Tag: "Bill Handel"
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Entercom Announces Station Swaps with iHeartMedia and Beasley, LMA with Bonneville Ahead of CBS RADIO Merger. We knew the 19 stations Entercom had to divest in order to pass regulatory muster. Now, we know where they are going and what Entercom is getting for them. In exchange for stations in Boston and Seattle, Entercom is swapping with iHeartMedia for stations in Richmond and Chattanooga – markets where it previously had no presence. iHeartMedia will get all-news WBZ-AM, news/talk WRKO, classic rock WZLX and urban AC WKAF
in Boston, as well as sports KFNQ, classic rock KZOK, and adult hits KJAQ in Seattle in exchange for the following stations that the new Entercom will acquire in Chattanooga: adult hits WLND, CHR WKXJ, rock WRXR, and country WUSY; and Richmond stations: hip hop WBTJ, sports talk WRNL-AM, news/talk WRVA-AM, CHR WRVQ, alternative WRXL, and AC WTVR. Also in Boston, CBS RADIO’s sports talk 
WBZ-FM will be swapped with Beasley Media Group for adult contemporary WMJX. Entercom will also enter into an LMA with Bonneville International for the latter to program four stations in San Francisco and four in Sacramento. Those stations are: CHR KMVQ, urban AC KBLX, AC KOIT, and classic rock KUFX in San Francisco; and sports KHTK-AM, country KNCI, AC KYMX, and hot AC KZZO in Sacramento.
This news comes as Entercom announces a settlement with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice that will allow the Entercom-CBS RADIO merger to move forward. The company says it expects the deal to close as early as November 17. Entercom CEO David Field says, “Today’s announcements mark a significant milestone as we work to complete the transformational combination of Entercom and CBS RADIO. While it is necessary to divest certain stations in order to secure regulatory approval, it is difficult to part ways with so many strong brands and, most importantly, their talented people. However, we are excited by the terrific new additions to our lineup that will bolster our position in Boston and expand our footprint in the Southeast. We look forward to unlocking the potential of the combined company to deliver value for our listeners, customers and shareholders.” The above asset exchanges are expected to close in the first quarter of 2018. The Bonneville LMA will become effective upon the closing of the Entercom-CBS RADIO merger.
Matt Nahigian New KGMZ, San Francisco PD. Sports programming pro Matt Nahigian is taking over the PD position at Entercom’s KGMZ, San Francisco “95.7 The Game.” Nahigian – who was most recently with Beasley Media Group programming sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” – said via Facebook, “San Francisco here we come! I am
incredibly excited to tell all of you that I have accepted a position with Entercom and will be heading out to San Francisco to be the Program Director at 95.7 The Game. It’s such an incredible opportunity to be a part of a company that is one of the biggest and best radio companies in the country. Everyone we have talked to that has lived or is currently living out there says it is amazing. The station is the broadcast rights holder for the A’s and the Golden St. Warriors so I won’t be considered a bandwagon jumper if I become a Warriors fan. LOL. Thanks to all the great people that we have met in Philadelphia. It’s been 10 of the best years of my life. We have made so many great friends and will miss all of you a great deal. Please think of me in shorts when you are shoveling snow. From Chicago to Philly to San Fran.” Nahigian takes over for Don Kollins.
‘Color of Change’ Petitioning for Bill Handel’s Firing. The Oakland-based activist organization Color of Change is creating a petition to ask iHeartMedia to fire KFI, Los Angeles morning host Bill Handel for calling U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson a “cheap, sleazy Democrat whore” on his radio program. LA Weekly reports that iHeartMedia and KFI have not responded to the request. Read the LA Weekly piece here.
NPR Places Michael Oreskes on Leave After Assault Allegations. Public media firm NPR puts SVP of news and editorial director Michael Oreskes on indefinite leave after two women spoke with the organization about his alleged actions some two decades ago while he served with The New York Times. The women said they were speaking to Oreskes about working at the paper when he forcibly kissed them. NPR says it takes the allegations “very seriously.”
Tommy Chuck Upped to SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Tampa-Sarasota. Moving
from iHeartMedia’s Washington, DC cluster to the Tampa-Sarasota markets to serve as senior vice president of programming is Tommy Chuck. In addition to overseeing the programming of the company’s 14 music, talk and news stations in the region, Chuck will be program director at country WFUS “US 103.5.” He previously programmed country WPOC, Baltimore until he relinquished that role in April to serve as PD at CHR WIHT and AC WASH-FM in Washington, DC.
TALKERS News Notes. Philly sports talker Angelo Cataldi is off the air at CBS RADIO’s WIP
“SportsRadio 94.1” after having gallbladder surgery. Philly.com’s Rob Tornoe reports that Cataldi went to the hospital on Sunday and the surgery was performed on Monday. There’s no set timetable for his return to the air…..Cox Media Group is putting some of its newspapers up for sale. The Austin Statesman, the Palm Beach Post, and the Palm Beach Daily News are on the market. CMG president Kim Guthrie 
comments in the Statesman, “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult but strategic decision to put our newspapers in Palm Beach and Austin up for sale. We have made the decision that we will be better equipped to operate our newspapers in Atlanta and Ohio, where we have the integrated opportunity with our TV and radio operations.”…..Pictured here are Westwood One nationally syndicated late night host Jim Bohannon (right) visiting affiliate KTTR, Rolla, Missouri where he spent some time with local station personality Al Martia (left)…..Speaking of Westwood One, the syndicator and sales arm of Cumulus Media announces that it is adding new shows to its podcasting platform. The Westwood One Podcast Network is a one-stop, all-inclusive platform that provides a full-service suite of expert tools and services for podcasters, content creators, distributors, producers, and advertisers. Programs new to the platform include: “The Jim Rome Podcast,” “The Daou of Politics” with Democratic strategist Peter Daou, and “Blitz & Giggles with Josh Lewin.”
John Gibson Visits Genesis Communications Network (GCN). Former FOX News Radio star John Gibson has found a new distribution home for his popular 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET syndicated weekday talk show – Minneapolis-based Genesis Communications Network (GCN). Gibson (whose national program is based in Texas) did a show live from the GCN studios and engaged in strategy meetings with the network’s brass who are excited to have another high-profile personality of Gibson’s stature on their growing company’s roster. Pictured (l-r): GCN affiliate manager Adam Miller, John Gibson, GCN owner/founder Ted Anderson, and johngibson.com webmaster Josh Einstein. Not shown: GCN advertising director Lee Wickenhauser who attended the meetings. Stations interested in affiliating with the John Gibson Show in markets where it is still available should contact Adam Miller at amiller@gcnlive.com.
NYC Terror Attack, Special Counsel Indictments, Clinton-DNC Trump-Russia Dossier, GOP Tax Bill, Positive Economic News, Kelly Robert E. Lee Comments, Sexual Assault Cases, Iran Missile Threats, Dodgers-Astros World Series, NFL Trade Deadline Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/31). The deaths of eight and wounding of 11 in the vehicle terror attack in New York City; the indictments of Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, and George Papadopoulos by special counsel Robert Mueller; the Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee connection to the Trump-Russia dossier; the Trump administration and GOP tax reform bill; the positive economic news from the Citigroup U.S. Economic Surprise Index; Chief of Staff John Kelly’s Civil War-Robert E. Lee comments; the rash of sexual assault allegations against public figures; Iran’s threats against U.S. military bases in the Middle East; the Dodgers-Astros World Series; and the NFL’s trade deadline 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. New York and New Jersey media pro Michelle Jerson is joining the air staff of Cumulus Media’s country WNSH, New York “NASH FM 94.7” for weekend duties. Jerson says, “I’m very excited and honored to be working back in the country music format.” She began her music radio career on New York and New Jersey’s “New Country Y107” and
WMJC on Long Island. She is also a television traffic reporter for Spectrum’s NY1 News, hosts travel satellite media tours, and is a guest on other radio shows talking travel and baby products drawing from her experience as a new mom…..Cumulus Media appoints Mike Duffy program director for active rock WBSX, Wilkes-
Barre/Scranton “97.9X.” Duffy joined the station as midday personality back in April. Cumulus Wilkes-Barre/Scranton VP and market manager Chris Kenney comments, “We love having Mike here. He has the leadership qualities and passion you look for in a PD. He brings a great vibe to the station and a positive energy that is a huge benefit to our listeners and staff.”…..iHeartMedia
Norfolk flips WNOH from CHR to alternative rock as “ALT 105.3, Hampton Roads Alternative Rock.” iHM Norfolk market president Angel Brown says, “The opportunity to launch a radio station like ‘ALT 105.3’ in the No. 1 radio company in the country and within the Hampton Roads area is beyond exciting. By analyzing song requests, digital streaming, downloads and talking to our listeners, we know the area is passionate about alternative rock.”…..Midwest Family Broadcasting also launches an alternative rock station, this one in the Madison, Wisconsin market on the former WRIS, Mount Horeb – located west of the city of Madison. The new calls will be WOZN and the station is branded “The Resistance.”…..Just eight months after being promoted to SVP of programming at iHeartMedia’s Baltimore cluster, Jeff Wyatt announces he’s retiring from the position. Wyatt also serves as the program director for country WPOC, Baltimore and adult hits WQSR “JACK-FM.”…..At Community Broadcasters’ country WWKT. Florence, South Carolina, the “Mudflap and Palmer” show replaces the syndicated “Big D and Bubba” program that’s been airing in morning drive. Randy “Mudflap” Wilcox and Ed Palmer had been the morning show at iHeartMedia’s crosstown country WEGX until they exited last May and were replaced by the syndicated Bobby Bones show.
Round Two of October PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s October 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s October 2017 PPM survey period covered September 14 – October 11. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Washington, D.C. – Over and above posting its third straight gain for an overall +.5 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 – Today’s Best Country” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9) with its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016 (3.7, as well). Format rival – Alpha Media’s WFLS “93.3 Today’s New Country” – continues at #20 but
is without an increase for the eighth straight sweep and has lost approximately half its 6+-share since February (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+). Not only does WTOP repeat at #1, the Hubbard all-news operation is a collective +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 
– 9.4 – 9.8, 6+) and posts its strongest 6+- share since 9.9 in March. In the runner-up slot from January through August, WTOP climbed to #1 in September. By notching a +.7 in August, WTOP halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+). It’s a case of slow and steady for iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH, which is up one-tenth for the third straight time (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+) but it backslides from sixth to seventh. Co-owned CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5 – DC’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.4 – 3.8, -.6, 6+) dips from fifth to eighth and falls below a four-share (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. Still in that iHM cluster, classic rock WBIG “Big 100” is off a collective nine-tenths in September and October (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7, 6+) but continues in fourth-place. In four straight increases, CBS Radio Spanish tropical WLZL more than tripled its 6+-share (.7 – 1.1 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+), but “El Zol 107.9” drops three-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and slips from #18 to #19. Prior to September, WLZL last reached the two-share level (6+) in December (2.0). While it occupies third-place for the tenth time in a row, Howard University-owned urban AC WHUR is without an increase for the third straight sweep (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+) and is -1.1 in that stretch. Its -1.0 in August ended at five a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+). July’s 8.1 (6+) represents the station’s best-ever PPM-showing. A cumulative -1.8 in August and September (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ “Majic 102.3” regains four-tenths to 4.6, inching up from eighth to sixth (6+); September’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since December’s 3.8. Prior to August, “Majic 102.3” had been up in back-to-back sweeps for a +.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+). A combined -2.3 as the result of five consecutive negative sweeps (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March.
2) Boston – Beantown’s sports talk format scores another huge victory as Entercom-owned Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM improves by six-tenths to jump from fourth to second, while
CBS Radio’s New England Patriots’ key station WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” registers a full-share improvement, marching from eighth to fifth. Both of these sports talk properties were up one-half share in September. This marks 
the third straight uptick for WEEI-FM for a collective +1.6 (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.3 – 5.9, 6+). Having bounced back from May’s -.1 with a June gain of three-tenths, WEEI-FM dropped seven-tenths in July. Entering the August ratings period, “The Sports Hub” had been down or flat six straight times for a combined -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), but is now a collective +2.1 in August, September, and October (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+). Elsewhere in the spoken-word arena, news/talk outlets WBUR (4.5, tenth to eighth, 6+) and Entercom’s WRKO (2.0 – 2.5, #16 to #15, 6+) each improve by one-half share. A loss of one-half share in September by Boston University-owned WBUR ended three straight
sweeps without a decrease and erased the half-share it gained in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). This represents the highest 6-share for WRKO since March (2.5, as well). While it is off three-tenths (7.9 – 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM repeats at #1. In September, “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” wiped out August’s one-half share decline by racking up a robust +.9 to 7.9 – its highest 6+-share since July 2014’s 8.2. In five consecutive increases prior to the August sweep, “Kiss 108” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). The station it succeeded at #1 in September – Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” suffers the largest (6+) September 2017 – October 2017 erosion of any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here (7.1 – 5.6, -1.5, 6+) and slips from second to fourth. On top eight straight months entering the September sweep, WROR was the market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December. Major fluctuations are not new to “Boston’s Classic Hits,” which was +1.1 in December 2016; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; -.8 in April; -.6 in June; -.5 in August and now -1.5 in October. It is below a six-share (6+) for the first time in nearly two years (5.5, “Holiday” 2015). Although steady at #3, adult contemporary cluster-mate WMJX “Magic 106.6 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” is without an increase for the fourth successive month for an overall -1.2 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). Following three successive increases that generated an overall gain of nine-tenths (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), rhythmic hot AC sibling WBQT “Hot 96.9” falters four-tenths to 3.5 (#11 to #12, 6+). Both of the market’s country outlets post slight losses, as co-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” is down two-tenths (4.4, seventh to ninth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” is off one-tenth to 2.5 (6+), but remains at #15. A September gain of one-tenth by WKLB ended at three a consecutive string of down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). After four successive increases that accounted for a +.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in September.
3) Miami – Having posted a 7.0 (6+) or higher in five of six ratings periods between January and June, WAMR “Amor 107.5” had three straight decreases for a combined -1.4 (7.2 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+). The Univision Radio Spanish 
contemporary outlet rebounds in October with a +.4 to 6.2 (6+) and continues in third-place. Without a loss for the third month in succession for a modest overall gain of four-tenths (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” climbs from eighth to seventh, while iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” adds three-tenths (3.9 – 4.2, -.4, 6+) to advance from ninth to eighth. The two CHR rivals were tied for eighth-place in July and separated by one-tenth in August. Prior to September’s -.4, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). On top for the sixth time in a row, Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” adds one-tenth (7.7 – 7.8, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-stat since July 2016’s 8.0. After posting a one-half share gain in September (4.2 – 4.7, 6+), co-owned WEDR “99 Jamz Miami’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” returns it in its entirety and is back to 4.2 (sixth to eighth, 6+). In advance of dropping six-tenths in August, the urban contemporary property had been up seven-tenths via three straight gains (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+). Meanwhile, its direct competitor – iHeartMedia’s WMIB “103.5 The Beat” – is a collective -.6 in three successive down or flat trends (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) and carries on at #13. Locked on 2.9 (6+) in June and July and then on 3.1 (6+) in August and September, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” sputters by four-tenths to 2.7, slipping from #14 to #16 (6+). Three-tenths ahead of it is Spanish tropical cluster-mate WXDJ “El Sol 106.7,” which falters by one-tenth for the third sweep in succession (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, #14 to #13, 6+). The May 2017 to October 2017 (6+) trending for CBS Radio’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 – New Country” (#18 to #19) is 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1. At the same time that iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD is off by a combined four-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5, #21, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish news/talk WAQI (1.4, +.2, #22) ends at six its consecutive string of monthlies without an increase that accounted for a -33% since March (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+).
4) Detroit – Off a combined seven-tenths in August and September (6.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” regains all of it and two tenths more (6.6, +.9, 6+) as it marches from 
fourth to second with its best 6+-performance since February 2016 (6.6, as well). Registering its fifth straight up or flat trend for a cumulative +1.5 (3.6 – 3.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 – Today’s Best Music and More” advances from seventh to sixth. Following four straight months without an increase for a collective -.7 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” bounces back with a +.6 to 5.0, climbing from ninth to seventh (6+). Co-owned adult contemporary WNIC
“100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now” tacks on one-half share to September’s +.4 (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+) and repeats at #1. After posting three straight gains for a full-share improvement (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+), WNIC faltered by two-tenths in August. This is WNIC’s highest 6+-share since the “Holiday” 2016 report when it logged a 13.7. Progressing by one-half share as well is Radio One urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM” (3.2 – 3.7, #15 to #12, 6+). A combined +2.4 in May and June, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WMXD is -2.5 in four subsequent decreases (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+) as “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s Throwbacks and R&B” remains at #11. The market’s two major urban contemporary outlets combine for a basically equally-divided -1.9, as independent WGPR “Hot 107.5” is off one full-share (3.5 – 2.5, #14 to #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WJLB “97.9 Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” sputters by nine-tenths (4.4 – 3.5, 6+) to depart the top ten (#9 to #13). This is the lowest 6+-share for “Hot” since March (2.4), while WJLB has its softest 6+-showing since April (3.5, as well). Off a combined one-half share in July and August (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC erased that loss in September with +.6 to 3.9, its best 6+-showing since April’s 4.3; however, “105.1 The Bounce” regresses by one-half share to 3.4 (#13 to #14, 6+). Two streaks continue with Motown’s two FM country facilities: CBS Radio-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” is down for the fourth time in succession for an overall -1.5 and records its lowest 6+-share since 4.1 in “Holiday” 2016 (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). At the same time, while steady at #17, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” hasn’t had an increase in the past five sweeps and is -.6 since May (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+).
5) Seattle – An overall +2.2 via five straight increases (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.7, 6+), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 – Seattle’s News, Seattle’s Talk” matches the 5.7 (6+) it recorded in January and jumps from fifth to third. Following four successive down or flat trends that resulted in a -2.1 (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.2 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+), Hubbard’s KQMV
“MOViN 92.5 – All the Hits” regains one-third of that decrease (6.0, +.7, 6+) and climbs from third to second. It slipped from first to third in August, following a seven-month run at #1. Three-tenths ahead of KQMV is Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW, which is #1 for the third consecutive time and without a loss for the third time in a row (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+). Its +.5 in August pulled the plug on three straight downward moves that produced an overall decline of six-tenths (6.3 – 
6.0 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Although unchanged at #14, Crista Media contemporary Christian KCMS “Spirit 105.3” posts its fifth consecutive increase for a collective gain of one full-share (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+). Improving by one-half share each are Sinclair all-news KOMO (3.5, #18 to #13, 6+); iHeartMedia’s KJR-AM “950 Entertaining Sports Talk” (#24, 6+); and Bellevue College-owned KBCS (.6 – 1.1, #26, 6+). The June through September (6+) line for KOMO, which has its best 6+-showing since December’s 3.7, was 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.0. This is the third straight gain for KJR-AM (.5 – .6 – .8 – 1.3, 6+) and highest 6+-share since January’s 1.7. When KZOK gained four-tenths in September, it halted at five a string of down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), but the CBS Radio classic rocker regresses by seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.2, 6+) and segues from fifth to sixth. This is its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.1. Faltering by six-tenths each are co-owned KMPS “Seattle Country Music Radio” (4.3 – 3.7, seventh to tenth, 6+); Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” (second to fourth, 6+); and Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” (3.7 – 3.1, #11 to #15, 6+). Rebounding from August’s -.7 with a +.1 in September, KMPS matches April’s 3.7. “Warm 106.9” is a combined -1.2 in three straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Between June and September, the 6+-line for “The End” was 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.7. Within 3.0 – 3.3 range (6+) in the eight sweeps between May and October (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – More Music, More Variety” falls from #14 to #17.
6) Phoenix – The 1.9-share (6+) advantage Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” had in September over iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is sliced to six-tenths as KESZ logs a +.8 (5.8 – 6.6, 6+), while KSLX falters by 
one-half share (7.7 – 7.2, 6+). KSLX remains at #1 for the sixth straight month, while KESZ advances from third to second. “Classic Rock 100.7” was +1.1 (6.8 – 7.9, 6+) in August, after a 
combined -.5 in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). Meanwhile, the 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.8 (June – July – August, 6+) sequence by KESZ ended in September as a result of a -1.0 to 5.8, its lowest 6+-share in nearly three years (4.6, 6+, November 2014). After trending a steady 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 (April 2017 – July 2017, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM sputtered by one-half share in August, but “98.7 Arizona Sports” is a
combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+), progressing from #17 to #14. Down or flat the past three ratings periods for an overall loss of one-half share (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 -2.3, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” registers a positive spike of six-tenths as well (2.9, #19 to #15, 6+). Leaping from #13 into the top ten (#8), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 – Today’s Best Country & All Time Favorites” has its third straight gain for an overall +.7 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+). Conversely, CBS Radio’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” is down a collective nine-tenths in four straight declines (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), falling from #11 to #12. In addition to KNIX, rhythmic CHR KKFR “Power,” which had been trending 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 (6+), is up one-half share as well (2.6, #20 to #19, 6+), as is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVA “Positive and Encouraging K-Love” (.3 – .8, #31, 6+). In ten straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+), KDKB gained an overall +3.0, but Hubbard-owned “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” surrenders roughly half of that increase in October with a -1.4 to 3.9 (6+) to drift from fourth to eighth. September’s 5.3 was its best-ever 6+ showing in PPM methodology, eclipsing its previous high of 4.9 – set in August. Following a September gain of one-half share to 2.4 (6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI forfeits more than twice that margin, cutting September’s 6+-share in half and freefalling from the top twenty (1.2, -1.2, #17 to #27, 6+). The scenario is not quite as harsh for Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ, which was +.5 in September as well (after a +.8 in August), but the news/talk outlet forfeits six-tenths in October (3.0 – 3.5 – 2.9, 6+) to fade from #11 to a four-way tie at #15. A combined +1.7 in June and July (4.7 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+), CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KOOL is now an overall -2.0 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, sixth to seventh, 6+). In July, KOOL crossed the six-share threshold for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0 (6+).
7) Minneapolis – The fourth consecutive increase by iHeartMedia’s KFXN is by a whopping +1.7 – the largest (6+) September 2017 – October 2017 gain by any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far, rocketing “100.3 Sports Radio K-Fan” from fifth to first. KFXN is a collective +2.7 since June (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.6 –
7.3, 6+). It is thus a brief one-month stay at #1 for co-owned classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits,” which not only tumbles to fifth but – owing to a loss 
of nine-tenths to 6.3 (6+) – ends at seven its consecutive string of up or flat trends which yielded a +1.8 since February (5.4 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). Frozen on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, CHR sibling KDWB notched back-to-back increases in June and July totaling seven-tenths (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), however, “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” is 7.5 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 in August, September, and October. After finishing first in April, May, and June, KDWB segued to #2 in July. Within 5.0 – 5.7 range (6+) in each of the last eleven survey periods, CBS Radio adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” falters by seven-tenths (5.4 – 4.7, 6+), falling from seventh to tenth. A combined -.9 in July and August, country cluster-mate KMNB regained one-half share in September (3.9 – 4.4, 6+), but returns all of it plus another one-tenth (3.8, -.6, 6+), slipping from #11 to #12. In July, “Buz’n” @ 102.9” curtailed at three a string of consecutive gains that yielded a +1.1 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+). Format rival – iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” sputters for the fourth straight time for a combined -1.3 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+) yet moves from ninth to an eighth-place tie. Off by six-tenths in addition to KMNB is University of Northwestern – St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (5.0, fifth to eighth, 6+), which had been up or flat the past three sweeps for an overall gain of eight-tenths (4.8 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+).
8) San Diego – As was the case in September, San Diego news/talk stations finish at #1 and #2 in October, but iHeartMedia’s KOGO-AM, a collective +1.9 in four straight up or flat monthlies (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+), moves 
from second to first, while San Diego State University-owned KPBS, which was trending 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.2 (July – August – September, 6+), is off two-tenths to 6.0 (6+), shifting from first to second. Not only is 7.2 the highest 6+-share for KOGO-AM in its PPM-history, the station had not previously reached the six-share level. Within 5.0 – 5.5 range January through July (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), KPBS hadn’t been at #1 since this past February. Down or flat for the third time in succession for an overall -.6 (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” drops from #16 to #17. Its format rival, Midwest Television rocker KFMB-FM, improves by one-half share in both September and October (3.2 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+) as “100.7 KFM – BFM” cracks the top ten (#12 to #8). On the other hand, Local Media San Diego CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” surrenders one-half share (4.2 – 3.7, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Dropping from fifth to seventh, Entercom’s KSON-FM is an overall -1.4 as the result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-share for “New Country” since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.0. Co-owned adult contemporary KXSN is off for the fourth straight time as well (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+) and mirroring KSON, the cumulative loss is -1.4; “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” slips from third to fifth. In addition to falling out of the top twenty (#19 to #22), Midwest Television news/talk KFMB-AM dips two-tenths to 1.8 (6+), thus stopping at four a string of consecutive sweeps without a decrease that netted four-tenths (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+).
9) Denver – As the result of three straight positive trends, Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” has nearly doubled its 6+-share (2.3 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+) as it progresses from ninth to eighth. Recent shifts for “The Fan” include -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January 2017); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 (April); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); -.9
(July); +1.1 (August); and +.9 in September. A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). Last October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. In a somewhat similar vein, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV is a cumulative +1.5 via three straight improvements (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+); “Positive and Encouraging K-Love” leaps into the top ten (#13 to #7). One of the few comedy-formatted signals to appear in a PPM top twenty is Entercom’s KQKS-HD2, which flashes a +.6 (1.5 – 2.1, 6+) to finish at #19. Slipping from seventh to eighth, classic rock sibling KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” is a combined -1.9 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). By recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), “The Mountain” progressed from third to first in May; KQMT improved by one-half share in July. Off a combined six-tenths in August and September (5.5 – 5.2 
– 4.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” erases all but one-tenth of that loss (5.4, +.5, 6+) and cruises from fifth to third. Following an astonishing ten successive increases in which it nearly doubled its 6+-share (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” drops three-tenths to 6.3 (6+) but is #1 for the third successive month. Off one-half share in June, Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR answered with a collective +1.9 in July, August, and September (4.0 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). The news/talk outlet, however, returns one-half share in October (5.4, 6+) and stays in third-place. In August, it reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since March 2016’s 5.7. Forfeiting one-half share as well and exiting the top ten (#10 to #12) is iHeartMedia CHR KPTT “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which is without an increase for the third consecutive sweep for a combined loss of seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+). While co-owned news/talk KOA posts its third up or flat trend in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (4.6 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+), it backslides from fourth to fifth. The market’s (6+) hot AC share tumbles by eight-tenths, equally divided between KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” (4.1 – 3.7, -.4, #11 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” (3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #14 to #15, 6+). Down a collective eight-tenths in July and August (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+), “Mix” regained 75% of that decrease in September with a +.6. The combined one-half share that “Alice” picked up in June and July (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+) was erased in August (3.4, 6+); KALC added another four-tenths in September.
10) Tampa – The gap between the market’s two country FMs tightens (from a 1.3-share lead to three-tenths) as iHeartMedia’s WFUS hangs out a +.9 and returns to the top ten (4.7, #11 to #8, 6+). In September, “US-103.5 Tampa 
Bay’s #1 For New Country” dropped seven-tenths to 3.8, its softest 6+-showing in almost seven years (3.3, Holiday” 2010, 6+). Meanwhile, its direct competitor – Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” – remains at #6, but is off by one-tenth to 5.0 (6+), curtailing three straight gains for an overall +.5 (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). Owing to a gain of one-half share to 5.1 (6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WWRM not only pulls the plug on four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.4 (6.0 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), “Magic 94.9” jumps from eighth to fourth. Similarly-programmed cluster-mate WDUV “Lite Favorites” (-1.2 in August) is trending 9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 (6+) and finishes on top for the 61st successive ratings period. In advance of the August decline, WDUV had been a collective +1.8 as the result of four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). In July, “Lite Favorites” registered its most potent 6+-stat (10.5) since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. Co-owned classic hits-oldies WXGL is in the runner-up slot for the 12th straight time but “The Eagle” is an overall -2.2 via five straight down or flat trends (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). Having posted five consecutive positive sweeps for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. In addition to inching up from #15 to #14, iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” picks up two-tenths to 3.2 (6+), thus applying the brakes to six down or flat trends that yielded a -1.0 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+). Even though it is without a loss for the fourth month in succession for a modest overall gain of three-tenths (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), co-owned news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” backslides from #12 to #13. When Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE dropped two-tenths in September, it concluded four straight sweeps without a loss that yielded a +1.3 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+). “The Joy FM” sputters by another seven-tenths in October (4.9 – 4.2, 6+), dipping from seventh to tenth; July’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-share for WCIE since the “Holiday” 2016 report (5.1, as well). A combined +.6 in August and September (4.6 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WXTB relinquishes all but one-tenth of that increase (4.7, -.5, 6+) as “98 Rock” slides from fifth to eighth.
11) Baltimore – As part of its recent rollercoaster ride, CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” dialed up a one-half share increase in August; returned it in its entirety in September; and now displays a +.8 (6.4 – 7.2, 6+) to march from fourth to third. This is its strongest 6+-share since 15.3 in “Holiday” 2016. A combined +1.3 through three
straight improvements (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.3, 6+), Peter & John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “95.1 Shine-FM” climbs from #13 to #12 with its best 6+-stat since February’s 3.9. After regressing by eight-tenths (5.5 – 4.7, 6+) to its weakest 6+-stat since August 2016’s 4.4, Hearst’s WIYY “98 Rock” bounces back with a gain of six-tenths to 5.3 (sixth to fifth, 6+). The seven most 
recent trends for news/talk cluster-mate WBAL are 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+). On the strength of five straight gains (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), Shamrock-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” is a combined +1.9 and inches up from ninth to eighth. Down or flat for five months in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (8.0 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” picks up two-tenths to 7.4 (6+) and moves from third to second. Despite not having an increase for the fourth straight sweep and repeating a 7.8 (6+) since July (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” takes sole possession of first-place. A four-tenths June increase curtailed at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Prior to June, “Magic” had been on top the previous five straight monthlies. It was tied at #1 in September with urban contemporary sibling WERQ “Q-92 Jams.” A collective -1.5 in July and August (8.7 – 8.0 – 7.2, 6+), WERQ registered a gain of six-tenths in September but spirals in October by -1.3 (7.8 – 6.5, 6+) and shifts to fourth. With a gain of one-half share in May (7.5 – 8.0, 6+), “Q-92” tied “Magic” at #1, but the tie was broken in June when “Q-92” gained seven-tenths to 8.7 (6+). After hauling out a +1.3 in September (4.3 – 5.6, 6+) for its strongest 6+-stat since last October’s 6.5, CBS Radio’s WJZ-FM “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” surrenders more than half of it (4.8, -.8, 6+) and slides from fifth to sixth.
12) St. Louis – Modestly down or flat the past six ratings periods for a collective loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), Emmis news/talk KFTK “97.1 FM NewsTalk” roars back by recapturing all of it (4.0, +.7, 6+), leaping from #16 to 
#11. There are more extreme fluctuations for Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch,” which was -.6 in a June – July mini-slide (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+); gained twice that loss margin with a +1.2 in August; was -.7 in September (7.0 – 6.3, 6+); and is now +.5 in October (6.8, fifth to third, 6+). With a 7.0 in August, “The Arch” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last 
December’s 7.6. A loss of four-tenths to 8.0 (6+) by CBS Radio’s KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” ends at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). Nonetheless, the heritage news/talk outlet repeats at #1. Steady at #6, Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 The Lou – R&B + Old School for the Lou” continues its up/down pattern, given that its six most recent 6+-stats are 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.6. Eroding by one-half share each are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, which is down or flat for the third straight time (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, flat at #2, 6+); urban-rhythmic oldies sibling KMJM “100.3 The Beat” (2.3, steady at #17, 6+); and CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK (4.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). Following three consecutive sweeps on top, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April but returned to #1 in June, July, and August. In four consecutive improvements prior to October, “The Beat” gained eight-tenths (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Meanwhile, KEZK had been up or flat the past four sweeps for a collective +.6 since May (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). It is tied with hot AC cluster-mate KYKY “Y-98,” which – before its current +.4 in October to 4.1 (6+) – had been without an increase in each of the last eight survey periods for a net loss of -2.5 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+). Off by -1.4 via four straight downward moves (7.9 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.5, 6+) Emmis rocker KSHE falls from third to fifth. Unlisted for the tenth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
FCC Votes to Eliminate Main Studio Rule on Party Line. The Democrats on the Federal Communications Commission are not happy about it but broadcasters are cheering the Commission’s 3-2 vote today (10/24) that eliminated the broadcast main studio rule. The Order retains the requirement that stations maintain a local or toll-free telephone number to ensure 
consumers have ready access to their local stations. The 80-year-old rule was designed to “facilitate input from community members and the station’s participation in community activities.” But, Republicans argued that the rule was outdated and an unnecessary burden. They argue that the repeal of the rule should “produce substantial cost-saving benefits for broadcasters that can be directed toward such things as programming, equipment upgrades, newsgathering, and other services that benefit consumers. It will also make it easier for broadcasters to prevent stations in small towns from going dark and to launch new stations in rural areas.”
MacGunnigle Named APD at WPRO-AM, Providence. At the Providence Cumulus Media cluster, staffer Doug MacGunnigle is promoted to assistant program director for “NewsTalk 99.7 FM and AM 630” (WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM) and sister business talk station WPRV. Previously,
MacGunnigle had been serving as producer and digital content director. MacGunnigle has produced talk shows at WPRO for Steve Kass, Ron St. Pierre, Arlene Violet, and Dan Yorke. MacGunnigle started his career at WPRO in 2002. After stints at other media outlets in the area, he returned to WPRO in May 2015 and has served as producer of the Matt Allen show. WPRO and WPRV program director Neil Larrimore says, “Doug has been an integral part of WPRO-AM and WPRV-AM for many years and has served as a backbone through a particularly tough period of change over the last 24 months. It’s the perfect time to start him on the next step of his career. I’m proud to name him as assistant program director.”
Industry Luminaries to Induct National Radio Hall of Famers. When this year’s inductees are enshrined in the National Radio Hall of Fame on November 2, they’ll be presented by leaders in the industry. The 29th Annual National Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony takes place at the 
Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago (it will also be broadcast commercial free via TuneIn). This year, Entercom president and CEO David Field will induct his father, Entercom founder Joseph Field; on-air legend Scott Shannon will induct Premiere Networks superstar Sean Hannity; iHeartCountry chief Rod Phillips will induct Premiere’s country morning star Bobby Bones; Cumulus Media VP of classic rock Scott Jameson will induct KQRS, Minneapolis morning icon Tom Barnard; Chicago media star Bob Sirott will induct pioneering disc jockey John Records Landecker; iHeartMedia West president Greg Ashlock will induct KFI, Los Angeles morning personality Bill Handel; and St. Louis talk host Ryan Wrecker will accept induction for the late Bob Sievers. National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig T. Kitchin says, “We’re pleased to have such talented and accomplished presenters joining us on this special night and happy that those who can’t attend won’t miss a beat thanks to TuneIn.”
TALKERS News Notes. The new ESPN2 television show “Barstool Van Talk” – from Barstool Sports – has been canceled after its first airing, but not because of the show itself. The TV program was based on the podcast “Pardon My Take” starring Barstool Sports’ Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter. But the connection to Barstool Sports – known for misogynistic humor – was too much for ESPN president John Skipper, who stated in a press release, “Effective immediately, I am cancelling ‘Barstool Van Talk.’ While we had approval on the content of the show, I erred in assuming we could distance our efforts from the Barstool site and its
content.”…..Pictured at right is Salem Radio Network v.p./News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup (center) on the set of the film, God’s Not Dead 3 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He’s standing with actor and producer David A.R. White (left) and John Corbett (right) best known as co-star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding…..A live radio broadcast of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat,” – a tale of murder and supernatural revenge – is being produced for Husson University’s WHSN-FM, Bangor, Maine. It will be performed live from the Gracie Theatre on Thursday, October 26 at 7:30 pm. The program is billed as “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” and features a cast 
of Husson University students and local residents and it’s free and open to the public…..At left is famed director Rob Reiner (left) sitting with ABC News chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl (right) and ABC News political director Rick Klein (center) recording their “Powerhouse Politics” podcast. The program was video-streamed live as Reiner joined the program to talk about his latest film, the historically themed LBJ…..iHeartMedia announces the addition of “The Fatherly Podcast” to the iHeartRadio digital platform. The program is hosted by veteran journalist, children’s book author, and father of two, Joshua David Stein and is a weekly show about raising children and the lives of men who take on that responsibility. Each episode is built around a wide-ranging interview with a notable father. Guests include Emmy Award-winner Sterling K. Brown, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.
Trump Tax Plan, North Korea Nuclear Threats, Sessions Announces MS-13 Efforts, Niger Ambush Investigation, Uranium One Probe, Sexual Harassment/O’Reilly-Weinstein Cases, California Wildfires, Xi Jinping Cements Power, World Series, and NFL Ratings, Protests, and Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/23). The Trump Administration’s plan for tax reform; North Korea’s stockpiling of weapons and talk of nuclear war; Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement that the DOJ is using more legal weapons to prosecute MS-13 gang members; the investigation into what when wrong at the Niger ambush of U.S. forces; allegations that the Obama Administration’s deal with Russian firm Uranium One benefitted the Clinton Foundation; sexual harassment in the workplace and the high-profile Harvey Weinstein and Bill O’Reilly cases; the destruction from Northern California’s wildfires and the struggle to contain them; “Xi Jinping Thought” is enshrined into China’s communist constitution, ensuring he’ll rule as long as he’s healthy; the Dodgers-Astros World Series; and National Football League ratings, anthem protests and action 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. Programming pro Bobby Novosad is promoted to program director for Cumulus Media’s country KXKC-FM, Lafayette, Louisiana “NASH FM 99.1.” Novosad continues his duties as brand manager and morning host at sister CHR KSMB. Cumulus Media Lafayette vice president and market manager Scott Chiasson says, “I am very excited to promote Bobby to program director of KXKC ‘NASH FM 99.1.’ Bobby has been a generational staple in the Lafayette metro area and is a fantastic radio guy. His deep experience and understanding of the way a winning station should sound is already having an impact. This is great for Bobby, Cumulus, our loyal listeners and the community we serve.”…..Thirty-one year radio pro Darrel Eason is appointed to the program director position at Salem Media Group’s urban Gospel KXFN/K236CS, St. Louis “Praise 95.1.” Eason is also hosting “The Morning Praise” from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Eason was previously the programmer at iHeartMedia’s crosstown KATZ-AM “Hallelujah 1600.”…..Former WGNA, Albany personality Marissa Lanchak announces via Facebook that she’s the new night jock at Beasley Media’s country WKLB, Boston. She wrote, “It’s taken a lot of bumps in the last couple of years to get to this spot. But I’m proud to say that I’ve accepted the night show position at Country 102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country!”…..Beasley Media Group’s adult hits WBEN-FM, Philadelphia announces Twister Sister lead singer Dee Snider will be the guest host of “95.7 BEN FM’s Halloween Hair Ball” on Saturday, October 28. Snider will play the top 50 greatest hair band hits of the 80s as chosen by the 95.7 BEN FM listeners – all commercial free! Station program director Chuck Damico comments, “We came up with the idea of letting listeners choose their favorite scary, hairy hits of the 80s and running them back countdown style for people’s Halloween parties. There’s only one perfect host that makes sense for that – Dee Snider! He’s an 80s rocker, a radio pro and Philly loves him! We’re thrilled to have Dee party with ‘95.7 BEN FM’ for the Halloween weekend.”
Luke Bryan Chats with Shawn and Elaina. It was a big day for country stars in person at Cumulus Media’s NASH Campus in Nashville as Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, and Chris Lane all stopped by to chat on the “NASH Nights Live” program. Pictured above is Bryan (left) with show co-stars Elaina Smith (center) and Shawn Parr (right).
CBS’ ‘We Can Survive’ Concert Rocks Hollywood Bowl. Pictured above is pop star Kesha performing onstage at the Hollywood Bowl at CBS RADIO’s We Can Survive 2017 benefit concert on Saturday (10/21). Other performers included: Alessia Cara, Harry Styles, Khalid, Lorde, Macklemore, P!nk, Sam Hunt, and Sam Smith, plus a surprise performance by Niall Horan. The show was hosted in support of breast cancer awareness and benefits the Young Survival Coalition, the premier organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for CBS RADIO.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Newsmax TV Adds Todd Schnitt and Wayne Allyn Root Shows. Two new shows are added to the lineup at Newsmax TV. “The Schnitt Show” and “WAR Now: The Wayne Allyn Root Show” will air for one hour at 3:00 
pm ET and 8:00 pm ET, respectively. Todd Schnitt’s radio talk show is syndicated by Compass Media Networks and airs live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Root’s radio show is a joint venture with USA Radio Network and airs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Newsman CEO Chris Ruddy states, “At Newsmax TV, we hear from our audience that they are hungry for thoughtful, passionate voices for viewpoints that other media outlets ignore. Todd Schnitt and Wayne Allyn Root are proven broadcasting leaders and we’re sure our viewers will engage with them.”
Wading Across the Widening Mainstream. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says that it was no surprise that Megyn Kelly’s interview with Alex Jones fell short of NBC’s expectations in the ratings and that President Donald Trump is effectively adhering to a carefully honed strategy by playing exclusively to his base – even though it is resulting in an extremely low (by recent standards) approval rating. It is all a part of what Harrison describes as the new rules of the “widening mainstream.” In a provocative new article posted today (6/23), Harrison argues, “We are immersed in the digital era marked by a dizzying number of media platforms and their attendant human interests. Yet, we still hear the expression ‘mainstream media’ (MSM) used as though news and entertainment are still dominated by a handful of media outlets and patronized by a largely homogeneous society. We actually still believe there is a ‘general public.’ I laugh when I hear, ‘The American people have spoken.’ Who are they?” Harrison continues, “If we are going to insist on clinging to the ‘mainstream’ analogy for media we should at least recognize that it is no longer the narrow, deep river in which we used to swim as kids – capable of supporting the ocean liners that were network television. Now it’s a wide-but-shallow marsh only capable of supporting smaller, specialized vessels.” Harrison goes on to say that the strategy being employed by Donald Trump in maintaining his power within this environment is – at least for now – “Unstoppable” and explains why. To read the entire piece, please click here.
NRHOF Class of 2017 Includes Hannity, Handel and Quivers. For the past three years, voting for entrance into the National Radio Hall of Fame has been split into two segments – one voted on by the public and one the
result of votes from industry people. This year, the National Radio Hall of Fame reports an unprecedented level of audience participation with nearly 300,000 votes cast for Music Format On-Air Personality and Spoken Word On-Air Personality. Those 2017 inductees will be Premiere Networks’ 
Bobby Bones and KFI, Los Angeles/Premiere Networks personality Bill Handel, respectively. The industry panel chose the following inductees in four categories: Active Local/Regional, 10+ years – Tom Barnard of KQRS, Minneapolis; Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years – John Records Landecker; Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years – Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity; and Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years – Robin Quivers of the Howard Stern show. The National Radio
Hall of Fame nominating committee also voted to induct two individuals for their contribution to the industry. They are: Joseph M. Field, chairman/founder Entercom Communications Corp. and Robert S. “Bob” Sievers, the late legendary Fort Wayne, Indiana air personality who was on WOWO Radio for 51 years. National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig T. Kitchin comments, “Each year the enthusiasm and participation from those in our industry and the voting public grows by leaps and bounds. We’re so happy to induct this truly deserving, talented group of broadcasters this year into the National Radio Hall of Fame.” The induction ceremony takes place on November 2 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago.
TALKERS News Notes. Washington, DC sports media figure Andy Pollin is entering the world of podcasting,
launching a new weekly show beginning July 3. The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg writes about the former, longtime WTEM personality’s new project, noting that Pollin will use the Chatter studio facility in DC built by fellow former WTEM personality Tony Kornheiser and his business partners. Pollin co-hosts a weekly Saturday morning sports talk show with Thom Loverro on WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan.”…..Cumulus Media enters into a multi-year partnership with IMG College to broadcast Air Force Academy athletic events. As part of the deal KVOR, Colorado Springs will continue to serve as flagship for Air Force football and men’s basketball games. Jim Arthur continues as the radio “Voice of the Falcons.”…..Sinclair 
Broadcast Group buys Seattle news/talk KOMO-FM from Greg Smith’s South Sound Broadcasting for $6.75 million. Sinclair has been operating the FM signal under an LMA since acquiring KOMO-AM from Fisher…..Salem Radio Network morning drive personality Hugh Hewitt will host his nationally syndicated program from Bold Gold Media-owned affiliate station WTRW, Scranton “94.3 The Talker” tomorrow and Wednesday (6/27-28). Hewitt is speaking at the Bold Gold Broadcast and Media Foundation’s event and dinner tomorrow evening.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Begin Posting Tomorrow (6/27). The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and, beginning tomorrow (6/27), its sessions will be posted to Talkers.com. Tomorrow, the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor will be posted. On Wednesday (6/28), the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke will be posted. On Thursday (6/29) the “Fireside Chat” between Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity will be posted. Closing out the week on Friday (6/30) the “Fireside Chat” between Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa will be posted. Within the following weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.
BFoA Names Three to Board of Directors. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Kim Guthrie, president of Cox Media Group, and DuJuan McCoy, president/CEO and founder of Bayou City Broadcasting have joined its board of directors, and that Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott joins as an officer and vice president. The new members and Talbott were voted in during the Board meeting that took place in New York City last week. BFoA chairman Dan Mason states, “The addition of these highly respected industry leaders to our board and executive ranks will further enhance awareness of our mission to provide assistance to broadcasters in need. Their dedication to helping our colleagues who need it most is an inspiration that I hope will reverberate across our industry so that we can help more broadcasters in need.”
Republican Health Care Plan, Russian Election Hacking Testimony, Trump-Russia Investigation, Johnny Depp ‘Assassination’ Comments, State of the Democratic Party, ‘Pizzagate’ Shooter Sentenced, Sinking Oil Prices, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The GOP plan to overhaul the Affordable Care Act; the testimony from former Homeland Secretary Jeh Johnson and others about Russia’s attempts to hack the U.S. presidential election; the special counsel investigation into possible connections between Donald Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; reaction to actor Johnny Depp’s “assassination” of President Trump joke; speculation about the state of the Democratic Party in the wake of its loss in the Georgia House special election; Edgar Maddison Welch is sentenced to four years for firing an assault rifle in DC’s Comet Ping Pong pizza parlor while attempting to investigate the fake news story about a Hillary Clinton-run child sex ring; the recent dramatic fall in oil prices; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. St. Louis radio personality Paul Cook announces that he’ll be missing some time on the radio as he begins treatment for cancer. Cook hosts afternoon drive on CBS RADIO’s hot AC KYKY “Y98.” He posted via Facebook, “In case you’re wondering where I have gone for big chunks of the next six months. The reason is that I will be getting treated for stage four colorectal cancer. Big surprise to me as well. I have the best doctors, so much love around me and there is no better place to work than right here during something like
this.”…..Alpha Media flips classic hits KOOI, Tyler Texas from its “Sunny 106.5” brand to “106.5 Jack FM.” Alpha VP of programming Ronnie Stanton comments, “Jack FM is such a fun, exciting brand and we are excited to add another Jack to the Alpha stable. We believe we will bring a refreshing new sound to East Texas and some of the genuine fun the Jack 
brand is famous for around the world.”…..iHeartMedia’s country WSIX “The BIG 98” is presenting the 7th annual “ACCU-CHEK Guide Guitar-B-Que,” a live concert and guitar auction to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on August 23 at Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville. WSIX personalities Tige & Daniel, Amy Paige, McKiddy and more will host the event that will feature performances by Brett Eldredge, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, Devin Dawson and DJ Sinister…..Pictured at left are WLNK, Charlotte and nationally syndicated morning hosts Bob & Sheri (background) behind Martha, the Neapolitan Mastiff just crowned 2017 World’s Ugliest Dog, and her owner. Bob & Sheri again emceed the international event that draws media coverage from around the world, including coverage on “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show and in People magazine. Held in Petaluma, California, The World’s Ugliest Dog contest benefits animal rescue and has been an annual event since 1962.
PPM Analysis: CHR. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents the fourth and final format analysis based on data from the May PPM survey from Nielsen Audio, today focusing on CHR. Comparing station performances to 6+ data from the April PPM survey, Kinosian concludes, “Virtually as many mainstream CHR panelists are up April 2017 – May 2017 (45%) as are down (47%), with the remaining 8% flat.” Comparing year-over-year results, he notes, “Over half the CHR stations in this sample are down May 2016 – May 2017 (57%); roughly one of three improve (36%); and 7% remain steady.” In May, seven CHR stations ranked #1 (6+) in their respective markets. They were: KQMV, Seattle; KDWB, Minneapolis; WBLI, Long Island; WHTZ, Long Island; WNCI, Columbus; WZPL, Indianapolis; and WRVW, Nashville. See the entire report here.
Monday, May 15, 2017
WFAN Sells Studio Naming Rights for ‘Boomer & Carton’ to Investors Bank. New York City sports talk
WFAN enters into a multi-year partnership with Investors Bank under which the bank will become the exclusive studio naming rights partner of the station’s “Boomer & Carton” show. Investors Bank CEO Kevin Cummings says, “As we look to expand our profile throughout the NY and NJ region, partnering with organizations that share our values is important to us. Investors Bank is looking forward to a very strong relationship with WFAN and we’re excited about having the ‘Boomer & Carton’ show broadcast from the Investors Bank Studio at WFAN.”
Alpha Media Launches Peoria Sports Talker. In Peoria, Alpha Media launches a sports talk outlet – the company’s seventh station in the market – branded “95.9 The Sports Nut.” So far, the station features Fox Sports Radio programming including “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Dan Patrick and Doug Gottlieb and promises more programming news soon. It airs on WNGY-HD2 and translator W251BQ.
Brown Named Sales Manager for WPHT, Philadelphia. Coming over to CBS RADIO from his most recent position with Greater Media as group sales manager for the company’s Philadelphia stations prior to their
acquisition by Beasley Broadcast Group is Jim Brown. He’ll serve as sales manager for news/talk WPHT. Brown is a Philly native well acquainted with the market, having started his career as an account manager at KYW-TV in 1983. VP/director of sales for CBS RADIO Philadelphia Dave Scopinich comments, “We’re so fortunate to add someone of Jim’s talent and experience to our sales management team. Jim is a natural coach and leader. He understands how to create multi-platform campaigns that deliver results for clients. He’s a perfect fit at 1210 WPHT.”
Sean Hannity, Jim Rome and Robin Quivers Among Nominees for National Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2017. The voting for the National Radio Hall of Fame class of 2017 begins today (5/15). There are 24 nominees in six categories. Four of those categories will be voted on by a panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. The other two categories will be voted on by the public, beginning June 5 for eight nominations for
Music Format On-Air Personality and Spoken Word On-Air Personality. National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig Kitchin says, “As an industry, we should all be proud of our incredibly diverse community of talent who have made and continue to make radio great. This year’s class of nominees is a fine representation of why millions of people connect to our medium on a daily basis.” News/talk and sports talk radio nominees include: Sean Hannity; Jim Rome; Mike Greenberg & Mike Golic; the Fabulous Sports Babe Nanci Donnellan; Robin Quivers; Diane Rehm; KFI, Los Angeles’ Bill Handel; SiriusXM’s Joe Madison; WFLA-AM, Tampa’s Jack Harris & Tedd Webb; and public radio shows “Marketplace” and “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me.” Inductees will be announced June 26. The induction ceremony will be held November 2 at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in downtown Chicago. See the full list of nominees here.
TALKERS News Notes. In New Hampshire, Great Eastern Radio agrees to sell three FMs to longtime Granite State broadcaster/engineer Dirk Nadon. After FCC approval of the deal, he’ll take over the operation of sports talk WZEI, Meredith “Sportsradio 101.5,” sports talk WTPL, Hillsboro “The Pulse 107.7” and rock WLKZ, Wolfeboro “The Hawk 104.9.” Nadon says, “I am very excited to return to ownership in New Hampshire radio which began when my father and I originally put on the air the 101.5 frequency that I am re-purchasing in this transaction. I feel like it is a coming home for this station and for me.” WZEI airs programming from the WEEI Sports Radio Network and Boston Red Sox baseball. WTPL also carries Red Sox baseball along with local sports talk…..Salem Radio Network News is offering a five-part series on media bias to interested stations for free. Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says the news series was produced by SRN News anchor Keith Peters and features comments from former CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson, Tim Graham of the Washington, DC-based Media Research Center, and others. He says stations wishing to incorporate this material into local talk shows or newscasts will receive scripts and audio clips that is also free of any reference to SRN News. If interested, email Tradup at ttradup@srnradio.com…..Compass Media Networks announces it will offer 72 college and pro football broadcasts this fall. The slate of NCAA and NFL games includes exclusive coverage of Oakland Raiders games and full national coverage of Dallas Cowboys games. Compass is also announcing its commitment to play-by-play announcer Chris Carrino’s fight against Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) by encouraging people to visit fightforchris.com and donate to the cause.
Reminder! AMC-8 Service Is Going Away. From your friends at Westwood One comes this reminder that in 45 days, “radio stations around the country will lose all radio network programming from all major companies if they do not re-aim their satellites from AMC-8 to the new AMC-18 at 105 degrees West Longitude. On June 30, AMC-8 will no longer serve as the radio network “neighborhood,” and there will not be a suitable replacement satellite at the 139 degree position. It has exceeded its design life and is not being replaced by an equivalent C-band satellite at the same location. The five major commercial radio networks – Learfield, Orbital Media Networks (OMNi), Premiere Networks, Skyview Networks and Westwood One – now have their full complements of satellite-delivered programming available on their new frequencies on AMC-18. This also includes programming from syndicators who lease their satellite time from these five companies. For more information, click here.
TAB Radio Institute at University of Tennessee Begins Today. At the University of Tennessee in Knoxville today, more than 40 broadcast professionals will begin leading sessions for the 25 students accepted into the inaugural Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Radio Talent Institute. The Radio Talent Institute is spearheaded by radio consultant Dan Vallie. TAB president Whit Adamson says of the 10-day program, “The 
student preparation and focus for the Radio Talent Institute is like nothing else we could get involved with. This course gets them ready for graduation and the next step in their careers, which is a valuable asset to any station. They have been exposed to all facets of a station and capable of sitting down at any broadcast radio or television facility and prepared to add something.” Sessions throughout the Institute will be led by broadcasters from Midwest Communications, Scripps Radio Group, 5 Star Radio, Cumulus, Thunderbolt Broadcasting, Saga, iHeartMedia, Cromwell, Entercom, and others. Vallie says, “We are very excited to be partnering with the University of Tennessee and working with Sam Swan and the College of Communication and Information, and with Benny Smith, at their award-winning college radio station, WUTK. And we couldn’t be happier to partner with Whit Adamson and the TAB, who have been supportive of the National Radio Talent System almost from the very beginning.”
Herskovitz: Emerging Trend in Radio Ads? Radio sales maven Al Herskovitz says we may be seeing the emergence of a new trend in radio advertising – the use of old, classic song snippets to hawk modern goods and services. As Herskovitz notes, “The wide world of commercials is no different than any other segment of society. It goes through its periods of fads and fashions.” Although the radio ad jingle is not as popular as it used to be, and popular music songs have long been used in commercials, this trend involves a slightly different twist. Read Herskovitz’s column here.
Fox News Radio’s Starnes Delivers Commencement Address. Pictured above are Fox News Radio personality Todd Starnes (right) and Toccoa Falls College president Dr. Robert Myers (left). Starnes delivered the commencement address at the Toccoa Falls, Georgia school and was presented with the President’s Medallion in recognition of meritorious service.
Worldwide Cyber-Attack, Trump Threatens End of Press Briefings, Comey Firing Aftermath, North Korea Missile Test, ‘SNL’ Spicer-Trump Bit, and MLB, NBA, and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The ransomware attack that’s affected more than 100 countries; President Donald Trump’s threat to end press briefings for the sake of “accuracy”; the political effects of the dismissal of FBI Director James Comey and speculation about who will take his place; North Korea’s test of a long-range missile; the latest Sean Spicer-Donald Trump skit on “Saturday Night Live”; and MLB, NBA, and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. The weekly “Country Club with Dee Jay Silver” show returns to Compass Media Networks. The program airs Friday and Saturday nights and is currently heard on more than 60 country stations across the nation. Dee Jay Silver says, “I am thrilled to rejoin Compass Media Networks. This is where it all began for me a few years ago and I look forward to a long-term partnership.” Compass is providing syndication and affiliate and ad sales…..Reach Media is launching a new weekend show called, appropriately, “The Weekend Blast” with co-hosts and hip hop legends Ed Lover and Monie Love. Reach says that the two-hour show will “give listeners their hip hop culture fix with celebrity interviews, entertainment news and the best music for every generation. It debuts on Saturday (5/20) in more than 15 markets including Philadelphia, Atlanta and Dallas.
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Monday, November 6, 2017
iHeartMedia Puts Three Stations in Divestiture Trust. The deal that iHeartMedia
struck with Entercom to swap stations in the Seattle and Boston markets is forcing iHM to put three stations in the newly created Ocean Station Trust LLC in order to comply with ownership caps. Those stations are: alt rocker KFOO, Centralia, Washington (Tacoma market); rhythmic CHR KUBE, Eatonville, Washington (Tacoma market); and news/talk WKOX, Everett, Massachusetts (Boston market).
iHM Will Not Assume WBZ-AM, Boston’s SAG-AFTRA Contracts. This is not the news that union staffers at CBS RADIO’s all-news WBZ-AM, Boston want to hear as they prepare
to become part of the iHeartMedia family, under an LMA until the deal closes (probably in January). That LMA could happen as soon as the 17th of this month. According to a piece in the Boston Globe, SAG-AFTRA has received notice from iHeartMedia that not only will staffers at WBZ-AM have to interview for their current jobs, but iHM says it will not assume the two collective bargaining agreements between SAG-AFTRA and CBS RADIO. SAG-AFTRA’s Boston-based official Tom Higgins tells the paper that iHM officials who visited the station said they want a “seamless” transition, but says that contract issue “doesn’t sound like seamless.” Higgins says the union plans to meet with iHeartMedia officials this week. Read the Globe piece here.
Salem Names Ed Martin Afternoon Host at ‘The Answer’ in St. Louis. He’s the co-author of The Conservative Case for Trump (Regnery 2016) and the former Missouri
Republican Party chairman. Salem reports that Ed Martin will assume the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm show on KXFN-AM/K287BY “1380 AM and 105.3 FM The Answer” next Monday (11/13). It’ll be called “The Ed Martin Movement” and Salem St. LouisVP/GM Greg Lhamon states, “We looked at a lot of options for afternoons, but no other talk host had their finger on the pulse of national, statewide, and local politics like Ed Martin. He’s smart and savvy and will force politicians to stay on their toes. And as a CNN political contributor, he brings a global perspective to talk radio that is sorely missing in St. Louis.” The press release also states: “Formally trained as a lawyer and ethicist, Ed is the hand-picked successor of Phyllis Schlafly as head of her ‘Eagles.'”
Bill Handel Records Apology to Rep. Wilson. Under fire for referring to U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (in connection with the Trump–Myesia Johnson story) as a “cheap, sleazy Democrat whore” on his KFI, Los Angeles morning radio show, Bill Handel recorded an apology that has aired on the station. But lead critic Janmyne Cannick – a self
-described commentator – says it’s too little, too late. In a story published by LA Weekly, Cannick – who’s been leading the efforts to see Handel punished for his use of the word “whore” in connection with Wilson – tells the paper, “If KFI can suspend afternoon drive hosts John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou (John and Ken) for one-week following their calling Whitney Houston a ‘crack ho,’ then Bill Handel – KFI’s prized morning drive host who called a sitting member of Congress a ‘cheap, sleazy, Democrat whore’ on live air – should get nothing less.” Read the LA Weekly piece here.
‘Florida Sports Talk’ Duo Re-Brand as ‘Gainesville Ocala All Talk.’ The sports talk multi-cast that Florida Sportstalk LLC is operating in the Gainesville-Ocala market is re-branding and will take on a more “talk radio” approach. The stations that made up “Florida Sports Talk” are” WMOP, Ocala; WGGG, Gainesville; translator W221DX at 92.1 FM; and
WGOT-LP, Gainesville. The station is now called Gainesville Ocala All Talk “The GOAT FM.” On its Facebook page, the company says the change is being made “in response to [the stations’] growing voice in the region pertaining to news and social events and based on the feedback from followers and the fan base…[to assure that] our branding more accurately reflects our voice, impact, and prominence in the communities we serve.” Former WSKY, Ocala talk host Chip Morris is being added to the programming lineup for morning drive. Stations OM Don DePew Jr. comments, “We were thrilled to see our voice and impact grow as we provided a voice of calm and grace through recent social issues that crossed from sports to everyday life. Our adjustment in brand to this new reality is a step forward in this regard. We are further excited to have Chip Morris bring his experience and influence in our region to our team. We look forward to the days ahead as we bring Gainesville Ocala All Talk to you, our listeners.”
iHeartMedia Promotes Ashlock and Adkins. Executives Greg Ashlock and Hartley Adkins have been promoted by iHeartMedia in what the company calls “the next step in the evolution of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.” Ashlock, who has been president of
iHeartMedia Markets Group West Division, is upped to president of the iHeartMedia Markets Group. Adkins, who most recently served as president of Northeast Division and Corporate Operations for the iHeartMedia Markets 
Group, is now president of Integrated Revenue Strategy. Ashlock is now managing the entire iHeartMedia Markets Group, including the company’s more than 850 radio stations in over 150 markets. The company says the consolidation under one leader will allow iHeartMedia to move quicker, be more responsive, communicate more clearly and best serve both listeners and advertisers based on each market’s unique needs. In his newly created role, Adkins will join the corporate group in New York and will be responsible for working with group heads and other corporate leaders to help develop innovative revenue initiatives that scale across multiple platforms, as well as new strategic solutions specifically for the Markets Group that utilize the unique assets of iHeartMedia.
Beasley Broadcasting Group Reports Q3 Net Revenue. The company says that its net revenue for the third quarter of 2017 at its legacy stations was “comparable to the net
revenue for the same period in 2016” – so we can read that as “flat.” However, Beasley’s acquisition of the Greater Media stations that took place in November of last year boosts the company’s revenue figures. Third quarter net revenue jumped from $27.7 million in 2016 to $58.9 million in 2017 because of the 21 new stations in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Charlotte, Philadelphia and New Jersey markets (it also takes into account the stations it sold to Entercom and CMG Coastal Carolina).
Traffic Pioneer Rod Carson Dies at 75. Longtime KYW, Philadelphia traffic reporter and Shadow Traffic co-founder Rod Carson died over the weekend at his home in Pennsylvania at the age of 75. CBS Philadelphia reports that “before getting into traffic reporting, [Carson] was one of the ‘Wibbage Good Guys’ on the former WIBG, and also did the ‘Rock and Roll Roots’ show on WMMR.” Carson marked his 50th year in radio in 2007.
National Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Pictured above at the November 2 induction ceremony for the National Radio Hall of Fame at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago are (from l-r): NRHoF chairman Kraig Kitchin, inductees John Records Landecker, Joseph Field, Bobby Bones, Tom Barnard, Bill Handel and MBC founder Bruce Dumont. Not pictured is inductee Sean Hannity, who did not travel to Chicago for the ceremony.
Donna Brazile Hillary Criticism, Mueller Investigation-Possible Michael Flynn Indictment, Trump in Japan, GOP Tax Reform Plan, Kevin Spacey Sexual Assault Investigation, Texas Church Slayings, Saudi Purge, Rand Paul Assault, Kaepernick Collusion Suit, NFL Attendance-Protests Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Former interim DNC chair Donna Brazile’s criticisms of the Hillary Clinton campaign in her new book; the Robert Mueller investigation and the possibility of charges against former National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn; President Trump’s trip to Japan and statements about strong rhetoric regarding North Korea; the details of the Republican tax reform plan; the UK authorities’ investigation of sexual assault charges against actor Kevin Spacey; the Sunday slaying of 26 at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas; Saudi Arabia arrests 15 ministers and princes in anti-corruption efforts; Senator Rand Paul suffers cracked ribs in assault at his home; Colin Kaepernick’s collusion suit against the NFL; the NFL anthem protests, declining game attendance, and Sunday’s action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.