Tag: "San Antonio"
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Radio News and Talk Pro Brad Messer Dies After Illness. Former KMET, Los Angeles news director and former KTSA, San Antonio talk show host Brad Messer has died after a long illness. LARadio.com reports on Messer’s death, noting that he worked for 47 years in radio 
in markets including Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, and San Diego as well. While at KTSA, Messer was regularly honored on TALKERS magazine’s “The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Hosts” annual list and was the ONLY person in the history of the list who came to us and requested that he no longer appear on the list so that his space could be used for a young-up-and-comer! TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Brad Messer was the quintessential radio newsperson of the modern era, the greatest of his generation – not to mention a superb talk show host – and one of the finest human beings I have had the privilege of knowing in the broadcasting business over these past 52 years.”
‘Godfather of Sports’ Chet Coppock Dies at 70 After Car Accident. Numerous Chicago news outlets are reporting the death of Chicago sports media legend Chet Coppock. WLS
-TV is reporting that Coppock passed away yesterday (4/17) from injuries suffered in an auto accident near Hilton Head, South Carolina on April 11. During his career, the Chicagoland native worked in television, radio, and print in Chicago as well as New York and Indianapolis. Windy City media writer Robert Feder notes that Coppock “was a top sports anchor at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 in the 1980s. He segued to radio where he became known as the ‘Godfather of Sports Talk Radio.’ His colorful career included stints as an announcer for the Roller Derby and World Wrestling Federation.” Coppock left his TV gig in 1984 to join WMAQ-AM to host his interview-driven sports talk show. In 1988, he transitioned to WLUP-FM. Read his official bio here.
iHeartMedia Names Jeff Cage to Region SVP of Programming Position. Programmer Jeff Cage is promoted to region SVP of programming for iHeartMedia’s St. Louis Region that
includes more than 33 stations in Missouri and Iowa, including legendary Des Moines news/talk outlet WHO-AM. comprised of music, talk and news formats. Cage is now responsible for spearheading programming, promotions, and digital strategies for radio brands in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri as well as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, Iowa. He’ll also serve as SVP of programming for the Des Moines market and program director for CHR KKDM-FM “107.5 KISS FM.” Cage arrives from iHeartMedia Little Rock where he spent 15 years and recently served as the program director for CHR KHKN “HOT 94.9” and rock KDJE “100.3 The Edge.”
Portland’s ‘860 The Answer’ Debuts New Weekend Shows. KPAM, Portland “860 The Answer” announces the addition of three new weekend programs to its lineup. Two food
-oriented, one-hour shows are airing back-to-back on Saturdays – “BBQ Nation” and “Grilling at the Green” – both hosted by renowned food expert and television personality Jeff Tracy. “BBQ Nation” delves into all things barbeque while “Grilling at the Green” explores the ways many people live the golfing lifestyle via the stories, lives, and kitchens of those who love and live the sport. Also airing on Saturdays is the new, two-hour “Around the House with Eric G.” starring Portland radio personality and home improvement expert Eric Goranson. KPAM is operated by Salem Media Group.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago all-news outlet WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM “Newsradio 780 and
105.9 FM” is honored with nine 2018 Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association Contest awards. They were bestowed at the Spring Convention of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association in Normal on April 13. The Entercom station was honored for: Outstanding News Operation; Best Spot News – First Place for “No Mercy”; Best Spot News – Second Place for “The Jason Van Dyke Verdict”; Best Sports Report – Second Place, George Ofman for “Rocky Wirtz”; Best Hard News Feature – First Place, Mike Krauser for “Cat Rescue”; Best Digital Presence – First Place; Best Newswriter – First Place, Mark Friedman; Best Reporter – Second Place, Lisa Fielding; and Best Newscast – First Place…..iHeartMedia Pittsburgh announces it has extended its broadcast agreement with the Pittsburgh Steelers through the 2023 NFL season. The Steelers Radio Network is originating from rock WDVE and sports talk WBGG- 970 AM & 106.3 FM, with additional promotional support across all six iHeartMedia Pittsburgh stations and websites. The partnership also includes Steelers Nation Radio, broadcasting 24 hours of Steelers programming on WDVE-HD2, iHeartRadio, Steelers.com, and the Steelers Official Mobile App. The station will debut several new Steelers programs, including the “The Point After” – a weekly wrap-up program featuring the Steelers radio broadcast team, as well as “The Steelers Preview Show” airing on Thursday nights.
Release of Mueller Report, Southern Border Crisis/Barr’s No Bail for Asylum Seekers, 2020 Presidential Politics, Search for Columbine-Infatuated Teen, North Korea Weapons Test, Notre Dame Fire, NBA Playoffs, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/17). The anticipation of today’s release of the redacted version of the Mueller Report; the migrant situation at the Southern border and Attorney General William Barr’s no bail for asylum seekers decision; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and Trump’s criticism of CNN’s Town Hall with Bernie Sanders; the end of the search for the armed, Columbine-infatuated teenager; North Korea resumes weapons testing; the aftermath of the Notre Dame fire; the NBA playoffs; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Signing a new contract with Beasley Media Group’s classic rock WMGK, Philadelphia is afternoon drive personality Andre Gardner. He is celebrating his 17th anniversary with the station this month. WMGK program director and company rock format brand manager Bill Weston says, “Andre Gardner is king of the DJ hill in Philly. No one brings more passion or runs a tighter board with a pervasive knowledge of music. WMGK has benefited from his talents for 17 years. I am so happy we’re continuing Andre’s nearly two-decade run of success.”
March 2019 PPM Data – Round Two. March 2019 ratings information has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s March 2019 survey period covered February 28 – March 27. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets below.
Washington, DC
Spoken-Word Formats – For the third month in a row, WMAL sets a record for its best 6+
-stat (6.8) in the PPM-era and continues in fourth-place. Moreover, the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is a collective +2.5 via three straight upticks (4.3 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+). After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the eighth sweep in succession.
Regaining the one-tenth it lost in February (3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” carries on as part of a three-way tie at #13. Its “Holiday” 2018 increase of two-tenths followed four consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). By gaining two-tenths to .7 (#25 to #23, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” concludes at three a consecutive string of setbacks that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (.9 – .8 – .6 – .5, 6+).
While off a combined seven-tenths in February/March (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7, 6+), Hubbard all
-news WTOP is #1 for the third month in a row. January 2019’s 10.4 is its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Having set the pace 11 straight ratings periods, WTOP segued to the runner-up slot in December. Even though Entercom business news outlet WDCH is flat at .4 (6+), it climbs from #27 to #25.
Entering the March sweep, American University-owned news/talk WAMU was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 in February. “The Mind Is Our Medium” gains three-tenths in March (8.6 – 8.9, 6+) and is unchanged in second-place. Immediately prior to “Holiday” 2018, WAMU was an overall +1.9 via five straight increases (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 9.0 – 9.5, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Through six straight spikes (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ “Majic” is an overall +1.8 and is in third-place for the fourth time in a row. Format rival – Howard University’s WHUR – repeats at #5 but drops one-tenth to 6.4 (6+), thus curtailing three successive upticks that netted a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). An overall -1.4 through four straight September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 declines (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications’ contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” bounces back with three straight improvements netting a +1.1 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.6, eighth to sixth, 6+). After being a combined +5.6 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.8 – 7.3 – 10.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” sputtered by -6.1 (January); rebounded with a +.7 (February); but regresses by -.6 in March (5.0 – 4.4, sixth to seventh, 6+). Surrendering in its entirety February’s +.6 with a March -.6 (3.5 – 4.1 – 3.5, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX slips from seventh to ninth. “Mix 107.3” was a collective -1.3 through three consecutive losses (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+). The sale of WRQX to Educational Media Foundation is expected to close later this year and the station will flip to contemporary Christian. In addition to WASH and WRQX, iHeartMedia-owned WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” falters by six-tenths as well (3.9 – 3.3, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Steady at #8 after February’s +.8, Radio One urban contemporary WKYS (3.9 – 3.8, -.1, 6+), is within three-share range (6+) for the 24th straight time. The last time WKYS wasn’t between 3.0 – 3.9 (6+) was in May 2017 (2.9.
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of two-tenths elevates iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO from
#17 to #14. In three straight positive or flat trends, “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is up three-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+); November 2018’s 3.2 is its best 6+-stat in more than four years (3.3, November 2014).
The key station of the Super Bowl champion New England 
Patriots, as well as the Celtics and Bruins, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” is unchanged from February in 6+ share (6.4) and market rank (#3). “The Sports Hub” previously was +.4 (September 2018); +.9 (October); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); and -.8 (February).
Meanwhile, Entercom-owned WEEI-FM has been -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); and now -.5 in March (3.7 – 3.2, 6+). The flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox departs the top ten (#9 to #11).
A combined +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” relinquishes half (-.6) that increase in March (5.0, fifth to sixth, 6+).
The rollercoaster ride continues for Boston University news/talker WBUR, which was -1.5 through five consecutive down or flat August through “Holiday” 2018 ratings periods (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+); +1.5 (January); and now -1.6 in February/March (5.7 – 4.6 – 4.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). Off by one-half share in March as well is WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH (2.7 – 2.2, #15 to #18, 6+).
Boston Music Formats – Not only is Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR an overall +2.2 through three positive spikes in succession (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8, 6+), “105.7 – 80s & More” advances from second to first. Ousted from the top spot after January and February stays there is iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which returns February’s +.1 (7.3 – 7.4 – 7.3, first to second, 6+). February’s 7.4 is the highest 6+-showing since August 2018’s 7.8 for “Kiss,” which was #1 from January 2018 through November 2018. Within 3.0 – 3.8 (6+) range in each of the last eight survey periods (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.2), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT busts out a +.8 to 4.0, its highest 6+-share since July 2018’s 4.1 as “Hot 96.9” enters the top ten (#13 to #9). Frozen on 5.3 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, and February 2019 following December’s 6.0 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” dials up a March +.7 and is back at 6.0 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Co-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country,” is up one-tenth to 1.9 (#18 to #20, 6+), pulling the plug on four straight sweeps without an increase for a -.3 (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). Its format foe – Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” – nets seven-tenths in three consecutive gains (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+) and jumps from ninth to seventh. January’s +.1 ended seven successive down or flat reports that accounted for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). Improving by one-half share in March as well is Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV “Independent Radio 92.5 The River” (1.8 – 2.3, #18 to #16, 6+), which reaches the two-share level (6+) for the first time since May 2018’s 2.0. On the heels of posting a February gain of one-half share, iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” surrenders eight-tenths (3.4 – 2.6, #11 to #13, 6+). February’s 3.4 is its best 6+-performance since appearing in print in January 2017. Off by one-half share (each) are Beasley Media Group’s WBOS (2.8, flat at #12, 6+) and iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” (2.8 – 2.3, #14 to #16, 6+). After being “Alt 92.9 Boston’s Alternative,” WBOS became “Boston’s Rock 92.9” last Thursday (4/11). The station was a collective +1.0 in January/February (2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+) and reached the three-share level (6+) for the first time since August 2016.
Miami
English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – Locked on 2.4 (6+) in January and February, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD adds one-tenth to 2.5 (#19 to #18, 6+). “News Radio 620 –
Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was a combined -.3 in December/“Holiday” 2018 but recaptured two-tenths in January.
Tied at #27 are Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” (flat at 
.7, #26 to #27, 6+) and co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560” (.5 – .7, +.2, #29 to #27, 6+). Before picking up one-tenth in February, “The Ticket” was down or flat three successive reports for a loss of three-tenths (.9 – .6 – .6 – .6, 6+). By gaining two-tenths in March, WQAM halts three consecutive sweeps without an increase that led to a loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .6 – .5, 6+).
Following January’s seven-tenths’ improvement, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN lost two-tenths in February but regains one-tenth (2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2, flat at #20, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – Powered by an increase of eight-tenths – completely erasing its February decline of that magnitude (7.4 – 6.6 – 7.4, 6) – Cox Media Group-owned WFEZ “Easy 93.1” breaks February’s three-way logjam at #1 and has sole bragging rights of the top spot. Dislodged from their share of the lead are co-owned urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” (-.2, first to second, 6+) and Entercom adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” (6.6 – 6.2, -.4, first to third, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Adult contemporary outlets “Easy” and “Lite” traded places with each other in January, as WFEZ went from second to first and WLYF segued from first to second. An overall +1.9 through three positive spikes in succession (5.4 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+), “Lite FM” notched its best 6+-stat (7.3 in “Holiday” 2018) since January 2018’s 7.4. Thus, for the 11th straight ratings period, an adult contemporary controls or has a share of Miami’s lead position (6+). February marked the first time at #1 for “Hot” since May 2018, when it logged a 7.5 (6+). It currently is in an alternating up/down pattern that began in August 2018: 6.1 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.4 (6+). One of the market’s mainstream CHRs gains one-tenth while the other drops one-tenth; the two rivals are separated by three-tenths of a share (6+). Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which was without an increase the past five sweeps for a collective loss of nine-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+) applies the brakes with a +.1 to 2.6 (unchanged at #17, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” is -.1 to 2.9 (flat at #14, 6+). Prior to slipping to 2.9 (6+) in March, WFLC had been within 3.0 – 3.7 range (6+) in each of the last 15 survey periods. In the market’s urban contemporary contest, Cox Media Group’s WEDR “99 Jamz” has a “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline of 4.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 (6+) and remains in ninth-place, while iHeartMedia-owned WMIB “103.5 The Beat” regains the two-tenths it lost in February (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.9, #16 to #14, 6+).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – There are three parallel stories among this market’s news/talk
outlets. After its January/February combined +1.0 (4.9 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM plunges by -1.1 to 4.8 (third to fourth, 6+). In a similar vein, co-owned KTTH “Conservative 
Talk Radio” erases a January/February increase of six-tenths (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+) with a March decrease of seven-tenths (1.4, #21 to #22, 6+); a December/“Holiday” 2018 mini-slide resulted in slicing in half (-1.5) its 6+-share (3.0 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+). Meanwhile, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” which
wiped away its December/“Holiday” 2018 loss of four-tenths (1.3 – 1.2 – .9, 6+) with a January/February +.7 (.9 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), forfeits three-tenths to 1.3 (#23 to #24, 6+).
With a more positive story, Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “ESPN 710,” down roughly 50% (-2.0) in four consecutive declines (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.0 – 2.1, 6+), answers 
by making up 40% of that deficit with a +.8 to 2.9 (6+) as the Mariners’ flagship returns to the top twenty (#21 to #17). Regaining two-thirds of February’s -.6 (1.0 – 1.4, +.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM progresses from #24 to #22. “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” was down a collective four-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2018 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+), following four consecutive up or flat sweeps that nearly tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).
Albeit flat at #15, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO is up seven-tenths (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+) in four straight reports without a loss.
A combined +2.1 in January/February (5.9 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW hands over roughly half that increase (8.0 – 6.9, -1.1, 6+) but is #1 for the third month in a row. In the runner-up slot in December and “Holiday” 2018, KUOW was on top in September 2018.
Seattle Music Formats – Within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) from October 2018 through February 2019 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM” erupts with a gain of nine tenths to 3.2 (#19 to #14), its strongest 6+-showing since September 2018 (3.2, as well). A collective +1.1 in four straight upticks (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+), co-owned KZOK advances from fifth to fourth. Immediately in advance of this streak, “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” was -1.6 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). After surrendering a combined January/February -7.2 (11.2 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+), Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” rebounds with a gain of eight-tenths to 4.8 (6+), leaping from ninth to fourth. Entering the January sweep, “Warm” more than tripled (+7.8) its 6+-share as the result of three straight improvements (3.4 – 4.1 – 8.8 – 11.2, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. Four-tenths ahead of “Warm” is Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound,” which is an overall +1.5 via three consecutive positive spikes (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, fourth to third, 6+). September 2018 marked the first time that “The Sound” overtook “Warm” since KSWD’s format shift from country (KMPS) approximately 16 months ago. As the result of six successive months (May 2018 through November 2018) without a loss (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), KSWD was +1.7. The June 2018 through February 2019 topline for iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ has remained in 3.3 – 3.9 (6+) territory, but “96.5 Jack FM Playing What We Want” logs a March increase of six-tenths to 4.0, its best 6+-stat since May 2018 (4.0, as well). Furthermore, Seattle’s version of “Jack” cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). Owing to four successive sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+), Hubbard’s KNUC is a collective +1.2 as “New Country 98.9 The Bull” jumps from #17 to #12. A dip of eight-tenths (3.5 – 2.7, 6+) plummets KNKX “Your Connection To Jazz, Blues, and NPR News” from #12 to #18. Not only is Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ off by -2.0 in three straight downturns (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1, #11 to #15, 6+), “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” has its lowest 6+-stat (3.1) since May 2017’s 3.0. Following February’s +.9, Classic Radio, Inc.-owned KING “98.1 Listener-Supported Classical Music” returns roughly half that increase and departs the top twenty (2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #16 to #21, 6+). Its October 2018 through January 2019 topline was a consistent 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0 (6+).
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Following January’s increase of seven-tenths, Cumulus Media’s
WJR “News Talk 760” lost two-tenths in February and is flat in March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), backsliding from #13 to #14.
Unchanged as well in 6+-share is Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM“97.1 The Ticket,” which repeats February’s 5.0 and eighth-place finish (6+). The Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers flagship was -1.3 in “Holiday” 2018 and +.6 in January 2019.
In an odd turn-of-events, co-owned WWJ was a combined +1.6 in January/February (6.1 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+), yet had to segue from first to second whereas in March, its loss of eight-tenths to 6.9 (6+) is sufficient to boost “News Radio 950” from second to first.
This marks the third sweep in a row that Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM makes a fluctuation of three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3, #19 to #21, 6+). Despite being down one-tenth (1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET advances from #21 to #20.
Detroit Music Formats – It’s big news that the familiar WLLZ call letters from the 1980s and 1990s resurface in the Motor City. This time, it is at iHeartMedia where alternative WDTW “Alt 106.7” became classic rock WLLZ “106.7 Detroit’s Wheels” last month. In its first monthly report, “Wheels” more than doubles (+1.9) the 6+-share on that frequency this time last month (1.5 – 3.4, 6+), popping on at #15, compared to WDTW’s February #21. The station it is targeting – Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” – sputters by -1.3 (7.8 – 6.5, 6+) and shifts from first to second. That spiral follows back-to-back spikes of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+). January’s +.9 erased half of December/“Holiday” 2018’s -1.8 (7.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September by Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits.” Flat at #6, the latter is a combined +.8 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). Albeit unchanged at #12, WOMC’s adult contemporary sibling WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” logs its fifth successive report without a loss for an overall +1.7 (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+). WDZH transitioned from CHR “Amp Radio” to adult contemporary “The Breeze” in early-November (2018). Incumbent AC, iHeartMedia’s WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today,” has spiraled by -11.7 over the past three sweeps (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+) yet remains at #3. Its 17.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is by far the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. Via four straight increases, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+) and was #1 in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018. Locked on 3.2 (6+) in January and February after “Holiday” 2018’s 3.6 (6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WJLB “97.9 Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” explodes with a +.9 to 4.1 (#14 to #11, 6+), its best 6+-showing since 4.4 in September 2017. Trending 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.5 (6+), co-owned urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks” adds one-half share to 6.0 (fifth to fourth, 6+). After Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music” and Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” each regressed by six-tenths in February, the former is up four-tenths (4.7 – 5.1, ninth to seventh, 6+) and the latter gains three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9, steady at #19, 6+). Faltering by -1.0 (5.9 – 4.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Rocks Detroit” drifts from fourth to ninth. Up nine-tenths in January/February (1.8 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Detroit Classical & Jazz Educational Radio’s WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days/Jazzy Nights” surrenders seven-tenths to 2.0 (#17 to #18, 6+).
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 3.4 (6+) in January and February, Bonneville news/talk
KTAR-FM dials up a +.7 to 4.1 (6+) and vaults back into the top ten (#11 to #8). Despite dropping three-tenths (2.9 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550 carries on at #18.
After relinquishing two-tenths in February (2.2 – 2.0, 6+), 
Bonneville sports talk/Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and Arizona Diamondbacks flagship KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” posts a gain of three-tenths to 2.3 (6+) and continues at #22.
A combined +1.1 in January/February (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ is off one-tenth to 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten #9 to #12, 6+).
Phoenix Music Formats – As a result of four straight sweeps without a loss, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR “Amor 106.3” has more than doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.7, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#17). Likewise, iHeartMedia regional Mexican KOY “El Patron” exactly doubles (+.7) its 6+-figure from a month ago (.7 – 1.4, #27, 6+) and has more than quadrupled its (6+) January showing. As a result of three successive advances (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio’s similarly-formatted KNAI “101.9 La Campesina” is up a collective nine-tenths, climbing from #12 to #11. Another regional Mexican outlet – Univision Radio’s KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” – displays a March gain of one-half share as well (2.5 – 3.0, #19 to #15, 6+). The latest shifts by iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January/February); and now -.8 in March (6.7 – 5.9, 6+). Nonetheless, “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” repeats at #1. As a result of three significant drops in succession, adult contemporary cluster-mate KESZ is an overall -9.7 (15.0 – 7.0 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+). It continues in the runner-up slot, following five straight times at #1. January’s loss suspended four positive increases in a row that netted +8.9 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 9.7 – 15.0, 6+), with 15.0 its highest 6+-showing since 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017. The last time KESZ fell below a six-share (6+) was in September 2017 (5.8). It is tied with Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” (5.3, -.1, fourth to second, 6+), which sputtered in February by -1.1 to 5.4, its weakest 6+-stat in just over two years (5.4, as well in January 2017). Regressing by six-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country” (4.5, flat at #6, 6+) and Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” (4.6 – 4.0, eighth to ninth, 6+). Entering the March sweep, KNIX gained one-half share via five consecutive survey periods without a loss (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+). Up eight-tenths in January/February (2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+), Riviera Broadcasting hot AC KMVA “Hot” forfeits one-half share to 2.5 (#15 to #20, 6+); February’s 3.0 is its best 6+-showing since September 2018’s 3.1. Fading from #13 to #18, Entravision Spanish adult hits KVVA “92.7 La Suavecita” drops one-half share as well (3.1 – 2.6, 6+).
Minneapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after gaining eight-tenths in January/February to end six straight down or flat moves accounting for an overall -1.2 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 –
3.2, 6+), Entercom-owned Timberwolves and Twins flagship WCCO “News Radio 830” forfeits seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.3, #11 to #12, 6+). It is one-tenth ahead of Hubbard news/talk KTMY, which had been +1.2 in 
January/February (2.2 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+) but “My Talk 107.1” slips two-tenths to 3.2; even so, KTMY moves up from #14 to #13. Frozen on 3.3 (6+) in January and February, iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” falters by one-half share to 2.8 (#15 to #16, 6+).
Four setbacks in succession by KTLK cluster-mate KFXN accounted for a -2.3 (6.7 – 5.7 – 5.6
– 4.9 – 4.4, 6+), but “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” bounces back with a +.4 to 4.8 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Prior to November, the flagship of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild logged four consecutive increases that yielded a +3.0 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+). Unchanged from January and February in 6+ market share (.7), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” moves from #25 to #24.
In a down/up sequence (4.2 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW inches up from tenth to ninth.
Minneapolis Music Formats – The Twin Cities’ (6+) hot AC share escalated by +3.1 (January); deflated by -1.3 (February); and now improves by +.8 in March. To be more specific, Hubbard’s KSTP-FM “KS-95” was +1.9 in January, regressed by -.8 in February but is +.6 in March (6.4 – 7.0, second to a first-place tie, 6+). Having held the lead position seven straight times before being ousted in August, KSTP-FM returned to #1 in October and November. Meanwhile iHeartMedia-owned/similarly formatted KTCZ “Cities 97.1” was +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); and now +.2 in March (4.0 – 4.2, level at #11, 6+). “Cities 97.1” spiraled by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 3.3, its lowest 6+-performance since April 2018 (3.3, as well). Sharing the top spot with KSTP-FM is iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station,” which repeats February’s 7.0, its best 6+-stat since September 2018’s 7.2. KDWB progressed from third to first in February with a gain of seven-tenths. In addition to “KS-95,” Cumulus Media adult contemporary WGVX “Love 105 FM” also notches a gain of six-tenths (to 1.8, #22 to #20, 6+), erasing January/February’s -.6 (1.8 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+). Owing to four successive improvements (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “Go Radio – Modern Minnesota Music” is an overall +1.2 and climbs from #16 to #14. Without a loss six times in a row for a collective +1.1 (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio classical outlet KSJN falters by nine-tenths in February/March (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.2, flat at #17, 6+). As a result of dropping one-half share, Entercom country outlet KMNB “102.9 The Wolf” falls below a three-share (3.4 – 2.9, #13 to #15, 6+).
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats – A March gain of two-tenths by iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO slices
February’s -.4 in half (4.4 – 4.0 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). January’s one-half share increase curtailed three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 
3.9, 6+). Despite being a collective +.8 via three upticks in succession (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” backslides from a tie at #18 to #19. Without an increase the past five San Diego sweeps for a loss of six-tenths (1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” picks up one-tenth to 1.2 (#24 to #22, 6+).
In the market’s sports talk contest, Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” regains half (+.2) of February’s -.4 (1.1 – .7 – .9, #26 to #23, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” is up one-tenth (.4 – .5, flat at #27, 6+). Notwithstanding that Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM was +.7 through four consecutive up or flat trends (.9 – .9 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6, #21, 6+) with 1.6 its best 6+-performance since February 2018 (1.6, as well), “The Mighty 1090” has gone silent.
On top for the third month in a row, KPBS posts its third straight gain for a +2.6 (5.1 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+). The San Diego State University-owned news/talk outlet was a combined -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.8 – 6.2 – 5.1, 6+).
San Diego Music Formats – Three down or flat moves in a row by Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV accounted for a collective loss of nine-tenths (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.0, 6+), but “Amor 102.9” answers with a March gain of eight-tenths to 2.8 (#18 to #15, 6+). Leaping by eight-tenths as well is Local Media San Diego-programmed urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5, The Beat of San Diego” which is +1.3 in three consecutive improvements (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.9, fifth to second, 6+). In four straight downturns (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR KHTS was a cumulative -2.3, but “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” rebounds with a half-share spike to 4.8 (eighth to seventh, 6+). By dropping seven-tenths (4.8 – 4.1, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KMYI “Star 94.1” slides from sixth to tenth. An overall +2.2 through three consecutive improvements (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.9, 6+), co-owned KGB relinquishes six-tenths to 5.3 (third to fourth, 6+). In February, “San Diego’s Classic Rock” reached the five-share level (5.9, 6+) for the first time since May 2018’s 5.1. Owing to three straight upticks, Entercom-owned KSON was +1.9 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.4 – 6.1, 6+), but “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” is off three-tenths in March to 5.8 (second to third, 6+). A February improvement of six-tenths by classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM “105.7 Max FM” (.7 – 1.3, 6+) followed a “Holiday” 2018/January 2019 -1.7 (2.4 – 1.2 – .7, 6+). It is somewhat of a non-issue that “Max” drops one-half share in March (1.3 – .8, #22 to #26, 6+) though, as the station has gone silent.
Tampa
Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of three gains in succession (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” is +1.4 as the flagship of the Tampa Lightning moves from ninth to seventh. Stuck on 2.9 (6+) in January and 
February, Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” adds two-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and carries on at #15. A January gain of three-tenths suspended three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.0 (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+).
After being up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” is a combined -.6 in February/March (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.7, #17 to #19, 6+).
The “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline for University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is: 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 (#17 – #18, 6+).
Tampa Music Formats – The only station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve highlighted thus far making a February 2019 – March 2019 (6+) increase of at least two full-shares is Cox Media Group-owned WXGL “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” (7.5, +2.1, third to second, 6+). In five successive sweeps without an increase prior to the March report, “The Eagle” was an overall -1.5 (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). The last time WXGL reached the seven-share level (6+) was in August 2018 (7.1). Right behind it in third-place is Beasley Media Group’s similarly-programmed WRBQ “Q-105 Tampa Bay’s Hits of the ‘80s & More,” which busts out a robust +1.2 (4.9 – 6.1, sixth to third, 6+); “Q-105” last reached the six-share threshold (6+) in September 2018 (6.2). Up or flat the fifth successive sweep for a +1.1 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” advances from tenth to eighth. Through four straight October 2018 through January 2019 increases, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WWRM was a +1.0 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+), but “Magic 94.9 – Tampa Bay’s Best Music” dropped six-tenths in February. It wipes away that deficit completely though with a March +.6 (5.3 – 5.9, 6+) and continues in fourth-place. There’s good news/bad news for its adult contemporary cluster-mate, WDUV. On the plus side, it is #1 for a truly staggering 80th successive ratings period; however, WDUV “Lite Favorites” is a cumulative -3.1 in three consecutive dips (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6 10.6, 6+). Its January decrease suspended three straight gains that netted +4.8 (8.9 – 9.7 – 10.8 – 13.7, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 13.7 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since WDUV’s 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. Via seven successive sweeps without a loss (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WMTX was an overall +2.3, but “Mix 100.7” forfeits approximately half that increase with a -1.2 to 4.0 (fifth to ninth, 6+). A combined +1.5 in January/February (4.9 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group country WQYK “99.5 QYK” surrenders eight-tenths to 5.6 (second to fifth, 6+). Three losses in a row just before that resulted in a -1.8 (6.7 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+).
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – The flagship of the Colorado Rockies – iHeartMedia news/talk
KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is unchanged from February in 6+-share (4.7) and 6+-rank (seventh). Co-owned news/talk KHOW has a “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline of 1.1 – 1.4 – 
1.4 – 1.1 (#24 to #25, 6+). Before improving by three-tenths in January, “Talk Radio 630” was off a collective seven-tenths in three successive reports without an increase (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1, 6+).
Shifting from #13 to #17, Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” is a combined -1.2 in February/March (4.1 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). “The Fan” was an overall +1.9 (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+) followed by -1.2 December/“Holiday” 2018; +.9 (January 2019); and -.8 (February). The December 2018 through March 2019 topline for KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” is .3 – .4 – .5 – .3 – .4 (6+); the flagship of the Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche bumps up from #29 to #27.
The only station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve highlighted thus far making a February 2019 – March 2019 (6+) decrease of at least two full-shares is KCFR (7.6 – 5.6, -2.0, first to third, 6+). The Colorado Public Radio news/talk facility was a combined +1.2 in January/February (6.4 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+) and was on top in September 2018, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. Trending 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8, (“Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 – February – March, 6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC enters the top twenty (#22 to #19.
Denver Music Formats – The three most recent fluctuations for KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL are +1.2 (January); -.6 (February); and now +1.2 in March (5.1 – 6.3, 6+) as “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” leaps from third to first. Not only is iHeartMedia CHR KPTT a combined +1.6 in back-to-back sweeps, (2.6 – 3.2 – 4.2, 6+), “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station” breaks into the top ten (#15 to #10). February’s +.6 ended three straight setbacks that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Up by a total of nine-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” proceeds from #17 to #13. A combined January/February -8.2 (12.8 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” answers with a March increase of seven-tenths to 5.3 (6+), vaulting from ninth to fourth. In three straight sweeps without a loss, KOSI totaled an overall +7.9 (4.9 – 4.9 – 7.6 – 12.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (with a 12.8, 6+). The last time any Denver station reached the 12-share level (6+) was more than four years ago (KOSI, 12.4, “Holiday” 2014). In addition to KOSI, country cluster-mate KYGO advances by seven-tenths as well and is +1.4 as a result of three positive spikes in succession (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7, fourth to second, 6+). Replicating February’s +.6 (4.0 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KRFX “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” jumps from ninth to fifth. Recent moves by Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” come in increments of seven-tenths. It gained seven-tenths in February (4.0 – 4.7, 6+) but is down seven-tenths in March (4.7 – 4.0, 6+) and exits the top ten (#7 to #11). That +.7 in February pulled the plug on three straight downturns that were responsible for a loss of … seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). A decrease of one-half share (2.1 – 1.6, 6+) sends Colorado Public Radio classical KVOD out of the top twenty (#18 to #22). After being an overall +1.3 in five successive increases (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative KTCL “Channel 93-3 Denver’s Modern Rock” falters by three-tenths to 5.1 (second to sixth, 6+). February’s 5.4 is its highest 6+-stat in nearly two years (5.5, April 2017).
Baltimore
Spoken-Word Formats – Independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking
News” is down three-tenths (3.4 – 3.1, 6+) but stays at #11, while Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is off one-tenth (2.8 – 2.7, 6+) and carries on at #13. Doubling (+.3) its 
6+ Baltimore stat in four straight up or flat sweeps (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+), Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL moves from #27 to #26.
Unchanged at #10, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” is -1.0 in three slips in a row (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+), after being a combined +.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.1 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+).
Co-owned business news WDCH, which more than doubled (+.7) its 6+ Baltimore stat between December 2018 and February 2019 (.6 – .7 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+) forfeits four-tenths to .9 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#19 to #21).
A combined +1.1 in January/February (2.3 – 3.1 – 3.4 (6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” surrenders roughly half that gain in March (2.9, -.5, #11 to #12, 6+). Even though American University-owned news/talk WAMU gains one-tenth (1.4 to 1.5, 6+), it backslides from #16 to #17.
Baltimore Music Formats – Over and above logging a March improvement of seven-tenths (7.6 – 8.3, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92 Q Jams” repeats at #1. Its January +1.0 halted three consecutive declines that resulted in a -1.2 (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). Entercom gospel WLIF-HD2 is up one-half share (1.4 – 1.9, #17 to #16, 6+). Meanwhile, unchanged at #3, adult contemporary WLIF-FM is trending 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.4 (6+), after “Holiday” 2018’s 15.2 96+). Still in that Entercom cluster, WWMX “Mix 106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” is without a loss the fourth time in a row for a collective +1.0 (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.2, steady in sixth-place, 6+). This is the third uptick in succession for iHeartMedia alternative WWDC “DC-101” for a net gain of six-tenths (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2, #15 to #14, 6+). A combined +1.3 in January/February (4.9 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+) after being an overall -1.2 in three straight downturns (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), Shamrock Communications’ classic rock WZBA “100.7 The Bay” drops four-tenths to 5.8 (flat at #5, 6+). This marks the eighth sweep in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored in seventh-place, Entercom news/talk and St. Louis
Cardinals flagship KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” is up one-tenth (5.0 – 5.1, 6+), following a February loss of six-tenths. Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” which was a combined +.8 in 
January/February (1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+), falters by three-tenths to 2.2 (6+) but remains at #17.
Despite duplicating February’s loss of one-half share (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+) Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” carries on at #16.
On the heels of February’s +.4, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU posts a March decrease twice that magnitude (4.5 – 3.7, -.8, 6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #14).
St. Louis Music Formats – The wild ride continues for Hubbard’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio,” which was tied with iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU for February’s lead position but KSHE has sole possession of first-place in March. Its five most recent fluctuations are +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); and now +1.3 in March (7.6 – 8.9, 6+) with 8.9 its highest 6+-share since November 2016 (8.6). Regarding aforementioned KLOU, it was +1.6 in January but is now a combined -1.1 in February/March (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8, 6+) as “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” shifts from first to third. Following four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.8 (4.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” erases all but three-tenths of the deficit with a February/March +1.5 (3.1 – 3.7 – 4.6, 6+) and rockets into the top ten (#14 to #10, 6+). Posting March increases of seven-tenths are Hubbard’s WIL “New Country 92.3” (6.1, sixth to fourth, 6+) and Entercom-owned CHR KNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” (3.7 – 4.4, #14 to #11, 6+). In February, WIL was down six-tenths to 5.4, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017 (5.4, as well); “Now” recorded an increase of nine-tenths in January. WIL’s format rival – iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” – returns in full February’s half-share improvement (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). A boost of six-tenths (4.2 – 4.8, 6+) by Hubbard adult hits WARH propels “106.5 The Arch” into the top ten (#11 to #8). Following a February one-half share increase, Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” craters by -1.8 (7.0 – 5.2, fourth to sixth, 6+). Three straight up or flat tends (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.8 – 15.6, 6+) resulted in KEZK tripling (+10.4) its 6+ numbers; it spent December and “Holiday” 2018 at #1, with “Holiday” 2018’s 15.6 the strongest 6+-share by any St. Louis station in the PPM-era.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Brown Parts Ways With iHeartMedia Denver. The approximately 12-year association between talk show host Michael Brown and iHeartMedia Denver has come to an end. While this turn-of-events isn’t something Brown wanted or anticipated, he emphasizes he has “fond memories” of his time in radio and is “looking forward to getting behind the microphone as quickly as possible.” He maintains radio is “a fantastic medium that will never disappear,” and he “readily embraces” the digital aspect of the business. Citing conversations he had with iHeartMedia regional senior vice president of Denver programming JoJo Turnbeaugh, Brown – who served as under-secretary of Homeland Security in both of George W. Bush’s administrations – reports his departure is owing to “format changes.” Brown’s Denver radio career began at news/talk KOA, where he did part-time work before becoming a full-timer. He then spent several years in afternoon drive on news/talk sibling KHOW, and recently returned to KOA. Regarding his highly-publicized experiences during Hurricane Katrina, Brown co-authored June 2011’s “Deadly Indifference, The Perfect (Political) Storm: Hurricane Katrina, The Bush White House, and Beyond.” In it, he criticizes the performance of several people and critiques his own performance by stating that he “failed to be ready for the press and was too timid in his response.” Politically, Brown describes himself as “very clearly center-right, conservative, with a strong libertarian bent.” He appears at #83 on The Talkers Magazine 2018 Heavy Hundred.
Thomas Inducted Into The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. In recognition for her career in radio and community service, Entercom Detroit WWJ “News Radio 950” reporter Vickie Thomas was honored yesterday (4/14) in a ceremony at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Entercom Detroit senior vice president/market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “For more than 25 years, Vickie Thomas has been informing our listeners on major stories that impact our community in and around Detroit. Vickie is an incredible journalist who isn’t afraid to pose tough questions to city leaders and other officials to report a fair and accurate story. She is well deserving of this honor and we are extremely proud to have Vickie inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.” Thomas comments, “In thinking about my over 30-year career in radio, with most of that time spent at WWJ, I can’t help but acknowledge all the people who took the time to encourage me and guide me. I’m really a reflection of those outstanding individuals. This award is extremely special because it comes from my peers. I’m blessed to have my body of work in journalism acknowledged by the selection committee; I thank each member who poured over all the applications and deemed me worthy of this honor.” Thomas, who joined WWJ in 1991, has earned awards from the Detroit Press Foundation, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Michigan Associated Press, and the National Association of Black Journalists. She graduated cum laude and with honors in journalism from Wayne State University in 1989.
MONDAY MEMO: The Podcast Consumer 2019. In our on-demand culture, consumers have taken control of their media. We call the audio version “podcasting,” something everyone seems to be doing now. But who is listening? In this week’s Monday Memo, consultant Holland Cooke summarizes the recently released Edison Research “Podcast Consumer 2019” report. Click here to read how he outlines ways radio broadcasters can exploit this trend.
TALKERS News Notes. All remaining regular season and postseason play of the New York City Football Club will air in Spanish on the ESPN app, along with the iHeart and Tune-in apps. In addition, select games of the American professional soccer team will air locally in
New York City on WEPN-AM “ESPN Deportes Radio 1050.” ESPN Radio Group senior vice president Tim McCarthy remarks, “WEPN-AM is proud to be associated with a tremendous brand like NYCFC. We believe giving our listeners a choice on quality play-by-play has tremendous value; this agreement with NYCFC does just that.” NYCFC chief executive officer Brad Sims notes, “We are excited to have our 2019 matches broadcast in Spanish on ESPN Deportes platforms. We want to give our fans many different ways to follow our club. This is a terrific alliance that will make our games even more accessible. New York’s Hispanic community is extremely passionate about soccer and is an integral part of our fanbase, so it continues to be a priority for us to provide Spanish-language presentations. ESPN is a leader in the sports media landscape and we’re looking forward to working together.” Roberto Abramowitz and Ariel Judas will give their commentary throughout the season ….. Changes to take effect in three weeks (5/6) at 
Emmis-owned WFNI “Indy’s Sports Center – The Fan” will find Jeff Rickard and “Big Joe” Staysniak moving from mid-days (10:00 am – 12:00 noon) to morning drive (7:00 am – 10:00 am). “Jeff & Big Joe” will succeed ESPN Radio’s “(Mike) Golic & (Trey) Wingo,” while ESPN Radio’s “Dan Le Batard with Stugotz” will inherit the vacated 10:00 am – 12:00 noon slot …. A nine-year program director of iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “Cleveland’s Country 99.5,” Charley Connolly is named operations manager of Cumulus Media’s eight Youngstown stations and will be the day-to-day 
PD of country WQXK “K-105” there. Cumulus Youngstown vice president/market manager Bill Kelly comments, “We are fortunate to have someone of Charley’s background available to us in Youngstown. This is going to be fun.” In addition to WGAR, Connolly programmed iHeartMedia Cleveland’s adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake.” Prior to that, he performed similar responsibilities for Cumulus Media Nashville’s news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” and country WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon.” In addition to WPIC “News Talk 790,” WBBW “Sports Radio 1240 AM,” and WLLF “Sports Radio 96.7 FM,” Cumulus Media Youngstown consists of aforementioned WQXK; CHR WHOT “Hot 101”; classic rock WYFM “Y-103”; classic country WSOM “America’s Music”; and classic hits-oldies WWIZ “Z-104.” ….. Approximately 250 guests attended last Friday’s (4/12) eleventh annual “Hurley in the Morning” charity dinner and silent auction, which raised $40,000. Fox News Radio’s Todd Starnes keynoted the festivities at Atlantic 
City’s Resorts Casino – Hotel. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from the highest levels of government, business, and industry sectors,” declares Townsquare Media Atlantic City news/talk WPGG morning talent Harry Hurley. “Todd is a kind and generous friend. He is such a well-respected talent and a wonderful gentleman. Todd took the time to greet every guest, making each one feel like the most important person in the Ocean Ballroom.” Resorts 
Casino – Hotel president/chief executive officer Mark Giannantonio opines, “Harry could take his iconic event anywhere – it was truly spectacular. Todd Starnes was engaging and entertaining. Our audience enjoyed his humble, friendly, and unifying message. Resorts was happy and proud to once again host this charity dinner and we look forward to hosting Harry’s event again next year.” Starnes did his 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm Fox News Radio talk show onsite. Among dignitaries attending were congressman Jefferson Van Drew; New Jersey Senate president Stephen Sweeney; New Jersey Broadcasters Association president Paul Rotella; and current and past New Jersey state legislature members. Ahead is Hurley’s twelfth annual charity golf open (6/21) in Egg Harbor Township (New Jersey) ….. Following his tenure as Reach Media’s integrated ad sales 
coordinator, Erick Vilson joins Sun Broadcast Group as national account manager and will be based in New York City. Sun Broadcast Group chief operating officer Julio Aponte, Jr. comments, “I was very impressed with Erick’s background, reputation, and his dedication to excellence. Bringing someone with his digital and event experience on-board will allow our team to offer greater business opportunities for our agencies and a deeper connection with our national audience for our advertisers.” Vilson notes, “Becoming part of the Sun Broadcast Group family is a fantastic opportunity. Their reputation in the industry, new approach to business, and clever ways to market their offerings was very attractive to me. I am very excited to bring my experience to the sales team.” Vilson has held sales and operation positions for iHeartMedia and Emmis.
Mueller Report Anticipation, College Admissions Scandal, 2020 Presidential Race, Assange Case Free Speech Implications Top Stories Discussed on News/Talk Radio This Weekend. According to the research of TALKERS, news/talk shows across the country this weekend (4/13-14) were largely focused on the topics of anticipation of the Robert Mueller Report’s planned delivery to Congress this Thursday, the next level of the College Admissions Scandal and charges filed against celebrity participants, the 2020 Presidential Race, and the Julian Assange Case’s implications on free speech and the free press going forward.
Progressive Talk Radio Champ Thom Hartmann Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. What is the state of progressive news/talk radio on the commercial and non-commercial dial? What is the liberal talk radio view of the early competition in a crowded field of hopefuls vying for the 2020 Democratic Party presidential nomination? And what is the general status of the “Left” in American politics in 2019? Nationally syndicated radio talk show host Thom Hartmann – consistently ranked the most important progressive talk radio host on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred – is the guest on the award-winning
PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison and Hartmann (heard daily 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm ET) tackle these and other pertinent issues in an illuminating conversation that gets right to the heart of today’s talk media landscape. Harrison states, “Thom Hartmann has not only earned the respect of people on all sides of the political spectrum for his authentic, even-handed approach to today’s issues from the liberal perspective, but the unique and aggressive multi-platform distribution paradigm that he and his team have developed over the years stands as a model for independent radio syndication of all ideological stripes going forward into the digital era. The radio industry should pay attention to this innovative broadcaster.” 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.
Survey Says: Social Media Use Unchanged. Notwithstanding privacy controversies, “fake news,” and social media censorship, the share of adults in the United States who say they use certain online platforms or apps is statistically the same as it was this time last year. That is the conclusion of a Pew Research Center study conducted January 8 to February 7 (2019). The shares of adults who say they use Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter are each basically the same as in 2016. Instagram, however, shows an uptick during this same timeframe, growing from 35% of adults to 37%. Roughly seven of every ten adults in this country say they still use Facebook; nearly three of every ten visit Pinterest; and more than one of every five are Twitter users. Of all Facebook users, approximately three of every four visit the site every day – half check that platform several times a day. Those particular numbers identically mirror Pew’s 2018 survey results. At the same time, YouTube use remained at 73%, while LinkedIn users went from 25% to 27%. Slightly more than half of YouTube users (51%) visit the site daily – up from the 45% who said the same in 2018. According to the report, Instagram and Snapchat are especially popular with younger adults, with Instagram used by two of every three 18 – 29-year-olds and Snapchat used by slightly more than two of every five (62%) people in that demo.
Lilly Broadcasting Becomes A Radio Player. As a result of paying $900,000 for three Warren (Pennsylvania) stations it is acquiring from Frank Iorio’s Radio 
Partners LLC, San Luis Obispo, California-based Lilly Broadcasting enters the radio business. The three Warren-area outlets involved are WNAE “News Talk 96.7,” classic hits-oldies WRRN “92 Gold,” and WKNB “Kinzua Country 104.3.” Lilly owns television facilities in Honolulu, Erie (Pennsylvania), Elmira (New York), Marquette (Michigan), and the Caribbean. According to Lilly Broadcasting president Kevin Lilly, “The Warren radio properties create synergies with our current footprint in our Pennsylvania television DMA, comprised of Erie, Warren, and Crawford counties. They will allow us to better serve our viewers and now our radio listeners while in their homes, cars, and online. We look forward to providing the best content available for our listeners and will improve the news, weather, and sports information on all platforms.”
San Antonio’s New Vibe. KXTN “Tejano & Proud,” San Antonio transitions to KVBH “Vibe 107.5.” Of the rhythmic hot AC presentation that will mix “pop, hip-hop, and R&B artists from the 1980s and early-2000s,” Univision San Antonio vice president and general manager
Chris Morris states, “We are excited to launch a brand-new format that reflects the distinct musical tastes of San Antonio – one of the most diverse communities in the nation. By reformatting and optimizing our audio portfolio, we are able to better serve our audience and give them more of the content they love.” In conjunction with the format flip, the “Tejano & Proud” format shifts to a simulcast on KVBH-HD2 and KCOR, while “Univision Deportes Radio” moves from KCOR to KROM-HD3. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s February 2019 survey period, KXTN ranks #14 (3.1). Its February 2018 through February 2019 high was 4.0 (6+) in February 2018.
More Than A Million Smiles. As part of its fourth annual “Laugh United: A Night of Cocktails and Comedy,” Westwood One’s “The Bob & Tom Show” raised a record $1,053,500 in Vienna, West Virginia for the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Pictured here is show cast member Josh Arnold who performed with fellow veteran touring comics Greg Hahn, Jack Freeman, and Henry Phillips. Parkersburg (West Virginia) rocker WHBR “103.1 The Bear” is the local “Bob & Tom Show” affiliate.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. After nearly four years with iHeartMedia Denver CHR KPTT “95.7 The Party,” morning driver J.J. Kincaid (of “JJ & Nina”) departs. Immediately in advance of his Denver stint, Kincaid had a nine-year afternoon drive run in New York at co-owned/similarly-formatted WHTZ “Z-100” and spent three years in Dallas at another iHeartMedia CHR, KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” ….. On the heels of Beasley Media Group Boston flipping WBOS from “Alt 92.9” to “Rock 92.9” last Thursday (4/11), the station eliminates the music director position that was held by Joel Weiss, who exits. After having spent 13 years in a similar position at Cox Media Group Tampa’s WSUN, 
Weiss joined WBOS less than a year ago ….. Formerly the program director/afternoon drive talent at Martz Communications Group-owned WAMO “Pittsburgh’s #1 for Hip-Hop,” Jonathan Steele, will join Beasley Media Group Detroit’s WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” next Monday (4/22) as afternoon drive personality, using the air name “J. Steele.” According to WMGC vice president and market manager Mac Edwards, “When we heard J.’s demo, he jumped to the top of our list. Having the opportunity to meet him and discover his impressive skill set as both a person and personality, there was no denying J. Steele was the right talent at the right time to help us write the next chapter of success.” Program director John Candelaria comments, “We are very impressed with J.’s experience and his strong desire to entertain the listeners in Detroit. I am excited to hear his high energy interactive show and see him earn the community’s respect.” Steele adds, “This is the job I dreamed about as a little kid. I am beyond excited to light up the airwaves for this incredible radio station.” The revised weekday “Bounce” line-up includes: “The Gello Show with Joanna” (6:00 am – 10:00 am); J. Steele (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm); and DJ Dinero (7:00 pm – 12:00 midnight) ….. With Emmis Indianapolis’ WLHK “97.1 Hank FM” ever since the country outlet launched in 2005, morning talent Dave O’Brien exits, as his contract isn’t renewed. O’Brien started his Indianapolis radio career in 1996 at WRZX, later going to WNOU for two years and to WENS in 2004 ….. Jazz KUVO, Denver program and content director Nikki Swarn is appointed PD for Rocky Mountain Public 
Media‘s new R&B/hip-hop streaming service, “The Drop.” Swarn comments, “It is such an honor to get to serve the Colorado community through this incredible opportunity. We anticipate engaging Coloradans with an exciting blend of their favorite artists, while providing a platform for new and Colorado-based musicians as well. The audience consuming R&B and hip-hop is vast and hungry for dynamic experiences in music; we want to fill that void.” Swarn previously was Entercom Denver’s director of promotions and marketing and spent six years as Max Media Denver’s director of marketing and promotions ….. In separate fundraisers for 
their respective communities, two Alpha Media country-formatted properties (WFLS and KZKX) recently combined to bring in nearly $200,000. Completing its eleventh year of working with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, WFLS “93.3 – Today’s Country,” Fredericksburg (Virginia) accounted for $135,479 in a two-day event hosted by the station’s morning team – Steve & Jessica. That figure broke WFLS’ previous records. Alpha Media market manager Beth Vickers states, “It is a privilege to lead a team of individuals who are passionate about helping others. Steve & Jessica were amazing hosts, pulling long hours to make it all happen. Our community and our listeners were so generous with donations – results like this make a difference.” Meanwhile, co-owned/similarly-formatted KZKX “KX-96.9,” Lincoln (Nebraska) – along with the Starlite Event Center – raised over $60,000 for American Red Cross flood 
relief during a one-night (3/29) benefit concert. Entertainment was provided by local bands Dylan Bloom, Bucka Ruse, and Sack of Lions. Alpha Media Lincoln operations manager Rob Kelley comments, “That night was a humbling experience as the people of Saunders County and surrounding areas – many of them flood victims themselves – came together with auction items and monetary donations to go directly to their friends, family, and neighbors. We are so blessed to have listeners like this in the KZKX family.” Severe flooding began impacting Nebraska in mid-March. The “KX-96.9” donation check was presented to the American Red Cross last Thursday (4/11).
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
‘Free Talk Live’ Helps Ugandan Orphanage with Cryptocurrency Donations. The nationally syndicated radio program “Free Talk Live” — hosted by Ian Freeman and Mark Edge — has rallied its listeners to assist children in a small, African village through the donation of cryptocurrency. The listeners, with the help of matching contributors Cell411, Bitcoin.com, and Shire Free Church, raised more than
$45,000 to construct the orphanage and another $35,000 to purchase farm land to help the orphanage become self-sustaining by growing crops and raising animals. Listeners are able to share in this project by donating their choice of cryptocurrency to help fund the project through the program’s cryptocurrency “tip jar.” Free Talk Live’s Mark Edge says they worked with The Foundation of Hope Uganda, the organization that coordinated the building of the orphanage. Edge says the Foundation is now in the process of securing a piece of land with funding provided by “Free Talk Live” donors and sponsors. He adds, noting there is a misconception among many that libertarians are self-centered misers, that this project is one of many instances that proves nothing could be further from the truth.
Chuck Knight Joins iHeartMedia as Regional SVP of Programming. Most recently serving as program director for hot AC WBEB, Philadelphia “B101,” Chuck Knight moves west to take
on the regional senior vice president of programming position for iHeartMedia’s San Antonio and Austin markets that include news/talk WOAI-AM, San Antonio and sports talk stations KVET-AM, Austin and KTKR, San Antonio, in addition to some 12 other music brands. Knight will also serve as program director for adult contemporary KQXT, San Antonio “Q 101.9.” In addition to Knight’s new, elevated role, Brian Gann will continue to serve as the program director at WOAI and will focus on a variety of iHeartMedia’s spoken-word stations.
New Hampshire News Talkers Raise Cash for Veterans Organization. New Hampshire news/talk stations WGIR-AM, Manchester “NewsRadio 610” and WQSO-FM, Portsmouth “NewsRadio 96.7” helped raise more than $153,000 for Veterans Count during the fifth
annual “Make 12 Hours Count” radiothon held on March 20. The radiothon has been undertaken for the last five years by “New Hampshire Today” morning host Jack Heath (pictured here) for Veterans Count, an organization that provides financial assistance, services and resources to New Hampshire veterans, service members and their families. During the day’s commercial-free broadcast, Heath conducted interviews with a variety of service members, ranging from World War II veterans to active members of the military. He also addressed the challenges facing veterans today and discussed how Veterans Count helps local service members. The event emanated from the iHeartMedia Manchester studios and was broadcast statewide on the New Hampshire Today Network, including WKXL-FM, Concord and WASR-AM, Wolfeboro.
TALKERS News Notes. On-air pro Kelly Cheesborough is becoming a cast member of the
Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated “Free Beer and Hot Wings Show,” effective April 1. She was most recently known to Atlanta listeners as Kelly Cheese, executive producer of the WSTR “Star 94.1” “Jeff and Jenn Show.” Gregg “Free Beer” Daniels says, “After an exhaustive national search, we are thrilled to have Kelly join ‘Free Beer & Hot Wings.’ Maybe it’s good karma that Kelly’s on-air name is Kelly Cheese – but the real reason we picked Kelly is that she is a total professional and our audience will appreciate the opportunity to hear a woman’s 
perspective on the topics ‘Free Beer & Hot Wings’ covers every day.”…..Westwood One’s syndicated late-night show “Red Eye Radio” is celebrating its 50th anniversary at this year’s Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville. The show’s golden anniversary celebration will feature a guest appearance by GRAMMY-winning country singer Gretchen Wilson and other artists throughout the three-day convention. Show host Eric Harley will be on site to introduce attendees to the lineup of country music artists who will mix and mingle, take photos, sign autographs, and engage with drivers…..iHeartMedia sports talk stations WGVL, Greenville, South Carolina “FOX Sports 1440” and WPEK, Asheville, North Carolina “ESPN Asheville” are joining the Atlanta Braves Radio Network to carry play-by-play of the National League club’s games, beginning March 28.
New York Radio Pro Bob Slade Dies After Battle with Kidney Disease. On-air pro Bob
Slade – host of the long-running public affairs program “Open Line” on WBLS, New York – died recently after a long battle with kidney disease. After originally setting out to be an actor, Slade got into radio, beginning his career on Long Island. He became the news director at “98.7 Kiss FM” in New York and there developed the “Open Line” program with co-hosts attorney Bob Pickett and musician James Mtume. The program moved to WBLS in 2012. Most recently, Slade had been doing the show with Pickett and executive producer Fatiyn Muhammad.
Mueller Report Aftermath, Avenatti Arrest, Administration Obamacare Action, Green New Deal Vote, 2020 Democratic Hopefuls, New Migrant Caravan, Brexit Redux, Us Film, NBA Action and NCAA Tournament Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/25). The reactions to the Mueller report; former Stormy Daniels attorney Michael Avenatti is arrested on fraud and extortion charges; the Trump administration sides with Texas court on invalidating Obamacare; Mitch McConnell schedules senate vote on Green New Deal; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; reports of a new migrant caravan leaving Central America; the status of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plan; the Jordan Peele film Us; and NBA and NCAA Tournament action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Comrex to Debut ACCESS MultiRack at NAB 2019. At the 2019 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Comrex will release ACCESS MultiRack – a new rackmount IP audio multi-codec. Comrex says that the ACCESS MultiRack occupies only 1RU and it can handle up to five full-duplex IP
audio connections simultaneously. It allows for five simultaneous full-duplex connections to ACCESS Portables (Classic, 2USB, and NX), ACCESS Racks (Classic and NX), and BRIC-Link (Classic and II) codecs as well as the FieldTap app. The first codec features AES67 in addition to AES3 and standard analog I/O while the remaining four codecs all utilize AES67 I/O. MultiRack also supports a wide array of connection protocols and audio encoders. It’s driven via a new HTML5-based web user interface.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Say good-bye to “NASH FM” in New York City. It stands to reason that Entercom – now operator of country WNSH, New York after a swap with Cumulus Media – would ditch the “NASH” brand that is attached to so many Cumulus Media country stations and re-brand.
And so it does as WNSH is now “Country 94.7.” Entercom New York regional president and market manager Susan Larkin states, “New Yorkers have a strong appetite for country music, and we’re excited to continue to deliver the greatest country hits with the rebrand of New York’s ‘Country 94-7.’ We have a great team and programming in place and look forward to remaining country’s home on the biggest stage in America.”…..Entercom announces the promotion of Andrea 
Burtscher to music director for country KMLE, Phoenix. Burtscher will continue in her position as marketing and promotions director for the Entercom Phoenix cluster that includes classic hits KOOL-FM and CHR KALV “Live 101.5.” Burtscher says, “I’m excited to jump over to the programming world after being in promotions for over 12 years. I look forward to pursuing my passion of country music and serving Phoenix listeners by curating their favorite hits each and every day.”…..On-air pro Chio Acosta moves from Philadelphia where he was most recently a morning personality at iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary WISX-FM to New Hampshire as the new co-host of the “Chio and Kira in the Morning” program based as Townsquare Media’s country WOKQ, Portsmouth and simulcast on WPKQ, Portland, Maine. Acosta takes over for the recently departed Bill Fox alongside 
current morning host Kira Lew.….Alpha Media programmer Ernie Martinez – the company’s new national director of digital content – is betting honesty is the best policy with the new positioning statement for CHR KTFM, San Antonio – ‘San Antonio’s #2 Hit Music Station.’ Martinez says, “People inherently smell B.S. a mile away. Audiences are smarter than most programmers give them credit for and because of this we are taking a radical approach to branding. We are going to tell the truth. There is one thing that audiences crave today and that is authenticity. We aren’t going to brag; we aren’t going to boast. What we will do is work harder than everyone else to show audiences that their attention is appreciated.”…..iHeartMedia expands its partnership with digital media firm LiveXLive Media, Inc that gives the latter exclusive global livestreaming rights for 17iHeartRadio marquee events, including iHeartRadio’s ALTer Ego, iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio Wango Tango, Daytime Stage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival and iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, as well as licensing and streaming rights for select iHeartRadio Theater shows. The partnership will also feature new co-produced and co-promoted video content for fans, including a co-created iHeartRadio channel on LiveXLive built on an extensive library of content.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
WOR, New York to Launch Live and Local Evening Show. Beginning February 4, iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York “The Voice of New York” adds the new “WOR Tonight with
Joe Concha & Lis Wiehl” to the program schedule in the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm daypart. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “The New York area is known for its diversity and 710 WOR will be able to offer listeners just that each night with a unique mix of issues. Joe and Lis come from different sides of the political spectrum, which should make things quite interesting and unpredictable.” Concha is a reporter and columnist for The Hill and Wiehl is a former federal prosecutor, former investigative 
counsel for the House Judiciary Committee, a best-selling author and a legal analyst. The station says the new show “will be a New York-centric show spotlighting a mix of top news stories, politics, movies, television, Broadway, pop culture and consumer issues. Additionally, the hosts will offer their views on the
stories of the day from both sides of the political aisle and will take calls from listeners.” Concha states, “Our show will obviously talk politics, but we’re also going to offer up the kind of news and views that people deal with every day. We want to tell stories people can relate to as well as empathize with and hope to make you laugh a few times in the process.” Wiehl adds, “This show is going to be a one-stop shop in a three-hour package, delivered to your radio. You’ll get hard news shared by two people who are news veterans and experts in the fields of law and media. Plus, you’ll get ‘water cooler’ news delivered to you by two hosts who are parents, taxpayers, pet owners, and pop culture enthusiasts.”
Radio for the 55+ Listener. Former WSYR-AM, Syracuse morning host Mark Wainwright writes a piece for TALKERS magazine in which he suggests that successfully reaching Baby Boomers with radio programming requires “rekindling their relationship with radio.” Wainwright states, “The 55-72 ‘Boomer’ demographic is the last generation that genuinely cared about radio. They grew up with radio, they were actively engaged with it, and it was an integral part of their lives. At a time when our industry is struggling to stay relevant, we need to reconnect with listeners who still care about us and what we offer.” Read the entire story here.
Mary Rogers to Lead Sales at Entercom’s Dallas Station Group. Sales and management
pro Mary Rogers comes to Entercom Dallas from Cox Media Group’s San Antonio cluster where she was most recently director of sales. Effective January 28, she’ll assume the vice president and director of sales position for the cluster that includes news/talk KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080,” sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” and four music-formatted stations. She says, “I am excited to join Entercom Dallas, working alongside [SVP and market manager] Brian Purdy and his amazing team. I began my career in Dallas and it is a great feeling to be back working with these iconic brands and audiences.”
TALKERS News Notes. As reported by Chicago media maven Robert Feder, Violeta Podrumedic has left her role as afternoon traffic reporter on Tribune’s news/talk WGN-AM, Chicago to join the “Eric in the Morning” show – led by Eric Ferguson – on Hubbard Radio’s crosstown hot AC WTMX. She’s been part of WGN’s afternoon drive Roe Conn program since 2016…..Entercom confirms that Howie Rose will continue to call the play-by-play for
the New York Mets as all-news WCBS-AM begins serving as the flagship station for Mets broadcasts this season. Rose will be joined by color analyst Wayne Randazzo. He was previously pregame and postgame host for the Mets. Longtime WFAN Mets beat reporter Ed Coleman will conduct pregame coverage, including the daily “Managers Show with Mickey Callaway.” Randazzo will host the station’s postgame coverage immediately following each game broadcast. WCBS 880 morning sports anchor Brad Heller will serve as the utility player on the team presenting sports coverage for the 
station, as well as fill-in on pregame coverage…..In Fredericksburg, Virginia, Alpha Media’s four-station group – including news/talk WNTX-AM/FM – is working to aid furloughed federal workers by creating a web page with listings of businesses from Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland that are assisting federal workers during the government shutdown. Many businesses are coming together to help the community during this time of need by providing free or reduced fee meals, services, groceries, and even temporary employment opportunities. Alpha Media Fredericksburg market manager Beth Vickers comments, “The Washington DC market is severely affected by the furlough. We feel Alpha Media Fredericksburg has a duty to provide support and
information to government workers and their families during this time.”…..USA Radio nationally syndicated radio host Wayne Allyn Root reports that his television simulcast seen on Newsmax TV is getting a second daily airing on the cable TV network. His program airs live at 8:00 pm ET each evening. Now, repeats of the program will air on Newsmax TV the following day at 1:00 pm. Additionally, Root says all three hours of his radio show are available on-demand via iHeartRadio.
Border Wall Battle, Government Shutdown, Trump-Russia Investigation, 2020 Presidential Race, Brexit Chaos, U.S. Soldiers Killed in Syria, Nairobi Hotel Attack, Gillette Ad Controversy, Netflix Price Hike, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/16). The political battle over President Trump’s efforts to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border; the effects of the federal government shutdown; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the possible candidates for president in 2020; British Prime Minister Theresa May survives a vote of no confidence after her Brexit plan fails; four U.S. soldiers are killed in Syria; the deadly terror attack on a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya; the controversy over Gillette’s ‘toxic masculinity’ ad; consumer backlash over Netflix’s announced price increases; and the NFL playoffs 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. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports Entercom’s CHR WBBM-FM names Julia Lepidi its new evening host. She takes over for Corey B who left the station in November to transfer to the company’s alternative WNYL, New York “ALT 92.3.”…..As reported by Rodney Ho in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Ali Mac has exited the morning drive show on Cumulus Media’s country WKHX “Kicks 101.5” where she worked alongside Cadillac Jack, who remains host of the AM program. Also, at the Cumulus Atlanta cluster, air personality Byron Cooper exits the evening show at CHR WWWQ “Q99.7” after 13 months in the position.
Friday, August 10, 2018
WEEI-FM’s Minihane Set to Discuss Depression. The genuine intimacy between a radio talent and the audience will most likely again be strongly in evidence when Entercom Boston sports talk WEEI-FM’s Kirk Minihane returns to the air 
today (Friday, 8/10) on the 5:30 am – 10:00 am “Kirk & (Gerry) Callahan Show.” In a tweet yesterday (8/9) at 2:47 pm, Minihane wrote, “I’ve talked a lot about my issues with depression, and I’ve battled it the last three months or so. Last Thursday night, I checked into the ER at Winchester Hospital with suicidal thoughts. I was then moved to McLean, where I was treated and released earlier this week.” One minute later (2:48 pm), he followed with, “I’ll be back at work tomorrow, and I’m a little nervous about it – but I’m not ashamed or embarrassed. We’ll do what we do – we’ll talk about it.” McLean Hospital in Belmont (suburban Boston) is regarded as one of the country’s best psychiatric facilities. Highly-controversial and opinionated Minihane joined what was then the “(John) Dennis and Callahan” show in 2013. He was suspended for “unsavory” language toward Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews. He later made headlines when he said the New England Patriots should “hire someone to murder” Roger Goodell over the NFL commissioner’s handling of “deflategate.” Earlier this year, Minihane claimed he would be taking a year off from sports talk radio, insisting he is “tired of being treated like a child” by station management. In Nielsen Audio’s just-released July 2018 Boston PPM results, WEEI-FM is up one-tenth to 4.2 (#8, 6+), while cross-town rival – Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” regresses by one-half share (3.8, #10, 6+).
Stunner: Lanigan Logs Off WTAM. It’s one of those management nightmares when an on-air talent literally quits on the air. It happened in Cleveland two days ago (8/8) 
when John Lanigan announced Wednesday’s show on WTAM would be his last. For the past four years, Lanigan had done a one-hour (9:00 am – 10:00 am) program called “The Spew” on the iHeartMedia news/talk property. After a segment on the worst presidents in history, however, Lanigan according to a report on WEWS-TV “News 5,” Cleveland “diverted significantly from the show’s scheduled topics” approximately halfway through “The Spew.” Apparently out-of-the-blue, Lanigan ad-libbed to co-host Mike Trivisonno, “Can I talk to you for a second, quickly? I want to tell you what a privilege it has been working with you these last few years. You are the class act in radio. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it [but] I won’t be doing ‘The Spew’ ever again – I’m quitting today. I’m done – I won’t be back. I won’t be on ‘The Spew.’” The 75-year-old Lanigan went on to say (in a clip posted by WKYC-TV, Cleveland) that he’s no longer interested in what the NFL’s Cleveland Browns do and he doesn’t think he’s smart enough to discuss politics. “There’s too divisive an attitude in the country right now; I don’t think I’m qualified to tell listeners what they should be thinking,” Lanigan remarked. WTAM program director Ray Davis finished the rest of that day’s “Spew.” In 1971, Lanigan rather famously replaced Don Imus on Cleveland’s WGAR. For 29 years (1985 – 2014), Nebraska-born Lanigan – a 2013 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee – did morning drive with John Webster and Jimmy Malone on Cleveland classic hits-oldies outlet WMJI.
Entercom Now In TBA With WBEB. Prior to officially closing on its $57.5 million purchase of Jerry Lee Radio Philadelphia’s WBEB “101.1 More FM,” Entercom took over operation of the adult contemporary property yesterday 
(Thursday, 9/9) under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA). It marks the end of an era as WBEB was perhaps the lone genuine standalone property in a PPM-market – no sister station anywhere else. Entercom Philadelphia senior vice president/market manager David Yadgaroff remarks, “I am excited to welcome WBEB, one of the country’s most recognized and awarded stations, to our portfolio of Philadelphia radio stations. The addition of WBEB will be a great complement to our lineup that already includes KYW ‘News Radio 1060’; WIP ‘94 Sports Radio’; WPHT ‘Talk Radio 1210’; [adult contemporary] WTDY; and [classic hits-oldies] WOGL.” 
Elsewhere in the market, Beasley Media Group approximately three weeks ago (7/23) similarly assumed operations of Entercom’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” under a TBA in advance of finalizing that station’s $38 million purchase. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 Philadelphia PPM report, WBEB regresses by seven-tenths (8.5 – 7.8) to slip from first to second, while WXTU (5.8, sixth to fifth, 6+) is without a loss for the seventh successive sweep for a cumulative gain of +2.2.
Univision Q2: Net Income Up, Radio Ad Revenue Down. For second-quarter 2018, Univision Communications’ net income rose from $106.1 million to $114.3 million; however, radio ad revenue dropped 3.6% to $61.7 million. Overall radio revenue fell 3.1% to $64.7 million, with total radio 
core revenue off 5.5% to $60.5 million. In addition, Univision’s aggregate revenue declined 2% year-to-year to $749.8 million with total core revenue (excluding political and content licensing revenue) down 3.1% to $730.3 million. Chief executive officer Vince Sadusky observes, “This is a company I have long admired as one of the great franchises in U.S. media and for its important mission to serve the Hispanic community. Despite a rapidly evolving media landscape, the company has a lot to be optimistic about and an incredibly strong foundation to build from. We provide unparalleled access to a coveted and fast growing consumer group with increasing buying power. While our foundation is strong, Univision has gone through a significant amount of change over the last few months. We are starting an exciting new chapter with a singular focus on our core business and mission – to inform, entertain and empower Hispanic America.” Sadusky succeeded Randy Falco as CEO in late-May (2018).
Final Round of July 2018 PPM Data Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
Sir Charles In Charge. Once each year, Charles Barkley co-hosts all fours hours of Mike Missanelli’s afternoon drive show (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm) on Beasley Media Group Philadelphia sports talk outlet WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic.” The former NBA star did so yesterday (Thursday, 8/9) and discussed topics like the Eagles first preseason game; the expectations for the Sixers this season; and if the Phillies can keep up their great play. “The Round Mound of Rebound” spent the first eight years of his 16-year NBA career with the Sixers. He also played for the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. For the past 18 years, Barkley has been a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), appearing on the network’s NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows. Pictured in the photo at the right (from left to right) are Missanelli, Natalie Egenolf, Barkley, and Tyrone Johnson.
TALKERS News Notes. Adding radio duties as co-host (with program director Justin Acri) of “The Zone” (10:00 am – 1:00 pm) on Signal Media Little Rock sports talker KABZ “103.7 The Buzz” is Wess Moore, sports director of Little 
Rock’s KLRT-TV “Fox 16.” He succeeds Pat Bradley, who exits after 11 years to relocate to his native Boston; Bradley played college basketball for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Acri comments, “We are going to really miss Pat in ‘The Zone,’ but certainly understand the draw of family. He has been a huge part of ‘The Buzz’ team and our success for more than a decade. He will continue to be a great featured contributor to the station going forward. I know he will always consider Little Rock and Arkansas a second home – regardless of where he’s living.” Moore adds, “I am excited to be joining such a successful sports talk radio station with a rich history in Arkansas. ‘The Buzz’ has some of the best personalities in the business – I’m honored to get the opportunity to work alongside them. I look forward to being a part of ‘The Zone’ with Justin Acri, who has created an entertaining, smart show engaging sports fans on all levels.” Moore previously hosted “Game On with Wess Moore” for High Plains Radio Network’s Benton, Arkansas-licensed sports talk
KAFN “Fox Sports Arkansas”; he begins his KABZ assignment next Monday (8/13) ….. In partnership with SiriusXM, the Charlotte-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) is establishing a permanent “Billy Graham Channel.” Headlined by messages of the late Christian evangelist, “The Billy Graham Channel” debuts one week from Monday (8/20), on SiriusXM Channel 460, becoming the satcaster’s fifth spoken-word “Religion” channel and the first 
featuring a continuous delivery of evangelistic content. BGEA chief executive officer Franklin Graham comments, “We are excited that SiriusXM will have a permanent Billy Graham channel. Many people have told us how much it has meant to them to hear my father’s timeless messages of truth.” Since last November, “The Billy Graham Channel” has appeared as a limited-run offering on four occasions, including a tribute channel in conjunction with Dr. Graham’s passing in February.
Week’s Top Topics. The Trump-Russia investigation; Paul Manafort trial; Ohio special election; various state primaries; midterm elections; trade wars; China tariffs; Russia sanctions; Rep. Chris Collins indictment; Alex Jones and social media; LeBron James education initiative; California wildfires and their causes; New Mexico compound child abuse; Tribune–Sinclair non-deal; MLB action; and NFL training camps-pre-season games were the most-talked-about-topics on American news/talk radio this past week of August 6-10, 2018 according to the ongoing research of TALKERS magazine. To see the complete list of top topics and most-talked-about people of the week, please click here.
Harrison Podcast Resurrects 36-Year-Old Interview with Apple I and Apple II Inventor Steve Wozniak. In commemoration of Apple, Inc. reaching the historic milestone of a one trillion dollar valuation, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison dug up a 36-year-old interview that he conducted with Apple, Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak, the designer and inventor of the original Apple I and II personal computers. It is the centerpiece of this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Originally aired in 1982 on the pioneering national cable TV talk show “Harrison’s Mic,” the 24-minute conversation explores the beginnings of Apple Computer, Inc. (as it was then called) from what was a relatively recent perspective (it was only six years old). More importantly, it reveals the prescient thinking and perspective of one of the most important electronic designers and computer scientists of the digital era (and eventual philanthropist) when he was only 32 years old and society had merely scratched the surface of the revolution about to change the way people live and think. This fascinating interview is a must-listen for pop culture enthusiasts and media freaks. Michael Harrison states, “I am only first understanding the level of historical and intellectual gold that exists in the thousands of interviews, specials and broadcasts collecting dust in my archives that go back a half-century. We never realized when this content was being created in those early days that it would be of such historical interest and value. It just seemed like disposable pop content of the moment. This gem of a conversation with the great Steve Wozniak, which I hadn’t heard in more than three decades, is a prime example. I am so happy to share it in 2018 upon the milestone of Apple setting such astonishing records.” To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Dubbed “The most-listened-to woman on radio,” Premiere Networks’ nighttime adult contemporary personality Delilah returned to New York City last Thursday (8/2) to host the annual summer performance, “Broadway in Bryant Park.” Presented by Delilah’s NYC affiliate, iHeartMedia AC WLTW “106.7 Lite FM,” the six-week event takes place at noon every Thursday (July 12 – August 16) and
features performances of the biggest hits from the most popular shows on and off Broadway. Highlighted last week, for example, were “Aladdin,” “Frozen,” and “The Lion King.” An inductee of both the National Radio Hall of Fame and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Delilah will be back next Thursday (8/16) to close out the series and welcome performances from “Be More Chill,” “Gettin’ The Band Back Together, “Once On This Island” and “School of Rock.” Pictured here from left to right are “Aladdin” cast members Major Attaway (“Genie”); Arielle Jacobs (“Jasmine”); Delilah, and Telly Young (“Aladdin”) …. Specifically targeting mainstream CHRs, r
hythmic CHRs, and hip-hop stations, the five-hour “Dana Cortez Show” is the first result of a joint syndication and sales initiative that was announced four months ago between ABC Radio and Skyview Networks. An ensemble cast is led by one of the first Latinas to host a nationally syndicated show. ABC Radio vice president and general manager Steve Jones comments, “Dana is a transformational talent
whose voice connects with a very broad audience and women in particular. We are extremely proud to syndicate ‘The Dana Cortez Show’ and help Dana, [her executive producer and husband] ‘DJ Automatic’ and ‘Anthony A’ [comedian Anthony Almanzar] entertain more listeners and drive affiliate revenue.” Skyview Networks president Ken Thiele remarks, “When we started this collaboration with ABC Radio, ‘The Dana Cortez Show’ is exactly the type of gold we were hoping to find – programs and 
personality with momentum on the rise. We welcome them to the family.” Cortez adds that, “Partnering with ABC Radio and Skyview Networks is the realization of a lifelong dream. From day one, Steve Jones and his team have championed having a female host as the lead for their morning syndication. It sends a very powerful message and I’m excited to help pave the way. Today’s audience expects authenticity, there are no secrets between us – nothing is off limits. Every morning is brimming with culture and content. Originality is at the core of everything we do. We believe our show is radio reimagined. It’s not what we do, it’s how we do it.” Cortez joined Univision Radio San Antonio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” three years ago from similarly-formatted KKSS “Kiss 97.3,” Albuquerque ….. Catapulting from his role of program director of iHeartMedia Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) CHR WWXM “Mix 97.7,” Ron Roberts takes on similar duties at Entercom Atlanta hot AC WSTR “Star 94.” He succeeds Tony Lorin, who exited earlier this year; a successor to Roberts at “Mix” is yet to be named … 
In iHeartMedia’s San Diego cluster, KGB-FM “San Diego’s Classic Rock” and KIOZ “Rock 105.3” program director Shauna Moran is promoted to director of rock programming for both stations. Meanwhile, KGB afternoon co-host Bob Buchmann becomes KGB’s operations manager/music director. According to Moran, “It has been an amazing week for KGB with the triumphant return home of DSC in mornings and the assembling of a powerhouse line up: Clint August in middays; Bob and Coe [Lewis] in afternoons; and Marc Coppola in nights. It also is a privilege to name Bob operations manager and music director for KGB.” Prior to joining KGB-FM and KIOZ in 1996, Moran spent five years in Denver as promotion director for KAZY, KRFX, and KBPI. Buchmann, who did mornings on KGB-FM before shifting to afternoons, has programmed WAXQ, New York; KLOS, Los Angeles; and was vice president of programming for WBAB, Long Island ….. Starting next month (9/4), changes at Bonneville Denver adult contemporary KOSI “Real-
Music-Variety” will find three-year afternoon host Jackie Selby shifting to mid-days, replacing Denise Plante, who departed last month. The afternoon slot vacated by Selby will be taken over by Melissa Moore, who will cross the hallway from country sibling KYGO, where she handles mid-days. Selby’s previous Denver background includes alternative KXPK “96.5 The Peak,” hot AC KALC “Alice 106,” classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105,” and adult standards KTNI “101.5 Martini on the Rockies.” Moore returns to KOSI, where she was morning co-host in the late-1990’s. Her resume includes Orlando’s WWKA “Country “K-92,” Minneapolis hot AC KSTP-FM “KS 95,” and afternoons on the contemporary Christian “WAY-FM” network …..Five-year Radio One Indianapolis CHR WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” integrated media specialist Tony Severino will join crosstown Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS “92.3 World Class Rock – Experience The Music” next Tuesday (8/14) as director of sales. “His enthusiasm for our industry and what we can do for clients is outstanding,” states WTTS president and general manager Geoff Vargo, while station manager Brad Holtz notes, “The passion he has for the opportunities that lie ahead for our unique brand of local radio was evident upon our first conversation.” Severino succeeds Daryl McIntire, who has left the station ….. To promote the addition of Premiere 
Networks morning talent Bobby Bones to its on-air lineup (5:00 am – 10:00 am), iHeartMedia Louisville’s WAMZ “97.5 Kentuckiana’s #1 for Country” partnered with “Field of Screams” to showcase a guitar-playing skeleton and “The Bobby Bones Show” logo. Including a six-acre corn maze, the annual haunted house event is open from September 16 through October 27 in Brandenburg, Kentucky ….. Alpha Media Canton, Ohio hot AC WHBC-FM “Mix 94.1” is the latest affiliate of Envision Networks’ EnvisionVirtualServices. According to “Mix” program director John Stewart, [meteorologist] John Wetherbee is mindful of Ohio’s ever-changing weather pattern. If our weather changes, he updates his forecasts.”
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Field Answers USTN Lawsuit: “Ridiculous allegations.” As we reported last Monday (Talkers.com, 7/30), in a complaint filed in Harris County, Texas District Court, United States Traffic Network is suing Entercom for material and punitive damages “in excess of $5 million.” USTN alleges
that Entercom entered into negotiations to buy the company and walked away from the deal at the last minute with the intent of developing a directly competitive business. Yesterday (Monday, 8/6), Entercom president/CEO David Field addressed the lawsuit in an internal memo. He writes, “The truth is we have acted in good faith and made every reasonable effort and then some to assist USTN in fixing their challenging 
issues.” Entercom released a statement including the following quote on the situation: “We are relieved to no longer be mired by the difficult USTN situation that was inherited as part of the CBS Radio merger. We will move quickly to augment our strong internal sales organization to ensure that we realize the full value of this inventory. With leading news brands like WINS, New York; KNX, Los Angeles; and WBBM, Chicago, Entercom has the industry’s most valuable traffic inventory. We are pleased to be in control of our own destiny as we pursue opportunities in this attractive market segment.” In response to the lawsuit, Field states, “Entercom believes it is entirely baseless, frivolous and frankly insulting. Entercom has worked tirelessly and constructively with USTN over the past six months to help USTN work through its significant financial issues. Entercom is owed substantial amounts of money by USTN, and the company intends to defend itself vigorously and assert all of its rights.” In yesterday’s memo, Field states, “To say the least, it is disappointing to read the ridiculous allegations that USTN has made when the truth is that we have acted in good faith and made every reasonable effort and then some to assist USTN in fixing their challenging issues. In order to set the record straight and ensure that you have all the facts regarding our relationship with USTN, I have included a summary of the events over the past 8 ½ months.” Click here to read the rest of Field’s memo.
Bortnick Joins iHeartMedia D.C. as Senior VP/Sales. Six-year vice president of sales for Entercom Washington (D.C.), Danny Bortnick crosses the street to become senior vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s five stations in the Nation’s Capital. Region president Michael Preacher remarks, “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Danny to iHeartMedia. Danny has earned a great reputation building client-centric sales organizations while creating a positive work culture. He is the perfect fit for us.” Bortnick adds, “I am thrilled to be joining some of the most iconic brands in [the market], as well as one of the most recognizable media brands in the country.” Bortnick, who has a marketing and management degree from the University of Miami – School of Business, began his radio career 13 years ago as an account executive at Katz Radio in New York City and Atlanta. After a year at Katz, he became an account executive – and later, digital sales manager – at New York City all-news outlet WINS and then, director of sales for Salem Media Group New York City.
Saga Reports 6.5% Q2 Net Revenue Increase. For the quarter ending June 30, Saga Communications net revenue increased to $32.2 million. Meanwhile, operating income increased 2.7% to $6 million and station operating expense
increased 8% to $23.1 million. Free cash flow from continuing operations was $6 million for the quarter, compared to $4.8 million for the same period last year. On a same station basis, net revenue decreased .6% to $30.1 million; operating income increased 1.5% to $6 million; and station operating expense decreased 1% to $21.2 million. The company had $52.9 million in cash on hand as of June 30, and $53.3 million as of yesterday (8/6). The company’s total long-term debt was $25 million as of June 30. Results for the quarter and six-month period were affected by the sale of the company’s television stations and purchase of radio stations in Charleston and Hilton Head (South Carolina) on September 1, 2017. Saga’s 2018 Q2 conference call will be at 11:00 am (ET) today (Tuesday, 8/7). Saga owns or operates 75 FM and 33 AM radio stations.
Gregg Receives Salute to Excellence Award. For the second consecutive year, Entercom Philadelphia’s KYW “News Radio 1060” community affairs 
reporter 
Cherri Gregg is recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). This time, she will receive a “Salute to Excellence Award” at the NABJ’s gala in Detroit. Entercom Philadelphia senior vice president and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “It comes as no surprise that Cherri has been recognized once again for the exemplary work she contributes to KYW. The hard work she has committed in less than a year demonstrates why she is deserving of this honor.” Gregg remarks, “I am honored and humbled by this great recognition. This acknowledgment validates the importance of creating conversation around social issues.” Gregg was recognized in the “Public Affairs” 
category in “Top 15 Markets, Radio.” The specific segment – “Police Transparency – When Should Names of Officers Who Kill Be Released?” – was from her weekly program “Flashpoint,” which airs Saturdays (9:30 pm) and Sundays (8:30 am). Launched in 2017, “Flashpoint” discusses community affairs, political news, civil rights and social issues. Last year, NABJ honored Gregg with a “Salute to Excellence Award” in “TV Investigative – Top 15 Markets” for her piece “Driving While Black,” a collaboration between Entercom and KYW-TV, Philadelphia (Channel 3). Gregg, who joined Entercom in 2010, was president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (2015 – 2016) and vice president of broadcast in 2013. A member of the Pennsylvania and Georgia Bars, she has an undergraduate degree (B.S.) from Boston University; a J.D. from Howard University School of Law; and an M.J. from Temple University’s College of Communications and Theater. Gregg was named one of the Philadelphia NAACP’s Most Influential Black Women and PABJ’s Journalist of the Year in 2013.
Remembering Bill Wattenburg. Cancer has claimed the life of 82-year-old Bill Wattenburg, who died last Thursday (8/2). For 39 years (1972 – 2011), “Dr. Bill” hosted a late night show on KGO, San Francisco where the former nuclear weapons designer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory would answer questions about everything from car repairs to physics. Show promos often referred to him as “The smartest man in the world.” The three-hour program (“Open Line to the West Coast,” 10:00 pm – 1:00 am) aired Saturday and Sunday nights and originated from his home in the Sierras. An occasional caller was Clint Eastwood, who gave Wattenburg a few cameos in the “Dirty Harry” movies. Using the nom de plume Will Harvey, the inventor and former physics professor at the University of California – Berkeley authored an early-1970s best-selling book “How to Find and Fascinate a Mistress.” The success of that book led to him being booked on numerous television talk shows where he debated the merits of feminism with people such as the Gabor sisters and Gloria Steinem. As an inventor, Wattenburg had eight patents to his credit, one reportedly being the first home alarm system using electrical wiring for its communication medium. A 2011 KGO format modification from news/talk to news resulted in several hosts – including Wattenburg – exiting the station. Shortly thereafter, Wattenburg hosted a show on Zwerling Broadcasting System news/talk KSCO-AM, Santa Cruz (California), which – after his death – aired a two-hour retrospective of his radio career.
Spanish Broadcasting System Forecasts Q2 Sales, OIBDA Increases. Preliminary estimated quarter two financial results for Spanish Broadcasting System estimates that consolidated net revenue will be between $34.5 million and $34.8 million, an increase of between 1% and 2% over the same 
period in 2017. Adjusted OIBDA, excluding non-cash stock-based compensation, is projected at $10.8 million – $11.6 million, an increase of 34% – 44% over last year. SBS chair/chief executive officer Raul Alarcon notes, “The company has continued its positive operational momentum throughout the second quarter with strong OIBDA growth and operating margins that continue to be among the highest in the industry. In addition, the announced $14 million sale of our surplus real estate in New York City has successfully closed, allowing for our move to newer and more suitable facilities in midtown Manhattan. A correlated and corresponding repayment of the company’s 12.5% senior secured notes from the net proceeds of the real estate sale has been undertaken, as previously envisioned. We maintain our positive view as to the continuing momentum in 2018 and will be filing our finalized second-quarter results within the next week.”
Ten Radio Groups Support NAB’s Owner Cap Modification Stance. Represented in this particular assemblage of group owners is “a cross-section of the industry” with minority-owned and family-owned entities that have stations in large and small markets. In alphabetical order by group owner, the open letter is signed by Alpha Media CEO Bob Proffitt; Connoisseur Media founder/CEO Jeff Warshaw; Emmis Communications chair/CEO Jeff Smulyan; Midwest Communications COO Michael Wright; Mid-West Family Stations president Thomas Walker; Neuhoff Communications president/CEO Beth Neuhoff; NRG Media president/CEO Mary Quass; Perry Publishing and Broadcasting chair Russell Perry; Townsquare Media co-CEOs Dhruv Prasad and Bill Wilson; and Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri president/owner John Zimmer. Read the entire letter here.
Round One of July 2018 PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including 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 July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
TALKERS News Notes. Following stints on New Jersey outlets WMTR and WCTC, Jonathan Friedman’s “Talking 
Sports” (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) debuts this Saturday (8/11) on Salem Media Group New York City’s news/talk WNYM “AM 970, The Answer.” The 52-year-old New Jersey resident notes, “I wanted to bring the show to a bigger stage. Growing up in Atlanta and being a huge fan of the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks, and Braves, my love for sports started early in my life. No matter who I talk to, the topic always seems to go to sports; that’s how I connect with people.” A 30-year advertising executive, Friedman has been with Success Communications Group the last 15 years and created the “Gotta Go To Mo’s” campaign for Modell’s Sporting Goods ….. St. Louis-based Project 21 co-chair Stacy Washington is broadcasting “Stacy on the Right” live nationwide. The first hour of the weekday talk program is available on all 180 
stations of the American Family Radio Network. The national hour is 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (ET) and can be streamed through the AFR website, TuneInRadio, Facebook, and YouTube. Decorated Air Force veteran and Emmy-nominated TV personality Washington began her broadcasting career several years ago as a fill-in host on news/talk KFTK, St. Louis and began a two-hour program on the Urban Family Talk Network in 2016 ….. Having added ten million listeners over the last few months, iHeartRadio officially surpasses 120 million registered users. It has over 20,000 podcasts in 20 different unique categories, including 750 iHeartRadio original podcasts ….. According to a report by Richard Deitsch in The Athletic, former NFL quarterback (St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals) Kurt Warner will succeed Boomer Esiason as analyst on Westwood One’s “Monday Night Football” broadcasts. Hall of Famer Warner – who has filled-in when Esiason wasn’t available – would work alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan. According to Deitsch, a formal announcement of the deal is forthcoming ….. In a situation that will have him relocating to the network’s Chicago headquarters, Scott Krus – station manager of religious teaching WCRF “Moody 
Radio,” Cleveland – is promoted to general manager of the national Moody Radio Network. Three-month vice president, and former GM, Doug Hastings states, “Scott has the background, skills, and passion to take Moody Radio into our next season. He is very well known at Moody Radio; respected by staff and industry leaders; and has proven that he will effectively lead Moody Radio as general manager.” Krus, who begins his new duties in approximately four weeks (9/1), comments, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our teams and [am] energized by the challenge of navigating this ever-changing landscape of media ministry. I believe that Moody is strategically-positioned to expand on its role as a leader in the industry and uniquely equipped to inspire listeners to take that next step in their walk with Jesus Christ. I am looking forward with great excitement to all that God will do in the days to come.”
Paul Manafort Trial/Gates Testimony, Kushner Deleted Stories, Midterm Races, California Wildfire, MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/6). The trial of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort highlighted by the juicy testimony of Rick Gates; claims that Jared Kushner deleted sensitive stories at his newspaper; the attempted drone assassination attempt of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro; this fall’s midterm elections; the deadly California wildfire; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Premiere Promotes Silcock to VP/Affiliate Relations – Morning Shows. Six-year, New York City-based director of affiliate relations Casey Silcock 
receives vice president stripes from Premiere Networks. In the newly-created position of vice president of affiliate relations – morning shows, Silcock will oversee affiliate sales and serve as the syndicator’s brand manager for programs featuring Elvis Duran; Bobby Bones; Brooke & Jubal; Johnjay & Rich; and Kane. Senior vice president of affiliate relations/talk and morning shows Peter Tripi comments, “Casey has been a valuable member of our team for the past six years, and he has made significant contributions to the growth of our industry-leading morning shows. I’m confident his leadership, sound judgment, and solid relationships with affiliate stations and talent alike will drive continued success for our programming.” Silcock previously was head of promotion for Verve Music Group, a division of Universal Music Group, and held management promotion and marketing positions at Virgin Records America.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Weekend WTXF-TV “Fox 29,” Philadelphia sports anchor Sean Brace will 
appear each Friday at 8:20 am on iHeartMedia Philadelphia rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” during “Chio in the AM.” In addition, Brace will contribute to the station’s website and host a Saturday night (7:00 pm – 12:00 midnight) music show. He formerly was heard on cross-town Greater Media (now Beasley Media Group) sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” ….. It is an eventful day for San Antonio air-on talent named “Cortez.” Taking to Facebook, Tony Cortez announces he is leaving his position as assistant program director/afternoon drive talent at Alpha Media’s CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1,” while “The Dana Cortez Show” was missing this morning at cross-town Univision Radio-owned rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat.” On Twitter, Dana Cortez tweets, “We have some exciting things in the works & want you to be part of.” ….. Promotions coordinator/night personality Edwin Guevara is elevated to promotions director/afternoon host at Townsquare Media Trenton, New Jersey CHR 
WPST “94.5 – Your New #1 Hit Music Station.” He replaces Tom Shinn, who exited last month. Guevara is approaching his third year at the station, arriving from Kemp Broadcasting Las Vegas rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” ….. Former Bonneville country KYGO, Denver program director Eddie Haskell is named senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Fort Collins (Colorado) stations. 
According to iHeartMedia Denver area president Amy Griesheimer, “I am thrilled to have someone of Eddie’s caliber and expertise partner with us to lead [our] Northern Colorado dynasty. Eddie’s passion and brand knowledge are unmatched.” Denver region senior vice president of programming Jason McCollim notes, “Eddie’s knowledge and experience in Colorado radio are second to none. His addition to the Fort Collins team will only help to increase our already strong footprint in Northern Colorado.” Haskell adds, “I am so stoked to join the team at iHeartMedia Fort Collins. We have great brands, great programmers, and a great management team.” His prior background includes being operations manager for Cumulus Media Albuquerque and he has held various programming roles in Detroit (WYCD) and Salt Lake City (KKAT-AM). The iHM cluster in Fort Collins includes country KXBG “Big 97.9”; classic hits-oldies KXBG-HD2 “B-107.3”; classic country KIIX “AM 1410 – Country’s Greatest Hits”; CHR KSME “96.1 – Kiss-FM”; classic rock KPAW “92.9 – The Bear”; alternative KPAW-HD2 “Radio 94.9”; and news/talk KCOL “Fox News Radio 600” ….. Grammy winner – and the first “American Idol” – Kelly Clarkson is filming a pilot for a daytime (TV) talk show. Clarkson has a deal with NBC Entertainment, but the pilot is currently not attached to any network; it is potentially being shopped for a fall 2019 debut.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Will Tomorrow Be the Day iHeartMedia’s Future Becomes Clearer? On Sunday, iHeartMedia and Consenting Lenders entered into a Forbearance Agreement that put off iHM’s defaut on an interest payment on 14% Senior Notes until midnight tomorrow (3/7). That gives both sides more time to work out a
solution to the company’s $20 billion in debt and avoid putting the matter into the hands of a bankruptcy judge. Analysts watching this case are taking note of the fact that John Malone’s Liberty Media purchased $400 million of iHM’s debt last week and now becomes a creditor in the event of a bankruptcy. Just how important Liberty’s involvement as a creditor becomes remains to be seen but, remember that Liberty came to the aid of SiriusXM when it needed cash and now controls a majority interest in that company. A lot of the consumer press stories covering the iHeartMedia debt saga that TALKERS editors have seen imply the company is on the verge of “failure.” But the reality – borne out by its quarterly financial reports – is that the company is making money. It’s just not making enough to cover interest payments on the massive debt. The latest term sheet from iHeartMedia summarizes a proposed restructuring of the company that would reduce its debt (in exchange for equity) to $5.75 billion. As part of the proposed terms, it would spin off Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings.
And ‘The Loop’ in Chicago Goes to…Educational Media Foundation! At first, today’s FCC filing to transfer classic rock WLUP-FM, Chicago from Merlin Media
to non-profit Christian broadcaster Educational Media Foundation for $21.5 million seems surprising, but EMF did recently acquire KSWD, Los Angeles from Entercom and, unlike many secular, commercial broadcasting companies, it has money in the bank. If approved, it’s expected that EMF will install its “K-Love” Christian contemporary format on the station. Unfortunately, the deal means the current staff – including morning personality Erich “Mancow” Muller – will be out of work. The other Merlin Media station still on the block in Chicago is alternative rock WKQX.
Salem Media Group LMAs KPAM, Portland. In a press release issued Monday (3/5), Salem Media Group acknowledges that it is operating news/talk KPAM, Portland and adult standards KKOV “Sunny 1550” – both stations in the process 
of being sold by Pamplin Broadcasting to Intelli LLC. The presser is titled, “KPAM is Alive and Well” and notes that KPAM airs “live and local drive-time programs – ‘First Edition’ from 6am to 10am and ‘Afternoon Northwest’ from 3pm to 6pm – and syndicated programs such as ‘The Clark Howard Show,’ ‘The Schnitt Show,’ ‘The Michael Medved Show,’ and ‘The Joe Pags Show.’ Hourly news, weather, and sports as well as drive-time traffic are also featured.”
WRKO, Boston Adds Joe Pags Show for Evenings. The WOAI, San Antonio-based Joe Pags show – hosted by Joe Pagliarulo – is joining the program lineup of iHeartMedia’s WRKO, Boston. The Joe Pags show – heard in more than 100
markets across the country – airs in the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot. WRKO program director Michael Czarnecki says “We are thrilled to have Joe join the WRKO weekday line up. Joe does so much more 
than just political talk. He entertains, makes you think, makes you laugh, heck he even sings. This makes him the perfect addition to the WRKO family.” Pagliarulo states, “When you hear the call letters WRKO, you hear heritage – and a station most hosts can only dream of being on. I’m psyched beyond words that my show is coming to this amazing station. It’s an opportunity I cherish and simply cannot wait to talk with the great people of Boston on a daily basis. Thank you so much to the management team for the trust and support!”
Saga Communications’ Fourth Quarter Net Revenue Rises 2.3%. During 2017, Saga Communications executed the sale of its television stations and purchased radio stations in Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Those transactions resulted in net income increasing $9.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 and $36.5 million for the year. Saga reports that net revenue increased 2.3% to $31.5 million during Q4. For the entire year, net revenue
decreased 0.7% to $118.2 million. For the fourth quarter, operating income decreased $433,000 to $5.3 million when adjusted for the $1.5 million charge for impairment of intangible assets. Station operating expense increased 5.4% to $23.2 million (station operating expense includes depreciation and amortization attributable to the stations) primarily due to the acquisition of the Charleston and Hilton Head radio stations. Free cash flow was $6.3 million compared to $7.6 million last year. Same station net revenue decreased 4.2% to $29.5 million primarily due to a decrease in gross political revenue of $1 million and same station operating expense decreased 2.5% to $21.5 million for the quarter.
Urban One Reports Q4 2017 Net Revenue Down 4%. The silver lining in this fourth quarter 2017 financial report from Urban One is that broadcast and digital operating income increased 2.8% compared to the same period in 2016. But overall, net revenue was approximately $109 million, a decrease of 4% from the same period in 2016. Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $38.7 million for the 
quarter, compared to $30.9 million for the same period in 2016, an increase of 25.6%. Urban One president and CEO Alfred C. Liggins, III says, “Overall, we produced a strong quarter from an Adjusted EBITDA standpoint, and as a result we were able to show full year Adjusted EBITDA growth, despite the challenging market conditions. Our core radio revenues were up slightly for the quarter, excluding the impact of political revenues. Our TV advertising revenues suffered from weak ratings delivery, which was somewhat offset by growth in affiliate revenues. Our digital business benefitted from the integration of our acquisition of the Bossip, Madame Noire and Hip Hop Wired brands, and was up significantly in both revenue and Adjusted EBITDA compared to prior year. We were able to control costs, most notably at TV One and Corporate. During the quarter, we repurchased a further $20 million of our 9.25% notes at a discount, and we remain strongly committed to reducing net leverage.”
TALKERS News Notes. Sports giant ESPN announces James Pitaro is the company’s new chief, taking over for John Skipper, who suddenly stepped down from his position in December in order to address what was termed a long-time substance abuse issue. Pitaro has been serving the Walt Disney company in an executive capacity in the digital realm. Pitaro will also serve as co-chair of Disney’s television segment…..JVC Media’s Long Island news/talk outlet WRCN, Riverhead “LI News Radio 103.9 FM” is presenting a “Spring Back to Business” event designed to be a “networking social get-together” on March 26 at its studio operations at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma. Station personality Frank MacKay will introduce FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio personality Brian Kilmeade who will take part in a Q&A with attendees.
Bill Lally Dies After Battle with Cancer. Family, friends and the Southern California radio community are mourning the loss of Bill Lally, who passed away
over the weekend after a long battle with cancer. Lally was a longtime operations manager and APD at KFI, KLAC and KTLK in Los Angeles who exited the company in 2009 during the massive round of layoffs that took place at then-Clear Channel that year. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Lally had also served with WABC, New York; Westwood One; WMCA; and CBS RADIO during his career.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Sam Nunberg Subpoena, Financial Reforms Rollback, North Korea-South Korea Talks, Trump Tariffs/Trade War, Senate School Safety Bill, Netanyahu-Trump Meeting, the Oscars, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/5). The investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents and the bizarre media tour by former Trump aide Sam Nunberg after being subpoenaed by special counsel Robert Mueller; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposes rolling back reforms enacted after the 2008 financial crisis; North Korea’s Kim Jong Un meets with South Korean officials; President Trump’s proposed steel and aluminum tariffs and House Speaker Paul Ryan’s move to block them; the U.S. Senate proposes a school safety bill in the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida shooting; embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to Washington and his meeting with President Trump; Sunday night’s Academy Awards show; 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. The morning show at iHeartMedia’s hip hop WUSL, Philadelphia “Power 99” adds Roxy Romeo to the cast. She’ll join the “Rise & Grind Morning Show” featuring Mikey Dredd and Mutha Knows, effective March 12. iHM Philly
director of urban programming Derrick Corbett says, “To be able to add a talent the likes of Roxy to our staff is phenomenal. She’s an incredible personality who has the ability to make you feel as if you’ve known her for years upon first listen. We’re excited to be able to share her voice with the city of Philadelphia, and that she’s chosen to make 
‘Power 99’ her new home.” Romeo was most recently midday jock, APD and music director at the company’s “REAL 103.9” in Las Vegas…..Nate Bell is named program director at iHeartMedia’s hip hop WJLB and urban contemporary WMXD “Mix 92.3” in Detroit. EVP of urban/hip hop programming Doc Wynter says, “We are so excited to have Nate back in our urban programming brain trust. He was missed, but it was destiny for him to come back to
iHeartMedia. Things are about to heat up in Detroit!”…..In Charlotte, iHeartMedia names Brooke Morrison afternoon personality for CHR WHQC “Channel 96.1.” Station PD A.J. says, “We are very excited about what Brooke will bring to Charlotte. Her high level of engagement, work ethic and passion for music and entertainment make her a superstar on and off the air. I look forward to her joining the team as we build the next chapter of ‘Channel 96.1.’”
Friday, February 2, 2018
TALKERS Convention Early Bird Discount Ends Today! DON’T MISS THE DISCOUNT! The opportunity to attend the 21st annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important convention at a significantly reduced registration fee comes to an end today (Friday, February 2) at 5:00 pm ET. Those registering before the deadline will save $50. TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! will take place on Friday, June 8 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, and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! 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 2018: Full Speed Ahead! is only open to members of the professional media industry and communications students. Because seating is limited, and the event has been an early sellout every year since the 1990s, in order to maintain this policy, non-refundable registrations can only be purchased via telephone with a credit card. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments costs $329 per person. However, those registering before 5:00 pm ET TODAY pay only $279. The convention is already well on its way to being an early sellout. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
Tim Clarke Upped to VP of Audience and Content for Radio at Cox. In this new role, Tim Clarke will “set the overarching content strategy for radio — programming, new content development, content distribution, audience growth and measurement” for
Cox Media Group. Clarke has been serving CMG as senior director of digital audience for radio. The company says that “vice president of programming Steve Smith will continue in his critical role to oversee CMG 
format leaders and work directly on radio programming with radio stations and brand managers.” Smith will report to Clarke in this new structure. Clarke says, “It is an honor to take on these expanded responsibilities. Cox is truly an incredible organization and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I have been afforded throughout my 13-year career here. This is an exciting, transformative time for the media business and Cox Media Group has the best radio brands and digital products in local media.”
Cumulus and Merlin Agree to Path Forward for WKQX and WLUP-FM in Chicago. With stations operator Cumulus Media in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and unwilling to buy the two Chicago rock stations for the previously contracted price of $50 million, stations owner Merlin Media and Cumulus have agreed to the following
new terms. Cumulus will continue to operate the stations under the local marketing agreement but will not be bound to purchase the alternative and classic rock outlets. Merlin will continue to present the stations to prospective buyers. Cumulus president and CEO 
Mary Berner says, “We’re pleased to reach this mutual agreement, which establishes a clear path forward for these stations and our employees in Chicago following months of negotiations with Merlin. We continue to be interested in permanently acquiring these stations on economic terms that make sense for our business. In the meantime, as we have for the past several years, Cumulus will continue to operate WKQX-FM and WLUP-FM while Merlin seeks a new owner. Importantly, nothing is changing in the near-term. It is business as usual for team members, advertisers and partners, and we look forward to achieving a favorable outcome for all parties involved.” The new agreement with Merlin provides for an approximately three-month extension of the LMA with additional extensions thereafter, exercisable upon mutual agreement by Cumulus and Merlin.
Bankruptcy Judge Relieves Cumulus of Contract Responsibilities. Yesterday, Cumulus Media was in court for a hearing before bankruptcy Judge Shelley Chapman. As you’re aware, the company asked the court to let it out of some 20
contracts that it deemed were untenable – including the Merlin deal in Chicago noted above. Judge Chapman agrees to let Cumulus out of all the deals – the Chicago Bulls had already arranged to move their radio play-by-play from WLS-AM to Entercom’s crosstown WSCR – except a content distribution agreement that Westwood One has with CNBC.
Alpha Media Names Format Captains; Greg Martin to Lead News/Talk/Sports. Nine format captains are named by Alpha Media, with news/talk KTSA and sports talk KZDC, San Antonio operations manager and content director Greg Martin appointed to lead the news/talk/sports formats. Alpha has this to say about Martin: He’s “spent the
better part of his career doing top 40 at great stations such as KKSS, Albuquerque; KHFI, Austin, KQKS, Denver; and KTFM, San Antonio. Several 
years after returning to San Antonio in 1999 to do afternoons on KTFM, Greg eventually transitioned into operations and programming ‘News Talk 550’ KTSA and ‘ESPN San Antonio’ day-to-day.” Speaking about the new roles, Alpha Media EVP of content Scott Mahalick says, “We are always proud to promote from within Alpha. Our format captains have been carefully selected based on their experience, format expertise, reliability, and performance. I look forward to seeing great success happen from this collaboration.” Other format captain appointments are: rock/alternative/AAA – Kenny Vest; classic hits/oldies – Rick Hirschmann; country – Joe “MoJoe” Roberts; hot AC/AC – Leo Baldwin; CHR – Ben Davis; urban/urban AC/Gospel – Darrick “Brown” Williams; rhythmic/throwbacks – Mark “TicTak” Allen; and Spanish – Alfonso Flores.
Former All-News KQV, Pittsburgh Sold for $55,000. Once upon a time, KQV, Pittsburgh was a big-time CHR station serving the market. Later it morphed into an all-news station operated by the Dickey family’s Calvary Inc. (not the Atlanta Dickeys of
Cumulus fame). Just before the holidays, Calvary revealed that the news format was just too expensive to continue operating the station and that, after much soul-searching, it would be selling the heritage signal. Now we learn that Bob Stevens – a principal of Broadcast Communications Inc. – is buying the station for $55,000. This deal is a “limited asset purchase agreement” and Stevens will move the transmitter location for the station to the one occupied by his current property, WEDO, McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
PPM Analysis: Public News/Talk. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents this analysis of the performances of stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2017 PPM survey, today focusing on public news/talk. Given that the Holiday survey period takes place at a time of year that pulls people out of their usual listening habits, it’s not surprising that “only about one of every five stations on this public news/talk panel are up December 2017 – ‘Holiday’ 2017 (22%, 6+) while 72% are down; the remaining 6% of the sample is flat.” However, comparing Holiday 2016 6+ ratings to Holiday 2017, “more than six of 10 stations from our eligible public news/talk sample are up year-to-year (64%); 26% are down; and the remaining 10% are unchanged from a year ago.” No public news/talk station ranked #1 in its market during the Holiday survey, but four ranked #2: KQED, San Francisco (and in the nearby San Jose market; KUOW, Seattle; KPBS, San Diego; and KOPB, Portland. See the whole report here.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly Tips FOX News’ Brian Kilmeade. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly (right) poses for a pic with FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio star Brian Kilmeade (left) after appearing on Kilmeade’s radio show and telling his listeners that President Trump will release the secret FBI surveillance memo very soon. Kilmeade Tweeted out this pic and the scoop from Kelly.
TALKERS News Notes. It’s the end of an era for New Orleans Saints fans as local radio play-by-play legend Jim Henderson, a.k.a. Hondo, is retiring from his booth duties
after 31 years with Entercom’s WWL-AM/FM. Entercom New Orleans market manager Chris Wegmann says, “Jim has been a beloved member of our team at WWL in New Orleans for many years. He made a very complex job look easy and raised the bar for sportscasters everywhere. I speak on behalf of the entire WWL family when I say we will miss Jim dearly, as will all New Orleans Saints fans across the Gulf South and throughout the country. We wish him the absolute best on his next chapter.”…..The compensation committee of 
Cumulus Media agrees to extend the contract of EVP of corporate marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes. She’ll also be getting a raise, effective July 3, bumping her annual salary to $650,000. The new deal puts Grimes under contract with the company through July 2020. As with most corporate executives, her contract also includes a bonus structure and the ability to earn stock options…..The talk radio show “Vegas Never Sleeps with Steven Maggi” is going national via the Biztalk Radio Network. Maggi calls his show a “weekly romp to Las Vegas, the capital of fun, food and entertainment” that provides “a look behind the scenes of world-class hotels, dining, gaming, special events and conventions.” Maggi began hosting the program in 2016 and he says the Sunday 11:00 am ET show is “the perfect addition for stations looking for a weekend program that brings the excitement and energy of Las Vegas to their market.”
Trump’s State of the Union Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 29-February 2. This week’s State of the Union Address from President Trump was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Trump-Russia investigation and whether the president will talk with special counsel Robert Mueller. Coming in at #3 was the controversy over the potential release of the secret FBI surveillance memo, followed by the status of the Obama-era DACA act and the administration’s immigration policy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programmer Jason Carr joins the iHeartMedia Cleveland cluster to serve as program director for alternative “ALT 99.1 FM” (WMMS-HD2/W256BT) and assistant program director for rock WMMS. iHeartMedia North Ohio Region president Keith Hotchkiss comments, “Jason Carr comes to Cleveland after spending 10-plus years programming and running stations in Florida. I’m excited for him to head north, experience the Cleveland winter, contribute to the growth of ‘ALT 99.1 FM’ and further strengthen the brand of ‘100.7 WMMS.’”…..Entercom announces a branding tweak and air-talent changes on some of its San Diego stations. First, alternative KBZT leaves behind the “FM 94/9” brand and is now “ALT 949.” The air talent moves are reflected in the new lineups at adult contemporary KYXY and classic hits KXSN “Sunny 98.1.” KYXY’s new schedule is: Susan DeVincent in mornings, Dorothy Tran in middays, Joe Rosati in afternoons and Sherry Knight for evenings. At KXSN, AJ and Sara host mornings, Dave Mason is in middays, Gene Knight hosts afternoons and Brooks O’Brian is the night personality…..As reported first by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Entercom’s triple A WXRT, Chicago announces plans to drop the 43-year-old Sunday night “Jazz Transfusion” program hosted by Barry Winograd. The show’s final edition will be this Sunday at 11:00 pm.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Honolulu Morning Mainstay Rick Hamada Guests on this Week’s Harrison Podcast. Longtime, KHVH 830 AM, Honolulu morning host Rick Hamada is this week’s guest on the PodcastOne award-winning series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Hamada and Harrison 
discuss the view of life – nationally and locally – seen from the perspective of an iHeartMedia-owned conservative news/talker in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They discuss the North Korea crisis, immigration reform, race relations and a number indigenous topics impacting the lives of those who call the 50th state home. Harrison says, “I met Rick Hamada at the recent FAIR ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ immigration reform radio row in Washington, DC and was a guest on his show. I was taken by his gentlemanly manner and articulate insights into the worldview from the United States of America’s most westerly outpost and knew right there I’d have to invite him on this podcast. I’m glad I did. This is a real cool conversation.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Digital Creates a New Ballgame For Boston’s WEEI. While some radio stations and companies are working harder and in some cases struggling to make digital dollars and traffic work for them, Boston’s WEEI (850AM/93.7FM) has proven digital can work extremely well for their station and brand. The Boston and New England region Entercom sports/talk powerhouse weaves its podcasts, along with an unusually strong presence on social media, into a mechanism that drives listeners to and from the radio and social media, and advertisers to multiple platforms. Success for WEEI’s digital arm didn’t happen overnight. The digital and social media launch came nine years ago as the stock market was tanking and businesses crumbling during the “great recession,” and now employs eight full and part-time staffers who also bring strong content to the radio while on-air sports radio hosts enhance their digital domain. To read all about TALKERS special features correspondent Jeff McKay’s story covering this phenomenal success, please click here.
Davis Deal Keeps Him at iHM for Four More Years. On the heels of celebrating his 25th anniversary with the company, Darren Davis agrees to a four-year contract extension as president of iHeartMedia Networks Group. “We are pleased that Darren will continue to lead the integration of our 
Networks group that enables iHeartMedia to harness the unparalleled power, reach, and scale of our digital and broadcast platforms,” notes iHeartMedia chairman and chief executive officer Bob Pittman. “His 25 years of experience working in every facet of iHeartMedia means he has a unique understanding of every aspect of our company, from our broadcast radio stations and iHeartRadio to our sales teams and partnerships, and how they can all work together to best serve our consumers, partners, affiliates, and advertisers.” Davis, who was appointed to his current position three years 
ago, comments that he is always “amazed by iHeartMedia’s evolution, which is built on broadcast radio and now provides one-of-a-kind programming and opportunities to connect our advertising partners across our unparalleled range of multiple platforms in ways that no other company can.” Davis continues as president of iHeartRadio’s live-streaming and podcasting and oversees integration of the company’s multi-platform assets. He started at iHeartMedia Washington, DC in 1992 as an intern at WASH-FM (then owned by Evergreen), where he graduated to program director of the heritage adult contemporary outlet. The George Washington University alum later advanced to regional vice president of programming for the company’s Chicago and Detroit operations and to senior vice president of programming and executive vice president/general manager of national programming.
CBS Radio Second-Quarter Revenue Down 2.2%. While Q2 revenue for parent CBS Corp. rose 9% year-to-year to a record $3.26 billion from $2.98 billion in 2016, radio division revenue was reported at $306 million, down from $313 million (-2.2%) in 2016. Conversely, that figure is up from $250 
million in 2017’s first-quarter. A noncash charge of $365 million for discontinued operations resulted from reducing the carrying value of CBS Radio to the level of the stock valuation of Entercom as it prepares to merge with Entercom in the second half of this year. In terms of CBS Corp. earnings, CBS Radio is classified as “held for sale,” adjusted each quarter based on Entercom’s stock price until that deal is finalized. CBS Radio recorded a $7 million restructuring charge tied with reorganizing some of its business operations, including severance costs and fees from ending some contractual obligations. According to CBS chairman and chief executive officer Les Moonves, “We continue to have more and more success as the landscape continues to change. Revenue was up 9% with top line growth in every one of our four business segments and EPS was up 12% to $1.04, representing our 30th consecutive quarter of EPS growth. Both of these totals were second quarter records for us. Our base advertising business is strong and growing, and at the same time, we’re laying new groundwork to ensure even more growth ahead. We are not only capitalizing on the changes in our industry, we are shaping the direction of these changes.” Local media revenue, which includes the company’s owned and operated television stations and CBS Local Digital Media, was $412 million, up 4% from $396 million last year.
PPM Data – Round One. Information for the July 2017 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 July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. See the data from these 12-PPM markets here.
Frandsen, Hoffar to Host “KNBR Tonight.” Bay Area natives Kevin Frandsen and Drew Hoffar are the two on-air talents 
selected for “KNBR Tonight” on Cumulus Media San Francisco sports talk KNBR “The Sports Leader.” The 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 
program debuts next Monday (8/14). KNBR program director Jeremiah Crowe opines, “Drew and Kevin are primed to make a huge impact in their new roles. Their work ethic is unmatched and both are committed to the smallest of details that will generate a great listener experience. They are relatable to the common fan, yet they each possess a vast knowledge of the overall sports landscape. I applaud Cumulus San Francisco for putting them in a position to shine.” A San Jose State University grad, Frandsen was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2004 and played for the team from 2006 – 2009, before joining the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2010), Philadelphia Phillies (2012 – 2013) and Washington Nationals (2014) before ending his 10-year MLB career with the Giants in 2015. He has filled in regularly on KNBR the past two years and remarks, “In my time as a major leaguer, I prided myself on performing in several roles as a utility player. Since arriving at KNBR. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the format’s most established personalities across a variety of timeslots. This evening post is a chance to advance my relationship with one of the best young talents in radio, connect with the best sports fans in the country, and move the KNBR brand forward into the digital age.” Hoffar grew up in San Leandro and has over 12 years of hosting experience and most recently served as lead host on KNBR morning show “The Audible,” alongside Frandsen. Hoffar previously held anchor and host positions at KGMZ, San Francisco and KHTK, Sacramento. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to reach so many diehard Bay Area sports fans on a nightly basis,” he states. “Hosting evenings on KNBR carries a responsibility to serve fans the quality content they deserve as the daily news cycle hits a close. Kevin and I will provide a unique perspective on the games and will look to entertain/inform listeners every time we open the mics.” The station’s revised weekday on-air lineup is comprised of “The Show Hour with Patrick Connor” (5:00 am – 6:00 am); “Murph & Mac” (6:00 am – 10:00 am); Gary Radnich & Larry Krueger (10:00 am – 1:00 pm); “Fitz & Brooks” (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm); “Tolbert & Lund” (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm); “KNBR Tonight with Drew Hoffar & Kevin Frandsen” (7:00 pm -10:00 pm); and CBS Sports Radio (10:00 pm – 5:00 am).
NPR Adds Bennett As Fourth White House Reporter. After serving as an NPR congressional reporter the past five months, Geoff Bennett is named 
White House reporter. In addition to Bennett, NPR’s team covering the White House now includes national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and White House correspondents Scott Horsley and Tamara Keith. NPR senior Washington editor Beth Donovan comments, “Just a few months into his return to NPR, Geoff has demonstrated the substantive reach, solid sourcing, and fluidity in stories. Those of us lucky enough to work alongside Geoff know he has done it with the grace and good humor we so need.” Before becoming a Washington reporter with NY1 News, Bennett spent almost six years at NPR as “Weekend Edition” editor.
McDonald Podcast Added to iHeartRadio. Two-time Emmy winner Rushion McDonald is making his “Money Making Conversations” podcast available on iHeartRadio. “I have known Rushion McDonald for over a decade and we have worked together on many projects,” states Premiere Networks 
president Julie Talbott. “I can honestly say he is one of the great creative business minds of our time. He has the uncanny ability to understand and solve the marketing needs of clients with innovative solutions involving talent, media, and events.” McDonald comments that he is “excited to share” his “Money Making Conversations” podcast “across iHeartRadio’s vast number of device platforms. Being available on iHeartRadio will allow me to help even more people reach their dreams through my meaningful discussions with celebrity friends and small business leaders.” Among others, guests thus far on McDonald’s podcast have included Cedric The Entertainer, Patti LaBelle, Carl Lewis, Roland Martin, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sherri Shepherd, Rickey Smiley, Stephen A. Smith, Michelle Williams, and Charlie Wilson.
Salem Q2 Revenue Declines. Consolidated second-quarter total revenue for Salem Media Group decreased 2.5% year-to-year to $66.1 million. Net income was down from $3.4 million to $1.3 million and net broadcast revenue fell 1.4% to $49.3 million. Meanwhile, digital media revenue was off 
1.6% to $10.9 million. Publishing revenue dipped 11.3% to $6 million. Salem Media Group is projecting third quarter total revenue to be off by 6% to 8% year-to-year, owing to lack of political revenue; reduced book release schedule; elimination of four loss-making magazines; and a continued soft Dallas market.
Texas Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2017 Inductees. There are 16 new members of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. In alphabetical order, they include: Nick Alexander (Dallas/Fort Worth); Mark Carrillo (San Antonio); Ed Chandler (Marble Falls); R.W. “Catfish” Crouch (Houston); Bill Davis (Tyler); Roger W. Garrett (College Station); Bill Harrison & Dana Adams; Bill Ingram (Houston); Tempie Lindsey (Dallas/Fort Worth); Bobby Lopez (San Antonio); Sam Malone (Houston); John McCarty (Dallas/Fort Worth); Chrissie Murnin (San Antonio); Denise Partridge (Houston); and Mark Watkins (Dallas/Fort Worth). The class of 2017 will be honored in three months (11/4) at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore.
Comcast Advertising Execs to Headline Radio Breakfast. Members of Comcast Cable’s marketing
team, including senior vice president of media strategy & sciences Kavita Vazirani, will participate in a discussion moderated by Radio Advertising Bureau president/CEO Erica Farber regarding the company’s relationship with radio. According to Farber, “Radio drives behavior, and Comcast Cable is a prime example of a top advertiser using radio as a method of communication to new and existing customers about new products and services. We look forward to welcoming Kavita Vazirani and her marketing team in Austin at the Radio Show to discuss radio’s role in their advertising mix.” The event will be held (Thursday) September 7 (7:30 am – 9:00 am) at Austin’s JW Marriott. The Radio Show is produced by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the RAB.
WNYC Studios Adds Bharara Podcast. “Stay Tuned with Preet,” a podcast hosted by former U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York Preet Bharara, has 
been picked up for distribution by WNYC Studios. The podcast – described by WNYC as being a series about justice and fairness – is produced by his brother Vinit Bharara’s media firm Some Spider Studios and Pineapple Street Media. According to New York Public Radio president and chief executive officer Laura Walker, “WNYC Studios is honored to add Preet Bharara’s compelling and timely podcast to our lineup. We have built our portfolio around distinct personalities; ‘Stay Tuned with Preet’ promises to bring podcast audiences and people interested in our political and legal 
culture something new, relevant, and utterly engaging.” Vinit Bharara adds, “I am really looking forward to Preet launching his podcast and sharing with the world his unique insights about justice and fairness – especially at a time when those two issues are at stake.” Initially asked to stay on board by the administration, Preet Bharara was fired by President Trump in March.
TALKERS News Notes. Hosted by NPR international correspondent Gregory Warner, “Rough Translation” is a new podcast about how topics that are discussed in America are handled in other countries. Debuting next Monday (8/14), “Rough Translation” will release new episodes weekly. Correspondents 
from NPR bureaus worldwide will contribute stories to the podcast, a product of NPR StoryLab ….. As first reported by the Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rich Peterson last Friday (8/4) closed out his 43-year radio career and 18 years as host of Townsquare Media Rochester, Minnesota news/talk KROC’s “Good Morning” show. In addition to two separate KROC “AM 1340” stints, Peterson worked at Omaha news/talk KFAB. Taking over the KROC morning slot are “This Morning with Gordon Deal” and Salem’s Mike Gallagher.
KDAY Back as Raiders’ Los Angeles FM Affiliate. Syndicated via Compass Media Networks and originating from Entercom San Francisco’s KGMZ 
“95.7 The Game,” Oakland Raiders football broadcasts will be carried in Los Angeles on Meruelo Media’s KDAY “Back in the Day Hits.” KDAY program director Adrian Scott declares that, “KDAY is the perfect [radio] home for the Raiders in Los Angeles. Hip-hop fans are the most passionate Raiders’ 
fans in Southern California and we are thrilled to continue to be the exclusive FM radio station delivering the Oakland Raiders.” The Raiders’ radio team consists of Greg Papa and former Raiders quarterback (1960 – 1966) and head coach (1979 – 1987) Tom Flores. The NFL franchise played in Los Angeles for 12 years (1982 – 1994) and have committed to move to Las Vegas upon completion of a stadium projected for the 2020 season.
O’Brien, Smith Added to WJXA Morning Mix. In two weeks (8/21), Midwest Communications Nashville adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9” will debut a morning show featuring Brandon O’Brien and Ricki Smith. O’Brien most recently was the afternoon talent at Sinclair 
Telecable Norfolk country outlet WUSH “US-106.1,” while Smith arrives from Hubbard St. Louis adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch,” where he was morning co-host. They will join producer/co-host Clint Redwine and succeed Kim Leslie, who exited after 10 years to develop a non-profit organization. Meanwhile, former “Mix” morning co-host Anna Marie is segueing to nights. Vice president and market manager Dennis Gwiazdon states, “When you find the talent you feel will help add exciting new chapters to the storied history of ‘Mix,” you only have one choice – hire them. I can’t wait to hear this [morning] show come together. Anna has been the heart and soul of ‘Mix’ for a long, long time. I am delighted we can apply her special talents to the evening show where she can fully expand on her unique ability to connect with listeners.” Operations manager Barbara Bridges comments, “I am so excited to add Brandon and Ricki to the morning show. These two individuals have a ton of talent. This combination with Clint will elevate an already successful morning show to the next level – we are thrilled this all came together. Anna has a 20-year track record of success with our female audience; our fans absolutely love her. The warmth and connection she will bring to a special nighttime show will be amazing. I can’t wait to hear what we can do when Anna gets rolling.” O’Brien remarks, “Not only do I live in the greatest city in the world, I will also have an opportunity to be a huge part of the Nashville community and work alongside some amazing and talented folks.” Smith notes, “A personality looks for nothing more than what happens every day with this incredible team of talented people in Nashville. I am totally pumped about being able to contribute to the station’s continued success.” Anna Marie adds, “I love my listeners and this move gives me the opportunity to get closer to them. We have had a wonderful 20-year relationship so far – now we get a new time and space to get together.” July 2017 results will be released on Thursday (8/10), but among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s June 2017 PPM report, “Mix” finishes in fifth-place (6.8, 6+), one full-share behind the pacesetter, iHeartMedia classic rocker WNRQ (7.8, 6+).
TKRN Taps Thomas for Affiliate Relations. Former program director and brand manager of Entercom Charlotte hot AC WLNK “107.9 The 
Link” Darla Thomas joins the affiliate relations department of the Tom Kent Radio Network (TKRN), representing adult contemporary and hot AC products. TKRN senior vice president of affiliations Ed Douglas comments, “Having a pro of the stature of Darla Thomas join our affiliate team is a dream come true. She understands the adult contemporary world and she values the commitment Tom Kent has made to making great radio.” Thomas notes, “I have known Tom for years and I am so impressed by the network he has built across the country. When Ed asked me to join the team, I just couldn’t resist the chance to help build the 
TKRN brand and make it even bigger. I am excited to get started.” Thomas’ previous programming credits include iHeartMedia Charlotte adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake,” and five years as operations manager for Journal Broadcast Group Tucson, after programming that company’s Omaha hot AC KSRZ “Star 104.5.”
Charlotte’s “Block” Inks Dutchess. One of the stars of the VH1 series “Black Ink Crew” – Dutchess – is added to the on-air lineup of Radio One Charlotte 
urban contemporary WQNC “92.7 The Block.” The Charlotte native and cum laude graduate of North Carolina A&T State University will handle Sunday 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm duty. Radio One Charlotte vice president and general manager Doug James states, “Dutchess is an exceptional artist and media personality. We are very excited that she is bringing her talents to our fantastic 
lineup.” Radio One Charlotte program director Mary K. notes, “I am thrilled to have Dutchess join [our] team. She has great energy, a contagious spirit, generous heart, and immeasurable talents.” Splitting time between North Carolina and New York, Dutchess opened a tattoo shop, Pretty in Ink, in Charlotte.
Sanderson, Ramsey Headed to WNFN for Middays, Nights. Arriving from iHeartMedia Nashville CHR WRVW “107.5 The River,” where she was assistant digital PD and part-time on-air talent, Kage Sanderson crosses the street to Midwest Communications’ similarly-programmed WNFN “i106.7 
Nashville’s New Hit Music” for midday duty, as well as being the station’s social media coordinator. In addition, JR Ramsey from Townsquare Media Portland, Maine CHR WJBQ “Q-97.7” joins “i106.7” to handle nights. Sanderson comments that she is “stoked for this new role at WNFN. Doing radio in Nashville – an electric city that I truly love – is unbelievable. I can’t wait to connect with our listeners and be part of this fantastic growing station.” 
Ramsey notes, “I can’t express how excited I am to be making this big move to Nashville. I am really looking forward to cracking the mic and entertaining the city.” He and Sanderson begin their new assignments in roughly two weeks (8/21). Meanwhile, WNFN assistant program director/music director/9:00 am – 2:00 pm personality “Butter” adds on-air duties at co-owned adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9” and will be videographer for WNFN; “Mix”; and co-owned adult hits WCJK “Jack-FM.”
Now Appearing – Harry Connick Jr. Currently promoting his television show “Harry,” Harry Connick Jr. stopped by iHeartMedia Milwaukee CHR WRNW “97.3 Now” prior to his guest appearance at the Wisconsin State Fair. Pictured left to right are “Now” morning show personalities Rahny Taylor and Binky Lee, Connick, and morning show producer “Dave.”
Cumulus Media Des Moines Tickets Taylor as Operations Manager. Six-year Townsquare Media St. Cloud, Minnesota operations manager Chad Taylor transitions to Cumulus Media Des Moines for similar duties at its five-
station cluster. In addition to his OM duties, Taylor will host afternoon drive on country KJJY “92.5 Nash Icon.” Cumulus
Media Des Moines vice president and market manager Craig Hodgson comments, “Chad is a highly-regarded operations manager, program director, and on-air talent. He is as active and community involved as they come. We will enjoy having him on our team and look forward to achieving great things together.” Taylor notes, “My wife was born and raised in Altoona. She is set to enjoy all things Iowa again and has already purchased a family pass to Adventureland. I’m beyond excited to work alongside the talented team at Cumulus Des Moines.” Prior to working in St. Cloud, Taylor was operations manager/program director for Community First Broadcasting’s three Iowa Great Lakes-area stations. The Cumulus Media Des Moines cluster consists of KBGG “1700 AM News-Talk-Sports”; KGGO “Classic Rock That Rocks”; KHKI “97.3 Nash FM”; KJJY “92.5 Nash Icon”; and KWQW “98.3 The Vibe Classic Hip-Hop.”
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Scheduled to perform at CBS Radio Los Angeles adult hits KCBS-FM “Jack’s 12th Show” October 7 at Irvine’s Fivepoint Amphitheater are 311, Cypress Hill, 
Gin Blossoms, Eve 6, Lit, and The Offspring. Proceeds will benefit Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) ….. Approximately 17% ($50,000) of the $294,091 Entercom Greenville, South Carolina helped raise during the Children’s Miracle Network radiothon was given by a father whose son was killed by a drunk driver ….. After hiring Tom Ferguson (“Ferg”) for afternoon drive duties, Entercom Wilkes Barre-Scranton classic rock WMQX “Max 102.3” operations manager Michael O’Donnell comments, “He is a born and raised Northeast Pennsylvania guy who knows his audience. He has a natural ability to relate to them and will raise the roof on PM drive.” Ferguson formerly worked at crosstown Times-Shamrock alternative WFUZ “Alt 92.1” ….. The former music director of Townsquare Media Flint, Michigan rhythmic CHR WRCL “Club 93.7” Art “Artemis” Smith remains in the Great Lake State as he joins Midwest Communications mainstream CHR WLMI “i-92.9,” Lansing today (Tuesday, 8/8) as brand manager. 
Midwest Communications vice president of programming Jeff McCarthy remarks, “We are excited to have Art lead our team. He has demonstrated a solid work ethic and strong working knowledge of the contemporary hit format.” Prior to working at WRCL, 
Smith was promotions director and night talent at WKHQ, Traverse City, Michigan ….. While a replacement hasn’t been named yet to succeed her, afternoon drive personality Nikki Reid (also known as Erika Kay) departs iHeartMedia Tulsa CHR KTBT “92.1 The Beat.” Reid/Kay joined “The Beat” in March 2016 from WNDV “U-93,” South Bend (Indiana) ….. Following an extended medical leave, former WSLC “Star Country 94.9” midday talent Robynn Jaymes returns 
to the Mel Wheeler-owned Roanoke, Virginia station for weekend/swing duty. Taking to Facebook, she writes, “When illness took me off the radio, I wondered if I would ever [again] have the privilege to be on the air, sharing music and connecting with [the audience. Returning] this past Sunday [8/6] was a dream come true.” Jaymes has undergone surgery and multiple treatments since 2011, when she began battling pancreatitis ….. 
Meanwhile, 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee Don Carpenter returns to Springfield, Missouri, signing on with Midwest Family country outlet KOMG “100.5 The Bull” to host a classic country show. In the 1980s, Carpenter did morning drive in the Missouri market at CHR KWTO-FM before grabbing similar duties as “Dr. Don” at CBS Radio Detroit’s country-formatted WYCD. In 
two separate tenures, “Dr. Don” spent 18 years at WYCD; he has been off the air the past two years ….. WUSW “US-92.7,” Springfield, Illinois program director and morning co-host Kellie Michaels will leave the Mid-West Family Broadcasting country station in two weeks (8/21). She has been co-hosting “Brian & Kellie” with her husband Brian Pierce for 25 years. After 15 years at co-owned adult contemporary WNNS, they went to country KFDI, Wichita (2007 – 2015), before returning to Springfield at “US-92.7.” Pierce will continue as morning co-host with Troy Armstrong assuming the co-host role. Michaels remarks, “I wanted to step back and spend more time on other interests. I’ve had a great time with Brian doing mornings. I will certainly miss the fun he and I have had, but certainly won’t miss the early morning hours.”
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Linietsky Named to Digital Business Post at Cumulus Media. This is a newly created position at Cumulus Media and digital media pro Larry Linietsky joins the company as vice president, digital operations and business
development from his most recent position as SVP, business & partner development at iHeartMedia. Cumulus says Linietsky “will lead and shape digital operations and business development with a focus on developing, sourcing, and monetizing digital products and services for the radio station group and Westwood One. He’ll report to Suzanne Grimes, EVP, corporate marketing, Cumulus Media, and president, Westwood One. Cumulus CEO Mary Berner states, “We are focusing on our digital strategy and I am thrilled to welcome Larry at this transformational time when we are poised for game-changing digital expansion. Larry is uniquely qualified to leverage the company’s assets and identify and build digital growth opportunities.”
Senator Ted Cruz Joins Trey Ware and KTSA, San Antonio for Live Town Hall Broadcast. Pictured above are Texas Senator Ted Cruz (left) and KTSA, San Antonio morning drive personality Trey Ware (right) appearing before a live audience at Alpha Media’s KTSA Alamo Lounge. Cruz joined KTSA during the Senate’s Fourth of July break as part of a series of town hall meetings. Ware says topics discussed during the one-hour event included health care, terrorism, the economy, fake news, and the future of America, and he adds, “It was a pleasure to host Senator Cruz in the Alamo Lounge. He is on the front line of so much going on in our country and world today that I know our listeners enjoyed hearing straight from him.”
WVNN, Hunstville’s Dale Jackson Launches TV Show. Alabama radio personality Dale Jackson is launching a television show via his Yellowhammer Multimedia on WZTZ-TV, Athens, Alabama “ZTV 11.” It
debuted today (7/11), airing from 5:00 am to 5:30 am. It’s also being posted to Yellowhammernews.com/yhtv/ at 1:00 pm. Jackson’s radio show airs on Cumulus Media’s WVNN-AM/FM, Huntsville from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The television program features Jackson and a rotation of guest panelists in a roundtable format. The show’s guest panelists will range from astronauts to college professors, providing viewers with a diverse take on the most relevant topics of the day. Jackson says, “I’m excited to host this Yellowhammer program because it will cover the topics our viewers care about and in a way that’s interesting and entertaining. One thing I can assure you is, just like my radio program, this show will not be dull.”
Newsmax TV Now on DirecTV and U-verse Platforms. Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Newsmax TV launched on both the DirecTV and U-verse television platforms. The three-year-old video platform was created and launched by Newsmax Media to serve as an “independent news and information source for millions of 
Americans who want the latest in breaking news, politics, health, and finance.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “With our launch on DirecTV and U-verse, Newsmax TV has the opportunity to serve more viewers. Newsmax TV has a unique audience of Americans seeking news they can’t get from other major networks.” The channel offers 14 hours of live, daily shows featuring hosts, anchors and contributors, including former congressman J.D. Hayworth, Miranda Khan, John Bachman, Michael Reagan, and Alan Dershowitz. Newsmax TV also signed deals to simulcast talk radio personalities such as Todd Schnitt, Wayne Allyn Root, Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Joe Walsh and Howie Carr.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/11) with Dr. Asa Andrew, David Bernstein and Karen Hunter. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox 
News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first and second in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” beginning with a conversation between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman (facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter) as well as the second in that series featuring Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto in conversation with DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum. Today (7/11), the third in the series is posted featuring a conversation between nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein (facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter). Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
NAB Announces 2017 Marconi Finalists. The finalists in the 20 categories for the 2017 Marconi Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters have been announced. The five finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY-FM, Minneapolis-St. Paul; Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, 
Trenton “New Jersey 101.5”; CBS RADIO’s KNX-AM, Los Angeles; Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM, Atlanta; and Cox’s WDBO-FM, Orlando. The finalists for Sports Talk Station of the Year are: Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM, Philadelphia; Cumulus Media’s KTCK-FM, Dallas; Entercom’s WEEI-FM, Boston; Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS-FM, St. Louis; and CBS RADIO’s WBZ-FM, Boston. Among talk hosts as finalists in other categories, Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity and WestStar’s Kim Komando are vying for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year; Bert Baron of WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey is a finalist for Large Market Personality of the Year; Steve McIntosh and Ted Woodward of KNSS-AM, Wichita are finalists for Medium Market Personality of the Year; and Joel Heitkamp of KFGO-AM, Fargo is a contender for Small Market Personality of the Year. See all the finalists here.
TALKERS News Notes. Talk radio personality Shannon Burke and Cumulus Media come to terms on a new,
multi-year contract renewal to keep him hosting the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon program on WYAY-FM, Atlanta “NewsRadio 106.7.” Burke joined the station last summer after winning the station’s Casting Call competition to “win” a talk show. Burke has also worked at WHPT, Tampa and WTKS-FM, Orlando 
during his career…..Tomorrow (7/12) at 2:00 pm ET, Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein and Jacobs Media president Fred Jacobs are teaming up for a webinar to discuss how new in-home technologies are affecting radio listeners. They’ll share insights from Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey13 and other critical data about new listening 
patterns and new devices, including: smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home; cord cutting as people shed cable TV for streaming services; music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music; and how the mobile phone is displacing the clock radio. Register here…..Longtime Philadelphia radio personality Paul Barsky
joins Alpha Media’s news/talk WFTL, Fort Lauderdale to host the afternoon drive program. Barsky was with the station three years ago but exited to take a medical leave. In Philly he hosted at WCAU-FM, WYSP, WMMR, and others. His arrival bumps the Westwood One-syndicated Michael Savage to the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight slot…..Townsquare Media and the University of Alabama renew their deal to keep radio play-by-play of the school’s athletics on the company’s Tuscaloosa stations for another seven years…..Cumulus Media and Learfield’s Redbird Sports Properties agree to a five-year deal to air Illinois State contests on the company’s news/talk WJBC-AM 1230 and country WJBC-FM “93.7 NASH Icon” in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois market…..Radio America is now syndicating the weekend “Tech It Out” program hosted by technology pro Marc Saltzman.
Chris Christie WFAN, New York Fill-In Draws Attack from Regular Caller. As outgoing New Jersey
Governor Chris Christie took to the mic at CBS RADIO’s sports talk WFAN, New York on Monday – sitting in along with Evan Roberts for Mike Francesa – regular WFAN caller Mike from Montclair was waiting on hold to unleash his attack on Christie. The caller criticized Christie’s holiday weekend stunt of using the New Jersey shore beach at the beach house available to the governor. That and other beaches were closed to the public by Christie to spite the legislature for not passing his state budget. But Christie was ready and willing to play the caller’s game. He called him a communist and appeared happy to verbally spar with the caller.
Donald Trump Jr-Russia Connection, GOP Health Care Plan, Trump G20 Aftermath, Chelsea Clinton’s Ivanka Trump Criticism, Western Wildfires/Heatwave, Jane Sanders Land Deal Investigation, and MLB All-Star Break Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/10). Speculation about the significance of Donald Trump, Jr’s meeting with a Russian attorney during the 2016 campaign; the GOP health care plan and attempts to pass the legislation before Congress’ August break; the aftermath of President Trump’s attendance at the G20 summit in Hamburg, including his meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin; the flap over Chelsea Clinton’s criticism of Ivanka Trump sitting in for her father at the G20 summit; the wildfires in the U.S. West and the region’s summer heatwave; the investigation into Jane Sanders’ land deal while serving as president of the now-defunct Burlington College; and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game activities were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. The multi-platform video and music network Music Choice is teaming up with Billboard as the official music partner for the 2017 Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival taking place August 19-20 at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island, New York. Artists performing will include Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello, Major Lazer, Big Sean, Zedd, Bebe Rexha, Marshmello, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Echosmith, Capital Cities, Tinashe, T-Pain, Lil Yachty, Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug,
Waka Flocka and more…..Cumulus Media’s classic hits WJJK, Indianapolis has been partnering with the City of Fishers, Indiana to bring a free, Friday night summer concert series to area music fans for the past four years. On July 7, the station and the city welcomed 80s hitmakers Loverboy to the Nickle Plate District Amphitheater to perform before a record crowd of more than 8,000 people. Pictured at right are (from l-r) WJJK personalities Greg Browning, Nikki Miller, and Joni Michels…..Earlier today the Steve Harvey Morning Show’s entire cast appeared on Harvey’s daytime TV program. This was a first-ever appearance on Harvey’s TV show by the crew, which includes Shirley Strawberry, Nephew Tommy, Junior, Carla Ferrell, Mississippi Monica, and the newest edition to the show, J. Anthony Brown. Also joining the crew was Kidada Brown of Jackson, Mississippi – a self-proclaimed “Super Fan” of the “Steve Harvey Morning Show.” Brown was invited to be a part of the studio audience. He surprised her by giving her a free trip for two to his “Sand & Soul Festival” in the Bahamas (October 6-9), including a VIP room package at the Atlantis, with two tickets to all of the events, including performances by En Vogue, Keith Sweat, Salt-N-Pepa and Doug E. Fresh.
Monday, April 24, 2017
2017 NAB Show: The M.E.T. Effect. Media consultant Holland Cooke is in Las Vegas reporting to TALKERS magazine from the 2017 NAB Show. He writes:
While industry lords in expensive suits swap radio stations like baseball cards at the opulent Wynn and Encore twin towers, your correspondent is among 103,000 from around the world swarming the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center. It’s the National Association of Broadcasters’ big show, themed
“The M.E.T. Effect,” as in Media, Entertainment, Technology.
Unlike NAB’s smaller September Radio Show, the massive April event isn’t just about radio. Although, as corporate barks for more-more-more digital revenue, stations know darn well that radio isn’t just about transmitters any more. “These once distinct fields of media, entertainment and technology are converging and becoming something far greater than the sum of their parts,” the conference program offers, “redesigning the very nature of how we live, work and play, from content creation to consumption.” So I’m impressed by how many radio people I see here.
There’s a Facebook Video Boot Camp, an Aerial Robotics and Drone Pavilion, and lots about virtual and augmented reality. Radio sessions include strategies for mobile, video, texting, apps, web, and podcasting.
Speakers include executives from Adobe and Amazon and Roku and TMZ. In addition to the inevitable surprise walk-ons, celebs speaking here include Al Roker, actors Hank Azaria and Amanda Peet and America Ferrera, and various TV reality show stars. Larry King and Jane Pauley are among moderators.
At Tuesday’s Radio Luncheon, Ford’s Scott Burnell will discuss radio’s future in the car, Delilah will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and NAB Crystal Radio Award winners will take a bow for community service.
The Show will broadcast online at nabshow.com and broadcastbeat.com and feature live streaming of select conference sessions as well as interviews with leading industry experts and vendors. And look for my daily updates this week here, and follow my real-time convention Tweets @HollandCooke.
WIBC, Indianapolis’ Greg Garrison to Retire from Daily Talk Show. Indiana talk radio legend Greg Garrison is retiring from his daily, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm talk show on Emmis’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis, effective
June 9. Garrison – who gained international fame for successfully prosecuting boxer Mike Tyson on rape charges – will remain involved at WIBC by writing a weekly column for www.wibc.com, doing 
regular commentary on air, and by serving as a contributing legal expert for WIBC news and programs. WIBC-FM program director David Wood states, “Greg’s unique style, sharp wit, deep understanding of the law and conservative values have attracted a loyal, devoted audience. He’s their friend, advocate and conscience – and he will be sorely missed.” The station will announce Garrison’s replacement at a later time. Garrison began his program on WIBC in June of 1997. He expanded his reach across Network Indiana in 2000. In addition to numerous media appearances over the years, Garrison served as CBS News’ legal analyst during the O.J. Simpson and Timothy McVeigh trials.
Cumulus Appoints Merenda Topeka Market Manager. Radio sales and management pro Nicola Merenda joins Cumulus Media as vice president and market manager for the Topeka cluster that includes: news/talk
KMAJ-AM “The Big Talker,” sports talk KTOP-AM, classic country KTOP-FM “NASH Icon,” classic hits KWIC “99.3 The Eagle,” rock KDW “V100,” and adult contemporary KMAJ-FM “Majic 107.7.” Merenda was most recently with Pandora’s San Antonio offices. Cumulus regional vice president Donna Baker states, “Nic brings a wealth of experience and infectious enthusiasm for our industry. We are excited to welcome him ‘home’ as he joins the Midwest Region to lead our outstanding Topeka team.”
Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal Resistance Tour Visits Madison. The 2017 Sexy Liberal Resistance Tour – featuring talk show host Stephanie Miller and John Fugelsang – kicked off in Madison, Wisconsin over the weekend. Pictured above are (from l-r): Fugelsang, Washington correspondent for The Nation and associate editor for The Capital Times John Nichols, Miller, and U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI).
‘Mike & The Mad Dog’ Reunion a Possibility. According to a report in the New York Daily News, WFAN, New
York afternoon host Mike Francesa spoke very positively about considering a reunion with former 
partner Chris “Mad Dog” Russo at the TriBeCa Film Festival on Friday (4/21). The ESPN 30 for 30 “Mike and the Mad Dog” premiered at the festival and, taking the stage together after the screening, the two chatted with Francesa saying he’d consider working with Russo again, something he previously said wouldn’t happen – mostly due to how much it would cost to pay both of them. Francesa is leaving WFAN when his contract expires at the end of this year. Russo hosts his own show on the SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio channel. Read the Daily News story here.
Dave Ramsey Brings Live Events to Atlanta and San Antonio. In the photo above, nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey is pictured addressing the packed audience at his Smart Conference at the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. Last week, Ramsey visited Atlanta as well as San Antonio. He presented his Smart Money event there on Tuesday (4/18) and his Business Boutique 1-Day event on Wednesday (4/19). To promote those events, Ramsey combined forces with iHeartMedia’s Talk Radio 640 WGST. In San Antonio, the Business Boutique 1-Day event happened on Friday (4/21) with the Smart Conference taking place on Saturday (4/22). Alpha Media news/talk KTSA helped promote the San Antonio events. KTSA sales manager Coreena Hazelett says, “Dave has made a tremendous impact on our lives, in our businesses and our families. The Smart Conference was another terrific event filled with world class speakers and life changing information. We couldn’t be more proud to team up with Ramsey Solutions.”
Norman Lear to Host Show on PodcastOne. Legendary television producer, writer, and director Norman Lear launches a weekly podcast on the PodcastOne platform beginning May 1. Lear – known for creating such revered television programs as “All In The Family,” “Good Times,” “One Day at a Time,” “The Jeffersons,” “Maude,” 
and others – “brings his progressive and boundary-moving voice” to the microphone with an intimate weekly podcast. A press release says that “while topics will cover any and everything you can think of, the show will always feature the unique perspectives of celebrities, politicians and everyday folk. Lear is joined each week by great friend, actor, composer and sidekick, Paul Hipp. Early celebrity guests include Amy Poehler, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jerrod Carmichael and America Ferrera. PodcastOne CEO Norm Pattiz states, “I have known and admired Norman for a very long time. Having his podcast on our PodcastOne network is gigantic, not to mention totally cool. From one Norman to another, ‘Welcome aboard.’”
TALKERS News Notes. When this weekend’s 2017 NFL Draft begins. FOX Sports Radio will provide multi-platform coverage of the first round, live from the Hard Rock Café in downtown Philadelphia, beginning at 8:00 pm
ET on Thursday (4/27). FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer will lead the coverage, joined by Joel Klatt and Chris Spielman. Additionally, WPEN-FM, Philadelphia morning host and FSR weekend personality Anthony Gargano will host a two-hour pre-Draft show live from Philadelphia beginning at 6:00 pm ET…..Envision Networks announces it adds Entercom’s newly acquired stations in Charlotte – news/talk WBT-AM/FM, sports talk WFNZ-AM, and hot AC WLNK-FM – to Focus 360’s “Powered by Jelli networks.” The three Charlotte stations join Entercom’s recently extended agreement for Focus 360 ad sales representation on Jelli’s platform…..KMG Networks is partnering with Fantasy Sports Entertainment Group to make the FNTSY Sports Radio Network available to terrestrial radio station networks and groups. The network’s focus is on fantasy sports, breaking sports and fantasy sports news updates, scheduled sports and fantasy sports news, season-long fantasy strategy and advice, 
daily fantasy sports advice, general sports talk, call-in segments, celebrity guests, fan trivia, entertainment and pop culture programming…..CBS RADIO’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM Newsradio won five awards this past weekend from the Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association, including Best Spot News, Best Newscast, and Outstanding News Operation. Individually WBBM’s Lisa Fielding won Best Series “Generation Heroin” and WBBM’s Rick Gregg won for Best Sports Report “The Ballad of James Shields.”
U.S.- North Korea Tensions, Russia Patrols U.S. Coast, French Election, Looming Government Shutdown, American Airlines Incident, Actress Erin Moran Dies, and MLB, NBA, and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. North Korea’s threats against the U.S. and China’s attempts to diffuse the situation; Russian fighters continue to patrol the U.S. coast; the first round of France’s elections and the results that pit far-right candidate Marine Le Pen against centrist Emmanuel Macron in the May 7 run-off; concerns about the looming U.S. government shutdown; American Airlines in the headlines after a flight attendant scuffles with a mother over her child’s stroller; “Happy Days” actress Erin Moran dies at age 56; and MLB, NBA and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Jules Riley is named program director for iHeartMedia’s St. Louis country outlet KSD-FM “93.7 The Bull.” She has been programming sister
classic hits KLOU and continues in that role. iHeartMedia St. Louis SVP of programming A.J. comments, “Jules has done amazing things with 103.3 KLOU over the past six months. I am very excited to see her utilize her wealth of market knowledge and experience as well as her innovative style in leading ‘93.7 The Bull.’”…..A 
coup of sorts takes place among the two top syndicated urban radio morning shows as longtime Tom Joyner show cast member J. Anthony Brown joins Premiere Networks’ syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show” as a daily contributor. Harvey says, “I’ve known J since my very first comedy gig outside of Cleveland, and it’s my joy to be reunited with the man who taught me real comedy. Get ready folks, we’re ‘bout to turn the funny meter up 10 notches. Having J join Shirley, Nephew Tommy, Carla, Junior and myself is going to create bend over, stop the car, spit on your computer, spray your drink, gut-busting laughter.”
Round Four of March PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s March 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s March 2017 survey period covered March 2 – 29. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Austin – In addition to notching its third consecutive increase for a combined +1.0 (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.4, 6+) iHeartMedia’s KVET-FM “98.1 All Time Country Favorites” logs its highest 6+-share since July 2015 (6.4, as well) and marches from fifth to third. Following February’s +.6, KKMJ “Majic 95.5” erodes in excess of three times as
much (7.4 – 8.0, 6.1, -1.9, 6+), tumbling from second to fourth; “Majic 95.5” was down by more than five full-shares in January (12.6 – 7.4, 6+). Over the course of five straight up or flat trends before January’s -5.2, the Entercom adult contemporary facility nearly tripled its 6+-share (4.3 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 12.6, 6+). Furthermore, by posting a 12.6 in “Holiday” 2016, 
KKMJ outdid its own mark for Austin’s highest-ever 6+ PPM-stat (previously 11.4). On top for the third successive sweep, Emmis adult hits KBPA “Bob” posts a gain of six-tenths (8.5 – 9.1, 6+). “Bob” returned to #1 in January after being ousted in “Holiday” 2016 by KKMJ. With the exception of October (and the “Holiday” 2016 report), KBPA held the lead each month in calendar year 2016. Improving by six-tenths as well is Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3,” which bounces back from February’s -.9 (3.9 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+) and climbs from #13 to #12. In January, “Que Buena 104.3” picked up seven-tenths to halt three straight downward trends that produced a -1.3 (4.5 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+). Conversely, format rival – Emmis’ KLZT – is experiencing a yoyo effect with a -.5 in January; +1.0 in February; and now a -.5 in March (5.4 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+), with “107.1 La Z” slipping from fourth to fifth. Its HD2 channel gains one-half share (1.3 – 1.8, 6+) to enter the top twenty at #20. Still in that Emmis cluster, it is a mixed bag for the KLBJ
calls as news/talk KLBJ-AM registers a one-half share gain, while KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” is down by that same margin (to 3.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#7 to #11). A cumulative +1.4 in three straight increases (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+), KLBJ-AM cracks the top ten (#11 to #9). After eight straight sweeps without an increase accounting for a loss of more than two shares (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), “The Rock of Austin” was +.7 in February.
2) Raleigh – Trending 6.0 – 6.9 – 6.7 (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR “94.7 – Today’s Best Country” explodes with a +1.3 to 8.0 (6+), inching up from a fourth-place tie to third. This is the 
most potent 6+-share for “Today’s Best Country” since its 8.0 in October 2015. One-half share ahead of WQDR – and locked in a first-place tie – are Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” (8.8 – 8.5, -.3, #1 in February) and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s WUNC (flat at 8.5, second to first, 6+). Ousted from #1 in January and moved to the runner-up slot, “Mix” bounced back in February to reclaim the top spot. Its modest March -.3 isn’t exactly typical, considering that WRAL’s recent (6+) fluctuations include +.5 November 2015; +.6 December 2015; +5.7 Holiday 2015; -7.2 January 2016; +.6 February; +.6 March; -.6 April; +.5 May; +.5 July; +.9 September; +1.0 October; -.5 in November 2016; +.9 December; +5.2 “Holiday” 2016; -5.3 January 2017; and +.9 in February. In an October 2015 – December 2016 timeframe, WRAL was in sole possession of first-place eight times and thrice shared top honors. The station “Mix” succeeded at #1 in February – WUNC – logged a massive +1.9 in January to assume the lead 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WUNC had notched a 7.7 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps and was in 7.6 – 7.8 range for six monthlies, before floundering by nine-tenths. Having sandwiched a 3.6 (6+) between a
pair of 3.4 shares (6+), Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC “Sports Radio 99.9 – The Fan” breaks out a +.7 to 4.1, its strongest 6+-showing since a 4.4 last April, but remains at #12. A one-half share gain from February’s 3.7 (6+) enables Curtis Media Group classic hits-oldies WKIX “Kix 102.9 – Carolina’s Greatest Hits” to match October’s 4.2 (6+); “Kix” carries on at #11. The HD2 channel of iHeartMedia’s WDCG drops one-half share (2.5 – 2.0, #16 to #17, 6+).
3) Indianapolis – After dropping one-half share in February, Radio One CHR WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” answers with a gain of six-tenths (4.8 – 5.4, 6+) and remains in eighth-place. In three straight increases immediately 
prior to February’s -.5, “Now” was a combined +2.3 (3.0 – 3.4 – 5.0 – 5.3, 6+). Climbing from seventh to sixth, iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” registers its third successive increase that accounts for a +1.2 (4.6 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is unchanged at #17, sibling WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” is without a decrease for the seventh consecutive sweep (.9 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+). Following three successive sweeps without a loss that accounted for a +.7 (6.4 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” regressed by nine-tenths in February and slips six-tenths further (6.2 – 5.6, 6+), moving from sixth to seventh. Seven-tenths of a share (6+) is the difference among Indy’s top three March 2017 finishers. Not only does WZPL
have its third straight upward move for a combined +1.7 (6.2 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+), the Entercom CHR makes it three consecutive months at #1. WZPL was -1.1 in “Holiday” 2016 and then +1.3 in January (7.3 – 6.2 – 7.5, 6+). Off by one-half share (7.7 – 7.2, 6+), Cumulus Media‘s WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” slides from second to third. With a -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016, “Classic Hits 104.5” ended at four its string of consecutive up or flat trend gains that netted a combined +.7 (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Recording a .7 in each of the last four survey periods, University of Indianapolis-owned WICR (#20 to #21) is down or flat for the seventh straight time (1.0 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+). Unlisted for the third successive month is iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZRL “Real 98.3” (1.4, #16, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).
4) Milwaukee – This is the only PPM market to have a station register a February 2017 to March 2017 (6+) gain of at least two full-shares as well as an outlet declining by at least two full-shares (February 2017 – March 2017, 6+). 
On the positive side, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 24th consecutive sweep and does so in grand fashion with a +2.5 to 11.2, mirroring its 6+-share in “Holiday” 2016. “Big” month-to-month moves are practically to be expected for WRIT as some of its recent (6+) fluctuations include +1.7 (October 2015); -.7 (November 2015); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2015); -5.7 (January 2016); +1.3 (February); +1.1 (April); -.6 (May); -1.1 (August); -.6 (September) +1.2 (November); -.5 (December); +2.1
(“Holiday” 2016); -2.4 (January 2017); and now +2.5 (March). On the flipside, WJMR “Jammin 98.3 Today’s R&B and Old School” has its string of four successive increases that netted two full-shares since November (4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 6.3, 6+) end rather emphatically with a -2.3 to 4.0 (6+). The Saga Communications urban AC plummets from the top ten (#4 to #12). February’s 6.3 marked the first time in WJMR’s printed PPM-history that it crossed the six-share level (6+). After floundering by -1.4 in February, Scripps Broadcasting news/talk WTMJ recoups just over one-half of that loss (6.4 – 5.0 – 5.8, +.8, 6+), zooming from ninth to fifth. Prior to February, WTMJ had been within 6.0 – 6.9 range (6+) the previous 15 ratings periods. Off a combined four shares since the “Holiday” 2016 report (8.3 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance-owned (AC-to-hot AC-back to adult contemporary) WLDB “B-93.3 – The ‘80s to Today” hangs out a +.7 to 5.0 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). This is the third successive sweep that Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” (steady at #6) is frozen on 5.7 (6+), while CHR sibling WXSS “Kiss 103.7” (unchanged at #10) records its third consecutive (albeit modest) increase (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+). Three consecutive increases by WUWM produced a +.9 (2.5 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.4), but the string ends as the University of Wisconsin news/talk outlet stumbles by one-tenth to 3.3 (flat at #14, 6+). Talk about consistency: The line for public triple A WYMS (#17 to #18) between March 2016 and March 2017 (14 total sweeps) is confined to a high of 1.5 and a low of 1.2 (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+).
5) Nashville –The market’s (6+) CHR share balloons by +1.3, with iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” rebounding from February’s -.6 with a +.7 (6.5 – 5.9 – 6.6, sixth to fourth, 6+) and Midwest Communications’ 
WNFN “Nashville’s New Hit Music” picking up six-tenths (2.8 – 3.4, steady at #15, 6+). The 5.9 that “The River” registered in February was the first time it had been below a six-share (6+) since June 2011 (5.9, as well). Prior to gaining one-tenth in February, “Nashville’s New Hit Music” was down the previous three sweeps for a cumulative -1.0 (3.7 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.7, 6+). In the country tussle, Cumulus Media’s WKDF “Nash FM 103.3” enjoys a gain of six-tenths (3.3 – 3.9, #13 to #11, 6+), but co-owned WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” sputters by one-half share (5.5 – 4.8, seventh to tenth, 6+); meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98” is steady at #7 (5.5 – 5.4, -.1, 6+). This is the 11th successive sweep that “Nash FM” has been within 3.3 – 3.9 (6+). “The Big 98” returned half of January’s full-share gain in February, halting at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.6 (4.4 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+). One share separates March 2017’s top five. Steady at 7.4 (6+) – after a combined December- “Holiday” 2016 – January – February +1.8 (6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat” repeats at #1. By losing one-share to 4.9 (6+) in December, “The Beat” halted an August to November pattern of 6.1 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.9 (6+) and sent WUBT below a five-share (6+) for the first time since July 2013 (4.8). Off in three straight previous ratings periods for a combined -.5 (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+), Ryman Hospitality Properties’ classic country WSM-AM posted a +.6 in February, but “The Most Famed Country Music Station in the World” forfeits one-half share in March (2.3 – 1.8, #16 to #17, 6+). Locked on 1.6 (6+) in January and February, WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” drops one-half share to 1.1 (#19 to #21, 6+). As the result of five straight decreases, Cumulus Media’s WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (#11 to #12) is a combined -3.8 (7.6 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+). When WGFX lost two-tenths in November, it ended a string of three consecutive improvements which resulted in a +4.1 since July (3.7 – 4.0 – 5.4 – 7.8, 6+). Although flat at #18, Cromwell Group’s WQZQ “Classic Hits 93.3” drops by one-tenth to 1.6 (6+), thus drawing to a close at seven its string of up or flat trends that more than tripled its 6+-share since September (.5 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .9 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+).
6) Providence – A genuine statistical oddity occurs here: With the exception of an eighth-place tie, the March 2017 rankers are a carbon copy of February 2017 and no Providence outlet in March 2017 is up or down by more than four-tenths. Boasting the best month-to-month gain (+.4, #11) is The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH, which is without a decrease for the third straight time for a collective +1.0 (.5 – .5 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+). Albeit the net loss was just three-tenths, WELH had nevertheless been without an increase between August and the “Holiday” 2016 report (.8 –
.8 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+). Gaining three-tenths and up or flat for the third straight time is Cumulus Media’s news/talk WPRO-AM (3.4 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0, #7, 6+). Public news/talk WGBH-FM is also +.3 (1.6 – 1.9, #10, 6+). Trending 6.2 – 6.0 – 6.2 (+.2, 6+) and finishing fifth is iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3.” Up by one-tenth each are Cumulus Media CHR WPRO “Today’s Hit Music” (8.6, #2, 6+) and Bryant University classical WJMF (.5, #13, 6+). Having eroded by -7.3 in January to 10.7 (6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” is a combined -.4 in February and March (10.7 – 10.6 – 10.3, 6+) but is #1 for the 18th successive ratings period. “Lite Rock” was a collective +8.5 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (9.5 – 10.6 – 18.0, 6+), following a cumulative -.4 in October and November (9.9 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+). Flat from February are iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” (8.2, #3, 6+); Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” (7.8, #4, 6+); and Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR and news/talk siblings WWKX “Hot 106” (2.7, #8, 6+) and WPRV (.4, #14, 6+).
7) Norfolk – In the span of just two sweeps (January and February), WWDE “101.3 2WD” lost more than 60% of its “Holiday” 2016 share (13.4 – 7.0 – 5.2, -8.2, 6+), but the Entercom adult contemporary regains eight-tenths to 5.8, 
moving from fifth to fourth. WWDE gained a collective one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3, August – September – October, 6+) before dropping eight-tenths in November to 4.5, its lowest 6+-stat since June 2015’s 4.4. Following a massive +1.2 in February, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI tacks on another half-share (7.6 – 8.1, 6+) and repeats in the runner-up slot. Prior to finishing fourth in January and “Holiday” 2016, “Jamz 103” was at #2 for 12 straight sweeps. Rebounding from February’s -.5 with a gain of four-tenths to 11.6 (6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B From Yesterday & Today” is at #1 for the third straight time. In “Holiday” 2016, adult contemporary sibling “2WD” bumped WVKL to second after “Smooth R&B From Yesterday & Today” had been on top the previous 55 ratings periods. The two swapped places in January 2017 as WVKL registered a +.7. This is the 11th time in the last 12 sweeps that “Smooth R&B From Yesterday & Today” is in 11.0 – 12.7-share range – it has been in double-digits (6+) in each survey since notching a 9.8 in January 2014. Owing to a -.7 to 5.5 (6+), Saga Communications classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” (fourth to fifth) ends at three its consecutive string of uptrends that produced a +2.1(4.1 – 4.3 – 5.5 – 6.2, 6+). The 6.2 it notched in February was its best 6+-share (in print) since a 6.6 in July 2010. Cluster-mate WNOR “99 Rocks” is in a similar situation, given that a -.6 to 6.7 (6+) stymies four straight positive sweeps that yielded two full-shares (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+), but “99 Rocks” continues in third-place.
8) Greensboro – Via three straight gains (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up!” (unchanged at #10) is a combined +.7. After being up or flat the last four ratings periods netting a +1.2 (9.7 – 9.7 –
10.1 – 10.5 – 10.9, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG surrenders half that gain (10.3, -.6, 6+). On the plus side though, “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” achieves double-digits (6+) for the fourth straight sweep and has been #1 since January. Country-formatted sibling WPAW “93.1 The Wolf,” a cumulative +1.5 in January and February (4.8 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+), erodes by seven-tenths in March to 5.6, sliding from fifth to sixth. In February, it reached the six-share level (6+) for the first time since November 2015’s 6.0. Leapfrogging “The Wolf” is its rival, iHeartMedia’s WTQR “New Country Q-104.1” (sixth to fifth, 6+), which is up or flat for the third straight time (4.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). In “Holiday” 2016, “Q-104.1” and “The Wolf” were each down by four-tenths. November’s +.3 by “Q-104.1” ended three successive down-trending monthlies that produced a collective loss of more than two shares (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+). Prior to reaching 5.0 in October, “The Wolf” had been in 4.2 – 4.8 range (6+) the previous eight sweeps. Back in September, “Q-104.1” held a 1.9-share lead over “The Wolf.” The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom adult hits WSMW “Simon,” whose last four moves have been by -1.1 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.0 (January); -.6 in February; and another -.6 in March (9.4 – 8.3 – 10.3 – 9.7 – 9.1, 6+) with “Simon” flat at #3. January’s 10.3 was its strongest 6+-performance since August 2016’s 10.5. Although steady at #9, Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” posts its fourth straight gain (2.2 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+); “La Ley 101.1” is +1.7 since November. After five successive times of logging a .4 (6+), co-owned news/talk WSJS drops to .3 but stays at #13.
9) West Palm Beach – The top four finishers are Alpha Media properties, followed by three in a row owned by iHeartMedia. By registering a +.7 (to 1.3, 6+), the drought is finally over for WRLX “Mia 92.1,” which hadn’t had an increase since last May. In that stretch of ten down or flat reports, the iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary outlet was
a combined -1.5 (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.0 – 0.6, 6+); “Mia 92.1” moves from #16 to #14. In only two back-to-back declines, Alpha Media adult contemporary WEAT “Sunny 107.9” (9.1 – 6.2 – 6.1, -1.5, 6+) lost half as much as “Mia” did in the aforementioned dry spell, but “Sunny” bounces back with a one-half share increase (6.6, 6+) to advance from third to second. Roughly three shares (6+) ahead of “Sunny” is co-owned hot AC WRMF, which despite a loss of seven-tenths (to 9.5, 6+), is #1 for the third consecutive month. After improving by six-tenths in January, WRMF more than tripled that gain in February with a +1.9 to 10.2, its best 6+-performance since December 2015 (10.2 as well). Prior to “Holiday” 2016, WRMF was #1 the previous five ratings periods. With a collective +1.9 in August and September, WRMF followed October’s -.8 with a November loss of six-tenths. It fell to second in July, after 23 successive sweeps at #1. Off by seven-tenths as well is WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (unchanged at #8), which in the last four survey periods, is +.5 (“Holiday” 2016); -1.1 (January); +.5 in February; and now in March -.7 (4.3 – 4.8 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+). Without a decrease for the seventh straight time for a combined +1.9 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.7 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), Alpha Media-owned WIRK “103.1 South Florida’s Country Music” has its highest 6+-share since last May’s 6.6, but backslides from second to third. Steady at #6, iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” is down or flat for the third straight time for a cumulative -2.1 (6.6 – 5.9 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Prior to January, “Kool” had been up the previous three sweeps for a +1.8 (4.8 – 5.7 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+).
10) Jacksonville – Powered by an impressive +1.7, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” posts an 8.7, its strongest 6+-showing since last September’s 9.3 and cruises from fourth to second. A combined +1.1 
in three straight sweeps (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WWJK “107.3 Jacksonville – We Play Anything” cracks the top ten (#11 to #10). Co-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” regains one-tenth of the one-half share it lost in February (12.8 – 12.3 – 12.4, 6+) and is #1 for the third time in a row. WQIK was +2.1 in January to 12.8, the best-ever 6+-performance in its PPM-history. Owing to December’s +4.5 (6.8 – 11.3, 6+), “Jacksonville’s Country” jumped from fifth to first, but with a -.6 in “Holiday” 2016, it fell to second. Prior to a modest one-tenth gain in November, WQIK was down two full-shares as a result of being without an increase since February 2016 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.7, 6+). Wild ups and downs continue for Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ “Lite 96.1 – Today’s Variety,” whose last four (6+) moves are +5.8 (“Holiday” 2016); -6.6 (January); +.7 (February); and now -1.2 in March (8.9 – 14.7 – 8.1 – 8.8 – 7.6, 6+) for a net loss of -1.3. With a 14.7 in “Holiday” 2016, “Lite” returned to double-digits (6+) for the first time since last July’s 10.2. Even though Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI “Easy 106.5,” is without a decrease for the third straight time (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+) and segues from #14 to #13, it does not appear to be a benefactor of WEJZ’s -1.2. Unchanged at #6, WEZI’s CHR sibling WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” registers its sixth successive decline (9.1 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.4 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+) that has resulted in a collective loss of nearly four full-shares. Frozen on .6 (6+) in November and December, iHeartMedia’s WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” (flat at #17) has followed with a 6+-line of .3 – .4 – .3 – .4. For the third consecutive month, contemporary Christian WMUV “100.7 The Promise” (.7 in “Holiday” 2016, 6+) is unlisted.
11) Memphis – Within 2.2 – 2.8 range (6+) the past 13 ratings periods, Cumulus Media’s WKIM “98.9 The Vibe – Classic Hip-Hop” gains one-half share to 3.3 (6+), inching up from #12 to #11. In its third straight up or flat sweep producing a collective +.9 (6.0 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.9, 6+), Entercom hot AC WMC-FM elevates from fifth to fourth. Adding
three-tenths (9.0 – 9.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” repeats at #1. On top for ten consecutive monthlies before sliding to #2 in “Holiday” 2016, “V-101” was +.2 in February to halt nine consecutive down or flat trends that yielded a -3.7 since last May (12.5 – 11.6 – 10.7 – 10.5 – 10.2 – 9.9 – 9.9 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 8.8, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country,” which was +.8 in November; -.7 in December; -.5 in “Holiday” 2016; a monstrous +1.9 in January; +.8 in February, and now -1.0 in March (4.3 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 5.6, 6+). A net +1.3 in that timeframe, “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country” slides from fifth to sixth. October’s +.3 curtailed three successive negative trends that produced a -.7 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). As a result of dropping nine-tenths (3.6 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC has its softest 6+-share since last June (2.7, as well) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Dating back to December, the 6+-trends for Mid-South Public Communications’ WKNO “NPR For the Mid-South” are 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.3 (steady at #15, 6+). Right behind it and unchanged at #16 is iHeartMedia CHR KWNW “101.9 Kiss FM – All the Hits,” down for the fourth straight time (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+) for a -.8.
12) Hartford – Although unchanged in the runner-up slot, CBS Radio hot AC WTIC-FM “Hartford’s Best Variety” lengthens its consecutive string of positive or flat trends to six for a cumulative +1.7 (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 
8.6, 6+), with its best 6+-performance since October 2014’s 8.9. Not only does adult contemporary cluster-mate WRCH “Lite 100.5” add six-tenths to February’s +.3 (10.2 – 10.5 – 11.1, +.3, 6+), “Lite” is #1 for the seventh consecutive ratings period. Up between September and “Holiday” 2016 (9.3 – 9.6 – 10.1 – 10.8 – 18.4, 6+), producing a cumulative +9.1 (nearly doubling September’s 9.3), “Lite” forfeited 8.2 shares in January. Entering the September sweep, WRCH was on top for 15 straight ratings periods and 23 of the previous 24; however, it decreased by -1.1 and dropped to second-place. Gaining six-tenths as well (4.9 – 5.5, 6+) is Connoisseur Media’s WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Hartford’s Classic Rock,” which was without an increase the past seven sweeps accounting for a -2.6 (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+). The improvement of six-tenths pushes “The Whale” from ninth to eighth. Co-owned news/talk WDRC-AM though (unchanged at #13) is down or flat for the fourth straight time (1.3 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .6, 6+). Ever since October, it has been an up/down pattern for iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5,” including a +.5 in March. Overall in that period though, “Country 92.5” is -2.1 (9.2 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 6.8 – 7.5 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+). While it remains at #12, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” drops two-tenths to 1.3 (6+), thus stymying at three its string of progressive trends that netted at +.4 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+).
Monday, November 7, 2016
Entercom Reports Q3 Net Revenue Up 5%. It was a rosy third quarter for Entercom Communications as it reports net revenue was $120.5 million during the period – up 5% from the same period a year ago. Station operating income increased 12% to $37.9 million, and adjusted net income per share increased 8% to $0.27. 
Entercom president and CEO David Field states, “Entercom delivered another solid quarter of organic top-line and bottom-line growth, demonstrating the strength of our great local brands and our outstanding team. We are also very pleased to have just completed a highly successful refinancing that will lower our annual interest expense by more than $10 million and to have announced a terrific, value-creating acquisition of four stations in Charlotte. We are excited by the opportunities ahead as we look to finish the year on a strong note and get off to a great start in 2017.” Entercom is acquiring news/talk WBT-AM/FM, hot AC WLNK, and sports talk WFNC in Charlotte from Beasley. Currently it is operating WBT-AM/FM and WLNK under an LMA and expects to close on the stations by the first of the year. If the purchase of the stations from Beasley doesn’t close by then, it will start operating WFNZ under an LMA, as well.
CBS RADIO Reports Flat Q3. As parent company CBS Corp. prepares to issue an initial public offering on CBS RADIO stock and create a separate company out of the radio segment, it is breaking out the radio numbers from the Local Broadcasting segment. CBS RADIO’s performance was basically flat comparing the third quarter of 2016 to the same period a year ago. Net revenue was $319 million compared to $318 million in 2015.
Gann Upped to Regional SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia. Programming pro Brian Gann is being elevated to regional SVP/programming for iHeartMedia’s Central Texas Region. Gann has been program director 
for spoken-word formatted stations in the same region, including news/talk WOAI and sports talk KTKR in San Antonio and news/talk KVET in Austin. In this new role, San Antonio-based Gann will “oversee all on-air content as well as music and digital programming for iHM’s 15 radio station brands in the Austin and San Antonio regions.” He comments, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to program some of the leading radio station brands in Central Texas. Great things are happening for iHeartMedia in Austin and San Antonio and I am humbled to be a part of it.”
Update on Warner Wolf’s ‘Imus’ Exit. No one’s talking on the record – neither Don Imus nor WABC – but it appears that sports anchor Warner Wolf’s surprise departure from his role on the “Imus in the Morning” show
based at Cumulus Media’s WABC comes as a result of the wishes of Imus himself. The New York Daily News’ Don Kaplan writes that, when asked why he’s leaving the show, his cagey response was, “You’d have to ask Imus that question.” As TALKERS reported on Friday, WABC personality Sid Rosenberg is returning to the sports anchor role on the show and he’ll continue to co-host the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show with Bernard McGuirk. Read the Daily News piece here.
iHeartRadio Names Peterson and Murphy to SVP Positions. Joining iHeartMedia’s digital platform iHeartRadio are Chris Peterson, to serve as senior vice president of podcasting, and Beth Murphy, as the new
senior vice president of marketing. The company says Peterson will oversee iHeartRadio’s overall 
podcast strategy and grow its profile in the podcast community. He will guide content partnerships, advise the product team on its podcast roadmap, and work with sales to monetize podcast efforts. He most recently was content partnerships manager for TuneIn. He’s also worked as director of operations for The Blaze and the director of affiliate relations for Premiere Networks. Murphy’s charge is to manage brand messaging and the user lifecycle process, as well as optimize user acquisition and retention. She will work closely with iHeartRadio’s Chris Williams, chief product officer and Adam Denenberg, chief technology officer to oversee iHeartRadio’s overall streaming music and live digital radio strategy. Murphy has previously served as chief marketing officer at Deezer and Stitcher.
Sabo: What Are You Going to Do on Wednesday? Media consultant Walter Sabo asks that question of talk radio stations that are talking primarily politics most of the time. What do stations that want to broaden their appeal do after tomorrow’s election? He ticks off a list of stations whose ratings are growing and states, “Those stations, and others that are growing, present a wide range of subjects and hosts with varying points of view. The results indicate that the wider the conversation, the higher the ratings.” Read more from Sabo here.
The St. Louis Post- Dispatch Encourages FCC Complaints About Oldies/Talk KZQZ-AM. The newspaper has taken an unusual step in publishing an editorial encouraging the public to complain to the FCC about 
the language of talk host Bob Romanik. The station calls itself “The First Amendment Station” and the newspaper says it is a great supporter of First Amendment rights, “but there’s a line between political expression and hate speech that must not be crossed.” Romanik’s voice appears in recorded political ads in which he refers repeatedly to St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern as a cross-dresser and “faggot.” The paper writes, “Listeners must not allow this abuse of the public airwaves to stand. The Federal Communications Commission needs to hear from anyone who believes Romanik’s hate speech deserves sanction. Romanik makes GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump seem like a model of good manners and decorum.” Read the whole editorial here.
Odds & Sods. At Entercom’s sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston, air personality and WEEI.com writer Jerry Thornton announces he’s leaving the company to return to Barstool Sports where he’ll write and host his own football podcast. Thornton joined WEEI two years ago and has been serving as the third voice on the afternoon drive “Dale and Holley” show with Dale Arnold and Michael Holley. He writes of his decision saying, “You don’t walk away from a job situation like this unless you have an opportunity too good to pass up. And that’s what Barstool has offered me.”…..iHeartMedia promotes Matt “Shaggy” Culbreath from his APD position to program director of news/talk WSPD, Toledo…..Former WITI-TV, Milwaukee anchor and reporter Katrina Cravy is signed up to make regular, twice-weekly appearances on the “Mornings with Dave Luczak” show on Saga Communications’ classic rock WKLH, Milwaukee. Cravy exited the TV station in September of this year…..FOX News Radio’s election coverage plans include a 6:00 pm start for anchored content with Jared Halpern, Laura Ingle, along with Fox News contributor Tony Sayegh. Tonya J. Powers and Jon Decker will report live from the Hillary Clinton campaign headquarters while Rachel Sutherland and Gurnal Scott will be on hand live from the Trump headquarters. FNR will have reporters throughout key states and Chad Pergram will cover the congressional race from Capitol Hill.
Beasley Broadcast Group Retains Dan Finn to Lead New Jersey Stations. On the heels of last week’s closing on the Greater Media stations, Beasley Broadcast Group announces that it is formally bringing
executive Dan Finn into the company’s fold as senior vice president and market manager for the New Jersey cluster. Finn had been with Greater Media since 2001, first as VP and regional general manager, then as SVP and regional general manager since 2007. Finn comments, “It’s an honor and privilege to now be a part of the Beasley team. My staff and I are excited to continue working with these heritage properties for such a legendary broadcasting company.”
The Presidential Race, U.S. House and Senate Races, FBI Clears Clinton in Emails Matter, ObamaCare Premiums Soar, Daylight Saving Time Ends, and College and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The presidential contest between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the down-ticket races for the U.S. House and Senate; FBI Director James Comey announces no new investigation into Clinton emails; ObamaCare’s premium increases; the pros and cons of Daylight Saving Time; and the weekend’s college football and NFL games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Marconi Award Winners Announced. More than 20 Marconi Awards were presented last night (Thursday, 9/22) in Nashville. TALKERS congratulates all the winners and nominees.
“Legendary Station of the Year”: CBS Radio New York all-news WINS
“Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year”: Premiere Networks‘ Deliah
“Major Market Personality of the Year”: Fred Toucher & Rich Shertenlieb (“Toucher & Rich”) of CBS Radio Boston’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub”
“Large Market Personality of the Year”: Brooke Fox & Jubal Flagg (“Brooke & Jubal”) of Hubbard Broadcasting Seattle rhythmic CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5”
“Medium Market Personality of the Year”: Chaz & AJ of Connoisseur Media New Haven rocker WPLR
“Small Market Personality of the Year”: Brent Carl Fleshman of Cookeville Communications’ Cookeville, Tennessee talker WHUB-AM “1400 The Hub” & W299BY “107.7 FM”
“Major Market Station of the Year”: Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB “101.1 More FM,” Philadelphia
“Large Market Station of the Year”: Hearst talker WBAL, Baltimore
“Medium Market Station of the Year”: Cox Media Group Dayton country WHKO “K-99.1”
“Small Market Station of the Year”: Ham Broadcasting Cadiz, Kentucky country outlet WKDZ
“Adult Contemporary Station of the Year”: Lewanee Broadcasting‘s WLEN, Adrian, Michigan
“CHR Station of the Year”: Zimmer’s KTXY “Y-107,” Columbia, Missouri
“Classic Hits Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Los Angeles’ KRTH “K-Earth 101”
“Country Station of the Year”: Cox Media Group Houston’s KKBQ “The New 93-Q”
“News-Talk Station of the Year”: Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington, D.C.
“Noncommercial Station of the Year”: Seton Hall University rock WSOU, South Orange, New Jersey
“Religious Station of the Year”: Salem Media Group Dallas’ KLTY
“Rock Station of the Year”: Zimmer’s KCMQ, Columbia, Missouri
“Spanish Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Houston’s KLOL “Mega 101”
“Sports Station of the Year”: CBS Radio Detroit’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket”
“Urban Station of the Year”: Howard University-owned WHUR, Washington, D.C.
NAB/RAB Radio Show: Final Day Wrap-Up. Radio consultant Holland Cooke is in Nashville covering the NAB/RAB Radio Show for TALKERS and he presents a compact report of some of day two’s key takeaways. Among them are sound bites from radio’s captains of industry and key players from the “Radio Show Advertiser Breakfast.” Also included are Cooke’s notes from a variety of digital media- and marketing-oriented sessions, including those run by Dave Ramsey, Gordon Borrell and more. See it all here.
“Heard” In Nashville. While noted media consultant Holland Cooke is providing our exclusive coverage of panels and presentations taking place at this week’s NAB/RAB Radio Show in Nashville, special features correspondent Jeff McKay is talking to attendees about what is being said at the events. Click here to see what people are telling him.
Nelson Named VP/MM For Cumulus Huntsville. Former vice president/general manager/cluster director of sales for Cox Radio Birmingham, Ray Nelson, is appointed vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media‘s cluster in Huntsville (Alabama). Cumulus Media senior vice president Jeff Brown 
comments, “Ray’s track record of success speaks for itself. Adding him to our team of market managers was an absolute no-brainer. I am excited for Ray and for our talented team in Huntsville.” Nelson notes, “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Huntsville cluster; Huntsville is a fabulous growth market. I appreciate the confidence that Jeff Brown and the entire Cumulus management team have demonstrated in selecting me to champion Cumulus Huntsville.” Nelson’s previous background includes vice president and market manager for Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) Ann Arbor (Michigan) and general manager/general sales manager/national sales manager for Fritz Broadcasting Saginaw (also Michigan). Among persons 12+ in Nielsen Audio’s spring 2016 book for Huntsville, Cumulus Media-owned CHR WZYP is #2 (7.7); WHRP “Today’s Best Variety of R&B” ranks #3 (4.8); AM-FM talk combo WVNN finishes #5 (3.1); country WWFF “Nash Icon 93.3” is #8 (1.3); and AM-FM sports duo WUMP “The Ump” ranks #10 (.6). Leading the field is iHeartMedia country outlet WDRM (11.1, 12+).
Carr, “Joe Pags” Picked Up For Simulcasts by Newsmax TV. Boca Raton, Florida-based conservative Newsmax TV adds weekday afternoon simulcasts of Howie Carr and Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo. According to Newsmax TV chief executive officer Christopher Ruddy, “The addition of both these shows not only give us important new voices to our diverse lineup of thoughtful, informative broadcasters, they help us expand our broadcasting footprint into the late afternoon hours. Our audience tells us they 
are hungry for useful, intelligent, and independent programming. Howie and Joe provide just that.” Carr comments, “I have always had the greatest respect for the entire Newsmax team. I now look forward to reaching a whole new TV audience every afternoon with my show. I couldn’t be more pleased to be joining Newsmax TV.” Pagliarulo remarks, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Newsmax TV team. Having my show in a prime slot on this amazing, growing network is an honor I cherish as it adds a new dimension to the show for my listeners and now viewers.” National Radio Hall of Famer – and author of “The Brothers Bulger” and “Hitman” – Carr originates his four-hour conservative talk show from Entercom-owned WRKO starting at 3:00 pm; “Joe Pags” begins his three-hour syndicated program at 5:00 pm from iHeartMedia‘s WOAI, San Antonio. Carr – syndicated on the Howie Carr Radio Network – is #14 on the TALKERS 2016 “Heavy Hundred” and Pagliarulo – whose national show is distributed by Compass Media Networks – is #23.
SB Nation Radio Enhances Its Football Programming. Seventeen-year NFL player Keenan McCardell signs-on with SB Nation Radio as an NFL analyst. The former receiver joins the network on “Prime Cut” with Sean Salisbury and Steve Bunin each Wednesday at 5:00 pm (ET). Gow Media chief executive officer David Gow comments, “Keenan is as impressive in the broadcast booth as he was on the playing field. He is an exceptional talent who can break down the nuances and subtleties of the game without alienating any of the audience. Whether you played football or are just a casual observer, you’ll love his insights.” Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf will host a two-hour (8:00 am – 10:00 am, ET) weekly show (Saturdays) on SB Nation Radio. The onetime #2 draft pick states, “I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Gow and SB Nation has afforded me.” In addition, SB Nation Radio will premiere “The Kayce Smith Show,” a two-hour (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) college football program that will air Monday nights. Smith opines, “One thing missing from the sports industry is the opportunity for women to take strong stances on-air and give their opinions without hesitation. I am so excited to be a part of the SB Nation Radio family and to be able to share this crazy journey with our loyal listeners across the country.” SB Nation Radio chief operating officer and program director Craig Larson declares, “I have never been more excited about the state of our radio network. From top to bottom, there is no doubt in my mind that we have the strongest lineup of personalities in sports radio. The addition of Keenan, Kayce, and Ryan reinforces the idea that SB Nation Radio is truly the next generation of sports talk.” Gow Media has been operating as Yahoo Sports Radio since 2011 and it was rebranded as SB Nation Radio last month (8/1).
WMFS to Add Martin & Smith to Mid-Days. Starting next month, John Martin and Jason Smith will be inserted into the weekday lineup (11:00 am – 2:00 pm) at Entercom Memphis sports combo WMFS-AM “ESPN 680″ & WMFS “92.9 FM.” Entercom vice president and market manager Dan Barron states, “We are thrilled to bring this show to Memphis. Jason and John are highly skilled and bring unique insight. I believe listeners will enjoy this fresh, informative, and entertaining show.” Program director Brad Carson comments, “This is a significant day in this market. We couldn’t be more excited about the reporting and entertainment perspective dynamic that John and Jason both bring.” Smith remarks, “I am so pumped to be with my guy John Martin again. I am so grateful to the folks at WMFS. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.” With WMFS since 2013, Martin is reportedly the youngest sports host in a top 50 market. Smith spent the last six years at The Commercial Appeal as the University of Memphis’ basketball beat writer. The two worked together at The Commercial Appeal. Unchanged at 2.2, WMFS ranks #14 (Nielsen Audio PPM, August 2016, 6+); iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” sets the pace in August 2016 with a 10.5 (6+).
Odds & Sods. As part of its coverage of the first presidential debate from Hofstra University, ABC News Radio will provide a preview program anchored by correspondent Aaron Katersky. There will be post-debate analysis until 11:00 pm (ET). Joining Katersky will be 
Brad Mielke, Karen Travers, and ABC News Radio political analysts Steve Roberts and Trey Hardin ….. To note the signing of a three-year broadcast extension with the NHL‘s Columbus Blue Jackets, Radiohio-owned WBNS-FM “The Fan,” Columbus director of programming & operations Jay Taylor and president/general manager Dave Van Stone are presented an official Columbus Blue Jackets personalized jersey by the CBJ’s Stinger. “The Blue Jackets have been part of our programming since day one and we’re excited to be able to continue this relationship,” states Stone.
KMJ Fundraiser Aids Fresno’s Community Food Bank. A day-long broadcast that featured Cumulus Media Fresno talk KMJ on-air talents John Broekse, Christina Musson, Ray Appleton, and Chris Daniel netted more than $154,000. For each dollar raised, however, Gar Tootelian Inc. kicked in 50 cents, thus elevating the total for the Community Food Bank to $231,000. KMJ vice president and general manager Patty Hixson comments, “I am overwhelmed by the support of our community. We can always count on the generosity of our highly-valued KMJ listeners. A special thanks to the hard work of our talented on-air team.” Money raised will provide more than 1.5 million meals for the less fortunate residents of the Central Valley. Seventeen (17) stations appear in Fresno’s spring 2016 book (Nielsen Audio) with KMJ finishing second (6.0, 12+), three-tenths behind iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KBOS “B-95” (6.3, 12+).
Presidential Race Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 19-23. Landing atop the Talkers TenTM again this week is the presidential election. At #2 on our list of the top news/talk radio stories was killing of black men by police in Tulsa and Charlotte and the riots that happened in Charlotte. Coming in at #3 was the aftermath of the NYC/NJ/Minn. terror attacks; following at #4 was the Syrian Civil War/U.S.-Russia Tensions. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Michael Harrison Chats with the ‘First Lady of New York Radio’ – Joan Hamburg. She is one of the most-honored, longest-running, and dazzlingly colorful talk radio personalities in the Big Apple – the quintessential live-and-local host. Joan Hamburg’s career in NYC goes back to the legendary WMCA in the early 1970s where she replaced Bob Grant. From there, she moved over to WOR as a featured personality on the historic “Rambling with Gambling” show. She quickly had her own daily midday show where she stayed for more than three decades covering a wide spectrum of topics that included consumer advocacy, shopping, dining, arts & entertainment and “soft” politics. Joan Hamburg was a pioneer in modern remote broadcasting and regularly performed her show
from, among many locations, the storied Broadway celebrity hangout, Sardi’s. For the past few years, Hamburg, now in her eighties, has been holding court live on-air every Saturday afternoon on WABC in addition to producing special features and stories for the station… and she still does remotes from Sardi’s. The conversation between Harrison and Hamburg is a radiophile’s delight – covering remarkable history including such names as Sally Jessy Raphael, the three John Gamblings, Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, Rick Buckley, Barry Gray, Dr. Joy Browne and many, many more. Harrison states, “It was an honor and privilege having this true ‘grand dame’ of radio on the podcast. We cover so much wonderful history including the golden era of Broadway. She harkens back to the day when talk radio offered a wide variety of lifestyle topics beyond politics and sports. I am really proud of this interview – it will always be a treasured addition to the amazing audio library of media history that I am gathering in this podcast series.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Monday, September 12, 2016
KSPN, Los Angeles Revamps Programming; Live and Local Lineup Launches September 21. Rumors about these changes have been leaking for a week or so but now ESPN reports the official changes for O&O KSPN “ESPNLA 710AM.” These alterations to the current schedule also line up in more traditional dayparts. First, the 
5:00 am to 7:00 am “Kelvin & Travis” show is gone and the all new “Mornings with Keyshawn, Jorge and LZ” airs in the 6:00 am to 9:00 am slot with Keyshawn Johnson, Jorge Sedano and LZ Granderson. While it appears that Travis Rodgers is off the station, Kelvin Washington moves to afternoons – 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm – with incumbent Marcellus Wiley (Wiley went solo after partner Max Kellerman joined the company’s ESPN2 for the “First Take” show). The current “Thompson & Trudell” program expands by an hour, airing from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. “Mason & Ireland (12:00 noon to 3:00 pm) and “ESPNLA Rewind” (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm) remain in their current positions. The 9:00 pm to 6:00 am block will feature ESPN Radio Network programming. Station VP/GM Scott McCarthy comments, “With an extremely powerful all live-and-local lineup, we are ensuring that ESPNLA continues to be the destination station for Los Angeles-area sports fans. Fans want context and analysis after our L.A. teams play, and our local focus – especially in morning drive – will super-serve them with the best in L.A. sports talk.”
PPM Analysis: MLB Flagships. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of stations that serve as flagships for Major League Baseball based on data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2016 PPM survey. In this report you’ll find charts listing: stations by format and (6+) AHQ share; ratings fluctuations from July 2016 to August 2016; ratings fluctuations from August 2015 to August 2016; and how stations ranked in their respective markets. See it all here.
Cumulus Media Files with SEC to Ask Shareholders for Reverse Stock Split. This move is an effort to get Cumulus stock above the $1 threshold on the NASDAQ so it doesn’t get delisted. If shareholders agree, it would set the company on course to try to get far fewer shares of class A, B, and C stock trading at a higher price. Under the 1 for 8 split, shareholders would get one share for every eight they own. If the Reverse Stock Split is effected it would mean the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock goes from 750,000,000 to 93,750,000, of Class B Common Stock from 600,000,000 to 75,000,000 and of Class C Common Stock from 644,871 to 80,609. The shareholders with the most stock in Cumulus include Crestview Radio Investors holding 30.2% of Class A stock; Lew Dickey, Jr. with 11.2%; and Greywolf Event Driven Master Fund with 5.5%. Lew Dickey owns 100% of the Class C stock.
Genuine Austin Radio to Buy Sports Duo KTXX-FM/KLGO-AM ‘The Horn.’ The sports talk duo branded “The Horn” – KTXX-FM and KLGO-AM in Austin – is being sold to Bob Cole-led Genuine Austin Radio, LLC for an undisclosed sum. Genuine has been operating the stations under an LMA and will continue to do so until the sale closes. The seller is Total Austin Sports Radio, LLC. The stations are the home of the University of Texas Longhorns sports as well as other local and regional sports franchises. Broker on the transaction is DEFcom Advisors, LLC which represents the seller.
WYSL, Rochester Personality and New York State Assemblyman Bill Nojay Dead at 59. The cause of death was an apparent suicide for Republican New York State Assemblyman, attorney, and radio talk show host Bill Nojay. According to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Nojay apparently took his own life at his family’s cemetery plots in the Rochester area on Friday (9/9), the same day he was to appear in federal court to answer to fraud charges related to a trust fund he managed in his capacity as an attorney. He was also running for re-election for his assembly seat. Nojay hosted the 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm daily talk program on Radio Livingston-owned WYSL, Rochester/W221CL “Newspower 1040.”
The Presidential Race/Clinton Health Concerns, 9/11 Anniversary, North Korea Nuke Test, Samsung Note 7 Troubles, Friday’s Dow Dip, NFL Season Opens, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, especially Clinton’s abrupt exit from 9/11 ceremonies and news of her pneumonia diagnosis; the anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001; North Korea’s announcement of a successful nuclear weapon test; Samsung’s recall of the popular Galaxy Note 7 and reports of fires caused by exploding batteries; The Dow drops almost 400 points on Friday over concerns about interest rate hikes; the 2016 NFL season opens and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Odds & Sods. A deal between CBS Sports Radio and Westwood One has the latter serving as the exclusive ad sales rep for the new “Jim Rome’s Daily Jungle” podcast that launched back in August on the iTunes and Play.It platforms. WW1 is selling endorsements, live reads, pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll advertisements…..The
nationally syndicated “Joe Pags Show” announces a number of recently added affiliates to the WOAI, San Antonio-based program. Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo reports that his roster now numbers 66 stations across the country, including: KUIK, Portland; WAVL, Latrobe, Pennsylvania; WHBY, Appleton, Wisconsin; WAAM, Ann Arbor, Michigan; WJNT, Jackson, Mississippi; WATT, Cadillac, Michigan; WMKT, Charlevoix, Michigan; WHIR, Danville, Kentucky.
On the Road Again. With coverage of Campaign 2016 in full gear, the Salem Radio Network talk hosts – including Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, and Dennis Prager – are hitting the road “to rally conservative voters in battleground states like Colorado, Ohio and Pennsylvania.” Pictured here on the Great America PAC bus en route to a rally in Orlando, Florida today (9/12) are (from l-r): Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, Prager, Hewitt, and actor Jon Voight.
Cool NewsRadio Morning Drive Opportunity. Delaware’s NewsRadio 1450 and 1410 (WILM-AM and WDOV-AM) in Wilmington, Delaware is looking for a morning host to take them to the next level on their spoken-word stations. The right candidate will have a contagious personality with 3 years or more experience doing spoken-word formats. You’ll live the target listener lifestyle and have a successful track record in growing ratings and revenue as an “ambassador in our community.” You’ll be known on a first-name basis with their local business owners, politicians and non-profits. You’ll engage listeners on important subjects, on-air, with a sense of responsibility to inform and entertain. And, you’ll love meeting listeners at station promotions and non-profit or civic events. If this sounds like you, you will love iHeartMedia in Delaware. They work hard and play harder, all the while being so close to beaches, bays, big cities and breathtaking getaways. If you are a sports fanatic, you will love living on the I-95 corridor surrounded by three major markets with easy access to dozens of college and professional sports teams. They offer a modest salary with exceptional opportunities to supplement your pay, a good health and benefit package, excellent facilities with a support team ready to help you win! If this sounds like your next step, send your “zipped” package (MP3, resume and cover letter) to: skyphillips@iheartmedia.com. iHeartMedia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Katz: Study Says Radio Reaches Independents In Battleground States Better. The study was done by Nielsen and commissioned by Katz Media Group and Katz says it concludes that “customizing radio messages to local markets in key battleground states is the most impactful way to swing young Independent voters in the upcoming presidential election and in critical down ballot races.” This is the fifth wave of “The Local Vote 2016” that analyzed custom data from Independent voters across seven states (Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina,
Virginia, Wisconsin and Colorado.) Some of the key findings include: One in three battleground Independents spend more time listening to radio than watching television. On average, these voters listen to over 2 hours of radio daily, while watching less than 1 hour of TV; and radio – across a diverse range of formats – outstrips cable news. On a weekly basis, more Independents will listen to news/talk/sports radio stations (33%) and music formats such as adult contemporary (43%), rock (40%) and country (35%) than watch cable news channels CNN (23%), Fox News (15%) or MSNBC (10%). As far as key local radio findings are concerned, the study indicates geographical differences. For example, in Ohio, Independents gravitate towards different formats depending on the Ohio market they live in. Adult/classic hits has the highest share of listening with Cleveland 
Independents; adult contemporary garners the highest share in Columbus; and news/talk/sports and country are the strongest formats in Cincinnati. Katz Media Group’s Stacey Lynn Schulman, EVP of strategy, analytics and research, says, “‘The Local Vote 2016’ continues to unearth important insights to help candidates and political strategists effectively use media to engage the local electorates. Everyone is voting in the same election, but you need to speak to people where they live. It’s a national election won by reaching local voters. And, what we have consistently found is radio delivers better national reach with the ability to connect on a local level than any other medium.”
Trey Ware to Host Special Race Relations Show on KTSA. The program will air tomorrow (8/19) on Alpha Media’s KTSA, San Antonio at 7:00 pm. It’s titled “Race Relations in San Antonio and Beyond,” hosted by morning
drive personality Trey Ware. The station says, “This is a topic that has dominated local and national news many times in the past with the police officer shootings in Dallas and the Black Lives Matter movement. The discussion panel consists of well-known religious, law enforcement, and community leaders. Ware comments, “Everyone has something valuable to contribute. That is why this event is so important. People who are different from us have so much to offer, and together we make each other better.”
CBS Philly Inks New Deal with Ray Didinger. Philly sports media legend Ray Didinger signs a new, multi-year contract with CBS RADIO to continue his weekend program on sports talk WIP (co-hosted with Glen 
Macnow) and take on new duties with the cluster. The Pro Football Hall of Fame writer’s show will be heard on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. He’ll continue to make frequent appearances on WIP throughout the year, especially during football season. Additionally, he will also be heard on news/talk WPHT with morning host Chris Stigall on Fridays during the football season, and he’ll do commentary on all-news KYW. Didinger says, “I’m delighted to continue my relationship with WIP. I’ve had a great time working with so many good friends, in particular Glen Macnow, my weekend partner for many years. I enjoy talking sports with the Philadelphia fans and I’m grateful to CBS RADIO Philadelphia for giving me that opportunity.”
iHeartMedia Realigns Northeast Division; Promotes Preacher and Carwile. This realignment within iHeartMedia’s Northeast division is part of a dismantling of its former Mid-Atlantic region. The Washington, DC
and Baltimore markets will now form the new Washington, DC Region and the Virginia markets will join the existing Carolina region to form the new Virginia-Carolina region. To lead these new regions, the 
company has promoted Michael Preacher – formerly the SVP of Strategic Partnerships to president of the Washington, DC region and government initiatives. Region president Dave Carwile is now president of the Virginia-Carolina region. That region consists of the following markets: Richmond, VA; Harrisonburg, VA; Norfolk, VA; Roanoke and Lynchburg, VA; Winchester, VA; Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC; Asheville, NC; Greenville, SC; and Greensboro, NC. Both Preacher and Carwile report to Northeast division president Hartley Adkins.
Bill Kelly ‘Unretires’ with Cumulus Youngstown. Radio management pro Bill Kelly retired from iHeartMedia in February, ending his career with the company as regional president. But on October 3 he’ll leave the ranks of the retired and join Cumulus Media as vice president and market manager for the Youngstown
market. Kelly worked in the Youngstown market for 35 years, beginning with the original owners of heritage AM signal WKBN. He helped build the six-station iHeartMedia cluster when it was first acquired by Jacor in 1997. Kelly comments, “After meeting with CEO Mary Berner and other senior leaders at Cumulus, I knew I had to take advantage of this opportunity. I can’t thank them enough. The Cumulus brands as well as the staff are well positioned. I look forward to helping them get to the next level.” Cumulus owns eight stations in the Youngstown market.
NYMRAD Releases Q2 2016 Report. The New York Market Radio Association releases its second quarter 2016 State of the New York Market Report. The organization calls it’s a “comprehensive analysis of the NY marketplace…[that] assesses the New York area economy, including business drivers and provides up-to-date consumer research on music consumption, radio usage, and more.” The report states that “New York Radio revenue showed some positive growth in the first half of 2016. Four hundred and fifty advertisers increased their spending by double-digit percentages. Fourteen percent of these advertisers more than doubled their radio ad spend, each paying more than $100K for airwaves. Of these larger spenders, six were in the automotive space and nine were part of the food and beverage sector. In the entertainment category, advertisers for concerts, theatre, and movies had a 22% increase over the last six months. Communications/Cellular spending has increased by 7%.” Read the entire report here.
Odds & Sods. At the Salem Media Group Denver operations, Scott Curtis is the new afternoon drive news
anchor on the Steve Kelley and Krista Kafer program. Curtis says, “I am excited to finally be working at a great team at Salem Media. For a radio guy, this is a dream job!”…..NBC Sports Radio is adding 
Emmy Award-winning Sunday Night Football sideline reporter Michele Tafoya as a featured contributor across NBC Sports Radio programming in which she’ll also do interviews with affiliated stations. She says, “I began my broadcasting career in radio and I absolutely love the medium. Sports talk radio offers a certain freedom to talk more conversationally than most formats. NBC Sports Radio has been a fun platform for me over the past couple of seasons, so I’m looking forward to this extended role.”…..CBS Sports Radio unveils its football-intensive weekend programming that begins Saturday (8/20) with the “Eye on Fantasy Football” show. Other shows this fall will include “Eye on College Football,” “Sunday Morning Football,” “Fantasy Football Today,” and “Eye on
Football.”…..Entercom’s news/talk KNSS, Wichita takes the top prize from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in the Best Complete Newscast category for Large Market Radio in the organization’s 2016 awards. The station’s Steve McIntosh, Ted Woodward and Jad Chambers, earned honor for their work on the “Day After Hesston, KS Mass Shooting.”
The Presidential Race, Milwaukee Shooting Case, Rio Olympics-U.S. Swimmers Detained, Louisiana Floods/SoCal Wildfires, Battle for Aleppo, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/17). The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the aftermath of the shooting death of an armed black man by police in Milwaukee; the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro and the controversy over U.S. swimmers’ allegations they were robbed at gunpoint; the devastating floods in Louisiana and the Southern California wildfires; the battle to retake Aleppo from Islamic State forces and Russia’s involvement in the Syrian conflict; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
The Conclave Names New Board Members. Three broadcast executives join the board of directors for The Conclave. The new members are: Peter Bowen, vice president/market manager, Cumulus Media Chicago; Tony Coles, EVP, programming, iHeartMedia; and Melek Demir, director of radio, National Association
of Broadcasters. Cumulus Media VP, social Lori Lewis says, “As volunteers, it’s not always easy to find time to give back. We are all busier than ever. And because of that, I’m grateful for Peter, Tony and Melek for giving their time to Conclave. I am also grateful for the current board members that work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Conclave serves our industry. We are working on dates for Conclave 42 in 2017 and will have an announcement soon!”
What’s Cupping? WHMP, Northampton, Massachusetts morning personality Bob Flaherty – like many watching the Rio Olympics and noticing the dark spots on U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps – was intrigued by the ancient healing practice known as cupping. But instead of just asking an expert about it, Flaherty decided to get “cupped” live on the air and stream it live on Facebook as well. Flaherty is pictured here with the small glass globes still on his back while doing his program.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Cumulus Media Reports 4.1% Decrease in Net Revenue. For the second quarter of 2016, Cumulus Media announces net revenue was $287.2 million, down from the Q2 2015 figure of $299.3 million. That number 
wasn’t so surprising as CEO Mary Berner has been stating that the turnaround of the company would take some time. The decrease in net revenue was attributable in part to a decline in local spot sales that offset growth in national, political and digital as well as the effects of the shutdown of NASH magazine. Also, expenses rose by $12.2 million due to new sports rights fees and an adjustment from a recalculation of 2015 music license fees. Westwood One had a challenging Q2, down 13.8% — or $12 million – over the same period in 2015.
E.W. Scripps Radio Division Down 6.4%. The 2016 second quarter numbers from E.W. Scripps were pretty good in the company’s television and digital segments – up 15% and 20% respectively – whereas the radio segment was down 6.4% on Q2 revenue of $18.2 million. A look ahead to the third quarter doesn’t see improvement. The company’s forward-looking statement is for radio revenue to be down in the mid-single digits and radio expenses to be up in the mid-single digits.
D’Marco Farr to Exit ‘100 ESPN’ in St. Louis; Talent Search for Replacement Is On. Former St. Louis Rams great D’Marco Farr is leaving WXOS, St. Louis “101ESPN” and the afternoon drive “The Fast Lane” show
after seven years for new opportunities. “101ESPN” program director Chris “Hoss” Neupert says the station is beginning a talent search right away for the right personality to work alongside co-hosts Randy Karraker and Brad Thompson plus producer Brad Barnes. Neupert says, “‘101 ESPN’ is looking for hardworking and well-informed on-air teammates who can help the show continue to succeed and grow. The perfect candidate is a highly entertaining and stand out on-air talent who has a real passion for all sports.” Find all the info about the gig here.
The Presidential Race Tops the Talkers TenTM for the Week of August 1-5. The activities of presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 was the controversy over the $400 million payment by the US to Iran on the day Americans were released from Iranian custody. Coming in at #3 was public opinion about and the actions of the Black Lives Matter movement, followed by the allegation by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange that the US was funneling weapons to Syrian rebels via Benghazi at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Nielsen Audio Releases Fourth Round of July 2016 PPM Data. The fourth and final round of July 2016 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. The June 2016 survey period covered June 16 through July 13. You can find the complete 6+ ratings numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS/RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Twelve Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
Connecticut Radio Pro Sebastian to Launch Internet Venture. Via the Radio Button Network, well-known Connecticut radio personality Sebastian is debuting a new program called “Sebastian Uncensored.” The
former WCCC and WZMX, Hartford jock will showcase his program on this 24/7 online personality station fully owned and operated by him, and managed by the Radio Button Network. It debuts on Monday, August 8. Sebastian comments, “I did not have a platform in radio that would allow the show I envisioned for 2016 and beyond. This new media fits exactly with what I needed to do MY type of show again.”
Odds & Sods. San Antonio talk radio star Trey Ware is being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame on
October 29. The KTSA, San Antonio morning drive personality will join KTSA’s Elizabeth Ruiz, the late Johnny Shannon, and his father – legendary South Texas broadcaster Ricci Ware in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame…..There’s no shortage of audio coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games from Rio de Janeiro. Westwood One has partnered with U.S. Olympics rights holder NBCUniversal and will present live radio coverage of the Games today through the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 21. WW1’s coverage can also be heard via SiriusXM and TuneIn…..SiriusXM personality John Fugelsang – host of 
“Tell Me Everything” – is embarking on a special broadcast that will air on Tuesday, August 9 at 2:00 pm ET on the Insight channel. The program will be a one-hour broadcast from a submersible deep in the ocean off the coast of Bermuda that is designed to set the world record for the deepest underwater live radio show and bring attention to protecting the deep ocean. Fugelsang is joining a research team launched by Nekton, a UK-based scientific research charity formed by scientists from a dozen marine research institutes, to help raise awareness of the health and resilience of Earth’s least-explored and largest ecosystem…..Meruelo Holdings-owned hip hop outlet KDAY, Los Angeles announces it will be the
Southern California affiliate for Oakland Raiders football. It will also enhance game coverage with exciting Raiders-oriented additional programming. Meruelo and KDAY president Otto Padron says, “No other brand in SoCal speaks to the loyal Raiders Nation better than KDAY…our sound, attitude and colors are a natural fit for this legendary pro football franchise. We are very excited with this new NFL partnership and KDAY is the right destination for the more than 2 million Raiders fans in our LA market.”…..BlogTalkRadio, in conjunction with P.I. Media, is presenting the Curious Minds podcast series, the “Heroes Of Podcasting.” It features interviews with pioneers of podcasting, some of whom have been trailblazing as far back as 2004. The show is co-hosted by Ran Levi and Kelly O’Laughlin. The first in the series features special guest, professor Karlheinz Bradenberg, inventor of the MP3 format.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Growing Joe Pags Show Hits 50-Affiliate Mark. The WOAI, San Antonio-based Joe Pags show – hosted by Joe Pagliarulo and syndicated by Compass Media Networks – is in expansion mode and recently hit the 50-affiliate mark with the addition of E.W. Scripps’ KQTH, Tucson and Bicoastal Media Licenses’ KMED, Medford, Oregon to its roster of stations. Joe Pags tells TALKERS magazine that his team had the goal of adding 50 stations in a year and has accomplished the feat in just eight months. He also says he’s pleased to announce they have a number of station additions “in the hopper” and hope to announce confirmed additions soon. Besides his daily program, Pagliarulo is also heard across the country on more than 200 affiliate stations on Saturdays hosting the Premiere Networks program “The Weekend.” For more about the Joe Pags show, click here.
Nick Wright Exiting KILT-AM, Houston for Fox Sports One Gig. The KILT-AM, Houston “Sports Radio 610” morning drive co-host is not specific in his farewell to listeners but says he’s pursuing “a dream come true” with his move to Los Angeles to host a national cable TV show on FOX Sports’ FS1 channel. Nick Wright joined CBS RADIO’s KILT-AM in 2012 after working at KCSP, Kansas City. He’s been co-hosting the morning show with John Lopez. He says he’ll announce more about what he’ll be doing at FS1 “within the coming days and weeks.”
Fox News Journalist Rosen Supports Bold Gold Foundation. Journalist James Rosen addressed a private audience of Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation supporters in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on Saturday (3/26). The Fox News Channel chief Washington correspondent (and host of the online show “The Foxhole”) spoke about a number topics, including the important work the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation is undertaking to help educate and train tomorrow’s broadcast and communications leaders. Regular TALKERS readers may be aware that the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation helped Hillsdale College build its first radio station and broadcast program on its main campus in Hillsdale, Michigan, as well as its state-of-the-art studio at the school’s Kirby Center for
Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C. Speaking about his appearance, Rosen stated, “Every single student I met there was just the kind of young person that you pray America will keep producing to stay America, and by establishing a student radio station to help that student population explore and understand media, that’s real service the Bold Gold Foundation is providing.” Bold Gold president Vince Benedetto comments, “James sets a very high bar for journalistic excellence and, as such, is an outstanding and inspirational example to young people everywhere who seek a future in broadcast media. We’re grateful for his interest in, and support of, our Foundation’s efforts.” At Saturday’s event it was announced that Rosen will be coming back to Northeast Pennsylvania to be the keynote speaker at the Foundation’s 2nd annual event at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre on June 14. For more information about how you can be a part of this annual event featuring Mr. Rosen, visit: www.BoldGold.org.
Hurley Upped to VP of Digital Sales for Westwood One. Media sales pro Kelli Hurley is promoted from her VP, national partnerships and digital activation, Midwest position with Westwood One to vice president, digital sales for the entire network. In this role, Hurley will oversee all sales efforts for the company’s portfolio of digital products — including streaming audio, on demand, and podcasting — and will continue to develop new content partnerships. Chicago-based Hurley will report directly to Westwood One president Steve Shaw. During her career, Hurley has served with Premiere Networks, United Stations Radio Networks, and TargetSpot.
WTMJ, Milwaukee to Air Special Coverage of Tonight’s GOP Town Hall. This evening’s GOP Town Hall meeting at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee will feature remaining Republican contenders Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich. E.W. Scripps-owned news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee announces it will present special coverage of the event, including carrying the audio simulcast from CNN’s telecast. WTMJ will add one hour of special coverage with a special focus on local issues in advance of the three-hour event. WTMJ president and general manager Tom Langmyer says, “When news is made in Milwaukee, WTMJ is there to cover it. We are ‘Wisconsin’s Radio Station’ and that means delivering live and local coverage on which our listeners can depend.”
Odds & Sods. Tomorrow (3/30), sports talk personality Marc James is sitting in for Jim Rome on his
nationally syndicated CBS Sports Radio Network program. James most recently was morning drive co-host at CBS RADIO’s WZGC, Atlanta “92.9 The Game.”…..Ratings results for the Fall 2015 period (September 10 – December 2) based on Nielsen Audio data are being reported by ESPN Radio and the network says its quarter-hour impressions (Monday – Sunday, 6a-6p) were up 18% over the same period in 2014. Additionally, the company says ESPN Streaming is up 28% over last year…..Pubcasters Chicago Public Media and Window to the World Communications are literally linking their newsrooms in a cooperative venture. The operators of WBEZ-FM and WTTW-TV, respectively, are linking the newsrooms in order to share reporters and correspondents for WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” and WBEZ’s news programming. A robotic camera is being installed at WBEZ and an audio link will allow WTTW reporters to appear on WBEZ shows…..At public radio news/talk WFPL, Louisville, Bill Burton is the new local host and producer of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” Also, Kathi Lincoln joins the station as midday host and producer.
Here Comes the Judge. Pictured here on the stage at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University are Fox News senior legal analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano (left) and WNDB, Daytona Beach afternoon drive personality Marc Bernier (right). Bernier notes that with an FBI investigation looming over presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and an opening on the Supreme Court, there was plenty to discuss before the audience at the university-sponsored event, “An Evening with Fox News Sr. Legal Analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano.” Photo: Jack H. Taylor
The Presidential Race, the Aftermath of the Brussels Terror Attacks, Taliban Targets Christians in Pakistan Terror Bombings, FBI Accesses San Bernardino Attacker’s iPhone, Battle Against Islamic State-Crucifixion of Priest, ‘Convention of States’ Movement, and March Madness Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/28). The activities of the candidates for president; the aftermath of the terror attacks in Brussels; the deadly targeting of Christians in Pakistan by Taliban terrorists on Easter Sunday; the FBI calls off its legal action against Apple after gaining access to an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists; the ongoing battle against Islamic State and the organization’s execution of a Catholic priest via crucifixion; the “convention of states” movement to circumvent congress feels momentum; and the Final Four were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Presidential Race, U.S. Immigration Policy, Apple vs FBI, Scalia Replacement Debate, and Oscars Ceremony Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/29). The activities of the candidates for president prior to the Super Tuesday primary; the debate over the future of United States immigration policy; Apple’s court fight to avoid providing the FBI with a back door into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists; the fight in Washington over the timeline for replacing late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia; and the post-ceremony analysis of the Academy Awards show were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
WTMJ, Milwaukee and RightWisconsin.com Present ‘Charlie Sykes Insight 2016.’ Milwaukee news/talk WTMJ and Charlie Sykes’ RightWisconsin.com are announcing the guests for the 2016 edition of “Charlie Sykes Insight” – a live taping of WTMJ’s “Midday with Charlie Sykes” radio show featuring politicians, commentators and pundits. Tickets for the luncheon-style event are available to listeners. Guests are expected to include: U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), WI State Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield), WI Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley, Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr., political strategist Mary Jo Baas, Milwaukee County supervisor Deanna Alexander, Edge
Messaging president Brian Fraley, former State Representative Michelle Litjens, political science professor Dr. John McAdams, Media Trackers communications director Brian Sikma, WTMJ-AM host Jeff Wagner, and RightWisconsin.com managing editor Collin Roth. Sykes says, “The year 2016 has seen the political world turned on its head, and the playbook rewritten. Once again, we will take an in-depth look at the tight U.S. Senate race, the battle for a seat on the WI Supreme Court, and the examination of the ‘snowflake rebellion’ sweeping the nation’s college and university campuses. We’ll also feature expert analysis of the campaign and two all-star pundit panels. And, of course, we will give the audience a chance to participate in a live ‘Charlie, What I Don’t Get’ session.”
Odds & Sods. Comic Jim Breuer’s podcasts are now being repped by AdLarge Media. Two shows – “The Metal In Me” and “Mets And More” – are already available and new podcasts are in development. They also will be represented exclusively by AdLarge Media. “The Metal in Me” explores Breuer’s love of heavy metal music with a comic bent, featuring impressions, bits, guest interviews, and an ensemble cast of musical friends. “Mets and More” is about Breuer’s “take on life, love, work, and baseball.”…..A new voice is joining the radio broadcast booth for Milwaukee Brewers games beginning this season. Lane Grindle – who has been with the University of Nebraska Husker Sports Network for the past 10 years – will travel with broadcaster Jeff Levering for games that baseball radio legend Bob Uecker does not work. E.W. Scripps news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee is the flagship station for Brewers baseball…..SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel will begin its “2016 MLB Spring Training Tour.” The programming will emanate from spring training sites in Florida and Arizona through March with a two-hour show focusing on each MLB team. Programs will include conversations with managers, players and executives.
Baltimore Newsman Bob Schilling Dead at 75. Baltimore news figure Bob Schilling died on February 28 at the age of 75 after a battle with lung cancer. Schilling was a news reporter and news director at WCBM-AM, Baltimore for 19 years. He also was a managing editor for WBFF-TV, Baltimore.
Former WOAI-AM, San Antonio News Anchor Bob Guthrie Dies. In addition to serving as the longtime morning drive news anchor at WOAI-AM, San Antonio, Bob Guthrie also worked at WOAI-TV. Guthrie served with the stations for more than 50 years, joining WOAI-AM in 1956. He retired in 2009.
Cool Job Opportunity. The Kim Komando show is seeking an experienced director of affiliate relations. In this position, you will work closely with current radio affiliate stations and prospective radio affiliate stations. You are a very important link between our programs and the stations. You will work to understand station’s needs and objectives and liaise closely with them from contract to broadcast and finally, always ensuring their satisfaction with our programming. You also manage administrative and marketing work as it relates to current and prospective radio affiliates across the United States. You also work with other teams including editorial, digital marketing and production. To see more about this position and to apply, click here.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Entercom’s Furst Choice to Program KC Talk Combo. Self-described “freelance programming advisor/consultant” Alan Furst is tapped to program Entercom Kansas City siblings KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” and KMBZ-FM “News/Talk 98.1.” Entercom Kansas City vice president and market manager Dave Alpert remarks, “We are very pleased to welcome Alan. He brings with him a wealth of experience, possesses a passion for the on-air product, and a passion for winning.” Furst – who begins his new
duties next Monday (2/15) – comments that he is “very excited to join one of the truly great news talk brands, KMBZ.” He went on to thank Alpert and Entercom president of programming Pat Paxton “for the opportunity to be part of the outstanding staff at Entercom Kansas City. I look forward to helping both stations continue to grow.” Prior to opening his programming consultancy in October 2014, Furst spent nearly two years as program director of Radio One Houston’s KROI. His varied resume includes hands-on operations manager and PD experience at San Antonio country and CHR duo KAJA “KJ-97” and KXXM “Mix 96”; WLW, Cincinnati; and WIBC, Indianapolis. In addition, he was senior vice president of content for DMX Music; Cumulus Media’s country format director; group program director for the Australian Radio Network; senior vice president of programming for Clear Channel, AMFM, and Capstar Broadcasting; national program director for NewCity Communications; and a programming consultant for Shane Media Services. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2015 PPM report, both KMBZ-FM (3.3, #14) and KMBZ-AM (2.6, #18) were down one-half share from December 2015.
Howard Tuuri Named VP/GM for Genesis Communications. Radio executive Howard Tuuri joins Genesis Communications to serve as vice president and general manager for the company’s four Florida stations – news/talk WWBA, Tampa; sports talk WHBO, Tampa; Spanish WMGG, Tampa; and sports talk WHOO, Orlando – as well as its two Internet publications. Tuuri, who will report to Genesis president and CEO Bruce Maduri, previously served with Cox Media Group as a VP/GM for its Tampa operations. Maduri states, “Howard’s background and quality of experience are a tremendous fit for our organization. He has been a valuable member of our Leadership Team, and this appointment confirms our commitment to grow and realize the vision of a truly integrated media content company.”
The Presidential Race, Low Oil Prices/Financial Markets Activity, Battle Against Islamic State/Syrian Civil War, North Korean Missile Launch, Zika Virus, and Super Bowl 50 Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/8). Today’s New Hampshire primary and the activities of the candidates for president; low oil prices and the effects on the world’s financial markets; the battle against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and the effects of the ongoing Syrian civil conflict; North Korea’s weekend launch of a satellite missile; concerns over a potential pandemic of the Zika virus; and Sunday’s Super Bowl 50 and controversy over the Doritos commercial were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
RAB/Borrell: Radio Digital Revenue to Rise 14%. According to a study by Borrell Associates on behalf of the Radio Advertising Bureau, the radio industry’s digital ad revenue rose 11.4% in 2015 to more than $550 million. The study also predicts radio’s digital revenue will improve by 16% this year. This fourth annual report is titled, “Benchmarking: Local Radio Stations’ Online Revenues,” and concludes the average market cluster made $951,756 in digital sales last year, with the average station making $231,210. Borrell Associates CEO Gordon Borrell summarizes, “All signs point to the radio industry mobilizing even more in the interactive space. Eighty-two percent believe there is strong potential – the highest we’ve ever seen; 62% believe that their sales teams’ ability to sell digital products is solid – up from 52% a year ago; and 37% believe their digital strategy is headed in the right direction – up from 27%.” The full study is available to RAB members, but here are some of the juicier takeaways: One-third of stations surveyed believe their sales reps are talking to the wrong buyers when trying to sell digital products. Three years ago, two-thirds believed that was the case; Only 16% believe that radio sales suffer because reps are forced to sell digital advertising. That’s down significantly since 2014, when more than half felt that way; Conversely, 24% believe that digital sales suffer because reps focus on radio advertising. Three years ago, twice as many felt that way; And the average radio cluster received 0.26% of all locally spent Internet advertising. There were some, however, achieving 15 times that – up to nearly 4%. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber states, “Digital continues to be radio’s fastest growing sector. Stations that are laser focused on increasing revenue beyond their core broadcast business are experiencing the benefits. The results from this study provide us with insights of where efforts are paying off and what additional training is needed for radio to continue with this trajectory. The RAB is here to help with that knowledge and training.”
Service King and Motel 6 Win Westwood One Super Bowl Sound Awards. This was the third annual Westwood One Super Bowl Sound Awards designed to recognize excellence in audio creativity and celebrate brand advertisers and radio creative. Westwood One asked listeners to vote on their favorite audio commercials airing in the Westwood One Super Bowl 50 broadcast. In addition, Westwood One commissioned a Nielsen study of 3,030 consumers who rated all 45 commercials on a series of key attributes. Listeners voted for Service King’s “Mission 2 Hire” ad as their favorite Super Bowl commercial. The ad promotes Service King’s Mission 2 Hire program, which is dedicated to hiring 500 veterans at Service King locations around the country. Hear the ad here: http://thesoundawards.com/service-king/. Motel 6 was rated the most likeable ad in the Westwood One-commissioned Nielsen study. The brand’s “Designer Dogs” ad features long-time Motel 6 narrator Tom Bodett, who promotes Motel 6’s great rooms and low rates while poking fun at trendy dog breeds with silly names. The Motel 6 ad also received top consumer ratings for relevance, engagement, and memorability. Here is a link to hear the ad: http://thesoundawards.com/motel-6-3/.
sPAGtacular Success Didn’t Occur Overnight
Profile of Compass Media Networks and Premiere-Syndicated Personality Joe Pagliarulo
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
SAN ANTONIO — Nirvana for the epicurean purveyor of Chinese cuisine is to behold – and partake of – a bountiful buffet whose selections might include such taste-tempting combinations as chicken chow mein to shrimp lo mein; yang chow fried rice to moo goo gai pan; sweet and pungent chicken to sweet and sour pork; and a variety of others.
One particular (ominous) Friday the 13th – May 2011 to be more precise – an extremely well-liked, San Antonio-based media personality was enjoying the process of selecting and piling onto his plate his favorite Chinese food offerings.
Seemingly carefree, he and his wife were in relaxation mode as the on-air talent took a break from gearing up for the rigors of an upcoming three-hour talkfest, blissfully unaware his world was moments away from taking a monumental jolt.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Williams to Program Denver’s KKFN & KEPN. Currently the program director of Townsquare Media Albany (New York) sports outlet WTMM-FM “104.5 ESPN The Team,” Armen Williams will join Bonneville Denver’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” and KEPN “1600 The Zone” in a similar capacity the middle of next month. According to Bonneville Denver vice president and market manager Bob Call, “Armen brings a perfect balance of winning sports radio programming, plus an exceptional knowledge of digital media. Armen has worked with a number of high-profile sports personalities through his career, plus he developed some solid NFL play-by-play network experience.” Williams – who co-hosts WTMM’s afternoon drive show in addition to his PD duties – states, “I am excited to be part of one of the best sports radio brands in the country. ‘The Fan’ is a first-class organization and Bonneville is a great company. I am looking forward to working with the extremely talented staff to continue giving Denver sports fans the highest quality of sports talk radio.” Before his tenure at Albany’s “Team,” Williams was a producer for CBS Radio-owned KRLD “The Fan,” Dallas, where he worked with the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network; he previously worked in the promotions department at KESN “ESPN Radio,” Dallas. According to 6+ stats from Denver’s most recent (November 2015) Nielsen Audio PPM results, KKFN ranks #16 (3.6, up one full-share from September‘s 2.6) and KEPN is #33 (.1); Entercom classic rocker KQMT “The Mountain” is #1 with a 6.3 (6+). The only stations listed in Nielsen Audio’s summer 2015 report for Albany are five iHeartMedia outlets.
Gallagher Meets Cruz on Campaign Trail; Salem Preparing for December 15 GOP Debate Coverage. While in South Carolina on the campaign trail, GOP presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) stopped to speak with Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher in Greenville. Gallagher (right) is pictured here conducting the one-on-one with Cruz (left). (A Monmouth University study has Cruz polling ahead of Donald Trump in Iowa right now with 24%.) Meanwhile, Salem Radio Network has exclusive radio distribution of the CNN/Facebook Presidential Debate at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. SRN says Bill Bennett, Gallagher, Michael Medved, Dennis Prager and Hugh Hewitt will all originate their programs from the hotel on December 14 and 15. SRN’s Hewitt will serve on the CNN debate panel as well. SRN SVP Phil Boyce will serve as live announcer for the network’s radio coverage, and SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup will be executive producer of all on-site SRN shows and the CNN/Facebook Debate coverage.
WMAL-AM/FM, Washington Raises $316,000 for Fisher House Foundation. Last Friday and Saturday (12/4-5), Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL-AM/FM, Washington held its second annual “Operation Fisher House 2015 Radiothon” and raised $316,000 for the charity that builds and provides group homes for families of America’s wounded servicemen and women as they undergo treatment. The station reports that over the past 12 years WMAL listeners have donated almost $5 million dollars to the Fisher House Foundation. Station program director Bill Hess comments, “Our listeners step up year after year. Their response to our talent and the stories of these heroes and their families is incredibly rewarding.”
More Than $277,000 Raised at Annual WOAI Elf Louise Broadcast. The Elf Louise Christmas Project charity was founded in 1969 and this year iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI, San Antonio held its 20th annual two-day radiothon on December 4 and 5 to raise funds for the charity that helps buy Christmas presents for more than 19,000 children in the area. In addition to listeners donating money, several benefactors helped, including local attorney Thomas J. Henry whose family pledged to match 25% of every donation up to $200,000 and ended up donating $50,000. Pictured here at the broadcast are (from l-r): WOAI personalities Cari Laque, Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo and charity founder Louise Locker.
Odds & Sods. Programmer Jeff Beck is promoted to operations manager for the Alpha Media Fredericksburg,
Virginia cluster that includes news/talk/sports simulcast WNTX-AM/W243BS at 96.5 FM…..Bonneville’s KIRO-FM, Seattle is hosting the 27th Annual Foster Child Holiday Magic Radiothon on December 10 to benefit the Treehouse, a non-profit agency that ensures that kids in foster care have access to the essential services required to help them make it to high school graduation and beyond. The past three 
years, KIRO Radio Foster Child Holiday Magic Program has raised more than $500,000 each year through listener donation and sponsor matching funds. “Ron & Don Show” co-host Don O’Neill says, “Each year at KIRO Radio we strive to give every foster child in Washington State a gift during the holiday season. A holiday gift is a symbol, a reminder to a young person that they are important, they are part of our village, and they have not been forgotten! We can’t wait to spread a little Holiday Magic again this year, with the help of all our great listeners throughout the Pacific Northwest!”
Obama’s San Bernardino Address, Trump Anti-Muslim Rhetoric/2016 Presidential Race, Battle Against Islamic State, Turkey-Russian Tensions, Iran Missile Test, NFL Action, and New Star Wars Film Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/7). Reaction to President Obama’s Sunday evening national address on the San Bernardino shootings; GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s post-San Bernardino statements about preventing any Muslims from entering the United States and the activities of the other candidates for president in 2016; the military campaign against Islamic State in Iraq, Syria and beyond; the ongoing tensions between Turkey and Russia; allegations Iran has fired a test rocket in violation of the recently signed nuclear deal; the weekend’s NFL action; and anticipation over the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens film were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Pioneering DC Sports Talker Ken Beatrice Dies at 72. A trailblazing radio sports talk host in Washington passed away at age 72 after a bout with pneumonia. Ken Beatrice hosted an evening sports talk show on WMAL-AM from 1977 through 1995. He worked another five years at crosstown WTEM, retiring in 2000. Beatrice is credited with providing WMAL with thorough and insightful coverage of the NFL’s Washington Redskins during the team’s successful years in the 1980s through early 1990s. Steve Repsher writes a homage to Beatrice in the Washington Post here.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
John Cravens Exits ESPN’s WMVP, Chicago. He’d been in management at ESPN sports talk O&O WMVP for the past 10 years but now John Cravens is out as vice president and general manager of the property. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports Cravens’ history with the station: general sales
manager for four years until being boosted to VP/GM in 2009. Feder also writes that, although sources have confirmed his ouster, neither side is commenting and it’s uncertain whether his position will be filled or whether his duties will be picked up by others in the organization. According to figures from Miller, Kaplan, Arase, WMVP’s revenue dipped more than 11% from 2013 to 2014. Read Feder’s story here.
Steve Deace Show to Be Syndicated by Salem Radio Network. Iowa-based conservative talk show host Steve Deace’s nationally syndicated program will be distributed by Salem Radio Network beginning November 2, feeding live from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. SRN says the Steve Deace show will air on many of its news/talk-formatted stations across the country and will be available to stations in other markets. On his new
arrangement, Deace comments, “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Salem, which is a leader in conservative multi-media. It’s the perfect fit for our message, which unashamedly proclaims the pillars of American exceptionalism — faith, family, and freedom. We are finally getting our shot at the ‘big leagues’ and look forward to reaching a new and bigger audience.” Deace is a columnist for Salem-owned Townhall.com and recently released the book, Rules for Patriots: How Conservatives can Win Again (2014 Post Hill Press). SRN SVP Phil Boyce states, “I have been following Steve’s radio career for several years now and felt he would be the perfect addition to the Salem lineup at 9:00 pm ET, following Hugh Hewitt. I can’t think of a better time to do this, just as we are one year away from one of the biggest political elections in our country’s history, and Steve is all over this.”
Glenn Beck to Air in NYC Market on WVNJ in New Jersey. Nationally syndicated talk star Glenn Beck is being heard in the New York market again as Universal Broadcasting’s WVNJ,
Oakland, New Jersey adds his show for the 11:00 am to 1:00 pm time slot. The addition of the Premiere Networks program comes just weeks after WVNJ brought New York-based GCN-syndicated talk star Dr. Joy Browne to its roster for live clearance immediately following Beck’s show (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm). WVNJ director of operations Luis Felix states, “WVNJ is excited to welcome Glenn Beck to the airwaves in New York. The Glenn Beck program is a perfect fit for our listeners and makes a great addition to our programming lineup.”
Round One of October PPM Ratings Released. The first of four rounds of October 2015 PPM data from Nielsen Audio is released for 12 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). You can find all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his Twelve Takeaways from this round of data at our sister publication’s site here. The October 2015 PPM survey covered September 10 through October 7.
San Antonio Radio Pro Johnny Shannon Dead at 70. After a 50-year career in radio, Johnny Shannon died on Monday after a battle with liver cancer. Shannon had been working for the last 10 years of his career as a reporter for Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA, San Antonio. The earlier part of his career was spent working in music formats. In the San Antonio market, he’d worked at such outlets as KONO and KSMG. Earlier this year Shannon was inducted into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame and five years prior, he was honored as a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Odds & Sods. The tragic case of the death of a New Mexico four-year-old after a road rage incident was the focal
point of recent broadcasts on Cumulus Media’s KKOB-AM, Albuquerque. While the search was still on for the killer of Lilly Garcia, Albuquerque Police Chief Gordon Eden called in to KKOB-AM when morning show host Bob Clark was talking about the story with listeners. Eden said, “We know that 770 is heard around the Southwest and we need your help in tracking down truckers who may have witnessed the road rage shooting.” KKOB-AM program director Pat Frisch says, “770 KKOB is a vital part of New Mexico and that could not have been more evident when Chief Eden called in.”…..The national radio broadcast of the 111th Major League Baseball World Series is being carried by ESPN Radio for the 18th consecutive season. Talent for this year’s broadcast are: “Sunday Night Baseball” play-by-play voice Dan Shulman with analyst Aaron Boone, reporter Chris Singleton, ESPN Radio studio host Marc Kestecher, and ESPN MLB Insider Peter Pascarelli…..ABC Radio announces the availability of three special shows for the Thanksgiving weekend: “Shopping for Kids” with Alex Stone, “Holiday Gift Guide” with host Scott Goldberg, and “Holiday Movie Guide” with ABC Radio entertainment correspondent and movie critic David Blaustein…..AdLarge Media adds two more shows to its roster of podcasts for which it serves as exclusive ad sales rep. “Women Worldwide” reaches women who benefit from the shared experiences of the show’s notable guests and “The #Hashtag Show” from The Social Network Station draws listeners who want to implement best practices for using hashtags as an effective marketing or social networking tool.
DC Radio Legend Ed Walker Passes. Just hours after listening to his final “Big Broadcast” program air on WAMU-FM, Washington, market legend Ed Walker died at age 83 after battle with cancer. Walker holds a memorable place in Washington, DC radio history as (future renowned TV weatherman) Willard Scott’s partner on the WRC, Washington show “The Joy Boys.” That show ran from the mid-1950s through 1972. After that show ended, Walker worked at numerous stations in the market until taking over the weekly “Big Broadcast” show on WAMU-FM in 1990. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Walker recorded the program for broadcast on Sunday evenings. See the Washington Post’s obit by Paul Farhi here.
2016 Presidential Race, European Migrant Crisis/U.S. Immigration Policy, U.S. Patrols South China Sea, Congressional Budget Deal, Russia’s Syria Campaign/U.S. Syria-ISIS Policy, OSU Homecoming Parade Tragedy, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/26). The activities of the candidates for president in 2016; the ongoing migrant crisis in Eastern Europe and the United States’ policy on immigration; China’s warning to the U.S. about its patrol near disputed islands in the South China Sea; the tentative two-year budget deal agreed to by Republicans and Democrats in Congress; the Russian military campaign in Syria and the U.S.’s military policy in the region; the deadly accident that took the lives of four and injured dozens at the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade on Saturday; and the weekend’s NFL games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Rathert Named Morning Host at KSSZ, Columbia, Missouri. Taking over the morning drive program on Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group-owned news/talk KSSZ, Columbia, Missouri
“HotTalk 93.9 The Eagle” is Branden Rathert. He was most recently afternoon drive personality at ADX Communications’ WNRP, Pensacola “Newsradio 1620.” Zimmer director of programming Jamie Mac states, “We are excited to welcome Branden to ‘Wake Up Columbia’ on ‘93.9 The Eagle.’ We feel Branden’s unique perspective, where he is able to take a specific topic and come at it in a non-traditional way, will translate very well in the Columbia market. His passion for making great radio, strong work ethic and creativity make him a great addition for our station and the talk radio community here locally.”
CBS RADIO’s Mick Anselmo to Retire. Senior vice president and market manager for CBS RADIO’s Minneapolis cluster, Mick Anselmo, announces he’s retiring from the company at the end of the year. Anselmo has been managing radio stations in the Twin Cities for more than 20 years – for iHeartMedia and the old AM/FM and Chancellor groups – with the last seven spent working for CBS RADIO. The company is searching for Anselmo’s replacement to oversee news/talk WCCO “Newsradio 830,” country KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” and adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM.”
Jeanine Pirro Podcast Debuts on PodcastOne. A new, weekly program featuring FOX News personality and former New York District Attorney Jeanine Pirro is launching on PodcastOne. Titled “Due Process,” the podcast will “provide the legal insight behind breaking news, high profile court cases and political issues, in addition to welcoming analysts and experts on these topics.” The show will also include TED speaker and content strategist Terri Trespicio joining Pirro each Monday. PodcastOne founder Norm Pattiz comments, “Jeanine has the intellect and the energy to do a great podcast. It will be entertaining, interesting, and deal with exciting subjects. It’s great to add her to our lineup, and it’s always good to know a judge.”
Odds & Sods. Southeastern radio pro Dave Cobb is named the general manager for MARC Radio’s seven-station Gainesville, Florida cluster that includes news/talk WRZN “NewsRadio 980.”…..Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania-based Forever Media is buying sports talk WGET “ESPN Sports” and country WGTY in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania from the Times and News Publishing for $4.2 million.
CBS Sports Radio’s Jim Rome Visits Tampa. Nationally syndicated sports talk personality Jim Rome visited affiliate WHBO, Tampa “Sports Talk 1040 The Team” recently, taking part in a meet-and-greet during a live remote at Beef O’ Brady’s Restaurant. The Genesis Communications-owned station says, “Hundreds of Rome fans attended, giving Jim a standing ovation as he entered the restaurant. Jim made it a point to talk to every fan, sign autographs, and take photographs. People were lined up for hours to talk with him.” Pictured here are (from l-r): Rome show producer Kyle Brandt, Genesis president Bruce Maduri, Rome, and Sound Mind LLC chief Kraig Kitchin.
Nielsen Calls Audible to Publishing September Stats. Rather than spreading out the release of ratings information over four days as it typically does with its monthly data, Nielsen Audio is opting to consolidate its September PPM results into two – next Tuesday (9/29) and Wednesday (9/30). The first batch of markets is unaffected by the decision and will get their September numbers next Tuesday as originally planned. Those markets are New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario (Los Angeles’ Inland Empire); San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The second group not only moves up one day, it will join group one – meaning 24 (rather than 12) markets will have data released next Tuesday. Group two consists of Washington, DC; Boston; Detroit; Miami; Seattle; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis. Stations from the remaining 24-PPM markets (groups three and four) get to see the outcome of the September 2015 sweep next Wednesday. Group three is Portland; Charlotte; Pittsburgh; Sacramento; San Antonio; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Kansas City; Orlando; and Columbus. Comprising group four are facilities in Austin; Milwaukee; Indianapolis; Providence; Raleigh; Norfolk; Nashville; Greensboro; West Palm Beach; Jacksonville; Memphis; and Hartford.
Ben Carson Muslim Controversy, Walker Drops Out/2016 Presidential Candidates, Pope Francis’ U.S. Visit, Russia’s Military Support of Syria, Muslim Migrant Issue, VW Emissions Scandal, Afghan Child Abuse Claims, David Petraeus’ Congressional Testimony, and Xi Jinping Visits U.S. Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/22). The controversy over GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson’s statement he would not support a Muslim for president; Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker drops out of the presidential race tied with the activities of the rest of the 2016 presidential candidates; Pope Francis’ visit to the United States; reports of military support for Syria’s Assad regime by Russia; the issue of Muslim immigrants in Europe and the U.S.; the emissions scandal plaguing Volkswagen; the controversy over allegations the U.S. military instructs personnel in Afghanistan to ignore sexual abuse of young boys by Afghan military commanders; former CIA director David Petraeus’ apologizes for relaying sensitive material to former mistress; and Chinese president Xi Jinping visits the United States were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Tidwell Tapped as iHM San Antonio SVP/Programming. Inbound from Tucson where he was iHeartMedia‘s senior vice president of programming, Lance Tidwell transfers to San Antonio for similar duties. Executive vice president of programming for iHeartMedia major markets Brad Hardin comments, “I am extremely pleased to welcome Lance to the iHeartMedia San Antonio family. Tidwell is a strong talent and has had much success in his tenure with iHeartMedia. His programming acumen and depth of experience will allow him to ramp up quickly and build immediate relationships with the programming and sales team.” San Antonio market president Marlene Trevino remarks, “I am excited that our San Antonio programming operations will be led by Tidwell. He understands our company¹s vision to be innovative with every move. Lance¹s experience collaborating with programming and sales teams will provide us and our partners with unbeatable forward momentum in the continued evolution of our brands in the San Antonio
market.” Tidwell notes that he is “grateful” to Trevino and Hardin “for the chance to work with these great brands and team in San Antonio. I am eager to get started and lead the market to continued growth and success.” In addition to having programmed in Seattle, Memphis, Hartford, Monterey-Salinas, and New Haven (Connecticut), Tidwell was chief operating officer for Southern Star Broadcasting. With 6+ share/market ranks from the most recent Nielsen Audio PPM sweep in parentheses (July 2015), iHeartMedia’s San Antonio cluster consists of country KAJA “KJ-97” (6.0, #3); mainstream CHR KXXM “Mix 96.1” (4.8, #5); adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9” (4.7, #6); talk WOAI (4.2, #10); rhythmic CHR KZEP “Hot 104.5” (2.1, #19); regional Mexican KQXT-HD3 (1.8, #20); sports KTKR “The Ticket” (.6, #26); and classic country KRPT “B-Buc” (.2, #27).
CBS Radio Q2 Revenue Off 5%. While second quarter revenue for CBS Corp. increased 1% to $3.22 billion from $3.19 billion in 2014, CBS Radio revenue declined 5%. Executive chair Sumner Redstone states, “CBS is at the center of the action during an extremely exciting time in media. We continue to succeed as a result of our world-class content.” According to president and chief executive officer Les Moonves, “This quarter underscores the key steps we are taking to build out our long-term growth strategy. Our premium content remains the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident this fall’s new primetime lineup will lead us to another victory next season.” The company’s local broadcasting revenue was down 2% to $654 million from $665 million, as television station revenue was up 1%, and local broadcasting operating income (OI) fell 8% to $198 million from $215 million. The company posted net earnings of $332 million, down from $439 million in the year-ago period.
Nielsen Audio Releases Third Round of July 2015 PPM Data. The third of four rounds of July 2015 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. The July 2015 survey period covered June 18 through July 15. You can find the complete ratings from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Ten Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
National Radio Hall of Fame Nominees Announced. The 24 candidates in six categories were determined by the organization’s steering committee. National Radio Hall of Fame chair Kraig Kitchin brings back public engagement through social media balloting in the “Music Format On-Air Personality” and “Spoken Word On-Air Personality” categories. This is the first time that will be done in the last five years. “This impressive list of nominees represents the best examples of talent with commendable audience relationships past and present,” Kitchin declares. “Each individual and show was selected after extensive deliberation by the steering committee. We are all looking forward to seeing the results as determined by our industry peers and listeners nationwide.” The four nominees to be voted on by a participant panel in the “Longstanding Local/Regional (20 years or more)” category are Tom Barnard (Minneapolis); Johnny Dare (Kansas City); Johnny Holliday (Washington, D.C.); and Ronn Owens (San Francisco). Those in the “Active Local/Regional (10 years or more)” category are “Big Boy” – real name Kurt Alexander (Los Angeles); Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison (Philadelphia); Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart (Chicago); and Garland Robinette (New Orleans). The four candidates in the “Networks/Syndication (10 years or more)” category include Tom Kent (Cleveland); Dave Ramsey (Nashville); Diane Rehm (Washington, D.C.); and Michael Savage (San Francisco). Those in the “Longstanding Network/Syndication (20 years or more)” category are Bob Kevoian & Tom Griswold (Indianapolis); Bob Kingsley (Weatherford, Texas); “Marketplace” (Los Angeles); and Harry Shearer (Los Angeles). Nominees to be voted on by listeners nationwide in the “Music Format On-Air Personality” category are Delilah (Seattle); Elvis Duran (New York); Steve Harvey (Atlanta); and Ryan Seacrest (Los Angeles). In the “Spoken Word On-Air Personality” category, the nominees are Sean Hannity (New York); Clark Howard (Atlanta); Jim Rome (Los Angeles); and Dr. Laura Schlessinger (Los Angeles). Voting begins today; names of the winners will be revealed in just over three weeks (8/31). The induction ceremony will be held in three months (11/5) at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in downtown Chicago.
NextRadio, CBI Team To Find Best Radio Spot. College students are encouraged to create/submit a 60-second radio spot, as NextRadio and College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) join forces to find the “best-of-the-best in radio spot ads.” According to NextRadio president Paul Brenner, there are currently 50,000 – 70,000 radio spots that run each month supporting the NAB National Awareness Campaign, which launched in February; “this is a huge opportunity for students to have their radio spot played nationally among thousands of broadcast stations and heard by millions. We will get the opportunity to showcase rising talent for the radio industry.” CBI president Greg Weston comments, “CBI is thrilled to team with NextRadio to offer students from our media outlets this unprecedented opportunity to have their work appear in front of millions of listeners. Not only will the winners get national exposure for their talent, they will be able to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them at the National Student Electronic Media Convention.” First-place winner will have his or her 60-second spot included in “flight four” of the NAB National Awareness Campaign, which starts October 1. The contest begins one week from next Monday (8/17) and will run through September 18; winners will be announced September 28.
Westwood One, PGA of America In Multiyear, Multiplatform Deal. Live hole-by-hole coverage of the PGA championship returns to Westwood One for the first time in a decade. In addition, Westwood One will provide short-form updates, as well as a Brad Heller-anchored recap show, “The PGA Championship Tonight.” Senior vice president of sports for Westwood One (and parent company Cumulus Media) Bruce Gilbert remarks, “Westwood One is proud to present the 2015 PGA championship. It is a very exciting time in professional golf with so many terrific stories this year. Our team is prepared and excited to describe the remarkable performance of the world’s best players live from the PGA championship for the next few years.” PGA of America chief commercial officer Jeff Price states, “Westwood One and SiriusXM are synonymous with live, major sports event broadcasting. The PGA of America is delighted that we will partner with these two world-class radio partners to bring the drama and excitement of the PGA championship to fans.” Broadcast coverage from the PGA championship at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin begins one week from today (Thursday, 8/13). It will run through (Sunday) the 16th and can be heard on SiriusXM, Westwood One Sports affiliates, and WestwoodOneSports.com. SiriusXM PGA tour radio host Earl Forcey will anchor the joint coverage from the 18th tower, while former pro golfer/Golf Channel host Charlie Rymer will be lead analyst. Westwood One’s Ted Emrich will anchor short-form reports from the course, and provide leader board updates during the long-form coverage. Looking ahead, Westwood One Sports will provide PGA championship coverage next year from Baltusrol Country Club in Springfield, New Jersey and, in 2017, from the Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte.
2016 Presidential Candidates-GOP Debates, Nashville Theater Attack, Iran Nuclear Deal, Immigration Policy Debate, Hillary Clinton Email Investigation, Baltimore Gets Help with Violence, MH370 Debris Confirmed, and Deflategate Flap Among Top News Stories Yesterday (8/5). The activities of the candidates for president in 2016 and tonight’s GOP debates; the thwarted attack on a cinema in Nashville on Wednesday; the political battle over the proposed nuclear deal with Iran; the ongoing controversy over America’s immigration policy; the Feds supply help to Baltimore’s police in battling the explosion of murders in the aftermath of the Freddie Gray slaying; the plane debris found last week is confirmed to be from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370; and the NFL’s deflategate case were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Scott Herman Promoted to COO of CBS Radio. President Andre Fernandez announces EVP of operations Scott Herman has been promoted to chief operating officer for CBS RADIO. The company says that in this new role, Herman will continue to report to Fernandez and lead local operations across the division’s 117 major market stations. CBS RADIO’s market managers will now report to Herman. Fernandez states, “Scott has a
tremendous reputation in the industry, and is a distinguished representative for radio. He understands CBS RADIO’s vision for the future and will provide strength to our senior leadership team as we move forward with a variety of key growth initiatives. Having someone with Scott’s experience collaborating directly with our station management will result in new value for CBS RADIO and our partners.” The company notes that, because of this experience, Herman “works particularly close with the division’s news and talk stations, and his expertise in this area has allowed CBS RADIO to retain its leadership position in the format.” Herman was promoted to EVP, Eastern Region for CBS in 2003. Prior to that, he was senior vice president, market manager for the division’s New York properties, including all-newsers WINS and WCBS plus sports talk WFAN. Herman was vice president and general manager of WINS from 1994-2003 and WNEW-FM on two different occasions during the 1990s.
TRN Loses Appeal of Back Pay Judgement in Savage Case. The appeal of the ruling by an arbitration panel that the Original Talk Radio Network Inc. owes talk host Michael Savage
$800,000 in back pay is unsuccessful after the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco ruled Friday in Savage’s favor. A small victory for TRN, though, as the Court denied Savage’s request for sanctions against TRN for filing a “frivolous appeal.” This latest court action stems from Savage’s original suit against TRN to void his contract with the syndicator after the relationship between the two parties had soured and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One pursued Savage’s services.
Early Line on Cowherd’s Replacement at ESPN Radio: Le Batard. According to TALKERS sources, there are two scenarios for filling the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm slot on ESPN Radio after Colin Cowherd does his final show for the network before departing for FOX Sports. The first is that Dan Le Batard
moves to the slot and Jorge Sedano slides down from his 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm show to assume Le Batard’s 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot. The second possibility is that ESPN keeps Le Batard where he is and moves Sedano into the midday program. TALKERS sources also say ESPN is high on Bomani Jones, who hosts 
the 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm show and potential talent shuffles could involve a better daypart for his show. As for Cowherd, reports indicate that he was making about $2.5 million with ESPN and that FOX Sports will pay him approximately $6 million per year. Just what FOX Sports’ plans are for Cowherd are not set in stone and the company hasn’t been specific, but it’s expected he’ll host a nationally syndicated radio show and host a TV show on Fox 1, possibly at 6:00 pm to compete with ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”
Emmis’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis Adds Radio America’s Chad Benson Show for Evenings. Saying the show has a “Gen-X perspective,” WIBC-FM, Indianapolis program
director David Wood announces the Radio America-syndicated Chad Benson show joins the station’s lineup for the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot. Wood says, “I was looking for something unique and contemporary for evenings. I found it in Chad Benson. Chad’s show has a great energy and Gen-X perspective, but still with conservative sensibilities. Plus he’s got the best set of tattoos in talk radio.” Radio America says Benson’s sense of showmanship and entertainment was developed from years in music radio and has had a huge influence on him as a talk host.
WGN, Chicago’s Nick Digilio Returns to the Air; Explains Stomach Ailment Exacerbated by Alcohol. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports on the return to the WGN airwaves of overnight personality Nick Digilio, who was back hosting his show today (7/20) after an absence of a month. Digilio explained to his listeners that he landed in the hospital after complicating existing stomach troubles by consuming too much alcohol being unable to eat much food. He explained that he came down with a stomach ailment in May that made it difficult to eat. His overconsumption of alcohol caused him to spend five days in the hospital. Now, he says he’s done drinking. He admits it was a stupid thing to do and blames no one but himself. Read Feder’s piece here.
Walter Pasacrita to Host Local Show on Sports Talk KONO-AM, San Antonio. The station had been an oldies outlet before flipping to sports talk in January of 2014. Now, the Cox Media Group-owned station is adding a local show by market pro Walter Pasacrita, who previously co-hosted a sports talk show with Jeff Vexler on iHeartMedia’s crosstown KTKR. Pasacrita will host the afternoon drive show on KONO-AM. He tells the San Antonio Express’ Jeanne Jakle he is prepared to take on the competition on crosstown sports talkers KTKR and KZDC. “I have more experience on the radio in San Antonio than the rest of those people. I’m more passionate about sports than the rest of those people. I don’t sugarcoat anything. . .and don’t let relationships get in the way of what should be stated. I tell it like it is.”
Sean Adams and Chip Brown to Host Mornings on KVET, Austin. A new, local sports talk show replaces ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike on iHeartMedia’s KVET, Austin. Sean Adams moves from his early afternoon “Adams Theory” show to the morning slot alongside Chip Brown for “The Bottom Line with Sean Adams and Chip Brown.” Brown was most recently with crosstown Total Austin Sports Radio-owned KTXX-FM. The two worked together from 2007-2010.
TalkersRadio’s “Vox Animali with Lori Lundin” Posts Second Installment. The second installment of the groundbreaking, experimental talk show, “Vox Animali” hosted by award-winning radio journalist Lori Lundin is posted today (7/20) after receiving widespread positive response to its pilot episode last month. The series – the latest offering of TalkersRadio’s “laboratory” workshop – is dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of animals that are institutionally abused and tortured at the hands of humans and foster respect for the dignity of all earthly creatures. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “I am so pleased that we are able to address a deeply important cause that hardly gets its due share of attention in the media – including talk radio – and when it does get attention, it is usually in the form of ridicule.” Harrison
continues, “We are very happy to have a brilliant and talented radio journalist of Lori Lundin’s caliber spearheading this project.” Lori Lundin – who has received a number of prestigious industry honors including a Gracie this year – is an anchor with WTOP, Washington, DC and a reporter/podcaster with the Washington Examiner. Harrison adds, “Lori, who is a breast cancer survivor and an all-around inspirational human being, brings a level of intelligence, sensitivity and empathy to her work that takes it beyond today’s typical newsroom fare in connecting to the heart as well as the brain.” TALKERS general manager of broadcast operations, David Bernstein adds, “This is a heck of a show. It has the potential to become a very influential vehicle for consciousness-raising for the animal rights movement, one of the fastest growing areas of public sentiment in America today. And that’s what TalkersRadio is all about – developing spoken-word programs that address issues and interests outside the rigid boundaries of everyday broadcast radio.” The new installment of “Vox Animali” features a look at the abuse and suffering of chimpanzees and presents an interview with Laura Bonar of Animal Protection of New Mexico. Another current show under development on the TalkersRadio platform is “Healed Planet” hosted by Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel personality Alan Colmes that explores the human consciousness movement. A recent “graduate” of TalkersRadio is the weekly “American Family Farmer” hosted by Doug Stephan. Its mission is to champion the beleaguered small farmers of the nation being pushed out by the alliance of Big Agriculture and Big Government. It has now cleared about 30 stations and is adding new ones daily on the GCN and Radio America platforms. Bernstein says, “TalkersRadio is not set up to compete with broadcast radio or develop long-term hit shows for its own sake… but rather, as an experimental theater… a laboratory… to help new ideas develop to the point that they find a regular home on broadcast media.” To listen to TalkersRadio, please click here. For more information, contact David Bernstein at 413-565-5413.
Odds & Sods. There’s a new, two-year contract for some 400 NPR staffers represented by SAG-AFTRA. The union announces the new pact will provide 2 ½ % salary increases at the start of each of the next two years. Other provisions include NPR paying 70% of health care benefits and a contribution of 7% of workers’ pay into the retirement plan…..Hubbard Broadcasting donates $5 million to the Newseum in Washington, DC and gets naming rights to the concourse level of the building. Hubbard chairman and CEO Stanley Hubbard comments, “Our family has always been a strong advocate of a free press. Because it is the only institution solely devoted to educating the public about the fundamental value of First Amendment freedoms and free expression, the Newseum is a great gift to the nation and the world. It’s an honor for our family and our company to help support this noble cause.”
Dr. Daliah Wachs Welcome’s Scott Walker. Nationally syndicated talk host and practicing physician Dr. Daliah Wachs (right) welcomes Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (left) to Las Vegas. Walker – a just-announced candidate for president in 2016 – visited the Silver State a day after announcing his candidacy.
Remembering the Legendary Gary Owens
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS
Managing Editor/West Coast Bureau Chief
LOS ANGELES — Blessed with an enduring ability to captivate a broad base demographic with droll, clever, sometimes-corny witticisms/puns that much sooner rather than later made you laugh, Gary Owens is being fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched by his character and one-of-a-kind classiness.
Not character voices that helped to shape, mold, and define this often-honored broadcaster who passed
away in Los Angeles Friday (2/13) at the age of 80, but much more important personal qualities.
Even at the zenith of his popularity, Owens had an unrivaled flair to make anyone and everyone with whom he came in contact feel as though he or she were a genuinely important friend of his.
Dignity with which Owens carried himself make those having the privilege to work behind a microphone exude intense pride in saying they are in the same profession.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Legal Analysis: The FCC Properly Rules In Favor of Redskins. The Federal Communications Commission’s decision last week to grant license renewal to radio station WWXX-FM, Buckland, Virginia, despite objections filed with the commission centering around the team’s Redskins name, was greeted with approval from TALKERS legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman. In a column posted today (12/22), Weisman writes that – whether one agrees that the team name is offensive or not – the FCC’s decision was the correct one. “The objection to the renewal tried to twist legal terms totally beyond their meaning. The objectors argued that the term ‘Redskins’ was obscene. Obscenity is not permitted on the public airwaves and continuing use of obscenity on a radio station would legitimately be a ground for denying a renewal of license. Obscenity may be in the eye of the beholder to some people, but not in the eyes of the established law, and the FCC rules and regulations which limit obscenity to the depiction or description of sexual conduct.” Read Weisman’s entire explanation of the decision here.
Alpha Media Enters Shreveport and Tyler-Longview with Access 1 Acquisition. The nine radio stations owned by Access 1 Communications in the Shreveport, Louisiana and Tyler-Longview, Texas markets are being purchased by Alpha Media for an undisclosed sum. The stations – which Alpha will begin to operate under an LMA effective January 1, are: hip hop KBTT, gospel KOKA, urban contemporary KDKS, oldies KLKL, and classic rock KTAL in Shreveport; and country KKUS, adult contemporary KOOI, regional Mexican KOYE, and country KYKX in Tyler-Longview. Alpha notes that when all pending deals are complete, it will own and operate 83 stations. Alpha chairman Larry Wilson states, “I’ve known [Access 1 president and CEO] Chesley Maddox-Dorsey for a long time. She’s a great person with superb integrity and it’s a tremendous honor for us to be buying stations from Access 1. I’ve been continually impressed with the quality of people I’ve met and their passion for the industry; it fits right in our sweet spot for live and local radio and we are very much looking forward to the acquisition.”
Odds & Sods. The digital broadcast of “The Anthony Cumia Show” is being repped by AdLarge Media. Cumia – longtime partner of SiriusXM’s Gregg “Opie” Hughes – left the satcaster in August and recently debuted his digital video show…..WOAI, San Antonio-based Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo agrees to a new contract with iHeartMedia. He’s also heard on other iHeartMedia stations…..Oldies WVLZ-AM, Nashville will flip to sports talk on January 5 using programming from Yahoo! Sports Radio.
Remembering Bill Burton. Holiday festivities were dampened over the weekend by the news that the industry lost a genuine cheerleader. Particularly to those in Michigan radio sales circles, the name Bill Burton is legendary, as was his insistence that salespeople always “be fabulous.” Cause of death for the 85-year-old Burton was head injuries resulting from a fall at his home this past Tuesday (12/16); he passed away on Saturday (12/20). As president and chief operating officer of the Detroit Radio Advertising Group, Burton’s primary responsibility was to sell radio at the decision-making level. In fact, he preferred to be called a “radio cheerleader,” “professional product mover,” or “people builder,” rather than the aforementioned impressive title he held the past quarter of a century. “Why Radio” was the underlying theme to the countless presentations the Detroit native would make around the country. Credited with originating the line, “An automobile is a radio with four wheels,” Burton would stress 91% of drivers listen in their cars, making them a “captive audience” for advertisers. Radio is the “frequency medium,” he would insist and “frequency is paramount in selling.” Burton started his radio career as an AE at Eastman Radio, where he would eventually become president and chairman. A 2002 Michigan Broadcast Hall of Fame inductee, Burton entered the Adcraft Hall of Fame in 2005. He held a degree in business and economics from Michigan State University (MSU 10 years ago presented him the Lifetime Achievement Award from its Broad College of Business), and Burton attended law school at the University of Michigan, before joining the Army. Among Burton’s many non-industry accomplishments was successfully completing the Boston Marathon.
Nashville Broadcaster Teddy Bart Dies at 78. Nashville radio and TV legend Teddy Bart died on December 21 at age 78. According to his obit in The Tennessean, Bart’s shows were known for defining “the discussion of Nashville’s political and business heavyweights.” In addition to work on local television stations, Bart was part of the long-running “Waking Crew” on WSM-AM. He also hosted “Teddy Bart’s Round Table” with co-host Karlen Evins several stations in the market.
Cool Job Opportunity. Greater Media Charlotte is currently looking for a passionate and innovative individual to join our team in the role of Web Developer. This is a big year for Greater Media technology where you can be part of rolling out all-new, state-of-the-art brand experiences for some of the best radio stations in Charlotte: News/Talk 1110 WBT, 107.9 The Link, and The Bob & Sheri Network. You must have a solid grasp of and demonstrated experience with modern web technologies and standards such as HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery. You must also be a proficient developer in PHP and MySQL. Experience with WordPress and WordPress plugin development along with a minimum of 2 years’ experience is required. The daily activities of this position include: Designing and developing new digital experiences, features and functionality for our programming and promotions departments across our radio stations’ web and mobile app properties; Collaborating with our sales department to create and traffic engaging advertising opportunities for our clients; Talking to people. Seriously, you’ll interact in some form or fashion with just about everyone in the company so you’ll need to have “people skills.” So, if you’ve got a great eye for digital design and terms like responsive design, Node.js, git, Bootstrap and API integration get you excited, please reach out to us! Please send your cover letter and resume to: Greater Media Charlotte, WBT/WLNK Human Resources, One Julian Price Place, Charlotte, NC 28208. hired@gmclt.com 704-338-3079 (fax) No phone calls please. EOE.
Friday, October 31, 2014
TALKERS Magazine Presents 2014 Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk. Today (10/31), the editors of TALKERS magazine present the third annual Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk – The 100 Most Important Sports Talk Radio Hosts in America. This list ranks sports talk hosts, duos or ensembles from 1 to 100, based upon a set of criteria that includes a combination of hard and soft factors. The genre of sports talk radio has evolved greatly and grown exponentially over the past 10 years to go from being a fringe format to an important sub-genre of spoken-word radio programming. With this in mind, the editors of TALKERS debuted the Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk in 2012 to acknowledge the hard-working air personalities on sports talk radio. The results of this list are, admittedly, subjective. Being true to the realities of the media business, ratings and revenue are two of the major factors – some would say they are the only factors worth considering – but the editors also took into account other qualities that help create a list that is reflective of the industry’s diversity and total flavor and still give credit where credit is due. Those qualities include: courage, effort, impact, recognition, service, talent and uniqueness. The other concrete qualification for inclusion is hosts must be working – that is, have a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station – at the time of publication. Now you know the criteria, so who’s #1 this year? Number two, and three? Click here to find out.
Round Four of October PPM Data Released. The fourth of four rounds of October 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period was September 11 through October 8. 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.
Two More Salem News/Talkers Take ‘The Answer’ Brand. Joining the 11 Salem Communications-owned news/talk station to begin using “The Answer” as their brand are WRC, Washington and KLUP, San Antonio. Beginning November 4, they become “AM 1260 The Answer” and “AM 930 The Truth,” respectively. Salem VP director of spoken word format Phil Boyce comments, “Since this is decision day in America, we felt the perfect time to make the brand name switch was on Election Day, and both markets were ready to go.” Boyce says the brand has resonated with listeners in the markets where the company is using it.
Schechtman Launches Local Digital Effort NapaBroadcasting.com. Napa Valley broadcasting pro Jeff Schechtman – for the past 10 years the GM of radio stations KVON and KVYN in the region – is launching an online radio station targeting the Napa Valley community. Schechtman is partnering with Napa Valley College and the operation’s offices and studios are located on the school’s campus. In a press release, Schechtman notes that since leaving KVON and KVYN, former local talk station KVON flipped to sports using Fox 
Sports Radio and he says both stations have outsourced their news. “There is currently no original audio reporting and no chance for the community to hear the voices of local leaders, opinion makers or other citizens.” He says his venture hopes to provide that local content. “Suddenly it became clear to me and others in the community that there was a huge need for local programming that wasn’t being served. Napa also provides a unique economic opportunity, because in addition to local news and talk, we can expand the effort to incorporate wine, food and health programing, which has both local and worldwide appeal. We can use the internet for both local, regional and worldwide purposes.” The partnership with Napa Valley College provides both programming and creative personnel. Music programing will also start in January. Schechtman believes that being on a college campus helps provide the energy and creativity that represents what this effort is about. “This is radio for the way we live now,” he explains.
Odds & Sods. With the move of evening host Rich Zeoli from the evening shift to afternoon drive at CBS RADIO’s WPHT, Philadelphia, current afternoon drive co-host Gary R’nel slides back into the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm time slot. R’nel has been working with Dick Morris who exits the station on November 5…..New general managers are named by Salem Communications for its San Diego and Sacramento station groups. Dale Hendry relocates to San Diego to lead the team there. He moves south from the company’s Sacramento cluster where he’s been serving as GM. Taking over Hendry’s role in Sacramento is Mark Durkin who is promoted from his director of sales position. And Scott Hamilton becomes general sales manager in Sacramento.
Big Bax & O’Brien Bash in Springfield. The long-running, highly-successful morning talk team of Bax & O’Brien (Mike “Bax” Baxendale and John O’Brien) of Saga Communications’ classic rocker, WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, Massachusetts presented their second annual “Thursday Night Live” show last night (10/30). The bawdy, irreverent comedy spectacular played before a sold-out house of more than 200 core fans at downtown Springfield’s prestigious City Stage theater who
paid $27 each for the honor of being entertained by a slew of guests and performers that included salty crooner Red Peters & the Alan Pinchloaf Singers, show producer/newsman/sidekick Steve Nagel, a “mystery guest,” comedic appearances by several high-profile local sponsors as well as hilarious video drop ins from Lionel of LionelMedia.com and show regular, Fitsy. Pictured above (l-r): Bax & O’Brien on stage. Pictured at right (l-r): Saga Communications EVP Steve Goldstein and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison with a photo bomb appearance of associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison taken at a selfie machine set up in the theater lobby.
Journal Reports Radio Revenue Up 5.1% in Q3. Bucking the industry-wide third quarter trend, Journal Communications is reporting a downright outstanding quarter for its radio and television division. On the radio side, operating earnings were up 16.1% and the net revenue figure of $21.6 million saw a percentage hike of 5.1%. Television net revenue was up 22.8% but publishing fell 5.4%. The irony here is that Journal is entering into a complex deal with E.W. Scripps that would put the combined TV and radio properties into one company and the publishing platform into another called Journal Media Group. Journal Communications CEO Steve Smith states, “Journal benefitted from continued growth in television retransmission revenue along with significant political and issue advertising spending in a number of our markets. Our focused broadcast sales efforts grew both television and radio revenue, excluding retransmission and political, by approximately 3% and drove television and radio digital revenue up 22% and 31%, respectively.” Journal has fared better than other radio station owners in the political advertising arena by luck of the draw – it owns stations in states and markets with tight and high-profile races and ballot issues.
Another Stop on the ‘WMAL Diner Tour.’ This photo is from the latest stop on the October “WMAL Diner Tour” in which the station broadcasts (each Friday this month) live from a different diner in Maryland or Virginia. It’s all part of the station’s content leading up to Tuesday’s elections. Seen here are (from left to right): guest Ed Henry, Fox News White House correspondent; WMAL “Mornings On The Mall” hosts Larry O’Connor and Brian Wilson.
Mid-Term Elections Take Over Top Spot on Talkers TenTM. After three weeks of the Ebola pandemic threat as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio, the run-up to Tuesday’s mid-term elections was the prevailing topic this week. At #2 was the domestic Ebola cases and the threat of a global pandemic. Coming in at #3 was the battle against ISIS in Iraq and Western citizens joining the radical organization, followed by the 2016 presidential prospects at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Los Angeles Sports Media Legends. The opening of the Los Angeles Clippers 2014-15 season was the reason for the remote broadcast from “Fan Fest” outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the team’s flagship KFWB “The Beast 980.” Pictured here are (from left to right): Ralph Lawler, who appears on the station at 7:30 each morning; midday personality Fred Roggin; and late morning syndicated talk host Jim Rome. Additionally, the station’s other weekday personalities Marques Johnson, Jeanne Zelasko, Brett Winterble and George Wrighster appeared at the broadcast.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Andy Dean Leaves Premiere Networks’ ‘America Now’ Program. After three years hosting the nationally syndicated “America Now” show for Premiere Networks, Andy Dean is leaving the radio business to concentrate on his digital endeavor, ConnectPal.com. His last show will be August 8. After that, WOAI, San Antonio-based talk personality Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo will guest host the program until a replacement is found for the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET show. Dean states, “Julie Talbott and Premiere
Networks have been wonderful to me, and I am extremely grateful. I have to step down to run my technology company full time. I started ConnectPal.com to help radio stations and hosts make more money, and the company has grown so fast, it is now expanding to all content creators. The idea is simple – anyone can create a profile on ConnectPal, then you post any type of content (podcasts, video, etc.) on your profile – and then you set a monthly price for people to see your profile. This allows any person or station to have a Glenn Beck-style subscription business in less than 60 seconds at no cost.” Talbott comments, “Andy is a tremendous talent and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past three years with ‘America Now.’ We wish him all the best as he starts this new chapter of his career.” The “America Now” show is heard on some 130 affiliate stations.
Boston Herald Radio Approaches First Anniversary. The online talk-formatted radio station launched by the Boston Herald on August 1, 2013 is approaching its first anniversary next Friday. In anticipation of the milestone, TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison, a long-time champion of the concept of daily newspapers launching radio stations on their websites, was invited to be interviewed (7/22) in studio about the state of radio on the station’s “Trending Now” program followed by a luncheon at which he addressed a roundtable of Herald editorial and radio staffers. During the radio program, Harrison (pictured here third from the left) was interviewed by “Trending Now” co-hosts Adriana Cohen (far right) and Joe Battenfeld (left) who were joined by the station’s “Morning Meeting” co-host Hillary Chabot (second from left). In addition to friendly chat in which Harrison whimsically recalled his early days as a music radio DJ and program director, the discussion tackled a number of crucial issues about the state of talk radio in Boston as well as the future of terrestrial radio in general. Harrison expressed being “troubled” by the present state of
talk radio in the Hub [Boston] pointing out that at one time, Boston was “one of the model cities for talk” with such hosts as the late Jerry Williams, Gene Burns,and David Brudnoy setting the pace emulated by much of the rest of the industry across the nation. Harrison said, “It was just an amazing town for talk radio” but as radio has become “more corporatized” over the years, the quality of Boston talk radio has gone “downhill.” But Harrison said the future of talk radio could be bright if the people who run the “big-time radio stations are able to really create diverse and important programming that people need” because “it’s become a very noisy world” in the digital era. Harrison says, “I am extremely impressed by the work Herald editor-in-chief Joe Sciacca, and his energetic young staff have done in making Herald Radio a vibrant audio arm of the larger news gathering organization that a major daily newspaper is built upon. This entity has a bright and positive stationality all its own and is just chock-full of relevant information and conversation including a non-stop schedule of newsmaker and news-making events. When I say it has a stationality all its own, I mean it doesn’t have that numbing, cookie-cutter sound and attitudinal environment that permeates so much of today’s commercial terrestrial radio of all formats. It hits you right between the ears – hey, this is different… it is indeed talk radio, but it is different…it is FRESH!” Harrison continues, “The programming at Herald Radio is so authentic that I’ve gotten word that a number of terrestrial stations and networks have already enquired about carrying some of their shows.” He concludes, “The marriage of newspapers and online radio is one made in heaven for countless obvious reasons, starting with the facts that newspaper websites already have major traffic of people predisposed to listening to talk radio and they have news, arts, and entertainment resources that go beyond the wildest capabilities of most of today’s debt-choked radio broadcasting companies. As a deep believer in the importance of radio and a lover of the medium, I must say that if the present consolidated owners of the stick [meaning AM/FM platforms] do not ‘get on the stick’ and use their privilege correctly, they might just see newspapers across America turn their websites and online vehicles into the NEW STICK!” To read media reporter Jessica Heslam ’s Boston Herald piece about Harrison’s interview along with an audio link to his entire 25-minute interview please click here.
Talkers New York 2014 Videos Being Posted. Up Today: Norm Pattiz, CEO, Courtside Entertainment Group/Podcast One Receives TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award. Today (7/24) marks the eighth consecutive business day of TALKERS magazine’s video posting of speeches, sessions and presentations made during last month’s 17th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention – Talkers New York 2014. The presentation of these informative and historic recordings is sponsored by WYD Media Sales, LLC., the rep firm recently launched by Ron Hartenbaum and headed by John Murphy, that specializes in the advertising sales of spoken-word media on all popular platforms. The worldwide showing of these very special videos continues today with part 3 of the event’s traditional “Talkers Awards Ceremony” emceed by legendary Westwood One talk show host Jim Bohannon and featuring the presentation of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award to Westwood One founder Norm Pattiz, CEO, Courtside Entertainment Group/Podcast One. The presentation is made by Bohannon, the recipient of the honor last year, who in listing this year’s recipient’s 
long list of achievements, states, “If there’s one word that describes Norm Pattiz it’s “reinvention.” Upon accepting the honor, Pattiz states, “Now we [Podcast One] are pushing hard in the direction of ‘on-demand’ radio. I think of that as radio. I’m sorry – it’s the natural evolution of radio and you as talk show hosts should embrace it because what it does is give you the opportunity to build an audience without having to bundle it through a radio station.” Pattiz cites some of Podcast One’s roster of performers as examples of the power of ‘on demand’ radio: “When people like Adam Carolla, National Public Radio, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Chris Hardwick (the Nerdist) are reaching a million people every time they put up a podcast – that’s a big deal! And that is something that should be embraced by the entire radio business.” To view this entire presentation, please click here. Coming tomorrow: Part 4 of the Talkers Awards Ceremony in which WYD Media talk show host Thom Hartmann receives the prestigious TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award. The TALKERS conference videos were recorded by Art Vuolo.
KFI, Los Angeles to Air Three-Hour Immigration Special. This special collaboration between Clear Channel’s KFI, Los Angeles and Univision-owned KMEX-TV, Los Angeles “Univision 34” will air from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday July 25 and will focus on the immigration crisis at the U.S. border. The program will be co-hosted by
correspondents Steven Gregory (right) and Oswaldo Borraez (left). KFI says, “The recent influx of unaccompanied child immigrants has triggered an onslaught of questions from affected border residents and local governments alike. This news special will do a deep dive, not just interviewing those involved but also attempting to answer the tough questions surrounding this escalating situation.” Gregory is based at KFI, Los Angeles and has covered – on the scene – such varied news events as Hurricane Katrina and the Academy Awards. Among his numerous industry accolades are five Edward R. Murrow awards. Borraez serves as a field reporter for Univision 34’s “Noticias Univision 34.” Borraez has received various awards such as the Peabody award for excellence in reporting, Emmy and Golden Mike awards, as well as a Gabriel.
KXL, Portland Personality Lars Larson Featured on Investigation Discovery Show. The Discovery Communications-owned channel Investigation Discovery produced a program called “Dark Temptations” that aired last night (7/23) that looked at the case of serial killer Jerry Brudos who died in prison in 2006 while serving a life term for the murders of three young women in Salem, Oregon in the late 1960s. KXL talk host Lars Larson offered the reporter’s perspective on the case. He says, “Jerome Brudos, a serial killer before the term was even invented, was the creepiest interview I’ve done in 39 years in the news business. I wanted to take a shower after spending two hours locked in a room at the Oregon State Pen with Brudos.” Brudos had an obsession with women’s shoes that allegedly sparked his crimes.
Dukes to Go Solo as Lavar Arrington Leaves WJFK-FM, Washington for NFL Network Gig. To be clear, former Washington Redskins great Lavar Arrington will still make appearances on CBS RADIO’s WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan” – an hour-long appearance with Chad Dukes on both Mondays and Fridays – he just won’t be Dukes’ full-time partner. The station is electing to let Dukes handle the afternoon daypart by himself and the show is being re-named “Chad Dukes vs The World,” the same name he’s been using for the 6:00 pm hour he’d been hosting solo.
MLB Baseball Gives Boost to Most Flagship Stations. That’s the conclusion that can be drawn from even a cursory look at the performances of flagship stations for MLB baseball play-by-play in the Nielsen Audio PPM-rated markets. TALKERS managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian presents his analysis of the stations carrying baseball and, not surprisingly, teams that are winning appear to be translating that into PPM share for flagship stations. In this report Kinosian tracks how flagship stations have performed over the past four PPM surveys, compared to June 2013, how they rank in their respective markets, and how the stations stack up based on MLB divisions. Check out Mike Kinosian’s analysis here.
WLS-AM, Chicago Holds Talk Star Contest. For the third year, Cumulus Media-owned news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago is holding “The Next 89 WLS Talk Star” contest. The winner of the contest will get: a chance to host a two-hour show live on 89 WLS; limo ride to and from the studio; one pair of professional headphones; and a Funjet Vacation for two to Riviera Maya, Mexico. The station is seeking entries prior to the August 3 deadline that must consist of personal information and a 90-second monologue. The finale of the competition will take place live at the Hard Rock Café Chicago on Wednesday, August 20.
The Wall Street Journal & Marketwatch Radio Networks Roll Out Apps. Two new apps are now available from The Wall Street Journal & Marketwatch Radio Networks. The updated apps allow users to listen to “WSJ This Morning,” and such features as “Watching Your Wallet” and “Your Money Matters.” “What’s News” provides updates throughout the day. The Marketwatch app provides market updates throughout the day from the New York Stock Exchange with MarketWatch Stock Talk.
Associated Press Announces Promotions. Broadcast journalist Derl McCrudden is upped to head of international video news for The Associated Press. McCrudden was previously the head of video news
gathering. AP VP director of global video Sandy MacIntyre says, “Derl is one of the smartest journalists in the business, a proven leader whose calm demeanor and steely determination mark him out as a natural for this role. Derl brings a vast amount of experience, both in managerial roles and in running big stories in the field. That experience directly translates into not only understanding, but anticipating the needs of AP’s customers.” At the same time, Denise Vance, deputy director of U.S. video, becomes head of U.S. video and radio, continuing to oversee video and audio newsgathering and production in North America.
Odds & Sods. A new offering on Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio is Judith Mancini’s “Dishing With Judith.” The program is being re-launched on Women 4 Women Radio (w4wn.com) and iHeartRadio.com this Friday at 3:00 pm ET live from Burbank, California featuring “celebrities, musicians, artists, authors and anyone with powerful knowledge or a spicy story.” Serving as Mancini’s co-host is Noelle, a fashion designer/blogger, social media expert and founder/CEO of Digital Media Strategy…..ESPN Audio is announcing the return of its “Fall Football Tour” in which Mike & Mike, Colin Cowherd and SVP & Russillo will hit the road to broadcast live in advance of highly anticipated NFL and college football games. The tour begins on Friday, August 29, with a live broadcast from Atlanta in advance of the West Virginia-Alabama game. The nine-stop tour will make its way through Atlanta, Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Baton Rouge, Philadelphia, and Chicago…..NBA great Charles Barkley returns to join Mike Missanelli on Greater Media’s WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” this Friday as co-host for the entire program – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In another note from WPEN-FM, the station will be the flagship for Temple University football beginning with this season. The station reports it struck a three-year deal with rights-holder Learfield Sports.
Geraldo Attends Central Valley Career Fair. Returning Americans to work has been part of Geraldo Rivera’s mantra since he began hosting his own talk radio show at WABC, New York. In addition to hosting career fairs in NYC, Rivera traveled to the West Coast this week for a job fair organized by the Cumulus Media cluster in Fresno. Pictured here is Rivera (right) with KMJ-AM/FM program director and morning drive personality Blake Taylor (left) in the KMJ studios. Taylor tells TALKERS magazine that “thousands turned out at the first Central Valley Career Fair to meet the mustachioed legend.” Rivera hosted his WABC program from the KMJ studios.
Israel-Hamas Conflict, Flight 17 Downing, Tony Dungy-Michael Sam Comments, Recent ObamaCare Court Rulings, and Clinton Books Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/23). The escalating violence in the Gaza Strip between Hamas and Israel; the political implications surrounding the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and the U.S.’s role in curbing Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine; controversy over Tony Dungy’s comments that he would not have drafted openly gay football player Michael Sam because of the distraction; the two recent appeals court rulings affecting the Affordable Care Act; and the current books about the Clintons were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Clear Channel Makes Corporate Structural Changes; Moves iHeartRadio into Clear Channel Networks Group Division. Along with this change – putting the iHeartRadio platform under the Clear Channel Networks Group banner headed by president Darren Davis – Brian Lakamp remains with the company and is promoted to the new position — president of technology and digital ventures. The company calls Lakamp’s promotion part of its “taking another important step in its continuing transformation to a consumer-driven, technology-fueled company.” Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “Our corporate focus on digital, increasingly leveraging technology to maximize our business, reflects the natural evolution of Clear Channel into a 21st century media company. Creativity is also enabled by technology, and as advertisers’ interest in new and emerging technology options continues to grow, we intend to remain at the forefront of both innovation and
creativity. Brian is perfectly positioned to help us – and our consumers, advertisers and content partners – as we continue to build Clear Channel’s digital roadmap for the future.” The new role puts Lakamp in charge of the overall technology platform and capabilities for all of Clear Channel – including its broadcast, digital radio, events and promotions and out-of-home businesses. The company says he will also be responsible for developing the company’s overall place in the worlds of big data and programmatic buying. Putting iHeartRadio under Darren Davis’ purview means he’ll be responsible for the entire business of iHeartRadio as well as Premiere Networks, Total Traffic and Weather Network; and the 24/7 News Network. Davis comments, “I look forward to working with the immensely talented iHeartRadio team to build on the tremendous success of iHeartRadio by utilizing the full promotional and creative power of Clear Channel for iHeartRadio Networks. I’m excited to continue my collaboration with Brian in his new role to leverage new opportunities and maximize emerging technologies across Clear Channel’s national platforms and services.”
Rise Guys Return to Sacramento Radio. Sports talk morning drive personalities Whitey Gleason and Mark Kreidler – known as The Rise Guys – are returning to the Sacramento market on Entercom’s KCTC “ESPN 1320” after leaving the market for San Francisco three years ago. In 2011 they took the gig at Entercom’s KGMZ, San Francisco “95.7 The Game” after years at the company’s KHTK, Sacramento. But earlier this year they exited that station after talent changes were made. Now, they return to the Sacramento market on KHTK’s sister station.
Brock and Salk Show to Air in Mornings on KIRO-AM, Seattle. The recent return of Mike Salk to Bonneville’s Seattle sports talker KIRO-AM “710 ESPN Seattle” as program director after a year-long stint at WEEI, Boston is now bringing about changes to the station’s talent lineup as he and Brock Huard are getting back together on the radio for a morning show from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. The “Brock & Salk” show debuted in 2009 but ended when Salk took the afternoon co-host gig at Entercom’s WEEI, Boston in the spring of 2013. The change means Michael Grey is moving from afternoons to the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon slot followed by “Bob & Groz” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Danny O’Neil, Dave Wyman and Jim Moore will host afternoon drive from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Salk comments, “These changes make an already strong lineup even stronger and this is just the beginning. I’m thrilled with where the station is going and couldn’t be more excited to get behind the mic.”
Frantz Exits WTAM, Cleveland. Talk personality Bob Frantz is let go from his position with Clear Channel’s news/talk WTAM, Cleveland where he appeared alongside Mike Trivisonno on the 9:00 am to 10:00 am show “The Spew” as well as hosting the 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm program. Frantz was doing his second tour of duty with the station – he worked there in the late 1990s before returning in 2006. Replacing him in the evening slot is “The Sports Feed” co-host and Indians reporter Nick Camino.
Round One of June PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of June 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 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). The survey period was May 22 through June 18. TALKERS magazine’s sister publican 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 at RadioInfo.com here.
Emmis Q1 Report: Radio Revenue Essentially Flat. The results for the first fiscal quarter for Emmis Communications (ending May 31) show the company’s net radio revenue up 22% — but that includes the addition of revenue from WBLS and WLIB, New York which it has been operating under an LMA since March 1. Assuming those stations had been in the fold at the same time a year ago, revenue would have been flat. At
the station level, the company reports its stations were up 1.6% compared to local radio market revenue down 5.5% during the fiscal quarter. Emmis president and CEO Jeff Smulyan says, “While our markets continue to be tested, our stations and employees have risen to the challenge and continue to outperform our markets. We continue to believe NextRadio, the Emmis-led industry initiative to make FM broadcast radio available on smartphones and tablets, is a game-changer for the radio industry and will reignite growth. We have spent the last year building out the NextRadio ecosystem, and now we are entering a critical phase to build consumer awareness. I’m proud of our team for its continuing focus on innovation and operational excellence.”
Odds & Sods. WOAI, San Antonio-based talk show host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s program is being added to another Clear Channel-owned news/talk station as KEX, Portland picks up the program to air from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The show is also heard on KPRC, Houston and KHOW, Denver…..Former Dallas Cowboys defensive star Dat Nguyen inks a contract renewal with Alpha Media sports talker KZDC, San Antonio “1250 ESPN.” Nguyen hosts the afternoon drive show where he’s been since joining the station in August of 2012…..ESPN Radio’s “10th Annual ESPY Day Auction” to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research is officially underway on eBay and will continue through Wednesday, July 16. This year’s auction of more than 250 items includes tickets to prime sporting events, autographed memorabilia, unique experiences with athletes, celebrities and ESPN and ABC personalities and behind-the-scenes experiences with numerous ESPN programs.
Child Immigration Crisis, Obama Approval Ratings, GOP Picks Cleveland for 2016 Convention, Israeli-Hamas Violence, Costco Pulls D’Souza Book, Palin Joins Impeachment Plea, and Klein’s Blood Feud Criticism Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/8). The influx of minor illegal immigrants in the Southwest and the political battle over immigration enforcement; the lower approval ratings for President Obama; the RNC chooses Cleveland for site of 2016 convention and the importance of Ohio in the next presidential election; escalating violence between the Israelis and Palestinians; the flap over Costco’s decision to stop selling Dinesh D’Souza’s America: Imagine the World Without Her; Sarah Palin returns to the media spotlight calling for the president’s impeachment; and controversy over Ed Klein’s book about the relationship between the Clintons and the Obamas were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Milhaven Named PD at KTRS, St. Louis. Morning drive host McGraw Milhaven has been promoted to program director at CH Holdings-owned KTRS, St. Louis. Milhaven takes over for Lauren Ryan who remains with the station in a promotional capacity. In a statement published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, general manager Mark Dorsey says, “He [Milhaven] sees where radio is going in the next 10 years.” Part of Milhaven’s duties will include handling the social media strategy for the station. Milhaven – who previously worked at CBS RADIO’s crosstown KMOX, has been with KTRS for the past 10 years. Meet McGraw Milhaven at Talkers New York 2014 on Friday, June 20.
More Murrow Award News. Adding to the list of winners of the Radio Television Digital News Association’s National Edward R. Murrow Awards published by TALKERS yesterday is ABC News Radio which won for Overall Excellence in the radio category. ABC News Radio was also recognized in the Breaking News category for its coverage of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Public radio station WBEZ, Chicago was honored for Overall Excellence in the radio, large market category and WDEL, Wilmington, Delaware was recognized for Overall Excellence in the radio, small market category. CBS RADIO’s WBZ-AM, Boston won in the radio, large market Continuing Coverage category for work on the Boston Marathon bombing. See the entire list of radio winners here.
