Industry News

Yesterday’s (7/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

More high-profile Democrats and donors call on Joe Biden to leave the race for president and today’s scheduled press conference; Donald Trump’s distancing himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025; NATO accuses China of aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine; AOC and other far-left Democrats file articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito; the Israel-Hamas war; the status of Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy case; the heatwave affecting the U.S. and the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl on the Houston area were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

WABC Names Dominic Carter Host of 3:00 pm Hour

Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York announces that Dominic Carter is the new host of the daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, the same slot previously occupied by Rudy Giuliani until he was let go by the company in mid-May. The show simulcasts on WABC Radio and WLIR-FM, Hampton Bays on Long Island. Carter willim continue to host his nightly 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am show as well as his 11:00 pm to 12:00 midnight heard on Sundays. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Dominic as our 3 to 4 pm host. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist and political commentator who presents all sides of issues relevant to our listeners. He’s done an excellent job with his overnight programs and I know he will do the same with the 3:00 pm hour.” Carter comments, “I’m excited about hosting an afternoon slot and grateful for the trust that Mr. Catsimatidis and [president] Chad Lopez have shown in me. It’s an honor to serve the New York City area listeners, especially on a powerhouse station like WABC Radio, as well as WLIR 107.1, our sister station on Long Island.”

Industry News

Report: Giuliani Creditors Subpoena WABC’s John Catsimatidis

According to a report from Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani’s creditors are subpoenaing WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis to get documents “detailing his relationship with Giuliani, Giuliani’sim compensation from WABC, and documents about the shows Giuliani hosted.” The creditors are represented by a committee in Giuliani’s bankruptcy case and until 10 days ago, Giuliani worked at WABC hosting an afternoon radio talk show. The report notes that the creditors are looking for information about Giuliani’s “‘termination or suspension’ and about any statements he made regarding the Georgia poll workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him after he accused them of rigging election results.” Giuliani challenged that verdict in court, but his recent efforts failed, and he remains on the hook for the $148 million judgement. Read the Bloomberg Law story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The ICC seeks arrest of Israel and Hamas leaders; Iran’s future in the wake of the death of its president; the ongoing Donald Trump hush money trial; the presidential race; inflation, the record-high financial markets and the economy; controversy over the Trump bio-pic The Apprentice; Arizona serves Rudy Giuliani with indictment papers in the 2020 election case; hacking threats against U.S. water systems; and the Justice Samuel Alito upside-down flag controversy were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (5/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Michael Cohen testifies in former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial; the pro-Palestinian protests and Israel’s troops amassed near Rafah; the presidential race; President Joe Biden ramps up tariffs on Chinese goods; Rudy Giuliani is fired from WABC radio show; Antony Blinken’s unannounced visit to Ukraine and Russia’s latest military push; Arizona pushes back the enforcement date for its anti-abortion law; the planet’s plummeting fertility rate; and the return of Canadian wildfires were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Harrison Talks to John Catsimatidis about WABC, New York Cancelling Rudy Giuliani’s Talk Show

Red Apple Media Group chief John Catsimatidis suspended Rudy Giuliani from his daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm talk show that’s been airing on WABC for several years. The New York Times, quotes Catsimatidis saying, “We’re not going to talk about fallacies of the November 2020 election. We warned him once. We warned him twice. And I get a text from him last night, and I get a text from him this morning that he refuses not to talk about it. So, he left me no option. I suspended him.” But there were more concerns on Catsimatidis’ part. Giuliani was found liable forim defaming two Georgia election workers, and they were accusing him of make new false accusations against them. The Times reports that in a memo from Catsimatidis to Giuliani he told Giuliani that they’ve been monitoring his show for comments about the election and that “radio operators had ‘worked diligently’ to excise content that might run afoul of defamation laws.” He also wrote, “You are once again stating that there was fraud. You may not do so on our airwaves.” Clearly, Catsimatidis was concerned about being involved in actionable language on Giuliani’s part. Giuliani spoke publicly over the weekend about being terminated and said he’s been imtalking about the 2020 election for three years and was never made aware that election talk was off limits. In The New York Times story Giuliani states that WABC’s policies on this topic are “a clear violation of free speech” to which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “As a lawyer, former attorneyim general and former mayor, Giuliani should know better than to muddy the waters about ‘free speech’ by citing it and distorting it for his own defense in this manner. The letter of the law regarding the First Amendment protects the rights and responsibilities of Catsimatidis as the licensee and platform owner in this situation. And as far as the spirit of the law as indicated by the general term ‘free speech’ is concerned, the understanding between these two men as to what Giuliani can discuss on WABC is completely subjective and ultimately based on what the licensee determines at any given moment to be in the best interest of the platform, its listeners and most importantly, the truth.” Listen to Michael Harrison and John Catsimatidis discussing the situation this morning by clicking here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Pro-Palestinian protests, college commencements and Israel’s war with Hamas; former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial; the presidential race; WABC suspends Rudy Giuliani from his daily talk show; Canadian wildfires bring smoke to northcentral U.S.; Vladimir Putin replaces defense minister, and Russia’s latest military push into Ukraine; and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) goes on trial for corruption this week were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (4/24) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The pro-Palestinian protests taking place on numerous college campuses; the Supreme Court to hear arguments on former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity; the Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the presidential race; the Arizona abortion law battle; Arizona indicts Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani in 2020 fake elector scheme; the GOP’s Marjorie Taylor Greene problem; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the bird flu virus found in cows and questions about the safety of the milk supply were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (12/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Colorado Supreme Court rules former President Donald Trump is ineligible to serve as president; the 2024 presidential race and President Joe Biden’s low polling numbers; Trump’s and Rudy Giuliani’s legal battles; Trump’s rhetoric on illegal immigration and the negotiations in Congress for immigration reform and aid to Ukraine and Israel; Americans’ concerns about the economy & the Dow’s big selloff; international pressure on Israel to slow its Gaza operations; abortion legal battles; and the ongoing shortage of medications in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (12/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The pressure on Israel to temper its attacks in Gaza; the 2024 presidential race; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows loses bid to move Georgia case to federal court; the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea; the U.S. migrant crisis and the negotiations over immigration legislation in exchange for Ukraine aid; Georgia election workers sue Rudy Giuliani again; the Hunter Biden tax evasion case; the Florida GOP-Moms for Liberty scandal; and a Japanese company is set to buy US Steel were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The negotiations in Congress over immigration and border security; the push by Israel’s allies for it to use restraint in Gaza; the 2024 presidential race and former President Donald Trump’s speech in Nevada; the Rudy Giuliani defamation case; the Florida Republican Committee scandal; the post-Roe v Wade legal battles by women with troubling pregnancies; the Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea; and a car slams into President Joe Biden’s motorcade were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The House formally votes on a Joe Biden impeachment inquiry; the Israel-Hamas war and the growing rift between Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s tactics; the 2024 presidential race; the defamation case against Rudy Giuliani; the Fed’s anticipation of interest rate cuts in 2024; Hunter Biden to defy House Oversight Committee’s subpoena; SCOTUS to hear challenge of federal obstruction charges related to January 6; and the Trump Organization civil fraud trial were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (12/11) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; anti-Semitism and the blowback against college deans; the Texas abortion battle; Jack Smith petitions SCOTUS on Donald Trump’s immunity defense; the 2024 presidential race; Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to Washington; the Rudy Giuliani defamation case; the Trump Organization civil fraud case; U.S. immigration reform; and Google loses anti-trust case were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of August 28 – September 1

The numerous legal battles facing former President Donald Trump combined at the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the legal theory that Trump is disqualified from holding office under section 3 of the 14th Amendment, tied with the 2024 presidential race, followed by the criminal cases and legal strategies of former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

Judge Maryellen Noreika defers her decision on approving a plea deal between Hunter Biden and prosecutors and Republicans’ calls for impeaching President Joe Biden over Hunter Biden’s business dealings; Donald Trump’s legal battles and Rudy Giuliani’s admission he made false statements about Georgia election workers; the Fed raises interest rates and indicates future rate increases are possible to battle inflation; the 2024 presidential race; a whistleblower testifies that the U.S. government is concealing its UFO capture program; the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin’s stated deployment of nuclear weapons; the intense heatwaves affecting much of the U.S. & Europe and the great topic of climate change; and Sinead O’Connor dies at 56 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

Andrew Giuliani Joins WABC’s On-Air Team

77 WABC Radio announces that Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Donna Hanover, joins the on-air staff at the station. Andrew Giuliani will be a contributing friend on “Sid & Friends In the Morning,” hosted by Sid Rosenberg. In addition, Giuliani will also guest co-host the 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm “Cats At Night” show hosted by Red Apple Media CEO and WABC owner John Catsimatidis. Catsimatidis states, “I’m happy to welcome Andrew to our WABC family. After working in the White House and taking a run at the governorship of New York, Andrew brings an insider’s perspective on national, state, and local political issues to WABC Radio and its listeners.” Giuliani says, “It’s an honor to be a part of the #1 news/talk station in New York. WABC Radio is a combination of its rich history and incredible rebirth. I’m excited to get on the air and connect with the WABC Radio listeners in New York and around the world.” Giuliani was a special assistant to the president and associate director of the Office of Public Liaison during the Trump administration. In his position, he interfaced between the White House and business, nonprofit, and other groups, meeting with President Donald Trump up to four times a week. He also represented his office in White House meetings on the opioid crisis. A lifelong New Yorker, Giuliani ran for governor of New York in 2021.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Attorney Arthur Aidala to Host Nightly Show on Salem’s ‘AM 970 The Answer.’ New York news/talk WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” adds Big Apple attorney Arthur Aidala to the daily lineup with 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm “Aidala Power Hour: Making The Case For The City He Loves” program. Salem Media Group New York operations manager Matthew Sambolin says, “Arthur Aidala puts on a show in the courtroom, and now he gets to do it in front of the biggest judge of all – the New York City Tri-State region. Can’t wait to hear what he brings to afternoon drive, with no objections!” Aidala is the managing partner of the Law Offices of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, P.C. and the former senior DA of Kings County, New York. He currently represents such high-profile clients as Alan Dershowitz, former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Harvey Weinstein. He has been a recurrent guest on ‘The Joe Piscopo Show’ and ‘Radio Night Live’ with Kevin McCullough, as well as a legal commentator for 12 years on FOX News Channel. Aidala says, “I am honored and excited to join the talk radio team lineup at ‘AM 970 The Answer.’ With the ‘Power Hour’, we will be sitting down with the key New Yorkers to get to the heart of what makes this city tick.”

Vining Named PD at Cumulus Media’s ‘Talk 99.5’ in Birmingham. Talk radio pro Valerie Vining is named program director for Cumulus Media’s news/talk WZRR-FM, Birmingham “Talk 99.5.” Vining has been serving as morning drive co-host of the “Dixon & Vining” program (with Richard Dixon), a role in which she will continue. Prior to that, she spent more than 13 years as news director for Cumulus Birmingham. Vining says, “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the role of program director for WZRR ‘Talk 99.5’ Birmingham. My radio career, which spans over 30 years, has prepared me for this moment and challenge and I look forward to taking my team to the next level. Thank you to James Robinson and Ryan Haney for believing in me and my abilities. I’m so proud to work for Cumulus Media.”

Ramsey Solutions Hosts Free ‘Building Wealth’ Livestream. This Thursday (1/13), nationally syndicated radio star Dave Ramsey will host a free livestream at 8:00 pm ET titled, “Building Wealth in 2022.” Joining Ramsey will be New York Times bestselling author Rachel Cruze and host of “The Fine Print” podcast, George Kamel. According to Ramsey Solutions’ State of Personal Finance study, more than half of Americans (56%) feel behind on investing. And 42% aren’t saving for retirement at all. Dave Ramsey says, “There are a lot of investing trends right now claiming they’re the best way to get rich. But I’ve done stupid with a lot of zeros at the end, and I’ve coached people who hit bottom from bad investments. From my 30 years on the radio, I’ve seen over and over that real millionaires follow a proven plan for their money, not a get-rich-quick scheme. This free event will show you it’s possible for you too. Now is the time to prepare for your future.”

On-Air Changes at iHeartMedia’s ‘XTRA 1360’ San Diego. Drive time changes take place at iHeartMedia’s sports talk KLSD-AM, San Diego “XTRA 1360.” New to morning drive is “The Hartman and Rich O Show” with Steve Hartman and Rich Ohrnberger and in afternoon drive, the “Jon and Jim” show with Jon Schaeffer and Jim Russell debuts. Hartman and Ohrnberger currently work together on FOX Sports Radio and have successfully hosted together on XTRA 1360’s “Loose Cannons” show. Schaeffer and Russell also host “The Wrap-Up Show” following San Diego Padres games. “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd continues to air weekdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, followed by “The Darren Smith Show” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. iHeartMedia San Diego market president Melissa Forrest says, “This exciting new lineup caters to the desires of sports fans in San Diego. In addition to providing the very best sports talk, we’ll also continue to provide our listeners with unparalleled access to the NFL, the Padres, San Diego State University athletics, and all San Diego sports news.”

BIN: Black Information Network Wins Innovation Award. The Black American-targeted radio format from iHeartMedia – BIN: Black Information Network – wins the 2022 BIG Innovation Award in the media category from the Business Intelligence Group. BIN: Black Information Network was launched in June of 2020 as a 24/7 comprehensive national audio news network dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news with a Black voice and perspective. It is focused on service to the Black community and providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and a deeper understanding. It is heard over the air in 32 markets and is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app. Business Intelligence Group COO Maria Jiminez says, “Innovation is driving growth in the global economy. We are thrilled to be honoring Black Information Network as they are one of the organizations leading this charge and helping humanity progress.” BIN president Tony Coles comments, “Innovation has been one of BIN’s core values since our inception. It drives us to keep growing and creating spaces for the Black community to hear and contribute to the news that matters most to them. It’s an honor to be recognized with an incredible lineup of organizations and individuals who share the value of innovation and prove it in their work every day.”

AdLarge and G Networks Announces Sales Partnership. The two firms announce that they have entered into an ad sales partnership that will create “a new dynamic and impressive ad sales powerhouse in network audio.” In addition to continuing to represent content producers, AdLarge will oversee the management, sales, and fulfillment of the network audio ad sales inventory for both companies. G Networks will continue to offer and affiliate their premium programming and services through their existing affiliations team to radio stations across the U.S. G Networks president Warren Friedland states, “We’re excited to partner with AdLarge. AdLarge has a reputation for delivering innovative campaigns to help brands reach their media goals. AdLarge’s ad sales efforts coupled with our own extremely targeted networks will lead to a better return on investment for advertisers, brands, and agencies.” AdLarge co-CEO Gary Schonfeld adds, “This unique partnership will enhance our already robust ad sales networks, as well as generate greater critical mass and increased coverage of major markets. This is a win-win for the advertisers and the network audio community. The partnership with G Networks will greatly benefit the audio campaigns of our advertisers and agency partners.”

TALKERS News Notes. Personality Jesse Watters is named host of FOX News Channel’s 7:00 pm ET hour. The new program, “Jesse Watters Primetime” will launch on January 24. Watters will continue his current role as a co-host on “The Five.” FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “Jesse’s versatility and hosting acumen has grown exponentially over the last five years, and he has developed a deep connection to the audience through two hit shows, ‘The Five’ and ‘Watters’ World.’ We look forward to watching him expand his connection even further through this new solo weeknight hour.”…..Cumulus Media and DCP Entertainment unveil the second season lineup for DCP’s award-winning podcast, “Say Their Name,” on the Cumulus Podcast Network. The series focuses on the stories of Black individuals who were assaulted and killed by police and in ‘Stand Your Ground’ states, with an emphasis on the women who often get overlooked. The first episode in the series marks the one-year anniversary of the attack on the United States Capitol with a look back at Miriam Carey, who was killed in 2013 by law enforcement.

Broadcasters Foundation to Honor Lesley Visser with Lifetime Achievement Award. Sports media legend Lesley Visser is being honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America with its Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented during the Golden Mike Award gala and fundraiser, being held on March 14, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Visser is the only sportscaster – male or female – to have worked on network broadcasts of the Final Four, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Finals, the Triple Crown, the Olympics, the U.S. Open, and the World Figure Skating Championship. BFoA Foundation chairman Scott Herman says, “Lesley has an extraordinary number of ‘firsts’ in her accomplished and impressive career. We’re very proud to recognize her many accomplishments, not only as a pioneering female sportscaster, but as a prominent leader in sports broadcasting, overall.” Visser says, “I am enormously honored to be recognized by the Broadcasters Foundation of America, which is vital to our colleagues who find themselves in need of help during times of unimaginable hardship. It’s essential that we acknowledge and support such a charitable endeavor.”

COVID-19, Voting Rights, January 6, Midterm Elections, Economy/Supply Chain, U.S.-Russia Relations, and Bob Saget Passing Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/10). The soaring rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the Omicron variant, vaccine mandates, and school policies; President Joe Biden’s pressure to change filibuster rules for voting rights legislation; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack; the November midterm elections and Joe Biden’s low approval ratings; the state of the U.S. economy and the ongoing supply chain woes; the U.S. and Russia negotiate over Ukraine; and TV icon Bob Saget dies unexpectedly at 65 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.