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KOA, Denver Wins at CBA Awards gala. KOA, Denver talk host Ross Kaminsky tips TALKERS that his station was honored with a win in the “Best News Coverage of a Single Event” category for the program he anchored after President Trump was shot in Butler, PA. from the Colorado Broadcasting Association at its recent awards gala. KOA, led by program director Dave Tepper, was also named “Station of the Year.”

Cumulus and San Francisco Giants Extend. Cumulus Media’s sports talk KNBR, San Francisco signs a multi-year extension with the San Francisco Giants to continue as the team’s flagship radio station. KNBR has been the official radio broadcast home for the Giants since 1979. Broadcasting personalities include: Jon Miller, Dave Flemming, Mike Krukow, and Duane Kuiper.

680 The Fan and Atlanta Braves Renew. Dickey Broadcasting Company announces the extension of its flagship partnership with the Atlanta Braves. Under the terms of the 12-year extension, “680 The Fan” will remain the exclusive radio home of the Atlanta Braves, providing comprehensive coverage of all games, expert analysis, and exclusive content. Company president David Dickey says, “We are incredibly proud to extend our relationship with the Atlanta Braves. Our shared passion for baseball and dedication to delivering top-notch content to our listeners has been the cornerstone of our success. We look forward to many more seasons of exciting Braves baseball on ‘680 The Fan.’”

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SiriusXM Announces Coverage for 2024-25 NBA Season. The satellite and internet broadcaster launched its coverage of the NBA’s 2024-25 season with a doubleheader featuring the reigning NBA Champion Boston Celtics hosting the New York Knicks, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers. This season, SiriusXM listeners will get access to live broadcasts of every NBA game through the NBA postseason and The Finals, as well as daily, in-depth NBA-focused programming on the SiriusXM NBA Radio channel.

PodcastOne Unveils the Explosive 10th Season of The Opportunist: “Tim Ballard: Unmasking a Hero.” PodcastOne announces the release of the latest season of its hit series, “The Opportunist,” hosted by veteran true crime author and podcast host Sara James McLaughlin. The new series delves into the dramatic rise and fall of Tim Ballard, the embattled founder of Operation Underground Railroad. Known for his work rescuing trafficked children, Ballard’s public persona hides darker allegations. McLaughlin takes listeners on a gripping investigative journey, featuring interviews with some of the women who have accused Ballard of sexual misconduct.

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FOX Weather Presents Continuing Coverage of Hurricane Milton. FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) weather service, will present continuous coverage of Hurricane Milton including non-stop live programming from this morning through Friday evening. FOX Business Network will also extend its FOX Weather simulcast from 4:00 am to 6:00 am ET on Thursday morning. FOX News Audio is offering FOX Weather simulcast to affiliates in Florida as well.

Salem’s LifeAudio Announces Partnership with “Jesus Calling.” Salem Media Group, Inc. announced today that LifeAudio, a leading Christian podcast network of Salem Media Group, is thrilled to announce its newest partnership with “Jesus Calling.” The “Jesus Calling” podcast brings heartfelt encouragement and spiritual wisdom to listeners, offering a daily message that brings hope and strengthens faith. Known for its popular devotional series, the podcast will now provide a new platform for its audience to engage with meaningful, faith-driven content through LifeAudio’s expansive reach.

MPR Welcomes New Member to Board of Trustees. The board of trustees of Minnesota Public Radio welcomes Dr. Marc Gorelick as its newest member. Gorelick is president and chief executive officer of Children’s Minnesota, the state’s only health care system dedicated exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. He previously served as executive vice president and COO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and practiced academic pediatric emergency medicine for 25 years in Philadelphia, Wilmington, Del., and Milwaukee. His education includes a bachelor’s from Princeton University, an M.D. from Duke University, and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

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Audacy Extends Broadcast Partnership with Penn State Football and Basketball.  Audacy and Penn State University have extended their longtime broadcast partnership. As part of the multi-platform partnership, Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia will continue to serve as the flagship home for all Penn State football and men’s basketball play-by-play broadcasts.  “Penn State has been a longtime valued partner of Audacy Philadelphia and Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, and we are delighted to continue this long-standing relationship,” David Yadgaroff, SVP/market manager, Audacy Philadelphia, tells TALKERS. “Philadelphia is home to many Penn State sports fans, and we are proud that Talk Radio 1210 WPHT will provide tremendous reach for fans and alums over the air, on their smart speakers, or the free Audacy app.”

 

FOX News Media to Simulcast CBS’ Vice Presidential Debate.  In addition to simulcasting the event, FOX News Media will present live programming surrounding the CBS vice presidential debate between candidates Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday, October 1st in New York City. Special programming will be available across all of FOX News Media’s key platforms, including FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio and FOX Nation.

 

iHeartMedia Joins Forces with Radio Ambulante Studios.   Radio Ambulante StudiosThe podcast publishing arm of iHeartMedia and Radio Ambulante Studios (RAS), a pioneering Spanish-language podcast production company that tells the stories of Latin America and Latino communities around the world, announced a deal that will bring RAS and its full slate of shows to iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network.  As part of the deal, Radio Ambulante Studios’ flagship, award-winning podcast “Radio Ambulante” along with its groundbreaking weekly news show “El Hilo” and its anthology docuseries “Central” will now be distributed by iHeartPodcasts as part of My Cultura, iHeartMedia’s podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories. Under the new partnership, the two companies will also develop and co-produce a minimum of two new shows over the next two years.

 

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Las Vegas-based talk host Heidi Harris has released her second book, Don’t Pat me on the Head!, as an audio book. She tells TALKERS, “I’ve gotten many requests to do an audio version of the book and now it’s available! My book covers how I ‘lucked into a radio show’ (as a detractor once said), the crazy things I did before I landed in radio, behind the scenes stories, how to be a great guest or caller, interviewing tips, how I survived treacherous bosses, colleagues, and the cancel mob who tried to destroy me, and more!”

The Society of Broadcast Engineers announces that membership re-elected Ted D. Hand to a second, one-year term as president of the organization. Hand is a member of SBE Chapter 45 Charlotte, and an SBE Fellow Member.

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Red Apple Audio Networks is now syndicating of WABC, New York political reporter and program host Dominic Carter. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis states, “Dominic’s two shows are the most recent top-quality programming options that we’re offering radio stations through the Red Apple Audio Networks. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist, which gives a sharp perspective to his analysis and commentary. Dominic is one common sense individual.”

FOX News Media promotes Trey Yingst to chief foreign correspondent. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “During major breaking news in every corner of the world, Trey has been the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018. Trey’s indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones has made him an incredible asset to FOX News and we are extremely proud of his first-class journalism.”

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VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, announces the appointment of media industry executive Steve Cohen as the network’s EVP, talent and programming. Cohen served for 20 years as the SVP of sports programming at SiriusXM. This comes on the heels of Musberger Media recently buying back VSiN from Draft Kings.

Both Townsquare Media and iHeartMedia will release 2024 second quarter operating results this week. Townsquare will do so on Wednesday (8/7) and iHeartMedia will so the same on Thursday (8/8).

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SiriusXM announces that Megyn Kelly will host a series of one-hour specials that will air on SiriusXM’s Triumph Channel 111. “Get Closer with Megyn Kelly” will run on Fridays throughout August with video available on the SiriusXM app with topics including marriage, aging, parenting, and sex.

The Talk Media Network syndicated Dr. Daliah Wachs show is now airing on KBJA, Salt Lake City in the 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot.

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Talk host Stephanie Miller says, “The Sexy Liberal Show is back with a bang, featuring myself, John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and Frangela! We are hitting the stage at the VIC Theatre in Chicago for a Democratic National Convention Special on Saturday, August 17. Thanks to our awesome friends at Meet Hook, listeners can join the fun from the comfort of their own couch!”

Conservative broadcaster AUN TV Network is seeking help after the Northern California wildfires destroyed the transmitters for two of their most popular stations, crippling their ability to communicate with a large portion of their audience. Those interested in donating can find more information here.

CRN Digital Talk Radio announces the third anniversary of “The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz.” She says, “While some people have a negative perception when it comes to the topic of divorce, Mike Horn, CEO of CRN Digital Talk Radio Networks, saw it differently and for that I will always be grateful. His vision was the same as mine and because of that, I was able to create an hour-long educational radio series that explores anything and everything that can happen during every stage of a divorce.”

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FOX News Media is presenting live programming surrounding the 2024 Republican National Convention beginning Sunday, July 14 through Thursday, July 18. Originating from Milwaukee, the network’s convention coverage will be presented across all of FOX News Media’s platforms, including FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX News Audio, FOX News Digital and FOX Nation.

Virtual News Center adds Lake Cumberland Broadcasters, LLC’s WJRS, Jamestown, Kentucky to its roster of radio affiliates. Virtual News Center will provide daily local newscasts anchored by Jayme Monacelli.

TuneIn and the Big 12 Conference announce a partnership that includes the launch of a 24/7 Conference-branded audio station on TuneIn ahead of the Big 12’s college football season kickoff on August 29. Additionally, TuneIn Premium will offer fans in-game coverage.

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The new podcast “Beyond The Scalpel,” hosted by the Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC premieres. The podcast explores the newest techniques and technologies revolutionizing plastic surgery and dermatology. It also presents factual information that dispels common misconceptions in the industry. Dr. Elie Levine says, “This program will offer listeners a tremendous amount of insight into the large number of cosmetic surgeries available. We’re presenting perspectives that will inform and empower individuals.”

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Jessica Williams, national adult contemporary host and community outreach director for Townsquare Media Rochester, Minnesota as Speak Up’s 2024 mentee. Created in partnership with Media Staffing Network and Laurie Kahn before her passing, Speak Up! is a one-year program designed for one mentee from any department in a small to medium radio market. The program is designed to encapsulate so much of what Kahn brought to the industry – a mentorship that encourages and empowers women to develop confidence and sharpen communication skills – to hone the ability to effectively speak up in order to further attain her goals.

WYPR, Baltimore announces the appointment of Marquis Lupton as the new local host of “All Things Considered.” Lupton takes on his new role starting July 10, bringing his wealth of experience and dynamic storytelling to the Baltimore airwaves every weekday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Lupton joins WYPR from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he previously hosted at public radio station WITF.

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Good Karma Brands and ESPN Los Angeles 710 AM announce a new partnership with the University of Southern California to become the official broadcast home of USC Athletics, including USC Football, USC Men’s Basketball, and USC Women’s Basketball. ESPN Los Angeles market manager Sam Pines comments, “We are thrilled to partner with USC Athletics and bring game coverage to our passionate audience in Los Angeles on ESPN LA 710 AM and beyond with the opportunity for fans to tune in on the ESPN LA app. USC has a rich tradition of excellence in sports, and we are committed to delivering the high-quality coverage for Trojans fans.”

PodcastOne podcast, “Gals on the Go,” is teaming with skincare band fresh beauty for a live podcast recording event in New York City tomorrow (6/22) as part of the Second Annual fresh Beauty Rose Pop-Up. Hosts Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio will bring their lively banter and engaging conversation to a live audience gathered to celebrate fresh beauty’s Rose Collection. PodcastOne chief revenue officer Sue McNamara says, “At PodcastOne we strive to find pivotal brand associations that resonate with our hosts and their audiences. Our desire to amplify and highlight products and partnerships with out-of-the-box concepts, ideas and innovations allow us and our shows to align with market leading companies like fresh beauty.”

New England Public Media names John Sutton, currently serving as the NEPM interim chief content officer, to the newly established position of vice president of content and audience strategy. NEPM president Matt Abramovitz says, “In this pioneering role, John will develop the strategy and plan to make NEPM the indispensable guide to Western Mass. After months of searching, John stood out because of his many years of strategic and programming consulting in the public radio system, as well as his experience in-house at NPR and Pittsburgh’s WESA.”

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New WZLX, Boston morning host Rich Shertenlieb announces the cast members for his program on the iHeartMedia classic rock outlet and they are going heavy on sports content from the looks of it. Joining Shertenlieb will be Boston TV personality and sports writer Michael Hurley, plus a rotating cast including former New England Patriot Ted Johnson; FOX Sports, ESPN and Sports Illustrated personality Charlotte Wilder; and NFL Network alumnus Mike Giardi.

Cumulus Media’s sports talk WMAL-AM, Washington, DC announces its partnership with National Women’s Soccer League’s The Washington Spirit that will feature the broadcast of 13 regular season matches. Bram Weinstein will serve as play-by-play voice while former Spirit player Gaby Vincent will serve as color commentator. Michael Minnich will provide additional commentary during broadcasts and serve as an alternate for both Weinstein and Vincent.

PodcastOne announces the new podcast, “We (Almost) Made It” with Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk. PodcastOne will oversee the exclusive distribution, sales rights and production of the weekly TV & film podcast. Greenberg and Rasuk co-starred in the cult favorite HBO series “How to Make It in America.” PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray says, “Bryan and Victor are the embodiment of making it happen. When they pitched us this podcast, their passion, their collaborative spirit and their excitement rivaled that of our own internal team at PodcastOne, and we knew instantly that this was a good fit.”

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“The Candy Valentino Show” joins the Cumulus Podcast Network. Cumulus says, “Entrepreneur and bestselling author Candy Valentino talks with some of the world’s most successful minds, including Tony Robbins, Daymond John, Ed Mylett, and Heidi Zak, while offering valuable insights drawn directly from her 26 years of expertise launching and selling her own businesses. She discusses wealth habits, business models, profit plans, real estate investing, and much more to help listeners achieve security and wealth.”

Audacy Podcasts launches “Women Talkin’ ‘Bout Murder,” an improvised comedy podcast series starring writers, producers, and actresses Liz Cackowski and Emily Spivey as true crime podcast hosts Donna and Jobeth. The podcast launches today (5/9) and new episodes drop weekly through July 11, 2024.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Audacy Pittsburgh announce an extension of their radio broadcast agreement that will ensure KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” continues as the Pirates flagship radio station through the 2027 season. Audacy Pittsburgh will also continue to leverage the Pirates brand and game programming on its sister station KDKA-AM “News Radio” which is simulcast on 100.1 FM and 1020 AM, including the airing of all Pirates weekday afternoon games.

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Beginning, May 5, the nationally syndicated “Dr. Daliah Show,” hosted by Daliah Wachs M.D., will be syndicated by Talk Media Network. The program is distributed daily from 9:00 am to 11:00 am ET. Wachs says, “I am forever grateful to Genesis Communications Network and all Ted Anderson and the team at GCN did for my radio career and wish them love and luck on their next chapters. Working with Josh Leng and Talk Media Network will be amazing, and I am thrilled to see what this new partnership brings.”

The “Bar Fights” podcast celebrates its three-year anniversary with 70 episodes and half a million listens. The podcast, led by advocate, survivor, and renowned sexual abuse attorney Sarah Klein, takes on issues surrounding sexual abuse and adversity, through engaging conversations with survivors and influential figures advocating for change. Klein says, “As we celebrate our three-year anniversary, I’m humbled by the impact ‘Bar Fights’ has had and the community we’ve cultivated. Together, we’re not only raising awareness but also advocating for solutions and reforms to combat sexual abuse and protect vulnerable individuals.”

FOX Business Network ended the month of April beating its competition across business day and total day hours, according to Nielsen Media Research. This is the first month FBN has led CNBC with total day viewers since October 2023. For the 26th consecutive month, the network delivered the top two business programs, including “Kudlow,” which outranked CNBC’s “Closing Bell” for the 31st consecutive month and “Varney & Co.,” which soared past “Squawk on the Street”/”Money Movers” for the 26th straight month.

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association has made a $25,000 contribution to the United Way of the Midlands Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund. NBA chairperson of the board Shannon Booth, vice president/general manager of the Gray Media Group, Inc., television stations in Lincoln, Hastings and North Platte, says, “Our hearts ache for the families directly in the path of the devastating storms. These funds will stay local and benefit our neighbors and friends in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa as they begin to rebuild their lives. Local broadcasters care deeply about the communities we serve.”

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Pennsylvania-based radio and television host John Fredericks – operator of the John Fredericks Radio Network – confirmed he is “strongly considering” a campaign for the Chair of the Pennsylvania delegation to the Republican National Convention. Fredericks says grassroots voters propelled him to a “landslide” victory to become an RNC delegate to nominate former President Donald Trump. Fredericks told The Pennsylvania Daily Star, “I’m only considering a run for delegation chairman due to the outpouring of support I’ve gotten and the number of people that have asked me to run. I am going to the convention for one purpose, and that is to make sure that President Trump’s agenda is executed to precision.”

Salem Media’s New York Christian Teach & Talk radio station WMCA “AM570/FM102.3 The Mission” is partnering with the Christian Cultural Center to host a day honoring the many hardworking pastors and ministry leaders of New York and their service to the citizens of the city. The WMCA Annual Pastors Appreciation Breakfast & Ministry Exhibition will be held on Friday, May 24.

PodcastOne’s “Baby Mamas No Drama” is named the People’s Choice Winner 2024 for Best Lifestyle Podcast in the 28th Annual Webby Awards Internet Celebration. The podcast is hosted by Kail Lowry and Vee Rivera, two hosts who are both part of the cultural phenomenon MTV television show, “Teen Mom.”

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The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” adds new affiliate station KJCE, Austin. Erickson received a welcome to Austin message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

SiriusXM will present coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft, with live announcements of every selection from every round and in-depth analysis on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, as well as additional NFL Draft-focused programming on the SiriusXM College Sports Radio channel. The draft begins Thursday night from Detroit.

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Benztown and P1 Media Group are hosting a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe on Thursday (4/11) titled, “Up Close and Personal with Scott Shannon: Radio G.O.A.T.” The 40-minute webinar will be hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1Media Group partner Ken Benson. Shannon will address issues including what skill sets are essential for radio and television talent compared to those needed for podcast hosts and new media personalities, and much more. Register for the webinar here.

Auddia Inc. receives a U.S. Patent for the core AI technology it is using in its flagship faidr app to deliver ad-free AM/FM radio stations to paid subscribers. Auddia CEO Michael Lawless says, “As the technology landscape continues to accelerate, we continue to evaluate new technologies to determine how we can use them to introduce unique capabilities and experiences for creators and consumers within the audio space. We look forward to continued validation from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as we continue to innovate and invent.”

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Austin, Texas’ KUTX Public Media names Wade Lee assistant general manager for strategy, engagement and development. In this newly created position, Lee will serve as a strategic advisor to the general manager and oversee the station’s membership, development, marketing and community engagement teams. He takes on many of Sylvia Carson’s responsibilities after her retirement in December.

SiriusXM’s “Busted Open” hosts Dave LaGreca, Mark Henry, Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer are hosting a series of shows from Philadelphia from April 4 – 8, as the wrestling world comes to the City of Brotherly Love for one of WWE’s biggest annual events – WrestleMania. These special episodes of “Busted Open” will be open for the public to attend as the hosts preview the two-night WrestleMania event taking place at Lincoln Financial Field.

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The Kansas House passes House Concurrent Resolution 5026 that endorses the Federal AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Kansas Association of Broadcasters president Allison Mazzei says, “The passage of this resolution tells Congress that Kansans want AM radio in vehicles. Radio serves as a cornerstone of communication, providing essential information and ensuring public safety across our state.”

A new eight-part podcast series titled, “Who Killed the Video Star? The Story of MTV,” debuts from Audacy Podcasts. The series explores the cultural history, impact, and phenomenon of MTV. It is hosted by former MTV VJ and Esquire editor-at-large Dave Holmes.

Audacy Pittsburgh raises funds to provide more than 276,000 meals for people in need through Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The “Giant Eagle Feed the Need Radiothon” – produced by news/talk KDK-AM, sports talk KDKA-FM, and their three music branded sister stations directly benefits those dealing with food insecurity in the Pittsburgh region. Audacy first launched the radiothon in April 2020 in response to the need during the COVID-19 pandemic and has helped provide upwards of 3.3 million meals in the past five years.

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Beasley Media Group Boston announces their newly minted, multi-year partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, the non-profit that organizes the Boston Marathon. This year both sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” and WKLB “Country 102.5” will broadcast coverage of the race.

Audacy expands its relationship with Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions with the launch of “Million Dollar Advice,” a weekly work and career advice podcast under the Audacy Podcasts and Paper Kite Podcasts banners hosted by Kim Lessing and Kate Arend.

SiriusXM subscribers will have access to the full 2024 Major League Baseball with live play-by-play calls of every game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and expert analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

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Good Karma Brands’ talk WAUK-AM/W266DR “101.7 The Truth” announces the 3rd Annual Tory Lowe Community Clean Up taking place on April 13. Spearheaded by 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm host Tory Lowe, the event encourages volunteers to join the station in picking up litter in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Lowe says, “This is what it’s all about. Getting together as a community, unifying, and giving back. This is a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors and take pride in the city we call home. A cleaner community is a better community.”

Mundo Hispano Digital partners with iHeartMedia in a deal that includes MundoNow’s audio network Oyénos’ slate of podcasts being distributed widely by iHeartPodcasts. MundoNow president and CEO Rene Alegria says, “We’re thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with iHeartPodcasts, solidifying our commitment to amplifying LatinX voices in the audio space. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for Oyénos Audio, as we combine forces to deliver captivating content and innovative marketing strategies that resonate deeply with our community. In today’s ever-evolving media landscape, we continue to strive to deliver compelling, informative, and engaging content to a large and significantly still underserved audience – bilingual and bicultural Latinos.”

FOX Nation debuts a new special titled, “Prisoner of Putin,” on Thursday (3/28), one day before the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest and detainment in Russia. The special will provide an in-depth look into Gershkovich’s life and his courage and resilience throughout the last year. Contributions will be made by FOX News Channel senior correspondent Steve Harrigan, who was formerly based in Moscow, Wall Street Journal colleagues Gordon Fairclough and Paul Beckett, as well as Jeremy Berke and Sam Silverman, close friends of Gershkovich.

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The internet TV talk show “Jim Peters At Night” is preparing to broadcast its 100th episode live this evening (3/25). The program is broadcast live via video Mondays through Thursdays at 11:00 pm ET on six popular online platforms. The featured guest for the 100th installment will be Dr. Murray Sabrin, professor emeritus of economics and finance at Ramapo College in New Jersey.

Audio sales firm AdLarge welcomes “Stupid Things for Love” to its podcast lineup. The company says, “Through candid discussions, host Scott Campbell, an internationally acclaimed tattoo artist, creates a deeply empathetic and secure environment for guests, inviting them to share their vulnerabilities and intimate narratives, regardless of their level of fame or recognition. From personal struggles to triumphant moments, ‘Stupid Things for Love’ offers an unassuming platform for real people to connect and relate.”

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STC Media, LLC’s “Sports Talk Chicago” adds new affiliate WROK-AM, Rockford, Illinois, bringing the Jon Zaghloul-hosted show’s roster to nine stations. Zaghloul says, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring ‘Sports Talk Chicago’ to Rockford. I want to thank Townsquare Media, and, specifically, Chuck Armstrong and Johnny Vincent, for helping to make this new partnership happen. We are thrilled to bring our patented blend of opinionated, unfiltered sports talk to such a great city. And we continue to thank our affiliates and supporters for helping us to expand across the region!”

Multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that it finished February 2024 with 24 million total multiplatform views – up 4% versus February 2023 – and delivered 22 million total multiplatform minutes and 20.2 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors, according to data from Comscore. Outkick SVP and managing editor Gary Schreier says, “OutKick continues its great start to 2024 with growth across the platform and remains the destination for all the news where sports and culture intersect.”

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation will present its third annual Insight Award to Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, author, and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien during the NAB Show Welcome on April 15. The Insight Award recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, operation, history or impact of media in our society. Previous recipients include LeVar Burton and “60 Minutes.”

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Edison Research just released its charts of the Top 25 Podcasts in the UK for the fourth quarter of 2023 and it’s interesting to note that the only U.S.-produced podcast to make the top 25 was “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which was #1 in the UK as it was in the U.S.

Cumulus Media announces that its subsidiary, Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc (the “Issuer”), is extending the Early Tender Time in its previously-announced Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation (the “Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation”), in which the Issuer offered to exchange any and all of the Issuer’s outstanding 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Old Notes”) for new 8.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029 (“New Notes”), to be issued by the Issuer, upon the terms of and subject to the conditions set forth in the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement dated February 27, 2024 (the “Offering Memorandum”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this press release have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Offering Memorandum. The Issuer is extending the previously announced Early Tender Time to 5:00 pm ET on March 18, 2024.

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that award-winning ABC News correspondent and co-anchor of “20/20,” Deborah Roberts, will honor Deborah Norville as this year’s recipient of the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award will be presented to Norville during the Golden Mic gala and fundraiser on March 4 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Roberts says, “I’m looking forward to being a part of this well-deserved recognition of Deborah’s outstanding work as a broadcast journalist.”

FOX News Channel’s John Roberts will present a town hall with 2024 Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley on Sunday, February 18 in Columbia, South Carolina. The pre-taped one-hour event will air at 5:00 pm ET with an encore at 10:00 pm ET.

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FOX News Channel’s Laura Ingraham will present a town hall with former President Donald Trump on February 20 in Spartanburg, South Carolina at 7:00 pm ET on “The Ingraham Angle.”

“The Money Pit Home Improvement Show,” co-hosted by Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete, announces that it adds stations in Los Angeles and Houston, and “upgrades its exposure” in New York, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Boston. The program is now heard on 450 stations across the U.S. Kraeutler says he attributes this growth to radio stations’ interest in programming that addresses homeowners’ Do-It-Yourself solutions, and advertiser demand for related products and services, “especially on weekends, when homeowners are planning and shopping for what they need to get the job done.” Segrete adds, “Taking on a home improvement project can be daunting, so Tom and I offer callers clear, step-by-step suggestions to do the job themselves or guidance on hiring a pro.”

Motor Racing Network is broadcasting live today (2/14) from Daytona 500 Media Day where representatives from the network will talk with every driver attempting to win at the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. The 2024 Daytona 500 is Sunday (2/18) with Motor Racing Network coverage beginning at 1:30 pm ET and airing on 350 radio stations across the U.S.

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Compass Media Networks announces that Connoisseur Media’s stations in Connecticut and Long Island are charter affiliates for SPECai, a joint venture between Compass Media Networks, Benztown, and ENCO, that provides radio stations with creative custom spec commercials in mere seconds using AI technology.

Former sports talk KKFN-FM, Denver “104.3 The Fan” programmer Raj Sharan joins Cumulus Media’s country KATC-FM, Colorado Springs as afternoon host and promotions director for the station.

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Cumulus Media Inc will host a conference call on February 27 at 8:30 am ET to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2023 operating results. A press release containing a summary of these results will be issued before the call at approximately 8:00 am ET.

Audacy announces that according to Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Report 2023, it is the number one sports podcast network, based on average monthly downloads for all networks measured in Triton’s U.S. Podcast Ranker from January to December 2023. Audacy says, “With over 600 titles in its portfolio, Audacy boasts three times more sports podcasts than any competitor and is the industry’s largest provider of sports content.”

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The latest editions of Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes’ podcast “Chachi Loves Everybody” features two radio executives as Denes interviews Dennis Green, COO, Key Networks and Sun & Fun Media, and Jeff Warshaw, founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. Listen to the podcasts here.

Edison Research announces that The Infinite Dial 2024 will be presented on March 28 live at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Los Angeles. A free streaming option will be available for those not attending the conference in person. Edison says, “The study provides important benchmark measures for usage and behavior around streaming audio, podcasting, radio, smart audio, social media, and more. The 2024 Infinite Dial will be presented by Edison Research VP Megan Lazovick.

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Benztown will release the 10th Annual Benztown 50 List of Radio’s Biggest Imaging Voices, “the radio industry’s exclusive listing of the top 50 voiceover artists in the U.S. and Canada.” The Benztown 50 list is based on several criteria, including number of radio station affiliates, station size and market. Benztown has partnered with P1 Media Group to compile and analyze industry data that will be the foundation for this distinction. Apply now through March 1. Voice talent can apply here.

Syndicated Solutions, Inc celebrates its 25th Anniversary. The company was founded in February 1999 by Robert Carey and has successfully syndicated many radio shows over the years, including the current travel show “RMWorldTravel with Robert & Mary Carey and Rudy Maxa,” and the “Rick & Bubba Show” that is in the process of being transitioned into “The Rick Burgess Show.” Carey says, “It’s incredibly gratifying to have incubated SSI from a business trip conversation with George Green while working for Disney/ABC and successfully growing it into the company that SSI became for so many of our operating years, as well as the evolution into the more focused firm that we are today.”

FOX Sports Radio’s “The Paulie and Tony Fusco Show” was awarded the 2024 Sports Podcast Award for “Best Sports Comedy,” from The Sports Podcast Group. “The Paulie and Tony Fusco Show” is a satire of sports talk radio and “hot take” media personalities. It is written, produced, and hosted by veteran sports talk producers Andrew Samson and Sharief Ali, who play two Philadelphia Eagles fans who claim to have the “smartest” sports takes, when in reality their takes are terrible.

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PodcastOne enters into a new agreement with Kelly Stafford for her “The Morning After with Kelly Stafford & Hank” podcast for exclusive distribution and advertising sales rights. The podcast starring the wife of LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford and Detroit TV news personality Hank Winchester launched in 2021 and joined the PodcastOne network in 2022. PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray comments, “Kelly is a leading voice in the parenting influencer space. She has been a big part of our network, and we are thrilled to have her extend with us. We love the recent addition of Hank as co-host of ‘The Morning After’ and can’t wait to see where the show goes moving forward.”

GCN-syndicated talk host Dr. Daliah Wachs adds Jeri Lyn Broadcasting’s adult contemporary KHTS-AM/K251CF, Santa Clarita, California to its roster of affiliate stations. KHTS airs the program on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Virtual News Center adds Four Corners Broadcasting, LLC’s five stations serving the Durango, Colorado market to is roster of affiliates. Local newscasts are being anchored by Sandi Conner.