Tag: "Christopher Ruddy"
Friday, January 23, 2015
Fredericksburg Stations to Join Alpha Media Portfolio. Still in acquisition mode, Portland, Oregon-based Alpha Media announces it will acquire the four-station Free Lance-Star Radio group. The stations include: country WFLS and talk WNTX in Fredericksburg, Virginia; CHR WVBX, Spotsylvania, Virginia; and classic rock WWUZ, Bowling Green, Virginia. Alpha chairman Larry Wilson comments on the deal, “Around 50 miles from Washington D.C., Fredericksburg is a thriving place that continues to grow. It will be a nice addition to our East Coast footprint. I feel privileged to be able to get into that market and work with the great people there.” The stations were acquired by Sandton Capital in a bankruptcy auction and the firm must divest of the signals to comply with cross-ownership regulations. Free Lance-Star operates print and digital publications in the market. George Reed of Media Services Group is the broker for Free Lance-Star Radio.
Jim Sumpter Show Renewed on USA Radio Networks. The midday Jim Sumpter program will continue to be syndicated via the USA Radio Networks after the two parties agreed to a renewal deal. The Jim Sumpter show airs live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET Monday through Friday and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturdays. In a press statement USA Radio Networks says, “Jim brings a powerfully unique presentation of storytelling and interpretation of current events from a constitutional perspective that translates to compelling radio that draws listeners in as few other hosts can.” Sumpter comments, “The content of my show challenges establishment elites – especially politicians who say one thing, but do another and media organizations who shirk away from truthful reporting – that it takes a special group of courageous patriots who both get it and are committed to supporting it. I’m grateful for this opportunity from Sam Hassell, Sherrie Roberts, and Tim Maranville to give me the venue and support to make a lot of noise, stir up a lot of trouble, and do a lot of good. This is going to be fun.”
Newsmax Signs Deal with NCTC Adding Nearly 12 Million Subscribers. A new deal between Newsmax TV and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), will provide Newsmax TV access to 900-plus member cable systems, encompassing nearly 12 million MVPD subscribers. Newsmax Media founder Christopher Ruddy says, “This NCTC agreement further accelerates our focus on securing carriage with independent cable operators country wide and is an important component of our goal to reach 50 million-plus subscribers for our first year on-air anniversary. Initial meetings with many NCTC members indicate a widespread reception that we anticipate will lead to notable launches in 2015.” Newsmax TV, which the company says targets the underserved baby boomer audience, is already carried by DISH and DIRECTV in approximately 35 million cable/satellite homes.
Round Three of Holiday PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of Holiday 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. The survey period was December 4 to December 31. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page at RadioInfo.com here.
Ninth Annual ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Event Scheduled for April 15 and 16. The annual Washington, DC radio row produced by the Federation for American Immigration Reform will take place on Monday and Tuesday, April 15 and 16 at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill. As in the eight years prior, the event will consist of talk hosts from across the country broadcasting live, debating immigration policy while interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists and citizens who live along the border. FAIR says that “this year’s event will focus on the aftermath of President Obama’s amnesty and his continued abuse of executive power, the GOP’s internal battle over how to tackle immigration and the ongoing border crisis with its implications for national security risks.” Event general manager and FAIR spokesman Bob Dane comments, “Politicians fear and respect the amplitude of talk radio. Hold Their Feet to the Fire speaks for millions of radio listeners and, this year, will prove that the mic is mightier than Obama’s pen.” For talk show hosts wishing to take part in this year’s radio row, reservations are required and hosts/producers should call now. There is no cost to attend and all technical engineering and ISDN lines are provided by Silver Lake Audio of New York, the official engineering firm for Hold Their Feet to the Fire. Congressional guests, activists, high-profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews. Contact Bob Dane or Anna Giaritelli for more information at 202-328-7004 or bdane@fairus.org or agiaritelli@fairus.org.
Odds & Sods. The new American General Media sports talker in Bakersfield – KGEO “1230 AM ESPN” – is adding a live and local program beginning Monday (1/26) as the Greg Kerr show debuts. The local sports media pro will take to the air from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm daily for the station that launched late last year…..Baseball broadcaster Jeff Levering is moving up to the big leagues from his gig with the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox to the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network broadcast team. Levering is going to be the play-by-play voice for select road games this season as he joins Bob Uecker and Joe Block. He’ll also contribute content for the Brewers’ digital platform…..ESPN Audio announces its new weekend program lineup. Eight new shows are being added, including the two-hour “espnW Presents: Spain & Prim on ESPN Radio,” co-hosted by espnW’s and ESPN Chicago 1000 Radio’s Sarah Spain and ESPN anchor and analyst Prim Siripipat. Additional shows debuting in the new lineup are: Marty & McGee, Dave Rothenberg Show, Dickerson & Hood, Robin Lundberg, Coachman & Bretos, Ian Fitzsimmons and “NBA Lockdown: Insiders.”
KKOB, Albuquerque’s Terrie Q. Sayre Passes Unexpectedly. KKOB, Albuquerque program director Pat Frisch informs TALKERS that station weekend personality Terrie Q. Sayre died unexpectedly at the age of 54. Frisch says, “It is with deep sadness that I tell you we lost a true friend, a bright lite in the 770 KKOB family.” Frisch says Sayre handled weekend mornings for Cumulus Media’s news/talk KKOH, Reno for several years before moving to Albuquerque and doing weekends for KKOB for the past seven years. Sayre was a former show girl for Harrah’s and Caesars Lake Tahoe and was Mrs. Nevada 1998. She was married to Skip Sayre and is survived by a brother.
State of the Union and Obama Tax Plan Top News/Talk Stories This Week. The State of the Union Address and President Obama’s tax plan tied as the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 was the “no-go zones” controversy and the related militant Islam issues. Coming in at #3 was ISIS’ holding of two Japanese nationals for ransom and following at #4 was the 2016 presidential prospects. 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. View this week’s entire chart here.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Another Big Vehicle for Newsmax TV. On the heels of the recent announcement by Newsmax that its Newsmax TV programming will be added to the channel lineup at DirecTV, comes today’s announcement that the programming will also be available on DISH Network beginning with a soft launch on June 16. Newsmax Media says this addition of 35 million homes and businesses puts Newsmax in more than one-third of U.S. cable and satellite homes. 
Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “Newsmax TV’s agreement with DISH further accelerates our path to initial carriage in 40% of U.S. homes.” Ruddy adds that he expects Newsmax TV’s distribution to grow by the time the channel, “which targets the interests and needs of an underserved Baby Boomer audience,” officially launches this fall. About the content to be seen on Newsmax TV, the company states that “Newsmax TV differentiates itself from other news services by providing independent news with a ‘mainstream conservative’ tilt, though it will be open to all points of view. More than just a politically focused channel, Newsmax TV will provide a full range of informational programming and lifestyle content for Boomers in the areas of health, finance, and personal well-being.” Newsmax TV will soft launch 24/7 with nine hours of live programming, expanding to 18 hours of live programming by year’s end. The programming will place an emphasis on practical, useful information that is relevant to the lives of a large, underserved adult audience. In addition to securing the main satellite television providers, Newsmax TV also plans a major OTT platform rollout, with penetration estimated in excess of 100 million iOS and Android smart devices.
Talkers New York 2014 Sold Out. The extra space provided by a new venue notwithstanding, registrations for Talkers New York 2014, the 17th annual installment of talk radio’s longest running national convention are sold out. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “With nine more days to go and significantly more space than the last five gatherings, it is extremely gratifying to see the tremendous support being given to this exciting and productive conference as indicated by yet another advance sellout. All of us at TALKERS are grateful to the industry and we will do our best to make this the best annual convention we’ve ever presented. Considering the stellar lineup of speakers and powerful roster of registrants from all sectors of talk media, I have no doubt this will be the ‘big’ one that they’ll be talking about for years to come.” Talkers New York 2014 takes place on Friday, June 20 at the iconic India House (an official landmark) located in the heart of New York’s historic Financial District. For up-to-the minute agenda details and sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
Three National Murrow Awards for CBS Radio News. Among the radio news networks, CBS Radio News was a big winner, garnering three national Edward R. Murrow awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association. CBS Radio News was honored for: Best Newscast, Best Continuing Coverage and Best Writing. CBS Radio News vice president Harvey Nagler comments, “As I have said before, these awards are an acknowledgment of the consistently outstanding work our staff performs day in and day out. It is a tribute to them that when the biggest story of the year occurred CBS once again was the place to go.” Nagler is referring to the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 for which the network won Best Newscast anchored by Steve Kathan and Paul Farry. That news event was also the subject of coverage for which it won the Continuing Coverage award. Bob Schieffer, anchor of “Face the Nation” and CBS News chief Washington correspondent, won in the Writing category for his commentary about Washington legislators. The awards will be presented at a dinner in New York on Monday, October 6.
ESPN Radio Content Available on iTunes Radio. TALKERS magazine tipped readers that this deal was coming and now it’s official. The deal between sports giant ESPN and Apple’s iTunes Radio makes ESPN Radio talk shows and events available on iTunes Radio and, according to a press release, will bring “expanded local station content to its listeners in the future.” The live ESPN Radio network stream being offered includes: Mike & Mike, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” “SVP & 
Russillo,” the Dan LeBatard show, “Sedano & Stink,” and the Freddie Coleman show. The deal also includes live sports events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Major League Baseball including the playoffs and World Series, season-long college football, US Open Golf, and college basketball. Tonight’s Atlanta Braves vs. Colorado Rockies game will be the first live sporting event to be heard. ESPN SVP Traug Keller comments, “We are thrilled to make our industry-leading sports talk and championship play-by-play content available to fans via iTunes Radio. And we are excited to partner with Apple to expand our digital reach. Our fans can look forward to expanded ESPN Audio offerings on both the national and local sports levels in the future.”
TheBlaze Radio Network Fourth of July Special Available. A Fourth of July news/talk radio special is being made available via Premiere Networks. The program is a three-hour show produced by Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze Radio Network titled, “TheBlaze Radio Network’s Independence: The Power of the Individual” hosted by Doc Thompson and Skip LaCombe. Premiere says the show examines “the power of the individual and the importance of self-governance, as well as a look at the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence.” The special will also feature guest appearances by several hosts, writers and editors of TheBlaze and TheBlaze.com, including S.E. Cupp, Will Cain, Mike Slater, Mike Opelka, Jay Severin, Mike Broomhead, Chris Salcedo and others. The show is available for air from July 4-6.
Entercom Launches ’95.7 ESPN’ in Rochester Market. The debut of the sports talk signal in the Rochester market happens on translator W239BF at 95.7 — formerly licensed to Greece, New York on the northwestern edge of the market. Entercom was able to move the signal a bit southeast and change the city of license to Rochester. It purchased the translator from Family Life Ministries for $150,000.
Good Things Happen in Miami. Just ask Mike Greenberg (left) and Mike Golic (right) about the fun in the sun in Miami. The ESPN morning duo Mike & Mike broadcast live from Lummus Park in Miami today (6/11) as they cover the NBA Finals and were visited by model Erin Heatherton (center) on the set. Heatherton – a Chicago native – talked about the comparisons between Michael Jordan and LeBron James as well as the Spurs’ game 3 victory and meeting Mike & Mike at the NBA All-Star Game.
Child Immigrant Refugees Case/Amnesty Proposals, Hillary Clinton Book, Bergdahl Deal/Terror Suspects Return to Battle, Dave Brat-Eric Cantor Primary, Climate Change Debate, and NBA-NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/10). The influx of minor refugees pouring across the U.S. borders and renewed debate over amnesty for illegal aliens; Hillary Clinton’s newest memoir and her statements about the family’s financial status upon leaving the White House; the Bowe Bergdahl-terror suspect swap and concerns over released prisoners returning to the terror battlefield; the Virginia primary race between House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Tea Party-backed candidate Dave Brat; ongoing debate over climate change and global carbon emissions policy; 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.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Newsmax TV to Launch on DirecTV Next Month. Wider distribution is ahead for Newsmax Media Inc’s Newsmax TV channel as the conservative news and talk outlet will be available on DirecTV beginning in mid-June. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says the deal that will put Newsmax TV in the homes and businesses of 20 million subscribers will start with nine hours of live programming. Currently, Newsmax TV is available online at Newsmax.com. Ruddy states, “Our launch will benefit from the existing Newsmax.com audience that is already in place. This audience will naturally be drawn to our brand of news, features and useful information and consist of one of the highest concentrations of baby boomers on the web. We will immediately plug into that audience to participate in the development and the evolution of the channel prior to a national launch.” Newsmax says that in addition to planned cable and satellite distribution, the new channel will be available via a wide range of “TV Everywhere” platforms just as the “crucial 2014 mid-term election coverage commences.” Ruddy adds, “Newsmax was born online and as the lines between TV and the web blur, we will attract a growing audience that doesn’t differentiate between the two. As a result, we are also well positioned to maximize the opportunities provided by ‘TV Everywhere’ platforms to reach tens of millions of Americans.”
Becker Becomes L&L Broadcasting’s VP/Programming. Former Oasis Radio Fort Wayne, Indiana general manager Phil Becker is appointed vice president of programming for L&L Broadcasting. “As a continuation of our rapid growth, we have been searching for the ideal candidate to help our programming teams execute strategies for on-air, online, and mobile audience growth,” comments L&L Broadcasting president and chief executive officer Bob Proffitt. “Phil is the absolute perfect fit for us and will not only be a dynamic addition to our corporate structure, but a welcoming face to our markets as he helps them continue to evolve.” Senior vice president/director of programming Scott Mahalick states, “We are thrilled to have such a 
visionary programmer join our team with a winning track record; great passion for the art of the product; business sense; and stellar leadership traits.” Becker remarks that the L&L Broadcasting team is “truly focused on their brands, as well as hiring the best people. The direction and vision of the entire corporate team is an exciting and refreshing approach to the industry that I love.” Prior to becoming Oasis Radio Fort Wayne’s GM, Becker was its operations manager and director of programming. His previous background includes programming tenures at Cox Radio Group Orlando rhythmic CHR WPYO “Power 95.3″; CKEY, Fort Erie Ontario (Buffalo-Niagara Falls); and in Dothan, Alabama for New South Communications. In April, Larry Wilson announced that Alpha Broadcasting and L&L Broadcasting would merge into one company – Alpha Media. When that merger is complete, the company will operate 68 stations.
Apple-Beats Deal Overshadows iTunes Radio’s Non-Music Deals. The just announced deal that Apple is acquiring Beats Music and Beats Electronics for $3 billion is the subject of a lot of chatter in the financial and music/radio sectors. While the music angle is what Apple CEO
Tim Cook appears to be focused on, spoken-word audio programming is not escaping Apple’s eye. Almost buried under the Beats acquisition news is Apple’s announcement that it is creating an ESPN channel for iTunes Radio that will make its ESPN Radio content – Mike & Mike, Colin Cowherd, SVP & Russillo, and SportsCenter – available to iTunes Radio listeners. This comes on the heels of the March addition of the NPR channel to the service. Also, 9to5Mac is reporting that the ESPN station will carry this year’s World Cup live. While analysts are speculating largely about how this will affect SiriusXM, obviously this is another platform to compete with AM/FM radio, as well.
Marc James Moves from Charlotte to Atlanta for CBS RADIO. The sudden disappearance of afternoon drive sports talk host Marc James from the lineup at CBS RADIO’s WFNZ, Charlotte “The Fan” is explained as he moves southwest to Atlanta to partner up with Carl Dukes on WZGC “92.9 The Game” to 
co-host “Game Time” from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm effective Monday, June 2. The station also brings Mark Zinno in from its WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan,” as TALKERS reported yesterday. WZGC program director Terry Foxx states, “Both Marc James and Mark Zinno bring unique perspectives to the Atlanta radio market. Marc James’ strong opinions will be a solid addition to Carl Dukes’ ability to objectively deliver content and Mark Zinno provides a global vision and a powerful punch to the Night Show.” Back in Charlotte, local blogger Randy Inman writes on his Panther Lair blog that he hears the candidate most likely to replace James on the PM drive show at WFNZ is Chris Kroeger.
South Central Properties Dealt to Midwest Communications. Some extremely successful sticks are about to exchange hands as Wausau, Wisconsin-based Midwest Communications is acquiring South Central Communications’ radio stations. (SummitMedia had announced intentions to buy the group for a rumored price somewhere in the range of $75 million, but that obviously fell apart.) Among the facilities involved are adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9″ and adult hits WCJK “Jack-FM” (both in Nashville); adult contemporary WJXB “Today’s Soft Rock,” rock WVRX “The X,” and classic rock WIMZ (all in
Knoxville); and adult contemporary WIKY, country WLFW “The Wolf,” CHR WSTO “Hot 96,” and classic rock WABX (all in Evansville, Indiana). According to South Central chief executive officer J.P. Engelbrecht, “We have found a great steward for our radio stations in Midwest Communications. They are good broadcasters who will build upon the legacy created by our outstanding team.” Midwest Communications chief executive officer Duke Wright comments, “We feel extremely fortunate to be acquiring one of America’s best-run radio groups. South Central and Midwest are entirely family-owned with both families being in the radio business for well over 50 years. We feel there is a lot of commonality between the companies – I am certain we will have much to share with each other.” Nashville AC “Mix 92.9″ is that market’s perennial top-ranked powerhouse (6+): In April’s PPM, it registers an 11.8 (#1, 6+). A similar ratings prowess exists for Evansville AC WIKY, which was #1 (12+) in the fall 2013 book with a robust 16.3. WSTO finished third (9.1); WABX was fifth (5.0); and WLFW ranked seventh (4.1). Nashville’s WCJK ranks eighth in April (6+) with a 5.1. South Central did not subscribe for the latest Knoxville numbers, so its three stations there are not listed. The Wright Family formed Midwest Communications in 1958. Midwest Communications presently owns 63 radio outlets in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Terms of the transaction – for which Kalil & Company was the exclusive broker – were not disclosed.
Jenkins to Enter New Mexico Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. News pro Judith Jenkins will be inducted into the New Mexico Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame on June 7. The longtime KKOB, Albuquerque morning news anchor also worked at KKOB-TV during her career. In addition to her duties on KKOB’s morning program alongside Ed Hartley, Jenkins also handles news duties for Cumulus’ FM stations in the Albuquerque cluster. She will be the first African American elected to the New Mexico Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
Madison Rising Official National Anthem Performer for Talkers New York 2014. When the Talkers New York 2014 conference opens on June 20, at the India House in the Financial District, the band Madison Rising will serve as the official performer of the national anthem. You can check out this band’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner in the Talkers TV box on the upper right side of this page. Talkers VP/executive editor Kevin Casey says, “Not since Jimi Hendrix laid down his iconic (and controversial!) rendition of the national anthem at Woodstock in 1969 has such a tremendously soul-stirring version of this song, performed in the rock idiom, been recorded. Not only is Madison Rising an extremely talented band, their version of the Star Spangled Banner puts you on the edge of your seat!” For more information about Talkers New York 2014, click here.
Odds & Sods. Omaha talk show host Tom Becka says he’s not looking for a fight with SiriusXM but says, contrary to the satcaster’s claim that host Maggie Linton did the last radio interview with author Maya Angelou before her death on Sunday, he actually did. The KOIL talk host tells TALKERS magazine he did what he believes is her last radio interview on May 13. You can hear that
Thom Hartmann to Receive 2014 Freedom of Speech Award. The TALKERS editorial board has named progressive radio and television talk show host Thom Hartmann as the 2014 recipient of The Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The award recognizes broadcasting achievement in raising consciousness and awareness of the First Amendment, displaying courage and commitment in exercising First Amendment rights and contributing to the viability of the First Amendment through deed and example. The award, one of the most prestigious and high-profile honors presented to individuals in the talk media industry, has a colorful (and often controversial) history that goes back to the early 1990s when the modern era of talk radio emerged and the format became recognized as an influential forum of public policy and social change following the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine. It was re-named in honor of talk radio pioneer Gene Burns upon his death in May 2013. TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey states, “Gene Burns was the model by which the Freedom of Speech Award and the Annual State of the First Amendment Address delivered at our national conventions were developed. It is only 
fitting that this institution bears the name of this great champion of the ideals and foundation upon which contemporary spoken-word radio is built.” Last year’s recipient of the Freedom of Speech Award was Glenn Beck. Recent recipients include Rush Limbaugh, Al Franken, Sean Hannity, Alan Colmes, Jim Farley, Juan Williams, Joe Madison, Michael Savage, Norm Pattiz, Bill O’Reilly, Matt Drudge, G. Gordon Liddy and Brian Lamb among many others. Upon making the announcement of Thom Hartmann’s selection as this year’s recipient, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “It is about time the industry recognizes the enormous contributions Thom Hartmann makes in keeping our industry representative of the spectrum of legitimate political ideologies at play in the American marketplace of ideas. Not only has he effectively kept the voice of liberalism alive in this arena with intellectual clarity, poise and civility for more than a decade — he has, in the process, developed and pioneered effective new, multi-media platform models and has amazingly bridged the artificial programming and business gap between commercial and public broadcasting.” The Thom Hartmann Program, launched in 2003 and represented by WYD Media, is on the radio live weekdays 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm ET, and is syndicated by WestwoodOne, Pacifica, and CRN Digital Talk. It’s heard nationally on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, American Forces Radio, and is simulcast as television on the Free Speech TV network – which airs on both Direct TV and the Dish satellite TV systems, and several hundred cable systems, from Manhattan Neighborhood Networks to smaller systems from Burlington, Vermont to Seattle, Washington. The show is carried online by Progressive Voices on the TuneIn app, by NetRootsRadio, and streams live on its own YouTube and LiveStream channels. Close to 200 commercial and non-commercial radio stations carry Thom Hartmann’s show in the U.S., Ghana, Aruba, and Canada. In addition to radio, this entrepreneurial broadcaster also hosts “The Big Picture” TV show, that is owned and produced by Thom Hartmann and represented by WYD Media. It airs live nationwide on cable and satellite TV at 7:00 pm ET and 10:00 pm ET in an estimated 60 million-plus U.S. households via his licensing agreement with Free Speech TV, and is available in 107 countries in more than 600 million homes around the world via his licensing agreement with RT TV. The Big Picture is also carried by 200-plus community cable systems. It’s also available on Hulu and via Roku on the internet, and has its own YouTube channel. Hartmann’s website this year has had over a million unique visitors, and has an active community with its own user blogs, message board, and chat room. He has over 65,000 Facebook followers, and 37,000 Twitter followers, and over 15 million YouTube views just this year with over 60,000 subscribers to his YouTube channels. He’s the New York Times bestselling, four-time Project Censored Award winning author of 24 books in print in 17 languages on five continents. TALKERS named Thom Hartmann as the eighth most important talk show host in America in 2011, 2012, and 2013 (10th the two previous years), and for three of the past five years the #1 most important progressive host, in its “Heavy Hundred” ranking. The Freedom of Speech Award will be presented to Thom Hartmann at Talkers New York 2014. There will be more than 65 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. The cost is $249 per person which includes all sessions, receptions, food and refreshments. Registrations can only be booked over the phone with credit card. Call 413-565-5413. Again, a sellout is expected shortly. For up to the minute agenda information and further details please click here.
Gabe Hobbs Arrested! Noted media consultant Gabe Hobbs is appealing to friends and colleagues to help rescue him from the MDA lockup – he needs $3,500 to be set free. Hobbs tells TALKERS he’s dedicating his efforts to return to civil society to late Clear Channel Omaha/Lincoln operations manager Jim Steel who was lost to ALS in 2007. He says he’s been humbled by the number of people who actually want to see him on the outside and have donated. “But I need more. Prison life just doesn’t suit me and I have no idea how to make a shiv so the best thing would be for me to make bail.” To free Gabe and donate to the MDA click here.
UCSB Killings/U.S. Gun Laws, VA Hospitals Scandal, Prince Charles Anti-Capitalism Speech, Marine Held in Mexico Case, Kerry-Snowden Spat, U.S. GDP Dips, and NBA-NHL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/28). The aftermath of the deadly shootings at the University of California Santa Barbara and discussion about gun legislation; the continuing investigation into the scandals reported at VA hospitals; reaction to Prince Charles’ speech in which he advocates a new “inclusive capitalism”; the case of the U.S. Marine being held in Mexico on gun charges; Secretary of State John Kerry’s reaction to the Edward Snowden interview; the dip in the U.S. gross domestic product; and the NBA and NHL playoff action were among the top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Conservative Talk Host Steve Malzberg Begins New Project with Newsmax. Longtime New York City conservative talk host Steve Malzberg – he’s worked at WABC and WOR – is joining the talk media initiative of Newsmax, the Florida-based conservative news and opinion outlet. Malzberg is doing an afternoon drive program (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET) that will air online in both audio and video formats and for which Newsmax will seek terrestrial radio affiliates. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “When I first heard Steve Malzberg on WABC he was an innovator in bridging radio content with other media. He developed that talent further at WOR with ratings success and I think he will bring the same type of innovation and success to Newsmax TV.” The program will emanate from Newsmax’s New York City offices and begin on February 4.
Schnitt Versus Bubba: Day 4. The defamation case Compass Media Networks talk show host Todd Schnitt filed against Bubba the Love Sponge (Todd Clem) was back in session Tuesday after a break for the Monday holiday. 
Plaintiff Schnitt took the stand (as did Bubba producer Brent Hatley) and told the jury how his life and career changed after Bubba returned to the air in Tampa in 2008 and the morning show battle began. In order to win the case, Schnitt must convince the jury that he suffered damages and that’s what he tried to do on the stand yesterday as he painted a picture of feeling harassed both via email and telephone and in person through physical confrontations with the “Bubba Army” as Todd Clem’s radio fans are called. WTSP, Tampa reports that when asked if his reputation had been harmed, Schnitt replied, “Yeah, I consider myself, still, a broadcaster in good standing. But um… not as good as it used to be.” That Schnitt and his wife were affected by the battle being waged by Bubba is pretty clear. The goal for Schnitt’s attorney is to get the jury to believe that Bubba the Love Sponge was responsible for their pain and suffering.
WTOP’s Jim Farley to Retire. He’s not going anywhere right away but WTOP, Washington vice president of news and programming Jim Farley announces he’ll work full time through 2013 and step down into a consultant role with Hubbard and WTOP after that. In his official announcement, he says he’ll remain dedicated to the brand. “I bleed WTOP blood and am deeply invested in our continued success. I plan to stay involved until I start to drool conspicuously. I’ll be a proactive resource for Joel Oxley, Laurie Cantillo, WTOP, and Hubbard, and I will visit often. I have so many good friends in this building and spent the best part of my long career here. On to the next chapter, but not until 2014.”
Sports Talk Host Paul Finebaum Begins Sitting Out a 90-Day Non-Compete. Birmingham-based sports talk host Paul Finebaum has exited Cumulus’ WJOX, Birmingham and, according to the Birmingham Business Journal, his representatives say he will not entertain any media offers until the 90-day window has closed. Finebaum had been in a legal battle with Cumulus earlier this year but after numerous back-and-forths in court ended up working to the end of his deal with the company. That deal ended Monday. The smart money is on Finebaum landing at Cox Media’s crosstown WZNN but Finebaum’s camp is saying nothing until the 90-day period is over. (WZNN is one of a number of signals that Cox Media has put up for sale.) The paper also reports that Cumulus does have the right to match any offer Finebaum receives within the 90-day period but after that, Finebaum’s a free agent.
CBS Radio to Flip WNEW-AM, Washington to Sports Talk. For four months, CBS Radio aired “1580 Gov.Biz Radio” on WNEW-AM, Morningside, Maryland in the Washington, DC metro in hopes of competing with Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFED “Federal News Radio.” Now TALKERS learns that CBS will flip the AM signal to sports talk using the national programming from CBS Sports Radio Network. The station will also apply for the WJFK-AM call letters to match up with sister DC sports talker WJFK-FM.
Clear Channel Gives WLW, Cincinnati an FM Presence. It’s not a big presence – 99 watts on the translator W233BG at 94.5 – but according to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Kiesewetter, the signal reaches most potential listeners within the market’s I-275 loop. Clear Channel bought the translator from Northern Kentucky University and then moved the city of license from Port Union, Ohio to Cincinnati. Kiesewetter reports there’s been no comment from Clear Channel about why the need for an FM presence for “The Big One,” but speculates getting the market dominating talk station on FM where more people are listening is what local management wants in the long run. Another thing to consider is smart phones with radio receivers get FM, not AM.
KHRO, El Paso Talk Host Hector H. Lopez to run for Mayor. KHRO, El Paso afternoon drive host Hector H. Lopez has filed papers to run for mayor of El Paso. The election is May 11 and at this time there’s no indication when Lopez will step down from his radio show.
The VP Meets the Governor. New Townsquare Media regional vice president Greg Janoff (second from right) meets New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (second from left) on Tuesday, January 22 before he goes on the air on WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” for his monthly “Ask the Governor” program. Pictured here with the governor and Janoff are “Ask the Governor” host Eric Scott (right) and New Jersey 101.5 brand manager Eric Johnson (left).
Obama’s Second Term Agenda, Israel Parliamentary Election, Benghazi Attack Testimony, and Gallup American Optimism Poll Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/22). The agenda for President Obama’s second term as outlined in his Inauguration speech; the parliamentary elections in Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu’s likelihood to remain as prime minister; the pending testimony from Hillary Clinton on the Benghazi attack; and the Gallup poll that concludes American optimism is at its lowest point since the Carter Administration were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
