VANITY FAIR: Rogan Knocked Out of Top Podcast Spot… at Least for the Moment
According to a piece by writer Kase Wickman published yesterday (12/10) in Vanity Fair, Kylie Kelce‘s new podcast, “Not Gonna Lie,” has unseated Joe Rogan‘s “The Joe Rogan Experience” from its lofty position at the top of the most-listened charts on both Apple and Spotify.” 
Kylie Kelce, wife of former Philadelpia Eagles star Jason Kelce, sister-in-law of Kansas City Chiefs star (and Taylor Swift boyfriend) Travis Kelce, mother of three (with a fourth on the way), and Dunkin’ Donuts enthusiast, can add another descriptor to that incomplete list: No. 1 podcast host. Wickman writes, “I suspect Rogan will be back in first place soon, but for now, this ranking reinforces the Kelce family’s cultural dominance. (‘If everyone’s going to be talking about me and my family, you might as well hear it from me,’ she says in the show trailer.)” Kelce’s husband Jason and brother-in-law Travis host the popular “New Heights” podcast. The inaugural episode of “Not Gonna Lie,” featuring “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” star Kaitlin Olson as a guest, was published on December 5, with new episodes planned to drop each Thursday. To read Wickman’s entire VF piece, please click HERE.
The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® conducted an analysis of six recent quarterly studies spanning Spring 2023 to Fall 2024.
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Your topic is often plucked from the on-hour newscast, asking callers’ take on what you reckon to be top-of-mind and relevant to listeners you target.
Early Bird Deadline for the Milestone 50th Gracie Awards Approaching. The AWM Foundation invites all content creators to submit their exceptional work for the historic 50th Annual Gracie Awards. With the Early Bird Deadline approaching on December 12, 2024, now is the time to take advantage of discounted entry fees and secure your place in celebrating the best in media. As the Gracie Awards commemorate 50 years of recognizing excellence, it is more important than ever to honor the exceptional talent in front of and behind the camera and microphone across radio, podcasting, television, streaming, and online programs in news and entertainment. The Gracie Awards recognize contributions from journalists, actors, hosts, producers, showrunners, writers, directors, and other roles that bring impactful stories to life. Each entry directly supports the AWM Foundation, with the Gracies serving as the largest fundraiser of the year. “This year’s milestone celebration reflects our continued commitment to honoring the talent that shapes the stories of our time,” said Becky Brooks, president of the AWM Foundation. “We encourage local media to participate and take advantage of the best rates and prepare to celebrate together in 2025.” For a complete list of new and updated categories for 2025, pricing, and submission guidelines, please visit 
In this newly updated edition, industry pros as well as aspirants will find a complete guide to becoming a successful communicator. Beyond Powerful Radio teaches time-tested techniques that work in any format – radio, TV, podcast, or digital. Learn how to get, keep, and grow audiences with powerful storytelling, and become a dynamic presenter. This book holds the tools needed to create winning content; tell compelling stories; build your brand; develop talent; produce a show; report the news; sell; and write commercials. 
Practical tips and methods from over 50 top experts from across the world of media illuminate interviewing, managing talent, becoming an authentic personality, and getting started in the business. This fully revised edition features new sections on podcasting, social media, storytelling, artificial intelligence, and cross platform synergy. Whether you’re a professional with years in the industry, an instructor with a class full of media hopefuls, or you are just starting out as a podcaster or radio host, this book will help you reach your goals. A full Instructor Manual is available with complete lesson plans for broadcast instructors. For more info, please click 
Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Elvis Duran, host of “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” was featured on “CBS Sunday Morning” this past weekend (12/1). Duran was interviewed by correspondent Mo Rocca for an in-depth piece about the magic of radio and how his personality has won him loyal fans, including some of the biggest names in pop music. Duran also discussed how his love for radio began when he was a young child. He shared that the special connection with on-air personalities is what originally drew him to the platform and that unique friendship continues to inspire him every day. Duran stated, “We are in the friendship business. I think about you (the listener) when you hop in your car in the morning. You’re either leaving a house that may be full of turmoil or going to a job with a boss you don’t like, but I have you for 20, 30 minutes, and I can be your friend,” said Duran. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “CBS Sunday Morning really nailed it with this piece. When the radio industry started telling DJs to ‘shut up and play the music’ and then backed it up by firing almost all the talented disc jockeys to save money, they basically forfeited their ownership of the popular music culture in America – not to mention the very backbone of radio itself, friendship and companionship. 
Endangered species like Elvis Duran are among the greatest ‘talkers’ out there and prove the potential for integrating talk and pop culture successfully can still keep the idea of ‘radio’ alive for years to come. The terms ‘disc jockey’ and ‘top 40’ are so obsolete. This is a wonderful permutation of ‘talk radio’ and should be regarded as such. I hope everyone in the business watches this past Sunday’s report.” Click 
Proving how important live and local weekend news/talk radio can be, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stopped by for an in-studio interview on this past weekend’s edition of “The Rob Astorino Show” (Saturdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm on 710 WOR), where he discussed the idea of working with “Border Czar” Tom Homan in the next administration, and shared his thoughts on the Daniel Penny subway chokehold trial. Pictured above: Astorino (left) and Adams (right) at iHeart’s NYC headquarters. To listen to Saturday’s show (11/30), most of which featured Adams’ guest appearance, please click 
The ratings competition for eyeballs and eardrums between multi-platform news content providers has grown increasingly fierce as burgeoning interest in politics – especially during this remarkably heated 2024 election cycle – has driven huge audiences to information venues seeking the latest data and ideological affirmation. The correlation between MSNBC’s notable ratings declines after the “Morning Joe” visit to Mar-a-Lago illustrated the sensitivity of branding and audience expectations within this volatile arena. So, what media outlets did Americans turn to for political news during the heated 2024 presidential election? Pew Research did some digging to find out and Newsmax has earned bragging rights for being among the top U.S. news brands for Americans seeking political news. The Pew survey for September of 2024 asked close to 10,000 Americans: “What news source do you turn to most often for political news?” The question was open ended — with Pew giving no possible responses as respondents gave their own answers. The Pew Study found Newsmax ranked among the top news outlets and networks and tied with media giants X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube — as respondents’ go-to source for citizens seeking political news. Newsmax even ranked ahead of the Associated Press and local news, and was just one percentage point behind NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and The New York Times. Major established news outlets FOX News, CNN, and ABC News led the pack. “Multiple studies continue to show Newsmax is a major news player, and we are continuing to rise,” Newsmax Inc. CEO Chris Ruddy tells TALKERS. “The credit belongs to our team here and our viewers who are tired of old media and want the quality journalism we’re providing.” The Pew study confirms a 
Radio syndication firm, Key Networks and Bloomberg Audio, a leading provider of radio business news in the U.S., announce that Bloomberg Audio and Audacy have renewed their agreement to deliver Bloomberg Audio business and consumer news programming across the majority of Audacy’s 26 all-news and news talk stations. Audacy owns and operates many of the most influential news and news talk stations in America, including 92.3 FM and 1010 WINS in New York, News KNX-FM 97.1 and 1070 AM News Radio (KNX-AM/FM) in Los Angeles, WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) in Chicago, and more. 
Bloomberg Audio has been Audacy’s primary business and consumer news provider for several years. Under the new multi-year agreement, Bloomberg Audio will continue to provide Audacy stations with access to its world-class radio news content, including live, customized reports, “Bloomberg Money Minutes,” and specialty features including: “Bloomberg Business of Sports,” “Bloomberg Business of Entertainment,” “Green Report,” “Small Business Report,” “Real Estate Report,” and more. “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Bloomberg Radio, a trusted leader in business news, to continue delivering top-tier, timely financial and consumer content to our listeners,” said Jeff Sottolano, chief programming officer, Audacy. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing unparalleled business news coverage across our all-news and news talk stations, ensuring our audiences have access to the insights and information they need.”
Rumble, the high-growth video platform and cloud services provider, announced that the much-anticipated fourth season of “Surviving Barstool” will move to Rumble, unedited and uncensored, beginning today (12/2). Rumble users and Barstool fans can subscribe to the Barstool Sports Rumble channel 
iHeartMedia Philadelphia is teaming up with Boost Mobile and Cradles to Crayons® to launch the “Boost Up for Winter” campaign, a large-scale community coat drive in support of the Cradles to Crayons® Gear Up for Winter initiative. From now (12/2) until Sunday, December 22 the drive will aim to collect and distribute 20,000 warm winter coats and other essential items to children and families in need across the Greater Philadelphia area. Cradles to Crayons® distributes donated items via a robust network of Service Partner organizations including hospitals, schools, and community centers. As winter approaches, many families face the harsh reality of inadequate protection against cold weather. Too often, the cost of winter wear and boots are out of reach for the more than 300,000 children living in low-income or homeless situations in Greater Philadelphia. Through this campaign, iHeartMedia Philadelphia and its partners are committed to ensuring that local children have the clothing and essentials necessary to stay warm at home, at school, and at play throughout the season. For more information on the campaign, including participating Boost Mobile store locations please click 
Greg Souchick (l) and Rick Minard (r) expressed their appreciation for the popular music host with a huge mural on the side of a building in downtown Bradford at 181 Main Street. Phelps was overwhelmed by the rendering and said he’s headed up to north central Pennsylvania to see it himself. We’re not sure if any other radio talent has ever had such a tribute. Phelps said, “I’ve had a racehorse named after me and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, but I’m truly stunned by this incredible mural. My phans are phantastic!” Part of Phelps’ schtick is he spells all Fs with PH. He is known for his fast-talking, retro style of broadcasting and for making American geography a focal point of his show. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Phelps is a remarkably creative disc jockey who uses the element of ‘talk’ in a most entertaining and productive way by tying local towns, villages and communities around America into his show and saluting each with special attention to detail. He is my seven-year-old grandson and geography buff, Oliver Harrison‘s favorite radio star. Don’t think I don’t take notice of such things.” Phelps is heard nationally on SXM’s channel 73 M-F 6:00 am – 12:00 noon ET.
We See a Pattern of Philanthropy Developing Here.77WABC, New York has continually been using its powerful platform to support charities and people in need – in addition to creating exciting live and local talk radio. The station is partnering now with Shriners Children’s™️for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing The Most Amazing Care Anywhere™️. Started on November 18 and running through Giving Tuesday on December 3, 77WABC is running promos on air and in its e-newsletter soliciting donations to Shriners Children’s healthcare system. 
WABC Radio personality and legendary New York TV anchor Ernie Anastos is the voice of the campaign. On Giving Tuesday, WABC will expand the promotion to include a stream display on the 77WABC app, video social media posts from all talent, and pre-rolls on its podcasts, with the call to action to donate to Shriners Children’s. Donations to Shriners Children’s on Giving Tuesday will be 3X matched by one of their supporters for triple the impact on children’s health. In addition, on Giving Tuesday listeners will be invited to donate $225 per person to the WABC Radio Foundation, with net proceeds earmarked for Shriners Children’s, to be part of an intimate, 40-person audience for a live broadcast of “Sid & Friends In The Morning” with host Sid Rosenberg (pictured above). 
The live broadcast will take place in January at Studio 77, WABC Radio’s state-of-the-art audio/video event space. These audience members will have the opportunity for a picture with Sid and will receive a Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blanket. In addition, a silent auction to benefit Shriners Children’s will take place for listeners attending the live broadcast, who will have the opportunity to bid on Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blankets. “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “At WABC Radio, we are proud to help support Shriners Children’s mission to deliver specialty medical care to children.” “77WABC is committed to serving our community across the New York City area,” added Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “By partnering with Shriners Children’s, we are able to bring awareness and help raise funds for their charitable mission.”
The effort by KISS 104.1 (WALR), 95.5 WSB (WSBB-FM/WSB-AM), B98.5 (WSB-FM) and 97.1 The River (WSRV) generated 12,272 meals for food-insecure individuals in Georgia. “We have the best listeners in Atlanta. Each year they support these terrific events and help us do good for the communities we serve,” said Chris Eagan, SVP audience/programming for Cox Media Group. “This is what live and local radio is truly all about.” “We are grateful to the Cox Media Group radio station teams and personalities who continue to show an unwavering commitment to supporting the Food Bank’s efforts during the holiday season,” said Kyle Waide, president/CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Our partnership with Cox Media Group helps us amplify the prominent issue of food insecurity among our neighbors, and these events underscore the generosity and willingness of the community to help those in need.” During the holidays, food becomes a focal point for many family gatherings, which deepens the despair felt by many neighbors who are already struggling. Thirteen percent of Georgians and 18 percent of children in Georgia are estimated to be food insecure. Among communities of color, food insecurity can be as much as two or three times higher than their white neighbors. Every dollar donated can make a giant impact. The Food Bank’s processes and partners help them transform every dollar donated into up to three meals.
The celebration of Thanksgiving and Black Friday this week marks the start of one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. With money on the table, both brick and mortar and e-commerce retailers need to capture consumer attention. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog examines how AM/FM radio can deliver results for retailers this holiday season. Insights include:
KIRO Newsradio is announcing the upcoming retirement of one of Seattle’s most influential and trusted broadcasters, Dave Ross. After 47 years with the station, Dave will step down on December 19, leaving a legacy that has deeply impacted both KIRO Newsradio and the Seattle community. In addition to Dave’s retirement, Colleen O’Brien, who has been a key voice on “Seattle’s Morning News” alongside Dave for many years, will also be stepping away from her role. Colleen’s last day on air will also be Friday, December 19th. Colleen has been an integral part of the morning show, providing sharp insights and a compassionate presence to Seattle listeners.
Dave has not only been a trusted voice in Seattle but a powerful example of journalistic excellence,” said Tanya Vea, president/CEO of Bonneville International. “For nearly five decades, his dedication to truth and commitment to the Seattle community have left a lasting impact on KIRO Newsradio and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.” “Dave’s curiosity and talent for making complex topics accessible is truly unique,” Bryan Buckalew, KIRO Newsradio director of news and talk programming said. “While his daily presence will be greatly missed, we honor his extraordinary career and the lasting legacy he has created at KIRO Newsradio.” Dave joined KIRO Newsradio in 1978 as a news reporter and anchor, quickly becoming a trusted voice for listeners across the Pacific Northwest. Known for his thoughtful commentary and balanced perspective, he has encouraged listeners to think critically about important issues for nearly half a century.
Today (11/21), Triton Digital released its Canada and U.S. Podcast Rankers for October 2024. The rankers are measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service, and both include a reporting period of September 30, 2024 – November 3, 2024.
Nielsen Media Research: Morning Joe Ratings Plummet After Co-hosts Meet with Trump. Nielsen numbers indicate that the MSNBC “Morning Joe” show ratings suffered a significant drop on Tuesday (11/19) after co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski announced that they met with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. “Morning Joe” delivered one of its lowest-rated programs of 2024 with just 680,000 viewers and 76,000 in the 25-54 demo on Tuesday. Tuesday was the show’s third lowest broadcast of 2024. Compared to the show’s 2024 average, Tuesday’s broadcast plummeted 38% with viewers and 37% in the 25-54 demo. And compared to Monday’s broadcast, the show was also down double digits seeing a 12% decline with both viewers and A25-54.
WPG, Atlantic City Morning Legend Harry Hurley Makes Prestigious List. The InsiderNJ.com Annual New Jersey Power List 2024 has again placed longtime WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley as one of the Garden State’s most politically influential citizens (11/20). It is always released on the Wednesday of the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference. Hurley placed in the #48 position on this year’s list. Power lists are nothing new for Hurley who came in at #25 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says of Hurley, “If talk radio were boxing, Harry Hurley would be its ‘pound-for-pound’ champion.”
Hercules, Hercules! Yup that is Hollywood Legend Kevin Sorbo and WRVA, Richmond Afternoon Mainstay Jeff Katz. Actor Kevin Sorbo was in town to deliver a speech and he took the time to appear on the Jeff Katz Show. Katz presented Sorbo with a Julia Katz bracelet which is made by Emily Morrissey, a local artist with special needs, who sells her work at 
Hope Media Group (HMG) – a ministry of Christian-oriented media brands – announces Jon Hull as its new vice president emeritus, effective January 1, 2025. In his new position, Hull will use his extensive experience to help lead and encourage the on-air donor acquisition teams, while also working with those teams that engage existing and lapsed donors off-air. In addition, Hull will join the leadership team that strategizes support drives and programming initiatives. “I’m so grateful Jon Hull will become Hope Media Group’s vice president emeritus. This title is one of distinction and honor – something Jon has more than earned in his 28 years of service to God through this ministry. I consider Jon a national treasure, as does the Christian radio industry,” shared Joe Paulo, CEO of Hope Media Group.
According to an article by reporter Manuela Vega in the Toronto Star (11/19), Canadian broadcasting giant Rogers Sports & Media – reflecting major cutbacks taking place in the U.S. radio industry – has laid off more than two dozen employees in the company’s radio and podcasting divisions, citing declining revenue and challenges in advertising. “With the radio industry continuing to feel the pressure of an uncertain advertising market, we made some difficult but necessary changes in our audio business impacting roles in several markets,” a Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson told the Star in a statement last night. The company said the job losses included a “handful” of journalists, as well as some managerial and administrative positions, but noted there would be no closures or terminations of stations, programming or podcasts. “We recognize and thank the team members who are leaving us for their dedication to our listeners and advertisers,” the statement read. To read the complete article, please 
Lotus Seattle Corp in Seattle, Washington is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated Account Executive/Radio Sales-Account Executive. The company is looking for someone who can connect with clients and help them achieve their business objectives through effective Broadcast and digital advertising. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, have an enthusiastic and outgoing personality, along with a drive to succeed. Most importantly – they are looking for hard-working salespeople who want to have FUN at work, make money, and help local businesses grow. Compensation: · $55,000 – $70,000. Salary plus commission which varies by product and platform. This role is also eligible for various benefits, including the following: medical and dental insurance, vision, basic life insurance, 401K plan, plus more. Lotus Seattle Corp. is a subsidiary of Lotus Communications Corp. and is a media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio properties. Lotus Communications Corp. operates 48 radio stations in the Western United States including stations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Sacramento, Boise, Tucson, Fresno, Seattle and Bakersfield. To apply, please send your resume to hr@lotuscorp.com. For more information about the position and its requirements, please 
For the last 10 years, Edison Research’s quarterly “Share of Ear” study has been a highly respected examination of time spent with audio in America. Edison surveys 4,000 Americans annually to measure daily reach and time spent with all forms of audio. Each report is based on a four-quarter rolling average. The most recent Q3 2024 survey is comprised of Q4 2023, Q1 2024, Q2 2024, and Q3 2024. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog is an analysis of the just released Q3 2024 data and focuses on what advertisers care most about – ad-supported audio.
personality Tom Tolbert – who co-hosted the “Tolbert & Copes” show with Adam Copeland – and midday personality John Lund – co-host of “Papa and Lund” are both out. Additionally, 
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) tells TALKERS they are thrilled to introduce Nikki Kuniej as the first mentee for the non-profit’s newly launched Digital Sales Mentorship Program. As director of digital strategy at Saga Communications’ Charleston Media Solutions, MIW states, “Nikki exemplifies the spirit of this program with her dedication to growth and community service. She brings a passion for driving strategic growth for local businesses.” Beyond her career, Kuniej is deeply involved in her community, serving as a Big Sister and board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. She is active with the Charleston Chamber, where she contributes to the Regional Policy Committee, Thrive Ladies Networking, and the Regional Housing Coalition. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored as a 2023 “One to Watch,” a Charleston Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient, and a 2024 recipient of the RAB’s “Rising Thru the Ranks” award. Supported by its sponsor, Beasley Media Group, this program will provide Nikki with invaluable mentorship from top digital leaders. As the 2024-2025 mentee, Kuniej will engage in monthly coaching sessions with a Digital Mentor and leading digital experts, gaining valuable insights and guidance to drive her career forward. 
“I am overjoyed to be selected as the MIW Digital Mentee,” says Kuniej. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to have personal access to such accomplished and high achieving women for a year. Heading into 2025, I set a personal goal to focus on professional development, and this is the ideal way to start the year.” “We are thrilled to support such an impactful mentoring program that underscores the critical role of digital innovation in our industry,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff adds, “Nikki’s dedication to her professional growth and community service truly embodies the spirit of this mentorship. We’re eager to see the impact she’ll make as she continues to thrive in her career. With leaders like Nikki, the future of radio is promising – and with the support of companies like Beasley Media Group, our ability to offer meaningful mentorship opportunities is stronger than ever.” For more information on all MIW mentorship programs, please visit
number of retailers shopped, retailers shopped most often, brand perceptions, and advertising recall have recovered; 2) Brand equity and shopping patterns for the top two performers (AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts) are stable to up. The second-tier players are slightly off; 3) AM/FM radio and podcasts are the ideal platforms to advertise auto aftermarket. TV underperforms with category usage and brand equity: Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners visit more retailers in the category, make more shopping trips, and spend far more than the average. Two key consumer segments, do-it-yourselfers and ultra-heavy shoppers are more likely to be heavy AM/FM radio listeners. TV viewers are weak category users. 
(11/8) – Bertolucci as program director of heritage giant KFI AM 640, Los Angeles and Martin as EVP of programming, iHeartMedia Sports (which includes FOX Sports Radio) and PD of sports talk AM 570 KLAC, Los Angeles.After nearly a quarter century of exemplary service in these positions,
the ambiguous terms cited for the couple’s simultaneous departure do not mask the general industry observation that they were direct victims of the national radio cutbacks being affected by iHeartMedia as severe cost-cutting measures. Chris Berry, iHeartMedia EVP of news, will assume the role as interim program director of both KFI and KLAC.
Included in the cut – their show’s producer Terry Trahim, after more than 20 years of service to the station.
iHM SVP of programming for the Ohio-West Virginia area and PD /afternoon host of WSPD, Toledo has also been let go.
In San Antonio, although he remains one of the most successful syndicated hosts in American talk radio with a rapidly growing roster of more than 170 stations coast to coast, Compass Media Networks star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo‘s local highly-rated afternoon show of 19 years at his flagship WOAI (where he is a market legend) has been dropped from the lineup as a cost-cutting measure. Pags is one of talk radio’s most notable rising stars and will undoubtedly be okay – but his departure from WOAI is indicative of the wrecking ball nature of these types of budget-cutting measures.