Tag: "Tom Sullivan"
Friday, September 4, 2020
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Bullets and Spit!” looks back at this past week of August 31 – September 4, 2020. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Sid Rosenberg, talk show host, WABC, New York; Larry Young, talk show host, WOLB, Baltimore; Dr. Lisa Mozer, talk show host, WSIC, Statesville, NC; Jim Bohannon, talk show host, Westwood One; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD (“Freedom 93.7”), Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED (“Connect FM”), DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week ’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Round Four of August PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s August 2020 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen’s August 2020 survey period covered July 16 – August 12. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. Emmis
Communications’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis adds a half share to finish the August survey with an 8.0 share good for the #3 rank in the market. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s WISN climbs 1.8 shares for an 8.6 share and leaps from #4 to #1 while Good Karma Brands’ crosstown news/talk WTMJ tacks on 1.2 shares for a 6.7 share and the #5 rank. Cumulus Media’s WWTN-FM, Nashville “Super Talk 99.7” rises nine-tenths to a 5.7 share and the #5 rank. Entercom’s WTIC-AM, Hartford erases some of July’s 1.7 share dip by adding eight-tenths for a 6.9 share and finishes the August survey tied for #3 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways report for this group of markets (and the other three groups!) here.
Cromwell Media Launches New Conservative Talk Radio Outlet in Owensboro, Kentucky. According to a story in the Owensboro Times, Cromwell Media has flipped a couple of its Owensboro, Kentucky signals from rock to news/talk as “K-News 101.3.” It’s not clear which station is feeding translator W267BM at 101.3 FM for the new format. Previously, the translator had been carrying the rock format from feeder station WXCM-FM. The station is using FOX News Radio for hourly newscasts and well as the Brian Kilmeade show. Also airing on the station is Key Networks’ Bill O’Reilly, Talk Media Network’s Tom Sullivan, and Westwood One’s Ben Shapiro. Local personality Brian Jackson hosts the 11:00 am to 1:00 pm slot. Cromwell general manager Taunya Iverson tells the paper, “We felt that our community was in need of a platform for our local community that brings businesses, people and organizations together and helps to build up our community with local information that is greatly needed.”
Charlotte Hornets Fire Radio Voice John Focke. The Charlotte Observer reports that the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets have parted ways with radio play-by-play personality John Focke. He’d been suspended from his duties while the team investigated a recent tweet in which he said he’d accidently typed the “N-word” instead of “Nuggets.” The team’s official statement is as follows: “The Charlotte Hornets announced today that John Focke will not return as the team’s radio broadcaster due to a violation of the organization’s social media policy. Since this is a personnel matter, the organization will not comment any further. The Hornets thank John for all his efforts during the 2019-20 NBA season.” Entercom’s sports talk WFNZ, Charlotte serves as flagship for the team’s radio broadcasts.
Nate Lucas Suspended ‘Indefinitely’ from Zimmer’s ‘Jock 98.7 FM.’ The Springfield News-Leader reports that KBFL-AM/FM, Springfield, Missouri sports talk host Nate Lucas is suspended “indefinitely” after uttering what’s being termed a “sexist slur” about vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris on his midday program. Zimmer Communications corporate operations director Jeff Allen tells the paper about Lucas’ status and says he won’t comment further as it is a personnel matter. Now hosting the 9:00 am to 11:00 am show at KBFL is Ned Reynolds, who was let go from the station by its previous owner.
Geraldo Celebrates 50 Years as a Broadcaster. American journalism icon Geraldo Rivera is celebrating his 50th broadcast anniversary on September 8. Rivera hosts a daily, one-hour program on iHeartMedia’s WTAM, Cleveland in addition to his current role as a correspondent-at-large for FOX News. iHeartMedia announces that as part of the week-long celebration of Rivera’s anniversary, many historical broadcast career moments and several high-profile guests will be heard on his “Geraldo in Cleveland” program. Rivera says, “It’s hard to believe that it’s been 50 years and I’m humbled by all of the opportunities during my storied career. Cleveland is my home now and so is WTAM, where I look forward to sharing some incredible highlights with you during my daily radio show. Most importantly, I look forward to continuing my daily broadcast journey with YOU by my side.” Rivera began his 50-year career as a television reporter at WABC-TV, New York and was a member of the original cast of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” He had an eight-year association with ABC’s “20/20” as an investigative reporter and produced and hosted “The Geraldo Rivera Show” for 11 years.
TALKERS News Notes. A new podcast from ESPN is debuting called, “Bettor Days with Mike Greenberg,” and the program is described as “a character-driven reenactment show bringing to life the true stories of unforgettable gambling adventures” and “uses in-depth interviews and comedic reenactments to relive the wildest, funniest betting tales – and their unexpected outcomes.” The show’s debut episode “Fauxto Finish” tells the story of ophthalmologist Steven Friedlander who won a long-shot bet in one of the most dramatic Kentucky Derby races ever, only to find out the incredible payout wasn’t at all what he
anticipated…..The Talk Shows USA-syndicated weekend program “The Money Pit Home Improvement Show” adds three new affiliate stations. Joining the program’s roster are: KWWV-HD2/K253BR, San Luis Obispo, California “K-News 98.5”; WVMT-AM/FM, Burlington, Vermont; and WWDC-HD2/W284CQ, Washington, DC “WONK FM 104.7.”…..Entercom’s Cadence13 and Headspace Studios unveil “The Yes Theory Podcast” hosted by Thomas Brag, Matt Dajer, and Ammar Kandil. In the summer of 2015, the three crossed paths in Montreal. Then total strangers, they bonded over the idea that they felt most alive outside of their comfort zones. With $500 to their names, the new friends started making videos about confronting their biggest fears. Fast forward to today — Brag, Dajer and Kandil run Yes Theory, where they have harnessed social media to share their adventurous approach to life with millions around the world, including Will Smith, who took them up on their challenge to bungee jump from a helicopter in celebration of his 50th birthday.
The Presidential Race, the Polls and the Vote-By-Mail Debate Tied for Top News/Talk Stories for Week of August 31- September 4. The November presidential election, the current polling numbers and the debate over the safety of voting by mail tied as the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was a tie between race relations, urban violence, police reform, and suburban housing. Coming in at #3 was COVID-19 statistics and projections, followed by health care, vaccine developments, and the masks debate 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. See this week’s complete chart here.
Cool Talk Host Opportunity in Huntsville. News/talk WVNN, Huntsville program director Dale Jackson announces that the Cumulus Media station is seeking a dynamic air personality to host the 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm program. “WVNN is seeking someone who creates and produces a local talk radio show focusing on local, national, and political issues with a strong ability to interview newsmakers. Ability to become part of the community and the listener’s life is a must. Knowledge of entertainment, politics, news, weather, sports and other topics of interest are important to your success. Endorsement and sale opportunities will supplement your income and instant income growth is possible.” See more about the position and apply here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chicago, iHeartMedia drops the country music on WEBG-FM and launches a rock format branded “ROCK 95 FIVE, Chicago’s Rock Station” featuring core artists: Metallica, Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Mötley Crüe, and more.
iHeartMedia Chicago regional SVP of programming James Howard says, “Our goal with ‘ROCK 95 FIVE’ is to provide the music Chicagoland has been missing, a key soundtrack for a large lifestyle group. Our purpose is to be a driving force and a companion in the lives of millions of rock music fans for years to come.” The station says its programming lineup will be announced at a later date…..On-air pro Tay Hamilton is joining iHeartMedia’s WSIX-FM, Nashville “The BIG 98” to work with Wayne D as on-air personality and for the afternoon drive show. Hamilton says, “I’m so excited about my journey to Nashville to join the power team at WSIX and to grow within iHeart Country! It’s been a life-long dream of mine to do radio in the heart of country music and I finally get to do so thanks to Gator Harrison and Rod Phillips.”…..Cumulus Media announces the addition of two new live-and-local, personality-driven shows to urban contemporary WLXC-FM Columbia, South Carolina “Kiss 103.1.” Dee Dee Renee joins “Kiss 103.1” as host of the midday program. She moves to Columbia from Cumulus’ WWDM, Columbia, South Carolina. Meanwhile, program director Chris Connors moves from middays to afternoon drive…..Cumulus Media re-brands country WVLK, Lexington, Kentucky from NASH FM to “K92.9, Lexington’s New Country Leader.”…..The “B-Dub Radio Saturday Night” program is expanding to weeknights beginning September 21, 2020 in a syndication partnership with Skyview Networks. The country program is hosted by Bryan “B-Dub” Washington and is offered in two versions, including a fully produced night show and a content-only version, which provides program directors the flexibility to choose the music for their station, as well as daypart flexibility.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
FOX News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade Show to Air Live on WABC, New York. Beginning January 2, the FOX News Radio-syndicated Brian Kilmeade show will air live in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon slot on Cumulus Media‘s 77 WABC, replacing the Chris Plante program. Kilmeade, co-host of FOX News Channel’s “FOX & Friends” morning show, is also a New York Times bestselling author. Kilmeade says, “As a Long Island native, I grew up listening to WABC and having been doing so my whole life. Being a guest on the station has always been an honor, but to now have my nationally syndicated radio show carried by WABC, is a career goal that I am humbled to achieve. This is a real reflection of not only just me, but of my incredible team, including Alyson Mansfield, Eric Albeen, and Pete Caterina.” Kilmeade’s radio program has been experiencing steady growth in affiliate adds and close to 30 new stations will pick up the program on December 31, including: KSEV, Houston; KOIL, Omaha; KIVA, Albuquerque; KLIN, Lincoln; and WVFT-FM, Tallahassee. FOX News Radio VP/GM Doug Murphy states, “‘The Brian Kilmeade Show’ is a staple to the FOX News Radio brand and has proven to be an enormous success. We are delighted to expand the program to broadcast live on WABC.”
Tom Sullivan Show Growing into 2019. The nationally syndicated Tom Sullivan show is experiencing a “renaissance,” according to syndicator Talk Media Network, “thanks to a fully staffed affiliate relations team.” Talk Media Network’s Josh Leng says the KFBK, Sacramento-based program has added 12 new stations to its roster recently (including KSRO, Santa Rosa; WGOW-FM, Chattanooga; and WLFJ-AM/W225AZ, Greenville-Spartanburg) and has another 10 stations inked to add the program in
the New Year. Tom Sullivan says, “I’m thrilled to be adding so many new stations to my show, expanding our audience even further – the smartest audience, the smartest callers in talk radio, who add to the program and make it even more entertaining.” Leng adds, “Talk Media Network is affiliate friendly in all we do. Stations that have worked with us for years, airing our weekly programs, are now adding our weekday shows as well. The New Year will only get bigger and better as TMN continues adding more quality programming.”
Eric Hadley Appointed SVP of Marketing for iHeartMedia. Advertising pro Eric Hadley is named senior vice president of marketing for iHeartMedia, serving under EVP and chief marketing officer Gayle Troberman. In this role, Hadley is charged with reimagining “marketing for advertising partners. He will work closely with advertising partners advising them on their audio strategy, to ensure that clients understand how to best plan, buy, measure and optimize the audio experience.” Troberman adds, “As the leader in audio, we understand more than anyone that we’re at a key moment when all things audio are growing. It’s important that we have someone who understands data, content, planning, and creative. Eric’s experience on the client, agency and media sides of the table will help us continue to lead the way with audio.” He most recently served as chief marketing officer for GroundTruth. He’s also served with Microsoft, The Weather Channel, and Outbrain.
Paul A. Rothfuss Named Roanoke-Lynchburg Market Manager for iHeartMedia. General sales manager Paul A. Rothfuss is elevated to market president for iHeartMedia’s Roanoke-Lynchburg market. He takes over for Chuck Peterson, who was recently promoted to area president for the Roanoke-Lynchburg, Harrisonburg and Winchester markets. iHeartMedia Virginia/Carolina president Dave Carwile says, “We are thrilled to have Paul lead the Roanoke-Lynchburg market. Paul was the first to raise his hand when the market president position posted. He’s a proven leader who consistently displays big thinking and has a solid track record of sales leadership. We’re excited about the future of our sales and programming teams under Paul’s leadership and direction.”
TALKERS News Notes. The “Armstrong & Getty” show – based at KSTE, Sacramento and hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty – raised more than $1 million to benefit The Warrior Foundation/Freedom Station from its recent five-day radiothon. The charity purchases plane tickets for injured warriors so that they can spend the holidays at home and with their families. The organization also supports the military by providing transitional housing used during both recovery and transition processes. Joe Getty says, “Many of our brave men and women come back from military service with overwhelming burdens to bear. It’s then that we as Americans have to be there for them. I believe that as their service ends, ours begins.” Jack Armstrong adds, “Supporting Warrior Foundation/Freedom Station is one simple way for
our community to acknowledge that our freedoms only exist due to their sacrifice. We’re proud to be a part of this effort to support our troops.”…..Comrex announces a new partnership with Maple Audio Technology, a firm that supplies the latest in technology for digital broadcast for both television and radio in Japan…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Windy City
sports talk personality Terry Boers will do some vacation fill-in work on Entercom’s WSCR “The Score” during the holidays. Boers retired from the station in January of 2017. He plans to sit in with Matt Spiegel on December 24 and 28 and with Steve Rosenbloom on December 27…..CBS Audio Network is offering a three-hour special called the “CBS Audio Holiday Special,” hosted by Gil Gross that covers such stories as ‘How Poinsettias Became the Holiday Flower’, ‘How Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Became Essential to the Holidays,’ ‘The history and fun stories about Menorahs and the origin and traditions of Kwanzaa. Along with how ‘Auld Lang Syne’ became a New Year’s staple thanks to this radio network, the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) and its founder William Paley.”…..And speaking of the holidays, pictured below is Westwood One syndicated personality Jim Bohannon dressed as Santa Claus posing with his elves at the Chickasaw Point Women’s Club benefit for the Collins Children Home of Seneca, South Carolina on December 13.
iHeartMedia Confirmation Hearing Set for January 10. After settling two lawsuits earlier this week, iHeartMedia learns that its Confirmation Hearing for exit from Chapter 11 reorganization will continue on January 10. Judge Marvin Isgur has also set January 17 as a date for concerns regarding the Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Separation Settlement and January 22 for addition CCOH separation settlement concerns and the GAMCO motion. Finally, January 23 is the date to consider any remaining confirmation issues. An important date is January 9. That’s the deadline for filing objections to the CCOH Separation Settlement agreed to on December 16 that raises the revolving line of credit from iHeartMedia to CCOH to $200 million with iHeart is also indemnifying CCOH for up to 50% of certain tax liabilities.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Flynn Sentencing, Trump Foundation Case, Border Wall-Government Shutdown Threat, Xi Jinping Speech, Dow Activity-Recession Fears, Woody Allen Teen Lover Story, Penny Marshall Dies, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/18). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and Tuesday’s related sentencing hearing for former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn; the Trump Foundation agrees to shut down after allegations of self-dealing; the battle over funding the U.S.-Mexico border wall and the threat of a government shut down; Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech in which he defends China’s economic policies; the Dow’s December slough and worries about an impending recession; a former teenage lover of Woody Allen reveals her story; actress/director Penny Marshall dies at 75; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Nationally syndicated adult contemporary evening personality Delilah joins the program schedule at Max Media’s WVBW, Norfolk “92.9 The Wave.” The Premiere Networks host is airing in the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart…..Via an affiliation relationship with Envision Networks, Lazer Broadcasting Corporation is offering the “Radio Lazer” Spanish-language music format. Lazer calls the format “a modern regional Mexican” one that plays today’s most popular songs in a top-40 environment…..Entravision Communications Corporation extends its agreements with Al & CM Broadcasting LLC to represent on a network basis and air Alex “El Genio” Lucas through 2020. Alex “El Genio” Lucas’ syndicated morning radio show airs on Entravision’s “La Suavecita” radio network in 13 markets across the country.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Beasley Builds News/Talker WJBX in SW Florida. Flipping Spanish sports talk WJBX-AM, Fort Myers and adding translators W268AH, Bonita Springs at 101.5 and W282BY, Fort Myers at 104.3, Beasley Media Group creates “WJBX News Talk and More” to serve Fort Myers, Naples and Marco Island. The station is airing national superstar Dave Ramsey and a lot of FOX News Radio content – Kilmeade & Friends, John Gibson, Tom Sullivan, and Alan Colmes – plus the Compass Media-distributed morning show “This Morning – America’s First News with Gordon Deal.” The station will use CBS Radio News for hourly newscasts. Beasley SW Florida market manager Brad Beasley states, “We’re ready to deliver thought-provoking topics that inform, educate and inspire our audience. Our listeners will hear from a top selection of influential national voices. We’re excited to add WJBX to our incredible lineup of stations here in Southwest Florida!”
WGAN, Portland Morning Host Mike Violette Resigns from Station. Off the air since June 2, WGAN, Portland listeners now know where morning drive co-host Mike Violette has been – riding his motorcycle and playing golf. The 12-year morning personality announced via Facebook earlier this week that he asked to be let out of his contract with the Saga Communications station and the station agreed, giving him a “nice severance package.” Violette implied he was getting a little burned out and now that his kids are done with college and on their own, he wants to see what else is out there. The station will announce his replacement on Friday afternoon during Howie Carr’s live broadcast of his syndicated show as he does the program from WGAN. See the Portland Press Herald story here.
Curtis Media Promotes Trip Savery to President and Chief Operating Officer. North Carolina operator Curtis Media Group promotes Trip Savery to president and COO, what CEO and chairman Donald W. Curtis calls a formality. “We have actually been working this way for the past year.” Savery was SVP and general manager of country WQDR, Raleigh. Savery says, “I am honored to continue my career at Curtis Media Group in this role, and want to thank Don Curtis and the many talented people I have the privilege of working with every day for our continued success.” Savery is a native of Chapel Hill and serves on the board of directors of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters as vice president of radio. In addition, he serves on the board of visitors of the UNC Children’s Hospital, as well as the board of advisors of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
Jim Berk Named CEO of PodcastOne. Media industry executive Jim Berk is appointed to the PodcastOne board of directors and will serve as the company’s CEO. PodcastOne founder and chairman Norm Pattiz says, in making the announcement, “We have created an unmatched footprint in the podcast space and now are building a more robust executive team to allow PodcastOne to take full advantage of our organic growth and strategic opportunities. Jim has done tremendous work in transitioning companies to their next stage of growth, and with him joining the PodcastOne leadership team, our possibilities are endless.” Pattiz, who was CEO, retains his post as executive chairman. Berk comes to PodcastOne from his most recent position as CEO of Participant Media – a “global entertainment company focused on socially relevant film, television, publishing and digital media.” Berk also was president & CEO of Hard Rock Cafe International, Inc. during which the company embarked on a “record expansion of locations with record revenue and profits, while also making Hard Rock a music and television entertainment brand.” Berk was also the founding executive director of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Foundation (The Grammy Foundation). Berk comments, “It’s exciting to enter this media space during a time of unprecedented expansion as consumer interest for the audio format in on-demand programming is experiencing rapid growth…PodcastOne is already demonstrating impressive year-on-year growth. I look forward to working closely with Norm, Kit, Gary, Greg and the entire executive team to build on their success.”
Orlando Club Massacre Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 13-17. The murders of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando by a man claiming to support Islamic State was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 was the senate filibuster and talk about changing gun laws; at #3 was the presidential race and the activities of the candidates; followed at #4 by the slaying of British MP Jo Cox and next week’s vote by Britons on whether to exit the European Union. 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.
Allwood Appointed Promotions Director at CMG Atlanta. Promotions pro Amanda Allwood is heading to Atlanta to serve as promotions director for Cox Media Group’s cluster there. Allwood will oversee promotions and event marketing for adult contemporary WSB-FM “B98.5,” classic hits WSRV “97.1 The River,” urban contemporary WALR “Kiss 104.1 FM” and news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM. Allwood was most recently with SiriusXM in New York as senior manager of promotions and event marketing. She’s also worked in promotions for CBS RADIO in Tampa and CMG in Tampa and Orlando. CMG programmer Chris Eagan says, “Amanda has the critical eye that we need to take our events and promotions efforts to the next level. She understands how crucial it is to integrate sales, programming and digital into one superpower to make these radio brands sparkle!”
Alpha Ups McDaniel to Director of Marketing Post. KBFF, Portland promotions director Kelsey McDaniel is promoted by Alpha Media Portland to director of marketing for the entire cluster. The company says McDaniel is “known by most for her enthusiasm for the music industry, amazing event execution and overall hard work but, she’s also known for her competitive Sunday night BINGO addiction and searching endlessly for the love of her life, a golden retriever puppy.” Alpha Portland SVP/market manager Milt McConnell says, “This is a well-deserved promotion for Kelsey as she is about to celebrate her seventh year with us. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership of our promotions team and has elevated our interaction with listeners and clients on all levels.” If addition to CHR KBFF, Alpha Portland also operates triple A KINK, country KUPL, news/talk KXL-FM, sports talk KXTG-AM/FM, and talk KUFO-AM.
Testimony Continues in Cumulus vs Johnny Burke & Blondie. According to a report from MLive.com, the testimony continued in a federal courtroom in Michigan this week in Cumulus Media’s suit against former WHNN, Saginaw-Bay City morning team Johnny Burke and Bonnie Belger-Holzhei, a.k.a. Blondie. Cumulus attorneys are trying to show that Burke and Belger-Holzhei violated the terms of their contracts by soliciting the radio station’s clients for the Internet radio show they launched after being fired by the station. This week, station operations manager Scott Stine testified that the pair are also using bits and prep service products they used when they worked at WHNN. Stine said they had access to a “shared drive” with station client information but the pair’s attorney argued Cumulus has no proof they ever used the information. Read the MLive.com account here.
Taking Care of Business
Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS magazine
LOS ANGELES — Those fancying a career in radio typically lead a nomadic existence, as they pay their dues in small markets and relocate numerous times – often before even reaching their 30th birthday.
Such was not the case however for Tom Sullivan, whose resumé cites just one radio station – Sacramento’s heritage talk outlet KFBK.
For the past six years, Sullivan has hosted a three-hour (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm) show on Fox News Radio and he can be seen weekends fronting his own program on the Fox Business Channel.
First Social Media
As a teenager growing up in Seattle, Sullivan made it a top priority to meet one of the Emerald City’s major radio personalities, who graciously wound up asking if he wanted to get a first-hand look at how radio works. “I hung out with him during his shift,” Sullivan fondly recalls. “I had that interest in radio then, but I think many [others that age] did at the time because that is where we got our music. Radio was our social world.”