Tag: "Charles Osgood"
Monday Memo: Say It Shorter
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — A dozen years ago, I’d get a laugh during my PowerPoint when I’d caution that “People are pacing in front of the microwave!”
‘Think we were impatient then? Back to the future: My counsel now to broadcasters and podcasters is that “Attention span has become an oxymoron.” And don’t take my word for it…
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
BIA/Kelsey Releases Annual U.S. Local Ad Forecast; Radio Stagnates Under Weight of Digital Competition. In its just-released “U.S. Local Advertising Forecast 2018,” BIA/Kelsey indicates that radio’s local ad revenue for 2017 will be $15.5 billion, with $14.1 billion coming from over-the-air ads and $1.3 billion coming from online advertising. It’s not going to get much better over the next four years as the firm predicts that 2018 ad revenue for radio will be $15.7 billion – an increase of just $200 million over 2017. By 2022, radio’s total ad revenue will be $16.7 billion and radio’s “slice of the pie” will have dipped to 9.6%. BIA/Kelsey’s Mark Fratrik says, “Increased streaming audio competitors and increased competitors for advertisers has basically kept the over-the-air advertising stagnant, with online efforts by stations continuing to help support a slight overall revenue growth.” Where does radio stand in the big picture? It ranks #4 in revenue behind #1 direct mail (projected to garner 25.4% of the U.S. ad spend in 2018), #2 local TV with 13.8%, and #3 mobile’s 12.6%. Radio’s slice will be 10.4%. (Newpapers are predicted to be #5 at 10.2%.) Fratrik says this year (2017) was “a year of basically no growth in radio over-the-air advertising, with future years also only showing small increases of less than 1% annually…many radio groups are continuing their efforts in online activities which bolster the overall revenue of these stations, as station operators recognize that future revenue growth must come from these sources.” He also offers that the best region of the country for radio ad growth will be the Southeast which he predicts to grow by 1.1%.
Angelo Cataldi Re-Ups with WIP, Philadelphia. He’s been the morning drive personality on WIP, Philadelphia for the past 27 years and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Angelo Cataldi and Entercom Communications are agreeing on a contract extension for him to continue hosting the “Angelo Cataldi and the Morning Team” program. The program includes cast members Al Morganti, Rhea Hughes, Keith Jones and Joe Conklin. Recently, Morganti and Jones also renewed their contracts with the station. Cataldi says, “I’m honored to
remain at WIP. For almost three decades this has been my only home on the radio and I have a great debt of gratitude to everyone associated with the station. This also keeps alive my dream of being at WIP when the Eagles win a Super Bowl. Go, Eagles. And go, WIP.” Cataldi transitioned from print to radio. Prior to joining WIP he earned two Pulitzer Prize nominations as the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Eagles beat writer. He is also the architect of the now-enormous annual Wing Bowl eating contest.
NRG Media’s Chuck DuCoty to Retire. After a 53-year career in radio Chuck DuCoty is retiring from the business and his position as chief operating officer of NRG Media, though he’ll continue to work with NRG on special projects in the future. DuCoty worked his way through the programming ranks, rising to station manager at Hearst’s WIYY, Baltimore “98Rock.” He worked in the news/talk world when he was named vice president and general manager at then-Hearst’s WISN, Milwaukee and sister AC WLTQ. He joined NRG Media in 2005. DuCoty says, “I have been blessed with a career in an industry I have loved and have had the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented people. It has been said if you truly love what you do for a living, you will never work a day in your life, which has certainly been true for me. At the beginning of my broadcasting journey, if I had been asked to write down what I hoped I would be able to experience and what my life would look like I would have massively shortchanged myself. I leave the industry and NRG Media with mixed emotions but after 53 years, it is time for the next chapter in my life and for enjoying time with my family and friends. And I’m living proof that occasionally some of us do get out alive.”
Westwood One and Charles Osgood Extend Partnership. The daily feature “The Osgood File” has been on the radio since 1967 and with today’s news, it will continue for some time to come. Westwood One and Charles Osgood announce that the two sides have signed an extension to continue the program. Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “Charles Osgood is one of the most revered and adored icons in our industry, and since retiring from television in 2016, Westwood One is his exclusive broadcast home. His massive appeal and ‘theater of the mind’ storytelling style has engaged and entertained both listeners and advertisers for five decades! As one of his biggest fans, I am thrilled to continue our partnership with Charles and consider him an invaluable member of the Westwood One family.”
TALKERS News Notes. Taking over the morning drive show hosting duties at Entercom’s news/talk WRVA, Richmond is John Reid. The position opened back in August when 16-year morning host (and PD) Jimmy Barrett exited the station to assume the morning host duties at iHeartMedia’s KTRH, Houston. Remember that the Richmond cluster of iHeartMedia stations was recently transferred to Entercom in an asset swap. Reid has worked on SiriusXM’s Patriot channel and at local television outlet WRIC-TV, Richmond as a news anchor…..At the Salem Media Group Atlanta operations, Aaron Williams leaves his role as program director for the cluster that includes news/talk WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” to take on the brand coordinator role for the local Monday Night Brewing Company. He is also co-host of “The Beer Guys Radio Show” that airs on Saturdays on WGKA…..Cape Cod Broadcasting Media was recently recognized by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association for excellence in the categories of news, commercial production and special event/local programming. In the category of Spot News, the company was recognized for excellence with a Merit Award for its ongoing coverage of the opiate and fentanyl crisis on Cape Cod. News director Matt Pitta says, “This is a critical issue that we strive to cover accurately and with compassion on a regular basis. This award is a recognition of the work so many in the healthcare, public safety and social service sector are doing to combat the epidemic.”…..Riviera Broadcasting closes on the sale of translator K270BZ, Phoenix at 101.9 FM to Farmworker Educational Radio Network, Inc. Riviera Broadcasting is headed by Michael Cutchall and owns stations in Phoenix. Farmworker Educational Radio Network, Inc owns and operates stations in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. Kalil & Co. was the exclusive broker…..SiriusXM is broadcasting live from the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando starting this Sunday (12/10) through Thursday (12/14). Two of SiriusXM’s sports talk channels – MLB Network Radio and Mad Dog Sports Radio – will broadcast live from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort where club owners, front office executives, managers and many others from the major and minor leagues will be gathered to discuss offseason baseball business.
Conyers Resigns from Congress, GOP Tax Reform Plan, Trump-Russia Investigation, Trump Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital, Roy Moore Candidacy, Russia Banned from Winter Olympics, North Korea Nuclear Program, SoCal Wildfires, Fox-Disney Deal, NFL Action-Ryan Shazier Injury, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/5). Michigan Congressman John Conyers resigns his seat in the wake of sexual misbehavior allegations; the status of the Republican-authored tax reform bill; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents; President Trump’s recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the backlash from the Muslim world; the U.S. Senate candidacy of Roy Moore and accusations of sexual predation against him; the IOC bans Russia from participating in the Winter Olympics due to systemic doping among its athletes; North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and threats against the U.S.; the wildfires scorching Ventura County, California; the potential deal between 21st Century Fox and Disney for the latter to acquire several of Fox’s assets; the weekend’s NFL action and the spinal injury suffered by Pittsburgh’s Ryan Shazier on Monday night; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
‘WBBM Newsradio’ Chicago to Hold 22nd ‘Good Neighbor Radiothon.’ This is the 22nd year in a row for the “Good Neighbor Radiothon” broadcast on Entercom all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago. It takes place this Friday (12/8) live from the Woodfield Mall and benefits the Salvation Army and its Bed and Bread Club. WBBM director of news and programming Ron Gleason states, “This annual fundraiser is a beloved event for our team as it is a chance for WBBM’s entire news team to report about the positive work being done to provide food, clothing and shelter to neighbors in need within our own community. Our listeners are among the most informed, caring and generous of Chicagoans and their support each year is a testament to this.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At the Miami operations of Entercom, Andy Holt is named program director for adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” and classic hits WMXJ-FM “102.7 The Beach,” effective January 2. Entercom South Florida market manager and SVP Keriann Worley says, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring Andy Holt back to Entercom. His coaching style, leadership skills, and proven track record with the adult contemporary format will ensure WLYF ‘Lite FM’ and WMXJ-FM ‘The Beach’ continue to dominate the Miami market.” Holt was with Entercom from 2000 through 2013. He was most recently program director at Bonneville’s AC KOSI, Denver…..iHeartMedia’s alternative WRDA, Atlanta re-brands, taking on the “ALT” brand employed by so many of the company’s alt-rock stations. It’s full brand name is “ALT 105.7, Atlanta’s Rock Alternative.”…..Radio One’s hip hop WKYS, Washington, DC appoints Khalia “Little Bacon Bear” Canty host of the evening show. The station says the Topeka, Kansas native has “become one of the DMV’s most coveted young DJs” and it “wants to use her platform to promote the continued significance of terrestrial radio in the eyes of artists, DJs, and listeners, while being an example of a successful woman in media.”…..iHeartMedia’s alternative KDXA, Des Moines “ALT 106.3” adds “The Woody Show” to its lineup for the morning drive daypart. The KYSR, Los Angeles-based show is syndicated via Premiere Networks.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Kim Guthrie Named to Replace Retiring Bill Hoffman as President of Cox Media Group. After 38 years with Cox, Bill Hoffman is retiring from his Cox Media Group president post at the end of the year. Taking over in January will be current executive vice president of national ad platforms and president of Cox Reps, Kim Guthrie. Cox Enterprises president and CEO John Dyer says, “Kim has been with Cox for nearly 20 years and is an inspirational leader who has helped our media properties transform. She played a key role in the successful creation of Cox Media Group in 2008 and has been recognized as one of the media industry’s most influential leaders. She is a natural fit to ensure Cox Media Group continues to deliver innovative products and compelling news content.”
Report: CBS RADIO to Take on $1.5 Billion in Debt. This report from Reuters, says that sources are telling it that CBS RADIO is preparing to take on as much as $1.5 billion in debt ahead of its initial public offering that’s expected to take place but still has no firm time frame. According the report, the bulk of the proceeds would be paid back to parent CBS Corp. with the rest to be used by CBS RADIO for “general corporate purposes.” In its report, Reuters notes that “a radio company IPO may be a tough sale as new digital competitors have emerged and depressed advertising sales for the medium for years.” Read the Reuters story here.
Lew Dickey Pens Book on Changing Media Landscape. The book is published by Tourbillion International – a subsidiary of the Dickey family-owned Modern Luxury Media – and is titled, The New Modern Media – Remaking Media for a Mobile Culture. We now know what Lew Dickey has been doing since he was ousted from the Cumulus CEO role last year. The book is described as “an indispensable guide to the profound and disruptive changes rocking the media industry. It examines the implications of a new, mobile culture and challenges the widely held belief that most media companies’ true source of profits is their content. It makes the case for the importance of distribution as a key driver of firm value in the legacy media
business model, be it a newspaper, magazine, record label, television network, local broadcast television or radio station.” In the book Dickey makes the case for why traditional “radio broadcasters will be unlikely to benefit from subscription revenue for their core service, leaving them highly exposed to the ad markets.” iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman is quoted reviewing the book, “I’ve spent my entire professional life in the media business, and today technology is enabling media to evolve at an ever-faster pace to meet consumers’ changing needs. Lew’s book is a timely resource for anyone working or investing in the media industry – shedding an important light on some of the critical challenges and opportunities inherent in today’s vibrant and complex media landscape.” Pittman’s iHeartRadio just announced a two-tier subscription service last week – clearly another step in the grand plan to transform iHeartMedia from a legacy radio company to a competitor in the digital entertainment industry. But getting back to Lew’s book, it’s a safe bet this will be the talk of the radio business this week.
Mike Gallagher Broadcasts from Hofstra University. In advance of tonight’s first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Salem Radio Networks syndicated personality Mike Gallagher broadcast his program from Hofstra University on Long Island, the site of tonight’s debate. Gallagher’s guests included pollster Pat Caddell, Republican National Committee communications director Sean Spicer, Trump campaign co-chair Sam Clovis, and, via telephone, vice presidential candidate Mike Pence. Gallagher says, “I’ve bird-dogged these candidates through the primaries and caucuses and both national conventions. So, it is a thrill to bring my audience into the final hours of preparation for this historic debate which is expected to draw 100 million or more via radio and TV.”
iHeartMedia Launches New Tucson Talk Station. This will be a sister talk station to iHeartMedia’s existing news/talk KNST and consists primarily of syndicated fare. KTZR flipped from Spanish music to talk this morning (9/26) as “The Talk of Tucson.” The programming lineup is: Premiere’s Glenn Beck in morning drive, followed by USA Radio’s “Trending Today USA with Rusty Humphries,” Westwood One’s “The Savage Nation,” KTRH, Houston-based, syndicated personality Michael Berry, local personality Rob Hunter, Premiere’s “AMERICA Now with Meghan McCain,” “Ground Zero,” “AMERICA Now Rewind,” and GCN’s Alex Jones.
Alan Henry Memoir Published. One of the progenitors of modern day talk radio and the all-news formats has written his memoir. Alan Henry’s new book is titled, A Man And His Medium: An Indelible Signature on Radio Television Cable. It was a young Alan Henry – charged with turning around Metromedia’s poorly rated KLAC, Los Angeles – who hired raconteur Joe Pyne to host the evening program. Pyne had just been fired by crosstown KABC. Henry and programmer Jim Lightfoot gave Pyne control over his show content and the program took off, eventually being syndicated to more than 250 radio stations. Henry’s influence continued when, after leaving KLAC, he joined Westinghouse in New York and proposed a new all-news format for WINS. He was named sales manager of the station and, although it took a while to bring advertisers around, history reveals its eventual success.
The Presidential Race/First Debate, Police Shootings of Blacks, Syrian Civil War/U.S.-Russian Military Tensions, George Bush-Michelle Obama Photo, Growing National Anthem Protests, MLB Playoff Push and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton and the buildup to this evening’s debate; the aftermath of the recent Tulsa and Charlotte shooting deaths of black men by police; the Syrian civil war and Russia’s role in the bombing of Aleppo and air convoys; Saturday’s dedication of the African American History Museum in Washington and chatter about the widely published photo of Michelle Obama hugging George W. Bush; National Anthem protests spread to the college football ranks; the playoff push in Major League Baseball, and Sunday’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Odds & Sods. There are changes in the air talent lineup at ESPN-owned/Cumulus operated KESN-FM, Dallas. Matt Mosley leaves the station and his afternoon drive partner Tim Cowlishaw. Midday personality Mark Friedman also exits the station where he co-hosted with Steve Dennis. There are rumors in the market that Dennis will join Cowlishaw in afternoons and Jean-Jacques Taylor and Will Chambers will take over the midday show…..Radiohio-owned sports talker WBNS, Columbus “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” extends its relationship with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets for another three seasons. WBNS’ partner – Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting System’s alternative WWCD “CD102.5” – will serve as the secondary signals for the team’s games…..GatesAir announces three important wins in Vietnam that signify the over-the-air TV and radio transformation taking shape across the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam Television recently placed two orders for transmitter network expansions. On the radio side, Vietnam is investing in existing FM infrastructure with improvement and expansion projects. Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, recently ordered five Flexiva air-cooled solid-state transmitters — two 5kW and three 10kW models — for VOV4, which serves as the broadcaster’s Ethnic Languages Channel.
The Yappy Tour Rolls On. Prolific radio talk show producer turned author Bernadette Duncan recently brought her “Yappy Tour” to the television viewers of Western Massachusetts by appearing as a guest on the WGGB-TV (ABC-40) “Western Mass News” to discuss her buzz-worthy book, Yappy Days; Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (AuthorHouse/Talkers Books, 2016). The book recounts Duncan’s 26-year career as a producer of radio talk shows working with such big-name talents as Larry King, Sally Jessy Raphael, Lou Dobbs, Tom Snyder, Gil Gross, Charles Osgood and many more during modern talk radio’s pre- and post-9/11 “golden era.” Plus, she tells stories about behind-the-scenes encounters with hundreds of guests from the worlds of show business, politics, media, business and literature. Above, Duncan (left) is pictured with newsman/show host Chris Pisano (right) on Channel 40’s “Western Mass News” midday talk show. Duncan’s national “Yappy Tour” will roll on through the remainder of the year. She has already appeared on more than 25 local and syndicated programs. Hosts and shows interested in booking Bernadette Duncan can do so by calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
Friday, September 2, 2016
KKOB-AM, Albuquerque Turns on FM Translator. Usually, the acquisition and implementation of an FM translator for an AM news/talk station is not such a big deal. But this one raised some eyebrows because of the price Cumulus Media is paying for K233CG, Sandia, New Mexico at 94.5 FM and its coverage of the market. As has been widely reported in the industry trades, Cumulus is paying owner Martha Whitman $425,000 for the signal. Because she recently closed on her purchase of the translator from EMF for $61,413, by law she has to wait a year before selling it. So, Cumulus is renting it for $1,000 per month and will take ownership in a year with those payments applying against the purchase price. Regarding the signal, as Cumulus notes, “The translator on top of Sandia Mountain is equivalent to a 50,000 watt FM and reaches all of the Albuquerque metro area with its powerful signal. The FM simulcast will broadcast all the same award-winning talk programming that has made 770 KKOB the #1/#2 station consistently for more than 20 years on the new 94.5 FM position, as well as on its 94-year-old home at 770 AM.” Program director Pat Frisch adds, “This is an exciting time for all of us here at KKOB, and one that has been years in the making. We look forward to introducing our great talk radio programming to thousands of new listeners that live on the FM dial.”
Clay Travis Takes Over Mornings on FOX Sports Radio with ‘Outkick the Coverage’ Show. Nashville-based sports media star Clay Travis’ new sports talk radio program “Outkick the Coverage with Clay Travis” is the new Eastern Time morning drive program (6:00 am to 9:00 am) from FOX Sports Radio, effective Tuesday,
September 6. The program bumps “Daybreak with Andy Furman and Mike North” to Sunday mornings. Travis is the founder of OutKickTheCoverage.com from which he’s been producing his video webcast, “OutKick the Show.” He will continue to host the webcast streamed live on Facebook, Periscope, YouTube, FOX Sports GO and FOXSports.com. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott states, “FOX Sports Radio’s Don Martin, Scott Shapiro and I couldn’t be more excited to add Clay Travis to this already strong lineup. Clay is bold, opinionated and entertaining, and we’re confident ‘Outkick the Coverage’ will be home to some of the most thought provoking sports talk programming each morning, while driving immediate reaction from his large and engaged national audience.”
Nielsen Audio Releases Fourth Round of August 2016 PPM Data. The fourth of four rounds of August 2016 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. The August 2016 survey period covered July 14 through August 10. You can find the complete 6+ ratings numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS/RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Twelve Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
The Presidential Race Top News/Talk Story for Week of August 29-September 2. The presidential race was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Donald Trump’s Mexico Visit tied with immigration policy. Coming in at #3 was the Tuesday primary elections and, following at #4 was Colin Kaepernick ‘National Anthem’ protest. 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.
Progressive Host/Commentator Bill Press Interviewed on Harrison Podcast. Multi-media, progressive talk show host and commentator Bill Press steps up to the plate as this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne program “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Press, a veteran of CNN’s heritage political debate show “Crossfire” and a number of other left-versus-right forums, has an extraordinary background in politics, radio, TV,
newspapers and books that goes all the way back to the 1970s. Today, he still does it all, including a daily, morning political radio talk show heard on a network of approximately 50 terrestrial stations with a cable TV simulcast and boasting a huge international online listenership. Harrison and Press engage in a not-to-be-missed candid conversation about the presidential election, the state of national politics and the impact modern media is having upon the process of news dissemination. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
The Yappy Tour Rolls On. It has been a busy week of appearances on some of the biggest and best talk shows in America as author and former radio producer Bernadette Duncan promotes her sizzling new book, Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (AuthorHouse/Talkers Books, 2016). The book recounts Duncan’s 26-year career as a producer of radio talk shows working with such big-name talents as Larry King, Sally Jessy Raphael, Lou Dobbs, Tom Snyder, Gil Gross, Charles Osgood and many more during modern talk radio’s pre- and post-9/11 “golden era.” Plus, she tells stories about behind-the-scenes encounters with hundreds of guests from the worlds of show business, politics, media, business and literature. Duncan (l) is pictured above with talk radio icon Howie Carr (r) after being interviewed by him yesterday (9/1) in his brand new, ultra-modern, multi-media studios in Boston. Duncan’s national “Yappy Tour” will roll on through the remainder of the year. Hosts and shows interested in booking her can do so by calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
Bernadette Duncan’s “Yappy Days” Released Today
Highly anticipated historical memoir reveals candid behind-the-scenes look at talk radio and its big-time stars of the day from the perspective of a young female producer during the genre’s golden decades
By Kevin Casey
TALKERS
VP/Executive Editor
SPRINGFIELD, MA — Bernadette Duncan spent 26 years as a radio talk show producer between 1983 and 2009. In her newly released book, YAPPY DAYS: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (AuthorHouse/Talkers Brooks, 2016), she vividly recounts her adventures in the trenches of big-time talk radio during its most dynamic decades – set against the dramatically changing backdrop of America’s pre- and post-9/11 cultural realities.
Juicy stories and details
Bernadette writes interesting details about hundreds of names – from the high-profile hosts for whom she worked, to the many more she met and knew, to the non-stop parade of famous celebrity and newsmaker guests she booked (and, in many cases, babysat) along the way. And she’s not shy about sharing the juicy tidbits of her experiences with these personalities as well as her recollections about the very processes that make talk radio fascinating. The book is about “the character of characters.”
The candidly told story focuses on Bernadette’s first-hand impressions of the sometimes-quirky, extremely talented, performers whom she served as a producer during her career. Namely, Larry King, Sally Jessy Raphael, Tom Snyder, Gil Gross, Charles Osgood and Lou Dobbs. In the process, the reader follows her growth from innocent, wide-eyed, newbie – who at the tender age of 12 sent a fan letter to Sally Jessy Raphael – to becoming a seasoned media professional standing her ground in hostile toe-to-toe situations with such broadcasting bruisers as Lou Dobbs and Geraldo Rivera.