Tag: "New Brunswick"
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Ashenden to Lead Entercom Portland. Radio management pro Bill Ashenden is named vice president and
market manager for Entercom’s Portland cluster, effective July 10. That station group includes sports talk duo KFXX-AM and KMTT-AM, classic rock KGON, hot AC KRSK, country KWJJ, alternative KNRK, and AC KYCH. Ashenden previously served as the market manager and general manager for BiCoastal Media in Medford, Oregon. He’s also served with Alpha Broadcasting, Rose City Radio, and Great American Broadcasters.
TALKERS News Notes. St. Louis news/talk KMOX is honored with three first-place awards from the Missouri Broadcasters Association. The CBS RADIO station received the awards at this past weekend’s convention and awards ceremony in Branson. KMOX received first-place honors for Complete Newscast, Breaking News for the
coverage of the shooting of St. Louis County police officer Blake Snyder, and “The Deadly Dish,” a five-part News Series that explored the ever-growing number of those impacted by food allergies in the United States. KMOX PD Steve Moore, says, “This is a tremendous recognition of the work and dedication that each member of the news team puts into keeping our listeners informed.”…..Beasley Media Group’s rock WDHA-
FM, Dover, New Jersey and news/talk WCTC-AM, New Brunswick, New Jersey took top honors in two categories at last Wednesday’s annual New Jersey Ad Club Jersey Awards. WCTC won Best Podcast for “The State Theatre” (program and creative director/air talent Bert Baron, host and producer). WDHA-FM won Best Radio Spot for “Oink and Moo BBQ” (written, produced and voiced by Mike Cocheo with additional voice-overs by Dannie Schade). SVP and regional market manager Dan Finn says, “This is the night where all the best advertising agencies in the state of New Jersey gather and announce winners across all media platforms. We were honored to be among the winners at this year’s event.”…..Motorsport Network names Kevin Annison president of Motorsport.tv. Annison previously served with FOX Sports.
Sessions Testimony, Trump-Russia Investigation/Mueller Firing Possibility, Trump Cabinet Meeting, Megyn Kelly-Alex Jones Interview Flap, ‘Julius Caesar’ Controversy, Warriors Beat Cavaliers, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/12). Anticipation of today’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee from Attorney General Jeff Sessions; the special counsel investigation of possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related talk of President Donald Trump possibly firing special counsel Robert Mueller; reactions to yesterday’s Trump Cabinet meeting at which members took turns publicly praising the president; the heat NBC is taking for the airing of Megyn Kelly’s upcoming interview with Alex Jones; the controversy surrounding the New York production of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” in which Caesar is costumed as President Trump; the Golden State Warrior’s game five against the Cleveland Cavaliers; and Major League Baseball Action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Alternative rock pro Dustin Fletcher is assigned new roles by iHeartMedia. He’s now director of alternative rock programming for the company’s St. Louis
region and program director for KDXA, Des Moines “ALT 106.3.” He continues to program KLLT, St. Louis “ALT 104.9.” Fletcher comments, “This is a huge opportunity leading our programming efforts at ‘ALT 106.3’ in Des Moines. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve done with ‘ALT 104.9.’ The St. Louis region has some of the most talented programming and on-air talent in radio and I’m excited for what we have in store.” Prior to joining ‘ALT 104.9,’ he served as program director and midday host for the company’s WRXL, Richmond ‘XL102’ and PD for CHR “96.1 The Planet” (W241AP)…..In the Boise market, Impact Radio Group moves programmer Booker from hot AC KZMG “MY 102.7” to sister hip hop KWYD “WILD 101” where he’ll be program director and midday personality.
Duane Doobie, Jr.’s Pop Picks File: Here’s a personal tip from TALKERS/RadioInfo music editor Duane
Doobie, Jr. for curious music programmers always looking for something new and interesting to present to their listeners. Jacobs Run is a three piece pop/rock ensemble hailing from Melbourne, Australia. Their music blends layers of guitar and orchestration with organic classical melodies creating a powerful sound that highlights their Brit pop influences while showcasing the Australian indie/alt-rock scene. Duane Doobie, Jr says, “The single ‘Sleepwalking,’ has the drive of a James Bond soundtrack that worms its way into listeners’ ears just as offerings from similar artists Oasis and Snow Patrol have done repeatedly within the genre.” Pictured at right are (from l-r): Michael Jacobs (guitar & vocals), Fabian Bucci (drums) and Peter Curigliano (bass). Check out the group’s website for info and music here.
Round One of May PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s May 2017 PPM survey period has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) New York – Up a cumulative four-tenths via three consecutive improvements (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – Your #1 Source for R&B” carries on at #3. Although the net gain is just two-tenths and it is
steady at #10, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” is without a decrease for the fourth successive sweep (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+). Not only does adult contemporary sibling WLTW’s one-tenth increase to 6.1 (6+) apply the brakes to four straight declines that produced a collective -7.3 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+), 
“106.7 Lite FM” catches CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” (flat at 6.1, 6+) at #1. April marked the first time “New York’s Greatest Hits” reached #1 since last July, when it scored a 6.2, 6+. It is at 6.1 (6+) for the third time in the last four sweeps, while iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU (steady at #8) records a 4.1 (6+) for the fourth time in the last five survey periods (4.1 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). combined +1.3 (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 5.9, “Holiday” 2016 – January – February – March, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100” forfeits that gain in its entirety with a -.6 in April and now a -.7 in May (5.3 – 4.6, 6+), falling from fourth to sixth. Albeit managing to stay flat at 2.3 (6+), its format rival, CBS Radio’s WBMP “92.3 Amp,” slides from #17 to #19. A gain of one-tenth in April halted seven successive sweeps without an increase that
resulted in a cumulative -.9 (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). In 2.2 – 2.7 range (6+) for ten straight survey periods, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” dialed up a +.6 in April, only to surrender one-half share in May (3.1 – 2.6, 6+), tumbling from #12 to #14. At #22, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is without an increase for the fourth successive sweep (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), yet is only off by a collective one-tenth in that time frame. Sliding from a three-way tie at #17 to #20, public news/talk WNYC-FM has its fourth consecutive decline (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+).
2) Los Angeles – For the second straight survey period, no Los Angeles station appearing in print gains or loses more than one-half share. Progressing from #15 to a three-way logjam at #11, Entercom classic rock KSWD “The 
Sound” is up a collective full-share in five straight progressive or flat sweeps (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+). Despite logging its fourth successive ratings period without erosion for a +.6 (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” backslides from a tie at #13 to #14. The slim one-tenth advantage front-runner KBIG “My-FM”
had over runner-up KTWV “The Wave” in April widens a bit as iHeartMedia hot AC “My-FM” picks up two-tenths (5.6 – 5.8, #1 for the fourth consecutive time, 6+), while CBS Radio smooth AC “The Wave” is off by that same margin and finishes second for the third straight sweep (6+). When “My-FM” dropped one-tenth in April, it ended three straight uptrends (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), which netted a combined full-share gain. February’s +.1 (5.1 – 5.2, 6+) was enough for it to depart the runner-up slot it held the previous three sweeps and take over at #1, unseating adult contemporary sibling KOST “Coast 103.5,” which had been on top in each of the last 16 ratings periods. Meanwhile, “The Wave” sits across the five-share threshold for the fourth time in the last five sweeps (5.0 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+). Co-owned classic hits-oldies KRTH regresses by two-tenths to 4.8 (6+) to curtail four straight sweeps without a loss that yielded a gain of nine-tenths (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Even so, “K-Earth 101” repeats at #3. Prior to April, “K-Earth” last reached the five-share level in December 2015 (5.1, 6+). Flat at #19, alternative cluster-mate KROQ is up or flat for the fifth consecutive monthly for a +.4 in that period (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Conversely, its format rival, iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM, is 
down by a margin of one-tenth for the third straight time (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), with “ALT 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” dropping out of the top ten (#10 to #11). The January through May 6+-trending for co-owned news/talk KFI (unchanged at #7) is: 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5. Even though Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KBUE slips by one-tenth to 1.8 (6+), thus ending four straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+), “Que Buena” actually advances from #23 to #22. Owing to four straight decreases (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Taxi Productions urban AC KJLH is a collective -.7. In each monthly report this calendar year, Cumulus Media news/talk KABC (#36) has registered a .7 (6+). In a similar vein, this marks the ninth time in the last ten sweeps and fifth time in a row that Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFSH “95.9 The Fish – Safe for the Whole Family” logs a .6 (#37, 6+).
3) Chicago – In the contemporary hit arena, CBS Radio’s WBBM-FM (3.7 – 4.0, sixth to fourth) adds three-tenths to April’s +.5 enabling “B-96” to leapfrog iHeartMedia-owned WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM – Chicago’s #1 Hit Music
Station” (3.9 – 3.7, -.2, fourth to fifth). When “B-96” was off by three-tenths in March, it stopped 
a streak of four successive up or flat trends that netted one-half share (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). Before it fell by three-tenths in April, “Kiss” was a combined +.7, which it gained in three consecutive increases (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2, 6+). Steady at #12 – and a combined +.8 since last November – Merlin Media-owned/Cumulus Media-operated alternative WKQX is up or flat for the seventh straight ratings period (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+). Stuck on 5.6 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” improves by two-tenths to 5.8 (6+) and is #1
for the fourth successive month; 5.6 represented its lowest 6+-share since last July (also 5.6). This represents the fourth straight sweep without an increase for WBBM-AM for a collective -1.5 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), but the all-news operation remains in the runner-up slot. After registering a +1.5 in April (2.2 – 3.7, 6+) to rocket from #21 to #6, 
CBS Radio-owned WSCR “670 The Score” perhaps has the greatest non-move as it is unchanged at 3.7 (6+). Nevertheless, the Cubs flagship does manage to elevate to a fifth-place tie. On the heels of slipping by three-tenths in April, stymying three consecutive ratings periods without a loss for a collective gain of one-half share (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), Tribune Media Company news/talk WGN (once the longtime Cubs flagship) flounders by another six-tenths (3.9 – 3.3, 6+) to drift from fourth to ninth. Having nearly doubled its 6+-stat by posting eight consecutive up or flat trends (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican WLEY-FM “La Ley 107.9” drops three-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and exits the top 20 (#20 to #23). With a gain of three-tenths (2.0 – 2.3, 6+), public news/talk WBEZ returns to the top 20 (#20). While it remains solid at #3 (two-tenths behind WBBM-AM), Hubbard hot AC WTMX “Mix” hasn’t had an increase in the last four sweeps (5.3 – 49 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+) and is down seven-tenths in that stretch. Strange but true: 30% of the stations finishing in the top 20 can be found at #12 (2.9, 6+, May 2017).
4) San Francisco – Sharing honors for largest (6+) gain (one-half share) by any top-four market PPM-outlet appearing in print are CBS Radio-owned KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” (3.7 – 4.2, seventh to fourth, 6+) and Univision
Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “100.3 Mas Variedad” (2.8 – 3.3, #11 to #8). Prior to dropping two-tenths in April, “Alice @ 97.3” was +.7 in three consecutive up or flat trends (3.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 
3.9, 6+). An improvement of three-tenths to 2.0 (6+) by Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” puts an end to its 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+) trending and the flagship of the Oakland A’s returns to the top twenty (#22 to #19). At the same time, unchanged at #5, the Giants’ key station – Cumulus Media’s KNBR “The Sports Leader” (3.0 – 4.2 in April, 6+) – returns one-tenth of April’s +1.2 to 4.1 (6+). Notwithstanding it has eroded by one full-share in three straight downward trends (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s news/talk KQED-FM is
#1 as it has been every month this calendar year. In the runner-up slot for the fifth successive time is CBS Radio all-news KCBS-AM (6.3 – 6.1, -.2, 6+). After posting four consecutive gains netting a +.6 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KOSF “103.7 – 80s Music for San Francisco” forfeits all of it (-.6, 2.1, 6+), spiraling from #12 to #17. Down for the third straight time for a combined -.7 (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), adult contemporary sibling KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” segues from fourth to seventh. For the second straight month, Entercom-owned KUFX is unlisted; “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” had a 1.5 (6+) in March.
5) Dallas –For the seventh successive ratings period, Service Broadcasting urban contemporary KKDA-FM is either up or flat for a full-share gain (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). “K-104” jumps from tenth to 
eighth and is tied there with iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” (3.4, +.4, 6+), which improves from #13 and curtails a streak of three consecutive downward moves that generated a -.9 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+). By dialing up a gain of eight-tenths (2.3 – 3.1, 6+),
CBS Radio regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” breaks out of a three-way logjam at #18 to climb to #13. Frozen on 2.9 (6+) the past four sweeps, Cumulus Media’s KTCK not only gains four-tenths to 3.3 (6+), “The Ticket” cracks the top ten (#14 to #10). Without a decrease for four successive sweeps netting a collective +1.1 (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), co-owned KSCS faltered by one-half share in April but “New Country 96.3” recaptures all of it (3.8 – 4.3, 6+) and carries on at #6. Similarly-formatted cluster-mate KPLX “The Wolf” adds one-tenth to the two-tenths it picked up in April (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+) and finishes first for the fifth successive time. Tied at #1 with “The Wolf” in March – iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” – sputters by seven-tenths (5.9 – 5.2, 6+) and slips from second in April to third. Continuing on a seesaw, CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV” surrenders every bit of the eight-tenths it gained in April and an additional one-tenth (4.7 – 5.5 – 4.6, -.9, 6+), sliding from third back to fourth. April’s +.8 halted a loss of over two full-shares in three straight downward moves (6.8 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Plummeting from the top ten (#10 to #15), adult contemporary sibling KDGE “Star 102.1” is off by one-half share to 2.9 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three successive up or flat trends (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+) that produced a gain of six-tenths. In mid-November (2016), KDGE jettisoned its alternative format and “Edge” identity and in “Holiday” 2016, “Star 102.1” more than doubled December’s 3.3 to 7.7, rocketing from tenth to first.
6) Houston – The wild ride is ongoing for Radio One-owned urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station,” which is #1 for the fourth consecutive sweep. Up a combined full-share in back-to-back monthlies (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.9, 
January-February-March, 6+), “Majic” returned all of it in April (6.9, 6+), but it rebounds with a +1.4 (7.9 – 6.9 – 8.3, 6+), the heftiest (6+) increase of any station in the 12 PPM-markets whose data was released on Monday. Five successive up or flat trends by KQQK “El Norte 107.9” have netted a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), as the Liberman regional Mexican advances from #18 to #17. This is the finest 6+-showing for “El Norte” since last August (2.7, as well). Debuting with a one-half share, the HD2 channel of University of Houston-owned KUHF checks in at #27. Trending 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.2 (6+) since January, CBS Radio Spanish contemporary KLOL “Mega 101” falters by seven-tenths to 3.5 – its weakest 6+-showing since April 2016’s 2.9 – as it departs the top ten (#9 to #13). After progressing by seven-tenths in April, noncommercial contemporary Christian KSBJ “God Listens” returns all but one-tenth (5.6 – 5.0, -.6, 6+), falling from fourth to fifth. KSBJ improved by +1.0 in January to 5.9, its highest 6+-share in more than four years (6.0, November 2012); was -.5 in both February and March (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+); +.7 in April; and now -.6 in May. Following a massive +1.6 in March, Cox Media Group-owned country KKBQ “The New 93-Q” forfeited just over half of it in April (4.2 – 5.8 – 4.9, -.9, 6+) and flounders by another half-share in May to 4.4 (6+) as it moves from sixth to seventh; 5.8 was the strongest 6+-showing for KKBQ since last July’s 5.9 (6+). Off by one-half share as well is classic country cluster-mate KTHT “Country Legends” (2.5 – 2.0, 6+), which departs the top 20 (#19 to #21). Following four straight gains that yielded a cumulative +1.3 (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC KHMX “Mix 96.5” (#13 to #15) slumps by four-tenths to 3.2 (6+).
7) Atlanta – Winning ways continue for Cox Media Group-owned WSRV “Classic Hits 97.1 The River” and Cumulus Media’s WNNX “100.5 – Atlanta’s Rock Station,” as both stations log their fifth consecutive gain. In the
case of the former, “The River” is a +2.3 in that stretch (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+) and 
moves from a second-place tie to sole possession of the runner-up slot. A combined +1.5 since the “Holiday” 2016 report (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 3.2, 6+), WNNX, meanwhile, inches up from #16 to #15. Notching a one-half share gain as well (to 4.7, ninth to fifth, 6+) is Radio One urban contemporary WHTA “Hot 107.9,” which – conversely – hadn’t had an increase since last November (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+) and was a combined -1.7. Shifting to the market’s country tussle, the two players were tied at #12 in April and both are up in May; however, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (3.6 – 4.0, +.4, #11, 6+) pulls ahead of Cumulus Media’s WKHX “Kicks 101.5” (3.6 – 3.9, +.3, #13, 6+). As noted above with WSRV and WNNX, five also proves to be a lucky number for “The Bull” as this represents its fifth straight improvement (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+) for a collective +1.4. At #30, news/talk sibling WGST is up one-tenth to .3 (6+), thus ending eight consecutive ratings periods 
without an increase (.4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+). Although down or flat for the fourth straight sweep for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (10.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 8.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is #1 for the 17th straight ratings period. Prior to March, its most recent fluctuations were -2.3 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.8 (January); and -.8 (February). January’s 10.7 represents the station’s best-ever (6+) performance, eclipsing the 10.2 in December 2016; 8.6 though is the station’s weakest 6+-showing since the “Holiday” 2016 report (7.9). Likewise, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” has its softest 6+-performance in more than a year (4.3, April 2016) as a result of regressing by one-half share (5.0 – 4.5, fifth to sixth, 6+).
8) Philadelphia – Via three straight increases (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.5, sixth, 6+), CBS Radio sports
outlet/Philadelphia Phillies’ flagship WIP (unchanged at #6) is a collective +1.6. When WIP improved by two-tenths in March, it ended at five a consecutive string of downward or flat trends that yielded a cumulative -1.1 (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). Putting together 
its third successive positive trend as well is WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK,” which nets one full share in that stretch (5.9 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+). The Beasley Media Group property advances from fourth to second, trailing iHeartMedia-owned urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” (6.7 – 7.0, +.3, second to first). WDAS-FM unseats CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOGL (6.9 – 6.8, -.1, 6+), which transitions from first to third. WOGL registered a +1.3 in January; +.5 in February; and unseated Jerry Lee Radio adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101 More FM” at #1 in March. A model of consistency over the last nine ratings periods, (4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL “Power 99” progresses from tenth to eighth. Dropping from eighth to tenth, co-owned WRFF “Radio 104.5 –
Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock” forfeits all but one-tenth of April’s +.6 (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.2, -.5, 6+); 4.7 was its strongest 6+-showing since last October’s 4.9. A combined +1.1 “Holiday” 2016 – January – February (2.9 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk WPHT is now -1.2 in February – March – April – May (4.0 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), sliding from #15 to #17.
9) Long Island – Six-tenths of a share separated the top seven stations in April. It’s still incredibly tight at the top, where one-tenth is the margin among the top three, including a bona fide rarity where format foes share the lead – 
each posting identical profiles (5.0 – 5.4, +.4, second to first, 6+). Specifically, Cox Media Group-owned CHR WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All the Hits” has gained +1.4 in five straight up or flat trends, (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+), while iHeartMedia New York City’s similarly-programmed WHTZ “Z-100” rebounds from April’s -1.1 (6.1 – 5.0, 6+). Having registered 11 successive sweeps at #1 in the Long Island report, “Z-100” spiraled by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2016 (6.6 – 5.1, 6+), sliding to third. It then gained eight-tenths in January 2017 to reappear at #1 and repeated at the top in February and March. Just one-tenth behind the two CHRs – and actually up two-tenths (5.1 – 5.3, first to third, 6+) – is Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM
“Real Variety 97.5.” The tables have turned on WALK-FM, which gained nine-tenths in April to rocket from seventh to first, clinging in April to a one-tenth advantage over WBLI and WHTZ. A full-share loss by WALK-FM in March (5.2 – 4.2, 6+) resulted in “Real Variety 97.5” tumbling from fourth to seventh. By posting a gain of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+), CBS Radio New York City all-news property WINS (eighth to seventh) terminates a mini-skid that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (4.4 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Similarly, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU – which had been down or flat the past three sweeps (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+) – improves by one-half share to 2.8, climbing from #17 to #15. For the 30th straight sweep, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” is in 2.0 – 2.9 range (2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #17 to #18, 6+).
10) Riverside – In the runner-up slot for the fifth successive ratings period, Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet KOLA tacks on six-tenths to the four-tenths it regained in April (5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+). The loss of 
four-tenths in March ended at five KOLA’s string of consecutive fluctuations by one-half share (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+) for a collective -1.5; KOLA was at #2 six straight times before dropping to third in “Holiday” 2016. Prior to November, it was up or flat the previous six times for a net gain of +2.2 (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). It is chasing Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY, which is #1 for the 19th consecutive ratings period, although “Jose” registers its fourth consecutive decrease for a -1.3 (9.4 – 9.2 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.1, 6+). Following five consecutive sweeps without a decrease which produced a +2.2 (7.2 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+), “Jose” lost two-tenths in February. The dubious distinction for recording the largest (6+) decrease of any station in the 12 PPM-markets whose data was released on Monday falls to Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” (4.9 – 3.5, -1.4, third to sixth, 6+). It is the first time “Zona MX 101.9” has fallen below a four-share (6+) in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario since November 2015 (3.1). After more than doubling its 6+-share by way of three straight increases (.9 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 2.1, 6+), All-Pro Broadcasting’s KHTI “Hot 103.9 – Move to the Music” erodes by three-tenths to 1.8 (6+) and dips from ninth to tenth. A combined +.7 in the past two sweeps, adult contemporary cluster-mate KATY “Mix 101.3” surrenders that increase in its entirety (.8 – 1.0 – 1.5 – .8, 6+), dropping from #12 to #14; the 1.0 in March represented the first time “Mix 101.3” crossed the one-share level (6+) since December 2015’s 1.1.
11) San Jose – Without an increase the last three ratings periods for a net loss of one-half share (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” recaptures all of that decrease plus one-tenth (2.6, +.6, 6+) and cracks the top twenty at #17. Meanwhile, Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KVVF “San Jose’s Hottest Music” (#18 to #16)
notches its third straight gain and is up one full-share since February (1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+). A combined -1.2 since September via eight straight down or flat trends (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KRBQ “The Beat of the Bay” adds one-tenth in May to 1.7 (6+) and carries on at #25. Not only does KCBS-AM pick up three-tenths (6.4, 6+) to end a string of three consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -.6 (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.1 (6+), the CBS Radio all-news operation marches from second to first. It dislodges Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED, which falters for the third straight sweep for a cumulative -1.3 (7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.3) and slides to #2. Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and had been there ever since. Slipping from fifth to sixth, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” falters by three-tenths to 4.3 (6+), curtailing at four a consecutive string of increases that netted more than two full-shares (2.3 – 2.4 – 3.2 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+).
12) Middlesex – In addition to pulling the plug on three straight negative trends that accounted for a loss of one-half share (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City news/talker-New York Mets flagship WOR gains 
six-tenths to 2.7 (6+) and enters the top twenty at #20. At the same time, CBS Radio New York City sports outlet-New York Yankees key station WFAN “The Fan” adds one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), jumping from #15 to #11. Without a decrease for the fifth straight sweep for a net gain of +1.8 (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” inches up from eighth to sixth. Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WKTU (#19 – #16) – is up or flat for the sixth consecutive ratings period scoring a +.8 in that stretch (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Following a combined loss of -1.4 in back-to-back sweeps (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW gains three-tenths to 6.8 (6+) and is #1 for the fifth consecutive
ratings period. As a result of hanging out a “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 increase of one-full-share (6.8 – 7.8, 6+), “New Jersey 101.5” returned to #1 following one turn in the runner-up slot. Prior to “Holiday” 2016, when it was -.7, (6+), “New Jersey 101.5” spent 12 consecutive ratings periods on top. While it is in the runner-up slot for the third consecutive time, Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – Your #1 Source for R&B” regresses by eight-tenths to 5.2, its lowest 6+-share in this New Jersey market since its 5.2 last September. Off for the third straight sweep in Middlesex-Somerset-Union – this time by a whopping -1.1 – iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ “Z-100” freefalls from #6 to #14. Dating back to March, “Z-100” is -2.2 (5.4 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.2, 6+). Down or flat for the ninth straight time and -1.6 since September (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), CBS Radio New York City’s similarly-formatted WBMP “Amp” skids from #14 to #17.
Thursday, January 12, 2016
WSCR, Chicago Unveils New Lineup; Windy City Native Parkins Comes Back from KCSP, Kansas City. The recent retirement of original “Score” personality Terry Boers led industry watchers to expect at least an addition to the staff and that’s what program director Mitch Rosen is announcing. Chicago native and recent six-
year KCSP, Kansas City sports talk host Danny Parkins is heading home to partner with Matt Spiegel to co-host the 9:00 am to 1:00 pm “Spiegel and Parkins” show. Current midday personality 
Jason Goff moves to the afternoon drive slot (1:00 pm to 6:00 pm) to partner with Dan Bernstein for the “Bernstein and Goff” show. The changes take effect next Tuesday (1/17). Rosen states, “The retirement of beloved ‘Score original’ Terry Boers after 25 years, coupled with the exciting achievements of the station over the last year, led us straight to Jason as the perfect match with Dan in afternoons. As a hometown native, Danny brings passion to middays, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to hear what he and Matt create together for our loyal listeners.” Goff first started with “The Score” in 2000 as a producer. He’s worked on air at CBS RADIO’s WZGC, Atlanta, as well as SiriusXM.
Suit Against Glenn Beck and Others By ‘Clock Boy’ Family Dismissed. The family of Ahmed Mohamed sued Glenn Beck, his company The Blaze, Center for Security Policy’s Jim Hanson, talk host Ben Shapiro and others for defamation in the aftermath of the then-13-year-old’s 2015 arrest. The boy had made a homemade
electronic device in a small briefcase using parts from a clock and batteries that he brought to school to show his teacher. The teacher mistook it for a bomb and called authorities. He was initially charged with making a hoax bomb but charges were soon dropped. But the media attention to the case made it a viral story. Beck and other defendants opined and speculated about the case, including whether the incident was planned by Mohamed’s father in order to draw sympathy. Some defendants questioned that he’d built a clock at all and suggested what he made was something that looked like a small suitcase bomb. Regardless, under a Texas anti-SLAPP suit measure, a Texas judge dismissed the complaints against all except Shapiro, whose motion-to-dismiss hearing will take place on January 30. NBC News is reporting that the family intends to appeal the dismissals.
2017 New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards Open for Entries; TALKERS Publisher Michael Harrison Named to Advisory Committee. The 2017 New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards is now open for entries. The awards program – now in its 35th year – honors “the World’s Best Radio Programs,” receiving entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from more than 30 countries around the world. NYF Radio Program Awards executive director Rose Anderson says, “From hard-hitting
investigative journalism to breath-taking theater of the mind, radio today engages listeners as never before across a growing spectrum of genres and platforms. Storytelling, the power of the individual voice, and the immediacy of the medium – all testify to the universal language of radio. And so, every year we augment our categories not only to be in sync with the industry but in order to stay ahead of the curve as visionaries around the world raise the bar of what is possible.” Additional categories added this year to address the breadth of radio programming emerging in today’s marketplace include: Best Live News Special and Heroes Documentary. NYF also added two new podcast categories for Music and Personal Lives. This year New York Festivals Radio Awards adds two new members to the Advisory Board: TALKERS magazine editor and publisher Michael Harrison and SiriusXM VP/talk production & operations Todd Stack. NYF calls Harrison “one of America’s leading authorities on radio, communications, and public opinion as it is expressed in the media.” The Advisory Board is comprised of prominent international executives recognized as thought-leaders in the radio broadcasting industry. These individuals function as a sounding board for the competition’s executive director, offering suggestions for category updates and sharing ideas, trends, and other concerns that impact radio broadcasting. Their guidance insures that the competition is relevant and in step with the ever-changing radio industry. For information about submitting entries, click here.
Trump Press Conference, Russian Hacking Allegations/McCain Releases ‘Trump Dossier,’ Trump Business Separation Plan, Trump Cabinet Nominations Hearings, Obama Farewell Address, ObamaCare Repeal Efforts, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/11). President-Elect Donald Trump’s first press conference since winning the White House; the allegations Russia was behind the hacking of the DNC emails and John McCain’s delivering the “Trump dossier” purportedly documenting bizarre sexual behavior by Trump while staying in Moscow to BuzzFeed; Donald Trump’s plan to put his business into a trust run by his sons in order to avoid conflicts of interest; the hearings of Trump cabinet nominees Rex Tillerson and Jeff Sessions; President Barack Obama’s Tuesday evening “Farewell Address”; the efforts by the GOP to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act; and the NFL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Michael Medved’s New Book Cracks NYT Bestseller Top 10 in Religion Category. Nationally syndicated talk show host Michael Medved’s latest book, The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic (Crown Forum 2016), has cracked the top 10 in The New York Times Bestseller list in the religion, spirituality and faith category. The Salem Radio Network talk host’s book looks at important moments in the history of the United States and suggests that “at moments of crisis, when the odds against success seem overwhelming and disaster looks imminent, fate intervenes to provide deliverance and progress.” He writes that many notable leaders over the years have believed that the country’s good fortune came straight from the hand of God. Read more about the book here.
Talk Media Network Names Willis Damalt to Senior Affiliate Relations Post. Affiliate relations pro Willis Damalt joins talk radio programming syndicator Talk Media Network as senior affiliate relations
representative. During his career, Damalt has served with the WOR Network as senior director of affiliate relations, at USRN, and SFX. Talk Media Network CEO Josh Leng says, “We’ve been on the lookout for the right person to join our fun, but focused team, and having Willis Damalt aboard at Talk Media Network is a great way to start the New Year. In the past 30 days, we’ve added 30 new show clearances, with Willis already contributing to our growth and providing great affiliate service.” Damalt will serve stations primarily in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Upper-Midwest and Southwest and affiliate relations director Ken Silverstein covers the rest of the country.
Odds & Sods. 77 WABC, New York is expanding the weekend “Always in Fashion” show featuring host and fashion business leader Mark Weber. The show, dedicated to business and fashion, has been airing Saturday evenings
from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm for the past year. Beginning this Saturday (1/14), the program will now be broadcast Saturday evenings from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Sunday afternoons from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm…..Southern California journalist and award-winning public radio news host Alex Cohen will become KPCC-FM, Pasadena’s voice of “Morning Edition.” The native Angeleno is well known to KPCC listeners as co-host of “Take Two,” the station’s morning news magazine for the past four years…..Scripps announces that on this week’s “Cal Cast” podcast with Kentucky basketball head coach John Calipari, UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma will be the guest. Auriemma is on the verge of breaking his own record of consecutive wins with his UConn Lady Huskies. On January 10, Auriemma coached his team to its 90th consecutive win – tying the record his teams set in 2010. UConn faces Southern Methodist 
University on the road this Saturday (1/14), with a chance to notch a record-breaking 91st consecutive win…..Call for entry for the 26th annual Radio Mercury Awards is now open. Entries are being accepted for outstanding creative spots, campaigns and innovative radio work from advertising agencies, radio stations, production companies, colleges, universities, and advertisers. Chief judge Mark Gross, along with a soon-to-be-announced team of final round judges, will disburse over $87,000 in cash prizes including the $50,000 Best of Show prize. Winners will be announced at the 2017 Radio Mercury Awards event on June 1 in New York…..SiriusXM announces “The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons is hosting a new, limited-run show on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM channel, Radio Andy. It’s titled “Jim Parsons Is Too Stupid for Politics” and will feature Parsons “breaking down today’s often confusing political climate, while exploring how U.S. citizens can become better participants in our government system.”
Debbie Mazella Named Program Director at AC WMGQ, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Ten-year WMGQ staffer Debbie Mazella is promoted to program director for Beasley Media Group’s Central New Jersey adult contemporary outlet. Mazella has been assistant
program director for the past nine years while serving as midday host at “Magic 98.3” – a duty she will continue in addition to her new PD responsibilities. Mazella states, “Ever since my childhood, I wanted to be involved in radio and I’m extremely grateful to the mentors who have influenced, encouraged and helped me on my career path. It’s even more exciting to know that I am the first female PD in Magic’s 40 year history!”
Dave & Mahoney Return to CBS RADIO’s KXTE, Las Vegas. Sin City alternative rock KXTE “X107.5” welcomes back morning personalities Dave & Mahoney, effective Monday, February 6. The duo was most recently hosting the morning daypart at the company’s KHMX, Houston “Mix 96-5.” They hosted the morning show on “X107.5” beginning in 2009, before leaving the market. KXTE program director Ross Mahoney says, “Dave & Mahoney live and breathe Las Vegas and are ingrained in the history and lifestyle of ‘X107.5.’ They know the music, the community and understand what the ‘X107.5’ brand means to the listeners. I couldn’t be more excited to have the boys come home and do what they do best – entertain Las Vegas!”
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. In San Diego, program director and afternoon personality Mike Halloran exits Local Media San Diego’s alternative XETRA “91X.” His bio has been scrubbed from the station website…..At Entercom’s hip hop KQKS, Denver, 17-year station personality Kendall B. exits the “KS1075” morning show…..John St. John is named operations manager for Midwest Communications’ Duluth, Minnesota station group that includes: country KTCO, classic country KDKE “102.5 Duke FM,” classic rock KQDS, adult contemporary KDAL-FM, news/talk KDAL-AM, news/talk WDSM-AM/W251CD and sports talk WDUL…..Beasley Media Group’s Detroit classic rocker WCSX is hosting the “Cold as Ice,” ice fishing tournament at Lake St. Clair Metropark on Saturday, January 28. Fishermen (and fisherwomen!) participating have the chance to win prizes for the top 10 catches. First place prize of $1,000 goes to the fisher who catches the heaviest perch! The fisher who catches the largest pike will win $500 cash and the one who catches the heaviest pan fish will win $250.
Memorial Set for Legendary KLOS, Los Angeles Personality Bob Coburn. A memorial service for Bob Coburn is set for Saturday, January 21 at Malibu Presbyterian Church in Malibu, California at 2:00 pm. The service will be followed by a reception at Ollo Restaurant in Malibu. If attending, you are asked to RSVP either via Rockline@gmail.com or by texting or calling 818-636-6160. Coburn died in December at age 68 after a battle with lung cancer. His weekly, syndicated “Rockline” show aired from 1981 through 2014.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Seven AEs Sue Clear Channel Claiming Civil Rights Violations. In a suit filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana by seven current and former AEs working at Clear Channel’s New Orleans stations, the group charges that after the economic downturn of 2008, accounts were redistributed at a meeting in Gonzales, Louisiana in February of 2009 in such a way that helped ease the financial hit Caucasian AEs were taking through the redistribution. The complaint alleges many of the redistributed accounts had been built up by African American AEs. The complaint – filed jointly by Wil Watson, Gary Watson, Prixie Montgomery, Ave Gaines, Darnetta Mahaffy-Nelson, Dinah Campbell, and Brandin Campbell – details salaries before and after the redistribution and concludes, “As a result of the redistribution of accounts, whether intentional or negligent, African-American account executives were disparately, and negatively, impacted, to their severe economic detriment as compared to their Caucasian counterparts…Overall, African-American account executives lost on average more than 40% of their 2008 income in 2008-9. On information and belief Caucasian account executives lost no more that about 15% of their 2008 income, on average, during the same period of time.” Three of the seven were fired, they allege, after complaining about the practices. The seven seek relief, punitive damages, general damages, attorneys’ fees and statutory remedies.
It’s Official: Kevin Graham Named Brand Manager at WEEI, Boston. As rumored late last week, sports talk programmer and personality Kevin Graham is leaving his PD and co-host role at Cumulus Media’s KFNZ, Salt Lake City “1320 KFAN” to become brand manager at Entercom’s WEEI. According to his bio on the KFNZ website, Graham was one of the architects of KFNZ as the station was built in 1996. He’s worked as programmer at KTAR-AM, Phoenix; WXYT, Detroit and other sports talk outlets. In addition to programming KFNZ, Graham co-hosts the “Gunther & Graham” PM drive show with Kyle Gunther. Graham has extensive experience in the digital sports arena assisting in building 
ArizonaSports.com in Phoenix and as the founder/editor of SportsMashup.com. He’ll begin work at WEEI in September, taking over for longtime programmer Jason Wolfe. Entercom Boston GM Jeff Brown states, “WEEI is more than a radio station; it is an entire sports ecosystem. From our on-air talent to Red Sox play-by-play to WEEI.com, where we had 1.4 million unique visitors just last month, WEEI is a more complete sports brand than ever before. We are thrilled to announce today that Kevin Graham will lead WEEI as our new brand manager. His background both in front of and behind the mic, along with his years of digital sports experience made him the best choice to lead WEEI. Kevin will bring a fresh perspective to the entire WEEI team and our complete package of digital sports assets.” Speaking about his new gig, Graham comments, “I am honored and excited to join the WEEI team. WEEI is one of the most recognizable and powerful sports radio brands in the country. With great resources, amazing talent, and one of the best digital brands in sports, the sky is the limit. I can’t wait to get started, especially with the Red Sox in the midst of such a great season.”
“The State of News/Talk/Sports Programming” Panel Set for Talkers Los Angeles 2013. A diverse and powerful panel of front-line programmers has been set for Talkers Los Angeles 2013 that will explore the major issues of programming within the present-day news/talk/sports realm. Participating panelists include (in alphabetical order): Robin Bertolucci, PD, KFI/KTLK, Los Angeles; Skip Essick, PD, KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno; Andy Ludlum, director of news programming, KNX/KFWB, Los Angeles; Don Martin, senior VP sports programming, Fox Sports Radio/Clear Channel Media & Entertainment; Chuck Tyler, PD, KRLA/KKLA, Los Angeles; and Bill White, PD, KQTH-FM/KFFN-AM/FM, Tucson. The panel will be moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey who states, “This will be a fast-moving discussion that will really capture the flavor of today’s talk radio programming scene and do so with a solid Western states perspective – which makes this California edition of our two-part national conference so valuable. It will present a diverse array of formats including news/talk, all-news, and sports talk, as well as company types ranging in size and varied styles of corporate culture.” This third annual installment of TALKERS magazine’s West Coast convention is set for Thursday, October 10 and is already shaping up to be a blockbuster. The gathering is closing in on being an advance sellout some six weeks before the event so it is advisable for media professionals interested in attending to register now. It is again being presented in association with the Los Angeles Press Club and held at the historic Steve Allen Theater on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. Registrations – $149 per person – can only be taken over the phone. For sponsorship information or to register, call 413-565-5413. More agenda details coming in the immediate days ahead.
New Jersey’s WCTC, New Brunswick Makes Big Local Moves. Saying “there is a thirst for local content in this market,” WCTC, New Brunswick “The Voice of Central New Jersey” PD Bert Baron announces that the longtime news/talk station will debut a new and completely revamped on-air lineup starting Monday, August 26. The Greater Media-owned station is making mass changes to its weekday programming, moving Baron from his two-hour
afternoon slot to morning drive, where he will host “Jersey Central with Bert Baron” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Baron says his show will include “everything you need to know in New Jersey – news, sports, events, entertainment, politics, lifestyle, traffic and weather.” Following Baron will be the Courtside Entertainment-syndicated Laura Ingraham, who moves up one hour from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. From 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, WCTC will carry “The Tommy G Show,” the first time a terrestrial radio station will simulcast a daily internet radio show in New Jersey. “Tommy G is very unique and brings a Jersey angle to what is happening here. He’s a radio name with a great presence in the market. He gets Jersey,” says Baron. Tommy G, who was also named to this year’s TALKERS magazine Frontier 50 – A Selection of Outstanding Talk Media Webcasters – 
tells TALKERS his show is “all about New Jersey and what Jerseyans are talking about,” and says his show could change the face of local talk radio. “I’m introducing ‘syndi-local’ to talk radio and consulting others on the process, showing that
companies can save money while talent can build their own business and brands. It’s a win-win,” says Tommy G, who will be joined on Mondays by the New York Times best-selling author of “The Soprano State,” Bob Ingle. Following Tommy G and replacing the syndicated Mancow is another new show hosted by longtime New York metro area talent Steve Malzberg. Malzberg’s show is syndicated by Newsmax, and will be carried live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Says Baron, “Steve is a name in the area,” and despite being a national show, it’s expected Malzberg will discuss “a fair amount of local and regional news and topics.” From 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, WCTC, which is the flagship 
station for Rutgers University sports, debuts “BTN Live,” a sports talk show about the Big Ten, the NCAA conference Rutgers begins competing in this fall. Baron, who along with Tommy G, is well known for his community involvement, says he believes the changes are not only necessary but that stations must embrace how local content will make them stronger. “We will be much more local in our approach to serving our listeners – from our shows to remote (broadcasts) and our community involvement. For us it will be cost effective. We will make noise in the radio landscape.”
Todd Feinburg Subs in Boston and Louisville. Boston-based talk show host Todd Feinburg is filling in for WBZ-AM, Boston’s Dan Rea on the evening program tonight and tomorrow (8-22/23). Next week he’ll be heard 829 miles away on Clear Channel’s WHAS, Louisville sitting in hosting the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon slot on both Thursday and Friday, August 29 and 30. The multi-faceted Feinburg spent many years working full time at Entercom’s WRKO, Boston.
WIP-FM, Philadelphia Announces Howie Roseman Show. CBS Radio sports talk outlet “SportsRadio 94 WIP” is announcing Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman will make weekly appearances on the afternoon drive show with Anthony Gargano – accompanied by Eagles play-by-play voice Merrill Reese – every Monday from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm live at Chickie’s and Pete’s in South Philadelphia. The station states, “In addition to discussing each week’s game with Gargano and Reese, Roseman will take calls and talk with fans on site at Chickie’s and Pete’s. The show is the first of its kind. It is the only live weekly interactive radio show with an NFL general manager. The show, sponsored by Miller Lite, can be heard live on 94WIP, online at www.cbsphilly.com and via the Radio.com application for a variety of mobile devices. The show will debut on Tuesday, September 3 due to the Labor Day holiday and be heard on Tuesday, September 10 due to the Eagles-Redskins Monday Night Football debut on September 9. From 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm a leading Eagles player will join the show each week.
Hangin’ with Mike Tyson. Fox Sports Radio Network nationally syndicated host Jay Mohr (l) poses for a shot with former boxer Mike Tyson (r) in the Fox Sports Radio studios in Los Angeles. Tyson visited Mohr’s program to talk about his life after boxing, being a dad and much more. They also chatted about a recent run-in at a frozen yogurt shop, as well as Tyson’s upcoming FOX Sports 1 cable TV show, “Being Mike Tyson.”
Country Act The Lost Trailers Cuts Custom Theme Music for Dial Global’s “Sunday Night Football.” The theme music to Dial Global’s “Sunday Night Footbal” this season is a tweaked version of The Lost Trailers’ single “It’s Goin’ Down Tonight” that features football highlights, sound bites and customized lyrics. The company announces, “The new theme music, performed by The Lost Trailers and powered by Early Shares Music, will debut during the first regular season NFL broadcast on Thursday, September 5 which kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET. The highly anticipated season opener between the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos will feature Kevin Harlan and Boomer Esiason behind the microphones.” The band’s founding member Stokes Nielson states, “We are truly excited to be a part of the NFL broadcasts on Dial Global. We are huge sports fans and we can’t wait to help the announcers kick off every Sunday night game, because it’s goin’ down tonight, every Sunday night, all over America!” The band previously collaborated with Dial Global Sports, customizing their top 10 single “Holler Back” for the network’s opening montage in Super Bowl XLIII.
Bradley Manning Verdict/Gender Issues, OK Thrill Kill Case, Averted Georgia School Shooting, NSA Surveillance Program, U.S.-Egypt Tensions, Syria Chemical Weapons Allegations and ObamaCare Implementation Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/21). The 35-year sentence handed to Bradley Manning and his desire to begin gender change procedures; the case of three Oklahoma teens suspected of slaying Australian college baseball player Christopher Lane; a Georgia School staffer talks an armed man out of firing and averts a tragedy; the scope of the NSA surveillance program; the U.S. policy regarding Egypt; allegations Syria is using chemical weapons against citizens; and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Melanie Morgan Leaves KSFO, San Francisco AM Show. This was radio and news pro Melanie Morgan’s second go-round with the Cumulus news/talker. Morgan was a longtime fixture on KSFO alongside Lee Rodgers on the morning drive show when it was owned by ABC Radio (then Citadel) until her departure from the station in 2008. She worked briefly with Talk Radio Network’s “America’s Morning News” based in Washington, DC but was forced to return to San Francisco to deal with a health issue. She joined the morning show at KSFO again – this time with Brian Sussman as co-host 18 months ago. Morgan Tweeted to followers: “Breaking – Melanie Morgan leaves KSFO morning show. No more 2:45 alarms. Amicable parting. Thanks KSFO listeners. God Bless You!”
WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey Legend Jack Ellery Retires. Greater Media announces that New Jersey radio legend Jack Ellery is retiring from WCTC, New Brunswick after a career that has spanned 50 years. Ellery, most recently morning host at the station, has spent the better part of his career at WCTC. Ellery began as a disc jockey but quickly turned his daily morning show into a forum for discussion on the latest news in Central Jersey and the state, providing insight, wit and humor, as one of the true pioneers of local talk radio. Greater Media states, “Along the way, the radio veteran was also instrumental in helping WCTC raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Central Jersey charitable organizations through on-air radiothons and different drives for local residents in dire need. Ellery capped off his career as one of Central Jersey’s iconic radio personalities with his inclusion in the New Jersey Broadcasters Association’s inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees last year. He also received the NJBA’s Lifetime Achievement award at that time.” WCTC station manager Dan Henrickson says, “Jack has served our community, our advertisers and our audience for multiple decades. We wish him all the best in the ‘gone fishing’ portion of his life.”
Boston Globe Examines Local Sports Talk Radio Battle. Boston Globe sports columnist Chad Finn takes a deeper look at the ratings war between CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” and Entercom’s WEEI-FM after the Arbitron PPM data for the June period were released late yesterday. It turns out the NHL
Stanley Cup push by the hometown Bruins – whose games are broadcast on WBZ-FM – was very good news for the station. Finn digs into the Men 25-54 numbers average from the last three ratings periods (April, May and June) and reports the following: WBZ-FM was #1 in the demo with a 10.2 share and WEEI-FM was tied for 5th place with a 5.5 share; in morning drive WBZ-FM morning show Toucher and Rich were first with a 13.4 share. WEEI’s Dennis and Callahan were fifth with a 6.0 though Finn notes that D&C were up in June with a 7.0 share. Things got a little closer in the evenings when play-by-play for the Bruins and the Red Sox were happening. Finn writes, “In the evenings (7-p.m-midnight), The Sports Hub, featuring the Baseball Reporters, the Adam Jones Show and Bruins game broadcasts, was first with a 13.4 share, including a massive 16.2 in June. WEEI’s nighttime programming, including the Planet Mikey Show and Red Sox and Celtics broadcasts, was second (9.7, including a 10.2 in June).” The next couple of surveys will be interesting as WEEI has the monopoly on play-by-play with Red Sox baseball. Read Finn’s entire column here.
Chicago Sports Talk War Featured in Tribune. The Chicago Tribune’s Ed Sherman dives into the Men 25-54 PPM data for what he terms the spring ratings – April, May and June PPM averages – for the market’s major sports talk outlets CBS Radio-owned WSCR and ESPN O&O WMVP. Sherman reports WSCR finished fourth in the market with a 4.7 share against WMVP’s 16th place finish on a 2.4 share (Men 25-54 Mon-Sun 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight). Breaking out some of the individual
programs, Sherman reports in morning drive WSCR’s “’Mully & Hanley’ were third at 6.8; ‘Mike & Mike’ were 10th at 2.9 on MVP. In the afternoon, ‘Boers & Bernstein’ were second at 5.2, while ‘Waddle & Silvy’ were 16th at 2.6 in the first three months of their new time slot for WMVP.” Sherman also spoke with both program directors – WSCR’s Mitch Rosen and WMVP’s Adam Delevitt – in searching for reasons the stations, which were often very close in ratings in the past, have separated recently with WSCR pulling ahead. Rosen tells the Tribune, “We’ve stuck with the same lineup for several years. People get into habits when it comes to listening to stations. Continuity makes a big difference in radio.” Delevitt points out what his company sees as its strength in a multi-platform approach. “With ESPN, you have to focus on all of our platforms. Nobody can duplicate what we’re doing on every platform.” You can read Sherman’s entire piece here.
Michael Harrison to Deliver Keynote Address at The Conclave – Says the Future of Radio Rests Upon the Shoulders of Talent. The long-running annual industry learning conference, The Conclave, is coming up in just six days! Set for Wednesday, July 17 – Friday, July 19 at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel in Minneapolis, the 38th installment of this major, non-profit industry institution will feature a packed lineup of speakers from both music and talk radio (click here for the complete agenda). TALKERS publisher Michael
Harrison is set to deliver the event’s Keynote Address on Thursday, July 18 at 9:00 am. The title of his speech is “Radio in the Digital Age: Where Does Talent Fit In?” His presentation will approach today’s key issues – immense debt, generational and cultural shifts, exotic new media, audience measurement shortcomings, plus the increasing importance of intellectual property, talent becoming entrepreneurial, and the humanity that radio should offer and has the potential to still do so well. Looking ahead to his presentation, Harrison states, “The Conclave is designed as a platform for learning and I intend to use this opportunity to share the experience of my 45-year career in professional broadcasting and present-day insights accrued being the publisher of two leading trades with the young up-and-comers who are hopeful that radio can yet provide them with a rewarding career. The past, present and future of radio is primarily a story about talent. I will talk about the survival and ‘thrival’ of talent – upon whose shoulders rests the future of this industry.”
WPEN-FM, Philadelphia Baseball Talk Host Darren Daulton Diagnosed with Brain Cancer. The former MLB star and host of “Talkin’ Baseball with Dutch” took a break from his regular 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm nightly baseball show on Greater Media’s WPEN-FM “The Fanatic” to have tumors removed from his brain and the result of tests on those tumors showed they are cancerous. Darren Daulton Foundation president Tony Perri posted a message on Daulton’s official website stating, in part: “Darren has been diagnosed with a Glioblastoma (“GBM”), a form of brain cancer. He has returned to his Clearwater area home to continue recuperating amongst his immediate family and friends. He will eventually begin treatments in Florida. Darren and his family wish to thank everyone for their loving support throughout this difficult time. He is deeply touched. In typical fashion, he again said, ‘Right on; Fight on.’ Darren and his family request that everyone respect his privacy and that of his family during this period of time. At his urging, I can report that the September 9, 2013 golf tournament that benefits the Foundation will continue as planned.”
Former KPOJ, Portland Talk Host Building Online Progressive Talk Destination. Carl Wolfson was the morning drive host at Clear Channel’s KPOJ, Portland before the company dropped the progressive talk format and
flipped it to sports talk in November of 2012. Undaunted, Wolfson created a live, daily morning program on the internet and “Carl in the Morning” has been building a listenership on Wolfson’s internet station. Now, he’s adding another program to the station as former Oregon State Representative Jefferson Smith begins hosting a program called “Thank You Democracy” two days a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am. According to Willamette Week, Wolfson writes about the show, “Each episode of ‘Thank You Democracy’ will take a topic and cover that topic from various angles. The show will benefit from Jefferson’s network of relationships, as well as his experience as an activist, nationally recognized non-profit executive, advisor to elected officials, as well as a candidate and office-holder himself.”
KRMS, Osage Beach, Missouri Host Saves Life of Guest. It all started when “Ozarks Today” host John Rogger called author and scheduled guest June Barnhart by mistake on Monday July, 8 for an interview scheduled for a different day. But when he spoke with her he noticed she sounded confused and hung up on him. Fortunately the author’s publicist had his sister check in with the author’s sister who rushed over to her house to find her in bad shape. She was dehydrated and confused and was taken to the hospital. Rogger tells TALKERS magazine that he subsequently found out Barnhart had suffered a mild stroke but doctors say she is expected to make a full recovery.
Healthy-Schmealthy, Tell ‘em You Want a Hochman Burger! When WAXY, Miami “AM790 & FM 104.3 The Ticket” morning drive co-host Marc Hochman was asked by Miami Subs Grill to create a namesake burger to be sold at the restaurant, he was only too happy to comply. Marc is pictured here prepping to dive into a Hochman Burger that is now available at all 32 Miami Subs locations. (Miami Subs is partly owned by Miami-based rap star Pitbull.) What’s in a Hochman Burger you ask? It’s covered with cheddar and BBQ sauce and topped with Funyons! Tasty…and crunchy, too!
WFAN, New York’s Boomer & Carton to Captain Celebrity Softball Game. Morning drive sports talk duo Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton will choose their sides for the Major League Baseball’s Taco Bell Legends & Celebrities Softball Game during their show on CBS Radio’s WFAN, New York Friday morning at 8:00 am. Boomer & Carton will be broadcasting live from the All-Star FanFest at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The celebrity game is now in its 9th year as part of MLB’s All-Star Week and will be played before the All-Star Game Tuesday evening at Citi Field. It will feature celebrities including Chris Rock, Mike Piazza, Kevin James, Darryl Strawberry, George Lopez, Dwight Gooden, Ashanti, Jennie Finch, Chord Overstreet and James Denton, among others. Boomer Esiason is co-captaining the National League team alongside John Franco and Craig Carton and Bernie Williams will lead the American League team.
Immigration Reform, George Zimmerman Trial, Student Loan Bill, Asiana Airlines Crash Landing, Egypt Turmoil, and Canadian Rail Disaster Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/10). The battle in Congress over immigration reform and amnesty; the trial of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin; the bill that would address student loan interest rates; the investigation of the crash landing of the Asiana Airlines jet in San Francisco; the civil and political turmoil in Egypt; and the deadly Canadian railroad accident were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
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