Tag: "Ike reese"
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
It’s Official! Carlin, Scott & Gray to Replace Francesa; Giannotti Takes Over Carton Role Beside Boomer at WFAN. Yesterday’s widely reported news about the
new WFAN, New York afternoon program turns out to be true and it’s now official as the station announces programming changes to its morning and afternoon dayparts. First, it will be Chris Carlin (recently of WIP, 
Philadelphia – see story below), former New York Jets player and WEPN, New York personality Bart Scott, and SI.com and CBS Sports Radio staffer Maggie Gray taking over for NYC sports talk legend Mike Francesa. That show is being called, “The Afternoon Drive with Carlin, Bart and Maggie.” Also, Gregg Giannotti has been co
-hosting the “Gio and Jones” show with Brian Jones on the CBS Sports Radio Network – and he’s also been filling in on the WFAN morning show this fall. Now, he moves into the permanent morning co-host seat with 
Boomer Esiason for the “Boomer & Gio” program. Both changes officially take effect on January 2, 2018. Francesa is leaving WFAN at the end of his contract on December 15. Craig Carton resigned from his position on the “Boomer & Carton” show after being indicted on federal fraud charges. VP of programming, WFAN and CBS RADIO New York Mark Chernoff says, “With the addition of Gregg to the WFAN morning show alongside Boomer, and with Chris, Bart and Maggie joining us in the afternoon, we’ve assembled a stellar lineup that we’re proud to showcase on WFAN. New York sports fans are about to be entertained, challenged and engaged like never before.”
WIP, Philadelphia Names Jon Marks New PM Drive Co-Host; Giglio Takes Over Evenings. With the now-official move of Chris Carlin from WIP, Philadelphia to WFAN, New
York to take over for Mike Francesa in place, Philly sports talker WIP names current evening host Jon Marks (right) new co-host of the afternoon drive show alongside incumbent personality Ike Reese (left). The 
open evening slot is being filled by Joe Giglio (he’ll also anchor weekday Phillies pre- and post-game shows). WIP program director Spike Eskin states, “We’re lucky to have Jon Marks here and moving into afternoons on WIP. He’s honed his craft and worked for this for a long time and we’re excited to have him team with Ike and take us into the future. He’s the real deal. Having Joe Giglio in evenings gives us a guy who is smart, informed, funny and has a fantastic work ethic. I’m glad we can finally give Joe the chance he deserves to shine on a nightly basis.”
Mancow Sues New Boss at WLUP-FM, Chicago. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder here, Mancow Muller has filed suit against Marv Nyren, his new
boss at Cumulus Media’s classic rock WLUP-FM. Muller sued Nyren a decade ago, a year after Nyren fired him from the morning show position at then-Emmis’ WKQX. Muller alleged a pattern of “malicious acts” on the part of Nyren toward him. That suit reportedly ended in an undisclosed settlement. Now, Mancow’s lawyer says this action is to “prevent the pattern of retaliation that has occurred in the past from continuing in the future…Mancow is extremely pleased with his position at Cumulus, he feels the show is as good as it’s ever been, and he just loves his job. Then this [Nyren’s hiring] happened.” Muller assumed the WLUP-FM morning show in 2015. He’d been syndicated as a talk show host for years via TRN-FM.
Premiere Networks and Glenn Beck’s Mercury Radio Arts Renew. This is the 15th year of national syndication for the Glenn Beck program and syndicator Premiere Networks and Beck’s Mercury Radio Arts are today announcing the renewal of their
syndication and ad sales deal. Premiere says Beck’s radio show “has experienced year-over-year audience gains in markets including: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Denver, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Columbus, Norfolk and Memphis in the key demo of Adults 25-
54. (Source: Nielsen Audio, PPM, OCT’17 vs. OCT’16, Exact Times, AQH, A25-54).” As part of the deal, Premiere and Mercury have renewed their longstanding digital partnership in which Premiere provides ad sales representation for the fan portal GlennBeck.com, the daily Glenn Beck Newsletter, as well as the Glenn Beck program podcast and stream. Beck says, “Premiere remains the gold standard in the industry. We’ve now been working together for 15 years, and I couldn’t be happier to extend and renew our relationship. These are increasingly chaotic times. I’ve never been more excited to help the audience cut through the noise by focusing on the things that matter most.”
WPGG, Atlantic City’s Harry Hurley Named to InsiderNJ 100 Power List. The New Jersey political publication InsiderNJ has just released its “InsiderNJ 100 Power” list, in which it ranks “the most muscular players in New Jersey politics across a broad
spectrum of industries and disciplines.” Among media people on the list, WPG, Atlantic City morning drive personality Harry Hurley is ranked #56 this year. His entry says, “The conservative WPG talk radio show host loves politics and outshines most hosts with his uncanny ability to break news himself – not just opine on what other reporters write about first. He remains very influential in South Jersey political circles and is right now at the top of his game. He broke one of the bigger stories of the year when he reported on the 2018 retirement of U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2).”
ObamaCare Repeal-Tax Reform Plan, Roy Moore Allegations, Sessions Russia Testimony, Deadly NoCal Shooting, Clinton-Uranium One Case, North Korea Nuclear Program, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/14). The GOP move to tie the elimination of the individual mandate with its tax reform plan; Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore’s fight against charges of pursuing minor girls in the past; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ testimony before the House Judiciary Committee regarding the Trump campaign’s Russian connections; the Tuesday shooting in Northern California that took the lives of four; questions about Hillary Clinton’s role in the Uranium One deal; North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and the rhetoric between President Trump and Kim Jong Un; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Caroline Beasley Honored at Women Who Lead Luncheon. Among those recognized at Tuesday’s “2017 Women Who Lead Luncheon” presented by the Alliance for Women in Media was Beasley Media Group chief executive officer Caroline Beasley. She says, “I am humbled to be recognized by AWM with this distinguished honor. It is a privilege to work with all of the outstanding women who lead on a daily basis at Beasley Media Group. I am proud to be on THEIR team.” Pictured above are Beasley (left) and Christal Radio president and AWM chair-elect Christine Travaglini.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Lisa Worden leaves CBS RADIO’s alternative KROQ, Los Angeles to join iHeartMedia in LA to serve as vice president of programming for KYSR “ALT
98.7” and as alternative rock brand manager for the company’s national programming group. iHeartMedia says that Worden “will work alongside Mike Kaplan, who will continue to serve as program director at ‘Alt 98.7,’ where under his leadership, the station has set new record ratings performances.” iHM chief programming officer Tom Poleman states, “Lisa is widely regarded as an outstanding leader in the alternative rock world. Her relationships are fantastic. She’ll play a key role in helping artists maximize iHeartMedia’s unmatched alternative footprint.”…..Alpha Media announces that KLGR, Redwood Falls, Minnesota is flipping formats from hot AC to adult hits with the JACK FM format. Alpha Media VP of content Ronnie Stanton commented on the announcement, “What a thrill to bring the iconic, fun and winning JACK FM brand to Redwood Falls. Great radio has a name, and its name is Jack!”
Thursday, November 3, 2016
It’s Official: WIP, Philadelphia Announces Chris Carlin and Ike Reese Afternoon Show. As has been rumored for more than a week, CBS RADIO is bringing former WFAN, New York personality and “Mike and the Mad Dog” producer Chris Carlin aboard to co-host the afternoon show with longtime station personality (and former
Eagles star) Ike Reese. Carlin has been working for SportsNet New York hosting the “Loud Mouths” show and as voice of Rutgers football broadcasts. He also handled sports updates on WFAN’s “Imus in the 
Morning” program for a while. Carlin and Reese will broadcast the new program weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm beginning Monday (11/7). CBS RADIO Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Chris Carlin understands the passion that major East Coast cities have for their sports teams. It’s easy to be excited to add a seasoned talker who has hosted great shows. I know he’ll fit right in at WIP. Ike Reese has spent the last nine years developing a deep relationship with Philadelphia sports fans. He’s passionate. He’s opinionated. He’s beloved. We’re thrilled that he’ll be playing an even bigger role at the radio station.” Carlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to come to Philadelphia. When the opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer. The passion of the Philly fans is legendary and that’s what I’m hoping to feed off. Ike’s been a part of it for a long time and he’s got his finger on the pulse of the city. I know I’ve worked in New York for most of my career, but to co-host in afternoon drive on one of the cornerstone stations of radio in Philadelphia is something I could never have imagined.”
Ramsey’s Smart Money Event Sells Out in Grand Rapids. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar and best-selling author Dave Ramsey sold out his Smart Money event in Grand Rapids last night (11/2) at DeVos Performance Hall. Ramsey combined forces with local affiliate News Radio WOOD to promote the event. iHeartMedia local market manager Tim Feagan says, “We are so pleased to have Dave Ramsey back in West Michigan. Grand Rapids and WOOD Radio have hosted many Ramsey events here over the years and our listeners continue to respond enthusiastically to his fresh take on money and life. We will again have a great turnout this week and we, and more importantly, our clients, could not be more thrilled to have Dave back.” Pictured here are (from l-r): Phil Tower, director of content & programming for WOOD and WTKG; Ramsey; Feagan; and Kim Lozano, general sales manager for iHeartMedia West Michigan.
National Radio Hall of Fame Announces The Mix Group Sponsorship. For this year’s 28th Annual National Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on November 17, radio imaging and production company The Mix Group will serve as the exclusive presenting sponsor. In a statement from the National Radio Hall of 
Fame, The Mix Group will also serve as an annual supporter of other upcoming National Radio Hall of Fame events. Additionally, CBS Radio, Hubbard Radio, Premiere Networks, Westwood One and DTS, Inc. have committed to the efforts of the National Radio Hall of Fame as annual supporting sponsors. NRHoF chairman Kraig T. Kitchin says, “We’re so pleased to have the most generous support of The Mix Group for this prestigious occasion and the year to come, along with CBS, Hubbard, Premiere, Westwood and DTS. Together, we’ll shine a light on the best our industry has to offer through this fine institution.” On November 17, the class of 2016 will be inducted at the Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago. It consists of: George G. Beasley, Delilah, Jeff & Jer (Jeff Detrow & Jerry Cesak), Eric & Kathy (Eric Ferguson & Kathy Hart), Steve Harvey, Bob Kingsley, Kidd Kraddick, Tony Roberts, Neil Rogers and Michael Savage.
Mel Gibson Speaks About Hacksaw Ridge at SiriusXM Town Hall. Pictured here is Hacksaw Ridge director Mel Gibson (second from right) with actors Vince Vaughn (left) and Luke Bracey (second from left) with SiriusXM’s John Fugelsang (right) at the taping of the SiriusXM Town Hall promoting Gibson’s new film. The program will air on the satcaster’s “Insight” channel Friday at 4:00 pm ET. Photo: Cindy Ord, SiriusXM.
Odds & Sods. New York City radio legend Alex Bennett is releasing his autobiography – in audio form! Bennett
calls it a “spoken-word history of my 77 years” titled, “Life in the Passing Lane.” Bennett tells TALKERS that after being asked over the years when he was going write a book of his life, he finally did it in 67, 30-minute chapters that are available via his Gabnet.net website. He says, “It covers all my adventures in broadcasting and the people and places I have encountered along the way. I am very proud of it.”.…..At Magic Broadcasting’s Panama City, Florida station group, Marc Summers rejoins the company to serve as operations manager and program director for CHR WILN, urban AC WVVE, and news/talk WYOO.
The Presidential Race, Hillary Clinton Emails Investigation, U.S. House and Senate Races, Battle Against Islamic State for Mosul, ObamaCare Premium Hikes, European Migrant Troubles, Iowa Cops Slain, the World Series, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/2). The race for president between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the controversy over the FBI’s renewed investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server; the races for U.S. House and Senate seats; the fight to re-take the Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State; the outrage over premium hikes and plan choice for health care as the result of the Affordable Care Act; migrant-related violence in France and Germany; the slaying of two Iowa police officers; the build-up to game 7 of the World Series; and the weekend’s NFL Action were some of the most-talked about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Reports: Chris Carlin to Co-Host Afternoons with Ike Reese at WIP, Philadelphia. According to media reports in Philly.com and the New York Daily News, longtime Big Apple sports media figure Chris Carlin is being hired to co-host the afternoon drive show at CBS RADIO’s WIP, Philadelphia alongside Ike Reese. Philly.com
reports that WIP would neither confirm nor deny that Carlin is joining the station. The site also calls the hire “an odd choice” given that Carlin has been a longtime New York sports media personality. Many in the industry would agree that Philadelphia is a market where sports fans like their talk hosts to be natives. Currently, Carlin works for SportsNet New York hosting the “Loud Mouths” show. Carlin served as producer for WFAN, New York’s Mike Francesa for six years and handled sports update duties on WFAN’s “Imus in the Morning” program for a while. He is currently the voice of Rutgers football.
Nielsen Audio Releases Round Three of October 2016 PPM Data. The third of four rounds of October 2016 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. The October 2016 survey period covered September 8 (the first game of the NFL season) – October 5. You can find the complete 6+ ratings numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS/RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Twelve Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
The Presidential Race, U.S. House and Senate Races, Megyn Kelly-Newt Gingrich Segment, ObamaCare Premium Increases, Russian Military Build-Up, the World Series, and NFL action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/26). The presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump; the contests for U.S. House and Senate seats and control of Congress; the heated Fox News Channel segment between Megyn Kelly and Newt Gingrich; the criticism of the Affordable Care Act as premiums are set to rise by double digits; concerns over a new Cold War as Russia continues its military build-up and posturing; the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians; and NFL Action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Odds & Sods. Coverage of Election 2016 from ABC News Radio will begin November 8 at 7:00 pm ET and run through at least 1:00 am ET. ABC News correspondents Aaron Katersky and Karen Travers will anchor coverage with “World News Tonight” Saturday anchor and senior national correspondent Cecilia Vega and correspondents Brad Mielke and Cheri Preston reporting from the Hillary Clinton campaign headquarters and “World News Tonight” Sunday anchor Tom Llamas and correspondents Alex Stone and Mark Remillard reporting from the Donald Trump campaign headquarters. Joining them will be correspondents Richard Davies from the ABC News Decision Desk, Stephanie Ramos from Washington, DC, Jim Ryan from Nevada, and Ryan Burrow from Florida. Political director Rick Klein, deputy political director Shushannah Walshe, and contributors Steve Roberts and Trey Hardin will provide political analysis…..CBS Radio News’ Cami
McCormick was the only American radio reporter travelling with Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Brussels and broke the news that Carter ordered the suspension of all efforts to collect reimbursements from affected California National Guard members. McCormick covers the State and Defense Departments for CBS Radio News…..CBS RADIO and Simon & Schuster are launching “The Paper Donkey Podcast,” a conversation between writers and editors about their work, the page and process, moderated by Victoria Taylor and available on the company’s Play.it platform. The weekly 45-min show is the second collaboration between CBS RADIO and Simon & Schuster.
Ramsey Presenting EntreLeadership Master Series in Nashville. Back at the Ramsey Solutions headquarters in Nashville, nationally syndicated talk radio star Dave Ramsey (pictured above) is presenting his EntreLeadership Master Series this week. Tomorrow (10/28), he’ll broadcast a special “EntreLeadership theme hour” as part of the event. The hour will focus on leadership and business questions from callers, e-mails and event attendees. At EntreLeadership Master Series, Ramsey and his team condense more than 20 years of business and leadership wisdom into a seven-day event. Business owners and leaders who attend walk away with practical ideas that can improve their communication, organization, team culture, finances, negotiating and selling skills, marketing, advertising, and ability to make tough decisions.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Salem Has Deal to Buy KTRB, San Francisco for $5.1 Million. Camarillo, California-based Salem Media Group has been broadcasting the conservative news/talk format – as “860 Am The Answer” – on KTRB, San 
Francisco since July of this year under an LMA. Now, Salem’s East Bay Broadcasting is entering into a deal with station receiver Susan Uecker (she assumed control of the station from Harry Pappas in 2010) to buy the signal for $5.125 Million. Prior to Salem’s LMA of the station, it was airing Spanish sports under the operation of David Jacobs-run Deportes Media. Salem is programming the station with largely Salem Radio Network personalities including: Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Larry Elder, plus Jay Sekulow, Phil Grande and Steve Deace.
CORRECTION: Yesterday, TALKERS reported that WHPT, Tampa “102.5 The Bone” morning personality Mike
Calta would begin co-hosting an afternoon show on SiriusXM with Gregg “Opie” Hughes. That is not the case. Calta’s agent – Tony Burton of Don Buchwald & Associates – tells TALKERS that Calta may be filling in on Opie’s SiriusXM program in December, schedule permitting, but that’s the extent of it. Our erroneous report was based on a Tweet sent out by Calta that misled a TALKERS reporter. Our reporter first learned about the Tweet in an article by Dan Jackson at Thrillist.com alleging the “shock jock” radio style is dead. You can read that piece here.
WBEN, Buffalo Afternoon Drive Personality Tom Bauerle’s Incredible Tale Told in Canadian
Publication. The strange series of events that affected the life of popular Buffalo talk radio personality Tom Bauerle are chronicled in a piece in the Canada Free Press. This fascinating story of surveillance, cloaking technology and sleuthing that engulfed Bauerle’s life for much of the past five years can be found here.
WIP, Philadelphia Names Joe DeCamara and John Ritchie Midday Hosts. Philadelphia sports talker WIP-FM is reconfiguring its midday and afternoon shows and announces that former crosstown WPEN-FM personality Joe DeCamara is partnering with sports broadcaster and former Philadelphia Eagles player Jon
Ritchie for the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show, effective October 24. The CBS RADIO station says that it will make an announcement regarding a new afternoon show in the coming weeks and that it will include current 
midday personality Ike Reese, however Michael Barkann exits. CBS RADIO Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff comments, “We are thrilled to add this new show featuring Joe and Jon. As a player, Jon Ritchie embodied the hard-working nature of our fine city. As a host, he will connect with the fans and share their passion for our local teams. Joe has proven himself to be a strong voice for the Philadelphia fans. We are excited to have them.” After retiring from football, Ritchie has worked at ESPN. He was co-host on the “Artie Lange Show” on DirecTV, served with NBC Sports Network and currently is on air all day Sundays as the color commentator for DirecTV’s Fantasy Zone channel, part of NFL Sunday Ticket.
Terry and Heather Dubrow Launch ‘Dr. & Mrs. Guinea Pig’ on PodcastOne. “Real Housewives of Orange County” stars Terry and Heather Dubrow (pictured at left) are starring in a new podcast on the PodcastOne platform called, “Dr. & Mrs. Guinea Pig.” The show brings the couple’s self-experimentation to the airwaves. PodcastOne says the couple goes “beyond their authored anti-aging secrets in this interactive show, and take calls to answer listener questions about beauty secrets, plastic surgery, exercise, style and more. Plus, they’ll share what they’re testing and learning along the way in this variety of categories. The first episode brings many stories and lots of advice, including conflicting views on weight loss technique. Most surprisingly, this week’s Housewives Fireball flask wasn’t the first time Heather traded in her “champs” for shots, as the couple reveals their test process of hangover IV hydration therapy.
Anderson New NTR Director at Beasley Tampa. Tampa radio promotions and sales pro Voncile Anderson is named director of non-traditional revenue sales for Beasley Media Group’s Tampa cluster. Voncile has worked
in the market for two decades, including beginning as a promotion director at WRBQ, Tampa Bay. She has worked with notables in the industry, including Q105’s Mason Dixon. In this new position she’ll be responsible for assessing the area’s special event opportunities and determining the venues with greatest potential to grow revenue for the Tampa Bay cluster. Speaking about her new gig, Anderson says, “I like to say I have earned ‘market equity’ because I have invested my entire career doing events that entertain, raise money for charities, and help our Tampa Bay businesses grow. I’m so proud to have been chosen for this new, unique NTR opportunity!”
The Presidential Race/Wednesday Debate Build-Up, Voter Fraud/Poll Hacking Issues, Mosul Campaign, NYC Cop Kills Mentally Ill Woman, Russian Military Role in Syrian Civil Conflict, MLB Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/19). The race for president and the build-up to last night’s debate; the concerns over potential voter fraud and poll hacking; the battle against Islamic State in the Iraqi city of Mosul; the shooting death of a mentally ill black woman by a NYC cop; Russia’s expanding military role in the Syrian civil conflict; the Major League Baseball Playoffs, and NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Odds & Sods. Former NFL star Dante Hall is leaving his role as one-third of the midday show on CBS RADIO’s KILT-AM, Houston where he worked with sports talk personalities Cody Stoots and John Lopez, according to the Houston Chronicle. The paper reports that Hall told PD Ryan McCredden that the gig “just wasn’t for him.” McCredden will not fill Hall’s spot on the show…..SiriusXM names Jeff Cooper vice president, advertising sales sports. He’ll report to SVP of advertising and sponsor sales Bette Rockmore. The company says this is the first time it has named an executive to lead advertising sales across its sports related channels. Cooper joins SiriusXM
from ESPN, where he served as publisher of ESPN The Magazine and led advertising efforts for FiveThirtyEight.com, Grantland, and more…..Pictured at right are ABC News’ Brad Mielke and Alex Stone covering last night’s presidential debate from Las Vegas. ABC News Radio provided coverage of the third presidential debate starting with an 8:00 pm ET preview program anchored 
by ABC News Radio correspondent Aaron Katersky from New York and continued with post-debate analysis until 11:00 pm ET. Joining Katersky were Mielke, Stone, Kenneth Moton from Washington, DC, and ABC News Radio political analysts Steve Roberts and Trey Hardin.….The nationally syndicated “Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk” show adds new affiliate stations KKLE, Winfield, Kansas; KELE, Mountain Grove, Missouri; and WNTW, Chester, Virginia in the Richmond market. Gresham’s program is syndicated by Talk Shows USA.….Earlier this week on the “WOR Sports Zone” with host Pete McCarthy (left), New York Mets radio voice Howie Rose (right) appeared on iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York to recap the 2016 Mets’ season on the flagship station. Mets fans had the opportunity to call in and talk with Rose who – earlier in his career – hosted a sports talk radio show.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
On Any Given Monday. In a PPM world, holidays such as Labor Day cannot be considered a programming throw away. In a special feature story written by associate editor Alan Linder, published yesterday, radio execs tell TALKERS that although star hosts are still usually given time off for three and four day weekends, holidays must receive the same level of programming attention as regular weekdays. This is generally accomplished by upgrading the production value invested in creating “best-of” shows or, in the case of stations using the “live-and-local” element as a signature asset, being sure that the station’s talent bench of fill-in hosts is up to the task of keeping the audience satisfied. No longer are “best-of” shows just “okay” recent shows kept in the can for repeats on holidays. They are special montages of outstanding elements culled from a variety of shows supplemented by previously unheard features and interviews prerecorded especially for such occasions. For the live-and-local stations, careful thought and care is given to the selection and nurturing of fill-ins. In today’s competitive talk radio, bench and weekend talent (including the emergence of “super part-timers”) are as important to the line-up as designated hitters and relief pitchers are in baseball. Then there’s the dedicated syndicated morning star who loves what he does so much that he never misses a live show regardless of whether it is a holiday. Read all about it here.
Today Is the First Official Day on FM for WIP, Philadelphia. The changeover actually began Friday as rock WYSP-FM, Philadelphia played its last song (“Fade to Black” by Metallica) and flipped to a simulcast of sports WIP. The station is now positioned as “94 SportsRadio WIP.” The first day of WIP on FM was also the last day of the regular afternoon program for Philadelphia sports talk legend Howard Eskin. He signed off his regular program after a 25-year career hosting a sports talk show in Philly. Eskin remains with the station to host Eagles game day programming and will continue to work with WIP on part-
time projects while exploring other media options. The station’s new schedule premiers today with Angelo Cataldi remaining in AM drive, Comcast SportsNet host Michael Barkann joining Eskin’s former partner Ike Reese for the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show and Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow in the 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm time slot. On Friday, Sirius XM’s Howard Stern appeared on WYSP-FM with Spike Eskin (Howard Eskin’s son who stayed on the air with his dad for his last show) to talk about his love for Philadelphia and bid adieu to the rock station. WYSP-FM was the first station to pick up Stern’s program as it began its move into syndication from New York’s WXRK-FM. On a side note, Longport Media’s WBSS, Atlantic City, New Jersey will begin simulcasting WIP soon. Longport Media president David Coskey tells the Press of Atlantic City Philadelphia sports is an important part of his market’s interest so the move makes sense. By the way, if you haven’t read TALKERS special features correspondent Mike Kinosian’s excellent piece on CBS Radio’s FM sports talk stations, check it out here.
Emmis Communications Receives Delisting Notice. Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan was not surprised by the NASDAQ notice that it has until February 27, 2012 to get its stock price above $1 for 10 consecutive business days or be delisted. The notice came just a day before Emmis closed on the sale of WWWN-FM and WLUP-FM, Chicago and WEMP-FM, New York to Merlin Media for $120 million. Emmis is using the influx of cash to pay down debt while retaining an interest in the Merlin properties.
WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans Talk Host Garland Robinette Cited in Bribery Probe. Robinette’s attorney tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune that his client – the WWL-AM/FM “Think Tank” host – has been told he is not a target of the investigation. But federal authorities have spoken with Robinette numerous times after the investigation showed Robinette received $250,000 from local landfill owner Fred Heebe. The issue here is Heebe’s campaign to shut down two other competing landfills in the area, theoretically so that his facility could accept more of the post-Katrina waste needing to be dumped. Robinette enters the picture due to the money he received and his addressing the landfill issue regularly on his radio program in which he stated he believed the two competing landfills were not safe. Robinette, through his attorney, states the money he received from his friend Heebe was a personal loan that he expects to pay back. Meanwhile, Heebe allegedly paid $460,000 in bribes to a former state official to lobby to close one of the competing landfills.
Atlantic Coast Radio Splits WLOB-AM/FM, Portland Talk Simulcast. WLOB-AM remains news/talk but the FM side picks up the sports programming signal from WPEI-FM and begins simulcasting it. WLOB-FM is licensed to Topsham, Maine near Brunswick and gives Atlantic Coast coverage for the northern side of the newly expanded metro while WPEI-FM is licensed to Saco, Maine to the south of Portland, thereby covering that side of the market.
Jobs Creation, 2012 GOP Candidates, Post Office Financial Woes and Texas Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/5). President Obama’s and Congress’ plans for jobs creation, the 2012 GOP presidential candidates, the looming threat of the USPS shutdown and the wildfires affecting Texas were all among the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday.
