Joe Kelley Joins KRLD, Dallas; Mike Rogers Moves to Middays
Audacy announces lineup changes at all-news KRLD-AM, Dallas “NewsRadio 1080.” After serving for 19 years with Cox Media Group, most recently as host of the morning program on WDBO, Orlando, Joe Kelley
is named the new host of “The KRLD Morning News.” Incumbent morning host Mike Rogers moves to the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart. Both moves take effect on July 22. Audacy news & talk format VP and KRLD brand manager Drew Anderssen 
says, “We’re proud to unveil the next phase of KRLD’s new-look lineup by adding Joe Kelley and moving local favorite Mike Rogers to middays. Mike has resonated with our listeners for over three decades, and we have no doubt he will continue to provide informative, relevant content to them in middays. We’re equally excited to welcome Joe Kelley, who, with his rich background in news and multi-platform content distribution, will bring a wealth of experience and passion to our morning news.” Kelley comments, “I am honored to join the esteemed KRLD brand and embrace the responsibility of upholding the legacy crafted by generations of broadcasters. Returning to Texas – a place that resonates with familiarity and warmth – fills me with great enthusiasm. I look forward to further elevating KRLD’s prominence in the North Texas community.”
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s June 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 May 23 through June 19. Today, TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is steady with a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but slips to the #11 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR is also steady with a 1.5 share and falls back to the #20 rank. In Chicago, Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN slides a half share to finish with a 2.5 share good for the #15 rank, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM rises two-tenths to a 1.1 share that lifts it to the #25 rank. In Dallas, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP adds four-tenths for a 3.0 share and rises to the #12 rank, while Audacy’s all-news KRLD-AM is steady with a 1.5 share but slips to the #27 rank. 
Tommy Castor, on KWCH’s streaming service, 12 News Connected, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. KFH operations and brand manager Tony Duesing comments, “We’re delighted to expand the reach of our wildly popular morning show, ‘Sports Daily,’ and introduce the program to a broader audience in video form. Co-hosts Jacob Albracht and Tommy Castor have a unique chemistry that resonates with Wichita’s biggest sports fans, and now viewers can enjoy their insights and banter on 12 News Connected every weekday morning.”
group of individuals and the remarkable brands we have the privilege to represent here in Cleveland, this decision fills me with joy. By making this move, we’ll finally have the opportunity to be fully present in our family’s daily lives and participate in the precious moments as our grandsons, Charlie and Emerson, grow and flourish. On a personal note, this transition opens the door for me to explore passions and interests that have been not-so-patiently waiting on the sidelines for way too long. I’m looking forward to the luxury of my first summer without a job since I was thirteen. Not to mention, I’m very ready to chase ‘the dream’ of achieving a single-digit golf handicap (hey, like I said, a guy can dream).”
programming leadership team, talent, and content creators nationwide. Sottolano will also work closely with the company’s product and technology teams as it enhances its creator tools and delivers new digital experiences for consumers and advertisers. He will also collaborate with its podcast leadership team on the development and launch of new titles. Audacy chief operating officer Susan Larkin states, “Jeff has a track record of success. He and our programming and brand leaders have executed market-winning content strategies and initiatives that deliver for our listeners and advertisers. Jeff’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating our performance across all platforms, and this promotion underscores our confidence in his ability to continue growing our best-in-class brand portfolio.” Sottolano joined Audacy (then-Entercom) in 2001 as an intern and has served as EVP and head of programming since 2021. 
vice president of sports Danny Freisinger on the company’s multiplatform content strategy and production. Kinard will continue to serve as vice president of sports programming and cluster director of operations for Audacy Washington DC that includes WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan,” WTEM-AM “The Team 980,” and WIAD-FM “94.7 The Drive.” Audacy EVP and head of programming Jeff Sottolano comments, “We are privileged at Audacy to benefit from the best local sports content thought leaders in the country and Chris has distinguished himself through his leadership of WFJK-FM and WTEM-AM in D.C. over many years. I am excited to see Chris take on this new role and partner with our local and central leadership on further strengthening our unrivaled position in sports.”
the FCC’s requirement to do a foreign ownership review and Audacy’s request that the FCC grant a limited waiver of that review in order to more speedily exit Chapter 11. This request is under heavy scrutiny due to the political aspects of the case. Carr recently told the Post that the FCC should not allow a “Soros shortcut” – a term used by the Media Research Center in its Petition to Deny filed with the Commission – but must follow FCC procedure. Audacy argued in its opposition to the Petition to Deny 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 adds 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.” 
airing on Audacy talk outlets WCCO, Minneapolis and KMXB-HD3, Las Vegas “K-DAWN.” Red Apple Audio Networks distributes the show live from 1:00 am to 5:00 am nightly. Morano comments, “I’m incredibly grateful to be on both of these great radio stations. I’ve dreamt of being on the radio in Minnesota ever since Jesse Ventura ran for governor. It’s great to be on a station that has so many independent thinkers. As far as ‘K-DAWN’ goes, I’m absolutely thrilled to be on the air in Las Vegas, a 24/7 city. It’s great to talk to an audience in a city that’s up all night.”
Township, Pennsylvania over a disputed tax bill. This settlement in principle remains 
Pelicans had been heard on iHeartMedia’s WRNO-FM. Audacy New Orleans SVP and market manager Dan Barron states, “We are honored to extend our partnership with the New Orleans Saints and excited to bring the New Orleans Pelicans into the WWL family. This agreement reaffirms our dedication to providing fans with the best sports broadcasting in the region. We are proud to be the go-to source for Saints and Pelicans coverage and are excited to bring every thrilling moment to our listeners.”
columnist John Heilemann called, “Impolitic with John Heilemann.” New episodes will drop each Tuesday and Thursday. Audacy Podcasts EVP Jenna Weiss-Berman says, “We couldn’t be more excited to expand our thriving Puck slate with ‘Impolitic’ especially in this election year. John is a singular political journalist whose incisive and insightful analysis and reporting will keep listeners informed leading up to November and beyond.”
broadcast and digital journalism. NewsRadio 1080 KRLD in Dallas, WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit, KNX News 97.1 FM in Los Angeles and WCBS 880 in New York all were honored with the “Overall Excellence” Award. Other stations receiving Regional Murrow Awards include: KMOX, St. Louis (Newscast); KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia (Newscast, Digital, Hard News); WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans (Breaking News, Continuing Coverage); and WCCO, Minneapolis (Newscast). 
media personality Rob Parker to air the “Sports Rap Radio” format. Vice president of programming for the BetQL Network Mitch Rosen says, “With our strategic partnership with BetMGM, we’re committed to maintaining a robust presence in the Detroit market and beyond. Now, listeners nationwide can join in on the excitement through the Audacy app, making ‘The Bet Detroit’ accessible anytime, anywhere.”
be able to alter the course of established radio stations and the marketplace of ideas before the 2024 election or even soon thereafter. Harrison told “America at Night” host Rich Valdés last night (5/22) that radio is far too idiosyncratic an industry – already run by too many people who don’t understand how it really operates – for someone (who also doesn’t really have first-hand experience in the field) to just step in and make drastic alterations to entrenched stations, formats, audiences and sponsors just to make a political statement. Harrison states, “There are more 
expedient uses of his money if that is his main purpose. After all, not all Audacy stations are conservative news/talkers… many are music, sports and a variety of formats. How inefficient such a move would be!” Harrison went on to say that radio is still an extremely powerful and potentially lucrative medium if only its present owners and operators believed in it and invested in its programming and marketing. He encouraged radio broadcasters to understand and believe in the “esthetic of ‘radio’ and not be so anxious to bail out into the utilitarian term ‘audio.’” Harrison and Valdés tied the discussion into the current news about the AM for Every Vehicle Act currently making its way through Congress stating that radio is still a lifeline for service to the community as a place for information, education, and entertainment and that eliminating it from automobile dashboards would be about “five to 10 years premature.” 
The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey covered March 28 through April 24. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM sheds one-tenth for a 6.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but remains ranked #2 in the market, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM dips two-tenths to a 1.6 share good for the #20 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM shoots up 1.4 shares for an 8.1 share finish and remaining ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM is steady with a 2.6 share but climbs two spots to the #15 rank. In Kansas City, Audacy’s news/talk KMBZ-FM adds three-tenths to finish with a 5.6 share keeping it ranked #4, while Cumulus Media’s news/talk KCMO-AM falls half a share to wrap the survey with a 1.5 share, pulling it down to the #18 rank. 
This week, I started a five-night show on Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia. Thank you, market president David Yadgaroff. Because of my tenure in the industry, I received a flattering, humbling number of emails from colleagues in radio. THANK YOU. The support and encouragement are appreciated and certainly needed!
revenue for its stations by general format and the company’s sports revenue was $56.6 million – an increase of 6.5% – while its news/talk revenue fell 5.5% to $40 million. Audacy chairman, president and CEO David J. Field comments, “Audacy delivered a solid start to 2024 with Q1 EBITDA increasing 173% vs the prior year. Second-quarter revenues are currently pacing up low-single 
digits, and we expect another quarter of substantial EBITDA growth, enhanced by our continuing work on expense reductions. Our improving results are predominantly attributable to a significant acceleration in digital revenue growth, continuing meaningful revenue share gains, and declining expenses as our transformational investments bear fruit. As previously announced, we received court approval of our consensual pre-packaged Plan of Reorganization, which will reduce our debt by 80%, and are now awaiting FCC approval to complete the process. I want to salute our team for their excellent work in driving financial and operating progress while simultaneously executing our reorganization plan, all without disruption to customers, listeners, partners, vendors or our staff.
determined that granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Further, Audacy says, “According to the MRC, Audacy is attempting to employ an ‘entirely new’ and ‘vague and undefined’ special warrant process’ to delay the Commission review of Audacy’s proposed foreign ownership until ‘sometime down the road’ when the company ‘may choose’ to file a petition for declaratory ruling seeking such review. This specious claim not only mischaracterizes the company’s waiver request detailed in the Application, but 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.” Separately, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to Congressman Nicolas Langworthy (R-NY) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX), who both wrote to her implying that the Commission is not going through “its normal, statutorily required process” and voiced concern over Soros Fund Management’s acquisition of Audacy debt. Langworthy wrote that Audacy being “owned by a deeply partisan individual [George Soros], could have a fundamental impact on the nature of local radio and potentially silence political viewpoints.” Rosenworcel’s response indicates she believes the Commission is handling the matter appropriately, saying, “The Bureau staff will review the record and decide if the transfer is in the public interest pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Communications Act.”
Audio advantage.” The guide provides data to counter prevailing myths that marketers often believe. Some examples include: 1) the notion that “apps have all the audience” is not true as “ad-supported platforms are key to marketer’s winning and Audacy’s 200 million+ is miles above Spotify (48.6M) and Pandora (41.2M)”; 2) “young people don’t listen to audio” isn’t true as 96% of Gen Z listen to audio daily – with 44% being daily radio users; and 3) “I can’t measure audio” is also false because marketers can “track, measure and analyze 
the new magazine-style show, “The WORD on the Street,” on Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Audacy Greenville SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “I am thrilled to have Mike return to ‘News/Talk 98.9 WORD.’ Mike is part of the fabric of Greenville; he connects with our audience and will be a terrific advocate for our advertisers. Having Mike and Joey onboard will enhance our incredible lineup and offer listeners live, locally connected talent.” Gallagher comments, “To return to the same station where I started my radio career 35 years ago is mind-blowing. I’m excited to reconnect with Upstate audiences and advertisers on this powerhouse brand. Having my dear friend Joey play a significant role in the show is the icing on the cake. Everyone knows the Upstate is home to me. So, who says you can’t go home again?” Hudson adds, “I’m ecstatic to join the team at this heritage station. It’s especially gratifying to join my longtime friend and mentor Mike as he makes his triumphant return to the Upstate. As a lifelong resident of the area, I’m fortunate to continue serving the community I love as part of The Voice of the Carolinas. Thank you to Steve Sinicropi, Mark Hendrix and the 98.9 WORD family for welcoming me back to the airwaves.” As part of the changes, “Straight Talk with Bill Frady,” now airs from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.