You are here: Home » Archives for Q4

Tag: "Q4"

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

TALKERS | March 19, 2019

Cumulus Media Reports Q4 Net Revenue Up 5.2%; Net Income $43.7 Million. The 2018 fourth quarter and full-year 2018 financial data from Cumulus Media is presented in two segments – the predecessor company (prior to emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization) in business from January 1 through June 3 of 2018, and the successor company in business from June 4, 2018 to the present. Net revenue for Q4 2018 was $309 million, compared to $294 million in Q4 of 2017 – an increase of 5.2%. The successor company realized net income of $43.7 million in Q4 2018, compared to the loss of $206 million the predecessor company took in Q4 of 2017. For the full year of 2018, the combined predecessor and successor companies took in net revenue of $1.1 billion, an increase of 0.4% over the predecessor company’s 2017 net revenue. For the year 2018, net income was $757 million compared to the predecessor company’s 2017 loss of $207 million. For all of 2018, the Cumulus Media Radio Station Group’s net revenue was $780 million and the Westwood One segment’s net revenue was $357 million. Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner comments, “We are delighted by the company’s strong 2018 performance. Despite the challenges presented by our bankruptcy in the first half of the year and industry headwinds throughout the year, Cumulus was able to deliver its first full year of revenue growth in four years fueled by digital growth of more than 60%, its eighth straight quarter of increased market revenue share and its second consecutive year of EBITDA growth after years of declines. That EBITDA growth, in conjunction with our October 2018 $50 million voluntary debt prepayment, brought our net leverage down to 5.2x at year end. Additionally, as previously announced, we entered into two station transactions this quarter, which should further reduce net leverage when completed later this year. In combination, these results demonstrate our firm commitment to the execution of our strategic priorities – maximizing operating performance, growing our digital businesses, and optimizing our asset portfolio – and the achievement of our financial goals of annually generating up to $100 million of free cash flow, reducing our net leverage to below 4.0x, and reinvesting in meaningful growth opportunities. With the entire Cumulus team, I look forward to demonstrating continued progress against all these objectives in coming quarters.”

WLS-AM, Chicago Names Stephanie Tichenor Program Director; Brings Lauren Cohn Aboard News Team. After former program director Peter Bolger’s retirement was announced last month, Cumulus Media gets the next program director for news/talk WLS-AM from crosstown competitor WGN-AM, naming Stephanie Tichenor to the position. She’s been with Tribune Media as WGN-AM’s director of news & operations. Cumulus Chicago VP and market manager Marv Nyren comments, “All of us at WLS-AM 890 are thrilled to have someone with the experience and talent that Stephanie brings as WLS enters its 95th year of broadcasting. Stephanie completes the rebuild of a legendary brand and positions the station for growth in 2019 and beyond. Her history in Chicago will give her the insight and knowledge to positively affect our local and nationally syndicated programming for our Chicago audience.” At the same time, Lauren Cohn – with WLS as a contributing reporter and fill-in host – joins the on-air news team. Nyren says, “Lauren Cohn has been a valuable part of WLS-AM 890 for years as a part-time contributor that we will now be able to utilize on a full-time basis. Lauren’s media experience in Chicago television, print, podcasting, and radio, makes her uniquely qualified to give the WLS audience a reason to listen on a daily basis. Her journalism background and political knowledge fit perfectly within the station’s focus.”

Deneroff Extends with Westwood One Sports. For three decades, Howard Deneroff has served with Westwood One. Now, he signs a multi-year contract extension to continue serving as EVP/executive producer of Westwood One Sports. Deneroff has been executive producer of the division since 2008 and he’ll continue to direct, coordinate, and execute all of the on-air coverage and production elements for Westwood One’s live, national radio play-by-play broadcasts as well as continue his role in talent and rights negotiations between Westwood One and its many prominent broadcast partners. He says, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working at a job I love and have loved since day one. There is nothing that replicates the excitement and drama of live sporting events, and to be able to produce broadcasts for so many great games and historical events for Westwood One over the years has been a pleasure and an absolute honor.”

Salem Media Group Acquires PJ Media. Another digital publication is acquired by Salem Media Group to become part of its Townhall Media suite of conservative sites. The conservative opinion and commentary site PJ Media was founded in 2004 by Roger L. Simon and operated by majority owner Aubrey Chernick. Townhall Media vice president and general manager Jonathan Garthwaite says, “We’re excited to add PJ Media to the Townhall Media network. PJ Media has done great work covering the issues that impact the future of the country. Townhall Media’s reach at a critical point in our nation’s history grows tremendously with PJ on our team.” Salem says the addition of PJ Media will increase Townhall Media’s footprint to more than 15 million unique readers each month.

Sports Talk KLSD, San Diego Makes Program Lineup Changes. San Diego sports talk outlet KLSD “XTRA 1360 FOX Sports” makes changes to its daily talk show lineup. The iHeartMedia station moves morning drive co-host Nick Hardwick to middays partnered with Jon Schaeffer; afternoon personality Mike Costa moves to mornings with Judson Richards as co-host; and midday host Rich Ohrnberger moves to afternoon drive as co-host with Steve Hartman on the “Loose Cannons” show. FOX Sports Radio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” airs in the late morning daypart.

TALKERS News Notes. Charm City sports talker WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” is celebrating its 10^thanniversary as a sports talk station. The Entercom station is inviting listeners to “The Fanniversary” celebratory event at The Winslow in Baltimore that will allow fans to meet their favorite local sports giants, past and current on-air personalities, while noshing on food from local restaurants. Attendees will include: Vinny Cerrato, Jerry Coleman, Jeremy Conn, Terry Ford, Scott Garceau, Bob Haynie, Rob Long, Ed Norris and Ken Weinman. The event will also welcome Brendon Ayanbadejo, former linebacker, Baltimore Ravens; Ross Grimsley, former pitcher, Baltimore Orioles; Bruce Laird, former defensive back, Baltimore Colts; Chris McAlister, former running back, Baltimore Ravens; Patrick Onwuasor, linebacker, Baltimore Ravens; and Gary Williams, former University of Maryland men’s basketball head coach…..Cumulus Media’s Nashville sports talk station WGFX-FM “104-5 The Zone” conducted a charity event to benefit the Tennessee Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The station’s “Midday 180” show – led by Jonathan Hutton – hosted a basketball tournament called “Z-O-N-E” (like the game H-O-R-S-E) and brought in $32,510 for the charity. The winner of the Z-O-N-E tournament was Titans Pro Bowl punter Brett Kern.….SiriusXM is providing comprehensive national audio coverage available for the 2019 Major League Baseball season, offering subscribers access to live play-by-play of every regular season and postseason game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel. The 2019 MLB season begins March 20 – 21 with the 2019 Japan Opening Series featuring the Oakland Athletics hosting the Seattle Mariners at the Tokyo Dome. MLB’s traditional Opening Day is Thursday, March 28.

NZ Mosques Attacks Aftermath, Trump-Russia Probe Status, 2020 Democratic Hopefuls/Elizabeth Warren CNN Town Hall, George Conway Trump Criticisms, College Admissions Scandal, Midwest Floods, NBA Action, and NCAA Tournament Bracket Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/18). The aftermath of the attacks on the New Zealand mosques that left 50 people dead; the status of the Trump-Russia investigation; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and Senator Elizabeth Warren’s CNN Town Hall event; George Conway’s criticisms of President Trump; the blowback from the college admissions scandal; the floods affecting several Midwestern states; NBA action; and the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament bracket were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Houston, Entercom promotes Chris Huff to program director for country KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull.” Huff has been serving as APD and music director for the station as well as APD for sister KKHH “95.7 The Spot.” Entercom Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier comments, “After an extensive nationwide search, we realized the best person to lead ‘The Bull’ was already with us here in Houston. Chris’ knowledge of radio, and specifically country radio in Texas, is next to none. His everyday actions display a pragmatic and hardworking leadership style and it is evident that he is the right person to lead this terrific team moving forward.”…..Beasley Media Group appoints Shandra “Babs” Littleton midday host on rhythmic CHR WLLD, Tampa “WiLD 94.1.” She was most recently with the company’s CHR WXKB-FM, Ft. Myers as co-host of the morning show. She says, “I’m so happy to continue pursuing and realizing my dreams within the Beasley family. I’ve always wanted to be a part of ‘WiLD,’ so I’m thankful and ready for this amazing opportunity in Tampa.”…..Programming pro Nate Bell exits iHeartMedia Detroit after a year as program director of urban contemporary WJLB and urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3.”…..Entercom’s rhythmic oldies WWWL-AM/W225CZ, New Orleans “Hot 92.9” adds the nationally syndicated “DL Hughley Show” for afternoons…..Legend Communications announces that Ted Peiffer is named general manager of the seven radio stations of the Basin Radio Network that serves Gillette, Wyoming, Campbell County, and the surrounding basin.

February 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the February 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s February 2019 survey period covered January 31 – February 27. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – A loss of one-tenth (1.8 – 1.7, 6+) sends iHeartMedia news/talk WOR out of the top twenty (#20 to #22); “710 The Voice of New York” was up four-tenths in January. It has a two-tenths lead over Cumulus Media news/talk WABC, which adds three-tenths to January’s one-tenth increase (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+), advancing from #24 to #23. This is the third successive time that Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” records a 1.4 (#22 to #24, 6+).

Following a January gain of one-tenth, Entercom sports talk/Giants, Brooklyn Nets, Yankees flagship WFAN surrenders two-tenths (3.3 – 3.1, ninth to tenth, 6+). Repeating its 1.8 (6+), after picking up four-tenths in January, WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” the key station of the Jets and Knicks, exits the top twenty (#20 to #21).

Up one full-share in January (3.8 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom all-news WINS falters by seven-tenths to 4.1 (fifth to seventh, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM relinquishes two-tenths, following a January improvement of three-tenths (3.3 – 3.1, #9 to #10, 6+).

Down or flat for the third straight time for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM drops from #11 to #14. Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM squanders two-tenths (.6 – .4, 6+) and drifts from the top thirty (#27 to #31).

New York City Music Formats – Significant fluctuations continue for WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station,” which netted a +.9 in four straight up or flat reports (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+); surrendered all of it in January 2019 (1.4, -.9, 6+); and now posts a +.8 to 2.2 (6+), propelling it into the top twenty (#22 to #18). Following three straight decreases for an overall decline of seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100” bounces back with a gain of six-tenths to 4.8 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Without an increase the past eight surveys for a cumulative loss of one-half share (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” picks up two-tenths to 3.7 (steady at #8, 6+). Tacking on one-half share to January’s increase of seven-tenths (5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+), urban AC sibling WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” climbs from third to second. Four-tenths ahead of WBLS is WLTW, which is a combined -5.3 in January and February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+). Nonetheless, “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 for the 20^th successive sweep. The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet was +5.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). Much like aforementioned classical WQXR, it has been an up/down affair lately for Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits,” which was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+);+1.3 to 6.4 (6+) in January; and now -.5 in February (5.9, second to third, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – While unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” is a combined +.8 in January and February (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), immediately after an overall -1.2 via eight straight down or flat trends (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Meanwhile, its internet stream debuts with a .6 (#38, 6+). In back-to-back sweeps, Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” notches gains of two-tenths (.6 – .8 – 1.0, #33 to #30, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it acquired in January (.8 – .9 – .8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” skids from #31 to #34. Locked on .7 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018, Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” repeats January’s .6 (#37 to #38, 6+).

Albeit down one-tenth after a January gain of one-half share (1.1 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Disney-owned/Rams and Lakers flagship KSPN “710 ESPN” carries on at #25. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” – the key station of the Chargers and Dodgers – is up or flat for the third time in succession for a net gain of two -tenths (.7 – .7 – .9 – .9, flat at #31, 6+).

On the heels of January 2019’s +1.1 (2.6 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” slips by one-tenth to 3.6 (seventh to eighth, 6+).

Down one-tenth as well is Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC (2.8 – 2.7, 6+), but “The Voice of Southern California” departs the top ten (#10 to #13).

Los Angeles Music Formats – Within 3.3 – 3.8 range (6+) in each of the last seven survey periods, Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM “93.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” erupts with a +.5 to 4.0 (eighth to sixth), its best 6+-showing since July 2018 (4.0, as well). Having surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+) in January, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST answers with an uptick of three-tenths (6.5, 6+) and is #1 for the fifth straight time. Prior to January, “Coast 103.5” was an overall +8.4 via five improvements in succession (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). The yoyo effect continues for hot AC cluster-mate KBIG “104.3 My-FM,” which erased “Holiday” 2018’s -.9 with a January 2019 +1.0 but is -.7 in February (4.9 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.3, 6+), falling from third to fifth. When KBIG gained two-tenths in December, it snapped at five a consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall loss of -1.1 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). “My FM” spent five successive months at #1 before being dislodged in October. An increase of four-tenths (2.4 – 2.8, 6+) is enough to push Entercom CHR KAMP from #20 to #12; “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory for the 21^st time in a row. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” is a combined +.9 in January and February (3.5 – 4.3 – 4.4, fourth to third, 6+). “Kiss” is tied with Entercom smooth AC KTWV “94-7 The Wave,” which is a combined +.8 in January and February (3.6 – 4.3 – 4.4, fourth to third, 6+). Even though it is without an increase for the seventh straight time for an overall loss of one-half share (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KBUE “Que Buena” climbs from #22 to #21.

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Wiping away its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -1.0 (3.2 – 2.6 – 2.2, 6+) with a January and February +1.3 (2.2 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN leaps into the top ten (#12 to #8). Although flat at 1.7 (6+), following a January 2019 gain of six-tenths, Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM inches up from #22 to #21.

Returning the three-tenths it scored in January (3.0, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” not only curtails a string of three straight gains that netted one-half share (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), the flagship for the Cubs and Bulls departs the top ten (#8 to #13). Even though it remains at #26, ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” is off a collective half-share in three straight sweeps without an increase (1.5 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+).

Having shifted from first to second in December, Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM repeats its January #1 finish (6.2 – 6.1, -.1, 6+); the flagship of the Bears posted a January gain of nine-tenths.

A combined +.7 in January and February (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ cracks the top ten (#12 to #9).

Chicago Music Formats – Replicating January’s six-tenths’ increase (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+), Hubbard-owned classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” cruises from sixth to third with its strongest 6+-showing (5.1) since 5.5 in August 2018. Down or flat the past five sweeps for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” gains two-tenths to 3.0 (#16 to #13, 6+). Within 2.1 – 2.8 range (6+) in each of the last 19 survey periods, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WPPN “Amor 106.7” regresses by seven-tenths to 1.6 (#19 to #22, 6+). A combined +10.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” is now an overall -8.9 in January and February (13.3 – 5.0 – 4.4, fourth to sixth, 6+). Despite tacking on one-tenth to January’s +.6 (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+), Hubbard adult contemporary WSHE “100.3 SHE” backslides out of the top ten (#10 to #11). A January increase of nine-tenths by Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO halted its December – “Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), but “Que Buena 105.1” forfeits one-half share in February (5.5 – 5.0, second to fourth, 6+). A cumulative -1.4 in eight straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” remains in fifth-place.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats –In the last three sweeps, Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO (2.3 – 2.2, -.1, 6+) has ranked #15 (“Holiday” 2018); #16 (January 2019): and #17 (February 2019). As a result of five successive down or flat sweeps, cluster-mate KGO is a collective -.7 (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5, #22 to #24, 6+).

Co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” is off one-tenth (2.9 – 2.8, 6+) and repeats at #13. Continuing an up/down pattern that began in September 2018 (2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (-.2) slumps from #18 to #20.

Having logged three consecutive upticks for an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 7.0, 6+), all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM returns one-half share to 6.5 (6+) but continues in second-place. At #2 ten (10) straight sweeps before shifting to #3 in December, KCBS-AM was in 5.3 – 5.8 range (6+) between February 2018 – “Holiday” 2018.

While it repeats at #1, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED sputters by nine-tenths (8.0 – 7.1, 6+), erasing January’s one-half share improvement. Following 11 straight months at #1, KQED fell to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. More than tripling (+.9) its 6+-share in nine successive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” moves from #28 to #27.

San Francisco Music Formats – On the heels of displaying a January 2019 increase of one-half share, iHeartMedia’s KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” follows with a +.6 (4.3 – 4.9, fourth to third, 6+). Prior to January, “The Breeze” had been off a combined nine-tenths in three setbacks in a row (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+). Advancing from tenth to seventh, co-owned urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” is up three-tenths to 3.3 (6+), thus ending at three its consecutive string of posting a fluctuation of one-half share: It was -.5 (3.5 – 3.0, December, 6+); +.5 (3.0 – 3.5, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); and -.5 in January 2019 (3.5 – 3.0, 6+). Via six straight reports without an increase (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom alternative KITS was an overall -.7, but “Alt 105.3 The Bay Area’s Alternative” records a +.3 to 1.7 (#24 to #21, 6+). After posting a +.6 in January, University of Southern California-owned classical outlet KDFC spirals by -1.0 (3.6 – 2.6, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#7 to #14). KDFC notched one-half share increases in November and December (2.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+) before dropping one-tenth in “Holiday” 2018. In December and “Holiday” 2018, KOIT-FM improved its 6+-stat by seven full-shares (3.7 – 6.4 – 10.7, 6+), but the Bonneville-owned adult contemporary is now a combined -6.4 in January and February (10.7 – 4.8 – 4.3, third to fourth, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Up six-tenths in January and February (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+) after a -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” progresses from #16 to #15. Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is unchanged from January 2019 in 6+-share (.7) and 6+-market rank (#34). Down or flat the past five times for an overall loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” adds one-tenth to .4 (#37 to #36, 6+).

Off a collective eight-tenths in three dips in a row (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), its sports talk cluster-mate – KTCK – bounced back with a one-half share gain in January, but “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” stumbles by three-tenths (2.9 – 2.6, #15 to #17, 6+). In seven straight sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM was a +1.0, but “105.3 The Fan” returns 60% of that increase (2.5, -.6, #13 to #18, 6+). Also in the sports talk format, ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” is down for the fifth time in succession for a collective -.4 (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .8, #32 to #33, 6+).

Up a combined three-tenths in January and February (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” inches up from #20 to #19. Dating back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM remains within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.

Stuck on 3.1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018, North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA is up by four-tenths in January and February (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5, flat at #12, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – A December – “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 mini-slide by iHeartMedia classic rock KZPS resulted in a -1.2 (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), but “Lone Star 92.5” answers with a February increase of nine-tenths to 5.1 (fourth to second, 6+). Having logged a 2.6 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” breaks out a +.6 to 3.2 (#18 to #13, 6+). Without an increase the past three sweeps for a collective loss of six-tenths (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+), Service Broadcasting urban contemporary KKDA “K-104” wipes away all but one-tenth of that deficit with a one-half share increase to 3.2 (#17 to #13, 6+). Posting a one-half share uptick as well – after a January loss of eight-tenths – is co-owned urban AC KRNB (1.7 – 2.2, #26 to #22, 6+). When “105.7 Smooth R&B” gained four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, it ended five consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a combined -1.0 (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+). Up two-tenths (6.1 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” repeats at #1. On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. On the heels of recording a January +1.3 to 4.9 (6+), Entercom adult hits KJKK “100.3 Jack FM” relinquishes all but two-tenths of that bounty (3.8, -1.1, second to sixth, 6+). Five straight up or flat trends by Radio One urban AC KZMJ netted seven-tenths (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+) but “Majic 94.5 – Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” surrenders all of it plus another one-tenth (1.5, -.8, 6+), freefalling from the top twenty (#19 to #27). In eight successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE almost tripled (+4.4) its 6+-stat (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 5.1 – 7.1, 6+), but “Star 102.1” is now a combined -3.4 in January and February (7.1 – 4.2 – 3.7, fourth to ninth, 6+). Dropping by one-half share as well in February is City of Dallas’ WRR “Classical 101” (1.9 – 1.4, #29, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – In the last three sweeps, iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH recorded a move of seven-tenths: -.7 (4.3 – 3.6, December, 6+); -.7 (3.6 – 2.9, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); and +.7 (2.9 – 3.6, January 2019, 6+). While “News Radio 740” doesn’t continue that streak (3.6 – 3.9, +.3, 6+), it does progress into the top ten (#12 to #10).

For the sixth sweep in succession, Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5” is without a loss and is up three-tenths in that stretch (.6 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9, #23 to #22, 6+). It is tied with Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610,” which has lost a combined half-share in January and February (1.4 – 1.2 – .9, flat at #22, 6+). Trending .6 – .5 – .6 – .5 (December – “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 – February, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” continues at #27.

Off one-tenth (2.7 – 2.6, 6+), following a January gain of eight-tenths, University of Houston news/talker KUHF is flat at #18. Entering the January sweep, KUHF was without an increase the previous six ratings periods for a collective -1.5 (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Mirroring its January increase of seven-tenths (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom’s country-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” lunges from eighth to fifth. Within 2.1 – 2.8 territory (6+) in each of the last eight ratings periods (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KQQK “El Norte 107.9” erupts with a +.6 to 3.4 (#17 to #16, 6+). An overall -2.0 in six successive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” responds with a one-half share increase to 4.2 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #9). Off one-tenth (8.6 – 8.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” is on top for the 11^th straight time. “Sunny,” which was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive positive spikes (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+), spiraled by -3.5 in January. After improving by one-half share in January (6.5 – 7.0, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” forfeits eight-tenths to 6.2 (6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. Prior to plummeting -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+). In addition to being down or flat in four consecutive ratings periods for a collective loss of seven-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.0, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KTJM “La Raza” exits the top twenty (#19 to #21). An overall +1.5 as a result of seven straight sweeps without a loss (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), KSBJ Educational Foundation contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 – God Listens” surrenders three-tenths to 4.5 (sixth to eighth, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – No sooner does WSB-AM erase two-thirds of December and “Holiday” 2018’s combined -2.1 with a January 2019 +1.4, the Cox Media Group news/talk facility relinquishes nine-tenths (7.9 – 7.0, 6+). Even so, WSB-AM – which had been on top 37 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2018 – repeats at #1. Despite picking up one-tenth (1.2 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” backslides from #22 to #23; WYAY is being sold to Educational Media Foundation. After eight successive up or flat sweeps for an overall gain of six-tenths (.1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .5 – .6 -.6 – .7, 6+), Entercom news/talk WAOK is a combined -.3 in January and February (.7 – .5 – .4, 6+) but stays at #28.

By gaining three-tenths (3.7 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned sports talk/Atlanta Falcons flagship WZGC “92.9 The Game” returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). “The Game” was a combined -.5 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+). In addition to slipping by three-tenths (1.9 – 1.6, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s Atlanta Braves flagship WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is bumped from the top twenty (#19 to #22).

Notwithstanding that it tacks on a one-tenth increase to January’s +1.0 (3.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE backslides from sixth to ninth. Immediately prior to the “Holiday” 2018 ratings period, WABE was a collective +1.2, owing to five straight up or flat trends (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+). Without an increase the fourth time in a row for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.0 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+) Georgia State University news/talk WRAS continues at #26.

Atlanta Music Formats – Zooming from tenth to sixth, Radio One urban contemporary WHTA “Hot 107.9” is an overall +1.9 as the result of four successive upticks (3.3 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.2, 6+). In a bit of a statistical irony, urban AC sibling WAMJ-FM “Majic” (5.4 – 6.3, fourth to second, 6+) and co-owned urban contemporary WAMJ-HD2 (#18) each improves by nine-tenths. WAMJ-FM posted a +1.0 in January, while WAMJ-HD2 has nearly tripled (+1.3) its 6+-stat in five consecutive sweeps without a loss (.7 – .7 – .7 – .9 – 1.1 – 2.0, 6+). Climbing from eighth to seventh, WAMJ-FM’s urban AC rival – Cox Media Group-owned WALR “Kiss 104.1 Atlanta’s R&B” – logs a gain of six-tenths to 5.1, its best 6+-showing since December 2017’s 6.5. The market’s country tussle tightens as Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” rebounds from January’s loss of six-tenths with an identical magnitude increase (2.6 – 3.2, +.6, #16 to #14, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull,” which was a collective +1.4 via four straight increases (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+), erodes by -1.0 to 3.3 (#9 to #13). Flashing gains of one-half share (each) and continuing at fifth and seventh, respectively, are Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” (4.9 – 5.4, 6+) and Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” (4.6 – 5.1, 6+). Having almost doubled (+4.2) its 6+-share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 5.4 – 8.6, 6+), “The Fish” faltered by -3.7 in January. A “Holiday” 2018 increase of one-half share by “B-98.5” halted at three a consecutive string of decreases that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), but WSB-FM was off by -1.0 in January. A combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned CHR WWWQ logged a +.7 in January but “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” forfeits six-tenths (4.1 – 3.5, 6+) and leaves the top ten (#10 to #11). A combined +.6 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (5.8 – 6.3 – 6.4, 6+) Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” sputters by one-half share to 5.9 (second to third, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a January uptick of one-half share, Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” is unchanged in 6+-share (2.5) and 6+-market rank (#17). Despite being up or flat the third time in a row (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” backslides from #21 to #22.

The flagship of the Eagles and Phillies – Entercom sports talk WIP – has the dubious distinction of registering the largest (6+) January 2019 – February 2019 decrease of any station in the 12 PPM-markets noted here (7.2 – 5.9, -1.3, first to sixth, 6+). “Sports Radio 94.1,” which was #1 in October, as well, was -.8 (February 2018); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); +1.4 (October); -1.0 (November); +.8 (“Holiday” 2018); and now -1.3 (February 2019). Meanwhile, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” – the key station of the 76ers and Flyers – has an October 2018 – February 2019 topline of 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.9 (#16 to #14, 6+).

Down eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom’s KYW rebounded in January with a +.7 (4.3 – 5.0, 6+), but “News Radio 1060” drops four-tenths to 4.6 (seventh to ninth, 6+).

Three declines in a row by WHYY led to a collective -1.1 (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), but the public news/talk outlet is a combined +.3 in January and February (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, #14 to #13, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – A combined +2.1 in January and February (5.0 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+), immediately after a December and “Holiday” 2018 -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” jumps from a three-way tie for third to first. November’s increase of six-tenths curtailed three straight negative trends that accounted for a combined -1.4 (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). WOGL finished first in August 2018 and segued to second in September. The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share increases by six-tenths as Entercom-owned WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” is up two-tenths (6.3 – 6.5, steady at #3, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WISX “106.1 The Breeze – Philly’s Relaxing Favorites” improves by four-tenths (ninth to eighth). On top from March 2018 through June before being dislodged in July, WBEB was +10.1 (6.5 – 10.4 – 16.6, 6+) just prior to January 2019’s -10.3 (16.3 – 6.3, 6+). Rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” became adult contemporary “106.1 The Breeze” in mid-November (2018). WISX was off eight-tenths in its first report as an AC (December 2018), but is now a combined +2.3 in three upticks in succession (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.4 – 4.8, 6+). Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM” returns in full the six-tenths it earned in January (2.4 – 3.0 – 2.4, #13 to #18, 6+); January’s 3.0 is its best 6+-showing since July 2018’s 3.4. Without a loss the past three sweeps for a collective +.5 (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL “Power 99” forfeits that half share in its entirety (3.7, 6+) but continues in tenth-place.

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Three consecutive decreases by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR accounted for a -1.5 (3.6 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), but “710 The Voice of New York” adds a combined four-tenths in January and February (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5, #15 to #14, 6+). The October 2018 through February 2019 Long Island topline for Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 (flat at #26, 6+).

Having gained four-tenths in January, Entercom sports talk WFAN sputters by three-tenths in February (4.6 – 4.3, 6+), dropping from a three-way tie at #2 to #4. Down three-tenths (1.9 – 1.6, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” slumps from #20 to #24.

Finishing back-to-back with a combined -.4 are Entercom all-news siblings WINS (3.6 – 3.5, -.1, flat at #10, 6+) and WCBS-AM (3.4 – 3.1, -.3, #12 to #11, 6+). These two news siblings – which were tied in December and separated by one-tenth of a share in November – were a combined +1.3 in January 2019.

Unlisted in October and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM resurfaced in December (2.0, #17, 6+); was off three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (1.7, #19, 6+); added four-tenths in January 2019; and is down one-tenth in February (2.1 – 2.0, #17 to #20, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – On one hand, iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100” improves by six-tenths (4.3 – 4.9, sixth to second, 6+), while Cox Media Group-owned/similarly-formatted WBLI “106.1 BLI – Long Island’s #1 For All The Hits” regresses by one-half share (4.4 – 3.9, fifth to sixth, 6+). It is the best Long Island showing for “Z-100” since July 2018 (4.9, as well) and lowest 6+-stat for WBLI since September 2018’s 3.8. In addition to recording its strongest 6+-performance in Nassau-Suffolk since August 2018 when it reached 2.6, Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” has its third up or flat report in succession for a +.6 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.2, 6+) and enters the top twenty (#22 to 18). On top for the fourth straight time, Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 – Real Variety” regresses by one-tenth (6.0 – 5.9, 6+), after January’s -4.5. “Real Variety” was a combined +6.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+). Major shifts continue for classic hits-oldies sibling WBZO “103.1 Max FM,” which was -.8 (December 2018); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January); and now -.5 in February (3.5 – 3.0, #11 to #12, 6+). In six consecutive sweeps without a loss, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ more than doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+) but “La Mega 97.9” drops one-tenth to 2.5 (flat at #14, 6+). Slipping from #15 to #18, Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B” is an overall -1.7 as the result of seven straight down or flat moves (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – This marks the fifth consecutive negative or even trend for iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1 – .1, #24 to #23, 6+).

Co-owned KPWK (formerly KUBE) is likewise without an increase for the fifth successive time (.3 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1, #24 to #23, 6+). “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” disappeared from print in June; resurfaced in July (.2, 6+); dropped one-tenth in August; and added one-tenth in both September and October. Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the 14^th straight sweep.

Following a January increase of four-tenths (1.1 – 1.5, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is off one-tenth to 1.4 (#11 to #12, 6+). The September 2018 through February 2019 topline for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is .3 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .2 (#20 to #21, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Without a loss the third sweep in succession for a gain of six-tenths (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.3, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is anchored in the runner-up slot for the tenth time in a row. KOLA hit #1 in May 2018 with a 6.5 (6+). Albeit down the third report in a row for a collective -2.4 (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1, 6+), Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” is on top for the tenth successive sweep. “Jose” was +1.1 in December and +2.5 in September. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. After four straight down or flat reports that resulted in an overall loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” picks up four-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and is steady at #6. Not only is Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD in one-share range (6+) for the 19^th successive ratings period, “Recuerdo” has its fourth consecutive up or flat trend for an overall +.2 (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5, #13 to #11, 6+). Without a loss for the seventh report in a row (.1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .6, 6+), Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KAEH “Radio Lazer” is up one-half share in that timeframe and advances from #20 to #16. While it continues in fifth-place, Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 – Family Friendly” falters by two-tenths to 3.9 (6+), thus snapping five successive up or flat trends that accounted for a collective +1.8 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – This marks the fifth straight sweep without an increase for Cumulus Media’s KGO, which is an overall -1.1 in that stretch (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9, flat at #19, 6+). Unchanged at #25, co-owned news/talk KSFO is a combined +.5 in January and February (.9 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+), following a collective -.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.2 – 1.0 – .9, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate KNBR added six-tenths in January to curtail five straight down or flat moves that yielded a combined -1.6 (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). While “The Sports Leader” is off one-tenth in February (3.4 – 3.3, 6+) it manages to climb back into the top ten (#11 to #9). Down three-tenths (1.8 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game” slips from #21 to #23.

Even though it is a collective +1.4 in four straight up or flat moves including remaining flat in February (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+), all-news sibling KCBS-AM is displaced from the top spot (first to second). January and February’s 7.1 is its best 6+-stat since June 2018’s 7.2.

Unlisted in October and November, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED returned in December with a 6.7 (6+); added four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018; but is a combined -.9 in January and February (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.2, second to third, 6+). In December, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW debuted with a .5 (6+). It added two-tenths in “Holiday” 2018; was flat in January 2019; and adds one-tenth in February (.7 – .8, #26 to #27, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – Boasting the strongest (6+) January 2019 – February 2019 improvement of any station in the 12 PPM-markets noted here, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG more than obliterates its January’s -1.0 with a +1.5 (4.3 – 5.8, sixth to fourth, 6+). “Amor 100.3” was a combined +1.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 4.4 – 5.3, 6+). In four successive San Jose decreases, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ lost roughly half (-2.3) its 6+-share (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.2, 6+), but “98.1 The Breeze” answers in February with a +.7 to 2.9 (#15 to #12, 6+). “The Breeze” was a combined +1.0 in September and October (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). Improving by one-half share (each) are Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena,” which is an overall +1.0 via three straight upticks (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.3, #12 to #9, 6+) and Cumulus Media triple A KFOG (2.1, #18, 6+), which regains the one-half share it lost through three straight down or flat trends (2.1 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+). As a result of five consecutive declines (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), Bonneville-owned KUFX had its 6+ AQH share sliced nearly in half (-3.2), but “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” rebounds with a +.4 to 4.1 (ninth to sixth, 6+). Three increases in a row netted it a collective +1.7 (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+). Before shifting to #3 in October, KUFX had been #1 for three straight months. Piling on four-tenths to January’s +.7 (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3, 6+) is enough to boost Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” from second to first. “Bay FM” was a combined -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.0 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), after being an overall +1.7 in October and November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+). In November, KBAY reached the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2016 (8.0, as well). For the third sweep in succession, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” logs a shift of eight-tenths: It was -.8 in “Holiday” 2018 (4.6 – 3.8, 6+); +.8 in January 2019 (3.8 – 4.6, 6+); and now -.8 in February (4.6 – 3.8, fifth to seventh, 6+). Having posted a +1.2 in October and a +.7 in November, “Star” relinquished one-half share in December. Following four straight up or flat trends that yielded a +1.4 (2.2 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), University of Southern California-owned classical outlet KDFC returns half that increase (2.9, -.7, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). Big ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which was a collective +1.3 in November and December (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); and now -.6 in February (3.9 – 3.3, seventh to ninth, 6+). As the result of five straight positive spikes (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), KOIT-FM was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. The Entercom adult contemporary facility, however, is unlisted in San Jose for the second straight month.

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – Following January’s +1.2, WKXW drops two-tenths (8.2 – 7.9, 6+) but the Townsquare Media news/talk outlet repeats at #1. “New Jersey 101.5” occupied the top spot six straight sweeps before shifting to #2 in “Holiday” 2018 with a -1.1. November 2018’s 8.3 was its best 6+-share since January 2018 (8.3, as well). On the heels of January’s +1.0 – which completely erased its overall -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 – iHeartMedia news/talk WOR is unchanged in 6+-share (3.4) and 6+-market rank (#12). Entering December’s Middlesex-Somerset-Union sweep, WOR was without a loss the previous five ratings periods and precisely doubled (+1.7) its 6+-share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). As is the case with WOR, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is unchanged from January in 6+-share (1.0) and 6+-market rank (#26). WABC had been down or flat seven successive reports for an overall loss of roughly half (-.9) its 6+ AQH share (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2 – .8, 6+).

Faltering by one-half share (3.5 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN slumps from #11 to #15. Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” has lost six-tenths in four straight reports without an increase (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, #19 to #20, 6+).

While Entercom all-news WINS improves for the fourth straight time gaining one-half share in the process (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9, flat at #24, 6+), co-owned/similarly-programmed WCBS-AM is down one-tenth (2.3 – 2.2, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #22).

Missing from print in October and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM reappeared in December (2.6, #18, 6+); was down six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (2.0, #21, 6+); and is up a combined eight-tenths in January and February (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.8, #18 to #17, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats – Down or flat four successive times for a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ “Z-100” improves by a combined nine-tenths in January and February (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.2, fourth to third, 6+). With a September 2018 through January 2019 topline of 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.2 (6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” breaks out a gain of six-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and enters the top ten (#14 to #8). Without an increase the past three ratings periods for a loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+) Cumulus Media hot AC WPLJ “95.5 PLJ – New York’s Best Music Mix” posts a one-half share gain to 2.6 (#22 to #19, 6+). Educational Media Foundation is expected to close on its purchase of WPLJ in early-summer. On the heels of its January gain of seven-tenths (3.5 – 4.2, 6+), Pillar Of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” surrenders six-tenths to 3.6 (seventh to tenth, 6+). January’s 4.2 is its highest 6+ performance since May 2018’s 4.6.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

TALKERS | March 6, 2019

Great Lakes Media Names Leadership Team. The new media firm Great Lakes Media Corp. – founded by radio executive Tom Langmyer last year – announces the first of several appointments to its board of advisors and senior leadership team. At the same time, the company says it is shifting its focus toward larger market acquisition opportunities. CEO Langmyer adds the following media professionals to his team: John Gehron, chairman of AccuRadio, joins as board advisor;Gabe Hobbs joins as SVP, broadcast in which he’ll contribute from his experience in the areas of audience acquisition, content creation, talent development; and leadership; Chris Petersen joins as SVP, business & corporate development; and Bill Zaccheo joins as SVP, digital. Langmyer says, “In building our company, we’ve been fortunate to partner with some of the most successful, respected, and admired leaders in media. John Gehron, Chris Petersen, Bill Zaccheo, and Gabe Hobbs represent the first announced in a stellar group of people that will build tomorrow’s LOCAL media platform model…The current media model we’ve seen has been ‘top-down’ and focused on national distribution of national and white-labelled content. The Great Lakes difference is a media model built from the ‘bottom-up’ and focused on local people creating local content and driving local revenue, while benefitting from the efficiencies that technology provides us all. Radio and digital complement each other, as it’s not an either/or proposition. There’s great open space in creating more personal local experiences by leveraging these platforms and expanding the emotional connection between local consumers and brands.”

Urban One Reports 2018 Q4 Net Revenue Up 4.1%. The parent company of Radio One – Urban One, Inc. – reports financial data for the fourth quarter of 2018 and for the full year of 2018. In Q4, Urban One’s net revenue was $113.5 million, up 4.1% from $109 million during the same period in 2017. The company reports, “Net revenues from our radio broadcasting segment increased 16.5% compared to the same period in 2017. We experienced net revenue growth most significantly in our Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Raleigh, St. Louis, and Washington DC markets, with our Richmond market experiencing a decline for the quarter.” Urban One president and CEO Alfred C. Liggins III says, “I was pleased that we came in slightly ahead of our Adjusted EBITDA guidance, led by extremely strong radio performance. Our radio segment revenue was up by 16.5% including political advertising, and by 8.8% excluding political. For the quarter, we outperformed the radio markets in which we operate by 850 bps. Our Cable TV operation posted strong growth in advertising revenues, up 9.3%, driven by increased direct response rates, and additional ad units, which was offset by a modest decline in affiliate revenues (-2.0%). Our digital revenues underperformed expectations, and we have taken significant steps to remediate. I expect improved performance from the division in 2019. In December, we substantially completed the refinancing of our 2020 Notes, which significantly extends the Company’s debt maturity profile. On January 19, 2019 we successfully launched our new Women’s lifestyle channel, Cleo TV, which will further enhance our ability to entertain and inform our core consumers.”

Ben Shapiro Showing ‘Significant Growth’ for Westwood One. Conservative media star Ben Shapiro is “experiencing significant growth with a growing lineup of new station affiliates, major markets reporting ratings lifts, and an accumulation of engaged younger listeners – all coming out of the gate in his first PPM ratings report,” according to syndicator Westwood One. The company says Shapiro’s shows are now heard on 200 stations, including in nine of the top 10 markets. Cumulus Media EVP of marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “We knew that Ben was a hot commodity among millennials and younger demos, and now we have the numbers to prove it. In less than 60 days Ben has amassed an impressive portfolio of more than 200 stations. We are excited to fuel this exponential growth as he continues to resonate with radio listeners and advertisers.” Shapiro is editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com. His two-hour live radio show is preceded by a one-hour podcast broadcast, that airs at 3:00 pm ET. Stations have the option to take the one-hour podcast broadcast, the two-hour live show, or the three-hour combination.

Bob Matthews Returns to Air After a Month Away from WHAM, Rochester. Sports talk host Bob Matthews was back on the air on iHeartMedia’s WHAM, Rochester hosting his show after more than a month away from the mic. Matthews slipped on ice leaving the radio station on February 1 and broke his ankle in three places. He tells the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle that he’s still unable to put weight on it but is thankful to be able to return to hosting his show. The story notes that in Matthews’ absence, the station has been using sister WHTK personality Carl Falk, former Democrat & Chronicle sports writers Kevin Oklobzija and Jeff DiVeronica, Democrat & Chronicle content editor Steve Bradley, Rochester Red Wings public relations director Nate Rowan, and Salvatore “Soccer Sam” Fantauzzo as fill-in hosts.

PPM Analysis: January’s Major Movers. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian looks at the stations that experienced “major moves” as a result of coming off the Holiday 2018 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio and returning to “normal” listening patterns reflected in the January 2019 survey. As is usual, stations that went all-Christmas come down to earth in January. But their loss is someone else’s gain to some degree or another. In this report you can see which stations gained the most — and lost the most — from Holiday to January by format, by market and more. See it all here.

Sun & Fun to Launch Key Networks Syndication Company. The press release from Sun & Fun Media gives no indication of the type of programming it intends to syndicated under the new Key Networks banner – whether it’s music, talk, or sports – but Sun & Fun co-founder Rob Koblasz says, “We have launched Key Networks with a limited exclusive roster that we look forward to begin rolling out shortly. Key Networks will provide dedicated marketing and promotional opportunities for every show we partner with through Sun & Fun Media, enabling Key Networks’ affiliates to sell these promotions in their local markets. This turnkey solution connects great programming to custom promotions – a first for radio, and one we are proud to introduce.” Sun & Fun chief revenue officer Dennis Green adds, “Key Networks is the answer to the radio industry’s increasing need for creative, engaging, and diverse programming to markets of all sizes. I am excited to build Key Networks’ product offerings and grow the company’s affiliate base through Key Networks. To all our current and future Key Networks partners and affiliates: Get ready for greatness!”

TALKERS News Notes. Longtime FOX News Channel star Bill O’Reilly was victorious in federal court recently after a judge tossed a defamation suit filed against him by former FOX News Channel producer Rachel Witlieb Bernstein. O’Reilly, who exited FNC in 2017 after a series of sexual harassment allegations by former FNC staffers, was accused along with the network of disparaging her by saying no employees had taken advantage of a FOX human resources hotline for reporting improper behavior when that hotline didn’t exist at the time of her complaint and settlement back in 2002. According to Variety’s report on the matter, the judge ruled Bernstein failed to prove she suffered any harm as a result of the comments by O’Reilly and the network…..SiriusXM is presenting play-by-play coverage of 27 NCAA Division I college basketball conference tournaments this postseason, totaling more than 140 men’s and women’s games. Listeners will get every men’s tournament game from the ACC, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC, American Athletic, Ivy League, Missouri Valley and Mountain West conferences, and every game of the women’s ACC and SEC Tournaments…..iHeartMedia is launching a tornado relief effort for victims of the recent Alabama storms through its stations in Birmingham, Auburn, Gadsden, and Tuscaloosa. It’s partnering with the Alabama Broadcasting Association for the iHeartRadio Lee County Tornado Relief fundraiser to benefit Community Foundation of East Alabama’s Long-Term Recovery Fund. ABA president Sharon M. Tinsley says, “As residents of Alabama and members of the broadcast community, we are devastated by the loss of life and the many homes, businesses and churches destroyed by tornadoes this Sunday. It’s always difficult to look at the images after a disaster but, when it’s your neighbors and so many of them are gone, it’s especially hard to accept. Broadcasters are always there for the communities they serve and at times like these, we bring everyone together in a way like no other.”

House Trump Investigation/Cohen Testimony, Trump-Russia Probe, AOC Campaign Finance Allegations, Increased Illegal Border Activity, House Anti-Semitism Resolution, 2020 Democratic Hopefuls, North Korea Rocket Program, and NBA and NCAA Basketball Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/5). The expansive U.S. House investigation into President Trump’s businesses, his campaign, and more and the related new testimony from former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen; the status of the probe into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the allegations of campaign finance violations against Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez; the intense increase in illegal activity at the U.S.-Mexico border; the U.S. House’s anti-Semitism resolution being taken up on the heels of comments by Rep. Ilhan Omar; the list of Democratic candidates vying to take on President Trump in 2020; new evidence indicating North Korean is reigniting its rocket program; and NBA and NCAA basketball 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. Programming pro Michael Killbrew moves from iHeartMedia’s Indianapolis cluster where he was SVP of programming to the company’s Washington, DC operations to take on the director of rock programming position for alternative WWDC “DC101” and classic rock WBIG “BIG 100.” iHeartMedia region SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Washington and Baltimore Jeff Kapugi says, “I am excited to have Mike Killabrew join iHeartMedia Washington D.C. to lead our iconic rock brands, ‘BIG 100’ and ‘DC101.’ Along with his impressive tenure of experience with iHeartMedia, Mike has an unparalleled passion and energy for the rock formats that will elevate and impact our brands from day one.”…..Detroit radio personality Sandy Kovach is the new evening host on Entercom’s adult contemporary WDZH “98.7 The Breeze.” Entercom Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “‘The Breeze’ was launched to offer Detroit relaxing favorites to help the day breeze by. We are pleased to introduce an equally relaxing evening show. Sandy Kovach is already well-known to the Motor City community and we are excited to welcome her to the station. Her show will be a unique blend of soft favorites and positive lifestyle content that our listeners will be able to unwind to.” Kovach has served in on-air roles for Smooth Jazz Network, The eScapes Network, as well as Motor City stations WDVD WMGC.…..On-air pro Jon Kleeman, a.k.a. Jax, joins Radio FM Media’s CHR KLTA, Fargo “Big 98.7” as afternoon drive personality and music director, effective March 19. He comes to Fargo from his most recent gig with Cumulus Media’s CHR KKCT, Bismarck, North Dakota…..Entravision Communications strikes a steaming audio distribution agreement with iHeartMedia to make its radio stations available via the iHeartRadio platform. Under the agreement, Entravision’s 49 owned-and-operated stations will be available on iHeartRadio, effective immediately.

Cool Sales Position. WAWZ, Zarephath, New Jersey “Star 99.1” is seeing a full-time advertising sales person. This full-time position includes work in the office and travel throughout the NY metropolitan area to meet with customers and prospects. Over-achievers strongly encouraged to apply! A proven track record in radio or media sales is a pre-requisite, and high standards of business integrity are expected. We offer a positive working environment, and the satisfaction of doing a job that “counts.” Qualified candidates should send letter and resume to jobs@star991.com or mail to: Jobs, Star 99.1, P.O. Box 9058, Zarephath, NJ 08890. No calls please. Star 99.1 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Friday, February 22, 2019

TALKERS | February 22, 2019

Entercom Q4 Same-Station Net Revenue Up 4%. Since Entercom closed the CBS RADIO deal in mid-November of 2017, comparisons of fourth quarter 2018 to fourth quarter of 2017 are only relevant on a same-station basis. Entercom certainly became a much bigger player in the radio business from a revenue standpoint as a result of the CBS merger. Its net revenue for the full year of 2018 was $1.46 billion – almost three times as much as the full year of 2017 that totaled $593 million. On a same-station basis, the fourth quarter of 2018 was good – up 4% on same-station net revenue of $411 million. But for the whole of 2018, same-station net revenue shrank 3.9% – from $1.52 billion in 2017 to $1.46 billion in 2018. Entercom president and CEO David Field says, “I am pleased to report that Entercom delivered strong organic revenue and EBITDA growth in Q4 as our performance continues to accelerate across the organization and we gain traction on our various scale-driven growth initiatives. 2018 was a year of transformational enhancements on many fronts and we begin 2019 as a much stronger organization than we were a year ago. We are making excellent progress across our strategic focus areas, including Radio.com which is now the fastest growing digital audio app in the US, Entercom Analytics which has grown to exceed 5,000 connected customers, and the Entercom Audio Network which is gaining significant momentum. 2019 is off to a good start with solid pacing growth in the first and second quarters and we are excited about the year ahead.”

Juliet Huddy Joins Curtis Sliwa for WABC Middays. Beginning Monday, 77 WABC Radio adds former FOX News Channel personality Juliet Huddy to the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show with Curtis Sliwa for the new “Curtis and Juliet” show. Most recently, WABC had paired Sliwa with Rita Cosby – who had been with the station as political editor, as well – but she exited the station in late December. Huddy began her career with FOX News Channel in 1998 working out of its Miami and Los Angeles bureaus. She moved to the NYC headquarters in 2001 and worked on “FOX & Friends,” “DaySide,” and her own nationally syndicated talk show, “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet.” She left FNC in September of 2016 to launch the music website, BlondeAndCrossbones.com – dedicated to hard rock and heavy metal. Sliwa says, “I worked with Juliet Huddy for four years on ‘Good Day Early Call NY.’ We were like a brother and sister arguing and discussing the issues of the day. They were not just political. We delved into cultural, social, and personal issues, especially male/female issues that most people are interested in. WABC is giving us that opportunity to talk about those same issues in this age where Trump talk dominates the airwaves from a male/female perspective.” Huddy adds, “I’m genuinely so excited to host alongside Curtis. We’ve become more than colleagues over the years; we’re friends.”

Entercom Brings Cox Media Group and Bonneville Content Aboard RADIO.COM. In content distribution deals with both Cox Media Group and Bonneville, live channels for all of those companies’ stations as well as on-demand audio will be available on Entercom’s RADIO.COM platform. Entercom chief digital officer J.D. Crowley says, “We are pleased to welcome Cox Media Group’s radio stations and Bonneville and their great content to the RADIO.COM platform as we continue to expand our premium content offerings to super-serve our large and rapidly growing audience of listeners across hundreds of devices. Great partnerships like these further strengthen RADIO.COM’s position as the premiere destination for live and on-demand audio news, entertainment, music and sports content in markets all across the U.S.” CMG content on RADIO.COM includes live-stream broadcasts from 55 stations in 11 markets in addition to leading podcasts like “The Von Haessler Doctrine” and “The Mark Kaye Show.” Bonneville content includes live streams from 22 local radio stations in six markets, as well as leading podcasts such as “Above & Beyond: The Intersection of Faith and Sports,” “Your Last Meal,” “Mindfulness, Wellness & You,” and “Stuff Your Dad Knows.”

Border Wall Emergency Declaration Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 18-22. The political battle over President Trump’s emergency declaration to fund the U.S.-Mexico wall project was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 was the status of the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents. Coming in at #3 was the slate of Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020, followed by the Jussie Smollett “attack” case at #4. The Talkers Ten^TMis a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.

TALKERS News Notes. Radio pro Bob Stei joins Media Staffing Network as account manager and recruiter. The media staffing and consulting firm says that Stei is charged with guiding a variety of functions. Founder and CEO Laurie Kahn says, “Over the past two years, MSN has significantly increased its number of hiring solutions, ranging from placing a wider array of positions across media to developing hands-on and online tools that help media companies hire more effectively, strategically, and proactively. Bob brings a passion and knowledge about broadcasting and recruiting that will help MSN expand into new areas.” During his career, Stei has served at such stations as WNEW-FM, New York; WMGK, Philadelphia; WBAB, Long Island; and WCHR, Toms River, New Jersey…..Singer and actor Joey Fantone launches a new podcast with manager and longtime friend Joe Mulvihill via PodcastOne called “Two Cups of Joe.” The former NSYNC singer was recently “unmasked” on the hit TV show “The Masked Singer” and in the premiere episode he talks with Donnie Wahlberg, who was rumored to be under the rabbit mask as the show’s suspense built…..Tenderfoot TV and Cadence13 announce the launch of a new true crime podcast called, “To Live and Die in LA,” hosted by award-winning journalist and Rolling Stone contributing editor Neil Strauss. The series takes a deep dive into the mysterious disappearance of 25-year-old aspiring actress Adea Shabani, who disappeared from her apartment complex near Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame in February of last year…..Westwood One and NBC Sports Radio announce a rare hockey hat trick happening this weekend as broadcasters Kenny Albert and Joe Micheletti will call three NHL games during a 24-hour period for MSG Networks, Westwood One, and NBC Sports Radio. On Saturday at 1:00 pm ET, the New York Rangers host the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Micheletti will be joined in the broadcast booth by play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen. Albert, now in his 23rd season as the radio voice of the Rangers, will simultaneously call the play-by-play action on WEPN “ESPN 98.7,” the radio home of the Rangers, alongside analyst Dave Maloney. Following the game, Albert and Micheletti will go straight to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and team up to broadcast Westwood One/NBC Sports Radio’s national radio coverage of the NHL Stadium Series matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night at 8:00 pm ET. Albert and Micheletti will be joined onsite by rinkside reporter Kelly Chase and host Steve Mears. After the game, the duo will then travel down south to Washington, DC for MSG Networks’ television and radio broadcast of the New York Rangers/Washington Capitals game on Sunday at 12:30 pm ET at Capital One Arena. Albert and Micheletti serve as Westwood One/NBC Sports Radio’s lead NHL broadcast crew and will be on the call together for select playoff games this year, including their fourth straight season calling the Stanley Cup Final.

TALKERS Publisher Visits Hubbard Cluster in West Palm Beach. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison paid a visit to longtime colleagues at the Hubbard Radio cluster headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida yesterday (2/21). While there, he guested for an hour of on-air conversation about the hot issues with WFTL, Fort Lauderdale/Miami/West Palm Beach midday host (and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member) Joyce Kaufman (above, left). He also visited with the cluster’s creative director (and production wizard) Mick McCabe (below, right) who worked with Harrison as producer/board op for the legendary “Harrison’s Mic” talk show on KMET, Los Angeles back in the early 1980s.

BFoA Announces New Time for Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament. The Broadcasters Foundation of America reports that this year’s Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament will begin at 8:00 am for registration and breakfast, followed by a shot-gun start at 9:00 am on Sunday, April 7, at the Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas. The annual fundraiser is held during the NAB Show in honor of the Broadcasters Foundation chairman emeritus Philip J. Lombardo and raises money to help broadcasters in acute need. The BFoA says, “Every year, top-level broadcast industry leaders and celebrities turn out in support of the Foundation’s mission and to enjoy a morning of golf with their colleagues before the NAB kicks into high gear.” For more information on purchasing a spot or a foursome, please click here.

Cumulus Rising Talk Radio Star Larry O’Connor Is This Week’s Guests on Harrison Podcast. WMAL, Washington, DC/KABC, Los Angeles radio talk show host Larry O’Connor is this week’s guest on the PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” For the past several years, O’Connor, based in the nation’s capital, has been successfully hosting the 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm afternoon drive show on Cumulus Media’s Washington, DC powerhouse WMAL-AM/FM. Six weeks ago, he added a separate mid-morning 10:00 am -12:00 noon show on Cumulus’s KABC, Los Angeles, via remote, to his weekday schedule. Harrison and O’Connor discuss his new two-station, bi-coastal schedule and the differences he perceives between talk audiences in these markets. The discussion also explores Donald Trump’s impact on the media as well as society in general and delves back to the days of O’Connor’s pre-radio career in the legitimate theater where he spent a number of years as the general manager of the Schubert Theater in Los Angeles before joining the early incarnation of Breitbart News as an online writer and radio commentator. O’Connor reflects on his relationship with the late Andrew Breitbart. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS daily email newsletter and every page on Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Chicago CHR WBBM-FM “B96” names Kenzie K midday personality, taking over for Nikki Imbrascio, who exited the Entercom station last week after 10 years. Kenzie K comes to Chicago from Tampa where she was midday host at Beasley Media Group’s hip hop WLLD “WiLD 94.1.” She says, “I cannot wait to join the amazing Entercom team in the city I’ve always dreamt of. Thank you to [market manager] Jimmy de Castro, [VP of programming] Todd Cavanah and [music director] Erik Bradley for this incredible opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting to know listeners in the Windy City.”…..Beasley Media Group appoints Philly radio pro Nicole Siberry digital program director for classic rock WMGK-FM and country WXTU-FM in Philadelphia. Siberry was most recently promotions and programming coordinator for Entercom’s CHR WTDY and classic hits WOGL. There she was responsible for creating content and video for the stations’ social media platforms…..Max Media Denver names Jowcol “Boogie D” Dolby operations and program director for hip hop KFCO “Flo 107.1” and rhythmic oldies KJHM-FM “Jammin 101.5,” effective March 11. Previously, Boogie D served with Radio One in markets including: Detroit, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Washington, and Charlotte. Max Media president and GM Jeff Norman says, “We are thrilled to have Boogie D on board, he’ll bring a fresh prospective and approach to our programming department. Boogie D has demonstrated an ability to win in competitive environments and our radio stations are poised to grow to the next level under his leadership.”

January 2019 PPM Data – Part Three. January 2019 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s January 2019 survey period covered January 3 – 30. See all the 6+ numbers here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – An improvement of four-tenths to 4.2 (ninth to eighth, 6+) by Alpha Media news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” pulls the plug on three straight negative moves that accounted for a -1.5 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Off two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” gains three-tenths in January 2019 to 2.1 (6+) and remains at #19. Recapturing the three-tenths it squandered in “Holiday” 2018 (1.0 – .7 – 1.0, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” jumps from #26 to #23.

An overall -1.4 via four consecutive decreases (2.3 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” concludes that slump with a +.2 to 1.1 (#23 to #22, 6+). It is one-tenth ahead of Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game,” which was down four consecutive times as well, losing a cumulative six-tenths in that stretch (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). “The Game” picks up one-tenth to 1.0 (6+) and continues at #23. For the third time in the last four sweeps, iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Sports Radio 620”/Portland Trailblazers flagship logs a .7 (.7 – .6 – .7 – .7, #26 to #27, 6+).

Blowing up “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2 with a January 2019 +1.2, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB advances from second to first (9.3 – 8.1 – 9.3, 6+). Continuing the “1.2” theme, prior to “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2, KOPB was a collective +1.2 in five straight up or flat trends (8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.9 – 9.2 – 9.3, 6+). KOPB had been on top from January 2018 to August 2018 (including a tie in April), before dropping to second in September. Its recent fluctuations include: +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); +.7 (October); -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); and +1.2 (January 2019.

Portland Music Formats – It took iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLTH exactly one report to obliterate “Holiday” 2018’s -1.6 (7.0 – 5.4, 6+) as “106.7 The Eagle” soars to a January 2019 +1.7 (7.1, fifth to second, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 5.4 marked the first time “The Eagle” was below a six-share (6+) since March 2018’s 5.5. A collective -1.7 in October and November (5.8 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+), Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” has followed with a +7 (December); -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); and now a +1.2 (4.3 – 5.5, sixth to fifth, 6+). The September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 topline for Salem Media Group regional KRYP was 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 (6+), but “El Rey 93.1” erupts with a +1.3 to 3.3 (#18 to #15, 6+). Not only is All Classical Public Media’s KQAC a collective +1.8 through three straight positive spikes (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4, 6+), “All Classical Portland” enters the top ten (#11 to #7). In addition, it reaches the four-share level (4.4, 6+) for the first time in nearly two years ago (4.2, February 2017). Seven straight down or flat trends by Entercom’s KWJJ resulted in a -1.9 (4.6 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.7, 6+), but “99.5 The Wolf – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” suspends that streak with a +1.1 to 3.8 (#15 to #11, 6+). Its alternative and hot AC cluster-mates KNRK “94/7 Portland Alternative” (3.5 – 4.2, tenth to eighth, 6+) and KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” (3.1 – 3.6, unchanged at #13, 6+) are up seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively. Even though co-owned KGON is +1.2 in three straight gains (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+), “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” backslides from third to fourth. Entering the December sweep, KGON was a collective -1.0 through four decreases in a row (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). Immediately prior to that negative streak, “Portland’s Classic Rock” had been without a loss four straight times for a +1.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). Following back-to-back stays at #1 and a combined +8.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.2 – 11.4 – 16.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW is -9.2 (7.0, first to third, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, “K-103” had its strongest 6+-showing (16.2) since “Holiday” 2017 (16.9). On the heels of a massive “Holiday” 2018 +2.4 (3.2 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” surrenders seven-tenths to 4.9 (third to sixth, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – A January gain of four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0, 6+) enables Entercom news/talk WBT to progress from #12 to #11. The Carolina Panthers flagship was a combined -.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.3 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), after being +1.4 in October and November (2.9 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+).

Nearly tripling (+1.1) its 6+ share via seven straight positive or flat moves (.6 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), co-owned sports talk (and Charlotte Hornets key station) WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” climbs from #19 to #18.

Regaining in full “Holiday” 2018’s nine-tenths’ loss, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” moves from #17 to #16 (1.8 – 2.7, +.9, 6+). Flat at #21, South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC is without an increase for the fourth straight time and is down four-tenths in that stretch (.7 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – It is a strong sweep for the market’s two country FMs as iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” is +1.2 (4.4 – 5.6, eighth to fifth, 6+), while Beasley Media Group’s WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” posts a gain of nine-tenths (6.4 – 7.3, third to second, 6+). Entering the November sweep, “The Kat” was an overall +1.1 in four successive months without a loss (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), but was then a combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). Prior to January 2019’s +.9, WSOC had been without an increase the past four reports for an overall -1.3 (7.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). On top in September, October, and November, WSOC segued to third in December. Four-tenths ahead of “Country’s Hottest Hits” is iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO, which all but erases “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2 with a +1.1 (6.6 – 7.7, 6+) to march from second to first. Immediately in advance of that -1.2, “102.9 The Lake” posted eight straight months without a loss for a +3.7 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+). Notching a January 2019 +1.1 as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” whose five most recent fluctuations are -.5 (October); -.5 (November); +.6 (2.4 – 3.0, 6+, December); -.6 (3.0 – 2.4, 6+, “Holiday” 2018); and +1.1 in January 2019 (2.4 – 3.5, #16 to #12, 6+). At the conclusion of the November sweep, WRCM was a collective -1.9 in five straight decreases (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Owing to four consecutive setbacks, iHeartMedia’s WRFX was a collective -1.7 (6.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 4.7, 6+), but “99.7 The Fox – Charlotte’s Classic Rock” suspends that streak with a +1.0 to 5.7 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Having faltered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” roars back with a gain of nine-tenths (3.9 – 4.8, tenth to seventh, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 3.9 was its lowest 6+-stat in exactly one year (3.8, “Holiday” 2017). Radio One’s WOSF had been in a May 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 down/up pattern (4.1 – 3.7 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+). In January 2019, “105.3 RnB” adds six-tenths to its “Holiday” 2018 half-share increase (5.3, 6+), but backslides from a three-way tie at #5 to #6. In addition to having its consecutive string of positive or flat moves which produced an overall +7.8 halted at four (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 8.0 – 12.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 More Music/Better Variety” slumps from first to eighth (12.9 – 4.6, -8.3, 6+). Its 12.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-showing by any Charlotte station since “Holiday” 2015, when WKQC logged a 13.2. Co-owned mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” is -1.2 via four consecutive negative or flat trends (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, #11 to #14, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding seven-tenths to its “Holiday” 2018 gain of three-tenths (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and San Antonio Spurs’ flagship WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” cruises from ninth to sixth. WOAI’s November loss of one-tenth halted at three a consecutive string of improvements that yielded a +1.0 (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+). Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” has a July 2018 – “January 2019 topline of: 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 (#24, 6+).

While it stays at #29, iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is up one-tenth to .4 (6+), thus curtailing five straight down or flat reports that resulted in a loss of four-tenths (.7 – .7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .3, 6+).

A combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX bounces back with a +.8 (3.5, #16 to #12, 6+).

San Antonio Music Formats – Virtually each of the 36 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far has produced its share of substantial “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 increases, although we hadn’t seen a single station register an increase of three full-shares … until now. Accomplishing that truly noteworthy accomplishment is iHeartMedia-owned KAJA. Major shifts aren’t new for “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station,” which was +.5 (September); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +3.0 in January 2019 (6.0 – 9.0, 6+). Moreover, KAJA leaps from fourth to first. Continuing in third-place is similarly-formatted, Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader.” Six of its recent fluctuations include: +.9 (August); -.8 (September); +.9 (November); -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +1.8 (5.1 – 6.9, 6+). September’s loss ended three straight gains that accounted for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+). These two country combatants were tied in June and separated by just one-tenth in April, September, and “Holiday” 2018. Applying the brakes to four straight setbacks that accounted for an overall -2.8 (8.8 – 8.3 – 6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” displays a +1.9 to 7.9 (6+) and is in the runner-up slot for the fourth straight time. Prior to dropping to #2 in November, KONO-FM had been on top the previous ten sweeps. Meanwhile, its internet stream improves by one-half share (.2 – .7, #27, 6+). A combined -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.3 – 4.6 – 3.5, 6+), Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want” answers with a January 2019 +1.3 to 4.8 (tenth to fourth, 6+). A +1.2 enables Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG to vault into the top five (#11 to #5). “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” had been down six-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Adding six-tenths to its “Holiday” 2018 +.1 (2.6 – 3.2, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV advances from #18 to #16. When the December 2018 sweep concluded, San Antonio’s version of “Positive & Inspiring K-Love” was -1.3 in three consecutive negative or flat trends (3.8 – 3.4 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). Somewhat mirroring KZLV, iHeartMedia CHR KXXM “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on one-half share to “Holiday” 2018’s +.2 (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8, #11 to #10, 6+). Owing to three positive spikes in succession, adult contemporary cluster-mate KQXT was +10.6 (4.3 – 9.5 – 14.9, 6+) and #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. In January 2019 though, “Q-101.9” plunges by -10.7 to 4.2 (6+), drifting from first to seventh. KQXT’s “Holiday” 2018 14.9 is the highest 6+-share by any San Antonio station in the PPM-era. In four consecutive down or flat survey periods, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM is a collective -1.9 (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.1 – 3.5, 6+) as “Que Buena 92.9” departs the top ten (#7 to #12). Off six-tenths as well in January 2019 is Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KSAH “Norteno,” which is -1.1 in three successive down or flat trends (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.2, #15 to #19, 6+).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does a +1.5 to 7.6 (6+) by iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK completely eliminate its cumulative -.9 in three straight declines (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.1, 6+), “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” jumps from third to a first-place tie. KFBK was +1.4 in October (5.6 – 7.0, 6+). Up two-tenths to 2.5 (6+), co-owned KSTE remains at #14. “Talk 650” was an overall +.7 via three consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.6 – 3.0- 3.0, 6+) and then a combined -.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.0 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+).

Following four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall loss of four-tenths (1.3, 1.3 – 1.2 – .9 – .9, 6+), Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” gains three-tenths to 1.2 (#23 to #22, 6+). Slipping from #23 to #25, Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” is a collective -.7 in three successive down or flat reports (1.6 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+).

On the heels of forfeiting one full-share, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ sputters by another eight-tenths (5.9 – 5.1, fourth to sixth, 6+). Prior to “Holiday” 2018’s -1.0, KXJZ notched five successive sweeps without a loss, netting a +2.4 since July (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+); December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Flat at #26, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through January 2019 topline of: .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 (6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – Trending 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.4 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+), Entercom’s KKDO erupts with a +1.2 to 4.6 (6+) sending “Alt 94.7 Sacramento’s Alternative” into the top ten (#11 to #8). Co-owned KRXQ “98 Rock,” which was off one-half share in “Holiday” 2018 (4.8 – 4.3, 6+) answers with a +1.1 to 5.4 (sixth to fourth, 6+). In early-November (2018), iHeartMedia transitioned KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” to adult contemporary as “92.5 The Breeze.” KBEB had been up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5, September – October – November, 6+) but then off one-tenth to 2.4 (6+) in December. Now, however, “The Breeze” is a combined +1.3 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.1 – 3.7, 6+), advancing from #13 to #12. Making January 2019 leaps of six-tenths in addition to KBEB are iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” (3.7 – 4.3, flat at #9, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB “Positive & Inspiring K-Love” (.8 – 1.4, #18, 6+). The wild ride continues for Bonneville’s KNCI. A combined -.9 in August and September (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), “New Country 105.1” was an overall +1.5 in three straight gains (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 5.7, September – October – November – December, 6+); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.5 in January 2019 (4.2 – 4.7, steady at #7, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well is iHeartMedia classic rocker KYRV “93.7 The River,” which is +1.1 in three upticks in succession (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.3, unchanged at #5, 6+). A boost of two-tenths (7.4 – 7.6, 6+) is enough to lift Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” from second to a first-place tie. On top for ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December, “The Eagle” faltered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018. Its recent fluctuations include +1.0 (May 2018); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); -1.1 (November); and -.8 (“Holiday” 2018). After notching a combined December and “Holiday” 2018 +7.6 (6.2 – 8.8 – 13.8, 6+) and occupying the #1 slot in both of those sweeps, adult contemporary sibling KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” returns in its entirety that increase (6.2, -7.6, first to third, 6+). Its “Holiday” 2018 13.8 is the highest 6+-share by any Sacramento station since “Mix” logged a 14.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Lotus Communications regional Mexican KVMX “La Ranchera,” which had been trending 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 (6+), drops one-half share to 1.0 (#18 to #23, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Roaring back from “Holiday” 2018’s -.7 with a +1.1 (4.0 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” progresses from eighth to seventh.

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which was off nine-tenths in November and December (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+), is now a combined +1.6 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (5.5 – 5.8 – 7.1, fifth to fourth, 6+). The September 2018 through January 2019 topline for iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” is: .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 (#19 to #17, 6+).

Continuing at #11, Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” bounces back from a one-half share “Holiday” 2018 loss with a +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2, 6+).

Pittsburgh Music Formats – A collective -1.6 via four straight decreases (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108” Pittsburgh’s Country” answers with a +1.1 to 4.6 (tenth to eighth, 6+). Off a combined seven tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” wipes away that shortfall with a +1.0 to 6.1 (sixth to fifth, 6+). After being without a loss the past three reports for a cumulative +4.1 (9.5 – 9.5 – 9.7 – 13.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW erodes by -5.5 to 8.1 (6+), but “94.5 – 3WS” is #1 for the 24^th consecutive ratings period. “Holiday” 2018’s 13.6 is the best 6+-showing for any Pittsburgh station since “3WS” posted a 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Via five straight positive spikes (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 7.7 – 9.9, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH was an overall +4.6, but “Wish 99.7” falters by -4.1 to 5.8 (second to sixth, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though Bonneville’s KSL substitutes “Holiday” 2018’s -.6 with a January 2019 +.6 (5.2 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” backslides from fourth to sixth. KSL was +2.4 in October to 7.2 (#1), its highest 6+-share since April’s 8.1, but then -1.8 in November. Likewise, iHeartMedia’s KNRS completely eradicates “Holiday” 2018’s -1.4 with a January 2019 +1.4 (4.7 – 3.3 – 4.7, 6+). In this case though, “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” progresses from #12 to #7. KNRS was a combined +1.0 in October and November (3.9 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+) and had its strongest 6+-showing (4.9) since March 2017’s 5.6.

After posting an August 2018 – December 2018 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8, Broadway Media-owned KALL sputtered by seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 1.1 (#20 to #22, 6+); “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” vanishes from print in January 2019.

A combined -.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER recaptures all of it in January 2019 – and one-tenth more – with a +.6 to 2.9 (#14 to #12, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Albeit the height of understatement – but nonetheless – iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” is on an incredible rollercoaster ride. It was -1.1 (October); +1.5 (November); -1.4 (December); -1.3 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +2.0 in January 2019 (4.4 – 6.4, sixth to second, 6+). In calendar year 2018, KODJ held sole possession of the top spot or was tied for the lead in June, July, August, September, and November. Registering robust increases of +1.3 (each) are Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (6.0, third to fourth, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR KZHT “97.1 ZHT – Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.8, unchanged at #5, 6+). “Now” gained two-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, while KZHT was a collective -1.4 in four negative moves in succession (5.9 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Five consecutive decreases by Cumulus Media country KUBL accounted for an overall -2.8 (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+) but “K-Bull 93” is now +1.2 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.1 – 3.4 – 4.3, ninth to eighth, 6+). Gaining eight-tenths each are its adult contemporary and rock siblings, KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (4.2, steady at #9, 6+) and KUER “Utah’s Rock Station (2.7, #18 to #13, 6+). A combined -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), KBEE had a December decrease that interrupted three straight gains netting +1.8 (2.7 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+). “Utah’s Rock Station” was -1.0 in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.9 – 2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). Up six-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia’s KAAZ “Rock 106.7” (2.3, #20 to #16, 6+) and Capital Broadcasting’s KSQN “103.1 The Wave – The Next Wave of New Wave” (1.3, #18, 6+). “Rock 106.7” was -.9 in three straight decreases (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+), while “The Wave” was -.5 via four successive setbacks (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .7, 6+). Progressing from #16 to #13, Cumulus Media’s KHTB “101.9 Alternative Utah” has more than doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat through five straight sweeps without a decrease (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.7, 6+). The good news first for Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI is that it is #1 for the third straight report. After three straight increases that netted a staggering +16.2 (5.6 – 5.7 – 12.7 – 21.8, 6+), however, “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” craters by an eyepopping -13.9 to 7.9 (6+). KSFI was the only PPM-market station in “Holiday” 2018 to reach the 20-share level (6+).

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Transforming its “Holiday” 2018 loss of three-tenths into a January 2019 increase twice that magnitude (1.6 – 2.2, +.6, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #17). Off a collective four-tenths in three slips in succession (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” gains two-tenths to 1.1 (#25 to #23, 6+).

Regaining the one-tenth it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (.8 – .7 – .8, 6+), Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” advances from #28 to #25.

A combined -.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), directly following a +1.3 via six consecutive increases (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR posts a +.7 to 3.7 (6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #10).

Las Vegas Music Formats – An improvement of one full-share by KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More” (6.1 – 7.1, steady at #2, 6+) takes the Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet to its highest 6+-share (7.1) since August 2018’s 7.5. An overall +1.1 through three consecutive positive or flat trends (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 4.3, 6+), Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” leaps into the top ten (#11 to #6). By adding seven-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona Mx 103.5 ” pops back into the top twenty at #16. Notching gains of six-tenths (each) are Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” (2.7 – 3.3, unchanged at #13, 6+) and the University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 – Jazz and More” (1.4 – 2.0, #20, 6+). “Hot,” which was a combined +1.1 in November and December (2.4 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), rebounds from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2018. Even though Lotus Communications’ KXPT is without a loss for the eighth straight survey period for an overall +1.8 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” backslides from third to fourth; 5.5 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.9, October 2016). A one-half share increase by cluster-mate KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” to 2.6 (#17 to #15, 6+) ends a mini-slide that resulted in a one-half share decrease (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+). A combined +4.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.3 – 9.1 – 12.8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE surrenders a -5.3 to 7.5 (6+) but “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday” is #1 for the sixth time in a row. Prior to being #1 from September through January 2019, “Sunny” set the pace in March, May, June, and July. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share for any Las Vegas station since the 14.0 KSNE logged in “Holiday” 2016. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.3 (6+), Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS regresses by eight-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#6 to #11). “Old School 105.7 – #1 For Throwbacks” is under a four-share (6+) for the first time since “Holiday 2017’s 3.8.

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – All but wiping away its combined -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.2 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+) with a January 2019 +1.5 to 5.1 (6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM progresses from tenth to eighth. At the conclusion of the November 2018 sweep, “News 96.5” was an overall +1.9 due to five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Meanwhile, a six-tenths’ boost to 3.7 (#12 to #11, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” suspends five straight declines that resulted in a -1.6 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+). Its August +1.0 curtailed three straight decreases that generated a -1.8 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). Anchored at #15, news/talk cluster-mate WFLF is up four-tenths to 2.2 (6+), halting three successive setbacks that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+). Just before that, in four consecutive reports without a loss, WFLF nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+-share (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+).

An increase of two-tenths (.6 – .8, 6+) propels Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” into the top twenty (#23 to #20). While it advances from #23 to #22, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” has lost more than half (-.8) of its 6+ AQH share in five straight down or flat trends (1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+).

Regaining just over half of its “Holiday” 2018 loss of eight-tenths (2.7 – 3.2, +.5, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” carries on at #13.

Orlando Music Formats – A cumulative -2.2 via four down or flat moves in a row (7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” wipes away nearly all that shortfall with a whopping +2.0 (6.9, seventh to fourth, 6+). After spending 11 consecutive ratings periods at #1, iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM was in the runner-up slot in December and “Holiday” 2018, with a combined -1.1 in those two reports (8.9 – 8.3 – 7.8, 6+). “Rumba 100” breaks out a +1.5 in January 2019 (7.8 – 9.3, 6+) and returns to the lead position. April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Co-owned CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on seven-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+) and climbs from third to second. Notwithstanding that it nearly replicates “Holiday” 2018’s increase of seven-tenths with a January 2019 +.6 (5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” backslides from fifth to sixth. A December decline of three-tenths halted three consecutive up or flat moves that yielded two-tenths (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Slightly similar to “Mix,” Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB adds one-half share to “Holiday” 2018’s +.2 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.2, 6+) but “Star 94.5” is able to jump from fourth to third. In addition to being a combined +8.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 9.8 – 14.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF was #1 in those two sweeps. In January, however, “Magic 107.7” erodes by -7.4 to 6.9 (6+) and drops to fourth. “Holiday” 2018’s 14.3 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 15.9. The internet stream of Cox Media Group-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits,” which appeared with a .7 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018, vanishes from print in January 2019.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia news/talk WLW manage to obliterate “Holiday” 2018’s -2.1 in one fell swoop with a +2.4 (7.5 – 9.9, 6+), the flagship of the Reds and Bengals zooms from fourth to first. WLW spent six consecutive months at #1 before segueing to #2 in December. Its recent shifts include a combined +2.0 (January and February); -1.0 (March); +1.6 (April); -1.2 (May); -1.4 (September); +1.7 (October); -.8 (November); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +2.4 (January 2019). Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati,” which was down three-tenths in consecutive sweeps (3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), adds one-half share to 3.5 (6+), yet departs the top ten (#10 to #11).

Even though sports talk sibling WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” picks up two-tenths (1.0 – 1.2, 6+) it backslides from #17 to #18.

Down nine-tenths through five successive sweeps without an increase (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU ends that skid with a +.4 to 3.0, but remains at #13.

Cincinnati Music Formats – Following a December-only stay at #1, Cumulus Media-owned classic hits-oldies WGRR shifted to third in “Holiday” 2018, as a result of a -1.8 (9.9 – 8.1, 6+). Roaring back with a January 2019 +1.5 (to 9.6, 6+), “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” climbs to second. Immediately prior to its -1.8, WGRR was an overall +1.3 via four straight gains (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.9, 6+), with December’s 9.9 its strongest 6+-stat since March 2018’s 10.4. In three successive sweeps without an increase, its classic rock sibling – WOFX – had a collective loss of nine-tenths (5.2 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+), but “92.5 The Fox” dials up a +1.4 to 5.7 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Down or flat the past five survey periods for a collective -2.6 (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+), Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” answers with a +1.2 to 6.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Even though co-owned WUBE adds a +1.0 to “Holiday” 2018’s +.3 (8.1 – 8.4 – 9.4, 6+),“B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” shifts from second to third. The four most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia CHR WKFS are +.7 (November); -.7 (December) another -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.9 in January 2019 (2.7 – 3.6, 6+) as “Kiss 107.1 Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). In advance of November’s +.7, “Kiss” recorded six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.5 (4.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+). Radio One urban AC WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” is a combined +.6 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (2.5 – 2.6 – 3.1, #13 to #12, 6+). A collective +9.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.2 – 8.3 – 14.6), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98.5” spirals by -.8.2 to 6.4 (first to fifth, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6 is the highest 6+-share by any Cincinnati station in the PPM-era. On the heels of its “Holiday” 2018 +.7, iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” regresses by one-half share (5.0 – 4.5, sixth to seventh, 6+). After posting a September 2018 – December 2018 topline of 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0 – .7 (#20, 6+), Grant County Broadcasters’ classic country WNKR disappeared from print in “Holiday” 2018, but it resurfaces with a 1.2 (#18, 6+). At the same time, Educational Community Radio’s WOBO “88.7 The Station For Something For Everyone,” which had an October through “Holiday” 2018 topline of 1.2 – 1.1 – .2 – .0 (6+), reemerges with a 1.3 (#17, 6+). In August, WDBZ “Soul 101.5” registered a .9 (6+) to finish at #20, but the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies outlet is unlisted for the sixth month in a row.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight declines (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM was an overall -2.6, but “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” responds with a +.9 to 5.1 and is back in the top ten (#11 to #9, 6+). An October increase of eight-tenths halted four successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.6 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+).

Flat at 5.4 (6+), Entercom sports talk WKRK slips from seventh to eighth. Just prior to December, “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” netted a +2.0 in five successive improvements (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+).

Substituting “Holiday” 2018’s -1.1 with January 2019’s +1.1 (2.1 – 3.2, 6+), Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN progresses from #14 to #13.

Cleveland Music Formats – A cumulative -3.7 through five consecutive decreases (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” bounces back with a +1.7 to 6.1 (tenth to fourth, 6+). Similarly, after three consecutive decreases that resulted in a -1.3 (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2, 6+), co-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” erupts with a +1.6 to 4.8 (6+) and lands in the top ten (#13 to #10, 6+). Off four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom’s WNCX “98.5 – Cleveland’s Classic Rock” posts a positive spike twice that magnitude (6.9, +.8, fifth to third, 6+). Displaying gains of seven-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.3 – 4.0, steady at #12, 6+) and co-owned urban contemporary WAKS-HD2 (.7 – 1.4, #17 to #15, 6+). “Kiss” was down one-half share in “Holiday” 2018. WAKS-HD2 surfaced in July with a .1 (6+); failed to appear in the next five reports; but reemerged in “Holiday” 2018. While it repeats at #1, co-owned classic hits-oldies WMJI “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” follows “Holiday” 2018’s massive +2.8 with a -1.7 (10.7 – 9.0, 6+). A combined +4.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.6 – 8.2 – 10.3, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” surrenders a -4.3 to 6.0 (6+) and segues from second to sixth. In advance of the December sweep, “Star” was off eight-tenths in three negative moves in a row (6.4- 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Dropping from fourth to seventh, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” is a collective -1.0 in four successive setbacks (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 5.8, 6+). Resurfacing in print in October, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFHM trended 5.4 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 5.4 (#7, 6+), but “95.5 The Fish” vanishes in January 2019.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Two big bounce-backs in the Entercom cluster find news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather,” a combined -1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+) logging a +1.2 to 4.6 (#14 to #7, 6+), while KMBZ-AM “Talk 980,” which lost half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.6 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+) notches a +.6 to 1.9 (#20 to #18, 6+). KMBZ-FM was a combined +.7 in October and November (4.4 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), while KMBZ-AM was up four-tenths in October. Steady at #22, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is trending .7 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 (6+).

A combined -.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” breaks out a +1.3 to 5.0 (6+) and vaults into the top ten (#12 to #6). WHB more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+-share in six straight gains (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+). In three consecutive decreases, Entercom’s KCSP lost nine-tenths (3.5 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+) but “610 Sports Radio” adds three-tenths in January 2019 to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+).

Down seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, KCUR responds with a +.3 to 3.4 (#15 to #14, 6+). The University of Missouri news/talk outlet was a collective +.8 in November and December.

Kansas City Music Formats – An overall -1.6 in three straight downturns (5.6 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” roars back with a combined +2.0 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.7 – 5.0 – 5.7, fifth to third, 6+). Over and above adding six-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s half-share increase (9.0 – 9.5 – 10.1, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” is #1 for the ninth straight time and has its strongest 6+-stat (10.1) since July 2017’s 10.3. The December loss of seven-tenths by the Kansas City Chiefs’ flagship halted six straight sweeps without a loss for an overall +2.7 (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Over the course of the last three ratings periods, Entercom-owned KQRC spiraled by an overall -2.8 (7.5 – 7.0 – 6.1 – 4.7, 6+) but “98.9 The Rock” picks up four-tenths to 5.1 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Its November one-half share loss suspended three straight increases that yielded a +2.0 (5.5 – 6.5 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). A combined +2.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.2 – 5.1 – 7.0, 6+), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC relinquishes a -3.8 to (3.2, 6+) as “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” freefalls from #2 to #15. “Holiday” 2018’s 7.0 is its best 6+ showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 8.1. Immediately after posting a +1.6, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM falters by -1.3 (6.7 – 5.4, third to fourth, 6+). By picking up one-tenth in December, “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” pulled the plug on eight successive March through November declines that accounted for a combined -3.1 (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+); KCMO-FM was #1 in March 2018, April, and May. As a result of five consecutive positive or flat sweeps, CHR sibling KCHZ was +1.4 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), but “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” sputters by seven-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Urban AC cluster-mate KMJK “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B,” which was an overall +2.0 in four consecutive upticks (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+), forfeits 25% of that bounty (4.2, -.5, sixth to tenth, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Off a combined six-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+), directly after an overall +.9 in three straight increases (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” dials up a +1.3 to 7.0 (sixth to fifth, 6+).

Among the fluctuations for RadiOhio sports talk outlet – and flagship of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets – WBNS-FM since it reappeared in print in August 2018 are: +1.1 (October); -.4 (November); +1.0 (December) and -2.0 in “Holiday” 2018 (7.3 – 5.3, seventh, 6+). “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” is unlisted in January 2019. Climbing from #18 to #17, iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX “105.7 The Zone” is trending (.9 – .6 – .9 – .7 – .7, 6+).

By posting a +1.1 to 4.5 (eighth to seventh, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU ends a mini-slide that resulted in a loss of six-tenths (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – Tacking on a +1.1 to its “Holiday” 2018 improvement of four-tenths (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus Hit Music” jumps from fourth to second with its highest 6+-share (8.3) since September 2018’s 9.4. Slightly more than three full-shares ahead of it is co-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” (11.4, +.8, 6+), which is #1 for the 14^th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Its January 2019 uptick applies the brakes to six straight downturns that resulted in a collective -5.7 (16.3 – 15.1 – 15.0 – 14.5 – 13.0 – 12.7 – 10.6, 6+). Recent WCOL fluctuations include +3.1 (January); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); -1.5 (November); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); and +.8 (January 2019). Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, adult hits WODC, which was a combined +3.7 in back-to-back (December and “Holiday” 2018) improvements (5.0 – 5.8 – 8.7, 6+), surrenders a -4.1 to 4.6 (6+) as “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” skids from third to sixth. Its December increase halted three consecutive declines that generated an overall -1.7 (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+). That particular sequence immediately followed four consecutive boosts that netted a +1.6 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+). As a result of three positive spikes in a row (5.9 – 6.3 – 7.7 – 9.7, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY was a cumulative +3.8, but “Sunny 95” relinquishes exactly half that increase with a -1.9 to 7.8 (second to third, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 9.7 is WSNY’s best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.0.

Monday, February 11, 2019

TALKERS | February 11, 2019

Legendary Talk Show Host Bruce Williams Dead at 86. “Welcome my friends, welcome to my world.” It was with those words radio talk show host legend Bruce Williams began his nationally syndicated show for more than 29 years. Williams died on Saturday (2/9), at his home near Tampa, FL after a brief illness. Spanning a career that lasted more than three decades, Bruce Williams created a loyal listenership of hundreds of thousands of people strong with his informative and entertaining program, delivered in his signature deep, warm, welcoming voice. But, one of the most unusual and remarkable facts surrounding Williams’ National Radio Hall of Fame career is that it did not begin until he was well into his 40s. Born February 18, 1932, Williams grew up in East Orange, NJ. Blessed with an innate sense of business, at age 11, he devised a way to address one of the many shortages common at the end of World War II by melting down lead pipes and casting them into toy soldiers. Eyes wide open, he was off and running, pursuing every avenue where he believed a profit could be made. After serving in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict and graduating from Newark State College (now Kean University), he opened a pre-school named after his children. He spent time driving an ice cream truck in New York City. He was also a taxi driver and drove a beer truck. For 70 years of his life, he spent the holiday season selling Christmas trees in New Jersey. On the white-collar side, Williams sold insurance, owned a flower shop, a car rental agency, a barber shop and he owned and operated several nightclubs. There was even a whirlwind tour into the world of politics where the Honorable Bruce H. Williams was elected to the Franklin, NJ Township Council, as well as serving terms as Deputy Mayor and Mayor between 1967 and 1975. It was the weight and wealth of these life experiences that Williams relied on throughout his accomplished radio career and gave depth to his on-air persona. His outstanding career began in 1975 at WCTC 1450 Talk Radio, The Voice of Central New Jersey, where Williams hosted a show called “At Your Service.” After some time, his success took him to WMCA, New York where his momentum and audience continued to build. Williams’ growing popularity brought him to the attention of radio executives at NBC who were searching for a host of a national nightly advice-oriented talk show. After a long selection process, Williams was chosen and his program launched in November of 1981. It was from this platform, his reputation as a broadcaster blossomed. That blossom was almost nipped a year later, when a plane he was piloting crashed into some trees during an aborted landing attempt. Critically injured and nearly dead when he arrived at the Medical Center of Princeton, Williams rallied and was back on the air broadcasting again from his hospital room, just four weeks after the accident. Over the next three decades, Williams’ voice was heard coast-to-coast as he became one of the most listened to talk show hosts in radio history. The industry recognized Williams’ accomplishments in 1999 when he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. TALKERS magazine also honored Williams in 2002 by including him at Number Six in its list of the Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of all Time. He authored six financial and real estate advice books as well as a syndicated advice column called Smart Money. Bruce Williams was 81 years old when he hung up his head phones for the final time in 2013, signing off as he always did by saying, “Keep in touch.” Upon learning of Williams’ death, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “He was one of a kind and represented a breed of radio talk show host that made the genre truly special among all formats – a seemingly ‘regular guy’ who simply knew the answer to just about every problem that people face in day-to-day life and was happy to share it in completely understandable terms when asked for advice.” Radio consultant Valerie Geller shared the following thoughts about Williams with TALKERS, “Bruce influenced my career. In the early days he kindly and generously spent time encouraging me. This man was the original radio late night ‘companion, personality and expert…’ helping thousands of listeners with personal advice, business advice and more importantly, being a ‘friend in the night.’ A powerful storyteller and powerful communicator, we have lost a true talent.”

More on the Great Bruce Williams. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents the profile piece he did on Bruce Williams years ago while writing for Inside Radio. In the piece, Williams is very frank about the success he achieved in the talk radio business and talks openly about the ups and downs he experienced in radio. Williams told Kinosian at the time, “I don’t know many people who’ve been successful who haven’t also failed. We’re blessed to be in a society where failure isn’t a condemnation.” Read this insightful piece here.

Monday Memo: PPM Myths Debunked. Consultant Holland Cooke presents this week’s Monday Memo in which he offers some advice on station identification and keeping listeners in order to maximize ratings. In some circles, post-PPM thought was that the meter diminished – or even eliminated! – the need to say the calls/frequency because now the meter registered “true” listening. Cooke says there are still very good reasons to ID the station. Read his memo on this matter here.

WLS-AM, Chicago Program Director Peter Bolger to Retire. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, five-year WLS-AM operations manager and program director Peter Bolger announces he’s retiring from the station and the radio business, effective March 15. There is no predestined successor to Bolger. Cumulus Media Chicago vice president and market manager Marv Nyren says, “I cannot begin to tell you how appreciative I am for all that Peter has done for this station over the years and the recent rebuild of the on-air lineup. I can only thank him for all he’s done and wish him the best as he enjoys life. With many years in radio…he has been a proponent of our medium and we will miss his calm personality and talent in the hallways.” As Feder notes, the last five years have seen a lot of change at the venerable AM signal and there’s nowhere else to go but up for struggling news/talker. Read Feder’s thoughts on the matter here

Raj Sharan Rises to Program Bonneville’s Denver Sports Talk Duo. Assistant program director and executive producer Raj Sharan is promoted to program director for Bonneville’s Denver sports talk stations KKFN-FM “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” and KEPN-AM “ESPN Denver 1600,” effective immediately. The PD position opened after Armen Williams joined Entercom’s sports talk KILT-AM, Houston. Bonneville Denver VP/market manager Bob Call states, “I couldn’t be happier to give Raj the opportunity to program Denver’s biggest sports brand, ‘104.3 The Fan.’ Raj has a natural leadership quality that is apparent the moment you meet him. His creativity, superb coaching skills, and knowledge of winning sports content makes him the perfect choice to lead ‘104.3 The Fan’ into the future.”

Chris Ganoudis to Lead Curtis Media’s Raleigh News/Talk and Oldies Duo. Moving from JVC Broadcasting’s Orlando operations to Curtis Media Group’s Raleigh offices is radio sales and management pro Chris Ganoudis. He assumes the general manager position for the company’s news/talk WPTF, oldies WPTK-AM/W284CP “Just Right Radio,” and Triangle Traffic Network. Curtis Media Group president/COO, Trip Savery comments, “I am very pleased to welcome Chris to North Carolina and Curtis Media Group. Chris brings a proven track record of success and is a great addition to our Raleigh management team. I am confident he will lead these brands to even greater success.”

Entercom Launches Digital Sports Platform ‘Radio.com Sports.’ A new digital sports platform is being unveiled by Entercom called RADIO.COM Sports. Entercom says this will serve “to magnify the company’s unmatched local business to a more prominent national scale in order to better serve its listeners and advertisers. RADIO.COM Sports will sit atop Entercom’s deep roster of leading local sports stations and will also be fully integrated into RADIO.COM.” Entercom president of sports Mike Dee adds, “RADIO.COM Sports is a strategic initiative to further elevate our existing portfolio of local brands and personalities and provide a more robust and unified experience for fans coast to coast. The platform also offers our advertisers an efficient way to tap into Entercom’s scale and multiplatform content.” As part of the launch, RADIO.COM Sports will kick off its RADIO.COM Sports Insiders program, a network of experts across all major sports who will make appearances on Entercom sports stations nationwide to provide insight and commentary. This premium content will also be available on demand. Sports Insiders will include Joe Girardi, former Major League Baseball player, manager and current analyst for the MLB Network; Ross Tucker, former National Football League offensive lineman and current national sports broadcaster; Bob Nightengale, USA Today MLB columnist; Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com NFL columnist; Armando Salguero, Miami Herald sports columnist; as well as others who will soon be added. Dee says, “We are going to be aggressive to expand our depth chart of new talent as well as use our existing stars in new ways on multiple distribution channels outside of their home market, and in many cases, on our expanding digital and editorial platforms.” Entercom inks Mercedes-Benz as its launch partner.

Beasley Reveals Q4 2018 and Full-Year Financial Data; Pro Forma Net Revenue Up 9.9%. The fourth quarter and 2018 full-year financial report for Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc indicates net revenue for Q4 was $75.6 million, an increase of 29.1%. For all of 2018, net revenue was $257.5 million, an increase of 10.3% over 2017. These numbers reflect the sale of Beasley’s six-station Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville cluster, the exchange of WMJX-FM and $12 million for sports talk WBZ-FM in Boston, and the acquisition of country WXTU-FM, Philadelphia from Entercom. The company’s pro forma net revenue cited here reflects the operations and results from WBZ-FM in the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2018 and WMJX-FM in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017, prior to its divestiture. The results also reflect a full quarter’s contribution from WXTU-FM in the three months ended December 31, 2018 and approximately five months of contribution from WXTU-FM in the 12 months ended December 31, 2018 and four months of contribution from the Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville stations in the 12-month period ended December 31, 2017. Beasley’s pro forma net revenue for Q4 was up 9.4%. For the full year of 2018, pro forma net revenue was $263.5 million, an increase of 4.7% over 2017. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Our record 2018 fourth quarter and full-year revenue and strong operating results, despite the benefit of non-cash transaction related and tax items in the 2017 period, highlight the value being created as we execute strategies to expand our scale, diversify our revenue mix, and leverage the value of our local brands in our core and ancillary verticals. Actual fourth quarter revenue rose by 29.1% on a year-over-year basis driven by net revenue increases at 10 of our clusters, recent acquisitions and station swaps and approximately $3.9 million of fourth quarter gross political revenue. While we remain focused on diversifying our operating base, our fourth quarter pro-forma revenue rose an impressive 9.9%. Fourth quarter net income declined from 2017 levels solely because of gains and tax benefits in the year-ago period that did not recur in the 2018 fourth quarter.”

Jeff Foxworthy Visits Old Pal Jim Villanucci on ‘101.7 The Team’ in Albuquerque. Pictured above is comic Jeff Foxworthy with afternoon drive talk show host Jim Villanucci at Team Broadcasting’s sports talk KQTM-FM, “101.7 The Team” studios. Foxworthy is an old friend of Villanucci’s from the stand-up circuit and stopped by to chat on Villanucci’s radio show while appearing in the Albuquerque area. Pictured above are (from l-r): Villanucci, Foxworthy, show special correspondent Sam Hauser, and show producer Robert Maler. Hauser is new to Villanucci’s show, officially joining today as special correspondent from his most recent gig with Alpha Media’s Austin, Minnesota station group where he managed the sports department at its news/talk outlet for three years.

Border Wall Battle, New Government Shutdown, Warren in Iowa/2020 Presidential Hopefuls, Ilhan Omar Anti-Israel Statements, Virginia Political Chaos, Venezuela Unrest, Grammy Awards, Alliance of American Football Debut, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The political battle over President Trump’s plan for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border; the threat of another federal government shutdown; Senator Elizabeth Warren announces presidential campaign and the related story of the Democratic field of contenders; the flap over Muslim U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s accusation AIPAC buys off U.S. politicians to support Israel; the political chaos in Virginia over the blackface scandals involving Governor Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring and the sexual assault accusation against Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax; the unstable political situation in Venezuela; Sunday night’s Grammy Awards show; the debut of the Alliance of American Football league; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

SEAN HANNITY TO KEYNOTE: 2019 Talkers Convention Set for NYC. The 22^nd annual installment of the longest-running, most-important national talk media convention has been set for Friday, June 7, 2019 in New York City. Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will take place at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. It has just been confirmed that Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel superstar Sean Hannity will reprise his long-standing role as the morning breakfast host and kickoff speaker for this convention. Hannity will be joined by TALKERS founder Michael Harrison in the event’s annual one-on-one opening keynote conversation. The rest of the stellar agenda of speakers and sessions will begin to be announced next week. The conference will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology as well as the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing modern-day talk broadcasters and broadcasting organizations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, one-on-one conversations and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch, and a closing cocktail reception — all in a single, power-packed day! Full agenda details, speaker roster and hotel information will be posted in TALKERS during the days and weeks ahead. As is customary with TALKERS conventions, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story 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. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To take advantage of the hotel discount available to TALKERS convention attendees, contact the Hilton Fashion District Hotel located directly across the street from the venue at 152 W. 26th St, New York, NY 10001 by clicking here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new rock outlet debuts in Columbus as iHeartMedia flips WXZX-FM from sports talk to classic rock as “105.7 The Brew, The New Generation of Classic Rock.” iHeartMedia Columbus VP of programming Michael McCoy says the station’s playlist will focus on rock from the 80s into the 2000s, including songs from core artists such as AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Tom Petty, Soundgarden, Van Halen, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N’ Roses. The station is bringing Columbus radio personalities Mark Blazor and DaveMan aboard. McCoy says, “We are excited to offer a unique station for Columbus’ rock listeners. The Brew’s mission is to provide one great rock song after another and that’s why we call it the new generation of Classic Rock.”…..Programmer Randy Hawke is promoted to vice president of programming at Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s Madison, Wisconsin cluster. He’s been serving as PD for rock WJJO and OM for the cluster that includes rhythmic CHR WJQM “93.1 Jamz,” alternative WRIS “106.7 The Resistance,” and sports talk WOZN. In this new role, he’ll serve as PD for adult contemporary WMGM “Magic 98,” country WWQM “Q106,” and classic country WHIT “Hank.” At the same time, the company ups APD/MD Jennifer “Ski” Crowell to program director for WJJO…..On-air pro Bill Mitchell adds to his morning gig on Magnum Media’s country WMBZ, West Bend, Wisconsin by also handling the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show at the company’s country WVTY, Racine, Wisconsin. Magnum Media owner Dave Magnum says, “Factoring in market-wide remote broadcasts and promotions, we wanted some personality cross pollination between ‘Buzz Country’ and ‘VTY Country.’ With [morning host] Mitch Morgan and Bill Mitchell on both stations, we’ve achieved that objective.”…..A number of staff changes take place at Griffin Communications’ Tulsa cluster. First, Dave “Wavy Davy” Michaels joins the company as PD and afternoon personality at classic hits KBEZ “92.9 The Drive.” Wavy Davy comes from Cox Media Group’s crosstown classic rock KJSR “103.3 The Eagle.” Second, Tanner Messer is promoted to host of the afternoon drive shift at classic country KXBL “Big Country 99.5” and the evening jock at country KVOO. Finally, Nikki Reid is now host of afternoons on KVOO and night jock at CHR KHTT “K-HITS 106.9.”…..Pictured below is the staff of rhythmic oldies XHRM, San Diego “Magic 92.5” bestowing the first-ever “Magic 92.5 Lifetime Achievement Award” to radio legend Art Laboe. The award recognizes Laboe’s many achievements over his legendary 75-year radio broadcasting career and was presented in front of an audience of more than 6,000 people at the station’s 2019 Valentine’s Super Love Jam concert on February 9. Pictured (from l-r) are: Magic 92.5’s Greg Mack, Rick Nuhn, Xavier “The X-Man,” R Dub!, Laboe, Jagger & Kristi, Sheryl Love, Hurricane Andrew, Jammin’ Jay Michaels, Kelly Cole, and Billy Blast. Photo: Alan Hess

Thursday, January 31, 2019

TALKERS | January 31, 2019

PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk. The annual Holiday PPM survey is generally not kind to spoken-word formats and sports talk took a hit to the chin as just 26% of stations saw their weekly, 6+ AQH share increase and 62% went down. However, comparing Holiday 2017 to Holiday 2018, 57% of stations improved, led by Entercom’s WJFK-FM, Washington (+1.4) and WKRK, Cleveland (+1.2), and RadiOhio’s WBNS-FM, Columbus (+1.1). Two sports talk stations ranked in the top three in their respective markets during the Holiday 2018 survey – Entercom’s WIP, Philadelphia at #2 with a 7.1 share and Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” at #3 with 5.6 share. See the whole report here.

Cumulus Names Steve Finateri to Lead Detroit Cluster. Director of sales Steve Finateri is promoted to vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media’s Detroit station group that includes heritage news/talker WJR, country WDRQ, CHR WDVD, and classic country WDRQ-HD2. Finateri joined Cumulus in 2006 as national sales manager for WJR and transitioned to local sales manager for the station in 2008. Finateri says, “It’s a privilege and an honor to represent such an elite team of media professionals. Our Cumulus Detroit radio stations reach over 1.6 million listeners weekly, delivering over 42% of Metro Detroit’s total population, even more when you include WJR’s booming regional signal that adds significant listenership throughout Michigan. Cumulus Detroit has Michigan’s most well-known and beloved radio personalities and is the home of the Detroit Lions Radio Network and flagship for Michigan State University football and basketball. Those assets, coupled with Cumulus Media’s robust suite of sophisticated digital offerings, give us all the horsepower we need to be the one-stop shop for effective marketing campaigns for our customers who range from local businesses on up to Michigan’s largest companies.”

Kim Martinez Elevated to SVP/Market Manager for Entercom Portland. Media sales pro Kim Martinez is named senior vice president and market manager for Entercom’s Portland, Oregon station group that includes sports talk outlets KFXX “1080 The Fan” and KMTT “910 ESPN” plus seven music brands. Martinez was most recently vice president of digital sales for the company. She says, “It is such a great time to be in radio, the number one reach medium in the U.S. I’m looking forward to joining this team and to be associated with these incredible brands that make a positive impact on the Portland community every day.”

John Boehner No Fan of Talk Radio. Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) told the Caxambas Republican Club of Marco Island, Florida that the recent federal government shutdown was caused by Republicans in Congress who listen to talk radio. According to a report in The Hill, Boehner was speaking to the group on Monday (1/28) when he called accused “talk radio people” of influencing legislators – “goofballs on the right” – who agreed to President Trump’s demand for $5 billion for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. He went on to say, “When I was looking for legislative strategy, the last place I looked was talk radio. The second last place I looked was the knucklehead caucus, who don’t know how to vote ‘yes’ on anything. They did the president a total disservice.”

SiriusXM 2018 Q4 Revenue Up 7%. Fourth quarter 2018 and full-year financial data for SiriusXM has been released and the satellite radio company announces it hit record revenue of $1.5 billion in Q4 and $5.8 billion for the year – increases of 7% and 6% respectively. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $251 million, compared to the loss of $37 million the company reported in Q4 of 2017. Net income for 2018 was $1.2 billion, up from $648 million for all of 2017. SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer says, “SiriusXM had a strong finish to 2018, a year that saw our ninth consecutive year of one-million-plus net subscriber adds and our lowest full-year churn rate in the past decade. We have set even more ambitious goals for the company to continue growing in 2019. In addition, we were pleased that yesterday Pandora’s stockholders voted in favor of our proposed merger and expect to close the transaction shortly.”

THE TALKERS INTERVIEW: A Conversation with ‘Our American Stories’ Founder and Host, Lee Habeeb. A longtime radio innovator, Salem Radio Network VP/content Lee Habeeb longed to create something new and different for commercial news/talk radio listeners – a show that would tell stories about American life. They would be stories about our nation’s past and present including sports, the arts, business, innovation, science and everything in-between. It would be a show that would tell the story of America to Americans. “This is a great country precisely because it is a good country,” Habeeb tells TALKERS. “The American people are longing for programming that’s positive, beautiful and good to lift their spirits, and tell the story of the country we all love – because the schools and colleges sure as heck aren’t doing it. And radio will attract a whole bunch of new listeners if we do it right.” Thanks to some significant donor support, and the blessing of his bosses at Salem, Habeeb founded American Private Radio (APR), an independent non-profit alternative to National Public Radio (NPR). APR’s debut show is, by all accounts, doing it right – at least if its impressive growth is any indication. Titled “Our American Stories,” the innovative program debuted on two stations in 2015 and recently passed the 170-affiliate mark, recently announcing some big new additions, including daily slots on KABC, Los Angeles and WHO, Des Moines. It is a meticulously produced show, with a wide range of subjects targeted to a wide audience. It is designed, according to Habeeb, to reach Americans who long for a show to reinforce their values and beliefs. However, he seeks to accomplish this “without all the debate and anger that political debates engender and without the pretentiousness and elitism of public radio.” It is also designed to be a safe space for advertisers to wrap their brand around and be extremely business friendly. “It is entrepreneurs who built the country, who employ people, and generate the taxes that help pay our teachers, police and our safety net,” Habeeb adds. “We celebrate our entrepreneurs, old and new, and their risk taking and their spirit on our show. American life is unimaginable without them.” TALKERS caught up with Habeeb to talk about the show we believe will be one of the big break-out hits of 2019. To read the entire TALKERS interview with Lee Habeeb conducted by Michael Harrison, please click here.

TALKERS News Notes. A new iHeartRadio Original Podcast is launched titled, “Sore Losers,” featuring The Bobby Bones Show’s Lunchbox, Eddie, and Ray. Premiere Networks says the new show is part of Bobby Bones’ Nashville Podcast Network. It’s a daily podcast featuring the trio of 30-something friends as they discuss all things sports. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “Lunchbox, Eddie, and Ray give listeners a front-row seat to real, and often hilarious, conversations among friends who have at least one thing in common – their love of sports. We’re excited to have this fun and relatable podcast as part of our entertaining and diverse roster of audio content.”…..Beasley Media Group adds the “TwistedPhilly” podcast to its bPod Studios platform. The program was created and is hosted by Deana Marie in which she “uncovers bone-chilling tales of mischief, mayhem, and nefarious goings on in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.” The podcast has a growing listenership that has it rapidly approaching one million downloads to date…..TM Studios announces that Dave Bethell joins the company as creative director/new business development and Chris Stevens comes aboard as vice president, affiliate management. The company says these moves “play into a new affiliation strategy for jingles at TM, where creative staff will be directly involved with clients from the beginning of the affiliation process.” TM Studios general manager and vice president of creative Greg Clancy says, “Both of these guys truly understand the art of sung jingles and they know that jingles are the most effective branding tools on the radio. These moves ensure that programmers are given VIP treatment in their search for the perfect sounds for their stations. Our creatives will be involved in every step of the process.”…..SiriusXM welcomes PGA Tour pro Brad Faxon to its PGA Tour Radio channel where he’ll debut his new show, “Just the Fax,” on February 4…..TALKERS sends condolences to the family and friends of Chuck Edwards, who died recently at age 49. Edwards was the creative services director at Alpha Media’s Biloxi-Gulfport cluster and also served as the stadium voice of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Trump Attacks Intel Chiefs, Trump-Russia Investigation, Midwest Record Cold, Virginia Abortion Bill Controversy, 2020 Presidential Candidates, Christie Book, Venezuela Unrest, and Super Bowl LIII Build-Up Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/30). The criticism of U.S. military intelligence chiefs on North Korean and Iran by President Trump; the indictment of Trump adviser Roger Stone and the Robert Mueller-led Trump-Russia investigation; the record cold affecting much of the U.S. Midwest; the controversial Virginia late-term abortion bill; the candidates for president in 2020; former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s new book, Let Me Finish; the political unrest in Venezuela; and the build-up to Super Bowl LIII were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Veteran Talk Programmer and Communications Professor David Bernstein Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most seasoned radio programmers in the industry, David Bernstein, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Bernstein, who’s programmed such heritage outlets as WOR, New York; WRKO and WBZ-AM, Boston; WTIC-AM, Hartford; and WPRO-AM, Providence, is currently the general manager of TALKERS magazine’s experimental radio showcase TalkersRadio and has been serving as a professor in the Department of Communication at Caldwell University in New Jersey for the past three years. Harrison and Bernstein engage in an informal chat about his view of our changing society from the front-line perspective of teaching a college communications class. Check it out! To listen to the podcast in its entirety please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and every page on Talkers.com.

PLAN AHEAD, DON’T BE SHUT OUT! 2019 Talkers Convention Set for NYC. The 22^nd annual installment of the longest-running, most-important national talk media convention has been set for Friday, June 7, 2019 in New York City. Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will take place at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. The conference will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology as well as the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing modern-day talk broadcasters and broadcasting organizations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, one-on-one conversations and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch, and a closing cocktail reception — all in a single, power-packed day! Full agenda details, speaker roster and hotel information will be posted in TALKERS during the days and weeks ahead. As is customary with TALKERS conventions, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story 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. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To take advantage of the hotel discount available to TALKERS convention attendees, contact the Hilton Fashion District Hotel located directly across the street from the venue at 152 W. 26th St, New York, NY 10001 by clicking here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Former WARH, St. Louis “The Arch” morning personality Spencer Graves is joining Atlanta’s country WUBL “94.9 The Bull” to co-host mornings with current morning personality Kristen Gates. Graves takes over for Jason Pullman, who recently exited “The Bull.”…..Programmer and music industry pro Willobee Carlan joins Colorado Public Radio’s triple A OpenAir format as program director. The format is currently heard on stations and translators in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and more than a dozen other signals across the state. Carlan was most recently with Nevada Public Radio’s KVNV, Sun Valley, Nevada “NV89.” CPR president and CEO Stewart Vanderwilt says, “We are thrilled to welcome Willobee as OpenAir’s next leader and begin a new chapter in the station’s ongoing development. Music discovery is an essential part of the Colorado experience and likewise CPR’s service. We’re confident Willobee’s experience and leadership will help elevate OpenAir and the distinct mix of new, independent and local music important to Colorado.”…..Mid-West Family Broadcasting launches a new classic rock station in the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, Michigan market on WQLQ-HD2 and translator W239CJ branded as “95.7 The Lake.” Director of programming and content Bill Gamble is quoted in a story by sister news/talk station WSJM-FM saying, “One of the things when we decided to put this radio station together is we didn’t want to make it like every other radio station across the country. There’s 50 years-plus of great rock music and a lot of it doesn’t get played on the radio.”…..Starlite Broadcasting agrees to buy hot AC KLTG-FM, Corpus Christi and country KHLB-FM, Mason, Texas from Tejas Broadcasting for $600,000. Media Services Group represented the seller.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

TALKERS | March 29, 2018

Don Imus Says ‘Good-Bye’ to Listeners After 50 Years On-Air. Today (3/29) was the last live “Imus in the Morning” program on WABC, New York. Don Imus served up an emotional monologue as only he could do, then left the broadcast booth and let “best-of” Imus show segments play for the rest of the morning. Imus was forced into an early retirement by Cumulus Media’s need to cut costs as it moves through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. He said, “I know in my heart there’s been nobody ever better on the radio than me. I mean that. I’m telling you how it is. Nobody ever did this. Nobody. But, it wasn’t me who did this. I’m gonna miss you. Because you were the one – and I don’t know who ‘you’ is – I always thought and still think I was always talking to one person. I didn’t know if you were male or female, I just knew there was one person that I talked to and that would listen to me…I know you’re going to miss me, but you have no idea how much I’m gonna miss you.”

Ben Shapiro Returns to Radio with Westwood One-Distributed Daily Podcast. Conservative media star Ben Shapiro says, “The Daily Wire and Westwood One are doing something unprecedented; we’re launching the first podcast-to-talk-radio transition ever. And we’re doing it in five of the top 10 DMA markets in the country, which is amazing in and of itself — no show launches with this constellation of stations. We already have an enormous digital audience and we can’t wait to extend that audience to more traditional platforms.” Cumulus Media-owned stations WABC, New York; KABC-AM, Los Angeles; WLS-AM, Chicago; WMAL-AM/FM, Washington; WYAY-FM, Atlanta and KKAT, Salt Lake City will air the program, as well as Bonneville‘s KTTH, Seattle (where Shapiro previously hosted his own talk radio show). WLS-AM will air the program nightly from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. In New York, the show replaces the Curtis Sliwa-hosted “The Drive at Five” program at 5:00 pm ET. WABC program director Craig Schwalb tells staff in a memo, “Curtis has held down the ‘Drive at Five’ for about two years and has done a magnificent job making that hour a strong round-up of the news of the day with the Curtis touch. And yet, we have been given the opportunity to air one of the hottest commentators in the country in Ben Shapiro. To say that he has hit the podcast world by storm would be an understatement. Everyday, he is one of the top podcasters in any genre, ranking in the top 10 or top 15. It’s for a reason. He is brilliant, informative, and opinionated. This podcast to broadcast is in the perfect spot between Savage and Levin.”

Curtis Sliwa to Appear at WLS-AM-Sponsored Screening of Vigilante. Speaking of New York City icon Curtis Sliwa, he is in Chicago today for tonight’s appearance at the Chicago premiere of the Guardian Angel’s film Vigilante at the NBC Tower. The event is taking place at the WLS-AM 890 Sound Lounge performance theatre and is being hosted by WLS-AM morning personalities Big John Howell and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens. Sliwa will take part in a Q&A with premiere attendees. He’s hosting his WABC, New York show from Chicago today.

WABC, New York Officially Announces Chris Plante Show for Late Mornings. A couple of weeks ago TALKERS magazine reported that WABC, New York program director Craig Schwalb told the staff that WMAL-AM/FM, Washington-based talk host Chris Plante would be filling the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart when the “Bernie & Sid Show” moves to mornings on April 2. Now, the station makes that official, welcoming Plante to the lineup. The press release says the New York audience knows Plante from his work covering the U.S. military and intelligence community for CNN. Plante says his political party is “Practi-crat,” “because of my distinctly practical political leanings…As any school child knows, as a broadcaster, if you could choose one radio station in one market in the English-speaking world, it would be WABC in New York. I’m honored to join the team.”

Cumulus Media Releases Q4 2017 and Full-Year Financial Figures; Radio Group Down 3.9%. The company as a whole reports net revenue down 1.9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. Separating the radio station group from syndicator and sales arm Westwood One, the radio station group dipped 3.9% in Q4 of 2017, while Westwood One rose 2.5%. For all of 2017, Cumulus Media net revenue was basically flat at $1.13 billion; the radio group was down 1.9%; and Westwood One was up 2.8%. President and CEO Mary Berner says, “Our 2017 financial performance is a true testament to our employees’ hard work and commitment to our turnaround plan. Having also made the decision to definitively address our overleveraged balance sheet, we look forward to completing our financial restructuring and continuing our progress in the months ahead.”

Cumulus Responds to Objections to Plan of Reorganization. After Wednesday’s filing of objections to Cumulus Media’s Plan of Reorganization by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and the Cross-Holder Committee, the company issued the following statement: “Today’s objections to our Plan of Reorganization by the UCC and the Cross Holders were anticipated – they are normal parts of the restructuring process and will not impact our restructuring timeline. We look forward to emerging from the restructuring process with a stronger foundation and to continuing to execute our turnaround plan which remains on track both operationally and financially. Both objections largely reiterate statements that have already been made through the restructuring, which we believe have no merit, and we remain confident that we will successfully address these claims through the Court process.”

PPM Analysis: Public News/Talk. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s February PPM survey, today focusing on public news/talk. Comparing the January and February PPM surveys, 38% of public news/talk stations saw their 6+ AQH shares go up while 46% went down. A year-over-year comparison indicates that 54% of stations in the survey went up (6+), with 36% losing AQH share. During the February survey, two public news/talk stations – KQED, San Francisco and KOPB, Portland – ranked #1 in their respective markets. KQED also was #1 in the adjacent San Jose market. See the whole report here.

TALKERS News Notes. Boston-based New England talk show host Howie Carr just published his latest book, this one a jab at Hillary Clinton’s book of the same name, titled, What Really Happened: How Donald J. Trump Saved America from Hillary Clinton. President Trump Tweeted praise for Carr’s book. “@HowieCarrShow just wrote a book which everyone is talking about. He was a great help. He is a veteran journalist who had a great influence in NH and beyond. He calls it the most amazing political campaign of modern times. The book is called, ‘What Really Happened.’ Enjoy!”…..ESPN adds a new podcast from Bomani Jones to is slate of podcasts. “The Right Time with Bomani Jones” launches on Tuesday, April 3. New, hour-long episodes will drop each Tuesday and Thursday. Jones says, “I’m really looking forward to rebooting ‘The Right Time’ and moving it into the future. We want to do as much as we can with the flexibility of the podcast format to take what was a three-hour radio show and make it into an even better podcast. I really think the audience we served before – many of whom consumed the show digitally – will be happier with what’s next and the content will attract new listeners.”…..SiriusXM is again providing comprehensive national audio coverage of the 2018 Major League Baseball season. Subscribers can access live play-by-play of every regular season and postseason game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

Trump-Russia Investigation, Stormy Daniels Case, Kim Jong Un in China, Stevens’ Second Amendment Repeal Suggestion, Parkland Student-Ingraham Feud, California Sanctuary Cities Controversy, ‘Roseanne’ Re-Boot,’ Sacramento Unrest, the NCAA’s Final Four, NFL Rule Changes, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/28). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the suggestion by Republicans that the FBI, CIA, and the Obama Administration coordinated early in the investigation; the legal actions targeting President Trump related to the Stormy Daniels affair allegation; North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un visits Chinese President Xi Jinping; the controversy over Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens’ editorial calling for a repeal of the Second Amendment; the feud between Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg and FOX News’ Laura Ingraham; the legal battles over the California sanctuary cities policies; the success of the first episode of the “Roseanne” re-boot and Roseanne Barr’s support of President Trump; the unrest in Sacramento in the aftermath of the fatal police shooting of Stephon Clark; the NCAA Men’s tournament Final Four; free agency signings in the NFL; today’s MLB season openers; 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. In Chicago, Entercom makes changes in morning drive at CHR WBBM-FM “B96” and ousts “The J Show” with host J Niice, a.k.a. Jamar McNeil, and cast members Gabe, Shelly, and Minnie. Meanwhile, Chicago media maven Robert Feder reports that Kevin Buchar, a.k.a. DreX, is headed back to the Windy City to assume the morning daypart there…..Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM, Philadelphia is welcoming Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef Rachael Ray as keynote speaker at the station’s 2nd annual “Her Story Luncheon” on Saturday, April 14. The luncheon is being hosted by Kathy Romano, host of 95.7 BEN FM’s “Her Story” program. The Saturday morning show features dynamic women who are making a significant impact in the community…..iHeartMedia’s hip hop WKTU, New York reveals the lineup for this summer’s “KTUphoria 2018” concert at Jones Beach Theater. Performing this year will be: Dua Lipa, Ne-Yo, Charlie Puth, Enrique Iglesias, Sting & Shaggy, Pitbull and more to be announced…..Midwest Communications names Corey Schaefer brand manager for CHR KOYY, Fargo “Y94.”

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

TALKERS | March 13, 2018

iHeartMedia and Consenting Lenders Extend Deadline by 24 Hours. This is the second extension of the Forbearance Agreements between debtor iHeartMedia and the Consenting Lenders. The first was signed on March 4 and the second on March 7. This extension ends at midnight tonight (3/13). The 8-K filing with the SEC notes that “As previously disclosed, iHeartCommunications has been engaged in ongoing discussions with its stakeholders with respect to the restructuring of its capital structure. In connection with such discussions, iHeartMedia and iHeartCommunications have been working on a proposed draft restructuring support agreement and related proposed draft restructuring term sheet with advisors to groups of iHeartCommunications’ noteholders, lenders and equity holders.” One would have to assume that progress is being made toward a solution to the company’s debt problem that avoids putting it all in the hands of a bankruptcy judge. The latest term sheet still calls for the spinning off of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, new secured debt of $5.75 billion, and equity issued to holders of Term Loan Credit Facility Claims, PGN Claims, 2021 Notes Claims, Legacy Notes Claims, and various holders of Equity Interests in iHeart. See the 8-K filing here. Meanwhile, Gene Ely writes in Forbes about what possibilities exist for the future incarnation of iHeartMedia. Read that here.

Townsquare Media Releases Q4 2017 Financial Data; Net Revenue Flat. The company says its 2017 fourth quarter net revenue figure for the Local Marketing Solutions division (that includes radio) was good. Townsquare Media co-CEO Bill Wilson says, “We are pleased to announce another strong result in our Local Marketing Solutions segment, which delivered net revenue growth of 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2017, and 1.9% for the full year, despite the loss of political revenue. This was the 16th consecutive quarter of positive, organic net revenue growth for this segment of our Company. Excluding political revenue, Local Marketing Solutions net revenue increased 5.2% in the fourth quarter of 2017, our strongest quarter of the year, and 3.9% for the full year.” The Entertainment division (live events) did not perform well in either Q4 or the year as a whole. Fourth quarter 2017 Entertainment net revenue was down 17.4% and, for the year, was down 8.6%. Townsquare did repay $6.7 million of long-term debt.

WEEO, Chambersburg-Hagerstown Unveils ‘Live Eye in the Sky.’ Pictured above is Magnum Broadcasting general manager Patrick Ryan launching WEEO, Chambersburg-Hagerstown’s new drone, “The Live Eye in The Sky.” Ryan says “NEWS TALK 1037 FM” is using the drone to fly over Tri-State events and provide play-by-play sound on air and video on Facebook Live. “Forget cutting edge, we’re cutting through the skies and on air with news events, community activities, business celebrations and more. As far as we know, it’s the first of its kind combination of live radio and live social media!”

Mark Levin Interviews Netanyahu on ‘Life, Liberty & Levin.’ Talk media star Mark Levin – nationally syndicated on radio via Westwood One – is pictured above (left) on Sunday’s FOX News Channel program, “Life, Liberty & Levin,” interviewing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) during Netanyahu’s visit to America.

Trump-Russia Investigation, Stormy Daniels Case, Kudlow Trump’s Economic Adviser Choice, PA House Race, Trump PA Rally, O.J. Simpson Interview, Black Panther/A Wrinkle in Time, March Madness, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/12). The House Intelligence Committee issues statement denying Trump campaign-Russia collusion in 2016 election; Donald Trump’s lawyers’ battle to keep porn star Stormy Daniels’ “60 Minutes” interview from airing; CNBC host and former Wall Street economist Larry Kudlow named Trump’s choice for economic adviser; the close special election race between Democrat Conor Lamb and Republican Rick Saccone in Pennsylvania; the 2006 O.J. Simpson interview that was aired by FOX TV over the weekend; the Black Panther and A Wrinkle in Time films; the NCAA tournament bracket; and NBA action were some of the most-talked about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS magazine’s 2018 “100 Most Important Sports Talk Radio Hosts in America” to Be Published Tomorrow (3/14). This year’s edition of the “100 Most Important Sports Talk Radio Hosts in America” – also known as the Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk Radio – will be the sixth edition of this list. It is compiled by the editors of TALKERS magazine with input from industry leaders based on a number of hard factors, such as ratings and revenue, as well as soft factors including impact, recognition, and talent. This annual list makes no distinction between local personalities or nationally syndicated hosts – the requisite being that the host, duo, or team is working on a regularly scheduled show on a terrestrial radio station or on satellite radio at the time of the list’s publication. TALKERS magazine will publish the 2018 list tomorrow (March 14) at 12:00 noon EDT.

KHTE, Little Rock’s Dave Elswick Broadcasts from Branson. Little Rock talk show host Dave Elswick – afternoon drive host on Salem Media Group’s news/talk KHTE, Little Rock “96.5 FM The Answer” – is pictured above broadcasting live from Sight and Sound in Branson Missouri for the grand opening of the musical production of Samson.

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media personality William J. Kelly, a.k.a. Citizen Kelly, is returning to Evanston Broadcasting’s WCGO, Chicago to host “The Citizen Kelly Show” from 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight, effective March 19. Kelly says, “The Citizen Kelly radio empire is not only growing but thriving. We do Chicago TV and radio successfully because we are from Chicago, we know Chicago people, we know Chicago attitudes, and we know Chicago humor, unlike these failed, bankrupt radio stations with their fake personalities and forced laughter.” Kelly is a frequent contributor to the Daily Caller, Newsmax, and the Washington Times…..Curtis Media Group’s WPTF, Raleigh announces program schedule changes that include the addition of Radio America’s Dana Loesch program and FOX News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade show. Loesch’s show is taking over the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm slot and Kilmeade’s show airs live from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. The Raleigh News Observer quotes Curtis VP of news and information programming Rick Martinez saying there will be more news programming, including from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm with Scott Briggaman, as well as the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm show hosted by Martinez and his wife, Donna…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that changes are coming to Entercom’s sports talk WSCR “The Score,” including the exit of Jason Goff from the afternoon show and a possible return to the station of Dan McNeil, partnered with Dan Bernstein. McNeil left “The Score” back in 2014, subsequently co-hosted mornings on classic rock WDRV, and recently returned to WSCR to host a Sunday morning show…..Fishnet Syndication is named to handle marketing and advertising sales for USA Radio Network, effective immediately. In October 2015, Anthem Broadcasting acquired the USA Radio Network. Anthem Broadcasting LLC, is a subsidiary of the Phoenix-based media company Liftable Media Inc…..In the aftermath of Sunday’s airing of “O.J. Simpson: The Lost Confession?” on FOX TV, publisher Judith Regan spoke exclusively to several Cumulus Media radio stations, including WMAL-AM/FM, Washington; WLS-AM, Chicago; WYAY-AM, Atlanta; WABC-AM, New York; WPRO-AM, Providence; WJR-AM, Detroit; KABC-AM, Los Angeles; KGO-AM, San Francisco; KMJ-AM, Fresno; and WWTN-AM, Nashville. Regan told WYAY’s Shannon Burke Simpson showed “not a speck” of remose, adding, “I think he’s a psychopath and he has no conscience.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Alt rock KROQ, Los Angeles announces Miles Anzaldo is joining the station to serve as music director. Entercom SVP and market manager Jeff Federman says, “After an extensive search for the next music director, I am beyond thrilled to welcome Miles Anzaldo to KROQ. Miles grew up in the music and radio business in Southern California and is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about our business. His understanding of digital and social content will certainly help the station continue to expand beyond broadcast.”…..In Kansas City, Cumulus Media names air personality Dave Fogel midday jock at classic hits KCMO-FM. Fogel, who most recently was in Chicago at WJMK and WLS-FM, started his radio career at KMXV, Kansas City. He is the son of Kansas City television legend Jerry Fogel. KCMO-FM program director Joe Russo comments, “Dave is a superstar and a Kansas City guy through and through.”…..Local Media San Diego brings “The Moug Show” to alternative XETRA, San Diego “91X.” Program hosts John Moug and Jared Dey – most recently with CHR KLUC, Las Vegas – join XETRA’s Danielle for the new show…..Woodward Radio Group agrees to acquire CHR WBJZ, Berlin, Wisconsin “B104” from Caxambas Corporation. Woodward general manager Kelly Radandt states, “This additional signal will fit nicely into our long-term strategic goals for our radio division. It will also allow us to better serve our Northeast Wisconsin communities.”…..YEA Networks is launching the national syndication of “Tino Cochino Radio.” The program is hosted by Tino Cochino, co-host Milli Rodriguez.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

TALKERS | March 8, 2018

iHeartMedia and Lenders Buy a Little More Time. The deadline for the Forbearance Agreement signed on Sunday was last night at midnight. Prior to that deadline however, iHeartMedia and the Consenting Lenders agreed to extend the term of that Forbearance Agreement to next Monday (3/12) at midnight CT. iHeartMedia – seeking to find a long-term solution to its $20 billion debt problem – is past the grace period and, without the Forbearance Agreement, would be in default on a missed $106 million payment on 14% Senior Notes. That default would likely trigger bankruptcy for iHM, but clearly the group of senior creditors are trying to find a way to avoid putting the fate of the company in the hands of a bankruptcy judge. This extension leads some analysts to conclude that some progress is being made toward that end.

Entercom Releases Q4 2017 Financial News. This is the first quarterly report for Entercom Communications Corp. that includes results of the CBS RADIO stations. The merger closed on November 17, 2017. Remember that Entercom issued 101,407,494 Class A shares to former shareholders of CBS Corporation who participated in the exchange. Net revenue for Q4 2017 was $246.6 million, compared to $124.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. “Operating income for the quarter was a loss of $2.3 million, which was negatively impacted by $36 million of merger, restructuring, impairment and financing costs. This compared to operating income of $30 million in the fourth quarter of 2016…adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $45 million, compared to $35.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.” The company reports that as of December 31, 2017, it had outstanding $1.4 billion of senior debt under its credit facilities and $400 million in senior notes and $34.2 million in cash on hand. Entercom president and CEO David Field comments, “We are making excellent progress toward our goals of capitalizing on our transformational merger and building a truly outstanding media and entertainment company. As the country’s #1 creator of live, original, local audio content and with a premier collection of outstanding local radio stations, digital platforms and live events, we have the scale and capabilities to compete more effectively with other media for a larger share of ad dollars. We are off to a great start executing our game plan with important achievements in a number of areas including building a best-in-class leadership team and culture, growing our brands and ratings, executing our synergies, launching new sales tools and advocacy, and much more. We are very pleased with our progress and more excited than ever about the needle-moving opportunities ahead.”

Unsecured Creditors Challenge Cumulus Media’s Executive Bonus Structure. A group of Unsecured Creditors – the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Cumulus Media – is formally objecting to Cumulus Media’s executive bonus program in a filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In the filing, the Committee says, “the Debtors seek authorization to pay millions of dollars in supplemental ‘incentive’ compensation to highly compensated senior executives during an expedited chapter 11 process that, if the Debtors prevail at confirmation, will result in the unsecured creditors of these estates receiving pennies on the dollar. These executives have already received millions in prepetition ‘incentive’ compensation payments (indeed, the Debtors’ CEO has already received over two million dollars in supplemental 2017 incentive payments and is scheduled to receive at least an additional [amount redacted] if the Motion is approved) and stand to benefit from a very robust Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”) to be implemented upon the Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy. Moreover, the Debtors seek authorization to implement not one, but two allegedly incentivizing and wholly overlapping programs that both contemplate quarterly cash payments payable upon achievement of the exact same targets and metrics in order to “properly incentivize” those members of management who already stand to gain a substantial economic benefit from obtaining confirmation of the plan and thus implementation of the MIP.” The Committee says the incentive program cannot be allowed and cites three aspects of the U.S. Bankruptcy code that it believes backs its case.

Morning Drive Talk Host Angie Austin Announces Distributor and Rep for New Show. Talk show host Angie Austin – who previously hosted the “Daybreak USA” program on USA Radio Network – has re-branded her program “The Angie Austin Show” and it’s set to be delivered to affiliate stations via Genesis Communications Network with The Show Must Go On! repping the program. Mike Opelka co-hosts the show that is delivered live from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET. A presser says the show will debut in seven markets.

Judge Cites Lack of Evidence in Complaint Against WGAC, Augusta Talk Host Austin Rhodes. After a complaint from local businessman Joe Mullins suggesting that WGAC, Augusta, Georgia talk host Austin Rhodes’ words on his radio show caused him to become concerned for the safety of himself and his family, a judge has ruled that there is not enough evidence to suggest a crime may have been committed. According to a report by WJBF-TV, Mullins complained to authorities that Rhodes compared him to a snake on his February 27 broadcast and said, “Snakes have to be dispatched or killed.” The story notes that local police listened to a recording of the entire segment provided by Mullins but concluded that there was no direct threat to Mullins.

TALKERS News Notes. Rapid City, South Dakota has a new news/talk station as HomeSlice Media Group flips KKLS-AM/K248BT – both licensed to Rapid City – from classic hits to using syndicated programming. Shows on the station’s program schedule include: Dave Ramsey, Joe Pags, Westwood One’s Mark Levin, Jim Bohannon and Chris Plante, plus others. The schedule does not indicate a morning drive show, leaving open the possibility of a local program…..Entercom and PNC Bank partner to spotlight star high school lacrosse students in the Maryland community. Entercom sports talker WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” and its sister stations are taking part in the PNC Achievers program that identifies and recognizes outstanding female and male student lacrosse athletes from public and private schools across the state of Maryland for their success and leadership on and off the field. Entercom Baltimore SVP and market manager Tracy Brandys says, “At Entercom, giving back to our local communities is an important part of what we do and PNC Bank shares these values. We’re excited about this partnership that allows us to shine a light on high school athletes who display exemplary study habits, achieve excellent grades, are active volunteers in the community and mentor other students to help meet their respective goals.”…..University of Alabama Athletics and multi-media rights holder Learfield announce a five-year agreement with SummitMedia for the broadcaster to serve as the official radio home of the Crimson Tide Sports Network in Birmingham…..iHeartMedia’s alternative rock K248CU, Austin “ALT 97.5” signs a deal with MLB’s Houston Astros to serve as the ballclub’s official Austin affiliate. The station will carry all regular and post-season games.

Trump Tariffs Plan, Stormy Daniels Suit, Feds vs California, Trump Russia Investigation, Gun Control, North Korea-South Korea Talks, Russian Double Agent Poisoning, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/7). The Trump Administration’s plan for tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum and the related exit of economic adviser Gary Cohn; porn star Stormy Daniels’ suit for relief from confidentiality agreement with President Trump; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ suit against California in the sanctuary matter; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the debate over gun control and Florida’s bill to limit gun ownership to those 21 and over; the talks between North Korea and South Korea over the former’s nuclear program; the apparent poisoning of a former Russian double agent and his daughter in the U.K.; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Cool Job Opportunity. Radio management pro Harvey Wells is looking for a multi-talented operations manager for the Mid-West Family Broadcasting cluster in Springfield, Illinois. He says, “If you know a great talk/mainstream rock/talent coach/radio person, I’m looking for an operations manager to partner with me in the fine state capital of Springfield, Illinois. This is not a ‘rookie’ position. Must be able to do an airshift as well.” Contact Harvey at: hwells@mwfbmedia.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Chicago’s famed classic rocker “The Loop” isn’t going away completely. With Educational Media Foundation’s LMA of WLUP-FM (soon to have new calls WCKL-FM) to begin Saturday in advance of its purchase of the signal from Merlin Media, Cumulus Media is taking the “Loop” format (sans jocks) and moving it to the HD2 channel of alternative rock WKQX-FM. Of course, that station is also up for sale and it’s likely a buyer will swoop in on this Windy City signal sooner rather than later…..Beasley Media Group announces it is naming Jeff Kurkjian the new morning drive co-host for its country outlet KCYE, Las Vegas “102.7 The Coyote.” Kurkjian, who was most recently morning host at Entercom’s hot AC WQAL, Cleveland “Q104,” is partnering with Aimee Montgomery, who slides over to “The Coyote” from Beasley’s adult contemporary “Lite 101.5 FM.” Kurkjian says, “I am so excited to be part of the team at ‘102.7 The Coyote’ in Las Vegas. I can’t imagine doing anything but local radio. I’m looking forward to connecting every morning with the casino workers getting off third shift, the moms taking their kids to school and everyone in between. I am eager to get out and about in Las Vegas, especially coming from the frozen tundra of the Northeast!”…..iHeartMedia announces the addition of Eminem featuring Kehlani, plus N.E.R.D and G-Eazy to the program of previously announced performers for this Sunday evening’s 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards…..Entercom’s classic rock KGON, Portland enters into a multi-year agreement with The Waterfront Blues Festival. Some of the highlights of the new partnership include the return of the festival to its original radio broadcast partner and the switch of KGON-HD2 to Waterfront Blues Radio – playing blues music all day. The festival takes place July 4 through 7 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and this summer’s event marks the 31st anniversary of the festival…..Pictured below are staffers of Cumulus Media’s adult contemporary WMAS-FM, Springfield, Massachusetts and volunteers celebrating the final tally of the WMAS Radiothon benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network and Baystate Children’s Hospital. Vice president and market manager Craig Swimm says, “Extremely proud of the team as we wrap up this year’s 94.7 WMAS Radiothon — $245,367 raised over 2 days. We beat last year’s number and have raised more than $4.5 million for the Children’s Miracle Network since 2002.”

Thursday, February 8, 2018

TALKERS | February 8, 2018

Nielsen Holdings Announces Q4 Up 6.3%; Audio Ratings Sector Rises 9.2%. As a whole, Nielsen Holdings plc reports that its fourth quarter 2017 revenue was $1.76 billion, an increase of 6.3% (or 4.2% on a constant currency basis) compared to the same period in 2016. For the full year of 2017, revenue was $6.5 billion up 4.2% (or 3.8% on a constant currency basis) compared to 2016. Nielsen calls its ratings segment Watch and within that is the audio ratings business. Nielsen reports audio rating revenue was up 9.2% in Q4. Nielsen CEO Mitch Barnes states, “In Watch, we had a strong year. Our teams were relentless in their efforts to enhance our Total Audience Measurement system and drive client adoption across all of its components. As the market further evolves due to ongoing media fragmentation, Total Audience Measurement will serve as the foundation for our future, providing the measurement capability, scale, and flexibility necessary to best meet our clients’ needs.”

Talk Host Paul Harris to Do ‘Last Show’ Tomorrow on KTRS, St. Louis. For the past five years, talk radio pro Paul Harris has been doing the Friday afternoon show on KTRS, St. Louis. But, that gig will wrap tomorrow (2/9) as former KYKY, St. Louis morning personality Guy Phillips will take over the afternoon drive show (Frank O. Pinion exited the Monday through Thursday role last fall). Harris says he was offered the gig but does not want to work full time. He says, “Having done this for my entire adult life, I know the stress that comes from waking up every day and immediately thinking, ‘What am I doing to talk about today?’ It may not seem like it, but hosting and planning a well-executed, informed, entertaining radio show takes an enormous amount of preparation and brain power. Since moving into semi-retirement a few years ago — working only one or two days a week – I’ve had a lot less of that stress, and have welcomed those mornings when I didn’t have to worry about developing enough content to fill three hours of airtime.” See his full comments on his last show here.

WCTC’s Bert Baron Nabs Regular Show with NJ Speaker of the Assembly. New Brunswick, New Jersey morning host and program director Bert Baron is announcing he’s arranged to host New Jersey Assemblyman Craig Coughlin every month for a one-hour, live call-in show on Beasley Media Group’s news/talk WCTC. The show will take place the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 am, beginning February 13. Baron says, “This monthly show will serve as a platform for Speaker Coughlin to engage not only the residents of the district he was elected to serve, but also to provide real, honest information on all things Jersey politics. A Central Jersey lawmaker, appearing regularly on Central Jersey’s heritage radio station, is community synergy at its finest.”

iHeartMedia Seattle Announces Changes to KFNQ, Seattle and KHHO, Tacoma. Both stations have been sports talk outlets that complement KJR-AM, Seattle “Sports Radio 950” for iHeartMedia. Now, KHHO, Tacoma becomes “South Sound Talk 850, Tacoma’s Voice” and KFNQ re-brands from “1090 The Fan” to “1090 KJR, Seattle Sports Radio.” KHHO’s talk lineup will feature: Glenn Beck in mornings, “Armstrong and Getty” in late mornings, “The Schnitt Show” in early afternoons, “America Now with Buck Sexton” in afternoon drive, and “Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis” in evenings. KFNQ’s new lineup is: Dan Patrick in mornings, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” in late mornings, Doug Gottlieb in early afternoons, “Reiter Than You” with Bill Reiter in afternoon drive, and CBS Sports Radio programming from 7:00 pm through the overnights.

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Tribune’s WGN, Chicago is making a few changes to its weekend staffing. The station is adding Joe Brand as Saturday morning sports anchor during Lou Manfredini’s “Mr. Fixit Show” and the John Williams show. Also, the station is putting Andy Masur in the sports anchor role during the Sunday morning Dean Richards show. Feder also notes that Tribune is negotiating for the rights to Chicago White Sox baseball. But, the price is going to have to be right as WGN let the Chicago Cubs go because the station could not justify the expense…..According to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, iHeartMedia’s KFXN, Minneapolis “KFAN” is adding a new, Friday evening program hosted by Carly Zucker – wife of Minnesota Wild player Justin Zucker – called “Overtime” that will delve into the personal and philanthropic lives of professional athletes. Zucker makes regular appearances on the station’s morning program and previously hosted on the Minnesota Timberwolves Entertainment Network and reported for CBS Sports and FOX Sports North…..iHeartMedia’s WLW, Cincinnati re-ups with Learfield to continue serving as the flagship for Xavier University men’s basketball through the 2022-23 season. As part of the deal, the weekly “Chris Mack” coach’s show will air on sister sports talk WCKY. In the event of a conflict, games will air on sister news/talk WKRC.

New Budget Proposal, Pelosi Marathon Speech-Immigration Policy, Dow Activity/Bitcoin Value Swings, Trump-Russia Investigation, Trump Requests Military Parade, Trump Approval Ratings Rise, White House Aid Resigns, FBI Texts Issue, Tesla Shot into Space, Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/7). The congressional budget proposal that would add $500 billion in spending; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks for eight hours in effort to force a vote on immigration policy affecting “dreamers”; this week’s Dow activity and the related fluctuating value of Bitcoin; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives; President Trump’s request for a military parade; President Trump’s approval ratings rise; White House aide Rob Porter resigns over allegations of spousal abuse; the release of the Nunes FBI surveillance memo and the suggestion that the FBI texting scandal involved Barack Obama; Elon Musk shoots a Tesla Roadster into space with successful launch of SpaceX rocket; the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

New Jersey Ex-Governor Chris Christie Chats on ABC Radio Podcast. New Jersey ex-Governor Chris Christie (left) is pictured here with “Powerful Politics” co-host Rick Klein (right) as the two discussed the Nunes memo, the Russia investigation, the Rob Porter resignation, and more on the weekly ABC Radio podcast.

Comrex Releases New Firmware for Opal Including Support for Mac OS and Safari. Broadcasters who are also Mac users will rejoice as Comrex announces it has released a new firmware version for IP audio gateway Opal that includes native Safari support for macOS and iOS11. Comrex says that once installed, Opal serves a web page to anyone who accesses it through an Internet browser on any device with a microphone and speaker. This web page allows a user to click a button and broadcast from their computer or phone in high fidelity. High quality return audio is also provided to the guest. Prior to the release of Opal 1.1, Opal was only compatible with Chrome, Opera, Edge, and Firefox browsers. Now, Opal users can connect using Safari, making it even easier to operate for Apple users. Comrex technical director Tom Hartnett says, “Up until this point we could support iPhone users with an app. But as simple as we made it, there was still a concern that even this step was too much for some guests. Now users can connect in studio quality from their iPhone without installing anything at all.” Opal users can download firmware v.1.1 for free from the Comrex website.

Beasley Philadelphia Honors Top Account Executives. Pictured above are members of the sales staff of Beasley Media Group’s Philadelphia station group at the January 31 President’s Club Dinner. At this event, the company’s monthly Philadelphia President’s Club winners, many of whom were also annual budget achievers, were recognized by their sales managers for their outstanding performance and dedication. At the same time, account executive Steve Simons was named the 2017 Annual President’s Club Champion for his commitment to excellence and for exceeding his goals throughout the year.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Providence morning duo Paul Fuller and Al Matthews sign a new, three-year deal with iHeartMedia’s active rock WHJY. According to WHJY, this new contract will take the two through their 30-year anniversary with the station. Operations manager Rob Anthony says, “‘94HJY’ continues to dominate Southern New England and Paul and Al have always been a major factor in its success.” Program director Doug Palmieri adds, “It’s a great day for ‘HJY. I’ve known them since 1993 and to see them continue to love what they do and do it this well is truly inspirational. We’re proud to bring three more years of live, local mornings to Southern New England.”…..The syndicated “2 Guys Named Chris” show – co-hosted by Chris Kelly and Chris Demm – is added to the program schedule at Alpha Media’s alternative rock WKZQ, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The morning show is based at Dick Broadcasting’s WKRR, Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

TALKERS | May 11, 2017

Emmis Reports Fiscal Q4 Radio Revenue Down 6.6%. Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications Corporation announced financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and full-year ending February 28, 2017. Radio net revenue for the fourth fiscal quarter was $34 million, down from $36.4 million from the same period in 2016 – a decrease of 6.6%. Per Miller Kaplan reporting, which excludes barter revenues and syndication revenues, and excluding results from Los Angeles, Emmis’ fourth quarter radio revenue was down 4.8% in markets that were down 0.2%. Austin and St. Louis outperformed their markets, with St. Louis up 10% in a market that was up 1%. For the full year, radio revenue was $165.1 million, compared to $169.2 million in the prior year, a decrease of 2.4%. During the fourth quarter, Emmis closed on the sale of its Terre Haute radio cluster and the sale of Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Orange Coast magazines. The company also issued pro forma results for WEPN, New York – leased to Disney’s ESPN – the Terre Haute stations, and KPWR, Los Angeles which is being sold to Meruelo Media. The pro forma net revenue for those radio operations was $26.2 million in the fourth fiscal quarter (down 5.65% from Q4 last year) and was down just 1% for the full year on net revenue of $128.1 million. Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan says, “The decision to sell KPWR was an extremely difficult one to make, but it allows us to dramatically reduce our indebtedness, leading to much needed financial flexibility during challenging times for the U.S. radio business. Our industry needs a catalyst and we remain convinced we have it in NextRadio. The NextRadio-developed Dial Report, which provides robust data measurement and big data analytics for radio campaigns, has been a huge hit with advertisers and agencies since its introduction in January of this year.”

Saga Communications Leaves TV Biz; Buys Seven Radio Stations in Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina. This deal will deliver all of Saga’s television holdings – KAVU-TV, Victoria, Texas; KMOL-LD, KQZY-LP, KUNU-LP, KVTX-LP, KXTS-LD in Victoria; KVCT-TV, Victoria; KOAM-TV, Pittsburg, Kansas; and KFJX-TV, Pittsburg, Kansas – to Madison, Wisconsin-based Morgan Murphy Media for $66.6 million. The same day Saga files the TV sale with the FCC and SEC, it announces it has entered into an agreement with Apex Broadcasting to buy eight stations and four translators in the Charleston and Hilton Head markets for $23 million. The stations are country WCKN, hot AC WMXZ, urban contemporary WXST, adult hits WAVF, and Gospel WSPO-AM, and translators W261DG and W257BQ in the Charleston market, plus adult hits WVSC, classic hits WLHH, hot AC WALI, and translators W256CB and W293BZ in the Hilton Head/Savannah market. Saga expects this transaction to close in the third quarter of 2017.

iHeartMedia Elevates Hudson to Area President, Names McNair to NOLA Market President Post. Rising to area president for iHeartMedia’s Baton Rouge/New Orleans markets is Michael Hudson. Concurrent with that is the addition of Steve McNair to the New Orleans cluster as market president. The nine-station cluster includes news/talk WRNO-FM and sports talk WODT “FOX Sports 1280.” McNair was previously regional sales manager at Titan Broadcasting’s KUBE-TV, Houston. Prior to that, he served as the vice president of sales for CBS RADIO’s Houston operations.

WSKO, Syracuse Brings ‘Bud and the Manchild’ Back. The Cumulus Media sports talk station is announcing that the “Bud and the Manchild Radio Show” will once again be heard on its airwaves starting May 30. The independently produced show – co-hosted by retired Syracuse Post Standard sports columnist Bud Poliquin and Central New York radio and TV pro Jim “The Manchild” Lerch – will air on WSKO “The Score 1260” weekdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The program launched in 2002. It exited WSKO in 2015 and, until recently, was heard on Galaxy Communications’ crosstown WTLA. Jim Lerch states, “A change was needed to get the show back on track in terms of our core values. Cumulus Media and ‘The Score 1260’ were great partners in the past and we are very excited to join forces with them again. It was very tough leaving ‘The Score 1260’ in 2015, and we consider that decision a mistake. We are thrilled to be working with Cumulus Media once again.”

Cantore Exits ‘Mighty 1090’ in San Diego. It was a short stint at Broadcast Company of the Americas’ sports talk XEPRS, San Diego “The Mighty 1090” for longtime San Diego radio personality Chris Cantore. He joined the station early last month to host the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm show on the station. He’d most recently been with Entercom’s alternative KBZT in mornings with co-host Steven Woods. He’d also worked at KPRI and alternative XETRA “91X.” NBCSandiego.com reports the company is offering “no comment at this time.”

Trump Comey Firing Aftermath, Trump-Lavrov Meeting, W. Va. Capitol Police Arrest Reporter, GOP Health Care Plan, North Korea Threats, New Orleans Confederate Statue Removals, and MLB, NBA, and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/10). The aftermath of President Donald Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey; President Trump meets with Russian Ambassador Sergey Lavrov; the West Virginia Capitol Police arrest a reporter for asking questions of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price; the Republican plan to replace Obama’s Affordable Care Act; North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and Kim Jong Un’s allegations the U.S. tried to assassinate him; controversy over the removal of Confederate memorials in New Orleans; and MLB, NBA, and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Trump 100 Days Event Draws Full House in Sarasota. In the photo above, Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher appears on the large video screen joining fellow SRN personality Larry Elder and local hosts at last night’s sold-out “Trump’s First 100 Days Event” in Sarasota, Florida. The event was sponsored by Salem-owned stations WGUL-AM and WLSS-AM. Gallagher told the crowd, “Sarasota is Trump Country and — unlike CNN and other cable networks — the audience loudly cheered the president’s firing of FBI Director James Comey.”

1010 WINS Anchor/Reporter Gene Michaels Loses Battle with Cancer. Friends, family and co-workers are mourning the death of WINS, New York reporter and anchor Gene Michaels (Free) who died on Wednesday (5/10) at 60 after a long battle with cancer. WINS director of news and programming Ben Mevorach states, “I can’t think of a single person who crossed paths with Gene over his long and incredibly successful career who didn’t find him to be among the kindest, smartest, and gentlest of human beings. Everything he touched, everyone he met, everything he did was better because of him. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and daughter and to his entire family.” Michaels started his career in 1978 at WEJL, Scranton. He spent a decade at WALK, Long Island.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Legendary San Francisco air personality Steven Seaweed is retiring from Cumulus Media’s KSAN “The Bone 107.7” on June 30, wrapping a 44-year, on-air career. Seaweed – a Bay Area Radio Hall of Famer – started on the air at KLRB-FM, Carmel, California on New Year’s Eve, 1972. He joined KSAN in 1978, but left when it flipped to country in 1980. He served with KFAT-FM “The Wide Spot On the Dial,” KWSS-FM, KRQR-FM “The Rocker,” and KLLC-FM “Alice@97.3,” before rejoining KSAN in 1997. Seaweed says, “Forty-four years ago, nobody wanted to work at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Except me! I volunteered, got the job, and went on to have the most rewarding career in radio. I have been so lucky all these years to have worked with the most incredible people at many legendary radio stations, and with the best radio listeners on the planet. Thank you, everybody!”…..Beginning Monday, May 15, Cox Media Group’s CHR WSB-FM, Atlanta “B98.5” adds Drex Renner to the station’s morning show. He joins Tad Lemire for “Tad & Drew Mornings.” Renner previously led the “Drex, Cassidy and Tingle” show on Entercom’s crosstown hot AC WSTR “Star 94.” Lemire has been with “B98.5” co-hosting mornings since February of 2016. Kara Leigh will continue to serve as the producer and co-host for the new show, taking on a larger role and presenting a strong female voice…..At CHR KLUC, Las Vegas CBS RADIO announces midday personality Jon Que is inked to a contract extension and takes on the added duties of music director for KLUC and assistant program director and music director for 98.5 HD-2 “Da Shaka, Vegas’ Island and Reggae Station.”…..The syndicated “Murphy, Sam and Jodi” show announces the addition of three new affiliate stations: iHeartMedia’s Soft AC KTSM, El Paso “Sunny 99.9,” Little Engine Broadcasting’s classic hits WRBZ-AM/W238CE, Montgomery, Alabama, and Withers Radio’s KREZ, Cape Girardeau, Missouri “Soft Rock 104.7.”

Thursday, February 23, 2017

TALKERS | February 23, 2017

Q4 2016 Shows Profit for iHeartMedia. The San Antonio-based radio giant announced its earnings for the fourth quarter of 2016 and the year as a whole and, for the first time in 27 quarters, the debt-laden company turned a profit. iHeartMedia’s net income for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $106.04 million. It lost $93.3 million during the same period in 2015. For 2016 as a whole, its loss dipped to $296.32 million, compared to the posted loss of $754.62 million the previous year. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “We continue to take major steps to transform our iHeartMedia and outdoor businesses into a leading multi-platform, 21st-century media and entertainment company. We are successfully building out new products and services for advertising partners to capitalize on our unique strength with the consumer – such as extending iHeartRadio with new, on-demand services and to in-home connectivity devices, including Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. In firsts for both industries, iHeartMedia and outdoor are building out their data-rich analytics capabilities and programmatic ad-buying solutions to do business in the same way that the entire advertising industry is heading.”

Legal Analysis: The Suit Against Howard Stern. TALKERS magazine legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman takes a look at the lawsuit recently filed against SiriusXM personality Howard Stern and the IRS by a Massachusetts woman. In his analysis, Weisman considers the liability of Stern, who aired a phone call between the plaintiff and the IRS without the plaintiff’s knowledge. As many broadcasters are aware, the FCC rules about airing phone calls do not apply to satellite radio. However, the plaintiff alleges she’s suffered damages and endured pain and suffering as a result of the incident. Read Weisman’s take on the matter here.

DGital Media Partners with Bill Bennett for Podcast. Reagan Administration appointee, former Salem Radio Network talk host and current Trump Administration advisor Bill Bennett is partnering with DGital Media to produce a weekly program that “brings together some of the most influential voices in politics, media, education and business for a conversation designed to inform listeners about what is impacting their lives, from the White House to their local communities.” The weekly podcast launches today (2/23) with Vice President Mike Pence as Bennett’s first guest. It’s available via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Opinion: SAG-AFTRA – Too Little, Too Late. WFTL, Fort Lauderdale afternoon drive talk show host Joyce Kaufman challenges the recent statement by union SAG-AFTRA “supporting the rights of a free and unencumbered press.” Kaufman believes the union is being hypocritical and partisan for choosing this time to support “broadcast and online” journalists covering the Trump Administration, having chosen not to do so in the past. Read her piece here.

Chris Christie’s Name in the Mix for WFAN, New York Gig. There are still another 10 months to go until WFAN, New York afternoon sports talk host Mike Francesa leaves the CBS Radio sports talk outlet at the end of his contract, but station PD Mark Chernoff indicates to the media that he’s certainly willing to consider outgoing New Jersey Governor – and avowed Dallas Cowboys fan – Chris Christie for the gig. Chernoff is quoted in the Bergen Record’s NorthJersey.com saying Christie is among “plenty” of candidates the station is considering. “I would certainly at least want to consider him. If he’s interested and we’re interested, it’s worth pursuing.” Christie has done a number of fill-in gigs on WFAN and he’s made no secret of the fact that he’d like to do something in sports media when he leaves office. Read the whole story here.

TALKERS magazine News Notes. The nationally syndicated “Staying Young Show” – with host Judy Gaman – announces that its podcast has hit the 1million download mark. The “Staying Young Show” is syndicated for radio by Talk Media Network. In June of 2015, Stay Young Media Group, LLC decided to relaunch the show as the podcast “Staying Young Show 2.o” so that it could be heard internationally. Shortly after launching the podcast, it hit #1 on iTunes N&N Science and Medicine. Talk Media Network president Josh Leng comments, “The ‘Staying Young Radio Show’ continues to lead the way with impactful broadcast and on-demand listening for those who take an active role in their medical and healthy living decisions. The ‘Staying Young’ listener is one who cares highly about their well-being and their loved ones. It is a fun and informative program, with numerous takeaways in each and every weekly episode.”…..KHTK, Sacramento sports talk host Damien Barling is off the air – at least temporarily – for calling Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac a “moron” after trading DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans. Barling is not the only Kings critic to rail against the team for getting next to nothing in return for Cousins. As Deadspin reports, KHTK is the flagship radio station for Kings broadcasts, though the team has denied it had anything to do with Barling’s on-air status. KHTK program director Kevin Sherrets told Deadspin the station doesn’t tolerate personal attacks…..Bonneville Denver adds a new show to the lineup at sports talk KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan.” The daily 9:00 am to 10:00 am show features station contributors former Denver Bronco Tyler Polumbus and Broncos Insider Cecil Lammey.

Order, Boisterous GOP Town Halls, Retaking Mosul from ISIS, This Week’s CPAC, O’Keefe Threatens CNN Tapes, Kim Jong Nam Assassination Investigation, and NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/22). Public debate over what the Trump Administrations’ second travel order means for U.S. immigration policy; the reaction to Donald Trump’s reversal of Barack Obama’s transgender bathroom order; the action taking place at GOP politicians’ town halls and questions about whether attendees are paid activists or actual constituents; the battle to re-take Mosul from Islamic State and the recent removal of the terrorist organization from the city’s airport; conservatives converge on a Maryland resort for the Conservative Political Action Conference; undercover journalist James O’Keefe threatens to “expose” CNN with hidden camera footage of the news organization’s operations; the investigation into the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s half-brother Kim Jong Nam; and NBA and NHL action were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Broadcasting Live from CPAC. Nationally syndicated radio host Mike Gallagher (right) hosts Milwaukee Country Sheriff David Clarke (left) on his Salem Radio Network program. Gallagher is doing his program from the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. Some of Gallagher’s other guests this week include U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Heritage Foundation president Jim DeMint.

Carruthers: Now is the Time for Radio Broadcasters to Get Serious About Podcasting. Veteran syndicated radio broadcaster Mike Carruthers (host and creator of “Something You Should Know”) says most professional radio broadcasters are not yet taking advantage of the benefits and opportunities that can be developed as a natural extension of their already-proven skills and talent in the growing field of podcasting. In an extremely informative article posted today (2/21) Carruthers – CEO of PerfectYourPodcast.com – concisely explains the state of podcasting and what radio broadcasters need to know to move their careers forward into seriously developing their stake in this dynamic field. Carruthers will be presenting a free master class webinar (see story above) in association with TALKERS magazine titled “How to Launch and Grow a Successful Podcast” on Wednesday, March 8 at 1:00 pm ET. To read the Mike Carruthers article, please click here.

CBS RADIO Promotes Tim Roberts to VP of Country Programming. Already serving the company as vice president of music programming for CBS RADIO’s Detroit station group, the company announces that it is promoting Tim Roberts to the corporate post of VP of country programming. CBS notes that Roberts is a veteran country music programmer “having worked in the radio industry for the past 39 years, with 38 of those dedicated to the country format. By adding this new role to his purview, Roberts will be CBS RADIO’s lead liaison with the country music community, including Nashville’s top artists, labels, and management teams. He will provide programming guidance and expertise to the division’s 12 country stations nationwide and work closely with the CBS RADIO Music Initiatives team to deliver live marquee events and experiences, such as the widely popular ‘Stars and Strings’ annual charity concert held at the iconic Chicago Theatre.” Executive vice president of programming Chris Oliviero adds, “Tim is universally respected and admired as one of country radio’s preeminent programmers which makes him the ideal choice to lead our platform of more than 8 million weekly listeners including many of the format’s most recognizable brands.”

Ashley Z Takes Nights at ‘Q100’ in Atlanta. The replacement for Adam Bomb in the evening shift at Cumulus Media’s CHR WWWQ, Atlanta “Q100” is Ashley Elzinga, a.k.a. Ashley Z. Elzinga moves to Atlanta from her most recent gig at KDND, Sacramento “107.9 The End.” During her career she’s also served with Saga’s CHR WNRG, Milwaukee “Energy 106.9” and with Ryan Seacrest Productions as part of the digital media team. “Q100” program director Louie Diaz states, “After a nationwide search, ‘Q100’ is excited to add Ashley Z to the on-air team. Ashley is an incredible talent and will keep ‘Q100’ #1 for great local content and hit music at night.” Cumulus recently moved Adam Bomb to the afternoon daypart on WWWQ.

Andy Grammer to Perform at 2017 Golden Mike Award Ceremony. On Monday evening, the Broadcasters Foundation of America will hold the 2017 Golden Mike Award ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Performing at the annual black-tie gala will be BMI songwriter and S-Curve Records artist Andy Grammer. He is well known for his 2015 mega-hit “Honey, I’m Good.” This year’s Golden Mike honoree is Paul Karpowicz, president of Meredith Corporation’s Local Media Group. Receiving the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award will be retired president of Cox Media Group, Bill Hoffman. The Golden Mike Award dinner attracts a who’s who of broadcast media executives and celebrities. For information on how to reserve a seat or a table, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.

Round Two of January PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s January 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s January 2017 survey period covered January 5 – February 1. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – The start of the new year brings excellent news for several Nation’s Capital spoken-word stations, including American University‘s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” (9.2 – 11.0, +1.8, second to first, 6+); Hubbard Broadcasting-owned all-news WTOP (8.7 – 10.4, +1.7, third to second, 6+); and Cumulus Media talker WMAL (3.3 – 4.1, +.8, #12 to #9, 6+). It is quite a turnaround for all three, given that in “Holiday” 2016, WAMU was -2.3; WTOP -.7, halting three straight up or flat trends (8.7 – 9.2 – 9.4 – 9.4, 6+); and WMAL -.9, curtailing five straight sweeps without a decrease for a net +1.3 (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+). “The Mind Is Our Medium” was +1.5 in December to 11.5, the most potent 6+-share in its PPM-history. Ousted from #1 is iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH, which squanders more than half its 6+-share (10.4 – 4.8, – 5.6, 6+) and drifts from first to fifth. Locked on 4.5 (6+) in September and October, WASH picked up four-tenths in November; added one full-share in December; and was +4.5 in “Holiday” 2016. Notching gains of seven-tenths each are CBS Radio hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh” (3.4 – 4.1, #11 to #9, tied with WMAL, 6+) and – after a -.6 in “Holiday” 2016 – Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS (2.9 – 2.3 – 3.0, #16 to #14, 6+). Advancing from eighth to sixth, iHeartMedia classic rock WBIG “Big 100” picks up six-tenths to 4.5, its best 6+-stat since September 2015 (4.5 as well). Down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ bounces back in consecutive sweeps with a combined +1.1 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+), elevating from seventh to fourth. “Majic 102.3” trails its direct competitor – Howard University‘s WHUR (5.7 – 6.0, +.3, fourth to third) – by 1.1 shares (6+). A loss of one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 by Radio One gospel WPRS ended five successive improvements that produced a cumulative +2.2 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). Now, “Praise 104.1” regresses by another eight-tenths (5.0 – 4.2, 6+), skidding from fifth to eighth.

2) Boston – The rollercoaster ride continues for Beasley Media Group-owned WROR, which forfeited all of December’s +1.1 with a -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016, but rebounds in January 2017 with a +1.6 (6.6 – 7.7 – 6.3 – 7.9, 6+), marching from second back to first. “Boston’s Classic Hits” was the market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7.” In advance of December’s +1.1, WROR had been down by a combined two full-shares over the last four sweeps (8.6 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 6.6, 6+). As for “Magic,” the adult contemporary facility nearly quadrupled the +1.5 it dialed up in December with a +5.6 in “Holiday” 2016, but it spirals by -7.4 in January 2017 (6.3 – 7.8 – 13.4 – 6.0, 6+) and drops to third. Prior to advancing to #1 in December, “Magic” was in the runner-up slot April 2016 through November. When it registered a 6.6 in September, WMJX halted three successive down or flat trends for a combined -1.2 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). A -.6 in July, meanwhile, stopped a successive string of five increases for a cumulative +1.2 (6.3 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). Off a combined six-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.6 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” roars back with a +.9 to 5.9 (6+), climbing from fifth to fourth. Several spoken-word outlets in The Hub display significant gains including Boston University-owned WBUR (3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, eighth to seventh, 6+); public WGBH-FM (3.4 – 4.3, +.9, tenth to ninth, 6+); Entercom talker WRKO (2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #15 to #13, 6+) and co-owned sports WEEI-FM (4.8 – 5.4, +.6, steady at #6, 6+). Up by +1.1 in back-to-back monthlies (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.5, October-November-December, 6+), WBUR surrendered eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. WGBH-FM had been down or flat the past three sweeps for a combined -.6 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+). Prior to reaching 3.0 (6+) in January 2017, WRKO had been in 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for 23 ratings periods in a row. Meanwhile, Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM cuts in half (eight-tenths to four-tenths) the 6+ margin by which it trails format rival – CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” (5.6 – 5.8, +.2, fourth to fifth, 6+). “The Sports Hub” is the key station of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Albeit that it remains at #11, cluster-mate WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7” gains four-tenths to 3.4 (6+), pulling the plug on four straight negative trends that produced a collective -1.5 (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+). Following four straight negative trends that yielded a combined -1.4 since September (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “New Hit Country 102.5” posts a +.7 to 4.3 (6+) and is steady at #9. Debuting at #22 with a .9 (6+) is Entercom’s WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 for R&B.”

3) Detroit – Jumping from seventh to third, Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Rocks Detroit” hangs out a +1.4 to 5.9, the station’s best 6+-stat in nearly a year (5.9, February 2016). Enjoying spikes of eight-tenths each are CBS Radio all-news WWJ (5.8 – 6.6, 6+) and co-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” (4.9, tenth to seventh, 6+). In moving from third to first, WWJ evicts WNIC from the top spot, as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary property erodes by roughly 60% (6+) and skids to sixth. The -8.5 to 5.2 (6+) curtails four straight improvements by WNIC that netted +8.8 since September (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 13.7, 6+). Meanwhile, “Detroit’s Country” was down or flat the last three sweeps for a combined -.9 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+). Progressing by seven-tenths each are Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Hits” (3.1 – 3.8, #15 to #11, 6+); co-owned WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (2.7 – 3.4, unchanged at #16, 6+); and iHeartMedia classic rocker WDTW “106.7 The D Whatever Rocks” (2.3 – 3.0, #18 to 17, 6+). The +.7 by WDVD ends four straight sweeps without an increase that yielded a -1.3 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+). Up by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95-5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.3 – 4.9, ninth to seventh, 6+) and Wayne State University’s WDET (1.5, 6+), which had registered 1.0 (6+) in four of the last five sweeps and cracks the top 20 (#20). Frozen on 4.7 (6+) in December on “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” sputters by one-half share to 4.2 (sixth to tenth, 6+). In six consecutive decreases (7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5 – 6.0 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), CBS Radio sports outlet WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is -3.5 (6+), dipping from seventh to ninth. After a one-month hiatus from the top spot, WXYT-FM returned to #1 in September and repeated there in October; “The Ticket” was #1 in April 2016, May, June, and July.

4) Miami – The third successive improvement by WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” (ninth to sixth) is by one-half share as the Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet is +1.1 since November (3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+). Notching a one-half share increase as well is public WLRN (2.5, #17 to #16, 6+), which was without an increase in the previous three ratings periods for a cumulative -.9 (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). A gain of two tenths (to 7.0, 6+) is enough to propel Univision Radio’s WAMR from second to first. In three of the previous four ratings periods, “Amor 107.5” posted a 6.8 (6+). Exiting the top spot after three consecutive sweeps there and sliding to second is Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1,” which has its third successive decrease (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.6, 6+). “Easy 93.1” was a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). It is three tenths ahead of Entercom’s similarly-programmed WLYF “Lite FM,” which is up one-tenth to 6.3, #3, 6+), thus applying the brakes to five straight ratings periods that had resulted in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+). “Lite FM” was #1 from July 2016 through October. When WEDR declined by one-half share in December, its string of consecutive up or flat trends that produced a +.7 ended at five (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). The Cox Media Group urban contemporary rolled out a +1.1 in “Holiday” 2016 but “99 Jamz” now flounders by -1.5 (4.7 – 5.8 – 4.3, 6+) and falls from fifth to seventh. Down or flat for six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), urban AC sibling WHQT “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 only to stumble by seven-tenths in January 2017 (6.3 – 6.8 – 6.1, 6+) moving from a second-place tie to fourth. CHR rivals WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” and WFLC “Hits 97.3” were tied at #12 (3.6, 6+) in “Holiday” 2016, but iHeartMedia’s WHYI picks up one-tenth to 3.7 and moves up to #10, while Cox Media Group’s WFLC is flat at 3.6, yet inches up to #11. After an extended period as a nonsubscriber, Spanish Broadcasting System’s WRMA appeared in the “Holiday” 2016 report at #7 (4.3, 6+), but “Ritmo 95.7” disappears again.

5) Seattle – Faltering by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, University of Washington-owned KUOW answers with a +1.4 (4.4 – 5.8, 6+) to vault from sixth to second. By picking up nine-tenths, CBS Radio’s classic rock KZOK (seventh to sixth) curtails five successive down or flat trends that yielded a cumulative full-share loss (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Country cluster-mate KMPS recaptures – in its entirety – the full-share it lost in “Holiday” 2016 (4.0 – 3.0 – 4.0, 6+) and is back in the top ten (#13 to #7). Meanwhile, owing to a +.2 to 2.5 (6+), Entercom’s similarly-programmed KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” halts four consecutive slumps that produced a combined -1.8 (4.1 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Down or flat in each of the last four ratings periods for a cumulative -.9 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville talker KIRO-FM recaptures most of it with a +.8 to 5.7, climbing from fourth to third. Completely erasing its “Holiday” 2016 deficit of six-tenths (3.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM More Music, More Variety” returns to the top ten (#9 from #12). It is tied in ninth-place with Sinclair Broadcast Group’s similarly programmed KPLZ “Star 101.5,” which surrenders all but three-tenths of the +2.1 it logged in “Holiday” 2016 (3.4 – 5.5 – 3.7, -1.8, 6+); “Star” joins “Kiss” at #9 from #3. In 4.3 – 4.8 range (6+) the past six sweeps, iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM spikes by one-half share to 5.1 (6+) and carries on at #5. Improving by one-half share as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLSW “K-LOVE” (.8 – 1.3, #25, 6+). At the same time, Crista Ministries’ similarly-programmed KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3,” which had been without a decrease in seven consecutive sweeps yielding a +1.3 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), registers a -.8 to 2.8 (6+) to plummet from #8 to #17. On top for 12 straight sweeps entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, Hubbard Radio CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5 All The Hits” gave way to adult contemporary cluster-mate KRWM “Warm 106.9.” It is a short stay at the top though for “Warm” as it drops more than five full-shares and shifts to fourth (10.9 – 5.6, -5.3, 6+), while KQMV (6.8 – 7.1, +.3, 6+) returns to #1. In three successive gains prior to January’s -5.3, “Warm” was a cumulative +6.6 (4.3 – 4.4 – 6.7 – 10.9, 6+). A combined -1.6 in five successive ratings periods without a gain (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7 100% Throwbacks” gains four-tenths to 3.2 (6+) and moves from #16 to #13.

6) Phoenix – A cumulative -.9 as a result of being without an increase since September (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 The #1 Hit Music Station” hangs out a +1.1 to 4.1 and breaks into the top ten (#12 to #7). Up or flat in four monthlies entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Bonneville talker KTAR-FM regressed by six-tenths but responds with a full-share increase (4.0 – 3.4 – 4.4, 6+) and rockets from ninth to fourth. Two of the several contemporary Christian properties that are present in Phoenix show strong growth: KFLR “Family Life Radio” adds nine-tenths (1.3 – 2.2 #21, 6+), while Educational Media Foundation’s KLVA “K-LOVE” gains seven-tenths (.6 – 1.3, #28, 6+). In addition to “K-LOVE,” CBS Radio’s KMLE Country @ 107.9 (4.2 – 4.9, steady at #3, 6+); classic hits-oldies sibling KOOL (ninth to seventh, 6+); and iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 Today’s Best Music” (flat at #6, 6+) are also up by seven-tenths. “Mix” recoups the -.7 from “Holiday” 2016. Three straight negative trends prior to January’s +.7 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.4, 6+) produced a collective -1.4 for KOOL. Progressing from fifth to fourth, Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” puts up a +.4 to 4.4 (6+), closing out four straight months without a gain that yielded a -1.1 (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+). Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ notches an increase of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.9, 6+) as it cruises from #19 to #14, while co-owned classical KBAQ “89.5 K-Bach” (#17) extends its string of up or flat trends to five for a cumulative +.9 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+). Up one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” (3.7, flat at #11, 6+) and Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI (2.9 – 3.4, steady at #13, 6+). “The Mountain” had been down or flat the previous six ratings periods (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ erodes by nearly 10 full-shares (16.5 – 6.6, -9.9, 6+), it is #1 for the 29th successive ratings period. Its 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016 (6+) matched what KESZ recorded in “Holiday” 2015. Not only is this the fifth straight down or flat trend for KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” for a collective -1.4 (3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), the Entravision regional Mexican outlet departs the top 20 (#19 to #23, 6+).

7) Minneapolis – The market’s (6+) hot AC share swells by +2.6, with that increase equally divided between Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” (6.4 – 7.7, +1.3, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “The Cities” (5.3, +1.3, #12 to #8, 6+). The increase not only allows “KS-95” to advance from second to first, it ends a drought in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. Meanwhile, “The Cities” rebounds from a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). Eroding in excess of 10 full-shares, its classic hits-oldies sibling KQQL “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” (15.9 – 5.6, -10.3, 6+) is the station displaced at #1 and drifting to #6. Having faltered in five straight ratings periods for a combined -1.7 (8.0 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+), “Kool 108” rebounded with a collective +9.6 in December and “Holiday” 2016. Following four straight negative trends that produced a loss of two full-shares (8.1 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.1, 6+), CHR sibling KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” is up four-tenths to 6.5 (6+), advancing from third to a second-place tie. Unchanged at #4, Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” is +.4 to 6.4 (6+), pulling the plug on three successive downward sweeps accounting for a -1.1 (7.1 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+). Spoken-word facilities do well in absorbing some of those available shares. In particular, Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW, which concluded three straight positive trends (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+) in “Holiday” 2016 with a -1.3, roars back with a +1.4 (4.6 – 6.0, eighth to fifth, 6+); iHeartMedia talker KTLK-AM gains nine-tenths (2.0 – 2.9, 6+), returning to #14 from #16; and CBS Radio’s WCCO adds eight-tenths (4.4 – 5.2, #11 to #9, 6+). Before dropping six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, KTLK-AM was without a loss the previous six sweeps for a combined +1.2 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). This marks the first increase for WCCO since July; it was a combined -.9 since then in six straight down or flat trends (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). Also in the non-music genre, iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio FM 100.3 K-FAN” posts a +.5 (6.0 – 6.5, 6+) to progress from fourth to second. In December and “Holiday” 2016, “K-FAN” tumbled by a combined -2.5 (6+). With an 8.9 in October, it boasted the best 6+-share in its PPM-history. In addition to KFXN, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” (5.0, 6+) and American Public Media Group triple A KCMP (2.0 – 2.5, flat at #16, 6+) also rise by one-half share; “93-X” regains the one-half share it lost in “Holiday” 2016 yet backslides from #10 to #11.

8) San Diego – Off by a full-share since November (5.7 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93-3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” captures all of it and storms from fourth to first (4.7 – 5.7, +1.0, 6+). That ends the one sweep stay at the top for CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned hot AC KYXY (9.1 – 4.7, -4.4, 6+), which segues to fourth-place, vacated by “Channel 93-3.” A +4.6 by KYXY in “Holiday” 2016 extended its string of up or flat trends to five (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 9.1, 6+). After regressing by six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, Entercom-owned KSON “New Country” bounces back with a +.7 (4.0 – 4.7, 6+) and is tied with KYXY at #4. Spoken-word outlets jumping by six-tenths are San Diego State University’s KPBS (4.6 – 5.2, sixth to third, 6+) and Midwest Television talker KFMB-AM (2.0 – 2.6, #20 to #19, 6+). Following eight consecutive up or flat trends that produced a gain of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+), KFMB-AM dropped three-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. Gaining six-tenths as well are Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “102.9 Mas Variedad” (4.2, #11 to #9, 6+); Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN (also 3.6 – 4.2, #11 to #9, 6+); and Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” (2.1 – 2.7, #19 to #17, 6+). “Mas Variedad” had registered three consecutive decreases for a collective -1.7 (5.3 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), while “San Diego’s Alternative” is in 2.1 – 2.7 range (6+) for the fifteenth straight monthly. Improving by one-half share each are Midwest Television rocker KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM-BFM” (2.3 – 2.8, #18 to #16, 6+) and alternative XTRA “91-X” (1.7 – 2.2, #20, 6+). This curtails five straight downward trends for KFMB-FM that resulted in a combined -1.1 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). Off by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are rhythmic CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (5.1 – 4.6, 6+, third to seventh) and classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM “105.7 Max FM” (2.4 – 1.8, #17 to #21, 6+). In four straight increases prior to January 2017, “Max FM” was a combined +.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+). This is the fifteenth straight time KGB is within three-share range (3.6 – 3.5, -.1, 6+); “San Diego’s Classic Rock Music” falls from #11 to #13.

9) Tampa – Without an increase in three straight sweeps for a -.7 (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” busts out a +.7 to 3.4 (6+), climbing from #16 to #15. Four Tampa Bay properties gain six tenths, including “98 Rock” cluster-mate WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Leader” (4.1 – 4.7, eighth to fifth, 6+) and a station with the same calls in a different order – University of South Florida’s WUSF (3.6 – 4.2, #12 to #11, 6+). Following four straight gains for a cumulative +1.3 (4.0 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), WFUS surrendered -1.2 in “Holiday” 2016. Also in that group gaining six-tenths are Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies and Spanish contemporary siblings WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” (3.9 – 4.5, tenth to sixth, 6+) and WYUU “92.5 Maxima” (#14 to #12, 6+). “Q-105” was off by one-half share in “Holiday” 2016, while “92.5 Maxima” is trending 3.9 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.4 – 4.0 (6+). Posting gains of one-half share are Cox Media Group’s WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle” (6.4 – 6.9, steady at #2, 6+) and iHeartMedia talker WFLA (3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #13, 6+). After five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. Notwithstanding that it is off by -3.1 (12.7 – 9.6, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is in the driver’s seat for the 52nd successive ratings period. This time last year, “Lite Favorites” was #1 with a 12.1 (6+). After being up for three straight months netting a +1.3 (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The JOY FM” falters by seven-tenths to 4.4 (6+) and slips from fourth to seventh. Regressing by one-half share are iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” (third to fourth, 6+) and co-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (2.7 – 2.2, #16 to #18, 6+). This is the third successive decline for “The Beat” (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+) for a collective -1.4.

10) Denver – Locked on 3.3 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2016, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “K-LOVE” erupts with a +1.1 to 4.4 and catapults from #14 to #7. Dusting itself off from a -.5 in “Holiday” 2016, Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” also improves by +1.1 (2.9 – 4.0, 6+), cruising from #16 to #11. A loss of six-tenths in November by “The Fan” halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). October 2016’s 4.9 represents its most potent 6+ showing under PPM methodology. As a result of eroding by -1.3 in December, iHeartMedia’s KTCL not only ended four straight up or flat sweeps that produced a +1.3 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), it concluded four consecutive months at #1. In back-to-back sweeps though, “Modern Rock Channel 93-3” is +1.8 (5.3 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+) and marches from runner-up to first. Supplanted from the top spot and seguing to #2 is Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101 Real-Music-Variety,” which has its 6+-share sliced precisely in half to 5.8. Moreover, the -5.8 curtails three straight gains that netted a combined +6.2 since October (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 11.6, 6+). In addition to KTCL, Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR dials up a +.9 as well (3.8 – 4.7, 6+), rocketing from #11 to #6. Fluctuations in calendar year 2016 for KCFR included +.7 (January); -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.7 (April); -.7 (June); +.7 (July); -.8 (October); and +.6 (November); it begins 2017 with a +.9. Improving by seven-tenths are KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” (4.8 – 5.5, fifth to fourth, 6+), which was -.9 in “Holiday” 2016, and Colorado Public Radio classical KVOD (#20 to #17, 6+), up or flat for the fifth successive time (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.7, 6+) for a collective +1.7. Improving by one-half share (3.6 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” enters the top ten (#12 to #9). Co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” is in 3.0 – 3.8 range for the fifteenth successive sweep (3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #14 to #15, 6+).

11) Baltimore – It is a #1/#2 finish for Radio One as WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” trots out a +.7 (8.2 – 8.9, 6+) to progress from third to first. Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), “Magic” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. As a result of a -1.2 in July, it exited the top spot. Before that, “Magic” put together four straight increases for a combined +3.7 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 8.2 – 9.8, 6+). Urban contemporary sibling WERQ “Q-92 Jams” is unchanged in share (8.3, 6+) and rank (#2, 6+). Banished from the top spot and taking over at #3 is CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9,” which loses approximately 53% of its 6+-share to 7.1 (6+). The five most recent fluctuations for WLIF are +.5 (October 2016); -1.1 (November 2016); +1.1 (December 2016); +7.0 in “Holiday” 2016; and -8.2 in January 2017 (7.8 – 8.3 – 7.2 – 8.3 – 15.3 – 7.1, 6+). After the dust clears, “Today’s 101.9” is down seven-tenths. A -.4 in September 2016 ended its string of successive increases – which netted a +1.1 – at three (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Among those swooping in for some of those available eight (plus) shares are spoken-word outlets (public) WYPR (2.0 – 2.9, +.9, steady at #14, 6+); Hearst Television’s WBAL (3.5 – 4.2, +.7, tenth to seventh, 6+); and WCBM (+.6, 3.6 – 4.2, eighth to seventh, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC had been in fourth-place the previous seven ratings periods, but fell to fifth, surrendering a combined -2.5 in three consecutive slides (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 4.7, 6+), including a -1.6 in “Holiday” 2016. “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” bounces back though with a +1.2 (4.7 – 5.9, 6+) and returns to #4. Enjoying one-half share spikes are Peter & John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “Shine 95.1” (3.4 – 3.9, steady at #11, 6+) and Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “91.5 Maryland’s Classical Music Station” (1.2, #17 to #16, 6+). WBJC was down or flat the past four sweeps (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, 6+).

12) St. Louis – After five straight increases for a collective +1.9 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 4.2, 6+), Emmis talker KFTK stumbled by -1.2 in “Holiday” 2016 only to rebound in January 2017 with a +1.4 (4.2 – 3.0 – 4.4, 6+), sailing from #16 to #11. Among other St. Louis spoken-word outlets notching noteworthy improvements are CBS Radio heritage talker KMOX (5.0, #12 to #8, +.9, 6+); Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 Sports” (2.9 – 3.6, +.7, #17 to #14, 6+); and University of Missouri-owned KWMU (+.5, 6+). Prior to January 2017’s +.9, KMOX had been without an increase for six straight ratings periods and was a cumulative -3.1 in that stretch (7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+). Following December’s +.6 with a -.9 in “Holiday” 2016, KWMU had its string of consecutive upward trends – which produced a +1.2 – snapped at three (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+). Registering increases of +1.1 each are CBS Radio hot AC KYKY “Y-98” (5.1 – 6.2, sixth to fourth, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” (5.8, eighth to sixth, 6+). Stuck on 6.1 (6+) in October and November, “Y-98” notched a +.5 in December but was -1.5 in “Holiday” 2016. The +1.1 curtails four straight down or flat trends by “New Country” for a -1.2 (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+). Gaining one-half share are co-owned adult hits WARH “The Arch” (5.9 – 6.4, fifth to third, 6+) and Emmis alternative KPNT “105.7 The Point” (5.0, ninth to eighth, 6+). After improving in three straight ratings periods for a combined +2.2 (5.4 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+), “The Arch” spiraled by -1.7 in “Holiday” 2016, while “The Point” breaks a string of four straight downward moves that yielded a -1.1 (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+). Down or flat the past four sweeps for a -1.3 (5.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” picks up three-tenths to 4.1 (6+), but remains at #13. A change at #1 finds CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK losing approximately 50% of its 6+-share (11.1 – 5.5, -5.6, 6+) and drifting to seventh, while iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU (9.9 – 7.1, -2.8, 6+) and Emmis rocker KSHE (6.7 – 7.1, +.4, 6+) become co-leaders. Prior to January’s decline, KEZK put together four consecutive progressive trends that netted a +6.8 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1); KLOU and KSHE ranked second and third, respectively, in “Holiday” 2016. Up a combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), KLOU relinquished a -1.6 in December, but bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. Off by seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” (5.1 – 4.4, #6 to #11, 6+) and co-owned urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B + Old School For The Lou” (6.6 – 6.1, fourth to fifth, 6+).

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

TALKERS | February 22, 2017

Boffo Q4 and 2016 for Entercom; Full-Year Net Revenue Up 12%. With so many radio companies struggling to present even flat revenue figures each quarter, Entercom Communications stands out as it reports net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2016 reached $123.2 million – an increase of 5% percent over the same period a year ago. For the full year of 2016, net revenue was $460.2 million – up 12% over 2015. For shareholders, the news was also good as adjusted net income per share increased 13% to $0.98. Entercom president and CEO David J. Field states in a press release, “Entercom posted another solid quarter of organic growth, completing an excellent year during which same-station revenue increased 4%, adjusted net income grew 13% and free cash flow improved 16%. And since the start of Q4, we have acquired a great new cluster of stations in Charlotte and successfully refinanced our credit facility to drive our interest expense down by roughly $10 million annually. Of course, our biggest news is our recently announced plan to merge with CBS Radio, a transformational event that will create scale-driven opportunities to compete more effectively with other media to accelerate growth. The combined company will be exceedingly well positioned to serve its listeners, advertisers, communities, shareholders, and employees and we are very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

KFI, Los Angeles Launches Online Museum with ‘KFI and Tim Conway Jr. in 3D.’ Los Angeles heritage talk station KFI announces the first installment of its Official KFI Online Museum with “KFI and Tim Conway Jr. in 3D” – an interactive online 3D studio tour and scavenger hunt that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the evening Tim Conway Jr. show. The iHeartMedia station says listeners can explore the KFI AM 640 virtual studio with optional virtual reality glasses and solve riddles for a chance to win prizes. The press statement goes on to say the museum allows “listeners one-of-a-kind VIP access to the KFI AM 640 studios, programming and rich background as both a heritage station and an outlier. With almost 95 years of broadcasting history in Southern California, KFI AM 640 has evolved into the region’s preeminent news and talk station.” The station will announce more details about the museum at a later date. KFI program director Robin Bertolucci states, “KFI and Tim Conway Jr. in 3D is an interactive scavenger hunt that’s a must-see for any true-blooded KFI fan. What makes it so unique is that listeners can tour the studio in VR glasses and really get to experience the Tim Conway Jr. show. You can peer over Tim’s shoulder while he works, do a news update with Mark Thompson, cozy right up to Bellio and sit behind the board with Mondo. It’s like being on the show without having to fight L.A. traffic to get there.”

New Travel Order, Yiannopoulos Quits Breitbart, Obama Bathroom Policy, Stockholm Riots, Jewish Cemetery Vandalism-Trump Response, This Week’s CPAC, California Succession Movement, Heavy California Rains, and NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/21). Public reaction to the Trump Administration’s revised travel order affecting people from seven predominantly Muslim nations, and the related plans for deportation of illegal immigrants; media provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos resigns from his editor post at Breitbart News in the wake of recent comments about pedophilia; the Trump Administration signals its intent to reverse the Obama Administration’s public restroom policies; the outbreak of riots in Stockholm after police arrested a suspect in an immigrant neighborhood; the vandalism of a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis and controversy over President Trump’s response; the gathering of conservatives in Maryland for the Conservative Political Action Conference; the YES California succession movement; the heavy rains affecting much of California and threats to dams; and NBA and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS News Notes. Entertainment industry labor union SAG-AFTRA is issuing a statement on the rights of a “free and unencumbered press.” The union states: “As a union whose membership includes broadcast and online journalists, SAG-AFTRA champions the rights of a free press, whose primary role is to provide citizens with the information they need to effectively govern a democracy. These rights are guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that the press shall be free from government interference in the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions. SAG-AFTRA, journalists and non-journalists alike, supports a free and unencumbered press and stands with any journalist who might find his or her ability to report on our government challenged or compromised. SAG-AFTRA believes first and foremost that citizens in a democracy need the truth. Furthermore, SAG-AFTRA believes that journalists have an obligation to monitor and question those in power, pointing out wrongdoing when they find it, noting when facts asserted are not supported by evidence, and reporting inconsistencies in the positions of public figures. As working professionals, members of the news media have an obligation to verify the accuracy of what they report, with loyalty only to their readers, listeners and viewers and not to any political party, affiliation, or ideology. As a proud labor union representing more than 160,000 broadcasters, actors and entertainers, SAG-AFTRA stands with all of its members in ensuring that the basic rights of a free and independent press continue to be upheld.”…..Spring training baseball is being covering by SiriusXM’s MLB Radio Network beginning tomorrow (2/23). The network will be on the road in Arizona and Florida through the rest of this month and next broadcasting from every Major League spring training complex. Each two-hour show will feature SiriusXM’s expert hosts, providing an in-depth look at each MLB club as well as one-on-one conversations with managers, players and executives.

Get Well Wishes to ‘Kicks 101.5’ Personality Cadillac Jack. The good news is that WKHX, Atlanta “Kicks 101.5” morning host Cadillac Jack is resting comfortably after surgery during which three stents were installed to clear a blockage to one side of his heart. This comes after an incident that happened yesterday. His wife Donna reports, “Caddy was swimming yesterday and began to feel dizzy. Fortunately, my nanny forced him to call 911. It saved his life. The crazy thing is he just had a physical with an EKG that looked fine. The doctors credit his commitment to fitness and the fact that he’s only 43 for him surviving this serious a heart attack.” WKHX program director Scott Lindy adds, “The prognosis for Cadillac Jack is good and he should be home to recuperate later this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caddy, Donna and the kids as he gets back on his feet.”

Blaine Jackson Named PD for iHeartMedia’s Augusta, Georgia Country Duo. Country programmer Blaine Jackson moves from the company’s Macon, Georgia country outlet – WIHB “96.5 The Bull” – to the Augusta market to program WLUB “105.7 The Bull” and classic country WLUB-HD2/W292EE “106.3 The Bull Icons.” Jackson joined iHeartMedia in 2010 as a part-time board operator for the Macon, Georgia cluster, then moved to its Newnan, Georgia cluster as program director for the three stations there before returning to Macon. Augusta market president Ivy Elam says, “We are very excited to have Blaine here to represent our two new Augusta brands. We look forward to her delivering quality country format programming that we know our listeners, partners and advertisers will love.”

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Raleigh-Durham market, Capitol Broadcasting promotes Doug Miller to evening personality and creative imaging director for adult contemporary WRAL-FM “MIX 101.5.” In the past, Miller has served with CHR KHFI, Austin; WNKS, Charlotte “Kiss 95.1”; KMXV, Kansas City “Mix 93.3”; and hot AC WSTR, Atlanta “Star 94.1.”…..In Columbus, iHeartMedia drops the sports talk simulcast on WYTS-AM and translator W287CP and begins airing an urban AC format branded “VIBE 105.3.” Mike Eiland – music director and APD at sister adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” – is hosting the morning show on the new station…..SiriusXM announces that Grammy Award-winning artist Ed Sheeran will perform a special, invitation-only show for SiriusXM on Monday, March 6 at a secret location in New York City. The performance, the latest in SiriusXM’s “Secret Show” series, will air on SiriusXM Hits 1 and The Pulse channels and feature songs from Sheeran’s new album, ÷. Sheeran says, “Really looking forward to this one. It’ll be my first NYC show in a while and I can’t wait to play the new songs live!”…..iHeartRadio and Google are teaming up to launch a first-of-its-kind activation in which users can vote for the iHeartRadio Music Awards’ “Most Powerful Female Voice” category. In fact, this year’s winner will be exclusively determined from votes placed with Google Home. Users say, “Ok Google, start iHeartRadio Awards voting.” They’ll then hear Ryan Seacrest walk them through the simple steps to vote using just their voice with the Google Assistant on Google Home. This year’s nominees for Most Powerful Female Voice include: Rihanna, Adele, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Carrie Underwood, and Florence Welch.

Cool Country Radio Gig. Here’s a cool country radio opportunity open at CBS RADIO’s KMLE, Phoenix “The New KMLE @ 107.9.” The station is seeking an afternoon personality/music director. The station’s Bryan “B-Dub” Washington currently holds the position and will be leaving for a programming opportunity in a market to be named at a later time. CBS RADIO Phoenix VP of programming Tim Richards comments, “We want to thank B-Dub for his hard work and commitment to KMLE over the past year. We are grateful for his time here and we wish him the best with his new adventure.” Candidates interested in applying for the KMLE gig can do so online at CBSRADIO.com/careers.

Round One of January PPM Data Released. Ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s January 2017 PPM survey has been released for the first of four rounds of markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen Audio’s January 2017 survey period covered January 5 – February 1. You can see all the (6+) numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) New York – Although the cumulative loss since June is just four-tenths (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), Cumulus Media country outlet WNSH was without an increase the past seven survey periods until erupting with a full-share increase, vaulting from #19 to a three-way tie at #13. Over and above that, “94.7 Nash FM” has its highest-ever 6+-performance (2.7) under PPM-methodology. In 4.0 – 4.7 range (6+) the past seven sweeps, CBS Radio all-news WINS dials up a +.8 to 5.2 (6+), inching up from sixth to fifth. It is the first time WINS crosses the five-share threshold (6+) in approximately two years (5.1, February 2015). Locked on 2.6 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2016, hot AC sibling WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” improves by one-half share to 3.1 (6+) as it climbs from #12 to #11. Outlets such as iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” that enjoyed huge “Holiday” 2016 spikes owing to wall-to-wall Christmas music during that sweep are falling back to earth in their January 2017 stats. In the case of “Lite FM,” for example, it drops by more than six full-shares (13.3 -7.2, -6.1, 6+), but is nonetheless on top for the seventh straight time. Moreover, “Lite FM” is one-half share ahead of where it was in January 2016 (6.7, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR WKTU (3.5 – 4.1, ninth to eighth, 6+) and CHR cluster-mate WHTZ “Z-100” (5.1, #6, 6+) improve by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively. WKTU was off one-half share in “Holiday” 2016. Prior to January 2017, “Z-100” had been down three straight times for a combined -1.1 (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+) but it now actually backslides from fifth to sixth.

2) Los Angeles – This proves to be a benchmark month for KNX, which rides a full-share gain to 3.7, its most potent 6+-stat since PPM became Los Angeles’ ratings currency. In addition, the CBS Radio all-news operation rockets from #15 into the top ten (#7). Down or flat in each of the past nine sweeps producing a combined -1.3 (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), alternative sibling KROQ picks up two-tenths to 2.0 (6+), climbing from #22 to #21. Gaining one-half share and checking in at #21 is KPCC (1.5 – 2.0, 6+). The Pasadena Area City College-owned/American Public Media Group-operated facility reaches the two-share level (6+) for the first time since October 2015’s 2.2. While it leads the field for the sixteenth successive ratings period, iHeartMedia mainstream AC KOST “Coast 103.5” sees its 6+share skewered by more than half since “Holiday” 2016 (10.7 – 5.2, -5.5, 6+). “Coast” had been up the past three straight ratings periods for a combined +5.3 (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 10.7, 6+) and it was 5.9 (6+) one year ago (January 2016). After a “Holiday” 2016 increase of seven-tenths to 2.8, its finest 6+-performance since July 2015’s 2.9, Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105 FM” surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase (2.8 – 2.2, -.6, 6+), spiraling from #13 to #19. Falling from a three-way logjam at #7 to #10, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo 103.9” has nonetheless been extremely consistent the last eight ratings periods (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+). With a gain of three-tenths from .8 in “Holiday” 2016, Salem Media Group talker KRLA crosses the one-share barrier (1.1, 6+, #28).

3) Chicago – Feel free to file this under: “What a Difference a Sweep Makes – Especially If It’s ‘Holiday’ to January.” To be more specific, this time last month, iHeartMedia hot AC WLIT “93.9 My-FM” was at #1, holding an extremely comfortable 9.3-share (6+) advantage over Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted, fourth-ranked WTMX “101.9 The Mix.” Fast-forward to January 2017 results where we find “Mix” moving up to #3 (4.4 – 5.3, +.9, 6+), as it possesses +1.8 lead over “My-FM,” which freefalls by more than ten (10) full-shares (13.7 – 3.5, -10.2, 6+) to drop to sixth. Off by one full-share in “Holiday” 2016, “Mix” had been up in consecutive monthlies (4.9 – 5.3 – 5.4, October-November-December, 6+); prior to November 2016, it ranked third in each of the previous seven sweeps. WLIT entered the December sweep down or flat the preceding 11 ratings periods for a collective loss of 11 full-shares (13.9 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+). In succession, it then gained a +3.4 in December and a +7.4 in “Holiday” 2016. The station it displaced at #1 in “Holiday” 2016 – CBS Radio all-news WBBM-AM (6.1 – 6.3, +.2, 6+) – returns to the penthouse. WBBM-AM was tied for the lead in September 2016 and had been on top from January 2016 through May 2016. Trending 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.4 (6+) between August and December, adult contemporary WRME-LP “FM 87.7 Me TV” sputtered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, but rebounds nicely with a full-share increase (1.6 – 2.6, 6+) and soars back into the top 20 (#24 to #14). The market’s classic hits-oldies share balloons by +1.3 as Cumulus Media’s WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” gains seven-tenths (3.0, #14 to #10, 6+) while CBS Radio-owned WJMK “104.3 K-Hits” picks up six-tenths (2.4 – 3.0, steady at #10, 6+). “Chicago’s Classic Hits” ends four straight downward trends that yielded a combined -1.3 (3.6 – 3.2 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+). Meanwhile this is the best 6+-performance for “K-Hits” since May 2016 (3.1). A gain of one-half share takes Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ (#18 to a three-way tie at #16) to 2.5, matching what it registered in May 2016, while a +.4 to 2.0 (6+) by Cumulus Media talker WLS-AM (#24 to #23) ends three straight sweeps without an increase that produced a combined -.6 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.6, 6+). Even though Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHE – which is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 34th straight monthly – gains four-tenths (2.4 – 2.8, 6+), it falls from a three-way tie at #10 to #12. Making identical 1.9 – 2.2 (+.3, 6+) moves and thus tied at #20 are the market’s two country rivals, iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5” and CBS Radio-owned WUSN “US-99.5.”

4) San Francisco – After a one-month hiatus from the top spot, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED, -.7 in “Holiday” 2016 to fall to second, recovers all of it and then some (6.4 – 7.3, +.9, 6+) as it returns to #1. The loss of seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2016 halted seven straight positive trends that yielded a cumulative +2.3 (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). The public facility was evicted from the top spot and moved to the runner-up position in October, but registered a full-share gain in November to recapture the lead. Ousted after one month and falling from first to third in January 2017 is Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM “Better Music for a Better Workday” (9.2 – 4.9, -4.3, 6+). The -4.3 by KOIT-FM this sweep comes immediately after its +4.4 in “Holiday” 2016. Back-to-back declines by “Better Music for a Better Workday” in October and November produced a combined -.5 (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), but KOIT-FM answered with a +1.4 in December. The 5.1 (6+) advantage KOIT-FM had over iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” in “Holiday” 2016 shrinks to seven-tenths as “The Breeze” is up one-tenth (4.1 – 4.2, unchanged at #4). Faltering by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, KCBS-AM gains it all back (6.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+) and the CBS Radio all-news operation shifts from third to second. Its -.8 in “Holiday” 2016 ended a string of successive gains at four (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.7, 6+); KCBS-AM was +1.3 since August. Owing to a gain of seven tenths (3.1 – 3.8, tenth to fifth, 6+), hot AC sibling KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” overtakes format rival, iHeartMedia-owned KIOI “Star 101.3” (3.6, +.4, eighth to sixth, 6+). “Alice” was without an increase since August (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+), while “Star” had been down in each of the previous four ratings periods for a combined -1.1 (4.3 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). A +.6 (2.2 – 2.8, 6+) enables Cumulus Media talker KSFO to jump from #15 to #12. Improving by one-half share each are Entercom urban AC KBLX “102.9 The Bay’s R&B” (#19 to #14, 6+); KALW “Local Public Radio” (1.4 – 1.9, #19, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVS “K-LOVE” (.5 – 1.0, #29, 6+). This is the fourth straight up or flat trend for “The Bay’s R&B” for a combined +.9 (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.5). Following a collective +1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (1.5 – 2.0 – 2.8, 6+), Alpha Media-owned KBAY regresses by -1.2 and sinks from #11 to #25.

5) Dallas – Off by one-half share in “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.7, 6+) Cumulus Media’s country formatted KPLX not only bounces back with a +1.2 to 5.9, “The Wolf” progresses from fourth to first. It ends a one-month stay at the top for iHeartMedia’s KDGE “Star 102.1,” which abandoned its alternative format and “Edge” identity in mid-November 2016 in favor of all-Christmas music (and eventually its current adult contemporary format). In “Holiday” 2016, “Star 102.1” more than doubled December’s 3.3 to 7.7 (+4.4, 6+) and catapulted from tenth to first. With a -4.9 in January 2017 to 2.8 (6+), KDGE, which was at #21 in November, drifts from #1 all the way to #14. CHR cluster-mate KHKS “Kiss-FM,” which succeeded “The Wolf” at #1 in December, picks up one full-share and now trails KPLX by just one-tenth (4.8 – 5.8, third to second, 6+). Following a seven-tenths erosion in “Holiday” 2016, CBS Radio adult hits KJKK “Jack-FM” recaptures one-half share (4.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+) and moves back to #6 from #8. Prior to the -.7, “Jack” had been up the previous three ratings periods for a combined +.9 (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+). On the heels of a +1.4 in “Holiday” 2016, classic hits-oldies sibling KLUV forfeits -1.6 (5.4 – 6.8 – 5.2, 6+) and slides from second to third. Four straight down or flat trends have produced a cumulative -1.3 for sports cluster-mate KRLD-FM “The Fan” (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), which slips from #18 to #19.

6) Houston – Climbing from fifth to fourth, noncommercial contemporary Christian KSBJ “God Listens” improves by one full-share to 5.9, its strongest 6+-share in more than four years (6.0, November 2012). Following three straight negative trends that yielded a combined -1.5 (8.0 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN brings back 60% of that deficit to 7.4 (+.9, 6+) and jumps from third to first. In the process, it unseats iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1,” which sputters by -4.3 to 6.0 (6+), curtailing four straight up-trends that yielded a cumulative +3.8 (6.5 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 10.3, 6+); “Sunny” – #1 in 23 consecutive ratings periods before dipping to second in August 2016 – trades places with KLTN at #3. In “Holiday” 2016, KTRH returned the one-half share it gained in December, halting its streak of successive up or flat trends – which netted a +.7 – at three (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+). The iHeartMedia talker recoups that +.7 in January 2017 (3.5 – 4.2, 6+) and is back in the top ten (#14 to #10). Logging a gain of seven-tenths as well is CBS Radio Spanish contemporary KLOL “Mega 101 FM” (3.9 – 4.6, steady at #7, 6+), which was -.6 in “Holiday” 2016. Improving by six-tenths each are Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (tenth to eighth, 6+) and University of Houston-owned KUHF (3.0 – 3.6, #16 to #13, 6+). This marks the third straight increase for KRBE (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+) for a collective +1.0. Off by -1.7 since July (5.9 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.2, 6+), Cox Media Group country KKBQ “The New 93-Q” regained seven-tenths in November; lost six-tenths in December; forfeited one-half share in “Holiday” 2016; but is +.5 in January 2017 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+) as it inches up from ninth to eighth. Before slipping to #7 in October, “The New Q” had been in fifth-place the previous four sweeps. On the first day of the January 2017 sweep, Radio One transitioned KROI from urban-rhythmic oldies to CHR as “Radio Now 92.1.” Frozen on 1.4 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2016, KROI, in its new CHR format, drops one-half share to .9 (#24, 6+).

7) Philadelphia – After sputtering by one-half share in “Holiday” 2016, Beasley Media Group’s WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” roars back with a gain four times that amount – a whopping +2.0 – to advance from fourth to second (5.4 – 4.9 – 6.9, 6+). In December, “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” was -.6, thus curtailing three straight progressive trends (5.5 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). Jerry Lee Radio adult contemporary WBEB “More FM” enjoyed a 13-share (6+) advantage over WMGK in “Holiday” 2016, but that has been whittled down to a solitary share as WBEB erodes by ten (10) full-shares (17.9 – 7.9, 6+). Even so, “More FM,” which was +6.8 in “Holiday” 2016, is #1 for the sixth consecutive time. Following a collective gain of eight-tenths (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.6, August – September – October, 6+), “More FM” dropped one-tenth in November, only to post a +3.6 in December. The day after the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period ended (1/5), CBS Radio CHR WZMP “Amp” – which was trending 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 (6+) – flipped to adult contemporary as WTDY. In its first adult contemporary sweep against WBEB, “Today’s 96.5” registers a 2.6 (6+, #18). Despite a +1.3 (5.5 – 6.8, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL remains at #3, although it trails WMGK by just one-tenth. After absorbing a loss of six-tenths, Beasley Media Group’s WMMR “93.3 Rocks” bounces back with an increase twice that size (5.6, +1.2, 6+) to climb from sixth to fifth. WMMR ends three successive downward sweeps (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+) for a collective -1.7. In four straight dips (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRFF lost nearly half its 6+-share (-2.3) but “Radio 104.5 – Philadelphia’s Alternative” dials up a +1.1 to 3.8 (6+) to move from #13 to #11. Not only does CBS Radio talker WPHT regain the one-half share it lost in “Holiday” 2016, it piles on one-half share to it (3.4 – 2.9 – 3.9, 6+) as it cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). Staying in the spoken-word arena, co-owned all-news KYW picks up nine-tenths (4.7 – 5.6, steady at #5, 6+); public WHYY is up seven-tenths (2.3 – 3.0, #18 to #14, 6+); and Beasley Media Group sports WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” adds one-half share (2.5, unchanged at #19, 6+). Both KYW and WHYY were -.6 in “Holiday” 2016, while “The Fanatic” ends three straight negative trends (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). Before the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, KYW had been up or flat the past four times (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+) for a net +.9. In three straight increases, WHYY accumulated a combined eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+). Spiking upward by six-tenths each are Radio One urban AC WRNB “100.3 R&B + Old School” (3.3 – 3.9, tenth to ninth, 6+); iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ “Q-102” (3.1 – 3.7, #11 to #12, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “K-LOVE” (2.1 – 2.7, 6+). Flat at #7, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL “Power 99” is up one-tenth to 4.1 (6+), applying the brakes to six successive sweeps without an increase that produced a -.9 (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+).

8) Atlanta – It is indeed quite the rollercoaster ride for Cox Media Group talker WSB-AM, which follows the largest (6+) decline by any PPM-market station whose data was announced this time last month (-2.3) with the loftiest (6+) increase by any PPM-market station whose information was released yesterday (10.2 – 7.9 – 10.7, +2.8). Moreover, WSB-AM is #1 for the thirteenth straight month and its January 2017 10.7 represents the station’s best-ever (6+) performance, eclipsing the 10.2 in December. On the heels of a +.6 (6+), CBS Radio sports outlet WZGC “92.9 The Game” tacks on another eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.6 – 4.4, 6+), lifting the flagship of Super Bowl runner-up the Atlanta Falcons from #13 into the top ten (#9). Enjoying its seventh straight monthly without a decrease for a combined +1.6 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), Radio One urban AC WAMJ “Majic The Real Sound of Atlanta” rises from ninth to eighth. Ordinarily a station gaining three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9, 6+) and finishing at #18 wouldn’t be particularly noteworthy, but in this case, that’s the scenario for Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan,” making its first print appearance in exactly five years when it recorded a 1.9 (January 2012, 6+). Down or flat six straight sweeps entering the “Holiday” 2016 report for a collective loss of -1.5 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH dialed up a +2.5; however, “104.7 The Fish” forfeits all of it (4.6 – 7.1 – 4.6, 6+), as it drops from second to sixth. The 7.1 in “Holiday” 2016 was the strongest 6+-performance for “The Fish” in just over two years (7.6, “Holiday” 2014). Up a collective eight-tenths in back-to-back ratings periods (5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+), CBS Radio urban contemporary WVEE “V-103” forfeits seven-tenths to 6.0 (6+) yet manages to climb from third to second. Stymied on .4 the past five ratings periods, iHeartMedia’s WGST “640 Talk Radio” drops one-tenth to .3 (#27 to #30, 6+).

9) Long Island – Without a decrease for seven successive sweeps for a net gain of +1.6 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+), WINS floundered by one full-share in “Holiday” 2016. The CBS Radio all-news outlet, however, gets all but one-tenth back in January 2017 (4.5 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). A +.7 (4.4 – 5.1, 6+) lifts all-sports sibling WFAN “The Fan” from fifth to second. Having registered 11 successive sweeps at #1 in the Long Island report, iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ spiraled by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2016 (6.6 – 5.1, 6+), sliding to third. “Z-100” gains eight-tenths to 5.9 (6+) though and reappears at #1. Dislodged from the top spot is Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5” (9.0 – 4.9, -4.1, 6+), which skids to fourth. WALK-FM gained a combined +3.9 in December and “Holiday” 2016. Notching gains of one-half share each are Cox Media Group CHR WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All the Hits” (4.5, seventh to fifth, 6+); CBS Radio hot AC WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” (2.0 – 2.5, #19 to #16, 6+); and iHeartMedia talker WOR (3.1 – 3.6, #13 to #10, 6+). WBLI had been without an increase the past five sweeps for a combined -.9 (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Picking up one-half share as well are iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU (2.0 – 2.5, #19 to #16, 6+); Cumulus Media’s WNSH “94.7 Nash FM” (1.7 – 2.2, #22 to #20, 6+); and public WNYC-FM (1.6 – 2.1, #22. 6+). Following 17 straight monthlies in two-share territory (6+), “94.7 Nash FM” dropped one-half share to 1.7 in “Holiday” 2016. This is the 26th straight sweep that Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” (#17 to #20) is in 2.0 – 2.9 range (2.3 – 2.2, -.1, 6+). Down a combined four-tenths in three straight (minor) downtrends (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City adult contemporary WLTW “Lite FM” rebounded with a collective +4.5 in December and “Holiday” 2016, but coughs up all of it plus one-tenth (7.8 – 3.2, -4.6, 6+), drifting from #2 out of the top ten (#12). Exiting the top ten as well (#7 to #13) is Connoisseur Media’s similarly-formatted WKJY “K-98.3,” which sputters by one-full share (4.0 – 3.0, 6+).

10) Riverside – Powered by a +.7 (3.7 – 4.4, 6+), CBS Radio’s KFRG advances from sixth to fourth. It is the best 6+-showing for “New Country K-Frog” since March 2016’s 4.8. Meanwhile co-owned, similarly-programmed KXFG (#22 to #21) has a .1 for the twelfth successive sweep. In addition to KFRG “New Country K-Frog,” Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” also gains seven-tenths. “Jose” is up or flat for the fifth straight time for a collective +2.2 (7.2 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+) and ranks first for the fifteenth consecutive ratings period. Following a one-share increase in June, which halted back-to-back downward trends that produced a combined -.4, “Jose” fell by two-tenths in July but bounced back with a +.8 in August. This represents the fourth consecutive one-half share fluctuation by Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA – and the first one in positive territory (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+). In the runner-up slot six straight times before dropping to third in “Holiday” 2016, KOLA is back at #2. Prior to November, KOLA was up or flat the previous six times for a net gain of +2.2 (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well is All Pro Broadcasting adult contemporary KATY “Mix 101.3” (.4 – .9, #16 to #13). It is the strongest 6+-performance for “Mix” since “Holiday” 2015 (also .9, 6+). Trending 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 (6+) since October, co-owned KHTI “Hot 103.9 Move to the Music” declines by seven-tenths and ties “Mix” at .9 (6+, #13, down from #11). After seven straight positive or flat trends for a cumulative gain of nearly three full-shares (3.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 5.4 – 6.0, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “K-LOVE 107.5” (fourth to fifth) has surrendered a collective -1.7 in back-to-back sweeps (6.0 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+ (6+). Dating back to May, KLVE nearly doubled its 6+-share. Remaining flat at #8 but also off by one-half share in January 2017 is LC Media’s urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” (2.7 – 2.2, 6+).

11) San Jose – A nonsubscriber to the San Jose report since notching a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED returns in a big way by hanging out a +1.5 (5.4 – 6.9, 6+) and finishing at #1. Evicted from the top spot is Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM “Better Music for a Better Workday” (8.4 – 5.1, -3.3, 6+), which drops from first to fourth. Gaining nine-tenths each are co-owned KUFX “98.5 The South Bay’s Classic Rock” (2.9 – 3.8, tenth to seventh, 6+) and Cumulus Media talker KGO (2.4 – 3.3, #14 to #10, 6+). In “Holiday” 2016, “The South Bay’s Classic Rock” and KGO were -1.0 and -.6, respectively. Up by eight-tenths each are CBS Radio CHR KMVQ “Now 99.7 New Hit Music” (2.5 – 3.3, #10, 6+) and Cumulus Media talker KSFO (1.8 – 2.6, #20 to #17, 6+). “Now” had been down or flat the past five sweeps for a cumulative -1.4 (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+). As was the case with Cumulus Media sibling KGO, KSFO was down six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. One-half share improvements are recorded by iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” (2.7, flat at #16, 6+) and CBS Radio hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” (2.5, unchanged at #18, 6+). KMEL was stuck on 2.0 (6+) in October and November and then on 2.2 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2016, while “Alice” had been without an increase the past three ratings periods (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). Following seven straight sweeps without a loss for a cumulative +4.6 (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.5 – 8.0, 6+), Alpha Media-owned KBAY regresses by -3.6 to 4.4 (6+), dipping from second to sixth. On Christmas Day (12/25) at 5:00 pm, KBAY ended 20 years as an AC by flipping to classic hits-oldies as “94.5 Bay FM.” Although flat at 3.0 (6+) and within 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+) for the eighteenth successive sweep, iHeartMedia CHR KYLD “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” departs the top ten (#9 to #15). Off by one-half share (.8 – .3, 6+), Empire Broadcasting classic country KLIV “1590 San Jose’s Country Gold” finishes at #30.

12) Middlesex – Registering a “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 increase of one-full-share (6.8 – 7.8, 6+), Townsquare Media talker WKXW returns to #1 after one sweep in the runner-up slot. Prior to “Holiday” 2016 (where it was -.7, 6+), “New Jersey 101.5” spent twelve consecutive ratings periods on top. Down a combined one-share in October and November (8.2 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), WKXW picked up three-tenths in December. Owing to a sweep-to-sweep decrease of roughly 56% (8.7 – 3.8, -4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “Lite FM” drifts from first to seventh. Before January 2017’s -4.9, “Lite FM” had four straight up or flat trends in the Middlesex report, more than doubling its 6+-share since September (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 8.7, 6+). After three consecutive gains totaling a combined seven-tenths (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish tropical WXNY “X-96.3” relinquished nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2016 but erases that with a +1.0 in January 2017 (3.5 – 2.6 – 3.6, 6+), gliding from #15 to #10. Having improved in December by one-half share and then regressing by six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, Cumulus Media country WNSH “94.7 Nash FM” racks up eight-tenths (2.9 – 3.7, 6+) to enter the top ten (#13 to #8). December’s +.5 by “Nash FM” ended three successive negative trends for a combined -.9 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+). Recording a gain of six-tenths each are hot AC sibling WPLJ (2.7, #20 to 16, 6+) and Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – Your #1 Source For R&B” (6.0, second, 6+). WPLJ had been down or flat in each of the last three ratings periods and regains the six-tenths it lost in that timeframe (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.1, 6+), while WBLS rebounds from a cumulative -.8 in the past two sweeps (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+). Jumping by one-half share each – all from the iHeartMedia cluster – are CHR WHTZ “Z-100” (4.4 – 4.9, seventh to fifth, 6+); urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” (2.6 – 3.1, steady at #15, 6+); and rhythmic CHR WKTU (2.7, #18 to #16, 6+), which had been trending 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 (6+). Following a combined +1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (3.1 – 3.7 – 4.8, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT-FM “93.1 Amor” returns all but three-tenths (3.4 -1.4, 6+), plummeting from #5 to #11. Regressing by one full-share (4.2 – 3.2, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3” falls from the top ten (#8 to #13). Having registered three successive upward trends netting a +.8 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” is off by seven-tenths to 2.4 (6+), spiraling from #12 to #21.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

TALKERS | March 8, 2016

Saga Communications Net Revenue for 2015 Flat; Down 2.1% in Q4. Fourth quarter and 2015 full year financial figures have been released by Saga Communications and the company’s net revenue for all of 2015 was $132.9 million (basically flat at -0.9%). Comparing 2015 Q4 net revenue to the same period in 2014, the company was down 2.1% (including political). Saga reports that free cash flow increased 2.9% to $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Gross revenue without political increased 0.7% for the year. Station operating expense decreased 1.2% to $97.3 million (station operating expense includes depreciation and amortization attributable to the stations). Operating income decreased $1.9 million. Net income for the year was $13.4 million ($2.29 per fully diluted share).

The Presidential Race, Battle Against Islamic State, Oberlin Prof. Controversy, Netanyahu Cancels White House Visit, U.S. Illegal Immigrant Tally, and Erin Andrews Jury Award Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/7). The activities of the candidates for president and today’s Super Tuesday 2 primaries; the U.S. drone strikes on Islamic State militia; the controversial case of an Oberlin College professor’s Israel-Jewish conspiracy theories; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s abruptly cancelled visit with the White House; a report indicating an estimated 15 million immigrants are in the U.S. illegally; and sports reporter Erin Andrews wins a $55 million jury award in her case against the man who videotaped her and the hotel at which it happen were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Michael Harrison Explores a Wide Swath of Media Theory from Cave Painting to Virtual Reality. In the latest episode of the weekly PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” the TALKERS publisher presents a dynamic series of provocative connections casting a wide net from prehistoric cave painting to humanity’s “wiring of the solar system.” Referring back to early technology, music (“Garland to Gaga”) and culture (including his own childhood memories of playing kiddie records on a phonograph), Harrison talks about the extraordinary influence that the smart phone and other modern appliances are having on the modern human nervous system going forward into the digital era. This is a tour de force certain to stimulate Harrison’s following of “media freaks” both inside the industry and beyond. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player located in the right-hand column of every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.

KOZN, Omaha’s Nick Bahe Returns to Air This Week. Sports talk host Nick Bahe is planning to return to the air on NRG Media’s KOZN, Omaha “1620 The Zone” after being off the air since February 17 to have a tumor removed from his chest. The midday personality called in to his own program yesterday (3/7) to tell listeners that the tumor is benign and he will be back on his show this week. NRG reports that podcast plays of the program tallied close to 17,500. KOZN operations manager Dave Tepper states, “Nick has had an incredibly challenging few months with his health. His ‘Zone’ team and listeners share relief in learning his test results are healthy and that he’ll back entertaining his listeners soon.”

Kinosian: John & Leah Show 1^st Year Progress Report. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian recently spoke with Envision Networks-syndicated talk personality John Ziegler about the progress his Sunday evening show is making a year into its national distribution effort. The three-hour show that features co-host Leah Brandon (who also serves as WERC, Birmingham morning news anchor) is currently heard on 22 affiliate stations – 15 of which are in the top 28 markets. Ziegler tells Kinosian, “So far, I am surprised there has not been more of a bandwagon effect. Many stations are missing a fantastic opportunity to get their weekdays started in a strong way with this great reason for people to tune in on Sunday nights. I think this is a real missed opportunity for many stations around the country. We would like to help them take advantage of that opportunity. If every medium market manager saw our ratings success in Louisville, they would be calling Envision immediately because it is a remarkable story.” Ziegler understands the challenges of building a national show but he says he’s confident because he believes in the quality of the show. “There is so much clutter out there. If content means anything, this show will be a huge success because our content is better than [that of anyone else]. We are the only show that together has a male and a female with the expansive and unique backgrounds that Leah Brandon and I have. We are also the only show that can do both hard news and soft news in an informative and an entertaining way. No one else can bridge that gap.” Read more here.

Odds & Sods. A joint venture between Salem Radio Network and David Leach’s The Strident Conservative will give a network platform to the latter’s two-minute daily radio commentary. Leach says, “I am delighted to begin this new partnership with the Salem broadcast family. The SC combines poignant and honest opinion, mixed with a touch of sarcasm and satire, in ways that will appeal to listeners who still believe in the America envisioned by our Founding Fathers. I believe we are a perfect fit for the Salem network.”…..Sports talker KLWB, Lafayette, Louisiana is adding Houston Astros baseball to its programming this season. Delta Media Corporation says that will the addition of Astros baseball, it marks the first time in more than 10 years that the Houston club’s games have been heard in Acadiana…..According to Media Monitors, during the last 10 days, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton ran the most spots on the radio with a total of 6,815 ads – 3,738 spots from her campaign, 2,906 spots from her Super PAC Priorities USA ACTION and another 171 spots were purchased by the SEIU COPE (Service Employees International Union); Bernie Sanders was in second place with 4,589 spots (of those, the National Nurses United Patient Protection PAC placed 123 spots and the CWA Working Voices PAC added 68 spots; Ted Cruz was in third place airing 3,024 spots; 979 from his campaign and 2,045 spots by the Keep The Promise I PAC; Donald Trump For President ran 338 spots putting him in fourth place; and Marco Rubio cleared 261 spots, with 208 spots bought by the Super PAC Conservative Solutions and 53 spots by the Cuba Democracy Public Advocacy Corporation…..Dielectric will be at the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas in April displaying its purpose-engineered antennas and RF systems for TV and radio broadcasters. There it will display its new low- and high-power antennas to cover all power requirements; and a common case FM combiner that supports channel multiplexing across a lighter infrastructure. Dielectric general manager Keith Pelletier says, “Dielectric has invested significant engineering effort into developing economical antenna and RF solutions for FM broadcasters. Innovations include a panel antenna design for low-power broadcasters that reduces the size of the feed system by half, and a ring-style solution for high-power stations that greatly lowers the costs and complexity of sidemount installations. Inside the transmitter building, we’re returning precious real estate to tenants by eliminating components traditionally associated with the filtering process, while simplifying channel tuning. The result is high-quality engineering with a quicker return on investment for the broadcaster.”

PodcastOne Founder and CEO Norm Pattiz to Moderate ‘The Podcasting Session’ at TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. In a panel discussion designed to serve as one of the informational centerpieces of the forthcoming TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations conference, PodcastOne founder/CEO Norm Pattiz will serve as moderator. “The Podcast Session” will feature the legendary radio broadcasting visionary and original Westwood One founder along with an all-star array of successful talent and leading-edge executives in the emerging field of podcasting. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “We are delighted that Norm Pattiz will guide this extremely important session. He is clearly one of the leading experts, movers and shakers in the rise of podcasting – not just as a medium of communication – but as a mighty extension and new platform for the growth of both advertising and subscription-driven digital broadcasting, journalism and entertainment. That will be the focus of this intense panel discussion. Stand by as we announce the panel members over the coming days.” TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations will take place on Friday, May 20, 2016 on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. It will be the 19^th annual installment of the talk radio and talk media’s longest-running and most important national convention. For more information see stories below.

WW1: Nielsen Data Highlights Strengths of NCAA Tourney Radio Audience. Stating its case for the quality of the radio audience for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Westwood One presents data from Nielsen studies analyzing that group of consumers. The first study analyzed the NCAA listening audience in 48 Portable People Meter markets, examining reach accumulation across the entire NCAA basketball season. The second study of 1,000 college hoops fans titled, “A Day in the Life of an NCAA Fan,” investigates how the March Madness audience follows the tournament across social, video, audio and digital platforms in a variety of locations. WW1’s goal is to show that the NCAA radio audience is a more dedicated audience that its other media counterparts and presents numbers to argue for that. Among the key findings are: NCAA radio listeners are more engaged fans and consume more games on average than the general NCAA basketball audience; 87% of NCAA basketball listeners will follow/watch/listen to the full tournament through the Final, compared with 78% of the overall NCAA basketball audience; and the average number of NCAA tournament games consumed by AM/FM listeners is 12.3, compared to 10.2 for the total NCAA basketball audience. See more from the study here.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

TALKERS | February 25, 2016

CBS RADIO Announces Sales Management Appointments for Chicago Stations. Director of sales Mark Day was let go from the CBS RADIO Chicago cluster in early January (at the same time market manager Rod Zimmerman exited) and now the company is announcing its new sales managers. Paul Agase is named director of music sales, and John Cravens is the director of news and sports sales. SVP and market manager Tim Pohlman says, “I am extremely excited to have two senior veterans in the market lead our sales efforts with the great brands of CBS RADIO Chicago. Paul and John have been leaders in the Chicago market for many years. Their solid relationships with partners, clients, and our internal team will be key to growing our revenue in the years ahead.” Agase (who was promoted from within) will oversee sales operations for the market’s music stations – WBBM-FM (CHR ), WJMK-FM (classic hits), WUSN-FM (country), and WXRT-FM (triple A) – while Cravens (former crosstown sports WMVP DOS) will manage sales efforts for WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM (all-news), WSCR-AM (sports talk), and sports play-by-play sales for both the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.

Presidential Race, Apple vs FBI, Immigration Policy, Scalia Replacement, ISIS Threatens Zuckerberg and Dorsey, Syrian Conflict-Russian Military Build-Up, and Oscars Boycott Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/24). The primary elections and the activities of the candidates for president; the controversy over Apple’s refusal to hack the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino terrorists; the immigration and refugee policies of the U.S. government; the scenarios for replacing Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia; the threats by ISIS against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey; the conflict in Syria and Russia’s military involvement there; Sunday’s Academy Awards and the planned boycott were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Academy Award-Nominated Screenwriter Leigh Savidge Launches ‘Straight Outta…The Podcast.’ Joining the PodcastOne platform is screenwriter Leigh Savidge, who is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film Straight Outta Compton. The podcast is based on the critically acclaimed film and involves Savidge focusing on “the inner culture of the hip hop world, from its inspirational roots, to top current-day artists. Leigh has spent years in the underground hip hop scene and will invite guests to share eye-witness accounts of rap’s most controversial and intriguing moments.” The series launches today with guest Alonso Williams, the NWA mentor who assisted the group with their first album. Original NWA member Arabian Prince joins Savidge next week, followed by a two-parter with Suge Knight’s ex-wife Sharitha Knight. PodcastOne EVP of content development Mike August states, “We are very excited to have one of the Oscar-nominated writers of Straight Outta Compton in the person of Leigh Savidge joining our PodcastOne family with never-before-heard interviews with the artists, producers and promoters that both created and drive the hip hop music business to this day.”

Radio One Q4 Report: TV Bails Out Radio. Although the company’s 2015 Q4 net revenue was basically flat (down 0.3%) and revenue from the cable television helped offset a down quarter for radio, president and CEO Alfred Liggins believes the radio side of Radio One is well positioned for 2016. “Overall, our radio advertising revenue was down 5.2% for the final quarter of 2015. We underperformed our markets in Atlanta, Baltimore and Houston, but outperformed in Washington DC. Our audience ratings have generally shown strong growth year-over-year, and I anticipate that we will monetize these audience gains in 2016. While our gross cable television advertising revenues were up by ligginsalfred 11% for the quarter, the liability incurred due to under delivery against rate card meant that overall TV advertising revenue was down by 3.5% for the quarter. This was more than offset by the 27.5% increase in cable television affiliate fees. Management remains focused on turning around underperforming radio markets and advancing our digital and cross platform sales strategies. We have had a number of significant client successes with our One Solution cross-platform sales and marketing effort, and I expect that momentum to continue into 2016.” Other notable figures from the Q4 report include an operating loss of approximately $11.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, compared to operating income of $19.4 million for the same period in 2014 and a net loss of approximately $24.3 million or $0.50 per share compared to $13.5 million or $0.28 per share, for the same period in 2014.

Kalman Named LSM at ’98.7 ESPN New York.’ Former WFAN, New York play-by-play- sales manager Steve Kalman is named local sales manager at ESPN O&O WEPN, New York. ESPN notes that Kalman spent more than a decade in the trade events business before moving into managing sports broadcast media sales. Kalman has managed broadcast play-by-play sales teams for the New York Mets, New York Giants and the New York Yankees.

Rally for ‘First Dude’ Hopeful. Former President Bill Clinton spoke at an Old Town Alexandria, Virginia rally yesterday (2/25) for Hillary Clinton at which hundreds of loyal supporters waited in line in the rain to attend. Pictured covering it for her various platforms is noted Washington, DC-based radio newswoman Lori Lundin (Washington Examiner, NPR and more) who hosts the experimental animal rights program “Vox Animali” for TalkersRadio. Lundin quickly turns to the TALKERS camera while the former Chief Executive addresses the crowd.

Odds & Sods. Broadcasting from this week’s National Religious Broadcasters conference in Nashville is Salem Radio Network’s SRN News and Townhall.com. Both are originating morning drive newscasts from the event in addition to coverage of two separate presidential candidate forums which are being moderated by SRN’s Eric Metaxas…..The winner of Beasley Media Group’s “President’s Club Overall Winner” award for the calendar year 2015 is Beasley Tampa senior account manager Paige Grady. The President’s Club consists of Beasley sales executives, who are honored annually for their abilities to meet or exceed individual and market goals, attain accreditation from the Radio Advertising Bureau as Certified Radio Marketing Consultants (CRMC), and over-deliver their clients’ expectations on a daily basis. Each month throughout the year, one account executive from each of Beasley’s radio markets is named in the President’s Club. At the end of each year, every market names their winner based on overall performance. The individual with the highest ranking from this notable pool of top-performers is named Beasley’s “President’s Club Overall Winner” for the previous calendar year…..CBS RADIO reports its PPM market stations – as a whole – saw ratings performance increase comparing January 2016 PPM data to January 2015 numbers. The company says its stations “across 25 major markets posted a nearly 5% increase in listeners Persons 12+, reaching a total audience in excess of 45 million and an increase of more than two million over the prior year.” The biggest increases in audience in the top 10 markets were seen at KJKK-FM (Dallas, 48%), KLUV-FM (Dallas, 44%), KTWV-FM (Los Angeles, 44%), WIP-FM (Philadelphia, 32%), WIAD-FM (Washington, D.C., 31%) and WZGC-FM (Atlanta, 30%)…..This week, more than 500 local radio and television broadcasters gathered in Washington, DC for the National Association of Broadcasters’ annual State Leadership Conference. The event featured speeches from prominent policymakers on federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting the broadcast industry, and provided attendees an opportunity to meet with their legislators to discuss how local radio and TV stations serve their communities.

Cool Job Opportunity. Greater Media Charlotte is seeking a continuity and traffic assistant. Ideal characteristics for this position include: someone who enjoys analytics and puzzles, is innately curious, is meticulous with details, thrives in a fast-paced environment, works calmly and effectively under pressure, reacts quickly to meet tight deadlines, is diplomatic and determined with solid people skills. To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to hired@gmclt.com . You may also fax your information to 704-338-3079, attention: Sandra Szoke, director of sales, or mail to: Human Resources – WBT/WLNK Radio, ATTN: Continuity and Traffic Assistant, Greater Media Charlotte, One Julian Price Place, Charlotte, NC 28208. EOE.

‘Talk Radio: The Big Picture’ Panel Coming Together for TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. One of the traditional keynote events at the annual TALKERS magazine conference is the broad-strokes panel session titled, “Talk Radio: The Big Picture.” Moderated by Michael Harrison, the session addresses a cross-section of the most important issues facing the institution of spoken-word radio in America by tapping into the experience and insights of major players from various aspects of the field. Already booked for this year’s installment are (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, president/CEO Bold Gold Media Group; Heather Cohen, executive vice president, The Weiss Agency; Tom Langmyer, vice president & general manager, Milwaukee radio operations and vice president, news/talk/sports programming E.W. Scripps Company; Mike McVay, senior vice president/content & programming, Cumulus Media & Westwood One; Chris Oliviero, executive vice president programming, CBS Radio; and Joe Sciacca, editor-in-chief, Boston Herald & Boston Herald Radio. Additional panel sessions to be announced include “The Millennials and Media,” “The Podcasting Session,” “Generating Revenue in the Digital Era,” and “The Talk Rumble” among others. Stay tuned for more news about speakers and events. TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations will take place on Friday, May 20 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY (near NYC). More details in the stories below.

Stellar Lineup Developing for TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. More than 60 leading industry speakers will fill a power-packed day and evening of panel discussions, special presentations, keynote addresses, exhibits, social networking functions, meals and live broadcasts at the forthcoming 19^th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention. TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations will take place on Friday, May 20 on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The event kicks off bright and early at 8:00 am with the traditional “Breakfast with Hannity” opening social. It will conclude 12 hours later with a gala, early-evening reception on the university’s magnificent television soundstage. Already scheduled: Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity will be interviewed in a morning “Fireside Chat” conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and WFAN, New York sports talk titan Mike Francesa will follow his morning address with a live broadcast (with student participation) of his legendary five-and-a-half hour afternoon drive show via the state-of-the-art facilities of the university’s award-winning radio station. Pictured: Mike Francesa (l), Michael Harrison (c) and Sean Hannity (r). Located just outside of New York City, Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s most respected and influential breeding grounds of great broadcasters. The NAB honored WRHU-FM in 2015 with a Marconi Award as the first ever “student operated” non-commercial station of the year! Radio Hofstra University WRHU-FM is also currently ranked number one – best college radio station – by the Princeton Review. WRHU-FM also earned a Pinnacle Award – station of the year – from the CMA. Upon making the announcement of this year’s event, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “2016 marks a great leap forward in the rich and colorful history of this legendary conference. Tapping into the theme ‘Bridging the Generations’ TALKERS 2016 will intensely focus on talk radio’s successful and as seamless-as-possible transition into the digital era concentrating on attracting younger demos, broadening the format menu, modernizing political positioning, enhancing both journalistic and entertainment impact, incorporating all aspects of pop culture, understanding Millennials and the New Authenticity, creating a viable cross-platform presence, embracing the new technology, and of course, podcasting, podcasting and more podcasting.” Harrison adds, “This conference will be inter-generational. I cannot begin to express the level of excitement and pride we have in partnering this year with Hofstra University, its wonderfully dynamic Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and its famous radio station WRHU – clearly one of the greatest, heritage campus outlets in America. Their amazing, state-of-the-art resources will provide an exhilarating backdrop and platform for this gathering. As far as we are concerned, the future of talk media begins now!” The cost of a full registration is $299 per person with a special student rate of $249. An early bird registration rate of $249 will be in effect until 5:00 pm ET on Monday, February 29 unless the event sells out prior to that date. Registration is only open to professionals currently or recently (within one year) employed in media-related industries as well as students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities. Registration includes all sessions, presentations, exhibits, receptions, and tours as well as breakfast/lunch/refreshment and social networking activities. Registrations can only be taken over the phone (to verify qualifications) and paid for with a credit card. As in years past, for the sake of intimacy and productivity, attendance will be limited to 500 and TALKERS 2016 will be an early sellout. No registrations can be sold after that point. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. To register or obtain sponsorship information, please call 413-565-5413. Information about special local hotel discounts for attendees is detailed below. Agenda and speakers to be announced in the days and weeks ahead, leading up to the event. Register now!

Fantastic Group Rate Available at Long Island Marriott for TALKERS 2016. A limited number of rooms are still available for a limited amount of time for the nights of Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20 at the fabulous Long Island Marriott hotel located near Hofstra University – the site of TALKERS 2016. To take advantage of the $169 per night rate, book as early as possible by clicking here or calling reservations at 1-800-228-9290 and telling the agent you are with the TALKERS event group.

Monday, March 16, 2015

TALKERS | March 16, 2015

Townsquare Media Q4 Pro Forma Net Revenue Up 9.5%. Reporting 2014 Q4 and full-year financial figures, Townsquare Media announces its pro forma net revenue was $93.7 million – up 9.5% compared to the same quarter a year ago – and for the full year, pro forma net revenue was up 8.4% on income of $384.7 million. While pro forma local advertising net revenue increased 5.6% during Q4, chairman and CEO Steven Price says that “nearly 30% of our 2014 pro forma net revenue was derived from sources other than the sale of terrestrial radio advertising.” He further comments, “Consistent with our January pre-announcement, we are pleased to report fourth quarter pro forma net revenue growth of 9.5% and pro forma adjusted EBITDA growth of 8.6%, with strong growth in each of our operating segments. We are pleased to announce that we have broken out our Live Events business as a separate reportable operating segment and believe this will provide increased transparency to our investors.” The company also explains how the company’s divisions are broken down: “We have two reportable operating segments, which are Local Advertising and Live Events, and report the remainder of our business in an Other Media and Entertainment category. Our Local Advertising segment is composed of broadcast, digital and mobile advertising on our stations, streams, websites and mobile application. Our Live Events segment is composed of a diverse range of live events, which we create, promote and produce, including musical concerts, multi-day music festivals, consumer expositions and trade shows, athletic events, lifestyle events and other forms of entertainment. The Other Media and Entertainment business principally includes digital marketing services, national digital assets and other revenue.”

Kevin Slaten Returns to KXFN, St. Louis Airwaves Today. In a story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch today by Dan Caesar, it’s reported that notorious St. Louis sports talk personality Kevin Slaten will be on KXFN’s air today (3/16) as the Grand Slam-owned station is being leased by Talkstl.com’s owners. Slaten’s show is currently heard on the digital platform. Caesar writes that Talkstl began the deal over the weekend and began airing Yahoo Sports Radio. He also reports the move is part of a power struggle at Grand Slam that is forcing KXFN to change formats again. Read his piece here.

Programming Quake at WTEM, Washington. According to Dave Hughes’ DCRTV.com, a huge programming maelstrom took place at Red Zebra-owned sports talker WTEM, Washington “ESPN 980” last week that prevented today’s debut of the local “Man Cave” show with Chris Paul and Jason Reid and cost programmer Chuck Sapienza his job. The short version is that Washington Redskins and WTEM owner Dan Snyder doesn’t appreciate former Washington Post writer Reid’s criticism of the Redskins operations and put the kibosh on the show. When Sapienza tried to justify the move, he was dismissed. Read the DCRTV.com report here.

Larry Gifford: Radiodays Europe – Day One.

MILAN – BBC radio is widely considered one of the most innovative media companies in the world, which is the reason BBC radio director Helen Boaden was a good choice to set the tone for Radiodays Europe 2015 in Milan, Italy. In her special Sunday night conference-opening presentation, Boaden laid out one of the big challenges facing radio and offered a road map for those who want to follow.

“You need to understand your company’s space in the digital universe,” Boaden (pictured below during her address) commanded. She encouraged everyone to look at media, telecom, and social media companies and any other company that has entered the space of audio content creation to be sure there is a true understanding of the scale at which we are competing. This is when she referred to Google, Amazon.com, Netflix and Facebook as “the four horseman of the digital apocalypse.” But, she made it clear it’s not just a fight for dollars and ear-space, but for our talent. “We, for the first time, have lost one of our best presenters to Apple.” (She’s referring to DJ Zane Lowe’s recently reported move from London to Cupertino.) She thinks she knows why, too. “What they want is actually the best of radio. Aggregation no longer, they can see, is enough.”

Boaden strongly believes despite the technology changes, at the heart of all good radio is still good storytelling. She oversees what seems like dozens of BBC radio brand extensions each focused on getting fans to listen, watch and share stories.

Listen. Watch. Share.

That is the BBC radio secret: a three-pronged, listener-focused, strategy for every platform. She gave innovative examples the BBC has implemented for each, including pop-up radio stations, animating great radio content, and engaging fans with share-worthy original content. Boaden concluded, “The future of radio relies on you staying close to the audience. Despite how you feel about them sometimes, you can’t sack your audience, but your audience can sack you.”

Radiodays Europe features Elvis Duran as the conference keynote address today (3/16). Duran and iHeartRadio‘s Dennis Clark will discuss how to create a successful morning show. You can keep up-to-date on the conference by following #rde15 on Twitter.

This special report to TALKERS was filed by Larry Gifford. He is a radio programming consultant and talent coach (www.larrygifford.com) and host of the Radio Stuff Podcast. He can be emailed at larrygifford1@gmail.com.

Lew Dickey to Address SXSW Media Conference. At the 2015 South by Southwest Music and Media Conference in Austin this Thursday (3/19), Cumulus Media president and CEO Lew Dickey will be featured on a panel discussion during which he’ll speak to attendees about how listeners and artists are benefiting from the integration of broadcast radio and music streaming services. The panel will be moderated by digital news outlet Quartz’s John McDuling, along with fellow panelists Rdio CEO Anthony Bay and Glassnote Entertainment Group president/chief executive officer Daniel Glass. The panel, titled, “The Marriage of Radio & Online Listening,” will address the future for merged relationships between radio and online listening.

Bliss Family Robinson. In this personality profile published today (3/16), TALKERS magazine managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian presents the story of lifelong radio pro Dick Robinson – founder of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. From his beginnings at WARE in Ware, Massachusetts in the late 1950s, to his time at WDRC-AM & FM in Hartford, to the founding and building of CSB and beyond, Kinosian paints a colorful picture of this fascinating “radio guy” and the storied business he and his family have built and maintained. Read the entire piece here.

Odds & Sods. Concerning the conspicuous absence of college hoops legend John Thompson from Westwood One’s broadcast from the Big East Tournament last week, the syndicator reports he had corrective surgery for a benign twisted intestine and is home recovering well. “Unfortunately, he is unable to travel extensively for the next few weeks, otherwise he would be in his favorite spot — courtside for March Madness.”…..New Hampshire Public Radio’s Virginia Prescott, host of “Word of Mouth,” is being recognized by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation with a Gracie award in the category of Outstanding Host – Entertainment/Information category.

VO VIPs. At the recent VO Atlanta voice-over conference, some of the nation’s top voice-over artists gathered. Pictured here are (from l-r): Chris Corley, Randy Thomas, Mitch Faulkner and Jason Garte. Thomas moderated a panel titled, “The History of Radio Imaging,” featuring Garte, president of The Mix Group and Mix Talent Management; Corley, a top promotional announcer and imaging voice; and Faulkner, imaging voiceover talent and founder of MLMI Creative Services Atlanta.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

TALKERS | March 11, 2015

Salem Media Group Reports Broadcast Sector Flat in Q4 2014; Net Revenue Up 2.3% for All of 2014. The company’s net broadcast revenue was up 2.3% on revenue of $192.9 million for the entire year of 2014. The fourth quarter of 2014, however, was flat on revenue of $48.8 million. However, the company’s digital and publishing arms performed much better with the digital media sector’s revenue increasing 14.7% to $11.7 million from $10.2 million (compared to the same quarter a year ago). Publishing revenue rose 47% to $5.4 million from $3.7 million (compared to Q4 of 2013).

Rob Ellis Exits WIP-FM, Philadelphia. Telling listeners of his final evening show on CBS RADIO’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia that he’s leaving the station, Rob Ellis lets on that he was not happy being moved from middays – where he was partnered with Anthony Gargano prior to Gargano’s exit from the station last December – to evenings as Josh Innes was moved up from nights to work with Tony Bruno on the new midday show. He teases that he’ll be seen and heard in the market but was not specific.

TALKERS/RadioInfo Publisher Michael Harrison Joins Podcast One to Host Weekly Podcast. TALKERS/RadioInfo publisher Michael Harrison and Norm Pattiz have announced entering into an agreement in which Harrison will host a weekly podcast on Pattiz’ PodcastOne, the leader in advertiser-supported, on-demand digital audio with more than 200 programs downloaded over 120 million times every month. Titled, Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison, the podcast, which officially debuted yesterday (3/10), delivers provocative insights into the digital era’s rapidly evolving technology and the effects of these changes on the human condition. In addition to conducting candid, probing conversations with top contemporary thinkers from the arts, science, business and pop culture worlds, Harrison will share personal experiences and perspectives culled from his long-standing career as one of the most influential media observers and analysts in the broadcasting realm for more than four-and-a-half decades. “Up Close and Far Out has found the perfect platform for distribution and promotion with the leading podcaster, PodcastOne, to deliver illuminating insights and stimulating information to the rapidly growing podcast audience in the most modern and timely way possible,” says Michael Harrison. “It will be a pleasure and valuable opportunity to once again be associated with this innovative company’s extraordinary founder, Norm Pattiz.” This marks the first time that Michael Harrison has agreed to take on a regularly scheduled performance role on a platform outside those under the TALKERS magazine umbrella in more than 20 years and he credits that largely to his confidence in Pattiz. Harrison and Pattiz worked together in the mid-1970s when Pattiz was launching Westwood One and Harrison hosted, wrote and produced one of that company’s earliest groundbreaking offerings, The Great American Radio Show with Michael Harrison. “Michael Harrison’s track record of success in predicting, defining and participating in media trends spans the digital divide and is nothing short of extraordinary — and we are excited to expand that from the newspaper, magazine, radio and television commentaries in which he has become a universally recognized resource to the intimate and unfiltered realm of his own regularly scheduled podcast,” says Norm Pattiz, chairman and CEO of PodcastOne. “Bringing his unique brand of articulate analysis and intelligent conversational skills to the table, Michael Harrison knows how to connect with both the professional media practitioner and educated pop culture consumer on a remarkably high and consistent level.” Harrison adds, “Whereas my work in the industry trades focuses primarily on information directly applicable to professionals in the radio, TV and digital realm, this project will be more aggressively speculative and theoretical — targeted to the hardcore ‘media freaks’ in and beyond the industry.” This unique podcast, Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison, will be available on www.PodcastOne.com, the PodcastOne app, www.talkers.com, www.RadioInfo.com, and iTunes. The podcast can be directly accessed at www.podcastone.com/up-close-and-far-out

Odds & Sods. Another podcaster is added to the program lineup at Dupage Radio’s WCKG, Elmhurst, Illinois (suburban Chicago) as “The Dolly McCarthy Show” joins for weekends. WCKG general manager Matt Dubiel says, “We’re always working on new ways to live up to our mission to be the WGN of the suburbs. Adding Dolly – a suburban mother who is involved in suburban organizations and hosts a show about suburban affairs – makes her show a win-win for everyone…and sure beats crazy, political shout-fests!”…..Mahindra USA and Yahoo Sports Radio are hitting the air with a comprehensive, nationwide marketing partnership to support the continued robust growth of the Mahindra brand and the company’s extensive dealer network. As part of the Yahoo Sports Radio campaign and in appreciation of their service, Mahindra is offering First Responders across America an opportunity to win a Mahindra eMax 22 HST tractor with front-end loader. Any active or retired law enforcement, firefighter or EMT is eligible to enter through Yahoo Sports Radio’s website or www.tributetothebrave.com between March 6 – April 4, 2015.

Cumulus New York Talent to Be Honored with Gracie Awards. Broadcasters from Cumulus Media’s New York stations will be honored with three Gracie Awards from the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation during the awards presentation on June 22 at the New York Hilton Hotel. The awards are about recognizing excellence in programming by, for or about women. Capturing Gracie Awards at Cumulus New York are: Rita Cosby, WABC for Outstanding Host-News/Non-Fiction, Local Market Radio; “The Ride Home with Pat Kiernan & Rita Cosby,” WABC New York, for Outstanding Talk Show-News, Local Market Radio; and “NASH Matters with Kelly Ford” featuring the Grace Institute, WNSH “NASH-FM 94.7” for Outstanding Interview Program or Feature, Local Market Radio.

‘The Bigger Picture’ Celebrates Two Years on Los Angeles Airwaves This Month. The idea for the radio program that would become “The Bigger Picture with Timothy Spangler” began when the host returned to the United States in 2012 after spending 10 years in London. Spangler says that the experience gave him “a platform to learn the ways of the world outside the sterile partisan political debates so common in American media.” He says the concept was simple: a live weekly radio show that would focus on international affairs and global events that would approach the stories and guests with ample amounts of humor, familiar to listeners who had grown up on “The Daily Show” and “Colbert Report.” By avoiding domestic political issues – too often talked to death during the week on traditional AM stations – he hoped to give listeners a refreshingly different radio experience. “The world is a funny place,” according to Spangler, “and we just want to share that with as many people as we can.” Joined by college buddies actor David C Fisher and musician Phillip Sparks, the three UCLA alumni decided to launch the show on Salem Media Group’s news/talk KRLA “AM870 The Answer.” “We were drawn to the heritage of KRLA, which is a station anyone who grew up in LA is familiar with.” Spangler says they kick off the Sunday 10:00 pm show with a news round-up featuring the strangest and most puzzling news stories from around the globe – German grandmothers thwarting bank robberies, Venezuelan grocery stores running out of toilet paper – all are fair game. On a more serious note, each week the BIG story goes in depth on a topic or development that has not yet received the attention it deserves – important stories that mainstream media are unwilling to make time for, says Spangler. He also books top-notch guests to talk about the world’s issues. Some recent guests include: Edward Norton, Stevie Wonder, Jim Kerr from the rock band Simple Minds, Lesley Nicol, who plays “Mrs. Patmore” on PBS‘ “Downton Abbey,” Mathew Rhys, star of FX‘s hit drama, “The Americans,” and Jeff Perry, star of the ABC hit television series, “Scandal,” to name just a few. As for the future of the program, Spangler observes that the content is not local market-specific and clearly lends itself to a national audience. Conversations with syndicators and affiliates are ongoing, and the team hopes to bring “The Bigger Picture” to more and more listeners in the months ahead.

Longtime Albany Talk Personality Don Weeks Dies at 76. Four years after retiring from a 30-year stint as morning drive host at WGY, Albany in 2010, Don Weeks passed away at age 76. The Daily Report of Schenectady wrote that Weeks had been in failing health. He lost his wife Suzanne in December of 2014. “Uncle Don” began hosting the morning show in December of 1980 and earned a Marconi Award in 2005. He started in radio in the Capital Region in 1956.

Hillary Clinton Email Probe, Iran Nukes Deal Controversy, OU Sigma Alpha Epsilon Racism Case, Amnesty Issue, 2016 Presidential Prospects, ‘Blurred Lines’ Ruling, and Apple Unveils Watch Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/10). The ongoing investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of private email for State Department business; the battle between Congress and President Obama over the proposed Iran nukes deal; the racial tensions ignited at University of Oklahoma after a fraternity is recorded singing a song with racist lyrics; the GOP’s fight against President Obama’s amnesty orders; the potential candidates for president in 2016; a jury sides with the estate of Marvin Gaye in the “Blurred Lines” case; and Apple unveils its soon to be marketed Watch product were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Friday, March 6, 2015

TALKERS | March 6, 2015

Beasley Reports 2014 Q4 Pro Forma Net Revenue Dips 4.3%. Getting an accurate picture of the fourth quarter – not to mention the total of 2014 – is a bit dicey because of the asset exchange between Beasley and CBS RADIO. But as Beasley chairman and CEO George Beasley says in the press release, “On a reported basis, fourth quarter net revenue from continuing operations rose 23.5% and SOI [station operating income] increased 14.6%, while operating income of $1.8 million was impacted by $1.7 million of transaction and termination expenses related to the Asset Exchange and otherwise would have compared favorably with the $2.8 million in the comparable year ago period. However, given the required accounting treatment for discontinued operations, the results include only one month of operations from the stations we received in the asset exchange, while excluding the results of the stations we gave up in the transaction. As a result, we believe a pro forma presentation, which assumes the asset exchange occurred on January 1, 2013, better reflects the operating results. On a pro forma basis, fourth quarter net revenue decreased 4.3% to $28.9 million while SOI declined 8.0% to $9.2 million. Importantly, while the fourth quarter pro forma presentation allows for a comparison of the same stations during both periods, it does not reflect our recently initiated and planned format and personnel changes in Tampa as well as expense reductions in Tampa and Charlotte, the benefits of which we expect will be reflected in our results as we move through 2015 and into 2016.”

20 Years of KKFN Sports Talk in Denver Being Recognized. This Monday (3/9), Lincoln Financial Media will celebrate 20 years of sports talk in Denver on KKFN. The format is now heard on KKFN-FM “104.3 The Fan,” but debuted in 1994 on KKFN-AM. The special broadcast will feature several former personalities and athletes who have been part of the two-decade history. The station’s original lineup included: the Fabulous Sports Babe (Nanci Donnellan), Woody Paige & Todd Mansfield, Doug Moe & Tom Green and Jeff Reckard. On Monday the station will welcome back former Fan personalities Woody Paige, Tom Green, Dan Issel, Charles Johnson, Irv Brown and Joe Williams. They will be joined by Rockies radio announcer Jerry Schemmel. The station’s current lineup is: “The Fan Morning Show with Mike Evans, Nate Lundy and Vic Lombardi” (5:30 am to 9:00 am), Dan Patrick (9:00 am to 12:00 noon), Sandy Clough and Scott Hastings (12:00 noon to 3:00 pm), “The Drive” with Alfred “Big Al” Williams and Darren “D-Mac” McKee (3:00 pm to 9:00 pm) and “The Fan Late Night” with Ryan Edwards and Shawn Drotar (9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight). “The Fan” will also hold an anniversary party on Thursday, March 26, at the Sports Column in downtown Denver. Listeners will get the chance to celebrate with members of “The Fan” on-air staff and celebrities.

iHeartMedia Names Charlie Wilkinson Dallas Market President. Moving to Texas from his most recent position with the company as regional president overseeing Charlotte and Raleigh, Charlie Wilkinson becomes market president of iHeartMedia’s six Dallas properties. EVP of operations – Texas majors Kelly Kibler comments, “Charlie has exceeded expectations and consistently raises the bar. He has proven his ability to create and lead winning teams. I’m confident he will continue to deliver consistent integrated revenue growth for the Dallas cluster.” Former market president, Deidre Richter, will join iHeartMedia’s national sales team and will report to Jeff Howard, president of national sales. Richter will lead the South Central Connections Team.

Odds & Sods. At the Cromwell Group’s Nashville sports talk duo “94.9 The Game 2” — WQZQ-AM and W235BW – morning drive co-host Joe Dubin leaves the station and partner Greg Pogue to return to television sports as sports anchor on WSMV-TV, Nashville, effective March 30…..This weekend begins Westwood One Sports’ presentation of a slate of exclusive women’s college basketball broadcasts this month. It gets underway Sunday with the Pac-12 Women’s Championship game and culminating with the Women’s Final Four and National Championship in Tampa on April 7. On Tuesday, March 10, WW1 broadcasts the Big East Women’s Championship, live from Allstate Arena in Chicago. CBS Sports Radio talk-show host Amy Lawrence has the play-by-play, along with former University of Connecticut All-American Swin Cash as the analyst…..Salem Media Group New York brings Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, Dr. David Samadi, to the staff serving as chief medical correspondent for news/talk WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” and Christian talk WMCA “AM 570 The Mission.” Additionally, Dr. Samadi will host the new program “World Health News with Dr. Samadi,” airing Sundays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Curtis & Kuby Roast Takes Place Monday in NYC. Gotham Comedy Club will be the site of the Curtis & Kuby Roast on Monday, March 9 at 7:00 pm. The duo – heard daily in middays on Cumulus Media’s WABC – will be in attendance as Roast Master Rich Vos (featured on Comedy Central, HBO, and Showtime) hosts a night of no-holds-barred comedy in honor of talk radio odd couple Curtis Sliwa and Ron Kuby. Comedians Kurt Metzger, Bonnie McFarlane, Geno Bisconte, Aaron Berg, and The Stone Brothers will all come out to roast the duo. Limited tickets are still available at www.wabcradio.com. The event is produced by Jeffrey Gurian in conjunction with Gotham Comedy Club and 77 WABC.

TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The sports programming from Yahoo! Sports Radio is now being heard on Word Broadcasting’s WVHI, Evansville, Indiana…..The Genesis Communications Network-syndicated “Freedom Feens” show is now being heard on affiliate stations WRMN, Elgin, Illinois (Chicago market) and on WPNN, Pensacola, Florida.

Netanyahu Speech/Iran Nukes Top Talkers Ten^TM for Week of March 2-6. The speech before Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the issue of a pact to allow Iran’s nuclear program to expand were tied for the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. At #2 was the Supreme Court’s hearing a challenge to the Affordable Care Act. Coming in at #3 was the probe of Hillary Clinton’s use of private email for State Department business, followed by the Homeland Security Department funding battle and President Obama’s amnesty order at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio this week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.

Friday, February 20, 2015

TALKERS | February 20, 2015

Entercom 2014 Q4 Net Revenue Up 2%. That increase over the same period a year ago comes on revenue $101.5 million. For all of 2014, Entercom Communications posted net revenue up 1% over 2013, with total net revenue hitting $379.8 million. Other fourth quarter data includes: station expenses increasing 3% to $63.3 million; station operating income flat at $38.2 million; and free cash flow rising 4% to $23.4 million. For the year 2014, adjusted net income per share was flat at $0.79. Entercom president and CEO David Field says, “After finishing 2014 with modest gains in net revenues, adjusted net income and free cash flow, Entercom is looking forward to a promising year of opportunity in 2015. Our recently announced Lincoln Financial Media acquisition will add a number of terrific new markets and brands to our lineup and should be accretive to shareholders with no material impact on our solid balance sheet. And we are well positioned to capitalize on a number of other significant growth opportunities throughout the organization.” If you remember, Entercom is buying Lincoln Financial Media’s 15 stations in the Atlanta, Denver, Miami and San Diego markets for $105 million. It will sell one of its Denver FMs to comply with FCC regulations.

iHeartMedia Q4 Net Revenue Rises 1%. During its 2014 Q4 conference call, iHeartMedia announced that net revenue was up 1% for both the fourth quarter of 2014 and for the year as a whole. iHeartMedia COO Richard Bressler said during the investors conference call that “political dollars, traffic and weather, as well as national broadcast radio, drove higher revenues in a market that was soft across local radio.” Bressler also touted the performance of the iHeartRadio digital platform, saying it has surpassed 60 million registered users and that total listening hours have risen 14% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013.

Round Three of January PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of January 2015 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. The survey period was January 1-28. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page at RadioInfo.com here.

WTEM, Washington to Launch Local AM Drive Show. Currently, Red Zebra-owned WTEM, Washington ESPN980 carries ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike show. But beginning on March 16, the station will pair up longtime morning drive personality Chris Paul with national sports columnist Jason Reid to host “The Man Cave with Chris Paul and Jason Reid.” Red Zebra vice president of programming Chuck Sapienza says the show “will be a blend of sports, comedy and entertainment and we are thrilled to welcome these two talented men to ESPN980.” Chris Paul has worked in radio as part of the Donnie Simpson show on crosstown hip hop WPGC for 16 years and, for the last six years, on the syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” Jason Reid began his professional journalism career at the Los Angeles Times covering the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers and providing college basketball analysis. He moved to Washington in 2010 as the beat writer for the Washington Redskins for the Washington Post and was promoted to a sports columnist position in January 2011. Reid will continue writing as a NFL columnist for ESPN.com. Red Zebra CEO Rick Carmean adds, “We have been interested in creating a local morning drive show on ESPN980 for a while. Chris and Jason give us and the Washington, DC sports fan the perfect combination of sports knowledge, humor and personality.”

Odds & Sods. Producer Scott Miller jumps from Tribune’s news/talk WGN, Chicago to Hubbard’s classic rock WDRV to serve on the new Dan McNeil and Pete McMurray morning show…..Celebrity cook Paula Deen works out a deal with Compass Media Networks to launch daily radio vignettes called, “Get Cooking with Paula Deen,” and a weekly long-form podcast called, “What’s Cooking with Paula Deen.” They will debut on May 1…..USA Radio Networks adds “Animal Radio” to its weekend lineup, airing on Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, effective March 7…..New York radio personality Joan Hamburg is hosting a special show on Cumulus Media‘s WABC on February 21 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm titled, “The Business of Fashion Week,” focusing on the fashion economy and featuring interviews with leading fashion industry insiders…..Alpha Media announces today that KXTG-AM, Portland “750 The Game” enters into a partnership agreement to continue as the official radio station of the Portland Thunder of the Arena Football League…..At the Fort Lauderdale cluster of iHeartMedia, Shari Gonzalez is named VP of sales…..ABC Radio is providing coverage of the 87th Annual Academy Awards this Sunday. Correspondent Jason Nathanson will be live on the red carpet with interviews from the night’s biggest stars. Starting at 8:20 pm ET, ABC News correspondent David Blaustein will anchor twice-hourly, one minute status reports from New York correspondents Alex Stone and Jason Nathanson reporting from backstage at the main event.

Joe Madison to Attempt Marathon Talk Show Record to Benefit Museum of African American History. Talk radio host Joe Madison, as part of Black History Month, will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for hosting the longest talk radio show on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25-26. The current record is 50 hours and the SiriusXM “Urban View” host plans to concurrently raise funds for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, currently under construction on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The non-profit museum is scheduled to open in 2016.

Dave Ramsey’s Smart Money Tour Kicks Off in Denver. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey began his 2015 Smart Money tour in Denver yesterday (2/19) with a sold-out appearance at the Bellco Theatre. The Smart Money tour presents Ramsey’s philosophy on winning with money, getting out of debt, and investing for the future. Financial expert and speaker Chris Hogan appeared with Ramsey on stage. Ramsey and affiliate station KKZN “Real Talk 760” worked together to promote the event. Station program director Greg Foster comments, “The Dave Ramsey show connects with listeners like no other. ‘Real Talk 760’ has been in existence for less than a year, but Dave sold out 5,000 seats to his live event in Denver. Dave’s fans are incredibly loyal, and that translates to new revenue for his stations.” Pictured here at the iHeartMedia Denver studios are (from l-r): iHeartMedia Denver director of integrated media and special events Ryan Clune, general sales manager Jessica Farias, Ramsey, and market manager Pat Connor.

Battle Against ISIS/Islam Criticism Controversy Tops Talkers Ten^TM for Week of February 16-20. The fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and the political controversy over associating Islam with the militant organization was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. Coming in at #2 was a Texas court’s stay of the Obama amnesty order. At #3 was the 2016 presidential prospects and following at #4 was the rise in European anti-Semitism. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.

Friday, February 13, 2015

TALKERS | February 13, 2015

CBS RADIO Q4 Net Revenue Up 2%. That’s about as much detail as was reported yesterday (2/12) from CBS Corp. about its radio business. Radio is lumped into the Local Broadcasting category that also includes CBS Corp’s O&O television stations. During yesterday’s investor’s conference call, there was no talk – as there has been from time to time – about CBS selling its radio assets en masse. As for the current quarter, CBS chief operating officer and CFO Joseph Ianiello told analysts the radio division is pacing up in the low single digits.

CORRECTION. Earlier today TALKERS magazine inadvertently ran a year-old story about the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of James Crystal Radio. Included in the story was a report that the company was unable to meet payroll. Again, the story ran by mistake and TALKERS regrets the error.

SRN’s Mike Gallagher to Receive Honor from NYPD’s Sergeant’s Benevolent Association. In recognition of talk radio personality Mike Gallagher’s ongoing support of law enforcement and his charitable work via the Gallagher’s Army Fallen Officer’s Fund, the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the Police Department of the City of New York will present him with its 108th annual SBA Heroism Award on April 9. SBA president Ed Mullins says the award is “presented annually to people who dedicate or have dedicated themselves to protecting the liberties and freedoms that so many of us take for granted. Your supportive actions as a member of the media exemplify all of the virtues that make our country the greatest in the world.” Gallagher says, “I am honored to be given this special award, since it further cements the connection the Mike Gallagher show has with the men and women serving in law enforcement from coast to coast.”

Bertrand Partnered with Zolak at ‘98.5 The Sports Hub’ in Boston. Taking over for Andy Gresh as co-host of the midday show at CBS RADIO’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” is Marc Bertrand. He’ll co-host the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm program with Scott Zolak beginning Tuesday, February 17. Bertrand has been with the station serving as sports headline anchor for the afternoon drive “Felger and Mazz” show. Bertrand will also co-host the station’s New England Patriots pre- and postgame shows. He’s been with the station since it launched in 2009 after working at Metro Traffic. CBS RADIO Boston VP of programming Mike Thomas comments, “Marc’s unique opinion on the topics of the day, his local background, and his sense of humor will bring a new, entertaining twist to the midday show. Partnered with Scott’s never-ending energy level and interesting former pro athlete take, the duo will make for a solid combination.” Andy Gresh remains with the station in other capacities.

Dan Proft to Take AM Drive Gig at WIND, Chicago. The former WLS-AM, Chicago personality – who exited the station in December – is the new permanent host of the morning show at Salem Communications’ news/talk WIND, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer,” according to Chicago media writer Robert Feder. Dan Proft has been hosting the program since Big John Howell exited WIND and jumped across town to the morning show at WLS-AM. Proft made the deal public while emceeing a Republican fundraiser in suburban Chicago. He’ll work alongside Amy Jacobson on the program as did Howell.

NAB Names Van Pool VP/Research. Four-year NAB staffer Tanya Van Pool succeeds Sharon Warden as vice president of research; Warden retired from the NAB at the end of last year. Van Pool has managed broadcast industry-related research projects for use in the NAB’s public policy advocacy work before congress and the FCC. In addition to conducting/analyzing surveys of NAB members and conference attendees to help provide direction for future events, she represents the NAB on committees such as the Media Ratings Council and Nielsen‘s policy guidelines committee. Van Pool previously developed research and analysis for Discovery Communications; prior to that, she worked in various capacities for Washington, DC television outlet WDCW.

CBS RADIO Pittsburgh Presents Second ‘Eat.drink.Pittsburgh.’ The four CBS RADIO Pittsburgh stations are presenting a local festival of food and drink with the support of media sponsor WHIRL Magazine called “eat.drink.PITTSBURGH” at the Wyndham Grand Hotel on Saturday, February 21. Attendees purchasing tickets can enjoy “samples from dozens of Pittsburgh’s finest restaurants along with new products, wines, beers and more — all under one roof.” Additionally, there will be exhibits, information on local cooking and wine classes, and live music by Pittsburgh local band Nameless in August.

TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The “Ground Zero” show, hosted by Clyde Lewis and syndicated by Premiere Networks, is added to the program schedule at KNSS, Wichita…..The Sun Broadcast Group-syndicated Marilu Henner show joins the lineup at WZON-AM, Bangor; WSRQ, Sarasota; and WLSC, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Brian Williams Case Tops Talkers Ten^TM This Week. The controversy surrounding Brian Williams’ embellishment of his experience covering the Iraq War and his subsequent six-month suspension from NBC News was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of February 6-13. At #2 was the 2016 presidential prospects. Coming in at #3 was the ISIS violence and the death of hostage Kayla Mueller followed by Jon Stewart’s announced departure from “The Daily Show” at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

TALKERS | March 4, 2014

SCBA Reports 2014 Starting Off Positive. Calling it “solid, steady revenue growth that sets the stage for a strong first quarter for Southern California radio,” Southern California Broadcasters Association president Thom Callahan reports the results of the Miller Kaplan Arase Market Summary report for January 2014 indicating total market revenue for Los Angeles radio grew by 1.7% in January. Callahan adds, “The 1.7% growth rate for January is, of course, good news for our industry here in Southern California, however, a closer look at what made up that growth reveals a market and region that is healthy and growing.” The Miller Kaplan Arase X-Ray report for Los Angeles radio further describes both strong category growth and exceptional new business development in the first month of the New Year. That growth includes: insurance companies – up 152.1%, education – up 61.5%, concerts/theatre/movies – up 54.6%, communications/cellular/public utilities – up 22.7%, and both the auto category – up at 6.3% and health care – up at 6.4%. Callahan says, “New business development was a significant revenue driver for Southern California radio in January and showcases how new advertisers are rediscovering radio and its effectiveness in building brands and market share for their business. With 297 new advertisers spending $7,408,878 in new business in January alone, it’s clear our SCBA member stations are fully engaged in new business development.”

Journal Communications Reports Q4 2013 Numbers; Radio Down 7.2%. That radio figure does include the loss of political advertising and a quirk of the bookkeeping calendar that took a week away in 2013. Accounting for those issues, Journal reports that on a same-station basis, radio revenue was up 0.7% in the fourth quarter and for the whole of 2013 same-station revenue was up 3.7%. The news for national revenue continues to be negative as Journal’s radio stations saw national drop 22.8% in Q4 and dive 8.9% for the entire year. In a statement, chairman and CEO Steven Smith says, “Journal Communications delivered a solid fourth quarter in a non-political year, driven by gains in core revenue in our broadcast group and improving advertising revenue trends in publishing…Consolidated revenue of $107.4 million was up 11% compared to 2012, excluding the extra week and political revenue in 2012.”

WGWG-LP, Chicago Adds Jarrett Payton to Air Staff. The new sports talk outlet Tribune’s WGN, Chicago is building on the leased WGWG-LP signal announces the addition of Jarrett Payton – son of Bears great and NFL Hall-of-Famer Walter Payton – to the afternoon drive show with Harry Teinowitz and Spike Manton. “The Game 87.7” vice president of creative content Todd Manley tells Chicago media writer Robert Feder, “I think Jarrett is way more than sports royalty in this town. He’s the sort of creative, inventive mind that will help us define the future of this brand.” As Feder reports, Payton’s radio experience includes serving as host of Chicago Bears post-game shows on ESPN O&O WMPV, Chicago.

Talk Host Tom Becka Launches Web-based Podcast Series. Talk radio pro Tom Becka holds down the afternoon program at NRG Media’s KOIL, Omaha. Now, Becka is debuting his latest venture – a podcast series available at his website TomBecka.com titled, “Tom Becka Podcast.” Becka has a specific goal with regard to the podcast’s subject matter: letting interesting, everyday people tell stories about themselves – things you might never know unless you asked. Some of the fascinating subjects Becka has covered with his podcast project include: a woman named Kaylee talking openly about what it’s like to live with bi-polar disorder; a local man who’s taken his passion for film and started a new career making films; a conversation with a tattoo artist about the tattoo phenomenon; a man with terminal cancer relating his inspirational thoughts about living and dying; a local man who lives every day with Asperger’s syndrome; and many more. Becka says, “Tom Becka.com is a place where every day people are going to be telling their stories…inspirational stories, life lessons, stories about overcoming adversity.” All the subjects for this project are from the local Omaha area, as Becka says, people who may be your friends, relatives or neighbors. Becka is posting a new episode every Sunday. Check it out here.

Michael Harrison on the Road – Next Big Stop: Jerry Del Colliano’s “Media Solutions Conference” in Philly March 26. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will be one of three special guest speakers at noted industry observer and analyst Jerry Del Colliano’s fifth annual Media Solutions Conference set for Philadelphia on Wednesday, March 26. Along with WBEB, Philadelphia (“More FM”) owner Jerry Lee and nationally syndicated Premiere Networks and Fox News Channel talk star Sean Hannity, Harrison will participate in the intensive day-long workshop that will focus on a wide variety of digital-era issues currently facing and challenging radio. These include coming to a better understanding of the Millennial generation, learning to disrupt radio itself before its media rivals do, separating radio’s main product into unique on-air and online categories, effectively using video to generate significant amounts of revenue and much more. Harrison states, “I am really looking forward to participating in this conference and tackling these crucial issues with a bunch of smart people from all ends of the business. Jerry Lee has so much to share about running an independent station in an aggressive, winning way – we could sure use more Jerry Lees in this industry – and Sean Hannity is the very definition of brains and class. One of the things Sean brings to the table is the ability to attract younger listeners to traditional news/talk – he has done quite alright in an area of the field to which most people are actively seeking answers.” The event takes place at Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Hotel. For more information click here.

Odds & Sods. Nationally syndicated progressive talk show host Leslie Marshall does double duty on Thursday (3/6) as she sits in for Thom Hartmann on his nationally syndicated program…..ESPN O&O WMPV, Chicago adds a weekly program covering Major League Soccer and the local Chicago Fire. The show is dubbed “Chicago Fire Weekly” and it’s being hosted by Fred Heubner and will feature contributions from Kevin Egan, analyst for the Chicago Fire’s television broadcasts…..News/talk WNTX, Fredericksburg, Virginia is again being heard on translator W243BS, Fredericksburg after the latter signal carried the “Fred FM” format for the past 11 months. WNTX is owned by Free Lance-Star, currently going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization…..Kevin Calabro re-ups with ESPN where he serves as the lead play-by-play voice on the NBA on ESPN Radio. He’ll continue working with lead NBA analyst Jon Barry, as well as PJ Carlesimo and Stan Van Gundy.

Former Nebraska Radio Owner Mitchell Dies at 89. In Nebraska, John C. Mitchell was a decorated broadcaster who was honored with a Pioneer Award from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association and is a member of the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Trained as an attorney who practiced law until he retired in 2001, Mitchell began acquiring radio stations in 1953 with the purchase of KGFW, Kearney – the station at which he worked in high school. Eventually his Mitchell Broadcasting Corporation would own some 14 stations across the state. Mitchell is pictured here at the mic on KGFW.

Crimea-Ukraine Tensions/Obama vs. Putin, ObamaCare Criticism, Israel-Palestinian Talks, The Oscars, Hillary in 2016, and Marijuana Policy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/3). The military incursions into Ukraine and Crimea by Russia and criticism of President Obama’s handling of Vladimir Putin; scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; U.S. pressure on Netanyahu to convene Palestinian peace talks; Sunday evening’s Academy Awards show; speculation about Hillary Clinton running for president in 2016; and marijuana policy in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Friday, February 28, 2014

TALKERS | February 28, 2014

Salem Communications Posts Q4 2013 Revenue Increase of 3.4%; Broadcast Up 1%. Digital was the key to Salem Communications’ 2013 fourth quarter revenue increase of 3.4% for the company as a whole. The broadcast sector was up 1% on revenue of $47.4 million and broadcast makes up about 60% of the company’s revenue. The company’s publishing sector was flat while internet and e-commerce was up 16.6%. Salem’s outlook for the first quarter of 2014 projects “total revenue to increase 9% to 11% over the first quarter 2013 total revenue of $55.6 million. The company is also projecting operating expenses before gains or losses on the sale or disposal of assets, impairments and stock-based compensation expense to increase 13% to 16% as compared to the first quarter of 2013 operating expenses of $48.2 million. This guidance includes the impact of the hiring of two new senior executives and the financial performance for the recent acquisition of Eagle Publishing. The guidance for the first quarter contemplates a loss of $0.4 million due to the assumption of some unfavorable contracts that will rapidly unwind and the fact that the first quarter is always a soft quarter in the book publishing business with the big titles being released in the spring and in the fall.”

Nielsen Study Ties Station Choice to Buying Behavior. In a release from Nielsen about its recent major market pilot test, the company says that “for the first time, a connection can be drawn between what consumers listen to on the radio and how they spend. This solidifies radio’s place as a valuable marketing platform for advertisers and media planners. The major market pilot test combined proprietary Nielsen data with anonymized panelist credit and debit card purchasing behavior covering more than 24 billion transactions and $2 trillion in annual sales primarily from the retail, travel, digital, restaurant, entertainment, financial services and telecom categories.” Results from the Dallas market, for example, show that listeners to pop radio spend more per buyer annually on casual dining than those listeners who prefer other formats. In the same market, rock and alternative listeners spend more per buyer annually in retail locations than listeners who prefer other formats. News/talk listeners, the study showed, go to the movies more each year that do listeners of other formats. Nielsen SVP of local media product leadership Farshad Family says, “The ability to determine how radio listeners among different formats like pop, news or rock are spending their dollars creates a unique opportunity for radio broadcasters to make a case for the value of their audience. We are just beginning to tell the story about the value of radio’s audience. As we make progress on conducting more links between listening data and purchase data, we will continue to share more insights with the marketplace.”

Ordway’s ‘Big Show Unfiltered’ to Begin Next Month. Longtime Boston sports talk radio host Glenn Ordway is returning with a daily, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm program (“Big Show Unfiltered”), which will be heard via his SportstalkBoston.com website and on mobile devices. “I am so thrilled to once again be talking local sports in my hometown with the best fans in America,” comments Ordway, who presided over “The Big Show” for 27 years on Entercom-owned Boston sports outlet WEEI. “I look forward to presenting an alternative in the market that will feature the best of the past with some new, innovative elements and voices. There is no reason to hold anything back anymore – it is all unfiltered.” The renamed “Big Show Unfiltered” is set to begin in about two weeks (Monday, March 17) and it will include similar components from his WEEI program, such as “The Whiner Line.” It is believed that down the road, Ordway is planning to have his program air on a terrestrial radio network comprised of New England affiliates. Boston native Mike Salk, who co-hosted a program on Seattle’s KIRO-AM since 2009, replaced Ordway in afternoon drive on WEEI-FM alongside Michael Holley. Ordway’s final show on WEEI-FM was in mid-February of last year.

Logan Exits Shane Media. Stating on his Facebook page that he thought he’d “spend the rest of my working days in this chair at Shane Media,” Lee Logan says the fiscal realities of the industry have him exiting the consulting company and looking for his next great opportunity. Logan had been with Shane for the past seven years and was instrumental in assisting Radio One put its all-news format on KROI, Houston “News 92 FM.”

Freedom’s Voice Broadcasting to Purchase Dark KPTO, Pocatello for $75K. The principal of Freedom’s Voice Broadcasting is Tim Aalders who hosts the “Freedom’s Voice” talk show heard on United Broadcasting Company’s KTKK, Salt Lake City. Ted Austin’s Main Street Broadcasting is the seller for the signal that is currently dark. Aalders plans to expand the reach of his programming into the southeastern Idaho market. This is no announced timetable for KPTO going back on the air.

If Weekends Were Weekdays? Hey, They Are! That so many talk-formatted stations air infomercials on weekends is not news – nor is the programming-versus-sales paradigm so prevalent at many of these stations. Media consultant Walter Sabo says a little-known truth in the business is that Saturday midday is an indicative daypart and the second highest Homes Using Radio daypart. What could this mean to your talk station? Read Walter Sabo’s latest column here to find out.

Odds & Sods. The New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs announces the appointment of Michael Freedman, senior vice president and professor at University of Maryland University College to the New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards Advisory Board and GrandJury panel. NYF executive director Rose Anderson comments, “Michael Freedman brings over 35 years of broadcast journalism experience to his role as Advisory Board and GrandJury member. His creative vision and reputation within the industry will be a tremendous asset.”…..ESPN O&O WEPN-AM, New York “ESPN Deportes Nueva York” will continue to air New York Mets play-by-play in Spanish as the team and rights owner Clear Channel (English-language games will be heard on WOR) agree to continue the broadcasts through the 2016 season…..Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington announces the addition of an entertainment section to its WTOP.com site with WTOP.com staffer Alicia Lozano named editor for the section. Director of digital media John Meyer comments, “As WTOP evolves into a digital news operation, we are continuing to dedicate resources to original digital content that will feed not only our website but also our radio and mobile platforms. The Washington area is rife with local stories concerning the arts, music, movies and more. Our entertainment section will bring these stories to life online and on-air.”…..Media consultant Holland Cooke (pictured above at left in the WABC, New York studios with host Laura Smith) is appearing on WABC, New York this weekend on “Saturday Café with Laura Smith.” Cooke, who also blogs at his SurvivalSpeech.com, will offer “9 Tips For YOUR Academy Awards Acceptance Speech.”

The Media Roundtable. TALKERS and RadioInfo sales and marketing specialist Al Herskovitz (standing) was a recent speaker at the Media Roundtable in Sarasota, Florida. His subject was “The Current State of Radio Broadcasting.” The Media Roundtable conducts a monthly meeting that brings together media executives and active participants from all types of media: radio, TV, cable, internet, newspapers, magazines, publishing, motion pictures, theatre arts. The purpose of the group is to review current and future news and developments in the media with an interchange of opinions and questions by those in attendance. The Media Roundtable originated in 1950 in New York City and moved to Florida in 1991 and is unique in the United States. It currently is chaired and managed by longtime TV executive Irwin Starr. While there are some 300+ active members, the luncheon sessions are limited to the first 50 who make reservations. Pictured here with Herskovitz are Starr at far left and media broker Burt Sherwood, second from left.

TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The Envision Networks-syndicated “America Weekend” talk show featuring Paul Harris, Turi Ryder, Rob Carson and other personalities, is added to the program schedule at Ohana Media Group’s KAST, Astoria, Oregon.

‘Religious Rights’ Legislation Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 24-28. The story of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s veto of a “religious rights” bill that would have allowed businesses to discriminate against customers based on religious beliefs was the most-talked-about issue of the week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act. Following at #3 was the political unrest in Crimea and Ukraine and the U.S.-Russia tensions accompanying it. And at #4 was the 2016 presidential race, Hillary Clinton’s prospects and the looming mid-term elections this fall. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

TALKERS | February 19, 2014

Cumulus Posts Positive Q4 2013 Revenue News; Dickey Pleased with ‘Core Performance.’ The fourth quarter of 2013 and the year as a whole were seen in a positive light by Cumulus Media CEO Lew Dickey during yesterday’s investor conference call. Dickey noted at the outset that he was happy that the company was able to meet and, in some aspects, exceed its guidance through “core performance without any impact of” mergers and acquisitions. He also says the company achieved its goals despite 2012 political comps of over $20 million. The company reports Q4 net revenue up 4.5% over the same period in 2013. For the year of 2013, Cumulus net revenue rose 2.4%. Following up on previous conference calls in which he highlighted his expectations for sports and traffic, Dickey said CBS Sports Radio, NBC Sports Radio, NFL and NCAA play-by-play are “hitting their stride as national content brands. Both sports and traffic are currently exceeding expectations for 2014 and are taking share in their respective markets. And will again be substantial growth drivers as we expected them to be. We are very encouraged by the level of interest by both the advertisers and affiliates in these products, which is a testament to the high-quality nature of the content and again the efficacy of broadcast radio advertising on sports and traffic sponsorships respectively.” Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the transcript. Members can read the whole call here.

Imus: Scott Shannon Will Get the Job. The Scott Shannon watch continues as the next radio home of the former, longtime WPLJ, New York morning co-host remains the subject of speculation in New York and across the country. This morning, WABC-based Don Imus was heard saying, “I’m told Scott Shannon will get the [WOR] job and I’m very happy about that.” Imus seemed sincere about his statement. TALKERS reported yesterday that the chatter has Shannon landing at either Clear Channel’s news/talk WOR for morning drive (where the company just ended the Elliot Segal simulcast from “DC101”) or at one of CBS RADIO’s music FMs – either classic hits WCBS-FM or CHR WNOW.

Clear Channel Promotes Rob Anthony in New England. Programmer Rob Anthony is named to the operations manager and program director position at Clear Channel’s Providence cluster that includes rock WHJY, news/talk WHJJ, classic hits WWBB “B101,” and hot AC WSNE “93.3 The Coast.” Anthony has been serving as regional programming manager for New England based out of the company’s Springfield, Massachusetts cluster. He will retain that title which has him overseeing programming at the Springfield, Worcester, and Manchester and Portsmouth, New Hampshire station groups. Anthony says, “I can’t even begin to express my excitement for the opportunity to work with such heritage brands as ‘Coast 93.3,’ ‘B 101,’ ‘NewsRadio 920’ and the mighty ‘94 HJY.’ This is truly an honor, and I can’t wait to get to work. Thank you to Clear Channel’s programming team and [market president] Rhonda Lapham for all their continued support and guidance.”

FCC to Rework Internet Regulation Rules; Republican Commissioners Question Move. FCC Commissioner Tom Wheeler has announced the Commission will revisit the “net neutrality” issue by “proposing rules that will meet the court’s test for preventing improper blocking of and discrimination among internet traffic, ensuring genuine transparency in how internet service providers manage traffic, and enhancing competition. Preserving the internet as an open platform for innovation and expression while providing certainty and predictability in the marketplace is an important responsibility of this agency.” Wheeler states that the recent D.C. Circuit Court ruling affirms Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 giving “the FCC authority to encourage broadband deployment by, among other things, removing barriers to infrastructure deployment, encouraging innovation, and promoting competition. The court recognized the importance of ensuring that so-called ‘edge providers,’ those that use the network to deliver goods and services, can reach people who use the internet.” Republican Commissioner Mike O’Reilly disagrees, saying, “I am deeply concerned by the announcement that the FCC will begin considering new ways to regulate the internet. As I have said before, my view is that section 706 does not provide any affirmative regulatory authority. We should all fear that this provision ultimately may be used not just to regulate broadband providers, but eventually edge providers.” At the same time, Commissioner Ajit Pai adds, “When Congress told us to encourage broadband deployment by removing barriers to infrastructure investment, it also established the policy of the United States to ‘preserve the vibrant and competitive free market that presently exists for the Internet . . . unfettered by Federal or State regulation.’ Whatever the Commission does as it moves forward, it must take that statutory command to heart. The internet was free and open before the FCC adopted net neutrality rules. It remains free and open today. Net neutrality has always been a solution in search of a problem.”

LDR Interactive Launches TopicPulse; Partners with TTWN for Sales. Interactive broadcast technology firm LDR Interactive announces the launch of an upgraded version of its TopicPulse, what it calls “a real-time social media monitoring system for newsrooms and content producers.” LDR Interactive explains: “TopicPulse scans social media including Twitter and Facebook, local message boards, comment boards, and news sources to track trending topics in a local market. In addition to tracking local and national topics, producers can also access trending video and images. The system then produces a user-friendly, real-time report that newsrooms can use to drive local, regional, and national content.” LDR CEO Daniel Anstandig states, “TopicPulse was inspired by feedback from the world’s leading broadcasters, who said they were in critical need of a better way to track and monitor social media to produce news content. With those needs in mind, we built and optimized TopicPulse for broadcast and digital newsrooms and released the system on beta to LDR’s media partners in 2012. Since then, we’ve seen tremendous momentum and positive results from media companies in all market sizes.” In addition to tracking trends, TopicPulse identifies which primary demo (gender and age group) is most inclined to engage with the topic on social media. Newsrooms also have access to a “glance” screen with trending topics for the brand’s target audience, which can be utilized as a “heads up display” of the market. A Tweet Map feature showcases the market’s most popular tweets and hashtags on a local map, enabling producers to create hyper-local content based on up-to-the-minute social trends. LDR Interactive is partnering with Total Traffic & Weather Network (TTWN) as the TopicPulse national sales partner. The TTWN sales team will serve as the major force behind local market integration of the platform in newsrooms across the U.S.

Lars Larson Show Added to CRN Digital Talk Lineup. The Portland, Oregon-based Lars Larson program is added to the program schedule at CRN Digital Talk Radio airing at 7:00 pm ET. Larson hosts a local show on Alpha Broadcasting’s KXL, Portland in addition to a separate nationally syndicated program through Compass Media Networks. CRN will carry the national program. CRN president and CEO Michael Horn says, “Lars adds another unique, passionate voice to the CRN schedule. He’s a newsman, a reporter, and a host – so he brings extra doses of preparation and personality to his show.”

Former FCC Chair Richard Wiley to Receive BFoA’s Lowry Mays Award. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Richard E. Wiley, chairman of Wiley Rein LLP and a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, will receive the 2014 Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award to be presented during The Broadcasters Foundation of America Breakfast on Wednesday, April 9, at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas during the NAB Show. Wiley heads the 80-attorney communications practice. He served as chairman of the FCC from 1974 to 1977. Wiley played a pivotal role in the development of HDTV in this country, serving for nine years as chairman of the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service from 1987 to 1995. He represents a number of major communications-oriented organizations, including Verizon, AT&T, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Motorola, CBS, Belo, Gannett, Sirius/XM, Emmis, Gray Television, and LG. Wiley has been recognized by Washingtonian magazine as one of Washington’s 30 “Superstar” lawyers for his role as “the unofficial sixth commissioner” of the FCC (2011) and consistently listed as one of Washington’s “Best Lawyers” and “Top Lawyers” in the magazine. He was named the “most prominent telecommunications lawyer and lobbyist in Washington” by Broadcasting & Cable in 2005, and he was honored with the National Association of Broadcasters’ Distinguished Service Award in 2002.

Teen Radio Host Wins Student Category Gracie. The Alliance for Women in Media announces the winners of the 2014 Gracie Awards in the local, online, student and public categories and 16-year-old Florida radio talk host Pavlina Osta wins in the student category Outstanding Anchor – News or News Magazine for her “Pavlina’s Kidz Place Radio Show.” The Port Orange, Florida resident has been hosting a kids-targeted radio program since she was 11 and boasts an impressive list of celebrity interviews including: Katie Couric, Ed Sheeran, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sick Puppies, A Great Big World, and Steve Forbes, to name just a few. Now she can add Gracie Award winner to her resume!

Obama Executive Power Controversy, Winter Weather/Global Warming Debate, ObamaCare Criticism, Sochi Olympics, Ukrainian Unrest, and N. Korea Human Rights Abuses Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/18). GOP response to President Obama’s use of executive power; the onslaught of winter weather in much of the country and the debate over the global warming issue; the continuing scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; the Winter Olympic games in Sochi; the protests and political unrest in the Ukraine; and the global community’s concern over growing evidence of human rights abuses were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

TALKERS | February 13, 2014

CBS Reports Radio Segment Down 4% in Q4 2013; Company Up 6%. While CBS Corporation CEO, president and director Les Moonves spoke glowingly about the performance of CBS Corporation as a whole during yesterday’s Q4 conference call, the radio segment was not part of the celebration and loss of political advertising was given the lion’s share of the blame. The company’s report indicates that after taking political out of the picture, CBS RADIO was flat compared to the same quarter in 2012. Moonves was upbeat about the radio division saying, “In radio, we continue to put an emphasis on great, local programming, which is leading to bigger audiences. During the most recent ratings period, we had double-digit ranking gains in the highly coveted 25- to 54-year-old demo in many of our major markets, and non-traditional revenue from special events was up double digits over one year ago. Our strategy to combine the company’s local TV and radio websites into a single online presence in every market also continues to pay off. In 2013, revenue was up 21% over the year before, and the momentum is continuing here in ’14, including a new record of nearly 57 million unique users in January. I’m also very pleased with the success of our CBS Interactive business. Revenue was up 14% during the quarter, and we continue to see very rapid growth in mobile ad revenue, which was up 118%, and it helped to increase profit substantially.” Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the transcript. Members can read the whole conference call here.

Nielsen Q4 Revenue Up 11.8%; Rises 5.5% for 2013. Media ratings giant Nielsen Holdings N.V. issues its fourth quarter 2013 and full-year financial reports and states that Q4 revenue was $1.6 billion, an increase of 11.8% over the same period in 2012. For the full year of 2013, the company says its revenue was $5.7 billion, a jump of 5.5% over the full year of 2012. The company reports its free cash flow for 2013 increased 34.5% to $573 million from $426 million in 2012 while cash flow from operations increased 14.9% to $901 million in 2013 from $784 million in 2012. The result is the adjusted net income per share on a diluted basis for 2013 was $2.02, up 19.5% compared to $1.69 in the full year 2012. Nielsen acquired radio ratings firm Arbitron during 2013 and the move paid off. The Arbitron business helped add 9.3% to Nielsen’s Q4 revenue and 2.5% to its 2013 revenue.

CBS RADIO Dallas Ups Paul Mann to KRLD-AM PD. At CBS RADIO’s Dallas cluster, news director Paul Mann is promoted to program director for KRLD-AM “NewsRadio 1080 KRLD” and the Texas State Networks (TSN), effective immediately. Mann has served as news director for KRLD-AM and TSN since June 2006 and in this new role he will be primarily responsible for all programming and talent and will report to Gavin Spittle, vice president of news/talk/sports for CBS RADIO Dallas-Fort Worth. Spittle comments, “Paul has shown tremendous leadership as news director with the sole focus on serving the North Texas community. He’s helped put together a tremendous team which shares a great pride in this heritage station.” Under Mann’s leadership, KRLD-AM has been honored with two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, in 2008 (spot news) and 2013 (newscast).

Stella Prado Kuipers Lands at Salem Los Angeles. The successful, former KOST, Los Angeles program director joins Salem Communications to serve in the sales department working on multi-media marketing for Christian talk KKLA, Los Angeles. Stella Prado Kuipers made her announcement on her Facebook page where she wrote: “A new chapter in my life has begun and I’m proud to announce as of March 3^rd I am an employee of Salem Communications Radio Broadcasting company! My position is multi-media marketing and I am thrilled to be a part of this company! I’m sooooo excited!” Kuipers had been with Clear Channel’s AC KOST for 20 years – eight as program director – before she was let go in December of 2012.

Programming Changes at WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey. A shuffle in afternoons at Greater Media-owned news/talk WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey sees current 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm personality Tommy G move to the afternoon drive slot replacing Newsmax-syndicated host Steve Malzberg. Into the early afternoon slot goes WestwoodOne’s Dennis Miller program. WCTC program director Bert Baron states, “We’re excited to welcome Dennis Miller to the WCTC weekday lineup. He’ll have Central Jersey laughing, thinking, and engaged on a daily basis. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have doing PM drive on WCTC than Tommy G, one of the most passionate and hard-working people I’ve ever known. This is a BIG WIN for WCTC and for Central Jersey.”

Is Nielsen “Lying” About Millennial Audiences? Noted industry observer Jerry Del Colliano thinks so. Del Colliano published a scathing indictment of the ratings research giant in his daily industry blog Inside Music Media (www.insidemusicmedia.com) this morning (2/12) referring to the Nielsen Audio (formerly Arbitron) report released earlier this week stating that “Millennials” (also known as “Generation Y”) are big fans of AM/FM radio and listen to it on average of 11.5 hours per week. This, of course, flies in the face of what has to this point been conventional industry wisdom strongly suggesting that over-the-air radio is rapidly losing ground as a medium of choice for the millions of 20-something children born to Baby Boomers in the 1980s-90s and now coming of age in the millions – a widespread perception that broadcast business leaders openly fear threatens the future of what is increasingly being marginalized as “terrestrial radio.” Del Colliano writes, “The company that now does PPM ratings which records listening that occurs by accident when meters randomly pick up an encoded radio signal is now weighing in on Millennials…an audience that clearly has no use for what consolidators put on the radio these days.” He accuses the major corporate consolidators in radio of “paying hundreds of millions of dollars to report audience estimates that the company [Nielsen] itself admits in a legal statement are not reliable.” Del Colliano is a veteran program director and radio personality who rose to prominence as the founder and publisher of the trade publication Inside Radio which he built to formidability as an independent journal prior to it being acquired by Clear Channel, which still publishes it. Del Colliano has subsequently served a number of years as a member of the music department faculty at the University of Southern California (USC) teaching and writing courses on “Generational Media” specifically documenting and understanding the traits and habits of the rapidly maturing Millennial generation – a subject that he regularly shares with radio industry leaders via his blog and annual conference.

Speaking of Jerry Del Colliano… TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison recently interviewed Jerry Del Colliano on the TALKERS magazine “experimental” talk radio station, TalkersRadio, (www.talkers.com/talkersradio) as a complete installment of the one-hour, media-discussion program he hosts. The program, recorded two-weeks ago (prior to today’s provocative Del Colliano blog), presents the two industry observers in an in-depth discussion about the very subject of the delicate relationship AM/FM radio and Gen-Y. In it, Del Colliano discusses such issues as Gen-Y’s obsession with authenticity as well as its consumer interest in non-over-the-air digital media. To listen directly to the entire 58:00 installment of this first-time public conversation between Michael Harrison and Jerry Del Colliano, please click

here

Talk Host Joe Crummey Publishes Non-Fiction Book. Talk radio pro Joe Crummey has just published his first non-fiction book titled, Planking on Headstones: Your Future Outside of Time (School of Eddiness 2013). The veteran of such historic signals as WABC, New York; KFI, Los Angeles; WNBC, New York; KABC, Los Angeles and KFYI, Phoenix penned this new book that “takes the reader on a journey through space-time that’s rich in love, loss, fear and contemplation. With notes of his on-air, quick-wit persona, Planking on Headstones distills complex issues of religion and science into memorable anecdotes that elicit laughter, tears and a sense of connection. Crummey openly shares about his life, from his brain tumor to the death of his parents, as he explains his theories, such as the ‘Fonzie Principle,’ the ‘Boston Market Revelation’ and the ‘Jesus Burger.’ He also explains why he believes the Big Bang is the most evil thing that has ever happened.” Crummy states, “Throughout my career, I often discussed and challenged religious tenets on air with my audience. But after going through the brain tumor experience, my quest for meaning in this life and beyond intensified. I began to understand the importance of thinking outside of time and allowed myself to imagine the impossible while I explored this subject matter.”

Clear Channel Renews Promotional Deal with Relativity. In a statement, Clear Channel says that the renewed cross-media marketing collaboration between it and media company Relativity will include one-of-a-kind campaigns promoting upcoming movies on the part of Clear Channel and Relativity will provide exclusive content created by its filmmakers and talent that will be shared with listeners and viewers through various Clear Channel platforms. “The programs will also include organic promotional support from popular radio personalities such as Ryan Seacrest, Elvis Duran, Dan Patrick and Steve Harvey; naturally integrated film imaging across local stations and iHeartRadio’s national digital and mobile ad units; homepage website takeovers; and national and local on-air commercial inventory.” Clear Channel says previous successful collaborations between the companies included campaigns for the films “Limitless,” “Immortals,” “Act of Valor,” “Safe Haven” and “Free Birds.”

Odds & Sods. Talk media personality David Webb signs on to write a column for DC political publication The Hill. His column will be available every other Wednesday in The Hill’s print edition, online at thehill.com and on The Hill’s app. In addition to his daily SiriusXM talk show, Webb also appears frequently on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity” and “The Five.”…..Sports USA adds a podcast featuring former NFL star and TV personality Fred Dryer to its programming. Sports USA president Bob Moore says, “Fred Dryer is a true NFL legend and a major TV star. We are excited to add Fred’s show to our growing list of digital audio programs…..WNYC, New York names David Lewis its new metro editor. Lewis taught journalism at CUNY for the past seven years.

NAB to Feature RAB Sales and Marketing Sessions. The Radio Advertising Bureau will present five revenue- and growth-oriented presentations at this year’s NAB Show. RAB president and chief executive officer Erica Farber explains that, “The RAB is in the business of helping sellers on the street close deals and help drive revenue for the radio industry. These sessions will drive home key lessons and tools of the trade. NAB Show attendees will find these sessions invaluable to their future success in the broadcast business.” Specifically, the Radio Advertising Bureau’s focus will be “Lunch and Learn – A Discussion on Radio’s Four Significant Issues;” “Concentrating on Core Radio Revenues;” “Creative Radio Commercial Production and Imaging;” and “Rapid-Fire Revenue Generators for Small and Medium Market Radio.” The NAB Show will be held April 5 – 10 in Las Vegas.

WDVI-FM and WHAM in Rochester Hold Radiothon to Benefit Children’s Hospital. Today and tomorrow Clear Channel Rochester stations hot AC WDVI “100.5 The Drive” and news/talk WHAM are broadcasting the annual “Drive For Miracles Radiothon” to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital live from the lobby of Strong Hospital. Throughout the event, on-air personalities from each station will talk with current and former patients, their families, and the hard-working hospital staff that “creates miracles” every day. Personalities including WHAM’s Chet Walker, Bob Lonsberry, Shari Smith, Joe Lomonaco, and Bob Matthews and WDVI’s Bill Moran, Julie, JP, and “The Mayor” Pete Kennedy will broadcast from the hospital.

BFoA Names 2014 Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards Recipients. This year’s recipients of the 2014 Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards have been announced by the Broadcasters Foundation of America. They will be presented at the Foundation’s annual breakfast on Wednesday, April 9, at the Wynn Hotel during the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas. This year’s recipients are: Jim Beloyianis, past president, Katz TV; Dan Mason, president & CEO, CBS RADIO; Deborah Norville, host, “Inside Edition”; Mary Quass, president & CEO, NRG Media; Perry Sook, chairman/president & CEO, Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc.; and Nick Verbitsky, chairman, United Stations Radio Networks. The Leadership Awards are given annually by the Broadcasters Foundation in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at large, and are named in honor of iconic broadcaster Ward L. Quaal.

Winter Weather Hits South and Northeast, ObamaCare Rollout Criticism, Afghanistan Prisoner Release, Paul NSA Suit, Debt Ceiling Raised, the Sochi Olympics and Gay NFL Prospect Comes Out Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/12). The unusually severe winter weather bearing down on the South and the Northeast; scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act and President Obama’s unilateral delay of the employer mandate; Afghanistan’s release of numerous “dangerous” inmates and the state of the U.S.’s relationship with Hamid Karzai; Senator Rand Paul’s suit against the NSA; the GOP’s signing on with Democrats to raise the debt ceiling; the Sochi Winter Olympic Games; and the coming out of NFL prospect Michael Sam were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

TALKERS | February 11, 2014

Entercom Revenue Down 2% in Q4; Dips 3% for 2013. The 2013 fourth quarter numbers for Entercom are in and the company reports net revenue was down 2% on $99.6 million though adjusted net income per share was basically flat. Also free cash flow increased by 2%. For the full year of 2013, net revenue dipped 3%. Though station expenses decreased slightly during the year, station operating income decreased by 8% to $125.8 million. Entercom will hold a conference call with investors and analysts at 12:00 noon ET today (2/11). President and CEO David Field says in a statement, “Entercom’s fourth quarter revenues declined 2% while revenues excluding political advertising posted a 2% increase. 2014 began on a solid note with January revenues up moderately over the prior year. We are optimistic about 2014 performance based on improving sales capabilities and execution, strong ratings and meaningful local growth opportunities.”

Beasley Broadcast Group to Work with Propel Marketing for Online Marketing. In an effort to expand its online marketing, Beasley Broadcast Group announces it is engaging Propel Marketing to “assist Beasley’s local clients in building and expanding their online marketing opportunities and solutions.” In a statement, Beasley says that Propel’s products and services include website and mobile site design, search engine optimization, lists and local directories, social media services and online reputation management. It further states that the “agreement affords Beasley’s local account executives access to a robust portfolio of online marketing services. Beasley’s relationship with Propel Marketing enhances the on-air and online advertising opportunities already available to existing and future clients, especially small businesses that typically do not have in-house resources to create and implement successful online marketing campaigns. Propel Marketing will not only create and deliver online marketing solutions, but also provide a dedicated team of specialists to ensure that Beasley’s clients are fully leveraging Propel Marketing products.” Beasley EVP and CFO Caroline Beasley states, “We are extremely excited by this relationship. It gives us the ability to respond to any request a local advertiser may have that involves exploring a digital component. The ability to combine radio’s powerful reach with Propel Marketing’s wide assortment of online products and services will greatly enhance a local advertising campaign.” Newly appointed vice president of digital Stacey Sedbrook adds, “By integrating online marketing with their current radio marketing efforts our clients are able to both extend their audience reach and more efficiently target their messaging. Beasley sales professionals remain the primary contact for our advertising customers. Our goal remains helping local businesses build their brands and grow their revenue. We can now offer integrated marketing solutions under the Beasley Broadcast brand allowing advertisers to streamline their marketing efforts with a trusted local partner.”

TALKERS Posts Part-Two Today of Three-Part Special (2/10-12) Spotlighting Danno Wolkoff and Envision Networks. Like many people who go to college with a plan for what they want to do when they graduate, Danno Wolkoff went to Syracuse University with a goal of winding up in television production. Fate, and the prodding from senior management at MJI Broadcasting instead sent him in the direction of sales and affiliate relations. Wolkoff discovered he had a gift for sales, and doubled his income in one year. It was through sales and affiliate relations work that he climbed the corporate ladder at MJI, expanding and growing their sales offices nationwide. When Clear Channel acquired MJI and merged it into Premiere Radio Networks (now simply “Premiere Networks”), he became VP of affiliate relations. However, it wasn’t long before he began to realize that the hands-on and creative approach he had at MJI wasn’t translating to the growth concepts and business model of Premiere and Clear Channel. Wolkoff faced a career crossroads and would make a decision that would change his life and become an important source of programming and services for radio. His vision was Envision Radio Networks — a highly successful and forward-thinking company that creates over four-dozen content products and services for radio stations and media outlets nationwide, customizing solutions for clients, producers and affiliates. It is a company literally founded after another syndication and programming company decided they had a good product that despite making money, didn’t make enough money for their bottom line. What Wolkoff has accomplished in the span of just 10 years is inspiring and a textbook example of creating a force for productivity and jobs in an industry. He took the biggest gamble of his life, grabbing a program and three people laid off by an established firm that would become his largest competitor, and growing an independent syndication empire serving over 1,500 radio stations with everything from prep services to music shows, local news and information to weekend talk shows. His staff has grown over 20-fold in a decade to include an array of producers, salespeople and contract staffers researching, producing, creating and selling more than four-dozen products to radio stations in both the largest and smallest markets. Now known simply as Envision Networks (they dropped the word “Radio” this past week – more on that later) continues to not only grow, embracing new technology and catering to those needs, but in the process has become an independent force in syndication. In today’s installment, Wolkoff discusses exactly what it takes to build a formidable syndication firm from scratch and shares his view of the changing nature of the syndication business as well as radio in general. In the words of Michael Harrison, “The emergence of special individuals like Danno Wolkoff is the force that propels an industry such as ours forward. I’ve seen this movie many times before. Danno is the kind of guy who has the makings of being a true giant 10 years down the pike, taking his place among the biggest of the big.” To read part two of TALKERS special features correspondent Jeff McKay’s extensive profile “The Vision of Envision: The Rise of Radio Syndication Entrepreneur Danno Wolkoff and an Emerging Independent Powerhouse” please click here. And if you missed part one published yesterday, read that here.

Max Krasny Joins CBS RADIO as VP/Sales and Strategic Alliances. The former WestwoodOne EVP takes on the vice president, sales and strategic partnerships position with CBS RADIO’s Altitude Group division which focuses on helping brands connect with consumers using CBS RADIO stations, along with CBS Television stations and their digital properties, as well as CBS’s outdoor assets. Max Krasny reports to the executive leadership of the Altitude Group: Rich Lobel, executive vice president and CMO, and Sue McNamara, senior vice president, sales. Lobel states, “Max is a seasoned pro who brings a marketing acumen to a client’s business, and knows how to deliver creative excellence that makes brands stand out and get noticed. No one has a better portfolio of local assets under one roof than CBS including: radio, television, out-of-home, live events, websites, mobile and social apps.”

FCC Socks WLS-AM, Chicago with $44,000 Fine. The Forfeiture Order comes from the station failing to identify the sponsor of programming that aired back in 2009. The content was in the form of long-form shows – two two-hour programs, a one-hour show – plus 90-second and 15-second spots and promotional announcements paid for by Workers Independent News. During the two-week period in question, the FCC determined that 11 announcements were aired without proper sponsor identification and issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for $44,000 – 11 violations at $4,000 per. Cumulus argued that the commission had in the past reduced fines to a one-time violation amount and that it should just have to pay $4,000. But the commission ruled that no such precedent had been set and that the forfeiture amounts in failure to identify sponsorships cases reflect the unique aspects of each case and thus the commission considers this case to be comprised of 11 violations, not one.

Former MLB Slugger and Talk Host Jack Clark Apologizes to Albert Pujols. During a discussion on WGNU, St. Louis, sports talk host and former MLB slugger Jack Clark alleged that former Cardinals player Albert Pujols used performance enhancing drugs during his time in St. Louis. Pujols threatened to sue and the station ended the contract between Clark’s co-host Kevin Slaten and Clark, cancelling their show. The station also issued an apology to Pujols. But for a time Clark maintained his assertion about Pujols and even challenged Pujols to a live debate – an invitation Pujols’ attorney refused. Now, Clark issues the aforementioned apology and Pujols agrees to withdraw his lawsuit.

“Market Rally” Readies for March Launch. What is said to be the first-ever, long-form agricultural commodity markets-focused national radio program will debut next month (3/10). That is when Farm Journal Media launches Chip Flory-hosted “Market Rally.” The one-hour weekday program will air at 2:00 pm (CT), immediately following the close of major commodity markets. Farm Journal Broadcast Division senior vice president Brian Conrady remarks that a “really solid group of stations” is already committed to air “Market Rally” and he anticipates “several more” before the program debuts. “The show fills a programming void for many stations,” Conrady comments. “It wraps their day’s farm coverage with a new, information-packed, entertaining program. It is all about markets, which everyone knows farmers cannot get enough of.” Flory notes, “We have a long list of guest analysts anxious to share their market perspective with the audience each day. We will take listener questions/comments via phone, text, and social media. Our goal is to remove as much confusion as possible from this increasingly volatile marketing environment.” Flory remains editorial director of Farm Journal’s “Pro Farmer” newsletter and he will host “Market Rally” from FJB’s new studio in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The Beatles Played in Washington, Too! As America remembers The Beatles’ arrival in this country 50 years ago this week, much of the attention is focused on the New York-based national broadcast on the “Ed Sullivan Show.” But Cumulus Media’s WMAL, Washington knows that the group’s first public concert was in Washington, DC. Pictured here in the WMAL studios are Fox News Channel chief Washington correspondent – and noted Beatles expert – James Rosen (center) and “Mornings on the Mall” co-hosts Brian Wilson (left) and Larry O’Connor (right) after being on the air for Tuesday’s celebration of The Beatles’ first concert on U.S. soil – in the Nation’s Capital. Among other guests remembering The Beatles on the program were: The Beach Boys’ Mike Love, Rolling Stone Magazine’s David Wild, Herman’s Hermits singer Peter Noone, and local Fox 5 anchor (and former “Good Morning America” weather anchor) Tony Perkins, who discussed his love for the Beatles as an African-American youth growing up in D.C.

Odds & Sods. Baltimore Orioles broadcaster Jim Hunter recently visited his alma mater Seton Hall University and spoke with student staffers at his old college radio station – WSOU-FM – about making it in sports broadcasting today. Hunter, pictured here (third from the right) surrounded by students, stressed to them the importance of preparation, noting that the need to do your homework doesn’t end when you graduate from college. He also shared tips on improving on-air performance and how to tell listeners a good story…..New York City broadcasting legend John Gambling returned to the radio recently, if only briefly, to speak on WABC, New York with Frank Morano on his Sunday “Morning with Morano” program. Morano and Gambling talked about the state of radio today, the tradition of the Gamblings and covering weather events…..For the 18th consecutive year, ESPN Radio is providing comprehensive coverage of NBA All-Star 2014, culminating with an exclusive radio broadcast of the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 16. Kevin Calabro will describe the action throughout the weekend with analyst Jon Barry. They will be joined by studio analysts Marc Kestecher and P.J. Carlesimo and reporters Marc Stein and Shelley Smith.

Brent & Meg Honored for Keeping Studio City, California Free of Dog Poop. Although they are heard all over the world on TalkersRadio (weekdays 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm PT), the experimental talk station that lives on this website, the dynamic husband/wife radio duo of Brent & Meg (Brent Seltzer and Meg McDonald) believe in the concept of cleaning up your own backyard as well as tackling the issues of greater humanity. This past Saturday evening (2/8) they were honored by some of LA’s top movers and shakers for their community volunteer work in regularly picking up dog poop (no kidding) found on the streets of LA’s Studio City – the neighborhood from which their daily show emanates (as well as their home). The gala appreciation dinner took place at Carla’s Café on the CBS Studio Center lot. Pictured here are (from l-r): State Assemblymember, 46th District, Adrin Nazarian; Los Angeles City Councilmember, 2nd District, Paul Krekorian; Meg McDonald (Brent & Meg Show on TalkersRadio); Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; and Brent Seltzer (Brent & Meg Show on Talkers Radio). Upon learning of Brent & Meg receiving this honor, TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo’s music editor/director Duane Doobie issued the statement: “I seldom listen to talk radio, but when I do, I prefer Brent & Meg. True, like most talk show hosts, they are full of sh*t… but in a helpful, solutions-oriented way.”

ObamaCare Criticism, Hillary Clinton in 2016, Immigration Reform, Winter Olympics, Winter Weather, and Shirley Temple Black Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/10). Scrutiny of the implementation and effects of the Affordable Care Act; the release of new documents about the Clintons and Hillary’s possible run for president in 2016; the move in Washington to pass immigration reform legislation; the Winter Olympics games in Sochi, Russia; a new winter storm reportedly heading for the South and East this week; and the death of former child star and U.S. Ambassador Shirley Temple Black were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

TALKERS | February 5, 2014

Still Pioneering After All These Years – 74-Year-Old Alex Bennett Is Building New Platform and Inventing “New” Talk Format. Some view their own age and/or that of others as a roadblock – a barrier to achieving an untold number of additional hopes and dreams. To others, age – more correctly – is merely a meaningless number with no attached strings or restrictions. It would have been quite easy and understandable for radio legend Alex Bennett to take leave and retreat from the business in which he has been an integral part for several decades. After all, the legendary broadcaster was 73-years-old when Sirius XM unceremoniously pink-slipped him last June after more than nine years of service at the satcaster (he turned 74 two months ago). Notwithstanding an imposing and lengthy list of accomplishments and vitae, which the native Californian could trumpet as an entree to retirement, he has become an entrepreneur with “Alex Bennett’s Great American Broadcasts” being the centerpiece of his novel take on talk radio. Bennett is innovatively and opportunistically using Skype to create “citizen panels” of up to 10 callers per clip interacting with him in on-air conversation at a time. To learn more about this creative venture and the ongoing adventures of one of radio’s truly cooler characters, read TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian’s feature piece posted today (2/5) in its entirety by clicking here.

SiriusXM Reports Revenue Up 12% in 2013. During yesterday’s Q4 conference call, SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer told investors and analysts that the company delivered on all of its guidance for 2013 and enjoyed a revenue spike of 12% for the year plus saw its subscriber base rise to 25.5 million. Meyer, like Mel Karmazin before him, is touting the company’s dedication to increasing free cash flow and, to that end, Meyer reports free cash flow was up 31% to $927 million for the year. Looking back on 2013 Meyer underscored the importance of deals that get SiriusXM radios into new cars and stated the satellite service is now available in 71% of cars sold in the United States. Meyer also spoke about the company’s strategy with regard to the “connected vehicle,” saying, “We’ve acquired a smart team of technology engineers who are accelerating development of our overall connected car architecture, including the combination of satellite receivers with LTE hardware, a strategy that should also yield benefits to our existing audio business…We expect connected vehicle services to deliver close to $100 million of revenue this year, and we expect to grow this at strong double-digit rates over the next many years. We are in the process of fully integrating the CV business into SiriusXM, and its financial results are embedded in our guidance today.” Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the conference call transcript. Members can check out the entire conference here.

Greater Media Suspends WPEN, Philadelphia’s Mike Missanelli for Gay Slurs. This story goes to show how even a seasoned pro like Philadelphia sports talk host Mike Missanelli can make the mistake of engaging with a critic online. Greater Media has suspended afternoon personality Mike Missanelli after he called a critic a “latent homosexual” in an email exchange. The station issued the following statement, “We are aware of the email communications between Mike and one of his listeners. This individual has been harassing Mike by email for several years, which is cause for concern, and we are working with Mike to try to identify this person and stop the abuse. However, that does not excuse Mike’s conduct. The content of his emails is unacceptable and does not reflect our values as a company. Mike has been suspended and understands that future similar conduct will not be tolerated.” The story broke after the email exchange was posted on Deadspin.com.

Beasley Broadcast Group Beefs Up Digital Division. In announcing the hiring of three new regional digital directors, Beasley reveals its dedication to digital sales efforts. In a statement, vice president of digital Stacey Sedbrook speaks about the expectations after bringing Eddie Thorpe, Adam Meltzer and Carolyn Cope aboard. “The formation of this team will surely be the foundation of our success. Having the right people on my team is as important to me as having the right products and services to sell. Eddie, Adam and Carolyn were hand selected for their talents, capabilities and, most importantly, their nimble thinking. Our objective is to drive revenues for our advertisers, especially those smaller businesses and growing brands in the communities we serve. To achieve this goal, our regional digital directors will assist Beasley’s local market sales teams in creating enhanced advertising campaigns that include digital products and services tailored to the specific needs of our existing and new clients.” Eddie Thorpe comes to Beasley from the Tampa Bay Times where he was senior digital director. He’s responsible for the Miami and Fort Myers-Naples markets. Adam Meltzer is responsible for the Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware markets. He most recently was multimedia sales manager for Wicked Local. Carolyn Cope also served with Wicked Local as senior digital account executive of major accounts and is now overseeing the Augusta, Georgia; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Eastern North Carolina markets (Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville). Sedbrook is responsible for the company’s Las Vegas group.

Klatt Yields the Winning Run. In this case, that is a good thing as The Winning Run is the name of the full-service consultancy that Len Klatt is opening. The former Premiere Networks senior vice president/director of research is gearing the new undertaking – which will have Los Angeles and New York City offices – to national media companies and talent, programming services and advertisers. Among his clients are Sound Mind, Compass Media Marketing, Big Shoes Productions, Reel World, and The Blaze Radio Network. “Len continues to do the best job industry wide in both interpreting audience numbers and explaining them to clients interested in exploring the value premise of audience engagement on radio, online, and in digital media,” comments Sound Mind president Kraig Kitchin, Premiere’s former president/chief operating officer. “We are fortunate to have his talents for the benefit of our sponsors.” Klatt remarks, “It is not just about columns and numbers, it’s about how they can be used to shape the story in such a way to advance my clients’ vision. With The Winning Run, I want to cover all the bases.” Before the nearly two decades he spent at Premiere, Klatt was Westwood One‘s New York City-based director of research. He began his media research career at Media Buying Services International.

Learfield Adds to Footprint with Nelligan Acquisition. One of the leaders in college sports play-by-play rights is adding 41 schools to its roster with the acquisition of Nelligan Sports Marketing. Learfield Sports will now hold the multi-media rights to 92 schools, which puts its total above that of its fiercest competitor – IMG Sports, which holds the rights to 79 schools. Learfield president and CEO Greg Brown tells SportsBusinessDaily, “In some cases, this will open up new markets for us. In other cases, it will further fortify what we’re doing…Early on in our discussions with Providence [Learfield owner Providence Equity Partners], we identified some strategic opportunities that would be productive for our business. Nelligan is consistent with the business we’re already in. This was right down the middle of the fairway for us.” Nelligan Sports founder T.J. Nelligan will remain with the new company in a leadership role. He comments that he doesn’t expect attrition with this merger.

Odds & Sods. Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington is helping the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by naming it the station’s WTOP Charity of the Month recipient for February 2014. Through the program the MS Society will receive more than $20,000 worth of in-kind contributions to support Multiple Sclerosis awareness and programs, including 64 promotional announcements on WTOP and sister station Federal News Radio. Additional content and exposure for MS Society will be included on WTOP.com and FederalNewsRadio.com throughout the entire month of February…..Tribune Company’s WGN, Chicago announces the next in its “Blackhawks Live” series when forwards Kris Versteeg and Brandon Saad take part in the live event at the Old Town Pour House in suburban Oakbrook on February 24. The event includes a photo op with the players, an autographed photo and dinner, tax and tip. “Blackhawks Live” is a series of one-hour radio broadcasts hosted over dinner throughout the year featuring current Blackhawks players, legends and management. Blackhawks radio broadcasters John Wiedeman and Troy Murray host the event that includes a question-and-answer format between the hosts and the featured Blackhawks guests…..The New Jersey Broadcasters Association has created PSAs for member stations reminding drivers in the Garden State that it’s illegal to drive a vehicle that hasn’t had the snow and ice properly cleared off it. Interested stations can visit www.njba.com for information…..The Radio Television Digital News Association names WBIR-TV, Knoxville news director Christy Moreno to its board of directors, representing Region 8, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia.

WestwoodOne to Present Exclusive Coverage of Winter Olympics. When the 2014 Olympic Winter Games commence in Sochi, Russia on Friday, WestwoodOne will be the exclusive network for audio coverage. WestwoodOne’s programing will include: shortform coverage Olympic updates three times an hour, 24/7, from February 7- February 23; longform coverage – “Today in Sochi” including two hours of longform coverage for 17 consecutive nights; coverage of all U.S. Olympic Hockey (Men’s and Women’s) plus the gold medal games in Men’s and Women’s hockey regardless of who is playing.

Dana Loesch Visits ‘The View.’ Conservative talk media figure Dana Loesch – who just entered national syndication for her daily talk radio show via Radio America – appeared on ABC TV’s “The View” on Monday in her stead as a host on Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze where she hosts a daily, 5:00 pm program. Pictured here (center) between the program’s Jenny McCarthy (left) and Sherri Shepherd (right), Loesch spoke about her conversion from a progressive liberal to her current conservative philosophy and fielded questions from the four co-hosts.

Obama Administration Splits with Some Democrats, Philip Seymour Hoffman Death/Heroin Use in America, Hillary in 2016, Immigration Legislation/Amnesty Component, ObamaCare Criticism, Financial Markets Activity, and Sochi Olympics Troubles Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/4). The reported rift between Democrats on Capitol Hill and the Obama Administration on some issues; the aftermath of the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman and the light it’s shed on heroin abuse in America; the prospect of Hillary Clinton running for president in 2016; the proposed immigration legislation working its way through Congress and the possibility of amnesty for current illegals; ongoing scrutiny of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act; activity on the U.S. and world financial markets; and reports of the problems Russia is facing getting Sochi ready for the Winter Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

TALKERS | January 30, 2014

Beasley Broadcasting Reports Q4 Revenue Down Slightly; 2013 Up 4.7%. Political advertising – or the lack thereof in the fourth quarter of Beasley’s Q4 – led to a mildly down quarter as net revenue dropped a half of a percent compared to the same period in 2012. Station operating income was down 5.2% quarter over quarter. However, for the year, Beasley reports net revenue was up 4.7% and net income per diluted share was up 6.3%. Further, the company states that “lower net revenue in the 2013 fourth quarter and a $0.4 million, or 2.5%, increase in station operating expenses related to operating KVGS-FM in Las Vegas which was acquired in September 2013, as well as a rise in sales and programming expenses, caused fourth quarter 2013 station operating income (SOI), a non-GAAP financial measure, to decrease by $0.6 million, or 5.2%, to $10.2 million, as compared to the 2012 fourth quarter.” Chairman and CEO George Beasley comments, “Beasley Broadcast Group’s fourth quarter net revenue decline primarily reflects a reduction in political spending as in the fourth quarter of 2012 we recorded approximately $1.2 million in political advertising revenue. While we were not able to fully offset the cyclical impact of political revenue, the fourth quarter radio advertising environment in our markets remains healthy and on an actual basis we reported just a slight decline in net revenue compared with last year. Excluding the benefit of political advertising in the year-ago quarter, Beasley Broadcast Group’s 2013 fourth quarter same station net revenue rose approximately 2% and, reflecting our success throughout 2013, actual full year net revenue rose 4.7% while same station net revenue for 2013 was up 1.9% versus full year 2012. Overall, for our five markets that report to Miller Kaplan – which represent approximately 76% of total fourth quarter revenue – Beasley station cluster revenue declined by 2.6%, which again was primarily attributable to the cyclical nature of political advertising, while the total revenue for all reporting radio stations in these markets decreased by 4.1% for the quarter. Beasley Broadcast Group’s out-performance relative to our markets again highlights the benefit of our organization-wide focus on strong core programming and targeted localism. Our planned investments in sales and programming and the expansion of our digital offerings, combined with the revenue decline, led to fourth quarter 2013 SOI which was 5.2% below year-ago levels.”

Sliwa Child Support Case Creating ‘Tabloid’ Sensation in NYC. The child support case currently in the courts in New York involving WABC, New York talk show host Curtis Sliwa has been fodder for the city’s tabloid newspapers. Recently it was the New York Post. Now it’s the New York Daily News. The most recent court filings by Sliwa’s ex-wife Mary charge Curtis Sliwa was having an affair with now-Queens Borough president Melinda Katz prior to his marriage to Mary – and that he even spent the night before his wedding to Mary with Katz. Sliwa was in court late last year contending he can’t afford the $13,000 per month he had agreed to pay Mary Sliwa for their now-10-year-old son because his salary had been slashed to $200,000 from its high of almost $700,000. (That was when he worked for Salem, he now works for Cumulus and his current salary has not been published.) Sliwa now lives with Katz and their two children and he pays $10,000 to Katz for child care even though they co-habitate. Court documents allege that – via voice mails – Mary Sliwa can show Curtis Sliwa was having an affair with Katz for a long period of time although the two deny it started before 2011. Mary Sliwa is also contesting the claim by Katz that her children were the product of frozen sperm donated by Sliwa. Whereas this ordeal is no doubt causing financial and personal pain for the parties involved, the buzz factor generated by a scandal of this nature cannot help but draw priceless and timely publicity to Sliwa’s radio presence in the competitive New York market as he reunites with his former longtime co-host Ron Kuby on WABC. Read the most recent New York Daily News story here.

TV News Net Exec Joins Clear Channel Seattle as Market President. The new market president at Clear Channel’s Seattle cluster is Kent Haehl. The former Channel One Network chief executive officer will report to executive vice president of operations Hartley Atkins, who comments, “We are fortunate to bring someone onto our team who has such an expansive leadership and experience base. Kent’s extensive knowledge of television, media, and the industry as a whole will immediately bring additional value to our advertisers and listeners as we continue to provide a greater reach than any other media outlet in Seattle.” Haehl, who replaces Lisa Decker in the role, remarks that he is “extremely grateful” to begin working with “such a talented team of professionals.” He adds, “I am looking forward to leading the market to continued success and to unlocking the full potential of our brands in one of America’s greatest cities.” Prior to his tenure at Channel One, a daily global television news network, Haehl held senior sales and marketing positions at In-Store Broadcasting Network and Meredith Broadcasting Group.

Bartley Joins WICC, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Air personality and programmer David Bartley is named assistant program director and producer at Cumulus Media’s news/talk WICC, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Bartley – who serves with the cluster as weekend and fill-in personality on the company’s sister AC WEBE – will produce the “Talk of the Town” program hosted by Jim Buchanan. He will continue his role with WEBE. In a statement, Bartley says, “I am very thankful to Danny Lyons and Ann McManus for giving me this awesome opportunity to help program ‘Fairfield County’s News and Information Leader’ WICC 600 AM, and I am also looking forward to working daily with Jim Buchanan.”

Portland’s KXTG to Air AFL Thunder Games. As a result of a multi-year partnership agreement, Alpha Broadcasting, Portland’s sports-formatted KXTG “The Game” will be the flagship station for the Portland Thunder, the city’s Arena Football League team. Senior vice president and market manager Milt McConnell notes, “We are excited to be a part of bringing the high-scoring Arena Football League’s Portland Thunder to our community. This is an entertaining brand that extends Alpha’s ‘live and local’ focus.” Portland Thunder owner Terry Emmert adds, “Sports fans in Oregon know that ‘The Game’ is the premiere sports radio station in the State. We are thrilled to have partnered with the station and Alpha Broadcasting in airing the inaugural season of Portland Thunder Arena Football. The AFL franchise will play 18 games, including nine at home at the Moda Center. KXTG is also the flagship of the Oregon Ducks and Major League Soccer‘s Portland Timbers.

Long-Running Syndicated Health Show ‘Duke & The Doctor’ Ends. One of the nation’s longest-running syndicated health talk shows is ending after tomorrow’s broadcast. The “Duke & The Doctor” program – co-hosted by Dr. Jan McBarron (right) and her husband Duke Liberatore (left) – has been in national syndication for more than 15 years. The couple is putting the wrap on the show at the same time they are selling their chain of six health food stores in North Georgia to Utah-based Nutraceutical. Long-time readers of TALKERS magazine and industry pros who attended TALKERS’ New Media Seminar in New York City in the late 1990s and early 2000s are familiar with the colorful couple who were regular attendees at the event during those years. With the show ending and the health food store chain being sold, Dr. McBarron is focusing on her medical practice and Liberatore will become more involved with the Columbus Lions Indoor Football team of which he and McBarron are part owners.

Veteran Recognized at SOTU Featured in KFYI, Phoenix Program. When President Obama recognized US Army Ranger Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg at the end of Tuesday’s State of the Union Address, Americans were applauding a man who was also recognized as part of news/talk KFYI, Phoenix’s “My Military Hero” promotion. Remsburg (pictured here at left with KFYI’s Mike Broomhead), was the August 2013 military hero of the month who was featured on a local billboard in the Phoenix metro and received a $500 Visa gift card courtesy of sponsor Rio Salado College. As part of the program, Mike Broomhead (heard on KFYI weekdays 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm) meets with each hero (or their family) each month to personally thank them for their service and presents them with their winnings including a mini digital billboard.

RTDNF Names Wallace Host of First Amendment Awards. This year’s host of the Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) First Amendment Awards is Fox News Channel’s Chris Wallace. The event will be held at Washington, DC’s Grand Hyatt Hotel on March 12. Honorees include CBS News‘ Bill Plante (RTDNF “Lifetime Achievement Award”); NBC News‘ Lester Holt (Leonard Zeidenberg “First Amendment Award”); Gannett Broadcasting‘s David Lougee (“First Amendment Leadership Award”); ABC News‘ Robin Sproul (“First Amendment Service Award”); and The Associated Press (“First Amendment Award”). RTDNF chair Vincent Dully states, “We are delighted to have Chris Wallace as our master of ceremonies. We invite everyone to join us in Washington to honor our award recipients and support the Foundation’s work for the First Amendment.” Wallace received the organization’s Paul White Award in 2013, the group’s highest honor for a lifetime of achievement and service.

Former Tampa-Area Talk Host Arrested on Racketeering and Fraud Charges. Using the religious station as a backdrop for his program “It’s God’s Money,” Gary L. Gauthier convinced 38 people in the Tampa area to invest in his Ponzi scheme and, according to the St. Petersburg Tribune, bilked them out of about $6 million. During 2005, Gauthier’s program aired on Salem Communications-owned stations WTBN and WGUL, though it’s not clear if Salem owned the stations at the time Gauthier’s program aired. According to the charges, Gauthier worked with local accountant David George Dreslin on the ploy. Dreslin has also been arreste

Tag: "Q4"

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: