Monday, June 11, 2018

TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Rocks New York City.  The 21^st installment of the TALKERS magazine national convention took place on Friday (6/8) in New York City’s Chelsea District, drawing some 250 talk media industry players to the Big Apple.  The TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! conference featured a record-breaking 71 speakers in a non-stop, power-packed day of solo addresses, panel discussions, presentations, workshops, and networking/meal receptions.  The majority of the program was streamed live in real time on Talkers.com by Livestream and video of the event is currently available to view on the main page of Talkers.com.  In the weeks ahead, TALKERS will present standalone videos of key panels and presentations along with additional coverage of the event.  Visit Talkers.com regularly for details.  Pictured below is TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (left) conducting the opening-session fireside chat with FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio star Brian Kilmeade (right).

Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity to Broadcast Show from Singapore.  Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Sean Hannity is in Singapore all this week covering President Trump’s Tuesday summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and his Premiere Networks program will emanate from Singapore all week. Hannity, whom Premiere Networks notes was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018, will also host his prime-time FOX News Channel programfrom Singapore tonight through Wednesday.  In addition to his programs, Hannity will be Tweeting real-time updates during the week-long broadcast special, including breaking news and guest appearances.

WLS-AM, Chicago Adds ‘DriveChicago’ Program to Saturday Schedule. A new weekend program dedicated to the automobile has launched on Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago titled, “DriveChicago.”  The program is a partnership between the station and the Chicago Automobile Association (CATA) to create Chicago’s newest radio show all about the city’s storied car culture.   It debuted this past Saturday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. WLS says the show – hosted by station news anchor Jennifer Keiper – is designed to “deliver a lively and frank discussion of everything automotive.” Joining Keiper on the program are long-time automotive expert Mark Bilek and car enthusiast Jim OBrill.  WLS-AM OM and program director Pete Bolger says, “Cars are top of mind to our upscale audience.  Combining the connections of CATA and our award-winning automotive industry expert, WLS-AM news anchor Jennifer Keiper, ‘DriveChicago’ will be an informative but fun show; one that creates strong on-air and digital content, relevant to our listeners and advertisers.”

iHeartMedia Launches New Asheville Sports Talker. The trimulcast is called “ESPN Asheville 92.9 FM/880 AM/1400 AM, First for Sports in Western North Carolina” and is based at WPEK-AM. It’s also heard on translator W225CJ at 92.9 FM and WMXF-AM at 1400. iHeartMedia Asheville SVP of programming Brian Hall says, “I’m really excited we’re bringing the ESPN format back to sports talk listeners here in Western North Carolina.  The ESPN brand aligns perfectly with our platform of top-rated iHeartMedia radio stations here in Asheville.”  Programming will include “Golic and Wingo” in mornings.  The regionally syndicated David Glenn show airs from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm and the SEC-centric Paul Finebaum show airs from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The station is also airing University of North Carolina football and basketball play-by-play.

Keller Radio Talent Institute Opens Today at Appalachian State University. Today in Boone, North Carolina, the Kellar Radio Talent Institute at Appalachian State University starts as the Beasley Radio Talent Institute continues at Emerson College in Boston and the TAB Radio Talent Institute poises to start next week at the University of Tennessee.  The mission of the National Radio Talent System is to “discover and coach the talent who can be hired today and be the next generation of leaders in broadcasting.”  This program has the broadcast profession, the universities, and the National Radio Talent System working together in a collaborative effort to accomplish this unified mission. More than 40 veteran broadcasters from Beasley Media Group, Entercom, Curtis Media, iHeartMedia, Capitol Broadcasting, and others will be leading sessions.  Twenty-five students from four universities have been accepted into the Institute.  There are no breakout sessions – every student will be in every session, including the RAB Radio Marketing Professional Certification course.  NRTS founder Dan Vallie says, “It’s invigorating to all of us to see so many students with a desire for a career in radio.  The talent is there, and they are as excited as you and I were when we got into the industry.  The collaborative effort from the industry shows the commitment to young talent and the future of the industry.”

TALKERS News Notes.  Pictured at right are Westwood One EVP news/talk Bart Tessler (right) and VP of news/talk Kevin DeLany after receiving the Sigma Delta Chi award from the Society of Professional Journalists for Westwood One News’ coverage of last year’s mass shooting in Las Vegas.  The award was bestowed at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on June 8…..Former WILK-AM, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton talk show host Sue Henry is throwing her hat in the ring, challenging fellow Republican Eddie Day Pashinski for his Pennsylvania State Representative seat in the 121st District.  Henry was a talk host at Entercom’s WILK for the past 16 years before her exit last month after contract renegotiations stalled.

Trump-Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Trump Overture to Putin, G7 Summit/Trump-Trudeau Spat, Anthony Bourdain Suicide, Tony Awards, Ocean’s 8 Film, Warriors Sweep Cavs for NBA Title, and Capitals Top Golden Knights to Claim Stanley Cup Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  The preparation for the summit between President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un; Trump makes an overture to Russia’s Vladimir Putin; the tense G-7 Summit in Canada and the tiff between President Trump and Justin Trudeau; celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain dead of apparent suicide at 61; Sunday night’s Tony Awards broadcast; the opening weekend of theOcean’s 8 film; the Golden State Warriors sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers to claim the NBA title; and the Washington Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights for the Stanley Cup were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Detroit CHR WDZH “98.7 AMP Radio” names Chris Cruise and Julia Lepidi hosts of “The Morning Show with Cruise and Julia,” starting Monday June 18.  They replace Jeff Daly and Josh Foreman, hosts of the “Rat & Puff” show.  Cruise is a Detroit native who comes back to the Motor City after having most recently served at Townsquare Media’s country KAWO, Boise “WOW 104.3.”  Lepidi has been hosting evenings at WDZH since 2015.  Entercom Detroit president and market manager Debbie Kenyon comments, “As the leaders in live, local, original audio content, we are excited to bring our community a new show to tune in to while getting their day started.  I’m looking forward to hearing Chris and Julia on air together.  They have a chemistry that will have listeners laughing out loud and are sure to make for a great morning tandem.  I look forward to their success in Detroit.”…..Cort Johnson returns to Alpha Media’s triple A KINK-FM, Portland to serve as afternoon drive host and assistant program director.  Johnson joined KINK and sister news/talk KXL in 2011.  He’s most recently been a member of Alpha’s corporate digital content team.  KINK content director Ronnie Stanton says, “I am so thrilled to work beside a talent like Cort who brings local knowledge, on-air and digital skills to the table and already understands and loves the intricacies of the KINK brand.”…..In Fredericksburg, Virginia, Alpha Media rebrands CHR WVBX-FM as “LIVE 99.3” from the “99.3 The Vibe” handle.  Alpha Media Fredericksburg market manager Beth Vickers comments, “We are very excited to have launched a radio station in Fredericksburg that plays the hit music of today’s hottest artists. Alpha Fredericksburg continues to deliver top quality programming with local and live personalities.”…..In the Land of Lincoln, radio exec Pat Kelley is named market manager for Townsquare Media’s Rockford cluster.  He’s been serving in the same capacity at the company’s Fort Collins, Colorado station group.  Kelley had served as manager of WLFM-FM, Chicago when it aired smooth jazz…..Entercom announces the call letters WNYL-FM replace the WBMP-FM calls for alternative rock “ALT 92.3.”

Friday, June 8, 2018

TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! to Be Streamed on Live Video by Livestream.  Most of the speaking events at the forthcoming 21^stannual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention, TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! will be video streamed in real time at Talkers.com by Livestream.  The event takes place today, Friday, June 8.   TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! will present a record-breaking 71 speakers in a non-stop, power-packed day of solo addresses, panel discussions, presentations, workshops, and networking/meal receptions.  Speakers are encouraged to check the agenda posted on this website to find the exact time they will be appearing in the schedule and attendees should check it as well to help get the most out of what promises to be a historic day in the talk media industry.  To see the up-to-the-minute-agenda, please click here.  The live stream can be found in the TalkersTV box that will appear at the top of the right-hand column located on every page of Talkers.com.

FOX Sports Changes Add Joy Taylor to ‘The Herd.’ A couple of changes at FOX Sports put current staffers in new roles.  Joy Taylor is leaving her role as moderator on FOX Sports 1’s “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” and will take on the role of news anchor for “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.”  (Taylor is pictured here with Cowherd.) Taking Taylor’s place on “Undisputed” is Jenny Taft.  FOX Sports VP of studio production/executive producer for FS1 Whit Albohm says, “We’re thrilled to announce new roles for Joy and Jenny on ‘The Herd’ and ‘Undisputed.’  Both have been consummate professionals – Joy having been a major part of Undisputed’s rise and Jenny’s extensive resume, including her upcoming World Cup duties in Russia.  We’re proud of what they’ve accomplished so far and excited to see what’s next.”

Jamie Allman Asks FCC to Reconsider Entercom’s Acquisition of Emmis Stations.  As you already are aware, former KFTK-FM, St. Louis morning drive talk host Jamie Allman is suing both Emmis and Entercom for breach of contract relative to his April 10 dismissal from news/talk KFTK in the aftermath of his “hot poker” Tweet about Parkland, Florida teen David Hogg.  Now, we learn that Allman has filed with the FCC a Petition for Reconsideration of the assignment of the stations from Emmis to Entercom.  Allman’s argument is that Emmis and Entercom breached the Programming Agreement when it fired him and that they also violated the terms of the FCC’s multiple ownership rule. Further, Allman says such violations authorize revocation of any station license.

WOR, New York to Air New Men’s Health Show.  The weekly Saturday program features Dr. David Samadi – head chairman of urology and chief of robotic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City – discussing the latest in men’s health issues.  The 30-minute show airs live at 7:00 am and includes listener call-ins and expert guests. Dr. Samadi says, “Men have a tendency to be less aware of their own health and the issues that may affect them.  Topics like prostate health, sexual potency, and cancer can be hard to talk about, especially for men.  We believe ‘Men’s Heath with Dr. Samadi’ will be a valuable resource for men.  My goal is to educate and improve the quality of people’s lives by driving awareness among men to be preventative, not reactive about their health.”

Hosting Geraldo in Philly.  Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia afternoon drive talk host Rich Zeoli (left) with FOX News correspondent-at-large Geraldo Rivera (right) chatting before a sold-out audience at the most recent Talk Radio 1210 WPHT Speaker Series event.  Rivera is currently promoting his new book, The Geraldo Show: A Memoir (2018 BenBella Books).  Zeoli tells TALKERS Rivera shared his thoughts on everything from President Trump to race relations to his strong friendship with Sean Hannity.

TALKERS News Notes. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be back on Entercom’s KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” this football season during the midday “Cook and Poni” show talking about Steelers football.  Entercom Pittsburgh interim market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “We’re excited to welcome Ben back to ‘The Fan’ for another stimulating season of football talk. With Ben’s keen insight and candid approach, ‘The Ben Roethlisberger Show’ with Cook and Poni is a must listen every Tuesday during the season.”…..WTOP, Washington national security correspondent J.J. Green is being honored with the 31st Annual Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on National Defense.  The $5,000 award recognizes journalists whose high standards for accuracy and substance help foster a better public understanding of national defense.  Green is being honored for his exclusive, multi-media series, “Anatomy of a Russian Attack,” which engaged a wide range of national experts and leaders as they explored Russia’s cyber interference in the United States during the 2016 presidential election.  The judges said Green’s series “addressed one of the most critical national security issues of the year and for the future: Russia’s cyber-attacks against America’s election infrastructure.  At a time in which the debate over this existential threat to the country often devolves into partisan wrangling, Green stayed rigorously apolitical.  Each segment contained examples that made the risks relatable.”…..WBUR, Boston announces that Bill  Littlefield, longtime host of the NPR sports program “Only A Game,” is retiring on July 28.  Littlefield launched “Only A Game” in July of 1993 and it remains the only national NPR sports program.  It is carried on 250 stations nationwide.  WBUR says that “over the years, Bill transformed the program from being focused largely on sports news to a narrative based program featuring unique people and stories within the industry. He has made it a point to cover sports for all genders and ages, and all corners of the sports world, from trampoline dodgeball to lobster boat drag racing.”  NPR is searching for Littlefield’s replacement.

Trump-Russia Investigation Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 4-8.  The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 this week was the anticipated report from the inspector general on the FBI and CIA investigation into the Hillary Clinton email case.  Coming in at #3 was the summit between President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, followed by the Bill Clinton NBC interview in which he got testy addressing the Monica Lewinsky affair at #4.  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.

Morning Show Producer Gig. In the Denver market, iHeartMedia’s KOA “NewsRadio” has an immediate, full-time opening for a morning show producer.  IN this position, you’ll be part of a large team dedicated to the production of “Colorado’s Morning News,” a five-hour, all-news morning show.  Duties include writing, booking guests, and enterprising segment ideas.  See all of the requirements and to apply right here.

Opportunity for KNX Full Time Writer/Producer

Entercom’s all-news KNX, Los Angeles looking for a fearless, aggressive, energetic, enthusiastic, and creative team player. The right candidate is a real show producer and not just a guest booker. Must have a strong rolodex, good news judgment and the ability to write quick, clear, compelling and concise scripts without the usual cliché’s or news speak. Must work and play well in a fast, high-pressure all-news environment.  Intimate knowledge of socializing content in all platforms is a MUST.  Prior major-market producing and news writing experience required.  Strong multi-tasking and computer skills required. Familiarity with Southern California including politics, pop culture, lifestyle, etc. preferred. Must be available to work all hours, overnights, and weekends. Required to join the Writers Guild of America.  For more information, please click here.

Morning News Opportunity

News Radio KFBK, Sacramento, an iHeartRadio station, is looking for a highly skilled, experienced executive news producer to lead and manage its top-rated “KFBK Morning News” – a four-hour, fast-paced, market-leading live newscast. Candidates need large-market, long-form newscast producing experience, immaculate writing and editing skills, along with strong problem-solving and leadership abilities to excel in this key position within the news management team.  Strong digital and social media skills are essential. Some on-air reporting/anchoring required.  For more info and to apply, click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Radio management pro Chris Walus joins Adams Radio Group to serve as director of sales for the Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland station group that includes classic rock WGBG, country WKHI, rock WZBH, rhythmic CHR WOCQ, and oldies WOCQ-HD2.  Walus was most recently associate publisher of the Delaware Business Times.  Prior to that he served with iHeartMedia in the Wilmington and Salisbury-Ocean City markets…..The Premiere Networks nationally syndicated Mario Lopez show is being added to the program schedule at Sinclair Broadcast Group’s hot AC KPLZ, Seattle “Star 101.5.”…..Bert Weiss, host of the syndicated “The Bert Show,” is being nominated for the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in the Career Achievement category.

Thursday, June 7, 2018

‘97.5 The Fanatic’ Announces Summer Program Schedule. Philadelphia sports talker WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” unveils its summer programming lineup that includes new programs in the early morning and evening dayparts.  First, the 5:00 am to 6:00 am “The Fanatic At 5 with Eytan Shander and Jamie Lynch” leads into the “Anthony Gargano and the Morning Guys” program on the Beasley Media Group station.  At 6:00 pm, Devon Givens and Geoff Mosher co-host the “Devon & Geoff/D&G Radio” program.  They’ll hold down the slot until the hockey and basketball seasons return. At 9:00 pm, Joe Tordy hosts his eponymous sports talk show until 12:00 midnight.  WPEN director of sports content Eric Johnson comments, “We are very excited about our summer lineup here at ‘97.5 The Fanatic.’  ‘The Fanatic At 5 with Eytan & Jamie’ will take an in-depth look at daily Philly sports news.  It will include the scores, stories, and sounds that bring Philadelphia sports to life.  Listeners can enjoy Devon’s Sixers knowledge and Geoff’s deep Eagles insight over the summer until the Flyers and Sixers seasons return.  In addition, Joe Tordy has his finger on the beat of Philly sports and is not afraid to share opinions with listeners.”

‘The Financial Exchange’ Adds WJNO, West Palm Beach in Deal with iHeartMedia. Boston-based “The Financial Exchange with Barry Armstrong and Chuck Zodda” strikes a long-term deal with iHeartMedia to add the program to West Palm Beach news/talk WJNO, airing from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon.  At the same time, the program will be heard for another hour on current iHeartMedia affiliates WTAG, Worcester and WHYN, Springfield in Massachusetts.  The show has been heard on 14 New England stations for the last four years.  WJNO is its first expansion outside of New England. Program founder Barry Armstrong says, “Adding West Palm Beach to our existing list of radio stations that air the show, along with the additional hours on WTAG and WHYN, allows Chuck and me the opportunity to share the views of our guests and our own perspectives to an even wider audience.”

WGR, Buffalo Producer Ryan Gates Follows Through on Promise to Quit.  This isn’t a case of Ryan Gates being unhappy in his job.  Back before the NFL Draft, Gates said on the air that he would quit his position as producer for the “Schopp and the Bulldog” show and host of “The Nightcap” program if the Buffalo Bills drafted quarterback Josh Allen with quarterbacks Baker Mayfield or Josh Rosen still on the board.  According to NewYorkUpstate.com, shortly after the Bills traded up to select Allen, Gates posted his resume online.  Now, Gates is following through and will leave Entercom’s WGR as a full-time employee (he’s remaining as a part-time contributor) and will join “the corporate world.”

Entercom’s WCBS-AM Honored with Three New York Press Club Awards. New York City all-news station WCBS-AM “Newsradio 880” is being honored by The New York Press Club with three 2018 Awards for Journalism.  The private, non-profit organization honors excellence by writers, reporters, editors, producers, photographers and multi-media journalists annually.  This year, 76 winners in 29 categories were selected from nearly 500 entries submitted by TV, radio, newspapers, websites, magazines, and newswires in New York City and around the U.S. WCBS-AM won Continuing Coverage honors for “The Killer Tide” by Marla Diamond; Podcast for “50 Stories by Wayne Cabot”; and Spot News for “Terror on the Bike Path” by the WCBS News team.

iHeartMedia and OZY Media Enter Content Partnership. News content producer OZY Media and iHeartMedia announce a multi-year partnership that will allow OZY’s content to be available across iHeartMedia platforms.  In a press release, iHM says that “beginning today, OZY stories on a range of topics from politics, to culture to technology to sports, will be featured in iHeartMedia’s top-rated morning shows across 150 markets in the U.S.  The new partnership also includes promotion across iHeartMedia’s multi-platform network including radio, digital, social and live events.”  OZY boasts 40 million monthly unique users and 4 million subscribers offering 100% original content “with a focus on the future,” via unique OZY News, OZY Magazine, OZY TV and OZY Events products.  iHeartMedia president of ventures Joe Robinson says, “We are impressed with OZY’s rapid growth, diverse content, and versatility across platforms, especially in today’s competitive media landscape.  We are excited to partner with OZY, and with our massive reach of a quarter of a billion listeners a month across the country, this partnership gives us the opportunity to share even more critical news and information with our diverse audience.”  As a result of this partnership, OZY Media’s hit podcast series “The Thread,” which takes listeners through nearly a century of great American stories, will join iHeartRadio.

TALKERS News Notes. Two Florida signals are being sold by owner Genesis Communications I, Inc. to Immaculate Heart Media, Inc. for a price yet to be announced.  Genesis’ sports talk WHOO-AM, Orlando (licensed to Kissimmee) and news/talk WAMT, Orlando (licensed to Pine Castle and Sky Lake) will transfer to Immaculate Heart and take on religious formats.  Bruce Maduri-led Genesis continues to broadcast spoken-word content in Florida with sports talk WHBO “SportsTalk Florida” and WIXC, Titusville “NewsTalk Florida.”  Broker for this deal was Kalil & Co…..SiriusXM is bringing World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman to the service as a host on the PGA TOUR Radio channel.  The program is called “Attack Life Radio with Greg Norman” and features Norman in the role of interviewer speaking with guests from the worlds of golf, politics, and business.

Trump-Russia Investigation, G-7 Summit/Trade Wars, Trump-Kim Jong Un Meeting, Iran Nuclear Deal, Tuesday Primary Elections, Bill Clinton Interviews, NBA Finals, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/6).  The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; this weekend’s G-7 Summit in Canada and President Trump’s standing among leaders whose countries are affected by U.S. tariffs; the Singapore summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un; the status of Iran’s nuclear program after the U.S.’s exit from the previous nuclear deal; Tuesday’s primary elections and what they portend for the fall mid-term elections; Bill Clinton’s image in the #MeToo era after his NBC interview that addressed the Monica Lewinsky affair; the Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Salem Radio Network Host Larry Elder Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast Engaging in Riveting Conversation on Race Relations.   Nationally syndicated Salem Radio Network host Larry Elder is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”   Elder, an African American conservative, and Harrison engage in a candid discussion about race relations, political correctness, the politics of civil rights, widespread societal ignorance, and insidious hypocrisy.  Elder, often referred to as the “Sage from South Central,” discusses his life growing up in the tough, crime-ridden, gang-infested part of town and dealing with family issues that shaped his often-controversial view of the black experience in America.  The two cover a wide variety of issues and angles including what Elder describes as the unfair treatment of Roseanne Barr.   Don’t miss this.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Radio pro Will Calder exits Entercom’s CHR WPOW, Miami “Power 96” and is searching for new opportunities.  Calder has served with WPOW for the past six years as midday personality, APD, music director and imaging director…..After a time in the hospitality industry working aboard Carnival Cruise ships, Sarah Morgan returns to the United Stations Radio Networks-syndicated program “The Lex & Terry Morning Show.”  She takes over for Krystina Byford, who has exited the show to serve with Cumulus Media in Dallas at country KSCS and sports talk KTCK “The Ticket.”  Lex & Terry say, “Both of these young ladies have been a huge part of our success over the last 10 years and we are happy for both of them to be where they are now. Krystina will be a major player in Dallas radio, and Sarah is a ratings magnet, so we are thrilled to have her on the air again.”

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Ron Hartenbaum, Sue Freund and Scott Calka Launch New Ad Sales Company with Offices in New York and Los Angeles.  Three high-profile industry veterans have formed a new company, Crossover Media Group Sales, specifically developed to provide advertising-sales representation across multiple platforms for an array of established and emerging program personalities and formats.  Managing members are Scott Calka, a veteran of advertising sales for organizations including Comcast Spotlight, DirecTV, Fox Sports and Madison Square Garden; sales pro Sue Freund, who most recently served for a decade as VP of sales for the Western Region for SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and who is opening the Los Angeles office of Crossover Media Group Sales; and well-known impresario Ron Hartenbaum, a veteran of advertising agencies including Needham and Grey, later serving as VP of sales for Westwood One before becoming a founding partner of MediaAmerica and CEO of Jones Radio Networks. The new company is an extension of New York-based Crossover Media Group, which was launched by Hartenbaum and Calka in 2017 as a content-creation and advertising-sales consulting firm.  “Until relatively recently, media personalities and content providers have not had a strategy to monetize their efforts fully beyond a single platform,” Hartenbaum tells TALKERS.  “Crossover Media Group Sales is equipped to help content creators maximize their ad revenue regardless of delivery platform.”  Calka states, “We believe we have developed the first truly cross-platform ad-sales structure to best serve the needs of content partners whose origins are in the audio and digital-video sectors.  The future of ‘TV’ revolves around non-linear video consumption.  To monetize the millennial audience, personalities, content providers and brands need to have a strategy for this platform.”  Freund states, “There is a strong and surprisingly untapped market for advertising to support personalities and brands seeking to maximize revenue potential across all the platforms available to them.  If you have an audio presence, we can be your video partner.  If you have a video brand but have had difficulty breaking through the clutter, we can help.  We understand cross-platform branding, promotion and monetization, and how to serve the needs of content providers, media buyers and brands alike.”   Crossover Media Group Sales’ initial clients include a variety of radio and podcast products by Stephanie Miller, audio personalities Thom Hartmann, Dean Obeidallah, and the team of Michael Steele and Rick Ungar, all of whom have programs on SiriusXM.  The company’s video-streaming program-network partners include Political Voices Network, co-launched this year by former CNN and MSNBC executive David Bohrman, and Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN), which also is carried on SiriusXM and which was launched by veteran sportscaster Brent Musburger and his nephew Brian Musburger.  VSiN has been cited in press reports among the significant potential beneficiaries of the Supreme Court’s recent decision permitting states to have legal sports betting.

WGN, Chicago Makes Changes to Morning and Evening Shows.  From the Windy City, Tribune’s news/talk WGN, Chicago is tweaking the on-air lineup in.  Evening personality Justin Kaufmann – host of “The Download” from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm – is becoming a permanent contributor to the Steve Cochran morning drive program.  Now, the morning program will consist of Kaufmann, Dave Eanet, Mary Sandberg Boyle, Steve Grzanich, Mary Van De Velde, Joe Romano, and Pete Zimmerman. At the same time, morning show personality Andrea Darlas moves to evenings where she’ll co-host and handle news duties on the Patti Vasquez show that moves into the 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm slot.  Cochran comments, “I have mixed emotions. I’ll miss Andrea but I’m excited for her and Patti. And it will be great to have Justin on the show.  He’s smart, funny, and inexplicably willing to get up at a ridiculous hour.”

Hudson Valley Talk Host Tom Sipos Honored by Council of Industry. WKIP, Poughkeepsie, New York morning host Tom Sipos has been honored by the Council of Industry with its 2018 Manufacturing Champions Public Sector Award for “relentlessly calling attention to the important role manufacturing plays in our regional and national economy.”  Sipos was co-owner of Sipos Insurance for nearly 40 years and now hosts “Hudson Valley Focus LIVE” on the iHeartMedia news/talk station.  He served on the boards and was past chairman of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation and Workforce Investment Board, and chairman of the SUNY New Paltz School of Business Advisory Council.  He currently serves on the advisory board of the Dutchess B.O.C.E.S Career and Technology Institute and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County.  He was the founder of The Dutchess Alliance for Human Needs.  Sipos says, “What a great thing it is to be honored by the Council of Industry, The Manufacturers Association of the Hudson Valley.  I truly appreciate this award and will continue to promote manufacturing and technical education as key components of a healthy, dynamic economy.”

Entercom Stations Grab 17 New York State AP Association Awards. Three of Entercom’s New York all-news and news/talk stations garnered a total of 17 2017 New York State Associated Press Association awards.  The organization’s annual newspaper and broadcast contest honors important journalism. Forty-six radio and television stations submitted more than 524 entries in the annual awards.  All-news WCBS-AM, New York and sister WINS, New York picked up 11 first and second place awards.  News/Talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo took home six first and second place awards.

TALKERS News Notes. Charlotte sports talk personality Chris Kroeger is leaving his position with Beasley Media Group’s WFNZ “The Fan” to become the radio play-by-play voice of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.  As reported in the Charlotte Business Journal, Kroeger will take over for Steve Martin, who retired following the regular season.  Kroeger is a Charlotte native who beat out 10 finalists (from a pool of “hundreds”) to get the gig.  He says Martin voiced some of his own personal best sports moments. Kroeger continues, “Steve Martin narrated so many of those memories on radio and television.  It truly is the opportunity of a lifetime to be his successor and to broadcast a new era of Hornets basketball for the next generation of fans.”…..ABC News Radio says its coverage of the U.S.-North Korea Summit from Singapore will begin on Sunday (6/10).  It will be anchored by Karen Travers with reporting by Tara Palmeri.  The ABC News Radio team says it will provide live coverage as needed, one-hour specials, special reports and one-minute status reports…..NBC Sports Radio and Westwood One are presenting national radio coverage of the 150th Belmont Stakes – the final leg of this year’s Triple Crown on Saturday (6/9).  The broadcast is in conjunction with the Horse Racing Radio Network. Mike Penna will anchor and be joined by Kurt Becker.  Longtime horse race owner and radio executive Dan Mason and horse racing reporter Tom Leach and Steve Goldstein will contribute to the coverage, while former jockey Jeff Bloom will serve as trackside reporter. NBC Sports’ Larry Collmus will call play-by-play of the race…..Former Alpha Media programmer Jeff Beck – who served with the Fredericksburg cluster that included news/talk WNTX – died on Monday (6/4) after a lengthy illness.

Trump-Russia Investigation/Manafort Allegations, U.S.-North Korea Summit, Trump Uninvites Eagles, Clinton-Lewinsky Flap, Facebook’s Data Sharing with China, Tuesday Primary Elections, the NBA Finals, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/5).  The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents and allegations Paul Manafort has tampered with witnesses; the scheduled summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un in Singapore; the controversy over President Trump uninviting the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House; former President Clinton’s response to his Monica Lewinsky affair viewed through the #MeToo movement light; Facebook accused of sharing data with four Chinese firms; Tuesday’s primary elections; the Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programmer and air personality Trevor Morini is moving from Tulsa – where he’s been PD and afternoon host at iHeartMedia’s “92.1 The Beat” – to Austin to program the company’s CHR KHFI “96.7 KISS FM” and alternative KASE-HD2 “ALT 97.5.”  Morini says, “I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work with the great team in Austin and can’t wait to get started!  I can’t thank Don Cristi and Jon Phillips enough for everything they’ve done for me in Tulsa.  I would not be ready for this next chapter without their guidance and support.  I’d also like to thank Tony Coles, Brian Gann, and Matt Martin for allowing me the honor of programming such a legendary station as KHFI!”…..On Monday and Tuesday (6/4-5), Premiere Networks engaged more than 120 iHeartCountry music radio stations and Premiere-syndicated affiliates at the exclusive 2018 CMT Music Awards radio remote broadcast in Nashville.  Pictured below at the event are CMT and Premiere staffers with country outfit Old Dominion.  From left to right: CMT Radio executive producer Ashlee McDonald, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, Old Dominion’s Trevor Rosen and Matthew Ramsey, CMT After MidNite/CMT Radio Live host Cody Alan, Old Dominion’s Geoff Sprung and Whit Sellers, CMT After MidNite/CMT Radio Live correspondent Marley Sherwood and Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Cumulus Media Emerges from Chapter 11. The company said it would emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization during the second quarter of this year and that turns out to be the case.  In a statement, Cumulus Media says it has “successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 having reduced its debt by more than $1 billion.  The Company plans to utilize its enhanced financial flexibility to continue its ongoing business transformation and drive value creation on behalf of all its stakeholders.”  Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner adds, “Over the last two years, we have been relentlessly focused on our plans to turn the Company around, and the completion of our financial restructuring process is a monumental step forward on our turnaround path.  We emerge today as a stronger and more competitive Company, with the financial foundation that we need to move forward decisively with the initiatives that will produce the greatest benefits for the Company.  With this financial restructuring now behind us, we are excited about what we will be able to accomplish with all of our resources and energy fully focused on our operating business.”  In the statement, Cumulus reports that it reduced its total debt balance from $2.34 billion to $1.30 billion, consisting entirely of a term loan bearing interest at LIBOR plus 450 basis points and due May 15, 2022.  “Also, pursuant to the terms of the financial restructuring, the Company’s previously outstanding equity was cancelled and certain former stakeholders are being issued 11,052,211 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, 5,218,209 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock and warrants to purchase 3,729,589 shares of common stock in exchange for their prior claims. Except with regard to voting and conversion rights, shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical in all respects.  Generally, the holders of shares of Class B common stock are not entitled to vote on any matters, although such shares are convertible into shares of Class A common stock, subject to FCC rules and regulations and the Company’s governance documents. We have applied to have our Class A common stock listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol CMLS and, until such time, expect that such shares will be quoted on the OTC Pink Sheets under the symbol CMIA.”

Kathy Smith to Lead Cumulus Eugene, Oregon. At Cumulus Media’s Eugene, Oregon station group, Kathy Smith is the new VP/market manager.  She was most recently Alpha Media Portland’s general sales manager.  Cumulus Eugene includes news/talk KUGN and sports talk KUJZ-FM and four music outlets.  Cumulus EVP Bob Walker says, “We are very pleased to have Kathy leading our team in Eugene.  Her deep experience and true passion for the Pacific Northwest region make her an incredible asset to our six great stations and the community they serve.”

‘97.9 ESPN Hartford’ Names Bob Joyce UConn Sports Executive Producer. At sports talker WUCS-FM, Hartford “97.9 ESPN Hartford,” Bob Joyce is named executive producer for University of Connecticut Athletics content.  Joyce’s duties include serving as the radio voice for Women’s Basketball and Men’s Hockey, handling play-by-play, and working closely with “The Rob Dibble Show.”  He’ll report to iHeartMedia Connecticut program director for sports and talk Ben Darnell.  iHeartMedia Hartford Region president Steve Honeycomb states, “We are excited to have Bob Joyce on our team.  Bob brings continuity and a high-quality professionalism to our UConn content.  He is well known in the market and with UConn fans and we are confident he will bring UConn sports broadcasting to new levels.”

Hayley Tenpas Named WHBY, Appleton Talk Host.  In the Appleton-Green Bay, Wisconsin market, Woodward Communications names Hayley Tenpas host of the afternoon drive “Focus Fox Valley” program that airs from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Tenpas formerly served as news anchor at Scripps’ WGBA-TV, Green Bay.  She is a native of the Fox Valley, having grown up in Hortonville.  She earned her broadcast journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  WHBY brand manager Justin Hull says, “We are excited to welcome Hayley to the WHBY team.  Her passion for the community will be a great addition to our weekday lineup.”

TALKERS News Notes.  On Monday (6/11), 77 WABC Radio in New York is hosting the first GOP primary debate between U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan and former Congressman Michael Grimm.  The station says the two are locked in a “tight and heated race” for New York’s 11th Congressional District.  The one-hour live debate will take place at WABC Radio studios in New York City at 12:00 noon ET and veteran journalist and WABC Radio host and political editor Rita Cosby will serve as moderator as part of the first hour of her talk show with Curtis Sliwa, “Curtis + Cosby.”…..The legal case of St. Louis talk show host Jamie Allman against Emmis Communications and Entercom is being moved from Missouri state court to federal court.  RegularTALKERS readers remember that Allman is suing the two companies for breach of contract after Allman was let go from his KFTK-FM radio show in the aftermath of social media comments he made about Parkland, Florida student David Hogg.  At the time of his firing from KFTK-FM, Entercom was LMAing the station from Emmis as it waited to close on the purchase of the station…..The GCN nationally syndicated Dr. Daliah Wachs program is added to the program schedule at KBDB-HD3, Forks, Washington…..Longtime KSL-AM/FM, Salt Lake City talk show host Doug Wright said a final farewell to his listeners on Friday, June 1.  Wright retired from the Bonneville-owned news/talk station after more than 40 years on the air in the market.  To fill the air time left open by Wright’s retirement, Bonneville is expanding the “Dave and Dujanovic” show to 9:00 am to 12:00.

Joe Brewer Promoted at Katz Media Group.  Twenty-two-year staffer Joe Brewer is promoted to president of business operations at Katz Media Group.  Brewer – who started with the company in 1996 – was most recently chief administrative officer.  In this position, Brewer will increase his focus on business operations across Katz Radio Group, Katz Television Group and Katz Digital with the goal of streamlining company processes and aligning all technology and innovation initiatives with company goals.

AWMF to Honor Judy Woodruff at Gracies Awards Luncheon. The leadership of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announces that Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of “PBS NewsHour,” will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 43rd Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 27 at Cipriani 42^ndStreet in New York. The annual Gracies Luncheon honors individual achievement and outstanding programming at the local level for TV and radio, public level for radio, and student level for TV, radio and interactive media.  CNN’s Erica Hill will host the luncheon.   AWMF chair Christine Travaglini says, “The Gracie Awards celebrate the female storytellers who are changing the narrative and pushing boundaries in the quest toward diversity and equality.  Since the beginning of her journalism career in 1976, Judy Woodruff’s connected, well-researched approach is consistently present and illustrates why she is so worthy of this Lifetime Achievement Award. We at AWM and AWMF, through the Gracies, are incredibly proud to honor and celebrate outstanding talent and content for, by and about women.”

Trump-Russia Investigation/Manafort Allegations, Trump Uninvites Eagles to White House, SCOTUS Cake Ruling, Iran Nuclear Deal, Bill Clinton NBC Interview, North Korea Summit, Dwight Clark Dies, NBA Finals, and Major League Baseball Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/4). The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and allegations that Paul Manafort attempted to tamper with witnesses; President Trump uninvites the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House; the Supreme Court rules in favor of Denver baker who refused to make wedding cake for gay couple; the aftermath of the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal; Bill Clinton’s reaction to being questioned about Monica Lewinsky on “Today” show interview; the status of the U.S.-North Korea summit; San Francisco 49ers great Dwight Clark dies at 61; the Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

BFoA Establishes Joseph M. Bilotta Memorial Fund. The Broadcasters Foundation of America has established the Joseph M. Bilotta Memorial Fund in honor of the broadcaster who died this past Friday (6/1) at age 69 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  BFoA president Jim Thompson states, “Joe was a friend and champion of the Broadcasters Foundation and our industry. He devoted time and energy to advancing broadcasting and to helping colleagues in need.  He will be missed by many, personally and professionally.”  Bilotta spent more than 40 years at Buckley Broadcasting where he helped build the group’s standing through such noted stations as WOR-AM, New York and WDRC-AM and WDRC-FM in Hartford.  Bilotta was saluted by his colleagues in April with the coveted Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award, given by the Broadcasters Foundation of America at a breakfast ceremony held during the 2018 NAB Show.  To donate to the Joseph M. Bilotta Memorial Fund, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Joining Envision Networks as assistant marketing manager is Kelsey Shawgo.  She comes to Envision with a background in writing and music journalism.  She has been published in Substream Magazine, Fashion Meets Music Festival Magazine, and was a staff news writer and features writer for Alternative Press before joining Envision Networks. She also has worked in promotions for the now-Entercom-owned Cleveland station cluster.  Envision says, “Kelsey’s acumen for millennial sentimentalities with a focus on new media and creative content will enhance Envision Networks’ marketing team.  She aims to strengthen the brand voice of Envision Networks in all written and graphic content including public relations, social media, and the monthly journalistic Envision Insider newsletter…..iHeartMedia announces the primetime lineup for its iHeartRadio Music Festival taking place in Las Vegas September 21 and 22.  Performers include: Justin Timberlake, Jack White, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Imagine Dragons, Jason Aldean, Sam Smith, Luke Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Panic! At The Disco, Kelly Clarkson, Shawn Mendes, Kygo, Rae Sremmurd, Logic, and more…..iHeartMedia Chicago announces that market radio pro Lisa Dent is joining country WBGG “BIG 95.5” to host weekend programs.  Dent previously co-hosted mornings on Entercom’s crosstown WUSN-FM in Chicago for 10 years before launching her first business, Lisa Dent Speaks, LLC, and building her own studio, The Radio Farm…..Cumulus Media’s Atlanta CHR WWWQ “Q100” launches a new online destination called Q-U at quatlanta.com.  Cumulus says Q-U “puts listeners first with video content that brings together the ‘Q100’ listening community in a new way and includes original content from listeners who share their lives with others who have a passion for hit music.  Q-U tackles issues affecting young adults on a daily basis, including relationships, jobs, college loans, family and activism.”  Cumulus Media Atlanta VP and market manager Sean Shannon adds, “Q-U builds the ‘Q100’ brand and elevates and transforms the standard ‘we talk, you listen’ format to a truly integrated conversational fan experience.  We couldn’t be more excited to launch this innovative new destination for Atlantans who love hit music.”…..Westwood One’s nationally syndicated “Ty, Kelly and Chuck” program is broadcasting live from the George Jones Museum in Nashville during this week’s CMA Fest.  Each morning’s live broadcast inside The George Jones is free and open to the public.