16th Annual Mentoring Women Leadership Program Successfully Completed
2024 Graduates with Featured Speakers including
Erica Farber, Kim Johnson, and Trisha Yearwood
The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) and Xperi, joined forces for the successful execution and completion of the 16th annual “Rising Through the Ranks”program. The program began with a virtual session on Tuesday, August 13, and continued with in-person sessions on August 20-22 at the BMI Nashville office. Attendees were selected following an application process. The two-day curriculum focused on the specific needs of women in radio leadership or those aspiring to move into leadership positions. The program worked to enhance their overall knowledge and skills. The classroom materials, including participants’ notebooks, were sponsored by Mr. Master. Sessions included such topics as: Having it All, Building Your Personal Brand, Beyond Management: Unlocking the Leader Within, and Building Team Culture. Featured speakers included: Hartley Adkins, president, market groups, iHeartMedia; Rob Babin, EVP, radio, Cox Media Group; Danni Bruns, OM/PD of mornings, Cumulus Media; Kristin Cantrell, owner/CEO, Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications; Joe D’Angelo, SVP broadcast radio and digital audio, Xperi; Erica Farber, immediate past president/CEO, RAB; Kelli Frieler, owner, Vibrant Impact and director, Guaranty Digital Media; Kim Johnson, VP of professional development, RAB; Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy; Ruth Presslaff, board president, MIW; Jeff Schmidt, senior vice president, professional development, RAB; Erika Sylvia, market accounting manager, Houston/Dallas, Radio One; Sandye Taylor, SVP and chief DEI officer, BMI; Brooke Williams, SVP, membership, RAB; Trisha Yearwood, award-winning artist; and Linnae Young, EVP, operations and revenue development, Salem Media Group. The curriculum was customized to feature practical and real-world applications that participants can immediately utilize within their companies and for their personal development. “This year’s graduates join the 440 women who have participated and benefited from RAB’s Rising Through the Ranks,” noted Mike Hulvey, president/CEO, RAB. “We are immensely proud of the initiative and its impact on the business.”
Remember the old Gatorade commercial? The “Be like Mike” jingle accompanied a montage of gravity-defying Michael Jordan dunks.
RAB in 2000 to help create databases and programming as RAB.com was emerging on the internet. Since then, she has designed RAB’s proprietary systems touching nearly every aspect of RAB services and operations including, RAB’s CRM product Account Manager, GoCart (RAB’s e-commerce platform), training and education management platform and Radio Mercury Awards’ database and entry platform. Promoted in July 2023, Madison Wright is the director of events and communications for RAB, intertwining her passions for public relations, social media and creating “memory-making moments” with her love for radio. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber states, “RAB is proud and delighted to promote all three dedicated and accomplished team members. I am truly excited to see how they will continue to grow professionally and super serve RAB’s membership.”
Some of the key findings of the study include: 1) Heavy radio listeners engage in a staggering 4.7 billion weekly brand conversations, outpacing heavy users of other media channels, including TV, social media, magazines and newspapers; 2) The study underscores for advertisers’ radio’s dominance across 15 business categories, including sports, financial services, technology and more; 3) A staggering 51% of brand conversations among heavy radio listeners result in an intent to purchase, surpassing the national average of 49%. This remarkable impact is particularly pronounced in sectors like automotive, sports, telecom, technology, beverages and healthcare. RAB CEO Erica Farber states, “Radio is often referred to as the original social medium because of its ability to engage listeners through conversation, entertainment and information. This study underscores radio’s ability to drive word of mouth brand conversations for advertising partners, more so than any other media.” The webinar is free for RAB members. 
professionals in need from debilitating illness, accident, or disaster. BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “It’s hard to believe our friend and colleague left us a year ago. A true leader and exceptional human being, Jim helped everyone all the time. That’s the kind of person he was. I am proud to have known Jim for nearly 40 years as a colleague and a friend. He is sorely missed.” Thompson’s career included president and CEO of Group W Radio and co-owner of Liberty Broadcasting. He created the Radio Mercury Awards and served on the boards of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the Advertising Council and was vice chair of the Pennsylvania State Broadcasters Association. Upon Thompson’s passing, the Broadcasters Foundation created The Jim Thompson Memorial Fund, which remains open in his honor. 
and 2022 guiding the charitable organization to more than quadruple the amount of financial aid it distributes to radio and TV professionals in acute need from $400,000 to nearly $2 million last year. “I am very proud to have known Jim for nearly 40 years as a colleague and a friend,” said Scott Herman, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Jim believed deeply in helping others and his passion and enthusiasm for life always lit up a room. He always saw the positive in every person and every situation.” Prior to his service to the industry as president of the BFoA, Thompson had been president and CEO of Group W Radio, the second largest radio company in the country during his leadership, and along with Mike Craven was co-owner of Liberty Broadcasting, a 19-station radio group concentrated on the East Coast. He began his broadcasting career as an account executive at KYW-TV, Philadelphia in 1971, where he rose to vice president and general manager. An innovator and visionary, Thompson created the Radio-Mercury Awards to encourage and reward excellence in radio creative. He served on the boards of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the Advertising Council, was vice chairman of the Pennsylvania State Broadcasters Association and a member of numerous committees, including the NAB Radio Futures Committee. A member of the U.S. Army, Thompson served in Vietnam. The presentation will be made by talk show host Harry Hurley of WPG, Atlantic City at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island.
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 “Pass The Chips” looks back at this past week of 7/25 to 7/29. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS;
Championship game on October 29. Senior vice president of sports programming and podcasts Steve Cohen comments, “We are excited to offer our subscribers live NWSL matches every week. The NWSL is a leading professional soccer league featuring talent from around the world. We are proud to add the NWSL to the growing offering of live women’s sports on SiriusXM.” Meanwhile, NWSL media managing director/executive producer Brian Gordon remarks, “We’re always looking for unique and exciting ways to introduce our game to previously untapped audiences. This programming marks another fantastic step towards reaching those new fans. We’re excited to work alongside SiriusXM as we continue expanding ways in which fans can access NWSL matches.” In addition to live play-by-play, SiriusXM FC offers listeners a mix of soccer talk and play-by-play every day of the year. The channel features live play-by-play, as well as daily soccer talk programming hosted by a cast of former players, coaches, executives and journalists.
Gottlieb Guides Team USA To Gold. As a result of coaching the USA Open Men’s Basketball team to a first-place finish at this year’s World Maccabiah Games earlier this month in Israel, Fox Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb (second red shirt from left in the above photo) captures his fourth gold medal. Gottlieb coached the 2017 team; won as a player on the U.S. Open Men’s Basketball Team during the Pan-American Maccabi Games in Mexico City in 1999; and the 16th World Maccabiah Games in 2001. Additionally, he took home a bronze medal at the 15th World Maccabiah Games in 1997. He continued to host his radio show for several weeks in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and remarks, “We had yet another amazing trip, winning all eight of our games and creating a team that operated like a family. I cannot thank Maccabi USA and Fox Sports Radio enough for allowing me the opportunity to coach and work, while mentoring these incredible young men.” The Maccabiah Games are the world’s third-largest international multi-sport event with nearly 10,000 total participants representing 75 countries competing in 40 sports. Gottlieb’s three-hour (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, ET) weekday FSR show airs on approximately 230 stations.
Radio Awards. “Tulsa’s News & Talk 102.3 & AM 740” takes the place of Cox Media Group sibling Atlanta’s WSB-AM & WSBB, which remains in contention for “Major Market Station of the Year.” Winners will be announced October 19 at the NAB Show in New York. … Data-driven marketing company Claritas will join the
Radio Advertising Bureau August 10 at 1:00 pm for a session that will aid sellers in prospecting in the political category. Claritas director/media & telecom Meg DiMattina and account manager/media & telecom Jorge Martinez will identify voter preferences and share how radio can deliver and optimize a political candidate’s message. Registration for “What Matters to Voters: Voting insights of radio listeners” is free for RAB members.
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.
