Tag: "Augusta"
Friday, October 5, 2018
BREAKING NEWS: Jack Swanson to Return to KGO and KSFO as PD. Former KGO and KSFO, San Francisco program director Jack Swanson is returning to the Cumulus Media news/talk radio stations to serve as program director of both stations. This will
be Swanson’s second tour of duty at KGO, having served for a number of years up until 2011 as PD, OM and eventually VP of programming at KGO and sister station KSFO. He left at that time due to a massive cost-cutting that took place in the aftermath of Cumulus acquiring the station in a 
“merger” with its former parent company Citadel Broadcasting. Swanson most recently served a two-year stint as news director of then-CBS owned KCBS-AM, San Francisco between 2015 and 2017. Swanson says, “People have asked why I’m returning. Simple. This is the most exciting time in the history of these iconic stations. I’m jazzed about their future. Returning to work with [market manager] Doug Harvill and the support of a re-energized Cumulus is going to be an amazing adventure. I’m excited to be a part of the new Cumulus!
Talk Radio Examines #MeToo Movement One Year Later. It is exactly one year since The New York Times triggered what has come to be known as the #MeToo movement by publishing an exposé by reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey on movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s sexual improprieties that eventually brought him down along with a list of prominent men in the entertainment, business, media and political industries. After a couple of turbulent weeks of headline dominating events emanating from Judge Brett Kavanaugh‘s controversial confirmation hearing culminating in what is certain to be a historic and consequential vote by the U.S. Senate, TALKERS looks at the #MeToo movement through lens of some of news/talk radio’s prominent female hosts. We spoke with the following women working in talk radio to get their points of view: WABC, New York’s Rita Cosby; WGCH, Greenwich, Connecticut’s Lisa Wexler; SiriusXM’s Karen Hunter; WFTL, Fort Lauderdale’s Joyce Kauffman; KRLA, Los Angeles’ Jennifer Horn; and KMZQ, Las Vegas’ Heidi Harris. Read the story here.
Austin Rhodes Renews with WGAC-FM, Augusta. Georgia talk show host Austin Rhodes signs a new, long-term contract with Beasley Media Group to continue hosting his afternoon drive program on the company’s Augusta news/talk station
WGAC-FM. Rhodes celebrated his 26th year on the air at WGAC-FM in July and Beasley Augusta VP and market manager Kent Dunn says, “Austin has the longest-running radio talk show in Augusta, Georgia history. His commitment to WGAC listeners, the community, and Beasley Media Group is tremendous. We are fortunate to have him on our team for the future.” Company EVP of programming Justin Chase adds, “Beasley is committed to top quality local content across our platforms and Austin Rhode’s show is loved by our clients and listeners in the Augusta market. Austin has been with Beasley for many years and we are thrilled that he’ll be with us for many more!”
Beasley Adds QCB for Commentary Across Charlotte Stations. The personality known as QCB, a.k.a. Tremaine Sloan, joins the Beasley Media Group Charlotte
stations as a part-time sports entertainment talent. He’ll will host a podcast called “3 with the QCB.” QCB previously was heard on Entercom’s crosstown sports talk WFNZ. When he is not on the airwaves, Q performs stand-up comedy at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, as well as at similar clubs across the Southeast. Beasley Charlotte VP and market manager Bill Schoening says, “I’m really excited to be reunited with QCB and hear him on our airwaves. We look forward to listening to his great sports entertainment commentary.”
Report: 13% of Americans Don’t Trust Any Traditional News Source. That’s one of the conclusions of a study by Simmons Research that attempts to quantify the American public’s trust of 38 major news outlets. The data was culled from an online study fielded the week of August 14 consisting of 2,009 people, weighted to the U.S.
population. The Wall Street Journal was rated most trustworthy among 57.7% of respondents. The Daily Caller came in last at 22.5%. Simmons Research says, “Based on our study, it is clear that news media is in crisis overall. The average 
percentage of respondents who rated news sources as trustworthy or very trustworthy was just 40.1% — not a ringing endorsement for journalism in general.” Across the 38 outlets in the study, the news organizations that present from a decided political perspective – FOX News, MSNBC, Huffington Post, Daily Beast – did not fare as well as the traditional news organizations such as ABC, NBC, CBS, The New York Times, Forbes and even BBC News. The study found that 13% of respondents found none of the 38 sources listed to be trustworthy. Simmons calls this segment Doubters and
further explores this group’s political, consumer, and lifestyle profile in the study. It notes that 62.2% of Doubters voted for Donald Trump in 2018 and 27.8% voted for Hillary Clinton. Simmons says, “Our data suggest that about six million of the 129 million people who voted in the 2016 election were Doubters. Among this group, Trump beat Clinton by about two million votes. Consider that Trump won Pennsylvania by 44,292 votes, Wisconsin by 22,748 votes, and Michigan by just 10,704 votes. Given this narrow electoral margin, Doubters’ vote choices may have played an important role in the election result.” Read the study here.
iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman Sits for In-Depth Interview with KHOW, Denver’s Ross Kaminsky. Usually, interviewing the chairman and CEO of the company from which you draw your paycheck means you’re going to be very careful not to ask him
any “sensitive” questions, but KHOW, Denver’s Ross Kaminsky conducts a wide-ranging and interesting chat with iHeartMedia chief Bob Pittman – touching on everything from how he got into radio to his love affair with 
piloting airplanes to his business philosophy and how that affects how he operates iHeartMedia. Regarding podcasting, Pittman says, “Podcasting is to talk radio and talk shows on the radio as streaming is to music on the radio.” While working for Bob Ross at MTV, Pittman says he took some advice he got and applies it to his work at iHeart. “In this company, you will never get fired for making mistakes, you’ll get fired for not making mistakes because that shows that you’re not trying anything new and the assets that we’ve given you to manage will wilt away under your leadership.” Listen to the interview here.
Kavanaugh Investigation Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 1-5. The FBI investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the New York Times story suggesting the Trump family passed its wealth down to the children through tax schemes. Coming in at #3 was the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents, followed by the allegations of abuse by U.S. Rep and DNC deputy chair Keith Ellison 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. See this week’s entire chart here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. WKTU, New York-based radio personality Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton and iHeartMedia New York announce they’ve agreed to terms on a contract extension. Hamilton will continue his current role as host of his weekday afternoon show on “103.5 KTU” in New York City. He also renews
and extends his partnership with Premiere Networks to syndicate his trio of radio programs – “The Remix Top 30 Countdown with Hollywood Hamilton,” “Weekend Top 30 with Hollywood Hamilton,” and “Weekend Top 30 with DJ Pup Dawg” – that broadcast on 120 stations worldwide…..In Charlotte, iHeartMedia names Sarah Lee the new morning drive co-host on WKKT “96.9 The Kat” alongside Country Radio Hall of Famer Paul Schadt on the “Paul Schadt and Sarah Lee in the Morning” program, effective October 22. Lee comments, “I’m ecstatic to return to
Charlotte and work on-air with one of my idols in the genre my parents raised me in. Paul Schadt is not only a talent that I have respected for years, but he is a legend in the format, a mentor, a peer, and a friend. It is my deepest honor to be able to call him partner and a dream come true to wake up the Carolinas on ‘96.9 The Kat.’” Lee was most recently an artist social media manager with Black River Entertainment…..The CBS News Radio Network is launching a new service called CBS Connect, designed to provide news, entertainment, and information specifically designed for FM music radio listeners. Its flagship program is “The Connected Minute,” anchored by Jennifer Brown. The company says CBS Connect affiliates will also receive a number of other short-form features on entertainment, health, and lifestyle. CBS News Radio general manager Craig Swagler says, “The launch of CBS Connect demonstrates our commitment to providing our broadcast partners with the tools, services, and content 
they need to win in our hyper-competitive media environment.”…..Cumulus Media’s Nashville urban AC WQQK “92Q” announces it will launch its new morning show on Thursday, October 11. The “The Kenny Smoov Morning Show” features WQQK program director Kenny Smoov (right), Sissy Brown (center), producer and social media director C-Dub (left). Smoov also serves as afternoon host for Westwood One’s nationally syndicated “The Touch” format…..iHeartMedia’s Bobby Bones show is celebrating its fifth annual Joy Week October 8-11 with in-studio performances by country music stars Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, and Old Dominion. During the week, Bones and his cast encourage listeners to choose joy, spread happiness, and do good things for others. The program is also selling #PimpinJoy apparel, the proceeds from which will benefit military service members, veterans and their families. Since the #PimpinJoy movement was launched in 2014, more than $2.5 million dollars has been raised to support many worthy causes.
September 2018 PPM Data – Part Four. September 2018 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s September 2018 survey period covered August 16 – September 12. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
Austin
Spoken-Word Formats – Despite dropping one-tenth (4.4 – 4.3, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” inches up from tenth to ninth; August’s 4.4 is its
highest 6+-share since March (4.6). Three straight increases by KLBJ-AM prior to April’s -.5 resulted in a +1.8 (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+). It has been a wild ride lately for Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn,” which was +.5 in June; -.9 in July; and now in September, posts a +1.0 to 2.5 
(#18 to #14,), its best 6+-stat since December 2016 (2.5, as well). A one-tenth gain in May halted three straight January through April down or flat trends that accounted for a -.3 (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+). Flat at #24, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” nets two-tenths in five straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .3 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+). Its +.2 in June halted four consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a 50% loss (-.3) of its 6+-share (.6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3, 6+). Roaring back from August’s full-share decline (8.1 – 7.1, 6+) with a +.8 in September (7.9, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talker KUT advances from second to first. KUT was #1 in July and May – with 8.2 that month its best 6+-showing since November 2016’s 9.0.
Austin Music Formats – In four straight downward trends, iHeartMedia-owned country KVET-FM was an overall -1.7 (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 4.7, 6+), but “98.1 The Austin, Texas Original” hauls out a +.6 to 5.3 (6+), progressing from eighth to sixth. While April’s +1.1 to 6.4 (6+) enabled KVET-FM to notch its best 6+-stat since last December’s 6.2, August’s 4.7 is its lowest 6+-performance since April 2016’s 4.6. Co-owned and similarly-formatted KASE, which was -.5 (May); +.5 (June); -.5 (July) and +.4 in August (5.6 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+) adds two-tenths (5.7, fourth to third, 6+). Immediately before May’s one-half share decline, “Austin’s #1 For New Country” was +1.7 in four straight upticks (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). KASE and KVET-FM were tied for fifth in March (5.3, 6+). Meanwhile, after stopping three straight decreases that produced a loss of six-tenths (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE “Austin’s Country Alternative” erases that -.6 with a combined +.6 in August and September (.8 – 1.0 – 1.4, flat at #21, 6+). Notwithstanding a one-half share September increase, Emmis adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob FM” backslides from first to second; “Bob” was a collective -.8 in July and August (8.1 – 7.5 – 7.3, 6+). On top four months in a row, Austin’s version of “Bob” segued to second in May, owing to a massive -1.4 (8.9 – 7.5, 6+). KBPA would later have one-month stays at #1 in both June and August. Improving by one-half share as well are its triple A cluster-mate KGSR “Austin City Limits Radio” (2.4, #17 to #15, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA “Amor 107.7” (1.9, steady at #19, 6+). Entering the September sweep, KGSR had a (6+) topline of 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, while “Amor” applies the brakes to five straight monthlies without an increase that accounted for a -1.0 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). On the heels of recording its strongest 6+-stat (6.7) since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.4, Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5” has August’s one-half share increase (6.2 – 6.7, 6+) wiped away with a -1.2 to 5.5 (third to fourth, 6+). After four successive up or flat trends that netted a +1.0 (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+) Emmis’ KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” forfeits 90% of that increase (3.8, -.9, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #11). Somewhat similarly, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3,” which was a collective +.9 in three upticks in succession (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), surrenders seven-tenths to 2.4 (#13 to #15, 6+). It is tied at #15 with University of Texas at Austin-owned triple A KUTX “98.9 The Austin Music Experience,” which has improved by a cumulative six-tenths in six straight sweeps without a loss (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+).
Raleigh
Spoken-Word Formats – After logging a 5.1 (6+) three times in the last five ratings periods (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay
Connected” improves by four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), advancing from ninth to eighth. A similar gain of four-tenths in July halted three down or flat trends that produced a loss of three tenths (5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). An April decline of two-tenths ended three 
consecutive upticks that yielded a +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). A collective +.7 in seven straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF continues at #19. In May, “News Radio 680” finished at #18, but prior to that, it occupied the #19 slot for nine straight sweeps. By gaining four-tenths to 2.2 (#16 to #14, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” (#14 to #16) pulls the plug on three losses in a row that resulted in a loss of more than 50% (-2.1) of its 6+-share (3.9 –
2.6 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+). Raleigh’s “Fan” was -1.3 in January; +.5 in March; -.5 in April; +.5 in May; -1.3 in June; and -.6 in July. Over the last four sweeps, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” has gone from third to first (June, +9); first to third (July, -1.1); third to first (August, +1.2, 6+); and now first to second (September, 8.8 – 8.4, -.4, 6+). In April, WUNC was -1.0.
Raleigh Music Formats – As a result of a robust +1.1 to 9.6 – its strongest 6+-stat since January’s 10.7 – Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” marches from third to first, succeeding WUNC (see above). A collective -1.2 in three straight downward moves (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “94.7 QDR Today’s Best Country” eliminates all but two-tenths of that deficit with a +1.0 to 7.9 (fifth to third, 6+). Conversely, iHeartMedia-owned WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” falters by four-tenths to 2.9 (unchanged at #12, 6+), thus snapping at four its consecutive string of increases that netted six-tenths (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). Gaining one-half share each are Radio One gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” (4.7 – 5.2, tenth to ninth, 6+) and Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “101.1 La Ley” (1.5 – 2.0, #18 to #16, 6+). This (5.2) is the brightest 6+-showing for “The Light” since May 2017’s 6.0, and the highest 6+-stat for “La Ley” since January (2.0, as well). Significant ups/downs continue for Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5,” which is a collective +2.6 via three April, May, and June improvements (5.1 – 5.8 – 7.1 – 7.7, 6+); -1.3 in July (7.7 – 6.4, 6+); +.6 in August (6.4 – 7.0, 6+); and now -1.2 in September (7.0 – 5.8, fourth to seventh, 6+). June’s 7.7 is its strongest 6+-showing since 10.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Following six straight up or flat trends that netted a +3.1 (5.9 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 9.0, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” is a cumulative -1.2 in August and September (9.0 – 8.7 – 7.8, second to fourth, 6+); “K-97.5” jumped from fifth to first in July. A combined -1.3 in four straight down or flat trends (6.3 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” slips from eighth to tenth, with its lowest 6+-share since December 2017 (5.0, as well).
Indianapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – In a March through September up/down pattern that includes September’s -.7 (5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 5.5, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC
“93.1 Indy’s News Center” is off one-tenth in that stretch and remains in sixth-place. Prior to May’s -.3, WIBC was a combined +2.5 via four straight positive spikes (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), preceded by an overall -1.8 in four straight downward moves (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Co-owned sports talk 
WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” trots out a +.6 to 2.2 (#18 to #15, 6+), which nearly erases its collective -.7 through five consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+). After notching a +.1 in back-to-back reports (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, June-July-August, 6+) to end three down or flat sweeps in succession for a loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE
“Indy’s Sports Station” is off two-tenths to 1.7 (#16 to #19). A combined +1.8 in four straight increases (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI slips by one-tenth to 4.3 (6+) but continues at #10. Having increased by one-tenth in back-to-back (July and August) reports (.8 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Moody Bible Institute religious teaching WGNR “Moody Radio” improves by one-half share to 1.5 (6+) and continues at #20.
Indianapolis Music Formats – Shattering milestones it set just last month, Cumulus Media’s WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” boasts a +1.1 to 9.7, the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history – and first time it reaches the nine-share threshold (6+). By way of perspective, the previous best for “Classic Hits 104.5” was 8.6, set in … August 2018. If that weren’t enough, WJJK is #1 for the third month in a row and registers its fourth successive uptrend that accounts for a cumulative +2.9 (6.8 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.6 – 9.7, 6+). While not as dramatic perhaps as what “Classic Hits 104.5” has recently accomplished, Emmis adult contemporary WYXB posts its fourth consecutive up or flat move for an overall +1.4 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.5, 6+) to progress from fourth to second. Moreover, this (7.5) represents the finest 6+-showing for “B-105.7” since January’s 7.9. By gaining six-tenths to 2.1 (#19 to #17, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WYRG “Energy 93.9” pulls the plug on eight straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a roughly 70% (-3.6) decline of that frequency’s 6+ AQH share (5.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). It was in mid-November 2017 when WRWM “The Beat” evolved to WYRG “Energy.” Locked on 6.6 (6+) in July and August, Emmis-owned WLHK craters by -1.5 to 5.1 (6+), as “Country 97.1 Hank FM” drops from fifth to eighth. In July, “Hank” regained four-tenths of June’s -.9. Immediately prior to that, WLHK was +1.6 in five consecutive monthlies without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+). May’s 7.1 is its strongest 6+-showing since 7.6 in September 2015. Its format rival – Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” – is up four-tenths (7.0 – 7.4, 6+) and remains at #3. WFMS was #1 in April, May, and June, before becoming a cumulative -1.2 in July and August (8.2 – 7.7 – 7.0, 6+). July’s one-half share loss suspended four straight upticks that netted +2.3 (5.9 – 6.2 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Representative July 2017 – August 2018 WFMS fluctuations include: -.9 (July 2017); +.8 (August); +.5 (September); -.7 (October); +1.1 (November); -.9 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); -.5 (February 2018); +1.0 (April); +.5 (May); -.5 (July); and -.7 (August). In addition to being down or flat for the third straight month for an overall loss of seven-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZRL “Real 98.3” has its lowest 6+-share (2.2) since April’s 2.1.
Milwaukee
Spoken-Word Formats – Substituting August’s one-half share loss with a September gain of six-tenths (7.3 – 7.9, 6+), Scripps news/talk WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station”
advances from third to second. In April, the Milwaukee Brewers flagship more than doubled February’s +.9 with a +1.9; two months later (June), WTMJ virtually eliminated May’s -.6 with a +.5. Conversely, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WISN, which also forfeited one-half share in 
August, sputters by another six-tenths, segueing from fourth to sixth. “News/Talk 1130” is now a combined -2.1 in four straight decreases (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.6, 6+), following a +.9 in May (6.8 – 7.7, 6+). Unchanged at #16, Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” notches a gain of one-tenth for the third month in a row (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+). Meanwhile, University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM is off one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) but ranks #14 for the third straight month. It is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 17th consecutive sweep. Immediately prior to June’s loss of one-tenth, WUWM was up eight-tenths in five sweeps in a row without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it lost in August (.9 – .7 – .9), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD continues at #19.
Milwaukee Music Formats – Powered by three consecutive positive spikes that have netted a +2.2 (4.0 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 6.2, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB zooms from eighth to fourth. This (6.2) constitutes the strongest 6+-showing for “B-93.3” since “Holiday” 2017’s 7.4. Notching improvements of one-half share each are Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” (5.4 – 5.9, sixth to fifth, 6+) and Saga Communications urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” (#13 to #11). “Mix” has its best 6+-stat (5.9) since August 2017’s 6.3, while “Jammin’” posts a gain for the third consecutive month for an overall +1.6 (2.6 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+). Steady at #9, Entercom CHR WXSS “103.7 Kiss FM” posts its fourth gain in succession for an overall +1.0 (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (5.1) since December 2016’s 5.5. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRNW “97.3 Now,” which had three straight decreases for an overall loss of eight-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), gains four-tenths to 2.7 (#15 to #14, 6+). Six straight down or flat trends by Milwaukee Radio Alliance classic hits-oldies WZTI resulted in a more than 50% loss (-.6) of its 6+-share (1.0 – .8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+), but “Fonz FM” picks up one-tenth to .5 (6+) and continues at #21. While it sets the pace for the 43rd consecutive ratings period, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” spirals by -1.6 (10.2 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to July’s loss of seven-tenths, “Big FM” had been +1.7 in four straight February through June increases (8.8 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.5, 6+). Not unlike WRIT, Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” is accustomed to some substantial month-to-month fluctuations. In September, for example, it is -.5 (8.4 – 7.9, 6+), but remains at #2. WKLH previously was -.9 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2008); -.9 (February); +1.1 (March); -.5 (April); -.5 (May); +.9 (June); and +1.2 (August). In the market’s country skirmish, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” regains the three-tenths it lost in August (5.3 – 5.6, seventh to sixth, 6+), while Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” falters by that margin and is an overall -.9 in four straight decreases (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5, #11 to #13, 6+). WMIL rebounded from June’s -1.0 with a +.5 in July. Entering the August sweep, WKTI had been within 4.0 – 4.4 range the previous six months (4.0 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2, February through July, 6+).
Nashville
Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit flat at 3.8 (6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Entering the August ratings period,
“Super Talk” had a fluctuation of two-tenths in April, May, June, and July (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+). With a (6+) high of 1.4 and low of .8, iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” (#20 to #19, 6+) has a May 2017 – September 2018 topline of 1.1 – 
1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 – .8 – .7. Piling on a +1.4 to August’s gain of six-tenths (3.6 – 5.0, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). This (5.0) is the highest 6+-share for “104.5 The Zone” since January’s 6.5. Immediately prior to August, WGFX was without an increase for six straight monthlies for a -3.5 (6.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). An overall
-1.9 in four straight decreases – three of which were by one-tenth (2.6 – 2.5 – .9 – .8 – .7, 6+) – Cromwell Group-owned sports talk WPRT “102.5 The Game” picks up one-tenth to .8 (6+) and enters the top twenty (#21 to #19). After logging a one-half share increase in August, Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” relinquishes three-tenths (4.9 – 4.6, seventh to tenth, 6+). Just before August’s +.5, WPLN-FM was a combined -.9 in five straight down or flat trends (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+).
Nashville Music Formats – At the same time that iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” posts a +.8 (4.3 – 5.1, ninth to eighth, 6+), Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” spirals by -1.0 (6.6 – 5.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). The market’s other country FM – Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” – picks up one-tenth (3.6 – 3.7, 6+), yet backslides from #11 to #12. “The Big 98” had been without an increase the past four sweeps for a collective -1.6 since April (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 4.3, 6+); August’s 4.3 is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 4.1. Up four-tenths in August, “Nash Icon” faltered by one-half share in April. Following three straight up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+), “Nash FM” was a combined -1.0 in July and August (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+). On the heels of August’s +.4, iHeartMedia CHR WRVW adds seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5, eighth to seventh, 6+) as “107.5 The River” has its best 6+-stat since May’s 5.9. Improving by seven-tenths as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Inspiring K-Love,” which is an overall +.8 in four straight up or flat moves (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1, #15 to #13, 6+). In three upticks in succession (5.9 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.4, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK is a collective +1.5; “92-Q” progresses from fourth to third. Even though it returns in its entirety the nine-tenths it added in August (8.8 – 9.7 – 8.8, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” sets the pace for the eighth month in a row. “Mix” – which was +1.0 in June and -.5 in May – ranked first in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017; shifted to second in January; but returned to #1 in February. Co-owned adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want” stumbles by eight-tenths (7.8 – 7.0, 6+), slipping from second to fourth. An overall +1.5 via four consecutive increases (6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ surrenders two-tenths to 7.6 (6+), but carries in the runner-up slot. August’s 7.8 is the best 6+-stat for “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” since January (7.8, as well). After eroding by seven-tenths in August, urban contemporary cluster-mate WUBT “101.1 The Beat” sputters by another six-tenths (6.6 – 6.0, 6+) but stays at #5. Entering the August sweep, “The Beat” was trending 7.5 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 (6+).
Providence
Spoken-Word Formats – Adding four-tenths to August’s +.3 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” advances from eighth to
seventh. Its August increase halted three straight sweeps without an increase for a -1.0 (4.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+). A decline of eight-tenths in May wiped out the eight-tenths it collected via three consecutive upticks (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, 
Traffic, and Weather” is a combined +.4 in August and September (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.5, #14 to #12, 6+), directly following an overall loss of nine-tenths through five straight decreases (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). While its net loss between May and September is just one-tenth, Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” (#20 to #21) is without an increase for the fourth sweep in a row (.6 – .6 -.6 – .5 – .5, 6+). Following an approximately six-and-one-half year absence from the Providence report, iHeartMedia Boston’s WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” returned in print in May. Its five May through September 6+ Providence stats are: 1.4 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 (#18 to #19,
6+).While level at 4.1 (6+), WVEI slips from seventh to eighth. The Entercom sports talk outlet was up seven-tenths in August, after a drop of six-tenths in July. In advance of July’s decrease, WVEI was a collective +1.2 in three upticks in a row (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+). The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH, which was off one-half share in six straight sweeps without an increase (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+), adds four-tenths to 2.2 (6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #9). At the same time, WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH returns the four-tenths it earned in August (1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Immediately prior to the May sweep, these two outlets finished back-to-back four straight times and were tied in May at #10.
Providence Music Formats – Bouncing back from August’s -1.2 with a +.8 (9.5 – 8.3 – 9.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” climbs from third to second. August’s 8.3 is its lowest 6+-stat since July 2017 (8.3, as well). The four most recent fluctuations for hot AC cluster-mate WSNE “Coast 93.3” are: -1.2 (June); +1.1 (July); -.8 (August); and now +.6 in September (5.4 – 4.2 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 5.1, flat at #6, 6+). June’s decrease directly followed three upticks in a row that netted seven-tenths (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI follows August’s +.1 with a September +.2 and repeats at #1 (9.9 – 10.0 – 10.2, 6+). On top in May and June, with June’s 10.3 its highest 6+-stat since 12.3 in “Holiday” 2017, “Lite Rock 105” has been in double-digits (6+) in 11 of the last 17 sweeps. Entering the August sweep, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB was +.3.1 in five upticks in a row (5.0 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 8.1, 6+), but “B-101” is a combined -1.7 in August and September (8.1 – 7.3 – 6.4, flat at #5, 6+). In July, it reached the eight-share level (8.1) for the first time since August 2015 (8.0). On a seesaw, Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “92 PRO FM – Today’s Hit Music” is -.7 (July); +1.0 (August); and now -.7 in September (9.1 – 8.4, second to third, 6+). August 2018’s 9.1 is its strongest 6+-showing in more than a year (9.1, as well, in June 2017).
Norfolk – A cumulative -1.8 in four straight decreases (7.1 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+), Saga Communications’ classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” roars back with a +1.1 to 6.4 (fifth to third, 6+). When “The Fox” dropped four-tenths in May, it halted three upticks in a row that netted a +2.4 (4.7 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+). In April-May-June, Entercom hot AC WPTE was +1.0 (2.9 – 2.6 – 3.9, 6+). It returned 90% of that increase (-.9) in July and August (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) and now regains one-half share in September (3.5, 6+); “94.9 The Point” carries on at #7. A collective +3.4 in five straight increases (12.1 – 12.3 – 13.2 – 14.3 – 14.6 – 15.5, 6+), urban AC sibling WVKL relinquishes just over half of that bounty (13.7, -1.8, 6+). Even so, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 for the 22ndtime in a row and posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 30th time in the last 31 sweeps. Its 15.5 in August sets the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era, breaking the old mark of 14.6 (6+), which WVKL tied in July. Meanwhile, CHR sibling WNVZ “Z-104,” which was +1.2 in four straight sweeps without a loss (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+), surrenders half that increase (4.7, -.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). August’s 5.3 is its highest 6+-share in more than four years (5.4, May 2014). An overall +1.3 in June and July (5.0 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” is off an overall four-tenths in August and September (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.9, 6+), shifting from third to fourth. Just prior to May’s -1.1, WWDE posted three upticks in succession that generated a +1.8 (4.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+). After losing 86% of its 6+-share (-4.3) through seven successive sweeps without an increase, (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” picks up three-tenths in August and September (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+) to crack the top ten (#11 to #10). As the result of four straight declines, Saga Communications’ WNOR “99 Rocks” is -2.5 (8.3 – 7.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8, fourth to fifth, 6+).
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – A loss of eight-tenths (4.3 – 3.5, 6+) drops iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” out of the top ten (#10 to
#11). WPTI posted a gain of two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, April – May – June, 6+), before dropping one-tenth in July. In six straight down or flat survey periods, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS has lost 75% (-.6) of its 6+ AQH share (.8 
– .6 – .5 – .4 – .2 – .2 -.2, 6+) and stays at #16. Immediately before that, owing to three straight increases, “Triad Sports” quadrupled its 6+-share (.2 – .3 – .6 – .8, 6+). For the fourth sweep in succession, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” finishes at #13 (2.1 – 2.3, +.2, 6+). Its +.1 in August concluded at four a consecutive string of down or flat monthlies for an overall -.5 (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). The May through September topline for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC (#14 to #15) is 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 (6+). Prior to April, WUNC registered a .9 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – Posting whopping gains of +1.1 each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Variety” (6.8 – 7.9, fifth to third, 6+) and Dick Broadcasting CHR WKZL 107.5 KZL – The #1 Hit Music Station” (eighth to sixth). WMAG had been a collective -1.0 in July and August (7.8 – 7.2 – 6.8, 6+). After a lengthy hiatus, WKZL recently returned in print. Its February through September topline is 4.0 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 5.7 (6+) for an overall +1.7 in that timeframe. Adding one-half share to August’s +.2 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” finishes at #12 for the fourth sweep in a row. Prior to August, “Kiss” was a collective -1.4 in three downward moves in a row (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is down two full-shares as the result of five successive decreases (12.2 – 12.0 – 11.2 – 10.9 – 10.5 – 10.2, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” leads the pack for the ninth month in a row and is in double-digits (6+) for the 23rd straight time. WQMG was -1.1 in March, but then +1.2 in April. In the runner-up slot for the ninth consecutive time, adult hits cluster-mate WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” is off a combined four-tenths in August and September (10.0 – 9.7 – 9.6, 6+). A July gain of nine-tenths halted five consecutive decreases that accounted for an overall -2.5 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.3 – 9.4 – 9.1, 6+). Down three-tenths in July and then up four-tenths in August, iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” regresses by eight-tenths in September (7.3 – 6.5, third to fifth, 6+). July’s decrease ended at three its consecutive streak of gains that netted a +2.3 (4.9 – 5.0 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+); June’s 7.2 is the highest 6+-share for “Q-104.1” since October 2017’s 7.3. Locked on 5.6 (6+) in July (when it was up nine-tenths) and August, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WPAW drops two-tenths to 5.4 (seventh to eighth, 6+); “93.1 The Wolf” plummeted by -1.5 in June (6.2 – 4.7, 6+). Immediately prior to that loss, WPAW was +1.1 in May to 6.2, its highest 6+-share since October 2017’s 7.1.
West Palm Beach
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #10, Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” is an overall +.7 in four successive upticks (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, , 6+). After four straight up or flat trends that netted nine-tenths (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia
news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” is now a combined -1.0 in August and September (2.9 – 2.3 – 1.9, -.6, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). Before posting a +.3 in April, WJNO was a collective -1.3 via four successive decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+). Following a one-half share gain in August, co-owned news/talk WZZR returns 40% of that increase (2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #13 to #14, 6+). Prior to August, “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” had been down or flat the previous three ratings periods for a -.6 (2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+). Returning to print in West Palm Beach, Miami news/talk sibling WIOD is trending 1.1 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.2 (#19 to #18, 6+). Progressing from ninth to eighth, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN has been within 2.9 – 3.5 range (6+) each month this calendar year: 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 (6+).
West Palm Beach Music Formats – A collective +1.0 in four straight up or flat trends (9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 10.0, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF finishes first for the ninth consecutive month and is in double-digits for the first time since February. When “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” logged a +.3 in June, it suspended three straight decreases that produced an overall -1.2 (10.2 – 9.9 – 9.2 – 9.0, 6+). WRMF spent 12 consecutive ratings periods on top before dropping to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. On the heels of August’s +1.2 to 5.1 – its best 6+-stat since June 2017 – co-owned WIRK surrenders 75% of that increase (4.2, -.9, fourth to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to August, “Country 103.1” notched five successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.0 (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+). Off for the third time in a row for an overall -1.2 (6.5 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL segues from second to third with its lowest 6+-share (5.3) since 4.9 in “Holiday” 2017. “Today’s Kool 105.5” was up six-tenths in June, after being locked on 5.9 (6+) in April and May. One-tenth behind WOLL is its format rival, Alpha Media’s WEAT “Sunny 107.9,” which is up four-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.2, steady at #4, 6+), after July’s half-share loss. This is the best 6+-showing for “Sunny” since April (5.2, as well). Big ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “Wild 95.5,” which was -1.6 in May and June (4.3 – 3.1 – 2.7, 6+); a collective +1.3 in July and August (2.7 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+); and now -.5 in September (4.0 – 3.5, flat at #7, 6+). Faltering by one-half share as well are WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (3.3 – 2.8, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WBGG “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” (1.6 – 1.1, #16 to #19, 6+).
Jacksonville
Spoken-Word Formats – In the last three sweeps, Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” has been -.7 (July); +.5 (August);
and -.6 in September (9.2 – 8.6, second to third, 6+). Immediately in advance of July’s decline, WOKV was +2.1 in 
three upticks in a row (7.3 – 8.2 – 9.3 – 9.4, 6+). Off nine-tenths in March, WOKV was #1 in May. Flat at .5 – its best 6+-stat since January’s .7 – iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” remains at #19. A very steady January – August topline for public news/talk WJCT (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.4) gets a bit of a September jolt with a -.6 to 2.8 (flat at #12, 6+).
Jacksonville Music Formats – It has been a real rollercoaster ride the past four sweeps for Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle,” which was -.5 (June); +.8 (July); -.7 (August); and now a whopping +1.3 in September (8.0 – 9.3, third to second, 6+). Immediately in advance of June’s one-half share loss, “The Eagle” was a combined +1.8 in five straight up or flat trends (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.4, 6+). In a continuation of that theme, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat,” was a cumulative -1.0 in March and April (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2, 6+); +.8 (May); -.5 (June); +1.0 (July); -.4 (August); and now +.8 in September (5.1 – 5.9, flat at #6, 6+). A collective -1.2 in three straight down or flat trends (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WEZI answers with a collective +1.3 in August and September (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+) as “Easy 102.9” jumps from tenth to seventh. While Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEJZ is #1 for the fourth month in a row, “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” regresses by eight-tenths (10.6 – 9.8, 6+) and has its consecutive string of reaching double-digits (6+) end at three (10.4 – 10.3 – 10.6, 6+). August’s 10.6 is the best 6+-showing for WEJZ since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.9. A loss of two-tenths in May knocked WEJZ (which was +1.4 in June) from first after just a one-month stay on top; it was #1 in “Holiday” 2017 and February 2018. Having recorded a March through July topline of 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.9 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSL “97.9 Kiss-FM” gained one-half share in August to 4.4 (6+), only to lose nine-tenths in September (3.5, 6+) and exit the top ten (#8 to #11). August’s 4.4 is its strongest 6+-share since January’s 4.7. In five straight negative moves (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+), Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE is an overall -1.5 and slips from seventh to ninth; “Gator Country 99.9” was +1.1 in April. Unchanged at #4, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 Jacksonville’s Country” is off a combined four-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (7.1 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.8, 6+). A collective -2.3 in April and May (9.0 – 8.2 – 6.7, 6+), WQIK bounced back with a one-half share increase to 7.2 (June, 6+). Its +1.1 in March suspended four straight decreases that accounted for an overall -5.7 (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+). October 2017’s 13.6 is the best-ever (6+) PPM-performance for WQIK, which was #1 this past January and March.
Memphis
Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +.6 in July and August (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” drops
one-tenth in September to 3.4 (6+) but continues at #10. July’s increase stalled five straight sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). Fully erasing July’s -.6 (2.9 – 2.3, 6+) with a combined +.6 in August and September (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” carries on at #12. Immediately prior to dropping one-tenth in April, WMFS was up or flat three monthlies in a row for an overall gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Co-owned sports talk WMC-AM “Sports 790 AM” is up or flat for the fifth time in succession for a net gain of three-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4, flat at #18, 6+).
Memphis Music Formats – Answering August’s loss of eight-tenths with a September gain of seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.6, 6+) iHeartMedia-owned WEGR continues in ninth-place. Prior to August, “Rock 102.7 – Memphis’ Classic Rock” was a collective +1.7 via four straight gains (3.0 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). After being down or flat the past six monthlies for a collective -2.7 (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.1 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), co-owned gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” picks up one-tenth to 4.7 (6+) and is unchanged at #8. August’s 4.6 is its lowest 6+-stat since September 2017 (4.6, as well). Improving by six-tenths and jumping from fourth to second is Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River” (8.0 – 8.6, 6+), which was +.6 in July as well. This (8.6) is the best 6+-stat for WRVR since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9. Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” is up a total of three-tenths in three straight up or flat reports (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7, steady at #14, 6+). Also notching a +.6 in September, in addition to “The River,” is Entercom country WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” (1.8 – 2.4, #14 to #13, 6+), which has its best 6+-performance since January (2.4, as well). Format rival – Cumulus Media-owned WGKX “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country” – is off two-tenths to 5.0 (flat at #7, 6+), thus halting three straight increases that netted +1.8 (3.4 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). June’s gain of one-half share interrupted four decreases in a row that accounted for a cumulative -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). At #1 for the fifth month in a row, iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” is nonetheless a combined -.8 in August and September (11.1 – 10.4 – 10.3, 6+). Entering the August sweep, KJMS was +1.7 in three straight up or flat trends (9.4 – 10.1 – 11.1 – 11.1, 6+). An overall -2.6 in five downward moves in succession (9.8 – 9.4 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” shifts from third to fourth with its lowest 6+-stat (7.2) since March 2017’s 6.5. By gaining six-tenths in April (following a +1.0 in March), “K-97.1” succeeded “V-101” at #1. Without an increase for the fourth successive sweep for a combined -1.4 (10.0 – 9.3 – 8.8 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” stays at #2, where it is tied with AC sibling WRVR. Immediately in advance of the June sweep, WRBO was +2.3 in three straight positive trends (7.7 – 8.0 – 9.2 – 10.0, 6+); May’s 10.0 is its finest 6+-performance since October 2017’s 10.2. Albeit down for the third straight month for a combined -1.7 (6.8 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom hot AC WMC-FM remains at #6. Entering the July sweep, “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” was an overall +2.3 in four straight increases (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.8, 6+); June 2018’s 6.8 is its strongest 6+-showing since May 2017’s 7.0.
Hartford
Spoken-Word Formats – This is the third time in a row that Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” has posted a 6.2 (seventh to sixth, 6+). July’s one-half share gain halted three straight down or flat trends in succession for a -.2 (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.8 –
5.7, 6+). Prior to July and August, WTIC-AM last reached the six-share level (6+) in June 2017 (6.7). This calendar year’s (6+) topline trending for Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” (#14 to #15) is: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0. After seven straight down or flat trends for a -2.4 (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” notches a +.5 to 4.0 (flat at #9, 6+). Prior to May, the last time WNPR was below a five-share (6+) was in August 2017 (4.7). Level at #13, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” follows August’s gain of three-tenths with a loss of one-tenth (1.6 – 1.5, 6+). Its August improvement curtailed five successive down or flat trends that led to a -1.2 (2.5 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+).
Hartford Music Formats – Wiping away August’s -.6 with September’s increase of seven-tenths (7.3 – 8.0, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 – All The Hits” repeats at #2. Entering the August sweep, “Kiss” posted three straight upticks that netted +1.0 (6.9 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.9, 6+). Similarly, co-owned WWYZ “Country 92.5” virtually erases August’s loss of seven-tenths with an improvement of six-tenths (6.4 – 7.0, 6+), as it jumps from sixth to third. Off an overall six-tenths in July and August (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” logs a one-half share gain to 3.9 (6+) and continues at #10. Setting the pace for the 26th consecutive ratings period, Entercom adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” slips three-tenths (11.4 – 11.1, 6+) but is in double-digits (6+) for the 23rd time in the last 25 sweeps. Following July’s -2.2, “Lite” rebounded with a +1.2 in August, which pulled the plug on four straight March through July downward moves that accounted for a -4.1 (14.3 – 13.2 – 13.1 – 12.4 – 10.2, 6+). WRCH was +1.1 in March, but then -1.1 in April. A decrease of six-tenths (6.5 – 5.9, fifth to seventh, 6+) by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WHCN takes “105.9 The River” to its lowest 6+-stat since October 2017’s 5.6. A cumulative +1.9 in three straight up or flat trends (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.7, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting’s WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Hartford’s Classic Rock” loses three-tenths to 5.4 (6+) but is steady at #8; August’s 5.7 is its best 6+-stat since last October’s 6.0. Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” is -1.6 in four straight decreases (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7, fourth to fifth, 6+).
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Entercom Q2: “Great Progress.” Owing to the addition of CBS Radio, Entercom Communications’ second-quarter net revenue jumped, but fell on a same-station basis. Revenue nearly tripled from $125 million to $372.1 million; however,
on a same-station basis, it decreased from $405.7 million to $372.1 million. Meanwhile, net income dropped from $6.4 million to $1.6 million. Entercom president and chief executive officer David Field notes, “We have made great progress across multiple fronts as we continue our work to capitalize on our transformational merger. We have signed a definitive agreement with Bonneville to complete our last required station divestitures; successfully launched the Entercom Audio Network with strong early revenues; terminated our painful relationship with United States Traffic Network; achieved rapid growth on our burgeoning Radio.com platform; and delivered a 5% reduction in Q2 expenses as we realize our merger-related synergies. Second-quarter revenues were down 8%, exacerbated by the loss of $12 million in revenues from USTN, but revenue performance is improving. We are currently pacing down 2% in the third-quarter, excluding the impact of USTN. For the fourth quarter, we are pacing up 3% on an unadjusted basis. I am proud of the outstanding team we have built and the terrific work they are doing to capitalize on our abundant scale-driven opportunities.”
Local Nielsen Media Impact Debuts. The planning system allows users to understand cross-media reach, frequency, 
and duplication on a local scale using advanced audience segments from Nielsen Scarborough. In addition, it enables advertisers, agencies, and media owners to reach their desired audience in the country’s 25 “Local People Meter” (LPM) Designated Market Areas (DMAs). Local Nielsen Media Impact is built with respondent level data to allow in-depth cross-platform analyses for both local television and radio separately, as well as TV and radio together. Beasley Media Group vice president of sales Bob McCurdy comments, “Local Nielsen Media Impact offers empirical data supporting radio’s ability to amplify and complement TV campaigns. This is the first time radio is included in this type of multi-channel media mix that enables users to derive cross media insights with currency grade accuracy. Nielsen Scarborough data within the NMI solution allows us to assess campaign scenarios against consumer insights.” According to Nielsen vice president of product leadership Jay Nielsen, “Local Nielsen Media Impact offers a unique lens to the industry, enabling effective decision-making about where and when to engage audiences with content and advertising on local levels. Similar to the solution clients have widely adopted on the national level, this local solution unlocks access to new insights on media allocation and schedule optimization to better reach a cross platform-based audience.”
Q2: Townsquare Media “Exceeds Previously Issued Guidance.” Second-quarter net revenue for Townsquare Media rose 1.9% to $11.96 million. Owing to the divestiture of North American Midway Entertainment, however, net 
income decreased by 70.6% to $1.6 million; net income from continuing operations improved 29.2% to $10.1 million. Co-chief executive officer Bill Wilson remarks, “Our second-quarter financial results exceeded our previously issued guidance, continuing the momentum we experienced in the first-quarter of the year. In the first six months of 2018, net revenue increased 2.6%, and 2.2% excluding political revenue; Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.6%. Our second-quarter and year-to-date revenue growth was primarily the result of continued stability in our broadcast products and strong revenue growth of our digital solutions.” Co-CEO Dhruv Prasad notes, “Through internal reorganization and the divestiture of North American Midway Entertainment, we have concluded the strategic reset that we initiated in late-2017 and have largely reoriented the company towards the stability, profitable growth, and cash generation of the advertising, marketing solutions, and live events businesses in our local market footprint. Our strong performance in the first half of this year reinforces that this was the right strategy, and we remain committed to this plan moving forward.”
Rush Limbaugh’s Impact on Radio and America Examined by News Site, Who. What. Why. (whowhatwhy.org) Veteran talk radio programmer and executive Jeff Schechtman of Napa Broadcasting interviews TALKERS founder Michael Harrison about Rush Limbaugh and the state of talk radio for this week’s WhoWhatWhy.org podcast. It is part of an article titled “The Mouth that Roared – How Rush Limbaugh Changed America” posted yesterday (8/7) marking the milestone of the talk radio superstar’s syndicated radio show reaching its 30th anniversary last week. Schechtman and Harrison discuss the impact of the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, Limbaugh’s major contributions to the rise of news/talk radio, how talk radio has changed over the decades, the driving factors behind those changes, the influence of the video screen on communications devices, and the general future of talk media. To read the article and listen to the podcast, please click here .
Making Music Great Again. It seems the talented Mike Gallagher isn’t the only member of the Salem roster of talk show hosts blessed with extraordinary gifts as a musical entertainer. These two super-suave lounge lizards pictured above are none other than Salem Radio Network host Larry Elder (left) and WNYM (“AM 970 The Answer”), New York morning man Joe Piscopo (right). The two are off-air buds and like hanging out together when they find themselves on the same coast. This bit of show biz magic was captured last night (8/7) as the two serenaded thrilled diners at Vitello’s, a swingin’ hot spot in Studio City, California. The song they were performing – Louis Armstrong’s classic, “What a Wonderful World.”
Sinclair Q2 Revenue Up 11.9%. While stats for its Seattle radio properties (KOMO “News Radio 1000 & 97.7, KVI “Talk 
Radio 570,” and hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5) are not broken out in its earnings release, Sinclair Broadcast Group saw second-quarter revenue increase 11.9% year-to-year to $730.1 million; net income attributable to the company fell from $44.6 million to $28 million. Regarding the pending acquisition of Tribune Media Company, Sinclair president and chief executive officer Chris Ripley states, “We are working with them to analyze approaches to the regulatory process that are in the best interest of our companies, employees, and shareholders.” In terms of Q2 results, Ripley notes, “[They] came in well ahead of guidance in all key financial metrics, and we expect the second half of the year to continue to be robust, underlined by increasing distribution revenues and strong political advertising spend. This year’s mid-term elections are expected by many to have the most spending in U.S. history with broadcast television a primary beneficiary.”
Urban One Second-Quarter Net Revenue Down 2.1%. The year-to-year total slips to $115.2 million although broadcast and digital operating income is up 6.1% to $44.3 million. Overall operating income doubles to $24.8 million and net income improves from $802,000 to $23.6 million. Attributed to results in Atlanta, 
Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Raleigh, radio advertising fell 6% to $52 million. There was radio growth, however, in Dallas, Washington (D.C.), and Cleveland. Digital advertising, cable TV advertising, and event revenues are all off, as well; cable TV affiliate fees saw increases. Keeping pace with 2017, Tom Joyner’s 19th “Fantastic Voyage” took place in the second-quarter and generated $9.4 million. Company president and chief executive officer Alfred C. Liggins, III remarks, “Our Q2 radio performance was in line with expectation. After a tough April, the quarter improved sequentially, and we are currently pacing approximately flat for third-quarter. We are launching a new network in January 2019 that will target African-American females and feature lifestyle and entertainment programming. The addition of a second network will help us continue to grow our TV business in the longer term, and has great potential synergy with our existing platform. Our digital segment came in below expectation for Q2, but has had a very strong start to third quarter and we remain optimistic for the back half of the year.”
Lotus Acquires Scripps Stations in Tucson and Boise. Eight stations are involved in the $8 million transaction between (buyer) Lotus Communications and (seller) The E.W. Scripps Company. Lotus president Jim Kalmenson remarks, “We are looking forward to getting to know the many talented professionals at these Scripps radio stations. Both companies share a genuine passion for producing excellent 
local radio and serving the public.” Scripps president and chief executive officer Adam Symson adds, “Lotus Communications’ commitment to serving local communities – with a focus on western region markets in particular – makes it a natural fit to run the Tucson and Boise stations. This deal sets up the stations for continued success.” In Tucson, Lotus picks up and will keep adult contemporary KMXZ “94.9 “Mix FM” and sports talk KFFN “ESPN Tucson,” but will spin urban-rhythmic oldies KTGV “106.3 The Groove” and news/talk KQTH. Its Boise acquisitions include classic rock KJOT “J-105”; rock KQXR “100.3 – The X”; triple A KRVB “94.9 The River”; and classic hits KTHI “107.1 K-Hits.”
TALKERS News Notes. Longtime New York City (WMCA, WINS, WCBS-AM) newscaster and talk host Ralph Howard has died. According to Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup, “Ralph personified New York City – vibrant, charming, a little edgy, and nonstop energy; I will miss him greatly.” Tradup produced “Ralph & Ryan” on WMCA in the early-1980s; “Ryan” was longtime NBC-TV newsman Bill Ryan. In addition to New York City credentials, Howard worked in Chicago at WIND, WBBM-AM, and WCFL, as well as for The Associated Press and ABC Radio. Until he retired in May 2013, he was a news anchor for Howard Stern, hosting “Howard’s World,” covering Stern’s SiriusXM exploits. This Sunday (8/12) at 3:00 pm, a celebration of Ralph Howard’s life will be observed at New York City’s Riverside Chapel; Howard was 76 years old ….. Alpha Media Portland’s KXL “FM News 101” adds Envision Networks’ two-hour Nik Miles-hosted “Our Auto Expert” to its Sunday afternoon lineup (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm). Alpha Media executive vice president of programming Scott Mahalick remarks, “When it comes to personality and compelling automotive talk, nobody does it better than Nik Miles. We are excited to share ‘Our Auto Expert’ with the world as part of our commitment to bring the best live & local programming to our listener community.” KXL operations manager Bruce Collins notes, “Nobody knows more about the auto industry than Nik. He is both informative and entertaining – we welcome Nik and his show to KXL.” Miles adds, “I am so excited be working with the country’s most forward-thinkers in radio. Being live and local every week gives listeners an opportunity to be the first to hear about groundbreaking automotive stories and stay informed.” ….. The former general manager of Ohana Media Group’s six Anchorage (Alaska) stations – Tom Oakes – is named operations manager for Scripps Radio’s five-station Springfield, Missouri cluster, which consists of KTTS “94.7 Country’s Best”; 
CHR KSPW “Power 96.5”; adult hits KRVI “106.7 The River”; and KSGF AM & FM “News/Talk 1260 & 104.1.” In addition, he will be the program director of KTTS. Springfield Operations vice president and general manager Rex Hansen notes, “Tom Oakes brings years of experience in all formats we operate here in Springfield. Our listeners, team, and advertisers will benefit greatly from his expertise. His coaching skills will make a difference for our air staff immediately.” Oakes remarks, “A busy fall lies ahead as we prepare for not only the next ratings sweep, but continue to work with our on-going projects, promotions and programming needs across the entire cluster.” Oakes previously was vice president of programming for Ohana’s 11 stations in Alaska and Oregon; worked for New Northwest Broadcasters in a variety of upper-management roles with their stations in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; and has experience in Omaha, Madison, and South Bend 
(Indiana) ….. The annual Public Radio Program Directors (PRPD) content conference will be held later this month (8/20 – 8/23) at Austin’s Hyatt Regency Hotel. “Pixels and Place” author Kate O’Neill will be a keynote speaker. PRPD is the only national gathering devoted solely to public radio content and programming and this year’s conference, “will be the most format-inclusive in the organization’s history. As every public radio station grapples with consumption, relevance and sustainability, the PRPD is committed to creating a setting where content leaders can learn, network and advance their careers.” ….. Owing to a strategy change regarding original podcasts, Amazon’s Audible Originals senior vice president of original content development Eric Nuzum is departing. The former NPR executive made the announcement in an email earlier this week. Several other Audible Originals staffers – including the entire unit responsible for original spoken-word podcast content – are also exiting, according to published reports. After releasing high-profile shows in its short existence, Audible Originals has more recently shifted to signing major authors to audiobook-first deals.
Round Two of July 2018 PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including Washington (D.C), Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
TEGNA Releases Q2 Financials. The former television division of Gannett, Virginia-based TEGNA, reports that its second-quarter net income from continuing operations was up 87.8% to $92.5 million. “Subscription,” which is the company’s term for television retransmission consent revenue, was up 16%. President/CEO Dave
Lougee notes, “Our progress in the quarter gives us confidence that our growth strategy is on track. Our business mix continues to evolve toward predictable and profitable subscription-based revenue streams. Contrary to conventional wisdom, our paid subscriber base is very stable, and in fact, our total number of paid subscribers was up year-over-year for the first time in recent years.” TEGNA owns or operates 47 TV stations in 39 markets. Results for its San Diego radio properties, news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760 Talk & Breaking News” and rock KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM-BFM,” are not broken out in its earnings releases. The company completed its acquisition of KFMB-AM, KFMB-FM, and KFMB-TV from Midwest Television six months ago for a reported $325 million.
Ohio Special Election/Primaries, Manafort Trial/Gates Testimony, California Wildfire and the Environment, Trump China Tariffs, Alex Jones/InfoWars Banned by YouTube and Facebook, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Discussed Yesterday (8/6). The cliffhanger special election in Ohio and key primaries in several states, the trial of former Donald Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort highlighted by the damaging testimony of Rick Gates; the deadly California wildfire and its connection to the environment; Alex Jones and InfoWars being dropped by several major social media platforms and MLB action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday (8/7), according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Co-host of “The Bob & Tom Show” – Tom Griswold – will host two evenings of live comedy featuring Greg Hahn, Pat Godwin, and Josh Arnold one week from Friday (8/17) at Indianapolis’ Irving Theater and the following night (8/18) at Lafayette, Indiana’s Lafayette Theater. All proceeds
from both shows will go to The Nora Dane Fund, which helps defray the costs of medical treatment and related expenses for two-year-old Nora Dane, who is being treated for a rare, aggressive malignant brain tumor. Griswold states, “Three of my favorite comedians are stepping up to help little Nora. I promise a great night of comedy to support the amazing efforts being made to help this wonderful little girl.” Preferred seating tickets for each show are $75 and include early access to the venue; a meet-and-greet with the featured talent; a photo; VIP laminate; and choice of seating. Griswold and co-host Bob Kevoian originate their Westwood One syndicated show from Cumulus Media Indianapolis flagship WFBQ “Q-95 Indy’s Classic Rock.” ….. In honor of mid-day talent Pat Martin’s 30th anniversary with Entercom Sacramento’s KRXQ “98 Rock,” The Pat Martin All-Star Band will perform tonight 
(Wednesday, 8/8, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) as part of a free concert at Folsom, California’s Powerhouse Pub. Guest band members Jeff Keith from Tesla, composer Robert Sabino, and UFO’s “Atomik” Tommy McClendon are among others scheduled to appear. Martin currently fronts the longest consecutive running radio show in Sacramento history ….. As part of an exclusive long-term partnership with Saga Communications, Mediabase and BuzzAngle Music will provide Saga with comprehensive music listening and consumption data for more than 130 radio stations nationwide. Saga Communications vice president of programming Bob Lawrence comments, “Mediabase and BuzzAngle have proven to be essential tools for our many markets and programmers over the years. When presented with the opportunity to put them in our arsenal on a group-wide level, we simply could not resist.” Mediabase president and RCS Worldwide president/CEO Philippe Generali remarks, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be chosen by the very talented programming team at Saga Communications. This partnership will expand the list of markets covered by Mediabase and complement it with the BuzzAngle sales and streaming data for all Saga stations.” Meanwhile, Jim Lidestri, chief executive officer of Border City Media, the makers of BuzzAngle Music, adds, “Mediabase’s airplay monitoring and BuzzAngle’s extensive consumer analytics is a powerful combination for programmers. We are delighted to partner with Saga to give them the most comprehensive tools to connect with – and engage – their listeners through music.” ….. Tickets go on sale this Friday (8/10) for Stephens Media Group Tulsa alternative KMYZ “Z-104.5 The Edge,”-sponsored “The Edge Halloween Haunt.” The October 31 event will feature The Struts, Meg Myers, and Albert Hammond, Jr. ….. After a four-year hiatus, Corey Garrison will return to Binnie Media Portland, Maine country outlet WTHT “99.9 The Wolf” later this month (8/20) as music director and afternoon driver. Operations manager Stan Bennett notes, “Corey has a great passion for country music. I could not be happier to see him return home and help an already veteran team keep ‘The Wolf’ Maine’s most-listened to country station.” Prior to working for three Blueberry Broadcasting stations in Lewistown-Augusta-Bangor, Maine (WABK, WBAK, and WBKA), Garrison was assistant program director/music director/afternoon talent at “The Wolf” (2007-2014). He takes over for J.C. Coffey, who left WTHT late last month ….. This past Saturday (8/4), 24-year-old Eric Manias was a victim of a home invasion at his New Albany (Ohio) apartment. Manias is a family member of Digi-Dude Nate, who is part of “Bailey and Southside,” the morning team on Cumulus Media Atlanta’s WNNX “Rock 100.5.” Manias was shot twice, beaten, and robbed. Transported to Grant Hospital, he is in critical condition with a fractured jaw and arm; broken hip; and numerous cuts and bruises; he’s had four surgeries thus far. Manias was born with pulmonary atresia, a heart disease in which the pulmonary valve is not properly formed. Shortly after his birth, he had three open-heart procedures. As of noon yesterday (8/7), a fund to help with his medical bills raised more than $5,700 toward a $10,000 goal ….. WOCQ-HD2 “Kool Oldies,” Salisbury-Ocean City (Maryland); WQTL “Kool Oldies 106.1,” Tallahassee (Florida); and KWML “Kool Oldies,” Las Cruces (New Mexico) are the latest affiliates of Envision Networks’ “Wolfman Jack Radio Show.” All three are Adams Radio Group properties. Its president & chief executive officer Ron Stone states, “We are thrilled to bring ‘The Wolfman’ back in our markets where we have great oldies stations playing the best music of all time. We believe the audience our oldies stations target are going to fall in love with ‘The Wolfman’ all over again.”
Thursday, March 8, 2018
iHeartMedia and Lenders Buy a Little More Time. The deadline for the Forbearance Agreement signed on Sunday was last night at midnight. Prior to that deadline however, iHeartMedia and the Consenting Lenders agreed to
extend the term of that Forbearance Agreement to next Monday (3/12) at midnight CT. iHeartMedia – seeking to find a long-term solution to its $20 billion debt problem – is past the grace period and, without the Forbearance Agreement, would be in default on a missed $106 million payment on 14% Senior Notes. That default would likely trigger bankruptcy for iHM, but clearly the group of senior creditors are trying to find a way to avoid putting the fate of the company in the hands of a bankruptcy judge. This extension leads some analysts to conclude that some progress is being made toward that end.
Entercom Releases Q4 2017 Financial News. This is the first quarterly report for Entercom Communications Corp. that includes results of the CBS RADIO stations. The merger closed on November 17, 2017. Remember that Entercom issued 101,407,494 Class A shares to former shareholders of CBS Corporation who participated in the exchange. Net revenue for Q4 2017 was $246.6 million,
compared to $124.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. “Operating income for the quarter was a loss of $2.3 million, which was negatively impacted by $36 million of merger, restructuring, impairment and financing costs. This compared to operating income of $30 million in the fourth quarter of 2016…adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $45 million, compared to $35.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.” The company reports that as of December 31, 2017, it had 
outstanding $1.4 billion of senior debt under its credit facilities and $400 million in senior notes and $34.2 million in cash on hand. Entercom president and CEO David Field comments, “We are making excellent progress toward our goals of capitalizing on our transformational merger and building a truly outstanding media and entertainment company. As the country’s #1 creator of live, original, local audio content and with a premier collection of outstanding local radio stations, digital platforms and live events, we have the scale and capabilities to compete more effectively with other media for a larger share of ad dollars. We are off to a great start executing our game plan with important achievements in a number of areas including building a best-in-class leadership team and culture, growing our brands and ratings, executing our synergies, launching new sales tools and advocacy, and much more. We are very pleased with our progress and more excited than ever about the needle-moving opportunities ahead.”
Unsecured Creditors Challenge Cumulus Media’s Executive Bonus Structure. A group of Unsecured Creditors – the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Cumulus Media – is formally objecting to Cumulus Media’s executive bonus program in a filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In the filing, the Committee says, “the Debtors seek authorization to pay millions of dollars in supplemental ‘incentive’ compensation to highly compensated senior
executives during an expedited chapter 11 process that, if the Debtors prevail at confirmation, will result in the unsecured creditors of these estates receiving pennies on the dollar. These executives have already received millions in prepetition ‘incentive’ compensation payments (indeed, the Debtors’ CEO has already received over two million dollars in supplemental 2017 incentive payments and is scheduled to receive at least an additional [amount redacted] if the Motion is approved) and stand to benefit from a very robust Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”) to be implemented upon the Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy. Moreover, the Debtors seek authorization to implement not one, but two allegedly incentivizing and wholly overlapping programs that both contemplate quarterly cash payments payable upon achievement of the exact same targets and metrics in order to “properly incentivize” those members of management who already stand to gain a substantial economic benefit from obtaining confirmation of the plan and thus implementation of the MIP.” The Committee says the incentive program cannot be allowed and cites three aspects of the U.S. Bankruptcy code that it believes backs its case.
Morning Drive Talk Host Angie Austin Announces Distributor and Rep for New Show. Talk show host Angie Austin – who previously hosted the “Daybreak
USA” program on USA Radio Network – has re-branded her program “The Angie Austin Show” and it’s set to be delivered to affiliate stations via Genesis Communications Network with The Show Must Go On! repping the program. Mike Opelka co-hosts the show that is delivered live from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET. A presser says the show will debut in seven markets.
Judge Cites Lack of Evidence in Complaint Against WGAC, Augusta Talk Host Austin Rhodes. After a complaint from local businessman Joe Mullins suggesting that WGAC, Augusta, Georgia talk host Austin Rhodes’ words on his 
radio show caused him to become concerned for the safety of himself and his family, a judge has ruled that there is not enough evidence to suggest a crime may have been committed. According to a report by WJBF-TV, Mullins complained to authorities that Rhodes compared him to a snake on his February 27 broadcast and said, “Snakes have to be dispatched or killed.” The story notes that local police listened to a recording of the entire segment provided by Mullins but concluded that there was no direct threat to Mullins.
TALKERS News Notes. Rapid City, South Dakota has a new news/talk station as HomeSlice Media Group flips KKLS-AM/K248BT – both licensed to Rapid City –
from classic hits to using syndicated programming. Shows on the station’s program schedule include: Dave Ramsey, Joe Pags, Westwood One’s Mark Levin, Jim Bohannon and Chris Plante, plus others. The schedule does not indicate a morning drive show, leaving open the possibility of a local program…..Entercom and PNC Bank partner to spotlight star high school lacrosse students in the Maryland community. Entercom sports talker WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” and its sister stations are taking part in the PNC Achievers program that identifies and recognizes outstanding female and male student lacrosse athletes from public and private schools across the state of Maryland for their success and leadership on and off the field. Entercom Baltimore SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys says, “At Entercom, giving back to our local communities is an important part of what we do and PNC Bank shares these values. We’re excited about this partnership that allows us to shine a light on high school athletes who display exemplary study habits, achieve excellent grades, are active volunteers in the community and mentor other students to help meet their respective goals.”…..University of Alabama Athletics and multi-media rights holder Learfield announce a five-year agreement with SummitMedia for the broadcaster to serve as the official radio home of the Crimson Tide Sports Network in Birmingham…..iHeartMedia’s alternative rock K248CU, Austin “ALT 97.5” signs a deal with MLB’s Houston Astros to serve as the ballclub’s official Austin affiliate. The station will carry all regular and post-season games.
Trump Tariffs Plan, Stormy Daniels Suit, Feds vs California, Trump Russia Investigation, Gun Control, North Korea-South Korea Talks, Russian Double Agent Poisoning, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/7). The Trump Administration’s plan for tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum and the related exit of economic adviser Gary Cohn; porn star Stormy Daniels’ suit for relief from confidentiality agreement with President Trump; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ suit against California in the sanctuary matter; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the debate over gun control and Florida’s bill to limit gun ownership to those 21 and over; the talks between North Korea and South Korea over the former’s nuclear program; the apparent poisoning of a former Russian double agent and his daughter in the U.K.; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Cool Job Opportunity. Radio management pro Harvey Wells is looking for a multi-talented operations manager for the Mid-West Family Broadcasting cluster in Springfield, Illinois. He says, “If you know a great talk/mainstream rock/talent coach/radio person, I’m looking for an operations manager to partner with me in the fine state capital of Springfield, Illinois. This is not a ‘rookie’ position. Must be able to do an airshift as well.” Contact Harvey at: hwells@mwfbmedia.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Chicago’s famed classic rocker “The Loop” isn’t going away completely. With Educational Media Foundation’s LMA of WLUP-FM (soon to have new calls WCKL-FM) to begin Saturday in advance of its purchase of the signal from Merlin Media, Cumulus Media is taking the “Loop” format (sans jocks) and moving it to the HD2 channel of alternative rock WKQX-FM. Of course, that station is also up for sale and it’s likely a buyer will swoop in on this Windy City signal sooner rather than later…..Beasley Media Group announces it is naming Jeff Kurkjian
the new morning drive co-host for its country outlet KCYE, Las Vegas “102.7 The Coyote.” Kurkjian, who was most recently morning host at Entercom’s hot AC WQAL, Cleveland “Q104,” is partnering with 
Aimee Montgomery, who slides over to “The Coyote” from Beasley’s adult contemporary “Lite 101.5 FM.” Kurkjian says, “I am so excited to be part of the team at ‘102.7 The Coyote’ in Las Vegas. I can’t imagine doing anything but local radio. I’m looking forward to connecting every morning with the casino workers getting off third shift, the moms taking their kids to school and everyone in between. I am eager to get out and about in Las Vegas, especially coming from the frozen tundra of the Northeast!”…..iHeartMedia announces the addition of Eminem featuring Kehlani, plus N.E.R.D and G-Eazy to the program of previously announced performers for this Sunday evening’s 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards…..Entercom’s classic rock KGON, Portland enters into a multi-year agreement with The Waterfront Blues Festival. Some of the highlights of the new partnership include the return of the festival to its original radio broadcast partner and the switch of KGON-HD2 to Waterfront Blues Radio – playing blues music all day. The festival takes place July 4 through 7 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and this summer’s event marks the 31st anniversary of the festival…..Pictured below are staffers of Cumulus Media’s adult contemporary WMAS-FM, Springfield, Massachusetts and volunteers celebrating the final tally of the WMAS Radiothon benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network and Baystate Children’s Hospital. Vice president and market manager Craig Swimm says, “Extremely proud of the team as we wrap up this year’s 94.7 WMAS Radiothon — $245,367 raised over 2 days. We beat last year’s number and have raised more than $4.5 million for the Children’s Miracle Network since 2002.”
Thursday, February 15, 2018
KNBR, San Francisco Cuts Ties with Patrick Connor After Host’s Comments About Teen Olympian. Sports media personality Patrick Connor has been let go by Cumulus Media’s KNBR, San Francisco after his sexualized comments about U.S. Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim. Connor hosted the daily “The Shower Hour with
Patrick Connor” at 5:00 am on KNBR but he didn’t make his comments on KNBR. He did that on SiriusXM’s Barstool Sports channel calling in to the “Dailed In with Dallas Braden” program. Connor’s radio bit revolved around his opinion of the 17-year-old athlete’s looks and that she would soon be 18. Connor apologized for his words, calling them “lame and gross.” Obviously, this latest incident comes as fellow broadcaster Entercom is dealing with the blowback from two recent errors in judgement by talk hosts and will suspend live programming on WEEI, Boston tomorrow (2/16) so the entire staff can attend mandatory sensitivity training.
John Patrick Joins WGAC, Augusta Morning Show. At Augusta, Georgia news/talk WGAC-AM/FM, Beasley Media Group names John Patrick as a new co-anchor of the station’s morning show. He joins Steve Smith and Mary Liz Nolan for wake-up
duties. Patrick was most recently hosting the “Buzz on Buzz” show at sister sports talk WRDW-AM “ESPN Augusta 1630.” Among Patrick’s achievements in his 40-plus-year career is the 2008 creation of “The Augusta Golf Show with John Patrick.” It will now air on WGAC-FM on Saturday afternoons. Beasley Augusta VP and market manager Kent Dunn comments, “To have a guy like John with 40-plus years in radio leading the way on the WGAC morning show is quite an honor. We look forward to what John brings to WGAC and the Beasley Media Group of Augusta.”
Pub Talker Tom Ashbrook Exits WBUR, Boston for ‘Creating Abusive Work Environment.’ Host of the WBUR, Boston talk program “On Point” – Tom Ashbrook – had been on leave from the Boston University-owned public radio news/talk outlet since the school launched an investigation into his behavior back in December. Now,
the school has let him go, citing actions he was reported to have taken that created an “abusive work environment.” According to a report of his dismissal in Deadspin, “The university said it had conducted two separate reviews after allegations were made by 11 former staffers claiming Ashbrook ‘created a work environment that included verbal assaults, intimidating actions, consistent bullying, and unwanted touching.’ A second probe, conducted by a law firm, determined that the alleged unwelcome conduct was not sexual in nature, and was not sexual harassment under BU’s Title IX polices.” See the Deadspin piece here.
Atlanta’s ‘The Sports X’ Gets a New Midday Show. The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Rodney Ho reports that another local show has been added to Dickey Broadcasting’s WOFM-AM/W292EV, Atlanta “The Sports X.” The station pairs up Jerry “Tug”
Cowart with former University of Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason for the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show. Cowart also works as a jock at iHeartMedia’s crosstown country outlet WKHX “Kicks 101.5.” Station owner David Dickey has been retooling the station – a sister station to WCNN “The Fan” – in an effort to draw in younger listeners. He recently added Mark Zinno to host the afternoon program and the late morning “Hometeam & Hamilton” show with Brandon Leak and Joe Hamilton.
WAXY, Miami Signs Deal for University of Miami Baseball. South Florida sports talker WAXY, Miami “AM 790 The Ticket” enters into a multi-year agreement with University of Miami sports rights holder Learfield to air the school’s baseball games and ancillary baseball programming. As part of the partnership, ‘The Ticket’ will 
broadcast at least 15 regular season games, all postseason baseball and various ‘Canes baseball-focused programs throughout the season. Entercom South Florida SVP and market manager Keriann Worley says, “We’re excited to begin a new partnership with Miami Athletics and are ready to air Canes baseball game broadcasts and various shows for fans this spring. There’s not a better time than right now to be associated with the University of Miami and as part of our commitment to our listeners, we are always looking to bring them the excitement of the games they love.” Joe Zagacki – in his 29th season as the voice of the ‘Canes – will continue calling games this season.
Deadly Florida School Shooting, FBI’s China vs US Warning, DACA Status/Immigration Policy, Russian Election Interference, Trump-Stormy Daniels Case, PyeongChang Winter Games, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/14). The Florida school shooting that took the lives of 17 and wounded numerous others; the FBI warns that all of Chinese society is focused on surpassing the U.S. as the world’s foremost global power; the legal status of DACA and the Trump Administration’s immigration policy; intelligence officials’ warning about Russian interference in the 2018 U.S. mid-term elections; the case of porn star Stormy Daniels’ alleged romp with President Trump and Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s claim he paid her $130,000 to stay quiet; the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chattanooga, Entercom brings market radio pro Boner, a.k.a. Randy Smith, aboard to host the “Boner in the Afternoon” program on rock WRXR “Rock 105.” Entercom Chattanooga SVP and market manager Nicole Hartman
says, “Boner is a longtime, local on-air personality and we are thrilled to reunite him with the ‘Rock 105’ listeners. Boner has been a part of the fabric of the ‘Rock 105’ brand in many roles over the years and we’re excited that he will now be hosting afternoon drive.” He first joined WRXR when it was owned by then-Clear Channel in 2001 and hosted the morning show and programmed the station for 15 years…..Hubbard Radio Seattle announces the new morning show cast 
for country KNUC “Country 98.9” is Tim Leary, Claire Beverly and Karen (Red) Daiss (pictured at left). The three come to the Pacific Northwest from their most recent gig hosting mornings at Alpha Media’s WUBB, Savannah, Georgia “Bob 106.9.” Hubbard Seattle market manager Marc Kaye comments, “I fell in love with Tim, Claire and Red in the first few minutes of meeting them. I know the Seattle radio audience will find them entertaining and refreshing, we are in for one heck of a run.”…..Elvis Duran show cast member Bethany Watson is leaving the Premiere Networks-syndicated program to pursue other challenges in the New York entertainment industry. She says she’s making “the scariest, riskiest decision I’ve ever made.” She says she’s interested in writing, acting and producing, among other things…..Programming and on-air pro Dave Fields exits Townsquare Media’s country WKDO, Evansville, Indiana where he held the brand manager and morning show host positions to host the morning show at the company’s adult contemporary WMSX, Buffalo “MIX 96.” That leaves Townsquare seeking a new morning host and 
brand manager for WKDO…..Sales pro Lindsay Lazar is named general sales manager for iHeartMedia in Chicago. She will oversee sales at country WEBG “BIG 95.5” and adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 LITE FM.” iHeartMedia Chicago SVP of sales Adam Kurtz states, “Lindsay has an impeccable reputation in the Chicago market and a glowing track record of success. She is a proven leader with an exceptional ability to deliver solutions to the advertising community and I am thrilled to welcome her to our team.”…..SiriusXM is adding a new show to the Underground Garage rock channel, hosted by legendary musician, producer and songwriter Lenny Kaye. The show will air weeknights from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. In addition to being a member of the Patti Smith Group, Kaye also produced the Nuggets garage rock anthologies that were released on vinyl during the 1970s.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Radio Industry Watching Cumulus Media’s Chapter 11 Gambit. This week’s announced Restructuring Support Agreement with “certain of [Cumulus Media’s] secured lenders” has the radio business intently watching how this attempt to reduce about $1 billion of its debt will go for the company. After sifting through the company’s SEC filings, more light is being shed on this move led by Cumulus CEO Mary Berner. The first and most important aspect of this RSA is that under the 
proposed terms, senior lenders would receive 83.5% of the equity of the “reorganized Cumulus” and junior debt holders would get the other 16.5%. Note too that this agreement is with the senior debt holders and there’s no knowing at this point if any junior debt holders would come on board or not. The latter could attempt to sink the RSA. Another interesting part of Cumulus’ report is the list of “unsecured claims” that shows the company owes U.S. National Bank $637 million, Nielsen Audio $6.65 million, Broadcasters General Store $967,596, and BMI $789,812, among others. For them, absent a specific deal with the company to settle those claims (obviously at less than 100%), holders of General Unsecured Claims would have to hope for the best in getting compensated from the Unsecured Equity Recovery Pool. We’ll have answers to these questions – and many more – sometime within the next 180 days (the time frame of the RSA).
iHeartMedia and Lenders Continue to Dance. Just before the Thanksgiving weekend, iHeartMedia offered a proposal to lenders that included, among other things, 87.5% equity in the recapitalized iHeartMedia, and new debt of $7 billion to mature within five to seven years. On November 28, those same lenders issued a counterproposal to receive 95.3% equity in the recapitalized iHM and new debt of $5.75 billion to mature within five to seven years. Needless to say, a considerable gulf remains between the two sides. iHeartMedia is trying to work out a solution to its more than $20 billion in debt.
Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory Commits to Regular Role on WBT, Charlotte. As reported by the Charlotte Observer, former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory will continue to be heard on Entercom’s WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte “for at
least a couple of months.” McCrory has been making regular appearances on WBT’s Morning News with host Bo Thompson at 7:15 am. Now, McCrory is co-hosting the 9:00 am to 10:00 am hour with Thompson. Entercom Charlotte vice president and market manager Matt Hanlon says the response to McCrory’s regular appearances has been “extraordinary.” The change in WBT’s midmorning programming came after former 9:00 am to 12:00 noon personality Scott Fitzgerald was reassigned to other work for the company. Former Charlotte television personality Vince Coakley is hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show.
Kent Dunn to Lead Beasley Media Group’s Augusta, Georgia Station Group. Returning to Beasley Media Group’s Augusta cluster where he previously managed for 21 years before moving to Tampa to lead the company’s station group there is Kent 
Dunn. The Augusta cluster includes: news/talk WGAC-AM/FM, sports talk WRDW-AM “ESPN Augusta,” CHR WHHD, adult hits WDRR, religion WGUS, and rhythmic oldies WCHZ. Beasley EVP and COO Brian Beasley comments, “Kent leads by example in everything he does. We look forward to Kent returning to his roots and once again overseeing the cluster and enjoying the similar success he had both in Augusta and Tampa. It’s a privilege to have him on our team.” As a result of this move, former vice president and market manager Mark Haddon will shift his responsibilities to become director of sales for the cluster.
TALKERS News Notes. A new program – “Lenz on Business” – is debuting on Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta airing Saturdays at 6:00 pm. The program is hosted by Lenz Marketing founder, president and CEO Richard Lenz. The program features Lenz speaking “with Atlanta’s business leaders to explore their inspiring stories, lessons learned, and tips for growth and success. From big business execs to indie entrepreneurs, these guests not only share their practical secrets, but also unveil the personalities behind the careers.” The show is sponsored by Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. WSB program director Pete Spriggs says, “I’m excited about ‘Lenz on Business.’ It’s a topic that many of our WSB listeners can’t get enough of because they are business owners or are focused and successful in their careers and want to learn and find deeper success. Lenz Marketing has been a strong content partner with WSB Radio for years and have the same strategy that we do: to inform the listener with high quality content and interviews.”…..A new sports content channel is launching on SiriusXM that focuses on the Southeastern Conference. SEC Radio will present “in-depth and comprehensive access to SEC-focused sports talk and news, plus offer an extensive schedule of SEC games. The channel will debut next year.
Matt Lauer Firing Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 27 – December 1. The firing of “Today” host Matt Lauer for sexual misconduct was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 was other sexual harassment cases involving Senator Al Franken, Congressman John Conyers and others. Coming in at #3 was the GOP tax reform plan, tied with the Roy Moore senate run, followed by President Trump’s anti-Islam tweet 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.
CBS Interactive Senior Reporter Dan Patterson Is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. He writes stories and produces video reports about disruptive technologies covering a wide array of platforms and inventions from Twitter to Bitcoin for such outlets as TechRepublic, ZDNet, and CNET. He delves into topics such as business technology innovation, policy, and hackers. Dan Patterson is this week’s guest on the award winning PodcastOne series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Harrison and Patterson take the listener on an illuminating journey through such subjects as the early days and rise of Twitter, Donald Trump’s effective use of social media, the changing state of journalism, fake news, self-regulation versus government control of the Internet and more. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Hillsdale College and TALKERS Teaming Up to Present Sizzling Talk Radio Debate in DC. TALKERS magazine and Hillsdale College are joining forces for the second year in a row to present a dynamic talk radio debate titled, “Media and Journalism in the Age 
of Trump.” Moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, the diverse panel of participants will include (in alphabetical order): Scot Bertram, general manager Hillsdale College Radio, WRFH, Hillsdale, MI; John Fredericks, host, John Fredericks Radio Network; Dom Giordano, host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Hugh Hewitt, host, Salem Radio Network; Joe Madison, morning host, SiriusXM “Urban View” channel; Janet Parshall, host Moody Radio Network; and Bill Press, host, TYT Radio Network. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 5 at Hillsdale’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, 227 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. It will start at 12:00 noon and run for about 90 minutes followed by a “meet and greet,” one-hour lunch reception. The event will be open to members of the media and press at no charge but seating will be limited and pre-registration is required. To register, please click here. For more information, please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Announcing the event, Michael Harrison states, “What a wonderful lineup! This debate will include many of the key perspectives represented on American news/talk radio about the enormously controversial issues generated since the election of 2016. TALKERS is delighted to be back in Washington, DC creating political talk happenings of this nature. This is the second of what will hopefully be a long series of forums that we are planning to present in conjunction with the enlightened educators at Hillsdale College.” Hillsdale College, based in Hillsdale, Michigan and established in 1844, is widely recognized as one of the finest, private liberal arts colleges in America.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. KIIS, Los Angeles based programming pro John Ivey is promoted by iHeartMedia’s National Programming Group to the new position of president of CHR programming strategy. Ivey will continue to program KIIS while he oversees the company’s CHR and rhythmic CHR brand formats.
iHM also says he’ll “work to improve the company’s Top 40 brands in its over 150 markets. In addition, he will continue to guide and develop the company’s roster of CHR programmers and on-air talent, and book artists for events including the ‘iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour’ and KIIS FM’s ‘Wango Tango.’” iHeartMedia chief programming officer Tom Poleman says, “John is one of the foremost talents in media today when it comes to programming Top 40 radio and he is a driving factor in why KIIS-FM is the most listened to station in its 
market. He knows what CHR listeners want to hear and we’re confident he’ll help bring similar success to our stations in other markets.”…..On-air pro Toby Knapp slides over from iHeartMedia’s CHR WIHT, Washington “HOT 99.5” to the cluster’s adult contemporary WASH-FM to co-host the morning drive program with incumbent talent Chili Amar. That starts on Monday (12/4) and Knapp will continue to host his “HOT 99.5” afternoon
show through the end of the year…..In New York, iHeartMedia promotes Cara Hahn to assistant program director and music director for CHR WHTZ “Z100” and adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM.” Hahn joined the company in 2014. She’s most recently been a programming coordinator for the New York cluster. In her new role, she’ll report to “Z100” PD Mark Medina and “106.7 Lite FM” PD Chris Conley…..Ashley Wilson assumes the program director role at iHeartMedia’s country WNOE, New Orleans. She comes to the Big Easy from her most recent position at Renda Broadcasting’s country WGNE, Jacksonville “99.9 Gator Country” where she was APD and midday personality. At WNOE, Wilson will also host the PM drive show…..Programmer Jim Trapp is named operations manager for Townsquare Media’s Yakima, Washington cluster that includes: country KDBL “The Bull,” rock KATS, CHR KFFM, rhythmic oldies KMGW “Mega 99.3,” news/talk KIT “Newstalk 1280,” and sports talk KUTI “1460 ESPN Yakima.” He’d most recently served with Entercom’s adult hits KJAQ, Seattle “96.5 JACK FM.”
Round Two of November PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s November 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s November 2017 PPM survey period covered October 12 – November 8. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets. Please note the Entercom takeover of CBS Radio was concluded nine days after the final day of the November 2017 sweep (11/17). CBS Radio references will cease beginning with our analysis of the December 2017 sweep.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Washington, D.C. – Without an increase in each of the last three ratings periods for an overall -1.1 (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+), Howard University-owned urban AC WHUR erases that deficit and three-tenths to spare (+1.4), rising to 8.4, 
the station’s best-ever PPM-showing. Even so, WHUR must be content to occupy third-place for the 11th time in a row. Its -1.0 in August ended at five a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ “Majic 102.3” is stuck on 4.6 and carries on at #6. “Majic” was a cumulative -1.8 in August and September (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), before regaining four-tenths in October. September’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since December’s 3.8. Prior to August, “Majic 102.3” had been up in back-to-back sweeps for a +.7 (5.3 – 
5.7 – 6.0, 6+). As usual, the two stations ahead of WHUR are Hubbard all-news operation WTOP and American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” but with WAMU up three-tenths and WTOP off two-tenths, the two are tied at #1 (9.6, 6+). Prior to this sweep, WTOP was a collective +1.6 in three straight
upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+). In October, it posted its strongest 6+- share since 9.9 in March. In the runner-up slot from January through August, WTOP climbed to #1 in September. By notching a +.7 in August, WTOP halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+). As for WAMU, “The Mind Is Our Medium” exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. A cumulative -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but forfeited exactly twice that increase in June with a -1.4. February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. Continuing its slow and steady pace while remaining in seventh-place, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH is up by one-tenth for the fourth straight time (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+). Down or flat for the sixth consecutive sweep for an overall -1.1 (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” remains at #17. With the 
MLB season over, sports talk sibling/Washington Nationals flagship WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” fades by -1.2 to 2.3 (6+), sliding from #11 to #17, where it is tied with WIAD. Entering the November sweep, “The Fan” gained eight-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). Cross-town competitor – Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WTEM “ESPN 980” – has not been listed any month this calendar year. Despite being off a collective -1.1 as the result of three straight declines (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WBIG “Big 100” continues in fourth-place. Unchanged at #9, co-owned WMZQ “98.7 – Today’s Best Country” drops one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), halting three straight gains for an overall +.5 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+). October’s 3.7 was its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016 (3.7, as well). This is the ninth straight sweep that its format rival – Alpha Media’s WFLS (unchanged at #20) – is without an increase with “93.3 Today’s New Country” losing approximately half its 6+-share since February (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5, 6+).
2) Boston – Bouncing back in a big way from a collective -.7 via four losses in a row (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7- 1.6, 6+), Entercom urban AC WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B” explodes with a +1.1 to 2.7 (6+), jumping from #15 to #20. Tacking on nine-tenths to October’s one-half share gain, Boston University-owned news/talk WBUR progresses from
eighth to fourth (4.0 – 4.5 – 5.4, 6+). A loss of one-half share in September by WBUR ended three straight sweeps without a decrease and erased the half-share it gained in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). Having decreased by more than 50% of its 6-share (2.8 – 1.8 – 1.3, June – July – August, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation classical-formatted WCRB follows with three straight gains for a collective +.8 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1, #20 to #18, 6+). Flat at 7.6 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM is #1 for the third month in a row. In September, “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” wiped out August’s one-half share decline by racking up a +.9 to 7.9 – its highest 6+-share since July 2014’s 8.2. In five consecutive increases prior to 
the August sweep, “Kiss 108” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). Three straight upticks by Entercom-owned WEEI-FM netted a collective +1.6 (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.3 – 5.9, 6+), but the Boston Red Sox flagship surrenders all by one-tenth of that increase, drifting from second to ninth (4.4, -1.5, 6+). The Red Sox captured the American League East title for the second straight year but were again eliminated in
the A.L. Division Series. Meanwhile, in four straight increases, CBS Radio’s similarly-programmed WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” is a collective +2.4 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+) as the New England Patriots’ key station rushes from fifth to third. As it approached the August ratings period, “The Sports Hub” had been down or flat six straight times for a combined -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Not only is Beasley Media Group-owned adult contemporary WMJX without an increase for the fifth successive month for an overall -1.7 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+), “Magic 106.6 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” drops from third to fifth with its weakest 6+-stat in almost seven years (5.1, January 2011). Even though CBS Radio’s WZLX registers its fourth straight dip for a collective loss of seven-tenths (5.6 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+), “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” actually improves from seventh to a sixth-place tie. This is the third month in succession that iHeartMedia’s WBWL is off by one-tenth (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, #15 to #17, 6+). Immediately prior to the start of this string, “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” had four successive increases that accounted for a +.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). Format foe – Beasley Media Group-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” – is trending 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.6 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Its September gain of one-tenth ended at three a consecutive string of down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+).
3) Miami – A positive spike of eight-tenths (4.8 – 5.6, 6+) enables Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” to inch up from sixth to fifth. Trending 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.9 (July through October, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish 
tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” picks up one-half share to 3.4 (#15 to #13), its best 6+-share since 3.5 in October 2016. It is tied at #13 with Spanish Broadcasting System’s similar programmed WXDJ “El Sol 106.7,” which had faltered by one-tenth in each of the last three sweeps (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), before posting a +.4 in November (3.4, flat at #13, 6+). While it is #1 for the seventh time in a row, Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” surrenders eight-tenths (7.8 – 7.0, 6+); October’s 7.8 was its strongest 6+-stat since July 2016’s 8.0. After three straight decreases for a combined -1.4 (7.2 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR rebounded in October with a +.4 to 6.2 (6+), but “Amor 107.5” forfeits nearly twice that gain in November (5.5, -.7, 6+), segueing from third to fifth. WAMR posted a 7.0 (6+) or higher in five of six ratings periods between January and June. Off three-tenths to 4.2 (flat at #7, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” halts three straight up or flat trends that produced a modest overall gain of four-tenths (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” returns all but one-tenth of October’s +.3 (4.2 – 4.0, -.2, 6+) but remains at #8. The two CHR rivals were tied for eighth-place in July and separated by one-tenth in August. Prior to September’s -.4, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). A collective -.6 in four successive sweeps without an increase (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+) iHeartMedia urban contemporary WMIB “103.5 The Beat” slips from #13 to #15. With a (6+) July through October pattern of 4.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.2, Cox Media Group’s similarly-programmed WEDR “99 Jamz” matches the (6+) profile of “Y-100” (4.2 – 4.0, -.2, flat at #8, 6+). Before dropping six-tenths in August, “99 Jamz” was up seven-tenths via three straight gains (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+). The May through November (6+) trending for CBS Radio’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 – New Country” (unchanged at #18) is 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.4. Down or flat for the fifth time in succession for an overall decline of four-tenths (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD shifts from #21 to #22.
4) Detroit – Powered by a gain of eight-tenths, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now” remains on top for the third month in a row. This reflects the third straight increase for WNIC (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+) and the station’s highest 6+-share since the “Holiday” 2016 report when it reached 13.7. After posting three straight
gains for a full-share improvement (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+), WNIC faltered by two-tenths in August; it is a collective +1.7 since August. Showing a very consistent (6+) topline of 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7, CBS Radio CHR WDZH “98.7 Amp Radio” breaks out a gain of seven-tenths to 3.4 (#15 to #13), its strongest 6+-showing since May’s 3.9. Erasing October’s one-half share increase with a loss of six-tenths, Radio One urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM” (3.2 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+) falls from #12 to #14. A combined +2.4 in May and June, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WMXD was -2.5 in four subsequent decreases (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+) before gaining one-
tenth in November. “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s Throwbacks and R&B” is steady at #11 (4.0, 6+). Deflating by one-half share each are CBS Radio sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (5.5, third to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 – Today’s Best Music and More” (4.6, sixth to ninth, 6+). The (6+) August – September – October for “The Ticket” was 6.0 – 6.3 – 6.0. Prior to November, “96.3 – Today’s Best Music and More” recorded five straight up or flat trends for a cumulative +1.5 (3.6 – 3.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+). One negative streak ends for a Detroit country outlet while another continues. On the plus side, CBS Radio-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country,” which had been down four times in succession for an overall -1.5 (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7, 6+), picks up three-tenths to 5.0 (6+), advancing from ninth to seventh. The 4.7 in October was its lowest 6+-share since 4.1 in “Holiday” 2016. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (#17 to #18) is without an increase for the sixth consecutive sweep and is -.8 in that May through November stretch (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+). The market’s two major urban contemporary outlets combined for a -1.9 in October, but they each post modest gains this sweep. Independent WGPR “Hot 107.5,” off one full-share in October (3.5 – 2.5, 6+), is +.1 to 2.6 (flat at #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WJLB “97.9 Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B,” -.9 in October (4.4 – 3.5, 6+) gains three-tenths to 3.8 (#13 to #12, 6+). October’s 2.5 was the lowest 6+-share for “Hot” since March (2.4), while WJLB had its softest 6+-showing since April (3.5, as well).
5) Seattle – There are mixed results for two “Emerald City” contemporary Christian facilities: Crista Ministries’ KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” improves by one-half share vaulting into the top ten (#14 to #7, 6+), but Educational Media 
Foundation’s KLSW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” sputters by seven-tenths to 1.3 (#24, 6+). This represents the sixth improvement in a row for “Spirit” for a cumulative +1.5 (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+); KLSW had been locked on 2.0 (6+) in August, September, and October. While it remains in fourth-place, Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” applies the brakes to three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). By gaining one-half share to 3.3 (6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP puts an end to its 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.8 (6+) trending as “Hot 103.7 – 100% 
Throwbacks” jumps from #19 to #15. In addition to posting its sixth straight increase for an overall +2.5 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 – Seattle’s News, Seattle’s Talk” advances from third to second with its strongest 6+-showing in nearly two years (6.1, December 2015). Steady at #24, iHeartMedia’s KJR-AM “950 Entertaining Sports Talk” is up or flat for the fourth month in a row (.5 – .6 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), nearly tripling its 6+-share in that timeframe and notching its highest 6+-share since January’s 1.7. Not only is Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW #1 for the fourth consecutive time, it is without a loss for the fourth time in a row as well (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5, 6+). Its +.5 in August pulled the plug on three straight downward moves that produced an overall decline of six-tenths (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Albeit not as lofty a string in terms of 6+-share, Classic Radio’s KING-FM “Classical 98.1” nonetheless hasn’t had a decrease in the last six survey periods for an overall gain of one-half share and checks in at #22 (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+).
6) Phoenix – A combined +1.7 in June and July (4.7 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+), KOOL was an overall -2.0 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), but the CBS Radio classic hits-oldies property regains exactly half that deficit in November, cruising from seventh to third (4.4, +1.0, 6+). Back in July, KOOL crossed the six-share threshold for the first
time since May 2016’s 6.0 (6+). Even though iHeartMedia’s KNIX has its fourth straight gain for an overall +.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), “102.5 – Today’s Best Country & All Time Favorites” backslides from #8 to a tie at #9. Conversely, CBS Radio’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” is down a collective full-share in five straight declines (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+) and falls from #12 to a four-way scrum at #13. 
While Hubbard’s KSLX is #1 for the seventh straight month, “Classic Rock 100.7” is a combined -.9 as the result of its third straight dip (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.0, 6+). KSLX was +1.1 (6.8 – 7.9, 6+) in August, after a combined -.5 in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). Following a September gain of one-half share to 2.4 (6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “88.3 Campesina” forfeited more than twice that margin in October, cutting September’s 6+-share in half and freefalling from the top twenty (1.2, -1.2, #17 to #27, 6+). The station, however, disappears from print in November. Up one-half share in October, rhythmic CHR KKFR “Power” forfeits eight-tenths (2.6 – 1.8, 6+) to slip from #19 to #20. Prior to October, “Power” was trending 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 (6+). As the result of losing seven-tenths in November (4.9, third to fourth, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” puts an end to an up/down pattern that started in February (4.8 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Having registered a steady 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 (April 2017 – July 2017, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP
-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” lost one-half share in August; was a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+); and now loses three-tenths in November (2.7, #14 to #18, 6+). Four contemporary Christian stations in the “Valley of the Sun” combine for a 4.3 (6+) in November, down one-half share from October’s 3.8 (6+). Included in that group is Educational Media Foundation’s KLVK “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (1.5 – 1.0, -.5, #27). The other three are Family Life Broadcasting’s KFLR “Family Life Radio” (1.0 – 1.4, +.4, #24); EMF’s KZAI “Air1 – Positive Hits” (1.0 – .9, -.1, #28); and co-owned KLVA “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.8 – .5, -.3, #32). The (6+) May through November line for Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR “Que Buena 105.9” is 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4 (#20 to #24). After sharing the identical (6+) August – September – October profile (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.5), iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” drops one-tenth to 4.4 (fourth to sixth, 6+), while co-owned adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” is off two-tenths to 4.3 (fourth to seventh, 6+).
7) Minneapolis – Consistent in its topline 6+-stat June through October (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk WCCO “News Radio 830” dials up a +.9 to 4.8, its best 6+-showing since May’s 5.0 as the Minnesota Timberwolves flagship 
enters the top ten (#11 to #9). Following four consecutive increases that produced a +2.7 since June (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN, the key station of the Minnesota Vikings, slips by one-tenth to 7.2 (6+), but “100.3 Sports Radio K-Fan” 
repeats at #1. Yet another Twin Cities’ flagship, Northern Lights Broadcasting’s KQGO “Go 95.3” has its October 6+-share sliced in half (1.4 – .7, -.7, 6+) as the Minnesota Twins key station departs the top twenty (#19 to #22). One-tenth behind KFXN is Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety,” which strings together its third straight up or flat report (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+) to advance from third to second. Its format competitor –
iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97 – More Music, More Variety” (#13 to #14) continues an up/down pattern that began in May (3.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Frozen on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB notched back-to-back increases in June and July totaling +.7 (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), but “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” (second to third) is now without an increase for the fourth consecutive sweep and is -.7 since July (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). Having finished first in April, May, and June, KDWB segued to #2 in July. Moving from an eighth-place tie to tenth is co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station,” which is down or flat for the fifth straight time for a combined -1.6 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+). It is one full-share ahead of CBS Radio’s similarly-programmed KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9,” which is off a combined seven-tenths in September and October (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), but steady at #12.
8) San Diego – A gain of one-half share to 5.3 by Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” (fifth to third, 6+) pulls the plug on four straight decreases that yielded a cumulative loss of -1.4 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well is Grupo Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio
Latina,” which zooms from a four-way tie at #17 to #13 (2.3 – 2.8, 6+). Owing to a +.3 to 4.6 (6+), Entercom’s KSON-FM “New Country” advances from seventh to sixth and puts an end to four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.4 (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+); 4.3 in 
October was its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.0. The news/talk duo of iHeartMedia’s KOGO and San Diego State University-owned KPBS remain at #1 and #2, respectively, but KOGO falters by six-tenths to 6.6 (6+), while KPBS drops four-tenths. As a result of KOGO’s -.6, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 is snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); KPBS is an overall -.6 in its third straight monthly without an increase (6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Not only is October’s 7.2 the highest 6+-share for KOGO in its PPM-history, the station had not previously reached the six-share level. The two ranked first and second in September as well, although KPBS was on top and KOGO held the runner-up slot. Within 5.0 – 5.5 range January through July (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), KPBS hadn’t been at #1 since this past February. A combined +1.5 in five straight progressive or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+), Midwest Television rocker KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM – BFM” leaps from eighth to fourth. This is the strongest 6+-showing for KFMB-FM since it transitioned to rock in January 2016. Although steady at #17, iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3,” on the other hand, is down or flat for the fourth time in a row for an overall -.7 (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+). By picking up one-tenth to 2.2 (6+), CBS Radio CHR KEGY “San Diego’s Energy 97.3” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #19) and halts four straight negative or flat trends (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+) in which it lost four-tenths. Handing over in its entirety the full-share it picked up in three consecutive up or flat trends (3.8 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” drifts from fifth to tenth (3.8, 6+). After its initial trending of 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” forfeits seven-tenths to 1.6 and departs the top twenty (#17 to #23, 6+).
9) Denver – Off a combined six-tenths in August and September (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI bounces back in October in November with a collective +1.1 (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.0, 6+). Not only does KOSI register its 
best 6+-showing since 11.6 in “Holiday” 2016, “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” marches from third to a first-place tie with country cluster-mate KYGO, which is actually down or flat for the fifth month in a row (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). Ousted from the top spot after three successive months there is iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock,” which segues to #3 (6.3 – 5.9, -.4, 6+). When it dropped three-tenths in October, KBCO ended at ten a successive string of increases in which it nearly doubled its 6+-share (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+). Logging gains of one-half share each are Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” (3.4 – 3.9, #15 to #12, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” (2.4, #21 to #18, 6+). The combined one-half share that “Alice” picked up in June and July (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+) was erased in August (3.4, 6+); KALC added another four-tenths in September. KBPI applies the brakes to four consecutive decreases that accounted for a -1.7 (3.6 – 3.1 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). Locked on 3.7 (#12 to #13, 6+) is KALC’s format rival KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix,” which was down a collective eight-tenths in July and August (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+); “Mix” regained 75% of that decrease in September with a gain of six-tenths. After improving by one-half share in July, Entercom classic rock KQMT followed with three straight dips (August-September-October) that resulted in a combined -1.9 (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Up one-tenth to 4.6 (6+) in November “99.5 The Mountain” progresses from eighth to fifth. By recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), “The Mountain” progressed from third to first in May. Down or flat the past three sweeps for a combined loss of seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KPTT “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station” bounces 
back with a +.3 to 4.0 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). The news/talk genre erodes by -1.7, nearly equally divided between Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR (5.4 – 4.5, -.9, third to six, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned KOA (4.4, -.8, fifth to seventh, 6+). Off one-half share in June, KCFR answered with a collective +1.9 in July, August, and September (4.0 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), before returning one-half share in October. It reached the five-share level (6+) in August for the first time since March 2016’s 5.7. Entering the November sweep, KOA – the flagship of the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos – was +.6 in three successive flat or up trends (4.6 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). On the plus side, KOA’s similarly-formatted cluster-mate KHOW (unchanged at #19) posts its fifth straight up or flat trend for an overall +.5 (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+). A cumulative +1.5 via three straight improvements (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive and Encouraging K-Love” relinquishes 80% of that increase (3.4 -1.2, 6+), fading from #7 to #14. As the result of three straight
positive trends (2.3 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), Bonneville’s KKFN roughly doubled its 6+-share (July through October), but “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” falters by three-tenths in November to 4.2 (6+) and shifts from eighth to ninth. Recent fluctuations for “The Fan” include -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January 2017); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 (April); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); -.9 (July); +1.1 (August); and +.9 in September. Last October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology.
10) Tampa – Finishing on top for an astonishing 62nd successive ratings period, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” does so with an exclamation point as its third straight gain is by +1.3 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 – 11.1, 6+). Moreover, 11.1 is its most potent 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. Prior to an August decrease, WDUV had been a
collective +1.8 as the result of four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). Tacking on a +1.2 to October’s +.9, iHeartMedia’s WFUS (4.7 – 5.9, 6+) rockets from eighth to second. It is the first time “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 For New Country” reaches the five-share level (6+) since last December’s 5.3. In September, WFUS dropped seven-tenths to 3.8, its softest 6+-showing in almost seven years (3.3, Holiday” 2010, 6+). Off by one-tenth in both October and November (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” remains at #6. The station exiting the runner-up slot after 12 straight appearances there and dropping to #3 is Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “The Eagle,” which is an overall -2.5 via six straight down or flat trends (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6, 6+). Picking up all but one-tenth of October’s loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 4.8, +.6, 6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” progresses from tenth to seventh. When WCIE dropped two-tenths in September, it concluded four straight sweeps without a loss that yielded a +1.3 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+); July’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-share for WCIE since the “Holiday” 2016 report (5.1, as well). On the flipside, iHeartMedia urban contemporary and sports talk siblings WBTP “95.7 The Beat” (fourth to eighth, 6+) and WDAE “620 – Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (1.8, #18 to #19, 6+) each regress by six-tenths. With its lowest 6+-share since February’s 4.5, “The Beat” is off for the third straight time for a -1.2 (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+), whereas Tampa Bay Rays flagship WDAE was +.7 in three increases in succession (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+). Having been up or flat the past four months for a modest overall gain of three-tenths (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” forfeits three-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and slips from #13 to #15.
11) Baltimore – Without an increase in each of the last four ratings periods for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” trots out a +.9 to 8.7, its strongest 6+-showing since February’s 8.8 and 
occupies the penthouse for the fourth month in a row. A four-tenths June increase halted at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a -.9 (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Prior to June, “Magic” had been on top the previous five straight monthlies. It was tied at #1 in September with urban contemporary sibling WERQ “Q-92 Jams.” Having posted a 3.7 (6+) in three of the last five survey periods (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 – Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” adds one-half share to 4.0 (#11 to #10, 6+), reaching the four-share level (6+) for the first time since April’s 4.1. The eight most recent trends for Hearst Television news/talk
WBAL are 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 (#13 to #12, 6+). By contrast, major ups/downs continue for CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9.” It dialed up a one-half share increase in August only to return all if it in September, then displayed a +.8 in October but now surrenders that in its entirety to drop from third to fourth (6.4 – 7.2 – 6.4, 6+). Steady at #8, Shamrock-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” regresses by two-tenths to 4.5 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive string of gains that netted a +1.9 (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+). A combined +1.3 through three straight improvements (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.3, 6+), Peter & John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “95.1 Shine-FM” relinquishes three-tenths in November to 3.0 (#12 to #13, 6+); October’s 3.3 was its best 6+-stat since February’s 3.9.
12) St. Louis – After being down or flat the past three months for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+) iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU hauls out a gain of nine-tenths to 8.1, marching from second to first. On top for three consecutive sweeps, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April, but returned to #1 in June, July, and August. Not only is CBS Radio’s
KMOX displaced from #1 after back-to-back stays there, it erodes by the steepest (6+) October 2017 – November 2017 decline by any station in the 24 PPM-markets highlighted thus far (8.0 – 6.0, 
-2.0, 6+). “The Voice of St. Louis” drifts from first to sixth with its lowest 6+-share since February’s 5.1. A loss of four-tenths in October ended at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). Following four straight downward moves that accounted for a -1.4 (7.9 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.5, 6+), Emmis rocker KSHE recoups nearly half that deficit (7.1, +.6, 6+) as it progresses from fifth to second. In addition to KLOU, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL improves by
nine-tenths as well. “Hot 104.1” is +1.3 in three consecutive surges (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #8) with its strongest 6+-stat since May’s 5.0. Jumping from sixth to third, urban AC cluster-mate WFUN “95.5 The Lou – R&B + Old School for the Lou” (+.8) continues its down/up pattern, given that its seven most recent 6+-stats are 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 6.4. Bouncing back from October’s loss of one-half share with an increase of seven-tenths (2.3 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KMJM “100.3 The Beat” carries on at #17. In four consecutive improvements prior to October, “The Beat” gained eight-tenths (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch,” which was -.6 in a June – July mini-slide (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+); gained twice that loss margin with a +1.2 in August; was -.7 in September (7.0 – 6.3, 6+); +.5 in October; and now -.7 in November (6.8 – 6.1, fifth to third, 6+). With a 7.0 in August, “The Arch” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last December’s 7.6. Deflating by six-tenths each are co-owned WIL “New Country 92.3” (third to fourth, 6+) and CBS Radio hot AC KYKY “Y-98” (4.1 – 3.5, 6+). “New Country” continues its alternating up/down pattern (6.1 – 6.5 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.2, 6+). Prior to October’s +.4, “Y-98” was without an increase in each of the last eight survey periods for a net loss of -2.5 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+). Unlisted for the 11th consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Will Art Bell’s Suit Against Michael Savage Be Successful? On Friday (12/2), TALKERS magazine reported that talk show host Art Bell and his wife are suing fellow talker Michael Savage in U.S. District Court in Northern California for defamation after Savage said the following on his Westwood One nationally syndicated program: “I generally avoid gun questions. I know this from the first day in radio. I learned you never do certain topics where you can destroy your show. Third rail… You say UFOs, you wind up in the Philippines with a 10-year-old hooker and you are off the radio after a number of years. You can’t do UFOs. That’s an in joke, by the way, for people who
understand the business. There are other topics you can’t do…” For his take on Bell’s chance of success, we turned to TALKERS legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman. He says, “It is hard for public figures to win defamation lawsuits because they have to prove actual malice or a reckless disregard for the truth. More telling in this case, however, may be for Bell to prove that he was harmed. Rodney Dangerfield once won a defamation case against a tabloid that said he snorted cocaine with hookers in a hot tub. He won the case, but only was awarded a dollar because the judge said his reputation wasn’t harmed.”
Former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver Joins WGAC Talk Host Lineup. Nine-year Augusta, Georgia Mayor Deke Copenhaver exited the mayor’s office in 2014. Now, he’ll join the on-air staff at Beasley Media Group’s news/talk WGAC, Augusta to host “There It Is” from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daily. The station says that
Copenhaver “will bring an exciting brand of talk radio through his relationships with local, regional and national government officials, as well as high-level executive decision makers throughout the Southeast and beyond. Beasley Augusta VP/market manager Mark Haddon comments, “We are delighted to have Deke join us on the air at WGAC. He brings a fresh approach to the current issues of the day that are important to our local community. We think Deke will have a little something for everyone, so it should be enlightening and entertaining…a great way to keep up with what’s going on in the Central Savannah River Area.”
Trans-Atlantic Conversation on the American Election and Brexit. TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison engages in an in-depth discussion about the election of Donald Trump and the UK’s recent public vote approving Brexit with award-winning British talk show host Graham Mack. The two compare notes on both the American and English points-of-view regarding the surprising state of world affairs as we wrap up the politically and culturally mind-bending year of 2016 on both sides of the Atlantic. It takes place on the latest
installment of the hit PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Harrison states, “My dear friend Graham Mack really has his finger on the pulse of British public opinion and brings a refreshing objectivity and honesty to the discussion about the complex events taking place there following the Brexit referendum. He also offers a fascinating look at the election of Donald Trump from the English perspective.” Harrison adds, “This installment of the podcast also gives me the opportunity to express my own personal assessment of this past election and the impact it is having upon politics, journalism and the media in the US.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Chiasson to Lead Cumulus Lafayette. At the Lafayette, Louisiana cluster of Cumulus Media, Scott
Chiasson is named vice president/market manager. The company says Chiasson is a Lafayette native with 18 years’ experience in broadcast sales and operations management. He’s previously served with E.W. Scripps in Wichita, iHeartMedia in Colorado and Florida, Metro Networks in Orlando, Cox Media in Lafayette, and CBS RARIO in Tampa/St. Pete. Cumulus Media SVP Jeff Brown states, “Scott is a great radio guy and a Lafayette native. That combination is a terrific match for our powerful brands and our talented team.”
Beasley Media Group Names Jami Beasley Associate General Counsel. Attorney Jami Beasley joins the family business as associate general counsel for Beasley Media Group. Beasley has most recently been serving as 
partner in Kopelowitz Ostrow P.A.’s Ft. Lauderdale office, where she focused on commercial and complex litigation, as well as her previous experience in real estate litigation. She comments, “It’s an honor to serve Beasley Media Group as associate general counsel. This is an exceptional opportunity and I am eager to contribute to the corporate team.” General counsel Joyce Fitch adds, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jami to Beasley’s corporate headquarters. Jami’s experience will greatly enhance the legal department and I will rely on her talent and skills as we move forward in our dynamic, growing company.”
WMAL, Washington Raises $491,000 for Fisher House. The 13th Annual WMAL Fisher House Radiothon, benefiting Fisher House Foundation, raised a record-setting $491,064 from the station’s generous listeners in the Washington, DC area over the past weekend. The two-day event concluded with a live broadcast from The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. WMAL program director and Cumulus VP of news/talk Bill Hess states, “I remain in awe of WMAL listeners. They have generously donated some $5.4 million over the last 13 years in support of this wonderful organization and its mission.” Fisher House Foundation provides homes away from home for the families of injured servicemen and women while their partners are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Pictured above are (from l-r): WMAL morning co-host Larry O’Connor, mid-morning personality Chris Plante, and morning co-host Brian Wilson.
Steve Deace Book Gets Movie Deal. Talk show host and conservative media figure Steve Deace is getting a movie deal for his novel, A Nefarious Plot (2016 Post Hill Press). Believe Entertainment principals Cary
Solomon and Chuck Konzelman – producers of the film “God’s Not Dead” – have purchased the film rights to Deace’s book and will begin developing the story for a film to be released in 2018. Konzelman states, “We’ve been looking for the right story to expand into the imaginative and compelling horror-thriller genre and we knew it was Deace’s book as soon as we read it. We’re into developing movies with spiritual themes, and A Nefarious Plot represents a way to explore those themes in a whole new way for the faith-and-values audience.” Deace, who writes about issues exclusively for Conservative Review, says of this project, “My goal with A Nefarious Plot was to literally scare the hell out of people. I’m very excited to see how Believe Entertainment will do exactly that.” A Nefarious Plot centers around a demonic force which has long sought to manipulate American history to the ruination of the world’s lone superpower.
Trump Names Carson HUD Secretary, Al Gore Visits Trump Tower, Trump Calls Taiwan President, Fake News/DC Pizzeria Incident, Iran Nuke Deal Status, Mistrial in Cop Shooting Death of SC Man, Deadly Oakland Warehouse Fire, Dakota Access Pipeline Case, College Football Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/5). The Trump Administration transition and the naming of Ben Carson as nominee for HUD Secretary; Vice President Al Gore’s controversial visit to Trump Tower in New York; President-Elect Donald Trump breaks protocol and speaks with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen; the ongoing controversy over “fake news” and the incident in which a North Carolina man fired a gun in a DC restaurant that he believed may have been operating a child sex ring run by Hillary Clinton; Iran’s concern over the status of its nuclear deal with Trump soon to be president; a mistrial is declared in the case against former officer Michael Slager, who shot unarmed black motorist Walter Scott to death in South Carolina; the aftermath of the deadly warehouse fire that took the lives of 36 people; the Dakota Access pipeline controversy and the recent Army Corps of Engineers’ ruling requiring the pipeline be re-routed; the four-team college playoffs tournament; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Northwest Missouri State to Host Radio Talent Institute. The Missouri Broadcasters Association is working with six radio companies to bring the Radio Talent Institute to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville July 31 through August 9, 2017. The Institute is a 10-day radio immersion program bringing broadcasting 
students together with more than 30 broadcast professionals for on-air training in music radio, news and sports, as well as digital/social media, production, promotion, sales and more. Students will also become certified Radio Marketing Professionals by the Radio Advertising Bureau. Missouri will be one of six states in the country hosting an institute with the National Radio Talent System. Other locations are the Kellar Radio Talent Institute Appalachian State University in North Carolina, Confer Radio Talent Institute Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, KBA WKU Radio Talent Institute Western Kentucky University, GAB Radio Talent Institute University of Georgia, and Hubbard Radio Talent Institute Central Washington University. Missouri Broadcasters Association president Mark Gordon states, “We are pleased to bring in a program taught by industry professionals that will help fill job openings at broadcast stations with quality employees who have a true understanding of how fun and rewarding a career in our industry can be.” Broadcasting companies taking part include: Hubbard Radio, Eagle Communications, Emmis Communications, Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group, iHeartRadio, and Mid-West Family Broadcasting.”
Sunday Night at CBS RADIO Philadelphia. On Sunday evening, WPHT, Philadelphia talk host Walter Sterling spoke with guests about Satan and the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Pictured here are (from l-r): Sterling, former WYSP program director Tim Sabean, classic hits WOGL program director Anne Gress, and Get the Led Out author Denny Somach.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Clear Channel Makes Corporate Structural Changes; Moves iHeartRadio into Clear Channel Networks Group Division. Along with this change – putting the iHeartRadio platform under the Clear Channel Networks Group banner headed by president Darren Davis – Brian Lakamp remains with the company and is promoted to the new position — president of technology and digital ventures. The company calls Lakamp’s promotion part of its “taking another important step in its continuing transformation to a consumer-driven, technology-fueled company.” Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “Our corporate focus on digital, increasingly leveraging technology to maximize our business, reflects the natural evolution of Clear Channel into a 21st century media company. Creativity is also enabled by technology, and as advertisers’ interest in new and emerging technology options continues to grow, we intend to remain at the forefront of both innovation and
creativity. Brian is perfectly positioned to help us – and our consumers, advertisers and content partners – as we continue to build Clear Channel’s digital roadmap for the future.” The new role puts Lakamp in charge of the overall technology platform and capabilities for all of Clear Channel – including its broadcast, digital radio, events and promotions and out-of-home businesses. The company says he will also be responsible for developing the company’s overall place in the worlds of big data and programmatic buying. Putting iHeartRadio under Darren Davis’ purview means he’ll be responsible for the entire business of iHeartRadio as well as Premiere Networks, Total Traffic and Weather Network; and the 24/7 News Network. Davis comments, “I look forward to working with the immensely talented iHeartRadio team to build on the tremendous success of iHeartRadio by utilizing the full promotional and creative power of Clear Channel for iHeartRadio Networks. I’m excited to continue my collaboration with Brian in his new role to leverage new opportunities and maximize emerging technologies across Clear Channel’s national platforms and services.”
Rise Guys Return to Sacramento Radio. Sports talk morning drive personalities Whitey Gleason and Mark Kreidler – known as The Rise Guys – are returning to the Sacramento market on Entercom’s KCTC “ESPN 1320” after leaving the market for San Francisco three years ago. In 2011 they took the gig at Entercom’s KGMZ, San Francisco “95.7 The Game” after years at the company’s KHTK, Sacramento. But earlier this year they exited that station after talent changes were made. Now, they return to the Sacramento market on KHTK’s sister station.
Brock and Salk Show to Air in Mornings on KIRO-AM, Seattle. The recent return of Mike Salk to Bonneville’s Seattle sports talker KIRO-AM “710 ESPN Seattle” as program director after a year-long stint at WEEI, Boston is now bringing about changes to the station’s talent lineup as he and Brock Huard are getting back together on the radio for a morning show from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. The “Brock & Salk” show debuted in 2009 but ended when Salk took the afternoon co-host gig at Entercom’s WEEI, Boston in the spring of 2013. The change means Michael Grey is moving from afternoons to the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon slot followed by “Bob & Groz” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Danny O’Neil, Dave Wyman and Jim Moore will host afternoon drive from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Salk comments, “These changes make an already strong lineup even stronger and this is just the beginning. I’m thrilled with where the station is going and couldn’t be more excited to get behind the mic.”
Frantz Exits WTAM, Cleveland. Talk personality Bob Frantz is let go from his position with Clear Channel’s news/talk WTAM, Cleveland where he appeared alongside Mike Trivisonno on the 9:00 am to 10:00 am show “The Spew” as well as hosting the 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm program. Frantz was doing his second tour of duty with the station – he worked there in the late 1990s before returning in 2006. Replacing him in the evening slot is “The Sports Feed” co-host and Indians reporter Nick Camino.
Round One of June PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of June 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period was May 22 through June 18. TALKERS magazine’s sister publican RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings at RadioInfo.com here.
Emmis Q1 Report: Radio Revenue Essentially Flat. The results for the first fiscal quarter for Emmis Communications (ending May 31) show the company’s net radio revenue up 22% — but that includes the addition of revenue from WBLS and WLIB, New York which it has been operating under an LMA since March 1. Assuming those stations had been in the fold at the same time a year ago, revenue would have been flat. At
the station level, the company reports its stations were up 1.6% compared to local radio market revenue down 5.5% during the fiscal quarter. Emmis president and CEO Jeff Smulyan says, “While our markets continue to be tested, our stations and employees have risen to the challenge and continue to outperform our markets. We continue to believe NextRadio, the Emmis-led industry initiative to make FM broadcast radio available on smartphones and tablets, is a game-changer for the radio industry and will reignite growth. We have spent the last year building out the NextRadio ecosystem, and now we are entering a critical phase to build consumer awareness. I’m proud of our team for its continuing focus on innovation and operational excellence.”
Odds & Sods. WOAI, San Antonio-based talk show host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s program is being added to another Clear Channel-owned news/talk station as KEX, Portland picks up the program to air from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The show is also heard on KPRC, Houston and KHOW, Denver…..Former Dallas Cowboys defensive star Dat Nguyen inks a contract renewal with Alpha Media sports talker KZDC, San Antonio “1250 ESPN.” Nguyen hosts the afternoon drive show where he’s been since joining the station in August of 2012…..ESPN Radio’s “10th Annual ESPY Day Auction” to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research is officially underway on eBay and will continue through Wednesday, July 16. This year’s auction of more than 250 items includes tickets to prime sporting events, autographed memorabilia, unique experiences with athletes, celebrities and ESPN and ABC personalities and behind-the-scenes experiences with numerous ESPN programs.
Child Immigration Crisis, Obama Approval Ratings, GOP Picks Cleveland for 2016 Convention, Israeli-Hamas Violence, Costco Pulls D’Souza Book, Palin Joins Impeachment Plea, and Klein’s Blood Feud Criticism Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/8). The influx of minor illegal immigrants in the Southwest and the political battle over immigration enforcement; the lower approval ratings for President Obama; the RNC chooses Cleveland for site of 2016 convention and the importance of Ohio in the next presidential election; escalating violence between the Israelis and Palestinians; the flap over Costco’s decision to stop selling Dinesh D’Souza’s America: Imagine the World Without Her; Sarah Palin returns to the media spotlight calling for the president’s impeachment; and controversy over Ed Klein’s book about the relationship between the Clintons and the Obamas were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Boston Herald Radio Launches August 5 at 6:00 am ET. The concept of the full-blown, digital-age “media station” predicted and described for the past decade by Michael Harrison and other radio industry visionaries will be taking a giant leap toward coming to fruition at 6:00 am ET on August 5. The Boston Herald newspaper is unveiling its ambitious new initiative “Boston Herald Radio” – a Boston-centric news/talk/sports radio station that will begin its life as a venue for four live three-hour shows running weekdays from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. These programs include:
– 6:00 am to 9:00 am – “Live from the Newsroom with Jeff Katz” (Katz is a well-known talk industry personality most recently heard in Boston on WRKO and Talk 1200.)
– 9:00 am to 12:00 noon – “Morning Meeting with Jaclyn Cashman and Hillary Chabot” (Cashman is a former Springfield, MA TV anchor/reporter and multimedia consultant and Chabot is the chief political reporter with the Boston Herald.)
– 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm – “The Michael Graham Show” (Graham is a former WTKK host and current Boston Herald op-ed 
columnist.)
– 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – “Sports Town with Jon Meterparel and Jen Royle” (Meterparel is a former WEEI personality and current Boston College play-by-play announcer and Royle is an Emmy-award winning Major League Baseball reporter, TV/radio host.)
This will be the first news/sports/talk radio platform in the Boston market backed up by a full multimedia newsroom under the brand of a major newspaper and one of a handful of such operations beginning to pop up around the country. News reports will be provided 
throughout the broadcast day by Boston Herald editors and reporters. Feature elements will include Boston Herald music, TV, movie reviews, political and business reports, style and food segments as well as live reports from staff reporters who travel with all four major teams and provide extensive high school sports coverage. The stream will be managed by Backbone Networks (the same company working on the forthcoming mid-August launch of TalkersRadio) and carried by Tune In as well its home base on the Boston Herald website and its mobile news and sports apps. The shows will be streamed from a studio adjacent to the Boston Herald newsroom. The studio team includes executive producer Tom Shattuck (formerly of WRKO and WTKK) and two part-time producers (Shattuck pictured at right, is here with Backbone Networks VP of engineering development George Capalbo, at left). Boston Herald editor-in-chief Joe Sciacca tells TALKERS, “Consumers want news and information that is mobile, and they want to be active participants connecting and collaborating on the issues of the day, not passive receptors being lectured to. That is our mission in print, online, in video presentations and now Boston Herald Radio.” Sciacca adds, “I see myself not as a newspaper editor but as the leader of a news organization that creates high-quality, original content for use across platforms — whether it is print, web or broadcast.” According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who was writing and speaking about the potential of newspaper websites providing radio broadcasters with powerful platforms to operate on the internet as long as 10 years ago, “This amazing development in Boston marks the tipping point in the evolution of the digital-age news and entertainment platform. The brilliant and obvious idea of newspapers and radio stations rubbing their two sticks together (literally and figuratively) will send sparks flying that will potentially proliferate into a 21st century ‘media station’ wildfire. By ‘media station’ I mean an online platform that has the cultural stationality of a radio station, a television station, a newspaper and a magazine combined – all in one location – fueled and synergized by the combined resources of each.” Harrison maintains that the internet alone is not a practical platform. He says, “By itself, the internet has no form, no definition and no prestige, similarly neither do the so called ‘airwaves’ of 20th century audio and video media. The key is to build prestigious, well-defined platforms that will sail across the internet — the way ships, yachts and ocean liners sail the seas and the way glorious theaters give Broadway its pizzazz or great stadiums separate the big leagues from sandlot baseball. If an actor, dancer or musician is performing ‘on Broadway,’ that could mean they are doing their act on the stage of the Winter Garden or on the sidewalk in front of the Winter Garden. It is the same thing with the internet. Prestigious, well-resourced platforms give you a place to put the key to monetization: a box office!” Walter Sabo, CEO of the New York City-based consultancy firm Sabo Media (whose clients have included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Parade magazine and numerous leading radio firms and talent), says, “When Jeff Katz or Michael Graham are on the air doing their shows in a studio right next to the Boston Herald newsroom, they will be one door away from an-in house news gathering and processing operation that employs hundreds of journalists. This is a brilliant move!” Sabo adds that his firm has been developing a new division for the past several months that will specialize in advising newspapers in executing this kind of move, stating, “I have been hearing from a number of publications – dailies and weeklies – that are very interested in pursuing these exciting new opportunities, but they realize that they not only need people with on-air broadcast experience, but people who have broadcasting management insight as well. The Boston Herald was smart to hire Tom Shattuck.” Summing up the synergy aspect of his new media station, Boston Herald editor-in-chief Sciacca tells TALKERS, “Our multimedia reporters are producing award-winning 
video reports every day, producing broadcast-quality segments with compelling interviews and streaming content. Is this a TV newsroom? An online newsroom? A radio station? A newspaper? It’s today’s Boston Herald.” He continues, “The power of Boston Herald Radio when it comes to breaking news will be incredible. Listeners can be confident they will be not only engaged and entertained by our talk shows, but will be insiders on breaking news in real time.” Boston Herald publisher and president Patrick J. Purcell (pictured at left with Joe Sciacca, right, in the Boston Herald newsroom) says, “Internet radio is exploding and it makes sense that the Herald rounds out our multimedia platform with talk radio programming. It’s perfect synergy. Boston Herald Radio will be fast-paced, uncensored, entertaining, completely interactive and, most important, very respectful to our listeners. We have a terrific team of seasoned hosts who are smart, respected and extremely versatile. They live in our communities and fully understand and appreciate the complexities of issues folks care about.”
Memo to Newspapers on the Verge of Launching Radio Stations on Their Websites: Do it Correctly! Noted radio consultant Walter Sabo is no stranger to working in the intersection between print media and talk radio. In a new advice column posted today (7/29), he offers several key points from a list of essential ingredients that are required for talk-oriented media stations based on publication websites to achieve success and longevity. He advises newspaper executives to hire experienced radio executives to lead the station as well as seasoned, accomplished talk hosts to execute it. He suggests protecting and growing the brand by taking advantage of the traffic already on the website and creating programming that delivers topics in which newspaper readers are already interested. Most of all, understand that talk show hosts are like newspaper columnists – more so than reporters. Listeners realize this and do not expect the spoken word of opinion to mimic the printed word of editorial fact and objectivity. To read Walter Sabo’s entire piece, please click here.
Another Report of a Cumulus Split from Limbaugh and Hannity. We’ve heard these rumors before about Cumulus Media dropping Premiere Networks’ Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity and the latest comes from Politico. The mag reports that inside sources say Cumulus is not satisfied with the results of negotiations to reduce the cost of airing the Limbaugh and Hannity programs on their 40-some news/talk stations that carry them. Both contracts reportedly are 
up at the end of this year. As most industry insiders are aware, there are cash considerations as well as inventory that airs outside the actual programs associated with carrying Limbaugh and Hannity and that, presumably, is what the bone of
contention is. Politico does report that a Cumulus spokesperson said the company does not comment on negotiations with talent under contract. Cumulus holds its Q2 conference call tomorrow morning but don’t hold your breath waiting for Lew Dickey to comment on the Limbaugh/Hannity issue. The tone of the Politico piece makes it sound as though this is about the politics of Limbaugh and Hannity and whether the “Sandra Fluke case” is still haunting the sales efforts. If that were the case, negotiations over the cost of the programs would be irrelevant. Ultimately, the Dickeys’ decision will likely be based upon whether they make enough money off of Limbaugh and Hannity to justify the cost while considering what the company could do with personalities such as Michael Savage, Mark Levin and Mike Huckabee to cover the time slots now held by Limbaugh and Hannity.
The Social Media Trick You Don’t Know You Know. Although the term “call to action” has a slightly different application in broadcasting than it does in social media, it is increasingly growing in importance as a concept to managing content in the digital arena. In a new column posted today (7/29), noted digital radio consultant and TALKERS columnist Chris Miller says that radio broadcasters can apply “call to action” concepts with which they are very familiar from their broadcasting experience to social media with merely a few tweaks and turns of a phrase. To read Miller’s entire column, please click here.
Entercom Splits KJCE-AM/FM, Austin Simulcast; New Lineup for KJCE-AM. The FM side of Entercom’s KJCE, Austin becomes an urban AC outlet as the new “96 R&B” featuring Premiere Networks’ Steve Harvey in morning drive. KJCE-AM remains news/talk as “News Radio 1370” with some additions to the lineup, returning Talk Radio Network’s “America’s Morning News.” Entercom Austin vice president and market manager Alan Kirshbom states, “By bringing back ‘America’s Morning News’ from 5:00 am to 8:00 am and moving Courtside Entertainment’s Laura Ingraham to live programming from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, KJCE once again proves it is Austin’s and Texas’ Talk Station.” The station is also bringing back Dial Global’s Dennis Miller to air from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by Dave Ramsey and Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity.
Radio One’s All-News KROI, Houston Partner with KHOU-TV for Weather. Radio One all-news “News 92 FM” announces a partnership with CBS TV O&O “KHOU 11” for the latter to provide weather for KROI. Radio One regional vice president Doug Abernethy states, “Why compete with the best when you can team up with the best? KHOU 11 has built a stellar reputation as a local weather leader in Houston and we are thrilled to welcome KHOU 11 and their outstanding meteorologists to join our 24-hour ‘News 92 FM’ team to provide our audience the best, most accurate, up-to-the-minute weather coverage.”
Syndicated Bill Michaels Sports Talk Program Adds Madison. Based at Entercom sports talk WSSP, Milwaukee, the statewide syndicated Bill Michaels program announces it will add Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s WOZN-AM, Madison “The Zone” beginning August 8. The midday sports talk show airs live from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and is in its second year of syndication. “We’re delighted to welcome another Mid-West Family Broadcasting station to the Bill Michaels Sports Network,” says Michael Keck, vice president and market manager for Entercom Wisconsin. “Bill’s enthusiasm and talent is contagious and that’s a big reason we continue to grow.” Michaels comments, “This is a dream come true. I feel like I’m now able to reach all Wisconsin sports fans. I’m anxious to connect with the strong sports fan base that is represented in Mad-town.”
‘The Black Sphere’ Radio Show Gaining Traction. The Kevin Jackson-hosted “Black Sphere Radio Show” announces it adds WEZO, Augusta, Georgia to its list of affiliate stations. Earlier this year the program added Salem Communications’ WGUL and WLSS in the Tampa-St. Petersburg and Sarasota markets. Program senior producer Mickey White says, “Kevin is gaining in popularity and we will be adding markets and new sponsors in the very near future. Kevin’s blend of entertainment with politics is getting lots of attention. We are in talks with stations across the country, including some large market stations in Nevada, Colorado and California and we expect to make a lot of big announcements in the near future.”
Man Arrested After Threatening WGAC, Augusta’s Austin Rhodes. A 25-year old Augusta, Georgia man was taken into custody last week and held on $2,600 bond after allegedly threatening WGAC, Augusta talk show host Austin Rhodes with bodily harm. After Darnell Tyray Chambers made what Rhodes considered a threatening statement about him on Facebook, he reported the threat as per Beasley Broadcast Group company policy. According to the Columbia County News-Times, police arrested Chambers on charges of making terroristic threats and acts.
KFI, Los Angeles Celebrates 20 Years of Bill Handel. Clear Channel news/talk giant KFI, Los Angeles is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Bill Handel as the morning drive talk personality on the station. Handel began hosting the program in July of 1993 but the station says it will officially celebrate the anniversary with an extravaganza for listeners in November but on Friday, July 26, Rich Marotta, Michelle Kube, Mike Nolan, Neil Saavedra and Gary Hoffmann reminisced about their favorite Handel moments during the 5:00 am hour of the program. To say that Handel is important to the station’s success would be an understatement. Handel is consistently one of the highest-rated daily talk radio programs in the country in terms of cume.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Legendary Programmer David Bernstein Named General Manager of TalkersRadio. Prolific radio industry programming and management executive David Bernstein has been named general manager of TalkersRadio, the online experimental talk radio station being developed by TALKERS magazine for launch in mid-August. Bernstein, a leading talk industry consultant and talent coach, has served as PD, OM or GM of such heritage stations as WOR, New York; WRKO, WBZ, and WAAF, Boston; WTIC, Hartford; WPRO, Providence; and KVON,
Napa/San Francisco among others as well as VP/programming of Air America. TalkersRadio will operate as a 24/7/365 streaming station located on the TALKERS website (www.talkers.com) with links strategically situated on major aggregating portals and websites on the internet. Its primary target audience will be members of the broadcasting industry itself, serving as what TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey describes as a “laboratory or somewhat of a ‘skunkworks’ where we can experiment with talk shows that fall outside the typical and safe fare found on AM/FM radio.” Casey continues, “It will be an industry farm system, gym and spring training camp all rolled into one where new show ideas and 
programming concepts can be developed in a professional setting with high standards but without the restraints of commercial, ratings or corporate pressure that currently restrict most professional operations from doing what radio MUST do to survive in the long term, and that is to take chances. It will not only be a place to nurture new talent but a platform upon which current well-known players can work out new approaches to their craft. We are doing this as a service to the talk radio industry, which, of course, is keeping with the mission of TALKERS magazine.” On announcing the appointment, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “The acquisition of the fulltime services of David Bernstein is a major coup for us – one that we have been working on for almost a year, while he’s been finishing up a number of projects for which he was responsible as president of Bernstein Talent. I have known David for almost 25 years and consider him to be one of the most intelligent, creative, versatile and talent-friendly radio managers I have ever met. He is a man of vision and integrity. All of us at TALKERS are absolutely delighted!” Bernstein states, “This is a radio ‘dream job’ and I am enthusiastic beyond words about the challenge ahead whereby I can hopefully be part of an initiative that will ‘make a difference’ in the radio business.” His responsibilities in the new position include scouting, recruiting and developing talent for TalkersRadio as well as advising its day-to-day operations and entering into strategic partnerships with other broadcasting operations. He states, “We will be developing TalkersRadio as a showcase and workshop for new programs to play ‘out of town’ so to speak in front of listening audiences before they open on the big stages of the business. TalkersRadio will give some suddenly-terminated hosts the opportunity to do farewell shows for their listeners and ‘bridge shows’ to carry them to their next gig. It will be a place for ‘orphan shows’ that don’t quite fit existing AM/FM formats to get an airing and see if they have traction. We will give some existing high-profile talent the opportunity to do programs about subjects that they are not ‘known’ for doing within their present situations. For example we are in discussions with a major political news/talk personality who has always had the desire to do a show about metaphysics and parapsychology – stay tuned, it will be mega-cool.” In addition to his responsibilities with TalkersRadio, Bernstein will advise operations of its sister platform PodJockey (“a boutique for outstanding podcasts”) and assume a seat on the TALKERS editorial board. He can be contacted at david@talkers.com. TalkersRadio will utilize the groundbreaking software developed by its technical partners Backbone Networks of Westborough, Massachusetts, revolutionizing the convenience and accessibility of remote spoken word internet broadcasting.
Arbitron to Re-Issue Phase 2 Arbitrends for Fresno Market. Arbitron reports that after learning that six Spring 2013 Phase 2 Fresno Metro diaries were returned from a media-affiliated household, the ratings company will re-issue the data. Arbitron states, “We have confirmed that these diaries, which were In-Tab for the originally issued Spring Phase 2 Arbitrends data, should not be included in the In-Tab sample. Revised Spring Phase 2 Fresno Arbitrends data, based on an In-Tab sample that excludes these diaries, will be released on Monday, July 8, at 12:00 noon PT. Audience estimates reported for KJWL-FM and KYNO-AM may be substantially affected. Estimates for KFIG-AM may be affected to a lesser extent. In addition, estimates to stations that were not recorded in the deleted diaries may be slightly affected as a result of sample balancing and reprocessing procedures that accompany deletion of any diary from the sample.”
Former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh Moves to PM Drive at WIND, Chicago. Former Illinois Congressman and leading Tea Party voice Joe Walsh moves up from his 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot at Salem Communications’ WIND, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer” to the PM drive slot – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm beginning this afternoon (7/3). The time opened up with the mutually agreed upon departure of Steve 
Cochran from the afternoon show. WIND general manager Jeff Reisman and program director Marcus Brown say Walsh’s effect on the station has been outstanding. Reisman says, “In just three months, the response to Joe’s show has been overwhelmingly positive from both our listeners and advertisers.” Brown notes, “The only complaint was from Joe…he had more to say than we could fit into two hours, so we added an extra hour and moved his show to drive time. Joe isn’t just a rising star in talk radio. He’s a meteor, and his potential for success in this business is enormous.” Walsh states, “Doing a talk show is hard work, but it’s a labor of love. I’m able to talk with real people every day about all of the critical issues facing our state and our country. As it turns out, there are more important issues to talk about on Chicago radio than just sport. I’m hoping the new time enables Mayor Emanuel and Governor Quinn to listen more often. They might learn something.”
Fox News Channel Re-Ups Contracts with Prime Time Personalities; Megyn Kelly to Join Prime Time. Fox News Channel announces it has signed long-term contract extensions with its prime time talent including Sean Hannity,
Bill O’Reilly, Bret Baier, Shepard Smith, and Greta Van Susteren. At the same time the cable news/talk channel says that when midday “America Live” host Megyn Kelly returns from maternity leave she will join the prime time schedule but FNC does not say in what capacity. In a statement, Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes says of Kelly, “Megyn is an exceptional talent who has successfully filled and surpassed each role we have given her at the network. Her ability to command the screen, delve into the facts and lead a debate is what makes her one of the most sought-after anchors in the business.”
Peter Boyles Debuts on KNUS, Denver. After a snafu that kept former KHOW, Denver talk radio personality off Salem Communications’ news/talk KNUS, Denver for two days, it appears whatever legal technicality prevented Peter Boyles from going to work there on Monday has been ironed out. As has been reported, Boyles was let go from his longtime perch at Clear Channel’s KHOW after getting into a physical tussle with producer Greg Hollenback. He admitted being at fault in a regular column he writes for the Cherry Creek Chronicle but also took the time to take a swipe or two at Clear Channel. Regardless, Boyles made his debut on KNUS this morning (7/3) where he’ll hold down the 6:00 am to 9:00 am slot on the station.
Sports Byline USA Host Nick Bonsanto to Host Mornings at ‘103.7 The Game’ in Lafayette; Serve as PD. Nick Bonsanto hosts his eponymous program from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET on the Sports Byline USA Network and he’ll continue in that role. Now, he joins Delta Media Corporation’s sports talk KLWB, Lafayette, Louisiana “103.7 The Game” to host the AM drive program and serve as the station’s program director. Bonsanto says, “Sports is my canvas for the show…like a good artist, you never know what brush strokes I will put on the sports canvas, so what the final picture looks like…will be one of a kind.”
Brian Kilmeade Does “Reality Show” Segment on Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends” Taking Viewers Behind the Scenes of His Fox News Radio Program. As reported yesterday, multimedia talk star Brian Kilmeade took viewers of the morning show he co-hosts on Fox News Channel, “Fox and Friends,” behind the scenes of his midday Fox News Radio program “Kilmeade and Friends” this morning (7/3) with a cleverly produced reality show-style feature. In case you missed it, please click here. It’s a lot of fun and Kilmeade comes across as the cool and extremely likable guy he is.
WGAC-AM/FM, Augusta, Georgia Senior AE Debbie Pretzello Named ‘President’s Club Overall Winner.’ Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. announces news/talk WGAC-AM/FM, Augusta, Georgia senior account executive Debbie Pretzello has been named the company’s “President’s Club Overall Winner” for the calendar year 2012, the second time that she has earned this prestigious award. The President’s Club consists of Beasley sales executives inducted annually for their abilities to meet or exceed individual and market goals, attain accreditation from the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) as Certified Radio Marketing Consultants (CRMC), and over-deliver their clients’ expectations on a daily basis. One account executive in each market is named to the Club monthly, and after the year ends the individual with the highest ranking from this illustrious pool of top performers is named the “President’s Club Overall Winner” for the previous calendar year. Pretzello has been a member of the company’s President’s Club for the past four consecutive years (2009 – 2011) and additionally earned the coveted “Overall Winner” status in 2010.
Congressman Doug Lamborn Reintroduces Bill to Outlaw CPB Funding of NPR. This is the same bill that passed through the U.S. House in 2011 but was unable to make it to the floor of the U.S. Senate. As it is written it would forbid public radio stations to use Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants to pay fees to NPR for programming. The Colorado Republican says in a statement, “At a time when millions of federal workers are being furloughed, schoolchildren are barred from visiting the White House, and many military training flights are grounded to save money, it is unacceptable that taxpayers are still on the hook for millions of dollars each year to subsidize National Public Radio. Additionally, it was highly inappropriate for NPR to move into a lavish new headquarters building partly paid for by taxpayers, many of whom continue to struggle under the worst economy since the Great Depression.” Current.org reports NPR financed the new headquarters Lamborn refers to using “$35.2 million from the sale of 635 Massachusetts Ave. and $165.8 million in tax-exempt bonds, issued with assistance from the D.C. government. The new building is located in NoMa (shorthand for “north of Massachusetts Avenue”), an area near the Capitol Hill transportation hub Union Station that is now a focus of D.C. redevelopment. Building the new headquarters cost NPR $201 million, with $78 million of that spent on construction, according to financial details provided by NPR. Additional costs include $44 million to outfit the building for multimedia production and distribution. According to IRS records, NPR netted $80 million on the redevelopment contract after paying off $30.4 million in debt attached to the property at 635 Massachusetts Avenue, the broker’s commission and other costs.”
Egypt Power Struggle, ObamaCare, NSA Surveillance/Snowden Whereabouts, George Zimmerman Trial, and Abortion Legislation Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/2). The power struggle between Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and the military; the promotion and effect of the Affordable Care Act; the NSA surveillance program and the whereabouts of Edward Snowden; the ongoing trial of George Zimmerman; and abortion legislation being proposed in various states and nationally were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
TALKERS Offices Closed for Independence Day Weekend. The offices of TALKERS magazine will be closed for the four day holiday (7/4-7). The daily emailed headlines will return on Monday (7/8). We wish all our readers a restful and safe holiday weekend and a happy birthday with good times ahead to our great nation.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Female AEs Sue Clear Channel Jacksonville Charging Age and Gender Bias. The suit against Clear Channel filed in United States District Court Middle District of Florida Jacksonville Division alleges that three account executives – Angela Myhand, Monique Blue and Jessica Downs – had accounts taken from them by management and given to Caucasian and/or male sales staffers without explanation, without hearing of complaints by clients and without receiving any discipline by management for mishandling the accounts. The plaintiffs also alleged they were given no reason for the actions. After contacting the EEOE, they allege listening devices were installed on their offices phones but not on telephones in other sales staffers’ offices. The three are charging management violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, allege retaliation for involvement in a protected activity plus other allegations and are seeking unspecific damages plus attorneys’ fees.
Envision Radio Networks Adds Meteorologist John Wetherbee to ‘America Weekend’ Program. Citing the need to provide information to listeners across the nation about extreme weather, the nationally syndicated “America Weekend” program enlists the expertise of American Meteorological Society-sealed,
National Weather Association-certified meteorologist and 30-year radio veteran John Wetherbee as chief stormcaster. Envision says Wetherbee “will be keeping an eye on the skies to provide live reports on major severe weather developments and how they may impact travel, business and our nation.” Program executive producer Kipper McGee states, “As we have learned, many significant weather events happen on weekends. John adds a unique national perspective that is absent from most weekend news/talk programming.” “America Weekend” airs live each Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm ET and is hosted by Paul Harris, Turi Ryder, and other top talk talent.
‘New Jersey 101.5’ Honored with Two Awards at NJBA Convention. Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” was honored at this week’s New Jersey Broadcasters Association convention with “Best of” awards in two categories: 1) “Best Public Affairs” Award for the station’s monthly show “Ask the Governor.” The award was presented to Eric Scott (left) and his team of Christopher Knight, Chris Swendeman and Matthew White; and 2) “Best Promotions” Award for the “Big Joe Jersey Talent Show.” The award was presented to Ray Handel (right) and his team of Big Joe Henry and Dan Specht.
More Station Honors from State Broadcasters Associations. This is the time of the year when state broadcasters associations hold their annual awards ceremonies and there are two more to report: In Illinois, Tribune Company’s WGN, Chicago took top honors at the 2013 Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Awards, held June 19 in Peoria. For the sixth year in a row, the IBA recognized WGN Radio as the Chicago Market Station of the Year at its annual best-in-state awards ceremony. In addition to being named Chicago Market Station of the Year, WGN Radio also earned first place
honors in five categories: major market personality for Mike McConnell, best newscast for Judy Pielach, best station website for wgnradio.com, best play-by-play team for Chicago Cubs broadcasters Pat Hughes and Keith Moreland, and best humorous commercial for “Chicago Food and Wine,” produced by Jason Skaggs. WGN president and general manager Jimmy de Castro says, “It is a great honor to receive the award for Chicago Market Station of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Association. To be recognized by our industry peers is a reflection of the tremendous talent and dedication from our staff to continue to provide the quality of programming our community expects from WGN Radio.”
In Georgia, Beasley Broadcast Group’s WGAC-AM/FM, Augusta, for the 12th consecutive year, was named the Georgia Association of Broadcasters “Radio Station of the Year.” New this year is the fact that WGAC was honored in the large-market category, which includes Atlanta. For the past eleven years, WGAC was awarded Radio Station of the Year in the medium-market category. Pictured here are (l-r) Beasley Augusta VP/market manager Kent Dunn, news director Mary Liz Nolan, and WGAC program director Harley Drew with the “Gabby” Award. Dunn comments on the victory, “I am extremely proud of the WGAC-AM/FM staff for bringing home our 12th consecutive Gabby for ‘Radio Station of the Year.’ This year is even more special due to the added competition of being placed in the division that includes stations in Atlanta.”
The Sale Doesn’t End When the Client Signs the Contract. According to H&H Communications president, TALKERS columnist and highly regarded industry sales maven Al Herskovitz, the subject of “making commercials work effectively so the client is more likely to renew” was one of the buzzes of conversation in the halls at the recent Talkers New York 2013. In a column posted today (6/21) Herskovitz writes about the deadly consequences of hosts that rush through live reads, spots that are overloaded with too many words, six-minute spot sets of boring ads that seem interminable to the listener and sales reps who don’t pay attention to the process after the deal is signed. He does, however, offer praise to those hosts who ARE doing a good job serving the advertisers and names names. To read Herskovitz’s entire column, click here.
TOM RAY: Listening to Your Syndicated Show on an Affiliate is Different than Listening in the Studio. That’s a good piece of advice from one of the industry’s most respected engineering consultants. In a new column posted today (6/21) by TALKERS technical editor and columnist Tom Ray, he points out that timing in the real world of an actual on-the-air radio station — in terms of commercial breaks and liners — can be a different thing than running the show in the studio or looking at its elements on paper. He says by listening to the show on an affiliate you will most likely learn something that will help you avoid all-too-common mistakes in timing that create sloppy and embarrassing audio pileups and make the show better for both you as a syndicator and the affiliate carrying your program. To read it, click here.
WOOD, Grand Rapids Morning Host Gary Allen Hosts Last Show Today; Retires After 32 Years at Station. On Thursday, Clear Channel Grand Rapids declared it “Gary Allen Day” as the legendary Grand Rapids radio personality broadcast live from the market’s Celebration Cinema North in recognition of his 32 years on the air at WOOD and his retirement from the station after today’s broadcast. Allen announced his retirement eight months ago stating that at age 65 there are still some things he wants to do. He tells WOOD-TV, “I want to be remembered as the guy that people woke up to on the radio in the morning, you have fun, we gave them the news, we gave them the weather, we gave them the traffic and between the group at WOOD, we gave them some laughs, too.” Photo: WOOD-TV
Odds & Sods. WMAL, Washington morning drive co-host Larry O’Connor is sitting in for Dial Global nationally syndicated talk host Dennis Miller on June 24 and 25…..And in another WMAL-related note, former Congressman Ernest Istook will host the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm program tomorrow (6/22)…..Sports USA will syndicate the Little League World Series radio broadcasts again this summer. The company will offer the US Championship Game on August 24 and the International Championship on August 25.
Chancellor Perlman in the House. NRG Media’s KOZN, Omaha “1620 The Zone” hosted University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman on the “Sharp & Benning in the Morning” program for a full hour on Thursday, June 20 to discuss college athletics. Topics covered included pay for athletes, Nebraska in the Big 10 Conference, athletic department salaries and numerous others. Pictured here are (from l-r) Gary Sharp, Perlman and Damon Benning.
NSA Surveillance Program Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 17-21. The National Security Agency’s surveillance of phone and email activities, its ties to stopping terrorist attacks and the making public of the program by former contractor Edward Snowden were the top stories discussed on news/talk radio this week, landing the issue atop the Talkers TenTM. Following at #2 was the “Gang of 8” amnesty deal for illegal immigrants. At #3 was President Obama’s Berlin speech and his nukes reduction proposal broached at the G8 summit in Belfast earlier in the week. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Cool Assistant Engineer Job Opportunity! The Dave Ramsey Show has a really good job opportunity for an assistant engineer at the company’s headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee. If you have experience running a radio type console, have knowledge of ISDN Codecs, are experienced using video and video router/matrix, have knowledge of level3/Vyvx lines and have the ability to learn and take directions — then this job might be for you. For full details about the position and its requirements/opportunities, click
http://www.daveramsey.com/company/view-all-jobs/ and then click on the Assistant Engineer.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. “The Freedom Feens” featuring Michael W. Dean and Neema Vedadi and syndicated by Genesis Communications Network is added to the program schedule at KDGO, Durango, Colorado…..Good Parts Media reports the acquisition of its 100th affiliate. The parent company of “The Hookup,” Mr. Prep and The Locker Room prep services reports it has hit this milestone in only its second year of doing business…..The national syndicated “My Cool Inventions” show with Akos Jankura and John Cremeans is added to the program schedule at WRSB, Rochester, New York and KMET, San Bernardino.
