Industry News

John Kentera Exits 97.3 FM The Fan

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s John Maffei reports that KWFN-FM, San Diego “97.3 The Fan” midday host John Kentera is exiting the station after his Friday (12/22) program. Kentera tells the paper he wasim told by Audacy management he’s being let go as the company is looking for a change in middays and wants a “less caller-driven show.” Kentera adds, “I prepare like crazy, I think my show is good, well-received, so I was stunned when I was told I was being fired.” The 65-year-old Kentera has been in radio for 40 years, the last four with KWFN-FM and says he does not plan to retire. “I’m going to look for an opportunity in sports… in or out of the radio business. I’m not done yet.” Read the Union-Tribune story here.

Industry News

Lisa Polizzi Named WBEN-AM, Buffalo Brand Manager

Audacy names Lisa Polizzi brand manager for news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo. In this role, Polizzi will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, and branding. She was a longtime newsim director at WIVB-TV, Buffalo and served as a weekend anchor at WBEN-AM in 2002 and at sister WGR-AM in 1999. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger states, “Lisa’s extraordinary background in leading award-winning content generation in local television news will be invaluable for WBEN as it continues to evolve as the radio station that’s always there when the community needs it the most. I look forward to Lisa taking an already stellar brand to new heights.”

Industry News

F.P. Santangelo Joins “95.7 The Game”

Former MLB player and Bay Area sports personality F.P. Santangelo joins Audacy’s KGMZ-FM, San Francisco as a part-time host, according to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle. Santangelo was host of the evening show on Cumulus Media’s crosstown sports talk KNBR until November when he andim several other KNBR staffers were released from the station in a budget move. Santangelo’s first shift on “The Game” will be as a fill-in host for Dan Dibley on the afternoon drive show “Willard and Dibs” tomorrow (12/21). Also let go from KNBR last month was digital team member Jake Hutchinson, who recently joined “The Game” in a similar capacity. He says, “I am truly grateful to Audacy and 95.7 for this opportunity and recognition of what I bring to the table. The people I’ve worked next to from 95.7 have always been motivated, innovative and encouraging. They were enormously fun to share press boxes and interview rooms with, and I am ecstatic to now be able to work with them.” Read the San Francisco Chronicle piece here.

Industry News

CBS Sports Radio Announces 2024 Lineup

Audacy unveils the new weekday lineup for the CBS Sports Radio network that takes effect January 2, 2024. CBS Sports personality Zach Gelb moves to the afternoon drive daypart (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm), and JR Sportbrief transitions from late nights to the 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm show. At the same time, CBS elevatesim Bart Winkler to late-night host (10:00 pm to 2:00 am). “Maggie & Perloff” with Maggie Gray and Andrew Perloff continue in morning drive and Amy Lawrence remains in overnights. Audacy sports format VP and CBS Sports Radio brand manager Spike Eskin comments, “This new lineup reinforces the network’s commitment to delivering around-the-clock sports coverage, connecting fans nationwide with expert analysis, compelling interviews, and premier sports commentary. We look forward to kicking off the new year with this improved weekday programming slate.”

Industry News

KYW, Philadelphia Graduates 70+ from “Newstudies” Program

Audacy’s all-news KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia graduates more than 70 Philadelphia area high school students from its 56th annual “Newstudies” program. The station says, “In October and November, students attended sessions in Audacy’s corporate headquarters, where they learned the principles of broadcast journalism from award-winning media and news professionals from “KYW Newsradio” and other news outlets throughout the city. The students culminated the program by producing their ownim news reports that aired on KYW. Tom Rickert, who serves as assistant brand manager and director of podcasts for KYW Newsradio, says, “There’s no other program that gives students an opportunity to learn from top professionals in news and sports media at one of the best broadcasting facilities in the country. And five decades in, we’re reuniting with parents who graduated from ‘Newstudies’ when they were in high school, who are now watching their teenagers graduate from the same program. We hope to keep investing in the young people of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley for generations to come, and we’re thrilled to be able to work with our partners at the Klein College of Media and Communication [at Temple University] to make this happen.” At Saturday’s graduation, KYW Newsradio awarded the $2,000 Richard Monetti Scholarship to William Bowens of Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School. The yearly scholarship is named for a “Newstudies” graduate killed in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 and honors a student whose work demonstrates overall excellence.

Industry News

Audacy and CBS Strike News Stream Deal

Audacy and CBS Stations announce a content distribution in which audio simulcasts of the news streams from 14 CBS-owned television stations in markets including Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento andim San Francisco will now be available on the Audacy app. CBS Stations says that CBS Local’s video streaming services are No. 1 overall in markets where they go head-to-head with other network competitors, according to data from Comscore. Audacy SVP digital audio content Tim Clarke comments, “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with CBS Stations, expanding our commitment to delivering high-quality, locally relevant content to our listeners. This collaboration will give our listeners unparalleled access to timely and trusted news from major cities nationwide.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Audacy Buffalo raises $117,000 for the SPCA Serving Erie County during its SPCA Radiothon, held on December 13 and hosted by news/talk WBEN-AM and country WLKK-FM. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger says, “We’re thrilled to have been able to spearhead the radiothon effort for the SPCA in 2023 and excited we exceeded the goal and expectations for the event. The money raised is a testament to our listeners’ commitment to community and will go a long way toward helping the SPCA meet a growing need.”

ARC Software, Inc announces that RADIO.CLOUD enters into an agreement establishing ARC as its primary affiliate research and maintenance platform. RADIO.CLOUD account director Andrew Scaglione says, “Switching to ARC is a no brainer. Speaking from experience using both ARC and other systems in the past, it’s hands down the best CRM for the radio industry with reliable contact information and a seamless digital contract process. It’s going to play a key role in our future growth across the North American radio landscape.”

SiriusXM announces it is presenting 46 games this college football postseason. SiriusXM will carry live play-by-play of every Division I FBS bowl game – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and National Championship – as well as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game and other postseason All-Star games. SiriusXM will carry Westwood One’s broadcast of the FCS Football Championship on January 7.  

Industry News

KNX, Los Angeles Addresses Retail Theft in Town Hall Broadcast

Audacy all-news KNX, Los Angeles held a live, one-hour town hall event before a studio audience in the  Audacy SoundSpace on L.A.’s Miracle Mile last night (12/12) titled, “Smash and Grab: Stealing theim Season.” The station says it “featured an informative, spirited, and sometimes fiery debate about the growing problem of organized retail theft and what can be done about it.” Appearing on the panel of experts were Todd Spitzer, Orange County district attorney; Marc Beeart, director of fraud & corruption prosecutions at the L.A. County District Attorney’s office; Lt. Sergio Perez, coordinator of the California Highway Patrol retail theft task force; Tinisch Hollins, executive director, Californians for Safety and Justice; and Charis Kubrin, criminologist, UC Irvine. Check out the program here.

Industry News

Audacy and Creditors Agree on Extension of Grace Period

As Audacy continues to engage in discussions with its creditors with respect to potential alternatives regarding a restructuring of its outstanding indebtedness, the company gains an extension on the grace periods before defaulting. Regarding its latest Credit Facility Amendment, it “extends the grace period before which a default in the payment of interest matures into an Event of Default to 68 calendar days. However, if lenders holding a majority of the outstanding obligations under the Credit Facility have notim received a substantially final form of agreement with respect to a consensual transaction relating to the Issuer’s funded indebtedness satisfactory to such lenders on or before December 15, 2023, the grace period extension expires after 45 calendar days. This is relevant to the following Credit Facility interest payments: approximately $17,000,000 originally due on October 31, 2023; approximately $785,592 originally due on November 8, 2023; and approximately $1,125,000 originally due on December 28, 2023. Regarding the Receivables Facility Amendment, it amends the cross-default that would otherwise occur under the Receivables Facility in respect of certain defaults in the payment of interest under the Credit Facility, with the effect that such interest payment defaults will not result in an event of default under the Receivables Facility until the expiration of the 68 or 45 calendar day grace periods… and extends certain related covenant accommodations with respect to the Company’s liquidity position through January 7, 2024.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Rachel Williamson and Kevin Cassidy

Audacy announces two promotions within its senior leadership team. Rachel Williamson is promoted to president of local sales strategy and innovation, and Kevin Cassidy moves from his role overseeing theim company’s New Orleans market to take over for Williamson as SVP and market manager for the Chicago market. Williamson reports to Brian Benedik, chief imrevenue officer, and Cassidy reports to Brian Purdy, regional president. Benedik says, “We are thrilled to move Rachel into this new, important assignment. Her leadership experience and expertise with linear and digital audio and video will be a tremendous asset to growing our local business across Audacy.” Purdy comments, “With an impressive multiyear track record of success overseeing our New Orleans cluster, Kevin knows how to grow brands and deliver performance. We are confident that Chicago will continue to thrive under Kevin’s guidance.”

Industry News

Longtime WCCO, Minneapolis Host Jearlyn Steele Signs Off

Bring Me the News reports that longtime Sunday evening host Jearlyn Steele ends her weekly show,im “Steele Talkn’” after 27 years on the air at Audacy’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. She told listeners on last Sunday’s final program. Steele made the announcement during her final broadcast on Sunday, saying: “It’s been a blast. I want someone else to come and do a great job and learn, hopefully as much as I have learned. I have been a part of your lives and you have been a part of mine for many years. And I will not forget that.” Read the full story here.

Industry News

Audacy Gets Grace Period Extension; JPMorgan Chase Resigns Lender Role

In SEC filings made on November 29, Audacy gets extensions on the grace periods before default on its Credit Facility to January 9, 2024 and on its Receivables Purchase Agreement for the October Audacy Party Payment to December 10 and the November Audacy Party Payment Due Date to December 11.im The filing comes as Audacy “continues to engage in discussions with its creditors with respect to a number of potential alternatives regarding a restructuring of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness.” It also announces in the filing that JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has resigned as Letter of Credit Issuer and Swing Line Lender (both as defined in the Credit Facility) and that Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB was appointed as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent under the Credit Facility.

Industry News

Audacy’s “Radio Libre 790” Names Brand Manager and Unveils Local Shows

Audacy’s Spanish language news/talk outlet in Miami names Miguel ‘Mijo’ Irizarry brand manager for the station as it unveils three new local shows. Irizarry is responsible for WAXY-AM Radio Libre 790’s content strategy, talent, operations and branding. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus states,im “Mijo’s extensive experience and passion for Hispanic radio make him the perfect person to usher in the next chapter of ‘Radio Libre.’ He will play a pivotal role in shaping our content strategy, enhancing the brand, and continuing our vision. Together, we look forward to delivering a fresh and vibrant listening experience that resonates with our diverse audience.” The three new shows include “Despierta Miami” with host Eli Escobar airing from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. She most recently served with the company’s hot AC KHMX-FM, Houston. New to middays is “En este Pais” hosted by Lourdes Ubieta airing from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. In afternoon drive is “El Show de Jorge Bonilla,” airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bonilla has written for FOX News, Newsmax, The Blaze, The Daily Wire, Breitbart and many more conservative news outlets.

Industry News

MIW Announces 2023 Mildred Carter Mentoring Class

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc introduces the MIW Mildred Carter Mentoring Program’s Class of 2023. Now in its 22nd year, this enriching opportunity matches up-and-comingim women in radio with female professionals recognized as leaders in all aspects of the industry. The 2023 class is comprised of broadcast professionals Rosanna Cole, regional traffic manager, Townsquare Media; Caleigh Fisher, director of teammate experience, Good Karma Brands; Kristi Nguyen, director, digital sales & campaign management, Audacy; and Jade Springart, WRIF-FM program director, Beasley Media Group.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

“The Patriot” is coming to Houston. TALKERS magazine sources indicate that a new conservative news/talk station with a strong, market-wide signal will debut in Houston on or shortly after January 1, 2024. It will feature new, local morning and afternoon drive shows and an array of syndicated personalities including Rob CarsonTodd Starnes, Rich ValdesChris Plante, and Wendy Bell. Confirmation to come. In the meantime, for more information contact: Steve@Lapcomventures.com

Jordan Schlansky rises from Conan O’Brien’s associate producer (with “various duties”) to his co-host – with the launch of “The Conan and Jordan Show” on SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Radio channel. SXM says, “Conan and Jordan will explore their strange relationship and get to know each other even better during their radio series. In the debut episode, the pair delved into Jordan’s favorite band, Rush, and his pronunciation of Socrates, among other topics. Plus, they spoke with several callers live on air.”

In conjunction with today’s national Giving Tuesday, the Broadcasters Foundation of America is asking radio and television professionals to consider a tax-deductible donation that will help their colleagues in need. The BFoA, a 501c3 charity, provides financial assistance to people in radio or television who are in need due to a debilitating disease, accident, or disaster. BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “Giving Tuesday is a perfect day to think of our colleagues who have fallen on challenging times. Every week we receive more requests for aid, and we cannot turn our backs on our hard-working colleagues who life has dealt a difficult hand, leaving them in need of our help.” Find out more about how to give here.

Audacy Dallas raised over $88,000 for the My Possibilities charity that serves adults with disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Asperger’s, Prader-Willi, head injuries and more, as part of 105.3 The Fan’s 13th annual Piece-A-Thon. On November 22, midday show “K&C Masterpiece” co-hosts Kevin Hageland, Cory Mageors, and Mike Bacsik took over the station’s airwaves from 5:30 am to 7:00 pm and welcomed special guests that included Dallas Cowboys EVP and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones, Dallas Stars Foundation president Marty Turco, former Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland, and more.

Industry News

Audacy Secures Additional Extension on Debt Payment Due Dates

In a new filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission today (11/20), Audacy states that as it “continues to engage in discussions with its creditors with respect to a number of potential alternativesim regarding a restructuring of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness,” it reaches agreements with investors and creditors to again extend the deadline after which it would be in default. Audacy gets an extension on the due date for interest payments on its Credit Facility to November 30 and on its Receivables Purchase Agreement for the October Audacy Party Payment to November 30 and the November Audacy Party Payment Due Date to December 8.

Industry News

WCCO-AM Raises Funds with 21st Annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon”

Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis helped raise over $367,000 to provide meals and care for those in need through its 21st annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon” last Thursday (11/16). The annual radiothon benefits Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities and this year’s event brings the funds raisedim since 2003 to more than $4.3 million. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane says, “We are simply in awe of the incredible generosity of our fans! This is yet another great example of how live and local radio can truly impact lives. We’re so proud of our team for helping share these transformative stories from the inspiring work being done at Union Gospel Mission.” Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities provides food, shelter, programs and services for men, women and children experiencing homelessness, hunger and addiction.

Industry News

Bjorson to Lead Audacy’s Milwaukee Cluster

Audacy names Jason Bjorson SVP and market manager for its Milwaukee market stations that include sports talk WSSP-AM “1250 AM The Fan” and four music brands. He most recently led a new business sales team for an HR tech company in the SaaS space and oversaw advertising sales teams forim Spectrum Cable. During his career he’s also served with Cox Radio in Jacksonville and the former Journal Broadcast Group at WTMJ, Milwaukee. Audacy regional president Rachel Williamson states, “I am excited to welcome Jason to lead our Milwaukee cluster. His experience across radio, video and digital combined with his deep knowledge and relationships throughout the Milwaukee market brings an increased expertise to our cluster and clients.” Bjorson comments, “I’m thrilled to join the Audacy Milwaukee team, with some of Milwaukee’s most iconic brands and an innovative broadcaster. I’ve competed with this team and tried to recruit them for years, so I know how much talent is here. I’m looking forward to working with them to win big here in Milwaukee!”