Industry News

Salem to Launch “This Week on the Hill” Radio/TV Show

Salem Media Group is launching “This Week On The Hill,” a new radio and television program set to debut on April 13 on the Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network, and Townhall.com. The show will be hosted by Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, and will feature House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as a frequent guest on the program. This weekly, one-hour radio/TV show will address issues facing Congress, the United States, and the world. Speakerim Johnson says, “I look forward to being a frequent guest on Tony’s show. This opportunity to speak directly to the American people about the most important developments in politics, policy, and culture will be important as we chart the path forward for Congress in these historic times.” Salem SVP Phil Boyce comments, “Salem is honored to kick off this important program with Speaker Johnson as guest host, who has worked tirelessly for conservative values since he took over the Speaker’s position. Tony Perkins, a nationally recognized expert in public policy, will be an excellent co-host, as the show deals with the important topics facing the House and the Speaker’s initiatives in getting his agenda passed.” Perkins adds, “I look forward to kicking off this new program with candid conversations with the House Speaker that will take listeners beyond the headlines and soundbites and inform them about what is really happening in our country and what citizens can do to influence the direction of our nation.” The show will be carried by Salem-owned news/talk stations nationwide, as well as affiliates of the Salem Radio Network. It will also air on the Salem News Channel weekends at 10:00 am ET, and 8:00 pm ET on Saturday and Sunday, as well as on demand on Salem Podcast Network, at Townhall.com, and on SNC.TV. SRN VP of news and talk Tom Tradup will serve as executive producer. Radio stations interested in the show can contact their SRN affiliate representative.

Industry News TALKERS 2024

John Catsimatidis Named Recipient of 2024 TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award

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Self-made billionaire businessman, broadcasting entrepreneur, radio talk show host and best-selling author John Catsimatidis (pictured above speaking at last year’s TALKERS 2023) has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board as the 2024 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The honor, also commonly referred to as the “TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award,” is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. In addition to Catsimatidis’ founding and/or ownership of major enterprises in the fields of grocery chains and the energy industry, he is a long-running radio talk show host who began changing the course of the medium’s history by purchasing heritage radio station WABC, New York in 2019.  Since then, the Greek immigrant born on the island of Nistros in 1948 and who came to the United States with his parents when he was six months old, has made significant progress in repositioning and reinvigorating the legendary talk and music station to its role as a major cultural and political influencer in modern media. This has been accomplished by boldly bringing diverse, high-profile voices to the station’s talent lineup, focusing heavily on local news and public policy issues, eliminating paid weekend programming, adding a dash of music and pop culture to the mix, concentrating the station’s schedule on live shows in real time and investing in community-oriented events. Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media Group has subsequently expanded the station’s national footprint by acquiring WLIR-FM, Long Island and launching its own syndication arm, Red Apple Audio Networks. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, upon announcing the selection, stated, “John Catsimatidis is a true New York City legend and former mayoral candidate who has proven to be one of the most positive forces the radio industry has seen in decades. He embodies the spirit of what this award is all about. He joins a remarkable list of broadcasters from all ends of the political spectrum – left, right, middle, and apolitical – who’ve received this honor going back every year to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s.” The award will be presented at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond at Hofstra University on Long Island Friday, June 7.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Confidence

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imThe thing about outstanding performance is there is one key trait in the performer we can all agree on. It was on full display in front of millions during the past two weeks. It shows up every time an athlete takes the game to new levels, or an artist moves us out of our seats and collective comfort zone.

This trait is different from the energetic enthusiasm or the excitement we see from even entry-level performers. This trait takes time, experience, discipline and coaching before you can call it your own. We all need to pause a minute and make sure it is part of the developmental skill set being sharpened every day. Because you, the seller, cannot measure it on your own. You will need feedback from a trusted manager to be sure you are developing this part of your skill set to a level that will lead you to perform at peak efficiency.

Have you filled in the missing blank?

The trait is confidence. Not to be confused with arrogance, stubbornness, or being uncoachable. There is a difference between being so gifted that the student outgrows the teacher and sheer confidence. Confidence is that measured poise that shows your focus on the goals at hand, the calm you have under pressure, the ability to lead by example and the flexibility to adjust style and strategy. Confidence is one game changer that comes through whether working remotely or on in-person calls. Confidence is defined by proven experience as opposed to years on the job. Confidence is built by holding yourself to a standard that may be higher than what others expect. Confidence is developed when you set goals and stretch goals and through determination you achieve and exceed your goals. Confidence is recognized fastest when your performance leads by example and helps others achieve their goals. How do you begin developing confidence in your own performance?

1. Start with the one person you can control: You!

2. Prepare to Win. How much time do you spend preparing your calls? It takes 10 years of medical school education to accurately diagnose a one-second heartbeat.

3. A little positive self-talk helps. Think positive as in “I can do this.”

4. Invoke the great Charlie Munger theory. Get rid of the toxic influences in your (sales) world.

5. Learn from your wins and losses. When you win business the learning curve is simple. Very few managers teach sellers how to manage a competitive loss. Ask for the type of feedback that will help you improve.

6. Collaborate. The smartest people I know constantly ask questions.

7. Expand your knowledge base, experience base, and contact base every day.

Confidence is one universal trait in every champion. What is in your planner to help build your confidence?

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: April Fool!

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imPick a day, any day. At least one news item will have the little voice in your head hollering “TELL me you’re kidding!” After recent headlines, and as various plots thicken, that little voice might need a lozenge.

In olden times, DJs’ and hosts’ April 1 on-air shenanigans would amuse and/or upset listeners. Some of these gags cost jesters their jobs. Expect less of that today, as the local talent ranks have thinned. Maybe A.I. DJs will come up with something.

As cutbacks were cascading on April 1, 2008, my gallows humor headline was: “Farid himself now voice-tracking True Oldies, using on-air name Fred Soulman, as staff cuts force management on-air. The Mystery Oldie-of-the-Day winner gets 1,000 shares of Citadel stock or $1,000 cash, whichever is less. APRIL FOOL!”

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Back to the future: Many surviving jocks and talkers and newscasters have something in common, what consultants call “word economy.” It’s never been more important than during these dizzying days, but it’s nothing new. All along, those who took only 7 seconds to make a point seemed to be more successful than those who took 17 seconds. When I was a DJ, I stole a line from WABC’s Dan Ingram, who intro’d the Elton John song, “Someone Shaved My Wife Tonight.”

If you’re spinning the hits, streams are spinning more of ‘em, without eight-unit stopsets. So keep it moving. Doing news? Listeners are wondering “What NEXT?” and if you’re telling them, succinctly, they’ll find you helpful and habit-forming. Hosting a talk show? Understand that every other media experience listeners favor is interactive. Busy caller traffic (something local advertisers notice) lets you own topic du jour.

And whether you’re a DJ, news person, or host: Every…single…minute…someone just got in the car. Reset frequently-enough that they’re up-to-speed.

But don’t take my word for it. Being April Fool’s Day, I’ll let these funsters (some immortal) demonstrate this word economy I preach:

“I saw a bank that said ‘24-hour banking,’ but I don’t have that much time.”

— Comedian Steven Wright, my Block Island neighbor

“When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.”

Rodney Dangerfield

“I was going to have cosmetic surgery until I noticed that the doctor’s office was full of portraits by Picasso.”

Rita Rudner

“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.”

Groucho Marx

“I hate housework. You make the beds, you do the dishes, and six months later, you have to start all over again.”

Joan Rivers

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at 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

Gunhill Road Music Video on YouTube Flagged and “Shadow Banned” by Google for Containing Shocking Content

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The music video for the Gunhill Road song “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” has been flagged by the editorial powers-that-be at Google for containing “shocking” content. The video has, thus, been relegated to a covert censorship process on YouTube commonly known as shadow banning which drastically inhibits its ability to garner views and potentially go viral within the processes of the platform’s algorithms. The song and video make a powerful statement against the growing practice of scamming that is polluting the internet and sowing the seeds of distrust throughout modern society. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, a member of the heritage rock band and co-writer (with Steve GoldrichPaul Reisch and Brian Koonin) of the controversial song states, “When we wrote the song and created the accompanying video images, we knew that some folks – including the censors at Google – might find it troubling. But we were pretty sure that most people (and hopefully the folks at Google) would realize it is just provocative satire and not a literal call for violence. After all, we are only venting in highly dramatic fashion against a universally hated category of criminals who operate in the darkness of anonymity and are destroying innocent people’s lives. Perhaps we misjudged its potential impact. Regardless, we are neither withdrawing it from distribution nor apologizing for its alleged offensiveness. We realize this is not a First Amendment issue. Google and YouTube have the right to post whatever they choose. And for the most part, I love and am a big fan of YouTube. However, because of the enormous, borderline monopolistic power of Big Tech, it might eventually be considered a First Amendment issue.” The song and video presents scammers as hideously ugly, troll-like figures and calls for their deaths by firing squad, electric chair, hanging, burning at the stake, castration and being blown up by drones.

Media attorney and TALKERS associate publisher, Matthew B. Harrison – the video’s producer – states, “It’s like being silenced but without a whisper – shadow banning – an invisible barrier between your content and your audience. Social media platforms may limit the visibility of your content without any notification, causing confusion and frustration. Why does this happen? Often, it’s due to violations of community guidelines, albeit sometimes mistakenly. Do you think they’ve got people watching everything? No. It was most likely a bot. So, understanding context is not going to be at the top of its abilities. The solution? Regularly review the platform’s policies, engage with your content positively, and diversify your social media presence to ensure your voice is widely heard.”

To view the unedited version of “Damn Scammers (Get off My Phone)” (viewer discretion is now advised) please click here.

Industry News

Talk Media Industry Mourns Loss of “Popular Guest” Joe Lieberman

The death of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) yesterday (3/27) at the age of 82 sparked a wave of sad reaction across the talk media industry where he was fondly remembered as one of the most popular political guests during the height of his public career during the 90s and the first decade of the 2000s. During the turn of the century, he boldly straddled the boundaries between left and rightim ideology on an issue-by-issue basis – although infuriating his fellow Democrats on many an occasion. After leaving the Senate in 2012, he withdrew somewhat from the political spotlight to serve as an attorney in private practice and a college professor but remained outspoken on issues of politics and public policy. His most recent activities included founding the No Labels Group which condemns what Lieberman described as the “partisan polarization of our politics which prevents us from making the principled compromises on which progress in a democracy depends.” Lieberman said, “We need bipartisan leadership to break the gridlock in Washington that will unleash all the potential that is in the American people.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison had the opportunity to get to know Joe Lieberman very well while serving as a talk show host on Connecticut’s leading talk station, WTIC, Hartford in the early 1990s. Harrison states, “Joe Lieberman was always available at a moment’s notice to appear on the air with me during those golden days of talk radio’s modern era and it was apparent to me – as well as talk show hosts across the nation – that he wasn’t your ‘run of the mill politician’ who put party over country and avoided answering the tough questions. There was a profound honesty in his words and tone that inspired confidence, among even those who disagreed with him, that they were talking to a very solid, principles-based man.” Harrison continues, “Talk show hosts on both sides of the political divide loved him for his warmth, candor and accessibility.” Harrison concludes, “Al Gore would have been better served during his run for the presidency to have let Joe have freer reign over his media availability during the campaign, something the VP failed to do. Every request for Joe to be a guest – many of which were squashed – had to go through the Gore campaign which turned off a lot of Joe’s friends and admirers in both radio camps.”

In 2018, during the midpoint of the Donald Trump presidency, Michael Harrison scored a rare and illuminating interview with Joe Lieberman for his podcast and various platforms (including a “reunion” on WTIC).  Click here to listen. WABC, New York talk show host Frank Morano interviewed the former senator this past Friday (3/22) which is most likely his last radio interview.  Click here to listen.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Good Karma Brands’ talk WAUK-AM/W266DR “101.7 The Truth” announces the 3rd Annual Tory Lowe Community Clean Up taking place on April 13. Spearheaded by 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm host Tory Lowe, the event encourages volunteers to join the station in picking up litter in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Lowe says, “This is what it’s all about. Getting together as a community, unifying, and giving back. This is a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors and take pride in the city we call home. A cleaner community is a better community.”

Mundo Hispano Digital partners with iHeartMedia in a deal that includes MundoNow’s audio network Oyénos’ slate of podcasts being distributed widely by iHeartPodcasts. MundoNow president and CEO Rene Alegria says, “We’re thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with iHeartPodcasts, solidifying our commitment to amplifying LatinX voices in the audio space. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for Oyénos Audio, as we combine forces to deliver captivating content and innovative marketing strategies that resonate deeply with our community. In today’s ever-evolving media landscape, we continue to strive to deliver compelling, informative, and engaging content to a large and significantly still underserved audience – bilingual and bicultural Latinos.”

FOX Nation debuts a new special titled, “Prisoner of Putin,” on Thursday (3/28), one day before the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest and detainment in Russia. The special will provide an in-depth look into Gershkovich’s life and his courage and resilience throughout the last year. Contributions will be made by FOX News Channel senior correspondent Steve Harrigan, who was formerly based in Moscow, Wall Street Journal colleagues Gordon Fairclough and Paul Beckett, as well as Jeremy Berke and Sam Silverman, close friends of Gershkovich.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Will Video Save the Radio Star?

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWill video save the radio star? I hope so.

The tea leaves have become abundantly clear. Start understanding the impact of stand-alone video offered by your radio station or forever consider yourself outdated. Are you listening, all you great programming and production gurus out there in talk radio land. The up-and-coming generation is in line to take over and we had better start shifting the development wheels into hyper-gear today.

Everything new is new and everything old is suspect. Think about this:

1. How many times have you logged into Facetime or your favorite video platform purely for the sake of staying in touch? An entire generation is being raised on video calls and remote work. Can linear talk radio carve out a future in this video intense environment?

2. I can hear the old school managers barking, “There will always be in-car listening.” True, but commute times and days are changing regularly with remote work becoming the norm. In-car audio listening is changing before your very ears.

3. Have you digested the most recent research metrics? Sorry old schoolers, the days of 95% of homes listening to terrestrial radio are over. Ever watch the preschoolers ask Alexa or Google to read them a book?

4. Young parents under 40 are now limiting “screen time.” The key word is “limit.” Doesn’t that speak volumes?

How do we turn video integration into a sales winner for radio?

1. Stop denying the trend. Embrace the wave and ride it to profitability.

2. Focus on what sells. That “security camera” look in the on-air studio is embarrassing. Start having a real dialogue internally about what it takes to win dollars in this newly competitive world.

3. Reinvent yourself. Do not be slow to move forward. This video world moves at hyper speed and leaves laggards in the dust.

4. Not everyone will make the cut. Some of your talent will work better in the video world than others. Remember this is all relatively new to terrestrial radio. As your team navigates the way through these uncharted waters communication is critical.

The foundation is still solid. Many advertisers are comfortable with radio/audio that delivers the results they expect. Those advertisers are the rock-solid foundation every radio station needs. But eyes on the future are important as we all deal with single digit growth in competitive sales markets around the country.

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

Sabo Sez: Five Predictions

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

im1. Financial solvency laws. Consolidation is not the problem; it actually saved the radio industry. The problem is the 1986 rule change that dropped financial solvency requirements for station ownership. Prior to 1986, stations could not be purchased with debt. A potential owner had to prove that they could meet the expenses of a station through the duration of its license. Once the financial efficacy rule was dropped and stations could be purchased with debt, the industry was financially decimated. Prediction: Financial solvency laws will be re-instated.

2. Ratings change. Ratings giant Nielsen will change its system of measurement of audio. The PPM was created over 20 years ago by a company that no longer exists. For a station to earn proper audience levels, Nielsen must measure all audio distribution platforms including radio sets, in car, cell phone streaming, computer streaming, satellite, public address systems and ear pods and whatever comes next. Now you choose one – over the air or the stream. This will change or more companies will follow the recent lead of Good Karma Brands radio which just cancelled Nielsen.

3. New leadership. Who’s in charge? Most radio companies are run by very sharp and very senior CEOs and Boards. The Boca effect — I don’t want trouble, just get me to my retirement and condo on Boca. The primary reason FM grew from 10% household usage in 1968 to 60% in 1981 was the “kids” were put in charge – and caused “trouble.” Allen Shaw at ABC FM, Walter Sabo at NBC FM (forgive me), Jerry Lyman at RKO FM and the sons and daughters of the owners of thriving AMs paired with orphaned FMs (think Beau Woods at WEBN, Cincinnati and Bart McClendon in Dallas) were given free range to create and implement brand new formats. While the AM management played golf, those 20-somethings aired daring, new, shocking, amazing radio that drew listeners to FM. No, not stereo or low commercials, it was the FM package of subversiveness. For radio to level up and serve the joy of an audience born with iPhones in their cribs, it will be led by today’s 20-somethings without suffering interference by bosses sharing really interesting stories about their time at CBGBs.  The essential leadership will come from younger programmers and executives who have only known a world with online video stars, a thousand cable channels, and on-demand video and audio entertainment.

4. New sales paradigm. Digital entertainment companies – audio and video – are fueled by stupid money. Venture capitalists launch new businesses with the goal of claiming a stake and then selling the business for their ROI. VCs have no interest in operating profit. Really. That means start-up media companies pay much more for sales executives than radio companies. Start-ups are shinier goals than radio stations to a media advertising seller. There will be a revolution in the way salespeople are identified, recruited, managed, and paid or the decline in radio revenue will accelerate.

5. Renovated voice tracking. Voice tracking is not horrible, it’s an opportunity that has not been realized. Today voice tracking is a poor imitation of being live – without benefits. No time, temp, urgent news. Here’s the miss: Every station has a stunning, amazing production library. Don’t have one? Swipe from YouTube. Rather than pretending to be live, admit to being recorded. Use that production freedom to produce. Tap the production library to create a running drama, comedy, mood, listening environment. Make the show between the songs to be as compelling as Taylor Swift. That’s the future of music radio.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. HITVIEWS clients included Pepsi, FOX TV, Timberland, Microsoft, and CBS Television. He can be reached at walter@sabomedia.com www.waltersterlingshow.com

Industry News

Inquirer: Missanelli Return to “The Fanatic?”

In covering the above story for the Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Rob Tornoe reveals that as the result of Andrew Salciunas moving from middays to mornings, Beasley moves former Philadelphia Daily Newsim writer Bob Cooney to middays. The question Tornoe asks is what about Mike Missanelli? “Rumors have been swirling in sports radio circles the past few days about the return of Missanelli, once the station’s biggest star, whose sudden exit from his afternoon show in 2022 after 15 years shocked listeners.” Tornoe says that Missanelli has been in contact with management but there’s nothing to report and Missanelli isn’t talking. PD Scott Masteller tells the paper, “Mike’s name has come up. He’s a great talent, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. A lot of people are interested in the radio station right now. So, I’ll leave it at that.” The current PM drive show is “The Best Show Ever?” hosted by Tyrone Johnson, Ricky Bottalico and Jenn Scordo. Read the Inquirer story here.

Industry Views

Pending Business: March Madness 2024

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imMarch is half over, and the Madness is just beginning.

Can you feel the social media buzz driven by countless fans from Florida and Iowa to California as they brag and bet on their favorite teams?

Advertising as well is turning to the tournament page and taking on the creative themes that talk to the millions of fans who will fill out their brackets in that new age science called “bracketology.” Is that basketball novice who wins the office money pool because the uniforms were just the right color still in the office? Or how about grandma beating a few experts because she really has been a fan for over 60 years. So much for the science behind “bracketology.”

Industry surveys project nearly $2.7 billion will be wagered during the madness as the dollars flow through legal venues. This year may be a little different as fans in Iowa play a unique role. More on that in a minute.

As a forever basketball fan and a fan of great marketing, March Madness is that rare intersection of high-level athletic performance and competitive marketing execution on full display in front of millions almost every day for nearly three weeks. The summer Olympics in Paris scheduled July 26-Aug 11, come close, but the Olympic games play to a multi-sport, truly global crowd. There is nothing else in sports and marketing that compares to the prolonged, daily intensity surrounding the “Big Dance,” and this year it is truly a dance.

Fans are in for a next-level experience as Iowa’s amazing Caitlin Clark puts Women’s March Madness on the sports map once and for all. This year the social media buzz will have the additional fandom buying every ticket in sight as Caitlin’s Iowa Hawkeyes sold out arenas around the country.

So, what does all this March Madness fandemonium have to do with what we do in sales and marketing? Let’s learn.

1. Watch for marketers who get the emotional connection with the core fans. This year’s messaging will broaden beyond what you might expect.

2. As demographics change, so will creative.

3. Although your marketing may be limited to your local market, watch for new categories that can open your thinking.

Nearly 133 years have passed since Dr. James Naismith grabbed a round ball and a basket. His goal was to invent a simple game to keep a group of young men active during those maddening winter months in Springfield, Massachusetts. If he could only have imagined what he started.

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: Happy Campers

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imFor spring break this year, Sarah and I revisited Sandals Grand Bahamian all-inclusive resort – NOT inexpensive, and very worth it. We’ve already booked same-week-next-year, and we think we know who we’ll see there then.

Among those we chatted-up at beach bars: Owner of a HVAC service company in Iowa. He arrived ahead of 16 employees and +ones (“the other 16 are back there keepin’ the heat on”). And get this: He said that, for some, it’s their first airplane travel. And they land in Nassau! WHAT a boss, eh?

Another business owner we met topped that! He had 38 inbound next-day for a long weekend. To qualify for this “President’s Club” trip, those 19 reps each moved a million dollars of product in 2023.

“Selling what?” I had to ask. “All the things nobody wants to buy,” he quipped. His company is a rack jobber, meaning it has agreements with retailers to display and sell products in-store. Think cigarette lighters and the thousand other items you see at gas stations and convenience stores.

Going right into Larry King mode, I learned about those sunglasses that retail for $19.99. He buys ‘em by the palette, 19 cents each. And when I asked “What was HOT 2 years ago, and is NOT now?” he replied, without hesitation, “masks.”

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He caught my ear when he used the term “liberal” to describe regions. In talk radio, that’s a political term. But the way he used it reflects Michael Jordan’s famous quote, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” Like politics, commerce is regionalized. And he spoke in practical terms: Phone charger cords sold in the northeast are predominantly iPhone-compatible. “Get much-south-of New York,” and Android cords are also popular.

Contributing to inflation: Pre-pandemic, the usual business model was that the store paid for what his company delivered. Some clients were big-enough to change that, to paying-upon-SALE, which bar codes enable. So, the rack jobber is on-the-hook for “inventory shrinkage” (shoplifting and pilferage). But the arm-wrestling continues… and at least 19 reps are winning.

Heading for our final-night-there dinner, we passed the President’s Club reception in a VIP area; and next morning at breakfast, we spotted President’s Club T-shirts. We expect to see more next year, because, as the boss winked, “those wives want to come back!” and they tend to be supportive of long workdays in the meantime. 😉

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at 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

Tom Gresham’s “Gun Talk” Celebrates 29 Years

The nationally syndicated shooting sports program, “Gun Talk,” celebrates 29 years on the air. Program creator and host Tom Gresham says, “‘Gun Talk’ radio is perhaps more important today than when itim started 29 years ago. Whether it’s helping the first-time gun buyer sort out what she needs to buy, or exposing politicians who claim to be supporters of the Second Amendment while putting restrictions on this right, there’s plenty to talk about. Responsible gun ownership is strong, and I’m glad to be part of movement.” The program – currently heard on more than 260 stations – airs live on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET.

Industry News

WWO Blog: Edison’s Ad Supported Audio Data

This week’s blog post from Cumulus Media’s Westwood One Audio Active Group looks at data from the Edison Research Q4 2023 Share of Ear study focusing on data regarding ad-supported audio, as the post says, “what advertisers care about.” Seven key takeaways analyzed include: 1) Advertisers need to “take the me out of media” as they wildly overestimate Spotify and Pandora audiences andim dramatically understate AM/FM radio’s shares; 2) AM/FM radio represents the dominant ad-supported audio platform with a 68% overall share and a massive 86% in-car share; 3) In a typical day in America, 95% of Americans never listen to ad-supported Spotify. 94% never listen to ad-supported Pandora; 4) Podcasts’ audience soars. At a 20% share of ad-supported audio, podcasts now represent one out of every five minutes of U.S. ad-supported audio; 5) Among registered voters, AM/FM radio leads in ad-supported audience share (68%) followed by podcasts (21%); 6) After a pandemic lull, the proportion of AM/FM radio listening occurring in-car roars back; and 7) Powered by podcasts, spoken word is on a tear: 40% of all time with ad-supported audio goes to spoken word, up from 27% pre-pandemic. See the blog post here.

Industry News

Audacy Names Judy Lakin GSM in Houston

Audacy appoints Judy Lakin general sales manager for its Houston station group that includes sports talk KILT-AM, sports betting KIKK-AM and four music brands. Lakin was most recently president of Vista14 Advertising Agency, where she was on the company’s board, and previously served asim director of sales with Cox Media Group. Audacy Houston VP of sales Alana Lujan comments, “Judy’s extensive experience in talent development, coupled with her recent involvement in business development, multi-media buying and digital innovation, makes her a powerhouse addition to Audacy’s sales leadership team. With her expertise, Judy is poised to make an immediate and substantial impact. Here’s to an exciting journey with someone who will bring so much to the table!” Lakin states, “I am thrilled to join the exceptional leadership team at Audacy. The Houston market’s wide variety of broadcast and digital products makes me eager for what will come. The local sales team’s incredible skills and high energy is a tremendous plus to this opportunity.”

Industry News

Morning Drive Changes at WHO, Des Moines

The morning drive team of Maxwell Schaeffer and Amy Sweet are out at iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO-AM, Des Moines after a little more than three years in the role. The duo took over for Van Harden, who retired at the end of 2020. iHeartMedia has made no announcement regarding its plans for theim WHO morning show. Today, Simon Conway – the station’s PM drive host – was part of the on-air team. Amy Sweet posted the following message to Facebook, “Our sincere appreciation goes out to every listener who has tuned in to WHO over the years, making it possible for us to build upon the rich tradition of excellent programming that sets us apart from other stations. We have truly enjoyed connecting with each one of you through various initiatives designed to foster deeper connections within our beloved community. As we move forward into unknown territories, we are filled with anticipation and hope for what lies ahead!”

Industry News

Audacy Reveals Connected Car Study Results

Audacy releases the results of four surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023 designed to explore the connected car experience with the goal of deciphering what truly captivates drivers. Audacy says audio “emerges as the driving force behind an unforgettable journey.” Two-thirds of drivers listen to AM/FM radio, 20% more than music library streaming. Moreover, 45% of respondents want their next connected car to have voice activation. Driver behaviors have witnessed a significant shift in the last two years, with a 10% increase in accessing audio through the dashboard from 2021 to 2023, while phone usage forim audio experienced a 17% decline. The study identified radio app and voice users as super users who shared common traits and expectations. Audacy notes, “These highly engaged individuals demand seamless transitions for Audio across their home, phone, and car systems… Moreover, they exhibit readiness to spend, particularly in high-budget categories like home improvement and financial services, responding actively to targeted radio ads. For advertisers, crafting personalized ads targeted at these audiences presents an exceptional opportunity to guide listeners through all stages of the purchase funnel.” Other key findings of the study include: 1) Nearly half of radio app users sought information about advertised products online after hearing an ad in the car, compared to 22% of all listeners; 2) 31% of radio app users and 27% of voice users visited the store they heard about, doubling the rate of all listeners; and 3) 27% of radio app users purchased advertised products, more than doubling the rate of all listeners. See the study here.