“Lou & Michele” Join Revamped Lineup at “New Jersey 101.5”
On the heels of last week’s news that Dennis Malloy is returning to Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” to co-host the “Dennis & Judi Show” with Judi Franco come more changes to the station’s lineup. Beginning July 13, Lou Russo (right) and Michele Pilenza (left) will host the “Lou & Michele Show” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. They move to “New Jersey 
101.5” from the company’s hot AC WJLK-FM, Asbury Park “94.3 The Point.” That move chops an hour off the “Deminski & Moore” afternoon show which now airs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. As we reported last week, Eric Johnson moves from his on-air role with Judi Franco to operations manager. Townsquare New Jersey VP for content Sam Elliot Gagliardi says, “These changes are about investing in local talent, local content, and local conversations. No one understands New Jersey better than the people who live here. This lineup brings together some of the strongest personalities in the state and reinforces New Jersey 101.5’s role as the place where New Jersey comes together every day.”
Now, the station announces that Malloy is returning to the station on July 13 to resume his role as co-host of the “Dennis & Judi Show.” This change doesn’t put Franco’s current co-host Eric Johnson out on the street. The former, longtime “New Jersey 101.5” program director is returning to management as operations manager and program director. He will serve as a fill-in talk host on the station and will spin records during
the station’s weekend music programs. Johnson says, “So here is where we are. Dennis and Judi are back together on July 13. I am moving into a role that lets me put 48 years of experience to work shaping what New Jersey radio sounds like across three markets. And I will still be here, writing about this state I have loved my whole life, and showing up on the air when you need a familiar voice.”
Talk radio has a long incredibly successful run of shows about sex.
“Darn, if we were on FM everything would get better.” Not true. This writer launched many of the successful talk formats on FM stations in the early 1990s. The ones that worked, such as KLSX, Los Angeles; WTKS, Orlando; and New Jersey 101.5 in Trenton, were produced for the unique demands of FM. Then and today, the FM band cume utilized the radio in a completely different manner than AM audiences. The competition on FM isn’t another talk show. It’s Chapelle Roan and Taylor Swift. Ya know, billion-dollar Taylor Swift. The production values of FM music stations set the expectations of “the sound.” “Let’s pay some bills…” Followed by bumper music! Followed by eight minutes of commercials for Med Alert is just not what FMers are used to hearing on Elvis Duran. (Elvis is doing a talk show.)
One of my first jobs out of college was working in the marketing department of WNBC-AM, New York. Yes, “Imus In The Morning” (Don Imus – not nice), Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow – nicest star who ever lived). One of my tasks was to pull ratings numbers from the computer for the sales department. I was fascinated by TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL) and CUME numbers. I’d rank them, compare, trend them every way imaginable.
election. About returning, Spadea says, “I’m excited to be returning to the airwaves with ‘New Jersey 101.5’ and the largest audience in the state. I’m looking forward to continuing our mission of fighting for common-sense solutions to save New Jersey. Our show has always been about the listeners, and I’m ready to keep amplifying the voices of small business owners, parents, teachers, first responders, nurses, and everyone else committed to digging in and staying in New Jersey. Stay tuned – there’s more to come!” Townsquare Media regional VP Brian Lang says, “Bill’s audience and the team at ‘New Jersey 101.5’ are looking forward to his return. There’s no doubt he’ll have great stories to share. I also want to thank Eric Scott and the entire morning show team for doing an outstanding job while Bill was away.”
co-host of the midday show alongside longtime station personality Judi Franco. Johnson – who served as the station’s program director from 1999 through 2017 – 
takes over for Dennis Malloy who retired from the program last week. Johnson says, “Coming back to ‘New Jersey 101.5’ feels like coming home. This station has always had a one-of-a-kind connection to the people of New Jersey. I’m honored to be part of it again — and even more excited to team up with Judi Franco, who’s as sharp, fearless, and funny as they come.” Townsquare Media regional VP Brian Lang says, “Eric is the perfect choice to join Judi on middays. He’s got a longstanding relationship with her, understands the power of the ‘New Jersey 101.5’ brand, and brings instant chemistry to the mic. We couldn’t be more excited — I can’t wait to hear ‘The Judi & EJ Show’ in action.”
A New Jersey radio station thought they were just being clever online. They scanned a photo from New Jersey Monthly, cropped out the photographer’s credit line, and posted it on Facebook – inviting listeners to edit and reshare it for fun. ying to engage listeners to interact with the station with more than just their ears.”
“Two of my children live out of state and it’s difficult to sneak in quick visits. But now it won’t be. I’ll get to spend longer periods with my kids and grandkids, and just hopefully take and enjoy what life has to offer. There is no drama and no intrigue. Judi and I are still very good friends, almost like brother and sister. We’re both grateful that they threw us together back in 1997. The chemistry was instant, and the laughter has never stopped. Yeah, there have been some tumultuous times thrown in there as well, but it was all good. So, so, so good. I was lucky enough to be a part of radio’s history in New Jersey. Don’t get me wrong: Our ratings are still very high, and for that, I am extremely grateful. But I will still be a part of the radio station, filling in when the need arises. I’ll possibly be doing some appearances and definitely some writing for NJ1015.com.” 
primary to take on Democrat Mikie Sherrill in November. New Jersey 101.5’s coverage noted, “Conservative radio host Bill Spadea was expected to give Ciattarelli a fight, but any hope that Spadea might have had to keep the race close ended when President Donald Trump endorsed Ciattarelli. Ciattarelli defeated Spadea on election night with a landslide victory margin of over 40 points. Ciattarelli swept every county, including Ocean County, where Spadea’s base of support was believed to be strongest.” So far, neither the station nor Spadea have stated whether Spadea intends to return to the morning radio program.
The station says, “As the June 1 increases loom, state leaders and advocates will discuss the impact on consumers and what can be done. With public outrage mounting over stalled grid upgrades and steep bills, a panel of experts and top officials will explore the reason behind the hikes and the possible solutions that can be implemented to prevent such steep hikes in the future.”
“It won’t work on FM.” Country. Country was predicted to be a failing format for the FM band. At the dawn of FM proliferation in the 1970s, the future of the band was viewed with fear and skepticism. Why wouldn’t country music work on the FM band? The conventional chatter said that “country needs to be on AM because truckers drive long distances and AM signals cover long distances. FM does not.”
discussion that will include experts educating New Jersey residents about how to identify threats and what to do when one’s personal safety is in jeopardy. The program will also expose the growing threat posed to children who are increasingly being groomed and recruited by extremists online. He says, “Law enforcement is increasingly concerned about both foreign and domestic threats. But the rate at which extremists are targeting our children is particularly alarming.” On-air guests will include: Carl Priddy, acting assistant special agent in charge of counterterrorism for the Newark FBI office; Laurie R. Doran, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Adam McMahon, assistant professor of political science at Rider University; and John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former commander of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Spadea – morning drive host at WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” – and his employer Townsquare Media created an illegal “shadow campaign.” The complaint says Townsquare used radio, social media and public events to promote Spadea’s campaign thereby providing him with “hundreds of thousands of dollars” worth of advertising. Ciattarelli is asking the Commission to deny Spadea’s campaign access to matching public funds and to fine Townsquare for the campaign violations. Spadea’s campaign says the complaint is baseless and that it has complied with election law throughout his campaign. 
-hourly money news reports Monday through Friday in middays and PM drive. Robison most recently served as evening news anchor at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5.” Compass Media Networks also names Joe Mackay director of audio sales. The 25-year radio sales pro, based in Chicago, will manage advertising sales relationships throughout the West Coast and Midwest. Also joining the company as manager of sales planning is Laura Schaeffer. The 10-year radio industry pro will help manage customer relationships and assist sales executives and management with sales proposals and inventory management. She is based in New York.
the commission will be “monitoring” his program. Spadea declared his candidacy a couple of weeks ago and filed the Form -D1 but has not filed his nominating petition since the primary race is not until next June. At that time, he will be a legally qualified candidate and will leave the air. On Friday, the commission was hearing arguments whether his being on the air is an in-kind contribution from employer Townsquare Media and violates the state law that prohibits single-source contributions of more than $5,800. Lawyers for fellow Republican primary candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Jon Bramnick argued that Spadea’s program is all about his thoughts on public policy, thereby giving him a thing of value. But Townsquare’s attorney stated Spadea doesn’t use his show to “express advocacy” and that it has “no value” to his candidacy. 
alongside Jeff Deminski on Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.” It’s unclear whether this move was budget related or precipitated by something else, but Doyle’s info has been scrubbed from the “New Jersey 101.5” website and Deminski is listed as solo host in afternoons. Deminski and Doyle had been on-air partners since 1994, serving two stints with NJ101.5 from 1994 – 1999 and from 2011 to the present. TALKERS’ attempts to contact management at the Townsquare Trenton offices were unsuccessful.
over 2022, and that home break-ins to get key fobs are on the rise. New Jersey 101.5 senior political director Eric Scott says, “These are not teens looking for a joyride. Sophisticated criminal enterprises are behind the majority of car thefts in New Jersey with proceeds being used to fund international crime and terrorism.” The program’s panel will include New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and Christine O’Brien, president of the Insurance Council of New Jersey.
Station senior political director Eric Scott will moderate the town hall and he says, “Participating in youth sports can benefit our kids in so many ways. Unfortunately, the actions of just a few parents can spoil the experience for everyone.” The program’s on-air panel will feature Dr. Jason Krystofiak, division chief of sports medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center; Colleen Maguire, executive director of New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association; Dr. Mike Gross, a clinical and sport psychologist and head of sport psychology at Princeton University; and Robert Everett, a former president of Berkeley Little League.
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Scott will lead a discussion with analysts, financial planning experts, real estate specialists, and college planners. He adds, “So many New Jersey residents fear they will never be able to afford to retire. This program will help New Jersey residents make smart decisions and ask the right questions as they plan for their future.” The station will broadcast online streamed live available for embedding at facebook.com/nj1015/live as well as via nj1015.com, the New Jersey 101.5 YouTube channel, or the New Jersey 101.5 app.