Wednesday, September 28, 2022
WBAL-AM, Baltimore Promotes Jeff Wade to Director of Programming/News Director. Baltimore news/talk outlet WBAL-AM/W268BA “NewsRadio and 1090/FM 101.5” promotes Jeff Wade, adding director of programming duties to his continuing role as news director. Wade joined the Hearst Television radio station as news director in 2017. Hearst says that
during Wade’s tenure, the news team earned a National Murrow Award for Breaking News Coverage along with numerous Regional Murrow Awards, including a Regional Murrow for Overall Excellence in 2022. In his new role, Wade will oversee WBAL’s roster of talk personalities while continuing to lead its 
news staff. He held similar roles at WGAN-AM in Portland, Maine from 2005-2014 and Binnie Media’s NH1 News in New Hampshire from 2014-2017. Wade takes over for longtime WBAL programmer Scott Masteller, who is transitioning to a part-time role with the station, helping to coordinate the station’s sports broadcasting schedule, which includes the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, and Navy Football. Hearst Baltimore president and general manager Dan Joerres says, “With Scott transitioning to the next phase of his career at WBAL NewsRadio and Jeff having already tackled a similar opportunity earlier in his career, I am wildly confident that our listeners will continue to enjoy the best in local news, talk and sports on WBAL NewsRadio.” Wade adds, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to be given the opportunity to lead this outstanding team of broadcasters and build on the foundation Scott has laid.”
Steve Goldstein Rises to President for Hubbard’s 2060 Digital. Digital sales pro Steve Goldstein is promoted from his SVP sales strategy and general manager to president of Hubbard Radio’s 2060 Digital. Company EVP/chief financial officer Dave Bestler says that in this new role, Goldstein will increase his focus on growing 2060 Digital’s brand and revenue footprint in the expanding digital marketing and advertising sector across the
United States. Bestler adds, “Since 2019, Steve has done a great job leading our growing business at 2060 Digital as well as leading our overall sales strategy at Hubbard Radio. Given the explosive growth of our 2060 Digital business, promoting Steve to president of 2060 Digital and focusing his amazing talents exclusively here is both needed and exciting.” The company says that since its 
inception in 2015, 2060 Digital has become a critical revenue growth strategy for Hubbard Radio, providing a comprehensive platform of digital agency services that help local, regional and national brands drive measurable business outcomes across a diverse array of digital marketing channels. 2060 Digital operates offices in 10 Hubbard owned and operated radio markets, as well as 2060 Digital’s Shift division in Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Nashville. Goldstein says, “I am thrilled to focus my full attention on our already thriving 2060 Digital business. Our talented ops team lead by VP/ops Andy Shepherd, as well as our sellers and Hubbard Radio’s market leaders are making a meaningful difference for our clients. I couldn’t do this without the continued support of Ginny Morris and Dave Bestler, both of whom are committed to innovating and growing 2060 Digital. As we lean into new innovations, I am excited about the increased value 2060 Digital will provide to brands and the overall company.”
Bill O’Reilly Publishes Latest Book in ‘Killing’ Series: Killing the Legends. The latest book in the “Killing” series from television journalist and conservative media figure Bill
O’Reilly is published. Killing the Legends: The Lethal Danger of Celebrity (St. Martin’s Press, 2022) – written with Martin Dugard – explores the lives, legacies, and tragic deaths of three of the most famous people of the 20th century: Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali. Promo copy for the book says, “These three icons changed the worlds of music, film, and sports. Their influence, though, far exceeded the entertainment and athletic fields. These three changed society and culture. They were known and inspired people across the globe. They each became larger-than-life figures. They were on top of the world until their lives spiraled out of control. Immense success led to failure, addiction, or unhappiness that forced them to reinvent themselves and their talents. In industries that celebrated youth, they faced down growing older and found ways to renew themselves. But in the end, they were all three isolated by their fame —and sadly, it was their inner circles, those they trusted the most, that contributed to their downfall.” This is the 12th book in O’Reilly’s “Killing” series that has sold more than 19 million copies worldwide.
Paul Rotella to Exit NJBA. The longtime president and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association announces he is exiting his role with the organization. Paul Rotella says in a letter announcing his decision, “Since 2008, I have been privileged to
serve the broadcast industry by helping the NJBA meet fiscal and industry-wide challenges. My lobbying efforts on behalf of the industry, and the production of our informative and exciting annual conferences, have been particularly gratifying aspects of my work on behalf of our nationally acclaimed Association. I am especially grateful for the wonderful friendships that this experience has provided me and for the superb colleagues I have been fortunate enough to call friends. Most of all, I am blessed with the best family anyone could ask for, and I am particularly grateful for their unselfish contributions to my success, and to the success of the NJBA.”
TALKERS News Notes. Longtime talk media personality Jason Lewis releases his latest
book, Party Animal, The Truth About President Trump, Power Politics & the Partisan Press (Barnes & Noble Press, 2022). The former Minnesota congressman spent some time this summer filling in on iHeartMedia’s news/talk KTLK-AM, Minneapolis after the untimely passing of Andrew Lee…..FOX News Channel reports that, according to Nielsen Media Research, it finished the third quarter of 2022 as cable’s most-watched network in primetime and total 
day viewers. Marking 83 consecutive quarters as the highest-rated cable news channel in primetime, FNC also outpaced CNN and MSNBC combined in total day and primetime with total viewers, and easily surpassed both networks in the 25-54 and 18-49 demos for the quarter. FNC also ranked number one in all of basic cable in total day viewers for the sixth quarter in a row, winning every single weekday hour with double and triple-digit percent advantages while delivering 94 of the top 100 telecasts in cable news…..Talk host Richard Cason and MKS Broadcasting’s news/talk KFMO-AM, Flat River Missouri agree to part ways. Since March of 2021, Cason had been hosting the Sunday 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm program. Cason says his program is still available on Frankspeech.com and Patreon.
The Economy/Financial Markets, Hurricane Ian, Trump Legal Issues, Midterms/2024 Presidential Election, Immigration, U.S.-China Relations, Russia-Ukraine War/Nord Stream, and European Politics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/27). The high rate of inflation and the sell-off on the world’s financial markets; Hurricane Ian strengthens to category 4 and aims for Florida’s west coast; former President Donald Trump’s New York civil suit and the DOJ’s documents investigation; the November midterm elections and the potential nominees for president in 2024; the Biden administration’s immigration policy and the transporting of migrants; tensions between the U.S. and China over the former’s support of Taiwan; Vladimir Putin’s calling up more troops, his threat of nuclear force in the Ukraine war, and the suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline; and the rise of far right politicians in the European Union were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
its original “Good Day” moniker, Doug Stephan will segue his program to the USA Radio Network. Officially re-launching next Monday (6/13), “Good Day” with Stephan and co-host Jai Kershner will merge with USA’s “Daybreak.” The show Stephan launched in 1988 will continue to air in the morning and remains designed to time-shift to other dayparts. Affiliation will be handled by USA Radio Network, with that web’s president Chip Miller stating, “I’m excited to welcome Doug and ‘Good Day’ to the USA Radio Network family. Doug is an iconic fixture in morning radio throughout the country and we look forward to working with [him] and the ‘Good Day’ team. The lifestyle, non-political content ‘Good Day’ offers is something we feel more stations will welcome during a time when there’s so much going on in the world and in our society. Doug and ‘Good Day’ will serve as the cornerstone for an exciting growth plan for the network. This is our first programming change and show addition since acquiring the network in December 2021.” Stephan comments, “We’ve been hearing from some of our more than 300 affiliates of their frustration with how negative many news/talk programs have become. This move enables us to continue to present the news you need to know, along with our opinions, in addition to the positives that we see every day.” There will be no change in the format clock; technical; traffic; or sales partners. Stephan is the longest running syndicated host of a daily talk show and appears at #29 on TALKERS’ 2022 “Heavy Hundred.”
Guthrie Named iHM Florida Division President. Former six-year Cox Media Group president/chief executive officer Kim Guthrie is set to become iHeartMedia’s Florida division president. In that position, she will succeed Linda Byrd, who retires next month (7/15). Guthrie will report directly to iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins, who states, “At iHeart, we pride ourselves on being a ‘talent first’ company; this decision reflects that commitment. It’s rewarding to find someone who both understands what our listeners need and how to operate in a multi-platform environment. Kim checks every box and more. We’re thrilled she chose to bring her talents to iHeart. Her CEO experience at Cox Media Group makes her uniquely-qualified for this position.” Guthrie adds, “I am very excited to announce my ‘un-retirement.’ iHeart has become a true employment destination and I’m thrilled to be part of America’s #1 audio company. iHeart’s leadership has built a culture of respect, transparency and innovation. The entire team has made me feel like I can make a difference here.” Guthrie joined Cox Media Group in 1998 as vice president/general manager for its Long Island radio station group and later became executive vice president of CMG’s national ad platforms. As Cox Media Group’s CEO, she had complete oversight of the company, including nearly 100 broadcast radio and television stations; dozens of digital assets; and newspapers. She started her career as a television news reporter and anchor for several ABC affiliates. Guthrie was named “Woman of Distinction” by the March of Dimes and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition, she won the “Trailblazer Award” from Mentoring And Inspiring Women In Radio and the “Women Who Lead” honor from the Alliance For Women In Media.
Radio Mercury Awards Winners Announced. The 31st annual such event was held last night (Thursday, 6/9) in-person at New York’s Sony Hall, as well as virtually. This year’s “Best of Show” award was presented to FCB Chicago for its “Go RVing” radio commercial. Other winners included: Mockingbird, iHeartRadio App, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Promotional Spot or Campaign by a Radio Station or Group”); Great American Settlers, Spreaker.com, The Studio at iHeartMedia tied with Kiddie Pool, The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park, The Studio at iHeartMedia (“Creative Radio Commercial by a Radio Station or Group”); Tick Suck, Steve’s Pest Control, Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group; Dog Years, Motel 6, Barkley (Creative Radio Commercial by an Agency, Production Company, Or Advertiser); and Moolah, Georgia Lottery, BBDO Atlanta. Radio Mercury Awards chief judge/Campbell Ewald executive creative director Ale Ortiz comments, “It’s been an honor to be at this year’s Radio Mercury Awards and to award the incredible lineup of winners. The final round jury and I were very impressed by the winners’ ability to not only entertain listeners, but tell stories through radio and audio.” According to Radio Advertising Bureau president and chief executive officer/Radio Creative Fund chair Erica Farber, “This year’s awards once again proved the power of sound and demonstrated the strength of radio and audio in conveying a brand’s message. This was an incredible night for radio. It was so great to celebrate with everyone both in person and online.” Presenters from this year’s final round jury and advisory council included: freelance creative consultant Larissa Kirschner-Chaney; Josh Grossberg (McCann Health); Nicky Lorenzo (Taylor Global); Ciro Sarmiento (Weber Shandwick); and Joyce King Thomas (King Thomas). Event sponsors of this year’s event were Audacy and iHeartMedia. Dedicated sponsors included CBS News Radio, Hubbard Broadcasting and World Wide Wadio. General sponsors were Beasley Media Group; Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Katz Media Group; Salem Media Group; Skyview Networks; Sound and Fury; and WideOrbit, along with Friends of the Mercuries sponsors Forcht Broadcasting; Neuhoff Media; Nielsen; Triton Digital; and vCreative. For the complete list of winners and to listen to their work, go to 
Radio Washington, DC’s all-news WTOP will raise awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Announcements will highlight various MS events in the community in an effort to increase registrations – and ultimately – donations. WTOP general manager Joel Oxley states, “We wanted to do everything we could to help amplify the critical mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Our hope is that, through this partnership, we can help those in their journey with MS and work towards a world free of this devastating disease.” National MS Society Greater DC-Maryland Chapter president Chartese Berry remarks, “We are sincerely grateful [to] WTOP and their amazing partnership in joining our quest towards a world free of MS. Their strong reach in the region will help immensely in raising much needed awareness and funds to support the nearly one million people in the United States living with MS.” WTOP senior sports director Dave Johnson and WTOP anchor/reporter Mike Murillo were diagnosed with MS in 2019 and 2016, respectively. The two will contribute to the campaign by sharing their stories about how MS has effected them and their families. Johnson declares, “MS: Look out we are coming after you. We have the community and we have the support. My mom lost her battle to MS in 1979, and now with my WTOP family and the MS Society we are going to finish the fight.” Murillo adds, “I am so thankful to have benefited from new treatments for MS, but there is so much still to do including finding ways to repair the damage the disease can cause. With your help, I truly believe there will soon come a day when we can say there’s a cure for MS.” WTOP will highlight volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Multicultural Broadcasting-owned KBLA “Talk 1580,” Los Angeles’ “A More Perfect Union.” The HUD secretary and KBLA’s chief national political analyst, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, discussed the city’s homelessness problem; the need for affordable housing; and creative ways for first-time buyers to purchase a home and down payment assistance. Fudge commented that HUD is committed to equity by eliminating redlining of “certain kinds of neighborhoods.” … Effective next 
Monday (6/13), Randy Cable commences as director of sales for Beasley Media Group’s Fort Myers/Naples cluster, which includes sports talk WBCN “ESPN Southwest Florida.” Vice president/market manager AJ Lurie comments, “The more people I asked about Randy, the more excited I got about having him on our team. I think he will be a perfect complement to our brands, products, and family here in Southwest Florida.” Spring Valley, New York native Cable notes, “I am thrilled to join the Beasley family and look forward to working with the incredible team in Fort Myers. I am passionate about helping our team help local businesses thrive and prosper with great ideas and our ability to develop/execute powerful fully-integrated radio and digital campaigns.” Cable formerly was integrated sales manager for Cox Media Group’s Miami and Jacksonville stations, and spent eleven years as director of sales for Audacy Greenville (South Carolina) … The Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters
Association (CAPBA) recognizes Your Public Radio-owned public radio news/talk WYPR, Baltimore with five (5) first-place awards and seven (7) second-place awards for work done in 2021. Its first-place citations are in “Outstanding News Series”; “Outstanding Public Affairs”; “Outstanding Specialty Reporting”; “Outstanding Documentary/In-Depth Reporting”; and “Outstanding Serious Feature.” The CAPBA awards ceremony was held last Saturday (6/4) in Ocean City, Maryland. … In addition to hosting afternoon drive on iHeartMedia Des Moines news/talk WHO “News Radio 1040,” Simon Conway has been doing morning drive on similarly-formatted Orlando sibling WFLA “News Radio” and today adds a national assignment, filling in for Joe Pagliarulo. Conway’s PM drive program is simulcast on iHM’s WMT-AM “News Radio AM 600,” Cedar Rapids and WOC “News Talk 1420,” Davenport (Iowa). … Among the Delta Radio Greenville, Mississippi properties McConnell “Man@Large Adams will oversee as the newly-appointed operations director is WNIX “News Talk.” Adams most recently was director of content for Townsquare Media Lansing (Michigan).
publication’s biggest day on the calendar. We’re right back at it again though next week, as TALKERS vice president/executive editor Kevin Casey leads team coverage of TALKERS 2022 highlights; in addition, we will post regular Monday morning memos from Holland Cooke and Steve Lapa. Later in the week, editor/publisher Michael Harrison reveals his latest guest on “The Michael Harrison Podcast,” while managing editor Mike Kinosian begins his four-part series on “Takeaways” from Nielsen Audio’s May 2022 survey period.
