Tag: "Newsmax TV"
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
‘New Jersey 101.5’ to Hold 2nd Coronavirus Town Hall. The Townsquare Media news/talk station announces it will present its second Town Hall broadcast addressing the COVID-019 pandemic, focusing on health and medical issues Thursday (3/26) at 7:00 pm. WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” says special
projects director and morning news anchor Eric Scott “leads the news and digital departments in linking a statewide audience with New Jersey’s top doctors fighting the pandemic, in a listener-driven, call-in format.” Scott – who will anchor live from 
the New Jersey 101.5 studios with guests joining by phone – will speak with: Dr. Margaret Fisher, infectious disease specialist at RWJBarnabas Health (also the medical director at Unterberg Children’s Hospital and chair, Department of Pediatrics, Monmouth Medical Center); Dr. Manisha Parulekar, program director and chief of the Division of Geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center; and Dr. Kevin Slavin, director of quality for Hackensack Meridian Health Children’s Services, specializing in pediatric infectious diseases. The station is streaming the program on Facebook Live and via NJ1015.com.
Triton Digital: News/Talk Gets COVID-19 Streaming Bump. According to data from Triton Digital’s Webcast Metrics service, listening to streams of news/talk-formatted radio stations increased 4% from the week of March 2-6 to the week of March 13-19. The format’s streaming share grew from 29% to 33%, as news of the COVID-19 disruption hitting the U.S. took over the news cycle. Triton says from the
week of March 2-6 to the week of March 13-19, the share of streaming contributed by sports talk radio held constant at 8%, while music radio’s share of streaming declined from 64% to 59%. The report adds that consumption patterns by device remain very stable, with streaming on mobile devices increasing from 49% to 51% of the total. The share of streaming on desktops/laptops decreased slightly from 27% to 25%, while smart speaker’s share of consumption held stable at 21%. Triton Digital president of marketing development John Rosso says, “Radio in every form – broadcast, streaming audio, and podcasts – remains a trusted and relied upon medium for news and entertainment in the United States. Despite the dislocation of many workers, this data shows the remarkable stability of the medium, as well as the importance of radio in delivering information in a time of crisis.”
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw’s Open Letter to the Industry: “We are in the midst of a crisis. It’s incredibly painful to our business, as it is to countless other industries. Our communities are reeling. This crisis is going to end. But radio’s troubles didn’t start a few weeks ago, when the coronavirus began its attack on our
country. Competition for our audiences has never been fiercer. National revenue had hit a rough patch. Public radio companies were trading at their lows. Deal-making had ground to a standstill. It was harder than ever to grow our radio revenues. Certainly, there are bright spots and pockets of opportunity, and our industry is doing a terrific job tirelessly serving our communities during this unprecedented time. That having 
been said, I don’t think many of us were looking fondly at the halcyon days of Q4 2019. As difficult as this crisis is, we have an opportunity to turn this disease into a cure. Our logs are wide open. What we allow to happen to our product once things return to ‘normal’ is entirely up to us. Although our company has tried to maintain reasonable commercial loads, we can do much better. Let’s take this opportunity to clean up our clocks, maintain lower spot loads, stop incessant bonus commercials, reduce endless promos. Demonstrate integrity for the value of our products and give our listeners more of what they crave. The universe is doing for us what we would not and could not do for ourselves. We have the opportunity to emerge from this dark time with a brighter flame than we have seen for years. What we do from here may make all the difference.”
TALKERS News Notes. In Seattle, Bonneville’s KIRO-FM is producing a daily podcast addressing the COVID-19 pandemic titled, “COVID-19: Seattle Podcast.” Longtime station personality Dave Ross and ‘KIRO Radio’ reporter Aaron Granillo
will “condense the most important updates of the day into a short podcast format for the benefit of our community. Together they will follow government officials, healthcare workers, business leaders, and local residents who are making crucial, early decisions … decisions that will soon guide, or warn, the rest of the country.” It will be released each afternoon. Station program director Bryan Buckalew says, “I think Dave Ross, with his decades of news experience, and Aaron Granillo, with his reporter’s sensibility, are uniquely capable of examining the effects of the coronavirus pandemic as it expands in 
Washington state and across the nation.”…..FOX News Radio launches a new weekday evening edition of the daily podcast “The FOX News Rundown” dedicated to the latest developments of the coronavirus pandemic. The newly re-titled program “The FOX News Rundown Podcast: Global Pandemic” is being hosted by FNC foreign correspondent Trey Yingst and debuts on March 30. On the program, Jerusalem-based Yingst will be joined by medical experts and fellow reporters to discuss the wide-ranging impacts of COVID-19 around the world…..The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reports that
Entercom sports talker WFAN, New York is giving weekend show hosting responsibilities to its daily stars in lieu of the usual weekend hosts, presumably to save some payroll expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says that “Boomer & Gio,” “Moose & Maggie,” and “Joe & Evan” are hosting Saturday and Sunday programs and Mike Francesa – currently only hosting the 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm show on WFAN – is doing a 9:00 am to 1:00 pm show on Sundays. However, longtime WFAN weekend host Richard Neer will be heard hosting the Sunday night 10:00 pm to 2:00 am show via CBS Sports Radio Network on “The Fan.”…..Cadence13 – a division of RADIO.COM – is unveiling the second season of the podcast “Gangster Capitalism” that it says “offers an unflinching look at white collar corruption and the dark side of the American dream” This season explores the NRA. Cadence13 chief content officer Chris Corcoran says, “As we further develop and expand our C13Originals slate, we’re prioritizing impactful and ambitious documentaries geared around culture, business, moments in time, music and more. Our objective is about finding the right stories, and how we tell and express them, so that the audience can immerse itself in what we believe will create conversation and engagement.”…..AdLarge Media signs a deal with Remote News Service (RNS) to serve as its exclusive ad sales representative. Remote News Service is owned and led by senior anchor Lesley Lotto…..Pictured below is Westwood One News White House correspondent Bob Costantini in the radio pool seat in the newly re-designed social distancing briefing room awaiting yesterday’s coronavirus task force news conference. The pink sticker on his lapel is confirmation that the White House took his temperature and it is normal.
Coronavirus Status in U.S., Stimulus Package Debate, Global Stocks Surge, U.S.-China Relations, India Locks Down Entire Country, and Olympics Postponed Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/24). The latest numbers on confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S.; the negotiations in the U.S. Senate to craft a coronavirus stimulus package; global stocks surge on news that the Senate is close to a stimulus package; relations between the U.S. and China as the COVID-19 blame game ramps up; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi orders lock down of 1.3 billion citizens; and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo are postponed among top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
NEED CONTENT TO FILL SPORTS GAPS? ‘Our American Stories’ Reaches Out to Sports Talk Stations with Programming to Temporarily Fill Holes in Their Schedules. The producers of the highly popular syndicated spoken-word program “Our American Stories” tell TALKERS, “We are pleased to announce we are making ‘Our American Stories’ available to sports stations on a temporary basis with no
contract to fill holes in their schedule resulting from the shut downs in the sports industry due to Covid-19. No strings attached.” The statement continues, “We have had several sports stations reach out to us and ask if they could use our content temporarily to fill holes in their lineup as so many sporting events have been cancelled.” A number of the episodes in the archives of the program directly address sports-oriented themes including: “The Heart of Kobe Bryant’s Memorial Service,” “He Made A Wood Bat For His Son… Now He Outsells Louisville Slugger,” “The Bird and Magic Story: Love, Friendship, and Basketball” and “I Shall Not Fail Those With Whom I Serve.” “Our American Stories” host and founder Lee Habeeb adds, “At this time in our country, Americans need to be encouraged and reminded that our nation is one that has persevered through tumultuous times and have hope that we will again prevail. We can help with that encouragement through the power of storytelling.” Interested stations should click here or contact Bryan Dawson at 720-737-2950 or bdawson@oanetwork.org.
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk. February is not traditionally a good month for the sports talk format, but the February 2020 PPM survey was especially bad as only two stations in our panel showed any weekly, 6+ AQH share gain from January 2020. And even there Entercom’s WMC-AM, Memphis (0.1 to 0.3) and iHeartMedia’s WYGM-AM, Orlando (1.1 to 1.2) showed increases that were essentially meaningless. Year-over-year, about as many stations shows ratings increases (45%) as saw decreases (42%), with big gainers including iHeartMedia’s KXFN, Minneapolis “The Fan” (+2.4), Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM, Raleigh (+1.3), and Entercom’s KGMZ-FM, San Jose (+1.1) leading the pack. The highest-ranking sports talk station during the February survey was Entercom’s WFAN in the Long Island market, finishing the month at #3. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Hotwire Communications Adds Newsmax TV to Video Service. Southeastern U.S. telecom firm Hotwire Communications and Newsmax Media announce a new distribution deal to deliver Newsmax TV to basic tier video service in seven major Florida markets – Miami/Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce, Fort Myers/Naples, Jacksonville/Brunswick, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota,
Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne and Tallahassee/Thomasville – as well as the Atlanta and Savannah markets in Georgia, the Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville and Charlotte markets in North Carolina, and the Greenville/Spartanburg/Ashville/Anderson markets in South Carolina. Newsmax TV SVP of content distribution Andrew Biggers says, “Newsmax is excited to have Hotwire on board as our newest affiliate, and we look forward to working together to deliver what its customers have been asking for — an alternative voice within news media. And with Hotwire’s reach throughout these markets, Newsmax will be exposed to a broad audience seeking news they can trust.” Hotwire Communications is an all-fiber service provider that has been providing triple-play telecommunication services since 2000. Hotwire offers a full suite of services to residential, commercial, hospitality, government, smart city, and educational customers in 14 states, primarily concentrated in the Southeast.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Taking place in Sunday’s 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET timeslot on FOX Television originally for the iHeartRadio Music Awards, iHeartMedia and FOX announce “FOX Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America” to provide entertainment relief and support for
Americans to help fight the spread of COVID-19 and to celebrate the resilience and strength of the nation during this pandemic. Hosted by Elton John, the event will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mariah Carey, Tim McGraw, and more, from their own homes, filmed with their personal cell phones, cameras, and audio equipment, to ensure the health and safety of all involved. In addition to airing on FOX, the program will air across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide, as well as via the iHeartRadio app. The benefit special will be broadcast commercial-free and, in addition to the music, will pay tribute to the front-line health professionals, first responders, and local heroes who are putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the virus. It also will encourage viewers to support two of the many charitable organizations helping victims and first responders during the pandemic: Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation…..On-air pro Jeff Lewis Neal joins the WHZT, Greenville, South Carolina-based “Dex & Barbie T Morning Show.” SummitMedia also airs the program on rhythmic CHR WKHT “Hot 104.5” in Knoxville and rhythmic CHR KPHW, Honolulu “Power 104.3.” SummitMedia Greenville operations manager Mike Klein says, “I’m excited to welcome Jeff Lewis Neal to ‘Dex & Barbie T Morning Show.’ He’s the missing piece of the puzzle to take us to the next level on air and online.”…..Music director Kendall Stewart is promoted to program director for Saga Communications triple A WCNR, Charlottesville, Virginia. She makes the jump after Jeff Sweatman resigned from the position. Stewart says, “The last four-and-a-half years at ‘106.1 The Corner’ have been the most formative in my career so far and I can’t express how grateful I am to Jeff Sweatman for everything that he has taught me. I love this station and the amazing music town that I get to live in – Charlottesville – has been through a lot in recent years, but the tragedy that we faced in 2017 has only made us stronger as a community. I am honored to be a part of it and to have the opportunity to further serve the people of this city and I can’t wait to hit the ground running.”
Friday, March 6, 2020
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled “This is No Gaffing Matter!” looks back at this past week of March 2-6, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Victoria Jones; executive director, DC Radio Company; Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia; Thom Hartmann, talk show host, WYD Media; Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter, The Epoch Times; and Bali Samra, human resources consultant/commentator, Pioneer Valley Radio. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD “Freedom 93.7”, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
FOX News Radio Names Jimmy Failla Host of ‘FOX Across America.’ The new, permanent host of FOX News Radio’s midday “FOX Across America” show is comedian Jimmy Failla, who takes over on Monday (3/9). “FOX Across America” has been airing in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart with a rotating cast of
hosts since Todd Starnes – host of “FOX News and Commentary” – exited FNR back in the fall of 2019. FNR says, “Based in FNR’s New York City studio, ‘FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla’ will feature guests from across the political spectrum for lively discussions on the day’s leading headlines. A standup comedian and former head writer for FOX Business Network’s “Kennedy” (weekdays 9:00 pm ET), Failla will also utilize his comedic talents to help navigate the partisan divide, providing an honest look at the important issues that affect every American.” In addition to airing weekdays on FNR, the show will also be available for download via FOX News Podcast Network, with full video recordings of each airing streaming exclusively on FOX Nation, FNC’s online subscription-based streaming service.
Denver’s ‘The Fan’ Celebrates 25th Anniversary. Denver sports talk outlet KKFN-FM “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” turns 25 today and the Bonneville station is launching a campaign that will culminate in a 25th anniversary celebration in June. As part of the celebration, ‘The Fan’ will welcome back influential figures from the
station’s history for a reunion broadcast that will allow Denver listeners to reconnect with talent from the past. Bonneville Denver SVP and market manager Bob Call says, “Twenty-five years ago, we launched Denver’s first 24-hour, all-sports radio station. Over the years, ‘The Fan’ has featured some of Denver’s most-loved personalities, starting with Doug Moe and Tom Green – who signed the station on the air – to legendary personalities like Irv Brown, Joe Williams, and Sandy Clough, who continues to entertain Denver sports fans today. Through the years, ‘The Fan’ has been built on great live and local talent. We are grateful for our many listeners and business partners who have been a part of this remarkable legacy.”
Westwood One to End NBC Sports Radio Distribution. Affiliates of the Westwood One-distributed NBC Sports Radio network are being notified that WWO will discontinue its distribution of the network at the end of this month.
Westwood One also handles distribution for the CBS Sports Radio network and affiliates are being offered the option to take that network’s programming. NBC Sports Radio had been offering 24/7 content but reduced that in January of last year but continued to offer sports talk shows such as “ProFootballTalk Live with Mike Florio” and “The Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison and Dan Schwartzman.” Those shows will continue to be available on various digital platforms.
Lyndsay Keith Named Co-Host of ‘Spicer & Co.’ Pictured above on the set of the Newsmax TV show “Spicer & Co.” is co-host Lyndsay Keith (left) and host (former White House Press Secretary) Sean Spicer (right). “Spicer & Co.” debuted Tuesday (3/3) and airs weekdays at 6 pm ET. Prior to joining Newsmax, Keith worked at Google as a brand strategist. She has also served as deputy communications director for the Republican National Committee. She also served as an adviser to the Mitt Romney presidential campaign.
TALKERS News Notes. The 8th Annual Contact in the Desert event takes place at Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California May 29 through June 1 and one
of the participants will be Premiere Networks late-night host George Noory. The event is described as “an epic adventure weekend into the science of UFOs, communication with non-human intelligence, ancient astronauts, human origins, crop circles, military sightings, government disclosure, artificial intelligence, downed craft technology, the evolution of consciousness, forbidden archaeology, cosmic teachings, contact experiences, interplanetary living, and much more.” The host of “Coast to Coast AM” is one of 70 “experts, scientists, researchers, and military 
insiders.”…..iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York and LaborPress.org are presenting a panel discussion called “The Future of Healthcare” on March 19 at The Cutting Room in New York City. The 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm event will feature opening remarks by NYS Building & Construction Trades Council president James Cahill and is being moderated by filmmaker Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos, The Matrix) who also produced and directed the documentary film that addresses mental illness titled, No Kidding! Me 2!!…..Comedian and talk host Dennis Miller begins hosting a
twice-weekly show on RT America called, “Dennis Miller +1.” The interview show airs live at 9:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Miller says, “What do I like in an interview? I like it when the host asks a question and then listens to the guest’s answer and then reacts to that answer with an amplification through the next question. I promise you, I will not sit here finding myself overly precious and thinking only about my next query. I’m going to have a conversation!” Miller talks to actor and comedian Jeff Dunham on the first episode…..The Washington Examiner is 
launching a weekly podcast called, “Mag Men,” that offers analysis and commentary of the week’s news and what stories the editors are working on for the week ahead. It’s being hosted by executive editor Seth Mandel, managing editor Jay Caruso, Life and Arts editor Park MacDougal and deputy editor J. Grant Addison. The show is on the Ricochet platform that also hosts other Washington Examiner podcasts, including the “Hashing it Out,” a weekly podcast hosted by Siraj Hashmi, “The Byron York Show,” hosted by Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York, and “Examining Politics, “a daily podcast hosted by Cumulus Media and WMAL-FM, Washington talk-show host Larry O’Connor…..Happy 61st birthday to talk host Lars Larson, who also celebrates 45 years on the radio this month.
Larson, who hosts his daily KXL-FM, Portland-based Pacific Northwest show as well as his Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated show, says, “Forty-five years ago this month, I landed my first paid job in radio spinnin’ records and reading news from 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight Monday thru Friday on the “Mighty 1590” KTIL from a cinderblock building in a cow pasture outside Tillamook, Oregon. Forty years ago next week, I came to work at KXL. This month, I mark 23 years of Radio Northwest Network syndication in Oregon, Washington and Idaho… I did my 20 years in the liberal gulag of TV news, but I never stopped doing radio. When a kind-hearted TV management informed me I had a ‘face for radio’ and demanded that I choose – TV or radio – it wasn’t hard at all. My first love, radio… God blessed me with Tina, my wonderful wife, who puts up with the weird hours and strange demands of this business. I have looked forward to each and every day I get to open a mic and talk with folks. My personal goal is to stay behind the mic as long as my hero Paul Harvey did.”
RTDNF Honors Journalists at 30th Annual First Amendment Awards. Last night (3/5), the Radio Television Digital News Foundation honored journalism professionals dedicated to defending the First Amendment and the public’s right to know at the 30th Annual First Amendment Awards in Washington, D.C. The
evening’s program began with RTDNA/RTDNF executive director Dan Shelley’s call to action, “Your viewers and listeners in the cities and towns you serve need the refreshing drink of water and the pleasant fragrance of a blossoming local news product that reflect an even stronger commitment to serving them – to empowering them to make positive changes in their communities… By joining forces, we can place America’s dust bowls of journalism into the dustbin of history.” This year’s honorees were: David Muir of ABC News; “60 Minutes” produced by CBS News; Robert Horner of NBC News; Barbara Maushard of Hearst Television; Lori Montenegro of Telemundo; Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); and Steve Andrews of WFLA-TV, Tampa.
Presidential Race/Super Tuesday Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 2-6. The race for the Democratic nomination, the Super Tuesday elections, and the candidates who dropped out were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the coronavirus pandemic. Coming in at #3 was the financial markets activity and the Fed’s interest rate cut, followed by health care reform, climate change, and race relations tied at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programmer John Candelaria is leaving his position with Beasley Media Group as PD of rhythmic AC WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” and urban AC WDMK “Kiss 105.9” in Detroit and national brand manager
for urban and rhythmic AC to relocate to his home town of Albuquerque…..“The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show” co-host J-Si Chavez and contributor Jenna Owens are launching their new podcast, “Fitish,” and the first episode reached the top 50 on the Apple Podcasts chart. Owens, who recently announced that she is taking a step back from day-to-day co-hosting at “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” states, “I’m thrilled to be able to talk more openly about things I haven’t 
been able to discuss on the morning show and do it all with my favorite radio partner and occasionally our real-life partners as well!”…..Pictured at left is Premiere Networks senior director of rock programming and specials Sal Cirrincione (left) and rock legend Roger Daltrey (right) aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas for the sold out Rock Legends Cruise VIII. Cirrincione helped entertain passengers by hosting Q&A sessions with three Daltrey, The Doors’ Robby Krieger and Heart’s Nancy Wilson. The annual cruise benefits the Native American Heritage Association, a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to helping Native American families in need who live on Reservations in South Dakota and Wyoming.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Entercom Q4 2019 Net Revenue Up 1%; Full Year 2019 Up 1.9%. Releasing its 2019 fourth quarter and full-year financial data, Entercom Communications reports 2019 Q4 net revenue was $414.1 million, an increase of 1% over the same period in 2018. For the full year of 2019, Entercom reports net revenue of $1.49
billion, an increase of 1.9% over 2018. Entercom president and CEO David Field states, “I am pleased to report that Entercom achieved its fifth consecutive 
quarter of growth, completing a year in which the company delivered strong financial performance as net revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income per share grew 2% (3% ex-political), 10%, and 19%, respectively. Our significant investments in podcasting, digital, and data and analytics, along with the expansion of our sports, networks and events businesses, are beginning to reshape our company and position us for sustained growth as we enhance our integrated, multi-platform offerings to advertisers increasingly interested in the undervalued and emerging audio space.”
ABC Audio Names Eric Johnson Director and Executive Producer of Podcast Programming. News and broadcast producer Eric Johnson is named to the director and executive producer of podcast programming for ABC Audio, effective in mid-March. ABC Audio vice president and general manager Stacia Philips
Deshishku says Johnson – who most recently served as senior broadcast producer at “Good Morning America” – “is an award-winning producer with a knack for storytelling who’s touched nearly every part of ABC News over his 13-year career here. His strong relationships throughout the news division, coupled with his impressive experience in long-form and news programming, will make him a great asset to our 
flourishing podcast division. In his new role Eric will build on the success of our existing podcasts and help design a fresh powerhouse podcast network. He will strategically gather and organize podcast ideas and harness the talent, resources, and storytelling ability available across ABC News and Walt Disney Television.” Johnson was honored with a duPont Award as co-producer of Diane Sawyer’s interview with Caitlyn Jenner and has won multiple Emmy Awards for projects including his role as senior producer of ABC News’ Town Hall “The President and the People: Race in America.”
Calendar Boy. WPHT, Philadelphia mid-morning star Dom Giordano (above) is the creator and “host” of a 2020 wall calendar geared specifically to fans of the station, news/talk radio listeners and the local business community. The idea started several years ago, when Giordano, a former educator, noticed that important events in American history such as the invasion of Pearl Harbor were left off most commercially produced calendars. He then designed a calendar that not only includes a variety of such events but recognizes talk radio hosts and other items of specific interest to the listening audience. Giordano appears on a number of pages dressed in period costumes further adding color to the collectable piece. The calendar, monetized by local sponsors who are also featured in its pages, is distributed free to listeners as a highly sought premium at WPHT events.
Newsmax TV Appoints Jason Villar VP of Research and Analysis. Marketing pro Jason Villar joins Newsmax TV as vice president of research and analysis. In this position, Villar will head up data, market, and ratings analysis, and work closely with
the company’s advertising and programming departments. Villar had been serving as vice president of media and market research for FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, and FOX Digital for the last 10-plus years. Newsmax CRO and EVP of national advertising Sam Moser says, “Jason was responsible for much of FOX’s forward-thinking research approach and we’re delighted he’s joined Newsmax TV to help make us America’s No. 1 choice for news.”
TALKERS News Notes. Topeka’s KMAJ-AM “The Big Talker” adds the KSTE,
Sacramento-based, syndicated “Armstrong & Getty Show” to its program schedule for the 8:00 am to 11:00 am daypart. The show says this move “continues the homecoming tour for Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty. They were each born in the Midwest and they met when working separately in radio in Salina, Kansas. They became a team when hired in Wichita and began their conservative talk show when they moved to KSTE-AM.” KMAJ-AM is a Cumulus 
Media station…..WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk show host Simon Conway will also be heard on iHeartMedia’s WOC, Quad Cities beginning tomorrow (2/26). Conway’s program is also heard on the company’s WMT, Cedar Rapids. Conway says, “What an honor it is for me to now be live on both of President Ronald Reagan’s first radio stations. I’m excited to hear from the WOC audience in Iowa and Illinois.”…..Hubbard Radio’s sports talk WXOS-FM, St. Louis is bringing St. Louis Cardinals television play-by-play personality Dan McLaughlin aboard as lead Cardinals contributor. In this role he’ll offer daily reports, interviews, and a one-hour weekly show, as well as filling in on other shows year-round. Station operations manager and brand content director Tommy Mattern says, “I am extremely excited that Dan has joined the staff at ‘101 ESPN.’ It’s so important to increase our coverage of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and having the voice of the team contribute on multi-platforms is invaluable.”…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and Prologue Projects are producing a new podcast titled, “5-4,” presenting “an irreverent take on the U.S. Supreme Court’s past.” Each episode focuses on a pivotal case in which the justices make one of the most important decisions in recent memory – dissecting it from every angle and tearing it apart. The first episode tackles Bush v. Gore. Future episodes take on the Supreme Court’s decisions on campaign finance, affirmative action, voting rights, and stop and frisk…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Chicago District Golfer magazine editor Barry Cronin is the new co-host of the Saturday morning golf show “Scorecard” in Entercom’s WSCR “The Score.” He’ll work alongside WSCR reporter and update anchor David Schuster. The duo take over for Ed Sherman and Steve Olken, who resigned from the program after a 10-year run…..SB Nation Radio announces that in addition to having reporters at all NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament sites, it is adding Pat Kennedy and Daniel Ewing as analysts. They will both make appearances on all network programs throughout the tournament. Also, “SB Nation Tonight” host John Michaels will originate his show from the Final Four in Atlanta.
Presidential Race, Weinstein Verdict, Covid-19 Epidemic, Financial Markets Tumble, Trump in India, Kobe Byrant Memorial/Lawsuit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/24). The Democrats battling to challenge President Trump in November; the guilty verdicts in the sexual assault trial of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein; the status of the coronavirus epidemic and concerns about the ability to avert a pandemic; the world’s financial markets dive as China’s productivity is affected by Covid-19; President Trump’s visit to India amidst adulation and protests; and Monday’s memorial for Kobe and Gigi Bryant in Los Angeles were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Learning the Sports Talk Radio Biz! Pictured above (from l-r) are: WAXY-AM and WQAM, Miami sports talk host Channing Crowder, Miami Dolphins center/long snapper Taybor Pepper, Dolphins quarterback Jake Rudock, Dolphins linebacker Terrill Hanks, and WAXY-AM and WQAM host Marc Hochman. Hochman tells TALKERS that while the NFL Combine is going on in Indianapolis, the Miami Dolphins offer their current players the chance to participate in a “Business Combine” where they can learn real estate, investing, and even broadcasting as players prepare for a life after football. Hence the three Dolphins above were at the Entercom South Florida studios getting an afternoon of broadcast instruction from former Dolphins LB Channing Crowder and Hochman.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Mike Preston is named program director for Cumulus Media’s Dallas country stations KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” and KSCS “New Country 96.3.” Preston most recently served as SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Baltimore and PD for
country WPOC and adult hits WQSR “102.7 JACK FM.” Cumulus Dallas-Houston RVP Dan Bennett says, “These two country brands, each in their own distinctive way, have captured the hearts of DFW country music fans. We believe Mike Preston is the right person to lead our talented teams into the future. Mike has had big success in his career as a creative PD who knows how to coach big time talent. We can’t wait to have him in Dallas to further ignite two of the most-listened-to country stations in America.”…..Programmer Jamillah Muhammad exits Taxi License Corp’s urban AC KJLH, Los Angeles “Radio Free 102.3” where she was operations manager…..Air 
personality Jenna Owens is leaving her daily role with the YEA Networks-syndicated “Kidd Kraddick Morning Show” to focus on her Fitish skin care business. Owens will continue her weekly “That’s What I Like” segment that airs each Friday and will become a correspondent for the show, doing press junkets in New York and Los Angeles, reporting live from events like SXSW, Coachella, and more. In addition to the correspondent role, she’ll team with her “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show” co-host, J-Si Chavez, to launch a weekly podcast, also called “Fitish,” that will be produced and distributed by YEA…..Public radio triple A personality Cindy Howes is joining WUNC, Raleigh to host the 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm daypart on the public media company’s triple A streaming station WUNC Music. Howes was previously with triple A WYEP, Pittsburgh as morning personality and host of the “Folk Alley and the Basic Folk” podcast…..Rachel Hubbard is promoted to executive director at Oklahoma State University’s news/talk/adult alternative KOSU, Oklahoma City. She most recently served as news director at the station. Hubbard comments, “I want to fight for public media in Oklahoma. Oftentimes, people look at news outlets that are outside of Oklahoma and talk about the things they’re doing well, and I don’t see any reason why we can’t own that right here in Oklahoma and have a media resource that is ours – it’s made by us and it’s made for us.”
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Key Networks to Launch Jesse Kelly Show in National Syndication. Syndicator Key Networks says Jesse Kelly is a “fresh voice in conservative talk.” The U.S. Marine veteran, former congressional candidate, and conservative radio and television host will launch his new, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET talk radio show on
April 6. Key Networks says network advertising is included within the show, with no additional barter units for stations to run. Currently, Kelly hosts a two-hour version of “The Jesse Kelly Show” on KPRC, Houston as well as the “I’m Right” program on The First TV, a news and talk channel on Pluto TV. Kelly was deployed to Iraq as an infantry Marine during the Second Persian Gulf War and received an honorable discharge after four years. In 2010, he ran for congress and was narrowly defeated 
by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The race initially ended in a vote recount. After his congressional run, Kelly continued to be a major voice among conservatives, using his large social media following as a platform to continue many of the conversations started on the campaign trail. He says, “I love talk radio and I’m beyond humbled that Key Networks realizes that I’m a generational talent. While my background might be more blue collar than other radio hosts, I’m confident my huge ego will help make up for my lack of education. I’m excited to bring something new to stations nationwide.” iHeartMedia Houston region president Eddie Martiny comments, “Listeners won’t be able to see that Jesse Kelly stands 6 foot 8, but his towering humor and intellect will absolutely captivate the listening audience. Jesse is an Iraq War veteran who will win the hearts and minds of listeners with the wit of a stand-up comic. He’s been featured on most major TV networks, especially FOX News with Tucker Carlson who says, ‘Jesse cracks me up.’ Jesse is a fresh voice of a rational conservative for a new generation. My listening audience and advertising community in Houston embraced Jesse immediately. Informative, entertaining, but most importantly, unique!”
Kevin Battle Joins KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh’s Morning Show. Radio programmer, host, and journalist Kevin Battle is joining “The KDKA Radio Morning News with Larry Richert” as co-host, effective March 9. Entercom Pittsburgh SVP and
market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “As we celebrate the centennial of KDKA Radio, the world’s first radio station, we were focused on adding a host that can reflect the energy and pulse of where Pittsburgh is in 2020 and beyond. Kevin Battle is the perfect person to join Larry Richert on the KDKA morning show and tell the story of our 
great city.” During his career, Battle has served as program director and air personality for Entercom’s sports talk WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan,” been director of marketing and promotions and on-air personality for rock WDVE-FM, and was a member of the inaugural staff of “FOX News Headlines 24/7.” The Pittsburgh native comments, “There have been three morning hosts at KDKA Radio in my lifetime – Jack Bogut, John Cigna, and Larry Richert, and I am thrilled I get to work with one of them. Larry is part of the fabric of Pittsburgh. I have been a fan of KDKA for a long time and fondly remember listening with my family each morning. I cannot wait to help our listeners start their day off well-informed.”
FCC Permanently Dismisses License Renewal Applications for Four St. Louis Signals. An administrative law judge has ruled that the applications for license renewal for four radio stations owned by Entertainment Media Trust are “dismissed without prejudice due to the applicant’s failure to prosecute.” Judge
Jane Hinckley Halprin states in the ruling that Trustee Dennis J. Watkins’ failure to respond to a January 24 Order that was a final attempt to get information from EMT was the last straw in a series of non-compliances on the part of Watkins. The stations in question are: KFTK-AM (formerly WQQX-AM), East St. Louis, Illinois; WQQW-AM, Highland, Illinois; KZQZ-AM, St. Louis; and KQQZ-AM, DeSoto, Missouri. The case goes way back to 2012 when Mark A. Kern filed a petition to deny the license renewals, alleging that talk host and convicted felon Robert Romanik actually controlled the stations, in violation of FCC regulations. Romanik’s Insane Broadcasting Co. operates the stations under an LMA, but is not allowed to own stations. The ruling notes that the Media Bureau investigated the allegations and “found evidence that it concluded supports the claim that Mr. Romanik exercises defacto control over the stations. The Media Bureau also adduced evidence suggesting that Mr. Romanik, who hosts a weekday talk show on one of the stations, has held himself out as the stations’ owner and is personally involved in station business.” Romanik hosts a show on KQQZ-AM and positions himself as a local raconteur, calling himself “The Grim Reaper of Radio.” Read the judge’s ruling here.
New Afternoon Show Among Lineup Changes at Sports Talk ‘105.7 The Fan’ in Baltimore. With WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” afternoon drive personality Scott Garceau named the new play-by-play broadcaster and pre-game and post-game
host for Baltimore Orioles broadcasts on cable’s MASN-TV, he leaves his daily talk show duties at the Entercom sports station. His co-host Jeremy Conn moves to evening show duties and host of “Orioles Baseball Tonight.” Beginning March 9, the new afternoon drive show is “Inside Access” with co-hosts Jason La Canfora and Ken Weinman. La Canfora is a RADIO.COM Sports and CBS Sports insider. Weinman is a longtime WJZ-FM air personality. Entercom Baltimore SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys says, “This revamped programming schedule will allow us to continue providing around-the-clock content for Baltimore’s biggest sports fans. Adding Jason and Ken to our already successful lineup is a big win for our market. We are also excited about Scott and Jeremy’s new roles. All are an integral part of the success of ‘105.7 The Fan.’”
Presidential Race/Las Vegas Debate, Stone Sentencing/Barr Criticism, Coronavirus Pandemic/Deadly Flu Season, Germany Mass Shooting, and Grenell to Lead Intelligence Agencies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/19). The Democrats battling to take on President Trump in November and last night’s debate in Las Vegas; the controversy surrounding the sentencing recommendation for former Trump adviser Roger Stone and the related criticism of Attorney General William Barr’s leading of the Justice Department; the status of the Covid-19 pandemic and the deadly influenza season in the U.S.; the slaying of nine people in the German city of Hanau by a reported right-wing extremist; and President Trump’s naming Ambassador Richard Grenell acting director of national intelligence were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Round Two of January PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2020 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San
Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s January 2020 survey period covered January 2 – 29. Rebounding from the challenging Holiday 2019 survey, a number of spoken-word stations performed well – weekly, 6+ AQH share – in January. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington rises 1.9 shares from the Holiday survey to post a 6.9 share and climbs to the #5 rank in the market. Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM adds five-tenths to finish January with a 7.4 share and the #2 rank. In Boston, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO tacks 
on seven-tenths to finish the survey with a 3.5 share, while sister all-news WBZ-AM adds two-tenths for a 6.2 share and the #3 rank in the market. Bonneville’s KIRO-FM, Seattle breaks out with 1.1 share increase to finish the month with a 6.0 share and the #2 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KDFD-AM, Denver adds eight-tenths to finish the January survey with a 3.3 share, its best since it flipped from sports talk in July of 2019. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.
TALKERS News Notes. Las Vegas-based, USA Radio-syndicated talk show host Wayne Allyn Root tells TALKERS magazine his Newsmax TV show, “The Wayne
Allyn Root Show: Raw & Unfiltered” is moving to a new air time – 10:00 pm ET – effective March 3. Root says, “It’s a great honor to be part of Newsmax TV’s primetime lineup. When I first began hosting my show in June 2017 on Newsmax TV it reached 15 million homes. Then 30 million. Then 50 million. Then 60 million. Now just under 80 million. And Cox cable added Newsmax TV a few weeks ago – so now my television show reaches the entire Las Vegas area, my hometown! Kudos to Chris Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax, for building America’s fastest growing cable news network.”…..SiriusXM announces its MLB Network Radio channel presents its annual MLB Spring Training tour beginning Saturday (2/22) and running through March 13. MLB Network Radio’s experts and insiders will visit all 30 MLB team camps to give fans an in-depth preview of every ball club. It will consist of 30, two-hour shows, each focused on a single MLB team. SiriusXM’s hosts – many of whom are former general managers or players – will be on location at each spring training ballpark to interview managers, players and executives, and share an insider’s view of each club as it prepares for the 2020 season…..iHeartMedia announces that it has partnered with Flatiron Books on a book imprint based on iHeartRadio’s popular curiosity podcasts. The imprint, named “Stuff You Should Read: An iHeartBook,” launches with STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW: An Incomplete Compendium of Mostly Interesting Things, to recognize “Stuff You Should Know” – one of the first podcasts to reach one billion downloads. iHeartMedia says it believes that this is the first line of podcast-based books between a major book publisher and leading podcast network.
Pop Music Historian and Curator Barry Scott of “The Lost 45s” Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the true legends of oldies radio, Barry Scott, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Scott is the host of the long-running, Boston-based music radio show, “The Lost 45s,” which has been on the radio since 1981 and in national syndication since 1993. The premise of the show is that top 40 radio of the golden era (1960s – 1990s) missed a tremendous number of valid hit records that
deserved airplay due to faulty research, closed-mindedness and a lazy, follow-the-leader mentality. (“It’s not on the list suggested by our consultant.”) Many of these songs have gone on to be completely forgotten within music radio culture. Harrison states, “I had the pleasure of programming Barry’s flagship station in Boston back in the 80s and was amazed at the loyal following this weekend show generated – even within the context of a classic rock format. Barry’s excellent curation and fascinating storytelling created tremendous interest in songs that were either obscure or considered unprogrammable within standard format categories. In today’s music radio desert, where pop music history is largely ignored or generally forgotten, this show is a priceless beacon of the culture that originally illuminated music radio.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Detroit rock outlet WRIF, Beasley Media Group promotes Jade Springart to assistant program director and midday host. She has served with WRIF for the past 12 years, most
recently as music director and weekend personality. Springart says, “This is an amazing opportunity for me to continue working and winning with a brand that I have grown up with. It has been a privilege to learn from some of the best in the industry. I’m very grateful for the support of everyone in the Beasley Media Group family and am excited to be able to continue 101 WRIF’s legacy in the active rock format here in the Motor City.”…..Air personality J.R. joins Beasley Media Group’s country WQYK, Tampa Bay to host “Tampa Bay’s Morning Krewe with J.R. and Melanie,” effective March 2. He’ll join station air personality Melanie Mineau for the 6:00 am to 10:00 am program. He was most recently co-host of the “J.R. & Beth Show” on Cox Media Group’s country KCYY, San Antonio “Y100.” He also currently serves as the host of United Station Radio Networks’ syndicated “Twenty Country Countdown.” J.R. says, “This is a very exciting time for me. To be able to build a show under the direction of [operations manager] Travis Daily and alongside a talented co-host like Melanie Mineau is the opportunity I have been looking for. We are going to have a lot of fun in an amazing city! I am very grateful to Travis and the Beasley family for this opportunity and can’t wait to create live, local, and unique radio for the Tampa area.”…..Entercom stations and staffers are honored with three Academy of Country Music (ACM) Radio Awards. KILT-FM, Houston “100.3 The Bull” (KILT-FM) was named Major Market Station of the Year and WUSY-FM, Chattanooga “U.S. 101” was named Medium Market Station of the Year – the 8th time the station has received this honor. WYCD, Detroit’s afternoon drive show “Rob and Holly” program was given the Major Market Personality of the Year honor.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Round One of January PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s January 2020 PPM survey was released for 12 markets, including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta,
Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s January 2020 survey period covered January 2-29. Coming off the previous Holiday survey during which Christmas music listening alters usual audience media habits, some spoken-word stations gain lost ground in weekly, 6+ AQH share. In New York, Entercom’s sports talk WFAN-AM/FM adds five-tenths to finish January with a 3.1 share and the #12 rank, while ESPN’s WEPN-FM gets six-tenths back to post a 2.1 share and the #19 rank. iHeartMedia news/talk KFI, Los Angeles gains seven-tenths for a 3.3 share and the #9 rank in the market. Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM, Chicago adds eight-tenths to finish January with a 3.8 share and the #8 rank. iHeartMedia’s KTRH, Houston finishes its sixth survey without setback by adding eight-tenths to finish January with a 5.4 share and the #5 rank in the market. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.
Conservative Talker Steve Malzberg to Host Weekly RT America Show. Talk host Steve Malzberg is joining cable’s RT America to host the weekly media commentary program, “Eat the Press,” set to debut Friday (2/21) at 6:30 ET (with
repeat broadcasts Sundays at 10:30 AM). Malzberg says, “I have been highlighting media bias to my audiences for years. Some of it is blatant. Some is less obvious, and some is actually revealed by what the media is not telling you at all. With “Eat the Press,” I relish, pun intended, the opportunity I’ve been given by RT America to make this important issue my focus. Stay hungry, because ‘Eat The Press’ will have a lot to offer each week.” Malzberg has hosted radio talk shows at WABC and WOR in New York (and in national syndication). He’s hosted his own show on Newsmax TV and served as a commentator on FOX News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, and RT America.
Entercom to Sell WAAF-FM, Boston to EMF for $10.75 Million. The latest major market FM signal to be acquired by religious broadcaster Educational Media
Foundation is Entercom’s rock WAAF-FM, Boston. The price tag is $10.75 million in cash and EMP will begin operating the 107.3 FM frequency under a network affiliation agreement beginning Saturday (2/22). The WAAF transmitter is in Westborough, Massachusetts and covers the central and eastern portions of the state, including the Worcester market. Entercom states in a press release that it will continue to air the WAAF format on WWBX-HD2 104.1 FM and WEEI-HD2 93.7 FM and via RADIO.COM. Entercom says it expects the deal to close in the second quarter of this year.
Jimmy Farrell Promoted to Director of Sales for CMG Jacksonville. Sales and management pro Jimmy Farrell is moving from his general sales manager post at Cox Media Group’s Orlando cluster to the company’s Jacksonville operations
where he’ll be director of sales. CMG’s Jacksonville cluster includes news/talk WKOV-FM “News 104.5.” sports talk WOKV-AM, plus five music brands. CMG Jacksonville vice president and general manager Katie Reid says, “We are pleased and proud to promote Jimmy to this new position. His entrepreneurial approach, high-impact leadership style, deep understanding of both the marketplace and Cox Media Group’s offerings has served him well, enabling him to exceed sales goals by complementing his customers’ brands and business objectives with CMG station content solutions that meet their objectives.”
Nolan Murphy Named NSM for Good Karma Brands. Sales pro Nolan Murphy is promoted from his marketing consultant post at Good Karma Brands’ Milwaukee
operations to national sales manager for the company’s Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Cleveland, and West Palm Beach station groups. Sports talk WMVP-AM, Chicago director of sales David Scharf says, “Nolan’s skillset and attitude makes him the perfect national sales manager. His knowledge of Good Karma Brands’ assets sets us up to win partnerships quickly, while also planning and preparing us to win long term. His solutions-based approach and solid work ethic will help us develop the national division of Good Karma Brands.”
Georgia Student Chosen for Mentorship Program. Sophomore Georgia College and State University student Jonathan O’Brien has been chosen as the first quarter mentee in the Benztown Mentorship
Program. The program is being sponsored by Benztown in conjunction with the National Radio Talent System and O’Brien is the third student from the NRTS to take part in the mentorship program. O’Brien – who attended the GAB Radio Talent Institute at the University of Georgia last summer – 
handles news duties on his college radio station, WGUR-FM, Milledgeville, Georgia and is passionate about radio news. He will be mentored by Jennifer Seelig – director of news and programming at Entercom’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM, San Francisco – during O’Brien’s Benztown-sponsored trip to the Bay Area March 15-17. She will also mentor O’Brien virtually throughout the spring academic semester. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes says, “If Jonathan O’Brien is any indication of the future of our industry, we’re in great shape. We are so pleased to be able to provide this opportunity with the assistance of our friends at the National Radio Talent System and the incredible Jennifer Seelig and KCBS.”
Oakland A’s to Be Heard Online Only in Oakland. In a first for the MLB club, this season’s radio play-by-play of Oakland Athletics baseball will only be heard
streaming online in the Oakland market. Affiliate radio stations will still broadcast games over the air but fans in the Bay Area will hear games via its TuneIn channel, “A’s Cast”. The team’s games were heard on Salem Media Group’s news/talk KTRB-AM, San Francisco “860 AM The Answer” last season. Oakland A’s president Dave Kaval says, “We really listened to our fans and saw the success with ‘A’s Cast.’ We’re doing an incredible job getting people excited about baseball and the content. Partnering with TuneIn and having a semi-exclusive platform; we think it made a lot of sense and sets the example.”
Presidential Race, Trump Grants Clemency, Stone Sentencing/Barr Criticism, Coronavirus Pandemic, Weinstein Trial Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/18). The Democrats battling to challenge President Trump in November and tonight’s Las Vegas debate; President Trump issues a number of high-profile pardons and clemencies; the controversy over the Justice Department’s change in sentencing recommendation for Trump adviser Roger Stone and the related criticism of Attorney General William Barr; the status of the covid-19 coronavirus and its effects on the Chinese economy; and the trial of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein on sexual assault charges 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. Gone is the business talk format on Cumulus Media’s KTBL-AM Albuquerque and now the station – along with FM translator K233CG – becomes rock as “94.5 The Pit/KTBL,
Albuquerque’s New Choice for Rock.” The station flipped airing Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” Cumulus Albuquerque vice president and market manager Jeff Berry says, “We are thrilled to provide ABQ and the surrounding areas with an exciting new rock station. ‘The Pit’ will provide fans with current rock artists like Shinedown and Disturbed, laced with 90s and 2000s mega bands such as Metallica and Foo Fighters. It will be a game changer for ABQ rock fanatics and our clients.”…..In Detroit, Cumulus Media’s country WDRQ rebranded from its “NASH FM 93.1” moniker to “New Country 93.1” and replaced the syndicated “Ty Bentli Show” with the local “Electric Barnyard with Broadway & Krissy.” Bill “Broadway” Bert moves from afternoons to partner with Krissy T, who recently exited iHeartMedia’s crosstown CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5.” Station PD Lance Tidwell takes over the afternoon drive show.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Pete Spriggs Retires from WSB, Atlanta; Drew Anderssen to Assume PD Duties. Longtime Cox Media Group programmer Pete Spriggs is retiring as director of branding and programming for news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta.
Current senior manager of programming and operations Drew Anderssen will step into Spriggs’ role, effective February 28. Spriggs began his career with Cox at Dayton’s news/talk WHIO-AM. He spent three years at 
the company’s WDBO-AM, Orlando before taking on programming duties at WSB, Atlanta in 2000. Spriggs says, “WSB will go down in history as one of the greatest radio stations in the world, and I’m humbled to have been the program director there for 19 years. I’ve worked with some of the finest talent in this business. Several of them are in either the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame or the National Radio Hall of Fame and we’ve all worked together to make life better for our listeners in Atlanta
and Georgia. It has been an awe-inspiring experience for me, and I’m so grateful to CMG for trusting me with the ‘keys’ to such a great ‘kingdom.’” CMG EVP radio Bill Hendrich says, “I have had the pleasure of working with Pete for over 25 years. Along with being the best news/talk program director in the business, Pete is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Cox Media Group has benefited greatly from Pete’s leadership in Dayton, Orlando, Atlanta, and as our news/talk format leader. We are definitely a better company because Pete Spriggs was on our team. He will be missed, and we all wish him the best going forward.” Prior to joining WSB, Drew Anderssen spent years in programming and research for Cox Media Group in Orlando, Florida and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company says, “Anderssen brings an immense amount of experience and devotion to his role and CMG looks forward to continuing their partnership to ensure WSB remains an industry leader.”
Newsmax TV Names Emerald Robinson White House Correspondent. Broadcast journalist Emerald Robinson joins Newsmax TV as White House correspondent where she’ll work alongside Newsmax chief White House correspondent John Gizzi. Robinson was most recently chief White House
correspondent for One America News Network. Speaking about her new position, Robinson says, “Newsmax TV has become a major force in Washington’s media universe and I’m thrilled to be a part of its major expansion. Americans trust Newsmax to deliver truthful, unbiased reporting – and that’s what we do every day.” Robinson began her journalism career as host of “The Daily Orbit,” a syndicated science and technology news show. Her experience also includes entertainment, political, and economic beats. During her tenure on the White House beat, Robinson has covered presidential foreign trips including the Helsinki and Singapore Summits.
Dallas’ ‘The Ticket’ Moves Bob Sturm to ‘The Hardline’ Afternoon Show. In the wake of the recent retirement of longtime afternoon drive station personality Mike Rhyner, Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas “The Ticket” announces midday
co-host Bob Sturm moves to afternoon drive to partner with Corby Davidson as co-hosts of “The Hardline.” Danny Balis continues to produce the PM drive show. Sturm has co-hosted the midday “BaD Radio” with Dan McDowell since 2000. Filling Sturm’s role on “BaD 
Radio” is show producer Jake Kemp, who moves up to the co-host role. Cumulus Dallas/Houston RVP Dan Bennett says, “Bob Sturm has earned the trust and following from our listeners for over 20 years and is one of the finest sports talk talents in America. This move made perfect sense and we are excited to entertain our listeners with the new afternoon drive team of Bob Sturm and Corby Davidson, and with Jake Kemp and Dan McDowell for ‘BaD Radio’ in middays.” Sturm adds, “Our station lost an absolute icon in Mike Rhyner to retirement and we must all pull together to bridge that gap. I am honored to join forces with The Hardline’s Corby Davidson and Danny Balis to see what we can dream up from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and we can’t wait to get to our mighty challenge. Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp will make a fantastic duo themselves from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Dan McDowell is the closest friend I might ever find in this business and I owe him an immeasurable debt.”
SiriusXM Drops $75 Million into SoundCloud. Audio entertainment giant SiriusXM builds up its relationship with SoundCloud via a purchase of $75 million of securities for a minority stake in the open audio platform. SiriusXM, via
subsidiary Pandora, began an ad sales relationship with SoundCloud in 2019 in which advertisers and brands could purchase SoundCloud’s U.S. ad inventory directly through Pandora, leveraging Pandora’s direct sales capabilities, targeting data, and audio programmatic platform. SiriusXM 
says that SoundCloud and Pandora’s combined U.S. audience constitutes more than 100 million unique listeners. SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer says, “SoundCloud’s unique platform serves a vital role in today’s music ecosystem where new artists are discovered and build their fan base, and established artists experiment and connect directly with their fans in highly effective ways. We admire SoundCloud’s loyal and growing audience, its offering for creators, and its reputation and popularity in global music communities. We believe this is another opportunity to continue creating value for SiriusXM stockholders by investing in expanding digital audio platforms.” As part of the minority stake acquisition, the SoundCloud board of directors will expand to include two individuals designated by SiriusXM.
World Radio Day Honor Goes to WTOP. In celebration of the forthcoming observance of World Radio Day coming up this Thursday (2/13), the American Academy of Radio – a subsidiary of the Academia Española de la Radio (Spanish Academy of Radio) – presented the World Radio Day “American Radio Station of the Year” award to Hubbard Radio’s all-news outlet WTOP, Washington, DC. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) executive board recommended to the General Conference the proclamation of World Radio Day, on the basis of a wide consultation process, carried out in 2011. The leader of the project, the Academia Española de la Radio, received support for the proposal from diverse stakeholders, including major international broadcasters and broadcasting unions and associations. The date of February 13, the day United Nations Radio was established in 1946, was proposed by the Director-General of UNESCO which proclaimed February 13 as World Radio Day. The objectives of the day are to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision-makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters. The jury appointed to judge stations for the American honor are: Heather Cohen, EVP of The Weiss Agency; Deborah Parenti, publisher of Radio Ink/RBR/TVBR/Podcast Business Journal; Francisco R. Montero, managing partner of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth; Paul MacLane, managing director of content, B2B media technology brands and editor-in-chief of Radio World; Michael Harrison, editor and publisher of TALKERS magazine; and Paul Rotella, president and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. In addition to WTOP, nominated stations were KIIS-FM, Los Angeles; WRHU, Hofstra University; and WFUV, Fordham University. Pictured at this morning’s (2/11) ceremony in the station’s offices and studios are jurists Frank Montero (l) and Paul McLane (r) delivering the trophy to WTOP general manager Joel Oxley (c).
Trump Budget Proposes Elimination of CPB Funding. In the Trump Administration’s budget for Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2022, the line item for funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would be reduced from about $445 million to about $30 million. CPB president and CEO Patricia Harrison says, “We look forward to working with Congress in the continued pursuit of our statutory
public service mission of supporting educational, informational and diverse content that addresses the needs of our nation’s citizens – a mission the American people overwhelmingly trust in and support. The federal appropriation to CPB is the foundation of our uniquely American, public-private partnership that supports our nation’s public media system – a system of more than 1,500 locally controlled and operated public television and radio stations across the country. This seed money pays invaluable dividends to millions of Americans and their families in the form of content and resources that educate, inform and inspire. Through public media initiatives such as American Graduate and Ready To Learn, stations provide high-quality educational content and community engagement that helps Americans prepare for success in school and career. As the most trusted news source in America, local public media stations offer journalism that elevates local stories to a national audience. Further, public media stations’ infrastructure provides critical communications functions during local and national emergencies to first responders and emergency management officials.” Of course, funding is ultimately left to Congress which has historically ignored such calls for CPB defunding.
TALKERS News Notes. Conservative media personality and author Todd Starnes
has been chosen to moderate a Fathom Events panel discussion for the upcoming theatrical documentary, Patterns of Evidence: The Red Sea Mystery. The panel discussion was recently filmed at the Ark Encounter and will be shown nationwide in theaters on February 18. Starnes is host of the nationally syndicated, daily talk radio program, “The Todd Starnes Show” and the short-form “Todd Starnes News & Commentary” – both 
distributed by Hamilton Strategies. The long-form show recently added new affiliate stations KARN-FM, Little Rock; KWAM, Memphis; and KLUP-AM, San Antonio…..The “Always in Fashion” radio program, starring fashion industry pro Mark Weber (left) and his son Jesse (right), moves from Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York to iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York. The show airs Saturday nights from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Sundays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Weber says, “Throughout my career, I have worked with the best and that’s precisely what has led me to iHeartMedia’s 710 WOR. We’re thrilled to join the number one audio company and broadcast on one of the leading talk stations in NYC.”…..Nashville sports talk hosts
Derrick Mason and Braden Gall announce via Twitter that they have been let go from their morning show duties on The Cromwell Group’s sports talk WPRT-FM “102.5 The Game.” Back in December, third host Nick Kayal exited the station. The WPRT website offers no indication of the station’s intentions for the daypart. Mason played wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans from 1997 through 2004…..ABC Audio will officially launch the ABC Power Portal at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville on February 19. ABC says the ABC Power Portal is “the first on-demand, original video service for distribution to radio station websites, apps and social media platforms. ABC Power Portal will house a wide range of music and entertainment videos as well as breaking news and obituary content, all produced by ABC Audio. These new videos, along with social media teasers, will be available daily for download by Power Portal affiliates as white label content, allowing stations to add their own logos and sponsor ads to the videos prior to publication. ABC Audio executive director business strategies, programming and distribution Heidi Oringer says, “I’m thrilled to debut the ABC Power Portal and offer stations the type of digital content television outlets have had access to for so long. This turn-key platform is essential for radio’s digital expansion and allows affiliates to take advantage of ABC Audio’s unmatched array of content.” ABC Audio posted content from last Sunday’s Oscars. Below is an image of the Power Portal dashboard.
Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus, Trump Budget-Border Wall, Oscars Political Speeches, Russians Track U.S. Satellites, Chinese Equifax Hackers, and MLB Playoffs Proposal Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/10). The New Hampshire primary and the Democrats’ race to take on President Trump in November; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus and the effects on China’s economy; President Trump’s budget and the cuts to services and increase in border wall funding; the political speeches at Sunday evening’s Oscars ceremony; the report the Russian’s are tracking U.S. military satellites; Chinese military hackers are accused of executing the Equifax breach; and MLB floats a new playoff format in which division winners get to choose opponents among top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Shreveport, Louisiana programmer and air personality Nina Montgomery – who serves as PD and DJ on Cumulus Media’s urban AC KVMA “Magic 102.9” – was recently honored for her significant contributions to Shreveport’s African-American
Community. Montgomery was recognized at the Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African-American Scholarship Awards Banquet. Cumulus Shreveport VP and market manager Aaron Criswell says, “Nina has been a spark of light for the African-American Community in Shreveport and Bossier City for many years. Nina has committed to spread this light to the community and listeners of urban AC powerhouse KVMA-FM, day in and day out.”…..Entercom appoints Lisa Powell SVP and market manager for its 
Greensboro, North Carolina cluster that includes hip hop WJMH “102 JAMZ,” country WPAW “93.1 The Wolf,” urban AC WQMG, adult contemporary WSMW “98.7 Simon,” and Gospel outlets WEAL-AM and WPET-AM. Entercom regional president Doug Abernethy says, “For over two decades, Lisa has faithfully led our sales efforts in the Triad and obtained outstanding results. We are excited to recognize her accomplishments with a well-deserved promotion and are confident in her ability to lead our cluster to further growth.”…..The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show” cast member Kellie Rasberry is launching her second podcast, this one based on the morning show’s “Love Letters to Kellie” segment. It’s being produced by longtime show producer Robert Ehrman. Rasberry says, “Robert and I have been working on this project for quite some time and I’m so excited that we finally get to share it with the world! While we’ll be having a lot of fun on this podcast, I realize people are trusting me to give them advice that can often have serious consequences. I don’t take that lightly.” She already hosts a podcast titled, “A Sandwich and Some Lovin.’”…..SiriusXM announces that Harry Styles will perform for SiriusXM and Pandora on Friday, February 28 at a secret location in New York City. The intimate set for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners will feature Styles performing songs from his recent sophomore album, Fine Line, released via Columbia Records. The event will also include an interview with Harry Styles and “The Morning Mash Up” hosts Ryan Sampson, Nicole Ryan, and Stanley T.
PPM Analysis: Holiday 2019 Extra. TALKERS magazine manager editor Mike Kinosian offers this “extra” look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2019 PPM survey. This report looks at the weekly 6+ AQH share movement from the December 2019 survey to the Holiday 2019 survey, based on degree of improvement or loss, by format and more. See the analysis here.
Friday, January 17, 2020
KXNO, Des Moines Cutbacks Reversed; PD and Hosts Rehired. According to a report by WHO-TV, Des Moines, after some serious blowback from listeners about the firing of six
programming staffers from sports talk KXNO as part of a company-wide downsizing, iHeartMedia Des Moines market manager Joel McCrea sought from corporate and was granted permission to bring them back to their positions. Program director Andrew Downs; “The Morning Rush” personalities Travis Justice, Heather Burnside, and Sean Roberts; and “Sports Fanatics” hosts Chris Williams and Ross Peterson will return to their jobs. The story says in addition to the re-hiring, KXNO will be simulcast on (currently alternative) KDXA-FM at 106.3 FM beginning next week.
Newsmax TV Reports Increasing Viewership. According to recently released Comscore data, Newsmax TV shot past Bloomberg Television in total household reach, household coverage area rating, and average audience for the week of December 9, 2019. It also topped C-SPAN in household coverage area rating for the same week. Comscore’s data
indicates that for the week of December 9, 2019, Newsmax TV had a total reach of 2.64 million households compared to 1.63 million for Bloomberg Television. Comscore reports Newsmax had 1.03 million weekly viewers as of August 26, 2019. By the broadcast week of December 9, 2019 Newsmax TV’s household reach had increased to 2.65 million households, reflecting both an increase in distribution of 21% and a disproportionate increase in reach. Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “This is a major milestone for us. Our content is resonating with Americans across the nation who are hungry for a fresh alternative to FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, and other news channels.” Ruddy adds that the network will make major lineup changes, announcing new programs in the coming weeks and months.
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled “The Weight of History in an A.D.D. World!” looks back at this past week of January 13-17, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Thom Hartmann, talk show host, WYD Media; Michael Riedel, talk show host, WOR, New York; Graham Mack, program director, FIX Radio, London, UK; Trevor Smith, radio presenter, Aloha Media Productions, Byron Bay, Australia; and Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC on Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KFNX, Phoenix; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA as well as appearing on the iHeart Radio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
Kilcoyne Exits KFNS, St. Louis. Sports media pro Martin Kilcoyne has left his on-air role with Randy Markel’s sports talk KFNS-AM, St. Louis co
-hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show with Frank Cusumano. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dan Caesar reports that Kilcoyne, who also works as sports director at KTVI-TV, says his television duties have expanded. He adds that the time spent producing podcasts with St. Louis Cardinals television announcer Dan McLaughlin played a role in his decision. Prior to rejoining KFNS, Kilcoyne did a five-year stint with CH Holdings’ crosstown news/talk KTRS, St. Louis as a general issues host.
Allegretto to Lead Cumulus in Fort Walton Beach. Sales and management pro Ashley Allegretto rises from her regional sales manager, digital position with Cumulus Media’s Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola markets to vice president and market manager for the Fort Walton Beach
station group that includes news/talk WFTW-AM “NewsTalk 1260” and four music-formatted stations. Cumulus regional VP Pete De Simone says, “We are thrilled to promote Ashley Allegretto to lead this cluster. Her passion for this community and her understanding of how to use our brands and our digital assets to help clients grow their businesses make her an effective leader.” Allegretto adds, “Over the past 13 years I have seen firsthand the positive impact that our radio stations can have for local businesses and organizations in our community. I am eager to build on our past accomplishments and lead this group into our next round of success.”
TALKERS News Notes. Ocala, Florida morning show hosts Larry “The Giant” Whitler and Robin MacBlane are leaving their posts at
Generations Broadcasting Corporation’s news/talk WOCA-AM/W242CA after today’s program. They have been doing mornings at WOCA since 2002. They’d previously worked together hosting a children’s show on WTMC – a signal that went dark in 2004. The Ocala Star Banner reports that the two will continue to work together collaborating on 
children’s books and music…..Entercom all-news KYW, Philadelphia is inviting listeners to its “Executive Briefing” event, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Thursday, January 23 at 7:45 am. KYW says this invite-only event “offers listeners the opportunity to listen to and take part in an in-depth discussion about the biggest issues facing the Philadelphia area and the nation in 2020.” KYW Newsradio afternoon drive host Ian Bush will moderate the discussion that includes station anchors and reporters: Pat Loeb, city hall bureau chief; Mike DeNardo, education reporter; Cherri Gregg, community affairs reporter; Jim Melwert, KYW suburban bureau chief; and Kristen Johanson, crime and justice reporter. Guests will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions during the final 20 minutes of the event. Breakfast will be served courtesy of Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar prior to the start of the event. Listeners interested in attending the event can register online…..Beasley Media Group announces Chris Ornelas is named general counsel for the company, effective February 1. Ornelas was most recently with the National Association of Broadcasters as chief operating and strategy officer in which he was responsible for overseeing the operations of and providing strategic guidance to NAB’s advocacy teams in addressing the legal and regulatory issues facing broadcasters today…..Lemonada Media announces a new podcast called “Mouthpeace with Michael and Pele Bennett,” hosted and executive produced Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Michael Bennett and his wife Pele. Lemonada, whose programs are distributed and repped by Westwood One, says “the series explores personal and provocative topics ranging from love, sex, parenting, the NFL, and politics.” The first episode drops on January 31…..Entercom is being honored at the Project Voice Awards with the “Samsung Bixby Capsule of the Year” for its RADIO.COM integration. The awards honor global best-in-class achievement across the emerging voice and AI realm and took place at the organization’s annual conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee on January 15. Entercom VP of corporate business development David Rosenbloom says, “We’re honored to be recognized among industry leaders by Project Voice. This award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovating in voice and to enhancing the consumer experience. With Bixby, we were able to expand the reach of RADIO.COM to millions of listeners and engage with them whenever and wherever they are with an optimized presence.”
Cox Media Group Gets Deadline Extension to Sell Ohio Newspapers. Due to a ruling by a three-judge panel at the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Cox Media Group must divest of its Ohio newspapers to avoid said newspapers having to reduce publication to three days per week. Even
though the company had been operating a radio station and newspaper in the southwestern Ohio region since 1935, the Court revived the rule prohibiting operating both. The FCC appealed the three-judge ruling to the entire Third Circuit Court of Appeals, but the appeal was denied. Now, CMG has until March 16 to complete a sale to a party that can publish the Dayton Daily News seven days per week. Cox Media Group CEO Kim Guthrie says, “We applaud the decision by the FCC and are grateful for the extension. News does not conveniently schedule itself three days a week and we felt a reduced print schedule would negatively and severely impact the newspapers, our employees and the communities we serve. CMG and Apollo have been pushing for this outcome because we feel that maintaining a daily publication schedule is the absolute best way to continue to produce the solid and timely journalism that our readers deserve.”
Impeachment Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 13-17. Not surprisingly, the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump were the most talked about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the presidential race and the Democratic debate from Des Moines. Coming in at #3 was the Iran crisis and U.S. foreign policy, followed by the U.S.-China trade war and the economy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio this week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Omaha hot AC KQKQ “Sweet 98.5,” NRG Media launches an all-female morning show with current morning host Nikki Oswald and afternoon drive time personality Laura Blenkush. The company says it will be the only all-female duo morning show in Omaha. KQKQ program
director Jay Michaels says, “Taking two of our highly talented personalities, and pairing them together for an all-female morning show is the obvious move when targeting women.” Oswald was most recently partnered with Matt Tompkins, who recently moved over to NRG’s classic hits KOOO “THE NEW 101.9 The KEG” to host the morning show…..Two 
nationally syndicated programs land on Cumulus Media stations in South Carolina. First, the Premiere Networks-syndicated “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy is the new morning show at hip hop WDAI-FM, Myrtle Beach. Programmer and air personality Mike “BigMMike” Bell says, “We are excited to bring ‘The Breakfast Club’ to The Grand Strand. As Myrtle Beach’s source for hip hop and R&B, what better way to enter a new era than with the “World’s
Most Dangerous Morning Show?” Second, the Compass Media Networks-distributed “DeDe in the Morning” show with DeDe McGuire, Lady Jade, Rudy Rush, and comedian Michael Shawn assumes the morning drive daypart at Cumulus’ hip hop WYNN, Florence. Bell, who also programs WYNN and handles afternoon drive, says, “We are excited to bring a fresh morning show to Florence. As the market leader, it was important that we went with a brand that can be trusted to deliver great entertainment our listeners will love. DeDe is a seasoned vet and I’ve been a fan of her work for years.”
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
iHeartMedia’s New Markets Group Structure. The company says that the changes are being enacted as it modernizes “to take advantage of the significant investments it has made in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and its unique scale and leadership position in the audio marketplace.” iHeartMedia adds that it has “made significant technology investments to change everything from how it sells advertising to how it utilizes data and builds new businesses like its digital platform, podcast platform, and robust data platform.” iHeartMedia explains it is now grouping “its markets by
common needs and characteristics into three distinctly different divisions to make sharing of resources and experiences easier and more targeted.” Greg Ashlock will continue to serve as president of the iHeartMedia Markets Group. Now, the group breaks down as follows: The Region Division comprises the company’s largest markets, like New York and Los Angeles, that each reach hundreds of cities, communities, and trading areas for local businesses. It will be led by division presidents Kevin LeGrett and Scott Hopeck; The Metro Division houses markets that are large areas that still encompass multiple communities – but are not regional hubs like the company’s largest markets. The Metro Division will be led by division presidents Tom McConnell, Tony Coles, and Linda Byrd; The Community Division includes markets that focus on the shared needs of one community and one trading area for most businesses and advertisers and will also group markets into areas which are geographically close and culturally similar. The Community Division will be led by division presidents Shosh Abromovich, Nick Gnau, and Dan Lankford. iHeartMedia also says it will use “its new technology- and AI-enabled Centers of Excellence – which consolidate functional areas of expertise in specific locations to deliver the highest quality products and services – for every market, enabling each to take advantage of the company’s scale and shared resources across programming, marketing, digital, podcasts, sales and sales support to provide a better experience for listeners and business partners and a more efficient process for all of its employees.” Additionally, the company is creating a new division “that cuts across all markets – the very successful Multi-Market Partnerships (MMP) Division headed by Julie Donohue, who is elevated to president of MMP with responsibility for this business.” As part of these moves, the company’s Integrated Revenue Strategies group, led by president Hartley Adkins, will be merged into the iHeartMedia Markets Group and Adkins will become chief operating officer of the Markets Group working closely with Greg Ashlock.
Newsmax TV Launches ‘Greg Kelly Reports’ in Evenings. Former U.S. Marine and television news broadcaster Greg Kelly joins Newsmax TV as the network debuts his “Greg Kelly Reports” program at 7:00 pm ET. After leaving the Marines, Kelly became morning news anchor at WIVT-TV,
Binghamton, New York. He worked for several years at FOX News before spending almost 10 years as co-host of “Good Day New York” on WNYW-TV “FOX 5.” Newsmax TV EVP of programming Elliot Jacobson says, “Greg Kelly comes with 
compelling new skill sets to our network. His military experience and his years as a frontline TV journalist differentiate him from prime-time hosts on other channels and allow him to examine the day’s news from a unique and insightful perspective.” Kelly – the son of former New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly – says, “I am very curious. I find that many people in the media have lost their curiosity. They just want to let you know what they know. I like to take a different approach.” The “Greg Kelly Reports” show debuts tonight (1/14).
Entercom’s Buffalo Market Manager and Sales Administrative Manager Exit. The Buffalo News has the story of the sudden departure of longtime Entercom Buffalo market manager Greg Reid and sales administrative
manager Lynn Hooper. The paper reports the two were fired suddenly – Reid was reportedly called while on vacation and let go – and wonders if their dismissal is related to the company’s admission that it inadvertently failed to post required political advertising information on its website in a timely manner, prompting the FCC to broaden its look into the company’s public file practices. However, Entercom has been reducing expenses at local clusters for several months via downsizing and it’s possible Reid and Hooper were simply victims of budget cuts. The News reports that general sales manager Tim Holly is serving as interim market manager.
Report: WGN-AM Cuts Ties with Crain’s Chicago Business. Windy City media reporter Robert Feder has the story here. He writes that Nexstar’s
WGN-AM, Chicago “abruptly severed its longstanding partnership” with Crain’s Chicago Business after the publication wrote a speculative piece about Nexstar prepping the radio station for a sale. Nexstar acquired WGN-AM along with Tribune’s television stations and it is its only radio property. Crain’s reporters made regular appearances on WGN shows and WGN’s website hosted the “Crain’s Daily Gist” podcast. That has been removed.
TALKERS News Notes. Ratings and research giant Nielsen Holdings plc announces the hiring of two executives as it moves to separate into two publicly traded companies. David Rawlinson is named chief executive officer of the consumer behavior analysis division Global Connect. He was most recently president of global online business at Grainger. Also, Linda Zukauckas is named the chief financial officer for Nielsen. Both appointments become official on February 3…..Four of Alpha Media’s Chicagoland stations are expected to move into new digs at the Gurnee Mills mall in the far northern suburbs in February. News/talk WLIP-AM, Kenosha and rock WIIL, Union Grove in Wisconsin and Spanish sports WKRS and hot AC WXLC in Waukegan, Illinois are moving as part of a deal to bring foot traffic to the mall. The village of Gurnee is paying Alpha $200,000 to assist in the transition and the radio stations will host 32 events at the mall each year and provide $129,000 per year in radio ad time to the mall…..QUU – a company specializing in RDS/HD in-car stereo display technology – names Steve Newberry chief executive officer, effective April 1. Newberry has been serving as EVP for industry affairs and strategic planning at the National Association of Broadcasters. Beasley Media Group is among QUU’s investors.
Impeachment/Russians Hack Ukrainian Gas Co, 2020 Presidential Race, Iran Tensions, Pensacola Base Shooting Ruled Terror Attack, Megxit, and NFL Playoffs/College Football Championship Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/13). The articles of impeachment against President Trump and the allegation Russia hacked the Ukrainian gas company central to the impeachment issue; the rift between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and tonight’s debate in Des Moines; the domestic tensions in Iran and the White House’s rationale for killing Iranian general Qassem Soleimani; Attorney General William Barr rules the Pensacola naval base shooting was an act of terrorism and seeks Apple’s helping opening the assailant’s phones; the Sussex’s meeting with Queen Elizabeth over their stepping away from royal life; and the weekend’s NFL games and last night’s College Football Championship 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. The Westwood One nationally syndicated “Rick and Sasha Show” adds programmer and production pro “Smokin” Tony
Richards to the team of the urban AC morning show now heard on more than 25 stations. Richards has worked as a drive time personality and programmer in markets including New York, Houston, Philadelphia, DC, and Chicago. He says, “This show is going to the moon, and I want to be a part of it. Rick and Sasha are two people who I feel are the future of radio. I am here unselfishly to help the team make it happen.”…..In Dallas, Entercom’s alternative KVIL “ALT 103.7” names Ian Camfield afternoon drive personality. Camfield was most recently midday personality at Hubbard Radio’s alternative KDKB, Phoenix “ALT AZ 93.3.” As a result of Camfield’s arrival, Mark moves from afternoons to AM drive.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Elliot Jacobson Joins Newsmax TV as EVP of Programming/Chief Content Officer. Television executive Elliot Jacobson joins Newsmax TV as executive vice president of programming and chief content officer. He
most recently held the same position with Comcast-backed Baby Boomer-targeted network RLTV. Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “Elliot comes to Newsmax with a significant career in content strategy, programming operations, and production. We’re excited because Elliot has a tremendous background in content and will help us implement 
our 2020 plans and beyond.” Jacobson began his career as a news producer in Spain and has held positions at news and entertainment networks and production companies over the last 25 years. He has consulted extensively on programming strategy and operations for emerging networks domestically and internationally. He is a frequent speaker on the subjects of Boomer audiences and consumers. He says, “I have followed Newsmax’s extraordinary growth over the last several years and I am enthusiastic to join the team. Chris Ruddy has positioned Newsmax to become a critical source of news and information in the media landscape.”
It’s Official: Rush Limbaugh Renews with iHeartMedia. During his rally in Miami over the weekend, President Trump revealed that Rush Limbaugh had signed a new – the president said – four-year deal with iHeartMedia’s Premiere Networks. In an official release, iHeartMedia says the “specific
terms” are not being announced but “long-term, multi-platform agreement reflects The Rush Limbaugh Show’s decades-long dominance in the talk radio format, including increased audience levels and revenue.” In a statement, Limbaugh says, “Growing up, dreaming of and pondering success, I never actually envisioned it to the degree I have experienced it. And it would not have happened without a huge audience of Americans, people who make the country work; hundreds of great radio stations who took a great risk 31 years ago; and the wonderful people at iHeartMedia, who know radio almost as well as I do. Now, four more years! There is nothing I would rather do!”
PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s December 2019 PPM survey, today reporting on the public radio news/talk format. Public radio talk fared better than its commercial news/talk “cousins” in the build-up to the holiday season with half of the stations on our panel see positive weekly 6+ AQH share movement and only 32% of stations seeing a decline when comparing November to December data. The year-over-year comparison – December 2018 to December 2019 – shows about half the stations were up (48%) and the other half went down (52%). Two public radio news/talk stations ranked #1 in their respective markets: WAMU-FM, Washington and KUT-FM, Austin. However, five public radio news/talk stations ranked #2 in their markets. See all the data here.
TALKERS News Notes. At Salem Media Group’s KDXE-FM, Little Rock “101.1FM The Answer,” Rush Limbaugh now airs in the 11:00 am to 2:00 pm daypart. The Premiere Networks superstar moves there from Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KARN-FM. FOX News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade assumes the 11:00 am to 2:00 pm slot at KARN-FM…..Production pro Jody Avirgan leaves his senior editorial producer position with ESPN where he produced and voiced the “30 For 30 Podcasts.”…..Podcast producer cabana adds two new programs to its portfolio of shows. “Voices for Justice” is a true crime program hosted by Sarah Turney, whose sister Alissa went missing in 2001. “ONE Extraordinary Marriage” is co-hosted by Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo, marriage coaches and co-authors of 7 Days of Sex Challenge. cabana SVP of business development Frank DeSantis says, “We’re excited about 2020 and kicking off the new year with these two great podcasts. Our advertisers are eager for podcasts that tap into the interests and emotions of listeners. We look forward to working with Sarah and the DiLorenzos and to bringing their audiences to national advertising brands.”
Iran Air Strikes/Middle East Tensions, Trump Impeachment, Presidential Race, Financial Markets Activity/The Economy, Hunter Biden Paternity Case, and Puerto Rico Earthquakes Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/7). Iran’s strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq in the aftermath of the U.S.’ killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani; the impeachment articles against President Trump; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in November; the activity in the financial markets and the health of the U.S. economy; a judge rules Hunter Biden is the father of the child of a former DC stripper; and the earthquakes wreaking havoc in Puerto Rico 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. In Houston, Jessie Watt joins the cast of “The Morning Mix” on Entercom’s hot AC KHMX “Mix 96.5” alongside air personalities Sarah Pepper and Geoff Sheen. Watt comes to Houston
from her most recent position at the company’s WYCD, Detroit where she was the on-air producer for the “Chuck, Rachael and Grunwald in the Morning” program. Watt says, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining Entercom Houston’s incredibly accomplished ‘Mix 96.5’ team. I feel lucky to be able to spend my mornings working and laughing with the fiercely talented Sarah Pepper and Geoff Sheen and am extremely excited for the opportunity to work under [market manager] Sarah Frazier and [program director] Chase Murphy.”…..iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment 
announce the nominees for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards that will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 29 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event also will be broadcast on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and the iHeartRadio digital platform. iHeartMedia president of entertainment enterprises John Sykes says, “The iHeartRadio Music Awards is a true celebration of the music and artists that millions of fans listen to every day on their favorite radio stations across the country. FOX’s young and engaged audience has proven to be the perfect home for our iHeart listeners.” You can see the nominee list here…..The Premiere Networks-syndicated hip hop show “The Breakfast Club” is now airing on Cumulus Media’s hip hop WMNX, Wilmington, North Carolina “Coast 97.3.” WMNX program director and afternoon drive host Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman says, “We are excited to bring a fresh morning to Wilmington with breaking hip hop and R&B with Angela Yee, Charlamange the GOD, and DJ Envy. This addition pushes the urban culture forward with topics from trending news, finance, and politics wrapped up in a music intensive show on the way to work. They and we are the culture!”
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Good Karma Names Jacobsen PD for ‘ESPN Madison.’ Sports talk and news/talk radio pro Mike Jacobsen is named program director for Good Karma Brands-owned sports talk outlet WTLX-FM, Madison “ESPN Madison,” effective January 13. Jacobsen has served with WGN-AM,
Chicago as producer of the morning drive show, as well as sports talk shows hosted by David Kaplan and David Haugh. He was most recently the director of education at Illinois Media School. Good Karma Madison vice president and market manager Keith Williams says, “We’re excited to have Mike Jacobsen join the ‘ESPN Madison’ team to lend his expertise and ear to an already exciting and growing lineup. His previous leadership roles and passion for the radio industry make him a perfect fit to lead the team to new heights.” Jacobsen comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to help lead such an incredibly talented lineup and teammates in one of the best sports towns in the country. It’s truly an honor to be a part of the innovative and ambitious Good Karma Brands team as we continue to grow the ESPN Wisconsin brand.”
Mike Rhyner Retires from ‘The Ticket’ in Dallas. After 26 years with Dallas sports talk radio station KTCK-AM/FM “The Ticket,” afternoon drive personality Mike Rhyner is retiring from the station immediately. Rhyner made his announcement via a YouTube video in which the 69-year-old broadcaster told fans the decision to retire was entirely his. He said, “The
time is right. It has been my life for 26 years, probably more than it should have been. I loved everything about the radio station. I loved being on the air, being with the guys, the road trips with the guys. I will miss it terribly, no doubt.” Rhyner has been co-host of the afternoon drive show, “The Hardline,” since the station launched in 1994. Rhyner notes that the station has been through four owners, numerous general managers and yet has consistently achieved phenomenal ratings. “We’ve seen it grow into something that none of us could have possibly imagined.” The Dallas Star-Telegram quotes Rhyner’s co-host, Corby Davidson, saying, “He’s very happy with his situation. This has everything to do with a guy who has decided it’s time. We should all be so lucky. We all owe everything to him.”
Chris Berry Promoted to EVP of News, Talk and Sports for iHeartMedia. Radio executive Chris Berry is promoted from SVP to executive vice president of news, talk and sports programming for iHeartMedia. Berry will continue to provide strategic guidance for the company’s spoken-word formats and connect key advertisers with
iHeartMedia’s news, talk, and sports audiences. Since 2011, Berry has managed iHeartMedia’s 24/7 News Source and was upped to SVP in 2017. He’ll continue as format brand manager and provide oversight for NBC News Radio and the 24/7 News Network, reporting to Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott. She says, “Chris has tremendous programming experience and he’s been a valuable asset to our team for nearly a decade. As the spoken-word format continues to grow, his leadership and vision will help ensure we’re strategically positioned to provide the best content across multiple platforms, while delivering unparalleled results for stations and advertising partners.”
Little Rock Sports Talker Exits Station in Wake of Theft Accusation. KATV-TV, Little Rock reports that sports talk radio host Eric Sullivan has exited Signal Media’s KABZ-FM, Little Rock “103.7 The Buzz” after a staffer at a local restaurant accused him of taking $409 from her purse.
KABZ confirmed to KATV-TV that Sullivan, host of the early afternoon “Out of Bounds” show, is no longer with the station. Sullivan has not been charged. Authorities say the money was returned to the restaurant staffer and it’s now up to her whether she wishes to file charges or not. Sullivan issued the following statement to KATV-TV: “I need to address something to you all: I’ve made a monumental career mistake & I take full responsibility for it, I let many people down as well as the listeners and great people at 1037 the Buzz and I will own that for the rest of my life.”
Cumulus Toledo Names Dana DiModica VP and Market Manager. Radio sales pro Dana DiModica is promoted from director of sales and local sales manager to vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media’s
Toledo station group that includes sports talker WTOD “The Ticket ESPN 106.5 FM” and six music brands. DiModica says, “I am honored and excited to be able to lead this wonderful group of people in Toledo. I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me by our CEO Mary Berner and executive vice president Bob Walker. Having spent my entire radio career in the area, I know the impact our radio stations have in our community, with our listeners, and the relationships with our clients. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that impact as vice president/market manager of Cumulus Toledo.”
TALKERS News Notes. The National Association of Broadcasters announces that it is accepting entries for the NAB Crystal Radio Awards,
honoring outstanding community service, to be presented during the We Are Broadcasters Celebration on April 21 during the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas. Finalists will be announced next month. Entry submissions must be received by January 31. You can submit entries here…..Chicago media maven Robert Feder reports 
that Entercom all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM is promoting two staffers to full-time positions. Jennifer Keiper becomes the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm anchor. Her duties include reporting into the early evening as well as a Sunday shift. Andy Dahn moves into the anchor role Sunday through Thursday evenings. He’s also charged with boosting the station’s social media presence in late nights and overnight. WBBM director of news and programming Ron Gleason says, “Jennifer and Andy have shown tremendous reporting ability both in the field and in the anchor chair. Their flexibility and talents will enhance our news coverage, helping make WBBM even stronger as election season approaches.”…..Boston public media organization WGBH is beefing up its news department with a news bureau in the Central Massachusetts city of Worcester. The bureau will house a fully equipped broadcast studio providing easy access for interviews and will be equipped to stream digital video to platforms such as Facebook Live. WGBH News says it plans to collaborate with local colleges to develop internship opportunities with the new bureau and will use it as a convening space for local organizations…..Entercom’s KILT-AM,
Houston “SportsRadio 610” announces it is airing “live and local programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as the Texans are in the postseason.” Program director Armen Williams adds, “Coming off the most amazing Texans victory in franchise history, the city of Houston is buzzing. We’re proud to be able to feed their hunger for this franchise by talking Texans around the clock.”…..On the national level, Entercom’s RADIO.COM is presenting weekly, live two-hour broadcasts of “You Better You Bet” (in partnership with The Action Network) to preview the NFL playoff games. Entercom president of sports Mike Dee comments, “As the NFL postseason gets underway, our listeners can turn to their favorite sports betting show for all of the insight and advice they need leading right up to kickoff.”…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is presenting live play-by-play coverage of all four NFL playoff games this weekend. Ryan Radtke, Tony Boselli, and Scott Kaplan will call the Vikings at 49ers game; Brandon Gaudin, Ross Tucker, and Laura Okmin have the Titans at Ravens game; Kevin Kugler, Trent Green, and James Laurinaitis are working the Texans at Chiefs game; and Kevin Harlan, James Lofton, and Hub Arkush are calling the Seahawks at Packers game…..The Utica Comets hockey club and Galaxy Media Partners extend their broadcast partnership for another six years. As part of the deal, in addition to airing all 76 regular season and playoff games on rock WKLL-FM, Utica “94.9 KROCK,” a new and extended 30-minute pregame show has been added to gameday coverage with hosts Rainman and Scoop.
Saga Communications Strikes Deal with Aptivada for Online Promotions. Radio operator Saga Communications signs a company-wide, multi-year agreement with Aptivada for it to provide online
contesting, marketing, revenue, and promotions. Saga director of digital strategies Eric Christian says, “In 2020, Saga is focused on creating unique and innovative solutions for audiences and clients within 120 of our local stations. Aptivada’s offering of multiple products on one platform will allow us to provide cutting-edge ideas to our partners with the confidence that all audience and client data is stored securely and privately – which is also a top priority for us. We look forward to this partnership and all the success it will bring.”
Iran General Killed/Middle East Tensions, Trump Impeachment, 2020 Presidential Race, Facebook Bans Deepfakes, Harvey Weinstein Case, Australian Bushfires/Global Warming, and Golden Globe Awards Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/6). The aftermath of the U.S. killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and tensions in the Middle East; the articles of impeachment against President Trump; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in November; Facebook announces a ban on deepfake videos; embattled movie mogul Harvey Weinstein – with a trial set to begin in New York – is charged with sexual assault in Los Angeles; the bushfires ravaging southeastern Australia and questions about whether climate change is a factor; and Sunday evening’s Golden Globe Awards were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
PPM Analysis: Contemporary Christian. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s December 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on the contemporary Christian format. See how those stations performed compared to the November survey, the December 2018 survey and more here.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. The Long Island morning radio duo “Roger and JP” are celebrating 20 years together on Cox Media Group’s classic rock WBAB, Babylon, New York. Roger Luce (right) and John “JP” Parise (left) began
working together in 2000. Luce had years of radio experience in the market and served as PA announcer for New York Islanders games. Parise was a van driver for the station before they got together on the radio. In addition to their WBAB morning gig, they also host an 11:00 am to 2:00 pm show on CMG’s WHPT, Tampa “102.5 The Bone.”…..iHeartMedia names Mike McCabe program director 
for CHR WZFT, Baltimore “Z104.3,” effective January 20. McCabe was most recently PD and afternoon drive personality at the company’s CHR WERZ, Portsmouth, New Hampshire “Z107.” iHeartMedia Baltimore SVP of programming Mike Preston states, “McCabe’s extensive programming background combined with his passion for the pop music landscape makes him the perfect fit for this position. We are thrilled to welcome him to Baltimore as we kick off Z104.3’s 11th year as Baltimore’s number one hit music station.”…..Compass Media Networks’ “Free Beer and Hot Wings” program is added to the schedule at Townsquare Media’s rock WGBF,
Evansville, Indiana as the new morning show. WGBF brand manager Kat Mykals comments, “We are excited to start the new year and the new decade with a new era in morning rock radio as we welcome the ‘Free Beer and Hot Wings’ morning show to WGBF-FM. With their amazing chemistry and authenticity, the show is a natural fit as we continue to be Evansville’s and the Tristate’s home for ‘Everything That Rocks.’”…..Magnum.Media unveils the new classic country format on WBOG, Tomah, Wisconsin. Magnum staffer Robin Jon Olson is returning to the airwaves to host the morning drive show. He says, “After two years focused on the sales and production side of radio, I’m excited about adding back to my duties being on the air. Hard to believe I played those 80s country songs as current hits, and now I get to play them again. A lot of great country music came out in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. By focusing on this era of country music, ‘BOG Country’ isn’t in direct competition with another station in our market.”…..CMT and iHeartMedia announce their renewed partnership and multi-year extension that includes the two syndicated radio programs, “CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan” and “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan.” Pictured below are (from l-r): Cody Alan, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, MCA Nashville recording artist Sam Hunt, and executive producer of CMT Radio content and programming partnerships Ashlee McDonald.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Radio-TV Talk Show Host and Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Hayworth has had a fascinating career in both broadcasting and politics. In his early career, even prior to attending and graduating from North Carolina State University he held jobs while still a teenager as a music radio disc jockey and sports reporter which he continued through his school years. After graduation he moved to Arizona as a TV sports anchor and then transitioned from broadcasting to politics. Between 1995 and 2007, he served as a Republican
member of the United States House of Representatives from Arizona’s 5th and 6th Congressional districts. After that he became a full-time conservative radio talk show host on KFYI in Phoenix. He left KFYI in 2010 to unsuccessfully mount a primary campaign against John McCain (who had recently been defeated by Barack Obama in the presidential election of 2008) for the Republican nomination for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat held at that time by the popular war hero. After that, he became a news anchor and host during the developmental days of Newsmax TV – a position he held for four years. Today he’s heard by news/talk radio listeners on major stations around the country as one of the format’s most popular fill-in hosts. Harrison and Hayworth take a deep dive into the workings of Congress, look back at changes in radio and its regulations over the years, and discuss the most talked about news topics, stories and issues of 2019. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Round One of December PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s December 2019 PPM survey has been released for
12 markets, including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen Audio’s December 2019 survey period covered November 7 through December 4. Some positive 6+ ratings movements of note for spoken-
word stations include: Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO adds to its recent positive trends with a +0.3 for a 2.3 share; four straight positive or neutral moves by iHeartMedia’s news/talk KTRH (4.1 share) have “News Radio 740” ranked at #8 in the market; and Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta remains #1 in the market for the fifth straight month, despite dropping two tenths (9.3 – 9.1). You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” on all the markets here.
‘Ratings Takeaways’ to Be Posted Over Holiday Break. Although the TALKERS magazine offices are closed from December 25 to January 2, managing editor Mike Kinosian will post his “Ratings Takeaways” from Nielsen Audio’s December PPM survey as usual. Nielsen will release the next three rounds of ratings data on December 26, 27, and 30, respectively. See Kinosian’s “Ratings Takeaways” here.
Ziegler Named Director of News and Programming at WTOP, Washington. News media pro Julia Ziegler is promoted by Hubbard Radio Washington to director of news and programming for all-news WTOP-FM. She has served with
the station for 17 years, most recently as digital news director. Ziegler assumes the position vacated by Mike McMearty who’d been with WTOP for 27 years. During her time with WTOP, Ziegler has served as a member of Hubbard’s Inaugural NextGen program, an internal program designed to foster and grow leaders within the organization. WTOP SVP and general manager Joel Oxley says, 
“During her time here Julia has truly excelled in every position she has held. As the pioneer of many incredible projects, she has led our team with commitment, excellence and passion. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and am incredibly excited to have her in this position.” Ziegler comments, “I am excited and honored to lead the incredible journalists who work tirelessly in the WTOP newsroom 24/7/365. This team is made up of some of the most hardworking and dedicated people I have ever met, and they drive me to be my best every day. WTOP is a special place with special people. I knew that from the second I stepped foot in the door as an intern in 2002. I look forward to all of the great things this team will continue to accomplish in the years ahead.”
TALKERS News Notes. Former California Governor Jerry Brown is launching a limited-run podcast via public media organization KQED in San Francisco. The
program is called “The Political Mind of Jerry Brown” and was produced from more than 40 hours of interviews with Brown by KQED senior editor for politics and government Scott Shafer in cooperation with UC Berkeley’s Oral History Center. Shafer says, “This is a deep dive into the life and career of someone who has had a profound impact on California over the course of 50 years. Our conversations reveal a reflective side of Jerry Brown – how he plotted his rise in politics, how he both leveraged his father’s name and distanced himself from Pat Brown’s approach to politics and what he learned from the mistakes he made along the way.” The show will debut as an over the air broadcast on 
KQED…..The Sacramento Bee reports that Springer Financial Advisors owner Keith Springer – who hosts the weekend “Smart Money” show on iHeartMedia’s KFBK, Sacramento – has been charged by the Securities Exchange Commission with defrauding clients. The story indicates the SEC’s allegations include Springer receiving millions of dollars in undisclosed compensation for recommending investments without disclosing a conflict of interest. The SEC also alleges that Springer deceived prospective clients by saying he’d been chosen to do the KFBK radio show because of his expertise and did not reveal he brokers the time.
High Rollers. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (right) and media consultant/RT America host Holland Cooke (left) enjoyed their annual Christmas lunch yesterday (12/23), while checking out the lavish new MGM Springfield in Springfield, Mass.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Washington, DC, on-air pro Jackie Paige is named midday personality and music director for Radio One’s hip hop WKYS-FM.
She comes to DC from her most recent role with the company’s hip hop WCDX-FM, Richmond “iPower 92.1/104.1” where she was also midday jock and music director. Radio VP of programming Kashon Powell says, “We are extremely excited to welcome Jackie Paige to the Radio One DC programming staff. She possesses a positive attitude and work ethic that simply can’t be taught. She’s an ideal fit for Radio One DC and we are excited to have her join the team.”
Monday, November 25, 2019
Monday Memo: Podcast Best Practices. Google “podcast tips” and you’ll find plenty, most for newbies (“State your name and the name of your podcast at the beginning”). Since you’re a pro, this week’s column by consultant Holland Cooke is Advanced Placement stuff. Read it here.
Impeachment Testimony, 2020 Presidential Race, Hong Kong Elections, Navy Secretary Fired, Mr. Rogers Movie, and AMAs Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The week’s impeachment testimony; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and former Republican-turned-Democrat Michael Bloomberg’s entrance into the race; the Hong Kong elections that saw pro-democracy candidates win in local races; Navy Secretary Richard Spencer forced out of his post over the Edward Gallagher case; the A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood film; and Sunday evening’s American Music Awards were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
WIP, Philadelphia Morning Star Angelo Cataldi Signs Contract Extension. Morning drive sports talk host Angelo Cataldi signs a multiyear contract extension with Entercom’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia. He’ll continue to lead the “Angelo and the Morning Team” program with co-hosts Al Morganti, Keith
Jones, and Rhea Hughes. The former Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat writer began hosting the morning show on WIP in 1990. He comments, “It’s an honor to continue my time at WIP as I move past my 30-year anniversary at the best sports station in America. All I can do is express my appreciation to Entercom and to all of my colleagues at WIP. But most of all I want to thank the listeners who have been so loyal to me and to everyone at the morning show. I can’t believe I get to do a job I love in the city whose passion for sports is incomparable. Now let’s win another championship.”
Sam Moser Named Chief Revenue Officer and EVP of National Sales for Newsmax TV. Former FOX News advertising sales executive Sam R. Moser joins Newsmax TV as chief revenue officer and EVP of national sales. During his career, Moser has also served with MTV, the Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, and the Game Show Network. Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Sam has a stellar reputation for building,
developing, and directing highly successful sales teams for major cable networks – both established and start-up. He’s a consummate sales professional and has amassed an impressive track record of increasing billings significantly from existing advertisers as well as new business development.” Moser says, “Newsmax has quickly become the most-talked-about cable news network in the United States. I’m excited to be part of the cream of the crop Chris is assembling and help further accelerate the growth of this exciting, must-watch news outlet.” Newsmax TV says it has cable agreements with all major MVPD outlets, including DirecTV, Dish, Xfinity, Spectrum, Fios, U-verse, Altice (Optimum and Suddenlink), and Cox, among many others. The network expects to reach close 80 million MVPD homes in 2020.
TALKERS News Notes. Corpus Christi morning drive personality Jim Lago
announces he’s retiring from iHeartMedia’s news/talk KKTX-AM after his December 6 program. Lago suffered a mild stroke in April but later returned to his show. He’s been a Corpus Christi air personality for more than 30 years…..In Kansas City, Ron “Show” Hughley exits the midday show at Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports.” His former partner Josh Vernier and producer Stephen Serda remain hosting the program that’s been renamed “Mid-Days” on the station’s website…..WHO, Des Moines afternoon 
drive talk host Simon Conway is doing double duty this week. In addition to his WHO program (also heard on iHeartMedia’s WMT-AM, Cedar Rapids), he’s sitting in for Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo on his nationally syndicated show today through Wednesday (11/25-27)…..AdLarge Media announces that it has renewed its deal with The Weather Channel Radio Network and will continue serving as radio ad sales rep for TWC. AdLarge co-founder and co-CEO Gary Schonfeld says, “The Weather Channel television and radio network is a marquee brand trusted by radio stations and advertisers. With this extended partnership, our team can continue providing AdLarge advertisers with access to listeners of top-rated radio stations across the country. We are delighted to continue our relationship with the network.”…..WBUR, Boston appoints Margaret Low CEO and general manager. Low was most recently with The Atlantic where she was the president of AtlanticLIVE. Prior to serving with The Atlantic, she was SVP of news for NPR and a former senior producer for “All Things Considered.” During her five years at The Atlantic, Low oversaw the live events division, which produces more than 100 events a year across the country and around the world.
WNDB’s Marc Bernier Interviews Senator Tom Cotton. Pictured above is WNDB, Daytona Beach afternoon drive talk show host Marc Bernier interviewing U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) before a live audience at the Miami BookFair International live on C-SPAN about his book Sacred Duty: A Soldier’s Tour at Arlington National Cemetery (2019, William Morrow). This is the 15th consecutive year that Bernier’s “BookMarc” radio and TV show has broadcast from the Miami BookFair International.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro John DeSantis is leaving All Pro Broadcasting’s hot AC KHTI, Riverside-San Bernardino “Hot 103.9” on December 15 after 23 years with the station. He’s also worked on-air at the station in mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Station VP and general manager Kimberly Martinez says, “John will forever remain a part of All Pro Broadcasting’s history. He was a very important part of our X103.9 programming. When we flipped formats in December 2015 he continued on as our program director. John has been a dedicated employee and an important part of the All Pro Broadcasting family, we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”…..On Friday, November 15,
iHeartMedia’s rock WDVE celebrated its 50th Anniversary with by an alumni party at Cefelo’s – a local Pittsburgh venue. The party brought together the station’s former sales and support staff, along with top on-air personalities, including Randy Baumann, Val Porter, Michele Michaels, and Russ Rose as well as former air personalities Scott Paulsen, Jimmy Roach, Steve Hansen, Marsy, Terry Caywood, Herschel, Sean McDowell, Eddie Crowe, Kenny Gibbs, Cris Winter, Joe Fenn, and Jesse Scott. In addition, program director John Moschitta was joined by former program directors from throughout the decades – which included Gene Romano, Dave Lange, Garrett Hart, and special guest attendee Alan Shaw.
Monday, October 28, 2019
WCBM, Baltimore Announces Programming Changes. Charm City news/talk outlet WCBM “Talk Radio 680” announces a number of coming programming changes. Starting in morning drive, longtime newsman and co-host Frank
Luber exits the show but will stay with the station to help with special projects and to continue to serve as a spokesman for some of its major advertisers. WCBM says that Luber and Nicholas Mangione were “instrumental in establishing WCBM as a major news/talk presence in Baltimore.” Beginning November 4, late morning talk host Bruce Elliott joins Sean Casey (who continues to serve as the station’s PD) for “The Morning Drive with Casey & Elliott.” Stepping into the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon talk host role is Derek Hunter, who returns to Baltimore after having served in recent years with the Heritage Foundation, Americans for Tax Reform, and as managing editor at The Daily Caller. The station also adds “The FOX News Rundown” for the 5:00 am to 6:00 am hour and Key Networks’ “The O’Reilly Update” with Bill O’Reilly to air from 11:45 am to 12:00 noon.
Monday Memo: Pronouncers for Announcers. How-you-say what-you-say makes a difference, and (obvious) former high school English teacher Holland Cooke explains in this week’s column. Read it here.
ISIS Leader Dead, Impeachment Inquiry/Ukraine Scandal, 2020 Presidential Race, Rep. Katie Hill Resigns, California Wildfires/Power Blackouts, and Brexit Extension Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi is reported by President Trump; the impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the related allegations of illegal actions against Trump, and Joe and Hunter Biden with regard to the Ukraine; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020, U.S. Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA) resigns her seat after being accused of improper relations with a campaign staffer; the wildfires in California and PG&E’s shutting off electricity to almost 1 million customers; and Boris Johnson gets an extension to January 31 for Britain’s exit from the EU were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Newsmax TV Presents Presidential Town Hall. In conjunction with the League of United Latin American Citizens, Newsmax TV presented a two-hour Presidential Town Hall with top Democratic candidates last Thursday (10/24). Taking part in the Newsmax Town Hall at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines were candidates Bernie Sanders, Beto O’Rourke, Tulsi Gabbard, and Julian Castro. The live Newsmax TV production reached 70 million cable homes.
FOX News Radio Makes ‘Rundown’ Available for Radio Stations. “The FOX News Rundown” launched in 2017 as a podcast hosted by Dave Anthony, Lisa
Brady, and Jessica Rosenthal. Now, FOX News Radio is making the program available as an early morning weekday news hour “perfect for setting the stage for your local morning show.” FNR says, “‘The Rundown’ takes a deeper dive into the stories that are important to you and your listeners. Hosted by the anchors of FOX News Radio, the ‘Rundown’ also features voices from FOX News Channel, FOX Business Channel and the world of politics and entertainment.”
Ben & Skin Exit ‘105.3 The Fan’ in Dallas. The midday duo Ben & Skin – Ben
Rogers and Jeff “Skin” Wade – have resigned their positions with Entercom’s sports talk KRLD-FM, Dallas for an opportunity elsewhere. They are being replaced in the station lineup by evening duo Kevin Hageland and Cory Mageors. It’s not known if this is a permanent move or not. Regardless, morning drive co-host Shan Shariff tweeted that the duo was not fired and was moving on to another opportunity.
TALKERS News Notes. Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2020 Todd Starnes Faith and Freedom
Celebration to be held at Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia on April 18, 2020. The annual event has raised more than $300,000 in scholarship money for students at the Christian school. Starnes says, “I can’t say enough great things about Sarah. Our media company is committed to super-serving the communities that broadcast my programs and bringing nationally known speakers to our event is a part of that effort.”…..WODS, Boston morning drive personality TJ 
Taormina has launched a podcast on Entercom’s RADIO.COM platform called, “Meet My Wife.” Taormina tells TALKERS, “It was an opportunity for me to step up to a blank canvas and create something from scratch. It starts in a music recording studio with a full band and travels from grocery store parking lots, to the middle of Boston Common, to my home living room. I wanted to take a unique approach to the rapidly growing podcast arena and make it something that could complement my daily live radio show.”…..Entercom’s board of directors have approved a clawback policy for five of its highest-paid executives. A
clawback is a provision in an employment contract that states money paid to an employee may have to be returned. It’s usually for highly compensated executives and is intended as a sign of goodwill toward investors. In Entercom’s case, stock ownership guidelines were included with this move and require president and CEO David Field to hold Entercom shares equal to at least six times his base salary. It requires CFO Rich Schmaeling, COO Weezie Kramer, chief revenue officer Robert Philips, and EVP/general counsel Andrew Sutor to hold shares of at least two times their base salaries…..Boston public radio news/talk WGBH-FM is adding the NPR-distributed program “1A” to its lineup, airing from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The program is hosted by Joshua Johnson and focuses on First Amendment issues “related to policy, politics, technology, pop culture, sports, and humor.” The program’s goal is to “act as a national mirror — taking time to help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be.”
WHAT IS REAL? Former WWE Champion Mick Foley Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most theatrical professional wrestlers of the modern era who blurred the line between reality and fiction as much as anyone who ever played the game, Mick Foley, guests on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Foley created several of wrestling’s most memorable characters, including Cactus Jack and Mankind, participating in physically damaging stunts that took his body past the limits of
safety and protection. Although he played brutish, psychotic characters, Foley went on to become a best-selling author, public speaker, and articulate supporter of a variety of charities and social causes. In a fascinating one-on-one conversation, Harrison and Foley discuss the nature of reality TV and the role it plays in today’s political circus citing Donald Trump’s participation in the WWE prior to his presidency as an early example of the Commander in Chief’s penchant for mixing over-the-top theatrics with the semblance of real life storylines. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Steve Hoffman is named program director for Beasley Media Group’s hot AC KVGS-FM and assistant program director for sister urban contemporary KOAS, effective October 14. Hoffman has been consulting for the past few years. He was previously on air at KSWD, Los Angeles and programmed KCAL, Riverside for 15 years. Beasley Las Vegas VP and market manager Peter Burton states, “We have been interested in bringing Steve into the fold for quite some time. I had the pleasure of working with him in Los Angeles for five years. Hiring Steve allows us to continue to surround ourselves with the best in the industry.”…..At Entercom’s CHR KAMP, Los Angeles, Chris Booker shifts from the afternoon drive show to AM drive where he’ll work with co-host Chelsea Briggs and Krystal Bee. The new show replaces Edgar “Shoboy” Sotelo. He’d been paired with Brian Moote and Briggs. Briggs exited the station in August. Taking over Booker’s afternoon drive show is midday personality Yesi Ortiz. Moving to middays from weekends is Christen…..iHeartMedia names Adam Rivers program director for its four-station cluster in New Haven. He’d been serving as APD and music director at CHRs WKCI “KC101” and WKSS “KISS 95-7.” He’s now also programming news/talk WELI and sports talk WAVZ “ESPN 1300.” iHeartMedia Hartford Region president Steve Honeycomb says, “Over the past several years, Adam has truly been the backbone here at ‘KC101’ and a staple in Connecticut radio. Adam’s years of experience and the way he engages with his listeners go far beyond his afternoon drive show and we couldn’t be happier to see him evolve into this new role here in New Haven, Connecticut.”
Friday, August 23, 2019
JVC Media Unveils New ‘Florida Man Radio’ Format. The new format on WDYZ-AM/W288CJ in the Orlando market (licensed to Altamonte Springs and Oviedo, respectively) will feature Shannon Burke and Bubba the Love Sponge, along with Scott Ledger and attorney Justin Clark. JVC Media says “Florida Man Radio” will formally
launch in early September 2019 with a live press conference from the JVC Orlando studios hosted by the air staff. JVC Orlando director of programming Len Shackelford says, “This will be a personality-driven talk station focused on Central Florida. There will be NO topics off limits, including topics specifically about our on-air staff. Think sports, politics, pop culture… if you talk about it in your life or on social media, ‘Florida Man Radio 660 AM and 105.5 FM’ will talk about it.” The lineup will be Bubba in morning drive, “Scott Ledger’s Dangerous Conversation” in middays, Shannon Burke in afternoon drive, and attorney Justin Clark’s “You Have Power” from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. JVC CEO John Caracciolo adds, “This is exactly what radio needs right now – fresh, new, funny, and local – this is ‘Florida Man Radio.’ The vision of a locally based talk station that isn’t afraid to confront the big topics while not taking it too seriously, screams the mantra of JVC. We aren’t afraid to buck the norms – keeping live and local radio working for our clients and listeners, providing great results for clients, and continuing to invest in great programming. I’m thrilled for the future of our stations across the country.”
Bonneville Announces Management Restructuring and Promotions at Seattle Station Group. It was last Friday that Ryan Maguire exited his role as director of news and programming for news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle. Bonneville Seattle Media Group had been quiet about that change but now announces a number of management promotions and duty realignments that includes the elimination of Maguire’s old director of news and programming position. Four new directors have been named: Mike Salk rises from
program director of sports KIRO-AM “710 ESPN” to director of programming, overseeing KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM “710 ESPN,” and news/talk KTTH-AM; Tina Sorensen is promoted from KIRO/KTTH sales manager to director of digital, managing 
both content and revenue for the Bonneville Seattle digital properties; Cathy Cangiano is upped from “710 ESPN” sales manager to director of sales for KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM, KTTH-AM, and Seattle Mariners Radio; Alison Lichtbach is promoted from controller to director of finance, managing the business and operations departments. Current Bonneville Seattle managers whose duties are
expanding are: Bryan Buckalew as the KIRO-FM program director; Colleen O’Brien as the KIRO-FM managing editor leading the news department; and Ethan Kelly as sales manager for the KIRO/KTTH sales staff. Bonneville Seattle VP and market manager Dave Pridemore says, “These are proven leaders within our organization who are ready for their challenging assignments. They are innovative and prepared to provide guidance as we look to the future of our dynamic and far reaching audio and digital products. This new structure ensures our success in 2020 and beyond and elevates our daily focus on our digital business, which is imperative, as Bonneville Seattle is well positioned in this space to generate significant audience growth and to deliver solid ROI to our clients.”
iHeartMedia Launches New Philly Sports Talk Outlet. The company is flipping WDAS-AM/W273DO from adult hits to sports talk as “FOX Sports – The Gambler” available on 1480 AM, 102.5 FM, 105.3 HD2 and online via iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says, “The
Gambler will feature FOX Sports’ compelling and entertaining brand of sports talk programming including ‘The Herd with Colin Cowherd,’ ‘The Dan Patrick Show,’ ‘Outkick the Coverage with Clay Travis,’ ‘Straight Outta Vegas with RJ Bell,’ and others, as well as ‘The Daily Ticket’ hosted by Sean Brace, owner of phillyinfluencer.com, a well-known local sports website. iHeartMedia Philly SVP of sales Jeff Moore adds, “Whether you’re heading to Atlantic City or one of our four local sports books, we’ll have what you need to keep you informed. It’ll be a great mix of national sports talk icons with the local edge to inform and entertain the gambling audience in a groundbreaking way.”
Satire, Parody and Perspective in the Age of Political Correctness. The co-founder and head writer of The Capitol Steps, the long-running Washington, DC-based political comedy troupe, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Elaina Newport joins the TALKERS founder in a provocative discussion about the changing nature of
satire, parody, and the expression of political perspective in the current age of hyper-political correctness. The Capitol Steps, formed in 1981 by a group of newly unemployed senate staffers whose bosses had lost re-election, is a non-partisan equal opportunity offender. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Talk Show Host Wayne Allyn Root Referenced in Four Presidential Tweets. Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root played a role in the week’s national conversation when his statement that President Trump “is the best
president for Israel in the history of the world. And the Jewish people love him like he is the King of Israel. They love him like he is the second coming of God. And then in America, American Jews don’t like him” was Tweeted by the president. This was related to the larger story about the president’s “disloyalty” comment about Jews who vote Democrat. Root’s talk program is syndicated by USA Radio Network and simulcast on Newsmax TV and he became an important facet of the viral story. In another Tweet, Trump shared a segment of Root’s program. Root says of all the attention focused on him, “That was a 24-hours for the record books!”
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour experimental weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of
TALKERS magazine, will be posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC at approximately 4:00 pm ET today (8/23). The new episode titled, “The China Syndrome!” looks back at this past week of August 19-23, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Dr. Dana Cheng, senior editor China news, The Epoch Times; Phil Valentine, talk show host, WWTN, Nashville; Gerald Celente, publisher, Trends Journal; Darlene Love, legendary singer/inductee Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; and Victoria Jones, executive director, the DC Radio Company. The news/talk media show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation point for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio Podcast Network. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
TALKERS News Notes. A new podcast hosted by longtime ESPN commentator and
award-winning sports columnist Woody Paige is debuting on PodcastOne. “The Woody Paige Podcast” features the sports media personality, known for his trademarked “Around the Horn” chalkboard, as he welcomes sports and entertainment legends for in-depth and news-making conversations. The premiere episode spotlights ESPN’s Adam Schefter and EA Sports designer Clint 
Oldenburg…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that radio personality Kathy Hart – formerly of the “Eric & Kathy” morning show (with Eric Ferguson) on Hubbard Radio’s hot AC WTMX – is re-locating to Bozeman, Montana for personal and family reasons. Hart left WTMX in 2017 and has been doing fill-in talk host work for Tribune Media’s news/talk WGN-AM. She says she’s open to working in radio in Montana but has nothing lined up…..SiriusXM is presenting 77 live college football games over the period of August 24 through September 2 as the 2019 season begins. The opening week schedule features games with every team from the Associated Press Top 25 poll, including #1 Clemson vs. Georgia Tech, #2 Alabama vs. Duke, #3 Georgia vs. Vanderbilt, and the season’s first Top 25 matchup: #11 Oregon vs. #16 Auburn.
U.S.-China Trade War Top News/Talk Story for Week of August 19-23. The ongoing tariff battle was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Hong Kong Protests. Coming in at #3 were the fears of a recession, followed by the 2020 presidential race at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top 10 stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
The Best of Beasley. Pictured above are the 2019 winners of Beasley Media Group’s “Outstanding Achievement Awards.” The presentations were made during a special dinner that took place at the company’s annual management meeting at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia on Wednesday (8/21). From l-r are: BMG Philadelphia chief engineer Keith Smeal (Technology Award winner), BMG Philadelphia director of sales Paul Blake (DOS of the Year), BMG spoken word brand manager & WBZ-FM program director Mike Thomas (Program Director of the Year), BMG Boston VP/market manager Mary Menna (Market Manager of the Year), BMG CEO Caroline Beasley, BMG COO/EVP Brian Beasley, BMG president Bruce Beasley, BMG New Jersey RVP/market manager Dan Finn, BMG Tampa VP/market manager Steve Triplett, BMG Philadelphia VP/market manager Joe Bell, and WMMR-FM/WMGK-FM program director & BMG rock format brand manager Bill Weston. Photo: Chorus Photography
Cool News/On-Air Opportunity. NRG Media – Lincoln is looking for a news anchor/reporter who can double as morning co-host for Lincoln’s #1 news/talk station. KLIN says, “This is your chance to inform and entertain during morning drive in Nebraska’s Capital City and Home of the Cornhuskers! The show is loaded with personality, and we talk about today’s issues in a fun and
entertaining environment. If you are energetic, love radio, are passionate about local news, know how to enterprise, can connect with the community, are able to create compelling & award-winning content, we want to talk with you! You will share the mic with a talented group of professionals who all love radio and each of its digital platforms. We want someone who wants to be part of our amazing morning show, knows news and who can interact with our hosts and listeners. Your daily work will include preparing, producing and editing news, delivering that news on-air, and posting it online, as well as general reporting duties and reporting live from the field as needed. In addition, you will co-host KLIN’s popular morning drive program. The ideal candidate will have a degree from a four-year institution and at least one year of radio and/or other relevant media experience or and equivalent combination of education and experience. If you have excellent announcing and production skills, excellent computer skills using Office products, Adobe Audition and WordPress, and radio systems like NexGen Digital Broadcast, send us your resume! NRG Media is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.”
PPM Analysis: Adult Hits. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian turns his eye to the music radio world in this analysis of the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 PPM survey. Just over half of the adult hits stations on our panel see their weekly, 6+ AQH share rise (52%), while 43% dip and 5% remain the same, compared to their numbers in the June 2019 survey. Comparing July 2018 to July 2019, although 55% of the stations on our panel are down, winners include KBPA, Austin (+1.7); KJAQ, Seattle (+1.6); WLKO, Charlotte (+1.4); and WRRK, Pittsburgh (+1.3). KBPA, Austin “103.5 Bob FM” was the only adult hits station to rank #1 (6+) in its respective market in July. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new morning drive show is launching on Cumulus Media’s CHR WHTS, Grand Rapids “105.3 HOT FM.” “The Gray and Green Show” – starring Rachael Gray and Jackie Green (pictured here) debuts on Monday
(8/26). Cumulus calls it “the first and only morning radio show in West Michigan presented by two female hosts.” Gray has been hosting the morning show on WHTS for the past seven years. Green joins her from the station’s afternoon drive program. Green previously served with crosstown alternative WGRD-FM and as a feature reporter for WXMI-TV “FOX 17.” WHTS program director Lori Bennett comments, “We are so excited to present this one-of-a-kind show to the West Michigan audience! Rachael and Jackie are two of the most dynamic personalities I’ve ever worked with and their emotional connection as part of the West Michigan community is unmatched. Sure, they’re about ‘girl power,’ but actually, it’s ‘people power.’”…..Beasley Media Group’s country WKLB, Boston “Country 102.5” announces that actor and musician Kiefer Sutherland will serve as the official celebrity host of the eleventh “Country 102.5 Street Party” featuring headliner Maren Morris with performances by Mitchell Tenpenny, Lindsay Ell, Ryan Hurd, Matt Stell, and Jordan Davis. WKLB brand manager David Corey states, “This is our best lineup to date. Maren is one of the hottest acts in the country format and beyond! It’s a privilege to have her headline the show!”…..iHeartMedia names Jerry Houston 
program director for iHeartRadio’s “PRIDE Radio, the Pulse of LGBTQ America,” effective October 1. iHeartMedia Northern California Region SVP and PRIDE Radio general manager Don Parker says, “Jerry has been an integral part of PRIDE Radio for many years as our assistant program director and I’m thrilled to elevate him to program director of this important brand. With his dedicated focus on the PRIDE brand, we have the opportunity to grow this well-established network further, expanding our LBGTQ+ offerings with podcasting, community events and meaningful partnerships.”…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is offering two exclusive pop and rock Labor Day Weekend music specials hosted by singer/actress Sabrina Carpenter and Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd. “Last Big Weekend of Summer,” hosted by Carpenter, is a four-hour CHR special. “Last Official Weekend of Summer,” hosted by Boyd, is a four-hour rock special that looks back at the big summer festivals and provides a preview of upcoming fall concert tours. Both are designed to air from Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2.
Monday, July 15, 2019
Sports USA Awarded $2 Million in Breach of Contract Suit. A Los Angeles superior court jury ruled unanimously in favor of independent syndicator of radio live play-by-play Sports USA in its multi-year violation of contract suit against Sun Broadcasting Group. The jury awarded Sports USA damages in excess of $2 million as compensation for Sun’s breach of its advertising representation agreement with Sports USA. According to Sports USA chief executive officer Larry Kahn, “[Sun CEO] Jason Bailey thought he could breach the contract by filing claims against us which had no factual or legal basis, but under no circumstance would we back down and drop our valid claims. The jury’s decision completely affirms what we have said since day one: Sun breached the agreement and had no valid justification for doing so.” Senior Manatt, Phelps & Phillips litigation partner Robert Platt asserts, “Sports USA is absolutely thrilled with [this] outcome. Despite numerous, non-meritorious countersuits and claims, our client would not be deterred in seeking the recovery of amounts that it was rightfully owed. After fighting tirelessly on behalf of Sports USA for two years, we are happy that the jury arrived at this just conclusion.” Sports USA and Sun signed an advertising rep deal in September 2015, in which Sun agreed to serve as Sports USA’s exclusive sales representative for the 2016 and 2017 college football seasons. In January, 2017, when Sun could not fulfill its financial obligations to Sports USA under the contract, Sun attempted to terminate the agreement and Sports USA filed suit.
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with Panel Discussion “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio.” TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today’s (7/15) post presents the panel discussion “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” featuring Howie Carr, host of the Howie Carr Show (Howie Carr Radio Network and Newsmax TV), Jared Hart, former PD, WPHT, Philadelphia, and Art Vuolo, president, Vuolo Video. The session was introduced and facilitated by Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York. Already posted: the special keynote address delivered by CBS Sports Radio syndicated host Jim Rome with an introduction from Yappy Days author/college professor Bernadette Duncan; the panel discussion, “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2019” featuring (in alphabetical order) Asa Andrew, host, AsaRx; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Suzanne Grimes, EVP/marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One; and Dave Robinett, chief marketing officer, #250-America’s Mobile Speed Dial – moderated by Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and introduced by renown independent station owner Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz, CA; the special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O’ Reilly; the one-on-one discussion, “Sports Talk Radio’s Role in Popular Culture” featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting with Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, serving as facilitator; the panel discussion, “Broadcasting and Podcasting,” featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence with moderation by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; the keynote “fireside chat” in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones; the opening address titled, “Telling the Story,” delivered by Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories;” RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star “Cousin” Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event’s colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
Denver’s “Freedom 93.7” Debuts. In addition to positioning itself as “Freedom 93.7,” the iHeartMedia news/talk simulcast of K229BS and KDFD (760 AM, formerly sports talk KDSP ) is using “Real News – Real Talk” as its secondary slogan. President of iHeartMedia’s Denver Region, Tim Hager, comments, “With massive FM coverage, a 50,000 watt AM signal [on 760], and unmatched digital distribution, we are confident that ‘Freedom 93.7’ will quickly become a favorite destination for Colorado talk radio listeners.” The weekday lineup for “Freedom 93.7” includes: “Ground Zero” with Clyde Lewis (12:00 midnight – 5:00 am); “This Morning” with Gordon Deal (5:00 am – 7:00 am); Glenn Beck (7:00 am – 10:00 am); Rush Limbaugh (10:00 am – 1:00 pm); Sean Hannity (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm); Buck Sexton (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm); Dave Ramsey (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm); Ken Coleman (10:00 pm – 11:00 pm); and “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” (11:00 pm – 12:00 midnight). According to Premiere Networks senior vice president of affiliate sales, talk, and morning shows, Peter Tripi, “The launch of ‘Freedom 93.7’ is an exciting opportunity to showcase some of the most-listened-to national talk radio stars, live in a single lineup, on this far-reaching simulcast. This is a win for Denver area talk radio fans.” Weekend programming, includes “The Jesus Christ Show”; “The Weekend with Joe Pags”; “Coast-to-Coast AM – Somewhere in Time”; “Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk”; and “Live on Sunday Night, It’s Bill Cunningham.” Limbaugh will continue airing on iHeartMedia Denver news/talk KOA through August; Hannity, and Beck will continue on news/talk sibling KHOW through August as well. New live and local programming line-ups for KOA and KHOW will be announced in the coming weeks.
Howie Carr Radio Network Expands With “Dirty Rats” Podcasts. A series of true-crime “Dirty Rats” podcasts will launch on the Howie
Carr Radio Network two weeks from Thursday (8/1). According to Carr, the “Dirty Rats” podcast series “will educate and entertain a whole new generation about the vast scope of crime and corruption in recent decades in Boston – murder and mayhem on unprecedented scales.” HCRN president Kathy Carr notes, “This new project allows our sponsors to grow and reach new customers well beyond our current base. With the growth and success of our advertisers, we all continue to prosper.” More than 25 New England stations carry the 3:00 – 7:00 pm “Howie Carr Show.” Newsmax TV airs it weekdays, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. In addition to placing #16 on “The Talkers Magazine 2019 Heavy Hundred,” Carr is a New York Times best-selling author of true-crime books “Brothers Bulger,” and “Hitman,” as well as other fiction and non-fiction works.
Monday Memo: Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Sum-Summertime. Consultant Holland Cooke writes in today’s Monday Memo about this time of the year when programmers can take advantage of people’s atypical routines. He says, “As every station’s listeners’ routines are altered, they’re exposed to days and dayparts they might not habitually use. When they discover you, will they instantly ‘get it?’ Is your elevator speech high-profile?” Get more summertime tips here.
NPR Boosts Nelson to VP/Technology Operations. Overseeing the audio engineering and news flex teams at NPR the past three years,
Chris Nelson is promoted to vice president of technology operations. President of operations Loren Mayor remarks, “Chris brings innovative technology leadership to his role. [He drives] collaboration between editorial, production, and technical staff, and promotes a culture of operational excellence and public service. He has focused considerable energy on building talented teams 
to design, deploy, engineer, and support the complex technology solutions and infrastructure at the operational heart of NPR’s editorial vision and signature sound.” Nelson notes, “I’ve seen this organization and our systems grow over the years – that would not have happened without the dedicated efforts of this team. Our technologists are innovators and leaders in their fields; they deserve recognition for the work they do to support nearly every facet of NPR’s operations. I’m proud to serve them all in this role.” The 1999 Middle Tennessee State University graduate joined NPR as an audio engineer in 2000 and has held roles that include technical director for live and recorded music broadcasts, and oversight of technical operations for multiple seasons of elections coverage. Nelson has produced documentaries for public radio and the National Hockey League, as well as serving as a Tanzania-based audio specialist for the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
Media Institute To Honor Beasley. As part of its October 7 “Free Speech America” gala in Washington, DC, the Media Institute will honor Beasley Media Group chief executive officer Caroline Beasley and The Washington Post publisher/chief executive officer Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. Beasley will be 
bestowed the American Horizon Award, which recognizes an individual for visionary leadership in the communications industry, while Ryan will receive the Freedom of Speech Award, recognizing an individual who has worked to advance free speech and the First Amendment. Beasley has served in her current capacity since January 2017 and has held a number of other posts at the company including executive vice president; chief financial officer; treasurer; and secretary. She most recently served as the joint board chair of the National Association of Broadcasters board of directors. Former FCC chair Richard E. Wiley will be the master of ceremonies at the October 7 event, which will be keynoted by FCC commissioner Geoffrey Starks. The Media Institute is a nonprofit foundation specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment.
Thomson Elevated to Emmis’ Senior VP/Human Resources. During her nearly 15 years at Emmis Communications, Traci Thomson
has been vice president of human resources and director of employee services. She is now boosted to senior vice president of human resources. In a staff memo, Emmis chair/chief executive officer Jeff Smulyan writes, “Traci is an integral member of the Emmis senior leadership team and has played a critical role in all actions we’ve taken the past several years to reinvent Emmis. [This] promotion also sets the stage for the important role Traci will play in the months ahead with the formation of Mediaco Holding and the next steps on our path to invest in the future of Emmis.” Before joining Emmis, Thomson spent nine years at the First Indiana Bank.
Radio One Cleveland Gets Rude. The operations manager of Radio One Detroit, Yonni Rude, transfers to Cleveland where he will have similar duties. Rude replaces Bill Black, who left this past spring. Radio One regional vice president Eddie Harrell, 
Jr. comments, “We are thrilled to have Yonni join our team in Cleveland. His track record and programming acumen make this a perfect fit. We look forward to Yonni furthering our standing as the dominant force with respect to serving African-Americans in Northeast Ohio.” Rude notes, “I’m excited for this opportunity and look forward to working closely with the amazing Radio One Cleveland all-star team.” The company’s Cleveland facilities include news/talk WERE “News Talk 1490”; urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9”; urban AC WZAK; and gospel WJMO “Praise 94.5.” Its Detroit operation consists of urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM” and WDMK-HD2 “Praise” and it operates urban contemporary WGPR “Hot 107.5” under an LMA. Rude previously was the three-year operations manager for Radio One Richmond.
TALKERS News Notes. Nine-year KSL mid-day (12:30 pm – 3:00 pm) talent Jay Mcfarland is departing the Bonneville Salt Lake City
news/talk outlet. After being off the air for two weeks, he made the announcement last Friday (7/12) on an appearance with afternoon anchor Jeff Caplan. It has been speculated – but unconfirmed – that Mcfarland will run as a Republican in Utah’s 4th congressional district for the seat currently held by Democrat Ben McAdams. Before going to KSL, Mcfarland worked at Dallas news-talk 
hybrid KRLD-AM ….. Since joining the Portland Trail Blazers as the NBA team’s radio voice in 1998, Brian Wheeler called 1,823 Blazers’ games, but he will not return next season. Owing to illness, Wheeler missed significant stretches of the last two years on iHeartMedia flagship KPOJ “AM 620” and Portland’s 21-station radio network. The team’s president/chief executive officer Chris McGowan states, “Brian Wheeler has been an integral part of the broadcast team and Trail Blazers family since 1998. His voice is synonymous with all the many great play-by-play calls over that 21-year span. We thank Brian for his contributions to the franchise and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Wheeler expresses gratitude to the team “for the incredible opportunity and honor of calling radio play-by-play the past 21 years. I was honored and blessed to be a Blazer for 21 seasons; fortunately, I’ve accumulated some precious memories that will last a lifetime.” When Wheeler was unavailable, games were called by Travis Demers and Michael Holton.
June 2019 PPM Data – Part Three. June 2019 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 survey period covered May 23 – June 19. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.
Portland
Spoken Word Formats – News/talk KXL’s March/April -1.0 is officially obliterated by a May/June +1.1 (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+) as Alpha Media-owned “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” jumps from tenth to sixth. Down three-tenths in May, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” bounces back with an improvement of two-tenths (2.0 – 2.2, #18 to #17, 6+). In this calendar year’s six survey
periods (January 2019 through June 2019), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” has logged a 1.0 (6+) three times and a .9 (6+) the other three times: 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 (#26 to #24, 6+).
Tied at #22 are KUFO’s sports talk sibling KXTG “The Game” (1.4, -.3, #21 to #22, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KFXX “1080 The Fan” (1.5 – 1.4, -.1, #23 to #22, 6+). “The Game” had nearly doubled (+.8) its 6+-stat through five successive sweeps without a loss (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), while May’s 1.5 by “The Fan” was its best 6+-showing since October 2018’s 1.7. After more than tripling (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share via three straight improvements (.5 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/Portland Trailblazers flagship KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” forfeits the entire increase in June and is back at .5 (-1.2, #21 to #28, 6+).
A combined -1.2 in May/June (7.9 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+), after an April gain of six-tenths, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB continues in third-place. KOPB has been +1.2 (January 2019); a combined -2.0 in February/March; +.6 (April); and -.9 (May).
Portland Music Formats – A lofty +1.1 tacked onto May’s four-tenths’ increase (4.2 – 4.6 – 5.7, 6+) enables Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” to leap from sixth to fourth. The last time KUPL reached the five-share level (6+) was in April 2017 (5.5). Prior to dropping three-tenths in April, “The Bull” was a collective +1.2 in three straight gains (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). Conversely, Entercom-owned KWJJ has May’s eight-tenths’ gain erased with a June decrease of nine-tenths; “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” drifts from the top ten (#6 to #12). KWJJ continues a down/up pattern that began in December 2018 (3.4 – 2.7 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 4.6 – 3.7, 6+), with May’s 4.6 its best 6+-stat since July 2018 (4.6, as well). Logging gains of six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103,” which is up a collective eight-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.8, steady at #2, 6+) and rhythmic CHR sibling KXJM “Jam’n 107.5,” an overall +1.5 via four successive positive or neutral moves (2.4 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, #15 to #10, 6+). This (7.8) is the best 6+-stat for “K-103” since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2 when KKCW was #1. KXJM has its strongest 6+-showing since March 2016 (3.9, as well). A combined -1.1 in April/May (8.9 – 8.6 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH not only picks up one-tenth to 7.9 (6+), “106.7 The Eagle” is #1 the fifth month in a row. When “the Eagle” faltered by three-tenths in April, it curtailed three consecutive upticks that yielded a +3.5 (5.4 – 7.1 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). Prior to February, KLTH last reached the eight-share level (6+) in May 2011 (8.1, as well). A dip of six-tenths (4.5 – 3.9, 6+) sends Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” from eighth to tenth and below a four-share (6+) for the first time since March 2018 (3.9, as well). Down one-half share (4.0 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom alternative KNRK tumbles from #11 to #15. All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” is a collective -2.4 in five consecutive down or flat moves (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.0, #17 to #19, 6+). Immediately prior to losing seven-tenths in March, KQAC was without a loss four times in a row for a collective +1.8 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+) and reached the four-share level (4.4, 6+) the first time since February 2017’s 4.2.
Charlotte
Spoken-Word Formats – By hanging out a robust June +1.2 to 4.4 (#13 to #12, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT completely evaporates the overall -1.2 it lost in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). May’s 3.2 was its lowest 6+-showing since September 2018 (2.9).
In an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2018 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+), co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” has lost three-tenths in that stretch; the Charlotte Hornets flagship remains at #19.
The last three shifts for University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE were -.6 (March); +.5 (April); and -.5 (May). “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” is off an additional two-tenths in June to 2.1 (6+) but climbs from #16 to #15. Having logged a .3 (6+) in each of the last three sweeps, South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC gains one-tenth to .4 (6+) and is unchanged at #22.
Charlotte Music Formats – Vaulting from ninth to fourth as a result of a +.9 (4.8 – 5.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-10.7 More Music/Better Variety” records its strongest 6+-stat (5.7) since “Holiday” 2018’s 12.9 (#1). Notching increases of one-half share each are its urban contemporary sibling WPEG “Power 98” (4.6, #11 to #10, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (2.6, #18 to #14, 6+). Immediately prior to their respective increases, “Power” was an overall -1.9 in three slips in succession (6.0 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.1, 6+), while “K-Love” was a combined -1.2 in April/May (3.3 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+). Entering the June 2019 sweep, iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake” was -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); +.5 (March); -.5 (April); and +.8 (May). Simply by remaining flat at 7.1 (6+) though, “The Lake” rises from second to first. In advance of “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2, WLKO posted eight straight months without a loss for a +3.7 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+). Beasley Media Group cluster-mates WSOC and WBAV dislodged “The Lake” from #1 in February, after WLKO’s January-only stay on top. Speaking of WSOC, it had been #1 the past four months, but “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” (7.5 – 6.9, -.6, 6+) segues to second. A May improvement of eight-tenths delivered WSOC its strongest 6+-stat since November 2018 (7.5, as well). Before gaining nine-tenths in January, WSOC had been without an increase the previous four reports for an overall -1.3 (7.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). Its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country,” is +1.1 in four straight positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+) and continues in third-place. Prior to logging a +1.2 in January, WKKT was -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). A combined +1.9 in April/May (1.2 – 2.0 – 3.1, 6+), Davidson College-owned WDAV “89.9 Classical Public Radio” sees all but two-tenths of that bounty disappear with a -1.7 to 1.4 (#14 to #18, 6+). In four straight December 2018 through March 2019 down or flat trends (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), WDAV lost a collective half-share. Down six-tenths (3.4 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WEND “106.5 The End” is below a three-share (6+) for the first time since February 2017 (2.8, as well). Via four straight gains, Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS accrued a +2.1 (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), but “Kiss 95.1” forfeits two-tenths to 5.1 (seventh to eighth, 6+). The positive streak immediately followed four consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+).
San Antonio
Spoken-Word Formats – In back-to-back sweeps (May and June), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI coughs up one-half share (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3, fourth to sixth, 6+), virtually erasing its +1.1 in April (4.2 – 5.3, 6+). April’s 5.3 marked the first time “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” reached the five-share level since August 2016’s 5.2. Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” loses
one-tenth in consecutive reports (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3, #21 to #22, 6+). That deficit this time last month halted three successive up or flat trends which netted three-tenths (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+).
Tied at #32 are KTSA’s sports talk sibling KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” (flat at .3, #31 to #32, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” (.2 – .3, +.1, unchanged at #32, 6+).
Off one-tenth (3.1 – 3.0, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX falls from #13 to #16.
San Antonio Music Formats – It’s another month of musical chairs regarding Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR “Air 1 Worship Now” and co-owned/similarly-formatted KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” First, the backdrop. In May, KZAR posted a +1.0, pulling the plug on three successive negative trends that accounted for a -1.3 (3.3 – 2.4 – 2.2 -2.0, 6+), while KZLV eroded by -1.0, immediately after April’s half-share increase (2.9 – 3.4, 2.4, #13 to #17, 6+). The June update finds KZLV roaring back with a +1.5 (2.4 – 3.9, 6+) taking “K-Love” into the top ten (#17 to #10), whereas KZAR plummets by -1.1 (3.0 – 1.9, 6+) as “Air 1” departs the top twenty (#14 to #21). By gaining one-tenth to 2.1 (#21 to #20, 6+), Univision Radio rhythmic hot AC KVBH “107.5 The Vibe” halts at four its consecutive string of negative or neutral moves that accounted for a collective -1.4 (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+). Tejano KXTN transitioned to KVBH “The Vibe” in mid-April. Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” dials up a gain of eight-tenths (2.4 – 3.2, 6+) and elevates from #17 to #13. “Latino Mix” had been within two-share range (6+) in each of the last 19 sweeps and finds the three-share threshold (3.2, 6+) for the first time since December 2017’s 3.0. Up a collective nine-tenths via three straight positive or neutral trends (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.2, #16 to #13, 6+), Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH “Norteno” has its best 6+-showing (3.2) since November 2018 (3.3). Locked on 4.7 (6+) in April and May, Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” busts out a one-half share increase to 5.2 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Leading the pack the fourth month in a row, co-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” follows May’s +1.1 to 8.5, its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.8, with a loss of three-tenths (8.5 – 8.2, 6+). KONO-FM had been in the runner-up slot five successive times before progressing to #1 in March. Faltering by one-half share each are Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack-FM – Playing What We Want” (4.3 – 3.8, 6+), which departs the top ten (#8 to #11), and Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” (3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). The last time “Jack” slipped below a four-share (6+) was in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Showing decreases of two-tenths each are Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” (7.2 – 6.9, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” (6.2 – 6.0, 6+). Remaining separated by nine-tenths, KCYY (+.6 in May) and KAJA (+.4 in May) carry on at second and third, respectively. Recent shifts for “Y-100” include: -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); and +.6 (May). “KJ-97” has been +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); and –1.9 (March).
Sacramento
Spoken-Word Formats – When iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK picked up one-tenth in May, it halted three straight sweeps without an increase that led to a collective -1.6 (7.6 – 7.0 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” plunges nine-tenths in June to 5.2 (6+), sliding from second to fifth; KFBK was tied for first (with classic rock KSEG) in January. Flat at #14, co-owned KSTE “Talk 
650” continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in December 2018 and has remained within 2.3 – 2.7 range: 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.5 (6+).
Up three-tenths via three straight gains of one-tenth each (.7 – .8 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” forfeits the entire three-tenths and is back to .7 (#22 to #24, 6+). In five consecutive sweeps without an increase, Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” has lost exactly half (-.6) its 6+ AQH share (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .8 – .6 – .6, #25 to #26, 6+).
Adding two-tenths to May’s +1.0 (3.5 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+), KXJZ progresses from ninth to seventh. Prior to May, five decreases in succession by the Capital Public Radio news/talk station accounted for a roughly 50% loss (-3.4) of its 6+-share (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+); December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through June 2019 topline of .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .5 – .7 (#27 to #24, 6+).
Sacramento Music Formats – Powered by four consecutive upticks accounting for a +1.4 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker KYRV “93.7 The River” marches from fifth to second. Ahead of it is Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock,” which despite being off six-tenths (8.9 – 8.3, 6+), is #1 the fifth month in a row. That accomplishment includes January’s first-place tie with iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK. “The Eagle” held the lead position ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December. Six of its recent fluctuations include -1.1 (November 2018); -.8 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.0 (February 2019); -.5 (April); +.9 (May); and -.6 (June). Wiping away April/May’s combined loss of eight-tenths (5.6 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+) with an equal magnitude June bump (4.8 – 5.6, 6+), Bonneville’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” leaps from seventh to fourth. For the 16th successive survey period, Entravision Communications’ similarly-formatted KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” logs a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.5 (2.0 – 2.1, +.1, 5+) and is anchored at #16. Co-owned Spanish adult hits KXSE “104.3 La Suavecita” (#17 to #15, 6+) posts a half-share increase to 2.3, its best 6+-stat since November 2018’s 2.4. Also in that Entravision Communications cluster, rhythmic CHR KHHM “Hot 103.5” has lost seven-tenths in May/June (2.5 – 2.3 – 1.8, #15 to #17, 6+). Eroding by -1.1 (6.1 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom-owned KRXQ slips from second to sixth. The last time “98 Rock” was under a five-share (6+) was “Holiday” 2018 (4.3). Immediately following April’s nine-tenths’ gain, alternative sibling KKDO “Alt 94.7” is a combined -1.4 in May/June (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+). CHR cluster-mate KUDL “106.5 The End,” which was an overall +1.9 through four straight up or flat trends (4.1 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+), relinquishes three-tenths to 5.7 (6+) yet advances from fourth to third. Staying flat from May and thus remaining separated by one-half share from each other are the market’s two AC players – Entercom’s KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” (4.6, eighth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” (4.1, #11 to #10, 6+). “Mix” is without a gain the third straight time for a collective -1.6 (6.2 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+); this (4.6) is its weakest 6+-stat since September 2015’s 4.5. Formerly “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” KBEB transitioned to adult contemporary as “The Breeze” in early-November (2018). It netted a +2.1 in three straight positive spikes (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), in advance of March/April’s -.8 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+).
Pittsburgh
Spoken-Word Formats – Not only is Entercom’s KDKA-AM -1.8 as a result of five straight February through June drops (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+), “News Radio 1020” exits the top ten (#10 to #11); KDKA-AM was +1.1 in January.
Co-owned sports talk/Pirates flagship KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which dropped seven-tenths in May (6.8 – 6.1, 6+), regains two-tenths
to 6.3 (fifth to fourth, 6+). The ultra-consistent September 2018 through June 2019 topline for iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” is 2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 (#22 to #23, 6+).
Returning in its entirety May’s gain of six-tenths (4.2 – 3.6, -.6, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” slips from ninth to tenth.
Pittsburgh Music Formats – Repeating in the runner-up slot, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM” is +2.3 in four straight positive spikes (6.9 – 7.4 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+) and reaches the nine-share level (9.2, 6+) for the first time since December 2017’s 9.0. This streak directly follows a -1.8 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (8.7 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+). A positive spike of eight-tenths takes iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW to 8.5 (steady at #3), its best 6+-stat since 13.6 in “Holiday” 2018 when “94.5 3WS” was #1. Replicating May’s increase of six-tenths (8.3 – 8.9 – 9.5, 6+), co-owned rocker WDVE, which lost nine-tenths in April, is #1 the fifth successive month. WDVE posted identical gains of eight-tenths in February and March (7.6 – 8.4 – 9.2, 6+) and spent 11 successive sweeps in the runner-up slot before dropping to third in December. In each of the last 50 ratings periods, Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting triple A WYEP has registered a 6+ AQH share between 1.0 – 1.9, but in June, “91.3 Where The Music Matters” posts a +.6 to 2.3 (unchanged at #14, 6+). As Steel City Media-owned hot WLTJ “Q-92.9” improves by six-tenths and cracks the top ten (3.1 – 3.7, #11 to #9, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted WBZZ “Star 100.7” falters by the same margin (5.0 – 4.4, seventh to eighth, 6+). Consequently, the +1.9 advantage WBZZ held over WLTJ in May is down to seven-tenths. “Q-92.9” gained a combined half-share in February/March (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+), while a March loss of one-tenth by “Star” curtailed at three a successive string of increases that led to a +1.2 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+). Immediately after Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” records a +1.4, “Wish 99.7” plummets by -1.1 (6.3 – 5.2, fourth to sixth, 6+). May’s gigantic increase suspended four consecutive declines that resulted in a net loss of roughly half (-5.0) of WSHH’s 6+-stat (9.9 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+). In four straight decreases, iHeartMedia alternative WXDX is an overall -1.8 (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+) as “105.9 The X” slips from #11 to #12.
Salt Lake City
Spoken-Word Formats – After spiraling by -1.3 this time last month, Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” levels off in June by repeating May’s 6+ AQH share (3.9) and market rank (eighth). Prior to May, KSL had never fallen below a four-share (6+) in the PPM-era. Two-tenths behind KSL is iHeartMedia’s KNRS, which is up three-tenths to 3.7 (flat at #10), halting three straight down or 
flat sweeps that resulted in a collective -1.7 (5.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+). “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” was a combined +1.8 in January/February (3.3 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). The January 2019 through June 2019 topline for Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” is .3 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 (unchanged at #21, 6+).
In four straight sweeps without an increase, University of Utah news/talk KUER is an overall -1.0 (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1, #15 to #16, 6+).
Salt Lake City Music Formats – Stuck on 1.9 (6+) in April and May, Cumulus Media alternative KHTB “Alt 101.9” records a half-share improvement to 2.4 (#16 to #15, 6+), its best 6+-showing since January’s 2.7. Albeit down three-tenths after May’s increase of two-tenths (8.1 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” repeats at #1. Before segueing to the runner-up slot in April, KSFI was on top the previous five ratings periods. “FM 100.3” registered a +1.5 in March, following January/February’s -14.4 (21.8 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+). Three straight increases netted a massive +16.2 (5.6 – 5.7 – 12.7 – 21.8, 6+) for KSFI, the only PPM-market station in “Holiday” 2018 to reach the 20-share level (6+). On the other hand, in five consecutive negative moves, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” is an overall -1.5 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7, #11 to #12, 6+). Bonneville-owned classic hits-oldies KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” is a combined -1.4 in May/June (8.2 – 7.6 – 6.8, second to third, 6+). It was an April-only stay at #1 for KRSP, which had been an overall +2.5 in five consecutive increases (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). “The Arrow” is overtaken by its format rival – iHeartMedia-owned KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” – which is flat at 7.4 (6+) but advances from third to second. “Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” netted +2.9 via three straight upticks (4.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+); surrendered a -1.1 in April; and was +1.2 in May. An increase of seven-tenths this time last month took Cumulus Media CHR KENZ to 3.0, its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 3.5. “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music,” however, regresses by one-half share in June to 2.5 (#11 to #14, 6+). The market’s two major hot ACs are separated by just two-tenths as Capital Broadcasting’s KBZN “Now 97.9 – Today’s Best Music” is off three-tenths (5.8 – 5.5, steady at #4, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KJMY “My 99.5” improves by four-tenths to 5.3 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Prior to the May sweep, “Now 97.9” had been down or flat three straight times for a net loss of six-tenths (6.0- 5.6 – 5.4- 5.4, 6+). Meanwhile, “My 99.5” is in an alternating down/up pattern that started in “Holiday” 2018 (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.3 (6+). Independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” continues a similar down/up pattern that surfaced in December 2018: 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 5.4 – 5.2 (sixth to seventh, 6+). May’s 5.4 was its best 6+-showing since December 2017 (5.4, as well). Flat at #11, iHeartMedia-owned KAAZ “106.7 Utah’s Best Rock” is +1.0 in three straight improvements (2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+).
Las Vegas
Spoken-Word Formats – By gaining two-tenths (1.8 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT, which was off six-tenths in May, returns to the top twenty (#21 to #19). The 2.4 “News Talk Radio 840” logged in February, March, and April was its best 6+-showing since February 2017’s 2.8. Flat at #23, Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” has a January 2019 through June
2019 topline of 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 (6+).
Following five upticks in a row that nearly doubled (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share since “Holiday” 2018 (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.8, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR forfeits six-tenths to 5.2 (third to fourth, 6+).
Las Vegas Music Formats – In five consecutive sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE was a whopping -8.0 (12.8 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 5.5 – 4.8, 6+). “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday” rebounds in June though with a +1.2 to 6.0 (6+) and jumps from fifth to second. Prior to May, the last time KSNE fell below a five-share (6+) was October 2017 (4.8, as well). “Sunny” was #1 from September 2018 through January 2019. Its “Holiday” 2018 12.8 is the highest 6+-share for any Las Vegas station since the 14.0 KSNE logged in “Holiday” 2016. KSNE is now just one-tenth behind Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More,” which is -1.5 in May/June (7.6 – 7.1 – 6.1, 6+) but on top the fifth month in a row. February’s 8.3 marked the first time KKLZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in its PPM-history. There’s considerable shifting in the market’s hot AC battle as KKLZ cluster-mate KVGS “Star 107.9 Vegas’ Best Variety” erupts with a +1.1 (2.8 – 3.9, #13 to #9, 6+) at the same time that Entercom’s KMXB “Mix 94.1” falters by -1.0 (6.5 – 5.5, second to third, 6+). “Star” returned 60% of April’s +1.0 with a -.6 in May. Moreover, this is the best 6+-stat (3.9) for “Star” since it flipped from adult hits “Bob” in January 2015. The loss by “Mix,” meanwhile curtails three consecutive increases that netted +1.0 (5.5 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.5, 6+), with May’s 6.5 its strongest 6+-stat since July 2018’s 6.7. Down or flat the past four ratings periods for an overall loss of nine-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom alternative KXTE “X-107.5” answers with a gain of seven-tenths to 2.7 (#17 to #13, 6+). An increase of six-tenths enables Lotus Communications-owned Spanish adult hits KWID “La Buena 101.9” to reach the five-share level (4.5 – 5.1, seventh to fifth, 6+), while a boost of one-half share by KLUC “98.5 Las Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” (4.1 – 4.6, eighth to seventh, 6+) gives the Entercom CHR its best 6+-showing (4.6) since September 2018’s 4.8. Its rhythmic hot AC cluster-mate KXQQ was a cumulative +1.1 in five sweeps in a row without a loss (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+), but “Q-100.5” craters by -1.4 to 3.6 (fourth to tenth, 6+). In May, KXQQ reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since May 2018 (5.0, as well). In addition to erasing May’s half-share gain with June’s loss of six-tenths (1.5 – 2.0 – 1.4, 6+), University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 FM – Jazz & More” departs the top twenty (#17 to #22). This is the fourth straight decline for Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Jammin’ 105.7,” which is -1.0 since February (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1, #10 to #11, 6+). As a result of five successive setbacks, Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” is -1.6 (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7, #12 to #13, 6+).
Orlando
Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after posting a May +.7 (4.5 – 5.2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM surrenders eight-tenths to 4.4 (eighth to tenth, 6+). “News 96.5” was a combined +1.9 in January/February (3.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+) and -1.0 in March/April. Stuck on 3.9 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” drops four-tenths in June to 3.5 (#11 to #12, 6+) and is in 3.1 – 3.9 range (6+) for the ninth time in a row. News/talk cluster-mate WFLF has a March 2019 through June 2019 topline of 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9 (6+) and repeats at #14.
Cox Media Group’s sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” more than doubles May’s .3 (.7, +.4, 6+) and jumps from #23 to #19, while iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” is down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.8 – .7 – .6, #19 to #21, 6+).
Off seven-tenths in three straight slips (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” moves from #12 to #13.
Orlando Music Formats – On the heels of May’s eight-tenths’ increase, iHeartMedia-owned WJRR piles on a +1.1 (3.4 – 4.5, 6+) as “101.1 – Orlando’s Rock Station” enters the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-stat (4.5) since February 2018’s 4.8. Entering the May sweep, WJRR was off nine-tenths through four straight decreases (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.6, 6+). Owing to a +.2 to 8.7 (unchanged at #2), Spanish tropical sibling WRUM “Rumba 100” applies the brakes to three straight down or flat trends that led to a -1.0 (9.5 – 8.9 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). “Rumba” spent 11 consecutive ratings periods on top before falling to #2 in December and “Holiday” 2018; in 2019, it was #1 in January, February, and April. Having surrendered one-half share in May to 4.2 (6+), Cox Media Group-owned WWKA “K-92.3 Orlando’s #1 For New Country” follows with a June increase of six-tenths (4.8, tenth to eighth, 6+). Jumping by one-half share from May are iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” (7.5, steady at #3, 6+) and Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” (6.0 – 6.5, fifth to fourth, 6+). Immediately following four improvements in a row that netted a +1.7 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 8.4 – 9.0, 6+), “XL-106.7” was a combined -2.0 in April/May (9.0 – 8.4 – 7.0, 6+). Prior to dropping three-tenths in May, “Mix” was a combined +.9 in March/April 5.4 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+). Via four straight sweeps without a loss, alternative sibling WQMP “101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” is up eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9, flat at #14, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (2.9, as well). Over and above adding four-tenths to May’s +1.1 (7.9 – 9.0 – 9.4, 6+), co-owned classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” repeats at #1. An April loss of three-tenths interrupted three consecutive increases that netted a +3.3 (4.9 – 6.9 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Eroding by -1.1 each are Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” (fourth to sixth) and rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WPYO “Power 95.3” (#7 to #11). “Star” is an overall -2.6 in three straight setbacks (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.3 – 5.2, 6+) and below a six-share (5.2, 6+) for the first time in exactly one year (5.5, June 2018). Meanwhile, “Power” is a combined -1.4 in May/June (5.7 – 5.4 – 4.3, 6+).
Cincinnati
Spoken-Word Formats – While iHeartMedia news/talk WLW “The Big One,” which had a January-only stay on top, is off an overall one-half share in three straight sweeps without an increase (9.9 – 9.5 – 9.4 – 9.4, 6+), the flagship of the Reds continues in the runner-up slot. Co-owned WKRC, whose November 2018 through May 2019 topline was 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.5 (6+), spirals by eight-
tenths to 2.7 (#11 to #13, 6+). It was exactly one year ago when “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” was below a three-share (2.8, June 2018).
In five straight sweeps without an increase, sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” has its 6+-stat carved in half (1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .6, flat at #22, 6+), while co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” has a similar 50% erosion (-.3) in three successive down or flat ratings periods (.6 – .4 – .3 – .3, #24 to #23, 6+).
A collective -1.2 via three straight drops (3.7 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, flat at #14, 6+) Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU has wiped away the +1.1 it achieved through three consecutive gains (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+).
Cincinnati Music Formats – When Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WUBE accrued two-tenths in May, it pulled the plug on three straight negative trends that accounted for a -2.1 (9.4 – 8.7 – 7.9 – 7.3, 6+). In June, “B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” adds a whopping +1.3 (7.5 – 8.8, 6+) and continues in third-place with its best 6+-stat (8.8) since January’s 9.4. Advancing from #15 to #14, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” logs its sixth straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.1 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+). As a result of four drops in a row (6.5 – 6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WKRQ was -1.0, but “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” picks up two-tenths in June to 5.7 (sixth to fifth, 6+). A May loss of four-tenths by Radio One urban contemporary WIZF curtailed four consecutive positive or neutral reports that yielded seven-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), but “101.1 The Wiz” bounces back with a June increase of seven-tenths (3.0 – 3.7, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#12 to #9). There’s good and bad news for Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR. On the positive side, “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the fifth sweep in succession; however, its -2.1 (11.7 – 9.6, 6+) represents the largest (6+) May 2019 – June 2019 decrease by any station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far. Entering the June ratings period, WGRR was +3.6 in five successive increases (8.1 – 9.6 – 10.2 – 11.1 – 11.3 – 11.7, 6+). After a December-only stay at #1, “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” spiraled by -1.8 in “Holiday” 2018 (9.9 – 8.1, 6+) and shifted to third. Immediately prior to its -1.8, WGRR was an overall +1.3 via four straight gains (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.9, 6+). Co-owned WOFX “92.5 The Fox – Cincinnati’s Classic Rock,” which gained a combined nine-tenths in April/May (5.1 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), surrenders a -1.0 to 5.0 (fifth to sixth, 6+), its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 4.3. Immediately after posting a May improvement of seven-tenths (3.2 – 3.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WOSL “100.3 Cincy’s R&B Station” relinquishes eight-tenths to 3.1 (#9 to #11, 6+); May’s 3.9 was its best 6+-performance since February 2017 (3.9, as well). The six 2019 fluctuations by Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” are -8.2 (January); +.4 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (April); +.7 (May); and -.6 in June (7.5 – 6.9, third to fourth, 6+); May’s 7.5 was its highest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6. Locked on 4.8 (6+) in April and May, Hubbard Broadcasting rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9” sputters by one-half share to 4.3 (6+) but remains in seventh-place.
Cleveland
Spoken-Word Formats – After a January/February +1.3 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk – and Indians flagship – WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” has logged a -.6 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); and +.5 in June (5.1 – 5.6, ninth to eighth, 6+). Flat at #19, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer – News-Opinion-Insight,” which resurfaced in print in April, has a redundant 
April – May – June topline of .5 – .5 – .5 (6+).
In an alternating down/up pattern that began in January (which includes June’s -1.0), Entercom’s WKRK is a collective -2.4 (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 3.0, 6+); “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” fades from the top ten (#10 to #14).
Even though WCPN is down one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive string of positive or neutral sweeps that netted a +1.6 (2.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), the Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet progresses from #12 to #10.
Cleveland Music Formats – A lofty +1.1 (7.3 – 8.4, 6+) enables Entercom-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” to zoom from fifth to second with its strongest 6+-stat since August 2018 (8.4, as well). WNCX is three-tenths ahead of iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country,” which substitutes May’s one-half share loss with a June gain of seven-tenths (7.4 – 8.1, fourth to third, 6+). Its May decrease halted four consecutive gains that accounted for an overall +3.5 (4.4 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.9, 6+). That streak directly followed five consecutive losses that resulted in a -3.7 (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+). Even though WZAK gains three-tenths to 7.8 (6+), pulling the plug on five successive sweeps without an increase resulting in a -1.2 (8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5, 6+), the Radio One urban AC backslides from second to fourth. May’s 7.5 was its lowest 6+-showing since October 2018 (7.5, as well). Trending 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.4 (February through May, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WENZ “Z-107.9” hangs out a +.6 to 7.0 (sixth to fifth, 6+), its best 6+-showing since November 2017’s 7.2. A combined +1.0 in three straight upticks (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WMMS “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” continues in seventh-place. In May, it reached the five-share level for the first time since October 2017’s 5.0. Notwithstanding that it returns May’s gain of four-tenths (9.8 – 10.2 – 9.8, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WMJI is #1 the seventh straight sweep. Five recent fluctuations for “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” include +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); and -1.0 (April). Entercom adult contemporary WDOK craters by -1.5 to its weakest 6+-stat since January (6.0, as well), as “Cleveland’s Star 102” skids from second to sixth. By losing roughly half its 6+ AQH share (1.1 – .6, -.5, 6+), Moody Bible Institute religious teaching WCRF “Moody Radio 103.3” drops from #16 to #18.
Kansas City
Spoken-Word Formats – Nearly erasing completely March/April’s -.8 (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+) with a May/June +.7 (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” elevates from fifth to fourth. Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” dropped two-tenths in March; gained three-tenths in April; lost two-tenths in May; and regains that two-tenths in June (2.1 to 2.3, #20 to #19, 6+).
Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM,” which was off two-tenths through three straight down or flat trends (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 1.3 (6+) and continues at #22.
A combined +1.7 in March/April (2.3 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” has lost seven-tenths in May/June (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#10 to #14). One-tenth behind the Royals flagship is Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” which is up two-tenths to 3.2 (#14 to #15, 6+), thus halting four straight negative or flat trends that led to a -2.0 (5.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+).
Through five straight up or flat moves (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.9, 6+), KCUR netted a +1.9, but the University of Missouri news/talk outlet forfeits eight-tenths in June to 4.1 (6+) and drops from sixth to ninth.
Kansas City Music Formats – A stunning +3.8 as a result of five consecutive positive or neutral reports (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 9.2, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” returns to #1 from the runner-up slot. After a two-month stay in the lead, it was dislodged in May. Five recent KCMO-FM fluctuations include +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); +1.1 (March); and +1.3 (June). Turnabout is fair play as KCMO-FM succeeds the station that ousted it in May – co-owned KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” (8.4 – 8.6, +.2, first to second, 6+). This (8.6) is the highest 6+ showing since January 2019’s 10.1 for KCFX, which is +1.3 in three bumps in succession (7.3 – 7.7 – 8.4 – 8.6, 6+). April’s four-tenths’ increase halted February/March’s combined -2.8 (10.1 – 8.2 – 7.3, 6+). By piling on nine-tenths to May’s +.6 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC KZPT leaps from tenth to fifth as “99.7 The Point” crosses the four-share threshold (4.8) for the first time since September 2018’s 4.3. Owing to five positive or neutral moves in a row, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” is an overall +2.0 (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+) and climbs from #14 to #12 with its strongest (6+) performance since January 2018 (3.5, as well). Following March/April’s +1.0 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+), Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q104 New Hit Country” is a combined -1.7 in May/June (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.2, fourth to eighth, 6+). On one hand, April’s 5.9 is its best 6+-stat since June 2018 (5.9, as well), while June’s 4.2 its weakest since December 2018’s 3.7. Remaining flat in June are country challengers co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1” 4.8 (but jumping from seventh to fifth, 6+) and Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” (3.5, but advancing from #13 to #12, 6+). In the Cumulus Media cluster, KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” is up one-tenth (2.6, flat at #18), ending four successive declines that accounted for a collective -2.0 (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). That directly followed five consecutive positive or flat moves resulting in a +1.4 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). Co-owned urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3,” however, is -1.2 in three drops in succession (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.0 – 2.8, #14 to #16, 6+).
Columbus
Spoken-Word Formats – Although flat at #6, iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” hasn’t had an increase in each of the last five sweeps and is an overall -2.3 in that January through June stretch (7.0 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+).
Ever since reappearing in print, RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” is 4.7 (April); 4.6 (May); and now off seven-tenths to 3.9 in June (seventh to ninth, 6+).
The January through June topline for Ohio State University news/talk WOSU is: 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 (seventh to fifth, 6+).
Columbus Music Formats – Three straight upticks by Saga Communications classic hits-oldies WNND yield eight-tenths (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+) as “Rewind” jumps from #13 to #11 and reaches the three-share level (6+) for the first time since December 2017’s 3.1. A combined -1.4 in April/May (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.3, 6+), co-owned WLVQ is up three-tenths to 7.6 (third to second, 6+). “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” previously amassed a +1.9 in three straight “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 increases, (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.1 – 8.7, 6+). This is the 19th sweep in a row that iHeartMedia-owned WCOL is #1 and “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017 (11. 7 – 11.1, 6+). Sample WCOL fluctuations include +3.1 (January 2018); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); -1.5 (November); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); -1.3 (May); and now -.6 (June). Immediately following May’s +1.4, co-owned CHR WNCI surrenders all but two-tenths of that gain (8.6 – 7.4, -1.2, second to third, 6+). Prior to May, “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” was a collective –1.1 through three successive decreases (8.3 – 8.0 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). May’s 8.6 was its strongest 6+-performance since September 2018’s 9.4. As a result of nine consecutive positive or neutral moves, Ohio State University’s WOSA has more than doubled (+.7) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2, #18 to #17, 6+).
On the heels of notching a May gain of six-tenths (3.7 – 4.3, 6+), One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” forfeits nine-tenths to 3.4 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Meanwhile, Radio One gospel WJYD, which was +1.0 in nine successive July 2018 through March 2019 up or flat trends (.5 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+), is off six-tenths in June to 1.4 (#15 to #16, 6+); “Joy 107.1” was 1.7 (6+) in April and 2.0 (6+) in May. Three consecutive sweeps without a loss by iHeartMedia adult hits WODC netted +1.0 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+), but “93.3 The Bus” returns half that increase in June (4.6, -.5, fifth to seventh, 6+); May’s 5.1 was its best 6+-stat since 8.7 in “Holiday” 2018.
Pay Inequality Prompts Young To Exit WPXY. “Walking away from a stable paycheck is risky at best and stupid at worst, but for me, it was necessary.” That candid Twitter assessment is how Whitney 
Young described the decision to leave her role as morning co-host on Entercom Rochester CHR WPXY “98-PXY.” She had been teamed there with Corey James. Exiting wasn’t over often-stated “philosophical differences” or an offer from another station, but for something that’s become prominent in recent headlines – equal pay for equal work. Further quoting her tweet, Young writes, “My male co-host’s salary was nearly double my own, and I was unable to negotiate a raise that would reduce the pay disparity. This inequality is in conflict with my most deeply held beliefs.” Young doesn’t seem to have any animosity whatsoever for James, noting he is “a good friend, a talented showman, a dependable colleague, and fully deserving of his salary.” She promises though to “continue speaking about the things that matter to me – mental health awareness being of utmost importance.” While Young has “no idea” about her next move, she states, “it won’t be on [WPXY] but I’ll talk to you soon.” Young initially worked at WPXY as a social media producer. She exited but rejoined for mid-day duty two years ago and became part of the morning show last year. No Nielsen Audio ratings numbers are available to quote for Entercom’s WPXY, as the market’s only subscribers to the winter 2019 book are seven iHeartMedia stations.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. A special “Meet & Greet” reunion of many of Detroit’s most famous radio personalities will be held September 14 from 1:00 – 6:00 pm at Novi, Michigan’s Suburban Collection Showplace. “Radio’s Best Friend,” Art Vuolo, is hosting the open to the public, fan-based event that will honor 94-year-old Robin Seymour, whose “Motor City” on-air radio credits include WKNR “Keener 13,” CKLW “The Big 8,” and WKMH. His recently-published book, “The DJ Who Launched 1,000 Hits,” will be available ….. The program director of Cumulus Media Houston mainstream 
CHR KRBE, Leslie Whittle, adds corporate duties as Cumulus Media’s vice president/hot AC formats. Cumulus Media executive vice president/content and audience Brian Philips comments, “With great strategy and spirit, Leslie has built a CHR powerhouse in Houston. She understands all nuances of contemporary music radio. We are fortunate to enlist her as VP of our hot AC formats. Her name has hit every list of the ‘Best PDs in America,’ and we are glad to spread Leslie’s brainpower and influence through our important hot AC stations.” Whittle notes, “I’m honored to have this opportunity and look forward to working with these amazing programmers and their teams, along with the talented people at Westwood One. A big ‘high-five’ to our team here at KRBE, led by Alex Cadelago and Dan Bennett as we continue to do great things in Houston.” After starting her radio career at 
Austin CHR KHFI, where she ultimately became program director, Whittle joined KRBE in 2000 and became PD in 2006 ….. Former Entercom Los Angeles all-news KNX anchor/reporter Karen “Cha Cha” Harlow joins Tegna San Diego adult hits KFMB-FM, where she’ll do a Saturday afternoon (2:00 pm – 7:00 pm) shift and swing work. It is a return to San Diego for Harlow, who has worked at KHTS, XHTZ, and XPRS. Director of FM programming Mike V. Vasquez notes, “I’ve been a fan of [Harlow’s] since first hearing her when I arrived in San Diego in 1998, so I’m thrilled to finally work with her. Her energetic, positive, vibe – combined with her extensive connections in San Diego – make her an ideal fit for us.” Harlow comments, “It is a thrill to join the family at the legendary KFMB-FM. I’m ready to shake the sand out of my beach towel and get back to playing awesome music on the radio – let’s have some fun.” ….. Having spent 31 years with Entercom San Diego, one-year senior director of promotions Chris Turner will be leaving the five-station cluster this Friday (7/19). Turner joined 
KSON as a part-time member of the country station’s street team in November 1988 and was eventually promoted to assistant promotions director. He later became director of 
promotions for co-owned alternative KBZT, before having the same title at KSON ….. In two weeks (7/29), Dena Fletcher will join Griffin Communications’ KVOO “98.8 Tulsa Country” as program director. Griffin director of radio operations & programming Steve Hunter comments that, “Dena will be a great addition to our team and a great fit for our culture.” As part of her 20-year resume, Fletcher has programmed cross-town Cox Media Group hot AC KRAV “Mix 96” and hosted afternoon drive on that cluster’s classic rock KJSR “103.3 The Eagle.” ….. In an October 17 ceremony at New York City’s 
Javits Center, Cumulus Media Syracuse mainstream CHR WNTQ “93-Q” morning team (5:30 am -10:00 am) Ted Long and Amy Robbins will be inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame. Cumulus Media Syracuse vice president/market manager Beth Coughlin comments, “When two amazing people create and produce a dynamic, platinum- standard product, and fine-tune it for many years on air, it can’t be duplicated. Ted and Amy’s influence as part of not only the ‘93-Q’ family, but also within the central New York community, has set them apart. We congratulate them, and thank the New York State Broadcasters Association for this Hall of Fame recognition.” Long & Robbins have been together for 30 years.
St. Jude’s Cites iHM Boston and Portsmouth “Bull” Siblings. During an event last week at St. Jude’s Children Hospital in Memphis, iHeartMedia Boston country outlet WBWL “101.7 The Bull” and co-owned/similarly-formatted WTBU “95.3 The Bull,” Portsmouth (New Hampshire) were recognized with the Country Cares Radio Stations Of The Year Award. ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital regional development director Jenn Potter states, “St. Jude partners with over 350 radio stations throughout the year and is proud to honor ‘The Bull.’ They are the true definition of incredible partners and are always trying to do more for the kids of St. Jude.” Vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Boston region, Dylan Sprague, comments, “Receiving this award is a credit to our great teams in Boston and Portsmouth. The funds raised are a true testament to the dedicated listeners and our on-air team who make the St. Jude mission so relevant to the Boston and Portsmouth communities.” Shown (above, left to right) are: New England Region St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital managing director Kim Chisholm; WTBU “95.3 The Bull” program director Tim Moore; Jenn Potter; WBWL “101.7 The Bull” sales manager Ally Klein; WBWL program director Ginny Brophy; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Country Cares Program director/radio development Scott Hinshelwood; and WBWL and WTBU on-air personality Colton Bradford.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
iHeartMedia Reorganization Plan Awaits Confirmation. The Modified Fifth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization for iHeartMedia is awaiting confirmation by United States Bankruptcy Court Judge Marvin Isgur. Yesterday’s filing of the confirmed plan will allow
iHeartMedia to erase $10.3 billion in debt off its books, leaving it with $5.75 billion in debt once Judge Isgur has signed the order. Last month, the court approved iHeartMedia’s separation from Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings as part of the reorganization plan. Yesterday’s filing will permit iHeartMedia to begin to implement the plan without seeking authorization from the court. As is usual in bankruptcy cases, once the plan is confirmed by the court, most other claims against the debtor are discharged. In this case, the judge rules that certain liabilities the company is required to honor after the effective date – called a Cure Claim – and that includes the BMI license agreements, an almost $600,000 payment to SoundExchange LLC, and its Framework Digital Distribution Agreement with Sony Music Entertainment. Additionally, the new iHeartMedia must honor all SAG-AFTRA contracts and must assume all contractual agreements with the Denver Broncos. Once signed, iHeartMedia will be in a period between Confirmation and the Effective Date. There are several hearing dates scheduled and they are: January 10 to consider all confirmation issues other than those scheduled to be heard on January 17, and January 22; January 17 to consider all issues concerning the CCOH separation settlement, other than those issues scheduled to be heard on January 22, and any issues continued from the January 10, hearing; January 22 to consider all remaining issues concerning consideration of the class action settlement related to the CCOH Separation Settlement and the GAMCO Motion; and January 23 to consider all remaining confirmation issues.
‘Our American Stories’ Surpasses 160-Affiliate Mark. The nationally syndicated “Our American Stories” program adds a number of new affiliate stations and now has 163 total
affiliates. The program is hosted by Lee Habeeb who is also president of program producer American Private Radio. He says, “Stations told us they wanted a radio program that wasn’t always about politics, to give listeners a break from the news cycle. More importantly they love the topics we share every night 
and we take great pride in putting stories together that touch our listeners’ hearts and minds. People walk away feeling better when they listen to ‘Our American Stories.’” The program is described as “a two-hour, daily radio magazine program that showcases Americans from various industries, including sports heroes, musicians, film performers, political or cultural icons, business leaders, military heroes and more.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is extremely fond of this program stating, “I fully expect ‘Our American Stories’ to be the surprise breakout program of 2019. It is the classiest, best-researched, meticulously produced, dependable piece of quality content to come down the pike in years. It is conservative news/talk’s knock out answer to public radio and will become an institutional part of the genre for years to come.”
Wayne Allyn Root: I ‘Got the Ball Rolling’ on Trump’s Wall Option. Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated talk show host Wayne Allyn Root says he first talked about the idea
that President Trump can declare a national security emergency and use $25 billion from the Pentagon budget to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Root points to his November 17 column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal that details, among other things, that the president can declare a “national security emergency” and use military money for the project. Root says, “I shared this column and my idea with my audience on both my Newsmax TV show and USA Radio show in the days before publication. Then I flew to Wyoming as keynote speaker for the Wyoming GOP annual dinner on Friday 11/16/18. I shared my idea with that audience. Result. Two standing ovations. That column was handed directly to President Trump by my great friend Lee Lipton at Mar a Lago on 11/18/18. President Trump has talked about this exact option all week in the media. It’s the hottest topic in the country. My idea started this all… I’m sure it will come up in Tuesday night’s national presidential address.”
Mike Gallagher Films LifeLock Ad on NYC Streets. Nationally syndicated talk radio star Mike Gallagher is pictured above on the streets of New York filming commercials for identity theft prevention firm LifeLock. Gallagher has been voicing spots for LifeLock – as have many talk radio hosts since LifeLock is a big advertiser on talk radio – but not long ago he needed the company’s services. The Salem Radio Network talk host was the victim of a personal security breach when someone accessed his personal information, changed his cellphone number, and tried withdrawing $25,000 from Gallagher’s checking account. He credits LifeLock with alerting him to the compromises and acting to protect his personal assets. He says, “I’ve proudly done their commercials for years. But after seeing for myself how they swing into action, I believe anyone is stupid not to have LifeLock protection.”
Eric Zane Launches Daily Podcast. After being let go by Cumulus Media last week due to the format flip of WBBL, Grand Rapids from sports talk to country music, morning personality
Eric Zane tells Mlive.com he’s doing a daily podcast designed to pick up where his radio show left off. He’s offering the show to listeners for free and for a fee with various options, including video. Zane tells MLive he hopes to reach a sizable audience via his 18,000 Twitter followers. He says, “Most people get some content via podcast or streaming content and they’re a different audience. They’re zeroed in because of the programming. They seek it out as opposed to background noise. I won’t ever say radio has no place because it’s still great to get in your car and push a button and there it is. This medium (podcasts), which was laughed at five, 10 years ago, isn’t laughed at anymore because it’s very viable.”
Steve Triplett to Lead Beasley’s Tampa Stations. Sales and management pro Steve
Triplett is named vice president and market manager for Beasley Media Group’s Tampa cluster that includes financial talk outlet WHFS-AM and six music radio stations. Triplett has been serving as interim market manager and director of sales for the Tampa operations. He says, “Over the past four years, Beasley Media Group has created something truly special in Tampa. We have a team of the finest media professionals in the industry and it’s an honor to continuing serving them in this new capacity.”
PodcastOne Partners with LadyGang for Podcast Network. “The LadyGang” podcast recently celebrated its 200th episode and 40 millionth download. Now, PodcastOne is
entering into a deal with the brand for a podcast development, production, and marketing deal to launch The LadyGang Network on PodcastOne. The network will feature a female-driven, all-star lineup of pop culture, reality television, and motherhood trend-setters. PodcastOne says the deal combines its vast resources and reach with The LadyGang’s brand power and curated talent lineup. The inaugural program under this new network will be “Mama Said with Jamie and Jenna,” hosted by Jamie Lynn Sigler and Jenna Parris. Additional programs will be announced soon.
Hogenson Communications to Rep Americans for Tax Reform Campaign. Talk media is the target for Americans for Tax Reform and it has hired Hogenson Communications to represent the organization to talk media for its 12-month campaign. Scott Hogenson states, “We’re proud to have been selected by Americans for Tax Reform as their talk media partner. As America’s preeminent tax policy organization, ATR brings a lot to talk media audiences by breaking down complicated policy issues in a way that everyone can understand.”
KNUS, Denver Hosts Boyles and Tubbs to Broadcast from Vancouver, BC During Fact-Finding Mission. Talk show hosts Peter Boyles and Steffan Tubbs – air personalities on
Salem Media Group’s news/talk KNUS, Denver – will broadcast live from Vancouver, British Columbia during their fact-finding mission to the city’s safe injection sites. The Denver City Council passed an ordinance that will create safe or supervised injection sites for users to inject heroin, opioids and cocaine in locations that will employ trained medical personnel. The KNUS remote broadcasts will take place on Friday (1/11).
iHeartMedia Unveils New iHeartRadio Features at CES. The company announces a number of new consumer technology integrations for its digital platform, iHeartRadio. At the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, iHeartMedia unveiled new integrations including the Honda Dream Drive Platform, the new Bixby from Samsung, Roku devices, and Google’s Android TV and Android Auto. It also launched the fully redesigned iHeartRadio Family app on Amazon Fire Tablet with iOS and Android coming soon.
Border Wall-Government Shutdown, U.S.-Syria Policy, Tlaib Israel Statement, Kim Jong Un-Xi Jinping Meeting, NCAA Football Championship, and NFL Playoffs Action Among Top News-Talk Stories Yesterday (1/7). The battle over funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and the related government shutdown; the Trump administration’s military policy in Syria; the controversy over freshman congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’s comments that GOP senators are more loyal to Israel than the U.S.; North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping; Monday night’s NCAA football championship game; and the NFL playoffs 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. The nationally syndicated Ty Bentli show is off Cumulus Media’s New York City country outlet WNSH “NASH FM 94.7.” What was originally called “America’s Morning Show” back when Blair Garner was lead host and has twice morphed since then has been the only morning show on the stations since its inception. Now, afternoon drive host Jesse Addy is sitting in hosting mornings as the station teases a new program…..In Los Angeles, “volunteer” air
personality Greg Beharrell is named evening host on Cumulus Media’s classic rock 95.5 KLOS…..Afternoon drive host, APD and music director Mark Razz is promoted to program director for Beasley Media Group’s country WXTU, 
Philadelphia. With this new role, Razz will move from afternoon drive to middays. Beasley Philly market manager Joe Bell comments, “Nobody deserves this opportunity more than Razz. He has been an integral part of 92.5 XTU’s success for years and has demonstrated the leadership, commitment and creativity that you look for in a PD. Plus, he’s an amazing talent, is loved by listeners and respected within the industry.”…..Midday personality Corey O’Brien is named assistant program director and music director at Broadway Media’s alternative KXRK, Salt Lake City “X96.”…..Buffalo market radio pro Joe Chille is named morning drive host at Townsquare Media’s adult contemporary WMSX, Buffalo “96.1 The Breeze.” Chille was a longtime personality at WJYE prior to its becoming WMSX. Most recently, he’d been handling part-time duties at Radio One Buffalo’s oldies
WECK-AM…..Beasley Media Group names Sean Varicalli host of the “KICKS Wake up Crew” morning show on country WKXC-FM, Augusta, Georgia. Varicalli was most recently midday jock and APD at Curtis Media Group’s country WQDR, Raleigh…..Alpha Media’s WKXI, Jackson, Mississippi “107.5 Kixie” replaces the Tom Joyner show with the Premiere Networks-syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show.”
Thursday, September 6, 2018
SEC Critical of iHeartMedia Chapter 11 Plan. The Securities and Exchange Commission has a problem with iHeartMedia’s Third Amended Joint Chapter 11 plan for reorganization on grounds relating largely to its provisions for non-debtor third
parties. If given final approval by the Bankruptcy Court, iHeartMedia would shed some $16 billion in debt via a combination of debt-for-equity to creditors and the issuing of new notes. The SEC writes in its opinion that the Plan violates the Bankruptcy Code with respect to discharge petitions. Specifically, it says, “the Plan includes releases 
that allow non-debtors to benefit from the Debtors’ bankruptcy by effectively obtaining their own discharges with respect to potential claims arising from past wrongdoing, including willful misconduct, gross negligence, and actual fraud. The exculpation clause in the Plan is also overly broad. The release and exculpation provisions are at odds with sound public policy considerations underlying the rights of creditors and investors to pursue legitimate claims against wrongdoers.” The 11-page objection from the SEC also says that iHeartMedia’s disclosure statement “lacks adequate information, as required under Section 1125(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, to support the release, exculpation, and permanent injunction provisions.”
Battle Between USTN and Entercom Comes to an End. With Wednesday’s statement from United States Traffic Network, LLC that it has entered into a wind-down agreement with Entercom (USTN’s largest and only secured creditor), the legal battle
between the two companies appears to be over. USTN says that although the terms of the agreement are confidential, it “has commenced an orderly wind-down of its radio business under the supervision of Gavin/Solmonese, LLC, an independent liquidating agent. In addition, USTN has agreed to cause the dismissal, with prejudice, of its litigation against Entercom.” USTN’s service to stations will end tomorrow (9/7). USTN says all employees have been released from all non-compete and non-solicitation agreements and every station and client will be given service for a limited wind-down period.
Day Number Two of “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” Burning Up the Airwaves from the Nation’s Capital. The “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row began the second of its two-day run this morning (9/6) at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The annual broadcasting/political event, now in its 12th year, is presented by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). A record number of more than 65 radio talk show hosts from across the nation are participating with live remotes interviewing numerous available guests from the fields of politics, law enforcement, media, and business about the state of the immigration reform movement. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is in attendance and scheduled to appear on 25 radio shows between yesterday and today. Harrison states, “Immigration reform has been one of the most important topics on talk radio for well over a decade – long before Donald Trump made it a front burner issue. Many of the concerns of the American people regarding immigration have been expressed on talk shows and especially at this radio row which has grown into an extremely influential industry tradition. The question no longer is should or if immigration reform is going to be implemented – but rather by what methods.” Pictured above: Harrison (left) making a point to program host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo (right) on his nationally syndicated radio show and Newsmax TV simulcast.
Salem Radio News Issues Directive on Phrasing for Coverage of NYT Op-Ed. The controversial op-ed piece published by The New York Times that the paper says is authored by a
Trump Administration insider is causing controversy within the talk radio news reporting business. Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup tells TALKERS magazine that he had to kill a report by Salem 
Radio News White House correspondent Greg Clugston for referring to the author as an “official.” Tradup says, “The person is ALLEGED to be a ‘high official,’ but might also be a deranged nut or the nephew of an intern at the NY Times. Since nobody knows, we should not participate in advancing the identity of this weasel as an ‘official’ in the Trump Administration. SRN News and TOWNHALL News are solid 24/7 broadcast news operations and will not be accomplices in validating what may be prima facie Fake News generated by the #1 print opponent of President Trump.”
TALKERS News Notes. Sports media pro Tony Bruno is being honored by Barrett Sports Media with an annual award to be given in his name at the 2019 Barrett Sports
Media Summit in Los Angeles. BSM president Jason Barrett says the Tony Bruno Award will be given to a current member of the sports radio industry who is “unique, unafraid, and cutting thru on a national level.” Barrett adds that Bruno was the first sports radio personality to host a national sports morning show for three different national networks (ESPN, FOX Sports Radio and Sporting News Radio). He made a mark locally on WIP and WPEN in Philadelphia and was featured in the EA Sports Madden NFL game (2005-2007)…..SiriusXM is expanding the weekend political talk program “Signal Boost,” hosted by Zerlina Maxwell and Jess McIntosh, to a live, daily show airing at 12:00 noon on the Progress channel starting September 10. Both Maxwell and McIntosh served on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Maxwell is also the senior director of 
progressive programming for SiriusXM and an MSNBC political analyst…..Entercom announces that sports talk WIP, Philadelphia helped raise $201,632 for the Eagles Charitable Foundation (ECF) during the weekend’s 2018 Eagles Radiothon. The Philadelphia Eagles’ public charity provides the Philadelphia region with greater access to vision care and autism research. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “It was an honor to have been a part of this incredible initiative for the 19th straight year and to have a hand in making a difference in our local community. Every dollar counts when it pertains to making a difference in the lives of others and I’m particularly proud of our generous listeners who helped us reach this goal.”…..Sports USA announces it will become the longest-tenured broadcaster of National Football League Sunday afternoon games when it kicks off its 17th NFL season on Sunday, September 9 with a doubleheader featuring the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots followed by the Kansas City Chiefs visiting the San Diego Chargers. Sports USA Larry Kahn says, “To become the longest-running radio distributor of NFL Sunday afternoon play-by-play is really an honor. It is a true testament to the talent that we have had on our network and the continued success of the NFL. The past 17 years have gone by in the proverbial blink of an eye.”
Entercom Names Coyle SVP of Human Resources. Named to the new role of SVP of
human resources for Entercom is Martin Coyle. He joins the company from the tech company XL Catlin where he was vice president of human resources. Entercom EVP and general counsel Andrew Sutor states, “We are pleased to welcome Martin to Entercom. Martin has a strong track record of developing effective human resources strategies. We look forward to leveraging Martin’s experience integrating teams as we continue to scale and strengthen our organization.”
NYT Trump Official Op-Ed, Woodward Book, Trump-Russia Investigation, Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearings, NBC-Weinstein Story Controversy, Nike’s Kaepernick Deal, Allegations of Anti-Conservative Bias by Social Media, Iran’s Currency Collapse, Nicaragua Unrest, 2018 NFL Season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/5). The New York Times’ publication of an anonymous op-ed piece from a Trump administration insider that’s critical of the president; the publication of Bob Woodward’s new book, Fear: Trump in the White House; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; the controversy over NBC’s decision not to go forward with Ronan Farrow’s investigative story alleging Harvey Weinstein raped women; Nike’s new “Just Do It” campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ planned meeting with state attorneys general about anti-free speech actions by social media platforms; Iran’s sinking currency value and allegations of a U.S.-orchestrated attempt at regime change; the political unrest in Nicaragua and fears of more refugees fleeing to the U.S.; week 1 of the 2018 NFL season; and the MLB playoffs push 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. Chicago media maven Robert Feder reports that Jenny Milkowski leaves Hubbard Radio’s adult contemporary WSHE, Chicago where she’s been afternoon personality for the past five months, for San Diego to become traffic anchor and social media reporter at KFMB-TV. Milkowski previously did TV traffic reporting at Chicago’s WFLD-TV. Milkowski’s co-host, Jay Styles, will continue as solo star of the WSHE afternoon show in the interim…..In the Greenville-New Bern, North Carolina market, Gina Gray rises to program director at Dick Broadcasting’s CHR WERO “BOB 93.3.” She’d been APD and music director and now takes over for the departing Chris “Hollywood” Mann. “BOB 93.3” evening personality and imaging director Austin Moore is assuming the APD/MD duties. Gray says of her new gig, “It was really great working with Chris Mann. We did a lot of great things together at ‘BOB 93.3’ and I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. I’m really excited for this next chapter of my radio career with Dick Broadcasting Company.”…..Mid-West Family Broadcasting closes on its purchase of adult contemporary WDKB, DeKalb, Illinois from Tana Knetsch and Ronald G. Klein. Mid-West paid $610,000 for the FM that makes its Rockford-area cluster now six stations strong. Bob Heymann of Media Services Group was the exclusive broker.
August 2018 PPM Data – Round Two. August 2018 ratings information has been released for Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s August 2018 survey period covered July 19 – August 15. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
Washington, DC
Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.0 in July and August (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), WMAL returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). Immediately prior to July, the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet was a combined -1.5 via three consecutive downward moves (5.0 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+). In March, WMAL reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time in the
PPM-era (5.0). Not only does Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM completely erase July’s -.5 with an August +.5, “106.7 The Fan” marches into the top ten (#13 to #9). July’s decrease pulled the plug on three upticks in succession that netted a +1.3 (2.4 – 3.1 – 
3.4 – 3.7, 6+). Before notching a +.6 in January, the Washington Nationals flagship was without an increase in four straight survey periods for a roughly 50% decline (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+). After a lengthy hiatus from being listed in print, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” reappeared in June with a 1.0 (6+); immediately disappeared in July (0.0); but is back in August with a .9 (#19, 6+). The five most recent trends for WTOP are a very steady 9.6 – 9.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 9.4 (6+) as the Hubbard all-news 
operation is #1 for the eighth straight month. WTOP rebounded from April’s -.8 with a +.1 in May (10.4 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Following four consecutive months at #1, it shifted to second-place in “Holiday” 2017. With a +1.3 in January (9.3 – 10.6, 6+), however, WTOP reclaimed the lead position with its best 6+-stat since March 2011’s 10.6. Moreover, that +1.3 halted three successive declines that produced an overall -.5 (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+). By gaining four-tenths to 8.0 (6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU not only moves from third to its familiar runner-up slot, “The Mind Is Our Medium” halts three straight flat or downward trends that resulted in a collective loss of nine-tenths (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.6, 6+). Between January 2018 – June 2018, WTOP and WAMU finished first and second, respectively. Flat at #24, Entercom business news WDCH picks up two-tenths to .5 (6+), thus ending three straight months without an increase (5 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Without an uptick the past three sweeps for a -.4 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” recaptures the three-tenths it lost in July and continues at #5 (4.7, 6+). Within 2.4 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the ninth successive sweep (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+), alternative sibling WWDC “DC-101” elevates from #17 to #14. An increase of eight-tenths (3.8 – 4.6, ninth to sixth, 6+) takes Columbia Union College Broadcasting contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” to its highest 6+-share (4.6) since July 2017’s 4.8. Ever-consistent Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA “Classical 90.9” (2.3 – 2.9, +.6, #18 to #14, 6+) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 22nd straight ratings period. Following six straight up or flat reports for a collective +2.3 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ forfeits nine-tenths to 7.0 (6+) and segues from second to third. In July, “Majic” registered the highest 6+-stat (7.9) in its PPM history, breaking the “old” record set the previous month (June 2018). It has a three-tenths lead over Howard University’s similarly-formatted WHUR (6.8 – 6.7, -.1, 6+), which finishes fourth for the fifth sweep in succession. After four straight reports without an increase for an overall -1.4 (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), WHUR was a combined +1.1 in June and July (5.7 – 6.3 – 6.8), with July’s 6.8 its best 6+-showing since January’s 7.1. In April, “Majic” pulled ahead of WHUR for the first time since November 2015, which was when the two rivals were tied at 4.7 (6+). In each sweep since then, WHUR had been on top until WMMJ picked up two-tenths to 5.8, while WHUR faltered by four-tenths to 5.7. A July gain of three-tenths by WKYS erased the -.2 it logged in five straight down or flat surveys (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), but the Radio One urban contemporary facility regresses by seven-tenths in August (3.9 – 3.2, 6+) and drifts out of the top ten (#8 to #13). Although flat at 2.9 (6+), iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country” rises from #16 to #14. Elsewhere in the format, Aloha Station Trust’s WFRE “99.9 Free Country” vanished from print in July, but returns in August with a .8 (#22, 6+). Slipping from #11 to #12, Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM is an overall -.8 via four consecutive decreases (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+).
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Displaying its third straight uptick for an overall +1.1 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WEEI-FM progresses from eighth to sixth. The Boston Red Sox flagship was +1.4 in January, halting three 
decreases in a row that produced an overall -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). It roared back from a cumulative -2.0 in February and March (5.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+) with a +1.0 in April. It has a 1.1-share (6+) advantage over Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (3.8 – 4.0, +.2, tenth to ninth, 6+), which was a combined -1.9 in June and July (5.7 – 4.3 –
3.8, 6+) and -1.5 in February. Finishing at third and fifth, respectively, are Boston University’s news/talk WBUR (5.6 – 5.7, +.1, fifth to third, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” (5.8 – 5.3, -.5, fourth to fifth, 6+). In June, WBUR surrendered half of May’s +.6 with a loss of three-tenths. It was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; +.7 in January; and +1.0 in March. After three straight improvements for a cumulative +1.5 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), WBZ-AM was -.9 in April; 6.4 in March is its best 6+-
stat since January 2017’s 6.6. An overall -1.6 in three decreases in a row (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH logs a +.1 to 3.2 (#12 to #11, 6+). WGBH improved by seven-tenths in January but was off two-tenths in both February and March. When iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO notched a gain of two-tenths in July (to 2.5, 6+), it ended three downward moves in a row for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+); however, in August, “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” returns one-tenth (2.4, #13 to #14, 6+).
Boston Music Formats – In addition to ranking first for the eighth consecutive ratings period, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WXKS-FM is up or flat for the fourth straight time for an overall gain of seven-tenths (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” rebounded from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 in January (6.4 – 7.3, 6+) but was off one-half share in April. It exited the top spot in December, after three straight months there. The “Holiday” 2017 – August 2018 topline trending for its format challenger, Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” (flat at #16), is 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 (6+). Up one-half share as a result of five successive months without a loss (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate WWBX “Mix 104.1 Boston’s Best Variety” cracks the top ten (#11 to #10). Within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 14th successive sweep, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “JAM’N 94.5” (2.4 – 2.5, +.1, 6+) advances from #15 to #13. As we’ve been seeing in numerous PPM-markets, out-of-market signals and longtime Nielsen Audio nonsubscribers are suddenly showing up in print. The largest market in “The Bay State” is no exception as iHeartMedia Providence’s WHJY “94 HJY” records a +.7 (#26, 6+) and – from “The Heart of the Commonwealth” (Worcester) – co-owned adult contemporary WSRS “96.1 SRS – Worcester’s At-Work Station” appears in the Boston report with a .6 (#28, 6+). While neither of these two outlets was listed in Boston’s July 2018 sweep, they are perennial powerhouses in their respective “home” metros. Surrendering in full the +1.1 it gained in three straight increases (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” departs the top ten (3.0, -1.1, #9 to #12, 6+); July’s 4.1 is its highest 6+-share since January 2017’s 4.4. In a somewhat similar scenario, classic hits-oldies sibling WROR “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits” wipes out its overall gain of six-tenths through three positive spikes in succession (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+) with an August decrease of nine-tenths to 5.7 (second to third, 6+). Co-owned alternative WBOS “Alt 92.9 – Boston’s Alternative,” which was up two-tenths in four straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), drops one-tenth to 1.9 (6+) and remains at #18. Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV “92.5 The River” is off six-tenths in five straight down or flat trends (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+), while Entercom’s WAAF “The Only Station That Really Rocks” is -.8 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.3 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, #20 to #21, 6+). While unchanged at #23, Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” slips by one-tenth to 1.2 (6+), thus halting seven successive up or flat trends that nearly doubled the Providence station’s 6+ Boston stat (.7 – .8 – .9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+).
Miami
English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged at #20, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is in a bookend 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 sequence (6+). WIOD’s one-half share loss in May halted seven straight positive or flat trends that netted an overall nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 –
2.4 – 2.4, 6+). It is tied with Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN, which regains half of July’s -.2 (1.8 – 1.9, +.1, #21 to #20, 6+). In advance of a +.5 in January, WLRN was a collective -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). 
Likewise, the market’s two main sports talk outlets are mirroring each other. The May through August topline for Entercom’s WQAM “Sports Radio 560” is .9 – .8 – .9 – .8, (#25 to #27, 6+), while cluster-mate WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” is off one-tenth for the third time in succession (.9 – .8 – .7 – .6, #27 to #28, 6+). When “The Ticket” posted a .8 (6+) in June, it curtailed five consecutive .9 postings (6+); WQAM’s May gain of two-tenths stalled five sweeps in succession without an increase for a collective -.8 (1.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – July’s deadlock at #1 is broken with Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” posting a one-half share gain (6.9 – 7.4, 6+) at the same time that Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR “Amor 107.5” drops six-tenths (6.9 – 6.3, first to second, 6+). “Easy” advanced from second to first in June, but after three straight months without a decrease for an overall gain of eight-tenths (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), it squandered six-tenths in July. Prior to April, “Easy” had been within 6.2 – 6.8 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 sweeps. Meanwhile, in advance of its August decrease, “Amor 107.5” was +1.9 in three straight gains (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.9, 6+). Co-owned Spanish tropical WRTO posts a one-half share improvement (3.5 – 4.0, 6+), enabling “Mix 98.3” to enter the top ten (#11 to #9). In July, it surrendered three-tenths, thus snapping at four a consecutive string of increases that yielded nine-tenths (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase, Entercom adult contemporary was a cumulative -1.2 (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 5.5, 6+), but “101.5 Lite FM” notches a +.3 to 5.8 (6+) and climbs from fifth to fourth. July 2018’s 5.5 is the lowest 6+-share for “Lite” since 5.2 in July 2017. West Palm Beach mainstay – Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety From The ‘90s & Now” – pops up in Miami with a 1.2 (#24, 6+). Separated by one-tenth in April and May, the market’s two mainstream CHRs are tied at #11 in August. Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” is down in back-to-back sweeps (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” is trending 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 (March – August, 6+). Down or flat nine reports in a row for a collective -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), WFLC was +.6 in June. Locked on 4.0 (6+) in January and February, “Y-100” eroded by eight-tenths in March. While it remains in third-place, Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” is a collective -1.4 in three straight downturns (7.5 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.1, 6+). As the result of four consecutive upticks, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WMIB was up one-half share (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+), but “103.5 The Beat” returns two-tenths to 2.8 (#14 to #15, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s like-formatted WEDR “99 Jamz” (unchanged at #6) is trending 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 (March 2018 – August 2018, 6+). Even though it is down a combined eight-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMIA “93.9 MIA – Variety From The ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” moves from #18 to #17. Entercom rhythmic CHR WPOW “Power 96” is off four-tenths in three consecutive down or flat trends (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, #16 to #17, 6+).
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to an increase of eight-tenths (5.5 – 6.3, fourth to third, 6+), Entercom’s WWJ “News Radio 950” registers its best 6+-performance since its
6.5 in January, February, and March. Following four up or flat trends in succession for a collective +1.0, WWJ was -.8 in April; “News Radio 950” was frozen on 5.8 (6+) in May and June. 
Although unchanged at #9, sports talk sibling WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is off seven-tenths in three negative moves in succession (5.3 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). A combined -.6 in February and March, “97.1 The Ticket” was up nine-tenths in April. Prior to January’s +1.0, the Detroit Tigers flagship was -2.2 as a result of four losses in a row. A two-tenths improvement to 3.8 (#12 to #11, 6+) by Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” applies
the brakes to three straight negative trends that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to the January sweep, WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). Without an increase for the eighth straight survey period for a collective -.3 (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM actually advances from #20 – #19. Steady at #22, Wayne State University news/talk WDET adds one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (.6 – .7 – .8, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – By logging a +.8 (5.0 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 ‘80s ‘til Now” zooms from eighth to fourth with its best 6+-stat (5.8) since April’s 5.9. Mainstream CHR cluster-mate WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” answers the overall -.9 in six successive sweeps without an increase (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+) with a +.6 to 4.5 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-programmed WDZH “98.7 Amp Radio” (steady at #15) is a combined +.4 in three straight up or flat moves (2.4 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), after having suspended three straight setbacks of one-tenth each (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+). Notwithstanding that it returns two-thirds of July’s +.6 (8.3 – 7.9, -.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is #1 for the fourth month a row. A loss of two-tenths in June ended five straight positive spikes that generated a +2.5 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6 – 7.9, 6+). Drifting from third to eighth, co-owned WRIF “Everything That Rocks” is a collective -.8 in July and August (5.6 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+), immediately after four consecutive improvements that led to a combined +1.5 (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.9, 6+). June’s 5.9 is its strongest 6+-stat since January 2017 (5.9, as well). At the same time that Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Best Country” picks up three-tenths (5.5 – 5.8, steady at #4, 6+), Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (flat at #17) drops two-tenths to 2.3, its lowest 6+-showing since Holiday 2017’s 2.1. Three down or flat moves in succession by WYCD accounted for a cumulative loss of one-half share but that was fully erased in June with a +.5. When “Nash FM” slipped by two-tenths in June, it halted five consecutive up or flat moves that netted nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Meanwhile, the market’s two main urban ACs sputter by three-tenths each: iHeartMedia’s WMXD “Mix 92.3” (5.5 – 5.2, fourth to sixth, 6+) and Radio One rival, WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM – The Real Sound of ‘The D’” (3.5 – 3.2, #13 to #14, 6+). Early last month, Radio One gospel WPZR “Praise 102.7” became Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WDKL “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” The change was made with less than one week remaining in the August sweep and Detroit’s frequency at 102.7 records a 2.2 (#18, 6+).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – A very steady October 2017 – June 2018 6+-topline trending of 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.8 by KIRO-FM suddenly became jarred in July (-.7 to 5.1, 6+) and August (+.8 to 5.9, 6+). The Bonneville news/talk
facility zooms from sixth to second. It is tied in the runner-up slot with Northwest Public Radio news/talker KUOW, which posts a +.5 to 5.9 (third to second, 6+). The uptick curtails three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for an overall -1.1 (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). KUOW took over the runner-up slot in May after a one-month stay at #1. On top for four straight months before dropping to second in December, KUOW was +1.5 in January (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) as it returned to #1. When it lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, KUOW ended five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). Off eight-tenths in July and August (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” drops from #11 to #14. As a result of four positive spikes in succession (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), the Seattle Mariners flagship was 
a combined +1.9. Prior to May, the last time KIRO-AM reached the four-share level (6+) was in October 2015 (4.3). Up two-tenths (2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO returns to the top twenty (#22 to #19). On the other hand, Bonneville’s KTTH departs the top twenty (#20 to #22) as “Conservative Talk Radio” returns July’s +.3 (2.1, 6+), thus interrupting four up or flat trends in succession for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). The (6+) topline February 2018 – August 2018 trending for Sinclair-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” (#25 to #24) is a remarkably consistent 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1. Flat at #28, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM gains two-tenths (.5 – .7, 6+); “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” was frozen on .6 (6+) in May and June.
Seattle Music Formats – Rebounding from July’s -.4 with an August +.6 (3.0 – 3.6, 6+), Hubbard’s KNUC “98.9 The Bull” (formerly KVRQ) proceeds from #14 to #13. Entering the July 2018 ratings period, “The Bull” more than tripled (+2.4) its 6+-stat as the result of six straight survey periods without a loss (1.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+). Four-tenths ahead of “The Bull” is Entercom’s similarly-formatted KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” (3.9 – 4.0, +.1, tenth to eighth, 6+). By gaining one-tenth, it actually breaks a streak that dates back to October 2017 in which “The Wolf” alternated an up sweep with a down one (3.1 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+). These two country stations were tied at #14 in June. There is a two-station Seattle adult contemporary tussle involving these same two group owners as well, with Entercom’s KSWD “The Sound” logging a one-half share increase to 3.8 (#13 to #11, 6+) to halt four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (4.1 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). “The Sound” posted a one-half share gain in March as well (3.6 – 4.1, 6+). Even though Hubbard’s KRWM is off by nine-tenths in July and August (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+), “Warm 106.9” advances from eighth to seventh. Prior to a +.3 in June, KRWM was -7.1 (or down roughly 60%) in five successive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the AC station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015; “Warm” was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017. It is a rollercoaster ride for iHeartMedia’s KUBE “93.3 – Seattle’s #1 For Hip-Hop” (formerly CHR KPWK), which was a collective +.8 in five straight sweeps without a loss (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+); surrendered the entire eight-tenths to 2.8 (6+) in July; and now regains one-half share in August (3.3, #17 to #15, 6+). In a case of major league back-to-back wobbles, KQMV “MOViN 92.5” immediately follows July’s massive +1.7 (6.1 – 7.8, 6+) with a -1.4 to 6.4 (6+). In any case, the Hubbard CHR repeats at #1. Prior to July, the last time KQMV reached the seven-share level (6+) was in February (7.1). A collective +1.4 in four straight up or flat trends (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” falters by nine-tenths to 5.5 (6+) and shifts from second to fourth. July’s 6.4 marked the first time KJR-FM crossed the six-share level (6+) in more than two years (6.1, May 2016). As a result of obliterating July’s one-half share increase with an eight-tenths decrease (4.5 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” fades from the top ten (#7 to #12). Its +.5 in July pulled the plug on three straight down or flat moves that generated a -.5 (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+).
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM adds one-tenth in July and August (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+) and carries on at #11. KTAR-FM was up three-tenths in April
but was then a combined -.5 in May and June. It was +.8 in January (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), followed by an overall -.7 in February and March (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). While steady at #15, iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” cobbles 
together four straight gains for an increase of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+). When KFYI lost one-tenth in March, it ended at three its successive string of upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). Close behind are Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ (3.0 – 2.7, -.3, #14 to #16, 6+) and Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (2.5 – 2.6, +.1, flat at #17, 6+). A +.6 in July by KJZZ applied the brakes to three consecutive negative moves that accounted for a combined -1.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Arizona Diamondbacks flagship KMVP-FM was frozen on 2.5 (6+) in June and July. From January through May, it was a collective +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+).
Phoenix Music Formats – The two-share (6+) advantage iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ held over Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” in July has been sliced in half as KESZ drops two-tenths, while KSLX hangs out a +.8 (5.5 – 6.3, fifth to second, 6+). This is the third straight decline for KESZ for an overall –1.7 (9.0 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.3, 6+), but it remains on top for the tenth straight report. KESZ was up seven-tenths in April and then logged a gigantic +1.7 in May; 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. As the result of July’s lofty -1.1 to 5.5 (6+), KSLX erased in its entirety the +1.1 it netted in six straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). Moreover, “Classic Rock 100.7,” which had been entrenched in the runner-up slot eight consecutive ratings periods, shifted to fifth. Even though it backslides from second to third, iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” is an astonishing +2.7 in just three straight upticks (3.5 – 4.3 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+); “The Mountain” was tenth in May. Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT notches its third straight increase for an overall +.9 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, #17 to #14, 6+) as “Que Buena 105.9” has its best 6+-stat since February’s 3.2. Conversely, co-owned Spanish adult hits KOMR “Amor 106.3,” which had been up one-half share in June and July (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+), flounders by eight-tenths (1.3, #26, 6+). Immediately after quadrupling its 6+-share (.3 – 1.2, +.9, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVA “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” surrenders two-thirds of that increase and has its 6+-share carved in half (.6, -.6, #26 to #31, 6+). Off six-tenths, as well, is Maricopa County Community College’s classical-formatted KBAQ “89.5 K-Bach” (2.2, #15 to #18, 6+), which had been +.8 in three successive up or flat trends (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8, 6+). Within 5.2 – 5.7 range (6+) each month this calendar year (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country & All-Time Favorites” segues from third to fourth, while its format challenger – Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” – adds four-tenths (3.8 – 4.2, 6+) and remains at #9. A cumulative -1.9 in five successive negative trends (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “101.9 Campesina” actually bumps up from #20 to a three-way tie at #18.
Minneapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – After four negative moves in a row for a collective -2.2 (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW bounces back with a +.7 to 4.4 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #9). Its recent fluctuations include -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.5 (April) +.7 (May) -.7 (July); and now +.7 (August). It is tied at
#9 with Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830,” which is flat at 4.4 (6+). Prior to August, its four previous fluctuations were +.8 (April); -.8 (May); -.8 (June); and +.5 (July). The Minnesota Twins flagship was locked on 4.4 (6+) in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 5.0 (6+) in January 2018 and February. Although flat at #12, iHeartMedia-
owned sports talk KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” posts a +.1 to 3.8 (6+), thus applying the brakes to four decreases in a row that yielded a -2.1 (5.8 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+); “K-Fan” was -1.5 in February. Up one-tenth (3.6 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTLK Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” inches up from #14 to #13. Prior to the June sweep, KTLK was +1.4 in five successive sweeps without a loss (2.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). Regaining the three-tenths it lost in July, Hubbard
news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” (2.7, #17 to #16) interrupts three straight down or flat moves that accounted for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Its March decrease of three-tenths stopped four straight up or flat trends that generated a +1.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+). Trending 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 (6+), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” slips from #20 to #21.
Minneapolis Music Formats – Ending its 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.3 (6+) sequence with a +.5 to 7.8, its highest 6+-share since September 2016’s 8.1, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” marches from second to first. The last time KDWB occupied the top spot was exactly one year ago – August 2017. It dislodges Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM, which had occupied the penthouse the past seven sweeps. In addition to dropping from first to second, “KS-95” is -1.5 in four straight downward trends (8.6 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). Its -.7 in May halted four successive progressive moves that netted +2.8 (5.8 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Following four consecutive upticks for a collective +1.0 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KTCZ “The Cities” forfeits 60% of that increase (3.6, -.6, 6+) and slips out of the top ten (#10 to #14). Following five consecutive months without an increase for a cumulative -.7 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” logs a +.3 to 5.8 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Ever since debuting in February, Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “GO 95.3 – GO Radio” has put up a topline of 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.3 (#18 to #17, 6+). Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP tacks on one-half share to July’s +.3 (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+) as “The Current – Great Music Lives Here” carries on at #15. Classical music sibling KSJN erodes by -1.0 (2.0, #15 to #18, 6+), nearly wiping out its collective +1.2 from five consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+). The overall +.9 that Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” racked up in June and July (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+) vanishes in August with a -.9 to 5.0 (fourth to seventh, 6+).
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats – San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS shifted from first to second in April; returned to #1 in May; dropped from first to third in June; slipped from third to fourth to July; and returns to first in August 
(5.8 – 6.5, +.7, 6+). KPBS was on top four times in 2017: February, August, September, and December. Locked on 5.1 (6+) in June and July, iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO regresses by six-tenths to 4.5 (6+), skidding from fifth to ninth. “News Radio 600” was +.8 in January; -.7 
in February; +.8 in March; +.6 in May; and now -.6 in August. October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Resurfacing in the San Diego report after a lengthy absence, iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” is up two-tenths (1.6 – 1.8, #23 to #22, 6+). It is one-tenth ahead of Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760,” which returns half of 
July’s +.2 (1.8 – 1.7, -.1, #21 to #22, 6+). Its June increase of one-tenth curtailed three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+). Three of the market’s sports talkers produce a complete mixed bag: Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” gains two-tenths (.8 – 1.0, #24, 6+); Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” is flat at .8 (#25, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” drops one-tenth (.6 – .5, #28 to #27, 6+).
San Diego Music Formats – Powered by a +1.5, iHeartMedia-owned CHR KHTS rockets from sixth to second. “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a collective +2.8 via six straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 6.3, 6+). Meanwhile, Uni Radio regional Mexican XHTY “Invasora 99.7” is up eight-tenths in five consecutive monthlies without a loss (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1, 6+), catapulting from #18 to #10. Adding six-tenths to July’s +1.0 (3.7 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+), Univision Radio’s similarly-programmed KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” inches up from seventh to sixth, crossing the five-share level 6+ (5.3) for the first time since “Holiday” 2017’s 5.1. Notching increases of one-half share each are iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (4.2 – 4.7, ninth to seventh, 6+) and Comunicación XERSA-owned/Local Media San Diego-operated alternative XTRA-FM “91-X” (1.7 – 2.2, #20, 6+). “Star” was off one full-share in June and July (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), while “91-X” pulls the plug on six successive sweeps without an increase that produced a loss of nine-tenths (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.2 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). It is a short (one-month) stay at #1 for KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which segues to third. “Sunny” registered a -1.6 in March, all but erasing its +1.9 through five straight gains (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). The Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet rebounded in April with a +.5; was -.7 in May; answered with a +.8 in June; piled on a +.5 in July; and is -.4 in August (6.2 – 5.8, 6+). Ironically, the station “Sunny” replaced at #1 in July – cluster-mate KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” – was only on top for one month (June), as well. Off three-tenths in August (5.9 – 5.6, 6+), KSON shifts from second to fourth. An April loss of one-tenth by “New Country” ended three straight positive trends that netted a cumulative +2.5 (3.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+). Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina” is a collective -1.6 in three downward moves in a row (4.0 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.4, 6+), fading from #11 to #19. Faltering by one-half share each are Tegna rocker KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM BFM” (3.5 – 3.0, #10 to #12, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary KSSX “JAM’N 95.7” (3.2 – 2.7, #12 to #14, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-showing for KFMB-FM since March (2.9).
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – Four-tenths of a share separates Denver’s top three August 2018 finishers. Included in that trio is Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR, which displays a lofty +1.1 (5.2 – 6.3, 6+) to progress from fifth to second. It was a brief one-month stay at #1 (in May) for KCFR, which lost seven-tenths in June. In addition to being on top in May,
KCFR was #1 in January and March. When it faltered by six-tenths in February, the station’s consecutive string of improvements that netted a cumulative +1.5 (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+) ended at three. Trending 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.0 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA flips from fourth to sixth. Following January’s one-half share loss, 
“Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” picked up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+) and posted a +1.4 in April to zoom from ninth to first but the flagship of the Colorado Rockies exited the top spot in May after a one-month run. Owing to a +.4 to 2.9 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” advances from #16 to #14. “The Fan” faltered by one-half share in June and July (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), posting its lowest 6+-stat (2.5) since July 2017’s 2.3. Denver’s “Fan” was +1.0 in March. Unchanged at #19, iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW “Talk Radio 630” was up three-tenths in June; down two-tenths in July; and now up one-tenth in August (2.0 – 2.1, 6+). Immediately before the June sweep, KHOW had been down or flat four sweeps in a row for an overall setback of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 -1.9, 6+). In back-to-back sweeps, Community Radio for Northern California news/talk KUNC drops one-tenth (1.0 – .9 – .8, #27 to #26, 6+). Prior to June’s 1.0 (6+), KUNC recorded a .7 (6+) in each of the three previous sweeps.
Denver Music Formats – Stuck on 5.7 (6+) in May and June before slipping to 5.6 (6+) in July, Bonneville-owned KYGO “Denver’s #1 For New Country” posts a +.6 to 6.2 (steady at #3), reaching the six-share level (6+) for the first time since last November’s 6.0. Recording a 1.5 (6+) in four of the last six sweeps (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KBPI “107.9 Rocks The Rockies” notches a one-half share increase to 2.0 (6+) and cracks the top twenty (#20). Not only is Entercom classic rocker KQMT #1 for the third month in a row, “99.5 The Mountain – A Mountain of Classics” is a cumulative +1.7 in three upticks in succession (4.9 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+). A loss of seven-tenths to 2.7 (#14 to #15, 6+) by Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5” wipes out its +.6 via three straight positive spikes (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+). The five most recent 6+-stats (April – May – June – July – August) for Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” are 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 3.8. Immediately after logging three consecutive up or flat trends that yielded a +1.0 (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -1.1 in June, July, and August (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.5, seventh to eighth, 6+). While May’s 5.6 is its most potent 6+-stat since December 2016’s 5.7, July and August 2018’s 4.5 is its softest since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.8. Up or flat five months in a row for a collective +1.4 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” drops two-tenths to 5.8 (second to fourth, 6+). July’s 6.0 is the strongest 6+-showing for KOSI since Holiday’s 2017’s 11.5.
Tampa
Spoken-Word Formats – In six of the last seven sweeps, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” has had a (6+) fluctuation of at least four-tenths. In January and February it was +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+); -.5 in March 
(3.7 – 3.2, 6+); +.8 in April (3.2 – 4.0, 6+); +.4 in May (4.0 – 4.4, 6+); -.7 in July; and now +.6 in August (3.6 – 4.2, #11 to #10). Without a loss for the fourth sweep in a row for a +.8 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” progresses from #16 to #13. A one-tenth setback in April ended three straight
increases that produced a gain of one-half share (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), while a January improvement of three-tenths curtailed four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Down of flat for the fourth consecutive month for a loss of two-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” segues from #18 to #19. Starting with the “Holiday” 2017 report, the Tampa Bay Rays flagship was up or flat for the next five survey periods for a +.8 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+). The March 2018 – August 2018 topline trending for University of South Florida news/talk WUSF (flat at #20) is 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.4 (6+). When WUSF added two-tenths in June, it halted six successive ratings periods without an increase that accounted for a collective -1.6 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+).
Tampa Music Formats – A +.7 (6.4 – 7.1, 6+) enables Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” to register its highest 6+-stat in just over a year (7.1, as well, July 2017). Notching gains of one-half share each are iHeartMedia-owned WXTB “98 Rock” (3.8 – 4.3, tenth to ninth, 6+); CHR cluster-mate WFLZ “93.3 – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” (3.6 – 4.1, unchanged at #11, 6+); and Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WPBB “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (1.9 – 2.4, #19 to #18, 6+). Four straight up or flat trends by “98 Rock” netted eight-tenths (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), but it was down nine-tenths in July; June’s 4.7 is its strongest 6+-showing since October 2017 (4.7, as well). It’s a yoyo effect for “B-98.7,” which was +.6 in June; -.6 in July; and now +.5 in August. Its January 2018 – May 2018 topline was 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 (6+); June’s 2.5 is its best (6+) showing since 4.0 in “Holiday” 2017. Erasing July’s +.4 with August’s -.5, Cox Media Group CHR WPOI “Hot 101.5” departs the top ten (#9 to #14). In July, “Hot” beat WFLZ (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2017, when “Hot” scored a 4.0 (6+) to 3.8 (6+) for WFLZ. After logging four straight up or flat trends that accounted for a gain of seven-tenths (8.4 – 8.9 -9.0 – 9.0 – 9.1, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WDUV slipped three-tenths in July to 8.8 (6+), but “Lite Favorites” picks up one-tenth in August to 8.9 (6+) and leads the pack for the 72nd successive ratings period. WDUV was -3.5 in January and February (11.9 – 8.8 – 8.4, 6+), following a +1.5 in “Holiday” 2017 (10.4 – 11.9, 6+). After adding a +1.0 to June’s four-tenths’ increase (5.0 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” surrenders all but three-tenths of that combined +1.4 (6.4 – 5.3, -1.1, third to fifth, 6+). In July, “Magic” reached the six-share level (6.4) for the first time since May 2017 (6.0).
Baltimore
Spoken-Word Formats – Adding four-tenths to July’s +.3 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7. 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” climbs from tenth to ninth. Baltimore’s
“Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); and a combined -1.0 in May and June (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). When the Orioles flagship improved by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it brought to a close three straight downward moves producing an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). With an April 2018 – August 2018 topline of 3.1 – 
2.8 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 3.1 (6+), independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” moves from #12 to #11. One-tenth behind is Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” (3.1 – 3.0, -.1, #11 to #12, 6+). Following five decreases in a row for a cumulative -1.7 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), WYPR posted a July increase of six-tenths. A collective -.8 in five straight sweeps without an increase (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+), Hearst Television news/talker WBAL drops from #13 to #14. After five consecutive times of recording a 1.1 (6+) in the Baltimore report, American University-owned news/talker WAMU slips to 1.0 (#18 to #23, 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – In the runner-up slot for the fourth month in a row, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams” hauls out a +.9 to 7.8, its strongest 6+-stat since September 2017 (7.8, as well). Nearly wiping out July’s -.8, Hearst Television’s WIYY dials up a +.6 (4.4 – 5.0, ninth to sixth, 6+). Prior to July’s decrease, “98 Rock” registered six successive ratings periods without a loss for an overall +1.8 (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). This represents the eighth successive sweep that Shamrock Communications-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” is without a loss for an overall +2.2 (2.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+); “The Bay” jumps from eighth to sixth. Advancing one-half share as well in August are Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “91.5 Maryland’s Classic Music Station” (1.3, #16, 6+) and Entercom’s WLIF-HD2 (.6 – 1.1, #18, 6+). WBJC halts four straight down or flat trends that erodes approximately half (-.7) its 6+-share (1.5 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .8 – .8, 6+). Albeit off eight-tenths from July (9.5 – 8.7, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” finishes on top for the eighth month in a row. In three successive decreases (11.6 – 11.5 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+), “Magic” was an overall -2.2 but it bounced back with a +.3 in June. WWIN-FM occupied the top spot for four sweeps in succession before segueing to #2 in December. After going eight straight ratings periods without a loss for an overall +3.8 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6 – 11.6, 6+), it lost one-tenth in March. Dramatic shifts continue for iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country,” which was a combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +2.5 in January; -.9 in February, -1.5 in April; +.6 in May; +.5 in June; +.8 in July; and now -.6 in August (6.8 – 6.2, flat at #3, 6+). Although steady at #6, Entercom adult contemporary WLIF is a collective -1.8 in four successive negative moves (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.1 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). “Today’s 101.9” was #1 in December 2017 (9.7, 6+) and “Holiday” 2017 (16.3, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – After three straight negative moves that generated a loss of eight-tenths (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+), Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” answers with a collective +1.0 in July and August (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, #16 to 
#12, 6+). A combined -.7 from November through “Holiday” 2017 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), WXOS posted a +.8 in January; -.6 in February; and -.6 in April. Regaining two-tenths of July’s -.6 (8.0 – 7.4 – 7.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” repeats in the runner-up slot. The St. Louis Cardinals flagship was +2.3 in April; May’s 8.3 represents its highest 6+-stat since September 2017’s 8.4. Following a January +1.0, KMOX was a combined -.6 in February and March. Flat at #14, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU is up six-tenths via three
positive spikes in a row (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). By registering a half-share increase in January, KWMU halted three successive downward moves that accounted for a -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Off by an overall half-share in February and March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), it added one-tenth in April. As a result of declining by one-half share (3.1 – 2.6, 6+), Emmis-to-Entercom’s KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” slips from #15 to #17. Owing to May’s +.3, “FM News Talk 97.1” ended three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Prior to a January gain of seven-tenths, KFTK was a cumulative -1.4 in three consecutive decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+).
St. Louis Music Formats – Not only did Gateway Creative contemporary Christian KLJY reappear in print in June, after being unlisted for 18 straight sweeps, “99.1 Joy FM” boasts one of the most stunning stories of the year by logging a +1.3 (6.5 – 7.8, 6+) to storm from third to first. It supplants iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” (7.8 – 6.7, -1.1, first to third, 6+). After sputtering by a combined -1.5 in May and June, KLOU recaptured nine-tenths in July (6.9 – 7.8, 6+). On top for four consecutive months (January through April), “St Louis’ Greatest Hits” shifted to #2 in May. An overall -2.0 in January and February (9.5 – 7.9 – 7.5, 6+), KLOU made up 45% of that loss in March and April (7.5 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). It rebounded from December’s -.8 with a +2.2 in “Holiday” 2017. This is the fourth straight uptick for Hubbard’s KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative,” which nets a +1.4 in that stretch (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.4, tenth to seventh, 6+). At the same time that co-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” regains the six-tenths it lost in July (6.1 – 5.5 – 6.1, eighth to sixth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” erodes by eight-tenths (4.2 – 3.4, #11 to #15, 6+). Entering the June report, WIL was without a loss for six survey periods in succession for a +1.9 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+), but then spiraled by -1.1; “The Bull,” meanwhile, was off three-tenths in July. Following July’s one-half share increase, Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B + Old School For The Lou” surrenders nine-tenths (5.8 – 4.9, sixth to ninth, 6+). Prior to July’s one-half share increase, WFUN logged five successive negative moves accounting for an overall -1.5 (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+). In the Entercom cluster, hot AC KYKY “Y-98” is off six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5, ninth to tenth, 6+), while adult contemporary KEZK “102.5 The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” regresses by one-half share (5.4, fifth to seventh, 6+), halting six consecutive up or flat trends that yielded an overall +1.7 (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). Without a gain for the fourth sweep in a row, Emmis-to-Entercom CHR KNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” (#17 to #16) is off by one full-share (3.7 -3.4 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+).
Friday, June 1, 2018
KVI, Seattle Unveils New Program Schedule. With the addition of the Compass Media Networks-syndicated “Markley and van Camp” program to
the late morning daypart announced earlier this week, Sinclair Broadcasting news/talk KVI, Seattle “Talk Radio 570” unveils its adjusted program schedule, effective Monday (6/4). The addition of “Markley and van Camp” to the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon slot creates a new opportunity for market talk icon Kirby Wilbur as he takes on the afternoon drive daypart. That bumps Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity to the early evening slot (6:00 pm to 9:00 pm). In promoting Wilbur’s new time to listeners, the station says, “Kirby has been into politics since he was a teenager, culminating with his election to state chairman of the Republican Party in 2011. Along the way he helped build KVI into America’s preeminent conservative talk station with his unique blend of politics, entertainment, and historical anecdotes. Catch you up on what happened while you were at work and loosen up on the way home with KVI’s Kirby Wilbur!”
Newsmax TV Free Trial Offered on Sling TV. Cable news/talk channel Newsmax TV announces a new deal that helps it expand its reach via over-the-top (OTT) live TV service Sling TV. Newsmax TV says that effective
immediately, a three-month showcase of Newsmax TV is available to Sling TV customers who subscribe to the Sling Orange and/or Sling Blue service. After the three-month showcase, Newsmax TV will be available in Sling TV’s News Extra add-on, $5 per month for Sling Orange and/or Sling Blue subscribers. Newsmax Media Inc CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “Sling TV is the number-one live TV streaming service in the nation and we are proud to be carried on their platform.” Conservative media personalities whose programs air on Newsmax TV include: Joe Walsh, Brett Winterble, Howie Carr, Wayne Allyn Root, Todd Schnitt, Joe Pags, Jesse Lee Peterson as well as Newsmax anchors John Bachman and Miranda Khan.
Comrex Unveils FieldTap for iOS. This free app – compatible with all Comrex IP codecs and the EarShot IFB – provides studio quality audio from the user’s
cell phone with very low delay. Comrex says that FieldTap is ideal for reporters and street team contributors for short drop-ins. FieldTap features a very simple user interface (iPhone screen shot at right). The company says its one-button control screen allows users of any technical ability to connect from the field to the station by simply pressing a single button. FieldTap is a simple SIP client that uses Voice over IP (VoIP) to make it possible for field users to send wideband audio from their cellphones over cellular and Wi-Fi networks. Comrex says an Android version of FieldTap will be available next week. Comrex’s EarShot IFB (interruptible foldback monitoring and cueing system) was recently unveiled and will be available later this summer. It is for live ENG applications as it provides four audio feeds and can support up to 10 wideband calls (or 30 regular calls). Visit Comrex.com for more details.
ABC-TV’s Cancellation of ‘Roseanne’ Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 28 – June 1. The cancellation of the re-boot of “Roseanne” after a series of controversial Tweets from Roseanne Barr was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the status of the U.S.-North Korea talks. Coming in at #3 was the ongoing Trump-Russia investigation, followed by President Trump’s plans to pardon Dinesh D’Souza, Rod Blagojevich, and Martha Stewart at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Westwood One Announces RFK Assassination Anniversary Programming. The news arm of Westwood One is presenting special programming on the 50thanniversary of the June 5, 1968, assassination of presidential candidate
Robert F. Kennedy. At Los Angeles’ Ambassador Hotel that evening was Mutual News correspondent Andrew West, who filed a nearly seven-minute, on-scene report during the chaos. West’s historic report (which is owned by Westwood One News) will be part of the extensive coverage planned on Tuesday, June 5, as the network remembers the assassination of RFK. Westwood One News correspondent Michael Toscano will present longform and short-form reports throughout the day, along with West’s report and additional 50th anniversary sound. Additionally, the Westwood One News Memorial Day weekend special, “1968: The Year that Shook America,” with reporting and perspective on the RFK assassination, will continue to be available for broadcast by affiliates through the June 5 anniversary of the shooting.
Emmy Award-Winning TV News Cameraman and Producer Tim Ortman Joins Michael Harrison in Discussion About Fake News. 37-year TV news veteran Tim Ortman, who served as a staff cameraman and producer covering breaking news on five continents for the major TV networks, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Ortman has just written a memoir titled Newsreal: A View Through the Lens When… (Incorgnito,
2018). He recalls his adventures on the front lines of wars, major stories and political upheavals around the world analyzing the significant changes in journalism since the big four networks were the dominant platforms of information dissemination in America. Harrison and Ortman focus on the consequences of widespread misuse of the term “fake news” undermining the public’s confidence in the vital institution of the press. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. After Nielsen Audio removed PPMs in four Hispanic households in the Los Angeles market and re-issued April’s PPM survey results, Spanish Broadcasting System is accusing the ratings giant of bias. SBS was a loser in the re-issued ratings with regional Mexican KLAX
dipping a full share (Mon-Sun, 6+), from a 3.4 to a 2.4. Competitor Radio Centro’s regional Mexican KXOS also slid – from a 2.2 (Mon-Sun, 6+) to a 1.9. SBS general counsel Richard Lara’s public statement says, “Earlier this week, Spanish Broadcasting System, the owner and operator of 17 radio stations serving the top Hispanic markets 
throughout the United States for over 30 years, received disconcerting news from The Nielsen Company. Nielsen announced its intention to make sweeping, retroactive changes to its audience measurement service based on an internal decision to remove a number of Hispanic households from its ratings sampling pool. SBS, and other Spanish-language broadcasters, vehemently object and protest such unilateral, and seemingly, discriminatory actions taken by Nielsen, which unfairly and disproportionally exclude Hispanic-listener households from the ratings methodology. The restated ratings and rankings reports are, in SBS’s view unreliable, and inaccurately suggest that Spanish-language stations have dropped from top 5 rankings to number 15 or lower. This cannot stand. SBS will continue to faithfully serve its Hispanic-listener communities and will not tolerate unfair and discriminatory attacks on Spanish language broadcasters. We will not stop until Nielsen’s prejudicial and discriminatory attacks on U.S.-based Hispanics ceases.”…..Cumulus Media names David LaBrozzi as program director for hot
AC WPLJ, New York. LaBrozzi comes to Cumulus Media from Entercom Baltimore where he was vice president of programming for the company’s four-station cluster there for 14 years. LaBrozzi states, “WPLJ is truly one of America’s iconic radio stations. I am thrilled, honored, and humbled to join Chad Lopez, Dave Milner, Mike McVay, and the incredible team at 95.5 PLJ. While I can’t wait to get started in New York, I want to thank Entercom and CBS for a great experience and for being an important part of my life.”…..Air personality Megan Holiday is the new midday host at Entercom’s alternative KITS-FM, San Francisco “ALT 105.3,” effective Monday (6/4). Holiday was most recently evening personality on KROQ, Los Angeles. She began her career at KITS in 2010 hosting the evening program. Entercom San Francisco SVP and market manager Gregory Nemitz says, “Megan is well known in the Bay Area and we know our listeners will be happy to hear her 
back on the air. She’s passionate and energetic and we’re looking forward to her return to KITS.”…..On-air pro Corey Calhoun is the new evening personality and music director at iHeartMedia’s country WMZQ, Washington. RVP of programming for Baltimore and Washington Jeff Kapugi states, “Corey completes the WMZQ team. He brings a fresh new energy to the station and some great experience spanning multiple markets and formats.”…..The recent Digital
Diaper Drive orchestrated by Hubbard Radio’s adult hits WARH, St. Louis “106.5 The Arch” was successful beyond the station’s expectations, collecting almost 2,000 diapers for the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank. Led by the station’s “Spencer’s Neighborhood” morning show, the drive’s goal was 1,000 diapers but show fans blew away their initial goal. Pictured at right are the show’s Spencer, Cassiday, and Brando presenting the diapers to Kathy Meyer of the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank…..Award-winning radio and CMT personality Cody Alan is pictured below with country duo Thompson Square at the Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Keifer and Shawna Thompson met with patients, gave away autographed copies of their new children’s book, and performed songs from their new album.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Entercom Brings Adam Klug West to Program ‘97.3 The Fan’ in San Diego. Sports programming pro Adam Klug is named program director for Entercom’s San Diego sports talk KWFN-FM “97.3 The Fan” and the San
Diego Padres Radio Network, effective June 11. Klug has been serving with CBS Sports Radio in New York City as a producer for national radio and television personalities Bill Reiter and Doug Gottlieb. Prior to that, he spent two years with ESPN Radio. Entercom San Diego SVP and market manager Bob Bolinger comments, “‘97.3 The Fan’ is thrilled to welcome Adam. His extensive career in sports radio will strengthen the team and help us continue to provide engaging content to the San Diego community.”
Nielsen Audio Gains MRC Accreditation for Five New Markets; Loses San Francisco. In a move that brings the total number of PPM markets for which the Media Rating Council has provided accreditation to Nielsen Audio to 30
of the 48 PPM markets. Today’s news is the MRC grants accreditation for the Columbus, Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo. At the same time, the 
MRC board voted to remove accreditation for the San Francisco PPM market. Nielsen Audio managing director Brad Kelly states, “We are pleased to have achieved MRC accreditation in these additional markets. This demonstrates our continued commitment to quality for the industry’s gold standard audio measurement and it helps enhance our client’s confidence in the currency.” Regarding the San Francisco removal, Nielsen states that it “stands behind the estimates produced for San Francisco and will continue to work with the MRC and clients to regain accreditation in this market.”
KVI, Seattle to Add ‘Markley and van Camp’ to Program Lineup. The “Markley and van Camp” show has been successful on KXL, Portland for
several years, and Sinclair Broadcasting’s KVI, Seattle hopes the show is a hit in that Pacific Northwest market, as well. The program, syndicated by Compass Media Networks and starring Jamie Markley and David van Camp, will take over the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart on June 4. The station is moving Kirby Wilbur to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot to make room. Compass says “Markley and van Camp” “has been #1 adults 25-54 on KXL-FM in Portland for 36 straight books and has been rapidly adding affiliates. Now heard in over 15 markets including Seattle, Portland, Orlando, Peoria, West Palm Beach, Oklahoma City and Baton Rouge.
Talk Host Wayne Allyn Root Inks Deal for Trump Book. Nationally syndicated radio talk host Wayne Allyn Root signs a deal with Humanix Books to author a book on “Donald Trump’s business and political success,” due out in early 2019. Root, whose USA Radio Network program is based at flagship stations KBDT, 
Dallas and KBET, Las Vegas (also simulcast on Newsmax TV) says, “President Trump has achieved awe-inspiring success in business, entrepreneurship, branding, PR, publishing, television and now, of course, politics. I’ve studied Donald Trump’s life for decades (since I graduated Columbia University and started my business career in 1983) and owe much of my own success to the remarkable lessons learned from this man.” Root has authored almost a dozen books in the fields of politics, business and personal development. In addition to his television, radio and author careers, Root is also the national politics opinion columnist for the Las Vegas Review Journal and his articles have appeared regularly at Newsmax.com, FoxNews.com, Breitbart.com,TownHall.com, Blaze.com, RealClearPolitics.com and many others.
TALKERS News Notes. At Entercom in Miami, Brian “The Beast” London adds assistant program director duties for sports talk duo WAXY “790 The
Ticket” and WQAM to his responsibilities. London co-hosts the “Tobin, Leroy, and Beast” midday show on WAXY…..Tomorrow afternoon, Scripps’ WTMJ, Milwaukee continues its “Community Conversation” series as WTMJ News addresses the recent, controversial tasing of Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Sterling Brown. The Thursday 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm special program is being hosted by John Mercure and Melissa Barclay…..Mt. Rushmore Broadcasting announces that its effort to “promote American values” includes airing the nationally syndicated “Our American Stories” program (hosted by Lee Habeeb) across its stations in Wyoming and South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore president Jan Charles Gray says, “This is a wonderful way to air public affairs issues in a format that listeners can understand and embrace.”
ABC Cancels Rosanne, Trump vs Mueller, North Korea Summit, Italy Economic Fears/Financial Markets Activity, China Tariffs, Starbucks Bias Training, Solo Film, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/29). ABC-TV cancels “Roseanne” after Roseanne Barr issues a series of bizarre Tweets; President Trump accuses special counsel Robert Mueller of meddling with fall elections; the status of possible negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea; Italy’s shaky political state and its effects on the European economy and the world’s financial markets; the issue of trade concerns between the U.S. and China; Starbucks’ bias training program; the new Star Wars film Solo; Major League Baseball action; and the NBA Finals 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. On-air pro Elvis, a.k.a. Dan Lay, joins Entercom’s San Francisco alternative rock outlet KITS-FM “ALT 105.3” as morning drive host. He was previously partnered with Jeff Vandergrift on “The Dog House” on “WiLD 107” in the market. Entercom San Francisco SVP and market manager Gregory Nemitz says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Elvis to the Entercom team. His passion and drive for radio and its multiple platforms, coupled with his knowledge and connection to the Bay Area will provide our listeners and partners with the
engaging live, local audio content they enjoy daily on ‘ALT 105.3.’”…..Air personality Christy Taylor is the new midday jock, APD, and music director at Go Media’s alternative KQGO, Minneapolis “GO 96.3.” She was previously with Riviera Broadcasting’s hot AC KMVA, Phoenix “HOT 97.5/103.9” hosting 
the evening program…..In Sacramento, Entercom names Michael “Big Mic” Buhrman program director for hip hop KSFM and announces the arrival of air personalities Mia Amore and SOOSH*E who join the station as on-air hosts, effective immediately. Interim market manager Stacey Kauffman says, “We are excited to welcome Michael’s skill set, dedication, and passion to 102.5 KSFM. His knowledge of the format and reputation in the industry will be an asset to the team. The additions of Mia and SOOSH*E to the KSFM staff solidifies a great line up of talented on-air personalities who understand the importance of being topical, relatable and entertaining to an already passionate listener base.”…..Zander is promoted to operations manager and program director for Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s rock WXRX “104.9 The X” and sister sports talk WNTA “Sportsfan 1330.”…..Pictured below at WPLJ, New York’s holiday weekend remote broadcast are (from l-r): “Todd & Jayde in the Morning” executive producer Joe Pardavilla, Jayde Donovan, Jason Mraz, and Todd Pettengill. Last Friday, the program broadcast from Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Mraz, along with fellow artists Echosmith, MAX, and John Splithoff performed on the boardwalk.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
KFTK-FM, St. Louis Morning Host Jamie Allman Leaves TV Show Gig After Controversial Tweet. If you guessed that this involves Parkland, Florida student David Hogg, you are correct. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that
KFTK-FM, St. Louis morning show host Jamie Allman Tweeted a statement
regarding Hogg, who is seen as the face of the student-led movement to change gun laws in Florida in the aftermath of the deaths of 17 students at the hands of Nikolas Cruz. He wrote, “I’ve been hanging out getting ready to ram a hot poker up David Hogg’s ass tomorrow.” As the paper reports, the context of Allman’s Tweet is unclear as his account has been locked. Allman, in addition to his radio show, hosted “The Allman Report” on Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KDNL-TV “ABC 30,” but The Hollywood Reporter states that he resigned that gig after the backlash that included a number of advertisers reportedly dropping their ad campaigns on the TV station. Allman continues to host his morning show on news/talk KFTK-FM. The station is being operated under an LMA by Entercom as it is buying the station from Emmis Communications.
Entercom’s ’97.3 The Machine’ in San Diego Goes All Comedy/Rock; Sileo and ‘The Men’s Room’ Off the Air. Local sports talker Dan Sileo and the Seattle-based “The Men’s Room” were both off the air on Entercom’s KEGY, San Diego “97.3 The Machine” yesterday, and likely will be today as well, as
the status of the erstwhile sports talk/hot talk hybrid 
remains in question. As of this morning, the station continues to play comedy bits and rock music. If you’ve been following this story, you know that the ill-advised Tweet by Kevin Klein – hired to host the morning show – that used a picture of San Diego’s Coronado bridge and poking fun at its history of being a site of many suicides left his status with the station up in the air. The San Diego Padres – for whom the station serves as their flagship for play-by-play – were upset with the station and publicly questioned their desire to continue with KEGY. The absence of Sileo and “The Men’s Room” from the air seems to indicate Entercom is planning an overhaul of the station, but what form the station will take when the smoke clears is not known. There is speculation the station will emerge as a traditional sports talk outlet. Stay tuned.
Andy Bloom Named Operations Manager at Entercom’s Twin Cities Cluster. Programming pro Andy Bloom is returning to his hometown(s) to
serve as operations manager for Entercom’s Minneapolis-St. Paul cluster that includes news/talk WCCO-AM, country KMNB “Buz’n @ 102.9” and adult hits KZJK “104.1 JACK FM.” Entercom Twin 
Cities SVP and market manager Shannon Knoepke says, “Andy has a successful track record programming radio stations and we are looking forward to having him join our Twin Cities team. He has a clear understanding of our operational vision and is skilled at implementing winning business strategies.” Bloom is certainly well known to Entercom EVP of programming Chris Oliviero, with whom he worked at CBS RADIO. Oliviero came over to Entercom with the acquisition of the CBS RADIO stations by Entercom. Bloom was most recently programming CBS’ Philly stations, including sports talk WIP-FM and news/talk WPHT.
FOX News Radio to Launch Early Evening “Benson and Harf” Program. This new nightly show from FOX News Radio will emanate from the
company’s newly named Tony Snow Radio Studio in Washington, DC and will co-star Guy Benson and Marie Harf. The 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET “Benson and Harf” show will feature nightly expert guests to “discuss the news of the day and engage in powerful debate, providing fast-paced, thoughtful discourse on relevant stories pertaining to politics, media and culture.” Benson joined FNC in 2013 and provides political commentary across FNC and FOX Business Network’s daytime and primetime programming. Harf joined the network in 2017 to offer national security and political analysis across FNC and FBN’s daytime and primetime programming. Most recently, Harf served as the senior adviser for strategic communications to Secretary of State John Kerry and previously held the position of deputy spokesperson for the State Department from July 2013 until May 2015.
Michael Clemente Named CEO of Newsmax Broadcasting. The Newsmax Broadcasting segment of Newsmax Media, Inc. airs the Newsmax TV channel. The company announces that television executive Michael Clemente is joining the fold as CEO of Newsmax Broadcasting.
Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Michael is one of the most accomplished executives and producers in television and digital news. He is widely respected in the industry and has won accolades for his high journalistic standards. It’s an honor for us to have him leading our team.” Clemente was with FOX News Channel for the past seven years as EVP of news. In that capacity he oversaw all news programming, including live events, breaking news, documentaries, and specials. He’s also served as senior producer for ABC’s “World News Tonight” and was executive producer of live and breaking news at CNN. Clemente comments, “Newsmax has demonstrated the ability to adapt and thrive in the highly transformative digital news world and was one of the first major online outlets to create a TV brand in cable and OTT. I’m excited to take on this new role at Newsmax during an incredible period of change, in a country eager for truth, understanding, and engagement in the news process.”
TALKERS News Notes. Next Monday (4/16), the simulcast of WPEN-FM, Philadelphia’s afternoon program – “The Mike Missanelli Show” – begins on
NBC Sports Philadelphia. The program airs on Beasley Media Group’s “97.5 The Fanatic” from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily, but the TV simulcast will end at 5:00 pm followed by the “Philly Sports Talk” show on NBC Sports. Missanelli says, “I’m extremely excited to be joining forces with NBC Sports Philadelphia. ‘97.5’ led the way in town to bring sports talk radio to the FM airwaves and now we are so looking forward to bringing it to television. The show will continue to provide the very best in sports analysis and fun, entertaining radio. I can’t wait for everyone to become part of it.”…..Boston television news figure Tony Pepper died at age 79 in the Boston suburb of Newton after complications from diabetes and heart disease. In addition to his years spent on WBZ-TV, he co-hosted a talk radio program with Janet Jeghelian on WRKO-AM, Boston for two years in the early 1980s…..In conjunction with NBC Sports and NBC Sports Radio, Westwood One is presenting live, play-by-play audio coverage of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, beginning tomorrow (4/11). Kenny Albert – play-by-play – and Joe Micheletti – analyst – are serving as Westwood 
One/NBC Sports Radio’s lead broadcast crew and will call the 2018 Stanley Cup Final and select playoff games…..WPHT, Philadelphia morning host Chris Stigall is pictured at left in a screen grab of his most recent appearance on FOX News Channel. Stigall says that in the Trump era, “FOX News knows one of the president’s most important constituency groups is talk radio.” He’s been making regular appearances on FNC commenting on the Keystone State, how the 2018 mid-terms may play out, the special House race in PA-18, and how trade issues could affect Pennsylvania…..In the photo below, WGOW-FM, Chattanooga “Talk Radio 102.3” midday personality Brian Joyce is throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Chattanooga Lookouts-Birmingham Barons AA baseball game. Joyce – who is also heard in afternoons on Cumulus Media’s sister Atlanta news/talker WYAY-FM “Talk 106.7” – says he warmed up a bit in the bull pen to avoid “air-mailing the first pitch.” Coincidentally, Joyce played four years of Division 1 college baseball in his younger days.
‘Yappy Tour’ Rolls Into Academia. Pictured above lecturing a college class in “journalism convergence” at Highpoint University in Highpoint, NC this morning (4/10) is Bernadette Duncan, author of one of the most-discussed radio books in the talk media industry, Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Boozers, Schmoozers and Losers (Talkers Books, 2016). Duncan, a former producer, chronicles her 26 years as the woman behind the glass on shows hosted by such legends as Sally Jessy Raphael, Larry King, Tom Snyder, Lou Dobbs, Gil Gross, Charles Osgood and others, covering a large swath of modern talk radio’s pre- and post-9/11 “golden era.” Plus, she tells stories about behind-the-scenes encounters with hundreds of quirky guests from the worlds of show business, politics, media, business and literature including: Donald Trump, Omarosa Manigault, David Letterman, Joe Biden, Mike Huckabee, Geraldo Rivera, Joan Rivers and dozens more. Due to the strong response by hosts around the world to both the subject and Duncan’s lively air presence, the “Yappy Tour” has continue to roll on into 2018, sponsored by TALKERS magazine. Duncan has already appeared on more than 130 local and syndicated programs since the book’s release in September of 2016. Now, based on the book’s success and positive recognition, she has been invited to guest-lecture at colleges and universities advising students how to break into the radio business and carve out a career in producing and journalism. In the past two months, she has spoken at such schools as Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY; Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, CT; American International College in Springfield, MA; and Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA. Hosts, shows and schools interested in booking Bernadette Duncan can do so by calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
FBI Raids Trump Attorney Cohen’s Office, Trump-Russia Investigation, U.S.-Syria Military Policy/Chemical Attack, Zuckerberg Congressional Testimony, Rick Scott Senate Bid, Kimmel-Hannity Feud, Mexican Border Security, U.S.-China Tariffs, and MLB and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/9). The FBI executes warrants on Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen after receiving information from special counsel Robert Mueller; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the Trump administration’s military policy in Syria and the recent, deadly chemical attack on civilians; Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before Congress on Cambridge Analytica data usage; Republican Florida Governor Rick Scott to challenge Democrat Bill Nelson for U.S. Senate seat; the war of words between Jimmy Kimmel and Sean Hannity over the former’s poking fun at First Lady Melania Trump; Trump’s plan to use the U.S. military to defend the Mexican border from illegals; the threat of a tariff war between the U.S. and China; and MLB and NBA 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. Country radio programming pro Lance Houston is named PD for iHeartMedia Chicago’s WEBG, Chicago “BIG 95.5.” Houston – who joins the
Windy City operations of iHM from the company’s WBWL, Boston “101.7 The Bull” – will also serve as midday personality. Houston reports to Tommy Austin, SVP of programming for iHeartMedia’s Chicago Region…..Programmer John Richards is the new program director at iHeartMedia’s country WQIK, Jacksonville. In this position, Richards is also taking on programming duties at the company’s WTNT, Tallahassee and WPAP, Panama City, Florida. Richards says, “I’m excited to be back in Jacksonville at WQIK. I have history with the brand, and now another opportunity to add something to its tapestry. The management team is terrific, and the staff is passionate. It really shows in the quality of the product. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute.” Richards was most recently market president and iHeartMedia’s Corpus Christi and Harlingen-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas markets…..Westwood One is launching a new, weekly
syndicated Saturday program called “Jayde,” starring Jayde Donovan. Donovan is well-known as co-host of the WPLJ, New York morning show, host for the “Westwood One Backstage” broadcasts and her various television endeavors. WWO says the new, three-hour show is “an upbeat, fun, and empowering show built for Saturday mornings to target the fierce, fabulous women who are doing it all – even if that means they are still wearing yesterday’s make-up while driving carpool to soccer practice. The show will be a mix of interviews with celebrity moms, real life stories that inspire, and great music, all creating the perfect cocktail for a young, fresh, and inspired female-driven radio show.”…..iHeartMedia Seattle radio personality Marty Riemer – morning show co-host at KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet,” is being featured in an upcoming episode of HGTV’s “House Hunters International.” Riemer works on air from Germany to join co-host Jodi Brothers for the “Marty & Jodi Show.” The HGTV program addresses the Riemer family’s decision to move to Berlin, Germany, Marty’s experience co-hosting a cohesive morning program from Germany, and how the family met their unique balance of needs – including a central city location, reliable internet connection, and proximity to their children’s school…..In honor of Elvis Duran being inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Sierra Automated Systems presented the Premiere Networks syndicated morning host with a gold “Hall of Fame Edition” iSL console (pictured below) at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. From left to right are: Elvis Duran, “Shotgun” Tom Kelly, and SAS president Eddie Fritz.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
KFYI, Phoenix Inks James T Harris for PM Drive. Former KQTH, Tucson and WTMJ, Milwaukee talk show host James T Harris is the new afternoon drive
personality at iHeartMedia’s KFYI, Phoenix. Harris’ show, “The Conservative Circus,” will air from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, effective January 15. iHeartMedia West Division EVP of programming Steve Geofferies comments, “James is a special talent. He has created demand not only from his radio audience, but a national demand through his social following. The addition of James continues our strategy of acquiring top tier talent in Phoenix.”
Noted Talk Producer and Personality Rich Carbery (Angry Rich) Rejoins John Gibson on Syndicated Show. The independently produced, GCN-distributed John Gibson (left) show has hired well-known talk media figure Rich Carbery, a.k.a. Angry Rich (right), to serve as its producer, guest-booker and featured on-air
sidekick. Carbery most recently has been booking and producing for Newsmax TV, working with Steve Malzberg, among others. During his career he’s been at WLS, Chicago and WRKO, Boston working for PD Mike Elder. Elder brought him to Fox News Radio in 2005 where he became the original producer of John Gibson’s talk show that was a staple of the network for many years. Gibson tells TALKERS, “Rich was the original producer of my Fox Radio talk show from the earliest days in the fall of 2005 through all those years on Sirius. He is a spectacular booker, an experienced pro who brings name-brand guests and inside information and analysis to the audience. Rich is also a great voice on air. While he is reliably conservative, he also has a sharp ear for spotting and calling out foolishness and weak arguments whether right or left. As longtime listeners of my show also know, he is very funny and always added an extra dimension of both information and hilarity to the show. I am delighted that he has joined me again. It is a great way to kick off 2018!” Gibson’s new show has been growing at a rapid rate and is heard weekdays live between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm ET. For more information, please click here.
Leahy’s Talk Show Expands. Talk show host and conservative media figure Jeremy Leahy’s program “Standing Ground” is expanding to two hours this month. The
program is heard via both Red State Talk Radio and Talkamericaradio.us. Leahy’s program launched in May of 2015 and also airs on WJHC, Jasper, Florida and WDDQ, Adel, Georgia “Talk 92.1.” Leahy’s radio career includes time spent serving with Entercom in Boston, the former Greater Media talk station WTKK-FM, Boston, and CBS RADIO in Boston. For the last several years, he has been actively producing an independent podcast discussing politics, law, and current events under Leahy Media.
Herskovitz: Woe Unto Us. Talk radio sales pro Al Herskovitz writes today about recent examples of radio’s “self-inflicted wounds.” Herskovitz says that over the past week or so he’s heard numerous programming errors – from Christmas music being played after Christmas to a best-of sports talk show discussing upcoming games that, in fact, had already been played. He says that programming flaws such as these current holiday examples are just recent signs of incidents that can be heard over an entire year. Read his column here.
Harrison and Neer Take a Long Look Back at 2017 and Peer Ahead to 2018. Music and sports talk radio pioneer Richard Neer of WFAN, New York is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” The lengthy conversation between the two alumni of golden era album rockers WNEW-FM, New York and WLIR, Long
Island (where their 50-year friendship and broadcast association began) engage in a New Year’s Eve chat based on the TALKERS chart of the 15 most-talked-about people and topics of 2017. In addition to covering the people and politics of news/talk media, they talk about new movies, the revival of interest in Winston Churchill and the passing of legendary musical pop stars such as Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Tom Petty. To listen to the podcast in its entirety please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Trump-Kim Jong Un Nuclear Saber-Rattling, Iran Protests, Hatch Retirement/Romney Senate Run, Trump ‘Dishonest Media Awards’ Tweet, Trump DACA Stance, Logan Paul Suicide Image Controversy, Frigid Weather, NFL Playoffs and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/2). The war of words over each other’s nuclear “buttons” between President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un; the political protests taking place in Iran; Utah Senator Orrin Hatch to retire and the possibility Mitt Romney will run for his seat; President Trump tweets about his forthcoming “dishonest media” and “fake news” awards; Trump’s policy on DACA and sanctuary cities; the controversy over YouTube star Logan Paul’s use of an image of a Japanese suicide victim; the frigid weather engulfing much of the U.S.; and the NFL playoffs and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. Dallas sports talk outlet KTCK “1310/96.7 The Ticket” raised more than $540,000 for the Austin Street Center during its 17th Annual Normathon, held from December 7-26, 2017. The Austin Street Center provides safe shelter and meets the basic needs of the most vulnerable homeless in Dallas. Cumulus Media’s “The Ticket” has helped raise more than $4.7 million through the Normathon over the past 17 years…..In the Bay Area, Cumulus Media San Francisco’s stations, including news/talk KGO, talk KSFO, and sports KTCT recently reached the set goal of raising $500,000 for the Bay Area Fire Relief Fund, bringing relief to victims of the recent Northern California wildfires. The wildfires destroyed homes displacing thousands of Northern Californians and scorched areas including Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties…..The Radio Advertising Bureau announces the addition of three new members to the RAB board of directors: Erik Hellum, EVP, radio for Townsquare Media; Bill Hendrich, EVP, Cox Media Group; and Christine Travaglini, president, Christal Radio + Katz Partnerships. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber states, “Erik, Bill and Christine are welcome additions to the RAB board of directors. Their industry stewardship and business acumen complement the board of directors and continue to enhance RAB’s mission.”
Envision Networks Announces January 18 Webinar. This series of webinars presented by Envision Networks is designed to “provide information and educate attendees on common goals radio professionals pursue while looking ahead to
industry trends.” The next one takes place on Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 pm ET and is titled, “Weathering the Storm with Hyper Local Coverage.” Topics addressed will include: How to make your news and weather sound big regardless of market size; how to stay on top of local severe weather and emergency coverage; and how to use your coverage on air, online and on demand. Envision president/CEO and webinar host Danno Wolkoff says, “Weather and news should be local in nature and customizable to the market. It’s important to market your news and weather to listeners through personality and localization.” You can register for the free event here.
Documentary About Historic Band Gunhill Road Capturing Golden Era of Album Rock Radio Is Released – Features Talk Radio Personalities. The long-awaited theatrical documentary film by young, rising filmmaker Eric Goldrich – Every 40 Years – chronicling the amazing, almost-half-century odyssey of the 70s rock band Gunhill Road (of “Back When My Hair Was Short” fame) is now in full release on Amazon Prime and other leading digital venues in both streaming and DVD platforms. TALKERS
publisher Michael Harrison, who provides some of the commentary in the film, advised in its production. It includes appearances by such radio personalities as Doug Stephan and the late Alan Colmes, among others. Harrison was one of the original progressive rock radio personalities that heavily played this remarkably talented group back in the early 70s during his tenure as morning host on WNEW-FM. He has enthusiastically championed their new music and compelling human interest story – in which they bravely returned to the studio four decades later to take a second stab at the glory that just barely evaded them the first time around. It is a compelling tale about four extremely talented kids from New York – Glenn Leopold, Steve Goldrich, Gil Roman and Paul Reisch – who came painfully close to rock n’ roll stardom only to fall short because of a series of random circumstances and decisions. It is told through the eyes of Steve’s son, filmmaker Eric Goldrich. A rock history freak’s delight! Check out the trailer here. To book an interview with Eric Goldrich, he can be reached via email at eric@manifest-pictures.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. As Chicago media maven Robert Feder reports, Cumulus Media is breaking up the morning show at alternative WKQX “FM 101.1.” Lou Lombardo is assuming the role of evening jock (taking over for the departed Josh Marconi) and Brian Phillips will host the morning show solo. Lombardo is also taking on Marconi’s digital content captain duties…..Programming and on-air pro Zach “Vaughn” McHugh is the new program director and afternoon drive show host on Cumulus Media’s alternative rock WRXL, Richmond “XL102.” Vaughn comes to Richmond from the company’s WSFS, Miami “104.3 The Shark” where he was music director and afternoon drive
host…..iHeartMedia names Tamo midday personality for KLLT, St. Louis “ALT 104.9” and KDXA, Des Moines “ALT 106.3.” Her air shift will be from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm…..Entercom renews Aaron Axelsen’s deal as assistant program director and music director for KITS, San Francisco “ALT 105.3.” He’ll continue to host his “Subsonic” and “Soundcheck” programs…..The rollout of Premiere Networks’ syndicated alt rock morning program “The Woody Show” continues as new iHeartMedia affiliates “95X” in Raleigh (W237BZ/WDCG-HD2) and KUCD, Honolulu “Star 101.9” add the program.
Round Two of December PPM Ratings. December 2017 ratings information has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s December 2017 survey period covered November 9 – December 6. The vast majority of (but not all) major November 2017 – December 2017 improvements by music stations is attributable to a transition to all-Christmas music. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Washington, D.C. – Up one-tenth in each of the last four ratings periods (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH erupts with a +3.3 in December to 7.8 (6+, seventh to fourth), its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.4. At this time last year, WASH notched a 5.9 (6+, December 2016). An overall -1.1 in six
consecutive down or flat sweeps (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” pulls the plug by logging a one-half share increase to 2.8 (6+, #17 to #15). In the process, it overtakes Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WRQX “Mix 107.3” (#15 to #16), whose July 2017 – December 2017 trends are a very consistent 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 (6+). A one-half share gain by WLZL “El Zol 107.9” (1.6 – 2.1, #19 to #18, 6+) elevates the Entercom Spanish tropical outlet to the two-share level for the first time in exactly one year 
(2.0, December 2016). Notwithstanding that it is down by two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4, 6+) Hubbard all-news WTOP takes sole possession of first-place. Prior to November, WTOP was a collective +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+), with October’s 9.8 its strongest 6+- share since 9.9 in March. In the runner-up slot from January through August, WTOP climbed to #1 in September. By notching a +.7 in August, WTOP halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+). It was tied for the lead in November with American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which stumbles by seven-tenths (9.6 – 8.9 6+) and falls to #2. WAMU exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. A cumulative -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but forfeited exactly twice that increase in June with a -1.4. February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. Off by seven-tenths as well and
falling from fourth to seventh (4.0, 6+) is Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL, which had been up or flat the past three sweeps for an overall +1.5 (3.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+). Immediately after hanging out a +1.4 to 8.4, the station’s best-ever PPM-showing, Howard University-owned urban AC WHUR surrenders one-half share to 7.9 (6+) and is anchored in third-place for the 12th time in a row. Entering the November sweep, WHUR was without an increase in the previous three ratings periods for an overall -1.1 (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+). A loss of one full-share in August ended at five a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+). Advancing from sixth to fifth, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ is up or flat for the third month in succession for a collective gain of eight-tenths (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0, 6+). “Majic 102.3” was a cumulative -1.8 in August and September (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), before regaining four-tenths in October. September’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since December’s 3.8. Dropping from fourth to sixth, iHeartMedia classic rock WBIG “Big 100” is off a collective -1.4 as the result of four straight declines (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). In ten (10) straight sweeps without an increase (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .4, 6+) Alpha Media’s WFLS has lost nearly two-thirds of its 6+-share and “93.3 Today’s New Country” departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).
2) Boston – Following five successive months without an increase for an overall -1.7 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom owned adult contemporary WMJX roars back with an increase that is more than twice that deficit (8.8, 
+3.5, 6+). Moreover, “Magic 106.6 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” vaults from fifth to first. Whereas November’s 5.3 was its weakest 6+-stat in almost seven years (5.1, January 2011), December’s 8.8 is its strongest since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2016; “Magic” was 7.8 (6+) in December 2016. Exiting the top spot after three straight months there and shifting to second is iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (7.6 – 7.2, -.4, 6+). In September, “Kiss” wiped out August’s one-half share decline by racking up a +.9 to 7.9 – its highest 6+-share since July 2014’s 8.2. In five consecutive increases prior to the August sweep, “Kiss 108” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). Having had its 6+share decreased by more than 50% (2.8 – 1.8 – 1.3, June – July – August, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation classical-formatted WCRB follows with its fourth successive sweep without a loss for a collective +.8 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.1, flat at #18, 6+). Five straight downward moves by WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” have accounted for a collective -1.3 (5.6 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.3, sixth-place tie to ninth, 6+). In November, WBUR added nine-tenths to October’s one-half share gain, but the Boston University-owned news/talker regresses by one-half share in December (4.0 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 4.9, fourth to sixth, 6+). Its one-half share loss in September ended three straight sweeps without a decrease and erased the half-share it gained in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). In four straight
increases, Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” (the property Entercom traded to Beasley for WMJX) was a collective +2.4 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+), but in December, the New England Patriots’ key station surrenders three-tenths to 5.4 (6+), slipping from third to fourth. Entering the August ratings period, “The Sports Hub” had been down or flat six straight times for a combined -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). While flat at #17, iHeartMedia’s WBWL has its fourth consecutive – albeit modest – decline (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+) for an overall loss of one-half share. Immediately prior to the start of this negative streak, “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” had four successive increases that accounted for a +.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). Elsewhere in the format, Beasley Media Group-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” is trending 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.4 (6+) and is unchanged at #8. Its September gain of one-tenth ended at three a consecutive string of down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). In addition to changing ownership from CBS Radio to Entercom, hot AC WBMX adopts new calls (WWBX), transferring the WBMX call letters to its Chicago sibling formerly known as WJMK. Still using the “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” handle, WWBX is an overall -.5 in three straight sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+) but actually bumps up from #12 to #11.
3) Miami – The top three December 2017 finishers are separated by just two-tenths of a share. Included in that trio is Entercom adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM,” which is a collective +1.0 in three successive up or flat trends (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 6.6, 6+) to climb from fourth to third. This is the best 6+-showing for “Lite” since February (6.6, as well). Its
format rival – Cox Media Group’s WFEZ “Easy 93.1” – logs a +.2 for the third month in succession (6.2 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+) and progresses from second to first; 6.8 (6+) matches what “Easy” recorded in June. Dislodged from the top spot after a seven-month run is urban AC cluster-mate WHQT “Hot 105” (7.0 – 6.7, -.3, 6+), which trades places with WFEZ at #2. October’s 7.8 was the strongest 6+-stat for “Hot” since July 2016’s 8.0. Linked together at #8 (4.0, 6+) are CHR rivals Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (-.2, seventh to eighth, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (unchanged from November in rank and AQH share). As a result of November’s -.3, “Hits 97.3” curtailed three straight up or flat trends that produced a gain of four-tenths (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Prior to a loss of four-tenths in September, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). These two CHRs were tied for eighth-place in July and separated by one-tenth in August. Following back-to-back gains of one-tenth in October and November (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WBGG “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” erodes by nine-tenths to 3.0, its lowest 6+-showing since April 2016 (3.0, as well), and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). Immediately after registering a +.8 in November, Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” relinquishes all but one-tenth of it (5.6 – 4.9, -.7, 6+) to slide 
from fifth to sixth. Steady at #15, urban contemporary sibling WMIB “103.5 The Beat” is an overall -.7 in five successive sweeps without an increase (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). Although down or flat for the sixth time in succession for an overall decline of four-tenths (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), co-owned news/talk WIOD improves from #22 to #21. The May through November (6+) trending for Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 – New Country” is 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 (#18 to #17).
4) Detroit – The positive news continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which posts its fourth straight increase to nearly double its 6+-share (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 11.8, 6+). In addition to logging the 
station’s highest 6+-share since the “Holiday” 2016 report when it reached 13.7, WNIC is this market’s pacesetter for the fourth month in a row. After registering three straight gains for a full-share improvement (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+), WNIC faltered by two-tenths in August; it is a collective +5.8 since August. In advance of gaining one-tenth in November, co-owned urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s Throwbacks and R&B” was -2.5 in four straight decreases (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+), a streak that followed a combined +2.4 in May and June. Now, “Mix” adds one-half share to 4.5 (6+) to crack the top ten (#11 to #8). Stuck on 4.4 (6+) in August and September before proceeding to 5.0 (6+) in October, November, and December, iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” advances from seventh to sixth. Up or flat for the third time in a row for a collective +.8 (2.7 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-programmed WDZH “98.7 AMP Radio” carries on at #13. Owing to a loss of eight-tenths (6.5 – 5.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” drops from second to third. Immediately after picking up three-tenths (in November) to pull the plug on four straight decreases for an overall -1.5 (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” falters by seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.3, 6+) to dip from seventh to tenth; 4.3 is its lowest 6+-share since 4.1 in “Holiday” 2016. Its format rival – Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (unchanged at #18) – is without an increase for the seventh consecutive sweep and is -.8 in that May through December stretch (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Eleven (11) days into the December 2017 sweep (11/20), iHeartMedia transitioned WDTW “106.7 The D,” which had been classic rock (pitted against WCSX) and later adult 
hits to “Alt 106-7 Detroit’s New Alternative.” While steady at #19, WDTW is an overall -.9 in four consecutive negative trends (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). Slipping from a third-place tie to fourth, Entercom all-news WWJ is off four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), curtailing four successive uptrends that yielded a cumulative gain of seven-tenths (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). Unchanged at #5, its sports talk sibling WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” slumps for the third straight time for a collective -1.1 (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+).
5) Seattle – A scorecard might be needed to track recent Emerald City radio changes. For openers, as Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” was playing wall-to-wall Christmas music (12/4), it received a new challenger as Entercom transitioned newly-acquired (from CBS Radio) KMPS from country to AC. In addition to a new owner and a
new format, KMPS became KSWD “The Sound,” the same call letters and identity Entercom used in its Los Angeles classic rocker, which is now Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KKLQ. On the strength of a +2.8 (5.3 – 8.1, 6+), “Warm” progresses from fourth to first with its strongest 6+-stat since 10.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” halted three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). It takes over the top spot from Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW, which held the lead position the past four months. Even though it segues to second-place, KUOW extends to five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that has netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). Its +.5 in August pulled the plug on three straight downward moves that produced an overall decline of six-tenths (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Meanwhile, Seattle’s version of “The Sound” fades from #8 to #15, dropping six-tenths to 3.2, the lowest 6+-share for the former KMPS since “Holiday” 2016’s 3.0. Despite KMPS departing country in favor of AC, Seattle still has a two-way battle country battle. The two aforementioned group owners are involved here as well with Entercom incumbent KKWF “100.7 The Wolf #1 for New Country” up one-half share (2.9 – 3.4, 6+) zooming from #18 to #12, while Hubbard’s KVRQ “Country 98.9 – Nobody Plays More New Country” is without an increase for the fourth month in a row (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5, flat at #20, 6+). Up until December 4, KVRQ was “Rock 98.9,” but it conducted its format flip the same day as KMPS (12/4). While they remain in their respective formats, adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM Playing What We Want” (4.4, +.3, sixth to fifth, 6+) and KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” (steady at #8, 6+) shift from Entercom/CBS Radio to iHeartMedia. “Jack” was a combined -.4 in three straight down or flat trends (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), while KZOK is -1.3 in its third consecutive decrease (4.9 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+). Classic Radio’s KING-FM “Classical 98.1” hasn’t had a decrease in the last seven survey periods for an overall gain of eight-tenths (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 
1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9, steady at #22, 6+). Although anchored at #24, iHeartMedia’s KJR-AM “950 Entertaining Sports Talk” is up or flat for the fifth month in a row (.5 – .6 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), nearly tripling its 6+-share in that timeframe and notching its highest 6+-share since January’s 1.7. Recapturing all but one-tenth of November’s -.7 (1.3 – 1.9, +.6, 6+), Educational Media Foundation’s contemporary Christian KLSW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which had been locked on 2.0 (6+) in August, September, and October, climbs from #24 to #22. After posting six improvements in a row for a cumulative +1.5 (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), Crista Ministries’ similarly-formatted KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” falters by four-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). A -1.1 (5.3 – 4.2, 6+) takes iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” (fourth to sixth) to its lowest 6+-share since May 2015’s 3.9. Via three consecutive sweeps without an increase for a cumulative -1.1 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 2.6, 6+), Bonneville sports outlet KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” plummets from #11 to #19; this is its lowest 6+-share since
2.5 in March. Following six straight increases for an overall +2.5 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), co-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 – Seattle’s News, Seattle’s Talk” is off three-tenths to 5.7 (6+) shifting from second to third; November’s 6.0 was its strongest 6+-showing in two years (6.1, December 2015). Locked on 2.9 (6+) in September and October before advancing to 3.2 in November, iHeartMedia CHR KPWK “Power 93.3 Seattle’s New #1 For Hit Music” sputters by one-half share to 2.7, slipping from #16 to #18 (6+).
6) Phoenix – Powered by a +.5.9, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ nearly doubles its 6+-share (6.2 – 12.1, 6+) and advances from second to first. It is the first time any Phoenix station has reached double-digits since KESZ did it in 
“Holiday” 2016 (16.5, 6+). Exiting the lead position after seven straight months there is Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7,” which is a combined -1.5 as the result of its fourth straight decrease (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.4, 6+). KSLX was +1.1 (6.8 – 7.9, 6+) in August, after a collective -.5 in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). Not only does KJZZ leap from #13 to #7, the Maricopa County Community College news/talker reaches the four-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history (3.2 – 4.0, +.8, 6+). After gaining one-half share in September to 2.4 (6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI forfeited more than twice that margin in October, cutting September’s 6+-share in half and freefalling from the top twenty (1.2, -1.2, #17 to #27, 6+). Disappearing from print in November, “88.3 Campesina” resurfaces at #14 (3.1), tied with Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted KHOT (3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #13 to #14, 6+). Another regional Mexican facility – Entravision’s KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” – is right behind them (3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #12 to #16, 6+). The (6+) May through November line for KOMR is 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4, but the Univision Radio Spanish adult hits station breaks out a gain of one-half share to 1.9, improving from #24 to #21. One-tenth ahead of it at a tie at #19 (up from a three-way logjam at #20 in November) is Entravision’s similarly-programmed KVVA “Jose,” which is up an overall eight-tenths in three successive gains (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+). Big ups/downs continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies property KOOL, which was a combined +1.7 in June and July (4.7 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+); an overall -2.0 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+); +1.0 in November to 5.4, 6+); and now -1.2 in December (4.2, third to fifth, 6+). Back in July, KOOL crossed the six-share threshold for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0 (6+). With a July 2017 through November 2017 (6+) topline of 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4, iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” erodes by -1.1 to 3.3 (6+) and drops out of the top ten (#6 to #13). Sputtering by six-tenths each are Hubbard alternative KDKB “Alt AZ 93.3” (4.0 – 3.4, #9 to #11, 6+); The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot” (3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #18, 6+); and
Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (2.7 – 2.1, #18 to #19, 6+). An extremely steady 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 (April 2017 – July 2017, 6+), “98.7 Arizona Sports” lost one-half share in August; was a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+); and lost three-tenths in November. Having gained four-tenths in November (1.0 – 1.4, 6+), Family Life Broadcasting contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” forfeits one-half share to .9 (6+, #24 to #28). An overall +.8 through four straight gains (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 – Today’s Best Country & All Time Favorites” drops three-tenths to 3.7 (6+, ninth to tenth). At the same time, Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” gains two-tenths to 3.4 (6+), thus applying the brakes to five straight declines for a collective full-share loss (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+) and advances from a four-way logjam at #13 to #11.
7) Minneapolis – Aided by a +2.6 (6.4 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” leaps from fifth to first with its strongest 6+-share since 15.9 in “Holiday” 2016; “Kool 108” notched a 7.6 in December 2016. Even though it improves four-tenths (7.2 – 7.6, 6+), co-owned KFXN “100.3 Sports Radio K-Fan,”
the flagship of the Minnesota Vikings, falls from first (where it had been in October and 
November) to second. Its -.1 in November curtailed four consecutive increases that produced a +2.7 since June (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 7.3, 6+). Following three straight dips (5.7 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM Playing What We Want” recaptures all but two-tenths of that collective -1.1 with a +.9 to 5.5 (6+) and progresses to the top ten (#11 to #6). In the market’s hot AC contest, iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97 – More Music, More Variety” posts a gain of one-half share to continue an up/down pattern that began in May (3.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.7, #14 to #12, 6+), while Hubbard’s KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” sputters by six-tenths (6.5, second to third, 6+), halting three straight up or flat trends that netted one-half share (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). The 6.5 by “KS-95” is its lowest 6+-share since February’s 6.4. Trending in the 5.0 – 5.6 range (6+) in each of the last five sweeps, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “98.5 Twin Cities Christian Radio” falters by nine-tenths (5.3 – 4.4, 6+) to slip from seventh to tenth. Flat at #3, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB is down one full-share since July as the result of five consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Having finished #1 in April, May, and June, “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” KDWB segued to #2 in July and back to #1 in August. Both of the market’s FM country outlets are off one-tenth from November 2017. Even though it hasn’t posted a gain in the last six ratings periods for a combined -1.7 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+) and has its softest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (4.6, as well), iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” inches up from tenth to ninth. Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” is an overall -.8 in three consecutive declines (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, #12 to #13, 6+) and remains one full-share behind KEEY.
8) San Diego – Not only does KYXY register its third straight positive spike for an overall +1.9 (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.7, 6+), the Entercom adult contemporary property rockets from ninth to third with its best 6+-share since 9.1 in “Holiday” 
2016. As the result of its third improvement in a row, Grupo Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina” is a collective +1.7 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 3.7, #13 to #12, 6+). Rebounding from November’s loss of seven-tenths with a gain of six-tenths (1.6 – 2.2, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ moves from #23 to #21. The initial trending for San Diego’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” was 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+, August – September – October). By replicating November’s half- share gain, Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” (5.8, 6+) advances from third to second. November’s +.5 (to 5.3, 6+) ended four straight decreases that yielded a cumulative loss of -1.4 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+). Posting a December 2017 increase of one-half share as well is cluster-mate KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative”, which – in addition to being up or flat for the fourth month in a row for a cumulative +.9 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+) – zooms from #21 to #15 with its strongest 6+-showing since January’s 2.7. This marks the first sweep since new Entercom siblings (CHR) KEGY and (country) KSON swapped frequencies. Whether directly attributable to that change or other competitive factors (including all-Christmas music on KYXY), the 6+-share for KEGY “San Diego’s Energy 97.3” is slashed by more than 50% (2.2 – 1.0, -1.2, 6+), while KSON-FM “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” spirals by nine-tenths (4.6 – 3.7, 6+); “Energy” fades from the top twenty (#19 to #25) and “New Country” exits the top ten (#6 to #12). When KEGY picked up one-tenth in November, it applied the brakes to four straight negative or flat trends (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+) in which it lost four-tenths. Likewise, a November +.3 by KSON-FM halted four consecutive sweeps 
without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.4 (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). In addition to KEGY, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOGO also plummets by -1.2 (twice its -.6 in November) and segues from first to fourth (6.6 – 5.4, 6+). As a result of KOGO’s loss of six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October’s 7.2 is the highest 6+-share for KOGO in its PPM-history. Marching from second to first with a gain of four-tenths to 6.0 (6+) is San Diego State University-owned KPBS, which pulls the plug on three straight monthlies without an increase that accounted for an overall -.6 (6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). This marks the fourth time this calendar year (February, August, September, and December) that KPBS is on top. It was within 5.0 – 5.5 range January through July (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). Two streaks come to an end in the rock format. A combined +1.5 in five straight progressive or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+), Midwest Television’s KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM – BFM” surrenders roughly half that increase (3.8, -.8, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#4 to #11); November’s 4.6 was its strongest 6+-showing since transitioning to rock in January 2016. Conversely, iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” adds one-tenth to 2.3 (6+), thus curtailing four down or flat trends in succession that produced an overall loss of seven-tenths (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+); “Rock 105.3” remains in a tie at #19.
9) Denver – This time last month, Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” was in a flat-footed tie for first-place with country cluster-mate KYGO – each with a six-share (6+). There’s no question about the December 2017 victor though with KOSI hanging out a +1.8 to 7.8 (6+), while KYGO is down or flat for the seventh month in a row
for a collective -.9 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.7, first to second, 6+). Down six-tenths in August and September (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+), KOSI has roared back in October-November-December with a collective +2.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 7.8, 6+). This (7.8) is its best 6+-showing since 11.6 in “Holiday” 2016; “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” was 6.5 in December 2016. An increase of six-tenths takes Colorado Public Radio classical outlet KVOD (2.0 – 2.6, #20 to #18, 6+) to its strongest 6+-stat since January’s 2.7. Having posted a -1.2 in November, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV responds with a one-half share increase (3.4 – 3.9, #14 to #11, 6+). Immediately prior to the November sweep, Denver’s version of “Positive and Encouraging K-Love” was a cumulative +1.5 as the result of three straight improvements (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+). Without an increase in each of the last three sweeps for an overall -1.4 (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.5, 6+), Colorado Public Radio’s news/talk KCFR rings up a +.3 to (4.8, 6+), climbing from sixth to fourth. Off one-half share in June, KCFR answered with a collective +1.9 in July, August, and September (4.0 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), before returning one-half share in October. It reached the five-share level (6+) in August for 
the first time since March 2016’s 5.7. Even though iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW records its sixth straight sweep without a loss for an overall +.5 (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), it backslides from #19 to #20. With a +.1 to 3.5 (6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS halts at four a string of downward trends that produced a -.9 (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+); “KS-107.5” progresses from a tie at #14 to one at #13. On the heels of posting a one-half share gain in November, hot AC cluster-mate KALC “Alice 105.9” returns it in its entirety in December (3.4 – 3.9 – 3.4, #12 to #15, 6+). The combined one-half share that “Alice” picked up in June and July (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+) was erased in August (3.4, 6+); KALC added another four-tenths in September. Flat at #13, its format rival – KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix” – is without an increase for the third sweep in succession and is off six-tenths in that stretch (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). Regressing by one-half share (in addition to KALC) is Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5” (2.8, unchanged at #16, 6+), thus returning its September-October-November +.5 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). This is the third straight decline for iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” for a collective -1.1 (6.6 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.5, flat at #3, 6+). Dropping out of the top ten (#10 to #12, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” is off for the third month in a row for a cumulative -.9 (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+).
10) Tampa – Stalled on 1.2 (6+) in October and November Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WPBB “B-98.8 Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” doubles it to 2.4 (6+), advancing from a tie at #20 to #18. It is the first time “B-98” 
has reached the two-share level (6+) since it became an AC in early-January 2017. In addition to notching a +.7 to 6.3 (6+), thus pulling the plug on six straight down or flat trends that generated an overall -2.5 (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “The Eagle” moves from third to its familiar runner-up slot. Prior to November, “The Eagle” was at #2 for 12 straight sweeps. Frozen on 5.2 (6+) in August, September, and October and then falling to 5.0 (6+) in November, Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WRBQ “Q-105 Tampa Bay’s Hits of the 70’s, 80’s, and More” rolls out a one-half share increase to 5.5 (6+), proceeding from fifth to fourth with its best 6+-stat since March’s 5.6. An increase of one-tenth to 4.6 (6+, eighth to seventh) by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” applies the brakes to three downward trends in succession that accounted for a -1.2 (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+); November’s 4.5 was its lowest 6+-share since February (4.5, as well). Even though a loss of seven-tenths to 10.4 ends three straight gains that netted +1.8 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 – 11.1, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is the market’s pacesetter for the 63rd successive ratings period. November’s 11.1 is its most potent 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. Prior to an August decrease, WDUV had been a collective +1.8 (again) as the result of four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). The stream of adult contemporary sibling WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” (.6 – 0, 6+) as well as Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” (4.8 – 4.2, seventh to ninth, 6+) decline by six-tenths. “The Joy FM” returns in its entirety November’s gain of six-tenths, following October’s -.7. When WCIE dropped two-tenths in September, it concluded four straight sweeps without a loss that netted a +1.3 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+); July’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-share for WCIE since the “Holiday” 2016 report (5.1, as well). Notwithstanding that it is up for the third straight time for a cumulative +2.2 (3.8- 4.7 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 For New Country” must settle for a backslide move of second to third. Whereas in September, WFUS dropped seven-tenths to 3.8, its softest 6+-showing in almost seven years (3.3, Holiday” 2010, 6+), December’s 6.0 is its best 6+-performance in nearly four years (6.1, January 2014). Its format rival – Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” – is off a collective two-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase, but advances from sixth to fifth (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+).
11) Baltimore – Things remain topsy-turvy for WLIF “Today’s 101.9.” The Entercom adult contemporary property dialed up a +.5 in August; returned all of it in September (-.5); displayed a +.8 in October; surrendered all of that in November (-.8); and now bounces back with a whopping +3.3 in December (6.4 – 9.7, 6+). Over and above posting its best 6+-
stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 15.3, “Today’s 101.9” vaults from fourth to first; WLIF was 8.3 (6+) in December 2016. Having occupied the top spot the past four months, Radio One urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” takes over at #2. Ironically, however, “Magic” adds one-half share to November’s +.9 (7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016’s 9.8. Entering the November sweep, “Magic” was without an increase in each of the previous four ratings periods for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). A four-tenths June increase halted at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a -.9 (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Stuck on .7 (6+) in October and November, Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC more than doubles it to 1.6, its best 6+-stat since January 2016’s 1.7 as “91.5 – Maryland’s Classical Musical Station” jumps from #20 to #15. Consistently within 7.2 – 7.7 range from May through November, (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” spirals by one full-share to 6.2 (6+, second to third); it is the first time WPOC is below a seven-share (6+) since January’s 5.9. Owing to a loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.0, sixth to eighth, 6+), adult hits cluster-mate WQSR “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” has its softest 6+-showing since 3.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Tied at #9 with identical 4.5 – 3.8, -.7 (6+) November 2017 – 
December 2017 profiles are Shamrock-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” and Entercom sports outlet WJZ-FM “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan.” The two were deadlocked at #8 this time last month. In November, “The Bay” was off two-tenths, thus ending at five a consecutive string of gains that netted a +1.9 (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), while “The Fan” has its third straight downward move accounting for an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Meanwhile, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams” (6.6 – 6.0, third to fourth, 6+) and Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” (5.2 – 4.6, steady at #5, 6+)
each sputter by six-tenths. This is the lowest 6+-share for WERQ in nearly three years (5.4, January 2015), while “98 Rock” notes its weakest 6+-showing since August 2016’s 4.4. The nine most recent trends for WIYY’s news/talk sibling WBAL are 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 (unchanged at #12, 6+).
12) St. Louis – Stymied at 4.1 (6+) in October and November, Entercom adult contemporary KEZK busts out a +2.6 to 6.7, its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 11.1, jumping from ninth to fourth. At this time last year, “102.5 The 
Best Mix of the ‘80s and Today” logged a 5.8 (6+, December 2016). Co-owned hot AC KYKY “Y-98” bounces back from November’s -.6 with a +.8 (4.1 – 3.5 – 4.3, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #10). Before gaining four-tenths in October, “Y-98” was without an increase in each of the previous eight survey periods for a net loss of -2.5 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+). Making positive spikes of six-tenths each are Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 The Lou – R&B + Old School for the Lou” (third to second, 6+) and Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” (fifth to fourth, 6+). The increase by “The Lou” concludes a down/up pattern that surfaced May through November (6.3 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 6.4, 6+). The yoyo effect, however, continues for “The Arch,” which was -.6 (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.8, May – June – July, 6+); +1.2 in August; -.7 in September (7.0 – 6.3, 6+); +.5 in October; -.7 in November (6.8 – 6.1, 6+); and now +.6 in December (6.7, 6+). With a 7.0 in August, “The Arch” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last December’s 7.6. Following a November gain of nine-tenths to 8.1 (6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU forfeits all but one-tenth of that increase (7.3, -.8, 6+) but repeats at #1. Prior to November, KLOU was down or flat the previous three months for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). On top in January, February, and March, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April, but returned to #1 in June, July, and August. On the heels of a six-tenths dip in November, Hubbard’s WIL “New Country 92.3” regresses by another nine-tenths (6.2 – 5.3, 6+), sliding from fourth to seventh. December’s -.9 curtails an alternating up/down pattern that “New Country” experienced from May through November (6.1 – 6.5 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.2, 6+). In addition to losing six-tenths to fall from seventh to ninth (4.4, 6+), Emmis’ KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” has its consecutive string of positive trends that netted one
full-share end at four (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Off by one-half share each are co-owned news/talk KFTK (3.6 – 3.1, #12 to #16, 6+); Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” (unchanged at #6, 6+); and Hubbard sports/talk WXOS 
“101 ESPN” (3.4, 6+). In three straight decreases, KMOX is a cumulative -2.9 (8.4 – 8.0 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share since January’s 5.0. A loss of four-tenths in October ended at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). In addition to exiting the top ten (#10 to #13), WXOS snaps at four its successive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+). Carrying on in eighth-place, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” loses two-tenths to 4.6 (6+), concluding three consecutive increases which accounted for a +1.3 (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+); November’s 4.8 was its strongest 6+-stat since May’s 5.0. Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) have been unlisted all calendar year.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Linietsky Named to Digital Business Post at Cumulus Media. This is a newly created position at Cumulus Media and digital media pro Larry Linietsky joins the company as vice president, digital operations and business
development from his most recent position as SVP, business & partner development at iHeartMedia. Cumulus says Linietsky “will lead and shape digital operations and business development with a focus on developing, sourcing, and monetizing digital products and services for the radio station group and Westwood One. He’ll report to Suzanne Grimes, EVP, corporate marketing, Cumulus Media, and president, Westwood One. Cumulus CEO Mary Berner states, “We are focusing on our digital strategy and I am thrilled to welcome Larry at this transformational time when we are poised for game-changing digital expansion. Larry is uniquely qualified to leverage the company’s assets and identify and build digital growth opportunities.”
Senator Ted Cruz Joins Trey Ware and KTSA, San Antonio for Live Town Hall Broadcast. Pictured above are Texas Senator Ted Cruz (left) and KTSA, San Antonio morning drive personality Trey Ware (right) appearing before a live audience at Alpha Media’s KTSA Alamo Lounge. Cruz joined KTSA during the Senate’s Fourth of July break as part of a series of town hall meetings. Ware says topics discussed during the one-hour event included health care, terrorism, the economy, fake news, and the future of America, and he adds, “It was a pleasure to host Senator Cruz in the Alamo Lounge. He is on the front line of so much going on in our country and world today that I know our listeners enjoyed hearing straight from him.”
WVNN, Hunstville’s Dale Jackson Launches TV Show. Alabama radio personality Dale Jackson is launching a television show via his Yellowhammer Multimedia on WZTZ-TV, Athens, Alabama “ZTV 11.” It
debuted today (7/11), airing from 5:00 am to 5:30 am. It’s also being posted to Yellowhammernews.com/yhtv/ at 1:00 pm. Jackson’s radio show airs on Cumulus Media’s WVNN-AM/FM, Huntsville from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The television program features Jackson and a rotation of guest panelists in a roundtable format. The show’s guest panelists will range from astronauts to college professors, providing viewers with a diverse take on the most relevant topics of the day. Jackson says, “I’m excited to host this Yellowhammer program because it will cover the topics our viewers care about and in a way that’s interesting and entertaining. One thing I can assure you is, just like my radio program, this show will not be dull.”
Newsmax TV Now on DirecTV and U-verse Platforms. Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Newsmax TV launched on both the DirecTV and U-verse television platforms. The three-year-old video platform was created and launched by Newsmax Media to serve as an “independent news and information source for millions of 
Americans who want the latest in breaking news, politics, health, and finance.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “With our launch on DirecTV and U-verse, Newsmax TV has the opportunity to serve more viewers. Newsmax TV has a unique audience of Americans seeking news they can’t get from other major networks.” The channel offers 14 hours of live, daily shows featuring hosts, anchors and contributors, including former congressman J.D. Hayworth, Miranda Khan, John Bachman, Michael Reagan, and Alan Dershowitz. Newsmax TV also signed deals to simulcast talk radio personalities such as Todd Schnitt, Wayne Allyn Root, Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Joe Walsh and Howie Carr.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/11) with Dr. Asa Andrew, David Bernstein and Karen Hunter. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox 
News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first and second in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” beginning with a conversation between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman (facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter) as well as the second in that series featuring Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto in conversation with DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum. Today (7/11), the third in the series is posted featuring a conversation between nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein (facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter). Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
NAB Announces 2017 Marconi Finalists. The finalists in the 20 categories for the 2017 Marconi Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters have been announced. The five finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY-FM, Minneapolis-St. Paul; Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, 
Trenton “New Jersey 101.5”; CBS RADIO’s KNX-AM, Los Angeles; Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM, Atlanta; and Cox’s WDBO-FM, Orlando. The finalists for Sports Talk Station of the Year are: Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM, Philadelphia; Cumulus Media’s KTCK-FM, Dallas; Entercom’s WEEI-FM, Boston; Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS-FM, St. Louis; and CBS RADIO’s WBZ-FM, Boston. Among talk hosts as finalists in other categories, Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity and WestStar’s Kim Komando are vying for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year; Bert Baron of WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey is a finalist for Large Market Personality of the Year; Steve McIntosh and Ted Woodward of KNSS-AM, Wichita are finalists for Medium Market Personality of the Year; and Joel Heitkamp of KFGO-AM, Fargo is a contender for Small Market Personality of the Year. See all the finalists here.
TALKERS News Notes. Talk radio personality Shannon Burke and Cumulus Media come to terms on a new,
multi-year contract renewal to keep him hosting the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon program on WYAY-FM, Atlanta “NewsRadio 106.7.” Burke joined the station last summer after winning the station’s Casting Call competition to “win” a talk show. Burke has also worked at WHPT, Tampa and WTKS-FM, Orlando 
during his career…..Tomorrow (7/12) at 2:00 pm ET, Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein and Jacobs Media president Fred Jacobs are teaming up for a webinar to discuss how new in-home technologies are affecting radio listeners. They’ll share insights from Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey13 and other critical data about new listening 
patterns and new devices, including: smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home; cord cutting as people shed cable TV for streaming services; music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music; and how the mobile phone is displacing the clock radio. Register here…..Longtime Philadelphia radio personality Paul Barsky
joins Alpha Media’s news/talk WFTL, Fort Lauderdale to host the afternoon drive program. Barsky was with the station three years ago but exited to take a medical leave. In Philly he hosted at WCAU-FM, WYSP, WMMR, and others. His arrival bumps the Westwood One-syndicated Michael Savage to the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight slot…..Townsquare Media and the University of Alabama renew their deal to keep radio play-by-play of the school’s athletics on the company’s Tuscaloosa stations for another seven years…..Cumulus Media and Learfield’s Redbird Sports Properties agree to a five-year deal to air Illinois State contests on the company’s news/talk WJBC-AM 1230 and country WJBC-FM “93.7 NASH Icon” in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois market…..Radio America is now syndicating the weekend “Tech It Out” program hosted by technology pro Marc Saltzman.
Chris Christie WFAN, New York Fill-In Draws Attack from Regular Caller. As outgoing New Jersey
Governor Chris Christie took to the mic at CBS RADIO’s sports talk WFAN, New York on Monday – sitting in along with Evan Roberts for Mike Francesa – regular WFAN caller Mike from Montclair was waiting on hold to unleash his attack on Christie. The caller criticized Christie’s holiday weekend stunt of using the New Jersey shore beach at the beach house available to the governor. That and other beaches were closed to the public by Christie to spite the legislature for not passing his state budget. But Christie was ready and willing to play the caller’s game. He called him a communist and appeared happy to verbally spar with the caller.
Donald Trump Jr-Russia Connection, GOP Health Care Plan, Trump G20 Aftermath, Chelsea Clinton’s Ivanka Trump Criticism, Western Wildfires/Heatwave, Jane Sanders Land Deal Investigation, and MLB All-Star Break Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/10). Speculation about the significance of Donald Trump, Jr’s meeting with a Russian attorney during the 2016 campaign; the GOP health care plan and attempts to pass the legislation before Congress’ August break; the aftermath of President Trump’s attendance at the G20 summit in Hamburg, including his meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin; the flap over Chelsea Clinton’s criticism of Ivanka Trump sitting in for her father at the G20 summit; the wildfires in the U.S. West and the region’s summer heatwave; the investigation into Jane Sanders’ land deal while serving as president of the now-defunct Burlington College; and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game activities 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. The multi-platform video and music network Music Choice is teaming up with Billboard as the official music partner for the 2017 Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival taking place August 19-20 at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island, New York. Artists performing will include Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello, Major Lazer, Big Sean, Zedd, Bebe Rexha, Marshmello, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Echosmith, Capital Cities, Tinashe, T-Pain, Lil Yachty, Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug,
Waka Flocka and more…..Cumulus Media’s classic hits WJJK, Indianapolis has been partnering with the City of Fishers, Indiana to bring a free, Friday night summer concert series to area music fans for the past four years. On July 7, the station and the city welcomed 80s hitmakers Loverboy to the Nickle Plate District Amphitheater to perform before a record crowd of more than 8,000 people. Pictured at right are (from l-r) WJJK personalities Greg Browning, Nikki Miller, and Joni Michels…..Earlier today the Steve Harvey Morning Show’s entire cast appeared on Harvey’s daytime TV program. This was a first-ever appearance on Harvey’s TV show by the crew, which includes Shirley Strawberry, Nephew Tommy, Junior, Carla Ferrell, Mississippi Monica, and the newest edition to the show, J. Anthony Brown. Also joining the crew was Kidada Brown of Jackson, Mississippi – a self-proclaimed “Super Fan” of the “Steve Harvey Morning Show.” Brown was invited to be a part of the studio audience. He surprised her by giving her a free trip for two to his “Sand & Soul Festival” in the Bahamas (October 6-9), including a VIP room package at the Atlantis, with two tickets to all of the events, including performances by En Vogue, Keith Sweat, Salt-N-Pepa and Doug E. Fresh.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Newsmax TV Adds Todd Schnitt and Wayne Allyn Root Shows. Two new shows are added to the lineup at Newsmax TV. “The Schnitt Show” and “WAR Now: The Wayne Allyn Root Show” will air for one hour at 3:00 
pm ET and 8:00 pm ET, respectively. Todd Schnitt’s radio talk show is syndicated by Compass Media Networks and airs live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Root’s radio show is a joint venture with USA Radio Network and airs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Newsman CEO Chris Ruddy states, “At Newsmax TV, we hear from our audience that they are hungry for thoughtful, passionate voices for viewpoints that other media outlets ignore. Todd Schnitt and Wayne Allyn Root are proven broadcasting leaders and we’re sure our viewers will engage with them.”
Wading Across the Widening Mainstream. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says that it was no surprise that Megyn Kelly’s interview with Alex Jones fell short of NBC’s expectations in the ratings and that President Donald Trump is effectively adhering to a carefully honed strategy by playing exclusively to his base – even though it is resulting in an extremely low (by recent standards) approval rating. It is all a part of what Harrison describes as the new rules of the “widening mainstream.” In a provocative new article posted today (6/23), Harrison argues, “We are immersed in the digital era marked by a dizzying number of media platforms and their attendant human interests. Yet, we still hear the expression ‘mainstream media’ (MSM) used as though news and entertainment are still dominated by a handful of media outlets and patronized by a largely homogeneous society. We actually still believe there is a ‘general public.’ I laugh when I hear, ‘The American people have spoken.’ Who are they?” Harrison continues, “If we are going to insist on clinging to the ‘mainstream’ analogy for media we should at least recognize that it is no longer the narrow, deep river in which we used to swim as kids – capable of supporting the ocean liners that were network television. Now it’s a wide-but-shallow marsh only capable of supporting smaller, specialized vessels.” Harrison goes on to say that the strategy being employed by Donald Trump in maintaining his power within this environment is – at least for now – “Unstoppable” and explains why. To read the entire piece, please click here.
NRHOF Class of 2017 Includes Hannity, Handel and Quivers. For the past three years, voting for entrance into the National Radio Hall of Fame has been split into two segments – one voted on by the public and one the
result of votes from industry people. This year, the National Radio Hall of Fame reports an unprecedented level of audience participation with nearly 300,000 votes cast for Music Format On-Air Personality and Spoken Word On-Air Personality. Those 2017 inductees will be Premiere Networks’ 
Bobby Bones and KFI, Los Angeles/Premiere Networks personality Bill Handel, respectively. The industry panel chose the following inductees in four categories: Active Local/Regional, 10+ years – Tom Barnard of KQRS, Minneapolis; Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years – John Records Landecker; Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years – Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity; and Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years – Robin Quivers of the Howard Stern show. The National Radio
Hall of Fame nominating committee also voted to induct two individuals for their contribution to the industry. They are: Joseph M. Field, chairman/founder Entercom Communications Corp. and Robert S. “Bob” Sievers, the late legendary Fort Wayne, Indiana air personality who was on WOWO Radio for 51 years. National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig T. Kitchin comments, “Each year the enthusiasm and participation from those in our industry and the voting public grows by leaps and bounds. We’re so happy to induct this truly deserving, talented group of broadcasters this year into the National Radio Hall of Fame.” The induction ceremony takes place on November 2 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago.
TALKERS News Notes. Washington, DC sports media figure Andy Pollin is entering the world of podcasting,
launching a new weekly show beginning July 3. The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg writes about the former, longtime WTEM personality’s new project, noting that Pollin will use the Chatter studio facility in DC built by fellow former WTEM personality Tony Kornheiser and his business partners. Pollin co-hosts a weekly Saturday morning sports talk show with Thom Loverro on WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan.”…..Cumulus Media enters into a multi-year partnership with IMG College to broadcast Air Force Academy athletic events. As part of the deal KVOR, Colorado Springs will continue to serve as flagship for Air Force football and men’s basketball games. Jim Arthur continues as the radio “Voice of the Falcons.”…..Sinclair 
Broadcast Group buys Seattle news/talk KOMO-FM from Greg Smith’s South Sound Broadcasting for $6.75 million. Sinclair has been operating the FM signal under an LMA since acquiring KOMO-AM from Fisher…..Salem Radio Network morning drive personality Hugh Hewitt will host his nationally syndicated program from Bold Gold Media-owned affiliate station WTRW, Scranton “94.3 The Talker” tomorrow and Wednesday (6/27-28). Hewitt is speaking at the Bold Gold Broadcast and Media Foundation’s event and dinner tomorrow evening.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Begin Posting Tomorrow (6/27). The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and, beginning tomorrow (6/27), its sessions will be posted to Talkers.com. Tomorrow, the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor will be posted. On Wednesday (6/28), the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke will be posted. On Thursday (6/29) the “Fireside Chat” between Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity will be posted. Closing out the week on Friday (6/30) the “Fireside Chat” between Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa will be posted. Within the following weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.
BFoA Names Three to Board of Directors. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Kim Guthrie, president of Cox Media Group, and DuJuan McCoy, president/CEO and founder of Bayou City Broadcasting have joined its board of directors, and that Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott joins as an officer and vice president. The new members and Talbott were voted in during the Board meeting that took place in New York City last week. BFoA chairman Dan Mason states, “The addition of these highly respected industry leaders to our board and executive ranks will further enhance awareness of our mission to provide assistance to broadcasters in need. Their dedication to helping our colleagues who need it most is an inspiration that I hope will reverberate across our industry so that we can help more broadcasters in need.”
Republican Health Care Plan, Russian Election Hacking Testimony, Trump-Russia Investigation, Johnny Depp ‘Assassination’ Comments, State of the Democratic Party, ‘Pizzagate’ Shooter Sentenced, Sinking Oil Prices, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The GOP plan to overhaul the Affordable Care Act; the testimony from former Homeland Secretary Jeh Johnson and others about Russia’s attempts to hack the U.S. presidential election; the special counsel investigation into possible connections between Donald Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; reaction to actor Johnny Depp’s “assassination” of President Trump joke; speculation about the state of the Democratic Party in the wake of its loss in the Georgia House special election; Edgar Maddison Welch is sentenced to four years for firing an assault rifle in DC’s Comet Ping Pong pizza parlor while attempting to investigate the fake news story about a Hillary Clinton-run child sex ring; the recent dramatic fall in oil prices; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. St. Louis radio personality Paul Cook announces that he’ll be missing some time on the radio as he begins treatment for cancer. Cook hosts afternoon drive on CBS RADIO’s hot AC KYKY “Y98.” He posted via Facebook, “In case you’re wondering where I have gone for big chunks of the next six months. The reason is that I will be getting treated for stage four colorectal cancer. Big surprise to me as well. I have the best doctors, so much love around me and there is no better place to work than right here during something like
this.”…..Alpha Media flips classic hits KOOI, Tyler Texas from its “Sunny 106.5” brand to “106.5 Jack FM.” Alpha VP of programming Ronnie Stanton comments, “Jack FM is such a fun, exciting brand and we are excited to add another Jack to the Alpha stable. We believe we will bring a refreshing new sound to East Texas and some of the genuine fun the Jack 
brand is famous for around the world.”…..iHeartMedia’s country WSIX “The BIG 98” is presenting the 7th annual “ACCU-CHEK Guide Guitar-B-Que,” a live concert and guitar auction to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on August 23 at Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville. WSIX personalities Tige & Daniel, Amy Paige, McKiddy and more will host the event that will feature performances by Brett Eldredge, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, Devin Dawson and DJ Sinister…..Pictured at left are WLNK, Charlotte and nationally syndicated morning hosts Bob & Sheri (background) behind Martha, the Neapolitan Mastiff just crowned 2017 World’s Ugliest Dog, and her owner. Bob & Sheri again emceed the international event that draws media coverage from around the world, including coverage on “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show and in People magazine. Held in Petaluma, California, The World’s Ugliest Dog contest benefits animal rescue and has been an annual event since 1962.
PPM Analysis: CHR. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents the fourth and final format analysis based on data from the May PPM survey from Nielsen Audio, today focusing on CHR. Comparing station performances to 6+ data from the April PPM survey, Kinosian concludes, “Virtually as many mainstream CHR panelists are up April 2017 – May 2017 (45%) as are down (47%), with the remaining 8% flat.” Comparing year-over-year results, he notes, “Over half the CHR stations in this sample are down May 2016 – May 2017 (57%); roughly one of three improve (36%); and 7% remain steady.” In May, seven CHR stations ranked #1 (6+) in their respective markets. They were: KQMV, Seattle; KDWB, Minneapolis; WBLI, Long Island; WHTZ, Long Island; WNCI, Columbus; WZPL, Indianapolis; and WRVW, Nashville. See the entire report here.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
PPM Analysis: Commercial News/Talk. Yesterday, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presented an analysis of the performances of all-news stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s January PPM survey. Today, Kinosian takes a look at commercial news/talk stations. Rebounding, from the Holiday 2016 survey in which news/talk stations have historically seen a dip in ratings, more than nine of every 10 stations improve (92%); only 4% are down; and the remaining 4% are flat. If the implication is that the new Trump Administration is having a positive effect on the size of the audience tuning in to news/talk (and all-news) stations, comparisons to the January 2016 survey could support that. Kinosian notes that “only about one of every three of our qualifying commercial talk panelists is down year-to-year (34%), while 62% improve; the other 4% are flat.” See all the data in the full report here.
Dave Ramsey’s Smart Money Tour Hits Sacramento. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey brought his Smart Money event to Sacramento last night (3/1). Ramsey packed the Adventure Christian Church with fans who learned how to “win with money, get out of debt and invest for the future.” Best-selling author and speaker Rachel Cruze joined Ramsey on stage. iHeartMedia-owned talk station KSTE “Talk 650” partnered with Ramsey to promote the event. KSTE and KFBK program director Bill White states, “Each time Dave and the Ramsey team come to Sacramento it’s an exciting, special, and positive experience for KSTE listeners to take the principals from his daily radio show and expand them even further into managing their money and their lives.” The tour stop in Sacramento continues today as Ramsey joins nationally recognized speaker Christy Wright for the Business Boutique 1 Day event – a brand-new event designed to equip attendees with what they need to successfully start and run their own business. Pictured above are (from l-r): White, iHM Sacramento SVP of sales Ann Postell, Cruze, Ramsey, and iHM Sacramento VP of sales Darren Mounts.
NRHOF Is Open to Suggestions. This coming November, the 2017 class of the National Radio Hall of Fame will be inducted at a ceremony at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. The NRHOF nominating committee announces that it is accepting suggestions for 2017 nominees. This year people can visit www.radiohof.org and click on the nominate tab to submit their picks for consideration. National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig T. Kitchin comments, “It’s always our priority to engage as many people possible in this process because there’s such a wealth of talent to be represented. By streamlining the communication through the website, we’re anticipating more feedback than ever.”
Trump’s Congressional Address, Obama Administration’s Preservation of Russian Intel, Sessions-Russia Allegations, U.S. Immigration and Deportation Policy, French Obama Petition, Status of Affordable Care Act, Oscars Snafu Fallout, and NBA/NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/1). Praise and criticism of President Donald Trump’s Tuesday night address to a joint session of Congress; reports that the Obama Administration moved to preserve intelligence on the Trump campaign’s connections with Russian agents; allegations that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had conversations with a Russian diplomat while working with the Trump campaign; the state of U.S. immigration policy and how far the Trump Administration will go with its deportation program; a petition circulating in France requesting Barack Obama to run for president there; the status of the Affordable Care Act and the GOP’s plans to overhaul the law; the aftermath of the “Best Picture” snafu at Sunday’s Academy Awards show; and NBA and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Making Battle Plans in Fight Against Cancer. Pictured here in the Oval Office with President Trump (center) are former Ambassador Nancy Brinker (left), who is also founder of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and Newsmax TV CEO Christopher Ruddy (right). Brinker hosts an interview program on Newsmax TV and longtime Trump friend Ruddy helped organize the meeting to discuss initiatives for cancer research and finding a cure.
Compass Media Networks Presents Exclusive Coverage of Big Ten Men’s Hoops Tourney. This will be the 9th consecutive season that Compass Media Networks has broadcast exclusive, national audio coverage of The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. This year’s tourney is at the Verizon Cen