Tag: "Peter Kosann"
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Howie Carr Radio Network to Launch ‘The Grace Curley Show.’ A new midday talk show is launching starring Grace Curley, currently the executive producer of the Boston-based Howie Carr show and a Boston Herald columnist. Curley’s program is being produced by The Howie Carr Radio Network and airs live daily from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. The Howie Carr Radio Network says it has signed a deal with iHeartMedia’s WRKO, Boston to air “The Grace Curley Show” beginning January 4. HCRN president Kathy Carr says, “We have full coverage in New England and many of our clients benefit from our wide reach and personal attention to their radio campaigns. Because we have no layers, we are able to turn around promotions swiftly and creatively. I’m excited to bring Grace’s show to my affiliates and clients and plan to implement many of the features we do with Howie’s show on Grace’s program. However, she is her own talent and will have many new elements to her daily program, too. You can’t launch a network without a major market affiliate and with WRKO, we now have that. Our working relationship with the executives at iHeart continues to be one of great collaboration and respect.” Howie Carr adds, “Grace Curley is a great talent and just the sort of host talk radio needs to take the industry to the next level — a young, articulate, conservative woman who already has years of experience in drive-time programming, state-of-the-art podcast and daily print journalism.” Curley, who also is producer of the “Dirty Rats” true crime podcast, states, “I am ecstatic for this huge opportunity to host a talk radio show and offer my perspective on politics, pop culture, and more. Over the last six years, I’ve been mentored by one of the best in the business. I look forward to putting the skills I’ve learned from Howie Carr to the test and creating a show that is interesting, unique and entertaining.” For more information on “The Grace Curley Show” and the HCRN, email Kathy Carr at: Kathycarr@Howiecarrshow.com.
Feder: Mancow to Leave WLS-AM, Chicago After November 25 Show. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Erich “Mancow” Muller is leaving Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago after his November 25 show, saying he’s “tired of doing ‘radio without joy’ during a pandemic.” Mancow has been hosting mornings on WLS-AM for the past two years. He adds, “Much of the enjoyment I had left doing radio has been sucked out of it. Alone in an office building with no guests and endless rules is not my idea of a creative process… For me, no interaction has been the radio kiss of death. Talking during this political season and hearing endless tales of woe from my listeners has been radio without joy.” The station is going to feature guest hosts for the remainder of the year and Cumulus Chicago VP and market manager Marv Nyren says he and PD Stephanie Tichenor have narrowed the field of replacements to three.
Gordon Deal Celebrates 15 Years as Host of ‘This Morning – America’s First News.’ On-air pro Gordon Deal is celebrating his 15th anniversary as host of “This Morning –America’s First News with Gordon Deal.” He says, “With a short attention span like mine, it’s hard to imagine doing the same thing for 15 minutes, let alone 15 years. There’s a lot of pressure and responsibility, especially now with 300 affiliates, but having an exceptional team to work with every day and the support of Compass Media Networks means waking up at 2:30 am can actually be interesting and exhilarating.” Compass says that “This Morning – America’s First News” airs on news/talk stations in 92 of the top 100 markets and is re-broadcast via all major podcast listening platforms including iHeartRadio, RADIO.COM, and TuneIn. Compass Media Networks CEO Peter Kosann adds, “In the history of our medium, very few shows have achieved over 300 affiliates. Kudos to everyone at Compass Media Networks for reaching this goal and special thanks to Gordon Deal for his leadership and voice.”
TALKERS News Notes. Voice-over artist Cayman Kelly celebrates his continuing collaboration with ESPN as the first African American voice of ESPN Radio. He says, “Voice-over is my passion and I am so proud to be a voice for the ESPN network. It is a very fulfilling career. I am fortunate to have evolved and expanded my voice versatility after beginning this journey as a young man. I am also energized to do my part helping to diversify the voices in sports and continue to be a trusted voice.” ESPN senior vice president, production David Roberts comments, “Cayman brings an unmatched sound and prime-time feel to everything he does. We are excited to work with Cayman and look forward to his voice differentiating the sound of ESPN Audio.”…..The “KRMG Morning News with Dan Potter” is producing the station’s 15th annual “Stories of Light” fundraiser to
benefit Make-A-Wish Oklahoma that takes place today (11/17) through Thursday. During the three-day “Stories of Light” event, KRMG will share heartwarming and inspiring stories from local wish kids as they strive to collect $300,000. The event has raised more than $3 million since its inception, thanks to the support of Green Country businesses and KRMG listeners. Station director of branding and programming Levi May says, “This is an unusual year for us because, while the COVID-19 outbreak has slowed donations and wish grants, it hasn’t diminished the number of children and their families in need. We are always motivated by these local kids, we are compelled to provide light during their darkest days, and we have never felt more driven to grant every wish we possibly can.”
COVID-19 Stats & Projections/Vaccines, Holiday Gatherings, Trump vs Transition, Georgia Runoff Elections/Recount, Trump’s Iran Threat, Dow-S&P Record Highs, and Hurricane Iota Hits Central America Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/16). The fast-rising number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad, projections for winter cases and the related positive news about vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna; the coming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and concerns about family get-togethers as superspreading events; Donald Trump’s efforts to stymie the Joe Biden administration transition; the runoff elections in Georgia for its two U.S. Senate seats and the presidential ballot recount; Trump consults Pentagon about strike on Iran nuclear facilities; the Dow and the S&P 500 hit record highs on vaccine news; and Hurricane Iota lashes Central America 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. Programming pro Leo Baldwin is named brand manager for Entercom’s hot AC KYKY-FM “Y98” and adult contemporary KEZK in St. Louis. He says, “I’m so excited to join the amazing team in St. Louis and the incredible brands
they have established in the market.” Baldwin most recently programmed Hubbard Radio’s AC WRMF and classic hits WEAT in West Palm Beach where he also served as operations manager for the seven-station cluster…..iHeartMedia Columbus drops the classic rock on WXZX-FM, Columbus and re-brands the station as “The New Columbus Alternative 105.7, Everything Alternative.” This comes in the wake of the former WWCD’s flip from alternative to Spanish music as signal owner Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting leases the 102.5 FM station (now WWLG-FM) to another operator. WWCD is continuing to air an alternative format online. Back to WXZX, the station names Rafferty afternoon drive personality and promises more jocks will join the station soon.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Missouri Ex-Pol Gets Sunday Night Show on KFTK-FM, St. Louis. KFTK-FM, St. Louis brings former Missouri Speaker Tim Jones aboard to host a weekly program about local, state and national politics. The Tim Jones show will air Sundays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on “FM NewsTalk 97.1.” A press release says
Jones will “draw from his political knowledge and experience gained from serving as a state representative and Speaker of the Missouri House.” He comments, “I could not be more excited to combine the skills I have obtained from my many talented colleagues at ‘FM NewsTalk 97.1’ with the unique knowledge I have of national and local politics and public policy, gained by serving at the one of the highest levels of government, to create a brand-new, cutting-edge weekly radio product.” Jones has served as a guest host for the station’s “Allman in the Morning,” Marc Cox, and Randy Tobler shows.
Compass Media Networks Acquires Yamanair Creative. Though the terms of the sale are not available, Compass Media Networks announces it has acquired the assets of Yamanair Creative – which operates the Cash-by-Creative and SPECByte services. Company founder and CEO Yaman Coskun will continue to head the business along with its management team. Yamanair Creative was founded in 2000 and a press release indicates provides services to radio groups including: Alpha Media, Beasley Broadcast Group, CBS Radio, Cherry Creek Radio, Cromwell Broadcasting, Connoisseur Media, Entercom Communications, Hubbard Radio, Saga Communications, Townsquare Media, Urban One and more. The company provides quick turnaround of spec spots for account executives and full-blown creative. Coskun comments, “Peter Kosann is a smart and passionate visionary. We both love, respect and believe in radio. After 10 years of flying solo, it was time for Yamanair to soar to new heights with the right partner. Compass Media Networks and Yamanair are a perfect match. Inevitably, both Compass Media Networks and Yamanair clients will benefit greatly from this merger of vision and resources.”
DGital Media to Launch ‘Book Tour’ Podcast with John Grisham. The partnership between DGital Media and Book Tour LLC is resulting in the development of the “Book Tour with John Grisham” podcast. A press statement suggests the weekly podcasts “will be a first of its kind foray into the lives of some of the greatest writers and media personalities of our time, all in conversation with one of the world’s most compelling and popular authors.” DGital Media CEO Spencer Brown says, “It is an honor for us to work with John and his team on this innovative series, which we think can be a model for elite media members and personalities going forward. This type of rare access in such a unique setting is what consumers crave and is a continued growing aspect of what we are able to provide as the leader in the on-demand audio space.” “Book Tour With John Grisham” will begin in conjunction with Grisham’s national tour for his new novel, Camino Island.
Sports Talk Personality Marc James Joins NESN. Sports talk personality Marc James joins cable’s Boston-based New England Sports Network as an anchor and reporter. James has worked in the radio end of the sports media biz, most recently as a weekend and fill-in host at CBS Sports Radio Network. Prior to that, he was with WZGC, Atlanta “92.9 The Game” and WFNZ, Charlotte “610 The Fan.”
John Clayton Exits ESPN; Remains on KIRO-AM, Seattle. Longtime ESPN personality John Clayton is one of the casualties of the recent cuts at the Bristol, Connecticut-based sports media giant. Clayton was a lead analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the NFL for many years. He confirmed via Twitter that his time with ESPN is over. Clayton continues to host the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon sports talk show on Bonneville’s KIRO-AM, Seattle.
TALKERS News Notes. This may never materialize but Wikileaks founder Julian Assange says he’s “looking into” an offer from Premiere Networks superstar Sean Hannity to guest host his national radio show. This comes from an interview Assange did with CNN. Assange does admit that his asylum status in the Ecuadorian embassy in London could make the offer difficult to arrange…..BizTalkRadio adds three new shows to its network lineup. Joining the network are the Scott Lumley show, “The Price of Business Radio,” and “Wall Street Raw with Mark Leibovit.”…..Radio pro Steve Harmon joins Sheet Happens Prep service in an affiliate relations and content creation role. Harmon has produced WBGG, Miami’s “Paul and Young Ron Morning Show” and co-hosted the “Harmon & Evans Morning Show” at KPLX, Dallas…..Longtime Charlotte radio personality Keith Larson tells TALKERS magazine that the first hour of his daily online radio show is being aired at 12:00 noon on sports talk WZVG, Charlotte “ESPN Charlotte” as the “Lunch Break.”…..On Monday (6/5), public voting begins for favorite radio personalities in two categories to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame on November 2, 2017. The nominees for Music Format On-Air Personality are: Bobby Bones, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, Guy Phillips, and Ryan Seacrest. For Spoken Word On-Air Personality, the nominees are: Mike & Mike, Bill Handel, Joe Madison and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! Fans can vote for one personality in each category online at www.radiovote.com. Winners of the two categories will be announced June 26. In addition to the two listener-voting categories, there are four categories being voted on by a panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. For a list of nominees, check out www.radiohof.org…..The podcast of talk host Dr. Ronald Hoffman’s syndicated “Intelligent Medicine” show has surpassed the 4 million download mark…..NBC News and Euronews have closed on a deal in which NBC News is making a significant financial investment in Euronews. NBC News is acquiring 25% of the company, with the funding going to support expanded news coverage and programming across Europe. Media Globe Networks will continue to be the majority shareholder in Euronews. The company’s TV and digital platforms will ultimately be co-branded EuronewsNBC…..WMAL, Washington executive producer Heather Hunter and husband and WBAL, Baltimore midday host Derek Hunter welcome their daughter Quinn Carol Elizabeth Hunter, born on May 22.
Trump’s European Relationships, Paris Climate Deal Status, Trump/Kushner-Russia Investigation/Comey Testimony, Kathy Griffin Trump ‘Beheading,’ Deadly Kabul Bombing, and MLB, NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/31). President Donald Trump’s seemingly fractured relationships with European leaders; President Trump’s intent to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Treaty; the investigation into potential connections between Trump campaign operatives, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Russian agents, tied with looming congressional testimony from fired FBI Director James Comey; the backlash against comic Kathy Griffin for the image of her posing with a prop resembling Trump’s severed head; the bombing that killed 90 people in Kabul, Afghanistan’s diplomatic district; and MLB, NBA, and NHL 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. Some new air personalities join Urban One’s CHR KROI “92.1 Radio Now.” Assuming the afternoon drive role is Laura Dickerson, a.k.a. On Air Laura; and joining for the evening show is Amir Diamond. Dickerson’s arrival moves music director Rich Pangilinan, a.k.a. DJ Riddler, moves from PM drive to middays…..Westwood One is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band album with a special program. The program features producer Giles Martin (Sir George Martin’s son), who mixed the 50th anniversary album, and veteran WLS-FM, Chicago personality Jeff Davis. The two-hour program also features exclusive archive audio from the Fab Four themselves – John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The album was released in the U.S. on June 2, 1967.
Court Victory for Former KYGO, Denver Personality David Mueller in Taylor Swift Suit. The Hollywood Reporter says that Colorado federal judge William Martinez has ruled that David Mueller (who worked at country KYGO as “Jackson” on the morning show) can go ahead with his suit against Taylor Swift for tortious interference, but that the slander claim is being denied. Further, Judge Martinez ruled that Swift must be in attendance at the entire trial. As you know, Swift claims Mueller groped her at a backstage photo op. Mueller was fired by KYGO after the incident. The basis of Mueller’s suit is that Swift and her people interfered with his employment contract by getting him fired for something he maintains he did not do. The trial will begin August 7. See THR story here.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Clear Channel to Go ‘Real Talk 760’ in Denver. The flip of progressive talk KKZN, Denver “Colorado’s Progressive Talk” reported earlier this week is confirmed with details. The station will feature financial and personal help programs and take the positioning statement “Real Talk 760 – Real Life, Real Solutions.” The lineup, beginning Monday (5/19), is as follows: Bloomberg Radio and Wall Street
Journal Radio Network programming during the 3:00 am to 10:00 am “Money in the Morning” program block; a simulcast of sister news/talk KHOW’s Troubleshooter Tom Martino from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon; Dave Ramsey from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm (starting June 2); Clark Howard from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Dr. Joy Browne from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with Jim Bohannon from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. In a statement, CC Denver market president Pat Connor says, “We’re excited to bring a new genre of talk programming to Colorado. We’re confident ‘Real Talk 760’ will be a trusted source of information and entertainment for our listeners.”
Nancy Abramson Named VP Affiliate Sales & Strategic Partnerships at Compass. Respected talk radio pro Nancy Abramson joins Compass Media Networks in the newly
created position vice president of sales & strategic partnerships. In the new post she’ll “drive strategic partnerships with radio stations and content providers.” Compass CEO Peter Kosann states, “We are incredibly lucky to have Nancy join us. Great people are the key to this business and Nancy fits this description.” Abramson will work out of the company’s Rye, New York offices. She comments, “It is an honor to join Compass Media Networks. The company has done a brilliant job amassing an incredible content portfolio and I cannot wait to work with our distribution partners.”
WestwoodOne Inks Charles Osgood to Multi-Year Renewal. Iconic CBS News figure Charles Osgood and WestwoodOne will continue their relationship for some years to come as the two sides agree to terms to continue producing “The Osgood File” series. Osgood states, “I’m looking forward to bringing more
of ‘The Osgood File’ to the millions of listeners across the country who tune in each weekday morning. My producer Ray Bassett and I look forward to continuing the great partnership with our colleagues at CBS News and WestwoodOne who make it all possible – and so enjoyable. See you on the radio!” Osgood’s radio work has been honored over the years with two Peabody Awards, the RTDNA Murrow Award, an NAB Marconi Award, and a Radio Mercury Award.
Fourth Round of April PPM Data Released. PPM data from the fourth of four groups of 12 markets for the April 2014 period (March 27 – April 23) has been released by Nielsen Audio. Those markets include: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication, RadioInfo, has all the (subscriber) numbers here. Managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian offers his “Ten Takeaways” from the report at RadioInfo.com here.
Four Dynamic Solo Speakers to Present Spectrum of Views and Information at Talkers New York 2014 — Hannity, Francesa, Edelman and Del Colliano to Appear in Key Addresses. The agenda continues to grow as the 17th annual installment of talk media’s longest running and most important convention – Talkers New York 2014 — is now less than five weeks away. The power-packed, one-day, industry-only gathering will provide its luminous attendees with more than 65 speakers participating in five panel discussions, an awards ceremony, the legendary and original Talk Rumble, a product and idea exhibit, and four dynamic solo presentations. Kicking off the day with the traditional TALKERS General Keynote Address will be Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel superstar Sean Hannity discussing key issues including his vision of news/talk’s future. That will be followed by WFAN, New York legend Mike Francesa delivering the second annual TALKERS Sports Keynote Address in his unique, no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is style; highly respected, personal finance advisor and syndicated radio host, Ric Edelman will deliver a special presentation offering retirement planning information specifically geared to radio professionals shifting from employee to self-employed status during this economically transitional era in the business; and noted radio industry observer and Inside Music Media publisher, Jerry Del Colliano will offer up a serving of potent insights about “Radio in the Digital Era.” According to TALKERS publisher and conference director Michael Harrison, “Each of these solo speakers brings something very special to the table and we couldn’t be more delighted having them serve our attendees in their key roles.” The event takes place on Friday, June 20 at the iconic India House located at One Hanover Square in the heart of New York City’s historic Financial District. Registration (open only to people who are employed in the radio industry or associated media companies and broadcasting students) is $249 per person and covers all events, presentations and sessions including breakfast, lunch, day-long refreshments and closing reception. Talkers New York 2014 is expected to be sold out before June. Registrations can only be booked by telephone with credit card. For registration or sponsorship information call 413-565-5413. To see up-to-the-minute agenda details and hotel information, please click here.
WFAN, New York’s Boomer & Carton Welcome the Gin Blossoms to ‘Summer Kickoff Party.’ The event will take place at D’JAIS in Belmar, New Jersey next Friday, May 23 as WFAN, New York morning drive team Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton will broadcast their show live for the inaugural Memorial Day “Summer Kickoff Party” on the CBS RADIO sports talk station. The Gin Blossoms will perform live during the show and will serve as special guests on the program.
Odds & Sods. Sports talk KILT-AM, Houston personality Rich Lord is being replaced as the sideline reporter for Houston Texans radio broadcasts by John Harris, who recently joined the Texans as a media contributor. He most recently worked at KGOW, Houston and the affiliated Yahoo! Sports Radio network. According to David Barron in the Houston Chronicle, the move was not a reflection on Lord but a means of raising Harris’ profile…..CBS RADIO Philadelphia partners with the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia around the Stotesbury Cup Regatta presented by the Tri-State Toyota Dealers, the largest high school rowing event in the world. As part of the partnership, the CBS Radio Sponsorship Group will serve as a marketing, media and sponsorship arm for the Stotesbury Cup, which has been held continuously on the Schuylkill River since 1927, attracting almost 6,000 high school athletes from over 200 high schools and over 30,000 spectators for the two-day event. The 2014 Stotesbury Cup Regatta takes place today and tomorrow.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. Radio America’s “Dana Show” with Dana Loesch joins new stations KXL-FM, Portland; KFQD-AM, Anchorage; WIBW-AM, Topeka; WGKA-AM, Atlanta; WAAM-AM, Ann Arbor; and KNWZ, Palm Springs…..“Gun Talk” with host Tom Gresham is now part of the program schedule at KWQW, Des Moines “98.3 The Torch.”…..WYD Media’s Thom Hartmann moves to afternoon drive on Saga Communications’ progressive talk WNYY, Ithaca…..New affiliates for The Wall Street Journal Radio Network‘s “MarketWatch Reports” include: KROI, Houston; KQTH, Tucson; and KOA and KKZN, Denver. KKZN also picks up “The Wall Street Journal This Morning” and “The Wall Street Journal This Weekend.”…..The “Motley Fool Stock Watch” daily feature is added to the programming at WNOS, New Bern, North Carolina.
‘OMAHA, OMAHA!’ Peyton Manning’s in Town. Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning – whose use of the word “Omaha” when barking out audible signals on the gridiron was the subject of much discussion and jocularity last season – visited the city for the 60th Annual B’nai B’rith Charity Sports Banquet on May 15 at Century Link Center. The event was attended by more than 1,200 people and KOZN, Omaha “1620 The Zone” morning hosts Gary Sharp (left) and Damon Benning (right) got the chance to snap a pic with Manning (center) while welcoming him to the city.
Boko Haram Kidnappings/Militant Islamism Top News/Talk Stories for Week of May 12-16. Landing atop the Talkers TenTM this week is the kidnapping of the schoolgirls in Nigeria by the militant Islamic group Boko Haram and the U.S.’s role in the situation. At #2 was the report on Antarctic glacial melt and debate over climate change. Following at #3 was the 2016 presidential race and the matter of Hillary Clinton’s health and at #4 was the mid-term elections and primary race results. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Not the Same-Old, Same-Old
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Tremendous temptation surfaces in the years of profiling talk radio personalities to make an occasional obligatory James Brown-inspired reference.
Specifically, a justifiable desire eventuates to compare certain talk hosts to the late entertainer (as opposed to the CBS-TV and former Sporting News Radio broadcaster of the same name) who – in addition to “The Godfather of Soul” was often dubbed the “hardest-working” person in show business.
Not that those in other genres of this medium are slackers – Ryan Seacrest represents the definitive textbook example of a supremely ambitious music radio star – but a select group of talk radio hosts do the improbable of overseeing multiple long-form weekday programs (often back-to-back).
That handful of Herculean talk realm performers has at various times included, among others, the likes of Thom Hartmann, Rusty Humphries, Lars Larson, Michael Smerconish, and Ed Schultz. Some such as Alan Colmes and Sean Hannity have had and continue to have a daily radio/daily TV mix.
As laudatory as that most assuredly is, someone in Tampa took conscientiousness and mindboggling to an even more impressive level.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey9: Sports Talk Radio Users Big on New Media. There’s a logical trend among frequent users of sports talk radio: being comprised largely of younger men, they are very attached to their smartphones/cell phones and they are far more likely to be regular Twitter users than primary users of other radio formats. While this may not surprise sports talk programmers, the numbers, according to Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey9 are impressive. When it comes to technology usage, 69% of sports talk fans own a smartphone – up 14% over last year’s study; 42% own a tablet device – up 55% over last year; and 24% subscribe to SiriusXM – a hike of 16% compared to a year ago. Other takeaways from the study:
- Sports talk radio users are far more likely to check their email or turn on the TV as their first media occasion of the day than those who listen to other radio formats.
- Twitter usage increased among sports talk users compared to the previous year and continues to be the preferred social media platform for sports talk fans.
- Sports talk fans are heavy internet users.
- When it comes to reasons why sports talk fans give for listening to less AM/FM radio and throwing out the #1 response (lifestyle change), the second most cited reason is not enjoying the programming (25%) and third, listening to SiriusXM (23%).
- Linked In is also a very popular social media site for sports talk radio users.
Employing Digital-Only Sales Reps: Radio Business Lags Behind Other Media. From the recently released Borrell Research “2013 Update: Assessing Local Digital Sales Forces,” comes the news that radio stations are last among media in employing digital-only account executives with merely 11% of respondents to the study saying they employ such sellers. For perspective, among television station respondents, 44% state they have digital-only sales people. It appears some in radio have a less-than-rosy feeling about selling digital as one respondent stated, “We should be focusing on our strength, audio advertising, not selling our clients the pipe dream of ‘interactivity’ that digital has promised but seldom delivers.” The following is for all media – not just radio – but Borrell states it appears local media companies with digital-only reps: 1) average twice the online revenue of those without digital reps; 2) have a sales staff that exhibits greater ability to consult with and educate advertisers; and 3) have a sales staff with stronger capabilities to understand and sell digital products. Respondents to the study also indicate that having digital-only account executives allows them to respond and that those reps perform very well “with a ‘consultative approach’ to fit our products and services to the needs of our advertisers,” as well as having a very good “understanding of how our digital products and services can serve an advertiser’s needs.”
TALKERS Spotlight: Pharmacist Ben Fuchs Emerging as Interesting, “Alternative” Talk Host on the Rise. As host of the nationally syndicated Genesis Communications Network (GCN) radio program “The Bright Side,” Ben Fuchs has become a thorn in the side of the pharmaceutical industry by being an outspoken-but-charming advocate for better nutrition and a natural healing approach, because, as he says, “I look at the human body as a healing and regenerating system.” In an article posted today (5/30), TALKERS special features correspondent Jeff McKay writes about this unusual host whom a number of radio movers from Michael Zwerling to Ted Anderson to Michael Harrison all think is worthy of being on the industry radar. Read the entire piece here.
TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award to be Renamed in Honor of Gene Burns. The editorial board of TALKERS magazine has announced that it has unanimously voted to rename the publication’s long-running annual Freedom of Speech Award to “The Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech.” The award, one of the most prestigious and high-profile honors presented to individuals in the talk media industry, has a colorful (and often controversial) history that goes back to the early 1990s when the modern era of talk radio began to emerge and the format became recognized as an influential forum of public policy and social change following the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine. In making the announcement, TALKERS VP and executive editor Kevin Casey states, “Gene Burns was the model by which the Freedom of Speech Award and the Annual State of the First Amendment Address delivered at our national convention were developed. It is only fitting that this institution bears the name of this great champion of the ideals and foundation upon which contemporary spoken-word radio is built.” The 2013 edition of the award and the first to bear the name of Gene Burns will be presented to Premiere Networks host Glenn Beck on Thursday, June 6 at Talkers New York 2013. SiriusXM talk show host Michael Smerconish will deliver the Annual State of the First Amendment Address at that same ceremony.
Compass Media Networks Announces Expanded Football Schedule. The slate of college and NFL football play-by-play available from Compass Media Networks this fall is being expanded with company general manager of sports Michelle Salvatore saying, “We will broadcast at minimum one Saturday college game each week plus a minimum of three NFL games every Sunday afternoon. If there are additional NFL games of interest, then we will add broadcasts as we deem necessary.” Compass opens the NCAA football season with Georgia at Clemson on August 31 and begins coverage of the NFL season on September 8 with three contests: Seattle at Carolina, Oakland at Indianapolis and Green Bay at San Francisco. Compass founder and CEO Peter Kosann says “The schedule speaks for itself. We are pleased to offer radio stations, our listeners, and our national advertisers such compelling games and breadth and depth of coverage.”
United Stations Radio Networks Ups Margaret Verghese to VP of Comedy and Prep Services. Margaret Verghese has been with United Stations Radio Networks since 2001 when she joined as an executive assistant.
Most recently she’s been the managing director of Pulse content — the division that provides prep services, talent tours and web content — but now moves up to vice president/comedy and prep services. In this new role, Verghese will also lead the creative team that generates the dozens of comedy services produced by USRN. USRN president and COO Jim Higgins states, “Margaret has been single-handedly responsible for much of the growth in both our comedy product and our prep services over the years, and this appointment is well deserved. She is a tireless executive who brings creativity and dedication to her efforts every single day, and we’re thrilled to hand the reigns of these important areas of content creation over to her.”
More Investor Money for TuneIn. Audio content aggregator TuneIn announces it has raised another $25 million led by Institutional Venture Partners, with participation from existing investors Sequoia Capital, Google Ventures and General Catalyst Partners. At the same time, the company reports that it surpassed one billion listening hours in the first four months of 2013, with more than 227 million listening sessions in the month of March alone, “solidifying the company’s position as the world’s number-one service for listening to live, online radio.” TuneIn CEO John Donham states, “This investment gives us the capital to accelerate the development of new technologies and support our ongoing expansion. We will use this funding to leverage our momentum, with a particular focus on growing ad revenues for our broadcast partners.” The company recently announced the release of its TuneIn Live, a major platform redesign that it says “provides a personalized way to find relevant radio stations, songs and live events from all over the world.” It also reports that “since its launch in March 2013, TuneIn Live has spurred a large uptick in listener engagement.” The company released TuneIn Live for its popular iPhone apps last week, making the updated interface available across all Android and iOS devices and web browsers.
WFAN, New York Morning Co-Host Craig Carton to Publish Book. The digital edition of Craig Carton’s new book Loudmouth: Tales (and Fantasies) of Sports, Sex, and Salvation from Behind the Microphone (Simon & Schuster 2013) comes out on June 4 and tells the story of Carton’s youth, his entry into the radio business and the career that brought him to WFAN’s morning show alongside Boomer Esiason in 2007. Like Carton’s radio personality, the book promises to pull no punches. According to a preview at BobsBlitz.com, Carton has plenty of WFAN stories to share, including how both midday host Joe Benigno and PM drive legend Mike Francesa both wanted Carton and Esiason to fail.
KYZZ, Salinas Deal Worth $1.15 Million. The sale of KYZZ-FM, Salinas, California that sends the station from Buckley Broadcasting to Saul Levine’s Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters is for $1.15 million in cash. Buckley has been simulcasting sports talk on KYZZ and KIDD. Buckley is keeping KIDD and it’s expected that Mt. Wilson will change the format of KYZZ to music but it’s not known at this time what Saul Levine’s plans for the signal are.
Odds & Sods. Doug Urbanski sits in for Rush Limbaugh on his Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk show today and tomorrow (5/30 & 31)…..Cable news/talk TV ratings are seeing dramatic changes from a year ago. The Hollywood Reporter, citing Nielsen numbers, indicates there’s been a big slide for MSNBC and much-needed gains for CNN. For Total Day, MSNBC drops 10% (Total Viewers) from May 2012 to May 2013 while CNN rises to second place behind first place Fox News Channel with a 61% increase. In Prime Time, MSNBC falls 20% during the same period (Total Viewers) and CNN is up 70%. The 8:00 pm ET slot was down 32% in Total Viewers for MSNBC. The network now airs “All in with Chris Hayes” where “The Ed Show” hosted by Ed Schultz used to air.
Cumulus All-News 106.7 Atlanta Celebrates One Year Anniversary. Pictured here is the programming, production and news staff of Cumulus Media’s WYAY, Atlanta “All-News 106.7” enjoying a lunch party to celebrate the station’s one-year mark as an all-news outlet. In May of 2012, Cumulus flipped classic hits WYAY to all news to capitalize on the lack of such a station in the Atlanta market with CEO Lew Dickey stating at the time, “As big a city as we’ve got and as diverse and cosmopolitan a community, not to have an all-news product creates a huge opportunity.”
New Jersey Broadcasters Association Annual Conference to Feature Programming Roundtable. The two-day 66th Annual Conference and Gala produced by the New Jersey Broadcasters Association in Atlantic City June 18 and 19 will feature, among its enticing agenda items the “Super Programming Session: The Future of Broadcast!” The session is being moderated by NJBA board member Salem Communications vice president/director spoken word format Phil Boyce. The roundtable will include: Scott Herman, EVP operations CBS Radio; Joe Puglise, president and market manager Clear Channel New York; Eric Johnson, program director Townsquare Media; Jeff Smulyan, CEO Emmis Communications; Walter Sabo, chairman of Sabo Media; Joseph Kerry, chief of staff, Mercury Radio Arts and the Glenn Beck Show; Steve Jones, SVP ABC News Radio and Gordon Borrell, CEO of Borrell Associates.
Cool Job Opportunity. Marshalltown Broadcasting seeks a news director – theirs is retiring in July. Marshalltown Broadcasting operates news/talk KFJB, Marshalltown, Iowa and sister country outlet KXIA “Kix 101” in the Des Moines market. If you are ready to be a news director at a strong small market news operation and maybe do a little sports, too, call Clark Wideman at 641-753-3361 or send your information to clark@marshalltownbroadcasting.com.
DOJ Journalists Investigation/Holder Off-the-Record Meeting, IRS Scandal, Arizona Mom Held in Mexican Prison, Syria Tensions, and Jobless Claims Rise Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/29). Attorney General Eric Holder’s offer to meet off-the-record with news organizations about the DOJ’s investigation of journalists; the IRS’ targeting of conservative groups seeking tax exempt status; an Arizona mother being held in Mexico on allegedly manufactured drug charges; tensions over the ongoing violence in Syria; and the rise in jobless claims were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Tom Langmyer Exits Tribune’s WGN, Chicago After Eight Years. The vice president and general manager of Tribune’s only radio property – WGN, Chicago – left his position yesterday. Tom Langmyer didn’t comment specifically to TALKERS about the reason for the move but the change appears to have been WGN’s and not Langmyer’s choice. Langmyer joined WGN as general manager in March of 2005 after rising from program director to vice president and general manager of CBS Radio’s KMOX, St. Louis. Now, Langmyer exits after a meeting Monday with Tribune Broadcasting president and CEO Nils Larsen. Langmyer issued the following statement to his staff upon his exit: “I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated the privilege of working with you. WGN is a very special place, and I’m very lucky to have spent nearly eight years as part of it! . . . Looking forward to new challenges ahead!” Like many major market radio stations, WGN has been a turbulent place over the past eight years with four program directors during that time and four different morning drive hosts – not to mention the Sam Zell-engineered takeover of Tribune that brought former Clear Channel radio president Randy Michaels to the helm of the company and the financial trouble that put Tribune into bankruptcy. Langmyer’s departure comes as Tribune nears a long-awaited exit from bankruptcy. There is speculation Tribune will attempt to sell some of its properties and the lone radio station in its portfolio may go “on the block.” As far as management is concerned, director of sales Jeff Hill will serve as general manager in the interim. You can reach out to Tom Langmyer at tlangmyer@gmail.com.
New Talk Outlet Debuts in Reno. After eight years of work and a fair amount of resources invested, Shamrock Communications goes live with one of the four FM stations it is building for the Reno, Nevada market. KNEZ-FM “107.3 K-News” features a mostly syndicated lineup consisting of Premiere Networks’ Glenn Beck, Cumulus Media Networks’ Mike Huckabee, WYD Media’s Michael Smerconish, local talk show host Sean Patrick, and Talk Radio Network’s Rusty Humphries.
Michael Savage Re-Enters National Syndication Tonight. Following a protracted battle to get out of his contract with Talk Radio Network, talk host Michael Savage signed with Cumulus Media Networks to distribute his program. The new syndication effort begins tonight as Savage’s live broadcast time moves to 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET.
America’s Radio News Network Names Lori Lundin Mid-Morning Co-Anchor. Talk Radio Network-operated America’s Radio News Network adds news pro Lori Lundin to the 9:00 am to 12:00 pm ET news block as co-anchor alongside Ernie Brown. Prior to joining ARN, Lundin was anchoring
mornings nationally on Fox News Radio for over four years. Before that, she was an award-winning reporter on news/talk KFBK, Sacramento. She received the Northern California Radio and Television News Directors Association award for her breaking news coverage while reporting for the station. ARN EVP of news and programming
John McCaslin states, “I first heard ARN’s new co-anchor, Lori Lundin when she was anchoring top-of-the-hour and breaking news stories on Fox News Radio. ARN is extremely fortunate to have somebody of her caliber join the team – a news anchor who possesses a rare, unwavering reputation for accurate, complete, and unbiased reporting. Lori Lundin is the exception, not the norm, for members of the Washington Press Corps.”
Business Talk WZAB, Miami Host Sentenced in Pot Growing Case. Edward Woodson, who hosts the 7:00 am to 8:00 am hour on Salem Communications’ business talk WZAB, Miami “880 The Biz,” pleaded guilty to running a marijuana growing operation out of his Miami Shores, Florida home. The 50-year-old lawyer and real estate investor will serve three years’ probation, one of those under house arrest and pay some $25,000 in fines. Woodson brokers the morning drive hour for his program and is not an employee of Salem Communications, but a client.
7 Talk Radio Takeaways from Presidential Debate. Consultant Holland Cooke explains how what is shaping up to be a very close presidential contest – not to mention some hotly contested congressional races – should be played for the “tight game” it is. Holland says, “Smart talk stations promoted debate coverage by reminding that, “IF YOU’LL BE IN THE CAR TONIGHT…” Certainly anyone with the choice would have watched rather than listened. And going forward, it continues to make sense to approach campaign coverage as car radio. Assume that you’re sharing attention.” See more of Holland Cooke’s 7 takeaways here.
Calling in the Experts. Talk host Michael Castner (r) is pictured here with intelligence expert Lieutenant Colonel Tony Shaffer (l) during Shaffer’s visit to The Wall Street Journal Radio Network’s studios. Shaffer appeared on “The Daily Wrap from the Wall Street Journal with Michael Castner” to discuss the controversial Benghazi attack that took the lives of four Americans including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.
Compass Media Networks Announces College Hoops Schedule. Beginning with the December 6 Vanderbilt vs. Xavier matchup and running through the March 9 Duke vs. UNC game, Compass Media Networks is offering 15 regular season men’s college basketball games this season. The network also has exclusive radio coverage of the Big Ten Conference tournament. Compass says it has an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Learfield Sports – one of the country’s largest broadcast rights holders with colleges and that the deal enables it to pick from among the best games to broadcast (using Compass’ own unique production and broadcast crew); “virtually all basketball games Compass is broadcasting feature top-ranked teams and compelling matchups.” Compass Media Networks CEO Peter Kosann states, “Kudos to our team for selecting such incredible games. From the opening tip to the culmination of our coverage in March as the Big Ten Tournament returns to Chicago, this will be a great season.” See the entire Compass college basketball schedule here.
ESPN’s Dan Shulman Re-Ups. The voice of ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” will continue with the sports media giant after agreeing to a multi-year deal. In addition to Dan Shulman’s role on “Sunday Night Baseball,” Shulman will continue with his play-by-play work for men’s college basketball as well as his ESPN Radio duties calling the post-season games and the World Series. Regarding the 2012 NSSA Sportscaster of the Year, ESPN SVP and executive producer Jed Drake states, “Dan’s one of the most talented and versatile play-by-play commentators in our industry. Dan’s voice has become unmistakable, his storytelling ability is top notch and his penchant for making his colleagues better is an incredible asset to ESPN and to sports fans.” Shulman (r) is pictured here with ESPN’s Doris Burke (l) and Dick Vitale (c).
The Final Presidential Debate, the Latest Poll Numbers, the Continuing Investigation into the Benghazi Attack, Anita Dunn ‘Conflict Issue’ and Lance Armstrong Stripped of Tour de France Medals Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/22). The buildup to the final presidential debate before the November 2 election; the latest poll numbers concerning the presidential race; the ongoing investigation of the Benghazi attack that took the lives of four Americans; former Obama Administration communications director Anita Dunn’s controversial status handling PR for firms lobbying the White House; and Lance Armstrong’s being stripped of his seven Tour de France medals were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Other Defendants Named in Mark Masters’ TRN Lawsuit Against Dial Global Claiming Monopoly Practices. As reported yesterday (8/28) by TALKERS, these companies, referred to generally in the industry as Talk Radio Network (TRN), include The Original Talk Radio Network, Inc., Talk Radio Network Enterprises, LLC and Talk Radio Network-FM, Inc. They have initiated the filing of a Federal action against Dial Global, Inc. and multiple other parties, asserting antitrust, anti-monopoly and other claims. The complaint, which demands a jury trial, is titled “Complaint for Violations of the Sherman Act and the Cartwright Act, and for Fraudulent Inducement, Interference with Contract and Interference with Prospective advantage.” In addition to Dial Global, it specifically names: Excelsior Radio Networks, Triton Radio Networks, Triton Media Group, Oaktree Capital Management, Verge Media Companies, Courstide, LLC, Compass Media Networks, Compass Media Marketing, and WYD Media Management. Individuals named include Spencer Brown, David Landau, and Ken Williams of Dial Global, Ron Hartenbaum of WYD, Peter Kosann of Compass, and Norm Pattiz of Courtside. To see the entire complaint click here.
Big Staffing Changes at Federated Media in Fort Wayne. Last week TALKERS reported the departure of WOWO, Fort Wayne program director Gregg Henson and his replacement by Woody Zimmerman. Now, after almost 18 years with Federated Media, chief operating officer Mark DePrez announces his departure from the company. Brad Williams, who had been overseeing the Indiana markets of South Bend, Elkhart and Warsaw, will also be in charge of the company’s Fort Wayne and Auburn, Indiana markets as he becomes COO. But that’s not all, as Indiana Radio Watch reports national sales manager Mary DePrez, production director Steve Starbrelz (this November would mark his 35th year there), classic hits WMEE, Fort Wayne middayer Zack Skyler, country WQHK, Fort Wayne GSM Suzee Leavell and several sales staffers have also left the building. IRW also reports Clint Marsh becomes GM of the South Bend properties. On his tenure with Federated Media, DePrez states, “After almost 18 years I’m leaving Federated Media. We accomplished great things in Fort Wayne but all good things must come to an end. I am grateful to the Dille family for the four promotions over those 18 years including my recent tenure as COO. For a decade it has been my distinct honor to be the custodian of such iconic brands as WOWO, WQHK (K-105) WMEE and more recently WBYR (98.9 The Bear). I am immensely proud of the talented team we assembled and know they will continue to do great things.” DePrez is available for his next challenge. He says, “For employers looking for an executive obsessed with top line performance and profit optimization they can contact me at markdeprez2@gmail.com or 260-385-2574.”
ESPN and Major League Baseball Agree to $5.6 Billion Deal. The new contract between ESPN and MLB goes through 2021 and runs an average of $700 million per year for TV, digital, radio and other rights. ESPN is currently paying about $305 million per year for TV and about $50 million for radio rights. The new contract would almost double that but gives ESPN more flexibility, some playoff game rights as well as international rights. For radio it means increased ESPN Radio rights, including the additional right to co-exist during two Saturday windows per team, per year.
Patt Morrison’s Southern California Public Radio Show Cancelled. The popular Southern California public radio figure will remain with the organization but Patt Morrison’s six-year-old afternoon program will end on September 10. The move is part of a series of programming changes at KPCC, Pasadena that include the expansion of the Brand & Martinez program and the addition of the “BBC News Hour” and “The World.” KPCC VP for content Russ Stanton is quoted telling the Los Angeles Daily News, “While the show may be leaving, Patt isn’t. What we’re trying to do is take a lot of the segments that she’s produced – which are very popular with a large part of our listening audience – and spread those a little more throughout the programming day when there are a lot more listeners than there are in the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm slot.” SCPR notes Morrison will still cover the Democratic National Convention for the organization.
NBC Sports Radio and Dial Global Announce More Sports Talk Hires. As NBC Sports Radio continues to prepare for the September 4 launch of the new network, more hosts and sports anchors are being hired. Former NFL star
Amani Toomer will team with Eytan Shander (most recently with SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio) for a 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET sports talk show. Dan Schwartzman — who’s worked for WPEN, Philadelphia and ESPN in New York – will host an overnight show from 1:00 am to 5:00 am ET Tuesdays through Saturdays and Kay Adams joins the network as sports anchor working the 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm shift Monday through Friday. Dial Global is NBC’s partner in ad and affiliation sales and distribution.
Forbes Releases New Highest Paid Celebrities List. Four radio stars landed on the Forbes list of the most recent Highest Paid Celebrities. Of the 21 celebs noted this time around, Howard Stern is the highest at #7 (although he makes a ton of cash from his SiriusXM gig, the NBC TV job helps!); Glenn Beck comes in at #11; Rush Limbaugh lands at #15 and Ryan Seacrest follows at #19.
Larry King to Host Coverage of the RNC on YouTube’s Elections Hub Channel; Premiere Networks’ Andy Dean Joins King on Panel. Longtime CNN star and broadcasting icon Larry King is now working with Ora TV – the
digital on-demand TV network funded by Mexican media magnate Carlos Slim Helu – and Ora TV is partnering with YouTube to produce the Elections Hub channel. Tonight, King will host coverage of the Republican National Convention live from Los Angeles featuring a roundtable of well-known celebrities and guests on the special series “Ora 2012 with Larry King” from 11:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Andy Dean will take part on the panel.
Entercom and University of Florida Enter into Sales Agreement. The college and Entercom Communications have struck a deal which will have Entercom provide sales for the school’s two radio stations – country WRUF-FM and sports talk WRUF-AM. It’s a seven-year deal that begins in September. The university notes that the deal “will provide the College with a guaranteed monthly revenue. Additionally, the stations will participate in a revenue share agreement with Entercom that allows for additional revenue to flow to the stations based on monthly sales performances. In addition to the joint sales agreement, Entercom is launching an academic enhancement initiative to create internships and student opportunities for the College’s students at the company’s stations in Gainesville and around the country. These student involvement opportunities, subject to faculty approval, will include sales, digital marketing programming, news, sports, public relations, strategic communications and promotions.” The stations’ operations director, Jerry Butler, will stay on and co-ordinate the relationship between the stations and Entercom.
Hundreds of Talk Show Hosts from Across Country Broadcasting from RNC. The invention of the “radio row” – largely developed in the modern talk radio era by Washington, DC-based Talk Radio News Service – has really come into its own at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Numerous networks and syndicators have set up shop in elaborate clusters of tables, microphones, remote equipment, banners and, of course, big talking
personalities on both sides of the mic. One of the biggest of these assemblages is again hosted by Talk Radio News Service for its affiliates which include the likes of Rusty Humphries, Phil Valentine, Roger Hedgecock and many more. TRNS bureau chief Ellen Ratner tells TALKERS, “We have more stations than ever – about 40 stations and programs. The RNC gave us a prime spot, right next to their booking office. We are not in the arena but in the building next to it that houses all the press. Other than press conferences, some longer television interviews and hall confrontations between the news media, radio row is the only place to have an in-depth conversation. Radio might have lost some of its audience to the internet, but you would never know it from radio row. Big time politicians want to be there and obviously feel they will get a chance to say what they want. It is still the spot to be and the place to be heard.”
WMAL Morning Hosts on the Scene in Tampa. The final day of the Republican National Convention is today and talk radio and the national press have been busy bringing the political talk home to their constituents. Pictured here are WMAL-AM/FM, Washington morning drive team Brian Wilson (c) and Bryan Nehman (r) interviewing former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton (l).
Republican National Convention, Tropical Storm Isaac, and Iran-Syria Connection Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/28). The progress of tropical storm Isaac and the activity from the Republican National Convention in Tampa Bay were two of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio. The growing connection between Iran’s military and the violence in Syria was also a major topic.