmetic surgeries available. We’re presenting perspectives that will inform and empower individuals.”

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Jessica Williams, national adult contemporary host and community outreach director for Townsquare Media Rochester, Minnesota as Speak Up’s 2024 mentee. Created in partnership with Media Staffing Network and Laurie Kahn before her passing, Speak Up! is a one-year program designed for one mentee from any department in a small to medium radio market. The program is designed to encapsulate so much of what Kahn brought to the industry – a mentorship that encourages and empowers women to develop confidence and sharpen communication skills – to hone the ability to effectively speak up in order to further attain her goals.

WYPR, Baltimore announces the appointment of Marquis Lupton as the new local host of “All Things Considered.” Lupton takes on his new role starting July 10, bringing his wealth of experience and dynamic storytelling to the Baltimore airwaves every weekday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Lupton joins WYPR from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he previously hosted at public radio station WITF.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race and Joe Biden’s fitness for the presidency; the spate of Supreme Court rulings; the U.S. migrant crisis; France’s National Rally party leads first round of parliamentary elections; the Israel-Hamas war and pro-Palestinian protestors block NYC pride parade; and Hurricane Beryl approaches the Caribbean islands were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

KFNS-AM, St. Louis Drops Local Talent; Will Air FOX Sports Radio

The media reports from St. Louis indicate that sports talk KFNS-AM, St. Louis owner and general manager Dave Zobrist has let his local staff of sports talk hosts go and will begin airing FOX Sports Radio content beginning Monday (7/1). Premiere Networks is announcing that the station is its newest affiliate today.im Zobrist tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the change is financial in nature as he is actively seeking a buyer for the station. Leaving KFNS-AM are morning hosts Cam Janssen, Charlie Marlow, and Jim Hayes; late morning host Frank Cusumano, and afternoon personalities Nate Lucas and Bernie Miklasz. In the FOX Sports Radio press release, Zobrist says, “We’re excited to expand our partnership with FOX Sports Radio to bring the biggest names in the sports talk format to St. Louis. Broadcasting FOX Sports Radio’s lineup, along with local play-by-play, will continue our commitment to delivering bold, exciting and entertaining sports talk to our listeners.”

Industry News

iHM Philly Honored with Civic 50 Award

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Pictured above are iHeartMedia Philadelphia region president Jeff Moore (right) and director of news and community affairs Loraine Ballard Morrill (left) as the company’s Philadelphia cluster is named a 2024 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, lead partner the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local partners. The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia provides a standard for superior corporate citizenship showcasing how civic-minded companies can use their time, skills, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of June 24 – 28

The presidential race and Thursday night’s debate in Atlanta combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the numerous primary races, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

New Jersey ELEC Receives Briefs in Bill Spadea Candidacy Matter

Tomorrow (6/28), the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission will hold a hearing to rule on whether WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” air personality Bill Spadea’s remaining on the air prior to becoming a legally qualified candidate for governor, as he’s announced he intends to become, constitutes an in-kind contribution from employer Townsquare Media that would exceed the state’s single sourceim contribution limit of $5,800. Spadea, Townsquare Media and two other candidates – Jon Bramnick and Jack Ciattarelli – have submitted their responses to the ELEC’s Order to Show Cause. Spadea and his attorneys argue that the ELEC’s Order jumps the gun. “The attempt here to treat the policy and news discussions of Mr. Spadea’s radio program as an in-kind contribution to his campaign unambiguously violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution and cannot and would not survive judicial scrutiny. What is rotten is the concept that Mr. Spadea should have to—on short notice in a newly created process, and without any complaint or evidence of a campaign finance violation in this Commission’s jurisdiction— ‘show cause’ and defend himself in advance of exercising his right to free speech.” For their part, lawyers for Bramnick and Ciattarelli cited examples of Spadea discussing issues relevant to New Jersey voters, including how state funds are spent, regularly on his show. The attorney for Ciattarelli writes, “Spadea and Townsquare cannot credibly suggest that allowing Spadea to be on the radio for four hours per day to discuss his opinions on politics and policy issues is not providing his candidacy with a ‘thing of value’ or contribution while at the same time they are charging Ciatarelli $500 per minute for airtime. Once Spadea declared as a candidate and filed a Form-D1 he and his employer became subject to the New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act.”

Industry News

Newsmax’s Rob Carson Adds New Affiliate Stations

Newsmax Radio’s “Rob Carson Show” adds new affiliate station KQPN-AM, Memphis – which is now part of imthe John Fredericks Radio Network. Carson’s show airs in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. Additionally, Jeri Lyn Broadcasting’s KHTS-AM, Santa Clarita, California picks up the weekend edition of the “Rob Carson Show” for broadcast Saturdays at 3:00 pm.

Industry News

“In the Vet’s Office” Joins Nashville Podcast Network

Premiere Networks and Bobby Bones announce the addition of “In The Vet’s Office” with Dr. Josie Horchakim to Bones’ Nashville Podcast Network. In each show, Dr. Josie sits down with co-host Shannon Ella to answer questions she’s constantly hearing at the office, including: What should I feed my dog? How do I potty train my puppy? Do I really need to brush my pet’s teeth? She helps listeners navigate pet ownership through sharing cases she’s seen in her 15+ year career as a veterinarian, answering listener calls, and giving her weekly “Paw & Order” list of things she would never do with her own pets.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/26) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and tonight’s debate in Atlanta; inflation and the state of the U.S. economy; the SCOTUS accidental release of the Idaho abortion case decision; the failed military coup in Bolivia; Donald Trump’s legal battles; Tuesday’s primary races; the Israel-Hamas war and Israel’s turning its attention to Hezbollah in Lebanon; and the Midwest flooding were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Embarks Upon “Obsolete Slobs” Media Tour in Support of Provocative New Music Video

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Now that the TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond conference is in the history books, TALKERS founder (and Gunhill Road member) Michael Harrison has embarked upon what is being called the Summer of ‘24 “Obsolete Slobs” media tour in support of the perennial rock group’s latest music video endeavor. Gunhill Road, the ensemble that has been creating multi-genre rock and pop music spanning more than five decades, has released a breathtaking new song and video titled, “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song).” The piece – which is an unapologetic examination of the potential consequences AI poses to current human civilization – is an advance release from the band’s forthcoming fifth album. Gunhill Road has developed a unique niche in recent years attracting hundreds of thousands of internet followers powered, in large part, by the attention and airplay given it on talk radio. New songs by the group typically debut on multiple radio talk shows sparking conversation about today’s pressing topics of news and social concern. The compositions feature clever, biting lyrics delivered in a highly musical and original way. The band consists of co-founding member/pianist/vocalist/songwriter Steve Goldrich, longtime guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Paul Reisch, noted Broadway theater instrumentalist/guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Brian Koonin, and vocalist/songwriter Michael Harrison. (Harrison co-wrote this song and performs lead vocals.) This production features a special guest vocal appearance by recording artist Bibi Farber, daughter of the late talk radio pioneer, Barry Farber. The visually stunning video for “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song)” which, ironically, employs generative AI for many of its remarkable images, was produced by Matthew B. Harrison. The song, an infectious rocker marked by driving guitars, riveting keyboards, soaring horns and a multi-layered group chorus depicts the dangers human civilization faces in an increasingly uncertain environment marked by the rising corruption of deep fakes and manipulative algorithms that threaten elections and question the very premise of “self-evident” truths. It ultimately asks the question, “What does it mean to be human?” Check out the video here. To arrange a talk media interview with Michael Harrison to discuss the song and its implications, email info@talkers.com or call 413-565-5413.

Industry News

KOGO-AM, San Diego Unveils New Afternoon Lineup

iHeartMedia makes changes to the afternoon programming on news/talk KOGO, San Diego “Newsradio 600.” Mike Slater hosts the 3:00 pm hour, “The Lou Penrose Show” follows from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, andim Leland Conway and Mark Larson host from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. KOGO program director Mary Ayala says, “I’m thrilled about our new afternoon lineup. It showcases some incredible local talent who are ready to tackle tough San Diego issues head on in addition to providing listeners with insights and perspectives on national news and politics as we navigate this crucial election year.” Penrose comments, “I am excited about the announcement of this new contract with iHeartMedia and proud to be serving under a great San Diego leadership team. Onward and upward for Newsradio 600 KOGO and San Diego. Let’s GO!”

Industry News

Companywide Cuts Hit WDBO, Orlando’s Joe Kelley

Cox Media Group has been making staff cuts at its radio stations and Joe Kelley, news director and afternoon host (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm) at the company’s news/talk WDBO-AM, Orlando is the latest victim.im Kelley is taking the high road, writing in a Facebook post, “Nothing lasts forever. I have spent the last 19 years of my career working for Cox Media Group. But that ended today. I can honestly say that CMG has been the best part of my 41-year career. I walk away with marketable skills, good friends, and countless contacts. Shed no tears for me. I’m blessed beyond words. If you ever get a job offer from CMG, take it. You won’t regret it.”

Industry News

FNC’s “Gutfeld!” to Air Live from RNC in Milwaukee

FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” will broadcast live from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee atim 11:00 pm ET July 15 through July 18 before a live studio audience in Milwaukee’s Deer District. Host Greg Gutfeld, panelist Kat Timpf, and three guests will appear on each show. The live show will follow FOX News Channel’s “Democracy 24: Republican National Convention” special primetime coverage helmed by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.