Search Results for 'Dana'
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Today’s Homeowner Media Founder and Host Danny Lipford is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Home ownership issues, from the rising cost of housing to the maintenance and improvement required to protect and enhance one’s investment, are deeply tied into the national conversation about America’s economy. One of talk media’s leading experts on the myriad issues facing homeowners is Danny Lipford, founder/host of the notably successful “Today’s Homeowner”
syndicated radio and TV programs. Lipford is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison methodically taps into Lipford’s educated perspective on current concerns about inflation, supply chain backups, and the labor force shortage in addition to the programming and advertising compatibility of the home improvement genre with the news/talk radio station format. Don’t miss this extremely informative conversation. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
Cumulus Media Signs VP of Programming Operations Doug Hamand to Long-Term Extension. Programming executive Doug Hamand and Cumulus Media sign a new, long-term agreement that will keep the vice president of programming operations with the company for the foreseeable future. Hamand joined the company in January of 2016 after having served with iHeartMedia in a number of executive programming positions for 21 years. Cumulus SVP, programming operations John Dimick says, “Doug is a fierce competitor and expects the best from our content teams. His
expertise and experience with multiple formats have enabled Cumulus Media to maintain its leadership position. Doug has definitely earned this new deal and many thanks for the hard work, dedication and commitment to Cumulus Media.” Hamand says, “Working the last five years with this team of exceptionally talented format VP’s, alongside Brian Philips, John Dimick and Greg Frey has been rewarding! I am glad to have helped PDs and market managers in key Cumulus cities achieve success in ratings and revenue. I look forward to serving these markets and the industry for more years to come.”
Jon Hansen’s ‘Your Money Matters’ Added to WGN-AM Program Schedule. Local media figure Jon Hansen joins the daily program schedule at Nexstar Media’s WGN-AM, Chicago as host of “Your Money Matters” beginning February 7. The program – featuring topics including the basics of personal finance, investing and wealth management, financial security, financial literacy, and retirement planning will air from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Hansen says, “I’m looking forward to learning things along with the
audience. Just like them, I’m someone looking for ways to save money, smart ways to spend money, and how to prepare my family for life’s surprises. I’m looking forward to engaging with experts who can help everyone – no matter their financial background. ‘Your Money Matters’ will be a show driven by the listeners’ questions with their needs and financial goals in mind – and I promise we’ll have a lot of fun along the way.” WGN VP/GM Mary Sandberg Boyle comments, “No one is more knowledgeable in hyper-local business and community news than Jon Hansen. He is the perfect host to navigate these challenging topics and make them relatable to our audience.” Hansen also hosts “Let’s Get Legal” on WGN Radio on Saturday afternoons.
Bill Michaels Clears Non-Compete; Show to Air on iHeartMedia’s WOKY-AM, Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Bill “The Big Unit” Michaels will return to the airwaves in Milwaukee after a false start five months ago. Michaels’ program had been airing on Audacy’s crosstown sports talk WSSP-AM prior to that station’s programming changes that saw the show dropped. iHeartMedia added “The Bill Michaels Show” to its sports talker WOKY-AM on August 30, but received a cease-and-desist from Audacy because Michaels had a non-compete in the Milwaukee market that kept him off the air there until now. Michaels’ show airs in the Madison market on Mid-West Family Communications’ WOZN-AM/FM. The 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show will begin on WOKY-AM “The Big 920” on Monday (1/17).
iHeartMedia Atlanta and John Hope Bryant to Launch ‘BUILDING the Good Life’ Podcast. The Atlanta operations of iHeartMedia are teaming up with entrepreneur, philanthropist and globally recognized financial literacy advocate John Hope Bryant to launch a new iHeartRadio Original podcast titled, “BUILDING the Good Life with John Hope Bryant.” iHeartMedia says the podcast showcases “Bryant’s gift for delivering inspiration through authentic and intimate conversations with some of the world’s most extraordinary people, culled from his unique orbit of leaders from business, entertainment, sports, media and government including Killer Mike, CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, PayPal CEO Dan Schulman and Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar.” Bryant says, “This show is all about the magic of aspiration, inspiration, growing and maximizing human potential – delivered through the reach of the largest podcaster in the country. I have been a builder since I began my entrepreneurial journey as a 10-year-old boy in Compton, California, later creating Operation HOPE in response to the Rodney King riots, which evolved into the building of over 40 for-profit and non-profit organizations. This drive to build began as I listened to stories from those around me growing up in South Central Los Angeles and began to recognize the importance of everyone’s story: that by listening we can hear, by hearing we can see, and by seeing we can reach our full potential.”
WABC, New York Owner John Catsimatidis Offers $10k Reward for Arrest and Conviction of Teen’s Killer. WABC-AM owner and Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the man who shot and killed 19-year-old Kristol Bayron Nieves during the robbery of an East Harlem Burger King restaurant last weekend. The perpetrator appears in surveillance video wearing dark clothes and a mask. He got away with about $100 dollars. Nieves had been working at the restaurant at 116th and Lexington Ave for about three weeks.
FOX News Channel Promotes Jeanine Pirro to Co-Host of ‘The Five.’ FOX News Channel personality Jeanine Pirro is promoted to full-time co-host of “The Five.” Pirro has been a substitute co-host of the show since 2020 in addition to her work with FNC as a legal analyst and host of the weekend program, “Justice with Judge Jeanine.” Pirro joins the program that features a rotating cast that includes: Harold Ford Jr., Geraldo Rivera, and Jessica Tarlov as the co-hosts for the liberal seat and conservatives Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino and Jesse Watters. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “‘The Five’ continues to be a beloved show by the American audience. Each of the co-hosts are accomplished and insightful talent with diverse opinions and terrific chemistry who will certainly help drive this ensemble program going forward.” Pirro will continue hosting “Castles USA” on FOX News Media’s streaming service FOX Nation, where she dives into the rich history of iconic castles around the country.
COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Voting Rights, Economy/Inflation, U.S.-Russia Relations, and Prince Andrew’s Legal Troubles Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/12). The high rate of COVID-19 cases across the U.S., the fate of the Omicron variant, and Dr. Anthony Fauci’s spat with Senators Rand Paul and Roger Marshall; House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announces refusal to cooperate with House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol; speculation about which party will control Congress after the 2022 midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; President Joe Biden’s push for Congress to take up the Voting Rights Act; the state of the U.S. economy and the high rate of inflation; the U.S., NATO and Russia meet over the Russian troops amassed at the Ukraine border; and Prince Andrew faces a civil suit brought by Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Vince Vitrano Named New Morning Host at WTMJ-AM, Milwaukee. Milwaukee’s WTMJ “Newsradio 620” announces that Vince Vitrano is named the new host of the Good Karma Brands station’s “Wisconsin’s Morning News” program, replacing Gene Mueller, who recently announced his retirement after 44 years in Milwaukee radio. Mueller will retire in February 2022. Vitrano says, “For a kid born and raised in Wisconsin, this job is like playing for the Brewers and the Bucks! Salute to Gene Mueller, who is a friend, a colleague, and someone I’ve looked up to in
our business. To succeed him in this role is truly an honor.” Gene Mueller comments, “Vince Vitrano is a perfect choice to fill ‘the big chair.’ He’s a true Wisconsinite — a solid news veteran who shares the interests, sensibilities, and concerns of our listeners. I will sleep better and longer knowing Vince is there, continuing a legacy broadcast with passion, care, and integrity.” Vitrano is an Emmy award winning reporter and anchor, joining E.W. Scripps’ WTMJ-TV in the spring of 2000 as a general assignment reporter. He has earned numerous honors from the Associated Press, the Milwaukee Press Club, and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. He is active in the community, on the board of directors for Special Olympics Wisconsin and The First Tee Southeast Wisconsin.
Gen Media Partners and Jim Higgins form G Accelerate Networks. Media executives Warren Friedland – managing partner of Gen Media Partners – and Jim Higgins have announced the launch of G Accelerate Networks, a joint venture in which both parties hold a stake and which Higgins will lead as president and CEO. They say G Accelerate Networks will be “laser-focused on bringing in new business from both existing and new radio content and service providers, producers, and programs that are looking to accelerate their revenue potential, as well as increase their affiliated stations and national footprint.” Higgins, who was most recently president and CEO of Key Networks, says, “Too many radio content producers are getting lost and not getting the attention and dedicated sales and affiliate services required to keep them top-of-mind with stations and thriving financially. Warren and I are committed to changing that result for those clients that join us at G Accelerate. We welcome the opportunity to provide them with the effort, resources, and passion required to deliver growth and success.” G Accelerate Networks will also tap into and work with all of Gen Media Partners’ companies – including G Networks, Hispanic Radio Networks, Gen Media Partners Radio Reps, and others – to assist in growing their revenues and affiliations. Friedland adds, “G Accelerate will also be looking for select equity investments and acquisitions in content and service provider companies whose vision and mission lines up with or complements Gen Media Partners. We’ve known Jim for many years, and he was always the shining star of the companies lucky enough to have worked with him. His vast executive experience and client relationships with both creatives, producers, agencies, and advertisers is unmatched in the network business. We are thrilled to be a part of his new venture.”
Howard Greiner to Lead iHeartMedia Albany. With the retirement of Albany area president Kristen Delaney set to take effect on December 31, iHeartMedia announces that Howard Greiner is been named the new area president for the Albany area, which includes Poughkeepsie and Sussex, New Jersey. Greiner has been operating his own consulting firm for the past three years and spent the 18 years before that with Buntin Out-Of-Home Media. iHeartMedia Community Markets division president Dan Lankford says, “I’m excited to welcome Howard to the iHeart family. Howard’s extensive marketing knowledge and years of experience building winning teams will be a great asset to our Albany area operations.” Greiner says, “I am excited to join America’s leading audio company bringing over 30 years of national, regional and local marketing and media experience to an exceptional team of professionals in the Albany, Poughkeepsie and Sussex, New Jersey markets. Our team will continue to deliver best-in-class marketing initiatives to the region’s business community in an ever-evolving media landscape.”
Scott Basilotta Named VP of Distribution for Today’s Homeowner Media. Nine-year staffer Scott Basilotta is promoted to vice president of distribution for Today’s Homeowner Media. Basilotta most recently served the company as director of television and radio syndication, leading distribution efforts for the brand’s nationally syndicated television and radio shows, “Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.” During his tenure, Basilotta expanded the “Today’s Homeowner” TV footprint by 38%. The show currently airs in 208 of 210 markets and is available in 92% of the U.S. “Today’s Homeowner” Radio has seen even more growth over the past nine years with a 458% increase in stations airing the weekly show. The two-hour broadcast currently airs on 319 stations. Additionally, the brand’s “Tips for Today’s Homeowner” vignettes have seen a 362% increase during Basilotta’s term. The 90-second features air on 377 stations.
Broadcasters Foundation Launches End of Year Giving Campaign. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is launching its annual year-end giving campaign today, with an appeal for tax-deductible donations that will allow the Foundation to continue providing financial assistance to those in broadcasting who need it most. A 501(c)3 charity, the Broadcasters Foundation is the only organization dedicated exclusively to delivering financial aid to broadcasters and their families whose lives have been upended by tragic illness, accident, or catastrophe. Personal donations to the Guardian Fund and corporate contributions to the Angel Initiative can be made at www.broadcastersfoundation.org/donate. This year’s plea for donations follows a year-and-a-half of several cancelled fundraising events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even as more broadcasters than ever are reaching out for monthly or emergency relief. The Broadcasters Foundation will award more than $1.8 million in monthly and one-time emergency grants in 2021. Monthly grants have increased 75% and more than 500 emergency grants have been awarded since 2017. Over the past 20 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has distributed more than $15 million to broadcasters in need. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Our grant recipients are hard-working broadcasters from across the country and from all size markets, who have been hit by challenging, often life-altering circumstances. With the support and generosity of the people in our industry, we can help your colleagues and their families get through their toughest times.”
TALKERS News Notes. Tomorrow night (11/11) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is presenting a Town Hall broadcast addressing vaccine mandates. New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott leads the news and digital departments as the station addresses the legal ramifications of vaccine mandates on both employers and employees. Scott underscores this program is not intended to debate whether vaccine mandates are good or bad. “These mandates are a reality. Our goal is to detail the legal obligations, rights and options for both employer and employee.” The program’s on-air panel will feature: Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association; Peter Frattarelli, Esq., a workplace law attorney with Archer Attorneys at Law and chair of Archer’s Labor & Employment Practice Group; and Dana Wefer, Esq., a workers’ rights attorney. The panel will also address issues surrounding medical and religious exemptions, as well as workplace
accommodations from both the employee and employer standpoint…..The final regular show for WFAN, New York’s Steve Somers will happen this Friday (11/12). Somers is the Audacy station’s longest-serving sports talk host who announced recently that he would be retiring “sooner rather than later.” On Monday (11/15) from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, WFAN will air a special show featuring guest callers…..Salem Media Group announces it will present at the virtual Q4 Investor Summit conference at 1:00 pm CT on November 17. The Investor Summit (formerly MicroCap Conference) is an exclusive, independent conference dedicated to connecting smallcap and microcap companies with qualified investors…..The Newsmax nationally syndicated “Rob Carson Show” – heard daily
from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm – announces the addition of three new affiliate stations as Delmarva Education Association’s WMLB-AM, Atlanta; Maga
Radio Networks’ WJFN-AM/FM, Richmond; and Pan Am Broadcasting’s KDAZ-AM/K245CD add the program to their lineups…..Pictured at left is GCN nationally syndicated talk host Dr. Daliah Wachs with the Christmas Tree at Opportunity Village – an organization that helps people with people with intellectual disabilities and their families through enrichment, empowerment, and employment programs and services. Dr. Wachs says the organization holds its Magical Forest event from Thanksgiving through the New Year each year. The event is one of its largest fundraisers to fund their programs and employment placement.
Biden Infrastructure Bill, COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, Inflation/Energy Prices, China’s Military Aggression, and Astroworld Investigation Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/9). The passage of President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure bill in the House and criticism of the Republicans who voted for it; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., mask & vaccine mandates, and NFL fines Packers, Rodgers and Lazard for flouting protocols; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and former President Trump’s attempt to claim executive privilege over documents the House committee is seeking; soaring retail, food, and energy prices; China’s war games using U.S. ship mock-ups; and the investigation into the deadly Astroworld concert in Houston were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.