Audacy and CBS Strike News Stream Deal
Audacy and CBS Stations announce a content distribution in which audio simulcasts of the news streams from 14 CBS-owned television stations in markets including Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento and
San Francisco will now be available on the Audacy app. CBS Stations says that CBS Local’s video streaming services are No. 1 overall in markets where they go head-to-head with other network competitors, according to data from Comscore. Audacy SVP digital audio content Tim Clarke comments, “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with CBS Stations, expanding our commitment to delivering high-quality, locally relevant content to our listeners. This collaboration will give our listeners unparalleled access to timely and trusted news from major cities nationwide.”
most recently served as executive director of news with a focus on broadcast, digital content, and streaming content. CMG EVP of content, product, innovation, and research Marian Pittman says, “Misti understands CMG’s pursuit of journalism excellence. Her knowledge of multi-platform content strategies and 
audience insights makes us better every day. She exemplifies the power of dedication and what it takes to be the best.” In his new role as VP of strategy & operations, Jordan Cipala will be responsible for evaluating business development opportunities, bolstering CMG’s market-intelligence capabilities, managing M&A and integration efforts, and supporting more streamlined collaboration and execution across CMG’s business units. CMG president and CEO Dan York comments, “Jordan has been an indispensable member of the CMG team in leading our annual strategic planning process, supporting our Board interactions, and operationalizing our M&A efforts. We’re thrilled to promote from within and reward his invaluable expertise and dedication to CMG’s future and continued evolution.”
We live in an increasingly noisy world. The accelerating advancement of media technology, with its accompanying “everybody is a star” syndrome, combine to make it increasingly difficult to get attention. By that, I mean real attention – the kind of attention that those in the professional media (and related) industries describe as “traction.”
with the success of its daytime programming, positions it as the number one network in cable news. FNC says it had the largest share of the audience in total day (46%) and primetime (48%), capturing nearly half of the cable news landscape. In primetime, FNC delivered nearly 2 million viewers and 214,000 in the 25-54 demo, topping CNN and MSNBC combined in total viewership. On a 24-hour total day basis, FNC averaged over 1.2 million viewers and 150,000 in 25-54, with a 153% advantage over CNN in viewers. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “During yet another unprecedented news cycle, cable viewers continued to choose FOX News Channel. From moderating debates to reporting in war zones and many stories in between, I am honored to work alongside this unrivaled team of journalists and opinion hosts as they continue to exceed expectations.”
Baligian is the victim of budget cuts at the station. Baligian has worked at several Motor City sports talk stations during his career and has been with WJR for the past seven years in various capacities. Baligian, who says he might be done with radio, tells the News that getting let go is hard to put into words. “The worst part is what it does to your family. I think they’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop, and that sucks. You feel like a failure… I know the life that I chose. And I mean it when I say I’m not bitter. This is the road I decided to go down.” Meanwhile, Lomas Brown is hosting the “Sportswrap” program solo. 
president & executive editor Jay Wallace on editorial. Lauren Petterson assumes Klarman’s former role as president of FOX Nation while also continuing as president of talent development and will relinquish her role as president of FOX Business Network. She reports dually to Scott on talent development and Klarman on FOX Nation. Jay Wallace assumes oversight of FBN and continues reporting to Scott. Additionally, Megan Albano is named EVP of morning programming & program development and Gavin Hadden is named SVP of FOX Nation. Suzanne Scott says, “As we move our thriving business forward, we are reimagining the roles of some of our most talented executives to solidify our incredibly successful digital platforms for further growth and expansion. Jason, Lauren, Porter, Megan, and Gavin are each uniquely suited for these positions, and I am confident they will grow each of their respective areas of FOX News Media to new heights.”
Consultant Gary Begin of Sound Advantage writes in a piece for TALKERS today about why some morning radio shows fail to launch. He offers six reasons for this that can be avoided if management really wants to create a successful program. Reason number one? Because the hosts are just not that good. 
You know the routine.
immediately. “The Conservative Circus with James T. Harris” will air from 6:00 am to 10:00 and “The Afternoon Addiction with Garret Lewis” moves from morning drive to the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm daypart on both stations. iHeartMedia market president Linda Little comments, “James T and Garret have die-hard fans on 
550 KFYI in Phoenix and 790 KNST in Tucson. Combining James and Garret on both stations puts the two biggest conservative voices in Arizona in prime dayparts to better serve both markets.” Company area president Steve Earnhart adds, “Garret Lewis has been the number one conservative host in southern Arizona for over a decade. His large following and political impact will only grow with this move. We’re thrilled to welcome James T. Harris back to Tucson. This one-two punch of top-tier talent will make 790 KNST bigger and better than ever – for listeners and clients.”
Gagliardi, who goes by Sam Elliot on the air, most recently served as the director of content for Townsquare’s Monmouth-Ocean market. Gagliardi says, “I sincerely thank the leadership at Townsquare – Bill Wilson, Erik Hellum, Jared Willig, and Brian Lang — for this incredible opportunity. Collaborating with the skilled professionals at the iconic brands of ‘New Jersey 101.5’ and PST presents an amazing opportunity. I am excited about working with such a highly talented group and look forward to engaging in collaborative efforts with the fantastic on-air and online creators at the Jersey 
Season.” The station says it “featured an informative, spirited, and sometimes fiery debate about the growing problem of organized retail theft and what can be done about it.” Appearing on the panel of experts were Todd Spitzer, Orange County district attorney; Marc Beeart, director of fraud & corruption prosecutions at the L.A. County District Attorney’s office; 
Republican New York 3rd Congressional District representative George Santos appeared on Frank Morano’s “The Other Side of Midnight” program on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Santos tells Morano that he’s writing a book that will detail everything that’s happened to him during his time in Congress. Morano tells TALKERS Santos “went off on his colleagues, says he’s making a ton of money on Cameo and will one day return to Congress.” 
from the study include: 1) the proportion of AM/FM radio in-car listening rose 9% year-over-year and is on par with pre-pandemic levels of listening; 2) spoken-word content listening is at an eight-year high with 39% of ad-supported listening (including AM/FM, streaming and podcasts) devoted to news/talk, talk, and sports; and 3) looking at Persons 25-54, the share of ad-supported audio time spent with personalities/talk shows has increased the most – from 11% of ad-supported listening in Q4 2016 to 19.4% in Q3 of 2023. 
includes sports talk WXNT-AM and five music brands. Killabrew has been serving as the program director for WXNT-AM, classic hits WJJK-FM and rock WNDX-FM since May of 2022. He’ll continue in those roles. Cumulus Indianapolis VP and market manager Darlene Park says, “Mike is an impactful leader who has a strong track record of building and developing great teams, serving the community, and delivering results. He understands our market and our amazing brands will grow under his leadership.” 
Dusty Rhodes programs began with a Christmas Eve show in 1961 on WSAI in Cincinnati and quickly became a holiday tradition there. Over the years, it expanded to 36 hours and went national in 1995, airing on over 100 radio stations coast-to-coast. Rhodes says, “The presentation is based on the traditional Christmas celebration to accompany families as they travel to visit relatives, go to church services, open presents and enjoy holiday parties. I’m delighted to bring the programs to WGN Radio, one of America’s great radio stations.” 
his Salem News Channel TV show and SiriusXM radio show. Wilkow says, “The charities our team works with are low to no overhead organizations where every dollar donated goes directly to the cause of veterans from suicide prevention, to getting homeless veterans off the streets, to providing PTSD therapy dogs. What also makes this year unique is the added support from The Salem News Channel. Many of the charities made appearances on both Salem News Channel and SiriusXM Patriot.”
The lineup includes Westwood One talk hosts Dan Bongino, Chris Plante and Rich Valdes; Starnes Media Group’s Todd Starnes; FOX News Radio’s Guy Benson, Newsmax’s Rob Carson, and longtime Pittsburgh TV and radio personality Wendy Bell. It will also use FOX News Radio for network news. Hispanic Broadcasting president Matthew Velasquez says, “We’re excited to bring Houston listeners a better choice in news/talk radio. The mission of ‘Patriot Talk 920 AM’ is to become the leader in conservative talk radio with programming that reflects our core values of family, faith and freedom.” For more information, contact Steve Lapa at 
“Most registered voters avoid the news at least some of the time. Of those who disengage, over half avoid national politics coverage,” according to the “
over Cumulus’ mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. Bongino says, “It’s been a fascinating couple years of ups and downs both personally and in the political space. I love what I do, and I’m ecstatic that we’ve agreed to move forward with the show after changes were made. I want to thank all the shows’ supporters, the stations, and program directors for their continued support. I promise to keep my foot on the gas pedal.” Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes states, “‘The Dan Bongino Show’ is one of the greatest growth stories in network syndication, with Dan delivering programming unlike anyone else. As we head into what will surely be an unpredictable election cycle, we know Dan will be always insightful, sometimes provocative, and never disappointing, which is why our listeners are wildly engaged, and our advertisers have flocked to the show.”
afternoon drive host Mike Felger’s Facebook Live “Off-Air Show” and said she doesn’t think she’ll get the gig. When asked why she said, “Just because I think that I’m young and new. I think [program director] Rick [Radzik] took me very seriously. It’s just I think that there’s probably someone who, I don’t know, I think that I’m qualified. It’s just I haven’t been here very long, so I don’t know.” Station afternoon personality Jim Murray has said he’s not interested in the position. The piece notes that midday personality Rob “Hardy” Poole is being talked about as a candidate for the morning show post.