Tag: Sid Rosenberg

Uncategorized

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg Among NYSBA Hall of Fame Inductees

By Editor | by Editor

img

The New York State Broadcasters Association inducted the seven members of the class of 2026 into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame on Thursday (10/22) at the Rainbow Room in New York City. NYSBA chair Chris Musial states, “On behalf of the NYSBA Board of Directors, congratulations to the Class of 2026. Each of these honorees has spent a career earning the trust of New Yorkers, on the air and in the community. Their dedication strengthens every station in this state, and we are proud to welcome them into the Hall of Fame.” Pictured above are (from l-r): NYSBA president Heidi Raphael; Dan Miner, WCKM-FM, WCQL-FM, WWSC-AM & FM and WDKM-FM, Glens Falls; Chuck Samuels, WHAM-TV, Rochester; Bob Krummenacker, WBNG-TV, Binghamton; Bill Ritter, WABC-TV, New York City; Sid Rosenberg, 77WABC, New York City; Rosanna Scotto, WNYW-TV, New York City; Pete Cloutier, WCKM-FM, Glens Falls; Ed Levine (Hall of Fame chairman/emcee) and NYSBA senior policy advisor David Donovan. Photo: Michael Priest Photography

Industry Views

DEA Honors John and Margo Catsimatidis, WABC Radio’s ‘Back the Blue’ Team for Standing With NYPD Detectives

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

img

By Robert Pearl

The Detectives’ Endowment Association honored 77 WABC Radio owners John and Margo Catsimatidis (pictured above) as its 2026 People of the Year, recognizing their longstanding commitment to New York’s law enforcement community and the influential role of WABC’s “Back the Blue” team in bringing the voices and concerns of police officers and detectives to the public.

The awards dinner, held October 8 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, Queens, marked the 109th year of the DEA, which represents the men and women of the NYPD who investigate the city’s most serious crimes. DEA president Scott Munro and the association’s leadership welcomed law enforcement representatives, supporters and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating service, sacrifice and the partnerships that sustain the department’s mission.

For the DEA, recognizing the Catsimatidis and WABC was about more than media visibility. It acknowledged the importance of having influential business leaders and broadcasters willing to stand publicly with the men and women who protect New York, particularly at a time when the challenges facing law enforcement remain a subject of intense public debate.

“Back the Blue” honorees included WABC personalities Sid Rosenberg, Dominic Carter, Rita Cosby and Greg Kelly, whose programs and commentary give law enforcement issues a prominent place in the station’s coverage. Through interviews, news discussions and dedicated segments, the team helps bring the realities of police work, the sacrifices of officers and the concerns of their families to a broad audience.

Munro emphasized the importance of that platform, noting that WABC provides detectives with a voice and helps communicate their experiences to New Yorkers. He also praised John and Margo Catsimatidis for their philanthropy, civic leadership and longstanding support for police and community initiatives.

John Catsimatidis, the self-made businessman whose Red Apple Group interests include supermarkets, energy and real estate, has built WABC into an important part of his New York business portfolio. His weekday program, “Cats & Cosby,” features Rita Cosby, while “The Cats Roundtable” airs on weekends. Margo Catsimatidis has also played a significant role in the couple’s business and charitable endeavors.

Their support extends well beyond broadcasting. For decades, the couple has supported the Police Athletic League, including holiday initiatives for children, and contributed to charitable, civic and medical causes. Their work reflects an understanding that public safety involves not only policing but also investing in young people and strengthening the communities officers serve.

During his remarks, John Catsimatidis recalled the couple’s longstanding involvement with youth programs and the importance of giving children opportunities to succeed. Such efforts, alongside their backing of law enforcement, demonstrate how private-sector leadership can complement the work of public servants.

Rosenberg, host of “Sid & Friends in the Morning,” praised the Catsimatidis and spoke directly about the difficulties officers face. He stressed that detectives and police officers deserve recognition, fair treatment and the support of public officials as they confront the risks inherent in their work.

The evening also recognized actor, producer and singer Donnie Wahlberg with the Detective Steven McDonald Humanitarian Award. Best known to many viewers for portraying NYPD Detective Danny Reagan on “Blue Bloods,” Wahlberg has supported the DEA and its Widows’ and Children’s Fund. Unable to attend because of filming commitments, he delivered a video message expressing gratitude and directing attention to detectives and the families of fallen officers.

The association presented its inaugural President’s Award to Steven Palladino, its director of interagency community partnerships, honoring his service, philanthropy and commitment to detectives and their families. Munro cited Palladino’s work helping raise more than $200,000 for line-of-duty families over the preceding two years.

The program included the NYPD Honor Guard, Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, the national anthem, invocation and dinner, bringing together members of law enforcement and their supporters.

As New York marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, the gathering carried particular significance. The DEA continues to remember detectives and other NYPD members killed that day, as well as those who later died from illnesses related to their service.

The awards underscored a central message: law enforcement cannot stand alone. Support from community leaders, charitable partners and a prominent media organization such as WABC helps ensure that detectives’ work, sacrifices and concerns remain part of the public conversation. For the DEA, the Catsimatidis and the “Back the Blue” team represent partners willing to use their resources and reach to stand alongside New York’s Finest.

Robert Pearl is a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes about New York City media, politics, and culture.  He can be emailed at pearlknows@yahoo.com.

Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Among 2026 NYSBA Hall of Fame Inductees

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The New York State Broadcasters Association officially announces the 2026 inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at the Rainbow Room in October. This year’s class includes WABC, New York imgmorning drive host Sid Rosenberg. In addition to Rosenberg, this year’s class includes: Bill Ritter – journalist/ anchor – WABC-TV, New York; Rosanna Scotto – journalist/anchor – WNYW-TV (FOX 5), New York City; Dan Miner – station manager – WCKM-FM, WCQL-FM, WWSC-AM & FM, and WDKM-FM, Glens Falls; Pete Cloutier – morning co-host & sales – WCKM-FM, Glens Falls; Chuck Samuels – VP & general manager – WHAM-TV, Rochester (retired); and Bob Krummenacker – VP & General Manager – WBNG-TV, Binghamton (retired).

Industry News

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg to Join NYSBA Hall of Fame

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

WABC, New York morning drive host Sid Rosenberg is being inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of imgFame. He’ll officially join the Hall on October 22 during a ceremony at the Rainbow Room in New York City. NYSBA says in a letter to Rosenberg,” Your career has been outstanding… while successful at WFAN and 1010 WINS, you have become a radio legend in your 10 years at 77WABC. From co-hosting the “Bernie and Sid” in 2016 to today’s “Sid and Friends in the Morning,” you have blazed a path in the tough New York City market.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Panel Discussion – “Journalism, Ethics, the Law, and Credibility in an Era of Fakes”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

img

TALKERS continues to post videos of sessions recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Journalism, Ethics, the Law, and Credibility in an Era of Fakes.” The moderator is WPHT, Philadelphia midday host Dom Giordano, often referred to as the Dean of Philadelphia talk radio and respected as one of the field’s leading experts on and advocates for education. Panelists include (in alphabetical order): Lisa Wexler, host, WICC, Bridgeport; Sid Rosenberg, host, WABC, New York; Lee Harris, SVP news and programming, WABC, New York / Worldwide News Network; Joe Salzone, news director, Cayuga Media group / host WHCU, Ithaca; and Matthew B. Harrison, associate publisher, TALKERS / senior partner, Harrison Legal Group. Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this dynamic discussion in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Apologizes for Mamdani Post

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

For the second time this week, a talk radio host has apologized for a social media post. WABC, New York morning personality Sid Rosenberg apologized yesterday (3/4) for the post in which he referred to New Yorkimg Mayor Zohran Mamdani an “America hating, Jew hating, Radical Islam cockroach running our once beautiful city.” He also addressed President Trump, asking him to “stop complimenting the mayor.” Rosenberg removed the post and stated, “To the mayor, and anyone else that I offended with my tweet on Saturday, I send out a heartfelt apology,”

CBS News reports Mamdani’s reaction: “Muslims in this city for almost as long as we have been in this city have had to deal with those with power and platform dehumanizing us. And to be called animals, insects, to be called a jihadist mayor, to be called a cockroach, this language is both painfully familiar to me as a Muslim New Yorker, but also as someone who was born in East Africa. It is difficult to hear, but there is a reminder that the silence that often greets this kind of bigotry, this kind of Islamophobia is what allows it to fester, the temptation to treat it as politics as usual… I am not ashamed of who I am. I am not ashamed of my faith. I am not ashamed of being the first Muslim mayor in the history of our city. And there’s no amount of racism that will change that I lead or the commitment that I hold to each and every New Yorker in this city.” See the CBS News story here.

Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Celebrates 10 Years on WABC

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

img

WABC, New York morning drive personality Sid Rosenberg celebrated his 10-year anniversary on the station with a special seven-hour live broadcast from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm broadcast from WABC’s Studio 77 event space. Joining Rosenberg live on the air were Red Apple Media and WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis. Special guests via phone included President Donald Trump, Lara Trump, Sean Hannity, Bruce Blakeman, Bill O’Reilly, Charles McCord, and more. In addition to the celebration of Rosenberg’s 10 years, New York State Broadcasters Association president Dave Donovan honored Rosenberg with the organization’s Service to New York Award. Rosenberg comments, “Ten years at WABC has been the honor of my career. This station gave me a microphone, a family, and the freedom to be unapologetically myself every morning. I’m incredibly grateful to John and Margo Catsimatidis, Chad Lopez, and the entire WABC team for believing in me, and to the listeners who’ve been with me through every high and low. This anniversary isn’t about looking back — it’s about how much more we’re going to do together.”

Industry Views

TALKERS EXCLUSIVE: Talk-Show-Host-Turned-City-Councilor Frank Morano Shares Insider’s View of WABC and the Intense NYC Mayoral Race

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

img

As November 4 approaches, the 2025 New York City mayoral race and talk radio powerhouse WABC are entangled in a political drama worthy of several books and a movie, not to mention big time radio ratings! Key players include Curtis Sliwa, John Catsimatidis, Andrew Cuomo, Sid Rosenberg, and of course, Zohran Mamdani.

Bringing it all to life is former WABC rising talk show star Frank Morano, who is this week’s guest on “Up Close Far Out” hosted by Michael Harrison on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel.

Morano recently walked away from his “The Other Side of Midnight” show to compete in and win a special election for the seat vacated by a retiring city councilor from his home district #51 on the South Shore of Staten Island. Morano is now running for reelection to his own full term in the NYC election. Harrison predicts that his political future is bright.

In this candid conversation, Morano focuses on the mayoral election, personalities, and struggles in what Harrison describes as “improvisational theater set at the intersection of politics and talk radio.”  Morano also discusses how talk radio prepared him for his new political mission.

To connect to the conversation between Frank Morano and Michael Harrison, please click here.   

Industry News

Report: Curtis Sliwa Angrily Quits WABC

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

According to the New York Post, WABC talk radio host Curtis Sliwa – currently a Republican candidate for mayor of New York City – fumed on the station’s morning show with Sid Rosenberg that he will never be seen in the studios of WABC again after station owner Johnimg Catsimatidis and others urged him to exit the mayoral race to give former Governor Andrew Cuomo a better chance of beating Democrat Zohran Mamdani. During his on-air conversation with Rosenberg, Sliwa “accused colleagues of betraying him” and he told Rosenberg WABC is “giving preferable treatment” to Cuomo. Catsimatidis later told the Post, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. Catsimatidis added, “I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should.” Sliwa said on the air that he’s had to hire private security due to threats against him and his wife. “If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals. My life is on the line here.” Sliwa’s radio show is currently off the air due to his active political campaign.  Read the Post story here.

Industry News

77WABC Presents “Back The Blue” Tribute

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

img

77WABC’s “Back The Blue” daylong tribute held on Tuesday (10/21) dedicated its programming to honoring the brave men and women in law enforcement. During the opening press conference, WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis announced they will be donating $1 million in digital advertising across all Red Apple Group digital assets for a law enforcement recruitment campaign. Pictured above participating in the roundtable discussion are (from l-r): 77WABC air personality Dominic Carter, host of Red Apple Podcast Networks’ “Cop Talk” and retired NYPD detective Kevin Schroeder, Catsimatidis, 77WABC host Sid Rosenberg, and Red Apple Group chief of staff and former head of NY FBI George Venizelos.

Industry Views

When Borrowed Becomes Stolen: The Fair Use Line for Talk Hosts and Podcasters

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Legal Group, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgJimmy Kimmel’s first monologue back after the recent suspension had the audience laughing and gasping, and, in the hands of countless radio hosts and podcasters, replaying. Within hours, clips of his bit weren’t just being shared online. They were being chopped up, (re)framed, and (re)analyzed as if they were original show content. For listeners, that remix feels fresh. For lawyers, it is a fair use minefield.

Playing the Clip, Owning the Take

Audiences increasingly expect their favorite talkers to “play the clip,” whether it is from Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Sid Rosenberg, or Charlamagne tha God on The Breakfast Club (a show that seems to go viral every other week), and then add their own color commentary, the kind of play-by-play that makes it feel like the home team is calling the action. That format works. It gives context, tone, and a sense of immediacy that no transcript can match. Done right, it is what transforms a broadcast from just a recap into a fulfilling cultural conversation.

But with every replay comes a risk. Fair use does not mean free use. Courts weigh factors like how much of the original work you used, whether your purpose was transformative, and whether your use cuts into the market value of the original. Playing a short excerpt of Kimmel’s joke before riffing on it? Likely fair. Running half the monologue and treating it as your A-block? That edges into trouble, both legally and from a programming perspective. Why would anyone want to hear your take if your “take” is mostly replaying someone else? That is not adding to the common zeitgeist; it is just echoing it.

The Podcaster and Broadcaster Dilemma

Radio hosts have long leaned on “newsworthiness” as a shield. Podcasters often assume the same rules apply. But here is the distinction: news clips and comedy bits are not treated equally in court. A station rebroadcasting a press conference is serving public information. A podcast re-airing Kimmel is competing directly with Kimmel’s own clips on YouTube. One informs, the other risks replacing.

And while linking to ABC or YouTube is a courtesy, just as crediting them in the video itself might be, it does not replace the traffic (and ad dollars) Kimmel’s team expects. The law does not guarantee creators compensation for commentary, but judges do consider market harm. If your listeners stop watching the original because your show already gave them the “best parts,” you have tilted the scale against yourself. John Oliver is often credited (though no one seems able to find the clip): “People are always going to say stupid things, and you’re always going to be able to make jokes about that, but it should be the last thing you add in, because it is the easiest thing.”

Whether he actually said it or not almost proves the point. Recycling someone else’s words without context is the laziest move in the book. And if you cannot find the source? That is about as meta as fair use gets.

The Takeaway

Here is the smart play: use less and say more. A 20-second clip followed by two minutes of commentary is transformative. A five-minute clip with a shrug and a chuckle is not. Audiences do not tune in to hear Kimmel again. They tune in to hear what you think about Kimmel. The moment you let someone else’s content carry your show, you lose both legal ground and creative authority.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonLegalGroup.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Former WABC, New York Host Wins City Council Primary

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Frank Morano, who until recently was the host of “The Other Side of Midnight” on WABC, New York, won the Republican primary for the 51st district city council seat with 82% of the vote and will face Democrat Clifford Hagen in the November election. Morano won the seat that represents Staten Island in a specialimg election earlier this year. Morano says in a statement, “As someone who spent years behind the mic listening to New Yorkers and elevating their voices, I’ve never lost sight of who I work for. That’s why I ran a campaign rooted in community, not consultants. While others poured money into cookie-cutter strategies, I made it a point to invest in local radio, where real Staten Islanders are tuning in. I stayed a regular voice on Sid Rosenberg’s show on WABC and Arthur Aidala’s show on AM 970 — two stations I used to work at and still believe in. My predecessor, Joe Borelli, took his talents to the airwaves as a frequent host and TV panelist. I’ve taken a different path — bringing that same microphone-to-community connection straight to City Hall.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Florida’s Voice Radio Adds Affiliates. Conservative talk host Drew Steele’s “Florida’s Voice Radio” program adds new affiliates as WDBO, Orlando; WOKV, Jacksonville; and WROD, Daytona Beach add the program to their lineups. Steele says, “I’m thrilled to join the lineups of WDBO, WOKV, and WROD. Florida has some of the most passionate and engaged listeners anywhere, and I can’t wait to connect with them and be part of what matters to these communities.”

Stefanik Makes News on Sid & Friends. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said on the “Sid & Friends” morning show on WABC, New York that she is considering a gubernatorial run. Politico reports that Stefanik said to Sid Rosenberg, “We need to save New York, and I’m taking a very strong look. I’m going to make a decision in the coming months.”

“The Breakfast Club” Hits Download Milestone. iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network celebrate “The Breakfast Club” podcast surpassing one billion downloads. The show was launched in 2010 on iHeartMedia New York’s “Power 105.1” and the company says it “quickly became a must-stop destination for musicians, entertainers, politicians and the most talked about cultural figures of the moment. Since then, it has amassed a dedicated following captivated by the honest opinions and cultural breakdowns from current hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious and Charlamagne Tha God.”

Industry News

77WABC Presents “Back The Blue” Tribute

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

img

On Friday (1/31), Red Apple Media Group’s news/talk WABC, New York hosted its annual “Back The Blue” tribute to the New York Police Department. The day included two roundtable discussions on topics such as the challenges police face as they protect communities. Pictured above are (from l-r): 77WABC morning host Sid Rosenberg; former U.S. Congressman Peter King; Red Apple Media and 77WABC owner John Catsimatidis; Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association president Louis Civello; Suffolk Country Police Benevolent Association treasurer C.J. Hutter; and Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

Industry News

WABC, New York’s Frank Morano Mulls Run for NYC Council

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

WABC, New York overnight talk host Frank Morano says he’s “leaning very heavily towards running for Newimg York City Council” for the seat currently occupied by Joe Borelli. Term limits are forcing Borelli to leave the council in 2025. Borelli recently appeared on WABC, New York on Sid Rosenberg’s program and on WNYM, New York on Joe Piscopo’s program and spoke kindly about Morano. Morano adds, “I’m really considering running because Staten Island was a great place to grow up for me and I’d like to keep it that way for my son.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Rutgers Men’s Basketball Moving to WFAN.  Rutgers men’s basketball broadcasts are moving to Audacy’s WFAN-FM-AM, New York for the highly anticipated upcoming 2024-25 season.
WFAN will become the home for Rutgers football and men’s basketball with both sports housed together on the same station. Rutgers men’s basketball was previously heard on WCBS 880.

Catsimatidis Says He Was on Track to Acquire WCBS 880.   On yesterday morning’s (8/26) installment of Sid Rosenberg’s “Sid & Friends” show on WABC, New York, station co-owner John Catsimatidis, boasted his Red Apple Media company was in negotiations to buy WCBS 880 from Audacy, but the deal went south due to complications stemming from the pending George Soros initiative to acquire a large chunk of Audacy.  Catsimatidis indicated that he would have made WCBS a “B” station to WABC (whatever that means).  He said, “We’re going to beef up our news {on WABC} and so we’re going to be better than [W]INS. We’re going to be better than WCBS ever was.”

Industry Views

WABC, New York Morning Host Sid Rosenberg is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

77WABC, New York morning show host Sid Rosenberg is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Rosenberg, who is a Jewish native New Yorker and outspoken supporter of Israel, risked his life this past Friday evening (5/17) on a Brooklyn-bound subway train standing up and defending an orthodox Jewish man being threatened with physical assault by an obscenity-spewing, anti-Semitic African American man who appeared dangerously amped up on drugs. The story is compelling and offers insight into the hate and dangers that are on full display in the Big Apple. Harrison and Rosenberg discuss the dangerous spread of anti-Semitism in America, the disturbing behavior of Gen Z on college campuses, and the rise in crime on the streets of America’s leading urban centers. This powerful conversation is not to be missed. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here. 

Industry News

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg Confronts Man Threatening Jewish Commuter

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

WABC, New York morning drive talk host Sid Rosenberg tells TALKERS he witnessed an anti-Semitic assault on a Jewish commuter on a New York subway train on Friday (5/17). Rosenberg says, “On the downtown 5 train from 42nd street. I get on the train, and I walk by a guy with a yarmulke standing by theim door. I sat down next to him. Seconds later an angry, half-drunk African American guy starts digging his finger into the Jewish man’s chest while yelling, ‘I aint gonna fight for you! I ain’t gonna fight for you! You genocide Jew mother*cker.’Needless to say the Jewish man was scared to death. Noticing that I stood up and proudly proclaimed, ‘I’m Jewish, too!’ I stood next to the Jewish man, arms folded, while the big-mouth bully walked to the end of the car. He continued to rant and holler but he was no longer a physical threat. The scumbag exited the train at the Brooklyn Bridge stop while I sat next to the Jewish man ‘til I got off at Wall Street. He was on his way home to Crown Heights for Shabbat. He said to me, ‘I have no doubt if you didn’t stand up that guy would’ve hurt me. I know who you are. I listen to you. I know you’re a lover of the Jews. I wish people could’ve seen this. Thank you for helping me get home safe for Shabbos. Am Yisrael Chai!’ I will fight for my people despite the potential physical harm to me. God Bless Israel and continue to protect my people!” Don’t miss Sid Rosenberg’s guest appearance on the new installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” He and Harrison candidly discuss the incident and Rosenberg’s position on Israel, Hamas, Gen Z, and NYC crime. It posts tomorrow morning on Talkers.com.

Industry Views

Pending Business: Talk Radio Questionnaire

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imTime to thank the lawyers in the Donald Trump trial for once again proving beyond any doubt the power of talk radio.

1. Sellers – Get ready for Mother’s Day and Christmas rolled into one.

2. Managers – Prepare a fresh new page in your talk radio media kit.

3. On-air talk radio talent – Don’t throw away that lottery ticket, your number could come in.

4. Media consultants – Hit the brakes on making TV as an automatic first choice for your political campaigns, we’ve got a story for you.

5. Owners – Play your cards right and that talk radio format may have jumped in value.

It has been widely reported that jurors selected for the Donald Trump-Stormy Daniels trial were presented a questionnaire with the following question, “Do you listen to talk radio?” “If so, which programs?” Now wait just a minute all you jury profilers out there or fans of the TV show “Bull.” This is big, but I have a few questions of my own:

1. Why would any lawyer be interested in the radio listening habits of a (potential) juror?

2. Why specify “talk radio?”

3. What’s with the need to know about specific programs?

4. What’s the definition of “listen?” Daily? How long?

Maybe it’s time to recognize just what all this means to great talk radio talent and marketers.

I’m sure by now you have figured out where this goes – influence – as in talk radio hosts, the original influencers.

The very nature of a jury selection questionnaire screening for talk radio listening and specific programs is fascinating. Did an attorney conclude that talk radio shows influenced a potential juror’s feelings, opinions, perceptions (the very currency of talk radio) when it comes to Donald Trump or Stormy Daniels or any other key player on the legal stage?

As every seller knows, talk radio talents were the original influencers and continue to drive sales every day. To the local sellers and managers in the New York DMA pitching Sid Rosenberg, Joe Piscopo, Mark Simone and the other great local talents, imagine experienced legal teams evaluating the influence of their daily shows on potential jurors. Same for the nationally syndicated talent heard in the New York DMA. Talk radio lives and is influencing in the Big Apple!

“Do you listen to talk radio?” “If so, which programs?” that line of questioning should now become part of your daily marketing testimonial. After all, if teams of well-respected lawyers feel talk radio listening can influence the decisions of jurors in one of the most historic cases ever to be tried in our country, imagine what talk radio can do for your advertisers!

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The NAB launches the 2024 Election Toolkit – an online resource that provides local television and radio broadcasters with tips and resources to combat misinformation, drive get-out-the-vote efforts and cover local, state and federal elections. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “Research suggests only about a third of Americans believe the upcoming 2024 election will be both honest and open, and nearly two-thirds believe that disinformation will influence the outcome. Broadcasters’ trusted local journalism combats the overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation online, making our role in providing accurate information this election season more important than ever.” Check it out here.

Former President Donald Trump sat down for a wide-ranging interview with WABC, New York’s Sid Rosenberg, on the “Sid and Friends in the Morning” program. Trump talked about his stance on abortion, the war in Gaza and his bid to win the White House this November.

Cumulus Media and MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers agree to renew their partnership to air Dodgers games on KYVB, Oxnard-Ventura.

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, and will once again be home to every game in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Westwood One will present each game through the National Championship on April 8.

Industry News

77WABC Pays Tribute to Bernard McGuirk

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

im

During an extended edition of the “Sid & Friends in the Morning Show,” 77WABC, New York honored the memory of morning personality Bernard McGuirk, who passed away on this day last year from prostate cancer. He and Sid Rosenberg had hosted the show since April of 2018. McGuirk served for years as the executive producer and cast member of the “Imus in the Morning” show. On today’s show, Sid Rosenberg was joined by several of McGuirk’s colleagues, including Warner Wolf and Connell McShane, both of whom did news on the Imus Show, and Carley Shimkus, who was a contributor. Rosenberg says, “I am so grateful to have known and worked with Bernie. Bernie was a phenomenal radio host and an even better person. That’s what I miss most every day.” Chad Lopez, president of 77WABC and Red Apple Media, says, “In Bernie’s memory we are raising awareness of the importance of prostate cancer screening. 77WABC hopes to save lives through Bernie’s legacy.”

Industry News

Andrew Giuliani Joins WABC’s On-Air Team

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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.