Industry News

Cumulus Media’s Dallas-Fort Worth Stations Raised Record Sum for Local Charities

Cumulus Media announces that its Dallas-Fort Worth radio station group raised $2,696,127 for charities in the region during 2023, topping the 2022 total by more than $400,000. In the Dallas-Fort Worthim market, Cumulus operates news/talk WBAP-AM/FM, news/talk KLIF-AM/FM, sports talk KTCK-AM/FM and two country music brands. Cumulus regional vice president Dan Bennett says, “I can’t say enough about our air talent and programming team who understand that serving our community in Dallas-Fort Worth means raising awareness for organizations that give a lift to people who need it. They give so much of their time to make a difference and 2023’s efforts show the incredible results.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/29) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan and military tensions between the U.S. and Iran; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the 2024 presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis and the impeachment of Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; the Fani Willis affair allegations; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; and the liquidation of Evergrande and the state of the Chinese economy were some of most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Do You Know?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imI’m no expert, but I do have a theory.

The American media business is the most competitive and advanced in the world. Many other countries directly or indirectly control their airwaves and print publications. Not here, no way, not as long as the First Amendment protects freedom of the press. Yet with that historic, awesome guarantee in place, why are newspapers failing, magazines gutting staff and many of the newer dot coms hitting the wall?

It is inevitable that daily print publications like the LA Times and the Washington Post cut back. We’ve come a long way since Guttenberg, but low-tech printing presses, paper and ink are just not fast enough to keep up with the 24/7 information cycle. I can understand the financial woes caused by bloated staffs at Buzzfeed, Vice and most recently at Business Insider. But when Sports Illustrated gave notice to its writing crew, now you are messing with arguably the most successful sports magazine of all time.

S.I. knew how to attract great writers delivering iconic story lines. We’re talking writers like Rick Reilly, the late Frank Deford, J.F.K. – yes, the late president – Carl Sandburg and one of my favorite characters of all time the late cigar chomping New York Daily News columnist Jimmy Breslin. Martha Stewart on the cover, not for me.

What happened here? The simple answers are: Too much debt, too much overhead, and too slow to recognize and act on shifting dynamics.

Yet People magazine, which has been around for 50 years and if you believe Statista, now reaches over 82 million readers a month! Can you name the last time People won a Pulitzer for a story? Yet we can all learn a critical lesson from the continued success of People. Even those of us in management in the radio/audio business.

Here comes my big theory which you can apply to content, sales, sales management, and everything else important in life.

1) Know your audience. People is focused on celebrities and rarely gets a story wrong.

2) Keep it simple. People is about pictures and easy to understand storylines.

3) The original target was women 18-34. As the target demo shifted and lifestyles changed, the content of People adjusted.

Let’s connect the dots in our programming, sales, and sales management world.

1) Are you in step with your audience? Listeners, and advertisers are all part of a dynamic environment. What’s in your planner that forces you to know the “audience” you sell or market to?

2) Do you keep your proposals simple and easy to understand? Fast and focused is the name of the game.

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

Monday Memo: Baseball Station? Own It!

By Holland Cooke
Consultant 

imAs The Beatles sang, “It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter.” ‘Still is, eh?

Baseball – even Spring Training while it’s still chilly in March – says “Here Comes The Sun.” That’s what baseball means…to listeners. But with games also on SiriusXM and Tune-In and team apps, baseball isn’t the exclusive franchise AM/FM affiliates used to enjoy. So, BE KNOWN for having the games.

im

To local advertisers? In the words of one GM – who has made a pile of money selling baseball – “It’s ego and envy.” And while second and third-generation retailers might family-feud about other things, grandfather AND father AND son can agree on this expenditure lots quicker than you can get consensus about a ROS spot package on Kiss or Lite or Magic or Froggy.

Help yourself to your February Baseball To-Do List: http://getonthenet.com/BaseballFebruary.pdf

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

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Audacy files applications for entry of an order authorizing the retention and employment of four firms with the bankruptcy court. Those include Porter Hedges LLP as co-counsel for the debtors, FTI Consulting Inc as financial advisor to the debtors, PJT Partners LP as investment banker to the debtors, and Latham & Watkins LLP as bankruptcy co-counsel for the debtors and debtors in possession.

Benztown, P1 Media Group, and Global Radio Ideas Facebook Group are hosting a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe, titled, “How Radio Talent Can Survive and Thrive in 2024.” It features special guest Paul Anderson, CEO of Workhouse Media. The 40-minute webinar will be hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1 Media Group partner Ken Benson. Get more info and register here.

AUN Television Network president and CEO Rick Trader announces the launch of a 12-part special designed to educate Americans about the Constitution and its amendments. Titled, “Our Country, Our Freedoms, Our Constitution: Lessons for Freedom,” the programs debut on February 4 across the network and its 11 broadcast television stations.

New England Public Media unveils a new, weekly radio show and podcast called, “The Rundown with Carrie Saldo,” that premieres Friday (2/2) 9:00 am to 10:00 am following NPR’s “Morning Edition” on WFCR-FM, Amherst, Massachusetts “88.5 NEPM.” The station says, “Each week, listeners will hear a lively conversation with reporters from newsrooms around western Massachusetts, giving their take on the news and events that shaped the week, and providing analysis, context, insights, and varying perspectives.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The 2024 presidential race; Jordan drone attack kills three U.S. servicemembers; U.S. migrant crisis and the negotiations in congress over aid for Ukraine; House Republicans release articles of impeachment against Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; the Fani Willis affair allegations; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war; and the liquidation of China’s Evergrande were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imHoliday 2023 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2023 survey period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.6 – 4.1, #5 – #6

KJCE .3 – .1, #29 – #31

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  .8 – 1.4, #24 – #19

KVET-AM 1.4 – 1.1, #18 – #23

KTAE 1.0 – .9, #22 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 5.1 – 5.3, #4 – #3

KUT-HD2 .1 – DNA, #33 – DNA   

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 6.0 – 5.0, #4 – #5

WPTF .8 – .6, #20 – #22

News

WRAL-HD3 .3 – .2, #24 – #24

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.3 – 3.1, #12 – #12 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 8.8 – 7.9, after back-to-back months at #1, slips to #2

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.3 – 4.8, #7 – #8

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .2, #25 – #25

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  3.5 – 3.0, #12 – #16 (Colts)

WNDE .9 – .3, #19 – #21

WXNT .2 – DNA, #25 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 4.2 – 3.4, #10 – #11

Notes: Adult contemporary WYXB registers the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase(11.0 – 19.5, +8.5) by any station in all 48 PPM-markets.

Sports talk WFNI (DNA – DNA) is the flagship of the Pacers.

MILWAUKEE

News/Talk

WISN 9.6 – 9.0, fourth consecutive month at #1

WTMJ 7.6 – 6.4, #3 – #5 

WLIP .2 – .1, #23 – #28  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 3.4 – 2.7, #13 – #15 (Green Bay Packers)

WKTI 1.3 – 1.6, #18 – #17

WSSP .2 – .2, #23 – #22

WOKY .1 – .2, #27 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 2.7 – 2.5, #14 – #16

WHAD .7 – .8, #21 – #20

WGKB .1 – .1, #27 – #28

WHAD Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 4.3 – 3.9, #9 – #12

WLAC 1.5 – 1.2, #19 – #19

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 7.3 – 6.9, #3 – #2 (Tennessee Titans)

WPRT 1.6 – 2.0, #18 – #17 (Predators)

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 4.0 – 4.1, #11 – #11

WPLN-HD3 Stream .1 – .2, #23 – #23

PROVIDENCE

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 6.4 – 5.9, #5 – #5

WHJJ  .8 – .8, #15 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 3.2 – 3.0, #8 – #8

WVEI 2.3 – 2.0, #11 – #10

WPRV DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 1.6, #12 – #13

WNPN 1.5 – 1.3, ninth straight month at #14

WCAI .1 – .1, #20 – #20

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.5 – 2.0, #11 – #14

WGH-FM HD2  .2 – .2, #23 – #24

News

WNOH .3 – .2, #20 – #24

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.7 – 1.8, #15 – #15

WTAR .3 – .3, #20 – #20

WGH-AM .2 – .2, #23 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 6.8 – 6.5, #5 – #3

News

None

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .4 – .2, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.1 – 1.8, #13 – #15

Sports talk WJXL-AM (DNA – DNA); sports talk WJXL-FM (DNA – DNA); and country WGNE are the flagships of the Jaguars.

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.5 – 2.1, #9 – #9

WZZR 1.2 – 1.3 #13 – #13

WJNO .7 – .6, #15 – #15

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .5 – .6, #16 – #15

WBZT .4 – .2, #18 – #19

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.0 – 1.9, #11 – #10

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.5 – 3.3 #9 – #8

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.0 – 4.2, #7 – #7

WUNC 1.7 – 2.2, #14 – #13

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.8 – 1.0, #10 – #11

KWAM .4 – .4, #13 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.6 – 2.8, #7 – #7 (Grizzlies)

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #15 (Grizzlies)

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.8 – 1.6, #10 – #9

WKNO-HD2  .2 – .2, #15 – #15

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.3 – 5.2, #5 – #6

WDRC-AM 1.6 – 1.5, #15 – #15

WTIC-AM Stream .4 – .4, #20 – #19

WPOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 2.5 – 2.5, #12 – #11

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 4.3 – 4.0, #9 – #8

WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #18

Note: Country WWYZ registers the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease (8.2 – 5.4, -2.8) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

Mike Kinosian can be reached at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

NYC Radio Legend Richard Neer is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Long-running sports talk radio WFAN, New York personality Richard Neer is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Inspired by the approach of the United Nations’ World Radio Day 2024 on February 13, Harrison and Neer – whose careers and friendship date back to 1967 at WLIR-FM, Long Island which they launched as an historic progressive rocker – engage in an analytical conversation about the evolving role of the medium as it continues into its second century of service as a provider of information, education and entertainment. Eclipsed only by WABC’s “Cousin” Bruce Morrow, Neer is arguably the second-longest continuously running radio personality in the New York radio market, which he entered with Harrison at legendary music station WNEW-FM in 1971. A prolific author, he penned the landmark FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard 2001) as well as the successful ongoing Riley King murder mystery series. Harrison states, “I always enjoy having Richard on the podcast – we have shared so much history together. He has valuable insights into the past, present and future of radio – as well as music, sports and popular culture –bringing his experience as a top personality and program director in multiple formats to the table.” Listen to the podcast here

Industry News

PodcastOne Renews with Adam Carolla and Dr. Drew Pinsky

PodcastOne announces that it enters into a new agreement with podcast host and comic Adam Carolla to continue producing and representing his long-running “The Adam Carolla Podcast”  and “The Adam and Dr. Drew Show.” PodcastOne says, “Since 2009, ‘The Adam Carolla Podcast’ with its host Adam Carolla has entertained millions of listeners. Completely uncensored, Carolla welcomes a wide range of guests such as Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, Nicolas Cage, and Matt Damon in the studio for in-depth interviews and a front row seat to his unparalleled ranting. With an unsurpassed library of episodesim available, ‘The Adam Carolla Podcast’ has remained one of the most popular podcasts on the planet for well over a decade. Fans grew to love the pairing of Adam Carolla & Dr. Drew Pinsky that originated on the world famous KROQ radio and became a cultural touchstone and in 2012 they reunited the partnership for ‘The Adam and Dr. Drew Show.’ In each episode Adam and Dr. Drew take uncensored, nothing-off-limits, calls about sex, drugs, medical and relationship issues. Dr. Drew brings the medicine while Adam’s comedic rants are the spoonful of sugar to make it go down.” PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray adds, “Adam Carolla’s contributions to the medium of digital audio entertainment are immeasurable.  From his devoted audience of listeners and advertisers, Adam has inspired legions of loyal fans who tune in daily to hear his comedic take on a wide array of topics. His camaraderie with Dr. Drew is the stuff of legends. This is a podcasting duo that will go down in history as one of the greatest partnerships. As we have grown as a network, so have Adam and Drew and we are thrilled to keep the momentum growing.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

OutKick announces that FOX News contributor, New York Times best-selling author and former professional wrestler, Tyrus, a.k.a. George Murdoch, joins the platform to host the new show, “Maintaining with Tyrus.” The first episode launches on February 1 featuring a sit-down with talk TV host Piers Morgan, followed by interviews with Wolf of Wall Street inspiration Jordan Belfort, and “How America Works” host Mike Rowe.

ESPN is expanding the reach of its ESPN podcast offerings starting January 29 as ESPN2 will televise an ESPN video podcast every weekday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET. The premiering lineup will include: “First Draft,” “The Hoop Collective,” “The Lowe Post,” “The Mina Kimes Show” and “The Elle Duncan Show.” Mike Foss, ESPN SVP, production says, “This strategic content initiative provides our ESPN podcasts with a tremendous opportunity for continued growth and audience expansion, while simultaneously lending compelling content to our ESPN2 television lineup.”

New England Public Media promotes Elizabeth Román to managing editor – daily and digital news. NEPM says, “Although her title did not dramatically change, her responsibilities have evolved and Román will now be taking the lead on delivering daily news programming on the radio, NEPM website and social media channels.” Román says, “As a lifelong Springfield resident and Western Massachusetts native. I’m excited to continue working with our skilled news department to bring you even more stories that highlight the needs, concerns and successes of the people living and working in this community.”

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is presenting play-by-play coverage of this weekend’s NFL Conference Championships presented by lead sponsor Intuit Turbo Tax. Doubleheader coverage begins with the pregame show at 2:00 pm ET on Sunday before the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens meet for the AFC Championship game and the Detroit Lions battle the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of January 22-26

The 2024 presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S. migrant crisis tied with congress’ negotiations on military aid to Ukraine, followed by Donald Trump’s legal battles tied with the allegations Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis had a romantic relationship with a Trump prosecutor at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imHoliday 2023 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2023 ratings period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included here is that they be a Nielsen Audio subscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 5.9 – 4.9, #3 – #6

KEX 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #21

KUFO .6 – .5, #26 – #25

KPAM .1 – .1, #33 – #34

News

None

Sports Talk

KFXX 2.0 – 1.7, #20 – #20

KXTG 1.2 – 1.1, #22 – #21

KPOJ .7 – .7, #24 – #24 (Trailblazers)

KFXX Stream  .1 – .1, #33 – #34

KMTT .1 – .2, #33 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 6.1 – 5.5, #2 – #3

KOPB Stream  1.4 – 1.4, #21 – #21 

Note: News/talk KXL’s -1.0 (5.9 – 4.9) represents Portland’s largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease.

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM 4.2– 4.0, #11 – #9

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 2.7 – 2.5, #13 – #15 (Hornets)

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 5.0 – 3.5, #8 – #11

WNSC 1.3 – 1.4, #18 – #18

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Notes: Public radio news/talk WFAE’s -1.5 (5.0 – 3.5) represents Charlotte’s largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease.

The Carolina Panthers’ flagship is classic rock WRFX.

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.7– 2.4, #14 – #15 (Spurs)

KTSA 2.0 – 1.8, #19 – #19

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.3 – 1.1, #22 – #23

KTKR .8 – .7, #27 – #25

KZDC .3 – .2, #30 – #32

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.3 – 2.3, #17 – #17 

SACRAMENTO

 News/Talk

KFBK-AM 6.6 – 6.1 #3 – #3

KSTE-AM 3.1 – 2.1, #12 – #16

News

None

Sports Talk

KHTK 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #19 (Kings)

KIFM .9 – .9, #22 – #21

KIFM Stream  .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.3 – 2.4, #15 – #15

KQED .1 – .3, #29 – #28

KQEI .3 – .1, #28 – #30

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 3.8 – 3.6, #9 – #8

KDKA-AM Stream  .3 – .4, #24 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM 7.2 – 7.2, #5 – #4

KDKA-FM Stream  .2 – .1, #25 – #27

WBGG .1 – DNA, #27 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 4.2 – 3.9, #7 – #7

Flagships of the Steelers and Penguins are rock WDVE and alternative WXDX, respectively.

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM 5.4 – 3.6, #3 – #9

KNRS-FM 2.8 – 2.2, #14 – #17

KKAT .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 1.9 – 1.1, #20 – #22

KZNS-FM .5 – .6, #26 – #25 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM .7 – .2, #24 – #27 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-AM Stream  .1 – .1, #30 – #30 (Utah Jazz)

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Utah Jazz)

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 2.4 – 2.2, #18 – #17

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .2 – .2, #28 – #27

KUMT .1 – .1, #30 – #30    

Notes: Adult contemporary KSFI’s +6.3 (13.9 – 20.2) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase in these 12 PPM-markets. Moreover, KSFI is the first station to reach a 20-share (6+) in the first three rounds of “Holiday” 2023 PPM results.

Conversely, news/talk KSL’s -1.8 (5.4 – 3.6) represents Salt Lake City’s largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 .3 – .6, #29 – #28

KXNT .2 – .3, #31 – #31

KMZQ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .8 – .8, #26 – #27

KKGK .4 – .3, #28 – #31 (Golden Knights)

KRLV .2 – .2, #31 – #33 (Raiders)

KENO .2 – .2, #31 – #36

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.6 – 1.5, #21 – #21

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WDBO 3.2 – 3.1, #13 – #12

WTKS 3.6 – 3.1, #10 – #12

WFLF .7 – .6, #20 – #20

WFYY-HD3 .1 – DNA, #27 – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .9 – .9, #18 – #19 (Magic)

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFE 2.8 – 2.7, #14 – #14

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 11.2 – 10.8, after 23 consecutive months at #1, slips to #2 (Bengals)

WKRC 4.9 – 4.5, #6 – #6

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY 1.3 – 1.2, #19 – #18 (Bengals)

WSAI .5 – .5, #21 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.8 – 3.2, #9 – #10

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 4.8 – 4.8, #10 – #8 (Cavaliers)

News

WMMS-HD2 .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

Sports Talk

WKRK 5.8 – 6.5, #7 – #6  (Browns)

WKRK Stream .7 – .8, #21 – #20 (Browns)

WARF .2 – .1, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 5.2 – 4.1, #9 – #10

WKSU-HD4 .1 – DNA, #24 – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.3 – 4.1, #5 – #7

KCMO-AM 1.9 – 1.8, #17 – #17

KMBZ-AM 1.6 – 1.4, #18 – #19

KMBZ-FM Stream .7 – .5, #21 – #23

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 2.6 – 2.1, #15 – #15

KCSP Stream  .2 – .2, #25 – #28

KWOD .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.8 – 2.4, #13 – #13

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Country WDAF is the flagship of the Chiefs.

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 6.0 – 4.5, #4 – #7    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 9.8 – 6.9, #2 – #4 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-AM .3 – .3, #21 #21 (Blue Jackets)

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WMNI DNA – .1, DNA – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 4.0 – 3.6, #9 – #9

Note: Sports talk WBNS-FM’s -2.9 (9.8 – 6.9) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease by any station in the first three rounds of “Holiday” 2023 PPM results.

Up next: “Holiday” 2023 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Mike Kinosian can be reached at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Howard Stern Deserves a Big Thank You

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

imNO ONE has done more to elevate the status and improve the working conditions of on-air talent as much as Howard Stern.

Howard turned 70 this month and he has been on the air for 50 years – half of the time of the existence of radio. During his brilliant career, he has elevated the capabilities of radio to a scientific, pristine art. His success is neither an accident nor luck. It’s not even God-given talent. It’s all work. Nobody has ever worked harder on their radio show than Howard and, as a result, no radio star has ever earned as much money or deserved as much acclaim.

Several important notes:

— For Howard, radio always comes first. When he made the movie Private Parts the production fit around his radio show.

— “America’s Got Talent” ended taping at the pre-agreed times to accommodate Howard’s radio show.

— I made the first call to his agent to recruit Howard to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. He was already making a lot of money… his motivation for moving was to give his radio show the support and freedom necessary to see just how great he could make it.

— He loves radio.

Whatever you’ve heard Howard earns, it’s probably close. That’s good for everybody on the air in the world. He earns more than any TV star. He earns more than 99.9% of all movie stars. I think it’s pretty much Taylor SwiftPaul McCartney and Howard. A radio star is actually in that conversation!

When he started in the 1980s, he was suspended for saying douche bag. Now you can say douche bag. Thank him for winning that fight.

Thank him for proving that radio stars do better with real writers and producers. Radio stars can create four hours a day of magic with little help. (TV Sitcoms produce 22 minutes a week, for 22 weeks a year with 11 writers.) Thank him for moving millions of dollars of products a week with his live reads, enhancing the value of your live reads.

Thank him for being harassed by the federal government. Thank him for not blinking. Thank him for raising the profile and stature of American radio. Thank him for being funny.

I just don’t think he’s been thanked enough…

Walter Sabo was a founding architect of SiriusXM Satellite Radio and began the recruitment of Howard Stern. He has consulted RKO General, PARADE magazine, Hearst BroadcastingPress Broadcasting, and other premium brands. He launched the first company to engage online video influencers, Hitviews. As an executive, he was EVP of NBC FM RADIO giving Dr. Ruth Westheimer her first media job and fostering the creation of adult contemporary. As VP ABC Radio Networks, Sabo hired Ringo Starr to be a DJ for a 24-hour special.

Industry News

Round Two of Holiday 2023 PPMs Released

imThe second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period covered December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM dips four-tenths to a 3.1 share (weekly, 6+ AHQ share) but remains ranked #9, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM loses three-tenths to finish with a 6.3 share good for the #4 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO added two-tenths for a 3.1 share finish that lifts it to the #9 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM declines four-tenths to a 4.7 share but remains ranked #5. In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR rises one-tenth to a 2.4 share and climbs to the #15 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WWJ is steady at a 4.3 share and remains ranked #9. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc will report its 2023 fourth quarter and full year financial results before the market opens on Monday, February 12. Beasley will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET that morning to review the results.

Aiir Inc announces that Andy Buckingham rejoins the company next month in the new role of principal creative technologist. Buckingham was previously SVP, product innovation until leaving in 2020 to launch his own company Togglebit. Aiir Inc CEO Ricki Lee says, “After leaving Aiir full-time a few years ago, we retained Andy’s company for development work and he has played a pivotal part in the development of our new product Aiir Scheduler, the world’s first fully cloud-based music scheduler for radio. I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be welcoming Andy back to our team full-time.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Donald Trump’s victory in New Hampshire’s primary; the efforts in congress to pass border security legislation and provide aid to Ukraine; Trump’s legal battles; the Israel-Hamas war and Benjamin Netanyahu’s criticism of Qatar’s mediation efforts; the U.S. military’s battles against Houthi rebels; the FAA begins an inspection process to get Boeing’s 737 Max 9 back in the air; the Russia-Ukraine war and the downing of a military plane carrying 74 people; and the Arizona GOP’s Kari LakeJeff DeWit controversy were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

Holiday 2023 PPM Ratings – Part Two

imHoliday 2023 PPM Data – Information for the Holiday 2023 ratings period (December 7, 2023 – January 3, 2024) has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

The only requirement for a spoken-word station to be included below is that they be a Nielsen Audiosubscriber – there are no share or rank thresholds.

NFL; NBA; and NHL team names of corresponding spoken-word flagship(s) are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are December 2023 – Holiday 2023 (6+). 

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

WMAL 3.5 – 3.1, #9 – #9

WFED DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Capitals)

News

WTOP & WTLP 6.9 – 6.3, #3 – #4

WDCH .5 – .5, #23 – #23

WDCH Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJFK-FM 2.4 – 2.6, #17 – #15 (Capitals)

WJFK-FM Stream .5 – .6, #23 – #21 (Capitals)

WTEM Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #26 (Wizards)

WTEM .1 – .2, #28 – #26 (Wizards)

WSBN .1 – DNA, #28 – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WAMU 11.3 – 11.5, 26th month in succession at #1

The flagship of the Commanders is classic rock WBIG. 

BOSTON

News/Talk

WRKO 2.9 – 3.1, #14 – #9

WXKS-AM .8 – .9, #23 – #24

News

News – Talk WBZ-AM 5.1 – 4.7, #5 – #5

Business news WRCA .1 – .1, #27 – #29

Sports Talk

WBZ-FM 9.2 – 9.2, #2 – #2 (New England Patriots, Celtics, Bruins)

WEEI-FM 3.2 – 2.8, #12 – #13

WEEI-FM Stream DNA – .4, DNA – #25

WEEI-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #29

Public Radio News/Talk

WBUR 5.6 – 6.1, #3 – #3

WGBH 4.2 – 3.9, #8 – #6

MIAMI

News/Talk

WIOD 1.4 – 1.2, #22 – #23

News

None

Sports Talk

WQAM 1.2 – 1.3, #24 – #22 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WINZ .5 – .5, #28 – #27 (Dolphins)

WMEN .1 – .1, #36 – #36

WQAM Stream .1 – .1, #36 – #36 (Heat, Florida Panthers)

WSFS-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WAXY DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 3.6 – 3.3, #8 – #10

WLRN-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #36

SEATTLE

News/Talk

KIRO-FM 4.1 – 4.0, #9 – #6 (Seahawks)

KTTH 1.6 – 1.3, #22 – #23

KVI 1.6 – 1.0, #22 – #24

KPTR DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM 2.6 – 2.3, #19 – #20

KHHO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

KIRO-AM 3.0 – 2.8, #16 – #15 (Seahawks)

KJR-FM 3.6 – 2.6, #11 – #17 (Kraken)

KJR-AM .7 – .9, #26 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

KUOW 6.2 – 6.2, #2 – #3

KSWS .1 – .1, #32 – #32 

DETROIT

News/Talk

WJR 2.3 – 2.4, #16 – #15

WFDF .4 – .4, #23 – #23

WJR Stream .2 – .1, #25 – #28

News

WWJ 4.3 – 4.3, #9 – #9 (Pistons)

WWJ Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #26 (Pistons)

WDFN .1 – .1, #30 – #28

Sports Talk

WXYT-FM 9.6 – 8.6, #2 – #2 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-FM Stream 1.7 – 1.2, #18 – #19 (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings)

WXYT-AM .2 – .2, #25 – #26

WXYT-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WDET 1.2 – 1.2, #20 – #19

WUOM 1.0 – 1.1, #21 – #21

PHOENIX 

News/Talk

KFYI 3.2 – 2.9, #8 – #8

KTAR-FM 1.8 – 2.2, #23 – #14 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns)

News

None

Sports Talk

KMVP-FM 2.1 – 1.5, #19 – #23 (Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KDUS .1 – .1, #33 – #32

KGME .1 – .1, #33 – #32

KTAR-AM .1 – .1, #33 – #32 (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Arizona Coyotes)

KTAR-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KJZZ 2.8 – 2.6, #11 – #11   

Note: Adult contemporary KESZ’s 18.5 represents the largest (6+) share by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

WCCO 4.0 – 3.8, #11 – #10 (Minnesota Timberwolves)

KTMY 2.3 – 1.9, #16 – #17

KTLK-AM 1.7 – 1.6, #17 – #19

WCCO Stream .1 – DNA, #29 – DNA (Minnesota Timberwolves)

News

KQQL-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #31

Sports Talk

KFXN 7.6 – 6.8, #3 – #3 (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild)

KQQL-HD3 .3 – .2, #27 – #27

KSTP-AM .1 – .1, #29 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KNOW 5.5 – 5.2, #5 – #4

KNOW Stream .7 – .7, #23 – #23

SAN DIEGO 

News/Talk

KOGO 3.8 – 3.9, #9 – #6

KLSD .2 – .3, #26 – #28

News

None

Sports Talk

KWFN 3.4 – 2.8, #11 – #14

KGB-AM 1.0 – 1.0, #21 – #20

KWFN Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #30

Public Radio News/Talk

KPBS 5.9 – 4.7, #4 – #4

TAMPA

News/Talk

WHPT 4.8 – 4.1, #8 – #7 (Lightning)

WFLA 3.9 – 3.2, #10 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WDAE 1.9– 1.6, #17 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WUSF 1.7 – 1.9, #18 – #17

WMNF-HD3 Stream .4 – .5, #29 – #23

WUSF Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: Rock WXTB is the flagship of the Buccaneers.

DENVER 

News/Talk

KOA 3.1 – 2.7, #13 – #14 (Broncos)

KHOW 1.8 – 1.4, #20 – #19

KDFD 1.4 – 1.3, #22 – #22

News

None

Sports Talk

KKFN 3.8 – 3.5, #10 – #10

KKSE-FM 2.4 – 2.0, #16 – #18 (Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche)

KEPN .1 – .1, #35 – #35

KKSE-AM .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA

KAMP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCFR 2.7 – 3.0, #14 – #13

KUNC .4 – .7, #30 – #26  

Note: Adult contemporary KOSI’s +6.4 (10.1- 16.5) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

WBAL 3.4 – 2.7, #10 – #11 (Ravens)

WCBM 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17

News

WTOP & WTLP  1.1 – 1.0,  #18 – #20

WDCH  .8 – .8,  #21 – #22

WQLL DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WJZ-FM 4.2 – 4.5, #8 – #6

WJZ-FM Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #31

WJZ-AM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WYPR 3.3 – 3.4, #11 – #9

WYPR HD2 Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #28

Note: CHR WWMX’s -2.3 (5.3 – 3.0) is the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 decrease by any station in the first two rounds of “Holiday” 2023 results.

ST. LOUIS

News/Talk

KMOX 3.0 – 2.8, #13 – #14

KFTK 1.6 – 1.5, #17 – #17

KTLK-FM 1.1 – 1.1, #18 – #18

KMOX Stream .3 – .2, #23 – #24

KFTK Stream .2 – .2, #25 – #24

News

KATZ-FM HD2 .3 – .2, #23 – #24

Sports Talk

WXOS 4.1 – 3.9, #11 – #12 (Blues)

Public Radio News/Talk

KWMU 4.0 – 4.5, #12 – #8

Note: Adult contemporary KEZK’s +6.4 (9.3- 15.7) represents a tie for the largest (6+) December 2023 – “Holiday” 2023 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

Up next: “Holiday” 2023 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. 

Reach Mike Kinosian at: Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

Industry News

WXNT-AM Brings Dan Dakich Back to Indy Airwaves

Cumulus Media is bringing Indianapolis sports media personality Dan Dakich back to the radio in the market as host of “The Dan Dakich Show” on WXNT-AM “Indy’s Sports Ticket 1430 AM,” effective Monday (1/29). Dakich, who played basketball at Indiana University under Bobby Knight and coached basketball there (as well as at Bowling Green State University), was most recently on air at Urbanim One’s WFNI, Indianapolis “The Fan.” After leaving “The Fan,” Dakich began hosting a late morning program streamed on the Outkick Network. Cumulus Indianapolis VP and market manager Darlene Park says, “Indiana’s very own Dan Dakich returns to the airwaves as opinionated as ever and ready to break down all things sports on ‘Indy’s Sports Ticket 1430 AM’ every weekday from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. He is an Indiana sports legend, and we are so excited he is bringing his game to our team.” Dakich comments, “Couldn’t be more thrilled to join the fantastic team at ‘Indy’s Sports Ticket 1430 AM.’ The state of Indiana and I have had a lifetime love affair that extends way beyond sports and sharing that daily is going to, once again, be a blast! Can’t wait to get started as we build ‘Indy’s Sports Ticket 1430 AM’ into Indy’s go-to home for all things sports.”

Industry News

KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth Celebrates 30 Years of Sports Talk

Cumulus Media’s sports talk KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth is celebrating 30 years of sports talk withim a number of on-air and off-air events. The station is presenting a sold-out listener event at the House of Blues on Friday (1/26). The sports talk format was launched when Cardinal Communications bought then KAAM-AM from Bonneville International and changed the calls to KTCK-AM and debuted the sports talk format. Cardinal would sell to Susquehanna Communications which would be acquired by Cumulus Media in 2006. All the while, The Ticket would garner ratings and revenue as one of the nation’s more successful sports talk outlets.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Donald Trump’s victory in the New Hampshire primary; Trump’s legal battles and the Fani Willis controversy; U.S. migrant crisis and the SCOTUS razor wire ruling; the Israel-Hamas war and Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition to a Palestinian state; more troubles crop up for Boeing; financial troubles at the Los Angeles Times; the Doomsday Clock; AI and social media; the Oscar nominations and the snub of Barbie director Greta Gerwig and lead actor Margot Robbie were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Bonneville Pairs St. James and Gaydos; Adds New Midday Show on KTAR-FM

Bonneville Phoenix makes changes to its daily programming on news/talk KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM,” effective February 5. The station moves Chad Benson from his afternoon drive co-host role to evenings and brings Phoenix market pro Bruce St. James and former KTAR personality aboard to co-host the PM drive show with Larry Gaydos. At the same time, the station adds a new midday program hosted by talkim radio pros Chris Merrill and Joe Huizenga. Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch says, “We are thrilled to add new shows that will keep our community informed and connected at such an important time. In addition to being one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in the country, Phoenix is also the epicenter of the 2024 election with Arizona being a key battleground state.” St. James served with KTAR-FM from 2010-2020. Merrill hosted a local show on the station from 2014-2017. Huizenga is currently the assistant program director and is a familiar voice as a fill-in host. Station PD Martha Maurer adds, “I am excited to welcome back Bruce and introduce Chris and Joe to our already impressive news and talk teams. This new lineup will bring exciting new energy and depth to our live and local coverage, both on-air and on our growing digital platforms.”

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Brings Anthony Bellino Aboard as “SportsWrap” Co-Host

Cumulus Media names Detroit sports media personality Anthony Bellino co-host of WJR’s “SportsWrap,” alongside Lomas Brown. WJR parted ways with the program’s previous co-host Sean Baligian in December.  Bellino currently serves as an in-game host for Detroit Lions and University of Michigan football broadcasts and is public address announcer for University of Michigan men’s andim women’s basketball programs and the University of Toledo men’s and women’s basketball programs. WJR notes that Bellino spends his free time helping his family at their Monroe, Michigan grocery store, Danny’s Fine Foods, where he works as a fourth-generation butcher. WJR program director Ann Thomas says, “Anthony Bellino started his broadcasting career as an intern for the ‘Paul W. Smith Show’ in 2007. I could not be more pleased to welcome him back to the ‘Great Voice of the Great Lakes’ as a seasoned sports professional ready to bring our listeners timely and thoughtful insights on Detroit’s sports scene.” Bellino comments, “What an honor and a privilege it is to be joining the ‘Great Voice of the Great Lakes,’ 760 WJR. I can’t wait to contribute to the station’s legendary broadcasting history and make some new history of our own. The phone call from WJR was really a full-circle moment… I can’t wait to get started and to host ‘SportsWrap’ with my good friend Lomas Brown.”

Industry News

Nexstar Media Group Launches NewsNation Audio Network

Nexstar Media Group announces that its NewsNation cable news channel launches the NewsNation Audio Network, a service that provides ready-to-air audio clips for participating radio stations and audio platforms. The company says, “Leveraging the vast newsgathering resources of NewsNation, the newim audio service provides radio stations access to NewsNation content. The NewsNation Audio Network will offer an ongoing, daily service of audio clips featuring coverage from its reporters and breaking news stories from across the nation and around the globe. Radio newsrooms can sign up for access at NewsNationAudio.com. Audio can be downloaded at NewsNationAudio.com or can be delivered directly to newsroom systems including NewsBoss.”

Industry News

“New Jersey 101.5” to Present Smart Investing Town Hall

Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting the latest in its town hall series this Thursday (1/25) titled, “Securing Your Financial Future,” that will address issues from saving for retirement to purchasing a home. “New Jersey 101.5” VP, head of news and digital content Ericim Scott will lead a discussion with analysts, financial planning experts, real estate specialists, and college planners. He adds, “So many New Jersey residents fear they will never be able to afford to retire. This program will help New Jersey residents make smart decisions and ask the right questions as they plan for their future.” The station will broadcast online streamed live available for embedding at facebook.com/nj1015/live as well as via nj1015.com, the New Jersey 101.5 YouTube channel, or the New Jersey 101.5 app.

Industry News

Soledad O’Brien Returns to Host BFoA’s Golden Mic Award Gala

EMMY-winning broadcast journalist and nationally syndicated talk show host Soledad O’Brien returns as emcee for the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 2024 Golden Mic Award gala taking place on March 4, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. This annual event is the biggest fundraiser for theim Broadcasters Foundation, whose sole mission is to provide aid to radio and television professionals in acute need. O’Brien first hosted the Golden Mic gala last year. She says, “The Broadcasters Foundation has an incredible impact on the people in our business who face serious illness or catastrophe and need help. I’m honored to lend my support as the host of their fundraising gala and to pay tribute to this year’s award recipients.” She currently hosts the nationally syndicated “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” program produced by Hearst Television.

Industry News

2024 Radio Mercury Awards Call for Entry Open

The Call for Entry for the 2024 Radio Mercury Awards is open. Entrants will have the chance to be awarded in 19 categories along with the Best of Show award. The awards are a project of the nonprofit Radio Creative Fund and are produced by the RAB. For 2024, new and revised categories have beenim introduced to expand the opportunity to win, including “Spanish-Language Single Broadcast Radio Spot: Agency, Production Company, Advertiser, Radio Station or Group,” and “Use of Emerging Technology in Radio or Audio: Agency, Production Company, Advertiser, Radio Station or Group.” Additional categories include the use of innovation in broadcast radio, branded podcasts, multi-platform campaign with broadcast radio and short (:15) broadcast radio commercials. The Call for Entry deadline is April 8. Finalists for the show will be announced in early May and winners will be announced at the live Radio Mercury Awards on June 6, at SONY Hall in New York City. In addition, the 2024 Final Round Jury, led by chief judge Mitch Bennett, executive creative director, Baldwin&, is comprised of agency creative leaders from across the U.S. Get all the information here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Radio Network’s 24/7 SRN News service focuses on the T.D. JAKES FOUNDATION – created by Pastor T.D. Jakes to help lift children in underserved communities into what he hopes become life-changing experiences. SRN News is highlighting interviews with former Wells Fargo Bank executive Kelly Cornish, who serves as CEO, in special reports zeroing-in on private/public partnerships that are opening doors for black and brown children in Science, Technology, Math and the Arts.

Media Staffing Network’s new owner is Lisa Fields, who most recently served as SVP and general manager for Broadcast1Source. Fields’ decision to pursue ownership of Media Staffing Network is uniquely rooted in her deep and meaningful friendship with Laurie Kahn, the previous owner of the company, who sadly passed away last year.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (1/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and the New Hampshire primary; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the accusations of Georgia AG Fani Willis having an affair with Trump special prosecutor; the U.S. migrant crisis and the SCOTUS ruling allowing border patrol to cut razor wire installed by Texas; U.S. accuses Iran of supporting Houthi rebels attacking ships in the Red Sea; and 24 Israeli soldiers are killed during operations in Gaza were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Are Your Weekend Promos Upside-down?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imAvoid THE most-common mistake I hear in promos for talk stations’ weekend ask-the-expert shows: Opening with the Close.

I coach attorneys/real estate agents/personal finance advisors and other pay-for-play weekend hosts, both on-behalf of client stations, and working directly with these professionals in other markets. Done right, these shows ROI like crazy… but too often they’re well-kept secrets. So, it’s important that weekday promos invite weekend tune-in.

Tip: DON’T begin the promo with the host introducing him/herself and naming the show and when it airs. Instead: Like good commercial copy, the Close (asking for tune-in in this case) comes at the end of the promo.

im

Open by stating the listener issues that tuning-in can help inform. Examples:

Attorney: “Have you been injured? Before you accept the insurance company’s offer…”

Real estate agent: “Are you shopping for your first home? Or downsizing?”

Money-talk host: “Is there too much month left at-the-end-of the money?”

Note The Two Magic Words: “you” and “your.”

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

Industry News

Four New Affiliates Airing “The Joe Pags Show”

The Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated “Joe Pags Show” adds four new affiliate stations as iHeartMedia’s WHNZ, Tampa “Impact Radio”; Bustos Media’s KVOI, Tucson “The Voice”; Simmonsim Multimedia’s KNDK- AM/FM, Langdon and KXPO-AM/FM, Grafton, North Dakota add the program to their lineups. “The Joe Pags Show,” hosted by Joe Pagliarulo, is based at flagship WOAI, San Antonio where Pagliarulo and iHeartMedia recently signed an extension through 2026. The program is now heard on more than 170 markets across the country. Joe Pags comments, “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Tampa, Tucson and North Dakota listeners to the show to start off the 2024 presidential election year.”

Industry News

KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth Host Corby Davidson Inks Extension

Dallas sports talk personality Corby Davidson – who co-hosts the afternoon drive “The Hardline” show with Bob Sturm and Dave Lane at Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth – announces on X that he’s signed a new, five-year deal with the station. He tweets, “30 years ago I walked into theim Ticket radio station as a kid, and I knew within about 5 seconds it’s where I wanted to be. It was a magical place. The energy was off the charts. I was hooked. From intern, to overnight board op, to fill in producer to full time producer, to host… it didn’t matter what I did there, it just mattered that I WAS THERE. Well here we are, 30 years down the road, and I’m still here. And I still have a blast every single day, and it’s still such a magical place. I know I’m lucky. So I just signed a 5 year deal, ensuring I will begin and end my work life there. Love my team, love our show, and love that place. Cheers to you, good P1s, Let’s go.”