Tag: "CBS Sports Radio Network"
Friday, June 15, 2018
Former Gambino Family Crime Head John A. Gotti (John Gotti, Jr) Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. There is a lot of media interest this week in the late John Gotti, the infamous boss of the powerful New York-based Gambino crime family who died in prison in 2002 while serving a life sentence. Two major productions are being released depicting the story of the legendary mobster — one on TV, the other on film — offering up a double dose of a larger-than-life figure known, among other names, as the “Dapper Don.” A&E’s two-part biography
documentary “Gotti: Godfather & Son” began airing this past weekend and the movie “Gotti,” starring John Travolta opens this Friday (6/15). The film dramatizes the rise and fall of the infamous criminal and the relationship he shared with his son who succeeded him as the acting head of the Gambino family until he broke away to live a legitimate life as a businessman, husband, and father. The movie is based on a book penned by Gotti’s son, John A. Gotti (also known as John Gotti, Jr or Junior Gotti) titled, Shadow of My Father (Phoenix Media 2015). Junior Gotti is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison and Gotti discuss the Travolta movie as well as the real relationship between the father and son, in addition to delving into the unusual nature of the often-fragile code of honor that exists among organized gangsters. Check it out! To listen to the entire podcast, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Weekly Golf Show Debuts on WFAN, New York. New York sports talker WFAN is launching a weekly, one-hour golf program called “Talking Golf,” hosted by sports media pro Ann Liguori. It will air from 7:00 am to 8:00 am
beginning this Sunday through September 2 and the inaugural show will be live from the 2018 U.S. Open in Shinnecock Hills, New York. Entercom New York VP of programming Mark Chernoff states, “As New York’s flagship sports station, we are committed to providing fans with the most engaging content from their favorite sports. Ann’s golf expertise will add a distinct layer to this show and having the inaugural broadcast live from the U.S. Open will offer our listeners an up close experience to one of golf’s biggest events.” Liguori covers the major U.S. golf tournaments, including the Masters, U.S. Open and PGA championship for WFAN and CBS Sports Radio Network. In addition, she contributes columns to WFAN.com throughout the golf season.
Sales in the New Talk Media Landscape. Radio sales pro Al Herskovitz writes today about his experience chatting with fellow media sales practitioners at last Friday’s TALKERS magazine conference held in New York City. Herskovitz says, “The challenge to the sales folk is how to sell advertising in this ever-evolving, high-tech environment. Ratings, as we once knew them, have lost their value, even if they exist at all.” And as for the rates one can charge, Herskovitz says, “And how does a sales person determine the rates? By simply making them up and seeing what the reaction will be. As of this time there is no reasonable, statistical information to know what to charge. Most of the gang I spoke with use their old rate cards as the basis for the prices they want to present. Then it becomes the floor upon which to negotiate with the potential advertiser.” Read Herskovitz’s piece here.
Trump-Kim Jong Un Summit Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 11-15. The summit meeting between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Hillary Clinton email server investigation report. Coming in at #3 was the G-7 meeting and President Trump’s spat with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, followed by the Tuesday primaries and Mark Sanford’s loss 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.
TALKERS News Notes. San Diego sports talk personality Dan Sileo – heard in late mornings on Entercom’s new sports talk outlet KWFN-FM, San Diego
“97.3 FM The Fan” – will be doing a daily, live segment with CBS 
Sports Radio Network superstar Jim Rome as part of his show…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Neil Fiorito is appointed to the position of overnight traffic voice on Entercom’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM. Fiorito has been a part-time traffic reporter for the station since 2009. Traffic operations director Kevin Scott says in a memo to staffers, “Neil’s reports are conversational and authoritative, so listeners can trust the information he provides. Behind the scenes Neil has one of the best attitudes ever.”…..A joint marketing agreement between MyNorth.com, Traverse Magazine and Blarney Stone Broadcasting is bringing the foodie talk radio show “Lick the Plate” to five Northern Michigan radio stations in the Traverse City and Petoskey markets. The feature will air during afternoon drive and be repeated in evenings. Program host David Boylan says, “This is an incredible opportunity for me to expand the reach of the show in Northern Michigan. The culinary scene extends throughout the Northern half of the state and the talent driving it is incredible. This is also going to be a huge bonus for my guests who will now have a much larger audience listening in on their story.” “Lick the Plate” also airs on CKLW,
Detroit-Windsor “93.9 The River.”…..Public news/talk WUSF, Tampa – operated by WUSF Public Media – names Jessica Meszaros to a position in the WUSF newsroom and on the “Morning Edition” news team. Meszaros says about her new position, “‘Morning Edition’ starts the day and gives so many people their first news of the day and we take that responsibility very seriously. I’m looking forward to exploring the Tampa Bay area and reporting on stories that keep local listeners intrigued, inspired and informed.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A talent shuffle takes place at Hubbard Radio’s St. Louis station group. The duo “Mason and Remy” – Mason Schreader and Zach “Remy” Hoesly – returns to the market after doing mornings at iHeartMedia’s country WEBG, Chicago “Big 95.5.” They are taking over the afternoon drive show on Hubbard’s WIL-FM “New Country 92.3.” As a result of their return, the “Stacey and Jonah” program – hosted by Stacey Boyer and Jonah Griss-Bush – moves from WIL-FM over to sister adult hits WARH-FM “106.5 The Arch” for afternoons. Scott Roddy programs both stations and he says, “Today is a banner day – a historical day – for Hubbard St. Louis. It is an honor to work with talent of this caliber. Today’s announcement cements that Hubbard continues to be the platinum standard for LOCAL broadcasting.”…..Pictured below is the nationally syndicated country morning show “Ty, Kelly, and Chuck” with the band Little Big Town. The group stopped by the show to promote their new tune, “Summer Fever!” From left to right are: Ty Bentli, Little Big Town, Kelly Ford, and Chuck Wicks.
Round Four of May 2018 PPM Data Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s May 2018 survey period covered April 26 – May 23. See all the numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
Austin
Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does KUT tack three-tenths onto April’s +.7 (7.9 – 8.2, 6+), the University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talker progresses from second to first. This (8.2) is its highest 6+-share since 9.0 in November 2016. A combined +1.0 in January and February (6.5 – 7.2 – 7.5, 6+), KUT previously was -1.4 as the result of three
straight decreases (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Its November loss of three-tenths ended three successive gains that netted +1.8 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 
7.9, 6+). Even though it picks up one-tenth – after dropping one-half share in April – Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” (4.6 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+) backslides from ninth to tenth. Three straight increases by KLBJ-AM prior to April’s -.5 resulted in a +1.8 (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+). Immediately in advance of that streak, “News Radio 590 AM” was -1.3 in four straight decreases (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). A one-tenth gain to 1.8 (#19 to #18, 6+) by Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” curtails three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -.3 (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+). Unchanged at #24, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is without an increase for the fourth time in a row, (.6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3, 6+).
Austin Music Formats – Completely erasing its combined March and April -.6 (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+) with a May +.7 to 4.4 (6+), Emmis’ KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). Moreover, this (4.4) is its best 6+-showing since 4.5 in November 2016. Regional Mexican cluster-mate KLZT-FM “La Z 107.1” (4.7 – 5.3, eighth to fifth, 6+) and Spanish contemporary KLZT-HD2 (3.0 – 3.6, #13 to #12, 6+) each improve by six-tenths. The 5.3 for KLZT-FM is its highest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 5.4. After being #1 the past four sweeps, adult hits sibling KBPA “103.5 Bob FM” relinquishes all of April’s -1.0 and another four-tenths as it segues to #2 (8.9 – 7.5, -1.4, 6+). A November gain of one-half share halted three down or flat trends for a collective -.4 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). Before picking up one-tenth in March (2018), “Bob” was -.6 (February); +1.7 (January); and -1.7 (“Holiday” 2017). Following four straight upticks that netted a +1.7 (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” drops one-half share to 5.1 (sixth to eighth, 6+). When KASE racked up a +.7 in January, it ended three consecutive decreases for an overall -1.2 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+). One full-share ahead of it is co-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-FM “98.1 – The Austin Texas Original,” which falters by three-tenths (6.4 – 6.1, 6+) but carries on at #3. April’s +1.1 enabled KVET-FM to notch its best 6+-stat since last December’s 6.2; “The Austin Texas Original” was -.9 in February. KVET-FM and KASE were tied for fifth place in March (5.3, 6+). Their mainstream CHR sibling KHFI “96.7 Kiss FM – Austin’s #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders one-half share (5.7 – 5.2, 6+), dipping from fifth to sixth.
Raleigh
Spoken-Word Formats – There are more noteworthy ups/downs for Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan,” which was -1.3 in January; +.5 in March; -.5 in April; and now +.5 in May (3.4 – 3.9 – 3.4 – 3.9, #13 to #11, 6+). 
Following eight straight up or flat moves that produced a gain of three-tenths (.2 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+), co-owned sports talk WDNC “620 The Ticket” sputters by four-tenths to .1 (#21 to #25, 6+). Leveling off at 7.8 (6+) after April’s -1.0 (8.8 – 7.8, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” nonetheless slips from second to third. January 2018’s 9.1 is its strongest 6+-share since January 2014’s 9.4. WUNC fell to third-place in “Holiday” 2017
after four consecutive months in the runner-up slot. Flat as well (5.1 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” remains in seventh-place. An April loss of two-
tenths curtailed three consecutive upticks that yielded a +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). Just before that, WTKK was -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+). One streak by Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” continues and another is broken. This is the fourth time in a row that it posts a 1.0 (6+) – but – after nine straight sweeps at #19, WPTF advances to #18.
Raleigh Music Formats – In back-to-back sweeps, Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” is a collective +2.0 (5.1 – 5.8 – 7.1, March – April – May, sixth to fifth, 6+) with its strongest 6+-showing (7.1) since 10.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Three negative moves in succession accounted for a roughly 50% decline (-5.3) in its 6+-share (10.4 – 6.1 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+). A combined -2.0 in three successive decreases (9.4 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.4, 6+), Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” answers with a +.7 to 8.1 (third to second, 6+). In January, WQDR posted a +2.6; “Today’s Best Country” was off a collective full-share October-November-December (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7, 6+). Leading the pack in this North Carolina market for the 12th straight month, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” recaptures the four-tenths it squandered in April (9.3, 6+), curtailing three dips in a row that accounted for a combined -1.8 (10.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 8.9, 6+). This past January’s 10.7 is its best-ever (6+) PPM stat. Immediately prior to February, “Foxy” was an overall +2.0 in four consecutive gains (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+). Its loss of one-half share last October halted six straight positive spikes that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+). Albeit -1.1 in April and May (5.0 – 4.6 – 3.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group classic hits-oldies WKIX “Kix 102.9 – Carolina’s Greatest Hits” remains at #11. Up or flat the past three monthlies for a +1.4 (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Radio One-owned gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” tumbles by four-tenths to 4.4 (ninth to tenth, 6+). February’s +.7 ended three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+).
Indianapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – Having forfeited seven-tenths in April, Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI answers with a one-half share May increase (2.6 – 3.1, #14 to #13, 6+); WFYI was +1.1 in January. Following four straight positive spikes for a combined +2.5 (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC
“93.1 Indy’s News Center” 
regresses by three-tenths to 5.6 but is steady at #7 (6+). Preceding the aforementioned streak, WIBC was an overall -1.8 in four straight downward moves (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Locked on 2.1 (6+) in January and February, co-owned sports talk WFNI “The Fan” has now been stuck on 2.3 (#15 to #16, 6+) in March, April, and May. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” is in a repetitive 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 sequence (flat at #17, 6+).
Indianapolis Music Formats – Country-formatted properties occupy the first two slots here, with Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” following April’s +1.1 with a +.5 (6.2 – 7.3 – 7.8, 6+) to repeat at #1. Meanwhile, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” is +1.6 in five consecutive monthlies without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.1, fourth to second, 6+). Prior to April, the last time WFMS reached #1 was in November 2013. The 7.8 by “The Country Station” is the highest 6+-stat by either WFMS or “Hank” since WFMS logged an 8.3 in October 2013. An overall +.8 in May and June (2017), WFMS was -.9 (July); +.8 (August); +.5 (September); -.7 (October); +1.1 (November); -.9 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); -.5 (February 2018); +1.0 in April; and now +.5 in May. On the strength of a +.7 in January, “Hank” ended three straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.6 (7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 5.5, 6+). This (May 2018’s 7.1) is the strongest 6+-showing for WLHK since 7.6 in September 2015. Erasing exactly half of its -1.2 accumulated in three downward moves in a row (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+) with a +.6 (4.9, 6+), Entercom hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix – Better Variety for a Better Workday” enters the top ten (#11 to #9). A combined +2.2 in January and February (3.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Radio One CHR WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” follows with a collective -2.3 in March, April, and May (5.4 – 4.7 – 3.9 – 3.1, flat at #13, 6+). Unchanged at #12, urban AC cluster-mate WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” is -1.3 in three downward trends in a row (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+).
Milwaukee
Spoken-Word Formats – Simultaneous with iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” hanging out a +.9 to 7.7 (fourth to second, 6+), Scripps news/talk and
Milwaukee Brewers flagship WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” falters by six-tenths (7.9 – 7.3, second to third, 6+). 
With downward trends in each of the last three sweeps (8.4 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 6.8, 6+), WISN was an overall –1.6. Finishing second in six successive survey periods, “News/Talk 1130,” which was a combined -.9 in February and March, fell to fourth in April; it was +1.0 in January. When WISN dropped one-half share in “Holiday” 2017, it ended five straight gains that yielded a +1.9 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to January, the last time it reached the eight-share level (6+) was just over five years ago (8.1, April 2013). Meanwhile, in April (2018), WTMJ matched February’s +.9. Before that particular February gain, “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was without an
increase the previous four sweeps for a -2.0 (7.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+). Steady at #15, WUWM is an overall +.8 in four sweeps in a row without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). The University of Wisconsin news/talker is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 13th consecutive report. After being off six-tenths as a result of three successive negative trends (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” picks up one-tenth to 1.3 (#17 to #16, 6+).
Milwaukee Music Formats – Not only does a positive spike of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+) by Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB pull the plug on four consecutive sweeps without an increase for an overall -3.8 (7.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), “B-93.3 The ‘80s to Today” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). April’s 3.6 is its lowest 6+-showing since November 2017’s 2.9. Improving by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia’s WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country,” which is a cumulative +2.5 in five straight increases (3.6 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1, sixth to fifth, 6+). Before registering a +.9 in January, “FM 106.1” was a combined -3.2 in five successive downward moves (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Unchanged at #9, WMIL’s format rival, Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country,” regains the one-tenth it lost in April (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+). Its +.6 in February interrupted six successive down or flat survey periods for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Immediately in advance of that trending, WKTI posted three straight gains for a +1.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.8, 6+). While flat at #7, Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” logs a +.3 to 4.8 (6+), applying the brakes to five successive sweeps without an increase which accounted for a -1.2 (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+). April’s 4.5 marked the first time “Mix” slipped below a five-share (6+) since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.9. Over and above being back in double-digits (6+) for the first time since “Holiday 2017,” iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT is +1.5 in three straight increases (8.8 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 10.3, 6+). Moreover, “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 39th consecutive ratings period. Prior to January 2018, “Big FM” had been in double-digits (6+) in six of the previous 12 ratings periods; 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-stat since 14.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Duplicating April’s loss of one-half share, Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” (7.4 – 6.9 – 6.4, 6+), segues from third to fourth. WKLH was -.9 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2008); -.9 (February); +1.1 (March); -.5 (April); and now -.5 in May. “Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” was an overall +3.0 in four consecutive August through December increases (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0 – 7.6, 6+). December 2017’s 7.6 marked the first time WKLH reached the seven-share level (6+) since the station reappeared in print more than three years ago (December 2014). Slipping by one-half share as well is urban AC sibling WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3 – Today’s R&B and Old School” (3.5 – 3.0, #13 to #14, 6+).
Nashville
Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight sweeps without an increase, Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is a combined -.5 (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8, flat at #9, 6+). January’s full-share gain ended three decreases in succession that resulted in a -2.4 (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). WPLN-FM was +1.2 in October to 6.4, its best
6+-share in the PPM-era. Returning the two-tenths it added in April (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” remains at #11. January’s half-share improvement suspended three straight declines that yielded a -2.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 
6+). Co-owned sports talk WGFX followed “Holiday” 2017’s -.6 with a January +.9, but “104.5 The Zone” is -3.4 in four consecutive losses (6.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, #12 to #13, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Cromwell Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game,” which was +.7 in April, is off one-tenth in May (2.6 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+). With a high of 1.4 and a low of .9 (6+), the topline (6+) May 2017 – May 2018 trending for iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” (flat at #19) is 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.2.
Nashville Music Formats – As it recaptures in its entirety the six-tenths squandered in March and April (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” progresses from seventh to fifth. Notwithstanding a May loss of one-half share (8.7 – 8.2, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. WJXA ranked first in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017; shifted to second in January; but returned to #1 in February with a +1.0. Prior to January’s -6.7, “Mix” was +8.0 in six straight increases (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 9.9 – 14.4, 6+). Via four successive up or flat trends (.5 – .6 – .7 – 1.2 – 1.2, #20 to #18, 6+), Cromwell Group’s WQZQ “Classic Hits 93.3” more than doubles (+.7) its 6+-share; 1.2 is its best 6+-stat since last November (1.2, as well). On the heels of gaining eight-tenths in April (1.1 – 1.9, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM “WAY-FM” surrenders all but one tenth of that increase in May (1.2, -.7, #17 to #18, 6+). April’s 1.9 is its strongest 6+-share since September 2017’s 2.0. Owing to three straight up or flat moves (.2 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, #18 to #17, 6+), TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa” now has a 6+ AQH stat that is seven times greater than it was in February; “Activa” reached the top twenty for the first time in March. After combining for a -1.4 in April, the market’s two CHR rivals post a collective +.5 in May. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” is up two-tenths (5.7 – 5.9, steady at #6, 6+), while Midwest Communications’ WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” adds three-tenths (2.3 – 2.6, #16 to #14, 6+). Having registered a -.5 in March and a +.6 in April, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” is flat in May (5.9, fifth to sixth, 6+). Flat this sweep as well (4.0 – 4.0 and steady at #10, 6+), Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” responded to a -1.2 in March with an April +.5. Meanwhile, its cluster-mate, WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon,” which faltered by one-half share in April following March’s -.3, improves by four-tenths and remains at #8 (5.3 – 5.7, 6+). Following four straight gains for an overall +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+), “Nash FM” dropped three-tenths in February. WSIX was +1.1 in January to end three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.4 (5.5 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+); “The Big 98” added six-tenths in February. A January and February +1.9 by “Nash Icon” (4.2 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+) wiped out its -1.7 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.9 – 5.6 – 4.2, 6+).
Providence
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of April’s +.6, Entercom sports talker WVEI tacks on an additional half-share (3.4 – 3.9, 6+) and climbs from eighth to seventh. The Boson Red Sox Radio Network affiliate was a cumulative -2.2 in 
February and March (5.0 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+); however, leading up to the February sweep, WVEI was an overall +1.8 via three consecutive up or flat trends (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 5.0, 6+). It is tied with Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM
“News Talk 630,” which surrenders in its entirety the eight-tenths it collected via three consecutive upticks (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). When WPRO-AM lost one-tenth in January, it curtailed four straight upward moves of two-tenths each for a collective +.8 (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). Linked at #10 are The Wheeler School’s WELH (flat at 2.2, #11 in April, 6+) and WGBH Educational Foundation’s 
WGBH (2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #12 to #10, 6+). Immediately prior to this sweep, these two public news/talkers finished back-to-back four straight times. Following a February gain of six-tenths (1.4 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” is down an overall one-half share in three straight decreases (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+) yet actually improves from #13 to #12. The January 2018 – May 2018 (6+) topline for Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” is a steady .4 – .5 – .6 – .5 – .6 (#16 to #15).
Providence Music Formats – In addition to wiping out April’s -.5 with a May +.8, Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” progresses from third to first (8.6 – 9.4, 6+). Whereas “Holiday” 2017’s 12.3 was the strongest 6+-share for WWLI since 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016, April 2018’s 8.6 is its weakest since 7.2 in October 2015. Prior to this past October, “Lite Rock” (-1.1 in March) was a combined +1.6 as the result of three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+). Departing the top spot after spending March and April there is iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” (9.4 – 9.0, -.4, first to second, 6+). February’s 9.6 is its best 6+-stat since September 2013 (9.6, as well). As a result of five straight up or flat trends (7.2 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 8.8, fourth to third, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is +1.6 and displays its best 6+-share since September 2015’s 8.9. Whereas it was a cumulative +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3” loses half its 6+-share (-1.4) in April and May (2.8 – 2.3 – 1.4, 6+), exiting the top ten (#10 to #13). “Latina 100.3” was down six-tenths in February and up seven-tenths in March.
Norfolk – Not only is WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” #1 for the 18th time in a row, it hangs out a +.9 (12.3 – 13.2, 6+). The Entercom urban AC posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 26th time in the last 27 sweeps. When it logged a 14.6 this past November, WVKL set the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM–
era, breaking the old mark of 14.3 (6+) it set two months earlier. Before slipping by one-half share in October, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” – which earlier was on top for 55 consecutive ratings periods – posted three straight improvements accounting for a +2.4 (11.8 – 12.0 – 13.4 – 13.7 – 14.2, 6+). With a gain of seven-tenths to 3.6 (unchanged at #7, 6+), its hot AC sibling – WPTE “94.9 The Point – The Sound of Now” – pulls the plug on three straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+). This (3.6) represents the strongest 6+-stat for “The Point” since 4.4 in September 2017. Following three upticks in succession that generated a +1.8 (4.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” returns more than half that increase (5.0, -1.1, 6+) but stays in fifth-place. Without a gain the past seven ratings periods for a -.8 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), Norfolk State University urban contemporary WNSB “Hot 91.1” is up one-tenth to 1.0 (6+) and carries on at #12. By dropping four-tenths to 6.7 (flat at #4, 6+), Saga Communications classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” suspends three upticks in a row (4.7 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+) that netted +2.4. In five successive (slightly) up or flat trends, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WHBT gained three-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), but “92.1 The Beat” falters by three-tenths to 1.9 (eighth to ninth, 6+). As the result of five successive sweeps without an increase, hot AC sibling WMOV spirals by -3.9 (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+) with “Movin’ 107.7” exiting the top ten (#10 to #11).
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of two-tenths to 4.0 (ninth, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” applies the brakes to three decreases in succession that produced a cumulative -2.1
(5.9 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+); WPTI was +1.6 in January (4.3 – 5.9, 6+). An overall +2.2 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), it relinquished more than half that total in December (4.3, -1.2, 6+). Prior to the November 2017 sweep, the last time WPTI reached the five-share level (6+) was in November 2016 with a 5.0. While Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” drops one-tenth (2.3 – 2.2, flat at #13, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC is up four-
tenths (.7 – 1.1, #15 to #14, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WFDD returned in its entirety the +.6 it gained in November and December (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 1.7, 6+). Prior to April, WUNC registered a .9 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). By way of three straight (slight) increases, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS quadrupled its 6+-share (.2 – .3 – .6 – .8, 6+), but “Triad Sports” is off three-tenths in April and May (.8 – .6 – .5, unchanged at #16, 6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – In what proves to be a powerful ratings periods for the market’s two country FMs, Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” roars back from April’s -.9 with a +1.1 (5.1 – 6.2, steady at #6, 6+). Its April decrease curtailed three successive upticks that accounted for an overall gain of seven-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” hauls out a +1.2 (5.0 – 6.2, 6+) to draw even with its format rival. This (6.2) is the highest 6+-share for “The Wolf” since 7.1 last October, while “Q-104.1” posts its most potent 6+stat (6.2) since last November – and like WPAW, it’s 7.1. Co-owned WVBZ “105.7 Man Up!” improves by a collective nine-tenths via three consecutive upticks (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.8, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). Back in print after an extended hiatus, Dick Broadcasting’s WKRR “Rock 92” notches a +1.0 (5.3 – 6.3, unchanged at #5, 6+, while CHR sibling WKZL 107.5 KZL – The #1 Hit Music Station” sputters by seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.3, seventh to eighth, 6+). Notching double-digits (6+) for the 19th sweep in a row, Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” remains at #1 (12.2 – 12.0, -.2, 6+). WQMG was -1.1 in March but then +1.2 in April. Before slipping to #2 in “Holiday” 2017 with a -1.2, WQMG spent seven straight survey periods on top and had been #1 each month in calendar year 2017 except April and May. Its adult hits sibling – WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” – remains at #2 for the fifth straight sweep but is -2.2 owing to four consecutive decreases (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+). Eroding by six-tenths each are rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WJMH “102 Jams” (7.9 – 7.3, flat at #3, 6+); iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG “The Triad’s Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today,” (6.9, steady at #4, 6+); and Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” (4.0 – 3.4, #10 to #12, 6+). WJMH was a combined +1.1 (7.3 – 8.0 – 8.4, January – February – March, 6+), but off one-half share in April. Entering the May sweep, WMAG netted +1.4 as the result of three positive or flat trends in a row (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5, 6+). A collective +.7 in three consecutive positive moves (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), WYMY dropped six-tenths in March, but rebounded in April with a +1.0. Through six successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WMKS was +1.5, however, “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” falters by four-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #11).
West Palm Beach
Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged at #8, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is without a loss for the fifth report in a row for a +1.2 (2.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). Packed close together ranker wise are
iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” (flat at 2.3 and remaining at #10, 6+); Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” (2.0 – 1.7, -.3, #12 to #11, 6+); and iHeartMedia 
news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” (2.1 – 1.6, -.5, #11 to #13, 6+). Before gaining three-tenths in April, WJNO was a collective -1.3 via four successive decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), whereas WFTL had been +1.0 in four straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 2.0, 6+). Similar to WJNO, WZZR posted a +.3 in April, stopping four consecutive down or flat trends that resulted in a -.9 (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1- 2.1 – 1.8, 6+).
West Palm Beach Music Formats – An increase of seven-tenths to 3.8 (ninth to seventh, 6+) by WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” halts three straight decreases for a collective -2.2 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+); WAYF was +.9 in January (4.4 – 5.3, 6+). Six downward moves in a row by iHeartMedia’s WKGR
eventuated in a -1.9 (6.4 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.5, 6+) although “98.7 The Gater – The Palm Beaches’ Rock Station” dials up a one-half share increase in May to 5.0 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Even though it is -1.2 in three straight decreases (10.2 – 9.9 – 9.2 – 9.0, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” is on top for the fifth month in a row. Prior to January’s +1.6, WRMF was down or flat in three consecutive ratings periods for an overall -3.0 (11.2 – 11.2 – 8.9 – 8.2, 6+). It spent 12 consecutive months on top before dropping to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. A one-tenth September loss ended four straight increases that netted +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). No sooner does iHeartMedia CHR WLDI gain six-tenths to 4.3 (6+), suspending three successive downtrends that accounted for a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” erodes in May by exactly -1.2 (4.3 – 3.1, sixth to ninth, 6+). Following April’s -1.0, its adult contemporary cluster-mate WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” levels off at 5.9 (second to third, 6+), while Alpha Media’s similarly-programmed WEAT “Sunny 107.9” returns 80% of April’s +.5 (5.2 – 4.8, -.4, fourth to fifth, 6+). Prior to April, “Kool” was +2.0 in three consecutive upticks (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+) and had been +.8 (December 2017); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2018); +1.0 (February); +.5 (March); and -1.0 (April). Down one full-share in September to 4.2 – its lowest 6+ showing since 3.9 in July 2011 – “KOOL” regained six-tenths of that decline in October; 6.9 in March was the station’s highest 6+-share since 7.5 in July 2016.
Jacksonville
Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on a +1.1 to April’s +.9 (7.3 – 8.2 – 9.3, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather,
and Traffic” progresses from a three-way tie at #2 to #1. This (9.3) is the strongest 6+-showing since September 2017’s 9.7 for WOKV, which was -.9 in March. Four straight negative trends (9.7 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+) accounted for a -2.8 but “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” wiped out nearly alf that margin in January and February (6.9 – 8.1 – 8.2, +1.2, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WOKV recorded its softest 6+-stat since 6.6 in “Holiday” 2016; the station was +1.3 in September. Public news/talk WJCT drops one-tenth for the third month in a row (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2, #11 to #12, 6+). WJCT was a combined +.9 in January and February (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+) with January’s +.4 halting five straight down or flat sweeps for a collective -.7 (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+).
Jacksonville Music Formats – Making up 80% of its March and April -1.0 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2, 6+) with a +.8 to 5.0 (6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat” progresses from ninth to seventh. As a result of three consecutive negative trends (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+), CHR sibling WKSL was a collective -1.6 but “97.9 Kiss-FM” wipes away nearly half that loss with a +.7 to 3.8 (#12 to #11, 6+). “Kiss” was +1.0 in January to conclude three straight losses that produced a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+). Despite not having a decrease in each of the past five sweeps for a combined +1.8 (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.4, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL backslides from second to third; “96.9 The Eagle” was -1.7 in “Holiday” 2017 (8.3 – 6.6, 6+). Off two-tenths (9.2 – 9.0, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” slides from first to second after just a one-month stay on top. WEJZ was #1 in “Holiday” 2017; February; and April. Before sputtering by -4.3 in January, “Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” was an overall +5.8 in four straight up trends, practically doubling its 6+ AQH share (6.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 9.0 – 11.9, September 2017 through “Holiday” 2017, 6+) and noted its highest 6+-stat since 14.7 in “Holiday” 2016. A whopping -5.7 in four straight decreases (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” posted a +1.1 in March, but is now -2.3 in April and May (9.0 – 8.2 – 6.7, second to fourth, 6+). WQIK ranked first in December 2017; January 2018; and March. On top for 12 ratings periods in succession, “Jacksonville’s Country” shifted to #2 in “Holiday” 2017. A combined -1.8 in July and August (12.2 – 11.6 – 10.4, 6+), it followed with an overall +3.2 in September-October-November (10.4 – 11.7 – 13.6, 6+), with October’s 13.6 WQIK’s best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. In October 2017, “Jacksonville’s Country had a 10.3-share advantage (13.6 – 3.3, 6+) over Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE but that lead is now just nine-tenths as “Gator Country 99.9” sits at 5.8 (sixth to fifth, 6+). WGNE bounced back from its -.6 in March with a +1.1 in April. Entering the April ratings period, Cox Media Group CHR WAPE posted a 5.5 (6+) in three of the previous five ratings periods (5.5 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+). It then logged a +.8 to 6.3, its strongest 6+-stat since last August’s 6.6, but “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” is off six-tenths in May to 5.7 (fifth to sixth, 6+).
Memphis
Spoken-Word Formats – Separated by two-tenths are iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” (flat at #11, 6+) and Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” (3.2 – 2.8, -.4, #11 to #12,
6+). WREC, -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 and a +.9 in January, is without an increase for the fourth successive sweep for an overall deficit of one-half share (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+). Its loss of eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2017 brought to a close five consecutive up or flat moves for a collective +.7 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+); January’s 3.5 is the best 6+-share for WREC since 3.6 in February 2017. Immediately prior to dropping one-tenth in April, WMFS was up or flat three monthlies in a row for an overall gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Following four straight increases that accounted for a +1.3 through November (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), “ESPN Sports Radio” was a combined -.8 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.5, 6+).
Memphis Music Formats – Over and above shifting from third to second, Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” is +2.3 in three straight positive spikes (7.7 – 8.0 – 9.2 – 10.0, 6+), hitting an even ten-share – its finest 6+-performance since October 2017’s 10.2. By hauling out a +.8 to 7.9 (steady at #4, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River” pulls the plug on four successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -5.8 (12.9 – 7.6 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). On top for three months in a row, iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS slipped to second in April, but with a +.7 in May (9.4 – 10.1, 6+), “V-101” is back at #1. KJMS rebounded from January’s -.6 with a +.7 in February; it departed the top spot in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months there. Following three straight improvements that yielded a +2.1 (9.2 – 10.0 – 10.4 – 11.3, 6+), “V-101” was -1.0 in December. It succeeds urban contemporary sibling WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” (9.8 – 9.4, -.4, first to third, 6+). By gaining six-tenths in April (following a +1.0 in March), “K-97.1” displaced “V-101” at #1. Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” regresses for the third time in a row (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.1, fourth to fifth, 6+), with all but two-tenths of that overall -1.2 coming in May’s -1.0. This (5.4) is its softest 6+-stat since December 2017’s 5.4.
Hartford
Spoken-Word Formats – This is the fourth down or flat trend in succession for Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas,” which is -2.3 in that stretch (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, eighth to tenth, 6+). WNPR followed “Holiday” 2017’s -1.3
with a +.9 in January. The last time it was below a five-share (6+) was in August 2017 (4.7). Flat at 5.8 (6+), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” remains in seventh place. An April loss of one-tenth halted three increases in a row that netted +1.5 (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 5.9). Immediately prior to that streak, WTIC-AM was a collective -1.4 in three 
straight dips (5.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+). As a result of five consecutive sweeps without a loss, Connoisseur Media news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” gains four-tenths (.8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+) and remains at #13. Immediately after being a cumulative +1.1 in three straight gains (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” is -1.1 in three successive down or flat trends (2.5 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4, unchanged at #12, 6+). Entering the January 2018 sweep, WFCR was within 1.0 – 1.7 range (6+) in each of the previous 21 ratings periods.
Hartford Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia’s WWYZ post its fifth successive improvement for an overall +2.9 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.8, 6+), “Country 92.5” has its best 6+-showing since last October (7.8, as well) and jumps from fifth to third. With a heretofore consistent January 2018 – April 2018 topline of 7.2 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 7.5 (6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” busts out a +.8 to 8.3, its highest 6+-stat since April 2016’s 8.6; “Hot” continues in the runner-up slot. After Entercom adult contemporary WRCH recorded a +1.1 in March (13.2 – 14.3, 6+) only to lose all of it in April (13.2, -1.1, 6+), things settle down in May for “Lite 100.5,” which is #1 for the 22nd consecutive ratings period (13.2 – 13.1, -.1, 6+). For the 19th time in the last 21 sweeps – and eleventh in succession – “Lite” is in double-digits (6+). January’s -4.9 halted at six its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +8.4 (9.9 – 10.2 – 10.2 – 10.3 – 11.0 – 13.0 – 18.3, 6+). By notching a +.6 to 3.7 (tenth to ninth, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” erases 75% of its collective March and April -.8 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+).
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Missouri Ex-Pol Gets Sunday Night Show on KFTK-FM, St. Louis. KFTK-FM, St. Louis brings former Missouri Speaker Tim Jones aboard to host a weekly program about local, state and national politics. The Tim
Jones show will air Sundays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on “FM NewsTalk 97.1.” A press release says 
Jones will “draw from his political knowledge and experience gained from serving as a state representative and Speaker of the Missouri House.” He comments, “I could not be more excited to combine the skills I have obtained from my many talented colleagues at ‘FM NewsTalk 97.1’ with the unique knowledge I have of national and local politics and public policy, gained by serving at the one of the highest levels of government, to create a brand-new, cutting-edge weekly radio product.” Jones has served as a guest host for the station’s “Allman in the Morning,” Marc Cox, and Randy Tobler shows.
Compass Media Networks Acquires Yamanair Creative. Though the terms of the sale are not available, Compass Media Networks announces it has acquired the assets of Yamanair Creative – which operates the Cash-by-Creative and SPECByte services. Company founder and CEO Yaman Coskun will continue to head the 
business along with its management team. Yamanair Creative was founded in 2000 and a press release indicates provides services to radio groups including: Alpha Media, Beasley Broadcast Group, CBS Radio, Cherry Creek Radio, Cromwell Broadcasting, Connoisseur Media, Entercom Communications, Hubbard Radio, Saga Communications, Townsquare Media, Urban One and more. The company provides quick turnaround of spec spots for account executives and full-blown creative. Coskun comments, “Peter Kosann is a smart and passionate visionary. We both love, respect and believe in radio. After 10 years of flying solo, it was time for Yamanair to soar to new heights with the right partner. Compass Media Networks and Yamanair are a perfect match. Inevitably, both Compass Media Networks and Yamanair clients will benefit greatly from this merger of vision and resources.”
DGital Media to Launch ‘Book Tour’ Podcast with John Grisham. The partnership between DGital Media and Book Tour LLC is resulting in the development of the “Book Tour with John Grisham” podcast. A press
statement suggests the weekly podcasts “will be a first of its kind foray into the lives of some of the greatest writers and media personalities of our time, all in conversation with one of the world’s most compelling and popular authors.” DGital Media CEO Spencer Brown says, “It is an honor for us to work with John and his team on this innovative series, which we think can be a model for elite media members and personalities going forward. This type of rare access in such a unique setting is what consumers crave and is a continued growing aspect of what we are able to provide as the leader in the on-demand audio space.” “Book Tour With John Grisham” will begin in conjunction with Grisham’s national tour for his new novel, Camino Island.
Sports Talk Personality Marc James Joins NESN. Sports talk personality Marc James joins cable’s Boston
-based New England Sports Network as an anchor and reporter. James has worked in the radio end of the sports media biz, most recently as a weekend and fill-in host at CBS Sports Radio Network. Prior to that, he was with WZGC, Atlanta “92.9 The Game” and WFNZ, Charlotte “610 The Fan.”
John Clayton Exits ESPN; Remains on KIRO-AM, Seattle. Longtime ESPN personality John Clayton is one of the casualties of the recent cuts at the Bristol, Connecticut-based sports media giant. Clayton was a lead analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the NFL for many years. He confirmed via Twitter that his time with ESPN is over. Clayton continues to host the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon sports talk show on Bonneville’s KIRO-AM, Seattle.
TALKERS News Notes. This may never materialize but Wikileaks founder Julian Assange says he’s “looking into” an offer from Premiere Networks superstar Sean Hannity to guest host his national radio show. This comes from an interview Assange did with CNN. Assange does admit that his asylum status in the Ecuadorian embassy in London could make the offer difficult to arrange…..BizTalkRadio adds three new shows to its network lineup. Joining the network are the Scott Lumley show, “The Price of Business Radio,” and “Wall Street Raw with Mark Leibovit.”…..Radio pro Steve Harmon joins Sheet Happens Prep service in an affiliate relations and content creation role. Harmon has produced WBGG, Miami’s “Paul and Young Ron Morning Show” and co-hosted the “Harmon & Evans Morning Show” at KPLX, Dallas…..Longtime Charlotte radio personality Keith Larson tells TALKERS magazine that the first hour of his daily online radio show is being aired at 12:00 noon on sports talk WZVG, Charlotte “ESPN Charlotte” as the “Lunch Break.”…..On Monday (6/5), public voting begins for favorite radio personalities in two categories to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame on November 2, 2017. The nominees for Music Format On-Air Personality are: Bobby Bones, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, Guy Phillips, and Ryan Seacrest. For Spoken Word On-Air Personality, the nominees are: Mike & Mike, Bill Handel, Joe Madison and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! Fans can vote for one personality in each category online at www.radiovote.com. Winners of the two categories will be announced June 26. In addition to the two listener-voting categories, there are four categories being voted on by a panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. For a list of nominees, check out www.radiohof.org…..The podcast of talk host Dr. Ronald Hoffman’s syndicated “Intelligent Medicine” show has surpassed the 4 million download mark…..NBC News and Euronews have closed on a deal in which NBC News is making a significant financial investment in Euronews. NBC News is acquiring 25% of the company, with the funding going to support expanded news coverage and programming across Europe. Media Globe Networks will continue to be the majority shareholder in Euronews. The company’s TV and digital platforms will ultimately be co-branded EuronewsNBC…..WMAL, Washington executive producer Heather Hunter and husband and WBAL, Baltimore midday host Derek Hunter welcome their daughter Quinn Carol Elizabeth Hunter, born on May 22.
Trump’s European Relationships, Paris Climate Deal Status, Trump/Kushner-Russia Investigation/Comey Testimony, Kathy Griffin Trump ‘Beheading,’ Deadly Kabul Bombing, and MLB, NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/31). President Donald Trump’s seemingly fractured relationships with European leaders; President Trump’s intent to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Treaty; the investigation into potential connections between Trump campaign operatives, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Russian agents, tied with looming congressional testimony from fired FBI Director James Comey; the backlash against comic Kathy Griffin for the image of her posing with a prop resembling Trump’s severed head; the bombing that killed 90 people in Kabul, Afghanistan’s diplomatic district; and MLB, NBA, and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Some new air personalities join Urban One’s CHR KROI “92.1 Radio Now.” Assuming the afternoon drive role is Laura Dickerson, a.k.a. On Air Laura; and joining for the evening show is Amir Diamond. Dickerson’s arrival moves music director Rich Pangilinan, a.k.a. DJ Riddler, moves from PM drive to middays…..Westwood One is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band album with a special program. The program features producer Giles Martin (Sir George Martin’s son), who mixed the 50th anniversary album, and veteran WLS-FM, Chicago personality Jeff Davis. The two-hour program also features exclusive archive audio from the Fab Four themselves – John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The album was released in the U.S. on June 2, 1967.
Court Victory for Former KYGO, Denver Personality David Mueller in Taylor Swift Suit. The
Hollywood Reporter says that Colorado federal judge William Martinez has ruled that David Mueller (who worked at country KYGO as “Jackson” on the morning show) can go ahead with his suit against Taylor Swift for tortious interference, but that the slander claim is being denied. Further, Judge Martinez ruled that Swift must be in attendance at the entire trial. As you know, Swift claims Mueller groped her at a backstage photo op. Mueller was fired by KYGO after the incident. The basis of Mueller’s suit is that Swift and her people interfered with his employment contract by getting him fired for something he maintains he did not do. The trial will begin August 7. See THR story here.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Growing Joe Pags Show Hits 50-Affiliate Mark. The WOAI, San Antonio-based Joe Pags show – hosted by Joe Pagliarulo and syndicated by Compass Media Networks – is in expansion mode and recently hit the 50-affiliate mark with the addition of E.W. Scripps’ KQTH, Tucson and Bicoastal Media Licenses’ KMED, Medford, Oregon to its roster of stations. Joe Pags tells TALKERS magazine that his team had the goal of adding 50 stations in a year and has accomplished the feat in just eight months. He also says he’s pleased to announce they have a number of station additions “in the hopper” and hope to announce confirmed additions soon. Besides his daily program, Pagliarulo is also heard across the country on more than 200 affiliate stations on Saturdays hosting the Premiere Networks program “The Weekend.” For more about the Joe Pags show, click here.
Nick Wright Exiting KILT-AM, Houston for Fox Sports One Gig. The KILT-AM, Houston “Sports Radio 610” morning drive co-host is not specific in his farewell to listeners but says he’s pursuing “a dream come true” with his move to Los Angeles to host a national cable TV show on FOX Sports’ FS1 channel. Nick Wright joined CBS RADIO’s KILT-AM in 2012 after working at KCSP, Kansas City. He’s been co-hosting the morning show with John Lopez. He says he’ll announce more about what he’ll be doing at FS1 “within the coming days and weeks.”
Fox News Journalist Rosen Supports Bold Gold Foundation. Journalist James Rosen addressed a private audience of Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation supporters in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on Saturday (3/26). The Fox News Channel chief Washington correspondent (and host of the online show “The Foxhole”) spoke about a number topics, including the important work the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation is undertaking to help educate and train tomorrow’s broadcast and communications leaders. Regular TALKERS readers may be aware that the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation helped Hillsdale College build its first radio station and broadcast program on its main campus in Hillsdale, Michigan, as well as its state-of-the-art studio at the school’s Kirby Center for
Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C. Speaking about his appearance, Rosen stated, “Every single student I met there was just the kind of young person that you pray America will keep producing to stay America, and by establishing a student radio station to help that student population explore and understand media, that’s real service the Bold Gold Foundation is providing.” Bold Gold president Vince Benedetto comments, “James sets a very high bar for journalistic excellence and, as such, is an outstanding and inspirational example to young people everywhere who seek a future in broadcast media. We’re grateful for his interest in, and support of, our Foundation’s efforts.” At Saturday’s event it was announced that Rosen will be coming back to Northeast Pennsylvania to be the keynote speaker at the Foundation’s 2nd annual event at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre on June 14. For more information about how you can be a part of this annual event featuring Mr. Rosen, visit: www.BoldGold.org.
Hurley Upped to VP of Digital Sales for Westwood One. Media sales pro Kelli Hurley is promoted from her VP, national partnerships and digital activation, Midwest position with Westwood One to vice president, digital sales for the entire network. In this role, Hurley will oversee all sales efforts for the company’s portfolio of digital products — including streaming audio, on demand, and podcasting — and will continue to develop new content partnerships. Chicago-based Hurley will report directly to Westwood One president Steve Shaw. During her career, Hurley has served with Premiere Networks, United Stations Radio Networks, and TargetSpot.
WTMJ, Milwaukee to Air Special Coverage of Tonight’s GOP Town Hall. This evening’s GOP Town Hall meeting at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee will feature remaining Republican contenders Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich. E.W. Scripps-owned news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee announces it will present special coverage of the event, including carrying the audio simulcast from CNN’s telecast. WTMJ will add one hour of special coverage with a special focus on local issues in advance of the three-hour event. WTMJ president and general manager Tom Langmyer says, “When news is made in Milwaukee, WTMJ is there to cover it. We are ‘Wisconsin’s Radio Station’ and that means delivering live and local coverage on which our listeners can depend.”
Odds & Sods. Tomorrow (3/30), sports talk personality Marc James is sitting in for Jim Rome on his
nationally syndicated CBS Sports Radio Network program. James most recently was morning drive co-host at CBS RADIO’s WZGC, Atlanta “92.9 The Game.”…..Ratings results for the Fall 2015 period (September 10 – December 2) based on Nielsen Audio data are being reported by ESPN Radio and the network says its quarter-hour impressions (Monday – Sunday, 6a-6p) were up 18% over the same period in 2014. Additionally, the company says ESPN Streaming is up 28% over last year…..Pubcasters Chicago Public Media and Window to the World Communications are literally linking their newsrooms in a cooperative venture. The operators of WBEZ-FM and WTTW-TV, respectively, are linking the newsrooms in order to share reporters and correspondents for WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” and WBEZ’s news programming. A robotic camera is being installed at WBEZ and an audio link will allow WTTW reporters to appear on WBEZ shows…..At public radio news/talk WFPL, Louisville, Bill Burton is the new local host and producer of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” Also, Kathi Lincoln joins the station as midday host and producer.
Here Comes the Judge. Pictured here on the stage at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University are Fox News senior legal analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano (left) and WNDB, Daytona Beach afternoon drive personality Marc Bernier (right). Bernier notes that with an FBI investigation looming over presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and an opening on the Supreme Court, there was plenty to discuss before the audience at the university-sponsored event, “An Evening with Fox News Sr. Legal Analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano.” Photo: Jack H. Taylor
The Presidential Race, the Aftermath of the Brussels Terror Attacks, Taliban Targets Christians in Pakistan Terror Bombings, FBI Accesses San Bernardino Attacker’s iPhone, Battle Against Islamic State-Crucifixion of Priest, ‘Convention of States’ Movement, and March Madness Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/28). The activities of the candidates for president; the aftermath of the terror attacks in Brussels; the deadly targeting of Christians in Pakistan by Taliban terrorists on Easter Sunday; the FBI calls off its legal action against Apple after gaining access to an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists; the ongoing battle against Islamic State and the organization’s execution of a Catholic priest via crucifixion; the “convention of states” movement to circumvent congress feels momentum; and the Final Four were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
CBS Radio News VP Harvey Nagler to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Talkers New York 2015. The editorial board of TALKERS magazine has named longtime radio news executive Harvey Nagler, VP of CBS Radio News, the recipient of the publication’s 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented to Nagler during the Awards Ceremony at the forthcoming Talkers New York 2015 convention on Friday, June 12. Nagler, a native of Brooklyn, New York began his distinguished career in 1966 as a reporter for WCTC-AM, New Brunswick, NJ upon graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in American History. He was named Vice President, CBS Radio News in January, 1998. In this position, he is responsible for CBS News’ radio operations worldwide, including news gathering and
programming and its relationship with its thousands of affiliated stations around the country. In his distinguished career, Nagler had served as general manager, CBS Radio News (1997-98). During his tenure at CBS Radio News, the network has won dozens of national and international awards. He was chosen Radio News Executive of the Year in 2006 and 2008 in a poll taken by Radio & Records magazine. In 2010, CBS Radio News won the coveted Edward R. Murrow “Overall Excellence Award” from the Radio Television News Directors Association for the fourth year in a row. In March, 2010, Nagler was honored with the RTNDA’s First Amendment Service Award, which is presented to a person of distinction who works in an off-air, management capacity. In 2014, he received the Radio Television Digital News John F. Hogan Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to the journalism profession and freedom of the press. Prior to joining CBS Radio News, Nagler was director, news and programming for WCBS-AM, New York “Newsradio 88,” (1987-97). During that time, the station achieved record ratings and was honored with many national and local awards for excellence in reporting. Nagler developed and implemented several practices which have since been adopted or imitated by hundreds of stations across the country, including the slogan, “traffic and weather, together on the ‘eights’” and “guaranteed weather,” as well as the broadcast of the Standard & Poor’s future numbers in each morning’s business report. He joined WCBS-AM from the United Stations Radio Networks, where he had been VP, news and sports (1985-87) and director of news operations (1979-84, when it was the RKO Radio Networks). The network grew from a small group of stations to a news organization serving 500 affiliates. Before that, Nagler worked for the ABC Radio Network in a variety of capacities (1968-79). Upon making the announcement of the board’s decision, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “What a wonderful choice! Harvey is the face of and force behind one of the finest operations in all of radio. At a time when the very reputation of journalism is in jeopardy and its role as a distinguished, vital institution in a great nation is in flux, CBS Radio News has stood proudly and strong as a bastion of consistency, quality and dependability. We are all indebted to Harvey Nagler for being a champion of all that is good about our business, not to mention humanity in general. We are honored that he will be attending our event and receiving this award.” Former recipients of this award include Norm Pattiz, Jim Bohannon, Barry Farber and Don Barrett. The award will be presented at Talkers New York 2015 along with awards for Humanitarian of the Year, Woman of the Year and Freedom of Speech. WOLB, Baltimore host Larry Young has been named recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award. The recipients of the other two will be named in the coming days. Talkers New York 2015 is on the verge of a sell-out. For information, call 413-565-5413 or click here.
CBS’ Schieffer Calling it Quits. Speaking last night (Wednesday, 4/8) at the annual Schieffer Symposium at his alma mater (Texas Christian University), CBS News‘ “Face the Nation” anchor Bob Schieffer revealed a major career decision. “Because this is where my professional career began, this is where I wanted all of you to be the first to know: This summer I am going to retire,” states the 78-year-old Schieffer, who has interviewed every president since Richard Nixon. After Schieffer’s intentions were made public, CBS News president David Rhodes issued a memo to staff, which reads, in part, “[Bob] has been an inspiration and a mentor to so many colleagues – and frankly – to me [but] it is not over yet. He will be on the air this Sunday from the Washington, DC bureau – and for a number of Sundays to come. An important 2016 campaign season is beginning, but this is Bob’s night and I hope we can all celebrate with him the remarkable achievement which is his career here at CBS.” In his 46 years with CBS News, Schieffer has been the network’s chief Washington, DC correspondent since 1982 and has hosted “Face the Nation” (which has a radio edition) since 1991. Schieffer anchored the Saturday edition of “CBS Evening News” for 23 years and was interim anchor of the “CBS Evening News” from March 2005 to August 2006. He is one of the few reporters in Washington, DC to have covered the Pentagon, the White House, Congress, and the State Department.
Saga Acquires Harrisonburg Quintet. The amount of the transaction was not disclosed, but Saga Communications is purchasing five VerStandig Broadcasting outlets and one translator in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Saga Communications president and chief executive officer Ed Christian comments, “These stations fit very well into our model of owning heritage radio stations that are very tightly focused on serving their local communities. We look forward to working with the existing staff to continue the great heritage that these stations have established. Saga intends to continue building its business in both the radio and television markets by identifying and acquiring middle market stations.” Involved in the sale are WHBG “ESPN 1360″; adult contemporary WJDV “Fresh 96.1”; CHR WQPO “Q-101”; talk WSVA; and rock WTGD “105.1 Bob.” The translator is W221CF. Saga’s other two Virginia clusters are in Norfolk and Charlottesville. While subject to FCC approval, the deal is expected to be finalized in two months. VerStandig keeps its four Hagerstown, Maryland facilities.
CBS Sports Radio Brings Two ‘Eye On’ Shows to Roster. Returning to the CBS Sports Radio Network program schedule are two of the network’s “Eye On” programs. “Eye On Baseball,” begins this Saturday, April 11, with CBS Sports Radio’s Adam Gerstenhaber and baseball analyst CJ Nitkowski co-hosting. It will air every Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET through the World Series. The first show will feature former Colorado Rockies general manager and current MLB Network analyst, Dan O’Dowd. “Eye On Basketball” will focus on everything basketball and features CBS Sports Radio’s Jody McDonald and CBSSports.com’s Ken Berger. That show debuts Saturday, April 25 and will air every Saturday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET through the end of the NBA playoffs.
Odds & Sods. A familiar voice to Boston news junkies will be gone after June when 36-year station news personality Anthony Silva retires from CBS RADIO-owned all-news WBZ, Boston. Silva turns 65 and station
director of news and programming Peter Casey says in a memo to staff: “While I’m happy that Anthony is able to determine his own fate and announce his retirement, I’m also thinking that the loss of his voice, experience, and his gentlemanly manner will be a challenge for us to replace. We could not be happier for him to be able to plan the next phase of his life on his own terms.”…..The weekly sports talk show “Talk of Fame” begins airing on Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN, Atlanta this Saturday (4/11). The two-hour show is hosted by award-winning sports journalists and Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors Ron Borges, Rick Gosselin and Clark Judge. Dickey Broadcasting president David Dickey says, “Dickey Broadcasting Company is thrilled to team up with Skyview Networks to carry ‘Talk of Fame’ on WCNN. The content is compelling, and we look forward to making it available to our many loyal listeners.”…..CBS RADIO’s WCCO, Minneapolis will receive the 2015 Service to America Award from the National Association of Broadcasters’ Education Foundation (NABEF).
Salem Radio News Investigates Hollywood and Christianity. Pictured here with Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup (left) is Argentina-born actor Juan Pablo DiPace (right) who is currently seen in the role of Jesus Christ in the NBC series, “A.D.: The Bible Continues.” DiPace sat for an interview with Tradup in Dallas as SRN is producing a series of reports on how Hollywood depicts scriptural passages in films and on TV.
Iran Nuclear Negotiations, South Carolina Black Motorist Slaying, Rand Paul Bid/2016 Presidential Prospects, Russian Hack of White House, Tsarnaev Verdict, Yemen Military Action, Clinton White House Years, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/8). The negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program; the case of the shooting death of a black motorist by a South Carolina police officer; Rand Paul’s bid for president and other 2016 prospects; allegations the Russians hacked the White House computers; the guilty verdicts for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; the Saudi-led military action in Yemen; Kate Andersen Brower’s book about the White House behind the scenes; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Lars Larson and ‘FM News 101 KXL’ Stay Together. Not that there were any expectations they wouldn’t, but Alpha Media and talk host Lars Larson announce the signing of a new long-term contract between the two. Larson – one of the hardest-working people in talk radio – hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm local and regional show on KXL and 15 affiliates in the Oregon and Washington region. Additionally, he hosts a 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm PT program that is distributed nationally by Compass Media Networks. Alpha Media Portland CEO/president Bob Proffitt comments, “Lars is a Northwest and national talent in talk radio. I’m delighted to have him on board to help deliver content through our many channels at Alpha that is unique, compelling and thought-provoking. One of the many reasons Lars is so good, is an incredible work ethic I’ve witnessed over the past five years that is truly inspiring.” Larson received help in negotiating his new deal from Fred Schreyer, formerly with Nike‘s sports management division. Larson says Schreyer has represented such clients as: ESPN‘s Colin Cowherd, KXTG-AM, Portland’s John Canzano, and NBA stars Lebron James and Kevin Durant.
Paranormal Talker Clyde Lewis Re-Ups with Alpha’s KXL, Portland. The creator and host of “Ground Zero,” heard on Alpha Media-owned news/talker KXL, Portland “FM News 101” will remain with the station as he and the company sign an extension to that effect. Clyde Lewis’ program is also syndicated nationally by Premiere Networks. The program airs six nights per week from 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight PT. Alpha Media EVP of programming Scott Mahalick comments, “Clyde offers a 7th dimension perspective and is the most compelling story teller I’ve ever met in this business. We’re happy to be at the epicenter of ‘Ground Zero’ in Portland and thrilled to continue our partnership with Clyde. He is a talk radio badass!”
Legal Analysis: Glenn Beck Libel Case. TALKERS legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman, in a story published today (12/4), writes about the recent court ruling on Glenn Beck’s request to dismiss Saudi student Abdulrahman Alharbi’s libel suit against him. As TALKERS reported yesterday, Alharbi was initially questioned by police investigating the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 but was quickly ruled out by police as being involved in the crime. However, for several weeks after that, Beck used his program to accuse Alharbi of involvement in the bombing. Beck’s attorneys argue that Alharbi was a limited-purpose public figure or an involuntary public figure by virtue of his being at the event and, however briefly, becoming part of the story surrounding the event by being investigated by authorities. In today’s story, Weisman explains the legal definitions of the three types of public figures and what threshold must be crossed to commit actionable libel. Read this important piece here.
CBS Sports Radio Network Announces 2015 Lineup. TALKERS reported earlier this week that current KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh personality Gregg Giannotti was going to be joining the CBS Sports Radio Network and that is confirmed as director of programming Eric Spitz announces the network’s new lineup. The new AM drive show will be hosted by Brian Jones (who moves down from the current evening “MoJo” program) and Giannotti. Tiki Barber and Brandon Tierney move from AM drive to late morning (9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET). Jim Rome and Doug Gottlieb remain in their respective afternoon slots but Damon “D.A.” Amendolara moves from overnights to host the 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET show. Amy Lawrence is promoted from her weekend show to the daily overnight show (2:00 am to 6:00 am). Off the daily schedule at the network with the changes are morning show co-host Dana Jacobson and evening show co-host Chris Moore.
Odds & Sods. As TALKERS reported earlier this week, at CBS RADIO’s KDKA-FM “Sportsradio 93-7 The Fan,” evening host Colin Dunlap is being elevated to the station’s morning show beginning Friday, January 2. He’ll partner with current morning hosts Josh Miller and Jim Colony…..San Antonio sports talker KZDC, San Antonio “ESPN San Antonio” is now simulcasting on translator K234CI at 94.5 FM. The Alpha Media station’s PD, Greg Martin, says, “I am thrilled that Alpha Media recognizes the importance of its AM properties having a presence on the FM, exposing our brand to a large audience who rarely uses AM.”…..Comic and radio personality Jimmie “JJ” Walker will be sitting in for KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno midday personality Ray Appleton on December 17 and 18. Walker hosted radio programs on news/talk stations during the
1990s – including on KKAR, Omaha; WHIO, Dayton; and WOAI, San Antonio…..At Premiere Networks, Tanya Juhasz is promoted to vice president, international business development. The company reports that in her previous role as executive director, international business development, she worked to “ensure Premiere’s industry-leading properties are represented throughout the world, and thanks to her efforts, they can be heard in 47 countries from Canada to New Zealand to China.”…..Recently retired ABC News Radio White House correspondent Ann Compton is being inducted into the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame. The Winnetka, Illinois native worked more than 40 years with ABC News Radio before her September retirement.
Grand Jury Choke Hold Death Decision, Ferguson Aftermath, Amnesty Issue, 2016 Presidential Prospects, and Bill Cosby Rape Allegations Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/3). The grand jury decision not to indict a New York police officer in the choke-hold death of Eric Garner and the Justice Department’s decision to open a civil rights investigation; the ongoing aftermath of the Ferguson grand jury decision not to indict Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown; the issue of amnesty for illegal aliens and President Obama’s executive order; the potential candidates for president in 2016; and the fallout from renewed allegations of rape against Bill Cosby were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Local Radio Responds to Napa Earthquake. The most severe earthquake to hit Northern California in 25 years registered a 6.0 and was centered in Napa, California on Sunday morning. Local media responded and – although knocked off the air for about 30 minutes — Wine Country Broadcasting’s news/talk KVON, Napa (and sister hot AC KVYN, St. Helena) did return to the air to serve the region. Farther south in San Francisco, sources tell TALKERS magazine that local television went wall-to-wall with its coverage. As for radio, KSFO weekend personality Ethan
Bearman says that competition KCBS-AM covered it “like a quality news network” while sister news/talk KGO covered the event and took calls until San Francisco 49ers football began. Bearman says, “I had my producer, Leigh Wolf, toss aside what we had planned. We started the show interviewing a rep from PG&E about power and gas in Napa, took a couple of callers, then interviewed Ross Stein, a geophysicist from the USGS about earthquakes and this one in particular. We had more callers sharing stories, then an interview with CHP officer Daniel Hill about safety and road closures, followed by more callers sharing stories. We also interviewed Yountville councillor Richard Hall about the damage in his town up the road from Napa, then many more callers.” Bearman tells TALKERS that what KSFO was able to do was use its two-way nature to do what TV couldn’t. “TV doesn’t provide more than a 10-minute loop. Straight news on KCBS-AM is just talking to the listener while we provided that human contact, that outlet of expression, that connection with others. It was really powerful and received a lot of positive feedback.”
Beck’s TheBlaze Negotiated with CNN for HLN Partnership. But, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal by Keach Hagey, the two sides could not come to an agreement on terms. Hagey’s report states that CNN executives recently held talks with agents from Glenn Beck‘s TheBlaze about a partnership that would change the programming on the struggling HLN channel that would have seen TheBlaze content replace the current shows on HLN. It’s being reported that CNN is in talks with Vice Media about a similar partnership. The WSJ reports that HLN’s total viewership has declined 22% for the season to date, and dipped 19% in the 18 to 49 demo, based on Nielsen numbers.
KFWB Accelerates Talk-to Sports Transition. Los Angeles talker KFWB was expected to conduct its transition to all-sports early next month; however, this past Sunday at midnight, CBS Sports Radio Network programming took over the 980 AM dial position. Word quickly spread and there was plenty of activity/reaction on social media. Included in the commentary are two classy postings from people who have worked at KFWB. On-air talent Lisa Osborne writes on her Facebook page: “It is KFWB’s last weekday as a news/talk station – format flip next week to all sports. Tune in if you can today to this heritage news station. If you grew up in LA, you can sing the jingle – that is what everyone does when they find out I work here. I’ve worked with some real pros here including: Penny Griego, Phil Hulett, Bret Lewis, Rhonda Kramer, Ken Jeffries, Elaine Perkins, Bill Nesbitt, Paul Lowe, Michael Shappee, Maggie McKay, Philip Luther Nash, Michael Knight, Russ Spears, Donna Page, Andy Ludlum, Joe Guimond, Cyndee Maxwell, and plenty more. Iconic Los Angeles traffic reporter Kramer comments, that she was “only 26 years old” when she began reporting traffic on the station. “It has always been home and I have worked with some of the most talented individuals in the news broadcast business. It has been an honor to work with pros like Dan Avey, Charlie Brailer, Don Hurbert, Bob Howard, John Brooks Jack Popejoy, Judy Ford, Andy Ludlum, and most recently, Maggie McKay, Michael Shappee, Lisa Osborne, Penny Griego and Phil Hulett. Working here has been extremely rewarding, affording me the opportunity to win 18 Golden Mikes. I am proud of my work on KFWB and have made friends here who will be in my life forever. I wish nothing but the best for the new sports format. Thanks KFWB for the wonderful memories. You will always be a part of me.” Quite a few industry personnel who did not work at the station were partisans. “I was your biggest fan,” New Normal entrepreneur/talk host Tom Leykis writes.
“Seriously. I grew up in New York listening to ‘1010 WINS.’ When I came to live in LA in the 1980s, KFWB, clearly modeled after WINS, became my new best friend…As a lifelong radio guy, I wanted to let you all know that, for me, you all were the best.” On one hand, advanced timing of the format flip is a bit of a surprise, yet on the other, there is considerable logic to it. The station has already secured a program director – Owen Murphy (from Seattle) – and it has cleared CBS Sports Radio programming. That lineup includes a well-known local quantity, Jim Rome, who will be heard 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. One more major piece to be added though is a locally originated morning show, which will likely debut in two weeks (Monday, 9/8). A format change was practically inevitable, as the station’s 6+ PPM shares thus far in calendar year 2014 have topped out at .3 (January, February, and May) and included .2 showings in March, April, June, and July. KFWB’s July ranking was #42. One year ago (July 2013), it ranked #39 (.5), still significantly lower from its all-news days. It actually would be ironic (or perhaps purposefully intended) if a morning show is installed September 8, as that will mark the five-year anniversary KFWB switched from all-news to all-talk. When CBS Corporation acquired KCAL-TV, Los Angeles (Channel 9) in 2002 (to go along with KCBS-TV Channel 2), it put them over the limit of radio and television properties in the same market. Three years ago, CBS Radio placed KFWB into a Diane Sutter-headed trust, under the name The KFWB Asset Trust. Director of news programming at CBS Radio Los Angeles’ all-news KNX – and formerly (and simultaneously) holding that same title for KFWB – Andy Ludlum posts on his Facebook page, “After 46 years of delivering news to the people of Southern California, the news watch has stopped for KFWB. I have been fortunate to have spent the past 25 years of my life working there with some of the most talented people to ever open a microphone or write a news story.” Ludlum posted the photo above showing the final minute of the final full newscast with Maggie McKay (right), Ted Sobel (center), and Michael Knight (left).
KTAR-FM, Phoenix Re-Brands; Tweaks Programming. The Bonneville news/talk station announces it is re-branding at the same time it is making programming changes and unveiling its new website designed specifically for mobile users. The station is now “KTAR News…on 92.3 FM and KTAR.com.” Bonneville Phoenix market manager Scott Sutherland states, “This re-brand and website re-launch lets the community know that our commitment to live and local news has never been stronger. And it also signals that KTAR News is a multi-platform media brand that distributes audio news and talk show content on FM Radio, KTAR.com and the KTAR App, as well as written, audio and video story content online across all devices.” Programming changes include more news content in middays with “Arizona’s Noon News and Karie Dozer” (from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm) and an earlier start (2:00 pm) for afternoon drive team Mac and Gaydos. Bonneville Phoenix VP of content and operations Ryan Hatch comments, “Our ‘mobile-first’ design will deliver a powerful, multi-media user experience on smartphones, where our online audience continues to migrate. Using the very latest technologies, the site also seamlessly adapts to tablets and desktops to deliver the same quality experience across all platforms.”
NRG Media, Woodward in Four-Station Transaction. The price for the latest NRG Media purchase – the quartet of Woodward Communications facilities in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa – is $3.55 million. NRG Media chief executive officer Mary Quass is “delighted to have the opportunity” to add the stations to her company’s platform. “We continue to look for great radio properties that are located in the Midwest and are an integral part of the communities they serve,” she comments. “Regarding NRG, Woodward Communications president and chief executive officer Tom Woodward states, “It is a well-known, community-oriented radio broadcast company with a great Midwestern culture and presence. Our strategic plans and related growth goals positioned the sale of the Waterloo properties. We salute the loyal, talented and dedicated staff we were fortunate to work with. We will continue to operate, grow and enhance our award-winning, seven-station radio group in the Appleton-Green Bay, Wisconsin markets which we’ve owned since the late-1970s.” The deal is for KFMW “Rock 108”; KOKZ “Iowa’s Classic Hits”; KWLO “1330 ESPN“; and KXEL “Iowa’s News & Talk Station.” Woodward Communications has operated these outlets the past two years. Prior to that, Bahakel Broadcasting owned KXEL for 54 years (1958 – 2012); it owned the other three from 1996 – 2012.
Found: WLS-AM’s “Next Talk Star.” If you wonder where the next generation of talk radio personalities is coming from, the answer might be professional wrestling. John Chase Gregoles (pictured here) emerges as the winner of WLS-AM, Chicago’s “Next Talk Star” competition and the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin resident is a day trader who has a background in … sports entertainment. This represents the Cumulus Media-owned talk station’s third such promotion, with WLS-AM program director/operations manager Peter Bolger pointing out, “Our last two winners are still on the air with a weekend show and occasional fill-in. It is certainly possible we will be as fortunate with this year’s winner. What the finalists had to say about talk radio and the passion they have for it was instructive and extremely energizing.” Gregoles comments that he “wants to broaden the audience of talk radio.” Wannabes submitted auditions via the station’s website. WLS-AM narrowed the submissions to 10 semifinalists; the top five were then determined by online voting. Bolger; WLS-AM’s (9:00 am – 11:00 am) Kass & Cohn co-host Lauren Cohn; 2012 winner Stephanie Trussell; and 2013 winner Laura Kelly were among those judging the competition. Gregoles gets to host a two-hour WLS-AM show, receive a limo ride to/from the studio, and a trip for two to Mexico.
MLB Baseball Continues to Give Boost to Most Flagship Stations. TALKERS managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian presents his second analysis of the performances of MLB flagship stations this season – this time based on July PPM data. Again, the flagships in markets where baseball has traditionally been good to its radio outlet and in markets where the team is performing well continue to benefit from increased listenership. In this report Kinosian tracks how flagship stations have performed over the past five PPM surveys, compared to July 2013, how they rank in their respective markets, and how the stations stack up based on MLB divisions. Check out Mike Kinosian’s analysis here.
Sabo: It Is a Widespread Myth That “Ours Is a Very Big Sports Town.” As a globetrotting media consultant, Walter Sabo reports, “There is noticeable bravado in every city about the local level of sports fandom.” In a new opinion piece certain to spark disagreement on the part of many TALKERS readers, Sabo makes the case that even though most radio markets claim to be “big” on sports or even the “biggest” sports city in America, the “facts don’t match the roar of the crowd.” He writes, “According to the data presented from the major league national teams, every city is pretty much the same.” To read this informative and provocative piece in its entirety, please click here.
Lee ‘Hacksaw’ Hamilton Hangs Out Fill-In Shingle. West Coast sports talk pro Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton, most recently with Broadcast Company of the Americas-owned XEPRS, San Diego “The Mighty 1090,” announces he’s making himself available as a “radio free agent” for freelance work as “Hacksaw & Company,” as he says, “sports talk radio designed for your market, when you need a pinch-hitter.” Hamilton’s daily content can be seen at (www.leehacksawhamilton.com). He can be emailed at hacksaw5555@gmail.com.
Arkansas Stations Swap Frequencies; AC Turns Conservative/Christian Talk. A pair of Arkansas FMs are swapping positions on the dial – John M. Dowdy-owned hot AC KKTZ moves from 93.5 up to 107.5 while AC KOMT moves to the 93.5 frequency. KKTZ will remain hot AC but KOMT flips to conservative/Christian talk using content from Salem Radio Network, Westwood One and Premiere Networks. The new talk station will air: Bill Bennett in AM drive followed by Mike Gallagher, Dennis Miller, Michael Medved, Mark Levin, Janet Mefferd and “Coast to Coast AM” with George Noory.
Odds & Sods. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, radio pro Mike Stephen is joining WGN, Chicago for a weekend show called “Outside the Loop Radio” that will air from 6:00 am to 7:00 am Sunday mornings, effective October 4. The eight-year-old show is promoted as “Chicago’s Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine,” and promises “interviews with local newsmakers on everything from arts and politics to the environment and food.”…..Sitting in for Jimmy Barrett on Clear Channel’s WRVA, Richmond in morning drive all this week is Mark Wainwright…..CBS RADIO’s sports talker WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan” and IMG Sports Network agree to an extension that will allow Virginia Tech football and men’s basketball play-by-play to be heard on the station through the 2018 season.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Talkers New York 2014 Videos Being Posted. Up Today: Mike Francesa’s Sports Talk Keynote Address. Today (7/16) marks the second day of TALKERS magazine’s video posting of speeches, sessions and presentations made during last month’s 17th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention – Talkers New York 2014. The presentation of these informative and historic recordings is sponsored by WYD Media Sales, LLC., the rep firm recently launched by Ron Hartenbaum and headed by John Murphy, that specializes in the advertising sales of spoken-word media on all popular platforms. The worldwide showing of these very special videos continues today with the event’s powerful sports talk keynote address delivered by WFAN, New York sports talk radio legend, Mike Francesa. The focus of Francesa’s speech consists of 1) his opinion that the current lack of ratings for online “re-purposed” radio content is damaging radio; 2) the benefits of being live and
local; and 3) the burgeoning role of sports in American life. Francesa states, “I have done the same show at the same time on the same station for 28 years. I never wanted to be syndicated. I believe in live and local.” Although respecting the importance of digital and social media, he believes that radio broadcasters place too much emphasis on it to the detriment of their on-air content and performance stating, “I take a limited approach to the new technology…I don’t have a Twitter account.” Regarding sports, itself, as a subject and field of interest to the media, he advises, “I think we are at the beginning of a sports explosion the likes of which you haven’t seen yet. If you’re in the communications business, you’d better get on board. Sports today is what Hollywood was in the 40s and 50s.” To see the entire session, please click here. Coming tomorrow (7/17): RAB, CEO/president Erica Farber moderating the panel, “The State of Radio Advertising and Sales” with Ron Furman, CRO, Westwood One; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Joe Puglise, president/market manager, Clear Channel, New York; and Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks. The TALKERS conference videos were recorded by Art Vuolo.
Dave Elswick Show Expands to Searcy, Arkansas Market. Longtime Little Rock talk radio personality Dave Elswick’s KHTE “96.5 The Voice”-based show will be heard on KSMD, Searcy, Arkansas
starting July 21 as the show begins efforts to network across the state. Elswick states, “This is exciting as I will now reach the North Central part of the state. My goal is to touch all Arkansans and keep them informed about what is happening in their state.” Additionally, Elswick tells TALKERS magazine he is in the process of launching a 24/7 online TV station as he explores new platforms.
KKOB, Albuquerque Personality Rides on Soon-to-Be-Deactivated Sub. The market’s namesake nuclear sub USS Albuquerque is being de-activated after 30 years of service to the U.S. Navy. Last week, KKOB, Albuquerque weekend personality Terrie Q. Sayre – pictured here at the periscope of the sub – was able to take a voyage on it. The sub is based in San Diego and during Sayre’s visit, she went out to sea in it and was able to dive to 600 feet, take sharp angle maneuvers, take part in periscope viewing and more. Sayre reports they even did a burial at sea involving a three torpedo salute.
CBS Sports Radio Morning Show Gets Online Video Simulcast. Beginning immediately, the morning drive show hosted by Tiki Barber, Brandon Tierney, and Dana Jacobson on the CBS Sports Radio Network – heard from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET – is available in a live, online video simulcast, especially targeting consumers using mobile and tablet devices. Network director of programming Eric Spitz says, “We are excited to launch yet another way to expose our programming to audiences nationwide. Tiki, Brandon and Dana prove every day to be dynamic and passionate sports hosts, and providing additional access to the show follows the trend of listeners spending more time with the program.”
’99.9 The Fan’ in Raleigh Holds ‘Fan Town Hall.’ Tomorrow morning Capitol Broadcasting-owned sports talk WCMC-FM, Raleigh “99.9 The Fan” is presenting the first-ever “Fan Town Hall” with four of the most influential people in Triangle college sports today at Full Frame Theater in nearby Durham. Panelists will include: Duke athletic director Dr. Kevin White; North Carolina Central athletic director Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree; NC State athletic director Debbie Yow and North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham. The 90-minute, commercial-free event will be moderated by WCMC-FM afternoon drive host Adam Gold and WRAL-TV sports anchor Jeff Gravley. Topics to be addressed include the state of college athletics, successes and challenges athletic departments are experiencing and much more. Station program director and OM Dennis Glasgow states, “This is a historical event that’s never been done before in the Triangle, and to bring together these four remarkable people will be a fascinating 90 minutes inside the looking glass of college sports. Our Town Hall format will be less traditional in that we’re encouraging conversation among our special guests, and its unique format will allow social media questions throughout the event.”
Golloher Joins Fox News Radio as Correspondent. Former freelancer Jessica Golloher – who’s been based in Moscow for the past six years – joins Fox News Radio as a correspondent based in New York. 
In this new role, Golloher will report on breaking news and provide daily live reports while covering stories in the Northeast and across the country. During her time in Moscow, Golloher provided live coverage of stories, including Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the crisis in Ukraine, and the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Golloher previously worked at radio stations in Washington, Boston, Tulsa, and Los Angeles.
Odds & Sods. All-newser KNX, Los Angeles is tackling the Western drought story as it relates to Southern California on July 31 during a day-long program titled, “Running on Empty: Our Epic Drought.” The CBS RADIO station says KNX’s news staff, “led by producers Charles Feldman and Laraine Herman, will look at the impact the worsening drought will have on” the population. KNX will detail what sets the current drought apart from those the state has experienced in the recent past. Among the questions to be answered are what food products might disappear from shelves and which ones will get costlier, who decides who’ll be able to tap into the eroding water supply and what will the long-term effects be on the local environment and wildlife? Seven KNX reporters have conducted more than 50 interviews with California Governor Jerry Brown, representatives from the Metropolitan and Orange County Water Districts, climatologists,
environmentalists, farmers and others…..Cumulus Media news/talk WABC, New York reports a coup as former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson appeared on “The Ride Home with Pat Kiernan and Rita Cosby” on Wednesday afternoon to “address publicly for the first time” her departure from the paper. She talked about her reaction to Arthur Sulzberger saying she was let go because of her management style, her feelings about the current state of journalism and more…..Thirty-two year NPR veteran Margaret Low Smith is leaving the public radio network where she’s been serving as senior vice president/news to become a VP at The Atlantic. Smith will also be the president of the publication’s AtlanticLIVE Events division…..CRN Digital Talk Radio announced the winners of its 2014 Food & Wine Awards during an appearance at the 33rd Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival at the Kapalua Resort in Hawaii. CRN president & CEO Michael J. Horn and CRN personality “Sommelier of the People” Michael Jordan made the presentations on a special live broadcast of the network’s nationally syndicated “What’s Cookin’ on Wine” show. Michael Browne of the Kosta Browne Winery and Robert Cabral of Williams Selyem shared the Winemaker of the Year honor. Dean Fearing of Fearing’s Restaurant in Dallas, Texas was named Chef of the Year. Zimzala Huntington Beach, California was crowned Restaurant of the Year. Sommelier of the Year honors went to Troy Smith at Montage in Laguna Beach, California. CRN listeners selected the winners from a list of nominees.
SRN’s Dennis Prager Visits Death Row. Nationally syndicated talk show host Dennis Prager is pictured here (right) with an unidentified death row inmate at Angola State Prison in Louisiana – the nation’s largest prison. Prager spent Monday, July 14 at the prison as part of the annual “Returning Hearts Celebration,” organized by the Christian organization Awana. Among that organization’s projects is work with prison inmates. Prager has been lecturing to evangelical pastors all over the country about the American Renewal Project. Prager shared his experiences at the prison with listeners on his programs yesterday and today. During a meeting with the inmate pictured here, Prager asked the man if he felt sorry for himself. “No,” he responded. “But I do regret the things I’ve done.”
NYC Competitors Get Together at Big Fundraiser. These two New York City talk radio personalities – Geraldo Rivera from Cumulus Media’s WABC (left) and Mark Simone from Clear Channel’s WOR (right) – usually compete against each other in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon time slot. But they are pictured here together as they attend and speak at a fundraiser luncheon for the city’s 100-year-old charity The Police Athletic League of New York City.
Child Immigrant Crisis-Immigration Policy Reform, Eric Holder Racism Comments, Middle East Turmoil, Possible Warren 2016 Presidential Run, Hookah Craze, and Western Drought and Summer ‘Polar Vortex’ Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/15). The ongoing child immigration crisis in the Southwest and debate over who’s responsible and how to fix it; Attorney General Eric Holder’s comments that criticism of the Obama Administration are race-based; the violence between Israel and Hamas and the ISIS campaign in Iraq and Syria; Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren’s recent travels and speculation she’s gearing up for a ‘stealth’ 2016 presidential bid; chatter about the health issues surrounding the current hookah craze; plus the Western drought and the summer ‘polar vortex’ affecting the Midwest were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Alpha Broadcasting, L&L Broadcasting Become Alpha Media; Main Line Deal Closes. Portland-based L&L Broadcasting operates 43 stations in seven markets; the merged company’s corporate headquarters will continue to be in Portland, where Alpha Broadcasting owns six radio facilities. In addition to this merger, L&L’s $57 million deal to purchase 19 Main Line Broadcasting stations has been finalized. Alpha Media chairman Larry Wilson states, “The merger of Portland’s Alpha operation into our newly created Alpha Media results in one company operating all markets. Our ‘Live and Local’ vision continues to be our focus. By adding the former Main Line markets, we can continue to develop our
footprint with attractive markets operated by great radio people. We are excited to add them to our growing company.” L&L Broadcasting president and chief executive officer Bob Proffitt remarks, “From the day we visited each Main Line market, we knew they were full 
of talented radio broadcasters who understand our vision and how we operate. We feel our live and local approach will enhance each market’s rating and revenue potential. Having Portland in the fold allows us to liberally use some of the best brains in the radio business to help listeners, clients, and employees at our other markets throughout the country.” According to Main Line Broadcasting chief executive officer Marc Guralnick, “It has been a great nine years at Main Line Broadcasting. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the best people in the industry. I am excited to have our talented broadcasters now under the leadership of Larry Wilson, Bob Proffitt, and the Alpha-L&L team. I wish L&L and this tremendous staff much continued success.” The four markets for Philadelphia-based Main Line are Louisville, Dayton, Richmond, and Hagerstown, Maryland-Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The company was represented in the transaction by Media Venture Partners.
Tony Katz Assumes Morning Drive Role at WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. Monday (6/30) was the first day on the job for new WIBC-FM, Indianapolis morning show personality Tony Katz. He replaces Steve Simpson who recently exited the station after 22 years. Katz had been hosting the 9:00 pm to 12:00
midnight show at WIBC-FM from his home in Los Angeles but is moving to Indy for this new role. Emmis market manager Charlie Morgan recently told the Indianapolis Business Journal the move to replace Simpson with Katz was the result of the station wanting a more opinionated, commentary-driven show than the newsy approach Simpson was comfortable with. “He’s just not the right guy for what the role of host now requires. What we’re asking our hosts to do is offer opinion and perspective, and [Simpson] was not comfortable with that. He was more comfortable in a more traditional news role.”
CBS Sports Radio Network’s Doug Gottlieb Show Gets Cable Simulcast. Beginning August 25, the Doug Gottlieb show will be seen on cable’s CBS Sports Network in addition to being heard on the CBS Sports Radio Network. The program will be simulcast live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. CBS Sports SVP of programming Dan Weinberg says, “Adding the Doug Gottlieb show greatly strengthens our afternoon lineup adding three hours of live and relevant content each day. Doug’s show is high-energy, insightful and entertaining and we are excited to extend the reach of his radio show to the CBS Sports Network television audience.”
KFBK Boosts Murray to News Director. Assistant program director Mike Murray is elevated to news director at Clear Channel Sacramento talker KFBK. Vice president of programming Ken Charles – who programs KFBK and sibling talker KSTE – comments, “In determining the needs of our department, and wanting to make sure there is one vision and voice between programming and news, Mike rose to the top as the right candidate for the role.” In the next few weeks, there will reportedly be some news/programming restructuring associated with Murray’s promotion.
Keiper Returns to WLS-AM, Chicago as News Anchor. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Jennifer Keiper is back with news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago after a six-year absence during which she worked as Midwest correspondent for Fox News Radio. Keiper will anchor the news during afternoon drive, where Roe Conn and Richard Roeper are currently heard. Keiper is taking over for Susan Carlson who resigned two months ago to join WMAQ-TV. Read Feder’s column here.
Matheny Named EVP/Chief Technology Officer for NAB. Joining NAB from Capitol Broadcasting to serve as the new EVP and chief technology officer is Sam Matheny. His work as part of the corporate staff involvement in several Capitol Broadcasting media ventures: general manager at News Over Wireless, which provided the first local television news applications for wireless carriers; manager of Digital Cinema at Microspace Communications, deploying digital cinema as a viable market for satellite delivery; and vice president & general manager at DTV Plus, which developed and launched the nation’s first DTV datacasting service. Matheny is currently a member of the FCC Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council and is a member of the Academy of Digital Television Pioneers. NAB president and CEO Gordon Smith states, “NAB is thrilled to have Sam Matheny joining the team as our new CTO. Sam’s roots are in broadcast localism and service to the community, but he is also a technology strategist determined to push broadcasters to embrace digital and Internet opportunities that generate revenue. Today, tens of millions of our listeners and viewers are legally accessing broadcast programming on platforms and devices that are IP-based, portable and mobile. We believe Sam is the right choice to press these digital strategies forward and lead our industry’s technology future.”
WGOW, Chattanooga Host Brian Joyce Moderates Panel on Democracy and Human Rights in Geneva. Tennessee talk radio personality Brian Joyce (pictured here, bottom, far right) was recently in Geneva, Switzerland at the invitation of the Geneva Press Club to moderate a panel discussion on democracy and human rights. Among the members of this panel were Egyptian MP and Secretary General of Egypt’s Industry & Energy Committee Hatem Azzam (second from right, standing). Joyce is going abroad this weekend to speak at a public rally in Istanbul, Turkey in Alfatih Square in Istanbul to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the military coup in Egypt, which took place on July 3, 2013. He was invited by a Turkish organization called Union of NGOs of the Islamic World, in cooperation with the Egyptian Solidarity Movement. Joyce says the Turkish government and Turkish people have been strong, vocal critics of military rule in Egypt, as well as of violations of democracy and human rights across the Muslim world.
Pavlina Interviews Sean Hannity on Talkers TV. Sixteen-year-old talk media prodigy, Pavlina Osta, host of the syndicated radio show “Pavlina’s Kidz Place,” conducted an interview with Premiere Radio and Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity at the recent Talkers New York 2014 convention. That 15 minute interview is currently playing on Talkers TV located at the top of the upper right hand column of boxes on every page on Talkers.com. Pavlina has been broadcasting since she was 11 years old and has an amazing track record of conducting exclusive interviews with more than 300 stars from the fields of entertainment, sports, politics and media. David Bernstein, GM of Talkers broadcasting operations says, “This young woman is going to be a huge media star. She has everything going for her – even a local Gracie Award to her credit. Watch out world, Pavlina is coming!”
Meet This Year’s NAB Marconi Radio Award Finalists. They are listed below and the list encompasses 21 categories. The Marconi Radio Awards are given by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) to honor excellence in broadcasting. “Legendary Station”:news KCBS-AM, San Francisco; talk KXLY-AM, Spokane; sports WFAN, New York; country WIL-FM, St. Louis; and adult contemporary WLEN-FM, Adrian, Michigan. “Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year”:Bob & Tom, Westwood One; Elvis Duran, Premiere Radio Networks; Rush Limbaugh, Premiere Radio Networks; Ryan Seacrest, Premiere Radio Networks; and Rickey Smiley, Radio One/REACH Media. “Major Market Personality of the Year”:Carter Alan of WZLX, Boston; Big Boy of KPWR, Los Angeles; Kevin & Bean of KROQ, Los Angeles; Preston & Steve of WMMR, Philadelphia; and (Fred) Toucher & Rich (Shertenlieb) of WBZ-FM, Boston. “Large Market Personality of the Year”:Bo Matthews of WIL-FM, St. Louis; Dr. Don (with Rachael and Grunwald) of WYCD, Detroit; Jim “JJ” Johnson of WOMC, Detroit; Larry Richert of KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and Ryan & Shannon of KSTP-FM, Minneapolis. “Medium Market Personality of the Year”:Brent Johnson of WTCB, Columbia, South Carolina; Cole Johnson of WNVZ, Norfolk; Kevin Miller of KIDO-AM, Boise, Idaho; Chris Kelly & Chris Demm of WKRR, Greensboro; and Jeff Walker of WKRZ, Wilkes Barre-Scranton. “Small Market Personality of the Year”:Bill Barrett, Tim Fox & Tracy Berry of KKNU-FM, Eugene, Oregon; David Gustafson of KJSK-AM, Columbus, Nebraska; Dottie Ray of KXIC-AM, Iowa City, Iowa; Brian Egan, Rusty Bumper & Amanda Walton of WKWS-FM, Charleston, West Virginia; and Brian Lee & Chris Wolfe of KZOQ-FM, Missoula, Montana. “Major Market Station of the Year”: country KKBQ, Houston; urban AC WBLS, New York; rock WMMR, Philadelphia; hot AC WTMX, Chicago; and country WUSN, Chicago. “Large Market Station of the Year”:adult contemporary KRWM, Seattle; CHR WBLI, Long Island; talk WCCO, Minneapolis; talk WTMJ, Milwaukee; and sports WXYT-FM, Detroit. “Medium Market Station of the Year”:rock KAZR-FM, Des Moines; hot AC KSTZ, Des Moines; country WIVK-FM, Knoxville; talk WOWO-AM, Fort Wayne, Indiana; and country WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Small Market Station of the Year”:talkKFGO-AM, Fargo, South Dakota; CHR KNDE-FM, Bryan-College Station, Texas; full-service adult contemporary KYNT-AM, Yankton, South Dakota; country WFRE-FM, Frederick, Maryland; and adult contemporary WLEN-FM, Adrian, Michigan. “Adult Contemporary Station of the Year”:KIFM, San Diego; WBEB, Philadelphia; WILV, Chicago; WMEE-FM, Fort Wayne, Indiana; and WVAF, Charleston, West Virginia. “CHR Station of the Year”:KQKS, Denver; WBBM-FM, Chicago; WNVZ, Norfolk; WPOI, Tampa; and WVAQ, Morgantown, West Virginia. “Country Station of the Year”:KCYY, San Antonio; WIL-FM, St. Louis; WKLB, Boston; WLHK, Indianapolis; and WOKQ, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. “News-Talk Station of the Year”:KCBS-AM, San Francisco; KRLD-AM, Dallas; KTMY, Minneapolis; WGCV-AM, Columbia, South Carolina; and WLW, Cincinnati. “(Classic Hits-) Oldies Station of the Year:”WJMK, Chicago; WMJI, Cleveland; WSRZ, Sarasota; WXGL, Tampa; and WOGL Philadelphia. “(Contemporary Christian) Religious Station of the Year”:KKJM, St. Cloud, Minnesota; KKLA, Los Angeles; KLTY, Dallas; KNOM, Nome, Alaska; and WMHK, Columbia, South Carolina. “Rock Station of the Year”:KROQ, Los Angeles; KSWD, Los Angeles; WBAB, Long Island; WDRV, Chicago; and WSUN, Tampa. “Spanish Station of the Year”:KLZT, Austin; WNUA, Chicago; WYUS-AM Milford, Delaware; WYUU, Tampa; and WXSH, Georgetown, Delaware. “Sports Station of the Year”:KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh; KFXN-FM, Minneapolis; WBZ-FM, Boston; WIP-FM, Philadelphia; and WXYT-FM, Detroit. “Urban Contemporary Station of the Year”: KPRS, Kansas City; WGCI-FM, Chicago; WHQT, Miami; WQHT, New York; and WVKL, Norfolk. “Noncommercial Station of the Year”: KPCW, Park City, Utah; KUNV, Las Vegas; WEAA, Baltimore; WRHU Long Island; and WSDP, Canton, Michigan. Winners will be announced in two months (9/11) at the awards dinner in Indianapolis during this year’s NAB Radio Show.
KGY Inc. Sells KGY-AM, Olympia to Catholic Broadcaster. Sports talk KGY-AM, Olympia, Washington is being sold to Sacred Heart Radio for $250,000, according to The Olympian. The station has been in the Kerry family since current KGY Inc. business manager Nick Kerry’s grandfather Tom Olsen purchased it in 1939. KGY Inc. will continue to operate country outlet KYYO-FM “96.9 KAYO” and translator K237FR at 95.3 FM.
SCOTUS Hobby Lobby Ruling, Obama Executive Actions, Illegal Immigrant Influx-Amnesty Proposal, Global Warming Debate, Israeli-Palestinian Tensions, Sarkozy Investigation, and World Cup Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/1). The backlash over the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hobby Lobby contraceptive case; John Boehner’s threat to sue President Obama over the executive actions issue; debate over amnesty as the Southwest deals with an influx of minor illegal immigrants; continuing disagreement over the issue of man-made climate change; high tensions in Israel following the deaths of three Israeli teens and a Palestinian youth; the corruption investigation of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and the U.S.’s exit from the World Cup were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Talkers New York 2014 on Verge of Sell Out – Only 20 Seats Left. As of 12:00 noon ET today (6/10) only 20 registrations remain available for Talkers New York 2014, the 17th annual installment of the talk radio and media industry’s longest running and most important national convention. According to the event’s organizers, the sale of registrations will officially close at 5:00 pm ET today. This year’s event – only 10 days away — covers the existential issues facing not only talk radio – but radio in general – as both a business and iconic piece of the broader pop cultural picture. According to its director, Michael Harrison, the gathering will “connect the future of talk radio with its past.” Harrison says, “This conference was way ahead of the curve when it was first launched in the late 90s as ‘The New Media Seminar’ in pointing the way toward radio’s inevitable entry into the digital era. While most other conferences are now acting as if the digital age were something new and obsess on the technical aspects of the medium as if we just discovered websites and social media, this year’s conference will accept the internet, apps, and multi-platform options as a given and concentrate on how we can get back to the basics of what makes ‘radio’ special, important, financially viable and culturally indispensable — regardless of the technology via which it is distributed.” Harrison also points out, “Everyone knows how difficult it is to be a professional in this industry these days between layoffs and economic uncertainty. The movers and shakers – both established giants and up-and-coming prospects – that attend this great event create an infinite set of relationships upon which careers and businesses are built. In other words, not only does this convention offer information and inspiration, it also provides its attendees one of the industry’s most potent annual networking environments and opportunities.” There will be more than 55 industry leaders in speaking roles at the conference which takes place on Friday, June 20 at the iconic India House in the heart of New York City’s historic Financial District. Registration is only open to professionals (and broadcasting students) working in radio and related media. They are neither transferable nor refundable. The cost is $249 per person which includes all sessions, receptions, exhibits, food and refreshments. Registrations can only be booked over the phone with credit card. Call 413-565-5413. Again, the sale of registrations closes as 5:00 pm ET today. For up-to-the-minute agenda information and further details please click here.
Glenn Beck Buys D-Day Flag for $350,000. According to a report in the New York Daily News, Premiere Networks syndicated talk personality Glenn Beck – through his Mercury One charity – purchased a 70-year-old U.S. flag that flew over USS LST 493 involved in the Normandy landing on June 6, 1944. The story notes that the tattered, 48-star flag was part of an anonymous online auction via Bonham’s and had been estimated to fetch between $25,000 and $35,000. Though the auction was anonymous, Beck announced the purchase on his radio show.
KFTK-FM, St. Louis’ Loesch and Glover Honored by MBA. Honors from the Missouri Broadcasters Association were handed out at the organization’s annual banquet in Branson on Saturday, June 7 and two personalities from Emmis’ KFTK “FM News/Talk 97.1” were winners. Midday talk
personality Dana Loesch (who is also syndicated nationally via Radio America) and PM drive host Dave Glover took home first-place awards – Loesch for Best Air Personality and Glover for both Spot News and Editorial. KFTK program director Jeff Allen says, “We have been blessed with some of the best local talent in the country at 97.1 and I think these awards are an example of that. Dana and Dave produce unique, compelling content every day and make it sound easy. Believe me, it’s not! Congratulations to them and their staffs.”
Grand Rapids-Based Bill Simonson Goes National with CBS Sports Radio. Sports talk personality Bill Simonson broadcasts a daily program from Cumulus Media’s WBBL, Grand Rapids that airs on nine other signals across Michigan. Now, Simonson is hosting a nationally syndicated version of his “Huge Show” via CBS Sports Radio Network. MLive.com reports Simonson began the 10:00 pm to 2:00 am ET show on Saturday, May 31. In the story, Simonson says his goal is to talk about the hot sports topic of the week with people from all over the country. He notes the big national sports talkers get the high-profile guests but he wants to hear “the voice of the people.”
First Round of May PPM Data Released. PPM data from the first of four groups of 11 markets for the May 2014 period (April 24 – May 21) has been released by Nielsen Audio. Those markets include: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). TALKERS magazine’s sister publication, RadioInfo, has all the (subscriber) numbers here. Managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian offers his “Ten Takeaways” from the report at RadioInfo.com here.
Nielsen Withholds Los Angeles PPM Data. At this juncture, don’t expect Nielsen Audio to say anything specific about the reason the Los Angeles PPM data wasn’t included in the release of the May 2014 numbers – it’s just saying the data is being withheld for “additional quality control.” Nielsen not being specific about when the data will eventually be released either. When ratings information is withheld, it’s due to newly acquired information that the final report is compromised for one reason or another. When the report is issued, Nielsen will likely offer and explanation to subscribers.
Odds & Sods. According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Ben Fong-Torres, Deidra Lieberman quietly resigned from Cumulus Media’s KGO last month after moving from the GM post to an AE position. Lieberman succeeded Mickey Luckoff in 2011….The GCN-syndicated “Freedom Feens” show hosted by Michael W. Dean goes daily adding a 1:00 am to 3:00 am ET program to its weekend offering that airs on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm…..Add a whole bunch more awards for Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington, DC as the all-newser collects eight Chesapeake AP Awards. This year alone, WTOP has won more than 30 major awards for excellence in journalism, including five regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and seven National Headliner Awards…..CBS RADIO all-news KNX, Los Angeles welcomes Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti into its studios tomorrow (6/11) for the regular “Ask the Mayor” program. The show is hosted by KNX anchor Tom Haule and chief investigative reporter Charles Feldman. Topics discussed will include: drone use by the LAPD, raising the minimum wage in the city and the LA Kings’ Stanley Cup run.
Bergdahl Prisoner Swap/Terror Suspects Returned, Hillary Clinton Book Tour/2016 Presidential Race, Las Vegas Cop Killings/Gun Control Issue, VA Hospitals Scandal, U.S. Jobs Figures Report, Child Immigration Influx-Arizona Immigrant Dumping, and NBA-NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/9). The aftermath of the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner swap and speculation about released terror suspects returning to the battlefield; Hillary Clinton’s book tour and her prospects for running for president in 2016; the killing of two police officers in Las Vegas and renewed discussion about gun legislation; the continuing commentary about the VA Hospitals scandal and treatment of America’s veterans; the recent U.S. jobs figures report indicating employment on the uptick; the cases of child illegal immigrants being warehoused in Arizona and the dumping of other illegal immigrants in that state; and the NBA and NHL finals were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Cumulus Posts Positive Q4 2013 Revenue News; Dickey Pleased with ‘Core Performance.’ The fourth quarter of 2013 and the year as a whole were seen in a positive light by Cumulus Media CEO Lew Dickey during yesterday’s investor conference call. Dickey noted at the outset that he was happy that the company was able to meet and, in some aspects, exceed its guidance through “core performance without any impact of” mergers and acquisitions. He also says the company achieved its goals despite 2012 political comps of over $20 million. The company reports Q4 net revenue up 4.5% over the same period in 2013. For the year of 2013, Cumulus net revenue rose 2.4%. Following up on previous 
conference calls in which he highlighted his expectations for sports and traffic, Dickey said CBS Sports Radio, NBC Sports Radio, NFL and NCAA play-by-play are “hitting their stride as national content brands. Both sports and traffic are currently exceeding expectations for 2014 and are taking share in their respective markets. And will again be substantial growth drivers as we expected them to be. We are very encouraged by the level of interest by both the advertisers and affiliates in these products, which is a testament to the high-quality nature of the content and again the efficacy of broadcast radio advertising on sports and traffic sponsorships respectively.” Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the transcript. Members can read the whole call here.
Imus: Scott Shannon Will Get the Job. The Scott Shannon watch continues as the next radio home of the former, longtime WPLJ, New York morning co-host remains the subject of speculation in New York and across the country. This morning, WABC-based Don Imus was heard saying, “I’m told Scott Shannon will get the [WOR] job and I’m very happy about that.” Imus seemed sincere about his statement. TALKERS reported yesterday that the chatter has Shannon landing at either Clear Channel’s news/talk WOR for morning drive (where the company just ended the Elliot Segal simulcast from “DC101”) or at one of CBS RADIO’s music FMs – either classic hits WCBS-FM or CHR WNOW.
Clear Channel Promotes Rob Anthony in New England. Programmer Rob Anthony is named to the operations manager and program director position at Clear Channel’s Providence cluster that includes rock WHJY, news/talk WHJJ, classic hits WWBB “B101,” and hot AC WSNE “93.3 The Coast.” Anthony has been serving as regional programming manager for New England based out of the company’s Springfield, Massachusetts cluster. He will retain that title which has him overseeing programming at the Springfield, Worcester, and Manchester and Portsmouth, New Hampshire station groups. Anthony says, “I can’t even begin to express my excitement for the opportunity to work with such heritage brands as ‘Coast 93.3,’ ‘B 101,’ ‘NewsRadio 920’ and the mighty ‘94 HJY.’ This is truly an honor, and I can’t wait to get to work. Thank you to Clear Channel’s programming team and [market president] Rhonda Lapham for all their continued support and guidance.”
FCC to Rework Internet Regulation Rules; Republican Commissioners Question Move. FCC Commissioner Tom Wheeler has announced the Commission will revisit the “net neutrality” issue by “proposing rules that will meet the court’s test for preventing improper blocking of and discrimination among internet traffic, ensuring genuine transparency in how internet service providers manage traffic, and enhancing competition. Preserving the internet as an open platform for innovation and expression while providing certainty and predictability in the marketplace is an important responsibility of this agency.” Wheeler states that the recent D.C. Circuit Court ruling affirms Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 giving “the FCC authority to encourage broadband deployment by, among other things, removing barriers to infrastructure deployment, encouraging innovation, and promoting competition. The court recognized the importance of ensuring that so-called ‘edge providers,’ those that use the network to deliver goods and services, can reach people who use the internet.” Republican Commissioner Mike O’Reilly disagrees, saying, “I am deeply concerned by the announcement that the FCC will begin considering new ways to regulate the internet. As I have said before, my view is that section 706 does not provide any affirmative regulatory authority. We should all fear that this provision ultimately may be used not just to regulate broadband providers, but eventually edge providers.” At the same time, Commissioner Ajit Pai adds, “When Congress told us to encourage broadband deployment by removing barriers to infrastructure investment, it also established the policy of the United States to ‘preserve the vibrant and competitive free market that presently exists for the Internet . . . unfettered by Federal or State regulation.’ Whatever the Commission does as it moves forward, it must take that statutory command to heart. The internet was free and open before the FCC adopted net neutrality rules. It remains free and open today. Net neutrality has always been a solution in search of a problem.”
LDR Interactive Launches TopicPulse; Partners with TTWN for Sales. Interactive broadcast technology firm LDR Interactive announces the launch of an upgraded version of its TopicPulse, what it calls “a real-time social media monitoring system for newsrooms and content producers.” LDR Interactive explains: “TopicPulse scans social media including Twitter and Facebook, local message boards, comment boards, and news sources to track trending topics in a local market. In addition to tracking local and national topics, producers can also access trending video and images. The system then produces a user-friendly, real-time report that newsrooms can use to drive local, regional, and national content.” LDR CEO Daniel Anstandig states, “TopicPulse was inspired by feedback from the world’s leading broadcasters, who said they were in critical need of a better way to track and monitor social media to produce news content. With those needs in mind, we built and optimized TopicPulse for broadcast and digital newsrooms and released the system on beta to LDR’s media partners in 2012. Since then, we’ve seen tremendous momentum and positive results from media companies in all market sizes.” In addition to tracking trends, TopicPulse identifies which primary demo (gender and age group) is most inclined to engage with the topic on social media. Newsrooms also have access to a “glance” screen with trending topics for the brand’s target audience, which can be utilized as a “heads up display” of the market. A Tweet Map feature showcases the market’s most popular tweets and hashtags on a local map, enabling producers to create hyper-local content based on up-to-the-minute social trends. LDR Interactive is partnering with Total Traffic & Weather Network (TTWN) as the TopicPulse national sales partner. The TTWN sales team will serve as the major force behind local market integration of the platform in newsrooms across the U.S.
Lars Larson Show Added to CRN Digital Talk Lineup. The Portland, Oregon-based Lars Larson program is added to the program schedule at CRN Digital Talk Radio airing at 7:00 pm ET. Larson hosts a local show on Alpha Broadcasting’s KXL, Portland in addition to a separate nationally syndicated program through Compass Media Networks. CRN will carry the national program. CRN president and CEO Michael Horn says, “Lars adds another unique, passionate voice to the CRN schedule. He’s a newsman, a reporter, and a host – so he brings extra doses of preparation and personality to his show.”
Former FCC Chair Richard Wiley to Receive BFoA’s Lowry Mays Award. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Richard E. Wiley, chairman of Wiley Rein LLP and a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, will receive the 2014 Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award to be presented during The Broadcasters Foundation of America Breakfast on Wednesday, April 9, at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas during the NAB Show. Wiley heads the 80-attorney communications practice. He served as chairman of the FCC from 1974 to 1977. Wiley played a pivotal role in the development of HDTV in this country, serving for nine years as chairman of the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service from 1987 to 1995. He represents a number of major communications-oriented organizations, including Verizon, AT&T, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Motorola, CBS, Belo, Gannett, Sirius/XM, Emmis, Gray Television, and LG. Wiley has been recognized by Washingtonian magazine as one of Washington’s 30 “Superstar” lawyers for his role as “the unofficial sixth commissioner” of the FCC (2011) and consistently listed as one of Washington’s “Best Lawyers” and “Top Lawyers” in the magazine. He was named the “most prominent telecommunications lawyer and lobbyist in Washington” by Broadcasting & Cable in 2005, and he was honored with the National Association of Broadcasters’ Distinguished Service Award in 2002.
Teen Radio Host Wins Student Category Gracie. The Alliance for Women in Media announces the winners of the 2014 Gracie Awards in the local, online, student and public categories and 16-year-old Florida radio talk host Pavlina Osta wins in the student category Outstanding Anchor – News or News Magazine for her “Pavlina’s Kidz Place Radio Show.” The Port Orange, Florida resident has been hosting a kids-targeted radio program since she was 11 and boasts an impressive list of celebrity interviews including: Katie Couric, Ed Sheeran, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sick Puppies, A Great Big World, and Steve Forbes, to name just a few. Now she can add Gracie Award winner to her resume!
Obama Executive Power Controversy, Winter Weather/Global Warming Debate, ObamaCare Criticism, Sochi Olympics, Ukrainian Unrest, and N. Korea Human Rights Abuses Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/18). GOP response to President Obama’s use of executive power; the onslaught of winter weather in much of the country and the debate over the global warming issue; the continuing scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; the Winter Olympic games in Sochi; the protests and political unrest in the Ukraine; and the global community’s concern over growing evidence of human rights abuses were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
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