Tag: "Beasley"
Thursday, January 10, 2018
iHeartMedia’s New WONK-FM in DC to Deliver ‘Inside-the-Beltway’ News and Talk. The new station will air on WWDC-HD2 (101.1) and W284CQ at 104.7 FM and is branded “WONK-FM, Smart People. News.” iHeartMedia says the launch of the new station comes after its recent on-air and online celebration of “National WONK Day” – a day created for listeners that have a keen interest in inside-the-Beltway news – and WONK-FM will be “a news and talk
station serving thought leaders, influencers, and stakeholders inside the Washington, DC beltway.” The press release states, “The new station will broadcast renowned anchors Stacy Lyn and Alexandra Lane weekdays from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and will feature the latest breaking news and headlines from Washington, DC. In addition, WONK-
FM will air instant reactions from opinion leaders and on-air talk personalities originating from iHeartMedia’s 130-plus news and talk stations throughout the United States.” iHeartMedia region president Michael Preacher
comments, “WONKs are the behind-the-scenes people in DC who are innovators, experts, and are passionate about their work. DC’s WONKs are the unsung heroes who solve the world’s most difficult problems and they deserve to have a dedicated platform.” Programming the new station is current WRKO, Boston programmer Michael Czarnecki, who will work in Washington. He adds, “With the accelerated pace of today’s news cycle, we look forward to providing a contemporary approach to delivering a ‘wonk-centric’ and uniquely DC view of the news. I’m thrilled to be joining the iHeartMedia team in Washington DC as part of Washington’s WONK-FM.” You can see a video the company made to promote the station and their targeting of “wonks” here.
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s December 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk. The drop off in cume from end of the 2018 baseball season affected some sports talk outlets negatively as 61% of those stations in PPM markets saw their weekly, 6+ AQH share diminish from the November to the December surveys. However, year-over
-year, 62% of sports talk stations realized improved 6+ numbers. In the market rank category, RadiOhio’s WBNS-FM, Columbus takes the blue ribbon, ranking #3 in the market with a 7.3 share. Entercom’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia ranked #4 in December with a 6.3 share; and three stations – Beasley’s WBZ-FM, Boston; Entercom’s WFAN-AM/FM (Long Island); and Entercom’s KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh – all ranked #5 in their respective markets. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Emmis Communications Releases Fiscal Q3 Numbers; Pro Forma Revenue Up 5%. The third fiscal quarter for Emmis Communications Corporation ended November 30, 2018. The company notes that, due to the recent sale of five stations (KPWR, Los Angeles in August
2017 and four radio stations in St. Louis on April 30, 2018), its reported results are not comparable year over year. Emmis’ radio net revenue for fiscal Q3 was $28.7 million, down from $34 million in the prior year. However, pro forma for all radio station sales, revenue “was up 5% in markets that were up 2%.” Emmis chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan 
comments, “With this quarter’s strong performance, Emmis is now outperforming its markets through the first nine months of this fiscal year – quite an achievement. Political revenues certainly helped, but we also saw growth in our core advertising categories, all of which contributed to Emmis having its strongest quarter in four years. New York and Indianapolis both outperformed their markets and continue to produce strong ratings, which should help sustain Emmis’ revenue growth. That certainly appears to be the case in January and February, where both months are pacing up mid-to-high single digits.”
#250 Working on Ways to Overcome Obstacles in Maximizing Direct Response Spot Success. It is no secret that a significant percentage of talk radio advertising consists of direct response advertising and the results are tallied by the sponsors – making it even more imperative that the spots get measurable action. Considering the fact that much of the listening is done while driving, it makes it even more of a challenge to get people to make the leap from hearing an 800 phone number and actually placing the call while the thought is top of mind. The firm #250 – America’s Mobile Speed Dial has been making progress in
simplifying this process for talk shows, stations and networks across the nation by creating simple word prompted codes and phrases designed to simplify the act of calling while behind the wheel. Now they have taken it one step further addressing another problem. #250 chief marketing officer Dave Robinett tells TALKERS, “Accomplishing the task of making your advertiser’s phone ring is tough enough. But there are many points of ‘breakage’ after that. Phone reps can be poorly trained or rude. Client phone systems or call centers might have technical issues. Long hold times might encourage abandonment. The #250 platform recently solved a major-yet-unrealized problem for a Premiere Networks advertiser. A timeshare exit company’s ad was working well – so well that when the spot ran and calls came pouring in, they exceeded the 15 available call center agents. The ‘overflow’ callers then got a busy signal. Since these callers came in via dialing #250, for the first time ever, this advertiser has visibility to how many calls they were blocking. It was also revealed that only one in 15 of these blocked callers bothered to attempt to call the advertiser later that day or next day. This was clearly significant lost revenue – that the advertiser never knew they were missing – since they never before had visibility to calls they never received!” Robinett continues, “But #250 was able to implement a call saver feature to detect the busy signal, take back the call, and prompt the caller to leave their name and number for a callback. This voice message was set up to be emailed immediately to a designated sales manager back at the advertiser. The advertiser was extremely pleased with the proactive discovery of a way to increase revenue by the Premiere sales executive, John Buckley. Loyalty established. Media spend secured.” Dave Robinett will be one of 55 industry leaders speaking at the forthcoming convention Talkers 2019: Telling the Story in NYC on Friday, June 7. He can be reached at 816-559-0620.
2019 New York Festivals Radio Awards Issues Call for Entries. The 37th New York Festivals Radio Awards is open for entries. Established in 1982, New York Festivals Radio Awards is an international audio awards competition in which entries are judged on
production values, organization, presentation of information, creativity, and use of the medium. New York Festivals enlists jurists from around the world to become members of their world-class Radio Awards Grand Jury. Jurors include some of the world’s most recognizable voices and captivating content producers in the radio industry. Building on last year’s category reorganization, the competition once again added new categories with respect to today’s robust radio industry. New categories for 2019 include: Best Audio Book – Children’s, Best Digital Esports, and Human Rights Documentary. NYF expanded its Podcast categories to include Serialized Podcast, Companion Podcast, and Narrative/ Documentary Podcast. NYF Radio Awards VP and executive director Rose Anderson states, “Listeners everywhere are embracing the expanded audio universe and they are clamoring for authentic storytelling experiences from direct-to-digital podcasts and documentaries, to audiobooks and esports coverage. Our advisory board and industry leaders have been a great help as we continue to recognize innovation and excellence.” The deadline to enter the 2019 Radio Awards competition is March 15, 2019 and you can do that here. Winners will be honored at the annual gala in New York taking place on June 24.
TALKERS News Notes. On Tuesday (1/8), iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman appeared on
Bloomberg TV’s “Bloomberg Markets” program with Vonnie Quinn and addressed a number of radio business topics, including: iHeart’s exit from Chapter 11, the company being open to partnerships with other media companies, iHeart being ‘under-monetized’ compared to its reach, TSL and return on investment, and more. Watch the segment here…..CRN Digital Talk Radio adds “The Dr. Mitch Show” to its network roster. Dr. Mitchell Ghen hosts an interactive health talk show relying on his 38 years of experience in anti-aging, holistic, and integrative medicine to answer listeners’ health-related questions…..“Amazing Race” winner, “Big Brother” contestant, and reality star Jessica Graf launches a new podcast called, “Now What?” via PodcastOne. Graf says, “Having a podcast for me is like having a very public diary! And I’m really excited about that! Up until now, I’ve really focused on staying active on Instagram, but there’s so much that goes on in life that I feel like Instagram doesn’t always provide the opportunity to share. So now I have this brand-new podcast platform to be brutally honest on!”…..Reality TV stars Brandi Redmond and Stephanie Hollman of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Dallas” are jumping into the podcast world via YEA Networks. The program, “Weekly Dose of B.S.,” is an “anything-goes, unedited, uncensored weekly podcast.”…..Cadence13 partners with “Comments by Celebs” founders Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer to produce a podcast of the same name. The friends and recent Syracuse University grads took advantage of Instagram’s 2017 algorithm changes that make it easier to see comments by verified accounts across the platform to create the @CommentsbyCelebs account that captures the “cheeky and witty comments” celebrities post on one another’s posts. Since its inception, @CommentsbyCelebs has amassed a following of almost one million people and worldwide recognition, with media and celebrity followers including: Gwyneth Paltrow, Katie Couric, John Mayer, Kelly Ripa, and Chrissy Teigen.…..WBUR, Boston announces the public media stations selected to participate in BizLab’s initiative to design and conduct revenue experiments for public radio in the digital age. The project is funded with $750,000 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $250,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Each participating station will work with WBUR’s BizLab for six months, “using lean, user-centered design methodologies to identify and test new sources of revenue for that station. By engaging audiences and quickly testing concepts in-market, each station will generate quantitative results to inform their near-term strategic investments. Collaborating stations will share results and best practices with each other and the broader public radio system.” The selected stations are: WAMU, Washington D.C.; Louisville Public Media (WFPL, WFPK, WUOL); Capital Public Radio, Sacramento; WLRN-FM, Miami; Vermont Public Radio; and WDET-FM, Detroit…..Yesterday (1/9), Genesis Communications Network-syndicated talk show host Dr. Daliah Wachs celebrated her 10th anniversary as a talk radio show host…..Appearing on Lou Simon’s “The Diner” program on SiriusXM’s “Volume” channel (talk programming dedicated to music and the music business) recently were legendary radio personalities John Records Landecker, Shotgun Tom Kelly, and Joey Reynolds, as well as “Radio’s Best Friend” Art Vuolo. The three jocks were together for the Radio Dream Lunch in Los Angeles and, according to Vuolo, the show was so much fun that Simon is adding guests to his program. He’s already interviewed Paul Peterson of “Donna Reed Show” fame and singer/songwriter Jackie DeShannon. You can see video of the show here. Pictured below are Landecker (left) and Kelly (right) in the studio.
Trump’s Border Wall Address, Government Shutdown, Trump-Russia Investigation, 2020 Presidential Race, Ed Buck Case, Bezos Divorce, Showtime’s Roger Ailes Series, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/9). Tuesday night’s presidential address on the U.S.-Mexico border wall issue and President Trump’s battle against Democrats on the matter; the ongoing government shutdown; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; possible 2020 presidential candidates including Elizabeth Warren, Michelle Obama, and Kamala Harris; the case of Democratic donor Ed Buck and the recent deaths of men at his California home; Amazon chief Jeff Bezos and wife divorce amidst speculation about infidelity; the legal battles surrounding the Showtime series about late FOX News Channel chief Roger Ailes; and the NFL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. The nominees for the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards presented by iHeartMedia and Fox Broadcasting Company on Thursday, March 14 live from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles have been announced. This is the sixth year of the iHeartRadio Music Awards and the 2019 telecast will feature live performances from today’s star performers, artist
collaborations, celebrity guest appearances, and live award presentations in multiple categories. iHeartMedia Entertainment Enterprises president John Sykes says, “It’s no secret why this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards nominees are a Who’s Who of music. These are the artists and the songs iHeartRadio listeners couldn’t get enough of this past year. It’s going to be an 
unforgettable show.” See the whole list here…..San Diego radio personality Chris Cantore is officially named morning drive host on Tegna Inc’s adult hits KFMB-FM “100.7 San Diego.” Cantore – who’s served with KPRI, KBZT, and XTRA-FM in the market – has been filling in hosting the morning show for several months. KFMB-FM program director Mike V. Vasquez says, “Cantore has that cool, laid-back vibe that is so easy to connect with. He’s not only entertaining, but he’s an authentic guy who cares about our community. He epitomizes all things San Diego and is an ideal ambassador for our station. I’m thrilled to have him joining our ‘100.7 San Diego’ family!”…..iHeartMedia Sacramento announces that Paul Robins is the new afternoon drive host on KBEB “92.5 The Breeze, Sacramento’s #1 For Relaxing Favorites at Work,” effective Friday, February 1. Robins also heads up William Jessup University’s Digital Communication and Design Bachelor of Arts degree program. He’ll host his show from the university’s studio while giving his students the opportunity to earn hands-on training with broadcast and digital content for the station. During his career, Robins has worked in Detroit, Dallas and Sacramento, including for 20 years as half of “The Paul and Phil Show” on KGBY “Y92.”…..Cumulus Media’s urban contemporary WLXC, Columbia, South Carolina “KISS 10-3.1” adds the Westwood One-syndicated “Rick and Sasha” program for morning drive. WWO
just the launched the program starring Rick Party and Sasha the Diva into national syndication…..TALKERS magazine sends condolences to the family and friends of programmer pro Harve Alan, who passed away on January 6. During his career he’s served with CBS RADIO, iHeartMedia, ABC Radio Networks, NextMedia, and Metro Networks. He also operated his own consulting firm.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Mike Francesa Returns to WFAN, New York for PM Drive. This new deal – announced just four months after Mike Francesa exited WFAN in December after a 30-year career there – puts the “Sports Pope” back in afternoon drive on the station. The new show will be two hours shorter though – airing from
3:00 pm to 6:30 pm instead of 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm – and includes new Francesa opportunities. Today’s press release says “Entercom, Mike Francesa, and CAA Sports today announced a partnership spanning broadcast radio, digital, and live events. The partnership includes the debut of the ‘Mike’s On’ radio show…The partnership also includes the launch of a mobile app and online destination by the same name, ‘Mike’s On,’ which will feature exclusive live video streaming of Francesa’s weekday radio program on WFAN.” Francesa is quoted saying, “After exploring several options, this partnership with CAA Sports and Entercom was the perfect fit. This partnership allows me the chance to return to WFAN and all of our loyal listeners, as well as significant opportunities, including the app and live events, that are completely new. I look forward to working with both companies on making this a very successful venture.” The press release does not elaborate on the fate of Francesa’s PM drive replacements: Chris Carlin, Maggie Gray and Bart Scott, other than to say that The Fan’s new schedule will be announced separately. Francesa returns to WFAN on Tuesday (5/1).
WABC’s Curtis Sliwa Considering Run for Governor of New York. New York icon and WABC midday talk show host Curtis Sliwa on Thursday (4/26) told his listeners that he is considering running for governor of New York on the
Reform Party ticket. Sliwa is chairman of the Reform Party and he’s been very critical of Governor Andrew Cuomo and, as the New York Daily News notes, the Reform Party is not backing either GOP candidate. Sliwa says getting medical clearance from his doctors is the first priority. He’s been dealing with the effects of chronic Crohn’s and a recent surgery to treat the disease. As far as taking a leave from his radio show due to equal time laws, the timing on that would have to be worked out, he says. “New York State election laws are complicated and arcane.”
Heidi Harris Returns to Las Vegas Air on Kemp’s KMZQ. Back on March 1, Kemp Broadcasting & Digital Outdoor re-branded KMZQ, Las Vegas “670
AM The Right Talk for Las Vegas,” airing primarily conservative talk shows from Salem Radio Network. 
Now, Las Vegas talk radio pro Heidi Harris joins the station to host the 9:00 am hour, Monday through Friday. Harris has served with Entercom’s KXNT and Beasley’s KDWN in Las Vegas. Her most recent tour with KXNT ended last September after station management couldn’t brook her controversial criticism of an ad for the Clark County Department of Family Services promoting adoption that showed two gay men holding a child. Harris was steadfastly outspoken in her belief that children up for adoption should go to “married people of the opposite sex.”
Entercom and Telemundo Strike Media Partnership Deal. The Dallas-Fort Worth stations owned by Entercom agree to a media partnership with Telemundo’s local TV stations KXAS-TV “NBC 5” and KXTX “Telemundo 39.” A press release from Entercom says, “Highlights of the multi-platform
partnership include distribution of content across all partner channels including NBC 5, Telemundo 39 and Entercom Dallas-Fort Worth’s ‘Newsradio1080’ KRLD, ‘105.3 The Fan,’ 
‘100.3 Jack FM,’ KLUV, ‘ALT 103.7,’ and ‘La Grande 107.5.’…The inaugural partnership will allow the media properties to work together to better serve the community via improved access and coverage of live, local breaking news, general news, weather, sports, politics and entertainment in both English and Spanish languages.” KXAS-TV president and general manager Tom Ehlmann says, “The opportunity for NBC 5 and Entercom stations like Newsradio 1080 KRLD to share news gathering resources and report 24/7 what’s happening across the region will truly be exceptional. In your home, in your car, on your computer, on your phone – North Texans can look forward to unparalleled coverage of what matters most to NBC 5 viewers and Entercom listeners.”
Nick Bruns New iHeartMedia Tucson Promotions and Events Director; Barriga Upped to Digital Program Director. At the Tucson operations of iHeartMedia, Nick Bruns is named promotions and events director, effective
May 1. In this position, Bruns will be responsible for managing and executing promotional campaigns and events for all iHeartMedia Tucson stations, including news/talk KNST. He comes to Tucson from the company’s Des Moines station group. At the same time, 
the company says that Atzimba Palomares Barriga is the cluster’s new digital program director, effective June 1. She began her career at iHeartMedia Tucson in 2013 as a board operator and has served as the Tucson-based online content coordinator for iHeartMedia’s Arizona Region for the past three years. In her new position, she’ll be responsible for managing and executing digital and social media campaigns for all iHeartMedia Tucson stations. She will continue to provide online content to the entire iHeartMedia Arizona Region under the direction of Alex Siordian, regional digital program director for iHeartMedia’s Arizona Region.
Comey ‘CNN Town Hall’ and Trump Russia Investigation Tie for Top News/Talk Stories This Week. This week’s appearance on “CNN Town Hall” by fired FBI Director James Comey and the related investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives tied for the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. At #2 on the Talkers TenTM for the week of April 23-27 is French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the Trump White House. Coming in at #3 was the Donald Trump–Stormy Daniels legal battle, followed by the ‘immigrant caravan’ and the court ruling on Trump’s DACA policy at #4. The Talkers TenTMis a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View the entire chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. On June 26, FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio superstar Brian Kilmeade is delivering the keynote speech at The Bold
Gold Broadcast and Media Foundation’s 4th Annual Event and Dinner at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre. Bold Gold says Kilmeade is “one of the most recognizable radio and television broadcasters in America.” Complimentary tickets are available for students interested in a career in media, as well as for military members. Contact the Foundation for additional information…..Alpha Media’s news/farm/sports KGLO, Mason City, Iowa and 
sister adult standards KRIB picked up a total of 10 awards in the small market division of the 2017 Iowa Broadcast News Association contest. KGLO news director Bob Fisher won eight awards, including first place for “Overall Excellence.” Alpha Media Mason City market manager Dalena Barz comments, “Congratulations to our news, ag and sports team. It’s great to see their dedication and passion recognized by the IBNA. North-Central Iowa counts on our team for the best in local coverage. We are proud of their achievements!”
Comrex to Release New Field Broadcasting App ‘FieldTap.’ The new app from Comrex called FieldTap makes it easy for broadcasting from the field because of its “one-touch” operation. The company explains that “FieldTap uses SIP to make it possible for users to transmit audio with the touch of a
button. Ideal for reporters and street team contributors for short drop-ins, FieldTap features a very simple user interface. With a one-button control screen, users of any technical ability can connect from the field to the station by simply pressing a single button. FieldTap is a simple SIP client that uses Voice over IP (VoIP) to make it possible for field users to send wideband audio from their cellphones over cellular and Wi-Fi networks. FieldTap is compatible with all Comrex IP audio codecs. FieldTap can also be used in conjunction with EarShot IFB, a new VoIP IFB system from Comrex that replaces POTS lines and auto couplers.” Comrex debuted FieldTap at the 2018 NAB Show. It will be available as a free download from Google Play and iTunes this spring.
Boxer Mother-Daughter ‘Power Duo’ Guest This Week on Harrison Podcast. The mother-daughter team of former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and award-winning documentary filmmaker Nicole Boxer are this week’s guests on the PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The mother, Barbara Boxer, recently retired from 40 years as a California elected official, beginning as a member and eventually the first female president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. She then served in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1983 and 1993, at which point she was elected to the United States Senate where she served from 1993 to last year, 2017. Although “retired” from elective politics, she remains quite engaged in work as both a political activist and a media practitioner. She says, “We are in a moment of life or death for our
great country right now, and I can’t just sit back.” Her daughter, Nicole Boxer, is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her work in the film industry includes narrative, feature films, documentary films, documentary series television, and reality television. Together these dynamic women have teamed up to co-host a new, weekly podcast titled, “Fight Back,” produced and distributed by PodcastOne. In it, they invite experts to discuss today’s most pressing matters – from civil rights to women’s rights, healthcare, the environment and foreign policy. The mother shares real-time reactions to the week in government, while the daughter puts active candidates in the hot seat with her award-winning interview style. Harrison engages the Boxers in a fascinating conversation about the state of American politics and media in the second decade of the 21st century looking forward. Not to be missed. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on “The Michael Harrison Interview” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Beloved Radio Industry Documentarian and Archivist Art Vuolo Named 2018 Recipient of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award. The TALKERS editorial board is pleased to announce that videographer and pop culture historian Art Vuolo has been named this year’s recipient of the publication’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement award. Back in the early
1980s, Vuolo was dubbed “Radio’s Best Friend” by legendary air personality Scott Shannon and it aptly stuck through the decades. Vuolo, founder and CEO of the Ann Arbor-based firm Vuolo Video Air-Chex, has been chronicling radio conferences (including most of the TALKERS conventions) for nearly 30 years and archiving more than 700 of the very best radio personalities on video since 1979. His entire library will be featured in a permanent exhibit of approximately 1,000 videos at the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. The Radio Hall of Fame, located within the Museum of Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago, is developing a permanent exhibit, “A History of the American Disc Jockey,” with Vuolo’s collection as its center 
piece. Visitors will be able to search and view the recordings at computer stations. Eventually, people around the world will be able to access the collection online. In announcing the project, Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig Kitchen expressed the enormous gratitude of the industry “for all the hours and years that Art has toiled at properly recording the best efforts in radio studios for decades and decades.” In addition to his archival efforts, for over 33 years, Art Vuolo’s RADIOGUIDE company circulated over 100 million such guides across America. Vuolo’s alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, recently published a profile piece on him that puts his unique career in perspective. To read it please click here. Vuolo will be presented the award during the closing reception at TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! set for New York City on Friday, June 8. For full information about the soon-to-be-sold-out event, please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. KAMP, Los Angeles “97.1 AMP Radio” announces two staff changes. First, longtime Los Angeles radio pro Yesi Ortiz joins the Entercom station to host the
midday show. The “Queen of L.A.” spent 12 years at crosstown KPWR “Power 106” as midday jock where she was known for breaking new artists during her ‘New at 2’ feature, as well as contributing to the music department as an assistant music director. She is currently working on a television drama series 
project in development with the E! Network that is loosely based on her real-life journey raising six adopted children. Also, the station promotes APD John Michael to music director. Yesi Ortiz says, “I am thrilled to be joining the Entercom family. To be valued for my achievements and influence in the city is a great honor and I am looking forward to making an impact at ‘AMP radio.’”…..In St. Louis, iHeartMedia announces the appointment of Jules Riley to the position of senior vice president of programming for the cluster that includes classic hits KLOU-FM, country KSD-FM, CHR KSLZ-FM, hip hop
KATZ-FM, alternative KLLT and Gospel KATZ-AM. St. Louis Region president Derrick Martin says, “Jules has done an amazing job programming 103.3 KLOU and ‘93.7 The Bull’ since joining us last year and has truly earned this leadership role.” Before she began programming 103.3. KLOU and “93.7 The Bull” in April 2017, she served as operations manager/brand manager for KVOO-FM, Tulsa…..WUSY, Chattanooga “US101” morning personality Billy “Dex” Poindexter announces his retirement from the Entercom country outlet after 
25 years on the air. Dex is one half of the station’s “Dex and Mo” show. He says he plans to focus on his health, his family and travel. He says, “It’s been a great 25 years and it has truly been my pleasure serving this community. ‘US101’ has the greatest listeners on earth; they are open and always so giving. From our annual efforts to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to various disaster relief efforts through the years, the ‘US101’ listeners have always stepped up. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and ‘US101’ will always be my home.”…..The sold-out “Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Denny’s” is embarking on its 19th cruise this week from Galveston, Texas. Also called the original “Party with a Purpose,” this empowering and groundbreaking event specifically caters to the cruising needs of the African-American community through its mission and featured entertainment. The event’s promise of non-stop entertainment includes: “An Evening with Anita Baker” and performances from artists Tamar Braxton,
The Isley Brothers, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, 112, SWV, En Vogue, and The O’Jays. The cruise is hosted by Reach Media-syndicated radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner (pictured here on a previous cruise). Its action-packed, seven-day itinerary boasts informative seminars, morning inspiration, fitness classes, intriguing ports, endless activities, concerts, popular celebrities and wildly creative theme nights – all while raising funds to support students in school at Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country…..WNKS, Charlotte’s “KISS 95.1 Morning Show featuring Maney, Roy & LauRen” wins a 2018 BOB Award for the “BEST Morning Show in Charlotte” from Charlotte Magazine. Winners were chosen based upon the results of an on-line poll conducted by the 
publication in January of 2018…..Philadelphia morning personality Kathy Romano recently hosted her 11thannual Kathy’s Cuts to Benefit Wigs for Kids. Romano is part of the “Preston & Steve” show on Beasley Media Group’s rock WMMR, Philadelphia. This year the event produced over 123 donations to benefit Wigs for Kids. Twenty-seven hair stylists from local salons donated their time to help cut and style donors’ hair…..SiriusXM is broadcasting live from this year’s Stagecoach Country Music Festival this weekend in Indio, California. The exclusive radio broadcast will air on The Highway channel and will include backstage interviews and live concert performances from Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Brett Young, Lee Brice, and more.
PPM Analysis: Mainstream Rock. Managing editor Mike Kinosian takes a look at the performances of mainstream rock outlets based on data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2018 PPM survey in today’s installment of this ongoing ratings analysis series. Comparing 6+ numbers from the March2017survey, Cumulus Media’s KXXR, Minneapolis; Saga Communications’ WNOR, Norfolk; and Entercom’s KQRC, Kansas City put together increases of more than a full share over that period while, on the other side, iHeartMedia’s WDVE, Pittsburgh; Cox Media Group’s KISS, San Antonio; and iHeartMedia’s KBPI, Denver all saw dips of two full shares or more. As of the March 2018 PPM survey there is just one rock outlet ranking #1 in its market: iHeartMedia’s WHYJ, Providence. See the full report here.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Today It’s Hannity, Tomorrow It May Be You. Nashville-based Westwood One nationally syndicated talk show host Phil Valentine writes today about the campaign being waged against Fox News Channel and Premiere Networks talk show host Sean Hannity for his reporting on and opining on the murder of DNC staffer Seth Rich. Media Matters is targeting Hannity’s advertisers in what is likely an attempt to get Fox to take action against Hannity. Valentine says that those on the left cheering and those on the right standing idly by are potentially risking their own hides somewhere down the road if this effort is successful. “The radical left loves to call conservatives fascists, yet there is nothing more fascist than shutting down people who dare utter something counter to your world view. That goes for both sides of the aisle. It’s one thing to simply stop patronizing a business because of the causes or people they support. It’s another thing altogether to launch a vicious e-mail campaign of threats and intimidation.” Coincidentally, Sean Hannity will be presented with TALKERS magazine’s Freedom of Speech Award at Talkers 2017: A New Era in New York on June 2. Read Valentine’s entire piece here.
Chris Berry Appointed SVP of News, Talk and Sports for iHeartMedia. Radio programming, sales and management pro Chris Berry takes on the SVP of news, talk and sports post for iHeartMedia. The company says
that Berry “will oversee our news, talk and sports brands, where he’ll provide strategic guidance for our spoken-word formats and connect key advertisers with iHeartMedia’s news, talk and sports audiences.” Berry has been serving as SVP/general manager for NBC News Radio and 24/7 News Network, a position he’ll maintain. During his career, Berry has been VP/GM for ABC News Radio and VP/GM of WMAL, Washington, to name a few. He joined 24/7 News Network as senior vice president and general manager in March 2011 and has spearheaded NBC News Radio’s editorial content since 24/7 News began syndicating the network in July 2016. Meet Chris Berry at Talkers 2017: A New Era in New York City on June 2. See details here.
WBAL, Baltimore Names Jeff Wade News Director. Baltimore news/talk WBAL “Newsradio 1090” names Jeff Wade news director, effective June 5. Wade comes to the Hearst Television-owned station from his most 
recent position with Binnie Media’s Concord, New Hampshire operations as director of news and talk programming. During his career, he’s also served with Saga Communications at news/talk WGAN, Portland as news director. WBAL president and general manager Cary Pahigian states, “Jeff has a deep appreciation for WBAL’s zealous commitment to 24/7 news coverage. His leadership, along with the skills and experience of our news team, will allow WBAL to fortify its position as Maryland’s leading radio news source.” Speaking about his new gig, Wade remarks, “I’m excited to be joining WBAL and the Hearst team. This is one of America’s iconic radio stations with a proud legacy as a news leader staffed by an all-star team of experienced and knowledgeable talent.”
iHeartMedia Promotes Programmer Brian Hall. Programming pro Brian Hall is upped to senior vice president of programming at the company’s Asheville operations. Hall has most recently been serving as program
director for the company’s news/talk WWNC “News Radio 570,” progressive talk WPEK “880 The Revolution” in Asheville and WGVL, Greenville, South Carolina “FOX Sports 1440.” Music stations in the cluster include: adult hits W249AR “97,7 The Brew,” country WKSF “99.9 Kiss Country,” CHR WQNQ “Star 104.3,” and classic rock WQNS “Rock 105.1.” iHeartMedia area president for Asheville, Greenville and Greensboro Bill McMartin states, “Brian’s vast experience in Asheville will really help us continue to dominate the market in every format. We have an experienced team in Asheville who all have great respect for Brian and his ability to lead our programming efforts.”
Adam Carolla and Dennis Prager Begin Crowdfunding Effort for Free Speech Film. Yes, that’s right, conservative media figure and divinity scholar Dennis Prager, and podcaster/comic and atheist Adam Carolla are teaming up to produce a film titled, No Safe Spaces, that addresses the effects of political correctness on 
America’s college campuses. The idea for the film came about after the unlikely duo’s recent scheduled appearance at UC Northridge was cancelled by the administration. The event did go on after their lawyers pressured the college and their speeches were taped for the film. Now, they are beginning an Indiegogo campaign to raise $1 million over the next few weeks to complete production of the feature-length film that will examine the effects of political correctness on college campuses and how the phenomenon will affect America’s future as restrictions on free speech move beyond the campus to American society. Prager comments, “This is a story that must be told because the future of our country literally depends on what happens on these campuses. If these students don’t understand the very concept of free speech, our whole nation is in trouble.” The film takes Prager and Carolla to college campuses across the country, interviewing students and professors, comedians and commentators on the left and right, and those who have been impacted by the silencing of different voices on campus, analyzing the value of so-called safe-spaces.
PPM Analysis: Baseball Flagships. How did the first month of the 2017 Major League Baseball season go for radio play-by-play flagships? TALKERS magazine editor Mike Kinosian addresses that very question, reporting on the 6+ performances of baseball flagship stations based on data from the April 2017 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio. Ten stations saw their 6+ numbers go up at least one full share, with CBS RADIO’s KMOX, St. Louis shooting up 2.2 shares to an 8.4 share (and good for a #1 market rank). iHeartMedia’s WLW, Cincinnati was close behind, rising by 2.1 to a 9.3 share. See the whole report here.
TALKERS News Notes. In Chicago, Salem Media Group adjusts its programming on news/talk WIND by
moving the Salem Radio Network’s Larry Elder show from overnights (1:00 am to 3:00 am) to the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot, followed by its “Jay Sekulow Live” program at 9:00 pm. The shows bump the Dave Ramsey program from the station’s program schedule, effective June 1…..Next season, Detroit Pistons games will be heard on CBS RADIO’s sports talk WXYT-FM, moving from Beasley’s crosstown WMGC. The NBA club’s games were originally heard on WMGC when it was a sports talk station – “Detroit Sports 105.1” – and remained there after the station flipped to classic hip hop and R&B. In the event of conflicts on WXYT-FM, Pistons games will move to the company’s all-news WWJ-AM.
Manchester Bombing Aftermath, Trump’s International Trip, Trump-Russia Investigation, Obama MS-13 Controversy, China Criticizes U.S. Ship Movement, Trump Budget Proposal, and MLB, NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/24). The arrests of family members of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi and the task of preventing more attacks; President Donald Trump’s trip abroad; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia; a whistleblower alleges Obama’s Unaccompanied Children policy allowed MS-13 gang members to be settled in the U.S.; China lashes out at the U.S. after a Navy destroyer sails within 12 miles of its military, man-made island; the Congressional Budget Office’s report on the Trump Administration budget proposal; and MLB, NBA and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Cool Programming Opportunity. The Springfield, Illinois operations of Mid-West Family Broadcasting is seeking an operations manager for the four-station cluster consisting of news/talk WMAY-AM, adult contemporary WNNS, rock WQLZ, and country WUSW. The company is seeking candidates who possess the following qualifications: Love to coach and develop talent, especially in the talk format; can do an airshift in multiple formats; understand that a digital plan is not a banner ad and a station stream; realize that a remote appearance is the exact opposite of being remote to listeners; know how to make Selector sing; have the instincts to do it your way and not wait for a corporate mandate. If this sounds too good to be true, it’s not. It’s Mid-West Family Broadcasting in the Land of Lincoln: Springfield, Illinois. Mid-West is an employee-owned company. If you want to talk in strict confidence, send an e-mail, resume and salary requirements to Harvey Wells at: hwells@mwfbmedia.com. What’s sent to Springfield stays in Springfield. Mid-West Family Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. With the move of rock radio pro Jay Philpott from Cumulus Media’s WNNX, Atlanta to its Twin Cities rocker KQRS, the company is seeking Philpott’s replacement for the afternoon drive show on WNNX…..Hubbard Broadcasting VP/regional manager of Minnesota Dan Seeman announces that Jeff Hilborn is named general manager for the Hubbard Broadcasting radio stations in Brainerd, Minnesota. Hilborn will oversee adult contemporary WJJY, classic rock KLIZ-FM “The Power Loon,” country KBLB “B93.3,” oldies KUAL “KOOL 103.5,” sports talk KLIZ-AM and business news KVBR-AM. The stations were part of the group of 16 Omni Broadcasting outlets acquired by Hubbard the 2015 transaction. Hilborn will replace retiring general manager Mike Boen.
Monday, September 19, 2016
J.T. the Brick Hosting Local Show on ‘95.7 The GAME’ in San Francisco. Nationally syndicated sports talk star J.T. The Brick begins hosting a 10:00 am to 12:00 noon local show on Entercom’s KGMZ, San Francisco “95.7 The GAME” today. J.T. The Brick, a.k.a. John Tournour, is syndicated by FOX Sports Radio live from
8:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET with co-host Tomm Looney. Speaking about his station’s new show, KGMZ 
program director Don Kollins says, “I am excited to welcome J.T. back to the local market and to the ‘95.7 The GAME’ family. He’s an accomplished radio and television personality with high energy, strong Bay Area ties and stronger opinions. I think he brings appointment listening back to the 10:00 am-12:00 noon time slot.” J.T.’s ties to the Bay Area include six years as host of the Oakland Raiders pre- and post-game radio shows in San Francisco, host of “Behind the Shield” and the “Raiders Report” for Silver and Black Productions on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area as well as numerous guest appearances on FOX, CNBC and MSNBC network television programs. He will continue his syndicated radio show.
Jon Marks to Exit ‘97.5 The Fanatic’ in Philly. According to Philly’s Crossing Broad, morning drive personality Jon Marks – who currently co-hosts sports talk WPEN-FM’s “Mornings with Anthony Gargano” – is exiting the station when his contract expires in October. There’s some speculation in Philadelphia about the future 
of WPEN-FM after Beasley assumes ownership from Greater Media. We know for sure based on Beasley’s recent presentation to lenders that it intends to realize $6.2 million in synergies from the combination of the two companies, but there are no specific plans announced for the sports talk outlet. Philly.com’s Rob Tornoe reports that Beasley interim CEO Caroline Beasley told the Philadelphia Inquirer’s John Takiff that the company has no plans to change the formats or talent of the Philly stations. While WPEN-FM scored a 1.5 share (persons 6+) in the August PPM survey against competitor WIP-FM’s 3.8 share, it’s unknown how revenue at WPEN-FM stacks up against expenses.
Salem’s KRLA, Los Angeles Hosts Town Hall Forum in Pasadena on 2016 Election. An all-star panel of talk radio talent appeared at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last night (9/18) as Salem Media Group’s KRLA, Los Angeles “AM 870 The Answer” presented the latest in its TOWNHALL 2016 series titled, “Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump – Who Will Best Lead Our Country over the Next Four Years?” In the photo above are (from l-r): moderator Hugh Hewitt, KRLA’s Brian Whitman, KRLA’s Elisha Krauss, SRN’s Larry Elder, SRN’s Mike Gallagher, Westwood One’s Mark Levin, SRN’s Michael Medved, SRN’s Dennis Prager, and KRLA’s Ben Shapiro.
Harvey Nagler and Radio Journos Honored by RTDNF. Pictured here accepting the Barney Oldfield Award
from the Radio Television Digital News Foundation is CBS RADIO News vice president Harvey Nagler (left). Nagler is pictured with the RTDNF chair Amy Tardif (right). The award is named for the founder of the Radio Television Digital News Foundation and presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the success of the Foundation. Nagler is departing the board after serving two terms as a director at-large. He was a recipient of the Association’s John F. Hogan Award in 2014. Also honored this year was KSL-AM/FM, Salt Lake City news director Sheryl Worsley, who received the Bob Priddy Award, named for the Association’s longtime board member and two-time chairman. Worsley serves as RTDNA’s region 3 director and chairs the Association’s digital committee.
Odds & Sods. Nationally syndicated talk show host Chad Benson is now airing on Cox Media Group’s KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa. The Radio America-syndicated program is airing in the early morning, leading into KRMG’s
“Morning News with Dan Potter.” Potter comments, “The next generation of talk radio is here right now, and his name is Chad Benson. KRMG is enthusiastic about adding the Chad Benson show to a weekday daypart, leading into our NAB Marconi Award winning local programming.”…..A new podcast titled, “The Tackling Life Podcast” with NFL great Ray Lewis and emotional management expert Dr. Christian Conte is launching. It’s being exclusively repped by AdLarge Media. The podcast will help “listeners set goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve happier, more successful lives.”…..Greater Media senior vice 
president Heidi Raphael is named among the class of 2016 Women of Influence in Western New York by Buffalo Business First, a leading business publication. She’s being honored at luncheon on Thursday (9/22) at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo. The recipient selection process was based on professional success and community involvement. Raphael is an avid philanthropist in her hometown of Buffalo. She’s involved on a number of boards, including the Board of Trustees of Medaille College and serves as president of the board of directors of the Buffalo Broadcasters Association and vice president of the Buffalo History Museum board of managers…..The NAB Education Foundation and the Broadcast Education Association are announcing the winners of the Freedom of Speech Public Service Announcement Contest for college communications students. The winners are being awarded a $2,500 scholarship for their submissions of 30-second spots that creatively address, “What Freedom of Speech means to me.” Felicia Tonga of Andrews University won in the television category for “Protect Our Future,” and Melvin Johnson III of American Broadcasting School won in the radio category for “More Than Words.” Stations are encouraged to run the spots during Free Speech Week, October 17-23…..Houston-based radio pro Doug Harris, founder of the digital broadcast platform Radio Brave, is putting a call out for the next star podcaster. Not only that, he’s putting his money where his mouth is and offering a $5,000 cash prize plus a one-year development, distribution and promotion contract with Radio Brave. Harris says, “Radio Brave’s purpose is to bring new content, from new people, to new audiences. 
We began with weekly, one-hour shows, but since our studios and crew are perfectly suited to produce and distribute shorter formats, we’re making podcasts, podcasting, and podcasters our focus.” Radio Brave’s Master ‘Caster Talent Search will begin accepting entries on October 3 Slam@RadioBrave.com. Official rules are posted at the bottom of the home page at RadioBrave.com…..Fans near and far (from Houston, Dallas and Washington DC) came out for late talk show host Jerry Doyle’s tribute that happened at No Regrets Bar in Las Vegas on Saturday night (9/17). Radio people in attendance included Wayne Allyn Root, Heidi Harris, Alan Stock, Talk Media Network’s Josh Leng, KDWN GM Tom Humm, and KDWN PD John Shaffer. GCN-syndicated talk host Dr. Daliah Wachs (pictured above with Root) helped organize the event and tells TALKERS, “We miss our beloved Jerry so much and hope he is at peace, though we made a helluvalotta noise!”
The Presidential Race, Saturday’s Manhattan Bombing/Minnesota Stabbings, Putin Party Wins Russian Elections, Syrian Civil War/U.S.-Russia Tensions, Sunday’s Emmy Awards, NFL Action and MLB Playoffs Push Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the Saturday night bombing in NYC, the bombs found at a New Jersey train station, and the ISIS-inspired stabbings in Minnesota; Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party wins a majority in parliamentary elections; the unsteady Syrian cease-fire, the U.S.’ bombing of Syrian troops, and the tensions between the U.S. and Russia; Sunday evening’s politically charged Emmy Awards ceremony; Sunday’s NFL action and the playoff push in Major League Baseball were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Nielsen vs Bubba: Round One
By Steven J.J. Weisman
TALKERS
Legal Editor
BOSTON — The late, great Southern humorist Lewis Grizzard wrote a book titled, Elvis Is Dead and I’m Not Feeling Too Good Myself. I thought about this recently as I considered the problems that are just in their early stages for syndicated Tampa-based talk radio host, Todd Clem, who uses the stage name Bubba The Love Sponge. Bubba may not be dead, but he is certainly not feeling so good himself these days. But don’t worry, Bubba, things aren’t as bad as you think – they are worse.
Clem is being sued in the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida by Nielsen Audio for more than $1 million on civil charges of fraud, conspiracy to defraud, interfering with business and contractual relations and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Practices Act. The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Practices Act is Florida’s version of the FTC Act which outlaws the broadly defined “unfair and deceptive acts and practices.” Although the law is most often utilized by consumers, it also can apply to relationships between businesses as well.
