FOX News Channel is presenting a live town hall with former President Donald Trump in Des Moines, Iowa on January 10 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET. The program will be co-moderated by “Special Report” chief political anchor Bret Baier and “The Story” executive editor and anchor Martha MacCallum. The program will pre-empt “Hannity” that evening.
Pictured above is media personality Grace Curley (right), who hosts a syndicated talk show on the Howie Carr Radio Network, during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” this morning (12/21) with Lawrence Jones (left). Curley first met Jones at the TALKERS 2021 conference at Hofstra University where Jones was a featured speaker.
an hour of the radio program “The Todd Starnes Show.” Additionally, Todd Starnes is hosting an exclusive, one-hour television program on Newsmax 2. Starnes says, “I’m honored to be a part of the great lineup at Newsmax. And it’s exciting to see the synergy between radio and television.” Next month, Starnes’ radio program launches in Houston on KYST-AM “920 Patriot Talk.”
On Sunday night (12/10), WABC, New York presented “The 77 WABC/Bulova Frank Sinatra Birthday Bash” at the station’s Studio 77 event space that the station says was “transformed into a glittering nightclub that would have made Ole Blue Eyes proud.” It was hosted by Joe Piscopo, who also hosts the station’s “Sundays with Sinatra” show. Pictured above is Piscopo with the team from Bulova.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announces that talk host Dan Bongino extends his contract to host both his eponymous syndicated daily radio program and his podcasts, including the unique podcast “The Dan Bongino Show,” on the Cumulus Podcast Network for multiple years. This comes a couple of years after Bongino said he would not renew his contract when it ran out because of his very public protestation
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.”
WICC, Bridgeport, Connecticut talk host Lisa Wexler’s Tuesday (12/5) program featured and interview with Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim who said he believes his supporters broke the law by mishandling
absentee ballots but says he had nothing to do with it. He also says he won’t challenge a judge’s decision to toss the results of the September 12 Democratic primary election and possibly rerun the general election. Security cameras revealed people stuffing numerous absentee ballots into collection boxes in what appears to be a campaign of illegal ballot harvesting. Wexler tells TALKERS magazine the exclusive, one-hour sit down with Ganim made the AP and US News & World Report.
TALKERS founder Michael Harrison speaks with Gerard Edwards – the founder and CEO of Podcast Radio (podcastradionetwork.com) based in London, UK. Podcast Radio has shown tremendous growth since its launch less than five years ago and is heard worldwide with a menu of podcasts online as well as on air in the UK via DAB radio stations. The company recently expanded its footprint into North America as a radio program content supplier. Harrison and Edwards take a deep dive into the state of DAB as a 21st century radio broadcast technology in addition to discussing a big picture view of the state of radio in general. Harrison describes Edwards as one of world radio’s rising young visionaries. Listen to the uninterrupted interview in its entirety here.
Cumulus Media announces its Cumulus Podcast Network is now providing brand suitability and safety measurement through Barometer, which provides brand-suitability measurement and contextual targeting unique to the podcast space. Cumulus says that this allows marketers and media agencies to
be able to review podcasts to ensure they meet their brand’s safety and suitability standards. Brands are also able to monitor their ad-buys during and after the campaigns to ensure their standards are being upheld. Westwood One SVP, sales and digital partnerships David Cohn comments, “We are proud to provide Barometer’s transparency and accountability to the marketplace. Brand marketers now represent 61% of U.S. podcast revenue. Advertisers deserve a brand-suitability solution that is designed for the unique attributes of podcast content rather than the legacy systems that were designed for display and online video.”
New York Festivals Television & Film Awards announces that it will honor sports journalist, Olympic champion, and award-winning broadcasting pioneer Donna de Varona with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. The New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast industry whose accomplishments have
advanced their field and made a lasting impression on the industry. It will be celebrated at the Storytellers Gala honoring TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners on April 16. Donna de Varona – a U.S. Olympic Hall of Famer – is currently a member of the board of directors of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. She is renowned for covering 18 Olympic Games from multiple networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, and Turner. As a pioneer for women in sports, she played a key role in establishing the Women’s Sports Foundation, serving as its first president and chairman. She chaired the groundbreaking 1999 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup and contributed to the formation of the very first IOC athletes commission in 1981 during the IOC Congress in Baden-Baden, Germany.
Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis helped raise over $367,000 to provide meals and care for those in need through its 21st annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon” last Thursday (11/16). The annual radiothon benefits Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities and this year’s event brings the funds raised
since 2003 to more than $4.3 million. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane says, “We are simply in awe of the incredible generosity of our fans! This is yet another great example of how live and local radio can truly impact lives. We’re so proud of our team for helping share these transformative stories from the inspiring work being done at Union Gospel Mission.” Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities provides food, shelter, programs and services for men, women and children experiencing homelessness, hunger and addiction.
As part of its “Birds at the Bye,” Audacy Philadelphia’s sports talk WIP-FM “SportsRadio 94WIP” air personalities are serving as guest bartenders following a daylong remote broadcast from Chickie’s and Pete’s South Philadelphia location during which it will raise money for Travis Manion Foundation.
Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “It’s a great night in support of our local veterans. Audacy Philadelphia has a strong partnership with TMF, and we’re excited for our 94WIP hosts to assist in this fundraising effort.” 94WIP guest bartenders include Joe DeCamara, Rhea Hughes, James Seltzer, Hugh Douglas, Joe Giglio, Ike Reese, Jon Marks, Jack Fritz, Howard Eskin, Devan Kaney and Eliot Shorr Parks. Also, in attendance will be Ryan Manion and Col. Manion of Travis Manion Foundation.
Mobile and web solutions form AirKast partners with sales representation firm Ron Rivlin Media in a move aimed at enhancing AirKast’s market reach and furthering its mission to provide cutting-edge solutions to its clients. AirKast offers mobile app and web solutions and a technology platform that includes live streaming, push notifications, and social media integration. AirKast CEO/CTO Larry Leung says, “We are excited to announce our collaboration with Ron Rivlin Media. This partnership is a strategic move to strengthen our market presence and better serve our clients. Ron Rivlin Media’s reputation for excellence in tech sales representation aligns perfectly with our mission to provide cutting-edge broadcasting solutions, and we look forward to a successful partnership.”
Sports talk host Brandon Beam signs a new, multi-year deal to remain with Tegna’s WBNS-FM, Columbus “97.1 The Fan.” Beam currently co-hosts “Morning Juice” with Bobby Carpenter weekdays
from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. In addition to “Morning Juice,” Beam hosts the Ohio State Buckeyes football network post-game show in partnership with “97.1 The Fan” and Learfield/Ohio State Sports Properties and co-hosts the “Bone and Beam United” podcast. Station program director Matt Fishman says, “Beamer is a smart, versatile personality who has excelled in several roles. We are thrilled that he has decided to stay at ‘The Fan.’” Station manager Cody Welling adds, “Brandon is an emerging talent that has worked extremely hard on his development. I enjoy his energy, his passion for the station, and his love for Columbus, our teams, and our fans.”
Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago is celebrating the 100th episode of its resident weekend travel show, “Round Trip With Colleen Kelly,” this Sunday (11/12) with a special program that will air at
1:00 pm (instead of its usual 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm air time). The program is hosted by travel expert Colleen Kelly, who is cost, creator, and executive producer of the popular Emmy-nominated PBS series, “Family Travel With Colleen Kelly,” and is a digital contributor to National Geographic. WLS program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Chicago loves to travel. Colleen has been giving our WLS-AM audience travel tips and tricks for over 100 episodes. We are so excited to celebrate this milestone with her as she continues to share her experiences from all over the world.” The series is also co-hosted and produced by Megan Kudla, as well as technically produced and edited by Lane Thoelcke.
A new study conducted by Alter Agents – an independent market research consultancy – in partnership with Audacy reveals that consumers are highly accepting and open to podcast advertising despite persistent brand concerns about suitability and safety. The research finds that podcasts provide a safe advertising environment for brands, with eight in 10 consumers finding branded podcast messages suitable as long as they are contextually relevant, even when it comes to controversial content. The study identified key themes regarding brand safety and suitability in podcast advertising for marketers and consumers. The B2B community listed controllability, genre-specific myths, trade-offs of produced vs. host-read advertisements, and the complex categorizations of podcasts. Consumers indicated ads must be a good fit within the content, hosts must be authentic, and controversial topics in the content can be acceptable and even enjoyed as long it is not defamatory towards one group. Brand fit is not an issue for listeners. Few say they have heard ads unsuitable for the podcasts they listen to but are more likely to call out ads sounding too much like a sales pitch or not being more native to the podcast style as reasons for unsuitability or poor fit. Foul language is not a top reason for not listening to a podcast, but where content or hosts cross the line is through racist statements. In fact, foul language is accepted in many genres, especially comedy, entertainment/pop culture, music, and true crime.
Salem Media Group announces a new partnership between the Salem Podcast Network and Just The
News for its podcasts from John Solomon, Victor Davis Hanson, and “Bauer and Rose” on the SPN platform. The agreement allows Salem to market and sell the podcasts to its array of advertisers and provide additional promotional support. Salem SVP Phil Boyce says, “John Solomon and his team are a perfect fit for Salem and will provide an additional layer of news credibility to the stories he covers. When you add Victor Davis Hanson’s podcasts, and those of Bauer and Rose, it makes the partnership complete.” Solomon comments, “Salem Podcast Network has amassed one of the most formidable audiences and lineups in the industry. We are excited to be joining the team and introducing our news and analysis to a whole new audience.”
WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning drive personality Fred Toucher and Beasley Media Group agree to terms on a new, multi-year contract that keeps Toucher at the helm of the morning show “for years to come.” The station says, “Under Toucher’s tenure, the show has been recognized among
the top sports morning shows in America and has won numerous national industry awards including a Marconi Award. Toucher was a foundational member of the launch of the station in August 2009. Prior to joining the ‘98.5 Sports Hub’ team, he worked at the former legendary rock station, WBCN.” Toucher comments, “I am thrilled to be able to work with my Beasley family over the coming years. I will continue my record of immense competence and brilliance.” Station PD Rick Radzik adds, “Fred has been entertaining ‘Sports Hub’ listeners each morning since 2009 with his compelling viewpoints and opinions on a wide range of topics. We are very pleased that he will continue on with us for years to come.” There’s no mention of morning drive co-host and Toucher’s longtime partner Rich Shertenlieb in the press release and the Boston Globe’s Chad Finn writes about the possibility Shertenlieb will exit the station soon. Read his column here.
Longtime morning drive talk host Tom Roten exits iHeartMedia’s news/talk WVHU-AM, Huntington,
West Virginia. Roten posted the following to social media: “For 22 years, my morning talk radio show was the #1 show in the Huntington, WV market. The most recent ratings period showed the station overall at #5 in the market, #1 for AM stations (highest ever ranking). Unfortunately, iHeart is going in a different direction and I was dismissed. While my future is uncertain, you can still access my podcasts from Spotify and other streaming services.”