Industry News

Beasley Southwest Florida Raises Funds for Golisano Children’s Hospital

Beasley Media Group’s Southwest Florida radio stations – including sports talk WBCN-AM, Fort Myers – joined forces with Children’s Miracle Network to shine a spotlight on Golisano Children’s Hospital and raised more than $50,000 for pediatric healthcare during a radiothon held on April 4. Beasley Soutwest Florida VP and market manager AJ Lurie comments, “We have an amazing team, and I am grateful to work with them. I am grateful to everyone who made this event a success. We are proud to partner with Children’s Miracle Network and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Thank you to each person who donated and every sponsor who supported our efforts.”

Industry News

“98.5 The Sports Hub” Names Tim McKone to Midday Show

Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” announces that Timim McKone is named the new headline anchor and co-host on the station’s “Zolak & Bertrand” midday program. McKone takes over for Rob “Hardy” Poole, who moved to mornings with Fred Toucher on the station in January 2024. McKone has been a part-time on-air personality at the station since 2013. In addition to co-hosting and providing headlines on all weekday and weekend shows across the station, he has served as studio host for the Celtics and Bruins radio broadcasts.

Industry News

AWM Announces NAB Show Speaker Panel

The Alliance for Women in Media is presenting a panel discussion on “The Business of Multiplatform Sports” at the AWM Breakfast on April 15 during the NAB Show. Panelists Jeanne-Marie Condo, president of network partnerships and chief revenue officer, Skyview Networks; Pat LaPlatney, co-imCEO/president, Gray Television; Mary Menna, vice president & market manager, Beasley Media Group; and Carlson Mozdiez, vice president, digital business operations, Audacy; alongside moderator Sarah Foss, chief technology officer, Audacy, will engage in a candid conversation exploring the evolving landscape of sports business and the significant role women play in shaping its future. The panel will dive deep into the emergence of multiplatform sports coverage and how it has reshaped the business landscape of the sports industry, and how media professionals have leveraged multiplatform sports to enhance audience engagement and reach a diverse set of viewers.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Media Group Boston announces their newly minted, multi-year partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, the non-profit that organizes the Boston Marathon. This year both sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” and WKLB “Country 102.5” will broadcast coverage of the race.

Audacy expands its relationship with Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions with the launch of “Million Dollar Advice,” a weekly work and career advice podcast under the Audacy Podcasts and Paper Kite Podcasts banners hosted by Kim Lessing and Kate Arend.

SiriusXM subscribers will have access to the full 2024 Major League Baseball with live play-by-play calls of every game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and expert analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

Industry News

Inquirer: Missanelli Return to “The Fanatic?”

In covering the above story for the Philadelphia Inquirer, writer Rob Tornoe reveals that as the result of Andrew Salciunas moving from middays to mornings, Beasley moves former Philadelphia Daily Newsim writer Bob Cooney to middays. The question Tornoe asks is what about Mike Missanelli? “Rumors have been swirling in sports radio circles the past few days about the return of Missanelli, once the station’s biggest star, whose sudden exit from his afternoon show in 2022 after 15 years shocked listeners.” Tornoe says that Missanelli has been in contact with management but there’s nothing to report and Missanelli isn’t talking. PD Scott Masteller tells the paper, “Mike’s name has come up. He’s a great talent, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. A lot of people are interested in the radio station right now. So, I’ll leave it at that.” The current PM drive show is “The Best Show Ever?” hosted by Tyrone Johnson, Ricky Bottalico and Jenn Scordo. Read the Inquirer story here.

Industry News

Boston Sports Talker Mark Dondero to Join “98.5 The Sports Hub”

The Boston Herald reports that sports talk host Mark Dondero is leaving Audacy’s sports talk WEEI, Boston to join Beasley Media Group’s crosstown WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” as a weekend host.im He’s been co-hosting the weekend “Mark and Kichen Show” with Ben Kichen at WEEI. Dondero says, “Obviously I’ve learned a ton from him (Kichen), about the radio business, talking in general. And I’ll say this: Ben Kichen is a star and an underrated talent in this business, whether you’ve heard of him or not. And it has been an absolute joy and pleasure to work with him on the air for almost seven years.” Read the Herald story here.

Industry News

Scott Masteller to Program WPEN-FM, Philadelphia

Beasley Media Group names Scott Masteller program director for sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic.” During his career, Masteller has served with ESPN Radio, KESN-FM, Dallas-Fortim Worth, news/talk WBAL, Baltimore to name a few. Beasley Media Group Philadelphia VP and market manager Joe Bell comments, “Scott is one of the premiere programmers in sports talk radio. I have been a fan for years and feel he’s the right person to continue developing the Fanatic brand.” Masteller says, “I am excited to partner with Beasley and the talented staff of ‘97.5 The Fanatic.’ Philadelphia is such a great sports town with some of the most passionate fans in the country!”

Industry News

Beasley and GKB Partner for Knicks and Rangers Games in New Jersey

Beasley Media Group partners with Good Karma Brands and “ESPN NY” to broadcast live Knicks and Rangers games across the Garden State. Beasley Media New Jersey will air the games on WMTR, Morristown; WCTC, New Brunswick; WRAT-HD3, Point Pleasant; WJRZ-HD3, Manahawkin; and on WJRZ’s translator in Toms River at 100.5 FM. Beasley New Jersey SVP and regional market manager Daniel A. Finn states, “We are so excited to provide our listeners and fans of these iconic teams broadcast coverage across the state of New Jersey. Offering access to these franchises through ‘ESPN NY’ and Good Karma Brands is just phenomenal.”

Industry News

Beasley Expands FOX Sports in New Jersey

Beasley Media Group launches “FOX Sports Radio Jersey Shore” on 100.5 FM in addition to WJRZ-imHD3 at 100.1 FM and WRAT-HD3 at 95.9 FM in the Monmouth-Ocean New Jersey market. Beasley Media Group News Jersey SVP and regional market manager Daniel A. Finn comments, “We currently broadcast FOX Sports Radio in Middlesex-Somerset-Union on 93.5 FM/1450 AM (WCTC) and expanding the brand down the Jersey Shore is very exciting.”

Industry News

Robert “Hardy” Poole Named Morning Co-Host at “98.5 The Sports Hub”

Beasley Media Group announces that Robert “Hardy” Poole moves from the midday “Zolak & Bertrand” show to morning drive as the new co-host of the “Toucher & Hardy” show on sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” effective January 4. Beasley says, “Over the past eight years, he’s played a key role in propelling the ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ show to unprecedented ratings success in theirim midday slot. Hardy has also lent his voice and creative talents to various platforms across the station, including the creation of the wildly popular ‘Fuppets’ videos for Felger & Mazz. In addition, he has been the longtime host of the ‘Sports Hub Golf Club’ show and can also be heard on Beasley’s Rock 92.9.” Morning host Fred Toucher says, “I’ve known Hardy and admired his talent for many years. I’m very excited to begin this new chapter and feel revitalized by the new opportunity.” Hardy comments, “As a lifelong radio guy, I’m thrilled for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with Fred and the rest of the morning show crew on what I believe will be a great show.” Station PD Rick Radzik states, “Hardy is one of the most talented and creative individuals I have ever worked with in radio. Teaming him with Fred was just a natural fit for our new morning show. I look forward to them providing great content and entertaining our listeners for years to come.”

Industry News

MIW Announces 2023 Mildred Carter Mentoring Class

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc introduces the MIW Mildred Carter Mentoring Program’s Class of 2023. Now in its 22nd year, this enriching opportunity matches up-and-comingim women in radio with female professionals recognized as leaders in all aspects of the industry. The 2023 class is comprised of broadcast professionals Rosanna Cole, regional traffic manager, Townsquare Media; Caleigh Fisher, director of teammate experience, Good Karma Brands; Kristi Nguyen, director, digital sales & campaign management, Audacy; and Jade Springart, WRIF-FM program director, Beasley Media Group.

Industry News

WBZ-FM, Boston’s Toucher & Rich Show Breaks Up

The highly rated “Toucher & Rich” show – starring Fred Toucher (left) and Rich Shertenlieb (right) – on Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” is no more. Shertenlieb andim Beasley were unable to come to terms on a new contract a few weeks after the company announced Toucher had inked a new, multiyear deal that will see him continue as lead host of the morning show. WBTS-TV, Boston “NBC10” reports that Toucher announced the change on this morning’s show and indicated he was surprised when management told him Shertenlieb was leaving the program. He also said management wanted him to tell the audience that the company made him “a multi-year offer that he chose not to accept” and that “negotiations weren’t going anywhere.” Shertenlieb has not commented publicly other than to inform the show’s X followers that he has a new X handle. See the “NBC10” report here.

Industry News

Beasley Media Group Q3 Net Revenue Falls 5.8%

Reporting its operating results for the third quarter of 2023, Beasley Media Group says net revenue was $60.1 million, a decrease of 5.8% over the same period in 2022. The company also reports a net loss of $67.5 million compare to the net income of $500,000 it reported in the third quarter of 2022, due largely to non-cash impairment losses.  Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Beasley’s third quarter financial results reflect the well-publicized economic challenges and continued advertising market softness which we outlined in the prior quarters. Similar to recent quarters, Beasley delivered strongim digital revenue growth of 9.1% year-over-year, with digital revenue representing 18.6% of total third quarter revenue. Our continued strong digital revenue growth has moved us to within a few basis points of reaching the bottom end of our goal of digital revenue accounting for 20% to 30% of total revenue, and we remain laser focused on this initiative as a means to diversify our revenue in a cash flow positive manner. Our dedicated sales teams continue to leverage the tremendous audience reach and engagement of our local multi-platform content to attract new advertisers, resulting in a 22% increase in new local business revenue growth for the third quarter. Additionally, the actions we have taken to reduce our cost structure resulted in third quarter operating and corporate expenses decreases of 2.7% and 12.5%, respectively. In summary, we believe our third quarter financial performance demonstrates that our digital transformation and revenue diversification strategies continue to gain momentum and our initiatives focused on lowering operating expenses and reducing debt are positioning Beasley to generate increased and more diversified cash flows in future periods. Looking ahead, as has always been the case for non-election years, we expect fourth quarter revenues to be somewhat impacted by the absence of cyclical political advertising. While we plan to offset some of this expected softness through continued growth in digital and new business, we are hopeful that the overall advertising environment will improve in the fourth quarter and continue to closely monitor the economy.”

Industry News

Fred Toucher Signs Extension with “98.5 The Sports Hub”

WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” morning drive personality Fred Toucher and Beasley Media Group agree to terms on a new, multi-year contract that keeps Toucher at the helm of the morning show “for years to come.” The station says, “Under Toucher’s tenure, the show has been recognized amongim the top sports morning shows in America and has won numerous national industry awards including a Marconi Award. Toucher was a foundational member of the launch of the station in August 2009. Prior to joining the ‘98.5 Sports Hub’ team, he worked at the former legendary rock station, WBCN.” Toucher comments, “I am thrilled to be able to work with my Beasley family over the coming years. I will continue my record of immense competence and brilliance.” Station PD Rick Radzik adds, “Fred has been entertaining ‘Sports Hub’ listeners each morning since 2009 with his compelling viewpoints and opinions on a wide range of topics. We are very pleased that he will continue on with us for years to come.” There’s no mention of morning drive co-host and Toucher’s longtime partner Rich Shertenlieb in the press release and the Boston Globe’s Chad Finn writes about the possibility Shertenlieb will exit the station soon. Read his column here.

Industry News

WBZ-FM, Boston and Celtics Renew Broadcast Deal

The NBA’s Boston Celtics and Beasley Media Group sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” announces a multiyear extension of their broadcast agreement. The station has been the officialim flagship Station of the Boston Celtics Radio Network since 2013. Under the terms of the pact, Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell will continue to be the voices of the team radio broadcast. In addition to the games, “98.5 The Sports Hub” will also air Celtics related programming throughout the season, including a weekly call-in from Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla on “The Zolak & Bertrand Show” each Wednesday during the season.

Industry News

Mildred Carter Mentoring Program Application Now Open

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc (MIW) announces that the application window for its 2023-2024 Mildred Carter Mentoring Program is now open through November 3. Established in 2002, MIW’s heritage annual mentoring initiative connects mentees with accomplished women recognized asim leaders, mentors, and game changers within all aspects of radio broadcasting. Four candidates from the radio broadcasting industry – within all of the disciplines of radio including sales, marketing, programming, and digital – will be selected for the 2023- 2024 program. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “We are so pleased to launch the Mildred Carter mentorship program with the very generous and consistent support of Beasley Media Group and Entravision. Based on our application pool, it’s clear there’s a great need for mentoring and we are here for it.” Find out more about the program here.

Industry News

North Carolina Broadcast History Museum in the Works

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State broadcast leaders in North Carolina are unveiling details of a planned North Carolina Broadcast History Museum. The museum initiative is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving North Carolina’s broadcasting legacy. The Museum is seeking assistance from the public and people who worked in broadcasting to collect artifacts, documents, photographs and recordings that chronicle the history of prominent radio and television stations, broadcasters, programs and events. Through exhibits and collections, the Museum seeks to highlight the contributions made by North Carolina Broadcasters in shaping the industry and the state’s culture landscape. Among the broadcast professionals pictured above at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion announcing the new project is Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley (center).

Industry News

Beasley Gets Injunction Against “97.5 The Fanatic” Host Anthony Gargano

According to a report by Kevin Kinkead at Crossing Broad, Beasley Media Group and WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” have won a preliminary injunction in which air personality Anthony Gargano leaves the station and he has to abide by the terms of his contract, which includes a non-imcompete effective in the Philadelphia market for six months after the official separation. This comes after Gargano announced his role as a content provider for AllCity Network’s new Philadelphia sports content platform PHLY and Beasley charged that Gargano was violating his deal with WPEN. According to the terms of the preliminary injunction, Gargano can’t do any work for AllCity that appears on PHLY; he may do a national podcast and radio show with Brian Baldinger but PHLY can’t promote it; he can’t divulge confidential information about Beasley practices and can’t solicit Beasley clients until 18 months after the date of the injunction. Read the Crossing Broad piece here.