Tag: "ESPN Radio"
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Salem Radio Network to Distribute Steve Bannon’s ‘War Room:
Impeachment.’ The nightly radio show and podcast produced in cooperation with Virginia-based station owner and network operator John Fredericks is being made available on the Salem Radio Network from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET. “War Room: Impeachment,” hosted by former Breitbart exec and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon – with co-hosts Raheem Kassam and Jason Miller – is taking over the first hour of the re-feed of “America First” with Sebastian Gorka.
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Steve Duemig to Be Honored at Tampa Bay Lightning Game. Late Tampa sports talk radio host Steve Duemig – who passed away back in May after a long battle with brain cancer – will be honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning and
Duemig’s longtime radio home, iHeartMedia’s WDAE. The ceremony will take place this Saturday (11/16) as the iHeartMedia Tampa Bay suite will be renamed the “Duemig Den” during the first period intermission. iHeartMedia Tampa market president Chris Soechtig says, “Steve Duemig was a legendary, one-of-a-kind talent that created a bond with his fan base like few others have. ‘The Big Dog’ was a true champion for Tampa Bay Sports and is deeply missed by his iHeartMedia family. We are honored to join the Tampa Bay Lightning to create a permanent tribute at Amalie Arena.” Duemig worked at WDAE from 1996 through his final show in February of 2018. He also served as the Lightning’s radio color analyst for two seasons, hosted a weekly show on the FOX Sports Radio network, and co-hosted a program on The Golf Channel.
TALKERS News Notes. Milwaukee progressive talk radio outlet WRRD-AM, Waukesha “Resistance Radio” adds an FM translator to its broadcast. The 200
-watt signal W269DL, Milwaukee is at 101.7 FM. Station owner and “Devil’s Advocate” program co-host Michael Crute says in a statement, “Our first official act as an FM radio station will be to broadcast history, the impeachment of Donald J. Trump. This is the completion of my vision since the day Trump was elected. We’ve created a Wisconsin political talk network to compete with the 81 conservative talk formatted, Trump supportive radio stations across Wisconsin.” The station’s programming is also heard on Madison signals WTTN-AM, Columbus/W224EG, Madison as “Talk 92.7 Madison.”.…..The Boston Globe reports that Jon Wallach is taking a leave of absence from WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” where he works on the “Toucher & Rich” morning drive show. Wallach was recently diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma – a tumor behind his right eardrum – that is, fortunately, benign…..There’s rumor of a potential split about to take place at
ESPN Radio. The Big Lead reports that Trey Wingo – one half of the “Golic & Wingo” morning drive program on ESPN Radio – wants off the radio show he co-hosts with Mike Golic. The Big Lead says, “Trey Wingo hopes to leave ‘Golic & Wingo’ on ESPN Radio by the time next football season rolls around … It is currently unknown whether or not he will remain with ESPN — he’s been a fixture in Bristol since 1997 — when his deal expires in late 2020 but even if he does it is highly unlikely to be in the capacity of morning drive 
radio.”…..New York Post columnist Andrew Marchand continues to write about the imminent programming changes at sports talk WFAN with the announced departure of afternoon drive host Mike Francesa from the radio schedule. Marchand pulls no punches as he scrutinizes the Entercom station. He says that both Greg Gianotti – Boomer Esiason’s AM drive partner – and midday personality Bart Scott are both set to be free agents at the end of the year. Read his take on the state of WFAN here…..Tomorrow (11/15), Eric Goranson, host of Envision Networks’ “Around The House With Eric G,” and Jeff “JT” Tracy, host of Envision Networks’ “Barbecue Nation,” will participate in the live radiothon on Salem Media Group’s news/talk KPAM-AM, Portland “AM 860 The Answer” to raise money for Operation Helping Our Heroes. Eric G. says, “It is an honor to work with a group like the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center, where 100% of the proceeds go directly to helping the needs of our servicemembers, veterans and their families.”
Impeachment Hearings, Roger Stone Trial, Trump Tax Returns Ruling, 2020 Presidential Race, Dow Hits Record High, Trump-Erdogan Tensions, China Black Death Cases, Hong Kong Violence, College Admissions Scandal, Venice Floods/Climate Change Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/13). The impeachment hearings taking place before the House Intelligence Committee; the trial of former Trump adviser Roger Stone on charges of obstruction of Congress, lying to Congress and witness tampering; a U.S. Appeals Court declines to hear President Trump’s appeal of a lower court ruling that Congress has the right to eight years of Trump’s tax records; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and the addition of former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick into the race; the Dow closes at an all-time high of 27,783.59; President Trump meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump’s letter advising Erdogan “not to be a fool”; two reported cases of the plague in China; a former California insurance exec is sentenced in the college admissions scandal; and Venice suffers record flooding after unusual high tide blamed on climate change were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Rose Anderson, VP/Executive Director of the New York Festivals Radio Awards Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. New York Festivals, the prestigious, long-running international awards organization spotlighting quality in the fields of advertising, TV & film, and radio opens its acceptance of entries for the 2020 Radio Awards competition and announces information about its exciting new presentation in April. The organization’s vice president and executive director, Rose Anderson, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison
Interview.” Anderson, who brings years of experience as a network TV producer to her role at NYF, joins Harrison in a fascinating conversation about the renaissance of storytelling in the radio field as well as other exciting changes the industry is experiencing in the rapidly evolving digital era. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
New York Festivals 2020 Radio Awards Open for Entries; Winners to Be Honored at NAB Show in Las Vegas. The New York Festivals 2020 Radio Awards is now open for entries and, for the first time in the 38-year history of the awards, the NYF’s Radio Awards winners will share the stage and the spotlight with NYF’s TV & Film Awards medal and trophy winners at the
inaugural “Storytellers Gala.” Both competitions will be honored on Tuesday, April 21 at the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas. New York Festivals VP and executive director Rose Anderson states, “Stories give us a common language – that’s the way we communicate with each other – and today’s technology provides so many opportunities that weren’t possible or even imaginable in the past. This spring, we will celebrate the men and women from around the world whose innovative work impressed our grand jury panels.” The “Storytellers Gala,” celebrating global content creators from radio, TV & film, and across all platforms, marks the 10th year of NYF’s strategic partnership with NAB Show. The 2020 multi-competition gala will feature award-winning guest presenters from around the globe and will bring a new level of prominence, interest, and recognition for all participants that will continue in the year ahead. The Radio Awards receives entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from over 30 countries around the globe. The mission of the competition is to honor the achievements of content creators who make up the global storytelling community. You can see the 2019 Winner’s Showcase here. The deadline to enter the 2020 Radio Awards competition is February 1, 2020. To enter please click here. For additional information visit: Rules and Regulations.
Nielsen: 98% of Small and Medium Market Adults Use Radio. From its just-released Audio Today Medium & Small Market Edition report, Nielsen finds that in small and medium markets, 98% of adults 18+ use radio monthly in these
markets; 94% of adults 18-34 do, as well, along with 99% of adults aged 25-to-54. In the study, Nielsen examines a new, in-depth profile of radio audiences by age, gender, employment, and other factors. The report details the buying power of these important consumers and reveals how, when and where they consume audio content – including podcast use and smart speaker adoption in smaller markets. The study finds that the top radio formats in medium and small markets are: country (14.1% share of audience), news/talk (11.8%), pop contemporary hit radio (8.3%), adult contemporary (7.3%) and classic rock (6.2%).
William O’Shaughnessy Publishes New Book, Radio Active. Westchester, New York broadcasting legend William O’Shaughnessy has published his latest book – a compendium of interviews, editorials, and musings – under the title, Radio Active (2019, Whitney Media Publishing). The president and chief executive of Whitney Global Media says that he’s first and foremost a defender of the First Amendment. “I’ve been accused, among other unflattering
appellations, of being a First Amendment voluptuary. It’s a moniker I proudly wear…I’ve tried to do my bit on this vital and essential subject. But I haven’t done nearly enough. My own meager and sporadic efforts pale in comparison to the valuable, unrelenting work of First Amendment warriors I’ve always admired. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of their sandals.” O’Shaughnessy has long served as editorial director of radio stations WVOX-AM and WVIP-FM in New Rochelle. He says, “At WVOX and WVIP our mantra has always been ‘Where Many Different Voices Are Heard in the Land.’” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison describes O’ Shaughnessy’s latest book as “an inspiring hodgepodge of politics, popular culture, and an array of voices representing the best of American diversity as expressed in the media marketplace – just like his radio stations.” Harrison goes on to say, “Bill is one of the radio industry’s most outspoken and courageous champions of the First Amendment. Part 1 of this book is totally devoted to his research, analysis, and explanation of the First Amendment and should be required reading for all of today’s practitioners of talk media.”
45th Gracie Awards Announces Call for Entries. The call for entries is open for the 45th Annual Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. The Gracie Awards Gala will take place on May 19, 2020, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, and the Gracie Awards Luncheon takes place on June 24, 2020, in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street. AWMF executive director Becky Brooks says, “Each year, the Gracie Awards celebrate and honor truly exceptional content by, for, and about women. It is our belief that recognizing expertise, courage, and contributions across television, radio, and interactive/digital media is essential to ensuring continued growth for our industry. As our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Gracies enables the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation to deliver on its promise of furthering the
connection, education, and recognition of women in media.” AWMF says that each year, attention is given to evaluating categories, and this year that included adding a category for showrunners in television and creating more avenues for radio hosts/co-hosts by adding categories for Outstanding News Anchor and Weekend Host Personality. Serving again as chairs for the 2020 Gracie Awards are McVay Media Consulting president Mike McVay and AWMF board members Heather Cohen, executive vice president at The Weiss Agency, and Annie Howell, co-founder and managing partner at The Punch Point Group. Vicangelo Bulluck, an Emmy Award-winning veteran in awards production, has produced the Gracie Awards since 2016 and will return to produce the Gracie Awards Gala in 2020. The 2019 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019. Early Bird rates for entries end on December 12, 2019, at 11:59 PM Eastern. The deadline for all entries is January 16, 2019, at 11:59 PM Eastern. Entry details including pricing, updated categories can be seen here. See more about the 2019 Gracie Awards, including the media release and past video, here.
WTOP, Washington Seeks Director of News and Programming. Washington, DC all-news WTOP-FM is seeking a director of news and programming. Hubbard Radio says this person, “leads WTOP, an effective organization of over 100 people consisting of news directors, writers, anchors, reporters,
editors, and staff to provide the best available local, national and international news, traffic, weather, sports and money news across all media platforms, including radio, internet and social media while serving as brand manager to maintain the imaging, marketing and overall sound.” Essential job functions for this position include: Overall responsibility for WTOP news gathering, production, news programming and presentation across multiple platforms with the utmost in quality control; provides effective leadership to a diverse workforce covered by a collective bargaining agreement that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; establishes short and long term program format objectives, strategies and plans to achieve maximum listenership of a quality product across multiple platforms; ensures that all programming is in compliance with state and federal laws and FCC Rules and Regulations; liason between company management and union. For more information and to apply, click here.
Cool Talk Radio Sales Opportunity. In New York City, Salem Media Group is seeking an account executive for radio and digital sales. Here’s the ad: Salem Media Group is looking for a dynamic individual to join the sales team for
“AM970 The Answer” and the legendary WMCA “AM570/102.3FM The Mission, New York’s Christian Talk.” Compensation is commensurate with degree of experience and skills. This is a fabulous career opportunity for the right individual with one of the finest broadcasting companies in America. Ideal candidate has a proven track record of success with radio and digital sales. Interested candidates should apply online and email cover letter and resumes to Jerry Crowley’s attention.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming and on-air pro Bailey moves from iHeartMedia’s KTCL-FM, Denver “Channel 93.3” to Entercom’s alternative KVIL-FM, Dallas where she’ll be music director and midday personality, effective December 2.
Entercom Dallas regional president and market manager Brian Purdy says, “Jim Fox [vice president of programming] and I are excited to have Bailey bring her nearly 20 years of music programming and on-air experience to ‘ALT 103.7.’ With her extensive knowledge of the alternative format and its audience, Bailey is perfectly suited to serve our listeners.” Bailey began her radio career in Boston at legendary alternative outlet WFNX…..On-air pro Quincy Harris exits Radio One’s urban AC WRNB, Philadelphia where he’d been handling morning show duties alongside K Foxx. He’d been with the station for two years. K Foxx moves to middays while a replacement AM drive show is yet to be announced…..At Curtis Media Group’s Greenville-New Bern, North Carolina hip hop WIKS “101.9 Kiss FM,” Jane Dough is named program director, November 18. She comes to WIKS from her most recent post as midday personality and music director at Beasley Media Group’s hip hop WZFX, Fayetteville, North Carolina “Foxy 99.” Dough says, “Although it was hard to say goodbye to my Beasley Media Group family, I’m excited for a new beginning and the chance to grow even more in my career. The transition to New Bern has been easier than I expected thanks to the wonderful staff and co-workers at Curtis Media Group.”…..Townsquare Media and Compass Media Networks are launching a new, syndicated radio show called “XXL HIGHER
LEVEL RADIO,” starring WBLK, Buffalo “Power 93.7” evening personality DJ Wire. The show’s name is tied to Townsquare’s XXL Magazine, website and app. The program features exclusive artist interviews, hip-hop news from the XXL news desk, DJ mixes, and a countdown of top hits. The show’s playlist is driven by data from XXL. Townsquare SVP of digital Jared Willig says, “When Townsquare acquired XXL Magazine in 2014, our mission was to expand the iconic brand via social, video, podcasting, events and more, while maintaining the core print magazine which is so important to the community. ‘XXL HIGHER LEVEL RADIO’ is the next phase of that strategy, and like the XXL brand itself, we are excited for it to be influential, interactive and digital-forward.”
Friday, November 8, 2019
KXL-FM, Portland Talk Host Lars Larson Names Whistleblower on FOX News Channel. KXL-FM, Portland talk radio host Lars Larson – who also hosts a nationally syndicated show via Compass Media Networks – was doing a segment on
FOX News Channel’s “Outnumbered Overtime” yesterday (11/7) when he revealed who he believes the whistleblower in the Ukraine affair is. Larson told KGW-TV, Portland, “I believe all of Washington knows, all of the press corps knows, and the only people in the dark are the American people. If you’re talking about removing the president, chosen by the American people, you have an obligation of telling them who’s accusing [the president].” FOX News tells the Hollywood Reporter that it has not confirmed nor independently verified the name of the whistleblower.
Entercom Third Quarter Net Revenue Up 2%. Third quarter 2019 financial data from Entercom Communications is released and the company reports net revenue of $386 million, an increase of 2% over the same period in 2018.
Operating income for the quarter was $79.5 million, compared to $78.7 million in the third quarter of 2018. For the first three quarters of 2019, net revenue was $1.07 billion, an increase of 2.3% over the same period in 2018. Entercom chairman, president and CEO David Field comments, “I am pleased 
to report that Entercom delivered strong organic growth in the third quarter with Adjusted EBITDA up 13% and Adjusted Net Income Per Share up 23%. Revenues increased 2% (just under 3% ex-political) driven by digital, national, and network. In October, we announced the launch of DVR-like functionality for live radio on our RADIO.COM app, becoming the first company to offer that important product feature. This new feature and our recent acquisitions of podcasters Cadence 13 and Pineapple Street Studios highlight the multiple ways we are working to enhance our product line and grow our relationships with our listeners and customers.”
NPR and Edison Research to Unveil Spoken Word Audio Report. The data from the new Spoken Word Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research will be made available via a free webinar on Tuesday (11/12) that you can sign up for here. The study – derived from a national quantitative survey, one-on-one
interviews, and five years of previously-unreleased data from Edison Research’s U.S. Share of Ear study – explores consumer behavior in the spoken word audio category. It details: How the spoken word audio category has changed in the last five years; how the balance between music and spoken-word content consumption is shifting; the role spoken word audio plays in consumers’ lives today – from where people listen to when people listen; and what people are looking for from spoken-word content on different platforms. The study concludes that the share of time spent listening to spoken-word audio has increased 20% since 2014.
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC (11/8). The new episode titled “Hearings and Smearings!” looks back at this past week of November 4-8, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS;
Howie Carr, talk show host, Howie Carr Radio Network; Renee Kohanski, M.D., forensic psychiatrist/medical podcaster; Holland Cooke, media consultant/talk show host RT America; Duke Brooks, talk show host, WGMD-FM, Rehoboth Beach, DE; Daliah Wachs, 
M.D., medical doctor, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter, The Epoch Times; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as well as other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; and KBKW, Aberdeen, WA as a special week-in-review and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
National Campaign Launched to Protect Press Freedom. The nonprofit organizations the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Committee to Protect Journalists, along with a coalition of 23 media, technology and nonprofit partners, including Barron’s, CBS, Comcast-NBC Universal, CNN, Facebook, Los Angeles Times, McClatchy, The New York Times, NPR, Reuters, Scripps, Sinclair, Twitter, The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones, and The Washington Post, yesterday (11/7) launched the “Protect Press Freedom” campaign to mobilize the public to stand up for press freedom and actively protect their right to be informed. Through video, radio, digital, print, and social media assets, the campaign communicates the message: In order to be free, we must be informed. The creative illustrates the crucial role the free press plays in everyday life by depicting a world in which people are unable to access news about issues that are important to them. On the campaign
website, visitors can learn more about the threats to press freedom, explore key moments for the free press in America’s history, and take a quiz to assess their knowledge. “Americans across the country rely on diverse news sources to help them make informed choices every day, but many don’t see the threats that are putting that information at risk,” Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press tells TALKERS. “When one journalist or news source is threatened — whether it’s verbally, physically, or legally — it threatens a fundamental American freedom that’s essential to understanding and participating in our communities. We’re proud to bring news outlets and organizations together to have a conversation with the public about press freedom and encourage people to stand up for their right to information.” Attacks on journalists’ safety and the public’s right to know occur with troubling regularity. According to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, of which the Reporters Committee and CPJ are partners, there were at least 35 physical attacks on journalists last year, most notably the murder of five people working at the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland. So far in 2019, at least 28 journalists have been denied access to government events that are traditionally open to or attended by the press, leaving members of the public without crucial information about their government’s activities. Relentless disparagement of the media contributes to an increasingly dangerous climate for journalists. For more information about this please click on the website www.ProtectPressFreedom.org. To listen to a conversation about the campaign between Bruce Brown and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison click
Miltz Named Director of Marketing and Promotions for Bonneville Denver. Marketing pro Melanie Miltz is named director of marketing and promotions for Bonneville’s Denver station group that includes sports talk KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan,” sports KEPN-AM “ESPN Denver,” country KYGO-FM, and adult
contemporary KOSI-FM. She most recently held the same position at Hubbard Radio’s hot AC KSTP-FM, Minneapolis. Bonneville Denver senior regional vice president and market manager Bob Call states, “We couldn’t be happier to have Mel join Bonneville Denver and take over the leadership of our marketing and promotions department. Mel is well-recognized and highly respected as a promotions and marketing professional with a high level of branding expertise, attention to detail, and follow-through on both the strategic and tactical elements of marketing. Mel’s wealth of experience make her the perfect choice for Bonneville Denver.”
TALKERS News Notes. At the end of this year, Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze will shut down its cable television channel. A story in The Hollywood Reporter says that TheBlaze will focus on its subscription video-on-demand service, its
website, and the radio program. The piece notes that because TheBlaze is largely a digital enterprise and its contracts with cable operators prevent much of the video content presented via cable from being shared online, it makes business sense to focus on the VOD space. Blaze Media CEO Tyler Cardon tells THR, “Given our record growth this year on our direct-to-consumer SVOD business, podcasts, various web properties and other digital distribution channels, it has become a conflict to continue programming a traditional, legacy cable channel.”…..Entercom announces that its RADIO.COM platform with its collection of premiere sports, 
entertainment, news, and music audio content is being made available to Samsung’s Bixby scalable intelligence platform. RADIO.COM will be available in Bixby Marketplace, where Samsung smartphone users in the U.S. can add the capsule to enhance their Bixby experience. Entercom chief digital officer J.D. Crowley says, “This is an exciting integration with Samsung to bring the RADIO.COM listening experience wherever and however our listeners want it. With Bixby, we are able to bring RADIO.COM to millions of listeners, making it easier than ever to discover and engage with our premium audio content as part of our listeners’ daily audio habit.”…..ESPN Radio says its October PPM numbers for its daytime sports talk radio shows (men 25-54) are up 7%. For instance, the morning drive “Golic and Wingo” show saw a monthly increase across platforms of 13% compared to the September 2019 PPM survey and “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” was up 25% over September on terrestrial radio…..Westwood One Podcast Network’s “Think About This with Shelly Palmer and Ross Martin” hosted Facebook VP global marketing solutions Carolyn Everson to discuss the personal and corporate responsibility of the social media platform. Responding to a question about why Facebook runs political ads with false claims, Everson stated, “For decades, political advertising has not been monitored. The FCC has made it very clear by law that broadcasters are not allowed to censor or change political advertising, and we have chosen to follow that, even though we are not required to do so by the FCC – as have all of the other platforms – because we think it’s very dangerous for a tech company, a CEO, or any private or public company to determine what is true and what is false.”…..Cox Media Group’s news/talk KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa welcomed FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio superstar Brian
Kilmeade to town today (11/8) for a listener event and 
book signing for Kilmeade’s new book, Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory That Changed American History (2019, Penguin Publishing). KRMG director of branding and programming Levi May comments, “KRMG is proud to be able to bring one of our most popular radio and TV hosts to Tulsa for an opportunity to interact with our listeners and give people a chance to see what goes on as part of his live broadcast.”
The Impeachment Process and the Ukraine Affair Tied for Top News/Talk Story of the Week. The impeachment process against President Trump and the related Ukraine quid pro quo allegations was the top news/talk story for the week of November 4-8, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Tuesday election results in Virginia and Kentucky and the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in the 2020 election. Coming in at #3 was court ruling that President Trump must turn over eight years of tax returns to a Manhattan Grand Jury, followed by U.S.-China trade negotiations and the U.S. economy 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 chart here.
PPM Analysis: Country. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on country. From the September 2019 survey to the October 2019 survey, about 60% of country stations in PPM markets are down (weekly, 6+ AQH share). The year-over-year comparison is split a bit more evenly, with 47% of stations seeing an increase and 51% seeing a decrease. Just two country stations ranked #1 in their respective markets in the October survey – Bonneville’s KYGO, Denver (6.1 share) and iHeartMedia’s WCOL, Columbus (10.7 share). See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Entercom’s CHR KNOU-FM, St. Louis “Now 96.3,” program director and midday personality Scott Ellis leaves the station to return to Springfield, Missouri with his girlfriend. Ellis previously worked on air and as PD for CHR KSPW-FM, Springfield. Assuming his programming duties at KNOU is cluster operations manager Cat Simon…..A round of job cuts at Entercom Seattle include three from the programming department. Jean Ashley leaves her morning co-host and APD gigs at adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound.” Midday personality and rhythmic AC KHTP “HOT 103.7” assistant program director Jamie “Tanch” Tanchykh exits, as does alternative KNDD “107-7 The End” evening personality Cody Whistler.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Steve Bannon Launches Impeachment-Focused Radio Show and Podcast. Politico is reporting that former Breitbart executive and former Donald Trump strategist Stephen K. Bannon has launched a daily, one-hour radio show and
podcast called, “War Room: Impeachment.” The story indicates that show is airing on six conservative talk stations in Virginia and Florida, though no call letters are cited. Bannon tells Politico that “the show will be about the impeachment process, specifically the witnesses and the evidence, and ‘is going to get very granular.’” Bannon says he aims “to break news and make the show an outlet for people to leak information related to impeachment.” The program includes two co-hosts – former Trump campaign communications director Jason Miller and former Breitbart London bureau chief Raheem Kassam. Bannon hosted a daily morning political talk show on SiriusXM when he was with Breitbart.
Todd Starnes to Moderate SRN Political Event. Nationally syndicated talk show host Todd Starnes is moderating Salem Radio Network’s “Countdown
2020: The Race to the White House” on November 5 in San Antonio. The panelists include SRN talk show hosts Dennis Prager and Dr. Sebastian Gorka. Starnes – a best-selling author and syndicated political columnist who recently left FOX News – is launching his new, three-hour talk radio program via Hamilton Strategies on Monday, November 4. Interested parties can contact media@hamiltonstrategies.com for more information.
Report: Stephen A. Smith to Leave ESPN Radio as Part of New Contract. The New York Post is reporting on the story broken by The Big Lead that ESPN
and Stephen A. Smith are negotiating a contract extension that would pay him $40 million to $50 million over a five-year period. According to the Post, Smith will continue his “First Take” duties, add more “SportsCenter” appearances, and host his own edition of “SportsCenter” on Wednesdays before NBA games. He would, however, exit his daily midday show on ESPN Radio. The story also says that ESPN talent who might take over the radio show include Max Kellerman or Mina Kimes.
KYW, Philadelphia’s Cherri Gregg Named Journalist of the Year. KYW, Philadelphia community affairs reporter and on-air host Cherri Gregg is named Journalist of the Year by the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. Gregg is recognized by the organization in the broadcast and online category and will be honored at the PABJ’s annual Awards and Scholarship Gala on
November 2 in Philadelphia. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Cherri is extremely deserving of this award. She is a champion of the community who is constantly 
searching for and reporting on the stories and issues that matter most to KYW Newsradio listeners across the Philadelphia area. I’m proud to call her a member of our team.” Gregg joined KYW Newsradio as a reporter in 2010 and has served as the station’s community affairs reporter since 2013. In addition to that role, Gregg hosts “Flashpoint with Cherri Gregg,” a weekly program that focuses on the most relevant issues affecting the Philadelphia area. The program airs on five Entercom Philadelphia stations. Earlier this year, Gregg was recognized with two National Association of Black Journalists Salute To Excellence Awards for radio investigative reporting and podcasting.
TALKERS News Notes. On November 15, the Black News Channel will debut
in 30 million American homes and one of the personalities on the new network will be Salem Radio Network talk host Larry Elder. BNC hasn’t specifically stated what program or daypart Elder will host, just that he’s a “show host/commentator.” Vibe.com says, “Everyone loves a wildcard and BNC has found one in Larry Elder. The radio staple and attorney has over 25 years in the industry from news programs on NBC and ABC News & Talk. He also starred as a judge on ‘Moral Court,’ an early production by TMZ creator Harvey Levin in 
2001.”…..Gone from the air on Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix is afternoon drive personality Mac Watson – one half of the “Mac & Gaydos” show. The station made no announcement about the change, but Larry Gaydos continues in the daypart as solo host of “Gaydos in the Afternoon.” Watson had been partnered with
Gaydos since 2008…..In Cleveland, Good Karma Brands announces two new staffers for its sports talk duo of WKNR-AM “ESPN 850” and WWGK-AM “ESPN 1540 KNR2.” Brock Thompson joins from MAVTV where he was VP of media sales to become general sales manager for Good Karma. At the same time, Amy Crossman is named marketing director for the stations. She was most recently director of 
partnerships for the Pro Football Hall of Fame…..The Radio America nationally syndicated “Passport Mommy” program, hosted by veteran talk show host and mom Michelle Jerson, welcomes WGCH-AM, Greenwich, Connecticut to its growing list of affiliates. “Passport Mommy” is heard on more than 50 radio stations nationwide. On the show, Jerson covers the topics on everyone’s mind as a new parent. This nationally syndicated lifestyle, interview format show for women, features interesting guests with cool products and advice for parents.
Impeachment Inquiry, Ukraine ‘Quid Pro Quo,’ 2020 Presidential Race/Clinton-Gabbard Feud, A Warning Book to Be Published, U.S.-Syria Policy, Hong Kong Extradition Bill, and Brexit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/22). The status of the impeachment inquiry against President Trump; the testimony from U.S. diplomat Bill Taylor regarding allegations President Trump would withhold military aid to Ukraine until it opened an investigation into Joe and Hunter Biden; the Democrats hoping to challenge Trump in 2020, speculation Hillary Clinton will join the race, and Clinton’s feud with U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard; the anonymous Trump administration official announces November 15 for publication of tell-all book, A Warning; the U.S.’ military exit from Syria; Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announces extradition bill is dead; and the U.K.’s Brexit chaos 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. A surprise at Entercom’s country KMLE, Phoenix as Maria Knight and Chad Mitchell exit the morning show months after moving over from the company’s classic hits KOOL. It’s not clear what the station’s plans are for replacing the duo but the show is now called “Country Music Mornings.”…..On-air pro Ryan Lacosse is exiting the Cumulus Media Peoria station group at the end of this month to pursue a career outside of the radio business. Lacosse hosts the morning show on rhythmic CHR WZPW “Power 92.3” as Oryan and the midday show on sister rock WIXO “105.7 The X Rocks” as Ryan Black.….Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is presenting “A Salute to Our Military Veterans,” the annual Veterans Day special that honors “generations of men and women who answered the call to serve in the U.S. armed forces.” The show is hosted by Kix Brooks, host of “America’s Country Countdown,” and includes appearances from Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Chris Janson, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, and more. The program can air any time on Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11, 2019, between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight…..Yesterday (10/22), WMMR, Philadelphia midday personality Pierre Robert was honored as one of the 2019 inductees into the Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Annual Walk of Fame. Other honorees included the Philadelphia Orchestra, The O’Jays, The Hooters, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Jody Gerson, and Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Tegna Putting San Diego’s KFMB-AM and KFMB-FM Up for Sale. According to Ken Leighton’s report in the San Diego Reader, Tegna has put news/talk KFMB-AM and classic hits KFMB-FM up for sale and intends to announce a
potential new owner by November 15. The story indicates radio station staffers learned about Tegna’s plans in a memo last week. Tegna bought the two radio stations as part of its acquisition of two San Diego television outlets – KFMB-TV and KFMB-DT2 – back in December of 2018. The piece reports that iHeartMedia is rumored to be interested and goes on to speculate that KFMB-AM could become a sports talk station, with programming from iHeartMedia’s crosstown KLSD moving to KFMB-AM’s better signal. However, such an acquisition would put iHeartMedia over the ownership cap in the market and require divestitures.
Hofstra’s WRHU-FM Wins Third Marconi Award. At this year’s Marconi Awards at the NAB/RAB Radio Show in Dallas, Hofstra University’s WRHU, Hempstead, New York took home its third Marconi Award. The
school’s station won the Noncommercial Station of the Year in 2014 and 2017. This year, the station won the inaugural College Station of the Year honor. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a feature-length look at Hofstra’s WRHU. Kinosian writes that several things make WRHU unique. “Operated primarily by a roughly 250-member student staff, which in itself is fairly mind-blowing, the noncommercial, educational, community-oriented facility has another 20 or so ‘community volunteers.’” Read the entire piece here.
TALKERS News Notes. Indianapolis sports talk host Dan Dakich is serving a
one-week suspension from his show on Emmis Communications’ WFNI-AM “The Fan” for “a failure last year on Dan’s part to adhere to the journalistic principles valued by Emmis,” according to a report in the Indianapolis Star. However, neither Emmis nor Dakich are responding to inquiries about the specifics of his transgression. Former Indiana Pacers player Scot Pollard is sitting in as host of Dakich’s 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show…..Entercom sports talk personality 
Christian Fauria is doing a marathon radio broadcast on WEEI, Boston to raise awareness of diabetes and raise funds for the American Diabetes Association. “Christian Fauria’s 25 for 25k” entails Fauria broadcasting live for 25 hours straight from 2:00 pm on November 13 to 3:00 pm on November 14 in an effort to raise $25,000. Fauria’s son was recently diagnosed with diabetes and during the broadcast, he’ll discuss his family’s journey with diabetes and welcome special guests, including New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower, diabetes patients, medical professionals, and Susan Sarro, executive director of the American Diabetes Association in New England…..This week’s Westwood One blog looks at the levels of awareness, usage, and enrollment in their rewards programs for Uber and Lyft among AM/FM radio listeners. According to a national MARU/Matchbox study commissioned by Westwood One, heavy AM/FM radio listeners are big users of ridesharing. 60% of heavy AM/FM radio listeners used Uber in the past year compared to 37% of light AM/FM radio listeners. A greater proportion of heavy AM/FM radio listeners used Lyft in the last year (49%) versus only 21% of light AM/FM radio
listeners. See more here…..ESPN Radio is reporting that its summer ratings (June 20-September 11) with men 25-54 in PPM markets were up 4% over the same period in 2018 (6a-6p). The upward trend was aided by an increase in time spent listening of 6%. The morning drive “Golic and Wingo” show was up 5% year-over-year with men 25-54 and enjoyed a 17% increase in TSL for the same period.
Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson Tells TALKERS, “We live in a time of journalism by clickbait.” Criticism of today’s media and journalism is not the exclusive domain of President Donald Trump. Nor is the observation
that the national party committees are above putting their thumbs on the scale to help certain candidates of their own choosing. Interestingly, a candidate who is ideologically as far from the president as anyone in the race – Marianne Williamson – shares his view that both today’s media journalism and political party machinery can use improvement when it comes to honesty, integrity, and competency. Although Williamson has not qualified for inclusion in the last two debates, her candidacy remains very much alive. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison caught up with Williamson last week shortly after the Democratic debate on CNN. To listen to the conversation, please click
John McConnell to be Honored by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Radio industry veteran programmer, executive, and talent agent John McConnell has been named the 2019 recipient of prestigious Arnold Schneider Visionary Award by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for his work on behalf the organization’s mission to improve quality of life and speed the development of treatments for paralysis and breakthroughs in spinal cord research. The award will be presented at the Foundation’s annual Gala
dinner in the Big Apple in November. McConnell is executive vice president of Workhouse Media and runs the talent agency’s New York office. One of his clients, the legendary Scott Shannon of WCBS-FM, New York tells TALKERS, “Since the moment he first joined the ranks as a fundraiser and now vice chair, John has left an indelible mark as a leader. He fractured his neck in 2005 after flipping over his bike. While he recovered, this experience ignited a passion and purpose to help the Foundation accelerate its mission. A year to the day after the injury, John ran the New York City Marathon. He’s since completed multiple marathons, raising millions under the Reeve banner.” Shannon continues, “I’ve known John for 30 years. Our love of radio brought us together and we have a wonderful friendship. And I’m proud to call him my agent.” This year’s Gala is titled “A Magical Evening” and it is set for Thursday, November 14 at Cipriani South Street located at 10 South Street in New York City. Those interested in attending or making a contribution may contact the Gala office at 973-933-7114 or events@christopherreeve.org for reservations.
Egan Named GSM for Alpha Media Portland. The Alpha Media Portland station group that includes news/talk KXL-FM, talk KUFO “Freedom 970,” and sports talk KXTG-AM “750 The Game,” and four music brands names Michael Egan its new general sales manager, effective November 4. Egan was most
recently general manager at Pitt Learfield/IMG College Sports Marketing in Pittsburgh. Prior to his six-year stint at Learfield/IMG, Egan held senior roles in corporate sponsorship sales for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Portland Trail Blazers. Alpha Media Portland director of sales Cressy Walton says, “We are very excited to have Mike join us and look forward to the ideas, relationships, and experience he is bringing to our team. His knowledge, sense of humor, leadership, work ethic, and Oregon roots are a perfect fit.”
Impeachment Inquiry Delay, Syria Withdrawal, 2020 Presidential Race/Gabbard-Clinton Clash, Trudeau Ekes Victory in Canada, Netanyahu Fails to Form Government, and Brexit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/22). The Democrats delay the impeachment inquiry against President Trump; debate over the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Northeastern Syria; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in 2020 and Hillary Clinton’s calling Tulsi Gabbard a “Russian asset”; Justin Trudeau wins Canada’s prime minister race but will lead a minority government; Benjamin Netanyahu fails to form a government in Israel; and Boris Johnson’s asking Parliament to approve his Brexit deal 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. Changes are taking place on air at Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut operations. Air personality Allan Lamberti is moving from mornings on classic rock WFOX, Southport “95.9 The Fox” to sister adult contemporary WEBE, Westport for afternoons, taking over for Jay Michaels, who is stepping down this week. Charlie Padgett will assume morning duties on WFOX. Lamberti says, “I grew up in Trumbull, live in Bridgeport, and have long listened to and admired WEBE108. I’m extremely excited to take over in my new role on afternoons on such a legendary signal.”…..iHeartMedia’s hip hop KMEL, San Francisco announces the lineup for its 2019 “Holiday House of Soul” taking place on Saturday, December 14 at The Masonic in San Francisco. The event will feature live performances from artists including Layton Greene, SiR and DVSN. iHeartMedia San Francisco SVP of programming Don Parker says, “The KMEL ‘Holiday House of Soul’ is a Bay Area tradition and frequently showcases some of the biggest new stars in R&B. Previous shows have included talent such as SZA and The Weeknd, just as their careers were in their earliest stages. We’re proud to again feature several of today’s freshest R&B artists who’ve all had a breakout year in 2019 with big things to come in the years ahead.”
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
TALKERS and The Epoch Times’ Co-Presented “Talk Media Forum on US-China Relations” Takes Place in NYC; Video Available for Viewing. A 90-minute panel discussion took place in New York today (10/1). The “Talk Media Forum on US-China
Relations” was a panel discussion that included radio talk show hosts Hugh Hewitt of Salem Radio Network, John Batchelor of WABC, New York, and Tom Sullivan of Talk Media Network, as well as a group of experts on the present state of China and its increasingly strained relationship with the United States including Nan Su of NTDTV, Joshua Philipp of The Epoch Times and Dr. Dana Cheng of The Epoch Times. The conversation focused on the US-China trade war, the Hong Kong protests, China’s human rights abuses, Huawei and the worldwide battle for 5G dominance, the North Korea nuclear threat, China’s ongoing intellectual property theft, China’s military buildup, and the long term goals and methods of the Chinese Communist Party, plus more. See the video of today’s event here.
Ramsey Solutions Addresses National Student Loan Crisis. The company is working to help families avoid traps of student loans and show them a better way to pay for college. Ramsey Solutions chief executive officer/“Dave Ramsey Show” host Dave Ramsey declares, “Americans have been fed a lie that it is impossible to afford college without student loans. That lie has the average graduate burdened with over $35,000 in student loans from the moment they’re handed their diplomas. The system is broken, and we want people to know the truth: It is possible to pay cash for college.” Thought leaders Ramsey, Mark Cuban, and Seth Godin are among those interviewed in “Borrowed Future,” an eight-episode podcast series featuring real-life stories that explore the student loan crisis. Anthony ONeal, author of “Debt Free-Degree: The Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Your Kid Through College Without Student Loans,” remarks, “Parents and teens believe that student loans are the only option, but debt doesn’t open doors – it closes them. I travel the country speaking to thousands of people each year. I meet students all the time who are working hard, applying for scholarships and grants, and are actually graduating debt-free. I believe more parents and students can do this, but they need a plan. We’re here to provide that plan.”
NAB PILOT Program Announces Internship Grant Recipients. Launched this past spring, PILOT is the National Association of Broadcasters’ technology initiative which has thus far provided paid internships to 13 NAB member organizations for undergraduate 
students in radio and television engineering/technology positions. The program is provided in partnership with the NAB’s Leadership Foundation as part of an effort to grow technical and engineering talent for the industry. Grants for the spring 2020 term will be provided to the following NAB members: Michigan State University news/talk WKAR-AM, news/talk-classical WKAR-FM, and PBS affiliate WKAR-TV, East Lansing (Michigan); Butler County Radio Network (Butler, Pennsylvania) news/talk WISR, country WBUT, and rock WLER; Scripps Media Phoenix ABC affiliate KNXV-TV; and Marquee Broadcasting Bowling Green, Kentucky’s WNKY-TV. NAB’s executive vice president and chief technology officer Sam Matheny notes, “We have been encouraged by the response to this program and are thrilled to continue it for a second year. PILOT and the NAB Leadership Foundation remain committed to assisting NAB member stations in attracting the best and brightest new candidates to a career in broadcast technology.” NAB Leadership Foundation president Michelle Duke adds, “The NAB Foundation is happy to provide opportunities with PILOT for students in the broadcast technology and engineering fields. Our intent is to continue to expand the pool of talent for our industry.” The program seeks to help NAB members that do not currently offer engineering or media-technology internships. It will provide resources to assist selected stations in identifying and supporting interns, as well as assistance for the selected interns to attend next year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas.
TALKERS News Notes. Celebrities and politicians were omnipresent in Staten Island this past Saturday (9/28) at the nuptials of Salem Media Group New York news/talk WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” executive producer/talk host Frank Morano and his fiancé Rachel O’Brien. “This 
truly was the most unique assemblage of people ever to come to one party,” he maintains. It’s hard to argue that claim as Morano’s WNYM colleague, Joe Piscopo, got the afternoon started with a Frank Sinatra “New York New York”/“That’s Life” medley reminiscent of how Piscopo did it on “Saturday Night Live.” Morano is quick 
to note that Piscopo’s date for the affair was none other than supermodel Carol Alt. Among others spotted in the crowd were congressman Dan Donovan; former New York lieutenant governor Betsy McCaughey; billionaire businessman/New York City-based Red Apple Group chair/CEO (and new owner of New York City news/talk WABC) John Catsimatidis; former mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis; and criminal defense attorney Arthur Aidala, currently representing Harvey Weinstein. Syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher was in attendance as were talk host/author Kevin McCullough, Richard Bey, sportscaster Russ Salzberg, and Shelley Goldberg. There were no reports of fisticuffs or violence of any type at the wedding. That is actually quite remarkable and noteworthy, given that John A. Gotti and his sister, reality TV star/author Victoria Gotti, were there along with Guardian Angels founder/talk show host Curtis Sliwa. Things could have gotten particularly dicey as it was Gotti who was charged with ordering the 1992 kidnapping and shooting of Sliwa. Gotti went on trial four times with each trial ending in a hung jury. “Needless to say, we kept John and Curtis on opposite sides of the room,” Morano quips. “It did lead to one of the more interesting quotes of the evening. As Curtis was dancing, John remarked to me, ‘Do you think Curtis would mind if I cut in to dance 
with his wife?’” Also at the wedding was Maureen Gioeli, the wife of Tommy “Shots” Gioeli, who Morano describes as “the alleged acting boss of the Colombo crime family” ….. Six-year (2003 – 2009) Bernalillo County (New Mexico) sheriff Darren White will join Cumulus Media Albuquerque news/talk KKOB “AM 770 News Radio” as midday host (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm), beginning next Monday (10/7). Cumulus Media Albuquerque vice president/market manager Jeff Berry comments, “Darren is one of the best political minds around, with deep roots in the Albuquerque media market and New Mexico politics. KKOB delivers the best lineup in radio and Darren is going to help us fill out our already amazing roster.” White states, “I’m honored to join the legendary KKOB and host a show in a time slot between a national radio powerhouse in Rush Limbaugh and a radio legend in TJ Trout. I’m grateful to Jeff Berry for this amazing opportunity and excited to get behind the mic to continue the long tradition of engaging talk radio.” Formerly a correspondent for Albuquerque’s KRQE-TV, White was secretary of New Mexico’s Department of Public Safety and Albuquerque’s chief public safety officer ….. Pre-game and post-game host of Cincinnati Reds games, Tommy Thrall, will succeed retired hall of famer 
Marty Brennaman as the team’s lead radio voice on iHeartMedia Cincinnati news/talk WLW. After calling minor league Pensacola Blue Wahoos games for six years, Thrall joined the Reds crew this season. He previously was the radio voice of the Quad Cities River Bandits ….. Three-year senior producer/audience development & engagement Stephanie Curtis is promoted to Minnesota Public Radio’s MPR News director of programming. Executive director of news & programming Nancy Cassutt comments, “Steph holds a clear vision for what needs to come next in our programming in order to be relevant and engaging with our audiences. She understands our newsroom and where we have the best opportunities to grow and better serve our listeners. Combined with her wealth of talents, this makes her a perfect fit for this role.” Curtis has been with MPR for over 25 years and is the “Movie Maven” on the weekly “Cube Critics” podcast ….. WFPL news editor Jonese Franklin is boosted to local host for NPR’s “All Things Considered” on the Louisville Public Media news/talk station. WFPL director of news and 
programming Erica Peterson notes, “Jonese brings a diverse depth of experience to the job, including years working as a journalist, editor and broadcaster. I’m excited to hear her on the air every day, and I know our listeners will be as well” ….. Beginning next Monday (10/7), iHeartRadio Broadway debuts “Show & Tell with Frank DiLella,” a weekly Broadway-focused original podcast. New episodes will be available every Monday via the iHeartPodcast Network. Host of “On Stage,” Spectrum News NY1 theater correspondent DiLella is an Emmy Award winning journalist. According to iHeartRadio Broadway director Sarah Jane Arnegger, “We’re thrilled to have Frank DiLella join iHeartRadio Broadway. Frank has been an integral part of the Broadway industry for years. With his built-in audience, this podcast will serve as an extension of what Frank does best with his comprehensive reporting style and celebrity theatrical interviews.” DiLella remarks, “I am truly excited to be teaming up with iHeartMedia and iHeartRadio Broadway as it expands its Broadway programming. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the folks who make up the theater community in New York and abroad. With this new opportunity, I look forward to bringing my in-depth conversations and commentary with the movers and shakers of the industry to a larger audience.”
Cumulus Media Cluster Sets Annual “Christmas For Our Troops.” The fundraiser and series of donation drives that will benefit our
service personnel will commence one week from this Friday (10/11) and run through November 12. In partnership with Step Up For Soldiers, Cumulus Media Wilmington, North Carolina will collect items donated by the community for deployed servicemen and women and raise funds to ship the packages overseas in time for Christmas. Cumulus Wilmington vice president and market manager Eric McCart states, “In addition to collecting items, an important need we have is to collect money for our ‘Christmas For Our Troops Postage Fund.’ It costs $14.35 to send each flat-rate box overseas. The more monetary donations we receive, the more Christmas packages we can send to our troops. We will be accepting both ‘Postage Fund’ and suggested item donations while we’re on location at our collection sites. ‘Postage Fund’ donations can also be made online.” Items to be collected will include writing utensils, games, snacks, bottled drinks, and anything else that is easy-to-use, easy-to-wash, and easy-to-store. In addition to WAAV “980 The Wave – News, Talk, & Sports,” the company’s Wilmington, North Carolina cluster includes WWQQ “Double Q-101.3 Cape Fear’s Country Leader,” adult contemporary WGNI “102.7 GNI Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites,” urban contemporary WMNX “Coast 97.3,” and classic rock WKXS “94.5 The Hawk.”
Stations Go From One Backyard To Another. Headed by Van A. Michael, Pennsylvania-based Backyard Broadcasting of Pennsylvania, LLC closes on its purchase of seven Pennsylvania stations from … and here’s where it gets tricky … Daniel J. Farr’s (also) Pennsylvania-based Backyard Broadcasting PA, LLC. Neither of these Backyard entities has any other broadcast interests. Stations involved are sports talk WWPA “ESPN Radio 1340”; WWPA’s FM translator W267BJ at 101.3; WILQ “105.1 Today’s Best Country”; and hot AC WLMY – all in Williamsport; rock WZXR, South Williamsport; rock WCXR, Lewisburg (which simulcasts WZXR); and classic hits-oldies WBZD, Muncy. Kalil & Company, Inc. was the exclusive broker for this transaction.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Veteran consultant/programmer John Sebastian
signs the first client for his “WOW Factor” format – KOAI, Phoenix – and as part of the deal, he will be the consultant and hands-on program director of the Riviera Broadcasting outlet. Riviera Broadcasting chief executive officer Michael Cutchall remarks, “John has been one of the most innovative programmers in the history of radio. There is no one better to connect with listeners and communities in his approach and philosophy to programming. His excitement to join our team is contagious and his desire to 
win is relentless.” Sebastian asserts that KOAI will be “the first of many ‘WOW Factor’ stations across America with an eclectic mix of music researched and curated for baby boomers.” His previous Phoenix programming background already includes KUPD, KSLX, and KDKB. Sebastian has programmed in other markets such as Los Angeles (KTWV, KHJ, and KZLA); Chicago (WJMK); Dallas (KPLX); Boston (WCOZ); Seattle (KISW); Minneapolis (KDWB); and Nashville (WSM-FM). According to Nielsen Audio PPM data, the February 2019 through August 2019 (6+) topline for classic hits-oldies KOAI is: 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5. It ranks #25 in August 2019; iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is on top (7.0, 6+). ….. Former Bohn 
Broadcast Services vice president of business development Chris Roth is appointed program director of Entercom Washington, DC classic hits-oldies WIAD “94.7 The Drive.” Roth will “work closely” with Entercom classic hits-oldies format captain Chris Ebbott, who programs Los Angeles’ co-owned/similarly formatted KRTH “K-Earth 101.” Entercom Washington, DC senior vice president and market manager Phil Zachary comments, “One year into the format, we are satisfied with the station’s position, but we are constantly seeking new ways to innovate and improve. Chris Roth brings the vernacular and market knowledge to finetune ‘94.7 The Drive’ to DC’s particular tastes. He’s uniquely-suited for this role; I am excited to see him help our station excel.” Roth notes, “Programming ‘94.7 The Drive’ is a dream job for me. I’m passionate about the classic hits format and I’m looking forward to making it the fun destination for DC listening.” Roth previously was an on-air talent at Baltimore adult contemporary sibling WLIF “Today’s 101.9”; director of programming for WAVA, Washington; a reporter at Washington’s all-news WTOP; 
and director of programming and operations for Winchester, Virginia hot AC WINC-FM ….. As noted in this space just last Friday (9/27), Scott Roddy exited his brand/content director post with Hubbard Radio St. Louis adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” for a “yet-to-be-revealed position.” Well, it didn’t take long for the mystery to be revealed as Roddy will join
Entercom Portland next Monday (10/7) as program director/operations manager for country KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” and hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz.” Entercom Portland senior vice president/market manager Kim Martinez states, “Scott has an impressive track record programming leading stations; we’re fortunate to add him to the team. I am confident his proven leadership will enable him to step in and immediately enhance the programming efforts for our stations.” Roddy notes, “I’m stoked to join the iconic ‘Wolf’ and to bring some electricity back to the ‘Buzz.’ Kim Martinez is building a world-class operation at Entercom Portland. Her passion for our industry, audience, investors, and local team is unparalleled. I’d like to thank Kim; [chief programming officer] Pat Paxton; [regional president] Doug Abernethy; and [senior vice president of programming] Dave Richards for the opportunity.” Prior to joining WARH in February 2016, Roddy programmed stations for Entercom Indianapolis, Oasis Radio Group Fort Wayne (Indiana), and Saga Communications ….. This Saturday (10/5) at 8:00 am, iHeartMedia Chicago urban contemporary WGCI-FM, urban AC WVAZ “V-103,” and gospel WGRB “Inspiration 1390” will hold the third annual “Sista Strut” 3K breast cancer charity walk to benefit the Chicago chapter of the Sisters Network. According to iHeartMedia Chicago director of urban programming Derrick Brown, “We are dedicated to serving the community in which we live and work. We remain committed to doing our part in being a source of support and encouragement for those battling and recovering from this disease.” WGCI-FM morning show member Kendra G and WVAZ midday talent Bionce Foxx will host the event. Special guests will include “Steve Harvey Morning Show” co-host Carla Ferrell ….. Forming the new morning team at Emmis 
Indianapolis’ country WLHK “97.1 Hank FM” are Caleb James and Mindy Winkler. James most recently programmed NRG Media Omaha rhythmic CHR KOPW “Power 106.9,” while Winkler arrives from WLHK’s adult contemporary sibling WYXB “B-105.7.” Former “Hank” morning driver Dave O’Brien is now doing similar duties at Entercom Denver classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” ….. Louisville alternative WGHL “Alt 105.1” program director/afternoon talent Phil “PK” Kukawinski tacks on programming duties for Alpha Media adult hits cluster-mate WXMA “102.3 Jack-FM.” He succeeds Sarah Jordan, who continues as marketing director and mid-day personality (10:00 am – 3:00 pm) on co-
owned CHR WDJX “99-7 DJX” ….. To help raise funds, supplies, and awareness for rescue dogs, iHeartMedia Colorado Springs hot AC KVUU “My 99.9” will team with the Lovepup Foundation for the initial “Lovepup Family Fest” one week from Saturday (10/12, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm) at Weidner Field. KVUU morning drive talent Johnjay of the syndicated “Johnjay and Rich” show will host the event. All money and pet supply donations will benefit local Colorado Springs animal rescue organizations ….. Meanwhile, KVUU cluster-mate KCYY “Y-96.9 #1 For New Country” and Oakwood Homes join forces four weeks from today (10/29) for the first-ever “Boo Bash” to benefit HBA Cares. Hosted by “Y-96.9” afternoon drive host Shawn Patrick, the event will feature entertainment from Matt Stell, Noah Schnacky, and Tyler Walker Band. “Boo Bash” proceeds will benefit local transitional and accessible housing in the Colorado Springs area, along with other local community projects. Doors will open at 6:00 pm at Boot Barn Hall ….. WCYQ “100.3 The Wolf” nighttime talent Paul Orr exits the SummitMedia Knoxville country station to focus on his voiceover business. Before joining WCYQ, Orr 
worked in Birmingham (WZZK); Oklahoma City (KTST); Fort Myers (WWGR); and Shreveport (KRMD) ….. A “goat” is loose in Hagerstown-Chambersburg (Maryland-Pennsylvania) as Verstandig Media transitions CHR WNUZ “Now 92.1” to classic hits-oldies WIKG “92.1 The Goat – The Greatest of All Time.” This comes after a weekend of stunting with all-Christmas music; the station is inviting listeners to “Take Your Goat To Work.” Continuing the theme, the “goat herd” is airing 20 songs in a row in its first week.
Delilah Honored With AFN Challenge Coin. For her unwavering support of service members and veterans, Premiere Networks’ adult contemporary host Delilah received the American Forces Network challenge coin last Thursday (9/26) at the Radio Show in Dallas. Military challenge coins have been issued to servicemen and servicewomen since World War I as a symbol of honor, respect, gratitude, and loyalty. Delilah is heard weeknights at 7:00 pm in Japan, Korea, and central Europe on AFN Radio’s “Today’s Best Hits Adult Contemporary” channel. Pictured left to right are: Tom Arnholt of AFN programming and operations, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, Delilah, who co-hosted last week’s NAB Marconi Awards, and Curt Eckstein of AFN programming and operations.
Friday, August 9, 2019
Nunn Boosted to YEA Networks President. Three-year YEA Networks executive vice president of sales Shawn Nunn is elevated to the 
newly- created position of president at the independent radio and podcast company. Chief executive officer George Laughlin notes, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Shawn for more than 20 years. He is a trusted advisor and a highly-effective leader, who has been essential to the incredible growth and expansion of the company over the past three years. Under his leadership, YEA Networks will continue to deliver the highest quality products and services to the audio industry.” Nunn adds, “I am more than grateful to George for this opportunity. I have worked with many on the YEA team for much of my career and I am honored to take the lead. George’s vision and passion for this industry is immeasurable and I look forward to continuing this journey with him.” Texas native/Texas State University alum Nunn previously spent five years as Townsquare Media’s vice president of national sales; four years as GAP Broadcasting’s vice president of sales; and has held media industry positions in Dallas, Seattle, and Colorado Springs. YEA Networks’ syndicated programs include: various Kiddnation podcasts, “The Hollywood 5,” “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” and “Tino Cochino Radio.
WCMC-FM Shifts “SportsChannel8: The Radio Show” to Weekdays. Saturday morning’s 10:00 am -12:00 noon “SportsChannel8” will begin airing weekdays in the same slot on Capitol Broadcasting Raleigh sports talk WCMC-FM,
starting next Thursday (8/15). As a result, “FM 99.9 The Fan” will have nine consecutive hours of local sports talk programming each weekday. WCMC program/operations director Dennis Glasgow states, “We couldn’t be more excited to add the ‘SportsChannel8’ brand to our weekday lineup. Not only do we add another two hours a day of outstanding local content, we’ll also be offering probably one of the most engaging, entertaining, and hyper-local shows I have ever heard in my six years in ‘The Triangle.’” The show is hosted by longtime North Carolinian Hayes Permar, along with Josh Goodson and Brian Geisinger. Permar remarks, “We are incredibly excited and humbled to be part of the already outstanding lineup that ‘99.9 The Fan’ offers listeners every weekday. Our crew is made up of guys who all grew up and became sports fans in North Carolina; our show has and will continue to reflect that.” Coinciding with the change, ESPN Radio’s Dan Le Batard will transition from WCMC to co-owned/similarly formatted WCMC-HD2 “Buzz Sports Radio” and add an extra hour (10:00 am – 1:00 pm).
TALKERS News Notes. Exiting Total Traffic & Weather Network, owing to restructuring, are senior vice president of affiliate services
Roger Nadel; vice president of affiliate sales for the southeast Christopher Leonard; and head of operations for the southwest John Winder ….. After an 18-year career as an NFL QB (the first seven with the Philadelphia Eagles and the last 11 with the Washington Redskins), Sonny Jurgensen hung up the helmet and spikes in 1974. The soon-to-be (8/23) 85-year-old Hall of 
Famer is now hanging up the headsets as the longtime Redskins’ radio analyst. He made the announcement before last night’s (Thursday, 8/8) pre-season, pre-game show. Jurgensen commented, “I’ve had so many wonderful memories of teammates I’ve played with and talked about during my years in radio and television. The relationships with coaches and executives over the 50 years have been special. My broadcast partners such as Sam Huff, Frank Herzog, Doc Walker, and George Michael lived through the glory years together – all great memories. My good friend Andy Ockershausen was responsible for bringing together the original broadcast team of ‘Sonny, Sam, and Frank.’ After 62 years in professional football, I still have my health and wonderful family; a special thanks to my beautiful wife, Margo, for letting me work the weekends for all those years. I’ll always be a fan of professional football and appreciative of all that it has done for me, my family, and our city” ….. KTUL-TV, Tulsa marketing consultant Jessica Foster joins Stephens Media Group Tulsa as director of sales. SMG owner David Stephens notes, “Jessica has the well-rounded media experience we need to maximize revenue. Her ties to the local advertising community and reputation for excellence adds to the strength of our cluster.” Senior vice president of radio and digital sales Summer Kirkland comments, “Having worked alongside Jessica for several years, I have witnessed the way she incorporates her vast media knowledge with a passion for people to achieve success.” Prior to KTUL-TV, Foster worked at Interep/D&R; Entercom St. Louis news/talk KMOX; and several stations in Atlanta and Springfield, Missouri. The Stephens Media Group Tulsa cluster includes news/talk KCFO “AM 970 Talk You Can Trust,” sports talk KYAL “97.1 The Sports Animal,” contemporary Christian KXOJ and KXOJ-HD2, alternative KMYZ “Z-104.5 The Edge,” and KTSO “Totally Awesome 80s” ….. Part of next Monday’s (8/12) 
debut of iHeartMedia Reading, Pennsylvania’s news/talk WRAW “News Radio 1340” will be the return of Rush Limbaugh to the market. Regional senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Allentown and Harrisburg Jeff Hurley comments, “We’re thrilled to bring an all-star lineup of talk radio programs to Reading. We’re confident that WRAW will become a favorite source for compelling news, talk, and entertainment.” The station’s weekday lineup will include: “The RJ Harris Breakfast Show” (5:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Limbaugh (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Buck Sexton (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); and “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” (9:00 pm – 10:00 pm) ….. As part of an 
extended relationship with NRG Media Omaha, all hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball games of the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks will air on sports talk KZOT “1180 AM – The Zone 2.” In the event of a hockey conflict, any and all basketball games will be heard on sports talk KOZN “1620 AM – The Zone” or KOIL “News Talk 1290.” NRG Radio Omaha general manager Mark Shecterle remarks, “We are extremely excited to
continue our partnership with UNO. As the sports leader in Omaha, it is important that we associate our stations with great sports programs like UNO. We look forward to broadcasting UNO sports on our stations this upcoming year, and many years to come.” UNO vice chancellor of athletics Trev Alberts notes, “NRG Media has provided our hockey and basketball teams with a reliable radio home for many years; we are pleased to continue this mutually beneficial relationship. NRG Media is a recognized leader in sports broadcasting in Omaha, and its stations allow our fans to follow the Mavericks, both over-the-air and through live streaming.” Gary Sharp will be back for his seventh season calling UNO men’s basketball. He will work with former Maverick Kyler Erickson who will begin his first season as analyst for all home games. Likewise, Donny Baarns enters his first year of lead play-by-play announcer for UNO hockey broadcasts. He will work alongside Terry Leahy who has provided color commentary for all 22 seasons of UNO hockey. Lester St. James will return for his 10th season as the rink-side reporter for all home games. Meanwhile, Jon Schriner replaces Baarns as play-by-play voice of Omaha women’s basketball ….. The Wall Street Journal is among the first to report that Facebook is offering news outlets millions of dollars for the rights to put their content in a news section that the company hopes to launch later this year. The project involves the social network striking deals potentially worth millions of dollars to publishers including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Dow Jones, parent company of The Wall Street Journal, among others. The Journal reported yesterday (Thursday, 8/8) that Facebook representatives had told news executives that they’d pay as much as $3 million a year to license stories, headlines and other material. Publishers could pick between putting the stories directly on Facebook’s tab or putting previews in that go back to the original site. These arrangements would last for three years. Thus far though, it’s unclear if any publishers have signed on yet.
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, will be posted this afternoon (Friday 8/9) on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled, “The Nation Grieves and Argues!” looks back at this past week of August 5-9, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Mike Siegel, syndicated talk show host, GCN; Harry Hurley, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; Rick Ungar, syndicated talk show host, “The Rick Ungar Show”/former CEO Marvel Entertainment; and Renee Kohanski, M.D., forensic psychiatrist and medical profession podcaster. The news/talk media show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation mark for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. Hosted by Michael Harrison, this excellent show is now being made available as a service to terrestrial news/talk stations from TALKERS for on-air or online presentation on a market-exclusive basis. For information call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here.
Cool Job Opportunity. There are actually three of them to share – all at Fox News. A freelance writer is needed for the Fox News Headlines team. You will write news for the national news network, conceptualize, write, compile enterprise stories, fact check, and build show content newscasts. This is a shift-based role, including overnight and weekend shifts. You will work some holidays and must be available off-hours in the event of major breaking news. Among the responsibilities are writing fast-paced newscasts; generating creative and innovative ideas for writing news segments; and 
communicating daily story development with producers and editors. A degree in journalism or related field is preferred. Click here to apply. In addition, Fox News Radio D.C./New York is seeking an overnight freelance anchor. The person in this position will work under tight deadlines, must have a passion for breaking news, and be flexible to work on a days’ notice. In order to be considered for this role, a link or MP3 file of a demo reel/air check is needed. Among responsibilities are writing for a one-hour live national newscast; writing five-minute and one-minute newscasts; and handling live breaking news coverage during national newscasts. Requirements include strong writing skills; ability to work under tight deadlines; flexibility to work primarily weekend shifts; and at least five years’ experience as a news anchor. Network or major market experience is preferred. Click here to apply. Needed as well is a freelance producer/news editor to supervise the staff for the network radio news operation. This person will work with news anchors to craft content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. Responsibilities include: formatting, programming, coordinating, and producing a live news program; producing segments and reporter hits; handling staffing issues when managers are not present; and working on developing stories as the day progresses. Candidates must: be highly skilled in writing and copy editing; have familiarity with social media; be able to handle breaking news situations; have strong editorial judgment; and be able to interact with high-profile talent. Click here to apply.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Director of sales for Townsquare Media’s four-station Cedar Rapids (Iowa) cluster, Brian Sines, transfers to Texarkana (Texas/Arkansas) to become market 
president/chief revenue officer of the company’s five stations there. Townsquare senior vice president Todd Lawley notes, “I have worked with Brian the past five years and watched him build Cedar Rapids into one of the top performing clusters at Townsquare. The Cedar Rapids market hasn’t missed a budget in three years and holds a dominant position with both their broadcast and digital performance. I’m confident that Brian will quickly build upon the high performing team that serves the community, our listeners, and the clients of Texarkana. It is extremely rewarding to again have the ability to promote from within, which is a direct reflection to the level of talent we have at Townsquare.” Sines remarks, “I am excited to join the team in Texarkana. Townsquare is fortunate to have such a long-tenured team in place that truly cares about our clients, our listeners, and super serves the community. I look forward to working with the number one media team in the market and starting a budget-busting streak of our own.” Sines formerly held market manager, GSM, and director of sales positions in Des Moines, Madison (Wisconsin), and Burlington (Iowa) at stations owned by the then-Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia). Townsquare Media’s five Texarkana stations are country KKYR “Kicker 102.5”; CHR KPWW “Power 95.9”; classic rock KYGL “Eagle 106.3”; urban AC KMJI “Magic 93.3”; and gospel KOSY “790 AM.” ….. Program director Al Payne has left Cumulus Media Kansas City urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3.” Prior to his KC tenure, Payne programmed in Dallas (KRNB); Washington, DC (WKYS); Detroit (WMGC, WGPR, WDMK); Baltimore (WERQ, WWIN); and Greensboro (WQMG) ….. WLXX “92.9 Nash FM,” Lexington (Kentucky) promotes on-air 
talent Deidre Ransdell to program director of the Cumulus Media country outlet. Cumulus Lexington general manager Scott Frazier opines, “Having Deidre Ransdell as WLXX program director is like naming [Houston Astros RHP] Justin Verlander as your starter in game one of the World Series. She brings talent, experience, drive, and the will-to-win to the station. I’m very much looking forward to working with her.” Operations manager Anthony “Twitch” Longo comments, “It’s a great day when we get to promote someone as talented and hardworking as Deidre. She is a force to be reckoned with; to say I am excited to have her at the helm of “92.9 Nash FM” is an understatement.” After a 15-year career in education, Ransdell has been a Lexington on-air talent the past 18 years. She joined WLXX’s morning show in 2001 and has been heard in various other day-parts on the station. Last year, Ransdell added overnights at Nashville’s co-owned/similarly formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” and is heard on various other country stations on Cumulus Media’s Westwood One Radio Network …. As voted by the Academy of Country Music membership, the ACM announces its officers for the 2019 – 2020 term. They are: Ed Warm (chair); Lori Badgett (president); Chuck Aly
(vice president); Carmen Romano (treasurer); Gayle Holcomb (sergeant-at-arms); Paul Moore (parliamentarian); and Tommy Moore (secretary). Outgoing chair Duane Clark comments, “The Academy’s history is one of continually building upon its successes and supporting the artists we love, and the music they create that shapes our culture. I am grateful for – and proud of – the hard work and dedication of the Academy’s board, our partners, and our passionate staff. With Ed [Warm] stepping in as chair, I am confident we are in the best hands to guide our organization to new heights.” Warm remarks, “I have greatly enjoyed my involvement with the Academy and am looking forward to carrying the torch from Duane. I’m proud to work with the many talented industry people who volunteer their time for our artists, industry, and fans.” ….. Adult contemporary WLDR “101.9 – Northern Michigan’s Music Leader,” Traverse City joins Blarney Stone Broadcasting rock sibling WQON “Q-100,” Grayling (Michigan) as an affiliate on the Detroit Lions radio network. Blarney Stone Broadcasting president/chief executive officer Sheryl Coyne notes, “We know how important Detroit Lions football is to their passionate fan base in Northern Michigan; we’re proud to be able to deliver all the games in such professional broadcasts.”
Rasberry Receives MIW “Airblazer Award.” Longtime co-host of YEA Networks’ syndicated “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” Kellie Rasberry, was honored with the 2019 MIW “Airblazer Award” during the 31st annual Talentmasters Morning Show Bootcamp (MSBC). Radio Advertising Board president/chief executive officer Erica Farber made the presentation. Now in its fifth year, the MIW “Airblazer Award” stems from an alliance formed between the MIW Group and MSBC and honors a deserving on-air radio personality. In addition to her work as co-host of “The Kidd Kraddick 
Morning Show,” Rasberry co-hosts (with her husband, Allen Evans) the weekly podcast, “A Sandwich and Some Lovin.’” She is on the board of directors of Kidd’s Kids, a non-profit organization that takes children with life-altering conditions to all-expenses paid trips to Disney World with their family. After more than two decades in radio, Rasberry has won several “Favorite Female Radio Personality of the Year” awards. She was a co-host on Fox Television’s “Dish Nation,” “Love Letters with Matthew & Kellie,” and webcast of the “Blockbuster Entertainment Awards.” During “Women of Radio Week,” she co-hosted “Live! With Regis.” Pictured (left to right) are Farber, Rasberry, and 2018 MIW “Airblazer Award” honoree Mercedes Martinez of Entercom Las Vegas hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1.”
July 2019 PPM Data. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for Boston, Miami, and Seattle. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three markets.
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO, which nets +1.5 via seven successive positive or neutral trends (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6, 6+). Moreover, July’s impressive +.9 propels “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” all the way into the top ten (#12 to #8), with 3.6 (6+) surpassing November 2014’s 3.3. Up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (.4 – .5 – .6, June and July, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” repeats at #26.
The combined sports talk share of this sports crazy market’s two high-powered FMs deflates by -2.4 (June 2019 – July 2019, 6+) with Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM absorbing 75% of that hit (5.6 – 3.8, fourth to seventh, 6+). Nine recent shifts for “98.5 The Sports Hub” include: +.9 (October 2018); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); -1.4 (June); and July’s whopping -1.8. “The Sports Hub” is the lead station of the Stanley Cup runner-up Bruins; Super Bowl champion New England Patriots; and the Celtics. The month-to-month drop-off for Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM is one-third that of “The Sports Hub” (3.9 – 3.3, -.6, 6+); the flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox flagship slips from eighth to tenth. Sample shifts for WEEI-FM include: -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); +.6 (April); and -.6 (July).
WBZ-AM is truly locked on 5.0 (6+), as that is what “News Radio 1030” logs for the fifth successive month. The iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid progresses from sixth to fifth; it was +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+).
By regaining the one-tenth it lost in June (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR returns to the top ten (#11 to #9, 6+), while WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH repeats June’s 6+ AQH share (2.2) and market rank (#16).
Boston Music Formats – Not only does Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR replicate June’s increase of six-tenths (7.6 – 8.2 – 8.8, 6+), “105.7 – 80s & More” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. When WROR dropped two-tenths in May, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (January, 7.3, and February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March and April, 7.8 – both times, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); WROR (June, 8.2 and July, 8.8, 6+). At the same time that iHeartMedia-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” improves by six-tenths (2.1 – 2.7, #17 to #13, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” regresses by seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.0, seventh to sixth, 6+). A June loss of three-tenths by “The Bull” ended six successive sweeps without a loss that netted six-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+). This is the highest 6+-share for “The Bull” since August 2017 (2.7, as well). “Country 102.5, meanwhile was a cumulative +1.3 in four straight “Holiday 2018 through April 2019 bumps (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). In four consecutive positive spikes, Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV gained a collective nine-tenths (1.8 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+), but “92.5 The River – Boston’s Independent Radio” forfeits six-tenths to 2.1 (#12 to #17, 6+). Up a combined-eight-tenths in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” forfeits one-half share to 6.4 (6+) but continues in third-place. June’s 6.9 was its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. Albeit a collective -1.2 in six straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” improves from #19 to #18. In the market’s CHR arena, iHeartMedia’s aforementioned WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” is a combined -.7 in June/July (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+) but repeats in the runner-up slot. A one-half share increase in May took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is down or flat the sixth straight time for a net loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1, #17 to #16, 6+).
Miami
English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio
620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” has lost just two-tenths and carries on at #18 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+).
Seven successive sweeps without a loss yielded three-tenths for Entercom’s WAXY (.6 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .9 – .9, 6+), but “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” is off one-tenth in July to .8 (#25 to #26, 6+). Co-owned WQAM – which recently rebranded from “Sports Radio 560” to “560 The Joe” – has a January 2019 through July 2019 topline of .6 – .5 – .7 – .5 – .6 – .5 – 6 (#29 to #30, 6+).
While it remains at #20, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN falters by four-tenths to 1.9 (6+), thus snapping four straight up or flat reports that produced a net gain of two-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – Without an increase the last three ratings periods and down three-tenths in that March through June stretch (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary WMIB “103.5 The Beat” ends the slide with a +.6 to 3.2 (6+) and jumps from #16 to #12. This is its best 6+-showing since December 2018 (3.2, as well). In four straight drops, Spanish contemporary sibling WZTU was a collective -1.7 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+). “Tu 94.9” pulls the plug in July though by picking up three tenths to 3.7 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). June’s 3.4 was its weakest 6+-stat since October 2017 (3.4, as well). Flat at #15, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7,” which had faltered by seven-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+), gains one-tenth to 2.8 (6+). Miami’s pacesetter the seventh consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1,” follows June’s increase of eight-tenths with a July loss of three-tenths (6.8 – 7.6 – 7.3, 6+). Eight-tenths has been a common fluctuation recently for “Easy” as it was down eight-tenths in February; up by that magnitude in March; and up again by eight-tenths in June. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Following three up or flat trends in succession that netted nine-tenths (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WFLC returns roughly half that increase with a one-half share decline to 3.3 (6+). As a result, “Hits 97.3” exits the top ten (#9 to #11); June’s 3.8 was its highest 6+-share since December 2017’s 4.0. “Hits 97.3” responded to March’s one-tenth loss with an April increase of six-tenths. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” recaptures half of June’s loss of four-tenths (2.6 – 2.8, +.2, 6+) and advances from #16 to #15. When “Y-100” added one-tenth in March, it curtailed five straight reports without an increase for a collective setback of nine-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). WHYI posted a half-share increase in May. Even though Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF picks up one-tenth to 5.5 (6+), thus suspending four straight sweeps without an increase that led to an overall -1.2 (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+), “101.5 Lite FM” slips to #4. It had been in third-place the past four months. Anchored at #7, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” is a collective -1.1 through six straight negative or neutral moves (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ is -1.1 in five straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) as “El Zol 106.7” falls from eighth to ninth.
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing the three-tenths it dropped in June (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM remains in fifth-place. Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is up a cumulative one-half share in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.2 – 1.2, 1.4 – 1.7, flat at #22, 6+). This comes directly after losing roughly 43% (-.9) of its 6+-stat due to three straight down or flat trends (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). In five successive negative or neutral reports, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” has lost more than half (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share since February (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, #24 to #26, 6+).
Bonneville sports talk/Mariners’ flagship KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” is a collective -1.3 in three straight drops (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0, #13 to #14, 6+). With its 6+ stat sliced by more than 60% (-.9) via four consecutive slips (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” falls from #27 to #28.
For the third time in the last four sweeps, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO logs a 2.8 (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8, #16 to #15, 6+).
This calendar year, Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW has ranked #1 (January, February, and March); #2 (April); #1 (May); #3 (June); and now #2 (5.6 – 5.5, -.1, July 2019, 6+).
Seattle Music Formats – June’s first-place tie is broken with an exclamation point. Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” dials up a July uptick of nine-tenths and has the top spot all to itself. At the same time, Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders eight-tenths (6.1 – 5.3, 6+) and segues from that first-place tie to #3. Thus, the two stations that were locked together in June are now separated by nearly two full-shares. There’s much more to the story though as KZOK is an impressive +3.3 owing to eight straight bumps (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of this positive run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). A collective -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), KQMV applied the brakes in June with a gain of one-tenth. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. Tacking on six-tenths to July’s boost of eight-tenths (3.7 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM Playing What We Want” jumps from sixth to fourth. Moreover, Seattle’s version of “Jack” reaches the five-share threshold (5.1, 6+) for the first time in nearly ten years (5.0, October 2009). Not only has Hubbard Broadcasting’s KNUC more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), “New Country 98.9 The Bull” enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Furthermore, it leapfrogs Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country,” which erases May’s +.9 with June/July’s combined -.9 (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#6 to #12). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, “The Wolf” was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Bustos Media regional Mexican KDDS “99.3 La Gran D” pops on with a .7 (6+) and checks in at #26. Not only does a loss of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+) by Entercom’s KISW curtail three consecutive positive spikes that produced a +1.1 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5 4.8, 6+), “Rock 99.9” fades from the top ten (#4 to #11). This is the third month in a row that Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” (4.5 – 4.4, -.1, flat at #6, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KRWM “Warm 106.9” (4.4 – 4.3, -.1, ninth to eighth, 6+) are separated by one-tenth. Prior to eroding by -1.1 in April, “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Entering the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. Without an increase the seventh time in a row for a collective -2.3 (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” is now in a four-way tie at #15.
Talk Radio Pioneer Mike Siegel is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Veteran conservative/libertarian talk radio personality Mike Siegel is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Siegel, a former private practicing attorney and school teacher, currently syndicated by Genesis Communications Network (GCN), was one of the early broadcasters to emerge in the late-eighties post-Fairness Doctrine period described by Harrison as “the modern era of talk radio.” During that 
period, Siegel – who hosted shows on such stations as KING and KVI in Seattle – was, according to Harrison, “the quintessential, local, muckraker aggressively holding local politicians, government and big corporations accountable for their actions.” Harrison and Siegel, whose latest book is titled Airing the Wave: Talk Radio at the Dawn of the Digital Era (Page Publishing, 2016), informally chat about the changes talk radio has experienced through the years as it has evolved from the analog era into the digital age, not to mention the transitional state of journalism itself. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Talk Radio Pioneer Mike Siegel is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Veteran conservative/libertarian talk radio personality Mike Siegel is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Siegel, a former private practicing attorney and school teacher, currently syndicated by Genesis Communications Network (GCN), was one of the early broadcasters to emerge in the late-eighties post-Fairness Doctrine period described by Harrison as “the modern era of talk radio.” During that period, Siegel – who hosted shows on such stations as KING and KVI in Seattle – was, according to Harrison, “the quintessential, local, muckraker aggressively holding local politicians, government and big corporations accountable for their actions.” Harrison and Siegel, whose latest book is titled Airing the Wave: Talk Radio at the Dawn of the Digital Era (Page Publishing, 2016), informally chat about the changes talk radio has experienced through the years as it has evolved from the analog era into the digital age, not to mention the transitional state of journalism itself. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Ten Candles Atop WBZ-FM’s Birthday Cake. One week from today (Tuesday, 8/13), Beasley Media Group Boston sports talk outlet WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” will commemorate its 10th anniversary by airing a ten-hour special (7:00 am – 5:00 pm) celebrating Boston sports moments and events. It will include the victories and agony the city has experienced, as well as special moments that have been broadcast the past decade. According to Beasley Media Boston vice president/market manager Mary Menna, “In ten short years, [WBZ-FM and national spoken-word brand manager] Mike Thomas and the amazing team that he has assembled have built ‘The Sports Hub’ into an award-winning iconic brand and a household name in New England.” Thomas states, “It is an honor to work with the incredibly-talented ‘Sports Hub’ staff, on and off-the-air Not many people gave us a chance ten years ago. We were heavy underdogs – but so were Boston teams for many, many years. The ascendancy that Boston sports fans have experienced is unprecedented. We are just happy to have been along for the ride the past ten years and we look forward to many more victories to come.” Nielsen Audio July 2019 results will be released later today, but in Boston’s June 2019 report, WBZ-FM placed fourth (5.6, 6+). “The Sports Hub” is the flagship station of the Stanley Cup runner-up Bruins; Super Bowl champion New England Patriots; and the Celtics. By the way, in the years since “The Sports Hub” surfaced in 2009, the Patriots have won three Super Bowl titles (2015, 2017 and 2019) and the Red Sox have scored two World Series championship banners (2013 and 2018). The Bruins won the Stanley Cup in the 2010 – 2011 season, while the Celtics were NBA champions in 2008 – one year before “The Sports Hub” debuted.
Cumulus Media Faces $233,000 Sponsorship ID Rule Violations Fine. The infraction as cited by the FCC stems from Cumulus
Media’s apparent violations of the commission’s sponsorship identification rules. In addition, Cumulus Media ostensibly failed to promptly self-report some violations, even though the company agreed to do so under a 2016 consent decree with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. It is noteworthy, however, that the commission’s “Notice of Apparent Liability For Forfeiture” only advises 
Cumulus Media on how it has perhaps violated the law and sets a proposed fine. This isn’t a final ruling. The FCC cannot impose a higher penalty than the proposed $233,000 amount. Cumulus Media has a chance to appeal to the “Notice.” Prior to acting further to resolve the matter, the commission will evaluate Cumulus Media’s legal arguments and any submission of evidence. More than three years ago, the Commission’s Enforcement Bureau reached a $540,000 settlement with Cumulus Media regarding sponsorship identification in radio ads promoting a proposed energy project. It was the largest payment in FCC history for a single-station violation of the commission’s sponsorship ID laws. The settlement resolved an investigation into whether the company’s Dover, New Hampshire country outlet WOKQ “The Big 97.5” violated the rules. The FCC is alleging that in 2017 and 2018, seven Cumulus Media operations failed, in 26 instances, to air appropriate sponsorship identifications as required by its rules. Moreover, the FCC claims the company waited approximately eight months before reporting some rule-breaking, which would be in conflict of its 2016 consent decree commitments.
“Share of Ear” Study Highlights Audio Habits of Registered Voters. Share of Ear views how Americans consume audio content.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One has released results of Edison Research’s recent quarterly analysis. Edison reports share of audio time spent and percentage of Americans who use each type of content. Westwood One president/Cumulus Media executive vice president of marketing Suzanne Grimes states, “To build name recognition, candidate perception, affinity, and voting intent, campaigns have to reach as many voters as 
possible. According to this new analysis, AM/FM radio has massive and powerful ad-supported audience shares among registered voters and key voter segments.” Among registered voters, AM/FM radio’s share of audio time spent (80%) is eleven times larger than Pandora (7%), twenty times larger than Spotify (4%), and twenty-seven times larger than SiriusXM (3%). Terrestrial radio has the highest share of ad-supported audio time spent among all three major political affiliations: Independents (79%), Republicans (82%), and Democrats (78%). Each quarter, Edison Research conducts a national study of 1,000 Americans (13+) to measure reach and time spent listening to audio sources. Respondents complete a 24-hour diary of their audio listening on an assigned day. Diaries were completed both online and by-mail using a paper diary. Diaries were completed in English and Spanish. Each report consists of 4,000 respondents representing the prior year worth of surveys. This wave is based on persons from the third and fourth quarters of 2018, and the first and second quarters of this year (2019).
Recipe for Better Sales Revenue: Better Sales Compensation Programs. In an exclusive TALKERS advice piece posted today (8/6), veteran radio/media sales pro Bill Brady – president/CEO of Futures & Options, Inc. – suggests that the key to reviving radio sales is to reward hard-working, well-trained reps with increased compensation packages. He writes, “Over the last generation, radio companies have gone through several rounds of sales compensation reductions. Sales staffs were reduced in size and byzantine commission and compensation plans were implemented. Radio revenues have essentially stagnated ever since.” Read the article here.
Entercom, Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Join Forces. As part of the multiyear, multiplatform agreement, Entercom Philadelphia’s 50,000-watt WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” becomes the new radio home for Penn State football and men’s basketball games, beginning with the 2019 – 2020 athletic season. In addition, Radio.com will feature ancillary on-demand programming. Entercom Philadelphia senior vice president and market manager David
Yadgaroff remarks, “As a proud Penn State alum, the easy access to Penn State sports content on air and on Radio.com makes me very happy for our listeners, the University, and all alumni. This will be an excellent partnership with Penn State Athletics and will complement our existing portfolio of leading sports coverage in the city.” Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics vice president Sandy Barbour states, “We appreciate the opportunity to create a new radio partnership with Entercom. The tremendous reach of WPHT ‘Talk Radio 1210’ allows us to connect with Penn State alumni and fans throughout the Delaware Valley, and promote the comprehensive excellence of Penn State Athletics. We look forward to our new partnership and having a great new radio home for Nittany Lion basketball and football in metro Philadelphia.” Penn State Sports Properties vice president and general manager Doug Nelson adds, “We’re happy that WPHT ‘Talk Radio 1210’ will serve as our new radio home for Penn State football and men’s basketball in Philly. The enhanced radio audience and promotional opportunities for Penn State with our new Entercom partnership are exciting for both fans and advertisers.” WPHT cluster-mates KYW “News Radio 1060,” WIP-FM “Sports Radio 94,” adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1,” classic hits-oldies WOGL, and CHR WTDY “96.5 Today’s Hits” will provide promotional support for Penn State Athletics.
Mayor Joins iHeartMedia Louisville For Its First Community Breakfast. Last Friday’s (8/2) event at the Muhammad Ali Center united over 125 community leaders, business partners, and non-profits to showcase iHeartMedia Louisville’s commitment to the community. WHAS “News Radio 840” on-air talent Terry Meiners hosted the event which spotlighted iHeartMedia Louisville’s community partners. In his keynote speech, Louisville mayor Greg Fischer discussed the importance of giving back within the community. Fischer comments, “Compassion is good for business and it’s good for our city and our country. I want to thank the folks at iHeartMedia Louisville for supporting our vibrant and active non-profit community.” Plans call for iHeartMedia to quadruple its efforts by providing media support to twelve non-profit organizations that fall under the “Kids: Heart of Kentuckiana” theme. Region president for iHeartMedia Kentucky-Indiana Earl Jones notes that, “Each campaign will include PSAs, on-air personality endorsements, as well as streaming and digital placement. We are committed to using our resources to amplify the message of these organizations that work so hard for our community.” Pictured below (left to right) are Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, iHeartMedia Kentucky-Indiana Region president Earl Jones, and WHAS “News Radio 840” afternoon personality Terry Meiners.
SiriusXM To Debut Daily “Jess Cagle Show” This Fall. Former editor of Entertainment Weekly (2009 – 2014) and People (2014 – 2019), Jess Cagle will host a two-hour weekday (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, PT) Los Angeles-originated eponymous show on SiriusXM starting this fall. It will feature pop culture news and long-form conversations from Cagle and co-host Julia Cunningham. Of Cagle, SiriusXM senior vice president of news, talk, and entertainment Megan Liberman notes, “It’s hard to think of anyone who knows Hollywood better or could bring more insight and expertise to the conversation about pop culture. This show will be a destination for the biggest stars in movies and television and a must-listen for entertainment fans.” SiriusXM chief entertainment anchor Cagle states, “As a magazine editor, I’ve done a lot of work with SiriusXM. The producers and executives there have been magnificent partners – smart, strategic, and innovative. Over the years, SiriusXM has become a second home to me. I’ve always wanted to do a news and talk show with a lot of humor, smart commentary, and in-depth interviews. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to make that a reality, and excited to work with SiriusXM on their growing podcast and video content. I’m a longtime fan of Julia Cunningham, and am really looking forward to working with her every day.” In addition to his daily show on “SiriusXM Stars” (channel 109), Cagle will host SiriusXM Town Hall events and appear across channels. Cagle spearheaded the partnership with SiriusXM to launch Entertainment Weekly Radio and recently joined the USC Annenberg Center of Communication Leadership & Policy as a senior fellow.
Focus 360 Partners With Lipstick & Vinyl. As a result of investing in the female-oriented podcast network Lipstick & Vinyl and
assuming its ad sales representation duties, Focus 360 cracks the podcast arena. According to Focus 360 chief executive officer Phil 
Brown, “We have been looking for a podcast partner that offered stand-out content. By seeking out the underrepresented and diverse voices in the marketplace, Lipstick & Vinyl delivers audiences that are super-loyal and highly engaged. Expanding our suite of audio ad platforms enables us to offer more solutions to our advertisers.” Lipstick & Vinyl founder and chief executive officer Allyson Marino notes that, “Focus 360 is known for its outstanding relationships with agencies. That is extremely important to the growth of our company and our content partners. Podcasts provide a wonderfully unique and intimate way to connect with people and tell stories. Focus 360’s expertise in audio ad sales made them the perfect choice to help us grow.” Lipstick & Vinyl network hosts include journalists, TV writers, comedians, single mothers, and advocates for social change.
TALKERS News Notes. Changes going into effect today (Tuesday, 8/6) at iHeartMedia San Diego sports talk KLSD “XTRA 1360” find Darren Smith
taking over mid-days (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) and Jon Schaeffer shifting from that slot to 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, where he’ll join “Loose Cannons” hosts Steve Hartman and Rich Ohrnberger. Prior to his west coast broadcast career, Smith spent four years (1998 – 2002) at ESPN Radio, where he produced several programs, including “The Dan Patrick Show.” Smith will be joined by senior reporter/producer – and San Diego State University grad – Marty Caswell. Taking an “NFL Insider” role with the station is Nick Hardwick, who most recently co-hosted mid-days with Schaeffer. Hardwick’s “Football Hour” will air Monday and Friday at 8:00 am. The revised KLSD “XTRA 1360” weekday lineup is: Costa & Richards (6:00 am – 9:00 am); “The Herd” with Colin 
Cowherd (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Darren Smith (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); “The Loose Cannons” (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); and Ernie Martinez (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm) ….. Meanwhile, across the hall at news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600,” Lou Penrose’s “Penrose Report” grabs the vacant afternoon drive (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm) opening created when Carl DeMaio (“The DeMaio Report”) exited to focus on running for California’s 50th congressional district seat. Director of news & sports programming for iHeartMedia San Diego/Riverside Brian Long notes, “Lou Penrose is an exciting talent and a perfect addition for the afternoon drive show.” Penrose runs a full-service government relations and public affairs consulting firm and has served as district chief of staff for multiple U.S. congress members, including John Campbell, Ed Royce, and Mary Bono. He previously was director of news & talk programming for Morris Media’s KNWZ, Palm Springs (California) ….. Having covered the Washington Nationals for NBC Sports Washington, Bobby Trosset joins Hearst
Television Baltimore news/talk WBAL “News Radio 1090” and co-owned WIYY “98 Rock.” He will anchor morning sports updates on both stations and be a significant part of the stations’ coverage of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. WBAL & WIYY president and general manager Cary Pahigian declares, “Nobody covers sports in Baltimore like we do. The home of the Baltimore Ravens and Navy Football welcomes Bobby Trosset to Maryland’s most-connected and elite sports staff.” Trosset – who starts his new assignment this Thursday (8/8) – adds, “Baltimore’s loyalty to its sports teams is second to none. I’m ecstatic to be returning to the city I called home during my college years at Loyola and look forward to providing coverage, insight, and analysis to a passionate fan base.” ….. “The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth” begins two 
weeks from this Saturday (8/24) at 12:01 am throughout Long Island Sound. The tournament offers up to $40,000 in cash prizes, including the grand prize of $25,000 for heaviest bluefish. Connoisseur Media Bridgeport, Connecticut news/talk WICC “600 AM” will broadcast hourly update results all weekend from Captain’s Cove and
interview the first-place winner live … After 14 years with ESPN, Ryen Russillo departs to join Bill Simmons’ The Ringer. On Twitter, Russilo writes, “So … the news is out. I’m headed to [The Ringer]. Want to thank [ESPN] for the last 14 years. I grew up on [SportsCenter]. To be on the actual set, my name on a show, I have to remind myself at times how cool that is.” Using the same social media platform, Simmons tweets, “Happy to confirm that [Ryen Russillo] will be working exclusively for [The Ringer] for all multi-media stuff starting in September. Will be a regular on my BS Pod as well.” ….. This Saturday (8/10), iHeartMedia 
Wilmington, Delaware holds its 15th annual “Miles For Military” motorcycle ride to benefit USO Delaware. A number of on-air personalities from the cluster will be on site hosting the event, one of the largest motorcycle rides crossing the state. Participants will finish at Dover International Speedway. USO Delaware director Bruce Kmiec remarks, “We are excited about our partnership with iHeartMedia Delaware for the ‘Miles for Military’ motorcycle event. It has grown over the years into a household name event. We are floored by the amount of support we get for our current military and their families by all the riders that attend this amazing event. The money raised provides funding to over 50 USO Delaware military support events and programs we hold each year.” The five-station iHeartMedia Wilmington cluster consists of WDOV “News Radio 1410,” WILM “News Radio 1450,” and WWTX “Fox Sports 1290,” as well as WDSD “94.7 Delaware’s Continuous Country,” and hot AC WRDX “92.9 Tom-FM.” ….. In an unusual move, “CNN Newsroom” showed the names of 49 GOP lawmakers who turned down an invitation to discuss this weekend’s shootings in El Paso and Dayton. “CNN Newsroom” offered 50 Republican lawmakers a chance to discuss the attacks. Yesterday (Monday, 8/5), it led an interview with Florida Republican Congressman Ted Yoho by naming the 49 other GOP lawmakers, who refused to come on the network to talk about the shootings.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. With over 20 years of broadcast industry experience, Al B. Sure! last night (Monday, 8/5) debuted his Sunday through Friday, 7:00 pm – 12:00 pm, REACH Media-syndicated “Love and R&B Hosted By Al B. Sure!” program. The five-hour longform show launched on affiliates in markets that included Dallas; Washington, DC; Detroit; St. Louis; Cincinnati; Columbus; Raleigh; and Richmond. REACH Media and Radio One chief executive officer David Kantor 
comments, “Al B. Sure! has a style that’s been well-established with his music, performance, and past broadcast experience that is ideal for evening listening. I’m confident he will be a nightly draw to a very large listening audience.” According to the host, “I am elated to 
be part of what media icon Ms. Cathy Hughes identified as the ‘Dream Team of Radio’ – REACH Media. I look forward to taking ‘Love and R&B’ to a new level.” When the program director of San Francisco’s KISQ “98.1 Kiss-FM” heard Al B. Sure! being interviewed in the early-2000s, he asked the singer if he would do a weekend radio show. Shortly thereafter came Al B. Sure!’s syndicated “‘Secret Garden Radio” show. His musical career dates back to 1988 with “In Effect Mode,” which was certified triple platinum and spent seven straight weeks at #1 on the R&B chart. He has received four Grammy awards; the American Music Award for “Best New R&B Artist”; and more than 75 ASCAP awards for writing and composition performance. Sean Andre is the program’s producer. Founded by Kantor and Tom Joyner in 2003, REACH Media is an Urban One company ….. Under program director Jeremy Reyes (a.k.a. “DJ Jeremiah Red”), Entercom Los
Angeles introduces “FireLane” on KAMP-HD3 and Radio.Com. The station features mixers such as DJ Vice, Flipside, DJ Lisa Pittman, DJ Majestik, DJ Sophenom, DJ Drew Pierce, and DJ Sabio. Entercom Southern California regional president Jeff Federman notes that we are “currently living in a world where music tastes have collided and consumers are more interested in the authenticity of the music blend, rather than the genre. I have to credit a member of our team for suggesting the development of a station that encompasses today’s ‘festival tent’ feel with rhythmic, dance, hip hop, and EDM all being represented.”
July 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three markets.
New York City
Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat the past five survey periods for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” picks up one-tenth in July to 1.6 (6+) and repeats at #20. The March 2019 through July 2019 topline for Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” is a very consistent 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3 (#23 to #22, 6+). May’s one-tenth increase halted five straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall loss of four-tenths. Following four successive decreases accounting for a loss of six-tenths (1.5 – 1.3 -1.2 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), news/talk WABC adds one-tenth to 1.0 (#24 to #23, 6+). Cumulus Media is selling WABC to John Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media for $12.5 million; the deal is expected to close later this year.
A May/June loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+) by Entercom sports talk WFAN is followed by a July improvement of one-tenth to 3.6 (6+) as the Yankees’ flagship inches up from ninth to eighth. Off one-tenth (1.7 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+), WEPN has its weakest 6+-stat (1.6) since “Holiday” 2018’s 1.4. Before adding two-tenths in May, “98.7 ESPN New York” posted a 1.8 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+).
Entercom all-news siblings combine for a net June 2019 – July 2019 decrease of four-tenths, after an overall May 2019 – June 2019 loss of one-half share. Specifically, WINS is trending 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #13), while Mets flagship WCBS-AM falters by a collective full-share via four straight declines (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, flat at #15, 6+). In advance of adding two-tenths in May, WINS was -1.1 in three successive down or flat reports (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+).
While unchanged at #18, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM has lost a collective eight-tenths in three successive negative or neutral sweeps (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+). An April boost of three-tenths curtailed four successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.0 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). The February 2019 through July 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM is .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .3 (#37 to #35, 6+).
New York City Music Formats – Within 3.1 – 3.7 range (6+) in each of the last ten ratings periods (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU erupts with an increase of six-tenths to 4.3 (eighth to sixth, 6+). The last time “103.5 KTU” reached the four-share level (6+) was in September 2018 (4.0). Its format rival, Emmis’ WQHT “Hot 97,” has lost a collective half-share in four straight down or flat moves (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, #11 to #12, 6+). Peekskill, New York-licensed Pamal Broadcasting adult contemporary WHUD “100.7 – Westchester & The Hudson Valley’s Music Station” debuts with a .5 (#27, 6+). This marks the third month in succession that WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” logs a 6.8 (6+), as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet is #1 for the 25th consecutive ratings period. WLTW posted a one-half share increase in March, but surrendered seven-tenths in April. A combined -5.3 in January/February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), “Lite FM” was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). In back-to-back mega losses totaling a massive -2.7, WPLJ has virtually wiped away its May AQH-stat (3.1 – 1.5 – .4, 6+) and plummets from the top twenty (#20 to #31). In conjunction with its sale from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation, WPLJ flipped from hot AC to contemporary Christian “K-Love Classics.” The legendary contemporary music outlet went out on a very positive note leading up to the format flip though, as it posted five straight New York City gains for a cumulative +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 3.1, “Holiday” 2018 through May 2019, 6+). Down one-tenth in May, Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” follows the WPLJ format change with a combined June/July gain of six-tenths (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #8). Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1” notches its fourth successive up or neutral move for an overall plus of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, flat at #11, 6+). In the last six sweeps, Spanish tropical sibling WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” has recorded a 5.0 (6+) on three occasions and a 5.3 (6+) the other three times (5.3 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, fourth to fifth, 6+).
Los Angeles
Spoken-Word Formats – After a combined May/June uptick of eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640”
drops two-tenths to 4.3 (6+) but carries on in fifth-place. Ever since debuting in February, its internet stream notched three straight up or flat moves (.6 – .6 – .7 – .8, #34, 6+), but disappears from print in June and July. Co-owned news/talk KEIB regains the one-tenth it lost in July (.9 – 1.0, flat at #32, 6+). “AM 1150 The Patriot” was off by just an overall one-tenth in three straight down or flat sweeps (9 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+) before adding two-tenths in May to 1.0 (6+). Having regressed by three-tenths in June (.9 – .6, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” rebounds with a spike of two-tenths to .8 (#35 to #34, 6+). Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” loses half (-.3) its 6+ AQH-share in three straight dips (.6 – .5 – .4 – .3, #41 to #42, 6+).
Just as they were in June, iHeartMedia sports talk/Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” and Disney-owned KSPN “710 ESPN” are deadlocked at #27, as both repeat June’s 1.4 (6+). KLAC was up two-tenths in June and KSPN improved by one-tenth.
Five straight negative or neutral monthlies by KNX “1070 News Radio” accounted for a full-share loss in that January 2019 – June 2019 timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) but the Entercom operation is up one-tenth in July to 2.8 (#14 to #13, 6+).
Up one-tenth after June’s loss of one-half share (2.3 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” remains at #23.
Los Angeles Music Formats – Recording an AQH share between 1.4 – 1.9 in each of the last ten sweeps (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” busts out an improvement of seven-tenths to 2.6 and reenters the top twenty at #16. This is its finest 6+-performance in over a year (2.6, as well in May 2018). Bouncing back from June’s decrease of eight-tenths with a one-tenth gain to 5.9 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” is #1 the tenth straight time. After its “Holiday” 2018 13.0 (6+), “Coast” has followed with 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 5.8 – 5.9 (6+). Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 through five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). Co-owned hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” is up or flat the third straight time for a half-share gain (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6, unchanged at #4, 6+). While it repeats in eighth-place, KLOS logs its seventh straight up or flat trend for a net gain of nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). Meruelo Media Holdings acquired KLOS from Cumulus Media for $43 million and is programming the station under a Local Marketing Agreement. A loss of three-tenths to 2.9 (6+) by Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX not only snaps at seven its consecutive string of up or flat moves that yielded a +1.1 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+), “97.9 La Raza” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Notwithstanding that it has lost eight-tenths in five consecutive negative or neutral sweeps (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” continues in seventh-place. Prior to June, the last time “Kiss” was under a four-share (6+) was in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory the 26th time in a row (2.4 – 2.3, #16 to #17, 6+). Slipping from #18 to #19, iHeartMedia’s KYSR “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” has lost two-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). It remains two-tenths ahead of format rival, Entercom-owned KROQ (flat at 2.0, #20 to #21, 6+), whose June gain of one-tenth ended four consecutive negative or neutral sweeps that resulted in a collective half-share deficit (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+).
Chicago
Spoken-Word Formats – Even though Tribune Media news/talk and White Sox flagship WGN repeats June’s 2.9 (6+), it drops from #12 to #13. Not only is WLS-AM “890 AM” without a loss the seventh consecutive report, doubling (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share in that “Holiday” 2018 through July 2019 timeframe (1.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is back in the top twenty after a lengthy absence (#21 to #20).
In May, Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” posted its best 6+-showing (4.2) since October 2018, but the Cubs flagship loses a combined four-tenths in June/July (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.8, flat at #7, 6+). Erasing June’s loss of two-tenths with a July increase of three-tenths (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” progresses from #26 to #24.
Dipping from third to fourth, Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM is an overall -1.4 via six successive down or neutral moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to April, WBBM-AM finished on top the previous three survey periods.
Off a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ ends the slide with a gain of two-tenths to 2.7 (unchanged at #19, 6+).
Chicago Music Formats – A combined -1.3 in May/June (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” reduces roughly half the deficit with an improvement of six-tenths to 4.9 (fourth to third, 6+). The combination of a three-tenths uptick by Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” (5.1 – 5.4, second to first) and an equal margin decrease by hot AC cluster-mate WTMX “101.9 The Mix” (5.5 – 5.2, second to first, 6+) results in the siblings swapping places at the top. “Mix” was #1 the past three months and continues its relatively steady January 2019 through July 2019 topline of 5.4 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 (6+); April’s 5.9 was its highest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 6.3. A combined +.9 in May/June (3.9 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase (4.8 – 4.0, -.8, 6+), skidding from third to sixth. Advancing from #18 to a three-way scrum at #16, Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” has a February 2019 through July 2019 topline of 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.8 (6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WEBG repeats June’s 1.6 (6+) but inches up from #24 to #23. Before dropping two-tenths in June, “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” had been up or flat the previous seven sweeps for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). Chicago’s three principal adult contemporary operations all record June 2019 – July 2019 fluctuations of one-tenth. On the positive side, iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” is up or neutral the fourth time in a row for a gain of four-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.3, sixth to fifth, 6+) and Venture Technologies Group-owned WRME-LP “FM 87.7 – Me TV” has its third straight bump for a collective increase of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, #12 to #11, 6+). Prior to gaining three-tenths in June, WLIT was an overall -9.4 as a result of five successive down or flat reports (13.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+); “Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+). June’s 3.0 marked the first time WRME-LP reached the three-share level (6+) since November 2018’s 3.3. Meanwhile, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE,” which was up one-tenth in June, returns that increase in July (2.8 – 2.9 – 2.8, #15 to part of that three-way logjam at #16, 6+). Before faltering by one-half share in May, WSHE notched an overall increase of eight-tenths via four consecutive positive or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). Up four-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss, alternative WKQX logs a 3.0 the third time in a row (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0, #12 to #13, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WGCI-FM has a January 2019 through July 2019 topline of: 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 (flat at #16, 6+).
Friday, May 24, 2019
Legendary DJ “Cousin” Bruce Morrow to Receive TALKERS 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Legendary radio personality “Cousin” Bruce Morrow– an icon from the golden era of hit radio on WABC, New York and current star of SiriusXM’s 60s on Six channel – has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board to be the recipient of the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Morrow’s impressive career includes not only his work as a radio
personality on some of America’s biggest stations but radio station ownership and television work, as well. TALKERS magazine executive editor Kevin Casey says, “Bruce Morrow is a symbol of the great disc jockeys of the golden era who paved the way for radio to connect to people’s hearts and minds and that set the stage for modern talk radio to be the bastion of personality that keeps this medium so vital. The fact that ‘Cousin Brucie’ takes calls and does such wonderful interviews is a tribute to this man’s talent, pertinence, and longevity.” Morrow says, “I am honored to receive this award from TALKERS, especially since so much of my show and work at SiriusXM now consists of talking to callers and artists on the air about their lives and careers and what the music and culture has meant and continues to mean to them. This is tremendously gratifying.” The “Lifetime Achievement” award will be presented to “Cousin” Bruce Morrow at Talkers 2019: Telling the Story on Friday, June 7 in New York City. The convention is just a day away from being completely sold out. To register, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or click here for more information.
Report: WMVP, Chicago Not Happy with Nielsen Ratings Error. Chicago media reporter Robert Feder has the story. Yesterday, TALKERS alerted you to Feder’s initial report about
Nielsen Audio admitting it failed to include the online listening for sports talk WMVP “ESPN Chicago” in the April PPM survey and it issued new numbers for the station yesterday. While the ESPN-owned station went up from a 1.2 to a 1.3 share with Persons 6+, vice president and general manager Jim Pastor says in the key demo – Men 25-54 – certain shows were affected by as much as 50%. Moreover, Pastor tells Feder, “The real story here is that it’s remarkable Nielsen’s PPM device captured any digital listening at all. By their own admission, PPM technology is inadequate at best when it comes to measuring digital.” Read Feder’s account here.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER: Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Nearing a Sellout! The 22nd annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention is on the verge of being sold out. The final deadline for registrations being accepted is today (5/24) at 5:00 pm ET. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “In order to maintain the intimacy and effectiveness of this heritage event, it must be open only to members of the media industries and be in a special type of venue with limited seating and capacity. We have resisted the impulse to grow this event beyond that level of efficiency. That is one of the reasons it is so popular and has enjoyed such amazing longevity.” To obtain registration information and avoid being shut out before the deadline, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. For an up to the minute agenda, please click here.
ESPN Radio Changes Roles for Jason Fitz and Sarah Spain. Next week, ESPN personalities Jason Fitz and Sarah Spain expand their roles at the sports media giant. Fitz becomes a regular part of ESPN Radio’s weekday morning lineup as a regular contributor on the morning
drive “Golic and Wingo” show that features Mike Golic, Trey Wingo, and Mike Golic Jr. Fitz will continue to contribute to ESPN’s live, on-site digital presence at major events. Spain begins hosting a new weeknight radio show, “Spain and Company,” that will air nightly from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Co-hosts on the show will include ESPN Radio’s Jason Goff and ESPN college basketball analyst Jordan Cornette. Fitz says, “Working with Sarah has been incredible and it has – frankly – made me better being partnered with her every day. Looking ahead, I’m beyond excited to bring my energy and voice to the fans in the morning with the amazing ‘Golic and Wingo’ team and before that, provide an hour of my perspective on ‘First and Last.’” Spain comments, “I’ve really enjoyed working with Jason, creating a fun and unique show based on our shared sensibilities and interests. Going forward, it’s a thrill for me to lead the way on ‘Spain and Company’ with a great cast of co-hosts.”
Sterling: Women in Talk – Is This an Issue? Nationally syndicated talk radio host
Walter M. Sterling bristles at the question, “Is this the year of the woman? (in talk radio)” He says the better question is, “Is this the moment when men will get out of the freakin’ way and let the proven success of women in talk radio flourish again?” The two women in the photo at right were superstars of New York City talk radio in 1955. Find out who they were and read the rest of Sterling’s piece here.
Five Appointed to NAB Radio Board of Directors. The National Association of Broadcasters announces that, in accordance with its by-laws, Radio Board chairman Randy
Gravley makes five appointments to the NAB Radio Board of Directors, effective at the beginning of the June Board meeting, to be held June 10-12. Reappointed for another two-year term as Designated Representatives are: Amador Bustos, president, Bustos Media Holdings, LLC; David Field, chairman, president, and CEO, Entercom Communications Corp.; and Bill McElveen, regional president, Alpha Media LLC. Appointed for a new two-year term as Designated Representatives are: Mary Berner, president and CEO, Cumulus Media and Kevin Perry, vice president/general manager, Perry Publishing and Broadcasting Company.
TALKERS News Notes. Progressive talk radio personality Thom Hartmann is credited as
writer/consultant on the new film, Ice on Fire, that addresses the melting of the polar ice cap and global warming. The film features actor Leonardo DiCaprio as narrator and will air on HBO on June 11. Hartmann, DiCaprio, and director Leila Connors also worked together on the 2011 film The 11th Hour. See The Hollywood Reporter’s review here…..Chicago public radio news/talk outlet WBEZ-FM announces a new local program to air in middays. Windy City media writer Robert Feder reports that the Chicago Public Media radio station is debuting a local talk show starring Jenn White to air from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. White moves from “The Morning Shift,” a position she’s been in since January. CPM CEO Goli Sheikholeslami says, “Midday listening is becoming increasingly important as people check in on what’s happening in the world, particularly with the rise in streaming audio. We’re meeting this need by investing in new, indispensable programming that will drive the daily Chicago conversation during the key midday listening hours.”
Premiere Networks Celebrates Gracie Winners. Pictured above celebrating their Gracie Awards victories are “The Sean Hannity Show” producer Lynda McLaughlin and “The Breakfast Club” host Angela Yee. They were honored along with all the other winners at the 44th annual Gracie Awards at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. McLaughlin won the National Talk Radio Producer honor and Yee won in the National Radio Host/Personality category. Pictured (from l-r) are: Premiere Networks EVP and director of personality sales Dan Metter, McLaughlin, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, and Yee.
Trump’s Stonewalling Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 20-24. The president’s refusal to answer to subpoenas as the Democrats continue to try to investigate him was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the effort by the state of New York to provide the president’s state tax returns to congress. Coming in at #3 was the Democrats’ increased momentum to begin impeachment proceedings against the president, followed by the 2020 presidential race 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.
Progressive Talk Host and Pundit Bill Press Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the major players on the struggling liberal side of commercial talk radio, Bill Press, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Press is a pioneer in the “progressive” genre on both radio and cable TV. He was the liberal voice in the historic CNN debate show “Crossfire” from 1996 to 2002. Today, he is a regularly featured talking head on MSNBC as well as CNN and is an opinion contributor to the DC-based political publication, The Hill. He is also a prolific author and critic of conservative talk radio who writes about the virtues of the Democrats and the dangers of Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Press
announced last week that he is about to conclude a 14-year run hosting a daily morning radio talk program that been heard on a variety of terrestrial and online platforms and has attracted a respectable critical mass of loyal listeners. In its place, he will be devoting his energies to podcasting and has every intention of continuing to be an active voice in the national conversation as we approach the 2020 election. Harrison and Press talk about the difficulties that have faced the liberal brand of commercial news/talk radio, the emerging field of podcasting and the growing field of candidates looking to make Donald Trump a one-term president. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Gone is Cumulus Media’s CHR WYRG, Indianapolis “Energy 93.9” and in is classic rock “93-9X, Indy’s Rock Station.” Cumulus picked up fellow CHR WZPL back in February in a swap with Entercom. WZPL has consistently outperformed WYRG over the years so the format change is not
a surprise. Cumulus corporate PD Troy Hanson says, “We are excited to expand the successful ‘93X’ brand to Indianapolis with the new ‘93-9X.’ Shout out to [KXXR/MSP program director] Derek Madden, our brainchild on this project, as we fill a hole in the marketplace with a much-needed rock station. The partnership opportunities this brand adds to our Indy cluster portfolio and rock platform are limitless.”…..San Antonio hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3” welcomes Tony Cortez to its airstaff as evening personality. Cortez joins the Cox Media Group from his most recent position with Alpha Media’s crosstown CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1.” Cox San Antonio director of operations Jeff Garrison says, “Tony’s style, experience, and love for our great city make him the perfect addition to our Magic team. He’s sure to bring a new level of fun and energy to our evening listeners.”…..Country radio pro Jessica Tyler – most recently with Cumulus Media’s WDRQ, Detroit “NASH FM 93.1” – is joining Townsquare Media’s New Hampshire country duo WOKQ, Portsmouth and WPKQ North Conway to serve as assistant brand manager for both stations and midday personality on WOKQ.
PPM Analysis: Classic Hits. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on the classic hits format. From March to April, weekly 6+ AQH share movement was split fairly even, with about half the stations on the panel going up and the other half going down. Gainers were led by Cumulus Media’s WJJK-FM, Indianapolis (+1.7) and iHeartMedia’s WWBB, Providence “B101” (+1.6). Year over year, about 70% of the stations on our panel enjoyed a ratings increase, with WJJK showing an impressive 3.2 share increase and iHeartMedia’s KLTH, Portland and Bonneville’s KRSP, Salt Lake City both notching 2.5 share gains. Meanwhile, 10 classic hits stations ranked #1 (6+) in their respective markets in the April survey. Find out which stations they are by reading the whole report here.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Brown Parts Ways With iHeartMedia Denver. The approximately 12-year association between talk show host Michael Brown and iHeartMedia Denver has come to an end. While this turn-of-events isn’t something Brown wanted or anticipated, he emphasizes he has “fond memories” of his time in radio and is “looking forward to getting behind the microphone as quickly as possible.” He maintains radio is “a fantastic medium that will never disappear,” and he “readily embraces” the digital aspect of the business. Citing conversations he had with iHeartMedia regional senior vice president of Denver programming JoJo Turnbeaugh, Brown – who served as under-secretary of Homeland Security in both of George W. Bush’s administrations – reports his departure is owing to “format changes.” Brown’s Denver radio career began at news/talk KOA, where he did part-time work before becoming a full-timer. He then spent several years in afternoon drive on news/talk sibling KHOW, and recently returned to KOA. Regarding his highly-publicized experiences during Hurricane Katrina, Brown co-authored June 2011’s “Deadly Indifference, The Perfect (Political) Storm: Hurricane Katrina, The Bush White House, and Beyond.” In it, he criticizes the performance of several people and critiques his own performance by stating that he “failed to be ready for the press and was too timid in his response.” Politically, Brown describes himself as “very clearly center-right, conservative, with a strong libertarian bent.” He appears at #83 on The Talkers Magazine 2018 Heavy Hundred.
Thomas Inducted Into The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. In recognition for her career in radio and community service, Entercom Detroit WWJ “News Radio 950” reporter Vickie Thomas was honored yesterday (4/14) in a ceremony at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Entercom Detroit senior vice president/market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “For more than 25 years, Vickie Thomas has been informing our listeners on major stories that impact our community in and around Detroit. Vickie is an incredible journalist who isn’t afraid to pose tough questions to city leaders and other officials to report a fair and accurate story. She is well deserving of this honor and we are extremely proud to have Vickie inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.” Thomas comments, “In thinking about my over 30-year career in radio, with most of that time spent at WWJ, I can’t help but acknowledge all the people who took the time to encourage me and guide me. I’m really a reflection of those outstanding individuals. This award is extremely special because it comes from my peers. I’m blessed to have my body of work in journalism acknowledged by the selection committee; I thank each member who poured over all the applications and deemed me worthy of this honor.” Thomas, who joined WWJ in 1991, has earned awards from the Detroit Press Foundation, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Michigan Associated Press, and the National Association of Black Journalists. She graduated cum laude and with honors in journalism from Wayne State University in 1989.
MONDAY MEMO: The Podcast Consumer 2019. In our on-demand culture, consumers have taken control of their media. We call the audio version “podcasting,” something everyone seems to be doing now. But who is listening? In this week’s Monday Memo, consultant Holland Cooke summarizes the recently released Edison Research “Podcast Consumer 2019” report. Click here to read how he outlines ways radio broadcasters can exploit this trend.
TALKERS News Notes. All remaining regular season and postseason play of the New York City Football Club will air in Spanish on the ESPN app, along with the iHeart and Tune-in apps. In addition, select games of the American professional soccer team will air locally in
New York City on WEPN-AM “ESPN Deportes Radio 1050.” ESPN Radio Group senior vice president Tim McCarthy remarks, “WEPN-AM is proud to be associated with a tremendous brand like NYCFC. We believe giving our listeners a choice on quality play-by-play has tremendous value; this agreement with NYCFC does just that.” NYCFC chief executive officer Brad Sims notes, “We are excited to have our 2019 matches broadcast in Spanish on ESPN Deportes platforms. We want to give our fans many different ways to follow our club. This is a terrific alliance that will make our games even more accessible. New York’s Hispanic community is extremely passionate about soccer and is an integral part of our fanbase, so it continues to be a priority for us to provide Spanish-language presentations. ESPN is a leader in the sports media landscape and we’re looking forward to working together.” Roberto Abramowitz and Ariel Judas will give their commentary throughout the season ….. Changes to take effect in three weeks (5/6) at 
Emmis-owned WFNI “Indy’s Sports Center – The Fan” will find Jeff Rickard and “Big Joe” Staysniak moving from mid-days (10:00 am – 12:00 noon) to morning drive (7:00 am – 10:00 am). “Jeff & Big Joe” will succeed ESPN Radio’s “(Mike) Golic & (Trey) Wingo,” while ESPN Radio’s “Dan Le Batard with Stugotz” will inherit the vacated 10:00 am – 12:00 noon slot …. A nine-year program director of iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “Cleveland’s Country 99.5,” Charley Connolly is named operations manager of Cumulus Media’s eight Youngstown stations and will be the day-to-day 
PD of country WQXK “K-105” there. Cumulus Youngstown vice president/market manager Bill Kelly comments, “We are fortunate to have someone of Charley’s background available to us in Youngstown. This is going to be fun.” In addition to WGAR, Connolly programmed iHeartMedia Cleveland’s adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake.” Prior to that, he performed similar responsibilities for Cumulus Media Nashville’s news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” and country WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon.” In addition to WPIC “News Talk 790,” WBBW “Sports Radio 1240 AM,” and WLLF “Sports Radio 96.7 FM,” Cumulus Media Youngstown consists of aforementioned WQXK; CHR WHOT “Hot 101”; classic rock WYFM “Y-103”; classic country WSOM “America’s Music”; and classic hits-oldies WWIZ “Z-104.” ….. Approximately 250 guests attended last Friday’s (4/12) eleventh annual “Hurley in the Morning” charity dinner and silent auction, which raised $40,000. Fox News Radio’s Todd Starnes keynoted the festivities at Atlantic 
City’s Resorts Casino – Hotel. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from the highest levels of government, business, and industry sectors,” declares Townsquare Media Atlantic City news/talk WPGG morning talent Harry Hurley. “Todd is a kind and generous friend. He is such a well-respected talent and a wonderful gentleman. Todd took the time to greet every guest, making each one feel like the most important person in the Ocean Ballroom.” Resorts 
Casino – Hotel president/chief executive officer Mark Giannantonio opines, “Harry could take his iconic event anywhere – it was truly spectacular. Todd Starnes was engaging and entertaining. Our audience enjoyed his humble, friendly, and unifying message. Resorts was happy and proud to once again host this charity dinner and we look forward to hosting Harry’s event again next year.” Starnes did his 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm Fox News Radio talk show onsite. Among dignitaries attending were congressman Jefferson Van Drew; New Jersey Senate president Stephen Sweeney; New Jersey Broadcasters Association president Paul Rotella; and current and past New Jersey state legislature members. Ahead is Hurley’s twelfth annual charity golf open (6/21) in Egg Harbor Township (New Jersey) ….. Following his tenure as Reach Media’s integrated ad sales 
coordinator, Erick Vilson joins Sun Broadcast Group as national account manager and will be based in New York City. Sun Broadcast Group chief operating officer Julio Aponte, Jr. comments, “I was very impressed with Erick’s background, reputation, and his dedication to excellence. Bringing someone with his digital and event experience on-board will allow our team to offer greater business opportunities for our agencies and a deeper connection with our national audience for our advertisers.” Vilson notes, “Becoming part of the Sun Broadcast Group family is a fantastic opportunity. Their reputation in the industry, new approach to business, and clever ways to market their offerings was very attractive to me. I am very excited to bring my experience to the sales team.” Vilson has held sales and operation positions for iHeartMedia and Emmis.
Mueller Report Anticipation, College Admissions Scandal, 2020 Presidential Race, Assange Case Free Speech Implications Top Stories Discussed on News/Talk Radio This Weekend. According to the research of TALKERS, news/talk shows across the country this weekend (4/13-14) were largely focused on the topics of anticipation of the Robert Mueller Report’s planned delivery to Congress this Thursday, the next level of the College Admissions Scandal and charges filed against celebrity participants, the 2020 Presidential Race, and the Julian Assange Case’s implications on free speech and the free press going forward.
Progressive Talk Radio Champ Thom Hartmann Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. What is the state of progressive news/talk radio on the commercial and non-commercial dial? What is the liberal talk radio view of the early competition in a crowded field of hopefuls vying for the 2020 Democratic Party presidential nomination? And what is the general status of the “Left” in American politics in 2019? Nationally syndicated radio talk show host Thom Hartmann – consistently ranked the most important progressive talk radio host on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred – is the guest on the award-winning
PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison and Hartmann (heard daily 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm ET) tackle these and other pertinent issues in an illuminating conversation that gets right to the heart of today’s talk media landscape. Harrison states, “Thom Hartmann has not only earned the respect of people on all sides of the political spectrum for his authentic, even-handed approach to today’s issues from the liberal perspective, but the unique and aggressive multi-platform distribution paradigm that he and his team have developed over the years stands as a model for independent radio syndication of all ideological stripes going forward into the digital era. The radio industry should pay attention to this innovative broadcaster.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and every page on Talkers.com.
Survey Says: Social Media Use Unchanged. Notwithstanding privacy controversies, “fake news,” and social media censorship, the share of adults in the United States who say they use certain online platforms or apps is statistically the same as it was this time last year. That is the conclusion of a Pew Research Center study conducted January 8 to February 7 (2019). The shares of adults who say they use Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter are each basically the same as in 2016. Instagram, however, shows an uptick during this same timeframe, growing from 35% of adults to 37%. Roughly seven of every ten adults in this country say they still use Facebook; nearly three of every ten visit Pinterest; and more than one of every five are Twitter users. Of all Facebook users, approximately three of every four visit the site every day – half check that platform several times a day. Those particular numbers identically mirror Pew’s 2018 survey results. At the same time, YouTube use remained at 73%, while LinkedIn users went from 25% to 27%. Slightly more than half of YouTube users (51%) visit the site daily – up from the 45% who said the same in 2018. According to the report, Instagram and Snapchat are especially popular with younger adults, with Instagram used by two of every three 18 – 29-year-olds and Snapchat used by slightly more than two of every five (62%) people in that demo.
Lilly Broadcasting Becomes A Radio Player. As a result of paying $900,000 for three Warren (Pennsylvania) stations it is acquiring from Frank Iorio’s Radio 
Partners LLC, San Luis Obispo, California-based Lilly Broadcasting enters the radio business. The three Warren-area outlets involved are WNAE “News Talk 96.7,” classic hits-oldies WRRN “92 Gold,” and WKNB “Kinzua Country 104.3.” Lilly owns television facilities in Honolulu, Erie (Pennsylvania), Elmira (New York), Marquette (Michigan), and the Caribbean. According to Lilly Broadcasting president Kevin Lilly, “The Warren radio properties create synergies with our current footprint in our Pennsylvania television DMA, comprised of Erie, Warren, and Crawford counties. They will allow us to better serve our viewers and now our radio listeners while in their homes, cars, and online. We look forward to providing the best content available for our listeners and will improve the news, weather, and sports information on all platforms.”
San Antonio’s New Vibe. KXTN “Tejano & Proud,” San Antonio transitions to KVBH “Vibe 107.5.” Of the rhythmic hot AC presentation that will mix “pop, hip-hop, and R&B artists from the 1980s and early-2000s,” Univision San Antonio vice president and general manager
Chris Morris states, “We are excited to launch a brand-new format that reflects the distinct musical tastes of San Antonio – one of the most diverse communities in the nation. By reformatting and optimizing our audio portfolio, we are able to better serve our audience and give them more of the content they love.” In conjunction with the format flip, the “Tejano & Proud” format shifts to a simulcast on KVBH-HD2 and KCOR, while “Univision Deportes Radio” moves from KCOR to KROM-HD3. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s February 2019 survey period, KXTN ranks #14 (3.1). Its February 2018 through February 2019 high was 4.0 (6+) in February 2018.
More Than A Million Smiles. As part of its fourth annual “Laugh United: A Night of Cocktails and Comedy,” Westwood One’s “The Bob & Tom Show” raised a record $1,053,500 in Vienna, West Virginia for the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Pictured here is show cast member Josh Arnold who performed with fellow veteran touring comics Greg Hahn, Jack Freeman, and Henry Phillips. Parkersburg (West Virginia) rocker WHBR “103.1 The Bear” is the local “Bob & Tom Show” affiliate.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. After nearly four years with iHeartMedia Denver CHR KPTT “95.7 The Party,” morning driver J.J. Kincaid (of “JJ & Nina”) departs. Immediately in advance of his Denver stint, Kincaid had a nine-year afternoon drive run in New York at co-owned/similarly-formatted WHTZ “Z-100” and spent three years in Dallas at another iHeartMedia CHR, KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” ….. On the heels of Beasley Media Group Boston flipping WBOS from “Alt 92.9” to “Rock 92.9” last Thursday (4/11), the station eliminates the music director position that was held by Joel Weiss, who exits. After having spent 13 years in a similar position at Cox Media Group Tampa’s WSUN, 
Weiss joined WBOS less than a year ago ….. Formerly the program director/afternoon drive talent at Martz Communications Group-owned WAMO “Pittsburgh’s #1 for Hip-Hop,” Jonathan Steele, will join Beasley Media Group Detroit’s WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” next Monday (4/22) as afternoon drive personality, using the air name “J. Steele.” According to WMGC vice president and market manager Mac Edwards, “When we heard J.’s demo, he jumped to the top of our list. Having the opportunity to meet him and discover his impressive skill set as both a person and personality, there was no denying J. Steele was the right talent at the right time to help us write the next chapter of success.” Program director John Candelaria comments, “We are very impressed with J.’s experience and his strong desire to entertain the listeners in Detroit. I am excited to hear his high energy interactive show and see him earn the community’s respect.” Steele adds, “This is the job I dreamed about as a little kid. I am beyond excited to light up the airwaves for this incredible radio station.” The revised weekday “Bounce” line-up includes: “The Gello Show with Joanna” (6:00 am – 10:00 am); J. Steele (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm); and DJ Dinero (7:00 pm – 12:00 midnight) ….. With Emmis Indianapolis’ WLHK “97.1 Hank FM” ever since the country outlet launched in 2005, morning talent Dave O’Brien exits, as his contract isn’t renewed. O’Brien started his Indianapolis radio career in 1996 at WRZX, later going to WNOU for two years and to WENS in 2004 ….. Jazz KUVO, Denver program and content director Nikki Swarn is appointed PD for Rocky Mountain Public 
Media‘s new R&B/hip-hop streaming service, “The Drop.” Swarn comments, “It is such an honor to get to serve the Colorado community through this incredible opportunity. We anticipate engaging Coloradans with an exciting blend of their favorite artists, while providing a platform for new and Colorado-based musicians as well. The audience consuming R&B and hip-hop is vast and hungry for dynamic experiences in music; we want to fill that void.” Swarn previously was Entercom Denver’s director of promotions and marketing and spent six years as Max Media Denver’s director of marketing and promotions ….. In separate fundraisers for 
their respective communities, two Alpha Media country-formatted properties (WFLS and KZKX) recently combined to bring in nearly $200,000. Completing its eleventh year of working with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, WFLS “93.3 – Today’s Country,” Fredericksburg (Virginia) accounted for $135,479 in a two-day event hosted by the station’s morning team – Steve & Jessica. That figure broke WFLS’ previous records. Alpha Media market manager Beth Vickers states, “It is a privilege to lead a team of individuals who are passionate about helping others. Steve & Jessica were amazing hosts, pulling long hours to make it all happen. Our community and our listeners were so generous with donations – results like this make a difference.” Meanwhile, co-owned/similarly-formatted KZKX “KX-96.9,” Lincoln (Nebraska) – along with the Starlite Event Center – raised over $60,000 for American Red Cross flood 
relief during a one-night (3/29) benefit concert. Entertainment was provided by local bands Dylan Bloom, Bucka Ruse, and Sack of Lions. Alpha Media Lincoln operations manager Rob Kelley comments, “That night was a humbling experience as the people of Saunders County and surrounding areas – many of them flood victims themselves – came together with auction items and monetary donations to go directly to their friends, family, and neighbors. We are so blessed to have listeners like this in the KZKX family.” Severe flooding began impacting Nebraska in mid-March. The “KX-96.9” donation check was presented to the American Red Cross last Thursday (4/11).
Thursday, March 28, 2019
iHeartMedia and Connoisseur Agree to Erie, PA and Frederick, MD Swap. The stations that Connoisseur Media is getting in this deal – news/talk WFMD-AM and country WFRE-FM
in Frederick, Maryland – come from the Aloha Trust that iHeartMedia created 11 years ago for stations it has to sell to comply with ownership caps. In exchange, iHeartMedia will get six stations from Connoisseur Media in Erie – CHR WRTS-FM, rock WRKT-FM, adult hits WXBB-FM, country WTWF-FM, news/talk 
WJET-AM and sports talk WFNN-AM and adult contemporary WLTM-FM in Mina, New York. The companies expect the deal to close in the second quarter of this year. Connoisseur CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, “iHeart is getting a remarkable team and an amazing array of brands. We have owned the stations for 13 years and have tremendous gratitude for the people of Erie. We are excited to enter the Frederick market with these legendary properties.” Meanwhile, iHeartMedia Allentown/Harrisburg region president Dan Lankford states, “We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to expand our reach and establish a presence in the Erie and Mina markets.”
PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on public radio news/talk. More public radio news/talkers were up (60%) than down (weekly 6+ AQH share) from the January survey to the February survey, with perennial uber-performer KUOW, Seattle showing the best increase of 0.6 shares. About half of the stations on the panel were down (51%) from last February to this February, with KQED losing 2.3 shares in the San Jose market and 1.7 shares in the San Francisco market. However, both KUOW, Seattle and KQED, San Francisco ranked #1 in those markets in the February 2019 survey. Also ranking #1 in their respective markets were KPBS, San Diego; KCFR, Denver; and KUT, Austin. See the entire report here.
Backbone Demonstrating ‘Total Radio – In the Cloud’ at NAB Show. The NAB Show in Las Vegas gets underway on April 6 and among the “hot topics” that will be addressed at the huge confab are: content in the cloud, streaming, and podcasting, all of which attendees can see in operation at the Backbone Networks booth. The company says it will show how users can
create a completely virtualized radio production environment – all operating in the cloud. Backbone Networks will have a SUNY college radio station broadcasting live to demonstrate how students produce live and automated shows in the cloud, stream them, and automatically generate and publish podcasts – all done with just a Mac, a mixer, and a couple of mics. Attendees can see the broadcasters using Backbone’s Production Suite – the whole turnkey bundle for a complete radio station that includes: Backbone Radio – professional streaming radio station in the cloud, live and automated, always-on 24/7; Backbone Talk – broadcast multi-line call-in phone system; Backbone Co-Host – unlimited SIP/OPUS remotes and multi-location shows with no boxes or hardware; Backbone Hub – cloud assistant for automated production, podcast publication, Alexa briefings, and scheduling live audio and FTP show syndication to AM/FM stations; and more. If you’re going to the NAB Show, check out the Backbone Networks booth (#N6319).
ESPN: Live Sports Reached 22.3 Million 12+ Fans Via Radio Last Fall. The sports media giant says that its ESPN Audio segment conducted a custom live sports audio study with Nielsen for the period of August 30, 2018 to January 17, 2019 that concluded an estimated
22.3 million people – 9.2% of the 12+ population – listened to live sports on ESPN Radio on terrestrial stations. The study consisted of the company’s play-by-play broadcasts of college football including bowl games and the College Football Playoff, regular and post-season MLB action, and NFL & NBA games. ESPN VP, multimedia sales John Fitzgerald says, “ESPN Radio’s live events are at the core of what makes it so valuable to our advertisers. This study has shown that once again our unparalleled lineup of marquee matchups continues to grow our audience nationally and increase the reach of ESPN Radio.”
TALKERS News Notes. “I would probably say not,” is the quote from Chris “Mad Dog”
Russo about getting back together with Mike Francesa on Entercom’s sports talk WFAN, New York. Russo made the comment to WEPN, New York personality Michael Kay on his afternoon drive program. The competition between Kay and Francesa in afternoons in the Big Apple has been a big story in New York media 
lately…..Radio personality Walter M Sterling is serving as the guest star on KMOX, St. Louis’ late night, 10:00 pm to 2:00 am show. Sterling, whose Westwood One show “Sterling on Sunday” airs on KMOX, is sitting in for host Ryan Wrecker…..Today is Major League Baseball’s Opening Day and SiriusXM is beginning its season of presenting live play-by-play broadcasts of every game, all season long to accompany the news and analysis of baseball heard on the MLB Network channel on the satellite radio service.
Mueller Investigation Report Aftermath, Trump Administration’s Obamacare Battle, Charlottesville Guilty Plea, Jussie Smollett Case, Border Wall/Immigration Issue, Green New Deal, Brexit Chaos, NBA Action and NCAA Tournament Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/27). The aftermath of the completion of the Trump-Russia investigation and President Trump’s appearance on ‘Hannity’; the Trump administration’s moves to do away with the Affordable Care Act; James Alex Fields pleads guilty in the deadly car attack at the 2017 Charlottesville white nationalist rally; the controversy over the Illinois state’s attorney not to press charges against actor Jussie Smollett; the status of the U.S.-Mexico border wall and reports of migrant overcrowding in El Paso; the U.S. Senate’s vote on the Green New Deal; the political chaos in Britain over Theresa May’s EU exit proposal; NBA action and the NCAA tournament 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. There are two programming announcements from iHeartMedia Cleveland. First, programmer Carletta Blake moves from the company’s Raleigh country station WNCB “B93.9” to Cleveland to assume the PD post at country WGAR-FM, effective April 8.
Simultaneously, cluster programmer Jason Carr is named PD for adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake.” He adds this role to his PD duties at alternative WMMS-HD2/W256BT “ALT 99.1 FM” and his APD responsibilities at rock WMMS. 
iHeartMedia North Ohio president Keith Hotchkiss says, “I could not be more excited for Carletta and Jason. Both are incredibly adept and have proven, extensive track records of success with aligning our market-leading iHeartMedia brands across all platforms. They are a perfect match for the vision of these stations and I know they will continue to move WGAR and ‘The Lake’ forward with music and content our listeners love.”…..At Griffin Communications’ Tulsa radio cluster, programmer Brian Jennings exits his position as PD of country KVOO and classic country KXBL “Big Country 99.5” after 15 months with the stations…..iHeartMedia rock WZZO, Allentown “95.1 ZZO” adds the WMMS, Cleveland-based “Rover’s Morning Glory” program, effective Monday (4/1). The change
comes shortly after the recent death of longtime station morning personality Kevin “The Bearman” Schutts. Longtime morning co-host Keith Moyer is 
moving to the afternoon drive to host “The Keith Show.” He says, “I am thrilled for many reasons. My dream job has arrived. No more getting up at 3:00 am, I can actually stay out past 6:00 pm and I can spend more quality time with my family and friends and TV. I will be doing what I did in mornings, but now in the afternoon thus keeping The Bearman and Keith’s legacy alive! Plus, being the only live afternoon drive show, I have the freedom to get out of the studio and broadcast from all over the Lehigh Valley. ‘The Bearman and Keith’ will never be replaced, but ‘Rover’s Morning Glory’ is a great alternative and will be the second best morning show in WZZO’s history!”…..Westwood One’s syndicated country program “The Ty Bentli Show” is being heard across the pond as WWO strikes a deal with the UK’s Bauer Media, making it the only American program that’s part of its Country Hits Radio format. Bentli and cast members Chuck Wicks and Tricia “TJ Jenkins” will debut there on April 5 in markets including: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Humberside, Tyne & Wear, Teesside, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Tayside, Inverness, and Ayr…..Entercom and RCS ink a new deal for an expanded, long-term data partnership for the broadcaster’s use of RCS’ Mediabase service. As part of the agreement, Mediabase will provide Entercom with comprehensive music listening and consumption data for the company’s portfolio of over 235 stations nationwide. Additionally, Entercom will report the company’s weekly station music adds to the Mediabase platform.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Brown Moves to Nights on KOA, Denver; ‘Caplis and Kafer’ Launches on KHOW in PM Drive. Programming changes at iHeartMedia Denver take place as former Under Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of FEMA Michael Brown moves from KHOW to sister KOA to launch the live “Heckuva Show with Michael Brown,” airing weekday nights from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at first, then expanding to 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm on December 3. On KHOW, the new “Caplis and Kafer” show with Dan Caplis (left) and Krista Kafer (right) assumes the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm daypart. iHeartMedia Denver region president Tim Hager says, “Adding these new shows on both KOA NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM and 
TalkRadio 630 KHOW further enhances our commitment to original, local content. We’re fortunate to have Michael, Dan, and Krista in these key roles and I’m confident they will quickly become a trusted source of information and entertainment for our listeners, clients and partners.” Brown tells TALKERS magazine, “The opportunity to create a live, local evening program on iconic KOA News Radio is a chance most radio hosts rarely get to pursue. I am especially grateful for iHeart’s confidence in this venture by entering into a multi-year contract extension, allowing me to build a live show in this unique time slot. AM radio needs live evening programming and this is a fantastic opportunity to fill that need and eventually grow the program to a broader audience outside the Denver metropolitan area. KOA News Radio is heard in 38 states during the evening hours and that is a solid foundation for building a broader program. It is great to be back on the ‘blowtorch’ of Denver radio.”
KTRS, St. Louis Announces Air Talent Changes After Jon Grayson’s Exit. Last week, station general manager Mark Dorsey told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after letting late morning talk host Jon Grayson go, “Jon is a great guy and a great
broadcaster. We just decided to go in a different direction.” Grayson had been co-hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program with Jennifer 
Blome. He joined CH Holdings‘ KTRS in 2017 after 16 years as overnight host at crosstown KMOX. Now, KTRS moves Jay Kanzler from the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight show to co-host the “Jennifer & Jay” program in the late morning daypart. The Post-Dispatch reports that station on-air producer Josh Gilbert takes over the late night show as host. Unrelated to the previous moves, KTRS announces market radio personality Wendy Wiese is joining the morning drive McGraw Milhaven show as a Monday co-host, with Kelly Jackson continuing to co-host Tuesday through Friday.
Cox Media Group to Split WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville Simulcast; AM to Become ESPN Radio Affiliate. The change will take effect in January and will end the AM/FM
simulcast of Cox Media Group’s successful “News 104.5 WOKV.” While the FM will continue as a news/talk outlet, the AM becomes “ESPN 690AM.” CMG Jacksonville market VP Dan Lawrie says, “We’re very excited to expand the coverage of ESPN Sports in Jacksonville. From NFL football, to college sports, to high school football, we can cover more sports for Jacksonville sports fans than any other local radio station.” The station will air the bulk of the ESPN Radio lineup but appears to be considering a local afternoon drive show as the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot is still to-be-determined.
Bustos Experimenting with Local Talk/Brokered Format on KVOI, Tucson. The recent closing on Bustos Media’s purchase of news/talk KVOI, Tucson took place last week and the company swiftly dropped the network programming and added local talk shows to make the station all local from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm (Bloomberg Radio airs
the rest of the time). Although it’s not clear from the piece posted at Tucson.com how many hosts are brokering their programs, it quotes company president Amador Bustos saying, “It’s an experiment for all of us. I don’t necessarily know if it’s going to take root in this market.” He adds he’ll give it about a year to see if it’s financially tenable. The piece notes local talk personality John C. Scott assisted putting the lineup together. He’ll also host the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm show. As for the rest of the shows, management expanded morning host Chris DeSimone’s program to 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Mark Bishop hosts a “local variety show” from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Bill Buckmaster continues his local talk show from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, followed by Steve Rivera’s sports talk program from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and Dawn English’s local cultural programming from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Hannity Appearance at Trump Rally Results in Public Statement from FNC; Tweets from Hannity. Nationally syndicated talk radio host and FOX News Channel superstar Sean Hannity appeared on the stage at President Trump’s rally in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on Monday evening after stating in a Tweet earlier in the day that he was only there to cover it and interview the president. When he took the stage
Monday night, he referred to the press in the back of the room – which included FOX News reporters – as the “fake news.” On Tuesday, FOX News issued the following statement: “FOX News does not condone any talent participating in campaign events. We have an extraordinary team of journalists helming our coverage tonight and we are extremely proud of 
their work. This was an unfortunate distraction and has been addressed.” Hannity later Tweeted about the issue, saying, “What I said in my tweet yesterday was 100% truthful. When the POTUS invited me on stage to give a few remarks last night, I was surprised, yet honored by the president’s request. This was NOT planned.” He also addressed the “fake news” comment: “To be clear, I was not referring to my journalist colleagues at FOX News in those remarks. They do amazing work day in and day out in a fair and balanced way and it is an honor to work with such great professionals.”
Entercom Names Kevin Cassidy NOLA Cluster Chief. Moving from Entercom’s Dallas station group to New Orleans to assume the SVP and market manager position
is Kevin Cassidy. He’ll lead the cluster that includes legendary news/talk WWL-AM/FM and music outlets CHR WEZB “B97,” classic rock WKBU “Bayou 95.7,” AC WLMG “Magic 101.9,” and rhythmic oldies WWWL-AM/W225CZ “New Hot 92.9 FM.” Cassidy says, “I am excited to start the next chapter of my career overseeing this strong portfolio of stations in New Orleans. I relish this opportunity to work with the team and I look forward to leading our stations to anticipated growth in this market.” Cassidy previously served as president of D&R National Radio Sales and vice president and director of sales for iHeartMedia in Dallas.
Midterm Elections Dominate News/Talk Radio on Tuesday. As happens every so often when the big news story of the day is so all-encompassing, talk about the midterm elections and the battle for control of the House and Senate dominated the topics on news/talk radio yesterday (11/6), according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. Other campaign-related topics such as the migrant caravan, foreign relations, and financial markets activity were also part of the larger discussion.
TALKERS News Notes. “New Jersey 101.5” evening talk host Steve Trevelise tells TALKERS magazine that comic and former Howard Stern cast member Artie Lange
(pictured here in the “New Jersey 101.5” studios) revealed on his radio show that he’s seeking inpatient treatment for addiction. Trevelise writes, “Monday night, Artie met with City Of Angels founder Kevin Meara, who just returned from the first-ever DOJ Opioid Summit in Washington DC, and with Artie’s good friend and comedian ‘The Reverend’ Bob Levy in the ‘New Jersey 101.5’ conference room. Now a recovery coach, actress Amy Locane shared her story making a connection, saying that even in the 
darkest place, through recovery you begin to see light.” Read the whole story here…..Tomorrow night (11/8), Walter M. Sterling, host of network radio’s “Sterling on Sunday,” is guest starring on Entercom’s news/talk KMOX, St. Louis from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm…..Westwood One is now the exclusive radio partner of 24/7 weather reporting service Weatherology. WWO is handling affiliate sales for the service to build on its “existing 600 affiliates in the Upper Midwest.” Cumulus Media EVP marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes states, “We’re partnering with Weatherology because of their unparalleled immediacy, currency, and quality. From day-to-day forecasts to storm emergencies, weather on the radio is a vital service to local communities. Winter is coming soon and Westwood One is ready to offer this service to stations everywhere, including our massive 24-hour format customer base.”…..Entercom sports talk outlet KGMZ-AM, San Francisco “1550-AM The Game” agrees to extend its partnership with the University of San Francisco to broadcast the school’s men’s basketball games. As part of the deal, select games will be simulcast on KGMZ-FM “95.7 The Game.” Pat Olson, longtime play-by-play voice of the Dons, and former USF men’s basketball head coach Jim Brovelli will continue to call the action…..United Stations Radio Networks announces that Bloomberg Radio Network is again producing the series “Tax Tips” to be broadcast during the 2019 tax season. The 30-second segments are written and anchored by Bloomberg’s team leader for tax coverage, Alexis Leondis…..Entercom’s Pittsburgh stations – including news/talk KDKA-AM and sports talk KDKA-FM are supporting the 20th annual “NRG Santa Spectacular” on November 16 at Point State Park in Pittsburgh This year’s event will feature a musical performance by “American Idol” contestant and Pittsburgh native Gabby Barrett, as well as other family friendly activities. Entercom Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “Since 1998, ‘Santa Spectacular’ has been a staple for families in Pittsburgh and we are excited to continue this tradition. We are looking forward to bringing the city together for this great event.”
PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on 6+ data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on public radio news/talk. The survey month was generally good to public radio news/talk stations with 57% seeing an increase in their weekly 6+ AQH share compared to the September survey. The comparison to the October 2017 survey shows about half the stations went up, less than half went down and two stations saw no change. A total of five public radio news/talk stations ranked #1 in their respective markets during the October survey: KQED, San Francisco; KPBS, San Diego; KCFR, Denver; KOPB, Portland; and KUT, Austin. See Kinosian’s entire report here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Boston, iHeartMedia promotes Amanda Jo Parker to assistant program director for country WBWL “101.7 The Bull.” She’ll continue hosting her evening show there as well as her duties as afternoon personality on the company’s WRNX, Springfield, Massachusetts “KIX 100.9.”…..Orlando Rosa joins iHeartMedia as program director for regional Mexican WBZY, Atlanta “El Patron 105.3.” He was most recently operations manager at Phoenix-based Riviera Communications. Regional SVP of programming Brian Michel says, “We are thrilled to welcome Orlando to the iHeartMedia Atlanta team because of his wealth of experience and vast market knowledge. Orlando brings passion, energy, and a strong commitment to super-serving our listeners, partners, and the Atlanta community.”
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Yappy Holidays! The TALKERS magazine offices will be closed for the holidays on Friday, December 22 and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2. We will be monitoring all telephone calls at 413-565-5413 and will be reading all emails at info@talkers.com. We wish all of our readers and sponsors a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for more than 27 years of friendship and support.
Charles Osgood to End Radio Program Due to Health Concerns. Yesterday’s
announcement by Charles Osgood on his syndicated “Osgood File” program that he is ending the 50-year-old radio institution on the advice of his doctors no doubt came as a shock to his fans (and to programmers who carry the “Osgood File”). It was just a couple of weeks ago that Westwood One announced a new deal to continue syndicating the daily vignettes produced by the 84-year-old broadcasting legend. But now, apparently Osgood’s health is not good enough to allow him to continue to work.
The Top News/Talk Stories of 2017. For more than 27 years, TALKERS magazine research has been tracking the stories and people discussed on news/talk radio stations across the country. At the end of each year, we publish a retrospective of the stories and people that resonated with talk radio hosts and their listeners during the year and rank them according to the attention they received across the format. Below is the chart for the top news/talk stories and people of 2017.
WW1 to Launch Dennis Miller Feature in January. It’s been more than two years since entertainer Dennis Miller ended his daily talk radio show that was syndicated
by Westwood One. Now, Miller is back in the WW1 fold to host a daily radio feature. The company says, “Dennis will share his idiosyncratic take on topical issues, the culture, and what Americans are talking about in two distinct 60-second programs, Monday through Friday. The new Dennis Miller feature will showcase his incomparable wit and wisdom and be delivered in the unique Dennis Miller style. Each episode informs, engages, and entertains listeners.” The new feature debuts on January 22.
Ryen Russillo to Quit ESPN Radio for New Opportunities. The ESPN Radio personality was offered a new deal with the sports content giant but, according to a press statement from ESPN Audio SVP Traug Keller, “He has decided to pursue other opportunities when his contract expires next year.” Russillo will continue to 
produce podcasts for ESPN through next summer, but his final radio show will be tomorrow (12/22). Keller added, “Ryen has been a signature voice for ESPN Audio for more than a decade, also contributing to other ESPN platforms with his work on the NBA, college football and more. I respect
his decision and we wish him continued success.” Russillo was slated to partner up with Will Cain for the “Russillo and Cain” show to air from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET on the network, starting in January. Russillo says, “This was a really tough decision. ESPN Radio means a lot to me. Even though I won’t be sitting in a studio every day like I have for the last eight-plus years, I’m looking forward to working on a podcast and still providing content for the company.” The Washington Post’s Cindy Boren speculates that Russillo “is likely to have opportunities elsewhere, especially with Barstool Sports getting its own SiriusXM radio channel starting January 15.” No word from ESPN Radio on who might be paired with Will Cain next month.
WPEN-FM, Philadelphia’s Mike Missanelli Show to Simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Starting next year, the Mike Missanellli show – heard on Beasley
Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” in afternoon drive – will be simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Beasley Philly VP and market manager Joe Bell comments, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to have Mike Missanelli’s show on both ‘97.5 The Fanatic’ and NBC Sports Philadelphia. We recently signed a multi-year extension deal with him. This exciting new partnership will be an added bonus for the dedicated Philadelphia fans who are passionate about their sports teams.” The simulcast will take place from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, leaving the 5:00 pm hour to air on radio only.
Craig Carton Rumored to Be Talking with Barstool Sports. As mentioned in the Russillo story above, Barstool Sports is launching a channel on SiriusXM next month and Sporting News’ Michael McCarthy reports that he hears former WFAN, New York morning drive co-host Craig Carton is in talks with the multi-media company. Carton, who resigned from WFAN after being charged by the Feds with operating a Ponzi scheme, recently launched his own podcast titled, “Hello My Name Is Craig.”
TALKERS News Notes. Here are two items reported by Dave Hughes at his DCRTV.com site. First, Hughes says he’s hearing that radio personality Derek
Hunter is leaving Hearst’s news/talk WBAL-AM, Baltimore. Hunter hosts the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm program. Second, Hughes was first to report that WTOP, Washington morning news anchor Mike Moss is no longer with the Hubbard Radio all-news outlet. Moss had been with WTOP since 1996…..Former FOX News Channel star Bill O’Reilly is promising a legal fight with three women who are filing a 
defamation suit against him. As has been reported in numerous places, Rachel Witlieb Bernstein initially filed a suit against O’Reilly and has since been joined by Andrea Mackris and Rebecca Gomez Diamond. They allege that O’Reilly and FOX News violated the terms of the settlements after they publicly attempted to portray the women as dishonest and politically motivated. O’Reilly’s attorneys argue that the women are the ones who invited press coverage of their issues in the first place. The Hill notes that Mackris, Gomez and Diamond settled separate sexual harassment cases against O’Reilly…..SiriusXM is presenting a special tribute to the legendary comedian Don Rickles beginning at 6:00 pm on Christmas Day on its Comedy Greats channel. Ron Bennington hosts the new documentary, “A Life In Comedy,”
featuring interviews with some of the biggest names from comedy’s past and present…..Earlier in the week, TALKERS magazine reported that iHeartMedia will air the audio of all-news WBZ-AM, Boston on the HD-2 channel of co-owned WBWL. The company is also making news/talk WRKO available on the FM dial via the HD-2 channel of classic rock WZLX-FM.
GOP Tax Reform Passed, Mueller-Led Trump-Russia Investigation, North Korea Nuke Threats, U.S. Life Expectancy Falls Again, U.N. Jerusalem Vote, Russia Rehearses European Invasion, and NFL and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/20). The Republican tax reform plan is passed in to law by Congress; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; North Korea’s nuclear threats against the U.S.; life expectancy in the U.S. falls for the second straight year due to opioid fatalities; the U.N. Security Council’s expected vote rejecting the U.S.’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and re-locate its embassy there; reports that Russian military forces have rehearsed a European invasion scenario; and NFL and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Amplifi Media’s Steven Goldstein is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the radio industry’s leading experts on podcasting and the digital extensions of traditional broadcasting, Steven Goldstein, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Goldstein is the former EVP and group program director of Saga Communications and, prior to that
was a multi-faceted veteran of major market radio including WABC, New York as well as the NBC and ABC Radio Networks. In 2015, he launched and became CEO of Amplifi Media, a consulting firm whose main function is to help the management and talent of other media companies navigate successful paths through the wild frontier of the emerging digital era. In an extremely illuminating conversation, Harrison and Goldstein discuss the programming and marketing of podcasting, the “internet of things” and loss of privacy, the developing impact of voice-activated smart speakers, generational media-consuming habits and the future of terrestrial radio. This program is not to be missed! To listen to the entire podcast 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. There is a settlement in the union battle between Spanish Broadcasting System and SAG-AFTRA. This issue stems from the union’s allegation that, in March 2017, eight employees of SBS’s radio stations KLAX and KXOL in Los Angeles were unlawfully terminated in retaliation for exercising their right to unionize. Under the terms of the agreement, all employees receive full back pay, interest and expenses through January 14, 2018. SBS offered the choice of reinstatement or significant front pay to all eight employees, and most chose to return to work to their former positions at SBS. A few elected to move on and receive front pay. The agreement also provides that SBS must engage in good faith bargaining with the goal of obtaining a collective bargaining agreement, and requires a rigorous bargaining schedule. SBS has agreed that by mid-January, it will provide to SAG-AFTRA an economic proposal, including specific dollar figures for wages and fees to be paid to bargaining unit members…..The rock band Ivory Black, hailing from Kansas City, was named the winner of Cumulus Media’s inaugural “neXt2rock 2017” competition. The national and local grassroots search for the nation’s newest rock star featured live performances from the top five national finalists and a special performance by John Varvatos Records recording artist Badflower. The competition featured up-and-coming rock talent via a national radio grass roots talent search and artist development program for rock music…..Country music artist Danielle Bradbery was one of the stars of WKLB, Boston’s Holiday Jam at the House of Blues on December 14 that included High Valley and LOCASH. Some of the Beasley Boston staff is pictured below with Bradbery (from l-r): Santa Claus, WKLB music director Dawn Santolucito, promotions coordinator Christina Serrano, midday personality Carolyn Kruse, Bradbery, morning show hosts Hannah Byrom and Jackson Blue, afternoon drive personality Kevin Kennedy, and program director David Corey.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Air Talent Changes at KCMO-AM, Kansas City. TALKERS magazine hears that Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM, Kansas City has let both Greg Knapp and Tom Becka
go. Becka had been hosting the 9:00 am to 11:00 am show since May of 2016. That daypart is now listed on the station’s website as part of the “KCMO Morning Show” from 6:00 am to 11:00 am. Knapp had been hosting the 6:00 am to 9:00 am morning show since rejoining the station in January of this year. He had hosted the afternoon drive show on KCMO until exiting in late April of 2016. Chicago talk radio pro Bruce Wolf is hosting mornings today through Wednesday (11/20-22).
Salem Moves DC’s ‘The Answer’ to WSPZ, Bethesda. The conservative news/talk
station is already re-branded “AM 570 The Answer,” reflecting its moves to WSPZ. However, as of today (11/20) it’s still heard on WWRC, Washington at 1260 AM, but it’s probable that Salem Media Group will install a Christian talk or music format on the 1260 AM signal. Salem bought WSPZ from Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra earlier this year.
Sapienza to Lead Entercom Baltimore’s Sports Programming. Former longtime Red Zebra programmer Chuck Sapienza joins Entercom to serve as director of
sports programming for WJZ-FM, Baltimore and executive producer for Baltimore Orioles and University of Maryland Radio Networks. He worked for Red Zebra’s WTEM, Washington in numerous capacities for 10 years, including serving as program director. After leaving WTEM, he was executive producer at the Naval Academy Football Radio Network.
Markiewicz Replaces Van Stone at RadiOhio’s Sports Radio Operations in Columbus. After a 40-year career in broadcasting, David Van Stone is retiring from his position as president and general manager of RadiOhio’s sports talk stations WBNS-FM “97.1 The Fan” and WBNS-AM “1460 ESPN,” plus The Ohio News Network. The company announces it is promoting station manager and director of sales Todd 
Markiewicz to vice president and general manager in charge of the radio operations. The changes take effect in January. Markiewicz says, “The opportunity to become the steward of these heritage Columbus radio and digital properties is just a thrill for me. Dave Van Stone’s leadership over the past 19 years has resulted in our company operating at an elevated level toward our goal of super-serving our listeners, our community and our employees. My job now is to make sure RadiOhio matches that excellence for years to come and I can’t imagine a better group of radio professionals to accept that challenge with than those already working within these walls.” Van Stone comments, “These last 19 years working for RadiOhio have been tremendous. I want to thank the Wolfe family and [RadiOhio chairman and CEO] Michael Fiorile for their confidence and support. Thanks as well to the outstanding, dedicated RadiOhio staff for their commitment to excellence and for ‘making great radio.’”
Beasley Names VP of Digital Sales. This is a newly created position at Beasley Media Group and the company welcomes Dan Frisbie to the vice president of digital
sales position. His radio experience includes an eight-year stint as VP of sales for iHeartMedia. Most, recently he was leading his Frisbie Consulting LLC in which he assisted clients with media, digital, mobile, and video sales strategies and operations. Beasley EVP of digital Steve Meyers comments, “We are thrilled to bring Dan on board to lead digital revenue growth at Beasley Media Group. Dan’s experience, enthusiasm and passion for digital, especially as it relates to the radio space, is a perfect complement for our goals to aggressively grow our digital presence and capabilities for our brands and our clients.”
ESPN Radio Announces 2018 Network Schedule; New Podcasts. In addition to the new morning drive show, “Golic & Wingo,” ESPN Radio is unveiling its new lineup for the network, effective January 2, 2018. The WEPN, New York-based Stephen A.
Smith radio show joins the network for national distribution in the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm daypart. Ryen Russillo – currently hosting the 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm show – moves to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot with new co-host Will Cain. That bumps “The Right Time with Bomani Jones” off the schedule 
(Jones continues with the company on the TV side). “Spain and Fitz” is the new early evening show featuring espnW voice Sarah Spain with SEC Network commentator Jason Fitz. In a time shift, the “Freddie & Fitzsimmons” show with Freddie Coleman and Ian Fitzsimmons moves from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am to the new 9:00 pm to 1:00 am slot. The company also announces new podcasts from Bomani Jones (new episodes 2-3 times per week), Jalen Rose and David Jacoby (whose Jalen & Jacoby podcast will be produced 4-5 times per week), and Katie Nolan (a weekly show).
Entercom Unveils New Analytics Tool for Advertisers. With Friday’s close of the Entercom–CBS RADIO merger, the new Entercom hit the road running with a few high-profile format flips and a statement about its new business practices. It also announced the new Entercom Audience Analytics tool for radio advertisers. The 
company says it offers “advertisers unique data and analytic insights designed to optimize their advertising campaigns and improve return on investment. The enhanced analytics capability is powered by an exclusive partnership in Entercom markets with AnalyticOwl, a broadcast analytics platform used to measure effectiveness and audience response of radio advertising.” Entercom chief revenue officer Bob Philips adds, “Entercom Audience Analytics will enable us to develop a more consultative relationship with our advertising partners and more effectively measure and validate the important role of radio in the consumers’ path to purchase. This is a tremendous step toward improving campaign effectiveness and ROI for our advertisers.”
GOP Tax Plan, Celebrity Sexual Assault Allegations/Franken Case, Roy Moore Sexual Predation Accusations, Nuclear Launch Debate, FOX News Channel Supports Hannity, Charles Manson Dies, David Cassidy Hospitalized, Justice League Film, American Music Awards, College Football Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Analysis of the effects of the Republican tax reform plan; the slew of sexual assault allegations involving celebrities and the case involving Senator Al Franken; the allegations of sexual predation against Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore; the debate over the machinations of a nuclear weapons launch after Air Force General John Hyten said he would ignore an illegal request from the president; FOX News Channel issues a statement in support of Sean Hannity after advertiser boycott effort; Charles Manson dies at age 83; 1970s teen heartthrob David Cassidy hospitalized in critical condition; the opening weekend of the Justice League film; Sunday’s “American Music Awards”; Saturday’s games with College Football Playoff implications; and Sunday’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Science Guru and Rising YouTube Star, Isaac Arthur, Guests this Week on Harrison Podcast. He is a high school drop-out from Ohio with a trademark speech impediment and a true geek’s love of science fact and fiction who, after earning his GED diploma, went on to graduate with a B.S. in Physics from Kent State University at the age of 20. He attended graduate school but preferred self-teaching and dropped out to serve in the army in Germany and Iraq. Upon returning home, he became involved in local politics and was appointed a member of the Ashtabula County, Ohio Board of Elections. (He tells
Michael Harrison, “We take our elections very seriously here in Ohio.”) But there is a whole other talk media side to Isaac Arthur that caught the attention of Harrison and makes him an ideal guest for the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far out with Michael Harrison,” as well as being a person of significant interest to the commercial media industry. It began as a hobby and has now grown into something remarkable. He is the producer and host of a rapidly growing YouTube channel titled, “Science and Futurism with Isaac Arthur.” He writes, produces and narrates stunning video podcasts that run between ½ hour and an hour that curate, explore and explain the provocative leading edge of popular science. In three years, his channel has attracted more than 161,000 devoted subscribers and more than 12 million visits. Harrison, a passionate layman enthusiast of science and astrophysics says, “Isaac Arthur is a quintessential example of the pioneers who are out there laboring on the outskirts of the mainstream commercial radio/TV industries on the exciting frontier of talk media – where audio intersects with video, graphics, education and entertainment. Everyone in the radio business with an eye on podcasting and cross-platform brand expansion can learn from him. Having a personal love for the subject matter he covers, I am his fan!” 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.
Mars Dominates AMAs. In the Tracee Ellis Ross-hosted American Music Awards ceremony held last night (11/19) in Los Angeles, Bruno Mars took home six trophies, including “Artist of the Year,” “Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock,” and “Video of the Year” for “That’s What I Like.” Ross’ mother – Diana Ross – was honored for her “Lifetime Achievement.” Among the other highlights from the ABC-TV telecast were Lady Gaga cited as “Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock,” Niall Horan named “New
Artist of the Year,” and Coldplay recognized as “Tour of the Year.” Elsewhere in the “Pop/Rock” category, Imagine Dragons won “Favorite Duo or Group”; Mars’ “24K Magic” was “Favorite Album,” while Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieberhad the “Favorite Song” (“Despacito”). Winners in the country format were Keith Urban (“Favorite Male Artist,” “Favorite Song” for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” and “Favorite Album” for “Ripcord”); Carrie Underwood (“Favorite Female Artist”); and Little Big Town “Favorite Duo or Group.” Honored as “Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary” and “Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock” were Shawn Mendes and Linkin Park, respectively. Meanwhile, Mars scored victories in the “Soul/R&B” genre as “Favorite Male Artist,” “Favorite Album” (“24K Magic”); and “Favorite Song (“That’s What I Like”); Beyonce was recognized as “Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Alt rock personality and programmer Tamo Sein joins iHeartMedia’s WEND, Charlotte “106.5 The End” to host the midday show and serve as APD and music director. In this role, she’ll assist in the day-to-day
operations of the station’s music programming and scheduling of music logs as well as be responsible for all the station’s imaging and branding. Sein will report to WEND program director Chuck “DZL” Thompson. She comes to Charlotte from iHeartMedia’s Richmond cluster where she was music director and afternoon drive host…..On-air pro Jeff Pope is named morning show host at All Pro Broadcasting-owned hot AC duo KHTI-FM “Hot 103.9” and KATY-FM “101.3 The Mix” in the Riverside-San Bernardino market. Pope has most recently been morning host at Alpha Media’s hot AC KEZR San Jose but he’d worked in the Inland Empire for 13 years prior to that hosting morning drive at iHeartMedia’s crosstown rhythmic CHR KGGI…..SiriusXM is presenting a special invitation-only performance by Duran Duran at the Faena Theater in Miami on December 9. The exclusive performance will feature Duran Duran playing signature music from throughout their career, including songs from their most recent, top-10 charting studio album, Paper Gods…..Rowdy Yates, host of “Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates,” is offering a half-hour, “Mel Tillis Tribute Special” for immediate radio airplay on a non-market-exclusive basis. The tribute features music from Mel, songs that he wrote for others (like “Ruby” for Kenny Rogers and “Detroit City” for Bobby Bare), music from his daughter Pam Tillis and some great stories about his rise to fame along with the hardships that he overcame. This Compass Media presentation is available to stations in a commercial free format. The download link is here. Please email Doug Ingold at dingold@compassmedianetworks.com with call letters, intended air dates and times. Call Doug with questions at 310-242-8746.
Westwood One Backstage at the AMAs. This past weekend, Westwood One Backstage at the AMAs took place at the Microsoft Theater Event Deck in Los Angeles from Thursday (11/16) through Saturday (11/18) that included three days of branded programming and artist interviews. Pictured above are (from l-r): Cat Collins, EVP/In2une Music; Mike McVay, EVP programming & content, Cumulus Media and Westwood One; John Kilgo, SVP, talent relations, Cumulus Media; in2une recording artist Taylor Grey; and Suzanne Grimes, EVP corporate marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One.
Friday, November 17, 2017
FCC Bids Adieu to Cross-Ownership Ban. As expected, at yesterday’s meeting of the Federal Communications Commission, the 42-year-old regulation that prevented (in all but a few grandfathered cases) the cross-ownership of broadcast facilities and newspapers was eliminated on a party line vote of 3-2. The majority 
under Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai say the change will “provide broadcasters and local newspapers with a greater opportunity to compete in the digital age.” The Commission also struck the Radio/Television Cross-Ownership Rule, and the Television Joint Sales
Agreement Attribution Rule. In his statement, Chairman Pai says, “It’s a simple proposition: the media ownership regulations of 2017 should match the media marketplace of 2017. That’s the proposition the FCC vindicates today — nothing more, nothing less. And it’s about time. For few of the FCC’s rules are staler than our broadcast ownership regulations. Notwithstanding the congressional command that we review and update these rules every four years, they have remained stuck in the past. After too many years of cold shoulders and hot air, this agency finally drags its broadcast ownership rules into the digital age.” Lastly, in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission decides to establish, and seeks comment on how to implement and structure, a new incubator program in which established broadcasters would help facilitate entry by new voices into the marketplace by providing access to capital and/or technical expertise to new entrants and small businesses. The program has broad support and will help promote ownership diversity in the broadcast industry.
The Entercom-CBS RADIO Merger Closes. The deal that merges the venerable CBS RADIO stations with Philadelphia-based Entercom has closed. The merger that’s been the subject of so much industry news – and a lot of speculation throughout the process – creates a new Entercom that operates 235 radio stations. For some 
industry watchers, the fact that it also means the end of the CBS RADIO company as we’ve known it for all these years brings about some mixed emotions. Though certainly the end of an era, the general consensus is that the CBS radio stations were languishing in a company whose stated main focus is video content. In announcing the closing, Entercom president and CEO David Field states, “We are thrilled to officially close our transformational merger with CBS RADIO and welcome their talented employees and iconic brands to Entercom. We look forward to capitalizing on our unique positions in sports, news, music, podcasting, live events, digital and more to provide outstanding experiences for our listeners and compelling integrated marketing opportunities for our advertisers. We now have the scale and capabilities to drive meaningful growth and to compete more effectively with other media for a larger share of advertising dollars. We also look forward to helping to elevate the radio industry, which remains massively undervalued by advertisers despite having emerged as America’s #1 reach medium, delivering outstanding ROI to customers.”
Entercom Grabs Twins Baseball for WCCO-AM. After several years airing on alternative KQGO (owned by the Pohlad family’s Northern Lights Broadcasting), Minnesota Twins baseball play-by-play is returning to news/talk WCCO-AM, beginning with the 2018 season. The Pohlad family also owns the team and apparently was ready to 
admit that their own alt rock station and Twins baseball weren’t a great match. Entercom says that sister stations adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM” and country KMNB “BUZ’N @102.9” will also cover Twins’ players, coaches and broadcasters year-round. Entercom president of sports Mike Dee states, “We are thrilled to welcome the Twins back to their iconic home on WCCO. As the unrivaled leader in local audio sports rights across the nation, Entercom is committed to growing our play-by-play roster where it makes smart, strategic sense. Clearly the Twins are a blue-chip franchise on the rise. As a newcomer to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul market, we are especially grateful to the Pohlad family and [Twins president and CEO] Dave St. Peter for their confidence in us. With the addition of the Twins, we are proud to be the flagship home for 45 professional teams across the four major sports, including 14 in Major League Baseball.”
Entercom Unveils New Business Practices. Among the numerous press releases regarding format flips on the first day of the new Entercom (see those below in the music radio section), the company says it is implementing three new business policies which “better reflect radio’s strong value proposition as America’s #1 reach medium
and Entercom’s position as the leading provider of live, original, local audio content. These policies will enable the company to provide greater value for advertisers while improving the listener experience.” The changes are: 1) Reduce commercial advertising inventory by 5% in order to improve the listener experience and increase the entertainment to ad ratio for Entercom’s advertising partners; 2) Prohibit cash infusion advertising deals which the company views as a poor business practice and inconsistent with its strategic goals; and 3) Eliminate future sales of advertising with spot resellers which like cash infusion deals, the company views as a poor business practice and inconsistent with its strategic goals. Entercom COO Weezie Kramer adds, “With our enhanced platform and scale, Entercom is committed to evolving our business practices for the benefit of Entercom’s listeners and advertising partners.”
Matt Shepard Returns to WDFN, Detroit. As reported by the Detroit News, Motor City sports media personality Matt Shepard is returning to the airwaves at
iHeartMedia’s sports talker WDFN, some seven months after he exited the station. His “Shep, Shower ‘N’ Shave” program will air from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Shepard had been on the station since 2001, but was ousted in a round of budget cuts back in April. iHeartMedia Detroit SVP of programming Tony Travatto states, “We’re excited to have Matt back on WDFN. Nobody in Detroit sports radio has more access to what’s really happening in the locker rooms than Matt.”
ESPN Wraps 18 Years of ‘Mike & Mike.’ Industry eyes are all over the Entercom–CBS RADIO closing and some of the immediate changes the new Entercom is making, but another end-of-an-era event took place today as Mike Greenberg and
Mike Golic did their last morning radio show together, signing off the ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike” show. In addition to talking sports, the duo also aired messages of well-wishes from fans, including Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan, Adam Schefter, Dick Vitale, Dan Patrick, President Bill Clinton and more. ESPN president John Skipper appeared on the program to announce that ESPN and The Walt Disney Company will build a children’s playground in honor of Mike & Mike at a location to be determined, in collaboration with the non-profit organization KaBOOM. On November 27, the new “Golic & Wingo” show will debut featuring Mike Golic, Trey Wingo and Mike Golic Jr. (who joins for the 6:00 am hour). Mike Greenberg is staying with ESPN for television duties.
Emmis Names New Indy Execs. In its home-base market, Emmis Communications announces Bob Richards is the new vice president and market manager for Indianapolis. The city is home to heritage news/talk WIBC-FM, sports talk WFNI “1070
The Fan,” country WLHK “97.1 Hank FM,” and adult contemporary WYXB “B105.7.” At the same time, Taja Graham rises from director of sales for music to vice president and director of sales for the entire cluster. Emmis president Patrick Walsh comments, “Bob’s leadership has been instrumental in building our dominant position in the Indianapolis market. His reputation for building great teams and winning content strategies is legendary. We look forward to Bob applying his ample skills to fortify our culture and performance in the coming years.” Richards takes over for Chuck Williams who had joined Emmis Indianapolis as VP/market manager in August of 2016.
Courtemanche Appointed DOS at Alpha Media West Palm Beach. At the West Palm Beach cluster of Alpha Media stations, Jason Courtemanche is named to the director of sales position, effective December 4. The station group includes news/talk
WFTL and sports talk WMEN “640 The Hurricane.” During his career, Courtemanche has been a VP of sales for Cumulus Media in Los Angeles and iHeartMedia in Chicago. He also 
held the sales manager title at WBBM in Chicago. Alpha Media West Palm Beach market manager Elizabeth Hamma says, “Jason is a natural leader who brings a depth of knowledge in marketing, digital and events that will help us further drive results for our listeners and clients. His vision, leadership, enthusiasm and innate ability to coach will take our cluster to the next level.”
Kilmeade at WPHT Speaker Series. Pictured above is WPHT, Philadelphia afternoon drive personality Rich Zeoli (left) chatting with FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio star Brian Kilmeade (right) before a live audience as part of the 1210 WPHT Speaker Series. In addition to talking about issues, Kilmeade promoted his new book, Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped America’s Destiny (Sentinel, 2017). Kilmeade signed every attendee’s copy of the book.
Roy Moore Sexual Conduct Allegations Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 13-17. Accusations of sexually predatory behavior by Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, ranking #1 on the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week is the various celebrities and Al Franken sexual assault allegations. Number three on the chart is the Republican tax reform plan, followed by the GOP proposal to eliminate the ObamaCare individual mandate 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. View this week’s entire chart here.
New 
New Entercom Flips Two CHRs – WBMP, New York and KVIL, Dallas – to Alternative. Two of its first major moves post-closing for Entercom is to drop the CHR format on WBMP “AMP 92.3” and KVIL “AMP 103.7” and replace them with alternative rock. Regarding the NYC flip, the company announces, “Alternative rock returns to radio for the first time since 2011 in the largest media market in the country with the launch of ‘ALT 92.3 FM, New York’s New Alternative.’” Entercom president of programming Pat Paxton states, “In a city where alternative music is a way of life, we are thrilled to finally fill the void in radio in New York City. With the launch of ‘ALT 92.3,’ we will cater to the passionate audience who have helped define the genre for decades – and we couldn’t be more excited to turn up the volume.” KVIL is being branded “ALT 103.7” and both stations are playing 10,000 commercial free songs in a row.
Chicago’s WJMK Drops Classic Hits for Classic Hip Hop. Another format flip by post-merger Entercom comes in Chicago where WJMK becomes classic hip hop and R&B as “The New 104.3 JAMS, Chicago’s #1 for Throwbacks.” The station aims to “capture the essence of Chicago from when the Bulls won six NBA championships, to when locals like Oprah and Barack Obama became homegrown heroes.” Entercom president of programming Pat Paxton says, “The time has come to usher in a brand new chapter in Chicago radio — a station that is designed by Chicagoans exclusively FOR Chicago.”
John DeBella Celebrates 35 Years on Air. Philadelphia radio legend John DeBella – pictured above with the staff of Beasley Media Group’s classic rock WMGK-FM – celebrates 35 years on the air in the City of Brotherly Love. The staff, led by program director Bill Weston and Beasley Media Group Philadelphia vice president/market manager Joe Bell burst into the studio and surprised DeBella while he was on the air. Weston says, “It’s a testament to John’s talent and passion that he continues to connect with his audience in such a powerful way and is still going strong 35 years into the game.”
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Des Moines CHR KKDM “107.5 KISS FM,” iHeartMedia names Eric White afternoon personality, music director and imaging director, effective November 27, 2017. iHM Des Moines SVP of programming
Greg Chance says, “Eric has skills in a lot of different lanes of our business. We look forward to working with him, driving his passion for radio and to build his career. I trust this will be another great chapter and member of ‘107.5 KISS FM.’” White has been serving the company at its Philadelphia cluster…..Bonneville International – operating CHR KMVQ, San Francisco “99.7 NOW” under an LMA from the Entercom Divestiture Trust – names “Jazzy” Jim Archer program director. He’s been serving as APD and music director of the station since 2011…..The results of the #Change4Change Radiothon produced by the Premiere Networks-syndicated urban morning show “The Breakfast Club” are in and more than $700,000 was raised to benefit the The Gathering for Justice social justice advocacy organization. The radiothon featured on-air personalities DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God encouraging listeners to donate in support of the organization that sponsors movements including The Women’s March, Justice League NYC and Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp…..SiriusXM announces the coming launch of a classic hip hop channel programmed by LL Cool J. The channel, expected to launch in early 2018, will feature a wide range of classic hip hop content, music, interviews and in-depth retrospectives curated and presented by LL Cool J, as well as other innovators of hip hop music.….ABC Radio is offering a three-hour, country music special, “My Kind of Christmas Countdown,” hosted by Grammy Award-winning country superstar Reba McEntire. In the program, McEntire will count down to Christmas by looking at seasonal favorites, including traditions, decorations, presents, and some of this year’s best holiday music. In addition, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Kelsea Ballerini, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood share their own holiday favorites and memories.
Duane Doobie Jr’s Occasional Picks: Don’t Miss This Exciting New Christmas Album from Australian Sensations, The TEN Tenors – and the Proceeds Benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. When Australia’s world famous musical export, The TEN Tenors, decided to make a Christmas album, they weren’t content with just putting out an album of their wildly popular blend of traditional and seasonal favorites – they decided to make it a fundraising tool to help children. Partnering with
Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, the album shot to #1 and has gone on to raise over $1 million. Now, the group brought the project to America, partnering with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital contributing to their joint mission as well as charting top 10 on the Billboard classical and crossover charts. St. Jude Children’s Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Support from musical groups like The TEN Tenors helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. The Ten Tenors are returning to the United States this December for an 18-date tour of the East Coast and Midwest. The Australian vocal group, whose voices generate “pure electricity and undeniable drama” according to the Los Angeles Times, will be performing repertoire from their album Our Christmas Wish. Selections from this great and timely album include traditional standards such as “Joy to the World” and “O Holy Night,” as well as John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano, “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin, and “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” the Mariah Carey hit that’s become a holiday evergreen. Watch TTT perform a medley of songs from Our Christmas Wish by clicking here. Now enjoying their 20th year together, The Ten Tenors playfully blend rock, pop and opera, and are “truly incandescent when performing at the full strength of 10,” according to Variety. The New York Times says their “unique mix of the traditional and unconventional offers a fresh and highly-original take on the staid traditions of opera.” To download songs from Our Christmas Wish for airplay on your station, please click here.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Talk Radio Hosts at White House Radio Row. Pictured above is New England talk radio star Howie Carr (right) – whose afternoon drive program is syndicated via the Howie Carr Radio Network to stations throughout the region – with President Trump (left) in the East Room of the White House. Carr was one of a number of talk radio personalities who broadcast from the White House yesterday (11/2) as part of the second administration-organized radio row to promote the GOP’s tax reform plan. Below, KXL, Portland and Compass Media Networks-syndicated talk personality Lars Larson (right) stands with President Trump (center) and his program’s executive producer Carl Sundberg (left) in the East Room.
Trump Shares Frustrations with WMAL’s Larry O’Connor. Pictured above at yesterday’s White House radio row, President Trump told WMAL-AM/FM, Washington’s Larry O’Connor (left) that he’s frustrated by the fact that, as president, his hands are tied with regard to investigating Hillary Clinton’s involvement in the Uranium One deal and the Trump-Russia dossier. The interview got a lot of attention from media outlets covering the radio row with no fewer than eight print and online news operations reporting Trump’s comments. The president told O’Connor, “But you know the saddest thing, because I’m the President of the United States I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department. I am not supposed to be involved with the FBI. I’m not supposed to be doing the kinds of things that I would love to be doing. And I’m very frustrated by it.”
Joe Pags Talks Issues with Trump. Above is WOAI, San Antonio-based, syndicated talk show host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo (left) interviewing President Trump (right) at yesterday’s tax reform radio row at the White House.
CBS RADIO Q3 Revenue Down $17 Million. Third quarter results for CBS Corporation as a whole saw revenue at $3.17 billion – up 3% from the same period a year ago. But the CBS RADIO revenue was $300 million in the third quarter – down 5.5% from Q3 2016’s $317 million. This will likely be the last full quarter CBS reports its radio revenue with the Entercom-CBS RADIO merger expected to close on the 17th of this month.
Entercom Sees $100 Million in Post-Merger Cost Synergies. That’s from one of the slides Entercom has prepared as part of its presentation to investors ahead of the consummation of the merger with CBS RADIO. Among the points Entercom makes in the presentation is that the new company will be “one of the country’s two largest radio broadcasters,” “reaching and 
engaging” more than 100 million people with “combined reach in top markets” that rivals iHeartMedia’s. The post-merger Entercom will operate 235 stations in 48 markets with the ability to reach 87% of the 12+ population in the top 50 radio markets. The slide presentation also highlights the new company’s all-news radio portfolio calling it “the gold standard in news radio” and pointing to highly rated all newsers WINS and WCBS-AM in New York; KNX, Los Angeles; WBBM-AM, Chicago; KCBS-AM, San Francisco; KYW, Philadelphia; and WWJ, Detroit. Returning to the cost synergies, the company states that of that expected $100 million, $68 million of that should come from “eliminating redundant costs in overlap markets, consolidating operations, rationalizing station expenses, and realizing purchasing savings.”
What Is Your Liability When Endorsing a Product? Yesterday’s story published here in TALKERS magazine reported on the matter of an ad for an investment that the SEC is calling a fraud that aired on Cox Media Group’s WHPT, Tampa “102.5 The Bone.” Not only did it air, but talk host Drew Garabo endorsed the investment. TALKERS legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman says that although it’s rare that the FTC comes down on stations and personalities that endorse such products, there is liability for both written into the law and broadcasters should be aware of them. Read this important column here.
Hannity Crowned Cable News/Talk King for October. The prime-time cable news/talk ratings – based of course upon Nielsen numbers – are out for October and FOX News Channel’s Sean Hannity rose to the top of the ratings heap in October, averaging almost 3.2 million total viewers
and 686,000 adults 25-54. Hannity’s show moved to the 9:00 pm ET hour after Bill O’Reilly’s departure but during the July, August, and September months, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow had scored some ratings victories. In total viewers, FNC’s Tucker Carlson finished second in October (2.8 million) and Maddow came in third with 2.5 million average total viewers. On a side note, Hannity was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame last night (11/2), but he chose to remain in New York to do his program live rather than travel to Chicago to accept the honor in person.
WFAN, New York AM Drive Sub Profiled in NYPost. New York native Gregg Giannotti – who
left the area to gain experience as a sports talk radio host in Pittsburgh – has been sitting in with WFAN morning star Boomer Esiason recently. With the departure of embattled former co-host Craig Carton, Giannotti has been spending a lot of time on the WFAN morning show, causing the New York Post to wonder if he’s the odds-on favorite to get the full-time gig alongside Esiason. Check out the Post piece here.
ESPN Radio’s Bomani Jones the Subject of Cancellation Rumors. After a Tweet by FOX Sports’s Clay Travis alleging that ESPN Radio is on the verge of cancelling Bomani Jones’
afternoon show on the network because it’s lost more than 90 affiliate stations, speculation is swirling about what’s really going on. ESPN is not making comments specific to Jones’ radio show but says he’s an important part of its “audio strategy.” Another part of the story is that Jones is starting a new ESPN cable show and rumor has it he’d be delighted to end his radio show duties.
The Mueller Investigation and Indictments Tops Talkers TenTM This Week. The investigation into Trump campaign-Russia connections and indictments by special counsel Robert Mueller was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio for the week of October 30-November 3. At #2 this week was the New York City terror attack that left eight dead. Coming in at #3 was criticism of the Obama Administration’s Uranium One deal, followed by the allegation by Donna Brazile that Hillary Clinton assumed control over the DNC before she’d won the primary 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. View this week’s entire chart here.
Duane Doobie Jr’s Occasional Hot Pick to Click. TALKERS/RadioInfo in-house music director, the fabulous Duane Doobie Jr., occasionally finds something out there on the way up that catches his keen eyes and ears. There is one such group in LA that falls into this category and
word on the street is they have the attention of several major labels. The Doob says, “This hot West Coast ensemble that you may not yet heard of – but will be kicking yourself if you don’t follow up on this – is the band WOLVES. They just dropped the video for their hit-bound indie single, ‘Animal,’ which is bringing them the necessary critical mass to get CHR/hot AC/rock listeners’ attention.” KIMN, Denver and WRMF, Palm Beach are all over this #33 on the Nielson Billboard Indicator Charts track with multiple plays per day in prime-time slots. Some background: Marc Avery, Sean Carney and Rockwell Sands came together last year to form what they thought “the ultimate project” would be – a band with pop sensibilities that married urban and rock music into one unique sound. Sands writes about the band’s influences, “We wondered what it would be like if we took all these different influences we loved – artists like Michael Jackson, the Eagles, and Coldplay – and rolled them all into one band today.” From the forthcoming EP Hold On For The Night, “Animal” is full of dazzling synths and bass that embrace lead singer Avery’s unique Jackson-esque vocals. Doobie says, “Play this song and watch what happens!” You can listen to the track here.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves — Heritage rock station KSHE, St. Louis is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Tuesday (11/7). As the station says in its press release, “Back in 1967, KSHE became one of the first radio stations in the United States to play rock music on the FM band and was a pioneer of the Album Oriented Rock radio format.” The Emmis Communications station is featuring 12 hours of special programming (6:00 am to 6:00 pm) that will include not only the music that made the station but classic imaging, recordings of historical personalities, and messages from rock greats…..On Thursday (11/9), iHeartMedia Chicago’s urban stations – hip hop WGCI, urban contemporary WVAZ “V103,” and Gospel WGRB – will take part in a radiothon called “Music in the Schools” to benefit Scott Joplin Elementary School, a school located in the heart of Chicago’s South Side. Proceeds from the event will go the school’s music programs…..Classic rock KLKK, Mason City, Iowa “103.7 The Fox” is adding Envision Networks’ and Sun Broadcast Group’s “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” program to its lineup…..Alternative WRFF, Philadelphia “Radio 104.5” is announcing that Weezer will headline its fourth annual “Movember Gala” on Friday, December 1 at The Block inside of Harrah’s Philadelphia. The event is a culmination of the “Movember Mondays” fundraisers happening throughout the month in which all proceeds will be donated to the Movember Foundation, a global men’s health charity investing in programs to address prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health, and physical inactivity…..The lineup for the annual “Ten Man Jam at Bill Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth is set. The show is a production of Cumulus Media’s country KPLX, Dallas “99.5 The Wolf” and this year fans will hear: Darius Rucker, Gary Allan, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Tyler Farr, Scotty McCreery, Jerrod Niemann, Midland, Carly Pearce, and Brandon Lay…..iHeartMedia’s Atlanta alternative rock WRDA “Radio 105.7” announces the lineup for its annual holiday concert “Holiday Spectacular 2017” will feature X Ambassadors, Portugal.The Man, and Welshly Arms on Friday, December 1 at Coca Cola Roxy.
Round Four of October PPM Data Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s October 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s October 2017 survey period covered September 14 – October 11. View all the numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Austin – Not only does University of Texas at Austin-owned KUT repeat at #2 and post its third straight gain for a stunning +1.8 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+), the news/talk outlet has its highest 6+-share in nearly a year (9.0, November 2016). It trails Emmis adult hits KBPA “Bob” by just four-tenths. While on top for the ninth successive month, “Bob” is
without an increase for the third time in a row for a collective -.4 (8.7 
– 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). KBPA was a combined -1.7 in April and May, with May’s 7.4 its lowest 6+-stat since June 2015’s 7.4. Following five straight up sweeps for an overall +1.0 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), triple A cluster-mate KGSR “93.3 Radio Austin” drops three-tenths to 2.8 but continues at #15 (6+). Prior to September, KGSR had been within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous 19 consecutive sweeps; September’s 3.1 is its best 6+-stat since February 2016 (3.1, as well). All three of the market’s FM country properties are (modestly) up from September, including “Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE-FM, which is without a loss for the eighth time in succession for an overall gain of eight-tenths (1.7- 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). Flat at #16, this is the best 6+-showing for “Austin’s Country Alternative” since September 2016 (2.5, as well). Meanwhile in the iHeartMedia cluster, KVET-FM “98.1 All Time Country Favorites” adds one-tenth (6.5 – 6.6, unchanged at #3) and co-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” (seven to fifth) is up three-tenths to 5.1, its best 6+-showing since January’s 5.5. As the result of three straight declines, Crista Media contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9” (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+) has lost roughly half of its 6+-share (-1.8) and stumbles from #16 to #18. This is the first time “Spirit” is below a two-share (6+) in more than six years (1.5, August 2011). Trending 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.1 (6+) since May, iHeartMedia CHR KHFI regresses by one-half share as well (to 4.6, fifth to eighth, 6+) as “96.7 Kiss FM – Austin’s #1 Hit Music Station” has its softest 6+-showing since December 2016’s 4.5.
2) Raleigh – A cumulative +1.9 via three straight improvements (2.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC posts its best 6+-stat since 4.1 in March, as “99.9 The Fan” cracks the top ten (#14 to #10). Off by 
-1.8 in four straight negative trends (8.5 – 7.9 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC roars back with a combined +1.4. in August, September, and October (6.7 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 8.1, 6+). It continues in the runner-up slot with its strongest 6+-showing since 8.5 in March. In four consecutive increases, Educational Information Corporation’s WCPE has more than doubled its 6+-share (1.8 – 1.9 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8, 
6+). Up two full-shares since June, “89.7 The Classical Station” climbs from #15 to #14. Even though it surrenders September’s half-share gain, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the fifth straight month. October’s -.5 to 8.7 (6+), however, curtails six straight upticks that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+); September’s 9.2 is its highest 6+-share since 9.6 in May 2011. Without an increase for the eighth successive sweep for a combined -3.2 (8.8 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 5.6, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” carries on in fifth-place. This is the first time WRAL is below a six-share (6+) since February 2013’s 5.9; “Mix 101.5” finished first for four straight sweeps before slipping to third in June. Having registered four successive increases for an overall gain of +2.1 (4.3 – 4.9 – 6.0 – 6.3 – 6.4, 6+), Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB, Your Life – Your Music” has spiraled by a combined -1.3 in September and October (6.4 – 5.6 – 5.1, 6+), dropping from sixth to seventh. A May increase of six-tenths brought to a close three consecutive downward trends that accounted for a six-tenths’ loss (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Debuting in July at #14 with a 2.4 (6+), the stream of WBBB disappeared from print in August and has not reappeared. Down by one-half share as well is its CHR sibling WPLW “The Pulse FM” (3.9 – 3.4, #13 to #15, 6+), which has its lowest 6+-share since February (3.4, as well). An overall -1.8 in four straight monthlies without an increase (6.9 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” remains at #7 with its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2013’s 5.0.
3) Indianapolis – Whereas Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” hangs out a +.8 to 7.1, its strongest 6+-showing since September 2015’s 7.6 and leaps from sixth to third, Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” falters by seven-tenths (7.1 – 6.4, 6+), segueing from second to fifth. WFMS was a combined +.8 in May and
June; -.9 in July; +.8 in August; +.5 in September; and now -.7 in October (5.9 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1, 6+). Four-tenths ahead of “Hank” is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-
Love,” which tacks on sixth-tenths to September’s +.5 (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.5, third to second, 6+). Like other stations in the market, the aforementioned three properties are chasing Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK, which is up for the third straight month for an overall +1.8 (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.4 – 7.9, 6+) and repeats at #1. Moreover, this is a true benchmark for WJJK, which registers its highest 6+-share in the PPM-era. Prior to August, WJJK was without an increase in five successive survey periods for a collective -1.6 (7.7 – 7.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+). Three straight gains by Emmis-owned WFNI (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 3.0, unchanged at #14, 6+) lift “The Fan – Indy’s Sportscenter” to the three-share level for the first time since March 2016’s 3.1. Advancing from seventh to sixth with a two-tenths gain to 6.3 (6+), Entercom CHR WZPL “99.5 ZPL” halts at three a consecutive string of losses that generated a -2.1 (8.2 – 7.7 – 6.8 – 6.1, 6+). After dialing up a +.8 in August, hot AC cluster-mate WNTR is a combined -1.5 in September and October (4.9 – 5.7 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+); “107.9 The Mix – Better Variety for a Better Workday” departs the top ten (#9 to #11). As a result of July’s -.1, “The Mix” snapped at five its string of up or flat trends that produced a collective +1.5 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+). Regressing by seven-tenths as well is the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies HD2 channel of WNOW (1.1 -.4, #21 to #23, 6+). Putting an end to its July – August – September (6+) trending of 6.5 – 6.9 – 6.5, Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “Soft Rock B-105.7” falters by six-tenths (to 5.9, fifth to seventh, 6+) and falls below a six-share (6+) for the first time in nearly five years (5.3, November 2012).
4) Milwaukee – It is another strong month for Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog – Everything That Rocks,” which is an impressive +2.2 via three straight gains (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 7.1,
6+) to move from fourth to third. Moreover, this is WHQG’s highest 6+-share since it began appearing in print in December 2014. Prior to a -.6 in July, “The Hog” posted a 5.5 (6+) in three of the previous four survey periods. Two-tenths ahead of it is Scripps news/talk WTMJ “Radio 620 
Wisconsin’s Radio Station,” which ironically, scores a September 2017 – October 2017 +1.2 as well (6.1 – 7.3, 6+) to progress from third to second. The Green Bay Packers’ flagship registers its best 6+-stat since December 2015’s 8.2. A combined +1.1 in June and July (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), Saga Communications’ WJMR surrendered a whopping -1.8 to 3.7 in August and September, but urban AC “Jammin’ 98.3 Today’s R&B and Old School” answers with a +.7 in October as it returns to the top ten (4.4, #11 to #9, 6+). Setting the pace for the 31st consecutive ratings period, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” continues a down/up pattern that began in May
(10.3 – 9.9 – 10.7 – 9.6 – 9.8 – 9.4, 6+). After being up or flat for four straight sweeps for a net gain of +1.4 (5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+), co-owned WMIL is a combined -1.5 in September and October (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.0, 6+) as “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” falls from sixth to eighth. Prior to the August ratings period, the last time WMIL crossed the six-share threshold (6+) was in July 2016 with a 6.3. After posting three straight gains for a collective +1.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.8, 6+), format foe – Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” – is off by a collective four-tenths in September and October (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+), yet moves from #10 to a three-way logjam at #9. On the heels of September’s one-half share loss, Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” regresses by an additional six-tenths (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, fifth to seventh, 6+). A +.8 in August to 6.3 gave “Mix” its highest 6+-stat since September 2016’s 6.5. Even though iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV is without an increase for the fourth consecutive month for an overall -2.0 (7.4 – 7.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+), “V-100.7 Milwaukee’s Only Hip-Hop and R&B” improves from seventh to sixth; 5.4, however, is its lowest 6+-share since August 2016 (5.4, as well). No higher than 1.5 (6+) or lower than 1.1 (6+) over the course of the last 21 sweeps – which covers March 2016 through October 2017, Milwaukee Public Schools’ triple A WYMS “88 Nine” (flat at #18) 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 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3.
5) Nashville – A combined +2.3 in three straight hefty positive spikes (2.7 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 5.0, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” enters the top ten (#11 to #10) with its highest 6+-share since January’s 5.3. Prior to a one-half share increase in May, the flagship of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans plummeted by -4.3 in six successive
decreases (7.6 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). Simultaneous with co-owned country WSM-FM racking up eight-tenths to 5.1 as “95.5 Nash Icon” reaches the five-share level (6+) for the first time since February’s 5.5 (tenth to ninth, 6+), similarly-formatted sibling WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” drops one-half share to 3.2 matching its 3.2 in August 2016 (#12, to #13, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” adds four-tenths (5.1 – 5.5, 6+) and advances from eighth to seventh. Following a combined half-share increase in July and August, “Nash FM” was -.6 in September. Off one-half share in September, “The Big 98” had its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 5.0. Classic country WSIX-HD2 is flat at .8 and remains at #21, while Ryman Hospitality Properties classic country WSM-AM “650 AM – The Most Famed Country Music Station in the World,” which had a 1.8 (#16, 6+) in June is unlisted for the fourth consecutive survey period. Following September’s one-half share improvement, Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM adds another seven-tenths (5.2 – 5.7 – 6.4, sixth to fifth, 6+) propelling the “NPR News and Classical Music” outlet to its best 6+-share in the PPM-era, eclipsing the 5.7 it established this time last month (September 2017). A mere three-tenths of a share separates Nashville’s first four October 2017 finishers, including Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music,” which vaults from fourth to second. With its best 6+-showing since April’s 7.7, “Mix” is a collective +1.0 in three straight increases (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.4, 6+). Just one-tenth ahead of “Mix” is iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat – Nashville’s Home for Hip-Hop and R&B,” which surrenders two-thirds of September’s +1.5 (8.5 – 7.5, –1.0, 6+) but repeats at #1. Its 8.5 this time last month is its highest 6+-share since July 2015’s 8.4. When “The Beat” gained four-tenths in August, it ended three successive downward moves that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+). For the second straight month, co-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” spirals by nine-tenths (7.5 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+) to slip from fifth to sixth, with its lowest 6+-share since January’s 5.4. Three straight increases doubled the 6+-share of WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM since June (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.7 – 2.0, 6+), but “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” returns 80% of that collective +1.0 (1.2, -.8, unchanged at #16, 6+).
6) Providence – Without a loss for the fourth straight sweep for an overall gain of +1.3 (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WVEI progresses from eighth-place to seventh as the Boston Red Sox radio network affiliate has its best 6+-performance since February 2015’s 4.1. In another spoken-word arena positive streak, iHeartMedia’s
WHJJ “News Radio 920” has nearly quadrupled its 6+-share in six successive up or flat
trends for a cumulative +1.6 (.6 – .6 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 2.2, 6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #10). In a similar vein, Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 – Talk & Business” practically triples its 6+-share in six consecutive sweeps without a loss (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .7 – .7 – .8, 6+) and is unchanged at #14. Carrying on at #5, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” erases September’s -.4 with a gain of one-half share (5.3 – 5.8, 6+). The September loss of four-tenths curtailed five straight increases that netted a cumulative nine-tenths (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). Having lost two full shares over the course of the last four survey periods (9.8 – 9.1 – 8.4 – 8.3 – 7.8, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music” pulls the plug by registering a +.4 to 8.2 (6+), moving from fourth to third. While 9.8 in May is its highest 6+-share since February 2015 (also 9.8), 7.8 in September is its weakest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 7.7. An aggregated +1.6 via three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WWLI “Lite Rock 105” dips two-tenths to 11.2 (6+) but is #1 for the 25th consecutive ratings period; 11.4 in September is its strongest 6+-share since 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016. “Lite Rock” dropped six-tenths in both May and June (11.0 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+). While it occupies the runner-up slot for the fourth time in the last five sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY – Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” returns in full September’s one-half share increase (8.5 – 9.0 – 8.5, 6+). The string of four straight decreases for an overall loss of -1.5 (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.1, 6+) ended for hot AC cluster-mate WSNE in September when it registered a +.2, but “Coast 93.3” regresses by one-half share to 4.8, shifting from fifth to sixth. This is the lowest 6+-share for “Coast” since 4.6 in “Holiday” 2016.
7) Norfolk – Between June and October, Entercom adult contemporary WWDE has been a model of consistency as “101.3 2WD” (unchanged at #5) hasn’t had a loss in that stretch and is up an overall three-tenths (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). Three straight improvements by urban AC cluster-mate WVKL netted +2.4 (11.8 – 12.0 – 13.4 – 13.7 – 14.2,
6+), but “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” slips in October by one-half share to 13.7 (6+). Nevertheless, it is #1 for the tenth time in a row; earlier, it was on top for 55 consecutive ratings periods. WVKL registers a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 18th time in the last 19 ratings periods; September’s 14.2 is the highest 6+-stat ever reached by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. A September gain of seven-tenths by hot AC sibling WPTE erased August’s -.4, but “94.9 The Point” erodes by nine-tenths in October (4.4 – 3.5, sixth to seventh, 6+). Its consecutive string of up or flat trends for an overall increase of +1.4 concluded at seven in August (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+). Having hauled out a +1.4 in September to 8.8, its strongest 6+-stat in two years (10.4, 6+, September 2015), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz – Norfolk’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” surrenders exactly half that gain in October (8.1, -.7, 6+), sliding from second to third. April through August, “103 Jamz” was trending 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 7.4 (6+). Flat at #12, rhythmic hot AC sibling WMOV is down for the fifth straight month (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+). In that timeframe, “Movin’ 107.7 – The Rhythm of Hampton Roads” has lost approximately 64% of its 12+-share (-1.8).
8) Greensboro – The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH, which cobbled together three straight improvements for a combined +1.2 (9.5 – 9.9 – 10.1 – 10.7, 6+), only to follow with five successive losses 
accounting for a collective -3.9, including September’s massive -1.8 (10.7 – 10.4 – 10.1 – 9.6 – 8.6 – 6.8, 6+). Rebounding in October though, “102 Jamz” regains exactly half of September’s decline (7.7, +.9, 6+) and vaults from sixth to third. Over the course of the last 16 survey periods (August 2016 – October 2017), “Jamz” has been in double-digits (6+) 10 times, missing out this year in January, February, July, August, September, and October. Steady in the runner-up slot, adult hits cluster-mate WSMW “98.7 Simon (says) We Play Everything” is a combined +2.1 in four consecutive increases (8.8 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.2 – 10.9, 6+) and notches its strongest 6+-share since July 2016 (10.9, as well). Despite being off eight-tenths (12.7 – 11.9, 6+), urban AC sibling WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” is #1 for the fifth straight time and posts double-digits (6+) for the eleventh sweep in succession. It has occupied the top spot each month this calendar year except April and May and posted a +1.5 in
September and June. Steady at #7, iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” posts its fourth consecutive increase for an overall +1.2 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+); WPTI was 4.7 in April. A combined +1.5 in three straight improvements (5.7 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.2, 6+) immediately after three straight negative trends that accounted for a -1.1 (6.8 – 6.7 – 5.9 – 5.7, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WMAG “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Mix” is now a combined -.9 in September and October (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.3, 6+). It slips from fifth to sixth; 7.2 in August was the strongest 6+-stat for WMAG since “Holiday” 2016’s 15.2. After improving by seven-tenths in September to 7.8 – its highest 6+-share since 7.9 in January 2016 – co-owned WTQR “New Country Q-104.1” forfeits one-half share (7.1 – 7.8 – 7.3, 6+) and dips from third to fourth.
9) West Palm Beach – Powered by a gain of seven-tenths (1.4 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WRLX “Mia 92.1” advances from #14 to #12 with its best 6+-stat since June 2016 (2.1, as well). After sputtering by one full-share in September to 4.2, its lowest 6+ showing since 3.9 in July 2011, co-owned adult contemporary WOLL
“Today’s KOOL 105.5” regains 60% of that decline (4.8, +.6, 6+), rocketing from seventh to third. The 5.2 in August by “KOOL” was its highest 6+-share since January’s 5.9. Following three successive months without a gain in which it was a collective -2.1 (6.6 – 5.9 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), WOLL was a combined +.6 in April and May (4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+). Up one-tenth to 4.2 (eighth to seventh, 6+), Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted WEAT “Sunny 107.9” applies the brakes to four straight negative trends for an overall -2.4 (6.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+). September’s 4.1 is the lowest 6+-share for “Sunny” since 3.1 in January 2014. In addition to ranking first for the tenth consecutive month, hot AC cluster-mate WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” is up by one-half share to 11.3, the strongest 6+-share for WRMF since November 2015 (11.3, as well). A one-tenth loss in September halted four straight increases that delivered an overall +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 report, WRMF was #1 the previous five ratings periods. It fell to second in July 2016, after 23 successive sweeps at #1. It is a yoyo effect for WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF, which had a July – August mini-slide that led to a cumulative -.9; followed by a September +.8; but “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real WAY-FM” falters by -1.0 in October (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 5.0 – 4.0, 6+). WAYF drifts from third to eighth with its lowest 6+-share since January’s 3.7. In the runner-up position for the fifth time in a row, iHeartMedia’s WKGR “98.7 The Gater – The Palm Beaches’ Rock Station” registers a loss of seven-tenths to 6.3 (6+), thus suspending at six its consecutive string of positive trends that accounted for an overall +2.2 (4.8 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). The 7.0 it logged in September represents the station’s best 6+-performance in more than four years (7.1, 6+, August 2013). Trending 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 (July – August – September, 6+), Alpha Media’s WIRK “103.1 South Florida’s Country Music” is off six-tenths to 4.3, slipping from fourth to sixth with its lowest 6+-share since August 2014 (4.3, as well).
10) Jacksonville – A combined -1.8 in July and August (12.2 – 11.6 – 10.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WQIK has more than compensated in September and October with an astounding overall +3.2 (10.4 – 11.7 – 13.6, 6+). Over and above 
being on top for the tenth straight time, “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” boasts its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance, passing the 12.8 it logged in January, and its +1.9 in October is the largest (6+) September 2017 – October 2017 increase in the 48 PPM-markets. Conversely, Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” is a cumulative -1.3 in three consecutive decreases (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Unchanged at #3, WJGL-FM “96.9 The Eagle” makes quite the impressive rebound as it dials up a +1.4 to 7.7 (6+) as the Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet takes aim at an overall -3.3 in three straight declines (9.6 – 9.1 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+). The majority of that massive loss came in August when “The Eagle” plummeted by -2.7; WJGL was down one-half share in July after a +.9 in June. Via three gains in a row, iHeartMedia CHR WKSL “97.9 Kiss FM” is +1.5 (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.9, ninth to seventh, 6+) and records its highest 6+-share since June 2016 (4.9, as well). By a margin of one-tenth, “Kiss” overtakes its direct competitor – Cox Media Group-owned WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” – which erodes by a combined -1.8 in September and October (6.6 – 5.8 – 4.8, 6+) to drift from fifth to eighth. WAPE had been up a collective six-tenths in July and August (6.0 – 6.3 – 6.6, 6+). A one-half share increase to 3.7 (6+) enables Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ “X-102.9 Jacksonville’s Alternative” to crack the top ten (#11 to #10).
One hefty September 2017 increase (+1.3 to 9.7, 6+) by news/talk cluster-mate WOKV leads to a nearly equal October decrease (-1.2 to 8.5, 6+) but “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” (8.4 – 9.7 – 8.5, 6+) remains at #2. Prior to September’s 9.7, WOKV last reached the nine-share level (6+) in April (9.3). Given that it is a combined -1.5 in September and October (5.7 – 4.9 – 4.2, eighth to ninth, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WWJK “107.3 The River – We Play Anything” has nearly exhausted its August +1.9. No station in any of PPM’s 48 electronically-measured markets had a higher (6+) July 2017 – August 2017 increase than WWJK’s +1.9; August’s 5.7 is its best 6+stat since June 2016 (5.7, as well).
11) Memphis – The battle between iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” and Cumulus Media-owned WRBO “103.5 Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” has to be one of the closest contests for the top spot in any of the 48 PPM-markets. In the ten 2017 survey periods thus far, “V101” has emerged victorious six times (February, March, May, June, July,
and October); WRBO has come out on top in January and August; and the two were tied in April and September. That, however, only tells part of the story as the (6+) difference between the two has been no greater than eight-tenths (once – July). The two were separated by one-half share in June; just two-tenths in January, February, March, May, and October; and only one-tenth in August. The bottom-line in October finds “V-101” up four-tenths (10.0 – 10.4, 6+) and WRBO adding two-tenths (10.0 – 10.2, 6+). Fighting back from September’s mammoth -1.7, iHeartMedia gospel WHAL “Halleluiah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” posts a gain of seven-tenths (4.6 – 5.3, 6+) and continues in seventh-place. September’s 4.6 is the lowest 6+-share for “Halleluiah” in its PPM-history and the first time it ever fell below a five-share (6+). Co-owned WEGR continues its rollercoaster ride: It was +.7 in May (3.0 – 3.7, 6+); -1.3 in June (3.7 – 2.4, 6+); +.7 in August (2.3 – 3.0, 6+); -.7 in September (3.0 – 2.3, 6+) and now +.7 in October (2.3 – 3.0, 6+). “Rock 103 – Memphis’ Classic Rock” jumps from #14 to #10. Duplicating September’s -.7 (3.5 – 2.8 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” falls from #12 to #14. In September, “The Wolf” concluded three straight increases that accounted for a +1.1 (2.4 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). Without an increase in each of the last four sweeps for a collective -1.1 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WKIM “98.9 The Vibe” has its lowest 6+-share since January’s 2.4 and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). On Halloween, it began playing all Christmas music as “Christmas 98.9.”
12) Hartford – Tacking on nine-tenths to September’s one-half share gain (4.4 – 4.9 – 5.8, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk WTIC-AM jumps from ninth to seventh. September’s +.5 halted seven straight decreases in which its 6+-share was 
carved exactly in half since January (8.8 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.3 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). The 4.4 that WTIC-AM registered in August was its weakest 6+-share in the PPM-era. Conversely, Connecticut Public Broadcasting news/talk WNPR surrenders nearly half of September’s staggering +1.6 (6.3 – 5.6, -.7, 6+), sliding from fifth to eighth. Prior to September’s 6.3, WNPR had not reached the six-share level (6+) under PPM methodology. Returning to the CBS Radio cluster, rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7 – Hartford’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” dusts itself off from September’s -1.5 to 5.6, its lowest 6+-share since January’s 4.6, with a +.8 (6.4, eighth to fifth, 6+). Adult contemporary sibling WRCH “Lite 100.5” (10.2 – 10.3, +.1, 6+) finishes first for the
14th successive ratings period. Prior to July, “Lite” had been in double-digits (6+) eight times in the previous nine sweeps. Its online stream scored a .5 (6+) in four straight survey periods before disappearing in print in August; it returned in September with a .5 (#15, 6+); but vanishes again in October. “Lite” has a 2.5-share advantage (6+) over iHeartMedia-owned WWYZ “92-5 Connecticut’s Country Music,” which despite not having an increase in the last four sweeps for a collective -1.0 (8.8 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), climbs from third to second. Ever since Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” began reappearing in print in August 2016, it has not been above or below the two-share range. That changes in October though as “Radio 104.1” (unchanged at #10) posts its third straight gain for a collective eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+). Down or flat for the third straight sweep, CBS Radio hot AC WTIC-FM is a collective -1.5 since July (8.3 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 6.8, 6+). It segues from second to third with its lowest 6+-share since August 2016’s 6.3. Steady at #4, CHR cluster-mate WKSS “Kiss 95.7 All The Hits” netted nine-tenths in three straight improvements (5.7 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+), but is off one-tenth in October to 6.5 (6+).
Thursday, August 31, 2017
WW1: Advertiser Interest in Podcasting Rising Dramatically. Syndicator Westwood One releases new data from its Westwood One State of Podcasting 2017 report. The company says that the report “provides an in-depth look at listening behaviors and demographics of the podcast consumer, plus insight into how marketers and agencies view podcast advertising.” In looking at advertiser 
perceptions of podcasting, the report indicates, “The proportion of advertisers and agencies who have discussed podcast advertising for potential media investments has soared from 41% in September of 2015 to 68% in May of 2017.” Additionally, “The marketers and agencies who say they will definitely advertise in podcasts in the coming six months has increased threefold (10% to 27%) since September, 2015.” WW1 president and Cumulus Media EVP, corporate marketing Suzanne Grimes states, “We knew that advertiser sentiment for podcast advertising was growing, as we have seen a significant increase in advertising spend on the Westwood One podcast network. The Westwood One State of Podcasting 2017 report quantifies the conversation, consideration, and intention among marketers to place their brands in the expansive podcast programming environment. It’s great news for all of us in the fast-tracking on-demand space.” The report includes data from Edison Research’s “Share of Ear” and “Infinite Dial” studies, IPSOS, and Advertiser Perceptions. See more from the study here.
Radio Continues Fundraising Efforts for Harvey Relief. The fundraising efforts for Harvey relief by radio stations and radio companies continue with Beasley Media Group announcing Naples-Fort Myers stations CHR WXKB “B103.9,” WRXK “96KRock,” and AC WJPT “Sunny 106.3” are partnering with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to collect donations during today’s “MUSIC THON. The morning air personalities from all three stations will stay on the air to play special song requests for donations…..Disney/ABC is launching a network-wide telethon and call-to-action today (including sports talk radio network ESPN Radio). Disney Media Networks co-chairman/president Ben Sherwood said, “With this ‘Day of Giving’ across all our networks and platforms, the men and women of Disney/ABC, ESPN and the A+E Networks are answering the call to stand up and support the communities hit hardest by Hurricane Harvey. In 2012, we rallied to support relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy, helping raise more than $18 million dollars. Now, we stand alongside the residents of Texas and the Gulf states who are battling the floods and devastation of Harvey.”…..Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s Springfield, Illinois radio stations are partnering with Sinclair Broadcasting’s local TV stations to raise funds and supplies for victims of Harvey. Tomorrow (9/1), both broadcasting groups will stage a daylong event at a local Walmart taking donations – with an emphasis on monetary donations – to the Salvation Army. Sinclair is promising to match those donations up to $100,000. Mid-West Family Springfield GM Harvey Wells comments, “While we are a locally owned and locally focused broadcasting company, we have an obligation to use our reach to help in times of national crisis.”
Paul Curran Named CMG Orlando Market Manager. Media sales and management pro Paul Curran is promoted to market vice president for Cox Media Group’s Orlando cluster that includes news/talk WDBO “News 96.5,” sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN Orlando,” classic hits WMMO, urban
contemporary WCFB, hip hop WPYO, “Power 95.3,” and Spanish “107.3 Solo Exitos,” plus television stations WFTV-TV and WRDQ-TV in what CMG calls this “converged market.” Curran has been serving as VP and general manager of the two TV stations. He says, “The opportunity to bring together the talented people and dynamic products of CMG Radio and CMG TV under one entity in Central Florida is an exciting one. No other media company can match our combined TV, radio, and digital footprint here, and the possibilities to build on collaboration and improve the experience for our viewers, listeners, and customers are limitless. I can’t wait to get started.”
WSJS, Winston-Salem Transitioning to Sports Talk. According to a report in the Winston-Salem Journal, Crescent Media Group is going all sports talk on WSJS, Winston-Salem, eliminating the
news and non-sports talk. Morning drive personality J.R. Snider and news anchor Ed Skurka are exiting the station after today’s broadcast and the sports programming schedule takes effect tomorrow (9/1). Station GM Al Bunch tells the paper the decision was about serving sports fans. “They crave a place to talk about sports and listen to sports being discussed, and we feel that’s being underserved in the Triad. We’re going to give them what they’ve been asking for.” The station will air ESPN Radio content until 12:00 noon when it carries the Raleigh-based David Glenn program. The afternoon drive show will be the local “One on One With The Schass,” with host Kyle Schassburger.
PodcastOne Launches Sports Division. Podcast platform PodcastOne is launching a new lineup of original sports programming under the banner of PodcastOne Sports. PodcastOne executive chairman Norm Pattiz says, “This new network demonstrates PodcastOne’s interest in dramatically expanding our already successful portfolio of sports-related programming to build a singular hub for 
sports fans and brands. I can think of no better way to launch our new network than with coach Jim Harbaugh. Jim represents an established, well-respected voice in sports, and his vision for this show is certain to become a must-listen for sports fans everywhere.” PodcastOne Sports debuts September 5 with the launch of “Attack Each Day: The Harbaugh’s Podcast,” hosted by University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh. Other personalities joining the lineup with original programs will include legendary sports broadcaster Dick Enberg, sports radio and television host Rich Eisen, sports broadcaster Suzy Schuster, football analyst Dave Dameshek with top podcaster Adam Carolla, popular sports personality Lilian Garcia, sports host and comedian Jay Mohr, and top sports writers from around the nation.
NAB Defends AM/FM Radio from NYU Scholar’s White Paper. The NAB’s response is quick to point out up front that the white paper – Paradigm Shift: Why Radio Must Adapt to the Rise of Digital by New York University’s Larry S. Miller, director of the Steinhardt Music Business Program – is backed by digital performance rights organization SoundExchange, which NAB EVP of communications Dennis Wharton says is “bankrolled in part by giant record labels pushing a radio ‘performance tax.’” The bulk of Miller’s paper is dedicated to analyzing the effect digital availability of music is having on the radio industry and Wharton challenges his arguments. Specifically, Wharton
takes aim at Miller’s contention that young people are turning away from AM/FM radio as a source of music discovery. Wharton cites Nielsen data that suggests “millennials are listening in greater numbers than ever before, not just to over-the-air programming, but also to local radio on digital platforms…87.9% of Americans aged 12-17 turn to radio each week, and they spend nearly 10 hours a week listening to local radio. Even when they use streaming services to find new songs, younger generations continue tuning in to radio to listen to their favorite music.” Interestingly, Miller notes early in his paper that the issue of whether radio actually provides adequate promotion for the sale of records in exchange for free air play – as the NAB has argued for decades defending radio’s exemption from the performance fee – is not within the scope of his paper. But then he goes on to mention the matter several more times. You can see Miller’s paper here.
TALKERS News Notes. Just a couple of months after a contentious public divorce from Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze, popular conservative Internet personality Tomi Lahren joins FOX News Channel
as a contributor. The Associated Press reports the story and says that “Lahren will have a ‘signature role’ on a digital product under development and be a commentator on the network’s opinion programming. Her primary home will be on Sean Hannity’s show, where she was to debut on Wednesday.”…..InsiderNJ.com recently published its 2017 
“Insider 100 Media Power List” in which it, as the title suggests, ranks the 100 most powerful media personalities in New Jersey. WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley ranked #17 on this year’s list. Hurley’s entry on the list states, “You like breaking news from Atlantic City and South Jersey? Then you must be familiar with the well-connected, well-sourced and popular Hurley who breaks most (or at least many) of the dock-front political stories – and has a must-read column with Shore News Today.” See the whole list here…..Changes come to the nationally syndicated evening talk radio show “Connections” as host and co-founder Al “Blackjack” Spry leaves the program. This
comes as the show is dropped from the schedule at iHeartMedia’s talk WTKS-FM, Orlando “Real Radio 104.1.” The program continues to air on its other affiliates with hosts Melissa Foxx and Glenda “G-Love” Chauncy…..CFRA, Ottawa’s Evan Solomon is going national as Bell Media syndicates his daily talk show across other company news/talk stations, effective September 5. The program will be heard on CFRB-AM, Toronto; CJAD-AM, Montreal; CKFR-AM, Kelona, BC; CFAX-AM, Victoria; CKLW-AM, Windsor, CJBK-AM, London, Ontario, and CKTB-AM, St. Catharines. Solomon comments, “I’m very excited to launch this new, national forum for thought-provoking debate and discussion, highlighting compelling people who are making a difference in Canada. There’s nothing more important to a free society than public opinion, and this show will be a platform for Canadians to share their thoughts on the most pressing issues of the day, at home and around the world.”
Harvey Devastation/Relief Efforts, Trump Tax Reform Plan, Trump-Russia Investigation, Antifa Violence, FOX News Poll Results, U.S.- North Korea Tensions, Texas Sanctuary Cities Ban Blocked, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/30). The devastating flooding in Texas and Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, including analysis of President Trump’s handling of the disaster; Trump begins promoting his tax reform plan; the investigation into possible connections between Trump operatives and Russian agents; criticism of violence against conservatives by “antifa” agents; the results of a new FOX News poll showing poor marks for Congress and President Trump; the military tensions between the U.S. and North Korea; a judge’s temporary blocking of a Texas law banning sanctuary cities; 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.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Local singer and entertainer – and famed season 7 “The Voice” contestant Chris Jamison – is joining CBS RADIO Pittsburgh as a weekend and holiday personality on hot AC WBZZ “100.7 The Star.” Jamison will be heard
Sundays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on holidays. Jamison first got to know the staff at WBZZ back in 2014 when the morning drive “Bubba Show” became his official hometown cheerleaders. He appeared at station events, including its “O Starry Night” concert.” WBZZ program director Dave Anderson says, “Chris is a talented, standout entertainer with rich local ties. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to grow with him as he takes this next step as part of the ‘100.7 Star’ 
team.”…..Beasley Media Group announces two new “BOUNCE” ambassadors. Air personalities Cortney Hicks and A.P., a.k.a. The Absolute Princess, join the air staff of hip hop WMGC, Detroit “105.1 The BOUNCE.” Hicks will host the 10:00 am to 3:00 pm show on Saturdays and Sundays and A.P. takes to the air at 7:00 pm on both weekend
evenings. WMGC program director Al Payne comments, “Our goal is to assemble a team of the finest in Detroit radio, as well as the best hip hop personalities, to navigate our fans through each experience listening to this iconic music. That’s why all of our announcers are known as ambassadors. Cortney and A.P. are shining examples of this mission and I look forward to what they have in store.”…..As part of International Overdose Awareness Day (8/31), Premiere Networks host Nikki Sixx will dedicate four hours of “Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx” to raising awareness of the U.S. opioid crisis. Sixx, who detailed his near-fatal drug addiction in the best-selling book The Heroin Diaries, will welcome Dr. Oz, Louisville Courier-Journal writer Beth Warren, and Erik Gunn, a former drug addict and dealer who recently shared his story with Warren for a Courier-Journal series on addiction and recovery…..Cumulus Media announces country WNSH, New York’s “Boots on the Boardwalk” end-of-summer bash, giving “NASH FM 94.7” listeners a chance to party one last time this summer season! This free event, featuring performances by Scotty McCreery, A Thousand Horses, NASH Next 2016 Winner Todd O’Neill, and Elizabeth Lyons, takes place at Jenkinson’s Pavilion in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey tomorrow (9/1) from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm…..In Detroit, classic rocker WCSX and morning host Big Jim are trying to raise at least $10,000 for Holy Cross Children’s Services via the Big Jim’s House Million Penny Roof Sit, taking place at the 2017 Ford Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Royal Oak this weekend. The station is asking listeners and patrons of the festival to donate their pocket change to change the lives of children in need. Big Jim says, “We are excited to 
be working with Holy Cross Children’s Services to raise money for kids in need. The kids receiving care from Holy Cross deserve to have opportunities to be successful in life, and every penny can help.”…..According to a story in the Boston Herald, rock WAAF, Boston “Hill-Man Morning Show” host Greg Hill is considering a run for congress for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas. Hill’s spokesman is local attorney Lawrence Army Jr., who tells the paper, “Greg is exploring all of his options, including running for the open congressional seat.” Citing Hill’s philanthropic efforts via the Greg Hill Foundation, Army adds, “Public service would be a logical next step for Greg. He is considering whether it would be the best way to give back to a community that’s given him so much.”
Thursday, August 24, 2017
DGital Media Changes Name to Cadence13; New Executives Named. Just a couple of weeks after the announcement that Entercom is investing in a strategic partnership with on-demand digital platform DGital Media, comes news that DGital is changing its name to Cadence13. The company also announces new programming and sales leadership team members. Joining Cadence13 are: Bill Schultz as EVP of content development; Serena Kodila-Regan as SVP of programming; Rich
Boerner as SVP of programming and operations; Chris Colbert as VP of programming; Richard Cooke as VP of programming; and Dave Easton as VP of audience and business development. Cadence13 says these execs are leading the development of premium-quality audio content and audio documentaries – a new category for the company – at the company’s flagship studios in New York City, at the new studios in Los Angeles, and through access to studios across the country. Also joining the company is Nick Freeman as EVP of brand partnerships. He’ll be responsible for building and leading the brand integration and sponsorship team that will work alongside and with the company’s sales team to generate additional revenue streams for the company and its partners. Cadence13 CEO Spencer Brown says, “Our new brand identity, Cadence13, reflects our focus on the unique character of our company and our commitment to ensuring that we take a creative approach to making each show successful.”
ESPN Radio’s Ryen Russillo Arrested in Wyoming. The charge against ESPN Radio personality Ryen Russillo is misdemeanor criminal entry. According to Sports Illustrated’s coverage, Russillo –
who is away from his radio show and apparently on vacation – was reported to police by the owners of a condominium in Jackson, Wyoming when they found him lying on a bed in the middle of the night, naked with his pants around his ankles. The report alleges Russillo was intoxicated and refused to leave the condo. SI reports that ESPN said it is looking into the allegations. Here’s the SI story.
New Scripps CEO Announces Executive Changes. President and CEO Adam Symson, who assumed those roles at E.W. Scripps two weeks ago, announces new titles and positions for a 
number of company executives. Brian Lawlor rises from SVP, broadcast to president, local media. Laura Tomlin – previously VP, digital operations – is now SVP, national media. SVP, chief administrative officer Lisa Knutson is now EVP, chief strategy officer. And SVP, chief financial officer Tim Wesolowski and SVP, general counsel William Appleton both become executive vice presidents. Steve Wexler – who’d been with Journal Broadcast Group and stayed on as the radio stations transitioned to E.W. Scripps – remains in his post at VP, radio.
TALKERS News Notes. WIP, Philadelphia “SportsRadio 94WIP” announces new 76ers-related content. The CBS RADIO sports talk station says, “The voices, writers, and outlets that got people
through the last four years of ‘The Process’ will take fans through this year’s season with the addition of Derek Bodner as an on-air contributor, a new content partnership with Liberty Ballers, and the new show ‘Rights to Ricky Sanchez Radio’ featuring the hosts of the popular podcast.” Station program director Spike Eskin says, “With the Sixers ready to take the next step on the court, we’re proud that WIP is taking the next step in covering the team. With Jon Marks, Derek Bodner of The Athletic, Liberty Ballers, and ‘Rights To Ricky Sanchez Radio’ as a complement to our air staff, we’re offering Philly fans a new and exciting outlet to engage around one of their favorite teams.”…..This afternoon, KSPN, Los Angeles “ESPNLA 710AM” is broadcasting the #MarKeyRace 
40-yard dash official weigh-in from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm during “Afternoons with Marcellus & Kelvin,” hosted by Marcellus Wiley, Kelvin Washington and special guest co-host Michelle Beadle. The broadcast in advance of the #MarKey 40-yard dash taking place at the Los Angeles Coliseum at L.A. Rams Fest on Saturday happens at Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, California. Saturday’s race pits Marcellus Wiley against KSPN morning personality Keyshawn Johnson in the 40-yard dash…..All this week, CBS Sports Radio hosts Bill Reiter and Scott Ferrall are broadcasting live from radio row in Las Vegas prior to the fight between professional boxing world champ Floyd Mayweather and current UFC Lightweight Champion, Conor McGregor. “Reiter Than You” airs from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET and “Ferrall on the Bench” follows from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am…..Sports talk personality Dan
Reaves is exiting The Wireless Group’s sports talk WNWS Jackson, Tennessee to join Southern Wabash Communications’ sports talk WNSR-AM/W240CA, Nashville. The Jackson Sun reports that Reaves exits WNWS after 16 years with the station…..AdLarge Media adds “hey, girl.” to its podcast platform cabana. “hey, girl.” was created by author Alex Elle and each 30-minute episode involves Elle sitting down with “inspiring women, from friends to family members and fascinating people in general, who share their journeys of struggle and self-discovery.” …..Gen Media Partners hires sales marketing pro Lauren Boyle to lead the Dallas office as vice president and director of sales. At the same time, Lauren Welch is promoted to account executive. Gen Media CEO Kevin Garrity says, “Transactional avails no longer move our business. A top marketer like Lauren Boyle knows how to integrate radio’s local attributes with the needs of national advertisers to drive revenue for our client stations. I am delighted to welcome her to our team. Lauren Welch has built relationships with some of our agency partners in the Dallas market. She has proven herself to be an asset and possesses all the necessary skills to be successful in an account executive role. I am pleased to reward her talent.”
Trump-McConnell Hostilities, Trump’s Mexican Wall Threat, Trump’s Phoenix Rally, U.S.-North Korea Tensions/Russian Air Force Activity, Powerball Jackpot, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/23). The hostilities between President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Trump’s relationship with the GOP; President Trump’s threat to shut down the government if his Mexican wall project isn’t funded; the aftermath of Trump’s Tuesday evening Phoenix rally; the military tensions between the U.S. and North Korea, and the related Russian air force activity in the region; the second-largest Powerball jackpot is won in Massachusetts; 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.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Florida radio personality Jesse Kage is moving north to join Cumulus Media’s Atlanta rock station WNNX “Rock 100.5” as afternoon drive jock and assistant program director. Kage was most recently afternoon jock on
Beasley’s former rock outlet WBRN, Tampa, but he spent more time in the afternoon shift at iHeartMedia’s crosstown WXTB, Tampa “98 Rock.” WNNX program director Greg Ausham says, “This is a huge step for WNNX. We searched for the right replacement for the ‘Rock 100.5’ afternoon show and Jesse showed us the personality and enthusiasm that we needed to keep our momentum going.”…..Alternative KYSR, Los Angeles-based “The Woody Show” is added to the 
program schedule at iHeartMedia’s alternative KTEG, Albuquerque “104.1 The Edge.” Premiere Networks launched the program, featuring Woody, Ravey, Greg Gory, Menace and Sebas – into national syndication in 2016. Current morning host Baxter transitions to the afternoon drive daypart…..Cumulus Media’s CHR WPRO-FM, Providence “92 PRO-FM” is reporting that it leads the local market’s social media performance in “fans” and “actions per post,” and is a “top performer among radio stations nationwide.” This is according to new data from the social content analytics firm Shareablee. The data indicates that WPRO-FM leads the market in the critical “actions per post” statistic, indicative of the popularity of each individual social post. The station’s 503 “actions per post” eclipsed the entire market, garnering more “actions per post” than the rest of the top 10 media outlets combined. Social media moderator and WPRO-FM morning show producer Jay Buff comments, “The fluid social media strategy of ‘92 PRO-FM’ is both proactive and reactive. Demographics, trends, and algorithms all change, but our commitment to quality and timely content is unwavering. Our curated material gives fans a feeling of community and trust in our brand.”…..SiriusXM is adding the new “Dark Horse Radio” weekly program dedicated to the music of George Harrison to its Beatles Channel. The weekly program, hosted by Nashville recording artist Laura Cantrell, provides insight into Harrison’s musical influences, tastes and the impact he had on other artists.
PPM Analysis: Classic Rock. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents the third of his four-part series looking at the performances of stations based on data from the July 2017 Nielsen Audio PPM survey. Today, Kinosian reports on the classic rock format. According to recent reports by Nielsen, the “classic” formats – classic rock and classic hits – have generally enjoyed a ratings bounce in the summer months. Kinosian finds that, comparing the 6+ numbers from June to July, “just about half the stations (48%) on our classic rock sample are up between June 2017 – July 2017 (6+) while 39% are down; the remaining 13% of the panel is flat (6+).” Things look better comparing year-over-year shares: “Roughly six of every10 stations on this classic rock panel are up year-to-year (58%), while 38% are down; 4% are flat.” A robust 26 classic rock stations ranked in the top five in their respective markets in July, with four ranking #1: Beasley Media Group’s WCSX, Detroit; Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSLX, Phoenix; Entercom’s KSEG, Sacramento; and Cumulus Media’s KCFX, Kansas City. Read the whole report here.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Emmis Extends Walsh. A contract extension given to Patrick Walsh will keep the Emmis Communications president and chief operating officer in-place through July 2019. As far as particulars of the pact that officially began the first day of this month are concerned, Walsh will earn $625,000 a year 
with annual increases of up to 2.5%; Emmis can allocate up to 10% of the base in its common stock. He will be entitled to annual incentive pay, with the target for each year 100% of the base
salary. In addition, Walsh will be eligible for a performance bonus at the end of the contract with a fair market value of $300,000; $500,000; or $700,000 based on stock price. Other perks are included as well for Walsh, who joined Emmis from iBiquity Digital in 2006 as chief financial officer; he was promoted to chief operating officer and chief financial officer two years later (2008). Emmis owns three radio properties in New York City; four in St. Louis; four (and Network Indiana) in its Indianapolis hub; and seven stations in Austin. The sale of Emmis Los Angeles’ KPWR “Power 106” to Meruelo Media became final just last week. The rhythmic CHR had been programmed by Meruelo Media since July 1 under a Local Marketing Agreement.
NYMRAD Names Morgan Treasurer; Hopeck Boosted to Secretary. In a pair of executive committee moves, the New York Market Radio Association (NYMRAD) appoints Emmis New York’s Charlie Morgan treasurer, and promotes iHeartMedia New York president Scott Hopeck to 
secretary. NYMRAD chairman/CBS Radio New York senior vice president and market manager Marc Rayfield notes, “I am very excited about working with Charlie in this seamless transition of the executive committee. Charlie has brought energy in his contributions to board meetings. Under his leadership, we will continue to develop initiatives that will advance radio in the vibrant New York marketplace.” Morgan comments, “Working with [executive director) Deborah Beagan and my talented New York radio peers in this period of time where radio has more to offer advertisers than ever before is invigorating. It is 
a privilege to play a role in advancing radio’s profile and value proposition.” Prior to joining Emmis New York in January 2016 as senior vice president and market manager, Morgan performed the same duties for eight years at the company’s Indianapolis stations and spent more than 21 years before that as vice president and market manager for Susquehanna’s Indianapolis cluster. He succeeds Univision New York vice president and general manager Ramon Pineda, who becomes senior vice president and regional general manager for that company’s stations in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Cleveland, and Raleigh.
“ESPY Day” Raises $5.2 Million. This marked ESPN’s fourth annual such “ESPY Day” that solicits funds for the V Foundation cancer charity. ESPN president John 
Skipper notes that he is “grateful to Bristol-Myers Squibb, whose charitable contribution to the V Foundation, including support of the Sports Humanitarian Awards, helped push this year’s fundraising efforts to be one of our best ever.” The 2017 total of $5.2 million is a 32% increase from last year’s event. Half the money ($2.6 million) will go to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The event included ESPN Radio’s ESPY Day Auction, the 17th annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Outing, and the third annual Sports 
Humanitarian Awards. Elsewhere at ESPN, senior writer Seth Wickersham receives a contract extension, while Buzzfeed News senior writer Joel Anderson and ESPN The Magazine/“ESPN Insider” college football contributor Phil Steele are added to its reporting and analyst staff. The three will appear on ESPN Radio, as well as ESPN’s linear television and digital platforms. ESPN vice president/editorial director, domestic digital content Chad Millman comments, “Seth has long been one of our most talented journalists whose stories on the inner-workings of the NFL have elevated our coverage and delighted fans. Re-signing him as well as adding Joel and Phil increases what’s possible for our editorial team and elevates our ability to serve fans.”
Osgood to be Honored with NATAS Lifetime Achievement Emmy. The host of Westwood One’s long-running “The Osgood File” (which airs on 386 radio outlets throughout the United States) – Charles Osgood – will be honored by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with the 2017 “News & Documentary Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement.” The honor is given to a journalist or filmmaker who has “made a lasting and distinguished contribution to broadcast journalism or documentary film.” After a 22-year run as anchor of CBS-TV’s “Sunday Morning,” Osgood retired from that role in September 2016. His special recognition will take place in New York City in approximately two months (10/5). Charles Osgood Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/CBS©2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
WYDE Shuffles Its Weekday Lineup. Modifications on Crawford Broadcasting Birmingham news/talk WYDE “Superstation 101.1” start in morning drive 
(6:00 am – 10:00 am), where Michael Hart and Jessica Borklund team up for “AM with Michael & Jessica,” produced by Mickey Bell, who hosts “The Dixie Gospel Caravan” on sister gospel property WXJC-FM. Scott Beason segues from 9:00 am – 11:00 am to 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, while “Yellowhammer Radio” moves from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm to 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. Airing from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm is Andrew McLain and Jim Moore-hosted “The Line with Andrew & Jim.” WYDE operations director Josi McCurdy remarks, “We are excited to introduce our new lineup to the Birmingham listening audience. In keeping with our tradition of bringing the best in conservative talk radio, we are always looking for ways to build on our team of amazing talent. The new show host combinations have a powerful dynamic, which we feel will prove to be both informative and entertaining. As always, we will continue our focus on being local, relevant and current.” None of Crawford Broadcasting’s five Birmingham stations appeared in Nielsen Audio’s spring 2017 book for that Alabama market.
WRNN-FM and Coastal Carolina University Athletics in Partnership. The agreement reached between Alpha Media Socastee-Myrtle Beach, South 
Carolina’s WRNN-FM “Hot Talk 99.5” and Coastal Carolina University is through the 2019 – 2020 season. It will include the school’s football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball contests, with some games bumped to sister sports talk WRNN-AM “ESPN Myrtle
Beach.” Alpha Media Myrtle Beach general manager Josh Gertzog comments, “We are thrilled to be part of the growth happening at Coastal Carolina University. Being the radio partner of one of only three NCAA Division I [Football Bowl Subdivision] FBS programs in South Carolina is an honor. With a wonderful athletic pedigree, including a baseball national championship, it is great to be able to broadcast [CCU] Chanticleer games and to partner in other ways. Our motto is ‘Live and Local,’ and there is no more local university to the Myrtle Beach-Grand Strand than CCU.” Coastal Carolina University director of corporate sales and sponsorships Rhett Graham adds, “We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunity for Chanticleer student-athletes to be featured across the strong signal and market-leading listenership of WRNN.” Sister Alpha Media Myrtle Beach outlets (CHR) WMYB “Energy 92.1,” alternative WKZQ “96.1 New Rock,” and classic rock WYAV “Wave 104” will promote Chanticleer games as well.
Recent Station Sales. The previously announced $2 million transaction of Radio One news/talk WCHB, Detroit to Crawford Broadcasting is now complete. Among 
persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s June 2017 PPM sweep, WCHB finishes at #23 (.3). Meanwhile in Reno (Nevada), Times-Shamrock Communications has agreed to sell three stations to Lazer Broadcasting and one to John Burkavage’s Bighorn Media. Lazer will acquire CHR KWNZ “All Hit Radio”; FM news/talk KNEZ; and KZTI “Z-105.3 Rock Hard,” while Bighorn will purchase KRZQ “The Real Alternative.” Lazer president Alfredo Plascencia states, “We are delighted to be acquiring these fine stations from our friends at Times-Shamrock as an addition to our existing cluster to better to serve the Reno market.” Previously the general manager of Times-Shamrock Reno, Burkavage remarks, “Station ownership is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me and I am excited by the opportunity.”
Young and Younger. KGO, San Francisco Gen X midday talk host Ethan Bearman (l) recently invited Westwood One syndicated Millennial music radio host Zach Sang of “Zach Sang and the Gang” (r) into his studio for some inter-generational on-air chat. Heavy Hundred member Bearman tells TALKERS, “Zach is deeply connected to what Millennials are thinking about culturally. There has been so much talk about Justin Bieber cancelling his tour because of his newfound religion and I needed to get to a source who knows Bieber. Best of all, Zach is one of the nicest guys around and is simply magical behind the mic!” The two up and coming broadcasters met at a TALKERS convention in New York, stayed in touch and work together when they can for the benefit of their audiences.
TALKERS News Notes. After a 36-year run, anchor/reporter Barbara Boylan exited CBS Radio Pittsburgh news/talk KDKA-AM last Friday (8/4). Boylan joined KDKA-AM in July 1981 from crosstown WKTQ (now WJAS) as a reporter-producer-talk show host ….. Very sad to note the passing of Darren “Dutch” 
Daulton, who died yesterday (Sunday, 8/6) after a battle with a recurrence of brain cancer. The former Philadelphia Phillies and Florida Marlins catcher hosted “Talkin’ Baseball” on Beasley Media Group Philadelphia sports talk WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic” from 2010 – 2013. After surviving the first round of brain cancer, he established the Darren Daulton Foundation, which provides financial assistance to brain cancer patients. According to Phillies chairman emeritus Bill Giles, “Darren was a true leader of men. The Phillies would not have gone to the 1993 World Series without his leadership. In addition to being an outstanding clubhouse leader, he was also a fighter. I really enjoyed watching him for 14 years in uniform. Darren was a super human being. His teammates loved him and I loved him like he was one of my own.” Glioblastoma has also claimed the lives of other notable baseball players, including Gary Carter, Tug McGraw, and Johnny Oates. Daulton was just 55 ….. Hole-by-hole coverage of the PGA Championship,
co-produced with Westwood One, will be broadcast later this week (8/10 – 8/13) from 12:00 noon – 7:00 pm (ET) each day on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. The broadcast team from Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club will include: Fred Albers, Doug Bell, Mark Carnevale, John Maginnes, Dennis Paulson, Bob Rosinski, Charlie Rymer, and Taylor Zarzour ….. As detailed in The Chicago Tribune and RobertFeder.com, former Chicago talk radio host Ted Lauterbach, 70, died July 31 after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Lauterbach’s on-air “Windy City” credits include WIND (1982 – 1983); WCFL (1984); WLS-AM (1989 – 1990); and co-hosting WMAQ’s “Sports Huddle” with Steve Olken and Tom Greene in 1994. In addition, he was general manager and program director of Tele-Communications, a cable system.
Univision Q2 Radio Revenues Down 8.6%. Compared to $73.1 million for a similar period in 2016, second quarter revenue for Univision Communications’ radio division declined 8.6% to $66.8 million. National, network, and local advertising dips led to radio’s advertising revenue falling by 9.2% to $64 million from $70.5 million in 2016. Univision Communications president and chief executive officer Randy Falco notes that for the company as a whole, total revenue in the quarter was nearly $765 million and core revenue was up 5%. “Net income increased $31 million and we continue to deliver as evidenced by our reduction of net debt by approximately $200 million over the first half of the year.”
Westwood One Hall of Famers. Last night (8/6) in Canton (Ohio), Kurt Warner (left) and Jason Taylor (right) were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Warner is one of Westwood One’s “Monday Night Football” analysts and Taylor was just named the new “Sunday Night Football” analyst. The NFL season kicks off in just over four weeks (Thursday, September 7).
Washington-Based Executive Producer and Radio Engineer Sought by Courtside Entertainment. Two positions are currently open at Norm Pattiz’s Courtside Entertainment. The first is an executive producer position based in Washington, DC. This position is with “one of the 
nation’s most popular conservative talk radio programs” and requires a “driven, intelligent, and organized person to oversee the day-to-day production of the show.” For application information and to see more about this position, click here. The second opening is for a radio engineer. That person “shall install, configure, and maintain radio broadcasting equipment as needed.” The candidate must have “relevant technical knowledge with good people skills and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.” For application information and to see more about this position, click here.
KEGL Announces “The Freakers’ Ball.” The annual concert sponsored by iHeartMedia Dallas rocker KEGL “The Eagle” will take place October 15 at 
Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie (Texas). Senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Dallas Patrick Davis notes, “Freakers’ Ball has become one of fall’s best rock lineups around the country. We couldn’t have asked for a better lineup around Halloween than to include Marilyn Manson, In This Moment and more [including Beartooth, and Greta Van Fleet].” Program director Don Davis comments, “Our Eagle ‘Rockaholics’ have come to expect a great themed show for our annual Freakers’ Ball. Who better to headline our annual event than Marilyn Manson?” A special ‘Rockaholic’ pre-sale will take place this Thursday (8/10) from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Listeners can also win tickets for a “Win It Before You Can Buy It” promotion today (Monday, 8/7) through Friday (8/11).
Entercom Miami Schedules Riptide Music Festival. More than 20 alternative, pop, rock, and adult contemporary acts will perform (Saturday) December 
2 and (Sunday) December 3 at Entercom Miami’s Riptide Music Festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. Marketing director and Riptide executive producer Von Freeman states, “It was an incredible success last year with over 25,000 festival-goers. There is just nothing better than seeing people hanging out in December on the sands of Fort Lauderdale [as they] sing every word to every song. The festival embraces the brands of our four top notch radio stations that reach over two million listeners per week and we will be giving away trips all over the United States and the world.” Riptide is produced by the staffs of alternative WSFS “104.3 The Shark”; classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach”; adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM”; and sports WAXY “790 The Ticket.”
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Having already launched this summer’s “World of Dance” starring Jennifer Lopez – and with Carson Daly-hosted “The Voice” a mainstay on its roster – NBC-TV is reportedly developing a music reality series for 2018. The new program will be one of at least two more music reality genre series scheduled for next year, along with “American Idol” (moving from Fox to ABC and with KIIS “Kiss-FM,” Los Angeles morning talent Ryan Seacrest remaining in-place as host) and Fox developing an adaptation of the singing competition format “The Final Four” ….. Jury selection begins today (8/7) in the trial between former KYGO, Denver air talent David Mueller (air name “Jackson”) and singer Taylor Swift in Denver. Mueller filed suit against Swift in U.S. District Court two years ago (September 2015), seeking lost wages for allegedly getting fired from the then Entercom-owned country station (now a Bonneville property) after the singer claimed that he lifted her skirt and grabbed her during a meet-and-greet before her June 2013 concert. Swift filed a countersuit claiming sexual assault against Mueller; she is expected to testify. The case is expected to last two weeks, with opening statements beginning as soon as tomorrow (Tuesday, 8/8). Swift is seeking damages of $1, “serving as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts,” while Mueller – also expected to testify – is seeking $3 million in lost wages ….. Changes at Entercom San Diego adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1” find midday talent Dawne Davis and 
evening personality Nick Upton leaving their on-air shifts to focus on production and digital, respectively. Program director Brooks O’Brian segues from 
morning drive to take over for Davis in middays, while Dorothy Tran replaces Upton at night. Until a successor to O’Brian is found in morning drive, part-timer Dave Mason will cover that daypart ….. Morning show co-host Melissa Moran will depart Hall Communications country WPCV, Lakeland (Florida) this Wednesday (8/9) in order to focus on her voiceover business, which she started three years ago. Operations manager and program director Mike James comments, “Melissa is a phenomenal radio and voice talent. It is no surprise that her audio book and voiceover career has become so successful. We will miss her greatly and wish her the absolute best.” Moran joined WPCV in 2008.
Monday, July 17, 2017
Georgia Beasley Named Director of TopicPulse Strategic Initiatives. Digital and broadcast media pro Georgia Beasley joins Futuri Media as director of TopicPulse Strategic Initiatives. The company says that
Beasley will partner with the TopicPulse product development team, led by product manager and veteran TV executive Jill Manuel, to lead strategic initiatives to bring its data-driven story discovery capabilities to media industry partners. Beasley was most recently director of digital sales at Beasley Media Group. Futuri Media CEO Daniel Anstandig states, “Georgia is an innovator with a passion for technology, which makes her a perfect fit for the Futuri Media team. She has a proven track record of delivering creative solutions and results for her client partners, using technology to solve problems, and she deeply understands how TopicPulse’s real-time, targeted social insights can drive ratings and digital audience growth.”
Rob Ellis Exits WPEN-FM, Philadelphia. Philadelphia sports media personality Rob Ellis announced at the
end of Friday’s program that he’s leaving the late-morning show he’s been co-hosting with Harry Mayes at Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM. Ellis’ contract with the station is over and he told listeners he’s leaving WPEN-FM on good terms. Ellis also serves with Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Mayes was hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program solo today (7/17).
J.T. The Brick’s Late Morning KGMZ, San Francisco Show Ends. Nationally syndicated sports talk host J.T. The Brick has been hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show on Entercom’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game” since last September. Now, he leaves that gig, messaging, “Thanks for an EPIC run at @957thegame it was awesome and I loved every minute! More news to come and big things ahead.” He continues the evening show he co-hosts with Tomm Looney on Fox Sports Radio.
ESPN Radio Sets November 27 for Launch of Golic & Wingo. After the 18-year Mike & Mike program is
dismantled on November 17, longtime ESPN personality Trey Wingo will co-host the morning drive show with Mike Golic beginning November 27. But, ESPN is giving listeners a taste of the show when Golic and Wingo co-host mornings tomorrow through Thursday (7/18-20). Mike Greenberg will be guest hosting WEPN, New York’s afternoon drive show for Michael Kay on those three days. Mike Golic Jr. will be part of the program joining Golic and Wingo for the 6:00 am hour after wrapping his “ESPN Radio’s First & Last” program from 4:00 am to 6:00 am. When the Golic & Wingo show officially launches on November 27, it will initially be simulcast on ESPN2 before moving to its simulcast home on ESPNU in early January.
TALKERS News Notes. Denver media pro Steve Kelley exits the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm show at Salem Media
Group’s news/talk KNUS after six years with the station. Kelley has also worked in the market at iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KOA and in TV at KDRV-TV “FOX 31.” Salem fills the afternoon slot with the “Chuck & Julie” show featuring Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden…..Benztown’s Remote News Service signs the Maryland News Network to a deal to deliver news content to 14 stations 
in markets that include: Frederick, Myersville and Salisbury. This pact brings RNS’ affiliate count to 62 stations across the U.S. RNS president Lesley Lotto says, “I’m thrilled to work with a fledgling network that Remote News Service will have a chance to watch grow and grow with. I see great things for the Maryland News Network!”…..Regional Reps Corp. announces a formal partnership with In-Language Radio, a consultant to radio and television stations across the U.S. and Canada. In-Language Radio provides ethnic market research, format and content development, and full production facilities in every major European and Asian language…..The Radio Advertising Bureau is launching its newly designed Why Radio micro-site. It includes the RAB’s extensive
marketing and research guide and complete Radio Facts library. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber says, “Refreshing and relaunching a website is always a heavy task, but it was time to showcase radio’s best attributes in a new and creative spotlight, and this updated micro-site does just that. Most importantly, all of the research and data the RAB is known for providing is still available — radio landscape presentations, radio facts, the most current listener insights, case studies, FAQs, creative, ad spending, 10 Reasons to Advertise, etc. are all right there at RAB users’ fingertips and ready to help drive home radio’s effectiveness to clients big and small.”
Kentucky Broadcasters Association-Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute Begins Today. Today (7/17), the fifth annual Kentucky Broadcasters Association-Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute begins. The WKU campus is welcoming students from Valparaiso University and Middle 
Tennessee State University as well as WKU to the institute. The “Ben Davis and Kelly K” morning show from Alpha Media’s CHR WDJX, Louisville broadcast live from the Radio Talent Institute with the students as the live studio audience. During the 10-day intensive, students will learn from radio pros from all areas of the business, including on-air, music radio, sports and news, production, promotions, digital/social media, and engineering. All students become certified by the RAB as Radio Marketing Professionals. The Kentucky Broadcasters Association underwrites the KBA WKU Radio Talent Institute. The National Radio Talent System is a system of Radio Talent Institutes on college campuses across America.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/17) with Thom Hartmann, Bill Hess, Steve Jones and Greg Moceri. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike 
Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein. All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter. Yesterday (7/12) TALKERS posted a “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab). Yesterday (7/13), a “Fireside Chat” was posted featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack). On Friday (7/14) TALKERS posted a “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman). Today 7/17), we kick off the new week with the first in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.” It features a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess, introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri and facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones. Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
GOP Health Care Bill, Trump Jr-Russia Issue, Trump Approval Poll, Trump’s France Visit, Martin Landau Dies, George Romero Passes, Wimbledon Finals, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The status of the GOP health care bill; the controversy over Donald Trump Jr’s meeting with Kremlin-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya; the recent Washington Post/ABC News poll that shows President Trump’s approval rating at 36%; Trump’s visit with French President Emmanuel Macron; actor Martin Landau dies at 89; director George Romero passes at 77; Roger Federer and Garbine Muguruza win at Wimbledon; 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.
Pattie Moreno Sues Entercom for Dismissal from WMXJ, Miami. Programmer Pattie Moreno (Guadamuz) was PD at Entercom’s classic hits WMXJ, Miami “102.7 The Beach” from
November 2, 2015 to April 26, 2016 at which time she was let go from her position. She is claiming – in a suit filed in United States District Court in Southern Florida – that general manager Doug Abernathy and the company violated the American Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when she was fired for having anxiety/depression disorder and for being female. Moreno alleges that Abernathy told her she embarrassed the company after requiring medical attention at a station event. She also claims Abernathy belittled her by making comments about her gender and being a mother, telling her she wasn’t suited for the job. She’s seeking employment benefits, front pay, unpaid wages, attorneys’ fees, and damages.
Shotgun Tom Kelly Visits Kid Kelly. Legendary Southern California disc jockey Shotgun Tom Kelly (second from left) visits the SoCal studios of SiriusXM and the staff of the Kid Kelly (far right) show.
Round Three of June PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of June 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s June 2017 survey period covered May 25 – June 21. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Portland – The wild ride continues for iHeartMedia’s KFBW, which was +1.0 in April; -.6 in May; and now +1.1 in June (3.5 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+). In addition to returning to the top ten (#11 to #6), “105.9 The Brew –
Portland’s Rock Station” has its highest 6+-share since September 2015’s 5.5. Steady at #4, Entercom classic rocker KGON is without a loss for the fifth straight time 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+). Progressing by six-tenths each are Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB (7.4 – 8.0, steady at #2, 6+); Alpha Media triple A KINK “Uniquely Portland” (3.8, #15 to #11, 6+); and Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” (1.9 – 2.5, #18 to #17, 6+). Having sputtered by eight-tenths in May, KOPB was +.9 in March. It declined by one full-share in February, completely surrendering January’s +1.0, after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016. Entering the June 2017 sweep, KINK was without an increase since January and was a collective -.7 in that stretch (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Up or flat January through April for a combined +.7 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), KFIS returned the entire seven-tenths in May. Just as they did in May, Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” (4.9, +.3, 6+) and Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” finish back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively. Prior to June’s +.3, “The Wolf” was a combined -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), while “The Bull” is down in consecutive sweeps for a -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). With its strongest 6+-share since the 15.3 it posted in “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” (8.7 – 9.1, +.4, 6+) is #1 for the 37th time in the last 39 ratings periods. As the result of four straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH gained one full-share, but “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” surrenders 70% of that increase (4.3, -.7, 6+) and drops from sixth to ninth.
2) Charlotte – With its fourth successive increase for a net +1.4 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” advances from third to second and matches the 6.3 it recorded last October.
Powered by a gain of nine-tenths (4.0 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake – Charlotte’s We Play Anything Station” notches its strongest 6+-share since last 
November’s 5.0 and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Without a decrease for four straight sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” lost two-tenths in May but rebounds in June with a gain four times that margin (4.6 – 5.4, +.8, 6+), climbing from ninth to seventh. Steady at #10, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WHQC “Channel 96.1” is down for the third straight time for a net loss of seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). 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+). Four-tenths of a share separates Charlotte’s top four June 2017 finishers. Having logged a very consistent (6+) January 2017 through May 2017 line of 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.8, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat” busts out a +.6 to 6.4 (6+), with the country outlet marching from fourth to first. As a result, “The Kat” bypasses Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which relinquishes the six-tenths it gained in May (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+) and shifts from second to fourth. Prior to April (when it was +.8), “Country’s Hottest Hits” 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+). Ousted from the top spot and segueing to third is WKKT classic rock sibling WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which had been #1 in each of the past five survey periods. “The Fox,” however, is -1.5 since March via three straight decreases (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 6.2, 6+). Immediately in advance of that, “The Fox” 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+). Within 4.9 – 5.3 territory (6+) in the last five sweeps, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 – More Music, Better Variety” spirals by -1.3 (5.1 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #12). As the result of five straight down or flat trends, Davidson College’s WDAV “Classical Public Radio” (#15 to #16) is a combined -1.3 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+)
3) San Antonio – More wild ups/downs for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, which 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+); and now regains May’s loss in its entirety (5.6, +1.0, 6+), zooming from seventh back to second. With an
11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. Improving by seven-tenths each are Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” (5.6, fourth to second, 6+) and hot AC sibling KSMG “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” (4.4, #14 to #8, 6+). Immediately prior to April, KISS had been up or flat the previous three sweeps for a +.7 (5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+); it dropped six-tenths in both April and May (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). The +.7 halts at three a successive 
string by “Magic” that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+). Flat at 7.0 (6+), co-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” occupies the top spot for the fifth successive time; KONO-FM departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. Recent (6+) fluctuations for KONO-FM are 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. This marks the fifth time in a row that WOAI is without an increase for a -1.4 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 3.3, 6+), as the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet spirals from #9 to #14. The last time
WOAI fell below a four-share (6+) was September 2014 (3.7). Surrendering the six-tenths it gained in May (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM falls from #12 to #16; “Las Estacion de la Raza” has now registered a 3.2 (6+) in four of the last six sweeps. Despite losing three-tenths to 3.4 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” advances from #14 to #13. Its successive string of positive trends that netted one full-share, however, ends at three (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). 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 returns one-half share in June though and slips from #12 to #14 (3.3 – 3.8, 6+). It had been almost two years since KSTX reached the three-share level (August 2015, 3.0, 6+). Regressing by one-half share as well is Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM (5.2 – 4.7, third to seventh, 6+). By gaining two-tenths in May, KROM halted at three its consecutive streak of downward trends that accounted for a -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+); it was a combined +1.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January (6.2 – 7.4, 6+).
4) Pittsburgh – Down or flat in each of the last four ratings periods for a -.4 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), WESA bounces back in grand fashion with a gain of one full-share to 2.9. Although “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR News Station” 
remains at #13, this is its strongest 6+-performance since September 2014 (2.9 as well). Gaining six-tenths each are Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” (7.3, unchanged at #4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 for New Country” (2.9 – 3.6, steady at #11, 6+). 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+). As
for “Big,” it was -.9 in May and – by adding two-tenths in April – it halted three straight declines that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). After posting three consecutive increases netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” forfeits eight-tenths to 9.6 (6+), but is #1 for the third straight month. In fact, it is tied for #1 with rock cluster-mate WDVE, which regains the three-tenths it lost in May (9.6 – 9.3 – 9.6, 6+) to return to the top 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+). Flat at #7, co-owned alternative WXDX “The X at 105.9” is +1.8 via three straight months without a decrease. Trending 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.3 (6+) since February, Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” sputters by one full-share to 5.3 (6+) and drops from fifth to sixth. It is the lowest 6+-share for “Wish” since it returned in print as a Nielsen Audio subscriber in April 2016. Co-owned WHJB “Classic Hits 107.1” is down or flat for the fourth consecutive time and is -1.0 in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), but actually improves from #16 to a tie at #15.
5) Sacramento – Down or flat for the past seven ratings periods 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 “98 Rock” roars back by making up more than half the deficit (4.6, +1.4, 6+) and 
re-enters the top ten (#13 to #6). Up four-tenths to 2.8 (#15, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KSTE snaps 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+). A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 –
9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX recaptured all of it in May only to drop one-half share in June (9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Even so, “Mix 96” is #1 for the fifth successive month. Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, KYMX rebounded from January’s -4.8 with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). After being a combined +2.4 in November and December, “Mix” was +5.2 in “Holiday” 2016. A loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, sixth to ninth, 6+) takes Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ to its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2015’s 3.3. A recap of the market’s three country FMs finds KNCI “New Country 105.1” up two-tenths (5.6 – 5.8, 6+) and steady in fourth-place. As a result of a -.1 in May to 3.3 (6+), Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 – 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. “The Wolf” now regresses by another half-share (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+) to drift from #11 to #15. Prior to April, the last time Sacramento’s “Wolf” reached the three-share level (6+) was November 2014 (3.0, 6+). Directly ahead of it at #14 but off two-tenths to 2.9 (6+) is iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KBEB “The Bull,” which concludes three straight improvements that netted eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to May, “The Bull” had been within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous seven ratings periods. Continuing an up/down pattern that began last November, Entravision regional Mexican KRCX “La Tricolor 99.9” (#17 to #18) drops one-half share (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 1.7, 6+).
6) Salt Lake City – At this time last month, Broadway Media CHR KUDD relinquished 60% of its combined March and April +1.5 (3.5 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.1, -.9, 6+), but “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” more than makes up for it in June
with a whopping +1.6 (4.1 – 5.7, 6+) to rocket from tenth to fifth. Moreover, June’s 5.7 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+). An 
April loss of eight-tenths by iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KZHT pulled the plug on three straight progressive trends that yielded a +1.3 (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). The roller coaster ride continues as “97.1 – Salt Lake City’s #1 Hit Music Station” regained 75% of April’s decrease (4.9 – 5.5, +.6, 6+), only to return one-half share in June (5.0, 6+), skidding from a three-way tie at #3 to #7. As independent country KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” posts its second consecutive gain of eight-tenths to jump from sixth to second, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KUBL “K-Bull 93” falters by that same margin (to 4.7, -.8, 6+) and stumbles from third to eighth. Not only is it the fourth straight improvement for “Z-104” for a combined +2.1 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+), like KUDD (above), it represents the strongest 6+-stat for KSOP-FM since PPM became Salt Lake City’s ratings currency. When “K-Bull” dropped four-tenths in May, it curtailed four straight upward moves that netted a +2.6 (3.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.0, “K-Bull” sputtered for five consecutive months and was a combined -2.2 since August (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). The market’s other FM country outlet – Broadway Media’s KEGA “101.5 The Eagle – Utah’s Best Country” – drops four-tenths to 1.6 (6+), thus ending four straight sweeps without a loss that netted a +.7 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), yet actually enters the top twenty (#21 to a three-way tie at #20). In addition to cracking the top ten (#14 to #10), Cumulus-owned KBER “101 Utah’s Rock Station” is a cumulative +1.4 via its third straight increase (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+). Matching the 5.5 (6+) it posted in December and advancing from seventh to sixth, Bonneville-owned KRSP “103.5 The Arrow – Utah’s Classic Rock” is up nine-tenths as the result of three successive monthlies without a loss (4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.5, 6+). Recovering the four-tenths it lost in May (6.9 – 6.5 – 6.9, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” repeats at #1. 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 January 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. By dropping nine-tenths (4.3 -3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS drifts from #8 to #13. After being either up or flat the past five ratings periods, more than doubling its 6+-share in that timeframe (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Broadway Media adult hits KYMV “Rewind 100.7” surrenders seven-tenths to 1.6 (#18 to #20, 6+). In May, “Rewind” reached a two-share for the first time since last October’s 2.0. Rhythmic CHR sibling KUUU “U-92” is within 2.0 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 13th straight time (2.4 – 2.8, +.4, #16 to #15, 6+).
7) Las Vegas – The two-tenths of a share lead iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” held in May over Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ widens by seven times as much in June, as “Sunny” – on top 
for the eighth consecutive monthly – dials up a +1.2 to 7.4, while KKLZ (flat at 6.1, 6+) remains at #2. The four most recent “Sunny” fluctuations are +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; -1.2 in May; and
now +1.4 in June (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3 – 7.4, 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. In addition to recapturing the six-tenths it squandered in May, Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (2.6, #20 to #15, 6+) applies the brakes to three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of one full-share (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+). In a somewhat similar scenario, a six-tenths increase by Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio – Radio for Life” (#12 to #9) curtails three straight monthlies without an increase (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). 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 two-tenths to 4.7 (6+), segueing from fifth to sixth. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KWNR “95.5 Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” rebounds from May’s -.6 with a +.2 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.8, seventh to fifth, 6+) and leapfrogs “The Coyote.” Trending 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 (6+) since January 2017, University of Nevada – Las Vegas’ KUNV “91.5 The Source” posts a one-half share increase to 2.1 (#18). Following a consecutive quartet of progressive trends netting a +1.6 (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” is a combined -1.3 in May and June (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Down or flat in four straight sweeps for a -.7 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio’s KISF registered a +1.2 in January, but followed with three straight losses: -1.6 in February; -.6 in March; and -.5 in April (5.0 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). While it added two-tenths in May, the regional Mexican outlet regresses by six-tenths in June (2.5 – 1.9, 6+) to slip from #17 to #20. Catching it there with a gain of three-tenths (1.9, #20, 6+) is Entravision’s similarly-programmed KQRT “La Tricolor 105.1,” which had been down or flat in each of the last three sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+).
8) Cincinnati – The market’s three country FMs elevate the format’s 6+-share from 11.1 (May 2017) to 12.7 (June 2017). Specifically, owing to a +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, steady at #3, 6+), Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105, Get Your Country On” 
reaches the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since last October’s 8.5. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” duplicates May’s one-half share increase
(1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #21, 6+) to climb from #17 to #16; The May increase by “The Wolf” curtailed three straight downward trends that produced a loss of one full-share (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.5 -.9, 6+). Making it a clean sweep for the format in terms of month-to-month (6+) increases, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” (unchanged at #15) is +.4 (2.3 – 2.7, 6+) for its best 6+-showing since last September (2.7 as well). The tie that existed in May for the top spot is broken as “Nash FM” classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WGRR, which has been #1 each 
month since January, picks up three-tenths (9.0 – 9.3, +.3, 6+) and remains in the penthouse. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW “The Big One” drops one-tenth (9.0 – 8.9, 6+) and moves to #2. Following a -.7 in March (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+), WGRR posted a full-share gain in April. 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. When WLW reached #1 in May, it was the first time there for the Cincinnati Reds flagship since last August, although it backed into the top spot as it was down three-tenths (9.3 – 9.0, 6+). In April, WLW answered a combined -1.2 in February and March (8.4 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) with a +2.1 to 9.3, its finest 6+-showing since last June’s 10.8. Conversely, March’s 7.2 was the lowest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Down by seven-tenths each are Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8 – 6.1, flat at #4, 6+); Cumulus Media classic rocker WOFX “The Fox” (6.0 – 5.3, fifth to sixth, 6+); and iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.6 – 3.9, #7 to #11, 6+). 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+). A gain of eight-tenths in May took “The Fox” to 6.0, its finest 6+-showing since November 2015 (6.0, as well). In back-to-back sweeps, “Kiss” had gained eight-tenths (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6, March-April-May, 6+). Off for the third straight time for a -1.1 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” drops from #13 to #14.
9) Orlando – There is considerable activity among the top five June 2017 finishers, including iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” racking up a +.9 (6.9 – 7.8, 6+) to climb from fourth to third. Although
displaying modest (6+) moves in March (+.2); April (-.4); and May (+.1), “Magic” has been accustomed to recording big swings. Such examples include +.5 (October 2015); -1.0 (November 2015); +1.6 (December 2015); +5.2 (“Holiday” 2015); -4.7 (January 2016); -1.2 (February); +1.3 (March); +.7 (April); +.6 (May); -.8 (June); -1.1 (July); +.7 (September); -.5 (October) +.9 (November); +2.1 (December); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2016); -7.6 (January 2017); -1.5 (February 2017); and now a +.9 in June 2017. Co-owned WJRR shows a (6+) December 2016 – March 2017 line of 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7, but “Orlando’s Rock Station” follows with three straight increases accounting for a +1.8 (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+) to move from eighth to seventh. The last time WJRR reached the five-share level (6+) was September 2016 (5.1). Bouncing back from May’s -.9 with a +.6, Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” returns to the top five (6.4 – 5.5 – 6.1, sixth to fifth, 6+). Conversely, its (Spanish contemporary) HD2 channel – returns the one-half share it gained in May (1.2 – 1.7 -1.2, #17 to #18, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia’s Spanish tropical WRUM #1 for the sixth consecutive month, “Rumba 100.3” erases one-half share of May’s -.6 (12.2 – 12.7, +.5, 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. Off by seven-tenths each are CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7” (unchanged at #2); Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” (7.5, third to fourth, 6+); and CBS Radio-owned WOMX “Mix 105.1” (4.7, seventh to eighth, 6+). A collective +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), “XL-106.7” is now -1.8 in May and June (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1, 6+); April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. As for WMMO, the -.7 stymies three successive increases that generated a +1.6 (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). This represents the fourth straight down or flat sweep for “Mix” for a -1.4 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7, 6+). Owing to four consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia FM news/talk WTKS (flat at #15) is a collective -1.6. Steady at #13, Community Communications’ similarly-programmed WMFE is within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 33rd straight time, (2.5 – 2.7, +.2, 6+). Right behind it at #14 is Entravision-owned Spanish tropical WNUE, which drops two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), thus 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+).
10) Cleveland – Nine-tenths of a share separates this Ohio market’s top four June 2017 finishers. Up or flat for the sixth successive sweep (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM improves by nearly 
two full-shares in that timeframe; the Cleveland Indians’ flagship progresses from sixth to fifth. Trending 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.5 (February through May, 6+), CHR sibling WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” dials up a +1.0 to 5.5, its strongest 6+-share since December’s 5.9, and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). A combined +1.1 via three straight increases (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” advances from eighth to seventh. After “backing into” the top spot in May with a -.2, CBS Radio-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” logs a one-half share gain (7.9 – 8.4, 6+) and repeats at #1. This is the second time in the last three sweeps that WNCX has reached the eight-share level (6+) – it was 8.1 in April (6+). Locked at #12 in each of the last 17 sweeps, co-owned WKRK erodes by -1.2 (3.9 – 2.7, 6+) and falls to #13. Moreover, “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” has its lowest 6+-share since last August (2.7 as well). Taking its place at #12 is Ideastream’s WCPN – which ironically was at #13 the past 14 sweeps; it advances despite losing two-tenths to 2.9 (6+). Before a -.2 in February, WCPN was without a decrease for eight consecutive ratings periods netting a combined +1.8 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.8, 6+). Off by more than one full-share in back-to-back declines (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” exits the top ten (#8 to #11).
11) Kansas City – Steady at #8, Entercom-owned KQRC “98.8 Kansas City’s Rock Station” is up or flat for the sixth straight time for a +1.1 (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), while co-owned hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” (fifth to sixth) is without a loss for the third time in a row for a gain of four-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+). Within 7.3 – 7.8 range (6+) since January, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM displays an impressive +1.5 (7.4 – 8.9, 6+)
and carries on at #2. It is the strongest 6+-stat for “94.9 – Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” since the “Holiday” 2016 report (10.8). One-half share ahead of KCMO-FM – and #1 
for the sixth consecutive time – is classic rock cluster-mate KCFX “The Fox,” which posts its third straight increase for a cumulative +1.9 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+). “The Fox” bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April. Before its +1.0 in April, KCFX registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). On top from May through September and then in December, it had five straight uptrends prior to January’s -.5 for a cumulative +1.8 (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+). Still in that Cumulus Media cluster, KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” (#18 to #17) is up or flat for the fifth straight time for a +.6 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+), while urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” (unchanged at #7) is without a loss for the third consecutive sweep and is up nine-tenths in that stretch (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+). Following four straight improvements for a cumulative +1.9 (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media CHR KMXV “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” faltered by seven-tenths in May but answers with a +.8 (5.0 – 5.8, 6+), climbing from fifth to fourth. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed KCHZ, bounces back from a loss of one-half share in May with a +.8 as well (3.3 – 4.1, 6+), with “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” cracking the top ten (#14 to #10). 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+). Thus, after eroding by -1.2 in May, the market’s (6+) CHR share improves by +1.6, equally divided between “Mix” and “The Vibe.” As far as the three-way country scrum is concerned, Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 – #1 For New Country,” which in May forfeited half of the six-tenths it gained in April (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), sputters by an additional nine-tenths (3.5, 6+) to spiral from #10 to #14. A combined +.9 in April and May (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom’s WDAF-FM “106.5 The Wolf” returns seven-tenths in June (3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). On the format’s plus side though, Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” notches consecutive (modest) increases (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9, 6+) and remains at #3. As the result of three consecutive gains before April’s -.1, “Country 94.1” was a collective +2.1 (3.6 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). It entered the December 2016 sweep with four up or flat trends in succession that accounted for a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), but was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+).
Without an increase for the fifth successive time, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR is -1.7 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2, 6+) and drifts from #15 to #18. Although down by -.5 (4.3 – 3.8, 6+) and below a four-share (6+) for the first time since last October’s 3.9, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMBZ-FM actually improves from #12 to a tie at #11. Also in the spoken-word arena, Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” falters for the third straight time for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (3.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+), but remains at #20; Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” bumps up from #17 to #15 with its third consecutive up or flat trend more than doubling its 6+-share (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+).
12) Columbus – Not only does it boast the largest (6+) May 2017 – June 2017 improvement (+1.8) by any other station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released since last Wednesday, iHeartMedia mainstream 
CHR WNCI is a whopping +2.8 via three successive upticks (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 11.7, 6+). Furthermore, “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” repeats at #1 and is in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September’s 11.1. With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), WNCI advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” outlet 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+). It has a 1.1-share (6+) advantage over co-owned country facility WCOL, which dusts itself off from May’s -1.3 with a +1.4 to remain at #2. WCOL was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; and now +1.4 in June (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2 – 10.6, 6+). In another stunning one-month market turnaround, Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-96 Iconic Rock” (fifth back to third) answers May’s -1.2 with a +1.1 (7.3 – 6.1 – 7.2, 6+); 6.1 was its lowest 6+-share since last October’s 5.5. In addition to the three aforementioned Columbus outlets improving by at least one full-share (May 2017 – June 2017, 6+), two stations there erode by -1.5 each. Not only does Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” end its (6+) February through May sequence of 3.9 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.1 by plummeting to 2.6 (-1.5, 6+), it exits the top ten (#7 to #11). It is a similar fate for One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO (#9 to #13), whose -1.5 (3.9 – 2.4 6+) drops “104.9 The River – Uplifting & Encouraging” to its softest 6+-share since last December’s 2.0. After back-to-back upticks (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny” (third to fifth) stumbles by seven-tenths to 6.0, its lowest 6+-share in just over two years (5.5, May 2015). Locked on 5.2 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” is off by one-half share to 4.7, but it remains at #6.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Mike Hartel Promoted to VP Mid-Atlantic Region for Alpha Media. Company exec Mike Hartel will continue to serve as Alpha Media’s senior vice president and market manager position for its Columbia, South
Carolina station group. But, he’s adding supervision of its clusters in Savannah-Hilton Head, Myrtle 
Beach, Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, Fredericksburg, and Bluefield as he rises to vice president of the Mid-Atlantic region. Alpha president and CEO Bob Proffitt comments, “Mike Hartel has shown an incredible leadership style in form, function and results since he joined Alpha three years ago. We are excited for Mike to share his considerable talent beyond Columbia to some of our other Southern markets. Alpha loves to promote from within and this is not only deserved, but will be incredibly well received by our markets.”
Andy Gresh to Host Evening Sports Talk Show at WPRO-AM, Providence. Radio pro Andy Gresh exits his co-host gig at CBS RADIO’s WTIC-AM, Hartford to return to Providence to host his own evening sports talk
show on Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM & 99.7 FM. Gresh started his on-air career at WPRO-AM’s sister station WPRV (then sports talker “790 The Score”). Gresh went on to work at WFAN, New York; 
ESPN Radio; SiriusXM, WBZ-FM, Boston; and the New England Patriots Radio Network. Gresh is a journalism grad from the University of Rhode Island where he was a starting offensive lineman on the URI football team. About his new gig Gresh states, “I’m excited to come back to where it all started for me 20 years ago. It’s time to turn nights at WPRO on its ear and let Rhode Island take back its sports talk.” WPRO program director Tony Mascaro adds, “This market has waited almost 10 years to bring back local sports to the airwaves. I am so thrilled to welcome Andy home. The combination of our heritage talk team and ‘The Gresh Show’ with sports at night and his unique style will give Rhode Islanders that perfect mix of local talk and local sports.”
Conservative Media Figure Tomi Lahren Sues Glenn Beck and TheBlaze; Seeks TRO to Regain Administrative Control of Social Media. Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren is taking her battle against TheBlaze founder Glenn Beck to court in Texas. In a suit filed last Friday in District Court in Dallas
County, Lahren is challenging the legality of the actions of former employer TheBlaze after she was ousted from the Glenn Beck-founded media firm, according to the complaint, because she espoused a pro-choice opinion on the television show “The View.” In addition to seeking rescission of her employment contract, and recovery of attorneys’ fees and other costs, Lahren is asking for a temporary 
restraining order and temporary and injunctive relief regarding her access to administrative control of her social media. In the complaint, Lahren says that after being fired by TheBlaze, “Plaintiff was told that she was to remain silent, she was directed to stay away from her Facebook page and other social media, and she was prohibited from making any public comments. Distilled to its essence, Defendants wrongly insisted, with no legal support, that Plaintiff ‘go dark’ on social media. Notably, none of these admonitions are grounded in any legal basis that can be supported by the Employment Contract. Meanwhile, as Plaintiff heeded the unlawful admonitions, Beck and others within TBI embarked on a public smear campaign attacking Plaintiff and chastising her political views and opinions in a clear attempt to embarrass, humiliate, and undermine Plaintiff’s reach to her audience on social media and elsewhere. Beck and others associated with TBI have continued to knowingly, intentionally, and/or consciously attack Plaintiff in wrongful retaliation for Plaintiff having expressed her personal viewpoint on a public television show.”
Black Organizations Putting Pressure on iHeartMedia Over Michael Berry Bit. A story in the Chicago Tribune by Kim Janssen indicates that a number of black advocacy organizations, led by the Chicago Urban League, are promising not to give up on seeking satisfaction from iHeartMedia regarding concerns about talk show host Michael Berry’s radio bits they say mock the victims of violence in Chicago. The story notes that a recent conference call with iHeartMedia executive Greg Ashlock resulted in Ashlock saying that Berry is a “good man” and that “they are working on some guidelines that their on-air hosts would follow.” The protests arose after Berry was named the company’s “talk personality of the year.” Urban activists say their protests over the “repeated jokes about Chicago murder victims” have been largely ignored. Now, the Urban League and other organizations are threatening to start calling iHeartMedia advertisers if CEO Bob Pittman doesn’t meet with them, the company rescind Berry’s award, and the company publicly address the controversy and “take ownership of it.” See Janssen’s Tribune piece here.
Report: ESPN Radio’s Mike Golic Signs Extension. According to a report in Philly.com by Rob Tornoe,
ESPN Radio morning personality Mike Golic recently inked a new deal with the sports entertainment giant. It’s been widely reported for some time that ESPN is breaking up the Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic-hosted “Mike & Mike” show. Greenberg has reportedly signed a new deal that pays him $6.5 million per year to move to the television side of the company. Tornoe cites a Men’s Journal interview in which Golic says he’ll continue hosting the morning radio show but under what format or with whom remains unsettled. See the Philly.com piece here.
PodcastOne’s ‘Geffen Playhouse Unscripted’ Debuts. The new podcast from PodcastOne featuring “today’s most interesting creative voices” debuts with inaugural guest actor Rainn Wilson (pictured). PodcastOne partners with GeffenPlayhouse.org to present “Geffen Playhouse Unscripted” – a series presents new episodes every Wednesday, hosted by veteran arts reporter John Horn. Future guests will include: actor Jeffrey Tambor, actress and musician Rita Wilson, playwright Neil LaBute, and actress Beth Behrs.
James Andrew Miller and DGital Media Team for Podcast Series. Award-winning journalist and best-selling author James Andrew Miller – Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN (Back Bay Books 2011), Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live (Little, Brown & Company, 
2014) – and content creator DGital Media are partnering on an original audio series called “Origins.” DGital says the “podcast will explore beginnings – whether from the worlds of television, movies, sports, music, business, or even human relationships – to explain how greatness starts and how critical happenings come to be.” DGital Media chief content officer Chris Corcoran says, “I’ve read every book Jim has written, in addition to his work for The New York Times and Vanity Fair, and I am a fan first, both of his incredible journalism and of his dedication to premium level storytelling and access. Considering the credentials, reputation, access, trust of his peers and the storytelling ability that come with the name James Andrew Miller, a podcast is an unbelievably perfect medium with which to share a new phase of his reporting.”
Syrian Chemical Weapons Use-Russian Influence, Russian Nicaragua Outpost, Egypt Church Bombings, Stockholm Terror Attack, North Korea Nuclear Threats, Bannon-Kushner Power Struggle, FOX News and O’Reilly Accusations, Gorsuch Joins Supreme Court, and Sergio Garcia Wins the Masters Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The debate over responsibility for the deadly gas attack against Syrian civilians and questions about Russia’s alliance with Bashar al-Assad; report of a Russian outpost in Nicaragua of which U.S. intelligence is suspicious; the deadly Palm Sunday bombings at Christian churches in Egypt; the aftermath of last week’s terror attack in Stockholm; North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities and its threats against the U.S.; reports of the power struggle between presidential adviser Stephen K. Bannon and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner; the allegations of sexual harassment against FOX News Channel personality Bill O’Reilly; Neil Gorsuch is named to the Supreme Court after Mitch McConnell changes Senate rules; and Sergio Garcia wins the Masters golf tournament were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
New Jersey Lt. Governor Guadagno Helps Harry Hurley Raise Money for Charities. Pictured above are WPGG, Atlantic City morning personality Harry Hurley (right) and New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno at Hurley’s 9th Annual Dinner at Congress Hall (America’s oldest seaside resort). The event helped raise more than $9,000 on Friday (4/7). Lt Governor Guadagno is running for Governor of New Jersey and faces her first test in the June 6 Republican primary election. Hurley’s major fundraiser for the Hurley in the Morning Charity is Friday, June 16 when his 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Harbor Pines Golf Club takes place. The Hurley in the Morning Charity has raised more than $700,000 over the past 10 years. Hurley has awarded grants to more than 150 not-for-profit organizations, including establishing along with TALKERS magazine founder and publisher Michael Harrison, an annual $1,000 grant for the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
Stephanie Miller Guests on This Week’s Harrison Podcast. Multi-platform, independently syndicated (WYM Media Management), progressive talk show host Stephanie Miller is the guest on this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Miller, a 30-year radio veteran, who stands as one of the leading anti-Donald Trump voices in talk media, has achieved top-tier radio success as a talker by early on expanding her daily morning show’s platforms of delivery
beyond terrestrial radio to include online digital (streaming and podcasts), SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and cable TV modes of distribution, such as Free Speech TV. She has also broken exciting new ground during the past several years with her comedy touring road show, “The Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour,” – an organic, troupe-style production that sold out legitimate theaters in market after market. The election of 
Trump has given the show yet another chapter of life as it is being prepared to play a dozen dates across America in 2017 as “The Sexy Liberal Resistance Tour.” Michael Harrison says, “Stephanie Miller stands as an inspiration for any talk show host, left or right, who wants to maximize both their exposure and revenue streams in the digital era. Her stunning success in the theatrical touring arena alone is worthy of every radio broadcaster’s attention.” Harrison and Miller discuss the nuts and bolts of her media empire and the general impact the Trump presidency is having on the renewed potential of progressive talk broadcasting in America. Not to be missed! To listen to the entire podcast, 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. Los Angeles radio personality Rita Wilde renews her contract with Entercom Los
Angeles to remain host of the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight show on classic rock KSWD “100.3 The Sound.” Entercom Los Angeles VP/general manager Peter Burton comments, “Classic rock fans and artists have been listening to Rita since this music was new. We’re proud to have her at ‘The Sound.’”…..Tampa adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94-9” names Danielle McBroom 
the new morning drive host. Cox Media Group Tampa director of branding and programming for WWRM, WXGL, and WDUV, John Larson, says, “We are so excited to have Danielle join our ‘Magic’ team. Her experience, creativity, social media expertise and infectious attitude bring a fresh, new sound to a huge brand like ‘Magic.’” McBroom moves to the “Magic Mornings” program from sister alternative WSUN where she’s been on air for the past 10 years…..In the Pacific Northwest, iHeartMedia adds program director duties at alternative rock K272EL, Portland “Radio 102.3” to the responsibilities of KFOO, Centralia, Washington “ALT 102.9” (Olympia and Seattle/Tacoma markets) PD Ben Marcotte…..Also in the Seattle market, hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM” afternoon personality, music director and APD Hunter Quinn accepts the additional role of assistant program director for iHeartMedia’s sister CHR KPWK “Power 93.3.”
Monday, March 20, 2017
ESPN Moves Craig to Network PD; Ups Hurley to WEPN, New York PD. Sports programmer Justin Craig is promoted from PD of WEPN, New York to senior director, programming and operations for the ESPN
Radio network. The sports giant says that Craig will be responsible for all aspects of ESPN Radio programming and production, including oversight of “Mike & Mike,” “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,” “Russillo & Kanell,” and nighttime and weekend programming. Craig is now based at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol and reports to David Roberts, vice president, ESPN Network Content. With Craig’s move to Bristol, WEPN APD Ryan Hurley is elevated to program director. Jonathan Winthrop, who has previously served as a producer at WEPN, adds APD duties and continues to produce the Stephen A. Smith show.
TALKERS Personality Profile: KSCO, Santa Cruz Owner, Michael Zwerling. One of the most colorful owner/operators of a local radio broadcasting company, Michael Zwerling, is the subject of an audio personality profile posted today (3/20) on Talkers.com. Since 1991, Zwerling (known to his friends and colleagues as “MZ”) has owned heritage news/talk 10k flamethrower KSCO-AM 1080. The station puts out a giant signal covering the
Monterey Bay area as well as huge swath of Northern California territory. KSCO first went on the air in 1947. Zwerling has subsequently gained a national reputation for his unique ownership and management style that has turned KSCO into a dynamic combination of mostly locally produced content punctuated by carefully selected national programming. Under Zwerling’s guidance, KSCO is financially fueled by a potent combination of traditional advertising sales and the generation of non-traditional revenue. In the hour-and-a-half interview conducted by TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, Zwerling discusses what it has been like operating a conservatively oriented station (featuring Rush Limbaugh) in a predominantly liberal market. He talks about his early, quirky days in broadcasting, the nuts-and-bolts of local radio station ownership in the modern era, the pros and cons of carrying Limbaugh over the years, his late mother and locally beloved broadcaster, Kay Zwerling, and his remarkably lucrative relationship with the multi-level marketing health products company, Youngevity. To listen to this candid dialogue with the man described by Michael Harrison as one of the most interesting and eccentric owners in radio today, please click here.
‘The Big Talker’ Returns to Wilmington, NC. Talk show host Chad Adams is reviving “The Big Talker” on WFBT-FM, Wilmington, North Carolina (licensed to Carolina Beach) under an LMA from Carolina Christian
Radio. His Red Wolf Broadcasting will operate the station and his regionally syndicated talk show – also heard in Charlotte and Greensboro – will be heard from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. It will follow the local “Mornings With Pam and John” program with husband-and-wife team John and Pam Dismukes. Other shows to air on the station include: Radio America’s Dana Loesch, the Dave Ramsey show, SRN’s Mike Gallagher, and Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity and the overnight “Coast to Coast AM” with George Noory. Originally, “The Big Talker” was heard on WNTB-FM and WUDE-FM. WFBT-FM’s frequency is 106.7. It was formerly WMYT and was put on the air by Curtis Wright’s and George Bell’s Talk Media TV in 2013.
TALKERS News Notes. The morning drive show at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WGOW-FM, Chattanooga – hosted by Jeff Styles, Jim Reynolds and Bill Lockhart – expands by an hour to air from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, eliminating the Reynolds-hosted hour, “The Nth Degree.” At the same time, Styles – who had also been hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program, “Fred The Show,” gives up that program to new host Brad Giese…..WGN, Chicago launched a new weekend program on Saturday (3/18). The two-hour show “On the Road with Dane Neal” airs from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. WGN says that this program is more than just a car show, “Neal will explore the relationship of people and their cars. Topics will include motorsports, day trips, cruise nights, technology in the car and more.” His first guests were Food Network’s Guy Fieri, Expedia’s Sarah Gavin, and NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick. Neal comments, “I’m excited to be able to take a radio road trip with listeners each week. We’ll share great stories about racing, innovation in driving and the great car culture of Chicago.”
Rising Country Music Star Pens and Records Inspirational Patriot Song for Both Music and Talk Radio. Singer/songwriter Dede Wedekind is a rising star in country music circles (Indie Music Channel’s 2016 Best New Female Artist, plus a number of other music industry honors) and she is now attracting the attention of talk radio hosts doing interviews about her new soul-stirring, patriotic release titled “America United.” The song 
was originally written by Wedekind and her husband in a flash of inspiration coming from the pulpit while attending church on a Sunday in 2012. Garnering attention across her fan base for years, the couple then tweaked the song in the wake of the 2016 presidential election, resulting in another IMEA Award for the independent artist. She tells CCM Magazine, “To me, everyone who hears ‘America United’ seems to like and relate to the overwhelming message of this song—which is the necessity of uniting all Americans once again. This song isn’t about a particular political party, being conservative or liberal, or even being Democrat or Republican—it’s about making America a great nation once again. ‘One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.’” Wedekind continues, “In the original version written in 2012, it features President Ronald Reagan‘s message of making America great quoting the line, ‘Once again, make America Great. When President Donald Trump decided to run last year, my husband Larry and I had already decided to update ‘America United’ to make it a better song with a more concise message and better production. We then decided to also incorporate Trump’s slogan, which, again was completely based on Reagan’s original message. We repeated the slogan in the chorus of the 2016 version, since it was already a part of the original song, and more importantly felt strongly that God had given it to President Reagan, and now again to President Trump.” To listen to and download Dede Wedekind’s “America United” and obtain contact information to book an interview with her, please click here.
Trump’s Obama Wiretapping Accusations, Gorsuch Confirmation Hearings, GOP Health Care Bill, U.S.-Germany Relations, North Korea Missile Program, Rock Legend Chuck Berry Dies, and March Madness Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. President Donald Trump’s accusation that former President Barack Obama ordered wiretaps of Trump Tower during the 2016 campaign; Supreme Court judge nominee Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation hearings begin today; speculation about the fate of the GOP health care bill; President Trump’s belief that Germany owes the U.S. money for its NATO membership and his meeting last week with Angela Merkel; North Korea’s nuclear missile program and its threats to hit American targets; rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry dies at age 90; and the action during the first weekend of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Stephanie Miller Announces ‘Sexy Liberal Resistance Tour’ 2017. Progressive radio talk show host and comedienne Stephanie Miller is announcing the 2017 version of her Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour – this year titled the “Sexy Liberal Resistance Tour 2017.” On this tour will be Miller, John Fugelsang and Frangela. A press statement from Miller reads, “Touring for several years as the Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour, the election forced us to rethink early retirement and return to the stage for a multiple-city tour. We face Washington and laugh out loud at the tragic comedy of politics, to throw our finest, most scathing satire at the feet of our not-so-elected politicians. To fight on with comedy…to offer the real fake news…to offer true alternative facts.” The tour does 10 dates this year beginning in Madison on April 22 and ending in Maui, Hawaii on December 23. Cities include Phoenix, Albuquerque, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
SRN’s Tradup Promoting Brantley Rescue Documentary. Next Thursday night (3/30) is the one-night-only
Fathom national movie theater screening of the film Facing Darkness. The film was the result of a trip to the Ebola virus “hot Zone” in Liberia last summer during which Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup (pictured at right) accompanied a film crew from non-profit charity Samaritan’s Purse to chronicle the successful, high-tech rescue of Dr. Kent Brantley during the deadly 2014 outbreak. Tradup, who is actively promoting the film via social media, says, “The courage of the Samairtan’s Purse team (including Dr. Brantley) who risked their own lives as the Ebola outbreak claimed thousands of lives all around them, is a truly inspirational story that is the centerpiece of a stunning documentary.”
TALKERS magazine Publishes the 2017 Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk. On Monday, March 13, we published the fifth annual TALKERS Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk – formally known as the 100 Most Important Sports Talk Radio Hosts in America. This annual list is compiled and ranked by the editors of TALKERS magazine – with input from industry leaders. As with our publication’s “sister list,” the 100 Most Important Talk Radio Hosts in America, the criteria are a number of hard factors – including ratings and revenue – as well as such soft factors as talent, recognition, impact, service and more. Executive editor Kevin Casey states, “This annual ranking of the most important sports talk radio hosts is one of the most difficult – but enjoyable – projects we undertake at TALKERS. The reason for that is the partially subjective nature of the criteria combined with the enormous number of talented and successful sports talk hosts working in America. Paring that pool of talent down to 100 is no easy task!” Casey also notes that TALKERS will be publishing the 2017 Heavy Hundred of News/Talk Radio in April. See the 2017 Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Beginning this Friday (3/24), Entercom Austin is shifting its urban adult contemporary contemporary outlet to a new frequency as it changes translator K242CC from the 96.3 frequency to 95.9. Appropriately, the station’s
new brand is “95.9FM RnB.” Entercom Austin VP/market manager Stephanie Callihan states, “We are looking forward to welcoming all of our loyal listeners at our new home on the dial. We continue to be committed to providing the unparalleled radio experience that our fans have come to expect from us and will keep delivering for our fans at our new frequency.”…..Bonneville’s country KYGO, Denver welcomes Guy David aboard as the new co-host of the morning drive show with current AM personality Tracy Dixon. David heads to Denver from his current position at RBH Enterprises-owned country WFON-FM, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin “107.1 The Bull.”…..Wesley Miller returns to his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio to program adult contemporary WMXY “MIX 98.9” and CHR WAKZ for iHeartMedia. Miller was most recently with Forever Media’s WGYY, Meadville, Pennsylvania “Froggy 100.3” hosting the morning show and serving as program director…..CBS RADIO country outlet WDSY, Pittsburgh “Y108” is hosting its annual Wine & Boots Bash to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Thursday, April 13 at The Twentieth Century Club in Oakland. The event will feature Warner Music Nashville country singer and songwriter Michael Ray. CBS RADIO Pittsburgh VP of programming Mark Anderson says, “Michael Ray was a part of Y108’s ‘Eight Man Jam’ concert two years ago. Michael’s career is on fire as he just achieved his second #1 hit single and we are thrilled to have him perform at Y108’s Wine and Boots Bash on April 13.” Ray broke into music as a contestant on The CW’s “The Next: Fame Is At Your Doorstep.” He co-wrote the 2015 Big & Rich hit “Run Away With You” and made his solo artist debut that same year with the #1 hit “Kiss You In The Morning.” He scored his second #1 hit just this week with his song, “Think A Little Less.”
Josh Turner Plays Stage 17 LIVE. The brand-new Cumulus Media New York performance space Stage 17 LIVE hosted country star Josh Turner on March 15. WNSH “NASH FM 94.7” air personality Jesse Addy spoke with Turner on the air the same day Turner spent his morning hosting the fourth hour of NBC TV’s “Today Show.” Pictured here are (from l-r): Jesse Addy, Josh Turner; WNSH program director John Foxx, and WNSH APD Mike Alan.
As Seen & Herd on FOX
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Aside from an admittedly significant asterisk, the Boston Red Sox from 1939 to 1988 (and about one-third of 1989) utilized just three leftfielders – Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and Jim Rice. The fine print, of course, would exclude several years of Williams’ military service in both the second World War and the Korean War.
Trades have always been omnipresent in sports with the biggest superstars not exempt. Consider
the long-circulated rumor, for instance, that the Red Sox and Yankees contemplated a Ted Williams-Joe DiMaggio deal. Years earlier, the two rival organizations were involved with the historic transaction that moved the contract of “The Bambino” himself, Babe Ruth, from Beantown.
Owing to free agency though, it is increasingly rare to see ballplayers such as “The Splendid Splinter” Williams, “Yaz,” and Rice (all Hall of Famers) spend their entire career with the same team.
On the flipside, broadcasting is notorious for having talent bounce around from place to place with non-compete clauses, if applicable, the lone – albeit temporary – barrier.
With several more fulltime national sports radio networks on the scene, we have recently witnessed monumental free agent shifts on that level, including Jim Rome and Dan Patrick exiting ESPN to CBS Sports Radio and FOX Sports Radio, respectively.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Report: ESPN to Break Up ‘Mike & Mike.’ According to a report in SI.com by Richard Deitsch – and picked up by numerous other news outlets – ESPN is moving ahead with plans to move Mike Greenberg from the ESPN Radio morning show he’s co-hosted with Mike Golic since 1998 and place him at the helm of the new morning
show on cable TV’s ESPN. If true, what the sports giant does with the longtime – and reportedly revenue-producing – morning show includes a couple of options. Deitsch’s piece speculates that the odds-on candidate to move to mornings is current ESPN personality Trey Wingo. He could partner with Golic or – if Golic is not retained – head up a new morning show. Golic’s son, Mike Golic Jr., is a staffer with ESPN and it’s being reported that Golic Jr. could join a re-tooled version of the morning program. Deitsch reports that it’s not known when these moves will happen but his sources say the changes will happen sooner rather than later. Read the SI.com piece here.
WYM Media to Syndicate Devil’s Advocates Radio. The Devil’s Advocates Radio Show – co-hosted by Dominic Salvia and Mike Crute formerly aired on iHeartRadio’s progressive talk WXXM, Madison “Mic 92.1”
prior to the station’s format flip late last year. Now, the issues talk show is going into national syndication via WYM Media with distribution by Westwood One. WYM says the show is launching on 16 affiliates in the Northeastern, Midwest, West, and Southwestern, as well as on the Armed Forces Radio Network. It airs live from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. WYM adds, “The Devil’s will take their show back on the road, broadcasting events and protests from Donald Trump’s Inauguration week in Washington D.C. January 18-20. Additionally, the Devil’s will provide an anchored livestream from the Women’s March on Washington, on Saturday January 21.” The Devil’s Advocates is an independent production of DC Communication, LLC, based in Wisconsin.
Four New Shows to Launch on ‘Forbes on PodcastOne.’ Building on the recent partnership with the Norm Pattiz-founded digital platform PodcastOne, Forbes Media is preparing to debut four new podcasts on the “Forbes on PodcastOne” network. The new shows are: “The Forbes Interview,” “Forbes Under 30,” “Forbes Lists” 
and “Forbes Sports Money,” and will launch this month and next. Forbes Media chief product officer Lewis D’Vorkin says, “Our focus this year is about taking Forbes content off domain and monetizing those experiences. Podcasts represent yet another avenue for us to diversify our revenue streams.” PodcastOne executive chairman Norm Pattiz says, “Forbes’ initial conversation podcast will feature Adam Carolla, the most downloaded podcaster of all time, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Adam will discuss his own personal journey, the building of Carolla Digital, and a lot of other extremely interesting things from questions put forth by ‘The Forbes Interview’ podcast host, Steve Bertoni. Future shows will include leaders from business, technology, entertainment and sports – the kinds of people that you would likely see on the cover of Forbes. We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership.”
Ryan Wrecker Exits WOWO, Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne’s Federated Media makes changes in the management structure at heritage news/talk WOWO and program director Ryan Wrecker exits after more than four years at the programming helm. During his time at WOWO, Wrecker was instrumental in creating the station’s podcast platform. WOWO won a Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters in 2014.
Trump Press Conference Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 9-13, 2017. President-Elect Donald Trump’s first press conference after winning the November election was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 was the allegations of Russia’s hacking the DNC emails tied with the Trump ‘dossier’ purported to detail his bizarre sexual behavior while visiting Moscow. Coming in at #3 was the Trump cabinet nominee hearings, followed by the Justice Department’s announcement it would investigate its own and the FBI’s handling of the Hillary Clinton email server matter 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. View this week’s entire chart here