Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond
The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place this past Friday (6/7) at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments. See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.
Pictured (l-r) are the industry visionaries who made the “Brave New World” panel one of the most illuminating highlights of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/associate publisher, TALKERS / senior partner, Harrison Media Law; Steven Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Agency; John T. Mullen, GM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University; and Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH / Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. Not pictured, moderator Harry Hurley, morning host, WPG, Atlantic City. The session explored radio’s generational divide, the impact of YouTube and social media; changing technology, the protection of intellectual property rights, artificial intelligence and more.
Bill Brady, owner/host, KFNX, Phoenix “The Pulse of Arizona” delivered a compelling address appropriately titled, “The Case for AM Radio” that received a standing ovation.
WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (r) presented Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Scott Herman (l) with a donation of $8,000 from the famous Hurley in the Morning Charty Foundation. Each year, beginning with a $1,000 donation in 2017, Hurley has presented a gift to the BFoA at the TALKERS conference increasing the sum by a thousand dollars each year. The total now stands at $36,000. Herman delivered an emotional address detailing the tremendous work the Broadcasters Foundation does each year in providing financial support and protection to radio and TV professionals who have fallen on hard times due to catastrophic health issues or natural disasters. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation of America please click here. www.broadcastersfoundation.org
Rob Finnerty, host of “Wake Up America” on Newsmax TV, delivered an insightful lunchtime address titled “In Front of the Camera” expressing the perspective of talk show hosts on the television side of talk media. Newsmax sponsored the lunch at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.
continue to host his nightly 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am show as well as his 11:00 pm to 12:00 midnight heard on Sundays. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Dominic as our 3 to 4 pm host. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist and political commentator who presents all sides of issues relevant to our listeners. He’s done an excellent job with his overnight programs and I know he will do the same with the 3:00 pm hour.” Carter comments, “I’m excited about hosting an afternoon slot and grateful for the trust that Mr. Catsimatidis and [president] Chad Lopez have shown in me. It’s an honor to serve the New York City area listeners, especially on a powerhouse station like WABC Radio, as well as WLIR 107.1, our sister station on Long Island.”
he will report directly to president Bruce Beasley and will be responsible for overseeing WMMR-FM, WMGK-FM, WXTU-FM, BEN FM, 97.5 The Fanatic, WWDB 860 and Camden’s WTMR 800. He states, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of cluster manager for Beasley Media Philadelphia. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Beasley family for their unwavering trust and confidence in me. It is an incredible privilege to lead one of America’s premier groups of radio stations and digital content creators, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the media industry.”
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 PPM survey has been 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 covered April 25 through May 22. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, although Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM dipped six-tenths to a 5.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), it remains ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM rises one-tenth to a 1.7 share stays in the #20 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI-AM is steady with a 2.8 share but falls back to the #13 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA slides back two-tenths to a 1.9 share good for the #19 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses 3.2 shares to finish with a 4.9 share and regresses to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM adds half a share for a 3.1 share finish that lifts it to the #14 rank. 
nearly nine years with the company. Aitken joined Cumulus Media in 2016 and has been SVP of human resources for the past two years. Cumulus CEO Mary G. Berner says, “For the past nearly eight years, Kriston has been a stand-out HR executive, and I’m delighted that she is fully ready and able to step into this important role. Given our significant focus on culture and the fact that 94% of our surveyed employees express pride in working at Cumulus, it’s crucial to have a leader genuinely invested in cultivating our culture. Kriston’s commitment to this aspect and her proven operational skills give me full confidence that she will continue to enhance the legacy that Todd leaves behind.”
The best thing about attending media conferences like TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond, which occurred last week on June 7, is the opportunity to hear diverse viewpoints from industry experts. Gatherings like these also provide the opportunity for attendees like me to “chew” on some of the great ideas presented by the expert panelists and think about solutions to some of the challenges raised during the discussions.
discussions and analysis of local issues.” Charlottesville Radio Group operations manager and WINA program director Paul McDaniel says, “We are thrilled to extend ‘The Schilling Show’ by an hour each weekday. Rob’s ability to connect with the audience and provide insightful commentary has made the show a cornerstone of our programming. This expansion is a testament to his unparalleled work and the loyalty of his listeners.” Schilling comments, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend more time daily with my loyal listening audience as we further explore and examine pressing issues of the day. This additional hour will allow for more compelling guests, more in-depth analysis, and most importantly, more time for WINA listeners to engage with their community.”
made the announcement yesterday (6/11) on the program. He said, “I am retiring from daily radio. I’ve been doing this for 30-something years all told six and seven days a week and kind of decided, probably after the football season if I’m being honest… My get-into-work time has been gradually getting later and later and later. And it’s just because getting up sucks. And there’s no other show I would want to do. There’s no other thing I would want to do in media. And just decided for me that this was like the perfect time to walk away.” Klingler says he’s not retiring fully. He’ll still do Chiefs radio broadcasts and some freelance TV. 
advertising. The five questions are: 1) Does audio work? 2) Can audio be planned and purchased at scale? 3) Are there creative best practices for getting audio right? 4) Can audio be measured? And 5) Is the brand properly set up for success? Fix says, “These five questions are important to advertisers, providers of audio, and the industry in general. Communication with advertisers is best when it is acknowledged as to the stage of the advertiser and the industry. Failure to identify and address each step in the 5-Question Framework will cause unnecessary delay.” 
liabilities, including defamation. The claim was the result of Georgia resident Mark Andrews suing Salem for defamation after the film and its trailer falsely depicted Andrews committing a crime (ballot stuffing). Salem has since apologized to Andrews. Atlantic denied the claim arguing that an “occurrence that was first committed” happened before the policy inception date,” and further that it could deny coverage because there was no previous insurance for 2000 Mules although Salem says it had proof of just such a policy. Atlantic also denied saying that pre-policy advertising contributed to the defamation claim, but Salem argues that this was done by third-parties “for which Salem Media, as the film distributor, was not responsible.” Salem is asking for a jury trial. 
In case you missed it, honesty was on full display at Friday’s TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond conference.
also affects air personalities Andrea Darlas and Jane Clauss, but it appears Darlas will continue with the station for weekends and her podcast. WLS-AM program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Ray has been part of the fabric of ‘The Big 89’ for years. We’re thrilled to have him back in morning drive on 890 WLS-AM.” Stevens comments, “I am beyond ecstatic to be back doing mornings at WLS and 890 in my hometown. Special thanks to Marv Nyren and Stephanie Tichenor for having faith and believing in me. Also special thanks to KCMO’s Donna Baker and Pete Mundo who’ve let me work middays at the radio station for the better part of the year. I can’t wait to get to work and be on the air at the legendary 890 WLS-AM talking NASCAR, politics, football, and everything that makes us the greatest city in the world!”
Bill Doyle from the co-host role. The new “Deminski & Moore” show airs from 2:00pm to 7:00 pm. Deminski states, “The stupid robots in grocery aisles, your phone that fell in a toilet, the governor’s hairstylist somehow avoiding charges, the fact that Kylie still doesn’t understand how to eat M&Ms, the neurosis we all have and never dare talk about. Kylie is fun, smart, and unique. I love the wide range of topics we’ll be able to cover.” Moore says, “I’m excited to partner with Jeff Deminski. He’s one of the hardest-working and most genuine people I know, and you can hear his passion through the airwaves. He can make me laugh, think critically, and argue with him all before we hit our first traffic break!”
Got young local radio news talent? CONGRATULATIONS, for five reasons:
is launching a private placement offering seeking to raise up to $225 million.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy adds, “While achieving significant success, Newsmax has stayed true to our mission of providing Americans with honest and real news. Now more than ever, especially in this election year of 2024, America needs Newsmax and you can join with us as an investor.” The current private offering currently consists of shares of the Company’s Series B 7% Convertible Preferred Stock for a maximum Offering amount of up to $225 million.
approximately $2.1 million compared to net income of $34.3 million for 2022. For the first quarter of 2024, net revenue was approximately $104.4 million, a decrease of 5% from the same period in 2023. Broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $32 million, a decrease of 18.5% from the same period in 2023. Net income was approximately $7.5 million compared to a loss of $2.9 million for the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III states, “Our Adjusted EBITDA for FY23 came in just above the high-end of our previous guidance at $128.4 million. As expected, we suffered a drop in radio division broadcast cash flow as a result of reduced political advertising compared to Q4 2022. Other divisions performed broadly in line with expectations, although the continuing churn in cable television subscribers remains an industry-wide concern. For Q1 our national radio revenues were hit by tough comparatives on a handful of large clients plus a general softness in the market. Second quarter radio pacing’s are sequentially better, with same station core revenues down mid-single-digits and low-single digits including political… We are optimistic about political advertising revenues for the remainder of the year, which should benefit both our radio and digital divisions. During Q1 we repurchased $75 million of our 2028 notes at 88.3%, and we ended the quarter with approximately $155.7 million of cash.”
When recently starting nightly on WPHT, Philadelphia, I asked program director Greg Stocker if there was anything else management needed from me. Greg said, “Do your show.”
Saturdays at 10:00 am ET on SiriusXM’s bipartisan P.O.T.U.S. channel. This show will contain major interviews and showcase conversations and debates with Mediaite writers and editors, along with top reporters from various outlets. These roundtable discussions will cover the intersection of media and politics, the inner workings of the media world, and the biggest industry stories of the week. The inaugural episode features an in-depth interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos.
extraordinary contributions to sports broadcasting for over four decades, notably as one of the first women to cover Major League Baseball. Serving as host for the event will be ABC News senior national affairs correspondent and “20/20” co-anchor Deborah Roberts. AWMF president Becky Brooks comments, “We are honored to have Deborah Roberts, an exemplary journalist and storyteller, host this year’s Gracies Luncheon. Her illustrious career and dedication to impactful reporting epitomize the values we celebrate at the Gracie Awards. Additionally, we are honored to recognize Suzyn Waldman’s pioneering contributions to the industry with the Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award. This event promises to be a memorable celebration of talent and achievement in media.”
daypart to morning drive, taking over for Maxwell Schaeffer and Amy Sweet, who exited the station earlier this year. He posts a message to Facebook saying, in part, “Iowans are all about connecting with each other and WHO Radio has always been at the heart of that. We’ll have conversations about the most important topics of the day, and we’ll share a few laughs along the way.”
introduced to their audience. Brittany Arneson and Kendall Mark will host the “Brittany & Kendall” show beginning July 8. Arneson joined KTMY in 2019, filling in on the “Lori & Julia” show as well as hosting events and assisting with social media and video content. She also previously served with KQRS-FM and as a co-host of the “Tom Barnard Podcast.” Mark has been serving with KMSP-TV “FOX 9” and as part of “The Jason Matheson Show.”
columnist John Heilemann called, “Impolitic with John Heilemann.” New episodes will drop each Tuesday and Thursday. Audacy Podcasts EVP Jenna Weiss-Berman says, “We couldn’t be more excited to expand our thriving Puck slate with ‘Impolitic’ especially in this election year. John is a singular political journalist whose incisive and insightful analysis and reporting will keep listeners informed leading up to November and beyond.”
listening experiences with friends on Discord with a huge assortment of free audio to add to hangouts or play in the background. TuneIn CEO Rich Stern says, “We’re thrilled to bring TuneIn to the millions of people who use Discord daily to connect and build friendships through audio. This launch underscores our commitment to provide listeners with access to high-quality audio content wherever they are. To be the first audio partner of this kind on the platform is a testament to our continued investment in innovation to power listening experiences everywhere.”
downloads, listens, or views never contemplated a device utilized by multiple people. What we have uncovered is that there is actually a fair amount of co-listening to podcasts that takes place. Whether it be with kids, friends, or family, the podcast industry is leaving ears on the table. There is a richer consumption story to be told as it is not just one person per download. For agencies and media planners, being able to examine co-listening by genre or podcast can offer invaluable insights into reaching the true audience.” Other notable findings include: 1) Marketers targeting people with a side hustle will find a rich concentration among men, heavy, and 18-34 podcast consumers; 2) Podcast pioneers and women like to go back to listen to back episodes and episodes they missed; 3) YouTube has been the most utilized podcast listening platform in the U.S. over the past year and a half: 31% say it is the platform they use the most, followed by Spotify (21%) and Apple (12%); and 4) As the world’s entertainment search engine, YouTube is the dominant podcast discovery platform where audiences are more likely to find podcasts.