Tag: "The New York Times"
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Connoisseur Names Cameron Maxwell Regional Vice President. Twelve-year Connoisseur Media staffer Cameron Maxwell is promoted to regional vice president for the company. Connoisseur CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, “Cam has been a key part
of our success in Billings, handling the day-to-day operations. We are thrilled to promote him into this new role. As regional vice president, he will have the opportunity to pursue regional synergies that will enrich our current operation and benefit our company throughout the region.” Maxwell will continue to head up the company’s Billings, Montana station group. Connoisseur Media owns and/or operates 38 radio stations in 11 markets with stations in Montana, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
ESPN Announces 150 Job Cuts; Effect on Radio Division Unclear. The sports media giant officially announces what’s been rumored for several months now – that it 
will eliminate some 150 positions. In a memo to employees, ESPN president John Skipper says the cuts will affect those in “studio production, technology and digital content” positions. This move comes seven months after it laid off about 100 people back in April. The company recently announced its new ESPN Radio Network lineup for 2018, so those on-air workers are safe. It remains unclear if any off-air radio staffers will be affected by this latest round of cuts.
Sean Hannity Subject of Huge New York Times Profile Piece. Talk media superstar Sean Hannity is the subject of a lengthy profile piece in The New York Times by Matthew Shaer. The piece delves into Hannity’s early support of Donald Trump, his childhood growing up on Long Island, and of course, the politics of his radio and
television shows. But, for industry insiders, it also offers some tactical glimpses of how Hannity’s Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel programs are produced. Reacting to the NYT article, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated at this week’s editorial meeting, “Putting politics aside, from a purely broadcasting industry perspective, Sean Hannity’s accomplishments as a talk media host both on and off the air are nothing short of phenomenal. After decades of consistent performance, he has done something few talents are capable of pulling off. He’s made it to the top in both radio and television. He is the highest-rated cable news/talk television show host in America and one of the driving engines that has gotten the FOX News Channel through its most vulnerable period of crisis.” Harrison continued, “And on the radio side, although specifically ranked #2 on both the TALKERS listenership survey that reflects metrics and the Heavy Hundred chart that reflects influence, he has been locked in a statistical-tie at the top with the great Rush Limbaugh year after year for the past decade-and-a-half. Whether he admits it or not, the enormous influence he has on and relationship with the sitting President of the United States, coupled with the aforementioned facts, clearly establishes Sean Hannity as one of the most important on-air broadcasting figures of the modern era.”
Second NPR Exec Ousted After Allegations of Sexual Impropriety. As reported by NPR’s David Folkenflik, NPR chief news editor David Sweeney has exited the public media company after the corporation heard allegations of sexual harassment from at least three female journalists. Sweeney’s exit comes not long after NPR SVP of news and editorial Michael Oreskes was forced to resign his position earlier this month over similar allegations.
North Korea ICBM Test, GOP Tax Reform Plan, Roy Moore Case/DC Sexual Impropriety Allegations, CFPB Ruling, Trump Pushes Clinton Email Matter, Giants Bench Eli/Down NFL Ratings, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/28). North Korea tests a new ICBM that is deemed capable of reaching the U.S. mainland; the ongoing push by Republicans to pass their tax reform bill; the U.S. Senate campaign of embattled former Alabama judge Roy Moore and the related accusations of sexual misconduct by Senator Al Franken and Congressman John Conyers; a judge rules in favor of President Trump on his Consumer Financial Protection Bureau appointment; President Trump wants investigation into the Hillary Clinton emails matter after former Intelligence Community Inspector General Charles McCullough III claims Democrats harassed him for investigating the matter; the New York Giants bench Eli Manning and the latest NFL ratings; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. Museum of Broadcast Communications founder Bruce DuMont announces he’s leaving his position as president of the Chicago museum when his term expires at the end of this year. Robert Feder reports that the 73-year-old DuMont “notified the museum board Tuesday that he will relinquish the leadership position he has held since he founded the non-profit institution in 1983.”…..The nationally syndicated radio show “Free Talk Live” – hosted by Ian Freeman and Mark Edge – announces new affiliates. Now airing the program are: KKGX-AM/K256CU, Palm Springs; KVBR, Brainerd, Minnesota; WOKR-AM, Canandaigua, New York; WTNW-AM, Jasper, Tennessee; and KABQ-AM, Albuquerque.
WZFG, Fargo’s Scott Hennen Brings Listener Group to FOX & Friends. WZFG, Fargo “AM 1100 The Flag” morning host Scott Hennen (left) stands with the “FOX & Friends” morning show (l-r) Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade surrounded by a group of more than 60 WZFG listeners who made the trek to New York to watch a broadcast of the show.
WFAN, New York Sports Talk Host Richard Neer’s Alternate Career as a Murder Mystery Novelist Continues to Grow. Those who follow WFAN, New York sports talker Richard Neer’s illustrious career recognize that he is somewhat of a pop
cultural renaissance man. For more than a half century he has been a familiar figure to Big Apple radio fans as one of the legendary hosts on the old album rock giant WNEW-FM where he developed a widespread 
reputation as a popular music guru, and in later decades as one of the mainstays of WFAN as a highly respected sports commentator. His non-fiction best-seller FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard, 2001) remains one of the definitive works on the album era and in recent years he began a new career as a prolific murder mystery novelist, penning a series of books about the adventures of detective Riley King. Now, Neer has returned to the book charts with a special Christmas short story about this character titled, King’s Christmas, which at press time ranks #4 on Amazon’s list of short stories in the mystery/thriller category. For a short time, it will be available for free download on several platforms at RichardNeer.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Washington adult contemporary WASH-FM names Jill Kempton to the program director position. Kempton moves from iHeartMedia’s AC WLTW, New York where she was APD, music director, and imaging director. iHeartMedia
Washington SVP of programming Jeff Kapugi comments, “There’s been a lot of momentum on WASH-FM this year and Jill has been a part of that remotely. Now she gets to build on that here in Washington to dominate the very competitive AC format.”…..Service Broadcasting extends the contract of hip hop KKDA, 
Dallas “K104” morning personality DeDe McGuire for another four years. McGuire was the co-host of the syndicated Doug Banks afternoon program before she exited in October of 2014 to join KKDA. Her “K104” co-hosts include Lady Jade and Michael Shawn. As part of the new deal, the company is exploring a syndication effort for McGuire’s program…..Radio pro Scott Miller returns to the business after most recently serving as a regional brand manager for Harley Davidson to program iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary WRVF, Toledo “101.5 The River” and serve as afternoon drive personality at sister rock WIOT. During his time with Harley Davidson, Miller had been doing fill-in work on the company’s news/talk WTAM, Cleveland.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Boyce: Why Talk Radio Is Not Dying, Part 2. Talk and news radio programming pro Phil Boyce writes a follow-up to the TALKERS magazine piece he penned two years ago titled, “Why Talk Radio Is Not Dying, Part 1.” Boyce says, “Usually when you find people predicting the demise or death of this format it comes from two sources: a) people who don’t truly understand this format and, b) people who do understand it, and loathe it.” Boyce outlines his case for the sustained health of the format and cautions his peers who wish to steer talk radio away from news and politics. “Do that if you will. It only makes my stations stronger because I know the number-one reason listeners come to talk radio: for breaking news, big stories, and what to think about it.” Read his piece here.
NYTimes Piece Highlights GOP’s Trump Split Set Against Talk Radio Backdrop. A Robert Draper-penned piece in The New York Times delving into the divisions in the GOP and conservative media over Donald
Trump uses WSB-AM/FM, Atlanta personality Erick Erickson as its hub. Erickson – former RedState.com writer – along with several other prominent conservative media personalities, including Sean Hannity, George Will, Ann Coulter, Laura Ingraham, Charlie Sykes, Stephen K. Bannon, and Bill O’Reilly, are featured in Draper’s piece illustrating the splintering of the media wing of the GOP party. Erickson and Will are two conservative media personalities who have not given their support to Trump and in the piece, they related how that unwillingness to back Trump has affected their relationships with fellow conservatives and the mega-players in the conservative media. Read the piece here.
Memorial Tribute Planned Tomorrow Evening in NYC for Dr. Joy Browne. A group of industry figures have organized “A Celebration of Joy” memorial tribute to talk radio legend Dr. Joy Browne, who died unexpectedly on August 27. It will take place at an intimate theater in the Chelsea district of Manhattan and feature a roster of speakers who will eulogize and share stories about their memories of the famed radio psychologist. The 
program will be co-hosted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Salem Radio Network syndicated star Mike Gallagher. Speakers will include (in alphabetical order): Ted Anderson of Genesis Communications Network; David Bernstein of TalkersRadio; Pierre Bouvard of Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Tracy Cramer of the Alzheimer’s Association of America; Bernadette Duncan of Talkers Books; Joan Hamburg of WABC, New York; Stephen M. Silverman of Time, Inc.; and Doug Stephan of Stephan Multimedia. The program will be video recorded and posted on Talkers.com, DrJoy.com and GCNlive.com. Attendance for industry-members only (and personal friends of Dr. Joy Browne) is free of charge but there are only a handful of seats remaining. Call 413-565-5413 to inquire about registering. Michael Harrison served as temporary host of Dr. Joy Browne’s daily three-hour syndicated show on GCN through the month of September providing three days of memorial broadcasts and a three-week transition period to give the network and its affiliates a chance to reorganize their plans for her time slot. Upon finishing up the run, Harrison states, “I was very touched by the outpouring of emotion and love Joy’s listeners expressed on these shows. As exhausting as it was hosting three hours a day of intense live radio dealing with the human condition on top of my regular job, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and I’ll never forget it. Rest in peace, dear Dr. Joy.”
Philly Sports Talker Jon Marks Wraps AM Show Gig at ‘97.5 The Fanatic.’ This morning was Jon Marks’ last show with Anthony Gargano at Greater Media’s sports talker WPEN-FM, Philadelphia. Marks bid adieu to his WPEN listeners and thanked management for allowing him to work through the end of this deal and say his goodbyes. Marks can be reached at: JonMarksRadio@gmail.com.
The Presidential Race, LAPD Kill Black Man/Cops Shoot St. Louis Teen, 9/11 Widow to Sue Saudi Arabia, Wikileaks Threatens Clinton Info Dump, Deutsch Bank Troubles, Looming Hurricane Matthew, MLB Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the fatal shooting of a black man by Los Angeles police and the wounding of a St. Louis teen by police there; a 9/11 widow is the first to file suit against Saudi Arabia under the recently changed policy; Wikileaks founder Julian Assange teases a Tuesday release of documents that could relate to Hillary Clinton; potential DOJ-levied $14 billion fine against Deutsch Bank and the “IT failure” that prevented Germans from accessing their accounts this weekend; the threat that Hurricane Matthew brings to Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba; the Major League Baseball playoff matchups are solidified; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Seven new affiliate stations are beginning to carry Stacy Washington’s “Stacy on the Right” radio
program. In seven urban markets served by the Urban Family Talk network, Washington’s “national and conservative voice” will be heard daily in Memphis, Cleveland, Madison, Tupelo, Toledo, Boise, and Atlanta…..Is this the end for Gregg “Opie” Hughes at SiriusXM? Last week, Hughes indicated that SiriusXM offered him at new deal that he rejected. He’s been off the satcaster since his previous contract expired and his former partner comic Jim Norton and producer Sam Roberts have been hosting the show…..CBS RADIO’s sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “Sports Radio 610 is bringing Derek Fogel aboard to serve as a sports news anchor and weekend/fill-in host. Fogel was most recently with Max Media’s sports WXLT-FM, Carbondale/Marion, Illinois “103.5 ESPN Southern Illinois.” He’ll also write for CBSHouston…..Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville adds Radio America’s Chad Benson show to its weekend lineup…..“FOX News Headlines 24/7” – the radio station heard exclusively on SiriusXM – is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Wednesday. The station provides subscribers with around-the-clock, original reporting on national news and real-time headlines.
Friday, July 1, 2016
TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations – WFAN, New York Sports Talk Star Mike Francesa Video Now Posted for Viewing. A Livestream video recording of WFAN, New York sports talk personality Mike Francesa delivering the morning keynote address at the recent Talkers 2016: Bridging the Generations convention is now posted and available for viewing (7/1). Francesa spoke at the event on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY at the 19th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important convention. He discusses the state of the radio business from the perspective of talent including podcasting and a variety of other aspects of the digital era. If you didn’t catch it live the first time around, this video is certainly not to be missed. To view it and the other videos from the convention now being posted, please click here.
Hip-Hop & R&B “Bounces” to Detroit. The mystery regarding what would succeed sports on Greater Media Detroit’s WMGC has been answered: It’s “105.1 The Bounce – Detroit’s Throwback Hip Hop and R&B.” Representative artists will span from 2Pac and Ice Cube to Drake and Rihanna. Vice president and market manager Steve Chessare states, “Greater Media is thrilled to unveil this fun and unique new format in the Motor City. We look forward to providing a fun, fresh new sound featuring some of the best throwback hip hop and R&B sounds over the past for our listeners to enjoy.” Greater Media senior vice president of program development Buzz Knight adds, “We are thrilled that our great Detroit cluster is adding a new brand for our audience and our customers.” Detroit’s “Bounce” was introduced today (Friday, 7/1) at 12:00 noon and is playing 10,000 songs in a row; its on-air line-up will be announced soon. News of an impending WMGC format transition was made earlier this week. In the past six Nielsen Audio PPM ratings sweeps, the sports station failed to rise above a one-share (6+). Its .9 in May places it at #23, while CBS Radio‘s WXYT-FM “The Ticket” not only notches a 7.3 (6+), it reigns at #1.
Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Taps O’Reilly President/CEO. The appointment of Terry O’Reilly as president/chief executive officer follows the recent consolidation of talk WESA and triple A WYEP into a single public media entity. Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation board
president 
Harris Jones comments, “We are excited that Terry will lead the team we have built. His experience and expertise will help accelerate our efforts to deliver high-quality global, national and local music, news, information and cultural programming that is engaging, relevant and inspiring. His diverse background also serves us well as we extend our strong broadcast brands across digital media and other emerging platforms.” O’Reilly states, “It is an honor to join WYEP and WESA, the two leading public radio stations in my hometown of Pittsburgh. The media industry is at a critical inflection point and public radio is well-positioned to thrive by focusing on what it does best – allowing each of us the opportunity to hear, listen, learn, and participate. Pittsburgh’s public radio stations remain remarkably strong, with growing audiences, in this changing media environment.” For the past seven years, O’Reilly – who begins his new duties in just over four weeks (8/1) – was senior vice president and chief content officer for Twin Cities PBS. Prior to that, he spent approximately 30 years in the commercial television industry. Over the last six Nielsen Audio PPM ratings periods, WESA (1.9, #12, 6+) has registered a 1.9 four times and a 2.0 the other two; WYEP (#13, 6+) notches a 1.3 for the third time in the last six sweeps. The market’s 6+ market leader is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet WWSW (10.2, 6+).
PPM Analysis: All-News. Based on PPM data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2016 survey period, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of all-news stations to see how the 2016 presidential race has influenced their ratings. There is a bit of a similarity between the month-to-month and year-to-year comparisons, in that, 63% of the sample in our overview was down April 2016 – May – 2016 (6+) and 58% of our all-news panel experienced May 2015 – May 2016 6+- erosion. The typical all-news station in May 2016 has a 6+-share of 4.21 and finishes tenth in its respective market (#10.15). See Mike’s entire report here.
Tobin Joins New York Times. WBUR, Boston senior producer Lisa Tobin departs the Boston University-owned public outlet to join the expanded audio content division of The New York Times as an executive producer. Stated in a memo announcing Tobin’s arrival was mention that “Modern Love,” the first podcast “to briefly displace ‘Serial’ at the top of the charts, was Tobin’s idea.” The memo further states Tobin has “launched feature shows, like the literary advice podcast ‘Dear Sugar Radio,’ based on the cult-favorite advice column. She has developed newsy shows, including a daily podcast produced in partnership with The Boston Globe during the trial of [Boston Marathon bomber] Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and she has incorporated audio into giant multimedia projects.” Once Tobin has settled in, she and editorial director Samantha Henig plan to solicit podcast ideas from their NYT colleagues.
Odds & Sods. There is a rolodex alert for ABC News Radio, which relocates from 125 West End Avenue (New York) to ABC News headquarters at 47 West 66th Street (New York, NY 10023). Remaining at the West End Avenue address though are sports outlet WEPN-FM “ESPN New York” and Spanish sports WEPN-AM “ESPN Deportes 1050” ….. Two
weeks from tomorrow (Saturday, 7/16) is the first-ever WCMC “The Fan,” Raleigh “Beer Academy.” The event of the Capitol Broadcasting sports outlet benefits the Me Fine Foundation and will be held at Bull Durham Beer Company inside the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Joe Ovies of “The Fan” and executive brew master Sebastian Wolfum will teach listeners how to make their favorite beverage and educate them on North Carolina beers. There will be two 90-minutes sessions, one starting at 1:00 pm and the other at 3:30 pm ….. As part of a multi-year exclusivity pact between Salem Media Group Twin Cities’ KYCR “Business 1440” and North Dakota State University, all regular season games and any post-season contests of the five-time defending champion Bison football team will be available in Minneapolis-Saint Paul on KYCR. Salem Media Group Twin Cities general manager Nic Anderson remarks, “Bison football is serious business, and ‘Business 1440’ is the serious voice of Twin Cities business news and financial information. It is a winning combination.” The first game of the 2016 NDSU Bison football season is (Saturday) August 27 at 6:30 pm.
‘Brexit’ Aftermath Top News/Talk Story of the Week. The aftermath of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Following at #2 was the U.S. presidential race. Coming in at #3 was the GOP’s Benghazi report tied with the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server and, at #4, was the Istanbul terror attack. 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.
Trio Added to New York Public Radio Board. Joining the board of trustees of New York Public Radio are author-Roots drummer-“The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” regular Questlove; investor David Tisch; and entertainment attorney Marc Chamlin. Board chair Cynthia King Vance comments, “Questlove, David, and Marc each bring a deep understanding of the value and potential of public radio, and a commitment to working with our highly engaged board to advance our mission and help us reach our digital, content, and audience development goals. Their appointment broadens the base of expertise on the board; we are thrilled to have them.” Chamlin chairs the television group at Loeb and Loeb. Tisch is managing partner of New York City-based angel capital firm BoxGroup. Meanwhile, 30+-year board member Billie Tisch has been elected to its honorary board.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Red Sox-WEEI Streak Continues. While financial terms of the highly expected deal were not disclosed, Entercom Boston sports outlet WEEI will carry on its role as the radio flagship of the Boston Red Sox through (at minimum) the 2023 MLB season. WEEI and the Red Sox have been partners since 1995. Entercom chief operating officer David Field states, “WEEI and Entercom are delighted to be extending our outstanding relationship with the Boston Red Sox well into the future. It is a true privilege to be partnered with this extraordinary, iconic organization and their world-class team of professionals, both on and off 
the field. Red Sox fans across the country will continue to hear outstanding Sox play-by-play broadcasts and 24/7 team coverage on WEEI and WEEI.com, the home of Red Sox baseball.” Red Sox president Sam Kennedy comments, “We are pleased to extend our partnership with WEEI for another seven seasons. We look forward to this new phase of our partnership and sharing more winning baseball through the airwaves with our fans across New England.” The WEEI play-by-play crew consists of Red Sox Hall of Fame announcer Joe Castiglione and Tim Neverett, who this year succeeded Dave O’Brien (now doing Red Sox telecasts on NESN); Hamden, Connecticut native Castiglione is in his 34th year in the Red Sox radio booth. In addition to WEEI, the Red Sox Radio Network consists of 55 affiliates throughout the six New England states. To see how WEEI-FM and 28 other MLB radio flagships performed in Nielsen Audio‘s March 2016 PPM sweep, please read today’s exclusive TALKERS special features piece which appears below.
PPM Analysis: MLB Flagships. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian introduces Major League Baseball‘s 2016 radio flagships with a ratings overview based on data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2016 PPM survey period. Highlighted are each key station’s 6+ share; 6+ market rank; month-to-month and year-to-year fluctuations; and a special breakout chart featuring the flagships by league/division. See the first of Mike’s exclusive special feature pieces about MLB flagships here.
TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations Is Nearing a Sellout! If you haven’t made your reservations to attend the forthcoming 19th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention, now is the time to do so. It is nearing an early sellout and there will be no registrations sold at the door. TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations will take place three weeks from now on Friday, May 20 on the fabulous campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY (on Long Island, just outside of NYC). Featuring a powerful lineup of more than 60 luminous speakers, panel discussions, presentations, breakfast, lunch, closing reception, techno exhibits, live broadcasts and more – this is shaping up to be the most exciting and productive industry networking events of its kind in years. Registration cost is $299 per person and can only be arranged with credit card over the phone. The event is only open to media professionals and communications students. Please call 413-565-5413 for registration, sponsorship, and hotel information. Complete up to date agenda info can be found by clicking here.
Knapp, KCMO-AM Cut Ties. After more than five years as KCMO-AM, Kansas City’s afternoon drive host, Greg Knapp departs the Cumulus Media talk outlet. Regarding his dismissal, Knapp writes on his Facebook page, “I was told repeatedly it was not about my performance. My general manager was very kind in telling me how much she appreciated my show and my work [but] corporate decided it was cheaper to run syndicated programming than it was to pay me a salary. I have consistently had the highest ratings on the station; everyone at Cumulus Kansas City has been very good to me. The good news is I learned a long time ago to always have more than one source of income. I am now ramping up my personal development business [but] I am also looking for new opportunities in radio.” Knapp previously did afternoon drive on KLIF, Dallas; was a syndicated Radio America talk talent; and owned a guest-hosting service. Down or flat for the fourth successive sweep (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), KCMO-AM ranks #21 in Nielsen Audio‘s March 2016 PPM report for Kansas City; Entercom hot AC KZPT “The Point” is the market leader (6.5, 6+).
Presidential Race Tops “Talkers Ten” for Week of April 25 – 29. Activities of the presidential candidates and the battle for delegates were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 were the European terrorism investigations and the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, tied with the United States’ Syria military policy. Coming in at #3 was the controversy over state laws affecting public restroom use and gender identification, followed by North Korea’s recent missile tests 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.
“Robbins & Markley” Becomes “Markley & van Camp.” Owing to health concerns that have sidelined Scott Robbins since late-August (2015), there is a title change for the weekday program on Alpha Media Portland’s KXL “FM News 101” and co-owned WMBD, Peoria
(Illinois). David van Camp will permanently join Jamie Markley for the “Markley and van Camp Show,” which airs 9:00 am – 12:00 noon on KXL and from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm on WMBD. Alpha Media executive vice president of programming Scott Mahalick comments that, “David van Camp brings a unique perspective to the show and a great balance to Jamie Markley; together, they are magical.” The first official day of the newly-named “Markley and van Camp Show” will be next Monday (5/2).
SiriusXM Q1 Revenue Rises 11%. The increase is to a record $1.2 billion, with SiriusXM net income up 62% to $171 million; adjusted EBITDA improves 11% to $441 million. The satcaster adds nearly one-half million new subscribers, ending with almost 30.1 million. First quarter results exceeded expectations of chief executive officer Jim Meyer who comments, “I am especially pleased we were able to add 465,000 net new subscribers, leading to an 8% increase in subscribers over the prior year. With excellent subscriber growth so early in the year, we are raising our guidance for full year net subscriber additions to 1.6 million. We set first quarter records for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow, and we are on track to achieve all of our financial goals this year. With a new full-time music channel from Kenny Chesney, live broadcasts from major music festivals, special popup channels for David Bowie, and Billy Joel, as well as new talk shows, and unmatched coverage of the presidential primaries, SiriusXM continues to be the leader in audio entertainment. We are always looking to deliver new, compelling content to our subscribers.” Chief financial officer David Frear notes that during the first quarter, “We reduced our outstanding share count by about 3%, spending $588 million to repurchase 159 million shares of our common stock. Our debt to adjusted EBITDA remained low at just 3.4 times, leaving plenty of flexibility to continue capital returns to our stockholders or make acquisitions while also making investments in our technology, content, and new satellite infrastructure.”
State of the New York Market Report Released. Among the findings from a New York Market Radio Association (NYMRAD) overview is that several industries expanded their footprint in the New York area contributing to a strong first-quarter start. NYMRAD executive director Debbie Beagan remarks, “With luxury retailers and department stores opening locations across the Tri-State area, radio offers high-end businesses an engaging environment for reaching consumers with household incomes of $250,000 and higher. New York market radio reaches 91% of high-income households, $250,000+, [as well as] over 90% of those who own a second home; those planning on buying a luxury car; dined in upscale restaurants; purchased fine jewelry in excess of $500; and vacations in excess of $10,000.” The report addresses latest information about New York’s economy, commuting information, radio and politics, and national radio advertising/usage. Analysis of the New York marketplace is designed to help advertisers understand radio’s impact on consumers and its role in the local advertising landscape. NYMRAD’s “State of the Market Report” provides business trends as well as local information from a variety of sources including Nielsen Audio, Media Monitors, and The New York Times.”
Execs Named to Build Digital Content Network for TheBlaze. Three digital media industry veterans have been added to TheBlaze‘s leadership team. Former Core Media Group chief marketing officer Chris Gannett joins as senior vice president of marketing; previously with CNN and the weekend edition of ABC-TV‘s “Good Morning America,” Matt Frucci is appointed senior vice president of content & programming; and Lisa Fowler – from BET Networks – joins as vice president of talent and culture. TheBlaze president Stewart Padveen notes, “TheBlaze is investing heavily in our mission to redefine the way digital media is delivered and consumed. Chris, Matt, and Lisa are a significant part of a new high-performing culture and a diverse lineup of superstar talent.” Ironically, the additions at Glenn Beck‘s TheBlaze come after cuts across offices in New York, Los Angeles, Washington (D.C.), and Columbus, where a documentary group had been based. Sources tell TVNewser, between 35-45 staffers have been pinkslipped. These layoffs follow what a source calls a “brain drain” of talent over the last year. Chief executive officer Betsy Morgan left the company last summer and her interim replacement, former Premiere Networks chief operating officer, Kraig Kitchen, exited earlier this year. According to The Daily Beast, the latest cuts are meant to “satisfy the requirements of a multi-million dollar bank loan taken out recently to keep Beck’s revenue-challenged enterprise running.” TheBlaze is consolidating the company’s operations to its Irving, Texas headquarters.
The Best Talk Station Ever: What the Radio Industry Can Learn from WMCA, Circa 1980
By Bill Brady
Futures & Options, Inc.
President/CEO
JUPITER, FL — WMCA was the “little engine that could.” In the 60s, it battled WABC for “top 40” supremacy in New York. By the 70s, WMCA was “New York’s Conversation Station” and was giving legendary talk and variety station WOR a run for its money. As a 5,000 watt station at 570, WMCA was always punching above its weight class against 50,000 watt flamethrowers WABC and WOR in the sprawling New York metropolitan area.
In 1980, WMCA had assembled a veritable All Star team of talk talent in the prime of their careers.
The irascible Bob Grant did mornings followed by Sally Jessy Raphael (9:00 am -12:00 noon), Barry Gray (12:00 noon – 2:00 pm) and Bruce Williams (2:00 pm -4:00 pm) middays, Barry Farber in afternoon drive (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm), the CBS Mystery Theatre early evenings, Candy Jones, Mets baseball and Islanders hockey at night and Larry King overnight. Art Rust, Jr. hosted Sports Talk on weekends.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Talkers New York 2014 Videos Being Posted. Up Today: Mike Francesa’s Sports Talk Keynote Address. Today (7/16) marks the second 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 the event’s powerful sports talk keynote address delivered by WFAN, New York sports talk radio legend, Mike Francesa. The focus of Francesa’s speech consists of 1) his opinion that the current lack of ratings for online “re-purposed” radio content is damaging radio; 2) the benefits of being live and
local; and 3) the burgeoning role of sports in American life. Francesa states, “I have done the same show at the same time on the same station for 28 years. I never wanted to be syndicated. I believe in live and local.” Although respecting the importance of digital and social media, he believes that radio broadcasters place too much emphasis on it to the detriment of their on-air content and performance stating, “I take a limited approach to the new technology…I don’t have a Twitter account.” Regarding sports, itself, as a subject and field of interest to the media, he advises, “I think we are at the beginning of a sports explosion the likes of which you haven’t seen yet. If you’re in the communications business, you’d better get on board. Sports today is what Hollywood was in the 40s and 50s.” To see the entire session, please click here. Coming tomorrow (7/17): RAB, CEO/president Erica Farber moderating the panel, “The State of Radio Advertising and Sales” with Ron Furman, CRO, Westwood One; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Joe Puglise, president/market manager, Clear Channel, New York; and Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks. The TALKERS conference videos were recorded by Art Vuolo.
Dave Elswick Show Expands to Searcy, Arkansas Market. Longtime Little Rock talk radio personality Dave Elswick’s KHTE “96.5 The Voice”-based show will be heard on KSMD, Searcy, Arkansas
starting July 21 as the show begins efforts to network across the state. Elswick states, “This is exciting as I will now reach the North Central part of the state. My goal is to touch all Arkansans and keep them informed about what is happening in their state.” Additionally, Elswick tells TALKERS magazine he is in the process of launching a 24/7 online TV station as he explores new platforms.
KKOB, Albuquerque Personality Rides on Soon-to-Be-Deactivated Sub. The market’s namesake nuclear sub USS Albuquerque is being de-activated after 30 years of service to the U.S. Navy. Last week, KKOB, Albuquerque weekend personality Terrie Q. Sayre – pictured here at the periscope of the sub – was able to take a voyage on it. The sub is based in San Diego and during Sayre’s visit, she went out to sea in it and was able to dive to 600 feet, take sharp angle maneuvers, take part in periscope viewing and more. Sayre reports they even did a burial at sea involving a three torpedo salute.
CBS Sports Radio Morning Show Gets Online Video Simulcast. Beginning immediately, the morning drive show hosted by Tiki Barber, Brandon Tierney, and Dana Jacobson on the CBS Sports Radio Network – heard from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET – is available in a live, online video simulcast, especially targeting consumers using mobile and tablet devices. Network director of programming Eric Spitz says, “We are excited to launch yet another way to expose our programming to audiences nationwide. Tiki, Brandon and Dana prove every day to be dynamic and passionate sports hosts, and providing additional access to the show follows the trend of listeners spending more time with the program.”
’99.9 The Fan’ in Raleigh Holds ‘Fan Town Hall.’ Tomorrow morning Capitol Broadcasting-owned sports talk WCMC-FM, Raleigh “99.9 The Fan” is presenting the first-ever “Fan Town Hall” with four of the most influential people in Triangle college sports today at Full Frame Theater in nearby Durham. Panelists will include: Duke athletic director Dr. Kevin White; North Carolina Central athletic director Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree; NC State athletic director Debbie Yow and North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham. The 90-minute, commercial-free event will be moderated by WCMC-FM afternoon drive host Adam Gold and WRAL-TV sports anchor Jeff Gravley. Topics to be addressed include the state of college athletics, successes and challenges athletic departments are experiencing and much more. Station program director and OM Dennis Glasgow states, “This is a historical event that’s never been done before in the Triangle, and to bring together these four remarkable people will be a fascinating 90 minutes inside the looking glass of college sports. Our Town Hall format will be less traditional in that we’re encouraging conversation among our special guests, and its unique format will allow social media questions throughout the event.”
Golloher Joins Fox News Radio as Correspondent. Former freelancer Jessica Golloher – who’s been based in Moscow for the past six years – joins Fox News Radio as a correspondent based in New York. 
In this new role, Golloher will report on breaking news and provide daily live reports while covering stories in the Northeast and across the country. During her time in Moscow, Golloher provided live coverage of stories, including Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the crisis in Ukraine, and the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Golloher previously worked at radio stations in Washington, Boston, Tulsa, and Los Angeles.
Odds & Sods. All-newser KNX, Los Angeles is tackling the Western drought story as it relates to Southern California on July 31 during a day-long program titled, “Running on Empty: Our Epic Drought.” The CBS RADIO station says KNX’s news staff, “led by producers Charles Feldman and Laraine Herman, will look at the impact the worsening drought will have on” the population. KNX will detail what sets the current drought apart from those the state has experienced in the recent past. Among the questions to be answered are what food products might disappear from shelves and which ones will get costlier, who decides who’ll be able to tap into the eroding water supply and what will the long-term effects be on the local environment and wildlife? Seven KNX reporters have conducted more than 50 interviews with California Governor Jerry Brown, representatives from the Metropolitan and Orange County Water Districts, climatologists,
environmentalists, farmers and others…..Cumulus Media news/talk WABC, New York reports a coup as former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson appeared on “The Ride Home with Pat Kiernan and Rita Cosby” on Wednesday afternoon to “address publicly for the first time” her departure from the paper. She talked about her reaction to Arthur Sulzberger saying she was let go because of her management style, her feelings about the current state of journalism and more…..Thirty-two year NPR veteran Margaret Low Smith is leaving the public radio network where she’s been serving as senior vice president/news to become a VP at The Atlantic. Smith will also be the president of the publication’s AtlanticLIVE Events division…..CRN Digital Talk Radio announced the winners of its 2014 Food & Wine Awards during an appearance at the 33rd Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival at the Kapalua Resort in Hawaii. CRN president & CEO Michael J. Horn and CRN personality “Sommelier of the People” Michael Jordan made the presentations on a special live broadcast of the network’s nationally syndicated “What’s Cookin’ on Wine” show. Michael Browne of the Kosta Browne Winery and Robert Cabral of Williams Selyem shared the Winemaker of the Year honor. Dean Fearing of Fearing’s Restaurant in Dallas, Texas was named Chef of the Year. Zimzala Huntington Beach, California was crowned Restaurant of the Year. Sommelier of the Year honors went to Troy Smith at Montage in Laguna Beach, California. CRN listeners selected the winners from a list of nominees.
SRN’s Dennis Prager Visits Death Row. Nationally syndicated talk show host Dennis Prager is pictured here (right) with an unidentified death row inmate at Angola State Prison in Louisiana – the nation’s largest prison. Prager spent Monday, July 14 at the prison as part of the annual “Returning Hearts Celebration,” organized by the Christian organization Awana. Among that organization’s projects is work with prison inmates. Prager has been lecturing to evangelical pastors all over the country about the American Renewal Project. Prager shared his experiences at the prison with listeners on his programs yesterday and today. During a meeting with the inmate pictured here, Prager asked the man if he felt sorry for himself. “No,” he responded. “But I do regret the things I’ve done.”
NYC Competitors Get Together at Big Fundraiser. These two New York City talk radio personalities – Geraldo Rivera from Cumulus Media’s WABC (left) and Mark Simone from Clear Channel’s WOR (right) – usually compete against each other in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon time slot. But they are pictured here together as they attend and speak at a fundraiser luncheon for the city’s 100-year-old charity The Police Athletic League of New York City.
Child Immigrant Crisis-Immigration Policy Reform, Eric Holder Racism Comments, Middle East Turmoil, Possible Warren 2016 Presidential Run, Hookah Craze, and Western Drought and Summer ‘Polar Vortex’ Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/15). The ongoing child immigration crisis in the Southwest and debate over who’s responsible and how to fix it; Attorney General Eric Holder’s comments that criticism of the Obama Administration are race-based; the violence between Israel and Hamas and the ISIS campaign in Iraq and Syria; Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren’s recent travels and speculation she’s gearing up for a ‘stealth’ 2016 presidential bid; chatter about the health issues surrounding the current hookah craze; plus the Western drought and the summer ‘polar vortex’ affecting the Midwest were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Aaron Klein Takes Breaking News and Investigative Talk Radio to a New Level
By Jeff McKay
TALKERS
Special Features Correspondent
NEW YORK — Aaron Klein simply breaks all of the stereotypes of today’s talk show hosts. He’s just 34 years old. He does not lean liberal or conservative, nor does he speak in political talking points. He does not love or hate President Obama, or stand on the ground of anyone’s political party. He’s an accomplished author of six books with another blockbuster on the way. His radio show doesn’t just talk about the news – in many cases it breaks the news – broadcasting half a world away.
Klein grew up in a tight-knit community of orthodox Jews in Philadelphia, and eventually moved to New York City where he attended Yeshiva University. It wasn’t long before he joined the student newspaper, and became editor. If he wasn’t hooked to the media by that time, a powerful report in the college newspaper led to the school removing issues of his newspaper. That action led to the threat of a lawsuit against the university. The school backed down and discontinued their practice.
Like many people in radio, Klein never really planned on the media as a career.
How to Be a Talk Show Host
By Bob Lonsberry
WHAM, Rochester/WSYR Syracuse
Talk Show Host
MOUNT MORRIS, NY — Let me tell you how to be a talk show host.
Step one: Ignore anybody who tries to tell you how to be a talk show host
This is fundamentally a solo business and the more you try to be like someone else, or the more closely you follow the consultants and the bosses, the less effective you will be.
Certainly, there are general rules of the business, ways to hold listeners and maximize ratings, to move through a clock and broadcast professionally. You must know and execute the formatics, but you must be their master, not their slave. They give you structure, but you give yourself voice.
Somewhere, down deep, you either have it or you don’t, and the key to your success will be being true to yourself. Likewise, the key to the continued success of the form will be the quality and variety of rising hosts.
