Tag: "Dino Costa"
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Hotchkiss Named to North Ohio Region President for iHeartMedia. This promotion takes Keith Hotchkiss from his regional SVP of sales for the company’s Virginia/Carolina region back to Northern Ohio to take on the region president role. Hotchkiss started his radio career as an intern on
rock WMMS, Cleveland more than 20 years ago. Now, he’ll oversee iHeartMedia’s Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Lima, Ashland, Mansfield, Marion and Defiance markets. iHeartMedia president Midwest/Southeast division Tom McConnell states, “Keith is a natural leader and has a proven track record of success. His experience as a market president and as a regional senior vice president of sales in iHeartMedia’s Virginia/Carolina Region, combined with his first-hand knowledge of the Northern Ohio markets makes him the perfect choice for this important role.”
KXTG, Portland Parts Ways with Dino Costa. Some two months after he made comments on his afternoon drive show on Alpha Media’s sports talk KXTG, Portland “750/102.9 The Game” suggesting
motorists should hit Black Lives Matter protestors who block roadways, Dino Costa has been let go by the company, according to The Oregonian. Earlier this week, the MLS’ Portland Timbers (whose games are carried on KXTG) issued a press statement distancing itself from Costa and his comments. This drew renewed attention to the incident. For its part, KXTG says at the time of Costa’s remarks, it took “immediate and aggressive action” against Costa. But, the delayed blowback apparently forced Alpha Media’s hand and it has fired Costa.
WHLM, Bloomsberg Host David Reilly Resigns. Embattled WHLM, Bloomsberg, Pennsylvania talk show host David Reilly resigned from the Columbia Broadcasting Corporation-owned news/talk station yesterday (8/16). Reilly – whose father Joe Reilly serves as general manager for the 
station – had posted a video of the “UnitetheRight” march on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville that critics say had all the trappings of a Klan rally. When the video got attention in Bloomsberg, the station endured protests and a number of advertisers reportedly cancelled their buys. Reilly was suspended without pay earlier this week. Now, Reilly has tendered his resignation and his father has accepted it. In the resignation letter, David Reilly disavows any sympathy for neo-Nazis or white supremacists.
CBS Las Vegas Has Change of Heart; Will Cover New NHL Franchise. It appears a case of sour grapes caused CBS RADIO Las Vegas operations manager J.B. King to memo the staff that it was to cease all coverage – including reporting scores – of the market’s new NHL franchise, the Las Vegas Knights. Several companies bid for the rights to be radio partners with the NHL expansion club but Lotus Communications won. CBS RADIO Las Vegas market manager Tony Perlongo told the Washington Post, “With six radio stations in Las Vegas we have always prided ourselves on informing, educating and entertaining listeners and supporting the local communities we serve. However, we missed the mark in an internal email that instructed our stations to no longer report on certain aspects of the Golden Knights, the city’s first and only major league sports team. This was an error in judgment on our part and we deeply regret it. We will of course cover the team, first and foremost on Sports Radio 1140 and on our music and news/talk stations as it makes sense for those formats and audiences. We apologize to the Golden Knights, their fans and our listeners and look forward to rooting the team on when the puck drops in a few weeks.”
Beasley Partners with SonicAi for Alexa Skills. The goal of this partnership is to make it easier for listeners using Amazon Echo to bring Beasley Media Group content into their homes. Beasley
is partnering with SonicAi – a partnership between mobile developer jācapps and Amplifi Media – to design the skills that represent more than just a way to play the station stream, highlighting specific station features. Beasley says they will be heard across most of its 63 stations over the upcoming months. Beasley Media Group executive vice president of digital Steve Meyers says, “Innovation in the smart speaker device space is critical for Beasley and our industry as a whole. I’m excited to be partnering with SonicAi to extend the reach of our brands across the company and open up new opportunities in this space.”
TALKERS News Notes. The board of directors of the New York State Broadcasters Association announces iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman is being honored as its
“Broadcaster of the Year.” He’ll be honored at the New York Broadcast Leadership and Hall of Fame Luncheon on October 19, at the Javits Center in New York City. NYSBA president David Donovan says, “Bob Pittman is a true industry leader and perhaps the most creative, visionary and dynamic executive in broadcasting. His views not only shape the radio industry, but the future of all media in this country. We are deeply honored to recognize him as the “New York Broadcaster of the Year.”…..Rising from general sales manager to general manager of the Omaha cluster for Salem Media Group is Sue Garrett. She’s been with the station group for the past seven years. During her career, she’s been a market manager and sales manager for Cumulus Media and was a sales manager for iHeartMedia. In Omaha, Salem operates news/talk KOTK “The Answer,” Christian teaching KCRO, and Christian contemporary 
KGBI-FM…..Today is the 19th annual Kicks 4 Guns event – a collaborative effort by iHeartMedia Orlando’s WTKS-FM “Real Radio 104.1” and non-profit organization Crimeline. The program allows anyone to anonymously trade in unwanted firearms in exchange for a gift card. Kicks 4 Guns is the brainchild of “The Monsters” ringleader Russ Rollins who got the idea for the event after he saw a news item about a boy who was murdered for his shoes. Rollins hoped to create a gun buyback program that offers brand-new shoes in exchange for guns. Over the past 19 years, Kicks 4 Guns has collected more than 10,000 unwanted guns, including illegal and stolen guns, pipe bombs, grenades, and a missile launcher…..Cumulus Media inks a renewal with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks for KESN-FM “ESPN 103.3 FM” to continue serving as the team’s flagship radio station through the 2022-2023 season. The ESPN O&O is operated by Cumulus. Chuck Cooperstein continues as play-by-play voice and Mike Peasley hosts the “Dallas Mavericks Insider” pre-game show as well as the “Mavs Postgame Show.”…..PodcastOne promotes Jim Ballas to vice
president, technology and operations. Ballas now oversees network digital initiatives and sales operations, including the website, app, dynamic insertion, virtual reality and reporting metrics. PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norm Pattiz states, “Jim Ballas has been with PodcastOne since its earliest days and his leadership in technology and sales operations has well-earned him a place on our executive team.”…..The Weekly Standard announces the re-launch of Tuesday Morning Quarterback – the celebrated weekly NFL column by Gregg Easterbrook. It will debut on The Weekly Standard website on August 22. Easterbrook says, “There will be a total eclipse of the sun, and the next day the football gods will smile as Tuesday Morning Quarterback returns. I am very excited about TMQ on TWS.” In addition to the column, TMQ will be featured on a weekly podcast starring Easterbrook and occasional guests, hosted by TWS editor-in-chief, Steve Hayes.
Hyper-Local Pioneer Valley Radio Making Gains in Western Massachusetts. Launched by Springfield radio legend Brad Shepard, hyper-local online station, Pioneer Valley Radio (www.PioneerValleyRadio.com) celebrated the beginning of its third year of service by making a splashy presence at the annual Hampden County, MA Sheriff’s Picnic – the preeminent regional political/social event in Western Massachusetts (8/16). The station’s format consists of 100% “personality-oriented public affairs programming” offering a growing menu of on-demand talk shows covering local politics, civics, education, public safety, business, health, dining, recreation, and arts & entertainment as well as live streaming remote coverage of news events, public forums and school sports. The picnic hosted this year by the newly elected Sheriff Nick Cocchi drew several thousand local political, civic and business figures to the Elks Lodge in Springfield. Pioneer Valley Radio provided seven hours of uninterrupted broadcast coverage from a prominent table-display at the event interviewing a parade of more than 35 public officials and figures. Pictured, Pioneer Valley Radio GM/morning host Brad Shepard (l) interviewing recently retired Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe (r) who founded the annual picnic decades ago during his 42-year run as sheriff.
Charlottesville Aftermath, Confederate Statue Removals, Manufacturing Council Shuttered, Google Firing Protests Canceled, Sessions Addresses Sanctuary Cities, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/16). The criticism of President Trump’s Charlottesville analysis and the conservative media’s suggestion the “alt-left” is to blame for the violence; the movement to take down monuments celebrating Confederate leaders; President Trump disbands the American Manufacturing Council after numerous CEOs quit; the cancelling of planned protests at Google offices over the firing of an engineer who questioned the company’s diversity policy; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ address in Chicago criticizing sanctuary city policies; the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and North Korea; Major League Baseball action; and pre-season NFL activity 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. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder – morning radio personality Kathy Hart has broken her four-month silence about her absence from WTMX’s highly rated
“Eric & Kathy” program. Hart wasn’t forthcoming about why she’s been gone and why she’s been silent, but she did say in a statement to the media, in part, “It has been challenging, mentally and physically, to be away for this long, especially on days like Friday for the live broadcast from Lurie Children’s for “Eric & Kathy’s Kids.”…I have always considered the ‘Mix’ and our listeners as family, and want to express my infinite gratitude to everyone who has reached out to me personally and 
supported me publicly. Please stay tuned as I fully intend to be back on the air!” Read Feder’s piece here…..Cumulus Media promotes programming pro Danni Bruns to the operations manager post at its four-station Memphis cluster. Bruns has been serving as program director and afternoon personality for rock WXMX “98.1 The Max.” Now, she’ll also handle operations for sister stations country WGKX “KIX 106,” rhythmic oldies WRBO, and hip hop WKIM “98.9 The Vibe.”…..YEA Networks brings Scott Kerr aboard as director of affiliate sales and content. He’s responsible for servicing and growing affiliates for “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” “The Bert Show,” “The Hollywood 5,” “Love Letters with Kellie & Matthew” and the socially connected Simple Booth…..SiriusXM is bringing two shows from its streaming platform to the satellite radio service. Turbo showcases hard rock from the 1990s and early 2000s from artists such as Linkin Park, Korn, Papa Roach, Godsmack, System Of A Down, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Limp Bizkit and Disturbed. PopRocks presents pop rock from the ’90s and 2000s, including The Killers, Coldplay, Sheryl Crow, Goo Goo Dolls, Train, No Doubt and Matchbox 20.
July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week. The 12 markets addressed today are: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. You can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Austin – As a result of making up in totality the seven-tenths it lost via four straight down or flat trends (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Emmis-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” elevates from #12 to a three-way tie at #8 (4.3, +.7, 6+). In the process, it happens to leapfrog co-owned KLBJ-AM, which extends to seven its string of consecutive up or flat trends that has accounted for a cumulative +1.1 (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.9 –
3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+); the news/talk property, however, drops out of the top ten (#9 to #11). Another player in that three-way logjam at #8 is Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7 – Today’s Best Mix,” which regains all but two-tenths of the -.7 it squandered this time last month (4.3, +.5, (up from #11, 6+). Entering the June sweep, “Mix” consistently registered a 6+-share between 4.1 – 4.6 in each of the previous 11 sweeps but fell to 3.8 (6+). Up a combined seven-tenths in June and July (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” climbs from #14 to #12. In addition to “Mix” and “Que Buena,” iHeartMedia-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” picks up one-half share as well (4.5 – 5.0, eighth to sixth, 6+). Following three straight 4.6-showings (6+), KASE dropped one-tenth in June. On top for the sixth successive month, Emmis adult hits KBPA “Bob” adds two-tenths to June’s +1.1 (7.4 – 8.5 – 8.7, 6+). “Bob” was a combined -1.7 in April and May, with May’s 7.4 its lowest 6+-stat since June 2015’s 7.4. With the exception of October and the “Holiday” 2016 report, KBPA held the lead each month in calendar year 2016. Its regional Mexican cluster-mate KLZT “107.1 La Z” though forfeits all of June’s half-share increase and three-tenths more (5.4 – 4.6, -.8, 6+), sliding from fourth to seventh. Faltering by seven-tenths each are co-owned KROX “101-X Alternative Austin,” which falls out of the top ten with its third straight decrease (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.2, #10 to #14, 6+) and The University of Texas-owned KUT (6.8 – 6.1, flat at #2, 6+). Locked on 7.6 (6+) in January, February, and March, KUT followed with a 5.8 (April, 6+); 6.2 (May, 6+); and improved by six-tenths in June to 6.8 (6+). Flat at #16, Emmis triple A KGSR “93.3 Radio Austin” is within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 17th time in a row (2.4 – 2.7, +.3, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth straight time for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom urban AC KKMJ-HD3 exits the top twenty (#20 to #21).
2) Raleigh – Granted, it might be a bit of a technicality, but the entry making the largest 6+ June 2017 – July 2017 increase in all 48 PPM-markets is the stream of Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB, Your Life – Your Music,” which debuts at #14 with a 2.4 (6+). The actual FM signal of “96.1 BBB, Your 
Life – Your Music” registers its third successive increase for an overall gain of two full-shares and inches up from sixth to fifth (4.3 – 4.9 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+). A gain of six-tenths in May halted three consecutive (modest) downward trends that accounted for a six-tenths’ loss (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Down a collective eight-tenths in three straight dips (8.0 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+), co-owned WQDR “94.7 – Today’s Best Country” recaptures more than half that loss with a +.5 to 7.7 (6+) and is in the runner-up slot for the third month in a row. In addition to repeating as the market’s pacesetter, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is +1.4 in four straight improvements (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2, 6+) and matches the 8.2 (6+) it posted last October. Following six straight gains that netted a +2.1 (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW “The Pulse” surrenders nine-tenths to 4.0 (6+) and drops out of the top ten (#8 to #12). At the same time, a loss of seven-tenths takes iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” (fifth to sixth) to 6.2, its lowest 6+-share in exactly two years (6.2, as well, in July 2015). Thus, the market’s (6+) CHR erodes by -1.6 to 10.2. Dislodged from the penthouse in June (after four consecutive months there) and remaining in third-place in July is Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5,” which is without an increase for the fifth sweep in a row for a combined -1.8 (8.8 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+). While it remains at #4, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC is -1.8 in four straight negative trends (8.5 – 7.9 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). A quartet of Raleigh outlets have decreases of one-half share: iHeartMedia FM news/talk WTKK (#9 to #10, 6+); Radio One gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” WNNL (3.8, #12 to #13, 6+); Capitol Broadcasting sports/talk WCMC “ESPN 99.9 – The Fan” (flat at #14, 6+); and Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” (#15 to #16, 6+). This is WTKK’s fourth straight down or flat monthly for an overall -1.7 (6.0 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). After posting three straight increases for a combined +1.2 (4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), “The Light” spiraled by -1.7 in June. In back-to-back sweeps (June 2017 and July 2017), “The Fan” is a combined -1.1 (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). This is the third straight half-share fluctuation for “La Ley 101.1,” which wiped out May’s half-share loss in June only to forfeit it in July (2.6 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+). Off by three-tenths to 1.9 (6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WRTP “HIS Radio” (#16 to #17) halts at six its consecutive streak of up or flat trends that more than quintupled its 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (.4 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – 1.5 – 2.2, 6+).
3) Indianapolis – Off by a combined nine-tenths in May and June (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WHHH roars back with a +1.1 to 4.4 – its strongest 6+-share since last November’s 5.0; “Hot 96.3” climbs from #13 to #11. In a somewhat similar scenario, Emmis’ WLHK wipes out an overall -.6 in May and June (6.0 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+) with a July improvement of seven-tenths to 6.1, its highest 6+-share since
May 2016, as “Country 97.1 Hank FM” progresses from seventh to fifth. Having plummeted by -2.8 as the result of five consecutive down or flat trends (7.1 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+), Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM “Indy’s R&B Leader” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 4.9 (6+) and moves from tenth to eighth. Advancing from third to second, iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” registers its seventh successive improvement for an overall +2.4 (4.6 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 7.0, 6+). Major ups and downs continue for WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” As the result of three straight January through April downward trends (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), the Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian station was off by one full-share. It bounced back with a +1.1 in May only to falter by -1.2 in June (6.3 – 7.4 – 6.2, 6+); however, “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” adds six-tenths in July to 6.8 (6+), marching from sixth to third. Despite being off by one-half share (8.2 – 7.7, 6+), Entercom CHR WZPL is #1 for the seventh consecutive sweep; June’s 8.2 matches its highest 6+-stat since December 2015. By dropping one-tenth to 4.9 (6+), hot AC cluster-mate WNTR has its string of up or flat trends that netted a collective +1.5 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+) halted at five; nonetheless, “107.9 The Mix – Better Variety for a Better Workday” actually improves from ninth to eighth. Eroding by nine-tenths each are Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” (5.8, third to seventh, 6+) and Emmis sports talk WFNI “The Fan” (1.7, #14 to #16, 6+). WFMS was a combined +.8 in May and June (5.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), while “The Fan” picked up a collective half-share via four straight up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). Slipping by six-tenths each are its adult contemporary and news/talk siblings WYXB “Soft Rock B-105.7” (6.5, second to fourth, 6+) and WIBC “Indy’s News Center” (4.7, eighth to tenth, 6+). By replicating May’s seven-tenths’ increase in June (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+), WIBC reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since February 2016’s 5.0; “B-105.7” is below a seven-share (6+) for the first time since January’s 6.7.
4) Milwaukee – Notwithstanding that a wide ranker and AQH share gap currently exists between them, both iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” (9.9 – 10.7, #1 for the 28th consecutive time, 6+) and Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s WZTI “Milwaukee’s True Oldies 
Channel” (#18 to #14, 6+) register spikes of eight-tenths. It is the fourth straight gain for WZTI, which has more than tripled its 6+-share since March (.6 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.9, 6+). As for “Big FM,” is rebounds from a combined -1.6 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 10.3 – 9.9, 6+) and returns to double-digits (6+) for the fourth time in the last five sweeps. Recent “Big” month-to-month moves include +1.7 (October 2015); -.7 (November 2015); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2015); -5.7 (January 2016); +1.3 (February); +1.1 (April); -.6 (May); -1.1 (August); -.6 (September) +1.2 (November); -.5 (December); +2.1 (“Holiday” 2016); -2.4 (January 2017); +2.5 (March); -1.2 (May); and now +.8 (July). An interesting development has occurred in the CHR scrum, following a June increase of three-tenths (6+) by both iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97-3 Now – Milwaukee’s #1 For All The Hits” and Entercom-owned WXSS “103.7 Kiss FM.” Via four straight improvements, “Now” is up by an overall full-share (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+) and shifts from #14 to #12, but “Kiss” – which was 4.9 and ninth in June (6+) disappears from print. Advancing from seventh to fifth, co-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” is up or flat for the third time in a row for a net gain of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5, 6+), while Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” posts its second straight (modest) gain (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+) and matches its 4.0 in March to climb from #13 to #11. Having notched a 5.5 (6+) in three of the last four survey periods, Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog – Everything That Rocks” regresses by six-tenths (5.5 – 4.9, 6+), slipping from sixth to seventh. The down/up pattern that Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB began in January (4.6 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+) ends in July as “B-93.3” is off by one-half share to 4.1 (6+), but remains at #10. Not higher than 1.5 or lower than 1.1 over the course of the last 18 sweeps – which covers March 2016 through July 2017, public triple A WYMS (#17 to #15) has a 6+-line of: 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4.
5) Nashville – Part of a three-way June logjam for the runner-up slot, Midwest Communications’ adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack-FM – Playing What We Want” doubles June’s gain of six-tenths with a +1.2 (7.1 – 8.3, 6+) and marches to #1. Prior to a -.7 in May, Nashville’s “Jack” was up or flat the previous four months gaining +1.9 (5.3 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+). Not only does the station that “Jack” dislodges at #1 (after a brief
one-month run) – iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ – segue to #2, “105.9 Nashville’s Classic Rock” drops four-tenths to 7.4 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three straight improvements that netted a collective +1.4 (6.4 – 6.7 – 7.3 – 7.8). Owing to a spike of nine-tenths to 2.5 (6+), Nashville Public Radio classical WFCL ends at four its skein of down or flat monthlies that generated an overall loss of one-half share (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+) and progresses from #18 to #15. Entering the June sweep, co-owned WPLN was down in each of the previous three survey periods for an overall -1.3 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+), but “News 90.3” is a combined +1.5 in June and July (4.1 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), climbing from eighth to seventh. Simultaneous with Cromwell Group urban AC WPRT-HD2 improving by one-half share (.6 – 1.1, #18, 6+), co-owned WPRT-FM “The Game” spirals by nine-tenths to .9 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#16 to #22). When “The Game” dropped six-tenths in June, it curtailed at four a successive string of up or flat trends that more than doubled its 6+-stat (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 2.4, 6+). Elsewhere in the sports talk arena, Cumulus Media’s WGFX regresses by six-tenths (3.3 – 2.7, 6+) to slide from #13 to #14. In June, “104.5 The Zone” returned in its entirety May’s one-half share increase. Prior to May’s +.5, “The Zone” plummeted by more than four full-shares in six successive decreases (7.6 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). Meanwhile, the market’s (6+) share for CHR erodes by -1.5 as Midwest Communications-owned WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” forfeits twice as much of its one-half share gain in June (3.3 – 2.3, -1.0, #13 to #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” (second to third) follows up June’s -.6 with a -.5 (7.7 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+). The loss of six-tenths in June ended at three WRVW’s consecutive string of increases which netted a +1.8 (5.9 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 7.7, 6+). February’s 5.9 was the first time “The River” had been below a six-share (6+) since June 2011 (5.9, as well). Off by an overall nine-tenths in three successive downward moves (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WUBT “101.1 The Beat Nashville’s Home for Hip-Hop and R&B” has an identical 6+ profile as “The River”: 7.1 – 6.6, second to third. Nine-tenths is the collective margin of decline as well for Cromwell alternative WBUZ “102.9 The Buzz,” which dips in back-to-back sweeps (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, #11 to #12, 6+).
6) Providence – Owing to four (modest) increases in a row (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” gains a cumulative one-half share and carries on in sixth-place. After dropping six-tenths in both May and June (11.0 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary 
WWLI “Lite Rock 105” bounces back with a gain of two-tenths to an even 10.0 (6+) and is #1 for the 22nd consecutive ratings period. Having eroded by more than seven full-shares in January to 10.7 (6+), WWLI was a combined -.4 in February and March (10.7 – 10.6 – 10.3, 6+) and then up seven-tenths in April. Frozen on 7.7 (6+) in “Holiday” 2016 and January 2017, and then on 8.2 (6+) in February and March, iHeartMedia-owned WHJY picked up a combined nine-tenths in three consecutive progressive trends (8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6 – 9.1, 6+). “Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” though surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase in July (8.3, -.8, 6+) and falls from second to fourth. June’s 9.1 represents the highest 6+-share for WHJY in just over one year (9.2, May 2016). As a result of replicating June’s -.7 for a combined -1.4 (9.8 – 9.1 – 8.4, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music” all but wipes out May’s +1.5. In advance of the May ratings period, WPRO-FM had been trending 8.7 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 8.3 (6+); 9.8 was its highest 6+-share since February 2015 (also 9.8). For the fifth time in the last ten survey periods and second time in a row, rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WWKX notches a 2.5 (6+) as “Hot 106.3” continues at #9. While steady in fifth-place, iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” has its third straight decrease for an overall loss of -1.1 (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+) and its lowest 6+-share since 4.6 in “Holiday” 2016. Up or flat in each of the last five survey periods for an overall increase of seven-tenths since January (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), Boston public news/talk WGBH-FM drops six-tenths to 1.6 (6+), but remains at #10.
7) Norfolk – Without a loss for the seventh time in a row for an overall increase of +1.4 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” continues in seventh-place. In a classic case of the rich get richer, Entercom urban AC WVKL “95-7 Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” trots out a +1.4 (12.0 – 13.4, 6+) and is #1 for the seventh successive sweep, after an earlier tenure of 55 consecutive
ratings periods on top. It has registered a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 15th time in the last 16 ratings periods. Furthermore, 13.4 is the highest 6+-stat reached by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era, with WVKL accomplishing the feat several times, the most recent in January 2015. The only other station in the market to do so is co-owned adult contemporary WWDE “2WD,” which logged 13.4 (6+) once. There is a little more history from this Virginia metro in the July 2017 sweep: Over and above marching from third to second by notching a gain of six-tenths, Saga Communications’ WNOR “FM 99 Rocks” hits 7.4, the highest 6+ share in its history as a PPM subscriber. Meanwhile, following its 7.4 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV has recorded a 6+-share within 2.2 – 2.8 range, but “Movin’ 107.7 The Rhythm of Hampton Roads” drops six-tenths to 2.1 (6+) as it segues from eighth to ninth. After being in the runner-up slot the past five sweeps (the last three with a 7.3, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WOWI “103 Jamz – Norfolk’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” trades places with WNOR by slipping to #3 (7.0, -.3, 6+). For the fourth straight month, aforementioned WWDE “2WD” (flat at #6) fails to make an increase and is -1.7 since March (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+).
8) Greensboro – Continuing on a seesaw, Entercom’s country-formatted WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” adds seven-tenths (6.3 – 7.0, 6+) to advance from sixth to fifth. It was a cumulative +1.5 in January and February (4.8 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+); eroded by seven-tenths in March; bounced back with a combined +1.0 in April and 
May; and lost three-tenths in June. This is the highest 6+-share for Greensboro’s “Wolf” since its 7.1 in January 2015. It helps enable WPAW to pull ahead of iHeartMedia’s WTQR “New Country Q-104.1,” which is off three-tenths (7.3 – 6.9, fourth to sixth, 6+), snapping at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +2.5 (4.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.2, 6+). On the heels of three straight negative trends that accounted for a -1.1 (6.8 – 6.7 – 5.9 – 5.7, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WMAG answers with a combined June and July +1.4 (5.7 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+), allowing “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Mix” to inch up from fifth to fourth. Ahead of it (continuing) at #3 is Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon (says) We Play Everything,” which wipes out June’s -.4 with a gain of one-half share (8.8 – 9.3, 6+). While it repeats at #1 and achieves double-digits (6+) for the eighth straight sweep, urban AC cluster-mate WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” hands over roughly half of the whopping +1.5 it notched in June (11.6 – 10.9, -.7, 6+); 11.6 is its most potent 6+-share in over three years (11.9, March 2014). In addition to placing first in June and July, WQMG occupied the top spot in January, February, and March, as well. Up or flat in four consecutive ratings periods accounting for a +1.2 (9.7 – 9.7 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 10.9, 6+), WQMG surrendered six-tenths in March. Spiraling by seven-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM,” which has its third decrease in a row for an overall loss of -1.2 (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+) and its softest 6+-share since January 2014’s 2.9. Unchanged at #7, rock sibling WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up!” sputters by four-tenths to 4.3 (6+), thus pulling the plug on six consecutive increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+) that netted a +1.7. Having strung together three straight improvements for a combined +1.2 (9.5 – 9.9 – 10.1 – 10.7, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” (flat at #2) follows with an equal number of consecutive losses that has accounted for a collective -1.1 (10.7 – 10.4 – 10.1 – 9.6, 6+). “Jamz” had been in double-digits (6+) 10 times in the previous 12 survey periods.
9) West Palm Beach – In addition to posting its third straight increase for an overall +1.1 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” ranks first for the seventh consecutive month and has its strongest 6+-share since November 2015’s 11.3. Prior to “Holiday” 2016, WRMF was #1 the previous five ratings periods. It fell to second in July 2016, after 23 successive sweeps at
#1. A collective +1.3 in three straight gains entering the June sweep (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WLDI is now an overall -1.6 in back-to-back monthlies (5.6 – 5.1 – 4.0, 6+) as “Wild 95.5 – The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” drifts from fifth to eighth. Having posted a 3.1 (6+) in three of the past four ratings periods, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN sputters by seven-tenths to 2.4 (6+) and segues from ninth to tenth. Over the last two sweeps, Alpha Media-owned WIRK “103.1 – South Florida’s Country Music” is a combined -1.4 (5.9 – 5.1 – 4.6, fifth to seventh, 6+). Surrendering one-half share is WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (flat at #5) which – in the last eight survey periods – is +.5 (“Holiday” 2016); -1.1 (January); +.5 in February; -.7 (March); +1.4 in April; -.5 in May; +.7 in June; and now -.5 in July (4.3 – 4.8 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+). Off by one-half share as well is Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” (#13 to #15), which is down or flat for the fourth straight time for a roughly 50% loss of its 6+-share (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .7, 6+). Simultaneous with co-owned adult contemporary WEAT “Sunny 107.9” losing three tenths after June’s -1.1 (6.5 – 5.4 – 5.1, flat at #3, 6+, iHeartMedia-owned and similarly-programmed WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” rebounds from June’s loss of eight-tenths by adding three-tenths (5.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+) to jump from eighth to fifth. This is the lowest 6+-share for “Sunny” since its 4.6 in November 2015. Following three successive months without a gain in which it lost more than two full-shares (6.6 – 5.9 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), “Today’s Kool 105.5” was a combined +.6 in April and May (4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+). The market’s other AC – JVC Media’s WSVU “South Florida’s 95.9 – The Palm,” is without an increase for the fourth time in a row and down approximately 50% in that timeframe (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .9 – .7, 6+), yet actually improves from #16 to a tie at #15.
10) Jacksonville – Wild fluctuations continue for iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WSOL, whose April -.6 put an end to its 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.9 (6+) sequence. “V-101.5,” bounced back with a +.8 in May, only to surrender -.7 in June; and now erupts with a massive +1.7 in July (4.4 – 6.1, seventh to sixth, 6+). This is 
its highest 6+-performance since 6.3 in May 2016. In recapturing in totality the one-half share it lost in June, Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ “X-102.9 Jacksonville’s New Alternative” moves into the top ten (4.0 – 3.5 – 4.0, #11 to #9, 6+). Prior to June’s -.5, “X-102.9” had been up or flat in each of the last five sweeps netting seven-tenths (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). Albeit down by six-tenths (12.2 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” is nonetheless the market pacesetter for the seventh straight time. A January +2.1 to 12.8 produced its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. The five most recent stats for Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” are 7.6 – 7.9 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 7.9 (March 2017 through July 2017, steady from June at #4, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI “Easy 106.5” (#13 to #12) is trending 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 (6+) since April. Within 4.1 – 4.5 (6+) territory the past five sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned CHR WKSL plummets by nine-tenths (4.3 – 3.4, 6+) and not only exits the top ten (#9 to #11), “97.9 Kiss FM” has its weakest 6+-showing since November 2013’s 3.3. Faltering by one-half share each are Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL-FM “96.9 The Eagle” (9.6 – 9.1, unchanged at #2, 6+) and public news/talk WJCT (3.1 – 2.6, #12 to #13, 6+). “The Eagle” was up nine-tenths in June and while its urban contemporary HD2 side channel floundered by one-half share in May and June (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+), it picks up three-tenths to 2.2, but stays at #14 (6+).
11) Memphis – Adding nine-tenths onto the three-tenths it picked up in June, Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River Continuous Soft Rock” registers a 6.9, its best 6+-stat since 7.4 in March, to jump from sixth to fourth. As the result of three straight sweeps without a decrease (6.5 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK is a collective +1.8 and “K-97 Memphis’ Only
Hip-Hop and R&B” is in third-place for the fourth month in a row. Not only is urban AC cluster-mate KJMS up or flat for the seventh straight time for a collective gain of +1.4 (8.8 – 9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9 10.2, 6+), “V-101” is #1 for the sixth successive time. It held that same position for ten consecutive monthlies before sliding to #2 in “Holiday” 2016; “V-101” was up by two-tenths in February to halt nine consecutive down or flat trends that yielded a -3.7 since May 2016 (12.5 – 11.6 – 10.7 – 10.5 – 10.2 – 9.9 – 9.9 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 8.8, 6+). The last time it was in double-digits (6+) was in September 2016 (10.2, as well). Up (modestly) or flat the last three survey periods for a net gain of three-tenths (4.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+) – and with a 6+-share consistently between 4.2 and 4.8 since last December – Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max, Maximum Rock” freefalls by one full-share to 3.8, but carries on in eighth-place. In eight straight down or flat sweeps, iHeartMedia CHR KWNW has lost one full-share (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+) but “101.9 Kiss FM – All The Hits” manages to move from #17 to #15. It is a mixed-bag for the market’s country outlets as Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Kix 106 – Today’s Best Country” is off by four-tenths to 5.5 (flat at #7, 6+) after back-to-back increases produced a +1.0 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+), while Entercom’s WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” adds two-tenths to June’s +.8 and continues at #11 (2.4 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+).
12) Hartford – By dialing up a gain of seven-tenths (5.7 – 6.4, 6+), CBS Radio CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 All The Hits” climbs from seventh to sixth with its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016’s 6.5. At the same time that co-owned hot AC WTIC-FM “Hartford’s Best Variety” (off eight-tenths in June) improves by one-half 
share (7.8 – 8.3 third to second, 6+), its news/talk sibling WTIC-AM plummets by -1.6 (fifth to eighth, 6+). When “Hartford’s Best Variety” lost four-tenths in May, it stopped at six its consecutive string of positive or flat trends that produced a cumulative +2.1 (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.6 – 9.0, 6+). In what is now WTIC-AM’s sixth consecutive decline, it has spiraled by a collective -3.7 (8.8 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.3 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 5.1, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share in nearly two years (4.8, 6+, August 2015). Down one tick (10.0 – 9.9, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WRCH “Lite 100.5” remains at #1 for the 11th successive ratings period. It had been in double-digits (6+) eight times in the previous nine sweeps. “Lite” was up by a cumulative nine-tenths in February and March (10.2 – 10.5 – 11.1, 6+), but then down by an overall -1.4 in April and May (11.1 – 10.0 – 9.7, 6+). Entering the September sweep, WRCH was on top for 15 straight ratings periods and 23 of the previous 24; however, it decreased by -1.1 and dropped to second-place. Its online stream remains at .5 (6+) although it rises from #15 to #14. A combined +1.7 in four consecutive sweeps without a decrease (7.1 – 76 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 8.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in June for the first time since last December’s 8.2, but “Country 92-5” returns one-half share (8.8 – 8.3, 6+) and is in a second-place tie with WTIC-FM. Fading by one-half share as well (to its lowest 6+-share since February’s 4.9) is Connoisseur Media-owned WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale Hartford’s Classic Rock” (5.7 – 5.2, 6+), which carries on in seventh-place.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Harrison Podcast Examines Charlottesville from a Talk Radio Perspective. Charlottesville, VA was the home of two early U.S. presidents – Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. It is also the home of two talented radio talk show hosts heard on two significant, separately owned news/talk stations. Joe Thomas is the PD and morning host at Monticello Media’s WCHV. Rob Schilling is the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm host on Saga Communications’ WINA. Both are guests on this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” They discuss, in great detail, the talk radio perspective on the tragic and troubling events that took place in their city this past weekend, and then some. Don’t miss this. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Lundberg: New Tech Gives Hosts Control and Breeds Engagement. Sports talk radio and TV personality Robin Lundberg writes today about a new technology for videocasting that puts control of video callers, images and more right in his hands while he hosts his Internet show, “Stick to Sports.” He says, “Having video callers on air knocks down the wall between me and my audience. The experience is a blast for everyone…what’s amazing is that I feel the same way, every show. I’ve had the good fortune to be on some of the biggest sports networks and ‘Stick-to-Sports’ is like no hosting experience I’ve had before. Putting a couple of people on air via Skype or FaceTime is not new, but the VCC platform is the first time I’ve seen it done reliably with many callers in each show.” See more of what Lundberg has to say about this here.
Pennsylvania Host Suspended for Participation in White Nationalist Rally. The son of WHLM, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania general manager is on suspension from his evening talk show at the station after he posted video of himself joining the white nationalists at the rally in Charlottesville.
Dave Reilly is the son of Joe Reilly, who manages the Columbia Broadcasting Company talk station. Joe Reilly said in a statement, “WHLM and the Columbia Broadcasting Company denounces, detests, disavows, condemns and has never condoned any form of racism, white supremacism, bigotry or political violence towards anyone or any group. WHLM is currently conducting a full, internal investigation regarding allegations brought against David Reilly…We are taking this matter seriously and since it will take time to investigate this situation, we, the Columbia Broadcasting Company, have suspended David Reilly without pay until further notice.” WNEP-TV, Scranton reports that several advertisers cancelled their buys and protests took place outside the station on Monday and Tuesday prior to the announcement of the suspension.
TALKERS News Notes. In Albany, the Daily Gazette reports that WOFX “FOX Sports 980”
afternoon drive host Tred Hulse has exited the iHeartMedia station. The piece notes that Hulse had been a DJ on the company’s hot AC WRVE “99.5 The River” prior to joining WOFX in June of 2016 after Rodger Wyland left the daypart to go across the street to host a show at Townsquare Media’s sports talk WTMM “ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team.” WOFX is now airing FOX Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb show in the afternoon slot…..Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers have moved to distance the team – whose matches 
are heard on Alpha Media’s sports talk KXTG, Portland “750/102.9 The Game” – from comments made in June by new afternoon personality Dino Costa. The sports talk personality made comments suggesting that drivers should run over Black Lives Matter protestors blocking traffic. Alpha Media issued a statement to KOIN-TV, Portland saying, “Alpha Media holds the relationships with the Portland Timbers and the University of Oregon in high regard. The ‘750/102.9 The Game’ management team took immediate and aggressive action with Dino Costa regarding the comment made during his June 7 broadcast.” The soccer club said it would not take any action regarding its relationship with the station but wanted to clarify its stance on the matter…..Former Washington State and NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf is joining the roster of college football experts appearing on SiriusXM. Leaf makes his debut today, alongside co-host Jason Horowitz and will be heard multiple times each week on SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation channel.
Trump’s Charlottesville Response, CEOs Exit Trump Manufacturing Council, Confederate Statues Removed, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, Iran Nuclear Deal Threatened, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/15). Analysis of President Trump’s responses to the Charlottesville rally violence; the numerous business leaders who’ve resigned from President Trump’s manufacturing council in response to his comments on the Charlottesville violence; the destruction of a Confederate memorial in Durham, NC and the plans for removal of similar monuments in other cities; threats against the U.S. by North Korea and Kim Jong Un’s nuclear weapons program; Iran’s threat to ignore the nuclear pact if it is slapped with more sanctions; Major League Baseball action; and NFL pre-season activity were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Beasley Launches ‘Community of Caring’ Initiative. The new company-wide “Community of Caring” public service initiative will run across Beasley Media Group’s 63 radio stations. It will consist of a rotating PSA series aimed at shining a spotlight on important issues impacting our
communities, including the on-going opioid epidemic, bullying, racism and mental health awareness. The PSAs will also be supported via social media campaigns. Beasley will also host specific “Day of Caring” events throughout the year in which teams, made up of employees from each market, will adopt specific non-profit organizations within the communities they serve and volunteer during company supported work hours over the course of the year in an effort to make a difference for those in need. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “As a company, we take all of these issues very seriously. The rotating PSA and social media campaigns, combined with our ‘Day of Caring’ events across all of our markets, underscores our company’s strong commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. New York air personality Jay Dabhi adds music director duties at CBS RADIO‘s CHR WBMP “92.3 AMP Radio” where he also hosts the afternoon mix show. Dabhi states, “As a born and raised New Yorker, I used to run home from
elementary school to record mix shows by the Latin Rascals and Red Alert,” said Dabhi. “I get that same feeling of excitement walking through the doors of 92.3 AMP Radio every day. AMP breaks new music in NYC and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of it. Thank you Michael Martin and Jim Ryan for this amazing opportunity.”…..Urban One’s Radio One division announces two programming promotions. First, Bill Black, the current OM for the Cleveland and Cincinnati markets adds responsibility for the Columbus market. Also, Theodore ‘Big Bink’ moves from his OM post at the Columbus cluster to Indianapolis in the same position…..The 17th annual Power of Urban Radio Forum takes place on October 11 and 12 in Washington, DC hosted by Kizart Media Partners in association with the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters. Kizart Media Partners founder and managing director Sherman Kizart says “The 17th annual forum offers attendees the opportunity to hear from and interact with an exceptionally powerful group of national leading advertisers, media agencies, broadcast owners and executives. Each year the Power of Urban Radio Forum is referred to as best-in-class and this year is expected to be tremendously impactful.” Companies and organizations attending will include: Procter and Gamble, the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Toyota USA, AARP, Burrell Communications Group, Carol H. Williams Advertising, Hearts & Science Marketing Agency, Grow Now Social Media Agency, and Uniworld Group Advertising.
July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week. The 12 markets addressed today are: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. You can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Portland – Nearly equally divided between Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” (4.9 – 5.6, +.7, seventh to fourth, 6+) and Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (4.4 – 4.9, +.5, eighth to sixth, 6+), the market’s (6+) country swells by +1.2. Prior to gaining three-tenths in June, “The Wolf” was a combined -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6,
6+), while “The Bull” was down in consecutive sweeps (April – May – June) for a -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). The two country rivals finished back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively, in both May and June. Recapturing all but one-tenth of the seven-tenths it lost in June, Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” (4.3 – 4.9, +6, 6+) advances from ninth to a sixth-place tie with KUPL “The Bull.” As the result of four straight up or flat trends between January and May (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), “Charlie” gained one full-share. Co-owned KNRK “94/7 Alternative Portland” progresses by six-tenths as well (3.3 – 3.9, #15 to #12, 6+) and posts its highest 6+-share since 4.6 in February 2014. Unchanged at #3, iHeartMedia-owned KLTH gains one-half share (6.1 – 6.6, 6+) as “106.7 The Eagle – Portland’s Classic Hits Station” has its strongest 6+-showing since January 2016’s 7.0. Although down by one-half share (9.1 – 8.6, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate KKCW “K-103” is #1 for the 38th time in the last 40 ratings periods. June’s 9.1 was its highest 6+-share since the 15.3 it posted in “Holiday” 2016. After progressing by six-tenths in June, Oregon Public 
Broadcasting’s KOPB surrenders nine-tenths in July but remains at #2 (8.0 – 7.1, 6+). Down eight-tenths in May, KOPB was +.9 in March. As the result of six negative trends in a row (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KXL-FM (#13 to #15) erodes by more than two full-shares. After gaining six-tenths in June, triple A sibling KINK “Uniquely Portland” forfeits one-half share (3.8 – 3.3, 6+) and slips from #11 to #13. Entering the June sweep, KINK didn’t have an increase since January and was a collective -.7 in that stretch (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Moving from fourth to fifth, Entercom classic rocker KGON is off three-tenths (5.6 – 5.3, 6+), thus ending at five its string of successive sweeps without a loss for a collective +2.4, (3.2 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). When KGON registered a +.8 in February, it brought to an end eight straight sweeps without a gain that resulted in a combined -1.7 dating back to June 2016 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+).
2) Charlotte – Whereas four-tenths of a share separated Charlotte’s top four June 2017 finishers, a mere three-tenths of a share is the difference for its first six July 2017 finishers. As was the case in June, a country station is Charlotte’s pacesetter, but in July, it’s Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC. While flat at 6.0 
(6+), “Country’s Hottest Hits” leapfrogs from fourth to first, supplanting iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 For New Country” (6.4 – 5.7, -.7, 6+), which trades places with WSOC at #4. Having logged a very consistent (6+) January 2017 through May 2017 line of 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.8, “The Kat” was up six-tenths in June to 6.4 (6+). Consequently, “The Kat” bypassed “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which (in June) relinquished the six-tenths it gained in May (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), shifting from second to fourth. Prior to April (when it was +.8), WSOC was a cumulative -1.8 in three successive downward moves dating back to the “Holiday” 2016 report (7.0 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Moreover, 5.2 in March was the lowest 6+-share in its PPM-history. In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed “Country’s Hottest Hits” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). After a lengthy absence and under several different formats, the call letters of Radio One’s WQNC reappeared in November 2016. Urban contemporary “92.7 The Block” hangs out a whopping +1.2 to 3.4, its highest 6+-stat since again being listed and advances from #17 to #14. In addition to having its fourth successive downward trend for a collective -1.3 (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHQC “Channel 96.1” departs the top ten (#10 to #13). In March, “Channel 96.1” had its string of consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.4 snapped at three (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+). While down three-tenths (5.4 – 5.1, 6+), its format foe – Beasley Media Group-owned WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” – remains at #7. Without a decrease for four straight sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), “Kiss” lost two-tenths in May but rebounded in June with a gain four times that margin, +.8. Following four straight increases for a net +1.4 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WBAV “V-101.9” falters by one-half share to 5.8 (6+), slipping from second back to third. Regressing by one-half share as well and tied at #4 with WKKT is its classic rock sibling WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which has lost two full-shares since March via four straight decreases (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 6.2 – 5.7, 6+). Ousted from the top spot in June and moving to third, “The Fox” had been #1 in each of the past five survey periods. Immediately in advance of its current string of four straight declines, WRFX posted three consecutive positive trends that accounted for a +1.3 (6.4 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Its +.8 in January curtailed a series of three consecutive downward moves that yielded a -1.5 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Down or flat for the sixth straight time, Davidson College’s WDAV “Classical Public Radio” (#16 to #18) is a combined -1.3 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+).
3) San Antonio – The rollercoaster ride keeps on going for KQXT. Specifically, the iHeartMedia adult contemporary property (steady at #2) lost one full-share (-1.0) in February; was a collective +1.5 in March and April (5.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+); regressed by -1.0 in May (5.6 – 4.6, 6+); regained May’s loss in its entirety in June (5.6, +1.0, 6+); and is now +.5 in July to 6.1. With an 11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016
report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. The six-tenths of a share advantage in June that Cox Media Group’s KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” had over iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” is down to two-tenths. Stuck on 5.4 (6+) for the third month in a row, “Y-100” nonetheless inches up from fourth to a third-place tie, while “KJ-97” posts its third consecutive gain for a collective +.8 (4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+) and carries on at #5. Stymied at 7.0 (6+) in May and June, KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” adds one-tenth in July to 7.1 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth successive time. The Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. Recent (6+) fluctuations for “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” include October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January’s +1.1; April’s +.8; and May’s -.6. Displaying identical 3.2 – 2.7 (-.5, #16 to #17) 6+-profiles are Alpha Media CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1” and iHeartMedia’s 
KZEP “104.5 Latino Hits.” It is the softest 6+-showing for “Energy” since its 2.6 in November 2016. Owing to three straight increases, including May’s +1.3, KSTX nearly doubled its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+). The Texas Public Radio news/talk outlet though regresses by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (3.8 – 3.3 – 2.8, May – June – July, 6+) and slips from #14 to #16 It had been almost two years since KSTX reached the three-share level (August 2015, 3.0, 6+). For the sixth time in a row, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI (unchanged at #4) is without an increase for a -1.6 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to June, the last time WOAI fell below a four-share (6+) was September 2014 (3.7).
4) Pittsburgh – Following a June improvement of six-tenths, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob FM” tacks on an additional half-share (7.3 – 7.8, 6+), inching up from fourth to third. Prior to June’s +.6, “Bob” had faltered by -1.8 in four consecutive declines (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+). Without a decrease for the 
third consecutive time for a gain of seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” advances from tenth to ninth, while iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is up a combined nine-tenths in June and July to progress from #11 to #10 (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+). Down or flat the past four months and off one full-share in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), Renda Broadcasting-owned WHJB “Classic Hits 107.1” adds two-tenths to 1.3 (6+), climbing from #15 to #14. June’s penthouse deadlock between iHeartMedia siblings WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” and WDVE is broken as classic hits-oldies “94.5 – 3WS” repeats its 9.6 (6+) and remains on top for the fourth straight month; however, rock WDVE drops four-tenths to 9.2 (6+), shifting to the runner-up slot. After posting three consecutive increases netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), WWSW forfeited eight-tenths in June. This time last month, WDVE regained the three-tenths it lost in May (9.6 – 9.3 – 9.6, 6+) to return to #1 from the runner-up slot. Immediately before picking up eight-tenths in March, “3WS” was -4.6 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7 – 9.3 – 9.1, 6+). A collective +1.8 as the result of four successive up or flat trends between February and June (3.3 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), alternative sibling WXDX “The X at 105.9” amazingly plummets by -1.8 in July and is back at 3.3 (6+), spiraling from the top ten (#7 to #11). Co-owned CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM – Pittsburgh’s #1 Music Station” erodes by -1.1 to 7.6, its lowest 6+-share since January’s 7.3, and falls from third to fourth. After logging a combined +2.1 in three straight increases (4.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4, 6+), CBS Radio sports talk/Pittsburgh Pirates flagship KDKA-FM stumbles by nine-tenths to 5.5 (6+) but carries on in fifth-place.
5) Sacramento – This marks the third consecutive up or flat trend for CBS Radio hot AC KZZO for a combined gain of six-tenths (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+) as “Now 100.5 – Today’s Best Hits Without the Rap” advances from seventh to sixth. Swapping places at #1 and #2 are its adult contemporary cluster-mate KYMX “Mix 96” (8.7 – 7.8, -.9, first to second, 6+) and Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle –
Sacramento’s Classic Rock (second to first), which is actually down two-tenths and posting an 8.3 for the third time in the last four ratings periods (8.3 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 8.3, 6+). “Mix 96” had been #1 in each of the previous five sweeps. A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), KYMX recaptured all of it in May only to drop one-half share in June (9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, “Mix” rebounded from January’s -4.8 with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). In addition to 
“Mix,” iHeartMedia-owned KSTE is off by nine-tenths (2.8 – 1.9, #15 to #16, 6+). When it gained four-tenths in June, “650 – Sacramento’s Talk Station” snapped at four its successive streak of downward trends that yielded a -1.5 since January (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.4, 6+). Two-tenths is the common thread in July for the market’s three FM country signals, with CBS Radio’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (5.6 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+) and steady in fourth-place, while iHeartMedia’s KBEB “The Bull” regains the two-tenths it lost in June (3.1 – 2.9 – 3.1, #14 to #12, 6+). Conversely, Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” drops two-tenths (2.8 – 2.6, 6+) but remains at #15. As a result of a -.1 in May, “The Wolf” had its streak of successive increases which generated a +1.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4, 6+) end at five. June’s -.2 by “The Bull” concluded three straight improvements that netted eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Down or flat for seven ratings periods in a row for a collective -2.6 (5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom’s KRXQ answered back in June by making up more than half the deficit with a resounding +1.4, but “98 Rock” regresses by one-half share in July to 4.1 (6+) and slides from sixth to seventh.
6) Salt Lake City – Over and above occupying the #1 slot for the third straight month, Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” boasts a +1.1 to 8.0, matching its February 6+-stat. Following three straight sweeps on top, “FM 100.3” shifted to #2, having dropped 12.3 shares in 
January (20.6 – 8.3, 6+). Until that massive spiral, “FM 100.3” didn’t have a decrease since April 2016 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with a staggering +15.3. On a roll as well is co-owned KRSP, which displays its strongest 6+-share (6.2) since last November’s 6.8. Not only is it a combined +1.6 as the result of four successive monthlies without a loss (4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.5 – 6.2, 6+), “103.5 The Arrow – Utah’s Classic Rock” vaults from sixth to second behind “FM 100.3.” It is a different story though for news/talk
cluster-mate KSL, which spirals by nine-tenths (6.1 – 5.2, 6+), leaving the runner-up slot and falling to fifth. Nine recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October 2016), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January 2017); -2.1 (February); +.6 (April); -1.1 (May); and now -.9 in July. Locked on 2.7 (6+) in May and June, iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY improves by one-half share to 3.2 (6+) as “My 99.5 More Music, More Variety” bumps up from #16 to #14. Declining by six-tenths are Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (5.9 – 5.3, flat at #4, 6+); University of Utah news/talk KUER, down for the third straight time for a -1.2 (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.4, #14 to #16, 6+); and Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KUUU “U-92,” which is within 2.0 – 2.8 range for the 14th consecutive sweep (2.8 – 2.2, #15 to #18, 6+). Major ups/downs continue for its CHR sibling KUDD, which was a combined +1.5 in March and April; -.9 in May; +1.6 in June; and now -.5 in July (5.7 – 5.2, 6+). “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” proceeds at #5 – June’s 5.7 was the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+). With an extremely steady January through June line of 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 (6+), Cumulus Media alternative KHTB “Alt 101.9’ regresses by one-half share as well and exits the top twenty (1.7, #18 to #21). Owing to a -.1 to 6.0, 6+), independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” halts at four its skein of consecutive improvements that netted a +2.1 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+) and shifts from second to third; June’s 6.1 represents KSOP-FM’s strongest ever 6+ PPM share. Similarly, a loss of two-tenths to 3.6 (6+) by Cumulus Media-owned KBER “101 Utah’s Rock Station” (#10 to #11) ends three straight increases that accounted for a cumulative +1.4 (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+).
7) Las Vegas – In tandem with Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ gaining one full-share (6.1 – 7.1, 6+) and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” sputtering by eight-tenths (7.5 – 6.7, 6+), the two exchange places with KKLZ moving from second to first. This is the strongest 6+-share for KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More” since last November’s 7.2. The five most recent fluctuations (since
February 2017) for “Sunny,” which had been on top in each of the last eight ratings periods, are +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; -1.2 in May; +1.4 in June; and now -.8 in July (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+). Five straight up or flat trends generated a +8.3 for “Sunny” to 7.5 (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+) before January’s -.7.3 to 6.7 (6+). Following three successive downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), KSNE was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 successive ratings periods. Improving by one-half share (2.4 – 2.9, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” advances from #17 to #14. Having notched three straight gains for a collective +1.8 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned KCYE “The Coyote – We Are Country” is off by a combined -1.2 in June and July (4.9 – 4.7 – 3.7, 6+), drifting from sixth to tenth. A loss of nine-tenths (5.6 – 4.7, 6+) takes co-owned KOAS “Old School 105.7” from third to fifth with its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.3. Regressing by six-tenths each are Lotus classic rock and Spanish adult hits siblings KXPT “97.1 The Point” (5.4 – 4.8, flat at #4, 6+) and KWID “La Buena 101.9” (3.7 – 3.1, #11 to #13, 6+). After being down or flat in each of the three previous sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KQRT gained three-tenths in June, but “La Tricolor 105.1” relinquishes one-half share in July (1.9 – 1.4, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).
8) Cincinnati – Two stations representing opposite ends of the music spectrum hang out increases of eight-tenths each: Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” moves from seventh to sixth (4.4 – 5.2, 6+), while Cincinnati Public Radio classical WGUC “Music For Your Heart, Mind, and Spirit” 
climbs from #18 to #16 (1.3 – 2.1, 6+). Meanwhile, a boost of seven-tenths (3.1 – 3.8, 6+) enables Cumulus Media’s WFTK “96 Rock” to crack the top ten (#13 to #10). In the lead each month this calendar year, its classic hits-oldies sibling WGRR remains at #1 and is a combined +.7 in June and July (9.0 – 9.3 – 9.7, 6+); 9.7 is the station’s best 6+-performance since last October’s 9.8. Following a -.7 in March, WGRR posted a full-share gain in April (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+). Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, it occupied the top spot for four straight months. A +.8 in January ended four successive down or flat sweeps that produced a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+) as WGRR progressed from second to first. Not only has WKRC lost two full-shares in three straight declines (5.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 –
3.3, 6+), the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet leaves the top ten (#9 to #12). With similar call letters, Hubbard hot AC WKRQ follows June’s -.7 with a -.6 (6.8 – 6.1 – 5.5, 6+) but “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” continues in fourth-place. Prior to logging a +.5 in May, the three most recent trends for “Q-102” were 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 (6+). Dropping six-tenths as well (5.0, fifth to seventh, 6+) is rhythmic hot AC sibling WREW “Mix 94.9,” which had been a combined +1.3 in May and June (4.3 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). Still in that Hubbard cluster, WUBE “B-105, Get Your Country On” is off by one-half share (8.1 – 7.6, 6+) but remains in third-place. June’s +.7 to 8.1 enabled WUBE to reach the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since last October’s 8.5. Off for the fourth successive sweep for a -1.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.4, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” slides from #14 to #15.
9) Orlando – Although it remains at #8, CBS Radio-owned WOMX recaptures in its entirety the seven-tenths it squandered in June (5.4 – 4.7 – 5.4, 6+). Furthermore, “Mix 105.1” applies the brakes to four straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.4 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7, 6+). With four straight increases accounting for a +1.9 (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJRR “Orlando’s Rock
Station” moves from seventh to sixth. It previously showed a (6+) December 2016 – March 2017 line of 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7. Nearly doubling its 6+ share (.7 – 1.3, +.6, 6+), University of Central Florida’s WUCF “89.9 Jazz and More” climbs from #20 to #18. In a genuine statistical (if not technological) noteworthy oddity, Cox Media Group’s WCFB-HD2 (Spanish contemporary) channel regains the one-half share it lost in June (1.2 – 1.7, #18 to #16, 6+); the stream of urban AC WCFB debuts with a one-half share (.0 – .5, #22); but the primary FM signal of urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” is down by … one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). In June, WCFB-FM bounced back from May’s -.9 with a +.6. Co-owned WMMO “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” regains all but two-tenths of May’s -.7 (7.5 – 8.0, +.5, 6+), shifting from fourth to a second-place tie. The loss of seven-tenths in June halted at three WMMO’s successive increases that generated a +1.6 (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). In a similar scenario, WNUE “98.1 Salsa y Mas” dropped two-tenths in June, ending at six its successive string of increases that netted seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), but the Entravision-owned Spanish tropical answers with a +.5 (2.3 – 2.8, 6+) and moves from #14 to #13. Nearly eight full-shares ahead of “98.1 Salsa y Mas” is its direct competitor – iHeartMedia’s WRUM and, while “Rumba 100” is #1 for the seventh consecutive month, it is the only station in the 36 PPM-markets we have analyzed so far to have a 6+ June 2017 – July 2017 erosion of at least two full-shares (12.7 – 10.7, -2.0, 6+). The 12.8 it registered in April was the best-ever 6+-share in its PPM-history. Prior to January, “Rumba” was on top in October, November, and December. Slipping from second to fourth, co-owned CHR WXXL “XL-106.7” is -2.1 in three straight dips (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.8, 6+), following a +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+). April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, as the result of five consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+), FM talk WTKS (flat at #15) has lost exactly 50% of its 6+-share. Within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 34th straight time, Community Communications’ similarly-programmed WMFE (2.7 – 2.4, -.3, 6+) drops from #13 to #14. A collective -1.6 in four straight negative trends (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+), Cox Media Group country WWKA “K-92.3,” departs the top ten (#10 to #11).
10) Cleveland – In addition to enjoying a spike of +1.1 to 9.1, its strongest 6+-share since 9.8 in “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI progresses from second to first. “Majic 105.7 Cleveland’s Greatest Hits had been at #1 from January through April and in the runner-up slot May and June. Displaced 
at #1 after back-to-back months there is CBS Radio-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock,” which returns the half-share it picked up in June (7.9 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+) and takes over in second-place. Following a 6+-trending of 5.9 – 6.0 – 5.9, co-owned hot AC WQAL “Q-104” zooms from ninth to fifth, exploding by +1.1 to 7.0, its finest 6+-showing since December 2013’s 7.1. A combined +1.3 via four straight increases (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” carries on in seventh-place. Having notched six successive sweeps without a loss that netted a +1.9 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and Cleveland Indians’ flagship WTAM relinquishes six-tenths to 6.7 (6+) and slips from fifth to sixth. The last six (6+) trends for adult hits sibling WHLK “106.5 The Lake – We Play Anything” (unchanged at #3) are 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 7.7. Trending 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.5 (February through May, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WAKS flashed a full-share increase to 5.5, its strongest 6+-share since December’s 5.9. Even though it returns half of it (5.4, -.5, 6+), “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” nonetheless continues at #10. Cluster-mate WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s Country” (sixth to seventh) is off seven-tenths in three consecutive decreases (7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.6, 6+). Flat at #11, co-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” is -1.4 in three successive declines (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+), while its alternative HD2 channel (flat at #15) is down or flat for the tenth straight time (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+) yet is only off four-tenths in the period that began last October. Continuing in that same vein, Ideastream news/talk WCPN (#12 to #13) loses nine-tenths in three negative trends in a row (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+), while Moody Bible Institute’s WCRF “Moody Radio Cleveland” (#15 to #16) is without an increase for the fifth straight sweep for an overall -1.4 (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .7, 6+).
11) Kansas City – In what proves to be a highly-memorable sweep for Cumulus Media classic rocker KCFX, “The Fox” posts its fifth straight increase for a whopping cumulative +2.8 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4 – 10.3, 6+); is #1 for the seventh consecutive time; and reaches double-digits 6+ (10.3) – only the fifth time a Kansas City station has done that since PPM became the market’s ratings currency. In that regard, “The
Fox” joins KFKF (11.4 and 11.0, 6+); KCMO-FM (10.8, 6+); and KCSP (10.6, 6+). “The Fox” bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April. Before that, KCFX registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). Without a loss for the fourth consecutive sweep and up one full-share in that stretch (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+), co-owned urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” elevates from seventh to sixth, while sibling KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” (#17 to #16) is up or flat for the sixth straight time for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). Aforementioned KCSP posts its fourth consecutive up or flat trend more than tripling its 6+-share in that stretch (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+) as Entercom’s “610 Sports Radio” inches up from #15 to #13 with its highest 6+-share since last September’s 4.3. After faltering the past three sweeps for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (3.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+), its format rival – Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” – adds one-tenth to 1.6 (6+) and remains at #20. More than making up for a one-half share loss in May, Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ is an overall +1.3 in June and July (3.3 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+) with “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” cruising from tenth to seventh. Prior to May’s -.5, “The Vibe” had been without a loss in each of the past six survey periods netting a +1.2 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+). Picking up one-half share as well is Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC 102.1 Today’s Best Variety,” which enters the top ten (3.7 – 4.2, #13 to #9, 6+). Up or flat the previous three ratings periods for a gain of four-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” flounders by twice that increase (5.2 – 4.4, -.8, sixth to eighth, 6+). Within 7.3 – 7.8 range (6+) since January, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM boasted a +1.5 in June to 8.9, the strongest 6+-stat for “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.8. Surrendering roughly half of that gain in July (8.9 – 8.1, -.8, 6+), “KC’s Greatest Hits” is nevertheless steady in the runner-up slot. Owing to a loss of three-tenths to 4.2 (6+), Entercom-owned KQRC “98.8 Kansas City’s Rock Station” (eighth to ninth) halts at six its successive string of up or flat trends that generated a +1.1 (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Without an increase for the sixth successive time, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR is down by two full-shares (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), but stays at #18.
12) Columbus – In just two back-to-back ratings periods, iHeartMedia country property WCOL rather remarkably produces a whopping +3.5 (9.2 – 10.6 – 12.7, 6+), as it easily grabs honors for largest 6+ June 2017 – July 2017 increase (+2.1) in the 36 PPM-markets we have summarized thus far in our three 
“Takeaway” overviews. Moreover, WCOL advances from second to first, succeeding CHR sibling WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” (10.6, -1.1, first to second, 6+), and boasting the highest 6+-share by any Columbus station in exactly two years – when WCOL reached 12.9 in July 2015. It was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; +1.4 in June; and now +2.1 in July (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2 – 10.6 – 12.7, 6+). As for WNCI, its July -1.1 curtails at three a consecutive skein of upticks that yielded a +2.8 (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 11.7, 6+). With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, WNCI was down or flat in each of the previous six surveys for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). From January through June, Saga Communications classic hits-oldies WNND has been trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2, (6+), but a spike of six-tenths takes “Rewind” to 2.8, its best 6+-performance since June 2016’s 2.9, and into the top ten (#14 to #10). Climbing from ninth to eighth, Ohio State University news/talk WOSU is up a combined seven-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+). Spiraling by seven-tenths for the second straight month is Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny” (5.3, unchanged at #5, 6+). After back-to-back upticks in April and May (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), “Sunny” was off by seven-tenths in June and now by the same margin in July. Down by seven-tenths in July as well is Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” (1.9, #11 to #14, 6+), which ended its (6+) February through May sequence of 3.9 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.1 by plummeting -1.5 (to 2.6, 6+) in June. Without an increase in each of the last four sweeps for a -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZCB “106.7 The Beat – Columbus Real Hip-Hop and R&B” slips from eighth to ninth.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Sabo: AM Radio – Stop the Doomsday Machine! Consultant Walter Sabo writes today that he strongly believes in the future of radio. But, he says, if all you put on your talk radio station is political talk, then you “wallow in a 1 share or are rushing toward a 1 share. Or worse…Admission is the key. First, admit that it’s not working. It’s not working. I am puzzled by companies that would clean house if a music station hit a 1 share, but fail to take action with talk stations that have a 1 share – or worse.” Read more from Walter Sabo here.
John Williams Says Goodbye to WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. Back in January, WGN, Chicago announced that
it was bringing talk show host John Williams back to the station on a full-time basis – hosting the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm show – and at the same time, Williams announced he’d be leaving CBS RADIO’s WCCO and relocate from the Twin Cities back to Chicago. On Friday (6/2), Williams hosted his last program on WCCO. Since then, he’d been hosting both shows from Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that WCCO is not ready to announce its new PM drive host. Station operations manager Lindsey Peterson tells the paper that Jordana Green and Mike Max will host on an interim basis but that the station is close to signing a permanent replacement.
New Format Receives Praise at 20th Annual TALKERS Convention in NYC. The 20th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention took place Friday (6/2) in the Chelsea district of Manhattan and it fulfilled its promise to continue its tradition of being a power-packed, 
valuable, one-day experience for its attendees. More than 55 industry leaders from the ranks of ownership, management, programming, sales, technology and talent comprised a roster of speakers addressing the most pertinent issues facing talk professionals in 2017. These included the complexities of news/talk programming in the era of Trump, capitalizing on podcasting at the local level, opportunities for talent in the current environment, selling radio outside the ratings, achieving an effective multi-platform balance, operating a professional broadcasting career in the perplexing age of increased consolidation against a backdrop of looming bankruptcy, engaging millennials, applying the latest technology and much more. The major annual TALKERS awards were presented at the event. (See details in yesterday’s story lower on this page.) This year’s convention launched a new approach that scrapped the old, long-form panel format in favor of short solo presentations, fireside chat interviews and the new “one-on-one” dialogue approach. Discussing the new style, TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey says, “We created a new, fast-paced approach to the conference and it worked very well – feedback has been extremely positive!” The entire convention was video recorded and will be featured here on Talkers.com shortly. Stay tuned for more story and photo coverage in the days ahead. Meanwhile, below are some more photos from the event.
Norm Pattiz (l) and Dan Mason (r) point to their headshots peeking through the portholes in the theater doors on W. 26th Street at Talkers 2017: A New Era.
Talkers 2017 was attended by a large number of young broadcasters and college radio students. Hofstra University’s WRHU operations manager John T. Mullen (l) and Hillsdale College’s WRFH general manager Scot Bertram (r) participate in a one-on-one discussion, “Where Does Talk Media Go From Here?” Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio host and advisor Karen Hunter served as a “one-on-one” session facilitator at Talkers 2017. Photo by Don Hurley.
iHeartMedia programming executive Grace Blazer (l) and WPHT, Philadelphia host Dom Giordano (r) discuss the nuts and bolts of today’s industry. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.
SiriusXM VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab addresses convention. Photo by Don Hurley.
Talent agent Heather Cohen (l) and Fox News star Brian Kilmeade (r) tackle the future direction of talk media. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison
WMAL host Larry O’ Connor delivering welcoming remarks. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.
David Bernstein (l) and Dr. Asa (r) discussing ratings and revenue. Photo by Don Hurley.
Jim Bohannon paying tribute to Dr. Joy Browne, Alan Colmes and Tom Marr. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.
Talk radio mavericks Tom Leykis (l) and Michael Berry (r) talk about the new digital era. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.
More Talkers 2017 coverage and photos coming tomorrow.
George Noory and Premiere Networks Extend Relationship. The host of Premiere Networks’ “Coast to
Coast AM” signs an exclusive, long-term agreement to continue hosting the overnight radio show. George Noory assumed hosting duties on the program back in 2003. He says, “I’m excited to carry the torch for years to come. I want to thank the incredible team at Premiere and my amazing show staff, who have been with me since this remarkable journey started.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott comments, “I’m continually amazed by the dedication and passion George has for ‘Coast to Coast AM’ and his audience. George is the driving force behind the show’s continued success and we’re proud to extend our partnership.”
KXTG, Portland Unveils New Late Morning Show with Justin Myers and DeVon Pouncey. A day after announcing the addition of Dino Costa to the lineup as afternoon drive host, Alpha Media Portland unveils its 
new late morning show co-hosted by former afternoon co-host Justin Myers and former Pacific University basketball star DeVon Pouncey. Myers – who worked at KIRO-AM, Seattle prior to joining KXTG, Portland – was partnered with Noah “Chop” Homsley for “The Irregular Guys” afternoon show back in February. With the demise of that show, Homsley stays on as Dino Costa’s executive producer and as APD for the station. Alpha Media Portland operations manager Bruce Collins says, “Alpha Media has shown once again that it believes in being live and local and is committed to winning across the country.”
Sacramento River Cats Using Skyview’s AdView Software to Manage Game Broadcast Inventory. The San Francisco Giants AAA affiliate Sacramento River Cats are using Skyview Networks’ AdView Inventory Management software for its play-by-play broadcasts. Under the terms of a multi-year deal, the club will take 
advantage of the inventory management system’s web-based application. Skyview says, “The value in AdView lies in the absolute control it provides for scheduling advertisers, which is tailored to manage and monetize the unpredictable game interruptions of play-by-play sports. With the capability to manage their broadcast, the River Cats benefit from scheduling flexibility and faster affidavit turnaround to sponsors.” Skyview says its AdView system was developed specifically for sports franchises to make inventory accessible and easier to manage in-house. Clients have access to advertiser contracts, logs and reports from any internet-enabled device. Built to manage all forms of inventory, it tracks broadcast, print, signage and digital. This provides the traffic manager and front office a panoramic view into the inventory sellout and revenue in one consolidated system. For more information on Skyview Networks and its full package of broadcast solutions, visit skyviewnetworks.com.
Hall Talk 2017. Radio sales maven Al Herskovitz writes today about his chats in the halls with fellow sales pros at the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era conference in New York City. Not surprisingly, one of the hot topics was the growth of on-demand talk programs and how to best monetize them. Read Herskovitz’s column here.
TALKERS News Notes. Thursday, Salem Radio Network’s 24/7 SRN News service is providing live coverage of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee testimony from former FBI Director James Comey. SRN News says it will provide longform, live, gavel-to-gavel coverage starting at 10:00 am ET, anchored by SRN News Senate correspondent Linda Kenyon. Additionally, SRN White House correspondent Greg Clugston will provide live updates and perspective from the White House during the hearings…..CRN Digital Talk Radio welcomes former “Magnum, P.I.” star and his wife back to the network to host “The Lounge with Larry and Nancy Manetti.” The one-hour show premieres today (6/6) on the network’s CRN 1 channel…..Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington was honored over the weekend with 19 Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association awards, including for Outstanding News Operation and the award for Best Website for WTOP.com. WTOP director of news and programming Mike McMearty says, “We were truly humbled this year. From multimedia, to editorial and sports, to so much more, these awards are a tribute to the hard work of our staff. We take great pleasure in serving our listeners, our readers, and our community.”…..Sports USA announces the first couple of weeks of NFL Sunday doubleheaders it will be offering to affiliate stations. It will begin the 2017 season presenting the Bears vs Falcons game on September 10. SportsUSA says it will announce the season’s games several weeks ahead of each Sunday’s offerings…..When the Los Angeles Chargers kick off their season, Matt “Money” Smith will partner with Nick Hardwick for radio play-by-play duties on the team’s new flagship station, iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles. Smith replaces Josh Lewin…..SiriusXM is launching the Tracy Anderson show on its Stars channel. The fitness pioneer and wellness expert will host her limited-run show beginning on June 19.
Trump Travel Ban, London Terror Attacks Aftermath, Looming Comey Testimony/Russian Hacking Investigation, NSA Contractor Arrested, Paris Climate Accord Exit, Bill Cosby Trial, ‘Pink Slime’ Trial, Orlando Workplace Slayings, MLB Action, and NBA-NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/5). President Donald Trump’s tweets about the courts’ and the DOJ’s treatment of his travel ban; Britain’s releases about those responsible for the London terror attacks and speculation about the attack’s effects on Thursday’s general elections; Thursday’s senate testimony from former FBI Director James Comey and the Russian election hacking issue; National Security Administration contractor Reality Leigh Winner is arrested for leaking classified information to the press; President Trump’s decision to take the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord; the sexual assault trial of Bill Cosby begins; Beef Products Inc.’s defamation suit against ABC News over its ‘pink slime’ report; the killing of five awning company employees by an ex-staffer in Orlando; MLB action; and NBA and NHL finals 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. Air personality Jimmy Phillips joins LM Communications’ Lexington, Kentucky hot AC WCDA “Your 106.3” to co-host the “Mandy in the Morning” show with Mandy Williamson. Phillips will also serve as assistant program director. Previously, Phillips and Williamson worked together at Magic Broadcasting II’s WILN, Panama City, Florida…..At the iHeartRadio station group in Sioux City, Iowa, general manager and market president Kelli Erickson exits…..SiriusXM is bringing celebrity DJs in to host Friday programs on its new Beatles channel. Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder will host the first guest DJ session on Friday, June 9 at 5:00 pm ET. Don Henley will guest on June 23, Ron Howard on July 14, and Billy Joel July 28.
Monday, June 5, 2017
20th Annual TALKERS Convention Delivers Power Packed Day in NYC. The 20th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention took place Friday (6/2) in the Chelsea district of Manhattan and it fulfilled its promise to continue its tradition of being a power-packed, valuable 
one-day experience for its attendees. More than 55 industry leaders from the ranks of ownership, management, programming, sales, technology and talent comprised a roster of speakers addressing the most pertinent issues facing talk professionals in 2017. These included the complexities of news/talk programming in the era of Trump, capitalizing on podcasting at the local level, opportunities for talent in the current environment, selling radio outside the ratings, achieving an effective multi-platform balance, operating a professional broadcasting career in the perplexing age of increased consolidation against a backdrop of looming bankruptcy, engaging millennials, applying the latest technology and much more. The major annual TALKERS awards were presented at the event. Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity received the Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. Cumulus Media president/CEO Mary Berner received the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Talk Radio by a Woman. Emmis Communications president/CEO Jeff Smulyan received the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award. Genesis Communications Network host Dr. Daliah Wachs received the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Talk Show Host. Hofstra University communications student Maria Santana received the new Alan Colmes Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievements by a College Radio Broadcaster. The entire convention was video recorded and will be featured here on Talkers.com shortly. Stay tuned for more story and photo coverage in the days ahead. Meanwhile, below are some photos from the event.
Michael Harrison (l) presenting “Woman of the Year” award to Mary Berner (r). Photo by Don Hurley.
Michael Harrison (l) presenting “Freedom of Speech” award to Sean Hannity (r). Photo by Don Hurley.
Kevin Casey (r) presenting “Lifetime Achievement” award to Jeff Smulyan (l). Photo by Don Hurley.
Michael Harrison (l) presenting “Humanitarian of the Year” award to Dr. Daliah Wachs (r). Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.
Doug Stephan (l) presenting “Student of the Year” award to Maria Santana (r). Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.
Mike Kinosian (l) conducting “Fireside Chat” with Mike Francesa (r). Photo by Don Hurley.
Harry Hurley (l) presenting $1,000 check for Broadcasters Foundation to Dan Mason (r). Photo by Don Hurley.
PodcastOne executive chairman, Norm Pattiz addressing the convention about podcasting and local radio.
Salem Media Group, SVP/spoken word format, Phil Boyce discussing the “Trump Effect” on talk radio.
Joe and Sharon Madison of SiriusXM Satellite Radio discussing “Radio that Makes a Difference.”
Holland Cooke discussing the forthcoming merger of CBS Radio and Entercom Communications.
Cumulus Adds Eboni K. Williams to WABC, New York Midday Show. The WABC, New York midday program becomes “The Curtis and Eboni Show” today (6/5) with the addition of Eboni K. Williams alongside 
Curtis Sliwa. Williams is a Fox News Channel personality who co-hosts “The Fox News Specialists” daily at 5:00 pm ET. She joins Sliwa on the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show after the recent departure of Ron Kuby from the show. In addition to co-hosting the program with Sliwa, Williams will also contribute to 77 WABC Radio’s social media channels as well as produce an exclusive weekly podcast that will be published on wabcradio.com. At the same time, Sliwa will continue hosting “The Drive at Five” weekdays afternoons. WABC program director Craig Schwalb states, “Eboni breaks the mold for what a talk host can be today. She is equal parts intelligent, passionate, relatable, and exciting. Curtis and Eboni will be a must-listen in New York.”
Tom Poleman Promoted to Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. The new long-term agreement between radio pro Tom Poleman and iHeartMedia comes with a promotion to chief programming officer. Poleman has been the president of iHeartMedia’s national programming group since August of 2011 and he remains in that position, as well. Poleman will also continue to head up iHeartMedia’s music discovery and emerging artist
initiatives, including the Artist Integration Program and the On the Verge program, which have championed artists like Sam Smith, Maren Morris, Fifth Harmony and James Bay, as well as Sam Hunt, Bleachers and Lukas Graham, early in their careers. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “No one understands the intricate relationship between programming, on-air talent, artist relationships and live music events like Tom Poleman. He has always been a key part of the team that has shaped iHeartMedia into a multi-platform company. Tom’s unique vision has turned our National Programing Group into what it is today – an innovative nationwide network of the most talented people working as a team to bring constant innovation to our company and our industry. I’m thrilled that he will remain a key contributor in our company’s continued evolution and success.”
KXTG, Portland Names Dino Costa Afternoon Drive Host. Sports talk personality Dino Costa is taking over the afternoon drive program on Alpha Media’s KXTG-AM “102.9/750 The Game,” replacing the “Justin and Chop” program, starting today (6/5). KXTG operations manager Bruce Collins says, “I am thrilled to bring a
radio star like Dino Costa to ‘The Game.’ Get ready Portland for an entertaining, informative, fun ride each day on your way home. Dino has demonstrated the ability to build and sustain an audience wherever he has been and we look forward to him being the dominant sports radio personality in the Rose City.” Costa’s sports talk career includes a five-year stint at SiriusXM and five years airing his show on the Radio Colorado Network. Costa comments, “I’m thrilled and humbled by this extraordinary opportunity and look forward to working with everyone at Alpha Media to produce a sports radio show that leaves an indelible mark on Portland. I look forward to justifying the enormous faith of those who brought me to the Rose City with a radio show that resonates with listeners and marketing partners.”
The Power of Live and Local Talk Radio. WPG, Atlantic City morning drive talk show host Harry Hurley today writes of an experience that he says he can’t believe happened. A long-time listener to his program sent Hurley the Purple Heart he was given for injuries sustained during the Vietnam War. Hurley writes that a talk radio program’s listenership can become “family-like,” and his interaction with this veteran illustrates this point. Read Hurley’s story here.
Greg Papa Show Renewed on KGMZ, San Francisco. Bay Area sports media pro Greg Papa inks a new deal with Entercom to continue hosting his 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm sports talk program on KGMZ “95.7 The Game.” 
Papa is well-known to Oakland Raiders fans as the longtime voice of Raiders football radio play-by-play. KGMZ program director Don Kollins states, “Greg Papa is an iconic personality in Bay Area sports media and we are thrilled to extend his contract. Sports fans can look forward to an expanded role for Papa on our airwaves; it’s an exciting time here at ‘95.7 The GAME.’” Papa has been with KGMZ since 2014. He’s a three-time California Sportscaster of the Year Award winner. The station says that in addition to his daily radio show, he’ll make frequent appearances in morning drive with Joe Fortenbaugh, Lorenzo Neal and Dan Dibley. He is also co-host of “The Happy Hour” on NBC Sports Bay Area, host of Warriors Pregame Live and Warriors Postgame Live.
TALKERS News Notes. Radio programming pro Jimmy Steele joins Cumulus Media in Mobile, Alabama to handle operations manager duties for the company’s five-station cluster. In addition to overseeing operations for CHR WABD-FM, Gospel WGOK-AM, hip hop WBLX-FM, urban contemporary WDLT-FM, and news/talk WXQW-AM. Steele will also serve news/talk WXQW-AM as program director…..Ahead of Georgia’s 6th District runoff election, former GOP presidential candidate and WSB, Atlanta talk show host Herman Cain is bringing his radio show to Milton, Georgia next Monday (6/12) where he’ll tape before a live audience at the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm…..Longtime Baltimore Orioles play-by-play voice Fred Manfra leaves his post due to health problems. Manfra called his last game on Sunday evening (6/4).
Weekend London Terror Attacks/Trump Tweets, Trump Travel Ban, Portland Protests, Bill Maher ‘N’-word Flap/Kathy Griffin Blowback, Middle East Countries Break with Qatar, Wonder Woman Tops Weekend Box Office Battle, MLB Action and NBA-NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The weekend terror attacks in London that claimed the lives of seven and injured more than 48 and the related tweets from President Donald Trump; renewed talk of President Trump’s travel ban that has been halted by the courts; the violent pro-Trump and anti-Trump protests that took place in Portland over the weekend; HBO’s Bill Maher under fire for using the “n”-word on his Friday evening program and the blowback against comic Kathy Griffin for her Trump severed head photo; several Middle East countries break diplomatic ties with Qatar for its suspected support of Islamic State; the film Wonder Woman tops the weekend’s box office receipts; and MLB action and the NBA Finals and NHL Stanley Cup Finals were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Dr. Asa Andrew Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most colorful rising stars in talk media today, Dr. Asa Andrew (known to his audiences simply as Dr. Asa), is this week’s guest on the award-winning, weekly PodcastOne series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Dr. Asa just celebrated his 10th anniversary on the air with a daily
alternative health and fitness radio show that continues to attract news/talk affiliates across North America. Dr. Asa, a dedicated media disciple of Dave Ramsey, discusses a wide variety of subjects with Michael Harrison including the potentially powerful role of credible doctor shows as ratings and revenue generators within the context of news/talk formats. They also talk about reality TV (he’s about to star in a series on the Discovery Channel) and Dr. Asa’s experiences as a student at the WCW school for professional wrestlers. Don’t miss this cool podcast. To listen to the entire program, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Detroit, afternoon drive personality Ian “Slacker” Richards is promoted to program director at CBS RADIO’s CHR WDZH “98.7 AMP Radio.” Richards also serves as music director for the station. CBS RADIO Detroit VP of
programming Tim Roberts says, “Ian has demonstrated over and over an in-depth knowledge of the top 40 format, music and artists. He is also a natural leader both on and off the air for our staff and the WDZH brand.”…..Radio programming pro Jimmy Steele joins Cumulus Media in Mobile, 
Alabama to handle operations manager duties for the company’s five-station cluster. He’ll oversee operations for CHR WABD-FM, Gospel WGOK-AM, hip hop WBLX-FM, urban contemporary WDLT-FM, and news/talk WXQW-AM. Steele will also serve WXQW-AM as program director. Steele joins Cumulus Media from iHeartMedia in Reading, Pennsylvania where he programmed adult hits WRFY-FM and tropical WRAW-AM/FM and served as morning show host on WRFY-FM. Cumulus Media VP of programming operations Doug Hamand says, “We are very excited to bring Jimmy’s amazing track record and high caliber talents to coaching and mentoring our fabulous programming team in Mobile. Our great radio stations already dominate the ratings here and with Jimmy’s vision, experience and focus, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together!….Alpha Media Savannah-Hilton Head announces WUBB’s “Tim Leary and the Morning Showgram” and WFXH’s Ryan Koch were each awarded Connect Savannah Reader’s Choice Awards. “Tim Leary and the Morning Showgram” won “Best Morning Radio Show,” while Ryan Koch was awarded “Best Local Personality.” Winners were chosen by local readers of Connect Savannah.
WRKO, Boston 50th Anniversary Reunion a Huge Success. The 50th anniversary WRKO reunion (celebrating the now-news/talk outlet’s switch to its legendary top 40 format a half century ago) took place this past weekend (6/2-3). More than 80 alumni and friends showed up for a dinner on Friday night followed by a special Saturday night broadcast on the heritage 50k station. Local voice talent Jordan Rich interviewed dozens of attendees at the dinner. Nearly all of the original cast of DJs from 1967 were on hand for a fascinating re-creation of a truly fun time in radio. It was organized by the station’s music-era PD Mel Phillips, along with technical expert George Capalbo, Jr. of Backbone Networks (son of WRKO’s late technical architect George Capalbo, Sr.) and a number of broadcast veterans of that historic era. The Saturday night show was streamed live on Facebook and by the end of the program, approximately 69,000 people were estimated to be listening and watching around the world! Entercom VP/market manager Phil Zachary was praised by organizers as being instrumental in making the event a reality. Industry videographer/historian Art Vuolo was on hand to capture the entire event for posterity telling TALKERS that he hopes to have the video edited and complete before the end of June. Pictured (l-r): J.J. Jeffrey, Al Gates, Mel Phillips, Joel Cash, Chuck Knapp and Arthur Katz.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Cumulus Signs KNBR, San Francisco’s Tom Tolbert to Extension. The company is shoring up the talent at sports talker KNBR, San Francisco after inking morning drive duo “Murph & Mac” (Brian Murphy and Paul McCaffrey) to an extension last week. Now, the station reports it’s extended the contract of 20-year afternoon drive personality Tom Tolbert. Station operations
manager Lee Hammer says, “Tom has been a mainstay at KNBR 680, holding down the key afternoon drive slot for the past 20 years. I’m excited to announce that with this new deal, Tom will continue to entertain Bay Area sports fans for many years to come. As a former NBA player, Tom is a member of a small club of former athletes who have enjoyed tremendous success as a sports radio talk show host. A standout at the University of Arizona, Tolbert helped lead the Wildcats to a trip to the 1988 Final Four. He was a second round pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA draft, and had stints with the Clippers, Hornets and the Golden State Warriors. Tolbert is also the color announcer for all Warriors home games.
The Presidential Race, U.S. Operations in Syria, Death of Prince, Obama’s England Visit, Russian Military Activity, and NBA-NHL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The activities of the candidates for president; President Obama’s announcement of additional special forces troops being committed to the fight against Islamic State in Syria; remembering the late artist Prince and questions about the cause of his death; President Obama’s visit to England; concern over increased Russian military activity; and the NBA and NHL playoff games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Dino Costa Exits KFNS, St. Louis. After six weeks hosting afternoons at Markel Media Group’s KFNS. St. Louis “590 The Fan,” sports talk host Dino Costa exits. He tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dan Caesar that he’s uncomfortable with the unsettled state of the company’s ownership and can’t continue to work under those conditions. Randy Markel admits that he’s always listening to offers and proposed deals but that there is no plan to sell or – as Costa suggests – bring morning drive co-host Tim McKernan aboard as part of the ownership group. See Caesar’s entire column here.
Jeremy Sinon Upped to Full-Time Corporate Digital Post at Hubbard. Digital radio pro Jeremy Sinon has been serving Hubbard Radio as both corporate digital director and local digital director for the company’s Minneapolis-Saint Paul stations. Now, company EVP/chief financial officer Dave Bestler announces Sinon is promoted to director of digital strategy for Hubbard Radio. In this role, Sinon will work closely with Bestler, Hubbard Radio president/COO Drew Horowitz, and Hubbard Radio chair Ginny Morris to oversee day-to-day corporate digital initiatives as well as the strategy for Hubbard Radio’s long-term digital goals. Sinon comments, “This is an important time for radio where digital technologies give us endless possibilities to expand and grow our business. Being able to focus on those things full time is critical and I’m honored to be given this opportunity. I’m excited to be a part of Hubbard Radio’s bright future.”
Odds & Sods. Former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) spent Friday afternoon in the WABC, New York studios co-hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show with Bernard McGuirk. Weiner – who was sitting in for Sid Rosenberg – will co-host the show again today (4/25)….. Longtime CBS RADIO SVP of communications Karen Mateo announces she’ll be exiting the company in two weeks. In a staff memo from CBS RADIO president Andre Fernandez, he says, “As the company now looks to split off its radio business, Karen felt it was a natural time to make this change, and we know she’ll be successful in whatever she chooses to do next.” The 
company is seeking her replacement…..Syndicated talk show host Danielle Lin reports that affiliate KENI, Anchorage’s Michael Ortega and she worked together to create her new banner (left) for digital marketing. She says, “It’s been incredible to work with program directors
and their staffs in local markets. Digital marketing is boosting our numbers every month.”…..WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner and air personality Anne Eller (center) interviews members of a local road crew working to patch potholes on a country road. Eller says she approached the pothole issue from a positive perspective, explaining to her listeners how the crews fix them, how many they can do in a day and interviewing the guys doing the work. She had almost 800 views of her Facebook video in two days and SC DOT is talking with her about some other transportation issue features. Check out the video here.
Mike & Mike’s Cool NBA Finals Promotion. Nationally syndicated ESPN Radio morning show “Mike & Mike” are teaming with GoDaddy to present “Mike & Mike at The Finals.” Listeners must tune in daily to hear the “winning word or phrase.” Each week during the four-week campaign, one weekly winner will be chosen, for a total of four Grand Prize winners. The Grand Prize Winners and their guests (one each) will receive a trip to an NBA Finals game (location and game to be determined) — including airfare and accommodations – custom gear, a welcome reception with select ESPN Radio and ESPN NBA commentators, VIP seating at the game day broadcast of ‘Mike & Mike,’ and special access to the onsite ESPN production.
Alan Colmes Discusses Radio, Politics and the Human Consciousness Movement in Latest Episode of PodcastOne’s ‘Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.’ Although he has developed a significant national following among news/talk radio listeners and cable TV viewers as a political talker for his longstanding work as a rare progressive voice on Fox News Radio and Fox News Channel, Alan Colmes has an “experimental” broadcasting hobby/career developing that reflects his lifelong interest in what he describes as the human consciousness movement. For more than a year, Colmes has hosted an on-demand radio show titled, “Healed Planet,” that has served as one of the most popular staples on the TALKERS
magazine talk radio workshop, TalkersRadio. The interview/commentary program reflects Colmes’ personal interest in parapsychology, cosmic consciousness, and the boundaries of science that include quantum physics and the search for extra-terrestrial life. Colmes joins Michael Harrison in this week’s installment of the hit PodcastOne program for media freaks, “Up Close and Far Out.” The longtime friends engage in an extensive dialogue that covers the scope of modern media theory including podcasting, politics, and what both believe is the underdeveloped genre of metaphysical subject matter as a potential talk radio staple going forward. To listen to the entire conversation, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Carolyn Fox Candidate for WPRO-AM, Providence PM Drive Gig. That is according to a report from WJAR-TV, Providence. The station published a feature story about the Providence-born radio pro who’s been – among other things – working lately in the real estate business. Carolyn Fox, known in the Providence market for her time at rock WHJY, told the television station that she is under consideration for the drive time show at the Cumulus Media news/talker. It’s part of a “where are they now” story that presents Fox’s colorful radio history in the Northeast. The afternoon drive show opened up after longtime political figure and radio host Buddy Cianci died in January.
Presidential Race, Run-Up to Academy Awards, Apple vs FBI Case, Syrian Ceasefire, and Britain’s Looming EU Exit Vote Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The activities of the candidates for president; the controversy over the slate of nominees for Academy Awards; the battle between Apple and the FBI over the company’s refusal to hack an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists; the civil conflict in Syria and the brokered cease fire; and Britain’s June referendum on exiting the European Union were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Cooke: Engage in Unconventional Convention Coverage. For news/talk stations planning to cover the Democratic and/or Republican conventions this summer, radio consultant Holland Cooke has some advice: don’t duplicate the national coverage. In other words, make your coverage unique and interesting to your listeners and don’t sound like the network news your station is probably also carrying. Cooke also cautions against airing live reports, instead using your technology to air produced reports with interesting elements. Read more here.
Townsquare Media’s Pro Forma Net Revenue Up 5.4% for 2015. The acquisition of North American Midway Entertainment and the robust performance of Townsquare Media’s live events division contributed to a net revenue increase of 20.4% in the fourth quarter of 2015. However, for the fourth quarter local advertising net revenue was basically flat (down 0.4%). Chairman and CEO Steven Price says, “We believe our diversified strategy remains sound, demonstrated by the stability of our local advertising business and the outsized growth in our other businesses. In addition, we further diversified our business, with approximately half of revenue now derived from sources other than the sale of terrestrial radio advertising.” For all of 2015, local advertising net revenue (excluding political) increased 1.9% compared to 2014.
Odds & Sods. Sports talk personality Dino Costa will serve as host of the morning drive show on Randy
Markel-owned KFNS, St. Louis “590 The Fan,” although a start date for the show has not been announced. Costa is currently broadcasting a live, three-hour nightly show via the internet…..Promoted 
from vice president of sales for the Cumulus Pensacola, Florida cluster to vice president/market manager is Davey Willhoit…..Nationally syndicated talk media personality Leslie Marshall is now part of the Worldwide Speakers Group, which describes itself as “a leading global professional services firm providing distinctive performance and innovative solutions in the global lecture industry to corporate, trade, education, and commercial customers worldwide.”
Friday, July 11, 2014
Did SiriusXM Have the Right to Fire Anthony Cumia? A week after satellite broadcaster SiriusXM terminated Anthony Cumia of the “Opie & Anthony” show, TALKERS legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman writes about the underlying legal aspects of the case. Weisman explains that – although he hasn’t read Cumia’s contract – most performers who sign a contract these days have a morals clause in their deals that give the employer the right to fire employees who do things while off duty that reflect badly on the company. Weisman offers some history of the morals clause and explains what employees finding themselves in Cumia’s situation might have in their arsenal with which to fight back. Read Weisman’s entire piece here.
KFBK, Sacramento Gives Gubernatorial Nominee Talk Show Appearance. In an effort to do what Clear Channel Sacramento VP of programming Ken Charles says is “covering the biggest stories and the most relevant news for Sacramento and California,” news/talk KFBK welcomed Republican gubernatorial nominee Neel Kashkari to the airwaves, allowing him to host a three-hour show last night (7/10) from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Charles said, “We invited both Kashkari and Governor Brown to host a show with us to provide them a unique forum to speak with the citizens of northern California. We look forward to Kashkari’s appearance tonight and hope we hear from the governor very soon.”
WHYN, Springfield to Name Adam Wright Morning Drive Co-Host. Two weeks after parting company with longtime morning drive co-host Brad Shepard, Clear Channel Springfield, Massachusetts is prepared to announce Adam Hamada Wright will join co-host Bo Sullivan on air for AM drive duties. Wright operates Westfield, Massachusetts based Advertus Media, a creative and media buying agency, and will continue that business in addition to his radio work. He says, “WHYN is a heritage news/talk station and I look forward to carrying on an incredible tradition of broadcasting there. This new additional adventure is the culmination of a lifelong dream of hosting a talk show and the ability to return to radio after 14 years. I will forever be grateful to Sean Davey and Jerry Hyland for coming up with this insane idea and I will honor those who came before me on this storied station, especially Brad Shepard who I consider an amazing talent and friend.”
Dianna Kelly Joins ’98.3 The Torch’ in Des Moines. Taking on the role of news director for Cumulus Media news/talk outlet KWQW “98.3 The Torch” is Dianna Kelly. Cumulus
states that the “experienced broadcast journalist and talk personality has held on-air positions for stations in Kansas City, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Fresno, Jacksonville, Grand Rapids, and suburban Nashville. She has been honored with six Associated Press awards for her feature reports.” Kelly says, “What a pleasure to be working with the brightest minds in radio! The future of radio is here and it’s at Cumulus. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.”
Round Three of June PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of June 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. The survey period was May 22 through June 18. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page of RadioInfo.com here.
Dino Costa Moves Show Base to NYC. Two months after the former SirusXM sports talk personality Dino Costa began his own internet-based sports talk show at dinocostashow.com, he announces he’s moving his base of operations from Cheyenne, Wyoming to New York City later this summer. Costa explains on his website that he initially hated life in New York when he first went to work for SiriusXM but, to his own surprise, realized he missed the City after moving back to the West and settling in Cheyenne. Costa says his show will be MIA for a week when he and his family make the move back to New York.
Odds & Sods. Mixing it up a bit is Premiere Networks as the syndicator brings rock/talk WMMS, Cleveland and classic rock WDTW, Detroit personality Alan Cox in to sub for Andy Dean on the “America Now” program on Monday, July 14. Though Dean is decidedly conservative, Cox likes to operate more in the pop culture/lifestyle arena. This should be an interesting listen…..A Manhattan street was named for the
longtime WINS, New York reporter who passed away last year at age 86, just two weeks after filing his last report for the station. The New York Daily News reports that the corner of W. 43rd St. and 10th Avenue will bear the name “Stan Brooks Way” as a tribute to the journalist who worked for WINS for almost 50 years. Brooks and his wife lived near the intersection…..CBS RADIO’s KNX, Los Angeles continues its “KNX On Your Corner” series with a live remote broadcast from northern Orange County on Friday, July 25. The station says the broadcast will include a series of special reports focusing on important issues in the cities of Brea, La Habra, Yorba Linda and Placentia. Additionally, local civic leaders will appear as special guests throughout the day as KNX gives listeners insight into the unique attributes of the area. “Adding to the local flavor of the day, KNX will broadcast live from Arthur’s Coffee Shop in La Habra. Free refreshments will be offered and the public is invited to meet the people behind the microphones of Southern California’s only all-news radio station.”
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Update. “Free Talk Live” featuring Ian Freeman and Mark Edge is added to new affiliate stations WAMT, Orlando; KMET-AM, Banning, California; WGRV, Greeneville, Tennessee; WNNG-FM, Unadilla, Georgia; and WFPA, Ft. Payne, Alabama…..Doug Stephan’s “Good Day” program adds 10 new affiliate stations including KLAV, Las Vegas; WELE, Ormond Beach, Florida; KVNA, Flagstaff, Arizona; and WMXB, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Child Immigration Crisis Top News/Talk Story This Week. The influx of minor immigrants from Central America crossing the Southwestern borders and the immigration policy controversy associated with it was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of July 7-11, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Following at #2 was the ISIS campaign in Iraq. At #3 was the Israeli-Palestinian violence and at #4 was the state of President Obama’s approval ratings. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Movers and Shakers to Tackle Radio’s “Big Picture” at Talkers New York 2014. In what has become a popular tradition at TALKERS conferences, a diverse group of industry heavyweights will tackle radio’s “big picture” in a panel session covering industry economics, technology, changing business models, programming challenges and trends, the relationship between talk and music radio, and radio’s role as a first responder during emergencies among other key subjects. Panelists include (in alphabetical order): Steve Goldstein, EVP, Saga Communications; Tom Langmyer, VP news/talk programming Journal Broadcast Group and VP/GM, Milwaukee radio operations; Tom Leykis, CEO, The New Normal; Mike McVay, SVP, programming, Cumulus Media; Howard B. Price, director business continuity and crisis management, ABC News. The session will be introduced by rising talk star Dana Loesch, KFTK, St. Louis and Radio America; moderated by Michael Harrison, publisher, TALKERS; and sponsored by ABC News Radio. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “This session is always a crowd pleaser at our conferences with lots of valuable take-aways. Its free-wheeling, quick pace touches upon a wide variety of the broad-strokes themes that run throughout today’s radio concerns.” Talkers New York 2014 takes place on Friday, June 20 at the historic India House on Hanover Square in the heart of NYC’s historic financial district. More than 65 industry leaders are scheduled to speak. It is on the verge of a sellout with registrations only open to professionals working in the radio and associated media industries. Registrations ($249) are only booked over the phone with credit card. Call 413-565-5413. For more up-to-the-minute agenda and sponsorship information, please click here.
Aaron Klein Show Moves to ‘AM 970 The Answer’ in NYC. After four years airing on Sunday evenings on Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York, the Tel Aviv-based “Aaron Klein Investigative Radio” program debuts on Salem Communications-owned crosstown news/talk WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” Sunday, May 4. In a press release, Salem says the Klein show “deals with the hotbed of Muslim extremists, and how they are trying to bring down the state of Israel.” Klein exited WABC when the station made the decision to focus on locally driven programming. Salem VP/director of spoken word format Phil Boyce says, “After years of competing with Aaron Klein and his program on WABC we now have grabbed him to join our new and re-vamped lineup on ‘AM 970 The Answer.’ I have had so many people ask me if we could bring Aaron over to our station and it is a pleasure to do so. He fits our station and our attitude just fine, and I can’t wait to see what he is going to break next.” Klein comments, “I am thrilled to be joining Salem Radio and ‘AM 970 The Answer’ to bring energetic, news-driven, live talk radio to the Sunday night lineup. Together, we will prove there is a major audience for weekend talk radio if the content is compelling enough.”
Talk Hosts Lynn Woolley and Ben Barrack Debut News/Talk Site. KTEM, Temple-Killeen, Texas-based talk media personalities Lynn Woolley and Ben Barrack announce their collaboration on a new national website called “The World Beat” at www.WBDaily.com. The duo say “the new site will feature material from the Lynn Woolley show (also heard on KBBW, Waco; KWBC, Navasota, Texas; KCRS, Midland, Texas; and KVOP, Plainview, Texas) and the Ben Barrack Show (heard Sunday mornings on KTEM), but will not be devoted to any specific talk show. WBDaily will feature cutting-edge opinion on national stories, often with a Texas flavor and occasional breaking news stories. In fact, WBDaily will be a great source for show prep.”
Michigan Family Sues Sima Birach, Jr. in Case Involving Sports Talk WCAR, Livonia. A Michigan family is suing Sima Birach, Jr. claiming the operator of sports talk WCAR, Livonia, Michigan (suburban Detroit) bilked them out of almost $1 million. The Detroit News reports that the station is leased to Birach, Jr. by his father (for $1 a year) whose Birach Broadcasting operates 23 stations in 14 states. Sima Birach, Sr. tells the paper his son has no right to sell anything but commercial time. He also says he’s been sued as the result of bad business decisions made by his son in the past and adds, “He’s been involved with some shysters before. He’s 37-years old. What am I going to do?” The family suing Birach, Jr. is Drago and Jadranka Mihajlovski and their son Zive. The trio allege they gave Birach, Jr. $500,000 on August 12, 2012, for a 10% interest in the station and on October 9, 2012, they say they invested $450,000 more for an additional 15% share in the station. Their attorney says they were promised $50,000-per-year lifetime jobs as well and that after a few pay periods, the money stopped coming in and Birach, Jr. told them they had no interest in the station and their investment would not be returned.
Ramsey-Cruze Book Debuts at #1. The latest book by financial talk superstar Dave Ramsey – this time with his daughter Rachel Cruze – is called Smart Money Smart Kids (Lampo Press 2014) and debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list (week ending 4/26) for “Advice, How-To and Miscellaneous.” The book is promoted as providing “practical steps parents can take to teach their kids about money basics like working, spending, saving and giving, as well as how to deal with bigger challenges such as avoiding debt, paying for college and battling discontentment.”
RadioIO and Bubba the Love Sponge Team Up for Digital Delivery. Nationally syndicated, Tampa-based morning drive talk host Bubba the Love Sponge and RadioIO agree to terms on a deal that will allow the latter to continue to deliver Bubba the Love Sponge and his shows exclusively over the Internet on Bubba Army Radio through December 31, 2016. RadioIO will have the exclusive
right to distribute archived and newly produced internet-only content of the Bubba Radio Network over the internet and the non-exclusive right to broadcast the Bubba the Love Sponge show live. RadioIO will pay periodic fees based on subscription and advertising revenue received by the company relating to the Bubba programming. In addition to the daily Bubba show, other programming consists of “Bubba Army Radio Uncensored,” “The Shannon Burke Show,” “Dangerous Conversations with Scott Ledger,” and a daily specialty show. Bubba the Love Sponge’s radio show is heard on formats including: hot talk, country, rock, classic hits and sports talk.
KJOC, Quad Cities Returns to Sports Talk. After an 11-year period airing non-sports content (including the most recent format using Scott Shannon’s True Oldies Channel), Townsquare Media’s KJOC, Davenport flips to sports talk as “ESPN 1170.” The Quad Cities Times reports station operations manager Darren Pitra saying, “We looked at a variety of things, but the decision was to go with ESPN.” The station will carry the entire ESPN Radio lineup plus Chicago Cubs baseball and Iowa State football and basketball. Pitra says of local sports talk, “It’s not something that’s completely [out of the realm of possibility] down the road.”
Dino Costa Digital Platform to Debut Monday. As TALKERS reported last month, former longtime SiriusXM sports talk personality Dino Costa is going the entrepreneurial road with his sports talk program and making it available via a digital platform on a subscription model. Costa says the show will be accessible from any
computer or mobile device and offer visitors access to a variety of digital and written news and commentary, including a live, three-hour video broadcast each weekday; pre-recorded interviews with today’s sports leaders and newsmakers; behind-the-scenes features; and exclusive news articles covering the top sports stories making headlines each week. Costa says, “The new Dino Costa show is something that will redefine sports-based commentary and opinion, and I’m delighted to be back to serve as the conduit for a sports radio crowd across North America that is extremely frustrated with the meager sports talk offerings of today. Our platform allows for the most refreshingly candid commentaries available. We have no partnerships with leagues, officials, or any alliances that will prevent us from delivering the most unequivocal and straightforward opinion and views on a regular and consistent basis. The era of corporate-driven news media is more than a huge problem that people of all walks are contending with these days. We are the radical departure from this awful status quo…I cannot wait to get going.” Emanating from Costa’s Cheyenne studios, his talk show airs live daily at 4:00 pm ET.
WABC, New York to Cover 2014 James Beard Awards. When the 24th James Beard Awards are handed out on Monday, May 5, Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York will provide coverage of the festivities. The James Beard Awards recognize excellence in cuisine, culinary writing, and culinary education in the United States. They were established in 1990. This year’s ceremonies will take place at New York’s Lincoln Center. WABC says that starting today, listeners can watch video interviews with some of New York’s top chef’s including Gramercy Tavern’s Michael Anthony and Betony’s Bryce Shuman. Also, 77 WABC chats with Food Network host and James Beard Award emcee Ted Allen about the importance of the awards to New York and the country. Monday, 77 WABC will provide live streaming coverage of the awards presentation from New York’s Lincoln Center.
Odds & Sods. A programming and branding change takes place at Entercom’s WMC-AM, Memphis as the station becomes “ESPN 790 AM” and adds ESPN Radio programming. It is keeping the CBS Sports Radio-syndicated Tiki Barber, Brandon Tierney and Dana Jacobson morning drive show…..Rachel Sutherland — most recently with Cumulus Media’s WMAL-AM/FM, Washington – joins Fox News Radio to serve as a reporter based in Washington. Sutherland has also worked with TRN as an anchor for America’s Radio News Network and for Metro Networks in DC…..CBS RADIO’s sports talk WIP-FM and news/talk WPHT in Philly in conjunction with the Philadelphia Phillies’ “Phillies Charities” are offering fans a chance to win cool up-close-and-personal Phillies prizes like a kid’s sleepover in the Phillies Clubhouse, playing a video game on PhanaVision against A.J. Burnett, enjoying lunch with Ryne Sandberg in his office, or having a private hitting clinic with Chase Utley. It’s called the “Phantastic Auction” on phillies.com and runs today through May 15. Proceeds from the auction benefit Phillies Charities. Last year’s event raised $129,000.
Edison Research Offers ‘Moms & Media’ Webinar. Extracting more data from its Infinite Dial 2104 research study, Edison Research is presenting a free webinar on May 8 at 2:00 pm ET titled “Moms and Media 2014: Mobile Is a Must.” Edison says, “Moms are the target for most readers’ radio stations. And for those moms, mobile has become a priority over the last 12 months.” The presentation “features fresh tracking data about social networking, mobile device ownership, and simultaneous media consumption. The report highlights how moms are adapting radio to make it more suitable to their mobile lifestyle.” See more info here.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The Envision Networks program “America Weekend” is added to the program schedule at WRJN, Racine, Wisconsin (Milwaukee market)…..BizTalkRadio programming is added to WWWE, Atlanta as the station picks up the following shows: “Investor’s Edge,” “Executive Leaders Radio,” “Speak Up and Stay Alive,” “Equity Strategies” and the weekend show “Animals Today.”
Sterling-Clippers Controversy/Race Relations Top News/Talk Story for Week of April 28-May 2. The recorded racist rant by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, his subsequent lifetime ban from the NBA and talk of race relations in the U.S. were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the weak economic growth report and its effect on the Obama Administration’s image. Following at #3 was speculation about candidates in the 2016 presidential race and the possible outcome of this year’s mid-term elections, and at #4 was President Obama’s Asia trip. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Congressman Mike Rogers to Join Cumulus Media in Unnamed Role. The mysterious press release from Cumulus Media states that when his current term in Congress is up at the end of this year, Republican Mike Rogers will “bring his unique perspective as a leading intelligence expert and former FBI agent to Cumulus, the national media company that operates the nation’s largest talk radio platform.” The company isn’t specific whether Rogers will host a
daily show, produce daily commentary or fill some other role. Rogers is chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and is hard to miss if you watch cable news/talk TV or the Sunday morning news shows, as Cumulus points out when it states, “As a media-savvy politician who last year appeared on more Sunday public affairs shows than any other elected official in the nation, Chairman Rogers will play an important role helping Americans understand critical issues that impact their lives.” Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is quoted saying, “We are thrilled to have Chairman Rogers join our team. He has been instrumental helping to shape many of the most important issues and events of our time and will play a significant role in our expanding content platform.”
WKNR, Cleveland’s Rizzo Pleads ‘No Contest’ in Domestic Case. The host of the afternoon drive “The Really Big Show” on Good Karma-owned WKNR, Cleveland – Tony Rizzo – pleaded “no contest” to a reduced “persistent disorderly conduct” charge in connection with a December incident during which his wife Catherine reported Rizzo struck her. According to Cleveland.com, an assistant district attorney says the reduced charge was leveled after Catherine Rizzo admitted she initiated the argument by striking Tony Rizzo with a glass. Rizzo’s attorney says his client accepted the reduced charge to avoid a trial though he believes Rizzo would have been acquitted. The probation department will review the case before sentencing. WKNR has stuck by Rizzo throughout, calling his status with the station “unaffected” by the case.
NAB Show Features ‘Net Neutrality’ Debate; Ex-Commish McDowell to Take Part. At the NAB Show in Las Vegas next month, the issue of net neutrality is being addressed during the Super Session titled, “World Without Rules: Is This the End of the Open Internet?” On Tuesday, April 8, NAB says “top opinion leaders and experts on the issue of net neutrality will address how proposed regulations governing access to the internet will affect content providers, ISPs and content creators.” Tech Policy for Re/code senior editor Amy Schatz will moderate the panel consisting of: Jessica Gonzalez, EVP and general counsel of the National Hispanic Media Coalition; Robert McDowell, former FCC commissioner; Pantelis Michalopoulos, head of the Telecom, Internet & Media Group at Steptoe & Johnson LLP; and Berin Szoka, president and founder of TechFreedom.
Sports Talker Dino Costa Profiled; Adds Staff to New Digital Venture. Mercurial sports talk personality Dino Costa, after years with SiriusXM, recently announced the start-up of his new, eponymous digital sports talk venture. Now he’s reporting that Bob Robinson is joining Dino Costa World Wide LLC to serve as executive producer for the program that will debut on May 5. Costa says that the 25-year broadcast pro will be in charge of all production and engineering for the program and will work from its Cheyenne, Wyoming headquarters beginning March 31. Robinson spent 19 years in the Raleigh-Durham market working at stations including WRDU and “96 Rock.” Costa also received a bit of love from Forbes recently when Tom Van Riper profiled him. In the piece, Costa basically admits his argumentative nature, especially with regard to his dismissal from SiriusXM, saying, “I bitched one too many times.” But Van Riper writes that quality can be a good one for a sports talk host. Read the entire piece here.
So, You Want to Be Syndicated. Why? That’s the question syndication business veteran Tony Garcia, founder of Global Media Services, asks radio broadcasters that approach him about a program they want to syndicate or a concept they think would be perfect as a syndicated program or service. Everyone wants to play on a bigger stage. It’s natural. It drives us to be better at what we do. In a new piece posted today (3/28), Garcia writes, “Moving from a local show to a syndicated show requires much more than passion. It requires determination, perseverance, internal strength, patience and the ability to judge oneself dispassionately. Ask anyone who is syndicated and they are likely to tell you about the highs of signing the first affiliate and the frustration of losing affiliates. As a good friend of mine once said, ‘Syndication will break your heart.’” Still want to be syndicated? If so, read Garcia’s entire column by clicking here.
CBS Radio News Honored by the National Headliner Awards. Four years running CBS Radio News is recognized by the National Headliner Awards, nabbing first place in both the Network Newscast and Breaking News or Continuing Coverage categories, this year for reporting on the Boston Marathon Bombing. In the network newscast category “CBS World News Roundup” anchor Steve Kathan and producer Paul Farry won for their reporting on that chaotic morning when police shut down an entire suburban Boston neighborhood to search for one of the marathon bombing suspects just hours after his brother died in a confrontation with police. Vice president for radio Harvey Nagler comments, “From the moment the two bombs went off in Boston, CBS Radio News was on the air immediately with continuous coverage and special reports every 10 minutes. The hourly newscasts contained vivid and dramatic descriptions of the events.” CBS News correspondent Barry Bagnato won in the News Series category for his five part series on “Drones, Invading Our Skies and Our Personal Space.”
‘Late Night Health’ Approaches Milestone Episode. The syndicated program will air its 100th show this weekend. Host/producer Mark Alyn (right) remarks, “We can’t believe we have done so many shows while featuring information designed to help listeners.” Colleague “The Insane” Darrell Wayne (left) jokes, “Sitting across from each other for all these hours with our bellybuttons almost touching has been an amazing experience.” The program is a holistic look at health, blending traditional medicine with alternative approaches. Alyn is the only radio host to be invited by the Natural Products Association to speak with elected officials in Washington, D.C. one week from Tuesday (4/8) as part of Natural Products Day. He will discuss GMO labeling and concerns about Food & Drug Administration-proposed supplement legislation.
Growing ‘Daren Streblow Comedy Show’ Adds Daily Feature. The weekly “Daren Streblow Comedy Show” is heard largely on news/talk stations across the country but also has some Christian radio affiliates. Now, the program will expand with the creation of a daily feature culled from some of the best bits of the full-length program. Executive producer Corey Irish comments, “We have received constant requests from our affiliates asking us to add a short feature on the weekdays. We believe some of these station groups will also add this vignette to the music stations in their clusters.” Irish also reports that the program recently added personality Riley Armstrong – an established comedic musician – to the program. As far as the content is concerned, Streblow describes the show as “night club tested and family approved.”
Aisha Tyler Named Gracie Awards Host. Daytime television audiences, of course, know Aisha Tyler as one of the panel members on CBS-TV’s “The Talk.” The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has tapped the Dartmouth College alum to host the 39th annual Gracie Awards in two months (5/20) in Los Angeles. According to AWMF chair Kay Olin, “The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation advances the influence and impact of women in all forms of media, and Aisha Tyler embodies this goal perfectly. From network television to cable, from actor to author, from podcasts to best-selling books, Aisha showcases her talents in an impressive variety of media. We are delighted that Aisha is hosting this year’s Gracie Awards Gala.” Tyler – who formerly hosted “Talk Soup” – comments, “It has truly been an impressive year for women in all media. I am very much looking forward to celebrating all that women have accomplished.” However, she jokes, “No one is getting an award for that Kimye [Kim Kardashian-Kanye West] Vogue cover if I have anything to say about it.” The Gracie Awards (or “Gracies”) recognize consummate programming created for women, by women, and about women in radio, television, cable, and digital media. The awards program also encourages the realistic and multifaceted portrayal of women in entertainment, news, features and other programs. “The Talk” was recently renewed for a fifth season. In addition to her role there and as a regular Stephanie Miller show contributor, Tyler voices Lana Kane on “Archer.” Last summer, she replaced Drew Carey as host of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
Remembering Earl McDaniel. Writing in the Honolulu Star Advertiser, reporter Erika Engle describes Earl McDaniel as “the longtime charismatic general manager” of Honolulu’s KSSK-AM and KSSK-FM. The 85-year-old McDaniel died this past Wednesday (3/26) in Arizona. McDaniel formulated the idea for a $1 million giveaway that helped solidify the morning drive success of Michael W. Perry and Larry Price (“Perry & Price”), following the 1983 death of J. Akuhead Pupule. KUMU production director Michael Shishido programmed KSSK years ago and tells us that McDaniel was, “the best GM I’ve ever worked with.” Elaborating on his Facebook page, Shishido comments, “If you had the great opportunity to work for KSSK prior to 1991, you got to work for one of the greats, Earl McDaniel. He was larger than life. He was tough and demanding, but he was a radio and marketing genius – and he had a huge, compassionate heart. I could fill up Facebook for days with Earl stories as could many of my radio colleagues. Radio has lost a giant. Aloha, Earl.” As a Los Angeles on-air talent, Earl “The Pearl” McDaniel worked for KFVD and KPOP (1953 – 1958); KLAC (1958); KDAY (1958 – 1961, where he was its program director); and KFWB (1961 – 1963). Renowned voiceover talent and longtime programmer Charlie Van Dyke notes on his Facebook page that McDaniel was, “a great guy with the most wonderful stories and a very quick sense of humor. I was so happy that I had the chance to meet with him even briefly.” The most touching tribute though to McDaniel can be found on laradio.com, where publisher Don Barrett opens up his homage by stating, “The most important man in my life died [Wednesday] night.” In the heartfelt printed eulogy, Barrett details how he met McDaniel while Barrett attended Santa Monica High School in the 1950s. “He was the biggest deal on the radio dial in the 1950s,” Barrett writes of McDaniel. “He was the early Rick Dees or Ryan Seacrest.” The two instantly became friends and Barrett points out, “Earl was never more than a phone call away. I went to him first for advice whenever there was a stumbling block in my journey. He would help me see a way to roll the boulder out of the pathway. He provided life tools to be a success – personally and professionally. Earl was the first to pair Robert W. Morgan and The Real Don Steele long before they arrived in Southern California for ‘Boss Radio.'” According to Barrett, “Earl broke the Chipmunks Christmas Song and lost his job over it. On Thanksgiving weekend, he played it twice an hour and the station owner threatened to fire Earl if he played it one more time. Earl did and was fired, however, by Monday it was the hottest record at Wallichs Music City. Earl was always figuring out a way to make things better, bigger and more spectacular. He not only coined the phrase, ‘If you don’t promote a funny thing happens – nothing,’ he lived by it. When Earl was running Honolulu’s KGMB, one year the station took in 60% of the revenues in the 18-station market. I remember remarking to him what a stunning statistic that was. He dismissed it and said he would not be happy until he got 100% of all advertising dollars. Earl was the personification of what it is to be a mentor. There is no one I have trusted more. I will forever be grateful for every act of kindness he gave to me and my family – I will forever be grateful for Earl McDaniel.” That only scratches the surface of Barrett’s piece, which also contains this condensed message from McDaniel himself, who anticipated his death. “I am an agnostic. I will be taken to the Neptune Society for cremation. I have told my heirs that I do not care where they let the ashes fly. When it is over, it is over. To that end, there will be no funeral, no casket, and no flowers. I have celebrated life for 85 years, and that celebration has been a wonderful, wonderful ride. I have been contemplating all the good times, and the good times were fantabulous. If I have borrowed something I haven’t returned or money I haven’t repaid, contact my daughter, Kathy. Do not sing me any sad songs. If I were to have an epitaph, it would be, ‘Earl McDaniel … from 1928 to 2014, he lived.'” Pictured here are (from l-r): Charlie Van Dyke, Earl McDaniel, and Don Barrett.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The GCN-syndicated “Michael Dean After Dark” joins the lineup at WKRO, Cairo, Illinois…..“Armed American Radio” Mark Walters is added to the program schedule at KVOC, Casper, Wyoming and WRGA, Rome, Georgia…..The “Daren Streblow Comedy Show” is now heard on KKNW, Seattle; KDIS, Little Rock; and KVOP, Lubbock, Texas.
ObamaCare Criticism Returns to Top of Talkers TenTM. The scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act was again the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of March 24-28. At #2 this week was the Supreme Court’s hearing of the Hobby Lobby case which debates the question whether employer-provided health care services that conflict with the employer’s religious beliefs should be required to be offered. Following at #3 was President Obama’s relationship with Vladimir Putin tied with the aggression of Russia into Eastern Europe and, at #4 was talk about the prospects for political power change after the mid-term elections and the looming 2016 presidential race. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. View this week’s entire chart here.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Dial Global Changes Name to WestwoodOne. Making good on what had been rumored for a little more than a week, Dial Global, as it prepares to be acquired by Cumulus Media, announces the official change of its name to WestwoodOne (complete with cool, new logo). CEO Paul Caine states, “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as Dial Global. Through our belief in the power of sound we are dedicated to continuously reinventing the industry and creating the most dynamic audio programming that connects people to their passions. With the audio industry’s ever-changing landscape we know we’ve just scratched the surface of what’s possible for audio’s broad consumption. By reclaiming and reviving an iconic audio brand name, we are not changing who we are, but accelerating the
great work we are doing to contribute to the growth of audio.” In addition to the name change, the company reports it is commissioning “an industry study on the ‘power of sound,’ aimed at better understanding consumers, their behavior, and their interaction with audio. The study builds on current recency data proving radio as the most-used medium closest to point-of-purchase and will explore trends in audio consumption based on behavioral tendencies among various demographics.” The company says full study results are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2013 but states that preliminary findings further the notion that audio is an integral part of the new media landscape.
TRN’s Jerry Doyle Launches ‘Solution-Based News Destination’ EpicTimes.com. Nationally syndicated talk show host Jerry Doyle – a former actor, voice-over artist, Wall Street trader and pilot, says he credits his varied background with instilling in him the obvious and growing need for a solution-based news 
community. The Talk Radio Network personality is therefore launching his newest media endeavor, EpicTimes.com – what he calls “a solution-based news destination dedicated to putting cutting-edge news, resources, and answers in the hands of the public.” He adds, “EpicTimes.com seeks to deliver insight from some of the most influential voices of our time, spanning a variety of expertise to share solution-based ideas and insights with a community that is focused on problem solving and results.” Doyle says that to serve the knowledge of his online audience, he has assembled a diverse cast of contributors, whose collective goal is to offer clear insights into a range of issues, combined with hard-hitting commentaries and workable solutions to the issues that directly affect our lives. “This unique view on the issues and news headlines is geared toward building an active community on the site. All opinions are heard and commentary between readers and contributors and readers to readers is encouraged. That kind of honest conversation is just what I believe people want. My goal is for EpicTimes.com to not just publish relevant news, but to become a solutions community.” Check out EpicTimes.com here.
Katz Radio Group Names Mark Rosenthal CEO. Media rep firm Katz Media Group announces it has picked media executive Mark Rosenthal to head up the Katz Radio Group. Rosenthal’s media experience goes back to the early days of MTV where he was one of the original team that created the cable TV channel. He was also involved in the inception of Nickelodeon, VH1 and Comedy Central. Katz says he “has been a leader in the media industry for more than 25 years, building advertising and marketing solutions for world-class media brands.” KRG says Rosenthal will work with president Mark Gray to “ensure continued high-level performance in the transactional arena. Rosenthal will also focus on KRG’s radio advocacy efforts and lead an accelerated charge to bring additional revenue into the radio sector.” Clear Channel Media and Entertainment chairman and CEO John Hogan says, “We are thrilled to have such a well-respected media executive join Katz Radio Group. Mark has an enormous range of experience across all forms of media, from traditional and digital media to the agency world. Radio is a powerful national marketing platform. Our goal is to continue to tell the success story of radio’s massive reach. Mark joining the team signifies a very exciting step forward in our intensified effort to drive substantial growth for Katz clients by providing the most innovative media solutions available.”
Fox News and SiriusXM Re-Up; Content Added to SiriusXM Internet Radio. After speculation over the summer that Fox News and SiriusXM were headed for a break-up, the two sides announce they have inked a deal to bring Fox News content to the satcaster through 2019. In addition, as part of the new agreement, 
SiriusXM will broadcast Fox Business Network. SiriusXM will be the exclusive audio home for broadcasts of Fox News and Fox Business Network for its more than 25 million subscribers. As part of the agreement, SiriusXM will add both channels to its SiriusXM Internet Radio channel lineup for the first time. The new agreement also includes the addition of Fox News Talk to the SiriusXM Internet Radio service. Fox News Talk, which offers news, analysis, listener call-ins, and commentary from popular Fox News personalities such as Brian Kilmeade, John Gibson and Alan Colmes, among others, will be available online at SiriusXM Internet Radio and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App on smart phones and other connected devices. Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes states, “Our viewers love the ability to keep the connection with Fox News Channel, even while they’re in the car with SiriusXM. This agreement not only ensures that will continue but expands it to our Fox Business Network viewers and restores the Fox News Talk channel to SiriusXM subscribers on their computers and smart phones. This is good for Fox News, for SiriusXM and for the people we both work for, the American public.”
Leland Conway Named Late-Morning Host at WHAS, Louisville. Clear Channel’s heritage Louisville news/talker announces talk host Leland Conway will assume the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon program that opened up when Mandy Connell moved to the company’s KHOW, Denver for the morning show earlier this summer. Conway – a Kentucky native – currently hosts afternoon drive on CC’s WRVA, Richmond and will continue in that role as well. Regional programming manager Kelly Carls states, “This is an exciting appointment for ‘84WHAS Radio’ and the Kentuckiana community. We talked to many highly qualified and experienced on-air personalities, but Leland’s talents really shined brightly. His wit, energy and longstanding Kentucky roots make him a great fit. We’re extremely happy he’s returning to the Bluegrass State.” Conway has served as a commentator on WTVQ-TV, and for six years hosted a successful talk show on WLAP, Lexington. Conway adds, “It is an honor to join the WHAS team. As a native Kentuckian, I grew up with WHAS. It’s as much a part of the Bluegrass State as hot browns and horse racing. I am excited to once again be a part of the lively conversation in Kentucky.”
Michael Harrison to Present Annual Address at NAB Radio Show. In a popular “Info-Session” that has packed the room each year for more than a decade, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will address the forthcoming NAB Radio Show on the subject “The Vital Role Radio Plays in Popular Culture.”
The info-session, sponsored by TALKERS, will be a power-packed hour touching upon a number of key issues that are vital to radio’s very existence – let alone artistic and financial well-being – in the rapidly advancing digital era. Harrison says that for radio to remain iconic in the 21st century, it must maintain “ownership” of the scenes it addresses whether they are music, politics, news, sports or any other expression of the human condition. He says radio must maintain a foreground, active position and avoid being marginalized as a passive delivery system and he gives solid examples and suggestions to make it happen. Consultant Holland Cooke introduces what will be a riveting and inspirational hour. The session takes place on Thursday, September 19 between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm in the very heart of the conference at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Gatlin E2 and is open to all attendees of the conference.
‘Rock 102’ Springfield, MA Morning Talk Duo Bax & O’Brien to Do Live Performance at Local Theater. The long-running morning drive powerhouse of Bax & O’ Brien (Michael “Bax” Baxendale and John O’ Brien) have been gathering huge on-air audiences in Western Massachusetts for more than 15 years and innovating advances in local webcasting worthy of national attention. Now, they’ve added another facet to their arsenal of attractions. The team has been booked into the downtown Springfield prestigious City-Stage theater for a one-night special performance on Thursday, October 17. The show is being sponsored by local car dealership Curry Honda and will cleverly feature “guest” appearances by locally famous advertisers who will actually perform their live commercial reads during the program (great idea!). In addition, guests will include local and regional personalities Paul “Fitzy” Fitzgerald, live performances from guitar legend Gary Hoey and Dr. Westchesterson plus special video presentations from comedians Lisa Lampanelli and Tom Cotter, and the promise of other surprises! Tickets go on sale Friday September 6 at the City Stage Box Office or at Ticketmaster.com. Fans of Bax & O’ Brien will be able to see it live in person or watch the show streamed live with their BaxandObrien.com membership.
Main Street Radio Network Re-Brands Alan Nathan-Hosted Program. The talk show that’s been known as “Battle Line with Alan Nathan” is now titled “The Alan Nathan Show.” Main Street Radio Network president Jane Silk states, “He’s the longest-running centrist radio show in the country and we’re delighted with the program’s evolution and direction. As so many have said, ALAN is an important voice who needs to be heard!” Nathan himself comments, “They’ve been calling it the ‘Alan Nathan show’ for years, so I learned how to take a hint. Additionally, while there’s plenty of spirited debate (or battling) happening on the program, it’s also a guest-generated, panel-driven event that teases all who take themselves too seriously.”
Dino Costa Moves to Mornings on SiriusXM’s New Sports Zone Channel. As TALKERS reported yesterday (from a New York Daily News story), sports talk host Dino Costa is moving from the Mad Dog Radio channel at SiriusXM where he was the evening (Eastern Time) personality, to mornings where his show will be heard from 7:00 am to 11:00 am ET beginning September 5. In a statement, Costa says, “When I joined SiriusXM nearly five years ago, my objective was to deliver listeners across North America a brand of sports commentary and opinion that they had never heard before, something that was a radical departure from the status quo. I feel I have accomplished that and gained a more than appreciable audience over that time. Creating and delivering the kind of a show I do would not have been possible anyplace other than SiriusXM and it is an honor and a privilege to be with what I consider to be the mightiest radio broadcaster on planet earth. I enjoyed my time with Mad Dog Sports Radio and now I look forward to new challenges and conquests and feel more enthused than ever at the prospects of making SiriusXM Sports Zone a destination channel for our valued subscribers. This is the start of something very big!”
Lori Moore to Retire from WKZO, Kalamazoo. Retire might be too strong a word for AM drive host Lori Moore’s departure from Midwest Communications’ news/talk WKZO, Kalamazoo. But Moore has worked at the station for the past 18 years (32 years in the market) and, to her faithful listeners, it might feel like retirement. Still, Moore says she will remain close to the community and has “many projects” in the pipeline. Morning host since 1995, Moore states, “I feel I have a special bond with my audience and advertisers. I think I am able to connect with what people care about. I talk about events because I go to them and I endorse products and services I actually use.” Her last day is Friday, September 6.
Odds & Sods. Tribune’s WGN, Chicago adds more sports programming to its weekend lineup with a post-Bears game program called “Two and a Half Bears,” featuring NFL Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears alumnus Dan Hampton, his former teammate Glen 
Kozlowski and WGN’s resident football fanatic Pete McMurray. The program will feature interviews with players, coaches, and front office personnel. Additionally, Hampton will join WGN’s Steve Cochran every Monday and Friday morning at 7:40 to provide a Bears game recap and preview…..Entercom’s WEEI-FM, Boston announces its NFL and Patriots football-related programming to air on the station and its affiliate stations around New England. The content again includes exclusive interviews with quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick on “Patriots Monday.” As it
did last year, gameday coverage will originate from Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill at Patriot Place in Foxborough and include pre- and post-game programs. Throughout the week, WEEI programs will be visited by numerous football experts, writers and Patriots players…..ESPN Radio sports talk host Colin Cowherd debuts a new program on ESPN2 titled “Colin’s New Football Show” that will air Sundays at 9:00 am ET. ESPN vice president, original programming and production, Jamie Horowitz says, “’Colin’s New Football Show’ will be entirely from Colin’s perspective. It’s a cool and alternative pre-game show with Colin, a football outsider on the inside, letting fans know the key stories of the day in his own style.”…..CBS Radio’s all-news WNEW-FM, Washington reports it is doubling its traffic alerts to keep commuters up to speed on the region’s roadways during drive time. Dubbed “Beltway Fix on the Six,” in addition its traffic and weather together on the 1s, the station will add reports on the 6s between 7:00 am and 10:00 as well as between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm……CRN Digital Talk Radio host and well-known actor Fred Dryer is back on the big screen in a new movie titled “Snake and Mongoose,” that chronicles the careers of drag racers Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “the Mongoose” McEwen. In the film, Dryer plays Motorsports Hall of Fame member Ed Donovan, McEwen’s engine builder who coined the racer’s “Mongoose” moniker.
Illegal Immigration Forum. Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) and former INS agent Michael Cutler appeared in “The President Speakers Series” on the subject of illegal immigration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. The event was moderated by the talk show host Marc Bernier – who also serves as President’s special assistant at the university – and was broadcast on WNDB, Daytona Beach and carried by C-SPAN. Pictured here are (from l-r): Bernier, ERAU president John P. Johnson, Rep. Barletta and Cutler. The event was the 95th in the Town Hall Series. Photo by Arthur J. Byrnes.
Syria Question Goes Before Congress, ObamaCare Implementation, Miley Cyrus Fallout and Jack Nicholson Retires due to Memory Loss Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/3). Secretary of State John Kerry takes the question of whether the United States should begin military action against Syria to Congress; ongoing complications in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act; the fallout from Miley Cyrus’ risqué performance at the MTV Video Music Awards and Jack Nicholson’s retirement from making movies, reportedly due to memory loss were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Boston TV Anchor Kim Carrigan Joins Barry Armstrong on WRKO Program. “The Financial Exchange with Barry Armstrong” announces the addition of longtime Boston television anchor Kim Carrigan to the program. Carrigan – who has worked at Boston TV outlets WHDH, WBZ/WSBK and WXFT – becomes co-host of the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon daily program on Entercom‘s news/talk WRKO effective today (9/3). Armstrong says of Carrigan, “Kim is a tremendous addition to our program. She brings intellect, a historical perspective, and a woman’s point of view to topics that require constant attention and interpretation.” Carrigan, an Emmy award-winning television news anchor, has been recognized with numerous other awards, including: an Edward R. Murrow Award for “Best Newscast in a Major Market,” a Quest Award as one of five outstanding women who have achieved success in their quest for excellence from the New England Women Business Owners Association, and a Gabrielle Award. She was also honored with the President’s Award from the Northeast Arc, the organization’s highest honor, for her work on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
Lincoln Financial Media’s WQXI, Atlanta Names Alge Crumpler and JP Peterson AM Hosts. Lincoln Financial Media announces the permanent replacement for the “Mayhem in the AM” morning show (Steak Shapiro, Chris Dimino, Nick Cellini) fired in late June after joking about ALS-stricken ex-NFLer 
Steve Gleason. Former Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler and media pro JP Peterson will host “The Locker Room” beginning September 5. “790 The Zone” program director Bob Richards says, “We are excited to launch ‘Locker 
Room.’ The years of insight and experience Alge and JP bring to the table, coupled with a revamped program format, will help set the tone each morning for how listeners digest the world of sports and set the pace for how topics resonate throughout the day.” Crumpler has served as an analyst for “790 The Zone” and a co-host for Falcons game-day programs on WGCL-TV and WAGA-TV. Peterson comes to “790 the Zone” from Tampa, where he spent the past 16 years in sports radio and TV. Peterson anchored and did sideline work for WFLA-TV’s pre-season Bucs coverage and pre-game shows. He has also done field reporting for NBC’s “Football Night in America” and hosted the Rays’ “Inside Pitch” and “Extra Innings” radio shows.
Dickey: The Network Industry Is an Attractive Vehicle. Cumulus Media chairman and CEO Lew Dickey tells investors during a conference call this morning that his company sees network radio as an “attractive vehicle” and that “scale is essential for Cumulus to continue to facilitate growth to make the proper investments,” in explaining the deal’s announced last Friday – the company’s acquisition of Dial Global and its shedding of a pack of small- and medium-market stations to Townsquare Media. The deal also
gives Cumulus five stations in Fresno – market #68 – fitting in with the company’s desire to focus on the top 100 markets. Dickey reiterated last week’s statement about money saved in synergies, “We’re acquiring a leading provider of premium and exclusive content, and it creates an attractive platform for us now for both content creation and distribution and monetization of these various assets. It’s about $40 million of estimated cost synergies and substantial incremental revenue growth opportunities, which are not being factored in here on the pro forma. It’s deleveraging on the identified cost synergies alone.” As Dickey explained how the new properties will become part of the larger company, he noted that sports programming – especially the NFL and NCAA play-by-play contracts which have at least several more years on them – were key to the deal and it’s obvious he expects to pull in a lot of revenue from those two properties. As for how many positions will be eliminated in the above-mentioned “synergies,” Dickey noted it’s not like the Citadel acquisition which was basically 54 “separate” operations. “This is really one business unit that does essentially the same thing as the business unit that we currently own and operate. So there are awful a lot of opportunities to — for efficiencies and to combine these efforts and do so in such a way that it’s accretive to growth the same time.” Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the transcript. Members can read the entire conference call here.
KTTH, Seattle Celebrates 10 Years as Conservative Talk Outlet. Bonneville’s KTTH, Seattle is spending the day thanking its passionate, engaged conservative listeners by airing “Ten Years Strong,” a celebration of it 10-year anniversary, beginning September 3, 2013. The station states that David Boze, Michael Medved, Sean Hannity and other KTTH personalities will spotlight their favorite political leaders, movies and conservative moments of the past 10 years. They’ll also reflect on the role of conservative talk radio in a blue state. Program director Jason Antebi says, “AM 770 KTTH is going 10 years strong because the best talk show hosts in America present values-driven conservative thought in a distinctly civil and intelligent way. We are so proud to be the exclusive Seattle home to David Boze, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Medved, Sean Hannity, Dave Ramsey and Clyde Lewis. Here’s to another 10 years!” Bonneville Seattle VP/GM Carl Gardner adds, “KTTH serves a listening audience which is remarkably committed. They care deeply about preserving the best of our traditional American values and ways of life. The passion of the listeners is what enables KTTH to be so successful.”
J.D. Hayworth Exits AM Show at ‘Mighty 1090 AM’ in San Diego. Former U.S. congressman and talk show host J.D. Hayworth exits the morning drive show at Broadcast Company of the Americas’ sports talk XEPRS, San Diego “Mighty 1090 AM” where he was co-hosting with Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton. Hamilton remains in mornings with a rotating cast of guests. Hayworth joined the station earlier this year. Prior to his foray into full-time sports talk radio, he’d been a news/talk host in Phoenix and had been doing fill-in work at local news/talk stations and on nationally syndicated programs.
Do You Have a Non-Compete Clause? Depending on what company your work for, in what capacity you serve and in which state you work, a non-competition clause in your contract can greatly affect your ability to move from one employer to the next within a given period of time. TALKERS legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman spells out the basics of what you should know before you sign a contract. In some situations there may not be anything you can do about it, but at the very least, you should understand exactly what a non-competition clause means to you in that position with that employer. Read Weisman’s illuminating column here.
Mike Lindsley and Brian Cady Leave Townsquare Media’s Sports Talk WTMM, Albany. Management at Townsquare Media’s sports talker WTMM, Albany “ESPN 104.5 The Team” is not saying there was a connection between the dismissal of afternoon hosts Mike Lindsley and Brian Cady and their being snookered by a caller pretending to be former New York Yankees outfielder Shane Spencer who said he had experimented with performance enhancing drugs, but the two are out and a new afternoon show is expected to be announced within the next two weeks, according to a report in the Albany Times Union. Lindsley had an interview lined up with Spencer and was promoting it but it didn’t happen at the exact time it was supposed to. Pretty soon the imposter called and Lindsley assumed it was the real Shane Spencer. After it was determined what happened, all parties apologized. Regardless, new brand manager Armen Williams debuted on the air on Friday, August 30 – a bit prior to his scheduled September 9 start.
Dino Costa Moves to New SiriusXM Channel. As reported in the New York Daily News, sports talk host Dino Costa leaves the Mad Dog Radio channel on SiriusXM and will be part of a new sports talk channel on the satellite radio service, reportedly called “SiriusXM Radio Sports Zone 92.” Costa had been the evening host on the Chris Russo-curated Mad Dog Radio channel. The Daily News reports the relationship between Russo and Costa may not be as friendly as it once was, possibly leading to the split, although Costa Tweeted his thanks to Russo and his crew for the opportunity to work together.
MEDIA BROKER SPOTLIGHT: Dick Kozacko of Kozacko Media Services. In this week’s installment of Media Broker Spotlight, Sandi Bergman of RadioTVDeals.com interviews media broker Dick Kozacko of Kozacko Media Services located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Unlike most of the brokers spotlighted in this popular feature, Kozacko’s background is not directly in broadcasting but rather acquisition management and market research for companies. He is a graduate of Boston College with an MBA and his experience and education in these areas of business serve him well in today’s station-trading environment. Kozacko takes a realistic view of the current conditions in the radio deal marketplace stating, “It’s challenging, especially since there are now so many alternatives to radio broadcasting. If you were driving on a trip, your car radio was your companion. Then, came eight-tracks, cassettes, and the list goes on with satellite radio, internet, etc. Buyers have to be creative and think about the future, which is fine. It would help if more banks returned to the financing area, although we have found more station owners are receptive to ‘terms’ financing. It would help if the economy could demonstrate stronger and continued growth.” Per the custom of this feature, our spotlighted broker offers several opportunities for displaced station managers and first-time entrants looking to roll up their sleeves and take on an ownership project. To read the entire installment of Media Broker Spotlight, please click here.
Dave Ross to Host New Production of Fisher House Foundation’s “The Gift.” Fisher House Foundation announces it has begun production on the 2013 edition of its award-winning holiday radio program, “The Gift,” which tells the inspiring stories of wounded warriors and veterans who, with the help of their loved ones, have overcome tremendous obstacles to reclaim their lives. The program, which is available to radio stations to air at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, consists of three self-contained hours of content. Among those profiled in
“The Gift” are Sergeant Cory Remsburg, an Army Ranger whose successful battle to recover from a serious head wound has made him an inspiration to President Obama; Father Tim Vakoc, a chaplain who was fatally wounded while tending his flock on the front lines of Iraq; and Para-Olympian Brad Snyder, a Navy Lieutenant who was blinded by an IED and used swimming to rebuild his physical and mental strength. KIRO, Seattle personality Dave Ross hosts this year’s edition of the program. Stations that air the program will help raise awareness and funds for the non-profit Fisher House, which provides no-cost housing and other support to the families of wounded warriors and veterans while their loved ones recover at military and VA hospitals. The 2012 edition of “The Gift” was carried on 135 news/talk stations and Sirius/XM and helped drive an increase in donations to Fisher House during the final week of 2012. “Despite the wind down in Afghanistan, our fighting men and women, and their families, continue to make tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom and security,” says Fisher House President Dave Coker. “While we should keep them in our hearts every day, it’s especially appropriate to honor their gift of service during the holidays.” Cumulus Media Networks is handling affiliation and distribution on a pro bono basis. For more information or to sign up for The Gift, contact Ron Rivlin.
Condolences. TALKERS sends condolences to the family and friends of a number of broadcasters who’ve recently passed away: Capital Cities executive Joe Somerset who died in Boston due to complications suffered after a fall at his home several days prior. Somerset was a mentor to many in the radio business, especially during the “Golden Age” of top 40 radio. One of his “students” was longtime Cap Cities executive and station owner Curt Hahn who writes about his mentor in a piece you can read here…..Longtime newsman Charlie Stuchell who passed away at age 64 after a battle with cancer. He was a news and traffic reporter on Bristol Broadcasting’s WXBQ, Bristol, Virginia…..KSCO, Santa Cruz reporter and anchor Don Husing who died on August 29 at age 71. Station owner Michael Zwerling tells the Santa Cruz Sentinel that Husing had worked for KSCO for 47 years, surviving three ownership changes. KSCO personality Rosemary Chalmers tells the paper Husing, who had no surviving family, was diabetic and had complained of flu-like symptoms prior to his death.
Kevin in the Kennel. If you look closely, you can see that KIDO, Boise morning drive host Kevin Miller (l) is broadcasting from a makeshift kennel to raise awareness and funds to support the Canyon County Animal Shelter. With him is animal lover Bob Holman (r). Miller invited his listeners to spend some time with him inside the kennel and, as a result, raised more than $11,000 in one day as the shelter takes part in the “Rachael Ray $100,000 Challenge.”
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze Added to Blue Ridge Communications Cable System. The push to get more cable TV carriage for Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze continues and now the company announces it will be carried on Blue Ridge Communications’ system that serves the Poconos and the Central Pennsylvania region. It is the nation’s 21st largest cable operator. TheBlaze also entered into agreements with BEK Communications, Sweetwater Cable Television and Atwood Cable. TheBlaze president, business development, Lynne Costantini, states, “We’re thrilled to welcome these independent operators into TheBlaze family of television affiliates. These businesses understand the value of bringing TheBlaze’s original programming and unique perspective to their customers and their business.” TheBlaze says that customers of these cable operators will now be able to watch its full programming lineup including The Glenn Beck Program, news program “Real News from TheBlaze,” opinion show hosted by Andrew Wilkow, current events show “Pat & Stu” featuring radio personalities Pat Gray and Stu Burguiere, kid’s show “Liberty TreeHouse,” comedy news show “The B.S. of A.,” news magazine “For The Record,” and comical news and current events show “The Wonderful World of Stu featuring Stu Burguiere.” TheBlaze states that it is currently in carriage conversations with all major satellite, cable, telco and independent companies.
WTOP, Washington Stays #1 on List of Top Billing Stations. The annual list of top billing stations according to BIA/ Kelsey has been released and Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington is at the front of the pack once again with $64.6 million in revenue in 2012 – that’s up a fraction from the $64 million it grossed in 2011. The rest of the top 10 – split by CBS and Clear Channel – are as follows (in millions): Clear Channel’s KIIS, Los Angeles ($56.8); Clear Channel’s WHTZ, New York ($48.2); CBS Radio’s WCBS, New York ($47.2); Clear Channel’s KFI, Los Angeles ($46); CBS Radio’s WBBM, Chicago ($45.7); Clear Channel’s WLTW, New York ($43); CBS Radio’s WINS, New York ($41.5); CBS Radio’s WFAN-AM/FM ($41); and CBS Radio’s KROQ, Los Angeles ($39.3).
SiriusXM Sports Talker Dino Costa Subject of New Film. Sports talk radio personality Dino Costa will be the subject of a feature-length film to begin production in April in Wyoming. Chesapeake Films announces that it has started pre-production for a documentary to be completed in 2013 about the life of “controversial SiriusXM Radio personality, Dino Costa.” The documentary film will be directed by Joel Franco, cinematography by Darko Nikolich, edited by Anthony Bernard, sound design by Karol Urban, and original music by Marianthe Bezzerides. The film will begin shooting in Wyoming, where Dino Costa resides and produces his daily radio sports talk show. The crew will then follow Costa to New York, to continue filming Costa’s hometown, friends, fans, and family. Franco says he wanted to do the film because, “Dino is a breath of fresh air in the world of cookie-cutter sports talk radio. He is fiercely independent, and connects with his audience like few can. I just knew that under that big personality was a story waiting to be told. I am so excited to begin.” Costa comments, “When I embarked on my career as a talk show host, I wanted to achieve many objectives; I never thought about the possibility of someone wanting to do a film about my career and my life. In speaking with Joel about his vision for this film, I’m confident that collaborating with the crew at Chesapeake Films will culminate in a documentary about my life that people will find interesting and compelling.”
Villanucci Producer Billy “Fatback” Cornelius Debuts Evening Show on KKOB. The departure of longtime afternoon drive host Jim Villanucci from Cumulus Media’s KKOB, Albuquerque, resulted in evening host Scott Stiegler moving into the PM drive slot. That created an opening in the evenings and Jim Villanucci’s former on-air producer, Billy “Fatback” Cornelius, is now host of his own show airing in the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm time slot. He’ll still produce Stiegler’s program but “Fatback” tells TALKERS magazine, “When asked about the new opportunity, I simply replied, ‘The Fatback Nation will rise.’” His program debuts this evening.
New Jersey 101.5’s Jim Gearhart to Be Inducted into the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. Jim Gearhart has been the morning host on Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” for the past 23 years and now he’s being honored by the New Jersey Broadcasters Association with induction into its Hall of Fame. Gearhart will be inducted at the Annual Awards Luncheon, which will be held during the NJBA’s 66th Annual Conference in Atlantic City this June 18-19. NJ 101.5 program director Eric Johnson says, “Jim will be acknowledged for providing quality content, news, public affairs and diverse entertainment to New Jersey. Jim’s contributions to the longevity and success of our industry in New Jersey will be recognized.”
WXOS, St. Louis Host Bernie Miklasz to Leave Radio Gig. Popular St. Louis sports media personality Bernie Miklasz will exit Hubbard Radio’s WXOS “101 Sports” when his contract wraps up next month. In a piece in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Miklasz says he’s leaving the radio show (weekdays 11:00 am to 2:00 pm) to focus on his work with the Post-Dispatch and its STLtoday.com where he’s been a sports columnist since 1989. He states, “I’ve always loved writing more (than radio), it’s my calling. Whatever good things I have in my life professionally have been because of the Post-Dispatch. It has led to other opportunities.” Miklasz says the stress of two jobs is wearing on him. WXOS program director Chris “Hoss” Neupert says, “He’s such a dynamic personality, but at the end of the day how can you be mad at a guy who’s going back to his roots and giving it his all? He wants to do his part to help take an industry that has been down on an upswing. It’s bittersweet (for the station) because what he is doing is very honorable and really cool, so it’s hard to be upset with him. The guy is such an awesome personality.” STLtoday.com hints it will be branching out into audio and video on the website and will use Miklasz for that purpose, as well.
The Conclave Announces Agenda for July Learning Conference. The Conclave announces its preliminary agenda for the July 17-19 “Conclave 38: The Learning Conference” taking place at the Minneapolis/Park Place Doubletree Hotel. Executive director Bob Shannon states, “The very words ‘The Learning Conference’ implies that Conclave 38 will focus on teaching ideas our attendees can actually use. Focusing on what works today and the tools we’ll need for
tomorrow, our faculty includes thinkers, visionaries and practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines including digital, marketing, mobile, programming, social media, and talent creation and training.” Some of the speakers appearing this year include: Ivan Braiker/HipCricket, Tim Bronsil/Point to Point Marketing, Jon Chelesnik/Sportcasters Talent Agency of America, Drake Donovan/Splice Video, Joel Folger/Folger Media, Les Garland/Afterplay Entertainment, John Gehron/AccuRadio, Bruce Gilbert/Clear Channel, Phil Hall/Audience Bakery, Michael Harrison/Talkers-Radioinfo.com, Dan Hill/Sensory Logic, Fred Jacobs/Jacobs Media, Randy Lane/The Randy Lane Company, Lori Lewis/Jacobs Media, Kipper McGee/Kipper McGee LLC, Kevin Metheny/Cumulus Media, Chris Miller/Chris Miller Digital, Tim Moore/Audience Development Group, Mark Shannon O’Neill/ROI Media Solutions, Bill Richards/Clear Channel, Larry Rosin/Edison Research, and Walter Sabo/Sabo Media. Shannon reports that this year’s Conclave begins on Wednesday, July 17 with the fourth annual “Jacobs Media Summer School,” and ends July 19 with “Conclave GAMEDAY,” a day devoted entirely to sports that ends with a reception at KTWN-FM’s studio just before the Minnesota Twins/Cleveland Indians game at Target Field, home of the 2014 All Star Game. For more information on the Learning Conference and Conclave educational programs, visit http://www.theconclave.com.
SCOTUS Gay Marriage Arguments, North Korea Threats, Dr. Ben Carson Assault, Cyprus Banks Bailout, and Sequester Effects Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/28). The two days of arguments before the Supreme Court on gay marriage; threats of military action from North Korea; the backlash against Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Ben Carson; the bailout of Cyprus banks by the EU; and the effects of the sequester were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, September 17, 2012
WEEI Goes to Bat for Battling Kids. During the last week of August, Entercom’s New England sports brand WEEI completed its 11th annual Jimmy Fund radio-thon to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute raising more than $3.4 million. TALKERS managing editor/West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian recently had a long chat with WEEI vice president of programming Jason Wolfe about the history of the fundraiser and WEEI’s connection to the charity. Read his piece here.
Atlanta Sports Talk Hosts “Two Live Stews” Off LFM’s WQXI “790/The Zone.” Doug and Ryan Stewart have been taken off the midday show at Lincoln Financial Media’s sports talker WQXI, Atlanta “790/The Zone.” According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Rodney Ho, the two are taking their ouster well with Doug Stewart telling him, “It’s incredible what we’ve done there over 11 years. I want to thank the fans who supported us. This isn’t the last you’ve heard from us.” The Stewarts are under contract through the end of the year and, although Ho reports their agent is trying to get them an early release from their deal that would allow them to work in the market sooner, they have a non-compete that would probably keep them off Atlanta radio until July of 2013. With that in mind, any speculation they could end up on CBS Radio’s new sports talk FM due to debut in October would be complicated by their contract situation.
Chicago Public Media Taps the Tribune’s and WGN’s Rick Kogan for Fill-In Gig. While Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ searches for a full-time replacement for PM drive talk host Steve Edwards (who’s exiting the organization to become deputy director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago), Chicago Tribune columnist and WGN’s “The Sunday Papers” host Rick Kogan will host the program until a permanent replacement is found. Time Out Chicago’s Robert Feder reports Kogan will give up the WGN gig while sitting in at WBEZ, telling him, “I’m flattered by this fascinating creative challenge. And I welcome the change in lifestyle. After all these years, it’ll be nice for a while not to have to get up at 4:30 in the morning every Sunday.”
Please Stop Copying. That’s the plea from Sabo Media chairman Walter Sabo in his most recent column for TALKERS. Sabo writes that too many talk show hosts are encouraged to take a page from some other very successful talk show host when what they should really be doing is using their own life experiences and feelings to express their own world view in an entertaining way. Interestingly, Sabo notes that many of the country’s “heritage” radio stations will sound funny to a non-native. “You’ve had the experience of listening to a legendary station for the first time and being shocked that it sounded horrible. Yes, it sounded horrible to you because you didn’t grow up in that city with that station. That’s not your station. The truly great stations are endemic to their cities. They copy no other station. Instead, they have created a mirror of the interest needs and tastes of their listeners.” Read Walter Sabo’s entire piece here.
Curtis Sliwa and Ron Kuby Reunited on Radio After Kuby Assaulted on the Streets. No, the arch-conservative and leftist duo that ruled the airwaves on WABC, New York for 10 years is not back together for a new radio show. But activist attorney Ron Kuby and conservative talk host Curtis Sliwa, who hosts the morning show on Salem Communications’ WNYM “970 The Answer,” did speak together on Sliwa’s program after Kuby was bloodied in an assault last week. Kuby went on Sliwa’s program to explain how he got into a fight with two young people who were shouting anti-gay epithets. The story made the New York Daily News and Sliwa even wove the incident into a live read for a Long Island dentist whom he said he would recommend to Kuby in case he needed any dental work after the beating. He did not.
Social Media: Your Frequent Flier Program. Radio programmer and digital entrepreneur Chris Miller says, when it comes to social media for radio stations, the people you reach are not your “friends,” they’re your “frequent fliers,” and you need to treat them as such to use social media more effectively. Miller says research indicates there are three primary reasons people follow brands on social media: 1) to get the advantage of insider information; 2) to get special deals and offers; and 3) to learn more about things you do that they like or are interested in. Learn what Miller says you can do to satisfy those interests. Read his piece here.
On the Road in Oklahoma City. Nationally syndicated talk superstar Dave Ramsey is on the road again visiting affiliate stations and producing live shows that draw thousands. He’s pictured here at the Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. With his brand new, intimate “Living a Legacy Live Event,” Ramsey speaks about how to win with money, strengthen marriages and lead your children with confidence. For this appearance, author Jon Acuff joined Ramsey on stage. Local affiliate KOKC realized the direct benefits of the live show for its audience and the station. KOKC’s Rob Adair states, “Anytime Dave Ramsey comes to Oklahoma City for an event with our radio station, everyone wins — our clients, our listeners, our station. Our ‘Living a Legacy’ was filled to the roof with listeners. Dave delivers again…but over-delivering is just his style.”
Harvey Nagler and Walter Sabo Join Growing Lineup of Stellar Speakers at Forthcoming TALKERS Los Angeles Event. Two more industry leaders have joined the roster of speakers at the forthcoming TALKERS New Media Seminar scheduled for Thursday, October 11 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm in association with the Los Angeles Press Club at the Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood. CBS Radio News VP Harvey Nagler will be joining the panel, “Spoken Word Radio: The Big Picture” along with Phil Boyce, VP/director, spoken word format, Salem Communications; Ron Hartenbaum, CEO, WYD Media Management, LLC; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; and Mike McVay, senior VP programming, Cumulus Media. The session will be moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison. In addition, Sabo Media chairman Walter Sabo will be presenting a special address titled “Interactivity and Video: The Key to Your Business Future.” Based upon registrations already booked, the event is projected to be sold out by the end of this week or very early the next. Full up-to-the-minute agenda details will be posted here at Talkers.com tomorrow – but to assure registration, attendees are advised to sign up now. Because it is open only to working media, there is no online registration — only by telephone. For registration and sponsorship information call 413-565-5413.
Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour Continues; Featured in Special Documentary on Current TV. The very successful “Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour” that comedienne and nationally syndicated talk show host Stephanie Miller has headed for the past 18 months or so was featured in a documentary on Friday, September 14 on Current TV. The program featured an “(almost) uncensored inside look into how it all began with never before seen footage from behind the scenes and exclusive inside commentary from Stephanie and co-stars John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and Aisha Tyler.” And the tour continues with stops at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre on September 29 and New York City’s Beacon Theatre on October 27.
The Adventures of Gas Can Man Hit Ft. Myers Market. Sun Broadcasting’s WFSX, Estero, Florida (“92.5 Fox News”) used the traveling political character Gas Can Man to offer some of its listeners gas at the January, 2009 price of $1.84 per gallon last Thursday. Gas Can Man is traveling the country in a gas can costume to associate high gas prices with the presidency of Barack Obama. WFSX and morning drive host Drew Steele arranged a deal with a local gas station to offer gas at the low price to the first 150 lucky drivers to line up at 7:30 am that morning. Steele stated prior to the promotion, “High gas prices have been one of the main topics of concern that our listeners have expressed in the last few months and we are going to do something about it for one morning for 150 of our neighbors. While Washington argues about billions and trillions of dollars they need to remember that the $60 or so many people are now paying to fill up their tanks is about double what it was just a few years ago — and that extra $30 or more each week is REAL money that has a serious impact on our families and our economy.”
Cross-Promotion. WJRW, Grand Rapids, Michigan talk show host and news director Dave Jaconette appears on this electronic billboard promoting the local appearance of “Blue Man Group” coming to the area this week as part of Broadway Grand Rapids’ Fall 2012 lineup.
Odds ‘n’ Sods. SiriusXM sports talk host Dino Costa is profiled in the October edition of Men’s Journal in a piece called: Dino Costa: The Angriest Man on the Airwaves. Costa (pictured below in a photo by Kareem Black) is part of the satcaster’s Mad Dog Radio channel and is quoted in the
piece saying, “To do the kind of show I demand of myself is an all-consuming undertaking. Every time I take to the air, what happened yesterday is old news. There isn’t enough of that in radio today. The worst thing you can be in radio is predictable, and 99% of radio is predictable.”…..LAF-ing CLIFF Media of Fort Wayne, Indiana, parent company of “Speed Talk” and RadioSpeedTalk.com, announces the departure of co-owner and “Speed Talk” co-host and executive producer Pete LaFaucia. “Speed Talk” was a weekly one-hour racing show that at its height had 10 radio affiliates nationally. The show’s creators have decided to split due to creative differences. LAF-ing CLIFF Media will dissolve with Cliff Tanner retaining “Speed Talk,” RadioSpeedTalk.com, and its affiliates reforming under the name Cliff Dawg Media…..The Martone family is moving the studios of news/talk WOCA-AM/FM, Ocala, Florida to the Paddock Mall. The station will overlook the food court and have a 12-foot glass wall that will allow mall patrons to see the main studio.
Talk Radio: The Next Generation. XtreMedia president and nationally syndicated talk host Kevin McCullough holds his newborn baby son Jonathan Stephen McCullough weighing in at 8 lbs, 5 oz. McCullough reports that both Jonathan and mom are doing well!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
More Groups Board the iHeartRadio Digital Train. In what seems to be an industry-wide strategy to battle Pandora in the digital realm, two more groups – Cox Media Group and Emmis Communications – have joined Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s iHeartRadio digital audio app. Cox Media Group will present 86 of its stations from 19 markets and Emmis will offer 20 stations from six markets on the platform. The iHeartRadio platform now boasts audio from more than 1,000 terrestrial stations from some 150 markets (plus the ability of users to create custom “stations” via song or artist) is available. Cox Media Group president Doug Franklin says, “Cox Media Group is impressed with the progress that iHeartRadio has made over the last year. Our strategy is to serve our listeners on as many digital platforms as possible. We look forward to extending our reach in partnership with iHeartRadio.” At Emmis, chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan states, “By joining iHeartRadio, we offer our listeners – including listeners of our premiere hip-hop brands Hot 97 in New York and Power 106 in Los Angeles – a great way to continue to enjoy our stations’ content.”
Jacobs Media Study Shows News/Talk Listeners Love Smartphones and Tablets; Not So Big on Social Media. The results of Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey 8 – data culled from regular radio listeners – indicates regular listeners to news/talk stations like the hardware but are as fond of using social media as primary listeners of other radio formats. The data was presented in a Jacobs Media webinar yesterday. Jacobs has been offering the webinars in format-specific chunks and yesterday’s focused on news/talk listeners. Fred Jacobs fed participants data from his company’s annual study and some of the takeaways included interesting data about their media consumption habits such as: News/talk listeners use cellphones, the internet, TV and AM/FM radio on par with listeners to other formats but their using of social media such as Facebook and Twitter is considerably less. However, when it comes to social media sites, their usage of LinkedIn exceeds that of usage by other format devotees. As for “first occasion” – which media is consumed first after waking up – 43% of news/talk listeners use radio either at home or in the car. They are also more likely than users of other formats to check their e-mail or read a newspaper (either in print or online) as their first media experience of the day. If it’s any inspiration for beefing up the news department, 70% of news/talk listeners cite getting the news/weather/traffic as the number one reason for listening to AM/FM radio compared to 22% for all other formats combined. Of all the formats, news/talk fans are least likely to “like” a station’s Facebook page but 21% say they check the station’s website every day. And when it comes to following a station or personality on Twitter, sports talk is the hands-down winner with 51% of sports talk fans saying they do so. News/talk aficionados do that less than the median with only 24% saying they follow a station or personality on Twitter. Finally, when it comes to audio and video streaming, 33% of news/talk listeners listen to the station’s stream once per week – below the average of 38% — but 61% of them will stream video once per week – that’s above the average. When they do, news/talk listeners get their video from network TV first, then cable TV, and their third favorite choice is your news/talk station.
ABC News Radio Partners with Slacker to Offer Lifestyle Talk Channels. Digital audio service Slacker and ABC News Radio will work together to offer lifestyle talk content targeting men and women – dubbed “Men’s Life” and “Women’s Life.” Slacker states in a release that the stations can be customized by the user to control the content they hear based on its relevance to them. Slacker SVP of marketing Jonathan Sasse says, “Our new lifestyle stations capture the most interesting content for men and women from experts in over a dozen subjects. No other radio service is providing access to content like this, and it is important to us that these stations include the option to customize based on the topics each listener finds most interesting.” Categories of content available to users include: (for men) Health & Fitness, Games & Gadgets, Food & Drink, Style & Fashion, Cars & Gear, Tech, Travel & Adventure, Entertainment, Money, Relationships, Green Living and Home Improvement. And for women: Hair & Beauty, Style & Fashion, Relationships, Health & Fitness, Money, Entertainment, Food & Drink, Home Living, Tech, Parenting, Travel & Adventure and Green Living. ABC News Radio VP and general manager Steve Jones says, “Since men and women often have different interests, our new Men’s Life and Women’s Life channels appeal to different sensibilities and styles. We curate this content to make it unique but ultimately Slacker listeners drive their own experience since they can skip stories within each channel just as they do now with songs.”
Google and SiriusXM Enter into Content Sharing Deal. Searching for ways to give a boost to its lagging Google TV service, the digital giant has struck a deal with SiriusXM to allow users of Google TV to hear all of the satcaster’s programming – including Howard Stern and the live sports programming. According to Reuters, the deal is to be announced at a Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco today. Google TV is a software built in to television sets currently manufactured by Sony, LG Electronics and Vizio. Major broadcasters have blocked online versions of their content from appearing on Google TV and the service has had a rough start, to say the least. Netflix and Amazon.com have joined Google TV as well.
Comedian and Morning Show Host Rickey Smiley Extends Deal with Radio One; Two TV Deals in the Works. Morning radio show host Rickey Smiley inks a contract extension with Radio One that will keep him with the company. Currently his morning show is heard in 55 markets on urban outlets. In addition, Smiley is developing a weekly TV sitcom for TV One currently in production in Atlanta. He will also be part of Fox TV’s “Dish Nation” show that features a number of morning radio hosts from around the country. Radio One CEO and TV One chairman Alfred Liggins states, “Radio One and TV One are huge believers in investing in quality content. Rickey Smiley represents a significant multi-media talent and our enhanced backing and long-term investment in his brand represents a commitment we believe is core to our companies’ future strategy. Rickey Smiley is not only a current star, but he is one of the fastest-growing entertainment brands in any media today.”
Odds ‘n’ Sods. Adam Carolla’s Carolla Digital enters into a partnership with TuneIn to deliver his content via the digital audio service. All episodes of every recent Carolla Digital will be available on the service that has some 30 million monthly active listeners…..SiriusXM sports talk host Dino Costa and former college basketball coach Steve Lappas will co-host the satcaster’s coverage of the NBA draft on Thursday, June 28 beginning at 7:00 pm on Mad Dog Radio…..WBZ-FM, Boston – 98.5 the Sports Hub – weekend sports talk host Nick Cattles heads south to become PM drive host at ESPN 94.1 FM (WVSP) serving the Norfolk, Virginia market. He takes over for Tony Mercurio who exited the station last month…..ESPN Radio presents live, exclusive coverage of the UEFA Euro 2012 Final on Sunday, July 1 at 2:30 pm ET.
Wisconsin Station Flips to Talk Beginning in July. The La Crosse Radio Group will flip standard WLFN, La Crosse, Wisconsin to news/talk beginning July 1. The station’s program lineup will feature local talk host Bob Schmidt in morning drive and an eclectic lineup of nationally syndicated talent including: “The Wall Street Journal This Morning” with Gordon Deal, Dial Global’s Dennis Miller, WIBA, Madison-based Vicki McKenna, WYD Media’s Michael Smerconish, The Wall Street Journal Radio Network’s “The Daily Wrap” with Michael Castner, Fox News Radio’s Alan Colmes, and CBS Radio’s “Overnight America” with Jon Grayson. WLFN program director Neil Klos tells TALKERS, “This radio station was designed local first giving our local listeners a voice. Our design was not to be ‘political,’ but entertaining and informative.”
Arizona Illegal Immigration Ruling, ‘Fast and Furious’ Contempt Vote, Colorado Wildfire, Looming ObamaCare Decision and Charles Rangel Wins Primary Battle Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/26). The aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling on the Arizona immigration law; a potential House contempt vote against Attorney General Eric Holder in the ‘Fast and Furious’ case; the Colorado wildfire that’s displaced more than 30,000 people; the expected decision from the Supreme Court on ObamaCare; and New York Congressman Charles Rangel’s primary election victory were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Super Bowl XLVI Ground Zero for Sports Radio This Week. The annual American ritual that is the NFL’s championship game is more than just a sports broadcasting event and has been for many years. But this year’s game between the New England Patriots and New York Giants is especially intriguing and is creating enormous content, revenue and positive imaging for the spoken-word stations taking part on a level that rivals and perhaps exceeds a national political convention. Some 100 sports stations, talk stations and network programs are filling the radio row and broadcasting from Indianapolis this week. CBS Radio’s WFAN, New York is promising to deliver more than 50 hours of coverage leading up to, during and after the game with hosts Mike Francesa, Boomer & Carton, Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts. Entercom’s WEEI, Boston is similarly situated in Indy broadcasting most of its programs from the site including Dennis & Callahan, Mut & Merloni and “The Big Show.” Numerous sports talk stations from markets outside New England and New York broadcast from the site as are the networks – ESPN, Fox Sports Radio and others. Sirius/XM Satellite Radio sports talk maverick Dino Costa is on the scene telling TALKERS, “You have no idea how much fun it is to be here and to be broadcasting from this amazing event.” Dial Global has the national radio rights to the game (Giants and Patriots local rights carriers WFAN and WBZ-FM, respectively, can broadcast the game) and has cleared the game broadcast on more than 650 stations and has sold out the inventory. Football is traditionally considered a television sport but football fans can’t always be near a television (or internet video feed) and that usually gives radio a healthy audience – as evidenced by Dial Global’s Edison Research-commissioned poll indicating more than 29 million Americans listened to at least a portion of the conference championship games this year.
KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa Shifts Network Programming; Adds PM Drive News Hour. Cox Media Group’s news/talk KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa brings market news and talk pro Dan Potter back to the station to host a 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm program called “The KRMG Afternoon News with Dan Potter.” Program director Drew Anderssen says, “KRMG listeners have told us it’s more
important than ever for us to give them more frequent news, weather and traffic reports on their way home from work. So, we’re taking action to address those needs.” The station is also shifting Premiere Networks’ Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity from a one-hour delay to their live air times of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm CT respectively. “With this change, listeners will now be able to hear what Rush and Sean have to say about events as they happen, not one hour later,” Anderssen states. Dan Potter previously served as KRMG news director and morning news anchor before leaving the station in 2010 to attend to family matters.
Garrett Lewis Appointed to PD Post at KNST-AM/FM, Tucson. Clear Channel Tucson 
ups morning drive host Garrett Lewis to the program director position, replacing former PD Chris Patyk. Lewis – host of the “Morning Ritual” AM drive show since February of 2010 – signs a two-year deal to continue anchoring the morning show and stepping into the programmer’s role as well. CC Tucson operations director Chris Pickett states, “Being able to keep Garrett is a big part of the evolution of KNST to FM. His show has become must-listen radio and with his direction, I am confident that KNST will soar to new heights in the not-so-distant future.”
Current TV Enlists Guest Hosts for Ailing Keith Olbermann. According to Mediaite, “Countdown” host Keith Olbermann’s chair is being filled by Bill Press and others while he recovers from a case of bronchitis. Earlier, TALKERS reported that former New York Governor and CNN personality Eliot Spitzer was sitting in for Olbermann. That was not correct as Bill Press has been hosting the show the past four nights. However, Mediaite is reporting that Spitzer will host the program tonight (2/1). Speculation is that Olbermann and Current TV have been butting heads lately – something founder Al Gore has publicly denied – and that Current TV may be testing the waters to see who might be a good fit for the network if Olbermann exits.
ESPN Radio Gets Back into the Detroit Metro on WCAR. The Birach Broadcasting-owned station is licensed to Livonia, Michigan west of Detroit on the way to Ann Arbor. Sima Birach, Jr. says, “Detroit is nationally recognized as one of the top three sports towns in America and we are ecstatic to bring the full force of the ESPN brand to Detroit’s loyal sports fans. In addition to local programming which features some of Detroit’s iconic sports figures, we’re confident we’ll serve our listeners with the content they’ve been longing for.” The station will carry the full lineup of ESPN Radio programming.
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Puts ESPN Deportes on Chicago Translator. The deal between Clear Channel and ESPN places the latter’s Spanish-language sports format on what has been a translator for Educational Media Foundation’s Christian WNKV-FM, Norco, Louisiana – we’re assuming EMF and CC have a deal for the latter to handle the programming. According to ESPN, the 3-watt signal in Chicago at 95.7 FM covers “downtown Chicago and will also reach largely Hispanic/Latino neighborhood communities, including Cicero, Berwyn and Pilsen.” ESPN Deportes Radio GM Oscar Ramos says, “This expansion is a milestone for the ESPN Deportes brand and yet another step forward in our effort to make ESPN Deportes Radio available to Hispanic sports fans nationwide. We are thrilled with our agreement with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment to bring our comprehensive programming to Chicago fans while also providing a great platform for advertisers.”
Thom Hartmann’s “Big Picture” TV Show Gets International Distribution. Dial Global nationally syndicated progressive talk host Thom Hartmann produces a TV program called “The Big Picture” which is already distributed to Free Speech TV and RT America. Now, RT International announces it will distribute Hartmann’s show to cable systems elsewhere including the UK and Europe, Africa, Australia and South America. RT International states it has a reach into 100 countries containing a half-billion households. Hartmann says, “This is such an important time, with a U.S. presidential election as important as any I can remember, a global financial crisis, and tensions in the Middle East seeming to rise once again. I look forward to the opportunity to share my common-sense progressive views on these issues and more with viewers throughout the globe.”
Talk Host Phil Valentine’s Global Warming-Challenging Film Debuts. Nashville-based talk show host Phil Valentine’s movie “An Inconsistent Truth” hit the theater in Nashville last weekend and grossed more than $20,000. Valentine produced and stars in the film that challenges anthropogenic global warming with Phil taking the role of a conservative Michael Moore-type 
documentary host. (The film was co-produced by Ann Cates and executive producers David Harper, Joseph Edwards and Michael Costanza.) Valentine used the power of his talk show in Nashville to promote the movie and drew good crowds based on the one-weekend gross. This kind of project is indicative of the kind of promotional power a good talk show host can have with a quality product like Valentine’s movie. Valentine says he’s thrilled with the first weekend’s showing in Nashville. “We thought we may have something but we had no idea the response would be this strong. I’m speechless.” Valentine and distributor Rocky Mountain Pictures are weighing their next move in distributing the movie across the country over the next couple of weeks. Check out the trailer here.
Valerie Geller Consults PBS Documentary. The president of Geller Media International, Valerie Geller – a leading talk radio consultant – participated as an advisor to the PBS documentary film “Daisy Bates – First Lady of Little Rock” airing nationally on PBS-TV stations tomorrow night (2/2) and in New York City on February 5. The Independent Documentary Series production tells the story of Daisy Bates, a complex, unconventional, and largely forgotten heroine of the civil rights movement who led the charge to desegregate the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. In addition to being an informative slice of history, the film is a conversation starter bringing up a number of compelling and controversial questions. The “Little Rock Nine” faced unimaginable verbal abuse and threats to their very lives. Was it ethical for Bates’s NAACP to put children on the front lines of the desegregation battle — even if they volunteered to be there or chose to be there? Geller tells TALKERS, “One of the joys of consulting work is the opportunity to help other people achieve their dreams. I’m honored to have had the chance to work with documentary producer Sharon La Cruise on her film.
Dave Vieser Exits WCHU-AM/FM, Ithaca Morning Show. Management at the Saga Communications news/talk station tells CNYRadio.com that Dave Vieser left his APD and morning co-host role for personal reasons. The move leaves program director/news director Geoff Dunn as solo host of the morning drive show but the station states on its website, “We are currently working on a transition plan for a new host of the program. We will miss Dave, and wish him well.”
Florida GOP Primary, Syria Violence, Occupy DC, and Taliban-Pakistan Link Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/31). Mitt Romney’s victory over Newt Gingrich in the Florida primary, the ongoing violence in Syria, the Occupy DC movement that is clashing with authorities and the suspected link between the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s government were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
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