Industry News

Dallas Sports Radio Host and Producer Mark Friedman Dies

Longtime Dallas sports radio host and producer Mark “Friedo” Friedman has died after a years-long health battle. The Morning News piece notes that Friedman “spent over two decades working in Dallasim sports radio, starting at 570 KLIF in 1994 and eventually joining host Norm Hitzges in moving to 1310 The Ticket [KTCK-AM] in 2000.” Friedman’s brother Joel posted the news of his passing on Facebook, says, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my brother’s passing. Many of you knew about his health battle over the past several years, and he had been doing remarkably well considering everything he had gone through.” Read the Dallas Morning News story here.

Industry News

New Hosts Join Cumulus Media’s “The Ticket” in Dallas-Fort Worth

Cumulus Media announces new personalities in middays on its sports talk outlet KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “The Ticket.” Former “Ticket” host Matt McClearin re-joins the station after two years on-air at the company’s WJOX-FM, Birmingham, Alabama. He’s partnering with “Ticket” personality Donovan Lewis for theim 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, filling the role of retired “Ticket” host Norm Hitzges. New to the daily lineup is the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm duo of Sean Bass and David Mino. Bass has been with “The Ticket” for 22 years, most recently as producer of “The Norm and D Invasion.” Mino has been with the station for 11 years, most recently as producer of “The Hardline” afternoon drive show. Station program director Jeff Catlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited for the midday makeover on ‘The Ticket.’ Matt, Sean, and Mino have all earned this opportunity. All three guys are well-known and well-liked by our passionate listeners and their ‘Ticket’ teammates. They will fit in well and make this a seamless transition.”

Industry News

Dallas-Fort Worth Sports Talk Legend Norm Hitzges Announces Retirement

Cumulus Media announces that KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “The Ticket” late morning personality Norm Hitzges will retire from the station on June 23 after 48 years in sports media and 23 years with “The Ticket.” Cumulus Media Dallas/Houston regional VP Dan Bennett says, “From the minute Norm hit the airwaves 36im years ago on KLIF and then ‘The Ticket’ you could tell he was a special communicator. He truly is one of Dallas radio’s great storytellers and he kept it going with Susquehanna and then Cumulus all these years. Not many have that kind of staying power. We wish him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.” Hitzges states, “I’m so proud to be a part of what ‘The Ticket’ has built – a ratings dominator in a fantastic sports city. I shall so miss the daily ‘rush’ of being on the air. But after 48 consecutive years on the air in Dallas doing sports talk, it’s time to move on to the next phase of my life, whatever that may be.”

Industry News

Cumulus Dallas Raises $2.3 Million for DFW Charities in 2022

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The Dallas cluster of radio stations owned by Cumulus Media grew their charitable efforts by close to 30% from 2021 to 2022, raising almost $2.3 million for Dallas-Fort Worth charities during 2022. One of the numerous events during the year was the “Normathon” month-long campaign by sports talk KTCK and air personality Norm Hitzges. The November 28-December 27 event raised $619,456 for the Austin Street Center for the homeless. This year’s 20th annual fundraising campaign included 12 days of on-air auctions, a car raffle, and a full-day broadcast featuring major guests and major auction items. 2022’s “Normathon” brings Norm’s total raised to $8.9 million raised for the shelter. Pictured here are (l-r) KTCK host Donovan Lewis, Daniel Roby (CEO of the Austin Street Center), and Hitzges.