Industry News

WXYT-FM, Detroit Announces New Morning Show

Audacy promotes Detroit sports talk personality Jim Costa to co-host of the morning show on sports talk WXYT-FM, Detroit “97.1 The Ticket,” following the conclusion of the Detroit Lions season in February. He’ll join current morning personality Jon Jansen and takes over for Mike Stone who is retiring. Costa hasim been with the station since February of 2021 and has served as evening host, prime-time fill-in host, and co-hosts the “Cash The Ticket” sports betting podcast with WXYT afternoon host Mike Valenti. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager imDebbie Kenyon says, “I’m thrilled that Jim Costa will be the next co-host of the ‘97.1 The Ticket’ morning show. Jim has spent the last few years building a great relationship with his listeners. We look forward to the talents of Jim Costa and Jon Jansen entertaining and informing the Detroit sports audience and can’t wait to see how the show evolves in 2024.” Costa adds, “This is a dream come true for me. My whole career, I’ve chased the chance to build a show on ‘97.1 The Ticket.’ I grew up listening to this station and rooting for these teams. To start the conversation in Detroit every morning is special. Jon Jansen and I are a good contrast; we play off each other well, and I’m excited for the show we will create along with Heather [Park] and the entire morning show crew.”

Industry News

Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato Joins 77WABC

Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York announces that former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato is joining the station as a regular contributor in which he’ll “provide insights from his years of political service across 77WABC’s talk programs, including ‘Cats & Cosby,’ the afternoon drive show co-hosted by Redim Apple CEO John Catsimatidis and award-winning journalist Rita Cosby. Catsimatidis says, “Senator D’Amato is one of the smartest, most common sense, and knowledgeable people I know. From his many years in the U.S. Senate, Al has a deep understanding of the underpinnings of politics – local, national, and global – and will help 77WABC listeners discern the truth about what’s really going on in Washington and the world.” Senator D’Amato represented the state of New York in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1999. Following his departure from the Senate, he founded the lobbying firm Park Strategies. He says, “I am pleased to be part of the greatest news/talk programming in the nation. 77WABC is a station whose people call it the way it is and aren’t wed to a political party but are wed to doing what’s right in America.”

Industry News

Former Radio Executive Burt Sherwood Dies at 95

Burt Sherwood, whose long career in radio spanned over 70 years including on-air work as a WMCA, New York “Good Guy” in the station’s Top 40 days; general manager of WMAQ, Chicago during its highly rated run as a country station; general manager  at WMEE/WMEF, Fort Wayne; WIBG, Philadelphia; and WNHC-AM, New Haven, died peacefully in hospice care in Sarasota, Florida yesterday (9/21). Sherwood celebrated his 95th birthday this past May. He is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Ellen and son Jason.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 18 – 22

The Republican battle between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and ultra-conservatives over legislation to avoid a government shutdown was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the related Fed decision not to raise interest rates 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.

Industry News

ABC News’ “Reclaimed” Podcast Series Investigates Baseball’s Negro Leagues

ABC Audio announces this season’s six-part podcast series “Reclaimed: The Forgotten League” will debut on October 2. In this series, host Vanessa Ivy Rose traces the history of her grandfather, Normanim “Turkey” Stearnes, who, along with other Black baseball players in the early 20th century, was shut out of Major League Baseball due to his race. The series explores how America’s pastime was shaped by its history of segregation and the impact Black players have had on the sport. Rose uncovers powerful stories and rarely told history by exploring her own family history and through interviews with living Negro Leagues player Ron Teasley, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick, baseball researcher and Seamheads Negro League Database co-founder Kevin Johnson, and more.

Industry News

Audacy and Amy Poehler Release New Comedy Series

Audacy and Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions are debuting “Say More with Dr? Sheila.” The series stars Poehler as Dr? Sheila, a fictional world-class therapist and life coach with questionable methods andim credentials counseling a new couple every week. Couples will be played by a cast of esteemed actors and comedians including Fred Armisen, Ike Barinholtz, Kate Berlant, Janine Brito, Rachel Dratch, John Early, Tina Fey, and more. Executive producer Liz Cackowski says, “We are huge fans and listeners of podcasts in every genre. Love self-help podcasts, love true crime, love the celebrity interview show, all of it. And as comedians, we show our love through parody, which perhaps is something the next self-help podcast can help me work through. We’re excited to partner with Audacy to bring this series to life.”

Industry News

Outkick Unique Viewers Up 9%

According to data from Comscore, multimedia sports platform OutKick delivered 20 million total multiplatform minutes and 19 million total multiplatform views during the August 2023 period. The platformim also saw 5.2 million total multiplatform unique viewers, up 9% year over year. Outkick founder (and co-host of the Premiere Networks nationally syndicated “Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show”) Clay Travis says, “OutKick’s growth continues to spotlight our cutting-edge content and fearless talent. I’m excited for what’s to come especially with college football and NFL in full swing.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (9/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of the economy; the Fed keeps interest rates as they are for now; House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s attempt to avert a government shutdown; Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies before the House Judiciary Committee on the Hunter Biden investigation; the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; and Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to Washington to seek more aid for Ukraine’s battle against Russia were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Report: Good Karma to Pass on WEPN-FM, New York After Lease Expires

According to a report by Andrew Marchand at the New York Post, Good Karma Brands – which is currently leasing WEPN-FM, New York from Emmis Communications for its “ESPN New York sportsim radio brand – will not continue the lease after it expires on August 31, 2024. Good Karma owns WEPN-AM, New York and company chief Craig Karmazin tells the Post, “We’re committed to serving the New York sports fan and with the combination of our AM signal, the ESPN New York app, podcasts, smart speakers, YES and other additional audio and video distribution, investing in an FM signal was not relevant in the way it was a decade ago.” The piece states the lease price for the signal is “in the $12.5 million per year range.” It also reports that sources indicate Emmis is seeking roughly $50 million in a purchase deal. Read the Post piece here.

Industry News

Todd Starnes Publishes New Political Book

Todd Starnes, president of Starnes Media Group and a nationally syndicated talk radio personality,im announces the publication of his eighth book. Titled, Twilight’s Last Gleaming: Can America Be Saved? (Post Hill Press 2023), is in the pre-order phase. The introduction to the book was written by former President Donald Trump. Starnes is available for interviews by emailing Grace Baker at grace@kwamradio.com. Starnes is a former FOX News personality whose company owns Memphis news/talk radio outlet KWAM “Mighty 990,” the flagship station for Starnes’ syndicated radio show.

Industry News

FOX Sports Radio Unveils “Overpromised with Covino & Rich” Video Podcast

FOX Sports Radio is debuting a new, weekly video series and podcast starring Steve Covino and Rich Davis called, “Overpromised with Covino & Rich.” The duo hosts the daily afternoon program on the FSRim network, and this new project takes the audience “on a wild ride through the hottest headlines, trends, and debates that didn’t quite make it onto their daily radio show.” New episodes are posted Wednesdays on FOX Sports Radio’s YouTube page, and the podcast is available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Industry News

New Episode of “Sound, Sobriety & Success” Drops

Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announces the release of the latest episode of the “Sound, Sobriety & Success” podcast, hosted by rock journalist Matt Pinfield and featuring guest Slim Jim Phantom, drummer for the Stray Cats.  In this episode, Phantom shares how the Stray Cats made it big, how he decided to go sober, and how he lives the rockabilly lifestyle.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (9/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Washington battle over a GOP-approved spending bill in order to avoid a government shutdown; the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and his family’s business dealings; the ongoing UAW strike; Senator John Fetterman’s attire and the Senate dress code; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles and the numerous Trump associates facing prosecution; rising gas prices; the Fed’s meeting to assess its interest rate policy; Biden’s UN address regarding the Russia-Ukraine war; and the sexual assault allegations against comedian Russell Brand were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

“Why Is KFI So Successful?”

iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles gets some love from the Los Angeles Daily NewsRichard Wagoner in his column. Reporting on the station’s recent #3 rank in Nielsen’s August PPM survey,im Wagoner writes, “Why is KFI so successful – isn’t conservative talk dead? Yes, it is… and it’s been decades since KFI was considered ‘conservative talk’ (even when it wasn’t). There have always been a balance of viewpoints on the station; as it moved away from politically centered topics to more general topics, it matched the mood of listeners who wanted to be entertained more than they wanted to be angry.” Read his column here.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Drew Anderssen to VP of News/Talk Formats

“Newsradio 1080” KRLD-AM, Dallas and Texas State Networks brand manager Drew Anderssen is promoted to vice president to lead brand and format strategy and execution for Audacy’s news/talkim stations. He will continue to serve as brand manager for KRLD. Anderssen joined Audacy in May of 2022 after serving with Cox Media Group for 24 years in markets including Atlanta, Orlando and Tulsa. Audacy EVP and head of programming Jeff Sottolano states, “Drew is an experienced leader with bold ideas for the future of the news/talk format. With his proven expertise, we are confident that Drew will lead the way in shaping our brand and format strategy, delivering exceptional content and driving continued success for our local brands and our digital platforms.”

Industry News

Bonneville’s “104.3 The Fan” in Denver Unveils New Lineup

Bonneville sports talk outlet KKFN-FM, Denver “104.3 The Fan” revealed its new daily program lineup (effective 9/19) that also sees four hosts exit the station. Longtime “The Drive” host Darren “DMac” McKee, as well as Orlando Franklin, Nate Jackson, and Chad Brown, are no longer with the station. In announcing the new hosts, the station says, “‘The Drive with Zach Bye and Denver, Colorado’s ownim Phillip Lindsay’ begins a new era for the station’s flagship program airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bye moves to afternoons after serving on the midday show. Replacing Bye as Brandon Stokley’s partner is Josh Dover on the “Stokley and Josh” program airing in the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daypart. Dover previously served with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s KKSE-FM, Denver. At the same time, the station is extending the “Schlereth and Evans” morning show to air from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Bonneville Denver SVP and market manager Katie Reid says, “We are proud to usher in a new generation here on ‘104.3 The Fan.’ This new lineup will provide a stable and consistent listening experience for our audience. We’re extremely excited to welcome both Phil and Josh, as their high character, dynamic personalities and passion for their Denver community will resonate deeply with our audience.”

Industry News

Former WGOW-AM/FM, Chattanooga PD Kevin West Dies Unexpectedly

According to a report by WDEF-TV, Chattanooga, former news/talk WGOW-AM/FM program directorim Kevin West died yesterday morning (9/18) at the age of 62 after suffering a medical emergency. West retired from the Cumulus Media station in June and had begun working as the public affairs director for the Chattanooga Police Department. West was a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, retiring two years ago with the rank of captain. He is survived by his wife Carlene and five children.

Industry News

WRVA, Richmond’s Jeff Katz Feels Good Vibrations

Pictured at right is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk show host Jeff Katz (left) having fun, fun, fun withim Beach Boys original lead singer Mike Love (right). Love made his only radio appearance on Katz’s program during the band’s stop in Central Virginia for a sold-out performance. Katz says they talked about the impact of the Beach Boys in popular music, as well as Transcendental Meditation and the political landscape.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Salem Media Group announces that the podcast show “Living to 100 Club,” hosted by Dr. Joseph Casciani, joins its SeniorResource.com. The program features experts on everything from nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits to modern medicine and medical advancements. Dr. Casciani says, “Psychologically, healthy aging is all about mindset, attitude, and outlook. I want my listeners to keep moving forward, no matter what gets in the way.”

Audiohook names David “DK” Krulewich its new chief revenue officer (CRO). Krulewich has experience in the audio space including in his more recent position as executive vice president of Programmatic, Podcasting, Data and Product at iHeartMedia’s Katz Digital.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (9/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s efforts to avoid a government shutdown; Hunter Biden sues IRS over public release of his tax records; the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and his family’s business activities; prosecutors seek a gag order on former President Donald Trump in his Washington, DC election case; the U.S. migrant crisis; the UAW strike; Biden’s planned address at the United Nations; and the allegations of sexual assault against Russell Brand were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Why Not Just Podcast?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imI’m occasionally asked this by attorneys, real estate agents, personal finance advisors, and other local retail service professionals who are disappointed with results they’re getting from hosting weekend ask-the-expert call-in shows.

The Good News: Anyone can podcast.
The Bad News: Anyone can podcast.

That’s evident from the way many podcasts sound, without the planning and polish of a broadcast-quality presentation that demonstrates your expertise and comforting counsel.

So here’s Part 2 of the 2-part series that began here last week: Yes, DO podcast. Data from respected Edison Research demonstrates that podcasting attained “mainstream media” status back in 2016. So do accommodate your prospective clients’ appetite for on-demand media.

im

But who will know your podcast…exists? Lots of radio listeners and social media followers…IF the podcast is part of a coordinated multi-platform marketing strategy. A well-executed, well-promoted weekend show is the hub. Picture an octopus. The torso is the radio show. Appendages include podcasts – both whole hours on-demand and “snack-size” single topic solutions – and aircheck clips linked from social media posts, informative blog posts about issues callers raise, E-newsletter, etc.

Said another way: If the weekend show is a stand-alone, return-on-investment for brokering those hours can be dubious.

And – unlike hobbyist-sounding podcasters self-publishing in obscurity – you’re “real” because you’re on radio.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

WCHV, Charlottesville Celebrates 90 Years of Service

Monticello Media’s news/talk WCHV-AM, Charlottesville, Virginia celebrated its 90th Anniversary servingim the Central Virginia and Charlottesville area this weekend (9/16-17) with a star-studded gala that raised thousands of dollars for the local United Way chapter and the Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society and included a Gubernatorial Proclamation making September 15 “WCHV Radio Day” in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Pictured here is WCHV program director and morning host Joe Thomas (right) and Albemarle county supervisor Ann Mallek (left) reading the proclamation.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

This Thursday (9/21) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting a town hall titled, “School Fight: Trans Kids, Parents and Policy,” on gender identification policies in New Jersey’s schools. The discussion will help New Jersey residents understand the complicated and often controversial rules regarding how schools must deal with trans students. New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott will lead a discussion “aimed at separating fact from fiction regarding these rules, particularly the ban against parental notification if a student changes gender identity in school.”

iHeartPodcasts and professional dancer Cheryl Burke announce the debut of a new, weekly podcast titled, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans.” Burke has been a part of the “Dancing with the Stars” franchise since the beginning. “She knows all the secrets, the behind-the-scenes arguments, the flings, the flirting and the fighting. Cheryl Burke is ready to spill all the tea by taking listeners all the way back to season one and up through today for the dance floor drama like you wouldn’t believe.”

Industry News

The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and the indictment of Hunter Biden; prosecutors seek a gag order on former President Donald Trump in his Washington, DC election case; the UAW strike; the looming government shutdown; a Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy is slain in an ambush; Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is acquitted of all charges in his impeachment trial; U.S.-Iran prisoner swap; and blowback against Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner after his New York Times interview were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

FNC Adds Lawrence Jones to FOX & Friends

FOX News Channel expands the lineup of its morning drive program “FOX & Friends” with the addition of Lawrence Jones as a co-host. Beginning Monday (9/18), Jones joins co-hosts Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET and will also continue in his role as theim franchise’s enterprise reporter. The announcement was made on this morning’s program with Doocy, Earhardt and Kilmeade as well as Will Cain, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Pete Hegseth who co-host “FOX & Friends Weekend,” senior meteorologist Janice Dean and Todd Piro & Carley Shimkus who helm “FOX & Friends First.” Jones’ current weekend program “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” will be sunset, and “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade” will now air at 9:00 pm ET on Saturday evenings. FNC SVP of morning programming Gavin Hadden says, “Lawrence has his finger on the pulse of what matters to communities across America and his insight has proved invaluable to the ‘FOX & Friends’ audience. We look forward to welcoming him to our family as he wakes up America alongside our star co-hosts each morning.”

Industry News

Audacy’s Tim Wenger and Susan Rose Profiled in Buffalo News

A lot of media people outside of the Buffalo market don’t know that Audacy Buffalo SVP and marketim manager Tim Wenger and WBEN-AM morning drive personality Susan Rose are a married couple – for 30 years now – who met at WBEN in 1986 when Tim was imhired as a programming assistant and Susan trained him for the position. Tim has risen through the programming ranks to become SVP and market manager and Susan co-hosts the news/talk station’s “A New Morning” show with Brian Mazurowski. Interestingly, Tim has been Susan’s boss since 1993, including during the period when they co-hosted the “Buffalo’s Evening News” program together in the mid- to late-1990s. They are featured in a profile story in the Buffalo News. Read this cool piece here.

Job Opportunity

FOX News Media Seeks Full-Time News Anchor

FOX News Media has an opportunity for a full-time news anchor for “FOX News Headlines 24/7” onim SiriusXM. The company says, “As a radio news anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice.” Requirements include at least five years’ experience as a news anchor and strong writing skills & audio editing experience. Find out more and apply here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the NBA’s Timberwolves will not renew their deal with Audacy’s WCCO-AM for the team’s game broadcasts beginning with this 23-24 season. Team spokeswoman Sara Perez states, “We appreciated our partnership with WCCO and the radio broadcast opportunities we were able to accomplish with them. However, we are looking forward to announcing a new radio broadcast partnership in the weeks to come.”

FOX News Channel chief political anchor Bret Baier will present an exclusive interview with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his “Special Report” program on September 20 at 6:00 pm ET. This is bin Salman’s first interview with a major American news network since 2019. FNC says, “The pre-taped, no-holds-barred interview will cover a range of topics about the future of the kingdom and relations with the United States. Baier will anchor “Special Report” from Saudi Arabia on September 19 and 20 and present a behind-the-scenes look at the kingdom, conducting adjacent interviews with other Saudi officials as well.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 11 – 15

The order by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for a Joe Biden impeachment inquiry was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings, followed by the indictment of Hunter Biden on gun charges at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in the 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.

Industry News

iHeartMedia: Study Reveals Disconnect Between Consumer and Marketers

iHeartMedia and Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries release the results of a study conducted by Morning Consult and Advertiser Perceptions that explores the growing disparity between consumer values and behaviors and marketing priorities in the U.S. They say that the report “underscores the increasing urgency for marketers to reset and realign their marketing and media plans with American consumers to ensure the success of campaigns in an increasingly polarized post-COVID economy.” iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “This research is a reminder of how different we marketers are from today’s consumers, especially post-pandemic. Based on these results, we need to challenge ourselves as we build marketing and media plans to be sure we use real consumer data and not just trust our instincts and personal experiences. These personal biases are too detached from the consumers most marketers are trying to engage, and which are often behind major marketing misfires. This study aims to level-set the conversation to benefit both our audiences and advertisers.” Some of the key findings from the report include: 1) While 40% of consumers report that they’ve never heard of NFTs, that number drops to 0% for marketers; 2) 62% of consumers have never heard of the TV show “Succession,” while less than 5% of marketers have never heard of “Succession”; and 3) Almost one-third of consumers have never heard of pickleball, while all marketers [surveyed] have heard of pickleball. The findings were presented by iHeartMedia’s Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group, and author and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell at iHeartMedia’s AudioCon 2023 on Wednesday (9/13).

Industry News

Liz Truss Inks Book Deal with Salem’s Regnery Publishing

Salem Media Group announces that its book unit Regnery Publishing signs a deal with former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss that includes the publishing of her new book, Ten Years to Save the West, scheduled to be released on April 16, 2024. The press release states, “Around the world, many supposedlyim conservative political parties have been captured by the same left-wing influences that set the agenda and frame the debate in so many institutions, including the media, academia and the corporate world. Drawing on her 10 years of service in Tory governments – when she often found herself to be the only conservative in the room – the scrappy champion of limited government and individual freedom exposes the threat of the massive, unaccountable administrative state and the complacent political and corporate establishment.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Compass Media Networks kicked off year 15 of college football coverage this month that’s part of its 16-game CFB schedule. Compass SVP and general manager for sports Michelle Salvatore states, “There is nothing quite like the fan frenzy and pageantry of the college game day experience. Each week Compass Media Networks brings our national audience the absolute best matchups from the Power 5. We cannot wait to broadcast #5 LSU at Mississippi State this weekend!”

Art Vuolo of Vuolo Video shot video of the flip of WFDF, Detroit to news/talk on September 5. The video includes a history of the 910 AM frequency in the market and its most recent programming under owner Kevin Adell’s Adell Media. See the video here.