Sports talk host Tony Basilio is taking his radio program to MH2 Media’s WKGN-AM/W289CU, Knoxville.
He previously hosted his show on crosstown WJBE-AM. In making room for Basilio on WKGN, Bob Baskerville moved to afternoon drive to team up with Russell Smith in afternoons. Basilio says, “Bob has been really accommodating and gracious. They’ve got talented people on that station. I’m proud to be a part of it.” Read the Knox News story here.
By Holland Cooke
Constulant
Why I love going on sales calls with station reps: Meeting retailers, who have SUCH a feel for their customers’ (our listeners’) mindset. Following-up last week’s column exploring the societal angst we are living through, this week’s will recommend technique for scripting in what psychologists call the Age of Outrage Fatigue.
Emotional bandwidth is down. Skepticism is up. And the old tricks – hyperbole, urgency, shouty headlines – are backfiring. People aren’t just tuning-out content they disagree with; they’re tuning-out tone. They crave calm. Clarity. Credibility.
To cut-through:
— Clear beats clever. Instead of “Don’t sweat it – we’ve got your ducts in a row!” Try “Get your AC fixed today, and sleep comfortably tonight.”
— Ditch the drama. Instead of: “Drowning in debt?” Try: “Make a fresh start.”
— Frame your offer as an upgrade, not a fix for failure. Instead of: “Will you EVER be able to retire?” Try: “Plan your next chapter, on your terms.”
— Empathize, don’t exaggerate. People trust what feels human. Empty hype gets filtered out fast. “There’s never been a better time to buy a car!” goes in-one-ear-and-out-the-other.
— Earn attention quickly. The first sentence matters more than ever. Make it a question that includes “you” and/or “your” which describes the consumer situation that your advertiser can cure. “Is your money doing what you want it to?”
— Use specifics, not superlatives. “Best ever!” means nothing. Numbers and proof points build confidence.
— If you’re scripting with AI, rewrite to weed-out clichés. Restaurant spots that tout “a relaxing atmosphere” are verbal Styrofoam.
— Respect their time. Use short sentences. Bullet points. Clear next steps. Happy outcomes.
Today’s most effective copywriting calms the reader. It offers clarity in a crowded, chaotic world.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This
role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
WABC, New York and Red Apple Media owners John and Margo Catsimatidis are hosting a star-studded gala in celebration of America’s 250th birthday on Friday, September 5 at Cipriani’s 42nd St. in New York City. The Catsimatidis say the gala will serve not only as a celebration of freedom but also as a reminder of the resilience, ideals, and shared spirit that continue to define the United States. Proceeds from the gala
event will benefit The WABC Radio Foundation, The Tunnel To Towers Foundation, The Police Athletic League (PAL), and Shriners Children’s. The evening will feature performances of patriotic songs including WABC Saturday evening personality and singer Tony Orlando performing “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”; Lee Greenwood performing “God Bless the USA” and America’s tenor Christopher Maccio will sing the National Anthem. Additionally, WABC personality Joe Piscopo will perform Frank Sinatra classics and station host Vinnie Medugno will sing oldies. The gala event will be hosted by 77WABC legendary air personality Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow. Distinguished guests will include United States and New York area politicians, business leaders, and community heroes. See more and purchase tickets here.
Chicago sports media personality Dan Bernstein tells Axios that his dismissal from Audacy’s WSCR “The
Score” in March as the result of a social media rant against a critic was his fault. He says, “I own my mistakes. This was the culmination of a slow, rolling mental health crisis.” Bernstein recently began working with Hubbard’s 312 Sports platform on the daily podcast “Dan Bernstein: Unfiltered” with co-host Matt Abbatacola. He says, “I learned a lot in therapy, and I’m continuing to learn a lot about the dopamine outrage cycle and how real that is and how my brain chemistry works.” He adds, “I think I’ll be better served by the pace and tone of podcasting.” Read the Axios piece here.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Last week’s column previewed “CeaseFire,” C-SPAN’s antidote to the caricature cable news shouting match. Thanks to all who offered feedback when we wondered “WHAT IF…?” for talk radio.
Recent report from Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism: People are disabling news alerts, “either because they feel they get too many or because they are not useful.”
People are anxious. Even a robot can read-the-room, as I learned by asking ChatGPT: “In USA society generally, list unmet needs.” Among them:
Belonging Without Division
— People crave community but are tired of being forced to choose sides.
— Unmet need: A way to feel connected and purposeful without being tribalized by politics, race, class, or ideology.
Trusted, Nuanced Information
— There’s information overload, but trust is at an all-time low.
— Unmet need: Sources that feel both credible and fair-minded, without sensationalism, bias, or agenda-chasing.
Civility in Public Discourse
— Public conversation often feels like a battleground.
— Unmet need: Spaces — digital or real-world — where disagreement is safe, not destructive or humiliating.
Mental & Emotional Support
— Rising anxiety, loneliness, and burnout affect people across all ages.
— Unmet need: Accessible, non-stigmatized mental health support, including community-based emotional infrastructure (not just therapy apps).
Work That Feels Worthwhile
— Many jobs pay the bills but feel meaningless.
— Unmet need: Opportunities to do work that’s valued, not just productive — where dignity and contribution matter as much as output.
Financial Security That Isn’t Fragile
— Even middle-class households feel one emergency away from disaster.
— Unmet need: Stability and predictability — not just income, but housing, healthcare, and retirement that won’t evaporate with one bad break.
Intergenerational Connection
— Older and younger generations increasingly live in separate realities.
— Unmet need: Meaningful contact across age lines, where wisdom flows both directions — not just tech tutoring and nursing homes.
Shared Purpose
— Many feel like they’re drifting — or living someone else’s script.
— Unmet need: A sense of contribution to something bigger than self, not through ideology but through everyday roles, responsibilities, and relationships.
Consider as you pose call-in topics and choose interview guests.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog is written by Chuck Mefford of BrandsFormation and is a case study of St. Cloud, Minnesota law firm Bradshaw & Bryant. The firm spends almost 70% of its media budget on AM/FM radio with spots that include a catchy jingle with the phrase,
“justice for the injured… Bradshaw & Bryant.” Key takeaways from the blog include: 1) Through its longterm use of AM/FM radio advertising, Bradshaw & Bryant dominates unaided brand awareness; Across all stages of the consumer journey, Bradshaw & Bryant leads the market; 2) Bradshaw & Bryant offers Madison Avenue a master class on creating future demand and how building a brand is the main driver of longterm growth and profit; 3) Every advertiser has two jobs: Creating future demand and converting existing demand; Bradshaw & Bryant excels at creating future demand; and 4) AM/FM radio advertising works: Among AM/FM radio listeners, Bradshaw & Bryant’s awareness is +19% greater than in the overall market. See the full blog post here.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Nielsen releases its latest Podcasting Today report that reveals a number of things including that podcasts represent about one-fifth (19%) of daily ad-supported audio listening time – second only to radio in the
U.S. Other takeaways include: Listeners aged 18-34 spend 32% of their daily ad-supported audio time with podcasts; and podcasts consistently drive top funnel advertising impact. Nielsen says its Podcast Brand Impact Database draws on nearly 2,000 case studies and shows that podcast ads continue to drive strong brand awareness, motivate listeners to learn more, and purchase products. See the full report here.
According to a report from Yahoo Entertainment, Howard Stern appears to have struck a new deal to remain with SiriusXM. This comes a couple of weeks after reports indicated that Stern and the satcaster
would go their separate ways when his current contract ends later this year. The Yahoo story says, “A source affirmed that everything is a done deal in this regard, and all previous reports of him exiting the company were pure fallacy, per RadarOnline. The man of the hour himself also dropped a big hint on his social media, teasing an answer to all the questions hovering around his career very soon.” Stern’s own Instagram account posted the following: “Now we can reveal that all the questions will be answered. All the truths will be told by the one man truly on the inside: Howard Stern will speak. Tuesday, September 2.” Read the Yahoo story here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
As TV touts its perennial New Fall Season, our DVR is already set to “record series” so we can pick-up where the “Matlock” sequel left-us-hanging; and for a third season of quirky “Elsbeth” (a closet reboot, the female “Columbo”). And where I live – where everyone seems to know everyone – we are salivating for “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
Enduring as its hourglass, “The Days of Our Lives” – which NBC punted to Peacock – is renewed for season #61. As Max reverts to the HBO brand, “The White Lotus” will be back for its 4th. “American Idol” will vet a 24th crop of crooners; “America’s Funniest Home Videos” will share a 36th batch of bloopers; and America’s argument will remain unresolved on every channel… except one.
Nonprofit C-SPAN – the Switzerland of cable news – presents “CeaseFire,” a weekly show where “Democrats and Republicans come together to solve problems and discuss the great challenges facing our nation… during a time when division and dysfunction dominate the national conversation.”
And who better to U-turn the “Crossfire” template that pits partisan pundits against each other than the suit who oversaw it, longtime CNN EVP and Washington bureau chief Sam Feist, now C-SPAN CEO. “In a media landscape that too often rewards outrage over understanding,” he reckons “‘CeaseFire’ stands out by showing what respectful, principled conversation looks like.”
“Like sands through the hourglass,” radio’s talk format was an early 1990s Revolution. Now – like the AM band it buttressed as long as possible – WHAT IF…
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
The Radio Television Digital News Association announces the winners of the 2025 national Edward R.
Murrow Awards for Television, Radio and Digital news operations at the network, large market and small market levels. Radio Network winners include ABC News, NPR and Canada’s CBC. Radio station winners include: KMOX, St. Louis; WSB, Atlanta; WTOP, Washington; and WWNC, Asheville. The presentation of the awards will take place on October 13 at Gotham Hall in New York City. See all the winners here.
According to a report in The New York Times (8/14) by writer Ben Mullin, PBS is cutting its current budget by more than a fifth in response to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s defunding. The cutback is in reaction to the fact that approximately 15% of PBS’s budget derived from the federal grants are about to be slashed per Congressional decision. This move eliminates roughly $500 million in federal funding from public radio and television. This is having a negative rippling impact on the entire PBS local station system. Read the entire NYTimes report here.
Newsmax is set to host its fourth annual “Fourth of July” celebration in Israel tomorrow (8/13) bringing together an elite gathering of political, business, and media leaders including personalities from American talk radio. The high-profile event will take place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem, which has become a highlight of the summer social calendar in Israel.
Newsmax holds this reception each year to celebrate what the company describes as “the enduring friendship and shared democratic values between the United States and Israel.” This year’s celebration will be marked by a special appearance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is expected to speak at about 1 p.m. EST in the U.S. with the address carried live on the Newsmax and Newsmax2 networks.
“America and Israel share a deep and unbreakable bond grounded in freedom, democracy, and mutual respect,” said Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax. “This gathering is an opportunity to celebrate those ties while also fostering dialogue and cooperation among leaders in politics, media, and business.”
The event comes at a time when Newsmax’s global footprint continues to expand, with its coverage now available in more than 100 countries across five continents.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) are some 20% of the U.S. population, but control more than 50% of all household wealth. They hold $70+ trillion in assets and spend an estimated $548 billion annually. They are lifelong AM/FM listeners, and they’re redefining what life after 60 looks like. Are you into what they’re up to?
Some are having the time of their lives. Others are confronting new realities. All are seeking relevance, respect, and real-world information. Consider these issues for call-in topics and guest interviews and podcasts. Possibly a sponsored series?
Lifestyle & Purpose
— “How to Make Your Bucket List Actually Happen”
— “Finding Purpose Beyond the 9 to 5”
— “Encore Careers That Start with a Volunteer Gig”
Health & Wellness
— “Sleep After 60: What Changes and What Helps”
— “The Foods That Fight Brain Fog”
— “Fitness Without the Injuries: Smarter Workouts After 50”
Financial Confidence
— “How Much is Enough? Retirement Planning Backwards”
— “Social Security Myths That Could Cost You”
— “Turning Your Home into Income” (downsizing, ADUs, Airbnb)
— “Helping Without Hurting: When Adult Kids Need Financial Help”
Freedom & Adventure
— “How to Travel More for Less”
— “National Parks Over 60: Hidden Gems and Senior Pass Tips”
— “Cool Day Trips”
Home & Relationships
— “Downsize Without Drama”
— “Living With – or Near – Your Kids: Pros, Cons & Boundaries”
— “Home Safety Upgrades You’ll Be Glad You Made”
— “The Second Time-Around Marriage: Legal & Emotional Realities”
— “Grandparenting Without Overstepping”
Learning & Creativity
— “The Science of Lifelong Learning: Why Your Brain Craves It”
— “It’s Never Too Late to Learn an Instrument (or a Language)”
— “Turning Your Life Story Into a Book – Or a Podcast”
— “Digital Detox: How to Stay Connected Without Feeling Glued”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct (husband-wife team) Dennis & Kathi Brown, along with prominent broadcasters Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into its Hall of Fame tomorrow (8/12) in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees. For more information, please click here. www.ne-ba.org
According to a report in The Gazette, KZIA Inc.’s sports talk KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is canceling two local programs for financial reasons. “The Todd Brommelkamp Show” (6:30 am to 9:00 am) and the
“Gym Class” with Scott Unash and Mark Dukes (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) did their last shows this week. The local show “Spencer on Sports” with Spencer Wagen will continue in its 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. KZIA Inc. CEO Julie Hein is quoted saying, “Like a lot of media, including your, and national TV and local TV, restaurants, factories, we are experiencing some economic changes. I hope there is a rebound. Scott Unash and Mark Dukes have been legends in this market for decades and have done amazing things for sports in the Corridor. Todd Brommelkamp, to me, was a breath of fresh air and a real leader in talking about the Hawkeyes and all kinds of great things. I adore all of them and I am forever a fan of all three men.” Read The Gazette story here.
The National Association of Broadcasters announced the finalists for the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio
Awards. The winners will be presented on October 21 at The Edison Ballroom, the evening before NAB Show New York. Finalists for Legendary Station of the Year include news/talk WABC, New York. Finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: KFI-AM, Los Angeles; WABC-AM, New York; WBAL-AM, Baltimore; WBBM-AM, Chicago; and WENG-AM, Englewood, Florida. See all the finalists here.
Former KHTK, Sacramento sports talk host and former Sacramento Kings TV broadcaster Grant Napear is returning to Sacramento sports radio to host the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm show on Lotus Communications’
sports talk KSAC-AM/K284CM, effective September 2. This comes five years after he was fired by Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento and the Kings after a social media exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins about the Black Lives Matter movement and used the phrase, “all lives matter.” Napear sued Bonneville and lost but is currently appealing that ruling. Napear tells the Bee, “It’s going to be the Grant Napear show that people have listened to for decades. I’m competitive. I’m not only coming back to Sacramento. I’m coming back to win.” Read the Sacramento Bee story here.
Suffice it to say that all the planning and targeting in the world is for naught if your audio ad stinks. This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at several studios to determine what actually drives sales and one of the key takeaways from a study by NCSolutions is
“creative quality is the number one sales driver” and this is often a surprise to advertisers and media agencies who think media tactics (targeting, reach, etc.) drive the most sales. It’s for good reason that everyone wants high brand awareness. A major study from TikTok reveals the greater a brand’s awareness, the greater the purchase conversion. Brands with high aided awareness have 2.86x greater conversion rates compared to low awareness brands. But not all categories operate similarly, Podscribe says that purchase conversion varies widely by advertising category and advises that it’s important to understand the purchase conversion benchmarks for your product category. See the full blog post here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Unintentionally, your poorly phrased comment, dated reference, weary cliché, or offhand remark can at least subtly distance you from your listener and could undercut your credibility, offend, or even spark backlash.
Whether you’re a broadcaster, podcaster, newscaster, or you are crafting commercial or promo copy, take a fresh look at these often-overlooked pitfalls.
Dated references: Nothing can disrupt your listener’s day quicker than quickly changing weather. Being thought of as a weather source can advantage any station in any format. But you risk that currency by calling tomorrow “…a carbon copy of today.” Few under 50 have ever used carbon paper. And with weather more erratic lately, implying otherwise can make your forecast sound – forgive me – “like a broken record.” Also antique: “Rolodex,” now that listeners’ smartphones have “Contacts.” So, purge old-speak from “the radio dial.” Listeners (and advertisers) notice when we keep-up… or don’t.
Stereotyping:
— “Soccer mom in a SUV” sure is the retail super-consumer advertisers want to see pull-into the parking lot. Visualize her in programming and promotion planning and sales prospecting… OFF-air stuff. But reinforcing gender roles and class assumptions ON-air paints a narrow picture of parenting and lifestyle, potentially alienating women.
— “You know how Millennials are.” Yes – like “Generation X” – they dislike being typecast, and you sound out-of-touch and judgmental.
— Calling someone “a Karen” can alienate listeners who have felt ridiculed suffering a situation similar to whatever you’re describing. And there are millions in the potential ratings sample named… Karen.
— “Probably some college kid with no clue how to drive in the snow” implies incompetence based on age and background. This kind of dig can undermine younger listeners or newcomers to your market.
Stereotypes are lazy, often a shortcut to humor or imagery. Ask yourself: “Is this something I’d say to someone’s face?”
Insensitive Humor: “Looks like someone forgot their meds today!” can offend those quietly dealing with anxiety, or depression. Pandemic silver lining: Mental health is no longer a laughing matter. You may have seen TV PSAs by Howie Mandel, sharing how ADHD has impacted his life and asking that it not be a punchline.
“Potty-mouth:” Mom and Dad’s just-the-two-of-them vocabulary is different than the way they speak with kids in the car, and what they want to hear their children repeat after hearing on radio.
— “Pissed-off” has become unnecessarily familiar, particularly with recent inflation…with which we are “annoyed,” “fed-up,” and “frustrated.”
— Even if something sounds commonplace, origins or implications may make it unsuitable for all-audience radio. “Scumbag” began as a term for condom. “Sucks” and “screwed” also have sexual roots some consider vulgar.
Taboo red flags:
— “No offense, but…” or “I’m just saying…” often precede something offensive.
— “It’s just a joke!” often follows a crack at the expense of marginalized groups.
— “Everyone thinks that…” overgeneralizes and can alienate those who disagree.
— Mocking accents or speech patterns can come across as disrespectful rather than entertaining.
— “Real [men/women] do…” Gendered assumptions can feel exclusionary or outdated.
— “This [group] is always…” Sweeping characterizations often reinforce stereotypes.
Words have weight. In a medium where tone, timing, and trust matter, what we say – and how we say it – can either strengthen listener connection or erode it.
NEXT WEEK: Topics to Tune-IN the listeners you want most.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Edison Research releases its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q2 2025 among weekly podcast consumers ages 13+. (Edison’s rankings now incorporate data from individuals whose sole
podcast consumption in the past week was through video.) The top five podcasts didn’t change from Q1 data. They are: “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “Crime Junkie,” “The Daily,” “Call Her Daddy,” and “This Past Weekend w/Theo Von.” Some talk radio-related podcasts of note include: NPR’s “Up First” at #22; The Daily Wire’s “Ben Shapiro Show”; Ramsey Network’s “The Ramsey Show” at #29; and Charlie Kirk’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #49. See the chart here.
Nielsen release The Record, its report on second quarter 2025 audio listening trends and among the takeaways from this report are: 1) Daily audio consumption amounted to 3 hours and 50 minutes of daily listening across both ad supported and ad free platforms like radio, podcasts, streaming music services and
satellite radio; 2) In the second quarter of 2025, ad supported audio accounted for 64% of all listening, while in the TV landscape, 74% of viewing was done on ad supported platforms; 3) Zeroing in on the ad supported audio universe, consumers spent 64% of their daily time in the second quarter with radio, 19% with podcasts, 14% with streaming audio services and 3% with satellite radio. The study also tracks listening by format and news/talk (AM/FM and streaming) not surprisingly dominated the 35+ demo with more than a 12 share. But the format also did well with 25-54s, notching a 6.5 share (which topped all other formats except adult contemporary). See the Nielsen study results here.
This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the recent Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11) and audio’s role in marketing the annual sale event. Data by Quantilope reveals a number of takeaways, including: 1) Leading all media in Amazon Prime Day 2025 purchases were AM/FM radio listeners (53%), followed by ad-supported music streaming (47%) and podcast (44%) consumers. Ad-supported audio listeners were more likely to shop Amazon Prime Day than the online video audience, social
media users, and linear TV viewers. Ad-supported audio listeners are more likely to be Amazon Prime members, spend more, and were more aware of Amazon Prime Day 2025; 2) Ad-supported audio (AM/FM radio, music streaming, and podcasts) are ideal media platforms for retailers and e-commerce brands: Heavy audio listeners are more likely to shop online. Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners spend more online than TV viewers; 3) AM/FM radio makes your TV better – “20 gets you 50”: A 20% shift of a TV media budget to AM/FM radio generates a +50% increase in campaign reach. Nielsen Media Impact campaign optimizations reveal shifting media weight to AM/FM radio generates significantly more reach, especially among younger 18-49 demographics. AM/FM radio does an extraordinary job in increasing campaign reach among light TV viewers who will not see retailer TV ads; and 4) 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 bog post here.
Many readers and subscribers of TALKERS trace their radio industry roots back to the golden days when the radio programming and record promotion businesses were so symbiotic that the major trade publication serving this two-headed conglomeration was actually called Radio & Records: “The Industry’s Newspaper.”
On September 10, 2025, music and radio industry veterans from across the USA will come together at the 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion. The event will again take place at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Music Industry Reunion prides itself on bringing together the best of the music business from around the world for this special evening of memories, laughter, and hugs. Past reunions in New York and Los Angeles have reunited over 500 industry influencers, industry legends and icons as well as the brightest radio, music, management, publicity, and marketing professionals in the business. Attendees can enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres as well as chips and salsa, along with $5 tequila shots. Additionally, the Sagebrush Cantina’s full menu will be available to purchase.
According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “For those of us who were lucky enough to be a part of that wild and crazy chapter of pop culture biz history – especially as it played out in Southern California – this is one of the greatest, most beloved industry events of the year… pure history, nostalgia, and fun!”
Advance tickets are $35 (+Eventbrite service processing fee) and available at this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10th
The luxurious Anza Hotel has King Suites available at a special Music Industry Reunion rate of $118, which includes access to the hotel’s bar, pool, gym, and free parking. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the event. Use Code: 250911LA10 at 818.222.5300 or follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10hotel
Connect with The Music Industry Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MusicBusinessReunion The 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion is coordinated by legendary music biz promoters Jon Scott and Kenny Ryback. Jon Scott 818.601.1283 jonpaulscott@gmail.com Kenny Ryback 747.666.5465 kenny.ryback@gmail.com
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Why we’re already seeing TV tout its coming attractions: They understand how, after Labor Day, routines settle in. Viewers will be ready to re-engage.
Radio stations that treat September as just another month are missing an opportunity to reintroduce our relevance, refresh our programming, and remind listeners why we matter. After a summer of disrupted routines, school vacation, and scattered attention, commutes return, and schedules normalize. And we want to be the soundtrack. How?
1. Make listeners feel like they’re rejoining a conversation they care about. “Back to the grind? We’re back with what matters.”
2. Freshen your lineup or formatics. It’s a great time to introduce new contributors – analysts, columnists, or rotating guests with fresh perspectives. Debut a new segment: deeper dives, listener town halls, daily fact-checks, etc.
3. Update Imaging.Listeners tune to news/talk for clarity. At client stations, we’re refreshing IDs, show opens, transitions. Convey momentum and immediacy, and that you’ve got your listener’s back. Adjust clocks to improve flow and appointment tune-in. Even subtle changes, well-explained and promoted, can feel significant.
4. TV has premieres. Radio can, too. Launch a limited-run podcast series and promote it on-air?
5. Promote like you’re running for election. Off-air marketing money may be scarce, but you have other arrows in your quiver: Daily topical on-air promos explain how listening will be helpful. Use social media to tease what’s upcoming, and to post ICYMI “Feature the Moments that Matter.” Ditto e-newsletters and station app alerts and, and partner mentions via local media or civic groups.
6. Sales! Help advertisers freshen their messages similarly.
Any station, any format, should reassert its role. And – as each day’s events impact everyday life – no other format can command more attention than news/talk. So, welcome back.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
The TALKERS Media Channel on YouTube has posted a gem from the deep past. This rare interview has not been seen for 42 years! The legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne appeared as a guest on Michael Harrison‘s “Harrison’s Mike” pioneering cable TV show. Harrison was also a DJ and talk show host on KMET at the time, as well as a nationally syndicated radio personality and trade magazine editor/columnist. At that time, Ozzy was a heavy metal icon at the peak of his badass image, on a hot solo career three years past his decade with Black Sabbath and was considered controversial – even dangerous – by the mainstream media. This amazingly candid conversation, showing the “real” Ozzy Osbourne, took place in the backyard of Harrison’s home in Woodland Hills, CA which often doubled as a sound stage for the TV show. To view the interview in its entirety, please click here.
Talk media superstar Sean Hannity guests on the new installment of “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Hannity is the long-running, reigning champion of both news/talk radio and cable news television. He’s seen nightly on the FOX News Channel and heard daily on more than 750 radio stations via Premiere Networks. Hannity has been expanding his platforms to include a special new premium channel titled FOX Nation and is stretching the subjects he discusses well beyond the realm of politics, for which he has become famous, including history, show business, sports, and even stand-up comedy. Harrison, publisher of the broadcasting trade journal TALKERS, engages Hannity in a candid conversation about his life and career – as well as the launch of a new four-part FOX Nation program he hosts titled, “Wanted Dead or Alive,” about famous outlaws and bank robbers of the early 20th century.