Tag: "Anne Eller"
Friday, January 8, 2021
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Responsibility, Integrity, and Credibility,” looks back at this past week of January 4-8, 2021. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Dr. Daliah Wachs, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/medical doctor; Erick Erickson, talk show host, WSB, Atlanta / talk show host, regional syndication; Joe Madison, talk show host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Anne Eller, talk show host / station owner, WCRS, Greenwood, SC; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD (“Freedom 93.7”), Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED (“Connect FM”), DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
KMJ, Fresno’s Ray Appleton Under Scrutiny for “Hanging” Comment. Fresno talk radio host Ray Appleton – heard daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Cumulus Media’s news/talk KMJ-AM/FM – is being taken to task, at least by the Fresno Bee, for saying on his program that “certain news editors should be hanged… maybe.” Appleton’s comment came during a monologue in which he complained about the media’s coverage of the attack on the U.S. Capitol compared to
coverage of protests and riots in Portland and other cities, implying that reporting on those events was more sympathetic. He posted a clarification to his Facebook page that was later removed. In it, he says the comment was “clearly tongue in cheek.” On his program Thursday, he said, “So if you were upset by that, I didn’t mean it. I humbly apologize. I’m not talking about taking every news editor and hanging them. I mean, come on. Get with it.” The Bee reports that a call to KMJ for comment on Appleton’s comment was not returned.
Del Colliano: Cumulus Corporate Flips on Election Talk Mandate. According to InsideMusicMedia publisher Jerry Del Colliano, who cites an internal memo from Cumulus Media EVP of content Brian Philips, the company did an about-face on Wednesday as the assault on the Capitol building was taking place in Washington, DC. Del Colliano says that contrary to what many of the company’s talk hosts were saying up to that point about the legitimacy of the election results, Philips’ memo ordered all Cumulus and Westwood One personalities not to continue presenting any illegitimacy claim. He wrote, “We need to help induce national calm NOW. Cumulus and Westwood One will not tolerate any suggestion that the election has not ended. The election has been resolved and there are no alternate acceptable ‘paths.’” He adds, “If you transgress this policy, you can expect to separate from the company immediately.” Del Colliano writes, “Some employees felt the sudden change in direction was so onerous that it in effect dictated what air talent could not broach on the air even after many years of tolerating if not encouraging controversial political talk for the purpose of increasing ratings.”
WFAN, New York Debuts Craig Carton-Hosted Gambling Addiction Program. The program is titled, “Hello, My Name is Craig,” and will air on WFAN-AM/FM, New York on Saturday mornings at 9:30. The 30-minute program is being hosted by Craig Carton and is being presented by 1-800-GAMBLER. In the program, Carton will “drive candid conversations with listeners about different aspects of gambling and provide resources and outlets to those seeking help or looking for ways to help their loved ones.” Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie will be a regular contributor and the program will feature various guests to share stories of indulgence, falls from grace, and the fight to overcome gambling addiction. Guests will include medical and therapy experts, members of the 1-800-GAMBLER team, founders of rehabilitation treatment centers, and more. Entercom New York SVP and market manager Chris Oliviero says, “Legalized gambling is a growing part of the modern sports experience and the everyday fans’ conversations. Our obligation and commitment are to serve not only the audience that can responsibly enjoy these gaming elements, but also in a meaningful way help those, like Craig, who have an addiction. With Craig’s voice and unique perspective, along with outstanding partners and the influence of the WFAN platform, we will do just that.” Carton adds, “Each week, we will tackle different aspects of what for some is a fun recreation but for others is an addiction that forever alters and sometimes ends lives. The show will be a raw and revealing look into the fastest-growing vice in the country and I look forward to providing my first-hand perspective for both those dealing with the grip of their gambling compulsions as well as the loved ones in their lives.” Carton, who hosted mornings on WFAN with Boomer Esiason from 2007 to 2017, was convicted of fraud he perpetrated in order to pay off gambling debts. He served a year of a three-year sentence in prison. He returned to WFAN this fall to host the WFAN afternoon show with Evan Roberts.
WCCO-AM, Minneapolis Talk Host Dave Lee Announces Retirement. WCCO-AM, Minneapolis morning drive personality Dave Lee announces he’ll retire from the Entercom news/talk station at the end of April. Lee joined the station in September of 1989 from KFGO, Fargo where he was program director and afternoon drive personality. He first joined the station as a weekend and fill-in host and gradually became part of the Charlie Boone and Roger Erickson morning show. Lee took over sole hosting duties of the morning show in 1997. During his career he’s also done play-by-play for the Minnesota Gophers and he filled in as a Minnesota Twins announcer from 1991 to 1996. He continues to do play-by-play for the television broadcasts of the Minnesota State High School Boys and Girls basketball tournaments, while serving as the radio voice of the University of St. Thomas football on WCCO. He’s been named Minnesota’s Sportscaster of the Year six times and has won three Emmys for his television work.
“Free Talk Live” to Migrate from GCN to Talk Media Network. “Free Talk Live” co-founder Ian Freeman announces that his New Hampshire-based, nationally syndicated program will move from current syndicator Genesis Communications Network to Talk Media Network, effective January 18. Freeman says that while GCN has been “a great radio syndication partner” since 2004, for a few reasons (some of them technical) he’s made the hard decision to sign up with TMN. He says, “Talk Media Network is, like GCN, an affiliate-focused network. They don’t have makegoods or cramdowns or other undesirable, unfriendly corporate syndication crap. TMN’s CEO Josh Leng came up through the industry and has himself been a successful talk radio programmer. He knows what it’s like in the trenches and has built his company with the desires of radio stations and
programmers in mind. Over the years, we’ve gotten to know Josh and I appreciate his passion for radio.” Freeman continues, “TMN’s also an interesting new take on a syndicate – they don’t have a network studio. Their shows feed directly to Westwood One’s uplink facility. That means that TMN’s overhead is reduced and the potential for failures is lower. It also means we had to start producing our show 100% from the FTL studio, which was no problem, since I’ve had that capability here for years but never used it until now. Since we’re now fully in charge of our program content, phones sound better and our feed on XDS should be a little higher quality as the audio won’t be re-encoded and re-processed at the network studio, since there isn’t one… We will stay on GCN for some time in order to give our stations plenty of time to make the jump. I’m grateful to the crew at GCN for their professionalism and support over the years and especially now. I don’t ever want to burn a bridge and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for Ted, George, Adam, and the rest of the crew there and wish them only the best.”
SportsGrid Content to Air on SiriusXM. There’s a new sports betting-oriented channel on SiriusXM as the satellite broadcaster inks a deal with SportsGrid. The new SportsGrid Radio channel will feature personalities including Scott Ferrall, Gabe Morency, Ariel Epstein, and Jared Smith plus expert contributors and guest analysts. The channel streams live from its production facilities adjacent to New York’s Madison Square Garden and at the Meadowlands inside the FanDuel Sportsbook. SportsGrid says its real-time reporting includes the daily odds, lines, matchups, injury reports, news and more across pro football, basketball, baseball, hockey, college sports, golf, tennis, and soccer.
iHeartMedia Completes Warrant Exchange for Stocks. The company announces that it has completed an exchange of iHeartMedia Warrants (financial instruments that give the holder the right to buy underlying shares at a specific price on or before a specified date) into shares of iHeartMedia Class A Common Stock, the Company’s publicly traded equity, or Class B Common Stock. The company reports that as of December 31, 2020, there were approximately 65 million shares of Class A Common Stock, 7 million shares of Class B Common Stock, and 75 million Warrants outstanding. Following the exchange, there will be approximately 110 million shares of Class A Common Stock, 29 million shares of Class B Common Stock, and 7 million Warrants outstanding. The exchange was authorized by a previously issued Declaratory Ruling from the Federal Communications Commission approving an increase in iHeartMedia’s authorized aggregate foreign ownership from 25% to 100%. Certain shares of Class B Common Stock and Warrants were not converted into Class A Common Stock due to current regulatory restrictions applicable to certain shareholders. iHeartMedia expects additional conversions of Class B Common Stock and Warrants into Class A Common Stock.
Attack on Capitol Building Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 4-8, 2021. Wednesday’s assault on the Capitol Building in Washington by hundreds of Donald Trump supporters was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Donald Trump’s continuing denial of the election results combined with his phone call to the Georgia Secretary of State seeking to overturn his loss there. Coming in at #3 was Tuesday’s Georgia runoff election that saw both Democrats beat their Republican opponents. The Talkers TenTM 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. See this week’s complete chart here.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Entercom Wichita Announces Frequency Swaps for Sports and News/Talk Stations. This move creates a new FM presence for Entercom’s news/talk KNSS and keeps an FM simulcast for sports talk KFH-AM. Beginning on Wednesday (10/12), “Sports Radio KFH” will move its FM frequency from KFH-FM at 98.7 to translator K248CY at 97.5 FM. At the same time, news/talk KNSS will also begin simulcasting on KFH-FM at 98.7. Entercom Wichita VP and market manager
Jackie Wise says, “We jumped on the opportunity to pick up a translator for KFH-AM because this opens up the 98.7 frequency for our AM news/talker KNSS. We’ve had numerous requests through the years to broadcast KNSS on the FM band and now we have the opportunity to respond to our listeners’ requests and reach an available, large FM audience. All of our popular KNSS 1330 AM shows, “Steve and Ted in the Morning,” Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin are now accessible for FM listeners, as well.”
Howard Stern Digital Video Component Targeted for 2017. Part of Howard Stern’s December 2015 contract renewal with SiriusXM included a new video component to Stern’s brand that would be featured on the satcaster’s digital platform. It was expected to be up and running this year but SiriusXM CFO David Frear said at the FBR’s Investor Conference yesterday (10/6) that the initiative will likely launch in 2017. The Hollywood Reporter says Frear stated, “Creative talks with the famed shock jock over what his video programming will look like has delayed the rollout of the video streaming service.” Frear added, “We continue to work through with Howard about what product will appear on the screen. It’s got to start there, with the creative element and exactly what he will present.”
BizTalkRadio Programming KFJZ, Fort Worth. A deal between BizTalkRadio and Siga Broadcasting puts the former’s business talk programming on former Spanish music outlet KFJZ, Fort Worth, Texas and translator K273CS at 102.5 FM. Siga and BizTalkRadio also cooperated earlier this year to make Siga’s KGBC, Galveston, Texas a business talk outlet. BizTalkRadio will assume daily management of the station and says it has plans to launch a local, daily business talk program later this fall. BizTalkRadio EVP Scott Miller says, “We are pleased to bring the BizTalkRadio format to the Dallas-Fort Worth market. We are based in Arlington, so it’s nice to have a flagship affiliate in our hometown.”
Presidential Politics Atop the Talkers TenTM for Week of October 3-7. The presidential race was again the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week with Monday’s vice presidential debate coming in at #2 on our list. At #3 this week was the civil conflict in Syria and the related military tensions between the United States and Russia. Coming in at #4 was the devastation in Haiti from Hurricane Matthew and its potential for hitting the Southeastern U.S. The Talkers TenTM 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.
Odds & Sods. Because its parent company has the national radio rights to MLB playoff baseball, ESPN O&O WMVP, Chicago “ESPN 1000” is also airing the Chicago Cubs-San Francisco Giants series. CBS RADIO’s crosstown WSCR is the flagship for Cubs baseball…..Speaking of playoff baseball, digital platform TuneIn is presenting its own original baseball show, “MLB on TuneIn LIVE,” that includes postgame interviews, analysis, and previews of upcoming matches. TuneIn Premium subscribers can hear the play-by-play coverage of all the postseason games.
WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina Owner Anne Eller Moderates Mock Debate. Pictured above is WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner and personality Anne Eller (center) moderating a mock debate at the local Republican Club meeting. At left, Hillary Clinton is being played by local GOP president and retired school principal Jo Ann Burroughs. At right, Donald Trump is being played by Lander University security chief Eddie Briggs.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
WXYT-FM Detroit’s Terry Foster Sidelined by ‘Minor Stroke.’ One half of the “Valenti & Foster” show on CBS RADIO’s WXYT-FM, Detroit will be off the air until October 3. Terry Foster announced on the station’s website that “I suffered a minor stroke but I am going to fully recover. I can already feel a difference in how I speak and how I type. My fine motor skills are a little messed up in my right hand and I am not ready to throw a pitch from the pitcher’s mound. But I feel a little better every day.” The former Detroit News and Detroit Free Press writer has been partnered with Mike Valenti on the highly rated show since 2004.
iHeartMedia Brings Tom Sheridan Aboard. Sales pro Tom Sheridan – formerly a GSM and director of sales for E.W. Scripps’ crosstown operations – joins the iHeartMedia’s Milwaukee station group to serve as a senior account executive. Sheridan brings his quarter century of sales experience in the market to iHeartMedia’s cluster that includes: country WMIL, urban contemporary WKKV, classic hits WRIT, news/talk WISN, CHR WRNW, and sports talk WOKY.
TED Talk and Audible Partner on New, Anonymous Audio TED Talks. The success of TED has not only led to the expansion of the TED Talks online but to the TEDx initiative that allows free licenses to local organizers to organize their own TED-like events. Now, TED curator Chris Anderson is announcing a new audio platform – in conjunction with the folks at Audible – featuring anonymous, audio TED Talks. In a post at TED blog, Anderson notes the special nature of audio only – he says the “picturelessness” connects us more intimately than any other medium. But the reason for the new anonymous TED Talks is to offer the chance to connect with others to people with knowledge that matters who might not otherwise because of the repercussions of going public. He writes, “Imagine ghostwriters, witnesses, wise souls who’ve survived something profound. A public figure living with mental illness. Someone who secretly gave up a child for adoption. A teenager who fought back against bullying and won. A parent who found a way to balance the needs of an autistic child and a neurologically normal one. A doctor living with a life and death mistake. An illegal immigrant with ideas on how to change the system. A CEO who knows exactly how and when companies go wrong. Someone living a double life.” You can read Anderson’s entire blog post here.
The Presidential Campaign/Clinton Family Foundation Questions, Syrian Conflict/Iran Boots Russian Air Force, Obama Visits Louisiana, Sinking Oil Prices, Putin Offers Middle East Peace Talks, an MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/23). The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton and allegations donors to the Clinton Family Foundation were given access to Clinton while she was Secretary of State; the ongoing Syrian conflict and Iran’s decision to rescind Russia’s access to its air bases; President Obama’s visit to flooded regions of Louisiana and criticism he waited until his vacation was over; the sinking price of crude oil; Vladimir Putin offers to host Middle East peace talks; 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.
Yappy Fever! The colorful host and owner of talker WCRS-AM/FM, Greenwood, South Carolina – the irrepressible Anne Eller – is pictured above doing prep for her forthcoming interview this week with Bernadette Duncan, author of the book that has the talk industry buzzing, Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (AuthorHouse/Talkers Books, 2016). The book chronicles Bernadette’s 26-year career as a producer for big-time talk hosts (such as Sally Jessy Raphael, Larry King, Tom Snyder, Lou Dobbs and Gil Gross) during the golden era between 1983 and 2009. It is an insider’s personal perspective of the good, the bad, and even a bit of the ugly sides of the business and people hosting the shows and guesting on them. A parade of hundreds of contemporary personalities is dissected in this compelling collection of anecdotes and insights. Bernadette has embarked on a national tour of radio and is receiving rave reviews on both the book and her performance as a fascinating guest. For info about the book, please click here. To book Bernadette as a guest, please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
Who the Heck Is Marvin Robert Klopfenstein? He’s one of the most seasoned and storied radio professionals in the business – better known throughout the industry as Bob K – and he’s this week’s guest on the PodcastOne award-winning hit series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Today, the former (self-described) “nerd” from Chino, California – who took accordion lessons, owned a ventriloquist dummy, had a pet duck and pushed around an AV cart in high school – maintains a relatively modest profile as the owner/operator of the Boston-based production company, Bob K Sound & Recording. But back in the day, he programmed and/or managed some of the most important music and talk stations in the nation (KABC, KOA, KFWB, WIND, KING, KOB, KMPC, WBZ and more) and coached some of the biggest-name talent (Jerry Williams, Larry Glick, Tom
Leykis, Doug Stephan and the legendary Alan Berg to name a handful). The conversation between Harrison and Klopfenstein is a radio geek’s delight! They talk about Bob K’s experience serving as the radio consultant on the successful, multi-Emmy Award-winning “Frasier” television sitcom back in the 1990s – and is still playing to huge audiences on Netflix. It starred Kelsey Grammer as the pompous Seattle radio psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane. One of the many assets that made “Frasier” one of the best TV shows of all time was its atypically accurate depiction of the radio station, studio and employees – due in large part to then-KABC program manager Bob K’s expertise and participation in designing the set and coaching the actors. Fans of the classic TV series will love this podcast. Harrison and Klopfenstein also talk about the late Alan Berg (whom Bob K hired at KOA), the liberal/Jewish personality murdered in cold blood by anti-Semitic, white supremacists in 1984, who inspired the Eric Bogosian/Oliver Stone play and film, “Talk Radio.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column of every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Odds & Sods. There’s a three-hour Labor Day special for news/talk stations available from Our American Network titled, “Our American Stories.” The host is Lee Habeeb, who also hosts the nightly version of the magazine-style show of the same name. Included in this special are segments with actor Robert De Niro detailing his climb to superstardom in entertainment and what he thinks are important tools to success, racing superstar Mario Andretti, and 5-Hour Energy Drink developer Manoj Bhargava…..Mapleton Communications does a frequency swap between its news/talk and sports talk properties in the Redding, California market. News/talk is now heard on KQMS-FM, translator K289BT, Anderson at 105.7 FM and KQMS-AM at 1670 AM as “News Talk Superstation.” Sports talk KNRO “FOX Sports Redding” moves down the AM dial to 1400 and is simulcast on translator K263BP, Bridgeport at 103.9 FM…..Alpha Media’s news/talk KFOR, Lincoln, Nebraska is honored with five Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association. The station took home two gold awards for Spot News and Service to Agriculture, as well as three silver awards for Best Newscast, Service to Children, and Service to Government, Business, Industry, and Education. Pictured here are KFOR’s Jeff Motz (left) and Chris Goforth (right) with their gold award in Spot News for their severe weather coverage of 2015. Motz also won the silver award for Best Newscast along with Charlie Brogan. Dale Johnson won the gold award for Service to Agriculture with his “Lincoln Live” discussion about the future of Ag Journalism.
SRN Prepares Special Ebola Report. Pictured above is Salem Radio Network vice president, news & talk programming Tom Tradup in West Africa gathering content for the SRN News week-long special focusing on the 2014 Ebola outbreak titled, “Ebola: The Crisis Prayer Conquered.”
Thursday, June 23, 2016
iHeartMedia Promotes Josh Everett to Louisville-Based Director of Spoken Word Position. Louisville native Josh Everett is coming home to serve as director of spoken word programming for iHeartMedia’s Kentucky-Indiana region. He’ll take over for the retiring Kelly Carls. In addition to his broader duties, Everett will program WHAS, Louisville “NewsRadio 840” – the station at which he got his start as a board operator after
graduating from the University of Louisville. Everett has been program director for the company’s KHOW and KDSP in Denver. He’s also previously programmed WLAP, Lexington, Kentucky and WGY and WOFX in Albany. iHeartMedia Kentucky-Indiana Region president Earl Jones says, “Josh understands the spoken word brands and our listeners’ expectations.” Kelly Carls and his team have built a strong foundation for WHAS by providing quality news, weather and traffic coverage. We’re confident that Josh will keep us moving forward and help us reach new listeners with all of our spoken word brands.”
Day Two of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association’s Annual Convention Underway in Atlantic City. The annual two-day NJBA conference wraps at the end of today. Speakers taking part in today’s program included TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison who spoke during the Morning Opening Session. Harrison
addressed the future of radio, spoke about the state of talk radio and the state of music radio as both battle for attention in the rapidly growing audio entertainment space. He cautioned radio broadcasters to never forget that radio’s greatest strength is the specialness of audio – the ability to create theater of the mind. He also noted that one of the most important things broadcasters can do is remain vigilant in protection of the First Amendment. Harrison is pictured here (left) appearing on WPGG, Atlantic City’s morning program with personality Harry Hurley (right).
The Presidential Race, House Gun Legislation ‘Sit-In,’ ‘Brexit’ Vote, Battle Against Islamic State, Orlando Massacre Investigation, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/22). The activities of the candidates for president, including Donald Trump’s “attack speech” on Hillary Clinton; attempts to take up gun legislation in the U.S. House and the “sit-in” by U.S. Representatives; today’s vote by Britons on whether to leave the European Union or not; the ongoing military campaign to fight Islamic State in the Middle East and the charge domestic authorities face in preventing attacks in the U.S.; the investigation into the motives and actions of Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen; 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.
Cooke: Notes from the Connected Mobility Conference. AM/FM radio’s relationship with the automobile is its lifeline, so any time business professionals are getting together to talk about the state or future of the auto, it’s important to radio. Consultant Holland Cooke is on the scene in New York at CE Week and yesterday took in the Connected Mobility Conference. Cooke reports on some of the data and thoughts from industry leaders on the effects of Car-Sharing and Ride-Sharing, as well as a look to the future of autonomous cars. Read it here.
Day Two of Hold Their Feet to the Fire. Today (6/23) is day two of the “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row in Washington, DC. This year’s event is the ninth annual one to take place in DC and is organized by Federation for American Immigration Reform. Some 50 talk show hosts from all over the country are broadcasting their shows and debating immigration policy while interviewing members of congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists and citizens who live along the border. Just a few of the personalities taking part in this year’s radio row include: Westwood One’s Phil Valentine; Genesis Communications Network’s Mike Siegel; Anne Eller, WCRS, Greenwood, NC; Neal Larson, KID, Idaho Falls; Kevin Miller, KIDO, Boise, and Bill Meyer, KMED, Oregon who is pictured here (left) interviewing FAIR executive director Bob Dane (right).
The State of Women on Talk Radio – Part 2
Why aren’t there more?
By Jeff McKay
TALKERS
Special Features Correspondent
Continuing today (11/3), TALKERS presents a multi-part feature story about the status of female talk show hosts in the radio business that will run throughout this week.
Part 2: Is it blatant bias?
NEW YORK – It was established in yesterday’s opening installment about the state of women on talk radio – particularly “news/talk” radio – that although there are many successful female practitioners of the art heard around the country, male hosts continue to outnumber females by a startling ratio of approximately seven-to-one. The question is why?
Quick recap — a number of questions, theories and myths about the state of the female host persist:
Are women the victims of hiring discrimination in talk radio because management is male-dominated?
Are women not interested in news and politics proportionate to men?
Do male listeners not want to hear a female voice or female opinion on matters of public policy?
Are fewer women interested in entering this area of radio than men?
Are there simply fewer women proportionate to men who have the required level of “talent” necessary to become a radio talk show host?
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Talkers New York 2015 ‘Variety, the Spice of Life’ Video Posted Today. One of the most interesting panel discussions of the Talkers New York 2015 mega-conference (held on June 12) is posted today on Talkers TV. Personably moderated by TALKERS GM/broadcast operations David Bernstein and introduced by syndicated “On Call” host Asa Andrew, MD — the colorful session includes (in alphabetical order): Michael “Bax” Baxendale, co-host, WAQY-FM, Springfield, MA “Rock 102”; Dr. Joy Browne, host, GCN; Tony Bruno, host, WIP, Philadelphia; Thom Hartmann, host, WYD Media; Doug Stephan CEO/host, Stephan Multimedia; and Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore. The main mission of the session is to illustrate that although “talk radio” is usually generalized in the media and the mind of casual observers as being predominantly “right wing political programming hosted by middle aged white males” that – in fact – there is far more of a variety of successful talk shows in the industry than that one stereotype would indicate. Baxendale represents the hundreds of successful “pop culture” programs heard on music-oriented stations; Browne proves that a relationships/psychology show can survive and thrive for years as a varietal component of the traditional news/talk format; Bruno illustrates that even within the world of all sports talk radio, there is room for a show to attain success that doesn’t limit all conversation to sports, per se; Hartmann proves that there is room in the talk radio universe for a progressive take on the issues; Stephan displays the staying power of a morning “generalist” program that combines politics with lifestyle issues within the context of standard news/talk radio; and Larry Young is a primary example of the viability of urban talk within the spectrum of programming needs and opportunities. Andrew opens the session by discussing the major sponsorship opportunities available in the health care field for stations airing a weekend show of that nature within its programming menu. Moderator Bernstein points out that the concept of “variety” also works within the internal structure of a show without being untrue to its mission. To view the video in its entirety, please click here.
Hoge Adds WGNplus.com Sports Editor-In-Chief Duties. Already serving as Tribune talker WGN, Chicago’s “Insider” for the NFL‘s Chicago Bears, Adam Hoge is named sports editor-in-chief for WGNplus.com, where he will oversee expansion of digital content including blogs, podcasts and special streaming events. According to vice president of programming and content Todd Manley, “Getting
Adam’s blog in the WGN family was a huge win for us last year. Now, we plan to capitalize on his coaching skills across our digital platforms. With Tribune Media’s launch of Gracenote Sports, WGN has an even greater arsenal of resources.” Hoge comments, “We live in an ‘on-demand’ world and radio is no different. That really is what WGNplus.com is all about. I am looking forward to working with a great lineup of sports personalities to create the type of content our listeners and readers are seeking.” In addition to being the Bears’ “Insider,” Hoge co-hosts WGN’s “The Beat” each Saturday (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm) and Sunday (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm). The first WGNplus.com streaming event is a Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup marathon; it starts this Saturday (7/4) at 12:00 noon.
WPTF Taps Lewis as GM. Six-year Cumulus Media Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) market manager David Lewis is named general manager of Curtis Media Group talker WPTF, Raleigh. Curtis Media Group executive vice president Trip Savery remarks, “We are pleased to welcome David to Curtis Media Group. His experiences as an advertising agency principal, publisher, and radio manager will be of great value to our customers. WPTF is one of the most iconic brands in North Carolina; we look forward to evolving the station under David’s leadership.” Lewis comments, “I am excited to join Curtis Media and the WPTF team. I look forward to blending my past experience with the talented group that Don Curtis and Trip Savery already have in place, as we further develop our products and content while providing superior results for our clients.” Lewis – who joins WPTF next Monday (7/6) – was formerly the publisher of Charleston Gourmet Magazine.
Ronn Owens to Undergo Surgical Procedure for Parkinson’s Relief. San Francisco talk legend Ronn Owens announced to his listeners on Monday (6/29) that he will be part of the largest clinical trial of Parkinson’s Disease treatment through deep brain stimulation in the country. It’s being done at UCSF and will take place in August. According to KGO-TV, San Francisco “ABC7,” the KGO-AM talk personality says his symptoms have become obvious over the past year.
Business Rockstars Places Features on Six CBS RADIO Stations. The deal between Business Rockstars and CBS RADIO calls for six radio stations to air the “Business Rockstars Minutes” and for the “Everything Entrepreneur” podcast to be available online via CBS’ Play.it podcast network. The radio feature will be heard on news/talk outlets WPHT, Philadelphia; WCCO, Minneapolis; KMOX, St. Louis; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; KXNT-AM/FM, Las Vegas, and WTIC-AM, Hartford. Business Rockstars Network co-founder and chairman Steve Lehman comments, “With the addition of the new CBS RADIO stations, this brings our Business Rockstars Minutes network above 140 affiliates. The launch of the “Everything Entrepreneur” podcast on Play.it will bring our entertaining and educational entrepreneurial content to a new audience.”
Forbes Releases 2015 ‘World’s Highest-Paid Celebrities’ List; Stern at #5, Limbaugh at #11. The annual “World’s Highest-Paid Celebrities” list for 2015 from Forbes has been released and radio
personalities making the list again include SiriusXM’s Howard Stern at #5 with an estimated $95 million in earnings (he also works for NBC TV); Premiere Networks’ Rush Limbaugh at #11 with an estimated $79 million in earnings; Premiere Networks/iHeartMedia personality Ryan Seacrest at #21 with an estimated $60 million in earnings; and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel talk host Sean Hannity at #89 with an estimated $29 million.
Odds & Sods. The Jacksonville Times-Union reports that 25-year WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville program director Mike Dorwart is downsized in what’s being termed at “restructuring” at the news/talk outlet. He tells the paper he was surprised by his firing but has nothing but positive things to say about his quarter century with the Cox Media Group station…..At the Pensacola cluster of Cumulus Media, Terry Michaels is named full-time promotion director for the group that includes news/talk WCOA…..Former Cincinnati Enquirer media writer John Kiesewetter joins Cincinnati Public Radio’s online platform and radio outlet WVXU-FM. Kiesewetter’s media blog Media Beat is now located at wvxu.org. Additionally, Kiesewetter will appear on some of the local programs produced and broadcast on WVXU; WMUB, Oxford, Ohio; and online at wvxu.org, including the daily talk show “Cincinnati Edition” and the weekly arts and culture magazine program “Around Cincinnati.”…..Content creation professionals at Chicago Public Media have reached their first union agreement with management after voting to unionize in December of 2013. The unit includes anchors, hosts, reporters, producers, editors and those who create digital content. The two-year contract includes newly established scale rates for each covered position, annual increases, professional development in job classifications as well as progressive discipline and a grievance and arbitration procedure.
‘Free Talk Live’ Host Ian Freeman Featured in ‘Today’ Piece on Parking Meter Issue. Nationally syndicated talk radio host Ian Freeman – heard on the GCN-distributed “Free Talk Live” with co-host Mark Edge – was featured in a piece on NBC’s “Today” show about his work putting coins in parking meters in Keene, New Hampshire’s public lots in cases where people’s meters are expiring or about to expire. The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently ruled against the City of Keene in its suit to have the self-proclaimed “Robin Hood of Keene” activists’ meter plugging actions declared illegal. In the suit, the City also accused Robin Hood of Keene of harassing the meter maids and the request for a “buffer zone” around the workers was sent back to the lower Court. See the “Today” piece here.
Weekend Revenue Generator. Always on the lookout for creative ways to entertain and add to the bottom line, WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner and air personality Anne Eller poses in the studio during last weekend’s on-air and online auction show called, “Anne’s Trash-to-Treasure Auction.” The vibrant and colorful local station owner tells TALKERS magazine the on-air and Facebook auction created a buzz in the area with people posting bids online. “Calling it was like running a three-ring circus!” The 7:00 am to 9:00 am auction led into Eller’s classic country music show that airs on Saturdays at 12:00 noon. She says they are making the auction show a regular Saturday morning feature.
Consultant Holland Cooke Ties the Knot. Media consultant and TALKERS magazine contributor Holland Cooke (right) is pictured here with his new bride Lori Pollock (left) at his seaside home on Block Island, Rhode Island on Monday, June 29 shortly after the pair “eloped.”
Chris Christie Enters GOP Race/2016 Presidential Prospects, Trump’s Miss America-Miss Universe Troubles, Fourth of July Terror Threats, Greece Debt Issue/EU Tensions, New York Prison Escapee Caught, SCOTUS ObamaCare and Gay Marriage Rulings, Hillary Clinton Emails Investigation, U.S.-Iran Nuke Negotiations, SC Confederate Flag Flap Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/30). New Jersey Governor Chris Christie enters the Republican primary race; the legal battles between presidential candidate Donald Trump and NBC over the Miss America and Miss Universe pageants; concerns over radical Islamic threats to Americans over the Fourth of July weekend; the Greek debt problem and its effect on the European Union and world financial markets; the aftermath of the capture of New York prison escapee David Sweat; the Supreme Court’s recent rulings on federal subsidies for the Affordable Care Act and gay marriage; the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private emails used for State Department business; and the South Carolina Confederate flag issue were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Cool Job Opportunity. Baton Rouge, Louisiana news/talk outlet WBRP-FM “Talk 107.3 FM” is seeking a morning show board op/producer. This position requires constant attention to detail in regards to time and content, as well as phones and uploading shows to web. You must be an excellent team player and focused to successfully air a smooth broadcast. This is a live and local show that discusses local events/issues/politics etc. Interest in those things is helpful. Must be willing to work early morning shift (and some weekends); have proven ability to multi-task effectively; experience with DAD Systems preferred but not required; have ability to accept direction and be flexible with changes; ability to find, record, and edit audio/quick learner (will be learning Adobe Audition if unfamiliar); be willing to accept responsibility and work under moderate supervision while resolving varied problems; work effectively in a team environment; project an appropriate professional appearance and demeanor. No phone calls, please. Send resume/aircheck/social media links to: jobs@gbcradio.com. Guaranty Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Beasley Q1 Revenue Down 10.3% on Pro Forma Basis. The asset exchange between Beasley Broadcast Group and CBS RADIO last fall makes the financial report for the former less cut and dried, but on a pro forma basis, net revenue was down 10.3%. BBG chairman and CEO George Beasley comments, “On a reported basis, first quarter net revenue from continuing operations rose 87.2% and station operating income increased 92.3%. However, given the required accounting treatment for discontinued operations following last December’s asset exchange, the results exclude the stations we gave up in
the transaction. As such, we continue to believe the pro forma presentation, which assumes the asset exchange occurred on January 1, 2014, better reflects the first quarter operating results. On a pro forma basis, first quarter net revenue decreased 10.3% while SOI declined 12.2%. The pro forma revenue decline is primarily attributable to overall market weakness in Charlotte and Tampa-St. Petersburg and softer ad sales at our Wilmington cluster during the first quarter, our reduction in spot units at the newly acquired stations and revenue in last year’s first quarter in Charlotte and Tampa-St. Petersburg related to the CBS affiliation that did not recur due to the change in ownership.” Beasley adds, “In addition to our initiatives during the quarter to extract financial and operating synergies from the asset exchange, we made further progress on debt reduction while returning capital to shareholders. During the first quarter we made credit facility repayments totaling $1.5 million, reducing borrowings to $96.2 million at March 31, 2015 and declared our sixth consecutive quarterly cash dividend.”
CBS Corp. Q1 Revenue Dips 1.9%; Radio Segment Down 7%. Radio is a very small part of the $3.5 billion that CBS Corp. billed during the first quarter of 2015. CBS includes it in the Local Broadcasting segment (along with its television O&Os) and that division’s revenue for the quarter was $596 million, down from $626 million during the same period a year ago (a decrease of 5%). But the radio portion of that sector fared a bit worse, dipping 7%. Operating income for the Local Broadcasting segment was down 10.5%.
Cooke: Moms & Media. Radio consultant Holland Cooke presents this analysis of the Edison Research “2015 Moms & Media” data from that company’s ongoing Infinite Dial project. Cooke reports that, as previous data from numerous research sources has indicated over the years, “Mom is Secretary of the (family) Treasury to-the-tune-of $1.2 TRILLION a year in the USA.” Moms are also tech savvy and their busy lifestyle welcomes new media. Some takeaways from the study include: Mom spends more time per day (3 hrs 7 min) on the Internet than the survey population in general (2:51); 84% own a smartphone (69% last year); vs. 71% total respondents; and 64% of Moms surveyed own a tablet computer (47% last year). For more data, see Cooke’s entire report here.
May’s May 11 Return. Particularly in Los Angeles – perhaps the most commuter-centric market in the country – an on-air traffic reporter can become an integral component of a morning drive ensemble. Numerous notable examples exist in the City of Angels, including Lisa May, who will join the 6:00 am – 10:00 am “Heidi & Frank Show” on Cumulus Media rocker KLOS next Monday (5/11). Program director Keith Cunningham explains, “Lisa May is not just a traffic reporter or female sidekick; she is a radio brand and she is beloved by Southern California radio listeners. She will be doing a lot more than traffic – we can’t wait to get her in the building.” May admits that, “Joining a twosome can be tricky business. Usually you have to set up some ground rules and have a ‘safe word,’ [but] not with Heidi & Frank. That is what makes hooking up with them on KLOS so exciting. There is no telling what’s going to happen.” While her traffic reports the past two-plus decades have been heard on a number of Los Angeles outlets such as KACE, KGIL, KLAC, KMPC, KNX, KPCC, KPWR, and KABC-TV, May is best known for her lengthy tenure with “Kevin & Bean” on CBS Radio alternative KROQ. Among persons 6+ in Los Angeles’ latest Nielsen Audio PPM report (March 2015), KLOS (2.0) and KROQ (2.9) rank #23 and #13, respectively; iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “Kiss-FM” (5.3) leads the market (6+) for the third successive survey (including a February tie at #1 with adult contemporary sibling KOST “Coast 103”).
Howard B. Price Named 2015 Recipient of the TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award. The editorial board of TALKERS magazine has named the ABC Television Network director of business continuity, Howard B. Price, CBCP/MBCI as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. Price is being honored for his vigorous work and pro-active leadership in encouraging, inspiring and teaching the radio and television industries to be prepared to serve the public in times of emergency and crisis. In announcing the naming of Price the recipient of the award, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Howard B. Price is an industry hero who inspires us to rise to our highest purpose – and that is to serve and protect the public well-being. He reminds terrestrial broadcasters that they have the potential (and are arguably obligated) to be in the same societal role as first responders such as firefighters, police, emergency medical teams and rescuers of all sorts.” Harrison adds, “As a publisher, I am deeply proud of the numerous articles he has contributed to TALKERS and RadioInfo instructing our readers how to deal with civil unrest, acts of terrorism, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, perfect storms and historic blizzards – all of which have occurred on a seemingly regular basis in recent times. His presentations in print, at conferences and numerous speaking engagements clearly show stations how to stay on the air and mobilize their resources in a positive and productive manner when the community is under siege.” Harrison concludes, “This is a bit of a departure from our usual focus in presenting an industry individual with this award designed to raise awareness of the First Amendment in action – but nothing could be more important for licensed broadcasting facilities than to be able to provide the public with vital information when needed, especially in life and death situations, thus protecting the platform’s reputation and credibility as a place to turn for truth when the chips are down.” Price is a 40-year veteran of radio, television and newspapers, he is a two-time EMMY Award winner, and a two-time recipient of The George Foster Peabody Award. He has worked domestically and internationally as a news producer, assignment editor, bureau chief, reporter and anchor, covering some of the biggest stories of our time, including the 9/11 attacks, the 2003 Northeast blackout and Superstorm Sandy. A certified business continuity professional (CBCP), Howard is charged with maintaining the operational resilience of all ABC News platforms around the globe. He also serves as an in-house consultant to the ABC Owned Television Station Group. Howard holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, and an MBA in management and marketing from New York University. A guest lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he has been a featured speaker at numerous professional conferences and workshops (including TALKERS), and a contributor to many trade publications. He is a member of the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII), the Business Continuity Institute (BCI), the Association of Contingency Planners (ACP), the Contingency Planning Exchange (CPE), the Northeast Disaster Recovery Information Exchange (NEDRIX), the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). Howard is the founder of the website, MediaDisasterPrep.com, and writes its companion blog, MediaDisasterPrep.wordpress.com. Price is fond of telling anyone who’ll listen that events are disasters only if you haven’t planned for them. He can be reached via email at Howard.B.Price@abc.com. Howard B. Price will be presented the Freedom of Speech Award at Talkers New York 2015 on Friday, June 12. For registration, hotel and sponsorship information, please call 413-565-5413.
Dave Ramsey Brings Smart Money Event to Las Vegas. The Smart Money live event from talk radio superstar and best-selling author Dave Ramsey was presented to a packed house at Canyon Ridge Christian Church last night (5/7). He discussed how to win with money, strengthen marriages and lead your children with confidence, working with local affiliate KXNT to promote the event. Financial expert and speaker Chris Hogan joined Ramsey on stage. CBS RADIO Las Vegas vice president of programming Cat Thomas says, “Dave has become a staple in growing our talk audience on the FM dial. Dave is positive, upbeat, real and listeners get that.” During the same visit to Las Vegas, Ramsey also hosted his EntreLeadership 1 Day Event on Wednesday in which he spoke about how to run a business using the same common sense principles that Ramsey practices in his own company of more than 450 team members. Pictured here are (from l-r): Carlos Diaz, co-host of “Carlos and Dayna” on KXNT; Thomas; Ramsey; Maureen Pulicella, general sales manager; and Jerry McKenna, SVP/market manager.
On the Green in Greenwood. Station owner/host Anne Eller (left) of WCRS (1450 AM), Greenwood, SC has been out on The Links at Stoney Point in Greenwood every afternoon this week, broadcasting live from the scene of the Self Regional Classic leg of the Symetra Tour, a tour for professional and amateur golfers seeking to gain their LPGA card. Eller has spent the past few days interviewing both the men and women behind the event, as well as many of the women competing for the $30,000 cash purse, the largest of the Symetra Tour. One of the golfers Eller had on the show is rookie Michelle Piyapattra (right).
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Update. The Radio America-syndicated “Dana Show” hosted by Dana Loesch announces new affiliate stations: KSEV, Houston; KSGF-AM/FM, Springfield, Missouri; KBYR-AM, Anchorage; KGNC-AM, Amarillo; WVFT, Tallahassee; WYOO-FM, Panama City; KCNR, Redding, California; and WBLF, Johnstown-Altoona-State College, Pennsylvania.
Baltimore Unrest Aftermath Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of May 4-8. The social, legal and political ramifications of the violent protests in Baltimore were the several aspects of the most-talked-about story of the week. At #2 was the entrance of three more candidates into the 2016 presidential race. Coming in at #3 was scrutiny of the Clinton Family Foundation followed by the deadly prophet drawing contest in Garland, Texas at #4. The Talkers TenTM 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.
Hats Off to Entrepreneur Eller
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS
Managing Editor/West Coast Bureau Chief
GREENWOOD, SC — Notwithstanding that their accomplishments often go unheralded nationally, operators of radio properties in small markets are consistently responsible for some of the industry’s most exemplary programming.
These days, of course, it is difficult to find an operator in any market who is not scraping for literally every dollar and burning the candle at both ends.
Tremendous admiration is felt particularly for those owners endeavoring it in America’s multitude of small towns, with virtually each license-holder personally doing an air-shift; overseeing programming; and, most likely, the bulk – if not all – of the selling. Indeed, this dizzying juggling act by small-market radio station owners necessitates the wearing of many hats.
Monday, April 27, 2015
WTIC-AM, Hartford Goes Sports Talk in PM Drive. The CBS RADIO-owned news/talk station calls it a “game-changer” in afternoon drive as it will debut the “Joe D and Gresh” sports talk program this afternoon at 3:00 pm ET. Joe D’Ambrosio is a New York sports fan and Andy Gresh favors the Boston teams. D’Ambrosio – an award-winning sportscaster – has been with WTIC for 23 years, serving as the “voice” of the UConn Huskies. Gresh most recently worked at the company’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” in middays. WTIC-AM OM Steve Salhany says, “We are excited to begin this next chapter of afternoon drive on WTIC. Sports has always been a huge part of WTIC Radio and now we are dedicating time every afternoon for sports fans, regardless of where their loyalties lie, to come together and talk about their teams.” The station’s previous full-time afternoon host was former Connecticut Governor John Rowland recently sentenced for election law violations, his second federal conviction.
Clark Joins CÜR Media as CCO. Former executive vice president of programming for Sirius Satellite Radio – Jay Clark – is named CÜR Media‘s chief content officer. Founder and chief executive officer Tom Brophy comments, “We are excited to have Jay on the team in this important role, essentially as our chief curator. His vast experience in building content for disruptive technologies has helped shape the initial design work for CÜR Music. Now, as our chief content officer, we believe he will help us change the course of music streaming in the same way Sirius changed the course of radio. Jay has led several notable programming radio turnarounds in tier one markets, and has decades of major market programming successes with leading broadcast companies. His experience will be invaluable.” Clark remarks, “I am extremely excited to take on this important role at CÜR Media as they move toward the launch of this dynamic mobile and web music
experience. Much like Sirius was for radio, CÜR Music is a truly disruptive streaming product that, when complemented with a line of unique programming, will offer a comprehensive music experience at a very compelling price point. I look forward to driving that development as we work toward our product launch later this year.” Clark has been consulting the company for roughly the past year (May 2014). Prior to Sirius, his past credits include being program director of Los Angeles talker KLSX (now CBS Radio CHR KAMP “Amp Radio”); WABC, New York; program director of Orlando FM talker WTKS; Comedy World‘s vice president and general manager of radio; and Winstar Communications’ vice president of radio.
Profile: Anne Eller of WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina. These days, small-town radio operators know better than anyone how challenging it can be to keep the business going. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian introduces readers to WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner Anne Eller, who not only tells an interesting tale of how she got into the talk radio and radio ownership business, but also shares her programming philosophy for operating a standalone AM in a small rural market. She says, “All the big shows are hitting the same issues but they are missing that there are so many good stories out there on the local level. We are becoming too homogenized. Every area is different and we have to hit on that.” Read Mike Kinosian’s entire profile here.
Talk Talent to Discuss Strategies for Successful Career at Talkers New York 2015 on June 12. A diverse panel of seven talk show hosts will discuss their careers in the talk radio business and their strategies for success in the current business climate. Moderated by WMAL-AM/FM, Washington program director (and former successful air talent) Bill Hess, the session will explore the varied careers and employment situations the panelists bring to the table and get insights into their philosophies about the business and what it takes to be an
effective host and valuable brand. Taking part on the panel will be (in alphabetical order): KTRH, Houston-based syndicated host Michael Berry; WRKO, Boston-based syndicated host Howie Carr; Mandy Connell, KHOW, Denver/WHAS, Louisville; McGraw Milhaven, KTRS, St. Louis; Todd Schnitt, WOR, New York and Compass Media Networks; David Webb, SiriusXM; and Dan Yorke, WPRO, Providence. TALKERS magazine VP/executive editor Kevin Casey says, “This panel of working talk hosts really brings the different ways in which a personality operates in today’s radio climate together in one room. Michael Berry and Howie Carr enjoy similar syndication situations, Dan Yorke and McGraw Milhaven are locally focused hosts dedicated to one market. Mandy Connell now works in two markets for the same company and brings the perspective of being a female in a male-dominated industry to the table. Todd Schnitt is doing both a major market local morning show and a nationally syndicated afternoon program while David Webb works within the satellite radio business model. Each of these broadcasters will have valuable experiences and stories to share with the attendees.” Talkers New York 2015 is nearing a sellout. For registration and sponsorship information, please click here.
WHO, Des Moines Host Simon Conway Helps Get Adult Visitation Law on Books in Iowa. After meeting Casey Kasem’s daughter Kerri and hearing first-hand the details of her family’s struggle just to get the opportunity to visit Casey as his health declined, WHO, Des Moines afternoon personality Simon Conway promised her he would help her achieve her goal of getting adult visitation laws on the books in every state. So he worked to get a bill moving through the system in Iowa and on Friday, April 24, Governor Terry Branstad signed it into law making Iowa the first state to have such a law. After the signing, Kasem (left) joined Conway (right) in the WHO studios. Conway tells TALKERS, “She was just so excited and a little tearful. We all were. Radio can get things done. And a 50,000-watt blowtorch like WHO can perhaps get more things done. Now we’ve helped change the law.” Conway contacted state politicians from both aides of the aisle and soon a bill drafted. Conway adds, “It was certainly fast. Just under three months from start to finish. Kerri came on my show and I found ways to remind various lawmakers that this was important. I’m so proud to have played a role in getting this on the books in Iowa.” The bill passed the Iowa Senate 50-0 and the Iowa House 97-0.
‘Jones and Mike Show’ Added to WCGO, Chicago. Two Chicago radio pros are hosting a new show that’s been added to the weekend schedule at Kovas Communications’ WCGO, Evanston, Illinois
(Chicago market). Brian Jones and Mike Noonan tell TALKERS magazine their program was developed “to target 35 to 54-year-old listeners who like talk radio but have grown tired of strictly sports and political talk programming.” Jones says the program, available in syndication on a barter basis, “is different because we don’t follow the template that talk radio has seemingly fallen into where there’s this angry, confrontational, even contrived feel to the show. Who’s fighting and what for?” Jones is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory and worked as a writer/producer/cast member of the A&E paranormal reality series, “Paranormal Cops,” and has worked as a producer at WLS-AM and WYLL. Noonan has previously worked on air at WLUP-FM and in production at WUSN. He is former president of Broadcast Barter Radio Networks.
Gen Media Partners with School Sports Media to Develop Potential of Prep Athletics. In an effort to expand the potential value of high school sports for advertisers, Gen Media Partners is partnering with School Sports Media – a national school representation firm that delivers hyperlocal, community-based marketing solutions with cause-related benefits, hypertargeting mobile capabilities, and robust customization abilities. Gen Media CEO Kevin Garrity states, “High school sports are embedded in the culture of America and ignite strong passion in local communities across the country. The synergies with radio allow us to create unique local and regional advertising packages and draw revenue from promotional budgets that are earmarked for local sports marketing. Our alliance with Schools Sports Media enriches the multi-level Gen Media national/regional/local approach to ad sales representation and gives us another opportunity to introduce radio to new advertisers that have not used the medium previously.” School Sports Media creates customized brand engagement opportunities at high school and collegiate games, concerts, graduations, and other events with 65% of every sponsorship dollar going directly to the school, enhancing the brand’s connection with the passion of school sports’ fans. School Sports Media president Dave Shamberger comments, “We are committed to keeping kids playing sports in schools and delivering community marketing that matters to each of our brand partners. Aligning ourselves with Gen Med Partners will allow us to better serve schools across the entire country, while also expanding our local media platform capabilities.”
Compton Honored at White House Correspondents Dinner. One of the features of the annual White House Correspondents Dinner is paying tribute to the journalists who’ve recently retired from the business of covering the White House. Pictured here at last Saturday’s event is former ABC News White House correspondent Ann Compton (second from left) standing alongside (from l-r) ABC News’ Steve Jones, Compton’s husband Dr. Bill Hughes and ABC News’ Andrew Kalb.