July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Two
July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 sweep has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Nielsen Audio’s July 2022 sweep covered June 23 – July 20.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are June 2022 – July 2022 (6+).
WASHINGTON, DC
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WMAL “105.9 FM – Where Washington Comes To Talk” flat at 4.1, seventh to eighth
News: Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WTOP & WTLP “Washington’s Top News” 6.9 – 7.5, +.6, third to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) 3.7 – 2.6, -1.1, #10 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: American University-owned WAMU 10.2 – 10.1, -.1, #1
Pacifica’s public radio news/talk-jazz hybrid KPFW .7 – .6, -.1, #19 to #20
Number One 6+: public radio news/talk WAMU, seventh month in succession, 10.2 – 10.1, -.1
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WGTS (+1.0)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: sports talk WJFK-FM (-1.1)
BOSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s WRKO “AM 680 The Voice Of Boston” 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10
News – Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, sixth to seventh
Sports Talk: Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” 7.3 – 5.8, -1.5, second to fourth
Audacy-owned WEEI-FM “93.7 Boston’s Sports Station” (Red Sox) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10
Public Radio News/Talk: Boston University’s WBUR 3.3 – 3.9, +.6, #13 to #8
WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 to #17
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR, second straight month, 8.3 – 8.7, +.4
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: CHR WXKS-FM (+1.2)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: sports talk WBZ-FM (-1.5)
MIAMI
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Dade County School Board-owned WLRN 2.3 – 2.6, +.3, steady at #15
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT, first month, 8.7 – 9.3, +.6
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WMXJ (+.9)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WFEZ (-.9)
SEATTLE
News/Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 FM” 7.3 – 6.7, -.6, #1
News: Lotus Communications’ KNWN-AM & KNWN-FM “Northwest News Radio” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, repeats at #14
Sports Talk: Bonneville-owned KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” (Mariners) 4.6 – 5.8, +1.2, seventh to second
Public Radio News/Talk: Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW 5.1 – 5.4, +.3, fourth to fifth
Number One 6+: news/talk KIRO-FM, third straight month, 7.3 – 6.7, -.6
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: sports talk KIRO-AM (+1.2)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: jazz KNKX (-1.0)
DETROIT
News/Talk: Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760 AM” 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, locked at #13
News: Audacy-owned WWJ News Radio 950” (Pistons) unchanged at 4.5, tenth to ninth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) 5.9 – 5.5, -.4, fourth to fifth
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Michigan-owned WUOM steady at 2.1, remains at #19
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WOMC, seventh consecutive month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: classic rock WCSX (+1.0)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: CHR WKQI (-1.0)
PHOENIX
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, fourth to fifth
Bonneville-owned KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, #15 to #17
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ 5.8 – 5.4, -.4, repeats in third-place
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, fourth month in a row, 6.6 – 6.8, +.2
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KMLE (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOAI (-1.5)
MINNEAPOLIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s WCCO “News Talk 830” (Minnesota Twins) 4.1 – 4.4, +.3, #12 to #10
Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” 3.5 – 3.3, -.2, continues at #13
iHeartMedia’s KTLK-AM “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, remains at #14
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “FM 100.3 K-Fan” 5.3 – 5.0, -.3, stays in ninth-place
Public Radio News/Talk: Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW 5.9 – 6.3, +.4, seventh to fifth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL, first month, 7.3 – 7.6, +.3
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WGVX (+.9)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic rock KQRS (-.8)
SAN DIEGO
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #12 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) 2.3 – 1.8, -.5, #16 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: San Diego State University’s KPBS 6.0 – 5.4, -.6, third to fourth
Number One 6+: Local Media San Diego adult hits KFBG, fourth consecutive month, 6.6 – 9.8, +3.2
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: adult hits KFBG KYXY (+3.2)*
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KXSN (-.8)
*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets – as well as the previous 12-PPM markets
TAMPA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” steady at 4.7, seventh to sixth
iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “News Radio 970” 3.2 – 2.9, -.3, #12 to #13
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays) 2.1 – 1.8, -.3, locked at #19
Public Radio News/Talk: University of South Florida’s WUSF 3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #12 to #14
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV, eleventh month in succession, 7.6 – 8.2, +.6
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: rock WXTB (+.7)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease (Tie): classic hits-oldies WXGL and adult contemporary WWRM (-1.1)
DENVER
News/Talk: KHOW “Talk Radio 630” 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #16 and iHeartMedia cluster-mate KOA “News Radio 850” (Colorado Rockies) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, remains at #16
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Bonneville’s KKFN “104.3 The Fan” 2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #16 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: Colorado Public Radio-owned KCFR 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: Bonneville country KYGO, second month in a row, 5.7 – 7.6, +1.9
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: country KYGO (+1.9)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: triple A KBCO (-.9)
BALTIMORE
News/Talk: Hearst Television’s WBAL News Radio 1090” (Orioles) 2.3 – 3.4, +1.1, #14 to #10
WCBM Maryland-owned WCBM “Talk Radio AM 680” 2.5 – 2.0, -.5, #12 to #15
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WJZ-FM “Baltimore Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” 3.0 – 3.4, +.4, remains at #10
Public Radio News/Talk: Your Public Radio Corporation-owned WYPR 3.4 – 3.6, +.2, continues in ninth-place
Number One 6+: Audacy adult contemporary WLIF, first month, 8.6 – 8.7, +.1
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: news/talk WBAL (+1.1)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: urban AC WWIN-FM (-1.0)
ST. LOUIS
News/Talk: Audacy’s KMOX “The Voice Of St. Louis” (Cardinals) 4.7 – 5.3, +.6, repeats at #10 and cluster-mate KFTK “Talk 97.1 FM” 1.9 – 1.8, -.1, #16 to #17
iHeartMedia-owned KTLK-FM “104.9 The Patriot” 1.0 – 1.2, +.2, #19 to #18
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 ESPN” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, continues at #11
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Missouri-owned KWMU 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, locked at #14
Number One 6+: Hubbard Broadcasting rock KSHE, seventh month in a row, 10.0 – 9.3, -.7
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Increase: alternative KPNT (+1.6)
Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022 Decrease: country KSD-FM (-1.9)**
**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
Up next: July 2022 overviews for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com








NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled “Pass The Chips” looks back at this past week of 7/25 to 7/29. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS;
Championship game on October 29. Senior vice president of sports programming and podcasts Steve Cohen comments, “We are excited to offer our subscribers live NWSL matches every week. The NWSL is a leading professional soccer league featuring talent from around the world. We are proud to add the NWSL to the growing offering of live women’s sports on SiriusXM.” Meanwhile, NWSL media managing director/executive producer Brian Gordon remarks, “We’re always looking for unique and exciting ways to introduce our game to previously untapped audiences. This programming marks another fantastic step towards reaching those new fans. We’re excited to work alongside SiriusXM as we continue expanding ways in which fans can access NWSL matches.” In addition to live play-by-play, SiriusXM FC offers listeners a mix of soccer talk and play-by-play every day of the year. The channel features live play-by-play, as well as daily soccer talk programming hosted by a cast of former players, coaches, executives and journalists.
Gottlieb Guides Team USA To Gold. As a result of coaching the USA Open Men’s Basketball team to a first-place finish at this year’s World Maccabiah Games earlier this month in Israel, Fox Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb (second red shirt from left in the above photo) captures his fourth gold medal. Gottlieb coached the 2017 team; won as a player on the U.S. Open Men’s Basketball Team during the Pan-American Maccabi Games in Mexico City in 1999; and the 16th World Maccabiah Games in 2001. Additionally, he took home a bronze medal at the 15th World Maccabiah Games in 1997. He continued to host his radio show for several weeks in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and remarks, “We had yet another amazing trip, winning all eight of our games and creating a team that operated like a family. I cannot thank Maccabi USA and Fox Sports Radio enough for allowing me the opportunity to coach and work, while mentoring these incredible young men.” The Maccabiah Games are the world’s third-largest international multi-sport event with nearly 10,000 total participants representing 75 countries competing in 40 sports. Gottlieb’s three-hour (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, ET) weekday FSR show airs on approximately 230 stations.
Radio Awards. “Tulsa’s News & Talk 102.3 & AM 740” takes the place of Cox Media Group sibling Atlanta’s WSB-AM & WSBB, which remains in contention for “Major Market Station of the Year.” Winners will be announced October 19 at the NAB Show in New York. … Data-driven marketing company Claritas will join the
WKNR Contest Puts $30,000 Ad Campaign Up For Grabs. This marks the third consecutive year that Good Karma Brands sports talk WKNR “850 ESPN Cleveland” will give away a $30,000 WKNR advertising schedule to one local business. To qualify for “Moving Business Forward,” the establishment must be owned by a veteran, minority member, or woman. The promotion runs through this Friday (7/29) and is open to Northeast Ohio businesses incorporated and active for at least two years with annual revenue under $15 million in fiscal year 2021. Entrants must submit an under 300-word statement saying why their business deserves to win. Judging criteria will be on passion for the business; innovation during – and response to – the COVID-19 pandemic; employee loyalty; impact on business’ neighborhood/community; and overall business culture. According to Good Karma Brands Cleveland vice president/market manager Amy Crossman, “We are excited to partner with Keybank and the Cleveland Cavaliers to continue this powerful program for the local business community. We look forward to connecting our passionate sports fans with these deserving Cleveland-based businesses to help them thrive in the future.” The winner will have use of a private suite for one Cavs game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. WKNR will buy $2,500 in gift cards, divided among veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses, to be given away throughout the year.
NAB Appoints Hall to Leadership Foundation Board. Talk host/journalist/producer/author Tamron Hall is appointed to the National Association of Broadcasters’ Leadership Foundation. In addition, Hall
KO’s “Countdown” Continues as an iHM Podcast. Beginning August 1, former longtime
Hobbs To Helm MundoNow’s Óyenos Audio. Multicultural podcasting veteran Stephen Hobbs is named chief audio officer of MundoNow’s Latino podcast network, Óyenos Audio. Hobbs will oversee the development of new original scripted series and audio entertainment concepts that will focus on topics including true crime and inspirational stories. MundoNow
chief executive officer Rene Alegrias remarks, “Latinos expect smart, highly sophisticated podcasts that provide a culturally-accurate connection to their heritage. Óyenos will provide this and it will be driven by the renowned Stephen Hobbs. In the world of multicultural podcasting, Stephen’s caliber and experience is unmatched.” MundoNow chief revenue officer/partner Andrew Polsky notes, “I immediately recognized the impact this platform can make in expanding meaningful podcasting for the underserved bilingual/bicultural market. This impact will be maximized with the hiring of Stephen. I’ve worked with him before on multiple brand partnership executions. I’m excited to collaborate with him again to not only elevate Óyenos, but the offering of Latino streaming content as a whole.” Hobbs states that bilingual digital media company MundoNow, recently rebranded from Mundo Hispanico, is “exceptionally well-positioned to become a leader in multicultural podcasting. It has the audience, it has the growth strategy under superior leadership from Rene and Andrew, and it has the production capacity. My job is to create content that will have listeners on the edge of their seats, or perhaps making an emotional connection.” Hobbs co-founded reVolver Podcasts; was Univision’s vice president of podcasts and experiential; and during his three-year tenure at Spanish Broadcasting Systems launched AIRE Radio Network. MundoNow generates ten million unique visitors each month, along with 70+ million pageviews and more than a quarter-billion served ad impressions.
transitioning out of the brand/content manager role at Capitol Broadcasting [Raleigh]. The company has started the search for a new sports [talk] program director and I would encourage you to apply or help spread the word if interested in a truly great opportunity.” Simpson joined Capitol Broadcasting Raleigh two years ago to oversee sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan”; sports talk WCMC-HD2 “Buzz Sports Radio”; and sports talk WDNC “620 The Ticket.” The cluster also includes adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” and triple A WCLY “That Station.” … Meanwhile, in another sports talk-related Facebook post, we learn that Waterloo Media Austin flips Spanish contemporary KLZT-HD2 (1.2, #22, June 2022, 6+) to sports talk as “102.7 ESPN Austin.” In addition to ESPN programming, the on-air lineup will include: Jason Dick and CJ Morgan (from alternative cluster-mate KROX); Ed Clements (from co-owned news/talk KLBJ-AM); and Bryan Bymark (from rock cluster-mate KLBJ-FM). …
Nashville media personality
game programs. …
Podtrac Releases Weekly Podcast Data. Tracking data of podcasts for Podtrac-measured shows indicates that downloads are down 9% (July 18 – 24) over the previous week, but up 53% over the corresponding period last year. All categories are down week-to-week, with “History” and “Society & Culture” showing the most significant week-to-week decline (-12%). Meanwhile, “Health & Fitness” registers the strongest year-to-year growth, a robust +179%. Across all Podtrac-measured podcasts, download growth (July 19, 2021 – July 24, 2022) was up 53%, while week-over-week download growth (July 18 – 24, 2022) was off 9%. For the 52-week period (July 19, 2021 to July 24, 2022), “Health & Fitness” is +179%; “Comedy” is +100%; “Sports” is +64%; “True Crime” is +54%; “Science” is +52%; “Business” is +51%; “News” is +43%; “Society & Culture” is +39%; “History” is +32%; and “Arts” is flat. Week-over-week download dips (July 18 – 24, 2022) included: -12% (“History”); -12% (“Society & Culture”); -10% (“News”); -10% (“Sports”); -10% (“True Crime”); -9% (“Science”); -7% (“Business”); -7% (“Comedy”); -6% (“Arts”); and -6% (“Health & Fitness”).
passion of their fans, is extraordinary. Since 2004, the NFL has been an important component of SiriusXM’s programming lineup as we deliver those fans exceptional access to all their favorite teams. We couldn’t be more pleased to now be expanding our relationship with the league, ensuring our listeners will continue to get comprehensive access to the NFL.” Subscribers will continue getting access to every NFL game through Super Bowl LXI (2027) on SiriusXM radio and on the SXM App. The SXM App offers 32 NFL team channels, each dedicated to carrying the official radio broadcast for each NFL team. The satcaster will offer additional team-focused content, including coaches shows, and press conferences to subscribers.
elections. Corporation For Public Broadcasting president/chief executive officer Pat Harrison comments, “Voting is the foundation of a democracy. We want to ensure that all eligible citizens have the information they need to exercise their right to vote. With more than 1,500 locally managed and operated stations, public media is ideally situated to engage all citizens. America Amplified’s listening-first approach will help build trust in the process.” Michigan Radio program director Matt Shafer Powell remarks, “Joining America Amplified gives Michigan Radio the chance to build on our long-standing commitment to engaging and informing our community. We are excited to bring additional resources to better understand what our communities need to know about election processes and election security.” Among the initiative’s community engagement activities is an online tool that allows the public to submit questions related to the election voting process. Questions will be answered using nonpartisan election information sources.
the radio/audio sales business, too. He writes, “The Pew survey says the top three reasons for ‘The Great Resignation’ are: low pay, lack of advancement opportunity, and feeling disrespected at work. Does it sound like the grumbling before the Monday morning sales meeting? My marketing work puts me in direct contact with sales reps across the country and ‘The Great Resignation’ did extend into our radio/audio sales community. On the radio side more so in the larger market stations.” He offers some suggestions for navigating this era of economic uncertainty. Read it
Radio HOF Welcomes Nine Inductees. A voting participant panel comprised of more than 800 industry professionals honorees determined six honorees; the other three were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin comments, “Our forthcoming inductees have made a wonderful impact on the lives of their listeners and our industry. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate their respective careers and honor them with an induction to the Radio Hall of Fame.” According to
co-chair Dennis Green, “This was our highest voter participation ever. The radio industry picked an amazing, diverse class of broadcasters and executives that we are proud to call Hall of Famers. These individuals have made a lasting impact on this amazing industry, cementing their place as part of the legacy that makes radio special.” In alphabetical order, the nine inductees are: radio executive Marv Dyson; “Country USA” host Lon Helton; iHeartMedia Los Angeles adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103” morning personality Ellen K; Audacy New York classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “New York’s Greatest Hits” afternoon drive talent Broadway Bill Lee; “Gospel Traxx” host Reverend Walt “Baby” Love; iHeartMedia New York classic rock WAXQ “Q 103.4” talent Carol Miller; Sirius XM sports talk host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo; Emmis Communications president/chief executive officer Jeff Smulyan; and New York Yankees Radio Network announcer Suzyn Waldman. The 2022 Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be honored in-person November 1 at Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The Radio Hall of Fame was founded by the Emerson Radio Corporation in 1988; The Museum of Broadcast Communications took over operations in 1991. This year’s confidential ballot was conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan’s Andrew Rosen.
Radio Resources Unit Debuts Today. Tailored for medium to small market owners and operators, Radio Resources was launched today (Monday, 7/25) by parent company Gen Media Partners. Director of products and services Alex Quintero notes, “Until now, radio station owners and operators had to deal with multiple providers and retrofit the pieces together. The Radio Resources toolkit offers broadcasters one central point of contact and stewardship for a wide array of products and services, streamlined across critical departments to deliver a more efficient, productive, and seamless experience. We’re the only company that can aggregate such a broad range of radio products and services and provide this level of multi-resource support. Our independent standing gives us the freedom to seek out the best providers to service our radio clients.” Among other things the Radio Resources suite includes: Programming and Content; Workflow Solutions; IT and Cyber Security; 24/7 Formats; Sales Strategy; Imaging and Production; Research; Online and Digital Integrations; and Back-Office Operations. Radio Resources products and services are available for cash, barter or a combination of both.
Windy City Readying For Rock Radio Revisited. Longtime “The Larry King Radio Show” executive producer Pat Piper is producing The Museum of Broadcast Communications’ “Rock Radio Revisited,” which will be held August 14 at 3:00 pm at The Des Plaines Theatre. Museum of Broadcast Communications board chair David Plier notes, “The heyday of rock radio in the 60’s and 70s’ was centered around the booming personalities of [Chicago on-air talents such as] Larry Lujack, John Records Landecker, Yvonne Daniels, Bob Sirott and Steve King. Every city had their favorite local radio station and the voices behind them. This will be an incredible celebration of the personalities and music that made that era of rock and roll so memorable.” Landecker, Tommy Edwards, Bob Stroud and Dyana Williams will reminisce about “the golden age of rock radio.” In addition, there will be vintage airchecks, as well as stories about the on-air personalities, fans, and gimmicks. Those making special appearances include: Gary Burbank; “Cousin Brucie” Morrow; Kris Erik Stevens; and Connie Szerszen. Among the “presenters” of the Wendy Snyder-hosted event is Nexstar Media Group Chicago news/talk WGN “Radio 720”; cross-town Cumulus Media-owned news/talk WLS-AM “890 AM” is one of the “sponsors.”
continues his role at the Cox Media Group Tampa news/talk outlet. Regional vice president/general manager Keith Lawless remarks, “Mike is arguably one of the most successful and talented broadcasters on the air in America today.” WHPT’s director of branding & programming, John Brennan, comments, “Mike Calta is simply the best radio talent in Tampa. I couldn’t be more excited that he will continue to call ‘102.5 The Bone’ home for many years to come.” Calta – who joined WHPT in 2007 – adds, “I’m grateful and proud to be continuing my radio career with CMG in my home of Tampa Bay. At 50 years old, my window to being a male dancer has surely closed, so this contract is extra special to me and my family.” … Two-year Max Media Norfolk vice president/operations and programming Eddie Haskell exits the five-station cluster, which includes sports talk WVSP “94.1 ESPN” and business talk WGH-AM “Money Talk 1310 and 100.9.” He formerly was senior vice president/programming for nine iHeartMedia stations in Ft. Collins (Colorado).














its original “Good Day” moniker, Doug Stephan will segue his program to the USA Radio Network. Officially re-launching next Monday (6/13), “Good Day” with Stephan and co-host Jai Kershner will merge with USA’s “Daybreak.” The show Stephan launched in 1988 will continue to air in the morning and remains designed to time-shift to other dayparts. Affiliation will be handled by USA Radio Network, with that web’s president Chip Miller stating, “I’m excited to welcome Doug and ‘Good Day’ to the USA Radio Network family. Doug is an iconic fixture in morning radio throughout the country and we look forward to working with [him] and the ‘Good Day’ team. The lifestyle, non-political content ‘Good Day’ offers is something we feel more stations will welcome during a time when there’s so much going on in the world and in our society. Doug and ‘Good Day’ will serve as the cornerstone for an exciting growth plan for the network. This is our first programming change and show addition since acquiring the network in December 2021.” Stephan comments, “We’ve been hearing from some of our more than 300 affiliates of their frustration with how negative many news/talk programs have become. This move enables us to continue to present the news you need to know, along with our opinions, in addition to the positives that we see every day.” There will be no change in the format clock; technical; traffic; or sales partners. Stephan is the longest running syndicated host of a daily talk show and appears at #29 on TALKERS’ 2022 “Heavy Hundred.”
Guthrie Named iHM Florida Division President. Former six-year Cox Media Group president/chief executive officer Kim Guthrie is set to become iHeartMedia’s Florida division president. In that position, she will succeed Linda Byrd, who retires next month (7/15). Guthrie will report directly to iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins, who states, “At iHeart, we pride ourselves on being a ‘talent first’ company; this decision reflects that commitment. It’s rewarding to find someone who both understands what our listeners need and how to operate in a multi-platform environment. Kim checks every box and more. We’re thrilled she chose to bring her talents to iHeart. Her CEO experience at Cox Media Group makes her uniquely-qualified for this position.” Guthrie adds, “I am very excited to announce my ‘un-retirement.’ iHeart has become a true employment destination and I’m thrilled to be part of America’s #1 audio company. iHeart’s leadership has built a culture of respect, transparency and innovation. The entire team has made me feel like I can make a difference here.” Guthrie joined Cox Media Group in 1998 as vice president/general manager for its Long Island radio station group and later became executive vice president of CMG’s national ad platforms. As Cox Media Group’s CEO, she had complete oversight of the company, including nearly 100 broadcast radio and television stations; dozens of digital assets; and newspapers. She started her career as a television news reporter and anchor for several ABC affiliates. Guthrie was named “Woman of Distinction” by the March of Dimes and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition, she won the “Trailblazer Award” from Mentoring And Inspiring Women In Radio and the “Women Who Lead” honor from the Alliance For Women In Media.
Radio Mercury Awards Winners Announced. The 31st annual such event was held last night (Thursday, 6/9) in-person at New York’s Sony Hall, as well as virtually. This year’s “Best of Show” award was presented to FCB Chicago for its “Go RVing” radio commercial. Other winners included: Mockingbird, iHeartRadio App, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Promotional Spot or Campaign by a Radio Station or Group”); Great American Settlers, Spreaker.com, The Studio at iHeartMedia tied with Kiddie Pool, The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Commercial by a Radio Station or Group”); Tick Suck, Steve’s Pest Control, Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group; Dog Years, Motel 6, Barkley (Creative Radio Commercial by an Agency, Production Company, Or Advertiser); and Moolah, Georgia Lottery, BBDO Atlanta. Radio Mercury Awards chief judge/Campbell Ewald executive creative director Ale Ortiz comments, “It’s been an honor to be at this year’s Radio Mercury Awards and to award the incredible lineup of winners. The final round jury and I were very impressed by the winners’ ability to not only entertain listeners, but tell stories through radio and audio.” According to Radio Advertising Bureau president and chief executive officer/Radio Creative Fund chair Erica Farber, “This year’s awards once again proved the power of sound and demonstrated the strength of radio and audio in conveying a brand’s message. This was an incredible night for radio. It was so great to celebrate with everyone both in person and online.” Presenters from this year’s final round jury and advisory council included: freelance creative consultant Larissa Kirschner-Chaney; Josh Grossberg (McCann Health); Nicky Lorenzo (Taylor Global); Ciro Sarmiento (Weber Shandwick); and Joyce King Thomas (King Thomas). Event sponsors of this year’s event were Audacy and iHeartMedia. Dedicated sponsors included CBS News Radio, Hubbard Broadcasting and World Wide Wadio. General sponsors were Beasley Media Group; Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Katz Media Group; Salem Media Group; Skyview Networks; Sound and Fury; and WideOrbit, along with Friends of the Mercuries sponsors Forcht Broadcasting; Neuhoff Media; Nielsen; Triton Digital; and vCreative. For the complete list of winners and to listen to their work, go to
Multicultural Broadcasting-owned KBLA “Talk 1580,” Los Angeles’ “A More Perfect Union.” The HUD secretary and KBLA’s chief national political analyst, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, discussed the city’s homelessness problem; the need for affordable housing; and creative ways for first-time buyers to purchase a home and down payment assistance. Fudge commented that HUD is committed to equity by eliminating redlining of “certain kinds of neighborhoods.” … Effective next
Monday (6/13), Randy Cable commences as director of sales for Beasley Media Group’s Fort Myers/Naples cluster, which includes sports talk WBCN “ESPN Southwest Florida.” Vice president/market manager AJ Lurie comments, “The more people I asked about Randy, the more excited I got about having him on our team. I think he will be a perfect complement to our brands, products, and family here in Southwest Florida.” Spring Valley, New York native Cable notes, “I am thrilled to join the Beasley family and look forward to working with the incredible team in Fort Myers. I am passionate about helping our team help local businesses thrive and prosper with great ideas and our ability to develop/execute powerful fully-integrated radio and digital campaigns.” Cable formerly was integrated sales manager for Cox Media Group’s Miami and Jacksonville stations, and spent eleven years as director of sales for Audacy Greenville (South Carolina) … The Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters
Association (CAPBA) recognizes Your Public Radio-owned public radio news/talk WYPR, Baltimore with five (5) first-place awards and seven (7) second-place awards for work done in 2021. Its first-place citations are in “Outstanding News Series”; “Outstanding Public Affairs”; “Outstanding Specialty Reporting”; “Outstanding Documentary/In-Depth Reporting”; and “Outstanding Serious Feature.” The CAPBA awards ceremony was held last Saturday (6/4) in Ocean City, Maryland. … In addition to hosting afternoon drive on iHeartMedia Des Moines news/talk WHO “News Radio 1040,” Simon Conway has been doing morning drive on similarly-formatted Orlando sibling WFLA “News Radio” and today adds a national assignment, filling in for Joe Pagliarulo. Conway’s PM drive program is simulcast on iHM’s WMT-AM “News Radio AM 600,” Cedar Rapids and WOC “News Talk 1420,” Davenport (Iowa). … Among the Delta Radio Greenville, Mississippi properties McConnell “Man@Large Adams will oversee as the newly-appointed operations director is WNIX “News Talk.” Adams most recently was director of content for Townsquare Media Lansing (Michigan).






























































