Tag: "Curtis Sliwa"
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Round One of March PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2020 PPM survey have been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San
Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The March survey covered February 27 through March 25. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his Ratings Takeaways from this batch of markets. The Covid-19 crisis began hitting the U.S. halfway through this survey – around March 13 – and the big gainers were the all-news stations. In New York, Entercom’s all-news stations WCBS-AM and WINS-AM were both up (weekly, 6+ AQH share) from the February survey – +0.5 and +1.1, respectively. iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles rose 0.4 shares for a 4.2 
share and the #5 rank in the market. Nexstar Media’s news/talk WGN-AM, Chicago increased six-tenths for a 4.5 share and the #5 rank, while Entercom’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago spikes 1.9 shares – the biggest February to March jump in this group of 12 markets – to finish March with a 7.7 share and the #1 rank in Chicago. Entercom’s all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco is up 1.2 shares for a 9.9 share and the #1 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta tacks on another 1.5 shares to finish March with a 12.9 share and its ninth straight #1 finish. Entercom’s KYW-AM, Philadelphia added 1.9 shares for a 6.6 share and a leap from #8 to #3. See Mike Kinosian’s Ratings Takeaways here.
KGO, San Francisco Brings John Rothmann Back for Evenings. Back in 2011, talk show host John Rothmann was let go from Cumulus Media’s news/talk KGO, San Francisco along with a number of other local air talent. Now, nine years later
Rothmann is back on the air holding down the 6:00 pm to 9:00 program (5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturdays). Rothmann is featured in a story in The Jewish News of Northern California and he tells the paper that being on the air during this pandemic comes at a time that people want to connect. “There is a huge hunger for KGO as a community forum, and I’m helping fill that role, and people are responding. My board is loaded from the time I come in until the time I head home.” He adds, “People crave contact with others, and because we no longer have the physical contact, talk radio is the most intimate, immediate medium, and KGO is the only live, local talk show.”
WABC Launches New Weekend Show. Dubbed, “The Right vs The Left,” the Sunday afternoon show on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York “TALKRADIO 77 WABC” “pits a WABC air personality on the right vs. well-known political
commentators and activists on the left to offer listeners opposing sides of a range of current issues.” This Sunday (4/19), WABC morning co-host Sid Rosenberg takes on left-leaning actor Michael Rapaport at 4:00 pm and WABC midday co-host Curtis Sliwa spars with “The Aggressive Progressive” Christopher Hahn at 5:00 pm. WABC program director Dave LaBrozzi says, “At WABC, our goal is to present both sides of the story so that our listeners can get to the truth of every issue. This special program does that in an entertaining joust between two strong, knowledgeable, opinionated-yet-open-minded personalities. The result is engaging talk radio that pulls in the audience and keeps them there.” The station says the program debuted last weekend with morning show co-host Bernard McGuirk going against Hahn and overwhelming response from listeners spurred it to set up the second and third matches, with the possibility of more right vs. left battles in the coming weeks.
President Trump Wanted to Host Daily Talk Radio Show; But Didn’t Want to Affect Rush Limbaugh’s Program. According to a piece in The New York Times, President Trump was eager to launch a daily, two-hour talk radio show in which he would take calls from Americans – without a call screener – to talk about the coronavirus pandemic. However, he balked because he didn’t want to compete with conservative media icon and supporter Rush Limbaugh. He would have wanted to do the program in afternoon, the time when Limbaugh’s Premiere Networks show airs live.
Coronavirus Statistics and Projections, WHO Funding, Trump vs Governors, Health Care System, China Under Scrutiny, and the November Election Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/15). The official tally of U.S. coronavirus cases and deaths and projections of future cases; the controversy over President Trump’s order to suspend funding to the World Health Organization for its deference to China; the question of the president’s power versus that of the states’ governors; the state of health care and the health of medical personnel in the cities where hospitals are being overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients; questions about China’s truthfulness about its handling of the outbreak in Wuhan; and how the November elections will be handled in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
KTRS, St. Louis Longtime Morning Host and PD McGraw Milhaven Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The morning host and program director of independently owned and operated KTRS, AM 550 in St. Louis, McGraw Milhaven, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison and Milhaven, a perennial member of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, discuss what it’s like broadcasting from
home during Covid-19 and President Trump’s handling of the crisis as well as the state of political news/talk radio in a timely conversation of interest to industry pros and listeners alike. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A special, four-week tribute series hosted by Ryan Seacrest and streamed LIVE on iHeartRadio’s YouTube channel and broadcast across more than 90 iHeartMedia stations debuts this Friday. It’s called, “iHeartRadio’s First Responder Fridays with FirstNet, Built with AT&T,” and is designed to honor first responders and medical
professionals on the front lines during the Covid-19 pandemic. Seacrest is asking listeners on air on iHeartRadio stations across the country, online and through social media to share stories of how their lives have been positively impacted by police, fire, EMS and hospital workers by using #iHeartFirstResponders on social media and calling 1-833-3FRIDAY. In honor and support of these first responders and medical professionals, AT&T is committing $5.5 million to provide much needed support in the form of nourishing meals through World Central Kitchen, Feeding America, Salvation Army, and Team Rubicon…..RCN Boston and iHeartMedia are partnering to honor local community heroes of the coronavirus pandemic. The partnership was developed to show appreciation during these uncertain times to the people who are working tirelessly to keep the community safe and comfortable. These heroes include medical professionals, first responders, delivery service workers, cleaning staff, cooks, teachers, stock clerks and others. RCN and iHeartMedia Boston are asking for nominations of individuals or organizations who are going above and beyond during these unprecedented times. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, April 24. Ten heroes will be selected to receive a $250 gift card to continue 
their amazing work for which they are being recognized…..On-air pro Bryan “B-Dub” Washington announces via Facebook that he’s leaving his afternoon personality and APD/MD roles at iHeartMedia’s country KWBL, Denver “106.7 The Bull.” He writes, “The last two years have been absolutely amazing. I’ve had some of the coolest experiences of my entire life here, and it’s so hard to say goodbye, but the time has come. I’ll have more to tell you, soon. It was by choice, and when I am able to, I’ll explain why.”…..The company’s cost-saving policy forces midday air personality Jodee Woods out of Midwest Communications’ country KVOX-FM, Fargo…..Condolences to the family and friends of All Pro Broadcasting owner Willie D. Davis, who passed away yesterday (4/15) at age 85 after a long illness. In addition to his career as a broadcaster and businessman, Davis was a Pro Football Hall of Famer who was a key defensive player on the 1960s-era Green Bay Packers. He won five NFL championships (including two Super Bowls) as a member of the team before retiring from the game in 1969. All Pro Broadcasting owns hot AC KHTI and adult contemporary KATY-FM in the Riverside-San Bernardino market. Davis also formed Milwaukee Radio Alliance LLC with Bill Lynett in 1996. It owns adult contemporary WLDB-FM, alternative WLUM-FM, and oldies WZTI-AM.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Monday Memo: V, L, W. Music programmers know that, “by the time WE are sick of a song, it’s just becoming a hit.” With coronavirus pandemic “number one with a bullet,” consultant Holland Cooke urges radio to heed Dr. Fauci’s plea “not to take our foot off the gas” with mitigation advice. Read his column here.
Push to Re-Open Economy, U.S. Covid-19 Cases and Projections, November Election/Mail-in Voting, China Restricts Coronavirus Research, Financial Markets Activity/Oil Glut, and Celebs with Covid-19 Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Reports that President Trump wants to re-open the economy by May 1; the tally of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the U.S. and the experts’ projections for peak infections; the November presidential race and the debate over voting by mail; the call to investigate China’s early handling of the epidemic and the CCP’s restriction on any investigation into the coronavirus origins; the world’s financial markets activity and the global oil glut; British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves the hospital and other celebs with Covid-19 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: Mother’s Day. Sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications, says, “Mother’s Day is around the corner. You think I’m kidding, right? Raise the Mother’s Day flag, now? In the middle of all this coronavirus pandemic?” Yes. Lapa writes in this week’s column, “Mother’s Day will be different this year, for sure. Maybe there will be no dinner reservations at that favorite restaurant, or (in-person) relatives gathering with Mom. We know the current restrictions, no matter where you live. Some may change, maybe not, but what about Mom? Through thick and thin, near and far, we always honor Mom.” Read Steve’s column here.
Guardian Angels Founder and WABC Host Curtis Sliwa and Fellow Angels Assist Homeless. Pictured above in a still from a YouTube video filmed yesterday (4/12), is Guardian Angels founder and WABC, New York midday host Curtis Sliwa helping Martha, a homeless woman who lives in Penn Station. Sliwa says Martha and other emotionally disturbed persons “are everywhere.” He says Martha is “dramatically disturbed to the point where she can only now speak in gibberish. I remember her four years ago when you could have a somewhat normal conversation with her. Living in Penn Station has aged her dramatically and caused her to move into the ‘Twilight Zone.’ Her legs were infected and in need or medical attention. None of it would be provided by the city or state that acts normally as if these fellow citizens of ours don’t even exist. I helped her clean her own legs with the alcohol solution and then nourished her ravished body. At the rate that Martha is deteriorating she will soon be in a pine box buried in Potters Field ‘Heart Island.’ She is someone’s daughter, she has a family, but her mind is so damaged that it is impossible to recover that information from her. On this Easter Sunday we should all look at her and ask ourselves how in the richest country in the world with such enormous resources in a city that is the economic engine for the whole world that we allow Martha to wallow in her feces and urine and act as if she doesn’t exist. Shame on all of us. Where is the humanity? It was bad before the way we would ignore these fallen people, but now the spread of coronavirus gives us a chance to close our eyes and run away. We, the Guardian Angels, will not forsake the forgotten.”
Alex Jones Warned by FDA. According to KTXS-TV, Abilene, Texas, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to talk show host Alex Jones to stop
claiming that products hawked on his website – including toothpaste and mouthwash – prevent Covid-19. The story also indicates Jones was sent a cease-and-desist letter from New York Attorney General Letitia James back on March 12 to stop promoting the products. The FDA says that Jones’ claims about the products promotes illegal and unapproved drugs that can carry financial penalties. The FDA notice isn’t legally binding, but the agency can sue if Jones doesn’t acquiesce.
Christopher Tarr Joins Magnum Media as Group Director of Engineering. After serving for the past 16-plus years with Entercom in Southeastern Wisconsin, Christopher Tarr takes on the group director of engineering role with Magnum Media. The company operates 16 radio stations and three LPTV stations in
Southern Wisconsin. Tarr says, “I made lifelong friends at Entercom and am so proud of all we accomplished with the Milwaukee and Madison facilities. It was very hard to leave, but I couldn’t be happier Dave [Magnum] selected me for this newly created GDE position. We’ve known each other 15 years. We’re kindred spirits, sharing a love and passion for radio. We both started out as deejays in our mid-teens in our hometowns. His sons, Reid and Ty, literally have radio in their blood. Reid’s wife, Chelsey, is transitioning from being a 4th grade public school teacher over to the stations. I smile every time I meet yet another staff member that’s been with Magnum since the 90s. So, with this family-owned business, radio is a lifestyle. It’s my lifestyle, too, so this is a perfect match.”
WTOP-FM, Washington Produces Covid-19 Updates for Crosstown Stations. The “2020 Radio Together Campaign” from Hubbard Radio involves all-news WTOP-FM producing a :60 second feature for DC market music stations including
United Media-operated Regional Mexican WBHQ-AM “La Mera Mera 1050 AM” as well as Howard University’s urban contemporary WHUR 96.3, Entercom’s sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan,” hip hop WPGC, and classic hits WIAD “94.7 The Drive.” The feature is delivered to the stations four times per day. WTOP news and programming director Julia Ziegler comments, “We are incredibly excited to partner with each of these amazing radio stations in bringing our community together during the coronavirus crisis. Now more than ever, the importance of working together and continuing to bring news, information, and entertainment to listeners is crucial.”
TALKERS News Notes. All-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago managing editor Julie Mann is presenting a webinar titled, “Radio and Digital Media During a
Pandemic,” as part of the 2020 Publicity Club of Chicago Luncheon Series on Wednesday (4/15). Mann will address issues including: What are journalists looking for in a news cycle that is almost exclusively about coronavirus? What are the best ways to tell your story when your visuals are limited? How has radio and digital media responded to the 
pandemic?…..Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. will hold its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Tuesday, May 26 at 12:00 noon ET. Although the company plans to hold the meeting at its headquarters in Naples, Florida, it says the coronavirus pandemic may cause the meeting to be held virtually. Issues to be voted upon include: The election of nine nominees for directors; and an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation…..Entercom’s RADIO.COM Sports Digital Network is presenting “You Better You Bet – Countdown to the Draft,” a nightly, two-hour digital and broadcast show dedicated to coverage of the 2020 NFL Draft. It airs this week, as well as April 20 to 22 and April 27. The show is co-hosted by Nick Kostos and Ross Tucker and will welcome national RADIO.COM sports insiders and local team guests for team-by-team analysis, nightly discussions, opinions and stories around the league. Guests will include RADIO.COM sports insiders Jason La Canfora, Brian Baldinger, Michael Lombardi, and Mark Herzlich…..Reality TV star Kate Chastain (Bravo’s “Below Deck”) is joining SiriusXM to host “Unapologetically Kate Chastain” on Andy Cohen’s Radio Andy channel beginning tomorrow (4/14). She says, “I like to consider myself a recreational sociologist, which is quite liberating because it means I’m not judging people, I’m basically a scientist-ish. I look forward to voicing my thoughts with Radio Andy listeners nationwide!”…..iHeartRadio unveils a new episode of the podcast “Committed,” titled, “In Spirit and in Cardboard.” It’s hosted by Jo Piazza and tells three stories of love and commitment in the age of Covid-19: how a Maine doctor moves out of his house to protect his wife, toddler, and unborn child from the virus; how a local cardboard factory steps up to make cardboard cutouts of the120 guests who won’t be at a young couple’s wedding; and how one couple got married on the Nintendo video game Animal Crossing.
INTRIGUING INFORMATION FOR TALK SHOW HOSTS: The Epoch Times Drops Bold Video Documentary Investigating the Origins of Covid-19 and Its Connection to the Chinese Communist Party. Covid-19, which originated from China, has rampaged through the world and caused more than 80,000 deaths,
infecting at least 1.4 million. However, the true number of deaths and infections is most likely unknown due to the alleged underreporting of cases from mainland China. In a startling video documentary presented by The Epoch Times and NTD (New Tang Dynasty TV), investigative reporter Joshua Philipp takes an in-depth look at the progression of the pandemic from January to April and leads viewers on a journey of discovery to bring the truth behind the matter to light. From the Huanan Seafood Market in Hubei Province to the scandals at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, from long-running experiments on viruses to military takeovers, suspicious activities arise from every corner. Through vigorous investigations and the piecing together of hidden information, the documentary attempts to unearth a more complete understanding of the situation surrounding the rise of this pandemic. Suspicions uncovered from official reports and publicly available information also sprouted more questions, leading to surprising findings and inquiries. To view the entire video documentary, please click here. To book Joshua Philipp for interviews call Victoria Jones at the DC Radio Company at 202-227-7067.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A surprise move on Friday (4/10) by iHeartMedia has the “The Kane Show” gone from its home base at WIHT-FM, Washington and the Premiere Networks. There’s been no
official comment from iHeartMedia or Premiere. Airing in morning drive at WIHT now is “Your Morning Show” with Intern John, Riley Couture, and Radio Rose. Affiliate stations received notice of the change late Friday…..Entravision Communications re-brands two of its English-language radio stations in the Brownsville-McAllen-Harlingen, Texas market. KFRQ is now “Q94.5 FM All Rock All the Time,” and KVLY is “107.9 RGV-FM 
More Hits More Variety.” KFRQ features James Echavarria, a.k.a. “Rock-n-Roll James,” daily from 6:00 am to 12:00 noon. Afternoons (3:00 pm to 7:00 pm) is hosted by San Benito, a.k.a. Charlie Corona. KVLY
features “Roxy in the Morning” weekdays from 6:00 am to 12:00 noon. Entravision VP of audio Nestor Rocha states, “We are seeing that the communities in the greater Rio Grande Valley are diversifying their taste in music genres. To better suit what our audiences are most interested in listening to, we have enhanced our two radio formats to better connect with our listeners, and in turn, our advertisers with their customers. We continue to be dedicated to providing top-quality, entertaining programming that resonates with our local communities.”
Friday, March 27, 2020
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled, “Lives versus Livelihood?” looks back at this past week of March 23-27, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Curtis Sliwa, talk show host, 77WABC, New York; Dr. Daliah Wachs, physician/talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Steve Weisman, professor of law, Bentley University, Boston/webmaster, scamicide.com; Trevor Smith, radio content producer, Aloha Productions, Australia; Bobbie Winston (La Femme Bobbie), American ex-pat/artist, Brazil; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; David Clayton-Thomas, musician, songwriter/former lead vocalist, Blood, Sweat & Tears. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD (“Freedom 93.7”), Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Adams Radio Reducing Salaries to Avoid Layoffs. In his announcement that Adams Radio Group staffers have agreed to take a temporary 10% pay cut in order to avoid layoffs, CEO Ron Stone says, “I could not be prouder of our employees. Every employee of Adams Radio stepped up to do their part to ensure that no
Adams employee would lose their position. We are a family. Our goal is singular. To ensure everyone in our company gets through this crisis with the least amount of harm. This test of our country’s ability to weather a storm is unlike anything any of us have seen, but we will get through this together, and be stronger for it. What seems like a huge sacrifice today, is miniscule compared to what our fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers sacrificed. At least we are not weathering winter without coats or boots like Washington’s army at Bunker Hill. We are not killing our brothers in a civil war. And we are not living for weeks in foxholes in horrible winter conditions during the Battle of the Bulge. Things could be much worse. I sincerely hope that any company, media or otherwise, will consider overall reductions in compensation on a temporary basis rather than terminate employees. Our most important asset is our people, and we should do all we can to keep them whole. I am so thankful for a staff that not only wants to participate in helping our company weather this storm, they are working tirelessly in our communities to keep our local businesses front and center in the minds of listeners.”
Backbone Offers Broadcast from Home Capability Free for 45 Days. In order to help the radio industry serve the public, digital remote broadcast provider Backbone is offering its Backbone CoHost with LUCI Global apps to radio stations for free for 45 days. The company says, “We need to stay safe, and we need to stay on the air. Working from home is no longer just a futuristic perk, it’s our current
duty. This should be easy and affordable, and it can be. There is no need to outlay capital to survive, thanks to our unique, integrated Virtualization in the Cloud. Backbone CoHost PL is a fast and easy way for stations to create an always-available ‘Party Line’ conference room for one or more hosts, guests, and correspondents to contribute live audio for your broadcasts. These two-way conversations are enabled by using the groundbreaking LUCI Global service from Technica del Arte and their free, downloadable apps for iOS, Mac, Android, and Windows platforms. LUCI enables these phones, pads, and computers to communicate with and using the same standard formats used by commercial hardware, including COMREX and TIELINE. CoHost PL is a simplified, unswitched version of Backbone CoHost, allowing users to instantly join the broadcast with the touch of a finger. There are no IT settings to configure, no port selections to worry about, and no equipment to purchase or forget in the car. It all works with whatever device you’re carrying, and over any decent Internet access you can find.” Backbone is offering a fully functional, unlimited demo of CoHost PL and LUCI Global to our existing phone and radio customers, as well as U.S.-based call-letter radio and TV stations, for 45 days, starting March 30. Find out more here. To start a free 45-day trial, email your contact information and a brief note about your organization to: info@backbone.com
Dom Giordano Launches “Home Learning Tips” One-Minute Feature on WPHT, Philadelphia. Recognized throughout the state of Pennsylvania as a master teacher prior to beginning his stellar, decades-long radio career on some of
Philadelphia’s leading news/talk outlets, WPHT mid-morning host Dom Giordano has launched a series of one-minute tips on home schooling for parents to utilize in productively keeping their kids busy while they are home during the coronavirus crisis. The feature runs once per hour between 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm every weekday. Giordano tells TALKERS, “After hearing from listeners about the challenges of working with their kids at home due to schools being closed, I offered my station a one-minute daily combination pep talk and ideas to help their kids at home for parents. The theme is you are your child’s first and best teacher. I’m tapping into my credibility with listeners and my years as an education/parenting analyst and columnist.”
Cumulus’ Dallas Talk Stations Hosting Special Mark Cuban Broadcast Today. Dallas news/talk stations WBAP and KLIF-AM are presenting an on-air town hall with
businessman and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, titled, “Assisting DFW Businesses During the Coronavirus.” The Cumulus Media stations will simulcast the program from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm CST. The WBAP/KLIF Town Hall will be hosted by Brian Estridge and Rick Roberts and topics addressed will include: How can businesses survive during these times?; How would the government’s Coronavirus Spending Package assist?; and How can consumers help their local community businesses?
Weighing the Economy Versus Lives Is Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 23-27. The ethical dilemma of whether to save the country’s economy by reopening businesses or keep them shut to limit the deaths and the toll on the health care system was the most-talked-about story on news/talk this week and sitting atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the stimulus deal being crafted in Congress and the activity on the world’s financial markets. Coming in at #3 is the status of the U.S. health care system, followed by the presidential race and politics at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
iHeartMedia and Salem Media Group Withdraw Guidance on First Quarter of This Year. Not surprisingly, two of the radio industry’s corporations – iHeartMedia, Inc. and Salem Media Group Inc. – are announcing they are withdrawing their financial guidance originally provided on their 2019 fourth quarter earnings calls. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “Given the ongoing
uncertainty surrounding the duration and magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the U.S. economy, we believe it is appropriate to withdraw our full-year 2020 guidance. While we cannot determine the full extent of COVID-19’s impact on our business at this time, we are monitoring this rapidly evolving situation closely and look forward to discussing our business in greater detail as part of our first quarter 2020 earnings results investor call.” iHeartMedia COO and CFO Rich Bressler adds, “iHeartMedia had a strong January and February before the effects of COVID-19 began to unfold into a global pandemic in early March. The challenges that COVID-19 has created for advertisers and consumers has impacted iHeart’s revenue in recent weeks, creating a less clear business outlook in the near term. To maintain maximum financial flexibility during this period, we have drawn $350 million on our $450 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“ABL Facility”). We believe that the additional funds from drawing on our ABL Facility, in combination with our cash balance, provides us with a prudent level of liquidity at this time. We fully appreciate the unprecedented challenges posed by this crisis, however, we remain confident in our business, our employees and our strategy. With 
our experienced management team and our leadership position in the audio sector, we are committed to navigating this period while serving our audiences and other constituents.” Salem Media Group, Inc. says in a statement, “Based on current indications, Salem expects total first quarter 2020 revenue will be less than previously projected as a result of decreased revenues from advertising, programming, events and book sales. Due to continuing uncertainties regarding the ultimate scope and trajectory of COVID-19’s spread and evolution, the effects of the pandemic on Salem’s audiences, programmers and advertisers, and current and potential future governmental restrictions that may be adopted in the markets in which Salem operates, it is impossible to predict the total impact that the pandemic may have on Salem’s business.”
TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated talk radio star Michael Savage is appointed by President Trump to the board of directors of the Presidio Trust for a term expiring May 4, 2023. Along with the National Park Service, the Presidio
Trust manages the Presidio of San Francisco, the former military fort that is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The host of the Westwood One-syndicated “The Savage Nation” holds a doctorate in ethnobotanical research from the University of California and both a Master of Science in botany and a Master of Arts in anthropology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that former WGN-AM station manager Todd Manley is producing a new podcast via his EarSight Studios that pairs Windy City communications consultants Lissa Druss and Thom Serafin for “The Crisis Cast.” The episodes will be hosted by former WBBM-AM/WFCS-FM anchor Mariam Sobh. EarSight expects to produce three to five podcasts per week…..Today (3/27), Cox Media Group’s Atlanta stations – led by news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM – is hosting a virtual food drive to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank as part of the Stronger Together ATL campaign. Atlanta Community Food Bank continues to provide meals for children, families and seniors as access to nutritious food throughout the COVID-19 crisis, by working with more than 600 nonprofit partners and the new Text for Help program…..The Cumulus Media news/talk teams at WBAP and KLIF-AM in Dallas were well represented at this year’s Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Contest. Reporter Clayton Neville won First Place for Spot News by a Reporter for his coverage of the August 2019 El Paso Shooting. The WBAP news team was awarded Second Place for Spot Coverage by a Station for coverage of the North Dallas Tornadoes in October. For the 6th year KLIF morning drive anchors Dave Williams and Amy Chodroff won First Place for News Anchor Team and WBAP’s Brian Estridge won First Place for Sports Play-by-Play.
PPM Analysis: Classic Rock. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 PPM survey, today focusing on classic rock. It was a mixed bag in February for classic rock stations in the PPM markets, with 44% of stations losing weekly, 6+ AQH share and 46% gaining. Year-over-year, 50% of classic rockers lost share while 43% saw an increase. Three classic rock outlets – all owned by iHeartMedia – ranked #1 in February: KRFX, Denver “The Fox” (5.7), WRFX, Charlotte “The Fox” (7.9), and WAQX, New York (in the Middlesex-Somerset-Union market) (7.4). See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro AJ Dukette joins Saga Communications’ classic hits WYNZ, Portland “Rewind 100.9” to host mornings, taking over for the recently retired Chuck Igo. Saga vice president
of programming Bob Lawrence says, “When learning that Chuck was retiring, we began an extensive search for the right person to fill his shoes and then – Voila! – AJ appeared late last week. We could not be more thrilled to welcome such a talented, Portland icon.”…..Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the annual Mountain Jam Festival scheduled for May 29-31 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, New York has been cancelled. Acts scheduled to perform included Gov’t Mule, Trey Anastasio Band, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Head and the Heart, Grace Potter, and many more…..Empire State Realty Trust and iHeartMedia announce their partnership to “reach those sheltering at home” with WHTZ, New York Z100’s radio waves and Empire State Building’s world-famous tower lights. Tonight at 9:00 pm, the tower of the Empire State Building will illuminate the New York City skyline and beam iHeartMedia’s Z100 with a light show synced to the modern era anthem of New York City, Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind.” The light show will replay on Saturday, March 28, and then again from Monday, March 30 through Thursday, April 2. On Sunday, March 29, the Empire State Building will “shine in a dynamic heartbeat” from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm in support of the “FOX Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America.”
Monday, March 9, 2020
Talk Radio Rises to Coronavirus Challenge. This past weekend seems to have marked a tipping point in America regarding public anxiety over COVID-19, still commonly referred to as the coronavirus. Fears and near panic have infiltrated the
beleaguered heath care systems of our communities, the stock market, and a number of inter-connected industries and public events. Add to that discourse about the problem in our politically oriented media have included the “weaponization” of issues per the troubling practice of each side tending to seek victory at the expense of truth. Most talk media broadcasters tell TALKERS that this crisis provides radio both the mission and calling to provide a significant degree of comfort and helpful information to the public – thus showcasing its pertinence as a vital medium in the 21st century. Broadcasters who spoke to TALKERS about this include: Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM; Mike Salk, Bonneville Seattle; Chris Little, KFI, Los Angeles; Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, West Palm Beach; Ryan Wrecker, KMOX, St. Louis; Harry Hurley, WPG, Atlantic City; Doug Stephan, nationally syndicated “DJV Show”; Dr. Daliah Wachs, GCN-syndicated host; Heidi Harris, KMZQ, Las Vegas; Jim Bohannon, Westwood One-syndicated host; Bob Lawrence, Saga Communications; Michael Berry, KRTH, Houston and in syndication; and Richard Neer, WFAN, New York. Read it here.
Monday Memo: Coronavirus Conundrum: It’s the story-of-the-week every week, and the public health sector is working overtime to keep it from becoming the story-of-a-lifetime. In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke reckons that “If listeners don’t hear ‘Coronavirus’ on your air, you’re wallpaper. If you are telling them something they haven’t yet heard elsewhere, they will listen more and tell others what they heard (and where).” And he outlines specific tactics. Read it here.
Coronavirus, Financial Markets Activity, Presidential Race, North Korea Fires Missiles, and Greece-Turkey Immigrant Violence Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The status of the coronavirus pandemic and public officials’ response to it; the world’s financial markets react to the coronavirus and the break of the Saudi-Russian oil pact that’s sent prices plummeting; the battle between Democrats Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for the party’s nomination; North Korea fires more test missiles; and the violence over the refugee crisis at the Greece-Turkey border were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
KFYI, Phoenix Moves James T Harris to Mornings; Debuts ‘Russell & Hunter’ Afternoon Show. Phoenix news/talker KFYI moves “The Conservative Circus With James T Harris” from afternoon drive to mornings and launches the new afternoon drive show “Russell & Hunter.” The iHeartMedia station says, “‘The Conservative
Circus with James T. Harris’ is a highly entertaining look at the news of the day from an unapologetically conservative point of view.” Station PD Aaron Trimmer adds, “James T. Harris is an unrivaled talent in the world of talk radio. The success he has had hosting afternoon drive on 550 KFYI made him the obvious choice to now take over mornings.” Previous morning drive host Mike Broomhead exited at the end of his contract in January. He joined Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KTAR-FM for mornings in February. iHeartMedia says Mike Russell and Rob Hunter bring more than 25 years of combined experience in Phoenix talk radio to afternoon drive. “Together, ‘Russell & Hunter’ will continue to serve Phoenix’s passionate conservative audience by being ardent defenders of small business, the 2nd Amendment and traditional American values.”
WABC, New York’s Curtis Sliwa Vows to Run for Mayor of New York. Longtime New York City talk radio host and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa tells the New York Post he intends to run for mayor of New York. Sliwa has not filed any
paperwork to officially join the race and he’s expected to continue co-hosting the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show with Juliet Huddy on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. The piece notes that Sliwa left the Reform Party recently and registered as a Republican. Sliwa points to six issues he says are the most important facing New Yorkers: crime in the streets, crime on the subways, the homeless, emotionally disturbed people, the New York City Housing Authority, and affordable housing.
Talent Changes Coming to Sports Talk ‘99.9 The Fan’ in Raleigh. The afternoon drive show at Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM, Raleigh is splitting up, with longtime hosts Adam Gold and Joe Ovies soon to be hosting separate programs.
Raleigh News & Observer sportswriter Joe Giglio is joining the radio station and will co-host the afternoon drive show with Ovies. Gold will host his own sports talk show from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. In a press 
release, station program director Dennis Glasgow comments, “It’s not often that you have the unique opportunity to get better when moving an air personality of Adam Gold’s stature to another timeslot and also add a sports reporting vet like Joe Giglio to an already established show, so we’re very fortunate. In the end our listeners are the big winners.” Gold’s new program will replace the regionally syndicated David Glenn show on WCMC-FM.
‘K-News 94.3 FM’ Palm Springs Host Bill Feingold Dies at 70. The Desert Sun reports KNWQ-AM/K232CX, Palm Springs talk radio host Bill Feingold died on Friday (3/6) at age 70. Feingold, who co-hosted the morning show with Kevin
Holmes on the Alpha Media station, was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer in August. It had spread to his lungs and bones. But Feingold underwent chemotherapy and returned to the radio program after showing improvement. Eventually, the cancer worsened, and he was hospitalized. During his time as radio host in Palm Springs, Feingold befriended such celebrity residents as Suzanne Somers and Gavin MacLeod.
Ed Wilson to Lead CMG’s CoxReps and Gamut. Sale executive Ed Wilson joins Cox Media Group to serve as executive chairman for its CoxReps and Gamut national ad platform businesses. CMG president and CEO Kim Guthrie says, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ed for years. He is a business builder and a natural
networker in both traditional and emerging media. His experience and industry relationships will serve him well in this role. We look forward to his perspective as we leverage our industry leading position to evolve these important businesses.” Wilson has served in leadership roles at The Tribune Company, FOX Broadcasting, NBC, and CBS. CoxReps’ chief operating officer Ann Hailer and Gamut SVP of client solutions Soo Jin Oh will continue in their current roles, reporting directly to Wilson.
Weekly ‘Day 1’ Show to Celebrate 75 Years on Radio. Every Sunday since April 1945, the weekly, half-hour Protestant religious program “Day 1” has aired on radio stations across the country. Although originally titled, “The Protestant Hour,” the
program from Alliance for Christian Media has never been a 60-minute show and when Reverend Peter Wallace started working on the show 19 years ago, it was decided the show’s name needed a change. Wallace tells TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian, “We came up with the name ‘Day 1,’ which sounds good in the media environment. We are on several news/talk stations [including Cox Media Group Atlanta flagship WSB-AM/WSBB-FM] so it fit into that milieu. It refers to when the program generally airs – Sunday – the first day of the week. It’s the day people generally go to church and has an inspirational, hopeful ‘first day’ of the rest of your life feel to it.” Read the full feature here.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports on two radio stories from the Windy City. First, WGN-AM sports reporter and podcaster Adam
Hoge is leaving the Nexstar Media Group news/talker to join cable’s NBC Sports Chicago where he’ll be a White Sox insider on the regional network. Second, crosstown sports talker WMVP “ESPN Chicago” is adding a nightly baseball show hosted by Jonathan Hood, effective March 23. The Good Karma Brands-operated station will air the show from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm…..According to a piece by Rob Tornoe at the Philadelphia Inquirer, WIP morning show producer Joe Weachter was released from a Florida hospital last Thursday morning after experiencing a health scare while on a flight from Philly to Tampa. Weachter was on the plane, along with morning host Angelo Cataldi and WIP personality Ava Graham heading to Florida to cover Phillies spring training when lost consciousness shortly after leaving his seat to use the restroom. Fortunately, Dr. Edward Dickinson – a professor of emergency medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania – was on the flight and, along with the assistance of an unnamed paramedic, treated Weachter who regained consciousness after about 10 minutes…..Seneca Women Podcast Network and iHeartMedia enter into a multi-year partnership to co-produce and distribute “a slate of high-quality, women-focused podcasts in the areas of women in business, leadership, current events, health and more, providing inspiring, purpose-driven and actionable content from a diverse range of women’s voices.” As part of the deal, new and existing podcasts on the Seneca Women Podcast Network will join the iHeartPodcast Network. iHeartMedia will now co-produce the hit podcast series “Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose” hosted by Ambassador Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli. “Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose” will debut March 9 on iHeartRadio with 19 episodes in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Popular Twin Cities radio personality Brian Zepp returns to Cumulus Media’s rock KQRS as part of the “KQ Morning Show” with Tom Barnard. Zepp was an air personality
on the station for 19 years before exiting for a position at Orion Media‘s classic rock KBZN-FM, Bozeman, Montana “The Eagle” three years ago. He says, “After having been away from KQ for a couple of years, I’ve come to realize there is just no better experience in my profession than being a part of the ‘KQ Morning Show.’ It’s great to be reunited with Tom and the crew, but even sweeter being reunited with the KQ 
listeners.”…..In Dallas, Michelle Boros joins iHeartMedia’s hot AC KDMX, Dallas “102.9 NOW” as the new morning drive personality. Boros was most recently an air personality and music director at Entercom’s CHR KAMP, Los Angeles “97.1 AMP Radio.” Station program director Jay Shannon comments, “We’re excited to add Michelle to the ‘102.9 NOW’ morning lineup. Her years of experience along with her DFW background and roots make her the perfect fit.”…..Radio pro Gary Saunders joins Tracy Johnson Media Group to work on TJMG’s Personality Magnet Show Prep Service. Saunders has been serving as executive producer for the Compass Media Networks syndicated “DeDe In the Morning” program as well as APD for Service Broadcasting’s hip hop KKDA, Dallas…..Publicist Taryn Pray joins Nashville-based publicity firm Monarch Publicity. During her more than 13 years in the publicity biz, she worked with UMG Nashville and Sony Music Nashville before starting her own independent publicity company in 2013. Monarch Publicity’s clients include Chris Bandi, Chris Young, Craig Morgan, Laine Hardy, Matt Stell, Sara Evans, The Shires, Temecula Road, Tiffany Woys, and Music Health Alliance.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk (Part 2). TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a second look at the performances of sports talk stations in Nielsen Audio’s PPM markets during the November 2019 survey. This report ranks sports talk listening by market and details the increases and decreases in 6+ ratings by market. Which PPM markets registered the most sports talk listening during the November survey? The top three are all East Coast markets: Philadelphia (11.2 share), Boston (11.1 share), and Long Island (9.3 share). See how the rest of the markets stack up here.
NYPost: Benigno and Roberts for WFAN, New York Afternoons. Sportswriter Andrew Marchand says in his December 16 New York Post column that the
new, permanent program schedule for Entercom’s sports talk WFAN, New York “The Fan” will indeed be Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno in afternoon drive (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm) and Maggie Gray and Mark Malusis in the midday slot (10:00 am to 2:00 pm). It’s already public knowledge that current WFAN midday personality Bart Scott is heading across town to work at ESPN and its radio outlet WEPN-FM “ESPN New York.” These changes come after Mike Francesa’s transition from afternoons to a daily 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm show.
Programmer Buzz Knight Leaving Beasley for Consultancy Venture. Programming pro Buzz Knight is leaving his post with Beasley Media Group as executive vice president of strategy and innovation to launch his consultancy, Buzz Knight Media. Beasley says, “In his new role, Knight will continue to
advise Beasley Media Group’s various brands on multiple projects and initiatives as well as focus on enhancing brand health for other media companies, with an eye on maximizing audience and revenue.” Knight says, “I’m very grateful to Caroline Beasley, Bruce Beasley, Brian Beasley, and Justin Chase for providing me with the incredible opportunity to join the company three years ago. The great teams in the markets continue to perform at the highest level and I’m very proud to be able to continue to be associated with them. Special thanks to Caroline for providing me with the privilege of extending my relationship with Beasley Media Group as I fulfill a lifelong dream of launching my own consultancy firm.”
WABC, New York Raises $200,000-plus for Children’s Hospital. Pictured above at the recent “Radiothon for the Kids” broadcast from TALKRADIO 77 WABC are (from l-r): WABC program director Dave LaBrozzi, talk host Curtis Sliwa, Joshua Berg, and talk host Juliet Huddy. During the radiothon broadcast live from Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York on Friday (12/13), a total of $205,213 was raised for the Children’s Miracle Network hospital.
TALKERS News Notes. The final round judging panel for the 29th Annual Radio Mercury Awards is announced. The Radio Mercury Awards are governed by the
Radio Creative Fund and produced by the RAB. The RAB says the panel of top-level agency creative leaders represents radio’s top advertising categories, including automotive, communications, financial services, OTC, packaged goods, quick-serve restaurants, retail and spirits. Robin Fitzgerald, chief creative officer at BBDO Atlanta is 2020 chief judge. On the panel are: Justine Armour, chief creative officer, Grey NY; Nathalie Brown, executive creative director, VMLY&R New York; Gary Du Toit, VP creative director, BBDO New York; Kevin Jones, creative director, Wieden & Kennedy Portland; John Matejczyk, chief creative officer and co-founder, M/H VCCP San Francisco; Andrés Ordóñez, chief creative officer, FCB Chicago; Alejandro Ortiz, vice president and creative director, Casanova//McCann; and Sherman Winfield, vice president and creative director, Fitzco//McCann…..There are a number of end-of-year programs being made 
available to affiliates from ABC Audio, including four longform programs featuring top news stories, interviews and major events from the past year and eight short-form series looking at the year in politics, entertainment, health, sports and more. The longform shows include: “Playback 2019” in which ABC News correspondents Cheri Preston and Aaron Katersky look at the biggest stories of the year; the three-hour “2019: The Year in Review” told through highlights of ABC News Radio’s live breaking news coverage; a special, decade-end edition of “Perspective,” ABC News Radio’s weekly newsmagazine exploring the biggest stories of the 2010s; and “World News This Year” – a special edition of the “World News This Week” program…..SiriusXM announces year-end and decade specialty programming across its music, talk, and entertainment channels. SiriusXM chief entertainment anchor Jess Cagle will host “Top 100 Interviews of 2019” – a limited-run channel that will launch on Thursday, December 19 and run through Tuesday, December 31. “Top 100 Interviews of 2019” will feature interviews by SiriusXM hosts including Andy Cohen, Jenny McCarthy, Hoda Kotb, Jess Cagle, Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, and more…..iHeartRadio is introducing iHeartRadio Family in time for the holiday season, now available on Roku, Android TV (set to launch later this year) and Facebook Portal’s latest device, Portal TV, with support for new Portal tablets coming this January. iHeartRadio says, “Some of the cool features included are customized parental controls, artist radio – with the family-friendly versions of their favorite artist songs, animations like a disco ball and a ‘slime drip’ to complement certain audio experiences, and now a variety of fun kid-friendly podcasts to listen to and more. In addition, iHeartRadio Family fans who use Amazon Fire TV will also be able to enjoy an upgraded experience with the addition of podcasts that are kid-friendly added to the platform.”
JVC Media’s Long Island News/Talk Station Vandalized with Anti-Trump Graffiti. Pictured above is the remote studio for JVC Media’s news/talk WRCN, Riverhead, Long Island “LI NEWS RADIO 103.9,” located at the Long Island MacArthur Airport. In the inset is an image of the anti-Trump graffiti that staffers found on large stickers affixed to the glass windows of the studio. JVC uses the studio for live shows during the day and it is not occupied overnight. JVC Media president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “It is unfortunate that someone took out their expression of anger against our president on our
broadcast studio. We pride ourselves on fair and balanced news reporting. I understand people are angry, but maybe next time the culprit can call in to our afternoon show and express his or her feelings in a more civilized way.” Long Island MacArthur Airport police are investigating the incident and are reviewing the many video cameras in and around the radio broadcast center. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison discussed the incident with John Caracciolo. To listen, click here.
Impeachment, Ukraine Controversy, 2020 Presidential Race, FBI Report Aftermath, Boeing 737 Production Halt, and Record Dow Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/16). The House’s impeachment against President Trump; Trump attorney Rudy Guiliani’s explanation about why Marie Yovanovich was removed as Ambassador to Ukraine; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the aftermath of the inspector general’s report critical of the FBI’s surveillance operations; Boeing’s decision to suspend production on the 737 Max; and Monday’s record-setting Dow were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Second in the Series of Talk Media Forums on US-China Relations Now Posted! The second installment of the Talk Media Forums on US-China Relations co-presented by TALKERS and The Epoch Times Tuesday morning (12/10) at the National Press Club in Washington, DC is now posted here on Talkers.com as well as other online platforms. The conversation again focused on the US-China trade war, the Hong Kong protests, China’s human rights abuses, Huawei and the worldwide battle for 5G dominance, the North Korea nuclear threat, China’s ongoing intellectual property theft, and the long term goals and methods of the Chinese Communist Party, plus more. The 90-minute event featured a panel of three experts on the state of US-Chinese relations including Nan Su of NTDTV, and Joshua Philipp and Dr. Dana Cheng of The Epoch Times, plus four leading talk radio hosts – John Fredericks of the John Fredericks Radio Network; Dr. Sebastian Gorka of the Salem Radio Network; Larry O’ Connor of WMAL, Washington, DC; and Doug Stephan of Stephan Multimedia. According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who again moderated the discussion, “The numerous pressing issues that exist under the umbrella of US-China relations promise to be a major component of talk media conversation for years to come and it is important that its practitioners stay on top of these complex concerns free of the spin and propaganda constantly manufactured by the Communist regime in Beijing. Our colleagues at The Epoch Times are firmly situated on the leading edge of the Chinese resistance to the Communist grasp on their homeland and serve the culture’s diaspora in the United States and around the world with bold, truthful reporting of the facts.” The Epoch Times was formed in 2000 by Chinese Americans and is now published in multiple languages around the world. To view the video in its entirety, please click here. Photo: Samira Bouaou/Epic Times
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Entercom’s country KMLE, Phoenix “Country 107.9,” Gunner Jackson and Cheyenne Davis (pictured below) are named hosts of the new “Gunner & Cheyenne” morning show, effective tomorrow (12/18). They join KMLE from KDBL-FM, Yakima,
Washington. Entercom Phoenix SVP and market manager Dave Pugh says, “We are excited to introduce our audience to Gunner and Cheyenne. Together, they will bring a ton of energy and positivity to the show and are the perfect hosts to help our listeners begin their mornings.” The duo were recently honored with a 2019 Yakima Herald-Republic Readers’ Choice Award for Best Radio Personality…..iHeartMedia announces Trevor 
Morini joins the Raleigh station group as senior vice president of programming, effective January 21. Morini will also serve as program director for CHR WDCG-FM “G105.” He’s been serving the company as program director for KHFI “96.7 KISS FM” and alternative KASE-HD/W248CU “ALT 97.5” in Austin…..On-air pro Jeanne Ashley exits Entercom’s adult contemporary KSWD, Seattle “94.1 The Sound” where she was assistant 
program director and morning drive co-host with John Fisher. Ashley posts on her LinkedIn account, “Thanks to budget cuts, I’m taking time to take stock while I take the long way from Seattle back to NJ.”…..Caldwell Media’s KERL, Caldwell, Arkansas flips from classic rock to adult hits using Envision Networks’ and Kroeger Media’s BOB FM format…..Spanish-language media company MLC Media is assuming management of XHLNC-FM, Tijuana, Mexico and is launching “Mas Flo” on the San Diego signal tomorrow (12/18). The company says,”‘Mas Flo’ will feature a blend of the hottest and latest Spanish urban music from the top Latin artists in the industry. The music genres will include reggaeton, trap, tropical, and urban from artists like: J Balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Rosalia, Bad Bunny, and more…..ABC Audio is making the music special, “2019 Rewind: The Biggest Country Hits of the Year” – hosted by country star Morgan Wallen – available to affiliate stations for year-end programming. The special rounds up all of the year’s hottest songs and includes interviews with Dan + Shay, Eric Church, Runaway June, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Old Dominion and more.
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
TALKERS and The Epoch Times’ Co-Presented “Talk Media Forum on US-China Relations” Takes Place in NYC; Video Available for Viewing. A 90-minute panel discussion took place in New York today (10/1). The “Talk Media Forum on US-China
Relations” was a panel discussion that included radio talk show hosts Hugh Hewitt of Salem Radio Network, John Batchelor of WABC, New York, and Tom Sullivan of Talk Media Network, as well as a group of experts on the present state of China and its increasingly strained relationship with the United States including Nan Su of NTDTV, Joshua Philipp of The Epoch Times and Dr. Dana Cheng of The Epoch Times. The conversation focused on the US-China trade war, the Hong Kong protests, China’s human rights abuses, Huawei and the worldwide battle for 5G dominance, the North Korea nuclear threat, China’s ongoing intellectual property theft, China’s military buildup, and the long term goals and methods of the Chinese Communist Party, plus more. See the video of today’s event here.
Ramsey Solutions Addresses National Student Loan Crisis. The company is working to help families avoid traps of student loans and show them a better way to pay for college. Ramsey Solutions chief executive officer/“Dave Ramsey Show” host Dave Ramsey declares, “Americans have been fed a lie that it is impossible to afford college without student loans. That lie has the average graduate burdened with over $35,000 in student loans from the moment they’re handed their diplomas. The system is broken, and we want people to know the truth: It is possible to pay cash for college.” Thought leaders Ramsey, Mark Cuban, and Seth Godin are among those interviewed in “Borrowed Future,” an eight-episode podcast series featuring real-life stories that explore the student loan crisis. Anthony ONeal, author of “Debt Free-Degree: The Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Your Kid Through College Without Student Loans,” remarks, “Parents and teens believe that student loans are the only option, but debt doesn’t open doors – it closes them. I travel the country speaking to thousands of people each year. I meet students all the time who are working hard, applying for scholarships and grants, and are actually graduating debt-free. I believe more parents and students can do this, but they need a plan. We’re here to provide that plan.”
NAB PILOT Program Announces Internship Grant Recipients. Launched this past spring, PILOT is the National Association of Broadcasters’ technology initiative which has thus far provided paid internships to 13 NAB member organizations for undergraduate 
students in radio and television engineering/technology positions. The program is provided in partnership with the NAB’s Leadership Foundation as part of an effort to grow technical and engineering talent for the industry. Grants for the spring 2020 term will be provided to the following NAB members: Michigan State University news/talk WKAR-AM, news/talk-classical WKAR-FM, and PBS affiliate WKAR-TV, East Lansing (Michigan); Butler County Radio Network (Butler, Pennsylvania) news/talk WISR, country WBUT, and rock WLER; Scripps Media Phoenix ABC affiliate KNXV-TV; and Marquee Broadcasting Bowling Green, Kentucky’s WNKY-TV. NAB’s executive vice president and chief technology officer Sam Matheny notes, “We have been encouraged by the response to this program and are thrilled to continue it for a second year. PILOT and the NAB Leadership Foundation remain committed to assisting NAB member stations in attracting the best and brightest new candidates to a career in broadcast technology.” NAB Leadership Foundation president Michelle Duke adds, “The NAB Foundation is happy to provide opportunities with PILOT for students in the broadcast technology and engineering fields. Our intent is to continue to expand the pool of talent for our industry.” The program seeks to help NAB members that do not currently offer engineering or media-technology internships. It will provide resources to assist selected stations in identifying and supporting interns, as well as assistance for the selected interns to attend next year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas.
TALKERS News Notes. Celebrities and politicians were omnipresent in Staten Island this past Saturday (9/28) at the nuptials of Salem Media Group New York news/talk WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” executive producer/talk host Frank Morano and his fiancé Rachel O’Brien. “This 
truly was the most unique assemblage of people ever to come to one party,” he maintains. It’s hard to argue that claim as Morano’s WNYM colleague, Joe Piscopo, got the afternoon started with a Frank Sinatra “New York New York”/“That’s Life” medley reminiscent of how Piscopo did it on “Saturday Night Live.” Morano is quick 
to note that Piscopo’s date for the affair was none other than supermodel Carol Alt. Among others spotted in the crowd were congressman Dan Donovan; former New York lieutenant governor Betsy McCaughey; billionaire businessman/New York City-based Red Apple Group chair/CEO (and new owner of New York City news/talk WABC) John Catsimatidis; former mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis; and criminal defense attorney Arthur Aidala, currently representing Harvey Weinstein. Syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher was in attendance as were talk host/author Kevin McCullough, Richard Bey, sportscaster Russ Salzberg, and Shelley Goldberg. There were no reports of fisticuffs or violence of any type at the wedding. That is actually quite remarkable and noteworthy, given that John A. Gotti and his sister, reality TV star/author Victoria Gotti, were there along with Guardian Angels founder/talk show host Curtis Sliwa. Things could have gotten particularly dicey as it was Gotti who was charged with ordering the 1992 kidnapping and shooting of Sliwa. Gotti went on trial four times with each trial ending in a hung jury. “Needless to say, we kept John and Curtis on opposite sides of the room,” Morano quips. “It did lead to one of the more interesting quotes of the evening. As Curtis was dancing, John remarked to me, ‘Do you think Curtis would mind if I cut in to dance 
with his wife?’” Also at the wedding was Maureen Gioeli, the wife of Tommy “Shots” Gioeli, who Morano describes as “the alleged acting boss of the Colombo crime family” ….. Six-year (2003 – 2009) Bernalillo County (New Mexico) sheriff Darren White will join Cumulus Media Albuquerque news/talk KKOB “AM 770 News Radio” as midday host (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm), beginning next Monday (10/7). Cumulus Media Albuquerque vice president/market manager Jeff Berry comments, “Darren is one of the best political minds around, with deep roots in the Albuquerque media market and New Mexico politics. KKOB delivers the best lineup in radio and Darren is going to help us fill out our already amazing roster.” White states, “I’m honored to join the legendary KKOB and host a show in a time slot between a national radio powerhouse in Rush Limbaugh and a radio legend in TJ Trout. I’m grateful to Jeff Berry for this amazing opportunity and excited to get behind the mic to continue the long tradition of engaging talk radio.” Formerly a correspondent for Albuquerque’s KRQE-TV, White was secretary of New Mexico’s Department of Public Safety and Albuquerque’s chief public safety officer ….. Pre-game and post-game host of Cincinnati Reds games, Tommy Thrall, will succeed retired hall of famer 
Marty Brennaman as the team’s lead radio voice on iHeartMedia Cincinnati news/talk WLW. After calling minor league Pensacola Blue Wahoos games for six years, Thrall joined the Reds crew this season. He previously was the radio voice of the Quad Cities River Bandits ….. Three-year senior producer/audience development & engagement Stephanie Curtis is promoted to Minnesota Public Radio’s MPR News director of programming. Executive director of news & programming Nancy Cassutt comments, “Steph holds a clear vision for what needs to come next in our programming in order to be relevant and engaging with our audiences. She understands our newsroom and where we have the best opportunities to grow and better serve our listeners. Combined with her wealth of talents, this makes her a perfect fit for this role.” Curtis has been with MPR for over 25 years and is the “Movie Maven” on the weekly “Cube Critics” podcast ….. WFPL news editor Jonese Franklin is boosted to local host for NPR’s “All Things Considered” on the Louisville Public Media news/talk station. WFPL director of news and 
programming Erica Peterson notes, “Jonese brings a diverse depth of experience to the job, including years working as a journalist, editor and broadcaster. I’m excited to hear her on the air every day, and I know our listeners will be as well” ….. Beginning next Monday (10/7), iHeartRadio Broadway debuts “Show & Tell with Frank DiLella,” a weekly Broadway-focused original podcast. New episodes will be available every Monday via the iHeartPodcast Network. Host of “On Stage,” Spectrum News NY1 theater correspondent DiLella is an Emmy Award winning journalist. According to iHeartRadio Broadway director Sarah Jane Arnegger, “We’re thrilled to have Frank DiLella join iHeartRadio Broadway. Frank has been an integral part of the Broadway industry for years. With his built-in audience, this podcast will serve as an extension of what Frank does best with his comprehensive reporting style and celebrity theatrical interviews.” DiLella remarks, “I am truly excited to be teaming up with iHeartMedia and iHeartRadio Broadway as it expands its Broadway programming. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the folks who make up the theater community in New York and abroad. With this new opportunity, I look forward to bringing my in-depth conversations and commentary with the movers and shakers of the industry to a larger audience.”
Cumulus Media Cluster Sets Annual “Christmas For Our Troops.” The fundraiser and series of donation drives that will benefit our
service personnel will commence one week from this Friday (10/11) and run through November 12. In partnership with Step Up For Soldiers, Cumulus Media Wilmington, North Carolina will collect items donated by the community for deployed servicemen and women and raise funds to ship the packages overseas in time for Christmas. Cumulus Wilmington vice president and market manager Eric McCart states, “In addition to collecting items, an important need we have is to collect money for our ‘Christmas For Our Troops Postage Fund.’ It costs $14.35 to send each flat-rate box overseas. The more monetary donations we receive, the more Christmas packages we can send to our troops. We will be accepting both ‘Postage Fund’ and suggested item donations while we’re on location at our collection sites. ‘Postage Fund’ donations can also be made online.” Items to be collected will include writing utensils, games, snacks, bottled drinks, and anything else that is easy-to-use, easy-to-wash, and easy-to-store. In addition to WAAV “980 The Wave – News, Talk, & Sports,” the company’s Wilmington, North Carolina cluster includes WWQQ “Double Q-101.3 Cape Fear’s Country Leader,” adult contemporary WGNI “102.7 GNI Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites,” urban contemporary WMNX “Coast 97.3,” and classic rock WKXS “94.5 The Hawk.”
Stations Go From One Backyard To Another. Headed by Van A. Michael, Pennsylvania-based Backyard Broadcasting of Pennsylvania, LLC closes on its purchase of seven Pennsylvania stations from … and here’s where it gets tricky … Daniel J. Farr’s (also) Pennsylvania-based Backyard Broadcasting PA, LLC. Neither of these Backyard entities has any other broadcast interests. Stations involved are sports talk WWPA “ESPN Radio 1340”; WWPA’s FM translator W267BJ at 101.3; WILQ “105.1 Today’s Best Country”; and hot AC WLMY – all in Williamsport; rock WZXR, South Williamsport; rock WCXR, Lewisburg (which simulcasts WZXR); and classic hits-oldies WBZD, Muncy. Kalil & Company, Inc. was the exclusive broker for this transaction.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Veteran consultant/programmer John Sebastian
signs the first client for his “WOW Factor” format – KOAI, Phoenix – and as part of the deal, he will be the consultant and hands-on program director of the Riviera Broadcasting outlet. Riviera Broadcasting chief executive officer Michael Cutchall remarks, “John has been one of the most innovative programmers in the history of radio. There is no one better to connect with listeners and communities in his approach and philosophy to programming. His excitement to join our team is contagious and his desire to 
win is relentless.” Sebastian asserts that KOAI will be “the first of many ‘WOW Factor’ stations across America with an eclectic mix of music researched and curated for baby boomers.” His previous Phoenix programming background already includes KUPD, KSLX, and KDKB. Sebastian has programmed in other markets such as Los Angeles (KTWV, KHJ, and KZLA); Chicago (WJMK); Dallas (KPLX); Boston (WCOZ); Seattle (KISW); Minneapolis (KDWB); and Nashville (WSM-FM). According to Nielsen Audio PPM data, the February 2019 through August 2019 (6+) topline for classic hits-oldies KOAI is: 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5. It ranks #25 in August 2019; iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is on top (7.0, 6+). ….. Former Bohn 
Broadcast Services vice president of business development Chris Roth is appointed program director of Entercom Washington, DC classic hits-oldies WIAD “94.7 The Drive.” Roth will “work closely” with Entercom classic hits-oldies format captain Chris Ebbott, who programs Los Angeles’ co-owned/similarly formatted KRTH “K-Earth 101.” Entercom Washington, DC senior vice president and market manager Phil Zachary comments, “One year into the format, we are satisfied with the station’s position, but we are constantly seeking new ways to innovate and improve. Chris Roth brings the vernacular and market knowledge to finetune ‘94.7 The Drive’ to DC’s particular tastes. He’s uniquely-suited for this role; I am excited to see him help our station excel.” Roth notes, “Programming ‘94.7 The Drive’ is a dream job for me. I’m passionate about the classic hits format and I’m looking forward to making it the fun destination for DC listening.” Roth previously was an on-air talent at Baltimore adult contemporary sibling WLIF “Today’s 101.9”; director of programming for WAVA, Washington; a reporter at Washington’s all-news WTOP; 
and director of programming and operations for Winchester, Virginia hot AC WINC-FM ….. As noted in this space just last Friday (9/27), Scott Roddy exited his brand/content director post with Hubbard Radio St. Louis adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” for a “yet-to-be-revealed position.” Well, it didn’t take long for the mystery to be revealed as Roddy will join
Entercom Portland next Monday (10/7) as program director/operations manager for country KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” and hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz.” Entercom Portland senior vice president/market manager Kim Martinez states, “Scott has an impressive track record programming leading stations; we’re fortunate to add him to the team. I am confident his proven leadership will enable him to step in and immediately enhance the programming efforts for our stations.” Roddy notes, “I’m stoked to join the iconic ‘Wolf’ and to bring some electricity back to the ‘Buzz.’ Kim Martinez is building a world-class operation at Entercom Portland. Her passion for our industry, audience, investors, and local team is unparalleled. I’d like to thank Kim; [chief programming officer] Pat Paxton; [regional president] Doug Abernethy; and [senior vice president of programming] Dave Richards for the opportunity.” Prior to joining WARH in February 2016, Roddy programmed stations for Entercom Indianapolis, Oasis Radio Group Fort Wayne (Indiana), and Saga Communications ….. This Saturday (10/5) at 8:00 am, iHeartMedia Chicago urban contemporary WGCI-FM, urban AC WVAZ “V-103,” and gospel WGRB “Inspiration 1390” will hold the third annual “Sista Strut” 3K breast cancer charity walk to benefit the Chicago chapter of the Sisters Network. According to iHeartMedia Chicago director of urban programming Derrick Brown, “We are dedicated to serving the community in which we live and work. We remain committed to doing our part in being a source of support and encouragement for those battling and recovering from this disease.” WGCI-FM morning show member Kendra G and WVAZ midday talent Bionce Foxx will host the event. Special guests will include “Steve Harvey Morning Show” co-host Carla Ferrell ….. Forming the new morning team at Emmis 
Indianapolis’ country WLHK “97.1 Hank FM” are Caleb James and Mindy Winkler. James most recently programmed NRG Media Omaha rhythmic CHR KOPW “Power 106.9,” while Winkler arrives from WLHK’s adult contemporary sibling WYXB “B-105.7.” Former “Hank” morning driver Dave O’Brien is now doing similar duties at Entercom Denver classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” ….. Louisville alternative WGHL “Alt 105.1” program director/afternoon talent Phil “PK” Kukawinski tacks on programming duties for Alpha Media adult hits cluster-mate WXMA “102.3 Jack-FM.” He succeeds Sarah Jordan, who continues as marketing director and mid-day personality (10:00 am – 3:00 pm) on co-
owned CHR WDJX “99-7 DJX” ….. To help raise funds, supplies, and awareness for rescue dogs, iHeartMedia Colorado Springs hot AC KVUU “My 99.9” will team with the Lovepup Foundation for the initial “Lovepup Family Fest” one week from Saturday (10/12, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm) at Weidner Field. KVUU morning drive talent Johnjay of the syndicated “Johnjay and Rich” show will host the event. All money and pet supply donations will benefit local Colorado Springs animal rescue organizations ….. Meanwhile, KVUU cluster-mate KCYY “Y-96.9 #1 For New Country” and Oakwood Homes join forces four weeks from today (10/29) for the first-ever “Boo Bash” to benefit HBA Cares. Hosted by “Y-96.9” afternoon drive host Shawn Patrick, the event will feature entertainment from Matt Stell, Noah Schnacky, and Tyler Walker Band. “Boo Bash” proceeds will benefit local transitional and accessible housing in the Colorado Springs area, along with other local community projects. Doors will open at 6:00 pm at Boot Barn Hall ….. WCYQ “100.3 The Wolf” nighttime talent Paul Orr exits the SummitMedia Knoxville country station to focus on his voiceover business. Before joining WCYQ, Orr 
worked in Birmingham (WZZK); Oklahoma City (KTST); Fort Myers (WWGR); and Shreveport (KRMD) ….. A “goat” is loose in Hagerstown-Chambersburg (Maryland-Pennsylvania) as Verstandig Media transitions CHR WNUZ “Now 92.1” to classic hits-oldies WIKG “92.1 The Goat – The Greatest of All Time.” This comes after a weekend of stunting with all-Christmas music; the station is inviting listeners to “Take Your Goat To Work.” Continuing the theme, the “goat herd” is airing 20 songs in a row in its first week.
Delilah Honored With AFN Challenge Coin. For her unwavering support of service members and veterans, Premiere Networks’ adult contemporary host Delilah received the American Forces Network challenge coin last Thursday (9/26) at the Radio Show in Dallas. Military challenge coins have been issued to servicemen and servicewomen since World War I as a symbol of honor, respect, gratitude, and loyalty. Delilah is heard weeknights at 7:00 pm in Japan, Korea, and central Europe on AFN Radio’s “Today’s Best Hits Adult Contemporary” channel. Pictured left to right are: Tom Arnholt of AFN programming and operations, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, Delilah, who co-hosted last week’s NAB Marconi Awards, and Curt Eckstein of AFN programming and operations.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Steve Jones to Leave ABC Radio for President and COO Role at Skyview Networks. Longtime ABC Radio executive Steve Jones tells his staff there that his decision to transition from ABC to Skyview Networks was made “after very careful consideration and consultation
both with Skyview and ABC News — two organizations I care deeply about. In the end, the opportunity to help lead the growth and expansion at Skyview convinced me to take the position of president and chief operating officer, reporting to CEO and co-founder Ken Thiele.” In his new role with Skyview, Jones will help lead the 
company’s growth in sports play-by-play, content creation across platforms, syndication, network sales, distribution of audio, and technology innovation. Jones starts with Skyview on April 9. Skyview CEO Ken Thiele says, “Steve is a highly respected leader in the audio industry and his addition to Skyview will accelerate what already has been a period of explosive growth. Since Skyview Networks and ABC News partnered in 2014, Steve and I have worked side-by-side in developing new business that has resulted in great success for both companies. During more than 30 years at Disney/ABC, Steve received dozens of awards recognizing his role as a business leader, innovator, and content creator. He now brings his experience and expertise to Skyview to help prepare us for our next phase of aggressive growth.”
WABC Launches Podcast with Longtime Radio Contributor Bo Dietl. Debuting this week on 77 WABC Radio’s OG Podcast Network is the “One Tough Podcast” program hosted by former New York City police detective, private investigator, and longtime “Imus in the
Morning” contributor Bo Dietl. The program allows Dietl to “give his unfiltered and uncensored take on true crime, issues of the day, and New York City stories.” This week’s premier episode features an exclusive interview with FOX News Channel and Premiere Networks superstar Sean Hannity. The next episode will feature a conversation with WABC personality Curtis Sliwa. WABC says Dietl is one of the most highly decorated detectives in the history of the New York City Police Department, with several thousand arrests to his credit. He is the founder and chairman of Beau Dietl & Associates, an investigative and security firm. He co-authored the book, “One Tough Cop,” a story about his life as a New York City police detective that was made into a major motion picture. He’s also a regular contributor to 77 WABC’s “Bernie and Sid In The Morning Show” and to FOX News Channel and FOX Business Channel.
Brandon Chase to Program ‘FOX Sports’ Charlotte. At Beasley Media Group’s Charlotte cluster, programmer Brandon Chase adds PD duties for sports talk WBCN
-AM/W234BY/WSOC-HD3 “FOX Sports Charlotte” to his responsibilities. He currently serves as APD, music director, and midday personality for adult contemporary WKQC “K 104.7” and is a production director at the cluster. Beasley Charlotte VP and market manager Bill Schoening says, “Brandon is experienced in the sports format. He has a great work ethic and I’m very excited to have him paving the way for success on FOX Sports. I cannot wait to utilize all of his creative ideas and perspective.”
Des Moines Sports Talk Host Dies in Highway Collision. An accident on Interstate 80 took the life of KBGG-AM, Des Moines “1700 The Champ” sports talk host Gantry R. Miller, a.k.a.,
Wolfgang, on March 19. The 44-year-old radio personality had pulled over and exited his car around 9:45 am when he was struck by a semi-truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Miller co-hosted “The Drive with Wolfgang and Steen.” The station wrote on its website, “It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of our dear friend and fellow broadcaster, Gantry ‘Wolfgang’ Miller…Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Hillsdale College’s WRFH is Racking Up Honors. The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) and the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) have awarded the
relatively new radio program at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan with more than 10 major awards for the past year. WRFH “Radio Free Hillsdale” GM Scot Bertram reports these include Ben Dietderich taking First Place nationally at the IBS Awards in the Best News Interview category for his John Bolton Interview from CPAC 2018 and WRFH being named the 2019 College Radio Station of the Year by the MAB. Hillsdale College’s adherence to Constitutional principles has made it a favorite among many of the nation’s conservative news/talkers.
A View of Modern Communications and Journalism from the Leading Edge of Academia. Former NBC News and ABC News executive and producer Mark Lukasiewicz was appointed dean of Hofstra University’s highly reputed Lawrence Herbert School of Communication in 2018. The multi-decorated journalist (10 Emmys, two Peabody Awards, grand prize of the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards and more) is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Over a career that spans nearly four decades, Lukasiewicz spent 16 years in roles that included executive-in-charge of the NBC News Group Transformation Project, senior vice president of NBC News Specials, and he was the
news division’s first vice president of digital media. Before joining NBC News in 2000, he spent 11 years with ABC News, where he was executive producer of “Good Morning America,” senior producer of “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings,” and senior producer of “PrimeTime LIVE with Diane Sawyer and Sam Donaldson.” He’s also been an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Harrison and Lukasiewicz discuss the state and future of journalism tackling such red-hot topics as ethics, audience-targeting, storytelling, exponentially evolving technology, and the general transformative state of 21st century communications. “The field of communications has never been a bigger part of our daily lives, nor more important and critical to the civic life of our nation,” Lukasiewicz says. “I’ve been privileged to work with, and learn from, some of the best professionals in the world. Now, I have an opportunity to give back.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the daily TALKERS email newsletter and every page of Talkers.com. Don’t miss this!
Neuhoff Communications Launches Fast Forward Leadership Program. Radio company Neuhoff Communications is launching its inaugural class of the Fast Forward Leadership Program. The Neuhoff leadership team nominated several candidates for consideration and six were chosen: Chad Baker, Neuhoff Media Danville; Taylor Brown, Neuhoff Media Springfield; Jeremy Hardman, Neuhoff Media Bloomington; Emily Phillips, Neuhoff Media Decatur; Amanda Van Meter, Neuhoff Media Lafayette, and Dianna Towns, Neuhoff Communications. The company says The Fast Forward program will demonstrate and continue the mission of Neuhoff Communications as the single-most important source for local news and entertainment in the markets it serves. Each member of the Fast Forward team has been assigned a mentor from the Neuhoff Communications leadership team to assist in their professional development. The team will also work together on a capstone project that will be presented to each of the Neuhoff Media markets and to the Neuhoff Communications Advisory Board. Neuhoff president and CEO Beth Neuhoff says, “Anyone who doubts there is a deep bench in the local media business need look no further than these talented individuals. The future is very bright.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Amanda Van Meter, Dianna Towns, Jeremy Hardman, Mike Hulvey, Beth Neuhoff, Emily Phillips, and Taylor Brown. (not pictured: Chad Baker)
Mueller’s Trump Investigation Status, 2020 Democratic Hopefuls, Electoral College Debate, NZ Mosques Attacks Aftermath, Dems’ Reparations Discussion, George Conway Trump Criticisms, College Admissions Scandal, Midwest Floods, NBA Action, and NCAA Tournament Bracket Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/19). Speculation about the final scope of Robert Mueller’s Trump-Russia investigation and the timeline for completion; the growing list of Democrats vying to run against President Trump in 2020; the debate over the value of the Electoral College; the aftermath of the New Zealand mosques attacks; chatter among Democratic politicians about the reparations issue; George Conway’s criticisms of President Trump; the blowback from the college admissions scandal; the floods affecting several Midwestern states; NBA action; and the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament bracket were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
MORE SPEAKERS BEING NAMED for 2019 Talkers Convention Set for NYC. The 22nd annual installment of the longest-running, most-important national talk media convention has been set for Friday, June 7, 2019 in New York City. Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will take place at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel superstar Sean Hannity will reprise his long-standing role as the morning breakfast host and kickoff speaker for this convention. Hannity will be joined by TALKERS founder Michael Harrison in the event’s annual one-on-one opening keynote conversation. Radio Advertising Bureau CEO Erica Farber will moderate a special panel focusing on the challenges facing talk radio sales and marketing in 2019. Senior VP programming WFAN and Entercom NY and CBS Sports Radio, captain/sports format Mark Chernoff will participate in a discussion about the state of sports talk radio. A general programming discussion will include Mike McVay, EVP, content and programming, Cumulus Media and Justin Chase, EVP programming, Beasley Media Group; Some of the other speakers already set to participate in the program include (in alphabetical order): Dr. Asa Andrew, host, Asa RX; Greg Batusic, chief operations officer, PodcastOne; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, host, WAQY, Springfield, MA “Rock 102”; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Michael Berry, host, The Michael Berry Show; Grace Blazer, national brand coordinator, news/talk/sports programming and director of AM programming Miami/Fort Lauderdale, iHeartMedia; Jim Bohannon, host, Westwood One; Phil Boyce, SVP spoken word format, Salem Media Group and VP/operations, Salem Radio Network, New York Region; Howie Carr, host, The Howie Carr Show; Kathy Carr, president, The Howie Carr Show; Heather Cohen, EVP, The Weiss Agency; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC; Kate Delaney, host, NBC Sports; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO, Amplifi Media; Sebastian Gorka, host, Salem Radio Network; Lee Habeeb, host/producer, Our American Stories; Bill Hess, VP of news/talk, Cumulus Media and program director, WMAL, Washington, DC; Harry Hurley, host, WPGG, Atlantic City; Brian Kilmeade, host, FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel; Scott Lakefield, assistant program director, WOR, New York; John T. Mullen, operations manager, WRHU, Hofstra University; Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, host, The Joe Pags Show; Dave Robinette, Chief Marketing Officer, #250 – America’s Mobile Speed Dial; Sid Rosenberg, host, WABC, New York; Todd Starnes, host, Fox News Radio; Walter M. Sterling, host, Westwood One; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Mike Thomas, program director, WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Boston/brand manager for spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting; Dr. Daliah Wachs, host, Genesis Communications Network; Brett Winterble, host KFMB-AM, San Diego; Dan Yorke, host, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence; Rich Zeoli, host, WPHT, Philadelphia; and Michael Zwerling, owner, KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz. More speakers to be named in the days and weeks ahead along with a complete agenda. The conference will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology as well as the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing modern day talk broadcasters and broadcasting organizations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, one-on-one conversations and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch, and a closing cocktail reception — all in a single, power-packed day! Full agenda details, speaker roster and hotel information will be posted in TALKERS during the days and weeks ahead. As is customary with TALKERS conventions, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story is only open to members of the professional media industry and communications students. Because seating is limited and the event has been an early sellout every year since the 1990s, in order to maintain this policy, non-refundable registrations can only be purchased via telephone with a credit card. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments, costs $329 per person. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To take advantage of the hotel discount available to TALKERS convention attendees, contact the Hilton Fashion District Hotel located directly across the street from the venue at 152 W. 26th St, New York, NY 10001 by clicking here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Chicago media maven Robert Feder reports a number of changes taking place in the market including the exit of Chris Reese from the evening show at hot AC WTMX. The station has not named a new evening personality but has announced it has hired former, crosstown WBBM-FM “B96” personality Nikki Imbrascio as part-time personality…..Feder also writes that Weigel Broadcasting’s WRME-FM “Me-TV FM” has brought market radio pro Bob Lawson aboard as a production/programming assistant. He served for many years as a production director at WJMK-FM…..Pictured below his Little Steven Van Zandt (left) with WXTL-FM, Syracuse “The Rebel 105.9” program director Dave Frisina (right). Van Zandt, host of the Premiere Networks-syndicated “Little Steven’s Underground Garage,” stopped by his Syracuse affiliate while in town for a speaking engagement at Syracuse University on March 18. In addition to visiting with the staff, Little Steven took over the mic for an hour to play some tracks from his personal catalogue, as well as select songs from Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Darlene Love, The Jellybricks, and a special tribute to the late Dick Dale. He also played some songs from his upcoming album with the Disciples of Soul.
February 2019 PPM Data – Round Two. February 2019 ratings information has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s February 2019 survey period covered January 31 – February 27. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.
Washington, DC
Spoken-Word Formats – Not quite equaling January’s robust +1.4 (4.3 – 5.7, 6+), Cumulus
Media news/talk WMAL nonetheless chalks up an impressive +.9 to 6.6 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Moreover, WMAL establishes a new record for its best 6+-stat (6.6) in the PPM-era, breaking the “old” mark of 5.7 established … last month. After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the seventh sweep in succession.
In back-to-back survey periods, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM falters by one-tenth (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), but “106.7 The Fan” manages to move from #14 to #13. Its “Holiday” 2018 increase of two-tenths followed four consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). A combined -.4 via three straight (minor) setbacks (.9 – .8 – .6 – .5, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” slips from #23 to #25.
The recent up/down pattern for WTOP is -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); and
now -.6 in February (10.4 – 9.8, 6+). Nevertheless, the Hubbard all-news operation repeats at #1. January’s 10.4 is its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Having set the pace 11 straight ratings periods, WTOP segued to the runner-up slot in December.
There is a quite similar major shift pattern for American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” evidenced by -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and now -1.2 in February (9.8 – 8.6, unchanged at #2, 6+). Immediately prior to “Holiday” 2018, WAMU was an overall +1.9 via five straight increases (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 9.0 – 9.5, 6+).
Entercom business news outlet WDCH drops two-tenths (.6 – .4, #23 to #27, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Even with a healthy eight-tenths’ gain (3.1 – 3.9, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WKYS remains within three-share range (6+) for the 23rd straight time – but – it zooms into the top ten (#14 to #8). May 2017 (2.9) marked the last time WKYS wasn’t between 3.0 – 3.9 (6+). An overall +1.5 through five straight increases (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9, 6+), co-owned urban AC WMMJ “Majic” continues at #3. Format rival – Howard University’s WHUR – posts its third successive positive spike for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+) yet backslides from fourth to fifth. Having sputtered -6.1 in January to 4.3 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” bounces back with an improvement of seven-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and is unchanged at #6. WASH was a combined +5.6 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.8 – 7.3 – 10.4, 6+). An overall -1.3 as the result of three consecutive setbacks (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” erases roughly half the deficit with a +.6 to 4.1 (6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #7). The sale of WRQX to Educational Media Foundation is expected to close later this year. On the heels of January’s -.6 (4.0 – 3.4, 6+), Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA surrenders another seven-tenths (2.7, #12 to #16, 6+). When “Classical 90.9” dropped three-tenths in December, it halted at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that accounted for a collective +1.4 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). A loss of one-half share (3.9 – 3.4, 6+) forces iHeartMedia CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5” out of the top ten (#8 to #12). Exiting the top ten as well is Entercom hot AC-turned-classic hits-oldies WIAD (#9 to #11). An overall +1.5 via four straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+), “94.7 The Drive – DC’s Greatest Hits” has its streak snapped with a one-tenth loss to 3.7 (6+).
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Having notched a January increase of one-tenth, iHeartMedia
news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is unchanged in 6+ share (2.2) and 6+ market rank (#17). November 2018’s 3.2 is the best 6+-stat for WRKO in more than four years (3.3, November 2014).
Over the course of the last seven (7) sweeps, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” has been: +.4 (September 2018); +.9 (October); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); and now -.8 in February (7.2 – 6.4, second to third, 6+). WBZ-FM is the key station of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, as well as the Celtics and Bruins. In the same timeframe, Entercom-owned/2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM is -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); and now -1.0 in February (4.7 – 3.7, eighth to ninth, 6+).
Adding one-tenth to January’s +1.2 (5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” progresses from sixth to fifth.
The rollercoaster ride continues for Boston University news/talker WBUR, which has been -1.5 through five consecutive down or flat August through “Holiday” 2018 ratings periods (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+); +1.5 (January); and now -1.1 in February (5.7 – 4.6, fifth to seventh, 6+). Adding one-tenth to January’s increase of two-tenths (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH carries on at #15.
Boston Music Formats – Replicating January’s +.6 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” advances from third to second. By gaining six-tenths (2.7 – 3.3, 6+), cluster-mate WBOS “Alt 92.9 Boston’s Alternative” reaches the three-share level (6+) for the first time since August 2016 (3.0). Locked on 2.9 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019, after December’s 3.3 (6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” posts a gain of one-half share to 3.4 (#13 to #11, 6+), its best 6+-performance since appearing in print in January 2017. Co-owned mainstream CHR WXKS-FM follows January’s gain of six-tenths with another one-tenth (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.4, 6+) as “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” repeats at #1. This (7.4) is the highest 6+-showing since August 2018’s 7.8 for “Kiss,” which was #1 from January 2018 through November 2018. Albeit without an increase the fourth straight time for a -.3 (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), yet another iHeartMedia property – WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” – climbs from #19 to #18. Nearly two full-shares ahead of it is Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5,” which is up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7, tenth to ninth, 6+). Its January +.1 ended seven successive down or flat reports that accounted for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+).
Miami
Spoken-Word Formats – Although level at 2.4 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD
backslides from #18 to #19. “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was a combined -.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 but recaptured two-tenths in January.
In a noteworthy Spanish news/talk development, Actualidad Media Group’s WURN-AM “Actualidad 1040” has more than doubled (+1.1) its 6+-stat in January and February (1.0 – 1.4 2.1, 6+) and enters the top twenty at #20.
Without an increase the past three reports for a loss of three-tenths (.9 – .6 – .6 – .6, 6+), Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” picks up one-tenth to .7 (6+) and continues at #26. It overtakes co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560,” which loses four-tenths via three consecutive down or flat trends (.9 – .9 – .6 – .5, #26 to #29, 6+).
Flat at #20, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN follows January’s seven-tenths’ improvement with a loss of two-tenths (2.3 – 2.1, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – The huge news here is a three-way tie at #1 among Cox Media Group-owned WFEZ “Easy 93.1” (7.4 – 6.6, -.8, repeating at #1, 6+); co-owned urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” (6.4 – 6.6, +.2, second to first, 6+); and Entercom adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” (6.4 – 6.6, +.2, second to first, 6+). Adult contemporary outlets “Easy” and “Lite” traded places with each other in January, as WFEZ went from second to first and WLYF segued from first to second. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Meanwhile, “Lite FM” had been an overall +1.9 through three positive spikes in succession (5.4 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+) and notched its best 6+-stat (7.3) since January 2018’s 7.4. Thus, for the tenth straight ratings period, an adult contemporary controls or has a share of Miami’s lead position (6+). Meanwhile, this is the first time at #1 for “Hot” since May 2018, when it logged a 7.5 (6+). On the heels of January’s +.7, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” forfeits one-half share (5.2 – 4.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). Its January increase curtailed three straight flat or down trends (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Skidding from #15 to #17, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” is without an increase for the fifth straight sweep for a collective loss of nine-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). Its mainstream CHR rival – Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” – posts a 3.0 (6+) for the fourth time in the last seven reports (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0, #12 to #14, 6+). Penetrating the market from West Palm Beach, Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety From the 90s & Now” reappears with a .7 (#26); the station’s sale to Hubbard is pending.
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.0 in January/February (4.9 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+),
Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM continues in third-place. Immediately prior to January, KIRO-FM was -1.7 in three straight down or flat trends (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 4.9, 6+). Somewhat similarly, co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is a combined +.6 in 
January/February (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1, #22 to #21, 6+), after a December/“Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in slicing in half (-1.5) of its 6+-share (3.0 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+). In the same boat as well is Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” which erases its December/“Holiday” 2018 -.4 (1.3 – 1.2 – .9, 6+) with a January/February +.7 (.9 – 1.4 – 1.6, #24 to #23, 6+).
Conversely, the market’s (6+) sports talk share softens by -1.5. Absorbing 60% of that impact is Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “ESPN 710,” which is down roughly 50% (-2.0) in four
consecutive declines (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.0 – 2.1, 6+); the flagship of the Seahawks and Mariners fades from the top twenty (#14 to #21). Returning in its entirety the six-tenths it racked up in January (1.0 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM drops from #23 to #24. “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” was down a collective four-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2018 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+), following four consecutive up or flat sweeps that nearly tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).
In three straight up or flat trends, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO is up six-tenths (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0, #16 to #15, 6+).
Tacking on six-tenths to January’s +1.5 (5.9 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW repeats at #1. In the runner-up slot in December and “Holiday” 2018, KUOW was on top in September 2018.
Seattle Music Formats – At the same time that Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” adds a whopping +1.3 to January’s +.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1, tenth to fourth, 6+), Hubbard’s similarly-formatted KRWM “Warm 106.9” surrenders a combined January/February -7.2 (11.2 – 4.8 – 4.0, fourth to ninth, 6+). In September, “The Sound” overtook “Warm” for the first time since KSWD’s format shift from country (KMPS) roughly 15 months ago. As the result of six successive months without a loss (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), KSWD was +1.7. Entering the January sweep, “Warm” more than tripled (+7.8) its 6+-share as the result of three straight gains (3.4 – 4.1 – 8.8 – 11.2, 6+). Immediately after being a collective -1.6 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is up a collective eight-tenths in three straight positive spikes (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5, seventh to fifth, 6+). With a consistent October 2018 through January 2019 topline of 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0 (6+), Classic Radio, Inc.-owned KING “98.1 Listener-Supported Classical Music” erupts with a +.9 to 2.9 (6+) and enters the top twenty (#21 to #16). A loss of one-half share (3.0 – 2.5, 6+) sends iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KUBE “93.3 Seattle’s #1 For Hip-Hop” from #14 to #18. Following five straight positive or flat trends that netted a +1.1 (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNDD “107.7 The End – Alternative Seattle” falters by four-tenths to 4.3 (sixth to eighth, 6+).
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Off two-tenths – after January’s increases of seven-tenths –
Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” (3.7 – 3.5, 6+) slips from #12 to #13.
Three improvements in a row by Entercom sports talk/Pistons, Red 
Wings, and Tigers flagship WXYT-FM accounted for a +1.8 (4.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+); “97.1 The Ticket” has since been -1.3 (“Holiday” 2018); +.6 (January 2019); and now -.2 in February (5.0, flat at #8).
Despite being a combined +1.6 in January/February (6.1 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+), co-owned WWJ
“News Radio 950” segues from first to second.
Although relinquishing the three-tenths it scored in January (1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM continues at #19. By gaining one-tenth in September, WUOM curtailed eight straight survey periods without an increase for a collective -.3 (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). Down or flat the past three reports for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET gains it all back (1.5, +.3, #22 to #21, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – Not only does Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX haul out back-to-back upticks of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+), “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” storms from third to first. January’s +.9 erased half of December/“Holiday” 2018’s -1.8 (7.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September. In the market’s sudden adult contemporary battle, Entercom’s WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” registers its fourth consecutive up or flat trend for a collective +1.3 (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6, 6+) and advances from #14 to #12. WDZH transitioned from CHR “Amp Radio” to adult contemporary “The Breeze” in early-November (2018). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed incumbent WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” erodes by a combined January/February -11.3 (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6, second to third, 6+). Its 17.9 in “Holiday” 2018 though is easily the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. Via four straight increases, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+) and was #1 in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018. A combined January/February +.8 (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” jumps from ninth to sixth. Both of the market’s country players regress by six-tenths: Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music” (5.3 – 4.7, sixth to ninth, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (1.6, #18 to #19, 6+). In January, WYCD logged a +1.6, thus applying the brakes to three successive declines that resulted in a cumulative -1.9 (5.6 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 3.7, 6+). WDRQ’s August 2018 through January 2019 topline was a very steady 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 (6+). Co-owned hot AC WDVD surrenders all but two-tenths of January’s +.7 (4.5 – 4.0, -.5, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Entering the January sweep, “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” had been down or flat five consecutive times for a -1.4 (5.2 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+).
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – While it repeats January’s 3.4 (6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM
departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Up six-tenths in January, KTAR-FM was an overall -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.3 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+). Notwithstanding that it follows January’s one-half share gain with a +.1 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s 
KFYI “News Talk 550” backslides from #17 to #18.
As a result of forfeiting two-tenths (2.2 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville sports talk/Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and Arizona Diamondbacks flagship KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” exits the top twenty (#20 to #22).
Down or flat three straight sweeps for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ is now +1.1 in January/February and enters the top ten (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.6, #13 to #9, 6+).
Phoenix Music Formats – Over and above obliterating “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2 with a January/February +1.6 (5.1 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” progresses from third to first. Corresponding with its February increase of seven-tenths is a seven-tenths decrease by adult contemporary cluster-mate KESZ (7.0 – 6.3, 6+), which – after five straight times at #1 – segues to #2. KESZ is now a combined -8.7 in January/February. January’s loss interrupted four positive spikes in succession that netted +8.9 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 9.7 – 15.0, 6+), with 15.0 its highest 6+-showing since 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017. After spending ten straight sweeps at #1, KESZ shifted to the runner-up slot in September. Progressing from#19 to #15, Riviera Broadcasting hot AC KMVA “Hot” is up eight-tenths in January/February (2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.0) since September 2018’s 3.1. Before picking up two-tenths in January, “Hot” had been without an increase six sweeps in succession for a collective -1.3 (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+). In addition to eroding by -1.1 (6.5 – 5.4, second to fourth, 6+), Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” has its softest 6+-stat in just over two years (5.4, as well in January 2017).
Minneapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of January’s +.7, which ended six straight down or flat
moves accounting for an overall -1.2 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom-owned Timberwolves and Twins flagship WCCO “News Radio 830” adds another one-tenth (4.0, #12 to #11, 6+). Off seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2018 (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), 
Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” is now +1.2 in January/February (2.2 – 3.3 – 3.4, unchanged at #14, 6+). It is one-tenth ahead of iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130,” which is flat at 3.3 (#14 to #15, 6+).
After logging four consecutive increases that yielded a +3.0 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+),
KTLK cluster-mate KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” is -2.3 in four setbacks in succession (6.7 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+). The flagship of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild drops from eighth to ninth. Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is unchanged from January in 6+ market share (.7) and 6+ market rank (#25).
Erasing 70% of January’s +1.0 with February’s -.7 (5.0 – 4.3, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW falls from sixth to tenth.
Minneapolis Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KDWB advance from third to first with a gain of seven-tenths (6.3 – 7.0, 6+), “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” has its best 6+-stat (7.0) since September 2018’s 7.2. Major ups/down continue for University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” KTIS-FM, which was a collective -.8 via three straight sweeps without an increase (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+); +.9 (“Holiday” 2018); -.6 (January 2019); and now +.6 in February (4.6 – 5.2, tenth to sixth, 6+). As a result of three straight gains (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “Go Radio – Modern Minnesota Music” is an overall +1.1 and climbs from #18 to #16. Whereas January’s (6+) hot AC share in the Twin Cities ballooned by +3.1, it collapses in February by -1.3. Specifically, Hubbard’s KSTP-FM “KS-95,” which was +1.9 in January, regresses by eight-tenths (7.2 – 6.4, 6+), dropping from first to second, while iHeartMedia-owned KTCZ “Cities 97.1,” +1.2 in January, surrenders one-half share (4.5 – 4.0, flat at #11, 6+). Having held the lead position seven straight times before being ousted in August, KSTP-FM returned to #1 in October and November. Meanwhile, “Cities 97.1” spiraled by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 3.3, its lowest 6+-performance since April 2018 (3.3, as well). Down or flat six times in a row for a collective +1.1 (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio classical outlet KSJN returns two-tenths to 2.9 (#16 to #17, 6+). Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” was an overall +.8 in four straight sweeps without a loss (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.4, 6+); -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.6 (January 2019); and now -.3 in February (6.5 – 6.2, second to fourth, 6+).
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats – After posting a one-half share increase, iHeartMedia news/talk
KOGO surrenders four-tenths (4.4 – 4.0, eighth to tenth, 6+). January’s gain curtailed three straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). Tacking on one-tenth to January’s +.3 (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” 
advances from #20 to #18. In five successive San Diego sweeps without an increase (1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” is down six-tenths and tumbles from #22 to #24. While flat at #21, Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” is +.7 via three consecutive up or flat trends (.9 – .9 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+). This (1.6) is its best 6+-performance since February 
2018 (1.6, as well). After three straight sweeps without a loss for an overall gain of four-tenths (.7 – .8 – .8 – 1.1, 6+), Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” forfeits the entire four-tenths (.7, #24 to #26, 6+). A loss of four-tenths by iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” cuts its January 6+ stat in half (.8 – .4, #26 to #27, 6+).
A combined -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.8 – 6.2 – 5.1, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk outlet KPBS follows with a +2.4 in January/February (5.1 – 7.2 – 7.5, 6+) and repeats at #1. KPBS was #1 in October, November, and December before shifting to #2 in “Holiday” 2018.
San Diego Music Formats – Advancing from sixth to third, iHeartMedia-owned KGB not only reaches the five-share level (6+) for the first time since May 2018’s 5.1, “San Diego’s Classic Rock” is an overall +2.2 via three consecutive upticks (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.9, 6+). Furthermore, its +1.4 is the largest (6+) January 2019 – February 2019 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here. It is a very similar scenario for Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country,” which is +1.9 in three successive positive spikes (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.4 – 6.1, third to second, 6+). A staggering -1.7 in just two sweeps (2.4 – 1.2 – .7, 6+), classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM “105.7 Max FM” answers with a February improvement of six-tenths to 1.3 (#27 to #22, 6+). This marks the third down or flat move in a row by Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” for a collective loss of nine-tenths (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.0, #13 to #18, 6+). Co-owned regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5,” which was +1.3 in four straight up or flat trends (4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), is off one-tenth to 5.4 (second to fourth, 6+). A cumulative -2.3 in four straight downturns (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” slips from sixth to eighth. In four negative moves in a row, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ was a collective -1.6 (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1, #17 to #19, 6+), but San Diego’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted for the second month in a row. KLVJ posted a +1.1 in September when it reached the three-share threshold (3.7, 6+) for the first time since March (3.1).
Tampa
Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa
Bay’s News Radio” answer December/“Holiday” 2018’s combined -.7 (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+) with a January/February +1.2 (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.3, the Tampa Lightning flagship enters the top ten (#12 to #9). A January gain of three-tenths by Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT suspended three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.0 (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+), but “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” repeats January’s 6+ share (2.9) and 6+ market rank (#15).
Up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” returns that combined two tenths (2.1, #18 to #17, 6+).
It is tied with University of South Florida news/talk WUSF, which adds one-tenth to January’s +.3 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1, #19 to #17, 6+).
Tampa Music Formats – Tacking on nine-tenths to January’s +.6 (4.9 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group country WQYK “99.5 QYK” proceeds from third to second. Three losses in a row resulted in a -1.8 (6.7 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7,” which is an overall +2.3 in seven successive sweeps without a loss (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.2, seventh to fifth, 6+). While unchanged at #10, co-owned urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” is +1.1 via four consecutive upticks (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+). Down two-tenths after January’s -1.9 (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is nonetheless #1 for the 79th successive ratings period. Its January decrease suspended three straight gains that netted +4.8 (8.9 – 9.7 – 10.8 – 13.7, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 13.7 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since WDUV’s 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. Meanwhile, adult contemporary sibling WWRM “Magic 94.9 – Tampa Bay’s Best Music,” +1.0 through four straight upticks (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+), forfeits 60% of that increase with a -.6 to 5.3 (second to fourth, 6+). January’s 5.9 is WWRM’s strongest 6+-stat since July 2018 (6.4). In five successive sweeps without an increase, co-owned WXGL is -1.5 (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+), but “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” inches up from fourth to third.
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – After posting a January increase of one-half share to 4.8 (6+),
iHeartMedia news/talk KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” drops one-tenth (4.7, sixth to seventh, 6+). Entering the January report, the flagship of the Broncos and Colorado Rockies was an overall -1.9 in three negative moves in succession (6.2 – 5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KHOW repeats January’s 1.4 (6+) but slips from #23 to #24. Prior to improving by three-tenths in January, “Talk Radio 630” was off a collective seven-tenths in three successive reports without an increase (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1, 6+).
The rollercoaster ride continues for Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” whose recent activity includes four increases in a row for an overall +1.9 (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+) followed by a December/“Holiday” 2018 -1.2; +.9 (January 2019); and now -.8 in February (4.1 – 3.3, #10 to #13, 6+). Having added one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.3 – .4 – .5, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” returns to a .3 (#27 to #29, 6+). The flagship of the Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche switched from country KWOF “The Wolf” in September (2018).
A combined +1.2 in January/February (6.4 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+),Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR repeats at #1. KCFR was on top in September 2018, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. Flat at #22, Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC is trending 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 (6+).
Denver Music Formats – Regaining the seven-tenths it squandered in three straight downturns (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” (4.7, +.7, 6+) enters the top ten (#11 to #7). Dialing up a February gain of seven-tenth as well is Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 103.5” (2.6 – 3.3, #17 to #13, 6+). Leaping from sixth to second, iHeartMedia alternative KTCL “Channel 93-3 Denver’s Modern Rock” is an overall +1.3 in five successive positive spikes (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+). This (5.4) is its highest 6+-stat in nearly two years (5.5, April 2017). Dialing up improvements of six-tenths as well are iHeartMedia’s KRFX “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” (4.0 – 4.6, #11 to #9, 6+); and CHR sibling KPTT “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.2, #17 to #15, 6+), which applies the brakes to three straight setbacks that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Locked on 5.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018, iHeartMedia triple A KBCO logged a January +1.0, but that vanishes in February as “97.3 World Class Rock” is -1.1 (6.0 – 4.9, second to sixth, 6+). A combined January/February -8.2 (12.8 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI drifts from fifth to ninth. In three straight sweeps without a loss, “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” totaled an overall +7.9 (4.9 – 4.9 – 7.6 – 12.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (with a 12.8, 6+). The last time any Denver station reached the 12-share level (6+) was more than four years ago (KOSI, 12.4, “Holiday” 2014). Immediately after notching a January +1.2, KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” slices that increase in half with a -.6 (5.7 – 5.1, 6+) but remains at #3. Down six-tenths as well in February is iHeartMedia’s KWBL “106.7 The Bull – Colorado’s New Country” (2.7 – 2.1, #15 to #18, 6+). Similar to “Kool 105,” Entravision’s KJMN recorded a January increase of +1.2 but “La Suavecita 92.7” forfeits one-half share (4.7 – 4.2, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11).
Baltimore
Spoken-Word Formats – After adding nine-tenths in January, independent news/talk WCBM
“680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” remains the same in 6+ share (3.4) and 6+ market rank (#11). WCBM was off one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+). Up seven-tenths in January, Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio 
– Expect More” improves by one-tenth to 2.8 (6+) and continues at #13. Prior to the December sweep, WBAL had a (6+) fluctuation of one-tenth four times in a row: 2.5 – 2.4; 2.4 – 2.5; 2.5 – 2.6; and 2.6 – 2.5. Up or flat for the third straight sweep (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5, 6+), Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL moves from #28 to #27.
A combined +.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.1 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM is now -.8 in January/February (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, eighth to tenth, 6+); “105.7 The Fan” spiraled by -1.0 in November.
Answering December/“Holiday” 2018’s -1.0 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+) with January/February’s +1.1 (2.3 – 3.1 – 3.4 (6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” advances from #12 to #11.
Surrendering all but one-tenth of January’s six-tenths’ gain (1.9 – 1.4, -.5, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU falls from #15 to #16.
Entercom business news WDCH has more than doubled (+.7) its 6+ Baltimore stat since December (.6 – .7 – 1.1 – 1.3, unchanged at #19, 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – An overall -1.2 in three straight downturns (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), Shamrock Communications’ classic rock WZBA “100.7 The Bay” is now a combined +1.3 in January/February (4.9 – 5.6 – 6.2, steady at #5, 6+). Albeit down one-tenth (7.7 – 7.6, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92 Q Jams” progresses from second to first. Its January +1.0 halted three consecutive declines that resulted in a -1.2 (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). Knocked out of the top spot is its urban AC sibling WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9,” which suffers the largest (6+) January 2019 – February 2019 erosion of any station in these 12 PPM-markets (9.0 – 7.4, -1.6, first to second, 6+). After 11 straight survey periods at #1, “Magic” shifted to second in December. It remained there in “Holiday” 2018 when it lost seven-tenths, but took over at #1 in January by logging a +1.1. On the heels of recording a January increase of seven-tenths, Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “Maryland’s Classical Music Station” relinquishes six-tenths (1.9 – 2.6 – 2.0, flat at #14, 6+). For the seventh time in succession, Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – Down six-tenths (5.6 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The
Voice of St. Louis” nonetheless continues in seventh-place. Prior to picking up two-tenths in January, the St. Louis Cardinals’ flagship – which was #1 in September 2018 and October – was an overall -3.0 
through three straight decreases (8.4 – 7.5 – 6.9 – 5.4, 6+). A combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday 2018” (2.8 – 2.5 – 1.7, 6+), co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” responds with a January/February +.8 (1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5, #18 to #17, 6+).
Relinquishing in its entirety “Holiday” 2018/January 2019’s +.5 (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+) Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” fades from the top ten (#10 to #16).
After logging a January gain of nine-tenths, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU follows with another four-tenths (3.2 – 4.1 – 4.5, tenth to ninth, 6+). Prior to January, KWMU was down or flat five successive sweeps for an overall loss of three-tenths (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+).
St. Louis Music Formats – A combined +.9 in January/February (3.2 – 3.4 – 4.1, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” advances from #14 to #12. Following four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.8 (4.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” erases one-third of the deficit with a +.6 to 3.7 (#16 to #14, 6+). On the heels of January’s -9.1 to 6.5 (6+), Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” answers with a one-half share increase to 7.0 (6+) and continues in fourth-place. Three straight up or flat tends (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.8 – 15.6, 6+) resulted in KEZK tripling (+10.4) its 6+ numbers; it spent December and “Holiday” 2018 at #1, with “Holiday” 2018’s 15.6 the loftiest 6+-share by any St. Louis station in the PPM-era. Up in February by one-half share as well is iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (4.0 – 4.5, 6+), which enters the top ten (#12 to #9). At the same time, Hubbard’s similarly-formatted WIL “New Country 92.3” surrenders six-tenths (6.0 – 5.4, 6+) but carries on at #6 with its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017 (5.4, as well). It’s a January-only stay at #1 for Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY (8.6 – 7.3, -1.3, first to third, 6+), which was up a combined six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018/January 2019 (8.0 – 8.1 – 8.6, 6+). Reappearing in print in April 2018, “99.1 Joy FM” has reached #1 in August 2018, November, and January 2019 with January’s 8.6 its highest 6+-share in the April 2018 through February 2019 timeframe. Despite dropping three-tenths, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU is one of two stations succeeding KLJY at #1 (7.9 – 7.6, third to first, 6+); “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” was +1.6 in January. Tied with KLOU in the lead position is Hubbard’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio,” whose four most recent fluctuations are +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); and now -.5 (8.1 – 7.6, second to first, 6+). Prior to January, the last time KSHE reached the eight-share level (6+) was in November 2016 (8.6). In that same vein, the yoyo effect for co-owned KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” includes -.8 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.5 (January); and now -.7 in February (6.4 – 5.7, flat at #5, 6+). Separated by one-tenth in January, both of the market’s CHRs gain three-tenths in February: iHeartMedia’s KSLZ “Z-107.7 – St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” (3.5 – 3.8, 6+) and Entercom-owned KNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” (3.4 – 3.7, 6+). They are unchanged at #13 and #14, respectively. Before notching a +.4 in January, “Z-107.7” was a collective -1.2 via five consecutive survey periods without an increase (4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), while “Now” broke out a +.9 in January.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
40th Anniversary of Founding of Guardian Angels Coincides with Release of SLIWONICS. Tonight, Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York and early afternoon personality Curtis Sliwa are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Sliwa’s founding of the Guardian Angels at the company’s Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 at WABC Radio. At the same time, Sliwa’s book titled, SLIWONICS, is being released. Sliwa says the book “explains the many terms that I have used in 27 years of doing talk radio that are malaprops, spoonerisms, and fractured phrases.” He says that this evening he will read from the book “in a ‘Masterpiece Theatre’ way.”
Mayfield Promoted at Ramsey Media. Media executive Brian Mayfield is promoted to the role of executive vice president of Ramsey Media – the company founded by nationally
syndicated talk radio star Dave Ramsey. The company says that this move expands his role to include the Ramsey Solutions Operating Board and Executive Committee speaking into global initiatives company-wide. Mayfield continues to lead Ramsey Media managing distribution and monetization of The Ramsey Network that features “The Dave Ramsey Show,” “The Rachel Cruze Show,” “The Chris Hogan Show,” “The Ken Coleman Show,” “Business Boutique,” and “The Anthony O’Neal Show.” Mayfield joined Ramsey Solutions in 2009 and has led the Ramsey Media team since 2012.
Armstrong & Getty Interview Outspoken News Pro Lara Logan. On the heels of her much-publicized interview with former Navy Seal and podcaster Mike Ritland, former CBS News
reporter Lara Logan appeared on the KSTE, Sacramento-based Armstrong & Getty program to talk about political bias, objective journalism, and more. She’s been embraced by conservatives since this story first broke for calling out news organizations for their lack of objectivity. However, she told Armstrong & Getty, “I just want to say one thing. If I say one thing loudly and clearly, louder than anything I ever said, I want to say if there is any person out there or any group that is trying to paint me as some kind of ‘right-winger’ or some kind of conservative, I reject that with every fiber of my being and my soul. I reject that with everything in me. I am not a politician and I am not going to be labeled by any of them. I do my job the same way no matter who’s in power. No matter who’s in power I do my job the same on ‘60 Minutes’ as I did on a newspaper in South Africa or when I was filling in for radio stations.” Hear the interview here.
Westwood One News Scores Deal for 45 Cox Media Group Music Stations. A new agreement to provide breaking news coverage on 45 Cox Media Group music stations in
Atlanta, Houston, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, San Antonio, and other markets – in addition to the signing of news/talk WWBA-AM, Tampa – puts Westwood One News at the 900-affiliate mark. The company also reports the re-signing of affiliates, including: WINS-AM, New York and KYW-AM, Philadelphia. Cumulus Media EVP, marketing and president of Westwood One Suzanne Grimes says, “Westwood One News has expanded rapidly due to our trustworthy global news reporting, which stations can locally brand and seamlessly embed into their programming. Reaching 900 stations over four years is an amazing milestone and a testament to Bart Tessler, Jim Jones, the Westwood One News team, and our affiliate sales team.”
Francesa-Kay Battle in New York Illustrates Challenges Faced in Selling Talk. The
Andrew Marchand column in the New York Post addressing the sports talk radio battle between WFAN’s Mike Francesa and WEPN’s Michael Kay highlights some 
of the challenges facing talk broadcasters – sports, news/talk, or otherwise – when it comes to selling based on ratings. Marchand reports that Kay beat Francesa in Nielsen’s January PPM (Men 25-54) with a 5.8 share over Francesa’s 5.0 share. The piece goes on to address the difference in ratings when a station uses Total Line Reporting. Further, Marchand notes that if total audience is the ultimate measuring stick, then Kay’s YES Network television audience needs to be included, too.
TALKERS News Notes. The mayor of Atlanta made news there by responding to a social
media post by former WSB-AM/WSBB-FM talk host and current commentator Neal Boortz. WXIA-TV, Atlanta reports that Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms took issue with Boortz’s tweet that compares the Democratic Party’s treatment of blacks today to that of plantation owners during slavery. You can see the story here. Though Boortz retired from his regular talk show in 2013, he still does a daily commentary for WSB…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that longtime Chicago journalist and former WCPT-AM, Chicago talk host Ben Joravsky is back in the audio game with a new, daily talk show being streamed live by the Chicago Reader and the Sun-Times…..Podcast producer Cadence13 is named to Fast Company’s annual list of 
the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2019. The list honors the businesses making “the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s volatile world.” Cadence 13 partners Spencer Brown and Chris Corcoran say, “We are thrilled to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative media companies of 2019. This wouldn’t be possible without the trust and dedication of our incredible partners, the hard work, passion and execution of our entire team, and the creative and innovative environment we promote here at C13.”
Trump-Russia Investigation, Border Wall Emergency Declaration Challenge, Jussie Smollett Case, 2020 Presidential Hopefuls, Putin Threatens U.S., Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Scandal, Venezuela Unrest, and NBA/NCAA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/20). The expectation that the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents will wrap soon; the U.S.-Mexico border wall project, President Trump’s emergency declaration, and the 16 states suing over the emergency declaration; actor Jussie Smollett is charged with filing a false police report after charging he was assaulted in Chicago; the Democrats declaring their 2020 presidential candidacy; Russian president Vladimir Putin threatens the U.S. with military retribution if the U.S. installs missiles in Europe; the Vatican’s plans to take up issues surrounding the cascade of sexual abuse charges against its clergy; the political unrest in Venezuela as conditions under Nicolas Maduro deteriorate; and NBA and NCAA basketball 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. Next month’s iHeartRadio Music Awards will include three new awards to be given to artists during the two-hour, live television and radio event. The 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards will honor Alicia Keys with the iHeartRadio Innovator Award; Garth Brooks with the Artist of the Decade Award; and Halsey with the iHeartRadio Fangirls Award presented by L’Oréal Paris. The sixth annual iHeartRadio Music Awards airs live on Thursday, March 14 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on FOX TV and across iHeartMedia radio stations as well as the iHeartRadio
platform from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles…..Westwood One is launching a new, weekend radio show starring Elaina Smith called “With Elaina,” targeted to country music outlets. WWO says the show is “designed for pop culture junkies, entertainment fans, and country music lovers” and “showcases Elaina doing what she does best – talking about life, love, movies, music, celebrity news, and of course, country music.” Smith says, “Launch day can’t come soon enough. I’ve been waiting to do a show like this for years. We’re going to have a blast bringing my pop culture background and millennial vibe to country music fans in a whole new way.”
January 2019 PPM Data – Round Two. January 2019 ratings information has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s January 2019 survey period covered January 3 – 30. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.
Washington, DC
Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss from June 2018 through November 2018 for an
overall +1.6 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), WMAL was then a combined -.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). Not only does the Cumulus Media news/talker bounce back with a January 2019 +1.4 (4.3 – 5.7, sixth to fifth, 6+), WMAL establishes a new record for its best 6+-stat (5.7) in the PPM-era.
Flat at #14, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” returns half (one-tenth) of the two-tenths it picked up in “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 3.1, -.1, 6+). The +.2 in “Holiday” 2018 followed four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). Stuck on .9 (6+) in November and December, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is a combined -.3 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (.9 – .8 – .6, #21 to #23, 6+).
After eroding by one full-share in “Holiday” 2018, Hubbard all-news WTOP roars back with
a +2.0 (8.4 – 10.4, 6+) and returns to #1 with its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Having set the pace for 11 straight ratings periods, WTOP segued to the runner-up slot in December.
It took just one ratings period for American University-owned news/talk WAMU to completely obliterate “Holiday” 2018’s massive -2.2, as “The Mind Is Our Medium” hangs out a January 2019 +2.5 (7.3 – 9.8, fourth to second, 6+). There have been a plethora of major (6+) “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 increases but this (WAMU’s +2.5) is the largest one we’ve seen in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far. Immediately prior to “Holiday” 2018, WAMU was an overall +1.9 via five straight increases (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 9.0 – 9.5, 6+). While this (9.8) is the best 6+-stat for WAMU since May 2017’s 10.7, its 7.3 in “Holiday” 2018 is its softest 6+-stat since 6.9 in “Holiday” 2015. “The Mind Is Our Medium” finished at #2 ten 10 times in calendar year 2018.
Down or flat five straight times for a loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+), Entercom business news outlet WDCH doubles (+.3) its 6+-stat to .6 (#24 to #23, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Not only is Entercom hot AC-turned-classic hits-oldies WIAD an overall +1.5 via four straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+), “94.7 The Drive – DC’s Greatest Hits” rockets into the top ten (#16 to #9). With a September through “Holiday” 2018 topline of 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.0 (6+), co-owned Spanish tropical WLZL “El Zol 107.9” posts a one-half share gain to 1.5 (#20 to #19, 6+), its strongest 6+-stat in just over one year (1.5, as well in “Holiday” 2017). Owing to four straight upticks (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ “Majic” is an overall +1.1 and continues at #3. At the same time, its format foe – Howard University’s WHUR – tacks on two-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.9 (6.2 – 6.4, 6+), advancing from fifth to fourth. A collective -1.4 via three straight decreases (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” picks up one-tenth to 3.6 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). Manning Broadcasting hot AC and classic hits-oldies cluster-mates WAFY “Key 103” and WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” surface at .8 (#21, 6+) and .6 (#23, 6+), respectively. A combined +5.6 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.8 – 7.3 – 10.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” sputters by -6.1 in January 2019 to 4.3 (6+), tumbling from first to sixth. Prior to being -1.0 in November, WASH was +2.1 in September and October (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.8, 6+). Forfeiting nearly all of the seven-tenths it accrued in “Holiday” 2018 (4.0 – 3.4, -.6, 6+), Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA “Classical 90.9” exits the top ten (#7 to #12). When WETA dropped three-tenths in December, it halted at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that accounted for a collective +1.4 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+).
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Having faltered by -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.6
– 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” notches a +.1 to 2.2 (6+) and carries on at #17. November 2018’s 3.2 is the best 6+-stat for WRKO in more than four years (3.3, November 2014).
There are more wild fluctuations for this market’s two mammoth sports talkers as Entercom’s WEEI-FM answers “Holiday” 2018’s loss of seven-tenths with a +1.7 (3.7 – 3.0 – 4.7, 6+) to return to the top ten (#11 to #8), while Beasley Media Group-owned
WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” piles on a +1.6 to its one-half share increase in “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 5.6 – 7.2, third to second, 6+). Off by -1.0 in December, WBZ-FM is the key station of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, as well as the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. The flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox, WEEI-FM cratered two full-shares in December.
While it is unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” posts a +1.2 to 5.5 (6+), thus applying the brakes to four straight decreases that resulted in a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+).
In one fell swoop, Boston University news/talker WBUR makes its overall -1.5 through five consecutive down or flat ratings periods (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+) vanish with a +1.5 (5.7, seventh to fifth, 6+). Even though WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH gains two-tenths (2.4 – 2.6, 6+), it backslides from #14 to #15.
Boston Music Formats – Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” responds with a gain of six-tenths to 7.3 (6+), marching from second to first. This (7.3) is the highest 6+-showing since August 2018’s 7.8 for “Kiss,” which was #1 from January 2018 through November 2018. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.6 (6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” records a +.6 as well (6.2, steady at #3, 6+). Logging improvements of one-half share (each) are Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” (3.4 – 3.9, unchanged at #9, 6+) and co-owned WAAF “107.3 – The Only Station That Really Rocks” (1.2 – 1.7, #22 to #20, 6+). Within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) the past 19 sweeps, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” busts out a +.4 to 3.1 (#13 to #12, 6+). Owing to three straight increases (5.3 – 5.6 – 8.9 – 14.5, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WMJX netted a +9.2 and spent December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018 at #1. In January 2019, however, “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” sputters by -8.4 to 6.1 (6+) and slips to fourth. “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5 is its strongest 6+-showing since 14.8 in “Holiday” 2015. The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share takes a further hit as iHeartMedia’s WSRS “96-1 SRS – Worcester’s At-Work Station,” which more than doubled (+.9) its 6+-share since surfacing in August 2018 (.6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+), surrenders one full-share to .5 (#20 to #27, 6+). Despite adding one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), thus ending seven successive down or flat reports that accounted for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” backslides from eighth to tenth. Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” – is without an increase for the third straight time for a -.3 (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, #18 to #19, 6+).
Miami
English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.3 in December and “Holiday”
2018 (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” recaptures two-tenths to 2.4 (6+) and carries on at #18. Its December loss of one-tenth halted three consecutive gains that yielded six-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+).
Over the course of the last nine sweeps (May 2018 – “Holiday” 2018), Entercom’s WQAM has logged a .9 (6+) six times and a .8 (6+) the other three. In January 2019, however, “Sports Radio 560” is down three-tenths to .6 (#25 to #26, 6+). It is tied with co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which is without an increase for the third straight time (.9 – .6 – .6 – .6, #30 to #26, 6+).
After surrendering six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN answers with a +.7 (2.2 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – As the result of a +.7, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR reaches a 5.2 (seventh to sixth, 6+) and ends three straight flat or down trends (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Moreover, this (5.2) is the first time since February 2017 that “99 Jamz” isn’t within 4.0 – 4.9 range (6+). Flipping “Holiday” 2018’s seven-tenths’ loss into a January 2019 gain of six-tenths (3.9 – 4.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “106.7 El Zol” climbs from ninth to eighth; 3.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is its lowest 6+ showing since May 2018’s 3.7. Flat at #15, iHeartMedia-owned CHR WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” is without an increase for the fourth straight sweep for a collective -.5 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). On the other hand, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3” is up one-tenth to 3.1 (#13 to #12, 6+), thus snapping three successive down or flat trends that produced an overall loss of three-tenths (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). Without an increase the last three reports for a three-tenths’ deficit (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” posts a one-half share increase to 3.1 (#17 to #12, 6+). For the ninth straight ratings period, an adult contemporary occupies Miami’s lead position (6+). This time, it’s Cox Media Group-owned WFEZ “Easy 93.1” (7.1 – 7.4, +.3, second to first, 6+), which dislodges/trades places with Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” (6.4, -.9, first to second, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. It bounced back from November’s loss of seven-tenths with a December increase of three-tenths. Meanwhile, “Lite FM” had been an overall +1.9 through three positive spikes in succession (5.4 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+) and notched its best 6+-stat (7.3) since January 2018’s 7.4. WLYF erased half of October’s -.6 with a November improvement of three-tenths. A collective +1.0 via five straight up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+) iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM Donde Viven Tus Hits” returns two-tenths to 4.7 (sixth to seventh, 6+). Off six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” fades from the top ten (#10 to #14). With similar call letters of aforementioned WRMA, Moody Bible Institute’s religious teaching WRMB all but disappears (1.5 – .2, -1.3, #32, 6+).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.7 through three straight negative trends (6.6 – 6.0 –
5.7 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM responds with a January 2019 +.7 to 5.6 (fifth to third, 6+). Its November loss of six-tenths curtailed three straight gains which yielded a +1.5 (5.1 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+). Co-owned KTTH breaks a negative streak as 
well: “Conservative Talk Radio” dials up a +.4 to 1.9 (flat at #22, 6+), ending a December and “Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that nonetheless resulted in slicing in half (-1.5) its 6+-share (3.0 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+). Just before December’s decrease, KTTH put together three increases in a
row for a collective +.9 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+). Continuing this theme, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” which was a collective -.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.3 – 1.2 – .9, 6+), is up one-half share to 1.4 (#25 to #24, 6+). Through six straight May through November reports without a loss, KVI was up three-tenths (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+).
Not so lucky as its Seattle news/talk counterparts, Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM is an overall -1.1 in three straight setbacks (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.0, 6+) and drifts out of the top ten (#10 to #14). “ESPN 710,” the flagship of the Seahawks and Mariners, was up by a combined seven-tenths in October and November. By logging a +.6 to 1.6 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM climbs from #24 to #23. “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” was down a collective four-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+), following four consecutive up or flat sweeps that nearly tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).
Trending 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO improves by one-half share to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+). Off by three-tenths in December, KOMO was -.2 in June (2.6 – 2.4, 6+); +.2 in both August and September (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+); -.2 in October (2.7 – 2.5, 6+); and +.2 in November (2.5 – 2.7, 6+).
On top in September 2018, Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW registers a robust +1.5 (5.9 – 7.4, 6+) and returns to #1, after spending December and “Holiday” 2018 in the runner-up slot.
Seattle Music Formats – Adding a +1.3 to its “Holiday” 2018 increase of four-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 7.0, 6+), Hubbard CHR KQMV “Movin’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” inches up from third to second with its highest 6+-stat (7.0) since July 2018’s 7.8. Down four-tenths in December and then by another six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom’s KKWF not only erases that entire full-share deficit with a +1.0 to 4.3 (6+), “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For New Country” zooms into the top ten (#15 to #8). In eight consecutive down or flat reports, hot AC sibling KHTP was a collective -1.4 (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), but “Hot 103.7” erases nearly half that shortfall with a +.6 to 2.6 (#20 to #18, 6+). There’s a bit of a similarity with iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station,” which is up a combined seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4, ninth to seventh, 6+), immediately after being a collective -1.6 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). December 2018’s 3.7 is the lowest 6+-showing for KZOK since its 3.6 in December 2017. Notching a January 2019 uptick of one-half share as well is Entercom’s KNDD “107.7 The End – Alternative Seattle,” which is a collective +1.1 via five straight positive or flat trends (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). Without an improvement the past eight reports for a collective -2.2 (6.2 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned KISW “99.9 Seattle Rock Music” is up three-tenths to 4.3 (6+) and remains at #8. Having more than tripled (+7.8) its 6+-share as the result of three straight gains (3.4 – 4.1 – 8.8 – 11.2, 6+), Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” surrenders a -6.4 to 4.8 (6+) and drops from first to fourth. Its November improvement of seven-tenths suspended four successive decreases that produced an overall -1.6 (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+). On the heels of recording a “Holiday” 2018 +1.3, Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” returns it entirely (5.1 – 3.8, -1.3, 6+) and skids from fourth to tenth. “Holiday” 2018’s 5.1 is its highest 6+-stat since 5.7 in “Holiday” 2017. A collective +.8 through three straight up or flat trends (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), Crista Media contemporary Christian KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” sees it all disappear with a January 2019 loss of nine-tenths (2.8, #11 to #17, 6+).
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Following its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -1.7 (4.7 –
4.1 – 3.0, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WJR responds with a +.7 to 3.7 (#13 to #12, 6+). Entering the December 2018 sweep, “News Talk 760” was +1.1 through four straight gains (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+).
The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” which was +1.8 via three increases in a row (4.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+); -1.3 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.6 in January 2019 (4.6 – 5.2, 6+). Notwithstanding the increase, the flagship of the
Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers backslides from fifth to eighth.
Transforming “Holiday” 2018’s seven-tenths’ loss into a lofty +1.4 (6.1 – 7.5, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” leaps from the runner-up slot to #1. Its November one-half share decrease halted three consecutive gains that yielded an overall +1.6 (5.5 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+).
Down one-tenth in back-to-back survey periods (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM makes up for it with a +.3 in January 2019 to 1.9 (#20 to #19, 6+). By gaining one-tenth in September, WUOM curtailed eight straight survey periods without an increase for a collective -.3 (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). Four straight gains by WDET resulted in an overall +.9 (.6 – .7 – .8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+), but the Wayne State University news/talk facility is now without an increase for the third straight time for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, flat at #22, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – In addition to registering a +1.6 to 5.3 (6+), which pulls the plug on three successive declines that resulted in a cumulative -1.9 (5.6 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music” returns to the top ten (#11 to #6). Ironically, WYCD isn’t the only Detroit out making a “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 leap of +1.6, as Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Everything That Rocks” does so as well (4.4 – 6.0, seventh to fourth, 6+). Its October 2018 – “Holiday” 2018 topline was 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.4 (6+). With a gain of nine-tenths to 6.9 (steady at #3, 6+), co-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” wipes away precisely half of its December and “Holiday” 2018 -1.8 (7.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). A November improvement of one-half share suspended three straight declines that led to a -1.0 (8.3 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 7.3, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September. Progressing by nine-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95-5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.4 – 5.3, seventh to sixth, 6+). Down or flat the past five sweeps for a -1.4 (5.2 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” notches a +.7 to 4.5 (6+) and continues at #10. Also logging a +.7 is Detroit Classical & Jazz Educational Radio’s WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days/Jazzy Nights” (1.8 – 2.5, #18 to #17, 6+), which reaches a two-share (6+) for the first time since July 2018’s 2.0. Owing to four straight increases, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share since September (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+) and spent December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018 at #1. In January 2019, however, “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” plummets by -10.8 to 7.1 (6+) and segues to #2. “Holiday” 2018’s 17.9 is easily the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. Off two-tenths to 4.2 (6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGC “105.1 The Bounce – Detroit’s Throwback Hip-Hip and R&B” ends three straight gains that netted a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#7 to #11).
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.3 – 3.5 – 2.8,
6+), after being a collective +1.2 via four increases in a row (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), KTAR-FM picks up six-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and is back in the top ten (#12 to #10). In November, the Bonneville news/talk outlet reached the four-
share level (6+) for the first time since January’s 4.0. Off three-tenths in back-to-back survey periods (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI regains one-half share (2.8, #18 to #17, 6+). After dropping four-tenths in September, “News Talk 550” duplicated October’s gain of two-tenths in November (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+).
As a result of four straight setbacks, Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM was a combined -1.2 (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), but “98.7 Arizona Sports” logs a +.2 to 2.2 (6+) and cracks the top twenty (#21 to #20). September 2018 marked the first time the flagship of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and Arizona Diamondbacks reached the three-share level (6+) since October 2017’s 3.0.
After being without an increase the past three sweeps for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ erases that deficit with a gain of seven-tenths (3.2, #15 to #13, 6+).
Phoenix Music Formats – Ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything,” which was a collective +.4 via three straight up or flat trends (5.9 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+); -1.2 in “Holiday” 2018; and now +.9 in January 2019 (5.1 – 6.0, fourth to third, 6+). Dialing up a gain of nine-tenths as well is Entravision’s KVVA “92.7 La Suavecita” (2.5 – 3.4, 6+), which vaults into the top ten (#15 to #10). Down or flat the past three ratings periods for an overall -1.2 (5.6 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” notches a +.7 to 5.1 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Unchanged at #19, The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot,” which had been without an increase the past six sweeps for a collective -1.3 since July (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), ends that streak by picking up two-tenths to 2.4 (6+). While it is #1 for the fifth straight time, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ surrenders more than half of its 6+ AQH share (15.0 – 7.0, -8.0, 6+). The decrease suspends four upticks in a row that yielded a collective +8.9 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 9.7 – 15.0, 6+), with 15.0 its highest 6+-showing since 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017. After spending ten straight sweeps at #1, KESZ shifted to the runner-up slot in September. At #30, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KQMR “Latino Mix 100.3” sees its 6+-stat slashed in half (1.2 – .6, -.6, 6+).
Minneapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – Applying the brakes to six straight down or flat moves that accounted for an overall -1.2 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom-owned
WCCO “News Radio 830” dials up a +.7 to 3.9 (#13 to #12, 6+). The Timberwolves and Twins flagship has been +.8 (April 2018); -.8 (May); -.8 (June); +.5 (July); -.6 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.7 
(January 2019). Tied at #14 are iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” (3.3, +.3, #15 to #14, 6+) and Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” (2.2 – 3.3, +1.1, #18 to #14, 6+). KTLK, which gained seven-tenths in October, had been -1.1 in three successive
ratings periods without an increase (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+). Meanwhile, “My Talk 107.1” was off a cumulative seven-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), after being up a collective four-tenths in October and November (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+).
Following four consecutive increases that netted a +3.0 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” is -1.8 in three decreases in succession (6.7 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+). The flagship of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild drops from sixth to eighth. Flat at #25, Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” regains the one-tenth it dropped in “Holiday” 2018 (.7 – .6 – .7, 6+).
In three straight setbacks KNOW lost a total of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), but the Minnesota Public Radio news/talker rebounds with a +1.0 to 5.0 (ninth to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to this streak, KNOW logged three straight increases for a collective +1.0 (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+).
Minneapolis Music Formats – This particular sweep proves especially productive for the Twin Cities’ hot ACs as Hubbard’s KSTP-FM “KS-95” hauls out a +1.9 (5.3 – 7.2, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KTCZ “Cities 97.1” flashes a +1.2 (3.3 – 4.5, #12 to #11, 6+). Moreover, “KS-95,” which spiraled by -1.0 in back-to-back sweeps (7.3 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+), leaps from seventh to first. It held the lead position seven straight times before being ousted in August; KSTP-FM returned to #1 in October and November. In “Holiday” 2018, “Cities 97.1” eroded by nine-tenths to 3.3, its lowest 6+-performance since April 2018 (3.3, as well). A combined -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.6 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” bounces back with a +1.0 to 5.0 (ninth to sixth, 6+). Fully erasing its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -.8 (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+) with a gain of that same magnitude (2.2, +.8, 6+), Minneapolis Public Schools’ KBEM “Jazz 88” climbs from #20 to #19. There are more ups/downs for Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X,” which was an overall +.8 in four straight sweeps without a loss (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.4, 6+); -.5 in “Holiday” 2018; and now +.6 in January 2019 (5.9 – 6.5, unchanged at #2, 6+). This marks the sixth time in a row that Minnesota Public Radio classical outlet KSJN is without a decrease for a collective +1.1 (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1, #14 to #16, 6+). With a .5 (6+), Borgen Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WDGY “The Original Rock N Roll Station” pops on at #27. A combined +6.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.6 – 8.7 – 12.6, 6+), following a collective -1.4 in October and November (8.0 – 6.7 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL has its 6+-stat carved in half (12.6 – 6.3, -6.3, 6+), as “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” falls from first to third. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.6 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Minneapolis station since “Kool” logged a 14.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Up or flat the past three sweeps for a +1.2 (4.6 – 5.0 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” falters by -1.0 to 4.8 and tumbles from fourth to ninth. It’s been a rollercoaster ride recently for University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” KTIS-FM, which was a collective -.8 via three straight sweeps without an increase (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+); +.9 (“Holiday” 2018); and now -.6 in January 2019 (5.2 – 4.6, eighth to tenth, 6+). Having more than doubled (+1.0) its 6+-share in four successive up or flat trends (.8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.8, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WGVX “Love 105 FM” returns half that increase with a -.5 to 1.3 (#19 to #20, 6+).
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats – By logging a one-half share increase to 4.4 (ninth to eighth, 6+),
iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO suspends three straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). Recent “News Radio 600” fluctuations include +.8 (January 2018); -.7 (February); 
+.8 (March); +.6 (May); -.6 (August); -.7 (December); and +.5 (January 2019). October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Over and above picking up three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). While down a combined half-share in four straight sweeps without an increase (1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” moves from #23 to #22.
A positive spike of six-tenths to 1.5 (#25 to #21, 6+) by Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” applies the brakes to three consecutive down or flat reports that resulted in a loss of three-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .9, 6+). This (1.5) is its best 6+-performance since February 2018’s 1.6. Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” records its third straight up or flat move for a +.4 (.7 – .8 – .8 – 1.1, #24, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station,” which had been down or flat the past three reports for a -.4 (.9 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+), gains three-tenths to .8 (#26, 6+).
A mammoth +2.1 by KPBS (5.1 – 7.2, 6+) wipes away an overall -1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.8 – 6.2 – 5.1, 6+) and propels the San Diego State University-owned news/talker from second to first. KPBS was #1 in October, November, and December before shifting to #2 in “Holiday” 2018.
San Diego Music Formats – Adding a +1.1 to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” leaps from eighth to third. Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia’s KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock” tacks on seven-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5, 6+) and progresses from tenth to sixth. This marks the fourth straight up or flat trend for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5,” which is +1.3 in that timeframe (4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.5, third to second, 6+). Down or flat six consecutive reports for a collective -1.3 (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), Local Media of San Diego-operated XHRM “Magic 92.5 The Beat of San Diego” picks up two-tenths to 4.8 (sixth to fifth, 6+). As a result of six straight sweeps without a loss, Entercom adult contemporary KYXY nearly tripled (+5.4) its 6+-stat (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 5.8 – 8.4, 6+) and posted its highest 6+-performance (8.4, “Holiday” 2018) in exactly one year (9.5, “Holiday” 2017). A January 2019 -4.5 to 3.9 (6+), however, sinks KYXY from #1 to #11. Following a “Holiday” 2018 loss of two-tenths (5.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” drops another six-tenths to 4.4 (third to eighth, 6+). While flat at #6, co-owned CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a collective -2.1 in three straight declines (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+). In seven consecutive sweeps without a loss, KHTS (#1 in September) was a collective +2.8 (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), but it lost two-tenths in October. In four negative moves in a row, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ was a collective -1.6 (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1, #17 to #19, 6+), but San Diego’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” disappears from print in January 2019. KLVJ posted a +1.1 in September when it reached the three-share threshold (3.7, 6+) for the first time since March (3.1). Immediately after the 6+ AQH share of classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM had been carved precisely in half (2.4 – 1.2, 6+), “105.7 Max FM” sputters by another one-half share to .7 (#23 to #27, 6+).
Tampa
Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.1,
6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” rebounds with a one-half share gain to 3.6 (#14 to #12, 6+). The flagship of the NHL’s Tampa Lightning was a combined -.9 in September and 
October (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), following August’s +.6. Up three-tenths to 2.9 (#16 to #15, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” halts three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.0 (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+). “The Bone” erased September’s -.2 with an October gain of three-tenths.
Up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” advances from #19 to #18. WDAE was a combined +.6 in September and October (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), but that disappeared in November and December (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+).
After surrendering one-half share in “Holiday” 2018, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF recaptures three-tenths (1.7 – 2.0, #20 to #19, 6+).
Tampa Music Formats – An overall +1.5 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” progresses from eighth to seventh. Three setbacks in a row by Beasley Media Group country WQYK resulted in a -1.8 (6.7 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+), but “99.5 QYK” makes up one-third of that decrease with a +.6 to 5.5 (fourth to third, 6+). Albeit that the first-place finisher holds an exactly two-to-one lead over the runner-up, the market has (Cox Media Group-owned) adult contemporary outlets at #1 and #2. Through four straight upticks, WWRM is +1.0 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+) as “Magic 94.9 – Tampa Bay’s Best Music” bumps up from third to second with its strongest 6+-stat since July 2018’s 6.4. Despite eroding by -1.9 (13.7 – 11.8, 6+), its Cox Media Group adult contemporary sibling, WDUV “Lite Favorites,” is #1 for the 78th successive ratings period. Its January 2019 decrease interrupts three straight gains that netted a +4.8 (8.9 – 9.7 – 10.8 – 13.7, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 13.7 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since WDUV’s 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. Having precisely doubled (+2.3) its 6+-stat via four straight up or flat monthlies (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.7 – 4.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WPBB craters by -2.9 to 1.7 freefalling from #6 to #20. During the December 2018 sweep, WPBB used the “B-98.7” handle, but the day after Christmas (12/26), it changed format and imaging to “98.7 The Shark – The Next Generation Of Classic Rock.” Back in the iHeartMedia cluster, urban-rhythmic oldies WMTX-HD2, which quadrupled (+.9) its 6+-stat through six straight up or flat moves (.3 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.2, 6+), falters by eight-tenths to .4 (#21 to #2.6, 6+), while sibling WXTB “98 Rock” sputters by six-tenths (4.1 – 3.5, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #13). One streak continues for Cox Media Group-owned WXGL and another ends as “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” is -1.5 in four successive declines (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+), but after six straight times at #2, it slips to #4.
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – In three negative moves in succession (6.2 – 5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+),
iHeartMedia news/talk KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was an overall -1.9 but the flagship of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies hangs out a +.5 to 4.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+). KOA was +1.1 (October); -1.1 (November); and -.6 in December. In a somewhat similar scenario, co-owned news/talk KHOW “Talk Radio 630,” which was off a collective seven-tenths in three successive reports without an increase (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1, 6+), improves by three-tenths to 1.4 (#23 to #22, 6+).
A combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN erases 75% of the shortfall with a +.9 to 4.1 (#13 to #10, 6+). Directly before that, “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” posted four increases in a row for an overall +1.9 (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+). KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5,” the flagship of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, adds one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.3 – .4 – .5, #29 to #27, 6+). Up until September (2018), KKSE-FM was country KWOF “The Wolf.”
Not only does KCFR wipe away “Holiday” 2018’s one-half share loss with a January 2019 increase of seven-tenths (6.9 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+), the Colorado Public Radio news/talk station progresses from second to first. KCFR was on top in September, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. A one-tenth November decline ended three consecutive gains that netted +1.5 (5.2 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). Although falling from #21 to #22, Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC is in a repetitive 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.4 (6+) sequence.
Denver Music Formats – Off one-half share through three decreases in a row (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” logs a +1.2 to 5.7 (fifth to third, 6+). Racking up a January 2019 increase of +1.2 as well is Entravision’s KJMN (4.7, #12 to #8, 6+); “La Suavecita 92.7” had been trending 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 (6+). Locked on 5.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 5.5, 6+, in November), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” records a +1.0 to 6.0 (6+) and advances from third to second. Along the same line, Entercom’s classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain,” which was frozen on 4.5 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 4.9, 6+, in November), improves by nine-tenths to 5.4 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Despite gaining three-tenths to 4.6 (6+), thus halting five consecutive decreases that resulted in a -1.9 (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), Bonneville’s country KYGO backslides from seventh to ninth. In three straight sweeps without a loss, adult contemporary cluster-mate KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” was an overall +7.9 (4.9 – 4.9 – 7.6 – 12.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. In January 2019 though, KOSI forfeits -7.5 to 5.3 (6+) and slips to fifth. Immediately prior to December, KOSI was a collective -1.1 in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+). The last time any Denver station reached the 12-share level (6+) was four years ago (KOSI, 12.4, “Holiday” 2014). In a reverse of the previously-cited KBCO and KQMT situations, KSE Radio Ventures hot AC KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix,” which notched a 3.8 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 3.4, 6+, in November), regresses by one-half share to 3.3 (#11 to #13, 6+).
Baltimore
Spoken-Word Formats – At the same time that independent news/talk WCBM “680
Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” adds nine-tenths (3.4, #12 to #11, 6+), Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” gains seven-tenths (2.7, #14 to #13, 6+). WCBM had been off 
by one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), while WBAL lost a collective six-tenths in three slips in a row (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). WCBM was -.5 in September and +1.0 in October. Prior to the December sweep, WBAL had a (6+) fluctuation of one-tenth four times in a row: 2.5 – 2.4; 2.4 – 2.5; 2.5 – 2.6; and 2.6 – 2.5. Ever since resurfacing in the Baltimore report in May, Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL has a topline of .7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 (#29 to #28, 6+).
A combined +.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.1 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” – which was -1.0 in November – drops one-half share (4.4, fourth to eighth, 6+). Baltimore’s “Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); a combined -1.0 (May and June); -1.0 (November); +.5 (December); and -.5 (January 2019).
Rebounding from an overall -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+) with a +.8 to 3.1 (6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” climbs from #13 to #12. November’s +.3 was erased with a December -.3. After faltering by four-tenths, American University-owned news/talk WAMU answers with a gain of six-tenths (1.3 – 1.9, #17 to #15, 6+).
By picking up four-tenths (.7 – 1.1, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH cracks the top ten (#23 to #19) with its best 6+-stat since December 2017 (1.1, as well).
Baltimore Music Formats – Powered by a +1.3 to 6.0 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country,” which had a November through “Holiday” 2018 topline of 5.8 – 5.1 – 4.7 (6+), progresses from sixth to fourth. This (6.0) is its highest 6+-stat since August 2018’s 6.2. Following 11 straight survey periods at #1, Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM shifted to second in December. It remained there in “Holiday” 2018 when it lost seven-tenths, but “Magic 95.9” dials up a +1.1 (7.9 – 9.0, 6+) and is back on top, with its strongest 6+-showing (9.0) since July 2018’s 9.5. Improving by +1.1 as well is Hearst Television-owned WIYY “98 Rock” (5.1, tenth to sixth, 6+), which had been trending 5.0 – 4.3 – 4.0 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+). Three consecutive declines by Radio One urban contemporary WERQ resulted in a -1.2 (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+) but “92 Q Jams” responds with a +1.0 to 7.7 (third to second, 6+). An overall -1.2 in three straight setbacks (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), Shamrock Communications’ classic rock WZBA “100.7 The Bay” answers with a +.7 to 5.6 (fourth-place tie to fifth, 6+). Up seven-tenths as well is Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “Maryland’s Classical Music Station” (1.9 – 2.6, #15 to #14, 6+). Locked on 4.2 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 5.2, 6+, in November), Entercom hot AC WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” posts a gain of six-tenths to 4.8 (eighth to seventh, 6+). Having more than tripled (+10.2) its 6+-stat as the result of five straight upticks (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.1 – 10.1 – 15.2, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” spirals by -8.7 to 6.5 (first to third, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 15.2 is the highest 6+-share by any outlet in the market since WLIF posted a 16.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Also in the adult contemporary arena, iHeartMedia Washington, DC’s WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” has its 6+ AQH share cut by two-thirds (1.2, -2.4, #11 to #18, 6+). In six positive or flat Baltimore reports in succession, WASH nearly quadrupled (+2.6) its 6+-stat (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 2.1 – 3.6, 6+). This is the sixth time in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -3.0 through three straight decreases (8.4 – 7.5 – 6.9 –
5.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX picks up two-tenths to 5.6 (6+), but “The Voice of St. Louis” backslides from sixth to seventh. On top in September and October, the St. Louis Cardinals’ flagship 
entered the November sweep a collective +1.0 via three increases in succession (7.4 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” a collective -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.8 – 2.5 – 1.7, 6+), records a half-share increase to 2.2 (6+) but remains at #18. When KFTK gained two-tenths in October, it curtailed three straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+).
Flat at #10, Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” is a combined +.5 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+). Four straight June 2018 through October 2018 up or flat moves netted WXOS a +1.3 (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+).
Without an increase in each of the last five sweeps for an overall loss of three-tenths (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU erupts with a +.9 to 4.1 (#13 to #10, 6+), its highest 6+-share since October 2017 (4.1, as well). Before faltering by three-tenths in December, KWMU had been without a loss for six consecutive ratings periods for a net gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+).
St. Louis Music Formats – The three most recent fluctuations for Hubbard-owned KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” are +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); and now a whopping +2.0 in January 2019 (6.1 – 8.1, fourth to second, 6+). The last time KSHE reached the eight-share level (6+) was in November 2016 (8.6). Adding a lofty +1.6 to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (6.2 – 6.3 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” carries on in third-place. Bouncing back from “Holiday” 2018’s loss of eight-tenths with an improvement nearly twice that magnitude (4.9 – 6.4, +1.5, 6+), Hubbard’s KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” advances from seventh to fifth. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.5 (6+), Entercom CHR KNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” breaks out a +.9 to 3.4 (#16 to #14, 6+), matching the 3.4 it posted in June 2018. In addition to being up a combined six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (8.0 – 8.1 – 8.6, 6+), Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY progresses from second to first. Reappearing in print in April 2018, “99.1 Joy FM” has reached #1 in August, November, and January 2019 and this (8.6) is its highest 6+-share in the April 2018 through January 2019 timeframe. A collective -1.2 via five consecutive survey periods without an increase (4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 – St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” gains four-tenths to 3.5 (#15 to #13, 6+). Owing to three straight up or flat tends (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.8 – 15.6, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KEZK tripled (+10.4) its 6+ numbers and spent December and “Holiday” 2018 at #1. In January 2019 though, “The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” falters by -9.1 to 6.5 (6+), giving way to KLJY and falling from first to fourth. “Holiday” 2018’s 15.6 is the loftiest 6+-share by any St. Louis station in the PPM-era. This is the fourth straight down or flat trend by Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” for a collective -1.8 (4.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.1, #11 to #16, 6+).
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Entercom Reports 2018 Q1 Financial Data; Same-Station Net Revenue Down 7.7%. This is the first full quarter that Entercom is reporting since closing on the CBS RADIO merger back on November 17 of last year. As a result, the company’s net revenue jumped from $99 million in Q1 of 2017 to $300.6 million in Q1 of this year. However, on a same-station basis, net
revenue for the quarter dipped 7.7%, from $324.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 to $300.6 in the first quarter of this year. Entercom president and CEO David Field states, “Since closing on our merger in November, we have moved quickly to implement rapid change and have made good progress on our various integration, synergy and transformation goals. We have built a 
terrific leadership team and are driving strong ratings growth and launching a number of revenue-driving initiatives to capitalize on our scale and compete far more effectively against other media for a larger share of ad spending. Earlier today, we announced the launch of the Entercom Audio Network, which will enable us to use our scale to participate directly in the $1 billion network radio market. Our first quarter financial results were adversely affected by soft general local advertising conditions and a number of temporary factors, most notably the exclusion of $12 million in revenue due to financial issues at USTN. As these temporary factors abate and our growth initiatives take hold, we look forward to driving meaningful sustainable growth as we capitalize on the compelling brands, assets and capabilities of this exciting, emerging company.”
Entercom Audio Network to Launch in July. As mentioned by Entercom president and CEO David Field in the story above, the company is introducing its new ad sales network dubbed, Entercom Audio Network, on July 1. The company says, “The national network will allow advertisers to leverage Entercom’s scale with targeted offerings across its portfolio of 235 top-rated radio stations reaching over 112 million listeners monthly.” Company chief revenue officer Bob Phillips states, “Entercom now offers brands the national scale they need, including seamless activation and superior ROI. We are the country’s unrivaled leader in news and sports radio and #1 or #2 in virtually all music formats. Our connection to consumers is coveted by many national brands.” Field adds, “As one of the two largest radio broadcasters in the country, Entercom has the scale and reach to offer national brands a very compelling and effective unwired network with our premier collection of leading radio brands across the country.”
Townsquare Media’s Q1 2018 Net Revenue Up 5.9%. That figure represents the net revenue for Townsquare Media’s Local Marketing Solutions division – the broadcast and digital operations – and not the live events-oriented
Entertainment division. Combining both divisions, the company’s net revenue was up 6.6% over the same period in 2017. Townsquare co-CEO Bill Wilson comments, “Once again, our Local Marketing Solutions segment drove the Company’s growth, with net revenue growth of 5.9%, or 5.6% excluding political revenue. First quarter growth in this segment was driven by continued strength across our local broadcast and digital product offerings, which culminated in our 17th consecutive quarter of positive, organic revenue growth.” Net revenue in the Local Marketing Solutions in the first quarter was $80.6 million. The company also reports that it paid off $9.5 million in long-term debt.
Saga Communications Q1 Net Revenue Rises 7.1%. Michigan-based Saga Communications reports 2018 first quarter net revenue was $28 million – an increase of 7.1% over the same period a year ago. Operating income from continuing operations increased 17.5% to $2.3 million and station operating 
expense increased 9.6% to $23.4 million for the quarter. The company notes that its quarterly results were affected by the sale of its Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina TV stations last September. On a same-station basis, net revenue increased 0.3% to $26.2 million and operating income from continuing operations increased 26.3% to $2.5 million. Saga reports having $47.8 million in cash on hand as of March 31 and $49.8 million as of May 1. The company’s total long-term debt was $25 million as of March 31.
Scripps Radio Division to Be Sold in Pieces. During yesterday’s conference call with investors, there was just a brief mention of E.W. Scripps’ plans to sell its radio division. Local Media division president Brian Lawlor responded to a question about the status of the radio stations, saying, “Yes. The radio sale, the process continues. We’ve made a decision in order to maximize the value 
of the assets to sell the division in several pieces instead of one big bang. I think that’s where we see the greatest value for the company and for shareholders. And so, it’s just a little bit more complicated, I would say, than if it were just a singular transaction.” That’s not surprising since the company owns two signals in Milwaukee – news/talk WTMJ and country WKTI – and stations in much smaller markets including: Omaha, Boise, Tucson, Knoxville, Wichita, and Tulsa. As we reported yesterday, there’s an unconfirmed rumor that Entercom is talking with Scripps about the Milwaukee stations. Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the conference transcript. Members can read it all here.
Greg Neft Named Program Director at ‘PowerTalk 96.7’ in Fresno. Talk radio pro Greg Neft joins iHeartMedia as program director for news/talk KALZ-FM/KRZR-AM, Fresno “PowerTalk 96.7.” Neft previously worked in the market as a news anchor and reporter. He has served as morning news
anchor at Cox Media Group’s WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville and as an NFL reporter for SiriusXM. Most recently, he was corporate director of news and content programming for Cherry Creek Media. iHM Fresno SVP of programming Steve Weed comments, “Greg joins us at a very opportune time, heading into a crucial election season for our region and our state. I look forward to his skills and experience elevating our breaking news coverage.”
Former Seahawk Cliff Avril to Co-Host KJR-AM, Seattle Sports Talk Show. Seattle sports talk outlet KJR-AM “Sports Radio 950” announces that former 
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril is partnering with the station’s Jason Puckett for the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, effective July 9. Puckett is a 15-year veteran of the iHeartMedia station and Avril retired from the NFL after being released by the Seahawks after a five-year stint. Avril says, “I’m excited to join the KJR team! Seattle is home and I can’t wait to cover the best sports city in the world.”
TALKERS News Notes. WNBC-TV, New York is reporting the former Port Authority police superintendent may have violated policy by providing a “lights-and-sirens” escort from the Newark airport into Manhattan for Premiere Networks superstar Rush Limbaugh. The station says Michael Fedorko announced his retirement suddenly, about a week after it became known WNBC-TV reporters were investigating the allegation. The report says the escort was to get Limbaugh to a charity dinner at which he was a “last-minute” speaker. It also says Limbaugh talked about it on his radio show, saying, “So they sent the superintendent of the Port Authority to Newark to meet me for lights and sirens into Manhattan to make sure I got there in time. And we did.”…..Radio sales pro Tim Robisch is named director of sales for Beasley Media Group’s Las Vegas cluster that includes news/talk KDWN. He most recently served with Great Plains Media in suburban Kansas City. He’s also held positions with Cox Media Group, Entercom Communications, Susquehanna Radio Corporation, and Katz Radio (at which he was served as regional vice president)…..New affiliate stations sign up for the John Kruse-hosted outdoors radio programs “America Outdoors Radio” and “Northwestern Outdoors Radio.” Both shows focus on fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation. KDZR, Portland and KBOI, Boise recently added both shows to their program schedules…..Patrick Communications managing partner Larry Patrick is delivering the 2018 Commencement Speech for the College of Communications and Information at the University of Tennessee this Saturday (5/12). Patrick is a 1973 graduate of UT.
Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump-Russia Investigation, Stormy Daniels Case, Schneiderman Allegations, John McCain Illness/Book, W.VA Senate Race, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/8). The looming decision by President Trump whether the U.S. will remain in the Iran nuclear deal; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into potential connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents; the Stormy Daniels payoff, Rudy Giuliani’s role representing President Trump, and the “Saturday Night Live” sketch lampooning the issue; New York attorney general – and Donald Trump critic – Eric Schneiderman resigns amid allegations of abusing four women; terminally ill Senator John McCain’s HBO documentary and new book; the U.S. Senate Republican primary race in West Virginia and President Trump’s urging voters to reject controversial GOP candidate Don Blankenship; Major League Baseball action, and the NBA playoffs 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. CHR KBKS, Seattle “106.1 KISS FM” announces that on-air pro Zann is the iHeartMedia station’s new afternoon drive personality. She was most recently with Cumulus Media’s KLIF-FM, Dallas as midday personality. She was also heard on Westwood One’s Hot AC and Hits Now 24/7 formats. At the same time, Zach “Mayhem” Wellsandt is the new midday personality who will also serve as APD and music director. He moves to Seattle from the company’s Central Texas Region where he was director of CHR…..Programming pro Matt Johnson is appointed program director for iHeartMedia’s St. Louis CHR KSLZ-FM “Z107.7.” iHM SVP of programming Jules Riley comments, “Matt is a solid addition to the KSLZ and iHeart St. Louis team. We look forward to watching him grow this heritage CHR brand. We spoke with a number of talented programmers, but Matt’s drive, creativity, and talent development made him our ideal candidate.”…..Cumulus Media announces that radio and television marketing pro Marty Wall is joining
the Detroit cluster as director of marketing for country duo WDRQ “NASH FM 93.1” and WDRQ-HD2 “NASH Icon” and hot AC WDVD. Cumulus Detroit director of FM programming Robby Bridges says, “Marty’s work at ‘Z100’ in New York is legendary. That, paired with his experience across the media landscape during his years in L.A., gives him the unique ability to connect audiences to station brands and brands to clients. He’s a relentless competitor whom I believe will be a game changer for our Detroit cluster. I’m looking forward to his working with 
me, promotion manager Rochelle Burk, and promo director/street team captain Adam Ficorelli.”…..There are two appointments in the sales department at iHeartMedia Chicago. First, Khatija Mohiuddin is named general sales manager for hip hop WGCI and CHR WKSC “103.5 KISS FM.” Also, Brian McGhee is the new
general sales manager for urban contemporary WVAZ “V103” and Gospel WGRB-AM “Inspiration 1390.” iHeartMedia Chicago Region president Matt Scarano states, “We put a priority on recognizing our high performers with advancement opportunities and these two staff promotions are true testaments to Khatija’s and Brian’s leadership skills and ability to form strong client relationships.” Mohiuddin most recently served as local sales manager for WGCI and WGRB-AM. McGhee most recently served as sales manager for the company’s St. Louis cluster.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Mike Francesa Returns to WFAN, New York for PM Drive. This new deal – announced just four months after Mike Francesa exited WFAN in December after a 30-year career there – puts the “Sports Pope” back in afternoon drive on the station. The new show will be two hours shorter though – airing from
3:00 pm to 6:30 pm instead of 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm – and includes new Francesa opportunities. Today’s press release says “Entercom, Mike Francesa, and CAA Sports today announced a partnership spanning broadcast radio, digital, and live events. The partnership includes the debut of the ‘Mike’s On’ radio show…The partnership also includes the launch of a mobile app and online destination by the same name, ‘Mike’s On,’ which will feature exclusive live video streaming of Francesa’s weekday radio program on WFAN.” Francesa is quoted saying, “After exploring several options, this partnership with CAA Sports and Entercom was the perfect fit. This partnership allows me the chance to return to WFAN and all of our loyal listeners, as well as significant opportunities, including the app and live events, that are completely new. I look forward to working with both companies on making this a very successful venture.” The press release does not elaborate on the fate of Francesa’s PM drive replacements: Chris Carlin, Maggie Gray and Bart Scott, other than to say that The Fan’s new schedule will be announced separately. Francesa returns to WFAN on Tuesday (5/1).
WABC’s Curtis Sliwa Considering Run for Governor of New York. New York icon and WABC midday talk show host Curtis Sliwa on Thursday (4/26) told his listeners that he is considering running for governor of New York on the
Reform Party ticket. Sliwa is chairman of the Reform Party and he’s been very critical of Governor Andrew Cuomo and, as the New York Daily News notes, the Reform Party is not backing either GOP candidate. Sliwa says getting medical clearance from his doctors is the first priority. He’s been dealing with the effects of chronic Crohn’s and a recent surgery to treat the disease. As far as taking a leave from his radio show due to equal time laws, the timing on that would have to be worked out, he says. “New York State election laws are complicated and arcane.”
Heidi Harris Returns to Las Vegas Air on Kemp’s KMZQ. Back on March 1, Kemp Broadcasting & Digital Outdoor re-branded KMZQ, Las Vegas “670
AM The Right Talk for Las Vegas,” airing primarily conservative talk shows from Salem Radio Network. 
Now, Las Vegas talk radio pro Heidi Harris joins the station to host the 9:00 am hour, Monday through Friday. Harris has served with Entercom’s KXNT and Beasley’s KDWN in Las Vegas. Her most recent tour with KXNT ended last September after station management couldn’t brook her controversial criticism of an ad for the Clark County Department of Family Services promoting adoption that showed two gay men holding a child. Harris was steadfastly outspoken in her belief that children up for adoption should go to “married people of the opposite sex.”
Entercom and Telemundo Strike Media Partnership Deal. The Dallas-Fort Worth stations owned by Entercom agree to a media partnership with Telemundo’s local TV stations KXAS-TV “NBC 5” and KXTX “Telemundo 39.” A press release from Entercom says, “Highlights of the multi-platform
partnership include distribution of content across all partner channels including NBC 5, Telemundo 39 and Entercom Dallas-Fort Worth’s ‘Newsradio1080’ KRLD, ‘105.3 The Fan,’ 
‘100.3 Jack FM,’ KLUV, ‘ALT 103.7,’ and ‘La Grande 107.5.’…The inaugural partnership will allow the media properties to work together to better serve the community via improved access and coverage of live, local breaking news, general news, weather, sports, politics and entertainment in both English and Spanish languages.” KXAS-TV president and general manager Tom Ehlmann says, “The opportunity for NBC 5 and Entercom stations like Newsradio 1080 KRLD to share news gathering resources and report 24/7 what’s happening across the region will truly be exceptional. In your home, in your car, on your computer, on your phone – North Texans can look forward to unparalleled coverage of what matters most to NBC 5 viewers and Entercom listeners.”
Nick Bruns New iHeartMedia Tucson Promotions and Events Director; Barriga Upped to Digital Program Director. At the Tucson operations of iHeartMedia, Nick Bruns is named promotions and events director, effective
May 1. In this position, Bruns will be responsible for managing and executing promotional campaigns and events for all iHeartMedia Tucson stations, including news/talk KNST. He comes to Tucson from the company’s Des Moines station group. At the same time, 
the company says that Atzimba Palomares Barriga is the cluster’s new digital program director, effective June 1. She began her career at iHeartMedia Tucson in 2013 as a board operator and has served as the Tucson-based online content coordinator for iHeartMedia’s Arizona Region for the past three years. In her new position, she’ll be responsible for managing and executing digital and social media campaigns for all iHeartMedia Tucson stations. She will continue to provide online content to the entire iHeartMedia Arizona Region under the direction of Alex Siordian, regional digital program director for iHeartMedia’s Arizona Region.
Comey ‘CNN Town Hall’ and Trump Russia Investigation Tie for Top News/Talk Stories This Week. This week’s appearance on “CNN Town Hall” by fired FBI Director James Comey and the related investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives tied for the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. At #2 on the Talkers TenTM for the week of April 23-27 is French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the Trump White House. Coming in at #3 was the Donald Trump–Stormy Daniels legal battle, followed by the ‘immigrant caravan’ and the court ruling on Trump’s DACA policy at #4. The Talkers TenTMis 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 the entire chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. On June 26, FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio superstar Brian Kilmeade is delivering the keynote speech at The Bold
Gold Broadcast and Media Foundation’s 4th Annual Event and Dinner at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre. Bold Gold says Kilmeade is “one of the most recognizable radio and television broadcasters in America.” Complimentary tickets are available for students interested in a career in media, as well as for military members. Contact the Foundation for additional information…..Alpha Media’s news/farm/sports KGLO, Mason City, Iowa and 
sister adult standards KRIB picked up a total of 10 awards in the small market division of the 2017 Iowa Broadcast News Association contest. KGLO news director Bob Fisher won eight awards, including first place for “Overall Excellence.” Alpha Media Mason City market manager Dalena Barz comments, “Congratulations to our news, ag and sports team. It’s great to see their dedication and passion recognized by the IBNA. North-Central Iowa counts on our team for the best in local coverage. We are proud of their achievements!”
Comrex to Release New Field Broadcasting App ‘FieldTap.’ The new app from Comrex called FieldTap makes it easy for broadcasting from the field because of its “one-touch” operation. The company explains that “FieldTap uses SIP to make it possible for users to transmit audio with the touch of a
button. Ideal for reporters and street team contributors for short drop-ins, FieldTap features a very simple user interface. With a one-button control screen, users of any technical ability can connect from the field to the station by simply pressing a single button. FieldTap is a simple SIP client that uses Voice over IP (VoIP) to make it possible for field users to send wideband audio from their cellphones over cellular and Wi-Fi networks. FieldTap is compatible with all Comrex IP audio codecs. FieldTap can also be used in conjunction with EarShot IFB, a new VoIP IFB system from Comrex that replaces POTS lines and auto couplers.” Comrex debuted FieldTap at the 2018 NAB Show. It will be available as a free download from Google Play and iTunes this spring.
Boxer Mother-Daughter ‘Power Duo’ Guest This Week on Harrison Podcast. The mother-daughter team of former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and award-winning documentary filmmaker Nicole Boxer are this week’s guests on the PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The mother, Barbara Boxer, recently retired from 40 years as a California elected official, beginning as a member and eventually the first female president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. She then served in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1983 and 1993, at which point she was elected to the United States Senate where she served from 1993 to last year, 2017. Although “retired” from elective politics, she remains quite engaged in work as both a political activist and a media practitioner. She says, “We are in a moment of life or death for our
great country right now, and I can’t just sit back.” Her daughter, Nicole Boxer, is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her work in the film industry includes narrative, feature films, documentary films, documentary series television, and reality television. Together these dynamic women have teamed up to co-host a new, weekly podcast titled, “Fight Back,” produced and distributed by PodcastOne. In it, they invite experts to discuss today’s most pressing matters – from civil rights to women’s rights, healthcare, the environment and foreign policy. The mother shares real-time reactions to the week in government, while the daughter puts active candidates in the hot seat with her award-winning interview style. Harrison engages the Boxers in a fascinating conversation about the state of American politics and media in the second decade of the 21st century looking forward. Not to be missed. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on “The Michael Harrison Interview” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Beloved Radio Industry Documentarian and Archivist Art Vuolo Named 2018 Recipient of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award. The TALKERS editorial board is pleased to announce that videographer and pop culture historian Art Vuolo has been named this year’s recipient of the publication’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement award. Back in the early
1980s, Vuolo was dubbed “Radio’s Best Friend” by legendary air personality Scott Shannon and it aptly stuck through the decades. Vuolo, founder and CEO of the Ann Arbor-based firm Vuolo Video Air-Chex, has been chronicling radio conferences (including most of the TALKERS conventions) for nearly 30 years and archiving more than 700 of the very best radio personalities on video since 1979. His entire library will be featured in a permanent exhibit of approximately 1,000 videos at the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. The Radio Hall of Fame, located within the Museum of Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago, is developing a permanent exhibit, “A History of the American Disc Jockey,” with Vuolo’s collection as its center 
piece. Visitors will be able to search and view the recordings at computer stations. Eventually, people around the world will be able to access the collection online. In announcing the project, Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig Kitchen expressed the enormous gratitude of the industry “for all the hours and years that Art has toiled at properly recording the best efforts in radio studios for decades and decades.” In addition to his archival efforts, for over 33 years, Art Vuolo’s RADIOGUIDE company circulated over 100 million such guides across America. Vuolo’s alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, recently published a profile piece on him that puts his unique career in perspective. To read it please click here. Vuolo will be presented the award during the closing reception at TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! set for New York City on Friday, June 8. For full information about the soon-to-be-sold-out event, please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. KAMP, Los Angeles “97.1 AMP Radio” announces two staff changes. First, longtime Los Angeles radio pro Yesi Ortiz joins the Entercom station to host the
midday show. The “Queen of L.A.” spent 12 years at crosstown KPWR “Power 106” as midday jock where she was known for breaking new artists during her ‘New at 2’ feature, as well as contributing to the music department as an assistant music director. She is currently working on a television drama series 
project in development with the E! Network that is loosely based on her real-life journey raising six adopted children. Also, the station promotes APD John Michael to music director. Yesi Ortiz says, “I am thrilled to be joining the Entercom family. To be valued for my achievements and influence in the city is a great honor and I am looking forward to making an impact at ‘AMP radio.’”…..In St. Louis, iHeartMedia announces the appointment of Jules Riley to the position of senior vice president of programming for the cluster that includes classic hits KLOU-FM, country KSD-FM, CHR KSLZ-FM, hip hop
KATZ-FM, alternative KLLT and Gospel KATZ-AM. St. Louis Region president Derrick Martin says, “Jules has done an amazing job programming 103.3 KLOU and ‘93.7 The Bull’ since joining us last year and has truly earned this leadership role.” Before she began programming 103.3. KLOU and “93.7 The Bull” in April 2017, she served as operations manager/brand manager for KVOO-FM, Tulsa…..WUSY, Chattanooga “US101” morning personality Billy “Dex” Poindexter announces his retirement from the Entercom country outlet after 
25 years on the air. Dex is one half of the station’s “Dex and Mo” show. He says he plans to focus on his health, his family and travel. He says, “It’s been a great 25 years and it has truly been my pleasure serving this community. ‘US101’ has the greatest listeners on earth; they are open and always so giving. From our annual efforts to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to various disaster relief efforts through the years, the ‘US101’ listeners have always stepped up. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and ‘US101’ will always be my home.”…..The sold-out “Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Denny’s” is embarking on its 19th cruise this week from Galveston, Texas. Also called the original “Party with a Purpose,” this empowering and groundbreaking event specifically caters to the cruising needs of the African-American community through its mission and featured entertainment. The event’s promise of non-stop entertainment includes: “An Evening with Anita Baker” and performances from artists Tamar Braxton,
The Isley Brothers, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, 112, SWV, En Vogue, and The O’Jays. The cruise is hosted by Reach Media-syndicated radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner (pictured here on a previous cruise). Its action-packed, seven-day itinerary boasts informative seminars, morning inspiration, fitness classes, intriguing ports, endless activities, concerts, popular celebrities and wildly creative theme nights – all while raising funds to support students in school at Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country…..WNKS, Charlotte’s “KISS 95.1 Morning Show featuring Maney, Roy & LauRen” wins a 2018 BOB Award for the “BEST Morning Show in Charlotte” from Charlotte Magazine. Winners were chosen based upon the results of an on-line poll conducted by the 
publication in January of 2018…..Philadelphia morning personality Kathy Romano recently hosted her 11thannual Kathy’s Cuts to Benefit Wigs for Kids. Romano is part of the “Preston & Steve” show on Beasley Media Group’s rock WMMR, Philadelphia. This year the event produced over 123 donations to benefit Wigs for Kids. Twenty-seven hair stylists from local salons donated their time to help cut and style donors’ hair…..SiriusXM is broadcasting live from this year’s Stagecoach Country Music Festival this weekend in Indio, California. The exclusive radio broadcast will air on The Highway channel and will include backstage interviews and live concert performances from Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Brett Young, Lee Brice, and more.
PPM Analysis: Mainstream Rock. Managing editor Mike Kinosian takes a look at the performances of mainstream rock outlets based on data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2018 PPM survey in today’s installment of this ongoing ratings analysis series. Comparing 6+ numbers from the March2017survey, Cumulus Media’s KXXR, Minneapolis; Saga Communications’ WNOR, Norfolk; and Entercom’s KQRC, Kansas City put together increases of more than a full share over that period while, on the other side, iHeartMedia’s WDVE, Pittsburgh; Cox Media Group’s KISS, San Antonio; and iHeartMedia’s KBPI, Denver all saw dips of two full shares or more. As of the March 2018 PPM survey there is just one rock outlet ranking #1 in its market: iHeartMedia’s WHYJ, Providence. See the full report here.
