Tag: "Christopher Ruddy"
Friday, April 22, 2022
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS, is now posted. This new episode titled, “MiGs, Masks & Musk,” looks back at this past week of 4/18 to 4/22. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Christopher Ruddy, CEO Newsmax; Dr. Daliah Wachs, physician/talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Bill O’Reilly, talk show host/commentator, Key Networks; and Joe Madison, talk show host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The show airs weekends on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WTPL, Manchester, NH; WEMJ, Laconia, NH; WTSN, Dover-Portsmouth, NH; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Round Three of March PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s March 2022 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s March 2022 sweep covered March 3 – March 30. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM adds four-tenths for an 8.1 share (6+, weekly AQH share) finish and climbs to the #3 rank, while iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KEX tacks on two-tenths for a 3.3 share good for the #13 rank. Radio One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte leaps nine-tenths to finish the survey with a 4.2 share and rises to the #10 rank. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI, San Antonio jumps from #7 to #3 after climbing 1.1 shares for a 6.2 share finish. In Salt Lake City, iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM/FM is #1 in the market after leaping 1.5 shares to wrap the month with a 9.9 share, while Bonneville’s crosstown news/talk KSL-AM/FM is up three-tenths, finishing the survey with a 6.3 share good for the #3 rank. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeways from this group of markets (as well as the first two rounds) here.
Triton Digital March 2022 U.S. Podcast Report Released. Data from Triton Digital’s March 2022 U.S. Podcast Report is released. The ranking of the 100 top podcasts – based on average weekly downloads – is of the pool of programs from participating podcast networks. In March, “NPR News Now” from NPR was the #1 podcast in the U.S. But Cumulus Media podcasts fare very well in the ranker, with several in the top 25 including “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #2, “The Dan Bongino Show” at #7, “The Mark Levin Podcast” at #19, “The Matt Walsh Show” at #21, and “The Michael Knowles Show” at #24. Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” was up to #12 in March and Audacy Podcast Network’s “Pod Save America” ranked #11. You can see the complete ranker, as well as a rank of the top 20 U.S. podcast networks, here.
iHeartMedia and Seneca Women Partner for Search for the Next Great Female Podcasters. This new partnership between iHeartMedia and global women’s leadership platform Seneca Women will establish the “first-ever Seneca Women Podcast Academy, a program designed to help amplify the voices of women in podcasting. The inaugural class will consist of 10 winners from iHeartMedia’s nationwide initiative, ‘Seneca Women to Hear: The Search For the Next Great Female Podcasters,’ which set out to find the next breakout female podcast stars.” The Seneca Women Podcast Academy will help these winners develop and launch their own shows on the Seneca Women Podcast Network, distributed by iHeartMedia. The six-week intensive program will kick off in May and will include one lecture per week with direct access to industry-leading mentors, all women who are at the top of their respective fields in podcasting. Creators will also receive a stipend and top-of-the-line audio equipment to produce episodes of their shows, which will all become part of the Seneca Women Podcast Network. iHeartPodcast Network COO Will Pearson says, “iHeartMedia is proud to say that 50% of our new shows over the past 12 months are hosted by women. We want to continue that growth and we believe starting the Seneca Women Podcast Academy is an exciting next step toward changing the makeup of podcasting. These 10 shows will only bolster our platform and we’re thrilled to offer these creators the space and support to become the next generation of influential podcasters.”
Skyview Networks Promotes Jeanne-Marie Condo to President of Network Partnerships and CRO. Media executive Jeanne-Marie Condo is promoted to president of network partnerships and chief revenue officer for Skyview Networks. Skyview CEO and president Steve Jones comments, “Jeanne-Marie has been the architect of our sales strategy, carefully integrating business partners to create unrivaled value for our advertising clients while driving significant return for the audio brands we steward. This new title recognizes Jeanne-Marie’s leadership role in the company and across the industry wherein she has become respected for her commitment to our clients and early development and implementation of integrated sales and brand awareness for our advertisers.” Condo has been with the company since shortly after its inception by executive chairman of the board Ken Thiele.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that WGN-AM, Chicago morning drive host Bob Sirott will be one of the personalities on Marquee Sports Network’s new program “The Reporters” when it debuts on May 1. Marquee general manager Mike McCarthy says, “We’re excited to launch ‘The Reporters’ as part of our Sunday morning programming lineup, discussing the biggest sports stories with the writers and broadcasters closest to the action. We look forward to bringing additional coverage across the Chicago sports landscape to Marquee viewers.”…..Edison Research is
presenting “Moms and Media 2022” in a webinar on Thursday, May 5 at 2:00 pm ET. The company says this year’s study provides insight on U.S. moms and their media usage, social media habits, and current outlook on tech. Findings incorporate data from The Infinite Dial study from Edison Research, Wondery, and ART19, as well as new data from a national online study of adults 18 and older. You can get registration information here…..The nationally syndicated weekend program “Talkin’ Pets” with host Jon Patch celebrates 32 years on the air this month. Patch says, “Each week
you get a variety of veterinarians and trainers, not just me, which keeps our show current, fresh, exciting and always new.” The program also features news on animal welfare, wildlife, farming, and environmental issues that affect animals, as well as interviews with celebrities…..AdLarge signs an ad sales partnership deal with globally recognized financial icon Tori Dunlap on the re-launch of her “Financial Feminist” podcast. AdLarge says, “The first season of Financial Feminist podcast, which wrapped in Summer 2021, it was ranked #1 in business podcasts and is currently the only woman-founded, woman-hosted, and women-focused podcast in the Top 20.”
The U.S. Economy Top News/Talk Story for Week of April 18-22. The state of the U.S. economy including the high price of gasoline & food, the supply chain problems, the crash of Netflix stock, and concerns about a recession combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Tied at #2 this week was the Russia-Ukraine War, U.S. foreign policy, and the French presidential race between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, followed by COVID-19 at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Jim Bohannon is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most honored, celebrated and longest-running active radio personalities in American broadcasting, Jim Bohannon, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” His show airs every night between 10:00 pm and 1:00 am ET delivering his unique brand of wit and wisdom on more than 300 stations via Westwood One. A member of the
TALKERS Heavy Hundred list since its inception in the early 90s, he was a recipient of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Among his many achievements, Bohannon is an inductee in the Radio Hall of Fame and is about to be inducted in the NAB Hall of Fame at the NAB Show later this month in Las Vegas. Harrison and Bohannon take a deep dive into this Vietnam War veteran’s colorful career as well as exploring their panoramic perspective of radio and related media’s past, present, and future. This is not to be missed! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
Gabfest at Mar-a-Lago. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and his wife Bernadette Duncan attended a dinner/discussion last night (4/13) hosted by Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Former President Donald Trump joined the chat (pictured above) which covered a variety of topics including the Russia-Ukraine War, Section 230, and the coming midterm elections. Participants included a dozen luminaries from politics, media, business and religion. Pictured at right: Harrison (l), former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (c), and Newsmax radio/TV star Rob Carson (r). Duncan (author of the radio classic Yappy Days: Behind the
Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers) is shown at left snapping a photo of the former president with Carson. Harrison stated, “It was fascinating seeing Donald Trump in his ‘home’ environment. He seemed extremely relaxed, informal, healthy and happy. We all got a big kick out of hearing him perform as a DJ in which he presented a variety of artists including Elvis Presley and Andrea Bocelli.” Trump mentioned that he thinks Rob Carson is one of the “funniest performers on radio and television today.” Harrison – known for playing his political cards close to the vest – was overheard telling the former president, “Sir, I must tell you… this is the best friggin’ piece of chicken I’ve eaten in years.”
Bob & Tom Show Performs Live at Cincinnati Hard Rock Casino for Reds Home Opener. Pictured above is the cast of “The Bob & Tom Show” on Tuesday (4/12) as it performs its nationally syndicated morning drive program live from the Hard Rock Cafe in Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino to celebrate the home opener of MLB’s Cincinnati Reds. Host Tom Griswold and the ensemble cast welcomed a live audience of 250, along with special guests Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio, and comics Donnie Baker and Drew Hastings.
iHeartMedia’s ‘97.3 The Game’ Milwaukee Renews Steve Czaban for Mornings. Sports talk personality Steve Czaban and iHeartMedia’s Milwaukee sports talk WRNW-FM “97.3 The Game” announce a multi-year broadcast agreement extension to keep Czaban hosting the morning drive show. The station says that Czaban – who’s hosted nationally syndicated programming during his career in addition to his history in the Milwaukee market – joined “97.3 The Game” in
May of 2019 and quickly became the most listened to sports talk show in Milwaukee. Czaban says, “What we are building at ‘The Game’ is incredible to watch, and not just in Milwaukee, but across Wisconsin. Sports talk radio that is entertaining, regardless of the season, and with a true Wisconsin flair. I’m looking forward to continuing to build upon our success in the market for years to come!” WRNW program director Tim Scott comments, “Continuing to work every day with a true legend of the format is pretty cool. Add in our all-star line up alongside Czabe, and I’d say this is going to be a really fun ride.”
KRMG, Tulsa Covers Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight. On Tuesday (4/12), Cox Media Group’s news/talk KRMG-FM, Tulsa and several of its staffers accompanied area veterans on a one-day trip to Washington, DC to see the memorials constructed in their honor. The Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight is part of a nationwide, non-profit organization dedicated to bringing veterans to visit the memorials. Tuesday’s flight included 189 veterans from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Joining them were KRMG-FM anchor reporter Russell Mills and sister country station KWEN-FM’s Matt Bradley. KRMG-FM director of branding & programming Levi May says, “KRMG is proud to walk alongside these Oklahoma veterans and honor their service by sharing their stories during this trip. We want to help raise awareness and money for this organization so they can fly another group of veterans to Washington DC this October.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Good Karma Brands promotes KMVP-AM, Chicago “ESPN 1000” part-time board op and producer Tyler Aki to full-time producer for the afternoon drive “Waddle & Silvy” show hosted by Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman. At the same time, the station brings former iHeartMedia and Audacy BetQL Radio Network producer Shea Norling aboard to serve as producer for the late morning program hosted by David Kaplan and Jonathan Hood. Station director of content Danny Zederman says, “Both Tyler and Shea have track records of producing original and compelling content. They are strong additions to our content team, and I look forward to a bright future with them.”…..PodcastOne announces that the wellness podcast “The Dr. Gundry Podcast”
releases its 200th episode. PodcastOne says the milestone episode features interviews with esteemed motivational speaker Tony Robbins and leading entrepreneur Peter Diamandis. PodcastOne president Kit Gray states, “We’re proud to be the network that brings ‘The Dr. Gundry Podcast’ to audiences each week. His episodes are informational, enlightening, and quite literally life changing. Cheers to 200 wonderful episodes and we’re looking forward to the next 200.”…..The newly launched College Athletes Network, founded by Ron Pivo and Brett Martzke, announces its new partnership with iHeartMedia to launch a new college sports centered podcast slate hosted by the athletes themselves. Listeners will hear directly from the athletes and their guests on what life is like in the world of big-time college sports and share unique insights that will take listeners behind the curtain at a variety of schools. The first show, “WalkieTalkieZ,” is hosted by Noah Buono, a walk-on basketball player at Duquesne University. His podcast discusses walk-ons from a variety of major sports programs across the country. He says, “After five incredible years of being a college basketball walk-on, I can confidently tell you that every walk-on has their own inspiring journey to tell. I’m super grateful and excited that ‘WalkieTalkieZ’ now has a national platform to help share these incredible stories and I look forward to the continued growth of this podcast through the College Athletes Network and its collaboration with iHeartMedia to reach massive audiences.”
Russia-Ukraine War, Biden Approval Ratings, the Economy/Inflation, NY Subway Shooter/Urban Violence, Hunter Biden Investigation, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Immigration/Border Issues, January 6 Committee, and Elon Musk & Twitter Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/13). Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and allegations of war crimes; President Joe Biden’s approval ratings hit a low of 33% in the latest Quinnipiac University survey; the high price of gas & food and concerns about a recession; the arrest of the NYC subway shooting suspect and the larger problem of rampant violence in America’s urban centers; the DOJ’s investigation into Hunter Biden’s international business ventures; the battle for control of Congress in November’s midterm elections and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the illegal migrant problems at the U.S.-Mexico border and the transportation of migrants from Texas to Washington, DC; the ongoing investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and the prosecution of those arrested there; and Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter and take it private were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Cumulus to Flip R&B WNBM-FM, New York to Talk as ‘Talk FM 103.9.’ Beginning on January 3, 2022, Cumulus Media’s R&B WNBM-FM, New York will flip to news/talk as WFAS-FM “Talk FM 103.9.” The station is being billed by Cumulus as “the only all-talk FM station in the New York metropolitan area.” The station will simulcast the programming on WFAS-AM “AM1230Digital” the first all-digital AM station to broadcast in the New York metropolitan area. Programming will be Westwood One’s lineup, including: “The Dan Bongino Show,” “The Ben Shapiro Show,” “The Chris Plante Show,” “The Michael Knowles Show,” “The Rich Eisen Show,” and “The Jim Bohannon Show.” Also heard on the station will be “America in the Morning,” “First Light,” “Red Eye Radio,” “America this Week/Week in Review,” and “Real Estate Today.” Cumulus Media president of operations Dave Milner says, “Extending our marquee talk programming into New York City is a win-win for Cumulus. The addition of the WFAS-FM signal will allow us to reach even more listeners with the well-known talk shows they expect from us and also provide our advertising partners with premium opportunities in the number-one metro area.” Cumulus says that with the addition of WFAS-FM’s footprint, the signal will reach well beyond Westchester County, and into large portions of New York City (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan), the north shore of Long Island, and northern New Jersey.
WGN-AM, Chicago and Bob Sirott Sign Extension. WGN-AM, Chicago morning drive personality Bob Sirott and the Nexstar Media news/talk station have agreed to a two-year contract extension to keep Sirott in the morning drive daypart. WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Boyle says, “We are delighted to announce that Chicago’s Very Own Bob Sirott and his uniquely entertaining morning show will continue to be heard on Chicago’s Very Own WGN Radio 720. Bob has been an iconic voice in Chicago since 1973 and we’re fortunate to have his voice and talent as we head into our 100th year and beyond.” Sirott says, “The station calls it work. I call it fun. It’s a forgotten commodity at most radio and TV stations today. But [Nexstar president, networks] Sean Compton, a true fan of radio, gets it. And who knows, someday I may turn into a morning person.” The one change is that the show will start an hour later, airing from 6:00 am to 10:00 am.
WaPo: ‘Sports Junkies’ Celebrate 25 Years. A piece by Scott Allen in the Washington Post’s D.C. Sports Blog column profiles “The Sports Junkies” radio show as it celebrates 25 years on the air. The WJFK-FM, Washington morning show starring J.P. Flaim, John “Cakes” Auville, Eric “E.B.” Bickel and Jason “Lurch” Bishop began life as a cable access show on Bowie Community Television in August 1995. A year later, after a positive review from the Washington Times’ Dick Heller, “The Sports Junkies” got picked up for a weekend show on WJFK-FM. From there they transitioned to AM drive after Howard Stern’s move to satellite radio. Flaim recently authored a chronicle of the program titled, Still Barking. Flaim tells the Post, “The book is about the radio show and friendship and brotherhood, but none of it would’ve happened but for having an amazing audience. We have been very lucky to have people that have followed us and supported us for 25 years. Without them, we’re nothing.”
FOX News Channel Tops Competitors for 2021 in Nielsen’s Primetime and Total Day. According to data from Nielsen Media Research, FOX News Channel was the highest rated cable news channel for 2021 (12/28/20-12/09/21) in both primetime and total day. In primetime, FOX News Channel averaged 2,365,000 viewers and 374,000 with A25-54 along with 233,000 in A18-49. Meanwhile, in total day, the network delivered 1,328,000 viewers and 223,000 in the younger 25-54 demo and 135,000 in A18-49. Also, according to data from Nielsen/MRI Fusion, this year, “more independents and democrats tuned into FNC than CNN while delivering the largest independent audience in cable news, making FNC’s audience the most politically diverse in cable news.” FNC holds 44% of the cable
news audience in total day viewership and 41% of the audience with A25-54. In primetime, the network holds a 47% audience share in total viewers and 43% in the younger A25-54 demo. As a result, FNC increased its share of the cable news audience with A25-54 from 2020 to 2021. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says, “As we embark on our 20th year as the leader in cable news, the last six of which as number one in all of cable, I am incredibly proud of the unrivaled success we’ve had at FOX News Channel. Not only were we the only network to grow our audience share, but we did so while changing our lineup and transforming the entire late-night television landscape in the process, ensuring our continued momentum for many years to come.”
Newsmax Names Rich Grenell VP, Analyst. The former Acting Director of National Intelligence and U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, is joining Newsmax Media as a national security contributor and executive for international partnerships. Newsmax says that Grenell, a former FOX News contributor, “will play a key role in offering security and international analysis for the network.” He’ll also serve as vice president for international development, helping the company’s foreign branding and content expansion. Newsmax currently licenses its brand and content in eight European nations. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Ric Grenell is a master of politics, media and government and we believe our viewers will gain great insight from his broad experience and public service.”
The ‘Coast to Coast AM Paranormal Podcast Network’ Launches. “Coast to Coast AM” host George Noory and Premiere Networks are partnering for the launch of the Coast to Coast AM Paranormal Podcast Network. This new project will focus on producing a slate of podcasts focused on the paranormal, supernatural, and unexplained. Co-produced by Noory and his long-time “Coast to Coast AM” senior producer Tom Danheiser, the network debuts with three new podcasts: “Shades of the Afterlife with Sandra Champlain,” “Strange Things with Joshua P. Warren,” and “Dark Becomes Light with Heidi Hollis.” Noory comments, “With these new programs, and more to come, we’re focused on producing the best content for paranormal fans. There’s so many facets of this entertaining and intriguing format, and we’re excited to kick off the network with three fan favorite guests from ‘Coast to Coast AM’ who are experts in their fields – Sandra Champlain, Joshua P. Warren and Heidi Hollis.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott adds, “We’re excited to partner with George to expand the ‘Coast to Coast AM’ brand with this new podcast network, creating a platform for new programing focused on the fascinating world of the paranormal. This new network will provide us with the opportunity to further engage and entertain George’s broad-reaching, worldwide audience.”
KBOI, Boise and USMC Collect Toys and Cash in 10-Day Drive. Pictured above is an unidentified staff member of Cumulus Media’s news/talk KBOI, Boise at the fifth “Idaho’s Largest Toy Drive” done in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps. Held November 26 through December 6, this was the longest toy drive of the past five years, collecting 38,822 toys and $36,213. KBOI program director Nate Shelman says, “With supply chain concerns and inflation being possible negative factors, we decided to extend this year’s efforts. The Treasure Valley residents came through in fine fashion to support the USMC and kids in the area.”
COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, Economy/Supply Chain, Software Flaw, Build Back Better Negotiations, S.F. Mayor Actions/Urban Crime, and Extreme Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/15). The spread of the Omicron variant, vaccines, and mandates; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack, the release of media personalities’ texts, and the contempt of Congress charge against former Donald Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows; the high rate of inflation, the Fed’s plan to raise interest rates, and the supply chain breakdown; a pervasive software flaw that’s giving foreign hackers an entrance into crucial systems; the negotiations between the Biden administration and Senator Joe Manchin over the Build Back Better plan; San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s promise of strong actions to combat crime issues and urban crime spikes in other cities; and the aftermath of the Kentucky and Illinois tornadoes and the threat of more violent weather were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.