The Albany Times-Union reports that former WGDJ, Albany talk host Melody Burns died last week at age
65 after a battle with cancer. Burns hosted a show on WGDJ from 2012 through 2014. After leaving her radio show, she became director of operations at Veterans Miracle Center, where veterans and military personnel could get new items they need at no cost. Read the Times-Union obituary here.
Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago adds “Rich Valdés America at Night” to its program schedule, airing live from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.
FOX News Media is presenting special programming during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, beginning Sunday, August 18 through Friday, August 23. FNC will commence its special coverage from Chicago on Sunday with “FOX News Sunday” anchored by Shannon Bream. Co-anchored by chief political anchor and “Special Report” anchor Bret Baier and “The Story” anchor and executive editor Martha MacCallum, FNC will present a nightly hour-long special titled, “FOX News Democracy 2024: The Democratic National Convention” Monday through Thursday at 10:00 pm ET.
Audacy announces that it is ending the all-news format on WCBS-AM, New York and will lease the signal to Good Karma Brands, which will begin airing its sports talk “ESPN New York” format on the signal, beginning August 26. Audacy plans to change the call letters to WHSQ-AM. Audacy, which will continue to operate all-news WINS-AM/FM, has not commented on how the change will affect WCBS-AM staffers. Audacy New
York market president Chris Oliviero states, “New York has always been proudly unique in supporting two all-news radio brands, but the news business has gone through significant changes. The headwinds facing local journalism nationwide made it essential to strategically reimagine how we deliver the news for the most impact. WCBS 880 has been one of the most respected radio stations in history, with a legacy cemented by the hundreds of world-class journalists, on and off the air, who willed it into existence over the decades. If it happened in New York or the world, you heard about it on WCBS 880. Today, 1010 WINS@92.3FM, equally iconic, moves forward as New York’s only 24/7 all-news station with the best distribution platform, the largest audience and the most recognized brand in the industry. All-news is a pillar of Audacy, and this decision, though difficult, fortifies that leadership position for generations to come.” Audacy says that to honor WCBS 880’s meaningful impact, the station will broadcast a live commemorative special, “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped our Lives,” on August 22 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. This special edition of “NEWSLINE” with Brigitte Quinn will include interviews and historical clips. Audacy New York will continue to serve as the exclusive rights holder and flagship audio home of the New York Mets. Audacy-produced broadcasts will continue to air on 880 AM and stream on the Audacy app.
Audacy reports its operating results for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue of $301.6 million, an increase of 1% over the same period in 2023. After reporting a net loss of $125.8 million in Q2 of 2023, the company reports net income of $2.9 million in the second quarter of this year. Looking at Audacy’s business segments, Local and National Spot revenue was $179.6 million, a decline of almost 4% from a year ago; Digital (including podcasting) revenue was $74.4 million, an increase of 11.6%; and Network revenue
was $22.3 million, up 7% over Q2 of 2023. Audacy also breaks out revenue by radio format categories and while Sports radio revenue was $71.1 million (up 8.3% over last year), News/Talk revenue was $43 million (a decline of 2.3% from the same period a year ago). Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field comments, “Audacy continued to deliver strong 2024 financial performance with Q2 Adjusted EBITDA more than doubling, up 116% vs. prior year. For the first six months of 2024, Adjusted EBITDA is up 128%. Our accelerating financial performance reflects our significant revenue share gains, low-teen growth in digital advertising, high single-digit growth in network radio, and prudent expense reductions, offsetting continued weakness in traditional ad markets. Notably, our transformational, strategic investments are emerging as a critical driver in our accelerating performance. Recent improvements in our streaming and podcasting platforms, along with further enhancements to our digital monetization and programmatic capabilities are increasing their impact on our top-line and bottom-line results. As previously announced, we received court approval of our consensual pre-packaged Plan of Reorganization in February and are awaiting FCC approval to complete the process. We continue to expect final approval and emergence to occur during the current quarter. The third quarter is currently pacing up low-single digits, and we expect another quarter of significant Adjusted EBITDA growth.”
Net revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $60.4 million, a decline of 4.8% from the same period in 2023. Beasley Broadcast Group’s net loss shrank from $10.4 million in Q2 of 2023 to $276,000 in the second quarter of 2024. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “Beasley’s second quarter results highlight the ongoing progress we are making to position the company for sustainable, profitable growth. The continued
success of our digital transformation strategy led to a 10.4% year-over-year increase in same-station second quarter digital revenue, partially offsetting ongoing challenges related to softness in the audio advertising spot market. Digital revenue accounted for nearly 22% of total second quarter revenue, in-line with our full-year 2024 goal of 20% to 25% of total revenue. On the new business front, our dedicated sales teams are leveraging the audience reach and engagement of our platform to attract new advertisers. We have and will continue to see the benefit of political revenue through the end of year, and at the same time, we are taking aggressive action to address near-term challenges through expense management initiatives, which drove approximately $2 million in expense savings compared to the prior year. We expect to achieve $10 million in annualized expense savings.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
“If you missed Biff & Bev in-the-Morning, you missed…” It’s a donut: produced open and close, with an aircheck clip in the middle.
— I don’t think I have ever heard such a promo that caused me remorse for missing the show being touted. Often the clip makes the personalities sound self-amused.
— The listener can’t act on this message. This morning’s Biff & Bev show is gone, and don’t count on anyone clicking-as-many-times-as-necessary to find it on the station website.
— You send diary keepers a dangerous subliminal message: that they DIDN’T listen. Heck, we want to fool them into thinking they did listen!
Instead:
— Talk about the NEXT show.
— Use “you” and/or “your” as-early-as-possible in copy; and “and your calls!” near the end.
— Offer a benefit statement, something listeners will realize from listening, i.e., what they’ll take-away from hearing tomorrow’s guest, what they can call-in-and-win, anticipated topics.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working 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
Audacy will flip alternative rock KRBZ-FM, Kansas City to sports talk as “96.5 The Fan” and is changing the call letters to KFNZ-FM. Audacy says, “The market-leading sports talent, commentary, analysis and play-by-play coverage previously heard on ‘610 Sports Radio’ (KCSP-AM) will now be heard on 96.5 The Fan – marking Kansas City’s first full-time FM Sports station. This FM sports destination will be the new flagship
radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”
Audacy names Reginald “Reggie” Adetula midday co-host of the “In The Loop” midday show alongside co
-host John Lopez and producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard on KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610,” beginning August 19. KILT brand manager Parker Hillis comments, “We’re thrilled to have Reggie join ‘In The Loop’ as the newest host. He’s a natural talent whose on-air enthusiasm and innate ability to connect with an audience will make him the perfect fit here in Houston.” Adetula is a native Houstonian who returns home after nine years as the evening host and producer on Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan.”
Beasley Media Group is celebrating the 15th anniversary of sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” next week. The station launched on August 13, 2009 with replays of the New England Patriots 2001,
2003 and 2004 Super Bowl winning radio broadcasts, followed by the inaugural “Felger & Mazz” show. Throughout its 15-year history, the station has received numerous industry accolades, including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “Sports Station of the Year” in 2011, 2014, 2019 and 2023. Station program director Rick Radzik says, “For me, being with the station since day one, I have always felt proud and privileged to be a part of the ‘Sports Hub’ team these past 15 years. We look forward to celebrating the milestone all next week on air and online with many stories and recollections from our on-air talent.”
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM adds three-tenths to finish with an 8.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) that keeps it locked in the #3 rank, while Curtis Media’s news/talk WPTF is up one-tenth for a 0.6 share finish good for the #23 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN adds a half share to finish with a 13.0 share that keeps it ranked #1 for the eleventh straight month. (Good Karma Brands’ crosstown competitor news/talk WTMJ ceased subscribing to Nielsen several months ago.) In Nashville, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WWTN-FM rises 1.2 shares for a 6.7 share finish that lifts it to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC adds three-tenths to finish with a 1.3 share and remains ranked #18. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
July 2024 PPM Data – Ratings information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 survey period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.
No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
AUSTIN
News/Talk
KLBJ-AM 4.5 – 3.7, #8 – #9
KJCE DNA – .1, DNA – #31
News
None
Sports Talk
KBPA-HD2 1.0 – .8, #19 – #22
KVET-AM .7 – .7, #22 – #23
KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUT 4.9 – 6.2, #5 – #2
KUT-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Note: Public radio news/talk KUT posts a +1.3 (4.9 – 6.2), which is Austin’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
RALEIGH
News/Talk
WTKK 8.6 – 8.9, #3 – #3
WPTF .5 – .6, #24 – #23
News
WRAL-HD3 .6 – .5, #21 – #24
Sports Talk
WCMC-FM 2.3 – 1.8, #14 – #15
WCMC-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WUNC 8.0 – 7.8, #4 – #4
INDIANAPOLIS
News/Talk
WIBC 7.5 – 8.1, #4 – #2
News
WOLT-HD2 .3 – .2, #22 – #25
Sports Talk
WIBC-HD2 2.9 – 1.4, #14 – #17
WNDE .3 – .2, #22 – #25
WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WFYI 4.8 – 4.7, #8 – #9
MILWAUKEE
News/Talk
WISN 12.5 – 13.0, eleventh consecutive month at #1
WLIP .1 – .2, #27 – #23
WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)
WAUK .2 – DNA, #22 – DNA
WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
None
Sports Talk
WRNW 1.9 – 1.5, #15 – #15
WOKY .2 – .2, #22 – #23
WSSP .1 – .1, #27 – #27
WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WUWM 2.4 – 2.7, #14 – #12
WHAD-HD2 .1 – .1, #27 – #27
Note: In addition to being #1 for the eleventh successive month, news/talk WISN posts July 2024’s highest 6+ share (13.0) of any station in all 48 PPM markets. Furthermore, owing to five straight months without a loss, “News Talk 1130” gains four full-shares (9.0 – 9.0 – 10.3 – 12.1 – 12.5 – 13.0, 6+).
NASHVILLE
News/Talk
WWTN 5.5 – 6.7, #8 – #3
WLAC 1.0 – 1.3, #18 – #18
News
WNRQ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .3, DNA – #21
Sports Talk
WGFX 6.6 – 5.9, #3 – #6
WPRT 1.9 – 1.8, #16 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WPLN 2.9 – 3.3, #14 – #13
WPLN-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WWTN’s +1.2 (5.5 – 6.7) is Nashville’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
PROVIDENCE
News/Talk
WPRO-AM 6.5 – 7.1, #5 – #4
WHJJ 1.1 – 1.6, #12 – #11
News
None
Sports Talk
WVEI 1.6 – 2.3, #10 – #8
WPRV .1 – .2, #18 – #18
WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WGBH 2.0 – 2.3, #8 – #8
WNPN 1.1 – 1.6, #12 – #11
WCAI .1 – DNA, #18 – DNA
NORFOLK
News/Talk
WNIS 2.2 – 2.4, #13 – #13
WGH-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WNOH Black Information Network .3 – .3, #22 – #23
Sports Talk
WVSP .9 – .9, #19 – #19
WGH-AM .1 – DNA, #25 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
None
JACKSONVILLE
News/Talk
WOKV-FM 9.4 – 9.0, #2 – #3
News
WJBT-HD2 Black Information Network .2 – DNA, #20 – DNA
Sports Talk
WOKV-AM .2 – DNA, #20 – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WJCT 1.9 – 1.9, #14 – #15
WEST PALM BEACH
News/Talk
WJNO 1.6 – 1.9, #13 – #11
WFTL 2.1 – 1.5, #9 – #12
WZZR 1.3 – 1.3 #14 – #13
News
None
Sports Talk
WBZT .4 – .4, #16 – #17
WMEN .4 – .4, #16 – #17
Public Radio News/Talk
WLRN 2.9 – 3.4, #8 – #8
WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: Public radio news/talk WLRN’s +.5 (2.9 – 3.4) represents a tie for West Palm Beach’s largest (6+)June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
GREENSBORO
News/Talk
WPTI 3.5 – 3.6 #11 – #10
News
None
Sports Talk
None
Public Radio News/Talk
WFDD 4.3 – 4.2, #8 – #8
WUNC 1.9 – 1.5, #14 – #14
WFDD-HD3 DNA – .2, DNA – #15
MEMPHIS
News/Talk
WREC 2.7 – 1.7, #7 – #9
KWAM .4 – .4, #12 – #13
News
WJMS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WMFS 2.7 – 3.0, #7 – #7
WMFS Stream .4 – .6, #12 – #11
WMC-AM .4 – .4, #12 – #13
Public Radio News/Talk
WKNO .5 – .6, #11 – #11
WKNO-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
HARTFORD
News/Talk
WTIC-AM 4.4 – 3.6, #8 – #9
WDRC-AM 1.7 – 1.9, #15 – #15
WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20
WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20
News
None
Sports Talk
WUCS 1.1 – 1.3, #16 – #16
Public Radio News/Talk
WNPR 5.7 – 4.6, #6 – #8
WFCR .6 – .6, #17 – #17
Note: Public radio news/talk WNPR’s -1.1 (5.7 – 4.6) is Hartford’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 decrease.
By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Daily host, WPHT Philadelphia
Weekly host, Talk Media Network
Wall Street investors do not put up money for traditional radio and television stations.
That myth has been a burden within our culture for about 10 years and it just is not true. From a 1980s fast-buck perspective, traditional media does not offer the no-effort returns it once did. But major investors continue to seek opportunities from radio and TV acquisitions. Notably, today the money is much “smarter” than that found in the 1980s.
(Side note, the 1980s rush to radio put the business in the hellish financing we live with today. The new money won’t do that.)
Marc Rowan is the CEO of Apollo Advisors which bought Cox TV and radio. Apollo was first money in Sirius radio. Their escrow check closed the deal for Howard Stern and changed the radio industry. Marc explained to me that Apollo is not an investor, they are “owners.” Apollo has a long game plan as savvy operators with decent, moral standards. Marc actually likes, consumes and celebrates media. Apollo is not a chop shop. They build businesses.
George Soros is about to close on Audacy. Mr. Soros is a brilliant business builder. Like Apollo, he is an owner/operator. Soros represents smart money going into the proven medium of radio.
John Malone, builder of the cable industry, saved Sirius within days of bankruptcy. The company was about to miss payroll, Malone pulled it out the fire and through Liberty holdings he continues to control 83% of SiriusXM. Over the years he has grown, not diminished Liberty’s stake in the satellite company.
Rowan, Soros, and Malone have one thing in common: They are not jokers. They each have robust histories of sober, sane investments which has made them billionaires. While you and I shop the price of milk, the new owners of proven media are model guides for future Wall Streeters.
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.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com
iHeartMedia reports operating results for the second quarter of 2024 and reveals consolidated revenue of $929 million, an increase of 1% over the same period on 2023. iHeartMedia reports its business in three segments. The Multiplatform Group – which includes its AM/FM radio stations – achieved revenue of $575.9 million – a decline of 3.4% over the same period in 2023. The Digital Audio Group’s revenue was $285.6 million – an increase of 9.5% over Q2 of 2023. The Audio & Media Services Group revenue was $70 million – an increase of 6.5% over the second quarter of 2023. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman
comments, “Our second quarter results mark the first quarter that our consolidated revenues increased year-over-year since Q4 2022. We continue to see strong momentum in our podcast business, our Digital ex. Podcast business, and have seen sequential improvement of our Multiplatform Group’s year-over-year revenue performance. This performance is built on iHeartMedia’s strong and unparalleled audience and demonstrates the progress we are making in maximizing the monetization of it.” Company COO and CFO Rich Bressler adds, “We continue to see signs of improvement throughout our business and the broader advertising marketplace, and our second quarter 2024 results were in line with, and in the cases of revenue, slightly above guidance. Our high-growth Digital Audio Group revenues were up 10% year over year, and represented 31% of our company’s revenues, and our Multiplatform Group revenues exceeded our previously provided guidance. Our full year 2024 political revenues are currently pacing approximately 20% higher than the last presidential election cycle, which gives us confidence that this will be a record political year for us, and we expect to see a significant year-over-year improvement in our full year Adjusted EBITDA performance.”
Second quarter 2024 net revenue for Urban One Inc. was $117.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from Q2 of 2023. Breaking down Urban One’s report by segment, the Radio Advertising segment brought in revenue of $45.4 million, basically flat from one year ago. Digital Advertising revenue for Q2 of 2024 was $15.5 million, a decrease of 17.6%. The biggest change for Urban One was Cable Television Advertising, which brought in
$22.2 million, a decline of 26.7% from the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins III states, “On a same station basis our radio division finished Q2 -5.6% excluding political, and -3.0% with political. We saw a sequential improvement in national revenues vs. Q1, which was offset by weaker local revenues. Q3 core radio revenue is currently pacing down 6.9% on a same station basis, down 5.1% including political, and up 7.0% overall. We are starting to see a significant uptick in political advertising revenues, and remain optimistic for the remainder of the year, which should benefit both our radio and digital divisions. Our Cable TV business continues to suffer from subscriber churn and audience delivery shortfall, impacting both advertising and affiliate revenues, although we are seeing a bounce-back in ratings and delivery in Q3. Our digital business experienced weaker advertising demand than prior year but remains well positioned for the second half of the year, particularly with political and CTV advertising. During Q2 we repurchased an additional $35.5 million of our 2028 notes at 78.0%, and we ended the quarter with approximately $132.4 million of cash.”
Compass Media Networks brings three new staffers aboard, including news pro Chad Robison, who is named a news anchor for “Your Money Now.” In this role, Robison will anchor the “Your Money Now” twice
-hourly money news reports Monday through Friday in middays and PM drive. Robison most recently served as evening news anchor at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5.” Compass Media Networks also names Joe Mackay director of audio sales. The 25-year radio sales pro, based in Chicago, will manage advertising sales relationships throughout the West Coast and Midwest. Also joining the company as manager of sales planning is Laura Schaeffer. The 10-year radio industry pro will help manage customer relationships and assist sales executives and management with sales proposals and inventory management. She is based in New York.
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey is released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM adds half a share to finish with a 5.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) lifting it to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX jumps four-tenths to a 2.2 share good for the #17 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI rises 1.1 shares for a 4.2 share finish and the #11 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA dips two-tenths to a 1.2 share but rises one spot to the #21 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM tacks on one-tenth to finish with a 6.2 share but slides back on spot to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM rises a full share for a 4.1 share finish and climbs one spot to the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” – hosted by Greg Gutfeld – will broadcast live at 11:00 pm ET each night following the network’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. From August 19 through 22, the program (which is usually taped earlier in the day) will be joined live by a studio audience in New York City for the first time ever.
Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-AM/FM, Boston and the New England Patriots announce a multi-year extension to their broadcast partnership that includes the continuation of exclusive “Patriots Monday” and “Patriots Friday” programming, featuring head coach Jerod Mayo and Patriots players. This year marks the 30th season of the partnership between WEEI and the Patriots, which began in 1995.
The latest episode of Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes’ podcast “Chachi Loves Everybody” features a conversation with National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 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 covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM is steady with a 3.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #11, while Hubbard Radio’s all- news WTOP-FM rises 1.2 shares for 10.7 share finish that lifts it to the #1 rank in the market. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO adds four-tenths to finish with a 3.3 share and climbs to the #10 rank, while sister all-news WBZ-AM is flat with a 4.7 share but rises one spot to the #6 rank. In Phoenix, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFYI tacks on three-tenths to finish with a 3.8 share that lifts it to the #6 rank, while Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM adds eight-tenths for a 3.1 share finish good for the #11 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
There’s no movement among the top five podcasts from June to July on Podtrac’s Top U.S. Podcasts ranker.
The New York Times’ “The Daily” remains #1, followed by NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #2 and “Up First” at #3, with NBC News’ “Dateline NBC” at #4. Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” leaps four spots to the #5 rank and the DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” jumps two spots to the #6 rank, while FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” falls two places to #8. See the full ranker here.
The presidential race and Kamala Harris’ choice of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate; U.S. Rep. Cori Bush loses Missouri Democratic primary; the world’s financial markets activity and questions about a U.S. recession; Israel’s war against Hamas and the terrorist organization’s naming Yahya Sinwar its new political leader; Pakistani Asif Merchant is charged with plotting to assassinate American politicians; X files anti-trust suit against Global Alliance for Responsible Media; the Paris Olympics; Tropical Storm Debby drenches the East Coast; and the California wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
The 16th annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Dinner and Silent Auction is set for Friday, October 4, 2024, at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. Held in the venue’s iconic Ocean Ballroom, the high-profile civic event is a major fund-raising function of one of New Jersey’s most important and enduring charitable initiatives and one of the leading radio industry-powered philanthropic endeavors in America. The non-profit Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation was launched 18 years ago by legendary morning talk show host Harry Hurley of Townsquare Media-owned WPG, Atlantic City and has since raised more than $1.5 million resulting in hundreds of grants donated to worthy organizations and causes throughout the Garden State and beyond. The charity also sponsors an annual Hurley in the Morning Golf Open. TALKERS founder and noted radio pioneer Michael Harrison has been selected to serve as the dinner’s 2024 guest of honor and keynote speaker. Organizers of this year’s gathering are looking forward to raising $100,000 with more than 250 attendees from government, civics, business and the local communities expected to attend what is traditionally a sold-out event. For information on purchasing tables and individual tickets, email HarryHurley@aol.com.
Hubbard Radio appoints John Goforth vice president/general manager of podcasts. Goforth most recently served as chief revenue officer for Magellan AI, where he led sales strategy and business development. His industry experience includes leadership roles at HowStuffWorks, iHeartPodcasts, Midroll Media, and CBS
Radio. The company says that in his new role, Goforth will collaborate closely with local Hubbard Radio markets to enhance sales strategies for existing podcasts. And as part of the Hubbard Radio corporate team, he will create new podcast initiatives and strategic partnerships, to build an even more robust podcast network. Hubbard EVP and chief financial officer Dave Bestler says, “We fully understand and embrace the evolution in our business from radio to audio. We are creating must-hear content in all eight of our Hubbard Radio markets, and listeners are increasingly accessing our content on-demand. John will help expand our podcast offerings, while growing revenue with the podcasts we already have.” Goforth comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing team at Hubbard and help grow their already impressive portfolio. It’s thrilling to be at the intersection of local and national in the podcast space. As we’ve seen in other channels, cracking the code on local is the key to explosive growth.”
Salem Media Group announces that Larry Elder is rejoining the Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel and Salem Podcast Network. Elder will return to hosting the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET program that he anchored before exiting the company in April of 2022. He bumps Brandon Tatum from his position as the
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm host. Tatum filled in for Elder during his run for governor of California in 2021 and subsequently assumed the role full time. Elder joined the 2024 Republican presidential primary race but dropped out last fall and threw his support behind Donald Trump. Since then, he’s been hosting his podcast, “Larry Elder – We’ve Got a Country to Save.” He’ll continue the podcast with Salem handling sales and marketing for the it. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Larry is one of a rare breed who actually grew in popularity and influence AFTER he departed the radio. Now we get to hear his sage words of wisdom daily on radio stations across the country, on Salem News Channel, and the Salem Podcast Network.”
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Good Karma Brands’ urban talk WGKB-AM/W269DL, Milwaukee “101.7 The Truth” is presenting the second “Truth Family Fest,” August 17 at Riverside University High School. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm event will allow
fans to engage with “Truth” hosts, enjoy delicious food, take in local entertainment. “Truth” hosts Tory Lowe and Melanie Ricks will broadcast live from 11 am to 1:00 pm. Station general manager Cherie Harris says, “We are thrilled to bring back Truth Family Fest for the second year in a row! This event is a celebration of family, community, and partnership. Truth Family Fest will provide valuable resources on healthcare, recreation, and back-to-school support, all aimed at making the transition to the upcoming school year smoother.”
iHeartPodcasts joins forces with Thoroughbred Studios to develop a new podcast slate that will delve into some of the biggest stories on what really happened in this American century. As part of the deal, the companies will co-produce a minimum of four podcasts over the next two years. The first show will debut early 2025 and will recount the often-overlooked gritty realities of the renowned astronauts that made it to the moon.
National multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that “The Ricky Cobb Show” will debut on August 12, airing live for 90-minutes beginning at 11:00 am ET. OutKick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “We’re excited to introduce Ricky Cobb to the OutKick audience as he steps out from behind @Super70sSports and unleashes his engaging personality as a true original.”
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc will report its 2024 second quarter financial results before the market opens on August 12. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET that morning to review the results.
July 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 ratings period (June 20 – July 17) has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.
No share or rank thresholds are required for spoken-word stations to be included here.
DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear
Comparisons are June 2024 – July 2024 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk
WABC 3.3 – 3.8, #11 – #10
WOR 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19
WKXW .9 – 1.1, #22 – #22
WLIR .1 – .2, #43 – #40
WKXW Stream .3 – .1, #36 – #44
News
WINS-FM 4.2 – 4.3, #7 – #6
WCBS-AM 1.5 – 1.7, #20 – #19 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .4 – .5, #33 – #29
Business News WBBR .4 – .4, #33 – #31
WCBS-AM Stream .2 – .2, #37 – #40 (Mets)
WWRL & WWPR-HD3 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WFAN FM & AM 2.3 – 2.6, #13 -#13 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream .6 – .7, #27 -#25 (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WNYC-FM 3.7 – 3.5, #9 – #11
WNYC-AM .7 – .8, #26 – #24
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk
KFI 3.7 – 4.0, #7 – #7
KRLA .7 – .7, #33 – #31
KEIB .5 – .4, #34 – #34
News
KNX-FM 3.1 – 3.3, #11 – #10
KNX-FM Stream .3 – .3, #37 – #36
KRRL-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KLAC 1.5 – 1.4, #27 – #28 (Dodgers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KPCC 1.6 – 1.7, #26 – #24
Note: The Angels’ flagships are sports talk KLAA (DNA) and sports talk KSPN (DNA).
CHICAGO
News/Talk
WGN 2.5 – 2.5, #15 – #13
WLS-AM 1.1 – 1.2, #25 – #25
WVON .2 – .3, #37 – #34
WLS-AM Stream .1 – .2, #41 – #37
WLIP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBBM-AM & WCFS 5.4 – 5.2, #4 – #5
WBBM-AM & WCFS Stream .1 – .1, #41 – #39
WVAZ-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WSCR 2.7 – 2.2, #13 – #18 (Cubs)
WSCR Stream .3 – .4, #33 – #31 (Cubs)
WSHE-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
WBEZ 1.7 – 1.9, #22 – #21
Note: The White Sox flagship is sports talk WMVP (DNA).
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk
KSFO 1.0 – .9, #23 – #24
KSFO Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #36
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 5.4 – 5.8, #3 – #4
KNEW .2 – .3, #30 – #29 (Oakland A’s)
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KKSF Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KNBR 4.5 – 4.0, # 5 – #7 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.5 – 1.6, #21 – #20
KNBR Stream .3 – .3, #28 – #29 (Giants)
KGO .1 – .1, #35 – #36
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT .1 – DNA, #35 – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KQED 7.1 – 7.1, #2 – #1
KALW .3 – .6, #28 – #26
DALLAS
News/Talk
WBAP 3.0 – 2.9, #12 – #14
KSKY .7 – .7, #33 – #32
KLIF-AM .4 – .2, #35 – #39
KFXR-AM .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KSKY Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
News – Talk KRLD-AM 1.5 – 1.2, #27 – #28
News – Talk KRLD-AM Stream .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
KKGM Black Information Network .1 – DNA, #38 – DNA
Sports Talk
KTCK 5.1 – 4.2, #2 – #7
KRLD-FM 2.3 – 2.0, #20 – #22 (Texas Rangers)
KRLD-FM Stream .9 – .1, #30 – #42 (Texas Rangers)
Public Radio News/Talk
KERA 2.5 – 2.9, #17 – #14
HOUSTON
News/Talk
KTRH 3.3 – 4.6, #13 – #7 (Astros)
KPRC .3 – .6, #27 – #27
News
KXYZ Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #31
Sports Talk
KBME .8 – 1.1, #26 – #23 (Astros)
KILT-AM 1.3 – 1.0, #23 – #24
KILT-AM Stream .3 – .1, #27 – #31
KFNC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
KUHF 4.1 – 4.3, #7 – #9
Note: News/talk KTRH’s +1.3 (3.3 – 4.6) represents Houston’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
ATLANTA
News/Talk
WSB-AM & WSBB 7.2 – 9.1, #3 – #1
WFOM .3 – .4, #29 – #26
WGKA .2 – .2, #31 – #32
WAOK .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WAOK Stream .1 – .1, #33 – #33
WSRV-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
News
WBIN Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
WCNN 4.2 – 3.7, #8 – #9 (Braves)
WZGC 2.8 – 2.9, #17 – #15
WZGC Stream .3 – .3, #29 – #30
Public Radio News/Talk
WABE 3.6 – 3.9, #11 – #8
WRAS .4 – .4, #26 – #26
WABE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Note: News/talk WSB-AM & WSBB’s +1.9 (7.2 – 9.1) represents the largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk
WPHT 2.2 – 2.8, #16 – #13
WPHT Stream .7 – 1.0, #26 – #24
WKXW .8 – .9, #25 – #26
WURD .3 – .4, #28 – #28
WDEL-AM DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WURD Stream DNA – .1, DNA – #33
WKXW Stream .1 – DNA, #30 – DNA
News
KYW & WPHI 5.0 – 5.0, #6 – #5
KYW & WPHI Stream .7 – .8, #26 – #27
WTEL & WDAS-HD2 Black Information Network DNA – .1, DNA – #33
Sports Talk
WIP 7.5 – 7.7, #3 – #2 (Phillies)
WIP Stream 1.7 – 2.1, #19 – #16 (Phillies)
WPEN-FM 1.2 – 1.4, #22 – #22
Public Radio News/Talk
WHYY 3.1 – 3.2, #11 – #12
Note: News/talk WPHT’s +.6 (2.2 – 2.8) is Philadelphia’s largest (6+) June 2024 – July 2024 increase.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND)
News/Talk
WABC 1.8 – 2.1, #16 – #15
WOR 1.3 – 1.5, #20 – #19
WLIR .2 – .5, #27 – #25
News
WINS-FM 5.2 – 5.0, #2 – #3
WCBS-AM 1.7 – 2.3, #18 – #13 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .5 – 1.0 #24 – #21
WCBS-AM Stream .3 – .4, #25 – #26 (Mets)
Business News WBBR .3 – .2, #25 – #27
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.9 – 2.6, #10 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN-FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
WSUF .2 – .2, #27 – #27
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk
None
News
KFOO Black Information Network DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Sports Talk
KPWK .2 – .1, #24 – #23
Public Radio News/Talk
KVCR .4 – .1 #19 – #23
KPCC DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
SAN JOSE
News/Talk
KSFO 1.4 – 1.5, #21 – #21
KSFO Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
News
KCBS-AM & KFRC 4.1 – 4.3, #5 – #6
KCBS-AM & KFRC Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25
KNEW .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Oakland A’s)
Sports Talk
KNBR 3.2 – 2.0, #11 – #15 (Giants)
KGMZ 1.4 – 1.9, #21 – #18
KNBR Stream .2 – .2, #26 – #25 (Giants)
KGO .2 – DNA, #26 – DNA
KGO Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KTCT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
KGMZ Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA
Public Radio News/Talk
None
MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION
News/Talk
WKXW 6.3 – 6.9, #2 – #2
WOR 3.0 – 3.4, #9 – #9
WKXW Stream 1.0 – .1, #18 – #20
News
WINS-FM 2.0 – 2.6, #14 – #11
WCBS-AM .8 – .9, #20 – #17 (Mets)
WINS-FM Stream .3 – .3, #23 – #18
WCBS-AM Stream .1 – .1, #25 – #20 (Mets)
Sports Talk
WFAN-FM & AM 2.3 – 2.4, #30 – #12 (Yankees)
WFAN FM & AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Yankees)
Public Radio News/Talk
None
Note: Seven (7) stations are tied at #20 with a .1 (6+).
Up next: July 2024 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Bonneville’s Salt Lake City news/talk KNRS-AM/FM “Talk Radio 105.9 KNRS” transitions the afternoon drive program to “The Rod and Greg Show,” starring incumbent talk host Rod Arquette and Greg Hughes, effective today (8/5). The station says, “On August 5th, a new era of talk radio begins in Utah as Arquette’s Wingman Wednesday co-host, ‘Citizen’ Greg Hughes, joins him for the inaugural flight of the ‘Rod and Greg Show.’” Hughes is a former Utah state lawmaker, Speaker of the Utah House and one time candidate for
governor who’s been a frequent contributor, guest host, and weekly co-host on the Rod Arquette show since 2018. Arquette says, “Greg has been a passionate contributor of political commentary in Utah on TV and radio dating back to 2012. His extensive experience and background in public service and public policy allows him to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in Utah and national politics. Our goal is to bring common sense and fair mindedness to the issues that are impacting Utah families in an entertaining and informative way.” Hughes states, “I am beyond grateful and excited to join 105.9 KNRS and the iHeartRadio family. I am especially excited, to partner with Rod every day to inform and entertain the greatest listening audience in Utah. We are living in uncertain, but historic times. There is a real need for thought leaders today who can reach out and dialogue with public servants, business, and community leaders but most importantly, with everyday Utahns. ‘The Rod and Greg Show’ will be the place where that happens… and then some. I’m ready to go!”
Beasley Media Group names David Snyder head of digital content marketing. For the past 14 years, Snyder has been CEO at content marketing platform Copy Press that served clients including Uber, AirBnB, Indeed,
and Macy’s. In this newly created corporate position, Snyder will be responsible for overseeing digital marketing and building revenue opportunities on behalf of the company with an emphasis on newsletters, SEO, websites and affiliate marketing as well as leading the developers working across the organization. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Dave into the Beasley family. His marketing expertise is exactly what we need as we continue to build new revenue streams on behalf of the company.”
Newsmax Inc. announces it is hosting an online Special Investor Webinar conversation with CEO Christopher Ruddy tomorrow at 12:00 noon ET. The company is currently holding a private placement offering ahead of its planned Public Offering and expected Listing and “this online event will provide accredited investors with insight into the Company’s vision, strategy and growth prospects.” (Accredited
investors are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Rule 501(a) as individuals with a net worth greater than $1 million – excluding their primary residence – or incomes in excess of $200,000 in the last two years with the expectation of the same in the current year – or $300,000 with a spouse.) Last month, Newsmax announced that it would seek to become a public company later in 2024 or in early 2025 with a listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq. In preparation for this contemplated public offering, Newsmax has launched a private placement offering seeking to raise up to $225 million. Ruddy states, “We are excited to connect with the tens of thousands of investors nationwide who have already shown interest in investing in Newsmax. There is much to be enthusiastic about Newsmax, including significant growth in our audience, a surge in interest in conservative media and our expanding portfolio of platforms and distribution. Now more than ever — especially in this election year of 2024 — America needs Newsmax. We look forward to sharing more details with everyone who tunes in to the webinar.” Find information about the webinar here.
Cumulus Media reports its operating results for the second quarter of this year and reveals net revenue of $204.8 million, a decrease of 2.5% that is in line with the company’s pacing guidance. Cumulus’ total broadcast radio revenue was $136.1 million, a decline of 7.3%, with spot revenue down 4.9% and network revenue down 13.6%. On the positive side digital revenue was $39.5 million, up 5.0%. Cumulus Media
president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “In the context of a challenging advertising environment, second quarter total revenue finished in line with our pacing guidance, down 2.5% year-over-year. However, our unrelenting focus on areas of the business that are in our control helped us to mitigate the impact of soft demand while also driving tangible progress in key priority areas. During the quarter, we grew our digital marketing services business by 24%, reduced fixed costs by $4 million, and continued to strengthen our balance sheet through the successful completion of our exchange offer, ABL upsizing, and the buyback of a portion of our remaining 2026 maturity debt. Looking ahead, while the advertising outlook remains uncertain, our advertisers continue to be focused on when – not if – they’re going to return to more typical spending levels. Fortunately, thanks to our success at extending our debt maturities, we have time on our side and the flexibility to pursue multiple paths to create shareholder value.”
Historian, author, and investigative journalist Mark Shaw joins TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison in a revealing discussion about the preponderance of conspiracy theories and flimsy sourcing currently flooding the nation’s talk and print media under the guise of researched reporting. Shaw, the author of dozens of critically acclaimed books including the 2016 best seller, The Reporter Who Knew Too Much, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” (see it here) as well as the award winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview” (listen here). Harrison and Shaw examine the important role responsible journalism and critical thinking play in maintaining a healthy, functioning democracy. Have we entered a “post-truth” era? Harrison says, “There’s a growing tendency in the rapidly unfolding digital age for the media, the politicians, and the intellectually dishonest from all strata of society to seek victory at the expense of truth.” Don’t miss this provocative thought-starter!