Industry Views

Monday Memo: Milk It

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imIf last week’s column didn’t out me as an utter Smerconish fan-boy, this week’s will. Find his 2/10 CNN show online. It may be the best hour of cable news Talk TV I’ve ever seen; and having hosted several hundred myself, I don’t say so casually.

After Special Counsel Robert K. Hur’s report on President Biden’s mishandling of classified material characterized him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” Michael’s poll asked: “Should Jill Biden suggest to her husband that he not seek re-election?”

50,504 votes (not a misprint): 63.85% Yes, 36.15% No.

Guest James Carville quipped that “Today is the youngest you’ll ever be for the rest of your life;” and he noted that LBJ didn’t drop out of the 1968 race until March.

Meanwhile, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejects Donald Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution for the potential crimes tied to trying to stay in office despite losing the election…AND polls consistently demonstrate that most Americans don’t want a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024. Undaunted, Nikki Haley asks “do we really want two 80-year-olds” to be the choice?

With all due respect to Rush Limbaugh for leading the vaunted “Talk Radio Revolution” back then, this format’s golden age is NOW. We are in the suspense business. Milk it.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison asks, “Does the current crop of hosts, trained to preach to their target audience choirs, have the skill and balls to take advantage of the frustrated – even desperate – mood of the greater American public outside their narrow-minded core followers? And will their bosses allow them to even try?”

While I share his concern, I am advising news/talk stations that the “news” component is MUCH more tactically opportune than the “talk” – even for FOX News Radio affiliates which program major syndicated political hosts. ABC and CBS newscasts are also big assets, appointment listening if we promote overtly.

Specific goal: Add occasions-of-tune-in. How: “With SO much changing SO quickly now, stay close to the news. Check-in for a quick [name of network] update, every half hour…here. [dial positions, call letters].”

Local news people: This tactic will better expose your work too. Emulate your network’s writing style, latest-aspect-first, short sentences, use sound, and sound different than last hour.

Hosts: LISTEN. If callers barely let you get a word in edgewise, you’re playing this just right.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up,” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins”and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.

Industry News

Newsmax TV Honors Memory of Rush Limbaugh on Chris Salcedo Show

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Newsmax TV paid tribute to the late Rush Limbaugh as the third anniversary of his death on February 17, 2021 approaches.  Afternoon host Chris Salcedo interviewed TALKERS founder Michael Harrison asking him to explain to younger viewers the significance Limbaugh played in the early development of conservative talk radio and how the medium has changed since his passing. See this informative exchange here.

Industry News

South Carolina Talk Radio Pro Jim Burnside Dies at 80

WYFF-TV, Greenville, South Carolina reports that market talk radio pro Jim Burnside died on July 23 after a battle with cancer. The station reports, “Jim Burnside was an innovative radio talent, commercial writer and producer and mentor to many Upstate and national radio personalities… Jim is credited with bringing ‘Talk Radio’ to the Upstate in 1988, hiring Rush Limbaugh and Mike Gallagher to headline WFBC-AM. Later, the station’s call letters were changed to WORD-AM, and Burnside served as program director and station manager.” See the full story here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Does Your Station Sound “On-Vacation?”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imBy 2009, I had been making my living consulting and coaching talk hosts for 14 years, but I myself had not yet hosted a talk show. Like Rush Limbaugh before he went-talk, I had lots of on-air time under my belt as a music DJ. And that same skill set contributes to talk radio success: “Play the hits” (topics) and convert Cume to AQH (technique).

This month and next, when so many take vacation time, guest-hosts are often local somebodies who are not career broadcasters and don’t share our second-nature performance routines. For their benefit, these tips, based on my experience on both sides of the mic:

My hosting debut was “The Jim Bohannon Show.” And Jimbo told me I was only the third person to ever guest-host, after Joan Rivers and Chris Matthews jump-started their broadcast careers there. But, to these listeners, who-the-heck was I? Lacking the back-story of an A-list comedian or former presidential speechwriter, I simply told the truth, saying, “I’m Jim’s pal, Holland Cooke” as I quickly invited callers into the hour’s topic or teed up the guest. I had promised myself I would avoid “The Sitting-In For Rush Syndrome:” unscripted monologue about myself and blah-blah-blah until the first break. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison – himself a well-traveled guest host – recommends nonchalance and warns against, “It’s such an honor to be here!”

So, if you’re filling-in, that’s Tip #1: Cut to the chase. Don’t devalue the show by committing lots of time explaining that the familiar host is away and who you are. Tee-up what the show is about this hour… why it matters to those listening… how they will benefit from not wandering-off when they hear a stranger… and how to join-in.

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Demonstrating this technique when “FOX Across America” host Jimmy Failla is off: my long-suffering client Paul Gleiser. His day job is owning KTBB, Tyler-Longview, Texas; and his side hustle is guest-hosting Jimmy’s show, which he’s done a half-dozen times this month. Understanding Tip #2: You’re a guest in someone’s home, Paul asked Jimmy for advice. Always in-character, Failla quipped “Drive it like you stole it!” So Gleiser is all about call count, teeing-up TWO tempting propositions, one topical, the other a softer “Bonus Question.” As I write this, he’s asking, “Which Democrat do we [Republicans] want to run-against in 2024?” and – as new employment numbers are announced – “The WORST job you ever had?” Callers are telling stories.

That’s Tip #3: Invite callers. Admittedly, my debut was a snap, with Jimbo’s show on 500-plus stations. But later, when then-PD Bill White had me do three nights on WBT, Charlotte, he texted me after my first hour to say that I had taken more calls that hour than other hosts get-around-to in a week. In a recession, I asked if callers were “Seeing ‘green shoots’ of recovery?” and “The best car you ever owned?” They all told stories about both. “DON’T beg for callers,” Harrison says. And bring more than just your voice, i.e., guests and sound bites from news feeds. Gleiser: “Prep like the phone is broken.”

 Tip #4: Invite participation multiple ways. Many listeners would rather text than call. Do so and you’ll sound accessible and at-the-speed-of-life. And follow @smerconish to see how (effectively) he polls listeners via social media.

Tip #5: “Know what the show was about yesterday,” Gleiser urges, because political topics tend to change little day-to-day. Avoid this trap: The guest host’s outspoken narrative is a point that’s already been talked-to-death BUT this is HIS shot on a big show, so this is HIS turn to me-too the unison. Better approach: Come up with a new wrinkle; like Paul’s aforementioned “Who [Democrat] do we [Republicans] have the best chance of beating in 2024?”

 Tip #6: Empower callers, by asking their FEELINGS, rather than asking for facts or their expertise. They’re not experts. Instead, use The Magic Words (“you” and “your”): “Should you be fined for installing or replacing your gas stove?” Or empower them with access to a guest they can Q+A about matters that matter to their lives. When the fill-in host is “a somebody” – the mayor or an athlete or an expert – the host him/herself is an opportune topic. As we say when inviting calls to hosts who broker weekend airtime: “The lawyer is in, the meter is off.”

Tip #7: Establish a relationship with the producer “BEFORE the show” Gleiser advises: “Don’t just show up.” Ascertain who-does-what. In some cases, the producer will have booked guests and may suggest or assign call-in topics. Or – in Jimmy Failla speak – you’re driving, if the producer is simply call-screening and running-the-board (which you should NOT attempt if you’re not an experienced broadcaster or if you are unfamiliar with this particular station’s set-up).

Tip #8: Keep re-setting – succinctly, “matter-of-factly” as Michael Harrison puts it — introducing yourself and your guest-or-topic — when you’re going-into and coming-out-of breaks, and at the beginning of each hour. Why: Listeners are constantly tuning-in.

Tip #9: Always and only announce the call-in number immediately after you tell them WHY to call. Most common mistake I hear, even from experienced hosts: They give-out the phone number at the very beginning of the show or hour or segment, then (eventually) they tell you why to call, possibly minutes later (an eternity in live radio). So, they’re haunted by those dreaded “regulars” who already have the number memorized. Make announcing the number the punch line, whether you’re asking opinions on topic du jour or offering access to a guest they’ll want to interact with. ‘Seems like a little thing, but this can make a big difference in how popular you make the station sound.

Tip #10: “Be a convenience to the station,” not high maintenance. Harrison: “If you’re a diva they won’t ask you back.”

Tip #11: Afterward, give it a listen. If you do this for a living, wait a week, so you hear your work with fresh ears. Not a broadcaster? Was there a segment worth sharing on your blog or via social media? Did you or a guest explain something real useful? On Twitter, link to an audio clip of “Pet Pro Dr. Donna Johnson’s tips for helping your critters keep their cool during a long, hot summer,” so you’re useful to those who weren’t listening live. For LOTS of clicks and shares, include pictures of cuddly kittens and puppies.

Tip #12: If you are a career broadcaster, “always be available (and prepared) on short notice,” Michael Harrison recommends. 😉

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” a FREE download; and the E-book and FREE on-air radio features Inflation Hacks: Save Those Benjamins;“and Multiply Your Podcast Subscribers, Without Buying Clicks,” available from Talkers books. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry Views

Lessons from Rush

By Walter Sabo
Consultant, Sabo Media
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Radio Host, Sterling on Sunday

Rush Limbaugh’s initial success spawned a nation of imitators.  Throughout the country hosts and executives heard Rush and concluded that the key to success was bashing liberals for three hour – or all day!

Oddly that wasn’t Rush’s mission.  When Ed McLaughlin launched Rush’s show an article appeared quoting Rush and his role.

Rush said, “I’m here to inform, inform, inform.”  Ed was the founding GM of KGO, he ran the ABC Radio Networks for about 20 years. He knew how to make great radio because that’s all he knew how to do.  I was in his office the day the article quoting Rush appeared.

Ed said to me, “I will have to talk to Rush about that. His job is to entertain.”  Following Ed’s conversation with him, Rush carried out his mission, he entertained.

Rush did not get ratings and cash for espousing conservative views. There were other spokespeople who did that very well such as William F Buckley – an erudite conservative who never got ratings.

Listening hard to Rush airchecks, he was mostly entertaining. How did he do that?  First, he never offered duplicate arguments for his opinions. Every single day he presented brand new evidence and facts and stories to support his point of view. Secondly, he riffed. There were long periods featuring funny, human stories. Cat stories!  Third, Rush understood radio to a pristine point of science. When he had nothing to say, he used the medium’s most powerful tool… silence!

He understood the essential bond with the listener and therefore we never heard his producer on talkback, rarely, rarely, rarely a guest interview.  Phone calls were extremely well screened, coached and ready for air. Sharp produced bits were designed to drive the conversation.  The show was a show not a lecture.

Rush understood that the biggest mistake he could make would be to change his position on anything. Regardless of a caller’s absolute facts, Rush would say, “So what of it sir, I’m right.”  His battle against facts made the show work. Radio wrestling.

Today’s winning hosts don’t waste time forming political opinions, they invest their time in building an entertaining show.

Walter Sabo was the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC. The youngest VP in the history of ABC. He was a consultant to RKO General longer than Bill Drake. Walter was the in-house consultant to Sirius for eight years. He has never written a resume. Contact him at walter@sabomedia.com. or mobile 646-678-1110. Hear Walter Sterling at www.waltersterlingshow.com.

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Noted talent manager, advisor and chair of the Radio Hall of FameKraig T. Kitchin is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison states, “Kraig is one of the smartest, most-respected and congenial behind-the-scenes movers and shakers in the radio industry. His illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including advising some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Kitchin was honored several weeks ago by the TALKERS magazine editorial board with the highly prestigious Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement in Radio. Since 2008, he’s been president of the talent management firm, Sound MindLLC. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency with more than 50 clients specializing in audio advertising. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Prior to launching his own firm, after working his way up in the industry through local radio and then national agency sales, he was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks in 1987. Harrison and Kitchin discuss the quirky role of ego and psychology in the talent business as well as today’s rapidly changing fabric of communications and culture. Don’t miss this! Listen to the entire podcast here.

Industry News

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Celebrate Second Anniversary

The nationally syndicated Premiere Networks program “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” celebrates its two-year anniversary today (6/21). The program fills the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart occupied by the late Rush Limbaugh and currently is heard on more than 470 affiliate stations. Premiere says the program’sim podcast averages more than 13 million monthly downloads. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We couldn’t be more proud of what Clay and Buck have accomplished together over the past two years. They had big shoes to fill, and they hit the ground running with their fresh, dynamic and entertaining brand of news talk. The results speak for themselves, and we’re proud to mark this milestone with them as they continue to deliver impressive returns for our partners.”

Industry News

VIDEO POSTED: Kraig T. Kitchin Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at TALKERS 2023

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Renowned radio industry executive Kraig T. Kitchin was the 2023 recipient of the newly renamed Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Kitchin was presented the honor at TALKERS 2023 on June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island.  In making the presentation, TALKERS broadcast operations director David Bernstein stated, “Although still a relatively young man, Kraig Kitchin’s illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including the spoken word formats and some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have beenim indelible and immeasurable.” Since 2008, Kitchin has been president of the talent management firm, Sound Mind LLC, with a focused effort toward managing the businesses of high-profile radio and podcast personalities as well as production companies. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency specializing in audio advertising, with a focus on podcasts and audio integrations. The nine-year-old agency is a leader in the audio space on behalf of more than 50 clients. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Since assuming the role, he has reinstituted national public voting for two of the six categories of induction and has doubled the voting participant panel. Under his leadership, more than 75 radio icons have been inducted. Prior to launching his own firm, Kitchin was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., in 1987. The company grew to be the number one radio network in the country syndicating 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliates, reaching 190 million listeners weekly. He started as executive vice president of sales and by 1998 at the age of 37, he assumed the role of president/COO, one of the youngest in the country to run a $300 multi-million-plus radio company. During his 10-year tenure at Premiere, Kitchin directed and oversaw all talk and music programming and services featuring a wide array of the nation’s most popular personalities. In addition, he supervised Premiere Radio’s other properties: Mediabase 24/7, the industry’s leading music monitoring service, MJI Programming, and FOX Sports Radio. Kitchin started his career in station management at WFMK-FM in Lansing, MI, and KTYD-FM in Santa Barbara, CA before serving as sales manager of the Katz Radio Group Network in Los Angeles. See Kraig T. Kitchin’s acceptance speech at TALKERS 2023 here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2023 VIDEO: KBLA Talk 1580 Founder Tavis Smiley Honored with Freedom of Speech Award

Prolific author and veteran talk media purveyor of current events with a focus on African American perspectives, Tavis Smiley, was honored by the TALKERS editorial board at the TALKERS 2023 conference as the 2023 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. (The presentation was sponsored by The Todd Starnes Show) The award is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. Smiley, who has hosted shows on a diverse array of platforms such as BETCNNABCPBS, KABCim Radio, and KGFJ Radio among others, joins such former recipients of the award as Rush LimbaughSean HannityBill O’ ReillyMark LevinMichael SavageGlenn BeckBob GrantThom HartmannAlan ColmesJoe MadisonKaren HunterAl FrankenBrian LambNorm PattizIan Freeman and others dating back to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s. Some two years ago, Smiley’s media company acquired an AM radio station in Los Angeles, the former hip hop legend KDAY, and transformed it into a new station and format – KBLA Talk 1580 – where he’s assembled an outstanding on-air staff, including himself, with the impassionate mission of, as he puts it, “unapologetically serving people of color and who are politically progressive.” In making the announcement of this year’s recipient, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “This is our longest-running and most-important award. Mr. Smiley has risen to the enormous talk radio challenge of providing underserved African Americans and progressives with a major commercial platform in the nation’s second largest market with a worldwide reach. In today’s political environment and struggling AM radio industry, it doesn’t get any more ‘First Amendment’ than that.” Tavis Smiley was presented the award by Harrison at TALKERS 2023 on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island. See the presentation and Smiley’s acceptance speech here.

Industry News

Dan Bongino Reverses Course as Cumulus Ends COVID Vaccine Mandate

Westwood One nationally syndicated talk radio host Dan Bongino, who publicly challenged Cumulus Media’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement and said he would leave the company after his contract ends because of it, confided to his listeners now that the company has ended the mandate he would like to continue his host role with the network (5/10). He said at first, he was reluctant about doing a talk show in the same time period asim the late Rush Limbaugh (“no one wants to replace Mickey Mantle”) but agreed to do it anyway. “This thing happened along the way where I really fell in love with the job… I didn’t really want to leave, and I don’t want to go. I didn’t really expect this and it puts me in a really weird spot… somewhere along the way this little marriage between you [the listener] and me… started out rough and rocky and it’s just become nothing but bliss for me and I just really hate to leave it.” Bongino’s addressing the matter came as CHRO and SVP human resources Todd McCarty notified managers about the ending of the mandate via an internal memo. He wrote, “After continued consideration, we’ve made the decision to end the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Additionally, we are eliminating all prior COVID-19 protocols for employees and visitors/guests to our facilities, with the exception of protocols for those who test positive. These changes are effective immediately and we ask that you communicate these changes to your teams. HR will be adjusting current job descriptions and will eliminate the requirement moving forward.” The complete Bongino on-air statement can be heard here.

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Recognizes Industry Leaders

Last Wednesday (4/19), the Broadcasters Foundation of America held its Annual Breakfast and gave out six Leadership Awards, the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award, and the very special Chairman’s Award. Pictured above at the event are (from l-r): Steven Lanzano, president, Television Bureau of Advertising – Leadership Award; Deborah Parenti, president/publisher, Radio Ink/RBR+TVBR – Leadership Award; Scott Herman, chairman of the BFoA; Dan Mason, former CEO of CBS Radio and previous chairman of the BFoA – Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award; Tim McCarthy, president of the BFoA; Jim Doyle, founder, JDA Media – Leadership Award; Debra O’Connell, president, networks, The Walt Disney Company – Leadership Award; Cindy Thompson, who accepted the posthumous Chairman’s Award on behalf of her husband Jim Thompson, who had been president of the BFoA; Heidi Raphael, chief communications officer, Beasley Media Group – Leadership Award; Jim Thompson, who also accepted on behalf of his father. Not pictured is Julie Talbot, president of Premiere Networks, who accepted the posthumous Leadership Award on behalf of Rush Limbaugh.

Industry News

Kraig T. Kitchin to Receive 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

The TALKERS editorial board has announced the selection of renowned radio industry executive Kraig T. Kitchin as the 2023 recipient of the newly renamed Jim Bohannon Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Kitchin will be presented the honor at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 convention on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY.  In making the announcement, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison stated, “Although still a relatively young man, Kraig Kitchin’s illustrious career goes back decades and his positive contributions to the radio business – including the spoken word formats and some of its greatest talents including the late Rush Limbaugh – have been indelible and immeasurable.” Since 2008, Kitchin has been president of the talent management firm, Sound Mind, with a focused effort toward managing the businesses of high-profile radio and podcast personalities as well as production companies. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Oxford Road, a media placement agency specializing in audio advertising, with a focus on podcasts and audio integrations. The nine-year-old agency is a leader in the audio space on behalf of more than 50 clients. Kitchin also serves as chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame to which he was appointed in 2014. Since assuming the role, he has reinstituted national public voting for two of the six categories of induction and has doubled the voting participant panel. Under his leadership, more than 75 radio icons have been inducted. Prior to launching his own firm, Kitchin was one of the founders of Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., in 1987. The company grew to be the number one radio network in the country syndicating 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliates, reaching 190 million listeners weekly. He started as executive vice president of sales and by 1998 at the age of 37, he assumed the role of president/COO, one of the youngest in the country to run a $300 multi-million-plus radio company. During his 10-year tenure at Premiere, Kitchin directed and oversaw all talk and music programming and services featuring the nation’s most popular personalities like Limbaugh, DelilahJim RomeGlenn BeckCasey KasemBill HandelRyan SeacrestBob (Kevoian) and Tom (Griswold)Steve HarveyWhoopi GoldbergBlair GarnerGeorge NooryMaria BartiromoJim CramerMatt Drudge, the late Art BellDonald TrumpBob Costas and others. In addition, he supervised Premiere Radio’s other properties: Mediabase 24/7, the industry’s leading music monitoring service, MJI Programming, and FOX Sports Radio. Kitchin started his career in station management at WFMK-FM in Lansing, MI, and KTYD-FM in Santa Barbara, CA before serving as sales manager of the Katz Radio Group Network in Los Angeles. Kitchin will be one of 60 industry leaders speaking at TALKERS 2023.  For more information, see story below.

Industry News

KBLA Talk 1580 Founder Tavis Smiley to Be Honored

Prolific author and veteran talk media purveyor of current events with a focus on African American perspectives, Tavis Smiley, has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board to be the 2023 recipient of the highly prestigious Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech. The award is presented each year to a talk media practitioner whose work sets an example for the exercise and preservation of the First Amendment. Smiley, who has hosted shows on a diverse array of platforms such as BETCNNABCPBS, KABC Radio, and KGFJ Radio among others, joins such former recipient of the award as Rush LimbaughSean HannityBill O’ ReillyMark LevinMichael SavageGlenn BeckBob GrantThom HartmannAlan ColmesJoe MadisonKaren HunterAl FrankenBrian LambNorm PattizIan Freeman and others dating back to the origins of TALKERS in the late 1980s. Some 21 months ago, Smiley’s media company acquired an AM radio station in Los Angeles, the former hip hop legend KDAY, and transformed it into a new station and format – KBLA Talk 1580 – where he’s assembled an outstanding on-air staff, including himself, with the passionate mission of, as he puts it, “unapologetically serving people of color and who are politically progressive.” In making the announcement of this year’s recipient, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “This is our longest-running and most-important award. Mr. Smiley has risen to the enormous talk radio challenge of providing underserved African Americans and progressives with a major commercial platform in the nation’s second largest market with a worldwide reach. In today’s political environment and struggling AM radio industry, it doesn’t get any more ‘First Amendment’ than that.” Tavis Smiley will be presented the award at the forthcoming TALKERS 2023 convention on Friday, June 2 at Hofstra University on Long Island where he will be one of 60 talk media luminaries scheduled to speak.  For more information about TALKERS 2023, see the story below. 

Industry News

BFoA Announces 2023 Leadership Awards Recipients

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the recipients of the 2023 Leadership Awards that are given annually in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at-large. The Awards will be presented at the Broadcasters Foundation Annual Breakfast on April 19 during the NAB Show. The 2023 Leadership Awards honorees are: Jim Doyle, founder, JDA Media; Steven Lanzano, president,Text - Turtles Television Bureau of Advertising; Rush Limbaugh, radio host and political commentator, deceased, award accepted by his widow Kathryn Limbaugh; Debra O’Connell, president, networks, The Walt Disney Company; Deborah Parenti, president/publisher, Radio Ink/RBR+TVBR; and Heidi Raphael, chief communications officer, Beasley Media Group. The Broadcasters Foundation will also present the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award during the Breakfast. That honoree will be announced shortly. The Broadcasters Foundation Breakfast is complimentary to all in broadcasting. Registration is required, call 212-373-8250 or email info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

Axios: Talk Radio Landscape Two Years After Limbaugh’s Passing

A piece by Sara Fischer in Axios looks at the state of conservative talk radio two years after the genre’s putative founding father Rush Limbaugh passed away, leaving a literal and figurative void in the industry. Talk media practitioners are aware that the occasion of Limbaugh’s passing gave rise to a number of conservative talk personalities as they battled to fill the midday radio time slot occupied for so many years on more than 600Talk radio - Radio station stations. In the bigger picture, Fischer writes, “Today, no one radio host commands the same level of power and influence that Limbaugh did, but a number of new voices are emerging — blending the reach of traditional and digital platforms — and collectively proving to be more powerful in shaping conservative opinion for younger audiences.” TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison is quoted in the piece saying, “The world is changing and there are questions as to how Limbaugh, had he lived and remained healthy — based upon his mindset and his approach to the business — would have remained as pertinent as he was. He was not as flexible when it came to social media and some of the other forms that it takes right now to be a media presence as opposed to just a radio presence.” Read the entire article here.

Features

Remembering Overnight Sensation Jim Bohannon

By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor

 

LOS ANGELES — Talk radio’s tightknit community is reeling as it mourns the passing of one of the format’s genuine iconic stalwarts, Jim Bohannon, who has died at the age of 78.

“Class act” epitomized peerless communicator Bohannon, who – while enjoying the luxury of a national Westwood One platform – possessed a palpably authentic on-air style that enamored him to a huge, loyal following.

(more…)

Front Page News Industry News

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

SRN News to Provide Live Coverage of Oz-Fetterman Debate. This evening’s debate between Pennsylvania U.S. Senate candidates Dr. Mehmet Oz and John Fetterman is being covered by Salem Radio Network News. The one-hour debate is taking place at WHTM-TV, Harrisburg’s studios at 8:00 pm ET and is being moderated by WHTM news anchor Dennis Owens and WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh anchor Lisa Sylvester. SRN News says it will feed the Oz-Fetterman debate to affiliates via the network’s longform news channel; affiliates of SRN’s companion 24/7 service TOWNHALL News will be able to access the broadcast via Salem’s XDS channel. SRN News says the coverage of the debate is part of its commitment to keep affiliates updated on breaking news 365 days a year.

FOX News Announces Town Hall with Ohio Senate Candidates Ryan and Vance. On November 1, FOX News Channel will host a town hall with Ohio U.S. Senate candidates U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and J.D. Vance. The program will be co-moderated by FNC’s chief political anchor Bret Baier – anchor of “Special Report” and “The Story” anchor and executive editor Martha MacCallum. MacCallum will host a preview of the town hall during “The Story” at 3:00 pm ET that day.

Bill Handel to Emcee Radio Hall of Fame Ceremony. Next Tuesday’s 2022 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel will be emceed by KFI, Los Angeles morning personality Bill Handel. The induction ceremony and dinner will also feature messages prepared for the event by Ryan Seacrest, Donnie Simpson, Jim Kerr, Tom Joyner, Mike Francesa, Stephen A. Smith, Rick Cummings, Beth Bacall, and Charlie Cook. Handel, who was inducted into the Hall in 2017, has received numerous other industry awards and was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.

Beasley Media Group to Support Wreaths Across America. As part of its Community of Caring initiative, Beasley Media Group is partnering with non-profit Wreaths Across America to help it achieve its goal of remembering our fallen U.S. veterans, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom. Beasley is running a companywide public service campaign through the middle of December, which will include on-air public service spots and interviews as well as online digital content featured on stations’ websites and Quu digital in-car dashboard messaging that encourages listeners to support the Wreaths Across America event and the organization’s on-going programs throughout the year. National Wreaths Across America Day takes place on Saturday, December 17. Coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies will take place to honor our interred veterans at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional participating locations in all 50 U.S. states and abroad. Beasley chief content officer Justin Chase says, “As a remembrance of our late founder George Beasley, a US Army Sergeant, as well as the many past and present Beasley employees who have served our country in the US military, it is such an honor to support Wreaths Across America. During the kickoff of this holiday season, we’ll be encouraging our audience to volunteer or donate to this worthy cause.”

iHeartMedia and Graphic Audio Unveil ‘Cornbread Mafia’ Podcast. This new podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Graphic Audio – titled “Cornbread Mafia” – covers the unbelievable true story of the biggest marijuana bust in U.S. history. It’s based on the book by Jim Higdon and is hosted by Megan Nadolski of Goat Rodeo podcasts. The press release says, “Find out what life was like for a group of Kentucky-based outlaws, a place with farming, moonshine, and pride in its bloodline. But timing is everything, as you’ll learn through the eyes of the unforgettable Johnny Boone, the man who hoped to grow and harvest one of the greatest marijuana crops in modern times and instead found himself (and all of surrounding Marion County), at the center of America’s War on Drugs. This is what legends are made of.”

Today’s Homeowner TV Show Launches 25th Season. The television version of Danny Lipford’s “Today’s Homeowner” program is premiering its 25th season this week. He also hosts the “Today’s Homeowner” weekly radio program. The program – known for its practical, trustworthy, and fresh home improvement advice for real homeowners’ renovations and DIY adventures – broadcasts to loyal weekly viewers across the country. It currently airs in 207 of the 210 available Nielsen markets with over 91% coverage of the nation. It also airs in Canada on The Rural Channel. The previous 24 seasons of “Today’s Homeowner” (550+ episodes) continue to be available on free streaming on-demand and linear platforms.

Midterm Elections, Trump Legal Issues, St. Louis School Shooting, The Economy, Russia-Ukraine War, British Politics, and Ye Controversies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/24). The debates ahead of the November midterm elections and speculation about which party will control the House and Senate in January; the several legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; a shooting at a St. Louis-area school claims the lives of two victims; inflation and concerns about a recession; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure; Rishi Sunak assumes the role of prime minister of Great Britain; and Ye loses his Adidas deal in the aftermath of his latest anti-Semitic comments were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Rush Limbaugh Book to Be Published Next Month. A book Rush Limbaugh was working on prior to his February 17, 2021 death will be published on October 25 by Threshold Editions. Titled, Radio’s Greatest of All Time, and credited to Limbaugh, his widow Kathryn Limbaugh, and brother David Limbaugh, Threshold says the book is “a collection of Rush Limbaugh’s greatest on-air moments, with special commentary and personal stories.” Threshold’s promotion of the book states: “Rush’s passing the following year sent shock waves through the conservative and broadcasting communities. In this timeless collection of his best work, his triumphant legacy as the greatest voice for conservatism is cemented in history. When Rush’s dear friend Vince Flynn first suggested the idea of this book, Rush considered the task daunting. ‘How can I possibly select the best of the best,’ he joked, ‘from all the years of pure genius?’ Over time, Rush came to love this project immensely, and recalled incredible details from his childhood and early career. Featuring commentary from loved ones, family, friends, and prominent figures such as President Donald Trump, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Governor Ron DeSantis, and more, Radio’s Greatest of All Time is the ultimate gift for any devoted listener and leaves no doubt about his profound impact on this country.

Management Promotions at iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network. The company announces two management changes at the BIN: Black Information Network. Andrea Coleman is elevated to vice president of news operations and Mike Stevens becomes BIN’s first-ever managing editor. iHeartMedia says, “As vice president of news operations, Coleman will lead the charge in keeping BIN: Black Information Network front and center while guiding newsroom operations to optimize the network’s reach, scale and influence. Coleman previously served as news director of BIN. In the new managing editor position, Stevens will work closely with Coleman to guide newsroom operations, as well as assign and coordinate national and local news coverage. The shift in leadership structure comes after the passing of Tanita Myers, a seasoned network and local news manager, producer, broadcaster and anchor who joined BIN in June 2020 and was most recently serving as vice president of news operations. BIN president Tony Coles adds, “A major part of Tanita Myers’ legacy at the Black Information Network will forever be the incredible depth of talent she hired. Following her passing, Andrea and Mike not only helped us to continue her work but have built upon this foundation. It only felt natural to elevate both to these leadership positions and trust them to continue bringing BIN to new heights. I am excited to see two of our best journalists advance into these new roles, and I am confident we will continue to grow under their leadership.”

KFBK, Sacramento Celebrates 100th Anniversary; Plans October Live Event. Sacramento news/talk KFBK-AM/FM is celebrating 100 years since its first on-air broadcast on September 17, 1922 all this week. iHeartMedia says of KFBK: “Signing on less than two years after the very first U.S. radio station, KFBK News Radio was first licensed to the Kimball-Upson department store located at 607 K St., which sold radios. The station’s first broadcast that Sunday evening began at 8:00 pm with “Song of the East,” played on the piano by a local musician. Additional songs and local news announcements followed to complete the evening’s first-ever radio broadcast. That inaugural day began Carlos McClatchy’s mission for KFBK to serve the Sacramento Valley and Northern California with local news, information, and entertainment. KFBK News Radio has been a springboard for talent who would go on to become nationally famous, including Rush Limbaugh and Tom Sullivan.” In celebration, the station is featuring rare historic audio highlights as well as a published timeline of the station’s history, rare photos, audio, video, and special podcasts, from the last 100 years. KFBK program director Bill White says, “The founding principle of KFBK News Radio remains the same today as it did in 1922, to provide relevant local news and information. Through the generations, KFBK’s team of talented news anchors, reporters, and talk hosts continues to proudly uphold that mission, to serve the listeners of Sacramento and Northern California.” iHeartMedia Sacramento will present a KFBK Centennial Celebration Event on Friday, October 21. It will be hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty from “The Armstrong and Getty Show” and will include appearances by current KFBK on-air talent including Cristina Mendonsa, Sam Shane, Tom Sullivan, Kitty O’Neal, John McGinness, Pat Walsh, and many KFBK alumni from the station’s previous years.

WSYR, Syracuse Celebrates 100 Years of Service. Another iHeartMedia station celebrating its 100th anniversary is Syracuse news/talk WSYR. A local proclamation from Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, along with local video greetings and dignitaries, can be seen at WSYR’s website today (9/15) to coincide with the station’s historic launch. In addition, News Radio 570 WSYR will reveal an online museum featuring previously archived photographs and biographies of past on-air personalities and more. iHeartMedia Upstate New York president Robert J. Morgan says, “From its earliest days, News Radio 570 WSYR has been an integral part of this community. Generations of Central New Yorkers have depended on News Radio 570 WSYR for relevant, accurate and up-to-the-minute coverage of the topics that matter most to the local community. We intend to build on this legacy in the next 100 years and will always be here with news, conversation, and companionship in times of crisis and celebration.” While WSYR was first licensed in 1926, the origin of its founding was September 15, 1922, when WMAC was started. WMAC would later be merged with WSYR.

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Visit Affiliate KLBJ-AM, Austin. Last week, “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” visited affiliate KLBJ-AM, Austin “NewsRadio KLBJ – 590 AM/99.7 FM,” broadcast live from the station on September 8 and 9, and hosted a client and listener meet-and-greet. The duo also took in the Alabama vs Texas football game at Texas Memorial Stadium. Pictured above (from l-r) at the game are: Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Sexton, Senator Ted Cruz, Travis and Texas oil executive Bill Holmes.

TALKERS News Notes. The NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning is switching its radio flagship from iHeartMedia’s news/talk WFLA, Tampa to Cox Media Group’s hot talk WHPT-FM, Tampa “The Bone.” In making the announcement, the club cites WHPT’s strong signal as a benefit to fans. Vinik Sports Group president Mark Pitts says, “As we continue to grow our brand and fan base throughout the state, the Lightning are excited to partner with Cox Media Group to provide Bolts fans throughout Central Florida and beyond, the opportunity to hear all games on 102.5 The Bone…..PromoSuite announces it is promoting Nia Addison to the newly created position of customer success & renewal contract manager. In this role, Addison will manage the contract renewal process in collaboration with PromoSuite’s sales and customer success teams. She will also continue to work directly with PromoSuite customers to ensure their success utilizing PromoSuite Next, PromoSuite Mail and the all-new PromoSuitePlus workflow platform which includes PromoSuite Digital and PromoSuite Production…..Virtual News Center adds two new stations to its roster of affiliates. Adding the service for local newscasts and weather reports are BiCoastal Media’s news/talk KELA-AM and country KMNT-FM, Centralia-Chehalis, Washington.

Inflation/Financial Markets/Freight Rail Strike, Trump vs DOJ, Midterms/2024 Presidential Race, Immigration/Migrant Busing, Abortion Legislation, January 6 Investigation, Russia-Ukraine War, and Asian Leaders Summit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/14). The still-rising price of food and consumer goods, the activity on the financial markets, and a potential freight rail strike; former President Donald Trump’s battle with the Department of Justice over classified documents stored at Mar-a-Lago; the November midterm elections and speculation about the nominees for president in 2024; Biden Administration immigration policy and the relocating of migrants; Senator Lindsey Graham’s national abortion bill; former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows complies with a subpoena from the January 6 committee; Russia’s recent losses in the Ukraine invasion; and the summit of Asian leaders, including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, in Uzbekistan were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Front Page News Industry News

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Mike “Bax” Baxendale, Morning Talk Show Co-Host at ‘Rock 102,’ Springfield is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Often referred to by Michael Harrison as a “talk radio pound-for-pound champion” Mike “Bax” Baxendale – who has reigned over Western Massachusetts radio ratings and revenue for the past 27 years on an extraordinary level – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Known to his loyal legion of listeners simply as “Bax,” Baxendale has been enormously successful as a key member of the evolving WAQY “Rock 102” morning team since 1995 and is still going strong. First, he enjoyed an amazingly long run with talented co-host John O’ Brien (Bax & O’ Brien) and now the momentum continues with co-hosts Steve Nagle and Dave Coombs (“Bax, Steve and Dave”). See photo (l-r) Bax, Steve Nagle and Dave Coombs. Bax has become, according to Harrison, “a quintessential example of the notable breed of radio talker operating within the context of a duo or team on a music FM station where politics is mostly local, unpredictably non-partisan and not the only focus of interest.” Harrison continues, “This hard-working broadcaster talks politics, music, sports, and a wide scope of day-to-day issues and his range covers silly to serious, irreverent to respectful.” Harrison and Bax talk about the business realities faced by duos and teams on radio as well as the differences between how talk show hosts on music radio stations approach their audiences in terms of subject matter and attitude and those who perform on traditional news/talkers. Harrison refers to his own talk roots in FM music radio. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.

 

Podtrac Releases Top Podcast Publishers and Podcasts for May. Releasing its Top Podcast Publishers and Top Podcasts for the month of May based on U.S. unique monthly audience, Podtrac reports that iHeartRadio is #1 with a unique monthly audience of 29.4 million. NPR comes in at #2 with a unique monthly audience of 18.9 million. Other publishers in the top 20 include Daily Wire at #7 (repped by Cumulus Podcast Network), PodcastOne at #8 FOX Audio Network at #11, Blaze Media at #13, and Cumulus Podcast Network at #16. For the top 20 podcasts based on unique monthly audience, Podtrac ranks “The Daily” from The New York Times at #1, followed by “NPR News Now” at #2. “The Ben Shapiro Show” is ranked #5. Other radio-related shows include iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” at #8, “FOX News Radio Hourly Newscast” at #11, and “The Dan Bongino Show” at #13. See the complete charts here.

 

Glades Media Names 25-Year Rush Limbaugh Engineer as Chief Operating Officer. Radio pro Brian Johnson – who served for 25 years as the radio broadcast engineer for “The Rush Limbaugh Show” – is the new chief operating officer for Glades Media. The company co-founders – Robert Castellanos, chairman and chief executive officer, and James Johnson, chief financial officer – will continue their roles. Castellanos says, “For the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Brian and seeing first-hand what an outstanding broadcaster he’s become. Brian’s passion for radio and people is evident in how he approaches every opportunity and challenge. I look forward to building upon our business partnership as we continue navigating the broadcast media landscape.” Johnson spent 25 years as Limbaugh’s personal engineer, a role that began when the conservative radio icon moved to Palm Beach in 1996. Johnson comments, “It was a blessing to work side by side with the greatest broadcaster in our business. I’m eager to apply that experience and insight into my new role at Glades Media.” Johnson also owns BMZ Broadcasting, LLC and leases WLMX-FM to Glades Media.

 

Bret Burkhart Joins Audacy’s All-News KCBS-AM, San Francisco. Bay Area news pro Bret Burkhart is joining Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM as a news anchor. Burkhart joins the station after spending the last 23 years at Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk KGO-AM and most recently was an anchor during the station’s morning and midday shows. Audacy San Francisco SVP and market manager Stacey Kauffman states, “We are incredibly fortunate that Bret is continuing his already illustrious career as an anchor for his hometown KCBS. He brings to KCBS a comprehensive and complex skill set that we will all benefit from. Bret knows politics, the Bay Area, what makes a good story and how to tell it, and we look forward to welcoming him aboard.” Burkhart comments, “KCBS is the gold standard for news around the Bay Area and beyond and I feel so fortunate to be joining an amazing group of broadcasters and storytellers.”

 

Adams Radio Launches Voluntary Employee Donation Drive to Benefit the Broadcasters Foundation of America. The company says that this voluntary employee donation drive is designed to “help create awareness and raise funds for the Broadcasters Foundation of America, a 501(c)3 charity that provides aid to fellow broadcasters in acute need from life-altering illness, accident, or other disaster.” The plan allows all Adams Radio Group employees the opportunity to set up automatic payroll deductions, in any amount, as donations to the Broadcasters Foundation. Adams president Ron Stone states, “When I learned that the sole mission of the Broadcasters Foundation is to provide financial assistance to our colleagues who, through no fault of their own, are in desperate need, I knew we had to get involved. These broadcasters are our colleagues. I would ask every radio group to consider helping the only charity that is dedicated solely to helping our colleagues.” BFoA co-president Jim Thompson says, “We’re very grateful to Ron for launching a voluntary employee donation drive to benefit the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation. With help from broadcasters like Ron, we can continue to provide aid to those in our industry who need it most.”

 

Cumulus Media Extends ABL Credit Facility. The company states that its indirect wholly owned subsidiary – Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc. – is entering into an amendment of its existing $100 million revolving credit facility. The amendment, among other things, extends the maturity from 2025 to 2027 subject to certain springing maturity conditions. As of June 8, 2022, there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “By extending the ABL through 2027, we are locking in a long-term, favorable source of liquidity – enhancing our already strong balance sheet and increasing our financial flexibility as we continue to evolve from a one-dimensional radio broadcaster to a multi-dimensional audio media company. This action follows the expiration of the $25 million tender offer pursuant to our $50 million share buyback program and demonstrates our continuing commitment to making operational and financial decisions that enhance shareholder value.”

 

iHeartMedia Rebrands WBZT-AM, West Palm Beach as “1230 The Gambler.” The West Palm Beach sports talk station is rebranding as “Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler” and is using content from VSiN, The Sports Betting Network iHeartMedia’s WBZT-AM will air 22 hours of live VSiN programming daily in addition to Miami Marlins baseball games and University of Florida football and basketball matchups. Additionally, ‘The Gambler’ will feature “The Greek Zone” live from South Florida, weekday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Station PD Brian Mudd comments, “We’re thrilled to bring this informative and entertaining brand of sports talk to local sports fans. Sports betting as a 24/7 format, and specifically the expert analysis from VSiN and our very own Greek, is a perfect choice for ‘The Gambler.’”

 

Primary Elections/Trump & the GOP, January 6 Hearings, the Economy, Attempted Kavanaugh Attack, Gun Violence-Legislation, Russia-Ukraine War, Extreme Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/8). The results of Tuesday’s primary elections, the ouster of San Francisco’s liberal DA, and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; today’s beginning of the January 6 Committee hearings; the soaring price of gasoline & food and concerns about a recession; a California man is arrested near Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home intending to do him harm; the recent spate of gun violence and attempts to craft gun control legislation; Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and is effect on the global economy; and the severe heatwave forecast for the Southwest were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.