Tag: "Dennis green"
Monday, December 14, 2020
Monday Memo: In 2021, What Does It Mean to be Relevant? Think 2020 was a bender? Consultant Holland Cooke says, “Grab the arm rest!” And in this week’s column, he points to “a silver lining in this year-we’d-like-to-forget: It knocked us out of the business-as-usual mindset.” Read his column here.
Pending Business: Junk. Sales and marketing pro, and Lapcom Communications Corp president Steve Lapa says if many of your 2020 proposals now reside in the “junk” category, now is the time of year to review proposals that sold through and which ones missed. In today’s column, he presents a five-point review of key elements he says should be part of every news/talk proposal you submit to your advertisers and prospects. Read it here.
Key Networks’ Jesse Kelly Show to Air on WRKO, Boston. The nationally syndicated Jesse Kelly show will debut on iHeartMedia’s WRKO, Boston beginning on January 4. Key Networks announces that the news/talk program will air in the 10:00 pm to 1:00 am slot initially, then moving to the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm daypart on February 15. Key Networks calls Jesse Kelly “unfiltered and unapologetic.” Kelly says, “Everyone in radio knows about the greatness of WRKO and wants to be there. I’m honored to be there. And I’m sure they’re honored to have me since I’m such a huge important celebrity with a superior brain and community college credits.” Key Networks chief revenue officer Dennis Green adds, “We are delighted to be a part of the great WRKO and bringing Jesse Kelly to the Boston audience. Stations need to make room for the next generation of talk radio. Fresh voice, fresh opinions – it’s time for Jesse Kelly.”
Bold Gold Media Group Raises $30,000-plus for Charity. Pictured above is Bold Gold Media Group general manager Michael G. Stanton on Saturday (12/12) doing his 19th annual Shower for Charity. Stanton spent a little less than two hours showering out in the cold on Main Street in Honesdale, Pennsylvania in order to encourage people to donate to the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau. His goal was $20,000 and despite the pandemic, Stanton and the Bold Gold Team raised more than $30,000! Stanton comments, “The generosity of this community is amazing! Businesses during this pandemic, as well as area residents and individuals from out of state driving by, gave from the heart to help the children in the area have a very Merry Christmas. It is very humbling to see this overwhelming support.”
Talk Host Wayne Allyn Root Busy as Ever. Las Vegas-based, USA Radio Network-syndicated talk show host Wayne Allyn Root is pictured above left at the White House Christmas party – the fourth one he’s attended. At right is Root with baseball great Pete Rose. Root tells TALKERS that before he became a talk host he was “the king of Vegas sports gambling.” He’s back in that business with Rose (above right) appearing in the radio and TV ads for his new, publicly traded company VegasWINNERS Inc.
SiriusXM Deploys New Satellite. Yesterday (12/13), SiriusXM Satellite Radio successfully launched a new satellite. SXM-7 was built by Maxar Technologies and launched by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Shortly afterward, SXM-7 deployed its solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals. Next, SXM-7 will begin firing its thrusters to commence its journey to its final geostationary orbit. SiriusXM SVP of satellite and repeater systems engineering and operations Bridget Neville says, “SXM-7 plays an important role in bolstering the continuity and reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s audio entertainment, as well as our traffic, weather, data and information services for years to come. With the addition of SXM-7, our satellite-delivered service coverage area in North America is larger and more powerful than ever before. We congratulate our engineering team, Maxar, and SpaceX on a successful launch.”
Trump Election Challenges/Protest Violence/Electoral College, COVID-19 Stats & Projections, Vaccine Rollout, Stimulus Negotiations, Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations, Georgia Senate Runoff Elections, Biden Transition, and Cleveland to Drop ‘Indians’ Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The ongoing challenge of the election results by Donald Trump, the violence at the Washington, DC protests, and today’s Electoral College vote; the fast-rising number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and projections for post-Christmas spikes; the rollout of COVID vaccines; the negotiations in Congress over a new stimulus package; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is accused of sexually harassing former aid Lindsey Boylan; the January runoff elections for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats; the Joe Biden administration transition; and the MLB’s Cleveland Indians announce plans to drop “Indians” as their name were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Alternative KYSR, Los Angeles “ALT 98.7” names Chris Booker afternoon drive personality. Lisa Worden is program director for KYSR and vice president of rock and alternative for iHeartMedia and she says, “Our paths have crossed for many years – mostly at The 1975 shows – and we finally found the perfect opportunity to work together. Chris is a pro with a knack for entertaining and a huge passion for alternative rock music. He’s a perfect fit for ‘ALT 98.7,’ and I could not be more excited for him to join the team!” Booker was most recently afternoon drive personality at Entercom’s alternative WNYL-FM, New York. In the past he’s held several roles in the television industry, including as commentator and host for VH1 where he was featured on more than 50 shows including the “Greatest Ever” series and the “I Love The…” series…..Air personality Tamo Sein joins iHeartMedia’s alternative WWDC, Washington “DC101” as host of the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart. She has been serving as weekend and fill-in host at the station since July of this year. Previously, she was midday host at the company’s alternative KYSR, Los Angeles “ALT 98.7.”…..Country radio personality Shawn Parr, host of Key Networks’ nationally syndicated “Shawn Parr’s Across The Country” program hosted a successful virtual fundraising event for charity, “Soup for the Soul,” benefiting Bridge to Home that raised more than $110,000 through a live auction and sponsorships. Bridge to Home helps individuals and families in Santa Clarita Valley, California transition out of homelessness. Featured performers for the evening included GRAMMY and ACM-nominated double platinum country artist Cam, Broadway star and recording artist Rachel Potter, ACM-nominated country trio Runaway June, and Nashville singer/songwriter Kenny Foster.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
‘The O’Reilly Update’ Surpasses 125 Affiliates; Adds Weekend Program. The new radio program from Key Networks starring conservative media figure Bill O’Reilly has shot past the 125-affiliate mark in its first month on the air. The daily, 15-minute show called “The O’Reilly Update” recently added such signals as WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte; KFYI-AM, Phoenix; and KFMB-AM, San Diego. As a result of this success, Key Networks announces it will launch an O’Reilly Update-Weekend Edition for affiliates of the weekday show in July. It says the weekend edition of ‘The O’Reilly Update’ will feature the best content of the show from the week along with other material from the Bill O’Reilly archives. Key Networks notes that of the stations
airing the program, 23% are non-news/talk stations, including country and classic hits stations with 70% of the affiliates being FM stations. Key Networks chief revenue officer Dennis Green comments, “In just six weeks on the air, ‘The O’Reilly Update’ is quickly becoming a must-listen for audiences around the country. It is clear that O’Reilly’s voice was missing from the airwaves and stations want no spin comment on what’s happening across our nation. We can’t wait to welcome more stations on board!” Bill O’Reilly will speak about his return to radio in a special keynote presentation at TALKERS magazine’s annual conference, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story, taking place in New York City tomorrow (6/7).
TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated talk radio host Kate Delaney is celebrating 10-plus years at the helm of her GCN-distributed “America Tonight” late-night program. Delaney says the show was recently added to the program schedule at news/talk KCAA, Loma Linda, California and business talk WWMI, St. Petersburg, Florida…..NPR and WBUR announce that Tonya Mosley is named the third co-host of midday “Here & Now” news and talk program that is hosted by Robin Young and Jeremy Hobson. The show airs on more than 475 NPR member stations. Mosley has been serving as the Silicon Valley bureau chief for KQED, San Francisco. She also hosts new podcast, “Truth Be Told.”…..ABC News Radio is providing live coverage of the events surrounding the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France anchored by correspondent Aaron Katersky, with reporting by correspondents Tom Rivers in Normandy and Karen Travers in Washington, DC. Additionally, today’s episode of the “Start Here” podcast will feature an interview with David Muir from Normandy…..SiriusXM is presenting coverage of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday (6/8) from Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Through its broadcasting agreement with Horse Racing Radio Network, SiriusXM is airing all Triple Crown races as well as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
WLW, Cincinnati’s Jeff Henderson Announces Retirement. Longtime Cincinnati radio newsman Jeff Henderson is retiring from his role with iHeartMedia after a long career in the market. Cincinnati Public Radio’s John Kiesewetter has the full story here. Henderson, who is currently regional news director – based at WLW-AM, Cincinnati – responsible for news content at a number of stations in six states. He started his career at the old “YES95” in Cincinnati and moved to WLW in 1983.
Trump in England/75th D-Day Anniversary, Trade Wars with China and Mexico, 2020 Presidential Race, Impeachment Talk, Big Tech Anti-Trust Investigation, and CMT Awards Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/5). The official state visit to the U.K. by President Trump and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion; the tariffs the U.S. is placing on Chinese exports and threatening to put on Mexican exports; the Democrats vying to challenge Trump in 2020; Democrats increasing talk of impeachment proceedings against President Trump; the House Judiciary Committee’s investigation into possible Big Tech anti-trust activity; and Wednesday night’s CMT Awards show were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS Convention Set for Tomorrow in New York City. The 22nd annual installment of the longest-running and most important convention in the talk media industry (radio, television, satellite, internet) – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story – is set for tomorrow (6/7) in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater. More than 67 speakers will address the hottest issues, challenges and opportunities facing talk radio and its related media and business communities before a sold-out crowd of media professionals. TALKERS will provide on demand video coverage of the key sessions of this colorful event shortly after it takes place for those who have been locked out due to on-site space limitations. For the latest agenda and information about this historic convention, please click here.
Alliance for Women in Media to Honor CBS News’ Erin Moriarty. Later this month, “48 Hours” correspondent Erin Moriarty will be honored by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 44th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in New York City. The award will be presented by CBS News president and senior executive producer Susan Zirinsky. The Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award honors a woman
in media who exemplifies and embodies the essence of the iconic trailblazer, the late Gracie Allen, the namesake of The Gracie Awards. AWM/F executive director Becky Brooks says, “Throughout her 40-year journalism career, Erin Moriarty’s well-researched, diligent approach to covering stories about crime and justice, about consumer issues, and much more has been consistent and illustrates why she is so worthy of this Lifetime Achievement Award. Through the Gracies, we are incredibly proud to honor and celebrate outstanding talent and content by, for and about women.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At the Long Island operations of Cox Media Group, Katelin Tinley is promoted to director of sales. In this role she’ll utilize her decade of sales management experience to oversee sales operations for Long Island’s radio
brands, including WBAB-FM, WBLI-FM, and its digital media platform, Local Solutions. She says, “It is truly an honor to work every day with our amazing team and products at WBAB, BLI and Cox Local Solutions. I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new role and build upon the success that our winning team has created at CMG Long Island!”…..Programming pro JD Garfield is heading back to Boise as program director for Impact Radio Group’s hip hop KWYD “Wild 101” and sister active rock outlet KQBL-HD2/K256CZ “I-ROCK.” He was most recently with Alpha Media’s CHR WDJX, Louisville as PD…..iHeartMedia’s CHR WKQI, Detroit, “Channel 95.5” brings Krissy T aboard as evening personality. She joins the station from her most recent gig with Mainestream Media’s rhythmic CHR WHTP, Portland “HOT 104.7.”…..Midwest Communications closes on its acquisition of alternative WNFZ-FM, Knoxville “94Z” from Oak Ridge FM Inc., for $2 million. Michael J. Bergner of Bergner & Co. was the exclusive broker in this transaction…..Pictured below at the 2019 CMT Music Awards radio remote broadcast in Nashville earlier this week are (from l-r): Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta, Sheryl Crow, “CMT After MidNite” and CMT Radio Live host Cody Alan, and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Monday Memo: Welcome to the Spring Book. Consultant Holland Cooke offers some tips for radio stations in this week’s Monday Memo as the Nielsen Audio spring survey begins on Thursday (3/28). Cooke reminds programmers that the most important listeners are your P1s because research shows that less than 25% of a station’s cume contributes more than 50% of its Average Quarter Hours. The most efficient way to boost AQH share is to get more listening out of your P1s and he offers some ideas on how to do that. Read it here.
Mike Francesa Hits Twitter in Response to NY Post Piece; Post’s Marchand Fires Back. Last week, TALKERS magazine alerted you to the New York Post story by Andrew Marchand alleging that Entercom’s WFAN, New York had been negotiating with sports personality Adam Schein to take over Mike Francesa’s afternoon drive slot on the station. Over the weekend, Francesa took to Twitter to correct the “outrageous misinformation” and “outright lies” being spread about his status at the station. Francesa reiterates he’s working without a contract right now, that Entercom has a long-term offer for him (he hasn’t signed it yet), and that he’s okay with adding a person to the show (in fact, it was his idea). Francesa doesn’t mention Schein in his tweet but Marchand writes in his column that Francesa “essentially confirmed” last week’s story and asserts that Francesa knows his show needs help to avoid losing the now-tight ratings battle with crosstown WEPN-FM’s Michael Kay show. Marchand speculates WFAN overnight host John Jastremski might be considered as a co-host.
Bill O’Reilly Returns to Radio with 15-Minute Program. Titled, “The O’Reilly Update,” the new 15-minute radio program hosted by former, longtime FOX News Channel star Bill O’Reilly will launch on April 29. The program is being syndicated by Key Networks for daily delivery at 11:30 am ET with all advertising included – no additional barter units – and two minutes of local avails in the feature. In the press release, O’Reilly states, “More than ever before, Americans need accurate information and honest news analysis in order to make intelligent decisions. It is all about protecting yourself and your family. The daily ‘O’Reilly Update’ will arm you with facts and provide opinion based on those facts. Can’t wait to get started.” O’Reilly hosted the nationally syndicated program “The Radio Factor” from 2002-2009. Key Networks chief revenue officer Dennis Green comments, “On the Mount Rushmore of spoken-word talent you must include Bill O’Reilly. It’s an honor to bring Bill back to radio to deliver appointment listening and revenue opportunities for affiliate stations in a unique format.”
Hugh Hewitt Named New Head of Richard Nixon Foundation. Nationally syndicated talk show host Hugh Hewitt is returning to his roots at The Richard Nixon Foundation as he’ll become president and CEO of the organization on July 1. Hewitt will continue to host his Salem Radio Network program, make appearances on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” and write op-eds for the Washington Post. He’ll split his time between Washington and Yorba Linda, California, the site of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. Forty years ago, Nixon hired Hewitt as a researcher. Nixon Foundation chairman Dr. James H. Cavanaugh says, “The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum recently underwent a complete renovation, and the new, interactive museum galleries enjoy increased attendance and positive reviews. Hugh will lead the Nixon Foundation in its exciting next phase of growth, expanding its presence through national programming with an emphasis on articulating the Nixon legacy of pragmatic realism in domestic and foreign affairs.” Hewitt says, “Richard Nixon was a grand strategist and master diplomat, and his vision is exactly what is needed today as America faces challenges and opportunities with China, North Korea, Russia, throughout the Middle East and elsewhere. The world needs to be reminded of President Nixon’s lasting foreign policies, the strategic methods by which he assessed conflict and disagreement, and how he crafted strategies for resolution — building a more peaceful world.”
Noted Media Figure Rick Ungar Launches Independently Syndicated Progressive Talk Radio Show. “The Rick Ungar Show” launched on March 4, 2019, airing in the 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET time slot, on the following stations: WCPT 820 AM, Chicago; KKSF 910 AM, San Francisco; KTNF 950 AM, Minneapolis; KABQ 1350 AM, Albuquerque; and KTRC, 1260 AM/103.7 GM, Santa Fe. According to Ungar, while the program airs on a charter lineup of progressive stations, The Rick Ungar Show seeks to bring a more open minded, fair approach to the progressive radio landscape by continuing in the tradition of “Rational Radio” established during his years in partnership with Michael Steele on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio program, “Steele & Ungar.” Ungar tells TALKERS, “While my ideology certainly leans to the left, I have never been one who seeks to talk for the left. My role is to convey the facts – even when they may not favor the left point of view – along with my opinions on those facts. It is then up to the audience to decide where they stand based on the facts presented. I never care if you agree with me or not. But when you are hanging out with your friends over the weekend and the talk turns to politics, I want my listeners to be the smartest, best informed, people in the room.” The new show is reportedly experiencing call-ins from Trump supporters who are not calling to yell at the host but rather to rationally discuss the issues put on the table. Ungar continues, “The plans are to be the first nationally syndicated program to be carried by conservative stations in a long time looking to provide their listeners with a view from the other side-presented in a way that is fair, open and welcoming to all viewpoints on the political spectrum.” Rick came to the world of political talk radio from the entertainment industry where he was a writer and producer. He also served many years as the president of the Marvel Character Group. He additionally serves as the editor-in-chief of www.TheDailyCentrist.com, an on-line news and opinion site dedicated to publishing rational arguments on the issues of the day from all sides of the political spectrum. To get in touch with Ungar please email rickungar@gmail.com. Meet Rick Ungar at Talkers 2019: Telling the Story in New York on Friday June 7.
FCC Investigating Political Ad Rate Complaint at Entercom Buffalo. The Buffalo News reports that the Federal Communications Commission investigating whether a politician in the 2018 congressional race got the lowest unit charge as required by law. Entercom was sent a letter of inquiry for documentation on paid election advertising on news/talk WBEN-AM, sports talk WGR-AM, and five other Buffalo market stations. Entercom admitted that it had not posted the required information from the 2018 campaigns until just this January but said it was the result of an internal error. It also told the paper it is working with the FCC on the matter and doesn’t plan further public comment. The FCC is requesting information about paid candidate ads and non-candidate issue ads that aired on all of Entercom’s Buffalo stations by April 4.
TALKERS News Notes. High-profile psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Jordan B. Peterson joins the Westwood One Podcast Network with his new, eponymous podcast launching this week. Peterson is joined by his daughter and co-host Mikhaila Peterson as the two break down the dichotomy of life and explain how individuals and culture are shaped by values, music, religion, and beyond…..Washington, DC AM signal WSPZ is being sold bySalem Communications Holding Corporation to Immaculate Heart Media for $750,000. The 1260 AM signal has been simulcasting Salem’s Christian teaching format heard on WAVA-FM, Washington…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that sales pro Peter Bowen is exiting his role at Entercom’s sports talk WSCR, Chicago as director of sports sales after 10 months in the position. Bowen wrote in an email to colleagues, “It was an honor and a pleasure to work with everyone over the past 10 months. It was great to reunite with so many familiar faces and friends…and it was awesome to meet so many new people.” Bowen had previously served in the market as
Cumulus Media’s vice president and market manager…..Talk show host Bill Carroll – the Canadian who hosted a midday show on iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles for a number of years – is expanding the reach of his Bell Media program. He’s currently based at news/talk CFRA, Ottawa and his 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm program will now be syndicated across a number of Bell-owned news/talk stations every Friday afternoon…..Wisconsin radio personality Gary Douglas is retiring from the business and his current post with NRG Media as operations manager for the Fort Atkinson/Whitewater cluster and morning host for news/talk WFAW-AM. Douglas’ 46-year career has included stops at WIBA-AM, Madison and WDUZ-AM, Green Bay. He’ll continue his role as play-by-play voice for University of Wisconsin-Whitewater sports broadcasts.
Tennessee’s Stonecom Radio Unveils New Facility. Pictured above are two images from Stonecom Radio of its new, 10,000-plus square foot facility (left) in Cookeville, Tennessee that’s home to news/talk WUCT-AM/W231DG, country WKXD, rock WBXE, and AC WLQK. At right is a news studio. Stonecom unveiled the new building with a ceremony attended by state and local dignitaries. Tennessee Association of Broadcasters executive director Whit Adamson was in attendance and stated, “Stonecom is led by a true team of broadcasters who are proud to serve the entire region they touch with their signal of each of the respective stations in the cluster.”
Mueller Report Delivered/Trump Claims Victory, Islamic State Victory, Border Wall Issue, 2020 Democratic Hopefuls, Brexit Redux, Us Film, NBA Action and NCAA Tournament Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Special prosecutor Robert Mueller delivers his report on the Trump-Russia investigation to the attorney general’s office and President Trump claims victory; U.S. troops’ taking of the last territory in Syria held by ISIS; the issue of the border wall and reports of another migrant caravan forming in Central America; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; Prime Minister Theresa May’s last chance at getting her EU exit deal through Parliament; the box office success of Jordan Peele’s horror film Us; and the NBA and NCAA tournament action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. South Florida hot AC WMIA-FM announces the new “Mack in the Morning with Letty B” program will debut on April 1. The show stars Miami on-air pro Mack, Los Angeles native co-host Letty B and producer Nick Pena. Station PD Joey Brooks says, “I am excited to announce Mack, Letty B and Nick as 939 MIA’s morning team. Not only is this group entertaining, but they are committed to the South Florida community. Individually, each of them brings a unique perspective to the show and I am confident that they will quickly earn listener loyalty.”…..On-air personality Kenny Walker re-ups with WMXJ-FM, Miami “102.7 The
Beach” to continue hosting the morning show on the classic hits outlet. Walker says, “The energy of this station stood out to me when I joined in 2016 and I am honored to continue being a part of our listeners’ daily routines. I look forward to continue building our station’s brand and connecting with Miami-Ft. Lauderdale.”…..The world famous KROQ, Los Angeles us announcing the 11th annual “Kevin & Bean’s April Foolishness” event hosted by morning show duo Kevin and Bean. The station says this special anniversary celebrates the prestigious legacy of April Foolishness that blends hysterical stars with the most talented up-and-coming names in all of comedy. Special guests will include: Adam Ray, Felipe Esparza, Greg Fitzsimmons, Eddie Ifft, Jamie Lee, and Ray Romano. The event will also feature “The Kevin & Bean Rap Battle” with beatboxer Joshua from “Drop the Mic.”…..Nationally syndicated urban morning radio star DeDe McGuire was in Milwaukee over the weekend appearing at “The Gathering” presented by affiliate station WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3.” She’s pictured below (center) with listeners at the 17th annual event that gives fans the opportunity to shop with local vendors, watch music, network, and meet their favorite Jammin’ 98.3 hosts. “DeDe in the Morning” is syndicated by Compass Media Networks.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Is There a Heavenly Hundred? Today, as TALKERS magazine posts the 2018 edition of the Heavy Hundred, Paula Ryan, the wife of late radio personality Matt Patrick writes a piece for TALKERS in which she remembers her husband and his intense love of and dedication to the craft of performing on radio. She writes, “Every year we looked forward to the Heavy Hundred being published by TALKERS magazine. Many of Matt’s close friends in the business got the nod year after year. Matt would celebrate his colleagues, singing their accolades, and then quickly got back to working on his own shows in order to take it all to the next level. I knew it was only a matter of time before he would land on that list. Unfortunately, time was not on his side.” Read Ryan’s piece here.
Dennis Green Named Chief Revenue Officer for Sun & Fun Media. Longtime Westwood One executive Dennis Green has joined Sun & Fun Media as chief revenue officer. Sun & Fun Media creates products for radio stations, including: vacations, gift cards, vehicle wraps, branded station merchandise, and bill pay for NTR events, television and billboard advertising for radio stations, research, consultants, equipment, software and more, all available exclusively through barter. In this newly created position, the company says that Green will lead the development of new products and services for radio stations and will manage a team of six affiliate sales professionals to grow the company’s affiliations across the U.S. He’ll continue to be based in New York City. Sun & Fun Media co-founder and CEO Rob Koblasz says, “Dennis Green is one of the most respected, experienced and trusted affiliate sales executives in the radio industry and we are thrilled that he is joining Sun & Fun Media as chief revenue officer. With Dennis’ considerable expertise in radio operations and network radio sales, we will be able to offer our affiliates more and better solutions exclusively for barter than ever before.”
Former FOX News Host Andrea Tantaros’ Suit Against Company and Individuals Dismissed. The former FOX News Channel personality was suing FNC and a number of individuals, including former FOX executive Bill Shine and late FOX chief Roger Ailes, for $10 million. Andrea Tantaros claimed that in response to her making allegations of sexual harassment against various FOX executives, she was put under illegal surveillance. Tantaros was representing herself – pro se – and in a ruling highly critical of the merits of the suit, Judge George B. Daniels dismisses all of the claims, ruling that Tantaros failed at every level to provide factual support for the allegations. Tantaros claimed, among other things, that she was being spied upon by one of Roger Ailes security personnel, that FOX tech persons installed malware on her personal computer in order to spy on her, and that she was illegally videotaped at work.
Kirshbom to Lead iHeartMedia Raleigh Cluster. Radio management pro Alan Kirshbom joins iHeartMedia as market president for the company’s Raleigh cluster that includes news/talk outlet WTKK-FM. Most recently, Kirshbom was vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media in Memphis. Previously, he’d served as vice president and market manager for Entercom in Austin and Milwaukee. As market president, Kirshbom will be responsible for “leveraging iHeartMedia Raleigh’s radio station brands and assets to provide quality programming and create new revenue opportunities. He will spearhead all aspects of the market’s operations including sales, programming, digital, events and promotion initiatives.” Kirshbom will report to Dave Carwile, president of iHeartMedia’s Virginia/Carolina Region.
Russel Robertson Appointed SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia Tampa. Moving from the company’s Seattle station group to Tampa, Russell Robertson assumes the SVP of sales role for iHeartMedia’s cluster there. iHeartMedia’s Tampa cluster includes news/talk WFLA and sports talk WDAE. iHM Tampa market president Chris Soechtig says, “I’m thrilled to have Russell join our team. His 10-plus years of experience in iHeartMedia’s Pacific Northwest and San Diego Regions coupled with his passion for helping clients grow their business makes him the ideal choice for SVPS in Tampa Bay.”
Raising Money for Nevada GOP Candidates. Pictured above are Las Vegas-based talk show hosts Dr. Daliah Wachs (right) and Heidi Harris (left) at the Denim & Diamonds BBQ Fundraiser held in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Wachs and Harris co-emceed the event sponsored by the Southern Nevada Republicans Women’s PAC and designed to raise funds for primary race GOP candidates. WSB-AM, Atlanta talk show host – and former presidential candidate – Herman Cain was a speaker at the event.
JVC Media’s John Caracciolo Delivers Commencement at Long Island’s Five Towns College. Pictured above at the commencement at Five Towns College in Dix Hills, Long Island is JVC Media president and CEO John Caracciolo (left) with Chicago drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Danny Seraphine (center) and school president David Cohen (right). Caracciolo was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the ceremony. JVC Media owns and operates stations on Long Island – including news/talk WRCN-FM, Riverhead, New York “LI News Radio” – and in Florida.
TALKERS News Notes. Omaha native and Radio One founder Cathy Hughes (right) is pictured here with Nebraska media personality Tom Becka (left) – formerly of KFAB, Omaha and KCMO, Kansas City – after being honored by the Omaha Press Club. The city of Omaha named a street in her honor, as well. Hughes joins the ranks of other famous Nebraskans including: Warren Buffett, Johnny Carson, and Larry the Cable Guy…..Indiana Radio Watch publisher Blaine Thompson reports that Daryl McIntire is exiting his role as director of sales for Sarkes Tarzian’s news/talk WGCL/W241CD and triple A WTTS in Bloomington, Indiana. McIntire served with Sarkes Tarzian for 32 years in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne…..Pictured below broadcasting live from the Connecticut Democratic State Convention on May 18 is WTIC-AM, Hartford “Newstalk 1080” afternoon drive personality Todd Feinburg. Feinburg broadcast his show from the Hartford Convention Center interviewing state political figures and taking listener calls.
Texas School Shooting, Trump Asks DOJ to Investigate FBI-CIA Surveillance of Campaign, Trump-Russia Investigation, U.S.-China Trade Talks, Royal Wedding, Iran Nuclear Plan ‘B,’ Deadpool 2 Film, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Santa Fe High School shooting on Friday that left 10 dead; President Trump asks the DOJ to investigate whether the Obama Administration asked the FBI or CIA to infiltrate the Trump campaign; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the U.S. and China agree not to accelerate a trade war; Saturday’s royal wedding of Prince Harry and American Meghan Markle; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to unveil “Plan B” for Iran nuclear deal; the film Deadpool 2 tops the weekend box office; Major League Baseball action; and the NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. There’s a change in morning drive talent at iHeartMedia’s WLIT, Chicago “93.9 LITE FM” as Melissa Forman returns to the station to
host AM drive, replacing Kristina Kage. The company says Forman “will kick off the workday with two hours of commercial free music from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. Melissa’s tradition of informing and entertaining listeners will continue through celebrity interviews, charity involvement, and the unique relationships that she’s built with the people of Chicago.” iHeartMedia Chicago Region president Matt Scarano says, “I am so excited to welcome Melissa Forman back into the iHeartMedia Chicago family. She has a rich history with Chicago and 93.9 LITE FM’s listeners, and we are looking forward to working with her again.”…..iHeartMedia’s KMRQ, Modesto, California “Rock 96.7” adds the Premiere Networks-syndicated “The Woody Show” to the program schedule for morning drive.