WABC, New York morning drive personality Sid Rosenberg is well known in the Big Apple for his radio work, but he’s been pursuing a side-hustle as an actor and has a role in the Amazon Prime 1980s-era mob series, “Gravesend.” He’s pictured above (left) in a still from a scene with actor William DeMeo (right) who plays the lead character Benny Zerletta.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/21) with the panel discussion, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show
Hosting Career.” The session, sponsored by C. Crane, was introduced by managing partner, Goldman McCormick PR and syndicated host, Ryan McCormick (pictured at right) and moderated by WPHT, Philadelphia host, Dom Giordano (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Heather Cohen, SVP, the Weiss Agency; Martha Zoller, host, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA; Frank Morano, host WABC, New York; Rich Valdes, host, Westwood One; and Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA. See video of the session here.
Political strategist Roger Stone joins the staff of WABC, New York for a one-hour, weekly show that airs Sundays at 3:00 pm. Stone was convicted of obstructing a congressional investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign and possible ties to Russia, but his sentence was commuted by Trump. Stone’s program debuted on
June 11 with an interview with the former president. Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Roger’s impressive career has established him as a prominent figure in American politics. His wealth of experience offers an insider’s view into the political landscape, providing listeners with rare behind-the-scenes insights, razor-sharp analysis, unparalleled insights, and dedication to the truth will captivate audiences worldwide,”
The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s May 2023 sweep covered April 27 – May 24. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM is steady at a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but slides from the #10 rank to #11, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR dips two-tenths to a 1.7 share and remains ranked #18. iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles is flat with a 4.3 share but falls back to the #5 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN adds one-tenth to finish with a 3.3 share and rises one spot to the #9 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM loses two-tenths to finish with a 4.2 share but rises to the #3 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
Pictured above are staffers from Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York at the recent Catholic Charities of NY 14thAnnual Gala at the American Museum of Natural History. At the event Cardinal Dolan gave a shout-out to WABC for the work it’s doing.From left to right, top row are: New York news anchor and WABC personality Ernie Anastos, WABC host Rita Cosby, WABC host Frank Morano, WABC host Dominic Carter, and Marilyn Carter. Left to right, bottom row: Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis, Margo Catsimatidis, Red Apple general counsel Emily Pankow, and WABC president Chad Lopez.
The owner of New York City’s legendary news/talk outlet WABC says he’s interested in buying cable news/talk channel CNN, telling the New York Post that “CNN deserves to be #1 in the world right now.” Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis mused about acquiring the embattled
cable channel while speaking on WABC’s “Sid & Friends in the Morning” program. When asked by the Post about details of a bid for CNN, including how much he’d pay, he said, “It’s up to the investment bankers to come up with the numbers… We could always bring partners in, but I want to run the place. We are capable of putting down a substantial amount of money.” Catsimatidis added, “I’d go run the place tomorrow morning, and all I’d want is $1 per year and a piece of the upside,” saying he could “double the profits” in a brief period of time. Read the Post story here.
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday
Last week I had the privilege of moderating a panel at the TALKERS conference. Confession: I listen to speech patterns and tones more than words.
The prestigious panel featured Dan Mandis, program director and host, WTN-FM, Nashville; Ross Kaminsky, host KOA, Denver; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group/ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media.
Yes, their collective knowledge and experience is unbeatable. They answered questions of great interest: How does iHeart measure social media accomplishments? Should one be fired for social media or podcast content or just for their air work? Establishing a syndication base, how does that happen? Where are the women – kudos to Salem’s Phil Boyce for celebrating their women hosts. What do programmers really look for in hosts? All valuable answers. See the video of this session here.
Their words aren’t the “win.” The win is the fact that each of these pros has passion, passion and more passion. Their knowledge results in caring, heartfelt, supportive shares. They care about the future; they care about their craft. Programmers have to be optimistic about radio’s positive impact in order for them to do their jobs. Their descriptive tones make radio appealing.
The panel represents radio’s caretakers, gardeners, guides. The executives on the stage reveal qualities and qualifications that become overwhelmingly apparent in their demeanor and speech patterns. That’s what I hear.
Radio does not have to compete or fret over AI. AI coders have to fret over their inevitable failure to capture or even coldly mimic the depth of emotion and confidence expressed by Matt, Josh, Phil, Ross and Dan. Good luck with that algorithm …losers.
Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today with the panel discussion “Programming
News/Talk Radio in the Digital Era – Part 2.” The session, sponsored by “Our American Stories,” is introduced by Alex Fife, VP operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia – Total Traffic & Weather Network (pictured at right) and moderated by Walter Sabo, CEO, Sabo Media and host (Walter Sterling) of Sterling on Sunday (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Dan Mandis, program director and host, WTN-FM, Nashville; Ross Kaminsky, host KOA, Denver; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group/ops VP, New York region/WMCA/AM 970; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; and Matt Meany, program director, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media. See the video of this session here.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC is steady with a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but falls one spot to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR stays put with a 1.9 share and remains ranked #18. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles adds two-tenths for a 4.3 share finish and rises to the #4 rank. In San Francisco, Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM falls seven-tenths to a 7.3 share but remains ranked #1 in the market, while Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KSFO rises half a share to a 1.8 share that lifts it to the #19 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta tacks on four-tenths for a 7.0 share finish and remains ranked #3 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
April 2023 PPM Data – Information for the April 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
Nielsen Audio’s April 2023 sweep covered March 30 – April 26.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are March 2023 – April 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” flat at 3.7, ninth to tenth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.9, repeats at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 5.0 – 4.5, -.5, sixth to seventh
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.4 – 2.9, +.5, #15 to #13
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets, Yankees) 2.9 – 3.2, +.3, anchored at #12
Good Karma Brands’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) unchanged at 1.3, #22 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, sixth month in a row, steady at 7.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: urban AC WBLS (+.6)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish tropical WSKQ (-1.0)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” 4.1 – 4.3, +.2, fifth to fourth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 3.3 – 2.9, -.4, #10 to #11
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.2 – 2.4, +.2, #17 to #16
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, second month in succession, 5.8 – 5.7, -.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: adult hits KCBS-FM (+.5)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: CHR KIIS (-.6)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, ninth to tenth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.8 – 4.4, -.4, anchored in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls, Cubs) 2.5 – 3.1, +.6, #14 to #12
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #9 to #12
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, seventh straight month, 6.7 – 6.8, +.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WDRV (+.9)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBBM-AM & WCFS and regional Mexican WLEY (-.4)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #22 to #19
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 8.0 – 7.3, -.7, #1
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.1 – 3.3, +1.2, #15 to #9
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.2 – 2.7, +.5, #14 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 5.3 – 5.2, -.1, remains in fourth-place
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, first month, 7.2 – 7.3, +.1 and news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month in a row, 8.0 – 7.3, -.7
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KNBR (+1.2)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news KCBS-AM & KFRC and classical KDFC (-.7)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, #12 to #13
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #18 to #20
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) steady at 5.6, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Texas Rangers) 2.3 – 3.0, +.7, #18 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #16 to #19
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, fourth straight month, flat at 5.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KRLD-FM and alternative KVIL (+.7)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KMVK and public radio news/talk KERA (-.5)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) unchanged at 3.7, #12 to #10
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 2.6 – 2.8, +.2, #17 to #15
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 26th consecutive month, 9.0 – 8.9, -.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: hot AC KHMX (+1.0)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KOVE (-1.4)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.6 – 7.0, +.4, anchored in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” (Braves) 1.3 – 2.6, +1.3, #21 to #16
Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.4 – 2.5, +.1, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.6 – 3.4, -.2, #9 to #11
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, fourth successive month, 8.3 – 8.9, +.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WCNN (+1.3)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary WHTA (-1.7)*
*Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 6.2 – 5.5, -.7, third to seventh
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 4.7 – 5.9, +1.2, eighth to sixth
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers, Flyers) flat at 1.4, stays at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.4 – 4.9, -.5, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, third month in a row, 7.2 – 7.7, +.5
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk WIP (+1.2)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: news KYW & WPHI (-.7)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #16 to #15
Red Apple Media-owned WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 1.3 – 1.8, +.5, #22 to #19
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 3.5 – 3.8, +.3, ninth to seventh
WCBS-AM cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.7 – 3.3, -.4, eighth to tenth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets, Yankees) 4.4 – 4.6, +.2, sixth to fifth
WFAN’s internet stream .4 – .6, +.2, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, second month in a row, 6.0 – 7.0, +1.0
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: classic rock WBAB (+1.0)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (-.5)
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, flat at .3, repeats at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, first month, 6.1 – 5.7, -.4
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: rhythmic CHR KGGI (+1.1)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: regional Mexican KSCA (-1.2)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.5 – 1.7, +.2, #18 to #20
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.3 – 6.2, -.1, #1
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.6 – 4.4, +1.8, #14 to #6
Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #21 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, second month, 6.3 – 6.2, -.1
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: sports talk KNBR (+1.8)**
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: 1980s hits KOSF (-1.3)
**Represents the largest March 2023 – April 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.5 – 7.1, +.6, second to first
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.0 – 1.3, +.3, repeats at #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.3 – 2.0, -.3, #9 to #13
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #14 to #16
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets, Yankees) 3.8, #9 (non-subscriber in March 2023)
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.1 – 1.6, +.5, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: news/talk WKXW, first month, 6.5 – 7.1, +.6
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Increase: hot AC WNEW-FM (+.8)
Largest 6+ March 2023 – April 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ (-1.1)
Up next: April 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
WABC, New York/Red Apple Media CEO, John Catsimatidis is set to deliver the closing keynote address at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. The speech, titled, “AM Radio and the Automobile Industry,” will be the highlight of the event’s closing reception and tackle the existential issue facing
the industry as a number of car manufacturers unveiled controversial intentions to eliminate AM radios from the dashboard of electric and even gas vehicles going forward. In making the announcement about this additional agenda element, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “The automobile issue is rocking the industry and John Catsimatidis has been stepping up to the plate in defense of both radio and good sense. He brings his formidable influence into the arena and we are delighted that he will be delivering a major address to that effect on June 2 at the conference. He has become a radio hero, and this will be another key moment in his growing legacy… and hopefully in prolonging the valuable life of both the AM and FM bands.”
Historic conference nearing sellout
The 26th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important gathering set for Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island is nearing an advance sellout. Conference organizers estimate it will reach that point at any time within the next two weeks. Thus 5:00 pm ET on Tuesday, May 23 has been set as the absolute cutoff point – although it could reach the limit any time before that. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “Industry professionals who have attended the TALKERS conference in the past enjoy it and find it to be a valuable experience for a number of reasons beyond the remarkable quality of the speakers and pertinence of the agenda. They appreciate the intimacy of the environment and outstanding ‘who’s who’ in talk media makeup of their fellow attendees. We work very diligently to keep this event within those parameters. Thus, it is only open to people who work within or are associated in some way with the media industry – there is no online open registration – and it all happens within one power-packed day with absolutely no down time.” More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. All in a beautiful indoor/outdoor state-of-the-art environment conducive to one-on-one conversations. The time to register is now. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.
Melissa DeRosa, who served as aide to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, is getting her own weekly radio show on WABC, New York. The New York Post reports that DeRosa, who has been serving as a
contributor to the Red Apple Media station, will host a Sunday talk show, although a firm start date has not been announced. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis tells the Post, “She is one smart lady and she is one tough lady and you know how much I appreciate smart tough ladies.” DeRosa says her show will tackle “the major headlines driving national news and New York news. It will be a mix of insiders conversation but also I want it to have broader appeal to everyday New Yorkers.” Read the Post story here.
A special panel addressing the career management issues facing today’s talk radio talent has been set for TALKERS 2023 which will take place on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. It’s always been difficult to forge a successful on-air career in radio – but today, it is particularly intense. Talk show hosts in 2023 must deal with integrating their on-air responsibilities with the multi-platform nature of modern media, fragmented pop culture, stifling budget restrictions, and highly distracted or corporately paralyzed management. This all plays out against the backdrop of controversy, political correctness, a dizzyingly non-stop news cycle and incessant technological change. The session titled, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career,” will be introduced by Ryan McCormick, managing partner, Goldman McCormick, PR and a syndicated talk show host in his own right; moderated by Heavy Hundred mainstay and the “Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio,” Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; and include panelists (in alphabetical order): super-agent, Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Heavy Hundred member Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver; Heavy Hundred member Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Heavy Hundred member Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network, and Heavy Hundred member Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia. More than 60 luminaries from the talk media industry are set to speak at a power-packed day of fireside chats, solo addresses, panel discussions, workshops, award presentations, new equipment showcases and endless networking opportunities. TALKERS 2023 is nearing an advance sellout. See more about the agenda, registration, sponsorship and hotel information here.
This past weekend (4/21-22), WABC, New York legend Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow hosted a Rock n’ Roll Weekend at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. Activities included a Town Hall discussion about Rock n’ Roll’s past, present and future; a lawn show featuring classic cars from the era; and the movie Dirty Dancing with follow-up memories from Brucie and participants. The weekend wrapped up on Saturday night with a dance contest. Nearly 150 attendees competed for prizes for those who best did the Twist, Jitterbug, Bunny Hop, and Swing. Pictured here with Brucie are the second-place winners, Richie and Veronica Mannarino, from Smithtown, New York. Said Veronica after she caught her breath, “I’m thrilled with second place. Meeting Cousin Brucie was the best prize of the night!”
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday
The decision to change WABC from music to talk back in 1982 was not made by corporate, it was made by its then-program director, Jay Clark. Corporate was hoping he would approve the change, “they” lobbied for it, but the call was the ultimate responsibility of the program director. The business plan for WABC as a talk station predicted it to be profitable in year 10. (That’s because KABC, Los Angeles took 10 years to turn a profit.) As it turned out, WABC turned a profit in year 11.
At the time of the WABC format change back in the early 80s, the role of a program director was to be a disruptor. They were expected to cause trouble, get headlines, keep the energy coming out of the speakers up-up-up. It was my experience that the best program directors were extremely unpleasant, difficult people. They knew how to stir up their world on and off the air.
They did not get along with sales: “I’ll get you ratings, you go sell them” was the essence of their relationship with sales!
As co-worker relationships within radio stations became more important than results, the industry suffered. The death knell was the first time a program director dismissed a new idea by saying, “It’s not in the budget.” Until that tragic moment, good/great program directors would greet new ideas with, “They will just have to give us the money.”
The primary reason radio is losing younger demos is not technology, it’s the show. Technology attracts no audience. No one goes to a movie theatre to see a blank white screen no matter how good they may find the air conditioning and popcorn. If younger listeners are listening to another audio medium it’s because the show is UNPREDICTABLE, new, energetic, fun or on-demand.
Radio of any genre can be unpredictable, new, energetic, fun and on-demand. (Request lines built top 40. But what happened to them?) The actions of unpredictability are free.
Those unpleasant, autonomous program directors often earned more money than any general manager and more than almost any program director working today. A lot more. Why? Because radio stations attracted cume by acting as a 24/7 barker. The barker sizzle came from the single mind of the program director.
The programming mind that wins by disruption is not limited to top 40. For example, classical music WGMS in Washington featured promos declaring that “WGMS plays real oldies,” “mostly Mozart” and “Celebrate the bicentennial and Beethoven’s birthday.” Unexpected programming proves that radio is live and “LIVE” is the most powerful word in electronic media.
Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com. Meet Walter Sabo at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2.
This new campaign is announced as Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis, owner of WABC-AM, New York; WLIR-FM, Long Island; and the Red Apple Audio Networks, says he’s been reaching out to political contacts and attending meetings in Washington to save AM Radio, “the undisputed most reliable form of
communication during emergencies.” At this week’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, Catsimatidis met with members of the FCC and FEMA and, at Catsimatidis’ request, former Vice President Mike Pence voiced a “Save AM Radio” spot for 77 WABC. Catsimatidis is offering the PSA to every radio station in America. Catsimatidis says, “The automotive industry is doing a huge disservice to Americans by even considering the removal of AM radio from cars. They are putting the safety of Americans at peril by putting profits before people. Americans deserve better. I am urging all AM and FM radio stations, the NAB, the RAB, and state broadcast associations to band together and bring common sense to Ford and other auto manufacturers.” The Pence-voiced PSA can be downloaded here.
The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” dips two-tenths to a 3.7 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but rises one spot to the #9 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR rises two-tenths to finish with a 1.9 share good for the #18 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is unchanged with a 4.1 share and remains ranked #5 in market, while Audacy’s crosstown all-news KNX-FM climbs four-tenths to a 3.3 share and rises to the #10 rank. In San Francisco, Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM adds two full shares to finish the survey with an 8.0 share and leaps from #3 to #1 in the market. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WBAP, Dallas shoots up eight-tenths for a 3.4 share finish that lifts it from the #16 rank to #12. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways here.
March 2023 PPM Data – Information for the March 2023 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey).
Nielsen Audio’s March 2023 sweep covered March 2 – March 29.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are February 2023 – March 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, tenth to ninth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.7 – 1.9, +.2, steady at #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 4.6 – 5.0, +.4, seventh to sixth
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 2.1 – 2.4, +.3, #16 to #15
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 2.6 – 2.9, +.3, locked at #12
WFAN’s internet stream 1.4 – 1.5, +.1, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 4.0 – 3.5, -.5, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fifth month in a row, 7.0 – 7.6, +.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLTW (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM and public radio news/talk WNYC-FM (-.5)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” unchanged at 4.1, repeats in fifth-place
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.9 – 3.3, +.4, #12 to #10
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.7 – 2.2, -.5, #14 to #17
Number One 6+: Audacy classic hits-oldies KRTH, first month, 5.4 – 5.8, +.4
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR KIIS (+1.1)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-1.4)
Note: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST had been #1 the past eight months
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.2 – 3.4, +.2, tenth to ninth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” steady at 4.8, locked in fourth-place
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls and Cubs) 1.7 – 2.5, +.8, #23 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.7 – 3.4, -.3, seventh to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, sixth straight month, 8.0 – 6.7, -1.3
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: sports talk WSCR (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLIT (-1.3)
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0, third to first
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.3 – 2.2, -.1, repeats at #14
Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.3 – 2.1, -.2, #14 to #15
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 4.6 – 5.3, +.7, continues in fourth-place
Number One 6+: news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.0 – 8.0, +2.0
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news KCBS-AM & KFRC (+2.0)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban contemporary KMEL (-.8)
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 2.6 – 3.4, +.8, #16 to #12
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” steady at 2.3, #20 to #18
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) unchanged at 5.6, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys and Texas Rangers) 2.9 – 2.3, -.6, #14 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.0 – 2.7, -.3, #13 to #16
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, third straight month, unchanged at 5.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: news/talk WBAP (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: urban AC KRNB and sports talk KRLD-FM (-.6)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” (Astros) 3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #12
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF 3.1 – 2.6, -.5, #13 to #17
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 25th consecutive month, 8.0 – 9.0, +1.0
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary KODA (+1.0)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock KGLK and alternative KTBZ (-.7)
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 7.2 – 6.6, -.6, repeats in third-place
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #18 to #17
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE steady at 3.6, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, third successive month, 8.1 – 8.3, +.2
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: urban contemporary WHTA (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country WUBL (.7)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.9 – 6.2, +.3, fourth to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” (Phillies) 5.9 – 4.7, -1.2, fourth to eighth
WIP’s internet stream 1.8 – 1.5, -.3, locked at #19
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.7 – 1.4, -.3, repeats at #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 4.8 – 5.4, +.6, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, second month in a row, 6.7 – 7.2, +.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: public radio news/talk WHYY (+.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.2)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 1.9 – 2.1, +.2, anchored at #16
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.3 – 3.7, +.4, tenth to eighth
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 4.2 – 3.5, -.7, sixth to ninth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) 4.2 – 4.4, +.2, repeats in sixth-place
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic rock WBAB, first month, 5.5 – 6.0, +.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI’s internet stream (+.8)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic rock WAXQ and rhythmic CHR WKTU (-.9)
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, .5 -.3, -.2, locked at #19
Number One 6+: Audacy country KFRG, first month, 4.9 – 6.5, +1.6
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: country KFRG (+1.6)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: classic hits-oldies KOLA (-1.0)
Note: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA had been #1 the past 15 months
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.6 – 1.5, -.1, #19 to #18
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, second to first
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” (Giants) 2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #13 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, tenth consecutive month 7.6 – 6.3, -1.3 and news KCBS-AM & KFRC, first month, 6.8 – 6.3, -.5
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+2.2)*
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: country KBAY (-1.5)**
*Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
**Represents the largest February 2023 – March 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 6.3 – 6.5, +.2, locked in second-place
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 2.2 – 2.3, +.1, #12 to #9
WINS-FM cluster-mate WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” (Mets) 1.5 – 1.6, +.1, #18 to #14
Sports Talk: Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, and Islanders) 1.3 – 1.1, -.2, #19 to #17
The internet stream of Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets and Yankees) .7 – 1.0, +.3, #21 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, third consecutive month, 6.6 – 7.9, +1.3
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WMGQ (+1.3)
Largest 6+ February 2023 – March 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WLTW; contemporary Christian WAWZ; and the internet stream of Spanish tropical WSKQ (-.8)
Up next: March 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
WABC, New York personality Frank Morano is being honored at an event called Fleur de Cure on Wednesday, April 19 at the New York Botanical Gardens in The Bronx to benefit the National Psoriasis Foundation. Morano says, “Clearly, the first 200 people that the National Psoriasis Foundation had on their list turned them
down for next Wednesday, so I have the distinction of being honored. In all seriousness, I’m a big supporter of this organization and quite humbled that they picked me to be honored, so I’m hoping not to be too disappointing in terms of getting people to come and/or volunteer.” Morano is host of “The Other Side of Midnight” on the Red Apple Media talk station.
Andrew Cuomo, who resigned the governorship of the state of New York in August of 2021 in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal, hosted a one-off hourlong program on Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York
last Friday (3/24) at 8:00 pm. Titled, “State of the City, State and Nation,” the show allowed Cuomo to offer his takes on the job his former Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is doing, as well as his thoughts on other political issues. WABC says Cuomo, who has been hosting a podcast of his own, requested the time on WABC and owner John Catsimatidis replied via a press release, “Let him speak! I have said many times that 77 WABC is about truth and hearing from all sides. Let the listeners decide.”
The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In New York City, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC-AM is flat with a 3.9 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and falls to the #10 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR-AM is steady with a 1.9 share but rises one spot to the #18 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is flat with a 4.1 share but rises one spot to the #5 rank in the market. In Chicago, Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN-AM sheds two-tenths to finish with a 3.2 share good for the #10 rank, while Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM rises three-tenths to finish with a 4.8 share and remains ranked #4. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
February 2023 PPM Data – Information for the February 2023 ratings period has been released for New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario; San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union.
Nielsen Audio’s February 2023 sweep covered February 2 – March 1.
TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides “Takeaways” for spoken-word stations finishing in their respective markets’ top twenty.
Cited as well are each particular city’s #1 station (6+) and loftiest (6+) upticks and drop-offs.
All comparisons noted are January 2023 – February 2023 (6+).
NEW YORK
News/Talk: Red Apple Media’s WABC-AM & WLIR-FM “77 Talk Radio” flat at 3.9, ninth to tenth
iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” steady at 1.7, #19 to #18
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” locked at 4.6, remains in seventh-place
Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 2.0 – 2.1, +.1, #17 to #16
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.3 – 2.6, -.7, repeats at #12
WFAN’s internet stream 2.0 – 1.4, -.6, #17 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM 3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW, fourth month in a row, 6.5 – 7.0, +.5
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (+1.0)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.7)
LOS ANGELES
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KFI “AM 640” steady at 4.1, sixth to fifth
News: Audacy-owned KNX-FM “News 97.1” 2.8 – 2.9, +.1, #9 to #12
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Pasadena Area Community College’s KPCC 2.3 – 2.7, +.4, #16 to #14
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST, eighth month in succession, 6.8 – 5.5, -1.3
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KRRL (+1.1)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KOST (-1.3)
CHICAGO
News/Talk: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN “Radio 720” (Blackhawks) 3.4 – 3.2, -.2, ninth to tenth
News: Audacy-owned WBBM-AM & WCFS “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” 4.5 – 4.8, +.3, anchored in fourth-place
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: Chicago Public Media-owned WBEZ 3.9 – 3.7, -.2, eighth to seventh
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, fifth straight month, 7.3 – 8.0, +.7
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: adult contemporary WLIT (+.7)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: CHR WKSC (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
SAN FRANCISCO
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 6.9 – 6.0, -.9, second to third
Sports Talk: Audacy’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) 2.7 – 2.3, -.4, #11 to #14
Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 3.9 – 2.3, -1.6, #7 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: KQED, Inc.-owned KQED 6.1 – 4.6, -1.5, repeats in fourth-place
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, fourth successive month, 8.1 – 7.9, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classical KDFC and alternative KITS (+.7)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
DALLAS
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned WBAP “News Talk 820 AM & 99.5 HD2 FM” 3.4 – 2.6, -.8, #10 to #16
News – Talk: Audacy’s KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” 2.5 – 2.3, -.2, #17 to #20
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “Sports Radio The Ticket” (Stars) 6.2 – 5.6, -.6, #1
Audacy’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” 3.5 – 2.9, -.6, #9 to #14
Public Radio News/Talk: North Texas Public Broadcasting-owned KERA 3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #14 to #13
Number One 6+: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK, second straight month, 6.2 – 5.6, -.6
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: urban contemporary KKDA-FM (+.6)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: news/talk WBAP (-.8)
HOUSTON
News/Talk: iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 News Radio” flat at 3.8, stays at #11
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: University of Houston’s KUHF steady at 3.1, repeats at #13
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA, 24th consecutive month, 9.6 – 8.0, -1.6
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock KGLK (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary KODA (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
ATLANTA
News/Talk: Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB “Atlanta’s News & Talk” 6.3 – 7.2, +.9, fourth to third
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Hawks) 2.4 – 2.3, -.1, #14 to #18
Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN “The Fan” 1.7 – 1.6, -.1, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: Atlanta Public Schools-owned WABE 3.8 – 3.6, -.2, ninth to tenth
Number One 6+: Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV, second successive month, 8.3 – 8.1, -.2
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic rock WNNX (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: contemporary Christian WFSH (1.2)
PHILADELPHIA
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: Audacy-owned KYW & WPHI “News Radio 1060 AM & 103.9 FM” 5.8 – 5.9, +.1, fifth to fourth
Sports Talk: Audacy’s WIP “Sports Radio 94” 6.9 – 5.9, -1.0, second to fourth
WIP’s internet stream 1.6 – 1.8, +.2, repeats at #19
Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers and Flyers) 1.6 – 1.7, +.1, #19 to #20
Public Radio News/Talk: WHYY-owned WHYY 5.0 – 4.8, -.2, seventh to eighth
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, first month, 6.6 – 6.7, +.1
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: classic hits-oldies WOGL (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WIP (-1.0)
LONG ISLAND
News/Talk: iHeartMedia-owned WOR “710 – The Voice of New York” 2.2 – 1.9, -.3, continues at #16
News: Audacy’s WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 4.4 – 4.2, -.2, seventh to sixth
Cluster-mate WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 3.6 – 3.3, -.3, eighth to tenth
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 5.1 – 4.2, -.9, fourth to sixth
Good Karma Brands’ WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) flat at 1.6, #17 to #18
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ, first month, 5.9 – 6.1, +.2
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: CHR WBLI (+1.6)**
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.9)
**Represents the largest January 2023 – February 2023 increase (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
RIVERSIDE
News/Talk: None in the top twenty
News: None in the top twenty
Sports Talk: None in the top twenty
Public Radio News/Talk: San Bernardino Community College District’s KVCR, steady at .4, continues at #19
Number One 6+: Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA, 15th consecutive month, 6.8 – 7.1, +.3
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: regional Mexican KSCA (+1.2)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: Spanish adult hits KLYY (-1.0)
SAN JOSE
News/Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “Talk Radio 560” 1.3 – 1.6, +.3, repeats at #19
News: Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC “All News 740 AM & 106.9 FM” 7.4 – 6.8, -.6, locked in the runner-up slot
Sports Talk: Cumulus Media-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” 4.3 – 2.7, -1.6, #7 to #13
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM, ninth consecutive month 8.5 – 7.6, -.9
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: 1980s hits KOSF (+1.5)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: sports talk KNBR (-1.6)*
*Represents a tie for the largest January 2023 – February 2023 decrease (6+) of any station from these 12 PPM-markets
MIDDLESEX
News/Talk: Townsquare Media-owned WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” 7.1 – 6.3, -.8 remains in the runner-up slot
News: Audacy’s WINS-FM “1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM” 1.9 – 2.2, +.3, #14 to #12
Co-owned WCBS-AM “News Radio 880” 1.1 – 1.5, +.4, #20 to #18
Sports Talk: Audacy-owned WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM “Sports Radio 101.9 FM & 66 AM” (Brooklyn Nets) 3.9 – 3.1, -.8, seventh to ninth
Good Karma’s WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders) 1.6 – 1.3, -.3, #18 to #19
Public Radio News/Talk: None in the top twenty
Number One 6+: Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ, second consecutive month, 7.4 – 6.6, -.8
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Increase: Spanish tropical WSKQ (+.8)
Largest 6+ January 2023 – February 2023 Decrease: adult contemporary WMGQ; news/talk WKXW; and sports talk WFAN-FM & WFAN-AM (-.8)
Up next: February 2023 overviews for: Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Detroit; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis.
Email Mike Kinosian at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday
It was a cruel trick. Hulu started streaming “For the People” from Shondaland Productions last month and I bit. It is a show about Manhattan, ambition and really well-tailored clothes. Then I looked at the more information tab and discovered that the show was cancelled… in 2018. Crushed. Two seasons on ABC. Cancelled.
Why have I fallen so hard for a show about the lawyers of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York? Two reasons: “For the People” is aspirational TV (at least to me) like, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Every character in “For the People” has an enviable 20s-in-Manhattan lifestyle. It is easy for me to embrace the warm pool fantasy of a good job, cool sushi bars, easy sex. I also miss a character in the show named Kate Littlejohn played by Susannah Flood. She says what needs to be said and does not care what people think of her in the workplace! That’s my aspiration too!
“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” is also aspirational (again, at least to me). The star, Guy Fieri, lives off the grid and off the menu. He eats any deep-fried dish he wants in the kitchen with the chef for free! I eat Lipitor. I aspire to be Guy Fieri, a man who has no negative consequences for his cardiac arrest diet.
When a show taps into your aspirations on any level, it becomes your show. Radio entertainment did that for you, that’s why you work in radio! You and I can do that for a listener. The founding Top 40 jocks tapped the aspirations of teens every day. Dewey Phillips on WHBQ, Alan Freed on 1010 WINS, Bruce Morrow on WABC and many more. What did they do? They said the names of their listeners for hours and hours, they formed an exclusive club of cool kids. These pioneers compelled their listener to buy the record, the ticket and come to the dance.
“Hey cousin, you’re captured.” Bruce Morrow said that phrase MILLONS of times going into breaks. He captured the listener behind the velvet rope of coolness and that’s where they aspired to be and to remain.
The moment you share a story your listeners absolutely relate to, they will aspire to join your club. Say a listener’s name, and you instantly become a part of their personal history. Radio’s star making power is radio’s magic. Secretly, every listener wants to be a star, make their aspiration come true and you have a listener for life. Or, as the pedantic say… a P1!
Walter Sabo, consultant, can be contacted at Sabo Media: walter@sabomedia.com. Direct phone: 646-678-1110. Check out www.waltersterlingshow.com. Meet Walter Sabo at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? YES.
— Myth: Call letters are less important in PPM markets than in diary markets, where that diary is a memory test.
— Fact: Call letters and timechecks are MORE important in metered markets, because there aren’t enough meters. Every…single…one…matters a LOT. And awareness drives use.
Sure, listeners wear watches, and tote smartphones, and there’s a clock in the dashboard. We’re not timechecking because they don’t know.
— Timechecks help make the station habit-forming. They teach listeners what-we-do-when.
— Timechecks imply that busy people (the ones advertisers want as customers) will be on-time if they listen. “WINS News Time…” on New York’s iconic All-News station sets a tempo.
— And timechecks are local information. Syndicated hosts forced to say “[minutes] before the hour” remind us that they’re somewhere else.
In its 1960s Top 40 heyday, WABC’s promos boasted that more people listened every week “than any other station in North America!” And shortly before his untimely death, retired PD Rick Sklar told me the simple secret of his success.
— He compared the Arbitron ratings diary to “that little blue book you got in school when there was a quiz. There are two questions on the quiz: What did you listen to? And when did you listen?”
— Back then, most stations used turntables, but WABC already played music on carts. And right there, at the end of the song, there was a WABC jingle, and an ear-splitting “DING!” because timechecks were “WABC Chime-Time.”
— So “we gave them the answers to the quiz,” by DJ-proofing the station. Even if the jock was going song-to-song, he had to jump-in and timecheck.
And you are…?
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of the E-book and FREE on-air radio features “Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;” and “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and “Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
New York City news pro Noam Laden joins Red Apple Media Group’s 77 WABC as news director. He was most recently serving with iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR as morning news anchor. In his new role with WABC, Laden will host the daily 5:00 am “WABC News Hour with Noam Laden” and will anchor the top-of
-the-hour news during the “Sid & Friends Morning Show.” He’ll also be responsible for all WABC news content and distribution, on-air and online. Laden served with WABC from 2003 to 2018 in which he was news director, news anchor on the “Imus In the Morning” show, and co-host on the Geraldo Rivera show. Laden says, “I’m very excited to join the new 77 WABC. The station has a terrific lineup of hosts and the ratings are soaring. It’s great to be part of a winning team with passionate owners. We’ve got lots of exciting plans for distribution of our news.” Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “New Yorkers need to be in-the-know first thing in the morning and throughout their busy day. Our goal at WABC Radio is not only to deliver the news but to include all sides of the story.”
Billionaire entrepreneur John Catsimatidis, owner and CEO of the Red Apple Group which includes Red Apple Media, WABC Radio, and Red Apple Audio Networks publishes his new book, How Far Do You Want to
Go? Lessons from a Common-Sense Billionaire (Matt Holt, 2023), in which he reveals how his instincts and common sense propelled him to massive business success. In the book, Catsimatidis shares his dynamic story, from his beginnings in the grocery business to entering the political arena, including a New York City mayoral campaign. He says, “The American dream doesn’t come with an instruction manual – or even a sign to let you know when you’ve arrived at the finish line. I’m far from finished. Buying WABC and launching Red Apple Media and the Red Apple Audio Networks has been a dream come true. I wrote How Far Do You Want to Go? to help others with an entrepreneurial spirit achieve success.”