Industry News

Fisher House Offers Free Memorial Day Program

Fisher House Foundation is offering a Memorial Day Week edition of “The Fisher House Story” available free for download now. “The Fisher House Story” is a radio special provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show for all radio formats in the U.S. andim around the world. The 3-hour, 1-hour, 25-minute, and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by longtime Washington, DC radio personality Larry O’Connor and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. The inspiring and patriotic radio show features an exclusive interview with Jessica Lynch who recounts her harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during the early days of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ms. Lynch reveals details of her treatment during her captivity, her rescue, the ensuing years of medical treatment and the special role Fisher House played (and continues to play) in her recovery. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care because “A Family’s LOVE is Good Medicine.” IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to a production delay, some stations may have inadvertently downloaded last year’s holiday edition. Download the Memorial Day programs here.

Industry News

Fisher House Offers Free Thanksgiving Radio Special

Fisher House Foundation is offering the Thanksgiving Week edition of “The Fisher House Story” to stations for free. The “The Fisher House Story” programs – available now for download – are available in varying lengths: three-hours, one-hour, 25- and 30-minutes for news/talk stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show designed for all radio formats. The programs are hosted by longtime Washington, DCim radio personality Larry O’Connor and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. The inspiring and patriotic radio show features an exclusive interview with Jessica Lynch, who recounts her harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during the early days of the 2003 invasion of Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. She reveals details of her treatment during her captivity, her rescue, the ensuing years of medical treatment and the special role Fisher House played (and continues to play) in her recovery. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care because “A Family’s LOVE is Good Medicine.” For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

Fisher House Veterans Day Weekend Shows Available for Free

Fisher House Foundation is making its Veterans Day Weekend edition of “The Fisher House Story” available for download now for free. Just register here. “The Fisher House Story” is a radio special provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show for ALL formats in the U.S. and around the world. The three-hour, one-hour, 25 and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by long-time Washington DC radio personality Larry O’Connor and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Theim inspiring and patriotic radio show features an exclusive interview with Jessica Lynch who recounts her harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during the early days of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. She reveals details of her treatment during her captivity, her rescue, the ensuing years of medical treatment and the special role Fisher House played (and continues to play) in her recovery. This informational talk show will leave listeners feeling inspired during Veterans Day weekend and through the holiday season, sharing stories of amazing service members, veterans, and their families. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care because “A Family’s LOVE is Good Medicine.” For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

Larry O’Connor’s Over the Top Media to Produce Fisher House Shows

Fisher House Foundation announces that Larry O’Connor of Over the Top Media is taking over production of the foundation’s talk radio program, “The Fisher House Story,” that is made available to talkim radio stations for free to air around holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, as well as year-round programs. The Fisher House imFoundation is a non-profit that provides housing for families of patients receiving care at major military and VA medical centers so they can be near their loved ones. O’Connor, who hosts the morning drive program at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, has hosted the show in the past. Fisher House says, “This informational talk show will inspire listeners through stories of amazing service members, veterans, and their families. Producer and host Larry O’Connor’s love and respect for our military will only amplify these radio specials.”

Industry News

Fisher House Foundation Offers Free Memorial Day Programming

Fisher House Foundation is announcing The Jeff Wyatt Group has a Memorial Day Weekend edition of “The Fisher House Story: On the Road to 100 Houses” for 2023 now available for download at no cost. “The Fisher House Story” is a radio special available in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minuteim public affairs show for ALL formats in the U.S. and around the world. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis. The three-hour, one-hour, 25- and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor (WMAL-FM, Washington) and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Hear the demo, register, and download today at radio.fisherhouse.org.

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Salem to Acquire Miami Signals for Conservative Spanish News/Talk Format. The company announces it has entered into an agreement with Actualidad Media Group, LLC to purchase the assets of Class B daytimer WMYM-AM, Kendall, Florida and translator W254DT (98.7 FM) for an undisclosed sum. Salem Media Group executive chairman Edward Atsinger says, “Salem is beginning a new chapter in Miami as we expand our conservative and family themed programming to the Spanish-language audience. Miami is an obvious market for this expansion, and we’re excited to add great signals like WMYM AM 990 and FM 98.7 to our portfolio.” The company says it has a long history in Spanish-language broadcasting starting in 1984 in New York City with WNYM AM 1380, which was sold in the late 1980s and remains in the Spanish-language format today. Currently Salem owns Spanish-language radio stations in Dallas – KLTY-FM 94.9 HD2 and translator FM 102.5 (Spanish Christian Contemporary Christian Music);  KTNO-AM 620 (Spanish Christian Teaching and Talk) in Portland; KRYP-FM 93.1 “El Rey” (Regional Mexican); and in Denver – KBJD AM 1650 (Spanish Christian Teaching and Talk).

Cumulus Makes if Official: Rich Valdés to Host Jim Bohannon Show. Last week’s news of Jim Bohannon’s health-related retirement from his longtime late-night Westwood One program indicated that Mark Levin show associate producer Rich Valdés would be assuming hosting duties for the show. Now, Cumulus Media makes it official and says Valdés will be the permanent host for the program that will continue to be called “The Jim Bohannon Show.” Valdés welcomed Levin as his first guest on the program last night (10/170. Levin comments, “Jim Bohannon is a legend. He’s also the #1 gentleman of talk radio. His absence from radio will be deeply felt. But there is no better person to assume that slot than my dear friend and colleague, Richie Valdés. Richie V, aka Mr. Call Screener, has been a fill-in host for me and is superb. He is compelling, entertaining, smart, and an unapologetic patriot. I could not be happier for him and, even more, the great radio audience.”

Radio Hall of Fame Names WTOP’s Julia Ziegler ‘One to Watch.’ The Museum of Broadcast Communicationsannounces today that the Radio Hall of Fame names Julia Ziegler, director of news and programming for Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington as the recipient of its “One to Watch” award. The “One to Watch” award was created in 2018 in honor of radio legend and 2012 Radio Hall of Fame inductee Art Laboe, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 97. Each year, the nominating committee selects what it considers a promising radio personality or team who has demonstrated ratings success, audience growth, and impact on one or more radio stations and their communities. Ziegler began her career at WTOP in 2002 as an intern. From 2015 to 2019, she served as WTOP’s digital news director, where she oversaw the creation and development of WTOP’s digital news products, including WTOP.com, the WTOP app, social media, video, podcasts, smart speakers and more. She was part of the WTOP team that created and produced the award-winning true crime podcast, “22 Hours: An American Nightmare.” She rose to her current position in 2019. Nominating committee chair Dennis Green comments, “It is with great pride that we honor Julia Ziegler with this year’s ‘One to Watch’ award. Julia has literally done it all at a station that is one of the most highly respected in the nation.  From interning at WTOP to working her way up to director of news and programming while setting the station’s path in digital and social media, this recognition is well deserved.  On behalf of the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee, congratulations, Julia, and continued success!”

Wayne Allyn Root Inducted into Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Pictured above is Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated talk show host Wayne Allyn Root with his wife Cindy at the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame Gala on October 15. Root says he received a letter of congratulations from former President Donald Trump that read, in part, “Congratulations on your induction into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame! Melania and I send our best wishes to you, your wonderful family, and all those attending the 26th Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame Gala to celebrate your success and the success of your fellow inductees. This extraordinary honor is the result of your lifelong commitment to excellence, principled leadership, and perseverance. Your hard work and determination have provided the foundation for your continued success and exemplify the American Dream.”

New Fisher House Program Available November 1. The Fisher House Foundation announces that The Jeff Wyatt Group has a fresh edition of “The Fisher House Story” for 2022 that is available for download on November 1. You can hear the demo and be set to register and download on that date here. “The Fisher House Story – On the Road to 100 Houses” is a talk radio special provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show for ALL formats in the U.S. and around the world. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis because “A Family’s LOVE is Good Medicine.” The free three-hour, one-hour, 25- and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by longtime Washington, DC talk radio personality Larry O’Connor and will feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. The programs are being produced in time for Veterans Day weekend (November 11) and are perfect for this holiday season, as well as for Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Jeff Wyatt at The Jeff Wyatt Group at 301.518.3640 or jw@thejeffwyattgroup.com.

TALKERS News Notes. Data from the third quarter of 2022, according to Comscore, FOX News Digital finished the period as the top-performing news organization in the competitive set in multiplatform minutes and views. FOX News Digital closed out the quarter delivering over 8.5 billion total multiplatform minutes, over 4.3 billion total multiplatform views, and averaged 80 million monthly multiplatform unique visitors…..NRG Media’s news/talk KXEL-AM, Cedar Rapids-Waterloo, Iowa reports that it is replacing “The Jim Bohannon Show” with two programs – an expansion of Starnes Media Group’s “The Todd Starnes Show” and Key Networks’ “No Spin News” with Bill O’Reilly. Station program director Jeff Stein says, “Our audience loves Todd Starnes’ common-sense conservativism and has asked us to find a way to carry the full program. There’s no better way to fill the shoes of a radio hall-of-famer than to provide more of a show that has already proven to be popular with Iowans. Adding ‘No Spin News’ is a logical move, based on the success of both the ‘O’Reilly Morning Update’ and ‘Bill O’Reilly Update’ we air each morning.”…..FOX Sports Radio’s LaVar Arrington – co-host of the network’s weekday morning program “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe” with Brady Quinnand Jonas Knox, and co-host of the nationally-syndicated weekend program/podcast “Up On Game” with TJ Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress – announces today the addition of comedian and social media influencer Bubba Dub to the “Up On Game Presents” lineup with his new show, “Trashh Talk Podcast with Bubba Dub.”

Midterm Elections, Russia-Ukraine War, The Economy, Trump Legal Issues, China Politics, Ye-Parler Deal, and British Politics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/17). The numerous debates taking place in advance of the November midterm elections; Vladimir Putin’s kamikaze drone attacks in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; high gas & food prices and the up & down financial markets; the various legal issues facing former President Donald Trump; China’s Xi Jinping accepts a third term as president and his ambitions to dominate the global power structure; rapper and fashion mogul Ye announces bid to acquire conservative social media platform Parler; and the economic policy issues facing British Prime Minister Liz Truss were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Larry Elder Joins Epoch Media Group (EMG) Hosting Live TV Show and Other Projects. Speculation has been growing as to what recent GOP California gubernatorial candidate and TALKERS Heavy Hundred radio star Larry Elder’s next talk media move would be since leaving his nightly program on the Salem Radio Network. The wait is finally over as Epoch Media Group (EMG) announces that Elder has joined EMG, publishers of the rapidly growing American international newspaper, The Epoch Times, and will continue hosting the Larry Elder Show on Epoch TV, NTDTV and other platforms associated with EMG. Elder will host a live, streaming show four times per week on which, according to EMG sources, he will “continue to give the audience his take on the latest and most important issues facing America.” He will also host a podcast for EMG. Based in Los Angeles, Elder is known to his following as “the Sage from South Central” and “America’s truth detector.” He was the front-running GOP challenger to Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election. Elder is also an attorney, author, and accomplished documentary filmmaker. EMG CEO John Tang tells TALKERS, “Larry Elder is an advocate of the principles of The Epoch Times newspaper – truth and tradition – and is inspired by its mission to bring the readers accurate information so they can form their own opinions about the most significant topics of our time.” Tang adds, “In a day and age of sensationalist and emotionally charged news coverage, Elder uses the facts – with humor and insight – to break down the nation’s current events and most urgent issues.” Commenting on this new association, Elder states, “I’m excited to join The Epoch Times. I’m impressed by the newspaper’s courage and willingness to speak the truth to promote liberty and freedom.”

 

Hillis Returns to Audacy as Brand Manager for KILT-AM, Houston. Sports radio pro Parker Hillis is named brand manager for Audacy’s KILT-AM, Houston “Sports Radio 610,” effective June 6. Hillis was most recently assistant program director for Bonneville’s KKFN-FM, Denver “104.3 The Fan.” He previously served with Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan” in a number of producer roles. Audacy Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier says, “Parker is a rising star. He has impressed us since day one with his innovative ideas, focus on talent coaching and work ethic. We’re thrilled to have him join our Audacy team.” Hillis comments, “I’m excited to join the ‘Sports Radio 610’ team in Houston. The opportunity to direct and grow an already incredible Audacy brand is truly an honor.”

 

‘The Fisher House Story’ Available for Memorial Day Weekend Programming. Programmers seeking shows for this Memorial Day weekend should reach out to the folks at Fisher House about carrying “The Fisher House Story: Peace of Mind and a Place to Hear.” The free show is available in numerous lengths, including three-hour, two-hour, one-hour (all with 20 mins of avails), 30 minute non-commercial, and 25-minute content segment for news/talk radio. As you are probably aware, the Fisher House provides free housing for the families of military personnel who are undergoing treatment at VA hospitals that allows them to be near their loved ones. At the Fisher House site, you will find the shows, as well as a marketing & social media toolkit and year round PSAs.

 

Matt McGill Returns to WVON, Chicago for Midday Show. Windy City media personality Matt McGill is coming back to Midway Broadcasting’s news/talk WVON to host the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm program, effective June 1. McGill stepped away from his afternoon drive show he co-hosted with Kimberly Egonwman last year. Egonwman currently co-hosts the afternoon drive show with Atiba Buchanan. “The Matt McGill Show” – which the station says will be a mix of local news, entertainment and human-interest topics – will replace “Keeping It Real with Al Sharpton” which will move to the station’s website and air live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Midway Broadcasting CEO Melody Spann Cooper says, “Al Sharpton will always be a member of our family here at WVON, but Matt’s program will focus on longform, sponsor-driven content that is designed to boost revenue and ratings.”

 

TALKERS News Notes. Texas media firm Ramar gets back into the TV business after being a radio-only company for some time as it closes on the construction permit for low power television station K26PJ-D in Lubbock, Texas. Ramar is acquiring it from Mako Communications LLC for $30,000. Bob Heymann of the Chicago office of Media Services Group served as the exclusive broker for the seller.…..SiriusXM is presenting coverage of the 106th Indianapolis 500 live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday (5/29). Throughout this week, SiriusXM will present more Indy racing content leading up to Sunday’s race…..The GCN-syndicated “The Dr. Daliah Show” – starring Dr. Daliah Wachs– is added to the weekend program schedule at WBIN Media’s New Hampshire news/talk trio WTPL, Hillsborough; WTSN, Dover; and WEMJ, Laconia that is branded “The Pulse of New Hampshire.”

 

Deadly Texas Shoot Shooting/Gun Control, Primary Races/Trump & the GOP, the Economy/Baby Formula, Russia-Ukraine War, North Korea Missile Tests, and ISIS Plots Bush Assassination Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/24). A gunman in Uvalde, Texas kills 19 children and two teachers leading to debate over gun control; the midterm primary races in Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, & Georgia and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the falling tech sector on Wall Street, the high price of gas & food, and the baby formula shortage; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its effects on the global economy; North Korea conducts missile tests on the heels of Joe Biden’s Asia trip; and the feds foil a plot, allegedly by ISIS, to assassinate George W. Bush were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.