Tag: "Brunswick"
Thursday, February 11, 2021
NYTimes Piece Pins Capitol Attack on Talk Radio. The piece in The New York Times titled, “How Right-Wing Radio Stoked Anger Before the Capitol Siege,” comes on the heels of a story published by the Washington Post several days prior that attempts to assess the state of talk radio and where its future lies in the 21st century American media landscape. The two stories are at the forefront of an effort by the mainstream media to determine why U.S. citizens aligned with Donald Trump were willing to break into the U.S. Capitol on January 6 to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election. In the Times story, the writers quote statements by leading talk hosts, some of which show sympathy for the “stolen election” allegation, others that directly claim it to be true, and still others that use language that advocates protest but falls short of
encouraging law breaking. TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison is quoted saying, “We always had shock jocks. But then we had a shock president.” Harrison, one of the most vocal proponents of the First Amendment in radio over the past half century, elaborates by stating, “Democracy and free speech as reflected and discussed on political news/talk radio constitute the major hardball league in the marketplace of ideas. Neither democracy nor free speech are tidy processes and can get real mean, loud, and 
even dirty – but both are vital to the very foundation of liberty as we understand it as being the American way. It takes courage to stake out a controversial opinion in the media and willingness to face the negative blowback of critics and political opponents from other platforms – even to the point of economic boycotts – keeping in mind that negative reaction comes with the territory of a healthy First Amendment in action under which they are all fair game. From this perspective, media practitioners such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin are among the most important commentators in America today and they should be cut some slack from being
demonized for performing their jobs. That being said, we should never confuse the difference between being a pre-meditated liar for personal gain and simply being wrong in our interpretation of the evidence and news at hand in a swirling, ever-changing political environment. We should also not forget that there is a HUGE difference between being a non-elected media pundit and being the President of the United States. The fact that these talk show hosts are being compared to the President of the United States as being responsible for his statements and their real-world consequences either shows how incredibly important this profession has become or just how low Donald Trump – the first ‘shock president’ – has sunk the presidency and is pulling his loyal media followers with him down the rabbit hole. These hosts will have to decide for themselves if they want to stay on the Trump train or get off at the station being offered by the Senate trial. History WILL eventually be the judge of the wisdom of their decisions going forward.”
Root: I Was ‘Disappeared’ by Twitter. Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root writes an opinion piece for TALKERS magazine today in which he decries his Twitter account being shut down. Root is one of a number of conservative media personalities who’ve lost their Twitter accounts, many of which were suspended or shut down for supporting election fraud theories, and liberal media figure Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just lost his Instagram account for his anti-vaxxer posts. Of course, not everyone in conservative talk radio takes Root’s position that private social media platforms are obligated to carry materials or opinions with which they disagree or believe to be harmful. After all, if the Fairness Doctrine was repressive to talk radio, isn’t imposing a similar obligation on Twitter equally repressive to the First Amendment? The First Amendment protects private platform owners from being obligated to run content with which they disagree and only protects free speech from government censorship. You can read Root’s piece here.
NAB Comes Out Against Geo-Targeting Using FM Boosters. The National Association of Broadcasters is filing comments with the FCC on its inquiry into whether to amend its rules to allow FM booster stations to originate programming. As TALKERS reported earlier this week, GeoBroadcast Solutions received permission for its fourth test of its technology that enables FM radio broadcasters to use boosters to air geo-targeted content, independent of a broadcaster’s primary signal, within
different portions of a station’s market – what the company calls ZoneCasting. But the NAB says that after a careful and thorough review of the Notice, it is strongly opposing revising the booster rule that forbids them from airing unique content, a requirement for ZoneCasting. The NAB says, “A close review of the Notice suggests that rather than bolster the industry’s economic outlook, GBS’s proposal would instead undermine the industry’s fundamental business model. The vast majority of broadcasters – from a wide array of perspectives – agree that permitting program origination on boosters will almost certainly drive both advertising rates and revenues down even further as advertisers push to purchase geo-targeted ads. The outcome is unavoidable, given the obvious business incentives for advertisers to purchase spots that cherry-pick what they view to be their most desirable customers and at a lower 
cost. Further inspection also leads to the inevitable conclusion that broadcasters will not be able to recoup such losses through sales of any additional spot inventory that is created on boosters. Based on their considerable advertising expertise, most station owners predict that existing advertising customers will likely substitute, rather than supplement, market-wide ads with cheaper, geo-targeted ads. They also agree that potential sales of geo-targeted ads to new customers are purely speculative. Broadcasters do not by and large see pent-up demand by small businesses in their local markets that have not previously purchased advertising time, and even if such demand exists, it would not be economical to undertake the substantial investment to capture the additional business.” The NAB goes on to say, “Amending the booster rule could very well produce a race to the bottom of ad rates and revenues and NAB is concerned that ZoneCasting will only increase the leverage of larger broadcasters and consolidated groups at the expense of smaller stations. Minority- and women-owned stations could be hardest hit if they cannot afford the expense of selling geo- targeted ads or absorb lower advertising rates and new competition for ad dollars from the boosters of larger stations.” It also questions the effect the technology could have on listeners. “Broadcasters are extremely concerned that the interference caused by geo-targeting where the boundary of a primary station meets a booster airing different programming will spur listeners to change to an alternative platform and reflect poorly on the reputation of FM radio service. Even if an individual station is willing to risk that loss, listeners may not limit their disdain to one station or group; rather, they may become so disenchanted with the reliability of terrestrial radio that they seek out a plethora of other options.” You can see the NAB’s complete comments submitted to the FCC here.
MIW Group’s Gender Analysis Report Card Shows Improvement and Room for Growth. The annual MIW Gender Analysis Study for the year 2020 is released by the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group. Each year it compiles and analyzes the number of women in radio broadcasting who are rising to the ranks of management – specifically tracking the progress of female professionals holding general manager, sales manager, and program director positions. MIW says the figures and percentages in the study’s conclusion are reflective of 11,158 AM and FM radio stations across
America, as accounted for by PrecisionTrak as of December 31, 2020. Looking at the general manager position, the study finds that in 2020 19.9% of stations had women in that role, up from 19.5% in 2019. MIW says this number continues to show consistent growth from 2004, when the percentage of female GMs was only 14.9%. Moving to sales managers, MIW says the best management opportunities for women in radio continue to be in sales management. 33% of stations had a woman sales manager in 2020, that figure was basically flat from 33.1% in 2019. MIW says that although there continues to be progress, the greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program director. Women currently program 12.2% of stations versus 11.6% last year. This is the second year in a row this number has increased, as it has remained stalled for fourteen years. MIW Group national spokeswoman Ruth Presslaff comments, “In a year as challenging as 2020, any growth should be celebrated. However, our mission is advocating for the advancement of women to senior radio positions in radio. If not flat, the 2020 numbers reflect only slight increases. This fuels our passion for mentoring and inspiring women in the industry and drives our dedication to seeing these numbers rise in 2021 and beyond.”
Two New Affiliates for Erick Erickson Show. The syndicated, midday “Erick Erickson
Show” adds two new affiliates to its roster of stations. RadioJones LLC’s WVOP, Vidalia, Georgia (yes, the home of the Vidalia onion!), that covers a significant portion of the southeast part of Georgia, adds the program in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm time slot. Also, QBS Broadcasting’s WBQO, Brunswick, Georgia, covering the Georgia coastal area, picks up the show, airing it live from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Doug Stephan’s DJV Show Adds Jai Kershner as Air Personality and Social Media Director. The nationally syndicated “DJV Show” – starring Doug Stephan, Jen Horn, and Victoria Keelan – announces the addition of Jai Kershner to the program as an air 
personality social media director. Kershner was most recently with Saga Communications’ country WVVR-FM, Clarksville, Tennessee “The Beaver 100.3” where she was air personality. Prior to that she was co-host of the nationally syndicated “Dawson McCallister Show.” Stephan says, “Jai brings a contemporary feel to the show and keeps the audience abreast of what’s trending. She fits in nicely with Jennifer, Victoria, and me.” Kershner comments, “It’s a great responsibility and challenge, which coupled with the great reach of the ‘DJV Show,’ presents an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Former ICE Acting Director Joins FAIR as Senior Fellow and Spokesperson. The Federation for American Immigration Reform announces that former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mark Morgan joins the organization as a senior fellow and an additional spokesperson. FAIR says that Morgan “brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the immigration policy debate and, in his new capacity at FAIR, he will continue to be an important voice in the ongoing debate about immigration enforcement and border security.” FAIR
executive director Bob Dane adds, “Mark’s experience and unwavering commitment to enforce our nation’s laws has made him one of America’s most respected experts on immigration. His expertise and ‘tell it like it really is’ approach are needed now more than ever as the Biden administration is whittling away interior and perimeter controls at breakneck speed. As Mark has done so many times during his decorated career, he once again answers the call to serve his nation as senior fellow at FAIR. Quite simply, Mark is the right guy, at the right time, in the right place.” Speaking about his new role, Morgan states, “I’m honored to serve as a senior fellow with FAIR, which is dedicated to engaging in meaningful dialogue to influence, formulate and promote responsible immigration policies for the 21st century and beyond. I am delighted to be part of the effort to seek out solutions to mitigate the tremendous burden and negative impact of uncontrolled immigration on our country’s national security and economic prosperity.”
Rachel Rollar Joins Newsmax TV’s Morning Show. The newest addition to the on-air staff at Newsmax TV is broadcast journalist Rachel Rollar, who is now part of the
“Wake Up America” morning program hosted by Rob Finnerty. Newsmax says Rollar will deliver national and international news and social media updates. The program will include her feature, “Rachel’s Rapid Reactions,” in which she’ll “show what people are talking about in real time on social media in hope of bridging the gap between the audience and the newscast.” Speaking about her new position she says, “I’m excited to be joining the Newsmax TV team and its growing number of media professionals. This is a great opportunity to speak to viewers who are passionate about news.”
Hats Off to Radio Pioneers Edwin Armstrong and William Lear. The confluence of National Inventors Day (2/11) and World Radio Day (2/13) is a great time to remember
the accomplishments of two of radio’s technology pioneers: Edwin Howard Armstrong, inventor of FM radio, and William Lear, inventor of the first practical car radio. Aaron Bennett of the National Inventors Hall of Fame writes a piece published today in TALKERS to help us remember these men – both inductees into the National Inventors Hall of Fame – whose inventions helped make radio the 20th century media powerhouse that it became. Read his piece here.
Trump Impeachment Case/Georgia Criminal Probe, COVID-19 Stats & Vaccines, Social Media & Censorship, Robinhood Lawsuit, Springsteen OUI-Jeep Spot, and Larry Flynt Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/10). The impeachment case against Donald Trump and the state of Georgia’s probe into Trump’s call to its secretary of state seeking changes in the presidential vote totals; the number of positive COVID cases and deaths in the U.S. and the rollout of vaccines; conservatives’ complaints about being censored by social media platforms and anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy, Jr is banned from Twitter; the family of college student Alex Kearns sues trading firm Robinhood over his suicide; Bruce Springsteen’s Jeep spot is pulled after his November OUI becomes public; and Hustler publisher Larry Flynt dies at 78 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Rush Limbaugh Updates Listeners on Cancer Battle; ‘Under a Death Sentence.’ Talk radio legend Rush Limbaugh gave listeners an update on his battle with cancer at the outset of his Premiere Networks nationally syndicated program on Monday (10/19) and said that after a long period of keeping the cancer from spreading via treatment,
recent tests show “some progression of cancer.” He told listeners, “I hate the way I feel every day. It’s tough to realize that the days where I do not think I’m under a death sentence are over. Now, we all are, is the point. We all know that we’re going to die at some point, but when you have a terminal disease diagnosis that has a time frame to it, then that puts a different psychological and even physical awareness to it.” But he went on to say that he still looks forward to going on the air every day. “I feel very blessed to be here speaking with you today. Some days are harder than others. I do get fatigued now. I do get very, very tired now. I’m not gonna mislead you about that. But I am extremely grateful to be able to come here to the studio and to maintain as much normalcy as possible – and it’s still true.” You know, I wake up every day and thank God that I did. I go to bed every night praying I’m gonna wake up.” Limbaugh first announced he’d been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer on February 3.
Industry Shocked by Savage’s Criticism of Limbaugh Cancer Update. Numerous talk radio industry pros – from executives to staffers working “in the trenches” – have told TALKERS magazine today that they are “disgusted” by Michael Savage’s Twitter post in the aftermath of Rush Limbaugh’s on-air update about the progression of his Stage 4 lung cancer and how he’s handling his terminal diagnosis. The tweet came
yesterday immediately after Limbaugh’s first segment and read: “Limbaugh’s crying about his cancer on air! Worst 15 minutes in radio history! Spilled a large coffee all over counter and floor. I PROMISE MY AUDIENCE THIS – I WILL NOT DRAG YOU DOWN WITH ME! Best wishes RUSH, but stop and leave the stage with dignity.” TALKERS founder Michael Harrison even threw his two cents into the discussion stating, “Savage got it all wrong. Rush tapped the deepest level of the ties that bind talk show hosts to their listeners – the sharing of personal life experiences and feelings – yes, feelings. What Rush bravely did in sharing his first-hand perspective on his circumstances was a gift to his listeners and to the rest of us in radio. It’s what makes our business a true community and elevates our place as a public forum to an enormously special level in a world awash in superficiality and hype. Rush shared his heart with us.”
New Deal with CBS Sports for ‘Boomer & Gio.’ A new, multiyear extension is inked between Entercom and CBS Sports to continue simulcasting WFAN-AM/FM, New York’s “Boomer & Gio” morning drive show on the CBS Sports Network. The show co
-hosted by Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti airs live from 6:00 am to 10:00 am ET. Entercom New York SVP and market manager Chris Oliviero says, “Boomer and Gio have become a must-listen for New York sports fans to start their day with their unique perspectives, humor and a bit of the unexpected sprinkled in. WFAN is happy to extend our long partnership with CBS Sports Network to let fans nationwide take a peek into their world and join in on the fun each morning.” CBS Sports Network available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu. Additionally, a live CBS Sports Network stream is available through CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App by authenticating with select providers.
The Presidential Race/Voting Begins, COVID-19 Stats & Projections, the Economy/Stimulus Talks, Hunter Biden Laptop Case, Social Media ‘Censorship,’ Limbaugh Cancer Update, Russian Cyberattack Charges, and Jeffrey Toobin Zoom Incident Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/19). The November presidential election, the final debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden as well as the early and mail-in voting procedures; the rise in COVID-19 cases across most of the U.S. and Europe and projections for a fall/winter second wave; the state of the U.S. economy and negotiations in congress over a new stimulus package; chatter about the legitimacy of the Hunter Biden laptop matter; complaints by conservative media figures about “censorship” of posts that have locked their accounts; Rush Limbaugh delivers somber update on his battle with cancer; six Russian military officers are charged with cyberattacks by the U.S.’ and New Yorker writer and CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin is suspended after exposing himself during a Zoom meeting were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. According to a story by Neil Best at Newsday, Entercom’s WFAN, New York “The Fan” will – “barring a contractual glitch” – hire former morning
drive star Craig Carton within the next few weeks and put him in the afternoon drive slot by January, if not sooner. The New York and Philadelphia media have been watching the sports talk radio scene intensely since Carton was let out of prison early after his fraud conviction in 2018. Most reports have cited sources indicating Carton will be with WFAN before long, but Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” in Philadelphia has reportedly been courting Carton…..Salem Radio Network is 
presenting coverage of this Thursday’s final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, moderated by Kristen Welker of MSNBC. SRN’s coverage begins at 8:06 pm ET with a special “SRN Debate Preview” hosted by nationally syndicated SRN talk host Hugh Hewitt with special guests including HotAir.com’s Ed Morrissey and an update from SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston, who is credentialed and will report from the debate venue at the Belmont University campus in Nashville. Hewitt will also host a 60-minute “Debate Wrap-Up” show immediately following the 90-minute debate…..The Radio Advertising Bureau approved a new slate of officers at its recent
Fall Board of Directors meeting. Neuhoff Media chief operating officer Mike Hulvey is the new board chair; Bill Hendrich, EVP, Cox Media Group is vice chair; Jeff Warshaw, CEO, Connoisseur Media, LLC joins as finance chair; Sabina Widmann, VP, general manager/director of sales, Univision Radio is secretary; and Susan Larkin, COO, Entercom Communications is immediate past chair. Hulvey says, “It’s an honor to serve the RAB and radio industry in this capacity. Radio is building a great success story not only of recovery, but revival. Thanks in part to the hard work of the RAB team, radio will accelerate from a new normal to a new better.”
Independent Broadcasters Association Commissions Financial Report. The newly formed Independent Broadcasters Association announces it is partnering with media specialty accounting firm dk east associates to conduct a financial analysis of independent broadcaster operations. Stations can be participants in the financial report at no charge, but they must be members of the IBA by October 31. The IBA says the
financial report is the first independent-only analysis of its type. IBA founder and executive director Ron Stone says, “Finally, there will be intelligence that independent broadcasters can use to properly measure performance. We see a lot of information about the industry, but typically it only speaks to larger public companies and it is difficult to use it in a meaningful way for local operations. The IBA was formed to bring shared resources like this to independent broadcasters, along with revenue-generation and cost-saving opportunities.” The completed report will allow participating IBA members to compare and contrast their operations to others of similar size. It also will provide data against 2019 by quarter to allow members to gauge their own performance against similar operations during the COVID-19 crisis. Headcount figures will reflect changes from 2019 to reveal how independent operators are weathering the storm from a human resource perspective. In addition, intelligence on Q4 and 2021 will be gathered to determine how independents are feeling about the immediate future.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Laura G is promoted to program director at Cumulus Media’s country WSJR-FM “NASH 93.7.” She’s been serving as midday personality and will continue in that role. Cumulus Scranton/Wilkes
-Barre vice president and market manager Chris Kenney says, “Laura has shown strong leadership and work ethic throughout her career with Cumulus and we are elated to promote her to PD of ‘NASH FM 93.7.’”…..Hubbard Radio names Kelsey Danca promotions director for hot AC WRMF, West Palm Beach. She joins the station from her most recent position as integrated marketing manager for AEG Presents in West Palm Beach. WRMF program director Randi West comments, “Kelsey’s background in radio, events and digital made her the perfect fit for WRMF and ‘Party 96.3!’ Excited to have her on board to grow these heritage brands to all new levels.”.….Cumulus Media’s Westwood One Nashville is offering a special broadcast to honor American veterans hosted by “American Country Countdown” host Kix Brooks. The annual two-hour holiday music special, “A Salute to Our Military Veterans with Kix Brooks,” includes friends and fellow artists Florida Georgia Line, Chris Janson, Kane Brown, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, and Brantley Gilbert talking about their appreciation for the nation’s military. It’s available for stations to air beginning Saturday, November 7 through Wednesday, November 11 between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Dave Ramsey: Digital Audience Passes 2.5 Million Mark. Tallying up the various digital platforms on which the nationally syndicated Dave Ramsey radio show is heard, Ramsey’s organization reports that his “weekly digital audience already exceeds 2.5 million users.” Ramsey’s digital content is heard via daily podcasts, a dedicated channel on iHeartRadio, online audio streaming, and an online video channel. Ramsey Media vice president Brian Mayfield states, “While our main focus will remain on the continued growth and development of our program on radio, we must also be in constant evaluation, exploration, and development of new technologies and ways of reaching new audience. Forming strong working relationships with companies such as Spotify and Google are what we hope is just the beginning of our potential growth in the digital space as well as in radio.”
New, Locally Owned Brunswick, Georgia Talk-Music Hybrid Launches. Local attorney Denise Esserman is the licensee of WBQO, St. Simons Island, Georgia “93.7FM,” which launched on Friday (10/23) with an eight-minute promo montage that looped all weekend and included morning host Gordon Deal explaining, “Hello Golden Isles! We’re your new radio station.” The lineup includes such national talent as Deal, SRN’s Mike
Gallagher, Cox’s Clark Howard, Dave Ramsey and Westwood One’s Phil Valentine. Esserman and radio consultant Holland Cooke fashioned the station to be unique in the marketplace and are using the talents of music radio and imaging pro Nick Michaels for the evening show. Esserman says, “At the end of the day who wants to hear about politics? And we didn’t want to be a jukebox. My teenage daughter must have 1,000 songs on her phone. So we wanted to do something special.” Michaels’ weekly classic rock show “The Deep End” is airing nightly from 7:00 pm on the station. Cooke tells TALKERS that “ever since Nick launched ‘The Deep End’ I’ve been telling him that it’s bigger than a weekend syndicated show, it’s a format! Now he and I are calling each other’s bluff.” WBQO’s weekend lineup includes: Doug Stephan, Dr. Ken Kronhaus, Dave Graveline, Larry Kudlow, “The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show,” “Real Estate Today,” Cigar Dave, Jill Schlesinger, Tom Gresham, Bob Brinker, and a “Meet The Press” simulcast.
WGIR, Manchester-based Jack Heath to Air on Binnie Media’s WNNH, Concord, New Hampshire. The WGIR, Portsmouth and WQSO, Rochester, New Hampshire-based “NH Today” with Jack Heath is now being heard in morning drive on Binnie Media’s Concord, New Hampshire stations WNNH and WEMJ. WGIR and WQSO are owned by iHeartMedia. NH1-Binnie Media EVP Lee Kinberg comments, “‘99.1 NH1 Newsradio is proud to join the ‘NH Today’ network. As we head into one of the most important elections in history, both for New Hampshire and the country, there is no better morning host to entertain and inform Granite Staters than Jack Heath, and we are pleased to have him in the 99.1 NH1 Newsradio lineup.”
Round Three of October PPM Ratings Released. The third of four rounds of October 2015 PPM data from Nielsen Audio is released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Columbus. You can find all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his Twelve Takeaways from this round of data at our sister publication’s site here. The October 2015 PPM survey covered September 10 through October 7.
Salem Radio Network (SRN) Provides Satellite and Production Services to Independent Shows and Producers. Known throughout the industry as a producer/supplier of some of the most successful and highest-profile national, long-form and short-form talk programming with such talent as Bill Bennett, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Hugh Hewitt, and Eric Metaxas, among others, Salem Media’s Salem Radio Network also provides state-of-the-art satellite, production and distribution services to independent talent, shows, and producers looking to reach radio stations across America. The company has been doing this from Dallas since 1993, reaching both general market (AMC-8 – XDS platform) and religious (SES-2, formerly AMC-3 – Wegener Unity platform) radio stations. SRN exec Derek Anderson tells TALKERS, “Our distribution services are utilized by producers of many varieties of programming including general talk, political, sports, home and garden, health, and lifestyle genres.” Anderson adds, “We also have full, in-house studio production capability for live and pre-recorded audio, live web streaming, and podcasting services.” What makes SRN special in this arena? Anderson explains, “What separates SRN from the pack is our ability to hit multiple satellite platforms and provide turn-key radio broadcasts allowing a host to operate a fully functioning broadcast from a home studio (or on the couch) using our 24/7 production facilities. Connect with SRN over ISDN or IP codecs and we will play your elements, integrate your commercials, and manage your listeners’ phone calls while hitting any satellite platform or web streaming to your specific audience.” SRN’s roster of satisfied clients includes syndicated columnist and Fox News contributor Cal Thomas who says, “Salem Radio Network has been distributing my daily commentary for more than a decade. I have found them to be professional and attentive and would highly recommend their services to anyone who is looking for a first-rate network with which to work.” To learn more about SRN’s satellite, production and distribution services, please click here or call Derek Anderson at 972-707-6904.
Hillsdale College Dedicates New Campus Station WRFH-LPFM. On Monday (10/26), Hillsdale College dedicated its new campus college radio station, WRFH 101.7 FM. The dedication was emceed by Professor John J. Miller, director of Hillsdale College’s Dow Journalism Program, and included remarks from Vince Benedetto, president and CEO of Bold Gold Media, and Dr. Larry P. Arnn, Hillsdale College president. The new station – which can be heard within a five-mile radius of the Hillsdale, Michigan campus, was made possible through a gift from Benedetto. Miller states, “The new campus radio station offers another great opportunity for our students here at Hillsdale. This station will give our students first-hand experience in the art of communicating over the airwaves to larger audiences. We are extremely grateful to Mr. Benedetto and his team for their gracious efforts in making this possible.” Benedetto comments, “We’re excited about the value this station will bring, not only to the students of Hillsdale as they learn the art and craft of radio broadcasting, but to the community as well. I can think of no college better deserving of this than Hillsdale. Their educational outreach defending liberty is something everyone in America needs to hear.”
National Radio Hall of Fame Announces Guest Presenters. The induction ceremony for the National Radio Hall of Fame’s class of 2015 is next Thursday at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago and the slate of guest presenters has been announced. National Radio Hall-of-Famer Neal Boortz presents to Clark Howard; fellow Nashville resident Blair Garner presents to nationally syndicated talk star Dave Ramsey; former KGO, San Francisco president and GM Mickey Luckoff presents to KGO’s Ronn Owens; iHeartMedia’s Tom Poleman presents to WHTZ, New York-based personality Elvis Duran; Dan Mason Jr. presents to his father, former longtime CBS RADIO president Dan Mason; two longtime “Big Boy” radio show producers, William “Fuzzy” West and Jason Ryan, present to KRRL, Los Angeles’ Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander; former WFBQ, Indianapolis GM Chris Wheat and current iHeartMedia Indianapolis market manager Rick Green present to the Bob & Tom show’s Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold; and WXRT, Chicago program director Norm Winer acknowledges Scott Muni, the late, legendary air personality of WABC-AM and WNEW-FM in New York.
Madison Rising to Headline U.S. Marines Anniversary in Philadelphia. The patriotic rock band Madison Rising – whose videos have opened the last two Talkers New York conferences – will be headlining the Philadelphia Street Fair on November 10, marking the 240th anniversary of the U.S. Marines. Philadelphia is regarded as the birthplace of the Marine Corps and some 2,000 Marines and former Marines are expected to be in attendance. Madison Rising is in the midst of a 70-city national and international tour which included recent appearances in Japan and Korea.
CNN ‘Hero of the Year’ Candidate Joins Michael Harrison This Week on ‘Up Close and Far Out.’ TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison describes Chicago-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Ivankovich as “one of the most diverse, knowledgeable, articulate and all-around fascinating guests I’ve ever interviewed… he provides a one-stop, extremely substantive conversation covering health care, race relations, economics, government corruption,
journalism, media and blues music – a truly amazing man.” Ivankovich is one of the 10 finalists in CNN’s annual “Hero of the Year” award for 2015. The Yugoslavian-born Ivankovich also goes by the nicknames of “Dr. Dan” or “Chicago Slim” and besides operating three clinics that serve some of the poorest residents in the most dangerous neighborhoods of Chicago, he also does his best to aid blues musicians and help them get proper coverage from the health system to suit their needs. He co-founded the Chicago Blues All-Stars (in which he sings and plays guitar) and it was through this that he came in direct contact with veteran blues musicians who, in spite of their fame and musical talent, are impoverished and in need of better health care. He often helps provide free care for them through his non-profit One Patient Global Health Initiative. Ivankovich is the guest on the newly posted (10/27) installment of the Podcast One international hit “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” To listen to the entire podcast, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column of every page on Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Romney Rules. Appearing at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s President’s Speaker Series, Ann Romney (right) chats with WNDB, Daytona Beach talk host Marc Bernier (left). This was the 125th event in this series of broadcasts. During the discussion, the wife of former presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke about her battle with MS, life with Mitt, family, the Romney’s hopes for old friend and new Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, and the nature of politics today. Photo: Chi-Valry Wu.
2016 Presidential Race/GOP Debate, Congressional Budget Deal, South Carolina School Arrest Case, Russia Threatening Transcontinental Cables?, Iran Invited to Syria Talks, U.S. Math and Reading Scores Dip, LA and NYC Cop Unions Boycott Tarantino Films, and World Series Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/28). The run-up to Wednesday evening’s GOP debate in Colorado and the activities of the candidates for president in 2016; controversy over the two-year budget deal agreed to in Congress; the aftermath of the arrest of a high school student in South Carolina and the firing of the officer who made it; concerns by the U.S. military over Russian subs detected near undersea communications cables; Iran is invited to talks with the U.S. and Russia over the Syria civil war; reaction to the dip in math and reading test scores of U.S. students; the Los Angeles and New York police unions boycott Quentin Tarantino films after the director calls police murderers at a rally; and the Royals-Mets World Series were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Ed Schultz Drops Three-Hour Radio Show; Moves to One-Hour Web Format. In a surprise move announced at the end of his MSNBC show on Wednesday (5/21), radio and television personality Ed Schultz announced he’s putting the wraps on his three-hour AM/FM radio program and will begin a new, one-hour format program that will be available via his website wegoted.com with no subscription fee. His last three-hour radio show will be tomorrow (5/24) and the digital initiative begins on Tuesday (5/27). Saying that commentary and newsmaker interviews will continue to be the focus of his new format, Schultz adds, “This change will give me more flexibility to be on the road, to do the kind of shows I want to do here for ‘The Ed Show’ here on MSNBC.”
Bruce Johnson Out at ‘Voice of Central Jersey.’ It appears news and sports director Bruce Johnson is a victim of budget cuts at Greater Media’s WCTC, Brunswick, New Jersey. According to NewJersey On-Line, Johnson was told money is the reason he’s leaving the station after 34 years. Johnson is a former Rutgers University football play-by-play voice who became part of the station in 1980. He was upped to news director in 1987. He tells NJ On-Line, “I love radio. It’s been my life. I want to be able to keep on doing it. If not, I want to keep on working, so I don’t want people to think I’m going to be fading away into the sunset.”
STRATA Study Shines Light on Suspicion Over Web Metrics. Radio sales pros have long wondered if the love affair the advertising world has with all things digital is overblown, some of the conclusions of STRATA’s most recent study of advertising agencies may show there is truth there. While the advertising industry is largely bullish on the ad business right now – the study finding that 62% of agencies polled say they see business increasing this quarter compared to the same time last year – they also are suspicious of web traffic analytics. More than half the agencies polled – 56% — reported they do not trust web traffic numbers provided by the publishers with whom they advertise. Further, when asked if they agreed with an earlier report indicating 36% of web traffic is fraudulent, 31% of the agencies surveyed feel the fraudulent number is actually higher. STRATA president Joy Baer comments, “Ad agencies revealed an interesting dichotomy within the advertising industry; agencies are displaying high levels of confidence and are increasing their ad spend while they question the accuracy of reported Web traffic numbers and the inflated CPMs they may command. Another interesting parallel was the optimism many agencies felt while they looked cautiously at rising ad costs as a major concern. The strength that our clients are reporting bodes well for the rest of the year.”
Sportscasting Seminar Adds Albert, Costas. The third annual “One Day Ticket to Sportscasting Success” seminar adds Bob Costas and Marv Albert to its lineup. The event – which will take place in just over two weeks (Monday, 6/9) in Salisbury North Carolina – is part of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association‘s 2014 awards weekend. NSSA Hall of Famer Costas hosts NBC‘s “Football Night in America”; was the primetime host of that network’s Olympic games coverage (although sidelined for a time with pinkeye); and co-hosts NBC’s coverage of the U.S. Open, Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. He has also broadcast the World Series and the NBA Finals. Albert is also an NSSA Hall of Famer. He has been the play-by-play voice of seven Stanley Cup Finals, six Super Bowls, and the NBA Finals. Sportscasters Talent Agency of America chief executive officer Jon Chelesnik is the organizer of the seminar. He comments, “This year’s seminar includes presentations, panel discussions, opportunities for attendees to have their work critiqued by the pros, outstanding networking opportunities – and you don’t have to be an STAA client to attend.” Other seminar speakers include three-time “National Sportswriter of the Year” and NBC football anchor Peter King; NFL, NBA, and NCAA broadcaster Ian Eagle; ESPN Radio Network senior director Scott Masteller; Auburn University play-by-play broadcaster Rod Bramblett; and executives from Learfield Sports and IMG.
Odds & Sods. Talk radio host Adam McManus is lining up some summer fill-in work as he’ll be sitting in for Joe Walsh on Salem Communication‘s WIND, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer” on May 27 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. He’ll also sub for KTSA, San Antonio midday host Jack Riccardi on June 19-20 and July 7-11…..Bernard Bokenyi exits the PD role at Alpha Media’s sports talk KXTG-AM, Portland “750 The Game” after 13 months in the position…..ESPN Deportes is broadcasting the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final live on Saturday, May 24 beginning at 2:00 pm ET. The final features two teams from the same city: Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid.
VA Scandal, ObamaCare Criticism, Russian Military Aggression, Thai Military Coup, NSA Data Mining Policy, Cong. Garcia ‘Communism Works’ Flap, NFL Painkiller Suit Controversy, and NBA/NHL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/21). The growing Veteran’s Administration scandal; scrutiny of the effects of the Affordable Care Act; Russia’s military incursion into Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s promise to remove troops from the country; the military coup taking place in Thailand; the NSA’s data mining program and proposed changes to its scope; the flap over Florida Congressman Joe Garcia’s comment that “communism works”; the suit against the NFL by former players alleging the league distributed illegal painkillers to players; and NBA and NHL playoff action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
