Tag: "Mary Walter"

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Fisher House Veteran’s Day Show Available. The Fisher House Foundation and The Jeff Wyatt Group announce WMAL-FM, Washington, DC morning drive personality Mary Walter is again anchoring the Fisher House Foundation’s 2019 talk radio special, “The Fisher House Story – In Their Own Words.”  The three-hour, one-hour, and 30-minute radio specials feature stories of America’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey.  The Fisher House program provides “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers.  The homes provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis.  Fisher House Foundation president Dave Coker says, “‘The Fisher House Story’ talk show shares the inspiring stories of service members and veterans during Veterans Day and the holiday season.  Mary Walter skillfully guides us through these accounts.”  A clock and demo will be available by October 4 at www.radio.fisherhouse.org.  The show will be available for download November 1 for potential airing Veterans Day weekend through the holiday season, into Memorial Day and 4th of July weekend at the same website.  The Fisher House country radio show, “The Gift,” will continue to be produced by Sharla McCoy.  For more information email sharlamccoy@gmail.com.  For more information on this radio special, contact Jeff Wyatt at jw@thejeffwyattgroup.com.

Kris Foley Rises to Region President for iHeartMedia. Sales and management pro Kris Foley is promoted to region president for iHeartMedia South Ohio that includes more than 27 broadcast and digital stations in the Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton markets.  Foley was most recently vice president of multi-market partnerships and business developments.  She also previously served the company as the senior vice president of sales in North Ohio. She says, “I started my media career in South Ohio as an account executive.  I’m absolutely thrilled to be working alongside the strong leaders and incredible team here in South Ohio and I can’t wait to take the region to new levels.”

Connoisseur Announces Launch of Ferocious Content. Partnering on this new project with Connoisseur Media are JJ Durand (left) and John Deptulski (right).  The new company, Ferocious Content, will focus on video and social media content.  Connoisseur CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, “We are pumped to be partnering with these talented guys.  Our clients are increasingly asking for our help with video and social, so we decided to launch a brand-new company.”  Durand adds, “When we were given a chance to partner with such a blue-chip media company, we pounced on it.  We will be creating content that will help local advertisers eat up their competitors.”

TALKERS News Notes. Season two of the iHeartRadio Original Podcast, “Unobscured,” hosted and produced by Aaron Mahnke, premieres on the iHeartPodcast Network with Mahnke delving into the world of Spiritualism.  The first episode explores the life of Andrew Jackson Davis, a popular American Spiritualist, and how he helped to jumpstart the movement ….. Former KFRX-FM, Lincoln, Nebraska radio personality Matt McKay, a.k.a. Matthew Rydberg, was sentenced to two years’ probation after pleading guilty to domestic assault after an incident at his home in April of this year.  Lancaster County District Judge Darla Ideus sentenced Rydberg and also ordered him to follow the recommendations of his probation officer regarding alcohol counseling or treatment needed and to complete a domestic violence intervention program.  Rydberg was let go from the Alpha Media station shortly after his arrest ….. SiriusXM is offering subscribers comprehensive coverage of the 2019-20 NHL season with live play-by-play of every game, plus expert insight and analysis on the SiriusXM NHL Network Radio channel.  SiriusXM also announces that Gord Stellick and Scott Laughlin will host an all-new morning show on the channel the day the season begins ….. Pictured here is Salem Radio Network host Dr. Sebastian Gorka board the airplane of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday evening as he accompanies Secretary Pompeo on his trip to Rome. Stops on their itinerary include meetings with Italian president Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, and a visit to The Vatican.  SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “We are honored that Secretary of State Pompeo – who invited SRN’s Hugh Hewitt to travel overseas with him earlier this year – has now extended that opportunity to “America First” host Dr. Sebastian Gorka.  Our mission is to deliver breaking news and what to think about it, and the background gained on these important missions will prove valuable in the exciting days ahead.”

September 2019 PPM Data – Information for the September 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino, Middlesex (New Jersey) and San Jose. Nielsen Audio’s September 2019 survey period covered August 15 – September 11. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from three markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – After gaining one-half share in July/August (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” relinquishes 40% of that increase (1.8, -.2, 6+) and slips from #18 to #20. Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” has an extremely consistent March 2019 through September 2019 topline: 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 (6+) and continues at #22. May’s one-tenth increase halted five straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall loss of four-tenths. Surrendering in its entirety the three-tenths it racked up in July/August (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – .9, 6+), news/talk WABC falls from #22 to #24.

Not only does WFAN (Yankees, Giants) falter by six-tenths (3.8 – 3.2, 6+), the Entercom sports talk outlet fades from the top ten (#9 to #13) with its softest 6+-showing (3.2) since March 2019’s 3.0. Off an overall four-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.0 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) ends the slide with an increase of two-tenths and returns to the top twenty (1.8, #21 to #20, 6+).

In three consecutive negative or neutral trends, WINS lost seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+). The Entercom all-news outlet picks up two-tenths in August (3.4, 6+) yet backslides from #11 to #12. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM (Mets) repeats July’s 2.5 but dips from #14 to #15. Prior to August’s improvement of one-tenth, WCBS-AM faltered by a collective full-share via four straight declines (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+).

Up an overall half-share in three successive reports without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM advances from #16 to #14. The February 2019 through September 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM is .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .3 – .3 (flat at #33, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – This marks Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM’s fourth consecutive positive or neutral sweep for an overall gain of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+) as “NEW 102.7” marches from tenth to eighth. There’s a similar positive story for cluster-mate WNYL “Alt 92.3 – New York’s New Alternative,” which nets six-tenths in six straight reports without a decrease (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, #16 to #15, 6+). Bouncing back from August’s dip of four-tenths with a half-share uptick (3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). Immediately before August’s drop, “Amor 93.1” notched four successive up or neutral moves for an overall gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). In five straight sweeps without an increase, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT lost seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+) but “Hot 97” shakes loose with a +.4 to 3.5 (#12 to #11, 6+). Having logged a 6.8 (6+) in May, June, and July, WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” erupted with a jump of nine-tenths in August to 7.7 (6+). The iHeartMedia adult contemporary facility repeats that 7.7 (6+) in September and is #1 the 27^th consecutive ratings period. The 7.7 (6+) in August and September matches what was recorded in March when “Lite FM” posted a one-half share increase; WLTW  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+). It has a full two-share lead over Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits,” which hasn’t had an increase since June but has only lost one-tenth in that stretch (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). Although backsliding from a three-way tie at #18 to #19, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Station” yields eight-tenths in four successive boosts (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+). In addition to being up a combined half share in July/August (4.8 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ recorded its highest 6+-stat in more than two years (5.3, as well, in April 2017). While it carries on in fourth-place “Z-100” is down one-tenth in August to 5.2 (6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Erasing May/June’s combined +.8 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+) with an overall -1.0 in three straight decreases (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5, June – July – August – September, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” segues from sixth to seventh. This (3.5) is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.2. Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA has nearly doubled June’s .6 in July/August/September (.8 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+) although “AM 870 The Answer” regresses from #29 to #30. KRLA lengthens to four-tenths its lead over iHeartMedia-owned KEIB, which drops to .7 (#32 to #35, 6+); “AM 1150 The Patriot” had posted a 1.0 in three of the last four sweeps (1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.3 – .4 – .5, 6+), progressing from #40 to #38.

The flagship of the Dodgers and Chargers, iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (1.3 – 1.4, +.1, unchanged at #28, 6+) stretches to six-tenths its advantage over Disney-owned (Angels, Rams key station) KSPN “710 ESPN” (flat at .8, #36 to #33, 6+). In June and July, the two sports talkers were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+).

With an extremely steady April 2019 through September 2019 topline of 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.7 (6+), Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” advances from #14 to a three-way scrum at #12. Prior to picking up one-tenth in July, KNX had five straight negative or neutral monthlies accounting 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+).

Via three consecutive reports without a loss, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” nets two–tenths (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+) but backslides from #21 to #23.

Los Angeles Music Formats – Over the course of its nine successive up or flat trends that have yielded nine-tenths, Cumulus Media-to-Meruelo Media Holdings KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” has recorded a 3.3 (6+) four times in a row (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, eighth to ninth, 6+). Co-owned Spanish contemporary KLLI “Cali 93.9 – #1 For Reggaeton y Mas” doubles its 6+-stat via four straight reports without a loss (.9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, #24, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” is off a collective four-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7, #11 to #12, 6+). At the same time that Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101” adds six-tenths (5.0 – 5.6, third to second, 6+), smooth AC sibling KTWV “94.7 The Wave” falters by the same margin (4.8 – 4.2, -.6, flat at #4, 6+). While “K-Earth” pulls the plug on three downward trends in succession that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), “The Wave” suffers its fourth consecutive down or flat report resulting in a cumulative -1.0 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+). This (4.2) is the lowest 6+-stat for KTWV since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.6. In a 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.9 pattern (June – July – August – September, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” is #1 the 12^th straight time. 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+). Despite recording its fifth straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.2 (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), hot AC sibling KBIG “104.3 My-FM” must settle for a backward move (second to third). The 5.3 in August and September is KBIG’s strongest 6+-showing in exactly one year (5.5, September 2018). Zooming from #16 to #12 with its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018 (2.7, as well), Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105 FM” is up a collective one-half share in four consecutive sweeps without a decrease (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). By picking up two-tenths to 3.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” applies the brakes to six consecutive negative or neutral sweeps that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to June, the last time “Kiss” was under a four-share (6+) was in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory the 28^th time in a row and records a 2.3 (6+) the fourth time in the last six reports (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, #19 to a four-way tie at #16, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned alternative KYSR has gained seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.9, #12 to #11, 6+). “Alt 98.7” has a half-share advantage over format rival, Entercom-owned KROQ, which is +.5 as a result of four successive up or neutral reports (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4, #18 to #15, 6+). KROQ’s June gain of one-tenth ended four consecutive sweeps without positive movement that resulted in a collective half-share deficit (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). In the last ten ratings periods (“Holiday” 2018 through September 2019), Santa Monica College-owned variety KCRW has recorded a 1.1 (6+) six times and a 1.3 (6+) the other four (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, #30, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of four-tenths (2.8 – 3.2, #16 to #12, 6+) takes Tribune Media news/talk WGN (White Sox) to its best 6+-showing (3.2) since February’s 3.5. WGN was locked on 2.9 (6+) in April and May and then on 3.0 (6+) in June and July. Conversely a loss of four-tenths forces Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM off the top twenty (2.1 – 1.7, #20 to #21, 6+); 1.7 is its lowest 6+-stat since March (1.7, as well).

Up a combined half-share in August/September (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) progresses from sixth to fifth. Trending 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.6 (May – June – July – August – September, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” jumps from #25 to #23.

Flat in fourth-place, Entercom all-news WBBM-AM (Bears) is an overall -1.4 via eight successive down or neutral moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). WBBM-AM finished on top in January, February, and March.

In three consecutive spikes, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ gains four-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+) and climbs from #16 to #15.

Chicago Music Formats – Wiping away July/August’s -1.0 (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) with a September +1.1 to 4.9 (6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” vaults from seventh to third and has its best 6+-showing (4.9) in nearly a year (5.0, 6+, October 2018). Not only is iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ a collective +1.4 in three straight bumps (4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), “V-103” progresses from third to first. As is the case with aforementioned WLS-FM, WVAZ records its best 6+-stat since October 2018 (5.7, as well), which is the last time “V-103” reached #1. Departing the top spot is Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix,” which craters by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, first to sixth, 6+). In July, the combination of a three-tenths uptick by WTMX classic rock sibling WDRV “97.1 The Drive” and an equal margin decrease by “The Mix” resulted in the cluster-mates swapping places at first and second. In August, “The Mix” notched a +.5 (5.2 – 5.7, 6+) and proceeded from second to first. WTMX was #1 in April, May, and June before giving way to “The Drive” in July; April’s 5.9 was the highest 6+-stat for “Mix” since November 2017’s 6.3. Repeating at #10, Cumulus Media’s WKQX “The New Home For Alternative” is a collective +.8 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). After logging three gains in a row for a collective increase of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Venture Technologies Group-owned adult contemporary WRME-LP returned two-tenths in August; however, “FM 87.7 – Me TV” rebounds with a September bump of four-tenths to 3.3 (#14 to #11, 6+). June’s 3.0 marked the first time WRME-LP reached the three-share level (6+) since November 2018’s 3.3. Its two AC rivals are down slightly in September. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM,” which had been without a loss five times in a row for a collective gain of six-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), regresses by three-tenths to 4.2 (fifth to sixth, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE” drops two-tenths (3.1 – 2.9, #11 to #15, 6+). “Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 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+). The market’s two main country outlets have August 2019 to September 2019 fluctuations of one-tenth. On the plus side, Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” is 2.6 – 2.7 (+.1, steady at #18), whereas iHeartMedia-owned WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” is 1.6 – 1.5 (-.1, #23 to #24, 6+). This is the third time in the last six reports that WUSN “US-99” posts a 2.7 (2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+); WEBG logged a 1.6 (6+) the past three sweeps. Before dropping two-tenths in June, “Big” had been up or flat the previous seven survey periods for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). Window to the World Communications’ WFMT “98.7 – Chicago’s Classical and Folk Music Radio” is without an increase the sixth time in a row and is down an overall one-half share in that stretch (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8, #29, 6+).

Christian Radio On-Air Opportunity. WAWZ, New York is seeking a program director/air talent.  The station says, “‘STAR 99.1’ is metro NYC’s uplifting Christian adult contemporary station.  We’re looking for the right person to lead our programming department and continue to build our brand on the New York radio dial.  But wait, there’s more!  You’ll lead a ‘live & local’ team of talent, create our on-air imaging, establish music philosophy, supervise hourly clock structure and execution, analyze PPM, online and auditorium research to serve our listeners and grow our audience.  When it comes to digital, social media might as well be your second language.  You will oversee text, video and voice content that drives traffic to our website, social and mobile communities.  Together with a great team, you’ll work diligently to reflect the tastes, interests and values of a Christian listener.  Apply today.  Looking for 3 years of successful programming experience.  Knowledge of NexGen, VoxPro, and Adobe Audition is a plus. To apply, submit your resume to jobs@star991.com.  No Phone calls, please.  WAWZ/Pillar of Fire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Radio programming pro Steve Weed is retiring from radio and his position as SVP of programming for iHeartMedia’s Central California region.  Weed, who’s served in the industry for almost 50 years, says, “It’s been an incredible journey, from weekend shifts while in college at UCLA, right up to today.  I’ve spent my entire working life doing the one thing I love, never holding a job outside of radio.  I’ve been truly blessed to have worked with so many gifted and talented people throughout my career and I hope along the way I’ve helped some advance their own careers.”…..The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Rodney Ho reports that hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” lets midday personality Amanda Kelly go after four months in the position.  She was a cast member on the station’s “Jeff & Jenn” morning show but moved to middays after Jeff Dauler exited the station…..Premiere Networks’ nationally syndicated Elvis Duran releases his first book – a memoir titled, Elvis Duran: Where Do I Begin? Stories (I Sort of Remember) From a Life Lived Out Loud (2019 Atria Books).  He launched the book with appearances on “The TODAY Show” on Tuesday (10/1) and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” on Monday (9/30)…..Cumulus Media gives Shreveport operations manager Jay Michaels program director stripes for the cluster’s country KRMD-FM. He also serves as PD and afternoon drive personality for the cluster’s hot AC KQHN “Q97.3.”  Michaels says, “To say that KRMD is a heritage brand is an understatement.  I’m excited to work closely and hands on with our talented air staff and reclaim our position as the dominant country leader in the marketplace.”…..The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Abilene Christian University names WAY Media president & CEO (and distinguished alum) John Scaggs ’90 the recipient of the 2019 Gutenberg Award.  The Gutenberg Award recognizes distinguished professional achievements of ACU’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department alumni.