Tag: "Boston Herald"
Friday, June 28, 2019
Cumulus Chief Memos Employees in Wake of WABC Sale. In tandem with yesterday’s surprise news that John Catsimatidis-led Red Apple Media is acquiring legendary New York station WABC for $12.5 million, Cumulus Media CEO Mary Berner issued a memo to employees that explains the company’s
policy on sales. Specifically, Berner says the company has no plan to exit large markets. After the sale of WPLJ and now WABC, Cumulus has one station – urban music outlet WNBM – in the New York market, and she says the company will sell that station, as well. But staffers should not interpret the New York move as one destined for all large market holdings. She 
says the company will sell when it’s advantageous and buy when it’s a fit. “In New York’s case, we’ll be exiting a market that has been tough for us, and through these deals we will be able to realize significant value for the company – over and above what we could have generated from continued operations. And for anyone who is still listening to rumors out there, I will say again that there is absolutely no grand plan to exit our big markets.” She concludes, “Always remember that any actions we take to strengthen our company help to assure a brighter future for FORCE CUMULUS. So, let’s keep building on our strong momentum and being relentlessly HABU in all of our efforts and with every one of our assets. I am incredibly proud of our progress and look forward to continuing to deliver on our strategic goals.”
iHeartMedia Shares to Trade on NASDAQ Global Select Market. The Class A common stock in iHeartMedia has been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. It will trade under the ticker “IHRT.” The company says in a press release, “As previously announced, iHeart had been evaluating all paths to achieve a listing of its Class A common stock on a recognized U.S. stock
exchange following emergence from its restructuring process. iHeartMedia has determined that a listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market is the optimal strategy for iHeartMedia and all of the company’s stakeholders. As a result, the Company has requested the withdrawal of its previously filed registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. iHeartMedia’s management team will be meeting with investors the week of July 15 in advance of a listing date of July 18, 2019.” Company chairman and CEO Bob Pittman adds, “This is an exciting time for our company and an important step in the evolution of iHeartMedia. Our listing on the NASDAQ will provide greater liquidity for existing shareholders, allow us to diversify our investor base, and give us improved access to public capital markets in the future.”
New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap” for Week of June 24-28 Now Posted. The recently launched, one-hour weekend radio show, “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation,” analyzing the hot talk media topics of this past week (June 24-28) is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia‘s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. It currently airs on WONK-FM in the key position of Friday at 6:00 pm as a dynamic programming punctuation mark of the week’s conversation. Hosted by TALKERS magazine’s iconic publisher, this week’s installment (titled “Three Ring Circus!”) features a lineup of guests that
includes TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey; radio talk show hosts Michael Savage of Westwood One; Sean Hannity of Fox News Channel/Premiere Networks; and Charles Freedman of KSCO, Santa Cruz; political strategist and pundit Ethan Bearman; social/political observer Victoria Jones of the DC Radio Company and John Catsimatidis, CEO, Gristedes Foods/Red Apple Group. The non-partisan-but-hard-hitting program explores multiple opinions along the spectrum of contemporary American political and social thought. According to TalkersRadio general manager David Bernstein, the program is now available on a market exclusive basis to news/talk stations around the nation. Bernstein says, “We began this show as an on-air extension of TALKERS magazine research to be played on TalkersRadio and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The show is nothing short of fantastic and provides a great image-setter for any news/talk outlet. iHeartMedia picked it up for its new WONK-FM in DC where it fits that station’s mission perfectly and a number of stations have inquired about its availability. We are in the process of figuring out where we want to go with it… whether we will put it into syndication or just make it available to a handful of stations.” For more information about the program, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to it in its entirety, please click here.
Kantar Media: Radio to See 6.6% of $6 Billion Political Ad Spending. Media research and consulting firm Kantar Media has issued its projection for the ad
spending during the 2019-2020 political cycle and believes $6 billion will be spread across cable TV, broadcast TV, digital, and radio. Radio’s share of the pie is predicted to be $400,000,000 – 6.6% of the total. Who gets the most? Broadcast television is predicted to get $3.2 billion of that. Cable TV and digital platforms are each to get $1.2 billion, according to Kantar’s estimates. See more here.
Beebe Promoted to Regional SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia. Sales pro Kristy Beebe is named regional SVP of sales for iHeartMedia’s Kentucky-Indiana region, effective August 1. Beebe has been serving as general sales manager for
the company’s Louisville cluster for the past two years. She will remain based in Louisville. She says, “I am so thankful to the iHeartMedia team for the confidence that they have shown in me. My decades in radio have prepared me to contribute to the growth and success that has been building in these markets. Our legendary radio brands combined with our ever expanding digital and event offerings create an unmatched marketing portfolio! I can’t wait to dig in with our sales teams and use these amazing tools to drive success for our partners.”
Manetta Named Promotions Manager for Cumulus Des Moines. Moving from the company’s Topeka operations to its Des Moines cluster is Cassidy Manetta,
who takes on the promotions manager position for the group that includes sports talk KBGG-AM “1700 The Champ” and four music-formatted stations. Cumulus Des Moines vice president and market manager Jack Taddeo says, “Cassidy impressed me with her creativity, experience, and enthusiasm for all the things radio needs to be doing in an increasingly competitive world. My thanks to Topeka VP/market manager Nic Merenda for graciously supporting this internal promotion to the benefit of Cumulus Des Moines.”
TALKERS News Notes. The Howie Carr Radio Network announces that Grace Curley is promoted from associate producer to executive producer of “The
Howie Carr Show.” Curley – who, like Carr, is also a columnist at the Boston Herald – has been with the network since its 2014 launch. Howie Carr tells TALKERS, “Grace brings tremendous intelligence and communication skills to both our program and the Boston Herald and she does it with a fresh ‘millennial sensibility.’” HCRN president Kathy Carr says, “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is discovering new talent and seeing them grow. I’m very proud of Grace.”…..A new iHeartMedia Original Podcast launched yesterday (6/27) in partnership with Tenderfoot, titled “Monster Presents: Insomniac.” It looks at the story of true-crime researcher Scott Benjamin, the show’s host and protagonist, and his retelling of serial killings and how it started to affect his everyday life – from tormenting him and consuming him to eventually turning him into an insomniac…..Podcaster Jessica Cordova Kramer and best-selling author Stephanie Wittels Wachs join forces to form a new podcast network, Lemonada Media, in partnership with Westwood One. The network, launching in September, will “share an unfiltered version of the human experience, offering content that is raw and real, sorting through the ugliness, weirdness, awkwardness and darkness life can bring.” Westwood One will distribute, sell, and market the shows to build audiences across the Lemonada network…..SiriusXM is presenting comprehensive live coverage of The Championships, Wimbledon 2019 from the opening day of play on Monday, July 1, through the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Finals on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14. The broadcasts will air courtesy of ESPN Audio, which is the exclusive live broadcaster of Wimbledon in the U.S., and The All England Lawn Tennis Club…..Pictured below is Westwood One News White House correspondent Bob Costantini in front of Air Force 1 in Osaka, Japan. Costantini is there covering President Trump’s participation in the G20 Summit.
Michael Savage Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most famous, successful, and controversial talk radio stars of the modern era, Westwood One syndicated personality Michael Savage, is this week’s special guest on the award-winning PodcastOne presentation, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison and Savage candidly discuss the recent story about him that ran in The New York Times by
Jeremy Peters (6/18) – a piece that displeased Savage, including a specific quote attributed to Harrison with which he took particular issue. Harrison and Savage also take an unabashedly critical dive into the inner-workings and politics of talk radio that professional practitioners of the medium and listeners alike will find fascinating. Do not miss this podcast! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Immigration Reform/Southern Border Crisis Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 24-28. The Trump Administration’s immigration reform efforts and the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2020 presidential race and this week’s Democratic Party debates. Coming in at #3 was the G20 Summit and the various trade wars, followed by former special counsel Robert Mueller’s July 17 testimony before a House Judiciary subcommittee 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. As had been rumored, Rickey Smiley is named the successor to legendary radio host Tom Joyner on the Reach Media
nationally syndicated urban AC program. Joyner himself made the announcement on his “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” Joyner is retiring at the end of the year and Smiley will assume morning host duties in January of 2020 from the Dallas studios. Joyner says that Smiley has established himself as a trusted leader on-air and in the community with his current show, captivating audiences with his authentic humor but also his unique perspective on topics important to his audience. Smiley also announced that Eva Marcille and Gary Wit Da Tea would be among the on-air cast members joining Smiley next year…..Beasley Media Group makes changes 
at classic hits WROR, Boston as former WLTW, New York “106.7 Lite FM” morning host Bob Bronson takes over for Loren Owens, who has been hosting the “Loren & Wally” morning solo since the retirement of Wally Brine. Bronson starts Monday (7/1). Beasley Boston director of programming Cadillac Jack says, “I’ve known Bob for over a decade and am excited for the ROR audience to get to know him as well. He’s a battle-tested, hard-working winner who is a relatable storyteller and all-around wonderful person to be leading our talented morning team!”…..Across town at iHeartMedia Boston, the company re-brands urban AC WKAF-FM as “The New 97.7 The Beat of Boston.” The station says it will
broadcast pop and rhythmic hits from the 80s, 90s and 2000s, including songs from artists like Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Prince, TLC, and The Notorious B.I.G. It plans to add new personalities to the station. Sister CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” afternoon personality Romeo is also hosting middays on WKAF. KJ will host the afternoon show…..iHeartMedia announces Ashley 
Wilson is named director of country programming for the Kentucky-Indiana region, effective July 22. She was most recently program director for the company’s WNOE-FM, New Orleans. In this role, she’ll oversee the country programming for the region’s five country stations, including WAMZ-FM, Louisville and WBUL-FM, Lexington “98.1 The Bull.” Regional SVP of programming Michael Jordan says, “Ashley is becoming a leader in her field and we are fortunate to bring her to our region. She brings a lot to the table and will be a valuable asset to our team.”…..Meruelo Media announces that Cece Valencia is joining KDAY-FM/KDEY-FM, Los Angeles to co-host the “Cece and Romeo” morning show. She says, “KDAY is more than a home to me, it’s a dream come true. I’m so lucky to be able to play the music that I love on such an iconic station. Romeo is so talented and funny. Waking L.A. up every morning with Romeo is gonna be fun.”…..Air personality Emily Wild and Entercom part ways as Wild exits the morning show at alternative WLKK, Buffalo after a three-plus year relationship…..Albany radio pro Kevin Rush is leaving his home of almost 18 years – iHeartMedia’s hot AC WRVE “99.5 The River” next month to re-locate to Florida with his family. Rush’s co-host Tracy Villaume is expected to remain in mornings.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Steve Gill Returns to the Nashville Airwaves on WLAC. Nashville-based media personality Steve Gill ended his syndicated radio program that was heard in mornings on WLAC and distributed via Radio America in January of 2013. Now, he’s returning to the WLAC “TalkRadio 1510” air with his “Tennessee Star Gill Report” that is airing from
7:30 am to 8:00 am daily. Gill is the CEO of Gill Media and the political editor of The Tennessee Star. He was also morning drive host on WWTN-FM, Nashville prior to joining WLAC in 2006. iHeartMedia Nashville region president Dan Endom says, “There isn’t a more credible or recognizable conservative voice in Tennessee than Steve Gill. With the top names in national conservative talk already on TalkRadio 1510 WLAC, including Rush 
Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, the addition of a Tennessee conservative voice like Gill rounds out the lineup with a strong local connection.” “Tennessee Star Gill Report” also airs on several radio stations across Tennessee, including WETR, Knoxville and WNWS, Jackson. Gill says, “Our goal with the radio show is the same as with The Tennessee Star news site: to provide the critical news and insight that the liberal mainstream media overlooks, ignores or in too many cases covers up. Based upon the numbers that The Tennessee Star has generated in the first 18 months of operation, with over 8 million visitors, there is clearly a demand for the facts, news and analysis that we provide on line and now, on air.” In the past two weeks Nashville-based Star Digital Media has launched two new online news sites in addition to The Tennessee Star, The Ohio Star (www.theohiostar.com) and The Minnesota Sun (www.theminnesotasun.com). The company plans to expand into additional states over the next few months.
Bonnie-Jill Laflin Joins KNBR, San Francisco Morning Show. Radio and social media personality Bonnie-Jill Laflin is appointed to the on-air team of the “Murph & Mac”
morning show on Cumulus Media’s KNBR, San Francisco, hosted by Brian Murphy and Paul McCaffrey. Laflin is a former cheerleader for the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers. Her radio experience includes hosting SiriusXM’s “The Rush Hour” and “Fantasy Football Show.” The station says she’ll appear in station videos across knbr.com and its social media platforms, in addition to her role on-air. KNBR program director Jeremiah Crowe comments, “We are thrilled to add the talented Bonnie-Jill Laflin to the KNBR lineup. A San Francisco native, she has maintained her passion for Bay Area sports and has a deep-rooted connection to the KNBR brand. Her experiences and relationships built in the front office, on the sidelines, behind the microphone, and on camera will provide our core audience a rare perspective on their favorite local teams. Bonnie-Jill is an established personality that will connect with our listeners on a multitude of platforms and keep KNBR on the leading edge of content creation from day one.”
iHeartMedia’s Bob Pittman and NPR’s Jarl Mohn Keynote Closing Session at IAB Podcast Upfront. At this Thursday’s Interactive Advertising Bureau’s fourth annual
podcast upfront in New York, iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and NPR CEO Jarl Mohn will host the closing fireside chat titled, “Leaders of the Audio Revolution Debate the Future of Sound.” It will be 
moderated by IAB CEO Randall Rothenberg. IAB says U.S. podcast advertising captured $314 million in revenue in 2017, a rise of 86% over $169 million in 2016, according to the latest IAB/PwC Podcast Advertising Revenue Study for full-year 2017 and is predicted to continue to surge to $659 million by 2020. The press release goes on to say, “iHeartMedia is the largest commercial radio podcaster and NPR is the largest non-profit radio podcaster in the U.S. and these two media titans will share their views on the power of audio, the future of the audio/podcast ecosystem, the role of spoken word and the driving factors behind on demand and podcast listening.”
TALKERS News Notes. Pictured above is music mogul Clive Davis (center)after announcing on WOR, New York that he is organizing a memorial concert for Aretha Franklin at Madison Square Garden on November 14. He told WOR’s Len Berman (left)and Michael Riedel (right)that it was scheduled before her passing as a tribute show but will now be a memorial concert…..In the U.K., the country’s most-listened-to morning host Chris Evans is leaving the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show on December 21 after 13 years at the station to join Virgin Radio. Wireless CEO Scott Taunton says, “We are beyond thrilled that Chris has chosen to come back to Virgin Radio. He is the biggest name in radio and is synonymous with the brand. He has the most exciting breakfast show in the industry and has an energy that captivates audiences.” The station relaunched two years ago and is heard in the UK only on DAB and online…..After a 12-year stint with RadiOhio’s Columbus sports talk WBNS-FM “97.1 The Fan,” program director Jay Taylor announces he’s leaving the station as his current contract ends…..Today the confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh begin before the Senate Judiciary Committee and Salem Radio Network is presenting gavel-to-gavel coverage each day from Capitol Hill correspondent Wally Hindes. Additionally, the network’s nationally syndicated Hugh Hewitt show will have exclusive commentary and perspective from U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) each day. Hewitt show executive producer Duane Patterson says, “It is quite a coup to land color commentary on these important hearings from Senator Sasse – a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee – each day.”…..Midwest Communications is flipping sports talk WQTX, Lansing, Michigan “The Team 92.1-FM” to adult contemporary on Wednesday (9/5). A report in the Lansing State Journal quotes Midwest Communications Lansing vice president and market manager Mark Jaycox saying the station wasn’t profitable as a sports talk outlet. It carried three shows syndicated by the Spotlight Radio Network: “Michigan’s Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels,” “The Drive with Jack Ebling,” and “The Spartan Beat with Rico Beard.” It also aired programming from FOX Sports Radio Network…..iHeartMedia Cincinnati and E.W. Scripps’ WCPO-TV are entering into a deal in which the TV station will provide the radio stations – including news/talk WLW and WKRC – with local weather forecasts and news features. WCPO-TV reports that it will also provide “Don’t Waste Your Money” consumer reports from the station’s John Matarese to the iHM radio stations…..Westwood One begins its 32nd consecutive year as the exclusive network radio partner of the National Football League. Thursday’s opening night game will be called by play-by-play man Kevin Harlan and color analyst Boomer Esiason will make his final appearance in the booth for his farewell broadcast. NFL Hall-of-Famer Kurt Warner is taking over the lead color analyst role on Monday.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Jeff Sessions Criticism, Kavanaugh Hearings, Labor Day Holiday/State of U.S. Economy, Nike’s Kaepernick ‘Just Do It’ Campaign, First Man Controversy, NBC News-Ronan Farrow Battle, NFL Pre-season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents, tied with the related criticism of Attorney General Jeff Sessions by President Trump; the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; the Labor Day holiday weekend and the state of the U.S. economy; Nike’s use of national anthem protestor Colin Kaepernick in its new “Just Do It” campaign; the controversial omission of the U.S. flag planting on the moon in the new film First Man; the argument between NBC News and Ronan Farrow over the news organization’s handling of the Harvey Weinstein investigative report; the NFL pre-season; and the MLB playoff push were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the holiday weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Corinna Delgado moves from Cumulus Media’s CHR KRBR, Houston to the company’s hot AC WRQX, Washington Mix “107.3” to star as the midday host. She started her career at KMVN in her hometown of Anchorage
after serving in the U.S. Army Reserves as a combat medic. WRQX program director Rob Roberts says, “There were so many great candidates, but Corinna blew me away with her passion for the job. She also possesses an incredible set of digital and social skills. Plus, anyone trained as a combat 
medic obviously has a place in radio today.”…..Urban radio pro Lou Bennett is appointed program director for Cumulus Media’s urban adult contemporary WRBO, Memphis. He was most recently with Elite Radio Group as director of operations and program director for its Natchitoches, Louisiana stations. Cumulus Media Memphis operations manager Danni Bruns states, “We are exhilarated to have Lou as our newest team member at Cumulus Memphis. WRBO was built on soul just like our unique city and Lou has the exact soul we need to keep 103.5 WRBO a powerhouse on the air, as well as in the community. I look forward to watching him grow WRBO’s ratings and plant his feet in The Bluff City.”…..In San Diego, Jeremy Pritchard is promoted from APD and music director to program director for Entercom’s alternative KBZT “ALT 94.9.” He assumes the PD role from cluster operations manager Kevin Callahan…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Ramonski Luv exits his role at iHeartMedia’s urban AC WVAZ where he was hosting the Friday evening and Sunday afternoon shows…..The nationally syndicated “Bob & Sheri” show is the new morning drive show at Cumulus Media’s hot AC WTCB, Columbia, South Carolina “B-106,” effective today (9/4).
Friday, October 20, 2017
Todd Schnitt Leaves WOR, New York Morning Show. WOR, New York listeners woke up to
morning personality Len Berman hosting the show solo after the departure of Todd Schnitt from the station yesterday (10/19). Berman explained that Schnitt and iHeartMedia weren’t able to come to terms on a new contract. Schnitt – who also hosts a separate, successful syndicated afternoon drive talk show for Compass Media Networks – joined WOR in 2015 as morning drive host.
Charges Against Former KOA, Denver Host Steffan Tubbs Dropped. The charge of suspicion of domestic violence, disturbance by phone filed against Steffan Tubbs back in July cost him his job as co-host of “Colorado Morning News” at iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA, Denver. Yesterday, 
he revealed via social media that the charge has been dropped by prosecutors. Denver alt-weekly Westword reports that the charge stemmed from his July 30 arrest for the content of voice messages that contained “vulgar language” with the “intent to annoy the victim.” Tubbs reportedly had been in a relationship with the person for a period of time. Saying he is the victim of domestic abuse, he Tweeted a photo of himself wearing a purple tie with the caption, “Always innocent. Prosecutors dismissed charges against me today. I wore this on #PurpleThursday for all DV victims, including me. End it.” See the Westword story here.
Former Producer Sues St. Louis Talker Frank O. Pinion. The unnamed plaintiff alleges that St. Louis talk host Frank O. Pinion discussed the plaintiff’s stint in a rehab facility on his radio show on several occasions, thereby violating his privacy. The allegations stem from Frank O. Pinion’s
time at CH Holdings’ KTRS, St. Louis (named as a co-defendant for failing to prevent the O. Pinion from talking about the matter). O. Pinion, a.k.a. John Craddock, was not an employee of KTRS. He brokered his show and the plaintiff was his employee. (He currently is brokering his services to crosstown KFNS-AM.) In the complaint, the plaintiff says that while in a rehab facility in August, he heard that his situation was being discussed by O. Pinion and it was also being posted on social media. He’s seeking “in excess of” $50,000. Read the St. Louis Post-Dispatch coverage here.
Boston Herald Radio Talk Show Host, Adriana Cohen’s Star Continues to Rise. Boston Herald newspaper columnist and Boston Herald Radio conservative talk show host Adriana Cohen has been added to Creators Syndicate’s all-star lineup boasting 44 million daily readers. She will continue to write her popular exclusive columns for the Herald as well. Boston Herald editor-in-chief Joe Sciacca tells TALKERS, “We’re very proud of Adriana’s work and so pleased 
she is getting this well-deserved national recognition.” David Yontz of Creators Syndicate describes Cohen’s column as “dynamic, provocative and thoughtful.” He adds, “Hers is an important voice in today’s political climate.” In today’s Herald Cohen says, “I’m proud that in the very liberal state of Massachusetts I have not been afraid to support our president or express my conservative opinions. I’m equally proud of the Herald, our top-notch editors and publisher for truly protecting free speech by not muting me or watering down my opinions in fear of losing readers or offending someone. The fact that a conservative columnist’s content is resonating, even in the bluest state in the nation, is proof that there is a strong thirst for diverse opinions beyond what educational institutions and mainstream media spoon-feed us on a daily basis.” In addition to her column, Cohen is host of Boston Herald Radio’s “The Adriana Cohen Show.” She is a regular guest on Fox News and mentors Harvard University female undergraduate business students.
Jim Bohannon to Host WW1 Vietnam Special on Veterans Day Weekend. Vietnam veteran Jim Bohannon is hosting a Westwood One News special radio program titled, “Pain & Pride: Remembering Vietnam – 50 Years Later,” available to Westwood One News affiliates, Westwood 
One music format stations, and Cumulus-owned stations for air the weekend of Veterans Day. In their own voices, combat veterans share their stories with Vietnam War veteran and Westwood One talk host Jim Bohannon, and former Westwood One executive, White House press secretary, and NBC News Vietnam War correspondent, Ron Nessen. Bohannon will look back 50 years on his own war experience and will cull new perspectives on the war in assorted interviews, including one with filmmaker Ken Burns, director of the recently broadcast, 10-part documentary, The Vietnam War.
CBS News Radio Brings Interview Show ‘The Takeout’ to Network Radio. Host Major Garrett says the program “The Takeout” is “a dream come true for me.” The CBS News chief White House correspondent and CBS News political director Steve Chaggaris co-host the
weekly, one-hour program about politics, policy and pop culture. The show was a podcast first and launches on radio tonight at 10:00 pm ET. This show is produced in a casual atmosphere – each episode recorded over a meal in a Washington, DC restaurant. Recent guests have included: Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget; Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT); Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX); Sen. Al Franken (D-MN); Carly Fiorina; Gov. Martin O’Malley (D-MD); Corey Lewandowski; and comedian Samantha Bee. Tonight’s guest is Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. Garrett says, “‘The Takeout’ is a conversation, not an interrogation. And we edit nothing. Our guests never have to fidget about context. They are heard fully. We discuss news of the week and try to translate Beltway buzzwords so America can join the conversation. I never stop learning from and enjoying this humble audio odyssey.” It’s debuting on CBS RADIO’s KMOX, St. Louis; WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; KXNT, Las Vegas and others.
TALKERS News Notes. WABC, New York is adding a new show to the Sunday evening lineup featuring New York businessman Tom Maoli as host. Titled, “Go Big or Go Home,” the program gives Maoli the platform to “spread his entrepreneurial, business and lifestyle messages to listeners all across the Northeast.” Maoli says, “I was approached by WABC to do a radio show. At first, I was unsure, but the more I thought about it, I began to think that with so many young people, not to mention mid-career executives, starting to think about starting their own businesses, the idea of doing a radio show would provide me with an opportunity to reach that audience and tell them about my story and how they can do the same.” The program airs on the Cumulus Media news/talker at 7:00 pm.…..It’s a homecoming for the radio stations owned by News-Gazette Media in Champaign, Illinois as its three radio stations move into the same building with the News-Gazette newspaper. Seventy years ago, WDWS-AM was co-located with the newspaper, but not since then. Now, news/talk WDWS – named for then-publisher of the News-Gazette, David W. Stevick – along with sister stations adult contemporary WHMS and classic hits WKIO are moving into new, digital studios…..SiriusXM and Formula 1 announce a new, multi-year deal for the former to serve as the exclusive North American radio broadcaster of all Formula 1 races, starting with this weekend’s United States Grand Prix from Austin, Texas. Listeners will hear the BBC 5 live radio broadcast for the races.
Trump Tax Reform Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 16-20. The effort of the Trump Administration to present its tax reform plans was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing in the #1 position on the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the deaths of four American servicemen in the deadly ambush in Niger and the related controversy over presidential condolences to the families of fallen soldiers. Coming in at #3 was the Harvey Weinstein sexual predation scandal and the #MeToo movement, followed by North Korea’s threats against the U.S. 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.
Rascal Flats Surprises at Vegas Strong Fundraiser Concert. Pictured above at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas last night (10/19) are (from l-r): Beasley Media Group EVP of programming Justin Chase, FOX News Channel/Premiere Networks superstar Sean Hannity, Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary LeVox, and KKLZ-FM PD/morning host Mike O’Brian. Beasley Media Group organized the “Vegas Strong: A Night of Healing” concert featuring Big & Rich and Cam. Country legends Rascal Flatts surprised the crowd with an unannounced appearance. The proceeds from the concert benefit the Steve Sisolak Las Vegas Victims’ Fund.
Kip Moore Drops by ‘NASH Nights Live.’ Country artist Kip Moore (center) poses for a pic with “NASH Nights Live” hosts Elaina Smith (left) and Shawn Parr (right). Moore stopped by the show to talk about “everything from his latest single to Halloween.” Parr and Smith are decked out in the pink they were wearing to a breast cancer awareness event.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country legend and radio personality Kix Brooks is hosting Westwood One’s tribute to the men and women throughout America’s history who served and are still serving in the U.S. armed forces. The program is “A Salute to Our Military Veterans,” and is available for air Friday, November 10 through Sunday, November 12. Brooks is joined by friends including: Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, and more, who talk about their appreciation for the nation’s military…..SiriusXM announces a performance by Grammy Award-winning superstar Kelly Clarkson at a special, invitation-only show for SiriusXM listeners on Friday, November 3. The performance will take place at the Highline Ballroom in New York City and will feature songs from her new album, Meaning of Life, along with some of her biggest hits. The performance premieres on Wednesday, November 8 at 5:00 pm ET on SiriusXM Hits 1.
Digital Creates a New Ballgame For Boston’s WEEI
By Jeff McKay
TALKERS
Special Features Correspondent
BOSTON – While some radio stations and companies are working harder and in some cases struggling to make digital dollars and digital traffic work for them, Boston’s WEEI (850AM/93.7FM) has proven digital can work extremely well for them. The Boston and New England region Entercom sports/talk powerhouse weaves its podcasts, along with an unusually strong presence on social media into a mechanism that drives listeners to and from the radio and social media, and advertisers to multiple platforms.
Success for WEEI’s digital arm didn’t happen overnight. The digital and social media launch came nine years ago as the stock market was tanking and businesses crumbling during the “great recession,” and now employs eight full and part-time staffers who also bring strong content to the radio while on-air sports radio hosts enhance their digital domain.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Vince Coglianese Joins Mary Walter for WMAL’s ‘Mornings on the Mall.’ The Daily Caller editorial director Vince Coglianese is named the new morning drive co-host at Cumulus Media’s Washington, DC news/talk outlet WMAL-AM/FM. The station says Coglianese will join current
morning personality Mary Walter on the “Mornings On The Mall” program from 5:00 am to 9:00 am. He’s the former editor-in-chief of The Daily Caller and regularly appears on the FOX News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, the FOX Business Network, and CNBC. Prior to 
joining The Daily Caller, Coglianese served as web editor for Carolina Coast OnLine, and hosted a talk show on WTKF/WJNC, Morehead City, North Carolina. WMAL program director and Cumulus Media VP of News/Talk Bill Hess states, “Vince is the perfect WMAL personality – knowledgeable, plugged-in, entertaining, and a strong storyteller. He and Mary had immediate chemistry and we’re excited to bring this fresh new sound to mornings on 105.9 FM and AM630 WMAL.” Coglianese fills the slot left vacant when Brian Wilson departed the station.
iHeartMedia Launches Denver Broncos Station ‘Orange and Blue Radio.’ Sports talker KDSP, Denver is tweaked by owner iHeartMedia and will now be a station dedicated to all things Denver Broncos. KDSP takes on the brand “Orange & Blue 760.” iHeartMedia says the station “will broadcast Broncos sports talk with Tyler Polumbus, Steve Atwater, Dave Logan, Andrew
Mason and more throughout the day. Listeners can tune in 24/7 to hear breaking team news reports, live coverage of all Broncos’ news conferences as well as exclusive Broncos content just for ‘Orange & Blue’ radio listeners.” This is being reported by numerous Denver news outlets as a “50/50 relationship” between the NFL club and the station, although whether that refers literally to sharing revenue or, less literally, about working together to create content – or some mix thereof – is not clear. Denver Broncos chief commercial operator Mac Freeman adds, “Our longstanding partnership with iHeartMedia Denver continues to evolve and we are committed to finding new ways to engage Broncos fans across the fast-changing media landscape. ‘Orange and Blue Radio’ will allow us to bring Broncos fans more content, more often, in more places.”
Nielsen’s Q2 Net Revenue Up 3%. Ratings and research giant – and parent of radio ratings subsidiary Nielsen Audio – Nielsen Holdings plc announces financial figures for the second quarter of 2017. Revenue was $1,644 million in Q2, up 3.0% (or 4.1% on a constant currency basis) compared to the 
second quarter of 2016. Nielsen CEO Mitch Barns comments, “Our revenue in the quarter reflects solid growth in Watch, robust growth in Buy emerging markets and the contribution from our recent acquisition of Gracenote. This was partially offset by continued softness in our U.S. Buy business which reflects the challenging operating environment for our large, fast moving consumer goods clients. Our rigorous cost and commercial discipline in the quarter enabled us to deliver margin expansion, while also investing in our key growth initiatives.”
WEEI’s Minihane Takes ‘Personal Time’ After Criticizing Red Sox Ownership. Coincidence or not? That’s the question the Boston Herald’s Jessica Heslam is asking after WEEI, Boston morning personality Kirk
Minihane disappeared from the morning show the day after lashing out at Boston Red Sox ownership. What set Minihane off was a statement the organization made in response to a piece by Britni De La Cretaz published at DigBoston.com that examines the history of the MLB club’s racist past and suggests that racism is still alive and well in “Red Sox Nation,” including at the team’s longtime radio partner, WEEI. Part of the Red Sox’s statement included the following: “None 
of the opinions or sentiments expressed on WEEI or any of the 57 radio affiliates throughout New England are those of the Boston Red Sox. We understand the frustration of those who feel the opinions expressed are offensive and out of line. At times, we feel the same way.” Minihane responded saying, in part, “There is an institutional arrogance from the Red Sox. It starts at the top and it bleeds all the way down to the bottom. All we did was say we don’t believe that Red Sox fans are inherently racist. The Red Sox disagree. Red Sox fans, your organization thinks you’re racist or, by and large, think many of you are racist. The Red Sox are pandering and it starts with John Henry, with Linda Pizzuti, who’s another panderer, goes to Tom Werner and goes all the way down, slides all the way down, takes a stop at John Farrell.” The station told Heslam that Minihane is not suspended, just “taking personal time this week.” Read Heslam’s story here.
Charlie Pallilo Returns to Houston Airwaves. The Houston Chronicle reports that Houston sports talk radio personality Charlie Pallilo will be back on the radio on August 21 on Gow Media’s KGOW, hosting the 11:00 am to 1:00 pm show. Pallilo was most recently with iHeartMedia on KBME “Sports Talk 790” but was let go last October to make room in afternoons for Josh
Innes (currently hosting the morning drive show on KBME). The Chronicle reports that Pallilo will also make appearances on Gow’s sister station KFNC-FM and contribute to Gow Media’s CultureMap and SportsMap websites. Gow Media’s David Gow is quoted saying, “I’ve been trying to hire Charlie for years, but he wasn’t available until his departure from 790. We’ve been looking for the right fit and spot in our lineup for him. We think he is one of the top sports talk hosts in the city. He is really thoughtful and insightful and has a great rapport with his listeners. His analysis and his ability to talk about the details of sports and why things are taking place is unparalleled, and I know people will enjoy listening to him on our airwaves.”
TALKERS News Notes. The start date for Nashville sports talk host George Plaster’s return to the market’s airwaves is this Sunday (7/30) on Grand Ole Opry-owned country WSM-AM. The 5:00 pm
to 8:00 pm “Sports Night” program will be Plaster’s return to the radio after exiting crosstown WPNT “102.5 The Game” to become the athletic director at Belmont University, a position he continues to hold. WSM-AM program director Jonathan Shaffer will serve as co-host for the 
show…..CBS RADIO announces that Chris Wittyngham is the new co-host for the Miami Dolphins pre-game show on WQAM “Sportsradio 560” alongside former Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder. Wittyngham currently works for CBSSports.com as a digital channels host. He also works for BeIN Sports Television Network as a soccer play-by-play announcer. WQAM program director Ryan Maguire comments, “Chris has already established himself locally as a talented, versatile sports media professional. We’re thrilled that he’s agreed to work with us more extensively during the football season.”
GOP Health Care Strategy, U.S. Military Transgender Ban, Foxconn Announces U.S. Plant, Scaramucci Threatens Leakers, Trump-Russia Investigation, North Korea Nukes Program, Sessions Status, Western Male Sperm Counts Down, Ohio Fair Ride Fatality, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/26). The Republicans’ attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a GOP-crafted plan; President Trump issues ban on transgender soldiers in the U.S. military; Taiwan-based Foxconn announces plans for Wisconsin factory and 3,000 initial jobs; new White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci’s threat to punish White House leakers; the investigation into connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; North Korea’s ICBM program and its threats against the U.S.; President Trump’s criticism of Attorney General Jeff Sessions; a new report indicating sperm counts are down among Western males; a fatality and severe injuries from an amusement park ride at the Ohio State Fair; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/27) with Memorial Tribute To Tom Marr by Jim Bohannon. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are:
– The “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein).
– The special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan).
– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).
– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo).
– The special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard).
– The special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell).
– The first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein. All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.
– A “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).
– A “Fireside Chat” featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).
– A “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman).
– The series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.” They feature a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess(introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri), a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young, and a conversation between Cumulus Media EVP programming and content Mike McVay and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).
– The series of four “one-on-one” dialogues collectively titled, “Where Does Talk Media Go From Here?” featuring a conversation between WRHU, Hofstra University OM John T. Mullen and WRFH, Hillsdale College GM Scot Bertram; a conversation between The New Normal CEO/founder/host Tom Leykis and syndicated host Michael Berry; a conversation between The Weiss AgencyEVP Heather Cohen and Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel host Brian Kilmeade; and a conversation between WPHT, Philadelphia host Dom Giordano and GCN syndicated host Dr. Daliah Wachs (facilitated by WOR, New York APD Scott Lakefield). At the conclusion, Dr. Wachs is presented the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award by Michael Harrison.
– TODAY (7/27) we posted the first of a series of three memorial tributes by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon dedicated to major talk show personalities and longtime TALKERS Convention participants who passed away this past year: Tom Marr, Dr. Joy Browne and Alan Colmes. Today’s posted tribute is for Tom Marr. (Introduction by Stephan Multimedia CEO/host, Doug Stephan.)
Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Los Angeles, CBS RADIO makes Chris Ebbott program director of CHR KAMP “97.1 AMP” in addition to his current PD role at classic hits KRTH “K-EARTH 101.1.” CBS says this move allows cluster SVP of programming Kevin Weatherly to hand off the KAMP programming duties to Ebbott and “focus more broadly on the strategic direction and approach of the market’s five music formats. CBS also operates KTWV “94.7 The Wave,” KROQ, and KCBS-FM “93.1 JACK FM.” Weatherly will continue to serve as program
director of KROQ and KCBS-FM…..A piece published in the Providence Journal gives a status report on the sale of alternative WBRU, Providence. The station is a commercial alt rocker owned by the non-profit Brown Broadcasting Services – linked to Brown University. The student-staffed station was put up for sale by the board of directors who cited the challenges of operating a radio station in the current media climate as the impetus to sell. The ProJo piece quotes a board spokesman saying the broker handling the sale is in active negotiations with a potential buyer but that no names are being released at this point…..Jacobs Media brings Chris Firmage aboard as an associate consultant. Jacobs says Firmage joins the company after “a long and successful run at KFMA in Tucson.” Jacobs Media president Fred Jacobs comments, “We continue to invest in new ideas and approaches for our clients. Chris brings us a solid history of success. He’s knowledgeable in many areas and I expect that he will have a positive impact for all our clients.”
Thursday, June 25, 2015
WRKO, Boston Unveils New AM Drive Show and Partnership with The Globe’s Boston.com. It’s been no secret that Entercom’s WRKO, Boston would move morning talk personality Jeff Kuhner to the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm slot after declining to renew Premiere Networks’ Rush Limbaugh show, but the station is now announcing its new morning drive programming. Leading the show will be
Boston media pro Kim Carrigan. Former crosstown sports WEEI personality Jon Meterperel will join Carrigan along with show producer David Cullinane. Still more interesting is the station’s joint venture with the Boston Globe Media Partners-owned online platform Boston.com. WRKO says the new show – the “Boston.com Morning Show” – will consist of “four hours of rapid-cadence news, talk and trending live from the newsroom at Boston.com. The show will lean heavily on contributing writers and columnists from the highly-trafficked, regional website as well as national correspondents from ABC News.” The new lineup will be live and local from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm (Barry Armstrong’s Financial Exchange airs from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and Boston talk legend Howie Carr’s show holds down PM drive) for the first time in more than 20 years, according to the station. Entercom Boston VP/market manager Phil Zachary says this is a logical evolutionary step for the talk format. “On the cusp of the 2016 election cycle, it’s very clear traditional talk radio is facing strong headwinds. As ideological lines blur and new technologies afford almost limitless tractability in audio news options, now is the time to deliver highly targeted, local content that’s unavailable to consumers anywhere else. This new lineup, anchored by our alliance with New England’s second largest news website, squarely positions WRKO for the next decade.” The lineup debuts Monday, June 29.
Talkers New York 2015 “Big Picture” Panel Video Posted Today. “The Big Picture,” one of the major panel discussions at the recently concluded (6/12) Talkers New York 2015 mega-conference, is posted today on Talkers TV. The session covers a range of important issues pertaining to the state of talk media from a wide variety of perspectives. Introduced by TALKERS legal editor (and Bentley University law professor) Steve Weisman and moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (both not pictured here), the panel includes (from left to right): Chris Oliviero, EVP programming, CBS RADIO; Joe Sciacca, editor-in-chief, Boston Herald/Boston Herald Radio; Craig Schwalb, PD, WABC, New York; Karen Hunter, host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Alan Colmes, host/commentator, FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; and Holland Cooke, consultant, Holland Cooke Media. The session covers the position and future of the stick; the psychology of being a talk host; the challenges of local, independent station ownership; the broadening of the news/talk menu as it relates to partisan politics, preserving major market heritage radio brands; the role of urban talk; the glass ceiling in spoken-word radio; the emerging new relationship between radio and newspapers and more. To view the video in its entirety please click here.
New Shows Debut on PodcastOne. Comedian, actress and bestselling author Heather McDonald debuts “Juicy Scoops with Heather McDonald” on PodcastOne, beginning today (6/25). The network says McDonald “asks the questions everyone wants to know and discusses the hottest and most controversial topics each week.” Also “The Fraze & Bentley Podcast,” hosted by radio personality, actor and comedian Frazer Smith, and actor, magician and comedian Jim Bentley launches. PodcastOne says, “The duo is serious about comedy, but it’s all fun and games as they invite podcast regular and burlesque dancer Harper Rose to the mic each week, in addition to a myriad of their famous friends.” Jon Lovitz is the duo’s first celebrity guest.
Three Hosts Quit KLZ, Denver Over Disagreement with Management. Denver talk outlet KLZ is without three of its hosts after Ken Clark, Kris Cook, and Randy Corporon resigned from the Crawford Broadcasting station. According to a story in the Denver Post by Lynn Bartels, The three – who hosted separate shows on the station – had given 30-day notices of their resignation but exited before that period had elapsed after they were instructed not to book former Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo as a guest. Tancredo is playing a role in controversy surrounding Colorado Republican Party Chairman Steve House and station manager Don Crawford Jr. told the hosts he didn’t want Tancredo booked as a guest until Crawford could determine for himself what Tancredo’s role in the call for House to resign was all about. Read Bartels’ story here.
Odds & Sods. It’s being called “a new national headline news service and full-time satellite radio channel produced by a dedicated team of FOX News journalists and contributors.” The joint effort from SiriusXM and FOX News
will launch this fall and is part of a multi-year agreement between the two. SiriusXM says the channel, under the watch of FOX News senior vice president of news Jay Wallace, will be “staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year” to “deliver the day’s top stories at any time.”…..Kevin Radich joins CBS RADIO-owned all news KCBS, San Francisco “All News 106.9 FM/740 AM” as weekday sports reporter. Radich served as afternoon sports reporter on Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KGO until earlier this year…..The Radio Television Digital News Association’s Edward R. Murrow Award winners are being announced and there are several to report today. ABC News wins a total of five awards, including the Overall Excellence in Television and Overall Excellence in Radio awards for the second year in a row. ABC News president James Goldston comments to his staff, “I want to extend a 
special congratulations to [ABC News] Radio for a banner year – winning three more Murrow awards. Radio stations count on ABC News Radio when news breaks. The radio team works tirelessly with unmatched production and groundbreaking reporting every day.” RTDNA recognized the radio division for Breaking News – The Shooting at Fort Hood, Brad Mielke for Sports – Spartan Racing and Writing – Scott Goldberg. (pictured at left is the ABC News Radio staff celebrating its honors.) At the local level, all-news WCBS, New York “Newsradio 880” is honored with “Overall Excellence in Large Market Radio.” The winning entry included coverage of the east Harlem gas explosion, New York City police protests, and the murders of New York Police Department officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu. Also, Rivet Radio – a multi-
platform media company that produces customized audio news and feature stories – was recognized for “Best Use of Sound by a Small Online News Organization.” News reporter and producer George Drake Jr. conceived, wrote and produced the piece, “The Story of Marvin the ‘Street Greeter’,” which profiled a Chicago resident spreading joy within the bustling metropolis…..Former WUCS, Hartford and Maxim Radio personality Michael Bower sits in on iHeartMedia‘s sports talker WINZ, Miami for Andy Slater tomorrow from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Obama’s TPP Trade Deal, Charleston Church Slayings Aftermath/Confederate Flag Issue, 2016 Presidential Prospects/Bobby Jindal, Freddie Gray Autopsy Results Revealed, OPM Hack, Iran Nukes Negotiations, and Obama LGBT Pride Event Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/24). The U.S. Senate votes to give President Obama fast-track authority over the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement; the aftermath of the Charleston Church slayings and the matter of flying the Confederate flag on public property; the growing list of 2016 presidential prospects grows as Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal enters the GOP primary race; the results of the Freddie Gray autopsy are acquired by the Baltimore Sun; questions about how much information was available to hackers into the Office of Personnel Management; The U.S.’s offer to provide Iran with nuclear technology; and talk about the scene at President Obama’s LGBT pride event at the White House were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Little Rises to President of Phoenix Market for iHeartMedia. Assuming the position left briefly vacant by Scott Hopeck after he was promoted to the same post at the New York City cluster is Linda Little. She moves up from her SVP of sales position with the station group. Prior to that, she was GSM for adult contemporary KESZ and country KNIX. She also served as integrated media business development manager. She comments, “I have had the privilege of building my media career in Phoenix and am very fortunate to have worked for a company that has given me many opportunities to grow while constantly evolving with the industry.” In this position she’ll oversee news/talk KFYI, talk KOY, and sports talk KGME.
Schreiber Promoted at Mercury Radio Arts. Moving up from his head of strategy and special projects position with Glenn Beck’s Mercury Radio Arts to president of the company is Jonathan Schreiber. In this new post, Schreiber will oversee Mercury’s divisions including digital, radio and
publishing and its continued growth in film, television and “digital content across different genres beyond politics and current events.” The company says Schreiber will continue to serve as an advisor to TheBlaze, the company’s news, information and entertainment network led by CEO Betsy Morgan. Schreiber has an 18-year pedigree in the tech, mobile and entertainment businesses. Beck says, “I personally recruited Jonathan to help take our company to the next level. Since joining Mercury, he has played an integral role in both the strategy and execution at Mercury Radio Arts and my overall business philosophy and approach. He is a trusted advisor and this title reflects the leadership position he has and will continue to assume in this new era for both me and our business.
Industry Mourns Don Quayle. The first president of National Public Radio (NPR) has died: Don Quayle was 84 years old. NPR’s Susan Stamberg recalls that Quayle gave her her first radio job. “It was the early-1960s and he was head of the Educational Radio Network – the precursor of NPR – a little network of 12 east coast stations that developed a daily drive-time news show. He hired me to help produce it. When this national network arose, he was an obvious choice to run it. Don was principled, decent, and astute. In the euphoric tumult of our first years, he navigated the choppy seas of building a public radio system. He knew NPR had to serve our listeners, above the competing needs of stations, boards, and funders.” The program to which Stamberg alludes, of course, is “All Things Considered,” which Quayle debuted on NPR in 1971. He headed the network – which now has more than 900 member stations – from 1970 to 1973. Prior to that (1960 – 1962), Quayle managed Boston public outlet WGBH. Five years ago, the Logan, Utah native received an honorary doctorate of humane letters for his “significant contributions” to public broadcasting from his alma mater, Utah State University.
Premiere and TheBlaze to Present Memorial Day Special. The annual Memorial Day radio special produced by Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze Radio Network returns in 2015 with Premiere Networks handling affiliate relations. The three-hour program – titled “Reflections from a Grateful
Nation” – features the hosts, writers and editors of TheBlaze and TheBlaze.com, including: Doc Thompson, Skip LaCombe, Buck Sexton, Jay Severin, Chris Salcedo, Mike Broomhead and others. In addition to special appearances by award-winning actor Gary Sinise, “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak and members of the military, listeners will hear personal stories and conversations about the meaning of the holiday in this special tribute to those who fought and gave their lives to defend America’s freedom. It’s available to news/talk stations for airing from May 23-25. Interested stations can phone Premiere at 818-377-5300.
Michael Harrison Interviews Boston Herald Editor-in-Chief Joe Sciacca on Weekly Podcast, ‘Up Close and Far Out.’ In a candid and informative interview on the popular weekly podcast “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” Boston Herald editor-in-chief Joe Sciacca discusses his views on a wide variety of media-related topics that include, among others: the state of the newspaper industry in a changing media landscape; the impact of the digital era on journalism; and his experience in being involved with his newspaper’s pioneering effort in online news/talk/sports radio broadcasting – Boston Herald Radio. During the extensive conversation, Sciacca – a 37-year veteran of the newspaper business as a reporter, columnist and editor — tells TALKERS magazine publisher
Michael Harrison that the biggest challenge facing journalists in the newspaper business today is “keeping their print product relevant.” He tells Harrison, “I believe this is the greatest time to be leading a news organization in America even though resources are challenging and newspapers are experiencing difficult times in terms of revenue. There really is a great window of opportunity to be creative – to reinvent our business. So when I became editor five years ago after being at the Herald for 32 years, I embraced the challenge because even though I knew the road was going to be difficult to navigate, we have done some incredible things over the last five years and we’ve really transformed what was purely a print organization into a multimedia news organization.” This transformation, of course, includes the launch of Boston Herald Radio – the newspaper’s online talk station that produces 11 hours of original, live content every weekday from a studio located right next to the newspaper’s newsroom. It has proven to be a major source of breaking stories, not only for Boston-area news consumers, but for the media across the country and around the world. Harrison and Sciacca delve into media theory and discuss differences in the psychology between reading stories online as opposed to the printed page. They also analyze the impact of video cameras inside a radio studio and the differences between what Harrison describes as “great radio or bad television.” Sciacca discusses the Boston Herald’s commitment to getting the stories right, rather than just being first – a pressure amplified by the competition generated by the 24 hour non-stop, digital news cycle and he recalls how coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing was particularly challenging because of all the false information that was out there in the general news media’s frenzy to stay on top of the breaking story during its early hours and days. Harrison describes his theories about the emergence of what he calls “stickless” radio broadcasting (meaning radio without the traditional license, transmitter and tower) and the development of the online “media station” in the 21st century. To hear the entirety of this fascinating conversation between two seasoned, front-line media visionaries, please click here, or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” box in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Four More Smartphone Models Can Have FM Chip Activated Via Clip Interactive. According to Clip Interactive, more consumers can exercise the FM chip listening option as it has expanded the phones that can use its technology to include the HTC One M9, HTC Desire 610, Sharp Aquos Crystal and LG G3. Clip Interactive says its application technology connects to this chip, allowing the listener to tune into local stations without having to stream, which depletes data allowances and consumes more battery life. FM chip activation through Clip Interactive mobile apps allows stations to optimize listening options for users. Clip Interactive chief technology officer Peter Shoebridge says, “Activating the FM chip on more devices benefits the listener as they can reduce data usage and enjoy the real-time broadcast. The industry can expect more announcements about additional devices in the coming weeks as we continue our mission to provide interactive radio to the masses.”
Odds & Sods. Appearing in the KFAQ, Tulsa studios this morning is a crew from “Good Morning America” as morning host Pat Campbell interviews attorney Clark Brewster. Reserve Sheriff Deputy Robert Bates hired
Brewster to represent him in the case of the fatal shooting of Eric Harris that took place during a drug sting. Bates has been cleared by the FBI of violating Harris’ civil rights but faces a second-degree manslaughter charge for accidently using his pistol instead of a taser on Harris. Pat Campbell tells TALKERS magazine, “Our station has been ground zero for many exclusives on this story, including the 
only sit-down interview with Sheriff Stanley Glanz. KFAQ news director Tami Marler has been all over this since day one, getting scoops and guests other outlets can’t secure.”…..FOX Sports Radio is presenting “FOX Sports Live 2015 NFL Draftcast” – a multi-platform NFL draft special featuring Jay Glazer, Joel Klatt, Peter Schrager, Mike Garafolo and Don Bell in Chicago. It will air on the network’s more than 400 affiliates nationwide beginning at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 30…..The last Buckley Broadcasting property – KIDD-AM, Monterey, California – has been sold to Saul Levine’s Mt. Wilson Broadcasters for $50,000. Buckley took KIDD-AM dark a few months ago and recently tore down its aging tower structure.
ISIS Violence, Iran Nuclear Program Controversy/U.S. Naval Presence in Yemen, 2016 Presidential Prospects, Police Shootings Controversies, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/20). The reports of ISIS executing Christians; the controversy about negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and the United States’ naval presence in the waters off Yemen; the potential candidates for president in 2016; the cases of police shooting citizens in Baltimore, Tulsa and elsewhere; and the weekend’s Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
It’s Boston, but is it the Herald?
By Chris Miller
Chris Miller Digital
Owner
SHAKER HEIGHTS — As you read here in TALKERS, Boston Herald Radio debuted on Monday 8/5. The internet-only radio station plans to draw on talent and content from their print and online editions to create a new Boston-based news/talk outlet.
A newspaper used to be just something you held and read. TV news was what everyone sat down and watched a half-hour of on the tube back in the day. Radio news was the immediate one, the one that could go with you. Those days are gone. We’re no longer defined by our method of distribution.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Rush Limbaugh Celebrates 25 Years in Syndication Today. It was 25 years ago today that Rush Limbaugh began his national syndication based at WABC, New York. When Ed McLaughlin’s EFM Media Management began producing and distributing the Rush Limbaugh program in August of 1988 on 56 affiliate stations, many in the industry thought the idea of a midday national talk radio program was absurd and would fail. But Limbaugh’s EIB Network flourished and the rest is history. Of course, Premiere Networks now syndicates the show that’s heard on close to 600 radio stations. In a statement, Limbaugh says, “The relationship we’ve established here – between the audience and myself – is everything. It’s meant more to me than I’ll ever be able to fully describe. It’s the best three hours of the day! We’re going to do this for a long time to come.” Premiere Networks notes, “Mr. Limbaugh also pioneered an entirely new model for talk radio. Defying industry convention, he does not book guests on his program. Centered on the news of the day, he describes his unique approach as ‘a serious discussion of issues, combined with irreverent humor.’ He has enjoyed uninterrupted status since the early 1990s as the leading talk radio host in the U.S., and the program continues to expand its reach. In the past year alone, ‘The Rush Limbaugh Show’ has experienced an 11% audience increase (Source: Arbitron, Nationwide).
Media Biz Buzzing About Newspaper-Online Radio Ventures. Pictured here is Sabo Media (r) CEO Walter Sabo appearing on Fox Business with “Markets Now” host Dennis Kneale (l) discussing the Boston Herald’s online talk radio station project, “Boston Herald Radio.” Kneale quizzed longtime radio executive and consultant Sabo about what the two media bring to the table in joint ventures such as these. Sabo stated that the talk radio programs can help deliver a younger and more engaged audience to the newspaper world (which has suffered circulation and revenue declines) and the radio shows benefit from working with an experienced news gathering organization. “It allows them to bring those stories to life instantly, which has always been their (the newspaper’s) biggest challenge.” Watch Sabo’s appearance on Fox Business here.
CBS Reports Q2 Revenue for Radio ‘Even.’ CBS quarterly investors’ conference calls have always been pretty much about television and yesterday’s 2013 Q2 call was no different. It’s not that CBS doesn’t care about radio. President and CEO Les Moonves has stated in previous calls that they like radio. He doesn’t gush about it like he does about TV but CBS has no debt on the radio side and therefore it’s a cash business for the company. During yesterday’s call CBS COO Joseph Ianiello termed radio “even” during the second quarter compared to the same period a year ago and told investors the division is pacing flat for Q3. For CBS, total revenue was up 11% year-to-year due mostly to fees paid by television operators to carry CBS TV stations as well as international syndication deals and digital streaming revenue.
Journal Broadcast Group’s Radio Division Up 2.3% in Q2. Journal Communications announced 2013 second quarter financials yesterday and the Journal Broadcast Group breaks out the radio division from the television segment. It reports that, compared to the same quarter a year ago, revenue from radio stations increased 2.3% to $19.9 million, or 4.7% excluding political revenue. Radio political advertising revenue was $0.1 million, compared to $0.5 million. Local advertising revenue — excluding political — increased 5%, primarily due to an increase in retail advertising. National advertising revenue — excluding political — decreased 4.9% to $1.8 million, primarily due to a decrease in media advertising. Operating earnings from radio stations were $3.8 million compared to $4.4 million, a decrease of 13.8% or a decrease of 19.0% excluding acquisition costs in both years. Radio operating expenses increased 7.1%, or 9.3% excluding acquisition costs in both years, primarily due to employee-related expense increases and the impact of credits received from an industry-wide music licensing fee settlement in 2012.
TALKERS Magazine’s Frontier Fifty 2013 Will Be Posted on Wednesday, August 7. The new installment of one of the most popular and certainly important TALKERS magazine annual features — “The Frontier Fifty” — is set to be unveiled this coming Wednesday, August 7. The Frontier Fifty is officially described as a Selection of Outstanding Talk Media Webcasters. This year’s format will depart somewhat from the features’ early approaches by including executives who have built valuable platforms for internet talk broadcasting as well as talent who do talk shows and/or podcasts on the web. In addition it will be a numbered list in which designees are ranked according to importance as determined by the TALKERS editorial board. As followers of this feature know, TALKERS did not publish a 2012 installment of the feature because as the publication’s VP/executive editor Kevin Casey puts it, “This arena has evolved and grown at such a dizzying speed, we wanted to be sure that we presented this important snapshot of the state of the internet talk radio’s movers and shakers as accurately and relevantly as possible. We took an extra year off to study the scene and get it as close to being right as possible…no easy task.” This year’s Frontier Fifty is being sponsored by Broadcasters General Store.
Red Zebra Shucks Two Signals in Norfolk-Virginia Beach for $1.2 Million. Dan Snyder-owned Red Zebra sells sports radio combo WXTG-AM/FM “The Game” to local operator Local Voice Media which will flip the duo to a triple A format soon. The price of the stations and seven acres of property in Hampton is $1.2 million and according to the Daily Press, the stations will continue to air Washington Nationals baseball through the rest of the season and will be Washington Redskins affiliates during the 2013 season. Additionally, the paper reports that two staffers – AE and air talent Greg Bicouvaris and production director Brock Briggs will remain employed with the new owners. Local Voice Media also operates triple A WTYD, Williamsburg, Virginia “92.3 The Tide.” The Daily Press notes Richmond, Virginia investment firm Blue Heron Capital recently completed a $3 million investment in Local Voice Media, formerly known as Davis Media. The firm began investing in the company two years ago and has helped it expand into Columbia, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina.
Quick-and-Dirty Three-Minute Sound Conditioning. Large corporations and government bureaucrats will often spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on soundproofing and sound conditioning for an audio studio. They’ll even spend tens of thousands of dollars simply on the consultants to tell them how to soundproof and sound condition a studio. That may make sense to you if you’ve got venture capital money to burn and don’t mind being out of business in a few years. It may also make sense if you’re working for the government because the money is someone else’s and you think you’ll never go out of business. But according to syndicated talk show host Michael W. Dean, co-host of GCN‘s “The Freedom Feens,” “The rest of us have to make do with what we have.” In a new column posted today (8/1), Dean writes, “The advent of ip hardware codecs has allowed talk radio hosts to produce nationally syndicated shows from our homes. And people working for corporate radio are often called to do remotes in a variety of environments. You can buy portable devices that acoustically isolate a microphone, but using one is basically like sticking your head in a small box. That is not conducive to doing a good show, especially if you’re doing on-the-spot interviews with a variety of guests. Today I’ll show you how to temporarily sound condition a room in three minutes at no cost. This will vastly improve the audio reaching your microphone, and thus, your audience. First, you have to understand the difference between soundproofing and sound conditioning. Many people use these two terms interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. Soundproofing keeps outside sounds out and inside sounds in. Sound conditioning dampens native reverberation in a room. Effective soundproofing is a lot more expensive and complicated than sound conditioning.” To read Michael W. Dean’s entire column, please click here.
PodcastOne Adds Sports USA Programs to Offerings. Yesterday, TALKERS reported that NFL Hall-of-Famer Joe Namath would begin producing podcasts for Sports USA throughout the 2013 football season. Now, Norm Pattiz-founded PodcastOne and Sports USA announce the Namath podcast as well as “Conversations with Joe Morgan,” “The Ross Tucker Football Show” and “Against the Grain with Dave Miller” will be available via PodcastOne. Pattiz states, “Joe Namath invented the sports media icon as we know it. He knows what it means to break new ground and likes to do things his way. We’re a guaranteed perfect fit. I am looking forward to working with Bob Moore and the talented team at Sports USA as we create great experiences for listeners and opportunities for advertisers.”
MLB Great Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to Contribute to ‘ESPN Dallas 103.3.’ “Pudge” Rodriguez played for the hometown Texas Rangers twice during his MLB career (he won a World Series ring with the Florida Marlins in 2003) and he and his family are putting down roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. ESPN O&O KESN and sister Spanish sports talk “ESPN Deportes Dallas” (KZMP-AM) have brought Rodriguez aboard to serve as a baseball contributor through the rest of the 2013 season. ESPN says Rodriguez will serve in several capacities for both stations including a bi-weekly call-in segment, the voice of featured “Pudge’s Eye” vignettes, as well as personal appearances. ESPN Dallas VP/GM Pete Dits states, “We are extremely excited and proud to have one of the greatest catchers in MLB history as a part of our team. As the radio flagship of the Texas Rangers in English and Spanish, this only solidifies our commitment to bringing the best Rangers and baseball coverage to the sports fans in DFW.”
Journal’s Sports Talk KXSP, Omaha Adds New PM Drive Show. Joe Quinn and Nick Handley are the new afternoon drive sports talk team at Journal Broadcast Group’s Omaha sports talker “590 ESPN Radio” (KXSP). Quinn was producer and co-host for the past three years on Des Moines’ KXNO. Handley, a 14-year sports veteran who most recently co-hosted the “Hail Varsity Radio Show” airing in Lincoln and Columbus, Nebraska was the sports director for the Three Eagles cluster of stations in Columbus. KXSP program director Kurt Owens says, “The new show will be called ‘The Drive’ and will bring a fresh new approach to afternoon sports talk in Omaha. Joe and Nick’s combined experience of covering sports in Nebraska and Iowa mirrors our huge AM 590 signal. AM 590 listeners will really enjoy these two young-yet-experienced broadcasters bringing their perspective to sports each afternoon.”
NBC Sports Radio Network Passes 300-Affililate Mark. The nationally syndicated sports talk radio programming initiative NBC Sports Radio Network – a cooperative effort of Dial Global and NBC Sports – announces it has passed the 300-affiliate mark. Dial Global Sports EVP and general manager Chris Corcoran says, “Signing more than 300 affiliates so quickly is a true testament to the mass appeal of our talent and programming, creativity of our producers, and hard work of our exceptional sales and affiliate teams. We are especially honored to partner with such great radio stations across the country as we work together to connect avid sports fans, consumers, and advertisers. We continue to be motivated to reach more audiences by the amazing feedback we regularly receive from our local station owners, program directors and listeners.”
WEEI-FM, Boston Staffers Take Part in Pan-Mass Challenge. “93.7 FM WEEI” morning drive co-host Gerry Callahan (r) and Entercom Boston vice president and market manager Jeff Brown (l) will take part in the Pan-Mass Challenge – a two-day bike ride across Massachusetts that can be as long as 190 miles – to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. WEEI will help recognize and celebrate this year’s event with a live broadcast of the Salk & Holley show on Friday, August 2 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. from the PMC’s opening ceremonies in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the Pan-Mass Challenge says, “Entercom and WEEI have both been fabulous friends and partners. They have ensured that the PMC message is heard – and understood – far, wide and often.” Jeff Brown comments, “I am proud to continue Entercom’s support of the Pan-Mass Challenge and we are also proud to be raising additional money through our dedicated team of riders and virtual riders. Our own Gerry Callahan will be taking part in his sixth ride and it is such an honor, both for WEEI and for all of us at Entercom Boston, to be a part of this dynamic cause and help the dedicated Dana-Farber doctors and researchers discover cures for cancer.”
ObamaCare Implementation Battle, Anthony Weiner Scandal, NSA Surveillance Program, Chris Christie-Rand Paul Feud, and Looming MLB Suspensions Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/31). The fight in Washington over the implementation and funding for the Affordable Care Act; the political fallout from the Anthony Weiner scandal; reports of the vast nature of the NSA surveillance program, Republican in-fighting over policy and the Chris Christie–Rand Paul feud; and the expected suspensions of numerous MLB players were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Radio from the Newspaper: Stop the Presses?
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — The impending launch of a Boston Herald-based online audio stream points to an opportunity I’ve been recommending to local radio newscasters who’ve been getting fired right and left these past several years. With hard copy media now so mature, yet still commanding such a big revenue share, rich media was always a logical line extension for newspapers. They need it, they know it, and they know they don’t know how to do it as well as broadcasters do.
Even without the financial support and promotional heft a newspaper gives a netcast, non-AM/FM “radio” is exploding.
- “The transmitter” has been there ever since we could save as .mp3.
- “The receiver” became conspicuous a decade ago, when iPod was the shiny object. Since then, smartphones have obsoleted such player-only non-AM/FM receivers. As he’s described what he terms “the media station,” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison has suggested that the P-O-D in podcasting might simply refer to “Programming on Demand.”
