Monday, September 26, 2016

Report: CBS RADIO to Take on $1.5 Billion in Debt.  This report from Reuters, says that sources are telling it that CBS RADIO is preparing to take on as much as $1.5 billion in debt ahead of its initial public offering that’s expected to take place but still has no firm time frame.  According the report, the bulk of the proceeds would be paid back to parent CBS Corp. with the rest to be used by CBS RADIO for “general corporate purposes.”  In its report, Reuters notes that “a radio company IPO may be a tough sale as new digital competitors have emerged and depressed advertising sales for the medium for years.”  Read the Reuters story here.

Lew Dickey Pens Book on Changing Media Landscape.  The book is published by Tourbillion International – a subsidiary of the Dickey family-owned Modern Luxury Media – and is titled, The New Modern Media – Remaking Media for a Mobile Culture.  We now know what Lew Dickey has been doing since he was ousted from the Cumulus CEO role last year.  The book is described as “an indispensable guide to the profound and disruptive changes rocking the media industry.  It examines the implications of a new, mobile culture and challenges the widely held belief that most media companies’ true source of profits is their content.  It makes the case for the importance of distribution as a key driver of firm value in the legacy media business model, be it a newspaper, magazine, record label, television network, local broadcast television or radio station.”  In the book Dickey makes the case for why traditional “radio broadcasters will be unlikely to benefit from subscription revenue for their core service, leaving them highly exposed to the ad markets.”  iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman is quoted reviewing the book, “I’ve spent my entire professional life in the media business, and today technology is enabling media to evolve at an ever-faster pace to meet consumers’ changing needs. Lew’s book is a timely resource for anyone working or investing in the media industry – shedding an important light on some of the critical challenges and opportunities inherent in today’s vibrant and complex media landscape.”  Pittman’s iHeartRadio just announced a two-tier subscription service last week – clearly another step in the grand plan to transform iHeartMedia from a legacy radio company to a competitor in the digital entertainment industry.  But getting back to Lew’s book, it’s a safe bet this will be the talk of the radio business this week.

The Presidential Race/First Debate, Police Shootings of Blacks, Syrian Civil War/U.S.-Russian Military Tensions, George Bush-Michelle Obama Photo, Growing National Anthem Protests, MLB Playoff Push and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton and the buildup to this evening’s debate; the aftermath of the recent Tulsa and Charlotte shooting deaths of black men by police; the Syrian civil war and Russia’s role in the bombing of Aleppo and air convoys; Saturday’s dedication of the African American History Museum in Washington and chatter about the widely published photo of Michelle Obama hugging George W. Bush; National Anthem protests spread to the college football ranks; the playoff push in Major League Baseball, and Sunday’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

The Yappy Tour Rolls On.  Prolific radio talk show producer turned author Bernadette Duncan recently brought her “Yappy Tour” to the television viewers of Western Massachusetts by appearing as a guest on the WGGB-TV (ABC-40) “Western Mass News” to discuss her buzz-worthy book, Yappy Days; Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (AuthorHouse/Talkers Books, 2016).  The book recounts Duncan’s 26-year career as a producer of radio talk shows working with such big-name talents as Larry King, Sally Jessy Raphael, Lou Dobbs, Tom Snyder, Gil Gross, Charles Osgood and many more during modern talk radio’s pre- and post-9/11 “golden era.”  Plus, she tells stories about behind-the-scenes encounters with hundreds of guests from the worlds of show business, politics, media, business and literature. Above, Duncan (left) is pictured with newsman/show host Chris Pisano (right) on Channel 40’s “Western Mass News” midday talk show.  Duncan’s national “Yappy Tour” will roll on through the remainder of the year.  She has already appeared on more than 25 local and syndicated programs.  Hosts and shows interested in booking Bernadette Duncan can do so by calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Marconi Award Winners Announced. More than 20 Marconi Awards were presented last night (Thursday, 9/22) in Nashville. TALKERS congratulates all the winners and nominees.

“Legendary Station of the Year”: CBS Radio New York all-news WINS

“Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year”: Premiere Networks‘ Deliah

“Major Market Personality of the Year”: Fred Toucher & Rich Shertenlieb (“Toucher & Rich”) of CBS Radio Boston’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub”

“Large Market Personality of the Year”: Brooke Fox & Jubal Flagg (“Brooke & Jubal”) of Hubbard Broadcasting Seattle rhythmic CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5”

“Medium Market Personality of the Year”: Chaz & AJ of Connoisseur Media New Haven rocker WPLR

“Small Market Personality of the Year”: Brent Carl Fleshman of Cookeville Communications’ Cookeville, Tennessee talker WHUB-AM “1400 The Hub” & W299BY “107.7 FM”

“Major Market Station of the Year”: Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB “101.1 More FM,” Philadelphia

“Large Market Station of the Year”: Hearst talker WBAL, Baltimore

“Medium Market Station of the Year”: Cox Media Group Dayton country WHKO “K-99.1”

“Small Market Station of the Year”: Ham Broadcasting Cadiz, Kentucky country outlet WKDZ

“Adult Contemporary Station of the Year”: Lewanee Broadcasting‘s WLEN, Adrian, Michigan

“CHR Station of the Year”: Zimmer’s KTXY “Y-107,” Columbia, Missouri

“Classic Hits Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Los Angeles’ KRTH “K-Earth 101”

“Country Station of the Year”: Cox Media Group Houston’s KKBQ “The New 93-Q”

“News-Talk Station of the Year”: Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington, D.C.

“Noncommercial Station of the Year”: Seton Hall University rock WSOU, South Orange, New Jersey

“Religious Station of the Year”: Salem Media Group Dallas’ KLTY

“Rock Station of the Year”: Zimmer’s KCMQ, Columbia, Missouri

“Spanish Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Houston’s KLOL “Mega 101”

“Sports Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Detroit’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket”

“Urban Station of the Year”: Howard University-owned WHUR, Washington, D.C.

NAB/RAB Radio Show: Final Day Wrap-Up.  Radio consultant Holland Cooke is in Nashville covering the NAB/RAB Radio Show for TALKERS and he presents a compact report of some of day two’s key takeaways.  Among them are sound bites from radio’s captains of industry and key players from the “Radio Show Advertiser Breakfast.”  Also included are Cooke’s notes from a variety of digital media- and marketing-oriented sessions, including those run by Dave Ramsey, Gordon Borrell and more.  See it all here.

“Heard” In Nashville. While noted media consultant Holland Cooke is providing our exclusive coverage of panels and presentations taking place at this week’s NAB/RAB Radio Show in Nashville, special features correspondent Jeff McKay is talking to attendees about what is being said at the events. Click here to see what people are telling him.

Nelson Named VP/MM For Cumulus Huntsville. Former vice president/general manager/cluster director of sales for Cox Radio Birmingham, Ray Nelson, is appointed vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media‘s cluster in Huntsville (Alabama). Cumulus Media senior vice president Jeff Brown comments, “Ray’s track record of success speaks for itself. Adding him to our team of market managers was an absolute no-brainer. I am excited for Ray and for our talented team in Huntsville.” Nelson notes, “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Huntsville cluster; Huntsville is a fabulous growth market. I appreciate the confidence that Jeff Brown and the entire Cumulus management team have demonstrated in selecting me to champion Cumulus Huntsville.” Nelson’s previous background includes vice president and market manager for Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) Ann Arbor (Michigan) and general manager/general sales manager/national sales manager for Fritz Broadcasting Saginaw (also Michigan). Among persons 12+ in Nielsen Audio’s spring 2016 book for Huntsville, Cumulus Media-owned CHR WZYP is #2 (7.7); WHRP “Today’s Best Variety of R&B” ranks #3 (4.8); AM-FM talk combo WVNN finishes #5 (3.1); country WWFF “Nash Icon 93.3” is #8 (1.3); and AM-FM sports duo WUMP “The Ump” ranks #10 (.6). Leading the field is iHeartMedia country outlet WDRM (11.1, 12+).

Carr, “Joe Pags” Picked Up For Simulcasts by Newsmax TV. Boca Raton, Florida-based conservative Newsmax TV adds weekday afternoon simulcasts of Howie Carr and Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo. According to Newsmax TV chief executive officer Christopher Ruddy, “The addition of both these shows not only give us important new voices to our diverse lineup of thoughtful, informative broadcasters, they help us expand our broadcasting footprint into the late afternoon hours. Our audience tells us they are hungry for useful, intelligent, and independent programming. Howie and Joe provide just that.” Carr comments, “I have always had the greatest respect for the entire Newsmax team. I now look forward to reaching a whole new TV audience every afternoon with my show. I couldn’t be more pleased to be joining Newsmax TV.” Pagliarulo remarks, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Newsmax TV team. Having my show in a prime slot on this amazing, growing network is an honor I cherish as it adds a new dimension to the show for my listeners and now viewers.” National Radio Hall of Famer – and author of “The Brothers Bulger” and “Hitman” – Carr originates his four-hour conservative talk show from Entercom-owned WRKO starting at 3:00 pm; “Joe Pags” begins his three-hour syndicated program at 5:00 pm from iHeartMedia‘s WOAI, San Antonio. Carr – syndicated on the Howie Carr Radio Network – is #14 on the TALKERS 2016 “Heavy Hundred” and Pagliarulo – whose national show is distributed by Compass Media Networks – is #23.

SB Nation Radio Enhances Its Football Programming. Seventeen-year NFL player Keenan McCardell signs-on with SB Nation Radio as an NFL analyst. The former receiver joins the network on “Prime Cut” with Sean Salisbury and Steve Bunin each Wednesday at 5:00 pm (ET). Gow Media chief executive officer David Gow comments, “Keenan is as impressive in the broadcast booth as he was on the playing field. He is an exceptional talent who can break down the nuances and subtleties of the game without alienating any of the audience. Whether you played football or are just a casual observer, you’ll love his insights.” Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf will host a two-hour (8:00 am – 10:00 am, ET) weekly show (Saturdays) on SB Nation Radio. The onetime #2 draft pick states, “I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Gow and SB Nation has afforded me.” In addition, SB Nation Radio will premiere “The Kayce Smith Show,” a two-hour (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) college football program that will air Monday nights. Smith opines, “One thing missing from the sports industry is the opportunity for women to take strong stances on-air and give their opinions without hesitation. I am so excited to be a part of the SB Nation Radio family and to be able to share this crazy journey with our loyal listeners across the country.” SB Nation Radio chief operating officer and program director Craig Larson declares, “I have never been more excited about the state of our radio network. From top to bottom, there is no doubt in my mind that we have the strongest lineup of personalities in sports radio. The addition of Keenan, Kayce, and Ryan reinforces the idea that SB Nation Radio is truly the next generation of sports talk.” Gow Media has been operating as Yahoo Sports Radio since 2011 and it was rebranded as SB Nation Radio last month (8/1).

WMFS to Add Martin & Smith to Mid-Days. Starting next month, John Martin and Jason Smith will be inserted into the weekday lineup (11:00 am – 2:00 pm) at Entercom Memphis sports combo WMFS-AM “ESPN 680″ & WMFS “92.9 FM.” Entercom vice president and market manager Dan Barron states, “We are thrilled to bring this show to Memphis. Jason and John are highly skilled and bring unique insight. I believe listeners will enjoy this fresh, informative, and entertaining show.” Program director Brad Carson comments, “This is a significant day in this market. We couldn’t be more excited about the reporting and entertainment perspective dynamic that John and Jason both bring.” Smith remarks, “I am so pumped to be with my guy John Martin again. I am so grateful to the folks at WMFS. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.” With WMFS since 2013, Martin is reportedly the youngest sports host in a top 50 market. Smith spent the last six years at The Commercial Appeal as the University of Memphis’ basketball beat writer. The two worked together at The Commercial Appeal. Unchanged at 2.2, WMFS ranks #14 (Nielsen Audio PPM, August 2016, 6+); iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” sets the pace in August 2016 with a 10.5 (6+).

Odds & Sods. As part of its coverage of the first presidential debate from Hofstra University, ABC News Radio will provide a preview program anchored by correspondent Aaron Katersky. There will be post-debate analysis until 11:00 pm (ET). Joining Katersky will be Brad Mielke, Karen Travers, and ABC News Radio political analysts Steve Roberts and Trey Hardin ….. To note the signing of a three-year broadcast extension with the NHL‘s Columbus Blue Jackets, Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “The Fan,” Columbus director of programming & operations Jay Taylor and president/general manager Dave Van Stone are presented an official Columbus Blue Jackets personalized jersey by the CBJ’s Stinger. “The Blue Jackets have been part of our programming since day one and we’re excited to be able to continue this relationship,” states Stone.

KMJ Fundraiser Aids Fresno’s Community Food Bank. A day-long broadcast that featured Cumulus Media Fresno talk KMJ on-air talents John Broekse, Christina Musson, Ray Appleton, and Chris Daniel netted more than $154,000. For each dollar raised, however, Gar Tootelian Inc. kicked in 50 cents, thus elevating the total for the Community Food Bank to $231,000. KMJ vice president and general manager Patty Hixson comments, “I am overwhelmed by the support of our community. We can always count on the generosity of our highly-valued KMJ listeners. A special thanks to the hard work of our talented on-air team.” Money raised will provide more than 1.5 million meals for the less fortunate residents of the Central Valley. Seventeen (17) stations appear in Fresno’s spring 2016 book (Nielsen Audio) with KMJ finishing second (6.0, 12+), three-tenths behind iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KBOS “B-95” (6.3, 12+).

Presidential Race Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 19-23.  Landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM again this week is the presidential election.  At #2 on our list of the top news/talk radio stories was killing of black men by police in Tulsa and Charlotte and the riots that happened in Charlotte.  Coming in at #3 was the aftermath of the NYC/NJ/Minn. terror attacks; following at #4 was the Syrian Civil War/U.S.-Russia Tensions.  The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Hillsdale College and TALKERS Teaming Up to Present Sizzling Presidential Election Talk Radio Debate in DC. TALKERS magazine and Hillsdale College are joining forces to present a dynamic talk radio debate about the Presidential Election of 2016. Moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, the diverse panel of participants will include (in alphabetical order): Thom Hartmann, syndicated host, WYD Media; Hugh Hewitt, syndicated host, Salem Radio Network; Joyce Kaufman, afternoon host, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami; Joe Madison, morning host, SiriusXM “Urban View” channel; Larry O’ Conner, morning co-host, WMAL, Washington, DC; and Chris Stigall, morning host WPHT, Philadelphia. The event will take place on Friday, October 14 at Hillsdale’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, 227 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. It will start at 11:00 am and run for about 90 minutes followed by a “meet and greet,” one-hour lunch reception. The event will be open to members of the media and press but seating will be limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Announcing the event, Michael Harrison states, “What a wonderful lineup! This debate will include all the key perspectives represented on American news/talk radio. TALKERS is delighted to be back in Washington, DC creating political talk happenings of this nature. We are looking forward to this being just the first of a long series of forums that we are planning to present in conjunction with the enlightened educators at Hillsdale College.” Hillsdale College, Based in Hillsdale, Michigan and established in 1844, is widely recognized as one of the finest, private liberal arts colleges in America.

Michael Harrison Chats with the ‘First Lady of New York Radio’ – Joan Hamburg. She is one of the most-honored, longest-running, and dazzlingly colorful talk radio personalities in the Big Apple – the quintessential live-and-local host. Joan Hamburg’s career in NYC goes back to the legendary WMCA in the early 1970s where she replaced Bob Grant. From there, she moved over to WOR as a featured personality on the historic “Rambling with Gambling” show. She quickly had her own daily midday show where she stayed for more than three decades covering a wide spectrum of topics that included consumer advocacy, shopping, dining, arts & entertainment and “soft” politics. Joan Hamburg was a pioneer in modern remote broadcasting and regularly performed her show from, among many locations, the storied Broadway celebrity hangout, Sardi’s. For the past few years, Hamburg, now in her eighties, has been holding court live on-air every Saturday afternoon on WABC in addition to producing special features and stories for the station… and she still does remotes from Sardi’s. The conversation between Harrison and Hamburg is a radiophile’s delight – covering remarkable history including such names as Sally Jessy Raphael, the three John Gamblings, Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, Rick Buckley, Barry Gray, Dr. Joy Browne and many, many more. Harrison states, “It was an honor and privilege having this true ‘grand dame’ of radio on the podcast. We cover so much wonderful history including the golden era of Broadway. She harkens back to the day when talk radio offered a wide variety of lifestyle topics beyond politics and sports. I am really proud of this interview – it will always be a treasured addition to the amazing audio library of media history that I am gathering in this podcast series.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

NAB/RAB Radio Show: ‘A Snapshot of Where the Radio Industry Is.’ Radio consultant Holland Cooke is in Nashville covering the NAB/RAB Radio Show for TALKERS and he presents a compact report of some of day one’s key takeaways.  Among them are sound bites from radio’s captains of industry and key players from the “Broadcast Finance Forecast 2016 Leadership Breakfast.”  Also included are Cooke’s notes from Edison Research’s “Share the Road: The Changing In-Car Audio Space” report presented at Tuesday’s RAIN Summit and David Oxenford’s invaluable “Legal Snapshot: Issues for Audio Services” presentation from that event.  See it all here.

Steve Czaban Exits SB Nation Radio.  Washington, DC-based sports media pro Steve Czaban blogs that his contract with SB Nation Radio – formerly Yahoo! Sports Radio – has not been renewed so he’s ended his morning radio show there.  Czaban writes, “I want to thank David Gow, Craig Larson, and the rest of the network for having me for 6 great years. They always treated me right, and let me do the kind of show that I wanted to do, a show that I was energized to do every morning.”  Czaban remains on the air as he also co-hosts the afternoon drive “Sports Reporters” show on Red Zebra’s WTEM, Washington “ESPN 980” with Andy Pollin.

Radio Tips Wells Fargo Troubles.  Sunday evening talk host Walter Sterling – heard on CBS RADIO’s WPHT, Philadelphia – says he was the first to reveal the Wells Fargo apparent fee scam.  The federal investigation has resulted in the CEO being grilled before Congress and more than 5,000 Wells Fargo employees being let go for opening fake accounts and charging fees to those accounts.  Sterling says, “I noticed charge after charge on my Wells account that made no sense and I yelled about it.  On my show, my goal was not to go after any one bank but to empathize with the listener who is being screwed by their bank.  I also talk about my suspicious cell phone bill and last week the FCC announced an investigation of Verizon fees.”  Sterling says his show is unique because he doesn’t talk election politics, “I talk about the politics of my life: the phone bill, bank nonsense, cheap relatives, parent-teacher conferences and the 11-year-old who doesn’t like the way I make her lunch.”

The Presidential Race, Cop Shootings and Protests in Charlotte and Tulsa, NYC/NJ/Minn. Terror Attacks Aftermath, Islamic State Chemical Weapons Use, Weiner Teen Sexting Accusation, Pitt-Jolie Divorce, and Major League Baseball Playoff Push Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/21).  The activities of presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump; the fatal shootings of black men in Charlotte and Tulsa and the violent protests rocking Charlotte; the aftermath of last weekend’s bombings in New York, the bombs found in New Jersey and the stabbings in St. Cloud, Minnesota; the U.S. military’s determination that Islamic State is using chemical weapons; allegations that Anthony Weiner had been sexting a 15-year-old girl; the flap over Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s divorce; and the playoff push in Major League Baseball were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

WPHT, Philadelphia’s Rich Zeoli Welcomes New Daughter.  Afternoon drive personality Rich Zeoli spent the past couple of weeks doing his WPHT, Philadelphia from Utah – via the reliable Comrex Access – while going through the process of adopting his new daughter Clare Megan Zeoli (pictured with dad here).  Zeoli, who also adopted a son named Patrick in 2014, tells TALKERS, “I was fortunate enough to interview Ivanka Trump about her maternity leave plan while feeding my daughter from my makeshift Utah studio…a closet! Irony?”

‘Heard’ at the RAIN Summit.  While media consultant Holland Cooke is covering the panels and presentations taking place at this week’s NAB/RAB Radio Show in Nashville, TALKERS special features correspondent Jeff McKay is talking to people in the hallways about what’s being said at the events.  From yesterday’s day one of the annual convention, click here to see what people are telling Jeff.

Job Opportunities at WBT and WLNK in Charlotte.  There are three positions available at Greater Media’s Charlotte operations.  First, News Talk 1110 WBT is looking for a fun, outgoing, hands-on and dedicated individual with entry level event planning experience for a full-time position in our Marketing and Promotions Department.  This position works to ensure the timely and successful execution of promotions, contests and events through teamwork and coordination with other departments and staff.  See more about that position here.  Second, WBT/WLNK seek part-time Event Relations Team Members.  They are committed to providing extraordinary customer service to WBT/WLNK radio station listeners and event guests at WBT or WLNK sanctioned events.  Find more here.  And last, News Talk 1110 WBT and 107.9 The Link is looking for an outgoing, sharp, dedicated individual for a full-time, seasonal position as our Ice Rink Project Leader.  The project leader will help in the planning, building, operation, and execution of the Holiday Outdoor Ice Rink, to ensure the successful execution of the promotion through guidance, teamwork, and coordination with other staff.  Find out more about that here.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

RAIN Summit Nashville 2016.  Media consultant Holland Cooke is reporting from Nashville for TALKERS magazine and as the NAB/RAB Radio Show opens today, he files a report from Tuesday’s RAIN Summit.  A slate of presenters reported research results, and programming and advertising philosophies relevant to connecting with audio consumers, including Summit organizer Kurt Hanson, who reminded attendees that “1 in every 5 audio minutes” is consumed via smartphone.  Read thoughts about the changing world of audio consumption from: Triton Digital’s John Rosso, audioBoom’s Brendan Regan, Audible’s Eric Nuzum, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Cox Media’s Tim Clarke, and more, here.

CBS RADIO and Westwood One Renew Distribution Deal.  This is a relationship that has been in effect for more than 20 years and with today’s announcement, we know that CBS RADIO and Westwood One are extending that multi-platform content and distribution agreement for an unspecified number of years into the future.  This deal means Westwood One will continue to distribute: CBS Sports Radio, CBS Radio News, and “The Daly Download with Carson Daly.”

Industry Memorial Event Planned for Dr. Joy Browne in NYC.  A memorial event titled “A Celebration of Joy” is planned as a tribute to the late Dr. Joy Browne who unexpectedly died on Saturday, August 27.  The event will take place on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the Helen Mills Theater, 139 W. 26^th Street in Manhattan.  Although admission is free, seating will be limited and open only to members of the radio, theater and media industries as well as friends and family of the late talk radio star and advance registration is required.  To register, please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or email event coordinator Michael Harrison at michael@talkers.com. The event will consist of a series of industry speakers eulogizing Dr. Browne and sharing stories about her life and significant impact on popular culture.

The Presidential Race, Black Motorist Killed by Cops in Tulsa, NYC/NJ/Minn. Terror Attacks Aftermath, Syrian Aid Convoy Bombed, Wells Fargo CEO on Capitol Hill, Jolie to Divorce Pitt, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/20).  The activities of presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump; the shooting death of an unarmed black motorist by Tulsa police; the investigation into the NYC and New Jersey bombings and the Minnesota stabbings; tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the bombing of an aid convoy in Syria; Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf is grilled on Capitol Hill over the company’s fake accounts scandal; Angelina Jolie announces divorce from Brad Pitt; and the Major League Baseball playoffs push were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Odds & Sods.  Air personality Diane Novak re-joins longtime radio partner Sebastian on his “Sebastian Uncensored” program.  The show is digital delivery of the “Sebastian in the Morning” show online, live weekday mornings, replayed on a 24/7 stream and on demand through iTunes, Google Play and TuneIn.  The show is distributed by Radio Button Network…..ABC Radio launches new content focusing on female listeners.  New radio shows include “GMA After Hours,” with Lynda Lopez alongside “Good Morning America” personalities Lara Spencer, Amy Robach, and Ginger Zee. That show features entertainment news, exclusive content and interviews with Hollywood’s hottest celebrities.   ABC News chief women’s health correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton debuts, “Recovery Room with Dr. Jen,” dealing with everything from current events to personal relationships.  Plus, ABC News chief business, economics and technology correspondent Rebecca Jarvis’ new podcast features her talking with women in Hollywood, business, tech, fashion, comedy, food, sports, and startups about how they built their empires and found their way to success.

‘Heard’ at the RAIN Summit.  While media consultant Holland Cooke is covering the panels and presentations taking place at this week’s RAIN Summit and NAB/RAB Radio Show in Nashville, TALKERS special features correspondent Jeff McKay is talking to people in the hallways about what’s being said at the events.  Click here to see what people are telling Jeff.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

FCC Commissioner O’Rielly: Future of AM Decided by ‘Demands of Listeners.’  Speaking at a luncheon of the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly addressed the issue of AM revitalization.  He noted that the changes allowing the relocation of FM translators is something of which a number of AM operators are taking advantage.  However, he said there’s still more work to do.  “For instance, I’d personally like to see us split off the relief for the main studio rule from the FNPRM so as to complete it before year’s end, and you are likely to hear more from me on this soon.  In addition, I am carefully considering the Commission’s proposal to reduce the protected daytime primary service contour for certain AM stations, and of course when doing so, the actual areas and levels of additional interference are of primary interest.”  But, O’Rielly also said that, in the final analysis, the “future of AM radio will be decided in the market by stations seeking to meet the demands of listeners, as it should be.  No amount of Commission action or government involvement is going to save the medium from irrelevancy if listeners and advertisers abandon stations, although I don’t see that happening in the immediate term.  From my conversations with AM radio license holders, that’s exactly how they see it too: they just want the Commission to eliminate some of the barriers to competition so they have the tools to win the hearts and minds of listeners and then let the chips fall where they may.”

Kitchin to Consult The Mix Group.  Radio exec Kraig Kitchin is entering into a consultant relationship with radio imaging and production firm The Mix Group.  Kitchin is co-president of SoundMind LLC, which manages the businesses of high-profile broadcast personalities and companies.  He’s also the chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame.  On joining The Mix Group, Kitchin says, “Once stations discover The Mix Group, there’s no turning back.  Jason [Garte] and his team of talented producers create an exceptional sound that differentiates a station from all others in the market.  The individual attention to detail for each station client is really remarkable.”

TalkersRadio Launches New International Talk Show Hosted by Award-Winning British Host Graham Mack.  The name of the show is “London Calling with Graham Mack” and it is the newest featured program exclusively heard on the TALKERS magazine experimental radio platform, TalkersRadio.  Graham Mack hosts a daily morning program on BOB-FM in London’s “Home Counties” region.  In this new program, Mack tells TALKERS, “I will present a weekly look for American listeners at what’s happening across the Atlantic – from princesses to prime ministers, from ‘Dr. Who’ to ‘Downton’ and from Beckham to Brexit – things that matter and some things that just don’t.”  The debut installment of the show features an exclusive interview with the legendary English actor, comedian, writer, and film producer – John Cleese.   According to TalkersRadio general manager David Bernstein, “We are very excited about this fabulous new show debuting on our experimental talk radio platform.  This show is totally major league right out of the box and I expect that it will have a major impact not only here in the states but around the world as well.  Graham Mack is an outstanding broadcaster and this show sizzles with information and entertainment.”  Mack has been awarded a number of honors over the years.  They include: “Best Radio Personality” New York Festivals International Radio Awards – 2013 Bronze;  “Best Talk Show Host” New York Festivals International Radio Awards – 2012 Finalist; “Breakfast Show of the Year” Sony Radio Academy Awards – 2011 Gold; and “Best Programme Presenter” Gillard Award – 2011 Gold among others.  TalkersRadio was launched several years ago to serve as an experimental workshop to develop new types of radio talk shows as well as provide a showcase for new concepts worthy of broadcast radio consideration.  “London Calling with Graham Mack” joins current TalkersRadio programs “Healed Planet with Alan Colmes” and “Good for You Radio with Claire Carter.”  Past TalkersRadio programs have included “Vox Animali with Lori Lundin,” “American Family Farmer with Doug Stephan,” and others.  To follow the latest “London Calling with Graham Mack” show info and guests on Twitter: @GrahmMack.  Got a question about life in Britain and Europe? Send your question as an MP3 to graham@mackmedia.co.uk.  To listen to “London Calling with Graham Mack,” click here.

Odds & Sods.  Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Eddie Volkman – half of the highly successful, former Windy City radio duo “Eddie & Jobo” – is leaving his talk show gig with suburban WCKG-AM.  Volkman’s been doing a 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm show on the station since earlier this summer but declares he’s ready to try to get back on the air on a big Chicago signal…..“Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts is producing a podcast series based on her book, Robin Roberts: Everybody’s Got Something (Grand Central 2014).  Her production company Rock’n Robin Productions and ABC Radio are working together on the project.  Each show will be a 45-minute episode in which listeners will hear Roberts and her guests share “their incredible, real-life challenges that will inspire everyone to face their ‘somethings’ and believe in the power of resilience.”…..Westwood One News is providing live, anchored coverage of all three presidential debates and the vice presidential debate in late September and October, plus is providing live, special reports on each night the debates are held.  Coverage will be anchored by Chas Henry, with on-scene reporting by correspondents Bob Costantini, Steve Kastenbaum, Jim Roope, and Karin Caifa.  The first presidential debate is September 26 at 9:00 pm ET from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

NJBA President Paul Rotella Reiterates Call to Activate FM Chip in Smartphones.  Citing the importance of receiving crucial information during emergencies, New Jersey Broadcasters Association president Paul Rotella is asking senators and congressman to again urge Verizon to activate the FM chips in smartphones that it sells.  Referencing the bombings in New York and the bombs found in New Jersey over the weekend, he writes, in part, “One year ago to the day, I wrote to you to urge the adoption of a mandate to light up the FM chip in all smartphones. The tragic events this past week in our state and in New York now make this request a matter the highest urgency, as well as a matter of national security.  For almost a century, New Jersey’s radio broadcasters have been the primary source of critical information to the public in the event of disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, snowstorms, earthquakes, tsunamis, solar storms, terrorist violence, mass transportation accidents, and industrial or technological catastrophes.  This important role can be both before an impending event, to warn the public as we did before Hurricane Sandy, or help law enforcement through life saving AMBER Alerts, but most importantly, after a catastrophic event.  In an emergency, the role of broadcasters is even more important because they serve local communities with essential, fact-checked, reliable information, and they distribute it to all within the broadcast signal.  Today, the most common battery operated device readily available to our citizens may be a smart phone, but it is useless without cell service.  However, with an activated radio chip, a smart phone will function similar to the time-proven reliable transistor radios found in emergency kits around the globe, providing our citizens with information essential for survival.  This includes where food, water and shelter are available; where FEMA and other humanitarian assistance are located.”  Rotella is asking that bill be filed to make chip activation a reality.

The Presidential Race, Terror Attacks in NYC/NJ/Minn., Syria Civil War/U.S-Russia Tensions, Sunday’s Emmy Awards, NFL Action and MLB Playoffs Push Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/19).  The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the investigation of the terror bombings in New York, the pipe bombs found in New Jersey and the stabbings in St. Cloud, Minnesota; the resumption of violence in Syria and the military tensions between the U.S. and Russia in the region; chatter about the political speeches at Sunday’s Emmy Awards show; the weekend’s NFL action; and the Major League Baseball playoff push were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.