Tag: "WDAE"
Thursday, November 29, 2018
WDAE, Tampa Unveils Midday ‘Pat & Aaron Show.’ A couple of weeks ago, iHeartMedia announced that “Ron & Ian” – Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles – would be the new afternoon drive show
on WDAE-AM/W237CW, Tampa Bay “95.3 WDAE.” Now, the station reveals the new early afternoon program (12:00 noon to 3:00 pm) “The Pat & Aaron Show,” co-hosted by Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson. Both are current staffers with iHeartMedia Tampa. Donovan has been a reporter/producer for WDAE for close to seven years. He’s been on air as part of the weekend program, “The Insiders,” featuring Rick Stroud from the Tampa Bay Times, Jenna Laine from ESPN and Trevor Sikkema from PewterReport.com. Jacobson has served as a producer and host for WDAE and sister news/talk WFLA for close to five years. He’s currently co-host of the “AM Tampa Bay” with legendary broadcaster Jack Harris and he will continue in that role in addition to the new show. Jacobson says, “Pat and I could not be more excited to start this wild ride. As hard as we worked for this moment, none of it would be possible without the support of our listeners. I can’t wait to take on this new journey alongside the entire ‘95.3 WDAE’ team as well as with our listeners in the Bay Area.”
Francesa and Kay in Tight NYC Sports Talk Battle. The New York media is watching the
sports talk radio competition and Newsday’s Neil Best notes that WFAN’s Mike Francesa and WEPN’s Michael Kay tied with 6.2 shares (Men 25-54) in afternoon drive for the second straight monthly PPM survey from Nielsen Audio. The competition between the two afternoon shows has intensified since Francesa’s return to WFAN following a four-month retirement. Traditionally, Francesa has dominated in the ratings battle, but Kay’s performance is an achievement and station owner ESPN is letting the industry know with an e-blast from its PR department (at right).
TALKERS News Notes. New Salem Radio Network talk show host Dr. Sebastian Gorka got some high praise from President Trump for his new book, Why We Fight (2018, Regnery
Publishing). The president tweeted, “Sebastian Gorka, a very talented man who I got to know well while he was working at the White House, has just written an excellent book, ‘Why We Fight.’ Much will be learned from this very good read.” Gorka begins hosting the daily 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET show on SRN on January 1…..Richmond market news/talk WJFN-FM announces the addition of the “Find Your Roar” program with host Susan Platt to its weekend schedule. Platt is a longtime congressional staff leader and award-winning political campaign manager who previously worked for former Vice President Joe Biden during his U.S. Senate tenure. The station is owned by syndicated talk show host John Fredericks, who says, “Bringing Susan Platt into the WJFN program lineup strengthens our roster of Virginia-based news/talk and political analysis. This move demonstrates our commitment to offering fresh and diverse perspectives on the news of the day and explaining what it means about the way our government functions and how it impacts people’s everyday lives.”…..Syndicated talk radio show host Walter M Sterling is sitting in on
Entercom’s news/talk KMOX, St. Louis from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm this evening (11/29). Sterling is the host of the syndicated Sunday evening program “Sterling on Sunday,” heard on KMOX. Sterling says, “Well there is just no explaining this 
decision. Blame Steve Moore, the program pirector.”…..SiriusXM talk personality Joe Madison is being honored by The Trayvon Martin Foundation with its 2019 Champion for Justice Award. Madison will receive the honor at the organization’s “Peace Walk & Talk” on February 9, 2019…..A new business-fueled podcast titled, “The Brink,” premieres on the iHeartRadio platform. The show is hosted by Jonathan Strickland and Ariel Kristen in which the two discuss their business experiences with listeners. During each episode, Strickland and Kristen offer advice and suggest mechanisms for making some of the tough business decisions all business leaders eventually make during their careers…..Salem Media Group’s news/talk KHNR, Honolulu “The Answer” adds the “Motley Fool Money” radio show with host Chris Hill to its weekend program schedule.
Trump-Russia Investigation, Dow Soars After Fed Chief Comments, Migrant Caravan/Mexican Border Issue, Pelosi Nominated for Speaker, U.S. Life Expectancy Falls, Trump at G20 Meeting, Les Moonves Allegations, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/28).The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related collapse of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s plea deal; the Dow posts a huge gain after Fed chief Jerome Powell speaks of slower rate hikes, the caravan of Honduran migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the related border wall funding issue; Nancy Pelosi secures support for nomination for House Speaker; the latest report from the CDC detailing a decline in life expectancy in the U.S.; President Trump’s appearance at the G20 summit in Argentina and a possible meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin; the allegations of rape against former CBS chairman Les Moonves; and the week’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Bobby Duncan is the new program director at Entercom’s classic rock KGON-FM, Portland, effective December 3. Entercom Portland SVP and market manager Bill Ashenden says, “Bobby has a proven track record of managing great on-air teams and
stations, as well as their respective digital channels, and we are confident that his experience will translate to success for 92.3 KGON. We are thrilled to welcome Bobby to the KGON team and are certain he will enhance the heritage rock station that our listeners have come to know and love.” Duncan began his career as an on-air personality for sister station KLOL-FM, Houston. He has also served in management and consulting roles for then-KKRW, Houston; WXMX and WKIM in Memphis; and WGRD, Grand Rapids…..According to Joe Holleman’s report at the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the latest round of cuts at Hubbard Radio are in the St. Louis cluster and include morning show personality Spencer Graves of classic hits WARH’s “Spencer’s Neighborhood,” his co-host Brandon
“Brando” Ludmann, longtime rock KSHE program director Rick Balis, and KSHE personality Carl “The Intern” Middleman…..In Indianapolis, Emmis names Ryan Wild the new program director for country WLHK, “97.1 Hank FM.” Wild was 
previously with Scripps Media in Milwaukee programming then-country WKTI before its sale to Good Karma Brands and flip to sports talk. Emmis Indianapolis director of programming David Wood says, “Ryan had everything we were looking for: creativity, passion, great communication skills, and strategic vision. He has led his stations to success in some very competitive situations. I’m thrilled to have his leadership for our team.”…..Programming pro Gary Nolan announces he’s exiting his position as program
director at Cumulus Media’s hot AC KQHN, Shreveport, Louisiana to return to Kansas City to be with family. Nolan says, “I guess you can call it semi-retirement. I hope to work part time for a KC station, however if something came up in KC full time that’s as good a fit, I certainly would take a look at it.” During his career, Nolan has programmed such stations as: WLTW, New York; WLTE, Minneapolis; KRWM, Seattle; and KOSI, Denver…..In Providence, Maddie Grimaldi is promoted to midday personality at Hall Communications’ country WCTK “Cat Country 98.1,” taking over for Meredith Thompson who exited the industry. Grimaldi has been serving as a fill-in host after working with the station in the promotions department.
November 2018 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the November 2018 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets below.
New York City Spoken-Word Formats – A cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” returns half that
increase in November (2.0, -.3, #16 to #19, 6+). Despite recording its seventh straight month without a loss (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” remains at #23. Down or flat for six consecutive sweeps (February through August) for a collective decrease of three-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+), WABC picked 
up two-tenths in September and then was unchanged in both 6+ AQH share (1.1) and 6+ AQH rank (#24) in October. An error on the part of Nielsen in the initial release of this month’s 6+ numbers to the trade press indicated Cumulus Media‘s WABC was unlisted. Nielsen corrected the mistake. WABC was up 0.1 from October to a 1.2 share.
After bouncing back from a loss of eight-tenths in September with an October increase of 
one-half share (3.9 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN sputters by seven-tenths to 3.7, moving from a three-way tie at #6 to #8, 6+. The 4.7 logged by the flagship of the Yankees, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Nets in May, July and August is its best 6+-showing since 5.2 in November 2017. Up or flat for the fourth straight month for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1. 7 – 1.8, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” advances from #21 to #20; the New York Jets and New York Knicks flagship was locked on 1.7 (6+) in May and June.
Frozen on 4.2 (6+) in July, August, and September, Entercom all-news WINS is now locked on
4.4 (6+) in October and November; it remains at #6. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is a combined +.6 in three consecutive upticks (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+) and progresses from #14 to a three-way tie at #11. In July, WCBS-AM ended three successive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+).
WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s news/talk WNYC-FM lost a cumulative seven-tenths in May, June, and July (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+); gained seven-tenths in August; surrendered six-tenths in September; recaptured six-tenths in October (2.8 – 3.4, 6+); but falters by four-tenths in November to 3.0 (#11 to #15, 6+). While flat at .5 (6+), co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM breaks out of a four-way tie at #29 to #28. Prior to September’s .6 (6+), WNYC-AM recorded a .5 (6+) three times in a row.
New York City Music Formats – As the result of four successive up or flat trends (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS climbs from third to second. After being in the five-share range (6+) for 33 sweeps in succession, “107.5 – #1 For R&B” recorded a 6.1 (6+) in June 2018. In back-to-back survey periods, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW is off by four-tenths (7.5 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+), but “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 for the 16th successive sweep. An overall -1.6 through three setbacks in succession (8.5 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+), WLTW was a combined +.6 in August and September (6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5, 6+). Prior to November 2018 and July 2018, “Lite FM” previously fell below a six-share (6+) in October 2017 (6.6). Continuing a down/up pattern that began in December 2017 (3.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.1- 3.2, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” advances from #13 to #11. After shrinking by three-tenths in October, the market’s (6+) hot AC share bounces back with a collective +.4, as Entercom’s WNEW “NEW 102.7” is up three-tenths (2.8 – 3.1, #15 to #14, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” picks up one-tenth (2.0 – 2.1, #19 to #18, 6+).
Los Angeles Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is down or flat for the sixth time in a row for a collective loss of eight-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+),
iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” climbs from eighth to seventh. Off two-tenths (1.3 – 1.1, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” tumbles from #25 to #31. It is tied there with iHeartMedia news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot,” which is flat at 1.1 (#30 to #31, 6+). Following four months in a row at .4 (6+), Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” was off one-tenth to .3 in October but gains two-tenths in November to .5 (#43 to #40, 6+).
In a stunning ten (10) successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned KLAC has more than quintupled (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share (.4 – .4 – .5 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+) and is nearing the top twenty (#24 to #22). “AM 
570 LA Sports” is the flagship of the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers, which lost the 2018 World Series (on October 28) to the Boston Red Sox in five games. In addition, KLAC is one of the key stations of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN,” the Los Angeles Rams’ AM flagship, has practically doubled its 6+-stat (+.7) in three positive spikes in a row (.8 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5, flat at #25, 6+). Prior to August’s loss of four-tenths, KSPN gained one-tenth in three straight sweeps (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+).
A collective -.4 in September and October (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” improves by one-tenth in November to 2.8 (#14 to #11, 6+); KNX was up four-tenths in August. The November sweep ended just prior to the mass killings in Thousand Oaks and the devastating wildfires.
The eight most recent 6+ stats for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” (#15 to #14) are an extremely steady 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7.
Los Angeles Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST register its third straight (albeit modest) uptick in succession for an overall gain of one-half share (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+), “Coast 103.5” marches from second to first. It is a short (October-only) stay at the top for Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101,” which falters by one-half share to 4.5 (6+) and segues to third-place. Entering the November sweep, “K-Earth” was trending 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 (6+). Prior to October 2018, the last time a non-iHeartMedia-owned station was #1 in Los Angeles was November 2015 – and it was “K-Earth” with a 5.7 (6+). Sandwiched between KOST and KRTH is iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM,” which is off for the fifth straight month for an overall loss of -1.1 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), but climbs from third to second. When “My-FM” was dislodged from the top spot in October, it ended a string of five successive months at #1. Off two-tenths in consecutive monthlies (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM” gains two-tenths (4.4, steady at #4, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” drops one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps and is a collective -.7 in three straight dips (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, #21 to #22, 6+). Following five successive up or flat trends for a net gain of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” drops one-tenth to 2.4 (#16 to #18, 6+) but is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 37th time in succession. Two other positive streaks come to an end as Cumulus Media’s KLOS “95.5 The Rock of Southern California” surrenders one-tenth (2.9, ninth to tenth, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary KRRL “Real 92.3” forfeits two-tenths (2.8, #9 to #11, 6+). KLOS had been a combined +.5 in three straight gains (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+); “Real” was +.4 in four successive up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+). The June 2018 – September 2018 (6+) topline for KXOS was 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3, but regional Mexican “Mega 96.3” is unlisted for the second sweep in a row.
Chicago Spoken-Word Formats – Posting its third straight up or flat trend for a collective
+.7 (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN jumps from #15 to #11. Entering the August sweep, the key station of the Chicago White Sox notched three consecutive upticks for a combined full-share gain (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Unchanged at #22, Cumulus 
Media news/talk WLS-AM has a May through November topline trending of 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.6. Its +.2 in July ended four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a one-half share loss (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+).
Following a gain of eight-tenths in September, Entercom sports talk WSCR (flagship for both
the Cubs and Bulls) plummets by -1.5 in October and November (4.3 – 4.2 – 2.8, 6+), fading from #6 to #18. Prior to September, “670 The Score” logged a fluctuation of one-tenth in each of the previous three months (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” (#24 to #23) is up four-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).
Over and above being a collective +1.1 in three consecutive upticks (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM storms from second to first. Immediately in advance of this streak, the Chicago Bears flagship logged six straight down or flat showings for a collective -.7 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+).
Jumping from #19 to #16, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is up or flat for the third month in a row for a +.7 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.9, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (2.9) since April’s 3.0.
Chicago Music Formats – Via four consecutive increases, Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” is +1.4 (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.4, third to second, 6+). It has been a series of ups/downs in one-half share increments lately for WSHE, which had been without a loss five consecutive months for a +.5 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+) until surrendering the entire half-share increase in October to 2.6 (6+). In November, however, the Hubbard adult contemporary facility regains that half-share decline in its entirety (3.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, #16 to #13, 6+). Meanwhile, Venture Technologies Group AC WRME-LP is within 3.3 – 3.8 range (6+) for the tenth month in a row, but is without an increase for the third successive time for a collective -.5 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). Even so, “FM 87.7 Me TV” returns to the top ten (#11 to #9). Surrendering the three-tenths it gained in October (3.2 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary-turned hot AC-turned adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). After ten straight months at #1, urban AC cluster-mate WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” falters by four-tenths (5.7 – 5.3, 6+) and shifts to third. Its gain of one-tenth in June halted four straight down or flat trends that produced a loss of nine-tenths (6.8 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+). Bumping up from eighth to seventh, Entercom’s WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” logs its third straight 3.7 (6+) and is within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the 16th consecutive time. Simultaneously, iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 – Chicago’s New Country” has its third (slight) decrease in a row for a collective -.4 (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, #22 to #23, 6+). The last seven topline stats for Entercom’s WBBM-FM “B-96 Chicago’s New Hit Music” (#18 to #20) are: 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 (6+).
San Francisco Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of October’s seven-tenths’ increase,
KSFO surrenders one-half share (3.1 – 2.6, #11 to #14, 6+). The Cumulus Media news/talker was a combined -1.0 in August and September (3.4 – 3.0- 2.4, 6+). Immediately prior to August, KSFO 
put together four successive increases for an overall +1.3 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). In an up/down sequence that began in July, cluster-mate KGO is an overall +.4 (1.7 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.1, #17 to #18, 6+). August’s increase of four-tenths ended four successive down or flat trends that resulted in a collective loss of three-tenths (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+).
Without an increase the past three ratings periods for a cumulative -1.2 (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.5,
6+), co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” adds four-tenths to 2.9 (#15 to #13, 6+). After being a combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ forfeits two-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#18 to #21); “95.7 The Game” was -1.1 in July (2.6 – 1.5, 6+).
Erasing October’s +.3 (5.3 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+), all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM nonetheless finishes in the runner-up slot for the tenth time in a row. Frozen on 5.4 (6+) in April and May, KCBS-AM was then stuck on 5.5 (6+) in June and July.
On top for the tenth straight month, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED solidifies that market position with a gain of seven-tenths (6.7 – 7.4, 6+). This (7.4) is its best 6+-performance since May’s 8.1. Its gain of four-tenths in September ended five downward trends in a row that accounted for a -2.5 (8.9 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is flat in both 6+ AQH share (.6) and 6+ AQH rank (#31). Entering the October sweep, it logged a one-half share five times in the previous seven monthlies (.5 – .5 – .6 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+).
San Francisco Music Formats – A robust gain of eight-tenths (2.8 – 3.6, 6+) propels KOSF “iHeart 80s @ 103.7” into the top ten (#13 to #7). Conversely, a loss of six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, 6+) sends Bonneville urban AC KBLX “#1 For Today’s R&B and Old School” from #6 to #12. An overall +1.1 in six straight up or flat sweeps (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” carries on at #10. Prior to August, “The Bone” recorded a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.9 in each of the previous 40 sweeps. After having logged a 2.1 in three of the last five sweeps (2.1 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), University of Southern California-owned classical outlet KDFC posts a one-half share increase to 2.6 (#18 to #14, 6+). Pulling the plug on three down or flat trends in succession (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” is up one-tenth to 3.5 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Improving by two-tenths each are its fellow hot ACs, iHeartMedia-owned KIOI “Star 101.3” (3.6 – 3.8, sixth to fourth, 6+), and Alpha Media’s KEZR “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music” (1.6 – 1.8, #23, 6+). Meanwhile, in the market’s adult contemporary contest, iHeartMedia’s KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” is off three-tenths (4.7 – 4.4, 6+) and is steady at #3, while Bonneville-owned KOIT-FM loses two-tenths (3.9 – 3.7, 6+), slipping from fourth to sixth.
Dallas Spoken-Word Formats – On a roll, Cumulus Media’s WBAP (#15 to #13) is without a
loss for the fifth time in a row and is a collective +1.1 in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+). Immediately in advance of the September sweep, “News Talk 820” posted a 2.2 (6+) in three of the previous five sweeps (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+). Finishing at #35 and #36, respectively, are Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” (.9 – .7, -.2, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” (flat at .4, 6+).
There is very little movement among the market’s three sports talk outlets, as Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” is off one-tenth (3.2 – 3.1, #12 to #15, 6+); up one-tenth, Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” has its fourth straight sweep without a loss for a +.4 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, flat at #18, 6+); and ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” is a collective +.3 in four straight up or flat moves (.9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), but slips from #30 to #29.
While it is a consistent 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 (6+) from June through November, Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.
North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA notches its third increase in a row for an overall gain of seven-tenths (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3, #13 to #11, 6+). Before September’s +.4 to 3.0, KERA logged a 6+-stat in the two-share range for 37 consecutive sweeps.
Dallas Music Formats – After improving by seven-tenths in September and then forfeiting eight-tenths in October, WAY Media contemporary Christian KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” bounces back with an increase of six-tenths in November (1.6 – 2.3 – 1.5 – 2.1, #24 to #22, 6+). Also improving by six-tenths in November is Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (2.2 – 2.8, #19 to 16, 6+), which scores its best 6+-stat since February (2.8, as well). Although down one-half share (6.6 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is on top for the 11th straight time. “Kiss” was +1.1 in August, after a combined -1.4 in June and July (6.9 – 6.3 – 5.5, 6+). Down or flat for the fourth sweep in succession, Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “105.7 Smooth R&B” is a combined -.8 in that stretch (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3, #15 to #19, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat (2.3) since last December’s 2.2. Tied at #4 are Cumulus Media country siblings KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (4.2 – 4.1, -.1, unchanged at #4, 6+) and KSCS “New Country 96.3” (fifth to fourth, 6+). An October gain by “The Wolf” halted six straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of three-tenths (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). “New Country” is -1.1 in four straight reports without an increase (5.2 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). July’s 5.2 represents the best-ever 6+ share in KSCS’ PPM history and first time it ever reached the five-share level (6+).
Houston Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of six-tenths (3.7 – 4.3, 6+) enables iHeartMedia
news/talk KTRH to crack the top ten (#12 to #7) and to post its strongest 6+-stat (4.3) since February 2017’s 4.4. “News Radio 740” was a combined -.9 in August and September (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+) and up one-half share in October.
Among the market’s sports talk competitors, KTRH cluster-mate/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” is trending 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1 (6+). It is flat at #22, where it’s tied with Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610,” as the Houston Texans’ AM flagship logs a 1.1 (#23 to #22, 6+) for the third straight month. Meanwhile, Gow Communications’ KFNC is steady at .8 (#26 to #25, 6+) – “ESPN 97.5” has its best 6+-showing since May (.8, as well).
In four straight down or flat moves, University of Houston news/talk KUHF is off one full-share (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+) and slips from #17 to #20.
Houston Music Formats – In addition to registering its fourth successive uptick for a collective +2.1 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” progresses from third to second. This (6.8) is the highest 6+ share for “Que Buena” since its 7.4 in January 2017. Seven-tenths ahead of it is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA (7.2 – 7.5, +.3, 6+), which is #1 for the seventh month in a row. The 12.5 by “Sunny 99.1” in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. In the runner-up slot the past six months, Radio One urban AC KMJQ is flat at 6.1 (6+), but slips to #3; “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” was tied for #1 in April. A collective -1.5 in three successive downward moves (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” drifts from fifth to ninth. Three straight upticks by Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE accounted for an overall +1.7 (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.5, 6+), but “Amor 106.5” sputters by four-tenths to 4.1 and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). In October 2018, KOVE reached the four-share level (4.5, 6+) for the first time since October 2016.
Atlanta Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being #1 for the 36th consecutive time, Cox
Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is a collective +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2 – 8.6, 6+) after being down 
three-tenths in July and August (7.8 – 7.6 – 7.5, 6+). Returning October’s +.2 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” continues at #20; WYAY was -1.0 in August (2.3 – 1.3, 6+). Entercom news/talk WAOK checks in at #27 with its sixth sweep in a row without a loss (.1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+).
After being an overall +1.7 in four positive spikes in succession (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk and Atlanta Falcons flagship WZGC “92.9 The Game” relinquishes three-tenths to 3.6 (#11 to #13, 6+). The April 2018 through November 2018 (6+) topline for Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is: 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.0 – 1.9; the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves remains at #18. When WCNN lost two-tenths in July, it halted seven successive sweeps without a decrease that netted eight-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+).
As a result of four straight up or flat trends (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE is a collective +.8 and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). This directly follows five consecutive down or flat sweeps in a row for an overall -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). Georgia State University news/talk WRAS (#26 to #24) improves by four-tenths to 1.0, its best 6+-stat since February (1.0, as well).
Atlanta Music Formats – Following three consecutive decreases that led to a -1.1 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” answers with a gain of six-tenths (3.5, #17 to #14). A combined +.7 in September and October (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” returns three-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Approximately halfway through the October sweep, Woman’s World Broadcasting-owned WTSH “Your Georgia Country” transitioned to regional Mexican as “La Raza” (#31 in October) but disappears from print (.6 – .1 – 0.0, 6+). Without a loss for the seventh straight time for a cumulative gain of +1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” climbs from seventh to sixth, while its format foe – Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” – picks up two-tenths (4.2 – 4.4, eighth to seventh, 6+). When “Q-100” lost one-tenth in October, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat moves that netted three-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). Up one-half share in October to its highest 6+-share (7.2) in more than two years (7.3, April 2016), Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” erodes by -1.1 to 6.1 (second to third), its lowest 6+-stat since February’s 5.8. Following a (repetitive 6+) May through August sequence of 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7, Radio One-owned WHTA “Hot 107.9” is a combined -1.4 in three straight downward moves (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.3, #13 to #15, 6+). Owing to three negative trends in succession, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” is an overall -1.5 (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.4, sixth to seventh, 6+); August’s 5.9 is the strongest 6+-showing for “The Fish” since its 6.0 in January.
Philadelphia Spoken-Word Formats –
Anchored at #14, Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” has nearly doubled its 6+ AQH share
(+1.4) in seven straight ratings periods without a decrease (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). Up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” advances into the top twenty (#22 to #20).
It is a quick (October-only) stay at #1 for Entercom’s WIP “Sports Radio 94.1,” which erodes by one full-share (7.3 – 6.3, 66+) and drifts from first to sixth-place. The key station of the Eagles and Phillies was -.8 (February); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); +1.4 (October); and now -1.0 (November). Meanwhile, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” adds two-tenths to October’s +.7 (1.8 – 2.5 – 2.7, #16 to #15, 6+). Prior to October, “The Fanatic” was without a gain the previous five months for an overall decline of one full-share (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+).
Off three-tenths (5.5 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom’s KYW falls from seventh to eighth; “News Radio 1060” was +.7 in August.
Continuing a down/up pattern that began in June, public news/talk WHYY is 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.4 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). An August increase of one-half share interrupted three successive declines for an overall -1.1 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+).
Philadelphia Music Formats – By registering a +.6 to 7.4 (6+), WOGL not only applies the brakes to three straight negative trends that accounted for a combined -1.4 (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+), “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” leaps from third to first. The Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet finished first in August and segued to second in September. July’s 8.2 represents its highest-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Progressing by six-tenths as well is Beasley Media Group-to-Entercom’s WXTU (5.4, eighth to seventh, 6+). After a September gain of four-tenths, “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” surrendered more than twice that increase with a loss of nine-tenths to 4.8 (6+), its lowest 6+-showing since 4.6 in March. Co-owned adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM” improves by one-half share to 2.6 (#18 to #16, 6+), thus curtailing at three a consecutive string of downward trends that yielded a -1.3 (3.4 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.1, 6+). Jerry Lee Radio-to-Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” relinquishes all but two-tenths of October’s +.7 (7.0 – 6.5, -.5, second to fourth, 6+). Immediately prior to October, WBEB was a collective -2.2 in three consecutive decreases (8.5 – 7.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). WBEB was on top from March through June before being dislodged in July. In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016.
Long Island Spoken-Word Formats – After doubling its 6+ share (+1.8) in September and October (1.8 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” forfeits one-half share to 3.1, fading from #9 to #14. For the fifth time in the last eight months, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC logs a 1.4 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4, #25, 6+). Its +.1 in August stopped four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+).
Included as part of a three-way tie at #1 is Entercom sports talk WFAN, which is on top for the fourth month in a row. The flagship of the Yankees, Giants, and Brooklyn Nets, however, erases October’s +.6 with a November loss of eight-tenths (5.6 – 4.8, 6+). October’s 5.6 was the strongest 6+-showing in Long Island for WFAN since November 2017’s 5.9. New York Jets flagship WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” which gained six-tenths in October as well (1.6 – 2.2, 6+), slips by one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) but stays at #16. WEPN had been off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6, #22, 6+), immediately after five consecutive upticks for a +1.2 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+).
Separated by just one-tenth of a share are Entercom all-news WINS (3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #13 to #11, 6+) – which was up six-tenths in October – and co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM, which is +.9 in six straight up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.5 –
2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.3, #15 to #12, 6+). Prior to the September sweep, WINS showed a month-to-month fluctuation of three-tenths four straight times: +.3 (May); -.3 (June); -.3 (July); and +.3 (August).
WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM, which had been trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 (February 2018 – September 2018, 6+), and ranked #19 in September is unlisted for the second month in a row.
Long Island Music Formats – Following six straight months without an increase that accounted for a collective loss of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ picks up one-tenth to 4.8 (6), which is sufficient to advance “Z-100” from fourth to part of the aforementioned three-way logjam at #1. The third part of that trio at #1 (in addition to WFAN and WHTZ) is Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM. Off one-tenth (4.9 – 4.8, 6+), “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” nonetheless proceeds to the top from the runner-up slot. In three increases in succession, WCBS-AM was +1.2 (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+). Immediately prior to that, however, it was a collective -1.2 via five straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). Regressing by one-half share each are Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 – Real Variety” (4.9 – 4.4, second to fourth, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” (2.2 – 1.7, #17 to #21, 6+). Dropping from seventh to ninth, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “102.3 – Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” is an overall -1.7 in four straight drops (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+). Down or flat for the fifth consecutive time for an overall decline of seven-tenths (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT slips from #15 to #16; “Hot 97” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 49th consecutive ratings period.
Riverside Spoken-Word Formats – After dropping four-tenths in August, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR notches its third straight (albeit modest) increase (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+) and climbs from #12 to #11. 
KVCR nearly doubled its 6+-stat in June and July (.9 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+). Having doubled September’s .3 (6+) to .6 (6+) in October, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” surrenders two-tenths to .4 (6+) and stays at #17.
Debuting in July with a .2 (6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” gained
one-tenth in August; was flat in September; up one-tenth in October; and now down two-tenths in November (.4 – .2, #18 to #20, 6+).
Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE) disappeared from print in June; resurfaced in July (.2, 6+); dropped one-tenth in August; added one-tenth in both September and October; but drops one-tenth in November (.3 – .2, 6+) and is tied with KKDD at #20. Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the tenth month in a row.
Riverside Music Formats – A one-half share increase (1.5 – 2.0, 6+) elevates Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 Positive Hits” to its highest 6+-stat since March (2.0, as well). Setting the pace for the sixth successive sweep is Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” (9.5 – 9.4, -.1, 6+), which posted a gigantic +2.5 in September. A loss of four-tenths in October ended five straight increases that netted an astonishing +5.3, more than doubling its 6+-stat since April (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 9.9, 6+). This follows five sweeps in succession without an increase for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+). June 2018 marked the first time “Jose” was in the lead position since “Holiday” 2017 when it scored a 7.3 (6+). Prior to September, KLYY last reached the nine-share level (6+) in February 2017 (9.2). Recapturing two-tenths of October’s -.3 (7.2 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is anchored in the runner-up slot for the sixth month in a row. KOLA held the lead position in May with a 6.5 (6+). Its +.3 in July ended four downward trends in succession that generated a -2.1 (8.4 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). Co-owned KCAL-FM “96.7 Rocks” has lost nearly half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share as the result of six straight sweeps without an increase (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, #11 to #12, 6+). Without a gain the past six months for a collective -.6 (.7 – .6 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .1 – .1, 6+), Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXSB “Radio Lazer” picks up one tenth to .2 (#23 to #20, 6+). Down one-half share (1.8 – 1.3, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” is in one-share range (6+) for the 15th successive ratings period, but departs the top ten (#10 to #13). Entering the August sweep, iHeartMedia Spanish adult hits KFOO “La Preciosa 1440 AM” recorded a .3 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.3 – .3 – .5 – .3, 6+), before posting a +.7 to 1.0 (6+). Unlisted in September and October, it returns in November with a .1 (#23).
San Jose Spoken-Word Formats – Having logged four positive spikes in succession for a cumulative +1.3 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KGO forfeits eight-tenths to 2.2 (#13 to #17, 6+). July’s increase curtailed four successive downward sweeps for a -1.4 (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+). Flat at 1.2 (6+), co-owned news/talk KSFO progresses from #25 to #24. Its +.1 in October stymied three consecutive downward moves that resulted in the evaporation of exactly half (-1.1) of its 6+-share (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.1, 6+).
Sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” is a combined -1.2 in three straight down or flat moves (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Although flat at #26, Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game”
gains one-half share (.6 – 1.1, 6+).
Conversely, all-news sibling KCBS-AM is off by one-half share (6.2 – 5.7, 6+) and – after finishing in second-place the past three months – segues to #3. Its loss of eight-tenths in July halted four consecutive up or flat trends that netted +1.4 (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+) and its strongest 6+ (San Jose) showing since November 2017 (7.2, as well).
Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED rebounded from July and August’s -1.6 (7.5 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+) with a +.3 in September to 6.2 (6+), jumping from sixth to fourth. For the second month in a row, however, KQED is unlisted.
San Jose Music Formats – Not only is Alpha Media hot AC KEZR a collective +2.5 in October and November (4.0 – 5.1 – 6.5, 6+), “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music” vaults from eighth (September) to fifth (October) to second (November). KEZR was +.9 in three straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), before a collective -.9 in August and September (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). There is an equal amount of celebration in that Alpha Media cluster regarding classic hits-oldies KBAY, which is an overall +2.0 in October and November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.3, 6+) and “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1, reaching the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2016’s 8.0. Prior to October, the last time KBAY held the lead spot was “Holiday” 2015 – when it was an adult contemporary outlet. On the heels of October’s +1.2, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” (eighth to fourth) tacks on an additional seven-tenths to 5.1, its strongest San Jose showing in exactly one year (5.3, November 2017). Within 2.2 – 2.8 range in each of the last six sweeps (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+), rhythmic CHR sibling KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” posts a one-half share improvement to 2.9 (#16 to #12), its highest 6+-stat since April’s 3.0. An overall -2.4 as the result of three declines in succession (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” tumbles from fourth to sixth. Three increases in a row (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+) netted Bonneville-owned KUFX a collective +1.7, but “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” is now -2.1 in October and November (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.8, third to fifth, 6+). Before shifting to #3 in October, KUFX had been #1 for three straight months. Following five successive gains for an overall +2.1 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 6.1, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY is a collective -2.4 in three consecutive negative trends (6.1 – 5.4 – 4.5 – 3.7, sixth to eighth, 6+). It is the first time “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” is below a four-share (6+) since January’s 3.8. Flat at #6, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” surrenders 70% (3.8, -.7, 6+) of the +1.0 it gained in September and October (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (3.2 – 2.6, 6+) drops Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” out of the top ten (#10 to #15), while Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-programmed KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” falters by one-half share (1.7 – 1.2, #24, 6+).
Middlesex Spoken-Word Formats – The positives continue for Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5,” which is #1 for the fifth month in a row and +2.3 in six straight increases (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3, 
6+). In addition, this is its best 6+-share since January (8.3, as well). “New Jersey 101.5” was on top four ratings periods in succession before segueing to #2 in May. Without a loss for the fifth time in a row and precisely doubling (+1.7) its 6+-share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR progresses from #15 to #13. Despite being (slightly) down or flat for the fifth straight sweep for a loss of two-tenths (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+) Cumulus Media news/talk WABC improves from #24 to #23.
Returning all but two-tenths of October’s +.7 (4.2 – 3.7, -.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN dips from sixth to seventh. Its October increase ended four Middlesex-Somerset-Union decreases in succession that accounted for a -.9 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is +1.2 through five consecutive up or flat trends (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+); the flagship of the New York Jets remains at #17.
While Entercom all-news WCBS-AM gains three-tenths and enters the top twenty (#22 to #19, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS drops three-tenths (1.7 – 1.4, #24, 6+). In three upticks in a row, WCBS-AM is up eight-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+); WINS had recorded a 1.7 (6+) in each of the last six Middlesex-Somerset-Union monthlies.
An August gain of three-tenths by WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM halted five straight losses (3.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+) that accounted for a nearly 50% erosion of its 6+ share (-1.6). In September, WNYC-FM dropped two-tenths to 1.9 (6+), but it is unlisted for the second straight month.
Middlesex Music Formats – After six consecutive downward trends that resulted in an overall -1.9 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” responds with a one-half share increase to 3.4 (#17 to #13, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well are Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B” (5.1 – 5.6, steady at #3, 6+) and Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” (3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #10, 6+). WBLS registered an October 2018 – November 2018 half share increase in its home (New York City) metro, as well. In the last 11 survey periods, WKTU “103.5 KTU” has notched a 3.4 (6+) four times and a 3.3 (6+) four times; the iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR is off seven-tenths in November to 2.7 (#13 to #18, 6+). Following four increases in succession for an overall +.8 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” forfeits four-tenths to 4.5 (6+), but carries on in fifth-place. Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” is down or flat for the fifth straight time for an overall loss of nine-tenths (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0, #14 to #16, 6+). Erasing the four-tenths it gained through three straight up or (mostly) flat trends (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+) with a -.6 in November to 3.5 (flat at #7, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” has its lowest 6+ Middlesex-Somerset-Union showing since 3.3 in September 2016.
Friday, November 16, 2018
WDAE, Tampa Names ‘Ron & Ian’ Afternoon Drive Show. Longtime Tampa Bay and WDAE sports talk personality Steve Duemig focuses on his health as he continues
treatment for a brain tumor. He’ll step aside as the station names Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles hosts of the afternoon drive “Ron & Ian” show, effective Monday, November 26. This is a return to the station for the duo who exited three years ago in a programming reshuffle. Producer Jay Recher remains in the afternoon slot as a “key part of the program.” Diaz says, “The band is back together and it’s about time to rock. During the year that the show first began, the Lightning won the Stanley Cup. No pressure guys let’s do it again.” Beckles adds, “I am super excited to reunite with Ron and Jay to create the Ron & Ian show 2.0. Tampa Bay has been begging for its return, so I hope everyone is ready.”
WXYT-FM, Detroit Personality Mike Valenti to Launch Podcast on RADIO.COM. Motor City sports talk personality Mike Valenti – heard in afternoon drive on Entercom’s sports talker WXYT-FM – is the latest to launch a podcast on the
company’s digital platform RADIO.COM. Titled, “Always Aggravated,” the weekly program “is a chance for fans to go behind the scenes with Valenti and his cast of characters from his daily afternoon drive show.” Entercom Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “Mike is an extraordinary talent who is loved by Detroit sports fans. This podcast will be an extension of his show, giving fans access to an unfiltered Mike Valenti.” Valenti comments, “This podcast is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. It gives us the chance to go beyond what we are able to discuss in our daily show. Nothing is off limits and I am very excited about the opportunity to appeal to listeners around the country.”
Tennessee Won’t Prosecute Former WGOW-FM, Chattanooga Talk Host Jeff Styles. The good news for former WGOW-FM, Chattanooga morning personality Jeff Styles is that the state won’t be prosecuting him on an aggravated assault charge; the bad news is the road rage incident from last June cost him his job at the Cumulus
Media talk station. Styles testified that Nick Bullington was driving recklessly toward him and waving a gun before Styles got out of his car at a red light and attacked Bullington’s vehicle with a tomahawk. Bullington fired his weapon and Styles was hit in the arm. The case was bound to a grand jury but now the state is electing not to prosecute. The Chattanoogan reports Styles’ attorney Lee Davis told the court, “Jeff Styles called 911 after he was shot. He cooperated in the police investigation and testified in court. Jeff has done everything possible to be fully accountable for his actions. I appreciate the care and deliberation that District Attorney Neal Pinkston has taken in the review of this case. On behalf of Jeff Styles, I want to express my support and appreciation of the state’s decision after careful review to dismiss this matter.”
iHeartMedia Monthly Operating Report: September Revenue Up 9.6%. As it has
been doing while working its way through Chapter 11 reorganization, iHeartMedia files another monthly operating report with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This report – for the month of September – notes that revenue was $325.9 million, an increase of 9.6% over August’s $299.4 million figure. Operating income was down 20.6% to $62.4 million and net income was $11.9 million – down a dramatic 140% from August’s net income of $66.9 million. During September, iHeartMedia paid out $15.8 million to outside professionals assisting in the reorganization process.
TALKERS News Notes. There’s been no official communique from Entercom
Minneapolis but after seven months with the cluster, operations manager Andy Bloom exits. He’d been in charge of operations at heritage news/talk WCCO-AM, country KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9,” and adult hits KZJK “104.1 JACK FM.” Previously, Bloom had been with CBS RADIO as operations manager for sports talk WIP-FM and news/talk WPHT in Philadelphia. Bloom simply tells the Pioneer Press, “WCCO is a legendary station. I wish them luck.”…..The Boston Beasley Media Group stations are taking part in the third official “Massachusetts Civility Day” proclaimed by Governor Charlie Baker. National Civility Foundation executive director Judith Bowman says the purpose of tomorrow’s (11/17) event is “to have every person in every family, every company…consciously 
perform a random act of kindness. Day of Civility is timely given our coarse global climate and particularly fitting as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday season.”…..Pictured at left are some of the staff members of Alpha Media Alaska posing with their “Goldie Awards” from the Alaska Broadcasters Association. The cluster garnered four awards: KFDQ-AM, Anchorage’s “Big Alaska Show” for Best Radio Show; sports talk KHAR for Best Sports Play-By-Play; classic hits KEAG-FM, Anchorage for Best Radio Commercial (:30); and country KBRJ-FM for Best Radio Commercial (over :30). Pictured here are (from l-r): “Big Alaska Show” host Steve Stripling, KBRJ-FM program director Joe Campbell, Lindsey Dailey, Steven Franklin, and John Miller.
Talkin’ Turkey. KIDO, Boise morning drive personality Kevin Miller (dressed as a turkey) is pictured here broadcasting from inside a Walmart in Nampa, Idaho where he’s been living to collect turkeys for the Boise Rescue Mission. This is Miller’s eighth year living at and broadcasting from the Walmart to help the cause. With him in the photo are KTVB-TV, Boise’s Larry Gebert (left) and Boise Rescue Mission CEO Reverend Bill Roscoe (right).
CNN-White House Suit Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 12-16. CNN’s suit against the White House for the pulling of reporter Jim Acosta’s press credentials was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Florida election re-counts and the related allegations of voter fraud by President Trump. Coming in at #3 was the status of the Trump-Russia investigation, followed by the migrant caravan and U.S. illegal immigration policy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
30th Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. In New York City last night (11/15), 10 radio broadcasters were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. A number of talk personalities were enshrined, including longtime New York radio talk host Joan Hamburg, pictured above with actor Alan Alda, who introduced her, stating, “She has the ability to interview anybody with grace and good humor.” Other talk hosts enshrined were: Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, SiriusXM personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Jonathon Brandmeier, Westwood One syndicated host Mark Levin, WFAN legend Mike Francesa, and sports talker Nanci Donnellan, a.k.a., the Fabulous Sports Babe (who was unable to attend). Music radio personalities inducted included WAXQ, New York morning host Jim Kerr and Kid Kelly, along with consultant Fred Jacobs. Pictured below are (from l-r): Jacobs, Levin, Kerr, and Brandmeier.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country WQIK, Jacksonville promotes music director John Scott to program director, effective immediately. Scott will report to iHeartMedia SVP of programming Gary “Geewiz” Christopher, who says, “We are thrilled to have John transition to program director for the number one country station in Jacksonville. He understands our listeners and brings his passion and extensive knowledge of the market to this role and we know he will continue to contribute to our station’s ongoing success.” Over the past 28 years, he has served WQIK as morning show host, midday personality, and afternoon drive jock…..Entercom’s rock KISW, Seattle is presenting the fourth annual “Live Day.” This year’s event will feature broadcasts of the station’s morning show “BJ & Migs” and afternoon show “The Mens Room” in front of a live audience with no recorded commercials, sound effects or music. More than 100 performers and producers are involved in creating eight hours of completely live radio. “Live Day” will emanate from Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom on Tuesday (11/20) and feature a cast of local musicians, Foley artists and comedians, and station on-air talent including “BJ & Migs,” Ryan Castle, Taryn Daly, and talent from The Mens Room. KISW legacy talent Kathy Faulkner and Spike O’Neill will also be in attendance…..WWPR, New York-based morning show “The Breakfast Club” raised more than $200,000 during its second annual #Change4Change to benefit PROJECT 375, an organization whose mission is to raise awareness of mental health, ending the stigma and raising funds for treatment. The Breakfast Club personalities DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God worked in support of PROJECT 375, a charity co-founded by NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall and his wife Michi. PROJECT 375 offers several free community programs and resources addressing mental health such as Project Prevent, which provides technology-driven mental health first aid training for parents, teachers and anyone working closely with youth; and Mind Over Matter Talks, where members of the organization visit schools to speak with students, principals, community leaders and parents about mental health…..Bobby Bones show co-host Amy Brown is launching an iHeartRadio original podcast called “4 Things with Amy Brown,” focused on featuring “4 Things” listeners can do to promote healthy well-being and to “maintain an attitude of gratitude, while sprinkling joy and giving back in their daily lives.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott states, “Amy is an integral part of some of our most-popular Country radio programs. We’ve seen firsthand how her loyal following of fans stays connected across any and every platform, so this podcast is a natural next step.”…..Sun Broadcast Group celebrates its 10th anniversary. The national radio network is now headquartered in New York City and Boca Raton and is home to “The Country Fried Mix with DJ Sinister,” multiple nationally syndicated shows hosted by “Fitz,” “The Woody & Wilcox Show,” and Sun Latino among many others.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
KTRH, Houston’s Michael Berry Reports In; ‘Proud of Station’s Efforts.’ The radio stations that are on the air in Houston are all working around the clock to get information out to listeners, but iHeartMedia’s KTRH – the well-recognized news/talker in the market – is “the station the nation is
turning to,” according to KTRH talk show host Michael Berry. He tells TALKERS magazine his personal story as a resident of the area with a family whose job is to be at the station keeping the public informed. “We’re going through what our listeners 
are suffering also. I put my family up at the Omni Hotel. Then the Omni had to be evacuated. I was visiting our affiliate in Louisiana doing a fundraiser there. I couldn’t get back into the city due to road closures. My wife and kids had to be rescued by boat and waded in chest deep water. This is my whole world in the picture you see here – that’s my wife and my two kids on a boat driven by a good Samaritan who pulled them from the hotel and deposited them on the freeway. From there a volunteer put them in the back of a truck and drove them to high ground. Getting to be on the radio these last few days and help other people is actually cathartic. My own home flooded on the first floor and it took until today (8/28) to be able to get to see it. But despite all of this we are seeing the best of our people as we come together as a community.”
Broadcasters in Gear Raising Funds for Harvey Victims. Just a sample of the Harvey relief efforts underway at radio stations and radio groups across the country include the work of E.W. Scripps’
Milwaukee duo news/talk WTMJ and country WKTI (and sister television station WTMJ-TV) leading a fundraiser. Yesterday afternoon (8/28), the stations hosted a fundraising phone bank to collect donations for the American Red Cross. Vice president and GM for the 
Milwaukee stations, Tom Langmyer, states, “People in Wisconsin are looking for a way that they can help the victims of the Hurricane. Using the power of local media, we can combine our efforts to enable giving on a large scale and truly make a difference to support the American Red Cross.” Urban One’s Reach Media has been using its radio talent to call attention to the needs of Harvey victims. Nationally syndicated personalities including Tom Joyner, Rickey Smiley, Willie Moore Jr., Darlene McCoy, Erica Campbell, Russ Parr and Ed Lover have been interviewing people affected, news people covering the storm, and elected officials. The “Tom Joyner Morning Show” launched the BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund to provide financial support to families impacted by the storm Hurricane Harvey.
WDAE, Tampa Returns to Local Morning Show. Tampa sports talk outlet WDAE returns to live and
local mornings, dropping ESPN’s “Mike & Mike” show and sliding late morning duo Ronnie “Night Train” Lane and Tom “TKras” Krasniqi into the daypart. The iHeartMedia station fills the late morning slot with FOX Sports Radio/DirecTV’s Dan Patrick. It was just last October that the station in what was seen as a budgetary decision, let Tampa Bay Times sportswriters Rick Stroud and Tom Jones go and installed the “Mike & Mike” program.
Boston’s Emerson College the Site of Next Summer’s Radio Talent Institute. Next summer, Beasley Media Group is partnering with Xperi and Marketron Interactive and the National Radio Talent System to present the 10-day Beasley Radio Talent Institute program at Emerson College in Boston. The immersion program will bring broadcasting students together with more than 30 radio 
professionals who teach classes based on their individual areas of expertise. Session topics will range from on-air, production, news, sports, interactive to social media, engineering, promotions and sales, and includes the Radio Advertising Bureau’s “Radio Marketing Professional” certification course. WERS, Boston general manager and Emerson adjunct professor Jack Casey states, “The Radio Talent Institute builds upon the quality education students are already receiving at their academic institutions and through working at their college radio stations. We are grateful to Beasley Media Group for providing this incredible opportunity, along with other forward-thinking companies such as Xperi and Marketron Interactive.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that longtime Chicago sports talk personality Mike North has announced he’s retiring from sports talk radio. North is famous for
having been a hot dog stand owner who morphed into one of the first personalities on CBS RADIO’s sports talk WSCR. He exited “The Score” in 2008 and for a time co-hosted “FOX Sports Daybreak” with Andy Furman on the FOX Sports Radio Network. Feder reports that North told WTTW-TV, Chicago’s Phil Ponce, “I’m heading in another direction because I think the timing is right. I’m not leaving broadcasting. I’m leaving sports radio.” Read Feder’s column here…..Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch is reporting that ESPN Radio personality Ryen Russillo is serving a two-week suspension after an 
incident at a Wyoming condominium in which a drunk Russillo entered the unit of another couple and basically passed out on a bed in a state of partial undress. He was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass and ESPN reportedly says he’ll return to the air on September 5…..CBS RADIO’s all-news KNX, Los Angeles is prepping for the NFL season with its daily “Pro Football Insiders Report” that will feature five pro football experts giving their reports four times per day. Former Chargers great Dan Fouts’ reports air on Mondays, FOX broadcaster Chris Myers airs on Tuesday, former Rams star Jackie Slater’s reports air on Wednesday, broadcast pro Andrew Siciliano’s reports air on Thursdays, and Rams great Vince Ferragamo’s reports air on Fridays…..Ed Esposito is retiring from Rubber City Radio where he’s been serving as vice president/information media. Esposito handled news duties on Jeff Kinzbach’s morning program on rock WONE, Akron in addition to his responsibilities managing the news and public affairs on sister stations country WQMX, and news/talk WAKR. Esposito is also a former chair of the Radio Television Digital News Association…..SiriusXM and ESPN announce their deal to serve college sports fans via ESPNU Radio on SiriusXM. The channel launches on Thursday (8/31)…..FOX Sports Radio’s NFL insider Jay Glazer is hosting a special three-hour football season preview tomorrow (8/30) during the Doug Gottlieb show. Glazer will be joined by FOX Sports Radio host Dan Beyer. Glazer recently renewed his multi-year deal with FSR to serve as its NFL insider and he’ll appear regularly across the network’s programs…..TuneIn is offering free coverage of live play-by-play of college football all season long. TuneIn features the home and away calls of every game for more than 140 schools. This programming comes via partnerships with ESPN, FOX Sports, IMG College, JMI Sports, Learfield, and Outfront…..AdLarge Media brings Gina Suarez aboard as director of affiliate marketing and promotes Frank DeSantis to SVP of business development…..iHeartMedia news/talk KALZ, “PowerTalk 96.7 and AM1400” is serving as the official Los Angeles Chargers affiliate for Fresno and Visalia. “PowerTalk” program director Jay Bohannon states, “We’re always looking for ways for ‘Powertalk 96.7’ to diversify our programming, particularly on a stage as large as the NFL. It’s a dawn of a new era for the Chargers franchise and their fans and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
WPHT’s Chris Stigall Hosts Sharyl Attkisson at Live Event. Pictured above are WPHT, Philadelphia morning personality Chris Stigall (right) speaking with Emmy award-winning journalist and author Sharyl Attkisson (left) before a sold-out audience at the Colonial Theatre. Stigall tells TALKERS the conversation was “a blunt assessment of journalism today.” Attkisson greeted fans and signed copied of her book, The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think and How You Vote (Harper 2017).
Harvey Hammers Houston, Federal Flood Insurance Troubles, Trump’s Pardon of Joe Arpaio, North Korea’s Nuclear Threats, Trump-Russia Investigation, ‘Game of Thrones’ Finale, Mayweather-McGregor Aftermath, MLB Action, and NFL Pre-Season Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday. Houston’s challenge dealing with the effects of Harvey and the threat of more rain; the shaky state of the federal flood insurance program; reactions to President Trump’s pardon of former Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio; North Korea’s nuclear threats and the launch of a missile over Japan; the investigation into possible connections between Trump operatives and Russia including the recent allegations Trump was looking into building a Trump Tower in Moscow; the season finale of “Game of Thrones”; the aftermath of the Floyd Mayweather–Conor McGregor fight; Major League Baseball action; and NFL pre-season activity were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. WAXQ, New York morning duo Jim Kerr and Shelli Sonstein are celebrating 40 years together on the New York City airwaves. Kerr’s career began 50 years ago at the tender age of 21 hosting mornings on WPLJ. On August
29, 1977, Sonstein became Kerr’s morning drive partner. As Kerr puts it, one morning Sonstein surprised him by showing up at the WPLJ studios. “I saw this woman and I didn’t know what she was doing there. No one told me who she was and why she was there!” Sonstein says, “When people ask Jim and me when we plan to retire, we both respond the same way, ‘why would we ever want to stop doing what we love?’”…..Changes take place at Meruelo Media’s 
Los Angeles operations as rhythmic AC KDAY/KDEY program director Adrian Scott resigns and hip hop KPWR PD Jimmy Steal becomes vice president of programming for KDAY/KDEY…..Purchased from the SLC Divestiture Trust for $1.1 million by Aerostar Communications is former Simmons Media Group signal KEGH-FM, Salt Lake City. With that station come four booster signals: KEGH-FM1, Ogden; KEGH-FM2, Bountiful; KEGH-FM3, Salt Lake City; and KEGH-FM4, Provo. Aerostar is operating KEGH-FM under an LMA airing a Spanish music format…..SiriusXM is debuting a new, monthly show called “Off the Cuff,” hosted by Keith Richards’ daughter Theodora Richards. The program will feature Richards chatting with musical guests and friends such as Sean Lennon, The Rolling Stones back-up singer Lisa Fischer and musician Peter Wolf, as they “discuss their love of music, latest obsessions and biggest musical influences.” She’ll play music from a diverse range of artists such as Howlin’ Wolf, Luther Vandross, Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Dennis Prager Guests on This Week’s Harrison Podcast. Longtime Salem Radio Network radio host Dennis Prager joins Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the PodcastOne award-winning series, “Up Close and Far Out.” The two seasoned broadcasters get into an in-depth discussion about “snowflakes” and the erosion of free speech on college and
university campuses across the nation. The conversation focuses on a forthcoming documentary examining the phenomenon. The film, No Safe Spaces, currently in production and scheduled for release in 2018, features the unlikely pairing of religious scholar and conservative pundit Prager with satirist, podcaster and self-proclaimed atheist Adam Carolla. The unlikely duo has joined forces in the crowd-funded project based on their common concerns about the state of free speech on university campuses in America today. Harrison and Prager also discuss the state of religion, media, politics and raising children in today’s increasingly frenzied culture. To listen to the entire podcast, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
TALKERS News Notes. TALKERS magazine hears that WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence program director Tony Mascaro has exited the station, though there’s been no public explanation by Mascaro or station
management. It’s unclear what WPRO’s plans are for replacing Mascaro…..Today and tomorrow (6/27-
28), KHOW, Denver morning drive personality Ross Kaminsky is sitting in for Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo on his WOAI, San Antonio-based, nationally syndicated program…..In Tampa, John Mamola tweets that he’s been promoted from his APD/executive producer/online content coordinator role at iHeartMedia’s sports talk WDAE to program director. He’s been with the station for the past six years. The Chicago native previously served with CBS RADIO in the Windy City…..ABC Radio is debuting a new podcast titled “Motivated” hosted by ABC News Correspondent
Mara Schiavocampo. The podcast addresses all things health, wellness, nutrition and spirituality. ABC Radio says, “After struggling with her weight her entire life, Schiavocampo finally discovered the keys to living a healthier, happier life and losing 90 pounds along the way. She shares her journey in her bestselling weight loss memoir, Thinspired: How I Lost 90 Pounds: My Plan for Lasting Weight Loss & Self-Acceptance.
Will WFAN (and Sports Talk) Exist 30 Years from Now? Those are the questions asked by Newsday
columnist Neil Best, who reflects on the state of sports talk radio in New York as CBS RADIO’s WFAN celebrates its 30th anniversary as a sports talk station. Original WFAN staffer Suzyn Waldman says that while it’s true that social media has changed the game, two people talking is what makes sports talk radio. “It’s a person, and you can hear the feelings. And I think if you’re a host, this never goes away: If you’re on the radio, fans know immediately whether you’re full of baloney or you’re not. They can love you, they can hate you, but they know whether you’re honest. You can’t hide.” Read Best’s Newsday piece here.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Begin Posting Today (6/27). The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and, beginning today (6/27), its sessions will be posted to Talkers.com starting with the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor. Tomorrow (6/28), the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke will be posted. On Thursday (6/29) the “Fireside Chat” between Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity will be posted. Closing out the week on Friday (6/30) the “Fireside Chat” between Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa will be posted. Within the following weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
WILK-AM/FM, Wilkes-Barre’s L.A. Tarone Dies at 58. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton talk show host Louis Alfred Tarone, a.k.a. L.A. Tarone, died at age 58 on Sunday (6/25) after a 19-month battle with lung cancer. Tarone hosted the afternoon drive show on the Entercom news/talk station during the last two years. He’d also worked during his career as a reporter for the Hazleton Standard-Speaker.
SCOTUS Travel Ban Ruling, GOP Health Care Plan, CNN Journos Resign After Retracted Story, U.S. Warns Syria on Chemical Attack, Changes at Pandora, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/26). The Supreme Court’s ruling allowing a portion of President Donald Trump’s travel ban from seven predominantly Muslim nations to take effect; analysis of the GOP’s proposed overhaul of the Affordable Care Act; the resignation of three CNN journalists after the news organization retracts a Trump official-Russia connection story; the White House warns Syria’s Bashar al Assad on threats of new chemical weapons attack; the recent investment in Pandora by SiriusXM and Pandora CEO Tim Westergren’s decision to step down from that post; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Seattle rhythmic oldies outlet KHTP “HOT 103.7” announces the addition of Seattle radio pro Eric Power as program director and afternoon drive personality plus
the addition of award-winning rap artist Anthony Ray, a.k.a. Sir Mix-A-Lot to serve as morning drive personality. Both start July 5. Entercom Seattle VP of programming and operations Dave Richards comments, “We’re so excited to 
have Eric Powers on board to lead ‘HOT 103.7.’ He is the guy who made all the songs ‘HOT 103.7’ now play, hits in the first place. With two local Seattle icons, Sir Mix-A-Lot in mornings and Powers in afternoons, ‘HOT 103.7’ is ready to launch into the next stratosphere.”…..Two promotions take place at Cumulus Media’s hot AC WRQX, Washington, DC. First, midday
personality and music director Ashley Nickels adds assistant program director duties, and the station ups part-timer Seth King to permanent evening host, handling the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart. Nickels has been with the station since she joined from KDND, 
Sacramento in 2014. King became a WRQX personality after working on air at CHR WXXX, Burlington, Vermont…..Midday air personality Sunni moves to mornings at CBS RADIO’s hip hop WPGC, Washington. She becomes part of the “Joe Clair Morning Show” after six years with the station. CBS Washington VP of programming Steve Davis states, “Sunni is the perfect fit for the ‘Joe
Clair Morning Show’ and we are incredibly fortunate she wanted to get up early and make the transition to mornings…..The Cromwell Group names Tara Nickerson general manager for its eight-station Decatur, Illinois cluster. Nickerson rises from the programming and operations ranks with Cromwell to lead the cluster, taking over for Chris Bullock…..Tim Westergren officially exits the CEO role at Pandora. The company announces that chief financial officer Naveen Chopra will serve as interim CEO…..Alpha Media country WFLS, Fredericksburg, Virginia is honored with three Reader’s Choice awards from the local Discover magazine. The station took home 1st Place awards for Favorite Radio Station, Favorite Local Radio Personality – Steve Waters and Jessica Cash, and Favorite Weather and Traffic on Radio.
MIW and Nielsen Music Unveil Mentoring Program. The Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio Group executive committee and Nielsen Music announce a collaborative effort to open doors for women 
interested in management positions in music broadcast programming across the country. The MIW-Nielsen Music Mentoring Program matches a female programming candidate with key mentors from both the MIW Radio Group and Nielsen Music to sharpen her programming and professional skills and further her career in music programming. MIW Group executive committee member and Presslaff Interactive Revenue president Ruth Presslaff says, “Improving the number of women in programming has been on our radar for several years. With the generous support of Nielsen Music, the MIW Group is now keenly focused on the challenge of increasing the percentage of growth in this vitally important sector. We are so appreciative of Nielsen Music’s backing in this endeavor.”
Friday, February 24, 2017
E.W. Scripps Reports Q4 Financials; Radio Division Dips 1%. Television is a much bigger business for E.W. Scripps – as is evidenced by the $233 million in Q4 revenue from TV versus the $18.8 million from radio during the same period. The company’s radio revenue was down just a bit – 1% compared to the same period in 2015. But profit in the radio division was up 7.4% due to the fact that expenses dipped from $15.2 million in Q4 of 2015 to $14.6 million in 2016.
Talk Media Icon, Alan Colmes, Dead at 66. In what comes as shocking news to the world’s talk media community, longtime radio broadcaster, talk show host, and political pundit Alan Colmes passed away in New York City Thursday morning (2/23) after bravely battling an illness for the past several months. Colmes, who began his stellar radio career as a teenager on such Long Island stations as WGBB, Freeport and WGSM, Huntington went on to star on the legendary outlets WABC, WNBC, WHN, WMCA, WEVD in New York. His career also included stints at WNHC, New Haven as well as WZLX and WEZE in Boston. Colmes was a pioneer in the modern talk radio syndication industry launching the seminal Daynet with Barry Farber in the early 1990s. He also played a role in the developing NYC comedy scene as a successful stand-up comic during the 1980s. Colmes joined Fox News Channel in 1996 where he co-hosted the legendary program “Hannity & Colmes” with Sean Hannity until the end of 2008. He had continued on the channel since then as an in-house contributing commentator and hosted a nightly syndicated radio program on Fox News Radio. For the past two years he had also been in development with TalkersRadio of an experimental program titled “Healed Planet” that explored one of his personal passions, the subject of the human consciousness movement. Colmes was a graduate of Hofstra University and a charter inductee into its radio station, WRHU’s Hall of Fame. More information and details to come. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who has known Colmes since their days together at Hofstra and Long Island stations, states, “Alan Colmes was one of the greatest radio performers and talk media personalities of our time. Yet, there is so much about his talent and personality that people don’t know. He was a man of impeccable character and generosity with talents that extended way beyond the frame of reference in which he was primarily cast in the public’s view. This is a devastating loss.” Colmes’ longtime FNC partner Sean Hannity issues the following statement: “The Fox family, Dr. Jocelyn Colmes, Monica Crowley and I personally have lost one of life’s most decent, kind and wonderful people you’d ever want to meet. When Alan and I started ‘Hannity and Colmes,’ there wasn’t a day that went by where we didn’t’ say we were two most fortunate men in all television. Despite major political differences, we forged a deep friendship. Alan, in the midst of great sickness and illness, showed the single greatest amount of courage I’ve ever seen. And through it all, he showed his incredible wit and humor that was Alan’s signature throughout his entire life. I’m truly heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jocelyn, Monica and his entire family. He will be dearly missed.” Fox News is providing a video package of Colmes’ work for the organization. See it here. Cumulus Media‘s New York City heritage news/talker 77WABC posted an audio tribute to Colmes that you can hear here.
Kinosian: An Interview with Alan Colmes. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian dug into his files to retrieve a piece he wrote years ago on talk radio and talk TV star Alan Colmes. With Colmes’ passing on Thursday (2/23), TALKERS hopes this illuminating piece delving into his media mind will not only help pay tribute to the multi-talented broadcaster, but give those who didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him personally a better idea of what he was all about. Read it here.
KXTG, Portland Names ‘The Irregular Guys’ Afternoon Show. At Alpha Media’s Portland sports talker
KXTG “750/102.9 The Game,” the duo of Justin Myers and Noah “Chop” Homsley assume the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot. Chop previously was partnered with Fletcher Johnson in the afternoon daypart. Myers is an Oregon native who worked in the market until heading north to Seattle to host middays at KIRO-AM “710 ESPN” and Mariners pre- and post-game programming. Chop has worked in the Portland market since 1997.
Norden Named SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia Tampa. At the Tampa station group, iHeartMedia announces Pete Norden moves from his market president role at the company’s Sarasota operations to Tampa where he’s now SVP of sales. iHeartMedia operates news/talk WFLA, talk WHNZ, sports talk WDAE, CHR WFLZ, country WFUS, hip hop WBTP, hot AC WMTX, rock WXTB, and Spanish WRUB. iHeartMedia area president for Tampa Bay Sam Nein comments, “We are very excited about adding Pete to our team. Pete has an established track record of performance success, is a great leader and will be a very strong addition to our team!”
Trump Immigration Policy/Sweden Comments Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 20-24. The Trump Administration’s re-issued travel order, its deportation policy and President Donald Trump’s comments about immigrant crime in Sweden tied for the most-talked-about story of the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Coming in at #2 was Trump’s reversal of the Obama Administration’s transgender bathroom order. At #3 was the recent boisterous GOP town hall meetings, and following at #4 was the retaking of Mosul from ISIS. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It’s published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. Radio syndication and sales rep unit Westwood One announces the addition of four new podcasts with which it is partnering. The company is providing exclusive ad sales representation for NBC Sports Radio’s “The Leisuremen,” featuring personalities Paul Pabst and Andrew Perloff; political website The Daily Wire’s two podcasts from Ben Shapiro and Andrew Klavan; and “Entrepreneurs En Vogue,” featuring Miss New York US, Iman Oubou. WW1 says advertisers will have access to endorsements, live reads, pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll advertisements as well as multi-platform opportunities across Westwood One’s robust content offering – broadcast, digital and social…..At Pittsburgh pubcaster Community Broadcasting, Maria Gabriel Scapellato is named the new local host of WESA’s airing of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” Scapellato has been serving with CBS RADIO at crosstown news/talk KDKA-AM as a part-time reporter and anchor…..At next month’s SXSW, Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and iHeartRadio are partnering for a day of live podcast performances on March 14. SXSW attendees will be able to watch programs being produced at The Capital Factory – a “cool co-working space” that’s an easy walk from the Austin Convention Center. Programs taking part include: “Mortified,” from Radiotopia; “Intercepted,” from First Look Media; “CRYBABIES,” from Earwolf; “Another Round,” from BuzzFeed; “Dinner Party Download,” from APM; “Wrongful Conviction,” from reVolver Podcasts; and “Found,” from Wondery.
Great Talk Radio Producer Gig Available. Legendary heritage talker, WRKO in Boston, is seeking an on-air producer to lead its Boston Dot Com morning show. They are looking for a leader — someone who can come in each day and put together a compelling, four-hour show that addresses what’s happening in the world from the conservative viewpoint. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years medium-to-major market experience in an on-air host and/or producer role. You should be fully engaged in social media, and ideally a political/entertainment junkie. You should have an understanding as to how to relate to a conservative audience, but at the same time appealing to the masses. Experience coaching and developing talent is a plus. Familiarity with Wide Orbit (or other digital automation systems), Audition and/or Pro Tools, Photoshop, and video editing software are required. Please send your package, including resume, on-air/imaging/production demo, and your philosophy on morning radio, to program director Michael Czarnecki at mczarnecki@wrko.com. You must also apply on-line at entercom.com.
KGO, San Francisco Rising Star Ethan Bearman Guests This Week on Harrison Podcast. One of talk radio’s brightest rising stars, Ethan Bearman, who hosts the daily 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm midday show on Cumulus Media’s heritage KGO, San Francisco, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Bearman, an extremely articulate Gen Xer, discusses the differences and
similarities between the Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials as well as the societal impact of this era’s rapidly accelerating technological change. Harrison and Bearman cast a wide net, peering as far as 100 years into the future and covering such topics as self-driving cars, nano chip implantation in the human brain and Donald Trump’s obsession with the media. Not to be missed. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Columbus, North American Broadcasting Company’s rock
WRKZ “99.7 The Blitz” re-ups with morning show “Loper and Randi in the Morning” to keep the show with the station through 2021. The married duo has been hosting mornings on the station for the past five years…..The iHeartRadio Music Awards will honor Bruno Mars with its 2017 iHeartRadio Innovator 
Award at the awards show on March 5 at the Forum in Los Angeles. iHeartMedia president of Entertainment Enterprises John Sykes states, “We are proud to have Bruno join Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, and U2 in the elite group of iHeartRadio Innovators. From the start of his career Bruno has been fearless in his approach to all things creative. This award was made for him.”…..The National Association of Broadcasters announces the 50 finalists for this year’s 30th Annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards. The NAB Crystal Radio Awards recognize radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. The 10 winners will be announced at the NAB Radio Luncheon on Tuesday, April 25 during the 2017 NAB Show in Las Vegas. See the 50 nominees here…..Envision Networks congratulates
Jackie Kajzer, host of the nationally syndicated heavy metal show “Full Metal Jackie,” on her being named Metal Programmer of the Year at the 2017 RadioContraband Awards. Kajzer says, “I am honored to win such a great award in an area that is not only my job but an area I’m super passionate about. I love playing hard rock and metal on the radio and supporting this genre I live for. Thanks to the many great stations that carry my show.”
Round Three of January PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s January 2017 survey period covered January 5 – February 1. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Portland – Despite a robust “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 -6.7 (15.3 – 8.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” is #1 for the 32nd time in the last 34 ratings periods. December 2016’s +2.1 to 9.8 (6+)
concluded the station’s September-October-November mini-slide (8.6 – 7.8 – 7.7, 6+). With nearly seven shares from “K-103” up for grabs, country emerges in good shape with Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull #1 For New Country” increasing by nine-tenths (4.2 #12 to #10, 6+) and Entercom’s KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” showing a +.7 to jump from fifth to third (6+). This ends three straight decreases for “The Bull” (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.3, 6+) that resulted in a combined -1.8, while “The Wolf” has its third consecutive gain for a net +1.1 (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.8, 6+). Among spoken-word outlets, Oregon 
Public Broadcasting’s KOPB adds one full-share after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016 (7.6 – 6.9 – 7.9, #2, 6+) and is just seven-tenths behind “K-103.” Alpha Media talker KXL, -.6 in “Holiday” 2016, bounces back with a +.8 (4.7 – 4.1 – 4.9, eighth to sixth, 6+). Declining by -1.3 (6+) in “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia-owned KLTH “Portland’s Classic Hits Station 106.7 The Eagle” recaptures all but three-tenths of that loss (5.6 – 4.3 – 5.3, +1.0, 6+), remaining at #4. Down seven-tenths since September (5.8 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+), “The Eagle” was +.5 in December. Following six straight negative trends for a
collective -1.9 (3.6 – 3.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), co-owned rhythmic CHR KXJM “JAM’N 107.5” is +.6 to 2.3, moving from a three-way tie at #19 to #16 (6+). Similarly-formatted KWEE “WE 96.3 Portland’s Real Hip-Hop Station” adds six-tenths as well (1.5 – 2.1, 6+) and the Alpha Media property cracks the top 20 (#22 to #18). Also gaining six-tenths, in addition to KXJM and KWEE, are iHeartMedia CHR KKRZ “Z-100” (3.8 – 4.4, #11 to #8, 6+) and Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” (3.3 – 3.9, flat at #12, 6+). Tied with “Z-100” at #8 is Alpha Media’s KBFF “Live 95.5 The Station That Sounds Like Portland,” which is +.4 to 4.4 (6+), thus halting four straight down or flat trends (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+) for a collective -1.4. Following six consecutive months without a decrease for a combined +1.4 since April 2016 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” dropped two-tenths in November; lost one full-share in December; and was +1.4 in “Holiday” 2016. The Entercom adult hits facility, however, erodes by -1.5 in January 2017 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.1 – 5.5 – 4.0, 6+), freefalling from #3 to #11. Unchanged at #14, classic rock cluster-mate KGON is without an increase for the eighth straight sweep for a combined -1.7 since June (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+).
2) Charlotte – Owing to a -7.4 to 4.9 (6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC sees its successive string of upward trends – which netted a +8.8 – end at three (3.5 – 4.3 – 5.9 – 12.3, 6+), as “K-104.7” drifts from first to seventh. Jumping from third to first is iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which posts a +.8 to 7.2 
(6+), halting a string of three straight downward moves that yielded a -1.5 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). After freefalling by -1.2, country sibling WKKT “96.9 The Kat” more than makes up for it with a +1.7 (5.2 – 4.0 – 5.7, 6+), rocketing from eighth to third. In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed its
format rival, Beasley Media Group’s WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits,” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). That margin has been sliced to seven-tenths as second-ranked “Country’s Hottest Hits” sputters by seven-tenths (7.0 – 6.3, 6+). Off by six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, University Radio Foundation’s WFAE is up by twice that margin in January 2017 (3.4 – 2.8 – 4.0, +1.2, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #10). Prior to “Holiday” 2016, WFAE was 3.4 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps. By improving by +1.1 (2.5 – 3.6, 6+), Davidson College-owned classical WDAV leaps from #16 to a three-way tie at #11. Advancing by eight-tenths each are Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link Charlotte’s Best Mix” (4.8, steady at #8, 6+) and Beasley Media Group CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” (3.8 – 4.6, tenth to ninth, 6+). Prior to January 2017 results, the most recent (6+) trending for “The Link” was 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.0. The third straight gain for WRCM “K-LOVE” is by six-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+) as the Educational 
Media Foundation contemporary Christian inches up from #18 to #17. Rebounding from December’s loss of one-half share (2.7 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WEND “106.5 The End Charlotte’s New Rock Alternative” adds one-half share to the +.6 in “Holiday” 2016 (2.2 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+), yet backslides from #13 to #15. Dropping by seven-tenths each are Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “Old School 105.3” (6.2 – 5.5, fifth, 6+) and iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake We Play Anything” (#7 to #11, 6+). After posting a +1.9 in December to move from sixth to the top spot, “Old School 105.3” dropped eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2016 and fell to fourth. Meanwhile, “The Lake” has its fourth straight negative trend for a combined -1.5 (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+).
3) Pittsburgh – On top in October 2016, November, and December, iHeartMedia rocker WDVE plummeted by two full-shares in “Holiday” 2016, dropping to third (10.4 – 8.4, 6+). Powered by a +1.6 to an even 10.0 (6+) in January 2017, however, WDVE returns to the top spot, where it dislodges classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “3WS”
(13.7 – 9.3, -4.4, 6+), which segues to #2. In “Holiday” 2016, WWSW was up by +4.4 to 13.7, its strongest 6+-showing since 14.2 in “Holiday” 2015, and back in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September. In addition to WDVE, Steel City Radio adult hits WRRK “Bob” notches 
a +1.6 as well (6.9 – 8.5, fourth to third, 6+). Within 7.0 – 7.9 range (6+) April through December, “Bob” was off by one full-share in “Holiday” 2016. A gain of four-tenths to 4.5 (6+, “Holiday” 2016) by CBS Radio‘s KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” halted three consecutive declines that accounted for a cumulative -3.5 (7.6 – 6.5 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+). In January 2017, “The Fan” adds a +1.2 (4.5 – 5.7, 6+) to progress from eighth to sixth. Improving by six-tenths and one-half share,
respectively, are iHeartMedia CHR WKST (6.7 – 7.3, fifth to fourth, 6+) and CBS Radio hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7 Plays The Hits” (4.1, tenth to ninth, 6+). The latter ends three straight dips (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). A combined +5.7 in December 2016 and “Holiday” by Renda Broadcasting’s WSHH to 12.4, its strongest 6+-stat since it returned to print in April 2016, ended three straight down or flat trends between August and November that resulted in a one-half share loss (6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+). Adult contemporary “Wish 99.7” surrenders a -5.1 (12.4 – 7.3, 6+) as it slides from second to fourth. For the eighth straight ratings period, iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “The X at 105.9” (3.5 – 3.7, +.2, 6+) is at #11, while Steel City Media hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” (2.8 – 2.9, +.1, 6+) is in 2.1 – 2.9 range for the eighteenth consecutive time and continues at #12. Absent from print for roughly two and a half years, classical WQED returns at #15 (1.5, -.7, 6+).
4) Sacramento – Swapping places at the top are iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK (7.9 – 8.7, +.8, second to first, 6+) and CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96” (13.0 – 8.2, -4.8, first to second, 6+). Going into the “Holiday” 
2016 sweep, “Mix” ranked third the previous five sweeps. A combined +2.4 in November 2016 and December 2016, “Mix” was +5.2 in “Holiday” 2016. Meanwhile, KFBK is at #1 after six straight times in the runner-up slot. Recent (6+) fluctuations for KFBK include +.8 (August 2016); -1.4 (September 2016); +1.2 (October 2016); -.7 (November 2016) +.7 (December
2016); and +.8 (January 2017). Other spoken-word outlets making noteworthy gains in the “Big Tomato” include KFBK cluster-mate KSTE which recaptures the -1.4 from “Holiday” 2016 (2.5 – 3.9, +1.4, #12 to #8, 6+); Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ (3.2 – 4.0, +.8, ninth to seventh, 6+); and CBS Radio’s KHTK “Sports 1140” (1.5 – 2.0, +.5, flat at #20, 6+). Locked on 3.9 (6+) in November and December KSTE faltered by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. Improving by one-half share are Entercom classic rock KSEG “The Eagle” (7.7, #3, 6+); co-owned KKDO “Radio 94.7 
Sacramento’s Alternative” (3.0, #12 to #11, 6+); and CBS Radio’s KNCI “New Country 105.1 FM,” regaining the -.5 from “Holiday” 2016 (5.5 – 5.0 – 5.5, unchanged at #4, 6+). Having spent 11 consecutive months at #1 before slipping to #3 in “Holiday” 2016, “The Eagle” concludes five negative trends in the last six ratings periods – including the previous three for a combined -2.4 (9.6 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+). “Radio 94.7 Sacramento’s Alternative” followed October’s 2.9 (6+) with three straight 2.5 (6+) showings. Up four-tenths to 2.5 (6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KQJK “93.7 Jack FM” (#16 to #13, 6+) pulls the plug on six consecutive sweeps without an increase for a -1.2 (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” (3.9 – 3.3, #10, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned rhythmic CHR KSFM (#10 to #16, 6+), which is without an increase for the fourth straight time (3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+).
5) San Antonio – Stuck on 5.2 (6+) in November and December, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Estereo Latino 92.9” improves by a combined +2.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January 2017 (6.2 – 7.4, 6+) to progress from the runner-up slot to #1. There it supplants iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9 San Antonio’s
Best Variety” (11.8 – 5.2, 6+), which spirals from first to sixth. Following a December gain of +1.5 to 4.8 (6+), KQXT added +5.5 to 10.3 (6+). Conversely, co-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” regains all of the -1.4 from “Holiday” 2016 and two-tenths more (5.4 – 4.0 – 5.6, +1.6, 6+) to vault from ninth to fourth. It trails Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted 
KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” (5.7, +.3, fourth to third, 6+) by one-tenth. In three straight downward trends (7.5 – 7.1 – 5.8 – 54, 6+), “Y-100” was a combined -2.1. The five latest (6+) fluctuations for classic hits-oldies sibling KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” are October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; and now January 2017’s +1.1 (5.8 – 6.9, third to second, 6+). “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” departed the top spot in October after nine straight sweeps there. In eight straight monthlies without an increase, co-owned KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” was down by a combined -1.4 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+) before its +.8 to 4.1 in January 2017 (#12 to
#10, 6+). A loss of nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2016 by WOAI curtailed three consecutive gains (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+) which netted seven-tenths, but the iHeartMedia talker hangs out a +.7 (4.9 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+) to climb from ninth to eighth. Posting increases of six-tenths are Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack FM” (3.6 – 4.2, #11 to #9, 6+); regional Mexican sibling KSAH (2.6 – 3.2, #15 to #14, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR (.9 – 1.5, #21, 6+). “Jack” was -.7 in “Holiday” 2016; KSAH was -.5. After advancing by eight-tenths, iHeartMedia’s KZEP “Hot 104.5” forfeits all but one-tenth (1.7 – 2.5 – 1.8, -.7, #17 to #20, 6+). Off by seven-tenths as well is Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 Today’s Best Music” (3.8, #7 to #12, 6+), whose 6+ September through “Holiday” 2016 trends are 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5. Owing to a -.4 to (4.8, 6+), Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” (sixth to seventh, 6+) snaps at three its string of consecutive gains which netted a combined +1.2 (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+).
6) Cincinnati – Not only does WGRR with a +.8 end four successive down or flat sweeps that produced a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+), the Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet marches from second to first, where it had 
been for four straight months prior to the “Holiday” 2016 sweep. The station that displaced WGRR from #1 this time last month – co-owned adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” – erodes by roughly 54% (11.7 – 5.4, -6.3, 6+) and freefalls to sixth. In five straight improvements since August, “Warm 98” gained nearly seven full-shares (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 6.3 – 11.7, 6+). Following three consecutive negative trends that accounted for a -3.2 (8.5 – 7.9 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+) Hubbard Radio country outlet WUBE “B-105” recoups nearly half that deficit with a +1.5 to 6.8 (fifth to third, 6+). Trending .9 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.1 (6+), co-owned and similarly formatted WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” busts out a +.8 to 1.9 (6+), inching up from #18 to #16. Advancing by eight-tenths as well are hot AC sibling WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (5.5 – 6.3, flat at #4, 6+) and Cumulus Media classic rocker WOFX “The Fox” (3.8 – 4.6, tenth to seventh, 6+); “Q-102” was -1.3 in
“Holiday” 2016 and off by one-half share in December. Spoken-word stations improving significantly in January 2017 include iHeartMedia siblings WLW (7.8 – 8.4, +.6, third to second, 6+) and WKRC 
(4.8 – 5.6, +.8, sixth to fifth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2016, WLW was -.9 and WKRC was -1.2. One of the longest consecutive streaks without a decrease carries on as Radio One’s urban-rhythmic oldies WDBZ “Soul 101.5” (#19 to #17) is a combined +1.5 since April 2016 (0.2 – 0.3 – 0.4 – 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.7 – 0.8 – 0.9 – 1.0 – 1.7, 6+). Unchanged at #15, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” picks up one-tenth to 2.0 (6+), ending six straight downward trends that yielded a -1.5 (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Up by one-half share are co-owned WFTK “96 Rock” (2.9, #14 to #13, 6+), which had been down the past four sweeps for a -.9 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.4, 6+), and Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” (3.9 – 4.4, ninth to eighth, 6+). WFTK’s format foe, iHeartMedia’s WEBN, is down two full-shares as a result of five straight declines (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+) and skids from seventh to tenth.
7) Cleveland – After not having an increase in four straight ratings periods for a -.6 (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), Radio One urban AC WZAK is a cumulative +1.9 in “Holiday” 2016 and January 2017 (6.3 – 7.6 – 8.2, 6+), leaping
from eighth to fourth to second. Spiking by +1.3 each are iHeartMedia siblings WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s Country” (6.0 – 7.3, seventh to third, 6+) and WMMS “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” (4.5 – 5.8, #11 to #9, 6+). From October through December, WGAR trended 7.9 – 7.7 – 7.9 (6+) but spiraled by -1.9 to 6.0 in “Holiday” 2016. Entering the December sweep, WMMS was without a decrease in the previous five ratings periods for a collective +2.3 (4.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 
– 5.8 – 6.5, 6+). It coughed up 1.3 shares of that gain in December and regressed by another seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. Rising by one-half share is talk cluster-mate WTAM (5.4 – 5.9, seventh, 6+). In November, the Cleveland Indians flagship recorded a massive +2.7 to 9.1, its most potent 6+-share since May 2012 when it reached 9.8; it sunk by three full-shares in December and seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. Eight consecutive up or flat trends for Ideastream’s WCPN (steady at #13) – including January 2017’s +1.1 – produce a combined +1.8 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.8, 6+). Following four consecutive fluctuations of one-half share – three in the negative direction (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.8 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+) – CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK “Star 102” notched a +3.6 to 10.4 (6+) and took over at #1. After just one sweep though, “Star” (10.4 – 6.2, -4.2, 6+) flounders to #6. It gives way to iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI, even though “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” is down by -1.3 (9.8 – 8.5, second to first, 6+). Prior to December’s +.1, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” was off by nearly three full-shares in three straight downward trends (11.5 – 10.8 – 9.6 – 8.6, 6+) and slipped to #2. September’s -.7 ended five straight gains for a cumulative +1.2 (10.3 – 10.7 – 10.9 – 11.3 – 11.4 – 11.5, 6+) and marked the first time in the previous 17 ratings periods that WMJI was not in double-digits (6+). It departed the penthouse after ten successive sweeps there; WMJI was +1.1 in “Holiday” 2016. The yoyo effect continues for adult hits sibling WHLK “The Lake.” Three straight downward trends in September, October, and November accounted for a -2.4 (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+). “The Lake” rebounded in December with a +1.8, but is a collective -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016 and January 2017 (8.3 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+) as it slips from third to fifth. November 2016’s 6.5 was the weakest 6+-performance for “The Lake” since June 2012 (6.1). Surrendering one-half share in each of the last two ratings periods (6.4 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ slumps from eighth to tenth; “Z-107.9” was +.9 in December 2016. Ever-consistent CBS Radio-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (3.8 – 4.2, +.4, 6+) remains anchored at #12 – where it’s been since February 2016.
8) Salt Lake City – It is the quintessential ratings case of “what goes up must come down” as Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” says goodbye to 12.3 shares (20.6 – 8.3, 6+) and – after three straight sweeps at #1 – shifts to #2. It was truly a monumental accomplishment for KSFI to have shattered the 20-share barrier in “Holiday” 2016. Over and above that, until January’s -12.3, “FM 100.3” didn’t have a
decrease since April (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with a staggering +15.3 shares. Swapping places with KSFI is talk cluster-mate KSL (6.8 – 8.9, second to first, 6+), whose five most recent (6+) fluctuations are +2.0 (October 2016), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), -1.5 (“Holiday” 
2016); and +2.1 (January 2017). Another talk outlet – iHeartMedia’s KNRS – erases its -.8 in “Holiday” 2016 with a +1.0 (4.6 – 3.8 – 4.8, 6+) to climb from seventh to sixth. Making similar jumps of one full-share are co-owned CHR KZHT “97.1 Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.4 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+); Cumulus Media country-formatted KUBL “K-Bull 93” (4.3, ninth to eighth, 6+); and Brigham Young University classical KBYU (3.1, #17 to #12, 6+). KZHT was -1.9 in “Holiday” 2016, while “K-Bull 93” had faltered for five consecutive months and was a combined -2.2 since August (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). As for KBYU, it was frozen on 2.5 (6+) in October and November and then on 2.1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2016. Having declined by a combined -1.5 in December and “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KODJ “Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” bounces back with a +1.3 (4.3 – 3.3 – 4.6, 6+) and advances ninth to seventh. When KODJ notched a +.3 in November, it curtailed four consecutive declines (6.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+) for a cumulative loss of -2.1. A +.7 to 3.3 (6+) by Broadway Media’s KXRK “X-96 Utah’s Original Alternative” (#13 to #11) applies the brakes to five consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.1 (3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Off by one-half share in “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My 99.5” rebounds with a +.6 (2.3 – 2.9, 6+), climbing from #16 to #14. After tumbling by nine-tenths, Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE “B-98.7” recaptures one-half share (1.9 – 2.4, 6+) to shift from #19 to #15. Prior to “Holiday” 2016, “B-98.7” had not had a decrease in the previous five ratings periods (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Stuck on 1.4 (6+) in November 2016 and December, Broadway Media-owned KEGA “101.5 The Eagle Utah’s Best Country” gained one full-share in “Holiday” 2016 – only to surrender all of it plus one-tenth in January 2017 (1.4 – 2.4 – 13, 6+), dropping from #15 to #20.
9) Las Vegas – Five consecutive up or flat trends generated a +8.3 for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+). Even though all but one share of that increase is wiped out (14.0 – 6.7, -7.3, 6+), “Sunny 106.5” remains at #1. Following three straight downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), “Sunny” was +.7 in
September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 straight monthlies before July. A +1.4 (4.3 – 5.7, 6+) elevates Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” from fifth to third. Improving by +1.2 are CBS Radio hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” (5.1, sixth to fourth, 6+) and Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF (5.0, seventh to sixth, 6+). Ironically, both “Mix” (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+) and KISF (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+) were 
without increases in the past four sweeps. Carrying on at #2, Beasley Media Group’s KKLZ rebounds from a -1.8 in “Holiday” 2016 with a +1.0 (6.6 – 4.8 – 5.8, 6+). Prior to advancing to #1 in July 2016 – and remaining there in August and September – KKLZ was in the runner-up slot for six straight months; 7.4 in August was its best 6+-showing in over four years (7.5, July 2012). For the fifth consecutive time – and generating a cumulative +1.7 – iHeartMedia adult hits KYMT “93.1 The Mountain We Play Everything” (#18 to #13, 6+) shows an increase (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 3.1, 6+). Dialing up a +.7 are country sibling KWNR “95.5 The Bull” (4.4 – 5.1, steady at #4, 6+); Lotus Broadcasting classic rock KXPT “97.1 The Point” (3.6 – 4.3, ninth to seventh, 6+); Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” (2.4 – 3.1, #17 to #13, 6+); and Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR (2.7, #21 to #16, 6+). Prior to January 2017, “The Point” was a combined -2.7 in four straight negative trends (6.3 – 5.9 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+). From August through “Holiday” 2016, KNPR was trending 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 (6+). Gaining six-tenths each are CBS Radio-owned KLUC “Las Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” (3.7 – 4.3, eighth to seventh, 6+) and Lotus’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” (3.1 – 3.7, #12 to #10, 6+). After three straight ratings
periods without an increase for a combined -1.3 (4.5 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), CBS Radio rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” (unchanged at #10, 6+) gains one-half share to 3.7 (6+). Alternative sibling KXTE “X-107.5,” however, falters by eight-tenths (3.0 – 2.2, 6+), dropping from #15 to #19. Sputtering by six-tenths are talk cluster-mate KXNT and Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “Radio For Life” both spiraling from #12 to #17 and Lotus Spanish adult hits KWID (4.5 – 3.9, third to ninth, 6+). As a result of five successive gains (1.4 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), KXNT had more than doubled its 6+-share, while “Radio For Life” erodes by approximately 54% in five successive down or flat sweeps (5.4 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5, 6+).
10) Kansas City – Notwithstanding that it drops one-half share (9.0 – 8.5, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KCFX “The Fox” replaces classic hits-oldies sibling KCMO-FM “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” (10.8 – 7.8, -3.0, 6+) at #1. On top from May 2016 through September and then in December 2016, “The Fox” had five
straight up-trends prior to January’s -.5 for a cumulative +1.8 (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+). By dropping two-tenths in August, it closed four successive up or flat monthlies yielding a +1.5 (5.9 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). Before a loss of three-tenths in November 2016, KCMO-FM registered four straight progressive trends (5.3 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 8.1, 6+) for a collective +1.8. Improving by eight-tenths and seven-tenths, respectively, are Entercom talk siblings KMBZ-FM (seventh to 
fourth, 6+) and KMBZ-AM (2.4 – 3.1, unchanged at #17, 6+). It is the fourth straight increase for KMBZ-FM for a cumulative +1.2 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+). Off a combined eight-tenths since November (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri-owned KCUR retrieves all but one-tenth to advance from #14 to #11 (3.9, +.7, 6+).
Continuing in the spoken-word genre and progressing by seven-tenths as well is Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” (2.7 – 3.4, 6+), which climbs from #16 to #15. When KFKF entered the December 2016 sweep, it did so with four straight up or flat trends netting a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+); however, “Country 94.1” was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3- 3.6, 6+). The Steel City Media outlet regains one-half share (4.3 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+) and jumps from #11 to #9, where it is tied with co-owned/similarly-programmed KBEQ “Q-104 #1 For New Country” (3.8 – 4.1, +.3, unchanged at #9). Leaping from #11 to #3 in “Holiday” 2016 with a 7.0 – the best 6+-share since the 7.6 it notched in “Holiday 2015 – adult contemporary cluster-mate KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” regresses by -2.6 (7.0 – 4.4, 6+) and shifts to #7.
11) Orlando – In tandem with a +.9 by iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100.3” (11.6 – 12.5, second to first, 6+) and a -7.6 by co-owned adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” (16.1 – 8.5, first to second, 6+), the two wind up trading places. This represents the highest 6+-share in the PPM-history of “Rumba 100.3,” which had been
on top in October 2016, November and December before being dislodged by “Magic.” WRUM was a combined +2.5 in November and December as it reached 12.1 (6+). Major fluctuations in the past 18 ratings periods by “Magic” include +.5 (October 2015); -1.0 (November 2015); +1.6 (December 2015); +5.2 (“Holiday” 2015); -4.7 (January 2016); -1.2 (February); +1.3 (March); +.7 (April); +.6 (May); -.8 (June); -1.1 (July); -.4 (August); +.7 (September); -.5 (October) +.9 (November); +2.1 (December); +5.6 (“Holiday” 2016); and -7.6 (January 2017). After six straight sweeps finishing in third-place, “Magic” progressed to the runner-up slot in December. Even though it is unchanged at #4, Cox Media Group-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” rolls out a +1.4 following a -.6 in “Holiday” 2016 (6.7 – 6.1 – 7.5, 6+). Owing to a +.9 to 6.2 (6+), urban AC sibling WCFB “Star 94.5” pulls the plug on four successive downward trends wiping out 
the -.9 it produced in that timeframe (6.2 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+). Its HD2 channel though is off six-tenths (1.6 – 1.0, #18, 6+). Also in that cluster and back-to-back with each other, country WWKA “K-92.3” (5.2, flat at #8, 6+) and talk WDBO-FM (4.4 – 5.1, ninth, 6+) each improve by seven-tenths. “K-92.3” had been -.6 in three consecutive (slight) negative trends (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.5, 6+). Without a decrease from September through December (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), WDBO-FM lost nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. Continuing in third-place, iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7” picks up eight-tenths of the -1.7 from “Holiday” 2016 (8.9 – 7.2 – 8.0, 6+). Displaying increases of six-tenths each are CBS Radio hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” (5.3 – 5.9, fifth to sixth, 6+) and public WMFE (2.3 – 2.9, flat at #14, 6+), which is in 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 28th straight time. A +. 3 by “Mix” in “Holiday” 2016 snapped at four its string of successive down and flat trends that resulted in a net loss of -1.2 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.0, 6+). Co-owned classic hits-oldies WOCL (flat at #7) was a combined -1.5 via four consecutive declines (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.9 – 5.2, 6+), but “Sunny” recoups one-third of that loss with a +.5 to 5.7 (6+).
12) Columbus –Only Cox Media Group Atlanta talker WSB-AM (+2.8) boasts a larger (6+) “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 increase in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has thus far been released than WCOL. The
iHeartMedia country outlet jumps by +2.2 from 8.3 – 10.5 (6+) and progresses from third to first. Losing roughly 51% of its 6+-share (-5.7), co-owned adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” (11.1 – 5.4, 6+) drifts from first to fifth. Before January’s -.5.7, “The Bus” went four straight ratings period without a loss for a +7.1 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 6.7 – 11.1, 6+). Down or flat in each of the last six ratings periods for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+), CHR sibling WNCI trots out a +1.3 to 
9.1 as it advances from fourth to second. In calendar year 2016, WNCI was on top in January, February, March, August, September, and December. A gain of one full-share to 3.9 (6+) enables Ohio State University’s WOSU to enter the top ten (#11 to #7) and curtail four straight downward trends that yielded a -.9 (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). More than tripling its 6+-share via seven straight April through November increases (1.2 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+), Radio One urban AC WXMG was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday 2016” (4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+). “Magic 95.5 Columbus’ Best R&B,” however, gains eight-tenths in January 2017 (to 3.6, 6+) and jumps from #12 to #9. While Saga Communications hot AC WVMX “Mix 107.9” improves by one-half share (2.1 – 2.6, 6+) to advance from #13 to #12, co-owned adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” (+1.8 in “Holiday” 2016) falters by -1.5 (8.7 – 7.2, 6+) to slip from second to third.
When “Sunny 95” dropped two-tenths in December, it concluded four consecutive positive trends which netted a +.6 (6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). Although it is a combined -3.1 in back-to-back sweeps (7.7 – 5.9 – 4.6, 6+), Radiohio‘s WBNS-FM remains at #6. This comes immediately after “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” put together six straight monthlies without a loss netting in excess of four full-shares and more than doubling its 6+-stat since June (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 7.7, 6+). Prior to November 2016, the last time “The Fan” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) was February 2015 when it reached 7.2.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Jack Tomczak Exits KTLK, Minneapolis. Morning drive personality Jack Tomczak exits iHeartMedia‘s Twin Cities news/talk KTLK where he co-hosted the morning show with PD Andrew Lee. In a post on the station’s 
website, Lee writes about Tomczak’s departure, although he declines making public the reason, stating
that’s between Tomczak and the company. For now, it appears Lee will host the “Up and At ‘Em” show solo. Tomczak had been with the station for the past five years. Lee wrote, in part, “I’m sad to announce that Jack is no longer a part of the KTLK morning show. Many have suspected as such, but I have not been able to address this publicly until now…This has been one of the most challenging weeks in my entire radio career. I hate knowing that the listeners are out there wondering what’s going on and I really hate not being able to be forthcoming on the air. I hope you understand.”
iHeartMedia Leases KKSF, San Francisco to Deportes Media for Spanish Sports Outlet. It was just three months ago during the re-alignment of Cumulus Media’s KGO and KSFO that Armstrong & Getty left 
iHeartMedia’s crosstown talker KKSF for mornings at KGO. That prompted the move-in of syndicated progressive talker Stephanie Miller to AM drive on KKSF. Now, the progressive programming is gone and iHM is leasing the signal to Deportes Media and it is airing ESPN Deportes programming on the station. Along with Miller exiting the station’s lineup are: Gil Gross, Cory (Callewaert) and Joel (Riddell), “The Doghouse with JV & Elvis” (a.k.a. Jeff Vandergrift and Dan Lay), Los Angeles-based Mo’ Kelly, and Fox News Radio’s Alan Colmes.
KLWB, Lafayette Sports Talk Host Jordy Hultberg Arrested on Domestic Battery Charge. Louisiana sports media personality Jordy Hultberg has been arrested on counts of domestic abuse battery and simple
battery in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana after an alleged incident involving his estranged wife, according to the Lafayette Advocate. Hultberg hosts the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show on Delta Media Corp.’s KLWB “103.7 The Game.” The paper reports that 59-year-old Hultberg is accused of pushing his wife into a dresser. According to the account, Hultberg’s estranged wife went to the house to check on him after his daughter expressed concern for his well-being. Hultberg was allegedly discovered in the bedroom with another woman.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR VIDEO POSTED – Talkers 2016: Bridging the Generations. Another video recording of a key event at the recent Talkers 2016: Bridging the Generations, that was held at Hofstra University on Long Island May 20, has been posted today (7/25) on Talkers.com. It is the finale of the four-part Awards Ceremony during which the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions Made to the Radio Industry by a Woman award (“Woman of the Year”) was presented to Ginny Morris, chair/CEO of Hubbard Radio. The award is presented to Morris by Danielle Lin, C.N., host of the nationally syndicated Danielle Lin Show. To view this video in its entirety, plus the convention videos already posted, please click here. Stay tuned to Talkers.com for more videos from Talkers 2016: Bridging the Generations that will be posted in the days and weeks to come.
‘102.5 The Bone’ in Tampa Adds Beckles for Sunday Show. Tampa talk pro Ian Beckles is being brought aboard Cox Media Group’s hot talk WHPT, Tampa “102.5 The Bone” to host a Sunday sports and pop culture
show, beginning August 7. CMG Tampa director of branding and programming John Brennan says, “At ‘The Bone,’ we have the luxury to cover every possible topic throughout the week, from politics and news, to pop culture, entertainment, and sports. Ian Beckles is one of the best sports talkers out there and he brings with him credible sports analysis, with the talent to cover all the other topics. He is a perfect fit, and I’m very excited to work with him.” Off the air since 2015, Beckles previously worked at iHeartMedia’s crosstown sports talker WDAE.
Cooke: Making Your Station’s Image Great Again. Media consultant Holland Cooke writes in a column posted today at Talkers.com about how important it is that your station’s P1s associate what you do with what they want – just as Donald Trump’s supporters recognize him as the one who wants to “Make America Great Again.” Noting that perceptual studies are expensive, Cooke recommends using SurveyMonkey and illustrates how station operators can gauge how they’re doing with P1s by asking for their opinions. Read more here.
Odds & Sods. Charlotte sports outlet WFNZ has an FM frequency in the market as Beasley Media Group is now simulcasting the WFNZ-AM programming on translator W272DP at 102.5 FM…..Sports talker Matt Jones exits the 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm show on Signal Media of Arkansas’ KABZ-FM, Little Rock “The Buzz.” Program director Justin Acri is hosting the show until a full-time replacement can be named…..AdLarge Media adds another podcast to its roster with an exclusive national ad sales agreement to represent the “Completely Unnecessary Podcast” (#CUPodcast), hosted by writer and gamer, Pat Contri and fellow gaming expert, Ian Ferguson…..NBC Sports Radio broadcast live from the 27th American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe South in Lake Tahoe, Nevada over the weekend. Athletes and celebrities competed all weekend for
big money prizes. Some of the players this year included Justin Timberlake, Stephen Curry, Alfonso Ribeiro, Marcus Allen, Jerome Bettis, AJ Hawk, Ray Romano, Terrell Davis, Marshall Faulk, Bode Miller, Jerry Rice, Willie Robertson, Abby Wambach, Emmitt Smith, and more. Pictured here are (l-r): NBC Sports Radio hosts Dan Schwartzman, Chis Mannix, and Amani Toomer.
The Presidential Race/RNC Aftermath/This Week’s DNC, Germany Concert Explosion, Police Violence Against Blacks/Cop Killings/Black Lives Matter Movement, Rio Olympics Troubles/ Russian Doping Scandal, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The presidential race including chatter about last week’s Republican National Convention and this week’s Democratic National Convention; the suicide bombing outside a concert event in Germany; various violent/deadly encounters between police and black men, the slayings of police officers, and the Black Lives Matter movement; the troubles facing the Rio De Janeiro Olympic games and the related Russian doping scandal; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
PodcastOne Reports 1.5 Billion Downloads in 2015. Actually, the advertiser-supported podcast network says that its download total for 2015 surpassed the 1.5 billion mark for its approximately 200-program lineup that
includes shows featuring: Adam Carolla, Shaquille O’Neal, Dan Patrick, Steve Austin, Radiolab, Bret Easton Ellis, Freakonomics, Heather Dubrow, Brandi Glanville and more. PodcastOne states it worked with more than 100 major brand partners in 2015. Chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz comments, “When we started this journey three years ago, we wanted to be able to provide national advertisers and our programming partners a single destination for consumers to experience the best that podcasting has to offer. So far, so good. We’re grateful to our hosts, producer-publishers and, of course, our partner Hubbard Broadcasting. We look forward to doing our part in making 2016 the year of the podcast.”
The Presidential Race/Trump-Cruz Birther Flap, Hillary Clinton Email Investigation Intensifies, Sean Penn-El Chapo Controversy, Obama State of the Union, Battle Against Islamic State, Sinking Oil Prices/Financial Markets Activity, NFL Wild Card Weekend, Record Powerball Jackpot, and David Bowie Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/11). The activities of the candidates for president and the related “birther” issue between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz; the intensifying FBI probe into Hillary Clinton’s private email server use; the controversial interview between actor Sean Penn and Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin Guzman; President Obama’s Tuesday State of the Union Address; the battle against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria; plummeting oil prices and the effect on the world’s financial markets; the NFL’s Wild Card weekend games; the record $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot; and the death of rock legend David Bowie were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
JP Peterson Joins WDAE, Tampa to Co-Host Midday Show with Ron Diaz. The iHeartMedia Tampa sports talker adds broadcast sports pro JP Peterson to the midday show, partnering up with current show host Ron Diaz for “The Ron and JP Show.” The station notes that Peterson has covered sports in the Tampa Bay market since 1997, most recently hosting “Extra Inning” and “Inside Pitch,” the Tampa Bay Rays pre- and post-game shows on WDAE. He previously served as the lead sports anchor for WFLA-TV, Tampa where he also did sideline reporting and studio work for the Buccaneers Preseason Broadcasts, covered the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup Finals, four Final Fours and four NCAA National Football Championship Games. WDAE APD John Mamola states, “WDAE is thrilled to add JP Peterson to an already established and successful show and as part of iHeartMedia Tampa. We look forward to Ron and JP’s successful future entertaining Tampa Bay listeners with a lighter side of the sports we all care so deeply about.”
Australian Rock Radio Legend Trevor Smith Shares “Down Under” Perspective of Radio, Music, Politics and Pop Culture. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is joined on this week’s installment (1/12) of PodcastOne’s hit program for media freaks, “Up Close and Far Out,” by Australian rock radio legend Trevor Smith. Smith, a former program
director of the legendary Sidney FM album rocker, Triple-M, is now head of the Australia-based production house Aloha Media (www.alohamedia.com.au/radio/), producers of major syndicated radio programs and specials heard on hundreds of radio stations across the nation/continent. The long-time friends engage in an extensive discussion of all things media from a Land Down Under perspective – radio, music, politics, and pop culture. To listen to the entire conversation, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player boxes located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Rush Limbaugh Turns 65 Today. Happy birthday wishes go out to Premiere Networks-syndicated talk radio legend Rush Limbaugh, who celebrates his 65th birthday today (1/12). The news/talk giant will have been in national syndication for 28 years this August and has long and often been credited will breathing fresh life into the news/talk format and, many would also argue, extending the lifespan of the AM band in America.
PodcastOne to Launch Dramatic Series Called ‘Chilling Tales.’ This new partnership between PodcastOne and Chilling Tales for Dark Nights – a premiere multi-media brand specializing in the production of audio entertainment, short films and published works – will bring both published and unpublished literary projects to life with the new scripted series “Chilling Tales: The Podcast.” The program is being narrated by Master Broadcaster and host of the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Steve Taylor. Chilling Tales founder and director Craig Groshek comments, “Our content has been made possible over the last few years by dozens of voice actors, actresses, authors, editors, composers and sound designers. We’re thrilled to join the PodcastOne family and share our passion for storytelling with an entirely new audience. We can’t thank Norm Pattiz and rest of the PodcastOne team enough, and we look forward to what the future brings with this new platform partnership.” Pattiz says, “I have long wanted to do a series rooted in literature. These are great works. Not only are we giving voices to stories that went unpublished but deserve to be heard, but, from the content to production value, there’s nothing like this in the podcast arena.”
Salazar Joins Entravision as Political Outreach Director. Former Fox Television Washington, DC account executive Marta Salazar is named political outreach director of Entravision Communications. Salazar will oversee political advertising sales for the company’s radio and television stations. The company’s chief revenue officer Mario Carrera remarks, “We are delighted to welcome Marta to Entravision and have her skills and experience to lead our political sales efforts. Her strong
foundations in local market broadcast, in addition to her unique experience in political media, make her the ideal candidate to be our political outreach director. Marta joins us during a presidential election cycle as the United States Latino vote continues to increase in influence in our key battleground markets. We are well positioned and look forward to Marta’s leadership in this important and growing part of our business.” Salazar states, “I am thrilled to be joining the Entravision organization. I am both honored and excited to be at Entravision and look forward to working with the team to help further expand the U.S. Latino voice in this exciting and dynamic political climate. I feel fortunate to be joining such a respected company, committed to both the United States Latino community and to top quality media platforms.” During the 2012 political election season, Salazar – a Florida International University graduate – was responsible for Scripps’ national political advocacy media sales. Entravision owns 23 radio outlets in California; 12 in Texas; four each in Arizona and Colorado; three in Nevada; and two each in Florida and New Mexico.
Odds & Sods. Digital platform Glimmerglass Radio launches its own green-focused radio program in
conjunction with its second anniversary. Glimmerglass radio founder John Kosmer calls his platform “a self-contained online streaming talk radio station broadcasting about 50 shows 24/7.” The new program, “Green American Living,” is the only program Glimmerglass Radio produces itself. Kosmer adds, “Our new ‘Green American Living’ 
show offers radio stations and their listeners extensive in-depth green news reporting on issues that are becoming increasingly important to people around the world. The independent shows aired on Glimmerglass Radio comprise one of the most comprehensive radio green news gathering services in America. ‘Green American Living’ now brings the breadth and scope of that green news reporting to a regularly scheduled, one-hour broadcast intended for distribution.”…..Talk radio personality Hugh Hewitt’s associate producer – Marlon Bateman – has exited the Salem Radio Network in order to join the press operation of GOP presidential hopeful U.S. Senator Marco Rubio…..Sun Broadcast Group’s Marilu Henner (right) is pictured here with rocker Eddie Money (left) who appeared as a guest on her nationally syndicated radio program recently…..Powerball-mania has
America talking and SiriusXM is airing a special program tonight at 6:00 PM ET on its Insight channel 121 called, “Dumb Luck Radio: An Idiot’s Guide to Instant Billions.” SiriusXM says the show will be a “live, one-hour, call-in special broadcast, to answer listeners’ questions including, ‘What happens if you actually win the Powerball jackpot?’” SiriusXM’s Kenny Curtis will host and guests will include: psychiatrist Dr. Michael Aronoff discussing the mental health aspects of acquiring unimaginable wealth; plus Eric Bradlow on statistics and a player’s real probabilities of picking the right numbers; and Kent Smetters will explain the best option – lump sum or annuity, finding the right financial investor and investing wisely to protect one’s winnings.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Michael Berry Renews with iHeartMedia. Houston-based talk show host Michael Berry inks a new long-term deal with iHeartMedia that runs through 2020. Berry’s program is based at news/talk KTRH, Houston and is heard on iHeartMedia stations in 13 additional markets. The former Houston city councilor started his talk radio career with the company in 2005. Berry states, “While I’m loyal to the company I’ve worked with for so long, this agreement is about the future, not the past. From Bob Pittman, our chairman and CEO, and Rich Bressler, our president, COO and CFO, to Kelly Kibler, my EVPO; Eddie Martiny, my market manager; and Marc Sherman and Bryan Erickson, our programming directors in Houston — every single one of them is committed to our show, our team, and the way we do things. They’ve provided a platform for me to serve my sponsors, entertain our listeners, and raise money for Veterans, and I’m incredibly excited about our future.” Bob Pittman comments, “Michael is a great talent, and his audience loves and relies on him – both for the news and important information he provides every day, and for his strong commitment to his community of listeners and the causes important to them. We are very pleased that Michael will continue his strong work for us, and delighted that he’ll continue to be such a key part of our team.”
Cumulus Brings Digital and Social Media Pro Lori Lewis Aboard. This new relationship brings industry-respected digital and social media maven Lori Lewis together with Cumulus Media as she becomes the company’s new vice president of social media. A press release says in her new position, she’ll work with Cumulus’ programming and sales teams to develop integrated social media strategies for the company’s radio stations and the Westwood One network. She will also provide social media solutions to Westwood One’s affiliate partners as part of the company’s Enterprise Solutions Group. Lewis will report directly to president and CEO Lew Dickey. Lewis was most recently with consulting firm Jacobs Media. Lew Dickey
comments, “Lori is our industry’s foremost authority on social media. She has architected successful social strategies for many of the biggest brands in radio. We are excited for Lori to bring her unique experience and expertise to our station group as well as to our affiliate partners at Westwood One.” On joining Cumulus, Lewis says, “I am honored to take this newly created role within Cumulus, and to create real value and impact socially for our audiences, advertisers and affiliate partners. Many mistake social for volume, when in fact it’s about differentiating. This move, on behalf of Lew Dickey and [Cumulus SVP] Gary Pizzati, speaks volumes of their leadership and foresight in moving Cumulus forward, and I thank them for that.”
Entercom Promotes Kramer to COO, Names Levy to Board of Directors. Station group president Louise Kramer is promoted to chief operating officer for Entercom Communications Corp. In a press statement, the company says, “Kramer is a media veteran who has been with
Entercom since 2000, most recently serving as station group president. In this role, she spearheaded the company’s reinvention efforts, focusing on enhancing the company’s future growth and directly overseeing several of the company’s markets. Ms. Kramer is a member of Entercom’s operating committee and, since 2013, has served as chairperson. Entercom president and CEO David Field comments, “Weezie is an enormously talented and effective leader who has made a huge impact on our organization since she joined Entercom in 2000. Like so many great leaders, she is totally and selflessly committed to her team’s success, bringing 
her vast energy, intelligence, creativity, and high standards to our entire organization. I am thrilled to see her continue to rise to the highest levels of our company.” Also, the company reports that David Levy is named to the board of directors. Levy has served as president of Turner Broadcasting System since 2013. In this role he oversees all creative and business activities of the Turner signature entertainment networks —TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Adult Swim — and their digital brand extensions, as well as Turner Sports.
Cumulus Has a Buyer for WMAL, Washington Transmitter Site. According to Bethesda Magazine, Cumulus Media has a deal with two prominent area home builders who will turn the Bethesda, Maryland site of WMAL-AM, Washington’s transmitter into a 76-acre housing development. Winchester Homes and Toll Brothers are reported as the buyer but no sale price has been announced yet. According to real estate firm CBRE, the land could hold up to 300 homes on quarter-acre lots in accordance with current zoning regulations. Cumulus will relocate the WMAL-AM transmitter.
Radio One Revamps WOLB, Baltimore’s Larry Young Show. The urban morning drive talk show lead by radio personality Larry Young is now being simulcast on Radio One’s translator W291BA at 106.1 FM. That signal airs Christian music and is branded “PRAISE 106.1.” Joining Young (center) and co-host Coach (left) is former WWIN, Baltimore “Magic 95.9” midday personality Tim Watts (right). The station says, “We’re combining the best of the Praise format with the information, entertainment and ‘ground level’ interaction that our listeners already expect from Larry’s show. For additional color, we’ve welcomed Tim Watts back to be part of this daily roundtable of all things Baltimore and our community.”
Gordon Named Sales Manager for iHeartMedia Tampa. The appointment of Mary Gordon as sales manager for iHeartMedia‘s Tampa cluster takes effect in four weeks (6/1). Senior vice president of sales Fernando Bauermeister comments that, “Mary’s experience of leading successful teams made her a natural choice for the position. We are excited to have Mary join our staff and we look forward to her helping our clients grow their business.” Gordon states, “I am extremely excited to be given the opportunity to join the team of talented professionals at iHeartMedia Tampa. I look forward to utilizing the amazing assets that iHeartMedia has in its arsenal to find solutions to the key marketing objectives in the west Florida region.” Gordon’s background includes a stint in sports marketing for IMG (International Management Group), as well as being general sales manager – and later director of sales – for Cumulus Media Atlanta’s country WKHX “Kicks 101.5” and WYAY. The eight-station iHM Tampa cluster includes: urban contemporary WBTP “The Beat”; WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio”; talk WFLA; CHR WFLZ “The Hit Music Channel”; country WFUS “US-103.5”; talk WHNZ “Impact Radio”; hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7”; and WXTB “98 Rock.”
Hoyt Heads to Louisville as Salem Media Group GM. Founder-president of Missouri-based AdAbilities – Tom Hoyt – is named general manager of Salem Media Group Louisville talk outlet WGTK “The Answer” and WFIA “The Spirit – Christian Talk & Praise.” Salem vice president of operations Mike Moran notes, “We were looking for a general manager with a combination of strong leadership skills, management experience, and a proven sales orientation. I believe with Tom we found a man who delivers on all those fronts and brings the additional benefit of knowing and loving the city of Louisville.” Hoyt comments, “I cannot imagine a more ideal opportunity than this position with Salem Media Group in Louisville. The stations are heritage properties with a veteran staff. I am thankful that Mike has selected me and I am looking forward to building on the success the team has established.” Hoyt – who succeeds Tim Hartlage at the Louisville talk combo – previously worked in the market for Cox Media Group; was vice president and chief sales officer for CommunityLink Publications; general sales manager of Emmis St. Louis; and director of sales for Barnstable Broadcasting‘s stations in Greenville, South Carolina. Hartlage continues working for Salem, focusing on local ministry.
Saga Communications Q1 Revenue Down 1.2%; Radio Division Dips 2.6%. For the first quarter of 2015, Saga Communications is reporting net revenue decreased 1.2% on income of $29.1 million. Revenue for the radio segment was $24, 276,000 – a decline of 2.6% compared to the same period a year ago (the TV segment was up). Other data reported included free cash flow up 5.2% to $3.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, compared to $3.4 million for the same period last year. Station operating expense decreased 0.8% to $22.8 million (station operating expense includes depreciation and amortization attributable to the stations) compared to $23.0 million for the same period last year. Operating income was $3.8 million. Net income for the period was $2.1 million ($0.36 per fully diluted share).
Odds & Sods. Philadelphia news/talker WPHT will play a role in the local appearance of Kentucky Senator and presidential candidate Rand Paul. After his press conference at the People’s Plaza on Independence Mall on
Monday, May 18, the senator will make a special appearance at the Independence Seaport Concert Hall for a discussion focused on his book, Taking a Stand: Moving Beyond Partisan Politics to Unite America. WPHT host Dom Giordano will moderate…..Longtime WGN, 
Chicago radio host and current WCGO, Chicago personality Milt Rosenberg was recently honored by the City of Chicago for among other things, “bringing the world of ideas to millions of listeners, combining a scholar’s understanding of the humanities broadened our citizens’ engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to important resources in the humanities.”
2016 Presidential Prospects, ‘Prophet Drawing Contest’ Shooting, Clinton Family Foundation Scrutiny, Baltimore Aftermath, and California Drought Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/4). The influx of new candidates for president in 2016 including independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Republicans Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson and Mike Huckabee; the aftermath of the weekend’s shooting of two purported ISIS followers at a “prophet drawing contest” in Garland, Texas; Bill Clinton’s dismissal of criticism of the Clinton Family Foundation finances; the civil and political situation in Baltimore and questions about how Freddie Gray died; and the worsening drought in California and the battle over water policy were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Sports Talker Dan Sileo New AM Host at ‘The Mighty 1090’ in San Diego. Sports talk personality Dan Sileo – who’s been working at stations in Florida for the past several years – joins Broadcasting Corporation of the Americas-operated XEPRS, San Diego “The Mighty 1090” where he’s the new morning drive host beginning today (2/3). Sileo most recently was hosting a show at James Crystal Radio’s WMEN, West Palm Beach but was fired from that station in early November of 2013 after shooting off a controversial tweet. Sileo has also worked at Beasley’s WQAM, Miami and Clear Channel’s WDAE, Tampa. He takes over the morning show at “The Mighty 1090” from market pro Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton who will remain with the station in another capacity. Program director Mike Shepard says, “I am thrilled to welcome Dan to ‘San Diego’s Sports Leader, The Mighty 1090.’ Dan is a passionate, outspoken, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable sports radio personality. His track record of major market success is remarkable and Dan is a perfect addition to the Mighty 1090’s top-rated, all-star lineup.”
New Talk Station to Air in DC Market. The Laurel, Maryland-licensed WILC flips from Spanish music to a hybrid of talk and oldies. The ZGS-owned signal is being operated by Wallis Communications under an LMA and the new format debuts today (2/3). In a statement, the company says the program schedule is not complete but the station will be “libertarian and conservative talk radio.” Chief operating officer and general manager Bryan Berner says, “All of us at WILC and Wallis Communications look forward to serving the people of the region and bringing a common sense, fresh perspective to talk radio in the Washington, DC market.” Programming will include Premiere Networks’ Glenn Beck, Wallis Communications’ “The Dr. K Show,” “The Capitol Hill Show with Tim Constantine” and WestwoodOne’s Dennis Miller. Overnights will showcase vintage radio as the digitally remastered Wolfman Jack will air.
Mike Gallagher Causes Stir with Hoffman Death Observations. Nationally syndicated talk show host Mike Gallagher’s observations in the aftermath of the untimely death of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman caused such reaction that his post to his MikeOnline.com site logged more than 50,000 views and drew threats to him, his family and even his dog. Speaking about the suspected heroin overdose that took Hoffman’s life, Gallagher stated, “Another senseless death. This time, one of the greatest actors of our time. I wonder if he started with marijuana…If you want to get pot lovers mad, dare to even ask the question if an Oscar-winning movie star who is found dead in his bathroom with a needle stuck in his arm started with marijuana.” Gallagher has stood firm in his stance against the legalization of marijuana as some states move to legalize and decriminalize the drug.
To Get Listeners to Your Website, Don’t Threaten to Bore Them! Digital media consultant and TALKERS columnist Chris Miller wonders why we tend to turn the marketing part of our brains off when we go “online.” We can write good, tempting ad copy for radio but all we’ve learned goes out the window when it comes to our websites. Miller says that one of the worst ways to get someone to your website is to offer them “all of the details” when they get there. Not very tempting is it? More details. Instead, put your marketing skills to work in the same way you would with a spot. “A good commercial will do a better job getting business through a client’s front door than a bad commercial will. It’s the exact same thing getting people to go from your broadcast to one of your digital platforms…or move from one digital platform to another. Opportunity is knocking.” Read Miller’s entire piece here.
Clear Channel Tweaks Lineup at WVOC, Columbia. The South Carolina news/talk station drops the early evening “Sports Talk” show syndicated by Learfield Sports that aired in afternoon drive and adds Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity for the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot. The “Sports Talk” program is hosted by Phil Kornblut, Kevin McCrarey and Tom Hayes. According to The State, Learfield’s “Sports Talk First Edition” – which aired on CC’s sister sports talk station WXBT “560 The Team” from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – is also being replaced. A local sports talk show featuring former South Carolina footballer Rick Sanford will air in the time slot instead. Learfield tells the paper it is working to place the shows on new affiliates in the market.
Mike Francesa Fans (and a Few Critics) Gather for FrancesaCon in NYC. Sports talk pioneer Mike Francesa – afternoon drive host on CBS RADIO’s WFAN-AM/FM, New York – said after learning of the weekend event that the participants would probably be half fans, half critics. How the numbers came down is unclear but the fact that an estimated 400 gathered at an Upper East Side bar on Saturday (2/1) to celebrate, imitate and even mock Francesa, shows how big he is in New York. A piece by Jim Baumbach in Newsday tells the story but the short version is as follows: 23-year-old friends Michael Leboff and Ron Haraka came up with the idea of FrancesaCon as a gathering of Mike Francesa fans. Little did they know that not only would people show up in droves, but they came dressed as Francesa, carried the appropriate props (Diet Coke cans), and did some very good imitations of the man himself. Some even came dressed as Francesa’s longtime former partner Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and classic Francesa-Russo back-and-forths took place in the bar. Check out Baumbach’s story in Newsday here.
FCC Grants Tribune Cross-Ownership Waivers. The license renewals for several Tribune-owned television stations were being challenged by the United Church of Christ, the Media Alliance and the Teamsters. The commission handed down rulings on Friday that granted renewals for the licenses though it also granted the petition for reconsideration to the UCC and Media Alliance. The FCC also reaffirmed the permanent waiver for Tribune in the Chicago market where it owns the Chicago Tribune newspaper, WGN-TV, and WGN-AM. In making the decision, the commission ruled that “Given the ‘uniquely long-term symbiotic relationship between [Tribune’s] broadcast stations’ and the Chicago Tribune that provides a special benefit of continued cross-ownership, coupled with the slight cost to diversity in Chicago’s massive media market of continued cross-ownership, Tribune has in fact shown sufficiently ‘unique or special circumstances’ to justify the granting of a permanent waiver of the NBCO (newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership) Rule to its Chicago licensees.”
L&L Closes on Border Media Trust Stations. Seven Texas radio stations that were in the Border Media Trust are now owned by Larry Wilson’s L&L Broadcasting. The stations include San Antonio-licensed outlets news/talk KTSA, sports talk KZDC, adult hits KJXK “Jack 102.7 FM,” regional Mexican KLEY-FM, Jourdanton, regional Mexican KJAH-AM/FM, Pearsall, and CHR KTSM, Floresville. The station group cost L&L $31 million and puts the company into market #28.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Art Bell Says Adios to SiriusXM After Six Weeks. On his website, late night talk radio icon Art Bell writes that he’s leaving SiriusXM where his “Art Bell’s Dark Matter” program was airing after just six weeks for three reasons: SiriusXM’s web player is notoriously unreliable, causing a loss of subscribers and a degraded listening experience for those who remain listening online; for a “caller driven” show, the caller pool for Art’s show is just too small; and international listeners have no legitimate way to hear the show. SiriusXM has not commented on Bell’s post nor any issues the two parties may be having. TALKERS editors can’t help but wonder how these points weren’t discovered and dealt with prior to the announcement Bell would be joining the satcaster, especially in light of Bell’s additional comments. They are: “This is not the first time that we have heard issues relating to the internet platform offered up by SiriusXM. There have been a host of issues from the functionality to being booted off, to having longer shows reset from the beginning after an hour and a half, making it almost impossible to listen to a two hour show on demand.” The post is written in third person and continues: “The departure of Bell, as unfortunate as it is, should be a signal to SiriusXM. The company has a compelling product, great content, and great potential, but in some ways has lost the edge that it once had. The frustrations of Bell can be heard on other channels as well. Opie & Anthony, Howard Stern, Jay Thomas, and others have all at times expressed a great deal of frustration. In some ways, the complaints of on air personalities ring back to the old FM days of terrestrial radio, a path that many consumers and on air personalities could not wait to get away from.”
Michael Medved and Stephanie Miller to Debate in Chicago. WYD Media Management syndicated progressive talk host Stephanie Miller – based out of KTLK, Los Angeles – and KTTH, Seattle-based Salem Radio Network
syndicated personality Michael Medved will meet in the Windy City for a debate of the hot issues of the day on Thursday at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The event is titled “The Great Debate 3” and will be moderated by WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek. Medved is heard in the market on Salem O&O WIND “AM 560 The Answer” and Miller’s show is carried on WCPT. Issues debated will include: Will the Affordable Care Act be fully implemented or repealed? Which is the bigger threat to American prosperity: big business or big government? Is it constitutional for the NSA to spy on foreign leaders or the American people?
Sports Talker Dan Sileo Fired from WMEN, West Palm Beach for Tweet. Yesterday TALKERS magazine reported that Florida sports talk host Dan Sileo – who previously worked for WDAE, Tampa and WQAM, Miami prior to joining WMEN “640 Sports” – Tweeted that he’d pay $1,000 to whichever player “took out” Florida State player Devonta Freeman because he felt Freeman was disrespecting his alma mater Miami during Florida State’s crushing win over the Hurricanes. He then deleted the Tweet and apologized but that wasn’t enough for James Crystal Radio which let him go on Monday. Sileo wrote on his Facebook page: “I want to first start this letter off by saying…We thank 640 AM SPORTS for having us on the station the last few months…was VERY COOL!!….With that…640 and myself are parting ways over a TWEET I made about an FSU player who I thought was DISRESPECTING the UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI…It was a moment of emotion when I said I would like to pay $1,000 for anybody to take him out…..NOW….I NEVER thought ANYBODY would take that serious but they have…a MOUNTAIN of BACKLASH has come against 640 and my family…There are NOW DEATH THREATS against me and my family and I have hired a private COP to protect US….So we UNDERSTAND that some of U took my comment serious…..AGAIN….Was just an EX Player saying a feeling that was wrong….To FSU…we APOLOGIZE…NO WAY would I ever want a kid hurt…..GOOD LUCK TO 640 AND THE CANES!”
Jimmy Kimmel to Host Howard Stern Birthday Bash on SiriusXM. The satcaster says that for the first time on satellite radio the infamous Howard Stern Birthday Bash show will be heard on the evening of January 31, 2014 to
commemorate Stern’s 60th birthday. Jimmy Kimmel is expected to host the live broadcast from a major New York venue with an audience of VIPs and fans. As he loves to do, Stern will reveal more about the show – including VIP guests, performers and the special location – over the next few months on his SiriusXM show. Stern says, “With this birthday bash, we are finally one step closer to making my birthday the national holiday it deserves to be.” Kimmel adds, “I am honored and excited to take part in a celebration of the life of my friend and hero Howard Stern. This should be the best BaBa-birthday party ever.”
Liberty Media Reports SiriusXM Q3 Financials: Revenue Up 11%. Although Liberty Media acquired a controlling interest of SiriusXM in January of this year, Liberty is reporting the satcaster’s financial numbers separately because it “believes the presentation of financial results as reported by SiriusXM is useful to investors as the comparability of those results are best understood in the context of SiriusXM’s historical financial presentation.” Highlights of SiriusXM’s earnings include: record revenue of $962 million, up 11% from third quarter of 2012; net income of $63 million; adjusted EBITDA grew 21% to a record $296 million; the company repurchased $1.6 billion in shares from January 1 through September 30, 2013. Initial 2014 guidance is: revenue of over $4 billion and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.38 billion.
Michael Kassan Media-Focused Feature to Begin on WOR, New York. The Clear Channel news/talk outlet announces that “Medialinked — Inside Advertising and Media with Michael Kassan” debuts today. The company says the new show offering industry reports from the highly influential business and media strategist will also be available on iHeartRadio and at wor710.com. Kassan, who is founder, chairman and CEO of MediaLink and also serves as special advisor to CC chairman Bob Pittman, will provide a daily inside look at the advertising and media worlds featuring exclusive interviews with his personally selected list of major media and advertising figures as well as commentary on significant industry topics. Special features will also include Kassan’s expert analysis and reports on key industry events including Ad Week, Association of National Advertisers (ANA), American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAA), Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and more. Clear Channel New York market president Joe Puglise says, “Michael Kassan is an internationally recognized media specialist and his expert opinion will provide WOR listeners inside analysis of the media and advertising industry. His passion and enthusiasm for the industry will resonate well with WOR listeners and provide an avenue for partners and advertisers to engage in the conversation.”
‘News One Now with Roland Martin’ Debuts. Radio One’s radio and television project featuring former CNN star Roland Martin debuted on Monday. “News One Now with Roland Martin” is a three-hour radio show being syndicated by Radio One in which the third hour of the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm daily program is simulcast on the company’s TV One cable channel. On the program’s premiere, Martin discussed topics including the controversial death of Kendrick Johnson; the Detroit mayoral race; Africa’s economic boom as well as spoke with Radio One and TV One CEO Alfred Liggins about minority ownership in the media. Martin told the Houston Chronicle’s David Barron that this program, especially on the TV side, will bring important black Americans into the media to talk about today’s issues. “This is a chance for us to show the breadth and depth of black America. When was the last time you saw a black economist talking on television? Other than Colin Powell, when was the last time you saw a black general talking about the military? We can showcase that talent.”
David Bellavia’s Stint at WBEN Buffaloed by Employer. Last month Entercom announced that frequent fill-in and weekend talk show host David Bellavia was being given his own late night talk show – airing from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am – on news/talk WBEN. Now, after just two weeks hosting the program, Bellavia has had to step down from the show after his full-time employer objected to his taking the position. Not only will Bellavia not host his own daily program, he’s apparently not working for WBEN at all, including as the go-to fill-in personality for Sandy Beach and Tom Bauerle when they are away, which he had been doing in the recent past. Reports from Buffalo indicate that Bellavia’s employer had a change of heart about his work with WBEN. Michael Caputo is filling in for Sandy Beach and the station is running “Best of” programming in the late night slot.
ObamaCare Criticisms, 2014 and 2016 Elections, Virginia Governor Race, Dolphins Suspend Player for Misconduct, and New Jersey Mall Scare Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/4). The ongoing scrutiny of the rollout of the Affordable Care Act; speculation about the GOP’s prospects in the 2014 mid-term elections and the 2016 presidential race; today’s Virginia governor contest, the suspension of a Miami Dolphins veteran over allegations of misconduct toward another rookie teammate; and the tensions caused by the suicide of a man at a New Jersey mall were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Clear Channel Posts 2% Revenue Increase in Q2. That’s for the Media and Entertainment division – the radio stations, Premiere Networks and Total Traffic Network – on revenue of $805.6 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to the same period a year ago. During yesterday’s investors’ conference call, chairman and CEO Bob Pittman spoke positively about the growth of iHeartRadio and SVP of investor relations Gregory Lundberg noted that it has 34 million registered users and that represents growth of 162% year-over-year. Regarding the makeup of the company’s revenue, he stated, “National sales for the stations grew 5%, with local up 1%. Excluding the impact of political advertising, in both quarters, national sales rose 7% and local was up 2%. Our strongest performing ad categories remained financial services, retail and telecom. Digital sales continue to grow in the double digits as we monetize our station’s online presence and keep growing iHeartRadio, where total listening hours were up to 36% in the second quarter. We also saw good year-over-year growth at Premiere Networks. Partially offsetting this growth rate were revenue declines in the traffic business from lost contracts and from lower sales resulting from integration activities. Operating expenses increased $42 million or 9%, reflecting a $21 million expense credit from one of our performance rights organizations, which we received in the second quarter of last year.” He stated pacing for the third quarter for the stations was up 3% and up 1% for the division as a whole. Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the transcript. Members can read it all here.
Clear Channel Sells Its SiriusXM Interests for $135.5 Million. Way back in 1999 when XM Radio was gearing up its operations, Clear Channel was an initial investor putting in $83.1 million and getting the right to program some of the satcaster’s music and talk channels. Now, CC sells its interest in the company for $135.5 million – the value of the stock – and that means most of the CC-programmed content will disappear from the XM Radio platform. That’ll include some of the company’s music FMs such as hip hop WGCI, Chicago; country signal WSIX, Nashville and hot AC WLIT, Chicago. But two of the CC-radio channels are expected to stay on the XM platform – WHTZ, New York and KIIS, Los Angeles. It also means the talk radio channel on the XM platform will see talent like Glenn Beck, Bob & Tom, Todd Schnitt as well as Fox Sports Radio programming go away.
Arbitron Reports Q2 Revenue Rises 2.9%. As it prepares to be acquired by ratings giant Nielsen, Arbitron issues its 2013 second quarter financial reports and states that on revenue of $107.4 million dollars it is reporting net revenue of $7.1 million or $0.26 per share. The cost of the potential Nielsen deal ate into the company’s earnings before interest and income tax expense (EBIT) as it shelled out $6.1 million during the quarter in preparation for the acquisition. President and CEO Sean Creamer states, “In the second quarter, we maintained focus on our long-term priorities: investing in and growing our core radio services, evaluating and implementing quality initiatives to enhance the value and utility of our offerings, and exploring emerging opportunities with an emphasis on those that allow us to highlight the power and advantages of radio. As the media and advertising marketplaces continue to evolve and new technologies permit consumers to consume content virtually anytime and anywhere, it is important we keep pace with these changes to ensure radio gets full credit for its audience – regardless of the delivery platform. Radio is growing and vibrant – and we are committed to helping the radio industry tell and validate its complete and compelling story.”
The Job of the Program Director in Five Years. According to noted consultant and TALKERS columnist Walter Sabo, if you want to know which way the job of PD is heading in radio, just take a look at what has happened to the same titled position at television stations. In a new column posted today (8/2) Sabo writes “As more on-air content decisions are made at the corporate level and delivered from a central source, the program director job will morph to meet the demands of the tasks that must be completed. Smart companies will evolve the position to one that has been desperately needed: ‘Program and Public Relations Director.'” Sabo goes on to list other combinations of tasks and responsibilities that will be added to the title “Program Director” on the radio station level. To read his entire column, please click here.
KBME, Houston Ousts Adam Wexler and Matt Jackson from AM Drive; Adds Fox Sports Radio’s Jay Mohr to Middays. In a realignment of programming at Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s sports talk KBME, Houston, Adam Wexler and Matt Jackson have been let go from the station and their morning drive gig and Lance Zierlein and Adam Clanton take over the AM show. Zierlein co-hosted the afternoon show with Charlie Pallilo but, as the Houston Chronicle notes, had also worked on the morning drive show alongside Wexler and Jackson in the past. Adam Clanton has hosted sports talk radio in the market at CBS Radio’s crosstown KILT as well as having worked at KPRC-TV. The addition of Fox Sports Radio’s nationally syndicated Jay Mohr to the lineup from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm forces some other changes. Greg Koch and N.D. Kalu now air from 9:00 am to 11:00 am; Charlie Pallilo hosts solo from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; and Matt Thomas is on the air from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Michael Harrison to Speak at NAB Radio Show. In what promises to be a riveting and inspirational hour, TALKERS and RadioInfo publisher Michael Harrison will address the forthcoming NAB Radio Show in Orlando (September 18-20) on “Radio’s Evolving Role in Popular Culture.” Harrison, fresh off a rousing keynote speech at the Conclave, will further elaborate on the theme of the challenges facing
radio in its quest to remain societally iconic in the digital age of the 21st century at a specially scheduled Info-Session sponsored by TALKERS. Harrison says that for radio to remain competitive with all the emerging “exotic” competition of this “wildly new era,” it must maintain “ownership” of the scenes it addresses whether they are music, politics, news, sports or any other expression of the human condition. He says radio should maintain a foreground, active position that protects it from being marginalized as a passive delivery system and discusses options and opportunities to carry out the mission. (To see a brief clip of Michael Harrison’s Conclave keynote speech addressing these subjects please click here. The full speech will be posted to both RadioInfoTV and TalkersTV shortly, stay tuned.) Consultant Holland Cooke introduces this popular annual NAB Radio Show session featuring the venerable programmer, air personality, entrepreneur and trade magazine publisher who has been accurately describing radio and popular media’s road ahead for the past 45 years. The Info-Session is scheduled on Thursday, September 19 between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm and is open to all attendees of the NAB Radio Show.
Clear Channel Makes Morning Changes at KTCN, Minneapolis. Morning drive talk show host Bob Davis and Clear Channel Minneapolis part company and the station fills the morning drive slot with former evening hosts Jack Tomczak and Ben Kruse, at least for now. Bob Davis had been paired up with Tom Emmer for mornings but Emmer exited the station in June to make a run for the congressional seat being vacated by Michele Bachmann. Davis made national news when, during a discussion about gun control, he said on the air he would tell the Newtown families to “go to hell” for their role in shaping the gun debate. He later apologized for the tenor of his comments.
Radiate Media Promotes Ivan Shulman to President. Seven months after joining Radiate Media as executive vice president of sales and chief revenue officer, the company promotes Ivan Shulman to president. CEO Chris Rothey states, “Ivan has a deep 
background in sales, marketing and media, and his leadership experience makes him a great fit for us. Since joining us in November of 2012, we have experienced quarter-over-quarter revenue growth, including the launch of Radiate360 – our integrated marketing platform to drive hyper-local business. Ivan will continue to lead that initiative as well as overseeing the day-to -day activities of our broadcast radio, TV and digital lines of business.” The company is bullish on its new product Radiate360 which it describes as “an easy-to-use, online platform that empowers businesses to expand their reach and connect with their customers. With Radiate360’s revolutionary suite of tools, businesses can establish an online presence, engage customers through social and mobile media, and promote to the local audience that matters most.” Shulman says of his promotion, “I joined Radiate because I was excited about future opportunities. Our growth on both the broadcast and digital side has been phenomenal and I look forward to working with broadcasters to help bridge the gap between digital and traditional media.”
Dan Sileo Takes Over Midday Program at WMEN, West Palm Beach. Florida sports talk personality Dan Sileo – most recently midday host at WQAM, Miami – moves into the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm slot at JCE Licenses’ WMEN, West Palm Beach “640 Sports” effective Tuesday, August 6. Sileo – who worked for years at WDAE, Tampa prior to his stint with WQAM – is filling in for Travis Rodgers on KLAA, Los Angeles today and on August 5. Sileo is, by his own admission, an edgy personality whose willingness to push the envelope has gotten him fired from his last two radio gigs. He maintains he achieved excellent ratings while with Clear Channel at WDAE and that the station pulled in a lot of revenue from his program.
Eric Deggans to Leave the Tampa Bay Times for Gig at NPR. Journalist Eric Deggans has covered first music, then media for the Tampa Bay Times for the past 18 years. Now, he exits the Times to become a TV critic and correspondent for NPR News. Deggans has been a contributor to NPR in the past but joins the organization full time. He states in a press release, “For many years, I have been a fan of NPR’s super-smart journalism and I often fantasized of what it might be like to join their ranks as a contributor. A position like this one is beyond my wildest dreams; I’m honored and excited by the opportunity to help shape NPR’s coverage of television and pop culture.” Deggans has been an excellent reporter covering the Tampa Bay media scene over the years but also could be viewed as a polarizing writer. He’s been a critic of talk radio on a number of levels as indicated in his recent book Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation (Palgrave Macmillan 2012). Photo by Carrie Pratt.
Odds & Sods. Dial Global announces it has signed an exclusive terrestrial, three-season deal with London-based talkSPORT to broadcast live coverage of Barclays Premier League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup. The partnership includes play-by-play commentary of nearly 400 soccer matches per year, in both English and Spanish….. “The Black Sphere” talk show host Kevin Jackson joins the advisory board of the Steamboat Institute, an institution that “defends freedom and advocates for liberty.” Jackson says, “Witnessing the progress of the organization first hand, I am overjoyed to be part of the advisory board and play a role in the future direction of the Steamboat Institute, an organization that will undoubtedly mold political discussions and policy in the future.”
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Update. Statewide syndicated sports talk host Bill Michaels is added to the lineup at WOZN, Madison, Wisconsin…..Kevin Jackson’s “Black Sphere Radio” show is now airing on WEZO, Augusta, Georgia…..Talk Media Network announces affiliate additions for three of its programs: “Fat Guys At The Movies with Kevin Carr & Kristin Dreyer Kramer” joins WKVL, Knoxville; “The Financial Fitness Show with Chip Cummings & Tony Rubleski” is added to WRSB, Rochester, New York; and “Frontlines of Freedom with Lt. Col. Denny Gillem” joins the lineup at WZFG, Fargo.
ObamaCare Implementation Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of July 29 – August 2. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the cost of the program was the top news/talk topic during the week. Following at #2 was the Anthony Weiner sexting case and the political fallout. At #3 was the 2016 presidential race followed by the Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity contracts flap at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
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.’”
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Mike Huckabee Considers Radio Future in Arkansas Business Story. In a piece that ran in Arkansas Business yesterday, Cumulus Media Networks nationally syndicated talk host – and former Arkansas governor and U.S. presidential candidate – Mike Huckabee speaks openly about his current media projects and how his political experience has helped his media career. Huckabee gives no clear indication he’ll stop doing the daily three-hour show, but neither does he sound all-in when he states, “Within the next month, I’ll decide if I want to continue it or not. I know we will, but it’s just such an incredibly intensive process that I really have to decide that I want to spend that kind of time…” Huckabee describes the long days preparing for the program and how he works that in with his Fox News Channel weekend program. “I’ve got to always weigh how much time I’m putting in it and what the return is. How long it will take to make it what I call hopefully disgustingly profitable. That’s what one always hopes for in a deal like this.” Read the entire story here.
Can Radio Overcome its Smothering Debt and Be a Viable Business in this New Era? That, according to Michael Harrison is THE existential question facing the industry today — and one that TALKERS magazine and RadioInfo tackle head-on in a blockbuster article posted May 2 in BOTH trade publications. Researched and written by TALKERS/RadioInfo west coast bureau chief/managing editor Mike Kinosian, this extensive piece taps deeply into the 
experience, wisdom and vision of a stellar panel of industry power-players who share their real world perspectives of this pressing issue that directly ties into the future of radio as both a medium and a business. They include (in alphabetical order): Sandi Bergman of MyMediaBroker, Ed Christian of Saga Communications, 
Erica Farber of the RAB, Charlie Gross of Newsweb Radio Corp., Michael Harrison of TALKERS/RadioInfo, Jerry Lee of WBEB (“B101”) in Philadelphia, Chuck Lontine of Headwaters MB, David Pearlman of American Radio Systems, Ed Perry of WATD in Marshfield, MA, Tom Quinn of Americom Broadcasting, Jeff Smulyan of Emmis Broadcasting, Peter Smyth of Greater Media and Dave Van Dyke of Radiate Media. Upon the publication of this information-packed article, TALKERS/RadioInfo VP/executive editor Kevin Casey states, “This is one of the most
important pieces published in the radio trades in years and I advise anyone in this business who cares about its future to take the time to read it thoroughly. It dives right into the most pressing issue facing all of us today and provides insight from all angles – big-time groups, large and small market stations, investment banks, services providers, and advertising advocates. A piece like this gets to the very heart of what will determine radio’s future – its ability to function and options to consider as a viable business in a daunting, obstacle-ridden environment.” Read Mike Kinosian’s story here.
Mark Carbonaro Out at KION, Salinas, California; Armstrong & Getty In. According to a report in The Californian, local morning drive host Mark Carbonaro’s program has been replaced on KION, Salinas with the Sacramento-based Armstrong & Getty show. Californian writer Jeff Mitchell reports that calls to local management were not returned prior to his deadline. Both KION and Armstrong & Getty’s home station KSTE are owned by Clear Channel.
WNSR, Nashville to Get FM Simulcast in June. Nashville Sports Radio’s WNSR, Nashville will simulcast on 95.9 in addition to its 560 signal early this summer. The station says it will position itself as “Nashville’s SportsRadio 560 on 95.9 FM.” The new FM signal will be located near the Davidson/Williamson County line, providing excellent 24-hour coverage of WNSR’s programming. General sales manager and afternoon host Thom Abraham states, “Before the Predators and Titans, WNSR brought sports programming to the airwaves in Nashville. This station has stayed true to the format for over 15 years and we are now excited to make it available on the FM band. The new logo puts the emphasis on WNSR, which has stood for Nashville’s Sports Radio since 1997, something we are very proud of, and something I have come to appreciate since coming here four years ago.”
Fox News Radio Offers Memorial Day Weekend Specials. The network is offering two hour-long special programs for air during the Memorial Day Weekend. “Remembering Iraq” is hosted by Fox News Channel’s Griff Jenkins and reflects on the 10 years since the United States entered the Iraq War. Jenkins will take a look at the front lines and those who were affected by the war, including the men and women who served as well as their spouses and children. “The Next Disaster” is hosted by Fox News Channel’s Janice Dean. It’s a multi-part series that examines disasters, including tornados, earthquakes and terrorist attacks and how to best prepare for them. Additionally, Dean will take a look at how weather forecasting and other technology have helped people prepare for natural disasters in the past and will also report on the impact of early warnings. More information about the specials can be found on the Fox News Radio affiliate website in the specials section.
Sports Talk WDAE, Tampa Gets FM Simulcast on 95.3. The signal is 250-watt translator W237CW that was most recently simulcasting the audio of Clear Channel’s hip hop WBTP “95.7 The Beat.” CC flips it over to sports talker WDAE. The AM 620 signal of WDAE covers the market just fine but now the station will have an FM presence that’s strongest in St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Clearwater.
Benghazi Cover-up Allegations, Syria-Israel Tensions, Obama OSU Commencement, and North Korea Missile Threat Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/6). New information regarding the deadly attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi and the political ramifications; military tensions between Israel and Syria; President Obama’s commencement speech at Ohio State University over the weekend; and the North Korean missile threat were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Times Are Tough Enough — Be a Pro!
By Dan Sileo
Sports Talk Personality
THE BEACH — I write this article from the infamous “Beach of Radio” at this time. The reason? My own stupidity and how I acted on the air at WQAM in Miami. As many of you know, I am a VERY emotional radio host – almost to a point where many people think I could actually use a doctor that has a pen and note pad. I was fired from WQAM for the things I said on the air. Yes, things I said on the air. You see, I am one of the VERY few sports talk radio host in America that actually gets ratings and revenue. As my old program director at WDAE — Steve Versnick — would say, “You do 90% of what’s great in radio, the other 10%, maybe the worst.”
If a station has a sports team on their airwaves, they are a broadcast partner and should be treated as any other radio host on a station’s airwaves. In this form, I failed and I was rightfully fired. Exiting a station after such a crazy thing will define your next gig. If you take to Twitter and stupidly say stuff like, “I’ll never change,” well…
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Arbitron/Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2013 Indicates Radio Still Dominates In-Car Listening; the Smartphone Is the Hot Delivery Tool. Tuesday’s webinar from Arbitron and Edison Research provided a treasure trove of data for radio execs and sales personnel wishing to prove that radio is still a relevant medium in today’s world. But much of the data also showed that over the course of the past 15 years, it’s been easy to see the leaps and bounds by which digital media is gaining on the traditionals – AM/FM and broadcast television. Some of the key takeaways for talk stations:
- Of those surveyed (18+) who’ve ridden/driven a car in the past month, 84% used AM/FM radio; 63% used the CD player; 29% an iPod or mp3 player; and 12% used online radio.
Obviously, the online radio usage (defined as AM/FM stations over the internet as well as pure plays) will continue to rise as that technology becomes more available and easier to use.
- 58% of those surveyed report AM/FM radio as the medium used “almost all of the time” or “most of the time.”
- 72% of respondents do not have a Bluetooth connection in their car. A technology that would aid online usage in the vehicle. That will change quickly as manufacturers make them standard in new cars.
The Smartphone. Reaching potential listeners via smartphone technology is crucial to the future of content providers. Fifty-three percent of Americans (estimated to be 139 million) own a smartphone – up from 44% just last year.
- About 75% of persons 18-34 own smartphones
- Of all people (12+) who own smartphones, 44% have ever listened to online radio. Expect that number to grow rapidly.
- Although just 18% of smartphone owners listen to online radio daily, that’s still a big number – more than 25 million Americans (12+) – and that is also likely to grow exponentially.
Podcasting. Although podcasting listening has leveled out over the past two or three years – about 12% or 32 million Americans have listened to an audio podcast in the last month – more than 25% of weekly podcast users have listened to six or more during that period. The takeaway for stations/talk hosts/content providers producing podcasts is that loyal podcast users consume a lot of them. That’s good for sales to know. Also, the goal of converting P1s into podcast users is a worthwhile one since it appears they often become hooked on the format.
Some of the key observations by Arbitron’s Bill Rose and Edison’s Tom Webster from this year’s Infinite Dial research project include:
- Over the population, digital platforms do not appear to replace traditional media usage, they tend to enhance them;
- The smartphone is the most important device media businesses are dealing with and the smartphone is functioning as a “two-way” radio today;
- Online radio reaches 86 million people per week for an average of 12 hours, with so many choices it is imperative to have a strategy that cuts through the clutter;
- 66% of those surveyed who wake up to a smartphone use the alarm sound, not music to talk content, convince them to do otherwise!
Clay Hunnicutt to Receive 2013 “Humanitarian of the Year” Award at Talkers New York 2013. The 2013 recipient of the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Broadcaster (also referred to as “Humanitarian of the Year”) has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board. This year’s recipient is Clear Channel Media & Entertainment EVP of programming, Clay Hunnicutt. The 25-year veteran of radio broadcasting has been selected for this important honor in recognition of the key role he has played in paving the way for the Fisher House Foundation to become one of the radio industry’s most actively spotlighted charities, thus providing invaluable support in the form of free housing to the families of service men and women injured in combat during their visits to them at the hospital. To learn more about Fisher House Foundation visit www.fisherhouse.org. While serving as CC’s SCP/Community Engagement he arranged for a company-wide 2010 Veterans Day initiative in support of Fisher House. Every CC station spotlighted Fisher House on that day and urged listeners to donate online or via text. That event was repeated in 2011. These campaigns alone (2010 and 2011) raised a total of $1.2 million for Fisher House. In addition, the company donated $3 million in PSA airtime around Veterans Day 2012. Fisher House representatives inform TALKERS that Hunnicutt has also helped them make vital connections at the local level. Hunnicutt tells TALKERS, “If you’ve never been to a Fisher House – you must go! Just one visit will change your life because they are making the lives of so many soldiers and sailors better. They took the challenge of helping the men and women that put their lives on the line for our freedom every day to a whole new level. It is a world class organization that delivers on everything they say they will do, and that always puts the needs of other first. This is something we should all aspire to do, and make a priority with our individual time and our stations.” Hunnicutt will be presented the award on Thursday, June 6 at Talkers New York 2013 during the afternoon “Freedom of Speech Award Ceremony.” The event, which is nearing a sellout, is open to members of the working media. Registrations can only be booked over the phone at 413-565-5413.
Dennis Miller Celebrates 6th Radio Anniversary. It’s been six years since comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Dennis Miller began a daily radio talk show on the old Westwood One radio network. On Friday, March 29, Miller celebrated his 6th anniversary on the Dial Global network hosting some friends from the old days. Fellow SNL cast members Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon, along with Seth Meyers appeared on the program as did fellow television star Tim Allen.
WDAE, Tampa’s Steve Duemig Returns to Air with New Deal. Tampa sports talk host Steve Duemig was taken off the air at Clear Channel’s WDAE, Tampa last week after the two sides hit some sort of snag in their contract negotiations. According to the Tampa Bay Times’ Eric Deggans, Duemig said he was asked to sign a new contract before the window that would allow him to speak with other companies opened. When he refused, he was taken off the air. Now, Duemig says he’s back with a three-year deal that, according to the paper, includes no new money. He tells the Times, “But am I happy? I won’t answer that.”
Proof of Performance, Transmitter Control and Other Technical Stuff Radio Station Staffers Should Understand…at Least a Little. In a page out of the Engineer’s Truth is Stranger than Fiction files, renown engineering wizard and TALKERS technical editor Tom Ray cites a couple of “strange but true” examples of how crazy things can get in to today’s radio station environment when it comes to “little” things like which buttons to press when the transmitter goes haywire and avoiding trouble with the FCC by staying within compliance. In the process he sheds light on standard concepts like “proof of performance” and “turning a transmitter on and off” that programming-types really should know and in language that they can actually understand…we hope! To read Tom Ray’s column, click here.
Mike Francesa Signs Long-Term Renewal with WFAN, New York. American sports talk radio icon Mike Francesa inks a deal to remain the afternoon drive host on CBS Radio’s WFAN-AM/FM, New York for years to come. The exact term of the contract is not being disclosed but CBS Radio president Dan Mason states, “Mike has earned his place in
radio history as a great broadcaster and we’re thrilled to continue our relationship with sports radio’s most celebrated host. WFAN and Mike Francesa are synonymous with the absolute best in sports programming excellence. These two powerful brands have endured the test of time, and remain a very relevant force in the industry nearly three decades after they first went on the air.” As part of the deal, Francesa’s long-running Sunday morning “The NFL Now” show will be aired on the CBS Sports Radio Network beginning this fall. Vice president, sports programming, CBS Radio Mark Chernoff states, “Mike represents the heart and soul of WFAN, and we’re proud he will continue to make the station his long-term broadcast home. Like no one else, Mike can take a story to the next level and involve his listeners in thought provoking ways with topical and opinionated conversation. He has set the standard for what represents an entertaining and informative radio program.” Francesa says, “I’m very proud of what we have accomplished at WFAN. I am also honored and thankful to CBS Radio for its continued commitment, and most of all to the listeners for their enduring loyalty.” Mike Francesa will be the sports talk keynote speaker at Talkers New York 2013 on Thursday, June 6. The event, which is nearing a sellout, is open to members of the working media. Registrations can only be booked over the phone at 413-565-5413.
Odds & Sods. WGAU, Gainesville, Georgia-based talk show host Martha Zoller announces the coming debut of her Georgia politics website called Zpolitics. Zoller states, “I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new website, Zpolitics. We created this online hub to satisfy the desire for relevant news, smart political commentary, and sharp analysis from Georgia’s top pollsters, strategists, and grassroots activists.”….. The “Mo’Kelly Show” celebrates its one-year
anniversary on Clear Channel’s KFI, Los Angeles this Saturday, April 6 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Show host Morris O’Kelly reports that over the past 12 months, guests have included NAACP president Ben Jealous, Pleasanton Tea Party president Dr. Bridget Melson, members of Congress, state leadership from both the Democratic and Republican parties and entertainment guests such as actresses Gabrielle Union and Tamara Tunie, comedian Cedric the Entertainer and musicians Joe Sample, Will Downing and Eric Benét. O’Kelly also hosts various mornings on sister progressive talk station KTLK and serves as American political correspondent for the BBC…..Sunrise Broadcasting flips oldies WGNY-AM, Newburgh, New York to sports talk using ESPN Radio. The company also plans to flip country WZAD, Wurtsboro, New York (Poughkeepsie market) as a simulcast soon.
The Georgia Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2013 Legacy Inductees. The following Georgia broadcasters will be honored at the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame 7th Annual Induction Awards on October 19, 2013 at the Atlanta/Marietta Hilton Hotel and Conference Center. The Class of 2013 includes (in alphabetical order): Palmyra Braswell, the first black female disc jockey in Macon, Georgia (WBML ) and educator; George Crumbley, sales manager at WSB, Atlanta and father of The Peach Bowl; Jimmy Dunaway, WSB, Atlanta farm director and news anchor; Al Evans, Jr., WVLD, Valdosta owner, on air known as Danny Dee; John Holliman, WSB reporter and Peabody Award recipient; Don Kordecki, WKRW, Cartersville owner and civic leader; Royal Marshall, WSB, Atlanta talk show host and producer; Leonard Postero, creator and voice of weekly sports program “Leonard Losers”; and Annie Lee Small, WYTH, Madison co-owner and Atlanta’s first female announcer. The Legacy inductees join other honorees: James “Alley Pat” Patrick, 2013 Founders and Directors Award and Jim Woodruff, Jr., 2013 Elmo Ellis Spirit Award. Pictured here are: Top row (l-r): Palmyra Braswell, George Crumbley, Jimmy Dunaway, Al Evans, Jr., John Holliman. Bottom row (l-r): Don Kordecki, Royal Marshall, Annie Lee Small, Leonard Postero.
North Korea Threats, Gun Legislation, ObamaCare Effects, Illegal Immigration, and Rutgers Basketball Coach Fired Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/2). The ongoing concern over North Korea’s threats of military action against South Korea and America; the myriad gun legislation proposals; the effects of the Affordable Care Act; chatter over illegal immigration and amnesty legislation; and the firing of Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice after a video goes viral were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Dial Global Restructures Credit Status; Pays Down $15 Million of Existing Term Loan. The industry has been watching the state of Dial Global’s debt situation and now the company announces that it, its lenders and certain of its stockholders have agreed to recapitalize the company’s existing credit facilities, other obligations and equity interests. CEO Spencer Brown states, “The new agreements with our lenders represent a significant step forward for the company. Once these
transactions close, we will have delivered our balance sheet and decreased cash interest expense. The agreements will provide us with greater flexibility to actively manage and grow our business. We look forward to closing these transactions in April and focusing on serving our clients.” As part of the recapitalization, the company has entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among the Company, General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto which provides for a $15 million paydown of the company’s existing term loan and revolving credit commitments. That agreement matures on October 21, 2016. The company is also entering into a Priority Second Lien Credit Agreement among the company, the administrative agent, the syndication agent and the lender party for an additional $31.5 million through a term loan facility to the company, with a maturity date of July 21, 2017. As part of this Dial Global agrees to issue it penny warrants to purchase 7.5% of the company’s common stock exercisable immediately following the consummation of the recapitalization. Regarding the existing Second Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2011, lenders agreed to restructure their existing approximately $93 million in second lien obligations by amending and restating that agreement to provide for a $30 million term loan that matures five years after the expected closing of the recapitalization and exchanging approximately $63 million in remaining obligations under the existing Second Lien Credit Agreement for a new series of preferred stock of the Company. Under various subscription and exchange agreements between the company and the holders of the company’s PIK Notes and Series A Preferred Stock, such holders have agreed, subject to the satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to exchange their PIK Notes and Series A Preferred Stock for equity securities of the company and have further agreed to make an additional equity infusion of $16.5 million.
Cumulus Media’s News/Talk KKOB, Albuquerque and Talk Host Jim Villanucci Part Ways. When talk radio personality Jim Villanucci’s contract came up at Cumulus Media’s KKOB, Albuquerque the company chose not to renew it. Villanucci tells TALKERS magazine that he’d been reaching out to Cumulus for the past several months about a contract renewal but the company didn’t appear interested in talking so he exited after last Thursday’s program. Cumulus AM stations program director Pat Frisch is sitting in the PM drive slot for now as he seeks out a replacement. Villanucci’s program was a big ratings-getter for the station for many years. It will be hard to replace the kind of steady performance he’s achieved at KKOB-AM. Villanucci tells TALKERS, “I leave KKOB after 14 years looking forward to my next opportunity. I have had so many wonderful years working with some of the finest broadcasters in the business in a market that’s been very good to me. I wish the good people of Albuquerque and the folks at KKOB the very best. I would especially like to thank my former GM Milt McConnell, and wish my friend and PD Pat Frisch good luck going forward. ” Villanucci has been an annual face on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred for years due to his consistent performance and ability to branch out beyond the often-predictable news/talk topics heard on so many stations in the format.
Dan Sileo Exits WQAM, Miami. The statement from sports talk host Dan Sileo is brief and indicates the two sides were not seeing eye-to-eye on programming philosophy, “Our differences revolve around content issues and we wish each other the best. As for me and my style of sports talk, I will never change.” Sileo joined Beasley Broadcasting’s WQAM, Miami for the PM drive show after a successful stint at Clear Channel’s WDAE, Tampa. He then moved to middays.
L.A. Daily News Ranks Top Sports Talk Personalities Heard in Market. To TALKERS editors, the thing that stands out about this list is that there are enough sports talk radio hosts – both local and nationally syndicated – to put together a ranking for the Los Angeles market. But there are and KSPN’s Steve Mason and John Ireland tied for #1 this year with KLAC, Los Angeles’ Petros Papadakis coming in at #3 (there is no #2 since Mason and Ireland tied for #1). Papadakis’ partner Matt “Money” Smith ranked #5 this year. The paper also ranked the top nationally syndicated sports talk hosts heard in the L.A. market and the top three were: 1) Dan Patrick of DIRECTV/Fox Sports Radio; 2) Petros Papadakis and Matt “Money” Smith of Fox Sports Radio; and 3) Jay Mohr also of Fox Sports Radio Network. Nice compliment for Jay Mohr since he’s only been in the gig since the beginning of the year. And speaking of Jay Mohr…
Comedian, Actor and Sports Nut Jay Mohr Focuses on Fox Sports Radio Gig. To show how serious he is about his new full-time gig as midday sports talk host on the Fox Sports Radio Network, Jay Mohr tells TALKERS magazine,
“Honestly, I have turned off the sitcom and movie noise to concentrate on the radio show; those other doors are closed right now. I cannot be on the phone trying to figure out how I am going to leave a studio at ‘this time’ to be on a movie set at ‘that time.’” In this profile piece, TALKERS managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian talks with Mohr about his radio influences, love of sports, comedy road work and how he got into the sports talk game by subbing for Jim Rome, and finally to his first full-time sports talk job. He says of the fill-in work, “I thought if I could keep doing this, one day I might be able to do it for a living. I listened to Jim for many years and he really changed sports talk radio. He made it fun again. My job is to reset the dial a little and bring everybody back to the fun part of it.” Read the entire story here.
Rising Talk Radio Star Says Host Endorsements Should Be Interesting (and a Whole Lot More). He also says the goal of advertising on radio should be results – a simple concept often overlooked by sales and programming departments in their rush to sell the ads, give the client what they want and then get the spots on and off the air as quickly as possible. Michael Berry is one of news/talk radio’s most dynamic and promising rising stars. His mid-morning program is heard on KTRH, Houston as well as seven other respected talkers around the country. Today (3/4) in an exclusive TALKERS piece he makes a number of powerful points about the marketing and delivery of advertising within the news/talk radio medium making the point that although host endorsements are an important technique to get the sponsor’s message across, the real trick is to do it in a way that also gets them results while proving to be a tune-in, and not a tune-out factor. Berry (who will be speaking at Talkers New York 2013 on June 6) advises when it comes to writing and delivering commercial spots: 1) lose the copy points; 2) less is more; 3) trust the value of the endorsement (and don’t overload with justification); 4) be conversational throughout, building to the call to action; and 5) resist gimmicks and games. To read this important article or pass it along to someone in your station or company who will benefit by it, click here.
Talk Radio Pro Chuck Morse Joins IRN/USA Radio Network. Boston-based talk personality Chuck Morse begins a daily, two-hour talk show (airing from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET) via the IRN/USA Radio Network. Morse says of his new enterprise, “I am honored to work at the network founded by economist Larry Bates and award-winning talk pioneer, the late Marlon Maddoux. I look forward to working with talk host Chuck Bates who carries on the tradition of excellence at IRN/USA. With a national audience, I hope to follow in the footsteps of my mentor, the late Jerry Williams, who developed an intense bond with his callers and audience.”
Baldwin/McCullough Radio Show Co-Host and Actor Tops Fundraiser Effort on Celebrity Apprentice All Stars Show. Stephen Baldwin, actor and co-host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show “Baldwin/McCullough” (co-hosted by talk radio personality and XtreMedia CEO Kevin McCullough), and his team raised more than $600,000 for the American Red Cross during last night’s season premiere of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice All Stars.” That sum set a new record for the most ever raised in a season kick-off episode. Baldwin is competing for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Foundation named in honor of his mother.
Welcome to the Concept of Core-Casting. It is a simple and elegant idea that puts one of the most effective radio broadcasting uses of social media into perspective and focus. Noted digital radio consultant and TALKERS columnist Chris Miller writes today (3/4) about how social media provides radio programmers and talent with a pipeline to communicate directly with their most ardent listeners and fans. Miller writes, “There are companies outside radio who are learning how to use social media to leverage the power of their most valuable customers. One day, some smart radio group is going to figure out that social media is not just more broadcasting in a different medium. Neither is it just a matter of getting likes, shares and comments. While most mass marketing involves some form of trolling for cume, this is different. This is like the sales department taking its 10 biggest clients on a cruise. It’s core-casting.” To read Chris Miller’s entire piece, click here.
Bubba the Love Sponge Talks Suicidal Man ‘Off the Ledge.’ After an agitated and despondent man who had barricaded himself inside a Tampa-area business and was threatening to kill himself called the Bubba the Love Sponge program on Friday, Bubba (Todd Clem) was able to calm the man enough that he put his weapon down and was taken into custody by local police. The man, identified as Corey, locked himself inside The Car Store, a business owned by Bubba’s friends Todd and Shellie Herndon. The man is a family friend of the Herndons. Bubba says, “I’m just glad The Herndons are safe, no deputies were harmed and this gentleman can get the help he needs.”
Harry Teinowitz Exits ‘ESPN 1000’ Chicago. Time Out Chicago’s Robert Feder reports ESPN O&O WMVP “ESPN 1000” is going with a two-man PM drive show featuring Carmen DeFalco and John Jurkovic as the station has cut ties with Harry Teinowitz after 12 years. Feder reports a memo to the staff read, in part, “At 6:00 pm this evening Harry Teinowitz signed off air for the last time at ESPN Chicago. Throughout the many years that Harry has been with us, he has served in many different roles and has helped to establish the ESPN brand in Chicago. Harry’s contributions will be felt for years to come in every department at ESPN Chicago. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.” Afternoon drive on sports talk radio is, by many industry executives, considered to be more important than AM drive. Feder reports the most recent PPM data show crosstown rival WSCR leads the market in the Men 25-54 demo with a 7.2 share compared to WMVP’s 3.4 share.
Radio Broadcasters Still Learning About IP Codecs. Last week’s TALKERS article by technical editor Tom Ray about the proper use and application of IP codecs raised several questions from readers indicating there is still a lot to be learned about this emerging technology that promises to be the next step beyond ISDN in remote audio delivery. Today (3/4), the industry’s leading technical wizard addresses some of those issues — namely 1) the most important thing to have in place to use IP codecs effectively; 2) how to integrate service between brands of the device made by different manufacturers and get them to “talk” to each other; and 3) how to go about purchasing and testing an IP codec. To read Tom Ray’s informative article or pass it along to the person at your station or company who manages technical issues and equipment, click here.
Odds & Sods. Sports talk personality Adam Schein joins SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio. Beginning March 11, Schein will host “Schein on Sports” live from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm ET on the Mad Dog Radio Channel. He had “The SiriusXM Blitz” alongside 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon on the NFL channel…..TVNewser reports former “Good Morning America” senior executive producer Jim Murphy will serve as executive producer for CNN’s new morning show that will be co-hosted by Chris Cuomo. It had been rumored that Erin Burnett would be moved to mornings alongside Cuomo but reports indicate that many not be the case…..In other TV news, the New York Daily News reports Matt Lauer is on the hot seat since “Today” has fallen behind “Good Morning America” and the local “Good Day New York” on Fox5 in New York City. The story indicated morale on the set is low and conflicting reports about whether a new executive producer will join the show are adding to the problems. Several sources are indicating Matt Lauer may not be long for the program.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Broad Cuts at Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Claim Talk and Sports Staffers. The end-of-the-year cuts taking place within Clear Channel is claiming numerous people in the programming end of the company’s radio stations. Some of the talk and sports personnel who’ve been let go include: Eric Chase, afternoons at sports WDFN, Detroit; Rich (Michaels) Minaya, afternoons, talk WIOD, Miami; Josh Sabrowsky, producer, sports KJR-AM, Seattle; Mike Morris, morning co-host, sports KFXN, Minneapolis; Don Ayers, morning producer, talk KOGO, San Diego and Jeff More, afternoon producer, KOGO; Steve Versnick, program director, talk WFLA, Tampa, and sports WDAE, Tampa; Catherine Brown, program director, talk WTKS, Orlando; “Bull,” midday producer, WTKS; and “Cabin Boy,” nights, WTKS. This list is not necessarily complete as more reports of affected industry people are still coming in. We’ll continue to update this list as more information becomes available.
Day 2 from the Arbitron Client Conference. Radio consultant Holland Cooke covered the two-day Arbitron Client Conference for TALKERS that concluded yesterday (12/6). Three points that dominated yesterday’s discussions and presentations are – as Cooke describes them – scary talk about in-car, straight talk about sports, and plain talk about politics. Read Holland Cooke’s report from Annapolis here.
Entercom’s WEEI, Boston Names Kevin Winter AM Drive Sports Anchor. When Jon Meterperel left the Dennis & Callahan morning drive show on Entercom’s WEEI, Boston earlier this fall to pursue his play-by-play career, that opened up a prime sports anchor/on-air role at the sports talk giant. Now, Entercom announces Massachusetts native Kevin Winter will serve in that role. Winter worked at the crosstown Boston ESPN affiliate and has served in a variety of studio host capacities including national SportsCenter anchor for all ESPN Radio shows including “Mike and Mike in the Morning.” Additionally, he has been the pre- and post-game host for ESPN’s coverage of college football and basketball. He says, “I’m very grateful and excited for the opportunity to join WEEI, particularly ‘Dennis and Callahan.’ This opportunity presents new and exciting challenges for me and I’m anxious and ready to get started. I’m coming home!”
Rush Limbaugh’s Two If By Tea Initiative Raises More than $1 Million for Charity. Nationally syndicated talk radio star Rush Limbaugh announces the charitable efforts of his Two If By Tea product initiative have surpassed his goal of $100,000 by 10 times, with $1 million going to charities including the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation. Limbaugh, who started the tea company with his wife Kathryn in June of 2011, says, “We ran the numbers, and we are thrilled to announce that because of you, Two If By Tea has donated over $1 million in product and monetary donations to incredible causes.” Limbaugh says in starting the tea company he wanted to create an American business. “I personally wanted to experience firsthand all of the requirements, the licenses, the fees needed to take a product to market from nothing. Our goal was to create jobs and manufacture with all American-made products in a fun, unique way.”
Steve Deace Show Hits 50-Affiliate Mark. The Iowa-based Steve Deace program announces it has hit the 50-affiliate goal in its first year in national syndication. With the addition of KXBR, Duluth; KVOI, Tucson; and WYAB, Jackson, Mississippi, Deace’s independently syndicated evening talk show (9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET) climbs to the 50-station plateau. Deace left his position at Clear Channel’s WHO, Des Moines (the station that remains his flagship affiliate) to pursue his goal of national syndication success. He states, “I am honored and humbled to have achieved such success in such a short time. When I left the award-winning and legendary WHO last year to find out what other opportunities were out there, I had no idea this was possible.”
Jeff Schechtman Steps Down at Wine Country’s KVON and KVYN, Napa, California. With the possible sale of the news/talk and hot AC duo on the horizon, Wine Country Broadcasting owner Roger Walther and general manager Jeff Schechtman jointly announce Schechtman will step down from his role as GM in January to pursue other opportunities. Schechtman states, “Ten years is a long time in any one job, and with the possible potential sale of the station, it seems an ideal time to move on to pursue some projects I’ve been thinking about for quite some time. There is always a tendency to get stale after too long in one job and in one place.”
Gow Communications Closes on KFNC, Houston. Sports talk station 97.5 The Ticket has been operated by David Gow’s Gow Communications under an LMA since September. Now, the company closes on the station it purchases from AR Broadcast Holdings for $5 million.
CBS Sports Radio Names Chris Moore and Brian Jones Evening Hosts. The national sports radio network CBS Radio will debut on January 2 has been fitted with the final piece of the programming puzzle. Hosting the 6:00
pm to 10:00 pm ET slot will be veteran play-by-play announcer and talk host Chris Moore and former NFL player and current CBS Sports Network analyst Brian Jones, who have been named as co-hosts of CBS Sports Radio’s evening show. Their program will emanate from CBS Sports Radio’s New York City studio in Tribeca and will be heard on several stations, including WIP-AM, Philadelphia, WFOM, Atlanta, WXYT-AM, Detroit, WJZ-AM, Baltimore, KJQS, Salt Lake City and WSJZ, Orlando.
‘Fiscal Cliff’ Battle Top News/Talk Story for Week of December 3-7. The political fight in Washington over how to avoid the “fiscal cliff” was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM for the third straight week. Coming in at #2 was Syria’s chemical weapons threat. At #3 was the Egypt Morsi protests and following at #4 was the looming ObamaCare costs. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers .com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Michael Savage Tells San Francisco Chronicle His Return to Radio is Imminent. The San Francisco Chronicle reports former Talk Radio Network nationally syndicated talk star Michael Savage (who won his freedom from TRN in arbitration recently) plans to be back on the radio within two weeks. Savage tells the paper, “I’ve got to get back before these (presidential) debates are over. And when I do, it will be bigger than ever.” Savage’s attorney, Daniel Horowitz, says Savage is in negotiations with three “major players” but wouldn’t say which ones or what station might serve as a flagship.
President Obama Calls in to Tom Joyner Show this Morning. This morning (10/10) on the Tom Joyner Morning Show President Barack Obama called in and spoke to Tom Joyner and Sybil Wilkes about the debate, the importance of voting, his focus on the African American Community, and his thoughts on winning this tight election. In the opinion of the TALKERS editors, the President made several powerful news making comments. To read a key excerpt from this exclusive interview, click here.
Programmer Marshall Adams Exits All-News WYAY, Atlanta. Before joining the Cumulus Atlanta all-newser early this year, Marshall Adams served as program director at CBS Radio’s KDKA, Pittsburgh. Now, the word is Adams has exited the fledgling all-news operations. There’s no word from Cumulus who will take over the programming role at WYAY.
Mancow Show in Pre-Recorded Mode During Move to New Studios. The Chicago-based and TRN-FM nationally syndicated Mancow program is airing taped shows this week as the program prepares to launch in its TV-radio simulcast format on October 22, according to Time Out Chicago’s Robert Feder. Mancow’s show will emanate from the studios of Fox TV-owned WPWR-TV, Chicago with the 6:00 am to 8:00 am hours being simulcast on TV. Also, Feder reports that former “Ebert & Roeper” program executive producer Don Dupree has been hired as director and produce of the Mancow show. Mancow’s program had been produced at Cumulus Media’s Chicago studios.
The Future of PDs: Brand Managers. Perhaps the headline of this story should read the “present” of program directors as an increasing number of companies are adopting the title “brand manager” to describe the role of the radio station/group position historically known as “program director.” With the likes of so highly respected and forward thinking a company as Saga Communications joining the ranks of those using this more expansive title RadioInfo recognizes the movement is shifting from trend status to a significant paradigm shift. The concept is articulated by Saga Communications executive vice president Steve Goldstein in the following memo received by the company’s program directors in all formats, talk and music:
I have some very important and exciting news…
We truly live in a multi-platform world. As a Program Director, you are now spending an increased amount of your time thinking about and working with our various digital platforms. Whether it be the station website(s), social media such as Facebook, Twitter or crafting emails and texts, it’s all now a part of the PD’s day. This is in addition to managing the external marketing feel and visual aspects of the brand.
And of course, all of this is on top of creating vital and compelling on-air radio with all of the moving parts of morning shows, music, talk programming, news, sports, etc.
So, we’ve been thinking a lot about how vastly different the job of the Program Director is in 2012 and where it is likely to go in the coming years.
We’ve been thinking about how successful programmers are morphing their skills to become proficient at not just managing the on-air product, but the overall brand. And conversely, it has exposed the vulnerability of Program Directors who are not learning and growing as we become more digital.
When you drill it all down, what it really means is that the PD is no longer just a PROGRAM DIRECTOR, but a multi-platform BRAND MANAGER.
And so with the notion that things will continue to evolve, we are making a formal title change for all of our PDs from Program Director to Brand Manager. This change is intended to not only reflect how people in our business think about the position of PD but how PD’s think about themselves.
Managing the assets of a brand is what you do today, and we think this new title better reflects the change in responsibility and overall outlook.
We discussed this during our recent General Manager meeting in Florida and it met with tremendous approval.
Congratulations BRAND MANAGER.
Saga Communications owns and operates more than 100 broadcast stations in 29 markets.
ESPN Confirms Central Florida Affiliates. ESPN Radio remains on the Central Florida markets of Orlando – on Cox Media’s WDBO-AM beginning November 12 – and in Tampa Bay on Clear Channel’s WDAE. The moves come after Genesis Communications elected not to renew its affiliation with ESPN radio on WBHO, Tampa and WHOO, Orlando. As we reported yesterday, Cox Media is flipping the AM side of WDBO-AM/FM to sports as “ESPN 580 Orlando” and will carry the ESPN Radio lineup including Mike & Mike, Colin Cowherd, and SVP & Russillo. WDBO has not announced a local PM drive talent as this time. ESPN senior vice president, production, business divisions Traug Keller says, “We’re pleased to team with Cox to broadcast ESPN Radio content on WDBO-AM 580, one of the strongest signals in the Southeast, and with Clear Channel to provide ESPN programming on 620 WDAE. Our new affiliates in both Tampa and Orlando are a huge step up in signal strength, business acumen and our drive to grow our business with the best in the business.”
Tom Bauerle Re-Ups with Entercom’s WBEN, Buffalo. Buffalo talk host Tom Bauerle is becoming synonymous with talk radio in the market as the Buffalo native signs a long-term contract extension to remain with WBEN hosting the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon program. Bauerle has been with WBEN since 2002. He started his career in the market at Entercom sister WGR in 1982. We worked for a few years outside the market at WTKN, Tampa-St. Pete and KMOX, St. Louis before returning to Buffalo in 1991.
XEPRS, San Diego “ESPN Radio 1700” Renews with ESPN for Three Years. San Diego sports outlet ESPN Radio 1700 announces it strikes a deal with ESPN Radio to continue airing its programming in the market for another three years. XEPRS is owned by Broadcasting Company of the Americas and carries Mike & Mike, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Hill & Schlereth, overnight and weekend programming as well as MLB and college sports play-by-play. Broadcasting Company of the Americas VP/market manager Norman Feuer states, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with ESPN Radio. As San Diego’s sports leader, it’s only fitting to have a strong bond with the ‘Worldwide Leader in Sports.’ Programming the quality of ESPN Radio deserves a home in San Diego. We are proud to have our stations as that home.”
WSSP, Milwaukee Adds Ted Davis to PM Drive Show. Ted Davis has served as the voice of Milwaukee Bucks basketball for the past 15 seasons. Now, he adds a regular role at Entercom’s sports talk WSSP “Sportsradio 1250” where he’ll be part of “The Big Show” afternoon program with Steve “Sparky” Fifer, Ramie Makhlouf and Gary Ellerson. Program director Tom Parker says Davis will begin during the basketball season adding hoops analysis. “Ted will weigh in on the day’s top Wisconsin sports stories. Of course he’ll share his unique perspective on Milwaukee basketball. Ted is a sports talk pro who knows what fans want and will tell it like it is.”
Odds & Sods. Entercom promotes WEEI-FM, Springfield, Massachusetts and WEEI-AM, Worcester, Massachusetts general manager David Oldread to director of sales and operations for the Worcester, Springfield and WVEI-FM Providence outlets for the Boston-
based WEEI sports talk brand…..SiriusXM will broadcast a special “town hall” broadcast with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell live from SiriusXM studios on October 22. NFL great Michael Strahan (also co-host of ABC TV’s “Live with Kelly and Michael” and analyst on “Fox NFL Sunday” ) will interview Goodell and the commissioner will take questions from the live studio audience…..CBS Radio’s WIP-AM/FM, Philadelphia donates $5,000 to Michael Vick’s Team Vick Foundation. Vick says, “The city of Philadelphia embraced me, welcomed me here when the Eagles signed me – giving me a second chance to play the game that I love. We at Team Vick Foundation are thankful to CBS Radio for supporting our work in the community and look forward to lasting partnership.”…..Tribune’s WGN, Chicago will air abbreviated editions of its “Sports Night” program to carry the two remaining presidential debates as well as the vice-presidential debate. The VP debate is Thursday, October 11 and the two presidential debates are on October 16 and 22.
KDKA, Pittsburgh Hosts Marcellus Shale Expo. The possibility of large natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale is a major ongoing story for Western Pennsylvania and CBS Radio’s KDKA is hosting a Marcellus Shale Expo on Thursday, October 11. The event is sponsored by Range Resources, a developer of natural gas extraction technology. The day’s events will include panel discussions hosted by KDKA’s Mike Pintek and Robert Mangino and will include representatives: Frank Brooks Robinson, Jr., of the Governor’s Action Team; Petra Mitchell from Catalyst Connection and Rep. Jim Christiana from Beaver County. Afternoon session panelists include Alan Eichler of District Oil & Gas Operations; Rep. Marc Gergely from Allegheny County and John Ubinger from PA Environmental Council. Matt Pitzarella from Range Resources will serve on both panels. Mike Pintek will broadcast his program on site from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Hearst Television President David Barrett to Receive Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 2013 Golden Mike Award. Awarded annually to a broadcasting executive who has championed the BFoA’s mission, the 2013 Golden Mike Award will be given to Hearst Television president and CEO David Barrett at a gala black-tie fundraiser at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on February 25. Broadcasters Foundation of American chairman Philip J. Lombardo states, “David has been a vigorous champion of the Foundation’s mission to help broadcasters who are in desperate need. David’s exemplary leadership at Hearst, his commitment to the Foundation’s charitable cause, and his dedication to community service have earned him this acknowledgement. We are proud to honor him.”
Newt Talks Politics with Alan Stock. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (and recent presidential candidate) poses for a photo with KDWN, Las Vegas morning drive host Alan Stock at the Beasley news/talk station’s studios. Gingrich appeared on Stock’s program to talk about the presidential race and took calls from listeners.
Presidential Race Polls, Obama ‘Big Bird’ Ad Controversy, Romney Foreign Policy Speech, and Jerry Sandusky Sentenced Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/9). New polling data showing Mitt Romney gaining on or pulling ahead of President Obama; the controversy of the use of the Children’s Television Workshop’s Big Bird in an Obama ad; Mitt Romney’s recent foreign policy speech; and the sentencing of former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
A New Show in a New Town Requires a Good Plan
By Dan Sileo
Talk Show Host
WQAM, Miami
MIAMI – It’s funny, I have had only two radio station jobs in the past 20 years: KNBR, San Francisco and WDAE, Tampa. Of course, now I’m doing afternoon drive on WQAM in Miami, which means I’m now starting over with a new show and, the truth of it is, I have to prove myself all over again.
It’s been a humbling experience for me because I have always been used to HUGE numbers and now I’m in the position of retraining a whole new audience here in Miami to my style.
Here are a couple of things I’m learning:
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Arbitron Releases Spring 2012 Edition of ‘Radio Today by the Numbers.’ The research-based brochure published by Arbitron with data from Scarborough Research, 2012 USA TouchPoints and the Radio Effectiveness Program, Ipsos OTX 2010-2011 that quantifies the reach and value of radio as an advertising tool is being released to clients. The study is packed with slides designed for use by stations and groups to demonstrate to broadcasters, agencies and advertisers in presentations the effectiveness of the medium. For example, the slide seen here indicates American adults ages 18-64 spend 69% of their audio entertainment time with radio compared to 11% with iPods/mp3s, 9% with satellite radio, 6% with CD players and 5% with streaming internet. Arbitron states the data also makes a case for radio advertisings’ brand awareness and purchasing intent and more.
Morning Show Changes at KSEV, Houston; Sam Malone Out, ‘Mack’ Machowicz In. Houston radio personality Sam Malone is out as morning drive host at Dan Patrick’s KSEV, Houston after two years as morning drive host. Malone tells the Houston Chronicle owner Dan Patrick told him he wants to take the 
morning show “in another direction.” KSEV general manager Marc McCoy tells the paper “topic selection, the way the topics would be discussed and the interaction with the audience would be better served with Mack.” That’s Richard “Mack” Machowicz, new morning host and former Navy SEAL and television host who’s produced shows including Discovery Channel’s “FutureWeapons” and Spike TV’s “Deadliest Warriors.” He’s also contributed to History Channel’s “America: The Story of US.” Prior to his work at KSEV, Malone had worked at crosstown music-formatted KRBE-FM for 12 years.
Gregg Hersholt Returns to Seattle to Co-Host AM Drive at Fisher’s KOMO. For 25 years Gregg Hersholt was a morning drive voice on crosstown KIRO, Seattle. He left KIRO-FM in 2010 and spent time at Alpha Broadcasting’s KXL-FM, Portland as PM drive anchor and managing editor. Now, he’s back in Seattle alongside Manda Factor on KOMO-AM/FM’s morning show. He replaces Bill Yeend who recently retired. KOMO program director Paul Duckworth tells Radio-Info’s Tom Taylor Hersholt has a lot of equity in the market. “Bill Yeend is one-of-a-kind, but I’m excited to hear Gregg team up with Manda Factor, who I think is one of the very best in this business.” Hersholt starts on June 11.
WDAE, Tampa Names Tom Jones and Rick Stroud AM Drive Hosts. Clear Channel’s Tampa-market sports talk outlet announces the permanent replacements for former AM drive host Dan Sileo who exited the station in March. Tampa Bay Times sports writers Tom Jones and Rick Stroud begin hosting the station’s morning show today (5/22). In a statement, CC Tampa president and market manager Sam Nein says, “Tom Jones and Rick Stroud are Tampa Bay sports experts and we’re excited to have them host mornings on 620 WDAE. Their wealth of knowledge, relationships and history in the market will make mornings on 620 WDAE the place for Tampa Bay sports fans to start their day.” Jones and Stroud have worked together in Tampa sports journalism for more than 20 years.
Talk Host Neal Boortz Nominated for Seat on Georgia Supreme Court. The Cox Media nationally syndicated talk host is one of almost three dozen Georgia attorneys nominated for an opening seat on the state’s highest court. Neal Boortz practiced law until 1992 before making talk radio his sole full-time gig. In order to be considered for the judicial post he must complete the Judicial Nominating Commission’s application packet, something Boortz has indicated he will do. The sheer volume of candidates – including several sitting judges – seems to indicate Boortz is a longshot for the post even if he’s serious about being considered. Nonetheless, it’s a pretty cool piece of PR for the Atlanta-based talk superstar.
Howard Stern Show’s Robin Quivers to Have Surgery for Tumor. The longtime co-host of the Howard Stern program announced to the show’s listeners that she will undergo surgery for a tumor in the near future. Robin Quivers, Stern’s sidekick since 1981, stated on the SiriusXM show that doctors say she has a large tumor pressing against her bladder – whether the tumor is cancerous or not is not known – and that she has a surgery date scheduled.
Odds ‘n’ Sods. Premiere Networks talk host George Noory is the narrator in the film “Joplin, Missouri,” being released today (5/22) on the first anniversary of the tornado that decimated the town. Noory states, “After witnessing the horror of that Joplin tornado, friends from Missouri asked me if I’d participate in this documentary, and without hesitation, I said ‘Yes!’” Noory (r) is pictured here with the film’s producer and director Chip Gubera (l) at Smith-Lee Studios in St. Louis. The documentary premieres today in Columbia, Missouri with two screenings at Ragtag Cinema…..Thursday evening at 6:00 pm ET, SiriusXM’s Book Radio presents “A Conversation with Conan O’Brien” from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The satcaster states the award-winning television host, comedian, writer and producer will discuss the art of comedy, his fascination with presidential history and politics and his connection to President Kennedy…..Hubbard Broadcasting announces the web portal GovEvents.com will power the events section of Washington, DC station WFED’s website. GovEvents delivers news of government and military-related events worldwide and, says WFED, “Federal News Radio listeners now have access to federally-focused conferences and events happening in the DC-metro area.”…..Cumulus Media’s WPRO and 99.7 FM News in Providence wins the Associated Press’ News Station of the Year award. The news/talk outlet also won for Best Coverage of Breaking News, Best Continuing Coverage, Best Website and Investigative Reporting.
2012 Presidential Race, Catholics Challenge ObamaCare in Court, G8/NATO Summits, Facebook Stock Sinks and Rutgers Student Verdict Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/21). The 2012 campaign for president; the suits by various Catholic organizations against the Obama Administration over its health care law reproductive medicine stipulations; the weekend’s G8 and NATO summits and the resulting Afghanistan policies; the criticism over the NASDAQ Facebook IPO; and the sentencing of a former Rutgers University student in the suicide of his former roommate were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
KIDO, Boise’s Kevin Miller Visits Fort Hood. KIDO, Boise morning drive host Kevin Miller recently visited Fort Hood, Texas to see off members of the Idaho Army National Guard’s 168th General Aviation Battalion as they deploy to Afghanistan. Miller says he delivered “stories of training, patriotism and sacrifice” as the soldiers prepared to leave the country. He also visited with Idaho Army National Guard staff sergeant Jason Rzepa (pictured here at right with Miller). Rzepa is a double amputee who is rehabbing at Fort Sam Houston after being injured in an IED attack that killed two fellow Idaho National Guard soldiers and cost him his legs. Miller tells TALKERS magazine he is proud of the multi-platform efforts of the Peak Broadcasting station in supporting the troops.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
America’s Radio News Network Develops Second Radio Network Featuring 24/7 News Reports. The long-form news venture crafted by Talk Radio Network known as America’s Radio News Network – which is successfully distributing three-hour blocks of all-news content to more than 275 affiliate stations – is announcing the creation of a second network dedicated to top- and bottom-of-the-hour news, breaking news bulletins, special reports and newsmaker
interviews. ARNN executive vice president for news John McCaslin states, “‘Journalism Without Agenda’ is not just a marketing phrase at America’s Radio News – it’s a code we live by – and the marketplace has responded so strongly to our long-form, all-news product that the second news network of our short-form top- and bottom-of-the-hour news (plus audio actualities, special reports, news maker interviews etc…) was a natural outgrowth of this demand. We are honored to be the fastest-growing brand in news radio. We truly are ‘Journalism 
Without Agenda.’ This is something stations not only deeply appreciate, but have a need for like never before.” CEO Mark Masters says this means affiliate stations will not have to “break away” for news. “Bottom line, ARNN is now the complete ‘go-to’ radio news network for urgent breaking newscasts on the hour and half-hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, along with our intriguing and diverse lineup of newsmaker interviews in addition to our large array of three-hour, long-form weekday news blocks our listeners enjoy each weekday.” The new service begins April 2.
Dan Sileo Let Go from WDAE, Tampa After “Monkeys” Comment. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s Tampa Bay sports talk outlet has parted company with morning drive sports talk host Dan Sileo after he referred to three NFL free agents as “monkeys.” During an exchange with producer Darek Sharp about whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should go after Cortland Finnegan, Jonathan Vilma and Vincent Jackson in free agency, Sileo reportedly said, “No! No! If they get those three monkeys, I’m good! I’m ready, man. I’m ready. I want those guys. Those guys are great players.” WDAE program director Steve Versnick confirmed to the Tampa Bay Tribune that Sileo is no longer with the station but would not comment on why due to the station’s policy of not discussing personnel matters. The Tampa Bay Times reports the station apologized specifically for Sileo’s remarks. As for Sileo, he tweeted to the Times’ Eric Deggans that he didn’t even realize what he’d said until someone told him. Versnick told the Tribune Rock Riley will fill in for Sileo and the station is seeking a permanent replacement. Dan Sileo has written about sports talk radio for TALKERS in the past.
Aggressive Agenda Being Set for New Media Seminar. The first of several key panel rosters for the New York installment of this year’s New Media Seminar has been announced and it promises to provide a powerful overview of the state of talk radio. Titled “Spoken Word Radio 2012, the Big Picture,” the lineup includes (in alphabetical order): Phil Boyce, VP/director, Spoken Word Format, Salem Communications; Steve Goldstein, EVP, Saga Communications; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Mike McVay, senior VP programming, Cumulus Media; and Chris Oliviero, senior VP programming, CBS Radio. Michael Harrison, publisher of TALKERS will moderate. According to Harrison, “This year’s New Media Seminar will tackle a number of pressing issues facing the industry during this most transitional and turbulent year.” The 2012 version of the industry’s longest-running and most important national convention will feature a new, innovative format designed for the times – broken into two separate events: New York on Thursday, June 7 and Los Angeles on Thursday, October 11. Each will present a power-packed agenda and offer affordable, accessible registration fees to its attendees. Registration, however, is limited and only open to members of the working media. For details, click here.
Dial Global and Dennis Miller Celebrate the Host’s Five-Year Anniversary with a New Contract. The announcement from Dial Global doesn’t get specific – it calls it a long-term deal – but Dennis Miller’s gig as a nationally syndicated talk show host will continue. He began in 2007 with Westwood One and is currently heard on more than 300 affiliate stations and, according to DG, in 24 of the top 24 markets. Dial Global co-president/CEO David Landau says, “We are ecstatic about our relationship with Dennis and thrilled to be associated with a rock star and national treasure of this magnitude.” Miller is a regular contributor to Fox News Channel’s “The O’Reilly Factor.” Miller and O’Reilly have been involved in a live event series dubbed the “Bolder & Fresher Tour 2011-2012” and have added new dates to that tour including June 22 in Indianapolis and June 23 in Chicago. Miller says of his radio success, “It has been a fine five years with a great and growing audience that I enjoy riffing with. As I bask in the glorious wake of modest achievement, I look forward to many more years behind the microphone.”
Saga Communications Reports Revenue Down 3.6% in Q4 of 2011. But for the entire year of 2011, Saga Communications was down just a hair – to $127.3 million in net revenue. The good news for Saga is free cash flow was up 3.6% for the quarter and 9% for the year. Also, Saga was able to reduce its debt by $27 million to $69.1 million. One thing Saga is enjoying that many other broadcasting companies surely covet is a healthy stock price. Saga’s stock closed at $41.40 per share on Tuesday – up 6.7%.
Red Zebra’s WTEM, Washington Locks Up Doc Walker for Three More Years. The midday sports talk host was most recently partnered with John Thompson at WTEM but Thompson left his daily talk show host role at the station last month. Now, Red Zebra vice president of programming Chuck Sapienza says the company has signed Rick “Doc” Walker to a three-year contract extension and the station will feature Walker in a new 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm program beginning March 26. Walker is also part of the broadcast team for the Washington Redskins Radio Network. Red Zebra CEO Rick Carmean states, “Doc has become an integral part of WTEM and its success for the better part of 15 years. We are excited for him to be a part of the new show and our Redskins broadcasts.”
Cumulus Media Networks Partners with APM Music for Production Library Services. Music library giant APM Music – a joint venture of EMI Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing – partners with Cumulus Media Networks to offer its music library services to client stations. APM’s collection of music is described as offering “every imaginable genre including music from current indie bands to big sound orchestral trailer cues to a full classical music repertoire.” CMN SVP of affiliate sales and broadcast operations Dennis Green says, “Cumulus Media Networks is proud to add the APM music production library to its growing stable of products and services available to stations all over the country. APM’s library is the largest and best in the industry which will provide stations the foundation for outstanding commercial production.”
Dan LeBatard Show Markets Content via CDBaby. The WAXY, Miami PM drive show Dan LeBatard with Stugotz & Hochman is marketing some of its best-of material via CDBaby. The program has a sizable podcast following but this is the first foray in to digital media marketing. As the deal is structured, the show and station owner Lincoln Financial Media both share in the revenue. The “CD” is available through CDBaby.com, iTunes, Amazon and several other digital media sites. Marc Hochman (who is currently also program director of WAXY but is stepping down to focus on the LeBatard show) reports LeBatard’s national profile has “grown exponentially since the debut of his daily TV show, ‘Dan LeBatard is Highly Questionable,’ on ESPN 2 which is aired every day at 4:00 pm ET.” Pictured here is the “CD cover” of the digital download. Hochman says there will be no physical CDs, just the download.
GOP Southern Primaries/2012 Presidential Race, Soaring Gas Prices, Afghanistan Killings Aftermath, and Iran Nukes Issue Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/13). Yesterday’s southern primaries for the GOP contenders and the 2012 presidential race in general; the nation’s soaring gas prices and its impact on President Obama’s approval numbers; the aftermath of the killing of 16 Afghanistan civilians by a U.S. soldier; and the ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear weapons program were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
No-Holds-Barred Opinion: WDAE, Tampa Morning Sports Talk Phenomenon Dan Sileo Says Your Show Is About You! According to Dan, too many sports talk hosts are putting bad callers on the radio, conducting long, boring interviews and emulating bad radio. He boldly proclaims the best thing a host can do is listen for bad radio, recognize it for what it is and make sure you’re NOT doing it on your show. Read more here.
KOGO-AM/FM, San Diego Adjusts Program Schedule; Bryan Suits Exits Station and Chris Merrill Comes Aboard. Talk show host Bryan Suits had been hosting the midday show from Seattle and he tells his fans via his Facebook page that he and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment could not agree on the terms to bring him back to Southern California in order to move into the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm program slot so they’ve parted ways. The new lineup is LaDona Harvey from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm; Chris Merrill from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Bob “Sully” Sullivan from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Merrill’s “The Voice of Merrill” show airs on Entercom’s KMBZ, Kansas City daily from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
Plans Being Set for 15th Annual New Media Seminar. Full details will be announced later this week, as TALKERS prepares to announce plans for the 2012 installment of the talk industry’s longest running and most important national conference. According to TALKERS VP/managing editor Kevin Casey, “This next conference will be extremely innovative – not just in content, but structure as well — and will be specifically geared to the nature of these economically challenging times. All I can say at this moment is it will again take place in New York City in early June – but this version of the event will be a significant departure from and improvement over traditional radio business conferences in terms of accessibility to the hard-working folks of our industry. Stand by!”
Stitcher Integrates News and Talk Programming with Facebook’s Timeline Feature. Stitcher is an app that allows iPhone and iPad users to listen to news and talk audio content in much the same way Pandora does for music. Stitcher says users have access to more than 6,000 programs and podcasts ranging from talk titans like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity to news from CNN and NPR. Now, according to CNET, Stitcher has integrated with Facebook’s Timeline feature which essentially allows Timeline users to see what their friends are listening to. Stitcher CEO Noah Shanok tells CNET this means the ability to discover new programs and share favorites with friends has become even easier. “We have a huge selection of NPR content but there’s other content like NPR that you might like that could be exposed through a social integration and viewing the listening habits of a friend who you know has similar habits as you do.”
Clear Channel Media Holdings Reports 2011 Financials Today; Positive News for Media and Entertainment Division Expected. The parent company of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment holds a conference call with analysts this morning and although the company’s financial structure is very different from the days when it sold common stock like other publicly traded broadcasting companies, the industry is always interested in hearing from Clear Channel about its performance as a bellwether for the media industry as a whole. The industry can expect an announcement coming from this conference call that CC’s radio revenue was up 4% in 2011. According to the Clear Channel-owned, in-house radio trade publication Inside Radio: “Propelled by the addition of Westwood One’s traffic division in April and higher digital radio billings, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment revenue swung to $6.16 billion in 2011, a 4% increase from 2010. Like most of the industry, fourth quarter revenue was softer, growing 2% to $15 million.” Today, Clear Channel Media Holdings and subsidiary Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings will give 2011 fourth quarter earnings and revenue numbers for the whole of 2011 as well as guidance for the current year.
Houston Police Looking into Investigation of Hit-and-Run Incident Allegedly Involving KTRH, Houston Host Michael Berry. Last week TALKERS reported on the story out of Houston in which KTRH talk host – and former Houston City Councilman – Michael Berry is alleged to have hit a car outside a well-known gay bar in the city and left the scene. At that time, local news reports indicated Berry was also seen inside the bar prior to the incident. At this time Berry has not been charged with anything but the Houston Chronicle is reporting that Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland is ordering an investigation into his department’s handling of the case. At issue here appears to be whether police, who initially offered little evidence to the district attorney’s office to charge Berry, may have ignored other testimony from the scene clearly linking Berry’s SUV to the incident. Berry has said on his radio show that he can’t talk about it but asks people to hold their judgment until all the facts are out. Berry’s attorney, Dick DeGuerin, tells the paper, “It’s much ado about nothing, it seems to me.”
Independently Syndicated George Jarkesy Show picked up by CRN Digital Talk Radio. An hour of the recently launched independently syndicated Houston-based program, the George Jarkesy Show recently featured at Talkers.com has added CRN Digital Talk Radio as one of its distribution platforms carried on the Mike Horn-owned venue’s “CRN 5” airing Mondays at 1:00 pm. A money manager and successful professional investor, respected financial and corporate advisor, George Jarkesy has founded, invested in and helped to build companies engaged in a broad range of industry sectors, including financial consulting, media, real estate investing, natural resources, and healthcare. He also appears as a regular guest commentator on most of the major cable news/talk channels where he gained talk media industry attention as a solid information resource for the common sense blending of money matters and politics geared to the middle class investor and entrepreneur. Jarkesy’s daily show runs Monday through Friday 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm with plans in the works to expand to three hours per day. For more information, visit www.GeorgeJarkesy.com.
GOP Primary Race/2012 Presidential Race, Iran Oil Blockade Threat, Rising Gas Prices, Greece Bailout and Lin/ESPN Flap Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/20). The battle among GOP primary contenders and the larger 2012 presidential race; Iran’s threat to block oil out of the Persian Gulf and rising gas prices in the U.S.; the Euro Zone’s approval of another bailout for Greece; and the controversy over a racial slur used by ESPN staffers referencing Knicks player Jeremy Lin were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Charlotte Talk Media Personality to Moderate Debate. Charlotte, North Carolina talk media personality and regular WBT, Charlotte fill-in host Wayne Powers is set to moderate today’s 8th Congressional District Republican Debate. The debate, sponsored by the Cabarrus Republican Women, takes place tonight at 7:00 pm at the Vintage Motor Club in Concord, North Carolina. All six candidates vying for the opportunity to challenge incumbent Democrat Larry Kissell will take part in the debate.
Live from L.A. Plaza. ESPN Deportes stepped outside its studios to celebrate the first anniversary of Spanish-language sports talk show “Nacion ESPN.” Pictured here are co-hosts Adriana Monsalve and David Faiteslon. The two were joined on the program by ESPN’s Rafa Ramos and Bernardo Osuna, Mexican-Brazilian soccer star Luis Alberto Zaque, renowned Mexican soccer stars Ramon Ramirez and Claudio Suarez, and boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez. On a state-of-the-art set, Adriana and David welcomed the crowd and its special guests presenting several surprises, heated debates and friendly competitions.
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