Tag: "WBZ"
Monday, August 14, 2017
Report: iHeartMedia Creditor May Submit Plan to Avoid Bankruptcy This Week. According to a story in the New York Post, Franklin Resources – holder of $2.3 billion of iHeartMedia’s $20 billion of debt – may propose a restructuring plan for iHM that may require
controlling equity in the company and more cash guarantees. Franklin Resources had been holding firm against any refinancing, possibly with the hope that the company would be forced into bankruptcy and Franklin could then “cash out” after the sale of iHM assets. But the Post story indicates that Franklin adviser PJT Partners is recommending that Franklin not push iHM into bankruptcy, hence the report of a possible debt-for-equity deal. The report also hints that current CEO Bob Pittman will remain in his position. Read the Post story here.
Cash Infusion for TuneIn. According to Bloomberg, digital audio aggregator TuneIn has just raised another $50 million in investment, reportedly from Marker LLC, IVP and Comcast Ventures – which led the funding – plus Sequoia Capital, Causeway Media Partners LLC and General Catalyst Partners LLC. Bloomberg writes that so far TuneIn has raised $140 million.
Chief executive officer John Donham says, “Two years ago we launched a premium subscription with a play by play of every game from every league, home and away, with worldwide rights for every connected device. It turns out those deals are not cheap. We’re excited about building a subscription base. But in the meantime, we’re paying for that content.” Donham declined to tell Bloomberg how many paying subscribers the service has but stated that “the model under which we operate has a very clear path to profitability versus most in [the] streaming audio space.” The 15-year-old service has yet to turn a profit. Read the Bloomberg piece here.
Connolly New Head of Advertising Sales for SiriusXM. Moving from ESPN where he was VP of advertising sales and affiliates sales for the ESPN Audio Network to SiriusXM is Mike Connolly. He is the satcaster’s new head of advertising sales, taking over for Bette Rockmore who is taking a
teaching position at Pace University. A press release states that Connolly “brings broad experience working with varied on-air audio content in his three decades in media sales.” SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein comments, “Mike is a proven ad industry executive and we are excited to have him lead SiriusXM’s ad sales team and continue its strong sustained growth. Mike’s extensive experience in audio entertainment will be of crucial importance to SiriusXM as our programming depth and variety expand and the national audience of subscribers and listeners continues to rise.”
TALKERS News Notes. All this week, David van Camp will broadcast live from Guam on the
“Markley and van Camp” show based at Alpha Media’s news/talk WMBD, Peoria, and heard on KXL, Portland; KFQD, Anchorage; as well as Tyler Media’s KOKC, Oklahoma City. Speaking about broadcasting from Guam, van Camp says, “What I’m most interested in is talking to everyday people. What do they think about when they see all of this coverage when they see how much focus there is on their home? And, really, just tell their story.”…..This Sunday (8/20), CBS Sports Radio will broadcast a live, special edition of “The Taz Show” from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET following the WWE Summer Slam at the Barclays Center earlier that evening. Former pro wrestler Taz will talk about “the results of the night’s championship matches, including the winners, losers and biggest surprises.” CBS RADIO stations carrying the program will include WFAN, New York; WSCR, Chicago; KRLD, Dallas; and more…..College football legend Steve Spurrier joins SiriusXM as a college football analyst. Beginning August 15, Spurrier will appear three times per week on the SiriusXM College Sports Nation channel.
Charlottesville Violence/Trump Response, Bannon’s White House Status, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, NFL Players Sit During Anthem, Taylor Swift Suit, Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Sequel Film, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-season Games Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The death and injuries at the Charlottesville white supremacist rally and criticism of President Trump’s response; speculation about the future of White House strategist Stephen K. Bannon and reports that Trump believes Bannon may be involved in leaks; the ongoing threats by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Trump’s responses; the failure to stand during the National Anthem by Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett prior to pre-season games; a judge’s decision to throw out David Mueller’s suit against Taylor Swift and the remaining aspects of the legal battle; Al Gore’s new global warming film An Inconvenient Sequel debuts; Major League Baseball action, and the weekend’s pre-season NFL games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend.
Longtime WBZ, Boston/CBS RADIO Personality Neil Chayet Passes. Talk and news radio
listeners across the country knew attorney Neil Chayet as host of the long-running legal feature “Looking at the Law,” that was heard on CBS RADIO’s WBZ, Boston and on CBS stations across the country. Chayet passed away on Friday (8/11) after a nine-month battle with small cell cancer. He was 78. He retired from the radio program in June due to his illness.
Tubbs Exits KOA, Denver. According to KCNC-TV, Denver, morning personality Steffan Tubbs has been let go by iHeartMedia and will “no longer be part of ‘Colorado’s Morning News on KOA.” Tubbs was arrested on July 30 on a domestic violence charge after authorities suspected him of harassing and threatening his ex-girlfriend. He has pleaded not guilty and will be back in court for a trial on October 18. The station issued a memo stating, “The morning show will continue on schedule with April Zesbaugh and guest host (KCNC-TV weatherman) Ed Greene beginning the week of 8/14.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. WQDR, Raleigh morning personality Mike Wheless celebrates 25 years with the Curtis Media Group country station. “The Q Morning Crew” consists of Wheless, Janie Carothers, and Marty “The One-Man Party.” The program has won industry awards, including the Country Music Association “Personality of the Year” and Academy of Country Music “Personality of the Year” honors. Curtis Media Group president and COO Trip Savery comments, “Mike Wheless is a tremendous contributor to WQDR’s ongoing success. Mike has grown from overnight jock to the foundation of the most successful morning show in the region and as he celebrates a quarter century in that role, we all acknowledge his passion, talent, and success.”…..iHeartMedia’s rock KBRQ, Waco, Texas “102.5 The Bear” names Aaron Zytle host of the “AZ in the Morning Rumble” program. He takes over for Keith Junker, a.k.a. Fish, who exited the radio biz. Zytle’s program will be simulcast to iHM’s Killeen active rocker KLFX “107.3 The Fox.” Zytle was most recently with Bahakel Communications in Colorado Springs programming alternative KRXP and serving as afternoon personality…..Mark Shepperd is the new afternoon drive host at Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB, Philadelphia “Today’s 101.1 More FM.” Shepperd assumes the daypart previously held by Logan, now with Fort Myers Broadcasting Company handling mornings at adult contemporary WINK-FM.
July PPM Takeaways. Below are TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian‘s “Twelve Takeaways” based on the July PPM ratings information released by Nielsen Audio last week. The 12 markets addressed today are: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s July 2017 survey period covered June 22 – July 19. Meanwhile, you can view all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) New York – Albeit the net gain is just two-tenths, this nonetheless represents the fourth successive sweep in which WPLJ “95.5 PLJ” has not had a decrease (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). As a result, the Cumulus Media hot AC climbs from #15 to #13, catching its format rival – CBS Radio’s WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” –
which is off one-tenth (2.7 – 2.6, flat at #13). “Fresh” had held the advantage over WPLJ in each of the last seven ratings periods. Steady at #8, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1 New York’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is without a decrease for the sixth successive sweep (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+) and is up six-tenths in that stretch. Not only does iHeartMedia adult contemporary cluster-mate WLTW register its third straight gain for a cumulative +.7 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), “106.7 Lite FM” finishes at #1 for the third consecutive time. A one-tenth increase by “Lite” in May halted four straight declines that produced a collective -7.3 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). One-tenth off the top and repeating in the runner-up slot is CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “New York’s Greatest Hits,” which posts its fourth successive up or flat trend for a combined +.7 (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). After logging three straight increases for a collective gain of eight-tenths since March (1.7 – 2.2 
– 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR regresses by one-half share to 2.0 (6+), tumbling from #15 to #19. June 2017’s 2.5 was the highest 6+-stat for the New York Mets flagship in nearly seven years when it reached 2.6 (#19) in November 2010. Having gained nine-tenths in June to 3.0 (6+), WYNC-FM put an end to four straight downward trends that produced a -.6 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+); however, like WOR – the public news/talk station drops one-half share
(3.0 – 2.5, 6+) and shifts from #12 to #15. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is down or flat for the sixth straight time yet the net loss is just two-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) and it is unchanged at #22. Following back-to-back 2.4 showings (6+) in April and May, CBS Radio all-news WCBS-AM registers a 2.7 (6+) in June and July, moving up from #13 in June to #12. Flat at #6, co-owned and similarly formatted WINS is a collective -1.1 in four straight dips (5.8 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), while iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU (ninth to tenth) is -.2 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+).
2) Los Angeles – The 12 stations ranking between #9 and #20 in July 2017 are separated by just eight-tenths of a share Within those rankers, there are ties at #11, #13, #15, and #17. Jumping from #18 to #11, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary KXOL “Mega 96.3 – LA’s #1 Party Station” cobbles together five gains in succession for a +.9 (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+). Three straight increases by regional Mexican cluster-mate KLAX have yielded a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.7, 6+), with “97.9 La Raza” notching its strongest 6+-share since February 2016’s 2.9 and reentering the top twenty at #15. Down or flat in each of the past four months for a -.4 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” (unchanged at #6) busts out a July 2017 gain more than twice that margin (+.9, 6+) and has its highest 6+-share since last October’s 4.5. Climbing back into the top ten (#11 to #9), Meruelo Media Holdings rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” gains a collective half-share in four successive up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). 
Unchanged at #10, CBS Radio CHR KAMP “Amp” hasn’t had a decrease in the past five sweeps (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). Co-owned alternative KROQ moves from #19 to #17 and is up or flat for the seventh consecutive monthly for a +.7 in that period (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). Conversely, its format rival, iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM “ALT 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative,” is down or flat for the fifth time in a row for a collective loss of one-half share (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+) and slips from #11 to #15. As a result, the 1.5-share (6+) advantage KYSR held over KROQ in December is now down to two-tenths. This is the fifth successive ratings period without erosion for Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” (#14 to #13) which has generated a cumulative gain of six-tenths since January (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Stuck on 5.8 (6+) in May and June, iHeartMedia hot AC “My-FM” picks up three-tenths to 6.1 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth consecutive time. When “My-FM” dropped one-tenth in April, it ended three straight uptrends (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), which netted a combined full-share gain. February’s +.1 (5.1 – 5.2, 6+) was enough for it to depart
the runner-up slot it held the previous three sweeps and take over at #1. Trending a very consistent 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.3 (6+) March 2017 to July 2017, CBS Radio smooth AC KTWV “The Wave” occupies the runner-up position for the fifth straight sweep. Similarly, the January 2017 through July 2017 6+-trending for iHeartMedia news/talk KFI (eighth to seventh) is 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4. Owing to six straight decreases (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Taxi Productions urban AC KJLH (#25 to #24) is a collective -.9. Not only is KNX without an increase for the fifth straight time for a loss of nine-tenths (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), the CBS Radio all-news property exits the top ten (#8 to #11).
3) Chicago – It’s a strong “Windy City” sweep for the market’s two country stations as each improve by seven-tenths. In the case of CBS Radio-owned WUSN, adds a +.7 in July to June’s half share increase as “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” zooms from ninth to fifth. In addition to notching its fourth straight up
or flat trend (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 4.1, 6+), WUSN has its best 6+-showing since the 4.1 it recorded in November 2014. Meanwhile, dating back to the first of the year, its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” – was trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.1 (January 2017 – June 2017, 6+), but jumps to 2.8, catapulting from #22 to #14. This represents the fourth consecutive time urban AC sibling WVAZ is without a decrease for a +1.1 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.1 – 6.7, 6+). Moreover, “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” is #1 for the sixth successive month. In the runner-up 
slot from February through June, CBS Radio all-news operation WBBM-AM slips to third and is down or flat for the sixth straight sweep for a collective -1.9 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). Jumping over it is Hubbard hot AC WTMX “Mix,” which picks up one-tenth to 4.7 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive string of sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). Similarly-formatted, iHeartMedia-owned WLIT “93.9 My-FM The Best Variety” is -1.3 via four successive declines (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.4, 6+), spiraling from #15 to #20. For the fourth successive time, its urban contemporary sibling WGCI-FM “Chicago’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” gains two-tenths (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+) and advances from tenth to ninth. Unchanged at #4, Hubbard-owned WDRV “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock” registers its fifth consecutive up or flat trend (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.2, 6+) and is up eight-tenths since February. Following five straight (modest) increases that netted a full-share (2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “105.1 Que Buena” drops three-tenths to 3.4 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Tied at #18 doing various shades of adult contemporary are WRME-LP (2.9 – 2.7, down from #14 in June, 6+) and Hubbard’s WSHE, #17 in June and down or flat for the fourth straight month for a net loss of one half-share (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9- 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). Slipping from sixth to eighth, CBS Radio sports talk WSCR “The Score” notches a 3.7 for the third time in the last four sweeps. Down or flat for the fifth straight ratings period for a collective -1.4 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), after three consecutive sweeps without a loss for a +.5 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), Tribune Media Company news/talk WGN drops from #11 to #14. The 15 stations occupying rankers 9 through 23 in July 2017 are separated by 1.2 shares (2.2 – 3.4, 6+). Trending 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6, April – May – June (6+), Window to the World classical WFMT is unlisted in July.
4) San Francisco – Having registered a 2.5 (6+) in four of the previous five ratings periods, Entercom urban AC KBLX added two-tenths in June; “102.9 The Bay’s R&B” follows in July with a gain of six-tenths 
(2.5 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). The last time KBLX reached the three-share level (6+) was in April 2016 with a 3.0. Its sports talk sibling KGMZ “95.7 The Game” though falters by one-full share (2.1 – 1.1, 6+) as the Oakland A’s flagship disappears from the top twenty (#18 to #25). May’s +.3 by “The Game” put an end to its 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+) trending. At the same time, Entercom-owned San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader,” off for the third time in
a row (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+) for a cumulative -1.0, slips from eighth to tenth. Notwithstanding that Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” remains at #14, its string of consecutive ratings periods without a decrease extends to seven (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). The October 2016 through July 2017 6+-line for iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 for Hip-Hop and R&B in the Bay Area” is 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 (#11 to #12). Finishing first and second (6+) are stations in the news/talk (KQED-FM) and news genres (CBS Radio-owned KCBS-AM, down for the third straight time, 6.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+), while adult contemporary is at #3 and #4 with Entercom’s KOIT-FM, off for the third consecutive time, 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+ and iHeartMedia-owned KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” (4.1, -.2, 6+) Hot AC is represented at #5 and #6 with iHeartMedia’s KIOI “Star 101.3” (4.0, -.3, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” (3.7, -.2, 6+), while contemporary hit radio occupies #7 and #8 with KMVQ and iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.4, +.2, 6+). Frozen on 3.8 (6+) in February and March and then on 3.2 (6+) in April and May, CBS Radio’s KMVQ slipped to 3.0 in June but “99.7 – New Hit Music Now” bounces back with a one-half share gain to 3.5 (6+), leaping from tenth to seventh. With a spike of four-tenths to 7.1 (6+), KQED-FM halts at four a successive streak without an increase that produced a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). Moreover, just as it has been every month this calendar year, the Northern California Public Broadcasting facility is on top in San Francisco. Slipping from seventh to tenth, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “100.3 Mas Variedad” forfeits four-tenths to 3.2 (6+), ending three straight increases that netted nine-tenths (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+). While it remains at #21, Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO is without an increase for the sixth time in a row for a loss of more than one-full share (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). This is the fourth straight month that Entercom-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” is unlisted in San Francisco, but it still appears in print in San Jose (see below). The station’s March 2017 6+-San Francisco stat was 1.5.
5) Dallas – Over and above halting three straight negative trends that yielded a loss of eight-tenths (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+) CBS Radio adult hits KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” (tenth to sixth) recaptures that loss in its entirety – and two-tenths to spare- with a +1.0 to 4.1. This is the strongest 6+-performance for Dallas’
version of “Jack” since last December’s 4.2. In what we believe are the first trends in the PPM-era for The City of Dallas’ WRR, the classical facility checks in at #21 with a 2.1 (6+), which represents a one-half share increase over June’s (unlisted) 1.6 (6+). Up two-tenths to 2.3 (#20 to #18, 6+), Northwest Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA curtails at four a successive string of down or flat trends that produced a loss of one-half share (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). A mere two-tenths of a share separates the top three July 2017 finishers, which includes Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX, while down one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, 6+), is #1 for the seventh successive time. This, however, is the lowest 6+-share for “The Wolf” since the “Holiday” 2016 report’s 4.7. Right on its heels and remaining at #2 and #3, respectively, are iHeartMedia CHR and classic rock siblings KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” (surrendering half of June’s +.6, 5.8 – 5.5, -.3, 6+) and KZPS “Lone Star 92.5.” After four straight increases that netted nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), “Lone Star 92.5” lost one-tenth in June and is flat in July at 5.4 (6+). On hiatus from the KHKS-originated, syndicated “Kidd Kraddick Show,” Elena Davies remains one of the Season 19 houseguests on CBS-TV’s “Big Brother,” which premiered June 28; “Kiss” was tied for the top spot with KPLX in March. Following June 2017’s +1.1, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 – Your Life … Inspired” relinquishes roughly one-half of it (4.3 – 3.7, -.6, 6+), slipping from fifth to eighth; June 2017’s 4.3 was its strongest 6+-stat since 4.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Without an increase for the sixth time in a row for a collective -1.6 since January (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WBAP fades from #22 to #24. Three stations are flat at 3.0 and continue to be linked at #11: Cumulus Media sports talk KTCK “The Ticket”; iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks”; and Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “105.7 Smooth R&B.” Progressing from #17 to join them at #11 is Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KDXX “Latino Mix,” which registers its fifth consecutive up or flat trend for a +1.1 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+). From the first of the year through July 2017, the 6+-line for Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” (steady at #16) is 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7.
6) Houston – Not only does CBS Radio country KILT-FM end at four its string of down or flat trends that produced a -.6 (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), by posting a +.9 (to 3.9, 6+) “100.3 The Bull” rockets from #16 
to a four-way tie at #10. This is the best 6+-showing for “The Bull” since last December’s 4.0. Although it remains at #3, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA picks up six-tenths to 6.4 (6+), its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016 (10.3). Between March 2017 and June 2017, “Sunny 99.1” had a 6+-pattern of 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8. A +1.1 via four straight up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” inches up from sixth to fifth with its highest 6+-share since December 2015 (4.8, as well). One-half share away from the top is Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle,” which hasn’t had a decrease since February and is +1.2 in that timeframe (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is #1 for the sixth consecutive ratings period, Radio One-owned urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” continues its wild ride as its last three trends have been +1.4 (May 2017); -.6 (June); and now -.7 in July (8.3 – 7.7 – 7.0, 6+). Up a combined +1.0 in back-to-back monthlies (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.9, January-February-March, 6+), “Majic” returned all of it in April (6.9, 6+) before notching May’s +1.4. It is a bit of a similar scenario for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN, which is also down seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.3, 6+) and slips from fifth to seventh. Following three straight negative trends that yielded a combined -1.5 (8.0 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+), KLTN brought back 60% of that deficit in January (+.9), jumping from third to first. It was a very quick stay there though as KLTN surrendered -1.3 in February (7.4 – 6.1, 6+) and dropped to third. In March, KLTN was -.5; +.7 in April; -.2 in May; -1.1 in June; and now -.7 in July. The last time KLTN fell below a five-share (6+) was March 2016 (4.9). Similarly-formatted, Liberman Broadcasting-owned KTJM “La Raza,” which had been up or flat the past five sweeps for a cumulative gain of one full-share (1.3 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), is off four-tenths to 1.9 (#19 to #20, 6+). Surrendering in its entirety the six-tenths it gained in June (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC KHMX “Houston’s Mix 96-5” segues from #12 to #15. Following four straight gains that yielded a cumulative +1.3 (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), “Mix” lost four-tenths in May.
7) Atlanta – Following four successive sweeps without an increase for a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” breaks out a gain of eight-tenths to 4.7 (6+) and zooms back into the top ten (#11 to #6). Simultaneous with Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WKHX “Kicks 101.5” improving by seven-tenths to advance from ninth to fifth, Woman’s World Broadcasting’s
WTSH “Your Georgia Country” falters by one-half share (1.8 – 1.3, #21 to #23, 6+). This is the third straight increase for “Kicks” for a cumulative +1.2 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+). Meanwhile, the market’s other country player – iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” – is a collective +1.9 via seven successive upticks (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+) and carries on at #7 with its best 6+-showing in exactly one year (4.6, 6+, July 2016). Continuing at #15, Cumulus Media’s WNNX “100.5 – Atlanta’s Rock Station” is without a loss for the seventh time in a row as well and is a combined +1.6 since the “Holiday” 2016 report (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). With a gain of one-half share, City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE (unchanged at #16) continues its up/down pattern that it began last October (3.5 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+). Four consecutive positive trends by Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 – Today’s Best Mix” (steady at #13) have 
produced a gain of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+). Returning the two-tenths it garnered in June, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is nonetheless #1 for the 19th straight ratings period (8.6 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to June’s +.2, WSB-AM had been down or flat the previous four sweeps for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (10.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 8.6, 6+). January 2017’s 10.7 represents the station’s best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. With a loss of one-tenth in June, co-owned WSRV concluded at five its streak of consecutive gains that netted a +2.3 (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). Now, “Classic Hits 97.1 The River” sputters by seven-tenths to 5.9 (6+), slipping from second to third. The market’s (6+) urban AC share erodes by seven tenths. Specifically: Cox Media Group’s WALR “Kiss 104.1” is off three-tenths (6.2 – 5.9, 6+) and remains at #3, where it is tied with classic rock sibling WSRV, while Radio One-owned WAMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of Atlanta” regresses by four-tenths (4.8 – 4.4, 6+), dipping from fifth to eighth. Even though Cumulus Media CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” picks up two-tenths (4.2 – 4.4, 6+), it drops from seventh to eighth; similarly-programmed, iHeartMedia-owned WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is flat at 4.1, but departs the top ten (#9 to #11). A combined -1.5 in four straight down or flat trends (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” moves from #11 to #12.
8) Philadelphia – In the last ten ratings periods, ever-consistent WUSL “Power 99” has ranged from a low of 4.0 to a high of 4.4 (4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+). The iHeartMedia urban contemporary facility though busts out a +1.2 to 5.6, the first time it crosses the five-share level (6+) in 
nearly three years (5.2, 6+, August 2014) and progresses from ninth to fifth. At least in terms of 6+-share, the steady upward pattern continues for Radio One’s WPHI, which registers its ninth successive sweep without a decrease that has resulted in a net gain of nine-tenths (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+); “Boom 103.9” carries on at #19. Having logged a 3.0 (6+) in March, CBS Radio’s WTDY followed with a 2.9 (6+) in April, May, and June but “Today’s 96.5” adds two-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and climbs from #15 to #13. Up three-tenths (7.2 – 7.5, 6+) and repeating at #1 is classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL, which returned to the top spot in June after transitioning from first to third in May. Off by one full-share (3.1 – 2.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” has its softest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016 (2.1, as well) and slips from #14 to #18. Locked on 3.3 (6+) in May and June, public news/talk WHYY (#13 to #15) spirals by eight-tenths to 2.5 – and like WKVP – this is WHYY’s lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 when it recorded a 2.3. A decrease of seven-tenths by Beasley Media Group’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” (4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+) curtails at six a successive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+). As the result of three straight downward moves, co-owned WMMR is -1.2 (6.0 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+) and “93.3 Everything That Rocks” drops from fifth to seventh. A combined -.8 since May when it was #1 (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” slides from third in June to fourth. This marks the fifth straight month that Connoisseur Media hot AC WPST “94.5 PST” is either down or flat (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 -.9 – .8 – .8, #25, 6+).
9) Long Island – It isn’t often that a station’s “stream” is the lead item in these market “Takeaways,” but such is the case with CBS Radio hot AC WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” – and there’s an added twist. From a “no show” in June (.4 in May, 6+), the station’s “stream” bounces back with a +.5 (to .5, #32, 6+); however, the actual FM signal is off by seven-tenths to 1.7. Furthermore,
“Fresh” exits the top twenty (#17 to #21, 6+) and ends at ten its successive string of being within 2.0 – 2.5 range (6+). Over and above extending to seven its consecutive string of up or flat trends for a +2.2 since the “Holiday” 2016 report (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned CHR WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All the Hits” climbs from #2 to #1, which is where it was in May. It is tied there with Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5,” which after three consecutive gains that netted a +2.1 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.3, 6+), drops one-tenth to 6.2 (6+). A full-share loss in March (5.2 – 4.2, 6+) resulted in “Real Variety” tumbling from fourth to seventh, but it jumped from seventh to first in April with a gain of nine-tenths. Albeit off by six-tenths (3.4 – 2.8, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WKJY “Long Island’s K-98.3” remains at #12. Having sandwiched a 3.3 (6+) in May between 3.5 (6+) in April and another 3.5 (6+) in June, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR erodes by nine-tenths to 2.6 as the New York Mets flagship skids from #11 to #15. Steady at #5, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” posts a 4.5 (6+) for the third time in the last four ratings periods. In five consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+) Cumulus Media’s WNSH is a combined -.9 yet “94.7 Nash FM” actually improves from #23 to #22, while CBS Radio sports talk WFAN (sixth to seventh) is down or flat for the fourth time in a row for a -.8 (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). In 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 32nd straight sweep, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” picks up one-tenth (2.3 – 2.4, 6+), improving from #18 to #16. In three straight (modest) losses (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+), Connoisseur Media classic hits oldies WBZO is down four-tenths but “103.1 Max FM” remains at #6.
10) Riverside – Following five straight up or flat trends which netted one full-share (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), CBS Radio’s KFRG forfeited 70% of that increase in June with a -.7; however, “New Country K-Frog” leaps back with a full-share gain in July (4.0 – 5.0, 6+) to progress from fifth to third. Posting an 
increase half that much (3.5 – 4.0, +.5, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” jumps from seventh to fifth. In the runner-up slot for the seventh successive ratings period, KOLA was a combined +1.0 in April and May (5.2 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+), but the Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet repeat’s June’s -.2 (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+). A four-tenths loss in March ended at five KOLA’s string of consecutive fluctuations by one-half share (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+) for a collective -1.5; KOLA was at #2 six straight times before dropping to third in “Holiday” 2016. Prior to November, it was up or flat the previous six times for a net gain of +2.2 (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). On the plus side regarding Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY – it is #1 for the 21st consecutive ratings period and leads KOLA by nine-tenths. Conversely though, “Jose” registers its sixth consecutive decrease for a net loss of nearly three full-shares (9.4 – 9.2 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 6.7, 6+) and is below a seven-share for the first time since May 2016’s 6.5. After five consecutive sweeps without a decrease which produced a +2.2 (7.2 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+), “Jose” lost two-tenths in February. Going back to the “Holiday” 2016 report, Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted KRCD has been trending a very consistent 1.4 -1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 (6+), but “Recuerado” falters by one-half share to .6, slipping from #13 to #14. The five most recent trends for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI are 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 (third back to fourth, 6+), while Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 Family Friendly” is trending 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6 (flat at #9, 6+).
11) San Jose – Over and above recapturing 80% of the cumulative -1.5 it has lost in four straight downward sweeps (7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED-FM (6.1 – 7.3, +1.2, 6+) advances from third to first. Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED-FM returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and had been on top
through April. The +1.2 ties KQED-FM with Philadelphia’s WUSL (see above) for the largest (6+) June 2017 – July 2017 gain by any station in these particular 12 PPM-markets. Dislodged from #1 after back-to-back months there and segueing to #2 is CBS Radio all-news operation KCBS-AM (6.5 – 6.2, -.3, 6+). When KCBS-AM added three-tenths in May, it ended a string of three consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -.6 (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+). Steady in its trending since March (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom classic rock KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” dials up a +.7 to 4.3 (6+) to advance from ninth to seventh. Improving by seven-tenths as well and entering the top ten is iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” (2.9 – 3.6, #13 to #10, 6+). Picking up one-half share each are adult contemporary cluster-mate KISQ “98.1 Breeze” (3.9 – 4.4, unchanged at #6, 6+) and KGO (2.6, 6+), which not only ends at five its string of successive sweeps without an increase that generated a -1.2 (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), the Cumulus Media news/talk stations jumps back into San Jose’s top twenty (#21 to #15). Steady at #14, Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” picks up two-tenths to 3.0 (6+), thus applying the brakes to five straight downward or negative trends that produced a loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+). Declining for the third month in a row (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1 – .4, 6+), Entercom sports talk and Oakland A’s flagship KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (#31) is a collective -1.2 since April.
12) Middlesex – Owing to a gain of six-tenths (3.4 – 4.0, 6+), CBS Radio New York City sports talk WFAN-FM “The Fan” is back in the Middlesex-Somerset-Union top ten (#13 to #9). Without a decrease for the seventh straight sweep for a net improvement of +2.4 (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+), 
Emmis New York City rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” carries on at #5. Picking up one half share (4.5 – 5.0, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” has its highest 6+-share in this New Jersey market since January’s 5.3 and progresses from sixth to third. In its fourth consecutive increase (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), Cumulus Media New York City hot AC WPLJ is a collective +1.4 and progresses from #14 to #12. At the same time, following three straight gains netting nine-tenths (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), CBS Radio’s similarly-programmed WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” relinquishes all but one-tenth of it (2.7, -.8, 6+) and drifts from #11 to #16. Despite ceding June’s +.3 (6.8 – 7.1 – 6.8, 6+),
Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is #1 for the seventh consecutive ratings period. As a result of a “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 increase of one-full-share (6.8 – 7.8, 6+), “New Jersey 101.5” returned to #1 following one month in the runner-up slot. Prior to “Holiday” 2016, when it was -.7 (6+), WKXW spent 12 consecutive ratings periods on top. A combined +.7 in back-to-back sweeps (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.8), iHeartMedia news/talk and New York Mets flagship WOR surrenders nine-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#17 to #21). Entering the June 2017 sweep, CBS Radio-owned WBMP was down or flat the previous nine times and -1.6 since September (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). The CHR bounced back in June by registering a +.6, but “Amp” returns all of it in July (3.5 – 2.9, -.6, 6+), dipping from #11 to #14. Sputtering by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” (second to third), which curtails at six a successive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +.9 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.6, 6+). The nine-tenths lead that iHeartMedia New York City adult contemporary WLTW “Lite FM” (4.8 – 4.3, -.5, fourth to seventh, 6+) held over Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WMGQ (3.9 – 4.2, +.3, steady at #8, 6+) is down to one-tenth.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
CBS Radio News VP Harvey Nagler to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Talkers New York 2015. The editorial board of TALKERS magazine has named longtime radio news executive Harvey Nagler, VP of CBS Radio News, the recipient of the publication’s 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented to Nagler during the Awards Ceremony at the forthcoming Talkers New York 2015 convention on Friday, June 12. Nagler, a native of Brooklyn, New York began his distinguished career in 1966 as a reporter for WCTC-AM, New Brunswick, NJ upon graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in American History. He was named Vice President, CBS Radio News in January, 1998. In this position, he is responsible for CBS News’ radio operations worldwide, including news gathering and
programming and its relationship with its thousands of affiliated stations around the country. In his distinguished career, Nagler had served as general manager, CBS Radio News (1997-98). During his tenure at CBS Radio News, the network has won dozens of national and international awards. He was chosen Radio News Executive of the Year in 2006 and 2008 in a poll taken by Radio & Records magazine. In 2010, CBS Radio News won the coveted Edward R. Murrow “Overall Excellence Award” from the Radio Television News Directors Association for the fourth year in a row. In March, 2010, Nagler was honored with the RTNDA’s First Amendment Service Award, which is presented to a person of distinction who works in an off-air, management capacity. In 2014, he received the Radio Television Digital News John F. Hogan Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to the journalism profession and freedom of the press. Prior to joining CBS Radio News, Nagler was director, news and programming for WCBS-AM, New York “Newsradio 88,” (1987-97). During that time, the station achieved record ratings and was honored with many national and local awards for excellence in reporting. Nagler developed and implemented several practices which have since been adopted or imitated by hundreds of stations across the country, including the slogan, “traffic and weather, together on the ‘eights’” and “guaranteed weather,” as well as the broadcast of the Standard & Poor’s future numbers in each morning’s business report. He joined WCBS-AM from the United Stations Radio Networks, where he had been VP, news and sports (1985-87) and director of news operations (1979-84, when it was the RKO Radio Networks). The network grew from a small group of stations to a news organization serving 500 affiliates. Before that, Nagler worked for the ABC Radio Network in a variety of capacities (1968-79). Upon making the announcement of the board’s decision, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “What a wonderful choice! Harvey is the face of and force behind one of the finest operations in all of radio. At a time when the very reputation of journalism is in jeopardy and its role as a distinguished, vital institution in a great nation is in flux, CBS Radio News has stood proudly and strong as a bastion of consistency, quality and dependability. We are all indebted to Harvey Nagler for being a champion of all that is good about our business, not to mention humanity in general. We are honored that he will be attending our event and receiving this award.” Former recipients of this award include Norm Pattiz, Jim Bohannon, Barry Farber and Don Barrett. The award will be presented at Talkers New York 2015 along with awards for Humanitarian of the Year, Woman of the Year and Freedom of Speech. WOLB, Baltimore host Larry Young has been named recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award. The recipients of the other two will be named in the coming days. Talkers New York 2015 is on the verge of a sell-out. For information, call 413-565-5413 or click here.
CBS’ Schieffer Calling it Quits. Speaking last night (Wednesday, 4/8) at the annual Schieffer Symposium at his alma mater (Texas Christian University), CBS News‘ “Face the Nation” anchor Bob Schieffer revealed a major career decision. “Because this is where my professional career began, this is where I wanted all of you to be the first to know: This summer I am going to retire,” states the 78-year-old Schieffer, who has interviewed every president since Richard Nixon. After Schieffer’s intentions were made public, CBS News president David Rhodes issued a memo to staff, which reads, in part, “[Bob] has been an inspiration and a mentor to so many colleagues – and frankly – to me [but] it is not over yet. He will be on the air this Sunday from the Washington, DC bureau – and for a number of Sundays to come. An important 2016 campaign season is beginning, but this is Bob’s night and I hope we can all celebrate with him the remarkable achievement which is his career here at CBS.” In his 46 years with CBS News, Schieffer has been the network’s chief Washington, DC correspondent since 1982 and has hosted “Face the Nation” (which has a radio edition) since 1991. Schieffer anchored the Saturday edition of “CBS Evening News” for 23 years and was interim anchor of the “CBS Evening News” from March 2005 to August 2006. He is one of the few reporters in Washington, DC to have covered the Pentagon, the White House, Congress, and the State Department.
Saga Acquires Harrisonburg Quintet. The amount of the transaction was not disclosed, but Saga Communications is purchasing five VerStandig Broadcasting outlets and one translator in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Saga Communications president and chief executive officer Ed Christian comments, “These stations fit very well into our model of owning heritage radio stations that are very tightly focused on serving their local communities. We look forward to working with the existing staff to continue the great heritage that these stations have established. Saga intends to continue building its business in both the radio and television markets by identifying and acquiring middle market stations.” Involved in the sale are WHBG “ESPN 1360″; adult contemporary WJDV “Fresh 96.1”; CHR WQPO “Q-101”; talk WSVA; and rock WTGD “105.1 Bob.” The translator is W221CF. Saga’s other two Virginia clusters are in Norfolk and Charlottesville. While subject to FCC approval, the deal is expected to be finalized in two months. VerStandig keeps its four Hagerstown, Maryland facilities.
CBS Sports Radio Brings Two ‘Eye On’ Shows to Roster. Returning to the CBS Sports Radio Network program schedule are two of the network’s “Eye On” programs. “Eye On Baseball,” begins this Saturday, April 11, with CBS Sports Radio’s Adam Gerstenhaber and baseball analyst CJ Nitkowski co-hosting. It will air every Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET through the World Series. The first show will feature former Colorado Rockies general manager and current MLB Network analyst, Dan O’Dowd. “Eye On Basketball” will focus on everything basketball and features CBS Sports Radio’s Jody McDonald and CBSSports.com’s Ken Berger. That show debuts Saturday, April 25 and will air every Saturday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET through the end of the NBA playoffs.
Odds & Sods. A familiar voice to Boston news junkies will be gone after June when 36-year station news personality Anthony Silva retires from CBS RADIO-owned all-news WBZ, Boston. Silva turns 65 and station
director of news and programming Peter Casey says in a memo to staff: “While I’m happy that Anthony is able to determine his own fate and announce his retirement, I’m also thinking that the loss of his voice, experience, and his gentlemanly manner will be a challenge for us to replace. We could not be happier for him to be able to plan the next phase of his life on his own terms.”…..The weekly sports talk show “Talk of Fame” begins airing on Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN, Atlanta this Saturday (4/11). The two-hour show is hosted by award-winning sports journalists and Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors Ron Borges, Rick Gosselin and Clark Judge. Dickey Broadcasting president David Dickey says, “Dickey Broadcasting Company is thrilled to team up with Skyview Networks to carry ‘Talk of Fame’ on WCNN. The content is compelling, and we look forward to making it available to our many loyal listeners.”…..CBS RADIO’s WCCO, Minneapolis will receive the 2015 Service to America Award from the National Association of Broadcasters’ Education Foundation (NABEF).
Salem Radio News Investigates Hollywood and Christianity. Pictured here with Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup (left) is Argentina-born actor Juan Pablo DiPace (right) who is currently seen in the role of Jesus Christ in the NBC series, “A.D.: The Bible Continues.” DiPace sat for an interview with Tradup in Dallas as SRN is producing a series of reports on how Hollywood depicts scriptural passages in films and on TV.
Iran Nuclear Negotiations, South Carolina Black Motorist Slaying, Rand Paul Bid/2016 Presidential Prospects, Russian Hack of White House, Tsarnaev Verdict, Yemen Military Action, Clinton White House Years, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/8). The negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program; the case of the shooting death of a black motorist by a South Carolina police officer; Rand Paul’s bid for president and other 2016 prospects; allegations the Russians hacked the White House computers; the guilty verdicts for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; the Saudi-led military action in Yemen; Kate Andersen Brower’s book about the White House behind the scenes; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
PPM Analysis: News/Talk (Part 1). TALKERS magazine managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian presents the third in a four-part series of reports analyzing the performances of spoken-word radio stations based on January 2015 PPM survey data from Nielsen Audio. This story focuses on commercial news/talk stations. Kinosian writes that the first reports published “presented overviews of the truly astonishing January 2015 PPM ratings performances turned in by news and sports outlets. Those extraordinary stats notwithstanding (especially with all-news), we have quite possibly saved the best for last in analyzing the most omnipresent genre under the spoken-word umbrella, talk stations. For several reasons, we have separated “talk” into two groups – commercial, and non-commercial/public. The January 2015 ratings overview of commercial talkers appears today, while the companion piece for non-commercial/public talk stations will be posted tomorrow. Either way you slice it though, it was a strong sweep for both groups and the numbers will confirm that as being the height of understatement.” Check out the analysis here.
Covering the Boston Marathon Bombing Trial. With one of the nation’s most-watched trials beginning in Boston, CBS RADIO’s WBZ-AM, “Newsradio 1030” is announcing its coverage plans that include a weekly podcast produced by WBZ reporters Lana Jones and Carl Stevens called, “The Boston Marathon Bombing Trial Podcast: U.S. v. Tsarnaev.” The station says, “WBZ NewsRadio 1030 will have comprehensive reporting in newscasts throughout the day as well as digital and social media real-time reporting while court is in session. In an effort to reach those listeners who need their news ‘on-demand,’ WBZ debuts today a weekly podcast of the highlights of the ground-breaking trial.” The podcast will be published each Friday morning. Pictured here outside the WBZ Mobile Newsroom are (from l-r): Stevens, Jones, and studio producer Peter Clarke.
Mitch Henck Returns to Madison Airwaves with iHeartMedia. After exiting iHeartMedia’s news/talk WIBA, Madison in June of last year, Henck began producing his own daily webcast. Now, he returns to the Madison airwaves on WIBA’s sister WXXM-FM daily 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Additionally, he’ll also be available via the iHeartRadio platform. Henck says, “I’m thrilled to be returning to the iHeartMedia airwaves where I got my start in talk radio.” The station says that “politics, culture, history, media, education, religion, along with Mitch’s favorites – standup comedy, professional golf, and college basketball – will be daily fare on 92.1FM beginning Monday, March 23.”
Chris Mac to Exit WGAN/WZAN Brand Manager Post; Plum Gig Opens. After some 25 years with Saga Communications’ talk stations WGAN and WZAN in Portland Maine, brand manager and news director Chris Mac is exiting the radio business for a post at a local financial institution. That means a really cool gig is opening and here’s how Saga is advertising it: Portland Brand Manager/News Director. Saga Communications has an opening to lead its top news/talk radio WGAN and its sister brands in beautiful Portland, Maine. Successful candidates will exhibit an ability to lead a five-person news department, develop and coach local talent, direct programming, develop and curate a contemporary sound for the entire station in delivery and production. Please send your resume and supporting material to Bob Adams, general manager, Portland Radio Group Badams@portlandradiogroup.com. EOE/MF.
Radio Apps Built by Radio People. In a story published today (3/5), TALKERS special features correspondent Jeff McKay focuses on a company that is designing and servicing apps for radio stations that are affordable and custom-tailored to each client’s station. Jack of Trade Apps is headed by principals Paul Varga and Andrew Davis. Varga tells McKay, “Our app is developed for the traditional radio station cluster or stand-alone. With every app there’s a content management system, and it is an extension of the unique brand you are building. We’ve priced it for the independent owner or cluster or regional owner to make it affordable. We know budgets are tight and the importance of return on investment is paramount.” Read more about Jack of Trade Apps here.
Netanyahu Speech, Hillary Clinton Email Probe, SCOTUS ObamaCare Hearing, Homeland Security Department Funding, Amnesty Issue, and 2016 Presidential Prospects Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/4). Wednesday’s speech before Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Iran nuclear threat; the investigation in Hillary Clinton’s using private email for State Department business; today’s hearing at the Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act; the funding of the Homeland Security Department through September and John Boehner’s decision to not fight the amnesty order via funding; and the potential candidates for president in 2016 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
MEET BRENT & MEG: Genesis of an Energizing Mid-Day Partnership
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS
Managing Editor/West Coast Bureau Chief
LOS ANGELES —Journey back to the “Golden Age” of radio and television, and, you will promptly ascertain that, especially in terms of audience acceptance, pairing a real-life husband and wife was a brilliant programming strategy that tended to produce blockbuster results.
Consider such instantly familiar classic examples as George Burns & Gracie Allen; Desi Arnaz & Lucille Ball; Ozzie & Harriet Nelson; and Jim & Marian Jordan as “Fibber McGee & Molly,” whose 24-year radio run concluded in 1959.
Contemporary “Windy City” radio partisans will surely cite “Don Wade & Roma,” who were staples on WLS-AM, Chicago for over 25 years; Don Wade succumbed to brain cancer last September.
Fairly recently (then-married) couples Chet Curtis & Natalie Jacobson on Boston’s WCVB-TV, and Jim Lampley & Bree Walker on Los Angeles’ KCBS-TV co-anchored the news together on their respective stations; 74-year-old Curtis lost his fight against pancreatic cancer five months ago.
These are simply representative examples (certainly not approaching a definitive list) of the effective, albeit not now revolutionary concept.
Consequently, while it will hardly be precedent setting when Los Angeles-based Brent Seltzer and his wife Meg McDonald debut next Monday (6/23) on the Genesis Communications Network for their daily, two-hour (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, ET) broadcast, it nonetheless promises to be a wonderfully refreshing burst of fresh air to talk radio.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
WBZ, Boston and WBZ-TV Win Peabody Award for Marathon Bombing Coverage. The CBS-owned television station and all-news radio outlet are being honored with a 2013 George Foster Peabody Award for overall excellence for their combined coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings. The citation from the Peabody Awards states: “Out in force to cover the annual marathon, both WBZ-TV and Newsradio 1030 had a journalistic advantage when the bombs detonated. Neither gave it up as their reporters spent hour after hour on the air providing wide-ranging, enterprising, non-sensational coverage of the casualties, the suspects and the intense, nerve-wracking manhunt. They become crucial sources not just to their city but to a stunned nation.” The awards will be delivered during the ceremony to take place in New York on May 19.
WABC, New York Covers Final Four. As the battle to claim the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship title continues this weekend, Cumulus Media news/talker WABC, New York
covers it from Dallas with Geraldo show regulars Noam Laden and Jared Max sitting in for Geraldo live from radio row on Friday and Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET. They will also 
produce a special wabcradio.com only broadcast slated for Saturday April 5 at 10:00 am ET. WABC also partnered with WestwoodOne for a series of March Madness promotions including the Greatest Moments in Tournament History vignettes and an exclusive fly-away promotion to the Men’s National Championship game. Program director Craig Schwalb says, “Working with WestwoodOne on these opportunities is a huge win for our listeners and clients. Our audience is into the excitement, the personalities, and the stories surrounding the Final Four, and so is 77 WABC!”
‘102.5 The Bone’ Tampa Personality Cowhead to Drop Nickname; Seek Syndication Deal. In a piece in the Tampa Bay Times, WHPT, Tampa afternoon drive personality Mike Calta – who goes by the nickname Cowhead on the radio – says he will give up the sobriquet and begin the next phase of his career using his real name as of April 14. In fact, he’ll host an on-air funeral for the moniker. He tells the paper, “When I started at the ‘Power Pig,’ everybody had those types of names. I was Big Mike for a while but that didn’t really stick. Then they asked me if I ever had any nicknames in high school and I remembered that a few people called me Cowhead and it sort of stuck. The minute I said it I immediately regretted it…I think times change. Even the ‘Power Pig’ changed its name. As times change and you age, it just gets silly.” Calta also tells the Times that his contract with Cox Media is up in June and he’s looking to have a syndication deal be part of negotiations.
CBS Revamps Radio.com. Calling it part of the evolution of CBS Local Digital Media, the company announces the debut of the new Radio.com. The company says in a statement, “Four years ago, we launched our new digital media business, rethinking the way CBS’s radio and television stations operate online and in the mobile space. Since then, we have evolved into the largest digital business in local broadcast media. There are few companies that have the radio, television, digital, out-of-home, and events platforms we do, and as a result we’re able to better leverage our local market properties with national scale. As leaders in integrating digital and traditional media into experiences that resonate with consumers, we take our next step forward in that regard with the debut of the new Radio.com website and streaming player.
More than just live audio and video simulcasts of our stations, Radio.com presents original programming, live webcasts, exclusive editorial features and storytelling, and interviews with some of the biggest artists and personalities in the world. Indeed, we have taken a different strategy than others in the industry by recognizing that this ‘other’ content has tremendous value to our audiences. The popularity of our programs has demonstrated our thinking is correct.” Highlights of the new Radio.com include: a fresh look and feel, with improved interactivity; ability to be embedded on other sites; improved ad insertion capabilities; better-quality playback and streaming; program schedules available in real-time; expanded social media opportunities; play history; artist and track information integration; simple song purchase; and enhanced station guide and navigation experience. CBS promises updated mobile apps in the coming months.
Beck’s TheBlaze TV Added to Cable ONE Menu. It’s another cable company addition for Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze TV. His 24/7 news, opinion and entertainment network channel is being added to Cable ONE. A statement from TheBlaze says Cable ONE is America’s 11th largest cable operator. This addition gives the TheBlaze TV “distribution on 54 television providers nationwide including seven of the top 30.” Cable ONE serves customers in 42 markets in 19 states, including Biloxi/Gulfport, Boise, Phoenix/Prescott, and Sioux City, among others. Cable ONE vice president of marketing Joe Falbab says, “We are very excited about adding TheBlaze to the Cable ONE lineup. Our customers have requested this channel and we are happy to be able to respond to that request. We are committed to listening to our customers and will continue to deliver to them the best possible programming.”
Emmis Reports Q4 Revenue Up 11%. Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications Corporation operates on a fiscal year calendar and its fiscal 2014 fourth quarter ended February 28, 2014. The company reports that its Q4 revenue jumped to $32.4 million from $29.1 million a year prior. If you cut out WEPN, New York (which is being operated by ESPN under an LMA), revenue was up 12% for the quarter. For the full year fiscal 2014, net radio revenue hit the $145.4 million mark realizing an increase in net revenue of 5% over 2013. In a press release this morning, the company reports “these results also outperformed Emmis’ local radio markets in which revenue growth improved 3% for the year.” President and CEO Jeff Smulyan comments, “Fiscal 2014 marked the fourth consecutive year we have outperformed our local radio markets and the radio industry as a whole. Our strong operating performance is the result of sound strategy and its execution by a phenomenal workforce that makes me so proud. We are very excited about the addition of WBLS and WLIB in New York and the momentum behind NextRadio as we head into fiscal 2015.”
NAB Radio Board Election Results. The results of the NAB Radio Board election are in and the members who will serve two-year terms beginning in June are: Pete Booker, president and CEO, Delmarva Broadcasting Company; Steven Cutler, EVP business development and corporate strategy, Clear Channel; Gary Exline, general manager, Eagle Communications, Inc.; Kim Guthrie, EVP, Cox Media Group; Erik Hellum, EVP, Townsquare Media; Deon Levingston, SVP/market manager, Emmis Communications; Margaret Perkins, president and CEO, First Natchez Radio Group; Mary Quass, president and CEO, NRG Media, LLC; Joe Schwartz, president and CEO, Cherry Creek Radio; Jose Valle, president, Univision Radio; Thomas Walker, president, Mid-West Family Broadcasting.
Odds & Sods. The WPHT Speaker Series – produced by CBS RADIO news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia – continues this evening (4/3) as station personality Dom Giordano interviews Tea Party leader, former Florida Congressman and veteran Lt. Col. Allen West at Valley Forge Military Academy and College. West is the author of the new book Guardian of the Republic…..Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP, Washington is sponsoring its “Click for a Cause” online contest that will give Washington, D.C. non-profits the chance to win cash and free commercial air time on WTOP. There will be three grand prizes of $10,000 each with runners up winning $5,000 worth of commercials to advertise their cause on WTOP…..WELW, Willoughby, Ohio changes its calls and brand. The Spirit Broadcasting-owned station is using the WINT calls and has branded the station “1330 WINTegrity Radio.” Station president Ray Somich says the change comes ahead of a major expansion to take place this summer. The station has served communities to the east of Cleveland for the past 50 years.
Deadly Fort Hood Shooting, ObamaCare Criticism, SCOTUS Campaign Donor Limits Ruling, Mid-Term Elections/2016 Presidential Race, Russian Aggression and House Benghazi Hearing Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/2). The shooting at Fort Hood that claimed the lives of four and the preliminary investigation; scrutiny of the rollout of the Affordable Care Act and criticism of the White House “victory” presser; the Supreme Court ruling killing limits on personal campaign donations; speculation about political power shifts after the mid-term elections and the possible candidates for president in 2016; worries over Russia’s plans for Ukraine and other former Soviet bloc nations and President Obama’s tactics versus Vladimir Putin; and the Congressional hearings on the Benghazi incident were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Dennis Glasgow Named OM/PD at Capitol Broadcasting’s Sports Properties. Sports talk radio programming pro Dennis Glasgow joins Capitol Broadcasting as program director and operations manager for the company’s sports talk operations including WCMC-FM, Raleigh “99.9 The Fan”; WDNC, Durham “620 The Buzz”; WCLY, Raleigh “ESPN Deportes”; and WCMC-HD3 “99.9 The Ticket.” During his career Glasgow has served as vice president and operations manager for Red Zebra’s WTEM, Washington; PD at KFXX, Portland and KNML, Albuquerque; and most recently programmed Pamplin’s news/talk KPAM, Portland. Capitol Sports Radio general manager Brian Maloney says, “Dennis brings passion and a wealth of knowledge about radio along with experience and understanding of social media and web, both of which are a key part of the sports radio listener lifestyle.” Glasgow adds, “Having the opportunity to work for Capitol Broadcasting and their sports properties is a genuine thrill. I look forward to continuing the commitment of great sports radio in the Triangle region.”
“Shotgun” Tom Kelly to Speak at Talkers Los Angeles 2013 on October 10. For the first time in the 16-year history of TALKERS magazine’s annual convention, a music radio “disc jockey” will be presented as an official speaker in the agenda line-up. KRTH, Los Angeles “K-Earth 101” late afternoon/early evening legend “Shotgun” Tom Kelly will be participating as a panelist at “Talkers Los Angeles 2013” – a one-day, power-packed gathering of movers and shakers from the talk radio industry representing talent, sales, management and ownership. Kelly will be on a panel moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison titled “The Big Picture” which, in addition to Kelly, will include Phil Boyce, VP Spoken Word Format, Salem Communications; Kraig Kitchin, CEO,
Sound Mind, LLC; Mike McVay, SVP programming, Cumulus Media; and Harvey Nagler, VP, CBS Radio News. The session will be introduced by Don Martin, SVP sports programming, Fox Sports Radio. In making the announcement of Kelly’s inclusion on this panel and as a speaker at this conference, Harrison states, “This particular panel has always dealt with the broad strokes overview of where talk radio fits into the overall radio scene – not just now but over the horizon – and where radio, in general, fits into the larger media/cultural landscape. At this point in the evolution of radio, it is appropriate that the beleaguered role of the music radio disc jockey be examined because we believe that the very existence of music radio in the new digital age DEPENDS upon the revitalization and to a certain extent, the reinvention, of the position within the mix of elements that will keep radio a distinct and unique genre capable of warding off exotic digital age competition and the perils of being assimilated into the utilitarian ‘sameness’ easily imposed by the internet. We also believe that in order for talk radio to have a healthy future within the context of being ‘radio’ we need to preserve the health and viability of music radio as well. ‘Shotgun’ Tom Kelly is the quintessential radio disc jockey whose mastery of the art form and ability to survive and thrive decades of change while still going strong makes him the perfect person to perform this function as a speaker at the conference.” The sold-out “Talkers Los Angeles 2013” is open only to members of the working media. It is being presented in association with the Los Angeles Press Club at the historic Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood on Thursday, October 10 between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. For information and remaining sponsorship opportunities call 413-565-5413. To see the entire up-to-date agenda, please click here.
Simon Conway is a Busy Man. WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk host Simon Conway is pulling double duty today and on Monday. Conway will host his 4:00 pm CT show on the Clear Channel news/talk outlet and then sit in as host on Premiere Networks’ “America Now with Andy Dean” this evening. On Monday, Conway will sub in morning drive on Clear Channel’s WFLF, Orlando “News Talk WFLA FM 104.5 and AM 540” in addition to his regular show on WHO.
SiriusXM’s Jim Meyer Says Howard Stern and NFL Remain Important to Satcaster. At the Goldman Sachs Communacopia taking place in New York during Advertising Week, SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer told analysts that two of the big contracts the company would like to renew when they come up at the end of 2015 are those of Howard Stern and the NFL. Meyer said the company is very comfortable with the amount of money it is spending on content right now and sees both franchises as important. Regarding Stern, Meyer said, “I will be clear with you today. As long as Howard Stern wants to work and as long as Howard Stern is as motivated as he is today to make a show as good as it is today, we want him on SiriusXM Radio.” But in a follow-up question from an analyst, Meyer said Stern would have to remain exclusive to SiriusXM for him to remain.
Odds & Sods. As had been predicted, CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” signs a deal to serve as the flagship radio station for Boston Celtics basketball. It’s a multi-year deal that brings the Celts to WBZ-FM from Entercom-owned crosstown rival WEEI which chose not to renew with the team after last season…..Dan Le Batard’s nationally syndicated sports talk program debuts on ESPN Radio Monday, September 30. Le Batard – whose show emanates from Lincoln Financial Media’s WAXY, Miami “The Ticket” – will continue to do a local hour from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm but goes national from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Le Batard also is featured on ESPN2’s “Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable.”…..Collegiate multimedia rights holders IMG College and Learfield Sports extend their deals with SiriusXM through June of 2016. The new pacts will allow listeners to hear live coverage of NCAA football and men’s basketball games from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 12, American Athletic Conference and Army, as well as basketball from teams from the Big East and several mid-major conferences. In addition, it will feature select coaches’ shows and college athletic programming on SiriusXM College Sports Nation.
WMAL, Washington’s Mark Weaver Retires After 45 Year Career. DCRTV.com’s Dave Hughes reports that WMAL, Washington afternoon news anchor Mark Weaver is working his last shift for the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet today (9/27) and will retire to Florida. Weaver worked for WMAL for the last 25 years of his 45-year career. Weaver will be replaced at WMAL by news pro Rachel Sutherland who most recently worked at America’s Radio News Network. Prior to that, she served for 10 years at Metro Networks in the DC market.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. Cumulus Media Networks’ Michael Savage is added to the program schedule at WGTK-FM, Greenville, South Carolina and WIQO, Lynchburg, Virginia…..Cumulus’ Mark Levin picks up new affiliates KBND, Bend, Oregon; KPSI, Palm Springs; and KYYA, Billings…..Doug Stephan’s nationally syndicated “Good Morning” program adds a dozen new affiliate stations. They are: WTNT-AM/FM, Washington; WVWI, San Juan, Puerto Rio; KLPW, St. Louis; KLO, Ogden, Utah; WVOV, Chattanooga, Tennessee; WRHL, Rockford, Illinois; WCCM, Manchester, New Hampshire; KBTM-AM/FM, Jonesboro, Arkansas; WRPW-FM, Bloomington, Illinois; WRIK, Paducah, Kentucky; WATX, Algood, Tennessee; and WFLN, Arcadia, Florida…..Talk radio personality Chris Markowski – host of the weekly “Watchdog on Wall Street” show, also produces the free, daily feature called “Money Minutes.” That feature is added to the programming at WMPL, Hancock, Michigan…..Talk Media Network’s “Frontlines of Freedom” with Lt. Col. Denny Gillem is added to the program schedule at WENY, Elmira and WENI, Corning, New York.
The Implementation of ObamaCare Tops Talkers TenTM for week of September 23-27. The move by some Republicans to defund the Affordable Care Act and controversy over what the implementation of the law will mean was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. Coming in at #2 on the Talkers TenTM was the threat of a government shutdown. At #3 was Iran’s nuclear program and the nation’s diplomatic overtures to the U.S., and at #4 was the continuing unrest in Syria and the United States’ policy regarding the use of chemical weapons. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. You can view this week’s entire chart here.
Cher Chats with ABC News Radio. Hollywood icon Cher (l) sits down with ABC News Radio’s Andrea Dresdale (r) during Cher’s visit to ABC TV’s “Live with Kelly and Michael” to promote her new album “Closer to the Truth.”
Finding Radio Advertising Solutions
Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS magazine
LOS ANGELES — Use the word “creative” in a radio context and the first thing generally summoned up is a programmer spinning a different take on a music format, or as an application to that extremely rare, exceptional on-air personality who is capable of generating substantial buzz.
Infrequently though is it linked in a word-association game to commercials, which is not only distressing, but highly unfortunate since creative commercial content can be a strong attribute.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Emmis Delivers “Really Fun” Q1 Earnings Report. With net revenue up 6% in Emmis’ fiscal Q1, CEO Jeff Smulyan was positively giddy during Friday’s investor’s conference call. The company reported net revenue of $36.9 million and
operating income up 536% from $1.1 million to $7 million. Smulyan said, “More than that, our markets were up 5% and I haven’t seen markets up 5% in the American radio industry in quite some time. So we think it bodes well. We are thrilled. We think it bodes well not only for the company, but for the industry.” Smulyan was eager to talk about the FM receivers in cell phones project he’s championed and is very excited about where the project stands right now, especially with the support from the broadcasting industry, stating, “From the very largest broadcasters to the very smallest, support has been nearly unanimous. I think I had one broadcaster in the top 75 group that said I don’t want to support this and I personally talked to probably 60 to 65 of those groups. The support has been remarkable. It’s been very gratifying. I think we are on the verge of a game-changing event in this industry. I can’t announce specific times, but stay tuned, we will be able to announce industry support and then as we are done with our contractual arrangements, we will be able to announce when all this comes together. But the first step in that process is coming together, which we now have clearly demonstrated that we’ve done.”
Steve Cochran Exits Salem’s WIND, Chicago. Chicago Media writer Robert Feder tips us that longtime Windy City talk radio personality Steve Cochran has exited Salem Communications’ WIND, Chicago with both sides agreeing not to renew his contract. Cochran currently also hosts the daily 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show at KTRS, St. Louis from Chicago. Feder speculates that it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cochran appear on WGN, Chicago as the Tribune news/talk station is in re-tooling mode. The station recently ousted late night host Turi Ryder and expanded the evening sports talk show hosted by David Kaplan to 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. It also cut “The Noon Show” hosted by Carol Roth. Cochran was on the air at WGN for 10 years prior to being let go in 2010.
Digital Media Expert Chris Miller: “Come up with a plan!” Noted radio industry digital media consultant and TALKERS columnist Chris Miller says one of the questions he is asked most often by businesses of all types trying to make sense of their place in social media is, “What’s the return on investment?” The more honest statement he hears is, “I know I need to be doing more with social media, but I don’t know what I should do.” Miller states, “I see social media and content marketing make the needle move for businesses, but there’s one thing you have to do before you’ll see results with it: do it correctly.” In a new column posted today (7/1) Miller writes, “The first step in doing it correctly is to come up with a plan.” He offers four steps to help you create your new, effective social media strategy, especially designed for radio stations. They include 1) stating with your “measurables,” 2) determining who you are, 3) putting your plan into action, and 4) communicating and evaluating. To read all the details, please click here.
Mancow Muller to Co-Star in History Channel Reality Show. TRN-FM’s Erich “Mancow” Muller will co-star with his brother Mark Muller in the History Channel’s new series, “God, Guns and Automobiles” premiering Monday
July 8. The show is described as “an American reality show revolving around the Muller families and an auto dealership named Max Motors. Located in the tiny rural town of Butler, Missouri, Mark Muller makes car deals the old fashioned way. No trade or sales stunt, no matter how outrageous or controversial, is off the table if it can help him compete against the big city dealers. Nationally syndicated radio host Mancow Muller is his business partner, and he joins the show with an oddball staff that works the deals. The Muller’s take pride in Max Motors as the embodiment of the values and spirit of the heartland of America.”
JC Corcoran to Host Late Morning Show on KFNS, St. Louis. In a story obviously related to last Friday’s TALKERS report about KFNS, St. Louis morphing from sports to guy talk, longtime St. Louis radio personality JC Corcoran – who left the market in March to host the morning drive show at Clear Channel’s classic rock KKRW, Houston “93.7 The Arrow” – will begin hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show on KFNS on July 8. Corcoran will follow Tampa-based Bubba the Love Sponge when that show starts clearing on the station. Corcoran tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he’ll do the show from Houston but eventually plans to have a St. Louis-based co-host. He jokes to TALKERS, “And this time they can’t run me out of town ‘cuz I’m already gone!”
Boston Talk Host Todd Feinburg Subs on WBZ-AM. Longtime Boston morning host Todd Feinburg tries his hand at hosting evenings this week as he fills in on CBS Radio’s WBZ-AM, Boston “Newsradio 1030.” Feinburg sits in Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight for Dan Rea. Feinburg recently parted company with Entercom news/talk WRKO after nearly 10 years at the Boston talker. He can be reached at todd@toddtalk.com.
Bonneville’s KTAR-AM, Phoenix Adds Dan Bickley to Middays; Debuts Live and Local Morning Show. Bonneville-owned sports talk outlet “Arizona Sports 620” (KTAR-AM) in Phoenix announced additions to its program schedule with the hiring of AZCentral sports columnist and longtime sports radio host Dan Bickley to the midday show beginning July 29. Bickley will be partnered with Vince Marotta for the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm program. Additionally, the station announces the return of Doug Franz and Ron Wolfley to morning drive, moving Dave Burns and John Gambadoro to the afternoons. Bonneville Arizona vice president and market manager Scott Sutherland states, “It doesn’t get much bigger than adding the highest profile local sports media personality in Arizona to our already powerhouse team of dynamic hosts and insiders. It’s also a momentous day for the ‘Arizona Sports’ brand as we’re ecstatic to once again offer Phoenix the only live-and-local sports morning show in the market.”
Dan Sileo Subs on WMEN, West Palm Beach. Sports talk host Dan Sileo sits in for Orlando Alzugary in the afternoon drive slot this week on JCE Licenses LLC’s WMEN, Royal Palm Beach (West Palm Beach market). Sileo – who worked for years at Clear Channel’s WDAE, Tampa – most recently did an 11-month stint at Beasley Broadcasting’s WQAM. He notes that he was fired from his last two gigs for controversial statements he made on the air and tells TALKERS, “I’m very excited about the chance to see if I can make it a week without getting fired.”
Clear Channel Spent $1.17 Million on Lobbying in 2013 Q1. The blog RadioSurvivor tips TALKERS to the fact that Clear Channel’s lobbying tally for the first quarter of 2013 hit $1.17 million as reported in a U.S. House of Representatives disclosure form. According to the report, CC’s lobbying focused on: “Congressional oversight and legislative proposals regarding the Federal Communications Commission proceedings on broadcast localism MM docket #04-233; Congressional oversight and legislative proposals regarding the Federal Communications Commission proceeding on local radio ownership rules – MM docket #09-182; Congressional oversight and legislative proposals regarding broadcast decency enforcement; Congressional oversight and legislative proposals regarding tax incentives and loan guarantees to encourage diversity of ownership of telecommunications businesses. H. Con. Res. 16 / S. Con. Res. 6; ‘Supporting Local Radio Freedom Act,’ all provisions; Congressional oversight and legislative proposals regarding low power FM stations; Congressional oversight and legislative proposals regarding privacy; and Congressional oversight and proposals regarding emergency communications systems as pertaining to EAS and FCC oversight.
Odds & Sods. The Fourth of July holiday week provides a number of fill-in opportunities. Former congressman and talk radio personality Ernest Istook will sit in for Cumulus Media Networks’ Eric Harley and Gary McNamara who host the “Red Eye Radio” overnight program on Friday, July 5…..Program director Gregg Henson begins hosting a nightly 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm show called “Pittsburgh Sports Night” on Clear Channel‘s news/talk WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh. The
station’s website bills it as a show featuring “the best sports personalities in Pittsburgh, like Mark Madden, Tim Benz, Stan Savran, David Todd and Mike Prisuta…..NRG Media’s KOZN, Omaha secures a three-year deal to air the radio play-by-play for Creighton Men’s basketball as the school transitions to the Big East Conference. NRG Omaha market manager and KOZN GM Andy Ruback states, “It’s just tremendous to earn the rights as the exclusive partner for Creighton Men’s Basketball. It’s an honor for ‘The Zone’ to serve our listeners, advertisers and Creighton with this winning program.”…..Clear Channel‘s WDAY-AM, Fargo inks a new three-year deal with the University of North Dakota to air the school’s football and men’s hockey games along with other sports play-by-play and associated programming beginning in August…..WZUS, Decatur, Illinois “Talk 101 FM” talk show host Tara Nickerson is honored with the Silver Dome for Medium Market Personality of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Association. She hosts the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm “Daily Wrap” program.
Longtime Denver Talk Show host Rick Barber Dies at 67. The family of Rick Barber – who hosted the overnight show on Clear Channel’s KOA, Denver for 30 years – announces Barber passed away due to complications from ALS. The family writes to Westword that, after a radio career that began while in the Army in the 1960s, “Barber came back to Denver in 1982 and took a seat in the overnight chair on KOA. Rick also did television in the Denver market, as well. ‘The Rick Barber Show’ aired for an unprecedented thirty years. Rick’s final show on 850 KOA was in early 2012. ‘He was a facilitator of topics and education — that’s what his show was all about. He always considered his show a radio magazine, and not just a talk show. Dad loved his listeners,’ said son Ian Barber. In his final interview, Rick Barber talked about his time on the air. ‘My footprint should be somebody who made you laugh, made you feel comfortable, made you feel good. That’s how I want to be remembered. I want them [the audience] to think of me as the guy who did it my way. Including going out: my way.’”
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Clear Channel Faces Suit by Photo Company Alleging Illegal Use. National Photo Group LLC has filed a complaint in United States District Court Western District of Texas alleging Clear Channel radio stations infringed on its copyrights by using pictures of various celebrities on the websites of some of its radio stations. The complaint names 11 CC radio stations and alleges photos of celebrities including Jason Aldean, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore and others were used without permission and with knowledge that the photos were copyrighted. NPG is seeking $150,000 per infringement plus legal fees and any other relief the Court deems just and proper.
WCBM, Baltimore Extends Talk Host Tom Marr’s Contract Through 2017. Baltimore talk radio institution Tom Marr will be heard on WCBM through 2017 as the station’s vice president, Nick Mangione. Jr., announces the station extends his no-cut contract for another four years. The official announcement was made June 24 by WCBM program director and operations manager Sean Casey at the start of Marr’s show that day. Mangione, Jr. states, “I am delighted we have reached the agreement on the extension. To quote my late father, Tom is still at the top of his game both as a broadcaster in general and talk show host in particular. We are delighted he will be on the air until 2017 with WCBM and he just may decide to stay longer. There will always be room for him in the WCBM family. Tom has a good sense for the business. As an example, he is the first one to suggest that we add both Sean Hannity and Mark Levin to our lineup. Tom has a large following within the reach of our 50 thousand watt transmitter and is building a solid national and international following on WCBM’s worldwide reach via the internet.” Marr, who began his career as a high school sports broadcaster on WWDC-AM, Washington, DC in 1960, says, “I am deeply honored that Nick and the Mangione Family Enterprises agreed to the extension. I look forward to the challenges ahead for talk radio and its increasing role in the media especially in view of our relationship with the digital world.”
WBZ-AM, Boston Names Jen Brien Overnight Talk Host. After the retirement of Steve LeVeille last year, the station has been featuring a number of talk radio personalities in the overnight slot. Now, program director Peter Casey announces Jennifer “Jen” Brien is named to the permanent position. The station says the program “will be a mix of pop culture, current events, politics, and the comings and goings of people in New England.” In addition to WBZ-AM’s monster signal that penetrates the entire East Coast at that time of night, the show can be heard on CBS Radio’s Radio.com. Brien joined WBZ from Entercom’s crosstown news/talk WRKO where she hosted a daily program. She has also hosted shows on WPRO and WHJJ in Providence, and WCOD and WXTK on Cape Cod. Before beginning her career in radio, Brien spent more than five years as a soldier in the United States Army where she was selected for the prestigious “Soldier of the Year” award.
SiriusXM Cancels Long-Running Alex Bennett Show. One of modern talk radio’s true pioneers, Alex Bennett, has reportedly been let go “without cause” from SiriusXM Satellite Radio‘s “Sirius Left” channel where he was doing the daily 7:00 am to 10:00 am program. Bennett has been with Sirius for almost a decade and, according to insiders close to the host, was caught by surprise and is “distraught” over what transpired. Bennett has had a colorful, unique on-air career that goes back to the late-1960s when he was the lone talk show host on the old WMCA, New York when it was still the “Home of the Good Guys.” He subsequently went on to do both rock music and talk broadcasting serving as one of the original prototypes for the pop culture-oriented (some call it “shock jock”) and “progressive” genres of modern day talk radio. Between WMCA and Sirius, he served in ground-breaking stints at such great stations as WPLJ in New York and KMEL, KITS (“Live 105”) and KQAK (“The Quake”) in San Francisco. At press time, it is not clear if this was a cost-cutting move on the part of Sirius or indicative of a re-direction in programming. Bennett is still on the air and is reportedly doing his final program for the satellite radio service this Friday. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “In my opinion Alex Bennett is one of the most important talents ever to grace a microphone during my lifetime. His show on WMCA — in which he did extremely progressive talk about the issues of the day such as the Vietnam War — was on a station that was otherwise a hip music station. In the midst of all the fun, cool hipness of the rock ‘n’ roll and the zany DJs of that fabulous station, Bennett was fearlessly talking to the kids about extremely important controversial issues. That show served as the original inspiration for me to launch an issues-oriented talk show (“Harrison’s Mic”) five years later on rocker KMET in Los Angeles and my own talk career that paralleled my music radio work. If I had not heard Alex Bennett in 1969, there might not have ever been a TALKERS magazine.”
HOLLAND COOKE: The Future of AM/FM in the Car. Radio consultant Holland Cooke reports from the Consumer Electronic Association’s Connected Car Conference in New York City and her says that the bottom line after “four-and-a-half-hours of thoughtful discussion, research, and prognostication by automotive, electronics, and media thinkers: Whatever the dashboard is about to morph into matters less to AM/FM radio than what’s already happened.” Cooke writes that people who matter have already connected their media to the car speakers and offers some thoughts about what radio programmers can do to stand out from the digital competition. Read his analysis here.
SummitMedia to Pull the Plug on Sports Talk In Birmingham. SummitMedia announces it will drop the sports talk format on WZNN, Birmingham “97.3 The Zone” and flip to a different – most likely music – format. SummitMedia EVP and COO David DuBose tells the Birmingham News, “We have been evaluating the sports
format in light of multiple factors, including [Paul] Finebaum‘s placement. After nearly two years, it became clear the market did not support two competing sports stations. “Therefore, we have determined we should focus on other format opportunities.” SummitMedia purchased the Birmingham cluster from Cox Media Group earlier this year. The station was flipped to sports in August of 2011 when Cox had its eye on building the station around mega-successful Southeast sports personality Paul Finebaum by bringing him over from Cumulus Media’s crosstown sports WJOX. Finebaum, who’d had legal squabbles with WJOX and wanted out of that relationship, ended up working out his contract there, sat out a non-compete and will begin a new sports talk radio venture with ESPN based out of Charlotte. It’s believed he will return to WJOX via ESPN syndication when the new program debuts later this summer.
Bonneville Seattle Brings Unique Talk to MyNorthwest.com. The Bonneville Seattle cluster that includes news/talk KIRO-FM, sports KIRO-AM and talk KTTH is beginning a series of unique audio programs to the web venture it calls MyNorthwest.com. Dubbed “MyNorthwest Chats,” the weekly, one-hour programs will stream on Wednesday’s from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm beginning with today’s chat featuring nationally acclaimed restaurateur Tom Douglas. MyNorthwest.com editor Stephanie Klein says, “We’re excited to have the opportunity to connect our readers directly to the experts and start an inspiring dialogue that makes an impact. We want the conversation to spark a chain of discussion in our readers’ lives.” Other chats lined up for July include talk show host Michael Medved and Seattle Mariners insider Shannon Drayer.
Programming Changes at WGN, Chicago; Turi Ryder to Exit. Chicago radio pro Turi Ryder has been in the late night slot at Tribune’s WGN, Chicago since the beginning of this year but now the company says it’s going in a different direction and will end her program. Ryder will get a chance to say goodbye to her WGN listeners as she’ll work this evening and Thursday before wrapping things up there. The station has not announced what will air in the time slot. Ryder also hosts “America Weekend” for Envision Radio Networks.
Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM, Providence Tackles Immigration Issue with Live Debate. News/talk WPRO-AM’s Tara Granahan is moderating a debate that will take place today at the Providence Marriott from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm called, “Green Light on Green Cards,” featuring a panel of experts from each side of the illegal immigration issue. The 
discussion will be streamed live online at the station’s 630wpro.com and will be the center piece of a “WPRO Special Report” scheduled to air during the “WPRO Morning News with Gene Valicenti” the week of July 1. The debate features two immigration lawyers, a state representative, a member of the local clergy and the head of an illegal immigration enforcement organization. The stations states, “The debate will address the issues that have emerged from illegal immigration including; licenses for illegal immigrants, how immigration effects the Rhode Island economy, and potential solutions moving forward.”
TeleSouth Communications to Buy WOSM, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. TeleSouth operates the Mississippi talk radio network known as “SuperTalk Mississippi” and the purchase of WOSM, Ocean Springs (103.1 FM) – between Biloxi and Pascagoula on the Gulf Coast – will be added to that network. The company states, “The addition of WOSM to the network will give coast listeners the best choice in Mississippi programming with ‘The Gallo Radio Show,’ ‘The JT Show’ and ‘Head to Head with Matt Wyatt and Richard Cross,’ all homegrown programs that keep a watch on state government, entertainment, sports, unique happenings in Mississippi, with a local take on national issues.” In addition to Mississippi-based programs, ‘SuperTalk’ is also home to Cumulus Media Networks’ Mike Huckabee and Compass Media Networks’ Lars Larson and Todd Schnitt. WOSM is owned and operated by Charles Cooper and airs Christian programming. TeleSouth CEO Steve Davenport states, “We are excited about growing the ‘SuperTalk Network’ with the addition of WOSM. Mr. Cooper has worked hard for years building an audience loyal to traditional family values. We are confident that WOSM listeners will hear those values in the programs featured each day on ‘SuperTalk.’” Long-time coast talk show host and programmer Kipp Greggory will serve as general manager of WOSM.
CHQR, Calgary Talk Host Dave Rutherford to End Daily Show. Canadian talk show host Dave Rutherford will wrap a 21-year career hosting a daily talk show at CHQR, Calgary after his last show on July 26. The conservative personality and pedigreed newsman tells the Edmonton Journal he believes the broadcast news industry is dumbing down and there may be no place for a broadcaster like him. “I don’t think there’s the desire to ask the next question, maybe to ask any questions. But I sense that the whole industry, the broadcast news business, television and radio, is dumbing down.”
The End of the Line for CNN Radio. The service was a shell of its former self after Dial Global ended its distribution of the news product and replaced it with NBC News Radio last year, effectively becoming a digital-only product. Now, CNN states that after completing “a review of its radio business,” it “has made the decision to cease production of CNN Radio podcasts, effective immediately.” CNN has indicated that some of the staff will be relocated to positions elsewhere in the company.
Allen Hunt to End WSB, Atlanta Program. Christian broadcaster Allen Hunt announces he’ll end his Sunday evening program that has aired on WSB, Atlanta since its inception after the June 30 broadcast. Hunt says he was approached by Cox Media to move the time of his program and he decided that due to his busy schedule with the Dynamic Catholic Institute and the requested change, he decided it would be better to end the show. Hunt built the program at WSB and, for a couple of years, put the show into national syndication.
The Roving Jay Mohr Billboard. Fox Sports Radio Network nationally syndicated host Jay Mohr’s flagship station, “AM570 FOX Sports LA” (KLAC, Los Angeles) surprised Mohr with a mobile billboard promoting his program. While Mohr was on the air, the billboard stopped by the studio during its route through Los Angeles and the show crew seized the opportunity for a quick photo-op. Pictured here (from l-r) are: intern Ben Haley, technical producer John Ramos, social media producer Matty Cox, assistant producer Justin Frosburg, Mohr, update anchor “Diamond” Dan Beyer, associate producer Mike Lingard and executive producer Greg “Hong Kong” Toohey.
Former KMOX, St. Louis Personality Bruce Bradley Dies. Bruce Bradley was a personality on CBS Radio’s KMOX, St. Louis from 1986 to 1992. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports he passed away on Saturday, June 22 in Lake St. Louis at age 79. Prior to his career in St. Louis, Bradley also worked in the New York, Philadelphia and Boston markets.
President Obama’s Global Warming Policy, SCOTUS Gay Marriage Rulings, George Zimmerman Trial, Paula Deen Freefall, and Texas Anti-Abortion Bill Fails Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/25). President Obama’s policy to bypass Congress to enact greenhouse gas emissions regulations; the Supreme Court’s rulings on gay marriage issues; the trial of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin; the demise of Paula Deen’s media career in the wake of allegations of racist language; and the failure of anti-abortion legislation in Texas were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
WEEI Goes To Bat For Battling Kids
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor/West Coast Bureau Chief
BOSTON — Notwithstanding that the “Old Towne” team has been historically dreadful the past 12 months, diehard members of Red Sox Nation from Boston to Bakersfield, Battle Creek to the Bahamas, and all points around the world, positively love their BoSox while simultaneously loathing the New York Yankees.
There is however an even greater enemy to the vociferous throng of Red Sox partisans than the Evil Empire’s pinstripe-clad nine – cancer that afflicts children.
In 1953, the Red Sox adopted as its charity of choice the Jimmy Fund, which raises money to support cancer care/research at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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