WABC, New York morning drive personality Sid Rosenberg is well known in the Big Apple for his radio work, but he’s been pursuing a side-hustle as an actor and has a role in the Amazon Prime 1980s-era mob series, “Gravesend.” He’s pictured above (left) in a still from a scene with actor William DeMeo (right) who plays the lead character Benny Zerletta.
The Buffalo Bills and Audacy’s sports talk WGR, Buffalo say that interim play-by-play announcer Chris Brown – who took over for John Murphy at the end of last season as Murphy recovers from a stroke – will continue in that role for the 2023-2024 NFL season.
Woodward Radio Group radio stations – including news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO in Appleton, Wisconsin – in partnership with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, hosted the 5th annual Combat Hunger event that raised money and food to provide 52,580 meals for veterans facing hunger in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley.
Cumulus Media is looking for an experienced program director for two iconic brands — KUGN-AM/FM (news/talk and home of the Pac 12 Oregon Ducks) and KUJZ-FM (sports talk). The program director will be responsible for growing and operating these brands and must have a strong background and passion for sports
programming and spoken-word radio. Energy, enthusiasm, and experience within the genre is a must. You will be responsible for all aspects of programming including managing on-air staff, imaging, station strategy, developing and executing revenue generating sales & programming promotions, website & social media, digital content and have a strong understanding of the core audience(s). Find out more about this position and apply here.
According to a story at cyberexpress.com, Townsquare Media has been hacked by the ransomware group ALPHV. The piece states, “The ALPHV ransomware group made their claim public, asserting that they have
gained unauthorized access to a significant amount of data belonging to Townsquare Media. According to their statement, the threat actors allegedly possess a staggering 251GB of the company’s data. This includes files sourced from the company’s servers and workstations, explicitly targeting those created within the past year.” The story does not indicate how much money the hackers are asking for, but they are reportedly giving Townsquare a week to respond before making the data public. Read the story here.
Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento “Sactown Sports” announced the new midday show starring Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Chris Watkins. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm “Whitey & Watkins” program debuts on Monday (7/10). Bonneville Sacramento SVP and market manager Steve Cottimgrim says, “We are very excited to welcome
Whitey Gleason back to Sactown Sports. The credibility that Whitey has with the sports audience in Northern California coupled with Chris’ passion and knowledge of the Sacramento Kings will certainly make this show a perfect fit for our ever-expanding ‘Sactown Sports’ brand.” Gleason most recently served with Audacy’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game,” and prior to that he was part of the “Rise Guys” show on KHTK. Watkins has been with “Sactown Sports” for nine years, most recently as the host of “Chris & Co” and co-host of the “Return of the Roar” podcast.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches a series of networking Media Mixers, with the first one scheduled for July 20 at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia. The event will be hosted by nationally syndicated radio air personality Angela Yee, who will be joined by other radio and TV on-air talent. BFoA says, “The purpose of the Media Mixers is twofold: to give up-and-coming professionals in broadcasting an
opportunity to mix and mingle not only with their peers, but with talent, managers, and executives; and to increase their awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission.” BFoA president Tim McCarthy adds, “We’re very excited about this new initiative. It’s imperative that we reach the next generation of broadcast industry leaders with our message of help and hope, while giving them an opportunity to network with higher level professionals who they may not otherwise have an opportunity to meet.” The two-hour event is free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. Register here.
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
Congratulations! You’ve made to the halfway point this year.
Stand by to prepare for the second half of the year like you never have before. This upcoming second half could be so confusing even WAZE may not get you home.
The economy is sending so many mixed signals it is almost impossible to distinguish flashing warning signs from healthy growth curves. From home sales to new car sales, prices are holding as mortgage rates are at a 15-year high and new car prices redefine sticker shock.
Hiring in many categories was robust over the last few months, signaling a better economy ahead. Here comes the tricky part. For most in the news/talk sales world, the next quarter isn’t exactly on fire and as usual precious few sellers and managers are working on Q4 as they wrestle with the headwinds they now face.
Sorry to report there is no fast fix or instant solution. But let’s at least try to review some basic game planning:
— Are you still spraying and praying, or have you zeroed in on growth targets? Every survey says, “revenge travel” and dining out are big factors in local economies this year. What’s on your target list?
— Open your eyes. What’s hot and what’s not? Here in Florida, there are two Peloton stores in two major malls as well as a full display in our local Dick’s Sporting goods. All three venues are forever uncrowded – as in empty. Yet have you checked out the price of bicycles, golf clubs, or leisure wear? The consumer is spending, but not where you may think.
— Back to the basics. Medical, dental and general wellness should always be on your radar as most of us are ready to invest in health and happiness. Does the category profile show on your target list?
— Unpredictable economies require smarter financial and legal plans. Are your listeners ready for a financial check-up? Laws change and staying current with tax and estate laws is always a challenge. The news/talk audience always over-indexes on financial qualitative.
— How is your competitive periscope? Are you aware of any new media competition that may be carving into budgets? Have you come to terms with the growth in local digital marketing or is your head still in the sand?
The second half of this year is up to you. Make it or break it, it’s your call.
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.
Townsquare Media cuts three positions at news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.” The company lets night talk personality Steve Trevelise go, along with news staffers David Matthau and Vin Ebenau. Station program director Anne Gress tells TALKERS magazine that the evening show will remain live and
dedicated to talk (Monday through Thursday as Friday nights belong to Big Joe Henry). Gress adds the evening show will feature various hosts including Eric Potts, Michele Pilenza, and Jeff Edelstein plus some new voices to cover the night daypart for the time being.
Gemini XIII announces it is acquiring United Stations Radio Networks. Gemini XIII says, “The acquisition strengthens Gemini XIII’s position in the audio landscape, expands its sales offerings, and solidifies its commitment to delivering top-notch content and premium services to audiences worldwide.” Gemini COO
Charles Steinhauer says, “We’re excited to welcome USRN into the Gemini XIII ecosystem. We will be able to build on current successes and existing sales infrastructure to immediately grow and make Gemini a destination for producers, advertisers and sponsors looking to deliver to unique audiences. The integration of Gemini XIII’s digital expertise and podcasting prowess will result in a robust content ecosystem that provides an immersive and diverse range of audio experiences for listeners across platforms.” USRN chairman and CEO Nick Verbitsky comments, “Spencer Brown, CEO of Gemini XIII, and Charles Steinhauer have a track record of success in network radio having built Dial Global from the ground up. I am pleased that they will have the opportunity to continue to build United Stations, a company I started along with Dick Clark over thirty years ago and has been a leader in network radio.”
Audacy announces that it is effecting a 1-for-30 reverse stock split of its Class A and Class B common stock today (6/30). Audacy’s Class A common stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis at the opening of the market today, under a new CUSIP number, 05070N 202. At the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 24, Audacy’s shareholders approved a reverse stock split of the company’s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock at a ratio within a range between 1-for-two and 1-for-30, as determined by a committee
appointed by the company’s board of directors. This committee established the ratio on June 5. The 1-for-30 reverse stock split reduced the number of outstanding shares of the company’s Class A common stock from approximately 137.5 million shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) to approximately 4.6 million shares (excluding unvested restricted stock) and reduced the number of outstanding shares of the company’s Class B common stock from approximately 4.0 million shares to approximately 135 thousand shares. Proportional adjustments were made to the number of shares of Audacy’s Class A common stock subject to outstanding equity awards, as well as to the applicable exercise prices. Trading of Audacy’s Class A common stock was halted on May 5 on the New York Stock Exchange after the share price fell about 12% to $0.09 per share. The NYSE is moving to delist the stock but Audacy is currently appealing that determination.
Alpha Media Bakersfield debuts the new Spanish-language conservative talk station as it flips KNZR-AM and rebrands it “KNZR Verdad 1560.” The move comes as Alpha partners with the Americano Media network. Alpha Media Bakersfield market manager Jeremy Price comments, “We’re proud to introduce Spanish radio to our Bakersfield portfolio for the first time ever and empower the voice of so many of our neighbors in this
community. With the launch of this station, we aim to not only serve our listeners but give them a reliable home for the news they seek and the information they rely on every day.” Americano Media’s talent includes award-winning journalists Lucia Navarro and Carines Moncada, as well as popular radio hosts Dania Alexandrino and Lourdes Ubieta. Americano Media produces 18 hours of original programming each weekday from 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight ET. American Media chief executive Ivan Garcia-Hidalgo says, “This collaboration with Alpha Media is a natural fit for Americano. We take pride in delivering the finest Hispanic news/talk programming in Spanish, and we are happy to bring that programming to the large Hispanic audience in Bakersfield.”
iHeartMedia and Elvis Duran partner to create the Elvis Duran Podcast Network to be distributed by iHeartPodcasts. The agreement includes a slate of original entertainment podcasts that will be co-produced by
Duran and iHeartPodcasts including a new, original progam called, “Thinking Out Loud with Elvis Duran.” The first episode features a conversation with singer-songwriter Kesha. Additionally, the network will be home to the replay podcast of “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show.” Duran says, “We’re excited to launch this network and connect with even more listeners and fans. I’m confident the audience will love the variety of personalities, including Tommy DiDario and Medha Gandhi, and the entertaining programs that we’ll be presenting. I’m also looking forward to sitting down with a wide range of people on my new podcast and taking a deep dive in whichever direction they choose – something I’m not always able to do on my radio show. It’s going to be a fun adventure together!”
The iHeartMedia Chicago station group that includes WMFN-AM “Black Information Network” and six music brands announces launch of the annual “Brilliantly Black Business Awards” presented by Wintrust Financial Corporation in partnership with the Chicago Urban League. Local businesses and listeners will have the
opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite Black-owned business in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. A total of 10 winners will be selected to receive $100,000 of in-kind media on iHeartMedia Chicago radio stations and a small business development cohort from the Chicago Urban League. The categories include restaurants; beauty salons; churches; fashion; medical professionals; day care centers; nightlife; fitness trainers/gyms; financial/insurance; and realtors/brokers. iHeartMedia Chicago president Matt Scarano states, “I have a personal commitment along with iHeartMedia Chicago to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland. We are providing a tremendous marketing and advertising opportunity for Black-owned businesses to access our station brands with the ‘Brilliantly Black’ Business Awards. We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Urban League as we continuously work together to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland.”
Richmond talk radio personality Jeff Katz signs a new contract with Audacy to continue his role as afternoon drive host on news/talk WRVA. Katz, who has been hosting a program on WRVA for the past 10 years, says,
“During the past decade, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the people of Central Virginia. This community has been so welcoming to my family and I cherish having the chance to help out a bit by serving as an advocate for special needs kids, saluting our law enforcement officers, and sharing vital news and information.” Audacy Virginia SVP and market manager Bennett Zier comments, “Jeff is a great citizen of Virginia and continues to be an important part of the WRVA family.”
Premiere Networks’ U.S. syndicated overnight show “Coast to Coast AM,” hosted by George Noory, is returning to Canadian radio after a three-year hiatus through a deal with syndicator Orbyt Media. The program
is currently heard on Bell Media’s CKLW, Windsor, Ontario. Noory comments, “It’s great to be back on CKLW – The Big 8. What’s even cooler is that this was the first radio station I applied to work at when I was 21 years old living in Detroit. I’m looking forward to working with the team at Orbyt Media to expand ‘Coast to Coast AM’ across Canada!”
Last week, JVC Broadcasting closed on its acquisition of WLIM, Medford, New York and its FM translator W227CL at 93.3, licensed to Port Jefferson, New York and revealed that it would flip the station from its classic hits format. Now, JVC says that it will debut a Spanish-language news/talk outlet on the signals. JVC CEO John Caracciolo says, “We have a very successful Spanish music station with ‘LaFiesta’ [WBON-FM] run by Ana Maria Carbalo. For over 13 years ‘LaFiesta’ has been a community beacon of information, news,
networking and mostly music. As the Latino community grows in Suffolk County, we found that they have no full-time news and information source, no outlet for them to express their thoughts or hear the talk radio that they want. We knew that we needed a sister station to ‘LaFiesta’ that was dedicated to the community and was their ‘LI News Radio’ or WINS. Ana developed the concept of live, local, community talk radio for this demo and named it ‘En Vivo’ — or ‘Live,’ now all I had to do was find an outlet for this amazing concept she developed. When WLIM 1440 and 93.3 became available we knew we had to make the move and bring them into the JVC cluster.” Carbalo adds, “Long Island ‘En Vivo’ knows today’s decisions affect our community tomorrow and the best tool to drive us to a better future is information. News, politics, finance, sports, entertainment, health & lifestyle – we cover it all. Long Island has a huge Hispanic population that continues to be underserved. That was made abundantly clear during the pandemic. Long Island needed information in Spanish… So now we have a dedicated source that will not only deliver relevant information about what happens in our area but also educates and creates opportunities for the Hispanic population to prosper by providing the tools and resources they need.”
Gray Radio, LLC partners with FOX Sports Radio to bring the network’s programming to its new sports station WAAW-FM, Augusta “FOX Sports 94.7 FM,” effective July 3. The station will carry the entire FOX Sports Radio
lineup including “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” and more. Gray president Tony Gray says, “WAAW is extremely excited to bring FOX Sports to local Augusta sports fans. We’re confident that the home of the Masters Tournament will embrace the station’s new format.”
The Hunter Biden plea deal and his legal battles with the owner of the computer repair shop that worked on his laptops; the 2024 presidential race and concerns about President Joe Biden’s health; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the thick smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketing almost one-third of the U.S.; the recovery of wreckage from the doomed Titan submersible; Vladimir Putin’s grasp on power in the aftermath of the Wagner Group insurrection and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; and the brutal heatwave hitting the Southern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/28) with the panel presentation, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”
The presentation, sponsored by Backbone Networks, was introduced by John Fredericks, host/owner of the John Fredericks Radio Network (pictured above) and facilitated by WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, GM, John T. Mullen (pictured at right). The panelists (pictured below left to right) included Mark Chernoff, sports reporter, “107.1 The Boss,” Long Branch, NJ/sports talent coach; Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida region, iHeart Radio; and Spike Eskin, VP programming, WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio. See the video here.
Media executive Keely Byars is named general manager for NRG Media’s Omaha station group that includes news/talk KOIL-AM and sports talk KOZN-AM “The Zone” plus five music brands. NRG COO Jim Smith says, “Byars is an energetic leader with a broad base of experience in media, digital innovation, content development,
and operations. She is a native Nebraskan who is passionate about local media and the Omaha community. Byars understands our commitment to excellence, and we are thrilled to have her join our talented team in Omaha.” Byars has served in leadership positions with Lee Enterprises, Berkshire Hathaway Media, and the Omaha World-Herald. She comments, “Radio has such a positive impact on so many of our listener’s lives, the local businesses we serve, and the community partnerships we form. Joining the team at the radio stations that I grew up listening to is such an honor to me and I am excited to build upon the stations’ legacies.”
Midwest Communications adds Premiere Networks’ nationally syndicated “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” to the midday daypart (11:00 am to 2:00 pm) on news/talk WTAQ-AM/FM, Green Bay. Midwest
Communications operations manager Jason Hillery states, “We’re excited about the addition of Clay and Buck to our lineup. Their backgrounds and points-of-view on conservative topics are consistent with the values and direction of our brand. We look forward to many years of success with this program!”
iHeartMedia Anchorage unveils the new KTZN-AM “FOX Sports 550 – The Zone.” The station is airing the full network lineup including “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” “The Doug Gottlieb Show,” “Covino & Rich,” “The
Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon” and “The Ben Maller Show.” The station also features FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends. iHeartMedia Anchorage SVP of programming Mark Murphy says, “‘FOX Sports 550 – The Zone’ is very excited to be a part of the FOX Sports family, all day, every day. It’s great to have the biggest names in sports talk radio like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd jump start the day, followed by an impressive lineup that will keep listeners engaged 24/7!”
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/27) with the closing reception presentation, “AM Radio and the Automobile Industry.” The presentation, sponsored by The Ramsey Show and C. Crane, was delivered by WABC, New York/Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis. The extremely popular broadcasting, supermarket and energy mogul discussed the current AM radio/car issue rallying broadcasters to stand up to the auto industry and fight its current move to eliminate AM radios from cars. He also discussed the importance of adhering to the tenets of “Freedom, Justice and the American Way” in talk radio broadcasting. He began his speech extolling the merits of “having fun” with your work. Check it out here! Pictured above is Catsimatidis joined at the podium by his wife and WABC co-owner Margo Catsimatidis at the conclusion of his address at TALKERS 2023.
Two months after the controversial exit of prime time star Tucker Carlson from the FOX News Channel lineup, the cable news/talk channel announces its new prime time schedule that takes effect on July 17. Taking over the 8:00 pm ET hour formerly held by Carlson is Jesse Watters, who moves from the 7:00 pm hour. Laura
Ingraham’s program moves from 10:00 pm to the 7:00 pm hour, and Greg Gutfeld’s show moves from 11:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Sean Hannity stays in the 9:00 pm slot, and “FOX News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher slides up one hour to start at 11:00 pm. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “FOX News Channel has been America’s destination for news and analysis for more than 21 years and we are thrilled to debut a new lineup. The unique perspectives of Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld will ensure our viewers have access to unrivaled coverage from our best-in-class team for years to come.”
WINS-AM/FM, New York news anchor Susan Richard is promoted to top-of-the-hour morning news anchor. The Audacy all-news outlet says that Richard will be the third person to anchor morning drive and the first woman to hold the position in the station’s 58-year history. Richard comments, “Nothing says New York like
1010 WINS, and as both a life-long New Yorker and 25-year WINS veteran, I am thrilled and grateful to be the first woman chosen to fill this key on-air role. The news watch never stops, and I look forward to serving our listeners in the city I know and love with the continuing commitment to broadcast excellence embodied by our entire staff.” WINS brand manager Ivan Lee adds, “Not only is Susan a quintessential New Yorker and a brilliant anchor and journalist, but she will also forever serve as an inspiration and beacon of empowerment for all women who aspire to reach the highest on-air levels in the industry. We are beyond thrilled for her and this history-making moment.” The station says that additional morning team announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
On Monday (6/26), JVC Media closed on its acquisition of WLIM, Medford, New York and its FM translator
W227CL at 93.3, licensed to Port Jefferson, New York. Pictured above is JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo (left) with seller Commercial Assets Inc president Mike Celenza (right) at the transmitter site. JVC is airing a classic hits format on the frequencies but says that a new format is coming to the station soon. The broker on the transaction was Mark Jorgenson of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage, Inc.
Midwest Communications’ KELO-AM/K286CN, Sioux Falls, S.D., announces the addition of Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” to the station’s program schedule, effective July 3. KELO
“NewsTalk Radio” brand manager Greg Belfrage says, “We believe KELO’s listeners will really enjoy engaging with Clay and Buck. Their values represent the common sense, principled values found here on the Great Plains. Clay and Buck will allow people throughout the Sioux Empire to hear the news and talk about it as it happens.”
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
Simple question, tricky answer. Unless you are organized.
If you are a professional athlete, you are paid to put points on the board or stop the opponent from scoring. Did you ever watch a competitive body builder work in the gym? Some have a journal and a tripod to mount their mobile phones recording technique as they work through their routine, carefully blending form and precision. The professional entertainer? Paid to sell tickets. Professional politicians? Easy, get the most votes.
Professional ad seller? You get paid to close business.
Is the better question, “What business will you close today?” Of course, it is. Wait, most sellers never start every day with the stomach-churning question, “What business will I close today?” Maybe that question is a little too focused. After all it drills down the process to the very measurable result of being organized, skilled, and focused. Just like that high achieving athlete or getting a ticket to that sold-out performance, someone was ready to answer that elegantly simple question, “What will you focus on today?”
Let’s start the process of learning how to better sharpen our focus skills. Suppose we start with an easy how-to, as in how-to prioritize your call activity. Your sales calls will fall into five major categories:
— New Business. The lifeblood, the very oxygen of the radio business. Remember this: radio advertising, when measured honestly (political ads, COVID economics adjusted) is a single digit growth business. Unless you are making developmental calls, attrition, competition, and the wobbles in the economy will overwhelm you. Make the developmental calls a priority.
— Renewals. The most efficient sale you will make is the business you currently have. Work on renewals when timely.
— Service. My experience is this is the number #1 weakness of most radio ad sellers. Learn how to follow-up, check-in and listen without looking for a transaction. It’s about making sure your rapport is healthy and ready.
— Collections. Do you need an explanation? Just be sure of your numbers and documentation before you make the call or send the email.
— Internal. Collaboration with management, programming, production, or biz ops starts here.
Simple enough. Five columns to list, prioritize and budget your daily call activity. Owners and managers who are reading this, help your sellers when they get distracted. What will you focus on today?
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.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/26) with the morning greetings presentation, “Setting the Stage:
Triple Perspective.” The presentation, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered by multi-platform talk media star Todd Starnes. Starnes brings a lot to the table. He is the owner/operator of a heritage news/talk radio station – KWAM, Memphis. He hosts a local show on the station. He is also a national radio syndicator delivering his own midday radio show to a rapidly growing number of affiliates. Starnes effectively shares his experiences and view of the industry from all three perspectives. Check it out here!
On Friday (6/23), Salem Media Group, Inc received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market that Salem’s Common Stock failed to comply with the $1 minimum bid price required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market based upon the closing bid price of the Common Stock for the 32 consecutive business days
prior to the date of the notice. Salem now has a compliance period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance for the minimum bid price requirement. That expires on December 20, 2023. To regain compliance, the minimum bid price of the Common Stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days at any time prior to the compliance date. In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Salem says it intends to monitor the closing bid price of the Common Stock and may, if appropriate, consider implementing available options to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Audacy reports that the company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved $3.2 million in retention awards to officers, including $1 million to
chairman, president and CEO David Field; $850,000 to EVP, strategic initiatives and CFO Richard Schmaeling; $500,000 to EVP and COO Susan Larkin; $250,000 to president, podcast and streaming and chief digital officer J.D. Crowley; and $600,000 to EVP, general counsel and secretary Andrew Sutor IV. These retention awards are intended to be in lieu of an annual bonus with respect to 2023.
Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia talk host Dom Giordano (left) with Wildwood, New Jersey Mayor Pete Byron (center), and Curtis Di Domizio of the Real Diamond Tribute Band (right) at Mulligan’s Shore Bar and Grill for a remote broadcast to celebrate Dom Giordano Day. The annual event was created four years ago by Mayor Byron and is celebrated every June 22. The show was broadcast live on WPHT from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm.