Tag: "Dr. Laura Schlessinger"
Friday, November 16, 2018
WDAE, Tampa Names ‘Ron & Ian’ Afternoon Drive Show. Longtime Tampa Bay and WDAE sports talk personality Steve Duemig focuses on his health as he continues
treatment for a brain tumor. He’ll step aside as the station names Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles hosts of the afternoon drive “Ron & Ian” show, effective Monday, November 26. This is a return to the station for the duo who exited three years ago in a programming reshuffle. Producer Jay Recher remains in the afternoon slot as a “key part of the program.” Diaz says, “The band is back together and it’s about time to rock. During the year that the show first began, the Lightning won the Stanley Cup. No pressure guys let’s do it again.” Beckles adds, “I am super excited to reunite with Ron and Jay to create the Ron & Ian show 2.0. Tampa Bay has been begging for its return, so I hope everyone is ready.”
WXYT-FM, Detroit Personality Mike Valenti to Launch Podcast on RADIO.COM. Motor City sports talk personality Mike Valenti – heard in afternoon drive on Entercom’s sports talker WXYT-FM – is the latest to launch a podcast on the
company’s digital platform RADIO.COM. Titled, “Always Aggravated,” the weekly program “is a chance for fans to go behind the scenes with Valenti and his cast of characters from his daily afternoon drive show.” Entercom Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “Mike is an extraordinary talent who is loved by Detroit sports fans. This podcast will be an extension of his show, giving fans access to an unfiltered Mike Valenti.” Valenti comments, “This podcast is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. It gives us the chance to go beyond what we are able to discuss in our daily show. Nothing is off limits and I am very excited about the opportunity to appeal to listeners around the country.”
Tennessee Won’t Prosecute Former WGOW-FM, Chattanooga Talk Host Jeff Styles. The good news for former WGOW-FM, Chattanooga morning personality Jeff Styles is that the state won’t be prosecuting him on an aggravated assault charge; the bad news is the road rage incident from last June cost him his job at the Cumulus
Media talk station. Styles testified that Nick Bullington was driving recklessly toward him and waving a gun before Styles got out of his car at a red light and attacked Bullington’s vehicle with a tomahawk. Bullington fired his weapon and Styles was hit in the arm. The case was bound to a grand jury but now the state is electing not to prosecute. The Chattanoogan reports Styles’ attorney Lee Davis told the court, “Jeff Styles called 911 after he was shot. He cooperated in the police investigation and testified in court. Jeff has done everything possible to be fully accountable for his actions. I appreciate the care and deliberation that District Attorney Neal Pinkston has taken in the review of this case. On behalf of Jeff Styles, I want to express my support and appreciation of the state’s decision after careful review to dismiss this matter.”
iHeartMedia Monthly Operating Report: September Revenue Up 9.6%. As it has
been doing while working its way through Chapter 11 reorganization, iHeartMedia files another monthly operating report with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This report – for the month of September – notes that revenue was $325.9 million, an increase of 9.6% over August’s $299.4 million figure. Operating income was down 20.6% to $62.4 million and net income was $11.9 million – down a dramatic 140% from August’s net income of $66.9 million. During September, iHeartMedia paid out $15.8 million to outside professionals assisting in the reorganization process.
TALKERS News Notes. There’s been no official communique from Entercom
Minneapolis but after seven months with the cluster, operations manager Andy Bloom exits. He’d been in charge of operations at heritage news/talk WCCO-AM, country KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9,” and adult hits KZJK “104.1 JACK FM.” Previously, Bloom had been with CBS RADIO as operations manager for sports talk WIP-FM and news/talk WPHT in Philadelphia. Bloom simply tells the Pioneer Press, “WCCO is a legendary station. I wish them luck.”…..The Boston Beasley Media Group stations are taking part in the third official “Massachusetts Civility Day” proclaimed by Governor Charlie Baker. National Civility Foundation executive director Judith Bowman says the purpose of tomorrow’s (11/17) event is “to have every person in every family, every company…consciously 
perform a random act of kindness. Day of Civility is timely given our coarse global climate and particularly fitting as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday season.”…..Pictured at left are some of the staff members of Alpha Media Alaska posing with their “Goldie Awards” from the Alaska Broadcasters Association. The cluster garnered four awards: KFDQ-AM, Anchorage’s “Big Alaska Show” for Best Radio Show; sports talk KHAR for Best Sports Play-By-Play; classic hits KEAG-FM, Anchorage for Best Radio Commercial (:30); and country KBRJ-FM for Best Radio Commercial (over :30). Pictured here are (from l-r): “Big Alaska Show” host Steve Stripling, KBRJ-FM program director Joe Campbell, Lindsey Dailey, Steven Franklin, and John Miller.
Talkin’ Turkey. KIDO, Boise morning drive personality Kevin Miller (dressed as a turkey) is pictured here broadcasting from inside a Walmart in Nampa, Idaho where he’s been living to collect turkeys for the Boise Rescue Mission. This is Miller’s eighth year living at and broadcasting from the Walmart to help the cause. With him in the photo are KTVB-TV, Boise’s Larry Gebert (left) and Boise Rescue Mission CEO Reverend Bill Roscoe (right).
CNN-White House Suit Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 12-16. CNN’s suit against the White House for the pulling of reporter Jim Acosta’s press credentials was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Florida election re-counts and the related allegations of voter fraud by President Trump. Coming in at #3 was the status of the Trump-Russia investigation, followed by the migrant caravan and U.S. illegal immigration policy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
30th Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. In New York City last night (11/15), 10 radio broadcasters were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. A number of talk personalities were enshrined, including longtime New York radio talk host Joan Hamburg, pictured above with actor Alan Alda, who introduced her, stating, “She has the ability to interview anybody with grace and good humor.” Other talk hosts enshrined were: Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, SiriusXM personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Jonathon Brandmeier, Westwood One syndicated host Mark Levin, WFAN legend Mike Francesa, and sports talker Nanci Donnellan, a.k.a., the Fabulous Sports Babe (who was unable to attend). Music radio personalities inducted included WAXQ, New York morning host Jim Kerr and Kid Kelly, along with consultant Fred Jacobs. Pictured below are (from l-r): Jacobs, Levin, Kerr, and Brandmeier.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country WQIK, Jacksonville promotes music director John Scott to program director, effective immediately. Scott will report to iHeartMedia SVP of programming Gary “Geewiz” Christopher, who says, “We are thrilled to have John transition to program director for the number one country station in Jacksonville. He understands our listeners and brings his passion and extensive knowledge of the market to this role and we know he will continue to contribute to our station’s ongoing success.” Over the past 28 years, he has served WQIK as morning show host, midday personality, and afternoon drive jock…..Entercom’s rock KISW, Seattle is presenting the fourth annual “Live Day.” This year’s event will feature broadcasts of the station’s morning show “BJ & Migs” and afternoon show “The Mens Room” in front of a live audience with no recorded commercials, sound effects or music. More than 100 performers and producers are involved in creating eight hours of completely live radio. “Live Day” will emanate from Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom on Tuesday (11/20) and feature a cast of local musicians, Foley artists and comedians, and station on-air talent including “BJ & Migs,” Ryan Castle, Taryn Daly, and talent from The Mens Room. KISW legacy talent Kathy Faulkner and Spike O’Neill will also be in attendance…..WWPR, New York-based morning show “The Breakfast Club” raised more than $200,000 during its second annual #Change4Change to benefit PROJECT 375, an organization whose mission is to raise awareness of mental health, ending the stigma and raising funds for treatment. The Breakfast Club personalities DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God worked in support of PROJECT 375, a charity co-founded by NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall and his wife Michi. PROJECT 375 offers several free community programs and resources addressing mental health such as Project Prevent, which provides technology-driven mental health first aid training for parents, teachers and anyone working closely with youth; and Mind Over Matter Talks, where members of the organization visit schools to speak with students, principals, community leaders and parents about mental health…..Bobby Bones show co-host Amy Brown is launching an iHeartRadio original podcast called “4 Things with Amy Brown,” focused on featuring “4 Things” listeners can do to promote healthy well-being and to “maintain an attitude of gratitude, while sprinkling joy and giving back in their daily lives.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott states, “Amy is an integral part of some of our most-popular Country radio programs. We’ve seen firsthand how her loyal following of fans stays connected across any and every platform, so this podcast is a natural next step.”…..Sun Broadcast Group celebrates its 10th anniversary. The national radio network is now headquartered in New York City and Boca Raton and is home to “The Country Fried Mix with DJ Sinister,” multiple nationally syndicated shows hosted by “Fitz,” “The Woody & Wilcox Show,” and Sun Latino among many others.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Legendary Radio Personality Dan Ingram Dies at 83. New York all-news WINS-AM reports that legendary radio jock Dan Ingram died on Sunday evening (6/24) at his home in Florida after several years of dealing with health issues. He was 83. Ingram is widely considered to have been the greatest
disc jockey in the history of American top 40 radio. Ingram first got into radio during his student days at Hofstra University on Long Island. He worked at WABC-AM during its heyday as a top 40 powerhouse (from 1961 to 1982). After that, he did several weekly syndicated radio programs and, in 1991, joined the air staff at WCBS-FM, New York. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who shared the honor of being one of the charter inductees into the Hofstra University Radio Hall of Fame with Ingram, issued the following statement, “Dan Ingram was larger than life on WABC in its pop music heyday. He was, in my opinion, the greatest top 40 radio disc jockey of all time – not just being a master of compacted content delivered by an awesome voice with a remarkable range, but a genius practitioner of timing that made the flow of elements, including his announcing, that rushed out of the speakers truly symphonic in nature. He raised the presentation of pop radio formatics to an art form. His influence on our industry’s music presenters and talk show hosts alike was absolutely profound.” Industry chronicler Art Vuolo created a tribute video to Ingram that you can see here.
Scripps Strikes Deal to Sell Tulsa Cluster. Regular TALKERS readers are aware that E.W. Scripps recently announced it is in the process of selling off
its radio assets to focus on being a television company. Now, we learn that Scripps has entered into a deal with Oklahoma City-based Griffin Communications to sell its 
Tulsa radio cluster to the company for $12.5 million. The stations include: news/talk KFAQ, CHR KHTT, country KVOO, country KXBL, and classic hits KBEZ. Although Griffin operates a statewide radio network, these will be the first radio stations it has owned in many years. It currently operates television stations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa as well as outdoor companies. Scripps has a total of 34 stations to sell, including the Tulsa group.
TALKERS Begins Posting Videos Today of the Recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Convention – First Up: SiriusXM Host Karen Hunter Receives the Freedom of Speech Award. Today (6/25) TALKERS magazine begins posting individual events from the recent TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! convention held in New York City on June 8. Each day, another session will be posted in the order that they originally took place. Today’s first installment features the presentation of the Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech (“Freedom of Speech Award”) by TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian to SiriusXM Satellite Radio host, book publisher, Hunter College professor, and former New York Daily News/Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Karen Hunter. The presentation was captured on video at the convention’s opening breakfast. To view the video, please click here.
National Radio Hall of Fame Inductees Announced; Public Votes in Mark Levin and Industry Panel Honors Six Talk Personalities. The public cast more than half a million votes for the two categories open to them for
induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame: Spoken Word Format On-Air Personality and Music Format On-Air Personality, and Westwood One syndicated host Mark Levin will be inducted 
in the former category while Kid Kelly was honored in the latter category. Four of the categories were decided by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. Those inductees are: Jonathon Brandmeier, Active Local/Regional, 10+ years; Jim Kerr, Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years; Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg, Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years; and Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years. The NRHOF nominating committee also decided to induct four individuals for their contribution to the industry. They chose: Nanci Donnellan, a.k.a. The Fabulous Sports Babe; longtime WFAN, New York sports talk host Mike Francesa; New York broadcast legend (WOR-AM and WABC-AM) Joan Hamburg; and classic rock programmer and consultant Fred Jacobs. NRHOF chairman Kraig T. Kitchin says, “It’s our mission to recognize the most impactful personalities and individuals to our medium and honor them. We’re proud to induct these individuals for their contributions into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2018, our 30th year.” The induction ceremony takes place November 15 at Guastavino’s in midtown Manhattan.
Glenn Beck Walks Off Camera During Segment with CNN’s Brian Stelter. Before Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk star Glenn Beck
unclipped his lavalier mic and walked off the set, he was already frustrated with CNN’s Brian Stelter and the way the segment was going. But when Stelter brought up Friday’s Daily Beast piece titled, “Glenn Beck’s Media Empire Implodes. Again,” Beck had had enough. See the video here. The story cites sources that report there’s been another round of layoffs at Beck’s TheBlaze. That news comes as Beck told his listeners he’s selling his Dallas-area house because he fears the economy and doesn’t “want to be sitting with a big huge house.”
Financial Talker Ray Lucia Wins at SCOTUS; to Get New Hearing in ‘Buckets of Money’ Case. Financial talk radio personality – and investment adviser – Ray Lucia won a major battle at U.S. Supreme Court that will have
repercussions on how the Securities Exchange Commission will work going forward. Five years ago, an SEC administrative judge barred Lucia from the investment adviser industry and ordered him to pay a $300,000 fine related to his “Buckets of Money” strategy that the judge ruled misled investors. Lucia challenged the constitutionality of the administrative judge system and won a 7-2 decision at the Supreme Court as it ruled that administrative judges appointed by low-level staffers are unconstitutional. The doesn’t get Lucia off the hook in the “Buckets of Money” case, but it gets him a new hearing.
Michael Harrison Appears on HLN’s ‘Opinion Nation’ Hosted by Carol Costello. Pictured above is TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison on HLN’s “Opinion Nation” discussing the topic, “Should we publicly shame people over their politics?” The other panelists were former Bernie Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver and GOP strategist Kevin Madden. Weaver and Madden argued over whether the separating of families at the border is egregious enough to warrant the kind of public displays against administration officials that we’ve been seeing in the news. Weaver said yes. Madden said no. Harrison said we must practice civility in public and engage in constructive dialogue over our differences and stop demonizing those with whom we disagree, or we’ll never reach consensus or the kind of compromise necessary to run a civilized democratic society. He said, “The place to settle these differences is the ballot box, not the street, theaters, or public restaurants.”
SRN’s Mike Gallagher Broadcasts Live from Rio Grande Border. With illegal immigration policy the most-talked-about topic on news/talk radio, Salem Radio Network star Mike Gallagher (above) spent the weekend talking to people in the Rio Grande valley in advance of his live broadcast from the region today (6/25). SRN calls it “a ground-level, three-hour exclusive report from the sizzling U.S./Mexico border…as only Mike Gallagher can deliver!”
TALKERS News Notes. WABC, New York morning personalities Bernard McGuirk and Sid Rosenberg are broadcasting live from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Thursday and Friday (6/28-29) to celebrate the entertainment destination’s grand opening…..Westwood One News is exploring the music, movies, and TV shows of the year 1968 via the special “1968: Turn on, Tune in, Change Channels.” WWO says it’s a “half-hour news special, featuring archive audio and new analysis,” available to Westwood One News affiliates for the Fourth of July holiday and the following weekend. It will also replace “The Week in Review” July 7-8..…Indiana Radio Watch publisher Blaine Thompson reports that Doug Zook has exited his role as host of “Anderson Live” on Woof Boom Broadcasting-owned news/talk WHBU, Anderson, Indiana. Weekend talk host Steve Guinn is assuming hosting duties for the 7:00 am to 9:00 am program…..WTMJ, Milwaukee is presenting its inaugural “Brewers Classic” game celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Milwaukee Brewers’ dramatic 2008 season-ending win against the Chicago Cubs with a re-broadcast of the play-by-play on July 18…..WCHV Charlottesville, Virginia’s Joe Thomas was awarded the “Outstanding Feature Reporting” award by Virginia Association of Broadcasters for the station’s live coverage of the August 12, 2017 riots in Charlottesville…..In the public media sphere, WNYC, New York chief content officer Dean Cappello exits the station after a 21-year career there. Prior to this year, Cappello was in charge of the organization’s national shows and podcast efforts, but he recently pulled back and was focusing solely on New York’s WNYC-AM/FM.
Trump Illegal Immigration Policy/House Immigration Bill, Sanders-Nielsen Restaurant Incidents/Maxine Waters Speech, Stormy Daniels Meeting Canceled, Saudi Women Drivers, Glenn Beck-Brian Stelter Interview, Erdogan Wins ‘Re-Election,’ and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The controversy over the separation of parents and children during enforcement of immigration violations and the related House immigration bill; Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kirjsten Nielsen’s public restaurant experiences and Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ speech encouraging people to harass administration officials in public; Stormy Daniels’ attorney’s public complaint about canceled meeting with special counsel investigation; women in Saudi Arabia begin legally driving cars; Glenn Beck walks off the set of an interview with CNN’s Brian Stelter; Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “re-elected” leader of Turkey; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
PPM Analysis: Urban AC. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on urban AC. Comparing numbers from Nielsen’s May 2017 to this year’s survey, 51% of urban AC stations saw their weekly (6+) AQH go up and 46% declined. Nine urban AC outlets ranked #1 (6+) in their respective markets in May, including by iHeartMedia’s WVAZ, Chicago, which has been #1 for the past five surveys. Radio One’s WFXC, Raleigh notches its 12th #1 rank in a row. See the story here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Tracy Dixon inks a multi-year extension to continue with Bonneville’s country KYGO, Denver where she co-hosts the “Tracy & Guy” morning program with Guy David. Program director John E. Kage comments, “‘Tracy & Guy’ have been steadily rising in the ratings and are poised for great things in the Denver market. Tracy is an all-around media threat with her great work leading the morning show, her natural presence on TV with CBS, and her incredible social skills and onstage presence. Her work in the community, as well as with St. Jude, makes all of us at Bonneville proud.”…..Great Plains Media brings on-air pro Joshua James aboard to host middays on CHR KKSW, Topeka “105.9 KISS.” KKSW program director Beth Cruise states, “We are thrilled to welcome Joshua James to the ‘105.9 KISS’ family. His enthusiasm and love for the community will be a perfect fit with our long-term relationship with the University of Kansas Jayhawks and our listeners in Topeka and the western suburbs of Kansas City.”
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
FCC Votes to Eliminate Main Studio Rule on Party Line. The Democrats on the Federal Communications Commission are not happy about it but broadcasters are cheering the Commission’s 3-2 vote today (10/24) that eliminated the broadcast main studio rule. The Order retains the requirement that stations maintain a local or toll-free telephone number to ensure 
consumers have ready access to their local stations. The 80-year-old rule was designed to “facilitate input from community members and the station’s participation in community activities.” But, Republicans argued that the rule was outdated and an unnecessary burden. They argue that the repeal of the rule should “produce substantial cost-saving benefits for broadcasters that can be directed toward such things as programming, equipment upgrades, newsgathering, and other services that benefit consumers. It will also make it easier for broadcasters to prevent stations in small towns from going dark and to launch new stations in rural areas.”
MacGunnigle Named APD at WPRO-AM, Providence. At the Providence Cumulus Media cluster, staffer Doug MacGunnigle is promoted to assistant program director for “NewsTalk 99.7 FM and AM 630” (WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM) and sister business talk station WPRV. Previously,
MacGunnigle had been serving as producer and digital content director. MacGunnigle has produced talk shows at WPRO for Steve Kass, Ron St. Pierre, Arlene Violet, and Dan Yorke. MacGunnigle started his career at WPRO in 2002. After stints at other media outlets in the area, he returned to WPRO in May 2015 and has served as producer of the Matt Allen show. WPRO and WPRV program director Neil Larrimore says, “Doug has been an integral part of WPRO-AM and WPRV-AM for many years and has served as a backbone through a particularly tough period of change over the last 24 months. It’s the perfect time to start him on the next step of his career. I’m proud to name him as assistant program director.”
Industry Luminaries to Induct National Radio Hall of Famers. When this year’s inductees are enshrined in the National Radio Hall of Fame on November 2, they’ll be presented by leaders in the industry. The 29th Annual National Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony takes place at the 
Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago (it will also be broadcast commercial free via TuneIn). This year, Entercom president and CEO David Field will induct his father, Entercom founder Joseph Field; on-air legend Scott Shannon will induct Premiere Networks superstar Sean Hannity; iHeartCountry chief Rod Phillips will induct Premiere’s country morning star Bobby Bones; Cumulus Media VP of classic rock Scott Jameson will induct KQRS, Minneapolis morning icon Tom Barnard; Chicago media star Bob Sirott will induct pioneering disc jockey John Records Landecker; iHeartMedia West president Greg Ashlock will induct KFI, Los Angeles morning personality Bill Handel; and St. Louis talk host Ryan Wrecker will accept induction for the late Bob Sievers. National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig T. Kitchin says, “We’re pleased to have such talented and accomplished presenters joining us on this special night and happy that those who can’t attend won’t miss a beat thanks to TuneIn.”
TALKERS News Notes. The new ESPN2 television show “Barstool Van Talk” – from Barstool Sports – has been canceled after its first airing, but not because of the show itself. The TV program was based on the podcast “Pardon My Take” starring Barstool Sports’ Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter. But the connection to Barstool Sports – known for misogynistic humor – was too much for ESPN president John Skipper, who stated in a press release, “Effective immediately, I am cancelling ‘Barstool Van Talk.’ While we had approval on the content of the show, I erred in assuming we could distance our efforts from the Barstool site and its
content.”…..Pictured at right is Salem Radio Network v.p./News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup (center) on the set of the film, God’s Not Dead 3 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He’s standing with actor and producer David A.R. White (left) and John Corbett (right) best known as co-star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding…..A live radio broadcast of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat,” – a tale of murder and supernatural revenge – is being produced for Husson University’s WHSN-FM, Bangor, Maine. It will be performed live from the Gracie Theatre on Thursday, October 26 at 7:30 pm. The program is billed as “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” and features a cast 
of Husson University students and local residents and it’s free and open to the public…..At left is famed director Rob Reiner (left) sitting with ABC News chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl (right) and ABC News political director Rick Klein (center) recording their “Powerhouse Politics” podcast. The program was video-streamed live as Reiner joined the program to talk about his latest film, the historically themed LBJ…..iHeartMedia announces the addition of “The Fatherly Podcast” to the iHeartRadio digital platform. The program is hosted by veteran journalist, children’s book author, and father of two, Joshua David Stein and is a weekly show about raising children and the lives of men who take on that responsibility. Each episode is built around a wide-ranging interview with a notable father. Guests include Emmy Award-winner Sterling K. Brown, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.
Trump Tax Plan, North Korea Nuclear Threats, Sessions Announces MS-13 Efforts, Niger Ambush Investigation, Uranium One Probe, Sexual Harassment/O’Reilly-Weinstein Cases, California Wildfires, Xi Jinping Cements Power, World Series, and NFL Ratings, Protests, and Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/23). The Trump Administration’s plan for tax reform; North Korea’s stockpiling of weapons and talk of nuclear war; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement that the DOJ is using more legal weapons to prosecute MS-13 gang members; the investigation into what when wrong at the Niger ambush of U.S. forces; allegations that the Obama Administration’s deal with Russian firm Uranium One benefitted the Clinton Foundation; sexual harassment in the workplace and the high-profile Harvey Weinstein and Bill O’Reilly cases; the destruction from Northern California’s wildfires and the struggle to contain them; “Xi Jinping Thought” is enshrined into China’s communist constitution, ensuring he’ll rule as long as he’s healthy; the Dodgers-Astros World Series; and National Football League ratings, anthem protests and 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. Programming pro Bobby Novosad is promoted to program director for Cumulus Media’s country KXKC-FM, Lafayette, Louisiana “NASH FM 99.1.” Novosad continues his duties as brand manager and morning host at sister CHR KSMB. Cumulus Media Lafayette vice president and market manager Scott Chiasson says, “I am very excited to promote Bobby to program director of KXKC ‘NASH FM 99.1.’ Bobby has been a generational staple in the Lafayette metro area and is a fantastic radio guy. His deep experience and understanding of the way a winning station should sound is already having an impact. This is great for Bobby, Cumulus, our loyal listeners and the community we serve.”…..Thirty-one year radio pro Darrel Eason is appointed to the program director position at Salem Media Group’s urban Gospel KXFN/K236CS, St. Louis “Praise 95.1.” Eason is also hosting “The Morning Praise” from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Eason was previously the programmer at iHeartMedia’s crosstown KATZ-AM “Hallelujah 1600.”…..Former WGNA, Albany personality Marissa Lanchak announces via Facebook that she’s the new night jock at Beasley Media’s country WKLB, Boston. She wrote, “It’s taken a lot of bumps in the last couple of years to get to this spot. But I’m proud to say that I’ve accepted the night show position at Country 102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country!”…..Beasley Media Group’s adult hits WBEN-FM, Philadelphia announces Twister Sister lead singer Dee Snider will be the guest host of “95.7 BEN FM’s Halloween Hair Ball” on Saturday, October 28. Snider will play the top 50 greatest hair band hits of the 80s as chosen by the 95.7 BEN FM listeners – all commercial free! Station program director Chuck Damico comments, “We came up with the idea of letting listeners choose their favorite scary, hairy hits of the 80s and running them back countdown style for people’s Halloween parties. There’s only one perfect host that makes sense for that – Dee Snider! He’s an 80s rocker, a radio pro and Philly loves him! We’re thrilled to have Dee party with ‘95.7 BEN FM’ for the Halloween weekend.”
Luke Bryan Chats with Shawn and Elaina. It was a big day for country stars in person at Cumulus Media’s NASH Campus in Nashville as Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, and Chris Lane all stopped by to chat on the “NASH Nights Live” program. Pictured above is Bryan (left) with show co-stars Elaina Smith (center) and Shawn Parr (right).
CBS’ ‘We Can Survive’ Concert Rocks Hollywood Bowl. Pictured above is pop star Kesha performing onstage at the Hollywood Bowl at CBS RADIO’s We Can Survive 2017 benefit concert on Saturday (10/21). Other performers included: Alessia Cara, Harry Styles, Khalid, Lorde, Macklemore, P!nk, Sam Hunt, and Sam Smith, plus a surprise performance by Niall Horan. The show was hosted in support of breast cancer awareness and benefits the Young Survival Coalition, the premier organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for CBS RADIO.
The State of Women on Talk Radio – Part 1
Why aren’t there more?
By Jeff McKay
TALKERS
Special Features Correspondent
Beginning today (11/2), TALKERS is launching a multi-part feature story about the status of female talk show hosts in the radio business that will run throughout this week.
Part 1: Setting the stage
NEW YORK – One of the two most FAQs presented to the TALKERS editorial staff, year after year, is “Why aren’t there more female hosts on talk radio?” (The other is, “Why aren’t there more liberals…” – but that has already been the subject of numerous articles in this publication, not to mention discussions at its conferences… so we’ll devote this piece to the lesser-explored “woman” question.)
At the outset, however, several points of clarification are in order:
First, when we use the term “talk radio” in this series, we are referring to “news/talk” radio and even more specifically, “political news/talk radio.” That’s where the woman issue exists.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Tidwell Tapped as iHM San Antonio SVP/Programming. Inbound from Tucson where he was iHeartMedia‘s senior vice president of programming, Lance Tidwell transfers to San Antonio for similar duties. Executive vice president of programming for iHeartMedia major markets Brad Hardin comments, “I am extremely pleased to welcome Lance to the iHeartMedia San Antonio family. Tidwell is a strong talent and has had much success in his tenure with iHeartMedia. His programming acumen and depth of experience will allow him to ramp up quickly and build immediate relationships with the programming and sales team.” San Antonio market president Marlene Trevino remarks, “I am excited that our San Antonio programming operations will be led by Tidwell. He understands our company¹s vision to be innovative with every move. Lance¹s experience collaborating with programming and sales teams will provide us and our partners with unbeatable forward momentum in the continued evolution of our brands in the San Antonio
market.” Tidwell notes that he is “grateful” to Trevino and Hardin “for the chance to work with these great brands and team in San Antonio. I am eager to get started and lead the market to continued growth and success.” In addition to having programmed in Seattle, Memphis, Hartford, Monterey-Salinas, and New Haven (Connecticut), Tidwell was chief operating officer for Southern Star Broadcasting. With 6+ share/market ranks from the most recent Nielsen Audio PPM sweep in parentheses (July 2015), iHeartMedia’s San Antonio cluster consists of country KAJA “KJ-97” (6.0, #3); mainstream CHR KXXM “Mix 96.1” (4.8, #5); adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9” (4.7, #6); talk WOAI (4.2, #10); rhythmic CHR KZEP “Hot 104.5” (2.1, #19); regional Mexican KQXT-HD3 (1.8, #20); sports KTKR “The Ticket” (.6, #26); and classic country KRPT “B-Buc” (.2, #27).
CBS Radio Q2 Revenue Off 5%. While second quarter revenue for CBS Corp. increased 1% to $3.22 billion from $3.19 billion in 2014, CBS Radio revenue declined 5%. Executive chair Sumner Redstone states, “CBS is at the center of the action during an extremely exciting time in media. We continue to succeed as a result of our world-class content.” According to president and chief executive officer Les Moonves, “This quarter underscores the key steps we are taking to build out our long-term growth strategy. Our premium content remains the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident this fall’s new primetime lineup will lead us to another victory next season.” The company’s local broadcasting revenue was down 2% to $654 million from $665 million, as television station revenue was up 1%, and local broadcasting operating income (OI) fell 8% to $198 million from $215 million. The company posted net earnings of $332 million, down from $439 million in the year-ago period.
Nielsen Audio Releases Third Round of July 2015 PPM Data. The third of four rounds of July 2015 PPM ratings 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 July 2015 survey period covered June 18 through July 15. You can find the complete ratings from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Ten Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
National Radio Hall of Fame Nominees Announced. The 24 candidates in six categories were determined by the organization’s steering committee. National Radio Hall of Fame chair Kraig Kitchin brings back public engagement through social media balloting in the “Music Format On-Air Personality” and “Spoken Word On-Air Personality” categories. This is the first time that will be done in the last five years. “This impressive list of nominees represents the best examples of talent with commendable audience relationships past and present,” Kitchin declares. “Each individual and show was selected after extensive deliberation by the steering committee. We are all looking forward to seeing the results as determined by our industry peers and listeners nationwide.” The four nominees to be voted on by a participant panel in the “Longstanding Local/Regional (20 years or more)” category are Tom Barnard (Minneapolis); Johnny Dare (Kansas City); Johnny Holliday (Washington, D.C.); and Ronn Owens (San Francisco). Those in the “Active Local/Regional (10 years or more)” category are “Big Boy” – real name Kurt Alexander (Los Angeles); Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison (Philadelphia); Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart (Chicago); and Garland Robinette (New Orleans). The four candidates in the “Networks/Syndication (10 years or more)” category include Tom Kent (Cleveland); Dave Ramsey (Nashville); Diane Rehm (Washington, D.C.); and Michael Savage (San Francisco). Those in the “Longstanding Network/Syndication (20 years or more)” category are Bob Kevoian & Tom Griswold (Indianapolis); Bob Kingsley (Weatherford, Texas); “Marketplace” (Los Angeles); and Harry Shearer (Los Angeles). Nominees to be voted on by listeners nationwide in the “Music Format On-Air Personality” category are Delilah (Seattle); Elvis Duran (New York); Steve Harvey (Atlanta); and Ryan Seacrest (Los Angeles). In the “Spoken Word On-Air Personality” category, the nominees are Sean Hannity (New York); Clark Howard (Atlanta); Jim Rome (Los Angeles); and Dr. Laura Schlessinger (Los Angeles). Voting begins today; names of the winners will be revealed in just over three weeks (8/31). The induction ceremony will be held in three months (11/5) at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in downtown Chicago.
NextRadio, CBI Team To Find Best Radio Spot. College students are encouraged to create/submit a 60-second radio spot, as NextRadio and College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) join forces to find the “best-of-the-best in radio spot ads.” According to NextRadio president Paul Brenner, there are currently 50,000 – 70,000 radio spots that run each month supporting the NAB National Awareness Campaign, which launched in February; “this is a huge opportunity for students to have their radio spot played nationally among thousands of broadcast stations and heard by millions. We will get the opportunity to showcase rising talent for the radio industry.” CBI president Greg Weston comments, “CBI is thrilled to team with NextRadio to offer students from our media outlets this unprecedented opportunity to have their work appear in front of millions of listeners. Not only will the winners get national exposure for their talent, they will be able to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them at the National Student Electronic Media Convention.” First-place winner will have his or her 60-second spot included in “flight four” of the NAB National Awareness Campaign, which starts October 1. The contest begins one week from next Monday (8/17) and will run through September 18; winners will be announced September 28.
Westwood One, PGA of America In Multiyear, Multiplatform Deal. Live hole-by-hole coverage of the PGA championship returns to Westwood One for the first time in a decade. In addition, Westwood One will provide short-form updates, as well as a Brad Heller-anchored recap show, “The PGA Championship Tonight.” Senior vice president of sports for Westwood One (and parent company Cumulus Media) Bruce Gilbert remarks, “Westwood One is proud to present the 2015 PGA championship. It is a very exciting time in professional golf with so many terrific stories this year. Our team is prepared and excited to describe the remarkable performance of the world’s best players live from the PGA championship for the next few years.” PGA of America chief commercial officer Jeff Price states, “Westwood One and SiriusXM are synonymous with live, major sports event broadcasting. The PGA of America is delighted that we will partner with these two world-class radio partners to bring the drama and excitement of the PGA championship to fans.” Broadcast coverage from the PGA championship at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin begins one week from today (Thursday, 8/13). It will run through (Sunday) the 16th and can be heard on SiriusXM, Westwood One Sports affiliates, and WestwoodOneSports.com. SiriusXM PGA tour radio host Earl Forcey will anchor the joint coverage from the 18th tower, while former pro golfer/Golf Channel host Charlie Rymer will be lead analyst. Westwood One’s Ted Emrich will anchor short-form reports from the course, and provide leader board updates during the long-form coverage. Looking ahead, Westwood One Sports will provide PGA championship coverage next year from Baltusrol Country Club in Springfield, New Jersey and, in 2017, from the Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte.
2016 Presidential Candidates-GOP Debates, Nashville Theater Attack, Iran Nuclear Deal, Immigration Policy Debate, Hillary Clinton Email Investigation, Baltimore Gets Help with Violence, MH370 Debris Confirmed, and Deflategate Flap Among Top News Stories Yesterday (8/5). The activities of the candidates for president in 2016 and tonight’s GOP debates; the thwarted attack on a cinema in Nashville on Wednesday; the political battle over the proposed nuclear deal with Iran; the ongoing controversy over America’s immigration policy; the Feds supply help to Baltimore’s police in battling the explosion of murders in the aftermath of the Freddie Gray slaying; the plane debris found last week is confirmed to be from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370; and the NFL’s deflategate case were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Presidential Election Tops List of Most-Discussed Stories on News/Talk Radio in 2012. Obama is Most Talked-About Person. According to TALKERS magazine’s tabulations, the Presidential Election ranks as the most-talked-about story of 2012 on the nation’s news/talk radio stations and programs. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “It isn’t even close. The election stood out far and away as a topic in its own right, as well as a catalyst for so many of the other subjects that comprise the meat and potatoes of news/talk conversation ranging from economics to foreign policy to personality gossip. It is difficult to track and calculate a list of this nature because stories and subjects overlap and play into and off of each other. The presidential race is both an ongoing process and then a climactic event that brings so many different issues into play; it permeates the very fiber of what this format is all about.” Casey adds, “Interestingly, there is so much overlap and interplay between stories that even with the effort to sort them out individually certain stories are so connected that we list them as ties in the Top 10 – such as the connection between the so called Fiscal Cliff and Euro Zone Troubles, or the Benghazi Attack and the Petraeus-Broadwell Scandal.”
The following are the 10 most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio in 2012:
1) 2012 Presidential Election
2) ‘Fiscal Cliff’/Euro Zone Troubles
3) SCOTUS ObamaCare Decision
4) Benghazi Attack/Petraeus-Broadwell Scandal
5) Newtown Massacre/Aurora Theater Slayings
6) Syria Revolt/Egypt Instability
7) Rush Limbaugh “Slut” Controversy
8) Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
9) Trayvon Martin Case
10) Hurricane Sandy
Other major news/talk radio topics worthy of mention include the Wisconsin Recall Election, the “Fast and Furious” Investigation, the Sandusky Trial and the Facebook IPO.
President Barack Obama tops the TALKERS list of the most-talked-about people on news/talk radio in 2012 which according to 
Kevin Casey is no surprise: “The President of the United States has topped this survey in all of the 22 years that TALKERS magazine has been conducting it – election year or not. This includes George Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.” It is interesting to note that Rush Limbaugh is on this year’s list – not the first time it has happened – indicating what a huge newsmaker the format’s most-listened-to-player is in addition to being someone who talks about key figures. According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “The colorful people who perform on this great stage love to talk about the medium itself. Limbaugh, of course, is constantly in the news and has long been an ongoing topic as well as talker. Others who fit this bill over many years include Howard Stern, Michael Savage, Don Imus and Dr. Laura Schlessinger to name the standouts. They sure do bring a lot to the table.”
The following are the 10 most-talked-about people on news/talk radio in 2012. Note, in cases in which two people are intrinsically connected in terms of the story in which they were co-players, they are listed as tied for their position:
1) Barack Obama
2) Mitt Romney
3) John Boehner
4) Hillary Clinton
5) John Roberts
6) David Petraeus/Paula Broadwell
7) Christopher Stevens/Susan Rice
8) Adam Lanza/James Holmes
9) Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman
10) Rush Limbaugh/Sandra Fluke
TRN Entertainment Debuts the Andrea Tantaros Show in January. National talk programming syndicator Talk Radio Network Entertainment announces it is bringing political commentator, syndicated columnist and Fox News Channel personality Andrea Tantaros to the radio for a three-hour program to air live in the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET slot formerly held by Laura Ingraham. Tantaros is a co-host of the popular FNC program, “The Five.” TRNE describes the program saying it “will engage listeners who want to be informed and entertained with smart, edgy, and funny but 
responsible commentary on politics, pop culture, Wall Street and entertainment. The show is designed to attract the broadcast spectrum of listeners profitably for its station affiliates.” Tantaros will be joined by Jason Mattera, a two-time New York Times best-selling author, the youngest editor of a national periodical, Human Events, and the host of “The Jason Mattera Show” on weekends at WABC in New York. TRNE CEO Mark Masters says, “In a post 2008–2009 economy, we have been seeking shows that are highly entertaining, yet responsible and profitable for our station affiliates and advertisers. Andrea has the ability to do both. She’s a fresh voice who will inject new energy to the airwaves.” Tantaros says she’s delighted to partner with TRN on this project. “They’re the best in the business at making sure affiliates and audiences get hard-hitting and informative commentary that keeps them coming back for more. I promise you this: it’s going to be fun.”
Launchpad Digital Media and Dial Global Partner for Podcast Programming. This deal gives Dial Global an avenue for podcasting from its talent pool — Dennis Miller, “Loveline,” Billy Bush, Charles Osgood, country programming, DG Sports and NBC Sports Radio – via the Courtside Entertainment digital division Launchpad Digital Media. Dial Global co-CEO Spencer Brown states, “Defining great media means delivering the highest quality content to the largest 
audience. This new partnership with Launchpad Digital Media significantly augments Dial Global’s capability to do both by opening new creative avenues for top talent and new doors for advertisers to access the widening on-demand podcast audience.” Courtside Entertainment founder and Launchpad chairman Norm Pattiz says, “Since we announced our move into podcasting the response has been off the charts. The partnership between Kit Gray and Courtside establishes Launchpad with a proven track record of revenue generating success. We have now added new programming which is currently delivering over 90 million downloads per month, including our deal with Dial Global. We are excited to partner with Dial Global to bring some of the most well-known and trusted brands in sports, news and entertainment to the growing roster of Launchpad podcast offerings.”
November Was Very Good to All-News Radio. Arbitron’s November PPM data was, in general, very good to the nation’s all-news outlets. Recently, TALKERS managing editor/West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian detailed his analysis of news/talk’s November PPM data, concluding it was generally a very good month for that format. Here, Kinosian runs the numbers for major all-news outlets and gives four-month trends for those stations. See his analysis of the nation’s all-news stations here.
KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno Names John Broeske and Jennifer Lipp Midday Partners. Peak Broadcasting’s KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno announces a new local talk program that will air from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on both KMJ-AM and KMJ-FM, beginning January 2. The John and Jen show will feature current KMJ-FM morning drive host Jennifer Lipp (who will continue to host the 6:00 am to 8:00 am program) and longtime Fresno market radio 
pro John Broeske. A release from KMJ says Broeske has been a talk host, programmer, manager and consultant. He led the station from 1987 to 2007, “directing it to the leadership position that continues to this day.” KMJ and Peak Broadcasting SVP Patty Hixson says, “There is simply no better choice for this important time slot than the merger of two of the biggest names in Central California radio…they will bring their extensive experience and name recognition to a broad-based, advertiser-friendly show that will be a big success on KMJ for years to come.” Operations manager Skip Essick adds, “The John and Jen show will be a fast-paced, topical, entertaining view of life in Central California as lived by two people who know the area very well. From politics to pop culture, local or national, if it matters to the Central Valley, it will be covered by John and Jen on KMJ every day.”
WCKG, Chicago Adds Geoff Pinkus for Middays. Suburban talk outlet WCKG, Elmhurst, Illinois announces local personality Geoff Pinkus will host the midday show on “The Voice of DuPage County” beginning January 7. In a press release, Pinkus states, “For years I was told I’d get a daily show ‘when hell freezes over!’ The Twinkie is gone. The Mayan calendar is ending…and now WCKG finally decides to hire me? Coincidence? Maybe. All I know is I’ve got some storable food, water stockpiles, good cigars, and a microphone ready. Starting January 7, 11:00 am, we’re rockin’ the suburbs. We’re going to have fun on the radio again with real people.” WCKG airs “Mancow in the Morning,” and Dan Patrick among other syndicated programs.
CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” Tabs Adam Jones for Evening Show. With the departure of Damon Amendolara to CBS Radio Sports Network to host his “D.A. Show” in the overnight slot on the network, CBS Boston woos Adam Jones away from ESPN to take over the 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm program on “98.5 The Sports Hub.” Jones had been working for ESPN Radio handling a fill-in role and hosting the online Adam Jones show. Before that he had been working with WBZ-FM as a fill-in host and co-hosting a weekend show with Boston sports writer Dan Shaughnessy. CBS Radio Boston vice president of programming Mike Thomas says, “It’ll be great to have Adam back at ‘The Sports Hub.’ We had a lot of very good candidates apply for this job, but with his previous work here and the experience he gained after leaving ‘The Sports Hub,’ Adam was the clear choice. Damon did a fantastic job coming into this market and hosting the evening show. I’m confident Adam can pick up where D.A. left off and continue to grow the audience.”
Non-Subscriber Station Exec Speaks His Mind on Arbitron/Nielsen Merger. Fred Lundgren, CEO of talker KCAA, Yoma Linda, California, hopes that Nielsen will change what he describes as the
“exclusionary methodology” of Arbitron. In an opinion piece posted today (12/20) in TALKERS, Lundgren writes, “Moreover, let’s hope Nielsen’s acquisition will lead to comprehensive listener surveys across all platforms, which will add value to our industry, rather than further draining resources from traditional media already stagnated by the economy and over-consolidation.” In a biting commentary, Lundgren asks, “According to Arbitron, nobody listens to KCAA. Are we to believe that KCAA has no listeners to any of 50-plus locally produced, weekly programs on subjects ranging from a vegan lifestyle to marijuana legalization? According to Arbitron, no one listens to any broadcaster on KCAA, not even Roseanne Barr, Joyce Riley, Don Imus, Dave Ramsey, Alex Jones or Ed Schultz. Read Fred Lundgren’s article here.
Premiere Networks’ George Noory Hosts “End of the World” Show Friday. With the ancient Mayan calendar possibly predicting the end of the world on Friday the 21st, “Coast to Coast AM” personality George Noory is hosting a special “End of the World” edition of his program. The show will feature a number of special guests and experts, including author/prophecy expert John Hogue and author/lecturer/aerospace engineer Mike Bara, who will share their predictions, in addition to conversations with listeners. Noory shared his own doomsday prediction in a December 19 Huffington Post story in which he states, “Any calamity that might occur doesn’t affect one, it affects all of us, and we’ll get through it together as a team, one way or another.”
Talk Host J.D. Hayworth Keeps Busy This Holiday Season. Former Arizona Congressman and talk radio pro J.D. Hayworth is all over the radio this holiday season on a series of fill-in gigs. Hayworth tells TALKERS magazine he’s sitting in on the morning show at Clear Channel’s “Rush Radio” in North Carolina – WPTI, Greensboro and WRDU, Raleigh – December 26 – 31. He’ll be in afternoon drive on Cumulus’ KABC, Los Angeles December 24 – 28 (with a break on Christmas Day). Plus, he’ll sit in for Mike Huckabee on his national program December 26 – 28 and January 2 – 4. Additional appearances include guest stints at KSFO, San Francisco; WLS, Chicago; and WMAL, Washington…as well as continuing fill-in work in Philly on WPHT.
TuneIn Adds 18 Broadcasters to the Service. Digital content aggregator TuneIn announces it has signed deals with 18 more broadcasters to distribute their programming via TuneIn’s global digital application. New broadcasters include Doug Stephan’s “Good Day” program, Motley Fool Radio, Progressive Voices and others. The company states, “This news comes at a period of continued growth and momentum for TuneIn, which has 40 million monthly active listeners, 70,000 AM, FM, HD and Internet radio stations and more than two million on-demand programs streaming from every continent. As part of these alliances, TuneIn will provide each broadcaster with access to free, industry-leading tools, such as analytics through TuneIn Amplifier, and access to the audio service’s ad platform.”
Gun Law Changes, Mental Health Care System, ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Debate, Benghazi-State Department Report, and Mayan ‘Doomsday’ Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/19). The debate over changes to America’s gun laws; discussion about mental health care and screenings in the U.S.; the debate in Washington over avoiding the “fiscal cliff”; the report on the State Department’s handling of the Libya situation; and the Mayan calendar’s “end of the world” prediction were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Finebaum Case Far from Settled Says Cumulus. Contrary to the story published here earlier today (6/1), there is no settlement on the horizon for Birmingham-based sports talk host Paul Finebaum and Cumulus Media in their contract dispute. Cumulus COO John Dickey tells TALKERS the reported agreement that would end the lawsuits each side is filing against other and allow Finebaum to work out his contract at Cumulus’ sports talk WJOX-FM, Birmingham that ends in January of 2013 and then go to work at Cox Media’s crosstown sports WZNN-FM if he chooses are categorically untrue. “He will never work for Cox in Birmingham,” Dickey says. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Robert Vance had asked the two sides to resume negotiations to settle the contract dispute and report to the court by May 30.
Battle for Control of SiriusXM Heating Up. John Malone‘s Liberty Media is again filing a request with the FCC to give it “de facto” control of satellite broadcaster SiriusXM. The Commission denied its first attempt back on May 4 but Liberty has since acquired another 6-plus percent of the company’s stock, pushing its total above 46%. It’s petition for reconsideration with the FCC reportedly contains additional information to the Commission. In a filing with the SEC, SiriusXM states, “We’ve been engaged in discussions with Liberty Media to explore possible transactions with respect to its ownership interest in Sirius, although we have not reached agreement with respect to a specific transaction that would be mutually beneficial to both our common and preferred stockholders. There is no assurance that these discussions will result in any specific action or transaction. We do not expect to disclose developments with respect to these discussions.”
Scott Hennen Turns to Listeners for Funding for WZFG, Fargo. Talk show host and businessman Scott Hennen is exploring alternative sources for funding his purchase of The Flag 1100 (WZFG) in the Fargo market. The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead‘s Marino Eccher reports Hennen has created a program whereby fans become “founding fathers” and buy into one of four clubs – Faith, Family, Freedom, and Free Enterprise – for $1,000 (each club limited to 400 members). He’s seeking a total of 1,600 such “founders” to come up with $1.6 million. Hennen tells the paper he has traditional funding sources but decided to seek less traditional forms of funding after sensing his listeners “desire to be part of something bigger.” These fans will not be shareholders or part owners but instead will have input on the station’s weekend programming, behind-the-scenes updates and $1,000 advertising credit. Hennen tells Eccher Tea Party activist Mark Skogerboe will serve as director of the clubs and be an on-air contributor.
NEW MEDIA SEMINAR/NYC Sold Out but Agenda Keeps Growing. Thursday, June 7 is going to be a big day for talk radio in the Big Apple as some 400 professionals from all aspects of the business converge on the Concierge Conference Center on Manhattan’s East Side for a one-day conference containing the content mass of a two- or three-day convention. “Although we have reached capacity in terms of registration,” explains TALKERS VP/managing editor Kevin Casey, “doesn’t mean the agenda is not continuing to grow.” Casey continues, “This conference has all the aspects of an old fashioned ‘happening’ with a program lineup that is so outstanding, it is attracting a growing number of industry leaders wanting to contribute as speakers and panelists.” According to conference director Michael Harrison, “We attribute the positive response to this event not only its powerful and relevant agenda, but to the fact that it is so efficiently tuned to the times in terms of its affordable registration fee and compact time demands. With another one set for Los Angeles in October, this June 7 event has the convenience of a regional conference while delivering the bang of a major national convention.” Although space is limited for those who will participate in person, the content of this forthcoming NMS which will be video recorded from beginning to end will reach a far wider audience via TALKERS TV in the weeks and months following June 7. For information call 413-565-5413. To see the up-to-the-minute agenda, click here.
WEUS, Orlando to Be LMA’d with Intent to Purchase. Star Over Orlando‘s talk outlet WEUS, Orlando is entering into a deal with MultiCorp International to have the latter’s subsidiary – Rivalz Sports Group – operate the station as a sports talk outlet beginning on July 30 with the intent to buy the signal. MultiCorp intends to change the calls to WRSG and hopes to move the stations operations “within a restaurant facility” so diners can enjoy “a first-class restaurant/media experience.” The company states it hopes to expand this model to other markets.
Dr. Laura Launches Online Jewelry Business. SiriusXM talk show host and talk radio pioneer Dr. Laura Schlessinger unveils her “Dr. Laura Designs,” – an online boutique featuring her personally designed and handcrafted jewelry, glass and polymer clay art. The site offers ready-made items or people can commission custom made pieces. Dr. Laura initially began selling jewelry to assist the “Operation Family Fund,” a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to families of those who are injured or killed while fighting the war on terrorism, and raised more than $1.5 million. Dr. Laura has had a passion for jewelry – making it and glass art that started when, during a particularly difficult time for her family, her then-little son suggested that a new hobby would be helpful. She states, “I never thought I had one ounce of artistic ability, and couldn’t think of what I could do.” After a listener suggested she visit a local bead fest, she says, “I walked by a table filled with Tibetan ornaments and my brain just exploded with creative images. I bought books on jewelry-making and purchased tools, wire, beads and stones and got started.” Dr. Laura’s program currently airs from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET on the Sirius Stars channel.
Dave Ramsey to Lead NAB-RAB Radio Show Super Session. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey will lead a Super Session at the September 19-21 Radio Show in Dallas being produced jointly by the NAB and RAB. The panel, titled “Succeeding in This Economic Environment,” taking place on Thursday, September 20 at 9:30 am and, as its title implies, will focus on steps radio station operators can take to achieve success in these tough economic times.
Odds ‘n’ Sods. The Society for Professional Journalism and the Radio Television Digital News Association announce registration is open for their September Excellence in Journalism Conference taking place the 20th through the 22nd in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The conference offers more than 50 professional development sessions…..Former college football coach Rick Neuheisel (UCLA, Washington and Colorado) joins SiriusXM‘s College Sports Nation channel where he’ll appear on the “College Football Playbook” show and co-host the daily “College Sports Today” show with Mark Packer…..Clear Channel Media and Entertainment‘s WFLA, Tampa begins simulcasting on an FM translator at 105.9 licensed to West Tampa…..Las Vegas-based nationally syndicated talk show host Dr. Daliah Wachs has a small role in an upcoming Showtime reality program. She tells TALKERS, “It’s a one-time small part on a Showtime reality show but it’s a start!” Wachs says it’s super secret and she can’t even tell us the name of the show, yet.
Stormy Times at Fairfax Media. American media companies are not the only ones dealing with difficult financial situations. TALKERS Australia bureau chief Trevor Smith reports on one of Australia’s major talkback radio-formatted operators – Fairfax Media – as it deals with corporate power struggles and underperforming revenue. Read Smith’s entire piece here.
Rusty Among the Politichicks. That’s Talk Radio Network nationally syndicated talk show host Rusty Humphries on the set of the internet TV show “Politichicks.” Humphries appeared with co-hosts Dr. Gina Loudon, Ann-Marie Murrell, Sonnie Johnson, Morgan Brittany on the recent episode titled, “The Fairness Doctrine: There’s Nothing Fair,” to discuss the “current environment of talk radio as well as why conservative talk radio has become a focus of attack by the mainstream media and liberal politicians. At the end of the segment, Rusty was formally honored with the title, “PolitiStud.” It’s obvious to see why.
2012 Presidential Race Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 28 – June 1. The 2012 presidential contest was #1 on the Talkers TenTM chart of the week’s most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio for the ninth week in a row. At #2 this week was the Syria massacre aftermath. Following at #3 was Iran’s nuclear ambitions and at #4 was the Euro zone crisis and the global financial markets’ activities. The Talkers TenTM is based on ongoing research from Talkers magazine and consists of the top stories and people discussed on America’s news/talk radio stations during the week. View this week’s entire chart here.
Crue Visits the Cannons. Motley Crue bassist and host of the Premiere Networks-syndicated “Sixx Sense” radio program, Nikki Sixx (r), is pictured here with Fox Sports Radio‘s “Loose Cannons” co-host Pat O’Brien (l). Fox Sports Radio and Los Angeles Dodgers flagship AM 570 Fox Sports LA (KLAC) invited Sixx to throw out the first pitch at a recent Dodgers game. Prior to the first pitch and Sixx’s appearance on the “Loose Cannons” nationally syndicated program, Fox Sports Radio offered listeners the chance to win travel accommodations and tickets to a stop on this summer’s Motley Crue/KISS tour.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Roland Martin Joins iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network. Journalist Roland Martin is becoming part of iHeartMedia’s BIN – Black Information Network – programming initiative as a commentator. His podcast “#RolandMartinUnfiltered” is also being made available on the iHeartPodcast Network. BIN: Black Information Network is iHeartMedia’s recently launched “24/7 comprehensive national audio
news service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate, and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective.” In his role with BIN, Martin will exclusively curate custom commentary segments for BIN to be broadcast daily throughout the network’s 24-hour news feed. His commentary will be available on more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on local AM/FM broadcast radio stations in numerous U.S. cities. Director of news operations Tanita Myers says, 
“When we launched BIN: Black Information Network, we knew how extremely important it was to provide a forum for trusted voices within the Black community and there’s perhaps no one more trusted and reliable in Black media today than Roland Martin. He has built a legacy that has paved the way for other Black journalists and continues to use his platform to bring a much needed perspective on topics that matter to both Black Americans and the nation in general.” Martin comments, “I am excited to provide daily commentaries to BIN. We are living in a time where we need more coverage about the issues facing African Americans. In addition, I am really thrilled to partner with the iHeartPodcast Network to distribute and market the ‘#RolandMartinUnfiltered’ audio podcast. We have seen tremendous growth with the daily video show, and we can’t wait to do the same with the audio podcast.”
TALKERS Magazine to Publish 2020 Heavy Hundred on Thursday (7/16). This Thursday (7/16), the editors of TALKERS magazine will publish the 2020 edition of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – what has become
known over the years as the Heavy Hundred. This year’s Heavy Hundred is compiled by the editors of TALKERS magazine using such factors as: ratings, revenue, courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, recognition, service, talent, and uniqueness. We acknowledge that it is as much art as science and that the results are arguable. The editors would like to acknowledge that the publication of this year’s list was delayed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the radio industry. However, it’s also important to note that it is times like these that talk radio personalities have the opportunity to become an even more important part of their listeners’ lives by delivering the information they need and providing the opportunity to hear debate about and take part in discussions concerning the events affecting their lives. Those who do that well are usually rewarded with success. We look forward to Thursday’s publication of the 2020 Heavy Hundred in which we salute those hosts our editors believe are serving their listeners and advertisers in ways that put them among the “most important.”
Edison: COVID-19 Affects Morning Show Listening. According to data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study, U.S. radio listeners 13 and older began their morning listening 75 minutes later that before the coronavirus pandemic hit the
country. Edison says that “pre-COVID-19, the point in the day when 50% of those in the U.S. age 13+ recorded their first entry of their audio day was around 7:15 am. During Q2 fielding of Share of Ear, it was not until 8:30 am that half of respondents had recorded any audio usage.” Edison Research director Laura Ivey says, “This finding challenges our thinking about how those in the U.S. listen to audio during traditional drive times. With many people staying at home or working from home during Q2, they did not engage with audio as early as they did pre-COVID. This data shows that if Americans continue current work patterns, audio strategies may need to be adjusted.”
Westwood One: Direct-To-Consumer Retail Sales Continues to Surge. The data comes from the second annual Direct-To-Consumer Media Attribution and Awareness study in which Westwood One with LeadsRx and MARU Matchbox is seeking to understand the marketing effectiveness of direct-to-consumer firms and the state of their brand equity. Noting that even before the coronavirus pandemic,
e-commerce was surging (e-commerce represented 11.8% of total U.S. retail sales up from 6.9% in the first quarter of 2015) the study sought to examine direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands who sell online and the marketing practices that lead to success. Cumulus Media|Westwood One chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard says, “Direct-to-consumer brands are entering their second act now, seeking to grow through market penetration and attract the masses via TV and AM/FM radio. This study validates the brand-building sales effect of broadcast media as TV and radio drive seven times the search and site traffic lift of Google and Facebook.” Another finding from the study is that AM/FM radio is a catalyst for increased effectiveness of Google and Facebook ads during the pandemic. During 2019, Facebook and Google ads saw a 15% increase in performance due to AM/FM radio advertising. During the pandemic in Q2 2020 radio’s impact on Google/Facebook performance surged to 20%. See more here.
IAB: COVID-19 Cuts Projected U.S. Podcast Revenue in Half. The U.S. Podcast Advertising Revenue Study from IAB includes results from 2019, projections for 2020 and beyond, and a detailed industry analysis. The key revenue takeaway is that IAB had projected podcast revenue to rise 29.6% in 2020, but after the
coronavirus pandemic struck, that figure has been revised to an increase of 14.7%. The positive news is that projections indicate the third and fourth quarters of 2020 should improve. That said, U.S. podcast revenue is nearing the $1 billion mark. Looking back, the study finds the total market year-over-year revenue estimate increased 48% to $708.1 million in 2019, from FY 2018’s total market estimate of $479.1 million. Another finding relevant to news and news/talk radio pros is that the calculation of 2019 podcast advertising revenues based on genre indicates that news podcasts grabbed 22% of the podcast revenue, leading the pack (comedy was in second place with 17% of the podcast revenue). See more here.
TALKERS News Notes. In Boston, Beasley Media Group is teaming up with RCN Business to award a total of $200,000 in marketing support to assist the Small
Business Association Grant Program. The companies say they have created a customized program designed to help local businesses get back up and running, without having to worry about marketing budgets. The program is offering designated small businesses the opportunity to be considered for a $10,000 media schedule to use on one of five Beasley Media Boston radio stations – including sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub.”. A total of 20 small businesses will be selected to receive a grant to 
help advertise…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that conservative talk host Joe Walsh’s new program on suburban WCGO-AM, Evanston and the affiliated GAB Radio Network is moving from a delay broadcast slot to the live 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm time slot. Walsh, a former U.S. Representative from Chicago and a former WIND-AM talk host, has been back on the radio for about seven weeks. WCGO general manager Chuck Duncan says, “I think this will probably come as welcome news for his Chicago listeners as they can now interact with him live versus having to listen via stream in order to participate. His call volume has been off the charts, with major activity from New York, Philly, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas and Miami, and his streaming audio numbers are the highest we’ve ever seen from any show on the station — averaging about 2,700 unique instances a day.”…..FOX
Sports Radio is touting its success on digital platforms in the absence of live sports. Premiere Networks says June 2020 was FSR’s second-best month ever in terms of podcast listens. “Year over year, the network’s total podcast audience grew 88%, bringing the monthly total to more than 16.5 million for the FOX Sports Radio Podcast Network. On the streaming front, FSR’s audience grew 70% from April 2020 to May 2020. The following month, May 2020 to June 2020, FSR’s streaming audience grew an additional 13%. Year over year, FSR’s streaming was up 55%, marking the network’s second-best streaming month of all time.”
Radio Pros Paul Vandenburgh and Mimi Griswold Among 2020 Inductees in NY Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The board of directors of the New York State Broadcasters Association announces the Hall of Fame Class of 2020. This year’s
class includes WGDJ-AM, Albany owner, general manager, and talk host Paul Vandenburgh; Galaxy Media Partners VP of programming Mimi 
Griswold; WNBC-TV, New York anchor David Ushery; and WVVH-TV, Hamptons owners Greg and Ernie Schimizzi. NYSBA president David Donovan says, “The Class of 2020 represents the best in the broadcasting profession. While the inductees represent a cross section of broadcasters from across the state, they share one key characteristic. They have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serve their local communities. We are honored to have them join the ranks of the legendary broadcasters from New York.”
COVID-19 Statistics & Projections, Trump vs Fauci, Schools Opening Debate/Foreign Students Lawsuit, Presidential Race, Portland Unrest, U.S.-China Tensions, Washington Redskins Name Change Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/13). The soaring number of new COVID-19 cases in numerous U.S. states and projections for future cases; President Trump’s divergence from Dr. Tony Fauci on the seriousness of the pandemic; the debate over opening U.S. schools in the fall and 18 attorneys general sue the White House over the foreign students ban; the November presidential election; the protests and clashes with police in Portland, Oregon; the U.S. challenges China’s claim to territory in the South China Sea; and the NFL’s Washington Redskins agree to change the name of the team were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
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