Tag: "Phoenix"
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
WGAU, Athens Debuts Erick Erickson Midday Show. Back in April, WSB-AM, Atlanta afternoon drive talk show host Erick Erickson announced he was
planning to launch a midday talk radio show based at Cox Media Group’s WGAU-AM/W254CJ, Athens, Georgia. That has become a reality with his new show now airing from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, following the station’s morning drive program and leading into Premiere Networks’ Rush Limbaugh program. Back in April, Erickson said he believes that local news outlets are failing to give enough attention to Georgia news and the drive time shows focus too much on the national political scene. Erickson hopes to syndicate the new show to other talk stations in Georgia. He is continuing to host his 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm program on WSB-AM.
Darren Smith Co-Hosts Nightly Show on KOGO, San Diego. San Diego sports talk personality Darren Smith – who just started his new midday gig with
iHeartMedia’s sports talk KLSD-AM “XTRA 1360” – is delving into news/talk with the company’s sister KOGO-AM. Smith is co-hosting an hour-long 7:00 pm program with “KOGO Evening News” anchor Jack Cronin titled, “Not Sports.” Smith was a longtime sports talk host on former sports talk XEPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090.” This addition to the KOGO program schedule pushed the Chris Merrill-hosted “KOGO at Night” back to an 8:00 pm start.
KGME-AM, Phoenix Adds ‘Roc & Manuch’ to Weekday Lineup. Phoenix sports talk duo “Roc & Manuch” – Mike “Roc” Muraco (left) and Dan “Manuch”
Manucci (right) – are joining iHeartMedia’s sports talk KGME-AM “Fox Sports 910” to host the 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm daypart, effective September 3. The two have been on the air in the Phoenix market for more than 15 years, including on KQFN-AM “1580 The Fanatic” and KDUS-AM “NBC Sports Radio.” The program is being produced by Chris Schubert. iHeartMedia Phoenix market president Linda Little says, “We’re excited to add ‘Roc & Manuch’ to our expanding local lineup on ‘Fox Sports 910.’ With over 15 years of experience in Phoenix, Roc and Manuch bring with them a vast knowledge of local sports.”
Fargo Sports Anchor Dom Izzo Launching Talk Show. In Fargo, WDAY-TV sports reporter and anchor Dom Izzo is leaving his 6:00 pm and 10:00 duties
with the Forum Communications television station to host the 9:00 am to 11:00 am program on the company’s news/talk WDAY-AM/K226CL. Izzo, who’s been with the television station for the past 10 years, will continue to handle the Friday high school football wrap-up and the “Sports Sunday” show on the TV side. His new radio show appears to replace the last two hours of “AM Fargo-Moorhead with Mike Kapel.”
‘Jet Stream Sports Report’ Launches. A new, daily two-minute sports feature called “The Jet Stream Sports Report” is being distributed by USA Radio Network. The program – available via FTP – is hosted by Jason “The Jet” Williams and “brings the fire and energy that is required for the world of sports.” USA Radio Network says, “Jason’s passion and love for sports and his sharp wit make him a unique brand ambassador.”
2020 Presidential Race, Trump Greenland Purchase Inquiry, Immigration Policy, U.S.-China Trade War/Hong Kong Protests, Epstein Suicide Ruling, NYPD Fires Cop in Garner Death Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/19). The Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in the 2020 election; President Trump’s reported interest in buying Greenland for its natural resources; the state of the U.S.-Mexico border and U.S. immigration policy; the trade war between the U.S. and China and the related Hong Kong protests; the official ruling of suicide in the death of alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein; and the firing of New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo in choke-hold death of Eric Garner were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Celebrating 50 Years in Radio. KDXE-FM, Little Rock “101.1 The Answer” afternoon drive talk show host Dave Elswick (right) is pictured above with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (left) – one of many visitors to the station to help Elswick celebrate his 50th anniversary in the radio business.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Washington, DC market, Howard University-owned urban contemporary WHUR-FM names Al Payne program director. He was most recently with Cumulus Media as PD at urban contemporary KMJK, Kansas City “Magic 107.3.” He says, “Growing up as an I-95 ‘radio kid,’ there were a few iconic stations that you could only dream of one day having the opportunity to program and influence. 96.3 WHUR is at the pinnacle of my personal list and to say that this is a blessing is a huge understatement. I look forward to working with the incredible GM, Sean Plater, to help this amazing team of world class broadcasters continue to entertain and serve the DMV under the umbrella of Howard University.”…..iHeartMedia’s CHR WIOQ, Philadelphia “Q102” announces that Eliott King becomes the new evening personality as host of “Q102 Tonight with Eliott,” effective September 9. Station program director Buster Satterfield says, “Eliott’s passion and level of creativity make him the perfect candidate to lead ‘Q102’ nights. ‘Q102’ is a heritage station in the Philly community and we’re certain that he’ll help shake things up for the iconic brand.” King was most recently afternoon drive host at Radio One’s CHR WNOW-FM, Indianapolis…..Alpha Media names DJ Q content director for hip hop WGZB “B96” and urban contemporary WMJM “Magic 101.3,” effective September 1. He’s been serving as assistant program director for the stations for the past five years. He states, “There is no purpose without a plan. Success is doing what you love, focusing on your goals, and never giving up the strength and determination to succeed. I’m excited to be a proud Alpha Media family member and I look forward to bringing a positive culture and creative ideas to the forefront.”…..At Hubbard Radio’s country WIRK-FM, West Palm Beach “New Country 101.3,” Sammy Cruise rises to APD and music director. He also hosts the afternoon drive show. Operations manager and brand content director Bruce Logan says, “I am thrilled to have Sammy on the team. His brand knowledge of WIRK, his talent as an air personality, and his relationships with artists, artist managers and label friends is second to none. Sammy has been invaluable to me as we work to build ‘New Country 103-1’ into South Florida’s home for new country.”
27 Graduate from 12th RTTR Women in Radio Management & Leadership Training Program. Pictured above are the 27 women who took part in the Rising Through the Ranks Women in Radio Management & Leadership Training Program in Nashville August 13-15. The program was presented by the Radio Advertising Bureau, in conjunction with BMI and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group. The graduates are (in alphabetical order): Luisa Banks, Cox Media Group; Jill Bernhardt, Cumulus Media; Taylor Brown, Neuhoff Media; Alexandra Byrnes, Entercom Communications; Yvonne Cheng, iHeartMedia, Inc.; Katy Dempsey, Bryan Broadcasting; Jaime Frankel, Beasley Media Group; Adella Fremstad-Nolden, Radio One; Pamela Hall, Kindred Communications; Andrea Hansen, Entercom Communications; Nichole Hansen, Saga Communications; Traci Harris-Mason, Forcht Broadcasting; Dara Kalvort, Entercom Communications; Tori Kahl, iHeartMedia, Inc.; Shannon Kenefick, Townsquare Media; Adria Lawrence, Emmis Communications; Michelle Mazzara, BMI; Kate Maguire, Summit Media; Elizabeth Nifong, Beasley Media Group; Debbie Payne, Cumulus Media; Kristina Schoenbeck, Entercom Communications; Crista St. John, Bonneville International/Mariners Radio; Ava Suppelsa, BMI; Brianne Thompson, Leighton Broadcasting; Denise Tolzman, Queen B Radio; Dianna Towns, Neuhoff Media; and Ashley Williams, Cox Media Group.
Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 PPM Data. July 2019 ratings information has been released for Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s July
2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three PPM-markets.
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – A collective -1.2 via four successive down or flat trends (4.4 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” ends the slide with an increase of six-tenths to 3.8 (#11 to #10), its best 6+-stat since February’s 4.4.
Up two-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (.8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” advances from #16 to #14.
Recording its third uptick in a row for a collective gain of nine-tenths (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” holds down the #13 position the 15th consecutive ratings period. This is the fourth time in the last five reports that University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC logs a .8 (.8 – .5 – .8 – .8 – .8, #17 to #15, 6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – Repeating in ninth-place, iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ is a collective +1.7 in four straight bumps (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+). In June, “105.7 – Man Up” reached the four-share level (4.1, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 4.0. This marks the fifth occurrence in 2019’s seven monthly survey periods that Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” (9.3 – 9.5, +.2, 6+) ranks #1. An April increase of six-tenths curtailed five straight declines that resulted in a -2.3 (11.4 – 10.8 – 10.3 – 9.9 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+). WQMG’s consecutive streak of reaching double-digits (6+) was snapped at 26 in January. It has been within 9.1 – 9.9 (6+) range ever since. The two exceptions to WQMG’s 2019 reign at #1 are March and June when co-owned adult hits WSMW held the lead. In July, however, “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” spirals by -1.0, erasing June’s improvement of one-half share (9.3 – 9.8 – 8.8, first to second, 6+). Its seven fluctuations this calendar year are: +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); and -1.0 (July). Prior to its March stay at #1, WSMW last reached #1 in August 2016 when it logged a 10.5 (6+). Still within that Entercom cluster, rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” drops six-tenths (7.2 – 6.6, 6+) but remains in fourth-place. A one-half share loss (4.0 – 3.5, 6+) forces Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1 FM” out of the top ten (#10 to #11) with its lowest 6+-stat since November 2018 (3.5, as well). June’s sixth-place tie between the market’s two country rivals is broken as iHeartMedia’s WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” is flat at 5.3 (sixth to seventh, 6+), while Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” is down or flat the third straight time for a cumulative decline of one-half share (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.2, sixth to eighth, 6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase, WTQR was a cumulative -1.0 (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but erased 70% of that deficit in May with a +.7 to 5.7 (6+). Flat in March, “Q-104.1” cancelled out January’s +.7 with a February -.7 (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). Before dropping two-tenths in March, “The Wolf” had three consecutive shifts of one-half share: -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.5 (January 2019); and +.5 (February). Over the course of the last 15 sweeps (June 2018 through July 2019), WTQR has prevailed over WPAW ten times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, and July); WPAW has come out on top four times (December 2018, February 2019, March, and April; and the two were tied in June 2019 (5.3, 6+).
Memphis
Spoken-Word Formats – Up four-tenths in June/July (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News,
Traffic, & Weather” progresses from ninth to eighth.
In six consecutive negative or neutral reports, Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” has lost one full-share (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) and falls from #11 to #13. Its internet stream appeared with a .1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018; disappeared from print in January and February; logged a .1 (6+) four straight times; and vanishes in July. Co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790” is without an increase the 13th straight time (including eleven consecutive .1 showings) for a collective loss of three-tenths (.4 – .4 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 -.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+) and is locked at #18.
Memphis Music Formats – Over and above the fact it has nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share since May (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.5, unchanged at #14, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KWNW “101.9 Kiss FM” registers its best-ever 6+-stat (2.5) in the PPM-era. In five successive setbacks (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), co-owned WDIA was -2.1 but “AM 1070 – The Heart & Soul of Memphis” ends the slide with a +.2 to 3.4 (6+) and proceeds from #13 to #11. A one-half share rise (4.7 – 5.2, seventh to sixth, 6+) takes Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” to the five-share level (6+) for the first time since January (5.6). By gaining three-tenths to 10.1 (6+), iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS pulls the plug on four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.8 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+); “V-101” is #1 the ninth time in a row. Prior to June’s loss of six-tenths to 9.8 (6+), KJMS reached double-digits (6+) in each of the previous 14 ratings periods. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share since December 2012’s 13.5 for “V-101,” which was +2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (10.5 – 11.5 – 12.8, 6+). Gospel cluster-mate WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station,” which notched four consecutive increases for a +1.6 (5.8 – 6.4 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 7.4, 6+), forfeits nine-tenths to 6.5 (flat at #4, 6+). June’s 7.4 was its best 6+-showing since August 2015’s 7.5. The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share improved by two-tenths in June but is -1.1 (6+) in July. Absorbing the brunt of the decrease is Entercom’s WRVR “104.5 The River” (6.6 – 5.8, -.8, steady in fifth-place, 6+). Until picking up one-tenth in June, “The River” was an overall -2.4 in three straight declines (8.9 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+). While “Holiday” 2018’s 11.3 is its strongest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9 (#6), this (5.8) is its lowest since May 2017’s 5.7. Eight recent WRVR fluctuations include: +2.4 (October 2018); -1.6 (December); +2.0 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.1 (January 2019); +.7 (February); -1.1 (March); -1.2 (May); and -.8 (July). After adding one-tenth in June, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” (unchanged at #16) sputters by three-tenths to .7, its lowest 6+-stat since transitioning from urban-rhythmic oldies to AC in late-2017. WKIM surrendered nearly half (-.7) its 6+ AQH-share in April/May (1.6 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). “The Bridge” reached the five-share level (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, but was a combined -4.0 in January/February (5.1 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). While it repeats in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK “K-97.1” is off three-tenths to 9.2 (6+), thus curtailing five straight bumps that resulted in a +2.7 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+). In June, WHRK reached the nine-share level (9.5, 6+) for the first time since May 2018’s 9.4.
Hartford
Spoken-Word Formats – July’s -1.1 (7.4 – 6.3, 6+) sends Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” from second to seventh with its lowest 6+-stat (6.3) since February’s 5.9. By gaining two-tenths in June, Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM suspended four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a one-half share loss (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .8, 6+); however, “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” now regresses by one-half share (1.0 – .5, flat at #15). Ever steady, iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” logs a .1 (#17 to #18, 6+) the 14th report in a row; it was a “no-show” in June 2018.
Frozen on 1.8 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” follows with three straight sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, flat at #12, 6+).
Up one-tenth to 4.3 (unchanged at #9, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” halts three straight drops that accounted for a collective -1.1 (5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+). University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” has lost six-tenths in June/July (1.6 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+) and slips from #13 to #14.
Hartford Music Formats – An overall -1.0 in five consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WWYZ “Country 92.5” obliterates that deficit with a +1.2 to 7.9 (fifth to second, 6+), its highest 6+-share in nearly two years (8.3, August 2017). Level at #3, classic hits-oldies sibling WHCN “105.9 The River” is a combined +1.9 in three straight reports without a loss (5.3 – 5.7 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (7.2) since May 2018’s 7.7. Adding six-tenths to June’s +.1 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.7, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX jumps from eighth to fifth. Entering the June sweep, “Hot 93.7” was -1.9 via three drops in a row (7.9 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 6.0, 6+). The just-concluded negative streak directly tailed January/February’s +1.1 (6.8 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+). Having followed April’s increase of nine-tenths with a combined -2.0 in May/June (8.5 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+), hot AC sibling WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM” picks up two-tenths (6.7, sixth to fifth, 6+). Albeit a -1.4 in June/July (10.8 – 10.4 – 9.4, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WRCH is #1 the 37th consecutive time. Recent “Lite 100.5” fluctuations include: -.8 (November 2018); +1.8 (December); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2018 to 18.0, the strongest 6+-showing for any Hartford station since WRCH recorded an 18.3 in “Holiday” 2017); -6.9 (January); +1.0 (February; -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); +1.0 (May); and -1.0 (July). Prior to slipping to 9.8 in April, WRCH was in double-digits (6+) in 30 of the previous 32 sweeps. Without an increase the sixth straight time for a collective -1.5 (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” continues at #10. Co-owned Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 is down or flat the third report in succession and is -1.0 in that stretch (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.6, flat at #11, 6+). The last time WMRQ-HD2 fell below a two-share (6+) was May 2018 (1.9).
Friday, August 16, 2019
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour experimental weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled, “A Variety of Unpleasant Conundrums!” looks back at this past week of August 12-16, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Renee Kohanski, M.D.; Kevin Miller, talk show host, KIDO, Boise; Joe Thomas, talk show host WCHV, Charlottesville; and Elaina Newport, co-founder and head songwriter, The 
Capitol Steps. The news/talk media show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation mark for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeart Podcast Network. Hosted by Michael Harrison, this excellent show is now being made available as a service to terrestrial news/talk stations from TALKERS for on-air or online presentation on a market-exclusive basis. For information call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
First-Half Ad Drivers. It isn’t your imagination – automotive dealers and insurance providers are the top advertising categories in radio, TV, and cable. That’s the analysis of Media Monitors’ latest rankings that cover the period from January 1 through July 31. Local auto dealers finish far ahead of any other category during the same period last year. As far as the number of vehicle insurance commercials are concerned, Media Monitors opines, “New auto buyers are likely to shop around. To get their brand in front of interested consumers, insurance providers are right behind auto dealers in the number of spots they’ve aired this year.” Local car and truck dealers focus their advertising on radio, where they broadcast the highest number of spots (7,659,729), and on TV, where they ranked #10 (2,537,737). As far as specific advertisers are concerned, Home Depot, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and McDonald’s aired the most spots thus far through July 31 of this year. The top 10 radio advertisers for the first seven months of 2019 are: Home Depot, GEICO, Lowe’s, Indeed, McDonald’s, Progressive, Seriously, Sprint, Macy’s and JC Penney. By way of perspective, #1 Home Depot had more than three times the number of “radio instances” (1,777,560) than #10 JC Penney (579,288).
TALKERS News Notes. The new Phoenix affiliate for CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One Radio Network primetime NFL coverage is
CRC Broadcasting Company sports talk KQFN “The Fanatic.” CRC president and chief executive officer Ron Cohen remarks, “There are no more popular yearly sporting events in this country than NFL football. We’re proud to be the exclusive Phoenix radio affiliate and excited for the incredible opportunity to air these high-profile NFL games, including the Super Bowl in February.” ….. After 24 seasons covering University of Central Florida football – most recently as sideline reporter and pre-game host – Jerry O’Neill is retiring from the radio team. He made the announcement on Marc Daniels’ show on UCF football flagship, iHeartMedia Orlando sports talk WYGM “The Game.” Taking O’Neill’s place as pre-game host and sideline reporter is Scott Adams; former UCF defensive lineman and NFL player Leger Douzable joins as analyst. Meanwhile, producer Chris Vasquez is boosted to executive producer, and assistant producer Tom Morgan will produce all men’s basketball and baseball radio broadcasts ….. The corporate director of programming of Forever Media stations in Wilmington (Delaware) and Salisbury-Ocean City (Maryland), Brad Austin, exits. In addition to his corporate duties, Austin programmed and did afternoons on WXCY “New Country 103.7.” He had been with WXCY the past six years and added corporate responsibilities three years ago. The Wilmington and Salisbury-Ocean City stations for which Austin was responsible included news/talk WDEL-AM & WDEL-FM; WXDE “News Talk 105.9”; sports talk WYUS “ESPN Delaware”; WSTW “Today’s Best Variety”; WAFL “Eagle 97.7”; classic hits-oldies WAVD “97.1 The Wave”; classic rock WNCL “Cool 101.3 Delaware’s Greatest Hits”; and gospel WFAI “Faith 1510.” ….. More than 300 members of Congress (or their spouses or family members) participated in this year’s NAB Congressional PSA Campaign. The program invites members of Congress and their families to be featured in free spots that address issues of importance to their constituents. The PSAs have been sent to radio and TV stations across the country. NAB executive vice president Dennis Wharton notes, “The NAB Congressional PSA Campaign provides legislators and their families an opportunity to share pro-social messages that can have a positive impact on communities across America. Local radio and TV broadcasters will be generously donating airtime for this initiative as part of our commitment to serving local communities.” NAB has hosted the biannual campaign in off-election years since 1985.
Top Choice For News Among Teens? YouTube. A June 14 – June 25 poll of more than 1,000 U.S. teenagers (13 – 17) conducted by nonprofit Common Sense, in tandem with SurveyMonkey, found that 54% of respondents get news at least a few times per week from social networking platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, while one-half do so from YouTube. As David Cohen writes in AdWeek, “Six of ten citing YouTube indicated they were more likely to get their news from celebrities, influencers, and personalities than from news organizations.” The preference for YouTube may best be explained that more than six of ten respondents stated, “seeing pictures and video showing what happened” helped them understand major news events, while 
roughly one of three would rather “read or hear the facts.” In a release detailing its findings, Common Sense notes that the news habits of teens, “reflect the diversity of the modern media landscape. While most news organizations maintain accounts on social media and other platforms, they are competing for attention with corporate brands, celebrities, influencers, and personal connections.” Two of three teens who do turn to news organizations say it helps them better understand what is going on; 53% of those who get news from social media expressed the same sentiment. Meanwhile, one of five believe getting news via social networks makes them more confused about current events. Common Sense chief executive officer James Steyer observes, “These findings raise concerns about what kind of news the next generation is using to shape their decisions. There are few standards for what constitutes news and how accurately it’s portrayed on the platforms teens use.” SurveyMonkey chief research officer Jon Cohen adds, “While it’s notable that teens rely heavily on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to stay informed, their reliance on news from celebrities and influencers rather than journalists may have pernicious implications. It’s a bit of a paradox: Overwhelmingly, teens say that they are interested in keeping up with the news, but they’re not seeking out either traditional or new media to do so.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Yesterday at 5:00pm (Thursday, 8/15), iHeartMedia Indianapolis transitioned WOLT-HD2 (W248AW-FM) to CHR “97.5 “Kiss-FM.” Debuting commercial-free and featuring an air staff (KD, Rucker, Jake B, and Catalina)
heard on a number of other iHeartMedia stations, “Kiss” will rely on a playlist from artists such as Drake, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Jonas Brothers, Bruno Mars, and Shawn Mendes. Market president Brett Beshore states, “We are thrilled to bring the ‘Kiss FM’ brand to Indy. The music, events, and personalities featured on ‘97.5 Kiss FM’ is the perfect formula and will contribute to building a great audience for our advertisers.” Senior vice president of programming for iHM Indianapolis Dave Hill comments, “Our listeners can now listen to their 
favorite songs and hit music they love without commercial interruption. ‘Kiss FM’ is going to energize our listeners and shakeup the [CHR] landscape.” WOLT-HD2 did not appear in Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 report for Indianapolis. Existing CHRs in the market include WZPL “99.5 ZPL” (6.0, #5, July 2019, 6+) and WNOW “Radio Now 100.9” (2.9, #14, July 2019, 6+). A third CHR, WYRG “Energy 93.9,” flipped to rock WNDX “93-X” two months ago (May 2019) …. Heard weekday mornings (5:00 am – 10:00 am) on Hearst Television Baltimore’s WIYY “98 Rock,” Justin, Scott & Spiegel are expanding to television this weekend. The first episode of their half-hour “Justin, Scott and Spiegel Shouldn’t Be On TV” will air immediately following “Saturday Night Live” on Hearst
Baltimore’s WBAL-TV (channel 11). WIYY president and general manager Cary Pahigian declares, “Pairing Baltimore’s most colorful and imaginative radio show in this great time slot after ‘SNL’ is a terrific opportunity to reach our listeners on one of the country’s strongest NBC affiliates. Justin, Scott and Spiegel are ready to take full advantage of this great lead-in.” WBAL-TV president and general manager Dan Joerres remarks, “Creating this television program for broadcast on WBAL-TV 11 is a natural extension of our partnership with sister station ‘98 Rock.’ Like our shared partnerships with the Baltimore Ravens and Maryland Lottery, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to serve our Baltimore viewers and listeners. Given the popularity of the live stream of Justin, Scott and Spiegel’s morning show, we saw an opportunity to develop this program for local fans.” Justin, Scott and Spiegel have been a morning show team since 2013 ….. Also in that Maryland market, WWMX “Mix 106.5,” 
Baltimore nighttime talent Neci Williams takes on music director duties there. Entercom Baltimore director of programming, music stations/WWMX PD Tom Cook remarks, “I’m happy to recognize Neci’s ability and talent with this promotion. She has a great ear for new music and really hears the art and flow when editing a log; being a music director has been a goal of hers for years.” Formerly with Washington, DC’s WHFS, Williams has worked for Baltimore’s “Mix” the past three years ….. Initiating this weekend is Premiere Networks’ two-hour “Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee,” the founder and chief executive officer of “Hollywood Unlocked.” He and co-hosts Melyssa Ford and DJ Damage will “keep listeners on the pulse of hip-hop and pop culture.” Miami rapper Trina guests on the first show and discusses “stripper rappers.” Among the 50 stations clearing “Hollywood Unlocked” are iHeartMedia urban contemporary outlets KRRL “Real 92.3,” Los Angeles; WGCI-FM, Chicago; KQBT “93.7 The Beat,” Houston; WRDG “96.7 The Beat,” Atlanta; WUSL “Power 99,” Philadelphia; WMIB “103.5 The Beat,” Miami; and WJLB, Detroit ….. Nine stations are added to the roster for Entercom’s “Channel Q” on the LGBTQ+ Talk Radio Network. The network brings the latest in LGBTQ+ news and information, pop culture, and new music. Entercom Southern California regional president
and market manager Jeff Federman comments, “Channel Q’s already expansive reach nationwide is another step in the right direction as we aim to promote and support inclusion throughout our country. We remain as persistent about providing the LGBTQ+ community and its allies with a voice as we did when we first launched. We are proud to continue to expand our efforts into new markets.” Listeners can find Channel Q on the following stations via an HD Radio capable device: WSTR-HD3 “Star 94.1,” Atlanta (next month); WTDY-HD3 “96.5 TDY,” Philadelphia; WDZH-HD3 “98.7 The Breeze,” Detroit”; WDSY-HD3 “Y-108,” Pittsburgh”; WQMP-HD2 “FM 101.9, Orlando”; WXSS-HD3 “103.7 Kiss FM,” Milwaukee; WNVZ-HD2 “Z-104,” Norfolk”; WEZB-HD2 “B-97, New Orleans”; and WMQX-HD2 “Max 102,” Wilkes Barre-Scranton ….. In the summer of 1969, 400,000 people converged on a local farm in upstate New York to hear 32 top musical acts. The 600-acre farm was overwhelmed with 
intense heat, rain and mud. “Woodstock” became a legendary scene and spawned an Academy Award winning film, soundtrack album, and major hit song. On the 50th anniversary weekend, CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One will have correspondent Steve Kastenbaum reporting from Bethel Woods, New York; 50-year old sound will be replayed from the Westwood One News archives. The golden anniversary will be celebrated with a half-hour Mike 
Moss-hosted special, “Woodstock: A Festival for the Ages.” The news retrospective will run Labor Day weekend and explore Woodstock’s legacy with archived audio clips, news reports, and interviews. In other Westwood One news, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley will host the network’s annual four-hour “Workin’ Hard Country” music special over Labor Day weekend. Bentley will showcase work songs, summertime anthems, and current hits from his own catalog, as 
well as songs from (among others) Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Maren Morris, and Keith Urban. Many of the artists will share stories about their pre-fame jobs ….. Starting one week from Monday (8/26), iHeartMedia San Diego hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” premieres Jesse Lozano and Tati Santiago (“Jesse and Tati in the Morning”) as its 6:00 am – 10:00 am wakeup team. KMYI program director Joe Haze states the show will be “entertaining and San Diego-centric, focusing on relatability. It will give listeners a great variety of music to get their day started.” San Diego native Lozano began his radio career inside the iHM San Diego cluster as “Boy Toy Jesse” on CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 FM” and moved to Los Angeles CHR 
sibling KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” in 2007 for afternoon drive duties. He has been hosting “Jesse Lozano in the Morning” on “Star” and remarks, “I’ve been a fan of Tati’s for a very long time – I feel so lucky to be teaming up with her. Adding her brand to ‘Star’ mornings is an incredible opportunity; our listeners are in for a good time.” Honolulu’s KIKI-FM was the site of Santiago’s first radio job. Her on-air credits since KIKI include morning co-hosting responsibilities at WPGC-FM, Washington and iHeartMedia San Diego urban contemporary KSSX “Jam’N 95.7.” She comments, “Being able to work mornings with Jesse Lozano on ‘Star’ is something I could never have dreamed. I’m excited to interact, laugh, and dig the ‘sleepies’ out of my eyes with the San Diego community every morning.” Santiago will succeed Delana Bennett, who – as noted here yesterday (8/15) – is boosted to KMYI’s assistant program director/afternoon drive host (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm) ….. Assistant program director/music director DJ Q is elevated to content director at Alpha Media Louisville urban contemporary and urban AC siblings WGZB “B-96.5” and WMJM “Magic 101.3.” DJ Q is a 15-year veteran at that Kentucky operation.
July 2019 PPM Data. July 2019 ratings information has been released for Cincinnati, Austin, and Cleveland. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three PPM-markets.
Cincinnati
Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of one-tenth to 9.2 (6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WLW “The Big One” halts three straight sweeps 
without an increase that resulted in the loss of one-half share (9.9 – 9.5 – 9.4 – 9.4, 6+). The Reds flagship – which had a January-only stay on top – continues in the runner-up slot. Co-owned WKRC is off nine-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (3.6 – 3.5 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+) and repeats at #13. Prior to June 2019 (2.7), the last time “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” fell below a three-share was June 2018 (2.8).
As a result of six straight sweeps without an increase, sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” has lost more than 50% (-.7) of its 6+ AQH-share (1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .6 – .5, flat at #22, 6+). The April 2019 through July 2019 topline for co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” is .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 (steady at #23, 6+).
In addition to ending at three a consecutive string of decreases that resulted in a -1.2 (3.7 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU (2.8, +.3, 6+) progresses from #14 to #12.
Cincinnati Music Formats – On the heels of June’s mammoth -2.1 (11.7 – 9.6, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” answers with a +1.0 to 10.6 (6+) and is #1 the sixth sweep in succession. Furthermore, WGRR has registered double-digits (6+) five times in the last six ratings periods. Entering the June report, WGRR was +3.6 in five successive increases (8.1 – 9.6 – 10.2 – 11.1 – 11.3 – 11.7, 6+). After a December-only stay at #1, “Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” spiraled by -1.8 in “Holiday” 2018 (9.9 – 8.1, 6+) and shifted to third. The three latest moves for Radio One urban AC WOSL are +.7 (3.2 – 3.9, 6+, May); -.8 (3.9 – 3.1, 6+, June); and +.9 (3.1 – 4.0, July, 6+). Not only does “100.3 Cincy’s R&B Station” return to the top ten (#11 to #9), it has its highest 6+-share (4.0) in more than five years (4.3, March 2014). Owing to five straight positive or neutral moves, Cincinnati Public Radio’s WGUC “Classical 90.9” triples (+1.2) its 6+-stat (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.8, #18 to #17, 6+). Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WUBE has been on a wild ride lately. After logging three straight negative trends that accounted for a -2.1 (9.4 – 8.7 – 7.9 – 7.3, 6+), “B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” responded with a combined +1.5 in May/June (7.3 – 7.5 – 8.8, 6+), but erodes in July by -1.6 (7.2, flat at #3, 6+). June’s 8.8 was its best 6+-stat since January’s 9.4. It’s a somewhat similar scenario for Radio One urban contemporary WIZF. Four consecutive positive or neutral reports yielded a +.7 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+); “101.1 The Wiz” was down -.4 in May; bounced back with a June +.7; but regresses by -.7 in July (3.7 – 3.0, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Seven successive negative or neutral trends by Cumulus Media’s WFTK “96 Rock” have resulted in a cumulative -1.4 (4.0 -3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, #12 to #14, 6+).
By dropping three-tenths to 2.2 (#14 to #15, 6+), country sibling WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” has its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 stall at six (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+) iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107.1” has lost six-tenths and falls from ninth to tenth.
Austin
Spoken-Word Formats – A June/July +1.4 by news/talk KLBJ-AM vaporizes three straight drops that accounted for a -1.0 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1
– 2.8, 6+) as “News Radio 590 AM” reenters the top ten (#11 to #9).
Advancing from #20 to #18, Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” has a February 2019 through July 2019 topline of 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.6 (6+). After notching a .4 (6+) in May, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is stuck on .5 (#24, 6+) in June and July.
A gain of nine-tenths (5.8 – 6.7, 6+) enables University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT to advance from fourth to second. Six of KUT’s seven shifts this calendar year include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -1.6 (May) and +.9 (July). June’s 5.8 was its lowest 6+-showing since April 2017 (5.8, as well).
Austin Music Formats – Up six-tenths (3.8 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KPEZ “102.3 The Beat” progresses from tenth to eighth with its highest 6+-share (4.4) in more than two years (4.7, June 2017). Four successive reports without a loss by alternative KROX net a +1.2 (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8, 6+) as “101-X” climbs from #12 to #11. This (3.8) is its best 6+showing since September 2018’s 4.0. Off one-half share in May and then roaring back with a robust +1.1 in June, adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” loses one-tenth in July (9.3 – 9.2, 6+) but is the market pacesetter the fourth month in a row. June’s 9.3 was its highest 6+ share since “Holiday” 2018 (also 9.3). Prior to April 2019, the last time “Bob” occupied the top spot was December 2018 (8.3, 6+). There’s as intriguing situation in the market’s three-way country tussle. For openers, Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE-FM strings together its fourth straight sweep without a loss for a net gain of six-tenths (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). “Austin’s Country Alternative” jumps from #14 to #16 with its best 6+-stat (2.6) since February’s 2.7. At the same time, slipping by six-tenths and seven-tenths, respectively, are iHeartMedia country siblings KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country,” (4.8, sixth to fifth, 6+) and KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” (4.5, flat at #7, 6+). KASE is a combined -1.0 in June/July (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+), directly after +1.5 in three straight bumps (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.7 – 5.8, 6+). It plummeted by -1.9 in “Holiday” 2018; improved by +1.2 in January; and was -.6 in February. Likewise, KVET-FM is -1.3 in June/July (5.8 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+), following May’s +.9; “The Austin Texas Original” was +1.2 in January (5.0 – 6.2, 6+). After posting six successive positive or neutral monthlies that yielded an impressive +2.1 (3.6 – 4.3 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHFI “96.7 Kiss-FM” surrenders roughly half that increase (-1.1) to 4.6 (fifth to sixth, 6+). KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” loses six-tenths to 3.6, its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.2, and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Following May/June’s combined +1.1(5.3 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” forfeits roughly half that increase (5.9, -.5, third to fourth, 6+). Having scored a March +1.2, regional Mexican KLZT “107.1 La Z” is now a collective -2.7 in four subsequent decreases (6.7 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+) and falls from eighth to tenth. With an April – May – June (6+) topline of 1.2 – 1.1 – .9 (6+), Genuine Austin Radio classic hits-oldies KTXX-HD4 vanishes from print.
Cleveland
Spoken-Word Formats – The five most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia news/talk – and Indians flagship – WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” are: -.6 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); and +.5 (June); and another +.5 in July (5.6 – 6.1, eighth to sixth, 6+).
Upon resurfacing in print this past April, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK logged a .5 (6+) in April, May, and June, finishing at #19. “AM 1420 The Answer – News-Opinion-Insight,” however, is unlisted in July.
In an alternating down/up pattern that began in January (which includes June’s -1.0), Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is a collective -2.3 (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, #14 to #13, 6+).
Notwithstanding that it repeats June’s 3.6 (6+), Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN departs the top ten (#10 to #12).
Cleveland Music Formats – Similar to its sports talk cluster-mate WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (see above), Entercom hot AC WQAL “Q-104” is in an alternating down/up pattern. WQAL’s sequence started in January and includes July’s +.8 (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 4.2, #11 to #10, 6+). A boost of seven-tenths by iHeartMedia adult hits WHLK (5.4 – 6.1, 6+) propels “106.5 The Lake” from ninth to sixth with its strongest 6+-stat since January (6.1, as well). Improving by six-tenths each are Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” (6.0 – 6.6, sixth to fifth, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM” (#12 to #11). WDOK bounces back from June’s -1.5 which sent “Star” to 6.0, its weakest 6+-stat since January (6.0, as well). Meanwhile, “Kiss” is within 3.1 – 3.9 range for the sixth successive time (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+). Its classic hits-oldies sibling WMJI “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” finishes on top the eighth straight sweep (9.8 – 9.2, 6+). Six of its recent shifts are: +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); and -.6 (July). On the heels of June’s gain of six-tenths, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ suffers a setback more than four times that magnitude (7.0 – 4.5, -2.5, 6+) as “Z-107.9” tumbles from fifth to ninth. June’s 7.0 was its best 6+-showing since November 2017’s 7.2. When urban AC sibling WZAK gained three-tenths in June, it suspended five successive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.2 (8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5, 6+). The July report indicates that WZAK is off by -1.1 (7.8 – 6.7) and continues in fourth-place. Three positive spikes in a row by iHeartMedia-owned WMMS netted a full-share (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+) but “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” coughs up two-tenths to 5.5 (6+) and dips from seventh to eighth. In May, WMMS reached the five-share level for the first time since October 2017’s 5.0.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
And the (Topical) Hits Just Keep on Coming – Stay focused on China! Although the news itself can hardly be called “good,” news/talk radio continues to be the beneficiary of a non-stop tsunami of intensely compelling topics playing out on multiple tracks that has kept the format a major appointment destination for news junkies as well as people with a casual interest in current events. According to TALKERS research, yesterday’s (8/13) most-discussed topic remained the mysterious and controversial death of Jeffrey Epstein (which it has been all week) followed closely by the economic implications of the US-China trade war. The Hong Kong protests have generated enormous interest and people are still extremely engrossed in the Dayton/El Paso shootings which have spawned opinions and analysis of gun control legislation, violence in American entertainment and the nation’s handling of mental illness. According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “It appears that talk show hosts would be wise to stay focused on China and educate themselves to every aspect of its Communist government’s relentless strategy to compete with US interests on all fronts going forward from a position of unfair trade practices to outright hostility for what will likely be years to come.”
Arizona Coyotes Now Skating With KGME. As part of a multi-platform broadcast and streaming agreement between iHeartMedia
Phoenix and the Arizona Coyotes, iHM sports talk KGME “Fox Sports 910” takes over as the NHL team’s principal radio outlet. Additionally, the Arizona Coyotes Audio Network will provide exclusive content via the iHeartRadio app (when the NHL season starts on October 3). Coyotes’ games were previously carried by Bonneville Phoenix-owned KMVP-FM “Arizona Sports 98.7.” According to iHeartMedia Phoenix market president Linda Little, “The entire team at iHeartMedia 
is excited to be the new home for the Arizona Coyotes, especially at such an exciting time for the team. Working together, we will build our all-in agreement between the Arizona Coyotes and ‘Fox Sports 910’ across our entire iHeartMedia platform of well-known audio brands in Phoenix and on our iHeartRadio app.” The Coyotes were recently acquired by California-based Meruelo Group, whose holdings include Meruelo Media. Coyotes president and chief executive officer Ahron Cohen comments, “We are thrilled to partner with ‘Fox Sports 910.’ As we strive to build and cultivate new Coyotes fans, this multi-dimensional partnership – including iHeartMedia’s multitude of media platforms – provides us with unparalleled touchpoints to a broad cross-section of the Valley’s population. Equally important is iHeart’s ability to deliver an exceptional fan entertainment experience for all of our robust Coyotes content that will enhance our fans’ connectivity to the team.” Play-by-play announcer Bob Heethuis will return for his 15th season with the team and Paul Bissonnette will be back as analyst. All 82 regular-season games will air on “Fox Sports 910” and simulcast on Tucson sibling KTZR “Fox Sports 1450 AM.”
KOZN Prepares Severe Homecoming. Host of “The Bottom Line” on SummitMedia-owned sports talk KXSP “AM 590 ESPN Omaha,” 
Mike’l Severe, returns to cross-town NRG Media’s similarly-formatted KOZN “1620 “The Zone” tomorrow (Thursday, 8/15) after a five-year absence. Severe and Damon Benning will form “Severe and Benning in the Morning” (6:00 am – 10:00 am). NRG Omaha market manager Mark Shecterle 
comments that University of Nebraska football national champion Benning and local radio/television sports personality Severe “will offer listeners a new blend of morning sports radio. They will be able to give listeners an intense focus on all local sports. We are excited to bring back Mike’l Severe to the NRG family.” Former morning show co-host Gary Sharp transitions to mid-days (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) replacing Nick Bahe. Shecterle notes that Sharp will have “the platform to fully exhibit his expertise in sports analysis and his legendary interviewing skills. Gary has deserved his own show for a while and we are thrilled that he will be anchoring our mid-day slot. By moving [Sharp] to mid-days, we truly believe we have a sports-talk line-up second to none.” John Bishop and Josh Peterson-hosted “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” continues in afternoon drive (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm), while Nebraska football post game show, “Big Red Over Reaction,” will be simulcast on KOZN’s classic rock cluster-mate KOOO “101.9 The Keg.”
iHM Wheeling/Parkersburg Boosts Bommer to MP. The onetime vice president of business operations for the Wheeling Nailers, Craig Bommer, is named market 
president for iHeartMedia’s West Virginia stations in Wheeling and Parkersburg. Region president for iHeartMedia Pittsburgh and West Virginia Tim McAleer states, “I am excited for Craig to lead and demonstrate his leadership capabilities as market president by helping to grow each market’s revenue.” Bommer 
remarks, “This opportunity is a new and exciting challenge in my career path. I look forward to working with everyone to help build upon the success each market has achieved.” The West Liberty University alum began his career at iHeartMedia in 2016 as senior vice president of sales for the company’s Wheeling and Parkersburg stations. Those outlets include: news/talk WWVA “News Radio 1170”; news/talk WLTP “News Radio 910”; sports talk WBBD “Fox Sports AM 1400 Wheeling”; WEGW “Eagle 107.5 The Rock Station”; adult contemporary WKWK “Mix 97.3”; WOVK “Country 98.7”; CHR WVKF “Kiss 95.7”; classic hits-oldies WDMX “Mix 100”; WNUS “Country 107”; and CHR WRVB “102 The River.”
TALKERS News Notes. After working at Premiere Networks the past 21 years, senior director of affiliate sales Tom Garrett departs. Garrett previously programmed in Rockford (Illinois) at WROK & WZOK. In addition he was responsible for non-traditional revenue event marketing for Connoisseur’s Rockford and Quad Cities (Illinois-Iowa) stations ….. The relationship between afternoon drive talent George Plaster and Ryman Hospitality Properties’ WSM-AM, Nashville has come to an end after one 
month. In a tweet sent out yesterday (Tuesday, 8/13), Plaster writes, “Sorry to pass this [a]long, but I have parted ways with WSM-AM. My intention is to begin a podcast with a target around Labor Day. Thanks to all of you who supported us.” Plaster hosted “Sports Night” shows in 
Nashville on sports talk stations WGFX “104.5 The Zone” and WPRT “102.5 The Game,” as well as WWTN “Super Talk 99.7.” He took a break from radio three years ago but joined WSM-AM in 2017 for a weekend program; Plaster’s weekday effort commenced July 15 ….. Brand manager/morning host of Townsquare Media Bangor (Maine) sports talk WEZQ “92.9 The Ticket,” Dale Duff, will segue to 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, effective next Monday (8/19). Duff makes room for Wayne Harvey’s 6:00 am – 8:00 am “Morning Line.” Harvey has worked at Bangor stations WABI-TV and WZON-AM “The Zone.”
The Return of the Pitch Pod. For the second straight year, attendees of “Podcast Movement 2019” can venture inside CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One “Pitch Pod” and tell their story for a chance to win consultative services from the Westwood One Podcast Network. This mini-studio is located in the main hallway of the conference. The Podcast Movement kicked off yesterday (Tuesday, 8/13) and runs through this Friday (8/16) in Orlando at Rosen Shingle Creek.
Urban One, Smith Slapped with Sexual Harassment Suit. On the same day “Hurricane” Dave Smith exited as Radio One Atlanta’s vice president of programming/operations, former urban contemporary WHTA “Hot 107.9” on-air 
personality Feleg Abraham (using the air name Shorty Mack) filed a lawsuit in the (Georgia) state court of Fulton County alleging multiple instances of sexual harassment by her then-boss (Smith). After working at “Hot 107.9” for 14 months, Abraham left in February 2018 and now does mid-days for Davis Broadcasting Columbus, Georgia urban contemporary WFXE “Foxie 105.” Radio One parent, Urban One regional vice president Timothy Davies last week declined to comment about Smith’s dismissal; however, in a published report last Monday (8/5), Smith claims he was terminated owing to “a misunderstanding.” 
Urban One executive vice president/chief administrative officer Karen Wishart states, “The allegations made by Feleg Abraham against Dave Smith, both former employees of Urban One, are unsettling. As a company founded by an African-American woman [Cathy Hughes] with a long history of empowering women in the workplace, Urban One takes these allegations very seriously. After Ms. Abraham left Urban One to take a new job, we were notified of her complaint and conducted a thorough, independent investigation. In light of the ongoing litigation, we cannot provide further comment on this matter.” Charges in Abraham’s lawsuit include intentional infliction of emotional distress by Smith; negligent infliction of emotional distress by Urban One; negligent hiring, retention, and supervision; assault and battery; and false imprisonment. The suit claims Smith made “unwanted sexual comments about Ms. Abraham’s body and would often ask her when he would be allowed to see her naked.” It references an incident that allegedly took place on May 22, 2017 in which Smith is said to have trapped Abraham in his office. As Rodney Ho reports in The Atlanta Journal Constitution, a statement regarding the lawsuit released yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 8/13) by Smith reads, “This is an organized attempt by some former employees looking to capitalize on the #MeToo climate. I categorically deny these disgusting statements. I have no further comment.”
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Music director and afternoon drive host of Entercom Miami classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach,” DJ Holiday, adds even more responsibilities as assistant program director. Entercom South Florida senior vice president/market manager Keriann Worley explains, “This is a natural move 
for DJ Holiday and our station. DJ Holiday has grown up with this music and has an intimate knowledge of the market, having spent many nights spinning at Miami clubs. We’re thrilled to have him step up into the APD role and look forward to his increased contributions to the station’s success.” Holiday, who has been with “The Beach” since it debuted in 2016, opines, “There’s always something new to learn and room to 
grow professionally. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my Entercom family for the opportunity to do so.” … KNDD “107.7 The End” mid-day talent “Alyssa” is promoted to music director at the Entercom Seattle alternative outlet. Program director Leslie Scott remarks that, “In her three years here, Alyssa has proven to be a huge music lover, a supporter of all things ‘107.7 The End,’ and a champion of the power of radio. I can think of no better team in alternative than ours and Alyssa’s new position reinforces that.” Alyssa notes, “It is an honor to be part of this incredible team. I’m looking forward to jumping into this role under the guidance of Leslie and [assistant program director/afternoon drive talent] Walt [Flakus].” … Effective this Friday (8/16), seven-month KXOJ “94.1 Tulsa’s Christian Music Station” evening show host Jeremiah St. James adds assistant program director duties at the Stephens Media Group contemporary Christian station. According to Stephens Media Group owner David Stephens, “Jeremiah is one of those rare talents whose potential seems limitless. He is forward-thinking and is more about where radio is going than where it has been.” SMG senior vice president of programming & technology/KXOJ program director Bob Thornton notes, “Jeremiah is a gifted imaging and branding specialist who is going to bring a tremendous amount of energy and new ideas to our building.” ….. Program director Caleb James exits NRG Media Omaha rhythmic CHR KOPW “Power 106.9” and hot AC KQKQ “Sweet 98.5.”
July 2019 PPM Data. July 2019 ratings information has been released for San Antonio, Sacramento, and Pittsburgh. Nielsen
Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three PPM-markets.
San Antonio
Spoken-Word Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, 
Traffic, & Weather,” which was +1.1 in April (4.2 – 5.3, 6+); an equally divided -1.0 in May and June (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+); and now +.7 in July (5.0, sixth to fifth, 6+). Up until April when it logged a 5.3, WOAI hadn’t reached the five-share level (6+) since August 2016’s 5.2. For the third month in a row, Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” loses one-tenth (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1, #22 to #24, 6+).
In June, KTSA’s sports talk sibling KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” and iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” were tied at #32. Both are flat at .3 (6+) and are again deadlocked – this time at #30.
This is the seventh report in a row Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX (+.3, #16 to #12) logs a 6+-share between 3.3 – 3.7 (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+).
San Antonio Music Formats – Roaring back from June’s one-half share loss with a July uptick of eight-tenths (3.8 – 4.6, 6+), Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack-FM – Playing What We Want” returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). Prior to June – when it slipped to 3.8 – San Antonio’s version of “Jack” last fell below a four-share (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Enjoying a July 2019 jump of eight-tenths as well and zooming from #17 to #11 is iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary KZEP “104.5 Latino Hits,” which records its third bump in succession for a collective +1.4 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.5, 6+). This (3.5) is the first time in exactly one year that “Latino Hits” hits a three-share (3.1, July 2018). Five successive negative or neutral trends resulted in a nearly 50% decline (-.6) of its 6+-stat (1.4 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+), but iHeartMedia regional Mexican KQXT-HD3 answers with a gain of seven-tenths to 1.5 (#22, 6+). When Univision Radio rhythmic hot AC KVBH gained one-tenth in June (to 2.1, 6+), it suspended at four a consecutive string of negative or neutral moves that accounted for an overall -1.4 (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+). “The Vibe” now adds another six-tenths to 2.7 (#20 to #16, 6+). In mid-April, Tejano KXTN transitioned to KVBH “The Vibe.” While Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM is the market pacesetter the fifth month in a row, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” erodes by -1.1 (8.2 – 7.1, 6+). Whereas May’s +1.1 took KONO-FM to 8.5, its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.8, July’s 7.1 is its lowest 6+-showing since 6.0 in “Holiday” 2018. “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” had been in the runner-up slot five successive times before progressing to #1 in March. Significant alternating ups/down continue for Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV. In the last four reports, San Antonio’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” has been +.5 (April); -1.0 (May); +1.5 (June); and now -1.2 in July (3.9 – 2.7, 6+). KZLV spirals from #10 to #16. Entering the July 2019 sweep, Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH notched three straight positive or neutral trends netting nine-tenths (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.2, 6+). That entire increase drifts away with a -.9 to 2.3 (#13 to #19, 6+). June’s 3.2 was its best 6+-showing since November 2018 (3.3). Four consecutive up or flat trends by iHeartMedia CHR KXXM accounted for an overall gain of four-tenths (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+) but “96.1 Now” (#11 to #14) falters by seven-tenths to 3.1, its lowest 6+-stat since December 2018 (3.1, as well). Within two-share range (6+) 19 sweeps in a row before dialing up a June gain of eight-tenths to 3.2 (6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KMYO regresses by one-half share to 2.7 (#13 to #16, 6+). June’s 3.2 marked the first time since December 2017’s 3.0 that “Latino Mix 95.1” hit a three-share (6+). There’s just no separating Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” and iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station.” They both showed June decreases of two-tenths and now July losses of one-half share: KCYY is 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.4 (6+) and KAJA is 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.5 (6+). The country rivals are anchored at second and third, respectively. Recent shifts for “Y-100” include: -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (May); and -.5 (July). “KJ-97” has been +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); –1.9 (March); and -.5 (July).
Sacramento
Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately following an erosion of nine-tenths this time last month, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” repeats its June 6+ AQH-share (5.2) and market rank (fifth). Co-owned KSTE “Talk
650” continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in December 2018 and includes July’s positive spike of seven-tenths (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 3.2 (#14 to #12, 6+).
In five consecutive sweeps without an increase, Bonneville’s KHTK lost exactly half (-.6) its 6+ AQH share (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .8 – .6 – .6, 6+), but “Sports 1140” ends the slide with a one-tenth gain to .7 (#26 to #23, 6+). It is now tied with Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320,” which repeats June’s .7 (#24 to #23, 6+).
Albeit flat in seventh-place, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ notches its third straight increase for an overall +1.5 (3.5 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 5.0, 6+); December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through July 2019 topline of .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .5 – .7 – .6 (#24 to #25, 6+).
Sacramento Music Formats – There is interesting June 2019 – July 2019 movement for Lotus Communications regional Mexican stations with the KVMX call letters. On the plus side, KVMX-FM – which notched a .3 (6+) in April, May, and June – hangs out a multiple of seven in July to 2.1 (+1.8, 6+) and pops in the top twenty at #15. On the other hand, KVMX-AM, which was trending .9 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.7 (6+) for a collective March 2019 through June 2019 gain of +.8, vanishes from print in July. After checking in with a 1.3 (#20, 6+) in June, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB disappears as well. Frozen on 4.2 (6+) in March, April, and May before slipping to 4.1 (6+) in June, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL adds six-tenths to 4.7 (6+) as “V-101” progresses from tenth to eighth. Notwithstanding it is #1 the sixth month in a row (including January’s first-place tie with iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK), Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” falters -1.1 in June/July (8.9 – 8.3 – 7.8, 6+). “The Eagle” held the lead position ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December. Seven of its recent fluctuations include -1.1 (November 2018); -.8 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.0 (February 2019); -.5 (April); +.9 (May); -.6 (June); and -.5 (July). In each of the last 16 survey periods, Entravision Communications’ KNTY notched a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.5. That streak comes to an end as KNTY drops eight-tenths to 1.3 (#16 to #19, 6+). That’s not the only thing though that KNTY dropped during the July 2019 sweep: Country “101.9 The Wolf” became regional Mexican La Tricolor and is simulcasting KRCX (1.7 – 1.6, -.1, flat at #18). Returning all of June’s half-share increase and one-tenth more (2.3 – 1.7, -.6, 6+), Spanish adult hits sibling KXSE “104.3 La Suavecita” slips from #15 to #17; June’s 2.3 was its best 6+-stat since 2.4 in November 2018. Three straight downturns (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+) by Entercom alternative KKDO produce a combined -1.9 and “Alt 94.7” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). This immediately follows April’s gain of nine-tenths. While it repeats at #2, iHeartMedia classic rocker KYRV “93.7 The River” surrenders three-tenths to 6.3 (6+), thus halting four consecutive upticks that netted a +1.4 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.6, 6+). Adult contemporary stations hold this California market’s eighth and tenth slots in July 2019. Specifically, Entercom’s KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites,” without a gain the past three sweeps for a collective -1.6 (6.2 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 4.7 (#8, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” is off two-tenths in June/July (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). “Mix” and “The Breeze” continue at eighth and tenth, respectively. June’s 4.6 was the weakest 6+-stat for “Mix” since September 2015’s 4.5. Formerly “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” KBEB transitioned to adult contemporary as “The Breeze” in early-November (2018). It netted a +2.1 in three straight positive spikes (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), in advance of March/April’s -.8 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+).
Pittsburgh
Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of six straight February 2019 through July 2019 decreases (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” is -1.9 and slips from #11 to #12.
Co-owned sports talk/Pirates flagship KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which dropped seven-tenths in May (6.8 – 6.1, 6+), forfeits the two-tenths it picked up in June (6.1 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+) but carries on in fourth-place. The ultra-consistent September 2018 through June 2019 topline for iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” is 2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 (#23 to #17, 6+).
Bouncing back from June’s loss of six-tenths with a July increase of three-tenths, Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” progresses from tenth to ninth and is trending 4.2 – 3.6 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.9 (6+).
Pittsburgh Music Formats – In four straight decreases, iHeartMedia alternative WXDX was an overall -1.8 (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+); however, “105.9 The X” erases one-third of that deficit with a July uptick of six-tenths (3.6, #12 to #11, 6+). July 2019’s top three “Steel City” finishers are separated by one-half share. The combination of iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW “94.5 3WS” gaining four-tenths and co-owned rock WDVE sputtering by twice that margin (9.5 – 8.7, -.8, 6+) results in “3WS” progressing from third to first and WDVE segueing from first to second. WWSW is a combined +1.2 in June/July (7.7 – 8.5 – 8.9, 6+) with July’s 8.9 its best 6+-stat since 13.6 in “Holiday” 2018 when “94.5 3WS” was #1. The six most recent shifts for WDVE, which was #1 the past five reports, are: +.8 (February); +.8 again (March); -.9 (April); +.6 (May); +.6 again (June); and -.8 (July). In four straight upticks, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK was +2.3 (6.9 – 7.4 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+), but “96.9 Bob FM” relinquishes eight-tenths in July to 8.4, sliding from second to third. In June, “Bob” reached the nine-share level (9.2, 6+) for the first time since December 2017’s 9.0. The just-concluded positive streak directly follows a -1.8 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (8.7 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+). As Steel City Media-owned hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” records its third straight boost for a net gain of nine-tenths (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9, unchanged at #9, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted WBZZ “Star 100.7” has its third consecutive down or flat report for an overall loss of nine-tenths (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.1, flat at #8, 6+). The +2.0 advantage WBZZ held over WLTJ in April is down to two-tenths. Apparently, it is that time again for Forever Media to pull its Nielsen Audio subscription as five Forever Media stations that have been listed in April, May, and June disappear from print, as they’ve done before. The five are: classic hits-oldies WKPL (1.7, June 2019, 6+); classic country WLYI (1.4, June 2019); country WOGI (.9, June 2019, 6+); country WOGG (.8, June 2019, 6+); and classic hits-oldies WPKL (.7, June 2019, 6+).
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Entercom Acquires Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Media. This morning’s (Wednesday, 8/7) press release doesn’t indicate a transaction amount for the two podcasting entities; however, The Wall Street Journal (first to
report the story) pegs Cadence13 at roughly $50 million and estimates Pineapple Street Media at $18 million. Two years ago, Entercom shelled out nearly $10 million for a 45% stake in Cadence13 but now owns it entirely. According to Entercom chair/president/chief executive officer David Field, “Today marks another transformational event at Entercom – we are thrilled 
to welcome the outstanding teams and content partners at both Pineapple Street and Cadence13. Entercom will stand as a unique leader in the audio universe with both the greatest collection of premium, original local audio content along with arguably the best national podcast content. We are well-positioned to participate in the exciting audio renaissance and the powerful opportunities to work with our thousands of customers across the country on their increasingly important audio strategies.” Entercom’s chief digital officer J.D. Crowley remarks, “It is an exciting day for all lovers of audio – creators, listeners and advertisers. The leadership teams at both Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Media are the best in the business; their tenacity, creativity and reputations are unmatched.” Pineapple Street Media will be renamed Pineapple Street Studios, a division of RADIO.COM, with Jenna Weiss-Berman and Max Linsky continuing as co-heads. It is a production house that creates original podcasts, working with partners such as ESPN, WNYC Studios, Netflix, and The New York Times. Headquartered in New York City and with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cadence13 launched in 2015 and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Entercom. CEO Spencer Brown will join the new organization as head of the division. Chief content officer Chris Corcoran will continue to lead content and Cadence13 president John Murphy will also be part of the leadership team. Pineapple Street Media co-founder Max Linsky says, “This is an incredibly exciting day for us and our team of podcast producers. We started Pineapple three years ago with the simple goal of making great shows that found huge audiences. Joining forces with the amazing teams at Entercom and Cadence13 means we can do that at a scale we never imagined. Co-founder Jenna Weiss-Berman adds, “This is an amazing time for podcasting. This moment is unprecedented – the energy, the growth, the talent coming to the medium. I am thrilled to be working with the incredible leadership teams at Entercom and Cadence13.” In a joint statement, Cadence13 founding partners Spencer Brown, Chris Corcoran, and John Murphy write, “Consolidation with Entercom will greatly accelerate the next phase of our growth. Through its robust portfolio, Entercom offers Cadence access to a national audio platform that will accelerate revenue and development of our audience engagement efforts. This acquisition helps us extend the reach of our partners and build their audiences across the audio landscape.”
Entravision Elevates Melendez to President/Local Media Sales. West region executive vice president Eddie Melendez is boosted to Entravision’s president of local media sales. Markets reporting directly to him include Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Orlando, McAllen, and El Paso. Entravision chief revenue officer Karl A. Meyer explains that, “Entravision has a comprehensive offering of traditional and digital media assets, which provide a powerful omni-channel platform for advertisers to reach the growing U.S. Hispanic market. We now have a single holistic sales structure that fully aligns with our integrated sales strategy approach. This provides consistency for our team and our marketing partners which will improve productivity and enhance the service we provide to our advertising clients. Eddie is a proven and inspirational leader with almost 30 years of experience and we are excited to have him driving our local sales efforts.” A part of the “Entravision family” since 2002, Melendez notes, “It’s an honor to be leading our local sales efforts. We have an exceptional platform and talented associate team that allow us to offer advertisers a comprehensive marketing solution that truly reaches and engages consumers at different stages of the value chain. I believe we are well-positioned to meet the needs of local advertisers today and in the future and build long-term relationships.” Positions Melendez has held since joining Entravision include vice president of business development and vice president/director of national sales. In other Entravision personnel news, Juan Navarro is appointed to the newly-created role of regional vice president/local media sales; Chris Jordan is named Las Vegas’ senior vice president/sales; and Laura Hernandez becomes senior vice president/sales in Midland-Odessa (Texas).
Wilson To Keynote RAIN Summit. The keynote speaker of next month’s (9/24) RAIN Summit in Dallas will be Bill Wilson, the two-year chief executive officer of Townsquare Media and a digital frontrunner in internet media and radio for over 25 years. As president of AOL Media, he managed consumer-facing brands across news, finance, sports, entertainment, and technology destinations. In Dallas, Wilson will describe the priorities and initiatives that have helped define Townsquare Media as “a local media and digital marketing solutions company.” RAIN president Brad Hill notes, “We are delighted and privileged to spotlight Bill Wilson at our Dallas event. In the 12 years that I’ve known Bill, he has been resolutely forward-looking, adroitly meeting the challenges of digital transformation and creating success across media categories. His executive experience and viewpoint illuminate new possibilities for radio and local media.” Wilson won an Emmy in 2006 for the “Live 8” program. He joined Townsquare Media in 2010 as chief content & digital officer and became CEO seven years later. Townsquare has innovated on the digital side through content and marketing initiatives such as Townsquare Ignite, the company’s fastest growing business in 2018, and Townsquare Interactive.
Entercom’s Q2 Results. Year-to-year net revenue rose 2.3% to $380.7 million, with Entercom’s operating income more than doubling
from $27.6 million to $64.8 million. As TALKERS is reporting, Entercom this morning (Wednesday, 8/7) announced the purchase of Pineapple Street Media and an agreement in principle to acquire Cadence13. Chair/president/chief operating officer David J. Field explains, “This will make Entercom one of the country’s three largest podcast enterprises.” In another item on our site this morning, we cover the company’s launch of the RADIO.COM Sports Digital Network. Field points out, “It will debut later this month with a compelling lineup of daily radio shows and weekly podcasts. [The Cadence13, Pineapple Street Media, and Sports Digital Network] moves highlight a series of strategic investments that are positioning Entercom to capitalize on the exciting growth opportunities in the audio space fueled by rapidly emerging catalysts, including podcasting, smart speakers, audio search, enhanced analytics and attribution.” Regarding the Q2 results, he notes that, “Second quarter revenue and EBITDA were up 2.3% and 7%, respectively, driven by strong growth in national, network and digital, partially offset by declines in political and events.”
TALKERS News Notes. With over 65 hours of daily live programming, Entercom’s RADIO.COM Sports Digital Network debuts in 12 days (Monday, 8/19). Shows will be available in podcast form with four additional weekly podcasts. Entercom sports president Mike Dee comments, “We are thrilled with the extraordinary lineup of talent we have assembled to launch this new venture. The commitment to create and distribute 25 hours of dedicated sports betting audio and video weekly to super serve that growing audience is an example of how the network will adapt quickly to the new trends that are shaping both consumer and advertiser interest. We look forward to the onboarding of more great content to the network in the coming months.” The weekday lineup will include: “Home and Home” with Ross Tucker and Dave Briggs (8:00 am – 11:00 am); “Scal & Pals” with Brian Scalabrine (11:00 am – 1:00 pm, starting 9/23); “Swing & Mrs.” With Cody Decker and his wife Jennifer Sterger Decker (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm); and “You Better You Bet” with Nick Kostos (6:00 pm – 10:00 pm) ….. There are personnel additions and subtractions taking place at NPR. Some newsroom positions are being cut,
while other departments are adding jobs. As of September 6, for example, national security correspondent David Welna will depart. Senior vice president of news/editorial director Nancy Barnes addresses the issue in a staff memo by writing that less than ten jobs are being eliminated, however, the reason isn’t “about saving money.” Instead, she indicates it is a realignment of resources. Staff is being added to report on such topics as climate change and opioid addiction. An spokesperson says those facing layoffs will have the chance to apply for new openings within NPR ….. There will be two huge changes for E! News next year. Instead of airing at 7:00 pm, it will become a morning show and relocate from Los Angeles to NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Center studios in New York. Approximately 25 E! News Los Angeles staffers will be laid off, although the company hopes to place them in new positions. The cable channel’s 2020 slate of entertainment news programming includes multiple additional hours of original weekday content, including two new series based in NYC. Its weekday schedule will include eight original entertainment news and commentary series.
Aftermath of El Paso and Dayton Shootings, US-China Trade War, and Stock Market Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday and this Morning (8/6-7). The aftermath of the tragic shooting violence in El Paso and Dayton this weekend dominated all conversation on news/talk radio Monday (8/5), yesterday (8/6), and continuing into early today (8/7) with President Trump’s visit to both cities distantly followed by discussion about China’s devalued currency in a hard ball move per the US-China trade war and its impact on Wall Street according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled,
“Infestation and Other Fighting Words!,” looks back at this past week of July 29 – August 2, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Gary Sutton, host, WSBA, York, PA; Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore; Scott Masteller, program director, WBAL, Baltimore; Graham Mack, program director, Fix Radio, London, UK; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. The news/talk media show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation mark for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. Hosted by Michael Harrison, this excellent show is now being made available as a service to terrestrial news/talk stations from TALKERS for on-air or online presentation on a market-exclusive basis. For information call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here.
JackFM Wants Skyview, LRN for Sales/Syndication Services. The agreement doesn’t go into effect until the first of next year (1/1/2020), but Sparknet Communications, owner
of adult hits “JackFM” and the trademarked “Playing What We Want” slogan heard in 62 markets, will have an exclusive partnership with Skyview Networks and Local Radio Networks (LRN) for their “full package of syndication services.” Scottsdale-based 
Skyview will be the exclusive network sales partner/satellite distribution provider for JackFM, while LRN will lead affiliate relations and provide automation technology. Skyview Networks and LRN entered into a collaborative partnership earlier this year. Sparknet president Garry Wall comments, “This move will upgrade the product quality for our
affiliates in every aspect of the JackFM ‘listener experience.’ This also puts us into a partnership aligned around innovation, growth, and customer service.” Skyview Networks chief executive officer Ken Thiele states, “We are proud to offer Sparknet, in partnership with LRN, our full-service solution for syndicating and 
monetizing its successful and popular JackFM music format. This partnership brings together the synergies of three compelling audio companies experiencing unprecedented growth. I am impressed with the leadership strategy of LRN and believe in the opportunities we bring to the industry as partners for top content creators like Sparknet.” Skyview executive vice president/general manager Jeanne-Marie Condo explains, “In an ever-evolving audio industry, Skyview is constantly seeking opportunities to create value for our clients; JackFM offers programming solutions that are unmatched in the industry. We are proud to call them a partner and look forward to building on their success.” Local Radio Networks chief executive officer Steve Swick remarks, “The combined expertise and services of LRN and Skyview creates the most powerful 24/7 music format syndication solution for radio station owners, personalities, and content creators. JackFM is a proven audience-winner and a perfect addition to LRN’s lineup of quality 24/7 music formats.” LRN executive vice president Pat Crocker notes, “I worked for a decade with Garry and the JackFM format. I know firsthand the quality of the product and incredible creative energy he and his team dedicate to its production. We look forward to working with the Sparknet team to increase the already extensive footprint of the JackFM brand across the US.”
MIW Accepting Applications For Annual Mentoring Program. The program is a collaborative effort of The Mentoring & Inspiring
Women in Radio Group (MIW) and Nielsen Music that creates greater opportunities for women interested in management positions in music broadcast programming. This year’s application window opens today (Wednesday, 8/7) and closes two weeks from today (Wednesday, 8/21). MIW Group executive committee member/Presslaff Interactive Revenue founder and president Ruth Presslaff states, “The continued support by Nielsen Music of women in programming through this mentorship program is appreciated by all MIWs and is truly appreciated across the industry. Together, we are helping women succeed, while creating stronger talent for radio – everybody benefits.” Nielsen director of radio Haley Jones comments, “Nielsen places great emphasis on driving diversity in the workplace. In our third year as the co-sponsor of the Annual MIW-Nielsen Music Mentoring Program, we remain inspired by the number of young professionals looking to advance their careers. We are confident that this mentor program will continue to have a lifelong impact on the winners.” The one year mentorship program matches a female programming candidate with key mentors from throughout the broadcast industry, including the MIW Radio Group and Nielsen Music. It is designed to sharpen the mentee’s programming and professional skills and further her music programming career. The mentorship is available to one female program director, assistant program director, and/or music director from any music format.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. After a 16-year tenure at Entercom Portland, vice president of programming/director of country programming Mike Moore exits as his position has been eliminated. Moore joined the Oregon stations from Nashville’s WSIX to program similarly-formatted KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf.” In addition to WSIX (2000 – 2003), Moore previously programmed country stations in Orlando (WWKA) and Hartford (WWYZ). The Entercom Portland cluster consists of sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan”; classic rock KGON and blues KGON-HD2; sports talk KMTT “910 ESPN”; alternative KNRK and KNRK-HD2; hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz”; aforementioned country KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf”; and adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie.” ….. Among inductees who will be added to the Philadelphia Music…..
Walk of Fame’s Class of 2019 is Beasley Broadcast Group Philadelphia (rock) WMMR mid-day personality Pierre Robert. The Radio Row award recipient came to Philadelphia from San Francisco in 1981 and embraces the best of the new music releases as well as heritage rock. Other honorees include The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Hooters, The O’Jays, Evelyn “Champagne” King, music industry executive Jody Gerson, and philanthropist Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton. Honorees will be formally inducted October 22 during afternoon ceremonies along the Avenue of the Arts and celebrated that evening with a gala event at The Bellevue Philadelphia.
July 2019 PPM Data. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for San Francisco, Dallas, and Houston. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three markets.
San Francisco
Spoken-Word Formats. Four successive sweeps without an increase by KSFO have accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, #21 to #24, 6+), driving the Cumulus Media news/talk station below a two-share (1.7, 6+) for the first time in exactly two years (1.8, July 2017). When cluster-mate KGO gained three-tenths in May, it ended seven successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), but KGO has now dropped one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.7 – 1.6 -1.5, #26 to #25, 6+). By gaining one-tenth (.1 – .2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” jumps from #41 to #35.
At the same time that Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR “The Sports Leader” improves by eight-tenths (3.3 – 4.1, 6+) vaulting from ninth to third, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” flounders by -1.1 (3.0 – 1.9, 6+) and plummets from the top twenty (#11 to #21). Up one full-share in April, KNBR is the flagship of the Giants. Powered by May’s +1.4, Golden State Warriors flagship KGMZ nearly doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss, (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+).
Off a combined half-share in June/July (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM, which had a May-only stay at #1, repeats at #2. It spent four straight months in the runner-up slot before picking up three-tenths in May to progress to the top.
Replicating June’s gain of three-tenths (6.3 – 6.6 – 6.9, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED repeats at #1. KQED had been on top four sweeps in a row, but faltered by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (7.3 – 6.8 – 6.3, 6+), segueing to #2 in May. Down a collective half-share via four straight drops (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .8, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” ends the slide with a gain of two-tenths to 1.0 (#30 to #28, 6+).
San Francisco Music Formats – An overall -1.4 in three straight dips (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” pulls the plug by picking up one-tenth to 3.7 (steady at #6, 6+). Prior to April’s loss of six-tenths, “The Breeze” was +1.2 through three straight gains (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Not only does co-owned hot AC KIOI pick up three-tenths to curtail five successive down or flat trends that resulted in a one-half share loss (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), “Star 101.3” returns to the top ten (3.2, #12 to #10). In four straight negative or neutral sweeps, Bonneville urban AC KBLX surrendered a collective -1.1 (3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), but “Today’s R&B and Old School” adds one-tenth to 2.3 (6+) and climbs from #18 to #15. After a May increase of one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” is a combined -1.3 in June/July (4.0 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Before dropping two-tenths in April, “The Bone” was +1.1 in three successive improvements (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+). Although slipping from sixth to seventh, iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” is within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the 13th time in a row (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). April 2019’s 3.7 represents its best 6+-stat since October 2018’s 3.9. Following five straight up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” dips one-tenth in June and July (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, flat at #22, 6+).
Dallas
Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss the past survey periods for a +1.8 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1, “Holiday” 2018 through
June 2019, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” forfeits one-third of that increase in July (3.5, -.6, sixth to tenth, 6+). An increase of one-tenth to .6 (6+) pushes Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” from #36 to #34. Three straight down or flat trends by Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM resulted in a loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+), but “570 News & Information” is up one-tenth to .4 (6+) and moves from #38 to #36.
Tacking on one-half share to June’s increase of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” is back in the top twenty (#22 to #20). Entering the June sweep, the flagship of the Texas Rangers lost roughly 52% (-1.6) of its 6+-share in four straight declines (3.1 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+). Notwithstanding that it levels off at 1.7 (6+) after June’s -1.0, Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” slips from #23 to #24. “The Ticket” notched a 2.7 (6+) in March, April, and May. Down one-tenth in both June and July (.9 – .8 – .7, 6+), Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” repeats at #32.
A streak that lasted approximately 2.5 years comes to an end as KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” logs a 1.8 (#21 to #23, 6+). The Entercom news-talk hybrid had been within a (6+) high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0 since “Holiday” 2016. Moreover, KRLD-AM is off a collective seven-tenths in three straight declines (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+).
Off a collective -1.0 in four straight negative or neutral moves (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet KERA dips from #11 to #14.
Dallas Music Formats – Locked on 4.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping to 4.0 (6+) in June, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY erupts with a +1.1 to 5.1 (6+) as “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” zooms from seventh to second. This (5.1) is the loftiest 6+-showing for KLTY since February 2015’s 5.1. One of its format rivals, Educational Media Foundation’s KYDA “Air 1 – Worship Now,” notches its third consecutive gain for an overall +1.2 (1.9 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+) and jumps from #16 to #13. In addition to logging a July improvement of eight-tenths to 3.8 (6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” cracks the top ten (#13 to #8). In addition to chalking up a +.6, iHeartMedia classic rock KZPS “Lone Star 92.5” records a 5.1 the third time in the last six sweeps (5.1 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 5.1, fifth to second, 6+). After being a cumulative -1.1 in six straight down or flat moves (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” ends the slide with a gain of one-tenth to 2.8 (#16 to #15, 6+). Even though it has lost nine-tenths as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), its CHR sibling, KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music,” is #1 the seventh month in a row. Its May dip of four-tenths brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). April’s 6.7 was its best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 6.9. On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. Meanwhile, July’s full-share setback by Cumulus Media-owned country outlet KPLX wipes away its combined May/June +.7. (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 3.9, 6+); “99.5 The Wolf” tumbles from second to seventh. Regressing by one-half share each are Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 Nobody Plays More ‘80s” (4.8 – 4.3, third to fifth, 6+) and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” (3.3 – 2.8, #11 to #15, 6+). After having its 6+ AQH share cut exactly in half in June (1.4 – .7, -.7, 6+), KLNO’s similarly-formatted cluster-mate KFZO “Zona MX 99.1” drops another three-tenths to .4 (#34 to #36, 6+).
Houston
Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase the third time in a row for a net loss of four tenths (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH falls from #14 to #15. “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December 2018 (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Frozen on .4 (6+) in March and April, co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” has now been stymied at .3 in May, June, and July (#31 to #28, 6+).
While steady at #22, iHeartMedia-owned KBME “Sports Talk 790” is off one-tenth to 1.1 (6+), thus halting four straight positive or neutral trends in which the flagship of the Houston Astros more than doubled (+.7) its 6+-stat (.5 – .6 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). KBME has a one-tenth advantage over Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610,” which repeats June’s 6+ AQH share (1.0) and market rank (#23). It is the same scenario for Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5,” which is unchanged from June in those same two (share and market rank) categories (.7, #25, 6+).
After gaining four-tenths in June (2.1 – 2.5, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF returns one-tenth (2.4, 6+) but carries on at #19.
Houston Music Formats – Within 3.1- 3.7 range (6+) in each of the last nine survey periods (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC KHMX not only logs an impressive +1.3 to 4.7 (6+), “Mix 96.5” rockets into the top ten (#15 to #8). “Mix” reaches the four-share level (4.7, 6+) for the first time since October 2018’s 4.0. Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” picks up one tenth to 5.0 (sixth to fifth, 6+), thus applying the brakes to three straight decreases of six-tenths each. It was 6.7 – 6.1 (6+) in April; 6.1 – 5.5 (6+) in May; and 5.5 – 4.9 (6+) in June. Before eroding by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2018, “Que Buena 102.9” was a collective +3.3 through five successive increases (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 8.0, 6+). Two streaks continue for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA. On the positive side, “Sunny 99.1” is #1 the 16th sweep in a row. Conversely, KODA is an overall -5.5 in seven straight declines (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+). Immediately in advance of this spiral, “Sunny” was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). Airing a variety of musical genres including jazz and blues, Texas Southern University’s KTSU posted a .8 (6+) in May followed by a .5 (6+) in June; however, “90.9 Your Community Station” disappears in July. The four-tenths lead that Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “The New Country 93-Q” had in June over Entercom’s similarly-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” is reduced to one-tenth as “93-Q” drops one-tenth (4.8 – 4.6, 6+) while “The Bull” adds two-tenths (4.4 – 4.6, 6+). KKBQ and KILT-FM remain at eighth and tenth, respectively. Before losing two-tenths in March, “The Bull” had been +1.7 via three bumps in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). In five successive negative or neutral reports, Liberman Broadcasting’s KQQK “El Norte 107.9” has lost eight-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.6, #17 to #18, 6+).
Party Man and Diva Honored. At a music and radio award ceremony held this past Sunday at Backstage Atlanta to salute excellence in the industry, Westwood One’s urban AC “Rick and Sasha” (pictured at right) were cited as having the “Best Syndicated Morning Show.” Rick Party formerly worked at Cox Media Group Miami urban AC WHQT “Hot 105,” while “Sasha The Diva” most recently was heard on CMG’s similarly-formatted WALR Kiss 104.1 – Atlanta’s R&B.” Rick and Sasha debuted nationally in January of this year.
Monday, August 5, 2019
Radio HOF Announces “Class of 2019.” The nine newest members of the Radio Hall of Fame who will be inducted at a November 8 ceremony in New York City’s Gotham Hall are: Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton; Harry Harrison; Kevin Ryder & Gene “Bean” Baxter (“Kevin & Bean”); Joe Madison; Jim Rome; Ryan Seacrest; John Tesh; and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Radio HOF chair Kraig Kitchin remarks, “I am especially proud to welcome these individuals into the Radio Hall of Fame. Their on-air performances and audience relationships are especially remarkable. Each of our 2019 nominees [is] worthy of induction. I’m appreciative of all those who participated in our process of selecting our Class of 2019, who will join the 238 Radio Hall of
Fame inductees already recognized for their great work.” Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton does afternoon drive on iHeartMedia New York rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” and his “Weekly Top 30 Countdown” is syndicated by Premiere Networks. Harry Harrison (“Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years”) was a mainstay New York City morning talent on WMCA, WABC, and WCBS-FM. Kevin and Bean (“Active Local/Regional, 10+ years”) have been overseeing mornings on Entercom Los Angeles alternative KROQ. Joe Madison – “The Black Eagle” – is heard on SiriusXM’s “Urban View” channel. Jim Rome (“Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years”), whose show was called a “freaking jungle” by a listener – and the term stuck – airs on CBS Sports Radio. Ryan Seacrest’s multi-platforms include mornings on iHeartMedia Los Angeles CHR KIIS “Kiss-FM” and Premiere Networks’ “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” and “American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest.” John Tesh (“Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years”) hosts Compass Media Networks-syndicated “Intelligence For Your Life.” Meanwhile, “The Dr. Ruth Show” was heard on NBC Radio and she hosted “Sexually Speaking” on New York City’s WYNY. Four inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. Another four were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, two with input from the public. The outcome of the listener vote for a music format and spoken-word format on-air personality counted as one vote among the committee votes. The Radio HOF voting process was administered by Votem and overseen by the certified public accounting firm Miller Kaplan Arase LLP.
Monday Memo: “Hollywood,” Co-starring AM Radio. The Los Angeles Times calls “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” “the year’s first surefire Oscar Best Picture nominee.” And the soundtrack — assembled after writer/director Quentin Tarantino listened to 14 hours of 1969 KHJ airchecks — may also grab a statuette. In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke’s panel explains what made radio so “sticky” then, and what it would take to reclaim the foreground on today’s crowded audio landscape. Read his column here.
Karem’s Press Pass Suspended. The White House Correspondents Association is “closely monitoring” the White House press
secretary’s decision to suspend for 30 days the pass of CNN political analyst Brian Karem. Association president Jonathan Karl states, “We sincerely hope this White House does not again make the mistake of revoking a reporter’s hard pass. The WHCA has stood up to violations of due process rights before and we stand ready to safeguard those rights for all reporters who work to hold our government accountable.” CNN’s Brian Stelter reports the suspension letter Karem received specifically cited the confrontation he got into with former Trump aide/Salem Radio Networks talk host Sebastian Gorka at the White House social media summit a few weeks ago. Via Twitter, Gorka writes, “From this day forth the punk @BrianKarem will be called Brian Karma.” Meanwhile, on that same social media platform, Karem notes that he intends to appeal the White House’s decision. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison spoke with Gorka moments after that summit wrapped. That conversation is archived here on the TALKERS website (Friday, July 12, 2019).
Beasley Broadcast Group Q2 Net Revenue Increases 6.5%. The $4 million (6.5%) year-over-year gain (to $65.7 million) during the three months ended June 30 reflects increased revenue in Beasley Broadcast Group’s Philadelphia cluster, primarily due to the September 2018 acquisition of country WXTU, and increased revenue from its Boston stations. Net revenue for the three months ended June 30 was comparable to net revenue
for the same period in 2018 at the company’s other clusters. Chief executive officer Caroline Beasley comments, “The strategic and financial benefits of our initiatives to further expand and diversify Beasley’s broadcast and digital platform are evident in our second-quarter financial results and further highlights the progress we are making to reinforce and grow Beasley’s leadership position across all audio platforms in our markets. Record second-quarter net revenue of $65.7 million was driven by the strength of our station clusters in three of our top five largest revenue markets, as well as contributions from recent acquisitions and more than offset approximately $1 million in combined political and United States Traffic Network (USTN) revenue recorded in the comparable 2018 period, which was non-recurring in 2019.” In June, Beasley Broadcast Group entered into a definitive agreement with Urban One to acquire Detroit’s WDMK and three translators used to broadcast WDMK’s HD2 signal for $13.5 million. Caroline Beasley notes, “This transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Beasley’s free cash flow, excluding one-time transaction costs. The acquisition of WDMK-FM and the WDMK-HD2 translators represent a strategically and financially compelling growth opportunity for our shareholders and further enhances our revenue and competitive position in Detroit with a strong cluster of four FM stations in the country’s thirteenth largest market.”
iHM Hikes Hyland to Region President/Washington & Baltimore. Most recently region senior vice president of sales and market president for iHeartMedia Washington D.C./Baltimore, Aaron Hyland is elevated to region president of those two markets. He succeeds Mike Preacher, who becomes president for government initiatives and partnerships for iHeartMedia Markets Group. Preacher will report to iHeartMedia Markets Group president Greg Ashlock, while Hyland will report to iHeartMedia west division president Kevin LeGrett. According to Ashlock, “With Aaron, we are fortunate to have someone so
talented, experienced and knowledgeable of the area to make the natural progression to the role of region president. With Mike, we are grateful for the amazing job he has done leading our D.C./Baltimore region and excited about the incredible wealth of experience and success he brings to the table in managing our government initiatives and partnership division. This is a win-win.” Hyland, who began his radio career as local sales manager for iHeartMedia Albany (New York), comments, “The iHeartMedia Washington D.C. region has a strong presence in both Washington and Baltimore with advertisers throughout the community. I’m excited to build on our success here, giving our advertisers efficient and effective marketing solutions as well as providing our listeners the best programming and content.” Preacher notes, “I’m very proud of the work we’ve done in the Washington D.C. region. Aaron has been instrumental to our growth and I am highly confident that he and the team will enjoy continued success. Regarding my role moving forward, we have very high growth expectations for our government initiatives and partnerships division. I am looking forward to resourcing and spearheading the team’s efforts.” The iHM DC cluster consists of news/talk WONK, adult contemporary WASH, country WMZQ, CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5,” alternative WWDC “DC-101,” and WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock,” while its Baltimore owned-and-operated stations are CHR WZFT “Z-104.3,” adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM,” WPOC “93.1 Baltimore’s Country Station,” and gospel WCAO “Heaven 600.”
2020 Local Political Advertising to Top $6.5 Billion. That’s the estimate from BIA Advisory Services, which forecasts over-the-air television will earn the majority of the spending (47% or $3.08 billion). That compares to just over $312 million (4.8%) for radio. Meanwhile, online/digital outlets will receive $1.37 billion (21%), while multichannel video programming
distributors are expected to rake in $919 million (14%). The balance will go to other media. BIA Advisory Services chief economist/senior vice president Mark Fratrik opines, “It is going to be a very interesting political year. Some very large markets will not see much in political advertising while some small markets will see an extraordinary amount of advertising due to competitive gubernatorial, senate and house races along with the presidential election. Campaigns will continue to rely on television as a dominant platform for advertising while supplementing with digital advertising across mobile and desktop. In some smaller markets, one thing to keep an eye on is how the huge volume of political advertising could crowd out other local advertisers during primary and general election seasons. That may have an impact on advertisers and media companies. We will certainly factor that into our forecasting as we go through the fall.” It is believed that the three top local political revenue generating markets will be Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Philadelphia. In each market, TV OTA will receive more than $130 million in advertising with online/digital ad spend getting over 25% of the total spend.
Hart Heads to Albuquerque. Former six-year Entercom Philadelphia news/talk WPHT program director Jared Hart relocates to Albuquerque to become AM operations manager for Cumulus Media’s news/talk KKOB-AM (which he will program), sports talk KNML “The Sports Animal,” and business talk KTBL. Cumulus Media Albuquerque vice president/market manager Jeff Berry comments, “Jared brings the experience, skill, and vision to lead our three AM stations – including the legendary KKOB-AM – back to a position of market dominance. We are so excited for him to join our team and help guide our cluster to new heights.” Hart adds, “I’m excited by the opportunity to join the passionate and forward-thinking team at Cumulus Albuquerque. It’s hard to overstate the power and impact of KKOB-AM and ‘The Sports Animal’ across New Mexico and the potential for KTBL. I’m honored to help drive the future success of these great stations and can’t wait to jump in.” Prior to his tenure at WPHT, Hart was assistant program director for Cumulus Media San Francisco news/talk siblings KGO and KSFO.
Four Staffers Added to Westwood One Podcast Network. Joining Cumulus Media-owned Westwood One Podcast Network are senior producer, core content Madena Parwana; senior producer, development Lou Pellegrino; audio mixing engineer/studio technician Rebekah Wineman; and associate producer Sarah McCrory. All four will report to executive editor John Wordock, who comments, “This latest round of hiring further demonstrates Westwood One’s commitment to quality and scale as we grow our podcast business and serve our extraordinary partners and content providers. Madena, Lou, Rebekah, and Sarah have diverse and distinctive skillsets that will greatly contribute to the success and evolution of podcasting at Westwood One.” Parwana will help manage and produce podcasts that cover news, lifestyle and entertainment, sports, and business/money. She previously was a producer in the global radio division of Bloomberg LP, where she produced Bloomberg’s “Masters in Business” and “The Business of Sports” podcasts. Parwana was also senior podcast producer and co-host of “Unique Radio with Will Castro.” Pellegrino will manage and assess in-bound podcast pitches as well as help to develop pilots and shows. He formerly was executive producer of podcasts for Cadence 13 where he produced “The Woj Pod” and was involved with “Pod Save America.” In addition, Pellegrino was a producer for NBC Sports Radio and worked as a freelance producer for “The Dan Patrick Show” and MSG Networks. Wineman will support post-production, sound quality, field engineering, and studio maintenance. She previously worked as an audio engineer for The Wall Street Journal, where she mixed the “What’s News” podcast. Wineman served as a mixing and mastering engineer for NPR’s “Latino USA” and “In the Thick.” McCrory will support hosts, help edit and produce shows, and book guests. Before joining Westwood One, she worked as a production coordinator and podcast coordinator for Fox News Channel in New York City and Washington, DC, working on the podcasts “Livin’ the Bream” and “The Fox News Rundown.”
TALKERS News Notes. Sports reporter/anchor Carol Maloney joins Cumulus Media Washington DC’s WSBN-AM “ESPN 630” for 10:00 am – 12:00 noon duty. Cumulus Washington, DC program director Bill Hess states, “I’ve admired Carol’s energy, passion, and journalism since we first worked together a dozen years ago. Her relationships with the players, coaches, reporters, and sports fans in our town are unmatched.” Maloney notes, “I couldn’t be more thrilled and thankful for this opportunity. I’ve spent most of my career in the nation’s capital passionately following and covering the sports teams in town. Luckily, I’ve made a lot of friends and contacts along the way and will be calling on all of them.” Maloney has worked for Comcast SportsNet and NBC Sports Washington. She continues as a field reporter/show host for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) on Washington Nationals telecasts. “The Carol Maloney Show” debuts tomorrow (Tuesday, 8/6) ….. Miami’s WQAM “Sports Radio 560” rebrands as “560 The Joe.” While the Entercom sports talk outlet is the
flagship of the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and University of Miami Hurricanes, its weekday lineup is taking more of a national lean: SportsCenter All Night (1:00 am – 5:00 am); First & Last with Jason Fitz (5:00 am – 6:00 am); The Joe Rose Show with Zach Krantz (6:00 am – 10:00 am); Dan Le Batard with Stugotz (10:00 am – 1:00 pm); Stephen A. Smith (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm); Hoch & Crowder (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); “Best of ‘560 The Joe’” (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm); Spain & Company (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm); and Freddie & Fitzsimmons (9:00 pm – 1:00 am). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WAXY “AM 790 The Ticket” is the key station of the NBA’s Miami Heat. Its on-air roster includes: Amy Lawrence (2:00 am – 6:00 am); Tobin, Leroy, & The Beast (6:00 am – 10:00 am); Zaslow & Amber (10:00 am – 2:00 pm); Hoch & Crowder (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Zack Duarte (6:00 pm – 10:00 pm); and Scott Ferrall (10:00 pm – 2:00 am).
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At a time when high-profile stations such as WPLJ, New York; WRQX, Washington, DC; and WYAY, Atlanta (among others) are flipping to contemporary Christian, Tucson is losing a religious-geared outlet. Specifically, Tucson Radio LLC officially closes on its $650,000 purchase of KFLT “AM 830” & K269FV Oro
Valley (Arizona) from Family Life Broadcasting and transitions it to “The Drive” (pending calls KDRI), an “original format” of music and local, live personalities. The ownership team of Arizona-based Tucson Radio, which has no other broadcast interests, is longtime Tucson businessman and community activist Fletcher McCusker (board chair); Bobby Rich (president); and Jim Arnold (general manager). McCusker is the only one without extensive radio or broadcast background. According to Arnold, who has nearly 40 years of experience in Tucson radio and TV stations, “The Drive” will debut commercial-free as he begins hiring a sales staff this week. Today’s 6:00 am launch (Monday, 8/5) follows stunting as “The Worm,” a mix of novelty 
songs. With a catalogue of over 2,000 songs, “The Drive” is designed to appeal to baby boomers and originates 24/7 broadcasting from downtown Tucson. Its FM signal is heard throughout the Tucson valley, while the 830 AM signal carries from the Mexican border to Phoenix. Rich tells RadioInfo/TALKERS, “This has been developing for more than eight months; I recently realized I’ve never done a total build from scratch. I have gone back-and-forth from high anxiety to beyond thrilled of building something new, from concept to call-letters to months sorting song lists to finding talent before I could tell them what it was or what it would sound like. We didn’t buy studios or broadcast equipment – just a pair of transmitters and a tower rental agreement. Everything was kept confidential, which was extremely difficult. Some of the staff just learned the branding and what titles are in the library. We’re in empty offices working from a temporary studio while the real studios are being built across the hall. It is crazy, fun stuff. I’m more than a little overwhelmed but so happy. It’s a dream come true for all of us – a chance to select our own music and manage content that matters to Tucson and have incredible fun while making great radio. It’s crazy to start a new radio station, but we are just crazy enough and have the passion-to make it work.” Immediately prior to his 25-year tenure as program director/morning drive host at Tucson adult contemporary KMXZ “Mix 94,” Rich was vice president/general manager/morning show talent for Seattle’s KMGI. His voluminous resume also includes programming stops in New York City (WXLO “99-X”); Los Angeles (KHTZ “K-Hits 97”); Philadelphia (WWSH); San Diego (KFMB-FM “B-100,” where he famously formulated the “Rich Brothers”); and director/programming consultation for Drake-Chenault. Rich worked on-air in Los Angeles at KHJ and KFI, as well as WMYQ, Miami. The on-air lineup for “The Drive” is comprised of Rich and Hill Bailey (morning drive); former program director of cross-town CHR KRQQ Ken Carr (mid-days); Mike Esparza (afternoon drive); and onetime Bobby Rich intern Tyler Russell (nights). Evan Carlson-headed, Arizona not-for-profit corporation Family Life owns stations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Kalil & Co. brokered the transaction ….. While retaining its “Que Buena 92.7” identity, Univision Radio
New York’s WQBU transitions from regional Mexican to Spanish AC. Core artists will include Chayanne, Juan Gabriel, Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Iglesias, Jose Jose, Ricky Martin, Luis Miguel, Laura Pausini, and Shakira. Univision Radio New York president and general manager Roberto Yanez comments, “We are excited to launch a format that reflects distinct tastes of the Latino community in the Tri-State area. By reformatting our audio portfolio to include the only Spanish AC station in the region, we are able to give our audience more of the music they love, whether they’re listening at home, at work, or during their commute.” Its adjusted on-air lineup now includes: Mildre Aquino (6:00 am – 10:00 am); El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo (10:00 am – 2:00 pm); Jose Luis Arcos (2:00 pm – 7:00 pm); Cesar Lozano (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm); and El Free-Guey with La Bronca (8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight). Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 New York City report, WQBU ranks #34 (.3); it is #37 in Long Island (.2, 6+, June 2019) ….. One-year KVIL, Dallas “Alt 103.7” morning talent Jenn Marino exits the Entercom alternative outlet. Marino formerly co-hosted Premiere Networks’ Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx. Her other on-air credits include Baltimore outlets WHFS “Alternative 99.1”; WWMX, “Mix 106.5”; and WIYY “98 Rock,” as well as KRXO, Oklahoma 
City …. Launched in 2018, YEA Networks’ “Tino Cochino Radio” debuts next Monday morning (8/12, 6:00 am – 10:00 am) on Kemp Broadcasting Las Vegas CHR KVGQ “Q-106.9.” Hosted by Tino Cochino, Raquel, and DJ Nicasio, the show is now heard in more than 40 markets. KVGQ program director Gabriela “Lady g.” Loredon comments, “I’m excited to welcome Tino and the TCR team to our ‘Q-106.9’ family. TCR is the perfect fit for mornings here in Vegas and can’t wait to win” ….. American Idol winner Maddie Poppe and Whitney Woerz are among those scheduled to appear at the third annual “Survive Live” concert presented by Entercom Madison hot AC WMHX “Mix 105.1.” The October 3rd event will raise money for breast cancer awareness ….. “I’m Roger 
Carroll and I play records.” For 20 years (1959 – 1979), listeners of Los Angeles’ once powerhouse KMPC heard Kolman Carroll Rutkin begin his “R.C. Get Together” that way; the 90-year-Carroll died last week in Long Beach, California. Andrew Rutkin notes that his father “lived an amazing life; was surrounded by family; and his passing was peaceful.” The son of Eastern Europe immigrants, Roger Carroll was born in Baltimore in 1928 and moved away at 15 to work as an announcer at Frederick, Maryland’s WFMD. After World War ll, he relocated to Los Angeles, and at age 18, became the youngest announcer ever on the ABC Radio Network. Carroll, who worked at Los Angeles’ KABC from 1946 – 1959, became executive producer of the “Lawrence Welk Radio Show” in 1981 and owned KWIP, Salem (Oregon), a station he sold in 1991. For many years, he was the off-camera voice for such TV shows as “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” “Bonanza,” “The Danny Thomas Show,” and “Tony Orlando and Dawn.” In 2017, he started a streaming internet station, Roger Carroll’s Best Sounds in Town.” Commenting about his father, Andrew Rutkin states, “We will all miss him terribly. I’ll especially miss his wealth of stories and his amazing talent for mucking up his computer.”
Charlamagne Tha Guest. A number of the 2020 presidential candidates have made Premiere Networks’ “The Breakfast Club” a must-stop on their campaign trail. Last week, the show’s Charlamagne Tha God made the media rounds himself, appearing on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (the two are shown here) and CNN’s “OutFront” with Erin Burnett. Among other things, he talked about how the Democrats performed in the recent debates; who his favorite candidate is so far; and how he approaches interviews. Originating from iHeartMedia New York urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1,” the 4.5-hour “Breakfast Club” features Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee.
Friday, July 19, 2019
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with “Attracting Younger Demos to Talk Radio” Panel. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today’s (7/19) post presents the discussion “Attracting Younger Demos to Talk Radio” featuring panelists (in alphabetical order) Mike “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; Greg Foster, VP/programming and national news/talk brand coordinator, iHeart Media/PD, KOA, Denver; John T. Mullen, operations manager, WRHU, Hofstra University; Sid Rosenberg, morning co-host, WABC, New York; and Rich Zeoli, host, WPHT, Philadelphia. The session is moderated by Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS. Posted yesterday (7/18): discussion “Talk Radio in the Era of Watch What You Say” featuring panelists (in alphabetical order) Michael Berry, host, Michael Berry Show; Grace Blazer, national brand coordinator of news/talk/sports programming and director of AM programming Miami/Fort Lauderdale, iHeart Media; Karen Hunter, host SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Brett Winterble, host KFMB, San Diego; Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore; and Dan Yorke, host WPRO, Providence. Already posted: WPG, Atlantic City morning personality Harry Hurley saluting the Broadcasters Foundation of America and Vince Benedetto, CEO of Bold Gold Media Group receiving the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Talk Radio Broadcaster (“Humanitarian of the Year”); a special luncheon address by former Trump Administration advisor Sebastian Gorka, now a personality syndicated by Salem Radio Network; the panel discussion “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” featuring Howie Carr, host of the Howie Carr Show (Howie Carr Radio Network and Newsmax TV), Jared Hart, former PD, WPHT, Philadelphia, and Art Vuolo, president, Vuolo Video. The session was introduced and facilitated by Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York. Already posted: the special keynote address delivered by CBS Sports Radio syndicated host Jim Rome with an introduction from Yappy Days author/college professor Bernadette Duncan; the panel discussion, “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2019” featuring (in alphabetical order) Asa Andrew, host, AsaRx; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Suzanne Grimes, EVP/marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One; and Dave Robinett, chief marketing officer, #250-America’s Mobile Speed Dial – moderated by Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and introduced by renown independent station owner Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz, CA; the special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O’Reilly; the one-on-one discussion, “Sports Talk Radio’s Role in Popular Culture” featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting with Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, serving as facilitator; the panel discussion, “Broadcasting and Podcasting,” featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence with moderation by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; the keynote “fireside chat” in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones; the opening address titled, “Telling the Story,” delivered by Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories;” RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star “Cousin” Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event’s colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
Aftershocks of Le Batard’s POTUS Bashing. Those “send her back” chants aimed at Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar at Wednesday’s Donald Trump rally in Greenville, North Carolina were just too much for ESPN host Dan Le Batard to take. On yesterday’s show (Thursday, 7/18), Le Batard – whose parents are from Cuba – said what happened in North Carolina “felt un-American. It was deeply offensive to me as somebody whose parents have made all the sacrifices to get to this country.” Without specifically invoking the president’s name, Le Batard said, “You’ve had every privilege afforded to you, every privilege. And now, what you do with that power? You go after brown people and black people and minorities?” Opining that a racial division exists in this country, he commented, “It’s not the America my parents aimed to get for us, for exiles, for brown people.” Taking his own network as well as the president to task, Le Batard stated, the polarization is “being instigated by the president; we here at ESPN haven’t had the stomach for that fight. Around here, we won’t talk about it, unless Russell Wilson is saying something about it on his Instagram. Nobody talks politics on anything unless they use one of these sports figures as a meat shield in the most cowardly possible way to discuss these subjects. We don’t talk about what is happening unless there’s some sort of weak, cowardly sports angle that we can run it through when sports has always been the place where this stuff changes.” Earlier today, the president denounced the “crazed media coverage” of his rally, wishing “the disgusting statements” progressive lawmakers make got as much attention. Meanwhile, an ESPN memo circulated today reminded employees about policies concerning talking “pure politics” on-air, basically saying “don’t do it.” Jemile Hill was suspended in 2017 for violating ESPN’s social media policy multiple times, including one instance where she called the president a “white supremacist.” Hill no longer works for ESPN but applauded Batard via Twitter today. Disciplinary action toward Le Batard is unclear. Today’s show began without him for the first hour – but – he later joined.
Houston’s KILT-AM Resets Lineup. As longtime afternoon host Rich Lord departs KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610,” the Entercom Houston 
outlet and radio flagship of the Houston Texans adjusts its on-air roster. Next Monday (7/22), co-host Sean Pendergrast segues to morning drive with Seth Payne. Taking over the 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm slot vacated by Lord and Pendergrast are KILT-AM weekly contributor/swing talent Clint Stoerner and Rick Kamla, who joins from similarly-formatted Atlanta sibling WZGC “92.9 The Game,” where he did middays. According to Entercom Houston senior vice president/market manager Sarah Frazier, “Rich did an incredible job for nearly two-and-a-half decades on [KILT-AM]. As one of the first announcers on Houston’s first sports talk station, he has played an instrumental role in building this heritage station and will always be an integral part of its legacy. We are thankful for his work ethic and contributions over the years and wish him the best. He will always be a treasured player of ‘Sports Radio 610.’” Regarding “Clint and Kamla” – the station’s new afternoon drive team – she states, “They are the perfect pair to bring informative and clear-cut opinions to the Houston listener. As a native Houstonian, Clint has a natural connection with the audience and a distinct delivery and southern charm. Rick brings to the station a national platform with instant recognition from his years at NBA TV. His passion for sports will be evident instantly. We are equally as excited to provide the Houston sports community with a revamped weekday lineup that they can connect with to and from work on a daily basis.” Lord comments, “My time at [KILT-AM] has been the most rewarding, fulfilling, and satisfying experience of my professional life. I’ll forever be grateful to Dickie Rosenfeld for bringing me aboard in 1995. My time here has meant so much to me and my family that the biggest emotion that I feel right now is gratitude.” Born and raised in Houston, Stoerner maintains that, “Football is in my DNA. ‘Sports Radio 610′ is the king of Houston sports radio, so talking sports daily to my people in south Texas is a dream come true.” Kamla adds, “I am grateful for the opportunity to co-host afternoon drive with Clint and to be part of the new lineup on ‘Sports Radio 610.’ My family and I are very excited for this adventure in an amazing city.” KILT-AM’s adjusted on-air lineup is “Payne and Pendergast” (6:00 am – 10:00 am); “In The Loop” (10:00 am – 2:00 pm); “Clint and Kamla” (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm); “Texans All Access” (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm); “The Six-Pack with Matthew Jarecki” (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm); and Matthew Jarecki (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm).
TALKERS News Notes. Heard guest-hosting on Westwood One’s 10:00 pm – 1:00 am “Jim Bohannon Show” last night (Thursday, 7/18) was Walter Sterling ….. At month’s end, Mt. Rushmore Broadcasting Casper (Wyoming) general manager/program director Kevin Barrett will leave the five-station cluster. Mt. Rushmore Broadcasting owner Jan Charles Gray remarks, “Kevin has done an outstanding job. He will continue to work with us as a consultant for our ten stations in
Wyoming and South Dakota.” Barrett notes, “It has been a great experience and we’ve made a lot of progress. I’m most interested in returning to news/talk or sports talk as a program director or operations manager.” The company’s five Casper outlets are news/talk KVOC “AM 1230 – The Voice of Casper”; classic hits-oldies KMLD “Melody 94.5”; adult contemporary KHOC “Heart 102.5”; KQLT “103.7 Casper’s Original Country Station”; and KASS “Kick 107 The Rock Station.” Barrett joined Mt. Rushmore Broadcasting roughly ten months ago. His previous programming credits include KTRB, San Francisco; KTRS, St. Louis; KSEQ, Fresno; KABZ, Little Rock; KEEL, Shreveport (Louisiana); and KWXY, Palm Springs (California). Other Mt. Rushmore properties are located in Rawlins, Wyoming; Hot Springs, South Dakota; and Custer, South Dakota ….. Rob Carson filled in yesterday (Thursday, 7/18) on the 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm “Conservative Circus” on iHeartMedia Phoenix news/talk KFYI “News Talk 550” and is scheduled to do so again today (Friday, 7/19) ….. Owing to a just-announced partnership, 
Cadence13 has exclusive representative for motivational speaker, author, and “lifestyle influencer” Rachel Hollis’ Rise podcasts – “Rise” and “Rise Together.” In addition it will develop a Rise podcast network that will focus on personal growth, lifestyle, and wellness. Hollis – who wrote the best-selling “Girl, Wash Your Face” – comments, “I love being able to share my life experiences and what I’ve learned on my ever-evolving journey with listeners around the world. Joining a leading podcast company like Caence13 to help build and develop our network is incredibly exciting.” Cadence 13 chief content officer Chris Corcoran contends, “Rachel Hollis is nothing less than a phenomenon. Rachel’s authenticity has inspired millions. We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with her and support her vision.” The 36-year-old Hollis hosts the “Rise” interview series, and co-hosts “Rise Together” with her husband, Dave Hollis, who is chief executive officer of The Hollis Company.
KBA WKU Radio Talent Institute Set To Get Underway. Beginning next Monday (7/22), Kentucky Broadcasters Association
president Chris Winkle will welcome students from five universities as the seventh annual “KBA WKU Radio Talent Institute” begins on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. “Winkle stresses, “We cannot stand on the sidelines wondering where the next generation of broadcasters will come from. We have to be proactive and intentional in our efforts to assist students on their journey into broadcasting, culminating with job placement.” Instant Sales Training’s Chris Lytle, who authored “The Accidental Salesperson” and “The Accidental Sales Manager,” takes on the opening session. Among those slated to lead sales and management panels are NAB executive vice president Steve Newberry; CapCity Communications Kentucky/Seven Mountains Media Pennsylvania chief executive officer Kristin Cantrell; Forever Communications Bowling Green president Christine Hillard; Forcht Broadcasting Somerset (Kentucky) president/chief executive officer Mike Tarter; Heritage Media Leitchfield (Kentucky) president/chief executive officer Mark Buckles; Commonwealth Communications Bowling Green chief operating officer Dale Thornhill; and Commonwealth Communications chief revenue officer/Swagger Institute president Derron Steenbergen. Next Friday (7/26), Alpha Media Louisville CHR WDJX “99.7 DJX – All the Hits” morning drive talents Ben Davis & Kelly K will broadcast from the institute with the students as the studio audience. Cromwell Radio Group Nashville president Bud Walters will do the closing session and the students will get certification as RAB radio marketing professionals.
New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation” Now Posted. The recently launched one-hour weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by TALKERS that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media, has been posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeart Media’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled “Is the President a Racist?” looks back at the week of July 15-19, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Joe Madison, talk show host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Steve Weisman, law professor, Bentley University, Boston; and Peter King, correspondent, CBS News Radio, Kennedy Space Center. The show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation mark for the week in review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. Hosted by Michael Harrison, this excellent show is now being made available to terrestrial news/talk stations on a market-exclusive basis. For information call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to this week’s episode (and its complete archives), please click here.
June 2019 PPM Data – Part Four. June 2019 ratings information has been released for West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and
Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 survey period covered May 23 – June 19. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all four of these PPM-markets.
West Palm Beach
Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing its positive run, iHeartMedia-owned WJNO is a collective +1.1 in four successive sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+) and repeats at #9. This is the first time “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” reaches the three-share level (3.1, 6+) since December 2017’s 3.3. The March 2019 through June 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” is: 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0 (#12 to #13, 6+). It is part of a three-way #13 tie with Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL, which regains 75% of May’s -.4 (1.7 – 2.0, +.3, #15 to #13, 6+); “News Talk 850” improved by eight-tenths in April. While flat at #22, iHeartMedia Miami news/talker WIOD “610 News Radio” picks up two-tenths (.6 to .8, 6+).
Co-owned sports talk WBZT “1230 The Zone” posted a .1 (6+) in August 2018 but has been a “no-show” in the subsequent 11 sweeps.
Returning the one-tenth it picked up in May (2.9 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN slips from eighth to tenth.
West Palm Beach Music Formats – In six straight upticks, iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” is +1.6 (2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1, fifth to fourth, 6+) and reaches the four-share level (4.1) for the first time since August 2018 (4.0). Not only does Spanish contemporary cluster-mate WRLX explode with a +1.2 (2.0 – 3.2, 6+), “Mia 92.1” vaults into the top ten (#13 to #8). This (3.2) more than doubles (+1.7) where WRLX was this time last year (1.5, 6+, June 2018). Albeit a combined -3.0 in its third successive decrease (11.2 – 9.0 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF is #1 the sixth month in a row. “Variety from the 90s and Now” logged a +2.0 in March to 11.2, its highest 6+-share since November 2017 (11.2, as well). This (8.2), however, is its lowest since “Holiday” 2017 (8.2, as well). Having faltered by -1.0 in January, WRMF was frozen on 9.2 (6+) in January and February. Urban AC sibling WMBX “X-102.3” sputters by nine-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (5.9 – 5.0 – 4.1, 6+) but remains in fourth-place. An April gain of six-tenths took WMBX to 5.9, its highest 6+-share since May 2018’s 6.2. Following three successive West Palm Beach increases for a collective +1.0 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami CHR WHYI “Y-100” is down one-tenth to 2.3 (6+) and carries on at #11. Off a combined eight-tenths in May/June (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.9, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM Uplifting – Upbeat – Real” drifts from the top ten (#10 to #16). At the same time iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” substitutes May’s loss of one-tenth with a June increase of two-tenths (7.0 – 7.2, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEAT-FM “Sunny 107.9” is an overall -1.7 via three straight decreases (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Whereas 7.2 is the best 6+-showing for “Kool” since July 2016’s 7.5, “Sunny” has its softest 6+-stat (6.5) since 5.0 in November 2018. The two AC rivals – WOLL and WEAT-FM – continue at second and third, respectively.
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – Four successive down or flat trends by iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station”
account for a collective -1.2 (4.4 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2, #12 to #11, 6+). This immediately follows January/February’s +1.4 (3.0 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+).
The March 2019 through June 2019 topline for Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” is: .9 – .8 – .9 – .9 (#15 to #16, 6+),
Anchored at #13 for the 14th consecutive time, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” answers April’s loss of seven-tenths (2.3 – 1.6, 6+) with back-to-back (May and June) increases of two-tenths (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+). Repeating at #17, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC logs a .8 (6+) for the third time in the last four reports (.8 – .5 – .8 – .8, 6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – In addition to cracking the top ten (#11 to #9), iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ nets +1.6 in three upticks in a row (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+) and “105.7 – Man Up” reaches the four-share level (6+) for the first time since November 2018 (4.0). Over and above recording a June improvement of one-half share (9.3 – 9.8, 6+), Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” marches from second to first. Its six most recent fluctuations are: +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); and +.5 (June). Prior to its March-only stay at #1, WSMW last reached #1 in August 2016 when it logged a 10.5 (6+). In tandem with “Simon” picking up one-half share and shifting from second to first, co-owned urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” falters by one-half share (9.8 – 9.3, 6+) and segues from first to second. An April increase of six-tenths pulled the plug on five straight declines that resulted in a -2.3 (11.4 – 10.8 – 10.3 – 9.9 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+). On top in January and February, WQMG’s consecutive streak of reaching double-digits (6+) was snapped at 26 in January. Replicating May’s loss of seven-tenths (4.6 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss-FM” departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Heading into the May sweep, “Kiss” was a collective +1.8 via four consecutive upticks (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.6, 6+). In April (2019), it reached the four-share level (4.6, 6+) for the first time since April 2018’s 4.1. Within 5.1 – 5.7 range the fifth straight report (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), Dick Broadcasting’s WKZL “107.5 The #1 Hit Music Station” slips from seventh to eighth. Deadlocked in sixth place are Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” (flat at 5.3, seventh to sixth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” (5.7 – 5.3, -.4, unchanged at #6, 6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase, WTQR was a cumulative -1.0 (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but erased 70% of that deficit in May with a +.7 to 5.7 (6+). Flat in March, “Q-104.1” cancelled out January’s +.7 with a February -.7 (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). Before dropping two-tenths in March, “The Wolf” had three consecutive shifts of one-half share: -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.5 (January 2019); and +.5 (February). Over the course of the last 14 sweeps (June 2018 through June 2019), WTQR has prevailed over WPAW nine times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, and May); WPAW has come out on top four times (December 2018, February 2019, March, and April; and the two are tied in June 2019 (5.3, 6+).
Memphis
Spoken-Word Formats – Even though iHeartMedia news/talk WREC picks up one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” backslides from eighth to ninth.
In five straight reports without an increase, Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” has lost six-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), yet climbs from #12 to #11. Its internet stream appeared with a .1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018; disappeared from print in January and February; but logs a .1 (6+) for the fourth straight time (flat at #18, 6+). It is again tied (at #18) with co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790,” which is without an increase the 12th straight time (including ten consecutive .1 showings) for a collective loss of three-tenths (.4 – .4 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 -.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+).
Memphis Music Formats – Five straight upticks by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK, including June’s +1.0, result in a +2.7 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+) as “K-97.1” advances from third to second. In addition, WHRK reaches the nine-share level (9.5, 6+) for the first time since May 2018’s 9.4. Logging its fourth consecutive increase, gospel cluster-mate WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” nets +1.6 (5.8 – 6.4 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 7.4, steady at #4, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (7.4) since August 2015’s 7.5. Three streaks are in-play at co-owned urban AC KJMS. On the plus side, it is #1 the eighth time in a row. A loss of six-tenths though means “V-101” is down or flat the fourth straight time for a collective -1.8 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+). Prior to June’s 9.8 (6+), KJMS reached double-digits (6+) in each of the last 14 ratings periods. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share since December 2012’s 13.5 for “V-101,” which was +2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (10.5 – 11.5 – 12.8, 6+). Suffering a May 2019 – June 2019 (6+) erosion twice that of “V-101” is Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” (8.7 – 7.5, -1.2, second to third, 6+). The last time WRBO (7.5) fell below an eight-share (6+) was February 2018’s 7.7. While unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia classic rock WEGR “Rock 102.7,” whose consecutive trio of improvements yielded nine-tenths (4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), forfeits three-tenths to 4.9 (6+). Also in that iHeartMedia cluster, WDIA “AM 1070 – The Heart & Soul of Memphis” is -2.1 in five successive setbacks (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share improves by two-tenths, equally divided between Entercom’s WRVR “104.5 The River” (6.5 – 6.6, +.1, steady at #5, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” (.9 – 1.0, +.1, unchanged at #16, 6+). “The River” had been an overall -2.4 in three straight declines (8.9 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+) and while “Holiday” 2018’s 11.3 is its strongest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9 (#6), May’s 6.5 is its lowest since June 2017’s 6.0. Seven recent WRVR fluctuations include: +2.4 (October 2018); -1.6 (December); +2.0 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.1 (January 2019); +.7 (February); -1.1 (March); and -1.2 (May). Meanwhile, “The Bridge” squandered nearly half (-.7) its 6+ AQH-share in April/May (1.6 – 1.1 – .9, 6+) and had its lowest 6+-stat (.9, May 2019) since transitioning from urban-rhythmic oldies to AC in late-2017. “The Bridge” reached the five-share level (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, but was a combined -4.0 in January/February (5.1 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+).
Hartford
Spoken-Word Formats – Trending 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.4 (March 2019 through June 2019, 6+), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk
1080” inches up from third to second. By gaining two-tenths to 1.0 (6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM pulls the plug on four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a one-half share loss (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .8, 6+). “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” finished at #14 in January, February, and March, and then #15 in April, May, and June. In a true mark of consistency, iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” logs a .1 (#19 to #17, 6+) the 13th report in a row; it was a “no-show” in June 2018.
Stuck on 1.8 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” follows with a combined May/June loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5, flat at #12, 6+).
A collective -1.1 in three straight drops (5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” remains at #9. Returning 80% of April/May’s +.5 (1.6 – 1.2, -.4, 6+), University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” slips from #12 to #13.
Hartford Music Formats – Vaulting from eighth to third, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WHCN “105.9 The River” is a combined +1.9 in May/June (5.3 – 5.7 – 7.2, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (7.2) since May 2018’s 7.7. Three straight negative trends by CHR sibling WKSS produced a loss of eight-tenths (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), but “Kiss 95.7” erases that deficit completely with a combined May/June gain of eight-tenths (6.1 – 6.3 – 6.9, sixth to fourth, 6+). Having surrendered -1.9 via three drops in a row (7.9 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 6.0, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” ends the slide by gaining one-tenth to 6.1 (seventh to eighth, 6+). The just-concluded streak directly followed January/February’s +1.1 (6.8 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+). On top the 36th consecutive time, adult contemporary sibling WRCH falters by four-tenths (10.8 – 10.4, 6+). Recent “Lite 100.5” fluctuations include: -.8 (November 2018); +1.8 (December); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2018 to 18.0, the strongest 6+-showing for any Hartford station since WRCH recorded an 18.3 in “Holiday” 2017); -6.9 (January); +1.0 (February; -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); and +1.0 (May). Prior to slipping to 9.8 in April, WRCH was in double-digits (6+) in 30 of the previous 32 sweeps. Hot AC cluster-mate WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM,” which was up nine-tenths in April, erodes by a combined -2.0 in May/June (8.5 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+), dipping from second to sixth. This is the fifth straight time that Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” is without an increase for a collective -1.2 (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.4, ninth to tenth, 6+). Segueing from fourth to fifth, iHeartMedia-owned WWYZ “Country 92.5” is a cumulative -1.0 in five consecutive negative or neutral reports (7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7, 6+). After three straight increases yielded a +1.1 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Connecticut’s Classic Rock” slips by one-tenth to 6.3 (fifth to seventh, 6+).
Meruelo Media Los Angeles’ KXOS Becomes “Cali 93.9.” Exactly as Meruelo Media president Otto Padron foreshadowed in this space yesterday (Thursday, 7/18), changes would be forthcoming at newly-acquired Los Angeles property, regional Mexican KXOS “Radio Centro 93.9.” With a bi-lingual presentation, speculation became reality yesterday at frequency-related 9:39 am when KXOS transitioned to Latin urban “Cali 93.9 – #1 for Reggaeton and More.” Padron promises that “Cali 93.9” will be “the most Caliente station in
Cali – not just because the music transcends language as it has exploded into mainstream popularity, but because we will place this format on one of the most powerful radio signals in Los Angeles.” Interim program director DJ E-Man notes that “Cali 93.9” will feature “the best up-tempo hit music by today’s Latin superstars [such as] Cardi B, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, and Maluma. These artists are mass appeal; ‘Cali 93.9’ is the sound of Southern Cali.” General manager of Meruelo Media Los Angeles’ KWHY-TV, Irma Barrios, adds similar “Cali 93.9” duties, while the company’s vice president of marketing, Dianna Jason, takes over “Cali 93.9” marketing responsibilities. Air talent and other department heads will be named shortly and the station will switch call letters from KXOS to KLLI. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 report for Los Angeles, KXOS picks up three-tenths (.9 – 1.2, 6+) and finishes at #30.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. The program director/brand manager for KVGS “Star 107.9” and KOAS “Jammin’ 105.7 – Kris Fisher – exits the Beasley Media Group Las Vegas hot AC and urban AC stations ….. The next installment of Country Radio 
Broadcasters’ CRS360 webinar series will be next Thursday (7/25) at 12:00 noon. The episode is “Country Radio 2019: Mid-Year Ratings and State of The Format Report,” and will feature KILT-FM, Houston program director Chris Huff and KNCI, Sacramento program director Joey Tack. Senior vice president of promotion for MCA Nashville, Katie Dean, will be the moderator. CRS executive director RJ Curtis notes that this episode will examine “national shares in key demos, comparing PPM and diary-measured markets, and highlight success stories in certain markets, and, at specific stations. The July session will include a broader ‘state of the format’ discussion, with a goal of identifying potentially strong music trends, emerging artists, and how country radio can better compete with other platforms exposing country music. The purpose of our monthly CRS360 webinar is to provide valuable, timely information and actionable takeaways which help our constituents better serve their respective communities, and broaden the appeal of
country music.” Viewing CRS360 is free, but those interested should pre-register ….Former one-year 
morning drive co-host on Cumulus Media Atlanta’s country WKHX “Kicks 101.5,” Ali Mac, arrives for morning drive duty on Cox Media Group Jacksonville adult contemporary WEZI “Easy 102.9.” WEZI operations manager/program director Todd Shannon notes that Mac is “an amazing talent with so much energy, passion and enthusiasm.” She had been part of the “Kicks” wakeup show with Cadillac Jack before exiting this past January ….. Recent University of Illinois graduate Gavin Granstrom joins contemporary Christian WAY Media as producer/digital media specialist on “The Wally Show.” He replaces Zach Boehm, who was promoted to director/digital content. According to network program director Todd Stach, “Gavin has lived up to everything we saw and loved about him in the interview process. He’s a great culture fit and I can’t wait to see him grow in his role.” Host of WAY-FM’s “The Wally Show,” “Wally,” notes, “It isn’t easy to replace Zach’s 12 years of history, experience, and chemistry; however, Gavin has a great attitude and a servant’s heart. He understands professional excellence and strives for that. He also understands the importance of kindness and treating people well, which are skills you cannot teach.” Granstrom comments, “It’s such an honor to join and serve alongside this incredibly talented team. I’m so thankful to have an opportunity to share life with WAY-FM listeners, and I can’t wait to be part of how God continues to work through the ministry.”
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
APOLLO 11 ANNIVERSARY: CBS News Radio Correspondent Peter King is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (7/20) and the stellar 45-year career of a CBS 
News Radio reporter who has been covering the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the past two decades, Peter King is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison (a passionate space enthusiast) and King discuss a wide variety of topics including NASA, US space exploration, memories of the Apollo 11 mission, their love of radio, and the state of journalism in America. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the daily TALKERS email newsletter and every page of Talkers.com.
Esiason Gets The Call to NY State Broadcaster’s Association HOF. Twelve-year Entercom New York City sports talk WFAN morning show co-host, Boomer Esiason, has been selected to the New York State Broadcaster’s Association’s Hall of Fame. The legendary 
former NFL quarterback will be inducted at the Broadcast Leadership and Hall of Fame luncheon during the NAB New York Show in October. Entercom New York regional president/market manager Susan Larkin remarks, “Boomer has been a cornerstone of this station since his arrival. This distinguished recognition represents his invaluable contributions to our station and industry overall.” In thanking the NY State Broadcaster’s Association “for this incredible honor,” Esiason comments, “It is extremely humbling to be recognized alongside hardworking, accomplished individuals in our industry.” He and Gregg Giannotti form “Boomer and Gio” weekday mornings on WFAN, which is the flagship of the Yankees, Giants, Brooklyn Nets, and New Jersey Devils. After his 14-year NFL career, Esiason debuted as a commentator on ABC-TV’s “Monday Night Football.” For nearly two decades, he has called games for Westwood One/CBS Radio Sports and served as a studio analyst for “The NFL Today” on CBS-TV and Showtime’s “Inside the NFL.”
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with Special Luncheon Address by Salem Radio Network Host Sebastian Gorka. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today’s (7/16) post presents a special luncheon address by former Trump Administration advisor Sebastian Gorka, now a personality syndicated by Salem Radio Network. Yesterday’s (7/15) post presents the panel discussion “Adding the Video Component to Talk Radio” featuring Howie Carr, host of the Howie Carr Show (Howie Carr Radio Network and Newsmax TV), Jared Hart, former PD, WPHT, Philadelphia, and Art Vuolo, president, Vuolo Video. The session was introduced and facilitated by Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York. Already posted: the special keynote address delivered by CBS Sports Radio syndicated host Jim Rome with an introduction from Yappy Days author/college professor Bernadette Duncan; the panel discussion, “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2019” featuring (in alphabetical order) Asa Andrew, host, AsaRx; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Suzanne Grimes, EVP/marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One; and Dave Robinett, chief marketing officer, #250-America’s Mobile Speed Dial – moderated by Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and introduced by renown independent station owner Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz, CA; the special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O’Reilly; the one-on-one discussion, “Sports Talk Radio’s Role in Popular Culture” featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting with Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, serving as facilitator; the panel discussion, “Broadcasting and Podcasting,” featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence with moderation by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; the keynote “fireside chat” in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones; the opening address titled, “Telling the Story,” delivered by Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories;” RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star “Cousin” Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event’s colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
Preliminary iHM Q2 Results, NASDAQ Listing. Under the Global Select Market ticker symbol “IHRT,” NASDAQ approves the listing of
iHeartMedia’s Class A common stock, par valued at $0.001 per share. Class A shares are expected to begin trading on NASDAQ this Thursday (7/18). Meanwhile, preliminary SEC-filed second-quarter financial show year-to-year revenue rose 2.4% to $913 million. Operating income (OI) was off $1 million to $180, while Adjusted EBITDA grew 3.1% ($255 million to $263 million). Preliminary results have not been audited or reviewed by the company’s independent accountants, and remain subject to review by iHeartMedia’s management and audit committee. Results may differ from actual results, which remain subject to completion of management’s and the audit committee’s final review, as well as the interim review by its independent accountants.
Study: Podcast Ads Least Likely To Be Skipped. Monthly podcast listeners skip digital ad formats the most – online pop-up ads, online banner ads, e-mail advertising, direct mail, and online video. That’s among the nuggets Westwood One uncovered when it teamed with Canadian media research consultancy Audience Insights in a study focused on podcast consumers and their listening habits. Fielded this past March, the report examines podcast consumption habits of 1,407 monthly podcast listeners. It addresses four distinct segments based on when people began listening to podcasts: 313 “Podcast Pioneers” who started listening four or more years ago; 415 who began listening two to three years ago; 327 who began listening in the past seven to 12 months; and 352 “Podcast Newcomers” who began listening within the last six months. Westwood One president/Cumulus Media executive vice president of marketing Suzanne Grimes states, “The finding that emerging podcast listeners are using a diverse number of platforms signals a turning point for 
the podcast industry. When compared to the ‘Podcast Pioneers,’ who use Apple Podcasts almost exclusively, ‘Podcast Newcomers’ are open to using multiple platforms to access podcasts.” Audience Insights president Jeff Vidler notes, “This podcast download report expands on much of what we have seen as we put our microscope on Canadian podcast listeners. Podcasting is uniquely engaging, on trend with on-demand content platforms like Netflix or paid music streaming services, but the only one accessible to advertisers.” Other study highlights include: Roughly three of ten (31%) “Podcast Newcomers” typically discover podcasts by hearing about them on terrestrial radio. While the average monthly podcast listener accesses 2.7 podcast platforms, “Podcast Newcomers” use 3.5 platforms. Two of three “Power” podcast listeners follow their favorite podcast hosts on social media. Podcast listeners equally use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to follow their favorite hosts. Approximately two of five (42%) “Power” podcast listeners follow their favorite podcast host on Twitter, compared to 22% of U.S. adults who ever use Twitter. Spotify and Google Podcasts are attracting consumers who recently began listening to podcasts. Among those listening to podcasts over four years, Apple is the leading destination.
SBG President: “Case Is Far From Over.” As we reported yesterday (TALKERS, 7/15), a Los Angeles superior court jury ruled unanimously in favor of independent syndicator of radio live play-by-play Sports USA in its multi-year violation of contract suit against Sun
Broadcasting Group. The jury awarded Sports USA damages in excess of $2 million as compensation for Sun’s breach of its advertising representation agreement with Sports USA. Sun Broadcast Group president Jason Bailey, however, stresses, “This case is far from over. We were shocked and saddened by the verdict in Pacific West Radio Sports, LLC (d/b/a Sports USA) v. Sun Broadcast Group, Inc. Despite establishing wrongdoing by Sports USA from even before the inception of the agreement between the parties, the jury granted judgment in favor of Sports USA. The jury reached that verdict without the benefit of being able to consider key evidence of Sports USA’s wrongdoing. Sun was barred from introducing that evidence at trial on hearsay grounds. We remain determined to see that justice is done, and plan to pursue every available avenue to overturn this result so that Sports USA’s improper business practices are exposed and no other company falls victim. This verdict involves the old Sun, which has not traded since late 2018. It does not involve the current SBG-owned and operated by Gen Media Partners.” Bailey further notes, “This will be the only statement I will make on the matter while we work through the appeal process.”
Three Moody Radio AM Stations Are On The Block. With plans to exit the AM radio business, Moody Radio is set to spin off its three
AM facilities. Chicago-based operator Moody Bible Institute will focus on FM network expansion. Senior vice president of media Greg Thornton writes, “Moody Radio seeks to transform the world for Jesus Christ, one listener at a time, by producing and delivering quality, creative, biblical content, which helps people take the next step in their journey with Jesus. In looking to the future, Moody Radio is committed to double [our] overall impact by 2030. Our strategic roadmap to achieving this bold vision includes audience growth through market expansion/realignment, and content development strategies.” Thornton recognizes “the limitations of AM broadcasting today, including [that] many AM stations only broadcast in the daytime.” Thus, Moody Radio will be selling Spanish religion WMBI W268AY “Moody Radio – AM 1110,” Chicago; Spanish religion WDLM “Moody Radio – AM 960,” East Moline/Quad Cities, Illinois; and Spanish religion WGNR “Moody Radio – AM 1470,” Anderson, Indiana. According to Thornton, “Listeners in these cities will still hear Moody Radio 24 hours a day on our strong FM signals. Proceeds from the sale of these three AM licenses will be used to further the expansion of Moody Radio through the addition of digital/online content, new apps in both English and Spanish, and the acquisition of select FM broadcast licenses.”
TALKERS News Notes. As part of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing investigating charges of bias against conservatives, Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager will testify at 2:30 pm (ET) today (Tuesday, 7/16). Prager’s opening statement has already been submitted and, in part, he states, “I have been communicating this appreciation of America for 35 years as a radio talk show host, the last 20 in national syndication with the Salem Radio Network, an organization that is a blessing in American life.” According to Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup, videos from Prager’s “online Prager University have been blocked as ‘controversial’ by Google and other search engines. Google officials deny any political bias or filtering of conservative viewpoints.” Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz is the chair of today’s hearing ….. In two weeks (7/30 & 7/31), Westwood One News’ coverage of the Democratic National Committee-sanctioned/CNN-produced Democratic Presidential Debates will air from Detroit. Westwood One News correspondent Evan Haning will anchor, starting at 7:59 pm (ET) both nights, while Bob Costantini handles on-scene reporting and will be available for live Q&A from the Motor City. The network will offer stations an unanchored feed and one-minute special reports each night at the top and bottom of the hour (8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight) ….. Set to rejoin WTEM “980 
The Team” in three weeks (8/5) is Kevin Sheehan, who wasn’t retained when Radio One acquired the Washington (DC) sports talk outlet late last year. Sheehan co-hosted mornings with Chris Cooley and will return for 7:00 am – 10:00 am duty. Radio One senior regional vice president Jeff Wilson comments, “I’m elated to have Kevin Sheehan back home on ‘The Team.’ His unique approach to the sports landscape, combined with his overwhelming passion, provides an entertainment destination for listeners throughout the Nation’s Capital.” Prior to departing last year, Sheehan had been with WTEM 14 years and states, “I’m looking forward to coming home – it’s great to be back.” ….. The first three Jim Rutt Show podcasts went live yesterday (Monday, July 15) on JimRuttShow.com. The series will examine “cutting-edge thinking” in science and technology, and the future of our economic, political and social systems and institutions. The past chair of The Santa Fe Institute; former chief executive officer of Network Solutions; and first CTO of Thomson-Reuters, Rutt was called “the internet’s bad boy” by The New York Times for his reputation for creative mischief. A complete collection of Rutt’s podcasts, including show transcripts, episode highlights, guest biographies, and links are available on the aforementioned website.
Line Drives. This past weekend, NBC Sports Radio produced seven radio shows from the driving range at Edgewood Tahoe golf course in Lake Tahoe (Nevada), site of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. Flanking MLB Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz (center) are Tim Murray and Michael Jenkins, hosts of NBC Sports Radio’s “The Daily Line.” Launched this past January in conjunction with Westwood One, “The Daily Line” is a weekday, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm sports talk show, focusing on sports betting.
Trump’s Controversial Tweets; US Immigration Policy/Detention Facilities; 2020 Presidential Race; and US-China Trade War Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/15). President Donald Trump’s Tweets attacking four Congressional Democratic women of color; conditions for migrants detained at the border; the relative standing and contributions raised by Democratic Party presidential candidates; and the US-China trade war’s impact on the Chinese economy were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
CRB Elects 2019 – 2020 Board of Directors. Returning as board president of the Country Radio Broadcasters is Townsquare Media’s Kurt Johnson; Cumulus Media’s John Shomby is elected vice president; and SummitMedia’s Beverlee Brannigan returns as
secretary. Johnson remarks, “This is one of the strongest boards CRB has ever had. [I am] so proud to work with this group of radio and Music Row leaders to present country with the best CRS ever – February 19 – 21, 2020.” This year’s board of directors are: Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck); Beverlee Brannigan (SummitMedia); Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting); Johnny Chiang (KKBQ-FM, Houston); George Couri (Triple 8 Management); Andy Denemark (United Stations); Ryan Dokke (Curb); Mike Dungan (UMG); John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville); Dan Halyburton (Falls Media); Debra Herman (Apple); Steve Hodges (Sony Nashville); Clay Hunnicutt, Dave Kelly (Big Machine Label Group); Jon Loba (BBR/BMG); Mike McVay (McVay Media); Charlie Morgan (Emmis Communications); Rod Phillips (iHeartCountry); Tim Roberts (WYCD, Detroit); Royce Risser (UMG); Bob Richards (Emmis Communications/WLHK, Indianapolis); Brittany Schaffer (Spotify); John Shomby (Cumulus Media); Lesly Simon (Pearl Records); Matt Sunshine (CFSS); Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio/Media); Ryan Redington (Amazon Music); Kristen Williams (Warner); and Charlie Monk continues as a lifetime director emeritus.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Many stations are noting the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong’s first-ever “moon walk” (July 20, 1969) with Apollo lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin. Without question, one of the 
cleverest promotions is being done by the program director of Cumulus Media Salt Lake City country-formatted KUBL “K-Bull 93” … Travis Moon. As part of the “Travis Moon Walk,” which began today (Tuesday, 7/16) at 7:00 am and is expected to end Saturday (7/20) coinciding with that history-making mission, Moon plans to “walk” more than 80 miles to raise money for Salt Lake City-based Shriner’s Hospitals For Children. Hoping to travel approximately 16 miles a day, Moon admits it will be a “long, tough walk. The exciting part is the unknown – if I can actually do this physically. I guess we will all find out.” While on foot from (Utah cities) Provo to Ogden, Moon will discuss the
hospital’s purpose and invite listeners to make donations ….. “California Live,” a 30-minute lifestyle/entertainment show, which airs on Los Angeles’ KNBC-TV (as well as KNTV-TV, San Jose and KNSD-TV, San Diego) has added “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” co-host Sisanie as a correspondent. In her latest segment, Sisanie visits Los Angeles’ first cat cafe experience, where customers can drink coffee while cuddling 
rescue cats that are up for adoption ….. Starting next Monday (7/22), Sytonnia “Toni” Moore joins Cox Media Group Atlanta urban AC WALR “Kiss 104.1” as co-host/news anchor on the (5:00 am – 9:00 am) “Morning Groove” with Art Terrell and Corey “Zooman” Miller. The station’s director/branding and programming, Terri Avery, declares, “Toni Moore is the real deal. Her experience and passion for radio is beyond compare and will take ‘Kiss 104.1’ to new levels.” Moore remarks, “This is an incredible opportunity: I’m thrilled and honored to be joining the powerhouse that is Cox Media Group and ‘Kiss 104.1.’ It’s a dream I’ve had for a few years. It’s beyond exciting to see it come to fruition.” Moore previously was an on-air personality for cross-town Entercom urban contemporary and sports talk siblings WVEE “V-103” and WZGC “92.9 The Game,” as well as a sports reporter for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcons ….. Continuing his role as afternoon-drive host, Andy Chanley adds music director duties at California State University – Northridge’s KCSN & Saddleback 
College’s KSBR, Mission Viejo (both California, simulcast on 88.5). General manager Patrick Osborn proclaims, “Andy has done it all in this market – mornings, middays, afternoon drive – and has vast experience in all the rock format genres. I’m happy to say we are operating at full strength with great, experienced broadcasters in every position.” Program director Marc “Mookie” Kaczor notes, “Andy is such an asset for us. He’s an incredible personality and he’s been a great sounding-board for me. We’re constantly bouncing ideas off of each other.” Chanley adds, “There’s no station in the world like 88.5 FM. It’s a special blend of music and people — on both sides of the transmitter — that makes radio fun again. I’m really proud to be on this team, and beyond excited at the opportunity to help steer the rudder even more.” KCSN and KSBR began simulcasting just over two years ago …. Three-year WUSN “US-99” nighttime talent Kimmie Caruba departs the Entercom country outlet. Caruba was previously heard in the same day-part in Phoenix on co-owned KMLE “Country @ 107.9,” and she did mid-days in that Arizona market on cluster-mate KALV “Live 101.5.” ….. A six-episode podcast on Milwaukee’s hip-hop history, “Backspin,” debuted yesterday (Monday, 7/15) on Radio Milwaukee triple A WYMS “88Nine.” Hosted by hip-hop expert Tyrone Miller (“DJ Bizzon”) and “88Nine” music director Justin Barney, “Backspin” provides an insightful view into black America in the late-1970s and early-1980s, through the
lens of hip-hop. Miller comments, “The series is about so much more than who recorded Milwaukee’s first hip-hop song. It’s about the journey of getting to that song. Hip-hop is more than a genre: It’s connected everywhere – radio, movies, TV, and fashion. It’s in every piece of culture.” ….. After departing two months ago from Townsquare Media, “Taste of Country Nights” 
host Sam Alex surfaced yesterday (Monday, 7/15) on the eponymous “Sam Alex Show.” Affiliate licensing and sales for the syndicated program are being handled by Sun Broadcast Group. Alex notes (in Forbes Magazine) that he’s “so excited about this new chapter. The world of radio,” he opines, “has changed so much in the past decade, with continued consolidations, new technology, and increased competition to discover new music. This change positions me to have full creative control and reach listeners in new ways.” ….. KDVV “V-100 Topeka’s Rock Leader” 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm talent Randy Raley adds PD duties at the Cumulus Media rocker and classic hits cluster-mate KWIC “99.3 The Eagle.” Cumulus Topeka operations manager Amber Lee notes,
“Randy brings significant on-air experience and format knowledge to these stations and to our programming team.” According to Raley, “I’ve been a radio geek since an early age – I’m happy to be taking the programming reins at the legendary ‘V-100.’ Amber Lee has put together an incredible staff and we’re going to do great things together.” St. Louis Classic Rock Hall of Famer Raley did afternoon drive on St. Louis’ KSHE for 13 years and has worked in Kansas City at KYYS “KY-102,” and KCFX “101 The Fox.” ….. Among the latest affiliates for Envision Networks’ “The Wolfman Jack Radio Show” is Metro Radio Berkeley Springs, West Virginia classic hits-oldies WXDC. The show airs Saturday nights starting at 7:00 pm on “Cool 92.9 – Good Times/Great Oldies.”
June 2019 PPM Data – Part Four. June 2019 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 survey period covered May 23 – June 19. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Hubbard Radio’s All-News WTOP, Washington Takes 2018 Revenue Crown. The 2019 edition of the annual BIA Advisory Services Investing in Radio Market Report is released and accompanying that is the ranking of radio’s top revenue-earning stations from 2018. Once again, Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP, Washington was #1, earning $69 million in ad revenue. As seen in the graphic above, iHeartMedia music-formatted stations in Los Angeles and New York take the next four slots. But Entercom’s all-newsers in New York and Chicago – along with sports talk WFAN, New York – show their earning power consistency with return appearances at the same spots in the top 10. One news/talk station – iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles – makes the list in the #10 spot as it did last year. BIA notes that over-the-air advertising remained relatively flat at $13.3 billion (down 1.6% from $13.5 billion in 2017). It was digital advertising platforms at local radio stations that saw revenue growth across the industry. The report indicates digital income rose 8.1% to $923 million. Putting over-the-air advertising together with digital revenue gave radio a 2018 revenue figure of $14.2 billion and, BIA says, “positioned radio as the fifth most significant local advertising platform, behind direct mail, mobile, online/digital, and local television.” BIA Advisory Services SVP and chief economist Mark Fratrik states, “Although local radio stations are still important players in their markets and are managing to maintain their position in the top five advertising platforms, we do expect the OTA advertising revenue of U.S. radio stations to decrease this year by 1% to 2% and through the next few years.” He adds that combined radio revenues will remain relatively flat for at least the next five years, while digital platforms will hit $1 billion by 2020. See more about the report here.
PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his analysis of the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2019 PPM survey, today zeroing in on public radio news/talk. A slight dip in weekly 6+ AQH share affects the format as 53% of stations go down and just 38% see a ratings increase from the February 2019 to the March 2019 survey. The same situation applies to the year-over-year comparison – 53% of stations saw their 6+ number decrease from the March 2018 survey. There were four public radio news/talk stations that ranked #1 in their respective markets in March: KQED, San Francisco; KUOW, Seattle; KPBS, San Diego; and KUT, Austin. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
iHeartMedia Q1 Radio Biz Revenue Up 2.9%. In a 10-Q filing with the Securities Exchange
Commission, iHeartMedia releases financial data from the first quarter of 2019 that indicates the company’s radio and streaming revenue was $766 million, up almost 3% compared to the same period in 2018. The company as a whole reports first quarter revenue of $1.38 billion, an increase of slightly less than 1% compared to the first quarter of 2018. Consolidated operating income dropped from $60.9 million in Q1 2018 to $28.3 million this year due to impairment charges of $91.4 million.
SiriusXM First Quarter Pro Forma Revenue Up 10%. The acquisition of Pandora by
SiriusXM adds a little wrinkle to the company’s 2019 first quarter financial report. The company reports total revenue of $1.7 billion, an increase of 27% over the same period in 2018, that was driven by bringing Pandora into the fold. On a pro forma basis, revenue increased 10%, hitting $1.9 billion in the first quarter. But the Pandora acquisition impacted the company’s bottom line as net income was $162 million in Q1 of 2019, down from $289 million during the same period a year ago. During the quarter, SiriusXM added 131,000 net new self-pay subscribers, bringing its total above the 29 million mark.
TALKERS News Notes. Another major national award for Westwood One News comes on
the heels of its recent National Headliner honor from the Press Club of Atlantic City. Now, the Society of Professional Journalists is bestowing its Sigma Delta Chi award upon Westwood One News for “Radio Breaking News Reporting” for the network’s coverage of the Parkland Florida School shooting and aftermath in February of 2018. The award recognizes “resourceful and complete coverage of a major breaking news event, emphasizing both deadline reporting and continuing coverage as the story develops over succeeding days.” Last year, Westwood One News won the honor for its coverage of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting…..Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson is joining the WBAL-AM and WIYY-FM-based Ravens Radio Network as color analyst alongside play-by-play voice Gerry Sandusky for this season. Johnson worked on game broadcasts during the past two seasons and earns the promotion to the booth. Cary Pahigian manages the Hearst radio stations and says, “Jarret’s NFL experience, unique insight, and enthusiasm is a major component of our superb Ravens 
broadcast team.”…..Bay Area public media corporation KQED announces that DeLinda Mrowka is promoted to the newly created position of chief audience officer. In this executive role, Mrowka is “responsible for extending brand, deepening audience engagement and growth, and strengthening the membership and corporate sponsorship programs for one of the largest stations in public media.” Mrowka started her KQED career in 2013 as the station’s executive director of marketing and communications before being promoted to vice president of corporate sponsorship in 2015. In 2017 she was again promoted to vice president of marketing, with broad responsibilities overseeing the audience development, marketing, digital fundraising and corporate sponsorship teams.
PodcastOne Issues Request to Luminary. The subscription podcast start-up Luminary is facing the issue of a number of content creators requesting their shows be removed from its
service for various reasons. PodcastOne is one of those companies. It made the move when it became aware that Luminary was carrying PodcastOne’s podcasts without permission. PodcastOne executive chairman Norm Pattiz says, “Since Luminary’s focus has been promoted solely as a paid subscription model, we were surprised to see them also use the free model which they have spoken negatively about and compete against. If they want to reach our audience to promote their site, then they should do the ‘unthinkable’ and advertise in our podcasts as hundreds of other advertisers do.”
WPG, Atlantic City’s Harry Hurley to Receive Inaugural Broadcaster of the Year Award from NJBA. Atlantic City morning drive personality Harry Hurley – heard daily on
Townsquare Media’s news/talk WPGG-AM – is being honored by the New Jersey Broadcasters Association at its 71st Conference and Gala this summer with the first-ever “Broadcaster of the Year” award. NJBA president and CEO Paul S. Rotella, Esq. says Hurley meets all of the criteria for this award “with a high degree of professionalism and a passionate dedication to his craft and the NJBA is very proud of our inaugural ‘Broadcaster of the Year’ recipient!”
Mueller Report Aftermath/Impeachment Talk, Trump vs Subpoenas, 2020 Presidential Politics/Biden Enters Race, Financial Markets Rally, Southern Border Crisis, Sri Lanka Bombings Aftermath, Putin-Kim Meeting, ‘Jeopardy!’ Record Breaker, Avengers: Endgame Film, NBA Playoffs, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/24). The response to the release of the redacted version of the Mueller Report and Democrats’ debate over impeachment possibilities; President Trump’s rejection of subpoenas from the U.S. House; the Democrats vying to challenge Trump in 2020, including Joe Biden’s entry into the race; U.S. financial markets hit records in latest rally; the state of the migrant influx at the U.S.-Mexico border; ISIS claims responsibility for Sri Lanka bombings; Russia’s Vladimir Putin meets with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un; the record-breaking “Jeopardy!” streak by James Holzhauer; the new Marvel Comics film Avengers: Endgame; the NBA playoffs; 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.
TALKERS CONVENTION SPOTLIGHT: Panel Discussion to Address the Challenges
Facing Talk Radio by Heightened Political Correctness. One of the many 
highlights planned for the forthcoming Talkers 2019: Telling the Story on Friday, June 7 in New York City will be an extremely timely and pertinent panel discussion focusing on the challenges being faced by talk radio during the current era of heightened political correctness. Titled “Talk Radio in the Era of ‘Watch What You Say,’” the session will feature panelists Michael Berry, host, “The Michael Berry Show”; Grace Blazer,
national brand coordinator, news/talk/sports programming and director of AM 
programming Miami/Fort Lauderdale, iHeart Media; Brett Winterble, host KFMB-AM, San Diego; Larry Young, host, WOLB-AM, Baltimore; and Dan Yorke, host WPRO-AM, Providence. The session will be moderated by Bill Hess, VP of news/talk, Cumulus Media and program director, WMAL, Washington, DC. Talk radio depends on the free-wheeling exchange of ideas, tolerance for controversy, and, most important, a healthy understanding of and respect for the First Amendment in order to operate effectively. These tenets are clearly
under assault in the age of advertiser boycotts, righteous indignation and widespread hypocrisy. This session will earnestly attempt to identify the issues at play and offer solutions to overcome the challenges and obstacles they present. Don’t miss this session! The TALKERS convention is rapidly heading toward being an early sellout. To see the entire up-to-the-minute agenda and registration/hotel information, please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Phoenix classic hits outlet KOOL-FM adds market radio personality Dee Garcia to its morning drive “The Niko Show” with host Nicholaus “Niko” Petrou. She joins the Entercom station after having worked in the Valley at such stations as hot AC KMVA-FM and
hip hop KKFR. She says of her new gig, “I am honored to join Niko on ‘The Niko Show’ on KOOL. Niko and [producer Abe] are positive, fun, and hardworking. They are exactly the kind of people that you want to share your mornings with.”…..Alpha Media’s hot AC KEEZ, Mankato, Minnesota “Mix 99.1” names Zannie Kaye program director and morning drive personality. Cluster operations manager Jeff Spence says, “We are more than excited to add Zannie Kaye to our Alpha Mankato team as our new host for the ‘Mix 99.1’ morning show and PD duties. Zannie has a lot of experience and has had a terrific career in lots of different markets, including Minneapolis. His energy is contagious and his warm and funny nature will win fans over 
immediately.”…..SummitMedia appoints sales pro Larry Jennings general sales manager for its Birmingham, Alabama stations that include: urban contemporary WBHK “98.7 KISS FM,” hip hop WBHJ “95.7 JAMZ,” and Gospel WAGG-AM “HEAVEN 610.” SummitMedia market president John Walker says, “Larry is exactly the professional we were looking for to lead our outstanding team. He has a proven track record of team building, talent development, client relations, community involvement, and revenue performance.”…..Beasley Media Group’s Philadelphia rock station WMMR-FM signs morning team “Preston and Steve” – Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison – to a new, multiyear contract extension. The duo joined WMMR in May of 2005 and Beasley says the show has “maintained the top-rated morning show position in Philadelphia” since it launched. The company says the show has “led the way in embracing innovative multi-platform initiatives, including creating daily, full-show and highlight episode podcasts, inventing their own ringtone service, producing daily/weekly video programs, and cultivating a formidable social media audience.” Pictured below (from l-r) are: agent Glenn Goldstein, BBGI president Bruce Beasley, Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Elliot, Morrison, Beasley Philly market manager Joe Bell, Beasley EVP of strategy and innovation Buzz Knight, and Beasley rock format brand manager Bill Weston. Photo: BP Miller/Chorus Photography
Friday, August 24, 2018
Tom Langmyer to Exit WTMJ and WKTI-FM in Milwaukee; Steve Wexler to Lead the Stations for Good Karma. Management and programming pro Tom Langmyer will be
replaced at heritage Brew Town news/talker WTMJ-AM and country WKTI-FM by a familiar face – former Journal Communications and E.W. Scripps executive Steve Wexler. He headed Journal’s radio division and stayed with the stations after they became part of E.W. Scripps. Buffalo native Langmyer – who rose from program director at KMOX, St. Louis to station manager, then served as GM of WGN, Chicago – will stay with the stations until Good Karma assumes control.
Francesa’s Mike’s On App Is Released. New York sports talk icon Mike Francesa’s new app – dubbed Mike’s On after the name of his new WFAN show – has been released. The new digital platform for Francesa is a collaborative effort between Francesa’s agency CAA and WFAN owner Entercom. In addition to giving listeners digital access to his daily radio show, it will include exclusive extras such as a Saturday 
college football show and a Sunday NFL show. Francesa also is promising to comment on sports stories as they happen, anytime day or night. The app is $8.99 a month – a price point that some are criticizing for being higher than the typical media app. In a press statement, Francesa says, “I wanted to create my own exclusive platform to provide fans and subscribers with fresh content to complement the WFAN program they have known and trusted for decades, but with a level of information and immediacy they have never experienced before. If it’s breaking news at 7AM or 1AM after a crushing defeat, fans will hear from me instantaneously. No barriers. No restrictions.”
KKNT, Phoenix Host Seth Leibsohn to Sue Political Consulting Firm Over Services. According to a report by the Arizona Republic’s Ronald Hansen, KKNT, Phoenix “960 The Patriot” afternoon drive talk show host Seth Leibsohn is suing political consulting firm Compass Strategies for its failure to assist him in getting enough qualified signatures in his bid to run for U.S. Rep. in Arizona’s 9thcongressional district. After 
ending his bid for congress – for which he was prepared to leave his radio show due to equal time concerns – Leibsohn spoke about the matter on his radio show and said he was assured by Compass that all was well with the nomination signatures. The paper quotes Leibsohn saying, “I am embarrassed about it and I am ashamed over it and I am committed to doing everything I can to give the donors to this campaign their money back. We were assured on multiple occasions all was going well and there was no problem. Indeed, some on the campaign staff joked…about other campaigns having problems but not ours. Well the joke as it turned out — the terrible, awful joke — was on me and on you. The others had the signatures and we did not.” The story notes that the Leibsohn campaign had raised $144,000 as of June. Read the Republic piece here.
Michael Harrison Says Trump Uses His Contentious Relationship with the Press to Political Advantage. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison participated in a discussion about media and news bias in covering President Trump in a conversation on CNN’s Headline News Channel (HLN) yesterday (8/23) on “Across America with Carol Costello.” In a conversation with the show’s host, Carol Costello, and media analyst Bill Carter, former media reporter for The New York Times, Harrison says that there is blatant bias being perpetrated by both the pro- and anti-Trump media. He attributes it to the long-running trend of the media “targeting audiences for commercial purposes” and confirming people’s pre-determined opinions (pro and con) about the president in the process. Harrison states, “There is nothing wrong with political opinion – it’s a cherished tradition in journalism – as long as it is disclaimed as such and done in good spirit and good will. We’ve lost sight of that and a lot of people don’t know the difference.” As far as Trump complaining that 80% of the coverage of his presidency is fake news, Harrison says, “Trump uses the contentiousness [with the press] to his advantage with his base and wouldn’t want it any other way.” To view the entire segment, please click here.
TALKERS News Notes. Pictured at right is Jack Phillips (second from left) – the Colorado baker whose refusal to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple based on
religious beliefs that was the subject of the recent 7-2 U.S. Supreme Court victory – visited the Salem Media Group Los Angeles offices seeking support for his Alliance Defending Freedom legal team. From left to right are: Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager, Phillips, SRN vp/news & talk programming Tom Tradup; and SRN talk host Larry Elder…..On today’s edition of the syndicated “John Fredericks Radio Show,” U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) – who serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces – sat in as guest host…..iHeartMedia’s Milwaukee sports talker WOKY “The Big 
920” is going local in the midday, replacing FOX Sports Radio’s Colin Cowherd with Milwaukee Bucks play-by-play man Ted Davis, WISN-TV sports director Dan Needles, and former WAUK “540 ESPN” personality Mitch “Thunder” Nelles hosting “The Crossover” from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm daily…..Entercom’s WWEI-FM, Springfield, Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts renew their deal for the station to serve as flagship for football and men’s basketball play-by-play broadcasts. Additionally, the station will air the weekly “UMass Insiders Show” featuring UMass football head coach Mark Whipple, men’s basketball head coach Matt McCall and men’s hockey head coach Greg Carvel. WWEI-FM carries sports talk programming from Entercom’s WEEI-FM, Boston…..At the recent Beasley Media Group managers meeting, Jonathan Kraft, president of The Kraft Group and the New England Patriots, was the featured guest speaker. Kraft participated in a lunchtime “fireside chat” with WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” midday personality Marc Bertrand at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. Pictured below (from l-r) are: Dr. Bob Beasley, Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Kraft, Beasley Media Group founder and chairman of the board George Beasley, COO/EVP Brian Beasley and president Bruce Beasley. Photo: HSA Photo.
Lars Larson Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Veteran radio talk show host, Lars Larson is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Operating out of KXL in Portland, Oregon, he is an “iron man” hosting six hours of radio every weekday. He starts this daily marathon by hosting 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm PT on a network of about 20 regional stations, including KXL, on Alpha Media’s Radio Northwest Network. Then he immediately plugs into his Compass Media Networks coast-to-coast roster of about 150 radio stations and does a national show from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm PT. He shows up to work every day prior to going on the air at around 6:00 am and puts in about six hours of prep time to be up to date on all the local, regional, and national issues. And he
performs his shows standing up to attain proper breathing and projection! He’s been hosting radio shows in the Northwest for more than four decades since he was 16 years old and he just celebrated his 15th anniversary in national syndication. Along the way, he also did some top-notch work for 20 years as a television reporter and news anchorman… but radio is his first love. Larson is a highly regarded dyed-in-the-wool conservative who has received more than 70 awards from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Press Club, including two Emmy’s and a Peabody for his reporting and documentaries. Harrison and Larson take a deep dive into exploring the state of talk radio, the changing nature of journalism, the differences between radio and TV, and his personal recipe for on-air durability. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of every page on Talkers.com.
Longtime Garden Show Host Paul Parent Dies Unexpectedly. Condolences go out to the family and friends of Boston-based garden show host Paul Parent. His son Michael contacted TALKERS magazine to let the industry know that Paul passed away unexpectedly last week. He’d been hosting a gardening show on the radio for the past 34 years. Beginning his “Paul Parent Garden Club” at WRKO in 1984 during the reign of talk radio greats Jerry Williams and Gene Burns, he worked there for 15 years before going into national syndication. At the time of his death, his show was syndicated by Genesis Communications Network.
Manafort Conviction and Cohen Guilty Plea Top News/Talk Stories for Week of August 20-24. The conviction of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort on financial fraud charges and the guilty plea by former Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to campaign finance violations tied for the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Robert Mueller-led Trump-Russia Investigation. Coming in at #3 was the Mollie Tibbetts murder case, followed by President Trump’s ordering Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to investigate South Africa’s farm expropriation program and Trump’s Jeff Sessions criticisms tied at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result on ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Music 
Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Brian Paiz is named SVP of programming for iHeartMedia’s Columbus and Albany, Georgia markets. He joins the company from IBX Media in Greenville, North Carolina where he was brand manager for WRHD-HD2. Paiz has also held several programming positions for iHeartMedia, including program director for iHeartMedia’s “100.1 The Beat” and director of urban
programming for WIBB and “V101.7” in Macon, Georgia…..The Envision Networks-syndicated “Wolfman Jack Radio Show” picks up new affiliate stations as KEDB-FM, Des Moines; KRWN-FM, Farmington, New Mexico; KIWA-FM, Sioux City; and WRHL, Rockford, Illinois add the program to their lineup. Envision CEO Danno Wolkoff says, “Wolfman Jack is back and blowing up the airwaves again. In my 30-plus years of launching network programming for radio stations to broadcast, I have never seen these many affiliations so quickly. The Wolfman legend continues.”…..Univision’s hip hop KBBT, San Antonio “The Beat 98.5” is adding Premiere Networks’ “The Breakfast Club” featuring Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy for morning drive…..iHeartMedia 
announces Mike “McCabe” Kerr is named program director at CHR WERZ, Exeter, New Hampshire “Z107.” McCabe will also host the afternoon drive program. iHeartMedia New Hampshire SVP of programming Tim Moore says, “Mike’s talent and experience stood out immediately and we are thrilled to have him join the iHeartMedia New Hampshire team. He’s a true radio geek — which I love — from on-air to programming — and even engineering! This guy is the real deal and we can’t wait for him to help take ‘Z107’ to even greater heights!” McCabe joins the New Hampshire market from Saga Communications Ithaca where he most recently served as the program director and morning host for WFIZ “Z95.5.”
Monday, January 15, 2018
Stunner: KGO’s Owens Transitions from Host to Commentator. At the conclusion of last Friday’s (1/12) program on Cumulus Media San Francisco’s news/talk KGO, Ronn Owens revealed the plug has been pulled on his 42-year “Ronn Owens Show” in favor of a daily, ten-minute “Ronn Owens Report,” which debuts tomorrow (Tuesday, 1/16) at 12:50 pm. According to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle, “A test version included commentary on president [Donald] Trump’s 
vulgar reference to Haiti and African nations, as well as whether a work requirement should be imposed on able-bodied food stamp recipients.” Owens tells the paper that his “goal” with the weekday commentary “is to be a 2018 version of Paul Harvey and Andy Rooney.” Two years ago, Cumulus Media announced it would move Owens from KGO to co-owned news/talk KSFO, a decision that was reversed one month later. The most recent contract for the 72-year-old Owens expired in December; he reportedly didn’t expect it to be renewed at the same salary level. A 2015 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Owens apparently isn’t the only KGO on-air talent off the weekday schedule. On Facebook, 2:00 – 4:00 pm host Brian Copeland writes that his show has been scrubbed; Copeland states management would like him to remain with the station in some capacity. Although unconfirmed, KGO’s revised weekday on-air lineup is believed to be: Armstrong & Getty (5:00 am – 10:00 am); Ethan Bearman (10:00 am – 12:50 pm); Owens (12:50 pm – 1:00 pm); a simulcast from Los Angeles sibling KABC of Dr. Drew Pinsky and Mike Catherwood (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm); and Chip Franklin (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm).
Nashville’s “Zone” Expands Local Coverage. Changes extending local dayparts on Cumulus Media Nashville sports talk/Tennessee Titans flagship WGFX “104.5 The Zone” go into effect today (Monday, 1/15). Program director Brad Willis states that “The Zone” has “long been Nashville’s preeminent sports station. In an effort to devote more time to Nashville’s continually evolving sports landscape, we feel it is time that we are all local, all day long. I look forward to having our team cover the teams and sports that are important to Nashville nonstop from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm every weekday.” Hosts of the (now 10:00 am – 2:00 pm) “Midday 180” show Chad Withrow, Jonathan Hutton, and Paul Kuharsky have been signed to multi-year contracts and they state, “We are looking forward to loading up with even more great interviews with important people, giving more commentary on the local teams and the issues of the day. Our commitment remains the same: In and out of season, we will crush on a daily basis.” Meanwhile, Brent Dougherty, Mickey Ryan, and Dawn Davenport of the lengthened 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm “3HL” program add, “Nashville sports fans are the best in the country and we are excited about the opportunity to spend more time with them. During that time, we plan to continue to focus heavily on the sports and storylines that are most important to our listeners.” The Mark Howard, Kevin Ingram, and Blaine Bishop-hosted “Wake Up Zone” continues daily from 6:00 am -10:00 am.
“Whoa Nellie” – The Passing of Keith Jackson. If you ever watched a college football game on television, you knew the unmistakable voice and style of Keith Jackson and his trademark catch-phrase, “Whoa Nellie.” The legendary play-by-play man for the first season of ABC-TV’s “Monday Night Football” and at the microphone for a variety of other sports, 89-year-old Jackson died Friday (1/12) in Los Angeles. ABC parent Walt Disney Company chief executive Robert Iger succinctly states, “For generations of fans, Keith was college football.” While Jackson worked on ten Summer and Winter Olympics and on “ABC’s Wide World of Sports,” his resume includes radio, as well. The western Georgian native joined the Marines as a teenager, then attended Washington State University, where he received a degree in broadcast journalism in 1954. Jackson spent ten years at KOMO, Seattle in news, sports and production, before becoming sports director of ABC Radio West. He began broadcasting college football for ABC Sports in 1966. The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named him “Sportscaster of the Year” five consecutive times (1972 to 1976). Working a largely regional schedule close to his Southern California home, Jackson retired after broadcasting the 2006 Rose Bowl game.
Terry Takes Commentary to KKNT. Longtime Phoenix on-air personality Terry Gilberg joins Salem Media Group news/talk KKNT “960 The Patriot” in the Valley of the Sun 
to do “Terry’s Take.” According to KKNT general manager Jim Ryan, “Terry Gilberg delivers compelling commentary, capsulized in a nutshell – a dose of reality and common sense delivered daily with reason and passion. She covers what you are thinking and what you are feeling. It is timely talk and we are happy to have her points of view.” Some of Gilberg’s favorite subjects include media bias; housing and education in America; socialized medicine; and national security. In addition to her new duties at “The Patriot,” journalist-turned-talk host Gilberg continues hosting/producing Radio America’s two-hour “Think! America,” which airs in 53 markets. Prior to doing talk radio, Gilberg was a television news anchor.
News-Gazette Media Continues U.I. Pact. The renewed partnership – that has spanned more than three decades – keeps University of Illinois athletics on News-Gazette 
Media Champaign (Illinois) WDWS “News Talk 1400” and co-owned adult contemporary WHMS “Lite Rock 97.5.” News-Gazette Media chief executive office and publisher John Reed remarks, “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with UI 
Athletics and Fighting Illini Sports Properties. The fast-paced world of college athletics is a part of our business where we have consistently invested in top-tier talent for our organization. I am personally thrilled with the opportunity to continue working with two entities who share the same philosophy. The future looks bright for ‘The Fighting Illini,’ and we very much look forward to being a part of it.” According to Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, “We are pleased to continue our long-time relationship with News-Gazette Media and WDWS and WHMS. Fighting Illini fans in the Champaign-Urbana area have known for decades that those stations are the radio homes to our games; this new agreement will increase the presence of our programs even more.” Over 150 live events a year will be aired, including football; men’s and women’s basketball; baseball; and women’s volleyball. Football and men’s basketball will be simulcast on the two stations, while baseball, women’s volleyball, and select softball games will be carried on WDWS.
TALKERS News Notes. In response to a high volume of requests, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) extends the call for entries for the 43rd annual Gracie Awards to next Thursday (1/25) at 11:59 pm (ET). Alliance for Women in Media Foundation chair Sarah Foss states, “Now, more than ever, we need to celebrate women for their exceptional work and contributions, especially in the media industry.” The Gracies recognize programming created by, for, and about women in radio, television, cable and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local, and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. Qualified judges are chosen by 
AWMF leadership after meeting specific published criteria ….. San Diego sports talk host, television sports anchor/weathercaster C.S. Keys died Saturday (1/13) in La Mesa. Most recently, Keys hosted a weekend show for Interamericana de Radio sports talk XEPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090,” San Diego. The station’s program director, Mike Shepard, writes, “All of us at ‘The Mighty 1090’ are stunned and saddened by the untimely passing of our teammate, C.S. Keys. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his fans, and the San Diego sports community at this difficult time.” According to La Mesa police, the death was not suspicious, but it was not yet clear how Keys died. Keys previously was a weathercaster at San Diego television outlet KUSI-TV; sports anchor at cross-town XETV-TV; and worked on-air at KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh and WTVD, Raleigh. He was 54 years old and is survived by two sons and a daughter … Those expecting to hear Marc “Beetle” Bertrand on Saturday’s (1/13) AFC Divisional playoff pre-game show prior to the New England Patriots – Tennessee Titans showdown, heard Chris Gasper instead. “Beetle” couldn’t fulfill his duties on Entercom-owned Patriots flagship WBZ-
FM “The Sports Hub,” but had a legitimate reason that was nearly tragic. On Saturday at 6:37 pm (ET), he posted on Facebook, “I am lucky to be alive. I was involved in a motor vehicle crash in Norwood [Massachusetts] on my way to [Gillette Stadium in] Foxboro. While driving down the road, another car exited a parking lot on a straight line at full speed and struck the passenger side of my Dodge Ram. I only saw the car for a split second before going for a [rollercoaster] ride when my truck rolled and eventually came to a stop on its side. For reasons I cannot explain, I am relatively okay. I did sustain injuries but I have already been released from the hospital. I cannot express in words how thankful I am for the Norwood fire/EMS and police departments. They were on the scene in what seemed like seconds. I was trapped in the truck and NFD worked quickly to free me with the jaws of life. They do amazing work like this every single day. Thank you to all my ‘Sports Hub’ 
colleagues for covering for me, especially Chris Gasper who hosted pre-game on very short notice. I hope I’m talking to everybody again on the radio this week. Go Pats! Beetle.” As for Saturday’s game, the Patriots defeated the Titans by three touchdowns, 35-14 ….. WOWO, Fort Wayne, and WBAT, Marion (Indiana) talk show host and current president of internet talk station Indiana Talks, Gary Snyder, files paperwork to run for the Democratic nomination for the State Senate in Indiana’s 17th district. Snyder ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for a county council seat in the November 2008 general election, months after he lost the May 2008 primary for a state representative seat in which he ran as a Republican. He lost a bid for county clerk in 2010 as a Republican.
Hawaii False Alarm “Totally Unacceptable.” What proved to be an incorrect alert sounded on hundreds of thousands of cellphones across Hawaii this past Saturday (1/13), warning residents to seek shelter because of an inbound ballistic missile threat. In a statement issued yesterday (Sunday, 1/14) regarding that incident, FCC chairman Ajit Pai notes, “The false emergency alert sent in Hawaii was absolutely unacceptable. It 
caused a wave of panic across the state – worsened by the 38-minute delay before a correction alert was issued. Based on the information we have collected so far, it appears that the government of Hawaii did not have reasonable safeguards or process controls in place to prevent the transmission of a false alert.” The erroneous alert was reportedly caused by Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator Vern Miyagi “pushing the wrong button.” Miyagi took responsibility for the mistake, stating the error happened during a shift change around 8:00 am. Pai said officials at all levels needed to identify vulnerabilities, and that the FCC would look into steps “to prevent a similar incident.” Working with the FCC to investigate the issue, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz remarks, “This system failed miserably. We need to improve it and get it right.” According to a CBS News report, Miyagi – who has been with the agency for ten years – was re-assigned within the emergency operations center.
Remembering Lisa McKay. After a brief battle with cancer, Curtis Media Group vice president of radio/program director of Raleigh’s WQDR “94.7 – Today’s Best Country” Lisa McKay (Blake) passed away peacefully yesterday (1/14) morning. Curtis Media Group President/COO Trip Savery notes, “It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news of Lisa’s passing. She had a tremendous and positive impact on so many people’s lives and careers, and will be greatly missed by all of us. Please send your love, support, and prayers to Lisa and her family.” Word of McKay’s death comes just two days after it was announced she would be taking an indefinite leave of absence, owing to medical reasons. In what proved to be her last message, McKay remarked, “I am grateful beyond belief for the opportunity given to me by Curtis Media Group; I know this team will continue to excel.” Scores and scores of tributes already populate McKay’s Facebook page, with virtually all conveying the same sentiment of a remarkably talented, caring programmer. Distinguished Cleveland and Akron-area program director Sue Wilson (Cordle) vice president of operations for the Rubber City Radio Group, reflects, “I admired her so much, not only as a tremendous programmer but as a lovely person. I had only been
at WQMX [Akron] a short while and met her on an industry trip. There were very few women program directors in [the] country [format]; I was so impressed by her knowledge and talent. I connected with her then and followed her continued success. Our industry lost an incredible talent and our country music family will miss her so much. Things like this put life in perspective. How precious it is and that we have no time to waste. Deepest sympathy to her family and friends and to all of us who will mourn her loss.” Operations manager of SummitMedia Richmond Mel Chase laments, “My heart is in a million pieces right now. When Lisa McKay took someone under her wing, you knew you were in a special place. I wouldn’t have a career in radio without her love and nurturing. Lisa saw something in me when I was an intern that I never saw and she made sure I worked hard to make radio my career – even hiring me for my first job. She was my constant reminder that a leader doesn’t bark orders, they dive in, get their hands dirty and share the work with the team. She’s the absolute best, no one is on her level. Lisa changed my whole world and I will forever be indebted to her for everything I have because of her patience, kindness and love.” The program director of iHeartMedia Boston urban AC WKAF, Chris Malone, states, “Lisa played a big role in my career, I’d go as far to say I’d still be a kid in my hometown working to make ends meet until she came along. Lisa opened the door for me in Raleigh and graciously held my hand through my first ‘on the road PD gig.’ Her kindness and warmth could be felt from the moment I met her. On my interview, she said, ‘Here take my car while I’m on air and get to know the town.’ At age 24, I thought who would say this? That’s just how she treated those who were fortunate enough to know her. It’s a badge of honor to have known Lisa, work for her, and learn from one of the brightest, creative, [tenacious] programmers in the business. So many good memories, generous gifts, and valuable lessons that I’ll hold on to forever.” Veteran programmer Chris Shebel remarks, “We were competitors during my time in Raleigh. Lisa is a first-class programmer who built a great station and genuinely cared about the country community and the ‘Triangle.’ Condolences to her family and colleagues. I’m sure there is much sadness today, but she will be remembered for many great things.” According to Kevin Kolbie, “A few months ago, I got the opportunity to be back on the radio at WQDR. Lisa was the one who took the chance on me. Over the years, Lisa and I went from clients to friends and finally to co-workers. After my first air-shift, I asked her if she had any advice. She smiled and said, ‘Just have fun.’ Even as I type the words, it’s still hard to comprehend [that she has died].” Recently-arrived to do mornings at Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB, Morgan Thomas comments, “RIP, my sweet friend. To work with you again was a major reason I came back to Raleigh. I am just so grateful you are no longer in pain. ‘Fly away my sweet bird over the land.’” McKay-programmed WQDR was the Country Music Association (CMA) large market “Station of the Year” in 2017.
PPM Analysis: December 2017’s Ups & Downs. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a December 2017 ratings overview “Extra” as he examines the impact made by stations that transitioned to all-Christmas music. See which formats benefitted the most this sweep and which were negatively impacted. In addition to scoring honors for largest (6+) November 2017 – December 2017 improvement (+6.6), Bonneville Salt Lake City adult contemporary KSFI boasts the largest 6+-share of any station in the 48 PPM-markets (13.6). Approximately half of the adult contemporary properties that improve by at least one full-share (November 2017 – December 2017, 6+) wind up finishing first. There are market-by-market breakouts, as well as a comparison chart of November 2017 versus December 2017 market ranks. See Mike Kinosian’s extensive report here.
SBS, Grupo Radio Centro Interference Lawsuit Resolved. An agreement has been reached to settle a long-standing lawsuit involving Spanish Broadcasting System and Grupo Radio Centro. Nearly two years ago, SBS filed a multi-million-dollar grievance, alleging tortious interference and unfair 
competition when Grupo hired air personality Martin Romero Hernandez (“El Raton”) from SBS Los Angeles regional Mexican KLAX “97.9 La Raza.” Hernandez left “La Raza” in January 2016 to join cross-town competitor – Grupo’s KXOS “Radio Centro 93.9.” SBS claimed Grupo attracted Hernandez by recruiting and soliciting his entire “La Raza” morning team to move with him to “Radio Centro,” despite SBS having him under contract through 2020 and having matched the GRC offer. Spanish Broadcasting System general counsel Richard Lara comments, “We are extremely pleased to have amicably resolved the matter. As has always been its practice, SBS will not hesitate to take legal action when necessary to defend its contractual rights and business interests.” The settlement is confidential; terms cannot be disclosed.
FLR Names Mike Kankelfritz PD/Afternoon Driver. After ending a nearly six-year run in November as morning show co-host on Educational Media Foundation Indianapolis contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive and Encouraging K-Love,” Mike Kankelfritz joins Tucson-based Family Life Radio as program director and afternoon drive talent. FLR’s chief broadcast engagement officer Sally Barton comments, “Mike’s professional and personal reputation testifies to his faithful love and care for God’s people. We see God’s timing in the journey that brought Mike and his family to us, and we’re eager to see him use his extensive experience and creativity to share the message of hope in Christ.” Kankelfritz adds, “The Family Life Radio team felt like family from the minute I walked in the door. When I learned that the backbone of this network came from Dr. Randy Carlson’s vision of intentional living, I realized that his principles were already a part of my DNA. I am so excited to help more people connect to God in a deeper way through this amazing ministry of Family Life Radio.” Listener-supported Family Life Radio has approximately 40 affiliates. Prior to joining WKLU in 2011, Seattle native and John Brown University graduate Kankelfritz spent six years at Houston contemporary Christian KSBJ and three years at KXOJ, Tulsa.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. The producer of the 5:30 am – 10:00 am “Mo! Show” on Hubbard Phoenix alternative KDKB “Alt AZ 93.3” – Dayton Banas – fills the 
station’s promotions director opening ….. Five-year KOLA, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario morning co-host Irma Blanco steps down from the Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet to spend more time with her family. Blanco and co-host Jesse Duran made the announcement on-air last Friday (1/12) ….. Starting tomorrow (Tuesday, 1/16), “Stacey & Jonah” take over afternoon drive duties on Hubbard Radio St. Louis’ WIL “New Country 92.3.” For the last six years, Stacey K Boyer & Jonah Griss-Bush did mornings on KHTH “Hot 101.7,” Santa Rosa (California), an Amaturo Sonoma Media Group CHR outlet that Boyer programmed. WIL program director Scott Roddy comments, “While most radio companies are reducing local talent, Hubbard is adding to our stable of show hosts. Stacey and Jonah’s charm, wit and humor make them the perfect companion while sitting in traffic on Highway 40 during the drive home.” Stacey & Jonah add, “We are so excited to join the Hubbard family and ‘New Country 92.3.’ It is an honor to join a company that believes in people and talent.” ….. Following eight years with Bonneville Sacramento hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5,” assistant program director/music director Sonia Jimenez takes on music director responsibilities for co-owned KNCI “New Country 105.1.” Bonneville Sacramento vice president of programming Chad Rufer states, “Sonia is a true pro – one of the best out there.” ….. Columbus alternative WWCD “CD-102.5” program director and “The Stash” host Mase Brazelle replaces afternoon driver Lesley James, who left the station approximately two weeks ago ….. Songwriter/pianist Jim Brickman adds four affiliates for his four-hour lifestyle/music/interviews program, which features co-hosts “Brynne” and “Bob.” New to the show are WWFW “Sunny 103.9,” Fort Wayne (Indiana); WZIM “Magic 99.5,” Peoria (Illinois); WNCV “Coast 93.3,” Fort Walton Beach (Florida); and KMWX “Mix 92.5,” Abilene (Texas).
Never Be The Same. After a performance on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” to mark the release of her debut solo album (“Camila,” which includes the single “Never Be The Same”), singer Camila Cabello (left) chats with ABC Radio’s Andrea Dresdale.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Most Talk Radio Programmers are Avoiding Use of the Term “Shithole” in Wake of Presidential Sh*tstorm. Once again, President Donald J. Trump – for better or 
worse – has shaken up the standards of traditional broadcasting and journalism. This time, with his controversial remark about immigration using the term “shithole” to describe countries from which he considers immigration particularly undesirable. The controversial racist aspect of this story notwithstanding, FCC-regulated broadcasters have had to make the quick decision to directly utter the term on the airwaves or buffer it with less offensive and non-potentially rule-breaking words. This decision has been made more difficult by the fact that many traditional, so-called mainstream cable outlets and online/print news media have chosen to use the word as the President said it. In conversations around the industry this morning TALKERS has learned that the prevailing tact on terrestrial talk 
radio has been NOT to use the word directly. Cumulus Media/Westwood One EVP Mike McVay tells TALKERS, “Despite cable television taking great joy in saying the ‘S’ word on TV, we are not saying the actual word on over the air radio. We recognize it as one of the seven words we cannot say. That has not 
stopped us from using it on our digital platforms.” Salem Radio Network senior VP, Phil Boyce says, “The word ‘shit’ is one of the FCC-banned words and our hosts should never use it, no matter if the president did or didn’t. My morning guy in Los Angeles, Brian Whitman, will be using the word “BLANK hole.” We want our shows to be safe for the whole family. No need to have listeners turn off the radio because kids are in the car.” Bold Gold Media Group CEO Vince Benedetto – owner of a number of stations in Pennsylvania and upstate New York – adds, “We haven’t changed our policy – 
we still do not say anything on air that violates George Carlin’s ‘Seven words you can’t say on television.'” ABC Radio VP/GM Steve Jones tells TALKERS, “ABC News Radio anchors and reporters are not speaking that word on air as it could be considered an FCC violation and it also might offend 
local community standards. Instead, we are referring to the phrase as an ‘expletive’ or ‘profanity.’ We have 1,650 affiliates and the majority use our ABC ‘Newscall’ service – which provides on-demand audio of reporters and actualities. We are more permissive in what we provide on that service because it is the decision of the station whether to run the audio – whereas as we control the newscast content and therefore have unilateral decision-making. If audio existed of any president using a profanity, we would put it on ‘Newscall’ and let stations decide its usage. If we determined language was so newsworthy we felt obligated to include it in a newscast, we would probably warn stations in advance. But, that’s hard to effectively control and I don’t recall it being done in many years.” Although the consensus is to avoid using the word directly on the airwaves, not everyone in talk radio fully agrees that the way 
to go. Nationally-famous, station owner/operator (and industry maverick) Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOME, Santa Cruz tells TALKERS that he will use the word on his own show (“The Saturday Special”) but respects the rights of his air personalities to make their own decisions, “My position is to use the word on the air since it is a bona fide news story – but I just checked with the ‘Good Morning Monterey Bay’ staff [the station’s morning show] and was told they opted to say ‘s-hole’ and to play the Haitian national anthem.” Zwerling continues, “Trump apparently has denied using that word (which is one of my favorites) but even if he was falsely accused of using it by the news media almost universally out to get him – it has nonetheless become a legitimate news story and therefore would fall into my 
category of okay to use on the air. Besides, it moves our industry in the direction of parity with the ‘paid’ services that have been and are allowed to use profanity with impunity!” Media consultant/TALKERS columnist/and RT America host Holland Cooke says, “It is a big topic with heavy phones at my client stations 
this morning. My advice: Ask listeners, ‘If he said that word, should we, here on the radio?'” TALKERS legal editor and Bentley University law professor Steven JJ Weisman says, “It is my opinion that the use of the word ‘shithole’ in the context of discussing the president’s comments would be allowed.” For Weisman’s full comments, please read the story below.
Steve Weisman’s Legal Take on Terrestrial Radio’s Use of Term “Shithole.” TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman offers his educated view on the terrestrial radio “shithole” issue prompted by President Donald J. Trump’s use of the term. To read the piece in its entirety, please click here.
Save the Date! Talkers 2018 Set for Friday, June 8, 2018 in New York City. The editorial board of TALKERS magazine is pleased to announce the date and location of the 21st annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention. Titled TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead!, the power-packed, one-day event will take place on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan in New York City. This marks the second year in a row that the convention will be held at this very popular venue. The conference will feature top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry with a focus on talk radio and its role in the new digital age and dawn of a rapidly accelerating era. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology – the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing the modern day talk broadcaster and broadcasting organization. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. The event will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch and a closing cocktail reception. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “As has always been the case with this annual gathering, all the way back to its days as ‘The New Media Seminar,’ TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! will focus on the future. There is no doubt about it; we are at the dawn of an exciting new era – full of both daunting challenges and fabulous opportunities. Good things happen at this convention. We pack three days’ worth of content and activity into one dynamic day and comfortable space. It is not to be missed!” Complete agenda and hotel details will be posted in the coming days and weeks. As is customary with TALKERS conventions, TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! is only open to members of the professional media industry and communications students. Because seating is limited and the event has been an early sellout every year since the 1990s, in order to maintain this policy, non-refundable registrations can only be purchased via telephone with a credit card. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments costs $329 per person. However, an early bird special ($279 per person) is available for those who register before 5:00 pm ET on Friday, February 2. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
Gwiazdon Goes to Beasley Media Group Las Vegas as VP/MM. Most recently vice president and market manager of Midwest Communications’ Nashville adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9”; adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM”; and CHR WNFN “i106.7,” Dennis Gwiazdon began similar duties yesterday (1/11) for Beasley Media Group Las Vegas. According to Beasley Media Group executive vice president and chief operating officer Brian Beasley, “It is a privilege to welcome Dennis to the Beasley Media Group family. His proven track record and leadership skills are the perfect fit for our Las Vegas cluster as we continue to grow and expand our business in the market.” Gwiazdon, who was president of the Nashville Area Radio Association, states, “I am absolutely thrilled about joining the Beasley team. There is tremendous potential for us in Las Vegas and I’m grateful [to be given] the opportunity to make a difference.” Prior to his Nashville duties, Gwiazdon was president of San Diego-based Sales Insights. He previously held the vice president/general manager title at Seattle’s KRWM; San
Diego’s KGB-FM and KPOP-AM; San Diego’s KMCG and KXGL; and Salt Lake City’s KKAT. With their Nielsen Audio December 2017 6+ AQH share and market rank in parentheses, Beasley Media Group’s Las Vegas cluster includes classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 70s, 80s, and More” (6.3, #2); urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” (4.0, #6); country KCYE “102.7 The Coyote” (3.7, #9); hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (2.8, #15); news/talk KDWN “AM 720” (.7, #26); and KCYE-HD2, which did not appear in the December 2017 sweep. The Las Vegas market leader is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” (10.6, 6+), while Midwest Nashville’s WJXA “Mix” is on top (6+) with a 9.9.
WBUR, Reddit Debut “Endless Thread.” That’s the name of the weekly Ben Brock Johnson-hosted podcast done in partnership with Boston University-owned news/talk WBUR and Reddit, “the front page of the internet.” Starting today (1/12), weekly installments will be available every Friday to stream or download. According to Johnson, “Reddit is one of the most formidable communities online. Its lifeblood is people from all over the world sharing and organizing around every imaginable topic, making it an incredibly valuable resource for anyone trying to understand our world. As a journalist, I’ve been fascinated by Reddit for years, but I’ve also become an avid ‘redditor.’ I’m always surprised at what a mystery Reddit is to people who don’t use it. I’m looking forward to solving that mystery for the uninitiated, and helping ‘redditors’ share their incredible, real life stories with the world.” Reddit creative development manager Michael Pope remarks, “Reddit is home to the most authentic conversations on the internet and we know there is a massive opportunity to host thoughtful conversations about these stories in audio form. As one of the leading NPR affiliates in the country, we can’t wait to see what happens when we pair the production polish and talent at WBUR with the most compelling stories online.” The first episode, “No No No No Yes,” explores harrowing tales through first-hand interviews with ‘redditors’ who lived to tell their stories.
TALKERS News Notes. After a brief hiatus from a national platform, Dave Ross returns next Monday (1/15) with a daily, 90-second, CBS News Radio commentary, originally scheduled for a February 5 start date. Heard 
weekdays (“Seattle’s Morning News with Dave Ross”) on Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM, Ross is a five-time Edward R. Murrow award winner for best writing … This time next month (2/12), previous morning host of St. Louis hot AC KYKY “Y-98” Guy
Phillips begins doing afternoons at news/talk KTRS “Big 550 The Talk of STL”; Julie Buck will be his co-host … Five Entercom Chicago stations – sports talk WSCR “670 The Score,” all-news WBBM-AM, CHR WBBM-FM “B-96,” triple A WXRT “93 XRT,” and country WUSN “US-99” – will be broadcasting from this year’s “Cubs Convention” today (1/12), tomorrow (Saturday, 1/13), and Sunday (1/14). Entercom Chicago senior vice president/market manager Jimmy de Castro comments, “We look forward to this event where 
our brands can interact with fellow Chicago Cubs fans. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Chicago Cubs organization as the exclusive radio home of the Chicago Cubs.” This weekend’s event is taking place at Chicago’s Sheraton Grand Hotel. WSCR continues as the team’s radio flagship ….. Former Tribune Broadcasting White House correspondent and Long Island television news anchor/reporter Drew Scott joins JVC Media news/talk WRCN “Long Island News Radio 103.9” as a reporter. JVC Media president/CEO John Caracciolo comments, “Having someone like Drew is a complete win for us. His job will be to use the contact list he has developed over the years to help us open doors; get the story; and get the info Long Islanders need and want. This is live, local and hometown radio the way it is supposed to be.” WRCN operations director Frank Brinka notes, “Drew is a great addition to our staff. His wealth of news reporting and knowledge of the Long Island landscape will be an asset to the station. He will deliver a wealth of information to our listening audience.” Scott adds, “I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic, live and local radio news organization. I am looking forward to helping ‘LI News Radio’ and JVC continue to 
grow and prosper.” ….. The flagship of MLB’s Minnesota Twins from 1961 – 2006, Entercom Minneapolis’ WCCO “News Radio 830,” returns in that capacity this year. The first of its 15-game
spring training broadcast schedule will be (Thursday) February 22 when the Twins play the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Cory Provus, Dan Gladden, and Kris Atteberry comprise WCCO’s on-air team ….. Launching on SiriusXM next Wednesday (1/17) is “Barstool Radio,” the 24/7 channel for Barstool’s unfiltered approach to covering sports, men’s lifestyle, and popular culture. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy remarks, “We are excited to launch our Barstool channel. It has been a wild ride to get to this point and this is another big step in our plan for total world domination.” SiriusXM senior vice president of sports programming Steve Cohen comments, “In today’s crowded media landscape, Barstool stands out as a unique and compelling voice. Live radio thrives on the kind of spontaneous and entertaining content that Barstool delivers every day. We don’t know what they are going to say next, but Barstool Radio on SiriusXM will be the place to hear it live and talk about it.” Weekday call-in shows will include: “The Barstool Radio Show” with Portnoy and Kevin “KFC” Clancy (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, ET); “The Heartland Radio Show” with former NFL punter Pat McAfee (10:00 am -1:00 pm, ET); and “The Evening Yak” with Dan “Big Cat” Katz (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, ET). Barstool Radio will be on SiriusXM’s “Power 85” and on the SiriusXM app ….. For over three weeks, Alpha Media Bakersfield (California) news/talk KNZR AM & FM “News-Talk-Dodgers,” mainstream CHR KLLY “Energy 95.3,” and urban-rhythmic oldies KKBB “Groove 99.3” collected food and water for fire victims in Ventura and Santa Barbara. KLLY program director Danny Hill comments, “I am very proud of my community and I love the support they always show. Bakersfield constantly gives to others and is at the forefront of a lot of charity events.” A local veterans chapter helped to deliver the supplies.
British Talk Show Host and TalkersRadio Personality Graham Mack Forced to Apologize for On Air Statement that PM Theresa May “Has No Balls.” It is always fascinating to compare and contrast American radio with broadcasting in other English-speaking countries when it comes to tolerance, freedom of speech and political controversy. Well-known English talk show host Graham Mack, host of the popular BOB-FM, Herfordshire (greater London) breakfast show got himself into a sticky situation on Wednesday (1/10) by boldly stating that British Prime Minister Theresa May “has no balls.” According to a report in the Hertfordshire Mercury, The comment came on yesterday’s (January 10) breakfast show during a lengthy rant about May’s recent Cabinet reshuffle, in which he also claimed that she was the “weakest Prime Minister” the country had ever seen. Mack went on to berate the reshuffle, saying that not enough women and ethnic minority MPs had been promoted to justify promises made by the Prime Minister in the preceding days. However, the maverick radio host appeared to backtrack on his claims this morning (January 11), telling listeners that he had to “correct” his comments. Mr. Mack said that although his remark about Mrs. May’s lack of balls was “anatomically correct,” he should not have made it. He also clarified that he could not be sure that May was the weakest Prime Minister the country had ever seen, as Clement Attlee or William the Younger could conceivably be weaker. In a statement, Mr. Mack said: “We received a serious complaint yesterday about what I’d said on the air. “Someone in a very senior position told me to make an apology. “I cannot reveal who made the complaint. The seriousness of the complaint did take me by surprise because a regular listener would realise that I take a swipe at all politicians regardless of which political party they represent.” Mr. Mack concluded his on-air correction by issuing an apology directly to the Prime Minister, saying that as the leader of the nation she must be respected. To listen to the segment of the program that got Graham Mack in trouble, please click here. Graham Mack also hosts “London Calling” a weekly program on TalkersRadio. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison describes Mack as “one of the best radio talk show aahosts in the English-speaking world.”
iHeartMedia, MoviePass Announce Media Partnership. The agreement includes a marketing campaign across
iHeartMedia’s multiplatform network to help build further brand awareness of MoviePass and target new subscribers in select United States metros. In addition, iHeartMedia will be an authorized reseller of ad inventory across the MoviePass website and mobile app. According to iHeartMedia Ventures president Joe Robinson, “We have the capability to build significant brand awareness for MoviePass through our unparalleled scale and reach of more than 270 million monthly listeners across the country and our multiplatform assets. We see a unique opportunity with MoviePass, and its ability to understand and analyze audience trends and behavior which is a great asset for our advertisers, especially those looking to further engage with millions of movie-goers.” MoviePass chief executive officer Mitch Lowe comments, “We expect that our partnership with iHeartMedia will fuel our continued growth by targeting more profitable subscribers in low-cost markets, while also opening up a new revenue stream with digital advertising. We also expect that this relationship will be beneficial to movie exhibitors because we hope to drive more traffic into theaters and to advertisers through our strong working intelligence on the preferences and behaviors of a substantial amount of movie-goers. Our subscribers are going to twice as many movies a month as other consumers and are buying one in every 50 movie tickets in the U.S.” MoviePass launched its current $9.95 per month subscription plan this past August.
Wynter Boosted to iHM EVP Urban/Hip-Hop. Los Angeles urban contemporary KRRL “Real 92.3” program director Doc Wynter 
adds corporate iHeartMedia duties as executive vice president urban/hip-hop. President/chief operating officer/chief financial officer Rich Bressler states, “No one understands urban and hip-hop programming like Doc. We are thrilled that he is expanding his role leading iHeartMedia’s programming strategy for those key formats. He has been instrumental in launching several of our urban and hip-hop stations nationwide and we’re excited for him to be even more hands-on with all of our urban brands in our over 150 markets.” Wynter adds, “Urban radio has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Having worked with iHeartMedia for almost three decades, I know we have some of the best programmers and on-air personalities in radio. I can’t wait to help our region and market presidents provide their local urban and hip-hop music fans with one-of-a-kind listening experiences that only a company like iHeartMedia can create.” In this newly-created position, Wynter – most recently the company’s senior vice president of urban programming/urban brand manager – will report to chief programming officer Tom Poleman. Wynter began overseeing the company’s urban radio stations in late-1999 and launched several iHeartMedia brands such as “Power 105.1 FM” in New York City (on WWPR); “Real 92.3” in Los Angeles (on KRRL); “V101.5” in Jacksonville (on WSOL); and “The Beat” in various cities.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. After doing four years of night duty on iHeartMedia Los Angeles mainstream CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM,” Freddy Rivera transfers to co-owned Dallas hot AC KDMX “102.9 Now” for afternoon drive (2:00 pm – 7:00 pm). KDMX program director Jay Shannon comments, “Freddy is an outstanding 
on-air talent and we are very fortunate to add him to our lineup. Freddy is very much looking forward to calling DFW his home.” Rivera, who starts at KDMX in a little over three weeks (2/5), notes, “I am very excited to write the next chapter in my radio career with ‘102.9 Now.’ I have heard so much about the food, nightlife, and community – I can’t wait to jump right in.” Los Angeles-born/Inland Empire-raised Rivera began his radio career as an intern for former “Kiss-FM” wakeup talent Rick Dees and worked on-air at Riverside-Bernardino-Ontario rhythmic CHR KGGI ….. Changes at Merlin Media-owned/Cumulus Media-operated alternative WKQX, Chicago find morning driver Brian Phillips handling mornings by himself as his former co-host – Lou Lombardo – segues to evenings. In addition, Lombardo adds “digital content captain” duties. Former WKQX evening talent “Marconi” left the station about two weeks ago ….. Two-year KMLE, Phoenix morning show host Chris Matthews departs the Entercom country outlet, but Nina D and producer “Badger Gabe” remain in place ….. Steve Guittari departs Cumulus Media Indianapolis; 
Guittari was operations manager of the cluster and program director of the company’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” ….. Also in the “Circle City,” according to the Indianapolis Business Journal, iHeartMedia Indianapolis sports talk WNDE pulls the plug on the Dave “Gunner” Gunn and Don Stuck-hosted morning show “Flagrant Foul.” Gunn (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm) and Stuck (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm) continue though on classic rock sibling WFBQ “Q-95.” Clay Travis’ syndicated “Outkick the Coverage” returns to WNDE’s morning drive slot ….. Added to the weekend lineup of iHeartMedia-owned New York City rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” is Astra – who formerly did afternoon drive on cross-town mainstream CHR WBMP “Amp 92.3.”
Odom Out at WRXQ. The evening talent on Coal City, Illinois-licensed WRXQ “100.7 Q-Rock,” Ray “Crazy Ray” Odom, is pink-slipped by the Alpha Media station for remarks he made on CNBC’s “The Profit.” On a promo for that cable television show, Odom said, “I’m a sexist, egotistical, racist pig on the radio.” Alpha Media market manager Brian 
Foster notes, “We do not condone the views he expressed in the program. The feelings portrayed are that of his own and not of Alpha Media or ‘Q-Rock.’ After an internal review, we have decided to cut ties.” Odom is co-owner of Rayjus Outdoors, but he was placed on leave from that Morris, Illinois business, the subject of Marcus Lamonis-hosted “The Profit,” which offers financial help to struggling businesses. Lamonis acknowledges that Odom had, “a side job. I thought it may be a distraction, but I didn’t realize that the focus of it was to demonize minorities and degrade women.” Odom confirmed the firing, saying he worked hard to keep his radio persona separate from his business. “What I said got taken out of context completely – now I don’t have a radio job over it.” A Rayjus statement on Facebook reads, “Unfortunately, we cannot allow these statements to go unchecked. While an integral part of our organization, Ray will be taking a leave of absence to spend time with his family and reflect on what is in the best interest of his family and company.” Regarding what he has said on radio, Odom tells the (Joliet, Illinois) Herald-News, “Everybody has a different sense of what is funny and not funny.”
Entravision Expands La Suavecita. The Grupero/Cumbia La Suavecita format will be heard in 11 more markets, in addition to its Los Angeles area simulcast of KSSE, KSSC, & KSSD. Entravision president and chief operating officer Jeffery Liberman remarks, “Since its launch a year ago, La Suavecita has built an incredible following of loyal listeners and received strong advertising support in Los Angeles. We are excited to share this unique and exciting format with listeners in 11 new markets and to bring a powerhouse line-up of some of the most recognized on-air personalities in radio to La Suavecita. Los Angeles is the largest Hispanic radio market in the U.S. We believe our format, programming, and talent changes will allow us to better connect with our audiences, and in turn, our advertisers with their customers. La Suavecita is backed by a strong slate of on-air personalities that will drive engagement across our radio and digital platforms.” Coinciding with the national rollout of the La Suavecita format, El Genio will be heard 4:00 am – 10:00 am; “Piolin” (Eddie Sotelo) 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; Armida y La Flaka 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm; and Mayra 7:00 pm -12:00 midnight. Targeting women 25 – 49 and adults 25 – 54, La Suavecita surfaces in Houston (KGOL); Phoenix (KVVA and KDVA); Denver (KJMN and KMXA); Sacramento (KXSE); Las Vegas (KRRN); McAllen (KNVO); El Paso (KINT-FM); Stockton (KTSE); Modesto (KCVR); Palm Springs, California (KLOB); and El Centro, California (KSEH).
Cutbacks at Dick Broadcasting’s Three New Clusters. Back in September, Dick Broadcasting announced it would acquire Alpha Media’s 18 stations and two translators in Kinston-New Bern-Jacksonville (North Carolina); Myrtle Beach (South Carolina); and Savannah (Georgia) for $19.5 million. Staffing cuts have been made in all three markets. Exiting WXQR “Rock 105,” Kinston-New Bern-Jacksonville are program director/afternoon talent Tina Smash and night host Ryan Daniels. Departures at the Myrtle Beach cluster include production director/WXYY “G-100.1” afternoon driver Mark ‘Shark’ Eddis and WFXH “Rock 106.1,” Hilton Head Island assistant program director/night talent Ryan Koch. The business manager position has been eliminated in the three aforementioned markets.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
FCC Grants Approval of Entercom-CBS Merger. The Federal Communications Commission has issued its decision approving the merger of Entercom and CBS RADIO. “We have reviewed the proposed merger, the applications for its approval, and 
related comments. We conclude that the applicants are fully qualified and that grant of the Merger Applications and the Trust Applications, subject to the conditions set forth herein, will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.” In the 20-page decision, the FCC explains its denial of the Petition to Deny filed by longtime Entercom adversary Edward R. Stolz II (and Deborah J. Niaman). It also reminds Entercom that CBS officers Leslie Moonves and Joseph Ianniello may serve as Temporary Directors for the new corporation for only six months.
Cumulus Media Reports Flat Net Revenue for Third Quarter; WW1 Up 5.5%. Net revenue for the third quarter of 2017 was up just a little over $1 million, resulting in a 0.4% increase from the same period a year ago. For the first nine months of 2017, Cumulus Media’s net revenue was flat at $841 million. President and CEO Mary Berner comments, “As we noted when we announced our preliminary results 
in October, our strong third quarter performance plainly demonstrates that our operational turnaround plan is working. The entire Cumulus team has shown great commitment to maintaining our momentum. By executing our foundational operating initiatives and continuing to develop growth opportunities, we are
confident that we can build on our success despite the challenging industry environment. We are also focused on addressing our excessive debt load on a parallel track to our operational turnaround plan. As previously disclosed, we are working with our advisors to proactively explore a range of alternatives to restructure our balance sheet and we are continuing productive discussions with our creditors. Regardless of the path forward, we have ample cash to operate our business. Our goal remains to reduce our debt so we can focus our time and resources on investments in our people, key technologies, and initiatives that will ultimately drive sustainable, long-term growth.” Cumulus breaks its operations in to two segments, Radio Station Group and Westwood One. The Radio Station Group’s net revenue was down 1.6% while Westwood One was up 5.5% from the same period in 2016. For the first nine months of this year, the Radio Station Group was down 1.3% and Westwood One was up 3% compared to the first nine months of 2016.
Dave Ramsey’s ‘Smart Money’ Live Event in Phoenix. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey brought his “Smart Money” live event to Phoenix on Tuesday (11/7) where he presented at the sold-out Christ’s Church of the Valley. The program was also streamed live online to attendees across the country. Ramsey combined forces with local affiliate KTAR “News 92.3 FM” to promote the event. Ryan Hatch, vice president of content and operations Bonneville Phoenix, says, “It is no surprise to us that both Dave’s radio show and his events continue to be in high demand. His passion and commitment in helping others is unmatched.” Pictured above (from l-r) are: Ilene Thompson, director of partner and community services; Dave Zadrozny, KTAR sales manager; Paul Ihander, KTAR news director; Ramsey; Becky Kaiser, “Arizona Sports” sales manager; and Connie Drushel, HR director.
PPM Analysis: NFL Flagships. Managing editor Mike Kinosian takes a look at station ratings (6+) based on the latest PPM data from Nielsen Audio for stations that serve as flagships for play-by-play for NFL clubs. Among the comparisons presented in this report are how stations fared from the September PPM survey to the October PPM survey. Kinosian says, “Slightly more than three of every four of these particular NFL flagships (76%) improve between September 2017 – October 2017, with one in 10 holding steady (10%) and the remaining 14% of the sample is down from September.” Looking at year-over-year comparisons, the sample of flagship stations was split about 50-50, with half seeing 6+ ratings increases and the other half seeing declines. Check out Kinosian’s entire report here.
Craig Carton Officially Pleads Not Guilty. Former WFAN, New York morning drive co-host Craig Carton was in federal court in Manhattan yesterday (11/8) at which time he pleaded not guilty to fraud charges. The feds allege that Carton and a partner committed securities and wire fraud when they solicited investors to
contribute millions to their concert ticket re-sale business. The feds allege that those investments were made based on the belief that Carton had deals in place to acquire blocks of tickets but that no such deals existed. During a statement to reporters yesterday, Carton said, “The real fact is that my business was licensed by the State of New York to sell tickets. The real fact is that I bought and sold thousands of tickets at arenas no more than a few miles from where I stand right now and had pending deals in place to buy and sell many more. The real fact, that you guys couldn’t possibly know, is that about a week and a half ago the government conceded to my lawyers that I had a legitimate ticket-selling business, and that I’ve been selling tickets for a long time.” Carton resigned from his position with WFAN shortly after being indicted. Read the Bergen Record’s story here.
Scott Fitzgerald MIA from WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte. The 9:00 am to 12:00 noon talk host at Entercom’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte is missing from his show 
and his bio has been scrubbed from the station website. Today (11/9), former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory sat in with WBT morning host Bo Thompson for the 9:00 am to 10:00 am hour, then weekend host Vince Coakley hosted the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show. There’s no official word from Entercom on permanent plans for the daypart.
TALKERS News Notes. Affiliates of FOX News Radio have Thanksgiving programming in the form of a special show hosted by Brian Kilmeade. The “FOX & Friends” and “Brian Kilmeade Show” host recently published “Andrew Jackson
and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped America’s Destiny (Sentinel, 2017) and the program addresses that story. FOX says, “Brian, along with the top experts in history and politics, will give you the play-by-play into how, against all odds, General Andrew Jackson defeated the British from capturing New Orleans in a pivotal battle that helped make America into what she is today.” The special will be available for download on the FOX News Radio affiliate website the week of November 19th…..Entercom Buffalo promotes account executive Adam Haker to the local sales manager position for the cluster that includes 
news/talk WBEN-AM, sports talker WGR and WWKB, as well as hot AC WTSS “Star 102.5,” CHR WKSE “Kiss 98.5,” alternative WLKK “Alt Buffalo,” and rhythmic oldies WWWS…..Salem Radio Network talk star Hugh Hewitt is pictured at left addressing the Indiana Hospital Association – a gathering of doctors and administrators – at their annual conference on the future of healthcare and the role of hospitals in infrastructure spending. Hewitt originated his SRN show from Indianapolis, then returned to Washington to tape his weekly, Saturday morning program that airs on MSNBC…..This Saturday, CBS RADIO launches the “Eye on Veterans” radio program that aims to provide military veterans and their families with “relevant and useful information about finance, healthcare, and transitioning back into civilian life.” The weekly, two-hour program is produced by CBS RADIO’s ConnectingVets.com, a national, multi-media resource linking military veterans and their families to relevant information, resources, solutions and, most importantly, each other. It will air on CBS News Radio affiliates, including CBS RADIO all-news and news/talk stations WCBS-AM, New York; KNX-AM, Los Angeles; WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; and WTIC-AM, Hartford.
Trump in China, North Korea Nuclear Threats, GOP Tax Reform Plan, Virginia and New Jersey Democrat Governor Victories, Mueller Trump-Russia Investigation, Donna Brazile Clinton Campaign Critique, Texas Church Massacre Aftermath, Twitter’s 280 Character Limit, CMA Awards, Sexual Assault Cases Fallout, Roy Halladay Death, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/8). The presidential trip to China; the rhetoric between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program; the GOP tax reform plan; Democrat victories in the Virginia and New Jersey governor races; Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents; the blowback from Democrats against Donna Brazile for her criticism of the Clinton campaign; the aftermath of the Texas church massacre; Twitter ups its character limit to 280; last night’s Country Music Association awards; the expanding number of sexual assault accusations and the effects on careers; former star pitcher Roy Halladay dies in a plane crash; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At iHeartMedia’s Phoenix cluster, Lady La moves from her evening show on hot AC KMXP “MIX 96.9” to the company’s CHR KZZP “104.7 KISS FM” to host the afternoon
drive program. Taking over the evening show at KMXP is Reid Spivey, who continues to host weekends on KZZP and serve as music director for both stations…..Premiere Networks announces that Suzette Rodriguez joins “The Johnjay & Rich Show” as a co-host, effective immediately. The syndicated program – hosted by Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra – is based at KZZP, Phoenix. Rodriguez says, “When I was asked to be a fourth member on ‘The Johnjay and Rich Show,’ I freaked out! I’ve always listened to the show, and everyone I know listens to the show. I’m beyond grateful and excited to join an amazing team. I’m ready to learn from the best and start a new journey.”…..Tomorrow (11/10) at 7:00 pm ET on SiriusXM’s Hits 1 channel, Taylor Swift will perform an exclusive acoustic performance in front of a select group of SiriusXM subscribers in celebration of the release of her sixth studio album, reputation. SiriusXM chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “We are delighted to welcome Taylor Swift back to SiriusXM on the day of reputation’s release. A true, one-of-a-kind artist, Taylor will be performing to a special group of SiriusXM listeners in a wonderfully intimate setting. We can’t wait to hear songs from her new album reputation and share this experience with our lucky subscribers.”…..Next Thursday (11/16), iHeartMedia’s nationally syndicated urban morning show “The Breakfast Club” – hosted by DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God – will present an all-day radiothon called #Change4Change to benefit The Gathering for Justice, a charity that sponsors movements such as The Women’s March, Justice League NYC and Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Larrimore to Program WPRO, Providence. News/talk programming pro Neil Larrimore is named program director for Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM, Providence “News Talk 630 and 99.7 FM.” Most
recently, Larrimore was serving with iHeartMedia managing talk stations in the Phoenix and Tucson markets. Cumulus Providence vice president and market manager Holly Paras comments, “After an exhaustive nationwide search, I am pleased to have Neil Larrimore joining the WPRO team. The impact of Neil’s vast experience in the spoken-word format will no doubt be felt immediately. His ability to think strategically and use the digital platforms to grow the already-successful brand will be a welcome addition to WPRO.”
Talk Host Chris Merrill Exits KFYI, Phoenix. After three years hosting afternoons at iHeartMedia’s
news/talk KFYI, Phoenix, Chris Merrill exits the station, saying in a Facebook post last Friday, “Can’t handle the crazy. Stepping away from radio for a bit. Today is last show.” In 2014, Merrill moved to Phoenix from San Diego where he’d been hosting at the company’s news/talk KOGO. Prior to that, he’d been a talk host at KMBZ, Kansas City.
Amanda Guerra Named to KRLD-AM, Dallas Mornings. At CBS RADIO’s all-news KRLD-AM, Dallas, 
Amanda Guerra is named to the “KRLD Morning News” program as co-anchor alongside Mike Rogers and Scott Sams. KRLD program director Paul Mann states, “Amanda is a trusted voice in Dallas-Fort Worth news. We look forward to her assuming an even bigger presence on KRLD in this new role.” Guerra has been a midday news anchor and reporter for KRLD since October 2016. Prior to that, she was an EMMY Award-winning anchor and reporter for KXAS-TV.
Sales Exec Moves at Scripps Milwaukee. At the Milwaukee operations of E.W. Scripps, Bill Herriott comes aboard as director of sales and national sales manager. The company says he’ll lead the revenue team for news/talk WTMJ and country WKTI. In this role, he’ll also concentrate on the Green Bay 
Packers and Milwaukee Brewers radio networks. Herriott comes to Scripps from his most recent role as general sales manager for news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago. At the same time, the company announces that Eric Lauer – general sales manager for WKTI – adds the same duties
for WTMJ. Scripps Radio Milwaukee VP/GM Tom Langmyer comments, “Bill is a dedicated, mature, battle-tested, experienced leader who knows how to accomplish goals in a very competitive marketplace – and he most certainly understands how to lead at legendary stations like ours. Bill has driven strong results, selling major league teams. I saw this firsthand at WGN in Chicago with the Cubs, Blackhawks and other team partners – and it will be great to see what he’ll do here with the Packers and Brewers. We’re also very fortunate to have the confident and encouraging leadership of Eric Lauer. Eric has already made a big difference with our WKTI team – and he’s earned the opportunity to formally bring his passion and knowledge to the WTMJ team, as well.”
Two Execs Join PodcastOne. Podcasting giant PodcastOne announces the addition of two media executives to the company. The company says it is expanding its focus on scripted programming and is
building on the recently announced PodcastOne Sports Network and names Casey Jacobs vice president of sports and development and Allyson Marino as director of special programs. Speaking about his new position, Jacobs says, “I’m thrilled to join the PodcastOne team as we 
build the premiere sports podcast network. In fact, this will be the first all-podcast sports network. Not only do we have top talent like Shaq, Steve Austin and Dan Patrick, but an incredible pipeline of new programs, including Jim Harbaugh’s new show, the legendary Dick Enberg, pro-football personality Dave Dameshek, and more.” Marino comments, “I am excited about my new role at PodcastOne because they have made a strong commitment to enter the narrative and scripted content world. Our founder and chairman Norm Pattiz has 40 years of success in personality driven programming, and our CEO is an expert in development, as the studio head behind The Help, Lincoln, Contagion and 50 other great films. We see narrative and scripted podcasts through a filmmaking lens, and know listeners, artists and brands all benefit from elegantly crafted brand messages that are additive to the podcast content. My role combines development and brand partnerships to execute this mission.”
TALKERS News Notes. A college basketball referee is suing Kentucky Sports Radio alleging tortious interference with a business, intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy. The civil suit stems from a game between the University of Kentucky and North Carolina during last year’s NCAA tournament in which referee John Higgins was criticized for calling excessive penalties on Kentucky players. In the aftermath, the Kentucky Sports Radio network is alleged to have shared personal information about Higgins and his business that resulted in fans harassing him and his family and issuing death threats, according to the complaint. Higgins is seeking more than $75,000 in damages…..CBS RADIO’s WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan” comes to terms with Monumental Sports & Entertainment to serve as the flagship station for Washington Capitals hockey this season. The games will also be heard on the team’s Caps Radio 24/7 digital service…..Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk show host Larry Elder is vising Minneapolis for a live event called, “An Evening with Elder” on October 24. Elder is heard in the market on Salem O&O WWTC “AM 1280 The Patriot.” Ed Morrissey of HotAir.com is moderating the event that will entail Elder and Morrissey discussing current events and the top 2017 news headlines.
Las Vegas Massacre/Gun Laws, Trump Visits Puerto Rico, SCOTUS Gerrymandering Case, 20-Week Abortion Ban, Trump Tax Plan, Yahoo Hack, MLB Playoffs, and NFL Action/Anthem Protests Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/3). The aftermath of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas and the related gun control issues; President Trump’s visit to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico; the Supreme Court hears arguments in the Wisconsin district gerrymandering case; the House passes a bill making abortion illegal after 20 weeks; the Trump Administration’s plan to overhaul the U.S. tax code; the report that all Yahoo accounts were breached in the 2013 hack; Major League Baseball’s playoffs begin; and NFL action and the national anthem protests issue were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Cool On-Air Opportunity. In Charlotte, Entercom on-air personality positions for their three stations: news/talk WBT-AM/FM, sports talk WFNZ, and hot AC WLNK. The company says if you live to connect with your audience on air, online and in person— you’ll love it here! We are looking for experienced on-air talent. Are you a passionate storyteller who’s authentic, entertaining and a team player? Do you have a strong hand in social media? The ideal candidate should possess strong work ethic, solid show prep and the ability to deliver creative and compelling content. Experience is preferred. To be considered for this position, please apply here. No phone calls. Entercom Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At adult contemporary WKQC, Charlotte “K 104.7,” Melany Myers is named the new midday personality. Beasley Charlotte operations manager and “K 104.7” program director John
Reynolds states, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Melany to Beasley’s Charlotte team. Not only is Melany a native from the Carolinas, but she has also been very successful at being on the air in this market for a long time. We are very excited to have her in the Beasley family.”…..The suit filed by Guaranty Broadcasting against self-syndicating morning duo Walton and Johnson – John Walton and Steve Johnson – has been “settled amicably,” 
according to a statement by Guaranty. Walton and Johnson recently left Guaranty’s rock WDGL, Baton Rouge “Rock 98.1” for iHeartMedia’s crosstown WJBO and clearance on iHM’s WRNO, New Orleans. Guaranty had claimed that there was an auto-renewal clause in the contract and since neither Walton and Johnson nor Guaranty notified the other about ending the deal, the auto-renewal was effective. No terms have been announced other than that it’s been settled…..Radio pro Kerry Collins returns to the radio biz, joining iHeartMedia’s Hartford cluster as director of production. Collins left iHeartMedia’s Connecticut operations, and the radio business, in 2005 but had recently been doing part-time on-air work at adult hits WHCN, Hartford. During his career, Collins has also served with Cumulus Media‘s news/talk WPRO-AM, Providence and CBS RADIO‘s WTIC-AM, Hartford.
Round Three of September PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of September 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 September 2017 PPM survey period covered August 17 – September 13. See 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 market headline here is found at the top of the leader board where Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB, which had occupied the runner-up position in each of the past 21 sweeps, takes over at #1. Recent trends for the news/talk outlet are +.9 in March; -.8 in May; +.6 in June; -.9 in July; +.6 in August; and now a whopping +1.4 in
September (7.7 – 9.1, 6+). It replaces iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103,” which was #1 in 39 of the last 41 ratings periods but segues to #2. “K-103” is a collective -1.4 in three straight downward trends (9.1 – 8.6 – 8.6 – 7.7, 6+). June’s 9.1 was the highest 6+-share for KKCW since the 15.3 it posted in “Holiday” 2016. Down by a combined nine-tenths in July and August 
(5.0 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+), co-owned KFBW “105.9 The Brew Portland’s Rock Station” recaptures all of it – plus two-tenths more – (5.2, +1.1, 6+), jumping from ninth to fourth with its strongest 6+-share since September 2015’s 5.5. Huge fluctuations are nothing new for “The Brew” which has been +1.0 in April; -.6 in May; +1.1 in June; -.6 in August; and now +1.1 in September. In the process, it bypasses Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KGON “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock,” which is down for the third straight time for a collective loss of one-half share (5.6 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+) but remains at #5. Within 3.2 – 3.9 (6+) range in each of the last 13 ratings periods, Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 – Uniquely Portland” dials up a +.8 to 4.3 and cracks the top ten (#13 to #10, 6+). This is the
best 6+-performance for KINK since June 2016’s 5.1. After improving by six-tenths in August to 5.4 – its best 6+-showing since 6.0 in March – Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” surrenders eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.6, 6+), falling from fourth to sixth. The market’s (6+) country share erodes by just over one-share as “The Buzz” cluster-mate KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” (-.4 in July) sputters by six-tenths (5.2 – 4.6, fifth to sixth, 6+), while Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” returns in its entirety the one-half share it achieved in July (4.9 – 4.4, seventh to ninth, 6+). Prior to gaining three-tenths in June, “The Wolf” was a combined -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), while “The Bull” was down in consecutive sweeps for a -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, April – May – June, 6+). The two country rivals finished back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively, in both May and June. A -.5 cuts the 6+-share of Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” in half (1.0 – .5, #28, 6+). Having posted a 2.6 (6+) six times in the previous seven survey periods, iHeartMedia-owned KXJM “Jam’n 107.5 – Portland’s #1 for Hip-Hop and Throwbacks” drops four-tenths (2.6 – 2.2, #16 to #17, 6+), while Alpha Media’s similarly-programmed KWEE “WE 96.3 – Portland’s Real Hip-Hop Station” gains three-tenths (1.8 – 2.1, #20 to #19, 6+).
2) Charlotte – This is the third month in a row that WKQC notches an increase with “K-104.7 More Music, Better Variety” up one full-share in that timeframe (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+). Moreover, the Beasley Media Group-owned adult 
contemporary outlet advances from tenth to seventh. Logging a one-half share August – September increase as well is iHeartMedia’s WEND “106.5 The End – Charlotte’s New Rock Alternative” (3.3 – 3.8, #15 to #13, 6+), which posted a 3.1 (6+) in three of the last five sweeps. By picking up four-tenths to 2.3 (#18 to #17, 6+), Davidson College’s WDAV “Classical Public Radio” pulls the plug on seven straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -1.7 since January (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). Up two-tenths in both August and September
(5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+), classic rock sibling WRFX “99.7 The Fox” marches from second to first. In four straight decreases between March and July, WRFX lost two full-shares (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 6.2 – 5.7, 6+). “The Fox” had been #1 in five consecutive survey periods before getting dislodged in June by co-owned WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 For New Country.” Turnaround is fair play as “The Fox” now succeeds “The Kat,” which falters by one-half share, segueing from first to third (6.1 – 5.6, 6+) with its softest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.0. Its format rival – Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits” – is without an increase for the fourth straight month for an overall -.5 (6.6 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+) and moves from fifth to sixth. WSOC succeeded WKKT at #1 in July and WKKT supplanted WSOC at #1 in August. Sputtering by one-half share – in addition to WKKT – are Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” (sixth to seventh, 6+) and its CHR sibling WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” (eighth to ninth, 6+). “Power” is a combined -1.1 in August and September (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+), while “Kiss” has lost an overall full-share in three straight declines (5.4 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+). As far as the direct competitors of those two stations are concerned, Radio One urban contemporary WQNC posted a +1.2 (2.2 – 3.4, 6+) in July, but “92.7 The Block” has squandered all of it in August and September, returning to 2.2 (#17 to #18, 6+). Following five consecutive downward trends for a collective -1.4 (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHQC “Channel 96.1” picks up two-tenths to 3.7 and carries on at #14 (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+).
3) San Antonio – Trending 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.5 (June – July – August, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” breaks out an impressive +1.4 to 5.9, its strongest 6-share since February’s 6.6, and rockets from eighth to second. On the other hand, Alpha Media’s similarly-programmed KSAH “Norteno 104.1” records its fourth consecutive loss for an overall -1.2 (3.8 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.6, #16 to #18, 6+). Four-tenths ahead of “Que Buena” is Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits,” which is #1 for the eighth successive time (6.6 – 6.3, -.3, 6+). It departed the lead
position in October after nine straight sweeps there. Recent (6+) fluctuations for “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” include October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January’s +1.1; April’s +.8; May’s -.6; and August’s -.5. Down or flat in each of the last six ratings periods for an overall -.6 (5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” applies the brakes by adding four-tenths to 5.1 (fifth to fourth, 6+). A similar streak ends for iHeartMedia’s KZEP “104.5 Latino Hits,” which was off eight-tenths in three down or flat trends (3.5 – 3.2 – 
2.7- 2.7, 6+), but picks up three-tenths to 3.0 (#17 to #15, 6+). When co-owned WOAI gained one-tenth in August, it curtailed six straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.6 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+). The news/talk facility adds one-half share in September (3.2 – 3.7, 6+) to advance from #15 to #13. Prior to June, the last time WOAI fell below a four-share (6+) was September 2014 (3.7). At the same time though, Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX (#13 to #15) erodes by eight-tenths to 3.0, its lowest 6+-share since April’s 2.5, 6+). Having regressed by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (3.8 – 3.3 – 2.8, May – June – July, 6+), KSTX recouped that loss in its entirety with a +1.0 in August. It had been two years since KSTX last reached the three-share level (August 2015, 3.0, 6+) and owing to three straight increases, including May’s +1.3, it nearly doubled its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+). In the market’s always intriguing country contest, Cox Media Group’s KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” forfeits one-half share to 5.1 (second to fourth, 6+) and is within 5.1 – 5.8 range (6+) for the eleventh straight time. This, however, represents its lowest 6+-share in almost five years (5.0, “Holiday” 2012) and the decrease ends three straight sweeps without a decrease that netted two-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” recaptures 60% of August’s one-half share loss (4.7 – 5.0, +.3, 6+), but actually backslides from fifth to sixth. Prior to August, “KJ-97” registered three consecutive uptrends for a collective gain of eight-tenths.
4) Pittsburgh – Owing to a +.2 to 7.2, iHeartMedia CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM – Pittsburgh’s #1 Music Station” (steady at #4, 6+) concludes a skein of three straight decreases that accounted for a -2.1 (9.1 – 8.7 – 7.6 – 7.0, 6+); August’s 7.0 
was its lowest 6+-share since 6.7 in the “Holiday” 2016 report. Locked on 9.6 (6+) in June, July, and August, classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” erupts with a +1.1 to 10.7 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth straight month with its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 13.7. After posting three consecutive increases netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), WWSW forfeited eight-tenths in June. Immediately before picking up eight-tenths in March, “3WS” was -4.6 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7 – 9.3 – 9.1, 6+). In second-place for the third consecutive sweep – after being tied at #1 with WWSW in June – rock sibling WDVE posts its third straight decline and is off one full-share (9.6 – 9.2 – 8.7 – 8.6, 6+) with its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 8.4. A combined +.9 in June and July (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is now a collective -.9 in August and September (3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, #11 to #13, 6+). Its format rival – CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” – adds four-tenths (4.5 – 4.9, 6+) to climb from ninth to seventh. A -.1 in August snapped at three its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+). Following three straight improvements for an overall +.9 (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate WBZZ “Star 100.7 Plays the Hits” returns roughly half that gain (4.6, -.5, 6+) to skid from seventh to nine. At the same time, Steel City Media’s similarly-programmed WLTJ drops one-tenth to 3.3, curtailing at four a consecutive streak of up or flat moves for a cumulative gain of six-tenths (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+); “Real Variety Q-92.9,” however, actually inches up from #12 to #11. Dropping by one-half share in addition to WBZZ is Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting triple A WYEP (1.4, unchanged at #14, 6+), which gained six-tenths in August to 1.9, the best 6+-stat in the station’s PPM-history.
5) Sacramento – With a +.8 in September to 4.8 (6+), Entercom’s KRXQ jumps from ninth to fifth and more than erases its combined -.6 in July and August (4.6 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). This is the best 6+-showing for “98 Rock” since “Holiday” 2016 (4.8, as well). In seven consecutive sweeps without a decrease, co-owned KKDO “Radio 94.7 – Sacramento’s
Alternative” is up one full-share (2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+). Moreover, it cracks the top ten (#12 to a three-way tie at #9) and has its best 6+performance since March 2016’s 3.8. Not only is this the third straight improvement for KFBK netting a combined +1.3 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+), the 
iHeartMedia news/talk hybrid advances from third to second with its strongest 6+-stat since February’s 8.2. Regaining the one-half share it lost in August (1.9 – 1.4 – 1.9, 6+) Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” elevates from #19 to a four-way scrum at #15; 1.4 in August was its lowest 6+-share since December’s 1.4. Picking up one-half share as well (3.0, steady at #14, 6+) is Entravision-owned country KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf,” which pulls the plug on four straight decreases for an overall -.9 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). As a result of a loss of one-tenth in May, “The Wolf” had its streak of successive increases which generated a +1.5 end at five (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4, 6+). Following August 2017’s +1.4 to 9.7, its strongest 6+-showing since 9.9 in August 2016, Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” surrenders all but four-tenths (8.7, -1.0, 6+) but is #1 for the third time in a row. Prior to August, “The Eagle” posted an 8.3 (6+) three times in the previous four ratings periods (8.3 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 8.3, 6+). The classic rock format takes a further hit in September as iHeartMedia’s KYRV “93.7 The River” falters by seven-tenths (4.5 – 3.8, 6+) to drift from fifth to ninth; 3.8 is the lowest 6+-share for “The River” since March (3.5). There are more ups and downs for CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96” (second to third, 6+), which was a combined -.6 (February – March – April); +.6 in May; a collective -1.4 in June and July; +.5 in August; and now -.8 in September to 7.5, its softest 6+-share since November’s 6.6. Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, “Mix” rebounded from January’s -4.8 with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). As Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” (3.9, -.2, flat at #8, 6+) concludes four straight gains for an overall +.8 (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), CBS Radio’s KHTK “Sports 1140” (#16 to #15, 6+) extends to four its string of up or flat trends that has netted three-tenths (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+).
6) Salt Lake City – In three straight monthlies without a loss, iHeartMedia CHR KZHT is a combined +1.5 (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.5, 6+). This is the strongest 6+-stat for “97.1 ZHT – Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” in exactly one year (6.6 in 
September 2016) as it inches up from fourth to third. In only three straight downward moves (5.7 – 5.2 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+), format foe – Broadway Media’s KUDD “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” – has eroded by -2.6 and drops from #11 in August to #15. “Mix” was a combined +1.5 in March and April; -.9 in May; and +1.6 in June to 5.7, the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. 
Repeating in the runner-up slot is Bonneville news/talk KSL (5.8 – 6.9, 6+). Eleven recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October 2016), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January 2017); -2.1 (February); +.6 (April); -1.1 (May); -.9 (July); +.6 (August); and now +1.1 (September). Improving by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” (seventh to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE “B-98.7 – Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (#16 to #10, 6+). This is the fifth consecutive improvement for KODJ for an overall +1.7 (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.6, 6+) and its highest 6+-share since June 2016’s 6.6; “B-98.7” has its third successive gain for a +1.1 (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+) and matches March’s 3.5. More than four full-shares ahead of “B98.7” is Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day,” which occupies the #1 slot for the fourth straight month (7.4 – 7.8, +.4, 6+). Up eight-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (2.7 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My-99.5 More Music, More Variety” surrenders one-half share to 3.0, spiraling from #11 to #16 (6+). Off by one-tenth (5.8 – 5.7, 6+) and dropping from second to fourth is Capital Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music,” which was +.5 in August and -.6 in July. Within 2.0 – 2.8 range for the 16th consecutive sweep, Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KUUU “U-92” is off one-tenth (2.1 – 2.0, 6+) and slips from #17 to #18. Separated by just one-tenth and finishing back-to-back at #7 and #8, respectively, are country rivals Cumulus Media’s KUBL “K-Bull” (5.1 – 4.7, -.4, 6+) and independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (4.9 – 4.6, -.3, 6+). A -.1 in July by “Z-104” halted at four its streak of consecutive improvements that netted a +2.1 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+). June’s 6.1 represents the strongest ever 6+ PPM share for “Z-104,” which was -1.1 in August.
7) Las Vegas – While ratings information for the 12 PPM-markets listed here was released one day after the horrific mass murder in Las Vegas (and covered August 17 – September 13), any impact of associated listening will not be seen until results from the October sweep (September 14 – October 11). The rollercoaster ride continues for Beasley Media
Group-owned KCYE “The Coyote – We Are Country,” which logged three straight gains for a collective +1.8 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.9, 6+) before faltering by an overall two full-shares in June, July, and August (4.9 – 4.7 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+). It answers in September though with a +.7 to 3.6 as it returns to the top ten (#13 to #10). Replicating August’s +.6 is CBS Radio hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1,” which inches up from third to second in what is actually its third successive gain (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.9, 6+). A positive spike of one-half share nearly doubles the 6+-stat of Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KYLI “Campesina” (.6 – 1.1, #23, 6+). This is the third straight month at #1 for Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More” (6.7 – 6.9, +.2, 6+). July’s 7.1 was its strongest 6+-share since last November’s 7.2. Following an August +1.3 to 5.3, its best 6+-stat since March (5.5), CBS Radio-owned KLUC “98.5 Las Vegas #1 Hit Music Station” relinquishes all but three-tenths of that increase (4.3, -1.0, third to sixth, 6+). In an up/down pattern, Lotus classic rock KXPT “97.1 The Point” was off by six-tenths in July; up one-half share in August; and now down eight-tenths in September (5.4 – 4.8 – 5.3 – 4.5, third to fifth, 6+). Via three straight decreases, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” erodes by nearly two full-shares (7.5 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 5.6, second to third, 6+). Recent fluctuations for “Sunny,” which had been on top between December 2016 and June 2017, are +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; -1.2 in May; +1.4 in June; -.8 in July; and now -.7 in September. Owing to a one-half share decline to 3.9 (seventh to eighth, 6+), Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio for Life” returns 50% of the full-share it gained through three straight increases (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+). Despite being an overall -1.9 in three straight decreases (6.0 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s KOAS “Old School 105.7” actually improves from eighth to seventh.
8) Cincinnati – Powered by a gain of one full-share to 4.8 – its highest 6+-performance since November’s 5.3 – iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” erases the combined half-share it lost in July and August (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+) and progresses from tenth to sixth. Owing to a +.7 to 4.3 (6+), co-owned CHR WKFS pulls the plug on three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.6 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+) as “Kiss 107.1 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9). When Educational Community Radio’s WOBO dialed up a +.7 in August to 1.6 (6+), that became the highest 6+-share “The Station with Something for Everyone” reached since first appearing in print in April 2014, eclipsing November 2016’s 1.0. It is a short-lived record though as WOBO follows with a +.5 to 2.1 (#18 to #16, 6+). 
Albeit down two-tenths (9.6 – 9.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLW repeats at #1. It had been one year (August 2016) since WLW was last in sole possession of the top spot – it was tied for the lead in May 2017. “The Big One” returned to the top in August 2017 after back-to-back stays in the runner-up slot. Locked on 5.5 (6+) in July and August, Cumulus Media-owned WOFX “92.5 The Fox – Cincinnati’s Classic Rock” (fifth to eighth) sputters by -1.1 to 4.4, it lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 3.8. Falling by one-half share each are co-owned WFTK “96 Rock” (#8 to #13, 6+); Hubbard rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9” (5.1 – 4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+); and Cincinnati Public Radio-owned classical WGUC “Music For Your Heart, Mind, and Spirit” (1.9 – 1.4, #16 to #18, 6+). “96 Rock” ends at three a consecutive string of increases that netted one full-share (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+).
9) Orlando – No doubt influenced by recent hurricane activity that ravaged Florida (and neighboring locales), news/talk scores huge points in September. Heading the list is Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM, which follows August’s positive spike of nine-tenths with a whopping +2.0, the largest 6+ August 2017 – September 2017 increase by any station in the
48 PPM-markets. With a robust 6+ July – August – September line score of 3.2 – 4.1 – 6.1, WDBO-FM cruises from tenth to sixth. Prior to August, it was -1.0 via three straight negative trends (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Having lost more than two full-shares of its 6+-share as the result of six consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 
104.1 – We Say What We Want” roars back in September with a +1.1 (2.6, #17 to #15, 6+). Spiraling by two full-shares in July, Spanish tropical sibling WRUM “Rumba 100” was flat in August, but chalks up a +.9 to 11.6 (6+) and is #1 for the ninth consecutive month. The 12.8 it registered in April was the best-ever 6+-share in its PPM-history. The +2.2 co-owned WJRR achieved through five consecutive increases (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+) is sliced in half with a -1.1 to 4.8 (sixth to seventh, 6+). “Orlando’s Rock Station” previously showed a (6+) December 2016 – March 2017 line of 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7. A loss of eight-tenths (7.9 – 7.1, third to fourth, 6+) takes Cox Media Group classic rock WMMO to its lowest 6+-share since April’s 7.0. Registering a 5.4 in three of the last four ratings periods, CBS Radio hot AC WOMX falters by six-tenths to 4.8 but “Mix 105.1” remains in eighth-place. Co-owned CHR WQMP was without an increase in each of the last three sweeps for an overall +.7 (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), but “101.9 Amp” drops one-half share to 3.8 and exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Actually advancing from fourth to third, iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7” is -2.4 in five straight monthlies without an increase (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+), following a +2.7 as the result of four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+). April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. Three consecutive declines by Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB result in a collective -1.3 (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+) yet “Star 94.5” progresses from eighth to seventh. In June, “Star” bounced back from May’s -.9 with an increase of six-tenths.
10) Cleveland – A combined -.7 in July and August (7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk – and Cleveland Indians flagship – WTAM (sixth to third, 6+) trots out a whopping +1.3 to 7.9, its highest 6+stat since November’s 9.1. 
The key FM station of the Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, CBS Radio sports talk WKRK “92.3 The Fan,” is up a collective full-share through three straight gains (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+) and carries on at #12. The combination of a one-half share 
loss by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Majic 105.7 Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” (8.9 – 8.4, 6+) and a three-tenths gain by Radio One urban AC WZAK (8.1 – 8.4, second to first, 6+) results in a tie between the two at #1. WMJI progressed from second to first in July with a +1.1 to 9.1, its strongest 6+-share since 9.8 in “Holiday” 2016. “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” occupied the top spot from January through April and was in the runner-up slot in May and June. WZAK logs its third consecutive positive move for an overall +.9 (7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 8.4, 6+). Urban contemporary cluster-mate WENZ “Z-107.9” (sixth to fifth) is a combined +1.5 via six straight sweeps without a decrease (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+). With a +.3 to 2.4 (steady at #13, 6+), Ideastream news/talk WCPN pulls the plug on four negative trends in succession that produced a collective -1.3 (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.1, 6+). Entering the September sweep, iHeartMedia adult hits WHLK was trending 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 7.6 (6+), but “106.5 The Lake – We Play Anything” plummets by one full-share to 6.6 (third to sixth, 6+). Unchanged at #9, CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” regresses by six-tenths to 5.4, its softest 6+-share since November 2013’s 5.3.
11) Kansas City – Registering an August – September improvement of eight-tenths is Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” (4.6 – 5.4, seventh to fourth, 6+), which notches its strongest 6+-share since January’s 6.0. This marks the fifth straight increase for Steel City Media’s KFKF (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.9, 6+), which is +1.3 in that timeframe;
“Country 94.1” holds down the #3 slot for the fifth month in a row. Co-owned KBEQ “Q-104 #1 for New Country” gains four-tenths to 3.8 (#15 to #12, 6+), applying the brakes to four successive sweeps without an increase for an overall -1.3 (4.7 – 4.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+). Elsewhere in the country format, Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” is off four-tenths to 4.4 (fifth to seventh, 6+) after August’s +.7 to 4.8, the highest 6+-share for “The Wolf” since 4.9 in April 2015. Perhaps things are setting down for Cumulus Media classic rocker KCFX “The Fox,” which is a modest -.2 to 8.5 (6+) and #1 for the ninth consecutive time. A -1.6 in August halted five straight increases that accounted for a cumulative +2.8 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4 – 10.3, 6+). By reaching 10.3 in July, it marked only the fifth time a Kansas City station has registered double-digits (6+) in the PPM era. “The Fox” bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April. Before that, it recorded three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). Following five consecutive up or flat trends in which it nearly quadrupled its 6+-share (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom’s sports talk and Kansas City Royals flagship KCSP “610 Sports Radio – Our Teams, Our Town” returns six-tenths of that +3.2 (3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12); August’s 4.4 was its highest 6+-share since June 2016’s 4.7. Trending 4.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 (June – July – August, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All the Hits” drops one-half share to 4.0 (eighth to tenth, 6+). Co-owned KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” is off by one-tenth to 2.8 (flat at #16, 6+), thus drawing to a close seven straight up or flat trends for an overall gain of one full-share (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+).
12) Columbus – Roaring back from July’s loss of seven-tenths, Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM follows August’s +.9 with an even greater +1.2 (1.9 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+) as “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” enters the top ten (#12 to #7) with its best 6+-
performance since May’s 4.1. “The Fan” ended its (6+) February through May sequence of 3.9 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.1 by slumping -1.5 in June to 2.6 (6+). After sputtering by six-tenths in August, iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” answers with a full-share gain to 5.5 (seventh to fifth, 6+). It is the highest 6+-share for “The Bus” since February’s 5.6. Without an increase the past five ratings periods for an overall loss of
seven-tenths (6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.7, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate WTVN picks up two-tenths to 5.9 (6+) to climb from fourth to third. Albeit off a combined -1.5 in August and September, country cluster-mate WCOL is #1 for the third straight time. In June and July, WCOL produced a whopping +3.5 (9.2 – 10.6 – 12.7, 6+). July’s 12.7 was the highest 6+-share by any Columbus station since WCOL reached 12.9 in July 2015. It was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; +1.4 in June; +2.1 in July; -.9 in August; and now -.6 in September (11.8 – 11.2, 6+). After being an overall +1.9 in four straight up or flat trends (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 4.7, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU-FM relinquishes roughly half that gain (3.8, -.9, sixth to eighth, 6+). Another positive streak concludes as Saga Communications classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind” drops seven-tenths to 2.2 (#10 to #14, 6+), halting three successive upticks that netted eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+).
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Radio Coming to Aid of Harvey Victims in Form of Fundraisers. Radio stations and radio companies are concentrating their efforts to assist those in Texas affected by Harvey by raising money on-air, mostly for the American Red Cross. Today at 4:29 pm, more than 30 Chicago
area radio stations will simultaneously air a spot for the Red Cross urging Chicagoans to contribute to relief efforts. The move was orchestrated by the Radio Broadcasters of Chicagoland. Chairman Matt Scarano says, “We are using the power of radio in both English and Spanish to help out those in need. In a time of crisis, Chicago radio is willing to help in any way we can.” Premiere Networks’ nationally syndicated Bobby Bones country morning show kicked off its fourth annual Joy Week celebration on Monday, and has raised more than $150,000 to benefit the Hurricane Harvey relief effort through the sale of #PimpinJoy apparel, (as well as more than $50,000 benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital). Country stars Maren Morris and Brett Eldredge have appeared on the show encouraging listeners to choose joy, spread happiness and do good things for others. Limited-edition neon #PimpinJoy apparel was made available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Hurricane Harvey victims. Summit Media’s classic rock WBPT, Birmingham “106.9 The Eagle” is airing a “Pay to Play” on-air donation drive today from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The station is asking listeners to call and make a $25 minimum donation to the American Red Cross along with their song request. No matter the request or genre, if the station can find the songs, they will play the music. E.W. Scripps’ Springfield, Missouri cluster – country KTTS, news/talk KSGF, CHR KSPW, and adult hits KRVI – raised $7,151 for Harvey victims after a three-hour event today (8/30) at the Battlefield Mall. Money raised will go to Convoy of Hope.
CBS RADIO Houston FMs in Constant Storm Mode. In order to provide information about storm updates, evacuation info, and disaster relief, CBS RADIO’s Houston stations have been in storm/disaster mode since Saturday. The company says the cluster is running a four-station,
commercial-free simulcast of long-form coverage across KILT-FM/AM, KHMX-FM and KKHH-FM. Meanwhile, sports talk KIKK is airing a continuous loop of evacuation information, routes and shelters. KIKK was granted Special Temporary Authority by the FCC to run for 24 hours during this emergency period. Also, Spanish-language station KLOL-FM is airing a commercial-free simulcast of Telemundo until further notice. CBS RADIO Houston SVP/market manager Sarah Frazier states, “Our employees are 100% dedicated to broadcasting the latest information to help evacuate Houston residents, keep them safe and connected to loved ones. This is a difficult time for everyone in the area but we are all working together to get through it. In emergency situations such as this, the power of local radio is undisputed, unparalleled and reaches everyone in the community. We are all proudly #HoustonStrong.” At Cumulus Media Houston, CHR KRBE program director Leslie Whittle reports that her station’s live, local coverage continues. “The whole crew is at the station, so Kevin Quinn, Freddy Cruz, Corinna Delgado and Phoenix (who have all been on the air since Sunday morning), are finally able to get some rest. At one time, we had over 600 reported areas of significant high water around the city, so of course one of the biggest services we continue to provide are road closure/high water updates at least twice an hour. We remain focused on keeping our listeners safe and informed, and I couldn’t be more proud of the job the entire KRBE team has done serving our great community.”
Harvey’s Devastation, Trump Visits Texas, Tax Reform Plan, North Korea Nuclear Threats, Transgender Troops Issue, Feinstein’s Trump Comments, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/29). The devastation caused by Harvey and the storm’s second landfall that’s bringing more rain to the region; analysis of President Trump’s visit to Texas; the Trump tax reform plan to be promoted today in Missouri; North Korea’s continued threats against the U.S.; the Trump edict preventing transgender citizens from serving in the military and the responses by U.S. military leaders; Diane Feinstein astonishes San Francisco crowd by saying Trump could be a “good president”; Major League Baseball action; and pre-season NFL activity were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
August Cable News/Talk Ratings Out; FOX News Channel and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Winners. That may seem like a contradiction, but the upshot of the August Nielsen ratings for the cable news/talk channels is that MSNBC personality Rachel Maddow was the most-watched cable
talk host in both total viewers and in the 25-54 demographic. She was just ahead of FOX News Channel’s Sean Hannity in total viewers for the month – 2.783 million to 2.679 
million. But FOX News Channel was still the most-watched network in total viewers in prime time, averaging 2.2 million. That continues FNC’s 14-month streak as the most-watched cable news/talk network in prime time and its 188-month streak as most-watched in total day and prime time. Back to the individual shows, after Maddow and Hannity in the top two slots for total viewers, FOX News Channel’s Tucker Carlson was third with 2.483 million, MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell finished fourth with 2.352 million and FOX News Channel’s “The Five” followed with 2.351 million. Tallying the prime time numbers for the 25-54 demographic, FOX News Channel was in first place with a 466,000 (average over the month), CNN came in second with 418,000, and MSNBC was close behind with 410,000.
Former WBSM, New Bedford Personality Stan Lipp Passes. New Bedford, Massachusetts radio legend Stan Lipp died on Monday (8/28) in Florida at the age of 89. Lipp is remembered in the area for hosting the WBSM talk show “Open Line” from 1964 through 2001.
Radio Veteran Bob Shannon Releases Updated Edition of His 2009 Classic, Turn It Up! American Radio Tales 1946-1996 (Eckhartz Press, 2017) as an eBook. The book that Michael Harrison describes as “one of the most important books ever written about music radio of the 
second half of the 20th century” has just been released (in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley) as an updated eBook. Radio veteran Bob Shannon’s Turn It Up! American Radio Tales 1946-1996 (Eckhartz Press, 2017) features in-depth stories about 58 great radio talent and programming figures. The full list includes: Lee Abrams, Jack Armstrong, Dick Biondi, Chuck Blore, Jerry Boulding, Scotty Brink, Kent Burkhardt, Al Casey, Ron Chapman, Dick Clark, Frank Cody, Larry Daniels, Rick Dees, Tom Donahue, Ken Dow, Bill Drake, Paul Drew, Chuck Dunaway, Bill Figenshu, Alan Freed, Jack Gale, Les Garland, Bob Henabery, Dan Ingram, Ron Jacobs, Tom Joyner, Casey Kasem, Murry the K, Art Laboe, Larry Lujack, Bill Mack, Gordon McLendon, John McRea, Ruth Meyer, Robert W. Morgon, Bruce Morrow, Pat O’Day, Gary Owens, Dewey Phillips, Dick Purtan, Bobby Rich, Steve Rivers, Art Roberts, John Rook, Dr. Don Rose, Tom Rounds, Ed Salamon, John Sebastian, Scott Shannon, Rick Sklar, Michael Spears, Gary Stevens, Todd Storz, Charlie Tuna, Rusty Walker, Todd Wallace, Fred Winston, and Wolfman
Jack. In addition to updated information, the book features a forward by RAB president/CEO Erica Farber. Shannon tells TALKERS, “The book is a compilation of columns I wrote for Radio & Records (“Legends with Bob Shannon”) and allaccess.com (“All Them Big Dogs”) between 2001 and 2008. Secretly, I always thought of it as a public service to radio folks who weren’t familiar with our history, the second golden age of radio when top 40 was king, and FM was about to ascend to the throne. As for why I decided to release an eBook this year, it’s pretty simple – since the book came out in 2009, 13 of the people I wrote about have died.” Shannon adds, “The stories in Turn It Up! don’t focus on industry wide initiatives. Instead, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the folks on the front line, the men and the women who created the radio stations that inspired so many to, as Paul Harvey once said, ‘run away and join the radio.’ Between the lines, a picture emerges of a time gone by, one that will never be repeated, when radio was an important part of American life, disc jockeys were stars, and their listeners cared about them.” Shannon concludes, “I believe that media in the 21st century offers unlimited possibilities, but I also believe that it would be sad to forget, or worse yet, to never know what came before, and how and why it set the stage for the future.” Shannon can be reached via email at bobshannonworks@gmail.com. For more information about the book, please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Radio management pro Mark Thomas is named market manager for Alpha Media’s Saginaw, Michigan cluster that includes news/talk WSGW-AM/FM, urban contemporary WTLZ, hot AC WGER, and country WCEN.
Thomas has served with iHeartMedia in the Riverside, California market and with Regent Communications and Townsquare Media in Flint and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Alpha EVP of the Midwest Region George Pelletier says, “Mark has great experience as a local market manager. He brings an exceptional understanding of local programming, sales and community broadcasting to the Alpha team in Saginaw. We are happy to welcome Mark ‘home’ to Michigan.”…..SAG-AFTRA and Spanish Broadcasting System are at odds over alleged labor law violations. The union held an event at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor to draw attention to what it says is SBS’ disregard for its staffers. SAG-AFTRA says some SBS employees at KLAX “La Raza 97.9 FM” and KXOL “MEGA 96.3 FM” were unlawfully terminated after a 2016 majority vote to unionize. The union also says SBS has “failed to negotiate a fair contract with the union, and refuses to engage in good faith bargaining over economics, including wages.” SAG-AFTRA delivered a letter to California Labor Commissioner Julie Su requesting her department “vigorously investigate the rampant violations of California wage and hour laws at SBS. Over the past 12 months, the company has also engaged in 
extensive and severe unfair labor practices, which are currently pending before the National Labor Relations Board. It has also done everything possible to hamper its negotiations with SAG-AFTRA.”…..In Denver, Entercom promotes part-timer Rosa Jad to full-time evening personality on rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS1075.” Jad has been with the station for four years and says, “I’m super excited to be the new night show host for ‘KS107.5!’ It’s been a dream of mine for years! I’m looking forward to putting on an entertaining show for the city!”…..SiriusXM announces today The National will perform a special, intimate show exclusively for SiriusXM on Friday, September 8, to celebrate the release of their new album, Sleep Well Beast. The performance live from the Bowery Ballroom in New York City will air on the SiriusXMU channel.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Chris Wegmann to Lead New Orleans Operations for Entercom. Radio executive Chris Wegmann – most recently president of the radio division of Radio One – is joining Entercom to serve as vice president and market manager for its New Orleans station group that consists of news/talk WWL-
AM/FM, adult contemporary WLMG “Magic 101.9,” classic rock WKBU “95.7 The Bayou,” CHR WEZB “B97,” urban contemporary WWWL-AM and the New Orleans Saints Radio Network. Wegmann is a New Orleans native who began his career at WBOK-AM when it was an R&B outlet. Entercom regional president Michael Doyle says, “I am excited to have someone of Chris’s background joining Entercom in New Orleans. He started his career in New Orleans and is returning with an impressive resume of success in our industry.”
Christopher Gabriel Joins KFIG-AM, Fresno. Radio personality Christopher Gabriel announces that he’s joining John and Katrina Ostlund’s sports talk KFIG-AM, Fresno “940 ESPN.” Gabriel says it has not been determined whether his afternoon drive program will air from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm or 
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, but he writes on his website: “We’re a 50,000-watt monster signal and the flagship station for Fresno State Bulldogs athletics. We also carry the Giants, A’s, 49ers, Raiders, Sharks and Lakers. So why my move to sports talk after so many years in news/talk? If you know me, you know it’s something I’ve wanted to do for years; this has been a long time coming. Certainly, though, I’ll bring along CGP standards like “The Other Side of the News,” “One More Thing,” “CFB Friday” and most likely a new segment or two. My sincere thanks to so many of you – in particular the great folks in Fargo, Moorhead, Minneapolis and the entire Upper Midwest – who have been incredibly supportive of me and the program during my ‘vacation.’ Time to jump back into the driver’s seat and have fun!”
New Entercom Sports President Mike Dee Talks to AdWeek. The former chief operating officer for the Boston Red Sox and president of the San Diego Padres talks with AdWeek about his new gig as president of Entercom Sports and the sports talk radio business. Mike Dee says the merger of Entercom and CBS RADIO will give the new company an impressive array of large and major market
sports talk radio outlets as well as the rights to radio play-by-play for more than 45 sports franchises. In the Q&A, he says why he believes national advertisers should look to sports talk radio as part of their media strategy: “The opportunities are vast, and in our case, having stations in 23 of the top 25 markets, we will be able to offer scale for national advertisers that’s unprecedented and unmatched in the industry today. You couple that on a broader context with our local event business, which has been a big growth element, both on the Entercom and on the CBS RADIO side. The ability to reach targeted groups in local marketplaces on a national scale will enable Entercom to stand out from our competition, and I think that’s very appealing for national advertisers.” Read the whole story here.
Sabo: Lessons from Neil Rogers. Radio consultant Walter Sabo writes today about the monstrous success of the social media of South Florida talk show host Neil Rogers. Sabo says, “Right now, one of the most active Facebook pages is the Neil Rogers show. It has almost 3,000 members and today has featured a dozen posts from listeners. His YouTube channel has 3,990 posts of videos and airchecks ALL posted by listeners not by him or the station. The posts are unique in that they feel like gift offerings to Neil and his fan base. Most of the posts present clips, articles, and news stories that should please Neil. There are airchecks from 5, 10, 30 years ago — posted this week.” See Sabo’s entire piece here.
PPM Analysis: MLB Flagships. In his second of four analyses of the performances of stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2017 PPM survey, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian reports on MLB play-by-play flagship stations. Kinosian says, “Approximately one of every three MLB flagships (34%) improves between June 2017 – July 2017 (6+), but more than half (52%) are down; the remaining 14% of the sample is flat (6+).” When comparing the same flagship station ratings from last July (2016) to this, “Over half of our eligible MLB flagships sample are down year-to-year (53.5%, 6+) while 43% improve; the remaining 3.5% are unchanged.” See the entire report here.
WBEN-AM, Buffalo’s Sandy Beach to Be Inducted into NYSBA Hall of Fame. WBEN-AM, Buffalo
morning drive personality Sandy Beach – a Buffalo radio pro for the past 35 years – is being named to the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame. Beach, along with television news pros Janet Lomax of Rochester and Art McFarland of New York City, will be inducted on October 19 at the New York Broadcast Leadership and Hall of Fame Luncheon during the NAB/Show New York. Beach also worked in the market at heritage hit radio outlet WKBW and is a 2013 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a disc jockey.
TALKERS News Notes. Pictured here is KFYI, Phoenix talk show host Terry Gilberg on Fox News
Channel on Monday evening (8/21) speaking in advance of President Trump’s Tuesday evening rally at the Phoenix Convention Center. Gilberg hosts the “THINK! America Radio” program that airs on KFYI Saturdays from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm…..Podcast companies Spreaker and BlogTalkRadio are merging after their respective boards approved the move. The press release notes that Spreaker co-founder and CEO Francesco Baschieri has been named president of the new firm. The terms of the merger have not been disclosed but the companies say “shareholders from each of Spreaker and BlogTalkRadio will be making investments in support of the new company’s growth plan, which will be rolled out over the next several months.” Baschieri comments, “We’re combining Spreaker’s best-in-class mobile and web content management system and creation tools with BlogTalkRadio’s first-to-market monetization platform. The merged company operates at massive scale delivering unique value to independent hosts, podcast networks, and larger mainstream publishers alike.”…..Union Broadcasting and the Kansas City Chiefs are agreeing to extend their partnership for the former’s sports talk WHB to serve as the flagship for radio play-by-play. Under the extended agreement, WHB owns exclusive live radio broadcast rights to the Chiefs’ weekly in-season press conference with head coach Andy Reid and a weekly one-on-one interview with quarterback Alex Smith, plus other unique content…..KTRS, St. Louis talk show host McGraw Milhaven is subbing for Westwood One nationally syndicated late night host Jim Bohannon. He sat in last night (8/22) and will do it again tonight.
Trump Phoenix Speech/Protests, Arpaio Pardon/NAFTA Status, Louise Linton Social Media SNAFU, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, U.S. Navy Accidents, Tiger Woods Nude Pics Battle, Powerball Jackpot, ESPN Pulls Announcer from UVA Game, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk stories Yesterday (8/22). President Donald Trump’s Tuesday speech in Phoenix and the attendant protests; Trump’s comments that he’s considering pardoning convicted former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his belief NAFTA will fall apart; Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s actress wife Louise Linton apologizes after getting into a social media spat; tensions between the U.S. and North Korea over the latter’s nuclear weapons program; the recent spate of U.S. Navy accidents and the fate of Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin; Tiger Woods’ and Lindsey Vonn’s legal battle with Celebrity Jihad over hacked, nude pictures of them; the Powerball jackpot hits $700 million; ESPN’s pulling of Asian-American announcer Robert Lee from a UVA football game because of his name similarity with the Confederate General; Major League Baseball action; and NFL pre-season activity were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Jeni Grouws Recognized as 2017 MIW Rising Star. The “MIW Rising Star Award” is the result of an alliance between the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group and Marketron, named in honor and memory of the late Renée Roth. The Rising Through the Ranks 2017 two-day intensive training seminar was held August 16-17 at BMI’s Nashville offices during which Decorah Broadcasting’s KDEC, Decorah, Iowa station manager and morning host Jeni Grouws was recognized as the 2017 MIW Rising Star. Pictured here are (from l-r): Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Media Staffing Network founder and president Laurie Kahn, RAB president and CEO Erica Farber, CBS RADIO Chicago’s Lindsay Cerajewski, Grouws and MIW Radio Group spokeswoman Denyse Mesnik.
Harrison Podcast Explores the History of Radio and Electronic Communications. This week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” takes the listener to the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut. In somewhat of a change-of-pace episode, Harrison interviews the colorful non-profit institution’s founder and executive director John Ellsworth about the museum and its fascinating contents, as well as its mission to preserve the growing history of the radio broadcasting medium’s impact on human culture. Harrison and Ellsworth talk history all the way back to pre-Marconi days and trace the amazing story up to the present era of Wi-Fi and smartphones. This episode is a media freak’s delight as is the offbeat gem of a museum that it spotlights. 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. Photo: Michael Harrison stands with a classic Collins 830 FM transmitter popular during the 1960s at the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. WNVZ, Norfolk “Z104” program director Natalia Soniak adds programming responsibilities for sister hot AC WPTE
“94.9 The Point.” Entercom Norfolk vice president and market manager Bennett Zier states, “Natalia is one of our great leaders and talents and we are delighted that she will be taking on the extra responsibilities of the ‘94.9 The Point.’.…..Michigan radio pro Trudi Daniels is signing on with Black Diamond 
Broadcasting to host the midday program on rock WGFM, Traverse City “Rock 105 & 95.5.” Daniels was part of the “Drew & Mike” show on WRIF, Detroit for almost 22 years. She also worked on air at classic rock WCSX. Daniels comments, “I started listening to ‘Rock 105 & 95.5’ driving up north for weekends and wished I could get it all the time, everywhere in Michigan. So much great rock I hadn’t heard in years and new music, too. I’m amped to be a part of the ‘Rock’ roster.”…..Exiting E.W. Scripps’ country WCYQ, Knoxville “Q 100.3” after four years is morning personality Krisha Newport…..iHeartMedia Charlotte announces the appointment of Chuck “DZL” Thompson as
program director and afternoon drive personality for alternative WEND “106.5 The End.” Thompson comes to Charlotte from iHeartMedia’s Richmond cluster where he was program director and midday host for alternative WRXL “XL 102.” iHeartMedia EVP of programming for the Northeast Division Meg Stevens says, “DZL is an extraordinary programmer: strategic, creative and driven. He knows how to perfectly blend the art and the science of programming. I look forward to his return to the Queen City.”…..As part of its effort to roll out Alexa Skills for its stations, Beasley Media Group is presenting a promotion in which Amazon Echo’s Alexa will guest DJ on WBEN-FM, Philadelphia this Friday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. During the show, listeners will get chances to win Amazon Echo Dots. Beasley EVP of programming Justin Chase comments, “Beasley is rolling out Alexa Skills for all of our stations nationwide and this is a creative example of how we are promoting it to our audience on BEN-FM.”…..RAIN Summit Australia is taking place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on October 13 in collaboration with Commercial Radio Australia’s “Radio Alive 2017” conference. In 2017 RAIN will have produced six summits, including two conferences geared to digital audio advertisers in New York and Chicago, the Podcast Business Summit in New York, RAIN Summit Austin with the NAB (9/5), and RAIN Summit London (11/9).
Thursday, 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 50th 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 36th 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.
Friday, June 30, 2017
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh’s Mike Pintek Announces Cancer Diagnosis. As reported by CBS Pittsburgh, KDKA-AM midday talk show host Mike Pintek on Thursday (6/29) informed his listeners that he’s been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. He said, “What I’m about to do is not easy. In fact, it’s probably one of the
hardest things I’ve ever had to do. In early May, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The stats are not great, but that’s the hand I was dealt and it is not operable. They thought it was going to be operable at first, but it is not operable…at this time.” Pintek went on to say that the cancer has spread to his liver and possibly to other areas of his body. He added that the doctors hope that chemotherapy will shrink the tumor enough to make it operable. “My focus is on trying to go through the therapies, to take the medicines, to follow the advice of what I consider to be the best doctors in the world at UPMC Hillman.” He’ll be missing some time on air as he undergoes treatment. He told his audience, “You are my family – my extended family.” Pintek is on his second tour with the station. He hosted a talk show on KDKA-AM from 1982-2005, and returned to the station in 2009.
Wells Fargo’s Ryvicker Addresses Entercom-CBS RADIO Merger. In a missive to investors, Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker offers her thoughts on the value of the Entercom–CBS RADIO merger. She concludes that for patient investors, the merger will bring rewards. She says that this will be good for current Entercom stock holders, 
“This transforms ETM into the industry leader, with one of the best balance sheets in radio and broadcast (<4x levered). You could also expect some upside potential via accretive M&A and shareholder returns late ’18/early’19.” What about CBS RADIO? She notes the station portfolio includes some respected, heritage brands but says, “CBS RADIO has great brands that have been mismanaged – thus there is real opportunity for growth in ratings and revenue. This should be good for Entercom and the industry, which has more or less lacked a leader for quite some time.” CBS people would probably take issue with that and note the company’s very competitive ratings and revenue quarter-after-quarter. But Ryvicker appears to be intimating that the stations should be performing better than they are. She goes on to say that ultimately this deal will be very good for the new Entercom’s cash flow. She’s also especially bullish about what CBS’ sports talk stations will bring to the company. Not only are many of them very successful sports talk outlets, but they come with rights to “about 50 pro teams” and “dozens of division one colleges.”
Successful ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Wraps. Thursday (6/29) was day two and the final day of Federation for American Immigration Reform’s “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row in Washington, DC. This year’s event was the 11th annual and was attended by
62 talk radio hosts/teams – a record number of broadcasters for the radio row. The two-day event took place at the Phoenix Park Hotel and consisted of legislators and experts speaking with talk radio hosts about immigration reform issues. TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison attended the radio row, speaking with hosts on 27 radio talk shows. He says, “Interacting on air with that many hosts in a concentrated two-day period about a hot issue such as immigration reform really gives me an invaluable connection and experience with what’s happening in news/talk radio on a grass-roots level. This event showed me first-hand the vibrancy and diversity of the format.” Pictured above left is KXNT, Las Vegas morning drive personality Heidi Harris. At right is KFYI, Phoenix personality Terry Gilberg.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (6/30). 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); and 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). Closing out the week today, (6/30) 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) has been 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. Taking over for Joey Hudson – who’s just agreed to take on the position of general manager for the Mike Gallagher show – at Salem Media Group’s Greenville, South Carolina operations is Val Carolin. He’s been working in radio in Atlanta for the past 20 years, most recently with Cumulus Atlanta. Salem SVP of broadcast operations Allen Power states, “Val’s deep experience in all levels of media (local and national, terrestrial and digital) positions him well to lead our growing Greenville cluster. This expertise combined with his excitement for the Upstate is a winning combination as our next general manager. We are also grateful that Joey
Hudson will continue as a local ambassador and talk show host for “‘94.5 The Answer.’”…..The nationally syndicated “Free Talk Live” program featuring Ian Freeman and Mark Edge announces new affiliate stations, including: KWTO-AM/FM, Springfield, Missouri; KINA-AM/FM, Salina, Kansas; and WMEL, Cocoa, Florida…..At Midwest Communications’ sports talk WNFL-AM/W270AJ in Green Bay, the “Outlaw Radio” program debuts next Saturday night (7/8) at 7:00 pm. A press release says that the show is the brainchild of Magic Matt Alan. It features regulars like radio legend Shadoe Stevens, entertainment manager Howard Lapides, Matt’s musician brother Marty, Hollywood producer Frank Hagan, Mark CG Boyer, and “Outlaw Radio” show producer (and widow of Morton Downey Jr.) Lori Downey Jr. Midwest Communications VP/programming Jeff McCarthy comments, “There’s nothing like it anywhere else on the radio. It’s true escape programming with an original brand.”
GOP Health Care Bill Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 26-30. The status of the GOP’s health care legislation was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing in the number one position on the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was legislation aimed at addressing illegal immigration. Coming in at #3 was the SCOTUS-approved portions of President Trump’s travel ban going into effect, followed by the controversy over Trump’s Twitter assault on MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Talk Show Host/Podcaster Rusty Humphries Writes New Book About Political Debating for
Conservatives. Veteran talk show host, podcaster and media coach Rusty Humphries has written and published a new book being released today titled, 7 Ways to Win Political Debates with Your Liberal Family and Friends (Humphries Publishing, 2017). According to Humphries, “If you are tired of being in social situations and being ambushed by liberals who just won’t let it go, this book is for you.” He advises his readers “how to go to important family functions prepared for the onslaught of jabs, jokes, and insults based on your deeply held conservative political beliefs.” The Kindle version of the book is available today-only (6/30) for free. To receive a copy, click here. To arrange an interview with Humphries call 541-450-5708.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. KRBQ, San Francisco “Q102.1” midday personality Billy Vidal is adding music director duties to his responsibilities at the Entercom rhythmic oldies outlet.
OM and PD Elroy Smith says, “This decision was very easy for me because Billy is the epitome of a professional whose knowledge of our format is unparalleled. I am excited to continue to watch him grow.”…..In Orlando JVC Media–owned country station WOTW “103.1 The Wolf” announces the addition of MurphDawg & Jenn to the lineup as the morning drive show. JVC EVP Shane Reeve states, “The addition of MurphDawg & Jenn to ‘103.1 The Wolf’ is the latest step in the evolution and tremendous growth of ‘The Wolf.’ We are committed to country in the Orlando market and are here to stay.”…..iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary KQXT, San Antonio “Q101.9” brings Premiere Networks syndicated late night personality Delilah back to the station’s lineup, beginning July 3.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Jurecki Joins Daily Roster at ‘Arizona Sports.’ At KMVP-FM, Phoenix “Arizona Sports,” veteran sports talk show host and Arizona Cardinals insider Mike Jurecki now serves as a talk show host and multimedia reporter.
Bonneville International says that Jurecki joins former Arizona Cardinals defensive star Bertrand Berry for “The Blitz with B-Train and Jurecki” daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on “98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.” Additionally, he’ll produce exclusive written, audio, and video content for 
ArizonaSports.com and the Arizona Sports app, plus contribute to Cardinals game day coverage. He comments, “I am thrilled to work with a team truly committed to producing local sports content. I look forward to teaming up with Bertrand, a player I covered and respected on and off the field, and creating content for one of the largest local sports websites in the country.” Jurecki has covered Cardinals football and hosted sports talk radio shows in the Valley for more than 22 years.
Sabo: Open a Mall. Consultant Walter Sabo writes today about a twist on the weekend infomercials that air on so many AM news/talk stations across the country. “Scrap the painful half hour or hour-long, sponsor-hosted infomercials. Give those advertisers a better stage and a more engaged, entertained audience. Open a virtual on-air mall. A theater-of-the-mind mall. For many listeners, shopping is a passionate sport. For all listeners, information on bargains and discounts is more than welcome. Let’s cover this sport and deliver urgently needed information. What do you do on Saturday? You shop. Take advantage of what your listener is already doing by producing a radio soundtrack to mirror a shopper’s day.” Read Sabo’s entire column here.
GOP Baseball Shooting Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 12-16. The rifle attack on a GOP congressional baseball team in Virginia and the critical wounding of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week were the various aspects of the Trump-Russia investigation. Coming in at #3 was Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, followed by the Donald Trump as ‘Julius Caesar’ controversy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com View this week’s entire chart here.
Westwood One Adds Three to Podcast Portfolio. In these new podcast deals, Westwood One partners with Live Nation, veteran podcaster and writer/director Jonathan London, and country music superstar Kix Brooks for distribution and ad sales. The first is “On Tour with Live Nation,” an exclusive summer series designed to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest concerts and festivals hitting the music scene this summer. “Geekscape” by writer/director Jonathan London takes a deep dive into all things pop culture, and Kix Brooks talks about the biggest news in country music with co-hosts Lonnie Napier and Suzanne Alexander on his standalone podcast, “Kickin’ It With Kix.”
RTDNA Names Winners of 2017 Kaleidoscope Awards. The winners of the 2017 Kaleidoscope Awards – honoring outstanding achievements in the coverage of diversity – have been announced by the RTDNA. Chairman Vincent Duffy comments, “From newsroom staffing and source development to story selection and ongoing 
coverage, our winners demonstrate the value of bringing diverse voices to the table. Their efforts inform, educate and strengthen their communities.” The winners are: Network Radio/Syndication Service/Program Service: “Warrior on the Court” CBC Toronto; Large Market Radio: “We Live Here” St. Louis Public Radio; Small Market Radio: “The Next Louisville: In A City Of Neighborhoods, Which Is The City’s Most Diverse?” Louisville Public Media; Network Television/Syndication Service/Program Service: “America Reframed” American Documentary, Inc. Brooklyn, NY; Large Market Television: “The Pearl Report: Transgender in HK” Television Broadcasts Limited, Hong Kong; Small Market Television: “Faces of Recovery” WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA; and Digital News Organization: “Under Our Skin” The Seattle Times, Seattle. The winners will be recognized on Friday, September 8 at Excellence in Journalism 2017 in Anaheim, California.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Ryan Wild joins E.W. Scripps’ country WKTI,
Milwaukee “94-5 KTI COUNTRY” as program director, effective July 5. Wild was most recently operations manager for NRG Media’s Omaha station group that includes hot AC KQKQ “Sweet 98,” hip hop KOPW “Power 106.9,” and classic rock KOOO “101.9 The Keg.” Scripps Milwaukee Radio Operations VP/GM Tom Langmyer states, “We’re very fortunate to have someone of Ryan’s experience on so many 
levels. Because ‘KTI COUNTRY’ is a live-and-local station with a full air staff, we needed a real leader who will not only keep the music sounding the best, but very importantly, create a greater overall ‘listener experience’ and a deeper connection with Wisconsin’s country community.”…..Cumulus Media announces it signs WXMX, Memphis “98.1 The Max” morning show host Drake Hall to a long-term contract extension. He’s hosted the “Drake Hall Show with Danni, Wes & Syd” weekdays from 6:00 am to 10:00 am since 2006 and he’s been an air talent in Memphis for more than 30 years…..SiriusXM and Insomniac are collaborating so the satcaster can be the exclusive broadcaster of various music festivals and events, featuring DJ sets, live music performances, and more. The deal includes a three-day broadcast live from the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas starting on Friday, June 16. Now, SiriusXM will broadcast live from Escape: Psycho Circus, Dreamstate SoCal, Countdown NYE in San Bernardino, Electric Daisy Carnival in Orlando, Electric Daisy Carnival in Mexico City, and more.
Cool Board Op Position. The South Florida-based Randi Rhodes show is seeking a board operator with audio/video skills in pre-production (grabbing all elements from various sources) followed by running a LIVE audio/video show that is disseminated on multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Periscope and others. Experience with Wirecast Pro7, Soundbyte, Dropbox, Voscast a must. Must have post-production chops. Able to quickly strip out commercials with (Final Cut Pro/Adobe Audition and upload to Podcasting Platform (Blubrry) YouTube, Facebook, etc) YouTube Certified preferred. Reply to Howard Vine at: howard@randirhodes.com.
Round Four of May PPM Data Released. The fourth and final round of May 2017 PPM survey information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Austin – Within 3.3 – 3.7 territory (6+) the past eight ratings periods, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KPEZ “102.3 The Beat – Austin’s Hip-Hop & Hit Music” notches a +.6 to 4.3, its best 6+-stat since last September’s 4.4. Moreover,
“The Beat” enters the top ten (#14 to #9). Right behind it and carrying on at #10, Emmis 
news/talk KLBJ-AM gains a cumulative full-share via five straight up or flat trends (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+). While Spanish contemporary sibling KLZT-HD2 (#19 to #16) posts its fourth straight gain to double its 6+-share (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+), regional Mexican KLZT-FM “107.1 La Z” falters by six-tenths (5.5 – 4.9, 6+), moving from fifth to sixth. Notwithstanding that it is on top for the fourth successive sweep, adult hits sibling KBPA “Bob” follows a +.6 in March and a -1.2 in April with a -.5 in May (8.5 – 9.1 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+). “Bob” returned to #1 in January after being ousted in “Holiday” 2016. Other than October and the “Holiday” 2016 report, KBPA held the lead each month in calendar year 2016, but this is its softest 6+-stat in almost two years (7.4, 6+, June 2015). Still in that Emmis cluster, triple A KGSR “93.3 Radio Austin” (#18 to #17) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 15th time in a row (2.1 – 2.2, +.1, 6+). Up a combined full-share since February (3.0 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” surrenders 90% of that gain (3.1, -.9, 6+), as it departs the top ten (#10 to #14). After logging three consecutive increases for a combined +1.3 (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KVET-FM “98.1 All Time Country Favorites” relinquishes nearly half that increase (6.1, -.6, 6+), sliding from second to fourth. Co-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” dials up a 4.6 (6+) for the third straight time and remains at #7, while Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE “Austin’s Country Alternative” is unchanged in both 6+-share (1.8) and 6+-market rank (#20).
2) Raleigh – In addition to posting its third straight increase for a combined +1.2 (4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), Radio One gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” (eighth to sixth) has the finest 6+-share since its 6.6 in “Holiday” 2016. A gain
of seven-tenths as well by Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WRTP (unchanged at #18) extends its consecutive streak of up or flat trends to five (.4 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – 1.5, 6+), nearly quadrupling the 6+-share of “HIS Radio” since “Holiday” 2016. This is the strongest 6+-share for “HIS Radio” since last August, when it reached 1.5, as well. Logging increases of six-tenths each are Curtis Media Group adult hits and CHR cluster-mates WBBB “96.1 BBB, Your Life – Your Music” (4.9, tenth to ninth, 6+) and WPLW “The Pulse” (steady at #12, 6+). This represents the fifth straight gain for “The Pulse” for an overall +1.6 (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), while WBBB halts three 
consecutive (modest) downward trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+) that accounted for a loss of six-tenths. Albeit without an increase for the third successive sweep (8.8 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” finishes first for the fourth time in a row. Ousted from #1 in January and moved to #2, “Mix” bounced back in February to reclaim the top spot. Powered by a +.8 in April 2017, iHeartMedia-owned WRDU matched the 5.7 (6+) it posted in April 2016, but “100.7 Raleigh’s Classic Rock” returns the entire eight-tenths and then some (5.7 – 4.6, -1.1, 6+), falling from seventh to tenth. Major ups/downs continue for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC, which recorded a massive +1.9 in January to assume the lead (6+), and it caught WRAL “Mix” at #1 in March (both stations with 8.5, 6+). Since then though, WUNC flounders by -.6 in April and now an additional -.7 in May (8.5 – 7.9 – 7.2, 6+), segueing from second to fourth with its lowest 6+-share since last June’s
6.8. Locked on 6.0 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia FM news/talk WTKK dips by six-tenths to 5.4 (sixth to seventh, 6+). Trending 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY is off by one half share to 2.1, but “La Ley 101.1” remains at #15. Without an increase for the fourth consecutive sweep, Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” has lost one full-share (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+) yet manages to climb from ninth to eighth.
3) Indianapolis – Off by -1.0 since January as the result of three straight downward trends (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” 
recaptures all of it and one-tenth to spare (7.4, +1.1, 6+) as it rises from fourth to second. An increase of seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.6, 6+) propels Emmis news/talk WIBC “93.1 Indy’s News Center” back into the top ten (#11 to #8). Following three straight downward moves which accounted for a collective full-share loss (6.9 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” regains 60% of it (6.5, +.6, 6+) to zoom from seventh to fourth. In
the process, it overtakes Emmis-owned/similarly-programmed WLHK “97.1 Hank FM” (5.6, -.4, 6+), which falls from fifth to seventh. “Hank” had improved in back-to-back monthlies for a combined +1.3 (4.7 – 5.1 – 6.0, 6+), reaching the six-share level (6+) for the first time since its 6.3 last May. Despite registering its fifth successive improvement that accounts for an uptick of nearly two full-shares (4.6 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” backslides from a tie at #5 to #6. Owing to a +.4 to 8.1, WZPL not only has its best 6+-stat since December 2015’s 8.2, the Entercom CHR is #1 for the fifth consecutive sweep. Having notched three straight upward moves for a combined +1.7 (6.2 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+), WZPL was off two-tenths in April; it was -1.1 in “Holiday” 2016 and then +1.3 in January (7.3 – 6.2 – 7.5, 6+). Eroding by -2.7 via four consecutive down or flat trends including May’s -1.2 (7.1 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 4.4, 6+), Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM “Indy’s R&B Leader” slips from eighth to ninth and is below a five-share (6+) for the first time since September 2015 (4.6). Meanwhile, rhythmic CHR sibling WHHH “Hot 96.3” falters by seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.5, 6+) as it departs the top ten (#10 to #12).
4) Milwaukee – At this time last month, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN had a slim three-tenths lead over Scripps Broadcasting’s similarly-programmed WTMJ “Newsradio 620 – Wisconsin’s Radio Station.” Things 
tightened between the two stations since – after eroding by -1.4 in February – Milwaukee Brewers’ flagship WTMJ recouped all of it in March and April (6.4 – 5.0 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+). Fast-forward to May and WISN opens up some breathing room by chalking up a gain of eight-tenths
(6.7 – 7.5, 6+) to stay at #2, while WTMJ drops one-tenth to 6.3 (6+) – yet actually climbs from fourth to third. Prior to February, WTMJ had been within 6.0 – 6.9 range (6+) the previous 15 ratings periods. On a bit of a seesaw the past few months, Milwaukee Radio Alliance-owned adult contemporary WLDB “B-93.3 – The ‘80s to Today” posted a +.7 in March and a -.6 in April, but answers with a +.6 
in May (4.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+), returning to the top ten (#11 to #9). Prior to March +.7, “B-93.3” was off a combined four shares since the “Holiday” 2016 report (8.3 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). Those shifts though pale in comparison to what iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” typically provides. Even though it is off by -1.2, WRIT is #1 for the 26th consecutive sweep. Some recent “Big” month-to-month moves include +1.7 (October 2015); -.7 (November 2015); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2015); -5.7 (January 2016); +1.3 (February); +1.1 (April); -.6 (May); -1.1 (August); -.6 (September) +1.2 (November); -.5 (December); +2.1 (“Holiday” 2016); -2.4 (January 2017); +2.5 (March); and now -1.2 in May. Sputtering by half as much as WRIT’s May 2017 -1.2 is Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” (5.8 – 5.2, -.6, fifth to seventh, 6+). When “Mix” picked up one-tenth in April, it curtailed three successive sweeps of being locked on 5.7 (6+). Over the course of the last 16 sweeps – which covers March 2016 through May 2017 – the (6+) line for public triple A WYMS (flat at #17) is confined to a high of 1.5 and a low of 1.1 (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+).
5) Nashville – Especially given that the city’s NHL franchise – the Predators – wound up in this year’s Stanley Cup finals, it isn’t surprising that Nashville’s sports talk outlets notch noteworthy April 2017 – May 2017 increases. More to the point, Cromwell Group’s WPRT “The Game” is up or flat for the fourth straight
time more than doubling its 6+-stat (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 2.4, #17 to #16, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” gains one-half share (3.8, #13, 6+). Prior to May’s +.5, “The Zone” squandered more than four full-shares (7.6 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+) in six successive decreases. When WGFX lost two-tenths in November, it ended a string of three consecutive improvements which resulted in a +4.1 since July (3.7 – 4.0 – 5.4 – 7.8, 6+). In three of the last five survey periods, Cromwell Group alternative WBUZ has posted a 3.3 (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), but “102.9 The Buzz” (steady at #12) breaks out a +.7 to 4.0, its strongest 6+-share since last August (4.2). Over and above flashing a +.6 taking it
over the seven-share threshold (7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 – Nashville’s Classic Rock” vaults from sixth into the middle of a May 2017 iHM #1 – #2 – #3 finish. Four-tenths ahead of it at #1, up from #3 and boasting its third straight increase yielding a +1.8 (5.9 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 7.7, 6+) is CHR sibling WRVW “107.5 The River,” which rebounded from February’s -.6 with a gain of seven-tenths. The 5.9 it registered in February was the first time “The River” had been below a six-share (6+) since June 2011 (5.9, as well); May’s 7.7 matches what it posted this past September. Shifting from second to third is co-owned WUBT “101.1 The Beat,” which slips by three-tenths to 7.2 (6+), thus curtailing five straight sweeps without a loss for a collective +2.6 (4.9 – 5.9 – 6.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+). As the result of a one-share dip to 4.9 (6+) in December, “The Beat” halted an August to November pattern of 6.1 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.9 (6+) and sent the urban contemporary outlet below a five-share (6+) for the first time since July 2013 (4.8). The station “The River” succeeds at #1 – Midwest Communications’ adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” – falters by nine-tenths (7.7 – 6.8, 6+) and tumbles from first to fourth. Entering the April sweep, “Mix” registered in the mid-six-share range (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), but logged a full-share improvement to 7.7 (6+), jumping from third to first. It previously occupied the penthouse in “Holiday” 2016 (13.1, 6+). After four straight up or flat months in which it gained nearly two full-shares (5.3 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+), adult hits sibling WCJK “96.3 Jack-FM – Playing What We Want” regresses by seven-tenths to 6.5 (third to fifth, 6+). Unlisted in April, Ryman Hospitality Properties’ classic country WSM-AM “The Most Famed Country Music Station in the World” re-appears at #17 with a one-half share gain to 1.6 (6+). In the mainstream country arena, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98” surrenders all of April’s +.7 and another one-tenth (5.4 – 6.1 – 5.3, -.8, 6+) but remains at #7. Climbing from tenth to ninth, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” gains four-tenths to 4.6 (6+), halting three straight 
negative moves that produced a -1.4 (5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+). Not only does co-owned WKDF post its third consecutive progressive trend for an overall +1.0 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+), “Nash FM 103.3” cracks the top ten (#11 to #10). Dropping by six-tenths each are Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” (6.4, fifth to sixth, 6+); FM news/talk cluster-mate WWTN “Super Talk” (5.3 – 4.7, flat at #8, 6+); and Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN, down for the third month in a row for an overall -1.3 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+). A combined -.6 in back-to-back sweeps (6.4 – 6.2 – 5.8, 6+), “92-Q” was +1.2 in April.
6) Providence – The two Nielsen Audio-subscribing PPM-market stations that can claim honors of recording the heftiest 6+ April 2017 – May 2017 increase are iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s R&B and
Throwbacks” (4.0 – 5.5, 6+), and Cumulus Media Providence CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music” (9.8, 6+); both improve by +1.5. In the case of WPRO-FM (steady at #2), it had been trending 8.7 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 8.3 (6+) in advance of the May ratings period and now has its most potent 6+-share since February 2015 (also 9.8). “Today’s Hit Music” trails adult contemporary sibling 
WWLI “Lite Rock 105” by just six-tenths, as “Lite Rock” surrenders all but one-tenth of the +.7 it garnered in April, 11.0 – 10.4, 6+), but is #1 for the 20th successive ratings period. Having eroded by more than seven full-shares in January to 10.7 (6+), it was a combined -.4 in February and March (10.7 – 10.6 – 10.3, 6+). “Lite Rock” was a collective +8.5 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (9.5 – 10.6 – 18.0, 6+), following a cumulative -.4 in October and November (9.9 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+). Boston public news/talk WGBH-FM (steady at #10) is up or flat for the fourth month in a row (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+) for an overall gain of six-tenths. Sputtering by six-tenths but staying at #5 (6.0, 6+) is iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3,” which halts its 6.2 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.6 trending (6+). Frozen on 7.7 (6+) in “Holiday” 2016 and January, and then on 8.2 (6+) in February and March, co-owned WHJY “Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” (second to third) picks up a combined four-tenths in back-to-back monthlies (8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Steady at #11, The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH is off by two-tenths (to 1.4, 6+) and has its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 end at four (.5 – .5 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+). With a net loss of just three-tenths, WELH was without an increase between August and the “Holiday” 2016 report (.8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+).
7) Norfolk – Notwithstanding that it remains at #7, Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” is without a loss for the fifth time in a row for an overall increase of eight-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+). Dusting itself off from April’s -.5 (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), Saga Communications’ WNOR “99 Rocks” dials up a +.8 to 7.0 and
carries on in third-place. A loss of six-tenths in March by “99 Rocks” ended four straight positive sweeps that yielded two full-shares (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+). Even though it regresses by seven-tenths (12.5 – 11.8, 6+), WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is the market pacesetter for the fifth successive sweep and it is in 11.0 – 12.7-territory for the 13th time in the last 14 ratings periods. Rebounding from February’s -.5 with a gain of four-tenths in March, the Entercom urban AC added nine-tenths in April (11.6 – 12.5, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WWDE “2WD” bumped WVKL to second in “Holiday” 2016, after it spent 55 consecutive ratings periods at #1. Unchanged at #10, iHeartMedia CHR WNOH “Now 105 – Hampton Roads’ #1 Hit Music Station” is off for the fourth consecutive sweep (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+) and is down six-tenths in that timeframe.
8) Greensboro – The top four finishers in May 2017 are Entercom properties, while iHeartMedia owns those outlets finishing fifth through ninth. An overall +1.3 via five consecutive increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+), 
iHeartMedia rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up!” advances from ninth to seventh. Having dropped one-half share in April, Wake Forest University’s WFDD “88.5 – Public Radio for the Piedmont” answers with a gain of seven-tenths (1.9 – 1.4 – 2.1, 6+) to climb from #12 to #11. A cumulative +1.5 in January and February (4.8 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom’s country-formatted WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” eroded by seven-tenths in March but has bounced back with a combined +1.0 in April and May (5.6 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+), inching up from fifth to fourth. Even though this is the fifth straight time it is without a decrease for a collective +1.6 (4.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WTQR “New Country Q-104.1” is overtaken by “The Wolf” and backslides from fourth to fifth. When it picked up three-tenths in November, WTQR ended three successive down-trending monthlies that produced a collective loss of more than two shares (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+). Back in September, “Q-104.1” enjoyed a 1.9-share lead over “The Wolf.” After three straight improvements for a combined +1.2 (9.5 – 9.9 – 10.1 – 10.7, 6+) Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH dips by three-tenths to 10.4 (6+), but “102 Jamz” repeats at #1. It is in double-digits (6+) for the ninth time in the last eleven survey periods. Adding one-tenth to 10.1 (6+), urban AC sibling WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” remains at #2 and is in double-digits (6+) for the sixth straight sweep. Up or flat in four consecutive ratings periods netting a +1.2 (9.7 – 9.7 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 10.9, 6+), January, February, and March market leader WQMG surrendered six-tenths in March. Stymied at 4.7 (6+) in March and April, after notching a 4.6 (6+) in February, iHeartMedia FM news/talk WPTI sputters by one-half share to 4.2 (seventh to eighth, 6+).
9) West Palm Beach – A gain of eight-tenths (5.1 – 5.9, 6+) elevates iHeartMedia-owned WKGR “98.7 The Gater – The Palm Beaches’ Rock Station” from fourth to a third-place tie. At the same time, CHR cluster-mate WLDI “Wild
95.5 – The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” (sixth to fifth) is a collective +1.3 in three straight gains (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+). Still in that iHM cluster, after three successive months without a gain in which it lost more than two full-shares (6.6 – 5.9 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” (eighth to seventh) is up a combined six-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+). Prior to January, “Kool” had been up the previous three ratings periods for a +1.8 (4.8 – 5.7 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+). On top for the fifth consecutive month, Alpha Media hot AC WRMF picks up one-tenth (9.3 – 9.4, 6+). Having improved by six-tenths in January, WRMF more than tripled that gain in February with a +1.9 to 10.2, its best 6+-performance since December 2015 (10.2 as well). Prior to “Holiday” 2016, WRMF was #1 the previous five ratings periods. It fell to second in July 2016, after 23 successive sweeps at #1. Ups and down continue for WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (sixth to eighth) which – in the last six survey periods – is +.5 (“Holiday” 2016); -1.1 (January); +.5 in February; -.7 (March); +1.4 in April; and now -.5 in May (4.3 – 4.8 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+).
10) Jacksonville – Flat or (modestly) down the past three survey periods (6.6 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat” flips that -.3 into a +.9 (7.2, 6+). Steady at #5, “The 
Beat” last reached the seven-share level (6+) in October (7.0). April’s loss of six-tenths to 4.3 put an end to the 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.9 (6+) sequence of co-owned urban-rhythmic oldies outlet WSOL, but “V-101.5” (eighth to seventh) bounces back with a +.8 and returns to 5.1 (6+). In back-to-back monthlies (March and April), cluster-mate WQIK picked up one-tenth in each (12.3 – 12.4 – 12.5, 6+) but “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” falters by six-tenths in May to 11.9 (6+). Even so, it is #1 for the fifth time in a row. WQIK was +2.1 in January to 12.8, the best-ever 6+-performance in its PPM-history. Owing to December’s +4.5 (6.8 – 11.3, 6+), “Jacksonville’s Country” jumped from fifth to first, but with a -.6 in “Holiday” 2016, it fell to second. Prior to November’s one-tenth gain, WQIK was down two full-shares as a result of being without an increase since February 2016 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.7, 6+). In five straight positive trends (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+), adult hits sibling WWJK “107.3 The River – We Play Anything” (unchanged at #10) is a combined +1.3. By posting a gain of three-tenths to 3.0 (6+), WJCT “Your Community – Your World” (steady at #12) pulls the plug on three consecutive decreases that accounted for a -1.2 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.7, 6+). Trending a very consistent 8.3 – 8.5 –
8.4 in January – February – March (6+), WOKV broke out a +.9 in April to 9.3, its strongest 6+-showing since November 2012’s 9.9. In May though, the Cox Media Group news/talk operation surrenders one full-share to 8.4 (6+) to slide from second to third. Off two-tenths to 2.6 (6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WEZI “Easy 106.5” (flat at #13) snaps at four its successive skein of up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). The urban contemporary HD2 channel of co-owned WJGL (#12 to #14) flounders by one-half share (2.9 – 2.4, 6+).
11) Memphis – Progressing from sixth to fifth on the strength of a +1.0, iHeartMedia gospel outlet WHAL “Halleluiah 95.7” registers its third straight gain (5.3 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.8, 6+). On the heels of April’s robust +1.3, co-owned WEGR “Rock 103” tacks on an additional seven-tenths (1.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+) and breaks into the top
ten (#11 to #10). Not only is urban AC sibling KJMS up or flat for the fifth straight time for a collective gain of seven-tenths (8.8 – 9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.5, 6+), “V-101” is on top as it has been since February. At #1 for ten consecutive monthlies before sliding to #2 in “Holiday” 2016, “V-101” was up by two-tenths in February to halt nine consecutive down or flat trends that yielded a -3.7 since last May (12.5 – 11.6 – 10.7 – 10.5 – 10.2 – 9.9 – 9.9 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 8.8, 6+). In April, “V-101” was tied at #1 with Cumulus Media’s WRBO “Soul Classic and Today’s R&B,” which moves back to #2. Its 9.3 in April and May is the most potent 6+-share in WRBO’s PPM-history. After posting a 12.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “The River – Continuous Soft Rock” notched a January – February – March line of 7.1 – 7.7 – 7.4 (6+). “The River,” however, spirals in April and May with a combined -1.7 (7.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+), dropping from fifth to sixth. Stuck on 2.5 (6+) in February and March before advancing to 2.9 (6+) in April, co-owned sports talk WMFS regresses by one-half share to 2.4 (#12 to #13, 6+). A combined -.9 in six straight down or flat sweeps (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KWNW “101.9 Kiss FM – All the Hits” shifts from #15 to #17.
12) Hartford – As the result of four successive improvements, CBS Radio rhythmic CHR WZMX gains more than three full-shares (4.6 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 6.7 – 7.8, 6+) as “Hot 93.7” advances from fifth to fourth. This is the first 
time “Hot” has crossed the seven-share level (6+) since last September’s 7.4. Trending 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.4 (6+) since the first of the year, iHeartMedia CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 – All the Hits” (unchanged at #7) hauls out a +.6 to 6.0, its best 6+-performance since last September (6.0, as well). By adding three-tenths, Connecticut Public Broadcasting’s WNPR (carrying on at #9), applies the brakes to three successive downward moves that accounted for a -1.4 (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 4.3, 6+). A combined +.9 in February and March (10.2 – 10.5 – 11.1, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” is now an overall -1.4 in April and May (11.1 – 10.0 – 9.7, 6+). Nonetheless, “Lite” is #1 for the ninth straight time. Up between September and “Holiday” 2016 (9.3 – 9.6 – 10.1 – 10.8 – 18.4, 6+), producing a cumulative +9.1 – nearly doubling September’s 9.3 – “Lite” forfeited 8.2 shares in January. Entering the September sweep, WRCH was on top for 15 straight ratings periods and 23 of the previous 24; however, it decreased by -1.1 and dropped to second-place. Its online stream remains at .5 (6+), but improves from #15 to #14 (6+). Repeating in the runner-up slot, co-owned hot AC WTIC-FM “Hartford’s Best Variety” is off four-tenths to 8.6 (6+), thus ending at six its consecutive string of
positive or flat trends that produced a cumulative +2.1 (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.6 – 
9.0, 6+). News/talk cluster-mate WTIC-AM (fourth to fifth) falters by four-tenths and has its fourth consecutive decline for a collective loss of almost two full-shares (8.8 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+). This is its lowest 6+-share since last April’s 6.5. Similarly-formatted, Connoisseur Media-owned WDRC-AM (#14 to #15) is down or flat for the sixth straight time (1.3 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .6 -.6 -.3, 6+) and is off by one full-share in that stretch. The Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical HD2 side channel of WMRQ spirals by eight-tenths (2.7 – 1.9, 6+) and falls out of the top ten (#10 to #11).
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Ted Nugent Tells ‘Curtis & Eboni’ Americans Must Tone It Down. On WABC, New York’s midday Curtis &
Eboni show with Curtis Sliwa and Eboni K. Williams, legendary rocker and prominent Second Amendment advocate Ted Nugent called for toning down the violent political rhetoric in the country, vowing he will do the same. In the wake of yesterday’s shooting at the GOP baseball practice for the Congressional Baseball charity game, Nugent appeared on WABC and spoke about the matter. Hear that audio here. Nugent has a history of over-the-top rhetoric, including referring to President Obama as a “subhuman mongrel.” He also has used language inviting political opponents to “put their lips on my machine gun.”
Deportes Media Sues Over Sale of KTRB, San Francisco to East Bay Broadcasting. KTRB-AM, San Francisco had been operated as a Spanish sports talk station since it entered into an LMA with station Receiver Susan L. Uecker in May of 2011. In June of 2015, the former Pappas Telecasting station was sold to East Bay Broadcasting, operated by the managing partners of Salem Media Group. Now, Deportes Media is suing East Bay, Salem, Uecker, Media Acquisition Trust, and broker Kalil & Co in District Court in San Francisco over the 
sale. Deportes claims that it wanted to buy the station; that Uecker knew the company wanted to buy it and there were clauses in their LMA deal to give it the first opportunity to acquire the station. Deportes notes in its suit, “A number of conditions were built into the lease to discourage other potential suitors from acquiring the station out from under Plaintiff, robbing it of the hard work it had invested in building the station. For example, the agreement contained a no-shop provision that prevented anyone from offering the radio station for sale. Additionally, the contract specified that any buyer would have to honor the full term of Plaintiff’s lease, meaning it would likely be years from the time of acquisition until a new owner could begin making its own programming decisions or trying to integrate KTRB into any other media plays or other strategies. Most importantly, the contract contained a “Programmer’s Right of First Refusal” clause. This Right of First Refusal explicitly gave Plaintiff the right to match any competitors purchase offer within ninety (90) days so that KTRB could not be bought out from under it.” It’s suing Uecker for breach of contract; Media Trust, Kalil and Salem for tortious interference with contract; and all for violation of California’s unfair competition law. It is seeking actual and compensatory damages.
Tony Matteo Named iHM’s RSVPP for California-Nevada. Programmer Tony Matteo moves from
iHeartMedia’s Omaha Region – based in Wichita, Kansas — to a new post with the company as region senior vice president of programming for the Central California/Nevada Region. Matteo will work with on-air personalities and program directors from the 36 radio station brands in that area. He comments, “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a group of incredibly talented programmers, on-air talent and managers in the Wichita market and Omaha Region and together we’ve accomplished much. The outstanding brands built by the iHM Central California/Nevada team have a ton of momentum. I’ll be proud to join and help continue the region’s winning streak.”
TALKERS News Notes. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Windy City sports blogger and podcaster Dan Katz, a.k.a. Barstool Big Cat, is joining WMVP, Chicago “ESPN Radio” as a weekly contributor to Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman’s afternoon drive “Waddle & Silvy” show. Katz tweeted that he’ll be on each Thursday around 4:00 pm…..Also from Robert Feder, WMVP personality Jordan Cornette – who co-hosts the midday show with David Kaplan – is one of three co-hosts (alongside Felicia Lawrence and Danielle Robay) of a new Chicago morning television show slated to start later this summer titled, “The Jam.” Cornette is a former Notre Dame basketball star who also serves as color commentator for CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports 1…..SiriusXM is presenting live coverage of the 2017 NCAA Men’s College World Series starting Saturday (6/17). The play-by-play is produced and provided by Westwood One and airs on SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation channel…..Architecture firm V Three Studios recently designed new facilities for Native Broadcast Enterprise’s properties in St. Michaels, Arizona. KTNN “The Voice of the Navajo Nation” and KWRK “Capital Country” recently moved its operations to a new state-of-the-art, 7,352-square-foot facility. The new facility features eight studios supporting AM/FM radio and digital broadcast capabilities reaching listeners beyond reservation lines, providing Navajo people across the country, and even overseas, with a connection to home. V Three worked with Native Broadcast Enterprise to create a facility that celebrates the Navajo culture and reflects the station’s mission of educating, informing and entertaining the Navajo people, many of whom rely on the station as the only source of news and entertainment. Navajo-owned design/build firm LAM Corporation developed the building shell and site work…..Mediabase promotes Minal Patel to project manager. Patel joined Mediabase in 2008 as the director of client services and has advanced through various departments in the company…..Regional Reps Corp. signs Falls Media LLC’s KWFB-FM, Wichita Falls, Texas to an exclusive representation agreement.
Cooke: Car Money Moving Back to Radio. Radio consultant Holland Cooke says that not too long ago, Detroit wanted dealers to move ad money from radio to digital. Now, some of that money is moving back. But, the radio auto ad needs to be effective in order for dealers to be glad they re-invested in radio. He’s got some tips here.
Veteran Radio/TV Newswoman/Talk Show Host Donna Francavilla Returning to NYC via WCBS. She’s a “Jersey girl” who has been in the talk media business for more than three decades building a stellar reputation among those in the know for her solid talent, media flexibility, entrepreneurial resilience and downright intelligence. And now, she was just hired at WCBS “Newsradio 880” as a part-time news anchor/reporter – a
development that has prompted her after all these years to pick up stakes in Birmingham, Alabama and move back to the Big Apple to spend more time close to her parents, children and friends in the Northeast. For those who wonder where she’s been all these years, Donna Francavilla spent the last 16 years covering major national news stories in Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle as a freelancer for CBS Radio News. She also served as a television reporter at WBMA and WVTM-TV as well as filling-in as a talk show host on WAPI, Birmingham “Talk 99 FM.” She has also run her own multi-media services company, Frankly Speaking Communications (franklyspeakingcommunications.com) which still serves as an umbrella company for her many activities ranging from air talent and voice actor to public speaker; from talent coach and consultant to public relations strategist. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Donna Francavilla is one of the most talented, hardworking people in all of talk media. I’ve had the pleasure of following her career since the first year we published this trade journal. An extremely likable individual, she has always done it the hard way, never had an easy ride or a long-term, high-profile job. Yet everyone knows how much quality – on so many levels – she brings to the table. The fact that she is risking her established lifestyle in Birmingham to return to the Northeast and go into ‘training’ for a part-time gig at WCBS is one of the most compelling radio human interest stories to come down the pike in a long time. Go Donna – we are all pulling for you!” Francavilla brings a boatload of experience with her to WCBS. She was named the 2016 Communicator of Achievement by Alabama Media Professionals, has worked in the newsrooms and on air at stations KYW, Philadelphia; Tunnel Radio, Boston; WTOP, Washington, DC; as well as WINZ, Miami and she is also a former director-at-large for the RTDNA.
GOP Baseball Practice Shooting, Sessions Senate Testimony/Trump-Russia Investigation, Megyn Kelly-NBC Criticism, Warmbier-North Korea Case, Bachelor in Paradise Scandal, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/14). The politically motivated shooting of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and others at a practice for the congressional charity baseball game; the testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the related special counsel investigation into possible links between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the criticism of NBC and Megyn Kelly over her scheduled interview with Alex Jones; North Korea’s release of comatose U.S. student Otto Warmbier; the flap over the cessation of production of ABC-TV’s “Bachelor in Paradise”; 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.
Former KNOX, Grand Forks Owner Hoberg Dies. One-time owner of news/talk KNOX-AM Grand Forks, North Dakota Justin Hoberg died last Friday at age 87. Hoberg started his career at KNOX as an account executive and purchased the station in 1966. He sold that station – along with others – to Peoria Journal Star in 1972 and stayed with the stations as Peoria’s VP and general manager. According to the Grand Forks Herald, he is credited with transforming the station into a talk radio outlet.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country KNIX, Phoenix appoints Lois Lewis assistant program director and music director, effective July 17. Lewis previously served with iHeartMedia in the
same capacity at KWNR, Las Vegas “95.5 The Bull.” She’ll host middays – including the 90’s @ Noon feature – plus be responsible for record label relations, concert booking, as well as on-air content and music programming. iHM EVP of programming for the West Division Steve Geofferies says, “I’ve worked with Lois for over four years and have always appreciated her tremendous attention to detail and great relationships. She’s quickly becoming one of the best on-air talents we have in the country format. Plus, I love the amazing energy she brings to the building.”…..On-air pro Bill Dollar transfers from Cumulus Media’s Montgomery, Alabama cluster to the company’s Albany, Georgia station group to serve as its operations manager. In addition to his operations duties, Dollar will host the
midday show on country WKAK “NASH FM 104.5” as well as the afternoon drive show on rock WJAD “Rock 103.5.” In Albany, Cumulus also operates classic country WNUQ “NASH Icon 102.1,” AC WEGC “Mix 107,” urban contemporary WQVE “V101.7,” news/talk WALG-AM, and sports talk WGPC-AM “1450 The Fan.”…..Alpha Media promotes Crystal 
Legends to program director of country WRNS, Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, North Carolina. Alpha EVP of programming Scott Mahalick says Legends brings 20 of experience to the position. “It is great to have bench strength and promote from within Alpha Media. Crystal has the chops, passion, and love of people to drive WRNS every day.”…..American General Media is agreeing to buy four Albuquerque stations from Univision. The stations – hip hop KKSS, classic rock KIOT, regional Mexican KJFA, and hip hop KKRG – will be added to the company’s existing holdings in the market. However, due to FCC ownership rules, AMG will divest some of its properties. It will sell hot AC KAGM-FM to VCY America Inc.; CHR KDLW-FM to BB Broadcasting LLC; KJFA-FM to Vanguard Media LLC; and will donate classical KHFM-FM to KHFM Community Partners, which will convert the broadcasting license to non-commercial. Kalil & Co., Inc. is the exclusive broker for the transactions.
Round Three of May PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey 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 Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Portland – This time last month, KMHD had its 6+-share erode by just over 50% (1.8 – .8, -1.0, 6+), but the Mount Hood Community College jazz outlet recoups 90% of the loss with a +.9 to 1.7 (#23 to #21). The January through April (6+) trends for Entercom’s KNRK have been 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5, but “94.7 Alternative Portland” posts
a gain of eight-tenths to 3.3 (6+) to advance from #16 to #14. It is the first time “Alternative Portland” reaches the three-share level (6+) in just over one year ago (3.0, 6+, April 2016). Without a loss for the fourth straight time for a collective +2.1, (3.2 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), classic rock sibling KGON climbs from sixth to 
fourth. 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 last June (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Prior to these last three sweeps, KGON last crossed the five-share threshold (6+) in March 2015 (5.5). Off by one-half share in April, iHeartMedia-owned KLTH “106.7 The Eagle – Portland’s Classic Hits Station” bounces back with a gain of six-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+) and carries on in third-place. Adult contemporary cluster-mate KKCW regains the three-tenths it dropped in April and one-tenth more (8.6 – 8.3 – 8.7, +.4, 6+) as “K-103” is #1 for the 36th time in the last 38 ratings periods. The razor-thin one-tenth advantage it had in April over Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB expands to 1.3 shares, with KOPB sputtering by eight-tenths (8.2 – 7.4, steady at #2, 6+). Both stations gained nine-tenths in March. “K-103” was off by nine-tenths in February; KOPB declined by one full-share, completely surrendering January’s +1.0, after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016. The last time KOPB crossed the eight-share level (6+) was in March 2016 (8.0, 6+). After registering four straight gains for an overall +1.7 (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” is now a combined -1.8 in March and April (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Nonetheless, it actually progresses from eighth to seventh (6+), overtaking (by one-tenth) Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (4.5, fourth to eighth, 6+). In April, “The Bull” halted three straight months of notching a 4.2 (6+) by busting out with a +1.3 to 5.5 – its strongest 6+-showing since last July’s 5.5 – but surrenders all but three-tenths of the increase (-1.0). A January +.9 ended three straight decreases for “The Bull” that resulted in a combined -1.8 (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.3, 6+). Up or flat the past three sweeps for a combined +.7 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS returns the entire seven-tenths as “104.1 The Fish” is back at 1.9 (#15 to #18). Following April’s full-share increase to 4.5 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” surrenders 60% of it (4.5 – 3.9, -.6, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). In April, Alpha Media rhythmic CHR KWEE regained the four-tenths it lost in March (2.3 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+) but now “WE – 96.3” falters by one-half share to 1.8, slipping from #19 to #20.
2) Charlotte – An increase of one-full share (3.9 – 4.9, 6+) enables Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link – Charlotte’s Best Mix” to record its best 6+-share in nearly a year (4.9, 6+, June 2016) and return to the top ten (#11
to #8). Down the past three sweeps for a collective -.8 (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” regains all of it and is back at 2.3 (#18 to #17). With its third successive increase for a net +1.1 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” rises from sixth to third, recording its best 6+-stat since last October’s 6.3. On the heels of April’s +.8, co-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits” adds six-tenths (5.2 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+) and remains in second-place. Prior to April, “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. It has an eight-tenths lead over its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat” (5.8, -.1, third to fourth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed 
“Country’s Hottest Hits” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). Albeit off by one-half share since March (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), classic rock cluster-mate WRFX “99.7 The Fox” is #1 for the fifth month in a row. 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+). Owing to a -.4 to 5.4 (6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG snaps at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a gain of six-tenths (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+); “Power 98” drops from fourth to sixth. The market’s (6+) CHR share erodes by six-tenths as Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -.2 (4.6, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WHQC “Channel 96.1” is -.4 (4.7 – 4.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). “Kiss” had been up or flat the past four sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). With a -.2 in April, “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+).
3) San Antonio – As the result of three straight increases – the latest by a robust +1.3 – Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX nearly doubles its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+) and rockets from #17 to #12. It had been almost two years (August 2015, 3.0, 6+) since KSTX reached the three-share level (6+). In a somewhat similar vein,
iHeartMedia’s KZEP had notched three straight modest gains for a net of one-half share (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), but “104.5 Latino Hits” erupts with a +1.2 (3.5, 6+) to bump up from #18 to #16. This represents the best 6+-showing for “Latino Hits” since “Holiday” 2014 (3.8, 6+). Trending 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+), Univision Radio’s KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” dials up a +1.1 to 3.4 (#18 to 17). Up two-tenths to 5.2 (6+), regional Mexican sibling KROM “Estereo Latino 92.9” ends at three its consecutive skein of downward trends that accounted for a -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+) and jumps from fifth to third. It was a combined +2.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January (6.2 – 7.4, 6+). In three straight improvements (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is up one full-share; KZLV began appearing in print this past December and moves from #16 to #14. Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM has logged a 3.2 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps, but “Las Estacion de la Raza” improves by 
six-tenths to 3.8 (6+), climbing from #15 to #12. By gaining four-tenths in April, iHeartMedia’s KXXM ended at six its string of consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -1.1 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+). Now in May, “Mix 96.1 – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on another half share to 4.2 (#12 to #11, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for Cox Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies 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 now May’s -.6 (7.6 – 7.0, 6+). Even so, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” occupies the top spot for the fourth successive time; KONO-FM departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, which l