You are here: Home » Archives for Philadelphia

Tag: "Philadelphia"

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

TALKERS | August 15, 2017

Cumulus Media’s Second Quarter Net Revenue Up 1.2%. The upshot from the Q2 financial report from Cumulus Media is that on the radio station side net revenue was basically flat at $208.6 million (-0.7%), while the network side – Westwood One – was $81.2 million (+6.1%). Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner says, “Our second quarter results provide further evidence of the success of our turnaround strategies as we posted a year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA for the first time in over three years despite what continues to be a tough market environment.” For the first six months of 2017 the radio division was down 1.1% and Westwood One was up 1.8%. During yesterday’s investor conference call, Berner stated that the third quarter is pacing down or basically flat, ex political. She reported positive stations ratings growth in PPM markets. “We maintained our ratings share outperformance in PPM markets through the quarter even though we are now lapping some considerable share growth in Q2 2016. Nonetheless, we were up again this quarter and Q2 2017 marks seven straight quarters of PPM ratings share growth which we converted to revenue share growth of 3% in PPM markets in Q2. On the diary side, after two consecutive quarters of share growth, we gave back ratings share in the spring 2017 books for our four-book markets, driven by some fairly isolated challenges. Six markets out of 27 drove the entirety of the decline with two markets representing nearly half of the impact and, of course, we are very focused on righting the ship in those situations.”

New TV Gig for Laura Ingraham? That’s what Matt Drudge is hinting at in a tweet yesterday (8/14). The Hill reports the tweet — “FALL PREVIEW: Laura Ingraham’s prime time to shine! After years in the trenches, much deserved.” – and notes that Drudge has credibility in this area having broken the stories of Bill O’Reilly’s departure from Fox News Channel and the death of former FNC chief Roger Ailes. Now, the speculation includes theories that Ingraham will get a prime time show on Fox News Channel, but there are differing thoughts on at what time the show would air and what current shows would move to accommodate the Ingraham program. Stay tuned!

Rinker to Lead Cumulus Pensacola. Media management pro Jackie Rinker is joining Cumulus Media as vice president and market manager for the company’s Pensacola station group that includes: news/talk WCOA-AM, urban contemporary WRRX “Magic 106.1,” country WXBM “NASH FM 102.7,” classic hits WJTQ “Jet 100.7,” and adult contemporary WMEZ. She comes to Cumulus from her most recent position as market president for iHeartMedia’s Panama City and Tallahassee, Florida clusters. Cumulus RVP Pete DeSimone comments, “Jackie is a great addition to our management team. We have very talented people in Pensacola and I’m confident Jackie’s leadership will help develop each to help the market reach its full potential.”

It’s Official: Westwood One to Syndicate Sunday Evening Sabo Show. Several weeks ago, TALKERS magazine reported that media consultant Walter Sabo – under the stage name Walter Sterling – is joining Westwood One for national syndication of his WPHT, Philadelphia-based talk radio program titled, “Sterling on Sunday.” Now, WW1 officially announces the deal. The program airs live from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am and presents “a mix of lifestyle, entertainment, and social conversation.” Stations already signed on to carry the program include: WLS-AM, Chicago; WMAL-AM/FM, Washington DC; KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh; and KMOX, St. Louis. Sabo says in a press release, “What two best friends talk about is not trivial, it’s a very big deal. That’s why ‘Sterling on Sundays’ transitions the listener into the week with conversation about troubles at work, celebrity gossip, and why the engine light never goes out. The audience is highly engaged and very diverse – from young parents who only have alone time later in the day, to medical professionals on their way to work and other shift workers and late-nighters.” In addition to the Sunday night program, Westwood One represents Sterling’s podcast, “Old Dad,” that “reveals the secret powers of the oldest Dad in three different public schools.” See TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian’s recent profile piece on Walter Sabo here.

TALKERS News Notes. Emmy Award-winning legal correspondent Amy Dash begins serving as a legal analyst contributor to CBS Sports Radio and WFAN, New York. CBS RADIO says that Dash will be a featured guest across the shows on CBS Sports Radio as well as “The Fan” to “offer her expert legal opinion and analysis of news stories at the intersection of sports and the law.”…..CBS RADIO Dallas-Fort Worth SVP and market manager Brian Purdy was recently honored with the Texas Association of Broadcasters’ “Broadcaster of the Year” award. In accepting the award, Purdy said, “Every day is a terrific adventure working with our outstanding team, who responsibly inform, entertain, serve and protect Texans throughout the state. I wish they all could be standing up here with me right now.”…..Digital audio service TuneIn is offering its users the opportunity to listen to a free, live audiocast from the Houston Texans and New England Patriots joint practice at Texans training camp today and tomorrow from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Fans will be able to get coverage and expert analysis from Texans Radio, Patriots.com Radio and TuneIn’s “NFL No Huddle” broadcast teams, as well as special guest interviews.

Christopher Borelli Named Manager of New Business Development at Urban One. Sales pro Christopher Borelli joins Urban One and syndication division Reach Media to serve as manager, new business development. He was most recently a GSM with Emmis Communications. Urban One says Borelli will help develop “incremental business growth in its radio assets, ranging from local (Urban One) and syndicated (Reach Media) radio, to its robust radio digital products (R1 Digital).”

Charlottesville Aftermath, Confederate Monuments Battle, CEOs Quit Trump Council, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, Iran Sanctions, Taylor Swift Case, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-season Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/14). The aftermath of Saturday’s deadly clash between white supremacists and protestors in Charlottesville and criticism of President Trump’s response; protestors bring down a Confederate monument in Durham, North Carolina in response to the Charlottesville violence; three CEOs quit President Trump’s American Manufacturing Council after the president’s response to the Charlottesville violence; the saber-rattling between North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and President Trump; Iran threatens to violate nuclear deal if more sanctions are imposed on it; a jury finds DJ groped Taylor Swift; Major League Baseball action; and NFL pre-season activities were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chicago, media writer Robert Feder reports that Kathy Hart – who’s been missing without explanation from the Eric & Kathy show on Hubbard Radio’s hot AC WTMX since April – has changed agents and is now represented by attorney Steve Mandell. It’s unclear if this change is part of an effort to resolve issues causing her absence from the highly rated morning show…..Alpha Media Portland’s CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” names Amanda “ICE” Habrowski assistant program director for the station. She currently serves as music director and midday personality, duties she will maintain. Alpha Media VP of programming Phil Becker says, “Over the last three years, ICE has been a vital part of our success and I’m thrilled to be able to offer her this opportunity.”…..Beasley Media Group’s classic hits KKLZ, Las Vegas morning personalities Mike & Carla recently collected more than 1,200 cases of bottled water to benefit the Salvation Army of Las Vegas. The station says that what began as a simple idea by the morning duo of putting the word out via the airwaves that the Salvation Army was in dire need of bottled water turned into a massive bottled water collection to benefit the non-profit. Individuals who dropped off a case of water received a family four-pack of tickets to attend the station’s “Raider’s Pre-season Viewing Party” at the Thomas & Mack Center…..Westwood One and Billboard announce that the former’s nationally syndicated country radio program “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks” will begin using the latter’s country airplay chart upon which to base the week’s top songs for the program, effective the weekend of September 9-10. Westwood One notes that this is a return to the show’s roots as Billboard served as the chart source for the program for more than 35 years, beginning with the program’s inception in 1973.

July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week. The 12 markets addressed today are: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. You can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – It is quite a momentous ratings period for WHUR, which not only is up or flat for the fifth consecutive time for a cumulative +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+), the Howard University-owned urban AC crosses the eight-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM history. Moreover, WHUR is in third-place for the seventh time in a row and has a 2.1-share advantage (6+) over Radio One’s similarly-programmed WMMJ “Majic 102.3,” up in back-to-back sweeps for a +.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.0, steady at #4, 6+). A combined -2.3 as the result of five consecutive negative sweeps (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March. After posting five straight sweeps without a decrease that netted a +1.5 (3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBIG stumbled by six-tenths in June; however, “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” recaptures all of it in July (4.8 – 5.4, 6+), inching up from sixth to fifth. Improving by one-half share (1.1 – 1.6, 6+), CBS Radio tropical WLZL has its highest 6+-share since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 1.9 and “El Zol 107.9” continues at #19. Inching up from eighth to sixth, Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” has its fifth straight up or flat trend that has generated a +1.9 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+). The market leader for the seventh consecutive time is American University-owned WAMU, which adds one-tenth from June (9.3 – 9.4, 6+). A combined -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but “The Mind Is Our Medium” forfeited exactly twice that increase in June with a -1.4. February 2017’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. While it holds down the runner-up slot in each of the seven successive sweeps that WAMU has finished first, Hubbard all-news operation WTOP is off for the fourth consecutive time for a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+) and has its softest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2015’s 7.5. A loss of eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.1, 6+) takes iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH (fifth to eighth) to the lowest 6+-showing in its PPM-history. The market’s (6+) hot AC share declines by one full-share as both Cumulus Media’s WRQX “Mix 107.3” (3.4 – 2.9, #13 to #14, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” (3.1 – 2.6, #15 to #17, 6+) are off by one-half share. Stuck on 2.8 (6+) in February, March, and April, “Mix” was a combined +.6 in May and June; 3.4 in June represented the highest 6+-share for “Mix” since it returned to hot AC (from CHR) in mid-November 2013. Having doubled its 6+-stat since February with four straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), CBS Radio sports/talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is off three-tenths to 2.7 (6+) but the Washington Nationals’ flagship moves from #17 to #16.

2) Boston – Owing to a gain of seven-tenths (4.9 – 5.6, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7” advances from sixth to fourth. In addition to adding six-tenths to June’s +.7, iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM enjoys its fifth successive increase netting a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+); “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” marches from third to second. Slipping from #13 to #14, WXKS-FM’s direct competitor – CBS Radio’s WODS “Amp 103.3” – is without an increase for the third straight time (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), immediately after posting four successive positive monthlies which netted four-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Breaking into the top twenty (#21 to #19), Northeast Broadcasting Company triple A WXRV “92.5 The River – Boston’s Independent Radio” hasn’t had a decrease in the last four sweeps (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+) for a +.4. Rebounding from June’s -.6, Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” picks up four-tenths (7.3 – 7.4, 6+) and is on top for the seventh time in a row. The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December, WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; -.8 in April; and -.6 in June. On the heels of adding seven-tenths in June to notch its best 6+-stat since last November’s 3.2, WGBH Educational Foundation classical WCRB spirals by one full-share (2.1 – 2.8 – 1.8, 6+), drifting from #14 to #19. Having bounced back from May’s -.1 with a June gain of three-tenths, Entercom owned/Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM drops seven-tenths in July (5.0 – 4.3, 6+) and returns to #7 from #5. While remaining at #10, its sports talk rival – CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” – is without an increase for the sixth straight time for a combined loss of -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). In four successive dips (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), news-talk sibling WBZ-AM is off by eight-tenths and slips from fourth to fifth. Following a massive +1.1 (to 7.0, 6+) in June, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” returns roughly half of that increase (7.0 – 6.4, -.6, 6+), backsliding from second to third. The 7.0 (6+) “Magic” displayed in June ended a repetitive trending pattern of 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.9 (6+) and was its strongest 6+-share since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2016. Flat at #18, Entercom urban AC WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B” drops three-tenths to 2.0 (6+), thus ending at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.4 (.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+).

3) Miami – Within 3.7 – 4.0 range (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, iHeartMedia-owned WBGG faltered by six-tenths in June to 3.2 (6+), but “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” regains all but one-tenth of that loss (3.7, +.5, 6+) and climbs from #12 to #11. The 3.2 in June was the lowest 6+-share for “Big” since May 2016 (3.2 as well). In addition to “Big,” Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ gains one-half share as well as it tacks onto June’s +.4 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6), with “102.7 The Beach – More Music, More Fun” inching up from eighth to seventh. Without an increase between November 2016 and June 2017 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9, 6+), Fenix Broadcasting Spanish news/talk WWFE “670 AM – La Ponderosa” adds one-tenth to 1.0 and moves from #26 to #24. Having erased April’s one-half share loss with a +.7 in May to advance from second to first (7.2 – 6.7 – 7.4, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT added three-tenths in June only to drop four-tenths in July (7.7 – 7.3, 6+). Nonetheless, “Hot 105” is #1 for the third straight time; 7.7 was the station’s strongest 6+-stat since last July’s 8.0. Down or flat in six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), “Hot” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. Having posted a 7.0 (6+) or higher in five of the last six ratings periods, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR sputters by six tenths (7.2 – 6.6, 6+), but “Amor 107.5” occupies the runner-up slot for the third successive time. Simultaneously, Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-formatted WRMA “Ritmo 95.7 – Cubatón y Más” has lost one full-share via four straight down or flat trends (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), yet actually improves from #16 to #15. As Cox Media Group mainstream CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” loses two-tenths in each of the last three sweeps (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+) dropping from seventh to eighth, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (steady at 4.1 and unchanged at #8) catches its format rival. “Y-100” wiped out May’s -.4 with a +.4 in June. May’s -.4 halted at four WHYI’s successive string of up or flat trends that netted an overall gain of one-half share (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), while April’s 4.7 was the strongest 6+-performance for “Hits 97.3” since 4.9 last September. Meanwhile in the market’s adult contemporary tussle, Entercom’s WLYF “Lite FM” is off a collective seven-tenths in four straight downward trends (5.9 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+) but stays at #4, while Cox Media Group-owned WFEZ “Easy 93” – up a combined full-share in back-to-back sweeps (5.8 – 6.6 – 6.8, April – May – June, 6+) – remains at #3, despite losing three tenths in July to 6.5 (6+).

4) Detroit – The Motor City is the only PPM-market among the 12 listed here that has two stations making (6+) June 2017 – July 2017 gains of at least one full-share and it proves historic for one of them. Without an increase in three straight survey periods for a -.7 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), WCSX responded in June with a one-half share increase. Now, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock Station” not only piles on an additional +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, 6+), the Beasley Media Group-owned property vaults from #7 to #1 – the first time reaching the penthouse in its PPM-history. Locked on 3.6 in three of the last five survey periods (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” breaks out a full-share increase to 4.6 (6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #10) with its best 6+-showing in exactly one year (4.6, as well, 6+, July 2016). In the runner-up slot (up from #3 in June) is CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOMC, which posts its third straight gain for a collective +.8 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+). Actually, “Detroit’s Greatest Hits” is tied for second-place with iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which – like WOMC – posts its third straight gain but with a full-share improvement in that timeframe (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+) and moves up from fourth in June. Cracking the top ten (#11 to #10), WNIC’s urban contemporary cluster-mate WJLB “FM 98 Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” also registers its third consecutive gain for a collective +.6 (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). The station WCSX displaced at #1 – iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD – was a combined +2.4 in May and June (4.0 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+); however, “Mix 92.3 Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks” relinquishes exactly half that gain (5.2, -1.2, 6+) to tumble from first to sixth. It is tied there with CBS Radio all-news WWJ, off for the fourth straight time for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (7.4 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+). Owing to a decrease of seven-tenths (6.2 – 5.5, 6+), co-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” falls from second to fourth. Unchanged at #5, sports talk cluster-mate WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is off one full-share via three straight downward moves (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.3, 6+). At #22, Wayne State University news/talk WDET is without an increase for the sixth successive sweep for a cumulative loss of six-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .9 -.9, 6+).

5) Seattle – The rollercoaster ride continues for Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9,” which was +.5 in May; -.6 in June; and +.9 in July (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+), leaping from fourth to second. May’s +.5 stymied four successive sweeps without an increase that nearly sliced KRWM’s 6+-share in half since the “Holiday” report (10.9 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+). It is now just one-tenth behind CHR sibling KQMV “MOViN 92.5 – All the Hits,” which plummets by -1.2 (7.4 – 6.2, 6+); nevertheless, KQMV is #1 for the seventh consecutive time. This is the softest 6+-showing for “MOViN 92.5” since last August (5.7). Following three straight gains that accounted for a +1.0 (6.8 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), KQMV returned 90% of that increase in April (6.9, -.9, 6+) and bounced back in May with a +.5. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, “MOViN 92.5” was on top for 12 straight sweeps but gave way to “Warm 106.9” before regaining the lead in January. Knocked off the top twenty in June, Entercom-owned KKWF “100.7 Seattle’s Fresh Country The Wolf” gains six-tenths (2.1 – 2.7, 6+) and returns in a three-way tie at #18; July’s 2.7 is its highest 6+-share since last December’s 2.8. Advancing from eighth to sixth is its format rival, CBS Radio’s KMPS “Seattle Country Music Radio” (4.5 – 4.9, +.4, 6+). Gaining one-half share (1.3 – 1.8, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLSW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” checks in at #22. Off by eight-tenths, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” matches its 5.0 (6+) in April and drops from a second-place tie in June to fourth. Co-owned sports talk KJR-AM “Seattle Sports Radio 950” (#31) has its 6+-share sliced by more than 50% via four straight decreases (1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .7 – .5, 6+). A +.8 in four consecutive up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), format foe – Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” – is down one-tenth yet moves from #15 to #14. Without a decrease in each of the last six sweeps and nearly doubling its 6+-share in that period (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.9, 6+), public KNKX “Your Connection to Jazz, Blues and NPR News” is off by four-tenths to 4.5 (6+), dipping from fifth to eighth. Stuck on 2.1 (6+) in March and April and then on 1.9 (6+) in May and June, Sinclair Broadcast Group news/talk KVI falters by three-tenths in July to 1.6 (#23, 6+). Off one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), Entercom’s KNDD ends at four its consecutive streak of up or flat trends that netted one-half share (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), as “Alternative Seattle – 107.7 The End” departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

6) Phoenix – With a 6+ January 2017 through May 2017 trend of 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.7, KOOL is a combined +1.7 in June and July (5.3 – 6.4, 6+). As a result, the CBS Radio classic hits-oldies facility jumps from fourth to second and reaches the six-share level (6+) for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0. The give and take yoyo effect carries on for Hubbard-owned KUPD, which has been +.5 in March (as part of three straight gains netting a +1.3, 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+); -.5 in April; +.8 in May; -.6 in June; and is now +.6 in July (4.8 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 5.6, 6+). After the dust settles, “Arizona’s Real Rock” is up eight-tenths in that stretch and advances from fifth in June to a fourth-place tie. Putting an end to a 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.2 (6+) line, iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” (steady at #6) progresses by six-tenths as well to 4.8, its highest 6+-share in exactly one year (5.0, 6+, July 2016). In a similar vein, a gain of one-half share by CHR sibling KZZP (3.9 – 4.4, eighth to seventh, 6+) takes “104.7 Kiss FM The #1 Hit Music Station in Phoenix” to its strongest 6+-performance since June 2016’s 4.6. The winning streak continues for Hubbard-owned KDKB, which is a cumulative +1.5 in eight straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+); “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” inches up from tenth to ninth. Even though it is a collective +1.4 via four straight progressive or flat trends (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 – Today’s Best Music Mix” reverts to #4 from #3; 5.6 is its highest 6+-share since June 2014’s 5.8. In five straight (modest) increases, Maricopa County Community College classical KBAQ “K-Bach” is up one full-share (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+) and elevates from #13 to #11. Down a combined one-half share in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+), Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is nonetheless #1 for the third straight time. Dipping four-tenths in April (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), KSLX shifted from a one-month stay at #1 to #2. By hanging out a +1.2 in May (6.1 – 7.3, 6+), it returned to the top spot. This marks the fifth straight decrease for Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (eighth to tenth) for a collective -1.2 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6, +). Without a loss in each of the past five ratings periods for a +1.2 (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” slips by two-tenths to 2.8 (#14 to #15, 6+).

7) Minneapolis – It’s a mixed bag for hot AC in July 2017 as Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” gains one full-share, while iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97” (flat at #12) falters by one-half share. Without an increase the past five sweeps for a -1.1 (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), KSTP-FM not only recaptures all but one-tenth of that cumulative loss (7.6, +1.0, 6+), “KS-95 Today’s Variety” advances from second to first. In January, “KS-95” posted a +1.3, curtailing a lengthy dry spell in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. A cumulative -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+), “Cities 97” was +1.3 in January, but followed it with four consecutive negative trends that produced a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+) until adding four-tenths in June. Frozen on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB dials up back-to-back increases totaling seven-tenths (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+) but – after finishing at #1 the past three ratings periods – “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” segues to #2. Notwithstanding that classic hits-oldies cluster-mate KQQL cobbles together five successive up or flat trends in which it is +1.4 (5.4 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” must settle for moving from a second-place tie to third. Back in the top ten (#11 to #9) after halting three straight downward sequences (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+), sports talk sibling KFXN “100.3 KFAN – The Sports Leader” regains three-tenths of that cumulative -1.6 (4.9, 6+). After regressing by one-half share in June, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Twin Cities’ Christian Radio” bounces back with a gain of seven-tenths (4.8 – 5.5, 6+) to climb from ninth to seventh; 5.5 is its highest 6+-stat since February’s 5.6. Conversely, a decrease of nine-tenths by KNOW (sixth to tenth) takes the American Public Media Group news/talk outlet to 4.7, its softest 6+-stat since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 4.6. Regressing by seven-tenths each are Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” (6.3 – 5.6, fourth to sixth, 6+) and CBS Radio’s KMNB “Buz’n” @ 102.9” which curtails at three a string of consecutive gains that yielded a +1.1 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+) and falls out of the top ten (#9 to #11).

8) San Diego – By adding seven-tenths to June’s one-half share increase (4.8 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1 – San Diego’s Best Music Variety” progresses from fourth to first. Moreover, this is the strongest 6+-stat for “Star” since last August when it reached 6.3 and first time hitting #1 since last October. Slipping from #1 to #2 is Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – Better Music for a Better Workday,” which is off by four-tenths (6.2 – 5.8, 6+). In May, “Sunny” surrendered April’s +.7 in its entirety, causing KXSN to exit the top spot, a position it held for the first time since December. A June spike of +.9 though returned “Sunny” from second to first, with 6.2 its most potent 6+-share since last May’s 6.6. Prior to April, “Sunny” had been within 5.1 – 5.9 range (6+) the previous 11 sweeps. After posting three increases in a row netting eight-tenths (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), co-owned KSON “New Country” drops three-tenths to 5.4 (6+) and slides from second to fourth. A combined -1.2 in three successive decreases (5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” adds fourth-tenths to 4.6 (6+) and inches up from eighth to seventh. Owing to a +.3 to 1.8 (6+), Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” (#22 to #21) pulls the plug on five straight ratings periods without an increase that accounted for a -1.2 (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). Down for the third successive month for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned-hot AC KYXY exits the top ten (#10 to #11). One-tenth behind KYXY at 3.3 (6+, flat at #12) is iHeartMedia-owned KSSX “San Diego’s Hip-Hop and R&B Radio Station” which hasn’t had a decrease in the past four sweeps and is up one-half share in that stretch (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). When Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” notched a gain of one-half share in June, it ended three straight down or flat trends that yielded a loss of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+), but “Que Buena 106.5” surrenders seven-tenths in July (4.5 – 3.8, 6+) to tumble from sixth to ninth. As the result of five straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Media Sports de Mexico classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM was +1.3, but “Max 105.7 – San Diego’s Throwback Station” hands back approximately half that gain with a -.6 to 2.5 (#13 to #16, 6+).

9) Denver – Having regressed by one-half share in June, Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR makes up nearly twice that much (4.0 – 4.9, +.9, 6+), zooming from tenth to sixth with its strongest 6+-stat in nearly a year (4.9, as well, 6+, August 2016). Within 4.1 – 4.7 range (6+) in each of the past eight survey periods, iHeartMedia classic rock KRFX “103.5 The Fox” breaks out a +.7 to 5.2 to progress from eighth to fifth; 5.2 matches its 6+-share in August 2016. Applying the brakes to three straight downward moves that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+) co-owned CHR KPTT recoups it all with a +.6 to 4.4 (6+) as “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station” returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). Registering its eighth successive increase netting a collective +2.6 (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+) triple A cluster-mate KBCO “World Class Rock” carries on at #3 and has its best 6+-showing since 6.1 in September 2015. Improving by one-half share each are Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (5.9 – 6.4, unchanged at #2, 6+) and Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101 – Real, Music, Variety” (5.0 – 5.5, steady at #4, 6+). By recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), “The Mountain” progressed from third to first in May; KOSI snaps at three a successive streak of decreases that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+). One-tenth of a share ahead of “The Mountain” is KYGO, which repeats at #1, although it is down one-tenth to 6.5 (6+). The Bonneville country outlet rebounded from May’s -.4 with a +.6 in June (6.4 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+). After three straight months at #1, KYGO slipped to #2 in May. There’s a tie at #12 between the market’s two hot ACs: KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” is off by four-tenths (#9 in June, 6+) and is caught by Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” (3.8 – 3.9, +.1, 6+), which is unchanged at #12. From “Holiday” 2016 through July 2017, “Mix” has had an alternating up/down 6+-pattern: 3.9 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 3.9 and it is right where it was when the sequence began. Huge fluctuations are seemingly commonplace at Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” as its eight most recent shifts are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January 2017); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 (April); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); and now -.9 in July (3.2 – 2.3, #16 to #18, 6+). A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). By way of context, this past October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Within 3.0 – 3.8 range for the 20^th successive survey period (3.6 – 3.1, -.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” remains at #14. Without an increase for the sixth straight time for a collective loss of over two full-shares (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), co-owned KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” drifts from sixth to eighth.

10) Tampa – Without an increase the last four rating periods – including being stuck on 3.8 (6+) in April, May and June – (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE not only trots out an increase of one full-share to 4.8 (6+), “The Joy FM” rockets from #12 all the way to #4. This is the highest 6+-share for “Joy FM” since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 5.1. Displaying its strongest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 5.4, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat Tampa Bay’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is up or flat for the third straight time (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3, 6+) for a +.4, elevating from fourth to third. Flat at 7.1 (6+) after June’s -1.0, Cox Media Group classic hits oldies WXGL is in the runner-up slot for the ninth straight time. Following five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. Format rival – Beasley Media Group’s WRBQ “Q-105” slips from seventh to ninth and is a collective -1.5 via four consecutive negative trends (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). Recapturing the one-half share that it lost in June (1.4 – .9 -1.4, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WPBB “B-98.7 Today’s Hits – Yesterday’s Favorites” enters the top twenty (#22 to #20). Elsewhere in the adult contemporary arena, Cox Media Group’s WDUV adds four-tenths to register its most potent 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. In addition to finishing at #1 for the 58^th successive ratings period, “Lite Favorites” is a collective +1.8 via four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). Conversely, its adult contemporary sibling – WWRM “My Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” (drifting from third to sixth) – ends its 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 (6+) trending by sputtering -1.1 to 4.6, its weakest 6+-showing since 4.6 in September 2015. Eroding by six-tenths each are its CHR sibling WPOI “Hot 101.5 – All The Hits,” down for the third straight time for a collective -1.2 (4.7 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.5, #9 to #12, 6+), and Beasley Media Group Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima,” off for the third successive sweep as well for a cumulative -1.3 (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8, #13 to #17, 6+). With a 6+-trend of 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6, sibling WXTB “98 Rock – Tampa Bay’s Rock Station” backslides from fifth to sixth. Unchanged at #14, iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” is without an increase for the fourth month in a row and has been stuck on 3.3 (6+) in May, June, and July (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+) For the fifth time in the last six sweeps, The Diocese of St. Petersburg-owned contemporary Christian WBVM posts a 1.0 as “90.5 My Spirit FM” departs the top twenty (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, #20 to #21, 6+).

11) Baltimore –The May – June – July up/down/up sequence at iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR consists of an impressive +1.2 in May; -.5 in June; and now a +.9 in July (4.4 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 6.0, 6+) with “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” climbing from sixth to fifth; 6.0 is the best 6+-performance for “Jack” since 6.1 in March 2015. Powered by a +.7 (3.0 – 3.7), Shamrock Communications’ WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” cracks the top ten (#12 to a three-way tie at #9) and has its highest 6+-share in exactly one year (4.0, 6+, July 2016). Without an increase in each of the last four ratings periods for a collective loss of (just) four-tenths (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” picks up one-half share to 5.7 (6+) yet must backslide from fifth to sixth. Each of Baltimore’s top four July 2017 finishers are down from June 2016 (6+), including Radio One urban contemporary WERQ, which forfeits its +.7 in June (8.0 – 8.7 – 8.0, 6+); even so, it is #1 for the third straight month. Having finished second for four consecutive ratings periods, “Q-92 Jams” shifted to third in April. With a gain of one-half share in May though (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) it caught co-owned urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” at #1. The tie was broken in June as “Q-92 Jams” gained seven-tenths to 8.7 (6+). Despite losing six-tenths in July (8.4 – 7.8, 6+), “Magic” carries on at #2. A +.4 in June by “Magic” curtailed at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Prior to June, it had been on top the previous five straight monthlies. Remaining at #3, and #4, respectively, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” is down or flat for the third consecutive month for a -.6 (8.0 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4, 6+), while CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” returns the two-tenths it picked up in June (6.4 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). Sputtering by seven-tenths in back-to-back months (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned sports/talk and Baltimore Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” remains in eighth-place. Flat at #15, American University’s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” is off by one-half share in Baltimore (1.6 – 1.1, 6+).

12) St. Louis – Following four down or flat trends that produced a loss of eight-tenths (7.0 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.2, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B + Old School for The Lou” picks up three-tenths to 6.5 (6+), climbing from fifth to fourth. The eight-tenths advantage iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 – St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” held in June over Emmis Communications’ similarly-formatted KNOU “Now 96.3” is down to one-tenth as “Z-107.7” falters by six-tenths to 3.7 (6+, #9 to #13), while “Now” adds one-tenth (3.5 – 3.6, unchanged at #14, 6+). In three of its last four sweeps, “Z-107.7” had notched a 4.3 (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). A one-tenth improvement by co-owned KLLT “Alt 104.9 – St. Louis’ Alternative Rock” to 1.3 (flat at #18, 6+) ends at five a consecutive string of down or flat trends that resulted in a one-half share decline (1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+). Up three-tenths to 8.5 (6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KLOU repeats at #1. After three successive sweeps as the market’s pacesetter, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April. A combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), it floundered by -1.6 in December; bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016; but was -2.8 in January. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps for a net loss of one full-share (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+). A decrease of seven-tenths by KPNT not only forces the Emmis property from the top ten (#8 to #11), “105.7 The Point Everything Alternative” drops to 4.0, its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2014’s 3.8. Regressing by one-half share each are co-owned KSHE (7.9 – 7.4, second to third, 6+) and Hubbard’s WIL-FM “St. Louis’ Country Music Radio” (fourth to fifth, 6+). A June increase of +1.2 propelled KSHE from 6.7 to 7.9, its strongest 6+-stat since last November’s 8.6. The one-half share loss halts at four WIL-FM’s consecutive string of increases that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it lost in June (4.2 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+), its direct competitor, iHeartMedia’s KSD-FM “The Bull – #1 For New Country,” charges into the top ten (#12 to #9). While it remains in seventh-place, CBS Radio hot AC KYKY “Y-98” is without an increase for the sixth month in a row for a collective -1.4 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+). Segueing from #14 to #15, Emmis news/talk KFTK registers its fourth successive (slight) downward trend for a collective loss of six-tenths (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+). Unlisted for the eighth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).

Thursday, August 10, 2017

TALKERS | August 10, 2017

Bennett Helps WCBS-AM Note Its All-News Golden Anniversary. A special interview and performance this past Tuesday (8/8) by iconic singer Tony Bennett at the PlayStation Theater in Times Square highlighted a celebration of 50 years of news as CBS Radio New York’s WCBS-AM observed its 50^th birthday as an all-news outlet. Wayne Cabot (29 years at WCBS-AM, the station’s longest-tenured anchor) and fellow news anchor Alex Silverman (who joined WCBS-AM in April 2011) hosted the event, which included a plethora of stories from WCBS-AM personalities and guests. Senior vice president and market manager for CBS Radio New York Marc Rayfield states that WCBS-AM “is a trusted New York City news outlet with a rich history and legacy of delivering up-to-the-minute news. We will continue to tell the stories of the people, places, and happenings from all around this great city. This special night gathered listeners, station personalities, and prominent figures to celebrate what the station has meant for the past 50 years and will continue to mean into the future.” In addition to Cabot and Silverman, other WCBS-AM personalities there Tuesday night included Craig Allen, Joe Connolly, Pat Farnack, Brad Heller, Tom Kaminski, Paul Murnane, Steve Scott, and Michael Wallace. Among those sharing their New York stories were Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes,” “Late Show with David Letterman” bandleader (“The World’s Most Dangerous Band” and “CBS Orchestra”) Paul Shaffer, and former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine. CBS News’ Anthony Mason conducted the Tony Bennett interview. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales (which ranged from $55 to $150 per person) was donated to Exploring the Arts Foundation, Bennett’s charity organization dedicated to transforming lives of young people through arts education. Following back-to-back 2.4 showings (6+) in Nielsen Audio’s April and May PPM reports, WCBS-AM has registered a 2.7 (6+) in June and July, moving up from #13 in June to #12. Entercom will continue to use the CBS Radio News brand for at least one year after it closes on all of CBS Radio’s AM and FM properties.

KIRO-FM Teams with Seattle Police to Provide “Beds for Kids.” The goal of a joint effort between Bonneville Seattle news/talk KIRO-FM and the Seattle Police Department is to provide 600 needy local children with mattresses, bedframes, sheet sets, comforters, pillows and a Teddy bear. KIRO-FM afternoon drive (3:00 – 7:00 pm) hosts “Ron (Upshaw) & Don (O’Neill)” have been dedicated advocates for the “Beds for Kids” project since its inception, with O’Neill emphasizing, “Now, more than ever, we need to make sure that every child that needs a bed – gets a bed. When a child gets a good night sleep and something to eat, it is proven they stay in school and they do better in school. Help us help police help kids – it’s another way to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.” The “Beds for Kids” cofounder Jeremy Wade notes, “Over the last three years, we have been amazed to see how many kids in our community sleep on the floor. Through the ‘Beds for Kids’ program, we have provided over 500 local kids with a brand-new bed. This year’s goal of 600 beds is our most ambitious yet, but with the support of our partners and the public, we know it can be done.” The project was created in 2014 by Wade and fellow officer Ryan Gallagher, who responded to a 9-1-1 call and discovered two young girls had been sleeping on the floor. Wade and Gallagher returned to that home with new beds purchased with their own money. Since then, hundreds of people have stepped up to assist the two officers in providing beds for children in need. Elsewhere inside that Bonneville cluster, Seattle Seahawks coverage on sports talk KIRO-AM “710 ESPN” will include John Clayton (formerly with ESPN-TV), who will serve as a sideline reporter. In addition, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, who called Seahawks pre-season games and was part of Westwood One’s NFL coverage the last two seasons, returns as radio analyst, a role he held for 13 seasons prior to 2015. Back as well for his 36^th year on play-by-play is Steve Raible; Jen Mueller is in her ninth season doing sideline reporting.

Stigall Featured on “The Fox News Specialists.” Pictured above at the far right as he made his point yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, 8/9) on “The Fox News Specialists” is CBS Radio-owned WPHT “Talk Radio 1210,” Philadelphia 5:30 am – 9:00 am talent Chris Stigall. Intently looking on (left to right) are another guest specialist Mike Baker, co-host Eboni Williams, guest-host Mark Steyn, and co-host Katherine Timpf.

PPM Data – Part Three. July 2017 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

Gottlieb Kicks Off Training Camp Tour. Gearing up for the start of football season, Fox Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb hits the road for on-location coverage from several NFL training sites. The journey began this past Monday (8/7) with a broadcast from the Los Angeles Rams facility at UC Irvine. Still in Southern California (Oxnard-Ventura), Gottlieb is with the Dallas Cowboys today (Thursday, 8/10), and he will visit the Los Angeles Chargers’ camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa next Wednesday (8/16). Pictured left to right are Fox Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay.

LG To Activate FM Chips in its Smartphones. The announcement that LG phones in North America and Latin America will have FM chips activated moving forward comes from NextRadio parent TagStation, whose president Paul Brenner states, “We are proud and excited to partner with one of the world’s leading Smartphone providers to continue our mission of connecting and exposing users to a fully immersive radio experience. This alliance will give millions of consumers the opportunity to receive real over-the-air FM radio through their phone.” NextRadio will be pre-loaded on some models.

WQBA Named Dolphins’ Spanish-Language Radio Flagship. As part of the multi-year agreement, Univision Radio Miami Spanish news/talk WQBA will air all Miami Dolphins pre-season, regular season, and playoff games. Raul Striker Jr. will handle play-by-play duties, while Eduardo Martell will provide color analysis. WQBA will produce pregame and postgame shows, as well as a weekly show covering Dolphins-related news/events. Sports programming falls under the recently-launched Univision Deportes Radio sports network. WQBA senior vice president and general manager Claudia Puig comments, “We are excited to once again partner with the Miami Dolphins, offering them a terrific opportunity to reach their Spanish-speaking fans through Univision Deportes Radio. Our listeners will now be able to cheer their favorite football team ‘en español.’ The Dolphins broadcasts will be a perfect complement to Univision Deportes Radio’s outstanding sports programming lineup.” Miami Dolphins senior vice president and chief commercial officer Todd Kline adds, “We are proud to partner with Univision Deportes Radio WQBA 1140 AM and are confident they will deliver the most complete and up-to-date coverage of the Miami Dolphins to fans. The Dolphins have a 36-year commitment to broadcast games in Spanish in the South Florida market – this partnership delivers on our strong tradition.” Spanish-language broadcasts of Dolphins games were previously heard on crosstown Deportes Media Spanish Sports WNMA “ESPN Deportes Miami.” The team’s English-language flagships are CBS Radio Miami’s WQAM “Sports Radio 560” and co-owned WKIS “Kiss 99.9 New Country.”

TALKERS News Notes. Citing other media sources, The Tennessean reports that former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck will leave his “Wake-Up Zone” morning show co-hosting duties on Cumulus Media Nashville sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” in the next few weeks. Earlier, Wycheck announced he is stepping away from his role as analyst for Titans’ radio broadcasts for a year, owing to cognitive issues related to concussions from his playing days. It is reported, however, that Wycheck will remain with “The Zone” for swing duty ….. In other football-related news, iHeartMedia Tucson’s KTZR “Fox Sports 1450” joins the Arizona Cardinals radio network. Senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Tucson David Adams comments, “As the new home for Fox Sports in Tucson; the future home of Dan Patrick; and the official broadcast partner of the Tucson Roadrunners, we couldn’t be more excited to solidify our position as ‘Tucson’s Sports Station’ by adding the Cardinals.” The team’s previous Tucson affiliate was Cumulus Media’s KCUB “Sports Radio 1290.”

Checkpoint Radio Adds Houston, Philadelphia, and St. Louis Affiliates. The latest to join Checkpoint Radio – the first nationally syndicated radio show dedicated to the world of e-sports and gaming – are GOW Media’s KFNC “ESPN 97.5 FM,” Houston; Beasley Media Group’s WPEN “97.5 FM The Fanatic, Philadelphia”; and Hubbard’s WXOS “101 ESPN, St Louis.” Westwood One president/Cumulus Media executive vice president of corporate marketing Suzanne Grimes comments, “Checkpoint Radio is the only national show that connects radio stations and listeners to the explosive energy around e-sports. According to Newzoo, e-sports will grow to $696 million in revenue this year, a year-over-year increase of 41%. Brand investment is predicted to grow to $1.5 billion by 2020. This is a space you want to be in. Westwood One is the undeniable leader in sports programming – we know e-sports is an important sector for affiliates and advertisers.” Checkpoint Radio managing partner Rick Scott notes, “We are excited at the rapid growth of Checkpoint Radio in so many quality and big markets. It is a testament to the quality and appeal of the show and the passionate crew working to put it together.” Hosted by Nate Bender, Robbie Landis, Norris Howard, and Joe Sloan, two-hour weekly Checkpoint Radio features insights, news, interviews, and updates designed specifically for the video game and e-sports fan. In addition to the weekly show, Checkpoint also produces a podcast featuring content not heard on the radio program.

WKLB Elevates Santolucito to Director/Music and Marketing. Over and above continuing her oversight of the marketing/promotions department of WKLB “Country 102.5,” Dawn Santolucito is promoted to music and marketing director at the Beasley Media Group Boston property. Program director David Corey states, “Dawn’s passion, dedication, and organizational skills – plus a great ear for music – made her the ideal candidate for the position. We are proud to have Dawn in our ‘Country 102.5’ family.” Santolucito comments, “It truly has been a privilege being a part of the ‘Country 102.5’ family for the past seven years in my role within the marketing/promotions department. I am thrilled to begin this new chapter.” Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s just-released July 2017 PPM report, WKLB is flat at 4.5, but climbs from seventh in June 2017 to sixth, while cross-town format competitor – iHeartMedia-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” is up (modestly) for the third straight time (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+) and inches up from #17 to #16. With a 7.7 (6+), WKLB classic hits-oldies sibling WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” remains at #1 for the seventh successive sweep.

iHR, Understood.org Align to Help Kids Facing Learning/Attention Issues. One of every five children have a learning and attention challenge such as ADHD or dyslexia. A partnership between iHeartMedia and Understood.org explores and raises awareness of learning and attention issues, and breaks stereotypes about these often-misunderstood children. The partnership includes public service announcements voiced by iHeartMedia personalities Ryan Seacrest, Elvis Duran, Mario Lopez, and Bobby Bones, as well as a long-form public affairs show. Commenting about Understood.org, its executive leader/corporate partnerships & alliances Nancy Smith states, “This whole team is deeply committed to helping the millions of children with learning and attention issues get the support they need – support that can help them reverse any downward spiral in school.” From prior experience, Smith felt that iHeartRadio “has a strong belief in win-win partnerships and in helping the world be a better place. I knew collaboration with the iHeart team could take us to new levels of support for kids with learning and attention issues.” Aided by 15 nonprofit organizations, Understood.org launched nearly three years ago. “Today, it supports and empowers millions of parents through personalized resources, daily access to experts, a community of other parents and experts, and interactive tools,” Smith explains. “Many accomplished musicians including Justin Timberlake [ADHD], Lindsey Stirling [dyslexia], and Jewel [dyslexia] have learning and attention issues. Understood is happy to call iHeartRadio a partner in our mission to raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Having the support of a community of musical artists and fans who embrace differences can help build widespread acceptance for kids who are so often misunderstood. Together with iHeartRadio, we want to help even more children with learning and attention issues.”

Sun Broadcast Group Enters the “Country Fried Mix.” A sales and affiliation partnership with Sun Broadcast Group will bring “Country Fried Mix” with national touring artist and producer DJ Sinister to the network in three weeks (9/1). Sun chief executive officer Jason Bailey remarks, “One of the things we have always tried to do at Sun is find exciting and unique programs for our listeners and clients. When I heard ‘Country Fried Mix’ for the first time, I knew we had to have it in our lineup. There is simply nothing [else] like it on the radio – that’s why it is perfect for us. We are honored to represent this incredible product to the industry and the clients who support it.” According to DJ Sinister, “This new opportunity really takes us to the next level with partners that are willing to take risks,” while the program’s producer Charlie Pennachio adds, “Focus created this expansion; this opportunity gives us the ability to become a laser beam with a team.” The weekend show of mashed up/remixed country hits has aired since 2014 and has affiliates in (among other markets) Philadelphia, Miami, Detroit, Phoenix, and Nashville.

Opening “The Vault” Again in Montgomery. Jettisoning its top 40 format in order to return to rock as “107.1 The Vault” is Bluewater Broadcasting Montgomery, Alabama’s WQKS-HD3 W296AI. It abandoned “The Vault” four years ago in favor of classic jams “Yo! 107.1,” but as program director Rick Peters writes on his Facebook page, “The market has spoken and – contrary to popular belief – we do listen. ‘The Vault’ will try to recreate album and progressive rock stations from the 1970s, such as [Los Angeles’] KMET and KLOS; [Chicago’s] WLUP [‘The Loop’]; [Philadelphia’s] WMMR; [Miami’s] WSHE; and [St. Louis’] KSHE. The format is freeform – the [on-air talent] can program what they like. Every day will be different – it’s a throwback. At the same time, it’s evolutionary for the day [but] it’s not designed to be mass-appeal. For those that ‘lived’ the music the first time, we will try to be worthy. For the rest of you, listen up [because] you might find something you love.” Among persons 12+ in Montgomery’s most recent Nielsen Audio book (spring 2017), WQKS-HD3 checks in at #16 with a .8, while iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZHT “Hot 105.7” is on top with an 11.2 (12+).

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Earlier this week, midday host Danny Dwyer of Alpha Media Portland country outlet KUPL “98.7 The Bull” raised $10,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his inaugural golf invitational at Salem Oregon’s Creekside Country Club ….. A variety of tomato-themed activities will be included next Saturday (8/19) when Beasley Media Group Philadelphia classic rock WMGK morning personality John DeBella holds his three-hour (11:00 am – 2:00 pm) “Tomato Fest” in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Among the highlights are a biggest-tomato contest; a dunk tank manned by the show’s “Super Steve”; and bobbing for tomatoes. In addition, WMGK’s house band Kategory Five will perform, and there will be a classic car display. Donations of canned goods and fresh produce will be collected to benefit the South Jersey Food Bank. DeBella is said to have thought up the “Tomato Fest” concept while seeing a vast number of farm stands and pondering why the tomato wasn’t being celebrated ….. Three (four-hour) Westwood One Labor Day weekend music specials are in the pipeline. Imagine Dragons front man Dan Reynolds will host rock’s “Summer Wrap Up”; Louis Tomlinson does the same for the pop format’s “Last Big Summer Weekend”; and ACM-award winner Kelsea Ballerini has the honors for “Workin’ Hard Country.”

Ell Talks Up Her Latest “Project.” During her visit to Westwood One’s syndicated “Ty, Kelly, & Chuck” morning show, Lindsay Ell discussed touring with Brad Paisley and creating her new album “The Project” with producer Kristian Bush. Shown left to right are Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford, Lindsay Ell, and Chuck Wicks.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

TALKERS | August 9, 2017

CBS News Radio Appoints Bolton Manager, Affiliate Sales. Most recently a consultant to AT&T/DIRECTV on the syndication of radio shows hosted by Dan Patrick; Rich Eisen; and Joe Buck, Amy Bolton is named manager, affiliate sales at CBS News Radio. “Amy has an unrivaled depth of affiliate sales experience,” CBS News Radio general manager Craig Swagler comments. “The relationships she has formed with stations over the years make her an excellent fit for the position. I look forward to the contributions she will make in this new role as we continue to work closely with our affiliates and explore new partnerships.” Bolton declares that, “CBS News Radio is the gold standard in original radio journalism; this is a dream job. I am thrilled to be part of the next phase of this award-winning organization and deliver our affiliates the highest quality programming.” In addition to having previously consulted Cox Media Group news site Rare.us and ABC Radio, Bolton, who grew up in Rome and holds a University of Maryland Bachelor of Science degree in human ecology and marketing, spent nearly six years as senior vice president of talk & news for Westwood One (formerly Dial Global), and ten years as vice president of affiliate sales, news/talk at Dial Global (acquired Jones Radio Network).

Last Call For Dawson. On the Kansas City Chiefs broadcasts as a commentator since 1984, former quarterback Len Dawson will not return to the booth after the 2017 NFL season. The team’s chair and chief executive officer Clark Hunt, son of team founder Lamar Hunt, declares, “Next to my father, few people have had a more lasting impact on the Kansas City Chiefs than Len Dawson. Over the course of his legendary career – first as a player and later as a broadcaster – Len has been a part of every major moment in franchise history. We sincerely appreciate his many contributions to ‘Chiefs Kingdom’ since he arrived as a player in 1962. We look forward to having Len as part of the Chiefs Radio Network for the 2017 season.” Chiefs Radio Network executive producer Dan Israel notes, “It has been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years. His contributions to not only this sport, but our industry, are incredibly profound. I am thankful he will continue to be part of the Chiefs Radio Network this season; he will forever be welcome as a part of our broadcast team family.” Dawson led the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV and three AFL championships. “Looking back on my career, I’ve been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do,” Dawson comments. “I could not have accomplished so much without my teammates and colleagues – I am grateful for each of them.” Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf, and Dawson are the only three dual-honorees as players and broadcasters in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cumulus Media Kansas City classic rock KCFX “101 The Fox” is the team’s flagship.

ABC Radio Names Hubbard Country Producer/Reporter. Fittingly based in Nashville, Stephen Hubbard joins ABC Radio as a country producer and reporter. While Hubbard will primarily be reporting for ABC Radio, he will support all ABC News platforms. In a staff memo, ABC Radio vice president and general manager Steve Jones notes that award-winning producer Hubbard is “well known in Nashville and around the country world. He will continue to report on all things country including interviewing the genre’s biggest stars. With more than 20 years of experience, Stephen has worked on a variety of projects including CMT specials starring Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert; Great American Country’s ‘Opry Live’; ‘Music City Keep on Playin,’ a benefit concert for the victims of the 2010 Nashville flood; and ‘Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountains Rise’ telethon after the 2016 East Tennessee wildfires. He recently interviewed Shania Twain, Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, and Brad Paisley. This summer, Stephen worked on ABC Radio’s 4th of July special – ‘Country Family Salute’ – with country star Josh Turner, and ABC Radio’s Memorial Day special – ‘Kelsea Ballerini’s Summer Road Trip.'” A country content contributor to ABC Radio since 2010, Hubbard most recently was a producer for ABC-TV’s Nashville affiliate WKRN-TV (channel 2). Two-time Emmy nominee Hubbard received an Associated Press award for “Best TV Producing in Tennessee.”

Wetherbee Wins Weather Recognition. Owing to his daily forecasts and severe winter weather broadcasts on the Georgia News Network, Envision Radio Networks meteorologist John Wetherbee is the recipient of this year’s GABBY Award for Excellence in Broadcasting for “Best Weather Coverage.” Wetherbee states, “This is so exciting to be recognized by GAB for my weather reporting throughout Georgia and having the ability to continue to grow and succeed in my life-long passion – radio. It is just so cool.” With its weather component, Envision Radio Networks’ EnvisionVirtualServices provides stations up to five daily forecasts each weekday and 24-hour on-call severe weather coverage on a barter basis. Wetherbee’s recognition took place as part of GABCON 2017, a convention for Georgia television and radio broadcasters.

PPM Data – Round Two. Information for the July 2017 ratings period has been released for Washington, DC; Boston; Miami; Detroit; Seattle; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Denver; Tampa; Baltimore; and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. See the data from these 12-PPM markets here.

Townsquare Media Q2 Net Revenue Up 2.6%. Compared to the second quarter of 2016, Townsquare Media’s net revenue increased 2.6%, which is consistent with previously issued guidance. Chairman and chief executive officer Steven Price comments, “We are pleased to report another solid quarter that was in line with our expectations. Our second quarter performance was anchored by our Local Marketing Solutions segment, where revenue increased 4.3% over the prior year, and 4.8% excluding political revenue. Our results in this segment are representative of the continued strength of our local advertiser solutions and the strength our local teams.” Entertainment net revenue and net income were approximately flat. Adjusted EBITDA was also approximately flat, consistent with previously issued guidance. Diluted net income and diluted adjusted net income per share are of $0.20 and $0.21, respectively. In terms of year-to-year comparisons, the company’s net revenue decreased by 1.1%. Conversely, Local Marketing Solutions net revenue increased by 2.9%. The company repaid $6.7 million of long-term debt and there are year-to-year decreases in entertainment net revenue (-10.2%); net income (-39.4%); and adjusted EBITDA (-5.0%).

NABJ and NAHJ To Hold Combined 2020 Confab. As they did last year in Washington, DC, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) will have a joint convention in 2020. NABJ president Sarah Glover comments, “NABJ is looking forward to hosting another joint convention with NAHJ. Both groups executed a memorable convention experience for our members and the journalism industry last year. We have a lot of momentum to build off of as we head into 2020. It only makes sense to bring black and Hispanic journalists together as we move toward what is shaping up to be a history-making election in 2020.” Meanwhile, NAHJ president Brandon Benavides remarks, “As we move toward returning to a joint convention with NABJ, we will be recognizing the priorities in our programming, special events, and all elements of a conference that our members value most. It is critical that as the two largest journalism associations of color, we not only make an investment into our student journalists, but also provide the best resources to develop talent and make it our mission to create more leadership training opportunities for all of our journalists.”

Demand for Spanish-Language Spots Skyrocketing. Given radio’s reach and growing podcast audiences, digital audio advertising is considered by many to be the single most effective medium to connect with Hispanic audiences. According to Nielsen research, radio reaches more than 92% of Hispanics regardless of language preference. Oink Ink co-founder Dan Price explains his company has produced Spanish radio spots for various clients, but it has been especially busy the last seven months. “We are working with a number of clients to create relevant Spanish-language radio spots that demonstrate an understanding of nuances of the culture and diversity within the Hispanic market.” According to Pew Research, Hispanics are the youngest ethnic group in the United States, while data from Latinum Network indicates ads targeting Hispanics in Spanish significantly increase their interest in purchasing products. Price comments, “We didn’t need research to tell us that thoughtful, creative ads work better – regardless of the language. [Nonetheless], it’s nice to have facts that demonstrate the value of the work we do for our clients. We work with the best Spanish-speaking writers, actors, and sound mixers in the country – the ads are resonating culturally.”

Remembering Glen Campbell. After battling against Alzheimer’s since 2011, singer-songwriter Glen Campbell lost his fight against the disease yesterday (Tuesday, 8/8) in Nashville; the 1968 Country Music Association “Entertainer of The Year” was 81. A rural Arkansas native, Campbell hosted “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on CBS-TV. A midseason replacement that debuted in January 1969, the series ran until June 1972; Jerry Reed and Anne Murray were among the show’s regulars. In the mid-1960s, Campbell briefly toured with the Beach Boys and he really hit it big in 1967, earning multiple individual Grammy nominations for “Gentle on My Mind” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” One year later, “Wichita Lineman” reached the Top 5. All three of those singles were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. While continuing to do extremely well on the country charts – more than two-dozen top 10 hits and five songs that reached #1 – Campbell went on to have pop notoriety with “Galveston” and “It’s Only Make Believe.” By the mid-1970s, he again enjoyed considerable success – this time with “Southern Nights” and the often parodied “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Altogether over a six-decade span, the sharecropper’s son and seventh of 12 children, released more than 70 albums and won six Grammys among 20 nominations. He sold 45 million records; had 12 gold albums; four platinum; and one double-platinum. Approximately 80 different Glen Campbell songs reached the country, top 40, or adult contemporary charts, nine ascending to #1. The 2005 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee was in-demand as a session player, featured on the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby”; Jan & Dean’s “Dead Man’s Curve,” and Shelley Fabares’ “Johnny Angel” (among others). As part of the Wrecking Crew, he played on recordings of artists ranging from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Nat Cole to Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, and The Monkees. The 2014 film “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me” followed Campbell and his family during a farewell tour in the United States, Australia, and Europe as he dealt with his illness. The powerful “I’m Not Going to Miss You” from the film landed an Oscar nomination (losing to “Glory” from “Selma”) and a Grammy nomination (losing to “Let It Go” from “Frozen”). Tim McGraw sang it at the 2015 Academy Awards. Campbell’s appropriately-titled final studio album, “Adios,” was released earlier this year. Donations that will support Alzheimer’s research may be made to the Glen Campbell Memorial Fund at Brightfocus Foundation.

After Cutting “Idol” Fox Answers with “The Four.” We’ve seen it unfold countless times in radio. Station executives determine a particular on-air talent is no longer sufficient enough for the salary and they then hold their breath when that personality (or team) crosses the street to join the competition. After a 15-season run on Fox, “American Idol” will surface on ABC midseason with iHeartMedia Los Angeles KIIS “Kiss-FM” morning drive star Ryan Seacrest continuing as host. Yesterday (Tuesday, 8/8), Fox announced it will deliver a new singing competition series – “The Four” – from Armoza Formats and ITV Entertainment. With a tagline of “We start with the best and only get better,” Fox’s “The Four” will not launch until 2018. While the network has yet to announce a specific premiere date or host for “The Four,” the show is not expected to be slotted directly against “Idol” or NBC’s Carson Daly-hosted “The Voice.” Each week, the top four will sing against challengers to retain their slots on the show. A panel of (yet-to-be cast) music experts and personalities will choose the original finalists from auditions. Similar to “American Idol,” viewers will be able to vote from home on four contestants. They get to decide who is brought on the show by voting on streamed auditions, influencing which challengers will take on “The Four.” Fox Broadcasting Company president of alternative entertainment Rob Wade maintains “The Four” (billed as “The Final Four” in Israel, as pictured) is nothing like “American Idol,” categorizing it as the most “pure, clean format” for a singing competition he has ever seen, while Fox Television Group co-chair/chief executive officer Dana Walden opines singing competition series have become “much more about celebrity panelists and less about” turning aspiring singers into stars.

Savannah’s “G-100” Grabs Station of the Year Honors. In a Georgia Association of Broadcasters award ceremony held this past weekend at Jekyll Island, Alpha Media Savannah (Georgia) – Hilton Head (South Carolina) classic hip-hop WXYY “G-100 The Throwback Station” was named “Station of the Year” for “Division Radio A/Large market.” Alpha Media Savannah – Hilton Head vice president and market manager Gigi South points out that “G-100” celebrated its first birthday last month and “winning ‘Station of the Year’ is a major accomplishment. The state of Georgia has many super radio talents. This is a huge honor and we are so grateful to our listeners [as well as to our] staff and Alpha Media, which gives us the tools and celebrates our passion to win.” Program director Amini remarks, “In one year, we have made groundbreaking history. Listeners call, text, find us on social media, and stop us in person just to share their love for the ‘Throwback’ music. From Hurricane Matthew coverage, to collecting toys, to helping kids get fit and perform in school, everything we do is intended to give Savannah the best on-air product and listener experiences.” Meanwhile, station personality Mark “Shark” Ediss was cited as Georgia’s “Best On-Air Personality.” Among persons 12+ in Savannah’s latest (Spring 2017) Nielsen Audio book, “G-100” ranks ninth (4.1, 12+); Cumulus Media urban contemporary WEAS and iHeartMedia CHR WAEV are tied at #1 – each with 8.3 (12+). In Hilton Head’s comparable spring 2017 results, Alpha Media country WUBB is on top with a 6.5 (12+), while WXYY is sixth (2.6, 12+).

Nation’s Capital First Up in Café Mocha “Salute Her” Tour. Launched over seven years ago, 2017 Gracie award winner Café Mocha Radio kicks off its “Salute Her: Beauty of Diversity Tour” in just over two weeks (8/25) in Washington, DC. Among those being honored there are White House journalist/author April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks; actress Pam Grier; Grammy winning singer Stephanie Mills; entrepreneurs Germaine Leftridge and Vivian Pickard; and author Joi-Marie McKenzie. The syndicated radio show will have similar award ceremonies and networking events in New York City (9/28); Charlotte (11/4); and Chicago (12/14). This year’s theme, “Redefining What Perseverance Looks Like from the Inside Out,” underscores the importance of women maintaining their inner spirit to find strength. Café Mocha creator and executive producer Sheila Eldridge comments, “Over the years, we have honored more than 300 women. Our honorees demonstrate passion, creativity, and drive to break down barriers in their respective fields, truly redefining what perseverance looks like.” Café Mocha co-host comedienne Loni Love notes, “I am especially looking forward to honoring our incredible unsung heroines, these extraordinary women who are doing so much great work for others and rarely get recognition for their service.” Café Mocha incorporates urban contemporary music with hot topics and is “radio from a woman’s perspective.” The two-hour program heard in 35 markets features interviews with singers, celebrities, politicians, and those making headlines.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. After 14 years with Beasley Media Group, including the last three as chief revenue officer, Heather Monahan departs as the company eliminates her position. “I want to thank my team, partners, clients, and all the amazing people I have known over the years,” she writes on her LinkedIn account. “It has been an emotional few days and I wanted to thank everyone for their love and support.” The Clark University graduate spent four years as a Wilks Broadcasting market manager before joining Beasley as executive vice president of sales in March 2003 ….. Starting next Monday (8/14), Jackie Paige takes over mid-days (10:00 am – 3:00 pm) on Urban One Richmond urban contemporary WCDX “iPower 92.1/104.1.” Operations manager Yonni Rude notes, “Jackie’s talent and positive energy make her the perfect fit for Radio One Richmond.” Paige most recently was at Curtis Media Group Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, North Carolina urban contemporary WIKS “101.9 Kiss-FM” ….. Two-year WEZL program director Tyler Reese departs the iHeartMedia Charleston, South Carolina country station. Reese previously was music director at Nashville country sibling WSIX “The Big 98” and has worked at similarly-formatted co-owned WKKT “96.9 The Kat,” Charlotte and WMAD “96.3 Star Country,” Madison ….. The new night talent at Entercom Sacramento classic rock KSEG “Eagle 96.9” is Chris McCoy, whose previous experience includes working for nine years in Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey) at adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3.” In addition, McCoy did morning drive at Jerry Lee Radio Philadelphia adult contemporary WBEB “More FM” ….. To pay tribute to the passing of Glen Campbell (see the story above), Rick Jackson’s entire three-hour United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) “Country Classics” program on the weekend of August 26 and 27 will be comprised of Campbell’s greatest hits and his story ….. Following a five-year stint as senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Greensboro, Rich McMillan departs. He oversaw adult contemporary WMAG; CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss-FM”; FM news/talk WPTI; WTQR “Q104.1 – New Country”; and WVBZ “Rock 105.7 – Man Up.” Prior to his time in Greensboro, McMillan programmed Miami and Birmingham stations for the company when it was known as Clear Channel. Exiting the iHM Greensboro cluster as well are WMAG program director Gary Nolan and WVBZ imaging voice Matt Pencola ….. The third annual, three-hour “Hungry for Hip-Hop” concert presented by iHeartMedia Orlando urban contemporary WTKS-HD2 “104.5 The Beat” takes place in two weeks (8/24) in downtown Orlando and will feature an all-female lineup. “Beat” on-air personality Viva La Koi will host. Proceeds will benefit Pathlight HOME, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing and economic opportunities to Central Florida’s homeless ….. Having recently taken a hiatus from programming Sarkes Tarzian Fort Wayne, Indiana adult contemporary WAJI “Magic 95.1,” Dan Baisden returns to radio for part-time/weekend on-air duties at Adams Radio Group’s crosstown, similarly-formatted WWFW “103.9 Sunny FM.”

July 2017 PPM Ratings

TALKERS | August 8, 2017

Monday, August 7, 2017

TALKERS | August 7, 2017

Emmis Extends Walsh. A contract extension given to Patrick Walsh will keep the Emmis Communications president and chief operating officer in-place through July 2019. As far as particulars of the pact that officially began the first day of this month are concerned, Walsh will earn $625,000 a year with annual increases of up to 2.5%; Emmis can allocate up to 10% of the base in its common stock. He will be entitled to annual incentive pay, with the target for each year 100% of the base salary. In addition, Walsh will be eligible for a performance bonus at the end of the contract with a fair market value of $300,000; $500,000; or $700,000 based on stock price. Other perks are included as well for Walsh, who joined Emmis from iBiquity Digital in 2006 as chief financial officer; he was promoted to chief operating officer and chief financial officer two years later (2008). Emmis owns three radio properties in New York City; four in St. Louis; four (and Network Indiana) in its Indianapolis hub; and seven stations in Austin. The sale of Emmis Los Angeles’ KPWR “Power 106” to Meruelo Media became final just last week. The rhythmic CHR had been programmed by Meruelo Media since July 1 under a Local Marketing Agreement.

NYMRAD Names Morgan Treasurer; Hopeck Boosted to Secretary. In a pair of executive committee moves, the New York Market Radio Association (NYMRAD) appoints Emmis New York’s Charlie Morgan treasurer, and promotes iHeartMedia New York president Scott Hopeck to secretary. NYMRAD chairman/CBS Radio New York senior vice president and market manager Marc Rayfield notes, “I am very excited about working with Charlie in this seamless transition of the executive committee. Charlie has brought energy in his contributions to board meetings. Under his leadership, we will continue to develop initiatives that will advance radio in the vibrant New York marketplace.” Morgan comments, “Working with [executive director) Deborah Beagan and my talented New York radio peers in this period of time where radio has more to offer advertisers than ever before is invigorating. It is a privilege to play a role in advancing radio’s profile and value proposition.” Prior to joining Emmis New York in January 2016 as senior vice president and market manager, Morgan performed the same duties for eight years at the company’s Indianapolis stations and spent more than 21 years before that as vice president and market manager for Susquehanna’s Indianapolis cluster. He succeeds Univision New York vice president and general manager Ramon Pineda, who becomes senior vice president and regional general manager for that company’s stations in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Cleveland, and Raleigh.

“ESPY Day” Raises $5.2 Million. This marked ESPN’s fourth annual such “ESPY Day” that solicits funds for the V Foundation cancer charity. ESPN president John Skipper notes that he is “grateful to Bristol-Myers Squibb, whose charitable contribution to the V Foundation, including support of the Sports Humanitarian Awards, helped push this year’s fundraising efforts to be one of our best ever.” The 2017 total of $5.2 million is a 32% increase from last year’s event. Half the money ($2.6 million) will go to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The event included ESPN Radio’s ESPY Day Auction, the 17th annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Outing, and the third annual Sports Humanitarian Awards. Elsewhere at ESPN, senior writer Seth Wickersham receives a contract extension, while Buzzfeed News senior writer Joel Anderson and ESPN The Magazine/“ESPN Insider” college football contributor Phil Steele are added to its reporting and analyst staff. The three will appear on ESPN Radio, as well as ESPN’s linear television and digital platforms. ESPN vice president/editorial director, domestic digital content Chad Millman comments, “Seth has long been one of our most talented journalists whose stories on the inner-workings of the NFL have elevated our coverage and delighted fans. Re-signing him as well as adding Joel and Phil increases what’s possible for our editorial team and elevates our ability to serve fans.”

Osgood to be Honored with NATAS Lifetime Achievement Emmy. The host of Westwood One’s long-running “The Osgood File” (which airs on 386 radio outlets throughout the United States) – Charles Osgood – will be honored by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with the 2017 “News & Documentary Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement.” The honor is given to a journalist or filmmaker who has “made a lasting and distinguished contribution to broadcast journalism or documentary film.” After a 22-year run as anchor of CBS-TV’s “Sunday Morning,” Osgood retired from that role in September 2016. His special recognition will take place in New York City in approximately two months (10/5). Charles Osgood Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/CBS©2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

WYDE Shuffles Its Weekday Lineup. Modifications on Crawford Broadcasting Birmingham news/talk WYDE “Superstation 101.1” start in morning drive (6:00 am – 10:00 am), where Michael Hart and Jessica Borklund team up for “AM with Michael & Jessica,” produced by Mickey Bell, who hosts “The Dixie Gospel Caravan” on sister gospel property WXJC-FM. Scott Beason segues from 9:00 am – 11:00 am to 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, while “Yellowhammer Radio” moves from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm to 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. Airing from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm is Andrew McLain and Jim Moore-hosted “The Line with Andrew & Jim.” WYDE operations director Josi McCurdy remarks, “We are excited to introduce our new lineup to the Birmingham listening audience. In keeping with our tradition of bringing the best in conservative talk radio, we are always looking for ways to build on our team of amazing talent. The new show host combinations have a powerful dynamic, which we feel will prove to be both informative and entertaining. As always, we will continue our focus on being local, relevant and current.” None of Crawford Broadcasting’s five Birmingham stations appeared in Nielsen Audio’s spring 2017 book for that Alabama market.

WRNN-FM and Coastal Carolina University Athletics in Partnership. The agreement reached between Alpha Media Socastee-Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s WRNN-FM “Hot Talk 99.5” and Coastal Carolina University is through the 2019 – 2020 season. It will include the school’s football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball contests, with some games bumped to sister sports talk WRNN-AM “ESPN Myrtle Beach.” Alpha Media Myrtle Beach general manager Josh Gertzog comments, “We are thrilled to be part of the growth happening at Coastal Carolina University. Being the radio partner of one of only three NCAA Division I [Football Bowl Subdivision] FBS programs in South Carolina is an honor. With a wonderful athletic pedigree, including a baseball national championship, it is great to be able to broadcast [CCU] Chanticleer games and to partner in other ways. Our motto is ‘Live and Local,’ and there is no more local university to the Myrtle Beach-Grand Strand than CCU.” Coastal Carolina University director of corporate sales and sponsorships Rhett Graham adds, “We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunity for Chanticleer student-athletes to be featured across the strong signal and market-leading listenership of WRNN.” Sister Alpha Media Myrtle Beach outlets (CHR) WMYB “Energy 92.1,” alternative WKZQ “96.1 New Rock,” and classic rock WYAV “Wave 104” will promote Chanticleer games as well.

Recent Station Sales. The previously announced $2 million transaction of Radio One news/talk WCHB, Detroit to Crawford Broadcasting is now complete. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s June 2017 PPM sweep, WCHB finishes at #23 (.3). Meanwhile in Reno (Nevada), Times-Shamrock Communications has agreed to sell three stations to Lazer Broadcasting and one to John Burkavage’s Bighorn Media. Lazer will acquire CHR KWNZ “All Hit Radio”; FM news/talk KNEZ; and KZTI “Z-105.3 Rock Hard,” while Bighorn will purchase KRZQ “The Real Alternative.” Lazer president Alfredo Plascencia states, “We are delighted to be acquiring these fine stations from our friends at Times-Shamrock as an addition to our existing cluster to better to serve the Reno market.” Previously the general manager of Times-Shamrock Reno, Burkavage remarks, “Station ownership is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me and I am excited by the opportunity.”

Young and Younger. KGO, San Francisco Gen X midday talk host Ethan Bearman (l) recently invited Westwood One syndicated Millennial music radio host Zach Sang of “Zach Sang and the Gang” (r) into his studio for some inter-generational on-air chat. Heavy Hundred member Bearman tells TALKERS, “Zach is deeply connected to what Millennials are thinking about culturally. There has been so much talk about Justin Bieber cancelling his tour because of his newfound religion and I needed to get to a source who knows Bieber. Best of all, Zach is one of the nicest guys around and is simply magical behind the mic!” The two up and coming broadcasters met at a TALKERS convention in New York, stayed in touch and work together when they can for the benefit of their audiences.

TALKERS News Notes. After a 36-year run, anchor/reporter Barbara Boylan exited CBS Radio Pittsburgh news/talk KDKA-AM last Friday (8/4). Boylan joined KDKA-AM in July 1981 from crosstown WKTQ (now WJAS) as a reporter-producer-talk show host ….. Very sad to note the passing of Darren “Dutch” Daulton, who died yesterday (Sunday, 8/6) after a battle with a recurrence of brain cancer. The former Philadelphia Phillies and Florida Marlins catcher hosted “Talkin’ Baseball” on Beasley Media Group Philadelphia sports talk WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic” from 2010 – 2013. After surviving the first round of brain cancer, he established the Darren Daulton Foundation, which provides financial assistance to brain cancer patients. According to Phillies chairman emeritus Bill Giles, “Darren was a true leader of men. The Phillies would not have gone to the 1993 World Series without his leadership. In addition to being an outstanding clubhouse leader, he was also a fighter. I really enjoyed watching him for 14 years in uniform. Darren was a super human being. His teammates loved him and I loved him like he was one of my own.” Glioblastoma has also claimed the lives of other notable baseball players, including Gary Carter, Tug McGraw, and Johnny Oates. Daulton was just 55 ….. Hole-by-hole coverage of the PGA Championship, co-produced with Westwood One, will be broadcast later this week (8/10 – 8/13) from 12:00 noon – 7:00 pm (ET) each day on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. The broadcast team from Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club will include: Fred Albers, Doug Bell, Mark Carnevale, John Maginnes, Dennis Paulson, Bob Rosinski, Charlie Rymer, and Taylor Zarzour ….. As detailed in The Chicago Tribune and RobertFeder.com, former Chicago talk radio host Ted Lauterbach, 70, died July 31 after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Lauterbach’s on-air “Windy City” credits include WIND (1982 – 1983); WCFL (1984); WLS-AM (1989 – 1990); and co-hosting WMAQ’s “Sports Huddle” with Steve Olken and Tom Greene in 1994. In addition, he was general manager and program director of Tele-Communications, a cable system.

Univision Q2 Radio Revenues Down 8.6%. Compared to $73.1 million for a similar period in 2016, second quarter revenue for Univision Communications’ radio division declined 8.6% to $66.8 million. National, network, and local advertising dips led to radio’s advertising revenue falling by 9.2% to $64 million from $70.5 million in 2016. Univision Communications president and chief executive officer Randy Falco notes that for the company as a whole, total revenue in the quarter was nearly $765 million and core revenue was up 5%. “Net income increased $31 million and we continue to deliver as evidenced by our reduction of net debt by approximately $200 million over the first half of the year.”

Westwood One Hall of Famers. Last night (8/6) in Canton (Ohio), Kurt Warner (left) and Jason Taylor (right) were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Warner is one of Westwood One’s “Monday Night Football” analysts and Taylor was just named the new “Sunday Night Football” analyst. The NFL season kicks off in just over four weeks (Thursday, September 7).

Washington-Based Executive Producer and Radio Engineer Sought by Courtside Entertainment. Two positions are currently open at Norm Pattiz’s Courtside Entertainment. The first is an executive producer position based in Washington, DC. This position is with “one of the nation’s most popular conservative talk radio programs” and requires a “driven, intelligent, and organized person to oversee the day-to-day production of the show.” For application information and to see more about this position, click here. The second opening is for a radio engineer. That person “shall install, configure, and maintain radio broadcasting equipment as needed.” The candidate must have “relevant technical knowledge with good people skills and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.” For application information and to see more about this position, click here.

KEGL Announces “The Freakers’ Ball.” The annual concert sponsored by iHeartMedia Dallas rocker KEGL “The Eagle” will take place October 15 at Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie (Texas). Senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Dallas Patrick Davis notes, “Freakers’ Ball has become one of fall’s best rock lineups around the country. We couldn’t have asked for a better lineup around Halloween than to include Marilyn Manson, In This Moment and more [including Beartooth, and Greta Van Fleet].” Program director Don Davis comments, “Our Eagle ‘Rockaholics’ have come to expect a great themed show for our annual Freakers’ Ball. Who better to headline our annual event than Marilyn Manson?” A special ‘Rockaholic’ pre-sale will take place this Thursday (8/10) from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Listeners can also win tickets for a “Win It Before You Can Buy It” promotion today (Monday, 8/7) through Friday (8/11).

Entercom Miami Schedules Riptide Music Festival. More than 20 alternative, pop, rock, and adult contemporary acts will perform (Saturday) December 2 and (Sunday) December 3 at Entercom Miami’s Riptide Music Festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. Marketing director and Riptide executive producer Von Freeman states, “It was an incredible success last year with over 25,000 festival-goers. There is just nothing better than seeing people hanging out in December on the sands of Fort Lauderdale [as they] sing every word to every song. The festival embraces the brands of our four top notch radio stations that reach over two million listeners per week and we will be giving away trips all over the United States and the world.” Riptide is produced by the staffs of alternative WSFS “104.3 The Shark”; classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach”; adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM”; and sports WAXY “790 The Ticket.”

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Having already launched this summer’s “World of Dance” starring Jennifer Lopez – and with Carson Daly-hosted “The Voice” a mainstay on its roster – NBC-TV is reportedly developing a music reality series for 2018. The new program will be one of at least two more music reality genre series scheduled for next year, along with “American Idol” (moving from Fox to ABC and with KIIS “Kiss-FM,” Los Angeles morning talent Ryan Seacrest remaining in-place as host) and Fox developing an adaptation of the singing competition format “The Final Four” ….. Jury selection begins today (8/7) in the trial between former KYGO, Denver air talent David Mueller (air name “Jackson”) and singer Taylor Swift in Denver. Mueller filed suit against Swift in U.S. District Court two years ago (September 2015), seeking lost wages for allegedly getting fired from the then Entercom-owned country station (now a Bonneville property) after the singer claimed that he lifted her skirt and grabbed her during a meet-and-greet before her June 2013 concert. Swift filed a countersuit claiming sexual assault against Mueller; she is expected to testify. The case is expected to last two weeks, with opening statements beginning as soon as tomorrow (Tuesday, 8/8). Swift is seeking damages of $1, “serving as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts,” while Mueller – also expected to testify – is seeking $3 million in lost wages ….. Changes at Entercom San Diego adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1” find midday talent Dawne Davis and evening personality Nick Upton leaving their on-air shifts to focus on production and digital, respectively. Program director Brooks O’Brian segues from morning drive to take over for Davis in middays, while Dorothy Tran replaces Upton at night. Until a successor to O’Brian is found in morning drive, part-timer Dave Mason will cover that daypart ….. Morning show co-host Melissa Moran will depart Hall Communications country WPCV, Lakeland (Florida) this Wednesday (8/9) in order to focus on her voiceover business, which she started three years ago. Operations manager and program director Mike James comments, “Melissa is a phenomenal radio and voice talent. It is no surprise that her audio book and voiceover career has become so successful. We will miss her greatly and wish her the absolute best.” Moran joined WPCV in 2008.

Sabo’s Solid Sterling Resume

TALKERS | July 31, 2017

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

NEW YORK — Prevalent, perceptions of programming consultants unfortunately tend to be highly unflattering.

Fast-talking, blue-sky selling, out-of-towners with disingenuous “I’m here to help you” patter and an altogether insincere demeanor is how some will often times erroneously paint the typical briefcase-toting advisor.

At the same time, a running industry punchline further diminishing the aura of this brutally competitive occupation was that each out-of-work program director and air talent was only hours away from hanging out his or her consulting shingle.

Friday, July 28, 2017

TALKERS | July 28, 2017

Entercom Reports Second Quarter Net Revenue Rises 3%. With the pending Entercom–CBS RADIO merger front-and-center in the radio news these days, when Entercom president and CEO David Field talks, people listen. Analysts and industry watchers were no doubt eager to hear what Field had to say about the merger process and here’s what he told them on this morning’s conference call. “We’ve made good progress towards completing the transaction. We’re well along in our post-merger integration work, developing our plans to optimize our structure, practices and strategies to ensure we move quickly and effectively to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us. And we have entered into letters of intent on all of our planned divestitures with strong interest from a significant number of various parties for the various stations and we’re pleased with the outcome of this process. That said, we’re still working to achieve approval from the Department of Justice on the divestiture plan and are in the midst of that process. We believe we’ll remain on schedule for closing in the second half of this year.” To the numbers, Entercom reports net revenue of $125 million during the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 3% compared to the same period a year ago. Same station net revenue was up 1%, excluding political. In a statement, Field says, “We continue to make great progress in our planning for our transformational merger with CBS RADIO that will make us the #1 provider of original, local audio content in the U.S. and create the scale to compete with other media for a larger share of ad spending. As we meet with clients, agencies, and strategic partners, we are more confident than ever about the value-creating opportunities ahead. Second quarter revenues increased 3% as reported, and up 1% on a same-station basis ex-political. Expenses were up more than usual due to our acquisition in Charlotte, some significant one-time-only expenses and additional costs related to building the organization in anticipation of the merger. We expect expense growth to recede in the third quarter and look for meaningful margin expansion post-closing.” As of June 30, Entercom had outstanding $467.6 million of senior debt under its credit facilities and $27.7 million in perpetual cumulative convertible preferred stock. The company reports $8.6 million in cash on hand.

SiriusXM Q2 Revenue Up 9%; Subscribers Top 32 Million. Satellite radio operator SiriusXM is reporting 2017 second quarter financial numbers, led by “record” revenue of $1.3 billion, up 9% compared to Q2 of 2016. Net income was $202 million in the second quarter, up 16% from $175 million in 2016. The company’s free cash flow rose 6% to $417 million. During the quarter, SiriusXM added 466,000 net new self-pay subscribers, putting its total self-pay subscribers at nearly 26.7 million. SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer states, “In the second quarter, SiriusXM continued its strong track record of execution and demand for our premium content bundle pushed our listener base to an all-time high of more than 32 million paying subscribers. We are pleased to raise our full-year guidance for net self-pay subscriber additions, revenue, and adjusted EBITDA. We also made tremendous progress on strategic initiatives in the second quarter with the closing of our recapitalization of SiriusXM Canada, our acquisition of Automatic Labs, and our agreement to acquire a minority stake in Pandora Media.”

TALKERS Hears: Westwood One Signs Syndication Agreement with Walter Sabo. TALKERS magazine hears that, according to unconfirmed inside sources, Westwood One has signed an agreement to syndicate a three-hour radio show hosted by Walter Sabo. Sabo, CEO of the New York-based consultation firm Sabo Media, has been hosting a live, weekly two-hour talk show at 11:00 pm on Sunday nights on CBS O&O WPHT, Philadelphia for the past several years. He uses the on-air name Walter Sterling. The pact is the result of conversations between CBS RADIO and Cumulus Media to make the Walter Sterling Show (a CBS property) available to Cumulus stations and others in the late night weekend slot including an extra third hour. TALKERS editors who have been listening describe the show as a departure from typical “left versus right” political news/talk fare focusing largely on social, family, and cultural issues of current life. Noted radio impresario Kraig Kitchin is reportedly managing Sabo’s emerging on-air career and negotiated the deal. NEXT WEEK: TALKERS will be presenting a special feature story by managing editor Mike Kinosian detailing the history of Walter Sabo’s colorful career from being a wunderkind 20-something radio executive in the 1970s and 1980s with ABC and NBC through his work as a leading consultant in the 1990s and early 2000s – culminating with his emerging presence as an on-air talent today.

Longtime KTRS, St. Louis Personality Frank O. Pinion Exiting. After more than 20 years onFrank the St. Louis talk station, afternoon drive host Frank O. Pinion, a.k.a. John Craddock, will wrap his deal with CH Holding’s KTRS on September 14. The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that Craddock told his listeners that the parting was not amicable – he’s resigned – and that he’s not retiring either. The paper reports that Craddock is not a KTRS employee but an independent contractor who brokers the show, getting inventory to sell. Read the Post-Dispatch story here.

Jon Kelly Takes Control of SummitMedia LLC. The company announces that shareholder and private investor Jon Kelly reaches an agreement to purchase the controlling interest in SummitMedia LLC held by Highpoint Holdings. SummitMedia chairman/CEO Carl Parmer states, “Jon has been our largest individual shareholder since inception and we are delighted he will become our controlling shareholder, pending FCC approval. Not only is he a good friend, but he and his family have a long and incredibly successful history in broadcasting in the United States. His commitment to SummitMedia positions us to take advantage of strategic opportunities and grow our platform in the years ahead.”

Conclave 42. Consultant Holland Cooke (pictured above with conference chair Lori Lewis, VP/social for Cumulus Media/Westwood One) reports from Minneapolis with his notes on the Conclave Summer Learning Conference. Among the topics discussed at this year’s conference were: the possibilities for radio with the growth of smart speakers, podcast strategies for radio personalities, the future of radio’s place in the car, and more. See Cooke’s coverage here.

Salem Hosts at the White House. Pictured above are some of the Salem Radio Network personalities and some of the hosts whose shows air on Salem Media Group-owned news/talk stations at this week’s “Made In America” radio remote from the White House. Clockwise from left: Kevin McCullough (WNYM, New York), Joe Piscopo (WNYM, New York), Salem SVP spoken word format Phil Boyce, Craig Silverman (KNUS, Denver) and his son, SRN’s Eric Metaxas and Larry Elder.

Talking Issues with Jon Lovitz. “Saturday Night Live” alum Jon Lovitz (right) is pictured here with talk radio star Lars Larson (left) at Alpha Media’s KXL, Portland studios. Larson tells TALKERS magazine that Lovitz appeared on his radio show and talked “Trump, guns, Caitlyn Jenner and a lot of other things.”

TALKERS News Notes. With the goal of making its 34 radio stations in 13 states available on to Amazon Alexa-supported devices, E.W. Scripps enlists XAPPmedia. XAPP VP of sales Ryan Higbie says, “We are honored to work with Scripps to bring Amazon Alexa users access to its radio stations’ original audio content. The technology offers an immersive experience for users to listen to their favorite radio programs on demand. XAPP is committed to helping Scripps make the most of this new distribution channel and build deeper listener relationships at the same time.”…..SiriusXM announces comedian and actor Godfrey begins hosting a daily show on the Urban View channel on Monday (7/31). “The Power Hour” will air daily from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm and feature “dynamic and often provocative conversations on politics, pop culture, and social issues in Godfrey’s relaxed, comedic style.”

ObamaCare Repeal and Replace Tops Talkers Ten^TM for Week of July 24-28. The GOP’s attempts to vote on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and efforts to craft a replacement health care plan tied for the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week. At #2 was the threat by new White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci to fire the entire West Wing to stop leaks to the press. Coming in at #3 was President Trump’s ban on transgender soldiers in the military, followed by the announcement by Foxconn of plans for a new plant in Wisconsin at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM 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.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/28) with Memorial Tribute to Alan Colmes by Jim Bohannon. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are:

– The “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein).

– The special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan).

– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).

– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo).

– The special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard).

– The special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell).

– The first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein. All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.

– A “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).

– A “Fireside Chat” featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).

– A “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman).

– The series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.” They feature a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess(introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri), a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young, and a conversation between Cumulus Media EVP programming and content Mike McVay and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).

– The series of four “one-on-one” dialogues collectively titled, “Where Does Talk Media Go From Here?” featuring a conversation between WRHU, Hofstra University OM John T. Mullen and WRFH, Hillsdale College GM Scot Bertram; a conversation between The New Normal CEO/founder/host Tom Leykis and syndicated host Michael Berry; a conversation between The Weiss AgencyEVP Heather Cohen and Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel host Brian Kilmeade; and a conversation between WPHT, Philadelphia host Dom Giordano and GCN syndicated host Dr. Daliah Wachs (facilitated by WOR, New York APD Scott Lakefield). At the conclusion, Dr. Wachs is presented the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award by Michael Harrison.

– TODAY (7/28) we posted the second of a series of three memorial tributes by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon dedicated to major talk show personalities and longtime TALKERS Convention participants who passed away this past year: Tom Marr, Dr. Joy Browne and Alan Colmes. Today’s posted tribute is for Alan Colmes. Dr. Joy Browne’s tribute will be posted on Monday. (Introduction by Stephan Multimedia CEO/host, Doug Stephan.)

Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Charlotte, air personality JT Bosch is named the afternoon drive host and assistant program director at iHeartMedia’s country WKKT “96.9 The Kat.” Effective August 14, Bosch begins hosting the 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm show. Bosch was most recently with the company as APD/evening personality at WMZQ, Washington. iHeartMedia Virginia-Carolina Region president Dave Carwile states, “I’m excited to have JT in Charlotte and involved in the programming of WKKT. He is familiar with the area and his experience in both programming and on-air is unrivaled.”…..Carson Daly is resigning from his morning show duties at CBS RADIO’s KAMP, Los Angeles “97.1 AMP Radio,” in order to focus on his television projects and his other radio work. He told his radio listeners that his desire to spend more time with his wife and three kids was a big factor in the decision. “I just want to have breakfast with my kids,” he said. Daly will still produce the weekend radio countdown show “Daly Download” while handling television duties that include hosting “The Voice,” anchoring on the “Today” show, and hosting “Last Call with Darson Daly.”…..The mystery surrounding the April disappearance of Kathy Hart from WTMX, Chicago’s popular “Eric & Kathy” AM drive show may soon be revealed to some degree or another, according to Chicago media writer Robert Feder. He writes today that sources say action on her relationship with the station should come soon and it sounds as though she’s negotiating an end to her contract. However, everyone seems mystified as to what caused her to choose to take a leave from the highly rated program 12 weeks ago, including radio partner Eric Ferguson. Read Feder’s piece here…..Entercom’s WLNK, Charlotte “The Link 107.9” inks a new deal with Bob Lacey and Sheri Lynch (pictured at right) for the two to continue hosting their syndicated “Bob & Sheri” show on the station. Entercom Charlotte VP/GM Matt Hanlon states, “This is the top-rated show in the market and one of the best, most unique morning shows in America. We’re fortunate to have the caliber of talent and creative engagement the ‘Bob & Sheri’ show brings to the airwaves every day.”

Monday, July 17, 2017

TALKERS | July 17, 2017

Georgia Beasley Named Director of TopicPulse Strategic Initiatives. Digital and broadcast media pro Georgia Beasley joins Futuri Media as director of TopicPulse Strategic Initiatives. The company says that Beasley will partner with the TopicPulse product development team, led by product manager and veteran TV executive Jill Manuel, to lead strategic initiatives to bring its data-driven story discovery capabilities to media industry partners. Beasley was most recently director of digital sales at Beasley Media Group. Futuri Media CEO Daniel Anstandig states, “Georgia is an innovator with a passion for technology, which makes her a perfect fit for the Futuri Media team. She has a proven track record of delivering creative solutions and results for her client partners, using technology to solve problems, and she deeply understands how TopicPulse’s real-time, targeted social insights can drive ratings and digital audience growth.”

Rob Ellis Exits WPEN-FM, Philadelphia. Philadelphia sports media personality Rob Ellis announced at the end of Friday’s program that he’s leaving the late-morning show he’s been co-hosting with Harry Mayes at Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM. Ellis’ contract with the station is over and he told listeners he’s leaving WPEN-FM on good terms. Ellis also serves with Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Mayes was hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program solo today (7/17).

J.T. The Brick’s Late Morning KGMZ, San Francisco Show Ends. Nationally syndicated sports talk host J.T. The Brick has been hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show on Entercom’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco “95.7 The Game” since last September. Now, he leaves that gig, messaging, “Thanks for an EPIC run at @957thegame it was awesome and I loved every minute! More news to come and big things ahead.” He continues the evening show he co-hosts with Tomm Looney on Fox Sports Radio.

ESPN Radio Sets November 27 for Launch of Golic & Wingo. After the 18-year Mike & Mike program is dismantled on November 17, longtime ESPN personality Trey Wingo will co-host the morning drive show with Mike Golic beginning November 27. But, ESPN is giving listeners a taste of the show when Golic and Wingo co-host mornings tomorrow through Thursday (7/18-20). Mike Greenberg will be guest hosting WEPN, New York’s afternoon drive show for Michael Kay on those three days. Mike Golic Jr. will be part of the program joining Golic and Wingo for the 6:00 am hour after wrapping his “ESPN Radio’s First & Last” program from 4:00 am to 6:00 am. When the Golic & Wingo show officially launches on November 27, it will initially be simulcast on ESPN2 before moving to its simulcast home on ESPNU in early January.

TALKERS News Notes. Denver media pro Steve Kelley exits the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm show at Salem Media Group’s news/talk KNUS after six years with the station. Kelley has also worked in the market at iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KOA and in TV at KDRV-TV “FOX 31.” Salem fills the afternoon slot with the “Chuck & Julie” show featuring Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden…..Benztown’s Remote News Service signs the Maryland News Network to a deal to deliver news content to 14 stations in markets that include: Frederick, Myersville and Salisbury. This pact brings RNS’ affiliate count to 62 stations across the U.S. RNS president Lesley Lotto says, “I’m thrilled to work with a fledgling network that Remote News Service will have a chance to watch grow and grow with. I see great things for the Maryland News Network!”…..Regional Reps Corp. announces a formal partnership with In-Language Radio, a consultant to radio and television stations across the U.S. and Canada. In-Language Radio provides ethnic market research, format and content development, and full production facilities in every major European and Asian language…..The Radio Advertising Bureau is launching its newly designed Why Radio micro-site. It includes the RAB’s extensive marketing and research guide and complete Radio Facts library. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber says, “Refreshing and relaunching a website is always a heavy task, but it was time to showcase radio’s best attributes in a new and creative spotlight, and this updated micro-site does just that. Most importantly, all of the research and data the RAB is known for providing is still available — radio landscape presentations, radio facts, the most current listener insights, case studies, FAQs, creative, ad spending, 10 Reasons to Advertise, etc. are all right there at RAB users’ fingertips and ready to help drive home radio’s effectiveness to clients big and small.”

Kentucky Broadcasters Association-Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute Begins Today. Today (7/17), the fifth annual Kentucky Broadcasters Association-Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute begins. The WKU campus is welcoming students from Valparaiso University and Middle Tennessee State University as well as WKU to the institute. The “Ben Davis and Kelly K” morning show from Alpha Media’s CHR WDJX, Louisville broadcast live from the Radio Talent Institute with the students as the live studio audience. During the 10-day intensive, students will learn from radio pros from all areas of the business, including on-air, music radio, sports and news, production, promotions, digital/social media, and engineering. All students become certified by the RAB as Radio Marketing Professionals. The Kentucky Broadcasters Association underwrites the KBA WKU Radio Talent Institute. The National Radio Talent System is a system of Radio Talent Institutes on college campuses across America.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/17) with Thom Hartmann, Bill Hess, Steve Jones and Greg Moceri. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein. All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter. Yesterday (7/12) TALKERS posted a “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab). Yesterday (7/13), a “Fireside Chat” was posted featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack). On Friday (7/14) TALKERS posted a “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman). Today 7/17), we kick off the new week with the first in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.” It features a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess, introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri and facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones. Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

GOP Health Care Bill, Trump Jr-Russia Issue, Trump Approval Poll, Trump’s France Visit, Martin Landau Dies, George Romero Passes, Wimbledon Finals, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The status of the GOP health care bill; the controversy over Donald Trump Jr’s meeting with Kremlin-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya; the recent Washington Post/ABC News poll that shows President Trump’s approval rating at 36%; Trump’s visit with French President Emmanuel Macron; actor Martin Landau dies at 89; director George Romero passes at 77; Roger Federer and Garbine Muguruza win at Wimbledon; 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.

Pattie Moreno Sues Entercom for Dismissal from WMXJ, Miami. Programmer Pattie Moreno (Guadamuz) was PD at Entercom’s classic hits WMXJ, Miami “102.7 The Beach” from November 2, 2015 to April 26, 2016 at which time she was let go from her position. She is claiming – in a suit filed in United States District Court in Southern Florida – that general manager Doug Abernathy and the company violated the American Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when she was fired for having anxiety/depression disorder and for being female. Moreno alleges that Abernathy told her she embarrassed the company after requiring medical attention at a station event. She also claims Abernathy belittled her by making comments about her gender and being a mother, telling her she wasn’t suited for the job. She’s seeking employment benefits, front pay, unpaid wages, attorneys’ fees, and damages.

Shotgun Tom Kelly Visits Kid Kelly. Legendary Southern California disc jockey Shotgun Tom Kelly (second from left) visits the SoCal studios of SiriusXM and the staff of the Kid Kelly (far right) show.

Round Three of June PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of June 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s June 2017 survey period covered May 25 – June 21. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Portland – The wild ride continues for iHeartMedia’s KFBW, which was +1.0 in April; -.6 in May; and now +1.1 in June (3.5 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+). In addition to returning to the top ten (#11 to #6), “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” has its highest 6+-share since September 2015’s 5.5. Steady at #4, Entercom classic rocker KGON is without a loss for the fifth straight time for a collective +2.4, (3.2 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). When KGON registered a +.8 in February, it brought to an end eight straight sweeps without a gain that resulted in a combined -1.7 dating back to June 2016 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Progressing by six-tenths each are Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB (7.4 – 8.0, steady at #2, 6+); Alpha Media triple A KINK “Uniquely Portland” (3.8, #15 to #11, 6+); and Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” (1.9 – 2.5, #18 to #17, 6+). Having sputtered by eight-tenths in May, KOPB was +.9 in March. It declined by one full-share in February, completely surrendering January’s +1.0, after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016. Entering the June 2017 sweep, KINK was without an increase since January and was a collective -.7 in that stretch (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Up or flat January through April for a combined +.7 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), KFIS returned the entire seven-tenths in May. Just as they did in May, Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” (4.9, +.3, 6+) and Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” finish back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively. Prior to June’s +.3, “The Wolf” was a combined -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), while “The Bull” is down in consecutive sweeps for a -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). With its strongest 6+-share since the 15.3 it posted in “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” (8.7 – 9.1, +.4, 6+) is #1 for the 37^th time in the last 39 ratings periods. As the result of four straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH gained one full-share, but “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” surrenders 70% of that increase (4.3, -.7, 6+) and drops from sixth to ninth.

2) Charlotte – With its fourth successive increase for a net +1.4 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” advances from third to second and matches the 6.3 it recorded last October. Powered by a gain of nine-tenths (4.0 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake – Charlotte’s We Play Anything Station” notches its strongest 6+-share since last November’s 5.0 and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Without a decrease for four straight sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” lost two-tenths in May but rebounds in June with a gain four times that margin (4.6 – 5.4, +.8, 6+), climbing from ninth to seventh. Steady at #10, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WHQC “Channel 96.1” is down for the third straight time for a net loss of seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). In March, “Channel 96.1” had its string of consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.4 snapped at three (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+). Four-tenths of a share separates Charlotte’s top four June 2017 finishers. Having logged a very consistent (6+) January 2017 through May 2017 line of 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.8, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat” busts out a +.6 to 6.4 (6+), with the country outlet marching from fourth to first. As a result, “The Kat” bypasses Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which relinquishes the six-tenths it gained in May (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+) and shifts from second to fourth. Prior to April (when it was +.8), “Country’s Hottest Hits” was a cumulative -1.8 in three successive downward moves dating back to the “Holiday” 2016 report (7.0 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Moreover, 5.2 in March was the lowest 6+-share in its PPM-history. In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed “Country’s Hottest Hits” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). Ousted from the top spot and segueing to third is WKKT classic rock sibling WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which had been #1 in each of the past five survey periods. “The Fox,” however, is -1.5 since March via three straight decreases (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 6.2, 6+). Immediately in advance of that, “The Fox” posted three consecutive positive trends that accounted for a +1.3 (6.4 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Its +.8 in January curtailed a series of three consecutive downward moves that yielded a -1.5 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Within 4.9 – 5.3 territory (6+) in the last five sweeps, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 – More Music, Better Variety” spirals by -1.3 (5.1 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #12). As the result of five straight down or flat trends, Davidson College’s WDAV “Classical Public Radio” (#15 to #16) is a combined -1.3 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+)

3) San Antonio – More wild ups/downs for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, which lost one full-share (-1.0) in February; was a collective +1.5 in March and April (5.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+); regressed by -1.0 in May (5.6 – 4.6, 6+); and now regains May’s loss in its entirety (5.6, +1.0, 6+), zooming from seventh back to second. With an 11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. Improving by seven-tenths each are Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” (5.6, fourth to second, 6+) and hot AC sibling KSMG “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” (4.4, #14 to #8, 6+). Immediately prior to April, KISS had been up or flat the previous three sweeps for a +.7 (5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+); it dropped six-tenths in both April and May (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). The +.7 halts at three a successive string by “Magic” that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+). Flat at 7.0 (6+), co-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” occupies the top spot for the fifth successive time; KONO-FM departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. Recent (6+) fluctuations for KONO-FM are October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January’s +1.1; April’s +.8; and May’s -.6. This marks the fifth time in a row that WOAI is without an increase for a -1.4 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 3.3, 6+), as the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet spirals from #9 to #14. The last time WOAI fell below a four-share (6+) was September 2014 (3.7). Surrendering the six-tenths it gained in May (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM falls from #12 to #16; “Las Estacion de la Raza” has now registered a 3.2 (6+) in four of the last six sweeps. Despite losing three-tenths to 3.4 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” advances from #14 to #13. Its successive string of positive trends that netted one full-share, however, ends at three (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). Owing to three straight increases, including May’s +1.3, KSTX nearly doubled its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+). The Texas Public Radio news/talk outlet returns one-half share in June though and slips from #12 to #14 (3.3 – 3.8, 6+). It had been almost two years since KSTX reached the three-share level (August 2015, 3.0, 6+). Regressing by one-half share as well is Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM (5.2 – 4.7, third to seventh, 6+). By gaining two-tenths in May, KROM halted at three its consecutive streak of downward trends that accounted for a -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+); it was a combined +1.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January (6.2 – 7.4, 6+).

4) Pittsburgh – Down or flat in each of the last four ratings periods for a -.4 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), WESA bounces back in grand fashion with a gain of one full-share to 2.9. Although “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR News Station” remains at #13, this is its strongest 6+-performance since September 2014 (2.9 as well). Gaining six-tenths each are Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” (7.3, unchanged at #4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 for New Country” (2.9 – 3.6, steady at #11, 6+). Prior to June’s +.6, “Bob” had faltered by -1.8 in four consecutive declines (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+). As for “Big,” it was -.9 in May and – by adding two-tenths in April – it halted three straight declines that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). After posting three consecutive increases netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” forfeits eight-tenths to 9.6 (6+), but is #1 for the third straight month. In fact, it is tied for #1 with rock cluster-mate WDVE, which regains the three-tenths it lost in May (9.6 – 9.3 – 9.6, 6+) to return to the top from the runner-up slot. Immediately before picking up eight-tenths in March, “3WS” was -4.6 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7 – 9.3 – 9.1, 6+). Flat at #7, co-owned alternative WXDX “The X at 105.9” is +1.8 via three straight months without a decrease. Trending 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.3 (6+) since February, Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” sputters by one full-share to 5.3 (6+) and drops from fifth to sixth. It is the lowest 6+-share for “Wish” since it returned in print as a Nielsen Audio subscriber in April 2016. Co-owned WHJB “Classic Hits 107.1” is down or flat for the fourth consecutive time and is -1.0 in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), but actually improves from #16 to a tie at #15.

5) Sacramento – Down or flat for the past seven ratings periods for a collective -2.6 (5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom’s KRXQ “98 Rock” roars back by making up more than half the deficit (4.6, +1.4, 6+) and re-enters the top ten (#13 to #6). Up four-tenths to 2.8 (#15, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KSTE snaps at four its successive streak of downward trends that yielded a -1.5 since January (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.4, 6+). A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX recaptured all of it in May only to drop one-half share in June (9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Even so, “Mix 96” is #1 for the fifth successive month. Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, KYMX rebounded from January’s -4.8 with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). After being a combined +2.4 in November and December, “Mix” was +5.2 in “Holiday” 2016. A loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, sixth to ninth, 6+) takes Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ to its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2015’s 3.3. A recap of the market’s three country FMs finds KNCI “New Country 105.1” up two-tenths (5.6 – 5.8, 6+) and steady in fourth-place. As a result of a -.1 in May to 3.3 (6+), Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” had its streak of successive increases which generated a +1.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4, 6+) end at five. “The Wolf” now regresses by another half-share (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+) to drift from #11 to #15. Prior to April, the last time Sacramento’s “Wolf” reached the three-share level (6+) was November 2014 (3.0, 6+). Directly ahead of it at #14 but off two-tenths to 2.9 (6+) is iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KBEB “The Bull,” which concludes three straight improvements that netted eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to May, “The Bull” had been within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous seven ratings periods. Continuing an up/down pattern that began last November, Entravision regional Mexican KRCX “La Tricolor 99.9” (#17 to #18) drops one-half share (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 1.7, 6+).

6) Salt Lake City – At this time last month, Broadway Media CHR KUDD relinquished 60% of its combined March and April +1.5 (3.5 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.1, -.9, 6+), but “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” more than makes up for it in June with a whopping +1.6 (4.1 – 5.7, 6+) to rocket from tenth to fifth. Moreover, June’s 5.7 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+). An April loss of eight-tenths by iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KZHT pulled the plug on three straight progressive trends that yielded a +1.3 (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). The roller coaster ride continues as “97.1 – Salt Lake City’s #1 Hit Music Station” regained 75% of April’s decrease (4.9 – 5.5, +.6, 6+), only to return one-half share in June (5.0, 6+), skidding from a three-way tie at #3 to #7. As independent country KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” posts its second consecutive gain of eight-tenths to jump from sixth to second, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KUBL “K-Bull 93” falters by that same margin (to 4.7, -.8, 6+) and stumbles from third to eighth. Not only is it the fourth straight improvement for “Z-104” for a combined +2.1 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+), like KUDD (above), it represents the strongest 6+-stat for KSOP-FM since PPM became Salt Lake City’s ratings currency. When “K-Bull” dropped four-tenths in May, it curtailed four straight upward moves that netted a +2.6 (3.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.0, “K-Bull” sputtered for five consecutive months and was a combined -2.2 since August (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). The market’s other FM country outlet – Broadway Media’s KEGA “101.5 The Eagle – Utah’s Best Country” – drops four-tenths to 1.6 (6+), thus ending four straight sweeps without a loss that netted a +.7 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), yet actually enters the top twenty (#21 to a three-way tie at #20). In addition to cracking the top ten (#14 to #10), Cumulus-owned KBER “101 Utah’s Rock Station” is a cumulative +1.4 via its third straight increase (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+). Matching the 5.5 (6+) it posted in December and advancing from seventh to sixth, Bonneville-owned KRSP “103.5 The Arrow – Utah’s Classic Rock” is up nine-tenths as the result of three successive monthlies without a loss (4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.5, 6+). Recovering the four-tenths it lost in May (6.9 – 6.5 – 6.9, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” repeats at #1. Following three straight sweeps on top, “FM 100.3” shifted to #2, having dropped 12.3 shares in January (20.6 – 8.3, 6+). Until that massive January spiral, “FM 100.3” didn’t have a decrease since April 2016 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with a staggering +15.3. By dropping nine-tenths (4.3 -3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KNRS drifts from #8 to #13. After being either up or flat the past five ratings periods, more than doubling its 6+-share in that timeframe (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Broadway Media adult hits KYMV “Rewind 100.7” surrenders seven-tenths to 1.6 (#18 to #20, 6+). In May, “Rewind” reached a two-share for the first time since last October’s 2.0. Rhythmic CHR sibling KUUU “U-92” is within 2.0 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 13^th straight time (2.4 – 2.8, +.4, #16 to #15, 6+).

7) Las Vegas – The two-tenths of a share lead iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” held in May over Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ widens by seven times as much in June, as “Sunny” – on top for the eighth consecutive monthly – dials up a +1.2 to 7.4, while KKLZ (flat at 6.1, 6+) remains at #2. The four most recent “Sunny” fluctuations are +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; -1.2 in May; and now +1.4 in June (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3 – 7.4, 6+). Five straight up or flat trends generated a +8.3 for “Sunny” to 7.5 (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+) before January’s -.7.3 to 6.7 (6+). Following three successive downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), KSNE was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 successive ratings periods. In addition to recapturing the six-tenths it squandered in May, Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (2.6, #20 to #15, 6+) applies the brakes to three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of one full-share (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+). In a somewhat similar scenario, a six-tenths increase by Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio – Radio for Life” (#12 to #9) curtails three straight monthlies without an increase (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Having notched three straight gains for a collective +1.8 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned KCYE “The Coyote – We Are Country” is off by two-tenths to 4.7 (6+), segueing from fifth to sixth. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KWNR “95.5 Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” rebounds from May’s -.6 with a +.2 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.8, seventh to fifth, 6+) and leapfrogs “The Coyote.” Trending 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 (6+) since January 2017, University of Nevada – Las Vegas’ KUNV “91.5 The Source” posts a one-half share increase to 2.1 (#18). Following a consecutive quartet of progressive trends netting a +1.6 (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” is a combined -1.3 in May and June (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Down or flat in four straight sweeps for a -.7 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio’s KISF registered a +1.2 in January, but followed with three straight losses: -1.6 in February; -.6 in March; and -.5 in April (5.0 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). While it added two-tenths in May, the regional Mexican outlet regresses by six-tenths in June (2.5 – 1.9, 6+) to slip from #17 to #20. Catching it there with a gain of three-tenths (1.9, #20, 6+) is Entravision’s similarly-programmed KQRT “La Tricolor 105.1,” which had been down or flat in each of the last three sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+).

8) Cincinnati – The market’s three country FMs elevate the format’s 6+-share from 11.1 (May 2017) to 12.7 (June 2017). Specifically, owing to a +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, steady at #3, 6+), Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105, Get Your Country On” reaches the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since last October’s 8.5. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” duplicates May’s one-half share increase (1.4 – 1.9, +.5, #21, 6+) to climb from #17 to #16; The May increase by “The Wolf” curtailed three straight downward trends that produced a loss of one full-share (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.5 -.9, 6+). Making it a clean sweep for the format in terms of month-to-month (6+) increases, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” (unchanged at #15) is +.4 (2.3 – 2.7, 6+) for its best 6+-showing since last September (2.7 as well). The tie that existed in May for the top spot is broken as “Nash FM” classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WGRR, which has been #1 each month since January, picks up three-tenths (9.0 – 9.3, +.3, 6+) and remains in the penthouse. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW “The Big One” drops one-tenth (9.0 – 8.9, 6+) and moves to #2. Following a -.7 in March (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+), WGRR posted a full-share gain in April. Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, it occupied the top spot for four straight months. A +.8 in January ended four successive down or flat sweeps that produced a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+) as WGRR progressed from second to first. When WLW reached #1 in May, it was the first time there for the Cincinnati Reds flagship since last August, although it backed into the top spot as it was down three-tenths (9.3 – 9.0, 6+). In April, WLW answered a combined -1.2 in February and March (8.4 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) with a +2.1 to 9.3, its finest 6+-showing since last June’s 10.8. Conversely, March’s 7.2 was the lowest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Down by seven-tenths each are Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8 – 6.1, flat at #4, 6+); Cumulus Media classic rocker WOFX “The Fox” (6.0 – 5.3, fifth to sixth, 6+); and iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.6 – 3.9, #7 to #11, 6+). Prior to logging a +.5 in May, the three most recent trends for “Q-102” were 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 (6+). A gain of eight-tenths in May took “The Fox” to 6.0, its finest 6+-showing since November 2015 (6.0, as well). In back-to-back sweeps, “Kiss” had gained eight-tenths (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6, March-April-May, 6+). Off for the third straight time for a -1.1 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” drops from #13 to #14.

9) Orlando – There is considerable activity among the top five June 2017 finishers, including iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” racking up a +.9 (6.9 – 7.8, 6+) to climb from fourth to third. Although displaying modest (6+) moves in March (+.2); April (-.4); and May (+.1), “Magic” has been accustomed to recording big swings. Such examples include +.5 (October 2015); -1.0 (November 2015); +1.6 (December 2015); +5.2 (“Holiday” 2015); -4.7 (January 2016); -1.2 (February); +1.3 (March); +.7 (April); +.6 (May); -.8 (June); -1.1 (July); +.7 (September); -.5 (October) +.9 (November); +2.1 (December); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2016); -7.6 (January 2017); -1.5 (February 2017); and now a +.9 in June 2017. Co-owned WJRR shows a (6+) December 2016 – March 2017 line of 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7, but “Orlando’s Rock Station” follows with three straight increases accounting for a +1.8 (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+) to move from eighth to seventh. The last time WJRR reached the five-share level (6+) was September 2016 (5.1). Bouncing back from May’s -.9 with a +.6, Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” returns to the top five (6.4 – 5.5 – 6.1, sixth to fifth, 6+). Conversely, its (Spanish contemporary) HD2 channel – returns the one-half share it gained in May (1.2 – 1.7 -1.2, #17 to #18, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia’s Spanish tropical WRUM #1 for the sixth consecutive month, “Rumba 100.3” erases one-half share of May’s -.6 (12.2 – 12.7, +.5, 6+). The 12.8 it registered in April was the best-ever 6+-share in its PPM-history. Prior to January, “Rumba” was on top in October, November, and December. Off by seven-tenths each are CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7” (unchanged at #2); Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” (7.5, third to fourth, 6+); and CBS Radio-owned WOMX “Mix 105.1” (4.7, seventh to eighth, 6+). A collective +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), “XL-106.7” is now -1.8 in May and June (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1, 6+); April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. As for WMMO, the -.7 stymies three successive increases that generated a +1.6 (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). This represents the fourth straight down or flat sweep for “Mix” for a -1.4 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7, 6+). Owing to four consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia FM news/talk WTKS (flat at #15) is a collective -1.6. Steady at #13, Community Communications’ similarly-programmed WMFE is within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 33^rd straight time, (2.5 – 2.7, +.2, 6+). Right behind it at #14 is Entravision-owned Spanish tropical WNUE, which drops two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), thus ending at six its successive string of increases that netted seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+).

10) Cleveland – Nine-tenths of a share separates this Ohio market’s top four June 2017 finishers. Up or flat for the sixth successive sweep (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM improves by nearly two full-shares in that timeframe; the Cleveland Indians’ flagship progresses from sixth to fifth. Trending 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.5 (February through May, 6+), CHR sibling WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” dials up a +1.0 to 5.5, its strongest 6+-share since December’s 5.9, and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). A combined +1.1 via three straight increases (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” advances from eighth to seventh. After “backing into” the top spot in May with a -.2, CBS Radio-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” logs a one-half share gain (7.9 – 8.4, 6+) and repeats at #1. This is the second time in the last three sweeps that WNCX has reached the eight-share level (6+) – it was 8.1 in April (6+). Locked at #12 in each of the last 17 sweeps, co-owned WKRK erodes by -1.2 (3.9 – 2.7, 6+) and falls to #13. Moreover, “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” has its lowest 6+-share since last August (2.7 as well). Taking its place at #12 is Ideastream’s WCPN – which ironically was at #13 the past 14 sweeps; it advances despite losing two-tenths to 2.9 (6+). Before a -.2 in February, WCPN was without a decrease for eight consecutive ratings periods netting a combined +1.8 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.8, 6+). Off by more than one full-share in back-to-back declines (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” exits the top ten (#8 to #11).

11) Kansas City – Steady at #8, Entercom-owned KQRC “98.8 Kansas City’s Rock Station” is up or flat for the sixth straight time for a +1.1 (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), while co-owned hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” (fifth to sixth) is without a loss for the third time in a row for a gain of four-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+). Within 7.3 – 7.8 range (6+) since January, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM displays an impressive +1.5 (7.4 – 8.9, 6+) and carries on at #2. It is the strongest 6+-stat for “94.9 – Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” since the “Holiday” 2016 report (10.8). One-half share ahead of KCMO-FM – and #1 for the sixth consecutive time – is classic rock cluster-mate KCFX “The Fox,” which posts its third straight increase for a cumulative +1.9 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+). “The Fox” bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April. Before its +1.0 in April, KCFX registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). On top from May through September and then in December, it had five straight uptrends prior to January’s -.5 for a cumulative +1.8 (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+). Still in that Cumulus Media cluster, KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” (#18 to #17) is up or flat for the fifth straight time for a +.6 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+), while urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” (unchanged at #7) is without a loss for the third consecutive sweep and is up nine-tenths in that stretch (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+). Following four straight improvements for a cumulative +1.9 (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media CHR KMXV “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” faltered by seven-tenths in May but answers with a +.8 (5.0 – 5.8, 6+), climbing from fifth to fourth. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed KCHZ, bounces back from a loss of one-half share in May with a +.8 as well (3.3 – 4.1, 6+), with “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” cracking the top ten (#14 to #10). Prior to May’s -.5, “The Vibe” had been without a loss in each of the past six survey periods netting a +1.2 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+). Thus, after eroding by -1.2 in May, the market’s (6+) CHR share improves by +1.6, equally divided between “Mix” and “The Vibe.” As far as the three-way country scrum is concerned, Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 – #1 For New Country,” which in May forfeited half of the six-tenths it gained in April (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), sputters by an additional nine-tenths (3.5, 6+) to spiral from #10 to #14. A combined +.9 in April and May (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom’s WDAF-FM “106.5 The Wolf” returns seven-tenths in June (3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). On the format’s plus side though, Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” notches consecutive (modest) increases (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9, 6+) and remains at #3. As the result of three consecutive gains before April’s -.1, “Country 94.1” was a collective +2.1 (3.6 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). It entered the December 2016 sweep with four up or flat trends in succession that accounted for a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), but was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth successive time, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR is -1.7 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2, 6+) and drifts from #15 to #18. Although down by -.5 (4.3 – 3.8, 6+) and below a four-share (6+) for the first time since last October’s 3.9, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMBZ-FM actually improves from #12 to a tie at #11. Also in the spoken-word arena, Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” falters for the third straight time for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (3.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+), but remains at #20; Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” bumps up from #17 to #15 with its third consecutive up or flat trend more than doubling its 6+-share (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+).

12) Columbus – Not only does it boast the largest (6+) May 2017 – June 2017 improvement (+1.8) by any other station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released since last Wednesday, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WNCI is a whopping +2.8 via three successive upticks (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 11.7, 6+). Furthermore, “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” repeats at #1 and is in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September’s 11.1. With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), WNCI advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” outlet was down or flat in each of the previous six surveys for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). It has a 1.1-share (6+) advantage over co-owned country facility WCOL, which dusts itself off from May’s -1.3 with a +1.4 to remain at #2. WCOL was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; and now +1.4 in June (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2 – 10.6, 6+). In another stunning one-month market turnaround, Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-96 Iconic Rock” (fifth back to third) answers May’s -1.2 with a +1.1 (7.3 – 6.1 – 7.2, 6+); 6.1 was its lowest 6+-share since last October’s 5.5. In addition to the three aforementioned Columbus outlets improving by at least one full-share (May 2017 – June 2017, 6+), two stations there erode by -1.5 each. Not only does Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” end its (6+) February through May sequence of 3.9 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.1 by plummeting to 2.6 (-1.5, 6+), it exits the top ten (#7 to #11). It is a similar fate for One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO (#9 to #13), whose -1.5 (3.9 – 2.4 6+) drops “104.9 The River – Uplifting & Encouraging” to its softest 6+-share since last December’s 2.0. After back-to-back upticks (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny” (third to fifth) stumbles by seven-tenths to 6.0, its lowest 6+-share in just over two years (5.5, May 2015). Locked on 5.2 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” is off by one-half share to 4.7, but it remains at #6.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

TALKERS | June 29, 2017

‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Day 1. Pictured above is KHTE, Little Rock “96.5 The Answer” afternoon drive host Dave Elswick (left) speaking with Bristol County, Massachusetts Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson (right) during the first day of broadcasts from the radio row at Federation for America Immigration Reform’s “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” event. This 10^th edition of the Washington, DC radio row consists of a record 62 talk show hosts discussing U.S. immigration policy with legislators and experts on the issue.

WPHT’s Chris Stigall Hosts FNC’s Eric Bolling. WPHT, Philadelphia morning drive personality Chris Stigall (left) is pictured here on stage at the Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks County Community College outside of Philly last night (6/28) where he hosted Fox News Channel host and author Eric Bolling (right) before a sold-out crowd. Bolling is on tour promoting his new book The Swamp: Washington’s Murky Pool of Corruption and Cronyism and How Trump Can Drain It (St. Martin’s Press 2017). The event was recorded by “C-SPAN Book TV” and will be aired on C-SPAN at a later date.

Brendan Carr to Be Nominated for FCC Commissioner. It appears that sooner rather than later the FCC will have a five-member board of commissioners. Following on the recent re-nomination of Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel, Republican Brendan Carr is being nominated for the remaining GOP commission seat. Carr has been serving the FCC in the office of the General Counsel.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (6/29). The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and, its sessions have begun being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor and the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke. Today (6/29), the “Fireside Chat” between Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity has been posted. Closing out the week tomorrow, (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. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

TALKERS News Notes. New York market sports talk icons Chris Russo and Mike Francesa will reunite at SiriusXM’s studios on July 6 for a special Town Hall broadcast. The duo – once famously paired on CBS RADIO’s WFAN – will field questions from host Chazz Palminteri and an intimate in-studio audience. They’ll talk about their on-air partnership that made the “Mike & the Mad Dog” show one of the most successful radio shows in sports talk history. It’ll air at 6:00 pm ET on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel…..The “Morning Sports Page” AM show at Cumulus Media’s KTLT, Abilene, Texas “98.1 The Ticket” is wrapping after the Friday morning program. The two-year-old show features Trace Michaels and Matt McGraw. Michaels is leaving the radio station for a career outside the business…..According to a report in LARadio.com, KFI, Los Angeles reporter/anchor Jo Kwon is leaving the iHeartMedia station to take on a multi-media journalist position with CBS’ KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV. Kwon has been with KFI since 2012…..Despite the photo at right, Rhode Island talk show host John DePetro has no immediate plans to join the Trump Administration’s communications department. DePetro is in Washington, DC for the “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row and had the opportunity to snap a photo of himself in the White House press room. DePetro’s program is heard on WADK, Newport and WNRI, Woonsocket.

BFoA Releases Radio PSA. A new 30-second public service announcement is available for radio stations from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. This is part of the charity’s outreach and awareness campaign that launched earlier this spring. The BFoA provides financial assistance to broadcasters in acute need due to critical illness, accident, or other serious misfortune. BFoA says the goal of the outreach campaign and the PSA is to ensure that broadcasters know about its mission of granting hope so that those in need can apply for aid. BFoA president Jim Thompson says, “It is unacceptable that a broadcaster in need may not know that the Broadcasters Foundation is here to provide assistance. We are reaching out aggressively, across every avenue, to get our message of granting hope heard.” Radio stations interested in airing the PSA may download it by clicking on “News” from the homepage of the website at broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact the Foundation at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

Status of GOP Health Care Bill, Illegal Immigration Legislation, Trump Travel Ban, U.S. North Korea Policy, CNN’s Yanked Russia Story, Palin NYT Suit, Global Malware Attack, Trump’s Irish Reporter Compliment, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/28). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s decision to delay a vote on the GOP health care bill and its status going forward; today’s votes in the House on the “Kate’s Law” and “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act” bills; tonight’s implementation of the Trump travel ban; the Trump Administration’s plans to get tough on North Korea and China; the aftermath of the Anthony Scaramucci-Russia story that CNN retracted; Sarah Palin sues The New York Times over its implication her PAC’s actions led to then-Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s shooting; the global malware attack and concerns about future similar attacks; chatter about President Trump’s compliment about an Irish reporter’s smile; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Rising from his general sales manager position at iHeartMedia Chicago to vice president of sales for the Chicago Region is Joel Kelly. He joined the company in Chicago in 2014 as GSM after serving as a senior account executive at CBS RADIO’s crosstown country WUSN…..In the Peoria market, Advanced Media Partners announces that Jonathan Steele is named program director for CHR WPIA “98.5 Kiss FM.” Steele comes to Peoria from his most recent PD gig with Martz Communications Group in Upstate New York. He’s no stranger to Peoria, having been on air at crosstown WNGY…..Entercom renews the “BJ and Jamie Morning Show” at hot AC KALC, Denver “Alice 105.9” starring BJ Harris and Jamie White for a five-year term…..iHeartMedia and Turner announce they will again work together to broadcast the former’s iHeartRadio Music Awards live from the “Fabulous” Forum in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 11, 2018. The event will once again be simulcast live on Turner’s TBS, TNT and truTV as well as on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on iHeartRadio. Next year’s awards show will be the fifth annual presentation…..Entercom’s CHR WNVZ, Norfolk “Z104” is presenting its annual Summer Shaggfest all-day music festival on Saturday (7/1) featuring Grammy-nominated recording artist Fetty Wap, ASAP Ferg, Aaron Carter, Aminé, Ashanti, Kyle and more than 20 local artists. Z104 PD Natalia Soniak says, “We’ve got an amazing show this year, Fetty Wap has never performed in Hampton Roads before. We’re gearing up for what is sure to be a successful event.”

iHeartMedia Flips WISX, Philly to Classic Hip Hop and R&B. The new format of former hot AC WISX bears the brand “Real 106.1, Philly’s Real No. 1 for Throwbacks.” Core artists for the format that will focus on rhythmic music from the late 90s and early 2000s include: Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kanye West. Morning personality Chio remains with the station hosting the AM program. iHeartMedia Philadelphia SVP of programming Brian Check states, “We’re thrilled to launch a station that really represents Philly. We hear from our listeners all the time that this music is fun, infectious and timeless, so we can’t wait to bring these songs back to the airwaves.”

Friday, June 9, 2017

TALKERS | June 9, 2017

WECK, Buffalo Announces Live and Local Lineup. The new Buffalo full-service radio station operated by Buddy Shula’s Radio One Buffalo announces its new, live and local personality lineup. Previously, TALKERS magazine reported the station hired Buffalo news radio pro John Zach to anchor mornings and serve as news director. Now, WECK says it will officially shift its format to become a live and local, full-service station on July 10, with 24-hour news, well-known local personalities and locally programmed music. The station has been airing a syndicated adult standards format. Soon it will move to “adult favorites,” centered primary on the 70s and 80s (with some earlier and some more recent music mixed in). Veteran Buffalo personality Gail Ann Huber will pair with WECK’s Tom Donahue as morning co-host. Jon Summers, a longtime Buffalo radio and TV personality joins the station to host 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Buffalo Broadcasting Hall-of-Famer Harv Moore will host the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart Moore handled wake-up duties for many years as part of the well-known “Taylor & Moore Breakfast Flakes” show on WYSL and WPHD. Moore’s former on-air partner, Robert W. Taylor, joins as WECK’s imaging voice. Afternoon drive will be hosted by Mike Jacobs. Evenings will be hosted by WECK owner and president Buddy Shula.

WGN named Chicago’s Station of the Year. This actually marks the tenth year in a row that Tribune Media news/talk WGN, Chicago has nabbed such Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome honors. This year’s event was held last night (6/8) in Champaign. In addition, Tribune Media president of broadcasting Larry Wert was cited as IBA’s “Broadcaster of the Year.” The station took away first place awards in “Best Radio Local Broadcast Team” (“The Nick Digilio Show”); “Best Radio Station Use of New Media” (“Honoring Our Marines” by Shanae Paulus and Jackie Paulus); “Best Radio News Reporter” (Andrea Darlas); “Best Radio Series or Documentary” (“National Parks at 100: Our Midwest Treasures” by Dave Schwan); and “Best Radio Play-by-Play” (Blackhawks force game seven versus [St. Louis] Blues (John Wiedeman and Troy Murray). WGN Radio vice president of programming & content Todd Manley states, “We are so proud to share Chicago stories every day with personalities who are authentic and passionate. I know our entire staff is grateful for these honors.” Out-of-state broadcasters did the judging for the Illinois competition.

Pandora – SiriusXM Update. As a follow-up to what we reported yesterday (TALKERS, 6/8), on the heels of Pandora Media extending the countdown of a possible sale, SiriusXM marches in with a $480 million strategic cash investment in Pandora. The infusion will help Pandora make targeted investments and capitalize on opportunities to build on its business. Last month, the private equity firm KKR & Co LP agreed to invest $150 million in Pandora, which reportedly lost $132 million on revenues of $315 million in the quarter that ended on March 31.

WBUR Readies “Circle Round.” Produced by Boston University-owned WBUR, Boston in conjunction with Sheir & Shim founders Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis, “Circle Round” is a storytelling podcast for youngsters aged three to ten. “Circle Round” features folktales with an eye toward inclusivity. Stories are adapted into five- to 20-minute episodes that deal with topics such as kindness, persistence, and generosity. WBUR general manager Charlie Kravetz comments, “We are excited to be launching WBUR’s first-ever child-focused program. Public radio has a rich and recognized tradition of narrative storytelling. With ‘Circle Round,’ we want to inspire a young audience to cultivate a love of storytelling.” The station’s managing producer for program development Jessica Alpert remarks, “Like so many parents, I am always trying to find alternatives to screen time. As we know, nothing grabs a child’s attention like a really great story – especially one you can listen to anywhere, anytime, like in a podcast. We are hoping that ‘Circle Round’ fills a void for parents, while at the same time provides a thrilling experience for their kids.” Sheir will serve as the podcast’s narrator, while award-winning composer Shimelonis will create the accompanying soundtrack and production. The podcast series begins this fall with weekly episodes.

Phoenix Trombo Taps Trimmer as PD. Former WRVA “Newsradio 1140,” Richmond; WRNL “Fox Sports 910,” Richmond; and Virginia News Network program director Aaron Trimmer will transfer in a similar capacity to iHeartMedia Phoenix siblings KFYI “The Most Trusted News in Phoenix”; KGME “Fox Sports 910”; and KFYI 2, “The Next Generation of Talk Radio.” Executive vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s west division Steve Geofferies comments, “We are excited to have Aaron bring his experiences out west; his track record speaks for itself. From brand execution to talent coaching, he is a tremendous resource for our stations in the Arizona region.” Trimmer – who begins his new duties in a little over three weeks (7/5) – notes, “I am beyond excited to work with the iHeartMedia team in Phoenix. There is a tremendous amount of talent with their spoken-word brands. I look forward to leading the team and community to new heights.” His previous programming credits include four other iHeartMedia clusters: WHAM “NewsRadio 1180,” Rochester; FM news/talk WERC, Birmingham and the Alabama Radio Network; news/talk WSYR, Syracuse; and WLAP “NewsRadio 630,” Lexington, Kentucky.

College Radio Providing Vital Farm System for Professional Talk Media Talent. At a time when many industry participants and observers ask the question, “Where will the future talent in radio come from now that consolidation has wiped out the old farm system?” – it is becoming evident that to a significant degree the answer lies on the college radio level. According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “We are hearing more and more from outstanding college radio and media communications departments – students and faculty alike – around the country. These communication departments are really stepping up to the plate in becoming an effective breeding ground for new, dedicated and extremely bright talent – especially in the areas of journalism, commentary, talk and sports. I am personally gratified by the number of superb young people gaining the skills and developing the styles that will clearly propel talent-driven radio and TV deeper into the 21^st century.” Each year the TALKERS annual seminar is attended by an increasing number of college radio students interested in making broadcasting their careers as well as a growing percentage of already-professional practitioners under the age of 35. Talkers 2017: A New Era was attended by delegations of student broadcasters from Hofstra University on Long Island and Hillsdale College in Michigan, among others. According to Harrison, who sits on the executive committee of the advisory board of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, “The future of radio lies in developing young audiences – but before we can even think about doing that effectively, we must develop young broadcasters.” Pictured (below) are the students attending the TALKERS conference from Hofstra University’s Marconi Award winning WRHU-FM (front row l-r): Jazmine Gonzalez, Joy Jones, and Yenny Sanchez; (back row l-r) operations manager John Mullen, Alexi Cohan, TALKERS “Student of the Year” Maria Santana, Sean Bates, Juliana Spano, and Joe Sibilia.

Stand By for Exciting Video Coverage of Talkers 2017: A New Era. As the magic of Talkers 2017: A New Era recedes into the broadcast industry history books, the TALKERS editorial and technical staffs are busily readying the hours and hours of valuable video footage recorded at the event by rising young New York videography star Zach Feldman into a presentable form for posting here on Talkers.com and for posterity. TALKERS subscribers can expect the first of these to be posted sometime next week. Stand by! Meantime, scroll down this page for earlier photo and story coverage of the event.

Syndicated star Doug Stephan (l) interviews KTRS, St Louis personality McGraw Milhaven (r) on the American Family Farmer program at Talkers 2017: A New Era about the local relationship between St. Louis and mega-corporation Monsanto Company that is headquartered in that market. Both broadcasters are members of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.

WOR, New York, assistant program director Scott Lakefield facilitating one of the major “one-on-one” sessions at Talkers 2017: A New Era. Photo by Don Hurley.

Beasley Broadcast Group Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend. The amount is $0.045 per share for Beasley Broadcast Group’s Class A and Class B common stock and is payable next month (7/7) to shareholders of record on the final day of this month (6/30). All subsequent Beasley Broadcast Group dividends will be reviewed quarterly and declared by the board of directors at its discretion. Meanwhile, at the annual New Jersey Ad Club “Jersey Awards,” Beasley Broadcast Group news/talk WCTC, New Brunswick won “Best Podcast” for The State Theatre (program & creative director/air talent Bert Baron, host and producer). Senior vice president and regional market manager Dan Finn remarks, “We are absolutely thrilled our team was recognized for their work with this incredible award. This is the night where all the best advertising agencies in the state of New Jersey gather and announce winners across all media platforms. We were honored to be among the winners.” The event took place this past Wednesday (6/7) in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

TALKERS News Notes. As he did two weeks ago, Lou Pate will sit-in today (6/9) for Michael Savage on Westwood One’s “The Savage Nation” …..Nine-year iHeartMedia vice president of digital operations Joseph Bond departs. Bond previously spent six years overseeing web content and development for the company’s eight Cincinnati stations.

Grangenois Joins WEAA As Interim GM. The former publisher of The Chronicle of Higher Education, Mireille Grangenois, is named interim general manager of Morgan State University‘s NPR-member public outlet WEAA. The Baltimore-based institution’s dean of the school of global journalism and communication DeWayne Wickham remarks, “Ms. Grangenois has an impressive record of media management. Our intention is to revitalize WEAA’s mission as a learning lab by providing our students with an exceptional, practical experience in the production of news and public affairs programming. We also want to do this by strengthening the station’s ability to offer listeners music programming that will grow WEAA’s audience and revenue. I have great confidence in Ms. Grangenois’ ability to lead this effort.” Grangenois began her news career in Baltimore and has marketing, sales, audience development, and leadership experience. Morgan State University is one of only five historically black higher education institutions with a school of journalism.

Comey Testimony Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 5-9. The Senate Intelligence Committee testimony of former FBI Director James Comey was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 was the Trump-Russia investigation. Coming in at #3 was the Tehran terror attack and the rejection of President Trump’s condolences, followed by the British general elections and the aftermath of the London terror attacks at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM 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.

Radio Disney Country Los Angeles Debuts Today. KRDC, Los Angeles will officially begin broadcasting at 12:00 noon today (6/9) on 99.1 and 1110. Disney Channels Worldwide vice president of music strategy/Radio Disney Network general manager Phil Guerini states, “As country music continues to deliver some of the biggest artists in music today, we are broadening the reach of Radio Disney Country through both terrestrial and digital extensions of its brand.” In association with KRDC’s debut, Kelsea Ballerini, Hunter Hayes, Bailey Bryan, Scotty McCreery, Tegan Marie, and Temecula Road will join Radio Disney Country host Betsy Spina on the Radio Disney Country Stage at CMA Music Fest‘s Xfinity Fan Fair X at 11:45 am today for a countdown event streaming live on Radio Disney Country’s Facebook page. The first hour commercial-free playlist on Radio Disney Country’s KRDC will begin with Ballerini’s single “Legends,” which was released this week. The complete first hour will include: “Legends” (Ballerini); “Play It Again” (Luke Bryan); “God, Your Mama, and Me” (Florida Georgia Line featuring The Backstreet Boys); “Every Little Thing” (Carly Pearce); “Say” (RaeLynn featuring Dan + Shay); “Yours If You Want It” (Rascal Flatts); “Own It” (Bailey Bryan); “What Ifs” (Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina); “You Look Good” (Lady Antebellum); “No Such Thing As a Broken Heart” (Old Dominion); “Hoping” (Temecula Road); “I Could Use a Love Song” (Maren Morris); and “How Not To” (Dan + Shay). Radio Disney Country will also be available on iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and as curated playlists within Spotify, and Apple Music.

Brown Appointed iHeartMedia Norfolk Market President. Inbound from Cumulus Media Mobile, where she was vice president/market manager and vice president of sales, Angel Brown is named market president for iHeartMedia Norfolk. President of iHeartMedia’s Virginia/Carolina Region Dave Carwile comments, “We are thrilled to have Angel joining our Norfolk group of station brands. She combines a proven track record of sales leadership with an understanding of how to integrate client needs with our multimedia platforms. Angel will provide a great complement to our outstanding sales and programming leadership in the market.” Brown remarks, “I am elated to join the iHeartMedia family in Norfolk. The market and the company have had tremendous success over the years and are attributed to the company’s culture and its people. I look forward to working alongside the talented iHeartMedia Norfolk team and I look for forward to my future with the industry leader.” The company’s four-station Norfolk cluster consists of urban AC WHBT “92.1 The Beat”; rhythmic hot AC WMOV “MOViN 107.7”; CHR WNOH “NOW 105”; and urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz.”

KFRG Boosts Ward to APD/MD. With two-dozen years of service at CBS Radio Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario country outlet KFRG ‘K-Frog,” on-air talent Robin Ward is elevated to assistant program director and music director. According to program director Scott Ward (no relation), “Since she has been here for most of the station’s history, Robin is such a natural fit for this position. She knows the format and the artists like the back of her hand.” Robin Ward, who hosts mid-days using the on-air persona Heather Froglear, comments, “My patience has been rewarded with my dream job – being the APD/MD of the greatest station on earth.” She joined “K-Frog” in 1993 and has previously been the Inland Empire outlet’s promotions director and morning show host.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Taking home the 2017 Gracie Award as “Best Co-Host, Radio” is Kelly Ford, co-host of Cumulus Media and Westwood One‘s syndicated morning show, Ty, Kelly, & Chuck. Ford was among the honorees at a Wednesday night gala at Los Angeles’ Beverly Wilshire …..Having already worked at CBS Radio-owned CHRs in Chicago (WBBM-FM “B-96”) and Philadelphia (WZMP “Amp 96.5”), Jason Cage will debut on the company’s Houston hot AC KHMX “Mix 96.5” next Monday (6/12) in afternoon drive. “Mix 96.5” program director Chase Murphy has “been a fan of Jason’s work for years – winning is in his DNA. We are excited to add him to the KHMX team and cannot wait for the Houston community to meet him.” …..Nine-year iHeartMedia vice president of digital operations Joseph Bond departs. Bond previously spent six years overseeing web content and development for the company’s eight Cincinnati stations …..Several-dozen suits were collected as part of the recently concluded “Boots to Suits” campaign of Hubbard St. Louis adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch.” In partnership with Equity Prime Mortgage, JCPenney, and Two Men & A Truck, the station’s campaign focused on collecting suits for local veterans entering the workforce after they return home from deployment …..Changes at Saga Springfield, Massachusetts alternative WLZX “Lazer 99.3 & 105.1” find morning host Leslie exiting at the end of this month to relocate to Sarasota and afternoon drive talent Pat Kelly segueing to mornings next month …..Along with partners United Supermarkets and Amarillo National Bank, Alpha Media Amarillo, Texas’ KGNC “Country 97.9” earlier this week raised more than $60,000 for the Amarillo Area Rotary Youth Baseball League. Alpha Media Amarillo market manager Robert Mueller notes, “It is truly awesome to see the community and our partners work together to support the local youth each and every year.”

Beasley Broadcast Group Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend. The amount is $0.045 per share for Beasley Broadcast Group’s Class A and Class B common stock and is payable next month (7/7) to shareholders of record on the final day of this month (6/30). All subsequent Beasley Broadcast Group dividends will be reviewed quarterly and declared by the board of directors at its discretion. Meanwhile, at the annual New Jersey Ad Club “Jersey Awards,” Beasley Broadcast Group’s WDHA “The Rock of New Jersey, ” Dover won “Best Radio Spot” for Oink and Moo BBQ (written, produced, and voiced by Mike Cocheo with additional voice-overs by Dannie Schade). Vice president and regional market manager Dan Finn remarks, “We are absolutely thrilled our team was recognized for their work with this incredible award. “This is the night where all the best advertising agencies in the state of New Jersey gather and announce winners across all media platforms. We were honored to be among the winners.” The event took place this past Wednesday (6/7) in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

Eagle Communications Hutchinson Boosts James to Operations Manager. Three-month KHUT, Hutchinson, Kansas morning host Pat James is elevated to operations manager of Eagle Communications’ “Country 102.9,” as well as co-owned hot AC KHMY “My 93.1,” and news/talk combo KWBW-AM & KWBW-FM. Eagle Hutchinson market manager Mark Trotman states, “Since his first day at Eagle Communications, Pat has demonstrated the leadership we want in an employee-owned company – he is our type of people. We are looking forward to the places we can go in further service to keeping our community connected.” James, who will continue his morning drive duties on “Country 102.9,” adds, “I look forward to working with a talented staff that is committed to making great local radio every day for our community. This is a refreshing and exciting environment to work in every day. I can’t wait to help these stations and our company achieve even greater successes. I am grateful to market manager Mark Trotman and Eagle president/chief executive officer Gary Shorman for this amazing opportunity.” In addition to co-hosting “The Cornbread Morning Show” on WIL, St. Louis, James previously was program director/brand manager of Connoisseur Media Wichita’s adult hits KIBB “Bob-FM” and classic country KVWF “Hank-FM,” and he was the assistant program director/music director at Scripps-owned country KFDI, Wichita.

Trace Enters U.S. With Streaming Service. International urban media company Trace will launch a streaming service called Trace Play. The company will deliver subscribers urban music and content from the United States and worldwide, including 2,000 hours of on-demand programming, 30 digital radio stations, nine live television feeds, and the soon-to-be launched Trace Prime television network. The service will come from a Trace USA joint venture with John Pasmore, the former chief executive officer of Russell Simmons’ Oneworld Media, who declares, “Trace is the only media company that has successfully connected urban youth and communities of color around the world while respecting their identities.” It will be available online and to iOS and Android devices for $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year. Backers include actor-musician Wyclef Jean; producers Rob Marriott and Tonya Lewis Lee; Fubu co-founder J. Alexander Martin; and JKD Entertainment’s Karlie Lewis.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

TALKERS | June 6, 2017

Sabo: AM Radio – Stop the Doomsday Machine! Consultant Walter Sabo writes today that he strongly believes in the future of radio. But, he says, if all you put on your talk radio station is political talk, then you “wallow in a 1 share or are rushing toward a 1 share. Or worse…Admission is the key. First, admit that it’s not working. It’s not working. I am puzzled by companies that would clean house if a music station hit a 1 share, but fail to take action with talk stations that have a 1 share – or worse.” Read more from Walter Sabo here.

John Williams Says Goodbye to WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. Back in January, WGN, Chicago announced that it was bringing talk show host John Williams back to the station on a full-time basis – hosting the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm show – and at the same time, Williams announced he’d be leaving CBS RADIO’s WCCO and relocate from the Twin Cities back to Chicago. On Friday (6/2), Williams hosted his last program on WCCO. Since then, he’d been hosting both shows from Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that WCCO is not ready to announce its new PM drive host. Station operations manager Lindsey Peterson tells the paper that Jordana Green and Mike Max will host on an interim basis but that the station is close to signing a permanent replacement.

New Format Receives Praise at 20th Annual TALKERS Convention in NYC. The 20th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention took place Friday (6/2) in the Chelsea district of Manhattan and it fulfilled its promise to continue its tradition of being a power-packed, valuable, one-day experience for its attendees. More than 55 industry leaders from the ranks of ownership, management, programming, sales, technology and talent comprised a roster of speakers addressing the most pertinent issues facing talk professionals in 2017. These included the complexities of news/talk programming in the era of Trump, capitalizing on podcasting at the local level, opportunities for talent in the current environment, selling radio outside the ratings, achieving an effective multi-platform balance, operating a professional broadcasting career in the perplexing age of increased consolidation against a backdrop of looming bankruptcy, engaging millennials, applying the latest technology and much more. The major annual TALKERS awards were presented at the event. (See details in yesterday’s story lower on this page.) This year’s convention launched a new approach that scrapped the old, long-form panel format in favor of short solo presentations, fireside chat interviews and the new “one-on-one” dialogue approach. Discussing the new style, TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey says, “We created a new, fast-paced approach to the conference and it worked very well – feedback has been extremely positive!” The entire convention was video recorded and will be featured here on Talkers.com shortly. Stay tuned for more story and photo coverage in the days ahead. Meanwhile, below are some more photos from the event.

Norm Pattiz (l) and Dan Mason (r) point to their headshots peeking through the portholes in the theater doors on W. 26^th Street at Talkers 2017: A New Era.

Talkers 2017 was attended by a large number of young broadcasters and college radio students. Hofstra University’s WRHU operations manager John T. Mullen (l) and Hillsdale College’s WRFH general manager Scot Bertram (r) participate in a one-on-one discussion, “Where Does Talk Media Go From Here?” Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio host and advisor Karen Hunter served as a “one-on-one” session facilitator at Talkers 2017. Photo by Don Hurley.

iHeartMedia programming executive Grace Blazer (l) and WPHT, Philadelphia host Dom Giordano (r) discuss the nuts and bolts of today’s industry. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.

SiriusXM VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab addresses convention. Photo by Don Hurley.

Talent agent Heather Cohen (l) and Fox News star Brian Kilmeade (r) tackle the future direction of talk media. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison

WMAL host Larry O’ Connor delivering welcoming remarks. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.

David Bernstein (l) and Dr. Asa (r) discussing ratings and revenue. Photo by Don Hurley.

Jim Bohannon paying tribute to Dr. Joy Browne, Alan Colmes and Tom Marr. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.

Talk radio mavericks Tom Leykis (l) and Michael Berry (r) talk about the new digital era. Photo by Matthew B. Harrison.

More Talkers 2017 coverage and photos coming tomorrow.

George Noory and Premiere Networks Extend Relationship. The host of Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” signs an exclusive, long-term agreement to continue hosting the overnight radio show. George Noory assumed hosting duties on the program back in 2003. He says, “I’m excited to carry the torch for years to come. I want to thank the incredible team at Premiere and my amazing show staff, who have been with me since this remarkable journey started.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott comments, “I’m continually amazed by the dedication and passion George has for ‘Coast to Coast AM’ and his audience. George is the driving force behind the show’s continued success and we’re proud to extend our partnership.”

KXTG, Portland Unveils New Late Morning Show with Justin Myers and DeVon Pouncey. A day after announcing the addition of Dino Costa to the lineup as afternoon drive host, Alpha Media Portland unveils its new late morning show co-hosted by former afternoon co-host Justin Myers and former Pacific University basketball star DeVon Pouncey. Myers – who worked at KIRO-AM, Seattle prior to joining KXTG, Portland – was partnered with Noah “Chop” Homsley for “The Irregular Guys” afternoon show back in February. With the demise of that show, Homsley stays on as Dino Costa’s executive producer and as APD for the station. Alpha Media Portland operations manager Bruce Collins says, “Alpha Media has shown once again that it believes in being live and local and is committed to winning across the country.”

Sacramento River Cats Using Skyview’s AdView Software to Manage Game Broadcast Inventory. The San Francisco Giants AAA affiliate Sacramento River Cats are using Skyview Networks’ AdView Inventory Management software for its play-by-play broadcasts. Under the terms of a multi-year deal, the club will take advantage of the inventory management system’s web-based application. Skyview says, “The value in AdView lies in the absolute control it provides for scheduling advertisers, which is tailored to manage and monetize the unpredictable game interruptions of play-by-play sports. With the capability to manage their broadcast, the River Cats benefit from scheduling flexibility and faster affidavit turnaround to sponsors.” Skyview says its AdView system was developed specifically for sports franchises to make inventory accessible and easier to manage in-house. Clients have access to advertiser contracts, logs and reports from any internet-enabled device. Built to manage all forms of inventory, it tracks broadcast, print, signage and digital. This provides the traffic manager and front office a panoramic view into the inventory sellout and revenue in one consolidated system. For more information on Skyview Networks and its full package of broadcast solutions, visit skyviewnetworks.com.

Hall Talk 2017. Radio sales maven Al Herskovitz writes today about his chats in the halls with fellow sales pros at the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era conference in New York City. Not surprisingly, one of the hot topics was the growth of on-demand talk programs and how to best monetize them. Read Herskovitz’s column here.

TALKERS News Notes. Thursday, Salem Radio Network’s 24/7 SRN News service is providing live coverage of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee testimony from former FBI Director James Comey. SRN News says it will provide longform, live, gavel-to-gavel coverage starting at 10:00 am ET, anchored by SRN News Senate correspondent Linda Kenyon. Additionally, SRN White House correspondent Greg Clugston will provide live updates and perspective from the White House during the hearings…..CRN Digital Talk Radio welcomes former “Magnum, P.I.” star and his wife back to the network to host “The Lounge with Larry and Nancy Manetti.” The one-hour show premieres today (6/6) on the network’s CRN 1 channel…..Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington was honored over the weekend with 19 Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association awards, including for Outstanding News Operation and the award for Best Website for WTOP.com. WTOP director of news and programming Mike McMearty says, “We were truly humbled this year. From multimedia, to editorial and sports, to so much more, these awards are a tribute to the hard work of our staff. We take great pleasure in serving our listeners, our readers, and our community.”…..Sports USA announces the first couple of weeks of NFL Sunday doubleheaders it will be offering to affiliate stations. It will begin the 2017 season presenting the Bears vs Falcons game on September 10. SportsUSA says it will announce the season’s games several weeks ahead of each Sunday’s offerings…..When the Los Angeles Chargers kick off their season, Matt “Money” Smith will partner with Nick Hardwick for radio play-by-play duties on the team’s new flagship station, iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles. Smith replaces Josh Lewin…..SiriusXM is launching the Tracy Anderson show on its Stars channel. The fitness pioneer and wellness expert will host her limited-run show beginning on June 19.

Trump Travel Ban, London Terror Attacks Aftermath, Looming Comey Testimony/Russian Hacking Investigation, NSA Contractor Arrested, Paris Climate Accord Exit, Bill Cosby Trial, ‘Pink Slime’ Trial, Orlando Workplace Slayings, MLB Action, and NBA-NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/5). President Donald Trump’s tweets about the courts’ and the DOJ’s treatment of his travel ban; Britain’s releases about those responsible for the London terror attacks and speculation about the attack’s effects on Thursday’s general elections; Thursday’s senate testimony from former FBI Director James Comey and the Russian election hacking issue; National Security Administration contractor Reality Leigh Winner is arrested for leaking classified information to the press; President Trump’s decision to take the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord; the sexual assault trial of Bill Cosby begins; Beef Products Inc.’s defamation suit against ABC News over its ‘pink slime’ report; the killing of five awning company employees by an ex-staffer in Orlando; MLB action; and NBA and NHL finals 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. Air personality Jimmy Phillips joins LM Communications’ Lexington, Kentucky hot AC WCDA “Your 106.3” to co-host the “Mandy in the Morning” show with Mandy Williamson. Phillips will also serve as assistant program director. Previously, Phillips and Williamson worked together at Magic Broadcasting II’s WILN, Panama City, Florida…..At the iHeartRadio station group in Sioux City, Iowa, general manager and market president Kelli Erickson exits…..SiriusXM is bringing celebrity DJs in to host Friday programs on its new Beatles channel. Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder will host the first guest DJ session on Friday, June 9 at 5:00 pm ET. Don Henley will guest on June 23, Ron Howard on July 14, and Billy Joel July 28.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

TALKERS | May 17, 2017

TALKERS Magazine’s 2017 Heavy Hundred to Be Published on May 22. This year’s edition of the “100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – also known as the Heavy Hundred – will be published by TALKERS magazine on Monday, May 22. This 23^rd edition of the Heavy Hundred is compiled by the editors of TALKERS and inclusion is based upon a combination of hard factors such as ratings, revenue and longevity, plus soft factors including effort, impact, recognition, service, talent and uniqueness. Executive editor Kevin Casey says, “As we put the finishing touches on this year’s Heavy Hundred, we’re reminded how difficult it is – not only to select the 100 most important talk show hosts – but also of the challenge in ranking these fine radio talk show hosts. A small number of these hosts have been on the list since is debuted, but there are a number of fresh faces that reflect the changing face of the talk radio industry.”

O’Reilly to Make Regular Appearances on Beck’s Program. Former Fox News Channel star Bill O’Reilly told his “No Spin News” podcast listeners that he’ll be doing regular Friday appearances on Glenn Beck’s nationally syndicated radio show. Beck and O’Reilly are friends from the days when both worked at Fox News Channel. The Hill notes that after Beck was ousted from FNC, O’Reilly had Beck on his “The O’Reilly Factor” program as a regular guest.

KFBK, Sacramento Host Drops Out of Police Investigation After Racial Comments. Former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness hosts a daily hour-long show at 3:00 pm on iHeartMedia’s KFBK, Sacramento. Recently, he’d been asked by the Davis Police Department to participate as a non-biased third party in an internal investigation into the actions of some of its police officers in an altercation with three black men who were arrested. But now, McGinness has voluntarily left the investigation after stating on his radio show that African Americans were becoming more prosperous prior to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a comment that was interpreted to be insensitive to Black Americans. He cited statistics indicating teen pregnancies, poverty and dependency were declining prior to the Act’s passage. Read the FOX 40 story here.

TALKERS News Notes. Boston pubcaster WGBH announces that former crosstown WBZ-AM anchor Joe Mathieu is joining the station to serve as the local anchor for NPR’s “Morning Edition” program. Mathieu exited the CBS RADIO all-news station last month. At WGBH, he takes over for Bob Seay, who transitions to a writer/reporter role…..This Saturday, SiriusXM is offering subscribers coverage of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. SiriusXM has a content deal with Horse Racing Radio Network to air the Triple Crown races in addition to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

WPHT, Philadelphia’s Dom Giordano on ‘The Fox News Specialists.’ WPHT, Philadelphia talk show host Dom Giordano (left) is pictured here with the hosts of Fox News Channel’s 5:00 pm ET program “The Fox News Specialists” during his recent guest appearance on the program. From left to right are: Giordano, Eboni K. Williams, Eric Bolling, Katherine Timpf, and guest Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union.

Trump’s Comey Firing Aftermath, Trump Allegedly Shares Classified Information with Russians, DNC Plans ‘Resistance Summer,’ North Korea Nuclear Ambitions-U.S. Threats, Seth Rich Murder Case Controversy, ‘WannaCry’ Malware Attack, Chelsea Manning to Leave Prison, and MLB, NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/16). The aftermath of President Donald Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey and new reports of Comey’s revealing memos about his meetings with the president; the allegations that President Trump shared classified intelligence with Russian officials; the news of the Democratic National Committee’s plans for a “Resistance Summer” tour; North Korea’s latest missile test and its threats against the U.S.; the controversial speculation that murdered DNC staffer Seth Rich had been in contact with WikiLeaks; the search for the source of the recent “WannaCry” malware attack; convicted WikiLeaks source Chelsea Manning to leave prison; 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. A major change in the urban radio scene in Chicago as Crawford Broadcasting decides to replace market staple Tom Joyner on its urban AC WSRB with current afternoon personality Mike Love, effective June 5. The Reach Media nationally syndicated Joyner was first heard in the market in the 1970s on WVON. Chicago media writer Robert Feder has more on the story here…..“Big Dog” Dave Sherbert is putting the wraps on a 40-plus year radio career in Northern Michigan radio when he retires from Blarney Stone Broadcasting’s rock WQON, Grayling, Michigan “Q100”on Friday (5/19). About his retirement, Sherbert says, “It’s time. This [local radio] has become a young person’s thing – especially at a rock station. And besides, I want to enjoy the next 20 years or so.”…..Entercom announces that San Diego alternative rock KBZT “FM949” is joining the company’s KNRK, Portland “94.7 FM” and Seattle rock stations KISW and KNDD “107.7 The End” in the ongoing partnership with Pearl Jam’s Vitalogy Foundation. Since the beginning of the partnership in 2015, Entercom Portland and Entercom Seattle have raised more than $200,000 for the foundation by contributing a portion of the ticket sales from their annual marquee concerts to the cause. The Vitalogy Foundation is a public, non-profit organization founded in 2006 that supports the efforts of non-profit organizations focused on community health, the environment, arts & education and social change…..TALKERS magazine sends condolences to the family and friends of Jason “Hawk” Borage, afternoon personality and production director at iHeartMedia’s Macon, Georgia classic rock WQBZ “Q106.3.” Borage died last Saturday (5/13) at age 35 after a battle with cancer. He leaves behind wife Jennifer and daughter Bethany.

Round Two of April PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of data from Nielsen Audio‘s April 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s April 2017 survey period covered March 30 – April 26. View 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Apparently tired of posting a 5.7 (6+) as it did in three of the previous six sweeps (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), WHUR busts out a full-share increase to 7.0, its most potent 6+-share since November 2014 (7.0, as well); the Howard University urban AC remains in third-place. Format rival WMMJ “Majic 102.3” posts a March 2017 – April 2017 increase exactly half that size, and in doing so, regains the half-share it squandered in March (5.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), as the Radio One urban AC advances from sixth to fourth. After being down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+). That streak concluded in March. In addition to “Majic”, improving by one-half share as well (3.2 – 3.7, 6+) is Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Always Encouraging Christian Music Radio,” which enters the top ten (#14 to #9). This is its best 6+-stat in just over one year (3.9, 6+, March 2016). Bouncing back from February’s one-half share loss with a March gain of seven-tenths (2.0 – 1.5 – 2.2, 6+), CBS Radio’s WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” tacks on another six-tenths to 2.8 (6+), with the Washington Nationals’ flagship climbing from #17 to #15. Its main competitor, Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WTEM “ESPN 980” (1.9, #17, “Holiday” 2016, 6+), does not appear in print for the fourth straight month. Albeit a combined -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, 6+), American University‘s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” is the market leader for the fourth consecutive time. Off by -2.3 in “Holiday” 2016, WAMU recaptured all of it in January and February (9.2 – 11.0 – 11.5, 6+). February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. As was the case in January, February, and March – WTOP holds down the runner-up slot, but the Hubbard all-news operation regresses by eight-tenths (9-.9 – 9.1, 6+). Not only is this the third straight downward trend for WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+) – off a combined full-share in that stretch – the CBS Radio hot AC drops out of the top ten (#8 to #14). Four-tenths behind “Fresh” is Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WRQX “Mix 107.3,” which records a 2.8 for the third successive sweep (#16 to #15).

2) Boston – Off by six-tenths in each of the last two ratings periods (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom owned WEEI-FM continues on the six-tenths theme – but – this time it is a plus six-tenths, returning it to 4.8. The Boston Red Sox flagship surges from eighth to fifth. It overtakes WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub,” which is without an increase for the third straight time for a combined -1.1 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), and flat at #6. Up or flat for the fourth successive sweep netting four-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), its CHR sibling WODS “Amp 103.3” continues at #13, while format rival – iHeartMedia’s WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” progresses from fourth to second by adding four-tenths to March’s +.1 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1, 6+). No sooner did WROR post a gain of eight-tenths to 8.5, its most potent 6+-share since last July’s 8.6, “Boston’s Classic Hits” surrenders all of it (back to 7.8, 6+), but the Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies property is #1 for the fourth successive sweep. The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by adult contemporary sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7,” WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; and now -.8 in April. In advance of December’s +1.1, WROR had been down by a combined two full-shares over the previous four sweeps (8.6 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 6.6, 6+). Trending 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.6 (6+) since December, WGBH Educational Foundation’s WCRB “Classical Radio Boston” sputters by six-tenths to 2.0, its lowest 6+-share since its 1.9 last August to slump from #14 to #18. While unchanged at #12, CBS Radio hot AC WBMX “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” drops two-tenths to 3.3 (6+) to snap at three its consecutive string of increases which yielded one-half share (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+). Slipping from #15 to #16, Entercom news/talk WRKO has lost a cumulative nine-tenths in three straight decreases (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1, 6+). Conversely, co-owned urban AC WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B” is up or flat for the third consecutive time (.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+) and carries on at #20.

3) Miami – Extremely consistent since the “Holiday” 2016 report (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC erupts with a full-share improvement to 4.7 (6+), leaping from #12 all the way to #5. This is the strongest 6+-performance for “Hits 97.3” since its 4.9 last September. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned similarly-formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” is up or flat for the fourth straight sweep for an overall gain of one-half share (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+) to cruise from #11 to #8; “Y-100” has its best 6+-stat since December 2015 (4.1, as well). Although down three-tenths (7.3 – 7.0, 6+) after March’s +.5, Univision Radio’s WAMR “Amor 107.5” repeats at #1. Prior to the April sweep, “Amor” recorded a 6.8 (6+) in four of the previous seven ratings periods. A loss of six-tenths (3.9 – 3.3, 6+) drops Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “El Zol 106.7” out of the top ten (#9 to #13). A collective +1.1 since January, Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” forfeits one-half share to 6.7 (6+), but remains in the runner-up slot. In February, “Hot” broke out a +.8 to 6.9, its finest showing since September’s 7.1 (6+). Down or flat for six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. Adult contemporary sibling WFEZ “Easy 93.1” (third to fourth) has its sixth successive decrease (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+) for a combined -1.4, directly following a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). “Easy 93.1” finished first in November, December, and “Holiday” 2016. One-tenth ahead of “Easy” – and bumping up from fourth to third – is Entercom’s similarly-programmed WLYF “Lite FM,” which gains three-tenths (5.6 – 5.9, 6+), after spiraling by a full-share in March. The 5.6 in March took “Lite” below a six-share (6+) for the first time since June 2014’s 5.8. A one-tenth gain in January enabled WLYF to halt five straight down or flat ratings periods that resulted in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+); “Lite” was #1 from July 2016 through October.

4) Detroit – Locked on 4.4 (6+) in February and March (after January’s 4.3, 6+), CBS Radio sports-formatted WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” hangs out a hefty +1.9 to 6.3 (6+) as the Detroit Tigers’ flagship roars from ninth to second with its best 6+-showing since October’s 7.5. It is now just two-tenths behind cluster-mate WWJ, which surrenders in its entirety the nine-tenths it gained in March (6.5 – 7.4 – 6.5, 6+). Nonetheless, the all-news property is #1 for the fourth successive sweep. The 7.4 WWJ garnered in March marked the first time it crossed the seven-share level (6+) since February 2016, when it reached 7.5 (6+). Another Motor City spoken-word station eroding by nine-tenths March 2017 – April 2017 is WJR, which had been trending 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.6 (6+). The Cumulus Media news/talk facility now regresses to 4.7 (6+) to plummet from second to eighth. In the market’s country contest, CBS Radio-owned WYCD “Detroit’s Country 99.5” improves by nearly two full-shares in four successive up or flat trends (4.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+) and progresses from fifth to third as part of a CBS Radio #1 – #2 – #3 – #4 finish. The last time “Detroit’s Country” reached the six-share level (6+) was in July 2014 (6.0, as well). On the other hand, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.4 since January, 6+) stumbles by one-half share to 2.9 (#15 to #16, 6+). Backing up to the CBS Radio cluster, the station at #4 in the aforementioned top four finish is classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 – Detroit’s Greatest Hits,” off by a collective full-share in three straight dips (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+), and down from #2 in March. Following a January – February – March trending of 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.3 (6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” falters by one-half share to 4.8 (fifth to sixth, 6+), its weakest 6+-showing since December 2014’s 4.7. Co-owned WRIF “Rocks Detroit” is -1.1 via three consecutive decreases (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+) – yet actually moves up from seventh to sixth. Trending 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, Bell Media alternative CIMX “89-X” disappears from print in April.

5) Seattle –In the four most recent ratings periods, University of Washington-owned KUOW (unchanged at #2) is -.9 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.4 (January): +.9 (February); -1.1 (March); and now +.7 in April (5.6 – 6.3, 6+) for a net gain of one full-share. The other spoken-word outlet improving by seven-tenths is Bonneville sports outlet and Seattle Mariners’ flagship KIRO-AM (2.5 – 3.2, 6+), which zooms from #18 to #13 and having its best 6+-share since October’s 3.5. A one-tenth uptick in March by “710 ESPN Seattle” brought to a close five straight downward trends (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+) that resulted in a -1.1. Its news/talk sibling KIRO-FM, however, stumbles by one-half share for its third consecutive loss and an overall -1.4 in that period (5.7 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). Three consecutive negative trends by KPLZ “Star 101.5” yielded a combined -2.4 (5.5 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), but the Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC adds two-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and progresses from #15 to #11. It is one-tenth ahead of iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM,” which is down or flat for the third successive sweep (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). Following three straight gains that netted one full-share (6.8 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), Hubbard’s mainstream CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5 All The Hits” returns all by one-tenth (6.9, -.9, 6+) but finishes at #1 for the fourth consecutive time. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, KQMV was on top for 12 straight sweeps before giving way to adult contemporary cluster-mate KRWM “Warm 106.9” and then regained the lead in January. Remaining at #18, co-owned KVRQ “98.9 Everything That Rocks” is off by one-tenth to 2.4 (6+), thus curtailing at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded four-tenths (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). As a result of a -.7 (4.0 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7” exits the top ten (#8 to #11, 6+).

6) Phoenix – Having posted five straight declines for a loss of more than 50% of its 6+-share (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+), Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “Arizona Sports 98.7” answers with a gain of one-half share to 2.0 (6+), advancing from #26 to #22. One-half share also represents the margin of improvement – and decline – for the market’s two FM country outlets. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 – Today’s Best Country & All-Time Favorites” is +.5 (3.4 – 3.9, unchanged at #10, 6+), while CBS Radio-owned KMLE “Country @ 107.9” is -.5 (4.6 – 4.1, fifth to eighth, 6+). Up a combined nine-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (1.6 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+), The Yucaipa Companies’ adult contemporary KOAI “The Oasis” cracks the top twenty (#20). Flat at #12, Hubbard’s KDKB “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” is up a combined eight-tenths via five straight (slightly) up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). It turns out to be one-and-done at #1 though for co-owned KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7,” which drops four-tenths (6.5 – 6.1, 6+) and segues from the top spot to #2. When KSLX gained seven-tenths (5.8 – 6.5, 6+) in March and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ faltered by one-half share (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), the impressive streak of KESZ being #1 for 30 successive ratings periods came to an end. Up four-tenths in April (6.2 – 6.6, 6+), KESZ returns to #1, after a one-month hiatus in the runner-up position. Following three straight gains netting a +1.3 (4.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” returns in full the one-half share it picked up in March (4.8, 6+) but remains in third-place. In a somewhat similar situation, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVK “K-Love” surrenders six-tenths after garnering one-half share in March (1.9 – 2.4 – 1.8, 6+) and spirals out of the top twenty (#18 to #23).

7) Minneapolis – Not only does Northern Lights Broadcasting alternative KQGO register its fourth straight up or flat trend to nearly triple its 6+-stat (.6 – .7 -.7 – .7 – 1.7, 6+), it cracks the top twenty at #18. On the heels of displaying a one-half share increase in March (6.4 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” drops one-tenth, but manages to move from second to first. It is there that it dislodges Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety,” which had been #1 the past three months, but is now down for the third successive sweep (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7, 6+) and segues to #2. In January, “KS-95” posted a +1.3, curtailing a drought in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. Flat at #12, format rival – iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97” – was +1.3 in January, only to follow with three consecutive negative trends that have produced a -1.1 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). “Cities 97” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). At this time last month, KNOW improved by seven-tenths (5.8 – 6.5, 6+), but the American Public Media Group news/talk outlet hands it all back (5.8, -.7, 6+), dropping from #3 to a four-way logjam at #4. Included as well as part of that four-way tie for fourth-place is iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station,” which drops one-tenth (to 5.8, 6+), ending at three its string of upward moves (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+) yet it actually moves up from #6 in March. Its format competitor – CBS Radio’s KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” – gains three-tenths (3.7 – 4.0, 6+) and is unchanged at #13. In March, when University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM dropped two-tenths to 5.4 (6+), it halted three straight sweeps without a decrease that generated a +.8 (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+). Now, “98.5 Twin Cities Christian Radio” erodes by one-half share to 4.9 (6+), sliding from eighth to tenth. February’s 5.6 was the best 6+-share for KTIS-FM since September’s 5.8.

8) San Diego – One-share separates rankers two through nine. Powered by an increase of seven-tenths (4.6 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO leaps from eighth to second. Down by one-tenth in each of the last two sweeps (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), Local Media San Diego-programmed alternative XTRA “91-X” responds with a +.7 as well (2.0 – 2.7, 6+) to advance from #20 to #15, notching its highest 6+-share in nearly two years (2.7, May 2015). Seven-tenths also proves to be lucky for Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – Better Music for a Better Workday,” which improves by that margin (5.3 – 6.0, 6+). Not only does “Sunny” have its most potent 6+-share since last May’s 6.6, it marches from second to first. It had been within 5.1 – 5.9 range (6+) the past 11 sweeps and is #1 for the first time since December. Ousted from the penthouse after just one month is iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93-3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.4 – 5.2, -.2, 6+), which slides to #3. It broke out of February’s three-way tie at #2 to grab the lead in March. Earlier this year, after it spent one month at #1, “Channel 93-3” segued from first (in January) to second (in February). Having registered an improvement of six-tenths in March to regain what was lost in a mini-slide (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+), Local Media San Diego-programmed CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” surrenders one full-share (4.5 – 5.1 – 4.1, 6+) and drifts from fifth to tenth. Off by six-tenths (3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “102.9 Mas Variedad” dips from #11 to #12. This is the 18^th straight time iHeartMedia’s KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock Music” is within three-share range (3.6 – 3.4, -.2, #12 to #11, 6+). In three straight declines, Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” has lost one full-share (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.7, 6+) and falls out of the top twenty (#18 to #21). After tripling its 6+-share in five straight up or flat trends (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+) and finishing steady at #22 in March, Tijuana FM regional Mexican XHTY “99.7 La Invasora” disappears from print.

9) Denver – Without an increase the past four sweeps for a -.8 (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA trots out a +1.2 to 4.7 as the Colorado Rockies’ flagship rockets from #14 to #6. Triple A sibling KBCO “World Class Rock” registers its fifth successive increase accounting for a cumulative +1.8 (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+) and inches up from sixth to fifth. This is its best 6+-showing since a 6.1 in September 2015. Up two-tenths to 6.4 (6+), Bonneville country outlet KYGO is #1 for the third straight time. Within 5.3 – 5.9 range (6+) for seven consecutive survey periods, KYGO posted a full-share gain in February (5.6 – 6.6, 6+), lifting it past the six-share threshold for the first time since last July’s 6.0. The rollercoaster ride though continues for co-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan,” whose five most recent fluctuations are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); and now -.5 in April (3.9 – 3.4, #11 to #16, 6+). A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). This past October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Falling by one-half share as well are Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (#10 to #12+) and Entravision Spanish adult hits KJMN “Radio Superestrella” (2.9 – 2.4, #17 to #18, 6+). This is the third straight decline for “K-Love” for a -.7 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+). Although it is down or flat for the third straight time accounting for a -1.6 (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” actually moves from fourth to third. Eroding by -1.3 in December not only ended four straight up or flat sweeps for KTCL that produced a +1.3 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), it concluded four consecutive months at #1. Co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” is in 3.0 – 3.8 range for the 17^th successive sweep (3.5 – 3.7, +.2, #14 to #12, 6+).

10) Tampa – Over the course of four straight positive trends (2.7 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” is up by a collective two full-shares and marches from #10 to a three-way tie at #6. In another streak, Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone -Real, Raw, Radio” is +1.2 via four successive sweeps without a loss (2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+) and continues at #16. Once again finishing in the runner-up slot is co-owned WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle,” which has its fourth straight increase (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5 – 7.6, 6+) for a cumulative +1.2. Prior to February’s 7.1, “The Eagle” last reached the seven-share level (6+) roughly four and a half years ago (7.0, 6+, October 2012). After five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. Posting a +.2 (8.7 – 8.9, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” bounces back from March’s -1.0 and is on top for the 55^th successive ratings period. The 8.7 it recorded in March was its lowest 6+-stat since November 2015’s 8.5. “Lite Favorites” was off by more than three shares in January (12.7 – 9.6, 6+). Without an increase the past three sweeps for a -.6 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR WFLZ “93.3 Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” gains one-tenth to 4.0 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#13 to #10). Seven-tenths ahead of it is Cox Media Group’s similarly-programmed WPOI “Hot 101.5 All the Hits” (4.5 – 4.7 +.2, seventh to sixth, 6+). Following four straight gains that produced a +1.1 (.8 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+), the HD2 channel of iHeartMedia’s WMTX erodes by nine-tenths to 1.0 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#18 to #22). Trending 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.3 (6+), Radio Training Network noncommercial contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” is off by one-half share to 3.8 as it exits the top ten (#8 to #12, 6+). Including a regression by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps, this is the fourth straight decline (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.7 -1.6 – 1.5, 6+) for iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio,” which is steady at #19. A collective +1.7 in three successive positive trends (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” loses two-tenths to 5.4 (6+), sliding from third to fourth. Its 5.6 in March was the best 6+-performance for “Q-105” since last September (5.6, as well).

11) Baltimore – Recording a 4.4 (6+) in three of the last five ratings periods (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), CBS Radio’s WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” (seventh to fifth) trots out a +1.1 to 5.5, the best 6+-stat for the sports outlet since last October’s 6.5. Continuing its winning ways, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC logs its fourth consecutive positive trend (which included back-to-back increases of +1.2) that has netted a +3.3 (4.7 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+). The 8.0 (6+) in April matches what “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” (third to second) posted in September 2015. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WPOC had been at #4 the previous seven ratings periods, but fell to #5, surrendering a combined -2.5 in three consecutive slides (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 4.7, 6+), including a -1.6 in “Holiday” 2016. It trails market pacesetter – Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” (8.6 – 8.3, -.3, 6+) – by three-tenths. “Magic” is on top for the fourth straight time. Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), “Magic” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 and seven-tenths in January 2017 to march from third to first. After holding down the runner-up slot the past four ratings periods, urban contemporary cluster-mate WERQ “Q-92 Jams” (7.7 – 7.5, -.2, 6+) shifts to third. Prior to gaining four-tenths in March, WERQ was down or flat since December (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.3, 6+); February’s 7.3 was its lowest 6+-share since the 7.3 it recorded in March 2016. In the spoken-word arena, Your Public Radio Corp.-owned WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” (#14 in March to #10) improves by one-half share (2.7 – 3.2, 6+) and catches Hearst Stations news/talk WBAL, which regresses by twice that margin (3.2, -1.0, 6+); WBAL had been trending 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.2 (6+) and drops from eighth to tenth. Frozen on 3.9 (6+) in January and February, Peter & John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “95.1 Shine – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” flounders by a combined -1.6 in March and April (3.9 – 3.2 – 2.3, 6+) to slip from #12 to #14. On top in the Washington, D.C. report, (see above), American University‘s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” remains at #15 in Baltimore. It has a two-tenths decrease (1.4- 1.2, 6+) to curtail five consecutive sweeps without a decrease (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). In a similar vein, Washington Adventist University contemporary Christian WGTS – which more than doubled its 6+-share in Baltimore with five successive up or flat trends (.5 – .6 – .8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+) – is off by one-tenth to 1.1 (6+) and is unchanged at #16.

12) St. Louis – Baseball is back and that’s terrific news for CBS Radio’s KMOX. Over and above being the only outlet in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far to log a March 2017 – April 2017 increase of at least two full-shares (+2.2, 6+), the St. Louis Cardinals’ flagship races from fifth to first. Moreover, the heritage news/talker has more than doubled its 6+-share in four straight increases (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 6.2 – 8.4, 6+). In another streak of four successive trends without a loss, iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” is a collective +1.4 (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #8). Keeping with the theme – although with a different ending – KSHE had been without a decrease the past four ratings periods netting a +.8 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.3, 6+). The Emmis rocker, however, surrenders the eight-tenths in its entirety (back to 6.5, 6+) and slips from second to third. The station KMOX dethroned at #1 is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU, which is actually up two-tenths (7.6 – 7.8, 6+) but assumes the runner-up slot after three successive sweeps on top. A combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), KLOU floundered by -1.6 in December; bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016; but was -2.8 in January. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. Following its strong (#1) “Holiday” 2016 performance, CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK (#10 to #11) has had four straight declines that have accounted for a cumulative loss of seven full-shares (11.1 – 5.5 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to January’s decline, KEZK put together four consecutive progressive trends that netted a +6.8 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1). Unlisted for the fourth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).

Monday, May 15, 2017

TALKERS | May 15, 2017

WFAN Sells Studio Naming Rights for ‘Boomer & Carton’ to Investors Bank. New York City sports talk WFAN enters into a multi-year partnership with Investors Bank under which the bank will become the exclusive studio naming rights partner of the station’s “Boomer & Carton” show. Investors Bank CEO Kevin Cummings says, “As we look to expand our profile throughout the NY and NJ region, partnering with organizations that share our values is important to us. Investors Bank is looking forward to a very strong relationship with WFAN and we’re excited about having the ‘Boomer & Carton’ show broadcast from the Investors Bank Studio at WFAN.”

Alpha Media Launches Peoria Sports Talker. In Peoria, Alpha Media launches a sports talk outlet – the company’s seventh station in the market – branded “95.9 The Sports Nut.” So far, the station features Fox Sports Radio programming including “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Dan Patrick and Doug Gottlieb and promises more programming news soon. It airs on WNGY-HD2 and translator W251BQ.

Brown Named Sales Manager for WPHT, Philadelphia. Coming over to CBS RADIO from his most recent position with Greater Media as group sales manager for the company’s Philadelphia stations prior to their acquisition by Beasley Broadcast Group is Jim Brown. He’ll serve as sales manager for news/talk WPHT. Brown is a Philly native well acquainted with the market, having started his career as an account manager at KYW-TV in 1983. VP/director of sales for CBS RADIO Philadelphia Dave Scopinich comments, “We’re so fortunate to add someone of Jim’s talent and experience to our sales management team. Jim is a natural coach and leader. He understands how to create multi-platform campaigns that deliver results for clients. He’s a perfect fit at 1210 WPHT.”

Sean Hannity, Jim Rome and Robin Quivers Among Nominees for National Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2017. The voting for the National Radio Hall of Fame class of 2017 begins today (5/15). There are 24 nominees in six categories. Four of those categories will be voted on by a panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. The other two categories will be voted on by the public, beginning June 5 for eight nominations for Music Format On-Air Personality and Spoken Word On-Air Personality. National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig Kitchin says, “As an industry, we should all be proud of our incredibly diverse community of talent who have made and continue to make radio great. This year’s class of nominees is a fine representation of why millions of people connect to our medium on a daily basis.” News/talk and sports talk radio nominees include: Sean Hannity; Jim Rome; Mike Greenberg & Mike Golic; the Fabulous Sports Babe Nanci Donnellan; Robin Quivers; Diane Rehm; KFI, Los Angeles’ Bill Handel; SiriusXM’s Joe Madison; WFLA-AM, Tampa’s Jack Harris & Tedd Webb; and public radio shows “Marketplace” and “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me.” Inductees will be announced June 26. The induction ceremony will be held November 2 at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in downtown Chicago. See the full list of nominees here.

TALKERS News Notes. In New Hampshire, Great Eastern Radio agrees to sell three FMs to longtime Granite State broadcaster/engineer Dirk Nadon. After FCC approval of the deal, he’ll take over the operation of sports talk WZEI, Meredith “Sportsradio 101.5,” sports talk WTPL, Hillsboro “The Pulse 107.7” and rock WLKZ, Wolfeboro “The Hawk 104.9.” Nadon says, “I am very excited to return to ownership in New Hampshire radio which began when my father and I originally put on the air the 101.5 frequency that I am re-purchasing in this transaction. I feel like it is a coming home for this station and for me.” WZEI airs programming from the WEEI Sports Radio Network and Boston Red Sox baseball. WTPL also carries Red Sox baseball along with local sports talk…..Salem Radio Network News is offering a five-part series on media bias to interested stations for free. Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says the news series was produced by SRN News anchor Keith Peters and features comments from former CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson, Tim Graham of the Washington, DC-based Media Research Center, and others. He says stations wishing to incorporate this material into local talk shows or newscasts will receive scripts and audio clips that is also free of any reference to SRN News. If interested, email Tradup at ttradup@srnradio.com…..Compass Media Networks announces it will offer 72 college and pro football broadcasts this fall. The slate of NCAA and NFL games includes exclusive coverage of Oakland Raiders games and full national coverage of Dallas Cowboys games. Compass is also announcing its commitment to play-by-play announcer Chris Carrino’s fight against Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) by encouraging people to visit fightforchris.com and donate to the cause.

Reminder! AMC-8 Service Is Going Away. From your friends at Westwood One comes this reminder that in 45 days, “radio stations around the country will lose all radio network programming from all major companies if they do not re-aim their satellites from AMC-8 to the new AMC-18 at 105 degrees West Longitude. On June 30, AMC-8 will no longer serve as the radio network “neighborhood,” and there will not be a suitable replacement satellite at the 139 degree position. It has exceeded its design life and is not being replaced by an equivalent C-band satellite at the same location. The five major commercial radio networks – Learfield, Orbital Media Networks (OMNi), Premiere Networks, Skyview Networks and Westwood One – now have their full complements of satellite-delivered programming available on their new frequencies on AMC-18. This also includes programming from syndicators who lease their satellite time from these five companies. For more information, click here.

TAB Radio Institute at University of Tennessee Begins Today. At the University of Tennessee in Knoxville today, more than 40 broadcast professionals will begin leading sessions for the 25 students accepted into the inaugural Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Radio Talent Institute. The Radio Talent Institute is spearheaded by radio consultant Dan Vallie. TAB president Whit Adamson says of the 10-day program, “The student preparation and focus for the Radio Talent Institute is like nothing else we could get involved with. This course gets them ready for graduation and the next step in their careers, which is a valuable asset to any station. They have been exposed to all facets of a station and capable of sitting down at any broadcast radio or television facility and prepared to add something.” Sessions throughout the Institute will be led by broadcasters from Midwest Communications, Scripps Radio Group, 5 Star Radio, Cumulus, Thunderbolt Broadcasting, Saga, iHeartMedia, Cromwell, Entercom, and others. Vallie says, “We are very excited to be partnering with the University of Tennessee and working with Sam Swan and the College of Communication and Information, and with Benny Smith, at their award-winning college radio station, WUTK. And we couldn’t be happier to partner with Whit Adamson and the TAB, who have been supportive of the National Radio Talent System almost from the very beginning.”

Herskovitz: Emerging Trend in Radio Ads? Radio sales maven Al Herskovitz says we may be seeing the emergence of a new trend in radio advertising – the use of old, classic song snippets to hawk modern goods and services. As Herskovitz notes, “The wide world of commercials is no different than any other segment of society. It goes through its periods of fads and fashions.” Although the radio ad jingle is not as popular as it used to be, and popular music songs have long been used in commercials, this trend involves a slightly different twist. Read Herskovitz’s column here.

Fox News Radio’s Starnes Delivers Commencement Address. Pictured above are Fox News Radio personality Todd Starnes (right) and Toccoa Falls College president Dr. Robert Myers (left). Starnes delivered the commencement address at the Toccoa Falls, Georgia school and was presented with the President’s Medallion in recognition of meritorious service.

Worldwide Cyber-Attack, Trump Threatens End of Press Briefings, Comey Firing Aftermath, North Korea Missile Test, ‘SNL’ Spicer-Trump Bit, and MLB, NBA, and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The ransomware attack that’s affected more than 100 countries; President Donald Trump’s threat to end press briefings for the sake of “accuracy”; the political effects of the dismissal of FBI Director James Comey and speculation about who will take his place; North Korea’s test of a long-range missile; the latest Sean Spicer-Donald Trump skit on “Saturday Night Live”; and MLB, NBA, and NHL 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. The weekly “Country Club with Dee Jay Silver” show returns to Compass Media Networks. The program airs Friday and Saturday nights and is currently heard on more than 60 country stations across the nation. Dee Jay Silver says, “I am thrilled to rejoin Compass Media Networks. This is where it all began for me a few years ago and I look forward to a long-term partnership.” Compass is providing syndication and affiliate and ad sales…..Reach Media is launching a new weekend show called, appropriately, “The Weekend Blast” with co-hosts and hip hop legends Ed Lover and Monie Love. Reach says that the two-hour show will “give listeners their hip hop culture fix with celebrity interviews, entertainment news and the best music for every generation. It debuts on Saturday (5/20) in more than 15 markets including Philadelphia, Atlanta and Dallas.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

TALKERS | April 5, 2017

Dave Ramsey Plays Philly’s Tower Theater. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey’s Smart Money tour stopped in Philly on Tuesday (4/4) where Ramsey presented before a sold-out crowd at the historic Tower Theater. Joining Ramsey was Chris Brown, financial expert and host of the nationally syndicated radio show, “Chris Brown’s True Stewardship.” Ramsey and affiliate CBS RADIO Talk Radio 1210 WPHT worked together to promote the event. WPHT program director Jared Hart states, “We’re so excited to be a part of Dave’s first live event in Philadelphia. His bond with listeners is unparalleled and watching his personal interactions with them is truly amazing to see. We’re so happy to have Dave on WPHT and are looking forward to more events like this in the future.” Pictured above (from l-r) are: WPHT morning news anchor Paige Powers, SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff, Dave Ramsey, afternoon news anchor Dawn Stensland, midday talk host Dom Giordano, and Jared Hart.

USA Radio Network Syndicates Wayne Allyn Root Show. Las Vegas-based conservative media figure Wayne Allyn Root joins the USA Radio Network for national syndication of his daily radio show that airs live from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Root – who is an author and columnist, TV host and producer, and the 2008 Libertarian Vice Presidential nominee – was an early supporter of President Donald Trump and served as opening speaker at six of candidate Trump’s Las Vegas rallies. USA Radio CEO Floyd Brown says, “I am extremely excited to announce the addition of Wayne Allyn Root to the daily lineup of shows available on a market exclusive basis from USA Radio. Wayne has shown by his incredible ratings and sponsorship success in Las Vegas that he will be a national star in syndicated radio.”

FOX Sports Radio: Cowherd Podcast Tops 5 Million Listens Mark. According to data as measured by ART19, the total podcast listens for the month of March for “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” hit 5.7 million. FOX Sports Radio says it marks the first time that total podcast listens for the program have surpassed the 5 million mark. FOX goes on to say that Cowherd’s TheHerdNow.com – the digital home for content created and curated by Colin Cowherd – attracted more than half a million page views – a new record for the site.

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” announces that Chicago Cubs players Kris Bryant and Jake Arrieta will be part of a new segment on the “Bernstein and Goff Show” with Dan Bernstein and Jason Goff. WSCR program director Mitch Rosen comments, “It’s an extreme honor to welcome a league MVP and a recent Cy Young award winner to the Score team and it’s beyond a grand slam for the Score brand. The content Kris and Jake will add to the Bernstein and Goff show will bring the audience into the clubhouse, on the field, and other places the average fan can’t experience.”…..Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” will broadcast the 2017 All Star Day Live radiothon on May 24 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm from the pavilion at Pagano’s Market & Bar in Center City Philadelphia. The station’s goal is to raise funds and awareness for the Philly-based American Association for Cancer Research. WPEN-FM personalities Anthony Gargano, Rob Ellis, Harry Mayes and Mike Missanelli will rotate in overlapping, two-hour shifts throughout the day, joined by many of The Fanatic’s popular guest players and analyst commentators.

Trump Campaign Surveillance Issue, Syrian Chemical Attack, North Korea Nuclear Missile Threat, Gorsuch Nomination, FOX News-Bill O’Reilly Scandal, DOJ to Review Police Consent Decrees, and Tony Romo Leaves Cowboys for CBS Gig Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/4). Questions about what role Obama Administration National Security Adviser Susan Rice may have played in the surveillance of Trump campaign personnel; the search for the source of the deadly chemical attack in Syria; North Korea launches another ICBM and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s response; the status of Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch; reports that several advertisers have pulled spots from FOX News Channel’s Bill O’Reilly show in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment of company staffers by the cable channel personality; Attorney General Jeff Sessions instructs the Justice Department to review Obama-era consent decrees with police departments; and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo’s intent to retire from the NFL to start a broadcasting career with CBS Sports 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. Oldies are back on the air in Youngstown, Ohio as Cumulus Media flips alternative rock WWIZ “Rock 104” to oldies as “Z104 The Valley’s Good Time Oldies.” iHeartMedia flipped crosstown WBBG from oldies to country last April and Cumulus VP/market manager Bill Kelly states, “For almost a year, listeners and advertisers have told us how much they miss oldies on the radio. We are very pleased to fill that void with ‘Z104,’ Youngstown’s destination oldies station.”…..In Houston, CBS RADIO unveils the new morning show set to launch on hot AC KHMX “Mix 96-5” on Monday (4/10). Director of programming Chase Murphy says “The Morning Mix with Sarah Pepper, Geoff Sheen and Lauren Kelly” represents a “dynamic team that will give our listeners a fresh and unique way to start their day.” Pepper comes from CBS RADIO Houston’s sister station KKHH-FM, the former “Hot 95.7.” Sheen joins the team from San Antonio’s KTKR and Kelly moves to mornings after hosting the afternoon show…..Mid-West Family Broadcasting rock WQLZ, Springfield, Illinois adds Mo Lightning to the “3rd String Morning Show” with program director Wes Styles. Mo takes over for the departing Kaytie. Mo Lightning was most recently the host/moderator for the Wizard World Comic Con tour at which he moderated for the likes of William Shatner, Stan Lee (creator of Marvel Comics), the cast of “The Walking Dead,” various WWE Superstars, and countless more. Styles comments, “We’re proud to have such an entertaining personality join our ranks. Mo brings a lot to the table and now our plan for complete domination continues. We’re coming for a three-peat at next year’s awards!”…..Premiere Networks nationally syndicated radio personality and award-winning musician Keith Sweat returns for an additional run of his limited engagement,“Keith Sweat: Last Forever” show in the Donny & Marie Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas from July 5 through July 22. This all comes in connection with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sweat’s triple-platinum album, Make It Last Forever (Elektra)…..Townsquare Media’s annual Mountain Jam festival in Hunter Mountain, New York announces the lineup for this year’s June 16-18 event. Among the 39 acts playing over three days are: The String Cheese Incident, The Head & The Heart, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Gary Clark Jr., St. Paul & the Broken Bones, The Strumbellas, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and more.

Friday, March 31, 2017

TALKERS | March 31, 2017

Kaloustian Returns from Pandora to Lead Sales for WPHT, WIP-FM, and Phillies and Eagles Radio Networks. Radio sales pro Rob Kaloustian exited CBS RADIO in 2013 after an 18-plus year career with the company’s Philadelphia stations to assume a senior sales executive post with Pandora. Now, CBS RADIO announces Kaloustian is returning to CBS RADIO to become general sales manager of SportsRadio 94WIP, Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Phillies Radio and the Eagles Radio Network, effective April 5. CBS RADIO Philadelphia VP and director of sales Dave Scopinich says, “We’re thrilled to bring Rob back home to CBS RADIO Philadelphia. He’s a proven difference-maker who has a keen ability to connect our community of listeners with our advertising partners.” Kaloustian started his radio career with CBS in 1995 as an account executive at KYW Newsradio. He later was named local sales manager. In 2008, he was promoted to general sales manager of Talk Radio 1210 WPHT.”

TALKERS News Notes. The 2017 Major League Baseball season gets underway Sunday and ESPN Radio is celebrating its 20^th season airing games on the national network. ESPN Radio will present 71 games with commentator Jon Sciambi and analyst Chris Singleton returning as the lead commentator team. Sunday’s game is the Chicago Cubs visiting the St. Louis Cardinals…..Over at SiriusXM, baseball is on tap as well. SiriusXM is again providing “the most comprehensive national Major League Baseball coverage available on radio…subscribers will have access to every regular season and postseason game on their satellite radios and via the SiriusXM app, as well as 24/7 news, talk and analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.”…..The Golden State Media podcasting network is joining BlogTalkRadio. The former is bringing 20-plus shows to the BlogTalkRadio platform “to take advantage of BlogTalkRadio’s unique monetization offerings.” Golden State Media CEO Andrew Tate says, “Combining the GSMC Podcast Network with BlogTalkRadio is the perfect fit to move Golden State Media Concepts into the future of podcast media.”…..CBS Sports Radio continues its on-site coverage of the Final Four as the Doug Gottlieb show and “The DA Show” broadcast live from radio row. Also, Gottlieb will broadcast live ahead of the highly anticipated National Championship Game on Monday, April 3.

Wayne Gardner Retires from WAVH, Mobile. Alabama talk show host Wayne Gardner retired from Bigler Broadcasting’s news/talk WAVH-FM, Mobile “Talk 106.5” this morning after a career in broadcasting that spanned 45 years. Gardner, who worked as a morning radio personality in the Mobile market in music radio prior to joining WAVH-FM in 2009, was part of the show on crosstown WKSJ that ruled the ratings during the 1970s and 1980s, according to a story in AL.com.

Trump Campaign-Russia Investigation Tops Talkers Ten^TM for Week of March 27-31. The investigation into possible connections between Russian agents and the Trump campaign was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. At #2 was the GOP’s willingness to try again to overhaul the Affordable Care Act. Coming in at #3 was the status of the Trump travel ban, followed by the sanctuary cities/immigration-deportation policy stories at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM 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.

New ‘Fair Play Fair Pay Act’ Officially Reintroduced. As expected, U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, (R-TN) and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, (D-NY) have reintroduced the Fair Play Fair Pay bill designed to end AM/FM radio’s immunity from paying copyright royalties on the performances of recorded music. A joint statement from the bill’s co-sponsors says, “Our current music licensing laws are antiquated and unfair, which is why we need a system that ensures all radio services play by the same rules and all artists are fairly compensated. Our laws should reward innovation, spur economic diversity and uphold the constitutional rights of creators. That is what the Fair Play Fair Pay Act sets out to accomplish: fixing a system that for too long has disadvantaged music creators and pitted technologies against each other by allowing certain services to get away with paying little or nothing to artists.” The National Association of Broadcasters issued the following statement in response: “NAB respectfully opposes the legislation reintroduced by Rep. Nadler that would impose a job-killing performance royalty on America’s hometown radio stations. NAB remains committed to working with Congress on balanced music licensing proposals that help grow the entire music ecosystem, promote innovation, and recognize the benefit of our free locally focused platform to both artists and listeners. We’re thankful to 165 House Members and 21 Senators who back the Local Radio Freedom Act that acknowledges broadcast radio’s indispensable role in breaking new artists and promoting record sales.” Nadler’s website highlights the proposed bill here.

PPM Analysis: Rock. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents an analysis of the performances of rock stations based on ratings data from the February 2017 PPM survey. Kinosian writes, “Nearly twice as many rock panelists are up January 2017 – February 2017 (58%) versus those down (30%), while the remaining 12% of the sample is flat (6+).” When it comes to comparing performances from February 2016 to February 2017, “there is just about an even split here, as 53% of our eligible rock sample improves year-to-year (6+), while 47% decline. iHeartMedia’s WDVE, Pittsburgh is the only rock station ranking #1 in its respective PPM market, but seven others ranked (6+) in the top five. See all the data here.

Convergent Broadcasting II Exits Radio Biz with Sale of Corpus Christi Stations. The sale of three Corpus Christi FMs from Convergent Broadcasting II to ICA Radio Ltd. closes. ICA acquires CHR KKPN “Planet 102.3,” classic rock KPUS, country KAJE “My Country 107.3.” It also owns stations in the Odessa-Midland, Texas market. Convergent owns no other radio stations.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Former longtime WXRT, Chicago music director John Farneda is returning to the CBS RADIO triple A to serve as music director, at least on an interim basis. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Farneda, who exited the station in 2014 after more than 30 years with the station, is taking over the music director duties from Kelly Ransford, who’s leaving the station to become director of event marketing for iHeartMedia Denver. Read Feder’s piece here…..Entercom and hip hop KQKS, Denver “KS 107.5” are unable to come to terms with Larry Ulibarri and Kathie J. on contract renewals so the pair departs the morning show daypart. Obviously, the station is on the hunt for a new morning show…..iHeartMedia’s KIIS, Los Angeles announces that Miley Cyrus is joining the bill at this year’s Wango Tango on May 13 at StubHub Center in Carson…..In the Detroit-Windsor market, Bell Media makes cuts across its radio stations that affect alternative CIMX “89X,” which lets go of morning personalities Cal Cagno and Gillian Reilly, midday host Phil Kukawinski, and afternoon personality Reed Petitpren…..Cumulus Media SVP of content and programming Mike McVay will be a recipient of one of the inaugural music industry awards bestowed by the Innovation in Music Awards. McVay is being honored with the Heritage Award in Innovation, while CMT’s Leslie Fram will receive the Innovation in National Media Award at a ceremony in Nashville on June 6. The Innovation In Music Awards were founded by Cold River Records CEO Pete O’Heeron.

Friday, March 17, 2017

TALKERS | March 17, 2017

Cumulus Media Reports 2016 Q4 and Full-Year Financials. The company had not been hiding the fact that the news of its revenue for the fourth quarter of 2016 or the whole year would not be positive, and the results were not surprising. Cumulus Media reports its Q4 net revenue was $299.5 million – down 3% from the same period in 2015, and the full-year net revenue was $1.14 billion – a dip of 2.3% compared to all of 2015. Separating the company’s two reportable segments – the radio station group and Westwood One – for the fourth quarter of 2016 the radio station group was up 1.3% on net revenue of $209.7 million. However, Westwood One was down 12.3% on net revenue of $89.1 million. For the whole of 2016, the radio station group’s net revenue was $802.3 million, an increase of 0.8%. Westwood One’s net revenue was $336.6 million, a decrease of 8.8% from 2015. Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner comments, “We entered 2016 with a singular objective: to fix the core business problems – poor culture, poor ratings and poor operational execution – which was essential to establishing a foundation on which to build improved financial results. Throughout the year we made significant progress addressing each of these areas, most visibly in ratings growth where we’ve outperformed the industry for 15 straight months. In fact, with two back-to-back quarters of revenue share increases on the station side, a trend which continued through January, we have early evidence that, despite a tough industry environment, our foundational work is beginning to translate into improved financial performance.”

Legendary WSB-AM, Atlanta Celebrates 95 Years On Air. It was on the Ides of March in 1922 that WSB-AM began broadcasting to the citizens of North Georgia. On Wednesday, Cox Media Group celebrated the anniversary. WSB manager of program operations and community affairs Condace Pressley states, “In 1922, WSB was licensed to deliver weather reports. Today, delivery of accurate and dependable news, weather and traffic remains our calling card, but this station and its people are so much more. Service to the Atlanta community is in WSB’s DNA.” Station director of branding and programming Pete Spriggs adds, “The WSB brand of local news, weather and traffic has grown from being on AM only to now serving north Georgia on FM, mobile, and digital. It all boils down to our slogan – Depend On It!” See a cool presentation of WSB’s 95-year history here.

WVON, Chicago Adds Maze Jackson to the Matt McGill Morning Show. Local political commentator and strategist Maze Jackson is joining Midway Broadcasting Corporation’s morning program, the “Matt McGill Morning Show,” on WVON, Chicago, effective April 3. The station says this move is being made to secure WVON’s position as a contributing voice in the upcoming gubernatorial and mayoral elections, in addition to increasing the station’s overall rankings. McGill has been solo host of the morning show on WVON for the past six years – a role in which he’ll continue. Jackson joins the show after contributing for the past two years as a weekly commentator and guest host. WVON says, “Jackson has a diverse array of experience in the worlds of business, politics, and community engagement. Jackson spent over 20 years lobbying for high profile clients, creating community-based solutions and driving the discussions that shape impactful policies as former executive director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.”

TALKERS Magazine Publisher Michael Harrison Joins WPHT, Philly’s Rich Zeoli for His New Podcast. At CBS RADIO’s WPHT, Philadelphia, afternoon drive personality Rich Zeoli is launching a new podcast that features content not heard on the WPHT airwaves. TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison joined Zeoli for his inaugural show. In addition to addressing such topics as the Trump Administration’s impact on news/talk radio and the influence of politics on talk radio, the two delved into “inside” radio subjects including the evolution of the talk radio format, changing media technology, and the public’s evolving media habits. Listen to it here.

Desert Broadcasters Brings Palm Springs AMs Back to Life; KGX Branded ‘Real Talk.’ The two Palm Springs signals – KPSI-AM 920 and KWXY-AM 1340 – went dark last August after longtime owners Rozene and Ric Supple decided to exit the radio business. Enter Garry Wing and Desert Broadcasters who acquired the stations and just put KPSI – now KGX “Real Talk” – and KWXY back on the air. KWXY is a soft AC. The Desert Sun reports that Wing wants to create a talk station with less political vitriol (and less “fake outrage”). Radio America personality Chad Benson’s show is featured on the station. Wing says the station will air a combination of local and national talk shows. Both stations occupy the early 1960s-era broadcast facility pictured in the photo here, taken from the Desert Sun’s video report.

iHeartMedia Unveils ‘SmartAudio’ Advertising Product at ‘SoundFront.’ At Wednesday’s client-focused “SoundFront” up front event, iHeartMedia introduced its SmartAudio digital data advertising product, now a part of the programmatic solution SoundPoint. iHeartMedia says SmartAudio goes farther in leveraging the power of SoundPoint to help advertisers evaluate, plan and buy broadcast radio, enabling them to build innovative campaigns that target key audience segments. iHeartMedia president of national sales, marketing and partnerships Tim Castelli says, “We’ve been testing SmartAudio with some of the top brands and we’re already seeing additional impact for those using it. They’re able to leverage the product’s flexibility to decide which specific ad to run based on something as simple as whether the local sports team won or lost last night’s game…Industry response to our SoundPoint platform has been so well received that we’re now unveiling SmartAudio which allows audience segmenting and dynamic creative capabilities all in one planning and buying tool.”

TALKERS News Notes. Public radio outlet WBEZ, Chicago is debuting a new podcast series called, “Written Inside: Stories About Prison Cells.” The series consists of essays by inmates at Illinois’ Stateville Correctional Center about their prison cells – shedding light on the everyday experience of incarceration. The series was the idea of award-winning, Chicago-based author and journalist Alex Kotlowitz. He began working with the inmates through Northwestern University colleague Jennifer Lackey, who invited him to speak to a class she taught at the correctional center. Kotlowitz asked the 15 male inmates facing long sentences to complete a writing exercise describing their cells. He recognized the potential each story possessed to reveal the realities of life in prison…..“Motley Fool Money” host Chris Hill (left) is pictured here with CNBC’s Julia Boorstin (right) recording a segment for Hill’s program at SXSW in Austin, Texas earlier this week. Hill says, “We talked about the scene in Austin, what the major entertainment companies are doing to lure audience, Apple’s foray into original programming, VR in movies and a lot more.”

Trump Travel Ban Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 13-17. The second travel ban order by President Donald Trump and its block issued by a Hawaii judge was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the Trump Administration budget cuts. Coming in at #3 was the interest rate hike by the Fed, followed by the GOP health care plan at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM 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.

Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2017. The Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame announces its class of inductees for 2017. They include: Johnny Dowd/Jaybeau Jones from “JB 105,” Providence; French-language broadcaster and current WNRI partner Roger Laliberte; WHJJ and WPRO personality Myrna Lamb; current WPRO-AM program director Tony Mascaro; former RAB SVP and Rhode Island radio manager Dick Rakovan; and former WICE personality Frank Kingston Smith. Also the Shepard Award – created to recognize the founders of radio in the Ocean State by John and Robert Shepard, owners of the Shepard Department Stores, and to honor present-day contributors to the industry through leadership, dedication, achievement, innovation and spirit – will go to Mowry Lowe –a pioneering New England newscaster, gifted announcer and premier radio executive. The Station of the Year Award will be presented to iHeartMedia Providence to commemorate a successful multi-station food drive to feed the hungry in Rhode Island. The Legacy Station of the Year award recognizes top 40 WICE-AM. A reunion with some of the station’s legendary Hall of Fame DJs, staff and listeners is planned.

FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai Appears on WJR, Detroit’s Paul W. Smith Show. This morning’s WJR, Detroit live broadcast of the Paul W. Smith St. Patrick’s Day show was not the first appearance on the station by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. He’s been a guest on the show before. Pai (left) is pictured here with Smith (right) on stage at The Cube Theatre inside the Max M. Fisher Music Center.

PodcastOne Executive Chairman Norm Pattiz Guests on Harrison Podcast. The executive chairman of PodcastOne and noted industry pioneer, Norm Pattiz joins TALKERS founder Michael Harrison for an in-depth conversation about the general state of radio, podcasting and audio media on this week’s installment of the award-winning series, “Up Close and Far Out.” The compelling dialogue was recorded this past Friday, inspired by the Thursday release (3/9) of the annual Edison Research/Triton Digital 2017 Infinite Dial Study. Pattiz sums up his impression of the study as follows, “I was very encouraged relative to the audio medium as a whole by the information that came from the study. There’s good news in it for almost everybody that’s in the audio space.” Pattiz and Harrison cover a lot of ground touching upon advertising trends, the evolution of audience measurement metrics, in-car listening habits and much more in this conversation that is a must-listen for radio and audio media professionals. 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.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Imaging, voiceover and production firm Benztown announces it has brought Katrina Woolverton, J.D., LL.M, aboard to serve in the newly created position of general counsel…..On Monday (3/20), WBBM-FM, Chicago “B96” is hosting Warner Bros. Records recording artist Bebe Rexha as its guest to host a cooking demonstration at the brand new CBS RADIO Chicago Culinary Kitchen. Rexha will show off her culinary skills while being interviewed by “B96” morning show hosts J Niice, Showbiz Shelly and Producer Gabe. The segment will take place in front of a live studio audience made up of about 20 station contest winners who also get tickets to Rexha’s concert that evening at the Metro theater.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

TALKERS | February 16, 2017

CBS Reports Q4 2016 and Full-Year Financials; CBS Presented as Discontinued Operation. The latter is due to the pending merger of CBS Radio with Entercom and it means that CBS did not present any revenue information or operating income metrics for the radio division. Here’s what the company has to say about the Entercom deal: “In connection with the transaction, which is expected to be tax-free to CBS Corporation and its stockholders, the Company intends to split-off CBS Radio through an exchange offer immediately prior to the merger. The merger will create a well-capitalized company with a market cap in excess of $2 billion, a strong balance sheet, significant free cash flow, and the ability to pay an attractive dividend. The combined company is expected to generate meaningful cost synergies within 12-18 months after the merger. The Company expects to complete the transaction in the second half of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions.” In a press statement, CBS Corporation chairman and CEO Les Moonves states, “2016 was a phenomenal year for the CBS Corporation, with all-time highs in revenue, operating income, and EPS [earnings per share] that came in above $4 for the first time in our Company’s history; and as we begin 2017, I couldn’t be more excited about our growth prospects in the years ahead.” During yesterday’s investor conference call, COO Joseph Ianniello addressed the radio deal, saying, “CBS shareholders who participate in this split-off will own 72% of the combined company which will have best-in-class assets and will clearly be the best capitalized radio company in the industry. The combined radio business will benefit from increased scale, stronger cash flow and real operational synergies which should drive higher profitability. The new company will also have the ability to pay an attractive dividend.”

Cumulus Extends Early Tender Date for Note Exchange. This is the third extension of Cumulus Media Inc’s offer for its previously announced private exchange offer for 7.75% Senior Notes due 2019 issued by Cumulus Media Holdings Inc. Obviously not satisfied with the number of takers, the company is extending the early tender date to March 6 (5:00 pm ET). The company explains that “Eligible Holders tendering their Outstanding Notes prior to the Early Tender Date, as extended that are accepted for exchange, will receive the ‘Total Exchange Consideration.’” That exchange includes “revolving loans, the participation interests, the trust certificates and the shares of Class A common stock (or warrants, if applicable), Class D common stock and Class E common stock.”

TALKERS Editorial Board Tackling Freedom of Speech Award Decision. The TALKERS magazine editorial board has begun the sensitive and often-controversial task of deciding its annual roster of major award recipients in the categories of “Lifetime Achievement,” “Woman of the Year,” “Humanitarian of the Year,” and “Freedom of Speech” – the latter being the most potentially contentious of all – especially in today’s highly charged, politically polarized news/talk environment. In his weekly address to the editors, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “This award is always a sensitive issue because freedom of speech is one of the most difficult concepts to explain and the award is doubly difficult to defend – especially when a significant percentage of people immediately assume that the organization presenting the honor necessarily endorses the political position of the recipient.” Harrison continued, “TALKERS has a distinguished history of non-partisanship in its editorial coverage of political news/talk media and this has been reflected in the diversity of positions held by the recipients of this prestigious award over the decades. The award is not a reward for saying something ‘controversial’ with which we necessarily agree but, rather, for conducting oneself as a broadcaster in a manner that clearly displays the tenets of the First Amendment in action, as well as showing the courage of one’s convictions in facing the negative blowback and consequences of one’s public stance.” Harrison cited Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity, Salem Radio Network’s Michael Medved and former WTMJ, Milwaukee host Charlie Sykes among worthy candidates to be considered for this year’s honor, stating, “Hannity showed amazing courage coming out early and unswervingly for Donald Trump when it was not clear which way his core audience would swing and what the outcome of the primary and general election would be. Medved, also a conservative, came out early against Trump and then stuck to his guns as an objective observer of the candidate and now-president’s pros and cons as he sees them – even against negative criticism from his listeners and even members of his own syndication company. Sykes actually let his cool job in Milwaukee slide away rather than back down from his perception of the truth.” Harrison concluded, “And there are many more examples of news/talk hosts having to take a principled stand with uncertain consequences as a result of this turbulent but exciting chapter of talk radio history in the making.” The TALKERS awards will be presented on Friday, June 2 at Talkers 2017: A New Era in New York City. For information about the 20^th annual installment of the talk industry’s longest running and most important national convention, please click here.

TALKERS News Notes. Beginning with this year’s 2017 NFL season, Washington Redskins football play-by-play (including some pre- and post-game programming) will be heard on Cumulus Media’s WMAL-AM/FM, Washington. The games will continue to air on Red Zebra properties WTEM, Washington “ESPN980”; WWXT, Prince Frederick, Maryland; and WWXX, Buckland, Virginia. This is a homecoming of sorts for Redskins football; the team’s games have aired on WMAL-AM from time-to-time as far back as 1942. WMAL-AM/FM vice president and GM Jake McCann comments, “We are excited and honored to be working with the Redskins again. The Redskins and WMAL were partners during the team’s three glorious Super Bowl-winning seasons. We look forward to bringing the combined assets of WMAL to this exciting, renewed partnership.”…..NBA All-Star 2017 begins today and SiriusXM is offering coverage with special, live programming from New Orleans on its NBA Radio channel, in addition to the live broadcast of the 66th NBA All-Star Game. Coverage will be hosted by Milwaukee Bucks guard Jason Terry, former players Eddie Johnson and Tim Legler, as well as Frank Isola, Jason Jackson, Joel Meyers, Justin Termine and Brian Geltzeiler…..The Forbes on PodcastOne network premieres “The Forbes List” today (2/16), featuring an in-depth look at the world’s top billionaires. The show – hosted by Jordan Harbinger dives into the stories behind Forbes’ most famous lists, including the Forbes 400 list featuring the wealthiest Americans, as well as lists covering celebrities, music, sports, entrepreneurs, companies and the world’s most powerful people. PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norm Pattiz comments, “This makes our third launch of a new Forbes podcast and points out the strong relationship between Forbes and PodcastOne. Jordan Harbinger has hosted “Art of Charm,” which consistently ranks in iTunes’ top 10. This provides a combination that’s tough to beat.”

Violent Tragedy Strikes Dominican Radio Station. Two radio journalists were shot dead and a third staffer was seriously wounded in a raid on a radio station in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. Numerous news outlets are reporting that news presenter Luis Manuel Medina and station director Leonidas Martinez were killed when unidentified men entered the station and shot Medina while he read a newscast and Martinez as he sat in his office. Medina was streaming his newscast live on Facebook at the time of the attack. It took place at radio station 103.5 FM in San Pedro de Macoris, a town near Santo Domingo. The AFP reports that the organization Reporters without Borders states that journalists that investigate corruption and the drug business are often the victims of violent attacks.

Sports, Music, Politics and Talk Media. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is joined in a free-wheeling dialogue by his long-time friend, New York City radio broadcaster Richard Neer as his guest on this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out.” The two talk about the public’s and media’s obsession with Donald Trump, with an emphasis on the infiltration of sports and entertainment by political passions. Richard Neer brings his diverse background as a legendary Big Apple music radio host (WNEW-FM), sports talker (WFAN) and best-selling author of the landmark book FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard, 2001) to the discussion which focuses on the rapid morphing of the traditional left/right talk media paradigm into a more complex resistance/revolution chess game. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Trump Campaign Russia Communications/Flynn Exit, Puzder Withdraws From Labor Secretary Nomination, Reince Preibus’ Status, Trump vs Intelligence Community, Fate of ObamaCare, and NBA-NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/15). The controversy over the resignation of National Security Advisor Michael T. Flynn and questions about the depth of communications between the Donald Trump campaign and Russian agents; Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder withdraws from consideration for the cabinet position; questions about the status of White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus after unconfirmed reports President Trump is unhappy with his work; the contentious relationship between Trump and the intelligence community; the fate of the Affordable Care Act after Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini told the Wall Street Journal the program is in a “death spiral”; 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.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. The performer and host lineups have been announced for the March 5 iHeartRadio Music Awards taking place at the Forum in Los Angeles. The evening will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will air live on TBS, TNT and truTV at 8:00 pm ET will be broadcast on iHeartMedia-owned stations nationwide, as well as on the iHeartRadio. Performers will include: Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Shawn Mendes, Thomas Rhett, Noah Cyrus and Big Sean, in addition to the previously announced Bruno Mars…..Entercom San Diego is expanding the platform for its culinary audio feature, “Lick the Plate,” which has been airing on alternative KBZT “FM94/9,” adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1,” and country KSON. The David Boylan-hosted program will now be available in podcast format via the stations’ websites. The radio stations will continue to promote the show via on-air teaser segments. These changes take effect on February 27…..Radio programming for the 52^nd Academy of Country Music Awards from Westwood One is being announced. Westwood One and Cumulus Media are the official national radio partners for the ACM Awards. There will be a three-hour ACM Nomination Special, hosted by Thomas Rhett, on March 25 from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight as part of “NASH Nights Live.” The ACM Radio Row will take place on Friday, March 31 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm ET and Saturday, April 1 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm ET. Then, the five-hour ACM Night Of Event Coverage will happen on Sunday, April 2 from 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight…..Beasley Media Group’s adult hits WBEN-FM, Philadelphia is announcing a new weekend program featuring Kathy Romano. The show is titled, “Her Story,” and will air Sundays at 7:30 am. Romano – who works for sister rock station WMMR as part of the “Preston & Steve” show – says, “I’m thrilled to be the host of ‘Her Story’ on 95.7 BEN FM! This is giving me the opportunity for some girl talk that just doesn’t make sense on WMMR’s ‘Preston & Steve’ show. There are so many amazing women with fascinating stories that we just don’t get to hear. Every Sunday morning I’m going to bring listeners the great stories these dynamic women have to tell!”…..Radio One hip hop outlet WKYS, Washington announces that Danni Starr is joining “The Fam in The Morning” as co-host alongside QuickSilva. Radio One DC SVP and general manager Jeff Wilson comments, “Danni is the full package. She’s amazingly smart, well versed in music and community activism. Danni is authentic and transparent about her struggles and victories. That kind of energy and wit will serve our listeners well on-air, in social media and on the street.” Starr has worked in radio for more than a decade and is the face of TLCme on the TLC network.

Midland Pays Valentine’s Day Visit to NASH Campus. New country act and Big Machine recording group Midland is pictured here with “NASH Nights Live” co-hosts Elaina Smith (second from left) and Shawn Parr (second from right).

PPM Analysis: Country. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his analysis of the ratings performances of country-formatted stations based on Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2016 PPM survey. In this report, see charts detailing country stations’ (6+) numbers over the past six PPM surveys, fluctuations from December to the Holiday survey, comparisons to performances in the Holiday 2015 and Holiday 2016 surveys, station market ranks and more. Click here for more.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

TALKERS | February 7, 2017

CBS Radio Signs Jim Rome to Multi-Year Extension. Sports talk personality Jim Rome and CBS Radio have come to terms on a new, multi-year deal. Rome jumped from Premiere Networks back in January of 2013 to be one of the lead talents on the then-new CBS Sports Radio network. CBS Radio EVP of programming Chris Oliviero says Rome was a key ingredient, “The Jim Rome show was the critical building block in the successful launch of CBS Sports Radio four years ago and brought immediate star power and credibility to the network. We now look forward to writing the next chapter together in the storied history of Jim’s show, which has been and continues to be the standard by which all nationally syndicated sports shows are judged.” As part of the deal, a one-hour highlight podcast of Rome’s show will continue to be available via CBS’ Play.it network. He’ll also continue to anchor three editions of the early afternoon broadcast of the network’s flagship feature, the “CBS Sports Minute.”

Philly Sports Talker Signs with WIP-FM. When Philadelphia sports talk radio personality Jon Marks exited Beasley’s crosstown WPEN-AM/FM after 10 years with the station last fall, there was speculation he would land at CBS Radio’s “SportsRadio 94WIP.” Now, that’s a reality as Marks assumes the 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm air shift beginning this evening (2/7). Additionally, Marks will anchor weekday Phillies pre-game and post-game coverage, provide content for CBSPhilly.com and contribute to WIP’s daytime lineup. WIP-FM program director Spike Eskin comments, “Jon’s talent, relationship to Philadelphia sports fans, and history in the marketplace will be a huge addition to WIP. We’re thrilled to have him aboard.” Brian Haddad, who was hosting the evening show, remains with WIP-FM as creative services director.

SRN’s Hugh Hewitt Joins Washington Post as Columnist. Conservative media figure Hugh Hewitt adds another gig – and media outlet – to his resume. The Salem Radio Network talk host is signing on with The Washington Post as a regular opinion columnist. In addition to his daily morning drive show on Salem Radio Network, Hewitt is a regular panelist on “Meet the Press,” is a contributor to NBC News, and teaches constitutional law at Chapman University Law School. WaPo editorial page editor Fred Hiatt comments, “Hugh is one of the most influential and intelligent conservatives in political media, simultaneously thoughtful and provocative. It’s essential to us that we offer readers a range of views, and we’re thrilled that Hugh has agreed to join our diverse team.”

KABC, Los Angeles Adds Tweeden to ‘McIntyre in the Morning’ Show. Radio and television personality Leeann Tweeden was previously heard in the Los Angeles market at iHeartMedia’s sports talk KLAC “AM570 LA Sports” as one half of the “Roggin & Tweeden” show. Now, she joins Cumulus Media’s news/talk KABC as news anchor for the “McIntyre in the Morning” show. KABC operations director Drew Hayes states, “We are delighted to have Leeann sign on as the newest addition to the KABC on-air team. She is not only a bright, high energy, and plugged-in broadcaster, she brings a broad reservoir of life experiences. Leeann is a perfect fit for ‘McIntyre in the Morning’ and the big-personality lineup of News. Talk. Evolved. 790 KABC.” Tweeden’s resume includes time spent as co-host of “UFC Tonight on FOX Sports” and FSN’s “The Best Damn Sports Show Period.” Currently, she makes appearances presenting social and political commentary on FOX News’ “Hannity,” HLN’s “Dr. Drew,” and FOX News’ “Red Eye.”

Comrex to Unveil New Portable Audio IP Codec at NAB 2017. This new portable audio IP codec is called the ACCESS NX, and it’s the latest version available from audio IP transmission leader Comrex. This new unit (pictured at right), builds on the 10-year legacy of the ACCESS Portable. However, this unit adds an audio channel, a larger touch screen, and a digital mixing stage. The five-inch, capacitive touch screen doesn’t require a stylus, which simplifies set up and operation. The ACCESS NX includes a dedicated stereo line input, in addition to a pair of XLR switchable audio inputs. ACCESS NX is compatible with an ACCESS clip-on channel mixer (also pictured at right), a new accessory which adds four mic/line inputs and headphone outputs. Comrex says that the new unit includes CrossLock, the company’s custom reliability layer that enables both powerful error correction and network bonding. CrossLock intelligently monitors network connections and adjusts data allotment in real-time. The features on the ACCESS NX include: Two USB jacks for 3G/4G and Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet port, and compatibility with POTS modem (sold separately); two stereo headphone outputs (¼” jacks) with individual controls; digital mixing and headphone busses; digital peak limiting; field-changeable internal lithium battery with built-in charger (5 hours of power); and serial data and four contact closures. Comrex notes that the ACCESS has enabled broadcasters to transmit live programming from war zones, airplanes, bicycles, protests, and natural disasters – “its uniquely portable design has allowed for truly creative programming.”

TALKERS News Notes. WRKO, Boston morning drive personality Doug “VB” Goudie has published a new historical book titled, ACK in Ashes: Nantucket’s Great Fire of 1846. Goudie co-hosts the “Boston.com Morning Show” on the Entercom news/talk outlet with Kim Carrigan. The book tells the story of the July 13, 1846 fire on the island of Nantucket and the challenges the whaling town faced rebuilding after the devastation…..iHeartMedia and partner Advertising Age launch their “Tagline” podcast with season one presenting sponsor Bulleit Frontier Whiskey on board. iHM says, “As the presenting sponsor of “Tagline” season one, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey will work with AdAge and iHeartMedia to craft stories and experiences centered around the cultural frontier. Bulleit and its family of high-rye, award-winning variants will provide inspired cocktails to ‘Tagline’ guests throughout the season and will work with award-winning mixologists to curate cocktails based on each episode’s discussion topic. The premier episode features Jeff Bell, 2013 World Class American Bartender of the Year…..ABC News Radio is presenting a special series titled, “America’s Fentanyl Crisis,” in which senior justice correspondent Pierre Thomas reports on the crisis from New England, ground zero of the Fentanyl epidemic. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic pain killer that has become a popular street drug. During this five-part investigation, Thomas goes inside a Drug Enforcement Administration drug lab, participates in law enforcement ride-alongs, and meets with survivors struggling to stay clean.

Travel Ban Court Battle, DeVos Education Secretary Nomination, O’Reilly vs Putin, Iran Missile Test, Melissa McCarthy’s Sean Spicer Spoof, and Patriots Win Super Bowl LI Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/6). The looming court battle over President Donald Trump’s order stopping travel from seven predominantly Muslim nations; the slim margin of support for Michigan billionaire Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary; the Kremlin’s request for an apology from FOX News for Bill O’Reilly’s calling Vladimir Putin a killer; Iran’s bluster over its recent missile tests and the Trump Administration’s putting it “on notice”; the flap over Melissa McCarthy’s “SNL” performance as Press Secretary Sean Spicer; and the New England Patriots’ comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI 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. At country WUBL, Atlanta “94.9 The Bull,” iHeartMedia names Jeremy “Otis” Maher afternoon drive personality and music director. Otis is psyched about his new gig. He says, “I am so excited to join Brian Michel and the iHeartMedia team on one of the biggest country stations in the nation! I can’t wait to bring a high-energy, ultra-interactive show to The Bull’s listeners.” Most recently, Otis worked as the program director and afternoon host at Alpha Media’s CHR WDJX, Louisville “99.7 DJX.”…..In Colorado Springs, Aaron Zytle exits the program director and afternoon drive personality roles at Bahakel Communications’ KRXP “The Alternative RXP @ 103.9.”…..The weekly, San Diego market Bob Marley program “Brunch With Bob and Friends” is now being heard on alternative XETRA “91X.” The show has been produced in San Diego for the past 13 years and launched on “91X’ on Sunday – what would have been Markey’s 72^nd birthday. The show (airing Sundays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon) is hosted by “91X” morning personality Tommy Hough, who created the program in 2004…..CBS Radio CHR WBBM-FM, Chicago “B96” is presenting the “Lectric Leprechaun” EDM show on March 15 at the Aragon Ballroom. The concert will feature Steve Aoki, Krewella, Cash Cash, and Grandtheft…..Beginning Thursday (2/9), Cumulus Media and Westwood One begin presenting an array of special programming, exclusive brand activations, and backstage performances in celebration of the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The Westwood One Backstage Live at the GRAMMYS weekend will include live performances from Columbia recording artist and multiple GRAMMY Award-winners Train, Republic recording artist Marian Hill, and Hollywood Records recording artist Ocean Park Standoff. The events take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Thursday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET and Friday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm PT. More than 25 radio stations and Westwood One’s nationally syndicated Zach Sang and Adam Bomb shows will be backstage to capture the action as it happens…..The annual Super Bowl-related battle between Dick Broadcasting air personalities got even crazier this year. Each year WKZL, Greensboro personality (and operations manager) Jason Goodman, a.k.a. “The Littlest Patriot” and WKRR, Greensboro personality Chris Kelly (half of the syndicated “2 Guys Named Chris” program) compete to see whose home will host the biggest and greatest Big Game party. Both jocks spent a small fortune trying to outdo each other. (Check out the billboard Goodman rented to park outside the WKRR studios!) Goodman’s party featured door prizes and Oscar-worthy gift bags, while Kelly invested heavily in a state-of-the-art, surround-sound system. The goal: Win the contest by having more friends and co-workers over than your opponent, thus proving Party Superiority! Goodman was declared winner by acclamation…..The WNNX, Atlanta morning show “Bailey and Southside” is running the “Sucks for Bucks” promotion all this month. The contest is simple: When listeners hear a cast member – Jason Bailey, Southside Steve, Brandi Britain or Digi-Dude Nate – on the show sucking (as in performing poorly), they phone in and call them out on it. If a majority of the cast agrees with the caller, the caller wins $100. WNNX says it has allocated “thousands of dollars” for this month-long promotion.

‘REAL 92.3’ Los Angeles Promotes DJ Carisma to Music Director. Los Angeles DJ and mixer DJ Carisma has been with iHeartMedia’s hip hop KRRL “REAL 92.3” since 2015, serving as live DJ/mixer in afternoon drive and as part of the Saturday night “Young California Radio” collaboration with DJ Amen and Dre Sinatra. Now, she’s been upped to music director and mix show coordinator. She says, “I feel like I was born to be a part of the radio world, and the ‘REAL 92.3’ brand is the perfect fit for me. I’m proud of my radio industry track record, and my promotion to music director is mind blowing. I can’t wait to continue to better serve this station and community by doing what I love.”

PPM Analysis: Hot AC. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of hot AC-formatted stations based on the Holiday 2016 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio. In this report, you can see the (6+) ratings battles between in-market competitors, how stations compared to their performances in the December PPM survey, as well as how they performed compared to the Holiday 2015 PPM survey. See it all here.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

TALKERS | January 26, 2017

FOX Sports and Jay Mohr Part Ways. Today’s sudden – and unexpected – announcement from FOX Sports Radio/Premiere Networks and Jay Mohr calls it a mutual decision to “conclude production and syndication of ‘Jay Mohr Sports,’ effective immediately.” Mohr’s show occupied the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET slot on the network. The companies say a new show will be unveiled soon and that until then, FOX Sports Radio’s Dan Beyer and Jonas Knox will sit in. Mohr’s statement is: “I’ve always loved radio, and having a national platform to share my brand of sports talk and comedy was an incredible experience. I loved interacting with the fans, athletes and sports figures over the past three years, but it’s become difficult to juggle the commitment of a three-hour weekday radio show with a film and TV career, stand-up comedy shows, as well as time with my family. It was a tough decision to leave radio, but I appreciate all the support from the team at FOX Sports Radio and Premiere Networks, as well as the listeners and fans.” Premiere president Julie Talbott states, “When we partnered to launch ‘Jay Mohr Sports,’ we aimed to create something truly different – a fusion of comedy, sports and entertainment – and it was very successful. We’re proud of what we accomplished together and wish Jay the best of luck as he focuses on the next chapter of his entertainment career.”

TALKERS News Notes. The unofficial “mayor” of Atlantic City – WPGG morning show host Harry Hurley – is out front covering the Atlantic City and New Jersey scene. He tells us he’s scored the first radio interview with New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno since she declared her candidacy for governor. Hurley says he quizzed Guadagno on her preparedness to be the Garden State’s next chief executive, her plan to limit state spending and lower taxes, and her thoughts on the unpopular state takeover of Atlantic City…..WPHT, Philadelphia morning drive personality Chris Stigall tells TALKERS magazine that, with the election of President Donald Trump, the Philadelphia media has a “newfound interest” in what he’s saying on his show. Stigall was featured on the cover of Wednesday’s daily Metro Philadelphia publication and did a hit with CBS Television’s KYW-TV (pictured at left) during yesterday afternoon’s 5:30 newscast from outside the Loews Hotel where the Republican Congressional retreat is taking place…..Comedian, talk host, and “Celebrity Name Game” host Craig Ferguson is launching a daily talk show on SiriusXM. The 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm program will air on the Comedy Greats channel starting February 27. SiriusXM says Ferguson will showcase his unique talents on his new two-hour SiriusXM show, which will feature his perspective on the news of the day and have celebrity interviews, sketches, and correspondent stories. SiriusXM subscribers will also be able to call into the show…..CBS Sports Radio is broadcasting a new, live edition of “The Taz Show: Bodyslams & Beyond” – following wrestling’s annual major winter pay-per-view event – on Sunday, January 29 from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am. Sports broadcaster and former wrestler Taz will host the three-hour show, joined by special guests Evan Roberts of WFAN, New York and Mike Johnson of PW Insider, to discuss the night’s biggest winners, biggest losers, and best wrestling moves. In addition to airing on over 200 CBS Sports Radio affiliated stations and 13 CBS RADIO owned sports stations, a live audio and video stream will be available online at TazShow.com, and later as on-demand content…..The Washington cluster of CBS RADIO stations enters into a strategic partnership with Wrapify – a company that wraps personal vehicles with local advertising messages, for which the drivers are paid a monthly fee. An app tracks the vehicle’s mileage and route and combines the data with local traffic patterns to determine the number of impressions made on consumers on a particular day and time. Wrapify CEO James Heller states, “Partnering with CBS RADIO Washington brings Wrapify the ability to roll out large-scale sales efforts in the DC market while providing our partners with a way to integrate visual impressions into their advertising campaigns.”

Trump Orders Border Wall Built, Trump Voter Fraud Investigation, Effects of TPP and NAFTA Exits, Trump Targets Sanctuary Cities Polices, Mary Tyler Moore Dies at 80, and Super Bowl LI Matchup Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/25). President Donald Trump signs order to begin process of building Mexican border wall; Trump’s intent to investigate voter fraud from the 2016 presidential race; questions about the effects of America’s exit from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and NAFTA; the looming battle between sanctuary cities and the Trump Administration; television legend Mary Tyler Moore dies at age 80; and the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Guy Phillips Re-Ups with ‘Y98’ in St. Louis. Thirty-eight-year station morning personality Guy Phillips signs a new, multi-year contract with CBS RADIO’s hot AC KYKY “Y98” to continue leading the “Phillips & Company Morning Show.” Program director Marty Linck comments, “Guy is an institution in the St. Louis area. He continuously reinvents his show, and makes me laugh every morning on the way to the office. Hundreds of thousands of listeners have the same experience every morning. I’m thrilled he will continue to call ‘Y98’ home.” Phillips states, “I’ve been one of the luckiest guys to ever work in this business. I have had steady employment over five decades in St. Louis and I haven’t once failed to laugh, on the air and off, on any of those days. I work with a crew that is not only passionate about their jobs but have compassion for one another. I thank a great radio company in CBS RADIO for their enduring trust and support.” The “Phillips & Company Morning Show” Phillips, Courtney Landrum, Jen Myers, Kevin “the Intern,” and Lance Hildebrand.

Cumulus Drops Classic Hip Hop for CHR on KENZ in Salt Lake City. Gone from the 94.9 frequency in Salt Lake City is the classic hip hop and the “94-9 The Vibe” brand, here now is “Power 94.9” – Cumulus Media’s newest CHR outlet. Cumulus Salt Lake City vice president and market manager Patrick Reedy says, “We’re excited to offer a fresh CHR approach to the Salt Lake City market. Although there are some very well-programmed CHRs in SLC currently, we believe Rick Vaughn’s prior multi-city success in exploiting listeners’ unmet needs within the CHR format speaks for itself. In addition, we also believe that advertisers will find ‘Power 94.9’ to be the perfect complement to our sister station [hot AC KBEE] B98.7.”

Sam Hunt Visits NASH Campus. Pictured above is Universal Music Group Nashville recording artist Sam Hunt with the personalities from Cumulus Media’s “Mornings with Ty, Kelly & Chuck.” Hunt appeared on the show to talk about his new single, “Body Like a Back Road,” set for release next Wednesday (2/1) and his “15 in a 30 Tour” that kicks off this summer with fellow artists Chris Janson, Maren Morris and Ryan Follese. Pictured are (from l-r): Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford, Hunt, and Chuck Wicks.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Air personality Riley Couture is named to co-host iHeartMedia’s WIHT, Washington-based “The Kane Show.” Kane says, “As a fellow WFLZ alumni, I’ve watched her learn and grow into an outstanding, brave, incredibly relatable, dominant female talent throughout the years — she’s the perfect addition to our team.”…..Chris Jackson is appointed to the operations manager post at KZIA Inc’s CHR KZIA, Cedar Rapids and sister sports talker KGYM.

Round Two of Holiday PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of Holiday 2016 PPM ratings from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s Holiday 2016 survey period covered December 1, 2016 – January 4, 2017. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Locked on 4.5 (6+) in September and October, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH picked up four-tenths in November; added one full-share in December; and now piles on a +4.5 (4.9 – 5.9 – 10.4, 6+), marching from third to first. This time last year, WASH was at #1 as well with a 12.0 (6+, “Holiday” 2015). Displaced from the penthouse following five successive months there is American University‘s WAMU (11.5 – 9.2, -2.3, 6+), which slips to the runner-up slot. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was +1.5 in December to 11.5, the most potent 6+-share in its PPM-history. The public station recorded its previous best the previous month (10.0, 6+, November 2016). Down the past five sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ “Majic 102.3” regains roughly one-quarter of that total with a +.6 to 4.4, elevating from tenth to seventh. Steady at #4, its direct competitor – Howard University‘s WHUR – is trending 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.7 (October 2016 – “Holiday” 2016, 6+). In the spoken-word arena, after notching five straight sweeps without a decrease for a net +1.3 (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Cumulus Media talker WMAL is off by nine-tenths to 3.3 (#7 to #12, 6+). Meanwhile Hubbard Broadcasting-owned all-news WTOP drops seven-tenths to 8.7 (second to third, 6+), thus halting three straight up or flat trends and relinquishing the combined +.7 (8.7 – 9.2 – 9.4 – 9.4, 6+). Dropping by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS (2.9 – 2.3, #13 to #16, 6+) and CBS Radio rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM (4.0 – 3.5, ninth to tenth, 6+). Steady at #5, Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” dips by one-tenth to 5.0 (6+), thus curtailing five successive improvements that produced a cumulative +2.2 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). After 13 consecutive ratings periods within 3.5 – 3.9 territory (6+), CBS Radio hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh” slips from 3.7 to 3.4 (6+), but remains at #11.

2) Boston – Nearly quadrupling the +1.5 it dialed up in December, Beasley Media Group-owned adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7” repeats at #1 (6.3 – 7.8 – 13.4, +5.6, 6+). The former Greater Media property is -1.4 from its 14.8 (#1, 6+) from “Holiday” 2015. Prior to advancing to #1 in December, “Magic” was in the runner-up slot April through November. When it registered a 6.6 in September, “Magic” halted three successive down or flat trends for a combined -1.2 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). A -.6 in July, meanwhile, stopped a successive string of five increases for a cumulative +1.2 (6.3 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). Co-owned WROR forfeits all of December’s +1.1 plus three-tenths (6.6 – 7.7 – 6.3, -1.4, 6+) but stays at #2. “Boston’s Classic Hits” was the market leader for 11 monthlies in succession before being dislodged in December by “Magic.” In advance of December’s +1.1, WROR had been down by a combined two full-shares over the last four sweeps (8.6 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 6.6, 6+). Sibling WKLB “New Hit Country 102.5” (unchanged at #9) has its fourth straight negative trend (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+) and is a combined -1.4 since September. The market’s FM sports share swells by one-half share with CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” (flagship station of the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots) picking up two-tenths (5.4 – 5.6, 6+) and Entercom’s WEEI-FM (Boston Red Sox flagship) adding three-tenths (4.5 – 4.8, 6+); they carry on at fourth and sixth, respectively. Both had been down the past two sweeps, with WBZ-FM a cumulative -.9 (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+) and WEEI-FM a combined -1.7 (6.2 – 5.4 – 4.5, 6+). Up by +1.1 in back-to-back monthlies (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.5, October-November-December, 6+), Boston University-owned WBUR surrenders eight-tenths to 3.7 (6+) to fall from sixth to eighth (6+). Albeit they remain at #11, CBS Radio hot AC and classic rock cluster-mates WBMX “Mix 104.1 Boston’s Best Variety” and WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7” register identical moves (3.7 – 3.0, -.7, 6+). WZLX is down for the fourth straight time for a collective -1.5 (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+).

3) Detroit – The fourth straight improvement by WNIC is by nearly seven full-shares (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 13.7, 6+) as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary property is +8.8 since September. Moreover, WNIC progresses from second to first. In “Holiday” 2015, WNIC was #1 with a 14.6 (6+). Departing the #1 spot it held in November and December and trading places with WNIC at #2, CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” regresses by nine-tenths, thus stymying four straight gains for a combined +1.7 (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+). December 2016’s 7.1 is the highest 6+-share for WOMC since 7.2 in December 2015. Having gained +1.8 in three straight up or flat trends (4.9 – 5.9 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+), Cumulus Media talker/Detroit Lions flagship WJR returns two-thirds of that increase (5.5, -1.2, 6+) and slides from third to fourth. Eroding by eight-tenths each are hot AC sibling WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Hits” (#12 to #15, 6+) and University of Michigan-owned WUOM (1.8, #17 to #20, 6+). “Today’s Best Hits” is a combined -1.3 in four successive sweeps without an increase (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+). WUOM registered a 2.6 (6+) in three of the last four ratings periods. Following three consecutive up-trends yielding a +.6 (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB surrenders all of it and is back at 3.6 (6+), but “FM 98 Detroit’s Hip-Hop & R&B” carries on at #11. Off by a collective nine-tenths since October (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” slides from ninth to tenth. In five straight declines (7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5 – 6.0 – 4.9 – 4.5, 6+), sports cluster-mate WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is -3.3 (6+), dipping from sixth to seventh. After a one-month hiatus from the top spot, WXYT-FM returned to #1 in September and repeated there in October; “The Ticket” was #1 in April, May, June, and July. With each station’s September 2016 6+-stat in parentheses, these Bell Media (Canada) properties are unlisted for the fourth straight month: alternative CIMX (1.6); triple A CIDR (1.3); classic hits-oldies CKWW (.2); and talk CKLW (.1).

4) Miami – Owing to a December decline of one-half share, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR had its string of consecutive up or flat trends that produced a +.7 end at five (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+), but “99 Jamz” rolls out a +1.1 (4.7 – 5.8, 6+) and remains at #5. Notching one-half share gains are urban AC sibling WHQT “Hot 105” (6.8, fourth to second, 6+); Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” (5.1, flat at #6, 6+); and iHeartMedia classic rocker WBGG “Big 105.9” (3.3 – 3.8, #13 to #10, 6+). Finishing first in June and then second the next three sweeps, “Hot 105” was without an increase the past six sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+). The cumulative seven-tenths that “Zeta 92.3” gained in October and November was more than wiped out with December’s -.9 (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.5 – 4.6, 6+). “Big” was frozen on 3.7 (6+) in June, July, August, and September. Off by one-tenth in both the December and “Holiday” sweeps (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is nonetheless on top for the third consecutive time. “Easy 93.1” was a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth straight ratings period resulting in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom-owned, similarly-programmed WLYF “Lite FM” slides from third to fourth and has its lowest 6+-share since September 2015 (6.2 as well). “Lite FM” was #1 from July through October. Off by a combined -1.2 (4.9 – 4.0 – 3.7, September-October-November, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC made up half of it in December with a +.6, but “Hits 97.3” now sputters by seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #12). Despite being down one-tenth, iHeartMedia’s similarly formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.7 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+) catches “Hits 97.3.” Registering a 2.1 (6+) in each of the last five ratings periods, talk sibling WIOD (#17 to #21) falters by one-half share to 1.6, the same 6+-stat it had in April, May, and June.

5) Seattle – Exchanging places at the top are Hubbard Radio adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” (second to first) and CHR cluster-mate KQMV “MOViN 92.5 All The Hits” (7.1 – 6.8, -.3, first to second, 6+). In three successive gains, “Warm” – which was #1 this time last year with a 13.4 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+) – is a cumulative +6.6 (4.3 – 4.4 – 6.7 – 10.9, 6+). KQMV had been on top the past 12 sweeps. Its -.9 in December halted a string of three straight gains that netted a +2.3 (5.7 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+). After 13 successive times in three-share range (6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5” busts out a +2.1 to 5.5 (6+), rocketing from #12 all the way to #3. Without a decrease for the seventh consecutive sweep yielding a +1.3 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” cracks the top ten (#13 to #8). The market’s FM country share dwindles by -1.5 as CBS Radio’s KMPS sputters by -1.0 (4.0 – 3.0, #7 to #13) and Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” is off by -.5 (#18 to 20). As a result of four consecutive slumps, “The Wolf” is a combined -1.8 (4.1 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Sputtering by nine-tenths each are University of Washington-owned KUOW (5.3 – 4.4, fourth to sixth, 6+) and Pacific Public Media’s KNKX (3.5 – 2.6, #11 to #18, 6+). Down six-tenths (3.7 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM More Music, More Variety” departs the top ten (#8 to #12). In the spoken-word arena, Bonneville talker KTTH is -.7 (2.4 – 1.7, #20 to #22, 6+); co-owned talker KIRO-FM is -.6 (third to fourth, 6+); Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO regresses by -.5 (3.7 – 3.2, #8 to #11, 6+); and iHeartMedia sports outlet KJR-AM is also -.5 (2.2 – 1.7, flat at #22, 6+). KIRO-FM is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+) for a cumulative -.9. Without an increase for the fifth successive time for a cumulative full-share loss (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), CBS Radio classic rock KZOK dips from sixth to seventh. A combined -1.6 in five successive ratings periods without a gain (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7 100% Throwbacks” actually improves from #18 to #16.

6) Phoenix – Not quite doubling December’s impressive +3.5, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ hangs out a +6.7 (6.3 – 9.8 – 16.5, 6+) and is #1 for the 28th successive ratings period. In addition, its whopping 16.5 (6+) actually matches what KESZ recorded in “Holiday” 2015. Posting a gain of one-tenth to 3.5 (6+), co-owned KNIX not only returns to the top ten (#11 to #8), “102.5 #1 for New Country” applies the brakes to four consecutive down or flat sweeps that produced a cumulative -.9 (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+). Three straight negative trends (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.4, 6+) produce a collective -1.4 for CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KOOL, which drops from fourth to ninth. Seven-tenths is unlucky for the following as all four are down by that margin: Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” (third to fifth, 6+); iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 Today’s Best Music” (4.3 – 3.6, fifth to sixth, 6+); adult hits sibling KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” (#7 to #11, 6+); and The Yucaipa Companies’ adult contemporary KOAI “The Oasis” (2.1 – 1.4, #25, 6+). “The Mountain” is down or flat for the sixth consecutive time (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+), while “Arizona’s Real Rock” is without a gain for the fourth straight month (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths each are Bonneville talker KTAR-FM (3.4, sixth to ninth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR (#19 to #22, 6+); Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” surrenders one-half share (#16 to #19, 6+). While KTAR-FM had been up or flat the past four monthlies (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), this is the fourth straight down or flat trend for “La Tricolor 103.5” (3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+).

7) Minneapolis – Honors for loftiest (6+) December 2016 – “Holiday” 2016 increase for the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far goes to iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL. Faltering in five straight ratings periods for a combined -1.7 (8.0 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+), “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” rebounded with a +1.3 in December, but dwarfs that with a resounding +8.3 (7.6 – 15.9, 6+) to repeat at #1. The majority of the other Twin Cities outlets feel the pinch of that +8.3, including co-owned KFXN “Sports Radio FM 100.3 K-FAN,” which “Kool” evicted from the top spot in December when Minnesota Vikings flagship “K-FAN” tumbled by -1.1. Now, KFXN erodes by an additional -1.4 (8.5 – 7.4 – 6.0, 6+) and slides from second to fourth. With an 8.9 in October, “Sports Radio FM 100.3 K-FAN” boasted the best 6+-share in its PPM-history. Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW (sixth to eighth, 6+) returns nearly twice of December’s +.7 with a -1.3 to 4.6 (6+), ending three straight positive trends (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+). Declining by nine-tenths each are iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station,” down for the fourth straight time (8.1 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.1, 6+) and Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock,” off for the third successive sweep (7.1 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+). Ironically, KDWB actually improves from fourth to third and KQRS inches up from fifth to fourth. Similarly, while Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” falters by another seven-tenths and has not had an increase since February (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+), it advances from third to second. In these 11 straight sweeps without an increase, “KS-95” is a combined -3.8. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KTCZ “The Cities” duplicates December’s -.6 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, #11 to #12, 6+). Talk sibling KTLK-AM – which was without a loss the past six sweeps for a combined +1.2 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+) – drops six-tenths as well and moves from #14 to #16. After adding one-tenth in December to halt five straight down or flat trends that produced a collective -1.2 (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is also down by six-tenths (to 4.6, 6+) but is steady at #8. Having registered four successive declines that totaled a -1.4 (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), CBS Radio’s similarly-formatted KMNB “BUZ’N @102.9” (flat at #13, 6+) picked up three-tenths in November; returned it in December; and now forfeits another one-half share (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+). In addition to KMNB, adult hits cluster-mate KZJK “104.1 Jack FM Playing What We Want” (5.7 – 5.2, seven to sixth, 6+) and Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” (5.0 – 4.5, ninth to tenth, 6+) decline by one-half share as well; “Jack” and “93-X” were -.5 and -.6, respectively, in December.

8) San Diego – Over and above posting a +4.6 to extend its string of up or flat trends to five and a 146% increase (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 9.1, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned hot AC KYXY vaults from ninth to first. With a 7.5 (6+), KYXY finished first in the “Holiday” 2015 report as well. It succeeds Entercom-owned KXSN “Sunny 98.1” (5.5 – 5.2, -.3, first to second, 6+), which was on top in November and December. Regressing by six-tenths each are “Sunny” cluster-mate KSON “New Country” (4.6 – 4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “102.9 Mas Variedad,” which registers its third consecutive decrease for a collective -1.7 (5.3 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+); “Mas Variedad” falls from #10 to #11. Following November’s gain of seven-tenths that put it in a three-way tie at #7, KOGO duplicated the feat in December but the iHeartMedia talker – which prior to November had been in three-share range the previous 16 sweeps – falters by one-half share (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+), slipping from the runner-up slot to fourth. In three-share range for the fourteenth straight time, sibling KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock Music” is off by two-tenths (3.8 – 3.6, 6+) but improves from #12 to #11. Following eight consecutive up or flat trends that produced a gain of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+), Midwest Television talker KFMB-AM drops three-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and segues from a three-way tie at #18 to #20. Just ahead of it at #19 is Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative,” which is in 2.1 – 2.6 range (6+) for the fourteenth straight monthly (2.3 – 2.1, -.2, 6+).

9) Tampa – After slipping by one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (9.5 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV answers with an emphatic +3.4 to 12.7 (6+) as “Lite Favorites” is #1 for the 51st successive ratings period. At this time last year, “Lite Favorites” registered a 14.9 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+). Up for the third straight month netting a +1.3 (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The JOY FM” leaps from tenth to fourth. Following four straight gains for a cumulative +1.3 (4.0 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Leader” surrenders virtually all of it (4.1 -1.2, 6+), spiraling from fourth to eighth. It is one-tenth ahead of its format rival, Beasley Media Group’s WQYK (4.4 – 4.0, -.4, seventh to ninth, 6+); “99.5 QYK” was -1.1 in December. This marks the third straight fluctuation of one-half share for co-owned Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima” (#11 to #14, 6+), which is trending 3.9 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.4 (6+). “Maxima” had been in 3.1 – 3.9 range (6+) the previous ten survey periods. Off by one-half share as well is classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” (4.4 – 3.9, 6+), drifting from seventh to tenth. After five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle” is down by one-tenth to 6.4 (6+), but carries on in the runner-up position. One-tenth of a share separates the market’s two CHR outlets, with co-owned WPOI “Hot 101.5 – All The Hits” losing four-tenths (5.0 – 4.6, flat at #6, 6+) while iHeartMedia’s WFLZ “Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” picks up one-tenth (4.3 – 4.4, unchanged at #7, 6+).

10) Denver – Repeating at #1, Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101 Real-Music-Variety” dials up its third straight gain and has more than doubled its 6+-share since October (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 11.6, 6+). KOSI is basically at the same spot it was this time last year when it was first with an 11.7 (6+, “Holiday” 2015). As a result of eroding by -1.3 in December, KTCL not only ended four straight up or flat sweeps that produced a +1.3 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), “Modern Rock Channel 93-3” concluded four consecutive months at #1. The iHeartMedia property, however, rebounds with a +.9 (5.3 – 6.2, 6+) and carries on as runner-up to KOSI. Jumping from #13 to #9, Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” improves by four-tenths to 4.0 (6+), pulling the plug on three straight negative trends that resulted in a combined -1.6 since September (5.2 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Trending 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 (October-November-December, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” sputters by nine-tenths to 4.8, slipping from fourth to fifth. In 3.3 – 3.8 range (6+) six straight times entering the December sweep, KALC “Alice 105.9” registered a +.7 to 4.3 (6+), but the Entercom hot AC forfeits all of it plus one-tenth (4.3 – 3.5, -.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #13). Notching a -.8 as well is Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR (4.6 – 3.8, #7 to #11, 6+), whose (6+) fluctuations in calendar year 2016 included +.7 (January); -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.7 (April); -.7 (June); +.7 (July); -.8 (October); and +.6 (November). Dipping from sixth to seventh, iHeartMedia classic rocker KRFX “The Fox” is off by six-tenths (4.7 – 4.1, 6+), while sibling KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” (3.8 – 3.3, #12 to #14, 6+), Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (#14 to #16, 6+), and public KUNC (1.0 – .5, #27, 6+) are all down by one-half share. KBPI is in 3.0 – 3.8 range for the fourteenth successive sweep. A loss of six-tenths in November by “The Fan” halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). October’s 4.9 represents its most potent 6+ showing under PPM methodology, but it has now lost two full-shares in three straight downward sweeps (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+).

11) Baltimore – The four most recent fluctuations for WLIF “Today’s 101.9” are +.5 (October 2016); -1.1 (November 2016); +1.1 (December 2016); and a walloping +7.0 in “Holiday” 2016 (7.8 – 8.3 – 7.2 – 8.3 – 15.3, 6+). The CBS Radio adult contemporary facility – which was first in “Holiday” 2015 with a 15.0 (6+) – proceeds from second to first. A -.4 in September 2016 by “Today’s 101.9” ended its string of successive increases – which netted a +1.1 – at three (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Exiting the #1 position after just one month is Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “Q-92 Jams” (8.5 – 8.3, -.2, first to second, 6+). Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), co-owned WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” adds one-tenth to 8.2 (6+) and remains at #3. As a result of a -1.2 in July, “Magic 95.9” exited the top spot. Before that, “Magic 95.9” put together four straight increases for a combined +3.7 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 8.2 – 9.8, 6+). In fourth-place the past seven ratings periods, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” falls to fifth and has surrendered a combined -2.5 in three consecutive slides (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 4.7, 6+). While Hearst Television’s WIYY falters by -1.1 (6.0 – 4.9, 6+), “98 Rock” actually climbs from fifth to fourth. Stuck on 4.3 (6+) in November and December, iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by seven-tenths to 3.6 (6+), sliding from seventh to eighth. Albeit off by six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, 6+), Shamrock’s WZBA “100.7 The Bay Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” is steady at #13.

12) St. Louis – Having trotted out a +.9 in December, KEZK tacks on a +5.3 to cruise from sixth to first with its fourth successive progressive trend (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1). The CBS Radio adult contemporary outlet was #1 in “Holiday” 2015 as well with a 14.8 (6+). After improving in three straight ratings periods for a combined +2.2 (5.4 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+), Hubbard Radio adult hits WARH “The Arch” spirals by -1.7 to 5.9, drifting from first to fifth. Up a combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU relinquished a -1.6 in December, but bounces back in grand style with a +3.8 (6.1 – 9.9, 6+), bumping up to second from fifth. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. Stymied on 6.1 (6+) in October and November, CBS Radio hot AC KYKY “Y-98” notched a +.5 in December but erodes by three times that margin in “Holiday” (6.6 – 5.1, -1.5, 6+) slipping from third to sixth. After five straight increases for a collective +1.9 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 4.2, 6+), Emmis talker KFTK tumbles by -1.2 (3.0, #14 to #16, 6+). Forfeiting December’s +.6 and an additional three-tenths as well (4.5, -.9, seventh to ninth, 6+), University of Missouri-owned KWMU has its string of consecutive upward trends which produced a +1.2 snapped at three (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+). Registering decreases of six-tenths each are iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station,” down or flat for the fourth consecutive sweep (5.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.8, #12 to #13, 6+) and co-owned KSD-FM “93.7 The Bull #1 For New Country” (3.9 – 3.3, flat at #15, 6+). Not only is KMOX without an increase for the sixth straight ratings period and a cumulative -3.1 in that stretch (7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+), the CBS Radio talker departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

TALKERS | January 24, 2017

It’s Official: Trump Names Pai FCC Chairman. On the heels of news reports suggesting that President Donald Trump would name Republican Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai the new chairman, he’s done just that. Pai will lead the three-member commission consisting of Pai’s fellow Republican Michael O’Rielly and Democrat Mignon Clyburn until two more commissioners are named to the body by Trump. Pai’s statement was simple: “I am deeply grateful to the President of the United States for designating me the 34th Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. I look forward to working with the new Administration, my colleagues at the Commission, members of Congress, and the American public to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans.” While Pai has been a friend to the radio industry, serving as a commissioner who is sensitive to efforts such as AM revitalization, the speculation is that this FCC will reverse Tom Wheeler-era policies on net neutrality, broadband subscriber data privacy and others.

Rhode Island Talk Host John DePetro Returns to Radio on WADK, Newport. A little more than a month after exiting Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM, Providence, longtime Rhode Island talk radio personality John DePetro returns to the airwaves via 3G Broadcasting’s WADK, Newport, Rhode Island for a show that launches tomorrow (1/25) from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In announcing the news, DePetro states, “I am now the exclusive owner of the ‘John DePetro Show,’ which gives me full ownership of the content of the show and the freedom in the future to syndicate my popular, highly rated, entertaining program. My listeners should get ready for the most entertaining radio I have ever done, and I will continue to tell it like it is.” DePetro’s deal with the station includes a two-hour Saturday “John DePetro Show Week in Review.” Station owner Bonnie Gomes comments, “John DePetro and I have known each other since the late 80s when we worked together at a Providence radio group. John has a well-known, entertaining program and it matches with our goal of making 1540 AM WADK completely live and local. We are excited to welcome John to our broadcasting family and know that he will bring a new, exciting, entertaining twist to our current programming lineup.”

DGital Media and The Players’ Tribune Partner for Podcast Network. Sports-themed media platform The Players’ Tribune partners with DGital Media to release its first podcast. The Derek Jeter-founded podcast network will feature “oral histories, athlete-hosted podcasts, a flagship show and other topical series.” The first show is “Giant Steps,” an oral history podcast that chronicles the rise of the New York Giants’ first Super Bowl championship in 1986. The 60-minute episode, narrated by Michael Strahan, features first-person accounts from Carl Banks, Harry Carson, Pepper Johnson, Leonard Marshall, George Martin, Elvis Patterson, Lawrence Taylor and Bill Parcells. The Players’ Tribune president Jaymee Messler comments, “‘The Players’ Tribune’ has become a destination for thoughtful, insightful storytelling related to topics both on and off the field. We’re excited to introduce another medium for athletes to share stories and discuss important issues through a unique and intimate listening experience. DGital Media is a terrific partner on the launch of this newest extension of our premium content offerings.”

Trump Withdraws US from TPP, Women’s Marches Aftermath, Trump Federal Hiring Freeze, Deadly Southeastern Tornadoes, ‘SNL’ Writer Suspended, Parliament to Vote on Brexit, and Super Bowl LI Matchup Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/23). President Donald Trump signs executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal; the aftermath of the Women’s March in DC and in cities across the world; Trump enacts federal government hiring freeze; the deadly tornadoes that tore through the Southeast U.S.; a “Saturday Night Live” writer Katie Rich is suspended for her tweet targeting Barron Trump; Britain’s Parliament prepares to vote on the country’s exit from the European Union; and the Super Bowl matchup between New England and Atlanta were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Odds & Sods. WABC, New York late morning hosts Sid Rosenberg (left) and Bernard McGuirk (right) are both re-signing with the Cumulus station for new, three-year deals. McGuirk and Rosenberg both still have their roles on the “Imus in the Morning” program. The new deals pertain to their “Bernie & Sid” 9:00 am to 12:00 noon program. Rosenberg tells TALKERS magazine, “I’m excited to spend the next few years at WABC! [Market manager] Chad Lopez and [program director] Craig Schwalb have been a joy to work for and I’m blessed with the best, funniest and most talented partner in the business!”…..Philadelphia sports talker WIP-FM announces the schedule for its Phillies program “The Hot Stove” with Phillies play-by-play team Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen. The hour-long show will air four consecutive Wednesdays at 6:00 pm beginning February 1.

Doug McIntyre and Steve Martin Sell Out Four Nights in Southern California. Pictured above are film and comedy legend Steve Martin (left) and KABC, Los Angeles morning personality Doug McIntyre (right) on stage during one of four performances that took place January 8-11. McIntyre hosts the Distinguished Speakers Series and Martin recently joined him at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, the Redondo Beach Center for the Performing Art in Redondo Beach, the Thousand Oaks Civic Art Plaza in Thousand Oaks, and the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. Previous guests in the series have included John Cleese, Betty White, Ron Howard and Robert Redford among others. Photo: Sue Swan.

Westwood One Names Switzer VP/GM of Music & Entertainment – Country. This is a return to the Westwood One fold for Bryan Switzer. He served with then-ABC Radio Networks, Citadel Media and Cumulus Media Networks from 2006 through 2014 overseeing Nashville marketing, promotion, and affiliate sales for “American Country Countdown,” the 24-hour formats and more. He returns to the media biz from his most recent executive post with JennsCo Chemical Solutions. As vice president/general manager, music & entertainment-country for Westwood One, he’ll be in charge of the marketing and operations of all owned and represented country shows.

Renda Broadcasting Appoints Steve Granato PD for Fort Myers-Naples Cluster. Taking over for Randy Savage, who left the program director position with Renda Southwest Florida to join Cumulus’ Wilkes-Barre cluster, is Steve Granato. He’ll program the company’s four-station cluster including country WWGR “Gator Country 1019,” adult hits WJGO “1029BOBfm,” hot AC WSGL “Mix 104.7,” and news/talk WGUF “98.9 Naples FM Talk.” Granato previously served with Renda Broadcasting programming the company’s Pittsburgh properties in the early 1990s.

WMMR, Philly Names Brent Porche Overnight Jock. Philadelphia heritage rock outlet WMMR announces Brent Porche is named the station’s new overnight personality. The Beasley Media Group-owned station notes that “it’s rare a radio station that goes eight years between full-time hires. It’s rarer still that the position is for a full-time, overnight air talent.” Porche takes over for Jacky Bam Bam who recently was promoted to the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight show. Porche says of his new gig, “It’s like a lifelong fan rooting for the Eagles and getting hired to play on the team – with all his favorite players! I’m honored to join Preston & Steve, Pierre Robert, Jaxon, Jacky and all the DJs on such a legendary station.”

Jenkins to Lead Alpha Media’s Moberly-Macon, Missouri Station Group. Thirty-year radio pro Mike Jenkins is named market manager for Alpha Media’s Moberly-Macon, Missouri station group that includes, country KRES-FM, oldies KIRK-FM, Christian contemporary KTCM-FM, and news/talk KWIX-AM/FM. Alpha Midwest Region EVP George Pelletier says, “We are pleased to welcome Mike Jenkins to our Alpha operations in Moberly. Mike has a terrific track record of success everywhere he has worked. His reputation of being a great leader, inspired broadcaster and client-oriented sales champion convinced us that he was the right kind of person to lead the Alpha team in Moberly, Missouri.”

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. San Diego CHR KHTS-FM “Channel 93.3 FM” names Ethan Cole evening personality. Cole stays with iHeartMedia having spent that past two years producing the “Matty in the Morning” show for WXKS-FM, Boston “Kiss 108 FM.”.…..Saga Communications names Mark the Shark afternoon drive personality at classic rock WKLH, Milwaukee WKLH-FM “Rock 96-5.” It’s a return to Brew City for The Shark. He served with former rock outlet WQFM (now AC WLDB) during the 1980s and 1990s…..The Cantore + Woods morning show with Chris Cantore and Steve Woods exits Entercom’s alternative KBZT, San Diego “FM 949” after 15 months in the daypart. No word on the new morning drive show yet…..WNKS, Charlotte “KISS 95.1” intern Whitney Thore and the “Maney, Roy and LauRen Show” are back on television for tonight’s (1/24) season premiere of the TLC Network show, “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” starring Thore. The show follows Thore, a passionate dancer on her way to maintaining a healthy life style through dance and a “No Body Shaming” policy…..iHeartMedia’s Fresno country outlet KHGE “102.7 The Wolf” is hosting the 2017 Acoustic Kick-Off Concert featuring live performances by country music recording artists Hunter Hayes, Casey Donahew and Lucas Hoge tomorrow night (1/25) at the Tower Theater in Fresno. The Wolf program director Nick Cash says, “We love to connect our ‘102.7 The Wolf’ listeners with the hottest new country artists in a live and intimate setting. Hunter has a big, young following in the Central Valley and we can’t wait to sing along with them in the crowd at Acoustic Kick-Off Concert!”

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

TALKERS | January 10, 2017

Matt Smith to Lead Philly Station Group’s Sales Efforts for Beasley. Sales and management pro Matt Smith moves up from Beasley Media Group’s Wilmington, Delaware operations, where he was market manager, to Philadelphia where he’s now vice president and general sales manager. In Philly, Beasley operates sports talker WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic,” WTEL-AM “610 M Sports,” and brokered/ethnic WWDB-AM. Smith says, “I’m a proud Philadelphia sports fan, and a ‘97.5 The Fanatic’ P1! I’m thrilled to be back in the most passionate sports town in America leading a top sales team, and working with some of the top professional and collegiate sports brands in the country.” Philly market manager Joe Bell states, “I’m very impressed with the enthusiasm and management capabilities of Matt Smith. His history with Beasley has been stellar and he will be instrumental in the continued growth of Beasley’s Philadelphia cluster!”

Chad Benson Show Added to KSTE, Sacramento in Middays. The program is syndicated nationally by Radio America and announces it is now airing in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon slot at iHeartMedia news/talker KSTE, Sacramento “Talk 650” KSTE. KSTE program director Bill White says of the Chad Benson show, “Chad’s experience abroad and here at home, along with his Sacramento roots, makes him a great addition to the Talk 650 KSTE lineup.” Radio America COO Mike Paradiso adds, “Chad is the next generation of talk and the perfect fit following ‘Armstrong and Getty’ on ‘Talk 650’ KSTE. We’re excited to be working with iHeart’s great team in Sacramento.”

Townsquare Appoints Andy Meyer to New Video Content Position. The new title television and digital media pro Andy Meyer has is vice president/original programming and head of video for Townsquare Media. The company says that in this role, Meyer will oversee its video programming on all digital platforms, as well as for linear TV and branded entertainment. Townsquare senior vice president of digital Jared Willig says, “We are thrilled that Andy has joined Townsquare to lead video programming and production. Andy’s executive experience, his creativity as a producer, and his proven track record in creating compelling programming will enable us to grow our already thriving slate of original video franchises.” In addition to radio stations, Townsquare operates the music and entertainment brands, XXL, Taste of Country, Loudwire, Ultimate Classic Rock, ComicsAlliance, PopCrush, Diffuser, and ScreenCrush, plus numerous live events including, “Mountain Jam,” “Taste of Country Music Festival,” and We Fest.”

DGital Media Partners to Launch ‘Pod Save America.’ On-demand entertainment creator DGital Media is partnering with actor and filmmaker Jon Favreau, former Obama speechwriter Jon Lovett, former Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor, and former Obama senior advisor Dan Pfeiffer to launch a new podcast titled “Pod Save America.” DGital Media says, “The twice-weekly show brings together some of the most influential voices in politics, journalism and entertainment for a freewheeling conversation designed to inform and inspire listeners to become more active in the political process.” DGital Media chief content officer Chris Corcoran adds, “Talent of this level, both in their influence on the world of politics combined with their skillful and entertaining style of communicating with each other, is rare. There is probably no better time in American history to have informed, fun and intelligent conversation around the world of politics, and this series will consistently raise the bar and deliver all of that and more. DGital Media is honored to be partnering with this unmatched team and compelling series.”

CBS RADIO News Now on Amazon’s Alexa. The company says it’s the first commercial news network to make its product available via Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service. CBS Radio News listeners are now able to hear full five-minute newscasts and one-minute news briefs on all Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Tap and Amazon Fire TV. Listeners can get the latest news updated hourly through the Flash Briefing on those devices. By going to the settings menu on the Amazon Alexa app and selecting Flash Briefing, listeners will be able to activate both five-minute newscasts and shorter one-minute news briefs to play on demand.

Golden Globes Anti-Trump Speeches, Russian Hacking Allegations, Jeff Sessions AG Hearings, GOP ObamaCare Plans, Trump Names Kushner to WH Post, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/9/). The controversy over Meryl Streep’s and other celebrities’ anti-Trump speeches at Sunday’s Golden Globes Awards; the ongoing talk of allegations Russia hacked the DNC’s emails and President-Elect Donald Trump’s disagreement with the intelligence community on the matter; anticipation of today’s confirmation hearings for attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions; the Trump Administration’s and the GOP’s plans to overhaul the Affordable Care Act; Trumps names son-in-law Jared Kushner to White House staff, raising questions about violation of the anti-nepotism law; and the weekend’s NFL playoff games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Odds & Sods. WABC, New York talk show host Curtis Sliwa announced to his audience on the “Drive at Five” show on the Cumulus Media news/talk station that he’s re-upped with the station for another two years. He dedicated his announcement to his late hero and mentor, legendary New York talk host Bob Grant…..Las Vegas-based GCN-syndicated talk show host Dr. Daliah Wachs celebrated her 8^th year on the air as a radio talk personality on Monday, January 9…..ESPN Audio is launching a weekly podcast titled, “Adam Schefter’s Know Them from Adam” that’s an interview series featuring long-form conversations with individuals who have a connection to pro football. ESPN says the show will “touch upon football topics and go much deeper, exploring life lessons, philosophies, what motivates the interview subjects, and more.” His first guest is Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones…..Audio sales firm Skyview Networks promoted three of its national audio sales managers to vice president positions. Those affected are: Lloyd Hyman, Kim Ball and Karen Henderson. Skyview specializes in play-by-play sports and ABC Radio sales. The company says the three will be given heavy responsibilities in their new roles…..Pubcaster WBUR, Boston – the markets NPR news station – names Yasmin Amer to the position of “Morning Edition” field producer. She joins WBUR after six years at CNN…..CBS RADIO Pittsburgh holds its fourth annual gastro fest “eat.drink.PITTSBURGH” on February 18. News/talk KDKA-AM, sports talk KDKA-FM, and its hot AC and country sister stations are producing the promotion at Rivers Casino that allows attendees to “experience a culinary escape as they enjoy tasty food and beverage samples from some of Pittsburgh’s hottest restaurants and bars.”

Cool Office Gig. Oregon’s “Radio Station of the Year,” NEWS TALK 860 KPAM, Portland and sister station Sunny 1550, has an immediate opening for a traffic manager to manage all phases of commercial traffic and billing for two radio stations. The successful candidate will have at least four years’ experience in radio or television broadcast traffic. Experience using Marketron traffic software is preferred, but not mandatory. We offer comprehensive compensation and benefits plans in a locally owned and employee-focused environment. Please send resume to: General Sales Manager, radiosales@kpam.com No phone calls please. EOE.

Jonesy’s Book and More Programming News from KLOS, Los Angeles. A number of news items from Cumulus Media’s Southern California classic rocker KLOS. Former Sex Pistols guitarist and current host of the midday “Jonesy’s Jukebox” show, Steve Jones, is releasing his memoir titled, Lonely Boy: Tales from A Sex Pistol (Da Capo 2017). The U.S. release of the book comes at the time of the 40th anniversary of the Sex Pistols’ debut album, Never Mind the Bollocks. Jones is on a nationwide press tour for the next two weeks, including an appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” and two Los Angeles stops for a sold out Q&A and signing at the Grammy Museum tonight (1/10). On the programming side, KLOS is creating “The Frosty, Heidi & Frank Night Shift” that airs Monday through Thursday from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. It features a mix of “best of” material from the KLOS morning show, plus new content never before heard from the show.” Finally, comic and comedy writer Greg Beharrell joins KLOS for weekends and as a key writer and digital/social content creator. Beharrell was previously at KITS, San Francisco “Live 105.” He’ll continue to do his radio shows in Canada, in addition to holding down duties as the Canadian voice of JACK-FM.

Ron Parker Tapped for Afternoons at WLS-FM, Chicago. New afternoon drive personality Ron Parker hosts his first shift at Cumulus Media’s classic hits WLS-FM, Chicago today. The station announces that Parker as most recently on air at the company’s country WNSH, New York “NASH FM 94.7.” He also achieved #1 ratings at two different dayparts at CBS RADIO’s classic hits WCBS-FM, New York. Parker has held on-air and programming posts in markets including: San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Tallahassee. WLS program director Brian Thomas comments, “Ron is one of the premier talents of the classic hits format and has always achieved ratings success.”

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. It’s all Chicago now for WEBG “BIG 95” morning personalities Mason & Remy. The duo had been doing mornings at iHeartMedia’s Windy City country outlet and at the company’s KSD, St. Louis “93.7 The Bull.” Now, they are exiting the KSD gig. Program director and midday host Dusty assumes afternoons and Billy Greenwood is handling middays for now…..Also from iHeartMedia, JB Webb is named senior vice president of programming for the company’s western Ohio station group that includes country WIMT, Lima; CHR WBKS, Columbus Grove; hot AC WMLX, St. Marys; rock WZRX, Fort Shawnee; and news/talk WIMA-AM, Lima…..A series of talent moves take place at Guaranty Broadcasting’s WDGL, Baton Rouge “98.1 The Eagle.” Richard Condon and Anna Betts move to the morning drive “Condon Uncensored” show. They are joined by former “Eagle” personality Scott Robb. Mike Benson is the new midday personality and Scotty Drake moves to afternoons to host “The Drive with the Drake.”

Third Anniversary for ‘NASH Nights Live.’ Celebrating the third anniversary of the “NASH Nights Live” country radio program at the NASH Campus in Nashville are (from l-r): producer Ryan Kershner; NASH Network director of programming John Shomby, co-host Elaina Smith, co-host Shawn Parr, and producer Brian Egan.

AC Augments Audience in Philly, Tampa, Dallas

TALKERS | January 9, 2017

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

LOS ANGELES — Just over two weeks after Christmas and nine days into the new year, admittedly, doesn’t provide much of a sample to gauge an industry “trend.”

At the very least though, it is worth noting three interesting top 20 market developments that contain a common thread.

The last time a major market station transitioned to adult contemporary was in April 2016, when iHeartMedia San Francisco’s urban-rhythmic oldies KISQ became “The Breeze.

Now that the all-Christmas music has come to an end, however, there are three new players under the AC banner.

Monday, November 28, 2016

TALKERS | November 28, 2016

Herman Cain to End Radio Syndication in 2017; Remains on WSB-AM, Atlanta and Four CMG News/Talkers. WSB-AM, Atlanta-based talk show host Herman Cain – currently heard on some 100 additional affiliate stations – will end his national syndication in the New Year and will focus on his work at Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM and four other O&O news/talk outlets (WDBO, Orlando; KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa; WHIO-AM/FM, Dayton; and WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville). WSB-AM program director Pete Spriggs tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Rodney Ho, “Syndication isn’t as lucrative as it used to be…Herman is one of the most amazing talents I have ever worked with. It’s not easy to let go of national syndication. Everyone has an ego. But, he understands the business reasons. He immediately started thinking about how this can help his digital assets including hermancain.com.” TALKERS magazine publisher and editor Michael Harrison comments, “In this day and age of podcasts and radio apps, you don’t need to be on 100-some-odd stations to have a national footprint in media. You can be nationally famous on one station because of the way online broadcasting works. People are way more sophisticated in their listening habits than they used to be.” Read the AJC story here.

KCMO, Kansas City Drops Local Rob Carson Morning Show. Talk show host Rob Carson notified his listeners via a Facebook post that his gig with Cumulus Media at Kansas City news/talker KCMO-AM is over as the result of budget cuts at the station. Carson joined the station in January of 2015. Carson says his ratings were excellent and that he’s thankful to management at KCMO for the opportunity. “I’m quite proud of what I did at KCMO. I know this was purely budgetary. I feel bad that I won’t be able to share the message of my local charities including friendsinserviceofheroes.com, CMN, Tamale Kitchen, City Union Mission and others. My mantra: Entertain, inform and motivate people to do good. I won’t be out long.” In April of this year, the station laid off talk host Greg Knapp, also for budgetary reasons. Both Knapp and Carson climbed aboard KCMO in 2015.

Former New York Giant Chris Canty Joins WEPN, New York’s ‘Hahn & Humpty’ Show. The early afternoon “Hahn & Humpty” program – featuring Alan Hahn and Rick DiPietro – is adding former New York Giants star Chris Canty as a personality. The ESPN O&O says that Canty will continue to serve as a host for the Sunday morning “NY’s Game Day” program. Canty says “I couldn’t be more excited to join the ‘98.7 ESPN’ team. After spending my ‘first career’ on the field, I’m looking forward to sharing my experience and perspectives with New York sports fans.”

Nielsen Audio Releases Round Three of November 2016 PPM Data. The third of four rounds of November 2016 PPM ratings 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 November 2016 survey period covered October 6 to November 2. You can find the complete 6+ ratings numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS/RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Twelve Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.

The Death of Fidel Castro, Stein Recount/Trump Voter Fraud Claim, Trump Transition, the Thanksgiving Holiday, Standing Rock Protests, College Football Playoff Scenarios, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro at age 90; the move by Green Party candidate Jill Stein to challenge the presidential election results in several states with the goal to turn the election victory over to Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump’s claims that voter fraud cost him the popular vote; the transition of the Trump Administration; the Thanksgiving holiday; the protests over the gas pipeline at Standing Rock; the weekend’s college football games and the possible playoff scenarios; and the weekend’s NFL Action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend.

PodcastOne and Southern Cross Austereo to Form PodcastOne Australia. This venture between Southern Cross Austereo and PodcastOne will create new platform called PodcastOne Australia. Under the terms of the deal, SCA will operate PodcastOne Australia as the exclusive partner in Australia and New Zealand with select SCA podcasts made available in the U.S. on the PodcastOne platform. In a press release, it’s noted that SCA “reaches 95% of the country with assets in television, radio and digital. PodcastOne is the largest advertiser-supported podcast network in the United States, delivering more than 200 programs, with over 350 hours of original weekly episodes, which were downloaded 1.5 billion times last year.” It’s expected that PodcastOne Australia will be up and running early in 2017. SCA CEO Grant Blackley says, “I am thrilled that SCA has this opportunity to be partnering with PodcastOne. This partnership gives us the ability to tap into the expertise, experience and success of the leading commercial podcast company in the U.S. market, where the podcasting industry is a number of years ahead of audio, on-demand in Australia. We recognize the enormous growth potential of podcasting, both internationally and domestically, and look forward to further building this vast platform with the best international and unique Australian content. SCA is striving to be at the forefront of developing the Australian podcasting industry and its talent.” The companies say “a dedicated, stand-alone PodcastOne Australia team of executives is being structured within the company to nurture new talent, commission new content, adapt existing content, develop existing talent, undertake technical production and monetize the podcasts.” Grant Tothill, currently head of strategic partnerships at SCA, is being appointed to the newly created position of SCA head of podcasting to run the new business. Pictured above are (from l-r): John Kelly, COO, SCA; Jim Berk, CEO, PodcastOne; Grant Blackley; Norm Pattiz, founder and executive chairman, PodcastOne; and Grant Tothill.

Odds & Sods. WIP-FM, Philadelphia will continue to serve as the flagship radio station for Philadelphia Phillies baseball after the club and CBS RADIO agreed to an extension of their broadcast partnership deal. The Phillies and CBS have been partners since 2004. CBS RADIO SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “We’re thrilled that SportsRadio 94WIP is continuing the partnership as the radio home of Phillies baseball. The Phillies have become part of the fabric of WIP and we’re excited for the 2017 season to begin.”…..KFI, Los Angeles, in conjunction with the charitable organization Caterina’s Club, is holding the sixth annual KFI PastaThon. The event is an on-air fundraiser to help feed local children in need. It’ll take place Thursday (12/1) at Bruno Serato’s White House Restaurant in Anaheim with monies raised helping to provide a nightly, balanced meal to more than 1,800 low-income children in over 15 cities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. KFI personalities Bill Handel, Aron Bender, Jennifer Jones Lee, Gary Hoffman, Shannon Farren, John Kobylt, Ken Chiampou and Tim Conway Jr. will be on site encouraging listeners to donate packaged pasta, jars of pasta sauce and money to help feed underprivileged children that live in motels without access to a kitchen to cook healthy meals.

WOWO, Fort Wayne Legend Bob Chase Dead at 90. Fort Wayne market radio legend Bob Chase died on Thanksgiving (11/24) at the age of 90 – one year after retiring from WOWO. According to the obit on WOWO’s website, Chase joined the station in 1953 and worked there until he retired from his role calling Fort Wayne Komets hockey last season. He served the station as sports director until 2009. The station notes that, during his career at WOWO, Chase “would also interview many artists as part of the original ‘Fabulous Four,’ including a young Elvis Presley. With Westinghouse using WOWO as a test market, Bob became one of the earliest ‘disc jockeys’ in the country as the station broke away from satellite programming in favor of playing their own music.”

Longtime WGNU, St. Louis Personality Richard ‘Onion’ Horton Dead at 80. Former St. Louis radio personality Richard “Onion” Horton died on November 24 at age 80 after a battle with Alzheimer ’s disease. According to an obituary from St. Louis Public Radio, Horton was a polarizing figure in the community who was very popular with his mostly black audience. In the obit, Gloria Ross writes that Horton was not afraid to talk about race. In fact, the battle against racial disparity was one of his most ardent causes. “Mr. Horton railed against ‘the white man’ and ‘the system,’ but he reserved his most scathing critiques for fellow blacks. When low black voter turnout sank a public school bond issue in 1987, he told the Post-Dispatch it was ‘the most sickening thing I have ever seen from the black community.’” Read the story here.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

TALKERS | November 3, 2016

It’s Official: WIP, Philadelphia Announces Chris Carlin and Ike Reese Afternoon Show. As has been rumored for more than a week, CBS RADIO is bringing former WFAN, New York personality and “Mike and the Mad Dog” producer Chris Carlin aboard to co-host the afternoon show with longtime station personality (and former Eagles star) Ike Reese. Carlin has been working for SportsNet New York hosting the “Loud Mouths” show and as voice of Rutgers football broadcasts. He also handled sports updates on WFAN’s “Imus in the Morning” program for a while. Carlin and Reese will broadcast the new program weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm beginning Monday (11/7). CBS RADIO Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Chris Carlin understands the passion that major East Coast cities have for their sports teams. It’s easy to be excited to add a seasoned talker who has hosted great shows. I know he’ll fit right in at WIP. Ike Reese has spent the last nine years developing a deep relationship with Philadelphia sports fans. He’s passionate. He’s opinionated. He’s beloved. We’re thrilled that he’ll be playing an even bigger role at the radio station.” Carlin comments, “I couldn’t be more excited to come to Philadelphia. When the opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer. The passion of the Philly fans is legendary and that’s what I’m hoping to feed off. Ike’s been a part of it for a long time and he’s got his finger on the pulse of the city. I know I’ve worked in New York for most of my career, but to co-host in afternoon drive on one of the cornerstone stations of radio in Philadelphia is something I could never have imagined.”

Ramsey’s Smart Money Event Sells Out in Grand Rapids. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar and best-selling author Dave Ramsey sold out his Smart Money event in Grand Rapids last night (11/2) at DeVos Performance Hall. Ramsey combined forces with local affiliate News Radio WOOD to promote the event. iHeartMedia local market manager Tim Feagan says, “We are so pleased to have Dave Ramsey back in West Michigan. Grand Rapids and WOOD Radio have hosted many Ramsey events here over the years and our listeners continue to respond enthusiastically to his fresh take on money and life. We will again have a great turnout this week and we, and more importantly, our clients, could not be more thrilled to have Dave back.” Pictured here are (from l-r): Phil Tower, director of content & programming for WOOD and WTKG; Ramsey; Feagan; and Kim Lozano, general sales manager for iHeartMedia West Michigan.

National Radio Hall of Fame Announces The Mix Group Sponsorship. For this year’s 28th Annual National Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on November 17, radio imaging and production company The Mix Group will serve as the exclusive presenting sponsor. In a statement from the National Radio Hall of Fame, The Mix Group will also serve as an annual supporter of other upcoming National Radio Hall of Fame events. Additionally, CBS Radio, Hubbard Radio, Premiere Networks, Westwood One and DTS, Inc. have committed to the efforts of the National Radio Hall of Fame as annual supporting sponsors. NRHoF chairman Kraig T. Kitchin says, “We’re so pleased to have the most generous support of The Mix Group for this prestigious occasion and the year to come, along with CBS, Hubbard, Premiere, Westwood and DTS. Together, we’ll shine a light on the best our industry has to offer through this fine institution.” On November 17, the class of 2016 will be inducted at the Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago. It consists of: George G. Beasley, Delilah, Jeff & Jer (Jeff Detrow & Jerry Cesak), Eric & Kathy (Eric Ferguson & Kathy Hart), Steve Harvey, Bob Kingsley, Kidd Kraddick, Tony Roberts, Neil Rogers and Michael Savage.

Mel Gibson Speaks About Hacksaw Ridge at SiriusXM Town Hall. Pictured here is Hacksaw Ridge director Mel Gibson (second from right) with actors Vince Vaughn (left) and Luke Bracey (second from left) with SiriusXM’s John Fugelsang (right) at the taping of the SiriusXM Town Hall promoting Gibson’s new film. The program will air on the satcaster’s “Insight” channel Friday at 4:00 pm ET. Photo: Cindy Ord, SiriusXM.

Odds & Sods. New York City radio legend Alex Bennett is releasing his autobiography – in audio form! Bennett calls it a “spoken-word history of my 77 years” titled, “Life in the Passing Lane.” Bennett tells TALKERS that after being asked over the years when he was going write a book of his life, he finally did it in 67, 30-minute chapters that are available via his Gabnet.net website. He says, “It covers all my adventures in broadcasting and the people and places I have encountered along the way. I am very proud of it.”.…..At Magic Broadcasting’s Panama City, Florida station group, Marc Summers rejoins the company to serve as operations manager and program director for CHR WILN, urban AC WVVE, and news/talk WYOO.

The Presidential Race, Hillary Clinton Emails Investigation, U.S. House and Senate Races, Battle Against Islamic State for Mosul, ObamaCare Premium Hikes, European Migrant Troubles, Iowa Cops Slain, the World Series, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/2). The race for president between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the controversy over the FBI’s renewed investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server; the races for U.S. House and Senate seats; the fight to re-take the Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State; the outrage over premium hikes and plan choice for health care as the result of the Affordable Care Act; migrant-related violence in France and Germany; the slaying of two Iowa police officers; the build-up to game 7 of the World Series; and the weekend’s NFL Action were some of the most-talked about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

TALKERS | November 1, 2016

Tag: "Philadelphia"

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: