Thursday, December 2, 2021
Round One of November PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s November 2021 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s November 2021 sweep covered October 14 – November 10. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this round of markets. In New York, Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC rises two-tenths for 2.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and ranks #15 while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk WOR also goes up two-tenths for a 2.4 share finish good for the #17 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles is up three-tenths for a 3.5 share and rises to the #8 rank. In Chicago, Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM continues in the #1 spot (tied with AC WLIT-FM) even though it dipped a full share to finish with a 5.7 share. Meanwhile, Nexstar Media’s crosstown news/talk WGN rises two-tenths for a 3.7 share good for the #9 rank. Audacy’s all-news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM, San Francisco shoots up 1.2 shares for a 7.2 share and the #2 rank in the market. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta dips three-tenths to a 9.3 share but remains ranked #1. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.
Report: Julie Mann Exits Audacy’s WBBM Newsradio in Chicago. According to a piece by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago managing editor Julie Mann is leaving the Audacy all-news station for a new, undisclosed opportunity. Her December 10 departure was revealed to staffers by
WBBM brand manager and news director Ron Gleason, who wrote, “Julie has been instrumental in our news coverage, interacting minute by minute with our reporters, working closely with our behind-the-scenes team and taking care of a laundry list of needs. For me personally, I will miss her camaraderie, tremendous work ethic and the incredible amount of help she’s given me over the years. An invaluable resource in so many ways, she’s been a great leader, teacher and counsel to all of us.” Mann commented in a statement, “WBBM Newsradio is in good hands. I know the vast experience of our seasoned veterans and the promising accomplishments of our newcomers will continue to keep WBBM a top-rated and reliable source for news. I’ve seen and done some incredible things as a reporter and manager thanks to WBBM Newsradio. It’s been an extraordinary career and I was lucky to have it.”
Ric Edelman to Launch New Financial Talk Program in January. Independent financial adviser and New York Times bestselling author Ric Edelman is launching, “The Truth About Your Financial Future with Ric Edelman,” on January 1. Edelman’s new program is being syndicated nationally and will debut in 24 markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Boston, and Philadelphia (and all major podcast platforms). This program replaces “The Ric Edelman Show,”
which Edelman has hosted for the past 30 years. Edelman’s new program focuses on what he calls “the five personal finance topics that matter most” today: longevity, retirement security, exponential technologies, digital assets, and health & wellness. He says, “I’m thrilled to launch my new show and podcast. Advances in technology are disrupting every aspect of our lives, but also creating massive new investment opportunities. My mission is to help you learn how you can improve your wealth, health and lifestyle for the rest of your life.” The program’s debut sponsors are Edelman Financial Engines, Global X ETFs, Invesco, Bitwise Asset Management. Initial advertisers include Choice and other leading financial services companies. Edelman Financial Engines EVP Jason Van de Loo says, “Edelman Financial Engines is proud to be a sponsor of “The Truth About Your Future with Ric Edelman” radio show to raise awareness about advances in technology, science and medicine and their profound impact on our personal finances.” Find more information about the show here.
Triton Digital Releases October 2021 Streaming Rankers. Data from Triton Digital’s October 2021 Streaming Rankers for the United States (Monday-Sunday 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight) have been released. The rankings are based on Average Active Sessions representing the average number of sessions at any point in time in the
reported time period, with invalid sessions omitted. (AAS is calculated by dividing Total Listening Hours by the number of hours within the reported time period.) The top publisher for the period was iHeartRadio with 284,344 AAS. The rankings of other radio-based companies of interest include: #2 NPR Member Stations; #3 Audacy; #4 Cumulus Streaming Network; #7 Beasley Broadcasting Corporate; #8 Hubbard Broadcasting; #9 ESPN Radio Corporate; #11 New York Public Radio; #12 Salem Communications; #13 Urban One; #14 Bonneville International; #18 Midwest Communications; and #23 Lotus Communications Corp. You can see more from this report here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT – Dave Ramsey Guests on the Harrison Podcast. Last week’s Thanksgiving holiday upset everyone’s schedule. Here’s a reminder to check out Michael Harrison’s interview with multi-media talk radio giant Dave Ramsey on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Based near Nashville, he’s been on the air for almost three decades dispensing advice about personal finance, faith, and grass-roots politics to an ever-growing audience that goes deep into the human psyche in dealing with debt, ambition, ethics, balance and leadership. Ramsey is ranked #2 on the 2021 TALKERS Heavy Hundred list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America and he certainly practices what he
preaches. Starting out with a small, money-oriented local radio show in Tennessee, he built his firm on the principles he espouses into a multi-million-dollar media operation known today as Ramsey Solutions employing over 1,000 people. The firm engages in filmmaking, book publishing, podcasting, live presentations and the radio syndication of a growing number of unique personalities. Ramsey Solutions has just released a ground-breaking full-length documentary film titled, Borrowed Future: How Student Loans are Killing the American Dream. Michael Harrison says, “It is one of the most important commentaries about our economy and culture to come out in years. Student debt is a major crisis smothering a generation. It is a disgrace.” Ramsey has also written and published a new book titled, Baby Steps Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth – and How You Can Too (Ramsey Press, 2021). Harrison and Ramsey discuss the student debt crisis, his plans for Ramsey Solutions going forward, and the current wave of inflation gripping the nation. Not to be missed! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
COVID-19 Omicron Variant, Looming Government Shutdown, SCOTUS Abortion Case, Michigan School Shooting, Smash Mobs, Financial Markets/Inflation, and MLB Lockout Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/1). The new Omicron coronavirus variant and the Biden administration’s battle over vaccine mandates; the potential shutdown of the federal government as some Republicans insist on defunding Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate; the Supreme Court hears arguments in Mississippi’s 2018 restrictive abortion law; the spate of smash-and-grab flash mobs hitting high-end retail stores; the activity on the world’s financial markets and the ongoing high retail and oil prices; and Major League Baseball locks out the players four months before the 2022 season were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
FOX News Media Has Radio Reporter Position Open. This Washington, DC-based position is for an experienced full-time reporter. FOX News Media says, “You will cover
a wide range of political, government, and Congressional stories for FOX News Audio (FOX News Headlines 24/7 and FOX News Terrestrial Radio). You possess strong journalism skills and thrive in a fast pace, deadline driven environment. Most importantly, you have great editorial judgement and the ability to break important news stories.” Learn more and apply here.
Salem Seeks Operations Manager. The Orlando station group of Salem Media Group is looking for its next operations manager to lead the programming effort at its cluster. Our passion for community and our listeners drives our success at Salem. Top-of-class
personalities, digital platforms, and resources make this a fantastic opportunity with a great operator in sunny Central Florida. General Manager Tim Robisch is looking for candidates who have spoken word on air and programming experience with passion for Christian teaching talk and conservative talk formats. Find more information and apply here. No calls please.
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Wolkoffs’ Wrongful Termination Suit Against G-Networks Goes to Mediation. Last summer, Danno and Laura Wolkoff sued former employer G Networks LLC in US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division for wrongful termination, seeking $1.2 million in damages. The complaint states that the Wolkoffs were informed by G Networks in late June of this year that the company was accusing them of costing
the business some $1.8 million in damages due to “gross negligence” and “gross incompetence” in the performance of their duties as chief development officer and VP of business operations, respectively. The Wolkoffs argue that G Networks failed to offer any “specific conduct constituting alleged grounds for termination for cause or any specific, 
reasonable measures to cure such conduct, thereby interfering with, and effectively rendering impossible,” their “bargained-for right to cure.” The Wolkoffs sold their company Envision Networks to then-Sun Broadcast Group (at the time headed by Jason Bailey) and entered into employment agreements to serve in the positions noted above. Now, both sides have agreed to stay all case deadlines pending the outcome of private mediation filed by G Networks. That stay is in effect until January 17, 2022, a date by which the parties are ordered to file a joint status report informing the Court of the outcome of the mediation, and if the matter is not resolved, jointly propose revised case deadlines. If the parties are unable to resolve the matter by then, the Court will reset the case deadlines at that time.
Daily Beast: Salem Radio Network Not Bothered by MyPillow Ad Cancellation. According to the Daily Beast, the Salem Radio Network is not upset with MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s decision to cease advertising his products on its radio talk shows. As TALKERS magazine reported on Monday (11/29), Lindell criticized SRN and its hosts
during his 96-hour livestream “Thanks-a-Thon” last week saying he’s not appeared on any of the SRN programs for a “long, long time” and promised to drop his advertising with the company. Lindell is still actively promoting the “stolen election” theory. Salem SVP and director of spoken word format Phil Boyce tells 
the Daily Beast the company is not upset with Lindell’s decision. “He has the right if he wants to do that.” Lindell stated that Salem hosts had reached out to him to try to “heal the business partnership,” but Boyce says he’s not aware of any hosts attempting to reconcile with Lindell. He added that Salem hosts don’t operate under content restrictions. “There is no block on any of my hosts from talking about the Supreme Court or anything else. My hosts are not banned from talking about anything.” The Daily Beast asked Boyce if the company hopes that Lindell reconsiders his decision and he replied, “No.”
Beasley Media Group Celebrates 60 Years in Radio Business. Tomorrow (12/2), Beasley Media Group employees across the country will gather to celebrate the company’s official 60th anniversary in broadcasting. The company’s founder George G. Beasley, who passed away in June of this year due to complications from COVID,
officially launched the company with the acquisition of his first radio station, WPYB-AM, Benson, North Carolina on December 2, 1961. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Our Dad’s commitment to our employees, communities we serve, and the industry was unparalleled and continues to serve as a shining example to all of us as to what is possible through humility, passion and hard work. We are so very proud to continue his vision and pioneering spirit well into the future.” In addition to hosting individual market celebrations, Caroline Beasley is doing interviews with local on-air talent to talk about the history of the company. The stations will also air specially produced on-air messages thanking listeners, advertisers, and local communities for their continued support over the past six decades. Today, Beasley Media Group is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ consisting of 62 radio stations located in 15 markets across the United States, digital operations and an esports division.
KKOB-AM/FM, Albuquerque Raises $28,000 to Fight Hunger. Pictured above (from l-r) are KKOB “96.3 News Radio” personality TJ Trout and radiothon sponsors Shasta Erickson and Robert Gabaldon at the November 18 “3rd Annual Radiothon to Fight Hunger in New Mexico” event. The Cumulus Media station helped raise $27,288 to benefit the Roadrunner Food Bank. Trout says, “Albuquerque has shown once again what a caring and giving community we are. On behalf of Roadrunner Food Bank, I want to thank each and every one of our listeners who participated in our Radiothon and donated so generously. The need here is obvious. And Roadrunner is a shining example of how we can make a difference if we all pull together.” Cumulus Albuquerque VP and market manager Jeff Berry adds, “We’re so honored to be able to give back to our community this year and are consistently humbled by the generosity of our audience. We couldn’t help the Roadrunner Food Bank each year without the people who support our radio station, and we’re so thankful to them.”
TALKERS News Notes. Today, Salem Radio Network personality Charlie Kirk’s
interview with Kyle Rittenhouse will air on his SRN-syndicated radio program and as the focus of Kirk’s podcast. During the interview, Rittenhouse shares his candid views on the trial itself, his opinions that his initial legal counsel may have misused funds raised for his defense, and what the future holds for him as a student at Arizona State University. Kirk’s program airs from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET and his podcast is part of the Salem Podcast Network…..The National Association of Broadcasters announces 
the nomination period for the 2022 NAB Technology Awards has opened. The awards will be presented at the 2022 NAB Show, to be held April 23 – 27 in Las Vegas. The awards are: Radio and Television Engineering Achievement Awards; The Digital Leadership Award; The Technology Innovation Award; the Best Paper Award. NAB EVP and chief technology officer Sam Matheny says, “These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves by transforming our industry. We are delighted to honor the industry’s technical and engineering achievements at NAB Show.” The deadline for nominations is January 11, 2022. Find out more here…..SiriusXM announces that golf personality David Feherty is joining the company for a new weekly
show. The former tour pro-turned-broadcaster will team up with SiriusXM host and fellow former pro John Maginnes to host “Feherty and Maginnes” Monday evenings on the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel. SXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “David’s unique blend of wit and golf wisdom, and his experience from a lifetime in the game, really make him one of a kind. SiriusXM is the perfect platform for his many great stories and the insightful and revealing conversations he’ll have with his guests. We are thrilled to pair him up with John and bring together two terrific personalities who will deliver an entertaining, must-listen show for our listeners.”…..The nationally syndicated “Motley Fool Money” program hosted by Chris Hill is now heard on Max Media’s business news WGH-AM/W265EF, Norfolk/Virginia Beach.
COVID-19 Omicron Variant, CNN Suspends Chris Cuomo, SCOTUS Abortion Case, Michigan School Shooting, January 6 Investigation, Dr. Oz to Run for Senate, China Military Aggression, and Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/30). The new Omicron coronavirus variant and concerns about its vaccine evasiveness; CNN indefinitely suspends prime time star Chris Cuomo for allegedly working to investigate brother Andrew Cuomo’s accusers; the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments in the Mississippi abortion law case; the deadly school shooting in Michigan that’s taken the lives of three students and wounded eight others; former Donald Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows agrees to cooperate with House investigators in the January 6 Capitol attack; television star Dr. Mehmet Oz announces bid for U.S. Senate as Pennsylvania Republican; China’s ongoing military aggression against Hong Kong and Taiwan; and the trial of accused Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
FOX News Media Seeks Radio Anchor. There’s a full-time news anchor position available with FOX News Media. The company says this New York-based position is as an on-air
talent for FOX News Headlines 24/7, Sirius XM Channel 115. In addition to that role, the successful candidate may be asked to anchor on the FOX News Radio affiliate network. As a radio news anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a days’ notice. Find out more about this position and apply here.
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
WWO: Edison’s Q3 2021 Share of Ear Study Five-Year Report Card. This week’s CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog highlights some of the key findings from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study for the third quarter of 2021. Among the findings are that Pandora’s free, ad-supported service has lost half its audience over the last five years while Spotify’s similar service has stagnated. Regarding podcasting, the report indicates that “over the last several years, podcast reach and audience shares have exploded. In the last two years, podcast daily reach among persons 18-34 is up 43% and daily reach among persons 25-54 is up an eye
popping 51%.” Interestingly, the study suggests that marketers and agencies overestimate the shares of Pandora and Spotify and underestimate the share of AM/FM radio due in large part to their own biases. “In August 2021, Advertiser Perceptions, the gold standard measurement firm of advertiser and agency sentiment, asked 300 media decision makers at brand and media agencies to estimate the audience shares of Pandora, Spotify, and AM/FM radio. Agencies and advertisers estimated that Pandora has a 20% share of listening. This is seven times larger than Pandora’s actual 3% audience share in Edison’s ‘Share of Ear.’ Marketers and media agencies estimate that Spotify has a 25% share of audience. That is over twelve times larger than Spotify’s actual 2% audience share. Among media agencies and brands, the perceived audience share of AM/FM radio is 28%, far smaller than the 45% share of Spotify and Pandora combined. In reality, AM/FM radio’s actual share (40%) far exceeds the 28% perception.” The report cites marketing professor Mark Ritson, who says, “There is increasing global evidence that marketers are basing their media choices on their own behavior or that stoked by the digitally obsessed marketing media, rather than actual audience data.” Edison’s latest Share of Ear data concludes that “AM/FM radio has a massive share of time spent among ad-supported platforms (75%). Podcast shares (11%) now exceed the combined share of Pandora and Spotify (10%).” See the blog here.
Sam Mayes Ousted from Tyler Media’s ‘107.7 The Franchise’ After Anti-Native American Phone Conversation. According to a report by Mediaite, KRXO-FM, Oklahoma City “107.7 The Franchise” sports talk personality Sam Mayes has been fired by Tyler Media after a five-year-old off-air phone conversation between he and another staffer was leaked. In the conversation, Mayes and Tyler Media promotions director and air personality Cara Rice discuss Native Americans’ move to get the
Washington NFL franchise to drop the “Redskins” moniker and both use racist tropes. Rice was also fired. Mayes explains his part in the conversation in a tweet and admits to using poor judgement in an effort to get along and not make waves. He says, “I was legitimately curious what sparked the desire for change. My co-worker then responded with distasteful, racially charged comments that I not only did not dispute but made light of…the remarks that came next made me very uncomfortable. This recording is the perfect example of that all too often scenario that was sent to local media outlets with the intent to destroy my career. Maybe it worked. At the end of the day, that’s up to you, my followers.” He adds, “As a person of color, I know all too well how damaging hate speech can be. I also know once we know better, we can do better,” Mayes, whose career with KRXO lasted eight years, says the recording was obtained illegally.
Talk Host Wayne Allyn Root Weds Cindy Parker. Nationally syndicated USA Radio Network talk host Wayne Allyn Root married Cindy Parker in Las Vegas last week. Root tells TALKERS magazine that a number of the 200 guests present included Republican politicians and political leaders. He adds that the highlight of the evening was when former FOX News and CNN host Rita Cosby read a personal letter to the newlyweds from former President Donald J. Trump. The new Mrs. Wayne Root is on the board of many Nevada Republican organizations, including the Nevada Republican Club. Root says, “So this is REALLY a conservative talk radio wedding! Without her choosing me for a political speech, or our mutual support for President Donald Trump, or talk radio host Jerry Doyle’s memorial, or my creative talk show segment starring beautiful women for Trump…this never would have happened!”
KVOI, Tucson Adds ‘The Erick Erickson Show.’ The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” joins the program lineup at Bustos Media’s KVOI-AM, Tucson on
Sunday evenings. Station operations manager Ray Ingegneri comments, “Erick knows what he believes and is willing to challenge friend and foe alike. In an increasingly homogenized political landscape, Erick’s approach is a breath of fresh air and we’re glad to have him.” Stations interested in “The Erick Erickson Show” or “The Erick Erickson Christmas Show” can contact Andrew Kalb at andrew@andrewkalb.com or 917-217-4050.
Cumulus Media Presenting at Two Investor Conferences. There are two investors conferences this week in which Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner
and EVP/CFO Frank Lopez-Balboa will participate. Tomorrow (12/1), the 5th Annual Virtual Wells Fargo TMT Summit happens and the two will present during the Fireside Chat at 10:40 am ET. On Thursday (12/2), Bank of America Securities 2021 Leveraged Finance Conference takes place and Cumulus will present at 7:30 am ET. It will be livestreamed and available on-demand within 24 hours. Management will also be hosting one-on-one investor meetings during both conferences.
Broadcasters Foundation of America Asks for Help on Giving Tuesday. Today is Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving, and the Broadcasters Foundation of America asks that you think of them on this day of philanthropy. For over 70 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has provided medical aid and disaster relief to
broadcasters and their families across the United States. This year, the Foundation will give away more than $1.8 million in monthly and emergency grants. Your gift will help them reach every broadcaster in need. One broadcaster says, “We would be lost without the generosity of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Because of your support, chronic illness has not taken everything from me. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!” On behalf of everyone at the Broadcasters Foundation of America, thank you and have a safe and happy holiday season. Donate here.
COVID-19 Omicron Variant, Financial Markets, Supply Chain/Inflation, China’s Military Aggression, January 6 Investigation, Chris Cuomo Investigation, SCOTUS Abortion Case, Jussie Smollett Trial, and Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/29). The Omicron coronavirus variant and concerns about its ability to evade vaccines; the news of the new coronavirus variant hits the world’s financial markets as Dow futures sink again; the effects of the global supply chain problems and soaring retail prices and fuel costs; the U.S.’s response to China’s military aggression toward Taiwan; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack; CNN’s probe into personality Chris Cuomo’s connection to Andrew Cuomo’s alleged sexual improprieties; the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments over Mississippi’s anti-abortion policy that could affect Roe v Wade; the trial of actor Jussie Smollett who is accused of staging an assault on himself; and the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, accused of assisting Jeffrey Epstein in procuring underaged girls for sex were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday, November 29, 2021
Monday Memo: We’re Late. “Like the bookstores and stockbrokers and travel agents that were early casualties,” consultant Holland Cooke sees radio and TV stations as “middlemen the Internet is squeezing-out.” In this week’s column, HC warns that “we-who-power-the-towers are late, if we still regard digital content as an adjunct” and he urges that “we should only do what only we can do.” Read more here.
Pending Business: A New Exercise. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column that “the radio business can learn a lot about the core changes facing 21st century commercial media in general by watching how the outdoor advertising industry is adjusting to the drastically new conditions of the modern era. Next time you’re moving through traffic take notice of the variety of messages on the out-of-home media around you. Billboards of all sizes, and all kinds – poster boards, vinyls, newer digital, stationary, mobile, building signage, airport boards, bus stop enclosures – all are blatant reminders that the medium is the message and the creative is changing.” Read more here.
Terry Ford to Program Cumulus Media’s ‘107.5 The Game’ in Columbia, South Carolina. Sports talk radio pro Terry Ford joins Cumulus Media’s WNKT-FM, Columbia, South Carolina “107.5 The Game” as program director. In this role, Ford will also oversee the cluster’s sister sports talk station WISW-AM “ESPN 1320.” Ford was
most recently with Clarity Communications’ sports talk WZNN-FM, Lexington, Kentucky “Sports 96.1” as host and program director. During his career he’s served as late night host at Audacy’s WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” 
and as a host on the Yahoo Sports Radio network. Ford says, “I am truly excited to become the next program director of such a quality sports brand as ‘107.5 The Game’ in Columbia. ‘The Game’ has sharp upper management support, a rock-solid infrastructure, and a talented staff, so this was an easy decision for me. I want to thank Cumulus Columbia market manager Tammy O’Dell for offering me this fabulous opportunity. In my many conversations with Tammy, you could hear her love and passion for ‘107.5 The Game.’ I also want to thank Cumulus SVP of sports, programming and audience Bruce Gilbert. It was Bruce who put me on Tammy’s radar. I can’t wait to land in Columbia and get started!”
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Says No More Advertising for Salem. Numerous consumer publications, including Business Insider, are reporting that MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has pulled ads for his MyPillow products from the air at Salem Radio Network after complaining on his 96-hour livestream “Thanks-a-Thon” over the holiday weekend that the broadcast network has not had him on any of the talk shows in a “long, long time.” The Business Insider piece says Lindell “expressed annoyance that Salem apparently never took the time to explain why, in his opinion, the mainstream media had shunned him. He said that ‘woke’ retailers had also ‘canceled’ him and described their actions as ‘a joke.’” The story notes that retailers including Bed Bath & Beyond and Kohl’s stopped selling his products after Lindell began his campaign spouting voter fraud theories. Salem has not publicly commented on the matter.
Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation 6th Annual Event Features Churchill Author Interview. The Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation, which supports efforts to defend free speech and help young people enter the news and talk radio formats, held its 6th annual event on November 19 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The sold-out program was themed “Celebrating the Leadership of Winston Churchill – Defender of Free Speech & Western Civilization” and featured keynote remarks by professor Andrew Roberts (pictured at right being interviewed by broadcaster James Rosen), author of the 2018 international best-seller, Churchill: Walking With Destiny. Roberts spoke about how Churchill used the power of oratory and the medium of radio to rally the free world to confront a variety of tyrannical ideologies and threats to freedom. Vince Benedetto, president of the Bold Gold Foundation and Bold Gold Media Group, addressed the rising importance of the Foundation’s work in an age of increased censorship and cancel culture. The event also honored local business leader and entrepreneur, Rob Grimm, with the 2021 Atlas Award for Citizenship.
Good Karma’s ‘101.7 The Truth’ Announces Black-Owned Business Giveback. The Milwaukee talk station owned by Good Karma Brands announces a partnership with Associated Bank called Black-Owned Business Giveback, a promotion to help support Black-owned businesses by awarding them a free radio advertising campaign on
WGKB-AM/W269DL “101.7 The Truth.” Each month, the first 10 businesses to register at BlackBusinessGiveback.com wins a campaign that includes one 30-second commercial that airs 50 times over the month. The promotion will run through the end of 2022. Station general manager Cherie Harris comments, “We are thankful for our partnership with Associated Bank for the Black-Owned Business Giveback Promotion. Our Black-owned businesses are a vital part of the community’s growth and economic development, and we want to be sure they are given every opportunity to succeed.” The 10 chosen businesses will be invited to work with ‘The Truth’ team to write and produce their customized radio spots. At the conclusion of the campaign in November 2022, over 100 businesses will be awarded a free advertising campaign valued at $2,000.
Broadcasters Foundation of America Asks for Help on Giving Tuesday. Tomorrow – November 30 – is Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving, and the Broadcasters Foundation of America asks that you think of them on this day of philanthropy. For over 70 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has provided medical aid and disaster relief to broadcasters and their families across the United States. This year, the Foundation will give away more than $1.8 million in monthly and emergency grants. Your gift will help them reach every broadcaster in need. One broadcaster says, “We would be lost without the generosity of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Because of your support, chronic illness has not taken everything from me. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!” On behalf of everyone at the Broadcasters Foundation of America, thank you and have a safe and happy holiday season. Donate here.
MIW Presents Recognizing Women in Operational Excellence Webinar. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio organization, together with vCreative, are recognizing and celebrating women in radio “whose unsung efforts ensure efficiency, both operationally and financially, for their radio stations and groups.” The program’s
inaugural free webinar, “Recognizing Women in Operational Excellence,” takes place Thursday (12/2) from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm ET. It’s being hosted by vCreative CEO Susie Hedrick and MIW board member Valerie Blackburn and showcases three uniquely talented women who make a significant impact daily on their company’s Operations: Becky Degener, Townsquare Media, vice president of traffic operations; Mildred Sibley, Entravision, vice president of station traffic operations; and Melissa Mitchell, Bonneville, director of finance and corporate controller. Webinar participants will hear how these professionals strategically embrace emerging technologies; integrate new products into existing workflows; and hire and train teams. You can register for the webinar here.
COVID-19/Omicron Variant, Financial Markets/Inflation, Crime Spike/Mass Looting, January 6 Investigation, China Military Aggression, Thanksgiving/Football, and the Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Holiday Weekend. The rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad and concerns about the new Omicron variant; the world’s financial markets react to the news of the Omicron variant and the high retail prices facing consumers; the rising crime statistics in major cities and the ongoing spate of smash-and-grab flash mobs; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and the Committee’s seeking information from former Donald Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows; China’s continuing aggressive posture toward Taiwan; the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend; and this week’s start of the trial of accused Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
TALKERS magazine Offices Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The offices of TALKERS magazine will be closed from the end of business today (11/24) through the weekend. TALKERS will reopen on Monday (11/29). The staff of TALKERS hopes that everyone enjoys a relaxing and enjoyable weekend with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
NOW POSTED: This Thanksgiving Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Thanksgiving Weekend,” looks back at this past week of 11/22 – 11/26. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dr. Daliah Wachs, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/physician; Lars Larson, talk show host, Compass Media Networks; Dr. Murray Sabrin, professor emeritus of finance, Ramapo College of New Jersey; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. The show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; “SuperTalk 99.7” WTN, Nashville; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; the iHeart Podcast Network; Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
WWO: Radio and Podcast Revenues to Rise in 2022. This week’s blog post from the CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One Audio Active Group, assesses leading revenue forecasts and key trends to watch for in the coming year. The piece predicts that 2020
AM/FM radio revenue will grow 6% to 8% while podcast revenue will grow 31%. Of the big 10 categories that represent 60% of local revenue for radio stations, the five to watch are: auto, TV/cable, healthcare, home improvement, and communications/cellular. Travel and entertainment should also surge. At the network level, look for continued growth in pharmaceutical, financial, business-to-business brands, recruitment, consumer packaged goods, restaurants, insurance, and auto. The post predicts that when it comes to ad-supported audio, AM/FM radio will remain dominant, AM/FM radio streaming will surpass Pandora and Spotify, podcasts will continue to explode, and Pandora will collapse.
Sarah Quinn Named Marketing Director for iHeartMedia Greensboro. Radio and marketing pro Sarah Quinn joins iHeartMedia Greensboro, North Carolina as
marketing director for the cluster that includes news/talk WPTI-FM and seven music brands. Quinn comes to iHeartMedia from Alpha Media’s Canton, Ohio operations where she was marketing and promotions director and an air personality. iHeartMedia Greensboro SVP of programming Zac Davis says, “We had some great candidates from different backgrounds apply for this integral position, but Sarah possessed a unique skill set that really stood out to us. Her beliefs and work ethic align well with what we’re doing here in Greensboro and she’s going to hit the ground running!”
Alliance for Women in Media Unveils New Mentoring Program. The Alliance for Women in Media announces the launch of a new program – “AWM Connects presented by the Ford Motor Company Fund and Ziploc Accessory Bags.” This new program is “an exciting new virtual mentoring program that will connect young/new professionals with senior level executives throughout television, radio, and digital media.” The event
takes place on December 15 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm and includes an opportunity for mentees and mentors to interact. Mentees will also be connected with mentors for a one-on-one conversation following the conclusion of the event. Mentors will be members of the AWM and AWM Foundation Board of Directors as well as high-level executives specifically selected to match up with the mentees that apply for the program. Mentees interested in participating in this inaugural program should apply by December 1. AWM president Becky Brooks says, “The Alliance for Women in Media has been connecting, educating and recognizing women in all forms of media for 70 years and this is the next opportunity to fulfill our important mission. We strongly encourage up and coming women in radio, television and digital medias to apply for an opportunity to experience this unique mentoring program and stay engaged with AWM as we move into the next 70 years.”
South Carolina Radio Station Holds ‘On-Air Job Fair.’ WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner Anne Eller (pictured at right with Jay Logan of the local Reagan Flooring company) recently held an “On-Air Job Fair” to assist in matching up employers with open positions with people looking for work. Eller tells TALKERS magazine that one employer needed as many as 30 people to care for clients with disabilities and special needs. Another was seeking flooring installers. An international
company in the healthcare field had manufacturing and other specialized jobs available. She says she’s been hearing local stories from businesses, industries, and service providers about the increasing lack of employees for jobs, many of which offered good starting salaries and benefits. She adds, “Although this is a nationwide problem, the lack of workers has been impacting our economy for months. Restaurants had shorter hours or were closing on more days. People needing home and other repairs had long waits. The stories were endless, and I knew that I had to do something to help.” Connecting with the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, she asked the Chamber to promote the idea to its members and in return, she would provide a business with 10 minutes of free air time to discuss their business or organization, the types of services it provides and the employees and skills needed for the positions. She had one requirement: employers had to give a phone number so that people could call and discuss the position because she believes many people are intimidated by filling out job applications online. She says the job fair was a success as employers received calls after their air time from potential employees and other businesses began calling to find out when the next job fair would be held. Eller says, “We will monitor the demand in the community. I am passionate about serving the needs of my listeners and advertisers, and I would love to see this happen again.”
TALKERS News Notes. San Antonio-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe
“Pags” Pagliarulo is sitting in for Premiere Networks afternoon drive talk host Sean Hannity on today’s program. Pags tells TALKERS, “I’m extremely thankful and thrilled to crack the mic for broadcasting superstar Sean Hannity. Huge shoes to fill.”…..Edison Research announces the debut of The Infinite Dial 2021 UK, sponsored by Bauer Media and Spotify, debuting in a webinar on Thursday, December 2. Edison Research president Larry Rosin 
says, “We are excited to add the UK to the list of countries around the world investigating digital audio, podcasting, and social media usage via The Infinite Dial franchise. Thanks to Bauer Media and Spotify for bringing this beneficial research to the media community in the UK.”…..PodcastOne announces the launch of “Melissa Gorga On Display,” a new pop culture podcast hosted by the reality star and influencer. Gorga, who has spent a decade on the immensely popular Bravo series “Real Housewives of New
Jersey,” brings to the podcast her expertise in all things marriage, motherhood, fashion and, of course, reality television. PodcastOne president Kit Gray says, “There is absolutely no denying the immense popularity of Melissa Gorga and the impact her presence has had on pop culture around the world. Her podcast is exactly what audiences want in a celebrity-hosted podcast, and listeners will not be disappointed.”…..Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP, Washington, in partnership with EagleBank and 4giving, announces the conclusion of 
its inaugural Week of Giving holiday charity campaign aimed at raising money and awareness for local charities. The WTOP Week of Giving Campaign ran for one week from Monday, November 8 through Friday, November 12 and raised $9,054 for local charities. WTOP also matched donations made as part of an internal employee match program encouraging employees, as well as their friends and family, to donate during the Week of Giving. WTOP general manager Joel Oxley says, “We’re so honored to be able to give back to our community in this way and thankful for the giving spirit of our loyal audience. We couldn’t help these charities and the people they support without them.”
Inflation-Gas Prices/Supply Chain, January 6 Investigation, California Looting Spree, Charlottesville Jury Awards Damages, COVID-19, Ohio Opioid Verdict, Ahmaud Arbery Case, and Thanksgiving Holiday Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/23). The soaring prices of food and gasoline and the broken supply chain; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and the subpoenas issued for Donald Trump adviser Roger Stone and media figure Alex Jones; the rising number of smash-and-grab mall looting cases in California; a jury in Charlottesville awards $26 million in damages stemming from the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally; the rising rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and abroad and the battle over mask & vaccine mandates; an Ohio jury finds CVS, Walgreens and Walmart liable in the opioid epidemic; the jury considers the evidence in the trial of three men in the death of Ahmaud Arbery; and the Thanksgiving holiday were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
