On April 12, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago celebrated its 100th year of service with an anniversary party and videographer Art Vuolo of Vuolo Video – a.k.a. Radio’s Best Friend – put together a historical and celebratory video of the event. Watch the video here.
The music video for the Gunhill Road song “Damn Scammers (Get Off My Phone)” has been flagged by the editorial powers-that-be at Google for containing “shocking” content. The video has, thus, been relegated to a covert censorship process on YouTube commonly known as shadow banning which drastically inhibits its ability to garner views and potentially go viral within the processes of the platform’s algorithms. The song and video make a powerful statement against the growing practice of scamming that is polluting the internet and sowing the seeds of distrust throughout modern society. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, a member of the heritage rock band and co-writer (with Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch and Brian Koonin) of the controversial song states, “When we wrote the song and created the accompanying video images, we knew that some folks – including the censors at Google – might find it troubling. But we were pretty sure that most people (and hopefully the folks at Google) would realize it is just provocative satire and not a literal call for violence. After all, we are only venting in highly dramatic fashion against a universally hated category of criminals who operate in the darkness of anonymity and are destroying innocent people’s lives. Perhaps we misjudged its potential impact. Regardless, we are neither withdrawing it from distribution nor apologizing for its alleged offensiveness. We realize this is not a First Amendment issue. Google and YouTube have the right to post whatever they choose. And for the most part, I love and am a big fan of YouTube. However, because of the enormous, borderline monopolistic power of Big Tech, it might eventually be considered a First Amendment issue.” The song and video presents scammers as hideously ugly, troll-like figures and calls for their deaths by firing squad, electric chair, hanging, burning at the stake, castration and being blown up by drones.
Media attorney and TALKERS associate publisher, Matthew B. Harrison – the video’s producer – states, “It’s like being silenced but without a whisper – shadow banning – an invisible barrier between your content and your audience. Social media platforms may limit the visibility of your content without any notification, causing confusion and frustration. Why does this happen? Often, it’s due to violations of community guidelines, albeit sometimes mistakenly. Do you think they’ve got people watching everything? No. It was most likely a bot. So, understanding context is not going to be at the top of its abilities. The solution? Regularly review the platform’s policies, engage with your content positively, and diversify your social media presence to ensure your voice is widely heard.”
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
Will video save the radio star? I hope so.
The tea leaves have become abundantly clear. Start understanding the impact of stand-alone video offered by your radio station or forever consider yourself outdated. Are you listening, all you great programming and production gurus out there in talk radio land. The up-and-coming generation is in line to take over and we had better start shifting the development wheels into hyper-gear today.
Everything new is new and everything old is suspect. Think about this:
1. How many times have you logged into Facetime or your favorite video platform purely for the sake of staying in touch? An entire generation is being raised on video calls and remote work. Can linear talk radio carve out a future in this video intense environment?
2. I can hear the old school managers barking, “There will always be in-car listening.” True, but commute times and days are changing regularly with remote work becoming the norm. In-car audio listening is changing before your very ears.
3. Have you digested the most recent research metrics? Sorry old schoolers, the days of 95% of homes listening to terrestrial radio are over. Ever watch the preschoolers ask Alexa or Google to read them a book?
4. Young parents under 40 are now limiting “screen time.” The key word is “limit.” Doesn’t that speak volumes?
How do we turn video integration into a sales winner for radio?
1. Stop denying the trend. Embrace the wave and ride it to profitability.
2. Focus on what sells. That “security camera” look in the on-air studio is embarrassing. Start having a real dialogue internally about what it takes to win dollars in this newly competitive world.
3. Reinvent yourself. Do not be slow to move forward. This video world moves at hyper speed and leaves laggards in the dust.
4. Not everyone will make the cut. Some of your talent will work better in the video world than others. Remember this is all relatively new to terrestrial radio. As your team navigates the way through these uncharted waters communication is critical.
The foundation is still solid. Many advertisers are comfortable with radio/audio that delivers the results they expect. Those advertisers are the rock-solid foundation every radio station needs. But eyes on the future are important as we all deal with single digit growth in competitive sales markets around the country.
Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.
The Big Lead reports from the Super Week radio row in Las Vegas that Jim Rome has announced that
his CBS Sports Radio-syndicated program will cease its video simulcast with CBS Sports and that simulcast will move to X (formerly Twitter) soon. Rome had nothing but praise for CBS Sports and added that the video simulcast will disappear for a period before resurfacing on X at a date yet to be determined. There are no reported changes coming to the radio program itself. Read the story here.
FOX Sports Radio is debuting a new, weekly video series and podcast starring Steve Covino and Rich Davis called, “Overpromised with Covino & Rich.” The duo hosts the daily afternoon program on the FSR
network, and this new project takes the audience “on a wild ride through the hottest headlines, trends, and debates that didn’t quite make it onto their daily radio show.” New episodes are posted Wednesdays on FOX Sports Radio’s YouTube page, and the podcast is available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.
The historic rock band Gunhill Road, of which TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is a member, has just released a new advance track from its forthcoming fifth album. The song, “I Got a Line in New York City,” is a genre-bending combination of jazz, rock, and blues with a Broadway flair. Harrison serves as lead vocalist on the song which he co-wrote with his bandmates Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch and Brian Koonin. Further energized by its provocative music video, “I Got a Line in New York City” is slightly abstract and even mystical – while, simultaneously, heart-tugging and down-to-earth. The engaging narrative puts an ultra-modern-but-somewhat-retro twist on the classic story of a young person (Brando Young) whose lifelong dream of making it on the stage is dashed by the cold, harsh reality of the big time. HERE’S THE HOOK: The visual images that bring stunning dimension to the video were created by human artists – under the direction of the video’s producer, TALKERS associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison – tapping into the assistance of leading-edge generative AI on every panel. Michael Harrison states, “The experience of employing the assistance of ‘generative artificial intelligence’ to render these images of an ‘alternate universe’ version of the Big Apple, sprinkled with bizarre characters and weird technology, has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and educational experiences of my media career. I’m thrilled to be able to go out there now and talk about life-changing AI with this knowledge under my belt.” Harrison is embarking on a mini-media tour to discuss the AI aspect of the video and the sociological implications of this game changer. To arrange a phone interview with Michael Harrison please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com. To view the video, please click here: www.igotaline.com
Former Conk News editor-in-chief Jim Peters announces that he is launching a new live video talk show, “Jim Peters At Night,” at 11:00 PM ET on July 31 that will broadcast simultaneously on 10 platforms and networks. Peter says, “There’s nothing new about what I’m doing. There are hundreds of people doing it on Twitch every
night. But they’re all pretty much just talking to their friends. Ours might be the first ‘professional’ talk show that will take spontaneous video phone calls and only video phone calls from the public.” Peters goes on to say, “When I started this project, I decided I was going to go wherever the prevailing technology took me. Although I’ve hosted several television talk shows in the past, I’m a radio guy at heart. So, we started with a live audio show… but it’s currently way easier to do live video than live audio. So, then it became a radio show with a video feed, and standard phone call-in. But when I realized that we could take video phone calls, I said screw it, let’s get real: it’s a TV show – with the public joining in, on the screen.” Peters’ new program will debut on Rumble, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, OnlyFans, Odysee, Telegram & Trovo, and audio-only on Podbean Live.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/28) with the panel presentation, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”
The presentation, sponsored by Backbone Networks, was introduced by John Fredericks, host/owner of the John Fredericks Radio Network (pictured above) and facilitated by WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, GM, John T. Mullen (pictured at right). The panelists (pictured below left to right) included Mark Chernoff, sports reporter, “107.1 The Boss,” Long Branch, NJ/sports talent coach; Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming Florida region, iHeart Radio; and Spike Eskin, VP programming, WFAN, New York and CBS Sports Radio. See the video here.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/27) with the closing reception presentation, “AM Radio and the Automobile Industry.” The presentation, sponsored by The Ramsey Show and C. Crane, was delivered by WABC, New York/Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis. The extremely popular broadcasting, supermarket and energy mogul discussed the current AM radio/car issue rallying broadcasters to stand up to the auto industry and fight its current move to eliminate AM radios from cars. He also discussed the importance of adhering to the tenets of “Freedom, Justice and the American Way” in talk radio broadcasting. He began his speech extolling the merits of “having fun” with your work. Check it out here! Pictured above is Catsimatidis joined at the podium by his wife and WABC co-owner Margo Catsimatidis at the conclusion of his address at TALKERS 2023.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/26) with the morning greetings presentation, “Setting the Stage:
Triple Perspective.” The presentation, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered by multi-platform talk media star Todd Starnes. Starnes brings a lot to the table. He is the owner/operator of a heritage news/talk radio station – KWAM, Memphis. He hosts a local show on the station. He is also a national radio syndicator delivering his own midday radio show to a rapidly growing number of affiliates. Starnes effectively shares his experiences and view of the industry from all three perspectives. Check it out here!
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra
University will be posted, continuing today (6/23) with the comedy presentation, “Morning Wakeup.” The standup routine, sponsored by the Doctor Asa Show, was delivered for the third consecutive year by FOX News Radio midday star Jimmy Failla. Sporting his trademark flashy jacket and ultra-cool boots, Failla – one of the rapidly rising stars on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred – satirically poked fun at political correctness as well as himself. Check it out here!
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/22) with the panel discussion, “Making the Connections Between Local and National Radio and Television.” The three-way conversation, sponsored by the Michael Berry Show, was facilitated by WPG, Atlantic City (and regular FOX News Radio guest star), Harry Hurley (pictured above and below at center). Participants included president/CEO JVC Broadcasting, John Caracciolo (pictured above and below at left) and FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel superstar Brian Kilmeade (pictured above and below at right). See video of the session here.
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.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/20) with the panel discussion,
“Generating Talk Radio Revenue in a Digital World.” The session, sponsored by The Ramsey Show, was introduced by syndicated host and radio executive Doug Stephan of the Good Day Show/Stephan Multimedia (pictured at right) and moderated by Lapcom Communications Corp president, Steve Lapa (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Paul Gleiser, host/owner, KTBB-FM-AM, Tyler, TX; Michael “MZ” Zwerling, host/owner, KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz; Todd Starnes, host/president, The Todd Starnes Show Syndication/owner, KWAM, Memphis; and Paul Vandenburgh, host/owner, WGDI, Albany, NY. See video of the session here.
One of the many highlights of the TALKERS 2023 conference held at Hofstra University on Long Island on June 2 was a fireside chat conducted between Michael Harrison and Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw. The video of that informative conversation is posted here today (6/19). Jeff Warshaw describes himself as a “lifelong broadcaster.” He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, he founded Connoisseur Communications Partners
LP, a 39-station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258 million. At this time, he pioneered notable progress in integrating legacy media with emerging digital technology. In 2004, he formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in five markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry-wide for his outspoken candor and bullish approach to radio station ownership, Jeff Warshaw serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the executive committee of the Radio Advertising Bureau, and is chairman of the Nielsen Audio advisory council. Harrison describes Warshaw as “one of the most knowledgeable, emerging forces to be reckoned with among radio industry leaders and a potential leader in the next wave of radio station consolidation.” The two discuss the intersection between ratings, revenue, and corporate culture. Not to be missed. See the video here.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/16) with the panel discussion, “The BIG Picture.” The session,
sponsored by Newsmax, was introduced by TALKERS associate publisher and media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison, Esq. (pictured at right) and moderated by TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Lee Harris, director of integrated operations, NewsNation; Lee Habeeb, host/producer, “Our American Stories”; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC/chair, Radio Hall of Fame; Arthur Aidala, Esq., founding partner, Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, PC/host, AM 970 The Answer, New York; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York/Big Apple Media; and Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/host, “The Doctor Asa Show.” See video of the session here.
During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/15) with the panel discussion, “Talk Radio and
Podcasting.” The session, sponsored by Our American Stories, was introduced by syndicated talk show host Guy Benson of FOX News Radio (pictured at right) and moderated by talk show host Lisa Wexler of WICC, Bridgeport, CT (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Gary Krantz, CEO, Krantz Media Group; Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia; Ron Hartenbaum, managing member, WYD Media; and Larry Young, host/producer, “In Conversation with LY” podcast. See the video of this session here.
WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, Georgia mid-morning talk show host Martha Zoller was the 2023 recipient of the TALKERS Woman of the Year award. The award, that has continuously been presented since 2001, is officially titled The Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in Talk Radio. Zoller was presented the honor at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. In making the presentation, TALKERS broadcast operations director David Bernstein stated, “Martha’s developed a national reputation in the talk media industry as a reliable go-to observer of the dynamics of Georgia politics from an even-handed, conservative perspective.
Over the years, she’s pivoted at different times between being a local and regional radio talk show host, a student, a political operative, a congressional candidate and a businesswoman… as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother. After graduating in 1979 from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, she worked in the corporate world in addition to raising a family. She says, ‘I know there is no glass ceiling and women can have it all, just not at the same time.’ A lifelong learner, she completed her M.A. in Political Science in 2021 at the University of Georgia’s School of Politics and International Affairs. Among her political experiences, she served as the state director of field offices for Governor Brian Kemp. From 2014 until 2018, she worked for U.S. Senator David Perdue in senior staff positions. She began her talk radio career in 1994 after having been a regular caller to WDUN. In addition to being a perennial member of the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred,” she has been named to James magazine’s list of Most Influential Georgians and Georgia Trend magazine named her as one of Georgia’s most influential members of the media. She also currently serves as the 9th District Representative on the Georgia State Board of Education. See a portion of Martha Zoller’ acceptance speech at TALKERS 2023 here. (EDITOR’S NOTE: TALKERS regrets that the opening portion of Martha Zoller’s speech was lost due to a technical mishap.)