Tag: "WMVP"
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Ted Nugent Tells ‘Curtis & Eboni’ Americans Must Tone It Down. On WABC, New York’s midday Curtis &
Eboni show with Curtis Sliwa and Eboni K. Williams, legendary rocker and prominent Second Amendment advocate Ted Nugent called for toning down the violent political rhetoric in the country, vowing he will do the same. In the wake of yesterday’s shooting at the GOP baseball practice for the Congressional Baseball charity game, Nugent appeared on WABC and spoke about the matter. Hear that audio here. Nugent has a history of over-the-top rhetoric, including referring to President Obama as a “subhuman mongrel.” He also has used language inviting political opponents to “put their lips on my machine gun.”
Deportes Media Sues Over Sale of KTRB, San Francisco to East Bay Broadcasting. KTRB-AM, San Francisco had been operated as a Spanish sports talk station since it entered into an LMA with station Receiver Susan L. Uecker in May of 2011. In June of 2015, the former Pappas Telecasting station was sold to East Bay Broadcasting, operated by the managing partners of Salem Media Group. Now, Deportes Media is suing East Bay, Salem, Uecker, Media Acquisition Trust, and broker Kalil & Co in District Court in San Francisco over the 
sale. Deportes claims that it wanted to buy the station; that Uecker knew the company wanted to buy it and there were clauses in their LMA deal to give it the first opportunity to acquire the station. Deportes notes in its suit, “A number of conditions were built into the lease to discourage other potential suitors from acquiring the station out from under Plaintiff, robbing it of the hard work it had invested in building the station. For example, the agreement contained a no-shop provision that prevented anyone from offering the radio station for sale. Additionally, the contract specified that any buyer would have to honor the full term of Plaintiff’s lease, meaning it would likely be years from the time of acquisition until a new owner could begin making its own programming decisions or trying to integrate KTRB into any other media plays or other strategies. Most importantly, the contract contained a “Programmer’s Right of First Refusal” clause. This Right of First Refusal explicitly gave Plaintiff the right to match any competitors purchase offer within ninety (90) days so that KTRB could not be bought out from under it.” It’s suing Uecker for breach of contract; Media Trust, Kalil and Salem for tortious interference with contract; and all for violation of California’s unfair competition law. It is seeking actual and compensatory damages.
Tony Matteo Named iHM’s RSVPP for California-Nevada. Programmer Tony Matteo moves from
iHeartMedia’s Omaha Region – based in Wichita, Kansas — to a new post with the company as region senior vice president of programming for the Central California/Nevada Region. Matteo will work with on-air personalities and program directors from the 36 radio station brands in that area. He comments, “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a group of incredibly talented programmers, on-air talent and managers in the Wichita market and Omaha Region and together we’ve accomplished much. The outstanding brands built by the iHM Central California/Nevada team have a ton of momentum. I’ll be proud to join and help continue the region’s winning streak.”
TALKERS News Notes. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Windy City sports blogger and podcaster Dan Katz, a.k.a. Barstool Big Cat, is joining WMVP, Chicago “ESPN Radio” as a weekly contributor to Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman’s afternoon drive “Waddle & Silvy” show. Katz tweeted that he’ll be on each Thursday around 4:00 pm…..Also from Robert Feder, WMVP personality Jordan Cornette – who co-hosts the midday show with David Kaplan – is one of three co-hosts (alongside Felicia Lawrence and Danielle Robay) of a new Chicago morning television show slated to start later this summer titled, “The Jam.” Cornette is a former Notre Dame basketball star who also serves as color commentator for CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports 1…..SiriusXM is presenting live coverage of the 2017 NCAA Men’s College World Series starting Saturday (6/17). The play-by-play is produced and provided by Westwood One and airs on SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation channel…..Architecture firm V Three Studios recently designed new facilities for Native Broadcast Enterprise’s properties in St. Michaels, Arizona. KTNN “The Voice of the Navajo Nation” and KWRK “Capital Country” recently moved its operations to a new state-of-the-art, 7,352-square-foot facility. The new facility features eight studios supporting AM/FM radio and digital broadcast capabilities reaching listeners beyond reservation lines, providing Navajo people across the country, and even overseas, with a connection to home. V Three worked with Native Broadcast Enterprise to create a facility that celebrates the Navajo culture and reflects the station’s mission of educating, informing and entertaining the Navajo people, many of whom rely on the station as the only source of news and entertainment. Navajo-owned design/build firm LAM Corporation developed the building shell and site work…..Mediabase promotes Minal Patel to project manager. Patel joined Mediabase in 2008 as the director of client services and has advanced through various departments in the company…..Regional Reps Corp. signs Falls Media LLC’s KWFB-FM, Wichita Falls, Texas to an exclusive representation agreement.
Cooke: Car Money Moving Back to Radio. Radio consultant Holland Cooke says that not too long ago, Detroit wanted dealers to move ad money from radio to digital. Now, some of that money is moving back. But, the radio auto ad needs to be effective in order for dealers to be glad they re-invested in radio. He’s got some tips here.
Veteran Radio/TV Newswoman/Talk Show Host Donna Francavilla Returning to NYC via WCBS. She’s a “Jersey girl” who has been in the talk media business for more than three decades building a stellar reputation among those in the know for her solid talent, media flexibility, entrepreneurial resilience and downright intelligence. And now, she was just hired at WCBS “Newsradio 880” as a part-time news anchor/reporter – a
development that has prompted her after all these years to pick up stakes in Birmingham, Alabama and move back to the Big Apple to spend more time close to her parents, children and friends in the Northeast. For those who wonder where she’s been all these years, Donna Francavilla spent the last 16 years covering major national news stories in Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle as a freelancer for CBS Radio News. She also served as a television reporter at WBMA and WVTM-TV as well as filling-in as a talk show host on WAPI, Birmingham “Talk 99 FM.” She has also run her own multi-media services company, Frankly Speaking Communications (franklyspeakingcommunications.com) which still serves as an umbrella company for her many activities ranging from air talent and voice actor to public speaker; from talent coach and consultant to public relations strategist. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Donna Francavilla is one of the most talented, hardworking people in all of talk media. I’ve had the pleasure of following her career since the first year we published this trade journal. An extremely likable individual, she has always done it the hard way, never had an easy ride or a long-term, high-profile job. Yet everyone knows how much quality – on so many levels – she brings to the table. The fact that she is risking her established lifestyle in Birmingham to return to the Northeast and go into ‘training’ for a part-time gig at WCBS is one of the most compelling radio human interest stories to come down the pike in a long time. Go Donna – we are all pulling for you!” Francavilla brings a boatload of experience with her to WCBS. She was named the 2016 Communicator of Achievement by Alabama Media Professionals, has worked in the newsrooms and on air at stations KYW, Philadelphia; Tunnel Radio, Boston; WTOP, Washington, DC; as well as WINZ, Miami and she is also a former director-at-large for the RTDNA.
GOP Baseball Practice Shooting, Sessions Senate Testimony/Trump-Russia Investigation, Megyn Kelly-NBC Criticism, Warmbier-North Korea Case, Bachelor in Paradise Scandal, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/14). The politically motivated shooting of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and others at a practice for the congressional charity baseball game; the testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the related special counsel investigation into possible links between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the criticism of NBC and Megyn Kelly over her scheduled interview with Alex Jones; North Korea’s release of comatose U.S. student Otto Warmbier; the flap over the cessation of production of ABC-TV’s “Bachelor in Paradise”; 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.
Former KNOX, Grand Forks Owner Hoberg Dies. One-time owner of news/talk KNOX-AM Grand Forks, North Dakota Justin Hoberg died last Friday at age 87. Hoberg started his career at KNOX as an account executive and purchased the station in 1966. He sold that station – along with others – to Peoria Journal Star in 1972 and stayed with the stations as Peoria’s VP and general manager. According to the Grand Forks Herald, he is credited with transforming the station into a talk radio outlet.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country KNIX, Phoenix appoints Lois Lewis assistant program director and music director, effective July 17. Lewis previously served with iHeartMedia in the
same capacity at KWNR, Las Vegas “95.5 The Bull.” She’ll host middays – including the 90’s @ Noon feature – plus be responsible for record label relations, concert booking, as well as on-air content and music programming. iHM EVP of programming for the West Division Steve Geofferies says, “I’ve worked with Lois for over four years and have always appreciated her tremendous attention to detail and great relationships. She’s quickly becoming one of the best on-air talents we have in the country format. Plus, I love the amazing energy she brings to the building.”…..On-air pro Bill Dollar transfers from Cumulus Media’s Montgomery, Alabama cluster to the company’s Albany, Georgia station group to serve as its operations manager. In addition to his operations duties, Dollar will host the
midday show on country WKAK “NASH FM 104.5” as well as the afternoon drive show on rock WJAD “Rock 103.5.” In Albany, Cumulus also operates classic country WNUQ “NASH Icon 102.1,” AC WEGC “Mix 107,” urban contemporary WQVE “V101.7,” news/talk WALG-AM, and sports talk WGPC-AM “1450 The Fan.”…..Alpha Media promotes Crystal 
Legends to program director of country WRNS, Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, North Carolina. Alpha EVP of programming Scott Mahalick says Legends brings 20 of experience to the position. “It is great to have bench strength and promote from within Alpha Media. Crystal has the chops, passion, and love of people to drive WRNS every day.”…..American General Media is agreeing to buy four Albuquerque stations from Univision. The stations – hip hop KKSS, classic rock KIOT, regional Mexican KJFA, and hip hop KKRG – will be added to the company’s existing holdings in the market. However, due to FCC ownership rules, AMG will divest some of its properties. It will sell hot AC KAGM-FM to VCY America Inc.; CHR KDLW-FM to BB Broadcasting LLC; KJFA-FM to Vanguard Media LLC; and will donate classical KHFM-FM to KHFM Community Partners, which will convert the broadcasting license to non-commercial. Kalil & Co., Inc. is the exclusive broker for the transactions.
Round Three of May PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Portland – This time last month, KMHD had its 6+-share erode by just over 50% (1.8 – .8, -1.0, 6+), but the Mount Hood Community College jazz outlet recoups 90% of the loss with a +.9 to 1.7 (#23 to #21). The January through April (6+) trends for Entercom’s KNRK have been 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5, but “94.7 Alternative Portland” posts
a gain of eight-tenths to 3.3 (6+) to advance from #16 to #14. It is the first time “Alternative Portland” reaches the three-share level (6+) in just over one year ago (3.0, 6+, April 2016). Without a loss for the fourth straight time for a collective +2.1, (3.2 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), classic rock sibling KGON climbs from sixth to 
fourth. When KGON registered a +.8 in February, it brought to an end eight straight sweeps without a gain that resulted in a combined -1.7 dating back to last June (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Prior to these last three sweeps, KGON last crossed the five-share threshold (6+) in March 2015 (5.5). Off by one-half share in April, iHeartMedia-owned KLTH “106.7 The Eagle – Portland’s Classic Hits Station” bounces back with a gain of six-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+) and carries on in third-place. Adult contemporary cluster-mate KKCW regains the three-tenths it dropped in April and one-tenth more (8.6 – 8.3 – 8.7, +.4, 6+) as “K-103” is #1 for the 36th time in the last 38 ratings periods. The razor-thin one-tenth advantage it had in April over Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB expands to 1.3 shares, with KOPB sputtering by eight-tenths (8.2 – 7.4, steady at #2, 6+). Both stations gained nine-tenths in March. “K-103” was off by nine-tenths in February; KOPB declined by one full-share, completely surrendering January’s +1.0, after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016. The last time KOPB crossed the eight-share level (6+) was in March 2016 (8.0, 6+). After registering four straight gains for an overall +1.7 (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” is now a combined -1.8 in March and April (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Nonetheless, it actually progresses from eighth to seventh (6+), overtaking (by one-tenth) Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (4.5, fourth to eighth, 6+). In April, “The Bull” halted three straight months of notching a 4.2 (6+) by busting out with a +1.3 to 5.5 – its strongest 6+-showing since last July’s 5.5 – but surrenders all but three-tenths of the increase (-1.0). A January +.9 ended three straight decreases for “The Bull” that resulted in a combined -1.8 (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.3, 6+). Up or flat the past three sweeps for a combined +.7 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS returns the entire seven-tenths as “104.1 The Fish” is back at 1.9 (#15 to #18). Following April’s full-share increase to 4.5 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” surrenders 60% of it (4.5 – 3.9, -.6, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). In April, Alpha Media rhythmic CHR KWEE regained the four-tenths it lost in March (2.3 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+) but now “WE – 96.3” falters by one-half share to 1.8, slipping from #19 to #20.
2) Charlotte – An increase of one-full share (3.9 – 4.9, 6+) enables Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link – Charlotte’s Best Mix” to record its best 6+-share in nearly a year (4.9, 6+, June 2016) and return to the top ten (#11
to #8). Down the past three sweeps for a collective -.8 (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” regains all of it and is back at 2.3 (#18 to #17). With its third successive increase for a net +1.1 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” rises from sixth to third, recording its best 6+-stat since last October’s 6.3. On the heels of April’s +.8, co-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits” adds six-tenths (5.2 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+) and remains in second-place. Prior to April, “Country’s Hottest Hits” was a cumulative -1.8 in three successive downward moves dating back to the “Holiday” 2016 report (7.0 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Moreover, 5.2 in March was the lowest 6+-share in its PPM-history. It has an eight-tenths lead over its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat” (5.8, -.1, third to fourth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed 
“Country’s Hottest Hits” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). Albeit off by one-half share since March (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), classic rock cluster-mate WRFX “99.7 The Fox” is #1 for the fifth month in a row. Immediately in advance of that, “The Fox” posted three consecutive positive trends that accounted for a +1.3 (6.4 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Its +.8 in January curtailed a series of three consecutive downward moves that yielded a -1.5 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Owing to a -.4 to 5.4 (6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG snaps at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a gain of six-tenths (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+); “Power 98” drops from fourth to sixth. The market’s (6+) CHR share erodes by six-tenths as Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -.2 (4.6, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WHQC “Channel 96.1” is -.4 (4.7 – 4.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). “Kiss” had been up or flat the past four sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). With a -.2 in April, “Channel 96.1” had its string of consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.4 snapped at three (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+).
3) San Antonio – As the result of three straight increases – the latest by a robust +1.3 – Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX nearly doubles its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+) and rockets from #17 to #12. It had been almost two years (August 2015, 3.0, 6+) since KSTX reached the three-share level (6+). In a somewhat similar vein,
iHeartMedia’s KZEP had notched three straight modest gains for a net of one-half share (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), but “104.5 Latino Hits” erupts with a +1.2 (3.5, 6+) to bump up from #18 to #16. This represents the best 6+-showing for “Latino Hits” since “Holiday” 2014 (3.8, 6+). Trending 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+), Univision Radio’s KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” dials up a +1.1 to 3.4 (#18 to 17). Up two-tenths to 5.2 (6+), regional Mexican sibling KROM “Estereo Latino 92.9” ends at three its consecutive skein of downward trends that accounted for a -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+) and jumps from fifth to third. It was a combined +2.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January (6.2 – 7.4, 6+). In three straight improvements (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is up one full-share; KZLV began appearing in print this past December and moves from #16 to #14. Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM has logged a 3.2 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps, but “Las Estacion de la Raza” improves by 
six-tenths to 3.8 (6+), climbing from #15 to #12. By gaining four-tenths in April, iHeartMedia’s KXXM ended at six its string of consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -1.1 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+). Now in May, “Mix 96.1 – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on another half share to 4.2 (#12 to #11, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for Cox Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM are October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January’s +1.1; April’s +.8; and now May’s -.6 (7.6 – 7.0, 6+). Even so, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” occupies the top spot for the fourth successive time; KONO-FM departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, which lost one full-share (-1.0) in February; was a collective +1.5 in March and April (5.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+); but regresses by -1.0 in May (5.6 – 4.6, 6+). It drifts from second to seventh. With an 11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. Stuck on 3.7 (6+) in March and April, Univision Radio’s KXTN “Tejano and Proud” returns its March +.9 and is back at 2.8, plummeting from #12 to #19. Dropping six-tenths in both April and May (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, third to fourth, 6+) is Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio,” which – prior to April – had been up or flat the previous three sweeps for a +.7 (5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+).
4) Pittsburgh – More than halting a brief slide that produced a -.4 (8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKST dials up an increase three times that margin (9.1, +1.2, 6+) and “96.1 Kiss – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station”
remains in third-place. On the heels of April’s gain of eight-tenths (3.3 – 4.1, 6+), alternative sibling WXDX piles on another full-share to 5.1 (6+), as “The X at 105.9” moves from ninth to 
seventh. In the market’s country matchup, CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” improves by one-half share (3.9 – 4.4, unchanged at #10, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 for New Country” slumps by nine-tenths (3.8 – 2.9, flat at #11, 6+). Without a decrease in January, February, and March, “Y-108” was +.8 in that stretch (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), but it lost six-tenths in April. By adding two-tenths this time last month, “Big 104.7” halted three straight declines that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). In addition to posting its third consecutive increase netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” repeats at #1.
Immediately before picking up eight-tenths in March, “3WS” was -4.6 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7 – 9.3 – 9.1, 6+). Owing to three straight increases (4.9 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk KDKA-AM was +1.4, but now in back-to-back sweeps (April and May) “News Radio 1020” is a combined -1.6 (6.3 – 5.7 – 4.7, 6+) to drop from seventh to eighth. Although it remains at #4, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” has faltered by nearly two full-shares in four consecutive declines (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+).
5) Sacramento – A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96” recaptures all of it to 9.2 (6+) and is #1 for the fourth successive time. Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, KYMX rebounded from January’s -4.8
with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). After eing a combined +2.4 in November and December, “Mix” was +5.2 in “Holiday” 2016. Registering a 2.1 in five of the last eight ratings periods (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE “Jose 104.3” (#17 to #19) sputters by one-half share to 1.6, its lowest 6+-stat since last August (1.6, as well). Owing to a -.1 to 3.3 (6+), co-owned country KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” (#9 to #11) witnesses its streak of successive increases which generated a +1.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4, 6+) end at five. Prior to April, the last time Sacramento’s “Wolf” reached the three-share level (6+) was November 2014 (3.0, 6+). Another positive streak in the format continues though as iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 For New Country” puts together its third 
straight improvement for a +.8 (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Remaining at #14, “The Bull” had been within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous seven ratings periods. Unchanged at #5, co-owned KYRV “The River” is off by one-tenth to 4.9 (6+), thus halting at four the frequency’s string of consecutive gains that netted almost three full-shares (2.1 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 5.0, 6+). Several days into the April ratings period (4/3), adult hits KQJK “Jack FM” became classic rock KYRV “The River,” which improved KQJK’s March numbers by +1.5. The switch was made when “Jack” ranked ninth. Not only does Entercom’s KRXQ depart the top ten (#9 to #13), “98 Rock” is without an increase for the seventh successive ratings period for a collective -2.6 (5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+). Flat at #16, iHeartMedia news/talk KSTE has its fourth straight negative trend and is -1.5 since January (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.4, 6+).
6) Salt Lake City – Independent country KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (eighth to sixth, 6+) and classic country sibling KSOP-AM “AM 1370 – Utah’s Home for Classic Country” (1.1, #24, 6+) log gains of eight-tenths and 
one-half share, respectively. It is the third straight uptick for “Z-104” (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3, 6+) for a combined +1.3 and its strongest 6+-stat since July’s 5.9. “Classic Country” registered a .6 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps. Elsewhere in the mainstream country format, Cumulus Media’s KUBL “K-Bull 93” (flat at #3) drops four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), thus ending four straight upward moves that netted a +2.6 (3.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.0, “K-Bull” sputtered for five consecutive months and was a combined -2.2 since August (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). For the fifth straight ratings period, KYMV “Rewind 100.7” is either up or flat and has more than doubled its 6+-share in that timeframe (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.3 ,6+). Moreover, the Broadway Media adult hits outlet reaches a two-share for the first time since last October’s 2.0 and enters the top twenty at #18. The market’s CHR tussle has an interesting scenario as “Rewind” cluster-mate KUDD “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” forfeits 60% of its combined March and April +1.5 (3.5 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.1, -.9, 6+), drifting from fifth back to tenth. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+); April’s 5.0 was its best 6+-stat since last July’s 5.3. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KZHT lost eight-tenths in April to curtail three straight progressive trends that yielded a +1.3 (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), but “97.1 – Salt Lake City’s #1 Hit Music Station” regains 75% of April’s decrease (4.9 – 5.5, +.6, 6+), moving from #6 to a three-way tie at #3. Co-owned KAAZ “106.7 – Everything That Rocks” (#13 to #11) ends its 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.4 (6+) trending with a gain of one-half share to 3.9, its best 6+-performance in exactly one year (4.5, 6+, May 2016). Even though it picked up six-tenths in April – shaking off March’s massive -1.7 – Bonneville’s KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” remained at #2. Ironically, it drops four-tenths in May (6.9 – 6.5, 6+) yet advances to #1. Following three straight sweeps at #1, “FM 100.3” shifted to #2, having dropped 12.3 shares in January (20.6 – 8.3,
6+). Until that massive January spiral, “FM 100.3” didn’t have a decrease since April (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with a staggering +15.3. The station it dislodges at #1 is its news/talk cluster-mate KSL (6.0, 6+), which shifts to the runner-up slot. Recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January); -2.1 (February); +.6 (April); and now a -1.1 in May. Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KUUU “U-92” (2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #17 to #16, 6+) is within 2.0 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 12th straight time.
7) Las Vegas – Three-tenths of a share separates May 2017’s top three finishers. Down or flat in four straight sweeps for a -.7 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF rolled out a +1.2 in January, but followed with three straight losses: -1.6 in February; -.6 in March; and -.5 in April (5.0 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). It adds
two-tenths in May though to shift from #19 to #17 (2.5, 6+). At this time last month, iHeartMedia’s KWNR “95.5 Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” enjoyed a 1.7-share advantage over Beasley Media Group-owned KCYE “The Coyote – We Are Country.” Fast-forward to May results where “The Coyote” dials up a +1.4 (#11 to #5, 6+), while KWNR drops six-tenths (5.2 – 4.6, third to seventh, 6+), giving KCYE a three-tenths lead over its format foe. This is the third straight gain for “The Coyote” for a collective +1.8 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.9, 6+). Consistent with its three most recent trends of 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.2 (6+), co-owned KOAS urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” erupts with a +.8 to 6.0 (6+). It carries on at #3, one-tenth behind classic hits-oldies sibling KKLZ (6.4 – 6.1, -.3, 6+). Off by a combined four-tenths the past two sweeps (.8 – .7 – 
.4, 6+), news/talk sibling KDWN logs a one-half share gain to .9, its best 6+-share since last November’s 1.1, and checks in at #24. There continues to be some wild moves for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5,” which has recently been +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; and now -1.2 in May (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3, 6+). Nevertheless, “Sunny” is on top for the seventh consecutive time. Five straight up or flat trends generated a +8.3 for “Sunny” (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+) before January’s -.7.3 to 6.7 (6+). Following three successive downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), KSNE was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 ratings periods in a row. In addition to KWNR, Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” (seventh to ninth, 6+) and Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (#16 to #20, 6+) are down by six-tenths. “The Rock Station” had been without a decrease the past four sweeps for a +1.6 (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), while “Star” is a combined -1.0 in three straight decreases (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+).
8) Cincinnati – In 4.2 – 4.7 territory (6+) the past four sweeps, Hubbard rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9 – Cincinnati’s Best Mix” matches the 5.3 (6+) it posted last June by unfurling a full-share increase to march from eighth 
to sixth. A gain of eight-tenths by Cumulus Media classic rocker WOFX takes “The Fox” to 6.0 (sixth to fifth), its finest 6+-showing since November 2015 (6.0, as well). Chalking up gains of one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.1 – 4.6, tenth to seventh, 6+); Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8, steady at #4, 6+); and its country cluster-mate WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” (1.4, #21 to #17, 6+). Prior to May, the three most recent trends for “Q-102” were 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 (6+); the increase by “The Wolf” curtails three straight downward
trends that produced a loss of one full-share (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.5 -.9, 6+). For the first time since last August, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW can be found at #1. As with KSFI, Salt Lake City though (see above) “The Big One” (#2 in April) backs into the top spot as it is down three-tenths (9.3 – 9.0, 6+). Moreover, the Cincinnati Reds flagship must share the lead with Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet WGRR (9.5 – 9.0, -.5, 6+), which has actually been #1 every month this calendar year. In April, WLW answered a combined -1.2 in February and March (8.4 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) with a +2.1 to 9.3, its finest 6+-showing since last June’s 10.8. Conversely, March’s 7.2 was the lowest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Co-owned, fellow news/talker WKRC erodes by one full-share (5.3 – 4.3, 6+) and drifts from fifth to tenth. Meanwhile, WGRR posted a full-share gain in April, after a -.7 in March (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+). Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WGRR occupied the top spot for four straight months. A +.8 in January ended four successive down or flat sweeps that produced a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+) as WGRR progressed from second to first. Backsliding by one-half share each are Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School,” off for the third straight time (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9, #12 to #13, 6+) and co-owned WDBZ “Soul 101.5” (1.9 – 1.4, #16 to #17).
9) Orlando – The third successive increase by Cox Media Group’s WMMO (unchanged at #3) is by a hefty +1.2 and enables “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” to cross the eight-share threshold (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). The December 2016 – March 2017 6+-line for iHeartMedia’s WJRR was 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7. With back-to-back one-half share
increases, “Orlando’s Rock Station” is 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 (6+) and it climbs from ninth to eighth. A one-half share gain is also logged by Cox Media Group rhythmic CHR WPYO (3.7 – 4.2, 6+), sending “Power 95.3” into the top ten (#11 to #10). While the (Spanish 
contemporary) HD2 channel of co-owned WCFB improves by one-half share and remains at #17 (1.2 – 1.7, 6+), urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” surrenders nine-tenths (6.4 – 5.5, fifth to sixth, 6+). Within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 32nd straight time, Community Communications news/talk WMFE (flat at 2.5, 6+), climbs from #14 to #13. Continuing its steady pace, Entravision-owned Spanish tropical WNUE advances for the sixth straight ratings period – this time, by two-tenths to 2.5 (#15 to #13, tied with WMFE). The five previous gains in this WNUE streak were by one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+). On top for the fifth consecutive month, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRUM “Rumba 100.3” drops six-tenths to 12.2 (6+). The 12.8 it registered in April was the best-ever 6+-share in its PPM-history, eclipsing by two-tenths the previous record (12.6, 6+), set in March. Prior to January, “Rumba” was on top in October, November, and December. A collective +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7” stumbles by -1.1 to 8.8, but carries on in the runner-up slot; April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. As the result of three consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2, 6+), FM news/talk sibling WTKS is a collective -1.4 and moves from #13 to #15. Not only does the University of Central Florida’s WUCF have its consecutive streak of up or flat trends conclude at five (.7 – .8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), “89.9 – Jazz & More” exits the top twenty (#18 to #21).
10) Cleveland – The top six May 2017 finishers are separated by nine-tenths of a share. Unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM is up or flat for the fifth successive sweep (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0, 6+), with 
the Cleveland Indians’ flagship +1.6 in that stretch. Following four straight negative trends that yielded a loss of nearly five shares (10.4 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” picks up three-tenths to 5.8 (6+) and inches up from ninth to eighth. A combined +1.3 in March and April (6.8 – 7.3 – 8.1, 6+), co-owned WNCX relinquishes two-tenths 7.9 (6+). Mirroring what we have detailed in Salt Lake City and Cincinnati (see above),
however, a loss isn’t necessarily a bad thing at the front-end of the rankers. In this particular case, “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” backs into #1 (from #3 in April). Departing the penthouse is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” (8.4 – 7.7 -.7, 6+), which had been #1 each month this calendar year and now segues to #2. A +.2 in April snapped at three WMJI’s consecutive string of downward moves that accounted for a collective -1.6 (9.8 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 8.2, 6+). Prior to December’s +.1, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” was off by nearly three full-shares in three straight downward trends (11.5 – 10.8 – 9.6 – 8.6, 6+) and slipped to #2. September’s -.7 ended five straight gains for a cumulative +1.2 (10.3 – 10.7 – 10.9 – 11.3 – 11.4 – 11.5, 6+) and marked the first time in the previous 17 ratings periods that WMJI was not in double-digits (6+). WMJI was +1.1 in “Holiday” 2016. Tied with WMJI at #2 is Radio One urban AC WZAK, which is off by one-half share (8.2 – 7.7, 6+). 
Counting the May sweep, the five most recent trends for co-owned WGAR “99.5 – Cleveland’s Country” are 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 7.3 – 7.1 (6+); it is unchanged at #5. Up one-tenth (3.8 – 3.9, 6+), CBS Radio’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is anchored at #12 for the 17th successive sweep. Behind it at #13 for the 14th time in a row is Ideastream’s WCPN, which returns the three-tenths it gained in April (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to a -.2 in February, WCPN was without a decrease for eight consecutive ratings periods netting a combined +1.8 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.8, 6+).
11) Kansas City – Owing to a +.8 (3.9 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK not only has its best 6+-performance since last October’s 4.9, “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” cracks the top ten (#13 to #7). Co-owned classic rock KCFX “The Fox,” which bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April,
adds two-tenths (8.5 – 8.7, 6+) and is #1 for the fifth straight time. Before its +1.0 in April, “The Fox” registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). On top from May through September and then in December, KCFX had five straight uptrends prior to January’s -.5 for a cumulative +1.8 (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+). After six straight down or flat trends in which it eroded by more than three full-shares (7.2 – 7.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” gains four-tenths to 4.4 (6+) and carries on at #10. By regaining the one-tenth it lost April (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” progresses from fifth to third. As the result 
of three consecutive increases prior to April’s -.1 “Country 94.1” was a collective +2.1 (3.6 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). It entered the December 2016 sweep with four consecutive up or flat trends that accounted for a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), but was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3- 3.6, 6+). This time last month, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WDAF-FM “106.5 The Wolf” improved by four-tenths to 4.0 (6+), thus curtailing its 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.6 (6+) trending. Now, “The Wolf” adds another one-half share (4.5, 6+), shifting from a three-way tie at #10 to #8. It is one-tenth ahead of Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 – #1 For New Country,” which forfeits half of the six-tenths it gained in April (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, 6+) to tumble from seventh to tenth. Turning to the market’s CHR battle, the format’s 6+-share spikes by -1.2. Specifically, after posting four straight improvements for a nearly two-share cumulative gain (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KMXV “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by seven-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and slips from fourth to fifth. At the same time, Cumulus Media’s KCHZ, which had been without a loss in each of the past six survey periods netting a +1.2 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+) surrenders nearly half that increase (3.3, -.5, 6+) but “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” remains at #14. Down one-tenth, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR (flat at #15) is without an increase for the fourth successive time for a -.9 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+).
12) Columbus – Steady at #11, Ohio State University’s WOSU adds two-tenths to 3.0 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three straight negative trends that accounted for a -1.1 (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+). Similarly, Radio One urban AC 
WXMG “Magic 95.5 – Columbus’ Best R&B” (unchanged at #12) is up one-tenth to 2.8 (6+), halting three successive downward sweeps (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+) that yielded a -.9. The game of musical chairs for the top spot, principally between iHeartMedia CHR and country siblings WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” and WCOL, continues. Taking its turn this month with back-to-back gains of one-half share (following a -.9 in March) is “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9, second to first, 6+). Its one-half share improvement, coupled with a massive -1.3 by WCOL (10.5 – 9.2, 6+), sends the latter to the runner-up
slot. With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), WNCI advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, the CHR outlet was down or flat in each of the previous six surveys for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). In calendar year 2016, “Columbus’ Hit Music” was on top in January, February, March, August, September, and December. After regaining the top spot from WNCI in March, WCOL not only repeated in April but added four-tenths (10.1 – 10.5, 6+). WCOL was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; and now -1.3 in May (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2, 6+). In 7.1 – 7.9 range (6+) the past four ratings periods, Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-96 Iconic Rock” (third to fifth) spirals by -1.2 to 6.1, its lowest 6+-share since last October’s 5.5. Unlisted for the fifth straight month is Radio One gospel WJYD “Joy 107.1” (1.0, #15, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
John Cravens Exits ESPN’s WMVP, Chicago. He’d been in management at ESPN sports talk O&O WMVP for the past 10 years but now John Cravens is out as vice president and general manager of the property. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports Cravens’ history with the station: general sales
manager for four years until being boosted to VP/GM in 2009. Feder also writes that, although sources have confirmed his ouster, neither side is commenting and it’s uncertain whether his position will be filled or whether his duties will be picked up by others in the organization. According to figures from Miller, Kaplan, Arase, WMVP’s revenue dipped more than 11% from 2013 to 2014. Read Feder’s story here.
Steve Deace Show to Be Syndicated by Salem Radio Network. Iowa-based conservative talk show host Steve Deace’s nationally syndicated program will be distributed by Salem Radio Network beginning November 2, feeding live from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. SRN says the Steve Deace show will air on many of its news/talk-formatted stations across the country and will be available to stations in other markets. On his new
arrangement, Deace comments, “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Salem, which is a leader in conservative multi-media. It’s the perfect fit for our message, which unashamedly proclaims the pillars of American exceptionalism — faith, family, and freedom. We are finally getting our shot at the ‘big leagues’ and look forward to reaching a new and bigger audience.” Deace is a columnist for Salem-owned Townhall.com and recently released the book, Rules for Patriots: How Conservatives can Win Again (2014 Post Hill Press). SRN SVP Phil Boyce states, “I have been following Steve’s radio career for several years now and felt he would be the perfect addition to the Salem lineup at 9:00 pm ET, following Hugh Hewitt. I can’t think of a better time to do this, just as we are one year away from one of the biggest political elections in our country’s history, and Steve is all over this.”
Glenn Beck to Air in NYC Market on WVNJ in New Jersey. Nationally syndicated talk star Glenn Beck is being heard in the New York market again as Universal Broadcasting’s WVNJ,
Oakland, New Jersey adds his show for the 11:00 am to 1:00 pm time slot. The addition of the Premiere Networks program comes just weeks after WVNJ brought New York-based GCN-syndicated talk star Dr. Joy Browne to its roster for live clearance immediately following Beck’s show (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm). WVNJ director of operations Luis Felix states, “WVNJ is excited to welcome Glenn Beck to the airwaves in New York. The Glenn Beck program is a perfect fit for our listeners and makes a great addition to our programming lineup.”
Round One of October PPM Ratings Released. The first of four rounds of October 2015 PPM data from Nielsen Audio is released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). You can find all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his Twelve Takeaways from this round of data at our sister publication’s site here. The October 2015 PPM survey covered September 10 through October 7.
San Antonio Radio Pro Johnny Shannon Dead at 70. After a 50-year career in radio, Johnny Shannon died on Monday after a battle with liver cancer. Shannon had been working for the last 10 years of his career as a reporter for Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA, San Antonio. The earlier part of his career was spent working in music formats. In the San Antonio market, he’d worked at such outlets as KONO and KSMG. Earlier this year Shannon was inducted into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame and five years prior, he was honored as a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Odds & Sods. The tragic case of the death of a New Mexico four-year-old after a road rage incident was the focal
point of recent broadcasts on Cumulus Media’s KKOB-AM, Albuquerque. While the search was still on for the killer of Lilly Garcia, Albuquerque Police Chief Gordon Eden called in to KKOB-AM when morning show host Bob Clark was talking about the story with listeners. Eden said, “We know that 770 is heard around the Southwest and we need your help in tracking down truckers who may have witnessed the road rage shooting.” KKOB-AM program director Pat Frisch says, “770 KKOB is a vital part of New Mexico and that could not have been more evident when Chief Eden called in.”…..The national radio broadcast of the 111th Major League Baseball World Series is being carried by ESPN Radio for the 18th consecutive season. Talent for this year’s broadcast are: “Sunday Night Baseball” play-by-play voice Dan Shulman with analyst Aaron Boone, reporter Chris Singleton, ESPN Radio studio host Marc Kestecher, and ESPN MLB Insider Peter Pascarelli…..ABC Radio announces the availability of three special shows for the Thanksgiving weekend: “Shopping for Kids” with Alex Stone, “Holiday Gift Guide” with host Scott Goldberg, and “Holiday Movie Guide” with ABC Radio entertainment correspondent and movie critic David Blaustein…..AdLarge Media adds two more shows to its roster of podcasts for which it serves as exclusive ad sales rep. “Women Worldwide” reaches women who benefit from the shared experiences of the show’s notable guests and “The #Hashtag Show” from The Social Network Station draws listeners who want to implement best practices for using hashtags as an effective marketing or social networking tool.
DC Radio Legend Ed Walker Passes. Just hours after listening to his final “Big Broadcast” program air on WAMU-FM, Washington, market legend Ed Walker died at age 83 after battle with cancer. Walker holds a memorable place in Washington, DC radio history as (future renowned TV weatherman) Willard Scott’s partner on the WRC, Washington show “The Joy Boys.” That show ran from the mid-1950s through 1972. After that show ended, Walker worked at numerous stations in the market until taking over the weekly “Big Broadcast” show on WAMU-FM in 1990. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Walker recorded the program for broadcast on Sunday evenings. See the Washington Post’s obit by Paul Farhi here.
2016 Presidential Race, European Migrant Crisis/U.S. Immigration Policy, U.S. Patrols South China Sea, Congressional Budget Deal, Russia’s Syria Campaign/U.S. Syria-ISIS Policy, OSU Homecoming Parade Tragedy, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/26). The activities of the candidates for president in 2016; the ongoing migrant crisis in Eastern Europe and the United States’ policy on immigration; China’s warning to the U.S. about its patrol near disputed islands in the South China Sea; the tentative two-year budget deal agreed to by Republicans and Democrats in Congress; the Russian military campaign in Syria and the U.S.’s military policy in the region; the deadly accident that took the lives of four and injured dozens at the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade on Saturday; and the weekend’s NFL games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
SCBA Reports 2014 Starting Off Positive. Calling it “solid, steady revenue growth that sets the stage for a strong first quarter for Southern California radio,” Southern California Broadcasters Association president Thom Callahan reports the results of the Miller Kaplan Arase Market Summary report for January 2014 indicating total market revenue for Los Angeles radio grew by 1.7% in January. Callahan adds, “The 1.7% growth rate for January is, of course, good news for our industry here in Southern California, however, a closer look at what made up that growth reveals a market and region that is healthy and growing.” The Miller Kaplan Arase X-Ray report for Los
Angeles radio further describes both strong category growth and exceptional new business development in the first month of the New Year. That growth includes: insurance companies – up 152.1%, education – up 61.5%, concerts/theatre/movies – up 54.6%, communications/cellular/public utilities – up 22.7%, and both the auto category – up at 6.3% and health care – up at 6.4%. Callahan says, “New business development was a significant revenue driver for Southern California radio in January and showcases how new advertisers are rediscovering radio and its effectiveness in building brands and market share for their business. With 297 new advertisers spending $7,408,878 in new business in January alone, it’s clear our SCBA member stations are fully engaged in new business development.”
Journal Communications Reports Q4 2013 Numbers; Radio Down 7.2%. That radio figure does include the loss of political advertising and a quirk of the bookkeeping calendar that took a week away in 2013. Accounting for those issues, Journal reports that on a same-station basis, radio revenue was up 0.7% in the fourth quarter and for the whole of 2013 same-station revenue was up 3.7%. The news for national revenue continues to be negative as Journal’s radio stations saw national drop 22.8% in Q4 and dive 8.9% for the entire year. In a statement, chairman and CEO Steven Smith says, “Journal Communications delivered a solid fourth quarter in a non-political year, driven by gains in core revenue in our broadcast group and improving advertising revenue trends in publishing…Consolidated revenue of $107.4 million was up 11% compared to 2012, excluding the extra week and political revenue in 2012.”
WGWG-LP, Chicago Adds Jarrett Payton to Air Staff. The new sports talk outlet Tribune’s WGN, Chicago is building on the leased WGWG-LP signal announces the addition of Jarrett Payton – son of Bears great and NFL Hall-of-Famer Walter Payton – to the afternoon drive show with Harry Teinowitz and Spike Manton. “The Game 87.7” vice president of creative content Todd Manley tells Chicago media writer Robert Feder, “I think Jarrett is way more than sports royalty in this town. He’s the sort of creative, inventive mind that will help us define the future of this brand.” As Feder reports, Payton’s radio experience includes serving as host of Chicago Bears post-game shows on ESPN O&O WMPV, Chicago.
Talk Host Tom Becka Launches Web-based Podcast Series. Talk radio pro Tom Becka holds down the afternoon program at NRG Media’s KOIL, Omaha. Now, Becka is debuting his latest venture – a podcast series available at his website TomBecka.com titled, “Tom Becka Podcast.” Becka has a specific goal with regard to the podcast’s subject matter: letting interesting, everyday
people tell stories about themselves – things you might never know unless you asked. Some of the fascinating subjects Becka has covered with his podcast project include: a woman named Kaylee talking openly about what it’s like to live with bi-polar disorder; a local man who’s taken his passion for film and started a new career making films; a conversation with a tattoo artist about the tattoo phenomenon; a man with terminal cancer relating his inspirational thoughts about living and dying; a local man who lives every day with Asperger’s syndrome; and many more. Becka says, “Tom Becka.com is a place where every day people are going to be telling their stories…inspirational stories, life lessons, stories about overcoming adversity.” All the subjects for this project are from the local Omaha area, as Becka says, people who may be your friends, relatives or neighbors. Becka is posting a new episode every Sunday. Check it out here.
Michael Harrison on the Road – Next Big Stop: Jerry Del Colliano’s “Media Solutions Conference” in Philly March 26. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will be one of three special guest speakers at noted industry observer and analyst Jerry Del Colliano’s fifth annual Media Solutions Conference set for Philadelphia on Wednesday, March 26. Along with WBEB, Philadelphia (“More FM”) owner Jerry Lee and nationally syndicated Premiere Networks and Fox News Channel talk star Sean Hannity, Harrison will participate in the intensive day-long workshop that will focus on a wide variety of digital-era issues currently facing and challenging radio. These include coming to a better understanding of the Millennial generation, learning to disrupt radio itself before its media rivals do, separating radio’s main product into unique on-air and online categories, effectively using video to generate significant amounts of revenue and much more. Harrison states, “I am really looking forward to participating in this conference and tackling these crucial issues with a bunch of smart people from all ends of the business. Jerry Lee has so much to share about running an independent station in an aggressive, winning way – we could sure use more Jerry Lees in this industry – and Sean Hannity is the very definition of brains and class. One of the things Sean brings to the table is the ability to attract younger listeners to traditional news/talk – he has done quite alright in an area of the field to which most people are actively seeking answers.” The event takes place at Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Hotel. For more information click here.
Odds & Sods. Nationally syndicated progressive talk show host Leslie Marshall does double duty on Thursday (3/6) as she sits in for Thom Hartmann on his nationally syndicated program…..ESPN O&O WMPV, Chicago adds a weekly program covering Major League Soccer and the local Chicago Fire. The show is dubbed “Chicago Fire Weekly” and it’s being hosted by Fred Heubner and will feature contributions from Kevin Egan, analyst for the Chicago Fire’s television broadcasts…..News/talk WNTX, Fredericksburg, Virginia is again being heard on translator W243BS, Fredericksburg after the latter signal carried the “Fred FM” format for the past 11 months. WNTX is owned by Free Lance-Star, currently going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization…..Kevin Calabro re-ups with ESPN where he serves as the lead play-by-play voice on the NBA on ESPN Radio. He’ll continue working with lead NBA analyst Jon Barry, as well as PJ Carlesimo and Stan Van Gundy.
Former Nebraska Radio Owner Mitchell Dies at 89. In Nebraska, John C. Mitchell was a decorated broadcaster who was honored with a Pioneer Award from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association and is a member of the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Trained as an attorney who practiced law until he retired in 2001, Mitchell began acquiring radio stations in 1953 with the purchase of KGFW, Kearney – the station at which he worked in high school. Eventually his Mitchell Broadcasting Corporation would own some 14 stations across the state. Mitchell is pictured here at the mic on KGFW.
Crimea-Ukraine Tensions/Obama vs. Putin, ObamaCare Criticism, Israel-Palestinian Talks, The Oscars, Hillary in 2016, and Marijuana Policy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/3). The military incursions into Ukraine and Crimea by Russia and criticism of President Obama’s handling of Vladimir Putin; scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; U.S. pressure on Netanyahu to convene Palestinian peace talks; Sunday evening’s Academy Awards show; speculation about Hillary Clinton running for president in 2016; and marijuana policy in the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Syndicated Host Doug Stephan Suffers Devastating Loss in Dairy Farm Disaster. Early yesterday morning (2/19) Eastleigh Farm — located in the suburban Boston community of Framingham, Massachusetts – suffered a winter-related natural disaster in which one of the barn roofs collapsed under the weight of snow trapping, killing and injuring some of the dairy cows at the historic facility. The farm is owned by nationally syndicated talk show host Doug Stephan, whose long-running morning program “Good Day” is heard on hundreds of stations across the country and is consistently ranked one of the most-listened-to talk shows in the business. According to reports from the scene (pictured here where a cow is seen being hoisted to safety), at least three cows have died and many others are injured. The trauma to the cows is immeasurable. Dairy cows are very sensitive and this has potentially long-term consequences for the health of the farm and the remaining herd. Stephan is somewhat of a local folk hero in the “Metrowest” region of Massachusetts where the Eastleigh Farm – already beleaguered by economic issues challenging small family farmers across America – has been engaged in a high-profile
struggle to exist and continue to bring healthy, raw locally raised dairy products to the community. Eastleigh Farm is the last historical dairy land in Framingham. A fund-raiser has been launched to help with the formidable veterinarian bills, the care of the cows and the rebuilding of the barn. For information about the fundraiser, please click here. To see local video news coverage of the story, please click here. Ironically, Doug Stephan recently launched a new, weekly one-hour show on TALKERS magazine’s experimental talk radio platform, TalkersRadio titled, “American Family Farmer with Doug Stephan,” designed to bring information, inspiration and a political voice to the hard-pressed, small farmers battling the powerful interests of the mega-corporate-government-supported farm industrial complex that has been systematically squeezing them out of existence. The show airs with a new installment on TalkersRadio every Saturday morning at 8:00 am ET with repeats throughout the week at 11:00 am ET. Clearly, this disaster and its aftermath will provide Stephan with a tremendous amount of compelling material and content for the show. (Image: WCVB-TV, Boston)
Radio’s Kerri Kasem to Appear with California Assemblyman Mike Gatto to Introduce Parental Access Legislation. Industry pros and the radio-loving public have been following the tragic story of radio legend Casey Kasem and his second wife’s refusal to allow Kasem’s adult children to visit him as his health deteriorates due to advanced Parkinson’s disease. Now a California legislator is introducing a bill that would “provide reasonable accommodations for adult children who want to visit their parents, and provide children the right to know when an ailing parent’s health becomes worse or if the parent dies. The proposed legislation seeks to protect children from previous marriages from being denied access to a 
parent by a parent’s future spouse or child.” State Assemblyman Mike Gatto will introduce the bill and “Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx” co-host Kerri Kasem, daughter of Casey from his first marriage, will appear alongside Gatto when that happens today at 2:30 pm PT at the Los Angeles Superior Court. In explaining the reason for the bill, Gatto’s office states, “Currently, adult children are not afforded the legal right to visit an ailing parent. With divorce and remarriage becoming more prevalent, there is a greater possibility of conflict between a subsequent spouse and an ailing parent’s children from a previous marriage. These conflicts can become exacerbated when a parent becomes incapacitated or dies. In some cases, elderly parents are not even informed that their children wish to see them. Such conflicts are very painful for those involved and can mean that certain adult children do not get to see their parent(s) before the parent(s) pass away.”
Clear Channel Issues Q4 and 2013 Revenue Numbers; CCM+E Up 3%. The parent company of Clear Channel Media + Entertainment – Clear Channel Media Holdings LLC – is reporting figures for the fourth quarter of 2013 and for the whole of 2013. It reports revenue for the CCM+E division was up 3% — 8% excluding political advertising – and it notes that the reason was “due primarily to stronger national and digital advertising, as well as promotional and event sponsorship with the expansion of the Jingle Ball tour, iHeartRadio Music Festival and album release events.” For all of 2013 CCM+E was up 2%. The company states that “increases across multiple advertising categories were led by the telecommunications, retail and entertainment advertising markets. Digital revenue benefited from higher total listening hours, which were up 29%, and from investments in a digital sales organization. Promotional and event sponsorships also moved higher, driven by special events, such as the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Jingle Ball tour, iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party and album release events.”
Tribune’s WGWG, Chicago Grabs Finfer for Daily Role. The Tribune sports talk format airing on WGWG-LP at 87.7 FM adds another local talent as Ben Finfer jumps aboard from CBS RADIO’s crosstown WSCR. Finfer served as producer for the late morning McNeil & Spiegel show before joining Tribune’s new “The Game 87.7” on Wednesday. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that he’ll be part of the midday shows hosted by David Kaplan and Howard Griffith and Alex Quigley. While all of the media eyes may be on the new guy in town, WSCR and ESPN O&O WMVP have a healthy head start on WGWG. Data from Nielsen Audio’s January PPM indicates WSCR enjoyed a 5.0 share with Men 25-54 and WMVP racked up a 3.6 share, according to Feder.
Colleen O’Brien Joins KIRO-FM, Seattle for Mornings. At Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle, former KXLY-TV, Spokane news anchor Colleen O’Brien is named morning drive news anchor, filling the role held by Linda Thomas prior to her exit from the station to join Starbucks as managing editor for online news and content strategy. O’Brien is no stranger to Seattle or the radio side of the business. Prior to her work in Spokane, O’Brien served at crosstown KOMO-AM/FM.
The 4th Annual ‘Imus on Broadway’ Fundraiser ‘Opens’ Monday. For the fourth year in a row, Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York teams up with “The Great White Way” to present “Imus on Broadway” at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. The evening’s event – a benefit for the Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer – is a one-night-only production hosted by New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel and features performances from the casts of: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” “After Midnight,” “Avenue Q,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Chicago,” “Mamma Mia,” “Motown the Musical,” “Kinky Boots,” “La Soiree,” “The Lion King,” “Pippin,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “Wicked.”
ObamaCare Criticism, Ukraine Unrest, Sochi Olympics, ‘Smart Gun’ Bill, Jay Leno-‘Tonight Show’ Controversy, and Hillary in 2016 Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/19). Scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; the violence and political unrest in the Ukraine; the Winter Games in Sochi; the Democratic proposal for new guns to only fire in the hand of the owner; the accusation by a former ‘Tonight Show’ writer that Jay Leno was ousted for picking on President Obama; and the prospect of Hillary Clinton running for president in 2016 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, November 11, 2013
WOR, New York’s John R. Gambling Announces Retirement. New York City radio legend John Gambling – who followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather in entertaining Big Apple radio listeners – told his audience this morning (11/11) that he will retire at the end of the year. Gambling has worked in radio for the past 40 years, 35 of that in New York City. He told listeners his last show will be December 20. John R. Gambling is the grandson of John B. Gambling who was the morning host on WOR, New York from 1925 to 1959 when his son, John A. Gambling assumed the morning host role at the station. John R. co-hosted the “Rambling with Gambling” show with his father John A. on WOR from 1985 to 1991. Gambling states, “I have done and accomplished so much. My radio career has given me the privilege to entertain and inform millions of New Yorkers. Each day, to watch the greatest city on earth from behind the microphone has been a thrill and I’ve been blessed with an audience that has been loyal and engaging. To say it has been exciting doesn’t come close to the joy I have had.” Clear Channel is beginning a search for a replacement morning show.
WPHT, Philadelphia Airs Veterans Day Broadcasts. CBS Radio news/talker WPHT, Philadelphia is airing a day of remote broadcasts in honor of Veterans Day. Today, Rich Zeoli broadcast from the Delaware County Veterans Memorial from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Midday host Dom Giordano is doing his show live from the 54th Media, Pennsylvania “Annual Veterans Day Parade.” During afternoon drive, “Talk Radio 1210” personalities Dick Morris, Gary R’nel and Rich Zeoli are broadcasting live from The Green Parrot Restaurant in Newtown.
Veterans Day Offers Radio Broadcasters the Opportunity to be Heroes. RadioInfo (TALKERS magazine’s sister publication on the music side) music editor/director Duane Doobie says that although most of the radio industry is open for business as usual today (including the trades), “In the communications business – particularly radio — you can probably do more to honor the true meaning of a holiday as significant as Veterans Day by going to work and raising consciousness about the meaning of the holiday. It sure beats taking a day off and paying tribute to the purpose of the observation by having a backyard barbeque or going to the beach or a sporting event and drinking a lot of beer, watching endless hours of a Twilight Zone marathon… or buying a car, or worse, planning to camp out on the sidewalk in front of a box store fully prepared to stampede your neighbors in order to save money on a new flat screen television or smart phone with the latest bells and whistles.” In a special commentary posted today (11/11) Doobie continues, “Our publisher Michael Harrison has been speaking at major industry events calling upon radio broadcasters to ‘never miss any opportunity to be a hero.’ He says it is a principle of radio broadcasting that strikes a chord into the very heart of what we are all about – a practice that is good for BOTH business and the soul. Thus, I ask you to look around and ask yourself, is your radio station – are you on your show – doing something special today to be a hero? Are you doing anything special today to be a hero by honoring the true heroes in every single market in America… our veterans?” To read Duane Doobie’s entire column, please click here.
ESPN Audio Reorganization Puts Jim Pastor in Charge of ESPN Local. ESPN confirms the changes in the structure of its O&O radio stations and their websites. Former WMVP, Chicago “ESPN 1000” general manager Jim Pastor is named SVP of ESPN Local. This puts him in charge of the company’s three O&O stations (WMVP, Chicago; WEPN-FM, New York and KSPN, Los Angeles) as well as their websites and ESPNDallas.com. Current WMVP VP/GM John Cravens will take the new title vice president of local revenue and KSPN VP/GM Scott McCarthy will become vice president of local content and will report to Pastor. The move separates the national and local sectors with SVP Mo Davenport overseeing ESPN Network Audio. ESPN senior vice president, production business divisions Traug Keller says, “We have identified two key areas – network and local business – to align leaders with division priorities to provide better services and products for our fans. The successful partnership of our ESPN local websites and owned radio stations has helped our local business thrive. Organizing by function will allow us to leverage individual and team strengths across the entire business.”
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh’s ‘High School Tour’ Brings Teen Issues to the Fore. CBS Radio news/talk station KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh continues its “High School Tour” on Thursday, November 14 as midday talk host Mike Pintek broadcasts live from Woodland Hills High School in Churchill, Pennsylvania. The station states that the “’The High School Tour’ is a chance for KDKA to talk with students in different areas of our region about current events and the issues that affect them. Some of the topics Pintek has focused on are social media concerns, bullying, texting while driving as well as events in the current news cycle. The schools select students that participate in the broadcast.” During the broadcasts, Pintek elicits the perspective of the school’s superintendent, principal or other faculty.
Two More Stops Added to Stephanie Miller’s ‘Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour.’ WYD Media Management nationally syndicated talk show host Stephanie Miller (center) is taking her “Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour” out on the road again in 2014 and has added two more cities to the itinerary. Miller – along with fellow comedians and radio show contributors Hal Sparks (right) and John Fugelsang (left) – will be visiting the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin on March 29 as well as the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix on February 14. The tour begins in Seattle on December 14 of this year at the Paramount Theatre.
WXOS, St. Louis Adds Thompson and Wheeler to Air Staff. Hubbard Radio’s sports talk WXOS “101ESPN” brings former MLB player Brad Thompson and sports talk pro Kevin Wheeler aboard the air staff. Wheeler begins hosting an eponymous show on November 25 to air in a yet-to-be-announced daypart. Thompson will join the afternoon drive “Fastlane” show alongside D’Marco Farr and Randy Karraker beginning in January. Thompson has been serving as a fill-in host for the station on its daily programs and most notably subbed for former St. Louis Cardinals star Chris Duncan during his recent recovery from brain surgery. Wheeler is coming to WXOS from his most recent position at crosstown news/talk KMOX where he hosted the “Sports Open Line” show as well as a pre- and post-game shows for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. Program director Chris “Hoss” Neupert says, “Both Brad Thompson and Kevin Wheeler bring unique perspectives and experience to the ‘101ESPN’ team, and I am looking forward to getting them both on the air to enlighten and entertain our listeners.”
Broadcast Engineer Legend George J. Capalbo Passes at 86. Pioneering broadcast engineer George J. Capalbo passed away on Friday, November 8. He is remembered for his contributions to the radio broadcasting industry. Capalbo’s many accomplishments include serving as chief engineer for WRKO, Boston when the station launched as top 40 outlet “Big 68” in 1967. He also built the FM station WAAF, Worcester, now owned by Entercom, that serves both the Boston and Worcester metros. Capalbo is credited by WRKO’s then-general manager Mel Phillips with putting together a state-of-the-art broadcast facility for television and radio “from scratch” at 7 Bulfinch Place in Boston, and with developing WRKO’s radio automation system. Capalbo served as president of engineering for the RKO Radio division and supervised seven AM stations and seven FM stations in markets including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. He is also credited with building the RKO Satellite Network, the first radio satellite delivery network. For the RKO Satellite Network, Capalbo designed the distribution network in New York City as well as the news bureau in Washington, DC. Capalbo enlisted in the Armed forces in 1944 at the age of 17 right out of high school and served for two years until the end of World War II. He left the service with a rank of Radioman Second Class.
WSRQ, Sarasota Partners with Gannett’s WTSP-TV for Content. Florida Talk Radio-owned news/talk WSRQ, Sarasota (also heard on translator W295BH, Sarasota) enters into a deal with Gannett’s WTSP-TV “10 News” to locate two staffers from the television station in the former’s Sarasota studios. Sarasota reporter Isabel Mascareñas, along with “10 News” photojournalist Tim Burquest will be based in the newsroom, allowing “10 News” to quickly cover breaking news and events in the Sarasota area. Additionally, WTSP will provide video, weather radar and custom Sarasota weather forecasts for WSRQ. WSRQ general manager Susan Nilon states, “Our goal is to focus specifically on Sarasota issues. This partnership with ‘10 News’ allows for even better coverage of the wonderful place we call home.”
Embattled Toronto Mayor’s Radio Show Ends. Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s weekly radio program that aired on Bell Media’s CFRB, Toronto “Newstalk 1010” has been eliminated from the station’s program schedule by a mutual decision, according to station management. Rob Ford and his brother, Toronto city councilor Doug Ford, hosted “The City with Mayor Rob Ford” that aired Sunday afternoons from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Rob Ford has been at the center of a drug use scandal that has been a major news story not only in Toronto and Canada but across the United States as well.
FCC Tightens Divestiture Trust Policy with Townsquare’s Cedar Rapids Application. The long period of time during which radio stations have sat in divestiture trusts while still putting money into the pockets of the “previous” owners has been a sore spot for some broadcasters, but that is changing as the FCC signals it’s not going to approve long-termed trusts. The commission is approving the transfer of two of Townsquare Media’s Cedar Rapids stations – KKHQ-FM, Oelwein and KOEL-FM, Cedar Falls – to the Cedar Rapids Divestiture Trust on the condition that the term of the trust is two years and the trustee file reports every six months describing the efforts to sell them. In discussing the matter, the commission notes that the economy, and therefore the climate for buying and selling radio stations, is in much better shape than it was in 2008 when Clear Channel created the Aloha Trust. It notes that five years later, 37 of the 57 stations put in the trust have been sold with the sale of two more pending. The commission concludes that “a reasonable limitation on the duration of a divestiture trust will best serve the public interest by requiring the parties to a trust agreement to meet a deadline to place the stations with a new operator to ensure long-term compliance with the requirements of the Local Radio Ownership Rule.”
Glenn Beck Visits Asheville. Premiere Networks nationally syndicated star Glenn Beck is pictured here with WWNC, Asheville, North Carolina afternoon drive talk show host Pete Kaliner at the WWNC studios. Beck did his radio program from the station on November 8 while in town for the celebration of Reverend Billy Graham’s 95th birthday. The event was attended by some 900 well-wishers including Donald Trump and Sarah Palin.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Heather Cohen Named TALKERS “Woman of the Year” — Will Be Presented Award at Talkers Los Angeles 2013 by KFI/KTLK PD Robin Bertolucci. Hard-working industry super-agent, Heather Cohen, executive vice president of leading radio talent representatives, the Weiss Agency, has been voted by the TALKERS editorial board to be the 2013 recipient of the prestigious “Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Talk Radio by a Woman.” This award is often referred to by the title, “Woman of the Year.” Cohen has accrued a stellar list of accomplishments in a career that spans more than a decade and a half in the radio industry and includes her current work as an agent at Eric Weiss ‘s Weiss Agency since 2007, based in the firm’s New York office. Prior to that, Cohen briefly led the programming arm of GreenStone Media, LLC — where she was VP of programming and significantly contributed to that initiative’s being awarded three Gracie Awards. During the decade prior to GreenStone, Cohen served as executive producer of the legendary, award-winning, Joan Hamburg show on WOR, New York and as the then-Buckley Broadcasting-owned heritage station’s assistant program director. Cohen is a graduate of Hofstra University and serves on its School of Communication Advisory Board. On making the announcement of Cohen’s selection for this honor, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “If anyone deserves this award recognizing an individual woman for not just her personal accomplishments in talk radio – but her contributions to the industry as well – then the
selection of Heather Cohen is the quintessential choice. She is a marvelous broadcaster and her personal career achievements as a producer, APD and corporate programming executive speak for themselves — but as an observer of this scene who has been tracking the career of this extraordinary young woman for years, I must say, she is the Mother Teresa of agents. She personally shepherds the careers of approximately 10% of TALKERS’ entire ‘Heavy Hundred’ and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I have never seen an agent or manager care so deeply with heartfelt dedication to each and every one of the Weiss Agency’s impressive list of clients. In other words, she GIVES to the business on a level that changes the lives of everyone with whom she is connected and continues to make a real difference on a daily basis. It is extremely gratifying to see a truly outstanding industry woman of this quality receive the award.” Harrison goes on to say, “I have often stated that all of us at TALKERS look forward to the day when it is no longer necessary or appropriate for there to be a special ‘woman’ award in talk radio — but unfortunately, as the numbers so starkly indicate, that day is not today. Thank you, Heather, for your tireless, selfless dedication to both the hard working women AND men of talent out there in the tough trenches of today’s radio trying to keep the spirit of our unique culture alive in the 21st century.” Heather Cohen will be presented the “Woman of the Year” award in a special ceremony at Talkers Los Angeles 2013 on Thursday, October 10 by last year’s distinguished recipient, KFI and KTLK, Los Angeles program director Robin Bertolucci. Talkers Los Angeles 2013 is nearing a sellout within about a week. It is open only to members of the working media. For registration and sponsorship information call 413-565-5413.
CBS Radio Makes Management Moves in Los Angeles and Tampa. Former Cox Media Group Miami market manager Dan Kearney is named senior vice president and market manager for the company’s Los Angeles cluster that includes all news KNX, CHR KAMP-FM “97.1 AMP Radio,” adult hits KCBS-FM “93.1 Jack FM,” alternative KROQ, classic hits KRTH “K-Earth,” and AC KTWV “94.7 The Wave.” As explained by CBS
Radio EVP of operations Scott Herman, the change allows current LA market manager Steve Carver to move back East as desired where he’ll head up the Tampa cluster. Kearney managed the Miami cluster for CMG from 2012-2013 after moving down from news/talk WSB, Atlanta. He first joined Cox at news/talk KFI, Los Angeles in 1998 as local sales manager when that company owned the station. CBS Radio president and CEO Dan Mason says of Kearney, “Dan is an accomplished broadcaster and exactly the right executive to shape a new future for our iconic radio stations in Los Angeles. He has an impressive record of experience managing the operations of a multitude of different radio formats, producing noteworthy growth across all key measures. Dan’s a fabulous addition to our organization.” Steve Carver will replace Ben Hill whom the company says agreed more than a year ago to work across the state from his home in the West Palm Beach area. He will work through the transition until October 11 and be available to the company through the end of the year. CBS Radio operates six stations in Tampa including: sports talk WHFS-AM “CBS Sports Radio 1010” and WHFS-FM “98.7 The Fan,” rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1,” country WQYK, classic hits WRBQ “My Q105,” and Spanish WYUU “92.5 Maxima.”
Rob Babin to Lead CMG’s Miami Cluster. Cox Media Group promotes Rob Babin to vice president and market manager for its Miami station group that includes hot AC WFLC “97.3 The Coast,” urban contemporary WHQT “Hot 105 FM,” hip hop WEDR “99 Jamz,” and soft AC WFEZ “Easy 93.1.” Cox EVP of Radio Kim Guthrie states, “We are delighted to tap into our amazing, internal leadership talent pool and have Rob step into this new executive role, overseeing our Miami operation. He has been an outstanding leader in his 12 years with CMG, both in our Orlando and Atlanta radio markets. His strategic vision, incredible performance track record and desire to be the best make him a great fit for this opportunity.” Babin most recently was vice president of sales for the Atlanta stations, including news/talk WSB, one of the top 10 billing stations in the country. Babin comments, “I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with so many great people at CMG Atlanta, and I know their tradition of success will continue. Now I am thrilled to work with the phenomenal group of radio stations and talented team that make up CMG Miami!”
Clear Channel Flips KOY, Phoenix to Business as ‘Business 1230 KFYI.’ Gone are adult standards on KOY-AM and in is business talk format using predominantly Bloomberg Radio content. The station is airing the “Big Business with Sully” program from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with more local programming on the way according to program director Neil Larrimore. He states, “The business format fits well into the KFYI brand. Businesses and individuals are always looking for ways to manage their money better, to do more with less, and to make sure their futures are secure. This touches everybody – it’s a natural relationship for the established and trusted KFYI information brand to be part of this format.”
MEDIA BROKER SPOTLIGHT: Doyle Hadden of Hadden & Associates Media Brokers. In this week’s installment of Media Broker Spotlight, Sandi Bergman of RadioTVDeals.com interviews media broker Doyle Hadden of Hadden & Associates Media Brokers located in the Orlando area of Florida. Hadden went into being a broker after years of being in radio and television sales, management and ownership. He says he wasn’t “good enough” to be an on-air talent so he found a way to make money “behind the scenes.” He says, “Based on the past five or six years, things are on the rise in buyers’ interest in getting back into the game, now that the economy has shown signs of improving. Look at Larry Wilson, who sold Citadel for more than $2 billion and now he is back in the hunt, along with many other great players in the business.” He adds, “There are some very attractive deals out there but the prices seem to be going up across the board, especially in the larger and top 20 markets.” Per the custom of this feature, Hadden offers several opportunities for displaced station managers and first-time entrants looking to roll up their sleeves and take on an ownership project. To read the entire installment of Media Broker Spotlight, please click here.
Odds & Sods. WMVP, Chicago “ESPN 1000” talk show host Tom Waddle is joining the mothership’s “Football Sunday on ESPN Radio” beginning this season and starting with the first show September 8 at 1:00 pm ET. Waddle co-hosts the “Waddle & Silvy” show on WMVP. Waddle will work from the company’s Bristol, Connecticut studios and will also appear on Sunday editions of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and on ESPN2’s “Cowherd on Football” – the new hour-long program focusing 
on both college and pro football discussion and commentary with host Colin Cowherd that airs from 9:00 am to 10:00 am ET…..St. Louis Rams great Torry Holt signs on with Hubbard Radio’s WXOS, St. Louis “101 ESPN” to serve as the station’s football insider providing exclusive weekly call-ins to the station. He’ll make three weekly appearances on the station: Each Monday morning during “Zach and Rammer,” Wednesdays on “The Turn” with Chris Duncan and Anthony Stalter, and Friday afternoons on “The Fast Lane” with Randy Karraker and D’Marco Farr.
Salem Communications Sponsoring Kevin Jackson’s “Reparations Comedy Tour.” Talk show host, speaker and author Kevin Jackson’s “The Reparations Comedy Tour” gains more support as Salem Communications agrees to join Americans for Prosperity and The Daily Caller as sponsors for his new conservative comedy tour featuring Brad Stine, Tim Wilkins, Even Sayet, and Tim Young. WLSS, Sarasota “News Talk 930 AM” and WGUL, Tampa “Talk Radio 860 AM” are leading the promotional efforts on behalf of the company. A press release for the tour states that “Jackson and his friends will be taking aim at the politically correct world America has become, especially when it comes to dealing with race relations. The tour kicks off on Thursday, September 12, with two shows at The Crest Theatre in Delray Beach, Florida, and moves to the Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg, Florida the next evening with future dates to be announced soon.”
Two Katz and a (former) Congressman. Former Congressman Allen West (l) is pictured here with Boston Herald Radio morning drive host Jeff Katz (r) and Katz’s eldest son Harry (c). As part of the Hausman Memorial Speakers Series in Stoughton, Massachusetts on August 15, Jeff Katz was featured along with former Congressman West. According to Jeff Katz, his son Harry’s review of the event was as follows: “Allen was great! And my Dad was pretty good, too.” Photo by Eric Kahn.
U.S.-Egypt Relations, Ted Cruz Citizenship Issue, Clinton Foundation Expenses Scrutiny, ObamaCare Implementation, 2016 Presidential Jockeying, and Financial Markets Activity Among Top Stories Yesterday (8/19). Violence in Egypt and the state of the United States’ relationship with the country; the case of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s Canadian citizenship status; controversy over the expenses at the Clinton Foundation; the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the early jockeying for position in the 2016 presidential race; and financial markets activity were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Melanie Morgan Leaves KSFO, San Francisco AM Show. This was radio and news pro Melanie Morgan’s second go-round with the Cumulus news/talker. Morgan was a longtime fixture on KSFO alongside Lee Rodgers on the morning drive show when it was owned by ABC Radio (then Citadel) until her departure from the station in 2008. She worked briefly with Talk Radio Network’s “America’s Morning News” based in Washington, DC but was forced to return to San Francisco to deal with a health issue. She joined the morning show at KSFO again – this time with Brian Sussman as co-host 18 months ago. Morgan Tweeted to followers: “Breaking – Melanie Morgan leaves KSFO morning show. No more 2:45 alarms. Amicable parting. Thanks KSFO listeners. God Bless You!”
WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey Legend Jack Ellery Retires. Greater Media announces that New Jersey radio legend Jack Ellery is retiring from WCTC, New Brunswick after a career that has spanned 50 years. Ellery, most recently morning host at the station, has spent the better part of his career at WCTC. Ellery began as a disc jockey but quickly turned his daily morning show into a forum for discussion on the latest news in Central Jersey and the state, providing insight, wit and humor, as one of the true pioneers of local talk radio. Greater Media states, “Along the way, the radio veteran was also instrumental in helping WCTC raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Central Jersey charitable organizations through on-air radiothons and different drives for local residents in dire need. Ellery capped off his career as one of Central Jersey’s iconic radio personalities with his inclusion in the New Jersey Broadcasters Association’s inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees last year. He also received the NJBA’s Lifetime Achievement award at that time.” WCTC station manager Dan Henrickson says, “Jack has served our community, our advertisers and our audience for multiple decades. We wish him all the best in the ‘gone fishing’ portion of his life.”
Boston Globe Examines Local Sports Talk Radio Battle. Boston Globe sports columnist Chad Finn takes a deeper look at the ratings war between CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” and Entercom’s WEEI-FM after the Arbitron PPM data for the June period were released late yesterday. It turns out the NHL
Stanley Cup push by the hometown Bruins – whose games are broadcast on WBZ-FM – was very good news for the station. Finn digs into the Men 25-54 numbers average from the last three ratings periods (April, May and June) and reports the following: WBZ-FM was #1 in the demo with a 10.2 share and WEEI-FM was tied for 5th place with a 5.5 share; in morning drive WBZ-FM morning show Toucher and Rich were first with a 13.4 share. WEEI’s Dennis and Callahan were fifth with a 6.0 though Finn notes that D&C were up in June with a 7.0 share. Things got a little closer in the evenings when play-by-play for the Bruins and the Red Sox were happening. Finn writes, “In the evenings (7-p.m-midnight), The Sports Hub, featuring the Baseball Reporters, the Adam Jones Show and Bruins game broadcasts, was first with a 13.4 share, including a massive 16.2 in June. WEEI’s nighttime programming, including the Planet Mikey Show and Red Sox and Celtics broadcasts, was second (9.7, including a 10.2 in June).” The next couple of surveys will be interesting as WEEI has the monopoly on play-by-play with Red Sox baseball. Read Finn’s entire column here.
Chicago Sports Talk War Featured in Tribune. The Chicago Tribune’s Ed Sherman dives into the Men 25-54 PPM data for what he terms the spring ratings – April, May and June PPM averages – for the market’s major sports talk outlets CBS Radio-owned WSCR and ESPN O&O WMVP. Sherman reports WSCR finished fourth in the market with a 4.7 share against WMVP’s 16th place finish on a 2.4 share (Men 25-54 Mon-Sun 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight). Breaking out some of the individual
programs, Sherman reports in morning drive WSCR’s “’Mully & Hanley’ were third at 6.8; ‘Mike & Mike’ were 10th at 2.9 on MVP. In the afternoon, ‘Boers & Bernstein’ were second at 5.2, while ‘Waddle & Silvy’ were 16th at 2.6 in the first three months of their new time slot for WMVP.” Sherman also spoke with both program directors – WSCR’s Mitch Rosen and WMVP’s Adam Delevitt – in searching for reasons the stations, which were often very close in ratings in the past, have separated recently with WSCR pulling ahead. Rosen tells the Tribune, “We’ve stuck with the same lineup for several years. People get into habits when it comes to listening to stations. Continuity makes a big difference in radio.” Delevitt points out what his company sees as its strength in a multi-platform approach. “With ESPN, you have to focus on all of our platforms. Nobody can duplicate what we’re doing on every platform.” You can read Sherman’s entire piece here.
Michael Harrison to Deliver Keynote Address at The Conclave – Says the Future of Radio Rests Upon the Shoulders of Talent. The long-running annual industry learning conference, The Conclave, is coming up in just six days! Set for Wednesday, July 17 – Friday, July 19 at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel in Minneapolis, the 38th installment of this major, non-profit industry institution will feature a packed lineup of speakers from both music and talk radio (click here for the complete agenda). TALKERS publisher Michael
Harrison is set to deliver the event’s Keynote Address on Thursday, July 18 at 9:00 am. The title of his speech is “Radio in the Digital Age: Where Does Talent Fit In?” His presentation will approach today’s key issues – immense debt, generational and cultural shifts, exotic new media, audience measurement shortcomings, plus the increasing importance of intellectual property, talent becoming entrepreneurial, and the humanity that radio should offer and has the potential to still do so well. Looking ahead to his presentation, Harrison states, “The Conclave is designed as a platform for learning and I intend to use this opportunity to share the experience of my 45-year career in professional broadcasting and present-day insights accrued being the publisher of two leading trades with the young up-and-comers who are hopeful that radio can yet provide them with a rewarding career. The past, present and future of radio is primarily a story about talent. I will talk about the survival and ‘thrival’ of talent – upon whose shoulders rests the future of this industry.”
WPEN-FM, Philadelphia Baseball Talk Host Darren Daulton Diagnosed with Brain Cancer. The former MLB star and host of “Talkin’ Baseball with Dutch” took a break from his regular 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm nightly baseball show on Greater Media’s WPEN-FM “The Fanatic” to have tumors removed from his brain and the result of tests on those tumors showed they are cancerous. Darren Daulton Foundation president Tony Perri posted a message on Daulton’s official website stating, in part: “Darren has been diagnosed with a Glioblastoma (“GBM”), a form of brain cancer. He has returned to his Clearwater area home to continue recuperating amongst his immediate family and friends. He will eventually begin treatments in Florida. Darren and his family wish to thank everyone for their loving support throughout this difficult time. He is deeply touched. In typical fashion, he again said, ‘Right on; Fight on.’ Darren and his family request that everyone respect his privacy and that of his family during this period of time. At his urging, I can report that the September 9, 2013 golf tournament that benefits the Foundation will continue as planned.”
Former KPOJ, Portland Talk Host Building Online Progressive Talk Destination. Carl Wolfson was the morning drive host at Clear Channel’s KPOJ, Portland before the company dropped the progressive talk format and
flipped it to sports talk in November of 2012. Undaunted, Wolfson created a live, daily morning program on the internet and “Carl in the Morning” has been building a listenership on Wolfson’s internet station. Now, he’s adding another program to the station as former Oregon State Representative Jefferson Smith begins hosting a program called “Thank You Democracy” two days a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am. According to Willamette Week, Wolfson writes about the show, “Each episode of ‘Thank You Democracy’ will take a topic and cover that topic from various angles. The show will benefit from Jefferson’s network of relationships, as well as his experience as an activist, nationally recognized non-profit executive, advisor to elected officials, as well as a candidate and office-holder himself.”
KRMS, Osage Beach, Missouri Host Saves Life of Guest. It all started when “Ozarks Today” host John Rogger called author and scheduled guest June Barnhart by mistake on Monday July, 8 for an interview scheduled for a different day. But when he spoke with her he noticed she sounded confused and hung up on him. Fortunately the author’s publicist had his sister check in with the author’s sister who rushed over to her house to find her in bad shape. She was dehydrated and confused and was taken to the hospital. Rogger tells TALKERS magazine that he subsequently found out Barnhart had suffered a mild stroke but doctors say she is expected to make a full recovery.
Healthy-Schmealthy, Tell ‘em You Want a Hochman Burger! When WAXY, Miami “AM790 & FM 104.3 The Ticket” morning drive co-host Marc Hochman was asked by Miami Subs Grill to create a namesake burger to be sold at the restaurant, he was only too happy to comply. Marc is pictured here prepping to dive into a Hochman Burger that is now available at all 32 Miami Subs locations. (Miami Subs is partly owned by Miami-based rap star Pitbull.) What’s in a Hochman Burger you ask? It’s covered with cheddar and BBQ sauce and topped with Funyons! Tasty…and crunchy, too!
WFAN, New York’s Boomer & Carton to Captain Celebrity Softball Game. Morning drive sports talk duo Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton will choose their sides for the Major League Baseball’s Taco Bell Legends & Celebrities Softball Game during their show on CBS Radio’s WFAN, New York Friday morning at 8:00 am. Boomer & Carton will be broadcasting live from the All-Star FanFest at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The celebrity game is now in its 9th year as part of MLB’s All-Star Week and will be played before the All-Star Game Tuesday evening at Citi Field. It will feature celebrities including Chris Rock, Mike Piazza, Kevin James, Darryl Strawberry, George Lopez, Dwight Gooden, Ashanti, Jennie Finch, Chord Overstreet and James Denton, among others. Boomer Esiason is co-captaining the National League team alongside John Franco and Craig Carton and Bernie Williams will lead the American League team.
Immigration Reform, George Zimmerman Trial, Student Loan Bill, Asiana Airlines Crash Landing, Egypt Turmoil, and Canadian Rail Disaster Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/10). The battle in Congress over immigration reform and amnesty; the trial of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin; the bill that would address student loan interest rates; the investigation of the crash landing of the Asiana Airlines jet in San Francisco; the civil and political turmoil in Egypt; and the deadly Canadian railroad accident were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Feature: Tom Leykis One Year Later. Talk radio legend Tom Leykis is preparing to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the digital-only version of his eponymous talk program. Operating under the umbrella of his New Normal content company, the show began last April 2 and, Leykis tells TALKERS magazine managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian, “In terms of listenership and media recognition, we are ahead of where we expected to be at this point.” The venture got off the ground after Leykis’ old contract with CBS expired and he was able to move ahead on his own. Using Triton Digital‘s Webcast Metrics, Leykis says he is on a projected pace of 9.6 million connections for 2013. This version of his show is embarking on new frontiers but he says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Many people in the radio business, including some I really respect, said I was insane. They felt I had a long history in radio and should not be walking away from it at this time. I was leaving the big-box, broadcasting business to be in the hand-crafted, small-batch business. This is a boutique content company in the P1 business, as opposed to trying to get P1s, P2s, P3s, P4s, and P5s.” The candid Leykis admits the show is not profitable yet, but points to start-up costs in the first year as a major factor for that. He’s very bullish on this delivery system for content and his business plan. Read this entire piece here.
Talkers New York 2013 Adds “Navigating A Talk Radio Hosting Career” Panel. Being a radio talk show host in 2013 involves a lot more than just getting a good job at a good station (or network) and doing a great show every day (although there’s certainly nothing wrong with that). Managing a meaningful and productive career as hosts in today’s turbulent radio industry demands an increased level of entrepreneurism in addition to a keen knowledge of the internet and social media. Add to the mix an understanding of the role intellectual property plays today as a negotiating chip in talent/management (employee/employer) deals as well as a sensitivity to the demands of sales and it becomes apparent that today’s talent lives and works in a far more competitive, complex and economically challenging environment than ever. These subjects and more will be discussed on the panel titled, “Navigating a Talk Radio Hosting Career,” at the forthcoming Talkers New York 2013 conference by the following personalities (in alphabetical order): Michael Berry, KTRH, Houston (and others); Alan Colmes, Fox News Radio; Andy Dean, Premiere Networks; Thom Hartmann, WYD Media; Tom Leykis, The New Normal; Steve Malzberg, Newsmax.com; Phil Valentine, Cumulus Media; David Webb, Sirius/XM; and Lisa Wexler, WFAS, Westchester, New York. The panel will be moderated by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey. Talkers New York 2013 takes place Thursday, June 6 and is on track to being an early sellout. Because of space limitations, registration is only open to working members of the media and can only be taken via telephone at 413-565-5413. Stay tuned to Talkers.com for more agenda details about speakers, panels, presentations and award recipients coming in the immediate days ahead.
ABIP: Being Prepared for an FCC Inspection. TALKERS magazine technical editor Tom Ray says there is help for most broadcasters in preparing for – and in most cases avoiding – an FCC inspection. And it’s not about getting away with anything, it’s about finding possible violations before they become FCC violations. Ray writes about the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program, “Just about every State Broadcaster’s Association runs an ABIP program. For a nominal fee, the Association will send an inspector in to run your station through an FCC-type inspection. The good news is, we’re not the FCC. If we find something amiss, you have the opportunity to fix it.” Ray continues, “When the [ABIP] certificate is issued, the local FCC office is informed that your station(s) have passed the ABIP inspection. The FCC will then stay away from your facility for three years when they are going around doing routine inspections. The inspection immunity does not count if they show up on a complaint, or if they are going around checking a specific item, like EAS compliance or tower lights.” Find out more about the ABIP in Tom Ray’s most recent column here.
Twitter as Talk Radio Teleprompter. Radio consultant and TALKERS columnist Holland Cooke offers this quick tip for talk show hosts: Try writing your on-air hour open on Twitter. For two reasons: 1) The loud-and-clear
headline we’ve gleaned from PPM data: Every…single…syllable…matters. And…any…given…minute…could earn you another Average Quarter Hour of listening credit. Why your hour open needs to be so distilled and instantly inviting? Listeners believe station promos, which invite more occasions of listening from your P1s, and invite cross-cuming music radio P1s to “CHECK-IN, FOR A QUICK NEWS, TRAFFIC, AND WEATHER UPDATE, EVERY HOUR, ON-THE-HOUR, THROUGHOUT YOUR BUSY DAY.” Then, many of those music listeners are back-to-the-tunes…unless, quicker than an index finger can make it from the steering wheel to the FM button, you can engage. So imposing Twitter’s 140-character limit on your open is a useful discipline. 2) And doing this does double duty! Not only have you distilled your on-air proposition, you’ve got a ready-to-launch Tweet. Try this. You’ll like the results. For 8 more reasons radio talkers should bear-hug Twitter – and some specific recommendations for making yourself darn handy to The Boss – don’t miss my session, “Resourceful and Remarkable” at Talkers New York 2013 on June 6.
ESPN O&O WMVP, Chicago Makes Program Schedule Changes; ‘Waddle & Silvy’ to PM Drive. Chicago sports talker “ESPN 1000” swaps midday and PM drive shows, moving former Chicago Bear Tom Waddle and Marc “Silvy” Silverman from their midday slot to the 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm show. Current afternoon hosts John “Jurko” Jurkovic and Carmen DeFalco move to the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm shift. The change allows the station to air the first hour of ESPN Radio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Changes take effect on April 1.
WDAE, Tampa Bay’s Steve Duemig Forced Off Air by Management. According to a piece in the Tampa Bay Times by columnist Eric Deggans, WDAE sports talk host Steve Duemig is off his afternoon drive show indefinitely at management’s insistence. Duemig tells the paper he’s still under contract, ready and willing to work but Clear Channel management has pulled him from his show with two months left on his deal. According to Duemig, a clause in his contract allows him to talk with other stations 60 days before the contract ends (presumably with the right of first refusal if it matches the new offer). He says management tried to pressure him to sign a new deal before that window opened. That contract was signed before ratings-challenged WHFS “Sports Radio 98.7” was put on the air by CBS Radio and it’s possible the company will try to steal him away. For now, Tom Krasniqi is hosting the PM drive show.
Premiere Networks Nationally Syndicated Andy Dean Hits 100-Affliate Mark. Talk show host Andy Dean, with the addition of new affiliates including WOR, New York; WLAN, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; KEEL, Shreveport, Louisiana; WHYN-AM, Springfield; KTSM, El Paso; and WMAN-AM/FM, Mansfield, Ohio, tops the 100 affiliate mark. Syndicator Premiere Networks reports that “the program’s audience has increased by more than 170% year-to-year (Source: Arbitron FA’11 to FA’12, Nationwide, Exact Times, AQH, P 12+) and is currently heard by approximately one million weekly listeners.”
SportsBusiness Journal to Honor Good Karma Chief Craig Karmazin. The publication will recognize Good Karma Broadcasting founder and CEO Craig Karmazin as one of its “Forty Under Forty” for 2013 at a black-tie gala on Thursday, April 4 at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. Karmazin, son of media executive Mel Karmazin, founded Good Karma in 1997 shortly after his college graduation from Emory University with the purchase of three radio stations in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Since then, he’s expanded the company into five additional markets, including Milwaukee, Madison and Janesville, Wisconsin; Cleveland and West Palm Beach, Florida. His company operates nine ESPN-affiliated sports talk stations. Karmazin has expanded beyond broadcasting into the sports marketing field as well as the events and wireless retail businesses.
WABC, New York Adds Live Saturday Evening Program. The new show, “The Saturday Cafe with Laura Smith,” airs in the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot that opened when longtime WABC personality Mark Simone left for crosstown WOR. Smith tells TALKERS magazine the evening variety show focuses on a weekend mindset and “is all about fascinating conversations with fascinating people — everyone from celebrities, actors, authors, gurus, non-profits, musicians and the best psychics/mediums — the whole gamut on the spectrum of interesting stories and conversations for listeners.” She says a recent program involved guests such as: a psychic interior designer, a beautiful singer songwriter who lost her leg in a tragic accident and now is a motivational speaker to returning troops, a NY deacon talking about the new Pope, a non- profit organization called Heart 911 that is rebuilding homes after Hurricane Sandy, and an upcoming Aretha Franklin concert.
‘Frontlines of Freedom’ Wins Michigan Association of Broadcasters Award. The weekly military news/talk radio program, “Frontlines of Freedom,” hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem, U.S. Army (Retired)(pictured here at right), wins “Best in Category” Regularly Scheduled Weekend Broadcast Personality or Team; and “Best in Category” Special Show Broadcast Personality from the Michigan Broadcasters Association. Gillem says, “To be recognized again for producing a top-notch program is not only good for our show’s team, but it sends the message to all radio stations that you too can add winning shows to your station’s weekend schedule. Our affiliates already know that, and we thank them for it.” Executive producer Josh Leng (pictured at left) notes, “We made the decision to expand ‘Frontlines of Freedom’ to two hours based on listener response, the host’s desire, advertiser demand, and radio program directors’ feedback to have a longer show that offers a better TSL opportunity to improve their ratings. The two-hour program also ensures we always have enough time to fully cover all the important military news and issues of the day.”
Universal Broadcasting Network Launches. The initiative is the effort of Global Voice Broadcasting founder Tony Sweet and award-winning TV, film and stage actress Ann Walker. The duo have partnered on the launch of Universal Broadcasting Network – what they describe as “a brand new, international media platform that includes an internet-based multimedia radio network. The Hollywood-based operation broadcasts from the Sunset Gower Studios and is already host to a diverse spectrum of talk radio shows, including those geared towards entertainment, children and 
family, love and relationships, LGBT and women’s issues, and sports and fitness, among many others. UBN says it currently broadcasts 16 shows, and is quickly growing, with the capability to host up to 100 in the future. Tony Sweet – who hosted his own program, “On Air with Tony Sweet,” — says, “Universal Broadcasting Network is my child, my vision and my creation of what I have always dreamed to build: a multi-media company that entertains, inspires and educates. To me, UBN Radio is a place that combines Reality Radio with honesty, integrity and entertainment without limits. My vision is for it to become an international Internet television and radio station that will take us into the new age of technology and media.” Ann Walker was originally a co-host with Sweet on his program but then also became a host of her own popular show which now broadcasts on UBN. She now serves as CEO of the company and says, “When Tony approached me about starting a new station, I was intrigued by the possibility and opportunities that new technologies bring to our industry and decided to jump on board as his partner. Having been an actress for 35 years, I was excited about a new adventure that still holds true to what I set out to do all those years ago, which is to entertain, inspire and connect. UBN not only allows me to do this, but provides a platform for other voices and entertainers to do the same.”
Broadcasters Seeking Input in Ithaca Radio History. As CBS News Radio correspondent Peter King notes, a number of the radio business’ successful talent got their start working at radio stations in Ithaca, New York. King, in association with his brother Rick Sommers – former WLTW, New York staffer and currently broadcast liaison for the New York Local of SAG-AFTRA – are gathering material to chronicle the history of radio in Ithaca New York. He tells TALKERS, “We both got our professional starts as students at Ithaca College (and WICB-AM/FM), and later, WTKO, and the litany of talent that came through town is amazing – not just at WICB and WTKO — but WVBR, WHCU and later, the FMs that began broadcasting there!” King says this labor of love could use some help from other broadcasters who’ve worked in the market. They are looking for cans of photos, memorabilia, sales material, promotional items, etc. Anyone wishing to help can contact the project via email at ithacaradioproject@gmail.com. Rick Sommers can be contacted directly at rick.sommers@sagaftra.org .
President Obama Visits Israel, Sequester Effects, North Korea Tensions, Gun Legislation, and Cyprus Bank Tax Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/19). President Obama’s trip to Israel; the ongoing discussion over the effects of the sequester; North Korea’s alleged cyber-attack on South Korea; legislative moves to advance new gun legislation; and the bank tax on Cyprus financial institutions and its repercussions were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Dial Global Restructures Credit Status; Pays Down $15 Million of Existing Term Loan. The industry has been watching the state of Dial Global’s debt situation and now the company announces that it, its lenders and certain of its stockholders have agreed to recapitalize the company’s existing credit facilities, other obligations and equity interests. CEO Spencer Brown states, “The new agreements with our lenders represent a significant step forward for the company. Once these
transactions close, we will have delivered our balance sheet and decreased cash interest expense. The agreements will provide us with greater flexibility to actively manage and grow our business. We look forward to closing these transactions in April and focusing on serving our clients.” As part of the recapitalization, the company has entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among the Company, General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto which provides for a $15 million paydown of the company’s existing term loan and revolving credit commitments. That agreement matures on October 21, 2016. The company is also entering into a Priority Second Lien Credit Agreement among the company, the administrative agent, the syndication agent and the lender party for an additional $31.5 million through a term loan facility to the company, with a maturity date of July 21, 2017. As part of this Dial Global agrees to issue it penny warrants to purchase 7.5% of the company’s common stock exercisable immediately following the consummation of the recapitalization. Regarding the existing Second Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2011, lenders agreed to restructure their existing approximately $93 million in second lien obligations by amending and restating that agreement to provide for a $30 million term loan that matures five years after the expected closing of the recapitalization and exchanging approximately $63 million in remaining obligations under the existing Second Lien Credit Agreement for a new series of preferred stock of the Company. Under various subscription and exchange agreements between the company and the holders of the company’s PIK Notes and Series A Preferred Stock, such holders have agreed, subject to the satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to exchange their PIK Notes and Series A Preferred Stock for equity securities of the company and have further agreed to make an additional equity infusion of $16.5 million.
Cumulus Media’s News/Talk KKOB, Albuquerque and Talk Host Jim Villanucci Part Ways. When talk radio personality Jim Villanucci’s contract came up at Cumulus Media’s KKOB, Albuquerque the company chose not to renew it. Villanucci tells TALKERS magazine that he’d been reaching out to Cumulus for the past several months about a contract renewal but the company didn’t appear interested in talking so he exited after last Thursday’s program. Cumulus AM stations program director Pat Frisch is sitting in the PM drive slot for now as he seeks out a replacement. Villanucci’s program was a big ratings-getter for the station for many years. It will be hard to replace the kind of steady performance he’s achieved at KKOB-AM. Villanucci tells TALKERS, “I leave KKOB after 14 years looking forward to my next opportunity. I have had so many wonderful years working with some of the finest broadcasters in the business in a market that’s been very good to me. I wish the good people of Albuquerque and the folks at KKOB the very best. I would especially like to thank my former GM Milt McConnell, and wish my friend and PD Pat Frisch good luck going forward. ” Villanucci has been an annual face on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred for years due to his consistent performance and ability to branch out beyond the often-predictable news/talk topics heard on so many stations in the format.
Dan Sileo Exits WQAM, Miami. The statement from sports talk host Dan Sileo is brief and indicates the two sides were not seeing eye-to-eye on programming philosophy, “Our differences revolve around content issues and we wish each other the best. As for me and my style of sports talk, I will never change.” Sileo joined Beasley Broadcasting’s WQAM, Miami for the PM drive show after a successful stint at Clear Channel’s WDAE, Tampa. He then moved to middays.
L.A. Daily News Ranks Top Sports Talk Personalities Heard in Market. To TALKERS editors, the thing that stands out about this list is that there are enough sports talk radio hosts – both local and nationally syndicated – to put together a ranking for the Los Angeles market. But there are and KSPN’s Steve Mason and John Ireland tied for #1 this year with KLAC, Los Angeles’ Petros Papadakis coming in at #3 (there is no #2 since Mason and Ireland tied for #1). Papadakis’ partner Matt “Money” Smith ranked #5 this year. The paper also ranked the top nationally syndicated sports talk hosts heard in the L.A. market and the top three were: 1) Dan Patrick of DIRECTV/Fox Sports Radio; 2) Petros Papadakis and Matt “Money” Smith of Fox Sports Radio; and 3) Jay Mohr also of Fox Sports Radio Network. Nice compliment for Jay Mohr since he’s only been in the gig since the beginning of the year. And speaking of Jay Mohr…
Comedian, Actor and Sports Nut Jay Mohr Focuses on Fox Sports Radio Gig. To show how serious he is about his new full-time gig as midday sports talk host on the Fox Sports Radio Network, Jay Mohr tells TALKERS magazine,
“Honestly, I have turned off the sitcom and movie noise to concentrate on the radio show; those other doors are closed right now. I cannot be on the phone trying to figure out how I am going to leave a studio at ‘this time’ to be on a movie set at ‘that time.’” In this profile piece, TALKERS managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian talks with Mohr about his radio influences, love of sports, comedy road work and how he got into the sports talk game by subbing for Jim Rome, and finally to his first full-time sports talk job. He says of the fill-in work, “I thought if I could keep doing this, one day I might be able to do it for a living. I listened to Jim for many years and he really changed sports talk radio. He made it fun again. My job is to reset the dial a little and bring everybody back to the fun part of it.” Read the entire story here.
Rising Talk Radio Star Says Host Endorsements Should Be Interesting (and a Whole Lot More). He also says the goal of advertising on radio should be results – a simple concept often overlooked by sales and programming departments in their rush to sell the ads, give the client what they want and then get the spots on and off the air as quickly as possible. Michael Berry is one of news/talk radio’s most dynamic and promising rising stars. His mid-morning program is heard on KTRH, Houston as well as seven other respected talkers around the country. Today (3/4) in an exclusive TALKERS piece he makes a number of powerful points about the marketing and delivery of advertising within the news/talk radio medium making the point that although host endorsements are an important technique to get the sponsor’s message across, the real trick is to do it in a way that also gets them results while proving to be a tune-in, and not a tune-out factor. Berry (who will be speaking at Talkers New York 2013 on June 6) advises when it comes to writing and delivering commercial spots: 1) lose the copy points; 2) less is more; 3) trust the value of the endorsement (and don’t overload with justification); 4) be conversational throughout, building to the call to action; and 5) resist gimmicks and games. To read this important article or pass it along to someone in your station or company who will benefit by it, click here.
Talk Radio Pro Chuck Morse Joins IRN/USA Radio Network. Boston-based talk personality Chuck Morse begins a daily, two-hour talk show (airing from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET) via the IRN/USA Radio Network. Morse says of his new enterprise, “I am honored to work at the network founded by economist Larry Bates and award-winning talk pioneer, the late Marlon Maddoux. I look forward to working with talk host Chuck Bates who carries on the tradition of excellence at IRN/USA. With a national audience, I hope to follow in the footsteps of my mentor, the late Jerry Williams, who developed an intense bond with his callers and audience.”
Baldwin/McCullough Radio Show Co-Host and Actor Tops Fundraiser Effort on Celebrity Apprentice All Stars Show. Stephen Baldwin, actor and co-host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show “Baldwin/McCullough” (co-hosted by talk radio personality and XtreMedia CEO Kevin McCullough), and his team raised more than $600,000 for the American Red Cross during last night’s season premiere of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice All Stars.” That sum set a new record for the most ever raised in a season kick-off episode. Baldwin is competing for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Foundation named in honor of his mother.
Welcome to the Concept of Core-Casting. It is a simple and elegant idea that puts one of the most effective radio broadcasting uses of social media into perspective and focus. Noted digital radio consultant and TALKERS columnist Chris Miller writes today (3/4) about how social media provides radio programmers and talent with a pipeline to communicate directly with their most ardent listeners and fans. Miller writes, “There are companies outside radio who are learning how to use social media to leverage the power of their most valuable customers. One day, some smart radio group is going to figure out that social media is not just more broadcasting in a different medium. Neither is it just a matter of getting likes, shares and comments. While most mass marketing involves some form of trolling for cume, this is different. This is like the sales department taking its 10 biggest clients on a cruise. It’s core-casting.” To read Chris Miller’s entire piece, click here.
Bubba the Love Sponge Talks Suicidal Man ‘Off the Ledge.’ After an agitated and despondent man who had barricaded himself inside a Tampa-area business and was threatening to kill himself called the Bubba the Love Sponge program on Friday, Bubba (Todd Clem) was able to calm the man enough that he put his weapon down and was taken into custody by local police. The man, identified as Corey, locked himself inside The Car Store, a business owned by Bubba’s friends Todd and Shellie Herndon. The man is a family friend of the Herndons. Bubba says, “I’m just glad The Herndons are safe, no deputies were harmed and this gentleman can get the help he needs.”
Harry Teinowitz Exits ‘ESPN 1000’ Chicago. Time Out Chicago’s Robert Feder reports ESPN O&O WMVP “ESPN 1000” is going with a two-man PM drive show featuring Carmen DeFalco and John Jurkovic as the station has cut ties with Harry Teinowitz after 12 years. Feder reports a memo to the staff read, in part, “At 6:00 pm this evening Harry Teinowitz signed off air for the last time at ESPN Chicago. Throughout the many years that Harry has been with us, he has served in many different roles and has helped to establish the ESPN brand in Chicago. Harry’s contributions will be felt for years to come in every department at ESPN Chicago. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.” Afternoon drive on sports talk radio is, by many industry executives, considered to be more important than AM drive. Feder reports the most recent PPM data show crosstown rival WSCR leads the market in the Men 25-54 demo with a 7.2 share compared to WMVP’s 3.4 share.
Radio Broadcasters Still Learning About IP Codecs. Last week’s TALKERS article by technical editor Tom Ray about the proper use and application of IP codecs raised several questions from readers indicating there is still a lot to be learned about this emerging technology that promises to be the next step beyond ISDN in remote audio delivery. Today (3/4), the industry’s leading technical wizard addresses some of those issues — namely 1) the most important thing to have in place to use IP codecs effectively; 2) how to integrate service between brands of the device made by different manufacturers and get them to “talk” to each other; and 3) how to go about purchasing and testing an IP codec. To read Tom Ray’s informative article or pass it along to the person at your station or company who manages technical issues and equipment, click here.
Odds & Sods. Sports talk personality Adam Schein joins SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio. Beginning March 11, Schein will host “Schein on Sports” live from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm ET on the Mad Dog Radio Channel. He had “The SiriusXM Blitz” alongside 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon on the NFL channel…..TVNewser reports former “Good Morning America” senior executive producer Jim Murphy will serve as executive producer for CNN’s new morning show that will be co-hosted by Chris Cuomo. It had been rumored that Erin Burnett would be moved to mornings alongside Cuomo but reports indicate that many not be the case…..In other TV news, the New York Daily News reports Matt Lauer is on the hot seat since “Today” has fallen behind “Good Morning America” and the local “Good Day New York” on Fox5 in New York City. The story indicated morale on the set is low and conflicting reports about whether a new executive producer will join the show are adding to the problems. Several sources are indicating Matt Lauer may not be long for the program.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
KFI, Los Angeles’ John and Ken Appear on WOR, New York. New WOR, New York owner Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has begun airing talk radio duo John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou in the evenings on the station. On Wednesday night, a simulcast hour from the final hour of the pair’s highly rated KFI, Los Angeles 
program aired at 9:00 pm followed by a 10:00 pm hour of custom programming for the New York station. John and Ken are no strangers to the region having grown up in the New York area and having gotten their start on radio stations in the Tri-State Area. They rose to prominence during their stint at Trenton-based “New Jersey 101.5” (WKXW). John and Ken have been syndicated in the past. During a brief period in the late 1990s, the duo began a national syndication effort under Fisher Entertainment but that ended when they moved to KABC, Los Angeles to take the morning drive slot.
Peacock Sports Network Playing the Hits. In TALKERS magazine’s second part of its three-part series on the new sports talk radio players (and the growing field in general), managing editor/West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian gets inside the heads of those involved in the new NBC Sports Radio Network that is launching its weekend programming this weekend and its full daily slate in April. NBC Sports Radio 
programmer Jack Silver tells TALKERS his network is focusing on finding talent it believes is the next generation. “The weekday and weekend lineups mirror the network’s mission statement, which is to be a new wave of sports talk. We did not hire the more traditional names. The developmental mindset we have is to find new sports talk talent. CBS Sports Radio has veterans like Jim Rome and Scott Ferrall. We are looking for the next versions of people like that, as well as Dan Patrick and [ESPN Radio morning personalities] ‘Mike [Greenberg] & Mike [Golic].’ We are producing this sports network like a rock station, with in-your-face production. To my ear, it feels like an FM talk station – which is my specialty. It is based on opinions and talk show topics.” Read Mike Kinosian’s entire piece here.
Cumulus Media Returns 44 Markets to Arbitron Diary Service. After three years with no Arbitron diary ratings service, Cumulus Media-owned stations in 44 markets will resume subscription to the service effective
immediately. Cumulus Media and Arbitron announce they have agreed to a multi-year contract that brings Cumulus stations in the 44 markets back into the fold and renews the company’s PPM ratings service deal in the 17 PPM markets in which it operates. Arbitron states that the deal covers all 450 Cumulus stations in the 100 Cumulus radio markets currently surveyed by Arbitron. It also renews ratings agreements in 39 diary markets. In addition to diary and PPM local market ratings, the agreement also provides Cumulus with access to Arbitron software applications, Scarborough consumer profile services, 
and national and network radio ratings for Cumulus Media Networks. Cumulus has also agreed to collaborate with Arbitron on cross-platform services that would quantify the total impact of the Cumulus radio brand. Cumulus chairman and CEO Lew Dickey says, “With this agreement, Arbitron and Cumulus are demonstrating a long-term commitment to collaborate for the benefit of the radio industry. We will work closely with Arbitron on its ongoing quality and service enhancement initiatives. Specifically, we look forward to participating in the development of an integrated, total radio audience service that gives broadcasters full credit for our audiences regardless of how listeners access our content.”
Herman Cain is Coming and Consultant Holland Cooke Predicts Success. Businessman, talk show host and one-time presidential candidate Herman Cain is prepping to take over the WSB, Atlanta and Cox Media syndication of the Neal Boortz program when Boortz retires this month. Radio consultant Holland Cooke predicts Cain will succeed and offers eight reasons why, beginning with: “He’s a radio natural, as we heard when he filled-in for Sean Hannity last summer. Even if Cain’s primary run hadn’t made it so familiar, his voice jumps-out-of the speaker. And he speaks in sound bites that are made for AM radio.” There’s more. Read Cooke’s piece here.
Larry Mendte Exits Merlin’s WWIQ, Philadelphia. Announcing his departure from the Philadelphia talk outlet via his Facebook page, talk personality and former market TV news anchor Larry Mendte states the reason was not due to ratings as his show was “by far the highest-rated local show.” But Mendte, who joined the station in May of last year, says in his post that he believes his exit will spur rumors the station is for sale. He says he hopes that’s not true as he believes the station “fills an important void.” Mendte was hired to work the morning show alongside programmer and co-host Al Gardner. Earlier in the fall, New York-based multi-media star Lionel was brought in to work with Gardner for a portion of the morning program. WWIQ’s website lists both Gardner and Lionel as co-hosts of the 5:00 am to 9:00 am program.
Clear Channel to Flip WOKY, Milwaukee to Sports Talk. Beginning Monday, January 7, Clear Channel-owned classic country WOKY, Milwaukee will become a sports talk outlet as “The Big 920.” The station will feature regional sports talk personalities as well as Fox Sports Radio Network syndicated programming including Dan Patrick and Jay Mohr. According to a report in The Business Journal, the station will run the same programming that airs on CC’s Madison sports talk station WTSO “The Big 1070.” The station will air a talk show featuring morning drive hosts Mike Lucas and Matt Lepay from 6:00 am to 8:00 am. It will be in competition in the market with Good Karma’s WAUK and Entercom’s WSSP.
WQRT, Cincinnati to Drop Talk; Station Will Go Dark, Launch New Format in February. The Cincinnati market sports and talk station WQRT “Real Talk 1160” will go dark after the broadcast of the BCS National Championship game on January 7 and take the rest of the month to prepare for a new format. Christian Broadcast System owner Jon Yinger tells the Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Kiesewetter the station did not perform as the company had hoped despite hiring numerous local personalities over the course of the past few years to challenge competitors in the market. Local staffers including morning host Dean Miuccio, news staffer T.C. Summers, afternoon sports talk hosts Dennis “Wildman” Walker and Jeff Piecoro have been let go and the station will air syndicated programming until it signs off. The station recently lost operations manager Rob Williams and sports talk host and producer Rick Ucchino who left to join Cumulus Media’s crosstown WCFN which debuted the CBS Sports Radio Network format on Wednesday, January 2.
Al Gore’s Current TV Bought by Al Jazeera. The Al Gore– and Joel Hyatt-owned Current TV cable news/talk channel has been purchased by the Qatar-based Arab world cable news operation Al Jazeera for a reported $500 million. Bloomberg reports Gore and Hyatt paid $60 million for the media outlet in 2004. Bloomberg notes in its report that Time Warner Cable Inc., the second-biggest U.S. cable company, said it would stop carrying Current TV with the ownership change. “Our agreement with Current has been terminated and we will no longer be carrying the service…We are removing the service as quickly as possible.” Time Warner Cable currently carries the Al Jazeera English-language programming in New York City however it does not offer Al Jazeera in the Los Angeles market. The Associated Press reports the acquisition will give Al Jazeera access to about 40 million more homes. It also states that Al Jazeera – owned by the government of Qatar – plans to gradually transform Current TV into a network called Al Jazeera America by adding five to 10 new U.S. bureaus beyond the five it has now and hiring more journalists. More than half of the content will be U.S. news and the network will have its headquarters in New York City.
Fox Sports Radio Network’s Jay Mohr Debuts on 70-Plus Stations. The new late-morning program on the Fox Sports Radio Network hosted by long-time FSRN fill-in host, comedian and actor Jay Mohr hit the ground running with about 70 affiliates yesterday. Fox Sports reports the show aired in markets including: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Portland and Pittsburgh. Mohr’s program fills the slot held for so many years by Jim Rome who left Premiere Networks for the new CBS Sports Radio Network.
Bill Keeler to Host Mornings on WIBX, Utica. Local media personality Bill Keeler will begin hosting the morning drive program on Townsquare Media’s news/talk WIBX, Utica, New York on Monday, January 14, according to WKTV-TV, Utica. Keeler, who has been hosting a restaurant program on WKTV-TV, has also worked in the market in radio at CHR WSKS and rock WXUR. He says, “I am so excited about doing mornings on WIBX. This is a heritage radio station that’s been around for 87 years and it remains one of the top stations in the market. I can’t wait to get on the air and get started.” Keeler will be joined by news anchor Kristine Bellino.
WMVP, Chicago Personality Steve McMichael Pulled from Broadcasting After Equal Time Request. Former Chicago Bears great and WMVP, Chicago sports talk personality Steve “Mongo” McMichael was yanked from Sunday’s program prior to the final Bears game of the season after the mayor of Romeoville, Illinois filed an equal time request with the station. McMichael filed papers on December 26 to get on the ballot to run for mayor of Romeoville in April and one of his opponents, current Mayor John Noak, filed the request citing equal time regulations. McMichael tells the Chicago Tribune, “I was ready to go on and talk football. I by no means used that pre-game show as a political platform this year. But if that’s the law, it’s the law and I have to accept it.”
Journal’s WTMJ, Milwaukee Announces Record Results for Holiday Toy Drive. WTMJ, Milwaukee program director Joe Scialfa announces the Journal Broadcast Group station collected more than 19,000 toys during its 2012 “Kids to Kids Christmas” Scialfa says more than 50 schools in the region participated in the charity drive that encouraged children to shop with their parents for toys to donate to those less fortunate. Scialfa states, “The listeners of Newsradio 620 WTMJ are amazing. Again this year, they have shared the message of giving with their kids in a record setting way! We couldn’t be prouder to come to work each day to inform and entertain this great audience.”
‘Fiscal Crisis’ Bill Signed, Hurricane Sandy Aid Controversy, Financial Markets Activity, Hillary Clinton Health Status and Gun Control Debate Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/2). The aftermath of the bill signed to avert the “fiscal crisis”; the anger over Congress’ bypassing Hurricane Sandy aid; financial markets respond to “fiscal crisis” legislation; the health status of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; and ongoing debate of gun laws in the United States were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
WFAN, New York Announces On-Air Schedule for 25th Anniversary. CBS Radio’s pioneering sports talk station WFAN, New York prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary as a sports talk station this Sunday, July 1 with a lineup of many of the personalities who have graced the station’s airwaves over the past quarter-century. Prior to that evening’s Mets-Dodgers game, the station begins its celebration at 9:00 am ET. Here’s the schedule: 9:00 am to 11:00 am — Ed Randall (an original WFAN personality) hosting ‘Talking Baseball’ which will include a look back at 25 years of Mets and Yankees. Mets have been on WFAN since day one, July 1, 1987; 11:00 am to 1:00 pm — The Schmoozer and the Sweater: Steve Somers and Russ Salzberg; 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm — Dave Sims (live from Seattle) with a special guest appearance from his former partner and current Mets beat reporter and Mets pre-game host Ed Coleman; 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm — Chris Carlin with special guest Kim Jones (they co-hosted a 5:00 am to 6:00 am show for a year and Chris also did solo shows plus did sports reports on ‘Imus in the Morning’ and ‘Boomer and Carton’ programs at WFAN); 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm — Len Berman long-time WNBC-TV sports anchor and a former midday host at WFAN; 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm — Spencer Ross (also a former WFAN midday host) currently does weekend sports on CBS Radio sister station 1010WINS. Spencer is well known for calling play-by-play of many New York teams including the Jets, Yankees, Knicks, Rangers and the original New Jersey Americans (later to become the Nets); 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm — Richard Neer, current WFAN host (and TALKERS magazine sports editor) who has been with the station since 1988. Richard has hosted a Saturday morning 6:00 am to 10:00 am show continuously since 1992 and also hosts a variety of other shifts on the station; 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm — Howie Rose and Ed Coleman. Howie hosted nights on The Fan from 1987-1995 then went off to do Mets baseball on TV. He returned to WFAN as the radio play-by-play man for the Mets. Howie called Rangers games on The Fan for a number of seasons and has been doing Islanders play-by-play on TV for the past 17 years; and finally, from 7:00 pm to 7:25 pm — A countdown, in order of the ‘Top New York Sports Moments of the Past 25 Years’ as voted by listeners this past March.
Wisconsin Man Cited for Threat Against Talk Host Vicki McKenna. It’s not unusual for radio talk show hosts to get threats at some point in their careers but this one has an interesting legal twist as the Milwaukee County Sheriff disagrees with the Milwaukee County District Attorney on the charge. According to WTMJ.com, Timothy Demeuse admits to writing about WIBA, Madison-based talk host Vicki McKenna (also heard on Clear Channel’s WISN, Milwaukee) via Facebook the following: “Here’s your real ‘expletive’ death threat ‘expletive.’ Come get me. I don’t even own a gun. I can make as many threats as I want. I hope someone kills you. I am going to shoot you in the face and rape your dead corpse.” District Attorney John Chisholm cited him with disorderly conduct for the threat but Sheriff David Clarke believes the level of the threat requires more than a “parking ticket.” But D.A. Chisholm states, “With Facebook — the difference between posting and sending is significant — it’s legally significant.” He suggests the state legislature needs to change the law for Demeuse’s words to be a greater crime.
Tom Joyner’s Reach Media, Inner City Broadcasting and NABOB Among Groups Promoting Advertising to Blacks. Radio legend Tom Joyner and his Reach Media organization, the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters and Inner City Broadcasting are three of a number of businesses and organizations comprising a black media and marketing consortium involved in launching the #INTHEBLACK campaign to encourage increased investment in the African American consumer marketplace. The consortium states, “African Americans represent over 42 million strong consumers, product talkers and brand influencers with a buying power of nearly $1 trillion annually. By 2015, African American buying power is estimated to gain a whopping 35%, hitting $ 1.2 trillion, up from $913 billion in 2008.” Nielsen reports in its 2011 State of the African American Consumer study, “Between 2000-2009, African American homes have experienced significant growth among households earning $75,000+ (up 63.9%) and households earning $100,000+ (up 88.7%).” The consortium ran a full-page ad in The New York Times on June 25.
Odds ‘n’ Sods. WOAI, San Antonio morning drive host Charlie Parker re-signs with the Clear Channel Media and Entertainment station. Parker has hosted the “San Antonio’s First News” show since 2007…..WPHT, Philadelphia morning personality Chris Stigall hosts former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell in a live event at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. The two will discuss Rendell’s new book A Nation of Wusses: How America’s Leaders Lost the Guts to Make Us Great (Wiley 2012)…..Doug Stephan has a new co-host/producer for his nationally syndicated “Good Day” program. Former WILD, Boston producer Heather Bachman joins Stephan MultiMedia immediately…..Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announces Ryan Clune is named director of sales for the Tucson cluster. He comes from the company’s Denver operations where he served as local sales 
manager…..Independently syndicated talk show host Leslie Marshall is named one of the ‘Top 30 Hottest Political Women of 2012’ by the WashingtonTimes.com. Editor Eric Golub’s feature is in its fifth year and he writes of Marshall, “She may be the hottest liberal radio host, but with competition from Ed Schultz and Alan Colmes that is not too tough. She is a fierce debater. Her verbal combat skills are matched only by her pleasant nature and warm smile.”….. WPHT, Philadelphia talk host Dom Giordano takes the station’s Charlie Manuel show on the road to The Shops at Liberty Place in Philadelphia today from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm ET. The Philadelphia Phillies manager’s regular appearance on flagship WPHT will also include former Phillies pitcher Ricky Bottalico…..WOR, New York afternoon drive host and former Governor David Paterson hosted two of the three candidates in today’s Republican Senatorial primary election on his show yesterday afternoon. Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and Congressman Bob Turner appeared on the program. The victor in today’s primary hopes to unseat Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in November.
Holiday Shows Available from Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation has two programs available for the Fourth of July holiday season. First, “A Grateful Nation,” the organization’s Memorial Day program has been retrofitted with a Fourth of July theme and is ready for air. The one-hour program features interviews with Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry among others. Second, there’s a Fourth of July edition of the Fisher House’s 30-minute weekend public affairs show as well. For information, contact Randall Bloomquist at randall@bloomquistmedia.com.
Supreme Court Immigration Ruling, Euro Zone Debt Crisis/Financial Markets Activity, 2012 Presidential Race and Syria-Turkey Clash Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/25). The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Arizona’s illegal immigration law; the Euro Zone debt crisis and its effect on global financial markets; the 2012 presidential race; and Syria’s downing of a Turkish warplane were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Outstanding Station. WMVP, Chicago – ESPN 1000 – program director Adam Delevitt (r) is pictured here with Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 5 James Gaddis (l) at the recent Illinois Broadcasters Association awards ceremony. The ESPN O&O was named the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Major Market National Guard Station of the Year for outstanding service to the National Guard and the Illinois community.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Right and Left Come Together at the TALKERS New Media Seminar to Denounce the Practice of Organized Advertiser Boycotts. They might not agree on many things but a love for the business of talk broadcasting and its role as a vehicle for the practice of the First Amendment can indeed make for strange political bedfellows. In a rare display of unity, two of the highest-
profile and distinctly politically opposite talk show hosts in the business condemned the increased practice of organized advertiser boycotts by political organizations as a means of shutting down voices on radio and television with which they disagree.
Conservative host Sean Hannity (Fox News Channel and Premiere Networks) and progressive host Ed Schultz (MSNBC and the independently syndicated Ed Schultz show) delivered their powerful remarks at the TALKERS New Media Seminar in New York City on Thursday, June 7. Hannity included the statement as part of his keynote address which opened the conference. Schultz presented his opinion while delivering the event’s “Annual State of the First Amendment Address.” During his presentation at the non-partisan, industry-wide gathering, Hannity played excerpts from a variety of well-known talk show hosts making controversial statements on the air that subsequently resulted in calls for advertiser boycotts and/or the firing of the hosts. The clips included hosts from all over the spectrum – left, right and popular culture (still referred to by many as “shock jocks”) – with ear-perking clips from Don Imus, Howard Stern, Opie & Anthony, Mike Malloy and more. Both Rush Limbaugh’s reference to Sandra Fluke and Ed Schultz’s description of Laura Ingraham as “sluts” were included to underscore the point that no single faction of the talk radio universe was exempt from participating in the practice of political or artistic controversy. Hannity’s remedy: Change the dial. Schultz concurred. Both made their cases for the sake and survival of the talk radio industry as well as protecting the spirit of the First Amendment. Stay tuned to Talkers.com for complete coverage of the New Media Seminar in the coming days and weeks.
Cumulus Media Officially Announces Geraldo Rivera Rollout. This has been expected since shortly after Geraldo Rivera made his talk radio debut on Cumulus Media‘s WABC, New York and KABC, Los Angeles in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon slot. Now, Cumulus says it will expand the show to the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET time slot and begin a national rollout on August 13. In a statement, Cumulus Media COO John Dickey says, “When Geraldo agreed to host shows for Cumulus stations in New York and L.A. we had a hunch there’d be substantial national listener interest in his incisive and insightful style. And now we’re thrilled that with Geraldo such a success in those two markets, the show will be available across the country.”
Glenn Beck Renews with Premiere Networks for 5 Years and a Reported $20 Million per Year. That figure is according to The New York Times‘ Brian Stelter who cites a “person with direct knowledge” saying the deal will pay Glenn Beck $100 million over the course of the new, five-year deal. In addition to handling affiliate and ad sales for Beck’s 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET nationally syndicated radio show, Premiere Networks also assists in ad sales for some of Beck’s non-radio efforts including his internet video channel GBTV on which his daily afternoon talk show is broadcast.
NBC Partners with Dial Global for Syndication of Sports Radio Content as NBC Sports Radio Network. According to what Rob Simmelkjaer, senior vice president of NBC Sports Ventures and International tells USA Today, the new project will start with hourly sports updates and a couple of short-form features. But Simmelkjaer says NBC hopes to have two three-hour evening sports talk shows (one each for 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm ET starts) ready for syndication by fall. He says, “The goal is to start with a beachhead of programming and gradually expand to 24 hours per day, seven days per week maybe in 3 to 5 years.” Dial Global will handle affiliate and ad sales for the service and Simmelkjaer says it will be sold in tandem with Dial Global’s NFL radio broadcasts.
Brad Krantz and Britt Whitmire Surface at Greater Media’s WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte. Talk show hosts Brad Krantz and Britt Whitmire had most recently hosted the morning drive show on Curtis Media Group‘s WZTK-FM, Burlington, North Carolina before the station flipped formats to Spanish music earlier this year. Now, the duo will replace Vince Coakley in the PM drive slot beginning July 2. In June of last year, Coakley took over the afternoon show for Tara Servatius who currently hosts mornings on WRNN-AM/FM, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. WBT program director Carl East says, “These guys bring a great sense of energy and fun to the air. Those who have been in Charlotte for a while already know what Brad is capable of. They are very clever observers of the issues of the day, whether they are local or national. The audience is going to love engaging them.” Brad Krantz previously hosted afternoons at WBT alongside Richard Spires for four years from 1999 to 2003.
KXNT-AM/FM, Las Vegas Names Chuck Meyer News Director. CBS Radio‘s news/talk KXNT-AM/FM, Las Vegas brings news pro Chuck Meyer aboard as news/director and anchor for the station’s PM drive news block. Meyer previously served as news director at WIOD, Miami and KING, Seattle and as program director at KVET, Austin and KCUB, Tucson. KXNT-AM/FM program director Andrew Paul says, “Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our staff. We are thrilled to have him lead our news team on multiple platforms.” The move allows former news director Joe Gillespie to focus on his duties as host of the station’s morning drive news program.
Jay Cutler to Join WMVP, Chicago for Weekly Appearance. ESPN Chicago announces Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will be live in the studio with ESPN 1000’s Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman each Monday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. In announcing the multi-year deal, ESPN 1000 president and general manager John Craven states, “ESPN Chicago could not be more excited to welcome Jay Cutler to our already solid on-air lineup. Waddle & Silvy’s extended access to Jay will give Bears fans his insights into the game and a glimpse of his personality they have never heard before both on air and online.” ESPN has sold the show to Miller Lite, the official beer of the Chicago Bears.
Talk Host Michael Smerconish to Welcome NAB Crystal Radio Award Winners Tonight. Nationally syndicated WYD Media talk host Michael Smerconish will use the “magic” of technology to gather together all 10 NAB Crystal Radio Award winners at the NAB Education Foundation’s “Service to America” black-tie fundraiser taking place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC this evening. Smerconish will welcome the winners to the stage and acknowledge their accomplishments.
The End of an Era as NPR’s “Car Talk” Hosts Retire in September. Hosts of the ubiquitous weekend public radio show “Car Talk” on NPR – brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi – will retire in September and record no more calls from Americans with questions usually having to do with their cars. But the show will go on for at least a few more years. NPR will continue to produce the show with previously aired audio from the show’s dense library of content. TALKERS magazine spoke with “Car Talk” producer Doug Berman several years ago for a feature story about the production of weekend talk programs. Unlike many shows, car talk is not a “live” call-in show. Calls are recorded during the week or callers are asked to call in at specific production times. As a result, the show has probably gathered more content than necessary at times and, in addition to “repurposed” content, there may be some calls to “Car Talk” that have not seen the light of day. Also, Berman tells the Boston Herald that they’ve reviewed the ratings for new shows and repeats and have found no difference. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison was asked about the future success of “Car Talk” by the Los Angeles Times and he stated, “Not many shows that are maintenance, how-to shows can carry it off where people listen to be entertained. That makes the show extremely potent.”
Odds ‘n’ Sods. Cox Media Group‘s WSB-AM/FM, Atlanta nabs 11 from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. Among the accolades WSB picked up include “Station of the Year” large market and “Best Radio Program” and “Best Talk Host” honors for WSB-based nationally syndicated star Neal Boortz…..Beasley Broadcasting‘s news/talk WGAC, Augusta, Georgia wins the Georgia Association of Broadcasters “Radio Station of the Year” award in the mid-sized market category. The station’s personalities also were individually recognized with coveted “Gabby” Awards: News director and morning show host Mary Liz
Nolan won “Best Newscast; sports director Ashley Brown won “Best Sportscast” and “Best Sports Story or Series” and Dallas Reece was honored for the year’s “Best Commercial.”…..WBZ, Boston news anchor Joe Mathieu interviews “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Scott Pelley at the WBZ NewsRadio Business Breakfast about his first year as anchor of CBS’ evening news program Tuesday, June 12 at 8:00 am…..Fox Sports Radio continues its coverage of mixed martial arts with simulcasts of FX‘s “UFC on FX: Fight Night.” FSRN simulcast last Friday’s program and will do it again on June 22 at 9:00 pm ET with a two-hour post-fight call-in show beginning at 11:00 pm ET.
You’re Never Too Old…to Play Pro Football. That’s 50-year-old Stan Nawalaniec of the Stan & Haney PM drive show on Beasley Broadcasting‘s hot talk WRXK-FM, Bonita Springs, Florida – 96 K-Rock Talk That Rocks – suited up with two unidentified players on the United Indoor Football League‘s Florida Tarpons. Stan signed on for a one-game deal with the undefeated team and was a member for its last regular season game Saturday, June 9 played at Southwest Florida’s Germain Arena in Estero.
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