Senator John Kennedy Urging FCC to Review Soros’ Audacy Debt Acquisition
U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) wants the Federal Communications Commission to review the approval of billionaire George Soros’ acquisition of $400 million of Audacy’s debt that makes him the largest shareholder of the company that exited Chapter 11 restructuring last year. New FCC chairman Brendan Carr has promised to “take a very hard look” at a petition to reconsider the license transfer to the new
Audacy. Before he was chairman, Carr had argued that the FCC should not allow a “Soros shortcut” but must follow FCC procedure. In June of last year Carr said the FCC had never previously used the “Soros-shortcut” procedure to approve licenses to a firm with significant foreign ownership. But Audacy argued in its opposition to the Petition to Deny (filed last summer) that there is nothing unique about this request, saying that the FCC “granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Audacy added that the notion that the limited waiver is new “completely ignores longstanding precedent establishing the Commission-approved special warrant process used in a number of prior transactions to allow licensees to emerge from bankruptcy promptly, while affording the Commission sufficient opportunity to review foreign ownership issues post-emergence.”
December 30 to January 19 and aims to leverage its on-air reach to help a local business brand, rebuild, or grow. Audacy Chicago VP of sports programming Mitch Rosen says, “This contest and promotion embodies everything ‘The Score’ truly stands for: live, local sports and, most importantly, the community. From the hundreds of entries we received, we know how important it is for the community to support local businesses. We’re excited to spotlight Heritage and share their story to help them grow and expand their business. Given the massive audience the game attracts on ‘The Score,’ our goal is to leverage every platform to maximize exposure for the restaurant.”
“love notes” via the Audacy app’s voicemail feature beginning next month. In March, KYW Newsradio will feature “60 Voices” from the Philadelphia area, with quotes from local community organizers, business leaders, celebrities and hometown heroes, sharing why they love living in the Delaware Valley. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Local radio is vital more than ever, and it’s a privilege to work at a media outlet so connected to this region. For generations, Philadelphians have turned to KYW for everything from breaking traffic updates to complex international headlines. When I walked in the door as an account executive in 1992, I was so excited to work at KYW Newsradio. That sense of pride has only grown and intensified. I’m in awe of our team and their impact on the community, and we’re excited to dedicate this year to those who have devoted their lives to reporting the facts.”
more recognition as a (legacy) medium that’s constantly innovating and evolving to enhance the consumer experience and the advertiser opportunity. At the heart of Audio lives great storytelling. From the beginning of humankind to today’s best advertising, storytelling is the single most effective tool for sharing information and knowledge – all while entertaining, educating and yes, selling. Storytelling is a constant, but the way stories are told is shifting, driven by new technologies and approaches that allow brands to create more emotional connection, deliver more personalized experiences and scale their campaigns for maximum impact. And no medium is better equipped to do this than audio.” 
regular and postseason games, as well as select Spring Training games. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “As we gear up for another Red October, we’re excited to announce our continued partnership with the Phillies. The Phillies are synonymous with this city’s great sports culture, and we’re proud to continue serving as the home for Phillies faithful – from every pitch throughout the season to yearlong updates and headlines surrounding their favorite team.”
Joe Rogan Tops Podcast Ranking in the U.K. Podcaster and media personality Joe Rogan’s popularity is strong on both sides of the Atlantic. This is according to Edison Research in releasing the Top 25 Podcasts in the UK based on reach for Q2 2024 among weekly podcast listeners age 15+. Remaining in the same rank order in the top three are “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett,” and “Sh**ged Married Annoyed.” To see the entire list, please 
Rob Parker’s “Sports Rap Radio” in Detroit Discontinues Broadcasting. According to reports in Barrett Media and Awful Announcing, less than 90 days after launching the country’s first all-Black sports radio station, Rob Parker’s “Sports Rap Radio” is no longer on the air. The groundbreaking format debuted on June 4 on WXYT AM 1270 which FOX Sports Radio host Parker and a group of backers leased from Audacy. On August 27 at 5:00 pm ET, Sports Rap Radio programming was removed from WXYT, with Parker explaining the station’s second round of funding didn’t come through. “Sports Rap Radio, the idea and concept, is viable and serves the underrepresented Black community in sports-talk radio,” Parker said. “I’m proud that we were able to launch the first all-Black sports talk station in this country. I’m proud of the product the staff delivered. But I’m devastated that I couldn’t deliver this for our culture. I failed my people.” Parker had been working on the concept since 2020 taking note of there being no Black full-time sports radio hosts in Detroit. According to the reports, it’s not just Detroit – minority hosts have long been underrepresented by sports radio stations around the country. Only 10-14 percent of the on-air talent on nearly 800 sports radio stations around the country were Black or Hispanic as recently as 2020. Audacy has flipped WXYT back to its BetQL Network.
Audacy’s legendary station 830 WCCO, Minneapolis is planning a series of special endeavors to celebrate its 100th anniversary, including a double album with commemorative content, a gubernatorial proclamation and a grand centennial event. As part of its century-long “good neighbor” heritage, WCCO will also donate the proceeds from the double album release and centennial event to four of its non-profit partners: 
weekly radio listeners and 80% of weekly radio streamers – are actively tuning into election news on the radio. Audacy says, “It’s more than just staying informed; these listeners are inspired to make their voices heard at the polls. Local radio is essential for these audiences, with 74% saying it helps them grasp how election results impact their communities. For many, radio is the pulse of the nation’s agenda. Nearly half (46%) of listeners have been following election news closely for over three months.” 
Earlier this week (8/14), TALKERS reported the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas Houston Division approved Audacy’s prepackaged plan for reorganization under Chapter 11 on February 20 (2024). The company was awaiting the FCC’s blessing on the plan to complete reorganization and its Debtor-in-Possession credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $32 million, maturing next Monday (8/19). Audacy asked the Court to extend the maturation date to September 30, 2024. After a 1:00 pm (CT) hearing yesterday (8/15), U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez – as expected – approved an emergency motion allowing Audacy to extend its pause on certain financial obligations beyond the original deadline. Audacy stated in its second quarter 2024 financial report that it expects to receive FCC approval in the third quarter of this year.
awaiting the FCC’s blessing on the plan to complete reorganization and its Debtor-in-Possession credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $32 million matures on August 19, 2024. (This DIP Facility allows Audacy to function during the reorganization period.) Audacy is asking the Court to extend the maturation date to September 30, 2024. Audacy stated in its second quarter 2024 financial report that it expects to receive FCC approval in the third quarter of this year. 
following response to the company’s decision: “The Writers Guild of America East is devastated that Audacy, the second largest radio company in America, today announced that they are shutting down WCBS Newsradio 880, a trusted news source for New Yorkers since 1924. There were 23 WGA East members laid off by Audacy, and we expect the company to comply with the applicable provisions in our collective bargaining agreement, including guaranteed severance. Audacy is the owner of more than 200 radio stations in nearly 50 markets. The closure of WCBS Newsradio 880 is another example of consolidation by a major media conglomerate, which ultimately deprives the public of critical local news stories with different perspectives. Audacy’s decision is even more egregious given that this is a critical election year. This is a giant loss for New York City and the news industry at large.”
the Audacy station to become part of a new show on FS1. Parkins has worked alongside Matt Spiegel on the afternoon drive program for the past seven years. This summer, Parkins filled in for Colin Cowherd on the cable TV show The Herd and reportedly acquitted himself well. The FS1 show is scheduled to launch this fall. Parkins and Audacy have not commented publicly about the story.
York market president Chris Oliviero states, “New York has always been proudly unique in supporting two all-news radio brands, but the news business has gone through significant changes. The headwinds facing local journalism nationwide made it essential to strategically reimagine how we deliver the news for the most impact. WCBS 880 has been one of the most respected radio stations in history, with a legacy cemented by the hundreds of world-class journalists, on and off the air, who willed it into existence over the decades. If it happened in New York or the world, you heard about it on WCBS 880. Today, 1010 WINS@92.3FM, equally iconic, moves forward as New York’s only 24/7 all-news station with the best distribution platform, the largest audience and the most recognized brand in the industry. All-news is a pillar of Audacy, and this decision, though difficult, fortifies that leadership position for generations to come.” Audacy says that to honor WCBS 880’s meaningful impact, the station will broadcast a live commemorative special, “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped our Lives,” on August 22 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. This special edition of “NEWSLINE” with Brigitte Quinn will include interviews and historical clips. Audacy New York will continue to serve as the exclusive rights holder and flagship audio home of the New York Mets. Audacy-produced broadcasts will continue to air on 880 AM and stream on the Audacy app.
radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”
-host John Lopez and producer Edward “Figgy Fig” Gilliard on KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610,” beginning August 19. KILT brand manager Parker Hillis comments, “We’re thrilled to have Reggie join ‘In The Loop’ as the newest host. He’s a natural talent whose on-air enthusiasm and innate ability to connect with an audience will make him the perfect fit here in Houston.” Adetula is a native Houstonian who returns home after nine years as the evening host and producer on Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan.” 
Wall Street investors do not put up money for traditional radio and television stations.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period covered June 20 through July 17. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC rises a half share to finish with a 3.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and climbs to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR tacks on two-tenths for a 1.7 share finish good for the #19 rank. In Los Angeles, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.0 share keeping it locked in the #7 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KNX-FM rises two-tenths to a 3.3 share, lifting it to the #10 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN is flat with a 2.5 share but rises two places to the #13 rank, while Cumulus Media Group’s news/talk WLS-AM ticks up one-tenth to a 1.2 share, staying in the #25 spot, and Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM dips two-tenths to a 5.2 share good for the #5 rank in the market. 
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. KRLD brand manager Drew Anderssen says, “Will’s unique perspective on today’s top headlines will be a welcomed addition to our revamped lineup on KRLD. We’re excited to expand his reach and introduce his wildly popular program to KRLD listeners in Dallas and nationwide via the Audacy app.”
Horne to a full-time reporter position. Pamplin has spent the past 30-plus years with WDIV-TV as a photojournalist and reporter. Horne has been a part-time producer and 
reporter at WWJ since 2021. Previously, she was a weekday reporter and weekend fill-in producer at WLNS-TV. Audacy Detroit market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “We couldn’t be more excited for Tim to join our news team. We plan to leverage his renowned breaking news reports to provide our listeners with quality coverage of each day’s top stories. We’re also looking forward to supporting Darrylin in this new role as she applies her skillful storytelling in everything from feature stories to contributions on our digital platforms.”
Citizens Bank Park and from the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey after an unwanted advance on an Aramark employee at the ballpark. Eskin was off WIP since that time. He said, in part, “I’d like to briefly address the recent reports about an incident at Citizens Bank Park. Now I’m not going to get into specifics other than to say that I recognize my actions have offended and upset her. I feel awful about that. I really do. I apologized to her at the time of the incident, and I apologize again now. I’m truly sorry that this did occur. I know a lot of you want me to say more about this, but I don’t intend to comment on this any further and hopefully you understand.” 
Following up on a story reported yesterday (7/22) in TALKERS, an Audacy Insights Team blogpost (“Local News Radio Listenership Soars”) cites Nielsen Audio listenership increases following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Leading up to quoting specific stats, the research piece states, “Local news audiences are incredibly engaged” and are “twice as likely to stick around through radio ads compared to the average listener. These listeners trust local news radio for its reliable voices and factual reporting.” On July 13, Audacy news stations “saw a 32% jump in streams compared to the same day the week before. Mobile streams led the way with a 45% increase, while smart speaker usage rose by 30%.” The assassination attempt took place in Butler, PA, roughly 40 miles from Pittsburgh where Audacy news/talk KDKA-AM “experienced a 55% increase in streams.” Meanwhile, its Los Angeles all-news operation, KNX, “saw a 41% rise.” Per the Audacy blog, “Spikes in listenership across digital audio platforms confirm that local news radio stations are truly with you during critical times, offering reliable and detailed coverage when needed most.” Engagement continued leading up to last Monday (7/15), the first day of the Republican National Convention, as Audacy news stations “experienced a 5% rise in listenership compared to the previous Monday.” The Audacy blog contends approximately two of three (65%) all-news listeners “trust radio hosts for news updates, compared to 30% who look to social media influencers for such information.” The July 13 assassination attempt “highlights the essential role of local news radio. With a significant boost in listenership and a clear preference for trustworthy, community-focused reporting, local news radio remains a key player in delivering reliable news.”
During a presentation last week at Beasley Media Group Boston, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association awarded 11 scholarships totaling $30,000. Scholarship checks were presented by MBA’s immediate past chair/Beasley Media Group vice president/market manager Mary Menna and MBA executive director Jordan Walton. According to Menna, “Beasley Media is proud to have participated in the MBA Student Broadcaster Scholarship for many years. It’s a worthwhile investment in supporting the next generation of radio and television employees.” Walton commented, “The MBA and its members have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in our future broadcasters. We look forward to watching this group succeed in broadcasting in the years to come.” Menna and Walton delivered brief remarks to the scholarship winners before BMG Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning hosts Fred Toucher and Rob “Hardy” Poole spoke to the winners about their paths into broadcasting. Student Broadcaster Scholarships are given to students pursuing a career in over-the-air broadcasting and enrolled at a two or four-year accredited school.
Audacy Philadelphia sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94” names 
township of Lower Merion with regard to its former headquarters in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. The original amount to be paid by Audacy was $1.4 million however that figure was later deemed incorrect and now the company agrees to pay the township $2 million. Audacy is still awaiting final approval from the FCC to be able to operate its radio stations as the new Audacy.
announcer last season, will continue as Bills Insider for the station, co-hosting “One Bills LIVE,” weekdays at 1:00 pm and simulcast on MSG Western New York. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger says, “Chris is best suited to carry on the long tradition of informative, passionate and entertaining Bills play-by-play announcing. His decades-long knowledge of the organization will be invaluable as he assumes the play-by-play microphone.”