Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Audacy Buffalo Holds Radiothon for SPCA of Erie County. News/talk WBEN-AM and sister station WLKK-FM in Bufflo helped raise $132,000 during the 22nd Annual SPCA Serving Erie County Radiothon. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger comments, “This annual event really brings the community together and the amount raised is a testament to the generosity of our listeners. We love supporting SPCA’s mission and giving second chances to pets and animals in Buffalo.”

Bold Gold Media Stations Hit Fundraising Goals. Via two of its ongoing holiday fundraisers, Bold Gold Media Group’s radio stations in the Pocono Lake Region of Pennsylvania produced the The Wayne County Ford & Bold Gold Media Holiday Toy Drive Challenge and The Michael G. Stanton Shower for Charity. The Holiday Toy Drive Challenge saw listeners fill up at least four pick-up trucks with toys for needy kids and for the 24th year in a row, market manager Michael G. Stanton stood in a claw foot tub on Main Street in Honesdale in 20-degree weather clad in only Christmas-themed shorts and raised more than $46,000 for the Wayne County Childrens Christmas Bureau.

“105.7 The Fan” in Milwaukee Helps Raise $100k for Kids. Audacy sports talk “105.7 The Fan” (WSSP-FM / 1250AM) in Milwaukee – with the help of two of its sister music outlets – collected more than $100,000 in toys and cash to benefit Children’s Wisconsin Immediate Impact for Kids Fund. Station host and assistant brand manager Steve “Sparky” Fifer says, “I’m so proud of everyone involved in the 19th Annual Toy Drive for Children’s Wisconsin. We couldn’t make this a success without everyone in the community and around the state of Wisconsin contributing to it. The number of kids that these toys will impact is the reason we do this each year. There isn’t anything better than a smile on a kid’s face.”

JVC Broadcasting Helps Set Record in Long Island Toy Drive. Last Friday, JVC Broadcasting of Long Island conducted the JVC Town of Brookhaven INTERFACE Toy Drive featuring air personalities from all six JVC Long Island stations – including “LI News Radio” – to collect thousands of toys donated by generous community members that will go to more than 7,500 children, ranging in age from infants to 15 years old, helping ensure that families across the community experience joy during the holiday season. JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “This is what local radio and local government working together is all about. When you bring the community together around a cause, incredible things happen.”

Industry News

Audacy Launches Wisconsin Sports Radio Network

Audacy unveils the new Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, which the company says “will unite the state’s biggest sports voices, markets and fans onto a statewide platform produced and distributed by Audacy.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “The Wisconsin Sports Radio Network brings our state’s passion for sports under one roof. With ‘Theimg Fan’ leading the charge and these powerhouse affiliates joining forces, fans from Green Bay to Duluth can now experience the best local sports conversation anywhere in Wisconsin.” Audacy’s WSSP-FM, Milwaukee “105.7 The Fan” is serving as the network flagship. The daily program lineup include: “Inside Wisconsin Sports” with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht (6:00 am to 9:00 am); “Nine2Noon with Kuhn” with John Kuhn, Ramie Makhlouf, and Brandon Sneide (9:00 am to 12:00 noon); “The Mason Crosby Show” with Mason Crosby, Mitch “Thunder” Nelles and Tommy Wortz 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm); “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with Steve “Sparky” Fifer and Charlie Uczen (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm); and “Wisconsin Sports Wrap Up” hosted by Tommy Wortz (5:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Initial affiliate stations include Midwest Communications’ WNFL, Green Bay WRIG-AM/FM, Wausau; and WDSM-AM, Superior.

Industry News

Sports Talk “105.7 The Fan” in Baltimore Celebrates 15 Years

Audacy sports talk outlet WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” is celebrating 15 years as a sports talker with its “Fanniversary.” Through May 31, the station will launch special “FAN 15” content to honor the past 15 years by highlighting key interviews, contributors’ top moments, vignettes that capture the mostim important sports moments and “105.7 The Fan” personalities’ favorite memories. Celebratory programming includes two live broadcasts of the “Big Bad Morning Show” hosted by Ed Norris, Rob Long and Jeremy Conn. The celebration begins tonight (3/21) with a 15th Anniversary Kick-Off Party at Ryleigh’s Oyster House. Audacy Baltimore SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys comments, “105.7 The Fan’s beloved personalities have consistently delivered high-quality sports coverage fueled by passion. We’re ready to replay 105.7 The Fan’s history on and off the air and recognize the programming, personalities and listeners that have helped serve up the best in sports talk to Baltimore.”

Industry News

“105.7 The Fan” Brings Back “Baltimore Baseball Tonight”

Audacy sports talk outlet WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” announces the return of “Baltimore Baseball Tonight” to its program lineup with the new season coinciding with the Baltimore Oriole’s Opening Day on March 30. New to the “Baltimore Baseball Tonight” broadcast team is Ryan Ripken, son of baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken joins Bob Haynie – host of the midday “Vinny & Haynie” show – Baltimore Hall of Famer Mike Bordick, and longtime voice of Baltimore baseball Jim Hunter. 105.7 The Fan brand manager Chuck Sapienza comments, “We are thrilled to be bringing ‘Baltimore Baseball Tonight’ back to Baltimore baseball fans. The show was received so well last season, and we look forward to building off that momentum again this season. Adding Ryan to the team brings a critical young voice to the show, and his perspective having been a part of the organization and his deep family ties to the team are invaluable.” When the Orioles are home, the show is broadcast on-site at Pickles Pub near Oriole Park at Camden Yards.