Tag: Houston

Front Page News Industry News

Friday, August 19, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

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, “Crazy, Crazy, Crazy!” looks back at this past week of 8/15 to 8/19. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Todd Feinburg, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Pat Fant, commentator, The Otis Advisory; Chris X, talk show host, KSEV, Houston; Dr. Daliah Wachs, physician/talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Claire Carter, founder/host, Good For You Radio.  The show airs weekends (Friday evenings to Sunday nights) on almost 100 broadcast signals and networks across the U.S. and U.K as well as having developed a significant international following as a podcast. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.

Ken Charles to Lead Programming at CMG’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. News and talk programming pro Ken Charles is named the new director of branding and programming at Cox Media Group’s Atlanta news/talk giant WSB-AM/WSBB-FM “95.5 WSB,” effective September 12. Charles, who most recently was programming Audacy’s all-news KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles, takes over the role at WSB that opened when Drew Anderssen left to take the brand manager role at Audacy’s all-news KRLD-AM, Dallas/Fort Worth and the Texas State Networks. This is a return to Atlanta for Charles who programmed iHeartMedia’s news/talk WGST-AM from 1998 – 2000. CMG Atlanta VP and market manager Jaleigh Long says, “Ken has an impressive track record for growing top talent and exceptional content. It’s exciting to add Ken’s experience and passion to the WSB legacy and top performance in Atlanta.” Charles comments, “I’m excited to join the amazingly talented team at 95.5 WSB. Thanks to Jaleigh Long, Rob Babin and Chris Eagan for giving me the chance to be a part of one of America’s top brands. I can’t wait to get back to Atlanta and build on WSB’s 100-year commitment to local news and community service.”

RI Talk Host John DePetro Attacked by Man with Lawnmower. According to a report by WLNE-TV, Providence, WNRI, Woonsocket talk host John DePetro was assaulted on Wednesday night (8/17) by a man outside the same home in Warwick, Rhode Island where DePetro was arrested for willful trespassing the night before. For the second night in a row, DePetro was doing a Facebook Live stream outside the house that authorities investigating the disappearance of Charlotte Lester say she frequented. This time, DePetro was allegedly assaulted by Mark Perkins with a lawnmower. In the video that you can see here, Perkins charges DePetro with the mower before the video cuts out. Police charged him with assault with a deadly weapon, first degree robbery, malicious damage to property and disorderly conduct. DePetro tells WLNE-TV, “Tonight while doing a follow up on the Charlotte Lester missing person case, I was violently attacked by Mark Perkins with a lawn mower and punched and kicked me to the ground on Staples Avenue. He smashed my equipment and threatened to kill me. I am cooperating fully with Warwick police.” DePetro has a September 1 court date for the willful trespassing charge.

WWJ-AM, Detroit News Anchor Roberta Jasina Victim of Audacy Cuts. According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, Roberta Jasina, morning drive news anchor at Audacy’s all-news WWJ-AM, Detroit was let go on Tuesday (8/16) as part of the company’s ongoing staff reduction at its radio stations. The 68-year-old Jasina had been with WWJ for the past 34 years and told the paper she’s sad about losing her job. In an audio message she posted on Facebook, Jasina says she was told this was about budget cuts and not about her performance but adds, “My heart was broken. I loved WWJ. I had the best job in the world.” Jasina also said that the day after she was let go, she learned that her husband Alan has been diagnosed with cancer and asked for prayers for her family. She tells the Free Press that she’s been heartened by the well-wishes she’s received from listeners and the community.

Mike Max Cut from Audacy’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. A report from BringMeTheNews indicates that evening sports talk personality Mike Max is out at Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis as part of the company’s staff reductions. Max hosted “Sports to the Max” weeknights from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. He also serves as sports director at CBS Broadcasting’s WCCO-TV. The report says WCCO-AM will move Henry Lake from late nights to the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot and will fill the late night daypart with CBS Audio’s “Eye on the World with John Batchelor.” Also exiting WCCO-AM with the departure of Max is his show’s producer Craig “Hammer” Schroepfer.

Audacy Eliminates Bob Salter’s New York Public Affairs Position. Twenty-eight-year Audacy on-air staffer Bob Salter is exiting the company after his final show on Sunday, August 21 as his public affairs position is being eliminated. Salter’s work was heard on Audacy’s New York stations that include WFAN-AM/FM, WCBS-FM, WNEW-FM, and WNYL-FM. Salter says, “It was nice to put some life into Sunday morning radio in NYC.”

Salem to Launch New Podcast Starring Sekulow Brothers. The latest podcast to debut on Salem Media Group’s Salem Podcast Network is the “Sekulow Brothers Podcast with Jordan and Logan Sekulow,” set to start on September 12. Jordan and Logan Sekulow are sons of Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice and a member of the Donald Trump legal team during the first impeachment trial. Salem Media SVP spoken word format Phil Boyce says, “Salem is so excited to launch this podcast with the Sekulow Brothers. Logan and Jordan are at the tip of the spear in this culture war we are fighting, and they know the issues better than anybody. This is going to be a ‘must-listen’ podcast.” Jordan Sekulow (left) is the executive director of the ACLJ and Logan Sekulow (right) is the director of media for the organization. Jordan Sekulow says, “Our family is known for our intensity. Through the work of the ACLJ, we always showcase hard-hitting analysis and legal work. But with this new podcast, you’ll see us in a casual environment three times a week. You’ll learn about our lives, our unique perspectives, where we agree and where we differ. And we will break down our views on news, politics, family, and culture.”

TALKERS News Notes. Sports talk program that emanates from Good Karma Brands’ Madison and Milwaukee stations are being added to the company’s Beaver Dam, Wisconsin station WBEV-AM “1430 ESPN.” The company says “Wilde and Tausch” – starring Jason Wilde and Mark Tauscher – and “Scalzo and Brust” – featuring Greg Scalzo and Ben Brust – will be heard on “1430 ESPN” beginning Monday (8/22). Good Karma Beaver Dam general manager Ryan Gabel says, “We are excited to integrate ESPN Wisconsin programming into our lineup with the launch of ‘1430 ESPN.’ Every morning, fans in Dodge County will hear from Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher and award-winning Packers reporter Jason Wilde. In the afternoon, they can tune into former Wisconsin Badger basketball star Ben Brust and longtime ESPN Radio host Greg Scalzo. The versatility and analysis from each of the shows will make ‘1430 ESPN’ a one-stop sports station for our listeners.”…..Voiceover artist Cayman Kelly is celebrating his third year on ESPN as he renews his contract before the start of the 2022 fall sports season. Kelly says, “Working with ESPN has been a dream come true and I remain just as excited now as I was three years ago when I first became the national voice of ESPN Audio.”

Liz Cheney’s Loss, Partisan Politics and Elections Tie for Top News/Talk Story This Week. U.S. Rep Liz Cheney’s loss in the Wyoming primary, the partisan politics, and the primaries leading up to the November midterms combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio for the week of August 15-19 and landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the tie between FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s legal issues, and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani being investigated, followed by the state of the U.S. economy and the electric car incentive at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

 

 

WSVA Radio Has A Rare Opportunity For You To Join Our News Staff. Live and work in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. WSVA has been covering Virginia news since 1935 and in these days of cutbacks and consolidation in the radio industry, WSVA continues its commitment to local news. We’re looking for a full-time news reporter/anchor who can be a storyteller with a news mindset. If you’re charismatic and have a sense of humor; if you’re active in your community; if you’re interesting; if you’re an elite communicator, we’re looking for you. We want someone who understands how to reach the local listeners and make a story interesting. We want an individual who loves to connect with listeners and community leaders. Duties include gathering and reporting news for our news/talk station, delivering updates on our music stations and keeping our digital site up-to-date. If you enjoy doing play by play sports, there’s opportunities to help our sports department too. Local radio news is alive and well on WSVA! To apply, send your resume, on air demo and references to Frank Wilt at fwilt@hrgradio.com. Saga Communications is an equal opportunity employer and a long-term radio only company dedicated to the principles of excellence in radio.

Salem Media Group Seeks Producers. Attention producers! Salem Media Group is looking for producers. Salem has great radio stations, the Salem Radio Network, the Salem Podcast Network, and the Salem News Channel, and we always need producers to help us create our great products. If you have experience producing radio or TV shows, please send your resume and keep ‘em coming to: Phil Boyce, Senior VP of Spoken Word Formats, Salem Media Group Philip.boyce@salemmedia.com. Salem is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ratings Takeaways

July 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

July 2022 PPM Data – Information for the July 2022 ratings period has been released for 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.

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+).

 

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.1 – 4.1, +1.0, #11 to #7

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, flat at #18

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.7 – 3.2 +.5, #14 to #11 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, #17 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #10 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, eighth to ninth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, second month in a row, 6.4 – 6.0, -.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM (+1.0)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: rhythmic CHR WKTU (-.5)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.3 – 4.5, +.2, repeats in fifth-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, flat at #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #14 to #16

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, first month, unchanged at 5.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase (Tie): Spanish contemporary KLVE; alternative KROQ; classical KUSC; and jazz KKJZ (+.5)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-.6)

Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST had been #1 the past twelve months

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 2.6 – 3.3, +.7, #15 to #10

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.6, -.4, second to fifth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #22 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.6 – 5.1, +.5, fourth to third

Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, third month in a row, 6.8 – 6.1, -.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease (Tie): classic rock WDRV and classical WFMT (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” steady at 1.9, #18 to #17

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, third to second

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.3 – 3.3, -1.0, fourth to sixth

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 6.4 – 8.0, +1.6, second to first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED first month, 6.4 – 8.0, +1.6

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: public radio news/talk KQED (+1.6)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease (Tie): sports talk KNBR and similarly-formatted KGMZ (-1.0)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 4.0 – 4.5, +.5, sixth to fourth

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #18 to #17

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.4 – 3.7, -.7, fourth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA steady at 3.2, #13 to #12

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, sixth month in a row, 7.4 – 5.9, -1.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: regional Mexican KMVK (+.7)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: regional Mexican KLNO (-1.5)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) flat at 4.2, repeats in eighth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, anchored at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, sixteenth consecutive month, 7.7 – 8.0, +.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: country KKBQ (+.6)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: regional Mexican KLTN (-1.5)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” unchanged at 5.7, continues at #4

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) steady at 2.3, #17 to #16

WZGC “92.9 The Game” 1.8 – 1.4, -.4, #18 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, seventh successive month, 9.7 – 11.0, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: classic hits-oldies WSRV (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: contemporary Christian WVFJ (-1.1)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, #22 to #20

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.9, -.1, seventh to sixth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.6 – 4.0, -.6, continues in eighth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 1.6 – 1.4, -.2, #19 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.4- 4.3, -1.1, fifth to seventh

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, first month, 8.0 – 8.5, +.5

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: country WUSL (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: public radio news/talk WHYY (-1.1)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #18 to #13

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 3.5 – 2.4, -1.1, #8 to #16

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 3.1 – 3.2, +.1, #12 to #11 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.7 – 2.4, -.3, #15 to #16

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #11 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, third month in succession, 5.5 – 6.3, +.8

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: classic rock WBAB (+.8)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: adult standards WHLI (-1.3)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .3, remains at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, seventh consecutive month, 7.5 – 7.1, -.4

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: contemporary Christian KSGN (+1.8)*

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: rhythmic CHR KGGI (-.9)

*Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022  increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #16 to #18 and cluster-mate KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #16 to #20

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.3 – 5.7, +.4, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #12 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire Audacy adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month 6.4 – 7.1, +.7

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: country KBAY (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: contemporary Christian KLRK (-2.4)**

**Represents the largest June 2022 – July 2022  decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.7 – 5.0, -.7, first to third

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #16 to #15 and co-owned WINS 1.1 – 1.0, -.1, locked  at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) flat at 3.1, continues in tenth-place

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, first month, 4.8 – 6.1, +1.3

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+1.3)

Largest 6+ June 2022 – July 2022  Decrease: urban contemporary WWPR (-.7)

Up next: July 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Ratings Takeaways

June 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

June 2022 PPM Data – Information for the June 2022 ratings period has been released for 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.

Nielsen Audio’s June 2022 sweep covered May 26 – June 22.

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 May 2022 – June 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #10 to #11

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #19 to #18

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.1 – 2.7 -.4, #11 to #14 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.8 – 2.4, -.4, #14 to #17

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.8 – 3.3, -.5, eighth to tenth

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #11 to #8

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, first month, 6.1 – 6.4, +.3

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: classic rock WAXQ (+.9)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-1.1)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 5.0 – 4.3, -.7, third to fifth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #10 to #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, repeats at #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, twelfth successive month, 6.5 – 6.0, -.5

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: rock KLOS (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: news/talk KFI (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.0 – 2.6, -.4, #11 to #15

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.7 – 5.0, +.3, fifth to second

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 4.8 – 4.6, -.2, remains in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, second month in a row, 6.0 – 6.8, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: classic rock WDRV (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-.7)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, stays at #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.2 – 6.3, +.1, second to third

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 3.9 – 4.3, +.4, fifth to fourth

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #14 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.9 – 6.4, +.5, third to second

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, second consecutive month, 6.8 – 6.9, +.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: urban contemporary KMEL (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KBRG (-.5)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.6 – 4.0, +.4, tenth to sixth

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, #20 to #18

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 4.9 – 4.4, -.5, third to fourth

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #14 to #13

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, fifth month in a row, 6.6 – 7.4, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KLNO (+.8)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: adult hits KJKK (-.9)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.1 – 4.2, +.1, ninth to eighth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, locked at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, fifteenth consecutive month, 7.1 – 7.7, +.6

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+.6)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: CHR KRBE (-.7)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.0 – 5.7, -.3, repeats in fourth-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.0 – 2.3, +.3, #16 to #17

WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.3 – 1.8, -.5, #15 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, continues at #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, sixth successive month, 8.6 – 9.7, +1.1

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: contemporary Christian WVFJ (+1.2)*

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: CHR WWPW (-1.7)**

*Represents a tie for the largest May 2022 – June 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

**Represents a tie for the largest May 2022 – June 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.4 – 5.0, -.4, fifth to seventh

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.1 – 4.6, -.5, stays in eighth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 2.3 – 1.6, -.7, #13 to #19

WIP’s internet stream, 1.5 – 1.4, -.1, repeats at #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.5 – 5.4, -.1, fourth to fifth

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, second straight month, 7.4 – 8.2, +.8

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: urban AC WDAS-FM (+1.2)*

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: sports talk WPEN-FM (-.7)

*Represents a tie for the largest May 2022 – June 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 3.0 – 3.5, +.5, #12 to #8

Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #15 to #18

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 3.6 – 3.1, -.5, #7 to #12 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.6 – 2.7, +.1, remains at #15

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) flat at 3.2, #10 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, second month in succession, 5.7 – 5.5, -.2

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: CHR WHTZ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: hot AC WALK-FM (-1.1)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .4 – .3, -.1, locked at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, sixth consecutive month, 7.0 – 7.5, +.5

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR KGGI (+1.5)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-1.1)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.7 – 2.0, +.3, #15 to #16 and cluster-mate KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 2.0, +.5, #21 to #16

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.4 – 5.3, -.1, third to fourth

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.8 – 2.5, -.3, #11 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire country KRTY fifth straight month 9.2 – 8.2, -1.0***

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: hot AC KIOI (+1.0)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KBRG (-1.7)**

**Represents a tie for the largest May 2022 – June 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

***Empire’s country format remained on KRTY until June 17, five days prior to the end of the June 2022 sweep. New owners Educational Media Foundation transitioned the station to contemporary Christian KLRK.

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” steady at 5.7, #1

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, locked at #16 and co-owned WINS 1.0 – 1.1, +.1, remains  at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, repeats in tenth-place

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” flat at 1.1, #19 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news/talk WKXW, fifth month in succession, unchanged at 5.7

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ’s internet stream (+1.1)

Largest 6+ May 2022 – June 2022 Decrease: alternative WNYL (-.6)

Up next: June 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Front Page News Industry News

Monday, June 20, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Monday Memo: Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Sum-Summertime. Although the season officially begins tomorrow, consultant Holland Cooke says. “People are already there emotionally.” And in this week’s column, HC suggests how stations can relate to listeners’ inflation-hampered circumstances. Read his column here.

 

Pending Business: Digital Audio Keeps Growing. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column that recent data indicates listening to digital audio – especially via smart speakers – continues to grow and that leaves opportunity for the audio seller. “No matter how your digital platforms are packaged, the concept of ‘influencer’ is alive and well when a listener accesses that feed. And every listener who accesses that smart speaker audio feed adds impressions to your talent’s content.” Read more here.

 

Talk Radio Revenue Addressed at TALKERS 2022 Convention. The recent TALKERS 2022 convention held on Friday, June 10 at Hofstra University on Long Island examined a number of issues facing talk media professionals, including selling spoken-word programming. Pictured above are four of the sales pros who appeared on the “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Noisy Digital World” panel, moderated by RAB president/CEO Erica Farber (inset). They are (from l-r): Christine Travaglini, president, Katz Radio Group, New York/RAB; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media; and Erik Hellum, COO, Townsquare Media, New York/RAB. Beginning tomorrow (6/21), TALKERS magazine will begin posting videos of the numerous convention sessions, one per day.

 

Talk Host Meets Senator. Pictured above is KNTH-AM, Houston “AM 1070 The Answer” morning host Sam Malone (right) having an animated discussion with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz R-TX (left) on the floor of the annual Texas State Republican Convention. Malone and Cruz sparred over the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending ruling on Roe v Wade that many expect to be handed down this week.

 

Urban One to Pay $25 Million for Emmis’ Indy Stations. According to the SEC filing by Urban One on Friday (6/17), the price that it is paying for Emmis Communications’ Indianapolis radio stations adult contemporary WYXB-FM, country WLHK-FM, news/talk WIBC-FM, translators W228CX and W298BB “The Fan 93.5FM and 107.5FM,” and Network Indiana is $25 million. The two companies announced the deal earlier in the week. As noted then, this move leaves Emmis effectively out of the radio business. It owns the licenses to WEPN-FM and WLIB-AM in New York but leases them. Emmis continues to operate with a focus on its sales and marketing businesses.

 

Cromwell Media Officially Launches ‘94.9 The Fan’ in Nashville. Emanating from Cromwell Media’s WBUZ-HD3 and translator W235BW, “94.9 The Fan” becomes Nashville’s newest sports talk radio station. Programming includes “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” as well as “OutKick 360” with Chad Withrow, Jonathan Hutton and Paul Kuharsky, and sports betting content from VSiN, The Sports Betting Network. Cromwell Vp/market manager Dennis Gwiazdon says, “The type of exciting sports content offered on ‘94.9 The Fan’ is not only unique by design, it’s the perfect complement to the live and local sports talk programming offered on sister station ‘ESPN 102.5 The Game.’ We now offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for all types of sports fans and sports bettors who want only the best local and national sports talk along with live sports broadcasts that include the Nashville Predators, the Nashville Sounds, MTSU football and men’s basketball, NASCAR, the Music City Grand Prix and much more.”

 

‘Chicks On The Right’ Redouble Efforts to ‘Give Conservatism a Makeover.’ Talk media entrepreneurs Miriam Weaver and Amy Jo Clark – hosts of the Radio America syndicated podcast “Chicks On The Right” – are embarking on a makeover of their own, launching a new website (and subsequent newsletter), hiring an all-female staff, and committing to a national tour of events to meet their growing fanbase across the country. Radio America says, “This relaunch campaign comes in response to the Chicks’ exploding popularity and record engagement from fans. Their website boasts as many as 2 million views a month and they earn more than 3 million impressions per month on their popular daily program. Weaver says, “Amy Jo and I started ‘Chicks On The Right’ as a fun side project. We were two working women who felt like our views weren’t represented in national discourse and decided to speak up. We never imagined that more than a decade later, we would quit our jobs to commit to ‘Chicks On The Right’ full time due to the overwhelming support we’ve received from women (and men) across the country, especially this year.”

 

Station Owner Shawn Knight Dies in Paragliding Accident. The details are few at this time, but Edhat Santa Barbara is reporting that Knight Broadcasting owner Shawn Knight died on June 15 in a paragliding accident. Knight’s company operates three Southern California radio stations, including: news/talk KUHL, Santa Maria; country KRAZ-FM, Santa Ynez; and AC KSYV-FM, Solvang.

 

The Economy, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, January 6 Hearings, Juneteenth Holiday, End of SCOTUS Term, Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19, and Columbia Elects Leftist Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The high price of gas & food, the sinking Dow & NASDAQ, and concerns about a recession; the primary races for the November midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the aftermath of the January 6 Committee hearings; today’s Juneteenth holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the U.S.; the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to close its term and the overturning of Roe v Wade is expected; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; the still-present COVID-19 virus and concerns about new subvariants; and Columbia elects leftist Gustavo Petro president were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

May 2022 PPM Data – Information for the May 2022 ratings period has been released for 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.

Nielsen Audio’s May 2022 sweep covered April 28 – May 25.

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 April 2022 – May 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, eighth to tenth

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, repeats at #19

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 4.2 – 3.1, -1.1, #6 to #11 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, #13 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, ninth to eighth

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #10 to #11

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM, first month, 6.3 – 6.7, +.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: rhythmic CHR WKTU (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: news WINS (-1.1)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 5.1 – 5.0, -.1, remains in third-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, eighth to tenth

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #19 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, eleventh successive month, 5.8 – 6.5, +.7

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban contemporary KRRL (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KLAX (-.6)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, stays at #11

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.6 – 4.7, +.1, continues in fifth-place

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ flat at 4.8, repeats in fourth-place

Number One 6+: Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV, first month, 5.7 – 6.0, +.3

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: regional Mexican WOJO (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WVAZ and hot AC WTMX (-.6)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, #17 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.1 – 6.2, +.1, third to second

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 4.3 – 3.9, -.4, sixth to fifth

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” 1.1 – 2.2, +1.1, #24 to #14

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 7.7 – 5.9, -1.8, first to third

Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 6.6 – 6.8, +.2

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: sports talk KGMZ (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KQED (-1.8)*

*Represents the largest April 2022 – May 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.9 – 3.6, +.7, #16 to #10

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” flat at 2.1, #19 to #20

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” 3.6 – 4.9, +1.3, tenth to third

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Rangers) 2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, #10 to #14

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, fourth month in a row, 6.1 – 6.6, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: sports talk KTCK (+1.3)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KNOR (-.5)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.2 – 4.1, -.1, tenth to ninth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.4 – 2.7, +.3, anchored at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, fourteenth consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: alternative KTBZ (+1.8)**

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary KLOL (-.8)

**Represents the largest April 2022 – May 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.4 – 6.0, -.4, third to fourth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #16 to #15

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.4 – 2.0, -.4, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.2 – 3.5, +.3, #12 to #11

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fifth successive month, 7.4 – 8.6, +1.2

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WSRV (+1.2)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WALR and country WKHX (-.8)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” steady at 5.4, seventh to fifth

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.2 – 5.1, -.1, repeats in eighth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, continues at #13

WIP’s internet stream, 2.0 – 1.5, -.5, #16 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.6 – 5.5, -.1, stays at #4

Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group rock WMMR, first month, 6.8 – 7.4, +.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: classic rock WMGK (+.8)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): urban AC WDAS-FM; sports talk WIP’s internet stream; and news/talk WPHT’s internet stream (-.5)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 3.4 – 3.0, -.4, #9 to #12

Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.0 – 2.6, +.6, #17 to #15

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 3.2 – 3.6, +.4, tenth to seventh and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #13 to #15

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.0 – 3.2, +.2, #11 to #10

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.2 – 2.1, +.9, #23 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, first month, 5.2 – 5.7, +.5

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: sports talk WEPN-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: classic rock WAXQ (-.6)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .4, unchanged at #19

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .1 – .2, +.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fifth consecutive month, 7.6 – 7.0, -.6

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE (+1.0)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: rock KLOS (-1.2)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #15

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 4.4 – 5.4, +1.0, fourth to third

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.9 – 2.8, -.1, #8 to #11

Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game”.9 – 1.6, +.7, #23 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire country KRTY fourth straight month 9.3 – 9.2, -.1

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase (Tie): adult contemporary KISQ and rhythmic CHR KYLD (+1.4)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KSOL (-.6)

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.1 – 5.7, -.4, #1

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.8 – 2.2, +.4, repeats at #16 and co-owned WINS flat at 1.0, #21 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees) 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, ninth to tenth

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” 1.6 – 1.1, -.5, #17 to #19

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news/talk WKXW, fourth month in succession, 6.1 – 5.7, -.4

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WXBK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ April 2022 – May 2022 Decrease (Tie): Spanish tropical WSKQ and sports talk WEPN-FM (-.5)

Up next: May 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Larry Elder Joins Epoch Media Group (EMG) Hosting Live TV Show and Other Projects. Speculation has been growing as to what recent GOP California gubernatorial candidate and TALKERS Heavy Hundred radio star Larry Elder’s next talk media move would be since leaving his nightly program on the Salem Radio Network. The wait is finally over as Epoch Media Group (EMG) announces that Elder has joined EMG, publishers of the rapidly growing American international newspaper, The Epoch Times, and will continue hosting the Larry Elder Show on Epoch TV, NTDTV and other platforms associated with EMG. Elder will host a live, streaming show four times per week on which, according to EMG sources, he will “continue to give the audience his take on the latest and most important issues facing America.” He will also host a podcast for EMG. Based in Los Angeles, Elder is known to his following as “the Sage from South Central” and “America’s truth detector.” He was the front-running GOP challenger to Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election. Elder is also an attorney, author, and accomplished documentary filmmaker. EMG CEO John Tang tells TALKERS, “Larry Elder is an advocate of the principles of The Epoch Times newspaper – truth and tradition – and is inspired by its mission to bring the readers accurate information so they can form their own opinions about the most significant topics of our time.” Tang adds, “In a day and age of sensationalist and emotionally charged news coverage, Elder uses the facts – with humor and insight – to break down the nation’s current events and most urgent issues.” Commenting on this new association, Elder states, “I’m excited to join The Epoch Times. I’m impressed by the newspaper’s courage and willingness to speak the truth to promote liberty and freedom.”

 

Hillis Returns to Audacy as Brand Manager for KILT-AM, Houston. Sports radio pro Parker Hillis is named brand manager for Audacy’s KILT-AM, Houston “Sports Radio 610,” effective June 6. Hillis was most recently assistant program director for Bonneville’s KKFN-FM, Denver “104.3 The Fan.” He previously served with Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan” in a number of producer roles. Audacy Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier says, “Parker is a rising star. He has impressed us since day one with his innovative ideas, focus on talent coaching and work ethic. We’re thrilled to have him join our Audacy team.” Hillis comments, “I’m excited to join the ‘Sports Radio 610’ team in Houston. The opportunity to direct and grow an already incredible Audacy brand is truly an honor.”

 

‘The Fisher House Story’ Available for Memorial Day Weekend Programming. Programmers seeking shows for this Memorial Day weekend should reach out to the folks at Fisher House about carrying “The Fisher House Story: Peace of Mind and a Place to Hear.” The free show is available in numerous lengths, including three-hour, two-hour, one-hour (all with 20 mins of avails), 30 minute non-commercial, and 25-minute content segment for news/talk radio. As you are probably aware, the Fisher House provides free housing for the families of military personnel who are undergoing treatment at VA hospitals that allows them to be near their loved ones. At the Fisher House site, you will find the shows, as well as a marketing & social media toolkit and year round PSAs.

 

Matt McGill Returns to WVON, Chicago for Midday Show. Windy City media personality Matt McGill is coming back to Midway Broadcasting’s news/talk WVON to host the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm program, effective June 1. McGill stepped away from his afternoon drive show he co-hosted with Kimberly Egonwman last year. Egonwman currently co-hosts the afternoon drive show with Atiba Buchanan. “The Matt McGill Show” – which the station says will be a mix of local news, entertainment and human-interest topics – will replace “Keeping It Real with Al Sharpton” which will move to the station’s website and air live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Midway Broadcasting CEO Melody Spann Cooper says, “Al Sharpton will always be a member of our family here at WVON, but Matt’s program will focus on longform, sponsor-driven content that is designed to boost revenue and ratings.”

 

TALKERS News Notes. Texas media firm Ramar gets back into the TV business after being a radio-only company for some time as it closes on the construction permit for low power television station K26PJ-D in Lubbock, Texas. Ramar is acquiring it from Mako Communications LLC for $30,000. Bob Heymann of the Chicago office of Media Services Group served as the exclusive broker for the seller.…..SiriusXM is presenting coverage of the 106th Indianapolis 500 live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday (5/29). Throughout this week, SiriusXM will present more Indy racing content leading up to Sunday’s race…..The GCN-syndicated “The Dr. Daliah Show” – starring Dr. Daliah Wachs– is added to the weekend program schedule at WBIN Media’s New Hampshire news/talk trio WTPL, Hillsborough; WTSN, Dover; and WEMJ, Laconia that is branded “The Pulse of New Hampshire.”

 

Deadly Texas Shoot Shooting/Gun Control, Primary Races/Trump & the GOP, the Economy/Baby Formula, Russia-Ukraine War, North Korea Missile Tests, and ISIS Plots Bush Assassination Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/24). A gunman in Uvalde, Texas kills 19 children and two teachers leading to debate over gun control; the midterm primary races in Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, & Georgia and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the falling tech sector on Wall Street, the high price of gas & food, and the baby formula shortage; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its effects on the global economy; North Korea conducts missile tests on the heels of Joe Biden’s Asia trip; and the feds foil a plot, allegedly by ISIS, to assassinate George W. Bush were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ratings Takeaways

April 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

April 2022 PPM Data – Information for the April 2022 ratings period has been released for 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.

Nielsen Audio’s April 2022 sweep covered March 31 – April 27.

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 March 2022 – April 2022 (6+).

Sports-Related Notes: The MLB season began on April 7; the NBA playoffs got underway on May 1; and the NHL playoffs started on May 2.

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, repeats in eighth-place

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.6 – 2.3, -.3, #16 to #19

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 4.1 – 4.2, +.1, seventh to sixth and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #18 to #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees and Brooklyn Nets) 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #12 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.4 – 3.3, -.1, flat at #10

Number One 6+: Emmis urban AC WBLS, fourth consecutive month, steady at 6.5

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.1)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW (-.8)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.7 – 5.1, +.4, fifth to third

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.9 – 3.4, -.5, seventh to eighth

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.4 – 2.1, -.3, #16 to #19

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, tenth successive month, 5.5 – 5.8, +.3

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase (Tie): sports talk KLAC (Dodgers and Clippers) and Spanish classic hits-oldies KFWB (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: news KNX (-.5)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.5 – 3.1, -.4, #7 to #11

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.5 – 4.6, -.9, second to fifth

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.4 – 4.8, -.6 third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ, fourth consecutive month, 5.8 – 6.0, +.2

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase (Tie): classic rock WDRV and hot AC WTMX (+.9)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: news WBBM-AM & WCFS (-.9)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 2.4 – 1.9, -.5, #14 to #17

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.0 – 6.1, -.9, second to third

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.1 – 4.3, +2.2, #15 to #6

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 9.0 – 7.7, -1.3, first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED, fourth straight month, 9.0 – 7.7, -1.3

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: sports talk KNBR (+2.2)*

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk KQED (-1.3)

*Represents the largest March 2022 – April 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.2 – 2.9, -.3, #12 to #16

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.7 – 2.1, -.6, #15 to #19

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, repeats in tenth-place

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Rangers) 2.2 – 2.5, +.3, #18 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, ninth to tenth

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, third month in a row, 6.8 – 6.1, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KMVK (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (-.9)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 4.3 – 4.2, -.1, seventh to tenth

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.7 – 2.4, -.3, locked on #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, thirteenth consecutive month, 7.5 – 6.8, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: Spanish contemporary KLOL (+1.0)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-.7)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.9 – 6.4, -.5, repeats in third-place

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 2.0 – 2.4, +.4, #17 to #15

Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #17 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.5 – 3.2, -.3, #8 to #12

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fourth successive month, 8.1 – 7.4, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: CHR WWPW (+1.2)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WSRV (-.7)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.7 – 5.4, +.7, repeats in seventh-place

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 3.9 – 5.2, +1.3, ninth to eighth

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, stays at #13

WIP’s internet stream, 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, remains at #16

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 6.9 – 5.6, -1.3, third to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, third successive month, 8.2 – 7.3, -.9

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: sports talk WIP (+1.3)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WHYY (-1.3)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, seventh to ninth

Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.7 – 2.0, -.7, #13 to #17

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets)” 2.7 – 3.2, +.5, #13 to #10 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.0 – 2.8, -.2, #11 to #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees and Brooklyn Nets) 2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #15 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM, first month, 5.2 – 5.4, +.2

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: hot AC WALK-FM (+.6)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classic rock WAXQ (-1.5)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .4, unchanged at #19

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, fourth consecutive month, 7.5 – 7.6, +.1

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: hot AC KBIG (+.9)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-.9)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 1.7 – 1.8, +.1, #14 to #15 and cluster-mate KSFO “Talk Radio 560” flat at  1.8, #13 to #15

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” unchanged at 4.4, continues in fourth-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 1.0 – 2.9, +1.9, #23 to #8

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire country KRTY third straight month 10.9 – 9.3, -1.6

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: sports talk KNBR (+1.9)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: country KBAY (-2.0)**

**Represents the largest March 2022 – April 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.8 – 6.1, -.7, first

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, #18 to #16

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Yankees and Brooklyn Nets) 3.0 – 3.1, +.1, flat at #9

Emmis’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” .8 – 1.6, +.8, #23 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news/talk WKXW, third month in succession, 6.8 – 6.1, -.7

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WWPR (+2.0)

Largest 6+ March 2022 – April 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-1.4)

Up next: April 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Ratings Takeaways

March 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

March 2022 PPM Data – Information for the March 2022 ratings period has been released for 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.

Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30

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 February 2022 – March 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 2.9 – 3.8, +.9, #13 to #8

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #13 to #16

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 4.0 – 4.1, +.1, repeats in seventh-place and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.6 – 2.4, -.2, #16 to #18

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.6 – 3.1, +.5, #16 to #12

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, eighth to tenth

Number One 6+: Emmis urban AC WBLS, third consecutive month, 5.9 – 6.5, +.6

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk WABC (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classical WQXR (-.5)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.0 – 4.7, +.7, seventh to fifth

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.3 – 3.9, +.6, #11 to #7

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.5 – 2.4, -.1, #14 to #16

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, ninth successive month, 5.8 – 5.5, -.3

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk KFI (+.7)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KRCD (-.7)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 4.6 – 3.5, -1.1, fifth to seventh

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.1 – 5.5, +.4, third to second

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.7 – 5.4, -.3, first to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ, third consecutive month, 5.7 – 5.8, +.1

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): triple A WXRT and classical WFMT (+.7)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: news/talk WGN (-1.1)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.9 – 2.4, +.5, #18 to #14

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.3 – 7.0, -.3, continues in second-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 2.2 – 2.1, -.1, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 7.9 – 9.0, +1.1, first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED, third straight month, 7.9 – 9.0, +1.1

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): public radio news/talk KQED and country KRTY (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (-.8)

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, #14 to #12

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #18 to #15

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.4 – 3.5, +.1, #11 to #10

Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” 1.6 – 2.2, +.6, #23 to #18

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.6 – 3.8, +.2, steady in ninth-place

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, second month in a row, 7.2 – 6.8, -.4

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: adult hits KJKK (+1.1)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KZZA (-.7)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 4.8 – 4.3, -.5, flat at #7

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.8 – 2.7, -.1, repeats at #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, twelfth consecutive month, 8.1 – 7.5, -.6

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: classic rock KGLK (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR KRBE (-1.0)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.4 – 6.9, -.5, second to third

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 1.6 – 2.0, +.4, #18 to #17

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #20 to #17

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.1 – 3.5, +.4, #13 to #8

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, third successive month, 8.8 – 8.1, -.7

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: urban AC WALR (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (-1.2)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.4 – 1.3, -.1, #19 to #20

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 4.9 – 4.7, -.2, sixth to seventh

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 3.7 – 3.9, +.2, locked in ninth-place

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 3.6 – 2.5, -1.1, #10 to #13

WIP’s internet stream, 2.0 – 1.9, -.1, #15 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 6.1 – 6.9, +.8, fourth to third

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, second successive month, 8.0 – 8.2, +.2

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WUSL (+1.2)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: Spanish contemporary WUMR (-1.7)

Note: Eight days into the March 2022 sweep (3/11), adult contemporary WISX became Spanish contemporary WUMR.

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 4.1 – 3.7, -.4, sixth to seventh

Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.9 – 2.7, +.8, #18 to #13

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #12 to #11 and cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #14 to #13

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.4 – 2.6, +.2, #16 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 6.1 – 6.8, +.7

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM (+.8)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-1.3)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .4, #20 to #19

Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC .3 – .2, -.1, #21 to #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, third consecutive month, 9.5 – 7.5, -2.0

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: rock KCAL-FM (+.9)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-2.0)*

*Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #22 to #13 and cluster-mate KGO “810 AM” 1.8 – 1.7, -.1, repeats at #14

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.0 – 4.4, -.6, fifth to fourth

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire country KRTY second straight month 7.5 – 10.9, +3.4

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase: country KRTY (+3.4)**

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease (Tie): Spanish adult hits KBRG and classic rock KUFX (-1.0)

**Represents the largest February 2022 – March 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.3 – 6.8, +.5, first

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.1 – 1.6, -.5, #14 to #18 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 1.3 – 1.2, -.1, repeats at #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.5 – 3.0, +.5, #13 to #9

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: news/talk WKXW, second month in succession, 6.3 – 6.8, +.5

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Increase (Tie): news/talk WKXW; classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM; contemporary Christian WAWZ; sports talk WFAN; and the internet stream of Spanish tropical WSKQ (+.5)

Largest 6+ February 2022 – March 2022 Decrease: CHR WHTZ (-1.1)

Up next: March 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Ratings Takeaways

February 2022 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part One

By Editor | by Editor

February 2022 PPM Data – Information for the February 2022 ratings period has been released for 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.

Nielsen Audio’s February 2022 sweep covered February 3 – March 2

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 January 2022 – February 2022 (6+).

NEW YORK

News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.0 – 2.9, -.1, #12 to #13

iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, repeats at #13

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 4.3 – 4.0, -.3, flat at #7 and co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.8 – 2.6, -.2, #13 to #16

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.8 – 2.6, -1.2, #8 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, tenth to eighth

Number One 6+: Emmis urban AC WBLS, second consecutive month, 6.6 – 5.9, -.7

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: urban contemporary WWPR (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-1.2)

LOS ANGELES

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 3.7 – 4.0, +.3, steady in seventh-place

News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.1 – 3.3, +.2, #10 to #11

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #15 to #14

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, eighth successive month, 6.3 – 5.8, -.5

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: smooth AC KTWV (+.5)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-.5)

CHICAGO

News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 5.2 – 4.6, -.6, fourth to fifth

News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 5.7 – 5.1, -.6, first to third

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 5.4 – 5.7, +.3, third to first

Number One 6+ (Tie): iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ, second consecutive month, flat at 5.7 and public radio news/talk WBEZ, first month, 5.4 – 5.7, +.3

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary WRME (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease (Tie): news WBBM-AM & WCFS and news/talk WGN (-.6)

SAN FRANCISCO

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #17 to #18

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.1 – 7.3, +.2, unchanged in second-place

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 4.6 – 2.2, -2.4, #4 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.’s KQED 8.5 – 7.9, -.6, first

Number One 6+: public radio news/talk KQED, second straight month, 8.5 – 7.9, -.6,

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KOIT-FM (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-2.4)*

*Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

DALLAS

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.1 – 2.9, -.2, anchored at #14

News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.1 – 2.5, +.4, #19 to #18

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media’s KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, #7 to #11

Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA 3.5 – 3.6, +.1, #12 to #9

Number One 6+: Univision regional Mexican KLNO, first month, 5.2 – 7.2, +2.0

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: regional Mexican KLNO (+2.0)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: sports talk KRLD-FM (-1.0)

HOUSTON

News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” 4.7 – 4.8, +.1, sixth to seventh

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston-owned KUHF 2.2 – 2.8, +.6, #19 to #18

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, eleventh consecutive month, 7.4 – 8.1, +.7

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+.7)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: CHR KRBE (-.9)

ATLANTA

News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.9 – 7.4, +.5, third to second

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.4 – 1.6, -.8, #15 to #18

Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.9 – 1.5, -.4, #17 to #20

Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 2.8 – 3.1, +.3, #12 to #13

Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, second successive month, 7.1 – 8.8, +1.7

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies WSRV (+1.7)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: gospel WPZE (-1.0)

PHILADELPHIA

News/Talk: Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 1.3 – 1.4, +.1, #20 to #19

News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.2 – 4.9, -.3, locked on #6

Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, flat at #9

Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 3.1 – 3.6, +.5, #11 to #10

WIP’s internet stream, 1.9 – 2.0, +.1, repeats at #15

Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 7.4 – 6.1, -1.3, second to fourth

Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, first month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic rock WMGK (+.9)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: public radio news/talk WHYY (-1.3)

LONG ISLAND

News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 4.3 – 4.1, -.2, sixth

Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #15 to #18

News: Audacy’s WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 3.5 – 2.8, -.7, #5 to #12 and cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 3.0 – 2.5, -.5, #8 to #14

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.5 – 2.4, -1.1, #5 to #16

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM, second straight month, 7.4 – 6.5, -.9

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: CHR WHTZ (-1.4)

RIVERSIDE

News/Talk: None in the top twenty

News: None in the top twenty

Sports Talk: None in the top twenty

Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .3 – .4, +.1, #15 to #20

Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, second consecutive month, 8.4 – 9.5, +1.1

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: classic hits-oldies KOLA (+1.1)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-.8)

SAN JOSE

News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KGO “810 AM” 2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #11 to #14

News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 5.4 – 5.0, -.4, fourth to fifth

Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 3.5 – 1.7, -1.8, #8 to #15

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+: Empire country KRTY first month 5.4 – 7.5, +2.1

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: country KRTY (+2.1)**

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease sports talk KNBR (-1.8)

**Represents the largest January 2022 – February 2022 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets

MIDDLESEX

News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 5.9 – 6.3, +.4, second to first

News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, #12 to #14 and cluster-mate WINS “1010 – All News/All The Time” 1.1 – 1.3, +.2, #16 to #20

Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 2.9 – 2.5, -.4, #10 to #13

Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty

Number One 6+ (Tie): Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ, second straight month, 6.0 – 6.3, +.3 and news/talk WKXW, first month, 5.9 – 6.3, +.4

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Increase: the internet stream of Spanish tropical WSKQ (+1.0)

Largest 6+ January 2022 – February 2022 Decrease: CHR WHTZ (-1.9)

Up next: February 2022 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.

Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

Ryan Kaufman Adds KVOR, Colorado Springs PD Duties. Radio programmer Ryan Kaufman is promoted to program director for Cumulus Media’s news/talk KVOR-AM, Colorado Springs. Kaufman has been serving the company as PD for sports talk KCSF-AM “Xtra Sports 1300” and will continue in that role. Kaufman takes over for Bobby Irwin who continues in his position as operations manager of the Cumulus Colorado Springs station group and PD for two music brands. Cumulus Colorado Springs market manager Scott Jones says, “This is a well-deserved opportunity for Ryan. He’s a rising star in our business and you won’t find anyone more dedicated to and passionate about his trade. Ryan’s instincts are spot on and when you combine that with his tremendous work ethic, you achieve great results. I’m excited for us, for Ryan, and especially, for our listeners.” Kaufman comments, “Taking over a heritage station like KVOR is an amazing opportunity. Whether it’s sports or news/talk, the most important thing is the ability to engage in a conversation with the listener, talking about the issues that matter to them and keeping them informed. KVOR has been leading that conversation in Southern Colorado for decades with thought-provoking hosts and unrivaled news coverage. I look forward to working alongside news director Jim Arthur to not just maintain that standard but exceed it.”

 

 

Michael Berry Hosts Sold-Out ‘Great Texas Barbeque, Beer & Bourbon Blowout.’ Last Friday (3/4), KTRH, Houston-based, syndicated talk radio host Michael Berry hosted the sold-out “Great Texas Barbeque, Beer & Bourbon Blowout” in Houston that featured Premiere Networks syndicated personalities Jesse Kelly and the team of Clay Travis & Buck Sexton. The event treated a packed crowd of more than 1,200 listeners and fans to live music from country music artist Tracy Byrd as well as a conversation between the hosts about their careers and current events, including the conflict in Ukraine and the impact on the U.S., the midterm elections, and more. Michael Berry says, “Jesse and I love our fellow Texans here in Houston. Our listeners were keen to meet Clay and Buck and welcome them – Texas style, to our home with good food, good drinks, good music, and a good time. Clay and Buck loved ‘em back, and it was a great event all around. Radio can be a one-way medium – we talk into a microphone and they listen. For them to meet us, and more importantly, for us to meet them, reminds us why we do what we do and for whom.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Kelly, Berry Travis, and Sexton.

 

iHeartMedia’s Seattle Sports Talk KJR Adds Full-Market FM Signal. Seattle sports talk outlet KJR-AM gets an FM simulcast as iHeartMedia Seattle moves the hip hop on KUBE-FM to KUBE-HD3 and rebrands the sports station as “Sports Radio 93.3 KJR FM, Seattle’s Sports Leader.” KJR-AM will continue to air the sports format. iHeartMedia Seattle market president Mark Glynn says, “By moving the legendary KJR brand to the FM band, we’re going to be able to grow the next generation of Seattle Sports fans. With the combination of ‘Sports Radio 93.3 KJR FM,’ ‘Sports Radio 950 KJR AM’ and the iHeartRadio app, we enhance our sports platform and become the #1 destination for sports and currently the only FM sports platform in Seattle.”

 

 

John DePetro Broadcasts Live from Eastern Poland. Pictured above is WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island talk host John DePetro broadcasting his radio program live on the radio station and Facebook Live from Rzeszow, Poland. DePetro tells TALKERS, “Challenging broadcast to say the least but valuable first-hand account of situation in Eastern Europe.” DePetro notes that Rzeszow is the closest airport to the border of Ukraine and main hub for thousands of refugees. He says he’s secured a translator and security and plans to broadcast later in the week from the Ukraine border.

 

RAB Extends President and CEO Erica Farber. As part of the Radio Advertising Bureau’s spring board of directors meeting held March 2-3 in Orlando, the organization announces a few updates “intended to maintain its executive ranks and strategically position the organization for continued growth as it serves a diverse and evolving broadcast radio industry.” Among those are the contract extension for president and CEO Erica Farber keeping her in that position through April 2024. The RAB’s executive committee also has reinstated and activated several new committees, including committees focused on bylaws, nominating, finance, strategy, investment, events, network, multicultural, and the National Radio Talent System. The committees are overseen by the RAB board of directors with participation by RAB’s senior staff and are intended to help the organization manage its day-to-day business, while planning ahead for the future and benefit of the radio industry. Also, at the meeting, Carolyn Fisher, partner, Southeast & Midwest Region, StateNets, officially joins the board of directors replacing Dave Martin.

 

Russia-Ukraine War, Gas Prices/Inflation, January 6 Capitol Attack Conviction, COVID-19, House Omnibus Bill, Postal Service Reform Act, and Brittney Griner Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/8). Russia’s ongoing invasion of the Ukraine and the West’s reaction; the soaring price of gas at the pump and high consumer retail prices; the first person to stand trial for the January 6 attack on the Capitol is convicted; the falling rate of COVID-19 cases and the rolling back of mask mandates; the U.S. House prepares to vote on an omnibus bill that would include $14 billion in Ukraine aid; Congress passes bill to overhaul USPS finances; and WNBA star Brittney Griner is detained in Russia after hashish oil found in her luggage were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

 

 

 

FOX News Media Has News Reporter Opportunity. This is a Washington, DC-based, full-time position for an experienced reporter. You will cover a wide range of political, government, and Congressional stories for FOX News Audio (FOX News Headlines 24/7 and FOX News Terrestrial Radio). You possess strong journalism skills and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Most importantly, you have great editorial judgement and the ability to break important news stories. See more about this position and apply here.

 

FOX News Seeks Freelance Producer/Editor. This freelance producer/editor position is based in New York and requires you to supervise the staff for FOX News Media’s network radio news operations (terrestrial and FOX News Headlines 24/7 – Channel 115 on SiriusXM Radio). As the freelance producer/news editor you are the editorial leader, working with news anchors to craft the content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. This is fast-moving news environment! Your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom allows you to deliver top-quality segments/newscasts. You excel at multi-tasking and pay close attention to details. Your writing and editing skills are excellent and your editorial judgment is first-rate. See more about the job and apply here.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, February 10, 2022

By Editor | by Editor

WRVA, Richmond Talk Mainstay Jeff Katz is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the elite local hosts in talk radio, Jeff Katz – heard 3:00-6:00 pm daily on WRVA, Richmond – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Katz has been a radio talk show host since the early 1990s on major stations in Boston, Hartford, Charlotte, Philadelphia and currently in Richmond since 2013. He grew up in Philadelphia and was aiming for a career as an attorney until his father suffered a heart attack that set him on a different path so that he could help support his family. Katz graduated at the top of his police academy class and then served as a police officer in Philadelphia until he traded in his badge for a microphone and started his broadcasting odyssey. He’s a fan favorite in Richmond and his program has repeatedly been chosen as the best afternoon radio show by the readers of Richmond Magazine and STYLE Weekly. In 2020, the Richmond Times-Dispatch named Katz the “Best Afternoon Radio Show” in Central Virginia. Over the years, Jeff has volunteered thousands of hours to help members of the local community with a special focus on law enforcement officers and disabled children. He and his wife are parents of a disabled child and that experience has had a tremendous impact on their lives and on Katz’s work. Michael Harrison describes Katz as “one of talk radio’s true humanitarians and an inspirational role model for us all.” President Trump honored Katz by presenting him with the President’s Award for Volunteer Service. In addition, FBI Director Christopher Wray honored him as the recipient of The Director’s Community Leadership Award for 2019. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation in which Harrison and Katz discuss the state of the radio business, politics, parenting, law enforcement and the art of “keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

Ramsey Solutions Presents ‘Money & Marriage’ Livestream Event. Ahead of Valentine’s Day on Monday, Ramsey Solutions is presenting a livestream event called “Money & Marriage.” The press release says, “Marriage isn’t for the faint of heart. Whether it’s lack of communication, financial stress or a difference in parenting, marital strain is inevitable. But Ramsey Solutions wants to equip couples with the tools to build a stronger relationship.” The Friday 7:00 pm ET event will feature Rachel Cruze and mental health expert Dr. John Delony “for an evening of laughter and intentional conversation. Couples can enjoy this date night from home, all while covering topics ranging from fear avoidance to the importance of practicing connection.” Cruze says, “What you have to understand, first and foremost: it’s nearly impossible to win with money when you’re not on the same page as your spouse. Coming together practically and emotionally not only unifies you but gets you to your goals faster.” Tickets for the event can be had here.

Richardson and Gallant to Replace Charlie Pallilo at KFNC-FM, Houston. The Houston Chronicle’s Matt Young reports that Gow Media is naming Vanessa Richardson and Paul Gallant hosts of the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program on sports talk KFNC-FM. This comes a day after longtime market sports personality Charlie Pallilo announced he is no longer with the station. Richardson is a former KPRC-TV sports anchor and reporter and Gallant previously served as a host at iHeartMedia’s crosstown KILT-AM “SportsRadio 610.” Richardson will be the only woman working in sports radio in Houston. She says, “I’ve wanted to host a show for a long time and I’m SO excited to do that on ESPN radio in Houston.”

Tee Gentry and Beasley Announce Renewal Deal. Programming pro Tee Gentry and Beasley Media Group announce they have signed a multiyear renewal deal for Gentry to continue with the company. Gentry, who has been with the company for the past 26 years, currently serves as Beasley’s vice president of brand strategies and regional operations manager of its Augusta, Georgia and Fayetteville, North Carolina radio clusters. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Tee is one of the most brilliant programmers that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. During his many years with the company in markets like Augusta, Fayetteville, and Tampa, he’s only had success. We’re lucky to lock Tee in for another multiyear deal!” Gentry says, “It’s an absolute privilege to work with [regional VP] Kent Dunn and the incredible people in Augusta and Fayetteville. They are what local radio is all about! I look forward to continuing to be a part of the Beasley Media Group family for years to come.”

Salem Radio Network’s Larry Elder Featured in Newsweek Feature Story. The February 18 issue of Newsweek features the cover story, “The Rise of Black Conservatives: Will the GOP’s Bet Pay Off?” that includes Salem Radio Network talk host Larry Elder, among other Black conservatives such as media figure Candace Owens, Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, and Georgia U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker. Elder, who was the highest vote-getter in the recent recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom, is quoted in the piece saying, “Donald Trump, to a greater degree than any Republican presidential candidate that I’ve seen, went to the inner city and tried to get Black votes. The message is this: Don’t act as if Black people cannot be convinced. They can be. Don’t condescend. Tell the truth. Talk about the issues, talk about how these issues benefit you.” Elder is also quoted saying the GOP needs to continue to work to attract Black voters. “Do I think that the Republican Party has done a poor job of marketing itself to Black voters? I do. They have written off Black people or they’ve assumed they’re going to vote for the Democratic Party.”

TALKERS News Notes. Sports talk legend Chris “Mad Dog” Russo – heard nationally on SiriusXM Radio – will again join ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on the “First Take” program on Wednesday February 16. ESPN says Russo will then return for weekly appearances every Wednesday beginning March 2. In January, Russo and Smith debated Barry Bonds’ Hall of Fame campaign and the episode turned out to be the show’s most-watched episode ever. ESPN EVP and executive editor Norby Williamson says, “We couldn’t be more excited to add another marquee name in Chris “Mad Dog” Russo to our weekly rotating lineup and further build this momentum going forward, providing viewers with the best possible debates, topics and content.”…..Cumulus Media and DCP Entertainment announce that the new season of DCP’s podcast “democracy-ish” on the Cumulus Podcast Network will feature Wajahat “Waj” Ali  as the new co-host alongside veteran host Danielle Moodie. Cumulus says, “The podcast hosts aim to keep it real, blunt, and entertaining as they discuss how to achieve a multiracial democracy, cover all the ground left behind by mainstream media, and seek to make sense of the nonsense.”…..Award-winning reporter Nate Hegyi joins New Hampshire Public Radio as host and senior producer of “Outside/In,” the program that delves into the natural world and how we use it. Hegyi most recently worked as a reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau, a consortium of NPR member stations covering the region. NHPR president and CEO Jim Schachter says, “‘Outside/In’ is well on its way to becoming a leading national source of engaging, empowering environmental journalism. With Nate as host, the show can build a community of people across the United States and beyond who care deeply about the natural world and humankind’s responsibility for it.”…..WMFE and WMFV, the NPR affiliates serving the Orlando area and nine counties across Central Florida, name longtime public media journalist and consultant Judith Smelser president and general manager. Smelser has served as WMFE/WMFV’s interim president and general manager since September 2021 and has a long history with the station as an award-winning reporter from 2004-2007, and then news director until 2011, before she was recruited away by Colorado Public Radio in Denver.

COVID-19/Freedom Convoy, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Inflation, Cheney-Kinzinger Censure, Ukraine Tensions, Social Media & Cancel Culture, Beijing Olympics, and Super Bowl LVI Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/9). The rate of COVID-29 cases in the U.S., plans to pull back mask mandates in numerous states, and the Canadian truckers’ Freedom Convoy; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the U.S. is set to record the highest rate of inflation in 40 years; the GOP’s internal squabble over the RNC’s intent to censure Senators Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for criticizing Trump’s January 6 actions; the diplomatic tensions between Russia and the West over the Russian military presence at the Ukraine border; the politics of social media platform rules and Spotify’s tightrope walk over Joe Rogan’s popular podcast and its critics; the controversies at the Beijing Winter Olympics; and the buildup to Sunday’s Super Bowl LVI were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.