Tag: "Wisconsin"
Monday, October 12, 2020
Monday Memo: Got Local News? Guard it. Now more than ever – with the pandemic upending the life we were accustomed to – consultant Holland Cooke says “you will continue to distinguish your product from your robotic audio competition, and what’s-left-of the newspaper, by telling listeners something useful that nobody else is telling them.” In this week’s column, some simple tips. Read it here.
The Presidential Race/Mail-In Voting, Fatal Denver Rally Shooting, VP Debate, COVID-19 Stats & Projections/Trump’s COVID Case, New Stimulus Negotiations, Amy Coney Barrett Confirmation, Hurricane Delta-California Wildfires, and NFL COVID Concerns Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The November presidential election and the matter of mail-in voting; the fatal shooting at a Denver political protest gathering and tensions in the city; Wednesday’s vice presidential debate; the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S., projections for future cases, and President Trump‘s bout with the disease; negotiations for a new federal stimulus package; the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett; Hurricane Delta drenches Louisiana and the ongoing California wildfires; and the positive COVID-19 cases popping up in the NFL were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: Take It or Leave It. Sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications, writes today about selling news/talk radio in a time when your sales planning priorities can shift as quickly as the news cycle changes. He says that “organizing chaos is part of our new sales world” and offers some strategies to keep sellers on track during these unpredictable times. Read it here.
Carmean Joins Entercom Sacto As GSM. The market president and chief revenue officer for Townsquare Media’s Boise (Idaho) cluster – Rick Carmean – is named general sales manager of Entercom Sacramento. According to Entercom Sacramento senior vice president and market manager Stacey Kauffman, “Because of the rich history and success of Entercom Sacramento’s portfolio of brands and assets, expectations are high for this team. Rick’s vast experience in audio, sports, and digital – coupled with his track record of producing winning results – make him an excellent and valuable addition to our strong leadership team. We are excited to welcome Rick to Entercom and Sacramento.” Carmean adds, “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to represent the top-rated radio stations in the market and work with a talented team of sales professionals and on-air talent.” Carmean previously was Red Zebra Broadcasting’s president and chief executive officer and held digital advertising leadership roles at AOL and Source Media. In addition to sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320,” Entercom Sacramento consists of rhythmic CHR KSFM; CHR KUDL “106.5 The End”; classic rock KSEG “96.9 The Eagle”; KRXQ “98 Rock”; and alternative KKDO “Alt 94-7.”
More Than 2,100 “Attend” NAB’s Online Radio Show. The week-long digital experience began one week ago (Monday, 10/5) and continued through this past Friday afternoon (10/9) at RadioShowWeb.com. According to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), Radio Show in-person attendance has recently been averaging 2,000, while this year’s online event attracted 2,143 registrants. NAB president and chief executive officer Gordon Smith comments, “Although we regret not being able to meet in person, this [past] week’s Radio Show digital experience provided a welcome opportunity to connect and gain valuable insight on how to prevail during this difficult time and move forward as an industry.” RAB president and chief executive officer Erica Farber remarks, “The Radio Show is an industry favorite. Having the opportunity to gather virtually and connect with broadcasters, advertisers, thought leaders, and partners has been tremendously valuable. The good news is all Radio Show content will continue to be made available for on-demand viewing should anyone want to re-watch a specific session or may have missed any of the sessions or presentations.” Among the highlights were a keynote by Dave Ramsey, and a “CEO Town Hall” with Mary Berner (Cumulus Media); David Field (Entercom); and Bob Pittman (iHeartMedia). The Town Hall was moderated by NBC News senior business correspondent/MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle. Next year’s Radio Show will co-locate with the NAB Show, which has been rescheduled for October 9-13 (2021) in Las Vegas.
KBA Honors Talbott. Bluegrass native Julie Talbott will be presented with the Ralph Gabbard “Distinguished Kentuckian Award” from the Kentucky Broadcasters Association at today’s (Monday, 10/12) 2:00 pm virtual Excellence in Broadcasting Awards event. Fifteen years after joining Premiere Networks, Talbott was named president of the company in January 2014 ; she oversees operation of Premiere Networks’ more than 100 radio programs and services. In addition, she manages business partnerships with talent, as well as leading/maintaining affiliate relationships to sell/service Premiere Networks, Total Traffic & Weather Network, and the 24/7 News Network. Talbott previously was chief operating officer of MJI Broadcasting, which was acquired by Premiere’s parent company Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia). Talbott began her career at BBDO Advertising. The Ralph Gabbard “Distinguished Kentuckian Award” is presented in recognition of achievements and accomplishments of former Kentuckians who have earned fame or acclaim in their respected field.
AWMF and ESPN Launch Scholarship For Black Females. The mission of the partnership between the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) and ESPN is to provide black women a path into careers in sports media. ESPN’s donation of $10,000 will provide two educational scholarships to assist black females pursuing such career paths. Alliance for Women in Media Foundation executive
director Becky Brooks remarks, “It has been wonderful to collaborate with ESPN to conceptualize this scholarship. Through this strong partnership, we’re proud to continue our work in pursuing greater diversity in the sports journalism work force.” ESPN vice president of corporate communications/AWMF board member Katina Arnold notes, “Diversity and inclusion is ESPN’s #1 focus. We want to support and create concrete ways to grow the pipeline of black talent in the sports industry. The ESPN and AWMF scholarship is the perfect way to fulfill ESPN’s mission of supporting black and African-American women pursuing careers in media.” Selection of student winners will be based on applicants developing an essay of 750 – 1,000 words, highlighting the importance of black women in sports media. Applications are due in less than six weeks (11/20). AWMF and ESPN will select one black female undergraduate student winner and one black female graduate student to receive the scholarships payable to each winning student’s educational institution.
TALKERS News Notes. Former CIA officer and NYPD counter-terrorism expert Buck Sexton debuts his Premiere Networks’ three-hour 
show in Tampa Bay tonight (Monday, 10/12, 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight) on iHeartMedia’s WFLA “News Radio 970.” Senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Tampa/Sarasota Tommy Chuck comments, “We are excited to have Buck Sexton join our on-air lineup of strong local and national personalities. His life experience gives him unique perspective that our audience will be very interested to hear.” Sexton adds, “I’m honored to have my show join WFLA, [one of] the greatest heritage stations in the country. I can’t wait to begin speaking every night to listeners in the Tampa Bay area, one of the best talk radio audiences there is.” WFLA’s revised weekday lineup is: “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” (12:00 midnight – 5:00 am); “AM Tampa Bay” (5:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Rush Limbaugh (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); “PM Tampa Bay with Ryan Gorman” (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); and Buck Sexton (9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight).
Also in the iHeartMedia Tampa Bay cluster, personal finance host Dave Ramsey moves his daily talk show to news/talk WHNZ “1250 Impact Radio” from cross-town Beasley Media Group’s WHFS “Money Talk 1010.” According to iHeartMedia market president Chris Soechtig, “We’re excited to add ‘The Dave Ramsey Show to our [2:00 pm – 5:00 pm] line-up. [Dave] brings a new group of listeners to 1250 WHNZ who pay attention to what’s coming out of their speakers and applying what they hear.” 
….. Designed to encourage eligible voters to cast ballots in next month’s election, Beasley Media Group’s “Your Vote – Your Voice” initiative will include recorded fifteen- and thirty-second PSAs, as well as custom content that will be featured on the chain’s 64 radio station websites. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase notes, “This initiative is a great reminder that no matter who you choose, it’s important to make sure your voice is heard at the polls.” Customized messaging encouraging listeners to vote will be displayed using Quu RDS technology across the company’s in-car dash platforms ….. Technology entrepreneur Matt Moog is named interim chief operating officer of Chicago Public
Media, which includes public radio news/talk WBEZ. Moog succeeds Steve Edwards, who performed those duties on an interim basis as well, but segues back to his vice president and chief content officer responsibilities. Chicago Public Media’s CEO role opened up a year ago when Goli Sheikholeslami exited to join New York Public Radio. Earlier this year, American University Washington, DC public radio news/talk WAMU “The Medium Is The Message” chief content officer Andi McDaniel was appointed CPM’s chief executive officer, but departed. The search for 
a permanent Chicago Public Media CEO is expected to resume next year ….. During a Washington State gubernatorial debate last week, governor Jay Inslee remarked that, “We follow science in Washington.” Bonneville Seattle news/talk KIRO-FM host Dori Monson tweeted, “The state where I could go to Olympia and change my ‘birth cert’ to say I was a girl on 10/2/61 HAHAHAHAHA.” That tweet has led to Monson’s indefinite suspension from his KIRO-FM duties, as well as his pre-game and post-game hosting chores for Seattle Seahawks football games ….. An integral cog of
the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine,” Joe Morgan, has died at his Danville, California home. After his playing career, Morgan became a baseball analyst on television and radio. The former second baseman did color for games of the Reds (1985); San Francisco Giants (1986 – 1994); and Oakland A’s (1995). Morgan attained national exposure on ABC-TV’s baseball telecasts and had a 20-year run (1990 – 2010) as Jon Miller’s analyst on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball.” During that stretch, he was in the ESPN Radio booth for post-season and World Series contests. In 2011, he hosted a daily syndicated radio show for Sports USA Radio Network. In addition to the Reds, Morgan played for San Francisco, Oakland, Houston, and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Hall of Famer was 77 years old.
Midwest Communications Taps Villarreal As Wausau VP/MM. Eight-year Laredo, Texas-based International Business & Marketing
consultant Milko Villarreal, Jr. is appointed vice president and market manager of Midwest Communications’ five-station Wausau, Wisconsin cluster. Midwest Communications president and chief executive officer Duke Wright comments, “We welcome Milko to the family and look forward to many successful and prosperous years to come. His passion and desire to win are a great fit for our already positive Wausau operation.” Villarreal, who begins his new assignment in three weeks (11/2), remarks, “I am thrilled to join Midwest. The Wright family has a long-standing tradition of excellence in broadcasting. Ideologically, and operationally, I believe we are a very good fit; I look forward to making a positive contribution.” The former NAB radio board member succeeds Brett Lucht, who passed away three months ago. In addition to news/talk WSAU and sports talk WRIG, Midwest Communications’ Wausau cluster consists of country WDEZ, CHR WIFC, and rock WOZZ.
NEP & Edison Research To Implement COVID-19-Related Protocols. The exit poll conducted by Edison Research on behalf of ABC News, CBS News, CNN, and NBC News, will begin interviewing voters at early voting locations around the country starting tomorrow (Tuesday, 10/13). Edison Research co-founder and executive vice president Joe Lenski states that, “More Americans are expected to vote before Election Day this year than any other election in history. The member networks of the National Election Pool (NEP) and Edison Research have developed innovative new techniques to account for that in our long-standing exit poll. In 2018, Edison and the NEP pioneered the technique of conducting interviews at in-person early voting sites, and today, we’re using that valuable experience to expand those efforts for 2020. It’s simply a matter of taking our time-tested models and applying them to the ways people vote today.” In addition to adapting to the changing ways that voters cast their ballots, the NEP is taking precautions to ensure that voters participating in the in-person exit polls remain safe. Exit polls will be conducted by interviewers wearing masks, who will remain six feet away from respondents and will have single-use pencils available for each voter filling out the exit poll questionnaire. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes will be available for voters to use before and after completing their exit polls. As it has since 2004, the NEP exit poll will include extensive telephone surveys of those planning to vote by mail to ensure that all voters are represented in Election Night coverage across the pool’s member networks and subscribers. This year, those polls will reach more than 25,000 voters casting ballots before Election Day.
“WTMJ 2021” Airs Tomorrow. The nine-hour broadcast (9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Tuesday, 10/13) on Good Karma Brands’ Milwaukee
news/talk WMTJ “News Radio 620” looks at events and issues that will shape the year ahead. It will feature interviews with Wisconsin’s most influential names such as Wisconsin governor Tony Evers; senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson; Milwaukee Bucks president Peter Feigin; Medical College of Wisconsin chief executive officer Dr. John Raymond; and community activist Frank Sensabaugh. Good Karma Brands Milwaukee vice president and market manager Steve Wexler explains, “Every year, WTMJ brings our listeners an all-day look at the issues shaping our future. Little did we know how tumultuous a year 2020 would turn out to be when we gathered last year.” Presidential politics is the leadoff topic at 9:00 am. It will be followed by public safety (10:00 am); sports in the age of COVID-19 (11:00 am); business and the economy (12:00 noon); healthcare (1:00 pm); entertainment (2:00 pm); education (3:00 pm); local and state government (4:00 pm); and the racial divide (5:00 pm).
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Starting today (Monday, 10/12), Mz Shyneka takes 
over in afternoon drive on Core Radio Group Atlanta urban contemporary WWSZ “Streetz 94.5.” Core Radio Group president and chief executive officer Steve Hegwood comments, “It is my pleasure to sign Mz Shyneka to afternoons. Her addition to our great team keeps us at the forefront of this competitive Atlanta market.” According to Mz Shyneka, “I am overwhelmed with joy to be back on the radio in my hometown. I can’t wait to continue making history at the only black-owned station in Atlanta.” She most recently did afternoons for Radio One’s cross-town similarly-formatted WHTA “Hot 107.9” ….. Elsewhere in Atlanta, after an approximately 20-year tenure at Cox Media Group urban AC WALR “Kiss 104,” Saturday morning “Spotlight Gold” host “Youngblood” 
exits ….. Under a new one-year deal, all Villanova football and basketball games for the 2020 – 2021 season will be carried
on Beasley Media Group Philadelphia adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM.” Beasley Media Group Philadelphia vice president and market manager Joe Bell comments, “Our motto at ‘Ben’ is ‘Playing Anything We Feel Like,’ and we feel like playing some Villanova games. It will be a great season for Villanova sports.” Program director Chuck Damico notes, “We’re thrilled to add Villanova football and basketball to ‘95.7 Ben FM’ this year. It’s an honor to deliver these games to their passionate fans and alumni.” Meanwhile, Villanova Sports Properties vice president and general manager Drew Young adds, “The affiliation with ‘Ben FM’ expands our reach in the Delaware Valley and gives the ‘Nova Nation’ a 
prominent new home on the FM dial.” ….. The former 15-year afternoon personality/music director at Bahakel Communications Colorado Springs rocker KILO, Jack Wilson, has died from coronavirus. Wilson left KILO in 2015 and did weekends in Phoenix for Hubbard Radio’s similarly-programmed KUPD. KILO’s Facebook page notes, “It is with deep regret that we share this news with the KILO Nation. He was and will always be a big part of the KILO family. We send our love and condolences to his family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.” The 38-year-old Wilson is survived by his mother (Pattie Ray); a 17-year-old daughter (Bella); and a six-year-old son (Jack Jr.) …..
“The Quick Silva Show with Dominique Da Diva” moves to Reach Media for distribution and syndication. Reach Media and Radio One chief executive officer David Kantor comments, “I’ve had the opportunity to see this show grow tremendously. Quick Silva and Dominque Da Diva are two very strong radio talents who have an authentic connection to their audience. I am confident that the show will continue to be a huge draw for the listening audience. The beauty of this is that this is one of few syndicated afternoon shows.” The program will be carried from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm by Radio One stations in Washington, DC (WKYS); Philadelphia (WPHI “Hip-Hop 103.9”); Baltimore (WERQ “92-Q Jams”); Cincinnati (WIZF “101.1 The Wiz”); and Columbus (WCKX “Power 107.5”).
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Cox Enterprises’ Deal with Apollo Global Management Closes. According to Jessica Saunders’ report in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Cox Enterprises’ sale of its radio, TV, Ohio print brands, and affiliated businesses to an Apollo
Global Management-controlled company has closed. The new company goes by an old name – Cox Media Group – and Cox Enterprises maintains a minority stake in the new firm. The company is led by president and CEO Kim Guthrie and Bill Hendrich is EVP of radio. CMG now consists of 13 television stations in 10 markets; 54 radio stations in 10 markets; three Ohio newspapers, the CoxReps TV sales division; digital ad and OTT products and services segment Gamut; and the Northwest Broadcasting 20 TV station group.
Wilson Re-Ups with Entercom’s ‘Ticket’ in Miami. South Florida sports talk host Amber Wilson signs a multiyear contract extension to continue co-hosting the midday show on Entercom’s WAXY, Miami “AM 790 The Ticket.” Wilson
co-hosts the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm “Zaslow & Amber” show with Jonathan Zaslow. She joined the station in 2016 after serving with CBS Television in Miami and SNY in New York. She says, “I’m very fortunate to have a job that I enjoy doing every single day and I’m thrilled to be continuing my career at Entercom. It is an honor that [program director] Len Weiner and [SVP/market manager] Keriann Worley continue to trust me to entertain South Florida with sports talk.”
Matthew Jarecki Named PM Drive Host at ‘FOX Sports 910’ in Phoenix. At iHeartMedia’s Phoenix sports talker KGME-AM “FOX Sports 910,” Matthew Jarecki is named host of the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm show. Jarecki comes to
KGME from his most recent position with Northern Arizona University’s KLJX-LP, Flagstaff. He also handled play-by-play and color analyst work for Lumberjacks athletics. KGME program director Aaron Trimmer says, “Matthew is a future superstar in the sport talk world. His perspective and unique commentary on sports make him the perfect fit to lead afternoon drive on ‘FOX Sports 910.’ We are thrilled to have him join our lineup.” KGME briefly hired Dan Sileo to host afternoons, but he lasted just a week in the role in early September after the Phoenix Coyotes hockey club objected to Sileo’s hiring based on some of his controversial social media posts. KGME is the flagship for Coyotes play-by-play.
Nielsen: News/Talk Top 6+ Format in PPM Markets This Year. The data from Nielsen Audio’s year-end tally of the most-listened-to formats in radio in its
PPM markets shows news/talk is #1 in the 6+ demographic (9.5% weekly AQH share). In the 25-54 demo, news/talk ranked #4 (6.7%), behind only AC (7.7%), CHR (7.6%), and country (6.8%). However, there is an asterisk of sorts associated with these figures as Nielsen includes non-commercial, public radio news/talk in its definition of the format. Public news/talk skews younger than commercial news/talk. Sports talk ranked #9 in the 6+ demo and #8 in the 25-54 demo. Nielsen used an average of data from the January through November PPM surveys.
Magnum to Acquire Three Wisconsin Signals from NRG Media. The deal between Wisconsin’s Magnum Communications and Iowa-based NRG Media will transfer news/talk WFAW-AM and adult contemporary WSJC-FM in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, along with classic hits WKCH, Whitewater, Wisconsin to
Magnum. NRG president and CEO Mary Quass says, “We have been fortunate to have worked with the great people at the stations in Fort Atkinson for many years. The dedicated broadcasters at the stations will continue to provide the Fort Atkinson community with great local radio and know they will 
contribute to the success of Magnum Communications going forward.” Magnum chief Dave Magnum adds, “I’m a sentimental person so two aspects of these acquisitions really struck me. First, my maternal grandmother grew up on a Fort Atkinson farm. My Mom and her remaining siblings get together at Lake Ripley each summer in her honor. Second, we’re again getting to work with NRG. Back in the 90s, my late wife Lynn had the chance to speak with Mary Quass several times at conventions. She considered Mary a role model. In 2007, five years after Lynn passed, I acquired three stations from NRG. That transaction went as smooth as silk. We look forward to the same outcome with the acquisitions of WFAW, WSJY and WKCH.” KALIL & CO., INC. is the exclusive broker for this transaction.
KSCO, Santa Cruz Initiates Its Own ‘Person of the Year.’ On the heels of the controversy over youthful Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg being named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year,” Michael Zwerling-owned news/talk KSCO, Santa Cruz is creating its own “Person of the Year” award and naming President Donald Trump for the past four years. Zwerling says, “I empathize with the president’s frustration of not being named Time magazine’s person of the year. After all, the designation does not necessarily indicate an endorsement of its recipient’s policies – just acknowledgement that they have made the biggest impact on the news. Clearly, Donald Trump has been the most influential person in the news since 2016. And that has not stopped.” See all four “Person of the Year” covers here.
Impeachment, IG FBI Report Aftermath, 2020 Presidential Race, U.S.-China Trade Negotiations, Financial Markets Activity, Fiat Chrysler-Peugeot Merger Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/17). The impeachment against President Donald Trump; the aftermath of the inspector general’s report on the FBI’s use of the secret FISA court; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the trade negotiations between the U.S. and China; the record high Dow and activity in the world’s financial markets; and the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot to make the third largest auto firm were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. Appearing on fubosportsnetwork.com’s “Call It A Night” program with host Julie Stewart-Binks, WFAN, New York and Radio.com sports talk personality Mike Francesa says he’ll delve into politics
during his daily, one-hour Radio.com show. Asked why, Francesa said, “There’s not a show, there’s no political coverage anywhere that is unbiased. It’s all biased. It’s either left or right. It is so significantly left or right. Give me a network, I’ll tell you – FOX is right, MSNBC is left. Everybody has a bias. Everybody is one or the other, most on the left, there are some rights. There’s nothing down the middle.” Francesa’s Radio.com show will stream from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET prior to his half-hour WFAN program airing at 6:00 pm ET…..Talk radio pro 
Phil Valentine and his son Campbell Valentine are celebrating the fact that their podcast “The PodGOATs” has been named one of the Top 10 History Podcasts for 2019 by Podbean – a global podcast hosting site. “The PodGOATs” is produced by Comworld Media. Phil Valentine says, “I’m in shock, to be honest with you. Campbell and I have worked really hard this year on this podcast. We bill it as ‘The History of Everything,’ which is a lofty goal. We’re closing in on episode 100 and we have over 360,000 downloads, so we’re getting’ there.” Comworld Media will launch two more Phil Valentine podcasts in 2020…..Westwood One adds “Esports 30 with Kevin Knocke” to its Westwood One Podcast Network. The show is an original podcast covering esports news and in-depth interviews with industry personalities, celebrities, athletes, influencers, and enthusiasts. Knocke says, “Esports is now big enough that it can’t rely on the sunshine and rainbows perspective that it’s the ‘next big thing’ so we need to understand how to develop a sustainable infrastructure for the long term. I’ll be inviting on guests with a broad viewpoint of the industry as a whole as well as game-specific experts who are willing to take an honest look at their game and reflect on improvements needed.”…..Longtime New York City radio news pro Pat
Farnack retires from Entercom’s WCBS-AM “Newsradio 880.” Farnack also served with KYW-AM and KYW-TV in Philadelphia as well as WWDB-FM, Philly during her career. She joined WCBS-AM in December 2000. The WCBS website notes that Farnack also “spent time at WNBC in New York delivering news in the days of Don Imus and Howard Stern and even did a several-month stint as traffic reporter in the flying ‘N’ copter.”…..iHeartMedia and NostalgiaCon, LLC are working together to produce the NostalgiaCon Miami ‘80s pop culture convention on April 25-26 at the MANA Convention Center in Miami’s Wynwood arts district. iHeartMedia’s participation includes sponsorship collaborations for branded activations, VIP fan experiences, contests, giveaways, and grassroots promotions…..Pictured below are actors Jamie Foxx (left) and Michael B. Jordan (center) with SiriusXM Urban View host Mike Muse (right) chatting before a live audience at SiriusXM studios in New York. Foxx and Jordan visited on a promotion tour for their new film, Just Mercy, hitting theaters on Christmas Day. Photo: Cindy Ord/ Getty Images for SiriusXM.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programmer and air personality Adam “Kash” Kashner moves from Cumulus Media’s Indianapolis cluster where he was APD at country WFMS-FM to
Pensacola where he’s the new program director for country radio station WXBM-FM “NASH 102.7 FM.” At the same time, Cumulus adds APD stripes to current WXBM afternoon host Matt Fisher. Cumulus Pensacola VP and market manager Gary Mertins says, 
“Kash is such an up-and-coming programming talent within Cumulus and we’re so proud to have him join us in Pensacola. He’s really done some great things and proven himself in Indianapolis. WXBM is a heritage country station and we know that we’ve found the right person in Kash to lead it to further greatness.”…..Air personality Amanda Valentine is leaving her radio gig at Hubbard Broadcasting’s country WUBE, Cincinnati “B105” to work full time on her fitness career. Valentine was co-host of the afternoon show with Jesse Tack, who continues the show solo. Valentine noted on her Facebook page: “Health and fitness is a huge passion of mine. After going through a significant weight loss journey myself, helping others on their own journeys fills my heart in ways I can’t even describe. So, I’ve made the decision to follow my heart and devote my time and energy into helping as many people as possible discover just how life changing a healthy lifestyle can be.”…..Milwaukee non-commercial triple A WYMS-FM “88Nine” bestowed honors on the winners of its 2019 Radio Milwaukee Music Awards last Saturday (12/14). Winners of the awards covered a wide swath of musical genres. WYMS-FM’s 12th annual music awards were based on 6,278 votes online by area music fans and selections of ‘88Nine’ music staff and local music writers. Station program director Jordan Lee says, “This year’s awards reflect the strong avant-garde sound that is developing here in Milwaukee. It’s really hard to put the music of Klassik, SistaStrings, or Browns Crew in a genre box. These new sounds are defining the sound of our city in an exciting and inspiring way.”
Friday, December 6, 2019
Weiss Named iHM NYC Market President. Region senior vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s New York group, Bernie Weiss, is appointed market president of iHeartMedia New York City. Weiss will continue to report to iHeartMedia market groups division president Scott 
Hopeck. At the same time in a corresponding move, director of sales Steve DeLusant takes over for Weiss. Hopeck states, “I’m thrilled to promote both Bernie and Steve. It is especially rewarding to find the best candidates for key leadership roles in your own building. They are extremely knowledgeable about our ever-evolving business and have built their personal brands by accelerating the growth of our iconic stations. I’m confident they will continue to elevate our New York operation to even greater heights.” Weiss remarks, “Listeners continue to crave companionship and advertisers continue to demand ROI – broadcast radio delivers on both fronts. iHeartMedia continues to be one of the most innovative media players, offering the best content and programming for hundreds of millions of listeners. I am looking forward to working with the New York team to build on our already strong connection with listeners, advertisers, and in the community.” Weiss joined iHeartMedia New York in 2004 as an account executive for urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” and previously held several radio general sales management positions in Europe. DeLusant was sales manager for several iHM New York City stations and earlier was senior account executive for Emmis Communications, where he specialized in multicultural marketing. Earlier in his career, he was a sales associate for iHeartMedia’s WLTW. In addition to news/talk WOR “The Voice of New York,” iHeartMedia’s New York City cluster consists of market-leading (adult contemporary) WLTW “106.7 Lite FM”; CHR WHTZ “Z-100”; classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3”; urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1”; and rhythmic CHR WKTU.
KABC Resets Its On-Air Lineup. Major changes going into effect January 1 at Cumulus Media Los Angeles news/talk KABC include Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (“The Armstrong & Getty Show”) slotted in morning drive (6:00 am – 10:00 am). The syndicated duo succeeds locally-originated “The Morning Drive with Jillian Barberie & John Phillips.” Continuing at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon is Larry O’Connor (based from Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL). Aforementioned John Phillips segues solo from morning drive to assume the 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm slot occupied by Dr. Drew Pinsky and Leeann Tweeden (“Dr. Drew Midday Live”). Unchanged is Westwood One’s Ben Shapiro in afternoon drive (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm), but the local 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm “Peter Tilden Show” will give way to Westwood One’s Michael Savage. Thus, displaced by the changes are Jillian Barberie, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Leeann Tweeden, and Peter Tilden. KABC general manager Drew Hayes comments, “KABC has a proud history as one of the first ‘all-talk’ radio stations in the United States. With these great additions to our lineup, KABC will offer our audience even more of the content that they love, featuring outstanding local and nationally recognized talent.” KABC will continue as the flagship for University of Southern California football and basketball. KABC more than doubled (+.4) its 6+ AQH share in three straight upticks (.3 – .4 – .5 – .7, July – August – September – October, Nielsen Audio, 6+) but “790 News-Talk-Evolved” forfeits one-tenth in the November 2019 sweep to .6 (#35 to #38, 6+).
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship 
station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC (11/22). The new episode titled “The Trump Paradox!” looks back at this past week of December 2-6, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Blanquita Cullum, talk show host, WCGO, Chicago /Smart Talk Network; Brian Kilmeade, talk show host, Fox News Channel / Fox News Radio; Heidi Harris, talk 
show host, KMZQ, Las Vegas; Sid Rosenberg, talk show host, WABC, New York; William O’ Shaughnessy, CEO, Whitney Global Media. This acclaimed news/talk radio show first airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC on Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm; followed by WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. It also appears on the iHeart Radio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
WDAF To Become K.C. Chiefs Flagship in 2020. As part of a multi-year agreement between the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and
Entercom Kansas City, country WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” will become the key station of the 70-station Chiefs Radio Network as of February 16, 2020. Sports talk sibling KCSP “610 Sports Radio” will become the official “broadcast partner” of the Chiefs, with rights to Chiefs programming, including radio broadcast rights to the Chiefs weekly in-season press conference with the club’s head coach (Andy Reid) and a weekly one-on-one interview with the starting quarterback (Patrick Mahomes). In addition, KCSP will broadcast the “Chiefs Kingdom Radio Show” (Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm). Cross-town Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX “101.1 The Fox” has been the team’s flagship since 1990. Entercom regional 
president/market manager Dave Alpert declares, “We are extremely pleased to enter into this new partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the NFL’s most well-respected and prestigious organizations. Entercom’s eight-station cluster of music, news and sports talk stations hosted by Kansas City’s leading personalities align with vast digital and podcast opportunities. We will deliver the premium and comprehensive coverage Chiefs Kingdom desires seven days a week, all season long.” Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan comments, “We look forward to partnering with ‘106.5 The Wolf’ and the powerful Entercom family of stations. The ability to bring our game broadcasts and existing weekly radio shows under one roof is a large part of this change, but we are equally excited about creating new content and developing new opportunities for Chiefs fans to engage with their favorite team.” Returning for his 27th season as play-by-play announcer will be Mitch Holthus, who has called a franchise record 426 regular and postseason Kansas City contests.
ESPN Radio Taps Fitz To Succeed Smith. “First and Last” (5:00 am – 6:00 am) host Jason Fitz is selected to replace Stephen A. Smith in ESPN Radio’s 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (ET) slot. The change is effective next month (1/20) and allows Smith to devote more time to his ESPN TV duties. Smith, however, will make a regular weekly appearance on Fitz’s show, “First Take, Your Take with Jason Fitz,” which will be simulcast on ESPNews. Executive vice president/executive editor of production Norby Williamson states, “Sports fans are passionate and they love spirited debate. Jason will be joined daily by a lineup of experts and sports fans who call in to further the debate and deliver their strong opinions.” Fitz, formerly of country group The Band Perry and a regular on ESPN Radio’s “Golic & Wingo,” comments, “I’m excited to host a show aligned with one of the biggest franchises at ESPN that will let me continue to push the ‘First Take’ topics forward and keep building my relationship with ESPN Radio listeners that means so much to me.” Fitz studied classical violin at The Julliard School.
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. Based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November 2019 PPM survey period, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at performances in the sports talk format. Roughly half the eligible sports talk panelists improve October 2019 – November 2019 (52%, 6+) while just over one in three falter (37%); the remaining 11% are unchanged from last month. Meanwhile, essentially three of every five qualifying sports talk stations register November 2018 – November 2019 gains (61%, 6+), while one in three (33%) stumble; the remaining 6% are steady from a year ago. The format is #1 in Philadelphia (Entercom’s WIP) and Long Island (Entercom-owned WFAN-FM). See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
TALKERS News Notes. One-year Hubbard Broadcasting Seattle vice president/market manager Ann Marie Mulholland has departed
the cluster. Director/brand content Scott Mahalick is absorbing those duties on an interim basis. Mulholland previously worked in the market as general manager/director of sales for Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KCMS; general sales manager of Entercom rocker KISW; local sales manager of Sandusky smooth Jazz KWJZ; and she was general sales manager of CBS Radio-owned (now Entercom) Pittsburgh hot AC WBZZ. In addition to KKNW “Alternative Talk 1150 AM,” Hubbard Broadcasting Seattle consists of adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9”; adult standards KIXI “AM 880”; CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station”; and country KNUC “98.9 The Bull.” ….. After spending the last ten years at 
Hubbard Broadcasting St. Louis sports talk WXOS “101 ESPN,” program director Chris “Hoss” Neupert departs. Per a Facebook post, he writes, “Well, I’ve written this and deleted it a million times trying to find the most articulate way to say this but as of this week, I am no longer a member of the ‘101 ESPN’ team. Tough to write and see but excited/terrified/anxious/hungry – and a bunch of other emotions – to see the next chapter.” Tommy Mattern, the program director of alternative cluster-mate KPNT “105.7 The Point,” adds WXOS PD duties ….. Radio/Audio nominees for the 2020 Writers Guild awards have been announced. In the “Radio/Audio News Script – Regularly Scheduled, Bulletin, or Breaking 
Report” category, the nominees are: “CBS News on the Hour with Norah O’Donnell – El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio – Communities in Mourning,” written by James Hutton, CBS News Radio; “Hail and Farewell: Remembering Some Headline Makers,” written by Gail Lee, CBS News Radio; “World News This Week, August 9, 2019,” written by Stephanie Pawlowski and Jim Ryan, ABC News Radio; and “World News This Week, September 13, 2019,” written by Joan B. Harris, ABC News Radio. In the “Radio/Audio News Script – Analysis, Feature, or Commentary” category, the nominees are: “The Enduring Legacy of Jackie Kennedy Onassis,” written by Dianne E. James and Gail Lee, CBS News Radio and “Woodstock: Back to the Garden,” written by Gail Lee, CBS News Radio. Winners will be announced February 1, 2020 in New York City at an event held in the Edison Ballroom.
Comrex Now Shipping ACCESS MultiRack. The rackmount multi-channel IP audio codec from Comrex occupies 1RU and can handle up to five full-
duplex IP audio connections simultaneously. ACCESS MultiRack is compatible with all Comrex IP audio codecs, including ACCESS Rackmount; ACCESS Portable 2USB; ACCESS NX Portable; ACCESS NX Rack; BRIC-Link; and BRIC-Link II, as well as the FieldTap smartphone app. Comrex ACCESS MultiRack is Tech3326, AES67 and SMPTE 2110-30-compatible. ACCESS MultiRack includes Comrex CrossLock technology, a proprietary suite of tools that solidify connections over IP networks. By sending two identical streams through two separate networks (redundancy mode), or combining the network bandwidth of multiple networks (bonding mode), CrossLock provides a fail-safe in the event the primary network falters. Each of ACCESS MultiRack’s codec instances can deliver and receive four contact closures, as well as transfer ancillary data to the far-end using the serial data channel. Comrex has designed and manufactured broadcast equipment since its incorporation in 1961.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. More than a quarter of a million dollars ($257,268) was raised in Entercom Philadelphia classic-hits oldies outlet WOGL’s 18th annual “98.1 
WOGL Loves Our Kids Radiothon” to benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Entercom Philadelphia senior vice president/market manager David Yadgaroff comments, “We are so grateful for WOGL listeners and community members who donated and also very thankful for the volunteers and on-air personalities who contributed their time and talent to help make this year’s radiothon a huge success.” Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia president/chief executive officer Madeline Bell notes, “The hospital programs funded by radiothon donations make a lasting difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Each year, we look forward to raising awareness of these very important services.” Airing this past Tuesday (12/3) and Wednesday (12/4), WOGL’s radiothon concluded with on-air hosts Marilyn Russell, Glenn Kalina, Bobby Smith, and 
Nicky G. presenting the check to CHOP ….. The 13th annual “An American Country Christmas with Kix Brooks” features special guests sharing holiday music, favorite traditions, and memories. Among those joining Brooks are Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. Stations can air the show from Cumulus Media‘s Westwood One 6:00 am – 12:00 midnight (Saturday) 12/21 through Christmas Day (Wednesday, 12/25) ….. For the third consecutive year, iHeartMedia San Diego CHR KHTS “Channel 93-3” morning drivers Kramer & Geena teamed up with “A Million Thanks” to send letters to deployed military members. Over 50,000 letters were collected from the San Diego community and are on their way to the troops ….. As part of Beasley Media Group Tampa rhythmic CHR WLLD’s eighth annual toy drive to benefit the Children’s Home Network, “Wild 94.1” program director/morning personality Orlando Davis climbs the toy drive platform today (Friday, 12/6) and will remain there until next Saturday (12/14). Davis will do his morning show from that platform every day next week ….. In its annual “Toys For Tunes” on-air event this past Wednesday (12/4, 6:00 am – 7:00 pm), Hubbard Broadcasting Cincinnati rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9” raised over $8,00 for Cincinnati Children’s Child Life Program
to ensure that every child staying at the hospital during the holidays receives a new toy. Listener song requests were granted, in exchange for a $20 donation ….. On “Giving Tuesday” (12/3), Mid-West Family Broadcasting Madison (Wisconsin) alternative WRIS “The Resistance Is On 106.7” announced that More Smiles Wisconsin is the recipient of its “Community Awareness Grant” for the coming year. WRIS launched a community awareness grant that will provide a local non-profit with $15,000 in advertising in 2020. Applicants were considered for the grant based on multiple factors including the organization’s history of community service, connection to the community, mission within the community, demonstration of need, population served, and geographic region served. More Smiles Wisconsin is a non-profit that provides access to quality dental care to Medicaid, BadgerCare, and uninsured populations of south central Wisconsin. “The Resistance” hopes to help in their goal of increasing funding and awareness so that they may continue to help a growing number of patients ….. WHHZ “100.5 The Buzz” morning host/music director Kaylan Moody is leaving the Marc Radio Gainesville-Ocala (Florida) alternative outlet in two weeks (12/20). Moody notes, “I am so grateful for all I’ve learned and the opportunities I’ve had, but I am excited to keep growing. I am moving to Nashville to pursue a career in the record label industry. The dream job is radio promotion, but I am excited to take on whatever opportunities may arise to get my foot in the door and to start learning.”
Friday, August 9, 2019
Nunn Boosted to YEA Networks President. Three-year YEA Networks executive vice president of sales Shawn Nunn is elevated to the 
newly- created position of president at the independent radio and podcast company. Chief executive officer George Laughlin notes, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Shawn for more than 20 years. He is a trusted advisor and a highly-effective leader, who has been essential to the incredible growth and expansion of the company over the past three years. Under his leadership, YEA Networks will continue to deliver the highest quality products and services to the audio industry.” Nunn adds, “I am more than grateful to George for this opportunity. I have worked with many on the YEA team for much of my career and I am honored to take the lead. George’s vision and passion for this industry is immeasurable and I look forward to continuing this journey with him.” Texas native/Texas State University alum Nunn previously spent five years as Townsquare Media’s vice president of national sales; four years as GAP Broadcasting’s vice president of sales; and has held media industry positions in Dallas, Seattle, and Colorado Springs. YEA Networks’ syndicated programs include: various Kiddnation podcasts, “The Hollywood 5,” “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” and “Tino Cochino Radio.
WCMC-FM Shifts “SportsChannel8: The Radio Show” to Weekdays. Saturday morning’s 10:00 am -12:00 noon “SportsChannel8” will begin airing weekdays in the same slot on Capitol Broadcasting Raleigh sports talk WCMC-FM,
starting next Thursday (8/15). As a result, “FM 99.9 The Fan” will have nine consecutive hours of local sports talk programming each weekday. WCMC program/operations director Dennis Glasgow states, “We couldn’t be more excited to add the ‘SportsChannel8’ brand to our weekday lineup. Not only do we add another two hours a day of outstanding local content, we’ll also be offering probably one of the most engaging, entertaining, and hyper-local shows I have ever heard in my six years in ‘The Triangle.’” The show is hosted by longtime North Carolinian Hayes Permar, along with Josh Goodson and Brian Geisinger. Permar remarks, “We are incredibly excited and humbled to be part of the already outstanding lineup that ‘99.9 The Fan’ offers listeners every weekday. Our crew is made up of guys who all grew up and became sports fans in North Carolina; our show has and will continue to reflect that.” Coinciding with the change, ESPN Radio’s Dan Le Batard will transition from WCMC to co-owned/similarly formatted WCMC-HD2 “Buzz Sports Radio” and add an extra hour (10:00 am – 1:00 pm).
TALKERS News Notes. Exiting Total Traffic & Weather Network, owing to restructuring, are senior vice president of affiliate services
Roger Nadel; vice president of affiliate sales for the southeast Christopher Leonard; and head of operations for the southwest John Winder ….. After an 18-year career as an NFL QB (the first seven with the Philadelphia Eagles and the last 11 with the Washington Redskins), Sonny Jurgensen hung up the helmet and spikes in 1974. The soon-to-be (8/23) 85-year-old Hall of 
Famer is now hanging up the headsets as the longtime Redskins’ radio analyst. He made the announcement before last night’s (Thursday, 8/8) pre-season, pre-game show. Jurgensen commented, “I’ve had so many wonderful memories of teammates I’ve played with and talked about during my years in radio and television. The relationships with coaches and executives over the 50 years have been special. My broadcast partners such as Sam Huff, Frank Herzog, Doc Walker, and George Michael lived through the glory years together – all great memories. My good friend Andy Ockershausen was responsible for bringing together the original broadcast team of ‘Sonny, Sam, and Frank.’ After 62 years in professional football, I still have my health and wonderful family; a special thanks to my beautiful wife, Margo, for letting me work the weekends for all those years. I’ll always be a fan of professional football and appreciative of all that it has done for me, my family, and our city” ….. KTUL-TV, Tulsa marketing consultant Jessica Foster joins Stephens Media Group Tulsa as director of sales. SMG owner David Stephens notes, “Jessica has the well-rounded media experience we need to maximize revenue. Her ties to the local advertising community and reputation for excellence adds to the strength of our cluster.” Senior vice president of radio and digital sales Summer Kirkland comments, “Having worked alongside Jessica for several years, I have witnessed the way she incorporates her vast media knowledge with a passion for people to achieve success.” Prior to KTUL-TV, Foster worked at Interep/D&R; Entercom St. Louis news/talk KMOX; and several stations in Atlanta and Springfield, Missouri. The Stephens Media Group Tulsa cluster includes news/talk KCFO “AM 970 Talk You Can Trust,” sports talk KYAL “97.1 The Sports Animal,” contemporary Christian KXOJ and KXOJ-HD2, alternative KMYZ “Z-104.5 The Edge,” and KTSO “Totally Awesome 80s” ….. Part of next Monday’s (8/12) 
debut of iHeartMedia Reading, Pennsylvania’s news/talk WRAW “News Radio 1340” will be the return of Rush Limbaugh to the market. Regional senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Allentown and Harrisburg Jeff Hurley comments, “We’re thrilled to bring an all-star lineup of talk radio programs to Reading. We’re confident that WRAW will become a favorite source for compelling news, talk, and entertainment.” The station’s weekday lineup will include: “The RJ Harris Breakfast Show” (5:00 am – 9:00 am); Glenn Beck (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Limbaugh (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); Sean Hannity (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Buck Sexton (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm); and “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” (9:00 pm – 10:00 pm) ….. As part of an 
extended relationship with NRG Media Omaha, all hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball games of the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks will air on sports talk KZOT “1180 AM – The Zone 2.” In the event of a hockey conflict, any and all basketball games will be heard on sports talk KOZN “1620 AM – The Zone” or KOIL “News Talk 1290.” NRG Radio Omaha general manager Mark Shecterle remarks, “We are extremely excited to
continue our partnership with UNO. As the sports leader in Omaha, it is important that we associate our stations with great sports programs like UNO. We look forward to broadcasting UNO sports on our stations this upcoming year, and many years to come.” UNO vice chancellor of athletics Trev Alberts notes, “NRG Media has provided our hockey and basketball teams with a reliable radio home for many years; we are pleased to continue this mutually beneficial relationship. NRG Media is a recognized leader in sports broadcasting in Omaha, and its stations allow our fans to follow the Mavericks, both over-the-air and through live streaming.” Gary Sharp will be back for his seventh season calling UNO men’s basketball. He will work with former Maverick Kyler Erickson who will begin his first season as analyst for all home games. Likewise, Donny Baarns enters his first year of lead play-by-play announcer for UNO hockey broadcasts. He will work alongside Terry Leahy who has provided color commentary for all 22 seasons of UNO hockey. Lester St. James will return for his 10th season as the rink-side reporter for all home games. Meanwhile, Jon Schriner replaces Baarns as play-by-play voice of Omaha women’s basketball ….. The Wall Street Journal is among the first to report that Facebook is offering news outlets millions of dollars for the rights to put their content in a news section that the company hopes to launch later this year. The project involves the social network striking deals potentially worth millions of dollars to publishers including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Dow Jones, parent company of The Wall Street Journal, among others. The Journal reported yesterday (Thursday, 8/8) that Facebook representatives had told news executives that they’d pay as much as $3 million a year to license stories, headlines and other material. Publishers could pick between putting the stories directly on Facebook’s tab or putting previews in that go back to the original site. These arrangements would last for three years. Thus far though, it’s unclear if any publishers have signed on yet.
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, will be posted this afternoon (Friday 8/9) on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled, “The Nation Grieves and Argues!” looks back at this past week of August 5-9, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Mike Siegel, syndicated talk show host, GCN; Harry Hurley, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; Rick Ungar, syndicated talk show host, “The Rick Ungar Show”/former CEO Marvel Entertainment; and Renee Kohanski, M.D., forensic psychiatrist and medical profession podcaster. The news/talk media show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation mark for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. Hosted by Michael Harrison, this excellent show is now being made available as a service to terrestrial news/talk stations from TALKERS for on-air or online presentation on a market-exclusive basis. For information call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here.
Cool Job Opportunity. There are actually three of them to share – all at Fox News. A freelance writer is needed for the Fox News Headlines team. You will write news for the national news network, conceptualize, write, compile enterprise stories, fact check, and build show content newscasts. This is a shift-based role, including overnight and weekend shifts. You will work some holidays and must be available off-hours in the event of major breaking news. Among the responsibilities are writing fast-paced newscasts; generating creative and innovative ideas for writing news segments; and 
communicating daily story development with producers and editors. A degree in journalism or related field is preferred. Click here to apply. In addition, Fox News Radio D.C./New York is seeking an overnight freelance anchor. The person in this position will work under tight deadlines, must have a passion for breaking news, and be flexible to work on a days’ notice. In order to be considered for this role, a link or MP3 file of a demo reel/air check is needed. Among responsibilities are writing for a one-hour live national newscast; writing five-minute and one-minute newscasts; and handling live breaking news coverage during national newscasts. Requirements include strong writing skills; ability to work under tight deadlines; flexibility to work primarily weekend shifts; and at least five years’ experience as a news anchor. Network or major market experience is preferred. Click here to apply. Needed as well is a freelance producer/news editor to supervise the staff for the network radio news operation. This person will work with news anchors to craft content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. Responsibilities include: formatting, programming, coordinating, and producing a live news program; producing segments and reporter hits; handling staffing issues when managers are not present; and working on developing stories as the day progresses. Candidates must: be highly skilled in writing and copy editing; have familiarity with social media; be able to handle breaking news situations; have strong editorial judgment; and be able to interact with high-profile talent. Click here to apply.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Director of sales for Townsquare Media’s four-station Cedar Rapids (Iowa) cluster, Brian Sines, transfers to Texarkana (Texas/Arkansas) to become market 
president/chief revenue officer of the company’s five stations there. Townsquare senior vice president Todd Lawley notes, “I have worked with Brian the past five years and watched him build Cedar Rapids into one of the top performing clusters at Townsquare. The Cedar Rapids market hasn’t missed a budget in three years and holds a dominant position with both their broadcast and digital performance. I’m confident that Brian will quickly build upon the high performing team that serves the community, our listeners, and the clients of Texarkana. It is extremely rewarding to again have the ability to promote from within, which is a direct reflection to the level of talent we have at Townsquare.” Sines remarks, “I am excited to join the team in Texarkana. Townsquare is fortunate to have such a long-tenured team in place that truly cares about our clients, our listeners, and super serves the community. I look forward to working with the number one media team in the market and starting a budget-busting streak of our own.” Sines formerly held market manager, GSM, and director of sales positions in Des Moines, Madison (Wisconsin), and Burlington (Iowa) at stations owned by the then-Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia). Townsquare Media’s five Texarkana stations are country KKYR “Kicker 102.5”; CHR KPWW “Power 95.9”; classic rock KYGL “Eagle 106.3”; urban AC KMJI “Magic 93.3”; and gospel KOSY “790 AM.” ….. Program director Al Payne has left Cumulus Media Kansas City urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3.” Prior to his KC tenure, Payne programmed in Dallas (KRNB); Washington, DC (WKYS); Detroit (WMGC, WGPR, WDMK); Baltimore (WERQ, WWIN); and Greensboro (WQMG) ….. WLXX “92.9 Nash FM,” Lexington (Kentucky) promotes on-air 
talent Deidre Ransdell to program director of the Cumulus Media country outlet. Cumulus Lexington general manager Scott Frazier opines, “Having Deidre Ransdell as WLXX program director is like naming [Houston Astros RHP] Justin Verlander as your starter in game one of the World Series. She brings talent, experience, drive, and the will-to-win to the station. I’m very much looking forward to working with her.” Operations manager Anthony “Twitch” Longo comments, “It’s a great day when we get to promote someone as talented and hardworking as Deidre. She is a force to be reckoned with; to say I am excited to have her at the helm of “92.9 Nash FM” is an understatement.” After a 15-year career in education, Ransdell has been a Lexington on-air talent the past 18 years. She joined WLXX’s morning show in 2001 and has been heard in various other day-parts on the station. Last year, Ransdell added overnights at Nashville’s co-owned/similarly formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” and is heard on various other country stations on Cumulus Media’s Westwood One Radio Network …. As voted by the Academy of Country Music membership, the ACM announces its officers for the 2019 – 2020 term. They are: Ed Warm (chair); Lori Badgett (president); Chuck Aly
(vice president); Carmen Romano (treasurer); Gayle Holcomb (sergeant-at-arms); Paul Moore (parliamentarian); and Tommy Moore (secretary). Outgoing chair Duane Clark comments, “The Academy’s history is one of continually building upon its successes and supporting the artists we love, and the music they create that shapes our culture. I am grateful for – and proud of – the hard work and dedication of the Academy’s board, our partners, and our passionate staff. With Ed [Warm] stepping in as chair, I am confident we are in the best hands to guide our organization to new heights.” Warm remarks, “I have greatly enjoyed my involvement with the Academy and am looking forward to carrying the torch from Duane. I’m proud to work with the many talented industry people who volunteer their time for our artists, industry, and fans.” ….. Adult contemporary WLDR “101.9 – Northern Michigan’s Music Leader,” Traverse City joins Blarney Stone Broadcasting rock sibling WQON “Q-100,” Grayling (Michigan) as an affiliate on the Detroit Lions radio network. Blarney Stone Broadcasting president/chief executive officer Sheryl Coyne notes, “We know how important Detroit Lions football is to their passionate fan base in Northern Michigan; we’re proud to be able to deliver all the games in such professional broadcasts.”
Rasberry Receives MIW “Airblazer Award.” Longtime co-host of YEA Networks’ syndicated “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” Kellie Rasberry, was honored with the 2019 MIW “Airblazer Award” during the 31st annual Talentmasters Morning Show Bootcamp (MSBC). Radio Advertising Board president/chief executive officer Erica Farber made the presentation. Now in its fifth year, the MIW “Airblazer Award” stems from an alliance formed between the MIW Group and MSBC and honors a deserving on-air radio personality. In addition to her work as co-host of “The Kidd Kraddick 
Morning Show,” Rasberry co-hosts (with her husband, Allen Evans) the weekly podcast, “A Sandwich and Some Lovin.’” She is on the board of directors of Kidd’s Kids, a non-profit organization that takes children with life-altering conditions to all-expenses paid trips to Disney World with their family. After more than two decades in radio, Rasberry has won several “Favorite Female Radio Personality of the Year” awards. She was a co-host on Fox Television’s “Dish Nation,” “Love Letters with Matthew & Kellie,” and webcast of the “Blockbuster Entertainment Awards.” During “Women of Radio Week,” she co-hosted “Live! With Regis.” Pictured (left to right) are Farber, Rasberry, and 2018 MIW “Airblazer Award” honoree Mercedes Martinez of Entercom Las Vegas hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1.”
July 2019 PPM Data. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for Boston, Miami, and Seattle. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three markets.
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO, which nets +1.5 via seven successive positive or neutral trends (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6, 6+). Moreover, July’s impressive +.9 propels “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” all the way into the top ten (#12 to #8), with 3.6 (6+) surpassing November 2014’s 3.3. Up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (.4 – .5 – .6, June and July, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” repeats at #26.
The combined sports talk share of this sports crazy market’s two high-powered FMs deflates by -2.4 (June 2019 – July 2019, 6+) with Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM absorbing 75% of that hit (5.6 – 3.8, fourth to seventh, 6+). Nine recent shifts for “98.5 The Sports Hub” include: +.9 (October 2018); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); -1.4 (June); and July’s whopping -1.8. “The Sports Hub” is the lead station of the Stanley Cup runner-up Bruins; Super Bowl champion New England Patriots; and the Celtics. The month-to-month drop-off for Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM is one-third that of “The Sports Hub” (3.9 – 3.3, -.6, 6+); the flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox flagship slips from eighth to tenth. Sample shifts for WEEI-FM include: -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); +.6 (April); and -.6 (July).
WBZ-AM is truly locked on 5.0 (6+), as that is what “News Radio 1030” logs for the fifth successive month. The iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid progresses from sixth to fifth; it was +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+).
By regaining the one-tenth it lost in June (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR returns to the top ten (#11 to #9, 6+), while WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH repeats June’s 6+ AQH share (2.2) and market rank (#16).
Boston Music Formats – Not only does Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR replicate June’s increase of six-tenths (7.6 – 8.2 – 8.8, 6+), “105.7 – 80s & More” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. When WROR dropped two-tenths in May, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (January, 7.3, and February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March and April, 7.8 – both times, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); WROR (June, 8.2 and July, 8.8, 6+). At the same time that iHeartMedia-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” improves by six-tenths (2.1 – 2.7, #17 to #13, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” regresses by seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.0, seventh to sixth, 6+). A June loss of three-tenths by “The Bull” ended six successive sweeps without a loss that netted six-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+). This is the highest 6+-share for “The Bull” since August 2017 (2.7, as well). “Country 102.5, meanwhile was a cumulative +1.3 in four straight “Holiday 2018 through April 2019 bumps (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). In four consecutive positive spikes, Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV gained a collective nine-tenths (1.8 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+), but “92.5 The River – Boston’s Independent Radio” forfeits six-tenths to 2.1 (#12 to #17, 6+). Up a combined-eight-tenths in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” forfeits one-half share to 6.4 (6+) but continues in third-place. June’s 6.9 was its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. Albeit a collective -1.2 in six straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” improves from #19 to #18. In the market’s CHR arena, iHeartMedia’s aforementioned WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” is a combined -.7 in June/July (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+) but repeats in the runner-up slot. A one-half share increase in May took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is down or flat the sixth straight time for a net loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1, #17 to #16, 6+).
Miami
English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio
620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” has lost just two-tenths and carries on at #18 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+).
Seven successive sweeps without a loss yielded three-tenths for Entercom’s WAXY (.6 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .9 – .9, 6+), but “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” is off one-tenth in July to .8 (#25 to #26, 6+). Co-owned WQAM – which recently rebranded from “Sports Radio 560” to “560 The Joe” – has a January 2019 through July 2019 topline of .6 – .5 – .7 – .5 – .6 – .5 – 6 (#29 to #30, 6+).
While it remains at #20, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN falters by four-tenths to 1.9 (6+), thus snapping four straight up or flat reports that produced a net gain of two-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – Without an increase the last three ratings periods and down three-tenths in that March through June stretch (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary WMIB “103.5 The Beat” ends the slide with a +.6 to 3.2 (6+) and jumps from #16 to #12. This is its best 6+-showing since December 2018 (3.2, as well). In four straight drops, Spanish contemporary sibling WZTU was a collective -1.7 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+). “Tu 94.9” pulls the plug in July though by picking up three tenths to 3.7 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). June’s 3.4 was its weakest 6+-stat since October 2017 (3.4, as well). Flat at #15, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7,” which had faltered by seven-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+), gains one-tenth to 2.8 (6+). Miami’s pacesetter the seventh consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1,” follows June’s increase of eight-tenths with a July loss of three-tenths (6.8 – 7.6 – 7.3, 6+). Eight-tenths has been a common fluctuation recently for “Easy” as it was down eight-tenths in February; up by that magnitude in March; and up again by eight-tenths in June. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Following three up or flat trends in succession that netted nine-tenths (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WFLC returns roughly half that increase with a one-half share decline to 3.3 (6+). As a result, “Hits 97.3” exits the top ten (#9 to #11); June’s 3.8 was its highest 6+-share since December 2017’s 4.0. “Hits 97.3” responded to March’s one-tenth loss with an April increase of six-tenths. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” recaptures half of June’s loss of four-tenths (2.6 – 2.8, +.2, 6+) and advances from #16 to #15. When “Y-100” added one-tenth in March, it curtailed five straight reports without an increase for a collective setback of nine-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). WHYI posted a half-share increase in May. Even though Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF picks up one-tenth to 5.5 (6+), thus suspending four straight sweeps without an increase that led to an overall -1.2 (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+), “101.5 Lite FM” slips to #4. It had been in third-place the past four months. Anchored at #7, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” is a collective -1.1 through six straight negative or neutral moves (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ is -1.1 in five straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) as “El Zol 106.7” falls from eighth to ninth.
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing the three-tenths it dropped in June (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM remains in fifth-place. Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is up a cumulative one-half share in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.2 – 1.2, 1.4 – 1.7, flat at #22, 6+). This comes directly after losing roughly 43% (-.9) of its 6+-stat due to three straight down or flat trends (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). In five successive negative or neutral reports, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” has lost more than half (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share since February (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, #24 to #26, 6+).
Bonneville sports talk/Mariners’ flagship KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” is a collective -1.3 in three straight drops (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0, #13 to #14, 6+). With its 6+ stat sliced by more than 60% (-.9) via four consecutive slips (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” falls from #27 to #28.
For the third time in the last four sweeps, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO logs a 2.8 (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8, #16 to #15, 6+).
This calendar year, Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW has ranked #1 (January, February, and March); #2 (April); #1 (May); #3 (June); and now #2 (5.6 – 5.5, -.1, July 2019, 6+).
Seattle Music Formats – June’s first-place tie is broken with an exclamation point. Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” dials up a July uptick of nine-tenths and has the top spot all to itself. At the same time, Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders eight-tenths (6.1 – 5.3, 6+) and segues from that first-place tie to #3. Thus, the two stations that were locked together in June are now separated by nearly two full-shares. There’s much more to the story though as KZOK is an impressive +3.3 owing to eight straight bumps (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of this positive run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). A collective -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), KQMV applied the brakes in June with a gain of one-tenth. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. Tacking on six-tenths to July’s boost of eight-tenths (3.7 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM Playing What We Want” jumps from sixth to fourth. Moreover, Seattle’s version of “Jack” reaches the five-share threshold (5.1, 6+) for the first time in nearly ten years (5.0, October 2009). Not only has Hubbard Broadcasting’s KNUC more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), “New Country 98.9 The Bull” enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Furthermore, it leapfrogs Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country,” which erases May’s +.9 with June/July’s combined -.9 (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#6 to #12). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, “The Wolf” was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Bustos Media regional Mexican KDDS “99.3 La Gran D” pops on with a .7 (6+) and checks in at #26. Not only does a loss of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+) by Entercom’s KISW curtail three consecutive positive spikes that produced a +1.1 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5 4.8, 6+), “Rock 99.9” fades from the top ten (#4 to #11). This is the third month in a row that Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” (4.5 – 4.4, -.1, flat at #6, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KRWM “Warm 106.9” (4.4 – 4.3, -.1, ninth to eighth, 6+) are separated by one-tenth. Prior to eroding by -1.1 in April, “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Entering the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. Without an increase the seventh time in a row for a collective -2.3 (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” is now in a four-way tie at #15.
Talk Radio Pioneer Mike Siegel is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Veteran conservative/libertarian talk radio personality Mike Siegel is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Siegel, a former private practicing attorney and school teacher, currently syndicated by Genesis Communications Network (GCN), was one of the early broadcasters to emerge in the late-eighties post-Fairness Doctrine period described by Harrison as “the modern era of talk radio.” During that 
period, Siegel – who hosted shows on such stations as KING and KVI in Seattle – was, according to Harrison, “the quintessential, local, muckraker aggressively holding local politicians, government and big corporations accountable for their actions.” Harrison and Siegel, whose latest book is titled Airing the Wave: Talk Radio at the Dawn of the Digital Era (Page Publishing, 2016), informally chat about the changes talk radio has experienced through the years as it has evolved from the analog era into the digital age, not to mention the transitional state of journalism itself. 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 and on every page of Talkers.com.
Monday, August 5, 2019
Radio HOF Announces “Class of 2019.” The nine newest members of the Radio Hall of Fame who will be inducted at a November 8 ceremony in New York City’s Gotham Hall are: Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton; Harry Harrison; Kevin Ryder & Gene “Bean” Baxter (“Kevin & Bean”); Joe Madison; Jim Rome; Ryan Seacrest; John Tesh; and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Radio HOF chair Kraig Kitchin remarks, “I am especially proud to welcome these individuals into the Radio Hall of Fame. Their on-air performances and audience relationships are especially remarkable. Each of our 2019 nominees [is] worthy of induction. I’m appreciative of all those who participated in our process of selecting our Class of 2019, who will join the 238 Radio Hall of
Fame inductees already recognized for their great work.” Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton does afternoon drive on iHeartMedia New York rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” and his “Weekly Top 30 Countdown” is syndicated by Premiere Networks. Harry Harrison (“Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years”) was a mainstay New York City morning talent on WMCA, WABC, and WCBS-FM. Kevin and Bean (“Active Local/Regional, 10+ years”) have been overseeing mornings on Entercom Los Angeles alternative KROQ. Joe Madison – “The Black Eagle” – is heard on SiriusXM’s “Urban View” channel. Jim Rome (“Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years”), whose show was called a “freaking jungle” by a listener – and the term stuck – airs on CBS Sports Radio. Ryan Seacrest’s multi-platforms include mornings on iHeartMedia Los Angeles CHR KIIS “Kiss-FM” and Premiere Networks’ “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” and “American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest.” John Tesh (“Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years”) hosts Compass Media Networks-syndicated “Intelligence For Your Life.” Meanwhile, “The Dr. Ruth Show” was heard on NBC Radio and she hosted “Sexually Speaking” on New York City’s WYNY. Four inductees were determined by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. Another four were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, two with input from the public. The outcome of the listener vote for a music format and spoken-word format on-air personality counted as one vote among the committee votes. The Radio HOF voting process was administered by Votem and overseen by the certified public accounting firm Miller Kaplan Arase LLP.
Monday Memo: “Hollywood,” Co-starring AM Radio. The Los Angeles Times calls “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” “the year’s first surefire Oscar Best Picture nominee.” And the soundtrack — assembled after writer/director Quentin Tarantino listened to 14 hours of 1969 KHJ airchecks — may also grab a statuette. In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke’s panel explains what made radio so “sticky” then, and what it would take to reclaim the foreground on today’s crowded audio landscape. Read his column here.
Karem’s Press Pass Suspended. The White House Correspondents Association is “closely monitoring” the White House press
secretary’s decision to suspend for 30 days the pass of CNN political analyst Brian Karem. Association president Jonathan Karl states, “We sincerely hope this White House does not again make the mistake of revoking a reporter’s hard pass. The WHCA has stood up to violations of due process rights before and we stand ready to safeguard those rights for all reporters who work to hold our government accountable.” CNN’s Brian Stelter reports the suspension letter Karem received specifically cited the confrontation he got into with former Trump aide/Salem Radio Networks talk host Sebastian Gorka at the White House social media summit a few weeks ago. Via Twitter, Gorka writes, “From this day forth the punk @BrianKarem will be called Brian Karma.” Meanwhile, on that same social media platform, Karem notes that he intends to appeal the White House’s decision. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison spoke with Gorka moments after that summit wrapped. That conversation is archived here on the TALKERS website (Friday, July 12, 2019).
Beasley Broadcast Group Q2 Net Revenue Increases 6.5%. The $4 million (6.5%) year-over-year gain (to $65.7 million) during the three months ended June 30 reflects increased revenue in Beasley Broadcast Group’s Philadelphia cluster, primarily due to the September 2018 acquisition of country WXTU, and increased revenue from its Boston stations. Net revenue for the three months ended June 30 was comparable to net revenue
for the same period in 2018 at the company’s other clusters. Chief executive officer Caroline Beasley comments, “The strategic and financial benefits of our initiatives to further expand and diversify Beasley’s broadcast and digital platform are evident in our second-quarter financial results and further highlights the progress we are making to reinforce and grow Beasley’s leadership position across all audio platforms in our markets. Record second-quarter net revenue of $65.7 million was driven by the strength of our station clusters in three of our top five largest revenue markets, as well as contributions from recent acquisitions and more than offset approximately $1 million in combined political and United States Traffic Network (USTN) revenue recorded in the comparable 2018 period, which was non-recurring in 2019.” In June, Beasley Broadcast Group entered into a definitive agreement with Urban One to acquire Detroit’s WDMK and three translators used to broadcast WDMK’s HD2 signal for $13.5 million. Caroline Beasley notes, “This transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Beasley’s free cash flow, excluding one-time transaction costs. The acquisition of WDMK-FM and the WDMK-HD2 translators represent a strategically and financially compelling growth opportunity for our shareholders and further enhances our revenue and competitive position in Detroit with a strong cluster of four FM stations in the country’s thirteenth largest market.”
iHM Hikes Hyland to Region President/Washington & Baltimore. Most recently region senior vice president of sales and market president for iHeartMedia Washington D.C./Baltimore, Aaron Hyland is elevated to region president of those two markets. He succeeds Mike Preacher, who becomes president for government initiatives and partnerships for iHeartMedia Markets Group. Preacher will report to iHeartMedia Markets Group president Greg Ashlock, while Hyland will report to iHeartMedia west division president Kevin LeGrett. According to Ashlock, “With Aaron, we are fortunate to have someone so
talented, experienced and knowledgeable of the area to make the natural progression to the role of region president. With Mike, we are grateful for the amazing job he has done leading our D.C./Baltimore region and excited about the incredible wealth of experience and success he brings to the table in managing our government initiatives and partnership division. This is a win-win.” Hyland, who began his radio career as local sales manager for iHeartMedia Albany (New York), comments, “The iHeartMedia Washington D.C. region has a strong presence in both Washington and Baltimore with advertisers throughout the community. I’m excited to build on our success here, giving our advertisers efficient and effective marketing solutions as well as providing our listeners the best programming and content.” Preacher notes, “I’m very proud of the work we’ve done in the Washington D.C. region. Aaron has been instrumental to our growth and I am highly confident that he and the team will enjoy continued success. Regarding my role moving forward, we have very high growth expectations for our government initiatives and partnerships division. I am looking forward to resourcing and spearheading the team’s efforts.” The iHM DC cluster consists of news/talk WONK, adult contemporary WASH, country WMZQ, CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5,” alternative WWDC “DC-101,” and WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock,” while its Baltimore owned-and-operated stations are CHR WZFT “Z-104.3,” adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM,” WPOC “93.1 Baltimore’s Country Station,” and gospel WCAO “Heaven 600.”
2020 Local Political Advertising to Top $6.5 Billion. That’s the estimate from BIA Advisory Services, which forecasts over-the-air television will earn the majority of the spending (47% or $3.08 billion). That compares to just over $312 million (4.8%) for radio. Meanwhile, online/digital outlets will receive $1.37 billion (21%), while multichannel video programming
distributors are expected to rake in $919 million (14%). The balance will go to other media. BIA Advisory Services chief economist/senior vice president Mark Fratrik opines, “It is going to be a very interesting political year. Some very large markets will not see much in political advertising while some small markets will see an extraordinary amount of advertising due to competitive gubernatorial, senate and house races along with the presidential election. Campaigns will continue to rely on television as a dominant platform for advertising while supplementing with digital advertising across mobile and desktop. In some smaller markets, one thing to keep an eye on is how the huge volume of political advertising could crowd out other local advertisers during primary and general election seasons. That may have an impact on advertisers and media companies. We will certainly factor that into our forecasting as we go through the fall.” It is believed that the three top local political revenue generating markets will be Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Philadelphia. In each market, TV OTA will receive more than $130 million in advertising with online/digital ad spend getting over 25% of the total spend.
Hart Heads to Albuquerque. Former six-year Entercom Philadelphia news/talk WPHT program director Jared Hart relocates to Albuquerque to become AM operations manager for Cumulus Media’s news/talk KKOB-AM (which he will program), sports talk KNML “The Sports Animal,” and business talk KTBL. Cumulus Media Albuquerque vice president/market manager Jeff Berry comments, “Jared brings the experience, skill, and vision to lead our three AM stations – including the legendary KKOB-AM – back to a position of market dominance. We are so excited for him to join our team and help guide our cluster to new heights.” Hart adds, “I’m excited by the opportunity to join the passionate and forward-thinking team at Cumulus Albuquerque. It’s hard to overstate the power and impact of KKOB-AM and ‘The Sports Animal’ across New Mexico and the potential for KTBL. I’m honored to help drive the future success of these great stations and can’t wait to jump in.” Prior to his tenure at WPHT, Hart was assistant program director for Cumulus Media San Francisco news/talk siblings KGO and KSFO.
Four Staffers Added to Westwood One Podcast Network. Joining Cumulus Media-owned Westwood One Podcast Network are senior producer, core content Madena Parwana; senior producer, development Lou Pellegrino; audio mixing engineer/studio technician Rebekah Wineman; and associate producer Sarah McCrory. All four will report to executive editor John Wordock, who comments, “This latest round of hiring further demonstrates Westwood One’s commitment to quality and scale as we grow our podcast business and serve our extraordinary partners and content providers. Madena, Lou, Rebekah, and Sarah have diverse and distinctive skillsets that will greatly contribute to the success and evolution of podcasting at Westwood One.” Parwana will help manage and produce podcasts that cover news, lifestyle and entertainment, sports, and business/money. She previously was a producer in the global radio division of Bloomberg LP, where she produced Bloomberg’s “Masters in Business” and “The Business of Sports” podcasts. Parwana was also senior podcast producer and co-host of “Unique Radio with Will Castro.” Pellegrino will manage and assess in-bound podcast pitches as well as help to develop pilots and shows. He formerly was executive producer of podcasts for Cadence 13 where he produced “The Woj Pod” and was involved with “Pod Save America.” In addition, Pellegrino was a producer for NBC Sports Radio and worked as a freelance producer for “The Dan Patrick Show” and MSG Networks. Wineman will support post-production, sound quality, field engineering, and studio maintenance. She previously worked as an audio engineer for The Wall Street Journal, where she mixed the “What’s News” podcast. Wineman served as a mixing and mastering engineer for NPR’s “Latino USA” and “In the Thick.” McCrory will support hosts, help edit and produce shows, and book guests. Before joining Westwood One, she worked as a production coordinator and podcast coordinator for Fox News Channel in New York City and Washington, DC, working on the podcasts “Livin’ the Bream” and “The Fox News Rundown.”
TALKERS News Notes. Sports reporter/anchor Carol Maloney joins Cumulus Media Washington DC’s WSBN-AM “ESPN 630” for 10:00 am – 12:00 noon duty. Cumulus Washington, DC program director Bill Hess states, “I’ve admired Carol’s energy, passion, and journalism since we first worked together a dozen years ago. Her relationships with the players, coaches, reporters, and sports fans in our town are unmatched.” Maloney notes, “I couldn’t be more thrilled and thankful for this opportunity. I’ve spent most of my career in the nation’s capital passionately following and covering the sports teams in town. Luckily, I’ve made a lot of friends and contacts along the way and will be calling on all of them.” Maloney has worked for Comcast SportsNet and NBC Sports Washington. She continues as a field reporter/show host for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) on Washington Nationals telecasts. “The Carol Maloney Show” debuts tomorrow (Tuesday, 8/6) ….. Miami’s WQAM “Sports Radio 560” rebrands as “560 The Joe.” While the Entercom sports talk outlet is the flagship of the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and University of Miami Hurricanes, its weekday lineup is taking more of a national lean: SportsCenter All Night (1:00 am – 5:00 am); First & Last with Jason Fitz (5:00 am – 6:00 am); The Joe Rose Show with Zach Krantz (6:00 am – 10:00 am); Dan Le Batard with Stugotz (10:00 am – 1:00 pm); Stephen A. Smith (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm); Hoch & Crowder (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); “Best of ‘560 The Joe’” (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm); Spain & Company (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm); and Freddie & Fitzsimmons (9:00 pm – 1:00 am). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WAXY “AM 790 The Ticket” is the key station of the NBA’s Miami Heat. Its on-air roster includes: Amy Lawrence (2:00 am – 6:00 am); Tobin, Leroy, & The Beast (6:00 am – 10:00 am); Zaslow & Amber (10:00 am – 2:00 pm); Hoch & Crowder (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm); Zack Duarte (6:00 pm – 10:00 pm); and Scott Ferrall (10:00 pm – 2:00 am).
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At a time when high-profile stations such as WPLJ, New York; WRQX, Washington, DC; and WYAY, Atlanta (among others) are flipping to contemporary Christian, Tucson is losing a religious-geared outlet. Specifically, Tucson Radio LLC officially closes on its $650,000 purchase of KFLT “AM 830” & K269FV Oro
Valley (Arizona) from Family Life Broadcasting and transitions it to “The Drive” (pending calls KDRI), an “original format” of music and local, live personalities. The ownership team of Arizona-based Tucson Radio, which has no other broadcast interests, is longtime Tucson businessman and community activist Fletcher McCusker (board chair); Bobby Rich (president); and Jim Arnold (general manager). McCusker is the only one without extensive radio or broadcast background. According to Arnold, who has nearly 40 years of experience in Tucson radio and TV stations, “The Drive” will debut commercial-free as he begins hiring a sales staff this week. Today’s 6:00 am launch (Monday, 8/5) follows stunting as “The Worm,” a mix of novelty 
songs. With a catalogue of over 2,000 songs, “The Drive” is designed to appeal to baby boomers and originates 24/7 broadcasting from downtown Tucson. Its FM signal is heard throughout the Tucson valley, while the 830 AM signal carries from the Mexican border to Phoenix. Rich tells RadioInfo/TALKERS, “This has been developing for more than eight months; I recently realized I’ve never done a total build from scratch. I have gone back-and-forth from high anxiety to beyond thrilled of building something new, from concept to call-letters to months sorting song lists to finding talent before I could tell them what it was or what it would sound like. We didn’t buy studios or broadcast equipment – just a pair of transmitters and a tower rental agreement. Everything was kept confidential, which was extremely difficult. Some of the staff just learned the branding and what titles are in the library. We’re in empty offices working from a temporary studio while the real studios are being built across the hall. It is crazy, fun stuff. I’m more than a little overwhelmed but so happy. It’s a dream come true for all of us – a chance to select our own music and manage content that matters to Tucson and have incredible fun while making great radio. It’s crazy to start a new radio station, but we are just crazy enough and have the passion-to make it work.” Immediately prior to his 25-year tenure as program director/morning drive host at Tucson adult contemporary KMXZ “Mix 94,” Rich was vice president/general manager/morning show talent for Seattle’s KMGI. His voluminous resume also includes programming stops in New York City (WXLO “99-X”); Los Angeles (KHTZ “K-Hits 97”); Philadelphia (WWSH); San Diego (KFMB-FM “B-100,” where he famously formulated the “Rich Brothers”); and director/programming consultation for Drake-Chenault. Rich worked on-air in Los Angeles at KHJ and KFI, as well as WMYQ, Miami. The on-air lineup for “The Drive” is comprised of Rich and Hill Bailey (morning drive); former program director of cross-town CHR KRQQ Ken Carr (mid-days); Mike Esparza (afternoon drive); and onetime Bobby Rich intern Tyler Russell (nights). Evan Carlson-headed, Arizona not-for-profit corporation Family Life owns stations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Kalil & Co. brokered the transaction ….. While retaining its “Que Buena 92.7” identity, Univision Radio
New York’s WQBU transitions from regional Mexican to Spanish AC. Core artists will include Chayanne, Juan Gabriel, Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Iglesias, Jose Jose, Ricky Martin, Luis Miguel, Laura Pausini, and Shakira. Univision Radio New York president and general manager Roberto Yanez comments, “We are excited to launch a format that reflects distinct tastes of the Latino community in the Tri-State area. By reformatting our audio portfolio to include the only Spanish AC station in the region, we are able to give our audience more of the music they love, whether they’re listening at home, at work, or during their commute.” Its adjusted on-air lineup now includes: Mildre Aquino (6:00 am – 10:00 am); El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo (10:00 am – 2:00 pm); Jose Luis Arcos (2:00 pm – 7:00 pm); Cesar Lozano (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm); and El Free-Guey with La Bronca (8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight). Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 New York City report, WQBU ranks #34 (.3); it is #37 in Long Island (.2, 6+, June 2019) ….. One-year KVIL, Dallas “Alt 103.7” morning talent Jenn Marino exits the Entercom alternative outlet. Marino formerly co-hosted Premiere Networks’ Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx. Her other on-air credits include Baltimore outlets WHFS “Alternative 99.1”; WWMX, “Mix 106.5”; and WIYY “98 Rock,” as well as KRXO, Oklahoma 
City …. Launched in 2018, YEA Networks’ “Tino Cochino Radio” debuts next Monday morning (8/12, 6:00 am – 10:00 am) on Kemp Broadcasting Las Vegas CHR KVGQ “Q-106.9.” Hosted by Tino Cochino, Raquel, and DJ Nicasio, the show is now heard in more than 40 markets. KVGQ program director Gabriela “Lady g.” Loredon comments, “I’m excited to welcome Tino and the TCR team to our ‘Q-106.9’ family. TCR is the perfect fit for mornings here in Vegas and can’t wait to win” ….. American Idol winner Maddie Poppe and Whitney Woerz are among those scheduled to appear at the third annual “Survive Live” concert presented by Entercom Madison hot AC WMHX “Mix 105.1.” The October 3rd event will raise money for breast cancer awareness ….. “I’m Roger 
Carroll and I play records.” For 20 years (1959 – 1979), listeners of Los Angeles’ once powerhouse KMPC heard Kolman Carroll Rutkin begin his “R.C. Get Together” that way; the 90-year-Carroll died last week in Long Beach, California. Andrew Rutkin notes that his father “lived an amazing life; was surrounded by family; and his passing was peaceful.” The son of Eastern Europe immigrants, Roger Carroll was born in Baltimore in 1928 and moved away at 15 to work as an announcer at Frederick, Maryland’s WFMD. After World War ll, he relocated to Los Angeles, and at age 18, became the youngest announcer ever on the ABC Radio Network. Carroll, who worked at Los Angeles’ KABC from 1946 – 1959, became executive producer of the “Lawrence Welk Radio Show” in 1981 and owned KWIP, Salem (Oregon), a station he sold in 1991. For many years, he was the off-camera voice for such TV shows as “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” “Bonanza,” “The Danny Thomas Show,” and “Tony Orlando and Dawn.” In 2017, he started a streaming internet station, Roger Carroll’s Best Sounds in Town.” Commenting about his father, Andrew Rutkin states, “We will all miss him terribly. I’ll especially miss his wealth of stories and his amazing talent for mucking up his computer.”
Charlamagne Tha Guest. A number of the 2020 presidential candidates have made Premiere Networks’ “The Breakfast Club” a must-stop on their campaign trail. Last week, the show’s Charlamagne Tha God made the media rounds himself, appearing on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (the two are shown here) and CNN’s “OutFront” with Erin Burnett. Among other things, he talked about how the Democrats performed in the recent debates; who his favorite candidate is so far; and how he approaches interviews. Originating from iHeartMedia New York urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1,” the 4.5-hour “Breakfast Club” features Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee.
Friday, May 17, 2019
TALKERS CONVENTION UPDATE: Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Nearing a Sellout! The 22nd annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention is on the verge of being sold out. The final deadline for registrations being accepted is one week from today – Friday, May 24 at 5:00 pm ET. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “In order to maintain the intimacy and effectiveness of this heritage event, it must be open only to members of the media industries and be in a special type of venue with limited seating and capacity. We have resisted the impulse to grow this event beyond that level of efficiency. That is one of the reasons it is so popular and has enjoyed such amazing longevity.” To obtain registration information and avoid being shut out before the deadline, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. For an up to the minute agenda, please click here.
Trinity Broadcasting Adds Eric Metaxas’ Radio Show. Starting today (5/17), Salem Radio Network’s “The Eric Metaxas Radio Show” will have a half-hour “Best of” 
component that will be seen on cable each Friday at 6:00 pm on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. The television version will be repeated Sundays at 10:30 
pm. Salem Broadcast president Dave Santrella remarks that Trinity Broadcasting has “proven to be a great partner in this unique venture. We are delighted to see this show develop into a regular weekend program seen across the country on the TBN cable platform.” Salem Radio Network senior vice president Phil Boyce comments, “We are delighted to see some of Eric’s interviews reach an even bigger audience through TBN’s platform, where more people will get a chance to enjoy his wit, wisdom, and unique personality.” Meanwhile, TBN president Matt Crouch adds that Metaxas’ show “brings a unique depth and flair to TBN’s programming lineup. Eric’s longstanding reputation as a man of both faith and intellect is a perfect fit for TBN’s growing broadcast team of thought and faith leaders.” Yale University grad Metaxas is the founder/host of the New York City-based event series “Socrates in the City: Conversations on the Examined Life” and has been hosting his Salem radio show since 2015.
Meyer Named Entravision Chief Revenue and Product Officer. It will be a homecoming for Karl Alonso Meyer who – effective immediately – becomes Entravision Communications’ chief revenue and product officer. Entravision chair/chief executive officer Walter
F. Ulloa comments, “We are delighted to welcome Karl back 
to Entravision. With his vast experience, strong leadership skills, and extensive knowledge of the company, he is the ideal candidate to drive our sales and revenue initiatives.” Meyer adds, “Entravision is like a second home to me. Having the chance to rejoin the company in this critical role is an exciting opportunity. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back and working again with the talented Entravision team. The media landscape is constantly changing and I look forward to bringing a unique perspective that will help the business continue its success.” Los Angeles-based Meyer first joined Entravision in 2004 and spent ten years with the company as vice president/general manager of its Los Angeles radio outlets and later as executive vice president/integrated marketing solutions for the western region.
Steve ‘The Big Dog’ Duemig Passes. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in February 2017, Steve “The Big Dog” Duemig, 64, died yesterday morning (Thursday, 5/16). Up until approximately 15 months ago, Duemig did afternoon drive for iHeartMedia Tampa sports talk WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio.” A posting on the station’s website notes, “WDAE is mourning the loss of sports radio icon Steve ‘The Big Dog’ Duemig. WDAE and iHeartMedia Tampa Bay would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of ‘The Big Dog,’ Steve Duemig.” Before joining WDAE in 1996, Duemig spent five years at cross-town WFNS. For two years, he was the color analyst for the Tampa Bay Lightning. In addition, Duemig hosted a weekly call-in program on Fox Sports Radio, and the 13-year PGA golfer co-hosted a program on The Golf Channel.
TALKERS News Notes. One of the strongest voices in liberal/progressive talk radio – Bill Press – is pulling the plug on his daily morning 
show after a 14-year run. His last program will air in two weeks (5/31). While Press concludes his syndicated radio platform, he’ll begin podcasting next month, reportedly with a focus on the Democratic primaries. To his more than 32,000 Twitter followers, the 79-year-old Press wrote, “In case you missed it: We’ve had a great 14-year run of daily shows, but it’s time to transition. Don’t worry – my voice will still be front and center as we enter the 2020 election. Big news coming soon.” ….. Deputy Washington editor Shirley Henry is promoted to NPR’s chief Washington editor. She joined NPR five years ago as senior Washington desk editor and was boosted to deputy Washington editor in 2015. NPR News executive editor Edith Chapin notes, “As we further ramp up our election work while staying focused on the current administration, Shirley is poised to lead the team to break stories and provide the daily reporting, enterprise, and context our audience has come to expect. Her multi-platform experience meshed perfectly with the desk leadership in adopting a story first approach to reporting.” Henry has a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University and dual Bachelor’s degrees from Boston University in Journalism and International Relations. Henry served as lead editor for White House 
coverage and was co-editor of the “NPR Politics” podcast. She previously worked at CNN‘s Washington bureau ….. Through its broadcasting agreement with Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN), SiriusXM will 
air coverage of tomorrow’s (Saturday, 5/18) Preakness Stakes from Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course. The Preakness is the second jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. The satcaster airs all Triple Crown races, as well as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The wire-to-wire race broadcast of the Preakness is provided by NBC Sports Radio and produced in partnership with HRRN and Westwood One. Later today (Friday, 5/17) at 3:00 pm (ET), SiriusXM will air HRRN’s broadcast of the 95th Black-Eyed Susan Stakes….. The 15th biennial CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer tournament will air live on Entravision Communications’ radio and television stations from (Saturday) June 15 through (Sunday) July 7. Entravision president/chief
operating officer Jeffery Liberman states, “We are only a month away from the start of the biggest soccer tournament being played in the United States. Bottom line: If you’re a soccer fan, you’re watching the Gold Cup. Besides being the most-seen sport around the world, it features teams our audiences follow. That’s powerful and provides an amazing opportunity for our advertisers.” Founded in 1991, the Gold Cup is an international FIFA soccer tournament. With teams from 16 countries participating, this will be the largest Gold Cup ever. The tournament will feature the four highest-ranked nations based on the CONCACAF Ranking Index: the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Entravision’s live coverage includes 
24 games on 17 of its radio stations in 14 markets ….. For the third day in a row,TALKERS has an item regarding Bubba The Love Sponge and this time, it comes directly from the source. On his Facebook page, BTLS notes that he “couldn’t come up with a deal” to continue airing his show on Genesis Communications Tampa news/talk WWBA “AM 820 Gotta Know Now,” so he recommends Tampa Bay fans listen to the show online ….. While terms were not immediately disclosed, Alpha Media agrees to acquire Gray Television Amarillo’s Spanish adult hits KEYU. An application is being filed with the FCC for the transfer. In Amarillo, Alpha Media already owns news/talk KGNC-AM, KGNC-FM “Amarillo’s Country 97.9,” and classic hits-oldies KXGL “100.9 The Eagle.” Kalil & Co. brokered the transaction for both parties.
TALKERS Week in Review Radio Show for Monday, May 13 – Friday, May 17 Now Posted. The latest installment of the new weekly one-hour radio program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation” is now posted. Guest this week include: Kevin Casey of TALKERS; Jim Blasingame, host of the Small Business Advocate radio show; Sid Rosenberg, morning show co-host of WABC, New York; award-winning journalist, Donna Francavilla, president of Alabama Media Professionals; and nationally syndicated host, Lars Larson of Compass Media Networks. To listen to the show, please click here.
U.S.- China Trade War Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 13-17. The tariffs the U.S. and China are placing on each other’s exports and the financial markets’ reactions were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, occupying the top spot on the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Mueller Report aftermath and the subpoena of Donald Trump, Jr. Coming in at #3 was the new Alabama abortion law and the threat to Roe v Wade, followed by the 2020 presidential race and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s entrance into the Democratic primary at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Mike McVay Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Longtime radio industry programmer, executive, and consultant Mike McVay, who after eight years is leaving his position as EVP/content and programming for Cumulus Media at the end of June to re-launch his consultation firm, McVay Media, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne presentation “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison and McVay engage in a candid conversation about the events that led to his leaving Cumulus by his own choice as well as his views on the
future of that company, the state of radio ratings methodology, advertising agency practices, operating on a playing field with multiple distribution points, the care and nurturing of talent in this new era, significant differences between music and talk radio and opportunities and challenges inherent in radio station ownership going forward. 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 and on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Regional senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Kentucky-Indiana region, Michael Jordan, adds duties as band coordinator for iHeartCountry. In that capacity, he reports to iHeartCountry 
executive vice president/programming Rod Phillips. Jordan has held several positions at iHeartMedia Louisville and Lexington (Kentucky), including senior vice president/programming; program director for WMAZ, Louisville and WBUL, Lexington; and director of NTR and promotions for iHeartMedia Lexington. His philanthropic involvement includes working with the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital and Lexington Cancer Foundation ….. Two-year Alpha Media Louisville WDJX “99.7 DJX” program director/afternoon drive personality JD Garfield will be leaving the CHR outlet at the end of this month. “I’d like to 
extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the entire staff of talented and amazing individuals at Alpha Media Louisville for giving me the amazing opportunity to stand at the helm of one of the premiere CHR stations in the country,” he comments. “It truly has been a rewarding experience that I’ll never forget.” Garfield joined Alpha Media from Boise Idaho’s KWYD. He previously programmed in Madison (Wisconsin) at WJQM, and was operations manager in Springfield, Missouri at KQRA and KOSP ….. Director of operations/program director Darrin Arriens signs a multi-year contract extension with Entercom Charlotte hot AC WLNK “The Link.” ….. After spending 20 years at Connoisseur Media Long Island adult contemporary WKJY “K-98.3,” afternoon drive talent Jodi Vale exits. “Radio is my first love,” she notes. “I am absolutely not hanging up my beloved headphones.” As I finish up my master’s degree in communications with an emphasis in education, I look forward to teaching future broadcasters in the academic setting.” ….. New to nights/social media director at Albany Broadcasting rhythmic CHR WAJZ “Jamz 96.3” is Alexandra Wurst, who most recently did nights in South Bend (Indiana) at Mid-West Family Broadcasting CHR WQLQ. According to WAJZ operations manager/program director Jon Reilly, “We could not be more excited about this dynamic on-air personality. [Alexandra] has great energy and enthusiasm and we are looking forward to her fresh and unique sound at night.”
April 2019 PPM Data – Part Three. April 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 April 2019 survey period covered March 28 – April 24. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.
Portland
Spoken Word Formats – The nine-tenths’ January/February gain racked up by Alpha Media news/talk KXL (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+) vanishes and becomes a -1.0 in March/April (4.7 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+) as “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” slips from #11 to #13. Up two-tenths (2.1 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” continues at #18. Locked on .9 (6+) in February and March, Alpha Media
news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” picks up one-tenth to 1.0 (#25 to #24, 6+).
Without a loss the fourth successive sweep for a net gain of six-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+), co-owned sports talk KXTG “The Game” carries on at #21. Flat at #23, Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” loses one-tenth in back-to-back reports (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). It is tied with iHeartMedia-owned Portland Trailblazers flagship KPOJ “Sports Radio 620,” which doubles (+.5) its 6+-stat since February (.5 – .8 – 1.0, #26 to #23, 6+) and reaches a one-share (1.0, 6+) for the first time since July 2018’s 1.1.
A combined -2.0 in February/March (9.3 – 7.7 – 7.3, 6+), KOPB erases 30% of the deficit with a +.6 to 7.9 (6+) and remains in the runner-up slot; the Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet had a one-month (January 2019) stay at #1. Ten recent KOPB fluctuations include: +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); +.7 (October); -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.2 (January 2019); -1.6 (February); and +.6 (April).
Portland Music Formats – A stout +3.5 via three consecutive bumps (5.4 – 7.1 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH has that streak snapped by losing three-tenths to 8.6 (6+); however, “106.7 The Eagle” is #1 for the third month in a row. Prior to February, KLTH last reached the eight-share level (6+) nearly eight years ago (May 2011, 8.1, as well). In three straight sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” nets +2.3 and is steady in sixth-place. “The Fish” ranked #18 in January. Conversely, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” is a collective -1.8 in three consecutive down or flat moves (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6, 6+), dropping from #14 to #17. 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. Off four-tenths to 4.6 (fifth to seventh, 6+), Alpha Media’s KBFF “Live 95.5” snaps at three its consecutive string of increases that accounted for a +1.1 (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+). A collective +1.2 in three straight gains (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), cluster-mate KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” falters by three-tenths to 4.2 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Its 4.5 in March is the highest 6+-stat by KUPL since February 2018’s 4.7. After improving by eight-tenths to 4.2, its best 6+-stat since July 2018’s 4.6, Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” surrenders four-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12).
Charlotte
Spoken-Word Formats – Having notched back-to-back gains of four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT is now a combined -.7 in March/April (4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7, #11 to #12, 6+).
In an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2018 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.2, 6+), co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” has lost four-tenths in that stretch; the Charlotte Hornets flagship slips from #18 to #19.
Erasing all but one-tenth of March’s -.6 with an April increase of one-half share (2.3 – 2.8, 6+), University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE advances from #16 to #14. “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” was a combined +1.1 in January/February (1.8 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+). While flat at .3 (6+), South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC drops from #21 to #22.
Charlotte Music Formats – By gaining eight-tenths to 2.0 (#19 to #17, 6+), Davidson College-owned WDAV “89.9 Classical Public Radio” pulls the plug on four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of one-half share (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Country boasts a #1/#2 finish in “The Queen City.” Even though Beasley Media Group’s WSOC returns the two-tenths it gained in March (6.8 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+), “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” repeats in first-place; it was tied for the lead in February. 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. A combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” was +1.2 in January; lost three-tenths in February; but is a combined +.8 in March/April (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3, fourth to second, 6+). Three straight upticks by Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” yield a +1.9 (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.7 – 5.1, ninth to seventh, 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+). Faltering by seven-tenths (each) are urban AC sibling WBAV “V-101.9” (6.2 – 5.5, third to fifth, 6+) with its lowest 6+-stat (5.5) in two years (5.3, April 2017), and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (3.3 – 2.6, #13 to #16, 6+). The five most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake” are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); +.5 (March); and -.5 in April (6.8 – 6.3, flat at #2, 6+). 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.
San Antonio
Spoken-Word Formats – Powered by a +1.1 (4.2 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI zooms from eighth to fourth. In addition, this marks the first time the San Antonio Spurs’ flagship reaches the five-share level (5.3, 6+) 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+). Via three successive up or flat trends, Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” nets three-tenths (1.2 –
1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+) and progresses from #23 to #22.
Finishing at #31 and #32, respectively, are Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” (flat at .4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” (.6 – .3, -.3, 6+).
Down three-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), after a January/February +1.0 (2.7 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX drops from #12 to #15.
San Antonio Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for KQXT “Q-101.9.” The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet bounced back from January’s -10.7 (14.9 – 4.2, 6+) with a February increase of four-tenths; sputtered by six-tenths in March; but racks up a +.8 in April (4.0 – 4.8, ninth to sixth, 6+). Without an increase the past six sweeps for a collective -2.6 (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM Que Buena 92.9” answers with an April +.7 to 3.5 (#16 to #12, 6+). Picking up one-half share (each) are KROM’s rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBBT “98.5 The Beat” (tenth to ninth) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (3.4, #15 to #13, 6+). “The Beat” is up eight-tenths through three straight positive or flat trends (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (4.4) since August 2018’s 4.5. “K-Love” was off three-tenths in February/March (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+). Notwithstanding it has lost 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” repeats at #1. 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. Co-owned KTKX “106.7 The Eagle – San Antonio’s Only Classic Rock,” which netted nine-tenths in February/March (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), forfeits eight-tenths to 4.1 (6+) and drifts from fifth to tenth. Both of the market’s country powerhouses falter by four-tenths in April. Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” slips 6.9 – 6.5 (6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” drops 6.2 – 5.8 (6+). Despite the losses, they continue at #2 and #3, respectively. Recent shifts for “KJ-97” include +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); and –1.9 (March). Meanwhile, “Y-100” has been +.9 (August 2018); -.8 (September); +.9 (November); -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); and -.6 in March.
Sacramento
Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three straight sweeps without an increase, KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” falters by -1.6 (7.6 – 7.0 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. The iHeartMedia-owned news/talk facility was tied for first in January. Returning the four-tenths it gained in March (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+), co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” slips from #14 to #15.
At the same time that Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” adds one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.7 – 8. – .9, #25 to #24, 6+), Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” forfeits one-tenth and has lost four-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .8, #21 to #25, 6+).
December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in the PPM-history of KXJZ, but the Capital Public Radio news/talk outlet follows with five straight decreases for a roughly 50% loss (-3.4) of its 6+-share (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Unchanged at #26, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through April 2019 topline of: .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .7 (6+).
Sacramento Music Formats – Trending 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.7 (January – February – March, 6+), Entercom alternative KKDO “Alt 94.7” breaks out an increase of nine-tenths to 5.6 (eighth to fifth, 6+). A positive spike of one-half share by Entravision rhythmic CHR KHHM takes “Hot 103.5” (#16 to #14) to its highest 6+-share since November 2018 (2.5, as well). Despite being down six-tenths in March/April (8.6 – 8.5 – 8.0, 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). In the lead position for ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December, “The Eagle” faltered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018. Nine 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); and -.5 (April). The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share softens by -1.1, nearly equally divided between iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” (4.3 – 3.7, -.6, ninth to tenth, 6+) and Entercom-owned KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” (-.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+) before dropping two-tenths in March. A combined -7.8 in January/February (13.8 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+), “Mix 96” gained two-tenths in March. After logging three consecutive improvements that yielded an overall +1.4 (4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), Bonneville’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” falters by one-half share to 5.1 (fifth to eighth, 6+). A collective +1.5 in three straight September –October – November – December (2018) gains, KNCI has been -1.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.5 (January 2019); +.8 (February); and -.5 (April). For the 14th successive survey period, Entravision Communications’ similarly-formatted KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” logs a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.5 (2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #15 to #16, 6+).
Pittsburgh
Spoken-Word Formats – Notching a +1.1 to 5.1 (6+) in January, Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” has followed with three straight drops for a collective -1.0 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1, ninth to tenth, 6+).
Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which lost seven-tenths in February/March (7.1 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+), gains four-tenths (6.4 –
6.8, 6+); the Pirates flagship remains in fourth-place. While it departs the top twenty (#17 to #22), iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” continues its consistency, as reflected by this September 2018 through April 2019 topline: .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 (6+).
Even though it is off a combined seven-tenths in March/April (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” continues at #11.
Pittsburgh Music Formats – After logging three straight sweeps without an increase resulting in a -1.8 (8.7 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+), Steel City Media adult hits WRRK is a combined +1.1 in March/April (6.9 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+) as “96.9 Bob FM” stays in-place at #3. In back-to-back (February and March) sweeps, WDVE posted identical gains of eight-tenths (7.6 – 8.4 – 9.2, 6+). Even though the iHeartMedia-owned rocker forfeits nine-tenths in April, it is #1 for the third month in succession. Its December loss of one-half share interrupted three consecutive gains that netted a +1.0 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, WDVE tumbled by -1.0 (8.2 – 7.2, 6+). WDVE spent 11 successive sweeps in the runner-up slot before dropping to third in December. Unchanged in fifth-place, co-owned CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” has lost seven-tenths by not having an increase three sweeps in a row (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). The market’s two hot ACs are separated by two full-shares, as Entercom’s WBZZ “Star 100.7” gains two-tenths (4.8 – 5.0, seventh to sixth, 6+), while Steel City Media’s WLTJ “Q-92.9” surrenders four-tenths to 3.0 (flat at #12, 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+). Three Forever Media-owned stations that have been unlisted the last four ratings periods return in April: Country WOGI “Froggy” (1.2, #19, 6+); classic hits-oldies WPKL “Pickle” (.9, #20, 6+); and country WOGG “Froggy” (.8, #21, 6+). In December 2018 (the last sweep in which they appeared), WOGI was 1.2 (#18, 6+); WPKL scored a 1.1 (#20, 6+); and WOGG finished with a 1.4 (#16, 6+).
Salt Lake City
Spoken-Word Formats – An April gain of seven-tenths by Bonneville-owned KSL erases in its entirely a March loss of the same magnitude as “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” (steady at #6) posts a 5.2 for the fourth time in the last six sweeps (5.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 
4.5 – 5.2, 6+). After eroding by -1.0 in March, iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” stabilizes at 4.1 (6+) but slips from eighth to ninth; KNRS was +1.8 in January/February (3.3 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). In back-to-back sweeps, Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” gains one-tenth (.2 – .3 – .4, #21, 6+).
For the fourth month in a row, Broadway Media-owned KALL “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” is unlisted. After posting an August 2018 – December 2018 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8, KALL lost seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 1.1 (#20 to #22, 6+).
Having lost nine-tenths in March/April (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER dips from #14 to #15.
Salt Lake City Music Formats – With a steady “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline of 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.8 (6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My 99.5” explodes in April with a +1.2 to 5.0 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Despite being down or flat the third straight time for a net loss of six-tenths (6.0- 5.6 – 5.4- 5.4, 6+), Capital Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KBZN “Now 97.9 – Today’s Best Music” advances from fifth to fourth. By gaining six-tenths (1.6 – 2.2, #17 to #15, 6+), Brigham Young University-owned KBYU “Classical 89” records its best 6+-stat (2.2) since November 2018’s 2.4. Five consecutive increases by Bonneville-owned classic hits-oldies KRSP deliver an overall +2.5 (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Moreover, “103.5 The Arrow” marches from second to first where it succeeds Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day.” On top the past five ratings periods, KSFI (8.9 – 8.1, -.8, 6+) segues to the runner-up slot. “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 +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 third decrease in succession for an overall loss of eight-tenths (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Netting a +2.9 via three straight upticks (4.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” surrenders a -1.1 to 6.2 (6+) but continues in third-place. On the heels of dropping two-tenths (6.2 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZHT “97.1 Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by another six-tenths to 5.4 (flat at #4, 6+).
Las Vegas
Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #15, Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” is up or flat the fourth straight time for an overall increase of eight-tenths (1.6 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (2.4, February, March, and April) since February 2017’s 2.8. Meanwhile, Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” notches a 1.1 (6+) for the third
time in the last four sweeps (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+) and continues at #23.
In addition to being +1.6 in four straight bumps (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR progresses from seventh to fifth.
Las Vegas Music Formats – Within 2.1 – 2.7 territory (6+) in each of the last five ratings periods (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS erupts with a +1.0 to 3.4 (6+). Moreover, “Star 107.9 Vegas’ Best Variety” cracks the top ten (#15 to a three-way tie at #10, 6+) and reaches the three-share level (3.4, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 3.0. Breaking a “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline of 3.7 – 2.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 with an increase of eight-tenths to 4.5 (its best 6+-stat since September 2018’s 4.8), Entercom-owned CHR KLUC “98.5 Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” jumps from tenth to seventh. Rebounding from its March loss of nine-tenths with an April increase of two-tenths (8.3 – 7.4 – 7.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More” is on top for the third month in a row. February’s 8.3 marked the first time KKLZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in its PPM-history; it hadn’t been at #1 since August 2018. The station it succeeded – iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday” – is -7.3 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (12.8 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 5.5, 6+) and drops from second to third. 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. KSNE was a combined +4.5 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.3 – 9.1 – 12.8, 6+). The three latest shifts for Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” are -.5 (February); +.5 (March); and -.9 in April (4.5, fourth to fifth, 6+). In eight straight up or flat survey periods prior to February, “The Point” was an overall +1.8 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+) with 5.5 its best 6+-performance since October 2016 (5.9). Having logged 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+), Beasley Media Group’s KCYE “102.7 The Coyote – #1 For New Hit Country” is now a combined -1.2 in March/April (3.9 – 3.4 – 2.7, #12 to #14, 6+). Faltering by seven-tenths in April as well is Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio,” which has lost nine-tenths in three straight declines (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4, seventh to tenth, 6+). Trending 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.3 (January – February – March, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona Mx 103.5” sputters by one-half share in April to 1.8 (#17 to #19, 6+).
Orlando
Spoken-Word Formats – After being a combined +1.9 in January/February (3.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” loses one full-share in March/April 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+), slipping from eighth to tenth. Its internet stream surrenders one-half share (.8 – .3, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #22). The November 2018 through April 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” is between a 3.1 – 3.9 (6+): 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.9, #12 to #11). A combined +1.0 in January/February (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.8, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate WFLF is unchanged from March in 6+-share (2.5) and market rank (#15).
Doubling February’s 6+- stat (4. – 5. – .8, 6+), sports talk sibling WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” cracks the top twenty (#22 to #20), while Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” gains one-tenth to .3 (#23 to #22, 6+).
Not only does Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE have its consecutive string of positive moves that yielded a collective +1.3 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+) end at three, “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” departs the top ten (#8 to #12).
Orlando Music Formats – The three most recent fluctuations for Cox Media Group rhythmic CHR WPYO “Power 95.3 – Orlando’s New #1 For All The Hits” are +1.2 (February); -.6 (March); and +.9 in April (4.2 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 5.7, ninth to seventh, 6+). “Power” was off eight-tenths “Holiday” 2018/January 2019 (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+). Tacking on seven-tenths to March’s +.2 (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” proceeds from seventh to fifth, reaching the six-share level for the first time since June 2018’s 6.0. In a game of musical chairs involving iHeartMedia cluster-mates, Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100” advances from second to first, while CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” (8.4, -.6, 6+) drops from first to second. This is an exact flip-flop from what happened this time last month. The decrease of six-tenths by WXXL pulls the plug on four improvements in a row that resulted in a +1.7 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 8.4 – 9.0, 6+). A combined -1.0 in March/April (9.5 – 8.9 – 8.5, 6+), “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. As a result of four straight setbacks, co-owned WJRR “101.1 – Orlando’s Rock Station” has lost nine-tenths (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #14, 6+). Adult contemporary sibling WMGF “Magic 107.7” picks up one-tenth to 5.9 (fifth to sixth, 6+), thus applying the brakes to three straight decreases accounting for an overall -8.5 (14.3 – 6.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). “Magic” was a combined +8.5 December/“Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 9.8 – 14.3, 6+). By dropping three-tenths to 7.9 (flat at #3, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” snaps at three its consecutive string of increases that generated a +3.3 (4.9 – 6.9 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+).
Cincinnati
Spoken-Word Formats – The January 2019 through April 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WLW is a stable 9.9 – 9.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 (6+), as the Reds’ flagship – which had a one-month (January) stay at #1 – remains in the runner-up slot. Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” gains one-tenth in back-to-sweeps (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). For the ninth time
in a row, Radio One’s WDBZ “The Buzz – Your Talk Station” is unlisted. It registered a .9 (6+) in August 2018 to finish at #20.
Returning to the iHeartMedia cluster, sports talk WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” is unchanged from March in 6+-share (.9) and market rank (#18), while co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” is off two-tenths (.6 – .4, #21, 6+).
After being an overall +1.1 via three consecutive gains (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU surrenders six-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and falls out of the top ten (#9 to #13).
Cincinnati Music Formats – The four latest shifts for Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” are -8.2 (January); +.4 (February); -.6 (March); and now +.6 in April (6.2 – 6.8, steady in fourth-place, 6+). Registering an April gain of six-tenths as well and finishing one-tenth behind “Warm” is its classic rock cluster-mate WOFX “92.5 The Fox” (5.1 – 5.7, sixth to fifth, 6+). There’s more great news in that Cumulus Media cluster as classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is +3.2 in four successive upticks (8.1 – 9.6 – 10.2 – 11.1 – 11.3, 6+) and is #1 for the third sweep in succession. Following a December-only stay at #1, WGRR cratered 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+). Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” (#13 to #11) scores an overall seven-tenths in four consecutive reports without a loss (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+). Since the first of the year, Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WUBE “B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” (flat at #3), has been +1.0 (January); -.7 (February); -.8 (March) and -.6 in April (7.9 – 7.3, 6+). Hot AC sibling WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” has lost nine-tenths as a result of three drops in a row (6.5 – 6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). While it remains in eighth-place, iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” is without an increase for the fourth consecutive ratings period and has forfeited nine-tenths in that stretch (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+).
Cleveland
Spoken-Word Formats – Transforming March’s -.6 into an April +.9 (4.9 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” advances from eighth to seventh; the Indians flagship logged a January/February +1.3 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). After a lengthy 
absence, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer – News-Opinion-Insight” resurfaces in print with a .5 (#18, 6+).
Off by -1.2 in February and then up four-tenths in March, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” regresses by seven-tenths (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 3.9, 6+) but is anchored in tenth-place.
After posting a 3.2 (6+) in January, February, and March, Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN picks up two-tenths to 3.4 (#11 to #12, 6+) and is one-half share behind WKRK.
Cleveland Music Formats – In four consecutive upticks, iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” is an overall +3.5 (4.4 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.9, fifth to third, 6+), virtually offsetting its cumulative -3.7 through five consecutive losses (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+). Steady in fourth-place, Entercom-owned WNCX “98.5 – Cleveland’s Classic Rock” was -.4 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +.6 (March); and is now +.6 (again) in April (7.0 – 7.6, 6+). This (7.6) is its highest 6+-share since August 2018’s 8.6. Over that exact timeframe, the five most recent fluctuations by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI are +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); and now -1.0 in April (10.8 – 9.8, 6+). Despite returning that full-share March increase, “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” is on top for the fifth straight ratings period. Co-owned mainstream CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” forfeits eight-tenths (3.9 – 3.1, 6+), slipping from #11 to #14. A March increase of three-tenths by Entercom hot AC WQAL halted three successive negative moves that led to an overall -1.6 (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+); however, in April, “Q-104 Plays The Hits” relinquishes seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.2, #11 to #12, 6+). “Q-104” is tied (at #12) with Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFHM “95.5 The Fish” (3.2), which was unlisted in January, February, and March, after recording a 5.4 (seventh, 6+) in “Holiday” 2018.
Kansas City
Spoken-Word Formats – Following a January/February +2.2 (3.4 – 4.6 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” has lost a combined eight-tenths in March/April (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8, fourth to sixth, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980,” which dropped two-tenths in March, improves by three-tenths (2.0 to 2.3, 6+) yet backslides from #19 to #20. Having more than doubled (+.8) its
6+-stat in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (.6 – .7 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” drops one-tenth to 1.3 (6+) and repeats at #21.
Off six-tenths in February, Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” rallies with a combined March/April +1.7 (2.3 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+). The flagship of the Royals not only catapults into the top ten (#16 to #10), it bypasses Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” which is -1.9 via three straight negative or flat trends (5.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.1, #12 to #14, 6+); WHB notched a +1.3 in January.
Without a loss the fourth month in a row (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR has gained a collective nine-tenths, erasing its “Holiday” 2018 loss of seven-tenths.
Kansas City Music Formats – Precisely doubling (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three positive spikes in a row (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 3.0, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” elevates from #19 to a three-way tie at #15 with its strongest showing (3.0) since January 2018’s 3.5. Another part of that three-way logjam at #15 is Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative,” which is a cumulative +1.2 in four successive upticks (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 3.0, #18 to #15, 6+). The last time “X-105.1” reached the three-share threshold (6+) was September 2016 (3.1). A combined +1.0 in March/April (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+), Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q104 – New Hit Country” jumps from fourth to sixth with its best 6+-stat since June 2018 (5.9, as well). Over and above being +2.5 via three consecutive bumps (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+), KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits,” repeats at #1. Immediately prior to April’s modest increase of two-tenths, the Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet has been +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); and +1.1 (March). February’s 6.9 is its highest 6+share since July 2018’s 7.1. A combined -2.8 in February/March (10.1 – 8.2 – 7.3, 6+), cluster-mate KCFX bounces back with an increase of four-tenths to 7.7 (unchanged at #2, 6+). January’s 10.1 is the strongest 6+-stat since July 2017’s 10.3 for “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station,” which gave way to KCMO-FM after spending ten consecutive sweeps at the top spot. Four November 2018 through February 2019 spikes by Carter Broadcast Group urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” netted a +1.5 (5.4 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+). “Hot 103” surrenders 60% (-.9) of that increase in March/April (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+) but carries on in third-place. A collective -1.6 via four successive setbacks (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+) by Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” (#15 to #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 – Eroding two full-shares as a result of three dips in succession (7.0 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610,” which was +1.3 in January (5.7 – 7.0, 6+), continues in fifth-place.
Unlisted in January, February, and March, RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” returns with a 4.7 (sixth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, the Columbus Blue Jackets flagship posted a 5.3 (seventh, 6+).
Tied with WBNS-FM at #6 is Ohio State University news/talk WOSU, whose January 2019 through April 2019 topline is 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 (6+).
Columbus Music Formats – In addition to being #1 for the 17th sweep in a row, iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” (11.8 – 13.0, 6+) has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Its January increase of eight-tenths pulled the plug on six straight declines that resulted in a collective -5.7 (16.3 – 15.1 – 15.0 – 14.5 – 13.0 – 12.7 – 10.6, 6+). Recent 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); and +1.2 (April). Notwithstanding that CHR sibling WNCI is a collective –1.1 through three successive decreases (8.3 – 8.0 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+), “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” actually climbs from fourth to third. On the other hand, Ohio State University’s WOSA has more than doubled (+.6) its 6+ AQH share as a result of six consecutive up or flat moves (.5 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+) yet “Classical 101” backslides from #16 to #17. Without a loss the fifth report in a row for a net increase of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+), Saga Communications hot AC WVMX “Mix 107.9” inches up from #12 to #11. Up two-tenths in February/March (7.8 – 7.8 – 8.0), adult contemporary cluster-mate WSNY “Sunny 95” sputters by -1.0 to 7.0 (third to fourth, 6+). While it continues in the runner-up clot, co-owned WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” falters by three-tenths to 8.4 (6+), thus curtailing three straight increases that resulted in a +1.9 (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.1 – 8.7, 6+). Having more than tripled (+1.3) its 6+-figure in nine straight positive or flat sweeps (.5 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+), Radio One gospel WJYD “Joy 107.1” has that streak broken by dropping one-tenth to 1.7 (#14 to #15, 6+).
Monday, April 8, 2019
Monday Memo: 2019 NAB Show. The NAB Show is underway in Las Vegas, and TALKERS contributor Holland Cooke reports that the convention focus is taking the term “broadcast” quite literally. He writes: “Huge banners atop the Convention Center proclaim ‘Every story starts here,’ and reiterate the theme of the National Association of Broadcasters’ annual convention these past several Aprils: ‘Where content comes to life.’ As opposed to ‘where content feeds transmitters.’ While the NAB’s mission remains lobbying on behalf of FCC licensees, its unmistakable message to attendees is – as NPR VP/distribution Michael Beach put it – ‘be offering your content anywhere and everywhere you can do it.’” Read HC’s column here.
Marc Hochman and WQAM, Miami Sign Extension. Miami sports talk personality Marc Hochman signs a new, long-term contract to continue co-hosting the afternoon drive
program on Entercom’s sports talk WQAM. Hochman works on air with former Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder on the “Hoch and Crowder” afternoon drive show. Hochman says, “I’m so fortunate to be able to continue doing this show with Channing Crowder and our super producer Erick Falero. The community we’ve built on the air is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever accomplished on radio.” He previously served in the market as executive producer for the “Dan Le Batard Show,” based at sister sports talker WAXY-AM, Miami.
Carver Appointed to Market President Post at Townsquare Media’s Amarillo Cluster. Sales and management pro Carolyn Carver is named market president and chief revenue officer for Townsquare Media’s Amarillo, Texas cluster that includes news/talk KIXZ and
three music-formatted stations. Carver says, “I’m so excited to be back with Townsquare. The vision, passion, and commitment of Bill Wilson and Erik Hellum to the industry, its clients, and their people is what has set them apart from all others. The company has a motto of ‘You Matter’ and they stand behind that. It starts from the top down and it is refreshing to see leaders who believe in their people and make them feel a part of something grand.”
Mike Gallagher Packs the House at WJJK, Montauk’s Casino Event. More than 600 listeners of Red Wolf Broadcasting’s news/talk WJJF, Montauk, Long Island packed the cabaret theater at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut on Saturday (4/6) as Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher and an all-star panel saluted the radio station’s seventh anniversary as a news/talk station. Station officials say it was the best-attended cabaret event in the station’s history. And to top it all off, since the following day was Gallagher’s birthday, WJJF arranged for a Marilyn Monroe impersonator to sing “Happy Birthday” a la the famous salute to JFK.
Jimbo Visits Janesville. Nationally syndicated late-night talk radio host Jim Bohannon was in Janesville, Wisconsin on Friday (4/5) for an appearance at affiliate WCLO’s remote broadcast. Pictured above (from l-r) are: Westwood One’s Bohannon, Al Meehan, owner of Barkley’s Burgers, Brews & Dawgs, where the broadcast o originated; Tom Edwards, Tim Bremel, and Tim Beggs of WCLO; and Mark Finnegan of Vets Roll, an organization that provides trips to the Nation’s Capital for veterans.
TALKERS Notes Notes. Satellite receiver changes are taking place for Salem Radio Network and Salem Music Network that affects affiliates of the company’s Christian
programming platform. Salem is switching from satellite to IP and will be upgrading its receiver fleet in mid-2019 to the XDS platform. Current Wegener satellite receivers will be replaced and upgraded to an XDS Pro receiver that will be fed completely from the internet. Salem will continue broadcasting on the current Wegener satellite platform while migrating to the new XDS IP receivers and expect to end the SES-2 Wegener satellite feed in early 2020. This will affect current Salem Wegener affiliates (Christian on SES-2) and NOT current Westwood One XDS (General Market on SES-11) receivers. Current affiliates should submit a receiver request here…..Mel Wheeler–
owned news/talk station WFIR, Roanoke, Virginia was honored with top awards by the Associated Press for radio stations in Virginia’s and West Virginia’s largest cities. “The Roanoke Valley’s Morning News” was honored for “Best Newscast” in competition with stations in Richmond, Norfolk, and Charleston, West Virginia. WFIR took home second-place honors for its website. WFIR sports earned first-place honors in the “Best Sports Feature” category for their story on “The Making of Negro League Legend Larry LaGrande.” The judges also gave the station top honors among Virginia stations for “Best Sports Operation” featuring “Greg Roberts Live.”…..New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is signed up to make weekly live appearances on WEPN, New York’s “Michael Kay Show.” “98.7 ESPN” program director Ryan Hurley says, “We could not be happier about this partnership. There is a lot of excitement surrounding one of the NFL’s young rising stars and his future. Listeners will not only get an inside look into his week-to-week journey on the field, but they’ll get to know Sam off the field as another member of the 98.7 family when he joins Michael, Don and Peter every week.”…..Pictured below are KQTM, Albuquerque afternoon personality Jim Villanucci (center) with Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (left) and Cooper’s childhood friend and former New Mexico Lobos player Daryl Chestnut (right). The two appeared on Villanucci’s program to promote their youth football camp.
Kirstjen Nielsen Steps Down from DHS/U.S.-Mexico Border Situation, Trump Tax Returns Issue, Libya Military Action, 2020 Democratic Candidates, Venezuela Tensions, ‘SNL’ Mocks Joe Biden, Netanyahu Campaign/U.S.-Israel Relations, NCAA Final Four, and NBA and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The forced resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and the related state of affairs at the U.S.-Mexico border; the House Ways and Means Committee’s request for President Trump’s tax returns; the U.S. pulls out of Tripoli as the Libyan National Army approaches the city; the Democratic candidates vying to challenge President Trump in 2020, the tensions in Venezuela over infrastructure failures and the presence of Russian troops; “Saturday Night Live” pokes fun at Joe Biden’s inappropriate touching troubles; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s re-election bid and the state U.S.-Israel relations; the NCAA Final Four; and NBA and MBL games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Los Angeles rock station KLOS is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special one-time-only reunion of the “Mark & Brian Radio Show” on Thursday April 25 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The legendary KLOS morning team
retired from the station in August of 2012. KLOS program director and Cumulus Media rock format captain Keith Cunningham says, “We’re stoked that Mark & Brian have agreed to get the band back together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of KLOS. If not for the Mark & Brian Show, KLOS may not have reached the 50-year milestone. The show is an enormous part of the brand’s history and the 25th will be an epic day for Southern California radio listeners.”…..NRG Media’s hip hop KOPW, Omaha “Power 106.9” announces the launch of its new morning show, “Chef West And The Morning Scramble,” featuring Tay Westberry and Alyssa Siebken. Westberry, a.k.a. Mr. West, previously hosted the evening show. Siebken is a musician who appeared on season 13 of “American Idol.” KOPW program director Caleb Farnell says, “Tay has his finger firmly on the pulse of the ‘Power’ listener and Alyssa will be able to bring a valuable perspective to the show.”…..Condolences to the family and friends of Morris Diamond, a legendary music business player who passed away recently at age 97. Diamond got his start serving as a gofer for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He later got into song publishing and launched his own label, Beverly Hills Records. He published a memoir of his encounters with music biz greats from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson titled, The Name Dropper or People I Schlepped With……Pictured below at Westwood One‘s Backstage at the ACM Awards on Friday and Saturday (4/5-6) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas are (from l-r): Mike McVay, EVP programming & content, Cumulus Media and Westwood One; Cumulus Country operations manager Charlie Cook, country artist Lauren Alaina; and Cumulus Media VP, label relations John Kilgo.
Monday, August 6, 2018
Bonneville To Close on Eight Entercom Stations. All of those particular properties being disposed are in California and have been held in an FCC disposition trust. Bonneville has been operating them under Local Marketing Agreements since the closing of Entercom’s merger with CBS Radio. Acquired by Bonneville from Entercom for a total of $141 million in cash are: CHR KMVQ “99.7 New Hit Music Now”; urban AC KBLX “102.9 The Soul of the Bay”; and adult contemporary KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (all in San Francisco); San Jose classic rocker KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock”; as well as KHTK “Sports 1140”; KNCI “New Country 105.1”; adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites”; and hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5 – Today’s Best Hits” (all in Sacramento). The transaction is expected to close either late in the third-quarter of this year, or early in the fourth-quarter. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s June 2018 San Francisco sweep, KMVQ and KOIT-FM are tied in fourth-place (3.8), while KBLX is #12 (3.0). In San Jose, KUFX ranks fourth (5.2, 6+). Meanwhile, in Sacramento, KYMX places third (5.9); KNCI is sixth (4.3); KZZO ranks eighth (4.1); and KHTK finishes at #25 (.9, 6+).
One Person Injured at WORT Shooting. Police in Madison, Wisconsin are saying that a shooting shortly after 3:00 am yesterday (8/5) inside Back Porch Radio Broadcasting’s WORT “89.9 Community Radio” does not appear to be a random attack. There’s 
no known motive and no suspect is in custody. Nonetheless, a man wearing a mask and hood entered the station during the transition between the 12:00 midnight and 3:00 am programs and opened fire on three station workers. Witnesses say five shots were fired, injuring one 33-year-old man in the buttocks and shattering the glass between studios. The injured station staffer was sent to the hospital but quickly released. Police said there were no signs of forced entry into the building. WORT board president David Devereaux-Weber told the Wisconsin State Journal that the shooter, “fired a number of shots.” He said volunteers ducked for cover; ran into the master control room before hiding in the music library; and called 911. Devereaux-Weber said that a code is needed to enter the building. It is unclear whether the shooter knew the code or held the door open after someone entered the station. Multiple volunteers arrived to help get the station back on the air at 9:38 am. WORT reportedly plans to tighten security.
Apple Podcasts, Facebook Latest to Remove Jones Podcasts. As we reported last Friday (TALKERS.com, 8/3), Alex 
Jones has had a number of his podcast episodes pulled from Spotify’s service after the digital audio platform concluded the episodes violated its hate content policy. Now, Apple Podcasts and Facebook are taking action against him. Five of Jones’ shows were removed from Apple Podcasts with a spokesperson telling Buzzfeed, “Apple does not tolerate hate speech. We have clear guidelines that creators and developers must follow to ensure we provide a safe environment for all of our users. Podcasts that violate these guidelines are removed from our directory making them no longer searchable or available for download or streaming. We believe in representing a wide range of views, so long as people are respectful to those with differing opinions.” At the same time, Facebook removed “The Alex Jones Page,” The Alex Jones Channel Page,” “The Infowars Page,” and “The Infowars Nightly News Page.” Facebook notes, “Upon review, we have taken [the content] down for glorifying violence, which violates our graphic violence policy, and using dehumanizing language to describe people who are transgender, Muslims and immigrants, which violates our hate speech policies. While much of the discussion around Infowars has been related to false news, which is a serious issue that we are working to address by demoting links marked wrong by fact checkers and suggesting additional content, none of the violations that spurred [these] removals were related to this.” Reacting to the earlier Spotify situation, Jones – who is syndicated to radio stations by Genesis Communications Network – said the action is “what I expect. I was born in censorship. I was born being suppressed.”
Entravision Q2 Radio Revenue Flat. Second-quarter radio revenue for Entravision Communications was unchanged
at $17.24 million, while television was off 3% to $36.531 million; digital increased 32% to $20.558 million. Chairman and chief executive officer Walter Ulloa notes that, “Growth in our digital media segment offsets a decrease in our television segment, while our radio segment was flat. We improved our free cash flow and net income over last year’s second quarter. We continued to build our digital footprint through our acquisition of a digital advertising technology company, while implementing steps to more efficiently align operations and reduce costs. Looking ahead, we remain well-positioned to build on our success in further attracting Latino and other audiences worldwide, and expanding our advertiser base to the benefit of our shareholders.” Entravision’s board declared a nickel per share quarterly cash dividend for Class A, Class B and Class U common stockholders. The dividend is payable next month (9/28) to shareholders of record as of September 14.
Kwei-Cook Promoted to Radio One Charlotte LSM. Integrated marketing specialist Debbie Kwei-Cook is elevated to local sales manager of Radio One Charlotte. According to vice president and general manager Doug James, “Debbie has a long history of success in Charlotte and with Radio One. She has been a top performer in our company, most recently winning the President’s Club Award the past two years as the top salesperson and she has extensive management experience. I’m thrilled to be able to have Debbie bring her knowledge, passion, and leadership to our management team.” Kwei-Cook comments, “I look forward to helping the local sales department develop strategic marketing campaigns to drive sales for local businesses.” Kwei-Cook previously spent 11 years as vice president and general manager of Radio One Charlotte and more than ten years as general sales manager of CBS Radio Charlotte. Since October 2012, she has been chief operating officer/president of My Talent Bank Group.
Crossover Media Group Sales Adds Sports Programs. The company will be responsible for advertising sales and assist with production for “DeSean Jackson One-on-One,” a weekly podcast featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver. In addition, CMGS will syndicate/handle ad sales for “VSiN Action Update,” a series of sports betting vignettes – fed twice each weekday – from the first network dedicated to sports gambling information, Brent Musburger-founded VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network). In association with Sports USA and its founder Larry Kahn, CMGS will launch “The Buck Stops Here,” a twice-weekly football podcast hosted by former Indianapolis Colts tight end Charles Arbuckle. A weekly podcast hosted by Joe Morgan – “Classic Conversations with Joe Morgan” – will feature the MLB Hall of Fame second baseman speaking with some of the biggest names in sports history. Crossover Media Group Sales managing member Ron Hartenbaum comments, “The recent Supreme Court decision on sports wagering has opened up enormous opportunities to generate local ad revenue, not just on sports radio stations but within the rock and country formats – namely, anywhere men are listening. We are thrilled to be able to add the new VSiN content, as well as the new offerings from DeSean, Larry, Joe, and Charles to our expanding lineup of show offerings to marketing partners.”
CONSULTANT OPINION: Rush Limbaugh Affiliates Should PANDER to Trump Fans. In an opinion piece posted today (8/6), media consultant Holland Cooke writes that Rush Limbaugh affiliates should capitalize on the solid numbers available to them by taking advantage of Limbaugh’s recent ratings increases and telling ardent supporters of President Trump exactly what they want to hear. Cooke writes, “’Pander.’” That is your one-word, sure-shot ratings success strategy… Check logic at the door. Unlike those pesky fact-checkers, Trump supporters take him seriously-but-not-literally. Our job is to exploit THE – repeat, THE – best thing that ever happened to talk radio, the Trump presidency.” To read the entire piece, please click here.
CONSULTANT OPINION: A Real Producer Can Protect a Talk Show Host from Saying Something Stupid. Former WWRL 1600 AM, New York executive producer, Jeffrey Haveson – now an independent news/talk programming consultant – writes a provocative opinion piece posted in TALKERS today (8/6) stating that incidents such as the recent “Turban Man” controversy at New Jersey 101.5, Trenton could be avoided if radio stations employed what he calls “real” producers. Haveson writes, “Dennis Malloy and Judi Franco are back at Trenton-based New Jersey 101.5 after a 10-day suspension, but what have we learned from this as an industry? For those who don’t know or have forgotten, the suspension was meted out to Dennis and Judi after they repeatedly called New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewalon, who is a Sikh, ‘the guy with the turban’ and ‘Turban Man,’ and Dennis defended the name calling by saying ‘if that offends you, then don’t wear the turban (man) and I’ll remember your name.’ This is a perfect example of why talk radio stations, be they public or commercial, news talk, conservative talk, progressive talk, sports talk, financial talk, or other, need real producers. By real producers, I do not mean the glorified gofers and ‘yes people’ that many stations call producers nor an overworked board op who is also charged with screening calls and chasing down guests. On the other hand, by real producers, I also don’t mean someone who acts as the host’s supervisor. The program director should be the supervisor over both the host and the producer. A real producer is a trusted partner to both the program director and host, who shares their vision for this particular program and the station in general, and supports the host in creating content that fits that vision. It is all about the vision. If the host and/or the producer don’t have the same vision for the program as the program director, one or both of them need to be replaced.” To read the entire opinion piece, please click here.
WPRO-AM Inks Five-Year Deal for P.C. Basketball. Beginning with the upcoming season, Cumulus Media Providence news/talk WPRO-AM will become the official radio home of Providence College men’s basketball. It is part
of a five-year agreement with Providence College Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, Learfield. Cumulus Media Providence market manager Holly Paras declares, “Providence College is the premier men’s college basketball program in Southern New England. We are enthused about the partnership and look forward to many great seasons of Friar basketball.” Providence College athletics director Bob Driscoll comments, “Cumulus Media has the top radio brands in our market and this will provide unlimited marketing and exposure opportunities for us. This is a tremendous partnership for our basketball program and our fans.” The school’s men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley adds, “WPRO [AM] is a big part of the culture of radio in Rhode Island and Southeastern New England. I believe this will provide our fans the opportunity to get more coverage and access of Friar basketball. We are looking forward to hitting the airwaves on WPRO [AM], the new home of Providence College men’s basketball.” John Rooke and Joe Hassett, the voices of Friar basketball for more than 30 years, will call all Friar games this season. “The Ed Cooley Radio Show” will air on select weeknights throughout the season.
TALKERS News Notes. Former NFL lineman Orlando Franklin joins Bonneville Denver sports talk KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan.” According to KKFN program director Armen Williams, “We are really excited to have Orlando as part of our championship team – he has a 
sincere passion to be on ‘The Fan.’ It’s great to have Orlando on our game day on-air presentation.” Originally drafted in the second round by the Denver Broncos in 2011, Franklin retired in May and he notes, “I’ve known this is what I’ve wanted to do after football for years. I love the interaction the sports radio platform provides. It is an honor to now be on the same team as a lot of these guys that I’ve listened to my whole career.” In addition to the Broncos, Franklin has played for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Redskins ….. Meanwhile, six-year KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” veteran Ted Johnson departs the afternoon program
(“Triple Threat”) at the Entercom Houston outlet. A rotating group of analysts will join remaining co-hosts Sean Pendergast and Rich Lord. Former New England Patriots linebacker Johnson is reportedly moving back to Boston to be closer to his children ….. Tulsa’s NBC-TV affiliate, KJRH-TV “2 Works For You,” will be providing news and weather content for that market’s iHeartMedia cluster. “Our staff is very excited to work with the team at Channel 2,” comments iHeartMedia area president Jon Phillips. [Meteorologist] Mike Collier is a favorite in our building; he and his team will sound great delivering weather to the iHeart audiences. Keeping our listeners safe is our first priority and the team at Channel 2 will ensure just that.” The iHeartMedia Tulsa group consists of sports talk KTBZ “1430 The Buzz”; sports talk KAKC “1300 The Buzz”; rock KMOD; country KTGX “106.1 The Twister”; CHR KTBT “92.1 The Beat”; regional Mexican KIZS “101.5 El Patron”; and classic rock KTGX-HD2 “93.5 The Jet.” KJRH-TV had been working with the Scripps cluster; however, when Scripps sold its Tulsa stations to Griffin Communications, it joined forces with Griffin’s CBS affiliate in the Oklahoma metro, KOTV-TV ….. This past Friday (8/3), Townsquare Media’s KFYO “News/Talk 95.1 & 790,” Lubbock (Texas) originated Chad Hasty’s 8:30 am – 11:00 am show from Austin’s Resurgent Gathering. Among those Hasty interviewed there were Texas senator Ted Cruz and Texas GOP chair James 
Dickey ….. Speaking of Townsquare Media Lubbock, Dave Dunaway is named regional operations/programming manager for its stations there, as well as in Odessa-Midland. There are ten Townsquare Media facilities in those two Texas metros. Dunaway most recently programmed and did afternoon drive at Cumulus Media Fort Walton Beach (Florida) country outlet WYZB “Nash FM.” He has also worked for WZZK, Birmingham, as well as WTGE “100.7 The Tiger,” Baton Rouge.
WRKO, Boston Morning Co-Host Kim Carrigan Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most familiar figures in local Boston talk media, Kim Carrigan, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” For the past several years, Carrigan – a political moderate with a background in journalism – has co-hosted WRKO, Boston’s 6:00 am to 10:00 am morning show, sharing the mic with conservative personality Doug “VB” Goudie and the program’s on-air producer Jim Clerkin, who is liberal as well as openly gay. The result is a dynamic, eclectic mix of topics and opinions on a station otherwise positioned in a more purely conservative orientation. Prior to joining WRKO as a talk show host, Carrigan spent a number of
years as a Boston television personality on several local stations, most recently co-hosting the popular morning news/chat show on WFXT-TV (Fox 25). She and Harrison discuss the differences between radio and TV morning news/talk, the evolving role of women in radio, the challenges of balancing local and national issues in the Trump era, and the strategy of expanding the target base on a predominantly conservative station. Harrison, who occasionally serves as a fill-in host on WRKO, including its morning show, says, “Kim Carrigan is one of the best local talk show hosts in radio today. She brings journalistic sensibility and fairness to the table without sacrificing the power of opinion that fuels the news/talk format. She projects youthful dynamism tempered by seasoned journalism and general life experience – a great combination. She has the glamor of celebrity balanced with a down-to-earth neighborly persona. The WRKO morning show is an interesting exercise in navigating the turbulent waters of today’s news/talk radio conversation. It’s wonderful having Kim as a guest on the podcast.” 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.
Flair for Fort Myers. The “Nature Boy” himself – Ric Flair – is among the grapplers scheduled to appear when Beasley 
Media Group presents the inaugural “Legends of Wrestling” event next month (9/15) in Fort Myers at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. The “ultimate fan experience” will kick off with a behind-the-scenes VIP meet and greet and question & answer session (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm). In addition, there will be an opportunity to take photos with the wrestlers (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm) before the matches begin at 7:00 pm. As well as Flair, other “sports entertainment” stars slated to be on the card include Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat; Jim “Hacksaw” Duggan; Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart; and The Nasty Boys – Brian Knobs & Jerry Sags. Ticket prices range from $20.02 for general admission to $210.82 for VIP and ringside seating. Beasley Media Group’s six-station Fort Myers cluster consists of sports talk WWCN “99.3 ESPN Southwest Florida”; news/talk WJBX; adult contemporary WJPT “Sunny 106.3”; CHR WXKB “B-103.9”; WRXK “96 K-Rock”; and Spanish tropical WRXK-HD2 “98.1 Playa.”
Trump-Russia Investigation, Manafort Trial, Trump Rally/Mid-Term Elections, New China Tariffs, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories this Past Weekend (8/4-5). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents; the trial of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort; President Trump’s Tampa rally for Florida gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis and the larger, mid-term election picture; Trump’s threat to add tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Starting today (8/6), DSC rejoins iHeartMedia San Diego classic rock KGB-FM for 6:00 am – 10:00 am duty. DSC consists of Dave Rickards, Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph, Chris Boyer, Nina “Ruth 66” Reeba, Emily Maguire, and Sarah Beebe. Coinciding with DSC returning to KGB for morning drive, Bob & Coe move
from mornings to afternoon drive; Clint August segues from afternoon drive to middays; and Marc Coppola will host nights. Market president Melissa Forrest comments, “Bringing DSC home to KGB and reinforcing the station with heritage talent like Clint, and Bob & Coe is a reflection of the power behind KGB’s legendary call letters. We are immensely proud to bring this lineup to San Diego’s loyal rock listeners.” Rickards remarks, “After 28 years as the top-rated morning show in San Diego, DSC has come full-circle with its return to the legendary KGB-FM. I’ve always felt that KGB was our home, and nothing beats a happy homecoming.” Meanwhile, “Chainsaw” adds, “It feels amazing to bring DSC back to where it all began. We are thrilled to continue making you smile and laugh coffee out of your nose every morning.” ….. Following 
April’s departure by morning hosts Mason & Remy, iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 – Chicago’s New Country” transitions the syndicated Bobby Bones show from a delayed nighttime airing to morning drive (5:00 am – 9:00 am). WEBG program director Lance Houston comments, “The Bobby Bones Show really connects with the core country audience more than any other show I’ve ever seen throughout my career. I am truly confident that Bobby Bones and his team will be an entertaining morning show for our one million-plus weekly country radio audience in Chicagoland.” Meanwhile, iHeartMedia Chicago Region president Matt Scarano notes, “We are excited to add the most recognizable name in country radio to our morning lineup.” ….. When hearing that a local wheelchair-bound woman was refused service at a local (St. Peters, Missouri) nail salon, Hubbard St. Louis adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” morning co-host 
Cassiday was “heartbroken.” A representative of another local establishment – Cut and Dye Salon – contacted (“Spencer’s Neighborborhood” member) Cassiday and offered to treat the mother (Dorothy) and daughter (Beth) to a full-day of pampering, noting that everyone should be welcome. Cassiday recounts, “It was shocking to learn that she and her mom went in for a pedicure, only to be told by the salon owner they don’t serve people ‘like her.’ I knew we needed to do something. I was confident, with the power of local radio, ‘The Arch’ could take a hurtful moment and make it positive for them. We had them come in to meet us and surprised them with a spa pedicure live on air. To be able to bring a smile to the face of this young woman was priceless. In days like this, I am reminded of the power of radio and that there are good hearts across the St. Louis bi-state.” ….. “Phoebe’s Flight 5K,” an Entercom Sacramento-hosted event, will take place this Sunday (8/12) at Johnson-
Springview Park in Rocklin (California). Emceed by (CHR) KUDL “106.5 The End” morning hosts Gavin Ferguson, Katie, and Rayne, the “rain or shine” happening will feature a fun run for children and a 5K run for adults; post-race activities will follow. Phoebe’s Fund was founded by Ferguson and his wife Stacy in honor of their daughter Phoebe, who was stillborn. Race proceeds will benefit Phoebe’s Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity which helps alleviate the financial burden of parents who have lost a child to 
miscarriage or stillbirth by providing grants for grief therapy …. WABD “The Gulf Coast’s Hit Music Station,” Mobile mid-day talent Jimmy Steele adds program director duties at the Cumulus Media mainstream CHR. Steele will continue as the cluster’s operations manager and PD of the company’s Mobile news/talker WXQW. Cumulus Media Mobile vice president/market manager Don Boyd comments, “We are fortunate to have deep talent here with one of the country’s top CHR programmers, Jimmy Steele, already in the building. Under Jimmy’s direct leadership, he [will continue] to evolve this legendary radio station.” Steele remarks, “I am excited to roll up my sleeves and splash back into my CHR roots. It is an honor to be able to come to work each day and serve our talented Cumulus Mobile team. They are very supportive and for that, I am grateful.” Steele previously programmed several iHeartMedia stations and was operations director/brand manager for Saga Communications in Columbus. He succeeds Sid Kelly, who transfers to Cumulus Media Indianapolis as program director of CHR WYRG “Energy 93.9.” ….. WRUF, Gainesville names Justin “Tyler” Clapp brand manager/afternoon personality at the University of Florida-owned country outlet. Most recently, Clapp was operations manager for Townsquare Media Fort Collins (Colorado) and brand manager of country KUAD. He formerly programmed WWGR, Fort Myers (Florida) from 2007-2009, and was Great Eastern’s director of programming ….. Vice president of operations Don London is celebrating his 25th year at Entercom Norfolk.
Two Cool Cats. A couple of rock ‘n’ roll’s coolest cats got together in the Los Angeles studios of SiriusXM Satellite Radio this past week. The legendary Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon (pictured right), whose numerous hits from the 1960s include “Palisades Park,” “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,” “Tallahassee Lassie” and more, visited with Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom (left) to record an interview for Jim’s Sunday night show, “Rockabilly Rave Up” heard on the “Underground Garage” channel. The interview will be aired on 8/19 at 8:00 pm ET.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents an analysis of the performances of sports talk stations based on data from the February 2017 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio. The period of time between the Super Bowl and the start of the MLB season is traditionally soft for sports talkers. The NHL, NBA and college hoops haven’t historically provided the same level of fan attraction to sports talk radio as have football and baseball. This year seems no different. Kinosian notes that “roughly three of every four stations (76%) on this sports panel are down January 2017 – February 2017; only 16% are up; and the remaining 8% of the sample is flat (6+).” However, comparing February of 2016 to February of this year, “just over six of 10 stations from our eligible sports sample are down year-to-year (62%, 6+) while 27% improve; the remaining 11% are steady.” See the entire analysis here.
Lyons Joins Cumulus Appleton-Oshkosh. At its five-station cluster in the Appleton-Oshkosh, Wisconsin
market, Cumulus Media names Jeff Lyons promotions/marketing director. Lyons comes to Cumulus from iHeartMedia’s Modesto, California station group where he held a similar position. Cumulus Appleton-Oshkosh operations manager Guy Dark comments, “Jeff’s experience in various markets made him an easy choice to fill our promotions slot. Coming from California, he’ll need to invest in some Badgers and Packers winter gear!” In the market, Cumulus operates news/talk WOSH-AM, classic hits WVBO, alternative WWWX “96.9 The Fox,” country WPKR “NASH 99.5,” and standards WNAM.
TALKERS News Notes. Former alternative KBZT, San Diego morning personality Chris Cantore is launching
his podcasting career after being let go from the Entercom station – along with former partner Steven Woods. Via his new company YEW Media, Cantore and co-owner Chris Cote are seeking funding as they continue to produce podcasts. You can read a piece about his plans to grow from a local, San Diego platform to a national one in the San Diego Union Tribune here…..TVWeek is reporting that Fox News Channel made cable news history in the first quarter of 2017. “Delivering its most-watched quarter ever 
in total day viewers, FNC averaged 1.7 million viewers (up 27%) and 359,000 (up 32%) in the 25-54 demo. In primetime, FNC marked its second highest-rated quarter with 2.8 million total viewers (up 20%) and 576,000 (up 19%) in the 25-54 demo. For the quarter, FNC dominated cable news competition in both primetime and total day combined in total viewers. This quarter, FNC claimed 13 of the top 15 cable news programs in total viewers and eight out of the top 10 in the 25-54 demo. Additionally, all FNC programs were up double-digits in both viewers and demo compared to the same quarter last year. Read more about it here.
Philly Talk Radio Legend Mary Mason’s Grandson to Be Arraigned on Charges Related to Theft of Her Estate. Longtime WHAT, Philadelphia talk show host Mary Mason – a legend to the city’s urban radio
audience – is currently wheelchair-bound and battling dementia. Now, the 86-year-old’s grandson, Calvin Steven Turner IV, is being charged with theft relative to the disappearance of her estate. Philly.com reports that authorities are alleging that Turner squandered $843,000 of Mason’s savings and investments. David A. Jaskowiak, the lawyer appointed last year to handle Mason’s finances, tells Philly.com, “Suffice it to say that had she had the resources she had when she retired without any dissipation by her grandson, she would have more than ample resources to afford her good care for the rest of her life.” Jaskowiak was able to recover $62,000 of Mason’s money. Read Jenice Armstrong’s column here.
GOP to Try Again on Health Care Bill, Trump Campaign-Russia Investigation, O’Reilly’s Maxine Waters Comment, Trump Reverses Obama Energy Policies, Gorsuch SCOTUS Nomination, U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, Congress Nixes Internet Privacy Regs, and NFL League Meetings Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/28). Reports that the GOP will begin working on a new health care bill sooner rather than later; the investigation into connections between Trump campaign personnel and Russian agents; Fox News Channel’s Bill O’Reilly apologizes for criticizing Rep. Maxine Waters’ appearance; President Trump announces his directive reversing Obama Administration energy policies; speculation about whether the Democrats will filibuster the Neil Gorsuch SCOTUS nomination; claims that U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria have been causing civilian casualties; Congress votes to eliminate FCC regulations that limit Internet providers’ abilities to share users habits and personal information; and this week’s NFL league meetings in Phoenix were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Reform Party Forum at Cumulus Media’s Stage 17. Pictured here at Cumulus Media’s Stage 17 at 2 Penn Plaza in New York City in Monday (3/27) is WABC, New York personality Curtis Sliwa (on stage, far left) hosting the Reform Party Mayoral Candidate Forum. On stage (from l-r) are NYC mayoral hopefuls Sal Albanese, Michael Faulkner, Rocky De La Fuente, Mike Tolkin, Kevin Coenen, and Bo Dietl. WABC program director Craig Schwalb states, “Our Stage 17 space above Madison Square Garden takes these important conversations and makes them must-see events. Curtis got the NYC Mayoral Election heated up like no one else can.” Photo: Dan Hirshl
WGN, Chicago Names 2017 ‘Walk of Fame’ Honorees. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that
Tribune’s news/talk WGN, Chicago is announcing this year’s honorees who will join its “Walk of Fame.” They are: late, legendary WGN sportscasters Lou Boudreau and Vince Lloyd, current overnight personality Nick Digilio, news anchor Judy Pielach, sports producer Jack Rosenberg, crime reporter Larry Schreiner (posthumously), and traffic reporters Leonard Baldy (posthumously), Lincoln Hampton, Mike Mathis and Anne Maxfield. The Walk of Fame honors WGN staffers both past and present with bronze plaques in front of the Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue. This year’s ceremony takes place live on WGN at 10:00 am on May 25.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Dallas adult contemporary KDGE “Star 102.1” announces it is bringing Leigh Ann Adam aboard
to host the morning drive program, effective April 3. The morning radio pro most recently was with CBS RADIO’s crosstown CHR KVIL, serving for 11 years. About her new gig with iHeartMedia, Adam says, “I love what I do and I’m so excited to wake up with ‘Star 102.1’ and the DFW community. Having the opportunity to host mornings is amazing and I can’t wait to put on my new headphones and get started!” During her career, Adam worked at KBIG, Los Angeles co-hosting mornings with 
Charlie Tuna…..Wilkes-Barre/Scranton alternative WFUZ tweaks its format – adding more new alternative music and trimming the gold from its library – and re-brands from the old “Fuzz 92.1” to “ALT 92.1.” The Times-Shamrock alt rock station first launched in 2010…..Townsquare Media’s country KATP, Amarillo, Texas re-brands, dropping its
“BLAKE FM” moniker and adopting the “101.9 The Bull” handle. Program director and afternoon personality Braden Smith is adding Premiere’s Bobby Bones as the morning show…..WKTU, New York unveils the lineup of its annual ultimate summer dance party concert event, “KTUphoria 2017.” The June 3 show at Jones Beach Theater will feature: Backstreet Boys, Fifth Harmony, Nicky Jam, Jason Derulo, Shaggy, Daya, and Craig David.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Williams Appointed SVP/MM of Emmis Indianapolis. Eleven-year Radio One Indianapolis market manager Chuck Williams joins cross-town Emmis as senior vice president and market manager of its four-station cluster as well as its statewide news service, Network Indiana. Williams succeeds Charlie Morgan, who served in that capacity the past seven years before being named interim market manager of Emmis New York earlier
this year. Emmis president and chief operating officer Patrick Walsh explains, “We have competed against Chuck throughout his career and always viewed him as a gifted, high integrity leader uniquely positioned to build on our foundation of success in Indianapolis. We are thrilled he has agreed to lead our team. With his deep knowledge of the Indianapolis radio market and the advertisers it serves, we expect him to jump right in and assist our talented team to continue to grow and prosper.” Williams comments, “I have long been an admirer of the Emmis culture, their people and their unfailing pride and leadership in the industry and their communities. Charlie Morgan built outstanding heritage stations with very talented people. I am looking forward to joining [Emmis Indianapolis vice president of sales] Tracey Bean, [VP/programming] Bob Richards, and the whole team at Emmis.” Before joining Radio One, Williams was general manager of Bonneville Chicago; he is the past chair of the Indiana Broadcasters Association. With each station’s share and market rank in parenthesis, here’s how the four Emmis Indianapolis outlets performed in the July 2016 Nielsen Audio PPM report: adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” (6.4, #4, 6+); country WLHK “Hank” (5.1, #7, 6+); talk WIBC (3.8, #11, 6+); and sports WFNI “The Fan” (2.1, #15, 6+).
Conservative Talker Andrew Wilkow Celebrates 10th Anniversary on SiriusXM. Today (8/9) marks the 10th anniversary of talk show host Andrew Wilkow‘s “The Wilkow Majority” on SiriusXM’s “Patriot Channel.” Wilkow carved out his niche over a period of time, then expanded upon it in the 12:00 noon ET to 3:00 pm ET time slot as an alternative to Rush Limbaugh. A member of the TALKERS 2016 “Heavy Hundred,” Wilkow has become one of the biggest stars created by SiriusXM. He tells TALKERS, “I am honored and delighted to be on Sirius for so long, and appreciate my extremely loyal and passionate audience.” He says that the show’s nickname, “The Next Generation of Great Talk Radio,” still applies 10 years later.
Bott Radio Network Extends Mid-Missouri Footprint. Adding three FM signals in Columbia (at 100.9); Fulton (92.5); and St. Robert-Fort Leonard Wood (106.5), Bott Radio Network (BRN) expands its Christian talk network in mid-Missouri. All are rebroadcasting BRN’s 50,000-watt station at 89.9 FM from 
Columbia and Jefferson City. Mid-Missouri area manager Sue Stoltz comments, “These three new signals will be a blessing to many in mid-Missouri and the surrounding area where even more people can now hear quality Christian talk radio. I am excited about how this will benefit mid-Missouri families and our business sponsors.” BRN president and chief executive officer Rich Bott notes, “We are excited about this opportunity to reach more people with God’s word. This is a wonderful step forward to strengthen families and change lives through Bott Radio Network’s quality bible teaching, Christian news and information programming.” The addition of the new signals brings BRN’s number of stations nationwide to 107, including 46 in Missouri.
Silver Sensations. American divers Steele Johnson and David Boudia proudly display their silver medals to Steve Mason (left) and Kevin Kugler (second from the right), who are covering the Rio Olympics for Westwood One Sports.
Odds & Sods. Anchor/producer Heather Jordan (formerly Heather Martinez) exits Cox Media Group Orlando talker WDBO-FM to succeed Libby Denkmann as afternoon news anchor for “The John & Ken Show” on iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ KFI. Her lengthy radio resume includes stops in Dallas (KRNB); Miami (WEDR “99 Jamz” and WHQT “Hot 105”); Denver (KDJM “Jammin’ 92.5”); Kansas City (KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz”); and Des Moines (WHO). In addition, Jordan has done television work for WBBM-TV, Chicago; KTVT-TV, Dallas; and WFOR-TV, Miami ….. Longtime Pittsburgh Penguins radio producer 
Ray Walker (Ray Weitzel), 56, passed away Sunday (8/7) of complications from lymphoma. He joined the NHL team’s broadcasts in September 1999. His wife is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW “3WS,” Pittsburgh on-air talent Sheri Van Dyke ….. Recently added affiliates to Joe Pagliarulo‘s “Joe Pags Show” are: KUIK, Portland; WPTR, Albany, New York (Empire News Network); WAIX, Albany, New York (Empire News Network); WHBY, Appleton, Wisconsin; WAAM, Ann Arbor, Michigan; KERV, Kerville, Texas; WDMJ, Marquette, Michigan; and WIAN, Ishpeming, Michigan. Pagliarulo is now on more than 60 stations.
