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.
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
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
If you’re hosting a weekend ask-the-expert show to attract new clients and customers, DON’T say goodbye at the end of your show.
Instead, tell ‘em: “THAT’S IT FOR TODAY’S RADIO SHOW. IF YOU MISSED ANY OF IT, YOU CAN LISTEN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE OR DOWNLOAD IT FROM [describe how to find on-demand page on station web site; and/or “ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM”]. AND WE’RE ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT [your business’ web site address]. AND WE’LL TAKE YOUR CALL ANYTIME, AT OUR [store, office, etc.], [phone number, nice-and-slow]. OR EMAIL ME AT [address, something memorable, i.e., AskAndy@yourURL.com].
And ICYMI, there’s more guidance from a previous TALKERS issue here.
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
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.
The NAB announces the finalists for the 2024 Marconi Awards, the winners of which will be named at the
NAB Show New York on October 9. News/talk stations WLS-AM, Chicago and WLW-AM, Cincinnati are finalists for Legendary Station of the Year. WWTN-FM, Nashville talk host Dan Mandis is a finalist for Large Market Personality of the Year. KIDO-AM, Boise host Kevin Miller is a finalist for Medium Market Personality of the Year. The finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: WSB-AM, Atlanta; KRMG-FM, Tulsa; WLW-AM, Cincinnati; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. See the complete list of finalists here.
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!
Edison Research – celebrating 10 years of its Share of Ear audio survey – is making a topline finding from its subscriber-only dataset available to the public. The company says the data indicates some substantial shifts in the amount of time U.S. listeners age 13+ spend with various types of audio in an average day. “Ten years ago, the average American age 13+ spent just over half of their total daily audio time with AM/FM radio,
including radio over-the-air and radio streams. The next highest portion, 18%, was spent with owned music such as CDs and downloaded audio files, and 11% of their daily audio time went to streaming. Today, we see the increase in listening from linear sources to more on-demand audio sources such as YouTube for music or music videos (not the YouTube Music streaming service), and podcasts. Americans age 13+ now spend an average of 18% of their audio day listening to streaming music from sources such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify, 14% listening to YouTube for music, and 10% listening to podcasts. AM/FM radio still takes the largest portion of the audio day on a 13+ basis with 36%, driven heavily by in-car listening.” Edison director of research Laura Ivey adds, “A decade ago Share of Ear was created to answer the question, ‘What do Americans listen to?’ Today we can understand the listening patterns of Americans and see how audio sources have emerged to vie for our daily listening time. There are surely audio developments that we can’t even imagine that will impact our daily audio time over the next 10 years.” See more about Share of Ear here.
Talk host Stephanie Miller says, “The Sexy Liberal Show is back with a bang, featuring myself, John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and Frangela! We are hitting the stage at the VIC Theatre in Chicago for a Democratic National Convention Special on Saturday, August 17. Thanks to our awesome friends at Meet Hook, listeners can join the fun from the comfort of their own couch!”
Conservative broadcaster AUN TV Network is seeking help after the Northern California wildfires destroyed the transmitters for two of their most popular stations, crippling their ability to communicate with a large portion of their audience. Those interested in donating can find more information here.
CRN Digital Talk Radio announces the third anniversary of “The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz.” She says, “While some people have a negative perception when it comes to the topic of divorce, Mike Horn, CEO of CRN Digital Talk Radio Networks, saw it differently and for that I will always be grateful. His vision was the same as mine and because of that, I was able to create an hour-long educational radio series that explores anything and everything that can happen during every stage of a divorce.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Many Americans have been, in the two years since the Supreme Court punted the issue down to the states. For suburban women voters in swing states, it is – by far – the number one issue, per a Wall Street Journal poll. It tipped 2022 midterms and 2023 elections and swung other elections in battleground states.
As the 2024 vote looms, your reporting will likely be criticized, by both sides; and experience recommends a useful posture when listeners question your coverage and threaten to shun your advertisers.
No local radio market enjoys – or suffers – more politically outspoken listeners than Washington DC. I programmed all-news WTOP there for seven years in the 80s and 90s. Even then – with Roe’ the law of the land – this was a white-hot issue.
The quickest way we could make EVERYONE angry was by reporting crowd estimates for abortion rallies. Half the callers accused us of inflating the numbers, the other half said we low-balled it.
Here, from my files, are an actual complaint letter, and our standard reply.
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
Founded 11 years ago by Dave Ruden, The Ruden Report website (www.therudenreport.com) is dedicated to Fairfield County (Connecticut) sports news and information. Ruden will remain with the online publication as director of operations. Connoisseur Media owner/chief executive officer Jeff Warshaw comments, “We’re happy to have The Ruden Report join our family. We look forward to offering our audience local content with his exceptional reporting.” Connoisseur Media senior vice president/general manager Kristin Okesson states, “This addition to our programming lineup is a perfect fit for each station and their audiences. As someone who values high school sports coverage, I’m excited to bring The Ruden Report to our six radio stations. I know our Southern Connecticut listeners will enjoy the local updates and in-depth coverage of their favorite teams, athletes, and games.” Ruden adds, “My ongoing goal has been to cover more which is why I have decided to partner with Connoisseur Media. It is a company that has both a longstanding tradition of excellence and the infrastructure to help take The Ruden Report to the next level.” Connoisseur’s six Connecticut stations include Bridgeport heritage news/talk WICC.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
I can’t claim to be objective, but I believe talk radio isn’t just different than music radio. It’s better.
Talk doesn’t suffer the fundamental interruption music radio does from commercials (and too many of ‘em). And talk is never on in the background…especially after President Joe Biden’s announcement.
And because listeners now participate in their various media, they expect to interact. Making them the show is an opportunity music radio just doesn’t enjoy…especially after Biden’s announcement.
People who don’t much talk politics sure are talking politics now. Yesterday I heard about Biden’s announcement – I should say overheard about it – on the beach, here on Block Island, where people come to get away from it all.
On a normal day (if we have those any more), AM/FM talk stations are playing defense. As social media demonstrate, dialogue is thriving. With-or-without radio, our listeners – our advertisers’ prospective customers – are talking-to-each-other. That’s where you come in. We will only continue to own the conversation if you, the host, lead it.
If you haven’t already, read a book Dave Ramsey recommended to me. It’s “Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us” by Seth Godin. You can find a gently used copy for a couple bucks on Amazon. He clarifies your opportunity in a way you will find profound, “a wide-angle shot.”
This week, some “close-ups.” Here are four proven techniques to make your phone ring, and make you sound popular, which advertisers notice.
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
According to a report in Forbes, House Democrats are seeking an investigation into FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s involvement in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 policy agenda should Donald Trump return to the White House. U.S. Rep Jared Huffman (D-CA) and 16 other House Democrats want an ethics investigation saying they believe Carr’s work on Project 2025 is “misusing his official position as an
executive-level employee of the FCC to craft and advance a political playbook to influence the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump.” The Democrats say he may have violated ethics laws for federal employees and the Hatch Act. Carr tells Forbes that he sought counsel from FCC ethics officials prior to working on Project 2025 and they “approved of me participating in my personal capacity, which I did.” He also says they approved him using his FCC title in his biography. Forbes reports, “Carr’s chapter on the FCC calls for the agency to ‘change course’ and focus on reining in big tech and promoting national security. The FCC commissioner proposes overhauling legal protections that shield tech companies from liability for content posted on its platforms and supports Congress passing legislation similar to laws in Texas and Florida that punish social media companies for suspending or banning users based on their ‘viewpoints’ – part of broader claims by conservatives that social media companies are biased against them. Project 2025’s FCC agenda also calls for banning TikTok as part of a crackdown on infrastructure from China and calls for tech companies to provide greater transparency.” Read the Forbes story here.
A candid interview with John Mullen about Gen Z and the future of radio, conducted by Michael Harrison, has just been posted to the new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. Mullen is general manager of one of the most celebrated and prestigious campus radio stations in America – WRHU-FM at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. WRHU has been honored with multiple NAB Marconi Awards – some in categories usually reserved for professional, commercial outlets. The high-profile station also has an impressive track record of working with New York City commercial radio in the production of major league PBP sports programming and then some. Some of the nation’s leading broadcasters – including legends – have come up through Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Mullen is one of academia’s most astute radio experts and is in touch with the feelings and culture of the next generation of radio and television broadcasters. The conversation between Harrison and Mullen contains important insights into the state and future of radio. To listen to and watch this compelling new installment of “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” please click here.
One of the legends of radio, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, died this past Friday July 12 at the age of 96. Much has been written and said about this one-of-a-kind person all across the media since the news broke less than a week ago. She achieved enormous success on radio and television as a multi-media purveyor of information and advice about human sexuality. She was without question an historic figure whose media career was launched and flourished in the second half of her long and colorful life. It all started on radio with a program titled, “Sexually Speaking,” unveiled by brave NBC executives on WYNY-FM, New York in 1980. And Walter Sabo was there. Sabo is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview” to talk about how it all happened. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.
Radio pro Maria Garcia passed away on July 12 at age 52. During her career, she served with WINZ, WIOD,
and WHQT in Miami; WCBS-AM, New York; WINS, New York; and WBLI, WALK, and WKJY on Long Island. She was a two-time Gracie Award winner and was a recipient of other honors and awards. Her greatest joy was her son Ethan, who she shared with her former husband Andrew Kalb. Garcia loved her animals and fostered many kittens through the years as well. Those wishing to do something in her name, might consider a donation to the North Shore Animal League.
The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog looks at the Amazon Prime Day event and heavy users of AM/FM radio and podcasts. Several studies indicate that these heavy users are more likely to make purchases during these sales which is a good reason for retailers to use AM/FM and podcasts in their holiday marketing plans. Some of the takeaways from the blog include: 1) AM/FM radio and podcasts are
ideal medium platforms for retailers and e-commerce brands: Heavy audio listeners are more likely to shop online. Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners also spend more online than TV viewers. AM/FM radio listeners and heavy podcast listeners over-index on Amazon Prime membership and purchase intent; 2) AM/FM radio makes your TV better – “20 gets you 50”: Nielsen Media Impact optimizations reveal shifting more media weight to AM/FM radio generates significantly more reach, especially among younger demographics 18-49. AM/FM radio does an extraordinary job increasing campaign reach among light TV viewers, who are far less likely to see retailer TV ads. The rule of thumb is “20 gets you 50”: a 20% shift of a TV media budget to AM/FM Radio generates a 50% increase in reach; and 3) Audio holiday AM/FM radio campaigns work: Consumers exposed to an Amazon holiday AM/FM radio campaign have higher brand equity (awareness, ad recall, prior purchase and purchase intent). Nielsen sales effect studies reveal AM/FM radio campaigns for retailers generate significant return on advertising spend: $15 dollars of incremental sales for every dollar of AM/FM radio advertising. See the full blog post here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Next month, as the school year begins in so many places, the listeners that local retailers want as customers transition back to their “normal” routines. Their tempo changes and builds to a holiday season climax. And we – and our advertisers – want to be their soundtrack.
WHO ARE “they?” Last week’s column described a useful exercise that fleshes-them-out and tees-up important imaging and content discussions worth having pre-Labor Day.
Off-air promotion (remember that?) merely says give-us-a-try. When they do, does what they hear deliver? And even with scant (or no) off-air promotion, much of what you can do to become more habit-forming costs nothing. As consultants do, I’m talking about “the fundamentals,” the blocking-and-tackling stuff.
Here’s the checklist of things you want to be listening for right now.
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
John Mullen is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Mullen is tremendously accomplished and respected in college and university radio broadcasting holding the position of general manager at one of the most celebrated and prestigious campus stations in America – WRHU-FM and WRHU.org at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. WRHU has been honored with multiple NAB Marconi Awards – some in categories usually reserved for professional, commercial outlets. The high-profile station also has an impressive track record of working with New York City commercial radio in the production of major league PBP sports programming and then some. Some of the nation’s leading broadcasters – including legends – have come up through Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. TALKERS has partnered with WRHU for five recent installments of its 27-year run of annual national talk media industry conferences. Harrison states, “Obviously, I know our guest very well. I am proud to call him a friend and a colleague. He is a man who left a successful career in New York City radio programming and management years back to become a master educator in the field of radio and play a role, year after year, in the training and inspiring of young, fresh careers in the business of communications. He is one of the industry’s most astute experts and a man very closely in touch with the feelings and culture of the next generation of radio and television broadcasters. What he says in this interview contains important insights into the state and future of radio.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, click here.
This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog reports that data from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download Spring 2024 report shows YouTube has pulled away from primary competitors Spotify and Apple Podcasts to become the most-used podcast platform in the U.S. For the study,
MARU/Matchbox was hired to conduct an in-depth study of 603 weekly podcast consumers from April 19-24 of this year. Takeaways include: 1) YouTube is used most among Podcast Newcomers, Podcast Pioneers, and heavy podcast consumers; 2) YouTube podcast audience profile: Male and younger than the Apple Podcasts audience; 3) As the world’s entertainment search engine, YouTube is the dominant podcast discovery platform where audiences are more likely to find podcasts; and 4) Those who discover a podcast on YouTube say they stick with the platform for video, comments, community, entertainment, recommendations, and platform features. This growth for YouTube comes at the expense of Apple Podcasts. In July of 2019, Apple Podcasts was the most-used platform for 29% of weekly podcast consumers with 15% for YouTube. Five years later the figures are nearly reversed with 31% of weekly podcast consumers preferring YouTube and just 12% reporting Apple Podcasts as their most-used platform. See the full blog here.
One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The Broadcasters Foundation of America: Supporting Our Own” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which unfolded at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. This session focused on the Broadcasters Foundation of America and the vital role it has played for decades as a financial safety net for professional radio and TV broadcasters who fall upon hard times due to illness, accidents, natural disasters, and other catastrophic setbacks. It features a stirring speech by BFoA chairman Scott Herman and a charitable presentation by WPG, Atlantic City morning legend Harry Hurley. This is extremely important viewing for every professional radio and TV broadcaster. To watch the video, please click here.
One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The Case for AM Radio” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which took place at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. The special address was delivered by Bill Brady, owner of news/talker KFNX-AM, Phoenix. Brady, a seasoned broadcaster, gave a thorough presentation in support of the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” that is currently working its way through Congress in addition to citing all the benefits of keeping AM radios in new automobile dashboards in spite of the intention of a number of car manufacturers to phase them out. The segment was introduced by Alex Fife, VP of Southwest operations, iHeartMedia Total Traffic & Weather Network. To watch the video, please click here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
We – inside-the-box – live and breathe radio. Listeners have their hands full just living and breathing. Their day is time crunched and financially challenging, and we want to be its soundtrack.
But listening is free, unlike umpteen other purchase decisions they agonize. So, what’s high stakes to us is low stakes to them. We only matter if we matter, and we’ve never had so much audio competition. Accordingly, this exercise, which has been helpful at stations I work with:
Describe the listener your station targets. Then ask other staffers.
— Is everyone profiling the same person?
— Does your programming content address their needs and wants?
— Is station imaging about the station? Or their needs and wants?
— Do commercials offer solutions? Are you missing categories?
Well worth the investment in conference room pizza.
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
One of the many video highlights from TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “The State of Sports Talk Radio: A Fireside Chat with Fred Toucher” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which took place at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. It features TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviewing long-running Boston sports talk radio mainstay Fred Toucher, the highly-rated morning co-host of “Toucher and Hardy” (with Rob “Hardy” Poole) on WBZ-FM “98.5 the Sports Hub.” Harrison and Toucher discuss parallels between sports talk radio and news/talk radio regarding the tendency to focus on telling listeners opinions they want hear. It also explored the pros and cons of working within a duo or team format, handling the rise of women’s basketball and the impact of sports betting as a programming element. The segment was introduced by John Fredericks, owner (and talk show host) of the rapidly growing John Fredericks Radio Network. To watch the video, please click here.
One of the many video highlights of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – “A Tribute to Sharon and Joe Madison” – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The presentation took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event, which took place at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. The double tribute consisted of two important elements. It was a memorial to the late African American talk radio legend Joe Madison. It was also a presentation honoring Joe’s loving wife and dedicated executive producer Sharon “Sherry” Madison who was named the 2024 recipient of the TALKERS “Woman of the Year” award (the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Talk Radio by a Woman). Mrs. Madison served as executive producer for her late husband’s long-running morning drive program on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Urban View channel since its debut on the platform in 2008. Prior to that she worked closely with Joe – a Radio Hall of Fame inductee – on his talk shows heard on a number of stations including WOL and WWRC in Washington, DC. The Madisons were married for more than 45 years. Joe Madison succumbed after a bravely fought battle with cancer earlier this year. The double tribute was presented by beloved radio talk show host Larry Young of WOLB, Baltimore and Dave Gorab, VP/GM of talk programming at SiriusXM. The award was accepted for Mrs. Madison, who was unable to attend, by last year’s recipient, Martha Zoller of WDUN, Gainesville, GA. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “This is a classic case of a great woman behind a great man. This brilliant, distinguished woman has served with skill and steadiness creating a landmark program of utmost importance as one of the truly outstanding producers to ever work in talk radio. In 2024, no one deserves it more.” To watch the video, please click here
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Remember the old Gatorade commercial? The “Be like Mike” jingle accompanied a montage of gravity-defying Michael Jordan dunks.
If you’ve heard Mike Hulvey speak, you know his birthday and blood type, because he told you, in his enthused trademark close: “March 4th and B positive!”
Before he recently hit-the-ground-running as Radio Advertising Bureau CEO and president, Mike was my longtime client when he ran Neuhoff Media. I consulted his news/talk/sports WSOY, Decatur and trained news people at other stations in the group. And the company’s “Media Made Locally” mantra was more than a slogan: “Nothing makes us happier than knowing that while our big corporate competitors are abandoning all the things we think make local media special – we’re doubling down.”
With broadcasters now so challenged by non-AM/FM audio competitors – and coping with cost cuts – the “Core Values” that clicked in these small Midwest markets seem like a prescription for stations everywhere:
1. Grit: “Stick with it.”
2. Community: “Give back.”
3. Innovation: “Think different.”
4. Excellence: “Be exceptional.”
In too many places now, a legacy call letter station is referred to as “the AM” within multi-station clusters and is bundled with music stations’ inventory… not the best sales model in Mike’s estimation: “The news/talk format offers endless opportunities to local clients.” Offered properly, these stations have “unique attributes and programming that lend itself to customize sponsorship and marketing extensions in any size market;” with otherwise “hidden gems that create opportunities for naming rights inside local sports and benchmark sponsorships as the local expert,” creating what he calls “lean-in listening that benefits advertisers.”
Live-N-local 24/7 seems quaint now, so we leverage imported programming, to make it sound more like part of the station’s own on-air family, rather than sounding like we’re an affiliate plugged-into the bird. The day Mike first introduced me at WSOY, I told the morning host: “We’ve got to get your voice in Rush Limbaugh and the Cardinals games more.”
Back to the future: With Monday-Friday syndicated talk programming mostly political, I asked Mike, “Could the sort of non-political shows that were such weekday winners for the late-great KGO and Buckley-owned WOR make a comeback?” His take: “I say yes. I believe that great locally targeted content is still a winning formula of success. While we as consumers have more choices than ever, we still crave information about where we live, work, and raise our families. While national political content has a very loud voice in the market, listeners appreciate those locally ‘world famous’ voices from where they live.”
Evidence, from the vault: 2-minute video, Mike explaining how winning radio is a relationship: https://youtu.be/wcsqrN7R7Ic
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.
One of the highlights of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – Premiere Networks syndicated star Glenn Beck’s keynote address – is now posted on the brand-new TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel. The speech took place at the 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national gathering held at Hofstra University on Long Island this past June 7. The event was held at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication presented by TALKERS in association with the university’s multi-award winning WRHU-FM/WRHU.org. Beck, who spoke for approximately 20 minutes, discussed the importance of storytelling in attracting and maintaining an audience within the multifaceted talk media paradigm. He went beyond that, however, delving into the importance of authenticity on the part of the talent in developing a lasting relationship built on trust with the audience. He was candid about his own personal life struggles over the years coming to that conclusion telling the audience that, although flawed, he tries to be a better person every day and that helps him be a better talk show host. Beck also discussed the negative impact of massive cutbacks on the product provided by radio due to its economic struggles imploring the powers-that-be in the business do whatever is possible to bring this medium into the future. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “This address was classic Beck – his performance on face value was as instructive as the important messages it conveyed.” To watch the video, please click here.
TALKERS is adding a YouTube channel to its array of talk media platforms. The venue – titled Talkers Media Channel – will initially provide a base for the organization’s conference videos and a platform for its founder Michael Harrison’s reimagined video iteration of his pioneering audio podcast, “Up Close and Far Out.” Videos from the recently held TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond will begin being posted after the July 4th holiday. “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” soft launches today with a conversation between Harrison and radio tech star Kim Komando examining the sociological, biological, and theological implications of artificial intelligence. The Harrison talk show will take several forms including one-on-one interviews, panel discussions and solo commentaries. Harrison and his guests will sometimes appear on camera and on other occasions just be voices enhanced by stunning visuals and music provided by the channel’s producer TALKERS VP/associate publisher, Matthew B. Harrison. The series will be targeted to an audience Harrison describes as “pop culture aficionados, political junkies, media enthusiasts, fans of science, followers of technology and the philosophically curious.” The Harrisons plan to focus heavily upon a stable of guests composed of professionals from the world of talk media covered by TALKERS magazine but stretch beyond that core as well. After it is fully up and running, plans are in place to expand the channel’s menu to include shows and properties produced by an array of content providers. To visit the debut installment of “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” please click here.
Now that the TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond conference is in the history books, TALKERS founder (and Gunhill Road member) Michael Harrison has embarked upon what is being called the Summer of ‘24 “Obsolete Slobs” media tour in support of the perennial rock group’s latest music video endeavor. Gunhill Road, the ensemble that has been creating multi-genre rock and pop music spanning more than five decades, has released a breathtaking new song and video titled, “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song).” The piece – which is an unapologetic examination of the potential consequences AI poses to current human civilization – is an advance release from the band’s forthcoming fifth album. Gunhill Road has developed a unique niche in recent years attracting hundreds of thousands of internet followers powered, in large part, by the attention and airplay given it on talk radio. New songs by the group typically debut on multiple radio talk shows sparking conversation about today’s pressing topics of news and social concern. The compositions feature clever, biting lyrics delivered in a highly musical and original way. The band consists of co-founding member/pianist/vocalist/songwriter Steve Goldrich, longtime guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Paul Reisch, noted Broadway theater instrumentalist/guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Brian Koonin, and vocalist/songwriter Michael Harrison. (Harrison co-wrote this song and performs lead vocals.) This production features a special guest vocal appearance by recording artist Bibi Farber, daughter of the late talk radio pioneer, Barry Farber. The visually stunning video for “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song)” which, ironically, employs generative AI for many of its remarkable images, was produced by Matthew B. Harrison. The song, an infectious rocker marked by driving guitars, riveting keyboards, soaring horns and a multi-layered group chorus depicts the dangers human civilization faces in an increasingly uncertain environment marked by the rising corruption of deep fakes and manipulative algorithms that threaten elections and question the very premise of “self-evident” truths. It ultimately asks the question, “What does it mean to be human?” Check out the video here. To arrange a talk media interview with Michael Harrison to discuss the song and its implications, email info@talkers.com or call 413-565-5413.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Cost cuts continue. If you’re still working, it is, unfortunately, only prudent to wonder for-how-long. If your position is safe, are you being given additional responsibility without additional compensation? And/or have you had-it-up-to-here with the hours?
The skill set you have accrued working on-air can open lots of doors elsewhere, especially because you are a local brand. Here are 18 options, most of which I, personally, have exploited. Which of these fit you?
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
Talk media megastar Kim Komando is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Komando is a syndicated talk radio star, newspaper columnist, and internationally renowned technology expert. She’s known to her millions of listeners and readers as “America’s Digital Goddess,” For more than three decades, she has been burning up talk media as the leading authority on the evolving technology and sociological impact of the digital era. She is a Radio Hall of Fame inductee and past recipient of the TALKERS Woman of the Year award. This outstanding broadcaster and modern-day thinker produces, hosts, and distributes a weekend three-hour radio talk show, with a recently expanded fourth hour designed to stand on its own. This extra hour was recently added to the Friday evening lineup at WLS-AM, Chicago where it is exploding with ratings success. And now WSB-AM, Atlanta has added it to their Saturday menu where it is showing immediate audience traction. Komando also hosts a couple of short-form daily shows about computers and digital technology heard on stations across America including such giants as WABC, New York and WTOP-FM in Washington, DC. Harrison and Komando engage in an extraordinary conversation about AI and its looming impact on Homo sapiens. Don’t miss this! Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.
According to a Facebook post by the Oconee Enterprise, Cox Media Group news/talk WGAU-AM/W254CJ, Athens, Georgia has let Tim Bryant go. Bryant hosted the station’s morning drive show “Classic City Today,”
as well as serving as news director for the Athens stations and anchor/reporter for sister news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. The Oconee Enterprise says Bryant “is known for not just delivering the news of Athens and Oconee on the airwaves but also interviewing political candidates, public figures and citizens who do something newsworthy, as well as hosting candidate forums.” See the Oconee Enterprise post here.
The Los Angeles Daily News reports that talk radio personality Tom Leykis has ended production of his internet talk show and is retiring from the business. Los Angeles-based Leykis served for years with then
-CBS Radio’s talk KLXS-FM before the company dropped the talk format, which led to Leykis forming his The New Normal Network in 2012 and distributing his show online to subscribers. The Daily News story indicates that Leykis – who turns 68 in August – decided it was time to call it quits, saying, “A long time ago, I realized I did not want to be like some of the hosts I heard in the past — begging for callers, stretching for topics. I wanted to go out on my terms when I wanted. So, I did.” Leykis produced the final edition of his show in mid-May. See the Daily News story here.