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Thursday, March 26, 2020

| March 26, 2020

Ramsey Network to Host ‘Message of Hope’ Live Stream. Tonight’s free, live stream is being produced by Ramsey Solutions and is being call “A Message of Hope.”  Ramsey Solutions says, “There’s a lot of fear in our country right now.  Ramsey Network hosts Dave Ramsey, Ken Coleman, and Rachel Cruze will share practical money and career advice to spread hope in the middle of national uncertainty through the Message of Hope livestream at 8:00 pm EST.  No matter what’s happening on Wall Street or in the White House, you need to focus on what’s happening in YOUR house.  In a time of great unknowns, we are here to help.”  The program is being made available for free on Daveramsey.com, on The Dave Ramsey Show YouTube page, or Dave’s Facebook page.  It will also be broadcast live on SiriusXM ch. 111 and ch. 132 and AM/FM radio stations across the country.  It will also be made available as a podcast.

Noory and Listeners to Engage the Power of Prayer on ‘Coast to Coast AM.’ Overnight talk radio star George Noory will focus his show’s regular Friday Night Prayer this week on the COVID-19 pandemic.  For more than a decade on Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM,” the show has featured the special segment where listeners submit their names or those of their loved ones to the show and the audience collectively prays for them.  During the first segment of Friday’s show (1:00 am EST), Noory is inviting people worldwide to join in prayer to help end the spread of COVID-19.  Participants will also be encouraged to dedicate their prayers to healing those who have been affected, easing the pain and sorrow of those who have lost loved ones, and supporting the medical care professionals on the front lines.  Noory says, “I have always believed in the power of prayer and the existence of a higher power.  For years now, I have witnessed the positive effect of our Friday Night Prayer on ‘Coast to Coast AM’ and I’m therefore asking that on March 27, people across the globe take a few moments to pray for the eradication of this deadly coronavirus.”

Bonneville and Hubbard Enter Unusual News Partnership in Seattle. In a rare move brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, Bonneville Seattle’s news/talk KIRO-FM and Hubbard Radio Seattle’s CHR KQMV 92.5 FM “Movin’,” adult contemporary KRWM “Warm,” and country KNUC “The Bull” are announcing a partnership in which the three music stations will broadcast hourly local news updates from the KIRO Radio newsroom in order to give their listeners the latest information on COVID-19.  In return, KIRO Radio will encourage listeners to pause from the news and listen to the music stations as a source of encouragement and relaxation in this extraordinary time.  The collaboration begins tomorrow (3/27).  Bonneville Seattle director of programming Mike Salk says, “We are thrilled to partner with the Hubbard stations.  To have KIRO Radio news played on three excellent music stations is an opportunity for us to help our community stay informed in this unique time.  And we can understand the need to take a break and listen to music to avoid feeling overwhelmed.”  Hubbard Radio Seattle market manager Scott Mahalick adds, “Music is a mood elevator and a source of inspiration for people when times are tough.  We’re proud to partner with Bonneville’s news, talk, and sports radio stations in Seattle.  Combined, we are able to offer the perfect balance of information and entertainment.”

PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 PPM survey, today focusing on public radio news/talk.  KNOW, Minneapolis; KUT, Austin; and WAMU, Washington led the 39% of stations that gained weekly, 6+ AQH share from the January to February surveys.  KNOW also was the leader comparing year-over-year data, adding 2.7 shares and jumping from #10 to #3 in the market rank.  Close behind is WHYY, Philadelphia, which posted a 1.9 share gain good for a climb from #13 to #7.  WAMU, Washington and KUT, Austin were the only public radio news/talk stations to rank #1 in their respective markets in February.  See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.

The Status of COVID-19 in the U.S., Death Tolls Across the Globe, Senate Approves Relief Package, Financial Markets Activity, Presidential Race/‘Draft Cuomo’ Movement, and Prince Charles Tests Positive for Coronavirus Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/25). The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the death toll across the U.S.; authorities in Spain and Italy report overwhelming conditions at hospitals there; the U.S. Senate passes the $2 trillion relief package and sends it to the House; the world’s financial markets react to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic; the presidential race and the cries for “drafting” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic nomination; and Britain’s Prince Charles tests positive for the coronavirus were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Ron Ananian ‘The Car Doctor’ to Celebrate 1,500th Episode. This Saturday (3/28), Ron Ananian will host the 1,500thedition of “The Car Doctor Radio Show.”  The program began in January of 1991 on WFAS, White Plains, New York and aired there through 1997.  It moved to WOR, New York in 1998 and went into syndication via the WOR Radio Network in September of 1999.  The program is currently syndicated by Talk Media Network.  Ananian draws upon his 45 years of repair experience to help listeners with their car issues.  Talk Media Network CEO Josh Leng says, “If you’ve ever met him… you know that God broke the mold when he made Ron Ananian.  No, it’s not just the Jersey in him, it’s his witty personality combined with his unending commitment to doing the right things right, every time… whether he’s in his shop, working with advertisers, or assisting his listeners and fans with their car care questions, radio is a profoundly better place with Ron Ananian The Car Doctor behind the microphone.  Ron’s dedication to his craft and his show is one that is nearly three decades in the making.  Take a victory lap Ron Ananian, you most certainly deserve it.”  The program is heard on almost 100 affiliate stations across the country and airs live from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET on Saturdays.

TALKERS News Notes. There are two programs being offered to stations from CBS News Radio this weekend focused on the COVID-19 pandemic: “Coronavirus: Changed Forever,” features interviews with experts from various fields hosted by Gil Gross; and “CBS Weekend Roundup Special Report on the Coronavirus” is hosted by correspondent Allison Keyes with reports and discussions from CBS reporters, correspondents, and newsmakers across the country and around the globe…..The Hill reports that Seattle public radio station KUOW is not going to air President Trump’s coronavirus press conferences live because of what it calls “a pattern of false or misleading information provided that cannot be fact checked in real time.”  The station made the announcement via Twitter and added, “KUOW is monitoring White House briefings for the latest news on the coronavirus – and we will continue to share all news relevant to Washington State with our listeners.”.….MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell revealed that his company – whose ads are practically ubiquitous on talk media – is going to be helping in the effort to supply America’s health professionals with surgical masks by manufacturing them.  Lindell made the announcement on Salem Radio Network’s Mike Gallagher program.  The N95 respirator mask is the most sought-after though it’s unclear which type of mask MyPillow will be making…..NRG Media’s news/talk KXEL, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is ending the “On Press Row” sports show hosted by Gary Rima for the past 14 years as of tomorrow (3/28).  The Courier reports that Rima was told in late February of management’s decision and, although he’s upset the show is ending, he holds no grudge against the station or the company…..TransMedia Group is collaborating with Anita Finley, president and publisher of Boomer Times & Senior Life, to produce “Boomer Times Radio” with Finley as host.  The program is now airing Sundays from 6:00 am to 9:00 am on Beasley Media Group’s financial talk WWNN, Pompano Beach, Florida “South Florida’s Money Talk Network.”…..Condolences to the family and friends of Michigan broadcasting legend Bob Allison, who passed away at age 87.   “Radio’s Best Friend” Art Vuolo tips TALKERS to Allison’s passing and writes: “Bob lasted nearly 60 years on radio and TV in Detroit.  A lot of people don’t last 60 days, and a few have flamed out in less than 60 minutes!  Many radio fans surely know who he was and have loved his caring disposition on the ‘Ask Your Neighbor’ program.  Even those who hadn’t heard him lately on WNZK, Detroit, ALL remember him for those legendary ‘Bowling for Dollars’ shows on Channel 4.  He was an iconic member of the broadcasting fraternity and in August of 2018 was inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame.  He was still on the air regularly on WNZK until about three weeks ago.  He began on WWJ, Detroit back in 1962 with ‘Ask Your Neighbor.’  He worked at a number of Detroit area stations including: WIID, WEXL, WLQV and even WJR.”

Australian Radio Legend Trevor Smith Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast.  One of the leading content providers in Australian radio and the legendary former PD of such stations as Triple-M in Sydney, Trevor Smith, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Harrison caught up with Smith via Skype at his home/studio in the beautiful coastal town of Byron Bay, located north of Sydney where, like so many Americans, he is practicing social distancing.  Smith discusses how the epidemic is being handled in the “land down under,” including the health, politics, economics, and social aspects of the crisis.  It’s a fascinating look at just how truly small the world is revealed to be as it battles a common enemy that respects no borders, barriers, or distance.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, iHeartMedia’s CHR KIIS-FM, Los Angeles is cancelling the June 6, 2020 edition of the Wango Tango concert.  The station issued the following statement: “Due to the uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and for the health and safety of our guests, employees, artists and partners, we have decided to cancel this year’s iHeartRadio Wango Tango. Refunds are being issued to ticketed guests.  If you purchased your tickets via AXS online, a refund will automatically be issued to the credit card you used to purchase within 30 business days.”

Friday, March 6, 2020

| March 6, 2020

NOW POSTED:  New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.”   The vibrant, 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 magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, WONK-FM, Washington, DC.  The new episode titled “This is No Gaffing Matter!” looks back at this past week of March 2-6, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Victoria Jones; executive director, DC Radio Company; Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, Georgia; Thom Hartmann, talk show host, WYD Media; Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter, The Epoch Times; and Bali Samra, human resources consultant/commentator, Pioneer Valley Radio. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD “Freedom 93.7”, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA.  To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here.  To view the latest TALKERS magazine 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.

FOX News Radio Names Jimmy Failla Host of ‘FOX Across America.’ The new, permanent host of FOX News Radio’s midday “FOX Across America” show is comedian Jimmy Failla, who takes over on Monday (3/9).  “FOX Across America” has been airing in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart with a rotating cast of hosts since Todd Starnes – host of “FOX News and Commentary” – exited FNR back in the fall of 2019.  FNR says, “Based in FNR’s New York City studio, ‘FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla’ will feature guests from across the political spectrum for lively discussions on the day’s leading headlines.  A standup comedian and former head writer for FOX Business Network’s “Kennedy” (weekdays 9:00 pm ET), Failla will also utilize his comedic talents to help navigate the partisan divide, providing an honest look at the important issues that affect every American.”  In addition to airing weekdays on FNR, the show will also be available for download via FOX News Podcast Network, with full video recordings of each airing streaming exclusively on FOX Nation, FNC’s online subscription-based streaming service.

Denver’s ‘The Fan’ Celebrates 25th Anniversary. Denver sports talk outlet KKFN-FM “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” turns 25 today and the Bonneville station is launching a campaign that will culminate in a 25th anniversary celebration in June.  As part of the celebration, ‘The Fan’ will welcome back influential figures from the station’s history for a reunion broadcast that will allow Denver listeners to reconnect with talent from the past.  Bonneville Denver SVP and market manager Bob Call says, “Twenty-five years ago, we launched Denver’s first 24-hour, all-sports radio station.  Over the years, ‘The Fan’ has featured some of Denver’s most-loved personalities, starting with Doug Moe and Tom Green – who signed the station on the air – to legendary personalities like Irv Brown, Joe Williams, and Sandy Clough, who continues to entertain Denver sports fans today.  Through the years, ‘The Fan’ has been built on great live and local talent.  We are grateful for our many listeners and business partners who have been a part of this remarkable legacy.”

Westwood One to End NBC Sports Radio Distribution. Affiliates of the Westwood One-distributed NBC Sports Radio network are being notified that WWO will discontinue its distribution of the network at the end of this month. Westwood One also handles distribution for the CBS Sports Radio network and affiliates are being offered the option to take that network’s programming.  NBC Sports Radio had been offering 24/7 content but reduced that in January of last year but continued to offer sports talk shows such as “ProFootballTalk Live with Mike Florio” and “The Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison and Dan Schwartzman.”  Those shows will continue to be available on various digital platforms.

Lyndsay Keith Named Co-Host of ‘Spicer & Co.’ Pictured above on the set of the Newsmax TV show “Spicer & Co.” is co-host Lyndsay Keith (left) and host (former White House Press Secretary) Sean Spicer (right).  “Spicer & Co.” debuted Tuesday (3/3) and airs weekdays at 6 pm ET.  Prior to joining Newsmax, Keith worked at Google as a brand strategist.  She has also served as deputy communications director for the Republican National Committee.  She also served as an adviser to the Mitt Romney presidential campaign.

TALKERS News Notes. The 8th Annual Contact in the Desert event takes place at Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California May 29 through June 1 and one of the participants will be Premiere Networks late-night host George Noory.  The event is described as “an epic adventure weekend into the science of UFOs, communication with non-human intelligence, ancient astronauts, human origins, crop circles, military sightings, government disclosure, artificial intelligence, downed craft technology, the evolution of consciousness, forbidden archaeology, cosmic teachings, contact experiences, interplanetary living, and much more.”  The host of “Coast to Coast AM” is one of 70 “experts, scientists, researchers, and military insiders.”…..iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York and LaborPress.org are presenting a panel discussion called “The Future of Healthcare” on March 19 at The Cutting Room in New York City.  The 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm event will feature opening remarks by NYS Building & Construction Trades Council president James Cahill and is being moderated by filmmaker Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos, The Matrix) who also produced and directed the documentary film that addresses mental illness titled, No Kidding! Me 2!!…..Comedian and talk host Dennis Miller begins hosting a twice-weekly show on RT America called, “Dennis Miller +1.”  The interview show airs live at 9:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Miller says, “What do I like in an interview?  I like it when the host asks a question and then listens to the guest’s answer and then reacts to that answer with an amplification through the next question.  I promise you, I will not sit here finding myself overly precious and thinking only about my next query.  I’m going to have a conversation!”  Miller talks to actor and comedian Jeff Dunham on the first episode…..The Washington Examiner is launching a weekly podcast called, “Mag Men,” that offers analysis and commentary of the week’s news and what stories the editors are working on for the week ahead.  It’s being hosted by executive editor Seth Mandel, managing editor Jay Caruso, Life and Arts editor Park MacDougal and deputy editor J. Grant Addison.  The show is on the Ricochet platform that also hosts other Washington Examiner podcasts, including the “Hashing it Out,” a weekly podcast hosted by Siraj Hashmi, “The Byron York Show,” hosted by Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York, and “Examining Politics, “a daily podcast hosted by Cumulus Media and WMAL-FM, Washington talk-show host Larry O’Connor…..Happy 61st birthday to talk host Lars Larson, who also celebrates 45 years on the radio this month.  Larson, who hosts his daily KXL-FM, Portland-based Pacific Northwest show as well as his Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated show, says, “Forty-five years ago this month, I landed my first paid job in radio spinnin’ records and reading news from 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight Monday thru Friday on the “Mighty 1590” KTIL from a cinderblock building in a cow pasture outside Tillamook, Oregon.  Forty years ago next week, I came to work at KXL.  This month, I mark 23 years of Radio Northwest Network syndication in Oregon, Washington and Idaho… I did my 20 years in the liberal gulag of TV news, but I never stopped doing radio.  When a kind-hearted TV management informed me I had a ‘face for radio’ and demanded that I choose – TV or radio – it wasn’t hard at all.  My first love, radio… God blessed me with Tina, my wonderful wife, who puts up with the weird hours and strange demands of this business.  I have looked forward to each and every day I get to open a mic and talk with folks.  My personal goal is to stay behind the mic as long as my hero Paul Harvey did.”

RTDNF Honors Journalists at 30th Annual First Amendment Awards. Last night (3/5), the Radio Television Digital News Foundation honored journalism professionals dedicated to defending the First Amendment and the public’s right to know at the 30th Annual First Amendment Awards in Washington, D.C.  The evening’s program began with RTDNA/RTDNF executive director Dan Shelley’s call to action, “Your viewers and listeners in the cities and towns you serve need the refreshing drink of water and the pleasant fragrance of a blossoming local news product that reflect an even stronger commitment to serving them – to empowering them to make positive changes in their communities… By joining forces, we can place America’s dust bowls of journalism into the dustbin of history.”  This year’s honorees were: David Muir of ABC News; “60 Minutes” produced by CBS News; Robert Horner of NBC News; Barbara Maushard of Hearst Television; Lori Montenegro of Telemundo; Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); and Steve Andrews of WFLA-TV, Tampa.

Presidential Race/Super Tuesday Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 2-6. The race for the Democratic nomination, the Super Tuesday elections, and the candidates who dropped out were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 this week was the coronavirus pandemic. Coming in at #3 was the financial markets activity and the Fed’s interest rate cut, followed by health care reform, climate change, and race relations tied at #4.  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.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programmer John Candelaria is leaving his position with Beasley Media Group as PD of rhythmic AC WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” and urban AC WDMK “Kiss 105.9” in Detroit and national brand manager for urban and rhythmic AC to relocate to his home town of Albuquerque…..“The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show” co-host J-Si Chavez and contributor Jenna Owens are launching their new podcast, “Fitish,” and the first episode reached the top 50 on the Apple Podcasts chart.  Owens, who recently announced that she is taking a step back from day-to-day co-hosting at “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” states, “I’m thrilled to be able to talk more openly about things I haven’t been able to discuss on the morning show and do it all with my favorite radio partner and occasionally our real-life partners as well!”…..Pictured at left is Premiere Networks senior director of rock programming and specials Sal Cirrincione (left) and rock legend Roger Daltrey (right) aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas for the sold out Rock Legends Cruise VIII.  Cirrincione helped entertain passengers by hosting Q&A sessions with three Daltrey, The Doors’ Robby Krieger and Heart’s Nancy Wilson.  The annual cruise benefits the Native American Heritage Association, a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to helping Native American families in need who live on Reservations in South Dakota and Wyoming.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

| November 5, 2019

Townsquare Media Q3 Net Revenue Up 6.2%.  Third quarter 2019 net revenue for Townsquare Media was $112.6 million, an increase of 6.2% over the same period in 2018.  (Net revenue was up 7.9% excluding political revenue.)  The company also is reporting year-to-date figures (the first three quarters of the year) and says that net revenue was up 6.7% over the same period in 2018.  Net income was up $29 million during the first three quarters of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.  Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson says in a statement, “Townsquare’s third quarter results exceeded our expectations, with ex-political net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA increasing 7.9% and 12.9%, respectively, over the prior year.  In addition to the continued strong results of our digital marketing subscription business, Townsquare Interactive, which increased net revenue by 26.0% over the prior year, our Advertising business grew net revenue a very impressive 7.3% excluding political revenue over the prior year.  Both segments also achieved strong profit margins in excess of 30% in the third quarter and year to date periods, which as a result increased Adjusted EBITDA by a strong 11.5% in the first nine months of 2019.  Continued momentum in our revenue growth, coupled with our disciplined expense management, allowed us to reduce net leverage to 4.7x as of September 30th, a reduction of 0.6x year over year and the lowest net leverage level in our history.  The ongoing strong performance of Townsquare Interactive and Townsquare Ignite, our proprietary digital programmatic advertising platform, is contributing to digital revenue being 35% of our total net revenue and reinforces our belief that each of those digital divisions will generate $100 million in annual net revenue within the next two to four years.  We believe that our strong financial performance, talented teams, broad product suite of high quality, locally focused multiplatform offerings, and the size and strength of our digital businesses, further prove that Townsquare is not a traditional radio broadcaster, and has evolved to be a premier local media and digital marketing solutions company.”

‘ESPN Tucson’ Adds New Morning Show. The new, two-hour morning drive show on Arizona Lotus Corp’s sports talk KFFN-AM/K285DL in Tucson is hosted by Jeff Dean.  He’s a 20-plus year broadcast pro who has served as the PA announcer for University of Arizona Wildcats football and men’s basketball for the past six years.  Station operations manager Larry Mac says, “We are excited to have someone with the level of expertise that Jeff Dean will bring to the airwaves here in Tucson.  His love of the Wildcats, and his passion for sports will help make ‘ESPN Tucson’ the destination for local morning sports talk radio in the Old Pueblo.”  Dean, whose show will air Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, says, “It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to return home.  I really hope to strengthen the relationship between the University of Arizona athletic department and the great sports fans of Tucson.  It’s time for these fans to know the real U of A and I hope that I can help facilitate that.”

TALKERS News Notes. An 11-part series of reports in honor of the men and women who’ve served in the U.S. military is available from Cumulus Media’s Westwood One.  The Veterans Day report is approximately one minute long and features the men and women who make up the U.S. veteran population.  They include perspectives from national leaders and veterans of varying ages about how veterans view their service and the day set aside to honor it.  The series is reported and produced by Westwood One News reporter Chas Henry, himself a combat decorated veteran of the 1991 Gulf War…..A special episode of “The Adam Carolla Show” on PodcastOne was released yesterday (11/4) featuring Ford v Ferrari co-stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale.  PodcastOne notes that “perhaps the most ‘candid’ moment came after they finished recording the podcast as Carolla and Damon were overheard talking about Carolla’s longtime friend and colleague, and Damon’s long-time public nemesis, Jimmy Kimmel.”  Check it out here…..PBS is presenting a Christmas special that will air  a number of times in  this month and in December featuring some of the traditional popular holiday music written by such composers as Johnny Marks, who wrote “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”  Serving as associate producer of the project is Chick Pallotta, who specializes in producing mini-radio programs for the holiday season using the voices of that era to introduce the recordings of their well-known compositions.  Some 300 PBS stations will be airing the special…..SiriusXM announces host changes to its SiriusXM Progress channel leading up to the 2020 elections.  First, “Signal Boost with Zerlina and Jess,” co-hosted by Zerlina Maxwell and Jess McIntosh will expand to two hours, airing from 7:00 am to 9:00 am ET.  Wrapping up the day’s news will be SiriusXM’s John Fugelsang, who joins the Progress channel’s primetime schedule from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET.  Fugelsang previously hosted a show on SiriusXM’s Insight channel.  In addition to regular appearances as a political expert on MSNBC, CNN, and FOX News, Fugelsang recently co-hosted the nationally syndicated television entertainment program “Page Six TV.”

Celebrating Brian Kilmeade’s New Book. Crews from New York news/talkers WABC, WOR, and FOX News were at Del Frisco’s steakhouse in New York City to celebrate the publishing of FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio personality Brian Kilmeade’s new book, Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory That Changed American History (2019, Penguin Publishing).  Pictured above are (from l-r): FNC’s Bill Hemmer, WABC executive producer Jill Vitale, WOR host Mark Simone, famed defense attorney and fill-in radio host Arthur Aidala, FOX News Radio affiliate relations account manager Tamara Karcev, Kilmeade, WABC program director Dave LaBrozzi, and WABC APD Matt Dahl.

Premiere Networks Offers ‘Early Edition’ of ‘Coast to Coast AM.’ An additional three-hours of “Coast to Coast AM” is being offered by Premiere Networks beginning this week.  The company says that “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory – Early Edition” is a partial re-broadcast from the previous night that is available to existing affiliates to air from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am ET, Monday through Friday.  In the same press release, Premiere reminds affiliate stations that “Coast to Coast AM” is continuing its long-standing tradition of providing live programming throughout the holidays, including music, special guest appearances, open lines and surprises on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Impeachment Process, Trump Tax Returns Ruling, Roger Stone Trial, 2020 Presidential Race, U.S. Withdraws from Paris Climate Deal, U.S.-China Trade Negotiations, and Popeye’s Chicken Stabbing Death Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/4). The impeachment process against President Trump and the speculation about who will testify; a federal appeals court rules President Trump must turn over 8 years of tax returns; longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone federal trial on obstructing a congressional investigation looking into Russian hacking during the 2016 campaign begins this week; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the U.S. begins the final stage of exiting the Paris Climate Accord; the U.S.-China trade negotiations, and the death of a Maryland man as the result of an argument at a Popeye’s Chicken restaurant were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Hail to the… Chef!  Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher as he broadcast his nationally syndicated program on Monday (11/4) from Famous Hamburger Joe’s restaurant in Surfside Beach, South Carolina to thank owner Tony Cherney for a large donation to Gallagher’s “Food For The Poor” campaign.  Gallagher says it was “magical” to have a restaurant provide such a major donation to feed hungry children through “Food For The Poor.”

Alex Luke Appointed SVP of Digital Content for SiriusXM and Pandora. Music and media executive Alex Luke joins SiriusXM to take on the newly created position of senior vice president, digital content for SiriusXM and Pandora.  In this role, Luke will lead programming for Pandora and editorial content on the Pandora and SiriusXM digital platforms.  Most recently, Luke was global head of programming and content strategy at Amazon Music.  He’s also served with Napster and Apple.  SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “Alex is an expert in shaping the digital content experience for listeners, and we are excited to have him join us as we continue to advance and evolve how we create and present content for our listeners across our digital platforms.  It is vital we ensure that the great content we produce today, as well as what we create in the future, is done in the most attractive and consumer-friendly manner so that it drives growth in usage across our digital platforms.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Jack Shell exits the midday show at Cumulus Media’s country WFMS, Indianapolis after almost two years there.  He moved north from the company’s adult contemporary WLYF, Miami “101.5 Lite FM” in December of 2017.  In a Facebook post, Shell says, “Would like to thank those who listened to my show on 95.5 WFMS in Indianapolis, and I am proud to have accomplished quite a bit during my brief time here in terms of ratings and connecting with this audience.  Thanks to Cumulus for getting me back into country music radio and giving me a great station on which to perform these last two years.”…..Also leaving a Cumulus Media country outlet is Nathan Fast.  He leaves his morning gig at KPLX, Dallas “99.5 The Wolf” after a little more than a year there.  He’d been co-hosting the morning program with Lisa Taylor, who remains on the air in AM drive…..Entercom announces that 2019 CMA Awards nominee Luke Combs is hosting its exclusive one-hour “CMA Red Carpet Countdown” immediately preceding the televised CMA Awards beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 13.  The show will feature Luke Combs introducing additional content and a curated playlist from Nashville…..The lineup for night two of Entercom‘s RADIO.COM event “KROQ Absolut Almost Acoustic Christmas 2019,” taking place on Sunday, December 8 at the Honda Center in Anaheim is revealed.  Taking the stage that evening will be: Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, The 1975, The Raconteurs, Of Monsters and Men, The Interrupters, lovelytheband, Matt Mason, and DJ Jeremiah Red.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of tickets benefits Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center…..Pictured below is “NASH Nights Live” co-host Elaina Smith (left) with country star Miranda Lambert (right) after Lambert appeared as a guest on Smith’s podcast “Breaking Thru with Elaina.”  The interview will also be heard as part of Smith’s “With Elaina,” the Westwood One syndicated two-hour weekend country program for pop culture junkies, entertainment fans and country music lovers!

Thursday, July 25, 2019

| July 25, 2019

Dan Le Batard Off Air Again Today.  According to a story in The Washington Post, ESPN sports personality Dan Le Batard is off his radio program, “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,” and his cable TV show, “Highly Questionable,” today (7/25) because he’s meeting in New York with ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro.  Le Batard was off the air on Monday after he addressed the “Send her back!” chants directed toward Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar by Trump supporters at a recent Trump political rally.  Le Batard was reminded by ESPN brass of the company’s mandate that politics are off limits on the sports network unless there’s a sports connection.  Le Batard criticized that policy as well.  He was, however, back on the air on Tuesday and Wednesday.  FOX News coverage quotes former ESPN staffer and Le Batard friend Bill Simmons saying on his podcast that he doesn’t think Le Batard will remain with ESPN much longer.  He calls him “a really proud guy, who I feel like at some point looked at it and said, ‘I have a platform, I’m on live radio right now and I’m just gonna use the platform for this and I know there is going to be repercussions.’”

PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk.TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on public radio news/talk.  Summer listening trends may be having an effect on public talk stations as 61% of those in PPM markets saw their weekly AQH share dip, led by KCFR, Denver and KUT, Austin – both declining 1.6 shares from the May survey to the June survey.  Comparing June of 2018 to this year, just 38% of public radio news talkers are up – including KNPR, Las Vegas with an impressive 2.8 share gain – but 58% of stations see a ratings dip, including WBUR, Boston (-2.5), WFAE, Charlotte (-2.0), and KUT, Austin (-2.0).  Just two public news/talk stations – KQED, San Francisco and KPBS, San Diego – ranked #1 (6+) in their respective markets during the June survey.  See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.

Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Wraps Up Posting Today with the Panel Discussion, “Launching and Growing a Talent Career in 2019.”  Today (7/25), TALKERS concludes the posting of videos of key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story.  This final post is the panel discussion, “Launching and Growing a Talent Career in 2019,” featuring panelists (in alphabetical order): Heather Cohen, EVP, The Weiss Agency; Dom Giordano, host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Danielle Lin, host, “The Art of Living & the Science of Life”; and Michael Riedel, host, WOR, New York.  The panel was moderated by Andrew Kalb, then-executive director of programming, ABC News Radio and introduced by Dr. Daliah Wachs, host, Genesis Communications Network.    This concludes the posting of all the key panels, speeches and presentations that took place at the annual event.  All will remain posted for viewing/listening at Talkers.com for the rest of 2019.  Thank you to Art Vuolo, president, Vuolo Video for the excellent job of capturing these historic recordings.  To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.

Bert Baron Exits WCTC-AM, New Brunswick for Public Service Gig. Central New Jersey morning personality Bert Baron is exiting his position as host on Beasley Media Group’s news/talk WCTC-AM, New Brunswick after tomorrow’s program to take a position outside of the radio business.  In a press release, Mayor Jim Cahill says, “Bert is a well-known and admired member of our community.  His vast experience in communications, messaging, social media, community engagement, advocacy, and community work and education initiatives will serve as key assets in his daily responsibilities as PIO.  We are excited to welcome him to the team.”

Premiere’s George Noory Profiled in Boca Magazine.  Nationally syndicated late-night radio star George Noory was recently profiled in the Florida publication, Boca magazine.  The host of “Coast to Coast AM” promoted his live stage show that’s taking place at the Miramar Cultural Center on Saturday (7/27), and discussed his 17-year tenure as host of the Premiere Networks radio program.  Noory’s stage show will feature live interviews with Billy Carson, an expert in forbidden archaeology; James L. Paris, a motivational speaker and lecturer on the power of prayer; and Chip Coffey, a renowned psychic medium. Check out the Boca piece here.

Max Media Norfolk Back with Nielsen.  Three years after deciding to do without Nielsen Audio’s PPM ratings service for its Norfolk, Virginia cluster that includes sports talk WVSP-FM “ESPN 94.1,” urban talk/music hybrid WGH-AM and three music radio brands, Max Media signs a multi-year deal to use PPM data and a number of other services from Nielsen. Max Media VP and general manager Keith Barton says, “We are delighted to be working again with Nielsen. The comprehensive capabilities of Nielsen’s tools, including Nielsen Scarborough, Polk by IHS Markit, Nielsen Rhiza and Tapscan, are integral to our ability to facilitate success for the advertisers and agencies that we work with.  We are now armed with the tools necessary to provide valuable marketing and advertising expertise to our clients and ultimately increase ROI.”

WWO: Smart Speaker Bringing AM/FM Back into the Home. The radio industry is hopeful that the rapid adoption of the smart speaker among American households will heighten listening to AM/FM stations in the home.  Westwood One presents some data to indicate the smart speaker is beginning to do just that.  Some of the conclusions drawn from recent research are published in this week’s Westwood One blog post.  They include: according to Nielsen, 28% of U.S. households own a smart speaker; 19% of streaming listening to AM/FM radio stations occurred via smart speaker at the start of this year, up from 9% in January 2018; streaming audiences skew female: 68% of the total music streaming audience is female, compared to 50% of the on-air audience to the same AM/FM radio stations; smart speaker AM/FM radio streamers listen to 7:55 hours and 6.3 sessions per month, higher than the average streaming listener; and a higher proportion of smart speaker streaming occurs on Saturdays and Sundays where smart speaker listening peaks between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Mueller Testimony, Immigration/Asylum Policy, Epstein Injured in Jail, North Korea Missile Test, Puerto Rico Governor Resigns, and Boris Johnson Becomes Prime Minister Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/24). Wednesday’s testimony before the House judiciary and intelligence committees by special counsel Robert Mueller; the Trump administration’s immigration and asylum policies and the conditions at detention centers; accused sex traffickerJeffrey Epstein is found in jail cell injured; North Korea tests new short-range missile; Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello resigns over leaked chat message controversy; and Boris Johnson assumes the role as Great Britain’s prime minister were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. The rumored arrival of Jason Pullman as host of the new morning drive show on Entercom’s country WUSN-FM, Chicago “US99” is confirmed as the company announces the new show launches on August 8.  Pullman was most recently morning host at iHeartMedia’s country WUBL, Atlanta “94.9 The Bull.”  Joining him on the air for the new morning show is Chicago native Katie Bright.  She returns to WUSN after serving as national director of promotion for Warner Music Nashville. Prior to that, she’d worked with WUSN in the sales department.  Also contributing to the show is current WUSN lead promotions coordinator Erin – known to WUSN listeners as the station’s “Batchelor” expert.   Entercom Chicago president and market manager Jimmy de Castro says, “We are thrilled to welcome this talented team to ‘US99.’  The team will bring country music fans an entertaining and informative live, local show that is built for Chicagoland.”

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

| November 28, 2018

Former KPAM, Portland Personalities Win Unpaid Wages Case.  In a case before the Bureau of Labor and Industries in the state of Oregon, former KPAM, Portland personalities Margie Boule and Carl Wolfson prevailed in a decision to pay them back wages.  Pamplin Broadcasting, which no longer owns the station, hired Boule and Wolfson as independent contractors and argued that as such, they were not due overtime wages.  Pamplin argued that, alternatively, that if the two were employees, then they were exempt creative professional employees.  The BLI did not buy Pamlin’s arguments and ordered the company to pay Boule and Wolfson $12,361.52 each.  It also ordered Pamplin to pay $30,700 in civil penalties.  The agency concluded that although the two were called independent contractors by KPAM, they were treated like full-time staffers.  For example, witnesses for KPAM testified that requests for Boule and Wolfson to attend client events, charity fundraisers, and seminars – duties outside execution of their radio show – were “purely optional.” But the BLI ruled that “part of any job is to cooperate with people with whom one works” and claims that requests were optional are not “credible.”

Grappler’s Guide To Grinding Out Pinpoint Podcasts. Managing editor Mike Kinosian talks with pro wrestler and podcaster Brimstone about his new venture, “The Grindhouse Radio” podcast. Brimstone says he’s aware people find the huge number of podcasts out there daunting.  “Some are amazing and others aren’t so good.  Podcasting gives people a taste of the grandeur of show business. People can do it from their phone or from one microphone in their bedroom. It is fantastic that podcasts can be done at so many different levels.  Many other podcasts don’t take pride in sound quality like we do.  Our show is classified as ‘comedy,’ but we are all about popular culture.  While we aren’t comedians, we are fun and funny.”  Read the whole story here.

Entercom Honored for Mental Health Special. The September nationally broadcast special “I’m Listening” earns Entercom a 2018 Community Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness North Texas. “I’m Listening” was a two-hour live, commercial-free broadcast special to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention as part of Entercom’s multi-platform “I’m Listening” campaign. The broadcast aired across all of the company’s stations nationwide on Sunday, September 9, 2018 and via their respective livestreams on RADIO.COM to mark the start of National Suicide Prevention Week.   The special broadcast welcomed medical experts, artists and celebrities connected to the cause to join the conversation about mental health, as well as live calls from listeners.   The year-long campaign also included suicide prevention PSAs, on-air promos and a dedicated website with information and resources to end the stigma around mental health discussions.  Entercom SVP programming innovation Liana Huth says, “‘I’m Listening’ is one of our signature productions meant to save lives.  We know that talking makes a difference and our stations are proud to help remove the stigma around mental illness.  It’s okay to not be okay.  Many thanks to our partners, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council. Together we are part of a vast network working every day to help and serve those affected.”

‘Coast to Coast AM’ Christmas Album Re-Released to Benefit Veterans Charity. The holiday album “Holiday Magic Coast Style” is being re-released in time for this year’s holiday season.  Sales of the disc benefit various veterans’ hospitals across the country.  It features traditional holiday songs and poems performed by fan-favorite guests of the Premiere Networks-syndicated radio program, including best-selling author Whitley Strieber, author and paranormal expert Rosemary Ellen Guiley, paranormal investigator Joshua P. Warren, UFO Phil, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, actor/singer Pat Boone, and others.  “Coast to Coast AM” host George Noory also performs a special rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful.”  It is produced by “Coast to Coast AM” senior producer Tom Danheiser and TDClark Entertainment and is currently available for purchase on Amazon.

Facebook Takes Big Step in Gaining MRC Accreditation. Considering all the negative press Facebook and founder Mark Zuckerberg have been getting lately, clearing this step in the Media Rating Council accreditation chase is good news. Broadcasters won’t be happy, but Facebook and Instagram have passed an audit of its internal data collection process and that’s a step toward getting accreditation from the MRC for third-party measurement of ad viewability.  The next step in the process is for the MRC to audit the process of Facebook and Instagram getting their data to third-party measurement firms. See the Ad Age story here.

Trump-Russia Investigation/Manafort Plea Deal, Caravan Migrants/Border Wall Issue, Trump Denies Climate Change Report, Russia-Ukraine Tensions, Hyde-Smith Wins Miss. Senate Seat, GM Job Cuts, Pelosi’s House Speaker Battle, Brexit Deal, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/27). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related collapse of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s plea deal; the caravan of Honduran migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the related border wall funding issue; the government’s ominous climate change report and President Trump’s declaration he doesn’t agree with it; Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine; Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith wins the Mississippi U.S. Senate seat race; reactions to GM’s announcement that it will cut U.S. jobs and close plants; Nancy Pelosi’s battle to regain the House Speaker role; the latest action in Britain’s move to exit the EU; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that 11 positions in all and two overnight jocks were let go from Hubbard Radio’s Chicago station group.  The air personalities – Mike Roberts of hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” and Brian Travis of adult contemporary WSHE “100.3” – both hosted the overnight daypart.  While there were criticisms of Hubbard’s decision in the comments section of Feder’s story, he points our that “Hubbard Radio Chicago had been among the last local station groups to broadcast live around the clock at all of its stations.”…..Premiere Networks announces the availability of a country music holiday special hosted by CMT personality Cody Alan.  “Home for the Holidays” is a four-hour, barter-free show highlighted by conversations with country music stars including: Braid Paisley, Maren Morris, and Martina McBride, among others, who will share stories of Christmas memories, favorite gifts, and family traditions.  The radio special will also feature a mix of chart-topping and holiday-themed songs. It’s available for air from December 22-25.

An Interview with George Noory

| October 29, 2018

By Ryan McCormick
Goldman McCormick Public Relations

 

ST.LOUIS — George Noory, host of the nationally syndicated program, “Coast to Coast AM,” says if he weren’t a national radio talk show host he’d be in politics.  Heard by millions of listeners, “Coast To Coast AM” airs on nearly 620 stations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Guam.

While hosting “The Nighthawk,” a wildly successful, late-night program on KTRS, St. Louis, Noory was recruited by Premiere Networks to guest host on “Coast to Coast AM” with Art Bell.  He became the permanent host of the phenomenally successful overnight program on January 1, 2003, following Bell’s retirement.  Since then, Noory’s audience has continued to grow.

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Monday, April 16, 2018

| April 16, 2018

Remembering Art Bell. The somewhat eerie fact that 72-year-old Art Bell died on Friday the 13th (4/13 in Pahrump, Nevada) certainly could not go unnoticed or overlooked. Bell was the founder and original host of the paranormal-themed “Coast to Coast AM,” which Premiere Networks syndicated on hundreds of North American radio outlets. Part of a Bell retrospective on that program’s website details that, “His love of radio led him to working for an English-language station in Japan, where he set a Guinness world record for broadcasting 116 hours straight. This was no mere radio stunt, however, as it served to raise funds to rescue over 100 Vietnamese orphans left stranded by the conflict in their home country.  Upon returning to the United States, he entered the world of talk radio with an overnight program on KDWN, Las Vegas.  After noticing that episodes covering conspiracy theories and paranormal topics generated considerable interest from listeners, Bell transformed the show from political talk to discussion of these often-verboten realms. Syndicated nationally in 1993 [by Talk Radio Network], ‘Coast to Coast AM’ soon became a radio phenomenon.  During the 1990s, when ‘The X-Files’ had people wondering about the world of high strangeness, Art Bell was the voice of that world, introducing millions of radio listeners to a vast array of paranormal topics and the researchers that studied them. As he begins his journey on the ‘Other Side,’ we take solace in the hope that he is now finding out all of the answers to the mysteries he pursued for so many nights with all of us.”  The Jacksonville, North Carolina born former Air Force medic “semi-retired” from “Coast to Coast AM” 15 years ago but could be heard hosting the program on weekends from 2003 – 2007 and was an occasional guest host through 2010.  Bell called his show “absolute entertainment” and did not necessarily accept every guest or caller’s claims but offered a forum where they would not be openly ridiculed. SiriusXM debuted “Art Bell’s Dark Matter” in September 2013 on its “Indie Talk” channel, but that four-hour (7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, PT) Monday through Thursday venture ended after just six weeks. Approximately four-dozen stations carried his 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight PT “Midnight in the Desert” show, which launched on the Internet in July 2015 on Bell’s Dark Matter Digital Network. Three months later in October of 2015, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviewed him for his weekly podcast. The following is a brief excerpt from that long-form conversation in which Bell assesses the state of the radio industry and its future.  To listen to the clip, please click 

      here
.  Five months later though, Bell exited, citing concerns about his family’s safety.  Bell was replaced as weekday host of “Coast to Coast AM” on January 1, 2003 by George Noory, who reacted emotionally on air last Friday night to Bell’s passing. “I’m trying to get my composure here, folks,” a shaken Noory admitted. “Art and I were not that close.  We had our differences, but he was one of those instrumental in me being where I am right now.  He was a very heavy smoker and was hospitalized a year or so ago because of [that].  I don’t know if that played a factor in [his death] or not.”  In 1996, KTRS, St. Louis’ Tim Dorsey hired Noory to be “The Night Hawk” and as Bell decided he needed an emergency replacement, Noory gained national exposure by doing his first “Coast to Coast AM” show in April 2001. “As Art’s back problems became more severe, I started doing more shows, until he decided to retire from fulltime work,” Noory told Inside Radio’s then special features editor/current TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian.  Equating the experience of substituting for – and eventually succeeding – Bell on a fulltime basis to pinch-hitting for Babe Ruth, Noory maintained, “It’s sometimes an unreal feeling. I never showed it on the air, but replacing Art Bell was overwhelming for me. I realized there was no way I could replace him. It wouldn’t work if I tried to duplicate him.” The first time Noory heard Bell was in 1996 when he was driving to work at heritage St. Louis news/talker KMOX. “I said to myself that I wanted to do that program,” Noory confided to Kinosian. “After I concentrated on the show, strange events occurred that made it all happen.  Whatever’s out there in the universe that makes things happen for people is real.”  Now living in Lexington, Kentucky, noted spoken-word consultant/programmer Gabe Hobbs is a former vice president/programming – news, talk, & sports for Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia). “What a special talent Art Bell was – truly unique,” Hobbs declares.  “He helped talk radio evolve from the Larry King-era into the modern era of our format.  He is the man that made overnights meaningful and profitable in radio.”  Longtime iHeartMedia Los Angeles adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103” air talent Ted Ziegenbusch notes on Facebook, “I did a late-night show for about 20 years in the 1980s and 1990s. On a family trip to central California one night, I heard Art on a tiny radio station. That was long before he became popular and I was fascinated with his stories about UFOs; ghosts; pyramids on Mars; climate change; and all sorts of quirky subjects. His shows were almost always riveting and impossible to leave for even a moment. When I returned from my trip north, I told my general manager that Art Bell would be perfect for our AM station. Nobody had ever heard of the guy, so my suggestion fell on deaf ears. Later, he would join our team and score enormous success. The story doesn’t end there. Sadly, there were some real ups and downs in Art’s life and his career; [however], he was sure a trailblazer and one-of-a-kind entertainer.” Brian Whitman, who does morning drive in Los Angeles on Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA, recounts, “Many years ago when I was younger and less experienced, I was doing some on-air work at Premiere Radio Networks. I asked the boss if he would consider me to be a substitute host on ‘Coast to Coast’ when Art Bell was absent. I took the opportunity to mention that when those crazy people called, I’d goof on them and do a really funny show. The boss made me smarter [by telling me], ‘Brian, you don’t understand. On ‘Coast to Coast,’ when someone calls to tell you an alien landed in their swimming pool, you don’t make fun. You say, ‘tell me more.’ [That was] the genius of Art Bell. I always say that the most important thing for a radio performer is to find his voice.  Art Bell’s singular voice, brilliant mind, and master showmanship came together to create his own brand. He understood the intimacy that radio can create [and] the lives it can touch.”  An executive producer at iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI, Michelle Kube, comments that, “Even if I thought some of the stories were crazy, you couldn’t deny [Art Bell’s] talent.” He was “a true radio pioneer and a great storyteller. He created ‘Coast to Coast AM’ – it’s his legacy.”  For the past 14 years, Kurt Kretzschmar has been director of affiliate marketing – Premiere Networks. The former executive producer of Los Angeles sports outlet KSPN and cross-town news/talk KABC asserts that tapes of Bell’s shows “that air on Saturday nights are some of the highest-rated weekend hours on several affiliates.” Senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Northern Ohio region, which includes WHLO “640 Akron’s News Talk,” Keith Kennedy, was among programmers scheduling Art Bell tribute programming this past weekend. Kennedy wrote on Facebook, “Listen to ‘Somewhere in Time’ Saturday at 9:00 pm – we’ll rebroadcast one of his unique programs.”  Bell studied engineering at the University of Maryland in College Park, but dropped out to become a radio chief engineer/board op/occasional on-air talent.  In May 2008, he sold KNYE, Pahrump to station manager Karen Jackson for a reported $600,000. Inducted to the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame (2006) and National Radio Hall of Fame (2008), Bell received Radio & Records’ “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2007. A July 2016 posting on Bell’s website indicated he was hospitalized for pneumonia and that he suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Nye County (Nevada) sheriff Sharon Wehrly described Bell as a “longtime resident” of the area and said an autopsy to confirm the cause of death would be performed later this week. Geller Media International Broadcast Consultants president Valerie Geller proclaims, “May his journey continue in peace.”

WWJ, Detroit Names Brooke Allen PM Drive Co-Host. Detroit all-news WWJ-AM “Newsradio 950” announces that Brooke Allen (right) is returning to the station to co-host the afternoon drive daypart (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm) with current afternoon host Greg Bowman (left).  Allen was most recently the producer and local host of “Morning Edition” on public news/talk WKAR-AM/FM, East Lansing, Michigan.  Entercom Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “We are excited to welcome Brooke back to WWJ.  In addition to being an award-winning journalist, Brooke is devoted to our local community.   Her passion for the news and connection to the people of the metro Detroit area will be evident each and every day.”

Johnson Named VP of Sports Sales for iHeartMedia Denver. Denver sales pro Jeff Johnson is promoted at iHeartMedia to vice president of sports sales & partnerships.  In this new role, Johnson is charged with “growing and managing iHeartMedia Denver’s sports partnerships, including the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies, as well as its Broncos-centric station, KDSP-AM ‘Orange & Blue 760.'”  iHeartMedia Denver SVP of sales Ryan Clune states, “I’m thrilled for Jeff.  Watching him grow over the years from senior account executive to director of sports sales, and now vice president of sports sales & partnerships has been a highlight of my career.  Jeff’s ability to align advertisers with our exclusive sports content, along with delivering unmatched reach, brand affinity, and ROI for our partners makes him the ideal leader to step into this key position.”

Price: Are You Ready for Atlantic Hurricane Season? Former longtime director of business continuity & crisis management for ABC’s news and technology & operations divisions, Howard B. Price, writes today in a piece for TALKERS magazine about the need to be prepared for the Atlantic Hurricane Season.  Price says that tropical researchers at Colorado State University have issued their predictions for this year and have concluded that there will likely be 14 named storms between June 1 and November 30. Of those, researchers expect seven hurricanes, with three of those likely to be major storms (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5, with sustained winds of 111 MPH – plus).  Price provides this nine-point preparedness checklist for broadcasters who could be affected by an Atlantic hurricane or any other natural disaster for that matter.  See it here.

Padres Executive Chairman Opens Up About KEGY Format Tweak.  As reported in the San Diego Union Tribune writer Bryce Miller, San Diego Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler says the team had “significant input and impact” on the format and branding changes Entercom made to KEGY, but not so much as to dictate which air talent should go where.  Union Tribune reports Fowler and the Padres had issues with KEGY’s programming as “97.3 The Machine” before air personality Kevin Klein’s promotional Tweet that referenced the city’s Coronado bridge and its history as a site of hundreds of suicides.  Miller quotes Fowler referencing the station’s programming as “shock-jock” radio.  See Miller’s story here.

Comey’s ABC Interview/Trump-Russia Investigation, U.S. Strikes on Syria, Starbucks-Philly Arrests, Mexico Border Issues, Barbara Bush Health Status, MLB and NBA Playoffs Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Former FBI director James Comey’s interview on ABC-TV in which he discussed the investigation into the Hillary Clinton email matter and opined on President Trump’s fitness for office and the related investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the weekend’s U.S. military strikes in Syria; the controversy over the arrest of two black men for trespassing at a Philadelphia Starbucks; the issue of security at the U.S.-Mexico border; former First Lady Barbara Bush’s failing health; and Major League Baseball and NBA playoffs action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS News Notes.  According to the most recent list published by The Hollywood Reporter, Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel star Sean Hannity and multi-media personality Ryan Seacrest are two of the 35 most powerful media people in New York. Regarding Hannity, THR says that he regularly commands the largest audience of any cable news host on television, in addition to reaching millions of listeners on his national radio show.  “He also has the ear (and the eyes) of the president…and has the power to make or break Republican political candidates.”  As for Seacrest, the publication says that since Kelly Ripa tapped him as her co-host in May, viewership of ABC’s “LIVE with Kelly & Ryan” has “risen nearly 15% to 3.2 million viewers each day.”  See the whole list here…..Westwood One announces a strategic partnership with American Public Media to increase sales and promotional opportunities for season two of the investigative podcast, “In the Dark.”  The first season of “In the Dark” has driven nearly 12 million downloads to date and continues to receive downloads more than a year later at roughly 465,000 per month.  In this new relationship, Westwood One is providing broadcast radio show promotion and exclusive ad sales representation…..Pictured below is former White House national security adviser Dr. Sebastian Gorka (left) reviewing documents with Ken Lormand (right), Washington bureau chief of Salem Radio Network News.  As a former Trump adviser, Gorka has insight into administration personnel moves, including CIA director Mike Pompeo’s nomination to become the next U.S. Secretary of State.

TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! to Feature Presentation by Salem VP Phil Boyce Titled, “What Has Donald Trump Done to Talk Radio.” There is no doubt that the ascendancy of Donald J. Trump to the U.S. presidency has greatly impacted news/talk radio and its associated platforms of talk media. Salem Media Group SVP of the spoken word format Phil Boyce will deliver an address, backed up by Harker Research data, exploring this phenomenon in detail during the morning sessions of TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! The presentation will be introduced by highly regarded programmer Greg Moceri, CEO of Moceri Media. The 21st annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running, and most important convention takes place on Friday, June 8 at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. The day opens with back-to-back keynote “fireside chats” conducted by Michael Harrison with Premiere Networks and Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity and Beasley Broadcasting CEO Caroline Beasley. The conference will also include presentations by such industry notables as PodcastOne executive chairman, Norm Pattiz; former WFAN, New York sports talk superstar, Mike Francesa; Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein, panel appearances by Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes and an afternoon keynote address by Infowars and GCN maverick Alex Jones. There will be panels on programming, sales, digital convergence and more featuring a total of 50-plus speakers from all aspects of the talk media industry. The convention is on a fast-track to being an advance sellout and there will be no registrations sold at the door. For more information and the complete up-to-the-minute agenda, read the story below.

TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! Agenda Posted. The TALKERS editorial board is pleased to post the basic agenda for the 21stannual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national convention – TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! takes place on Friday, June 8 at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. The conference will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology as well as the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing modern-day talk broadcasters and broadcasting organizations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch, and a closing cocktail reception – all in a single, power-packed day! Full up-to-the-minute agenda details, speaker roster and hotel information can be seen here. If you are planning to attend, it would be wise to register NOW. This convention will be an early sellout.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Denver, iHeartMedia names Chelsea Thomas midday host for country KWBL “106.7 The Bull,” effective April 23.   iHeartMedia region SVP of programming JoJo Turnbeaugh says, “An on-air opening with iHeartMedia in Denver always generates strong interest from many talented personalities.  Chelsea was the clear winner. Her authenticity and unique ability to weave storytelling into her show made her the ideal match for the Bull Nation.”  Thomas was most recently music director and air personality at Alpha Media’s CHR WDJX, Louisville…..KAMP, Los Angeles “97.1 AMP Radio” music director and midday personality Michelle Boros exits her position with the Entercom CHR station after an eight-year stint…..Kristina Carlyle signs on with Albany Broadcasting’s country WKLI, Albany “100.9 The Cat” to co-host the morning show and serve as music director. Carlyle – most recently with Scripps’ KVOO, Tulsa – takes over for the departed Dana Race…..There’s a new morning host at California Radio Partners’ triple A KOZT, Fort Bragg “The Coast” as Dred Scott is tapped to work alongside news director Joe Regelski.  Station co-owner and program director Tom Yates says, “We did a job posting and got 41 responses in two days from some really good candidates.  But Dred is a really good fit with the ‘Coast’ crew.”…..At Ingstad Media’s country KXDD, Yakima, Washington, Lindsey Cleveland is promoted from part-time status to full-time as morning drive co-host with Brian Stephenson on “The Good Morning Gang with Brian & Lindsey.” Cleveland fills the role vacated recently by Carey Jacobson…..In Washington, DC, Kala Simmons is named morning show producer for WASH-FM’s “Toby and Chilli” morning show. Simmons has been with the iHeartMedia Washington cluster for the past three years as assistant digital producer for WIHT’s “The Kane Show.”

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

| June 28, 2017

FAIR’s ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Begins Today. The 11th annual Washington, DC radio row that addresses America’s immigration policies is underway at the Phoenix Park Hotel today through tomorrow.  Federation for American Immigration Reform’s “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” consists of more than 60 talk radio hosts from around the country holding “a national conversation with voters in all 50 states about what is happening, what isn’t happening, and what needs to be done to get things moving” regarding America’s “immigration laws being effectively enforced.”  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “FAIR did another fantastic job of gathering what seems to be a record number of hosts to the radio row this year making it one of, if not the, biggest in history.  The immigration reform issue has obviously emerged as one of the hottest topics on the talk radio agenda and a wide variety of views concerning it are amply on display at this dynamic happening.  It is also, from my perspective, a major demonstration of the First Amendment on display.”  Harrison has been booked as a guest on more than 25 shows for the two-day event.  Pictured above left is Michael Harrison (right) with KCOL, Colorado Springs talk show host Jimmy Lakey (left). Above right is Harrison with FAIR president Dan Stein.

Westwood One and NextRadio Partner on Audience Measurement Tool. This agreement between Westwood One and NextRadio parent TagStation, LLC will provide for the rollout of what is being called “the first, and largest, interactive audience measurement tool of over-the-air FM radio.  This alliance enables Westwood One to deliver consumer insights and intelligence that optimize campaigns and prove ROI to national advertisers.”  The press release says that Westwood One has been testing the NextRadio Dial Report and recently ran a NextRadio campaign for a major retailer on 250 of its radio stations that proved radio drove listeners to retail.  They say one-third of people who heard the ad also viewed the companion ad within the app.  Of those listeners exposed to the campaign, 10% visited the retailer.  Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes comments, “Imagine interacting with broadcast radio and brand content on your smartphone.  What an inspiration for getting consumers to take immediate action.  This capability is now a reality for a quarter of a billion Westwood One listeners who get more control over their experience, while advertisers get massive and actionable insights and results.  In addition, NextRadio’s collaboration with industry partners, including Nielsen, further validates this alliance as transformative for our business.”

George Noory Publishes New Book. Nationally syndicated late night talk show host George Noory has just published his latest book titled, Mad As Hell (Forge Books 2017).  This non-fiction book doesn’t deal with the paranormal, but instead reveals Noory’s concerns about the state of America and his worries about its future.  The host of Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” says, “We live in a dangerous world that is sorely in need of an effective political system.  I hope this book will inspire and encourage people to pull together as a society, and put in the hard work it will take to bring back the America that makes us proud.”

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media maven Robert Feder tips us that WGN late morning personalities Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder have signed contract extensions with the station to continue working there through June of 2020.  The former WLUP-FM and WKQX-FM duo joined WGN in 2013.  Their show airs from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon with an extra hour that can be heard on wgn.com.  Read Feder’s “Robservations” column here…..SummitMedia brings another sports talk station to the Richmond market, flipping former CHR W291CL/WURV-HD2 “HOT 106.1” to “Sports 106.1.”  The station is airing content from CBS Sports Radio…..Panama City, Florida also gets a new sports talk station as Horizon Broadcasting debuts WGSX “104.3 ESPN Panama City” airing programming from ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio…..Talk Stream Live is launching its second syndicated network talk show called “Sunday Night Sports Talk with Don and Galen Criqui.”  The program streams live at 9:00 pm ET and is being distributed for AM/FM affiliation by Salem Radio Network…..The popular public radio arts and entertainment show “Studio 360” with host Kurt Andersen is operating under a new partnership.  Since 2000, the program was a cooperative effort of Public Radio International and WNYC.  Now, PRI is teaming with Slate to place the program on the latter’s digital-native podcasting network…..Dave Graveline announces that he has entered into a relationship with Fishnet Syndication to handle affiliate clearing and ad sales for his “Into Tomorrow” consumer electronics and technology talk radio show.

Troopathon 10 to Air in Conjunction with NewsmaxTV. Tomorrow (6/29) is the multi-media simulcast of Move America Forward’s Troopathon 10 – Care Packages for Our Heroes fundraiser to help send care packages to U.S. troops deployed in war zones.  This year, Troopathon is partnering with NewsmaxTV, Wounded Warriors, and Rogers Family Coffee to host the 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET fundraising event from its base in Sacramento.  Troopathon executive producer, award-winning talk show host and author Melanie Morgan says, “All Americans can agree that our troops deserve our love and support.  The cause we come together to support is incredibly important.  With thousands of troops still on the ground in Afghanistan, we cannot forget their continued service and sacrifice.  Troopathon remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting our troops in harm’s way!”  Morgan will again work with co-host Rita Cosby from WABC, New York and will be joined by guests including: “Newsmax Now” anchor John Bachman, Dionne Warwick, Chuck Woolery, Tony Orlando and Rich Little.  Special segments will be hosted by syndicated radio stars Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark  Levin, and Laura Ingraham.  Through 2017, Troopathon events have raised nearly $5 million in sponsorships, enabling the group to send more than 350 tons of care packages to troops overseas.

Cumulus Women at the Gracies. Pictured here (at center) is WABC, New York personality Rita Cosby holding her fifth Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.  She’s flanked by WNSH, New York “NASH FM 94.7” midday personality Katie Neal (left) and WPLJ, New York morning co-host Jayde Donovan (right) on Tuesday (6/27) at The Gracies Luncheon at Cipriani in New York City.  Cosby was honored for “Best Interview Feature” for her Election Central special on New York Primary Day during which she interviewed all five presidential candidates.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (6/28).  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and, beginning yesterday (6/27), its sessions have begun being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor.  Today (6/28), the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke has been posted.  Tomorrow, 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.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Trump-CNN Spat/Trump-Russia Investigation, GOP Delays Health Care Vote, Global Cyberattack, SCOTUS Travel Ban Ruling, EU Fines Google, Sarah Palin Sues NYT, Jane Sanders Investigation, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/27). CNN’s retraction of a Trump-Russia investigation story and volley of tweets between CNN and the president, along with the related special counsel investigation into Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s decision to delay a vote on the GOP health care plan; the ransomware attack that engulfed Ukraine and numerous European targets; the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing a portion of President Donald Trump’s travel ban from seven predominantly Muslim nations to take effect; Google is fined $2.7 billion by the European Union for manipulating search results to benefit its own shopping service; Sarah Palin files suit against The New York Times for implying her PAC’s actions resulted in the shooting of then-U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords; the investigation into Senator Bernie Sanders’ wife Jane over a loan deal for the Vermont college she ran; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Al Michaels Feted at Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. Pictured above at the June 16 Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters luncheon honoring sports media legend Al Michaels are (from l-r): CRN Digital Talk Radio’s Fred Dryer, Michaels, former LA Kings broadcaster Bob Miller, and CRN CEO Mike Horn.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. At CBS RADIO’s adult contemporary KYXY, San Diego, the morning drive Jeff & the Showgram exits.  There’s been no official word from the company but the show’s info has been scrubbed from the website…..Longtime program director and morning show host Jimmy Buff is exiting Chet-5 Broadcasting’s triple A WDST, Woodstock New York “Radio Woodstock 100.1.”  In a message on the station’s website, Buff states, “My decision to move on wasn’t easy.  Radio Woodstock is an extraordinary radio station and it’s been my honor to be part of it for as long as I have been.  The mission to the music, the community and to independent radio here will be ably carried on by my veteran colleagues Greg Gattine and Justin Foy, as well by Rookies of the Year material MK Burnell and Dan Cahill, as well as the rest of the amazing staff.”  Gattine will assume programming duties as well as the host the morning drive program.  MK Burnell will take over music director duties and will host the PM drive shift.  Justin Foy moves to midday host, and Dan Cahill takes over the evening air shift, effective July 5…..Justin K exits Zimmer Radio’s adult contemporary KZWV, Osage Beach, Missouri where he was program director and midday personality…..Former KROQ, Los Angeles jock Rodney Bingenheimer brings his craft to SiriusXM where he’ll host a Sunday night program on Little Steven Van Zandt’s the Underground Garage channel.  For more than 40 years, Bingenheimer hosted his “Rodney on the ROQ” program, championing little-known acts that went on to greatness, including the Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Tom Petty, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Van Halen, The Clash, The Smiths, The Go Gos, The Bangles, The Runaways, and Oasis.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

| May 18, 2016

iheartmedia logo smalliHeartRadio’s Darren Davis Testifies Bankruptcy Threat Is ‘Disrupting’ Company’s Business.  The debt default trial underway in Texas pitting iHeartCommunications against Benefit Street Partners LLC is being covered by Bloomberg’s Laura Brubaker Calkins.  Yesterday’s star witness for iHeart was iHeartRadio president Darren Davis and in his testimony, he painted a picture of a company that was able to make its debt payments as it works to build adavisdarren global digital music service, that is, until the debt default was declared.  Calkins reports that Davis said as it stands now, the company’s line of credit has been reduced, its relationships with partners are strained, and it’s affecting iHeart’s ability to attract top, and in some cases, critical employees.  The upshot is that the debt default issue is hampering the company’s goal of building iHeartRadio into the global content service that it believes it can be.  The case stems from iHeartCommunications’ transfer of $500 million of Clear Channel Outdoor stock into the shell company Broader Media Inc.  iHeart says the transfer was legal, and Benefit Street Partners LL says it was not.  Read Calkins’ Bloomberg piece here.

deptrojohnWPRO, Providence’s John DePetro Ties with Rhode Island Governor as ‘Most Divisive.’  The Rhode Island digital publication GoLocalProv.com published a list of what it calls the state’s “Ten Most Divisive” personalities.  Most of the 10 are politicians or are very involved with the state’s political process.  However, tied for #1 with Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo is WPRO, Providence late morning talk show host John DePetro.  The publication defines the list’s occupants as those who “generate the greatest emotion.”  See the feature here.

The Presidential Race, Islamic State Iraq Bombings, Iran Nuclear Deal Hearing, Bathroom-Gender Laws, Facebook Anti-Conservative Allegations, Brazil and Venezuela Troubles, and NBA-NHL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/17).  The activities of the candidates for president, the Oregon and Kentucky primaries and Megyn Kelly’s Donald Trump interview; the recent deadly bombings in Baghdad by Islamic State; the House Oversight Committee hearing on the Obama Administration’s Iran nuclear deal; ongoing controversy over public restroom laws and gender identification; allegations Facebook’s trending stories are biased against conservative topics; the political and economic turmoil in Brazil and Venezuela; and the NBA and NHL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

noorygeorgeGeorge Noory to Present Live Stage Version of ‘Coast to Coast AM’ in June.  The event will take place on Saturday, June 18 at Lindenwood University in St. Louis beginning at 7:00 pm local time.  Tickets are available for the show that will include a VIP meet-and-greet.  It’s being produced by Emmis-owned KFTK-FM, St. Louis and Danheiser Entertainment.  Guests on the show will include ufologist and nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman, rock historian and author R. Gary Patterson, St. Louis Radio Hall of Famer Mark Klose of KFTK, and Mark Farley, founding member of the St. Louis Paranormal Society and frequent guest of KFTK’s Dave Glover show.  It’ll be available as a pay-per-view event as well.

boethinheatherCMG Names Heather Boethin to Gamut Sales Director Post.  Named to the director of sales south for Gamut is Cox Media Group sales pro Heather Boethin.  She’s based in Dallas and will oversee the territory of Atlanta, Dallas, and outlying areas.  She’ll also work closely with CoxReps Digital on “driving high-level strategic initiatives between the two companies.”  Gamut is a digital media services company owned by CMG.

wtmjhonorflight16WTMJ, Milwaukee Sends 140 Veteran to DC on ‘Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.’  Last Saturday (5/14), Scripps-owned news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee sent 140 veterans on a trip from the city to Washington, DC to visit their war memorials.  WTMJ afternoon host John Mercure led a “WTMJ Cares” fundraising project last October and the station’s listeners donated more than $250,000 to fund the flights.  “WTMJ’s Operation Parallel” featured Mercure interviewing Veterans to tell their stories and what a trip to their war memorial would mean to them. The money was donated through two radiothon events and online giving.  Stars and Stripes Honor Flight vice president Karyn Roelke says, “We are humbled by the absolutely incredible support of WTMJ Radio.  Many of our veterans have already told us that, aside from their wedding day and the birth of their children, their Honor Flight day was the best day they have ever had.  We owe such a debt of gratitude to the listeners and staff of 620 WTMJ for making this possible.”  Pictured above are the veterans along with WTMJ staffers.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

| October 20, 2015

freemanbrianCurtis Media and WPTF, Raleigh to Fill Exiting Brian Freeman’s Roles.  Relocating to the Naples-Ft. Myers area where his family owns a home is Brian Freeman who’s been morning drivewptf logo personality at Curtis Media news/talk flagship WPTF, Raleigh.  Freeman was also PD for the station and director of spoken word formats for the company.  Announcing his exit via Facebook, Freeman says he’s seeking work in the Naples-Ft. Myers market.  “My time at Curtis Media Group has been one of the best experiences of my lengthy career.  Special thanks go out to Don Curtis, Trip Savery, David Stuckey, David Lewis and all my fellow co-workers.”

kantordavidDavid Kantor to Head Radio One’s Radio Group.  Radio executive David Kantor moves from his position as president and CEO of Radio One’s syndication arm Reach Media to CEO of Radio One’s radio division, putting him in charge of the company’s 54 stations in 16 markets.  In making the announcement, Radio One president and CEO Alfred Liggins comments, “I’ve been partners with David (and Tom Joyner) in Reach Media for 11 years.  I highly respect his work ethic and intelligence.  David’s skill set, his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit are second to none.  I’m excited about his leadership of our network and local radio business and I have every confidence that he will do an outstanding job.”

Odds & Sods.  A new talk station launches in the Mobile market after Cumulus Media splits the simulcast ofstephandoug Gospel WXQW and WGOK and turns WXQW into “660 News/Information.”  The lineup includes Doug levinmarkStephan’s “Good Day” in morning drive, WMAL-AM/FM, Washington-based Chris Plante for late mornings, Westwood One’s Phil Valentine in PM drive, Mark Levin in evenings plus WW1’s “Red Eye Radio,” “America in the Morning” and “First Light” programs…..A new Sunday program launches on Salem Media’s WNYM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” on October 25.  “Effective Radio with Bill Samuels” is the creation of New York activist Bill Samuels and promises to be a show “about action.”  Samuels says the show will be a potent vehicle to “channel the collective energy and brainpower of New Yorkers to actually do something about” the city’s problems.  The show airs from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and will be produced and co-hosted by Morgan Pehme, executivefoxxleno director of Samuels’ nonprofit advocacy organization EffectiveNY.  WNYM’s Frank Morano will serve as supervising producer…..SiriusXM’s “Town Hall” series of Q&As before a live studio audience continues, this time from Jay Leno’s garage in Los Angeles with Jamie Foxx serving as host.  During the show, Leno speaks with Foxx and answers questions from SiriusXM listeners about his career, his years hosting “The Tonight Show” and his new CNBC series “Jay Leno’s Garage.”…..Red Zebra Broadcasting reports that just two months after making its WTEM, Washington “ESPN 980” station app available to listeners, it’s been downloaded more than 23,000 times.  Red Zebra Broadcasting president and CEO Rick Carmean says, “The way people are consuming radio is changing. In the near future, the primary method of reaching listeners will most likely noorygeorgebe through their mobile device.  The mobile app should give sports talk formats a big advantage going forward if the radio station provides good content and strong talent.”…..The Halloween eve tradition continues on Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” as host George Noory welcomes paranormal expert Rosemary Ellen Guiley.  She’ll discuss the mystical powers of black mirrors for the first hour of the program, followed by three hours of ghost stories and open-line callers as “Ghost to Ghost AM” takes to the airwaves.

buckjoeUndeniableDIRECTV Making ‘Undeniable With Joe Buck’ Available to Radio Stations.  The new weekly DIRECTV program, “Undeniable With Joe Buck,” is being made available to sports and news/talk radio stations.  DIRECTV says that new episodes of the show will air each Wednesday evening and radio partners will be able to re-broadcast the audio the following day.  The one-hour program will be formatted to allow stations to sell time during the show.  The guests being interviewed by Joe Buck this first season of the program include: Derek Jeter, Abby Wambach, Troy Aikman, Chuck Liddell, Michael Phelps, Jimmy Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Bob Baffert, George St. Pierre, and Jerry Jones.

talkersradio logoClaire Carter Launches New Show on TalkersRadio.  Veteran talk pro Claire Carter, founder of The Good For You Network – an internet venture that provides news and information that is “good for you to know about” (personal,carterclaire national and global well-being) – has launched a new radio program titled, “Good For You Radio,” that debuts today (10/20) on TalkersRadio.  TalkersRadio is an online platform hosted and operated by TALKERS magazine to serve as an experimental lab and showcase for innovative new concepts and shows in development in talk radio programming.  Carter’s career experience includes hosting television shows for FX Cable and CNBC, guest hosting on the ABC and CBS Radio Networks, writing for PARADE magazine, providing media training and teaching “The Art of Interviewing” for the New School for Social Research.  Carter’s debut installments feature an in-depth, personal conversation with noted life coach Mike Jaffe — author of Wake Up! Your life is Calling: Why Settle for Fine When So Much More is Possible? (Author House, 2011) — about how the events of 9/11 transformed his career and life; an informative wake-up call with Dr. Peter Pry, executive director of the Task Force on National and Homeland Security, about the vulnerability of America’s grid to terrorist attack; and an interview with Dr. Mark Liponis, corporate medical director of Canyon Ranch, about new ways of dealing with catastrophic diseases.  On announcing the launch of this new program, TALKERS GM of broadcast operations David Bernstein says, “Working with Claire Carter on this project is deeply satisfying to me as both a broadcaster and a human being.  She is an extraordinarily intelligent, articulate and sensitive conversationalist who goes deep into her subjects and creates a meaningful listening experience about the truly important stuff of life.  Like so many shows that have gotten their start on TalkersRadio, I am confident that ‘Good For You Radio’ has a bright future.”  To listen to the program, please click here.

knmlCondit15Native Son Visits KNML, Albuquerque.  UFC fighter Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit (center) poses for a photo in the KNML, Albuquerque studios with “The Opening Drive” personalities Jeff Siembieda (left) and JJ Buck (right).  Condit is an Albuquerque native and resident who will fight for the UFC welterweight title in Las Vegas on January 2, 2016.

2016 Presidential Race, Looming Clinton Benghazi Testimony, Liberal Party Sweeps Canadian Elections, Syria and ISIS Military Campaigns, Israel Violence, Release of Truth Film, and MLB Playoffs and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/19).  The activities of the candidates for president in 2016; Thursday’s testimony from Hillary Clinton about the deadly Benghazi attacks; Canada’s Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau sweeps Canada’s elections; the military campaigns being waged in Syria and against ISIS by Russia and the U.S.; ongoing violence between Palestinians and Israelis; the release of the film Truth detailing CBS’ investigation into George W. Bush’s Texas National Guard Service; and the MLB playoff games and the weekend’s NFL contests were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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