Industry News

WIP, Philadelphia’s Glen Macnow to Retire in July

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Longtime WIP, Philadelphia sports talk host Glen Macnow announces that he’ll retire from the Audacyim sports talk outlet where he’s been an on-air personality for the past 31 years. Currently, Macnow hosts the Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm shows and the Eagles pre-game show. Macnow says his last weekend program (which he co-hosts with Mike Sielski) will be July 13. Get more on this story and Macnow’s career at WIP from Crossing Broad here.

Industry News

PodcastOne’s Adam Carolla Show Celebrates 15 Years

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

PodcastOne announces that its award-winning podcast “The Adam Carolla Show” is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Carolla launched his world-famous show in 2009. PodcastOne co-founder and president Kitim Gray states, “Longevity in podcasting is a testament to how well loved the host is and there are few hosts who have had an impact across a multitude of generations as Adam Carolla. We are so proud to be Adam’s longtime partner on this journey and to celebrate 15 years in podcasting together is a wonderful achievement. We look forward to 15 more years as podcasting partners.”

Industry News

BFoA Announces Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces The Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award to be presented annually at the Golden Mic Award Gala beginning in 2025. The BFoA says the Spirit Award will be bestowed upon an individual who exhibits the spirit of dedication and relentless drive to theim Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission exemplified by its former longtime chairman, Phil Lombardo, who passed away earlier this year. Board members, officers, supporters, contributors, and sponsors with a long history of demonstrating Lombardo’s commitment to the Foundation will be candidates for this special recognition. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Phil brought the sense of urgency that is often needed to give donors an understanding of why they need to donate to our charitable purpose. He led the board for many years, overseeing significant advancements that brought in more funds, and thereby allowing us to continue to distribute financial aid to broadcasters in need.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Donald Trump “hush money” trial in NYC; the presidential race; the aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s threat to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson; speculation about more Iran-Israel military strikes; the tensions at Columbia University and Yale over Israel-Hamas protests; the U.S. House passes a ban on TikTok; the Supreme Court to hear arguments about criminalizing homelessness; and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Industry News

March 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for: Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. The March 2024 survey period covered February 29 – March 27. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from these 12 markets. Despite being a combined -2.5 in back-to-back down or flat sweeps (11.5 – 9.0 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WISN is #1 for the seventh consecutive month. For the fourth time in a row, crosstown format foe – Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ – is unlisted. Appearing at #22, Civic Media progressive news/talk WAUK “The Sha 101 FM” posts a .2 (6+). Repeating in fifth-place, Cumulus Media Nashville news/talk WWTN posts its third progressive trend for a combined +2.6 (3.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+). Meanwhile in that Tennessee market, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WLAC is trending 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 (January – February – March, #17 to #18, 6+). Albeit that their combined March 2024 6+ total is 4.8, three news/talkers surface in West Palm Beach’s top twenty. Specifically, Hubbard’s WFTL bounces back from a February dip of seven-tenths with a gain of three-tenths (3.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, ninth to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WJNO is up or flat the third straight time (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1, #14 to #13, 6+) and ties co-owned WZZR (1.4 – 1.1, flat at #13, 6+). With a half-share March increase to 6.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+), Audacy Hartford’s WTIC-AM continues an alternating down-up-down pattern that began in October and has yielded an overall +1.1 (5.1 – 4.8 – 5.3 – .2 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Remaining flat at 1.6 (6+), cross-town Red Wolf-owned WDRC-AM slips from #14 to #16. See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets here.
Industry News

Stephanie Miller Among Those To Enter Buffalo’s HOF

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
Buffalo Hall of Fame The Buffalo Broadcasters Association (BBA) has announced this year’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees; Stephanie Miller included on the list is syndicated talk show host Stephanie Miller. Buffalo Broadcasters Association president Steve Monaco comments, “Our Hall of Fame classes become more impressive every year. Each inductee has made important contributions to broadcasting in Buffalo.” A standup comedienne and best-selling author, Miller gained her first radio experience doing comedy bits on Sandy Beach’s morning show. She began her talk radio career at Los Angeles’ KFI in 1994. Miller would later host afternoons in Los Angeles at KTZN in 1997, before doing evenings at KABC (1997 – 2000). Her show was heard on progressive news/talk KTLK from 2005 – 2013 and she started the “Stephanie Miller’s Happy Hour” podcast. In a 1995 Los Angeles Times interview, Miller admitted, “I never thought about doing talk radio. To me talk radio was like old gray-haired guys talking about the budget.” Miller’s fellow BBA 2024 inductees will be former WGR sports radio morning host Howard Simon; former WGR-TV news anchor/reporter Sheila Murphy (who was a news reporter/anchor at Buffalo radio outlets WGR-AM and WBEN); network television producer/writer/actor Nick Bakay; former WKBW-TV reporter Mary Travers Murphy; morning radio team Shredd & Ragan; WGRZ-TV videographer J. Dooley O’Rourke; and former director of national sales for Buffalo/Toronto Public Media Jim DiMino. The Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Dinner will be held September 19 at 7:00 pm at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville.
Industry News

Travis’ Atlanta, Seattle Travelogue

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
Clay TravisThis past Tuesday (4/16) in Atlanta, Clay Travis of Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” joined Georgia leaders, lawmakers, and over 300 attendees at Greater Georgia’s Second Annual Legislative Awards Ceremony. Among those at the Travis-emceed  event included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones; former Senator/Greater Georgia chair Kelly Loeffler; and Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. Then the following night (Wednesday, 4/17), Travis was in Washington State where he spoke at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar in Bellevue. The biannual event drew over 500 attendees and addressed politics; economics; and culture. Hillsdale College is a sponsor of “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” which airs weekdays 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm (ET) on more than 470 stations. During his trip, Travis visited/broadcasted live from Dickey Broadcasting Atlanta news/talk WFOM “XTRA 106.3 FM,” and iHeartMedia Seattle news/talk KPTR “1090 The Patriot.” Travis formerly hosted FOX Sports Radio’s weekday morning “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis.”  Pictured above: Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry P. Arnn (left) and Clay Travis (right) at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar
Industry News

BFA Honors Industry Leaders

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
BFASeveral notable industry executives were honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America during the organization’s annual breakfast held this past Wednesday (4/17) at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Among those cited was RAB president/chief executive officer Erica Farber, the recipient of the Lowry Mays “Excellence in Broadcasting Award.”  Pictured above (l-r): McVay Media Consulting president Mike McVay; Wiley partner Kathleen Kirby; CBS Radio and ABC Radio executive Don Bouloukos; Erica Farber; NBCU Local chief revenue officer/president, commercial operations Frank Comerford; ABC Affiliate Relations, Disney Platform Distribution executive vice president John Rouse; and ABC Radio Network president/ESPN Radio senior vice president Traug Keller.
Industry News

KMJ’s Triple-Play Day At City Hall

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Cumulus Media’s Fresno news/talk KMJ was celebrated in triplicate at Fresno City Hall yesterday (4/18), as Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer officially declared April 18th “Christopher Gabriel Day”; “Christina Musson Day”; and “Fresno’s Morning News Day.” Gabriel is part of KMJ’s “Morning News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am), while Musson co-hosts the station’s “Broeske & Musson” program (9:00 am – 11:00 am). The proclamations were in recognition of the station’s community service and several awards KMJ has recently received. KMJ’s morning news team – Gabriel, Liz Kern, KMJDon York and Gabe Navarro – won a Golden Mike for “Best Newscast” from RTNA Southern California; Gabriel also notched a “Best Sportscast” Golden Mike. Meanwhile, Musson won her second successive Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie Award for “Best Co-Host, Talk/Personality – Small/Medium Market Radio.” Pictured above (top photo right to left): Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer; KMJ, Fresno’s Christina Musson; her husband Ralph Rendon; and Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld. Also pictured above (bottom photo left to right) Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld; KMJ, Fresno’s Christopher Gabriel; his daughter Cadence; his wife Wendy; and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Carolla Podcast Marks 15 Years.  Launched in 2009, PodcastOne’s “Adam Carolla Show” podcast is celebrating its 15th anniversary. To note the benchmark milestone, 15 of Carolla’s most memorable episodes will be featured in a special “The Adam Carolla Show” podcast collection. Among those in that select group will include: Carolla’s former “Man Show” co-host Jimmy Kimmel; Matt Damon; Albert Brooks; Alec Baldwin; Sean Penn; Nicolas Cage; and Mike Tyson. PodcastOne president/co-founder Kit Gray remarks, “Longevity in podcasting is a testament to how well-loved the host is. There are few hosts who have had an impact across a multitude of generations as Adam Carolla. We are so proud to be Adam’s longtime partner on this journey. To celebrate 15 years in podcasting together is a wonderful achievement and we look forward to 15 more years as podcasting partners.” Earlier this year during Podfest Expo, Carolla was inducted into the sixth annual Podcast Hall of Fame.

 

CalMatters Acquires The Markup.  According to Axios, nonprofit news outlet CalMatters has acquired nonprofit news site The Markup. According to CalMatters chief executive officer Neil Chase, “No money needs to change hands. You simply bring the staff over; merge the two checking accounts together; and keep paying the salaries.” Chase will continue as CEO of the combined company; CalMatters’ current editor-in-chief, Kristen Go, remains in her role. CalMatters focuses on California politics, policy and community issues, while The Markup concentrates mainly on technology and data privacy investigations.

 

 

TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond to Be Thoroughly Documented.  The forthcoming 27th annual installment of  the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering will be meticulously documented on video for posterity. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Because the entire agenda of this year’s event will take place on the state of the art television soundstage at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and a special staging area for individual interviews will be set up on an adjacent TV soundstage, the opportunity to create an in-depth video time capsule of this remarkably transitional moment in talk media history will be unprecedented.”  Harrison adds, “The number of heavyweight players from all ends of the business gathered in one place for one day on a television soundstage is unprecedented.  We will grab the opportunity to save everything we can for posterity. This conference will be more than just another industry ‘convention.’  It will be a ‘symposium’ for the ages reflecting and preserving a remarkably colorful and historic era.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 15 – 19

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The tensions between Israel and Iran escalating from the Israel-Hamas War was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.   At #2 this week was the presidential race followed closely by former President Donald Trump’s election tampering criminal trial. Other hot topics include the state of the U.S. economy focusing on inflation,  House Speaker Mike Johnson’s struggle with members of his own party per supporting Ukraine and Israel, The U.S. migrant crisis, and SCOTUS and the January 6 case.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here

Industry News

Genesis Communications Network to Shut Down

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
TALKERS has learned that effective Sunday May 5, Genesis Communications Network (GCN) will be ending its broadcasting operations.  In a letter sent to its program producers, signed by GCN owner/CEO Ted Anderson and chief engineer George Prondzinski, it states, “It is with great sadness, I wish to inform you that the Genesis Communications Network will be closing effective Sunday May 05, 2024. im This decision has been most difficult for us to make in lieu of poor economic and industry conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause you and appreciate your affiliation with GCN.”  GCN was launched in 1998 by Anderson and has featured a diverse line up of daily and weekend programming covering politics, finance, health, self-help, how-to and topics of general interest. At last count the network was carrying 37 hosts and programs including Alex Jones.  When asked by TALKERS if GCN would continue in any form, Anderson replied, “No, I’m done but would entertain proposals from anyone interested.”  

Industry News

AM Radio Legislative Hearing Set

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
Congressional Seal“Draft Legislation to Preserve Americans’ Access to AM Radio” is the title of a legislative hearing that House Energy and Commerce Committee chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) and ranking member Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) will hold the last day of the month (4/30). Rodgers and Pallone previously released draft legislation that mirrors legislative language the Senate Commerce Committee passed out last year. NAB president/CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “NAB is deeply grateful to chair Rodgers and ranking member Pallone for their continued leadership in safeguarding continued access to AM radio in new cars. With 82 million monthly listeners, AM radio is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System and serves as a trusted source of factual news and diverse programming in communities across the country. Local broadcasters look forward to continuing to work with [Rodgers, Pallone] and all committee members to ensure this critical communications medium remains accessible to listeners across the country.” The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S.1669/H.R. 3413) currently has 48 co-sponsors in the Senate and 245 House co-sponsors. In related news KFNX, Phoenix owner Bill Brady will be delivering an address titled “The Case for AM Radio” at the forthcoming TALKERS 2024:Radio and Beyond conference on June 7 at Hofstra University.  More information in stories below and here.
Industry News

Round Three of March PPMs Released

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for: Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. The survey period covered February 29 – March 27. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from these 12 markets. Even though Alpha Media Portland news/talk KXL-FM drops four-tenths (6.9 – 6.5, 6+), it retains its #2 ranking. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KEX-AM adds three-tenths for a second straight month (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, 6+) and returns to the top 20 (#21 – #20). In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI has its second successive downward trend (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), but continues at #14. At the same time, cross-town Alpha Media news/talk KTSA is off four-tenths (2.3 – 1.9, 6+), slipping from #16 – #17. Anchored in the runner-up slot, Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM & FM is a combined +3.1 since the “Holiday” 2023 report (3.6 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). The Bonneville property widens its lead over iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & FM, which is down a cumulative nine-tenths since January (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+), tumbling from #13 to #17. Not only does iHeartMedia Cincinnati news/talk WLW notch a robust February – March +1.1 (10.2 – 11.3, 6+), it has the distinction of being the only spoken-word station from this group of 12 markets to rank first (#2 – #1, 6+). Steady in fifth-place, co-owned WKRC is trending 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 (January – February – March, 6+). Progressing from seventh to fifth, iHeartMedia Orlando’s WTKS notches its third straight positive trend for a combined +2.8 (3.1 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+). In that same period, cross-town Cox Media Group’s WDBO is a repetitive  3.1 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.5, #13 to #12, 6+). See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets here.
Industry News

Winding Up A Sterling Career

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
John SterlingOwing to health concerns, longtime (since 1989) New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling, retired earlier this week; the team will honor him the day after tomorrow (Saturday, 4/20) at a Yankee Stadium ceremony. The 85-year-old Sterling notes, “I am a very blessed human being. I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. I leave very, very happy [and] look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday.” A statement from Yankees’ radio flagship – Audacy sports talk WFAN – reads, “Yankees radio will never quite sound the same without the signature voice, wit and humor of John Sterling. To generations of Bronx Bombers fans, he was a beloved companion. When you heard John, you knew it was time for baseball. Though he never wore the pinstripes, except of course for his fine tailored suits, he was one of the most colorful personalities in Yankees history and in all of New York City radio. All of us at WFAN tipour cap and salute our colleague and friend on a truly iconic career.” In an interview last month with The Athletic, Sterling indicated that he was “near the end” of his career.
Industry Views

Lee Harris is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Radio journalist, personality, media manager and tech creator Lee Harris is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” It’s been nearly a year since Harris surprised the world of broadcast journalism when he announced that after nearly 30 years, he would be leaving one of the most important positions in all-news radio – morning anchor at the legendary 1010 WINS, New York. He left by his own choice to accept the position of director of integrated operations with NewsNation, the new and rapidly growing cable news network, where he would be responsible for the development and distribution of the multi-platform operation’s audio content. Based at NewsNation’s New York newsroom, this Edward R. Murrow Award-winner would also assist in news writing and the creation of NewsNation specials. He is also playing a large hand in the programming of the company’s major radio property – the historic WGN, Chicago. Harrison and Harris discuss a variety of subjects from 1010 WINS history back to its top 40 roots to NewsNation’s positioning as an unbiased news platform. (Harris will moderate “The Great Debate” between Mike Gallagher and Thom Hartmann scheduled for TALKERS 2024 on June 7.) Harrison and Harris’s fascinating conversation also covers AI and technology’s impact on programming. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Berliner Resigns From NPR

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

NPR

As we reported just yesterday (TALKERS  4/17), NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner was suspended one week without pay from the public media organization after writing an essay for Substack publication The Free Press without first seeking permission from NPR as required by his contract. Now comes word from The New York Times that Berliner – who accused the broadcaster of liberal bias in that online piece – has resigned from the nonprofit. In his resignation letter, Berliner called NPR “a great American institution” that should not be defunded. In the letter posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Berliner writes, “I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish NPR to thrive and do important journalism.” He, however, continues that he “cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems I cite in my Free Press essay.” CBS News notes that Katherine Maher, who became NPR’s CEO last month, wrote a staff memo several days after publication of Berliner’s essay addressing his criticisms of the organization’s editorial process. Among Berliner’s claims are that NPR is failing to consider other viewpoints and that it is fixated on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.   
Industry News

KSL, Salt Lake City Adds “America Tonight”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
Kate DelaneyThis past Sunday (4/14) in Las Vegas, Kate Delaney was a keynote speaker for the NAB Leadership Foundation’s “Focus on Leadership” speaker series. The “America Tonight” host comments, “I was honored to speak at NAB this year. Radio, at its best, keeps and grows an audience with great storytelling, innovative use of audio and the experience you create for listeners.” Delaney’s NAB appearance coincided with the announcement that her Talk Media Network show joins the nighttime lineup of Bonneville Salt Lake City news/talk KSL, which just received an NAB Crystal Radio Award. “I’m thrilled ‘America Tonight’ can now be heard on KSL,” Delaney states. “It’s a powerful station with a rich history of serving its listeners.” Program director Kevin LaRue adds, “KSL is excited for overnight news programming with a combination of solid information and a big personality to be a trusted companion to our listeners.” Talk Media Network CEO Josh Leng remarks, “Kate Delaney is a pro’s pro. She’s made her own luck, through hard work and great communication. Talk Media Network is proud to be expanding her audience. Thank you KSL for continuing to invest in radio. Your operation is one of the best, shining examples in our business.” Meanwhile, “Amazing Americans” founder Jerry Schemmel passes hosting duties of the weekly, one-hour show he started in 2019 to Delaney who looks forward “to continuing to share compelling and captivating and inspirational stories of human achievement. Radio listeners are hungry for authentic, true-life stories, to leave them feeling inspired.” Meet Kate Delaney at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond on June 7 at Hofstra University.