Tag: "Fox Sports"
Sports Radio and the Coronavirus Pandemic – Now What?
By Andy Bloom
Andy Bloom Communications
President
MINNEAPOLIS — In the days leading up to MLB’s Opening Day, I advised sports radio clients regarding ideas to keep listeners interested in their stations and teams while live sports remains on hiatus due to the coronavirus.
The ideas require franchises and leagues to work with local broadcast rights holders. I didn’t have contact with any of the teams or leagues. I thought, however, it would be logical for these organizations and their local broadcast partners to help keep their brands pertinent during the pandemic. A Wall Street Journal article I read convinced me the teams and leagues will listen to the idea.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
‘Brock & Salk’ to Leave KIRO-AM, Seattle Airwaves for Podcast. Due to expanding duties in their other roles, KIRO-AM, Seattle “710 ESPN” personalities Brock Huard and Mike Salk are ending their daily 7:00 am to 10:00 am talk show and will instead do a podcast. The two have been together on the air for more than a decade. Salk was recently promoted to director of programming, increasing his programming responsibilities at Bonneville Seattle, and Huard – a college football analyst – joined FOX Sports earlier this year. The “Brock & Salk” show will wrap on September 27 and the podcast will launch on October 2. The station has not said how it plans to fill the programming vacancy.
KGMZ-FM, San Francisco Officially Debuts ‘Damon, Ratto & Kolsky’ Show. Although former San Francisco Chronicle and NBC Sports Bay Area columnist Ray Ratto and San Francisco Examiner columnist Matt Kolsky have been on the KGMZ-FM, San Francisco air with Damon Bruce for a couple of months now, the Entercom station announces that the two have officially joined the show and it’s now the “Damon, Ratto & Kolsky” program. “95.7 The Game” says that Ratto recently agreed to a multi-year deal with the station. The program airs from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Salem Reduces Board Members to Cut Expenses. Four of the Salem Media Group, Inc. board members – James Keet Lewis, Jonathan Venverloh, Stuart W. Epperson Jr., and Edward C. Atsinger – have resigned from the company’s board of directors. Salem CEO Edward G. Atsinger III says in a statement, “The board members’ decisions to resign were not the result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies, or practices. During the last few years, Salem has faced several unique financial headwinds and we are looking for ways to cut costs while not impacting revenue. These resigning board members agreed that a reduction in board fees and travel costs would help improve the bottom line. I am grateful for the service of Messrs. Lewis, Venverloh, Epperson Jr. and Atsinger. Their years of service on the board contributed significantly to the impact Salem is making.” The Salem board now consists of: Edward G. Atsinger III, Stuart Epperson, Eric Halvorson, Rich Riddle, and Heather Grizzle.
TALKERS News Notes. Central New Jersey news/talk WCTC-AM “News Talk Radio 1450” is adding Compass Media Networks syndicated “This Morning – America’s First News with Gordon Deal” in the 5:00 am to 9:00 am daypart, effective September 23. The Beasley Media Group station makes the move two months after former morning personality Bert Baron left the station to take the public information officer position with New Brunswick’s mayor’s office. Alan David Stein has been hosting the program in the interim. The station says Jennifer Kushinka, the current morning drive news anchor, will provide the latest breaking national headlines during the show and WCTC news anchor Racquel Williams will provide local updates at the top and bottom of the hour “for a seamless blend of local and national news, along with sports traffic and weather.”…..Bay Area radio personality Victor Zaragoza – most recently afternoon host at Entercom’s rhythmic oldies KRBQ “Q102.1” – is now serving with the company as a sports anchor and traffic
reporter for all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM, San Francisco…..Pictured here is FOX News contributor Tomi Lahren (left) with relationship expert Jennifer Styers (right) after recording Styers’ “LoveAbility” podcast. The two talked not politics, but “boundaries, putting up walls, confidence, and looking for love.” Lahren also gives her own raw and real relationship advice for women. Styers says, “The ‘LoveAbility’ podcast is all about having the conversations around dating, relationships and love. Tomi’s love story is a sweet one AND it is also full of the same challenges that each one of us face every day in our own personal relationships.”…..Public media company KQED held a groundbreaking for the renovation of its San Francisco headquarters. KQED says the $91 million project “will transform KQED’s headquarters to accommodate the station’s significant staff growth over the past decade and the expansive nature of the services it provides audiences today. It will also create brand new onsite spaces for in-person events, programs. and convening.” Over the past 25 years, KQED has grown from 200 to nearly 500 employees.
Westwood One Uses LeadsRx for Attribution Measurement. Syndication and sales company Westwood One is using LeadsRx for its attribution measurement. LeadsRx’s attribution software provides a comprehensive, quantitative analysis of how audio advertising drives advertiser search and site traffic. LeadsRx’s platform also depicts business outcomes such as sales of products, form completions, in-bound phone calls, and more. Cumulus Media EVP of corporate marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “The LeadsRx platform gives Westwood One industry-leading marketing measurement capabilities that greatly benefit advertisers with comprehensive, digital-like attribution analytics.”
2020 Presidential Race, Lewandowski Testimony, Saudi Oil Attack, NYTimes Kavanaugh Story, Israeli Elections, GM Strike, Cokie Roberts Passes, and Imelda Threatens Houston Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/17). The Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee; the attack on a Saudi oil installation and allegations Iran is responsible; the controversy over the New York Times Brett Kavanaugh story; the Israeli elections and the fate of Benjamin Netanyahu; the UAW’s strike against General Motors; journalist Cokie Roberts dies after a battle with breast cancer; and Tropical Storm Imelda threatens Houston with severe flooding were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Air personality and programming pro Alex Mac moves from iHeartMedia’s “ALT 106.3” in Des Moines where he was afternoon jock and APD to Raleigh to serve as APD and afternoon drive host at CHR WDCG, Raleigh “G105,” effective
October 1. iHeartMedia Virginia-Carolina Region SVP of programming AJ says, “Alex’s passion for music and entertainment is like no other. I look forward to him joining the team and I am thrilled about what he will bring to the Raleigh community as we build the next chapter of ‘G105.’”…..Public radio
triple A WXPN, Philadelphia announces that it has named Raina Douris host of the nationally syndicated “World Café” program. Douris was most recently host and writer for the daily, national morning program “Mornings” from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Douris has also served as guest host and interviewer for various CBC Music and CBC Radio programs. She succeeds Talia Schlanger who announced earlier this year she is leaving the program to pursue new creative endeavors…..iHeartMedia names
Brent Johnson general sales manager for four of its music-formatted stations in the Louisville cluster: country WAMZ, hot AC WLGX “100.5 KISS FM,” hip hop WTFX “Real 93.1,” and CHR WNRW “98.9 Radio Now.” iHeartMedia Kentucky-Indiana SVP of sales Kristy Beebe says, “We are proud to have Brent on our iHeartMedia Louisville team. Our team is highly impressed by Brent’s previous digital experience. His familiarity of the Louisville market will contribute greatly to the success of this team.”…..Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley (left) is pictured below with Big Machine Label Group founder, president and CEO Scott Borchetta (right). Borchetta joined Beasley for her podcast, “Beyond the Business.” On it, the two discussed the transformation taking place at BMLG, as well as Borchetta’s thoughts on how the music industry is evolving to meet the needs of today’s consumers.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
‘The Groz’ to Retire from KIRO-AM, Seattle Midday Show. One-third of the “Bob, Groz and Tom” show on Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 ESPN Seattle” is retiring from the program, effective September 20. Dave “The Groz” Grosby announces that due largely to health-related issues, he feels compelled to step down from his position on the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm program. In a message to listeners on the station’s website, he says, “This past year I simply have not been able to answer the bell enough as it were and missed far too many days of work, and it has been unfair to my co-hosts and to the radio station. Though my health has improved over the
past month I cannot be sure it won’t be an issue again.” Groz says that he will continue to co-anchor the daily, 11:45 am segment with John Clayton and will also do some fill-ins and occasionally appear as a guest. He adds, “I am also going to be exploring the online world and look forward to being a regular presence in a yet-to-be-determined role on 710Sports.com. I have been lucky to be a part of the start of two great sports radio stations in Seattle over the past 29 years, but the best part of the job for me has been meeting and having fun with listeners over the years. I love you guys.”
‘Big Al’ Williams Officially Named PM Drive Co-Host on KOA, Denver. Shortly after Alfred “Big Al” Williams left Bonneville’s crosstown sports talk KKFN, Denver “104.3 The Fan” in March of this year, it was announced that he would join iHeartMedia after sitting out his non-compete. Now, iHeartMedia announces that Big Al will work with co-host JoJo Turnbeaugh on KOA’s 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm show. iHM Denver president Tim Hager says, “There’s no bigger voice and no bigger laugh in afternoon radio than Alfred Williams. We are honored to welcome Big Al and his legions of fans to KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM. Big Al joins an expanded live and local lineup that truly embodies KOA’s new slogan, ‘The Voice of Colorado.’”
New Affiliate Stations Add Erick Erickson’s WGAU, Athens-based Show. The new late morning talk radio show hosted by Georgia media personality Erick Erickson is adding new affiliate stations, two weeks after its debut on flagship WGAU, Athens. The program is designed to address Georgia news and politics in a way that Erickson can’t on his afternoon drive WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. Cox Media Group owns both WSB and WGAU. New Georgia stations include: WCHM, Clarkesville; WRGA, Rome; WBLJ, Dalton; and WYYZ, Jasper. The show is distributed by the Georgia News Network. See erickericksonshow.com for more.
TALKERS News Notes. Detroit radio personality and comic Coco is joining talk WFDF “910AM Superstation” to host the daily 7:00 am to 9:00 am program. Coco was most recently co-hosting mornings with John Mason on Radio One’s urban AC WDMK, Detroit “105.9 Kiss.” Prior to that she served with WJBL, Detroit for 17 years. Coco takes over the time slot formerly occupied by the Noah Finley show…..FOX Sports enters into a deal with Skyview Networks to bring USC football and men’s basketball to a broader audience. USC games are heard locally on KABC-AM, Los Angeles. Skyview’s Matt Stys says, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to partner again with the iconic collegiate rights holder, FOX Sports. Skyview Networks is known for delivering sports play-by-play to the hometown fan and the strong Trojan following across the US makes us the ideal partner for the USC growth initiative. This is an exciting time for USC play-by-play audio and we are proud to be a part it.”…..Entercom and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors announce a multi-year extension for sports talk KGMZ-FM “95.7 The Game” to serve as flagship station for the team’s radio broadcasts. Entercom San Francisco SVP and market manager Greg Nemitz says, “The Warriors are the premiere franchise in this market and have emerged as one of the elite sports brands worldwide. As the team embarks on a new era at Chase Center, we’re proud and excited to continue bringing our listeners exclusive, unparalleled coverage of the team both on and off the court.”…..SiriusXM is launching a new weekly show on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel dedicated to the Cleveland Browns that will cover the present day team as well as the storied history of the franchise. “Dawg Pound Radio” will debut September 4 (airing each Wednesday at 7:00 pm ET) co-hosted by Browns legend Bernie Kosar and longtime Browns radio broadcaster Jim Donovan…..Motor Racing Network is partnering with Spire Motorsports as the sponsor of the No. 77 Motor Racing Network Chevrolet Camaro ZL1,
driven by Reed Sorenson, for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Labor Day weekend. The livery (note the calls in this photo) will pay tribute to MRN’s 50 years as “The Voice of NASCAR” and celebrate 11 radio stations who have carried and supported NASCAR racing since the network’s inception. MRN director of radio partnerships Cheryl Knight says, “Our radio partners are the original ambassadors of Motor Racing Network and this sport. Every one of our 600 stations have played a significant role in MRN’s growth and success. Having 11 stations air our broadcasts consistently since 1970 is remarkable and we are proud to honor them this weekend by placing their call letters on the No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet.”
2020 Presidential Race, U.S.-China Trade War, Recession Fears, U.S.-Iran Talks, Prince Andrew Allegations, Johnson’s Brexit Ploy, Dorian on Track to Hit Florida Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/27). The Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in 2020; the battle of tariffs between the U.S. and China; the rise in mortgage foreclosures and concerns about a recession; Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says sanctions must be lifted before meeting with President Trump; alleged Jeffrey Epstein victims intensify allegations against Prince Andrew; Prime Minister Boris Johnson asks Queen Elizabeth to shut down Parliament in bold Brexit move; and Tropical Storm Dorian’s possible track toward Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
RAB Visits Scranton, PA. In what turned out to be an exciting “homecoming” of sorts, Radio Advertising Bureau VP/membership Dolores “Dee” Nolan paid a visit to the Scranton, PA headquarters of the legendary multi-media firm Times-Shamrock Communications where it all began for her in the late 1970s. Times-Shamrock Communications, established in 1895 by E.J. Lynett, is still locally owned and operated by the Lynett and Haggerty families. Enjoying a national reputation for excellence, the company has among its assets four daily newspapers, six weekly newspapers, and nine radio stations most of which are located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Nolan was an intern at the company’s WEJL-AM and WEZX-FM during her last semester as a student at Marywood University. Upon graduation, she began her illustrious career in broadcasting as traffic manager and continuity director for the stations and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. Today, she is a key contributor to the RAB team’s herculean efforts under the superb leadership of its president/CEO Erica Farber to support the radio industry’s generation of advertising and marketing revenue during the medium’s challenging transition from the analog era to the 21st century digital era. Nolan (l) is pictured with Times-Shamrock market manager Terry Deitz (r). To learn about RAB member benefits, please click here.
Wisconsin Radio Station Using JVC Video System for Sports Broadcasts. It is getting easier and less expensive to present quality video and a great example of a station taking advantage of that is non-profit WGTD-FM, Kenosha, Wisconsin (pictured above). It’s using a JVC system to stream local high school sports via Facebook Live. Gateway Technical College owns the station and is using three GY‑HM250SP 4KCAM sports production streaming camcorders and a ProHD Studio 4000S sports production and streaming studio to produce coverage of the games. WGTD digital director and development specialist Troy McDonald says, “The cameras are absolutely incredible. They are lightweight and easy to use. The picture is so clear – people are impressed.” In an effort to find a new revenue stream, the station decided to explore new ways to find an audience by covering Kenosha and Walworth County high school football and basketball. With its classical, jazz, and news programming, the radio station attracts an older audience that creates a challenging sales environment. The station tested the idea using iPads as cameras that were wirelessly connected to a master iPad running iOS-based switcher software. The system relied on cellular service, so there were a lot of connectivity issues. McDonald says, “It was just not pretty. It’s a miracle we generated an audience to prove the concept.” The Studio 4000S allows for graphics for the score and player names, plus it produces slow-motion replays. McDonald adds, “It lets us have that feature that heightens the drama and keeps viewers engaged. The software is so easy to use. It’s made a huge difference for us.” WGTD covers one game per week during the regular season, plus playoffs. It a local high school with a communications program to coordinate paid student production crews. During the year, students also produce local commercials that run during breaks in the sports coverage. McDonald said the student crews gain valuable experience, while the local student athletes get recruiting footage that looks professional.
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 Jon Manley is named APD and music director for Cumulus Media’s alternative WKQX, Chicago. The Chicagoland native returns home from his most recent position with Entercom’s alt-rock KNDD, Seattle “107.7 The End.” Cumulus Chicago VP and market manager Marv Nyren comments,
“The beauty of ‘101 WKQX’ is that when a position becomes available, the talent lines up. Jon epitomizes the type of talent we were looking for. He’s smart, has an outstanding knowledge of music, and is a Chicago guy coming home who knows exactly what the audience wants. He’ll be a rock star on the air and an alt rock star working with [program director] Troy Hanson on the product.” Manley will also host the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight show…..In Denver, Max Media names Rick Thomas vice president of programming and operations in which he’ll lead rhythmic oldies KJHM “Jammin’ 101.5” and hip hop KFCO “Flo 107.1.” Thomas was most recently operations manager for Cox Media Group’s Tampa stations…..Riviera Broadcasting ups Ron “Geronimo” Price to program director for its hot AC stations KMVA, Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona and KZON-FM, Phoenix “Mix 96.9.”…..Pictured below is Dana Cortez, host of “The Dana Cortez Show,” and Déjà Vu, host of the “Déjà Vu Show,” along with listeners and others at the meet-and-greet atop the Empire Hotel in New York City. The event was the culmination of promotions by the two shows that included giving listeners the opportunity to see “Good Morning America” and hear Chance the Rapper at the “GMA Summer Concert Series.”
Friday, August 23, 2019
JVC Media Unveils New ‘Florida Man Radio’ Format. The new format on WDYZ-AM/W288CJ in the Orlando market (licensed to Altamonte Springs and Oviedo, respectively) will feature Shannon Burke and Bubba the Love Sponge, along with Scott Ledger and attorney Justin Clark. JVC Media says “Florida Man Radio” will formally launch in early September 2019 with a live press conference from the JVC Orlando studios hosted by the air staff. JVC Orlando director of programming Len Shackelford says, “This will be a personality-driven talk station focused on Central Florida. There will be NO topics off limits, including topics specifically about our on-air staff. Think sports, politics, pop culture… if you talk about it in your life or on social media, ‘Florida Man Radio 660 AM and 105.5 FM’ will talk about it.” The lineup will be Bubba in morning drive, “Scott Ledger’s Dangerous Conversation” in middays, Shannon Burke in afternoon drive, and attorney Justin Clark’s “You Have Power” from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. JVC CEO John Caracciolo adds, “This is exactly what radio needs right now – fresh, new, funny, and local – this is ‘Florida Man Radio.’ The vision of a locally based talk station that isn’t afraid to confront the big topics while not taking it too seriously, screams the mantra of JVC. We aren’t afraid to buck the norms – keeping live and local radio working for our clients and listeners, providing great results for clients, and continuing to invest in great programming. I’m thrilled for the future of our stations across the country.”
Bonneville Announces Management Restructuring and Promotions at Seattle Station Group. It was last Friday that Ryan Maguire exited his role as director of news and programming for news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle. Bonneville Seattle Media Group had been quiet about that change but now announces a number of management promotions and duty realignments that includes the elimination of Maguire’s old director of news and programming position. Four new directors have been named: Mike Salk rises from program director of sports KIRO-AM “710 ESPN” to director of programming, overseeing KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM “710 ESPN,” and news/talk KTTH-AM; Tina Sorensen is promoted from KIRO/KTTH sales manager to director of digital, managing
both content and revenue for the Bonneville Seattle digital properties; Cathy Cangiano is upped from “710 ESPN” sales manager to director of sales for KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM, KTTH-AM, and Seattle Mariners Radio; Alison Lichtbach is promoted from controller to director of finance, managing the business and operations departments. Current Bonneville Seattle managers whose duties are
expanding are: Bryan Buckalew as the KIRO-FM program director; Colleen O’Brien as the KIRO-FM managing editor leading the news department; and Ethan Kelly as sales manager for the KIRO/KTTH sales staff. Bonneville Seattle VP and market manager Dave Pridemore says, “These are proven leaders within our organization who are ready for their challenging assignments. They are innovative and prepared to provide guidance as we look to the future of our dynamic and far reaching audio and digital products. This new structure ensures our success in 2020 and beyond and elevates our daily focus on our digital business, which is imperative, as Bonneville Seattle is well positioned in this space to generate significant audience growth and to deliver solid ROI to our clients.”
iHeartMedia Launches New Philly Sports Talk Outlet. The company is flipping WDAS-AM/W273DO from adult hits to sports talk as “FOX Sports – The Gambler” available on 1480 AM, 102.5 FM, 105.3 HD2 and online via iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says, “The Gambler will feature FOX Sports’ compelling and entertaining brand of sports talk programming including ‘The Herd with Colin Cowherd,’ ‘The Dan Patrick Show,’ ‘Outkick the Coverage with Clay Travis,’ ‘Straight Outta Vegas with RJ Bell,’ and others, as well as ‘The Daily Ticket’ hosted by Sean Brace, owner of phillyinfluencer.com, a well-known local sports website. iHeartMedia Philly SVP of sales Jeff Moore adds, “Whether you’re heading to Atlantic City or one of our four local sports books, we’ll have what you need to keep you informed. It’ll be a great mix of national sports talk icons with the local edge to inform and entertain the gambling audience in a groundbreaking way.”
Satire, Parody and Perspective in the Age of Political Correctness. The co-founder and head writer of The Capitol Steps, the long-running Washington, DC-based political comedy troupe, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Elaina Newport joins the TALKERS founder in a provocative discussion about the changing nature of
satire, parody, and the expression of political perspective in the current age of hyper-political correctness. The Capitol Steps, formed in 1981 by a group of newly unemployed senate staffers whose bosses had lost re-election, is a non-partisan equal opportunity offender. 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.
Talk Show Host Wayne Allyn Root Referenced in Four Presidential Tweets. Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root played a role in the week’s national conversation when his statement that President Trump “is the best president for Israel in the history of the world. And the Jewish people love him like he is the King of Israel. They love him like he is the second coming of God. And then in America, American Jews don’t like him” was Tweeted by the president. This was related to the larger story about the president’s “disloyalty” comment about Jews who vote Democrat. Root’s talk program is syndicated by USA Radio Network and simulcast on Newsmax TV and he became an important facet of the viral story. In another Tweet, Trump shared a segment of Root’s program. Root says of all the attention focused on him, “That was a 24-hours for the record books!”
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour experimental 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 on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC at approximately 4:00 pm ET today (8/23). The new episode titled, “The China Syndrome!” looks back at this past week of August 19-23, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Dr. Dana Cheng, senior editor China news, The Epoch Times; Phil Valentine, talk show host, WWTN, Nashville; Gerald Celente, publisher, Trends Journal; Darlene Love, legendary singer/inductee Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; and Victoria Jones, executive director, the DC Radio Company. 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 point for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio Podcast Network. 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.
TALKERS News Notes. A new podcast hosted by longtime ESPN commentator and award-winning sports columnist Woody Paige is debuting on PodcastOne. “The Woody Paige Podcast” features the sports media personality, known for his trademarked “Around the Horn” chalkboard, as he welcomes sports and entertainment legends for in-depth and news-making conversations. The premiere episode spotlights ESPN’s Adam Schefter and EA Sports designer Clint
Oldenburg…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that radio personality Kathy Hart – formerly of the “Eric & Kathy” morning show (with Eric Ferguson) on Hubbard Radio’s hot AC WTMX – is re-locating to Bozeman, Montana for personal and family reasons. Hart left WTMX in 2017 and has been doing fill-in talk host work for Tribune Media’s news/talk WGN-AM. She says she’s open to working in radio in Montana but has nothing lined up…..SiriusXM is presenting 77 live college football games over the period of August 24 through September 2 as the 2019 season begins. The opening week schedule features games with every team from the Associated Press Top 25 poll, including #1 Clemson vs. Georgia Tech, #2 Alabama vs. Duke, #3 Georgia vs. Vanderbilt, and the season’s first Top 25 matchup: #11 Oregon vs. #16 Auburn.
U.S.-China Trade War Top News/Talk Story for Week of August 19-23. The ongoing tariff battle was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Hong Kong Protests. Coming in at #3 were the fears of a recession, followed by the 2020 presidential race at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top 10 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.
The Best of Beasley. Pictured above are the 2019 winners of Beasley Media Group’s “Outstanding Achievement Awards.” The presentations were made during a special dinner that took place at the company’s annual management meeting at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia on Wednesday (8/21). From l-r are: BMG Philadelphia chief engineer Keith Smeal (Technology Award winner), BMG Philadelphia director of sales Paul Blake (DOS of the Year), BMG spoken word brand manager & WBZ-FM program director Mike Thomas (Program Director of the Year), BMG Boston VP/market manager Mary Menna (Market Manager of the Year), BMG CEO Caroline Beasley, BMG COO/EVP Brian Beasley, BMG president Bruce Beasley, BMG New Jersey RVP/market manager Dan Finn, BMG Tampa VP/market manager Steve Triplett, BMG Philadelphia VP/market manager Joe Bell, and WMMR-FM/WMGK-FM program director & BMG rock format brand manager Bill Weston. Photo: Chorus Photography
Cool News/On-Air Opportunity. NRG Media – Lincoln is looking for a news anchor/reporter who can double as morning co-host for Lincoln’s #1 news/talk station. KLIN says, “This is your chance to inform and entertain during morning drive in Nebraska’s Capital City and Home of the Cornhuskers! The show is loaded with personality, and we talk about today’s issues in a fun and entertaining environment. If you are energetic, love radio, are passionate about local news, know how to enterprise, can connect with the community, are able to create compelling & award-winning content, we want to talk with you! You will share the mic with a talented group of professionals who all love radio and each of its digital platforms. We want someone who wants to be part of our amazing morning show, knows news and who can interact with our hosts and listeners. Your daily work will include preparing, producing and editing news, delivering that news on-air, and posting it online, as well as general reporting duties and reporting live from the field as needed. In addition, you will co-host KLIN’s popular morning drive program. The ideal candidate will have a degree from a four-year institution and at least one year of radio and/or other relevant media experience or and equivalent combination of education and experience. If you have excellent announcing and production skills, excellent computer skills using Office products, Adobe Audition and WordPress, and radio systems like NexGen Digital Broadcast, send us your resume! NRG Media is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.”
PPM Analysis: Adult Hits. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian turns his eye to the music radio world in this analysis of the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 PPM survey. Just over half of the adult hits stations on our panel see their weekly, 6+ AQH share rise (52%), while 43% dip and 5% remain the same, compared to their numbers in the June 2019 survey. Comparing July 2018 to July 2019, although 55% of the stations on our panel are down, winners include KBPA, Austin (+1.7); KJAQ, Seattle (+1.6); WLKO, Charlotte (+1.4); and WRRK, Pittsburgh (+1.3). KBPA, Austin “103.5 Bob FM” was the only adult hits station to rank #1 (6+) in its respective market in July. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new morning drive show is launching on Cumulus Media’s CHR WHTS, Grand Rapids “105.3 HOT FM.” “The Gray and Green Show” – starring Rachael Gray and Jackie Green (pictured here) debuts on Monday
(8/26). Cumulus calls it “the first and only morning radio show in West Michigan presented by two female hosts.” Gray has been hosting the morning show on WHTS for the past seven years. Green joins her from the station’s afternoon drive program. Green previously served with crosstown alternative WGRD-FM and as a feature reporter for WXMI-TV “FOX 17.” WHTS program director Lori Bennett comments, “We are so excited to present this one-of-a-kind show to the West Michigan audience! Rachael and Jackie are two of the most dynamic personalities I’ve ever worked with and their emotional connection as part of the West Michigan community is unmatched. Sure, they’re about ‘girl power,’ but actually, it’s ‘people power.’”…..Beasley Media Group’s country WKLB, Boston “Country 102.5” announces that actor and musician Kiefer Sutherland will serve as the official celebrity host of the eleventh “Country 102.5 Street Party” featuring headliner Maren Morris with performances by Mitchell Tenpenny, Lindsay Ell, Ryan Hurd, Matt Stell, and Jordan Davis. WKLB brand manager David Corey states, “This is our best lineup to date. Maren is one of the hottest acts in the country format and beyond! It’s a privilege to have her headline the show!”…..iHeartMedia names Jerry Houston
program director for iHeartRadio’s “PRIDE Radio, the Pulse of LGBTQ America,” effective October 1. iHeartMedia Northern California Region SVP and PRIDE Radio general manager Don Parker says, “Jerry has been an integral part of PRIDE Radio for many years as our assistant program director and I’m thrilled to elevate him to program director of this important brand. With his dedicated focus on the PRIDE brand, we have the opportunity to grow this well-established network further, expanding our LBGTQ+ offerings with podcasting, community events and meaningful partnerships.”…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is offering two exclusive pop and rock Labor Day Weekend music specials hosted by singer/actress Sabrina Carpenter and Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd. “Last Big Weekend of Summer,” hosted by Carpenter, is a four-hour CHR special. “Last Official Weekend of Summer,” hosted by Boyd, is a four-hour rock special that looks back at the big summer festivals and provides a preview of upcoming fall concert tours. Both are designed to air from Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2.