Industry News

FOX News Channel’s New Weekend Program Lineup

FOX News Channel debuts a new weekend primetime lineup tomorrow (6/3). “The Big Saturday/Sunday Show” becomes “The Big Weekend Show,” airing at 7:00 pm ET on Saturdays and Sundays while “FOX News Saturday Night” will premiere at 10:00 pm ET. Additionally, “The Next Revolution” will end its Sunday 9:00 pmim ET run as Steve Hilton steps back from hosting a weekly show to focus on his new California non-partisan policy organization launching next week. Hilton will remain a contributor across all FOX News Media platforms while Trey Gowdy’s “Sunday Night in America” will move to 9:00 pm slot. SVP Megan Albano says, “We are excited to launch a new dynamic weekend lineup that will further solidify our position as the number one cable news network for more than two decades. We thank Steve Hilton for his show’s contributions and look forward to continuing to feature his valuable insights across our daytime and primetime programming.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

FOX News Media is presenting the third installment of “The Senate Project” series on June 12 at 11:00 am ET from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston and will feature Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in a forum moderated by FOX News Channel chief political anchor Bret Baier. The hour-long event will focus on a variety of topics, including foreign policy and homeland security.

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announces it is broadcasting every game of the Women’s College World Series beginning with the preliminary games on June 1 through the finals on June 9. The broadcast crews for the Women’s College World Series will feature Ryan Radtke and Chris Plank as play-by-play announcers; former Oklahoma and Team USA outfielder Destinee Martinez and Hall of Famer Leah (O’Brien) Amico.

Industry News

Save AM Radio in Cars Campaign Wins First Round

After Ford’s Tuesday announcement that it is reversing its previous course and will not eliminate AM radios from its gasoline vehicles in 2024, supporters of the campaign are enjoying a victory lap. Ford said it would make AM radio available in all gas vehicles in 2024 and will make upgrades available for owners of 2023 electric vehicles who want an AM radio. This comes on the heels of a bi-partisan, bi-cameral bill filed by congressional leaders in Washington that would give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration authority to require AM radios in new vehicles at no additional cost, citing safety for citizens, access to foreign language programming and more. Ford is not the only auto manufacturer to announce phasing out of AM radio in gasoline and electric vehicles and proponents of AM radio are saying this but one battle in the war to save AM radio in vehicles. TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison appeared on FOX News Channel to talk about the issue. See the video of his appearance here.

Industry News

Drudge: New Prime Time Lineup Coming to FNC

The Drudge Report posts a story that says a major re-tooling of FOX News Channel’s prime-time programming is about to change. The report says current 9:00 pm ET host Sean Hannity will move to the 8:00 pm slot formerly held by Tucker Carlson, while hinting that current 10:00 pm host Laura Ingraham will exit as FNCim moves Jesse Watters (currently the 7:00 pm host) and Greg Gutfeld (currently the 11:00 pm host) into prime-time slots. However, relative to this, FOX News reportedly told Mediaite the following: “No decision has been made on a new prime-time lineup and there are multiple scenarios under consideration.” The Drudge piece also makes note of the recent ratings: “MSNBC on Monday beat FOX News in prime time in both total viewers and in the key 25-54 age demographic favored by advertisers. Rachel Maddow beat Hannity at 9:00 pm on Monday and helped boost MSNBC to 1.86 million average prime-time viewers and 188,000 prime-time demo viewers. FOX came in a close second with 1.72 million prime-time viewers and 174,000 prime-time demo viewers.” Read the Drudge story here.

Industry News

FNC Dedicates London Bureau to Slain Photojournalist

FOX News Channel dedicates its London bureau to its beloved cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski (pictured), who was killed last year after his vehicle was struck by incoming fire while news gathering in a village outside Kyiv, Ukraine. The attack critically injured FNC’s State Department correspondent Benjamin Hall and killedim Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova. Zakrzewski covered nearly every international story for the network during his almost 20-year tenure and was based in London. In 2021, Zakrzewski notably played a key role in rescuing Afghan freelance associates and their families from the country following the withdrawal of U.S. forces there. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “Pierre was renowned throughout the media industry for his passionate storytelling and remarkable skill, and he was an all-around exceptional colleague. While we are still devastated by his loss, we are extremely proud to honor his legacy by dedicating and naming our London bureau after him.”

Industry News

Tucker Carlson Wants Out of His Non-Compete

According to a story by Nicolas Reimann at Forbes, former FOX News Channel star Tucker Carlson, through his attorney Bryan Freedman, is working to get out of his contract with FOX News that could keep him offim competing news outlets through 2025. Carlson and FOX parted ways several weeks ago but Carlson’s contract with the media firm could keep him from working from another media outlet while FOX continues to pay him $20 million per year. Reimann’s piece indicates that Carlson is fielding offers from numerous conservative news/talk outlets including Newsmax, Rumble, One America News, and The Daily Wire. Freedman told Axios, “The idea that anyone is going to silence Tucker and prevent him from speaking to his audience is beyond preposterous.” Read the Forbes story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. approaches the deadline for extending the debt ceiling and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s demand for spending cuts; President Joe Biden sends 1,500 troops to Mexican border to deal with migrant surge; the aftermath of Tucker Carlson’s exit from FOX News Channel; Iran seizes second oil tanker in a week in the Strait of Hormuz; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine; the 2024 presidential race; concerns about Artificial Intelligence’s ability to do harm; Hollywood writers go on strike; and the build-up to King Charles’ coronation were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Kilmeade, Caracciolo, and Hurley Talk Connections at Conference

A special discussion exploring the delicate balance between local, national and cross-platform talk media elements is set as one of the many sessions comprising the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 conference on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. Brian KilmeadeJohn Caracciolo, and Harry Hurley will engage in a conference-closing conversation titled, “Cross Currents of Talk Media.” It will examine the delicate balance between local, national, and multiplatform elements of the ever-evolving talk media space. Brian Kilmeade is a nationally known talk star hosting separate shows on FOX News Radio and FOX News Channel (TV).  His syndicated radio show is carried on Long Island (where he also lives) by news/talk WRCN-FM, Riverhead “Long Island News Radio.” The station which serves Eastern Long Island is owned by JVC Broadcasting of which John Caracciolo is president/CEO. Harry Hurley, morning host at WPG, Atlantic City, NJ (and regular guest host on FOX News Radio who occasionally fills in for Kilmeade) will serve as moderator of what promises to be a fascinating three-way conversation. See all the speaker, registration, and hotel information for TALKERS 2023 here.

Industry News

FNC Beats CNN and MSNBC for the 7th Consecutive Quarter

According to data from Nielsen Media Research, FOX News Channel finished the first quarter of 2023 as cable’s most-watched network in primetime and total day viewers. Additionally, FNC beat CNN and MSNBC combined with total day and primetime viewers and the A25-54 demo for the seventh consecutive quarter. FOX News Channel reports that its total primetime viewers for March 2023 was 2,094,000 (down 27% from March 2022), while CNN’s total primetime viewers was 473,000 (down 61% from March 2022) and MSNBC’s total primetime viewers was 1,135,000 total viewers (down 12% from March 2022).

Industry News

Former Trump Supporters Issue Cease-and-Desist to FOX News

The legal team representing the former Arizona couple Ray and Robyn Epps sent a cease-and-desist letter to FOX News and FOX News Channel personality Tucker Carlson, demanding they “stop making up lies about Ray Epps and that they offer an on-air retraction.” Ray Epps (a now former supporter of Donald Trump) was at the Capitol on January 6 has been a focal point of Carlson’s January 6 show content in which Carlson has labeled Epps an undercover federal agent and a provocateur of the riots. Epps’ attorney Michael Teter says, “For years, Tucker Carlson and FOX News have targeted Ray Epps with malicious lies about his involvement in the events of January 6th. FOX News has chosen to promote fantasy over fact, exposing Ray and Robyn Epps to harassment, intimidation, and abuse. It is clear that Mr. Carlson and FOX News are uninterested in speaking the truth to their viewers… Recent revelations from the Dominion Voting lawsuit make clear that FOX News has zero qualms about lying to its viewers. The fictional story that Mr. Carlson and FOX News have told, and continue to tell, about Ray Epps is just one more example of this. It is time for Mr. Carlson and Fox News to stop the lies and to make amends.” The Epps are demanding “that Mr. Carlson and FOX News retract the claim that Mr. Epps was working for the FBI or any governmental entity when he attended the January 6th events and the claim that Mr. Epps acted as an instigator or provocateur of the insurrection. We expect that you will give the same airtime in retracting these falsehoods as you spent amplifying them. Further, Mr. Carlson and FOX News must issue a formal on-air apology for the lies you have spread about Mr. Epps.” The Epps’ are also providing notice of potential litigation regarding what they call FOX’s “defamatory conduct.”

Industry News

Jimmy Failla Guest Hosts FOX News’ “Gutfeld!” Show

FOX News Radio host Jimmy Failla served as guest host on last Friday night’s edition of FOX News Channel’s “GUTFELD!” program starring Greg Gutfeld. Failla hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart on FOX News Radio and among his talents is stand-up comedy, making him a more-than-qualified guest host on Gutfeld’s show that offer’s a humorous take on the day’s news.

Jimmy Failla - Lisa Marie Boothe

Pictured above (from l-r) on the set of the “GUTFELD!” show is the cast from Friday’s program: novelist and literary critic Walter Kirn, FOX News analyst and regular GUTFELD! panelist Kat Timpf, Failla, “Bar Rescue” host John Taffer, and FOX News Radio host Guy Benson.

Features

Ruddy Speaks Out as Talk Hosts Support Newsmax Versus DirecTV

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison and Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy engaged in a phone conversation this week (2/8) to discuss the bruhaha buzzing through conservative news/talk radio triggered by AT&T’s recent decision to remove the popular conservative channel from its subsidiary, DirecTV. Ruddy,Logo - Text grateful for the support Newsmax is receiving from radio hosts, wanted to speak out directly to the medium further explaining his position. (NOTE: Newsmax also has a footprint in the news/talk radio space as syndicator of the daily Rob Carson midday program.)

Late in January, DirecTV, owned by AT&T, “deplatformed” Newsmax from more than 13 million of its subscriber homes calling it a “business decision.”

News of this stunned Washington, fueling GOP lawmakers with more evidence that big tech media was closing down conservative voices for political reasons.

This was the second time in just the past year AT&T moved to cancel a conservative channel, taking OAN off their platforms last April.

However, Newsmax is not OAN. Newsmax has, in breathtaking time, became the fourth-highest-rated cable news channel reaching 25 million Americans, according to Nielsen.

Major Members of Congress, Senators and newsmakers dot its programming lineup every day. Even First Lady Jill Biden made a prime-time appearance to discuss her cancer initiative last October and former President Donald Trump is a regular participant.

According to Ruddy, “The fact that AT&T was willing to take down Newsmax as Republicans take control of the House was yet another sign for America’s right that ‘wokeness’ remains in high gear.”

In the conversation, Ruddy described AT&T’s decision a “blatant act of political censorship” and “effort to restrict conservative voices before the ’24 election.”

Here are some takeaways from Chris Ruddy:

Government Collusion

Christopher Ruddy - Newsmax Media“We know from ‘The Twitter Files,’ that Twitter worked in collusion with federal agencies, including the FBI, to censor and restrict the speech of news media and public figures,” said Ruddy.

“Why,” he asked,” would we not think that was happening” in Newsmax’s case, too?

(During testimony on February 8 before the House Oversight Committee, former Twitter executives admitted they handled the Hunter Biden matter poorly, but also said they were not in contact with government officials over the matter.)

Ruddy points to a 2021 letter penned by Democratic Members of Congress Anna Eshoo and Jerry McNerney, addressed to AT&T’s CEO and other cable operators, clearly aimed at removing OAN, Newsmax and FOX News Channel for spreading “misinformation.”

Harrison asked, “With two channels down, is FOX News a target next?”

Ruddy said it clearly is a target, but that cable operators will have a more difficult time “deplatforming” it.

Cutting Costs

Harrison asked, “When AT&T dropped OAN and Newsmax, didn’t the company say both moves were the result of cost-cutting?”

Ruddy responded that this claim makes no sense when Newsmax is concerned, “because they keep over 100 channels that have far less ratings and are more costly than Newsmax.”

A business approach, he said, would be for DirecTV to remove low-rated channels that are costly, not highly rated channels like Newsmax that are inexpensive.

He said AT&T’s unusual decision to cut Newsmax demonstrates a “political motive.”

Newsmax has produced a chart that shows 22 liberal-leaning news and information channels. Almost all have lower ratings than Newsmax – and all get fees higher than Newsmax was seeking.

Ruddy says Newsmax sought a very modest license fee of $1 per year per subscriber. CNN gets $14 a year from DirecTV. And almost every channel in the top 100 gets a multiple of the $1.

Harrison asked, “So, what’s the problem for DirecTV, which I understand raked in $2.7 billion last year in profits?”

Ruddy’s response: “DirecTV says that Newsmax is simply ineligible for any license fee, not one penny let alone $1.”

And here he seems to make a strong case AT&T is targeting Newsmax – by denying it any fees when almost everyone else gets paid a fee, especially liberal channels.

“AT&T DirecTV is being super clever,” Ruddy explains. “They tell Newsmax they’ll carry us for free, but we can’t get a license fee.”  But, Ruddy adds, “Since all cable agreements, according to industry standards, get the lowest rate, that means all go to zero fees with no license fee for Newsmax.

“Since cable news channels need license fees to operate, DirecTV is effectively putting Newsmax out of business,” he said.

Political Bias

“This claim that Newsmax alone can never get a fee simply doesn’t seem to work for a lot of people in the public as well as Congress,” Ruddy said.

“Many conservative leaders in America – and some fair-minded independents and liberals – have already concluded that AT&T’s motives with Newsmax were largely driven by politics, and not by dollars and cents.”

New House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he called AT&T and informed the company that “Newsmax should not be treated any differently based upon them being a conservative news outlet.” McCarthy has vowed there will be hearings on the removal of Newsmax.

Even Alan Dershowitz, one of America’s famed liberal lawyers, agrees with McCarthy that Newsmax’s removal doesn’t pass the smell test.

“Clearly, they used economic reasons as a cover for political reasons,” Dershowitz told Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren last week.

Dershowitz said he believes AT&T’s decision “had elements of partisan and ideological and political bias directed at stations that don’t adhere to the views of the company.”

“Anybody who believes that this was purely an economic decision should buy a bridge in Brooklyn,” he said, adding that A&T DirecTV “ought to reconsider and put Newsmax back on.”

 Fighting Back

When AT&T DirecTV deplatformed OAN, a relatively hard-right channel with a relatively small viewership, it received little attention. But the executives at AT&T may have awoken a sleeping giant by taking on Newsmax.

Newsmax’s reach is extensive, reaching 40 million Americans through online, apps, emails, and a huge social media network – not to mention that its content is highly utilized by many radio talk show hosts and producers.

Ruddy told Harrison, “For a long time Newsmax’s audience has been aligned and interconnected with the talk radio audience. We are seeing tremendous synergies across all media platforms, including talk radio.” Ruddy has been speaking out on this subject on a number of radio talk shows across America.

On the same day of the Ruddy-Harrison conversation, the Newsmax CEO appeared on Mark Simone’s top-rated show on powerhouse WOR in New York to discuss the censorship of his channel. Demand is so great for interviews, Newsmax analysts Dick Morris and Hogan Gidley are also doing interviews about the AT&T matter.

The End Game

Ruddy said he’d like Newsmax to be back on DirecTV. Initially, DirecTV said they had no intention to bring Newsmax back on air. But last week, the company reversed course and said they are open to do so.

However, according to Ruddy, so far DirecTV has not changed their position that Newsmax is not entitled to any license fees.

“We are willing to negotiate but DirecTV has to do so in good faith,” Ruddy said, adding “We’re waiting.”

He said even if Newsmax stays off DirecTV, his media empire will continue to grow.

“This episode has made us stronger and AT&T is a good company for us to build against in the months and years ahead,” he said. “Everyone knows AT&T and they’re not well-liked for engaging in politics, targeting conservatives – and they even owned CNN during its worst years,” Ruddy said.

“We’ve been in business for 25 years and no matter what the controversy, Newsmax has always come out ahead. It will this time too,” he concluded.

After speaking with Ruddy, Harrison stated, “We all know that the First Amendment only applies to government censorship and privately-owned platforms have the right to present or not present whatever opinions conform to their positions. However, when government officials use the influence and prestige of their office to pressure high-level media executives to deplatform legitimate players for obvious political ends – as seems to be the case in this Newsmax scenario – that becomes a major concern for all Americans who value free speech. And even if the government wasn’t involved, massive power requires equal responsibility and even-handedness. Although in many cases the picture remains murky – for the most part, it is clear to me that conservatives claiming an ongoing imbalance of bias against them, by the informationally-vital venues of big tech, have an abundance of growing evidence to support their complaints. And that should be a major worry of all fair-minded Americans trying to negotiate the turbulent waters of this new digital era without losing at least the spirit of the First Amendment let alone the letter of the law.”

Industry News

CB Cotton Joins FOX News Channel as Correspondent

Journalist CB Cotton joins FOX News Channel as a New York-based correspondent covering breaking news from the network’s headquarters. Cotton has been serving as a reporter for ABC affiliate KMGH-TV, Denver, Colorado where she was the station’s lead night side reporter focused on crime, justice, and law enforcement.KMGH-TV - Denver During her tenure, she covered the city’s breaking news stories, including the Boulder King Soopers supermarket shooting and the December 2021 Marshall fire. She has also reported on alleged police misconduct, such as the violent arrest of Kyle Vinson in Aurora, the controversial apprehension of then-75-year-old Karen Garner in 2020 and the fallout surrounding the death of Elijah McClain following his 2019 arrest. Cotton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast and electronic journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is professionally fluent in Spanish and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

SRN News to Provide Live Coverage of Oz-Fetterman Debate. This evening’s debate between Pennsylvania U.S. Senate candidates Dr. Mehmet Oz and John Fetterman is being covered by Salem Radio Network News. The one-hour debate is taking place at WHTM-TV, Harrisburg’s studios at 8:00 pm ET and is being moderated by WHTM news anchor Dennis Owens and WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh anchor Lisa Sylvester. SRN News says it will feed the Oz-Fetterman debate to affiliates via the network’s longform news channel; affiliates of SRN’s companion 24/7 service TOWNHALL News will be able to access the broadcast via Salem’s XDS channel. SRN News says the coverage of the debate is part of its commitment to keep affiliates updated on breaking news 365 days a year.

FOX News Announces Town Hall with Ohio Senate Candidates Ryan and Vance. On November 1, FOX News Channel will host a town hall with Ohio U.S. Senate candidates U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and J.D. Vance. The program will be co-moderated by FNC’s chief political anchor Bret Baier – anchor of “Special Report” and “The Story” anchor and executive editor Martha MacCallum. MacCallum will host a preview of the town hall during “The Story” at 3:00 pm ET that day.

Bill Handel to Emcee Radio Hall of Fame Ceremony. Next Tuesday’s 2022 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel will be emceed by KFI, Los Angeles morning personality Bill Handel. The induction ceremony and dinner will also feature messages prepared for the event by Ryan Seacrest, Donnie Simpson, Jim Kerr, Tom Joyner, Mike Francesa, Stephen A. Smith, Rick Cummings, Beth Bacall, and Charlie Cook. Handel, who was inducted into the Hall in 2017, has received numerous other industry awards and was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.

Beasley Media Group to Support Wreaths Across America. As part of its Community of Caring initiative, Beasley Media Group is partnering with non-profit Wreaths Across America to help it achieve its goal of remembering our fallen U.S. veterans, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom. Beasley is running a companywide public service campaign through the middle of December, which will include on-air public service spots and interviews as well as online digital content featured on stations’ websites and Quu digital in-car dashboard messaging that encourages listeners to support the Wreaths Across America event and the organization’s on-going programs throughout the year. National Wreaths Across America Day takes place on Saturday, December 17. Coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies will take place to honor our interred veterans at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional participating locations in all 50 U.S. states and abroad. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase says, “As a remembrance of our late founder George Beasley, a US Army Sergeant, as well as the many past and present Beasley employees who have served our country in the US military, it is such an honor to support Wreaths Across America. During the kickoff of this holiday season, we’ll be encouraging our audience to volunteer or donate to this worthy cause.”

iHeartMedia and Graphic Audio Unveil ‘Cornbread Mafia’ Podcast. This new podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Graphic Audio – titled “Cornbread Mafia” – covers the unbelievable true story of the biggest marijuana bust in U.S. history. It’s based on the book by Jim Higdon and is hosted by Megan Nadolski of Goat Rodeo podcasts. The press release says, “Find out what life was like for a group of Kentucky-based outlaws, a place with farming, moonshine, and pride in its bloodline. But timing is everything, as you’ll learn through the eyes of the unforgettable Johnny Boone, the man who hoped to grow and harvest one of the greatest marijuana crops in modern times and instead found himself (and all of surrounding Marion County), at the center of America’s War on Drugs. This is what legends are made of.”

Today’s Homeowner TV Show Launches 25th Season. The television version of Danny Lipford’s “Today’s Homeowner” program is premiering its 25th season this week. He also hosts the “Today’s Homeowner” weekly radio program. The program – known for its practical, trustworthy, and fresh home improvement advice for real homeowners’ renovations and DIY adventures – broadcasts to loyal weekly viewers across the country. It currently airs in 207 of the 210 available Nielsen markets with over 91% coverage of the nation. It also airs in Canada on The Rural Channel. The previous 24 seasons of “Today’s Homeowner” (550+ episodes) continue to be available on free streaming on-demand and linear platforms.

Midterm Elections, Trump Legal Issues, St. Louis School Shooting, The Economy, Russia-Ukraine War, British Politics, and Ye Controversies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/24). The debates ahead of the November midterm elections and speculation about which party will control the House and Senate in January; the several legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; a shooting at a St. Louis-area school claims the lives of two victims; inflation and concerns about a recession; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure; Rishi Sunak assumes the role of prime minister of Great Britain; and Ye loses his Adidas deal in the aftermath of his latest anti-Semitic comments were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, October 10, 2022

Monday Memo: Plan NOW For The Big Story. “When-the-fit-hits-the-shan, news/talk stations need to be conspicuous.” In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke uses that colorful quote as he provides four suggestions for stations to re-familiarize themselves with their network’s continuing coverage routine.” Read Holland Cooke’s column here.

Pending Business: To Do Lists. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa knows the importance of being organized in running a sales department or being a seller in this business. He gains inspiration from Benjamin Franklin – an incredibly busy man known for creating “To Do” lists – in drawing up five important things he suggests you include in creating yours each day. Read it here.

Bohannon’s Final Bow Set For This Friday. One of the most proficient and classiest talk/radio personalities the country has ever heard – Jim Bohannon – will hang up the headsets on his eponymous program this Friday (10/14). Having appeared on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” an astounding 27 consecutive years, the highly affable “Jimbo” is calling it quits due to health reasons. Beginning next Monday (10/17), Rich Valdes will succeed Bohannon on the weeknight, three-hour (10:00 pm – 1:00 am) Cumulus Media Westwood One broadcast. Bohannon states, “It’s been a great 40 years with Westwood One – the last 30 of which as host of ‘The Jim Bohannon Show.’ I’ve enjoyed every minute of our daily nighttime town hall with my guests, callers, and all of America. “Now, I’d like to introduce Rich Valdes, a very bright, vibrant young man who will be taking over in the same tradition.” Cumulus Media executive vice president of corporate marketing/Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes remarks, “We celebrate Jim’s long radio history and all his achievements, including his induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame; the First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association; the Lifetime Achievement Award from TALKERS Magazine; and his inductions into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. We are especially proud that Jim has been an invaluable member of our Westwood One family these many years – he is truly an industry legend. As we pass the baton to Rich Valdes, we’re excited to bring a new name and voice to talk radio. We look forward to continuing our tradition of providing the best programming to our affiliates and listeners.” Valdes notes, “No one can ever fill Jim’s shoes. I consider it a blessing and great honor to be part of the next generation of late-night talk show hosts, following the tradition of Jim Bohannon and Larry King.” TALKERS founder/publisher Michael Harrison has a very candid conversation with Bohannon on PodcastOne’s “The Michael Harrison Interview,” which drops tomorrow (Tuesday, 10/11). Bohannon joined Westwood One in 1983 and spent over 31 years as host of the early morning weekday news magazine “America in the Morning” and previously hosted “America This Week.” He began his career in 1960 at KLWT-AM, his hometown station in Lebanon, Missouri.

Sid Rosenberg Pays Tribute to Bernard McGuirk.  WABC, New York personality Sid Rosenberg shares personal feelings about his longtime broadcasting colleague Bernard McGuirk who succumbed last week (10/5) after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.  The two co-hosted the highly successful “Bernie & Sid in the Morning” program since April of 2018 bringing it to the top of the ratings in the competitive Big Apple AM drive daypart. But their relationship went back many years before that to their days together as part of team backing the legendary “Imus in the Morning” program and more.  Rosenberg discusses their history together and his loving perspective on McGuirk as a broadcaster and a friend in an exclusive conversation with TALKERS founder Michael Harrison.  To listen to the tribute, please click here.

Scheld Schedules His WCBS-AM Departure. In a memo to the staff of WCBS-AM, news director/brand manager Tim Scheld notes he will be leaving the Audacy New York all-news facility before the end of the year. Lauding the WCBS-AM team and Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero, Scheld writes that “Audacy New York is in great hands.” Also included in the memo, Scheld states an Audacy arrangement with SAG-AFTRA signifies a new strategy, combining WCBS-AM’s resources with those of co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS. “[It’s] a plan I have endorsed and frankly helped design.” Scheld was a WCBS-AM reporter from 1987 – 1994 and rejoined the station in 2003, after a nine-year stint as a correspondent for ABC Radio News. In addition to his WCBS-AM duties, he’s chair of the Radio Television Digital News Association.

KGO Betting On The Spread. Confirming a story reported here last Friday (TALKERS, 10/7), Cumulus Media San Francisco today transitions longtime news/talk KGO to “The Spread 810 AM,” the Bay Area’s first station focused on sports betting. Cumulus San Francisco vice president/market manager Larry Blumhagen comments, “This is a bittersweet day for us, as it’s hard to say goodbye to the legendary KGO, which has been a part of listeners’ lives for so many years. We want to thank all the people who have been a part of KGO’s historic run these many years and the listeners who loyally tuned into the station. Times change, and we must change with them. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to serving the Bay Area’s passionate sports fans in an incomparable way.” Cumulus San Francisco sports talk KNBR and KTCT program director Kevin Graham adds PD duties for “The Spread” and notes, “We are pleased to introduce sports-betting radio to our community. The station will feature a lineup of expert personalities that deliver unique sports talk and sports betting insights that entertain, inform, and engage. While [KGO] will feature specific gambling information, we believe our entertaining presentation will make it a favorite for all Bay area sports fans and a perfect complement to the legendary KNBR and KTCT.” The station’s weekday programming lineup includes: Joe Ostrowski, Joe Giglio, and Erin Hawksworth (6:00 am – 9:00 am); Jim Rome (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley (12:00 noon – 4:00 pm); Quinton Mayo, Trysta Krick, and Ryan Horvat with “Bet MGM Tonight” (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm); and CBS Sports Radio (8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight). Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 San Francisco sweep, KGO “810 AM” was up two-tenths from August 2022 (1.5 – 1.7, #21 to #20). In San Jose, KGO registers its fourth straight uptick for a combined +1.0 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+) and ranks #13.

Round Three of September PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 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. Nielsen Audio’s September 2022 sweep covered August 18 – September 14. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of 12 markets. News/talk packs a one-two punch (6+) in Salt Lake City, where iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & KNRS-FM “Talk Radio” erupts with a +2.5 (9.1 – 11.6, 6+) to rank on top for the eighth month in succession, while Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” adds six-tenths (6.1 – 6.7, 6+), advancing from fourth to second. In addition to SLC, the format registers number one showings in Sacramento with iHeartMedia’s KFBK-AM & KFBK-FM “News 1530 AM & 93.1 FM” gaining eight-tenths (8.1 – 8.9, third to first, 6+), and in Cincinnati, where co-owned WLW “700 Cincinnati’s News Radio” – despite being off six-sixths – is on top for the seventh consecutive month (11.7 – 11.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group-owned WDBO “Orlando’s News Talk” dials up a +1.3 (3.7 – 5.0, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). The largest (6+) August 2022 – September 2022 increase by any station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far is in Columbus, where Tegna-owned sports talk WBNS-FM logs a +2.6 (6.8 – 9.4, 6+); “97.1 FM The Fan” vaults from fourth to first. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” for this group of 12 markets (as well as the first two groups) here.

Hurley Charity Event Hauls in $65,00+. The fourteenth Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner and Silent Auction was held last Friday (10/7) at Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel. This year’s event raised more than $65,000 and featured congressman Jeff Van Drew as guest of honor/keynote speaker. An additional supplemental live on-air auction is still to be staged. According to “Hurley in the Morning” Charity founder/chair Harry Hurley (pictured at the right with Jeff Van Drew), “It was an amazing, ‘Who’s Who’ evening, which will directly benefit many worthy non-for-profit organizations throughout New Jersey and beyond. For example, this special event will make it possible for the “Hurley in the Morning Charity” to make a $7,000 contribution [next June] to The Broadcasters Foundation of America. Jeff Van Drew arrived early and was the last to leave.” To date, The Harry Hurley charity has donated $21,000 to the Broadcasters Foundation of America.” Hurley, who does morning drive (6:00 am – 10:00 am) on Townsquare Media Atlantic City news/talk WPGG “WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM & 1450 AM,” reveals that Fox News Channel/Fox News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade will be guest of honor/keynote speaker September 29, 2023 at “our fifteenth annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner and Silent Auction.”

TALKERS News Notes. As part of cutbacks at Beasley Media Group Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Toucher & Rich morning show producer Mike Lockhart and nighttime Adam Jones Show co-host Christian Arcand exit. Meanwhile in Philadelphia at co-owned/similarly-formatted WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic,” John Kincaid Show member Jaimie Lynch departs. … Almost seven months to the day from his kidney transplant, Zimmer Broadcasting Cookeville (Tennessee) news/talk WHUB “News Talk 107.7 and 1400 The Hub” program director/6:00 am – 8:00 am host/promotion director/assistant news director Brent Carl Fleshman won two first-place trophies at last week’s inaugural Tennessee Association of Broadcasting’s “Excellence Awards.” Fleshman was named “Best Local On-Air Personality” and “Best Local Talk Show” in the “Small Market Radio Division,” which consists of stations not in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.In 2016,  Fleshman won the NAB Marconi Award as “Small Market Personality of the Year” and was a finalist for that award in 2019. … “Fridays with Frankie,” a limited-edition Audacy series hosted by reality show star Frankie Grande, debuted last Friday (10/7). Each episode will feature a different topic and will be live aired on Audacy’s digital platform at 8:00 am (ET) and replayed until 12:00 midnight (ET). The show will also air across Audacy’s Channel Q’s network of stations. … The Society of Professional Journalists names the headquarters of the Voice of America – 330 Independence Avenue SW in Washington, DC – as a Historic Site in Journalism. The Voice of America is the editorially independent international broadcaster funded by the United States government. SPJ international community co-chair Dan Kubiske states that, “For 80 years, the Voice of America has been a source of solid and honest journalism. From its beginning in 1942, despite being a U.S. government agency, through custom, charters and law the editorial independence of VOA journalists has not wavered.”

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

WBAL-AM, Baltimore Promotes Jeff Wade to Director of Programming/News Director. Baltimore news/talk outlet WBAL-AM/W268BA “NewsRadio and 1090/FM 101.5” promotes Jeff Wade, adding director of programming duties to his continuing role as news director. Wade joined the Hearst Television radio station as news director in 2017. Hearst says that  during Wade’s tenure, the news team earned a National Murrow Award for Breaking News Coverage along with numerous Regional Murrow Awards, including a Regional Murrow for Overall Excellence in 2022. In his new role, Wade will oversee WBAL’s roster of talk personalities while continuing to lead its news staff. He held similar roles at WGAN-AM in Portland, Maine from 2005-2014 and Binnie Media’s NH1 News in New Hampshire from 2014-2017. Wade takes over for longtime WBAL programmer Scott Masteller, who is transitioning to a part-time role with the station, helping to coordinate the station’s sports broadcasting schedule, which includes the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, and Navy Football. Hearst Baltimore president and general manager Dan Joerres says, “With Scott transitioning to the next phase of his career at WBAL NewsRadio and Jeff having already tackled a similar opportunity earlier in his career, I am wildly confident that our listeners will continue to enjoy the best in local news, talk and sports on WBAL NewsRadio.” Wade adds, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to be given the opportunity to lead this outstanding team of broadcasters and build on the foundation Scott has laid.”

Steve Goldstein Rises to President for Hubbard’s 2060 Digital. Digital sales pro Steve Goldstein is promoted from his SVP sales strategy and general manager to president of Hubbard Radio’s 2060 Digital. Company EVP/chief financial officer Dave Bestler says that in this new role, Goldstein will increase his focus on growing 2060 Digital’s brand and revenue footprint in the expanding digital marketing and advertising sector across the United States. Bestler adds, “Since 2019, Steve has done a great job leading our growing business at 2060 Digital as well as leading our overall sales strategy at Hubbard Radio. Given the explosive growth of our 2060 Digital business, promoting Steve to president of 2060 Digital and focusing his amazing talents exclusively here is both needed and exciting.” The company says that since its inception in 2015, 2060 Digital has become a critical revenue growth strategy for Hubbard Radio, providing a comprehensive platform of digital agency services that help local, regional and national brands drive measurable business outcomes across a diverse array of digital marketing channels. 2060 Digital operates offices in 10 Hubbard owned and operated radio markets, as well as 2060 Digital’s Shift division in Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Nashville. Goldstein says, “I am thrilled to focus my full attention on our already thriving 2060 Digital business. Our talented ops team lead by VP/ops Andy Shepherd, as well as our sellers and Hubbard Radio’s market leaders are making a meaningful difference for our clients. I couldn’t do this without the continued support of Ginny Morris and Dave Bestler, both of whom are committed to innovating and growing 2060 Digital. As we lean into new innovations, I am excited about the increased value 2060 Digital will provide to brands and the overall company.”

Bill O’Reilly Publishes Latest Book in ‘Killing’ Series: Killing the Legends. The latest book in the “Killing” series from television journalist and conservative media figure Bill O’Reilly is published. Killing the Legends: The Lethal Danger of Celebrity (St. Martin’s Press, 2022) – written with Martin Dugard – explores the lives, legacies, and tragic deaths of three of the most famous people of the 20th century: Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali. Promo copy for the book says, “These three icons changed the worlds of music, film, and sports. Their influence, though, far exceeded the entertainment and athletic fields. These three changed society and culture. They were known and inspired people across the globe. They each became larger-than-life figures. They were on top of the world until their lives spiraled out of control. Immense success led to failure, addiction, or unhappiness that forced them to reinvent themselves and their talents. In industries that celebrated youth, they faced down growing older and found ways to renew themselves. But in the end, they were all three isolated by their fame —and sadly, it was their inner circles, those they trusted the most, that contributed to their downfall.” This is the 12th book in O’Reilly’s “Killing” series that has sold more than 19 million copies worldwide.

Paul Rotella to Exit NJBA. The longtime president and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association announces he is exiting his role with the organization. Paul Rotella says in a letter announcing his decision, “Since 2008, I have been privileged to serve the broadcast industry by helping the NJBA meet fiscal and industry-wide challenges. My lobbying efforts on behalf of the industry, and the production of our informative and exciting annual conferences, have been particularly gratifying aspects of my work on behalf of our nationally acclaimed Association. I am especially grateful for the wonderful friendships that this experience has provided me and for the superb colleagues I have been fortunate enough to call friends. Most of all, I am blessed with the best family anyone could ask for, and I am particularly grateful for their unselfish contributions to my success, and to the success of the NJBA.”

TALKERS News Notes. Longtime talk media personality Jason Lewis releases his latest book, Party Animal, The Truth About President Trump, Power Politics & the Partisan Press (Barnes & Noble Press, 2022). The former Minnesota congressman spent some time this summer filling in on iHeartMedia’s news/talk KTLK-AM, Minneapolis after the untimely passing of Andrew Lee…..FOX News Channel reports that, according to Nielsen Media Research, it finished the third quarter of 2022 as cable’s most-watched network in primetime and total day viewers. Marking 83 consecutive quarters as the highest-rated cable news channel in primetime, FNC also outpaced CNN and MSNBC combined in total day and primetime with total viewers, and easily surpassed both networks in the 25-54 and 18-49 demos for the quarter. FNC also ranked number one in all of basic cable in total day viewers for the sixth quarter in a row, winning every single weekday hour with double and triple-digit percent advantages while delivering 94 of the top 100 telecasts in cable news…..Talk host Richard Cason and MKS Broadcasting’s news/talk KFMO-AM, Flat River Missouri agree to part ways. Since March of 2021, Cason had been hosting the Sunday 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm program. Cason says his program is still available on Frankspeech.com and Patreon.

The Economy/Financial Markets, Hurricane Ian, Trump Legal Issues, Midterms/2024 Presidential Election, Immigration, U.S.-China Relations, Russia-Ukraine War/Nord Stream, and European Politics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/27). The high rate of inflation and the sell-off on the world’s financial markets; Hurricane Ian strengthens to category 4 and aims for Florida’s west coast; former President Donald Trump’s New York civil suit and the DOJ’s documents investigation; the November midterm elections and the potential nominees for president in 2024; the Biden administration’s immigration policy and the transporting of migrants; tensions between the U.S. and China over the former’s support of Taiwan; Vladimir Putin’s calling up more troops, his threat of nuclear force in the Ukraine war, and the suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline; and the rise of far right politicians in the European Union were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.