Tag: "WHO"
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Susan Larkin to Succeed Weezie Kramer as Entercom COO. When Entercom acquired the radio assets of CBS RADIO in 2017, chief operating officer Weezie Kramer put off her planned retirement to help lead the company’s operations “through the integration and critical transformation initiatives to elevate and enhance the company’s competitive position.” Now, Kramer is leaving her COO
position effective May 5 when current New York market manager and regional president Susan Larkin will assume the COO role. Kramer will continue to serve the company as a senior executive adviser to Entercom president and CEO David Field. Kramer joined the company in 2000. The company is already in the process of seeking Larkin’s 
replacement in New York. David Field says, “Weezie has been an extraordinary, inspiring leader and a fiercely determined, tireless competitor and strategist who has built an outstanding record of success over the many years in which she has led us forward as our chief operating officer. She set an uncompromising standard of excellence for all, both professionally and personally, driving us to be our very best while maintaining the highest ethical standards. She earned the sincere admiration, respect and affection of the entire Entercom team, and much of the industry, for her spirited leadership and decency and for being a full-throated, unapologetic champion for radio. She has been an extraordinarily successful COO and we are all immensely grateful to her. While she will be deeply missed as COO, I am thrilled that she will be joining the Entercom board where we will continue to benefit from her wisdom and guidance for years to come.” Speaking about her new role with Entercom, Larkin says, “This is an exciting time for Entercom, and for all audio media. I am thrilled to be part of Entercom’s forward-thinking strategy as we continue to set ourselves apart as the best operator and creator of audio content in the U.S. and realize the value of our engaged impressions with advertisers. Weezie has been an incredible mentor and the best leader I could ask for. I am honored to work with such a strong team and excited about the next phase of Entercom’s continued growth, expansion and strategic vision.”
Emmis/Mediaco SVP Charlie Morgan to Leave for New Opportunity. Senior vice president Charlie Morgan is leaving his role with Emmis/Mediaco for a new opportunity. Morgan, who served with the company for the past 10 years – six in Indianapolis and the past four years in New York, is credited by the company with “leading the turnaround of Emmis operations in Indianapolis and New York (now
Mediaco). His focus on product quality, operational excellence, innovation and, perhaps most important, on culture and talent development as the ultimate path to winning have been central to our success. Charlie’s emphasis on building great teams through coaching and development has enhanced the careers of countless colleagues over the years at Mediaco, Emmis, Cumulus, IMS Productions and Susquehanna. We sincerely thank him for all his efforts and wish him the absolute best in his next endeavor.” The company says it is beginning a search for a permanent leader for Mediaco New York. In the meantime, Emmis/Mediaco president Patrick Walsh will serve as interim New York market manager.
George Beasley Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Ceremony. New York’s Plaza Hotel was the scene of last night’s Broadcasters Foundation of America 2020 Golden Mike Award Gala. More than 350 broadcasters and celebrities were there as the BFoA raised more than $400,000 to support broadcasters in need. At this year’s event, Tegna president and CEO Dave Lougee received the 2020 Golden Mike Award and Beasley Media Group founder and chairman George Beasley received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured above are (from l-r): BFoA chairman Dan Mason, Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley (accepting for her father George), BFoA president Jim Thompson and event host and “Inside Edition” anchor Deborah Norville.
New York Festivals to Honor the National Press Club. At the New York Festivals Storytellers Gala taking place on April 21 at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, the National Press Club will be honored with the New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award. NYF says its Lifetime Achievement Award “recognizes
prominent industry leaders and driving forces in the broadcast industry whose accomplishment have advanced their field and made a lasting impression on the industry.” NYF TV & Film Awards/Radio Awards vice president/executive director Rose Anderson says, “For over a century, the National Press Club has upheld responsible journalism, supported freedom of the press worldwide, and provided a forum for the exchange of substantive ideas in our Nation’s Capital. Their members’ commitment to excellence encompasses all media. In this year marking the centennial of radio and our inaugural Storyteller’s Gala, we are proud to honor this organization with the New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award.” National Press Club president Michael Freedman will accept the award on behalf of the organization.
Cumulus Nashville Stations to Hold Radiothon for Tornado Relief. The Nashville cluster of Cumulus Media is holding the Cumulus Cares Tornado Relief Radiothon
tomorrow (3/6) at Edley’s Bar-B-Que to raise money for the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. It started when Will Newman from Edley’s reached out to WGFX-FM “104-5 The Zone” personality Jonathan Hutton about ways to give back to the community in the wake of the devastating tornados. The radiothon was born and tomorrow WGFX-FM, news/talk WWTN-FM, and Cumulus’ three music stations will broadcast live encouraging cash donations. In addition, Cumulus is collecting necessities such as diapers, blankets, baby formula, wipes, gloves, toothpaste, Ziploc bags, tide pods, and feminine hygiene products at accessible areas nearby the broadcast site.
WPHT, Philadelphia to Hold Third Annual Liberty USO Radiothon. In Philadelphia tomorrow (3/6), Entercom news/talker WPHT is hosting the 3rd annual
“Talk Radio 1210 WPHT Liberty USO Radiothon” to benefit Active, Guard and Reserve military and their families through programs and services at the United Service Organization of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey (Liberty USO). The station will broadcast live from Chickie’s & Pete’s Play 2 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm ET. The broadcast will be anchored by on-air personalities Rich Zeoli and Dom Giordano. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “We care deeply about serving those who have served our country and I’m proud of the role WPHT plays in supporting Liberty USO. This annual radiothon aims to raise awareness and funds on behalf of service members and their families right here in our community through the generosity of our listeners.”
Suburban Philly News/Talker to Go Dark. WNPV-AM/W253CA, Lansdale, Pennsylvania “The Talk of the Suburbs” announces it will cease programming on April 30 and go off the air. WFMZ-TV reports general manager Phil Hunt saying in a press release, “Our mission has always been to serve the public interest by
providing top-quality local news, and we have never been willing to compromise on that promise. In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to compete for both audience and advertising dollars, and unfortunately it is no longer sustainable to continue to run the business in a way that delivers the service our community expects and deserves. We are grateful for the support of our loyal listeners, the belief of our advertisers and the commitment from our talented team. It has been an honor to serve this community.” The signals are owned and operated by North Penn Valley Broadcasting and serve Bucks and Montgomery counties.
WHO, Des Moines Personality Bonnie Lucas Wraps Radio Career Tomorrow. Des Moines radio personality Bonnie Lucas is retiring from iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO, Des Moines after tomorrow morning’s show. She’s been co-
hosting the station’s AM drive program with co-host (and station PD) Van Harden since 1994. Lucas’ final show will take place on the road as she and Harden broadcast live from Meals from the Heartland in West Des Moines for the “2020 Van & Bonnie Hunger Fight,” a non-profit, food-packing event where volunteers package meals for delivery to malnourished people in Iowa, across the United States and around the world. Beginning Monday (3/9), Van Harden will host the morning show with special feature guests including familiar WHO personalities such as Jeff Angelo, Simon Conway, Emery Songer, and Maxwell Schaeffer as well as prominent central Iowa public figures and entertainers.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM midday anchor – and host of the “Noon Business Hour” – Cisco
Cotto is launching “WBBM In Depth,” a weekly podcast that further explores local business news stories. The podcast will also include interviews plus reports from contributors. focusing on trending news stories and their impact on the business world. It also features longer 
interviews with contributors and experts…..Entercom’s Philadelphia radio stations moved into the company’s new RADIO.COM World Headquarters at 2400 Market Street in Philly last month. All-news KYW-AM, news/talk WPHT, sports talk WIP-FM, adult contemporary WBEB “B101.1,” CHR WDTY, and classic hits WOGL are all now located in the company’s headquarters. At the KYW site, videographer Holli Stephens presents a two-minute video of the gleaming new studios and offices. Check it out here…..The Milwaukee Business Journal reports that former Green Bay Packers fullback and fan favorite John Kuhn is being courted by local and national media organizations for a full-time sports talk role. Kuhn began working in the Packers front office last April as an analyst for digital, broadcast, and game presentations. He was a sideline reporter for radio flagship WTMJ, Milwaukee’s broadcasts last season. The MBJ cites sources saying iHeartMedia’s sports talk WRNW-FM “The Game” is talking with him about joining its lineup, though nothing is set in stone yet.
Coronavirus Pandemic, Presidential Race, Financial Markets Activity, SCOTUS Hears Abortion Case/Schumer Comments, Israel Election, Syria-Turkey Violence, and Tennessee Tornado Aftermath Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/4). The status of the coronavirus pandemic and California’s declaring a state of emergency; Joe Biden’s leap to frontrunner in the Democratic primary race; the world’s financial markets react to the coronavirus pandemic; the Supreme Court hears arguments in the Louisiana abortion law case and Senator Chuck Schumer is criticized for threatening Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh; the results of Israel’s most recent election in which Benjamin Netanyahu failed to achieve a majority; the military clashes between Syrian and Turkish forces; and the aftermath of the Tennessee tornadoes were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
‘Inside Edition’ Anchor Deborah Norville Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. “Inside Edition” anchor Deborah Norville is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The two-time Emmy Award winning broadcaster is celebrating her 25th anniversary as host of the daily news magazine establishing her as the longest-running daily anchor in national television. She is also getting ready to emcee the annual Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Award Dinner tomorrow evening (3/4) at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The dinner is the BFoA’s
signature fundraising event to help broadcasters who’ve fallen on hard times due to medical crises or natural disasters. Norville is an accomplished broadcaster with outstanding television and radio credentials. She joined “Inside Edition” in 1995 from CBS News where she was an anchor and correspondent. She is the former co-host of NBC’s “Today” and anchor of NBC “News at Sunrise.” During her career she has hosted a primetime show on MSNBC, a national radio show on the ABC Talk Radio Network and has served as an anchor and reporter for WMAQ-TV in Chicago. She began her reporting career at WAGA-TV in Atlanta, while still a student at the University of Georgia, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated summa cum laude, First Honor Graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is also a prolific best-selling author and active with a number of leading causes and charities. Harrison and Norville discuss the Broadcasters Foundation as well as her career in television, changes in audience attention spans, the state of the media industry, and the #MeToo movement. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Monday Memo: Format Solution? Ever get a song stuck in your head? Consultant Holland Cooke shares one that stuck in his 40 years ago. And when you click-to-listen in this week’s column, HC thinks you could hear an opportunity. Check it out here.
Impeachment/Bolton Manuscript, Presidential Race, Coronavirus Concerns, U.S.-Iran Tensions/Rocket Attack on Baghdad Embassy, the Grammy Awards, and Kobe Bryant Death Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The impeachment trial of President Trump and the related manuscript by former Trump national security adviser John Bolton in which he suggests there was a quid pro quo; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in November; the Wuhan coronavirus and concerns about a global epidemic; the tensions between the U.S. and Iran and the rocket attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad; Sunday night’s Grammy Awards ceremony; and the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
New Sports Talk Station ‘The Gambler’ Launches in Akron-Cleveland. This new gambling-centric sports talk outlet on WARF-AM, Akron launched by iHeartMedia Cleveland airs a mix of traditional sports talk shows and wagering-focused
programs. iHeartMedia says, “‘FOX Sports 1350 AM, The Gambler’ will focus on sports talk with a concentration on gambling, including top-of-the-hour wagering updates from the VSiN (Vegas Stats and Information Network) and will feature programming from the BetR Network, including ‘My Guys in the Desert,’ hosted by American sportscaster, Brent Musberger. The station will also broadcast a mix of programming offering betting guides, handicapping, and betting strategies as well as signature programming from FOX Sports Radio, including ‘The Herd with Colin Cowherd’ and ‘FOX NFL Kickoff Simulcast,’ as well as ‘The Red Zone’ and ‘The Lombardi Line,’ hosted by former Cleveland Browns general manager Mike Lombardi.”
Karyn Cerulli Succeeds Bob Bolinger at Entercom San Diego. The Times of San Diego has the story from the market’s Entercom cluster. Director of sales Karyn
Cerulli is promoted to SVP and market manager for the station group as Bob Bolinger is leaving the role he’s held with the cluster since 2015. Bolinger tells the paper he’s not retiring. “The last four and a half years I have spent with Entercom have been among the most rewarding of my career. I am very proud and grateful for what this amazing Entercom San Diego team has accomplished and wish them and Karyn only the very best.” Bolinger joined Entercom from CBS RADIO. He’d been with the San Diego stations since 2009.
iHeartMedia Names News Executives. In Pennsylvania, iHeartMedia announces that Brit Goldstein is named area president for iHeartMedia Pennsylvania. At the same time, Nick Mickley is the new market president of iHeartMedia Harrisburg,
Reading, and Lancaster; and Dave Hovel is named area SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Pennsylvania. In this new position, Goldstein is responsible for creating new business and revenue opportunities, overseeing all programming, business and sales teams for iHeartMedia Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Eastern Shore stations. He reports to division president Shosh Abromovich. In his new role, Hovel oversees all on-air content as well as music and digital programming operations for the Salisbury, Wilmington, Allentown, Harrisburg, Erie, Reading, Lancaster, and Williamsport markets.
New Lineup at KIRO-FM, Seattle; ‘Tom & Curley’ Move to PM Drive. It was a year ago that the “Candy, Mike & Todd” show – co-hosted by Candy Harper, Mike Lewis, and Todd Herman – took over for the “Ron & Don” – featuring Ron Upshaw and Don O’Neill – in afternoon drive on Bonneville International’s KIRO-FM,
Seattle. Now, that show is gone and the late morning “Tom & Curley” program hosted by Tom Tangney and John Curley moves to afternoon drive, effective Wednesday (1/29). While both Candy Harper and Todd Herman exit the station, Mike Lewis partners with the station’s Aaron Mason to host the new 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm program. The new late morning show (9:00 am to 12:00 noon) features award-winning Seattle journalist Ursula Reutin and the station’s Gee Scott, who moves from the evening daypart. Regarding the afternoon drive change, KIRO-FM program director Bryan Buckalew says, “Tom and John are at the top of their game. They have a unique ability to tackle the news from both sides of the issue, which consistently connects with listeners.”
Tim Weisberg New Host of Art Bell’s ‘Midnight in the Desert.’ Beginning tonight (1/27), radio pro Tim Weisberg takes over the hosting duties on the late-night radio show, “Midnight in the Desert,” the last program created by the late Art Bell. Weisberg has been filling in on the program since 2018. He currently serves as digital managing editor for Townsquare Media’s New Bedford, Massachusetts stations. He’s also hosted the paranormal radio program/podcast “Spooky
Southcoast” for 14 years – a project he’ll continue in addition to his new duties. Weisberg has served as a writer/researcher/producer on paranormal television programs such as “Ghost Stalkers,” “Ghost Asylum,” and “Haunted Towns.” He has also been featured in front of the camera on programs such as “Ghost Adventures,” “My Ghost Story,” “MonsterQuest,” “Most Haunted Towns,” and will be featured in two upcoming television series in 2020. He is also the author of two books on the paranormal and is an award-winning sportswriter covering the New England Patriots and previously covering the Boston Celtics. “Midnight in the Desert” was started by Art Bell in 2015. The title of the program comes from a song written specifically for Bell by country music superstar Crystal Gayle. Bell and subsequent hosts have continued to use the song, with Gayle’s blessing, as the program’s closing theme, something Weisberg said will continue. “Although nobody will ever replace Art Bell, we at MITD think it’s important to honor his memory as the one who started it at all, especially this program. While the best way we can pay tribute is to just continue to discuss these topics in a long-form, objective style, keeping the name and the theme song is just a small touch to make sure Art is never far from our thoughts.”
Round Three of Holiday PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets
including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period was December 5 through January 1. Spoken-word radio always faces a challenge during the calendar month of December due to holiday-
related lifestyle changes and Christmas music listening. In this batch of markets, the most positive news comes out of Kansas City where, thanks to the success of the Super Bowl bound Chiefs, sports talk radio enjoyed increased listening. Union Broadcasting’s WHB got a three-tenths bounce to finish with a weekly 6+ AHQ share of 3.9 – good for the #9 ranking. Entercom’s KCSP adds a half share to land at 2.7 and the #15 ranking in the market. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.
TALKERS News Notes. Journalist Don Steinberg wrote a piece – published Saturday (1/25) – for Philadelphia Magazine that’s a deep-dive into Philly-based
Entercom. Interviewed for the piece are CEO David Field, Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff, and others. The story addresses the company’s struggling stock price, its efforts to establish a leading position in the digital audio entertainment realm, and former employees’ gripes about management style, among others. Read it here…..WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk host 
Simon Conway is being asked by the U.S. State Department – via its Foreign Press Centers – to host a telephone briefing for foreign journalists to explain the Iowa Caucuses. The briefing is non-partisan. Conway says, “It’s a great honor to be asked. The point is to make sure that journalists around the world understand the process and report it accurately.”…..Sports media personalities Mark Titus and Tate Frazier are joining FOX Sports and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One for the new “Titus and Tate” podcast, available in visual formats on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports app and social media platforms. The audio version from Westwood One is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and more. Westwood One is the exclusive audio distribution and ad sales representation partner of the “Titus & Tate” podcast..…Barstool Radio on SiriusXM is broadcasting live from Miami Beach today through Friday, ahead of Super Bowl LIV. Barstool’s biggest personalities, including Dave Portnoy, Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz, Kevin ‘KFC’ Clancy, PFT Commenter, Kayce Smith, Willie Colon and others – will host their shows live from Tequila Chicas in the heart of South Beach…..The Mayo Clinic Radio team
unveils the new “Mayo Clinic Q&A” podcast. It features Mayo Clinic physicians, researchers, and care teams sharing knowledge about topics including cancer, heart health, scientific advances, artificial intelligence, and wellness. Mayo Clinic Radio co-hosts Thomas Shives, M.D., and Tracy McCray anchor the new podcast. Mayo Clinic Radio says, “While the weekly, hour-long ‘Mayo Clinic Radio’ program will continue to deliver easy-to-understand answers on more than 250 outlets across the U.S., each episode of the ‘Mayo Clinic Q&A’ podcast will highlight one subject.” Dr. Shives adds, “With the resources of Mayo Clinic and thousands of physicians and medical experts supporting us, this tool is one more way to educate busy consumers on how to stay healthy and also help them learn more about serious or complex health topics.”…..iHeartMedia Denver announces that Mike Rice is the new play-by-play announcer for the Colorado Rockies baseball on flagship KOA, Denver. Rice has been with KOA since 2002, serving in a number of sports roles, including studio host for the Denver Broncos, fill-in play-by-play announcer for the Colorado Rockies, and anchoring morning sportscasts. He also serves as sports director for KOA, a position he will retain. Rice joins Jack Corrigan, who is entering his 18th season as a play-by-play announcer for the Rockies. In addition to play-by-play duties, Rice will host “Rockies All Access,” airing every Saturday on KOA…..Entercom sports talk outlet KRLD-FM, Dallas and the MLB’s Texas Rangers extend their broadcast deal to have the station continue to serve as the team’s radio flagship for the Texas Rangers Radio Network and the team’s English language radio play-by-play broadcasts…..The nationally syndicated “Motley Fool Money” show with host Chris Hill adds new stations KIFG-AM and KIFG-FM in Iowa City and WPVC-LPFM, in Charlottesville, Virginia to its roster of affiliates.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chicago, Premiere Networks announces today that “The Sweat Hotel” – starring Keith Sweat – will move from the overnight daypart to the evening slot on iHeartMedia’s urban contemporary WVAZ “V103.”…..Dallas rock outlet KEGL “97.1 The Eagle” unveils the lineup for BFD 2020, taking place Sunday, May 24 at Dos Equis Pavilion. Featured acts will be: Disturbed, Chevelle, The Pretty Reckless, Dirty Honey, The HU, Puddle of Mudd, Badflower, and Dinosaur Pile-Up. iHeartMedia regional SVP of programming Patrick Davis says, “‘The Eagle’ is delivering yet another stellar lineup to kick off the summer concert season with BFD 2020. Fans of ‘97.1 The Eagle’ always expect a great lineup and this year’s will not disappoint them.”
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
‘970 The Answer’ Presents Special 9/11 Show. On the anniversary of 9/11, Salem
Media Group news/talk WNYM, New York “970 The Answer” is presenting a special program today (9/11) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on location from the kitchen table of Red Apple Group chief John Catsimatidis (soon-to-be owner of WABC, New York) with host Kevin McCullough and former New York Governor George Pataki and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. McCullough says, “The unique and intimate broadcast will take place on location around the Catsimatidis kitchen table and will bring the two leaders together in person in a way seldom seen since this fateful day.”
WHO, Des Moines Listeners Respond to Call for Flag Planting. Afternoon drive personality Simon Conway tells TALKERS magazine that WHO, Des Moines listeners planted almost 3,000 flags in a local park to commemorate those who died in the 9/11 attacks after the city decided to cancel the annual event. Conway says, “About four 
months after I arrived in Des Moines, there was a meeting. How were we going to mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11? Some people wanted to rent the big arena in town and have a solemn service. I pointed out that was a big risk. It was the first or second NFL Sunday and how terrible would it be if no one showed up. Eventually, I came up with the idea of planting a flag in the ground for every person who was murdered that day. We have done that ever since. Yesterday morning my listeners started to contact me saying that the city had cancelled this year’s [event] due to lack of flags and volunteers (total garbage by the way – they want to move on!). There was no way I was going to let that happen and so using social media and the opening of my show yesterday, I directed people to the park. All the nearly 3,000 flags were in the ground before 5:00 pm! THAT’S the power of the very best audience in talk radio!”
Entercom Wrestling with ‘Technical Issues.’ The company has been pretty tight-lipped about the technical issues that may have been caused by a cyber-attack that occurred over the weekend. Entercom’s email system has been compromised and those trying to email someone at the company receive a message saying it is dealing with technical
issues and directs them to call the local market via phone. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that the issue – again, the company won’t confirm it’s an “attack” – also has affected music scheduling, production, and billing. Radio trade site RadioInsight is calling it a ransomware attack and reports the attacker(s) is asking for $500,000. Whether it’s an actual ransomware attack or just the work of a devious hacker, the company has a lot of work to do. Entercom’s public statement on the matter is that it is working around the clock to fix the problems. An internal memo staffers received on Monday morning said they should not expect things to be back to normal for three or four days.
WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans Does Damage Control After Gay Slur Tweet. Openly gay WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans evening sports talk host Seth Dunlap was the target of a tweet containing a gay slur that appears to have emanated from within the station.
According to a piece in The Advocate, many of Dunlap’s listeners may have learned of his sexuality after he wrote a personal essay questioning New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ affiliation with Focus on the Family, an organization that, among other goals, promotes gay conversion therapy. Brees has recorded a video for the organization about the upcoming “Take Your Bible to School” day. Entercom removed the offensive tweet and tweeted out the following: “We are aware of a tweet that went out today from the WWL account. The content of the tweet is categorically offensive and abhorrent to the station. We are actively investigating this incident and will take swift and appropriate action once we determine how this occurred.”
Todd Schnitt and Fark.com Partner for New Podcast. On-air pro Todd Schnitt and FARK.com founder Drew Curtis are launching a new podcast called, “Fark and Schnitt,” “a humorous approach to some of the more unusual story lines in the news cycle.” It’s
being managed by Steve Lapa and Lapcom Communications and represented by Crossover Media Group. It’s being promoted as “an entertaining, irreverent look at the stories you may have missed. The ‘Fark and Schnitt’ podcast blends entertaining content with polished production to bring the audience the famous and the forgettable in an engaging format.” New episodes are posted each Tuesday. Schnitt says, “The explosive growth of podcasts cannot be ignored, and this delivery method will continue to grow exponentially. While I’ve been part of repurposing my radio shows for many years, ‘Fark and Schnitt’ is all new exclusive quality content just for the podcast universe. Soon, I’ll be Adam Carolla’s golf caddy.” FARK.com is a successful news aggregator site with more than 2,000 link submissions daily, 20 million page views per month with more than 1 million uniques.
TALKERS News Notes. Joining the meteorologist staff at EnvisionVirtualServices Weather is Tom Hauf, who will deliver custom daily weather forecasts and severe weather coverage for affiliated stations. Hauf says, “I’ve been passionate about weather forecasting since childhood, delivering my first forecast at age 10. Weather is one of a very few things in the world that affects every single person every day.” Hauf has 30 years of experience as a radio weatherman and possesses a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist certification from the American Meteorological Society. EnvisionVirtualServices Weather Reports from Envision Networks offer a complete locally derived weather solution for radio stations. The team of major market meteorologists deliver multiple daily reports and are ready to spring into action whenever inclement weather hits…..PodcastOne announces that it is teaming with Kc Wayland Productions for production, marketing and sales for the “We’re Alive” podcast series that has more than 160 million downloads to date. The new season, “We’re Alive: Goldrush,” features guest-star appearances from actors Danny Trejo and Christy Carlson Romano as well as former “Bachelorette,” Kaitlyn Bristowe. PodcastOne says “‘Goldrush’ is a multi-layered story that fully utilizes the audio drama medium, employing a multitude of audio-focused comedic gags, plot devices that force visualization, and scenes that take advantage of the soundscape.” PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norm Pattiz says, “Coming on the heels of our huge success with ‘22 Hours: An American Nightmare’ and the continuing strong showing of ‘Cold Case Files,’ our partnership with A&E Networks, the launch of ‘Goldrush’ not only gives us a strong, new entry into the scripted category, but also shows the strength of our content and promotional resources.”…..KPOJ-AM, Portland afternoon drive sports talk personality Travis Demers is named the new play-by-play voice of the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers. Demers has been the substitute play-by-play voice recently, filling in for Brian Wheeler who has been dealing with health issues. Wheeler recently retired, leaving the position open. Demers says, “It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, it’s an absolute dream job. I’m thrilled to be able to live out that dream in Rip City.”
Beasley Announces Esports Initiative at UNLV. Broadcaster Beasley Media Group is collaborating with the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies to launch Checkpoint XP On Campus. Beasley XP is the company’s esports division that is leading this endeavor. Under this initiative, the school will serve as the primary content creation and production hub for Checkpoint XP’s college-targeted brand extension. Plans include a college-agnostic esports weekly video and podcast show, as well as extensive online content that will be featured under the Checkpoint XP On Campus section on CheckpointXP.com. The weekly video and podcast will be officially launched tomorrow (9/12) on RADIO.com, as well as Twitch, YouTube, and via a podcast on bPod Studios. It’s being hosted by Beasley XP’s Norris Howard, along with UNLV student anchors Daniel Agbuya and Jacob Brothers, with Kevin Kelly serving as the managing editor. Additionally, UNLV will work closely with Checkpoint XP to recruit student correspondents from more than 30 of the country’s top journalism and esports colleges to provide additional coverage on the growing esports scene across many of the nation’s college campuses. Beasley chief digital content officer Lori Burgess says, “The convergence of sports and entertainment has never been more real than with the esports academic curriculums, sports teams and arenas that are changing the face of campuses across the country. Checkpoint XP On Campus intends to capture this lifestyle-based competitive sport as it continues to gain popularity and become a more serious part of the university experience.” Pictured above at yesterday’s announcement are (from l-r): Dr. Kevin Stoker, director of the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies at UNLV; Dr. Robert Ulmer, Dean of the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs; Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group; Norris Howard; and Leslie Fitzsimmons, director of underwriting and corporate sponsorship for UNLV’s public media outlets.
Trump Fires John Bolton, 2020 Presidential Race, NC Special Elections, U.S.-China Trade War, Immigration Policy, Antonio Brown Rape Allegation Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/10). National Security Advisor John Bolton is fired by President Trump; the Democrats and Republicans vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; Republican Dan Bishop wins a North Carolina congressional special election; the war of tariffs between the U.S. and China; the Trump administration’s immigration and asylum policies; and the rape allegations leveled against Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Cool Radio Opportunities in Phoenix. There are two positions that WestStar Multimedia Entertainment is seeking to fill. First, the Kim Komando show is looking for an on-air call screener and sidekick. They ask: “Do you have an engaging personality?
Quick-witted? Funny? And this is very important, have a passion for consumer electronics and all things digital? We are looking for a superstar talent who’s hard working and wants to be part of national radio show and global TV show!” See more about the position and to apply here. Also, WestStar is seeking an affiliate relations manager with at least two years’ experience. The company says, “Kim Komando Multimedia is rapidly expanding in many divisions, as we are one of the fastest growing broadcast media companies in America! For over 20-years, Kim Komando has led the industry in tech-lifestyle programming within the national radio category, reaching millions of people every week.” For more on this position and to apply, click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Sales and management pro Donald St. Sauveur is upped to chief operating officer for Northeast Broadcasting and its stations triple A outlets WXRV, Boston “92.5 The River” and WNCS, Montpelier “The Point.” St. Sauveur has been serving as general manager for WXRV for the past 11 years. Northeast Broadcasting CEO Ed Flanagan says, “Donald has shown an uncanny ability to integrate the sales and programming elements of the station, while simultaneously building brand and customer loyalty. We are looking forward to seeing him succeed in this new role.”…..Programming pro Leigh McNabb joins Saga Communications’ classic hits KIOA, Des Moines as
program director. She comes to Saga from her most recent gig as PD and midday personality at Entercom’s hot AC KZPT, Kansas City “99.7 The Point.” Saga Des Moines vice president and general manager Tom Nankival says, “We are thrilled to be able to bring someone with Leigh’s experience and qualifications back to her hometown. Her passion for KIOA’s heritage is unparalleled and the fact that she is already so well respected in our building made her the obvious choice to rejuvenate the station and lead our terrific team.”…..Premiere Networks syndicated morning star Bobby Bones is offering his listeners the opportunity to put their personal twist on The General Insurance’s jingle for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas to see Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots perform. Fans can enter the contest by creating their own video showcasing their spin on the jingle. The winning video will receive a three-day, two-night trip to Las Vegas to meet Bobby Bones and attend the Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots performance on November 15 at Reynolds Hall at Smith Center.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Randi Rhodes Returns to Radio on ‘Real Talk 910 AM’ in San Francisco. Progressive talk radio personality Randi Rhodes joins iHeartMedia’s KKSF-AM, San Francisco “Real Talk 910 AM, Think Forward” to host the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
program. She says, “Being back on the radio in one of the greatest cities in America for a market-leading station like ‘Real Talk 910 AM’ is 
amazing. I feel such a strong connection to the listeners here in San Francisco and I’m thrilled to get on air and shake things up!” KKSF program director Cory Callewaert says, “We are beyond excited for the opportunity to bring Randi back to the Bay Area. She is one of the most powerful progressive voices in the country and with her wit and sense of humor, she is exactly what we need and a one of a kind.”
TALKERS News Notes. The GCN-syndicated “America Tonight with Kate
Delaney” program adds new affiliate WGCH, Greenwich, Connecticut to its roster of stations…..The nationally syndicated financial talk program “Motley Fool Money” with host Chris Hill is now heard on 3 Daughters Media’s WGMN, Roanoke and WBLT, Bedford in Virginia…..iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO, Des Moines announces that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will attend and 
participate in the 23rd annual “WHO Radio Great Iowa Tractor Ride” at the Westfair Amphitheatre & Fairgrounds on Sunday, June 23 and Monday, June 24. The “WHO Radio Great Iowa Tractor Ride” was started in Grinnell, Iowa in 1996 by WHO Radio’s Farm Broadcasters of the Year recipients Mark Pearson and Gary Wergin. The event was created to bring tractor enthusiasts together for fun, fellowship and celebration of Iowa’s rich agricultural heritage. The inaugural ride included approximately 90 participants and has grown to more than 600 participants and countless fans. Last year, tractors from more than 33 states made the trip to Iowa including tractor riders from California, Kentucky, Mississippi and Texas.
New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap” for Week of June 17-21 Now Posted. The recently launched, one-hour weekend radio show, “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation,” analyzing the hot talk media topics of this past week (June 17-21) is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. It currently airs on WONK-FM in the key position of Friday at 6:00 pm as a dynamic
programming punctuation mark of the week’s conversation. Hosted by TALKERS magazine’s iconic publisher, this week’s installment (titled “Donald J. Trump Takes the Stage!”) features a lineup of guests that includes TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey; radio talk show hosts Mike Gallagher of Salem Radio Network, Larry Young of WOLB, Baltimore and Richard Neer of WFAN, New York; political strategist and pundit Dick Morris; and social/political observer Victoria Jones of the DC Radio Company. The non-partisan-but-hard-hitting program explores multiple opinions along the spectrum of contemporary American political and social thought. It was recently picked up by KSCO, Santa Cruz where it airs on Fridays at 6:00 pm. According to TalkersRadio general manager David Bernstein, the program is now available on a market exclusive basis to news/talk stations around the nation. Bernstein says, “We began this show as an on-air extension of TALKERS magazine research to be played on TalkersRadio and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The show is nothing short of fantastic and provides a great image-setter for any news/talk outlet. iHeartMedia picked it up for its new WONK-FM in DC where it fits that station’s mission perfectly and a number of stations have inquired about its availability. We are in the process of figuring out where we want to go with it.” For more information about the program, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to it in its entirety, please click here.
At the NCAA College World Series. Pictured above is the broadcast crew for the NCAA College World Series National Baseball Championship preliminary games. NRG Media’s KOZN, Omaha “1620 The Zone” again produced the games for the NCAA Radio Network, distributed nationally by Westwood One. They handled 12 games in seven days from Omaha’s TD Ameritrade Park. From left to right are: Westwood One’s play-by-play voice Kevin Kugler, producer Mike Stibbs, color analyst John Bishop, and field reporter Gary Sharp.
Presidential Race 2020/Trump Campaign Kickoff Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 17-21. The Democrats seeking the nomination to challenge President Trump in 2020 and Trump’s Orlando rally to kick off his re-election campaign was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week the Democrats’ impeachment talk tied with the testimony of Hope Hicks. Coming in at #3 was the U.S.-Iran tensions, including the attack on a U.S. drone, followed by the U.S.-China trade war tied with U.S.-North Korea tensions at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Advertising Lawyer Jeffrey A. Greenbaum is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. During periods of technical and social change, it usually takes the legal system time to catch up with laws and regulations that address the new reality. We’re experiencing such a syndrome today when it comes to the internet and digital era’s impact on advertising and intellectual property, including navigating the FTC, “influencer” social media marketing, the impact of bots on creating false metrics, and the idiosyncratic arena of branded
entertainment. A leading expert on these subjects, attorney Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, is this week’s guest on the award winning PodcastOne presentation, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Greenbaum is the managing partner of the law firm Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz as well as chairman of the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance. Best Lawyers in America has twice named him “Advertising Lawyer of the Year” for the New York metro area. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
PPM Analysis: Urban AC. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian looks at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on urban AC. Half of the station on our panel saw their weekly 6+ AQH shares rise compared to the April survey, led by WVKL, Norfolk (+1.0). Comparing May 2018 to May 2019, only 45% of the stations were up, with 55% taking a dip. Six urban AC outlets ranked #1 in their respective markets in May (6+) – WBLS, New York; WMXD, Detroit: WFXC, Raleigh; WVKL, Norfolk; WQMG, Greensboro; and KJMS, Memphis. See Kinosian’s entire report here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Philadelphia, Beasley Media Group promotes Dave “Cruise” Madden to has new co-host of “The Andie Summers Show” on country WXTU-FM. Cruise
initially joined the show as an interim host on January 2 and most recently worked over the past year as the afternoon drive host/APD at sister station WBEN-FM. Station PD Mark Razz says, “When we needed him to step up and handle interim hosting duties for 925XTU, Dave delivered every day. We’re glad to have him on as part of ‘The Andie Summers Show.’ He worked hard and deserves this opportunity!”…..West Palm Beach CHR WLDI “WiLD 95.5” announces that Dave Hanson joins the station as creative services director. In this role at the iHeartMedia station, Hanson will shape and deliver station imaging, and promotional, digital, and social content.
iHM West Palm Beach SVP of programming Rad Messick says, “Dave’s track record across multiple formats in South Florida is outstanding. We’re excited to tap Dave’s skills, passion, and creative energy to create highly entertaining content that deepens our ‘WiLD 95.5’ audience connection.” Hanson was most recently assistant director of branding and programming and music director at Cox Media Group’s CHR WFLC, Miami…..Programming and on-air pro Andy Meadows joins the Tracy Johnson Media Group. He was most recently operations manager for LKCM Radio Group and hosted the midday show on country KFWR-FM, Jacksboro, Texas (Dallas-Ft. Worth market). Meadows says, “I’m so thrilled to be a part of Tracy Johnson Media Group. I’m humbled and grateful for this opportunity to work with talent on a full-time basis. We have a lot of fresh new ideas in the pipeline, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.”
Friday, June 14, 2019
Cumulus Media Splits WMAL-FM and WMAL-AM to Create ‘ESPN 630 – The Sports Capitol.’ The AM/FM simulcast of news/talk on Cumulus Media’s WMAL-AM/FM will end on July 1 as the company creates a new sports talk outlet
for the Washington, DC market branded “ESPN 630 – The Sports Capitol.” The news/talk format on continues on WMAL-FM and its digital platforms. The new sports/talk station will carry ESPN Radio weekday programming, including “Golic and Wingo” in morning drive and “The Stephen A. Smith Show” from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It will also air ESPN’s NBA and MLB schedule, Washington Redskins games and sports talk shows hosted by local personalities. Cumulus Washington vice president and market manager Jake McCann says, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the two biggest sports brands in D.C. – ESPN and the Washington Redskins. We look forward to creating compelling content for our listeners and advertisers as a natural expansion of our relationship with the Redskins.” The station will announce its full lineup in advance of the July 1 start date.
Martha Zoller Returns to Talk Radio at WDUN, Gainesville. Longtime talk radio personality Martha Zoller is re-joining her former radio station after spending the last five years in politics. When she returns to Jacobs Media’s
WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia on June 24, she’ll be hosting the 9:00 am to 10:00 am hour. Zoller ran for congress in 2012 lost the runoff election to current Republican Congressman Doug Collins. After that she worked for U.S. Sen. David Perdue and later for Gov. Brian Kemp, where she served as a policy advisor and outreach director. 
She says, “After spending the last few years traveling around Georgia and meeting Georgians from every walk of life and political persuasion, I’m excited to be back at WDUN to share how the sausage is made. You might be surprised at some of the insights. I can’t wait!” WDUN EVP and general manager Bill Maine comments, “She’s uniquely qualified as a broadcaster. She’s well connected, knowledgeable, and her show mattered both to the listeners and politicians she talked about. I’m thrilled we’re getting her back on the air, and I think the audience will be, too.”
New Jersey Broadcasters Association Names Broadcaster of the Year and New Members of Hall of Fame at Annual Convention. The annual New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) convention just concluded (6/12-13) at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and from all reports it was a rousing success. Among the highlights of the event, WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (pictured above, right, with NJBA president Paul Rotella, left) was named the 2019 Broadcaster of the Year – the inaugural presentation of this prestigious award – and a number of Garden State broadcasters were installed in the association’s New Jersey Radio Hall of Fame. Among them, Salem Media Group VP of spoken word format, Phil Boyce. In honor of the occasion, Salem’s New York outlet WNYM (AM 970 The Answer) broadcast its morning show hosted by Joe Piscopo live from the convention. Pictured below are (from l-r): WNYM’s Kevin McCullough, Boyce, Piscopo and WNYM’s Frank Morano. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison made the presentation to Hurley via video. To view it, please click here.
The John Batchelor Show to Broadcast from Uzbekistan. WABC, New York talk radio host John Batchelor is taking his late-night show to Tashkent, the capital of the Uzbekistan Republic, where it will broadcast live next week. The venture is being sponsored by marketing firm Scala Inc in conjunction with the
Central Asia, Mongolia, Caucasus and Afghanistan Forum and the Rumsfeld Foundation. WABC says, “Uzbekistan is deep into the heart of the legendary Silk Road, and host John Batchelor and co-host Christopher Nixon Cox will interview young entrepreneurs who are striving to transform a region of 80 million people into an 
economic engine to bring prosperity to a civilization that was ignored by the Russian Empire and abused by the Soviet Empire.” Batchelor adds, “Tashkent is part of a chain of ancient city-states of traders and farmers that created cultures of wealth and art more than 2,000 years ago, attracting conquerors from Alexander the Great to Tamerlane and Genghis Khan. In between this dusty game of thrones, the city states achieved breakthroughs in geometry, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics that Western Europe would not see until the Enlightenment. Today, the Central Asian states are starting to recover their own history and with it a sense of pride. And Uzbekistan, the most populous state of Central Asia, is looking to America for a guide on how to awaken and enhance its pioneering ambitions.”
New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap” for Week of June 10-14 Now Posted. The recently launched, one-hour weekend radio show, “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation,” analyzing the hot talk media topics of this past week (June 10-14) is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. It currently airs on WONK-FM Saturday mornings at 9:00 am but will move next week to the key position of Friday at 6:00 pm as a dynamic programming punctuation mark of the week’s conversation. Hosted by TALKERS magazine’s iconic publisher, this week’s installment (titled “The Drums of Impeachment, Hatch, Hyde and a Helicopter!”) features a lineup of guests that includes TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey; radio talk show hosts Harry Hurley of WPG, Atlantic City; Jack Riccardi of KTSA, San Antonio; comedian/social commentator Jimmie JJ Walker; and ACLU senior policy analyst Jay Stanley. The non-partisan-but-hard-hitting program explores multiple opinions along the spectrum of contemporary American political and social thought. It was recently picked up by KSCO, Santa Cruz where it airs on Fridays at 6:00 pm. According to TalkersRadio general manager David Bernstein, the program is now available on a market exclusive basis to news/talk stations around the nation. Bernstein says, “We began this show as an on-air extension of TALKERS magazine research to be played on TalkersRadio and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The show is nothing short of fantastic and provides a great image-setter for any news/talk outlet. iHeartMedia picked it up for its new WONK-FM in DC where it fits that station’s mission perfectly and a number of stations have inquired about its availability. We are in the process of figuring out where we want to go with it.” For more information about the program, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to it in its entirety please click here.
Round Four of May PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 PPM survey results is released for the group of 12 markets that includes: Austin, Raleigh-Durham, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Takeaways from this group of markets on Monday (6/17).
Robby Bowen Named VP/Director of Sales for Entercom New Orleans. Sales pro Robby Bowen was most recently general sales manager for Entercom’s
Dallas operations. In his new role as vice president and director of sales for the New Orleans station group, he’ll be leading sales efforts for news/talk WWL-AM/FM, and four music brands. Entercom New Orleans SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy says, “Robby has an exceptional track record of leading sales teams and programs for clients. We are pleased to keep his talents within Entercom and welcome him to the bayou.”
WHO, Des Moines’ Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas Enshrined in Iowa Broadcasters Hall of Fame. WHO, Des Moines morning personalities Van Harden (right) and Bonnie Lucas (left) were inducted into the Iowa Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame at the awards luncheon yesterday (6/13)
in West Des Moines. The annual awards luncheon honors and recognizes Iowa broadcasters who make a difference through their great stories of leadership, integrity, reliability, service over self, team building, and mentoring across the state. Harden and Lucas are the fourth and fifth WHO personalities to be inducted into the Iowa Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame joining the ranks of legendary 
broadcasters such as Jack Shelley, Jim Zabel and Keith Kirkpatrick. Harden says, “Just coming to a job you love where you can have fun and help people every day is amazing enough in itself. Especially when I’ve been able to do it with such an uplifting and fun co-host for over three decades. Being inducted into the Iowa Broadcasting Hall of Fame with so many incredible broadcasters is truly a surreal and over-the-top experience.” Lucas adds, “This job is not work. It’s having fun talking with your friends, inviting them into your world. It’s being in the middle of all the news that’s happening both locally and all around the world. It’s working with a co-host for decades who has been my friend for 40 years. We don’t do this for awards, but this award is extremely special.”
Democratic Party Impeachment Talk/John Dean Testimony Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 10-14. The intensifying talk among Democrats about beginning impeachment proceedings against President Trump and the related testimony from Nixon White House Counsel John Dean was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Trump Mexico deal and immigration reform. Coming in at #3 were the Hong Kong protests, tied with U.S.-China relations and U.S.-North Korea relations, followed by the Trump foreign campaign intel controversy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Beasley Radio Talent Institute at Emerson College Begins Monday. The 2nd annual Beasley Radio Talent Institute for students, interns, and young professionals begins at Emerson College in Boston on Monday (6/17). It is an
intense, 10-day program in which participants have the opportunity to meet with and learn from radio professionals currently working in the broadcast industry. Beasley Media Group chief operating officer and executive vice president Brian Beasley officially kicks off the sessions. Students will learn from some 40 experts in the broadcasting field working at companies including: Beasley Media Group, iHeartMedia, Entercom Communications, Hall Communications, the New England Patriots, the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics and more. The Beasley Radio Group Talent Institute is part of the National Radio Talent System produced by Dan Vallie that takes place on select college campuses across America each year.
VSiN Partners with Gow Media to Distribute Sports Betting Radio Content. The Las Vegas-based Vegas Stats & Information Network enters into a relationship with Houston-based Gow Media to distribute sports betting content via what they are calling “the nation’s first terrestrial radio network dedicated
exclusively to sports betting news and information.” It will debut in August. VSiN chairman Dan Mason says, “We’re thrilled to provide Gow Media with select sports betting content for terrestrial radio syndication on this exciting new platform. Establishing itself as the leader in the sports gambling information industry, VSiN is differentiated not only by delivering the most credible, actionable sports betting news and insights, but also by adding the entertainment factor with a variety of personalities. Over the past 10 years sports radio has exploded and now there’s a new, younger audience emerging that will use analytics to inform their wagers within the growing regulated betting markets. This new network fits perfectly in that space, combining great personalities and legendary odds makers with sophisticated analytics.”
WPG, Atlantic City Morning Mainstay Harry Hurley Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The man who has been waking up South Jersey listeners from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on heritage talk station WPG-AM/W238CZ, Atlantic City for more than a quarter century, Harry Hurley, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Hurley is about to be honored with the very first New Jersey Broadcaster of the Year Award at the forthcoming New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) convention this week on Thursday (6/13) at
Atlantic City’s Tropicana Hotel. Hurley, who also serves as the lead FOX News Radio substitute host, is a past recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year Award for his remarkable philanthropic work in raising more than $800,000 over the past dozen years via his Hurley in the Morning Charity and distributing it to hundreds of worthy causes and organizations in Atlantic City and across the Garden State. Harrison and Hurley – who is positioned this year at number 51 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – discuss the state of politics, media, journalism, and popular culture in a fascinating conversation that dives deep into the workings and thought-processes attendant to executing today’s talk show. Don’t miss it! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Philadelphia, Radio One promotes urban contemporary WPHI “Boom 103.9” midday personality and APD Paris Nicole to program director for the station. The company notes that this promotion makes Nicole the youngest program director
currently employed by the company. Radio One Philadelphia station manager Ezio Torres says, “Paris earned this promotion by stepping into a void at our station months before the position was created. From managing and scheduling the staff, to orchestrating ‘Boom Class of 2019’ flawlessly, she proved what we already knew – Paris Nicole is a natural leader. With that skill and her incredible relationships, she will take ‘Boom 103.9’ to the next level.”…..Westwood One is presenting an Independence Day special called “Celebrate the USA,” hosted this year by RCA Records recording artists Old Dominion. Joining the band for the radio special will be fellow country artists Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, and Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, and many more. The program is available for air Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7.…..Telcom Supply Inc agrees to sell former classic hits KETX-FM, Livingston, Texas to Christian radio operator KSBJ Educational Foundation for $385,000. Greg Guy and Jason James of Patrick Communications, LLC served as exclusive brokers for the deal.
Round Three of Nielsen’s May PPMs Released. May 2019 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 survey period covered April 25 – May 22. 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.
Portland
Spoken Word Formats – In addition to erasing 50% of March/April’s -1.0 with a
one-half share increase (3.7 – 4.2, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” is back in the top ten (#13 to #10). Anchored at #18, iHeartMedia’s KEX falters by three-tenths (2.3 – 2.0, 6+); “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” was up two-tenths in April. Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” return’s April’s one-tenth increase and has a January 2019 through May 2019 topline of 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .9 (#24 to #26, 6+).
Having more than tripled (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share via three straight improvements (.5 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned Portland Trailblazers flagship KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” jumps from #23 to #21. It is tied there with Alpha Media sports talk KXTG “The Game,” which has nearly doubled (+.8) its 6+-stat through five successive sweeps without a loss (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7, flat at #21, 6+). After losing one-tenth in back-to-back reports, Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” picks up four-tenths to 1.5 (steady at #23, 6+), its best 6+-showing since October 2018’s 1.7.
Following an April gain of six-tenths, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB erodes by nine-tenths (7.9 – 7.0, 6+) and shifts from second to third. This calendar year, KOPB has been +1.2 (January 2019); -1.6 (February); a combined -2.0 in February/March; +.6 (April); and -.9 (May). This (7.0) is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 6.9.
Portland Music Formats – Entercom-owned KWJJ posts a +.8 in May and continues a down/up pattern that began in December 2018 (3.4 – 2.7 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+); “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” reenters the top ten (#12 to #6) with its best 6+-stat since July 2018 (4.6, as well). An increase of four-tenths by Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL takes “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” to 4.6 (ninth to sixth), its highest 6+-stat since February 2018’s 4.7. Prior to dropping three-tenths in April, “The Bull” was a collective +1.2 in three straight gains (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). On top the fourth month in a row, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” is nonetheless a combined -1.1 in April/May (8.9 – 8.6 – 7.8, 6+). When “the Eagle” faltered by three-tenths in April, it curtailed three consecutive upticks that yielded a +3.5 (5.4 – 7.1 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). Prior to February, KLTH last reached the eight-share level (6+) exactly eight years ago (May 2011, 8.1, as well). Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” erodes by -1.4 (5.1 – 3.7, 6+), the largest (6+) April 2019 to May 2019 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here. Moreover, “Charlie” plummets from the top ten (#4 to #12) with its lowest 6+-stat (3.7) since September 2018’s 3.6. A loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.3, 6+) sends iHeartMedia classic rocker KFBW “105.9 The Brew” from #11 to #15. After scoring an overall +2.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.6 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” surrenders six-tenths to 4.3 (sixth to ninth, 6+). While unchanged at #17, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” is a collective -2.1 in four consecutive down or flat moves (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+). Immediately prior to sputtering by seven-tenths in March, KQAC was without a loss four times in a row for a collective +1.8 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+) and reached the four-share level (4.4, 6+) for the first time since February 2017’s 4.2.
Charlotte
Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after notching back-to-back gains of
four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT is an overall -1.2 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). May’s 3.2 is its lowest 6+showing since September 2018 (2.9).
In an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2018 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+), co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” has lost one-tenth in that timeframe; the Charlotte Hornets flagship remains at #19.
A combined +1.1 in January/February, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” follows with a -.6 (March); +.5 (April); and -.5 in May (2.8 – 2.3, #14 to #16, 6+). This is the fifth time in the last six sweeps (and third time in a row) that South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC logs a .3 (flat at #22, 6+).
Charlotte Music Formats – Steady at #7, Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” racks up a +2.1 via four straight gains (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+). This immediately follows four consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+). Tacking on a +1.1 to April’s +.8 (2.0 – 3.1, 6+), Davidson College-owned WDAV jumps from #17 to #14. Entering the April sweep, “89.9 Classical Public Radio” lost a collective half-share in four straight down or flat trends (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Not only does a positive spike of eight-tenths deliver Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC its strongest 6+-stat since November 2018 (7.5, as well), “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” is #1 for the fourth month in a row (including a February tie for the lead). Prior to gaining nine-tenths in January, WSOC had been without an increase the previous four reports for an overall -1.3 (7.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). On top in September 2018, October, and November, WSOC segued to third in December. Even though iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WKKT is a cumulative +1.1 in three straight bumps (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4, 6+), “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” backslides from a second-place tie to third. Prior to logging a +1.2 in January, WKKT was a combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). Leaping over “The Kat” is its adult hits cluster-mate WLKO “102.9 The Lake.” As is the case with WSOC, “The Lake” notches a May spike of eight-tenths (6.3 – 7.1, steady at #2, 6+). Its six most recent fluctuations are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); +.5 (March); -.5 (April); and +.8 (May). Immediately in advance of “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2, WLKO posted eight straight months without a loss for a +3.7 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+). Beasley Media Group cluster-mates WSOC and WBAV dislodged “The Lake” from #1 in February, after WLKO’s January-only stay on top. Pulling the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.6 (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link Charlotte’s Best Mix” dials up a one-half share gain to 4.4 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Owing to three slips in succession, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” is an overall -1.9 (6.0 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.1, 6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). A combined -1.2 in April/May (3.3 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” falls from #16 to #18.
San Antonio
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of April’s +1.1 (4.2 – 5.3, 6+),
iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI forfeits roughly half that increase (4.8, -.5, 6+) but repeats at #4. April’s 5.3 marked the first time WOAI reached the five-share level since August 2016’s 5.2. Before dropping one-tenth in March, “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” was an 
overall +1.0 in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+). A dip of one-tenth to 1.4 (#22 to #21, 6+) by Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” suspends three successive up or flat trends that netted three-tenths (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+).
Locked on .4 (6+) in March and April, KTSA’s sports talk sibling KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” drops one-tenth to .3 (6+) but stays at #31. The 6+ AQH share of iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” shrinks by two-thirds (-.4) in April/May (.6 – .3 – .2, flat at #32, 6+).
After dropping three-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX repeats April’s 3.1 (6+) and inches up from #15 to #13.
San Antonio Music Formats – Off six-tenths in March/April (8.0 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” obliterates that deficit with a +1.1 to 8.5, its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.8. On top the third month in succession, KONO-FM had been in the runner-up slot five successive times before progressing to #1 in March. In advance of slipping to #2 in November 2018, KONO-FM finished at #1 the previous ten sweeps. A full-share increase to 3.0 (6+) by Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR propels “Air 1 Worship Now” into the top twenty (#14) and halts three successive negative trends that accounted for a -1.3 (3.3 – 2.4 – 2.2 -2.0, 6+). Conversely, co-owned/similarly-formatted KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erodes by a full-share immediately after April’s +.5 (2.9 – 3.4, 2.4, #13 to #17, 6+). “K-Love” was off three-tenths in February/March (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share balloons by +1.0, nearly equally divided between Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” (6.5 – 7.1, +.6, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” (5.8 – 6.2, +.4, 6+). KCYY and KAJA continue at #2 and #3, respectively. Recent shifts for “Y-100” include: +.9 (August 2018); -.8 (September); +.9 (November); -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); and +.6 (May). “KJ-97” has been +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); and –1.9 (March). Wild shifts continue for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9.” It bounced back from January’s -10.7 (14.9 – 4.2, 6+) with a February +.4; was -.6 in March; +.8 in April; and now -.6 in May (4.8 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without an increase, Univision Radio rhythmic hot AC KVBH “107.5 The Vibe” is a collective -1.4 (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.0, #21, 6+). Tejano KXTN transitioned to KVBH “The Vibe” in mid-April. Up eight-tenths through three straight positive or flat trends (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBBT “98.5 The Beat” regresses by two-tenths to 4.2 (6+) but stays in ninth-place. April’s 4.4 is its best 6+-showing since August 2018’s 4.5. A one-half share decrease (5.0 – 4.5, 6+) drops Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 Today’s Best Music” from fifth to sixth.
Sacramento
Spoken-Word Formats – Following three straight sweeps without an increase that led to a collective -1.6 (7.6 – 7.0 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” picks up one-tenth to 6.1 (6+) and remains in the 
runner-up slot. KFBK was tied for first in January. Co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in December 2018: 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.6, #15 to #14 (6+).
In addition to reaching a one-share (6+) for the first time since December 2018’s 1.0, Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” adds one-tenth the third sweep in a row (.7 – 8. – .9 – 1.0, #24 to #22, 6+). Flat at #25, Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” has lost exactly half (-.6) its 6+-stat in four straight down or flat trends (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .8 – .6, 6+).
Five decreases in succession by Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ accounted for a roughly 50% loss (-3.4) of its 6+-share (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+). Ending the slide with a +1.0 to 4.5 (6+), KXJZ returns to the top ten (#12 to #9); December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history.
Falling from #26 to #27, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through May 2019 topline of .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .5 (6+).
Sacramento Music Formats – Erasing March/April’s combined -.6 (8.6 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+) with a May uptick of nine-tenths (8.0 – 8.9, 6+), Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is #1 for the fourth month in a row (including January’s first-place tie with iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK). “The Eagle” held the lead position ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December. Ten of its recent fluctuations include +1.0 (May 2018); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); -1.1 (November); -.8 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.0 (February 2019); -.5 (April); and +.9 (May 2019). Its format challenger, iHeartMedia’s KYRV “93.7 The River,” expands by one-half share via three consecutive (modest) spikes (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7, seventh to fifth, 6+). As a result of four straight up or flat trends, Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” is an overall +1.9 (4.1 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.6 -6.0, fifth to fourth, 6+). As adult contemporary sibling KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” falters by -1.1 (5.7 – 4.6, 6+) dropping from third to eighth, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” gains four-tenths (3.7 – 4.1, #10 to #11, 6+). A combined -7.8 in January/February (13.8 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+), “Mix 96” was up two-tenths in March but surrendered one-half share in April. This (4.6) is its weakest 6+-stat since September 2015’s 4.5. Formerly “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” KBEB transitioned to adult contemporary as “The Breeze” in early-November (2018). It netted a +2.1 in three straight positive spikes (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), in advance of March/April’s -.8 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+). Forfeiting two-thirds of April’s +.9 (5.6 – 5.0, -.6, 6+), Entercom alternative KKDO “Alt 94.7” slips from fifth to sixth. The market’s (6+) country share sputters by a combined half-share as Bonneville’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” is off three-tenths yet actually advances from eighth to seventh, and Entravision Communications’ similarly-formatted KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” drops two-tenths (2.2 – 2.0, 6+) and remains at #16. Having benefitted by an overall +1.4 in three consecutive improvements, “New Country 105.1” is down eight-tenths in April/May (5.6 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). Meanwhile, this is the 15th successive survey period that “The Wolf” logs a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.5.
Pittsburgh
Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit unchanged at #10, Entercom’s KDKA-AM
“News Radio 1020” follows January’s +1.1 with four straight drops accounting for a -1.4 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+).
After gaining four-tenths in April, co-owned sports talk/Pirates flagship KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” regresses by seven-tenths (6.8 – 6.1,
6+) and slides from fourth to fifth. Continuing at #22, iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” has an ultra-consistent September 2018 through May 2019 topline of .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 (6+).
Down a combined -.7 in March/April (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” erases all but one-tenth of that deficit (4.2, +.6, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #9).
Pittsburgh Music Formats – Sharing top honors for largest (6+) April 2019 – May 2019 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here is Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” (6.3, +1.4, seventh to fourth, 6+). Moreover, “Wish 99.7” applies the brakes to four consecutive declines that resulted in a net loss of roughly half (-5.0) of its 6+-stat (9.9 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+). Progressing from third to second, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM” is +1.3 in three straight upticks (6.9 – 7.4 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+), directly following a -1.8 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (8.7 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+). Answering April’s loss of nine-tenths with a May gain of six-tenths (8.3 – 8.9, 6+), WDVE is #1 for the fourth successive month. The iHeartMedia rocker posted identical gains of eight-tenths in February and March (7.6 – 8.4 – 9.2, 6+). WDVE spent 11 successive sweeps in the runner-up slot before dropping to third in December. By not having an increase the past three sweeps, co-owned CHR WKST was off a collective seven-tenths (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), but “96.1 Kiss FM Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” improves by six-tenths in May to 6.0 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Alternative cluster-mate WXDX is an overall -1.7 in three straight decreases (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 3.1, 6+) as “105.9 The X” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Forever Media-owned classic hits-oldies WKPL falters by one-half share (2.3 – 1.8, 6+) but remains at #14. There’s little movement in the hot AC contest as Entercom’s WBZZ “Star 100.7” repeats April’s 5.0 (sixth to seventh, 6+) and Steel City Media-owned WLTJ “Q-92.9” is up tenth and is trending 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.1 (#12 to #11, 6+). A March loss of one-tenth by “Star” curtailed at three a successive string of increases that led to a +1.2 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+); “Q-92.9” gained a combined half-share in February/March (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+).
Salt Lake City
Spoken-Word Formats – Having logged a 5.2 four times in the last six sweeps (5.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+), Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7
FM & 1160 AM” craters by -1.3 to 3.9 (sixth to eighth, 6+). A combined +1.8 in January/February (3.3 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” follows with three straight down or flat sweeps for a collective -1.7 
(5.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4, ninth to tenth, 6+). The January 2019 through May 2019 topline for Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” is .3 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .3 (flat at #21, 6+).
Repeating at #15, University of Utah news/talk KUER loses one full-share as a result of three drops in a row (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+).
Salt Lake City Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits,” which netted +2.9 via three straight upticks (4.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+); surrendered a -1.1 in April; and roars back in May with a +1.2 (7.4, steady at #3, 6+). Dialing up a May +1.1, independent KSOP-FM continues an alternating down/up pattern that surfaced in December 2018: 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 5.4 (eighth to sixth, 6+) “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” notches its best 6+-showing since December 2017 (5.4, as well). An increase of seven-tenths takes Cumulus Media CHR KENZ “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music” to 3.0 (#14 to #11), its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 3.5. Adding six-tenths to April’s +.1 (2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KAAZ climbs from #13 to #11. The last time “106.7 Utah’s Best Rock” reached the three-share level (6+) was in July 2018 (3.2). Down or flat the past three straight sweeps for a net loss of six-tenths (6.0- 5.6 – 5.4- 5.4, 6+), Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 – Today’s Best Music” ends the slide with a +.4 to 5.8 (6+) and carries on at #4. The one-tenth lead that Bonneville-owned classic hits-oldies KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” had in April over adult contemporary cluster-mate KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” dissipates as “The Arrow” falters by six-tenths to 7.6 (first to second, 6+) and “FM 100.3” adds two-tenths (8.1 – 8.3, second to first, 6+). It was an April-only stay at #1 for KRSP, which had been an overall +2.5 in five consecutive increases (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Before segueing to the runner-up slot in April, KSFI was on top the previous five ratings periods. “FM 100.3” registered a +1.5 in March, following January/February’s -14.4 (21.8 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+). Three straight increases netted a mammoth +16.2 (5.6 – 5.7 – 12.7 – 21.8, 6+) for KSFI, the only PPM-market station in “Holiday” 2018 to reach the 20-share level (6+). Its format challenger, Cumulus Media’s KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites,” has its fourth consecutive decrease for an overall -1.2 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) and is unchanged at #11.
Las Vegas
Spoken-Word Formats – Up or flat four straight times for an overall +.8 (1.6 –
2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” forfeits 75% of that increase and fades from the top twenty (2.4 – 1.8, -.6, #15 to #21, 6+). February, March, and April’s 2.4 is its best 6+-showing since February 2017’s 2.8. For the fourth time in the last five sweeps and third time in a row, Beasley Media Group
news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” notches a 1.1 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, flat at #23, 6+).
Over and above climbing from fifth to third, Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR (+1.2 in May) extends its consecutive string of positive spikes to five and nearly doubles (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share since “Holiday” 2018 (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.8, 6+).
Las Vegas Music Formats – A combined -1.2 in March/April (3.9 – 3.4 – 2.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s KCYE “102.7 The Coyote – #1 For New Hit Country” erases all but one-tenth of that shortfall with a May +1.1 to 3.8 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#14 to #9). Immediately prior to the March report, “The Coyote” recorded five successive monthlies without a loss for a net gain of eight-tenths (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+). In five sweeps in a row without a loss, Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ is a cumulative +1.1 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+). “Q-100.5” zooms from eighth to fourth and reaches the five-share level (6+) for the first time in exactly one year (5.0, as well, May 2018). Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona Mx 103.5” wipes away April’s one-half share loss with a May increase of the identical magnitude (1.8 – 2.3, +.5, #19 to #16, 6+). Advancing by one-half share as well are Lotus Communications-owned KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station,” which is trending 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.6 (#18 to #14, 6+) and the University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 FM – Jazz & More,” whose January 2019 through May 2019 topline is 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 2.0 (#22 to #17, 6+). Despite dropping one-half share (7.6 – 7.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. February’s 8.3 marked the first time KKLZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in its PPM-history. The station it succeeded at #1 in February, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday,” is -8.0 in five consecutive sweeps without an increase (12.8 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 5.5 – 4.8, 6+) and shifts from third to fifth. The last time KSNE fell below a five-share (6+) was October 2017 (4.8, as well). Prior to being #1 from September 2018 through January 2019, “Sunny” set the pace in March, May, June, and July. Its “Holiday” 2018 12.8 is the highest 6+-share for any Las Vegas station since the 14.0 KSNE logged in “Holiday” 2016. In addition to returning 60% of April’s +1.0 (3.4 – 2.8, -.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9 Vegas’ Best Variety” exits the top ten (a three-way tie at #10 to #13). In April, it reached the three-share level (3.4, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 3.0. Format rival – Entercom’s KMXB “Mix 94.1” – is +1.0 in three consecutive increases (5.5 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.5, steady at #2, 6+). This (6.5) is the strongest 6+-stat for “Mix” since July 2018’s 6.7. In four straight declines, Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS is -1.3 (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) as “SOS Radio” departs the top ten (#10 to #12).
Orlando
Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing 70% of March/April’s -1.0 (4.5 – 5.2, +.7,
6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM progresses from tenth to eighth; “News 96.5” was a combined +1.9 in January/February (3.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). The November 2018 through May 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We 
Say What We Want” is exclusively between 3.1 – 3.9 (6+): 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9, flat at #11). Locked on 2.5 (6+) in March and April, news/talk cluster-mate WFLF adds four-tenths to 2.9 (#15 to #14, 6+).
Despite dropping one-tenth (.8 – .7, 6+), sports talk sibling WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” advances from #20 to #19. Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” repeats April’s .3 (6+) but backslides from #22 to #23.
Flat at #12, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” is off six-tenths in April/May (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+).
Orlando Music Formats – When Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” dropped three-tenths in April, it interrupted three consecutive increases that netted a +3.3 (4.9 – 6.9 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Promptly responding with a robust May +1.1 to 9.0 (6+), “Sunny” storms from third to first. Ousted from the top spot and segueing to second is iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100,” which is -1.0 in three straight down or flat trends (9.5 – 8.9 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). This calendar year, WRUM was #1 in January, February, and April. “Rumba” spent 11 consecutive ratings periods on top before falling to #2 in December and “Holiday” 2018. April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Down nine-tenths via four straight decreases (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.6, 6+), co-owned WJRR “101.1 – Orlando’s Rock Station” dials up a +.8 to 3.4 (#14 to #12, 6+). Within 5.2 – 5.9 range in each of the last five survey periods (5.2 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.3 (6+), Cox Media Group-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” logs a +.7 to 6.0 (eighth to fifth, 6+). Immediately following four improvements in a row that netted a +1.7 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 8.4 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a combined -2.0 in April/May (9.0 – 8.4 – 7.0, second to third, 6+). Unchanged at #4, Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” is a combined -1.5 in April/May (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.3, 6+) with 6.3 its lowest 6+-stat since September 2018 (6.3, as well). Faltering eight-tenths to 5.1 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” falls from sixth to ninth. By picking up one-tenth in April, “Magic” ended three straight decreases accounting for an overall -8.5 (14.3 – 6.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). WMGF was a combined +8.5 December/“Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 9.8 – 14.3, 6+). The “Holiday” 2018 through April 2019 topline for Cox Media Group-owned WWKA is 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.7 (6+), but “K-92.3 Orlando’s #1 For New Country” surrenders one-half share in May to 4.2 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Even though Entercom alternative WQMP is up eight-tenths through three straight bumps (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (2.9, as well), “101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” backslides from #13 to #14.
Cincinnati
Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored in the runner-up slot, after a January-only
stay on top, iHeartMedia news/talk (and flagship of the Reds) WLW is down a combined half-share in April/May (9.9 – 9.5 – 9.4, 6+). Exiting the top ten (#10 to #11), co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” has a November 2018 through May 2019 topline of 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.5 (6+).
Sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” erodes by two-thirds (-.4) in four straight down or flat trends (1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .8, #22, 6+), while co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” has its 6+-stat sliced in half in April/May (.6 – .4 – .3, #21 to #24, 6+).
The overall +1.1 that Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU accrued through three consecutive gains (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+) vanishes completely in April/May with a combined -1.1 (3.7 – 3.1 – 2.6, #13 to #14, 6+).
Cincinnati Music Formats – Displaying its highest 6+-showing (7.5) since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6, Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” progresses from fourth to third. Its five shifts this calendar year are -8.2 (January); +.4 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (April); and +.7 (May, 6.8 – 7.5, 6+). Posting a May +.7 as well is Radio One urban AC WOSL “100.3 Cincy’s R&B Station” (3.2 – 3.9, 6+), which cracks the top ten (#12 to #9) and has its best 6+-performance since February 2017 (3.9, as well). Anchored in eighth-place, iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” adds one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), thus suspending four consecutive ratings periods without an increase that led to a loss of nine-tenths (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+). Notwithstanding that Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WNNF remains at #15, “94.1 Nash FM” logs its fifth straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.1 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+). Off -2.1 in three straight drops (9.4 – 8.7 – 7.9 – 7.3, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting-owned/similarly-formatted WUBE “B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” picks up two-tenths to 7.5 (6+) and continues in third-place. Not only is Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR #1 for the fourth sweep in succession, “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is +3.6 in five successive increases (8.1 – 9.6 – 10.2 – 11.1 – 11.3 – 11.7, 6+). After a December-only stay at #1, WGRR spiraled by -1.8 in “Holiday” 2018 (9.9 – 8.1, 6+) and shifted to third. Immediately prior to its -1.8, WGRR was an overall +1.3 via four straight gains (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.9, 6+). While it is unchanged in sixth-place, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” is -1.0 as a result of four drops in a row (6.5 – 6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+). A collective +.7 in four consecutive reports without a loss (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” forfeits four-tenths in May to 3.0 (#11 to #12, 6+).
Cleveland
Spoken-Word Formats – The three most recent fluctuations by iHeartMedia
news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” are -.6 (March); +.9 (April); and -.7 in May (5.8 – 5.1, seventh to ninth, 6+). The Indians flagship logged a January/February +1.3 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). Salem Media Group news/talk WHK resurfaced in print in April and, while it repeats April’s .5, “AM 1420 The Answer – News-
Opinion-Insight” drops from #18 to #19.
Ensconced in tenth-place, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is a collective -1.4 in an alternating down/up pattern that began in January (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+).
An overall +1.6 via five straight sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+) Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN is steady at #12.
Cleveland Music Formats – A combined +.9 in April/May (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMMS advances from ninth to seventh as “100.7 Cleveland’s Rock Station” reaches the five-share level (5.6, 6+) for the first time since October 2017’s 5.0. Recapturing all but one-tenth of the seven-tenths it surrendered in April (3.2 – 3.8, +.6, 6+), Entercom hot AC WQAL “Q-104 Plays The Hits” proceeds from #12 to #11. Its March increase of three-tenths curtailed three successive negative moves that led to an overall -1.6 (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+). A May gain of four-tenths by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI (9.8 – 10.2, 6+) wipes away 40% of April’s -1.0 as “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” is on top for the sixth straight ratings period. Five of its recent fluctuations include +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); and -1.0 (April). Despite being down or flat the past five ratings periods for a -1.2 (8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5, 6+), Radio One urban AC WZAK remains in the runner-up slot. This, however, is its lowest 6+-showing since October 2018 (7.5, as well). As a result of regressing by one-half share to 7.4 (third to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” concludes four consecutive bumps that accounted for an overall +3.5 (4.4 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.9, 6+). That streak directly followed five consecutive losses that resulted in a -3.7 (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+).
Kansas City
Spoken-Word Formats – Down a combined eight-tenths in March/April (5.6 –
5.4 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” slices that deficit in half with a May gain of four-tenths to 5.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Flat at #20, co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” dropped two-tenths in March; gained three-tenths in April; and 
loses two-tenths in May (2.3 to 2.1, 6+). Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is off two-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, #21 to #22, 6+).
Both of the market’s major sports talk outlets forfeit one-tenth in May. The flagship of the Royals, Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio,” was a combined +1.7 in March/April (2.3 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+), but drops to 3.9 (unchanged at #10, 6+). As a result of four straight negative or flat trends, Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” is -2.0 (5.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0, flat at #14, 6+).
Not only is University of Missouri news/talk KCUR +1.9 through five straight up or flat moves (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.9, 6+), it zooms into the top ten (#11 to #6).
Kansas City Music Formats – An April increase of four-tenths by Cumulus Media-owned KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” halted February/March’s combined -2.8 (10.1 – 8.2 – 7.3, 6+). In May, “The Fox” not only adds another seven-tenths to 8.4, its highest 6+ showing since January 2019’s 10.1, KCFX progresses from second to first. Albeit +2.5 via four consecutive reports without a loss (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits,” is dislodged from the top spot after a two-month stay and shifts to #2. Four recent KCMO-FM fluctuations include +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); and +1.1 (March). An improvement of six-tenths propels Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” into the top ten (#13 to #10) with its best 6+-showing since November 2018 (3.9, as well). Exactly doubling (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three up or flat moves in a row (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” inches up from a three-way tie at #15 to #14 and has its strongest performance (3.0) since January 2018’s 3.5. The market’s three major country players find May 2019’s sweep to be a mixed bag. Halting a March/April slide that was responsible for a -1.1 (4.1 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” gains one-half share to 3.5 (#15 to #13, 6+) and Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” improves by three-tenths to 4.8 (6+), continuing at #7. Co-owned KBEQ “Q104 New Hit Country” though relinquishes 60% of March/April’s +1.0 with a loss of six-tenths (5.9 – 5.3, 6+) but carries on in fourth-place. April’s 5.9 is its best 6+-stat since June 2018 (5.9, as well). Faltering by -1.0 in April/May (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.0, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3” slides from #11 to #14. Steel City Media CHR KMXV “Mix 93.3” (4.4 – 3.7, #8 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s KQRC “98.9 The Rock” (5.1 – 4.6, fifth to eighth, 6+) regress by seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively. By dropping one-tenth to 2.9 (#15 to #17, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative” ends four successive increases that netted +1.2 (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 3.0, 6+). Prior to April’s 3.0, “X-105.1” last reached the three-share threshold (6+) in September 2016 (3.1). A collective -2.0 via four successive declines (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+) by Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” (flat at #18) directly follows five consecutive positive or flat moves that resulted in a +1.4 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+).
Columbus
Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase in each of the last four reports for
an overall -2.0 (7.0 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” drops from fifth to sixth.
Unlisted in January, February, and March, RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” displays an April 4.7 (6+) and a May 4.6 (sixth to seventh, 6+).
As was the case in April, Ohio State University news/talk WOSU (4.7 – 4.6, -.1, 6+) is tied with WBNS-FM; in April it was at #6, in May it is at #7.
Columbus Music Formats – A collective –1.1 through three successive decreases (8.3 – 8.0 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” obliterates that in one step with a whopping +1.4 to 8.6 (third to second), its strongest 6+-performance since September 2018’s 9.4. Co-owned adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” is +1.0 in three straight up or flat trends (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+) and drives from eighth to fifth with its best 6+-stat (5.1) since 8.7 in “Holiday” 2018. One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” notches a gain of six-tenths (3.7 – 4.3, 6+) and carries on in ninth-place. Accustomed to significant monthly swings, iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” (13.0 – 11.7, -1.3, 6+) sets the pace for the 18th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Sample WCOL fluctuations include +3.1 (January 2018); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); -1.5 (November); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); and -1.3 (May). In three straight increases, Saga Communications’ WLVQ amassed a +1.9 (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.1 – 8.7, 6+) but “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” follows with a combined April/May -1.4 (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.3, 6+) and slips from second to third. Even though Ohio State University’s WOSA has more than doubled (+.6) its 6+ AQH share as a result of eight consecutive up or flat moves (.5 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), it has had consecutive backward moves, #16 to #17 in April and #17 to #18 in May. Owing to five straight positive or flat reports, Saga Communications hot AC WVMX netted seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+), but “Mix 107.9” is off three-tenths in May to 2.6 (6+), dropping from #11 to #12.
Friday, March 8, 2019
WGN, Chicago Brings Back ‘Extension 720’ with Host Justin Kaufmann. The original “Extension 720” was hosted by the late Milt Rosenberg for 40 years but was canceled by
station management in 2012. Now, the Tribune Media station announces that Justin Kaufmann will leave his role with the morning drive Steve Cochran program to take over hosting the new 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm show. Pete Zimmerman will serve as producer. WGN station manager and VP on content Todd Manley says the new show will honor the format of Rosenberg’s program with long-form interviews. Kaufmann will also “meet Chicago voices on location in the communities and neighborhoods where they live and work and will focus on a variety of topics, from arts & culture to politics and innovation.” Monday evenings will still belong to “Andrea Darlas & The Reporters” and sports play-by-play will bump the show from time to time. Kaufmann has been with WGN since joining from public media outlet WBEZ-FM in 2015. He says, “I’m honored and humbled to be at the helm of one of the best radio shows in Chicago history.”
WHO, Des Moines Goes ‘All-Female’ in Honor of International Women’s Day. In recognition of today’s International Women’s Day, iHeartMedia news/talk WHO, Des Moines is presenting a lineup of entirely female hosts. WHO’s International Women’s Day program lineup will include: Bonnie Lucas, Leila Rush, and Heather Burnside-Parizek from 1460
KXnO as hosts for “Van and Bonnie in the Morning,” with WHO personality Adrianne Branstad and WHO news director Wendy Wilde as hosts for “Need to Know with Jeff Angelo,” and WHO news anchor Sue Danielson as the host for “The Simon Conway Show.” WHO program director Michael Dorwart says, “As a company we aim to celebrate the contributions of women in music and radio year-round and on International Women’s Day we are highlighting our accomplished radio personalities even more as we support and promote gender balance in the workplace and the world.” The station adds that in addition to broadcasting 1040 WHO’s most renowned on-air personalities and hosts, the International Women’s Day programming will showcase a variety of different topics that inspire women – ranging from sports, business, and agriculture. Cristen Clark, a successful farmer and founder of agricultural website Food and Swine, will be featured on-air with several successful women in Iowa agriculture and will be joined by co-host and producer, Morgan McEnany. To end the day, 1040 WHO will also broadcast coverage of the nationally ranked University of Iowa women’s basketball team as they play their first game of the Big 10 Conference Tournament.
KYW, Philadelphia Personalities Seek Federal Mediator in Union Negotiations. A report by Philadelphia Business Journal’s Jeff Blumenthal indicates that the SAG-AFTRA-represented on-air staffers at Entercom’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia are asking for federal mediation to resolve their issues in contract negotiations with the company. As TALKERS
reported previously, SAG-AFTRA publicly called out Entercom for what it is now calling “low-balling” during negotiations for the all-news stations previously owned by CBS RADIO. Entercom responded, saying: “These discussions include contracts that had been open for 
years prior to our merger with CBS RADIO, as well as more recently expired agreements. We prefer to negotiate directly with SAG-AFTRA and our employees, not publicly, and do not intend to comment further.” Local SAG-AFTRA president Sam Clover tells the PBJ, “We’ve bargained for years with CBS RADIO and never had to take this step, but now we’re dealing with a new company who won’t compromise, so we’re reaching out for help.” Most cutting to KYW talent is the company’s desire to cut severance benefits by 50% to 90%, according to the story. Read it here.
PPM Analysis: January 2019 Pacesetters. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian looks at the January 2019 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio to see which formats/specific stations are in the lead (#1 and #2) positions in their respective markets. Interestingly, while no news/talk station finished #2 in its market, five news/talk stations ranked #1 (6+) in the market during the January survey. They were: Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta; iHeartMedia’s KFBK, Sacramento and WLW, Cincinnati; Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5”; and Cox’s WOKV-FM, Jacksonville. See the whole report here.
PodcastOne and Law & Crime Network Team Up. A new deal between PodcastOne and the Dan Abrams-founded Law & Crime will include a series of new podcasts focusing on the worlds of law and true-crime. Law & Crime is a 24/7 linear and OTT live trial network. The first podcast to debut is the self-titled “Dan Abrams Podcast,” set to release new episodes every Thursday. Abrams says, “Law & Crime is excited to expand its distribution to yet another important medium. Our partnership with PodcastOne will allow us share some amazing stories with expert legal analysis to a new audience.”
TALKERS News Notes. Boston sports media personality Kirk Minihane is the subject of a
profile piece in Boston Magazine. Last fall, Minihane refused to sign a document promising to not attack the Boston Red Sox or the Boston Globe and to “not be mean-spirited” on the radio and that led to his departure from the WEEI, Boston morning show with co-host Gerry Callahan. But, he’s still with Entercom, working on his own program emanating from the company’s RADIO.COM platform. The piece recounts Minihane’s battle with depression and how WEEI changed its morning show…..Envision Networks and the GAB Radio Network are partnering to distribute 14 of the latter’s talk programs to radio stations. GAB’s shows cover topics including news, sports, music, lifestyle, and more. GAB general manager Chuck Duncan says, “GAB Radio has become one of the premier production and distribution companies in network radio. Partnering with Envision was the natural progression to our growth strategy. Their unbridled vision and outstanding team are an extension of GAB Radio Network.”…..iHeartMedia announces Annette Geiser is promoted to SVP of sales for its Colorado Springs and Pueblo markets that include news/talk KCSJ, Pueblo. Geiser was most recently a senior account executive. Market president Jessica Farias says, “I’m excited to have Annette step up and take on this leadership role as the senior vice president of sales. Annette’s depth of knowledge in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo markets along with her deep relationships are key in leading a best-in-class sales team at iHeartMedia Colorado Springs and Pueblo.”…..Entercom sports talker WIP, Philadelphia is presenting the annual live event “SportsRadio 94WIP Birds Town Hall” – a discussion about the state of the Philadelphia Eagles led by WIP on-air personalities and featuring various NFL and Eagles experts. It’s taking place all day at MaGerks Pub & Grill in Horsham, Pennsylvania…..Podcast company Cadence13, is presenting the SXSW Podcast Stage at this year’s SXSW in Austin taking place today through March 17. The SXSW Podcast Stage presented by Cadence13 will host podcasts across a number of genres — music, film, technology, comedy, politics, and more — recorded in front of a live audience during the SXSW conference…..The Genesis Communications Network-syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs” show is added to the daily lineup of Spirit Broadcasting’s WINT-AM, Willoughby, Ohio (Cleveland market).
Cohen Sues Trump Organization Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 4-8, 2019. Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s suit against the Trump Organization and his congressional testimony about President Trump was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S. House investigation into President Trump for obstruction of justice and more. Coming in at #3 was the Trump-Russia probe and the related sentencing of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, followed by the state of the U.S.-Mexico border at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday and Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Morning Talk on a Classic Rock Station: Mike “Bax” Baxendale is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The co-host of what is pound-for-pound one of the most successful talk shows on American radio, Mike “Bax” Baxendale, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” For the past 24 years, Baxendale has co-hosted the “Bax & O’ Brien Show” with his team-mate, John O’ Brien in mornings on the Saga Communications powerhouse classic rock station, WAQY, Springfield, Massachusetts. The all-talk show is an eclectic blend of local and national politics, regional issues, pop culture, lifestyle trends, frivolous “locker room” banter and compellingly candid insights into the personal lives of the
show’s participants. “Rock 102” boasts a “flame thrower” signal that radiates far beyond Springfield and Western Massachusetts to blanket the neighboring market of Hartford, Connecticut – going far north into Vermont, south to New Haven and west into parts of New York State. Michael Harrison says, “Saga doesn’t need to subscribe to the ratings to sell advertising on this gem of a property in its primary listening area – the team of Bax and O’ Brien are superstars in this heavily populated region of New England. Their success and impact are self-evident. They are household names and two of the most beloved ‘bad boys’ I’ve ever seen in radio. They are examples of the sheer power of this medium when done properly with authenticity and consistency. They are also wonderful examples of the growing number of ‘all-talk’ shows that have popped up over the years on FM music stations – shows that defy the narrow, self-imposed restrictions that have come to define programming on traditional AM news/talk outlets.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right hand-column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Jacksonville station WWJK-FM flips from adult hits to rock as “107.3 Planet Radio,” anchored by the morning drive “Lex and Terry” show. The station is featuring core artists such as: AC/DC, Nirvana, Metallica, Linkin Park, and Sublime. iHeartMedia Jacksonville SVP of programming G-Wiz says, “Planet Radio is Jacksonville’s best rock station ever. The legendary Planet Radio not only features Jacksonville’s highest rated morning show, ‘Lex and Terry,’ but has the hardest working, 24/7 radio staff. I’m excited to have ‘Planet Radio’ back at its original frequency 107.3.”…..In San Francisco, morning personality Elvis Medina exits Entercom’s alternative KITS “ALT 105.3” and co-host Daena “DK” Kramer continues as solo host.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
PPM Analysis: News/Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on the news/talk format. The news/talk stations that saw the biggest weekly 6+ AQH share improvement over the October 2018 survey were iHeartMedia’s WISN, Milwaukee (+ 0.9) and Emmis Communications’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis (+ 0.7). On the negative side, Bonneville’s KSL, Salt Lake City was down a 1.8 share, iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver dipped a 1.1 share and Good Karma’s WTMJ, Milwaukee was off a full share. Year-over-year, Cox Media Group’s WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville was a big winner, up 3.5 shares. On the flip side, iHeartMedia’s KOGO, San Diego dropped 1.9 shares since November 2017. Five news/talk outlets ranked #1 in their markets in November: Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta (8.6 share); iHeartMedia’s WLW, Cincinnati (10 share); Good Karma’s WTMJ, Milwaukee (9.4 share); Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton (8.3 share); and Cox’s WOKV, Jacksonville (11.2 share). See the entire report here.
Latest Settlement Talks May Push Back iHeartMedia Chapter 11 Exit. The latest events in iHeartMedia’s journey through Chapter 11 reorganization may push the company’s exit
further into the future, according to a piece in Bloomberg Law. The story says that as the result of Monday’s court filings indicating objections to the Plan because of iHM’s settlement talks with Gamco Asset Management, the actual exit from bankruptcy protection could move past the anticipated February time frame. The piece says it appears certain creditors object to iHM and Gamco settling a class-action suit, arguing that such suits shouldn’t be settled in bankruptcy court. Today (12/11), was the original Confirmation Hearing date that’s been pushed back by the negotiations.
Maxwell Schaeffer to Host Weekend Show on WHO, Des Moines. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, longtime Des Moines radio personality Maxwell Schaeffer is
returning to the airwaves hosting the Saturday morning “Maxwell & Friends” program on news/talk WHO-AM, beginning January 5. Schaeffer has been with the iHeartMedia Des Moines cluster serving as director of promotions and marketing since August. Previously, he spent 23 years as morning host on Saga Communications’ classic hits KIOA-FM. Schaeffer tells the paper, “I kind of want the show to feel like we’re having a brunch party. Maybe without the mimosas — or at least visually. It is the radio, after all.” WHO program director Michael Dorwart comments, “It really just seemed like the wise move for us was to let him get settled then find where’s the right place to get him in an on-air role. Saturday morning seemed like a really good fit. We’re really not looking for a hardcore talk show.”
KRLA, Los Angeles-Based ‘The Bigger Picture with Timothy Spangler’ Reaches 250th Episode – Now Available for Syndication Distributed via Salem Radio Network. This Sunday (12/16) will see Los Angeles’ “The Bigger Picture with Timothy Spangler” air its
landmark 250th episode on local Salem Media Group O&O KRLA “AM870 the Answer.” The Sunday night call-in show has been airing on the SRN Southern California affiliate since March of 2013. The show is hosted by commentator/talk show host Timothy Spangler and co-hosted by Phillip Sparks and David C Fisher. Spangler tells TALKERS, “We started the show five-and-a-half years ago with a very different view on what live AM radio could and should be. We wanted our show to appeal to a much broader and younger audience than was currently being engaged by stations across the country – what we like to refer to as the #AltCenter. Fortunately, Los Angeles is a great inspiration for us.” Broadcasting live from the studios of KRLA 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight PT, the program covers a wide range of issues both domestic and international, punctuated by a unique blend of humor and wry observation. The show is now also available in other markets through Salem Radio Network (via XDS “SRN2 – The Bigger Picture”). For more information, check out the website www.biggerpictureradio.com.
KQTH-FM, Tucson Wraps News/Talk Format. Tomorrow, Tucson news/talk KQTH-FM flips
from news/talk to a religious format as Family Life Radio closes on its purchase of the station in a divestiture from the Scripps Media–Lotus Communications transaction. The FM news/talk format was originally installed on the station in April of 2007 by Journal Communications. The station transitioned to Scripps Media with the merger of Journal and E.W. Scripps. The station was airing mostly syndicated talk in addition to local morning show “Tucson’s Morning News” with Mike Rapp.
Trump-Russia Probe, Migrant Caravan/Border Wall Issue, Clean Water Act Changes, Google CEO to Testify, Financial Markets Activity, Brexit Complications, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/10). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the battle in Washington over funding for the border wall; the EPA’s proposed changes to the Clean Water Act; Google CEO Sundar Pichai to testify before a House subcommittee about bias allegations and China’s Project Dragonfly; the recent stock selloff and concerns about a bearish 2019; the Brexit complications dogging British Prime Minister Theresa May; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the San Diego market the executive management team operating Local Media San Diego has entered into an agreement to acquire the company operating alternative XETRA “91X,” CHR XHITZ “Z90,” and rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5.” The management team consists of vice president and general manager Gregg Wolfson, chief financial officer Norm McKee, and director Steve McNeely. Wolfson says, “LMSD has always operated locally and the transition to local ownership is the final step to firmly plant our flag as San Diego’s local media provider.”…..More cuts at Hubbard Radio-owned stations as the KRWM “Warm 106.9” drops morning team Allan Fee, Ashley Ryan, and producer Kevin Justik. At sister country KNUC, evening personality Michael Kraig Mason exits…..Urban One flips Gospel WPPZ “Praise 107.9” to rhythmic oldies as “Classix 107.9” while keeping the Gospel format on WPPZ-HD2…..Pictured below is WHTZ, New York “Z100”-based, Premiere Networks syndicated morning personality Elvis Duran (left) on the December 7 episode of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon (right). The two discussed Duran’s taking care of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his getting engaged on the unluckiest day of the year – Friday the 13th.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
WHO, Des Moines and ‘Our American Stories’ Present Newt Gingrich Live Event. “Our American Stories” host Lee Habeeb‘s American Private Radio and
iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO, Des Moines are collaborating to present “An Evening with Newt Gingrich” on October 15 at the Iowa Historical Building. 
The event is being hosted by WHO afternoon drive personality Simon Conway and Lee Habeeb. Gingrich is quoted saying, “I am very excited to join our listeners for an evening of questions, answers and thought-provoking conversation. WHO is taking the lead in an important concept of storytelling that rebuilds and provides people with a better understanding of America, which is something we desperately need today.” “Our American Stories” airs in the evenings on WHO.
FNC to Produce Election Series Hosted by Ben Shapiro. This four-part series to air on FOX News Channel beginning on September 24 is being hosted by conservative
media figure Ben Shapiro. Titled, “The Ben Shapiro Election Special,” FNC says that each Sunday, Shapiro will be joined by a panel of experts along with influential guests to discuss the major headlines of the week and their impact on the upcoming 2018 midterm elections. The one-hour program will also feature Shapiro’s political commentary and analysis on the major issues affecting the younger voting demographic this election season. Shapiro is editor-in-chief of The Daily Wire and hosts a daily, eponymous podcast/radio show distributed by Westwood One.
Westwood One: AM/FM Radio Campaign Delivers ‘Significant Impressions.’ The study results are in the latest Westwood One blog post you can see here. WWO says that it hired Nielsen to study a campaign for a major cable network’s season launch of a
scripted drama that included AM/FM radio as well as paid TV spots and promos running on the network. WWO says this was one of the first TV tune-in ROI studies to examine both TV and AM/FM radio. The results indicated that although only 5% of the ad budget went to radio, it delivered 20% of total campaign impressions. Further, with amplified frequency, AM/FM radio drove tune-in conversion: The more frequently consumers were exposed to tune-in ads, the greater the conversion to viewing the premiere. Tune-in conversion is especially high among consumers who are exposed to ads six or more times. The study also concluded that AM/FM radio delivered a much younger audience: TV’s audience skews older than AM/FM radio’s audience. 70% of AM/FM radio impressions came from 18-54-year-olds. Conversely, nearly half of all the TV impressions were from 55+.
TALKERS News Notes. According to the FCC, as of 11:00 am yesterday (9/17) 28 radio stations are out of service – 25 FMs and 3 AMs – in North and South Carolina. Cell towers have also been affected by Hurricane Florence with 6% of the cell sites in the affected area out of service. That’s down from the previous report of 7.2%. Also, as a result of Hurricane Florence, the FCC and FEMA are alerting stations that the national test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA is being moved from this Thursday (9/20) to October 3. The WEA tests takes place at 2:18 pm ET and the EAS at 2:20 pm ET…..The NHL‘s Los Angeles Kings and iHeartMedia unveil a new media destination for all Kings action this season. All Kings games – including preseason, regular season and postseason contests – will now stream live on the new official LA Kings Audio Network, a custom station available on iHeartRadio, beginning with tonight’s Kings-Arizona Coyotes preseason game at STAPLES Center. Additionally, iHeartRadio will feature “Kings Talk,” the club’s call-in radio show, that will stream live after most regular season and postseason home games from inside the Impact Sports Bar & Grill inside STAPLES Center…..Hubbard Radio and its St. Louis sports talk station WXOS-FM “101 ESPN” are presenting the return of the live event Buds & Bourbon at RYSE Nightclub at AMERISTAR Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, Missouri. WXOS air personalities will host the event that allows attendees to sample “the finest bourbons from distilleries such as McKenna Henry, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim, and more.”…..SiriusXM announces a new weekly show featuring sports journalist Christine Brennan and former professional tennis player Rennae Stubbs, titled “Game Changers.” It will air every Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm will cover women’s sports as well as examine the headline topics in the larger sports world that affect and interest women and girls everywhere, whether they be fans, professional athletes, or parents and kids involved in youth sports.
Kavanaugh Assault Allegations, U.S.-China Trade War, Hurricane Florence Destruction, Trump-Russia Investigation, Bloomberg Teases Presidential Run, NFL Action, and MLB Playoff Push Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/17). The allegations of a sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; President Trump ramps up the trade war with China; the destruction in the Carolinas from Hurricane Florence; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; Michael Bloomberg announces he’s mulling a bid for president as a Democrat in 2020; the weekend’s NFL action; and the Major League Baseball playoff push 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. Charlotte alternative WEND “106.5 The End” names Maria Palmer music director and evening personality. Palmer comes to iHeartMedia Charlotte from Washington, DC where she’s been handling weekend and fill-in work on the company’s alternative WWDC and country WMZQ. WEND program
director Chuck “DZL” Thompson says, “I can’t wait for the people of Charlotte to hear Palmer on ‘106.5 The END.’ She has a rare blend of creativity, humor, passion, and drive, but also possesses the administrative and organizational skills needed to assist in running the day-to-day operations of the programming department. Palmer is definitely one to watch and we couldn’t be more excited to add her to the iHeart and WEND family.”…..Entercom names Jordin Silver host of the morning drive show on 
alternative KRBZ, Kansas City “96.5 The Buzz.” She’ll lead the “Mornings with Jordin Silver and Friends” program that features station air personalities Danny Boi and Mark. Entercom regional president and Kansas City market manager Dave Alpert says, “We’re truly excited about the addition of Jordin to our morning show. Pairing her with ‘Buzz’ morning vets Danny Boi and Mark will provide our listeners with a fresh show to start their day.” Silver has worked on air at KNDD, Seattle and KYSR, Los Angeles, to name a few…..Cumulus Media announces the five finalists in its rock artist competition neXt2rock. More than 1,600 rock artists joined the competition from across the U.S. The winner of the competition will get a record deal with Big Machine/John Varvatos Records, as well as substantial exposure, commensurate with a major label release, on Cumulus radio stations nationwide. The finale takes place on October 4 at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. Music personality and longtime radio and TV host Matt Pinfield will host the evening’s festivities. The five finalists are: Friday Pilots Club representing Chicago (WKQX); The Zealots representing Des Moines (KGGO); Black Rock Revival representing Memphis (WXMX); No Resolve representing Saginaw (WILZ & WKQZ); and Late Night Savior representing Salt Lake City (KBER & KHTB)…..Entercom reveals the lineup for this year’s “We Can Survive” concert to benefit Young Survival Coalition – an organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. This year’s event will feature musical performances by Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth, Ella Mai, G-Eazy, Khalid, Marshmello, Meghan Trainor, NF, and Tyga on Saturday, October 20 at the Hollywood Bowl…..DJ Envy, world-renowned DJ and co-host of the Premiere Networks nationally syndicated morning show, “The Breakfast Club,” has been nominated for a 2018 BET Hip Hop Award in the “DJ of the Year” category. Other nominees in the category include: DJ Khaled, DJ Drama, DJ Mustard, and Calvin Harris.
PPM Analysis: CHR. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on mainstream CHR. About half of the stations in this month’s survey saw their 6+ weekly AQH shares dip from the July 2018 survey to the August survey. The year-over-year trend saw 52% of CHR stations in PPM markets decline from August 2017 to August 2018. Four CHR outlets ranked #1 in their respective markets (6+) during the August survey. Three belong to iHeartMedia: KHKS, Dallas “106.1 Kiss FM”; WXKS-FM, Boston “Kiss 108”; and KDWB, Minneapolis. The fourth is Hubbard Radio’s KQMV, Seattle. See the whole report here.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Larry Wilson Steps Down from Alpha Media Chairman Role. The Citadel Broadcasting chief launched Alpha Broadcasting in 2009 with stations in Portland, Oregon. The company would merge with L&L Broadcasting and Main Line
Broadcasting in 2014 and become Alpha Media. Now, Larry Wilson will step away from his role as chairman of the board of directors of Alpha Media but will remain a member of the board. A press release from the company says that under Wilson’s guidance, “Alpha Media has become the largest privately-owned radio broadcast company in the United States, operating 
225 radio stations in 48 markets across the nation. Wilson is also known for his work within the country music industry, having served on the board of directors for the Country Music Association from 1991 to 2001 and inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.” Alpha Media president and CEO Bob Proffitt comments, “Wilson is a respected colleague and pioneer in the broadcast industry. His vision helped craft today’s broadcast and radio landscape.” Alpha Media will elect a new chairman at its next scheduled board meeting.
Brett Winterble Re-Ups with KFMB-AM, San Diego. San Diego talk show host Brett Winterble signs a new contract with Tegna-owned news/talk KFMB-AM, San Diego to
continue hosting the 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm show. Winterble originally joined KFMB-AM in 2012 as part of the Roger Hedgecock show and began hosting afternoons in 2015. In addition to his radio show and podcast productions, he recently began hosting a two-hour show for Newsmax TV. KFMB-AM program director Dave Sniff states, “We are excited to continue our relationship with Brett! His ability to digest the daily news cycle and make it relevant for the San Diego community is unmatched and truly impressive. Brett will play a key role in creating unique content, not only for KFMB-AM, but also for our various digital platforms.”
David Haugh Assumes AM Co-Host Role on WSCR, Chicago Today. After 26 years with WSCR, Chicago “The Score,” Brian Hanley did his last regular morning show with Mike Mulligan on Friday (7/27) and Chicago Tribune sports columnist David Haugh debuts on the new “Mully and Haugh” show today. Haugh says in a statement, “I’m 
excited to join The Score’s morning show. Brian Hanley is a good friend and class act who set a high standard for me to meet. Mike Mulligan has gone from fierce competitor to trusted confidante over the years, a relationship I’ve always valued. I will continue to have the privilege of writing columns for the Chicago Tribune, where I have spent the last 15 years trying to serve the best interests of Chicago sports fans. The job only gets better now. Thank you to The Score for the opportunity, to the Tribune for the support and to everyone who will listen to “Mully and Haugh” do our best to entertain you every morning.” Read Chicago media maven Robert Feder’s story on the changes here.
United States Traffic Network Sues Entercom for $5 Million. Alleging that Entercom entered into negotiations with United States Traffic Network to buy the company and walked away from the deal at the last minute with the intent of developing a directly competitive business based on information gathered during the discovery
process, USTN is suing Entercom for material and punitive damages “in excess of $5 million.” The complaint, filed the District Court in Harris County, Texas, states, “During the transaction of the sale of equity in USTN, in April and the failed transaction, 
Defendants (Entercom) made false representations of fact, false promises or benefitted by not disclosing that a third party’s representations or promises were false. The false representations or promises, set forth above, were made for the purpose of inducing Plaintiffs to enter into a contract regarding the equity of USTN. Plaintiffs relied on the false representations or promises. The reliance on the false representations, promises, and failures to disclose caused Plaintiffs injury and benefited Defendants.” The suit further alleges that Entercom intentionally induced USTN to miss a scheduled debt payment to Entercom under the pretenses that this payment would be unnecessary due to the planned closing of the purchase transaction. USTN is owned by Fair and Equal LLC. For its part, Entercom issues a press release saying it has ended its reseller agreement with USTN and calls the suit “entirely baseless, frivolous and frankly insulting. Entercom has worked tirelessly and constructively with USTN over the past six months to help USTN work through its significant financial issues. Entercom is owed substantial amounts of money by USTN, and the company intends to defend itself vigorously and assert all of its rights.” Entercom says it “has successfully sold traffic and other short duration advertising on its own for many years. In April, Entercom took back a portion of its broadcast inventory from USTN and is achieving great success selling that inventory through its own sales channels. The Company expects to build on that success as it begins to monetize the remaining inventory taken back from USTN.” CEO David Field says, “We are relieved to no longer be mired by the difficult USTN situation that was inherited as part of the CBS Radio merger. We will move quickly to augment our strong internal sales organization to ensure that we realize the full value of this inventory.”
A Visit to WRKO’s New Digs. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison paid a visit to legendary outlet WRKO, Boston on Friday (7/27) to check out its new location and pristine, one-week-old studios at the iHeartMedia broadcasting complex in Medford, Massachusetts (a bustling area on Boston’s north side). Until recently, WRKO was an Entercom property, but it was sold to iHeart after Entercom’s merger with CBS Radio, significantly re-shuffling the playing deck in Boston. While there, Harrison sat in from 6:00 am to 10:00 am for the morning show’s regular co-host, Doug “VB” Goudie – something he occasionally does on the station. Harrison (left) is pictured with the WRKO morning show’s co-anchor Kim Carrigan (center) and the program’s on-air producer Jim Clerkin (right). Carrigan will be the guest on the next installment of the award-winning podcast “The Michael Harrison Interview” set to be posted tomorrow (7/31).
Final Radio Talent Institute of the Summer Taking Place at Northwest Missouri State. This week begins that final 10-day Radio Talent Institute of the summer. Students from 11 different universities are converging on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University to take part in the Missouri Broadcasters Association Radio Talent Institute. MBA president Mark Gordon says, “This was made possible by the financial commitments from Northwest Missouri State University, the Missouri 
Broadcasters board of directors and broadcast companies that include: Hubbard Radio St. Louis; Eagle Communications St. Joseph; Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group of Mid Missouri Columbia, Jefferson City; iHeartMedia St. Louis, Springfield, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport; Cumulus Media Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City; Alpha Media of Missouri: Union Broadcasting Kansas City; and Mid-West Family Broadcasting Springfield. We are pleased to bring this program taught by industry professionals to Missouri that will help fill job openings at broadcast stations with quality employees who have a true understanding of how fun and rewarding a career in our industry can be.” Founder and president of the National Radio Talent System, Dan Vallie, comments, “To have so many students from so many different universities is a tribute to Mark and the MBA and their efforts as we work together to discover and prepare young talent for the industry. These are the talent we will be hiring now and will be the leaders in our industry tomorrow.”
RI Talk Host John DePetro and Sean Spicer at Book Signing. Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer (left) returned to his home state of Rhode Island to promote his new book The Briefing (2018, Regnery Publishing). He’s pictured here with WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island talk show host John DePetro (right), who hosted him on his radio show and attended several of the book signings with him. DePetro also emceed a private VIP event in Spicer’s hometown of Barrington, Rhode Island.
New Affiliates for ‘Our American Stories.’ Now airing in the evenings on iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHO, Des Moines is Lee Habeeb’s “Our American
Stories.” Additional new affiliate stations include: iHeartMedia’s KPRC, Houston and Inspiration Time’s WXTE, Erie. Program host Lee Habeeb is a vice president of content at Salem Media Group and a contributing editor of the weekly essay series “Across America” for Newsweek Magazine and Newsweek.com. “Our American Stories” airs on 139 radio stations across the U.S.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Trump’s Mueller Tweets, Trump-Sulzberger Fake News Meeting, Government Shutdown Threat, Trump Trade Wars, Facebook Value Plummets, California Wildfires, Les Moonves Allegations, New Mission: Impossible Film, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents, tied with President Trump’s weekend tweets about the matter; Trump’s meeting with New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger over the president’s fake news charges; Trump threatens to let federal government shut down unless border wall is funded; the effects of Trump’s trade wars on U.S. businesses; the plunging value of Facebook; the deadly California wildfires; allegations of sexual harassment against CBS chairman Les Moonves; the new Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible film; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
NuVoodoo Study Reveals Listener Misconceptions. Calling the results “startling new insights for radio stations,” NuVoodoo Media Services says its 12th and latest NuVoodoo Ratings Prospects Study of more than 3,000 radio listeners between the ages of 14 and 54 across all PPM-rated markets will reveal the findings in a series of free webinars for radio professionals, beginning Wednesday (8/1). Register at http://www.nuvoodoo.com/webinars. The study was fielded this June and indicates that about half of all radio listeners under age 35 believe radio’s tight playlists are a cost-saving measure to avoid paying licensing fees. Among those respondents who are likely to accept a diary or meter, the perception jumps to more than 2/3 among 14-24-year-olds. The study also shows that nearly 60% of all respondents and close to 70% of likely diary and PPM participants conclude that radio stations play the music that record companies pay them to play. NuVoodoo says the webinar series is part of its ongoing effort to inform the industry of emerging trends and to help uncover opportunities for stations to improve programming and marketing efforts. The primary focus is on those who have accepted or are more likely to accept a ratings diary or become part of the PPM panel, since this small segment of radio listeners holds the key to any station’s financial success.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Nationally syndicated country morning personality Bobby Bones and iHeartMedia announce a renewed and expanded relationship in which Bones takes on the title vice president, creative director of
iHeartCountry. In addition to continuing to host his daily morning show and the weekly “Country Top 30,” Bones will executive produce a new, one-hour weekend program, “Women of iHeartCountry,” co-hosted by Amy Brown from the Bobby Bones show. The program will feature music from established female artists and up-and-comers, with weekly guest appearances by other iHeartMedia female on air personalities. Bones says, “This is the opportunity I’ve been chasing my entire career. Thanks to Bob Pittman, Rich Bressler, and Kevin Legrett for their years of support and for the space to build 
this partnership.”…..LARadio.com reports that CHR legend Rick Dees is joining KQLH-LPFM, Yucaipa, California to host the afternoon drive show. KQLH-LPFM serves parts of the Inland Empire and Palm Springs. It is a non-profit station but accepts sponsorships as tax deductible donations…..Entercom names Toshamakia Acevedo music director and afternoon drive personality for hip hop KQKS, Denver “KS 107.5.” Acevedo transfers from the company’s hip hop WJMH, Greensboro, North Carolina “102 Jamz.” Entercom Denver SVP and market manager John Fullam comments, “We are excited to welcome Toshamakia to the Denver team. We believe her on-air energy and passion for being involved in the community will resonate a great deal with Denver music fans.” Acevedo succeeds former APD, music director, and afternoon drive host Michael Buhrman, who recently transitioned to Entercom’s KSFM, Sacramento as program
director and afternoon drive host…..Cumulus Media appoints Megan Stone co-host of WEBE, Westport, Connecticut (Fairfield and New Haven markets) “WEBE Wake Up Morning Show with Jay Michaels.” Operations manager Danny Lyons states, “It is exciting to welcome Megan to the Cumulus family. I know her enthusiasm for radio, as well as for her listeners, will shine through every morning on WEBE 108.”…..At CHR WYRG, Indianapolis “ENERGY 93.9,” Robert “Sid” Sidloski takes over the program director role on August 6. Cumulus Media Indianapolis operations manager Boomer says, “In seeking the next leader for WYRG I had the opportunity to speak with several skilled programmers from around the country, most with career credentials that would certainly be suitable for the role of PD. However, I kept coming back to Sid’s positive attitude and seemingly relentless drive and determination to succeed in this situation along with his vision for the brand to pursue and achieve aggressive success right away. Sid has an understanding of our obstacles and has shared impressive plans to seize upon our opportunities here in Indianapolis. I’m absolutely looking forward to seeing his leadership in action as PD of ENERGY 93.9.”…..The nationally syndicated “The Bert Show” – led by Bert Weiss – enters into an agreement to be produced and distributed by Westwood One. Cumulus Media EVP, marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes states, “We’re excited to welcome ‘The Bert Show’ to Westwood One. His ever-evolving show has been on a steady rise for more than a decade. Bert’s professionalism and level of entertainment, combined with the strength of our network, should take him to new heights.” The program was previously syndicated by YEA Networks…..In Detroit, Mildred Gaddis – host of the “Mildred Gaddis Show” on Radio One’s “Detroit Praise Network” is named community affairs director for Radio One’s Detroit cluster. The new “Praise Network” replaces gospel WPZR-FM that was recently acquired by EMF. As part of that transaction, Radio One acquires translators W228CJ at 93.5 and W252BX at 98.3 from EMF and plans to marry them with W260CB at 99.9 to build the new “Detroit Praise Network.”…..Premiere Networks syndicated adult contemporary star Delilah is publishing her latest book, One Heart At a Time (2018, RosettaBooks). In the book, Delilah uses “stories from her extraordinary off-air life – full of trials, forgiveness, faith, and adventure (along with select well-executed pranks)” in calling on us to “connect, one heart at a time, to lift others, and in the process, our communities and ourselves.” Rosetta CEO Arthur Klebanoff states, “In her easygoing style and characteristic, beloved voice, Delilah shares the real woman behind the microphone. She tells her deeply moving story as the series of miracles and prayers it is.”
Monday, November 4, 2019
Impeachment Process, 2020 Presidential Race, California Wildfires, McDonald’s CEO Fired, Hong Kong Violence, and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The impeachment process against President Trump and speculation about who will be called to testify; the Democrats vying to challenge Trump in 2020; the status of the California wildfires; McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook is fired for having a relationship with an employee; the violent clashes between protesters and police in Hong Kong; and rapper Kanye West’s Louisiana “Sunday Service” were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Todd Starnes Launches New, Three-Hour Talk Show Today. Author, award-winning journalist, and former FOX News Radio personality Todd Starnes begins hosting his new, daily talk show today (11/4). “The Todd Starnes Show” airs from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET and is premiering on more than 25 radio stations via syndication through Hamilton Strategies. Starnes says the
program is a caller-driven format and weaves his unique, down-home humor with interviews featuring major newsmakers, entertainers, artists, and Christian leaders. He also covers breaking news and stories from across America. “I don’t spend three hours yelling at folks,” he adds. “Sure, I get riled up, but we also share plenty of laughs with our listeners. Callers are an important part of our program. Conservative or liberal, we give folks a fair shake.” In addition to the new show, Starnes also produces the daily, short-form feature, “Todd Starnes News & Commentary,” that includes unique, one-minute stories covering politics, culture, and heartland headlines. Starnes says, “I believe in taking care of our affiliates, taking care of our sponsors, and taking care of our listeners. I am first and foremost a radio guy. I love the format and I believe that radio will continue to have a lasting impact on the nation.” Interested stations can contact Hamilton Strategies via: Media@HamiltonStrategies.com or (610) 584-1096, ext. 101.
WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans Fires Seth Dunlap. WVUE-TV, New Orleans reports that Entercom news/talk WWL-AM/FM has fired evening sports talk host Seth Dunlap, almost two months after he took a leave from the station in the aftermath of the posting of a homophobic slur directed at him on the
station’s Twitter account. The case is still in the hands of the New Orleans Police Department after Entercom requested it get involved following its own investigation. The station says it appears Dunlap posted the tweet himself, but his attorney says that, not only did Dunlap not have access to the station’s password for the Twitter account, he passed a polygraph test pointing to his innocence. Early last month the NOPD obtained a warrant for information from Dunlap’s cell phone. At the same time, according to a previous New Orleans Times Picayune story, Entercom alleged Dunlap is engaging in extortion after seeking a $1.85 million settlement. Dunlap’s attorney, Megan Keifer, alleges Entercom is not complying with requests for documents to “substantiate their defamatory claims” and also has not produced documentation for the NOPD.
TALKERS News Notes. Talk show host Joe Madison is the focus of a piece in the Los Angeles Sentinel the centers around his belief that ordinary citizens can
make a difference in their government. The story also reveals that the SiriusXM Urban View host’s program was targeted by Russian trolls during the 2016 election. Madison tells the paper’s Nadine Matthews that after getting calls to the program from Blacks encouraging other Blacks not to vote, he discovered his show was being targeted. “We found out that the Russians had actually hired African Americans to target social media and Black news/talk programs.” Read 
the story here…..Sports talk host Josh Innes – formerly of WIP, Philadelphia and KILT-AM and KBME-AM in Houston – is filling in on the afternoon drive show on Gow Media’s KFNC-FM, Houston “ESPN 97.5” today (11/4). Innes has been off the AM/FM airwaves and has been focusing on his eponymous podcast since exiting KBME eight months ago…..Salem Media Group’s WNTP, Philadelphia re-brands the station as “Philadelphia’s AM 990 The Answer.” Salem Philly general
manager Lorenzo Caldara says, “The change to ‘Philadelphia’s AM 990 The Answer’ more accurately reflects what we have always desired to be as a radio station – one that always went deeper into issues that matter to all of us, one that provides answers to the many questions we all have. With the addition of Chris Stigall in the mornings, we now have the added dimension to focus on local issues just as closely as we can on national issues. We’re proud of this city, and it’s time to serve it better than ever before.”…..Toledo’s “Talk Radio 100.7” is gone as Cumulus Media replaces the format with rock “100.7 The Zone” on WQQO-HD2/W264AK. The signals became the home of the news/talk format three years ago after the company moved the programming from WTOD-AM and turned in the station’s license…..WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk host Simon
Conway is doing double duty, filling in all this week on iHeartMedia’s sister news/talk WFLF, Orlando “Newsradio WFLA” in morning drive for “Good Morning Orlando” host Bud Hedinger in addition to his own program…..Envision Networks is offering stations 24 segments of its new “60 Seconds of Service” feature to air once per hour on Veterans Day (11/11).
Stations are invited to broadcast “60 Seconds of Service” throughout the entire day, with each segment spotlighting men, women and even animals in uniform who have served their country and their communities. Program host Randy Miller says, “Veterans Day should be every day in the United States. We should never forget the sacrifice of the men and women who wear the uniform and give their all to protect our way of life. We do 60 Seconds of Service to remind everyone about the continuous commitment of the less than 1 percent who serve our country each and every day.”…..Pictured below is WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” and WMCA “The Mission” talk show host Kevin McCullough with some of the guests that appeared on his Salem Media Group program that broadcast live from Bobby Vans “The Original” in the historic Helmsley Building in New York City. McCullough says more than 300 listeners packed the place for his 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm broadcast. Guests on the program included: Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, and congressional candidates Mike Ghassali, Chele Farley, Nicole Malliotakis, and Fernando Cabrera.
BFoA to Honor George Beasley with Lifetime Achievement Award. At the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s Golden Mike Award dinner on March 4, 2020, Beasley Media Group founder and chairman George Beasley will be honored with the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual fundraising gala takes place at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. BFoA chairman Dan
Mason says, “George is one of the forward-thinking pioneers of radio and a longtime supporter of our charitable mission. Starting off with radio stations in small market America and expanding to major cities, George built the company that bears his name with ingenuity, integrity, and innovation. We are delighted to recognize his leadership in our industry.” George Beasley comments, “I fell in love with radio early in my career, and I have been fortunate to be a part of this wonderful business as it has grown and expanded. Giving back is an important tradition in our family, and it is an honor to support the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to help those in our industry who need it most.”
News Gigs at FOX News. There are three positions that FOX News Radio and FOX News are seeking to fill. The first is an Overnight Freelance Anchor for Fox News Radio that includes on-air duties for FOX News Radio and the FOX News
Headlines 24/7 channel on SiriusXM. See that job description here. The second is a Freelance Writer for Fox News Headlines 24/7 that involves writing news for the national news network, conceptualizing, writing, compiling enterprise stories, fact checking, and building show content newscasts for FOX News Headlines 24/7. See that job description here. The third position is a Freelance Producer/News Editor in which the successful candidate will supervise the staff for the FOX network radio news operation, FOX News Headlines 24/7. See that job description here.
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