Tag: "Newsmax TV"

Monday, June 26, 2017

| 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

| 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 Center in Washington, DC and begins Wednesday, March 8 and concludes with the championship game at 2:30 pm ET on Sunday, March 12.  Thirteen games will be broadcast over five days.  The rotating play-by-play crews will be Matt “Money” Smith & Rick Mahorn and Drew Bontadelli & Mike Wozniak, along with studio host Tim Cates.

‘The Raven Effect’ Podcast Moves to the ‘Jericho Network on PodcastOne.’  Former WWE star Scott “Raven” Levy is bringing his podcast to Chris Jericho’s The Jericho Network on PodcastOne.  “The Raven Effect” will feature discussions about “current events, conspiracies, pop culture, politics, pet peeves and anything else Raven thinks of.”  PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norm Pattiz says, “Chris has brilliantly mastered the balance of wrestling content with other topics like music and sports, and even a great new show, ‘Beyond the Darkness,’ that focuses on the paranormal.  We expect ‘The Raven Effect’ to be another winner for The Jericho Network on PodcastOne.”

 

 

Brown University Likely to Sell Alternative WBRU, Providence.  This past weekend, the station membership of Brown University’s alternative rock WBRU, Providence voted in a straw poll to follow a resolution by the university board of directors to begin the process of selling the license and assets of the station.  An official vote of the station membership will take place on March 11.  Station general manager Kishanee Haththotuwegama says in a letter to Brown alumni that the reason for the probable sale is economics and changing media habits.  “Despite extensive efforts to remain sustainable, we’ve reached this point due to a decade of decline in the Providence radio market compounded with national decline in standalone radio stations…We’ve arrived at this point only after exploring a wide range of financial options, yet the challenges we face are more than just financial.  We’re also faced with the reality that broadcast radio may not be the most engaging content distribution technology for the student workshop in the 21st century.”  WBRU is a class B FM at 95.5.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves.  Digital platform iHeartRadio has a general manager of digital programming.  Kavi Halemane takes on the role, moving there from his recent post as vice president of Premiere Digital Media.  In this position, Halemane will work with iHeartRadio’s marketing, editorial and sales teams to connect music fans, partners and artists with exclusive iHeartRadio Original Stations, playlists and podcasts.  He will report to Chris Williams, chief product officer for iHeartRadio…..As the result of corporate restructuring at Entercom’s Charlotte cluster, hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link” program director Darla Thomas exits the station as her position is being eliminated…..At Beasley Media Group’s Central New Jersey hot AC WMGQ “Magic 98.3,” morning personality Joel Katz gets a co-host as Maryann Morgan joins the program…..When the iHeartRadio Music Awards air on TBS, TNT and TruTV this Sunday night, viewers will see the American television debut of the Chris Martin–Chainsmokers collaboration “Something Just Like This.”  Celebrity award presenters for the “fan-fueled” music awards will include: Ansel Elgort, Daya, Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled, Florida Georgia Line, Halsey, Jason Derulo, Joe Jonas, John Legend, Karrueche Tran, Kelsea Ballerini, Macklemore and Miley Cyrus…..Yesterday, Red Bow Records artist Brooke Eden (center) paid her first in-studio visit to Cumulus Media’s “NASH Nights Live” program.  She chatted with show hosts Shawn Parr (left) and Elaina Smith (right) about her new song, “Act Like You Don’t.”

Friday, September 23, 2016

| September 23, 2016

marconi-awards-logoMarconi Award Winners Announced. More than 20 Marconi Awards were presented last night (Thursday, 9/22) in Nashville. TALKERS congratulates all the winners and nominees.

“Legendary Station of the Year”: CBS Radio New York all-news WINS

“Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year”: Premiere Networks‘ Deliah

“Major Market Personality of the Year”: Fred Toucher & Rich Shertenlieb (“Toucher & Rich”) of CBS Radio Boston’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub”

“Large Market Personality of the Year”: Brooke Fox & Jubal Flagg (“Brooke & Jubal”) of Hubbard Broadcasting Seattle rhythmic CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5”

“Medium Market Personality of the Year”: Chaz & AJ of Connoisseur Media New Haven rocker WPLR

“Small Market Personality of the Year”: Brent Carl Fleshman of Cookeville Communications’ Cookeville, Tennessee talker WHUB-AM “1400 The Hub” & W299BY “107.7 FM”

“Major Market Station of the Year”: Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB “101.1 More FM,” Philadelphia

“Large Market Station of the Year”: Hearst talker WBAL, Baltimore

“Medium Market Station of the Year”: Cox Media Group Dayton country WHKO “K-99.1”

“Small Market Station of the Year”: Ham Broadcasting Cadiz, Kentucky country outlet WKDZ

“Adult Contemporary Station of the Year”: Lewanee Broadcasting‘s WLEN, Adrian, Michigan

“CHR Station of the Year”: Zimmer’s KTXY “Y-107,” Columbia, Missouri

“Classic Hits Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Los Angeles’ KRTH “K-Earth 101”

“Country Station of the Year”: Cox Media Group Houston’s KKBQ “The New 93-Q”

“News-Talk Station of the Year”: Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington, D.C.

“Noncommercial Station of the Year”: Seton Hall University rock WSOU, South Orange, New Jersey

“Religious Station of the Year”: Salem Media Group Dallas’ KLTY

“Rock Station of the Year”: Zimmer’s KCMQ, Columbia, Missouri

“Spanish Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Houston’s KLOL “Mega 101”

“Sports Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Detroit’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket”

“Urban Station of the Year”: Howard University-owned WHUR, Washington, D.C.

cookeholland2016-radio-show-logoNAB/RAB Radio Show: Final Day Wrap-Up.  Radio consultant Holland Cooke is in Nashville covering the NAB/RAB Radio Show for TALKERS and he presents a compact report of some of day two’s key takeaways.  Among them are sound bites from radio’s captains of industry and key players from the “Radio Show Advertiser Breakfast.”  Also included are Cooke’s notes from a variety of digital media- and marketing-oriented sessions, including those run by Dave Ramsey, Gordon Borrell and more.  See it all here.

mckayjeff-2“Heard” In Nashville. While noted media consultant Holland Cooke is providing our exclusive coverage of panels and presentations taking place at this week’s NAB/RAB Radio Show in Nashville, special features correspondent Jeff McKay is talking to attendees about what is being said at the events. Click here to see what people are telling him.

nelson-rayNelson Named VP/MM For Cumulus Huntsville. Former vice president/general manager/cluster director of sales for Cox Radio Birmingham, Ray Nelson, is appointed vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media‘s cluster in Huntsville (Alabama). Cumulus Media senior vice president Jeff Brown cumulus-huntsvillecomments, “Ray’s track record of success speaks for itself. Adding him to our team of market managers was an absolute no-brainer. I am excited for Ray and for our talented team in Huntsville.” Nelson notes, “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Huntsville cluster; Huntsville is a fabulous growth market. I appreciate the confidence that Jeff Brown and the entire Cumulus management team have demonstrated in selecting me to champion Cumulus Huntsville.” Nelson’s previous background includes vice president and market manager for Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) Ann Arbor (Michigan) and general manager/general sales manager/national sales manager for Fritz Broadcasting Saginaw (also Michigan). Among persons 12+ in Nielsen Audio’s spring 2016 book for Huntsville, Cumulus Media-owned CHR WZYP is #2 (7.7); WHRP “Today’s Best Variety of R&B” ranks #3 (4.8); AM-FM talk combo WVNN finishes #5 (3.1); country WWFF “Nash Icon 93.3” is #8 (1.3); and AM-FM sports duo WUMP “The Ump” ranks #10 (.6). Leading the field is iHeartMedia country outlet WDRM (11.1, 12+).

carr-howiepagsCarr, “Joe Pags” Picked Up For Simulcasts by Newsmax TV. Boca Raton, Florida-based conservative Newsmax TV adds weekday afternoon simulcasts of Howie Carr and Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo. According to Newsmax TV chief executive officer Christopher Ruddy, “The addition of both these shows not only give us important new voices to our diverse lineup of thoughtful, informative broadcasters, they help us expand our broadcasting footprint into the late afternoon hours. Our audience tells us they newsmax-tvare hungry for useful, intelligent, and independent programming. Howie and Joe provide just that.” Carr comments, “I have always had the greatest respect for the entire Newsmax team. I now look forward to reaching a whole new TV audience every afternoon with my show. I couldn’t be more pleased to be joining Newsmax TV.” Pagliarulo remarks, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Newsmax TV team. Having my show in a prime slot on this amazing, growing network is an honor I cherish as it adds a new dimension to the show for my listeners and now viewers.” National Radio Hall of Famer – and author of “The Brothers Bulger” and “Hitman” – Carr originates his four-hour conservative talk show from Entercom-owned WRKO starting at 3:00 pm; “Joe Pags” begins his three-hour syndicated program at 5:00 pm from iHeartMedia‘s WOAI, San Antonio. Carr – syndicated on the Howie Carr Radio Network – is #14 on the TALKERS 2016 “Heavy Hundred” and Pagliarulo – whose national show is distributed by Compass Media Networks – is #23.

sb-nation-radioSB Nation Radio Enhances Its Football Programming. Seventeen-year NFL player Keenan McCardell signs-on with SB Nation Radio as an NFL analyst. The former receiver joins the network on “Prime Cut” with Sean Salisbury and Steve Bunin each Wednesday at 5:00 pm (ET). Gow Media chief executive officer David Gow comments, “Keenan is as impressive in the broadcast booth as he was on the playing field. He is an exceptional talent who can break down the nuances and subtleties of the game without alienating any of the audience. Whether you played football or are just a casual observer, you’ll love his insights.” Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf will host a two-hour (8:00 am – 10:00 am, ET) weekly show (Saturdays) on SB Nation Radio. The onetime #2 draft pick states, “I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Gow and SB Nation has afforded me.” In addition, SB Nation Radio will premiere “The Kayce Smith Show,” a two-hour (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) college football program that will air Monday nights. Smith opines, “One thing missing from the sports industry is the opportunity for women to take strong stances on-air and give their opinions without hesitation. I am so excited to be a part of the SB Nation Radio family and to be able to share this crazy journey with our loyal listeners across the country.” SB Nation Radio chief operating officer and program director Craig Larson declares, “I have never been more excited about the state of our radio network. From top to bottom, there is no doubt in my mind that we have the strongest lineup of personalities in sports radio. The addition of Keenan, Kayce, and Ryan reinforces the idea that SB Nation Radio is truly the next generation of sports talk.” Gow Media has been operating as Yahoo Sports Radio since 2011 and it was rebranded as SB Nation Radio last month (8/1).

wmfsWMFS to Add Martin & Smith to Mid-Days. Starting next month, John Martin and Jason Smith will be inserted into the weekday lineup (11:00 am – 2:00 pm) at Entercom Memphis sports combo WMFS-AM “ESPN 680″ & WMFS “92.9 FM.” Entercom vice president and market manager Dan Barron states, “We are thrilled to bring this show to Memphis. Jason and John are highly skilled and bring unique insight. I believe listeners will enjoy this fresh, informative, and entertaining show.” Program director Brad Carson comments, “This is a significant day in this market. We couldn’t be more excited about the reporting and entertainment perspective dynamic that John and Jason both bring.” Smith remarks, “I am so pumped to be with my guy John Martin again. I am so grateful to the folks at WMFS. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.” With WMFS since 2013, Martin is reportedly the youngest sports host in a top 50 market. Smith spent the last six years at The Commercial Appeal as the University of Memphis’ basketball beat writer. The two worked together at The Commercial Appeal. Unchanged at 2.2, WMFS ranks #14 (Nielsen Audio PPM, August 2016, 6+); iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” sets the pace in August 2016 with a 10.5 (6+).

abc-debateOdds & Sods. As part of its coverage of the first presidential debate from Hofstra University, ABC News Radio will provide a preview program anchored by correspondent Aaron Katersky. There will be post-debate analysis until 11:00 pm (ET). Joining Katersky will be wbns-jersey-160x120bBrad Mielke, Karen Travers, and ABC News Radio political analysts Steve Roberts and Trey Hardin ….. To note the signing of a three-year broadcast extension with the NHL‘s Columbus Blue Jackets, Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “The Fan,” Columbus director of programming & operations Jay Taylor and president/general manager Dave Van Stone are presented an official Columbus Blue Jackets personalized jersey by the CBJ’s Stinger. “The Blue Jackets have been part of our programming since day one and we’re excited to be able to continue this relationship,” states Stone.

kmjKMJ Fundraiser Aids Fresno’s Community Food Bank. A day-long broadcast that featured Cumulus Media Fresno talk KMJ on-air talents John Broekse, Christina Musson, Ray Appleton, and Chris Daniel netted more than $154,000. For each dollar raised, however, Gar Tootelian Inc. kicked in 50 cents, thus elevating the total for the Community Food Bank to $231,000. KMJ vice president and general manager Patty Hixson comments, “I am overwhelmed by the support of our community. We can always count on the generosity of our highly-valued KMJ listeners. A special thanks to the hard work of our talented on-air team.” Money raised will provide more than 1.5 million meals for the less fortunate residents of the Central Valley. Seventeen (17) stations appear in Fresno’s spring 2016 book (Nielsen Audio) with KMJ finishing second (6.0, 12+), three-tenths behind iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KBOS “B-95” (6.3, 12+).

talkers-ten-logoPresidential Race Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 19-23.  Landing atop the Talkers TenTM again this week is the presidential election.  At #2 on our list of the top news/talk radio stories was killing of black men by police in Tulsa and Charlotte and the riots that happened in Charlotte.  Coming in at #3 was the aftermath of the NYC/NJ/Minn. terror attacks; following at #4 was the Syrian Civil War/U.S.-Russia Tensions.  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.

harrisonupclosefaroutsmallMichael Harrison Chats with the ‘First Lady of New York Radio’ – Joan Hamburg. She is one of the most-honored, longest-running, and dazzlingly colorful talk radio personalities in the Big Apple – the quintessential live-and-local host. Joan Hamburg’s career in NYC goes back to the legendary WMCA in the early 1970s where she replaced Bob Grant. From there, she moved over to WOR as a featured personality on the historic “Rambling with Gambling” show. She quickly had her own daily midday show where she stayed for more than three decades covering a wide spectrum of topics that included consumer advocacy, shopping, dining, arts & entertainment and “soft” politics. Joan Hamburg was a pioneer in modern remote broadcasting and regularly performed her showhamburgjoan from, among many locations, the storied Broadway celebrity hangout, Sardi’s. For the past few years, Hamburg, now in her eighties, has been holding court live on-air every Saturday afternoon on WABC in addition to producing special features and stories for the station… and she still does remotes from Sardi’s. The conversation between Harrison and Hamburg is a radiophile’s delight – covering remarkable history including such names as Sally Jessy Raphael, the three John Gamblings, Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, Rick Buckley, Barry Gray, Dr. Joy Browne and many, many more. Harrison states, “It was an honor and privilege having this true ‘grand dame’ of radio on the podcast. We cover so much wonderful history including the golden era of Broadway. She harkens back to the day when talk radio offered a wide variety of lifestyle topics beyond politics and sports. I am really proud of this interview – it will always be a treasured addition to the amazing audio library of media history that I am gathering in this podcast series.” 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 and RadioInfo.com.

Friday, January 23, 2015

| January 23, 2015

alphamedia logoFredericksburg Stations to Join Alpha Media Portfolio.  Still in acquisition mode, Portland, Oregon-based Alpha Media announces it will acquire the four-station Free Lance-Star Radio group.  The stations include: country WFLS and talk WNTX in Fredericksburg, Virginia; CHR WVBX, Spotsylvania, Virginia; and classic rock WWUZ, Bowling Green, Virginia.  Alpha chairman Larry Wilson comments on the deal, “Around 50 miles from Washington D.C., Fredericksburg is a thriving place that continues to grow. It will be a nice addition to our East Coast footprint.  I feel privileged to be able to get into that market and work with the great people there.”  The stations were acquired by Sandton Capital in a bankruptcy auction and the firm must divest of the signals to comply with cross-ownership regulations.  Free Lance-Star operates print and digital publications in the market.  George Reed of Media Services Group is the broker for Free Lance-Star Radio.

sumpterjimJim Sumpter Show Renewed on USA Radio Networks.  The midday Jim Sumpter program will continue to be syndicated via the USA Radio Networks after the two parties agreed to a renewal deal.  The Jim Sumpter show airs live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET Monday through Friday and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturdays.  In a press statement USA Radio Networks says, “Jim brings a powerfully unique presentation of storytelling and interpretation of current events from a constitutional perspective that translates to compelling radio that draws listeners in as few other hosts can.”  Sumpter comments, “The content of my show challenges establishment elites – especially politicians who say one thing, but do another and media organizations who shirk away from truthful reporting – that it takes a special group of courageous patriots who both get it and are committed to supporting it.  I’m grateful for this opportunity from Sam Hassell, Sherrie Roberts, and Tim Maranville to give me the venue and support to make a lot of noise, stir up a lot of trouble, and do a lot of good.  This is going to be fun.”

newsmaxtv logoNewsmax Signs Deal with NCTC Adding Nearly 12 Million Subscribers.  A new deal between Newsmax TV and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), will provide Newsmax TV access to 900-plus member cable systems, encompassing nearly 12 million MVPD subscribers.  Newsmax Media founder Christopher Ruddy says, “This NCTC agreement further accelerates our focus on securing carriage with independent cable operators country wide and is an important component of our goal to reach 50 million-plus subscribers for our first year on-air anniversary.  Initial meetings with many NCTC members indicate a widespread reception that we anticipate will lead to notable launches in 2015.”  Newsmax TV, which the company says targets the underserved baby boomer audience, is already carried by DISH and DIRECTV in approximately 35 million cable/satellite homes.

nielsen logoRound Three of Holiday PPM Data Released.  The third of four rounds of Holiday 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus.  The survey period was December 4 to December 31.  TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here.  In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page at RadioInfo.com here.

FAIRHold2015Ninth Annual ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Event Scheduled for April 15 and 16. The annual Washington, DC radio row produced by the Federation for American Immigration Reform will take place on Monday and Tuesday, April 15 and 16 at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill. As in the eight years prior, the event will consist of talk hosts from across the country broadcasting live, debating immigration policy while interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists and citizens who live along the border. FAIR says that “this year’s event will focus on the aftermath of President Obama’s amnesty and his continued abuse of executive power, the GOP’s internal battle over how to tackle immigration and the ongoing border crisis with its implications for national security risks.” Event general manager and FAIR spokesman Bob Dane comments, “Politicians fear and respect the amplitude of talk radio. Hold Their Feet to the Fire speaks for millions of radio listeners and, this year, will prove that the mic is mightier than Obama’s pen.” For talk show hosts wishing to take part in this year’s radio row, reservations are required and hosts/producers should call now. There is no cost to attend and all technical engineering and ISDN lines are provided by Silver Lake Audio of New York, the official engineering firm for Hold Their Feet to the Fire. Congressional guests, activists, high-profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews. Contact Bob Dane or Anna Giaritelli for more information at 202-328-7004 or bdane@fairus.org or agiaritelli@fairus.org.

Odds & Sods.  The new American General Media sports talker in Bakersfield – KGEO “1230 AM ESPN” – is adding a live and local program beginning Monday (1/26) as the Greg Kerr show debuts.  The local sports media pro will take to the air from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm daily for the station that launched late last year…..Baseball broadcaster Jeff Levering is moving up to the big leagues from his gig with the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox to the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network broadcast team.  Levering is going to be the play-by-play voice for select road games this season as he joins Bob Uecker and Joe Block.  He’ll also contribute content for the Brewers’ digital platform…..ESPN Audio announces its new weekend program lineup.  Eight new shows are being added, including the two-hour “espnW Presents: Spain & Prim on ESPN Radio,” co-hosted by espnW’s and ESPN Chicago 1000 Radio’s Sarah Spain and ESPN anchor and analyst Prim Siripipat.  Additional shows debuting in the new lineup are: Marty & McGee, Dave Rothenberg Show, Dickerson & Hood, Robin Lundberg, Coachman & Bretos, Ian Fitzsimmons and “NBA Lockdown: Insiders.”

sayreterrieqKKOB, Albuquerque’s Terrie Q. Sayre Passes Unexpectedly.  KKOB, Albuquerque program director Pat Frisch informs TALKERS that station weekend personality Terrie Q. Sayre died unexpectedly at the age of 54.  Frisch says, “It is with deep sadness that I tell you we lost a true friend, a bright lite in the 770 KKOB family.”  Frisch says Sayre handled weekend mornings for Cumulus Media’s news/talk KKOH, Reno for several years before moving to Albuquerque and doing weekends for KKOB for the past seven years.  Sayre was a former show girl for Harrah’s and Caesars Lake Tahoe and was Mrs. Nevada 1998.  She was married to Skip Sayre and is survived by a brother.

State of the Union and Obama Tax Plan Top News/Talk Stories This Week.  The State of the Union Address and President Obama’s tax plan tied as the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 was the “no-go zones” controversy and the related militant Islam issues.  Coming in at #3 was ISIS’ holding of two Japanese nationals for ransom and following at #4 was the 2016 presidential prospects.  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.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

| June 11, 2014

dish net logoAnother Big Vehicle for Newsmax TV.  On the heels of the recent announcement by Newsmax that its Newsmax TV programming will be added to the channel lineup at DirecTV, comes today’s announcement that the programming will also be available on DISH Network beginning with a soft launch on June 16.  Newsmax Media says this addition of 35 million homes and businesses puts Newsmax in more than one-third of U.S. cable and satellite homes. newsmaxtv logo Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “Newsmax TV’s agreement with DISH further accelerates our path to initial carriage in 40% of U.S. homes.”  Ruddy adds that he expects Newsmax TV’s distribution to grow by the time the channel, “which targets the interests and needs of an underserved Baby Boomer audience,” officially launches this fall.  About the content to be seen on Newsmax TV, the company states that “Newsmax TV differentiates itself from other news services by providing independent news with a ‘mainstream conservative’ tilt, though it will be open to all points of view.  More than just a politically focused channel, Newsmax TV will provide a full range of informational programming and lifestyle content for Boomers in the areas of health, finance, and personal well-being.”  Newsmax TV will soft launch 24/7 with nine hours of live programming, expanding to 18 hours of live programming by year’s end.  The programming will place an emphasis on practical, useful information that is relevant to the lives of a large, underserved adult audience.   In addition to securing the main satellite television providers, Newsmax TV also plans a major OTT platform rollout, with penetration estimated in excess of 100 million iOS and Android smart devices.

Talkers New York 2014 Sold Out.  The extra space provided by a new venue notwithstanding, registrations for Talkers New York 2014, the 17th annual installment of talk radio’s longest running national convention are sold out.  According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “With nine more days to go and significantly more space than the last five gatherings, it is extremely gratifying to see the tremendous support being given to this exciting and productive conference as indicated by yet another advance sellout.  All of us at TALKERS are grateful to the industry and we will do our best to make this the best annual convention we’ve ever presented.  Considering the stellar lineup of speakers and powerful roster of registrants from all sectors of talk media, I have no doubt this will be the ‘big’ one that they’ll be talking about for years to come.”  Talkers New York 2014 takes place on Friday, June 20 at the iconic India House (an official landmark) located in the heart of New York’s historic Financial District.  For up-to-the minute agenda details and sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

cbsradionewsThree National Murrow Awards for CBS Radio News.  Among the radio news networks, CBS Radio News was a big winner, garnering three national Edward R. Murrow awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association.  CBS Radio News was honored for: Best Newscast, Best Continuing Coverage and Best Writing.  CBS Radio News vice president Harvey Nagler comments, “As I have said before, these awards are an acknowledgment of the consistently outstanding work our staff performs day in and day out.  It is a tribute to them that when the biggest story of the year occurred CBS once again was the place to go.”  Nagler is referring to the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 for which the network won Best Newscast anchored by Steve Kathan and Paul Farry.  That news event was also the subject of coverage for which it won the Continuing Coverage award.  Bob Schieffer, anchor of “Face the Nation” and CBS News chief Washington correspondent, won in the Writing category for his commentary about Washington legislators.  The awards will be presented at a dinner in New York on Monday, October 6.

itunesradio logoESPN Radio Content Available on iTunes Radio.  TALKERS magazine tipped readers that this deal was coming and now it’s official.  The deal between sports giant ESPN and Apple’s iTunes Radio makes ESPN Radio talk shows and events available on iTunes Radio and, according to a press release, will bring “expanded local station content to its listeners in the future.”  The live ESPN Radio network stream being offered includes: Mike & Mike, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” “SVP & espnradioRussillo,” the Dan LeBatard show, “Sedano & Stink,” and the Freddie Coleman show.  The deal also includes live sports events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Major League Baseball including the playoffs and World Series, season-long college football, US Open Golf, and college basketball.  Tonight’s Atlanta Braves vs. Colorado Rockies game will be the first live sporting event to be heard.  ESPN SVP Traug Keller comments, “We are thrilled to make our industry-leading sports talk and championship play-by-play content available to fans via iTunes Radio.  And we are excited to partner with Apple to expand our digital reach.  Our fans can look forward to expanded ESPN Audio offerings on both the national and local sports levels in the future.”

theblaze radio networkTheBlaze Radio Network Fourth of July Special Available.  A Fourth of July news/talk radio special is being made available via Premiere Networks.  The program is a three-hour show produced by Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze Radio Network titled, “TheBlaze Radio Network’s Independence: The Power of the Individual” hosted by Doc Thompson and Skip LaCombe.  Premiere says the show examines “the power of the individual and the importance of self-governance, as well as a look at the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence.”  The special will also feature guest appearances by several hosts, writers and editors of TheBlaze and TheBlaze.com, including S.E. Cupp, Will Cain, Mike Slater, Mike Opelka, Jay Severin, Mike Broomhead, Chris Salcedo and others.  The show is available for air from July 4-6.

Entercom Launches ’95.7 ESPN’ in Rochester Market.  The debut of the sports talk signal in the Rochester market happens on translator W239BF at 95.7 — formerly licensed to Greece, New York on the northwestern edge of the market.  Entercom was able to move the signal a bit southeast and change the city of license to Rochester.  It purchased the translator from Family Life Ministries for $150,000.

heathertonM&MGood Things Happen in Miami.  Just ask Mike Greenberg (left) and Mike Golic (right) about the fun in the sun in Miami.  The ESPN morning duo Mike & Mike broadcast live from Lummus Park in Miami today (6/11) as they cover the NBA Finals and were visited by model Erin Heatherton (center) on the set.  Heatherton – a Chicago native – talked about the comparisons between Michael Jordan and LeBron James as well as the Spurs’ game 3 victory and meeting Mike & Mike at the NBA All-Star Game.

Child Immigrant Refugees Case/Amnesty Proposals, Hillary Clinton Book, Bergdahl Deal/Terror Suspects Return to Battle, Dave Brat-Eric Cantor Primary, Climate Change Debate, and NBA-NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/10).  The influx of minor refugees pouring across the U.S. borders and renewed debate over amnesty for illegal aliens; Hillary Clinton’s newest memoir and her statements about the family’s financial status upon leaving the White House; the Bowe Bergdahl-terror suspect swap and concerns over released prisoners returning to the terror battlefield; the Virginia primary race between House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Tea Party-backed candidate Dave Brat; ongoing debate over climate change and global carbon emissions policy; and the NBA and NHL finals were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.