TALKERS News Notes
— Saga Communications, Inc. will release its fourth quarter and year end 2022 financial results at 9:00 am ET on Thursday, March 9. The company will also hold a conference call on the same day at 11:00 am ET.
— SiriusXM renews the weekly program “Let’s Go!” that stars Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray. It will air each week on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio and SiriusXM NFL Radio channels. Following those airings, the full-length podcast versions of Gray’s extended conversations with Brady and Fitzgerald will be available in the SXM App.
— Audacy’s Cadence13 and Parallel are producing a 15-part podcast series “This Little Light,” created and hosted by Red Hot Chili Peppers founding member Flea. The series is about falling in love with music, music education, and finding beauty in the chaos of the creative process. Flea, co-founder of the nonprofit Silverlake Conservatory of Music, invites musical guests from all genres to talk about how they fell in love with music, including the teachers that guided them, the influences that inspired them, and how the lessons they learned as young musicians have shaped their creativity, resilience, and careers. Guests range from legends to rising stars, and include Rick Rubin, Patti Smith, Thundercat, Margo Price and Cynthia Erivo.
— iHeartMedia and the NBA announce the new podcast, “Maxey On The Mic,” hosted by Philadelphia 76ers guard and 23-year-old Texas native Tyrese Maxey. Maxey says, “I’m thrilled to tip off my new podcast and can’t wait to tap in with my lineup of amazing guests. I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I’m grateful to the NBA and iHeartMedia for giving me this amazing platform.”
January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 2023 ratings period has been released for Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus.
January 2023 PPM Data – Information for the January 2023 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.
served as the National Gardening Association’s regional horticulturist for the Southeastern U.S. and is a contributing editor to Texas Gardener magazine. iHeartMedia Houston director of AM programming Bryan Erickson comments, “We’re all still reeling from the sudden loss of Randy. This was a difficult search and we feel fortunate to have found Skip. Not only is he one of the most qualified horticulturists in Texas, he has the perfect ‘down home’ demeanor when it comes to helping listeners with their gardening issues.” Richter states, “I’m excited to be hosting ‘Garden Line’ and helping listeners have more bountiful gardens and beautiful landscapes! Randy was an old friend going back to college when we lived in the same dorm. We will all miss him, and I consider it an honor to carry on the ‘Garden Line’ tradition.”
revenue performance for the markets automotive category; and unifying iHeart’s approach to markets automotive across the space. He will oversee an automotive advertising business that consults with thousands of tier 2 and tier 3 automotive clients across the iHeartMedia enterprise. iHeartMedia EVP sales and operations John Karpinski says, “There is no success without a successor, so I’m really excited for Joey to take the reins of the iHeart automotive markets division. Throughout the years, Joey has not only shown himself to be an amazing leader by driving measurable success for clients and iHeart but has also proven to be great at ‘coaching up’ his team. I’m excited for Joey to build on the success he’s had on the West Coast with our entire automotive organization.”
of November during which more than 2,800 radio spots were broadcast on 21 of the most popular stations in NYC. The campaign included digital and social media marketing, trade press, and signage at venues during Advertising Week in New York City. According to independent brand lift analysis by DYNATA, ad professionals who saw or heard the campaign were 29% more likely to consider radio for their media 
campaigns compared to those that had not seen the campaign. Of those that saw the campaign, 82% said they were somewhat/extremely likely to consider using radio for their next campaign compared to 53% of respondents who did not see the campaign. Audacy New York market president and NYC Radio Committee chair Chris Oliviero says, “The outstanding results of the campaign prove when we tell our story, with data and creativity, that radio can substantially enhance its position with advertising professionals. While radio continues to earn its place as an essential part of any media plan, we still must communicate our benefits and invite more marketing partners to collaborate together. This innovative multi-platform outreach accomplished just that. My appreciation to all my colleagues in New York City, across several ownership groups, who came together with a commitment to make ‘Fall in Love with Radio’ a success.”
complement Manny Munoz. The ideal candidate will be well-rounded and well-informed. They must be passionate about South Florida, news savvy, and have a strong interest in current events, politics, and lifestyle issues affecting their target audience. A strong digital platform and social media skills are vital for this role. In addition, all candidates must be proactive and work well in a team environment.
Answer.” Elswick notes that he’s beginning his 23rd year as a talk host in the Little Rock market. He says that with COVID protocols now in the rear-view mirror, he’s returning to hosting live broadcasts of the state legislature’s general session. Prior to joining Salem, Elswick served with iHeartMedia at crosstown news/talk KARN-FM.
an NFL prospect who played football at the University of Virginia and Texas Southern University. Norfleet worked for the Houston Texans and the Houston Rockets before transitioning into broadcasting as a host, analyst, and sideline reporter. iHeartMedia Houston director of AM programming Bryan Erickson says, “Stan brings amazing passion to everything he does. He has strong local ties and we’re thrilled to add him to the team.” Norfleet comments, “It is a tremendous blessing and honor to join the renowned iHeartMedia Houston family. I have long been a fan and avid listener of ‘Sportstalk 790’ and respect the history and contributions of its personalities. My affinity for Space City spans nearly two decades and I look forward to connecting with old friends and new listeners in the market.”
Kansas and Springfield, Missouri. iHeartMedia division president Nick Gnau says, “I am so excited to add Clyde’s leadership to an already strong cluster of markets in Texas. Clyde’s passion for our industry, his knowledge of our products and the success he has shown through many roles with iHeartMedia make him the perfect fit to lead this newly formed Area. I look forward to seeing these areas continue to succeed as one.” Bass most recently led the Arkansas Area. He comments, “It’s been my honor to be involved for the last 10 years with some of the legendary stations that I grew up listening to here in Arkansas, and now to be reunited as area president with the team in Texas makes me even more energized over what iHeartMedia provides to advertisers and listeners.”
Steve DeLusant says, “Victor and Travia are the perfect combination to lead our sales efforts for ‘Power 105.1’ and the WWRL 1600 AM ‘Black Information Network.’ Both 
Victor and Travia have strong experience and knowledge working in the multicultural space. I am excited to have them join our team and watch them take our brands to the next level. Their additions will position our team for long-term success at iHeartMedia New York.” Giacomelli joins the iHeartMedia New York team from Audacy Denver where he was the director of sales. Charmont joins the iHeartMedia New York team from Audacy Atlanta where she was a senior AE.
The fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. 
Dolphins games accessible to fans in new markets. The stations will carry all Miami Dolphins football game broadcasts and play-by-play coverage as well as a pregame show, postgame show and weekly radio show featuring exclusive interviews with Dolphins’ personnel and guests from around the league. Game broadcasts will feature former Dolphins wide receiver Jimmy Cefalo handling play-by-play duties, former Dolphins tight end Joe Rose providing color commentary and former Dolphins linebacker Kim Bokamper giving analysis and updates from the sidelines. iHeartMedia Sports president Kevin LeGrett says, “We are excited about this partnership and honored to be the new broadcast home of the Miami Dolphins. The Miami Dolphins are the city’s premiere sports team and with the massive multiplatform reach and scale that iHeartMedia can provide, we have the ability to deliver great programming and coverage to millions of fans across the state and beyond.”
The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM loses 1.4 shares to finish the survey with a 6.0 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX declines nine-tenths for a 2.2 share finish that puts it in the #16 spot. Urban One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is steady with a 3.7 share but rises to the #10 rank in the market. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM sheds seven-tenths, finishing the survey with a 4.6 share but rises to the #5 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KNRS-AM/FM drops 2.3 shares for a 4.4 share finish that drops it to the #6 rank. Audacy’s news/talk KDWN-AM, Las Vegas adds 1.3 shares for a 2.3 share finish that pushes from the #26 rank to #16. And in Orlando, iHeartMedia’s hot talk WTKS-FM is down a full share for a 5.1 share finish and the #7 rank, while Cox Media Group’s news/talk WDBO-AM adds three-tenths to finish with a 4.6 share that boosts it to the #8 rank. 
The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s Holiday 2022 sweep covered December 8 – January 4. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Washington, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM loses one-tenth to finish with a 3.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises to the #7 rank, while Hubbard Broadcasting’s crosstown all-news WTOP-FM falls eight-tenths but remains ranked #3 in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston tacks on one-tenth to wrap the survey with a 2.8 share good for the #13 rank and sister all-news WBZ-AM also adds one-tenth for a 4.8 share finish that puts it in the #6 spot. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM falls 1.1 shares to finish with a 5.5 share pushing it down to the #3 rank, while Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM adds three-tenths for a 5.5 share that puts it in a tie for the #3 rank. 
platforms. Additionally, he will actively build and foster community relationships across the market and region, while providing leadership, guidance and oversight to the team. Division president Kim Guthrie says, “Spencer has done a superb job in his leadership role in Texas, where he drove positive changes in culture and performance. In addition, his talents on how best to recruit, develop and coach a leadership team make him a wonderful fit for our needs here in Atlanta.” Bynes comments on his new position, saying, “What an extraordinary opportunity! Atlanta has a robust and flourishing economic business environment, a fascinating community of people from every part of the world and an incredible music culture and heritage. I am honored to join this team. I look forward to expanding iHeartMedia’s reach and influence and helping our customers thrive and grow their businesses.” 
Minneapolis. Mansour most recently served the cluster as digital content director and air personality with “KFAN Sports Radio” and the Vikings Radio Network. Yang says, “AJ has always been at the forefront of digital innovation here at iHeartMedia Minneapolis. He is the root behind the success we are now seeing with our radio stations’ brands both digitally and socially. As we continue to expand our scale and reach, we couldn’t be more excited to have AJ join our sales leadership team to lead the charge for us.” Mansour comments, “I’m incredibly excited to embark on this new adventure with iHeartMedia Minneapolis as the new vice president of digital sales. My skills and expertise in digital and social content development along with the excitement and energy being pumped into the world of digital sales will offer unique opportunities and perspectives for our partners.”
creative company SpokenLayer, and Casey Hartigan was most recently senior director of strategic partnerships at Nativo. Madeline Ngo joins Veritonic from Career.io/Talent Inc where she was director of product management/head of product. Veritonic founder and CEO Scott Simonelli comments, “At Veritonic, we remain committed to providing brands, agencies, and platforms with the technology and data they need to harness the tremendous power of audio, and that starts from within. Our employees are the heart and soul of our company and the value that we provide. We look forward to the contributions that Lindsay, Kate, Casey, and Madeline will bring to the utility and advancement of our platform moving forward.”
Dave Logan and Alfred Williams. Edwards began his radio career at Bonneville’s crosstown sports talk KKFN “104.3 The Fan” before joining iHeartMedia Denver and co-hosting “First & Ten at 10” on KDFD-AM “Orange & Blue 760.” Edwards says, “I am thrilled to join radio and football legends Dave Logan and Alfred Williams on ‘The KOA Sports Zoo.’ I look forward to bringing a fans’ perspective to the Denver Broncos and all things Denver sports.”
And Breeanna Malik rises from region SVP of sales for the Greater Texas Region to executive vice president of unified partnerships. Division president Scott Hopeck says, “It’s rewarding when you can promote from within your organization. The strong track records of these leaders combined with their response to ongoing coaching and development have made these promotions easy decisions. I’m excited to see how Amy and Steve transform our organization with their creativity and their commitment to client success.” President of unified partnerships Michael Preacher says, “We’re extremely excited to welcome Breeanna to executive leadership on our team. Given her history of high performance, Breeanna’s creativity, attention to detail and collaborative skills are a perfect fit in our partnerships division.”
iHeartMedia welcomes Jay C. Lowe to the company as area president – Oklahoma, effective immediately. 
The iHeartMedia station says that Lemmon hosted “The Garden Line” program on the station for more than 25 years. “In what he called the ‘most-listened-to garden show in the country,’ he was faithfully followed by serious landscapers as well as the weekend gardener as he shared his enthusiasm and advice about lawns, gardens and outdoor living. He was a go-to expert when climate issues became serious or dangerous to the public such as during hurricanes and deep freezes.” Prior to hosting his radio show, Lemmon served as a television and radio producer for the Texas Farm Bureau. He then spent nearly a decade at his alma mater – Texas A&M University – producing news and commentary for an agricultural network he created with the College of Agriculture. iHeartMedia Houston director of AM programming Bryan Erickson tells TALKERS, “Randy had an unbridled passion for being on the radio and for helping people with their gardening issues. We should all be so fortunate to do something in life that brings us such joy. He will be missed.”
