Tag: "WFLA"
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.
Light in the Darkness
Al Herskovitz
H&H Communications
President
BRADENTON, Fla. — All is well right now, but last week, as Hurricane Irma screamed toward my home in Manatee County, Florida, the lights went out, the TV screen went blank, the phones went dead, the image on the computer screen vanished, the iPad lost connection with the Internet. So, there I was sitting in the dark as the roaring wind and the pounding rain lashed my house — isolated and completely out of touch with the outside world.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
CBS News Radio and Skyview Partner. Another big network news deal for Skyview Networks after the company announced its renewed deal with ABC Radio last week. This partnership with CBS News Radio for distribution, inventory management and sales begins on January 1 of 2018. A press
statement says, “The new exclusive multi-year agreement will enable CBS News Radio to further strengthen its direct relationship with its prominent family of affiliated stations and control its affiliate relations, marketing, sales, distribution and best-in-class technology in-house.” Skyview president Ken 
Thiele says, “We are proud to forge a new partnership with CBS News Radio. This agreement powers CBS News Radio on sales and broadcast distribution operations to provide the finest and most accessible experience for affiliates, listeners and advertisers.” CBS News CFO Charles Pavlounis adds, “Our new agreement with Skyview Networks will strengthen our distribution and advertising sales efforts. This collaboration will assure our 30 million weekly listeners that they will continue to get the highest level of quality journalism they are accustomed to, while also providing for new opportunities for growth.” CBS News Radio is currently distributed by Westwood One.
Urban One Q2 Net Revenue Down 4.1%. Citing net revenue of $117.6 million during the second quarter of 2017, Urban One – formerly Radio One – reports that figure represents a decrease of 4.1% compared to the same period a year ago. Breaking it down, the company says broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $41.8 million, a decrease of 14.6% from the same period in 2016. Operating income was approximately $12.1 million for the quarter, compared to $27.7 million for the 
same period in 2016. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III, says, “Our radio broadcasting revenues improved sequentially from Q1, and also within the quarter itself with June being up 2.3% vs 2017. According to Miller Kaplan, we outperformed our markets by 190Bps in June, which is encouraging. This sequential improvement looks likely to continue for Q3, which is currently pacing (–2.9%). Reach Media continued to experience a soft marketplace for multi-cultural network advertising spend, which was somewhat offset by the success of their Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage cruise. TV One experienced soft ratings, which resulted in a 5.9% decline in net advertising revenues for the quarter. We still believe that TV One will achieve the Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $82-84 million provided on the last earnings call, driven by improved affiliate revenues projected for H2. Our digital segment revenues benefitted from the acquisition of the Bossip and Madame Noire brands, and we have continued to invest in short-form video and data analytics which should help drive long-term growth for our digital businesses.”
WFLA, Tampa Morning Co-Host Tedd Webb Recovering from Heart Attack. Officials at
iHeartMedia Tampa are not saying how long they expect morning personality Tedd Webb to be away from the microphone but station manager David Bell tells the Tampa Bay Times, “We want him to do what is best for him.” Webb – who co-hosts the AM drive show on news/talk WFLA-AM with Jack Harris – has a history of heart issues. He had a quadruple bypass in 1999 and has since battled congestive heart failure, according to the Times piece. Read it here.
Dean Canter Named SVP of National Sales for PodcastOne. Media sales pro Dean Canter joins PodcastOne as SVP of national sales. Canter will “oversee all regional sales offices for the company, in addition to developing strategic initiatives, innovating new advertiser opportunities, and 
driving industry trends in the rapidly growing podcast market.” PodcastOne executive chairman and founder Norm Pattiz says, “It’s rare to find someone with an extensive radio background who understands podcasting as well as Dean does. Working with Kit Gray, Greg Batusic, and our existing management team and sales force, Dean brings history and an uncanny appreciation of the medium that fits perfectly with our expansion.”
Entercom New Orleans Market Manager Chris Claus to Retire. Thirty-five-year broadcasting pro Chris Claus will retire from his current position as vice president and market manager for
Entercom’s New Orleans cluster on August 31. Claus has been in this position with Entercom since 2007. Entercom president of sales Deborah Kane says, “Chris championed New Orleans during the critical post-Katrina period, during Hurricane Gustav in 2008 and throughout the Deepwater Horizon/BP Oil spill in 2010. Chris’ engaging style of management, his unwavering professionalism and his heart has made an indelible imprint on Entercom employees and the community at large.” Claus says, “I am grateful for these 10 years in the New Orleans cluster working with exceptional colleagues and being a part of this great community. I had a wonderful experience and now I look forward to spending time with my family.”
TALKERS News Notes. TVNewser reports the July ratings for the cable news/talk channels and
notes that MSNBC “finished No. 1 across cable news in weekday prime time among viewers from the ad-friendly A25-54 demographic as well as in the 
younger A18-49 demo.” MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow finished the month #1 across all demos – A18-49, A25-54, and total viewers. Although MSNBC was tops A25-54 in prime time (8:00 pm to 11:00 pm) for the month, Fox News Channel maintained its #1 standing among all viewers…..In Denver, former college and pro football star Mike Pritchard joins the KKFN-FM “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” staff as a contributor. Pritchard will also co-host the “Pritchard and Cecil” program alongside Cecil Lammey weekdays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, starting August 16. Pritchard most recently co-hosted a show on Lotus Broadcasting’s KWWN, Las Vegas “1100 ESPN.” He’s also been doing color commentary for UNLV football…..American Urban Radio Networks elevates Lenore Williams to SVP/affiliate operations and compliance. Williams began her career as traffic manager with one of AURN’s owned-and-operated stations. Since 2006, she’s been VP of affiliate operations and compliance…..Yesterday (8/1), Ken Lormand celebrated his 18th year with Salem Radio Network as managing editor and Washington bureau chief.
Congressional Health Care Hearings, Trump West Wing Changes, North Korea Nuke Threats, Sessions Opioid Crisis Speech, Maduro’s Venezuelan Dictatorship, Seth Rich Story Lawsuit, Peanut Butter Jailbreak, MLB Action, and NFL Training Camps Open Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/1). The Senate agrees to hold bi-partisan health care hearings on fate of Affordable Care Act; the various changes in the Trump Administration’s West Wing, including the exit of Anthony Scaramucci and Reince Priebus and the arrival of new Chief of Staff John Kelly; North Korea’s nuclear threats and the U.S.’ military options; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ scheduled speech in Ohio today addressing the nation’s opioid crisis; the U.S.’s response to Nicolas Maduro’s ruling of Venezuela; Fox News and the White House alleged to conspire in creating Seth Rich-Wikileaks connection in private investigator’s lawsuit; Alabama cons escape prison using peanut butter; Major League Baseball action; and NFL training camps underway among top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (8/2) with luncheon address by Salem Radio Network host Joe Walsh (with introduction by Phil Boyce). The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are:
– The “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein).
– The special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan).
– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).
– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo).
– The special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard).
– The special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell).
– The first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein. All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.
– A “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).
– A “Fireside Chat” featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).
– A “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman).
– The series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.” They feature a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess(introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri), a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young, and a conversation between Cumulus Media EVP programming and content Mike McVay and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).
– The series of four “one-on-one” dialogues collectively titled, “Where Does Talk Media Go From Here?” featuring a conversation between WRHU, Hofstra University OM John T. Mullen and WRFH, Hillsdale College GM Scot Bertram; a conversation between The New Normal CEO/founder/host Tom Leykis and syndicated host Michael Berry; a conversation between The Weiss AgencyEVP Heather Cohen and Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel host Brian Kilmeade; and a conversation between WPHT, Philadelphia host Dom Giordano and GCN syndicated host Dr. Daliah Wachs (facilitated by WOR, New York APD Scott Lakefield). At the conclusion, Dr. Wachs is presented the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award by Michael Harrison.
– Three memorial tributes by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon dedicated to major talk show personalities and longtimeTALKERS Convention participants who passed away this past year: Tom Marr, Dr. Joy Browne and Alan Colmes. (Introduction by Stephan Multimedia CEO/host, Doug Stephan.)
– Presentation of the 2017 “Woman of the Year” award to Cumulus Media president/CEO Mary Berner by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison.
– TODAY (8/2) we post the special luncheon greeting by Salem Radio Network syndicated host Joe Walsh (with introduction by SRN VP Phil Boyce).
Within the following days, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Rock programmer Mat Bates is the new program director at Cumulus Media’s San Francisco triple A KFOG. Most recently Bates was with Pandora as head of programming – rock formats. He’d also served with
Rdio as global head of music and curation; as senior manager/radio programming with Slacker; and at KXTE, Las Vegas; XETRA, San Diego and more. Cumulus Media San Francisco vice president and market manager Justin Wittmayer says, “Mat Bates is poised to take the Bay Area’s most indelible rock brand – KFOG – into the future with his unique professional background and successes marrying broadcast radio with digital platforms. He lives the format, is well connected in the Bay Area, and brings a new mindset to KFOG. Mat will work with the KFOG team to bring rock’s past and future together in a powerful alchemy that listeners and advertisers will respond to in a big way.” Bates adds, “I’ve spent the last decade applying the best parts of broadcast radio to emerging digital platforms. I’m really excited to now take the things that music tech does well and apply those to such a legendary and beloved radio station. KFOG already has all the necessary pieces; it’s up to us to assemble them correctly now.”…..In Milwaukee, market radio pro Wes McKane is let go by Entercom where he was co-hosting the morning drive program with Elizabeth Kay on hot AC WMYX. McKane wrote on Facebook, “Today I close a long chapter in my life. After almost 16 years at ‘103.7 KISS FM’ and ‘99.1 The Mix’ I am no longer with the company. I 
accept that my former management had to make a difficult decision. I got a chance to work with some of the best radio personalities in the industry with Rahny, Riggs, Elizabeth Kay, David Stein, other personalities, sales staff, promotions, business office and management.”…..It’s official in Atlanta as Cox Media Group CHR WSB-FM “B98.5” names Charly Morgan midday personality. CMG Atlanta director of branding and programming Chris Eagan says, “I’ve been listening to Charly on WNGC for years – her sound, personality and style are a perfect fit for ‘B98.5.’ She’s warm, friendly, and fun on the air and off, a
great addition to our Atlanta team.”…..CBS RADIO adult contemporary outlet KYKY, San Diego announces the addition of the “AJ Mornings” program – featuring AJ Machado and Sara Perry – starting August 7. KYKY program director Chris Patyk comments, “We’re super excited about this new morning show and have been looking forward to making this announcement. AJ’s been waking up San Diego for 17 years and counting. 
The addition of Sara – who has logged nearly the same amount of time on the air – will make the new KYKY morning show an exciting and fresh way for our listeners to start their day.”…..The “Sunday Night Blues Room,” featuring long time radio veteran Steve Pringle, returns to the Portland airwaves on Entercom’s classic rock KGON. Program director Chris Crowley says of the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm show, “The ‘Sunday Night Blues Room’ began on KGON and it’s only fitting that we host it once again. The addition of the show and host Steve Pringle only serve to prove that KGON is committed to our community and committed to playing the greatest music ever recorded.”
Friday, March 3, 2017
PPM Analysis: Talk-Oriented Public Radio. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian wraps up our three-part analysis of the performances of news and talk radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s 
January PPM survey. Having already looked at all-news and commercial news/talk, we turn our attention to talk-oriented public radio. In January, the majority of all-news and commercial news/talk stations saw their 6+ numbers increase after the previous Holiday 2016 survey in which so many such stations traditionally see softer numbers. The assertion that the beginning of the Trump Administration has been good for news and talk stations appears to also be good for talk-oriented public radio stations. Kinosian notes that when comparing the stations’ Holiday 2016 AQH shares to those of the January 2017 survey, nine of 10 stations on this talk-oriented public panel improve; 8% are down and the remaining 2% are steady. Comparing 6+ AQH shares from January 2016 to January 2017, roughly seven of 10 stations in our eligible sample improve year-to-year (72%), while 17% decline; the remaining 11% are unchanged. Four talk-oriented public radio stations ranked #1 in their respective markets and another five finished in the top five. Find out which stations they are, and much more when you read the whole report here.
Entercom Names Arriens Director of Operations for Charlotte. A restructuring at Entercom’s Charlotte cluster includes the arrival of Darrin Arriens into the newly created director of operations position. Entercom says the new role is “part of Entercom Charlotte’s ongoing leadership and organizational restructuring since its
acquisition in early January.” In this role, Arriens will oversee the programming of the company’s five stations in the market, including heritage news/talk WBT-AM/FM, sports talk WFNZ-AM/W273DA “The 
Fan,” and hot AC WLNK-FM “107.9 The Link.” Arriens will also manage the syndication efforts for the “Bob and Sheri Network” program and will report to Matt Hanlon, the vice president and market manager for Entercom Charlotte. In addition to his 25-plus years of experience across numerous formats, Arriens served as a regional director of operations for Citadel Broadcasting, overseeing 55 stations in the Midwest. Hanlon comments, “We are focused on maximizing our impact across all of our stations, being the best local marketing solutions partner and continuing to deliver the outstanding content that our fans have come to expect from us. The move to establish a director of operations role underscores our commitment to being best-in-class. I am thrilled to welcome Darrin to the Entercom Charlotte family.” Earlier this week, Entercom parted ways with WLNK program director Darla Thomas.
iHeartMedia Appoints Bill Reese VP of Sales. At the Orlando operations of iHeartMedia, Bill Reese joins
the company to serve as vice president of sales. Reese will be in charge of the sales efforts at stations including: news/talk WFLA, hot talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1,” sports talk “FM 96.9 The Game,” rock WJRR, AC WLRQ, and CHR WXXL. iHM SVP of sales for the Central/North Florida Region Barbara Latham comments, “We are very excited about adding Bill to our team. Bill has an established track record of performance success, is a great leader and will be a very strong addition to iHeartMedia.” Prior to joining iHeartMedia, Reese served with Renda Broadcasting’s Jacksonville cluster, most recently as general manager.
Entercom and CBS RADIO Reveal Pricing for Loan. The two radio operators – preparing for a merger that is expected to close sometime during the second half of 2017 – announce that CBS RADIO “has established pricing for a seven-year, $500 million senior secured term loan B to be issued in connection with their previously announced merger. The loan will have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%, with no LIBOR floor, and will be issued at par. The new term loan will be issued to refinance Entercom’s capital structure, with proceeds used to repay its existing term loan and redeem its preferred stock, as well as pay transaction fees and expenses. CBS RADIO’s credit facility is being amended to include the new term loan, which is expected to be funded at the closing of the merger.”
Trump Withdraws Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel’s FCC Commissioner Nomination. The term of
Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel expired in July of 2015, but former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler allowed Rosenworcel to serve until the end of 2016. Before leaving office, President Obama issued a nomination for a new term for her. The Trump Administration withdrew that nomination on Tuesday (3/1). There are currently three commissioners: Republican Chairman Ajit Pai, Republican Michael O’ Rielly, and Democrat Mignon Clyburn, with two vacancies to be filled.
TALKERS News Notes. In what Westwood One is calling a “momentous first,” it and the NCAA will broadcast the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four from University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona the weekend of April 1 in Spanish. Coverage will be carried on more than 40 Hispanic radio stations nationwide, WestwoodOneSports.com, and SiriusXM radio…..Cumulus Media’s KTCT, San Francisco “KNBR 1050” signs a multi-year deal with the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes to serve as the professional soccer team’s new radio flagship for the Bay Area. “KNBR 1050” will broadcast all games, plus pre-game and post-game shows on air and via the KNBR app…..Two notes from SB Nation Radio: First, the sports talk radio network is launching the overnight show, “The Franchise,” on March 6. Sports 1 Marketing is producing the 1:00 am to 3:00 am ET program. Second, a collaborative effort between SB Nation Radio and the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) is bringing “Bassmaster Radio” to the air effective this weekend. B.A.S.S. is producing the program that will air weekly on more than 100 stations and stream on both Bassmaster.com and SBNationRadio.com. The show is hosted by veteran broadcaster and tournament fisherman, Thom Abraham…..AdLarge Media announces its new partnership with Megaphone, an advanced podcast hosting and ad serving platform from Panoply. Megaphone uses real-time dynamic ad insertion technology along with campaign targets and parameters to deliver ad impressions across new and archived episodes, eliminating the need to go back and manually remove or replace outdated ads from previously published content.
Cool Talk Radio Gig. KSOO, Sioux Falls – one of eight stations making up the Results Radio/Townsquare Media cluster is seeking a full-time talk show host. Qualified candidates will have the ability to host solo but also be a 
strong team player, must be a champion across all social media platforms and go beyond the headlines to create unique and compelling content. This individual should be focused on being local. Networking yourself with key local and regional contacts, as well as the ability to develop and grow new associations. Results Radio/Townsquare Media has one of the nicest broadcast facilities in the entire Midwest and a strong reputation in the city and throughout the state. They offer very competitive compensation, great benefits and you’ll be working with an experienced and winning team. Sioux Falls, SD has been named to many top 10 lists including Best Place to Live, Best Places for Families, Best Place to Retire and Best Elementary Schools. This is a unique opportunity made available only because someone is retiring. If this is you, please send your resume and mp3 demo of your latest work to: Dave Roberts, dave@ksoo.com.
PodcastOne Debuts ‘Forbes Sports Money’ Series. Yesterday (3/2), PodcastOne debuted the fourth podcast that is launching on the “Forbes on PodcastOne” network. “Forbes Sports Money” is hosted by Mike
Ozanian, co-host and managing editor of television’s “Forbes Sports Money,” a four-time New York 
Emmy Award-winning television show that airs on YES Network. Guests on the program include team owners, athletes and industry leaders, agents and any significant personality involved in the business of sports. Future guests will include Boston Celtics owner Wyclisse Grousbeck, Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss and many more. PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norm Pattiz says, “‘Forbes Sports Money’ joins ‘The Forbes Interview,’ ‘Forbes Under 30’ and ‘Forbes Lists’ on the PodcastOne network. This is a particularly interesting subject to a huge number of people and we expect this podcast to be very impactful.”
Trump Congressional Address Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 27 to March 3. President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Coming in at #2 this week were the allegations of Trump campaign people speaking with Russian diplomats and AG Jeff Sessions’ recusing himself from leading the investigation into that. At #3 were the Trump Administration’s immigration and deportation policies, followed by the status of the Affordable Care Act at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio this week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. After a very scary one-car accident in Mississippi in which the “Ty, Kelly & Chuck Mornings” show was involved earlier this week, Cumulus Media reports the crew will be back on the air together on Monday (3/6). Ty Bentli (left), Kelly (center) Ford
and producer Glenn Johnson were banged up after their car rolled twice on a rain-slicked highway. Chuck Wicks (right) sustained a fractured skull and a fractured vertebrae and was hospitalized…..Spanish language media firm Entravision announces it promotes 
chief operating officer Jeffrey Liberman, adding president to his title. The company says he’ll continue to lead the management and operation of all of its radio, television and digital media properties, and will continue to report directly to Walter F. Ulloa, chairman and chief executive officer. Ulloa says, “Jeff has helped grow and lead the company through his service, business insights and commitment ever since joining Entravision almost two decades ago. He has been an integral part of our senior executive team in setting our strategic vision and executing on our business plans, in addition to his numerous contributions to serving
the Latino community.”…..Yesterday, iHeartMedia presented the world premiere of Lorde’s new single, “Green Light.” iHM and the LAVA/Republic Records artist collaborated to air the song for the first time anywhere at 2:00 pm ET on 125 broadcast radio stations across the CHR, hot AC and alternative formats, as well as on the iHeartRadio app. The song is from Lorde’s new album Melodrama. Next Friday, Lorde will appear on the syndicated “Elvis Duran and The Morning Show” to celebrate the launch of the record…..Nathan James moves from iHeartMedia’s Raleigh cluster to Philadelphia where he’s the new director of marketing for the six-station cluster.
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.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Shannon Burke Wins ‘Casting Call’ for WYAY, Atlanta Talk Show. Program director Greg Tantum says audience response to Shannon Burke’s appearance on Cumulus Media’s WYAY, Atlanta “NewsRadio 106.7”
during the on-air auditions – or Casting Call – was an “overwhelming audience favorite.” As a result, Burke is inked to a deal to host the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon program on WYAY. Burke was most recently with Cox Media Group’s WHPT, Tampa “102.5 The Bone.” He’s also worked on the Bubba the Love Sponge show, iHeartMedia’s WTKS, Orlando “Real Radio 104.1” and WFLF, Orlando “540 WFLA.” Tantum says, “[Burke’s] show creatively combines intelligent talk with humor, entertainment and a connection with the Atlanta lifestyle.”
WCBM, Baltimore’s Tom Marr on Medical Leave After Suffering Stroke. The longtime Baltimore news, talk, and sports radio figure suffered a stroke on Sunday (7/3) that the family says happened as a result of 
complications from recent back surgery. WCBM, Baltimore’s Tom Marr will be on medical hiatus while he recovers. Marr has been with WCBM since 1988 when the Mangione family acquired the station. Prior to coming to WCBM, Marr spent 21 years at the former WFBR (now WJZ-AM) in Baltimore as a newsman and Orioles play-by-play announcer.
Baghdad, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh Terror Bombings, The Presidential Race, FBI’s Clinton Email Investigation/Bill Clinton-Loretta Lynch Meeting, The Fourth of July Holiday, and Kevin Durant Joins Golden State Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The deadly terror attacks in Baghdad, three sites in Saudi Arabia and in Bangladesh; the activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the status of the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server for State Department business, tied with Bill Clinton’s controversial meeting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch; the Fourth of July holiday; and NBA star Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Randi Rhodes Returns to Talk Show Hosting; Teams with Nicole Sandler for One-Two Progressive Punch. Florida-based progressive talk host Nicole Sandler (right) tells TALKERS magazine that she and Randi 
Rhodes (left) are debuting four hours of live progressive talk on the Internet as Rhodes gets back behind the mic for the first time since her Premiere Networks show ended in May of 2014. Sandler says, “Randi Rhodes and I have teamed up to produce and broadcast four daily hours of fierce, independent, entertaining and informative progressive talk radio streaming live weekdays.” The Nicole Sandler Show runs live from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET and The Randi Rhodes Show follows immediately, airing live from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Sandler’s show moves from its previous “Radio or Not” home to NicoleSandler.com. Rhodes is broadcasting from her studios in Delray Beach, which were funded by Rhode’s listeners via a Kickstarter campaign. Sandler says that in addition to their own streaming channels and their respective websites, the Randi Rhodes show and the Nicole Sandler show are also heard on The Progressive Voices channel and app, and a few other select streaming stations around the world.
Hyper-Local Online Talk Media Station. For the fifth consecutive year, legendary Western Massachusetts radio personality Brad Shepard served as the voice and emcee of the regionally iconic East Longmeadow Fourth of
July Parade yesterday (7/4). Shepard is the GM and star personality on the hyper-local Pioneer Valley Radio (PioneerValleyRadio.com) launched a year-and-a-half ago after Shepard left his long-running morning show at local iHeartMedia news/talk outlet WHYN, Springfield. Shepard tells TALKERS, “Pioneer Valley Radio features a format that can best be described as ‘full-time public affairs with personality.’ We are achieving tremendous traction with this concept and it is gratifying to works within an exciting medium that operates so closely with the heart and soul of its local community. This platform has quickly become the favorite of this region’s most civically active citizens. It is a qualitative bonanza for advertisers that functions within that mindset.”
WGOW-AM/FM, Chattanooga ‘SportTalk’ Host Gary Haskew Dead at 74. Longtime Chattanooga sports reporter and talk host Gary Haskew, a.k.a. “Dr. Basketball” died on July 4 after suffering a massive heart attack. Haskew hosted the afternoon program “SportTalk” on the Cumulus Media station. WGOW interim PD Bill Lockhart comments, “Gary was an incredible talent, an excellent storyteller, a true original, and the largest of larger-than-life characters. In a world of wanna-bes, posers, and imitators, Gary was the genuine article – a man’s man, an entertainer extraordinaire, with a love for people. We are all lucky to have had Gary in our lives.”
TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations – ‘Millennials and the Media’ Panel Now Posted for Viewing. TALKERS continues to add Livestream video recordings of the various presentations, addresses and discussions at TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. The 19th annual installment of the longest-running and most important national talk media industry convention took place Friday, May 20 on the fabulous campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The latest event from the convention being posted today (7/5) is the panel discussion “Millennials and the Media” moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey. Speakers on the panel include (in alphabetical order): Mike “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY-FM, Springfield, MA “Rock 102”; Ethan Bearman, host, KGO, San Francisco; Vince Benedetto, president/CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Mike Calta, host, WHPT-FM, Tampa “Rock 102”; Meghan McCain, host Premiere Networks; and John T. Mullen, director of operations, Radio Hofstra University. To view the video in its entirety, please click here.
Odds & Sods. The WOAI, San Antonio-based “Joe Pags Show” – hosted by talk radio personality Joe “Pags”
Pagliarulo – renews its relationship with Compass Media Networks to be exclusively distributed by the firm into the next decade. Joe Pags says, “The team at Compass Media Networks is extraordinary. As I focus on putting on a great show and serving my stations, listeners and sponsors, this team is hitting it out of the park consistently bringing in new affiliates and revenue.”…..CBS Radio News is offering coverage of the 2016 political conventions to affiliate stations that will fit their needs. CBS News will provide a variety of coverage from the 2016 Republican and Democratic National Conventions from Cleveland and Philadelphia – long- or short-form coverage, updates several times an hour, one-on-one interviews, and social media opportunities…..Podcasting pioneer Blubrry is partnering with StreamGuys to enable podcasters to expand their audience and reach through internet radio streaming. StreamGuys’ new Podcast2Radio option lets Blubrry customers effortlessly convert podcasts into linear internet radio streams delivered to new audiences through StreamGuys’ robust, cloud-based content delivery network. This increased distribution is complemented by rich analytics and statistics from StreamGuys that enhance the ability for Blubrry users to measure and track their 
growing listener base…..At Beasley Media Group’s Atlanta sports talk WWWE, “Sports Joc Show” host Wayne Gandy (right) is announcing that Waverly T. Lucas II (left), a former member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Atlanta Ballet is the first recipient of the “Man of Honor” award. This award is presented by ex-NFLer Gandy once a month from June through September. This award pays tribute to men who display integrity, honor, hard work, sacrifice and kindness to others. Lucas is the co-founder and co-artistic director of Ballethnic Dance Company, the choreographer of more than 30 ballets and is the creator of Danseur Development Project, a program with a unique approach to the athletic development and mentoring of young males in dance.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Nielsen Digital Audio Ratings (NDAR) Set to Debut. The service will formalize a two-month pre-currency preview period covering data from this year’s February and March surveys, available in mid-March and mid-April, respectively. Clients must license Nielsen Digital Audio Ratings to access data related to their own media properties and the data of other subscribers. NDAR is a component of Nielsen’s ‘Total Audience,’ an initiative that provides comparable metrics across all linear and digital platforms. Nielsen Audio managing director Brad Kelly states, “With the way people consume content in a continual state of change, it is critical to capture all of the platforms where people are listening to audio, whether on the radio, computers or Smartphones. To achieve ‘Total Audience’ for audio, we must provide a comprehensive view of listening behavior across all platforms. Nielsen Digital Audio Ratings allows broadcasters, advertisers, and marketers to better understand the dynamics of a station’s over-the-air and online audiences. Radio is a crucial format to reach audiences and must be an integral part of Nielsen’s ‘Total Audience’ initiative. With NDAR, we will be able to capture broadcast radio’s total reach and begin laying the groundwork to measure other audio platforms where people listen to music, syndicated programs, or news-talk and sports content.” Audience estimates will include Average Quarter Hour (AQH) and an Average Minute Audience (AMA) metric for digital streams. Nielsen Digital Audio Ratings is expected to expand reporting to include diary markets, as well as regional and national views. NDAR is currently collecting data on more than 2,500 station streams across all 48-PPM markets. Initially, Nielsen Digital Audio Ratings will report listening of digital streams of AM and FM stations and e-radio stations in the 48-PPM markets. Measurement for custom-curated and on-demand audio, including podcasts, is currently in development.
Dr. Joy Browne Recruited to Serve as Official Emcee of TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. The reigning queen of the psychology talk radio genre, Dr. Joy Browne, has been named Official Emcee of the 19th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention, TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. The power-packed, one-day event will take place on the campus of Hofstra University in 
Hempstead, NY on Friday, May 20. In making the announcement, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Dr. Joy Browne is perfect for this role that she performed for us so successfully a number of years ago – opening up the show and tying all its components together as the dynamic day moves along. Between her rapier intelligence and wit, unpredictable ad libs, numerous wardrobe and hairdo changes and vivacious personality, she is perfectly suited to take on this awesome responsibility. We are delighted that she has consented to do this.” The Genesis Communications Network (GCN) syndicated star says, “I have never missed an installment of this amazing conference and I am absolutely delighted and honored to have the opportunity to again play this role in it and have so much fun!” The event kicks off at 8:00 am with the traditional “Breakfast with Hannity” opening social. It will conclude 12 hours later with a gala, early-evening reception on the university’s magnificent television soundstage. Located just outside of New York City, Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s most respected and influential breeding grounds of great broadcasters. The NAB honored WRHU-FM in 2015 with a Marconi Award as the first ever “student operated” non-commercial station of the year! Radio Hofstra University WRHU-FM is also currently ranked number one – best college radio station – by the Princeton Review. WRHU-FM also earned a Pinnacle Award – station of the year – from the CMA. The cost of a full registration is $299 per person with a special student rate of $249. Registration is only open to professionals currently or recently (within one year) employed in media-related industries as well as students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities. Registration includes all sessions, presentations, exhibits, receptions, and tours as well as breakfast/lunch/refreshment and social networking activities. Registrations can only be taken over the phone (to verify qualifications) and paid for with a credit card. As in years past, for the sake of intimacy and productivity, total attendance will be limited to 500 and TALKERS 2016 will be an early sellout. No registrations can be sold after that point. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. To register please call 413-565-5413. For more up-to-the-minute agenda, registration, hotel and sponsorship information, please click here.
Clippers Dribble Over to KLAC. Professional sports franchises do not usually change flagships during the season, but starting tomorrow (Saturday, 3/19) and continuing for the rest of the NBA regular and post-season, Los Angeles Clippers’ games will be heard on iHeartMedia Los Angeles sports outlet KLAC as part of an exclusive multi-year broadcast rights agreement. The key station
of the Clippers since 2009 had been cross-town KFWB, which was recently sold to Principle Broadcasting, but earlier this month, the new owners transitioned “980 The Beast” to an Asian music format (“Desi 980”). Being an NBA flagship is nothing new for KLAC: Up until the 2009-2010 season, it was the longtime home of the Los Angeles Lakers (now on ABC Radio Los Angeles’ KSPN). This will be the fifth year KLAC will be the flagship of MLB‘s Los Angeles Dodgers. When there are Dodgers-Clippers schedule conflicts, Clippers games will shift to KLAC talk cluster-mate KEIB “The Patriot.” Senior vice president of sports for iHeartMedia Los Angeles Don Martin comments, “iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the Clippers just reinforced the fact that KLAC ‘AM 570 LA Sports’ is the number one destination for sports in Los Angeles.” Clippers president of business operations Gillian Zucker remarks, “We are proud to establish an exceptional, long-term destination for Clippers basketball on a radio station that sounds like it was named for us.” Brian Sieman continues to do radio play-by-play, as does Isaac Lowenkron for pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows. Joining Sieman on nationally televised games not shown on Fox‘s Prime Ticket will be Ralph Lawler and analyst Michael Smith. Among persons 6+ in the most recent (February 2016) Nielsen Audio PPM report for Los Angeles, KLAC ranks #37 (.5), KFWB is #36 (.2), and KSPN places #31 (.8); adult contemporary cluster-mate KOST “Coast 103.5” is first with a 5.7 (6+).
Round Four of February PPM Data. The fourth – and final – round of February 2016 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period was January 28 – February 24. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Top Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page at RadioInfo.com here.
KCBS-AM Staffers Vote to Join SAG-AFTRA. Results from ballots cast yesterday (Thursday, 3/17) by a group of employees at CBS Radio San Francisco’s all-news KCBS-AM reportedly were “nearly unanimous” in favor of aligning with SAG-AFTRA. Editor and shop steward Joe Rogers comments that the station’s writers, production assistants, and newsroom assistants “have shown a lot of courage and determination” and “the entire KCBS-AM news team stands united at a time when the company is contemplating drastic changes in how this station gathers and reports the news.” Production assistant and producer Nick St. Charles states, “Volatility in the news business and skyrocketing living costs in the Bay Area make union representation essential.” Production assistants, writers, and newsroom assistants will join the union with an existing bargaining unit of editors at the all-news operation. SAG-AFTRA also represents Bay Area units at CBS’ KPIX-TV and KCBS-AM hot AC sibling KLLC “Alice,” as well as on-air counterparts at KCBS-AM. Dislodged from San Francisco’s top spot in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KCBS-AM posted its second straight +.4 in February’s Nielsen Audio PPM (5.4 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+) and repeats at #1; it had been in the top spot six successive sweeps before “Holiday” 2015.
Baum Becomes NAB’s VP/Government Relations. The former senior policy advisor to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce – Ray Baum – joins the National Association of Broadcasters as vice president of government relations. NAB president and chief executive officer Gordon Smith states, “I am pleased to have Ray Baum join our talented government relations department. He brings extensive policymaking experience on the federal, state, and local levels as both a legislator and a staffer. Broadcasters will benefit greatly from having Ray advocating on our behalf in Washington.” Baum previously was chair of the Oregon Public Utility Commission and Oregon House majority leader. Beginning his new assignment in two weeks (3/31), Baum will report to NAB executive vice president of government relations Curtis Legeyt.
Mohiuddin Appointed LSM at iHeartMedia Chicago. Formerly an account executive at Hubbard Broadcasting Chicago hot AC WTMX “The Mix,” Khatija Mohiuddin is named local sales manager of cross-town iHeartMedia. Vice president of sales of iHeartMedia Chicago Adam Kurtz comments, “Khatija is the perfect leader to augment our sales efforts on our heritage brands. Khatija’s experience in Chicago media is unsurpassed and we are so excited she is on our team.” Mohiuddin, who begins her new duties one week from Monday (3/28), remarks, “I am really looking forward to working with such amazing radio properties as well as an incredibly talented sales team.” This is actually a homecoming for Mohiuddin, as she began her sales career in 2005 with iHeartMedia Chicago hot AC WLIT “93.9 My-FM,” which was then adult contemporary “Lite-FM.”
The Presidential Race Tops Talkers TenTM Again. Likely to be an ongoing trend, activities of the candidates for president and the surrounding issues were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court. Coming in at #3 was the Syrian civil conflict and Russia’s involvement followed by the battle against Islamic State 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. View this week’s entire chart here.
Beasley’s Quarterly Cash Dividend is $0.045 Per Share. The board of directors of Beasley Broadcast Group announces a quarterly cash dividend of $0.045 per share of its Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend is payable on April 8 to shareholders of record on March 31. All subsequent dividends will be reviewed quarterly and declared by the board at its discretion.
Odds & Sods. WBEZ producer/reporter Kathy Chaney departs the Chicago Public Media-owned outlet to join Ebony Magazine as managing editor ….. Also in the “Windy City,” the Chicago Police Department and Illinois State Police have dropped all charges against CBS News campaign reporter Sopan Deb, who was cuffed and placed into a police van last Friday during his coverage of the protests outside a Donald Trump event ….. WDDV, Venice-Sarasota (Florida) transitions from adult standards to talk WFLG and is simulcasting iHeartMedia Tampa sibling WFLA.
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.
Bricks and Bouquets
Al Herskovitz
H&H Communications
President
BRADENTON, Fla. — Topic A in all conversations I have with broadcasters is about radio’s pending doom. The woe-is-me and the finger pointing invariably aims at our new-tech world where anybody can be a talk show host if they possess one of the many available space-age devices… and anybody can listen to an infinite number of unlicensed shows and networks on a variety of readily available “devices” that are not AM/FM “radios.” I hesitate to name these devices because by the time I finish this sentence there will be a new one.
This is the easiest way to cast blame without looking into our own house. I listen to a lot of radio and have a whole bunch of radios around my home and office from big, boxy ones to a couple real tiny ones that’ll fit into my pocket as I do my exercise hike around the neighborhood.
Catching Up with Lionel
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS
Managing Editor/West Coast
LOS ANGELES — Recording artists running the gamut from Bing Crosby to Sam Cooke to Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross (among others) have wonderfully warbled to remind us that the “The Best Things in Life Are Free.”
A 1956 film that starred Gordon MacRae accentuated the point as well.
Offering a different take in the predominantly uplifting sentiment are the Beatles, who – while acknowledging the fact – nonetheless suggested those “free” things could be kept in exchange for “money” – but – that’s another story.
Smart, Funny, and Unedited
Back to the positive point: Words are free and no one in talk radio is more adroit, melodious, and astute in his splendid
employment of the vocabulary than brilliantly witty Lionel, who generously remarks, “If you like my words – take them – they are not mine [anyway], they are yours. As a sesquipedalian and a logophile, I love the mother tongue. Do not marvel at the fancy words. It is part of who I am. I will never try to make people feel stupid. People love smart and funny – they crave it.”
These days, not only does Lionel get to demonstrate how deliciously lovely the language may be when utilized with panache, he also offers a veritable talk radio clinic.
On one hand, it is a fresh and innovative concept, while on the other, there is enormous simplicity to a back-to-the-basics approach. “It came about through the genius, foresight, and wherewithal of [TALKERS publisher] Michael Harrison,” Lionel comments of his Saturday, 9:00 am – 10:00 am ET TalkersRadio show. “It is just a joy and Michael is the preeminent voice in talk radio. Since the beginning, he has told me what I need to do must be the best.”
Friday, September 27, 2013
Dennis Glasgow Named OM/PD at Capitol Broadcasting’s Sports Properties. Sports talk radio programming pro Dennis Glasgow joins Capitol Broadcasting as program director and operations manager for the company’s sports talk operations including WCMC-FM, Raleigh “99.9 The Fan”; WDNC, Durham “620 The Buzz”; WCLY, Raleigh “ESPN Deportes”; and WCMC-HD3 “99.9 The Ticket.” During his career Glasgow has served as vice president and operations manager for Red Zebra’s WTEM, Washington; PD at KFXX, Portland and KNML, Albuquerque; and most recently programmed Pamplin’s news/talk KPAM, Portland. Capitol Sports Radio general manager Brian Maloney says, “Dennis brings passion and a wealth of knowledge about radio along with experience and understanding of social media and web, both of which are a key part of the sports radio listener lifestyle.” Glasgow adds, “Having the opportunity to work for Capitol Broadcasting and their sports properties is a genuine thrill. I look forward to continuing the commitment of great sports radio in the Triangle region.”
“Shotgun” Tom Kelly to Speak at Talkers Los Angeles 2013 on October 10. For the first time in the 16-year history of TALKERS magazine’s annual convention, a music radio “disc jockey” will be presented as an official speaker in the agenda line-up. KRTH, Los Angeles “K-Earth 101” late afternoon/early evening legend “Shotgun” Tom Kelly will be participating as a panelist at “Talkers Los Angeles 2013” – a one-day, power-packed gathering of movers and shakers from the talk radio industry representing talent, sales, management and ownership. Kelly will be on a panel moderated by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison titled “The Big Picture” which, in addition to Kelly, will include Phil Boyce, VP Spoken Word Format, Salem Communications; Kraig Kitchin, CEO,
Sound Mind, LLC; Mike McVay, SVP programming, Cumulus Media; and Harvey Nagler, VP, CBS Radio News. The session will be introduced by Don Martin, SVP sports programming, Fox Sports Radio. In making the announcement of Kelly’s inclusion on this panel and as a speaker at this conference, Harrison states, “This particular panel has always dealt with the broad strokes overview of where talk radio fits into the overall radio scene – not just now but over the horizon – and where radio, in general, fits into the larger media/cultural landscape. At this point in the evolution of radio, it is appropriate that the beleaguered role of the music radio disc jockey be examined because we believe that the very existence of music radio in the new digital age DEPENDS upon the revitalization and to a certain extent, the reinvention, of the position within the mix of elements that will keep radio a distinct and unique genre capable of warding off exotic digital age competition and the perils of being assimilated into the utilitarian ‘sameness’ easily imposed by the internet. We also believe that in order for talk radio to have a healthy future within the context of being ‘radio’ we need to preserve the health and viability of music radio as well. ‘Shotgun’ Tom Kelly is the quintessential radio disc jockey whose mastery of the art form and ability to survive and thrive decades of change while still going strong makes him the perfect person to perform this function as a speaker at the conference.” The sold-out “Talkers Los Angeles 2013” is open only to members of the working media. It is being presented in association with the Los Angeles Press Club at the historic Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood on Thursday, October 10 between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. For information and remaining sponsorship opportunities call 413-565-5413. To see the entire up-to-date agenda, please click here.
Simon Conway is a Busy Man. WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk host Simon Conway is pulling double duty today and on Monday. Conway will host his 4:00 pm CT show on the Clear Channel news/talk outlet and then sit in as host on Premiere Networks’ “America Now with Andy Dean” this evening. On Monday, Conway will sub in morning drive on Clear Channel’s WFLF, Orlando “News Talk WFLA FM 104.5 and AM 540” in addition to his regular show on WHO.
SiriusXM’s Jim Meyer Says Howard Stern and NFL Remain Important to Satcaster. At the Goldman Sachs Communacopia taking place in New York during Advertising Week, SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer told analysts that two of the big contracts the company would like to renew when they come up at the end of 2015 are those of Howard Stern and the NFL. Meyer said the company is very comfortable with the amount of money it is spending on content right now and sees both franchises as important. Regarding Stern, Meyer said, “I will be clear with you today. As long as Howard Stern wants to work and as long as Howard Stern is as motivated as he is today to make a show as good as it is today, we want him on SiriusXM Radio.” But in a follow-up question from an analyst, Meyer said Stern would have to remain exclusive to SiriusXM for him to remain.
Odds & Sods. As had been predicted, CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” signs a deal to serve as the flagship radio station for Boston Celtics basketball. It’s a multi-year deal that brings the Celts to WBZ-FM from Entercom-owned crosstown rival WEEI which chose not to renew with the team after last season…..Dan Le Batard’s nationally syndicated sports talk program debuts on ESPN Radio Monday, September 30. Le Batard – whose show emanates from Lincoln Financial Media’s WAXY, Miami “The Ticket” – will continue to do a local hour from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm but goes national from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Le Batard also is featured on ESPN2’s “Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable.”…..Collegiate multimedia rights holders IMG College and Learfield Sports extend their deals with SiriusXM through June of 2016. The new pacts will allow listeners to hear live coverage of NCAA football and men’s basketball games from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 12, American Athletic Conference and Army, as well as basketball from teams from the Big East and several mid-major conferences. In addition, it will feature select coaches’ shows and college athletic programming on SiriusXM College Sports Nation.
WMAL, Washington’s Mark Weaver Retires After 45 Year Career. DCRTV.com’s Dave Hughes reports that WMAL, Washington afternoon news anchor Mark Weaver is working his last shift for the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet today (9/27) and will retire to Florida. Weaver worked for WMAL for the last 25 years of his 45-year career. Weaver will be replaced at WMAL by news pro Rachel Sutherland who most recently worked at America’s Radio News Network. Prior to that, she served for 10 years at Metro Networks in the DC market.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. Cumulus Media Networks’ Michael Savage is added to the program schedule at WGTK-FM, Greenville, South Carolina and WIQO, Lynchburg, Virginia…..Cumulus’ Mark Levin picks up new affiliates KBND, Bend, Oregon; KPSI, Palm Springs; and KYYA, Billings…..Doug Stephan’s nationally syndicated “Good Morning” program adds a dozen new affiliate stations. They are: WTNT-AM/FM, Washington; WVWI, San Juan, Puerto Rio; KLPW, St. Louis; KLO, Ogden, Utah; WVOV, Chattanooga, Tennessee; WRHL, Rockford, Illinois; WCCM, Manchester, New Hampshire; KBTM-AM/FM, Jonesboro, Arkansas; WRPW-FM, Bloomington, Illinois; WRIK, Paducah, Kentucky; WATX, Algood, Tennessee; and WFLN, Arcadia, Florida…..Talk radio personality Chris Markowski – host of the weekly “Watchdog on Wall Street” show, also produces the free, daily feature called “Money Minutes.” That feature is added to the programming at WMPL, Hancock, Michigan…..Talk Media Network’s “Frontlines of Freedom” with Lt. Col. Denny Gillem is added to the program schedule at WENY, Elmira and WENI, Corning, New York.
The Implementation of ObamaCare Tops Talkers TenTM for week of September 23-27. The move by some Republicans to defund the Affordable Care Act and controversy over what the implementation of the law will mean was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. Coming in at #2 on the Talkers TenTM was the threat of a government shutdown. At #3 was Iran’s nuclear program and the nation’s diplomatic overtures to the U.S., and at #4 was the continuing unrest in Syria and the United States’ policy regarding the use of chemical weapons. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. You can view this week’s entire chart here.
Cher Chats with ABC News Radio. Hollywood icon Cher (l) sits down with ABC News Radio’s Andrea Dresdale (r) during Cher’s visit to ABC TV’s “Live with Kelly and Michael” to promote her new album “Closer to the Truth.”
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
NAB/RAB Radio Show Opens in Orlando. A delegation of editors, writers and reporters from TALKERS/RadioInfo is on hand at the massive Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida as day one of the 2013 NAB/RAB Radio Show kicks off with a battery of sessions and presentations. Initial observation of the event indicates a large turnout (official numbers to come) and the discussion of a wide variety of
topics covering everything from music label/radio relations to the rise of sports talk radio including programming, marketing, sales and financial issues intrinsic to the radio industry. The underlying issue of radio’s integration into the digital era remains the prevailing theme of just about every subject being examined and scrutinized. Interestingly, in spite of the Florida heat and humidity, the crowd is particularly well-dressed in business attire (we take note of these things) indicating a no-nonsense seriousness in terms of the collective industry consciousness and mood on display in the city built by Mickey Mouse. TALKERS/RadioInfo publisher Michael Harrison will be presenting his annual address at the conference tomorrow detailing 10 problems facing radio and solutions available to the medium in securing its vital pop cultural role in the new digital era. The address takes place in room Gatlin E2 between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm on Thursday and is open to all attendees of the show. Pictured here are (clockwise from top): TALKERS/RadioInfo publisher Michael Harrison, CBS Radio News vice president Harvey Nagler, and H&H Communications president and TALKERS/RadioInfo sales maven Al Herskovitz.
Tap into Your Star Power. Earlier this morning at the NAB/RAB Radio Show, Cumulus Media senior vice president Mike McVay (far left) moderated the panel “Tap into Your Star Power and Build Your Brand.” The panel provided attendees the opportunity to “learn from the experts who, through the power of radio, have successfully branded themselves.” On the panel with McVay are (from l-r): ABC News Radio White House correspondent Ann Compton; Reach Media nationally syndicated radio personality D.L. Hughley; and Brand Like a Rock Star author Steve Jones.
RAIN Summit Coverage. Radio consultant Holland Cooke covered the RAIN Summit held here in Orlando held the day prior to the beginning of the Radio Show and he reports from the gathering of broadcasters and digital audio practitioners. Cooke says topics ranged from the ongoing problem of ad insertion to building a digital sales force to the drive to become the destination for listeners using their mobile device for audio entertainment. Read Holland Cooke’s analysis here.
WEEI, Boston Wins ‘Best Streaming Broadcast Station’ Award. At the RAIN Summit – traditionally held each year the prior to the kick-off of the NAB/RAB Radio Show – Entercom sports talk outlet WEEI, Boston was honored with the award for Best Streaming Broadcast Station. More than 100 services made entries for this year’s RAIN Awards and WEEI bested both WBZ-AM, Boston and ESPN Radio to take home the honor. Entercom vice president of digital strategy and enterprise platforms Tim Murphy, says, “This recognition centers on the quality of our audio programming at WEEI. This is a tremendous award for an amazing brand, and our incredible team of talent and producers who do an amazing job covering Boston sports. The entire WEEI team is incredibly innovative at distributing our content through industry leading strategies regarding search optimization, mobile distribution and social engagement.”
Lew Dickey Lays Out Digital Strategy. In a memo to his company (and the media), Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey explains the company’s digital audio strategy with regard to the recently announced partnership with Rdio. Part of the three-page memo includes the four-pronged plan for digital audio consisting of: on demand, custom playlist, internet radio/non-local radio, and local radio streaming. With regard to on demand, Dickey states that “people realize that it’s better to rent an unlimited library of content than it is to acquire limited pieces of content — be it music or movies. Rdio is positioned on the leading edge of this important media trend, enabling consumers to listen and discover virtually unlimited amounts of music on any device with a high degree of social engagement across the Rdio platform. Think of Rdio for audio as the equivalent of Netflix, Hulu and Amazon all combined for video. A free or paid subscription to Rdio gives you access to 20 
million songs as well as nearly every new song that is released instantly. Your iTunes library now becomes obsolete.” Stating that the custom playlist aspect is Pandora’s only business and that Rdio offers the service, his company will assist Rdio in that. “We will help add an experienced professional programming element to curation that will further differentiate Rdio from what is Pandora’s singular business. In addition, Rdio draws from a vast library of 20 million songs – 20x that of Pandora.” In the internet radio/non-local radio category, Dickey says the best product out there now is SiriusXM – but he calls it expensive and not widely listened to. “Cumulus will draw upon our stable of iconic brands, content and talent to produce new, exclusive channels and short-form programs that give listeners an unparalleled listening experience on a single digital platform. Rdio will combine the best of iTunes, Pandora and Sirius in one app that can be accessed on virtually any desktop or mobile device.” Dickey says Rdio does not currently offer the local station streaming service that iHeartRadio does and his stations will continue their relationship with the Clear Channel service for now.
Ad and Media Expert Michael Kassan to Be Featured on WOR, New York During Advertising Week. The annual New York City Advertising Week event takes place next week – September 23 – 27 – and Clear Channel’s news/talk WOR, New York will feature content from renowned ad and media expert Michael Kassan, founder, chairman and CEO of MediaLink. Clear Channel notes, “Kassan will bring his unparalleled understanding of the advertising and media worlds to broadcast and digital listening audiences via WOR 710 AM, iHeartRadio’s WOR station and wor.com via an 
ongoing series of insightful reports, commentary, updates and interviews throughout Advertising Week, the world’s premier gathering of advertising, marketing and communications leaders. Among other features, Kassan will host a series of daily Advertising Week previews and updates; exclusive interviews with major media and advertising world figures; and commentary on significant advertising and media topics that emerge during Advertising Week events.” CCM&E chairman and CEO John Hogan states, “Michael Kassan is one of the most highly respected names in the advertising and media worlds. His incredibly well-informed reporting will illuminate Advertising Week for WOR listeners, as well as those listening to WOR over iHeartRadio and wor.com, bringing unparalleled insight and depth to the most important issues facing the industry as it prepares to address the future and prepare for its next stage of growth. We are thrilled to have an expert of this caliber play such a critical role in our Advertising Week lineup.”
Federated Media Chooses TuneIn for Mobile App. TuneIn becomes the official mobile app and online audio player for all Federated Media stations including Fort Wayne news/talk giant WOWO and rocker WBYR “The Bear.” Federated Media owns 15 radio stations in Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Warsaw, Indiana. TuneIn CEO John Donham states, “TuneIn is constantly focused on giving listeners access to the best content available, no matter where they are in the world.
We are very excited Federated Media has chosen TuneIn as their full digital solution, offering listeners content via mobile, and web.” Federated Media programming has been available on TuneIn for months, but this new agreement makes TuneIn the broadcast group’s comprehensive digital solution for both mobile and desktop listening. Every Federated Media station will eschew their existing mobile apps in favor of the free TuneIn Radio app, and Federated Media stations will promote TuneIn on-air. Federated Media chief strategy officer James Derby comments, “With TuneIn, our listeners can now hear their favorite Federated Media stations at any time, no matter where they are – all through one app. TuneIn now provides all Federated Media stations additional digital distribution to reach our listeners through over 200 connected devices, ranging from mobile phones and tablets, to smart TVs and cars.”
Dave Ramsey in Orlando. Timing his appearance to coincide with the NAB/RAB Radio Show, nationally syndicated talk show star and New York Times best-selling author Dave Ramsey hosted his “EntreLeadership 1 Day Event” in Orlando on Tuesday, September 17, to a packed house at Chapin Theatre. Ramsey spoke about how to run a business using the same common sense principles that Ramsey practices in his own company of more than 350 employees. Ramsey joined with local affiliate WFLA, Orlando (WFLF) to promote the event. WFLA general sales manager Mark Kanak states, “On behalf of all of us at Clear Channel Orlando, it is a genuine pleasure to welcome a legend like Dave Ramsey. Dave has made an enormous impact on our listeners’ lives and his fans continue to grow.” Pictured above are (from l-r): WFLA PD Jim Poling, Kanak, Dave Ramsey and the WFLA sales team.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Lex Staley Apologizes After On-Air Comment Angers LGBT Community. While discussing a news story in which a 16-year-old boy shot a transsexual after a sexual encounter, Lex Staley quipped, “I don’t blame him. I would have shot his ass, too!” The comment received attention – enough to get the United Stations Radio Networks-produced “Lex & Terry” program removed from the Clear Channel-operated “Extreme Talk” channel on SiriusXM. Staley has apologized, issuing the following statement via his agent: “I want to reach out the best way I can to the transgendered community. I deeply apologize for an insensitive remark concerning a news story being discussed on my radio show where a 16-year-old boy shot a transgendered person after they had intimate contact. Please know that my off-the-cuff remark was not intended to offend or hurt anyone, but after listening to the audio I understand why the comment caused hurt and anger. I had originally hoped to explain the context of what I said, but quite honestly, what I said was just plain wrong and there is no context in which my statement is acceptable and I take responsibility for it. I would like to clarify two things: One is that I work every day on a very liberal program. We are an advice show that has helped the LGBT members of our audience for the past 21 years. We have consistently supported LGBT equality rights on our show, well before it was popular to do so. Secondly, as a father of a young daughter, I am always distressed when I hear of adults having inappropriate contact with minors. But instead of properly expressing my distress in this situation I made a stupid comment that had no place and failed to express what I was actually thinking. I deeply regret the insensitive and hurtful remark I made. My on-air partner and I will be devoting a segment on an upcoming show to discuss the serious issue of discrimination in the LGBT community. We’re all human and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity – as members of the media, we embrace our responsibility to use our platform to help our greater community.”
Todd Schnitt Sues to Get Legal Fees Back in from Fired Attorney. The key decision in this case will probably not be made until September when Circuit Judge Charles Bergmann will decide if Todd Schnitt’s case against former attorney Philip Campbell goes to trial or arbitration. Regular TALKERS readers are aware that WFLA, Tampa-based Compass Media Networks talk host Todd Schnitt sued WHPT, Tampa-based talk host Bubba the Love Sponge for defamation earlier this year. The case was eventually settled after a high-profile – and dramatic – trial. During that trial, Schnitt attorney Campbell was arrested on DUI charges after leaving a restaurant with a paralegal from the firm Adams & Diaco representing Bubba the Love Sponge, though Campbell did not know her employment status. Schnitt eventually fired Campbell after paying his firm $1 million for services rendered. But the firm says Schnitt owes another $1 million. Schnitt is suing not only to contest the additional $1 million but to recoup the initial sum asserting legal malpractice. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Campbell’s firm says the case must go to arbitration based on a clause in their contract but Schnitt’s new attorney – Wil Florin – says that’s not so. Regarding allegations Adams & Diaco sent the paralegal there to “set up” Campbell for the DUI, state investigators are looking into that but the firm has released information to the press with the goal of showing there was no “set-up.”
Glenn Beck Freedom of Speech Acceptance Address Now on TalkersTV. Premiere Networks and TheBlaze talk star Glenn Beck received the 2013 Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech at the recent Talkers New York 2013 convention this past Thursday (6/6). See the entire speech by clicking the TalkersTV box at the top of the column on the right hand side of this page.
How to Tweet Effectively. Digital radio consultant and TALKERS columnist Chris Miller advises his clients, “When it comes to social media, either you’re building your brand, or spinning your wheels.” He says, “Twitter has turned into a huge wheel-spinning exercise for many businesses!” In a column posted today (6/11) titled “How I Tweet,” Miller shares what he has found works for him. He suggests 1) not waiting to be followed; 2) choosing wisely when it comes to following others; 3) being yourself and writing in a natural, personable voice; 4) don’t sell – share; 5) treat your subjects the way you treat your power rotation; 6) re-tweet effectively, and 7) don’t forget to respond. Read Chris Miller’s entire column here.
Beasley Announces Ruben Perez New Promotions and Non-Traditional Revenue Director for Fort Myers Cluster. Ruben Perez moves from Beasley Broadcasting’s hip hop WPOW, Miami “Power 96” to the company’s five station Fort Myers cluster that includes AC WJPT “Sunny 106,” CHR WXKB “B103.9,” talk WRXK “96 K-Rock,” rock WJBX “99X,” and sports talk WWCN. The company says Perez will be “responsible for the coordination and execution of all promotions for the stations in the Fort Myers-Naples market. Additionally, he is charged with creating and implementing large-scale community events such as festivals and concerts that bring awareness to – and non-traditional revenue for – Beasley’s SW Florida cluster.” Vice president and market manager Brad Beasley states, “Ruben brings a wealth of radio knowledge and experience to our Southwest Florida team. We believe his abilities to generate large-scale events and brands will greatly benefit both our listeners and advertisers.”
David DuBose Sues Cox Media Group for Breach of Contract. In a suit filed in United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama Southern Division, former Cox Media Group Birmingham market manager David DuBose (now serving with SummitMedia at the same group of stations) is alleging the company is in breach of contract after failing to pay agreed-to compensation for work done outside the bounds of his normal duties in improving the signals of Cox-owned stations to improve their value as well as a “special retention bonus” for remaining with the company through the sale to SummitMedia. In the complaint, DuBose also alleges Cox Media Group used “inflated and unrealistic figures” in the revenue reports for the Birmingham stations and stations outside that metro “for the purpose of enhancing the sale price of those stations.” In the complaint he also notes that former Cox chief Bob Neil stated the enhancement of the signals improved the value of the company’s station portfolio by some $200 million. DuBose is not seeking a specific damage amount in the complaint.
Odds & Sods. KSCJ, Sioux City talk show host Sam Clovis throws his hat into the ring for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Tom Harkin who has announced he will not run for re-election in 2014. No word when Clovis plans to end his radio program…..CBS Radio Minneapolis market manager Mick Anselmo and the late Eleanor Mondale are being inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the Pavek Museum. Mondale, who was a personality on news/talk WCCO, died in 2011 at age 51 after a battle with brain cancer…..Clear Channel-operated Total Traffic Network (TTN), is named the 2013 Telematics Update Award winner for Best Navigation Solution. The Telematics Update Awards recognize the leading players in the telematics space during Telematics Detroit, the world’s largest and most influential business focused conference and exhibition for the entire telematics ecosystem…..SiriusXM talk show host Joe Madison is elected to the board of governors for the American Red Cross…..Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP, Washington picks up eight Chesapeake Associated Press awards including for Outstanding Website, Outstanding Spot News and Outstanding Newscast.
AnG Services Launches Imaging Production Service. Las Vegas-based AnG Services Inc. announces the launch of its new brand, angaudio.com, that offers “top-notch creative radio imaging production services from copywriting, sweepers and promos to radio imaging demos for voice talent at prices that consider the client experience.” AnG Services CEO G.A. Simon states, “There are many imaging companies out there whose customer service is deplorable. A lot of these other guys don’t even pick up their phone when you call. We feel that creative imaging cannot be produced from a template. There has to be open communication between the creatives and the program director to fit the vision for the station’s brand.” The company says that it offers cutting-edge creative from copywriters and producers in New York, Las Vegas and Orlando with one focal point: customer satisfaction. “We are working towards creating a support system for stations that otherwise cannot have internal creative services, or for those in need of support,” says Simon.
Scott Slade Honored by Fisher House Foundation. WSB, Atlanta morning host Scott Slade was recently honored by Fisher House Foundation for his work hosting the organization’s Memorial Day special, “A Grateful Nation.” The three-hour salute to the military and their families raised awareness and funds for Fisher House, which builds comfort homes at military and VA hospitals where the families of wounded warriors and vets can stay at no cost while their loved ones recover. The show aired on 145 news/talk stations, Sirius/XM and Glenn Beck‘s TheBlaze.
C.Crane Radio “Talkers New York 2013” Raffle Winners Named. The winners of cool radios at “Talkers New York 2013” from C. Crane Company – one of the nation’s most respected manufacturers and distributors of radio receivers – have been pulled out of the jar. They are Peter Tripi of Premiere Networks who won a CC Radio-2 AM/FM/Weather and 2-Meter Ham Band Radio; Michelle Jerson of MichelleJerson.com who won a CC WiFi Internet Radio; John Boltz of Saratoga Public Affairs who won c CC Pocket AM/FM/Weather Radio; and “Diamond Joe” Covais of TalkSuperStation.com who won a CC Solar Observer AM/FM/Weather Emergency Radio. C. Crane Company is a long time friend of and advertiser on talk radio around the country and served as an exhibitor at the TALKERS event this past Thursday (6/6). Congratulations to the winners.
NSA Data Collection Case, George Zimmerman Trial Begins, Morning-After Pill Policy, Turkish Unrest, and Tebow Signs with Patriots Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/10). The expanding case of the National Security Administration’s massive data collection project and the status of source Edward Snowdon; the beginning of the trial of George Zimmerman, charged with the death of Trayvon Martin; the Obama Administration’s approval of the morning-after pill for girls under 17; the ongoing unrest in Turkey; and the signing by the New England Patriots of controversial player Tim Tebow were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Don Wade and Roma Won’t Return to WLS, Chicago; Bruce Wolf and Dan Proft to AM Drive. Time Out Chicago’s Robert Feder broke the news late yesterday that longtime morning drive duo Don Wade and his wife Roma won’t return to the air at Cumulus Media’s WLS-AM, Chicago as they continue to focus on Don’s health. Wade had surgery in September to remove a cancerous brain tumor and treatment for the condition continues. In a statement via agent Eliot Ephriam, the couple said, “The daily stress of rising each day at midnight to prep for our 5:00 am show does not help the healing process. So we are choosing a different path and focusing on what’s really important for us
right now.” Late morning hosts Bruce Wolf and Dan Proft have been filling in since Wade’s surgery and were permanently named to the AM drive post yesterday. Weekenders Jake Hartford and John Kass have been subbing in Wolf and Proft’s 9:00 am to 11:00 am slot and they assume the permanent roles there. Feder reports Cumulus COO John Dickey visited Chicago recently to meet with Ephriam about the Wades and was keen to get them back on the air. It’s widely believed that Don and Roma were a profitable program for WLS due to the high number of endorsement spots the show carried. In a statement, Dickey said, “Don and Roma are Chicago, and 27 years waking Chicago up is an amazing feat. The focus and strength it takes to do live radio every day on one of the world’s biggest stages will serve Don well as he continues to heal. We wish Don and Roma the best and will always keep a mic open for them.”
Todd Schnitt Exiting WFLA, Tampa? Not So Fast…Nationally syndicated talk host Todd Schnitt – whose program is distributed by Compass Media Networks and since its inception in 2002 has been based at Clear Channel’s WFLA in Tampa – will remain based at WFLA after all. Schnitt had recently announced a deal with Clear Channel to remain in the PM
drive slot there had not been achieved. But now, Schnitt and the company have come to terms. Clear Channel announces it has signed Schnitt to a new multi-year contract for his “top-rated” program. CC vice president of programming for Tampa Doug Hamand states, “We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Todd Schnitt and ‘The Schnitt Show.’” He is a staple of the community in Tampa Bay, broadcasting for more than 19 years with 11 of those on WFLA.” Schnitt gave up his AM drive CHR show on sister WFLZ (on which he was M.J. Kelli) earlier this year to focus on the PM drive talk show. On his new contract, Schnitt says, “I’m thrilled to announce my new, multi-year deal with Clear Channel Tampa. 970 WFLA has been The Schnitt Show’s home for 11 years. I really appreciate the outpouring of support from my loyal listeners.”
Programmer Alan Furst Heads to Radio One’s All-News KROI, Houston. Current WIBC-FM, Indianapolis PD Alan Furst is leaving the Emmis news/talker and heading back to Texas to program Radio One’s all-news KROI, Houston “News 92 FM.” Radio One flipped the station to all-news in the late summer of 2011 and it has been programmed by consultant Ed Shane and Radio One executive programmers. Furst, who has worked in Houston and previously worked with Ed Shane’s consulting firm, says he’s excited to get back. “I’m thrilled to return to Houston and join ‘News 92 FM.’ Radio One has put together a great team and the energy in the building is electric. We’re going to build something very big and very special that will become a force in the nation’s fourth largest city.”
Baseball Stations: Plan Now for Spring Training. Radio consultant Holland Cooke says that too few stations that carry their local MLB team establish a presence at their team’s Spring Training facility. “Smart baseball stations are cheerleaders, and really smart baseball stations start cheering a month before Opening Day, when every team is in 1st place.” Cooke writes that there are (at least) five very good reasons for jumping on this before the regular season starts, including some documented ratings upticks for stations that do get on board during Spring Training. Read his entire piece here.
Odds & Sods. Spanish-speaking New York Mets fans will be served by ESPN O&O station “ESPN Deportes Nueva York 1050 AM” (WEPN) as the station will broadcast 150 regular season games, select exhibition season games and (should the unlikely happen) postseason games, in Spanish. ESPN New York’s David Roberts states, “Our commitment to serving the Hispanic sports fan is a top priority for our company. We are delighted to join forces with the Mets organization for this comprehensive and wide reaching opportunity.”…..CBS Radio O&O all-news WNEW-FM, Washington will begin airing the audio of CBS Television’s “60 Minutes” on Sunday, December 16. SVP/market manager Steve Swenson states, “Each week, CBS News and ’60 Minutes’ bring to life incredible investigative pieces, interviews, and features that are renowned all across the world. Many local residents find themselves in a car traveling home on Sunday evenings not able to watch the program on WUSA-9. With this simulcast we can provide listeners with access to their favorite news program.”….. Actor, author, former “Dancing with the Stars” champ and retired U.S. Army soldier, J.R. Martinez, ventures into the world of talk radio as he fills in from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm today on KFI, Los Angeles for the vacationing Bill Carroll.
Are You Prepared for the End of the World? No, the editors of TALKERS do not actually believe that next Friday, December 21 will be the end of the world, regardless of what the Mayan calendar says or doesn’t say – or where the sun will be in relationship to the center of the Milky Way galaxy. But we DO believe that this topic will be one of great interest next week in terms of pop cultural fodder and will be in the news in a variety of ways that will run from the serious to the silly, encompassing science (astronomy), parapsychology (astrology), history, politics and conspiracy theory — all of which make for juicy entertainment. According to well-known radio-friendly psychic healer Kathleen Milner, the coming long-anticipated date will NOT mark the end of the world, but rather the end of a dark age in human events and the beginning of a golden one. Talk show hosts and music format morning gabbers should be prepared for the end of the world by booking people like Ms. Milner and others to spice up on-air conversation. After all it is a once every 26,000 years opportunity! Kathleen Milner can be phoned at 571-926-8158. For more information click here.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. Kate Delaney’s independently syndicated “America Tonight” program is added to the program schedule at KSCB, Liberal, Kansas.
‘Fiscal Cliff’ the Top Story on News/Talk Radio for Fourth Straight Week. The battle in Washington over solving the “fiscal cliff” issue was the most-talked-about-story on news/talk radio during the week of December 10-14, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Coming in at #2 was the Michigan “right to work” law controversy. At #3 was the Portland mall shootings followed by North Korea’s rocket test at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio across America. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
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.
Friday, November 30, 2012
November PPMs Generally Good to Talk Radio. You can call it the “election bounce” if you like but some of the news/talk stations that did well in Arbitron’s November 2012 PPMs were ramping up in October and before. Plus, the fall has traditionally been a good ratings period for news/talk whether there’s an election or not. Of course, Hurricane Sandy played a major factor for stations in the New York and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets. Some of the stations worth noting include CBS Radio’s New York all newsers WCBS and WINS which jumped from a 3.8 to a 5.3 and a 4.0 to a 4.8, respectively. Clear Channel’s Los Angeles talk juggernaut KFI continues to thrive inching up to a 5.3 from a 5.1 the month prior. Cumulus Media’s Chicago news/talker WLS bounced back up to a 4.1 after posting a 3.7 in October. Likewise in Dallas-Fort Worth for Cumulus as WBAP-AM/FM pops up a half share to a 3.9. Clear Channel’s KTRH, Houston rose from a 3.4 in October to a 4.1 in November. In Washington, DC Cumulus’ WMAL-AM/FM jumped from a 3.4 to a 4.2. In Philadelphia, Merlin Media’s WWIQ hopped from 2.7 in October to a 3.6 in November. Cox Media’s WSB, Atlanta – which has been maintaining healthy numbers in the PPM for some time – vaults from a 6.8 to an 8.3 this month. Cumulus’ Detroit talker WJR rose more than a full share from a 4.8 to a 5.9. Public radio outlet KUOW, Seattle claimed the top spot in the November PPMs with a 5.5 share. Clear Channel’s KFYI, Phoenix went up a full share from a 4.9 to a 5.9. Mixed results in Baltimore as Hearst’s WBAL fell from a 5.7 to a 5.0 while WCBM rose from a 3.0 to a 3.8 share. Good news for pubcaster KOPB, Portland which went from a 5.3 to a 6.2 while Alpha Broadcasting’s KXL jumped from a 4.8 to a 5.5 share. Clear Channel’s WPGB, Pittsburgh leaped a full share from a 6.9 to a 7.9 share while its Sacramento sister KFBK also enjoyed a significant rise from a 5.6 to a 6.8 share. In the New Jersey market of Middlesex-Somerset-Union, Townsquare Media’s New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW, Trenton) posted an outstanding 8.6 – up from a 6.2 in October – with help, no doubt, from Hurricane Sandy. TALKERS’ sister publication RadioInfo has all the PPM data including Mike Kinosian’s analysis of the numbers. You can find that here.
Laura Ingraham Back on Radio “Soon.” That’s what the author, pundit and talk show host told Fox News Channel’s Bill O’Reilly. During one of Laura Ingraham’s regular appearances on Fox News Channel with O’Reilly, he questioned her status in the talk radio world and she told him she will be back on the radio with another syndicator (she left Talk Radio Network at the end of her contract on Tuesday) very soon. “I’m close to signing a new deal. I’m very, very close. But I’ll be back on the air probably in the next several days.” Ingraham told O’Reilly she informed TRN she would be “terminating the deal” months ago and that it was time to move on.
Talk Host Tom Becka to Exit KRWK, Fargo “101.9 Talk FM.” Talk radio pro Tom Becka has been serving as program director and talk show host at KRWK, Fargo since it flipped from rock to talk in March of this year. Becka tells the Fargo Forum he’s returning to Omaha where he’s worked for years and has family. Becka says any notion his departure has anything to do with the performance of the new format is not correct. “The station has grown every month. My experience with Radio Fargo-Moorhead was great and I’m proud of what we accomplished here in a short time. To say I’m leaving because of ratings would be erroneous.” Radio Fargo-Moorhead is selling its cluster of stations to Midwest Family Communications. The FCC has approved the license transfers but according to one source, the actual takeover may not happen until the spring.
Todd Schnitt Show to Leave Flagship WFLA, Tampa. Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated talk host Todd Schnitt Tweets that his program – airing live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – will be off longtime flagship WFLA, Tampa after the December 18 program. Schnitt further Tweets that the national syndication continues and is expanding under syndicator Compass. No word what CC has in mind for afternoons at WFLA. Currently, it delay-broadcasts Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm but may have plans to move Hannity to the live PM drive slot.
Jim Isabella Named Evening Host at WNIR, Akron. Journalist Jim Isabella has been doing fill-in work for WNIR for the past two years. He now takes over the evening show formerly hosted by the late Tom Erickson who died on November 3 after a long illness. Isabella most recently worked for the Akron Beacon Journal. Station owners Bob and Bill Klaus note in a press release that Isabella, who was a frequent caller to the show hosted by the late Howie Chizek who passed away suddenly in June, made them more aware of his talents during his fill-in time in addition to receiving positive response from the station’s listeners.
Odds & Sods. Watch for Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Andy Dean from the network’s “America Now with Andy Dean” on Fox News Channel’s “America’s News HQ” this Sunday at 4:45 pm ET as he sits in a panel discussing the latest headlines in news and politics…..SiriusXM brings the Major League Baseball winter meetings to listeners via its MLB Network Radio and SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio channels. The meetings take place in Nashville December 2 through 6 and the satcaster will have front office experts Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips there hosting various programs with other special expert guests including former pitcher Jeff Nelson.
Bubba the Love Sponge Offers Reward for Arrest of Animal Abuser. After hearing about the case of a dog found in the Bradenton, Florida area that had been attacked by someone with an axe, radio star Bubba the Love Sponge put up $1,000 of his own cash on top of the $500 being offered by the Animal Network for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible. After hearing about the case, Tampa-area philanthropist Gary Kompothecras of the legal and medical referral service 1-800-ASK-GARY added another $1,000 to the reward to make the total $2,500. Bubba reports to TALKERS that the dog, named Axel, is recovering from his injuries and will be available for adoption once he is healthy again.
Los Angeles Broadcaster David Courtney Dies at 56. The Southern California radio community is mourning the loss of omnipresent “big voice” David Courtney, who passed away on Thursday, November 29. Many considered Courtney the voice of Los Angeles sports, since for the past 23 years, he was the public address announcer of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. He performed similar duties for MLB’s Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for 18 years and NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers since October 2008. Greater Los Angeles area radio listeners knew him for his frequent traffic and sports updates as part of the Total Traffic Network. Over the last 20 years, Courtney was heard on a number of major Los Angeles radio outlets including KABC and KSPN, as well as KOLA in the Inland Empire. His other radio background included stints at Houston’s KULF as executive producer of sports programming and that market’s KTRH, where he was weekend news anchor before landing a nightly, three-hour news/talk program. New York City-born Courtney moved to Los Angeles in 1963 when his father, Alan, became president of MGM Television. According to Courtney’s Twitter feed, he needed to miss Wednesday night’s Clippers game against Minnesota owing to the fact he was in the hospital awaiting an angiogram. The 56-year-old Courtney is survived by his wife, Janet Fisher-Courtney.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. Cumulus Media Networks’ Michael Savage is picked up at Cumulus O&Os WABC, New York and WMAL-AM/FM, Washington for the 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm shift.
‘Fiscal Cliff’ Battle Remains Top Talk Radio Topic for Second Straight Week. The struggle between the Obama administration and GOP congressmen to deal with impending tax hikes and spending cuts was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Benghazi investigation tied with the Susan Rice-GOP leaders meetings. Following at #3 was the Israel-Gaza tensions with the clean-up of Hurricane Sandy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
KTRS, St. Louis Personality JC Corcoran Suspended for Twitter Activities. There’s no official word from CH Holdings’ news/talk KTRS, St. Louis but the reports from St. Louis-area media seem to confirm that afternoon host JC Corcoran has been suspended from the station for two weeks after engaging in a back-and-forth Twitter argument with listener-followers in which he used foul language. The incident started when Corcoran declared Cardinals star Albert Pujols would re-sign with the team by November 18. When that didn’t happen, Corcoran was taken to task for his prediction on Twitter and his responses including questionable language went out on the internet. This case illustrates that even though the “letter” of FCC rules applies specifically to over-the-air language on terrestrial radio, the “spirit” of the law can now extend to social media activities as well giving the morals clause found in most talent employment contracts expanded relevance. Talk show hosts beware – you are what you tweet!
News/Talk KFBK, Sacramento Gets FM Signal. As the historic AM station prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary early next year, Clear Channel announces it is ending the Hot AC on KGBY-FM and begins simulcasting news/talk KFBK on the signal as FM NewsTalk 92.5 today (12/1). Vice president and market manager Jeff Holden states, “Today is a milestone for Sacramento broadcasting as KFBK expands to the 92.5 FM frequency to better serve the local community. The void for quality, local and full service news and talk on FM has now been filled. This will give a younger audience access to one of the most influential stations in, not only, Sacramento but all of Northern California. KFBK has demonstrated leadership over the past 90 years and it continues with the same dedication and progressive nature that makes it unique. KFBK will now reach the nearly 70 percent of the market that doesn’t tune into the AM band.”
WFLA, Tampa Adds Jock Corey Dylan to AM Drive Program. Former WPOI-FM, Tampa DJ Corey Dylan is now part of the morning show at Clear Channel’s WFLA, Tampa. The St. Petersburg Times reports Dylan joins Jack Harris and Tedd Webb as co-host on the “AM Tampa Bay” program and will serve as a lifestyle reporter for the station as well. Program director Steve Versnick tells the paper, “We wanted to change the co-host role and Corey seemed a perfect fit. She’s got a sterling reputation in the market and a broadcast journalism degree. So while it might seem like stretch to go from an ’80s station to news/talk, her background and interest seem perfect.”
Georgia Talk Host Martha Zoller Zeroes in on Congressional Seat. WXKT-FM, Gainesville, Georgia talk host Martha Zoller is preparing to take leave of her talk radio career to run for Congress in Georgia’s newly created 9th Congressional District. Zoller is still heard on Cox
Media Group’s WXKT-FM but has exited the Georgia News Network from which she was syndicated across the state. Zoller says Cox attorneys say she can stay on the air until she’s officially qualified as a candidate in May but realistically expects to have to leave her program prior to that time. Zoller reports she has excellent name recognition in the district – 62% of likely primary voters in the conservative district have heard of her – as she will face a battle against State Representative Doug Collins and possibly others in the Republican primary election.
Dial Global’s Bill Press to Remain on San Francisco Affiliate. Yesterday we reported Clear Channel’s plans for its AM talk stations in San Francisco that include the end of progressive talk outlet Green 960 (KKGN). Dial Global notes that although much of the progressive talk that’s currently heard on that station will be relegated to the KKSF-FM HD-2 signal and online, the Bill Press show will be heard in the early morning daypart prior to Premiere’s Glenn Beck on KNEW 960 in the new year.
WGN, Chicago’s John Williams Organizes Holiday Food Drive. Upon learning that food banks and pantries across the country are reporting a shortage of peanut butter, WGN talk host John Williams is organizing the “Peanut Butter & Jolly” drive to rally his listeners to donate peanut butter to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Peanut butter is sought after because of its protein content, appeal to children and long shelf life. All day today (12/1), Williams will encourage listeners to donate to one of the many participating locations around Chicagoland that will be delivered to the depository tomorrow. Williams says, “Everyone wants gifts at Christmas, but these people just need food. If you give to this campaign, we can all say Merry ‘Chrithmath!’”
2012 Presidential Race, European Debt Crisis, Occupy L.A. Ousted and Penn State Abuse Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/30). The GOP candidates for president in 2012, the ongoing efforts to deal with Europe’s debt crisis, the clearing of the Occupy Los Angeles protesters and additional allegations in the Penn State sexual abuse case were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday. Pictured here is ABC Radio News correspondent Alex Stone covering the Los Angeles Police Department’s breakup of the Occupy L.A. camp.
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