Tag: "Dave Elswick"
Friday, January 21, 2022
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Manchinian Candidate,” looks back at this past week of 1/17 to 1/21. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dave Elswick, talk show host, KDXE 101.1 The Answer, Little Rock; Joyce Kaufman, talk show host, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale-Miami- Palm Beaches; Thom Hartmann, talk show host, WYD Media; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; and Dr. Daliah Wachs, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/Physician. The show airs each weekend on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS 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.
Steve Jones Named CEO and President for Skyview Networks. Network executive Steve Jones is promoted to CEO and president of Skyview Networks from his previous COO/president role. In this new role, Jones will lead the sales, content, broadcast distribution and technology company. Founder and CEO Ken Thiele
transitions to founder and executive chairman of the board, in which he’ll continue to engage in a high-level advisory role for the company. Thiele says, “Over the last 25 years, Skyview has evolved into a dynamic solutions leader in network audio, and through our enduring growth, we have always maintained a commitment to innovation and quality. I have had the privilege of working alongside Steve both as a client and as a leader within our 
company — he embodies these characteristics, which are also matched with an unyielding drive for excellence, keen business sense, and distinguished experience. I am privileged to welcome him to the role of CEO.” Jones comments, “I am grateful to Ken for trusting me to steward the company he has built in partnership with longtime EVP, Jeanne-Marie Condo. During the last three-years, despite pandemic challenges, Skyview Networks has become the fastest growing leader in network audio sales, syndication and distribution. Our unwavering commitment to customer service and proven financial performance have convinced content creators and influencers to join Skyview, while simultaneously providing advertisers effective, efficient and creative campaigns that achieve their marketing goals. At the core of this success is our company culture built on integrity and transparency, resulting in employees committed to one another and to our customers.”
FOX News Channel Reveals New Weekend Primetime Lineup. Effective the weekend of January 29, FOX News Channel debuts a new Saturday primetime lineup. Lawrence Jones will host a new, one-hour show titled, “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” airing at 10:00 pm ET and Brian Kilmeade will host his eponymous show at 8:00 pm ET.
“Unfiltered with Dan Bongino” moves to the 9:00 pm ET slot. The 8:00 pm ET hour was formerly hosted by Jesse Watters who was named solo host of the weeknight “Jesse Watters Primetime” program. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says the promotion renders Jones, 29, the youngest Black solo host of a program in cable news. In addition to this new role, Jones will 
continue as the enterprise reporter for the “FOX & Friends” franchise. “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” will focus on newsmakers from across the political and cultural spectrum, spotlighting the leading concerns facing Americans nationwide. Kilmeade remains a co-host of FNC’s morning franchise “FOX & Friends” while also hosting the three-hour daily “Brian Kilmeade Show” on FOX News Audio and “What Made America Great” on FOX News Media’s streaming service FOX Nation. Scott says, “Lawrence has been an impact player since joining the network in 2018 and we are thrilled to add his critical insights to our weekend lineup.” Kilmeade comments, “I am truly honored that Suzanne has given me another incredible opportunity at FOX News Media. My ultimate goal is to create a program that will always seek solutions rather than sow division.”
Triton Digital Publishes December 2021 Podcast Report. The U.S. Podcast Report from Triton Digital is released and ranks podcast networks and podcasts from participating podcast networks based on average weekly downloads in the U.S. For the
period of November 29 to January 2, Stitcher Media was the #1 podcast network with 43.1 million active downloads. NPR was #2 with 31.7 million, Audacy Podcast Network was #3 with 28.7 million, and Cumulus Podcast Network was #4 with 18 million. The report also ranks individual podcasts by average weekly download and audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” was #1. At #2 was “NPR News Now,” followed by Cumulus’ “The Ben Shaprio Show” at #3. You can see the complete rankers for the top 20 networks and the top 100 podcasts here.
SiriusXM Talk Host Joe Madison Ends Hunger Strike. In the aftermath of the failure of the Democrats to get the Senate to take up the Voting Rights Act, SiriusXM Urban View channel morning drive host Joe Madison ended his hunger strike. Madison spoke at length on his program about what, in the face of the Democratic leadership’s failure, his 74-day hunger strike accomplished. The SiriusXM PR staff transcribed his monologue and you can read it here.
Talk Radio Host Dr. Asa Pursuing Pro Wrestling Dream. Nationally syndicated talk radio and television personality Dr. Asa Andrew (right) is pursuing his dream of being a pro wrestler at the not-so-tender age of 50 – and he’s doing it with the help of WWE three-time World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page (left). But after turning 50 and
being asked if he has any regrets considering his vast accomplishments in medicine and media, he said, “I started a professional wrestling career years ago, and due to several life events, I wasn’t able to finish. I finish everything that I start.” In 2000, Dr. Asa was invited to an open tryout at the original WCW Power Plant in Atlanta. There he was one of two out of 35 that made it and was offered a contract. Paul Orndorff and Jody Hamilton ran the facility and told him to go finish his doctorate, and then he would start. Dr. Asa had nine months left to complete his degree, and during that time Vince McMahon bought WCW, and the opportunity was gone. His next chance had to be passed on as Dr. Asa’s father was dying of cancer and Asa knew he had to be there for him. Years later, Dr. Asa and his friend Dallas Page – whose backstory is that he is the oldest to successfully start a career in professional wrestling – decided the time is now to start that journey. Dallas called Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall with AEW’s affiliated developmental school, The Nightmare Factory, in Atlanta, and Dr. Asa started their training camp in October. As Dr. Asa continues to pursue his dream, he and Dallas Page are filming a new documentary on helping others transform their health that will be released sometime in the upcoming year.
WWO: NCAA Men’s Basketball Listening Reaches 33 Million. A study called the NCAA Men’s Basketball Listening Report from the CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One Audio Active Group concludes that 33 million people listen to NCAA Men’s Basketball each season on Westwood One. This report includes a just-completed Nielsen PPM
analysis of season-long audiences and brand-new data from a MARU/Matchbox study tracking a day in the life of an NCAA basketball fan. The study also found that among persons 18-34, Westwood One reaches 59% of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Audience and is the number two platform, ahead of linear television (behind streaming video). The younger the NCAA audience, the greater the reach and resonance of Westwood One’s audio platform. It also concludes that its audio coverage maximizes the value of an NCAA television media plan, generating incremental reach (+19%) and frequency. Executive vice president of marketing for Cumulus Media and president of Westwood One Suzanne Grimes says, “There is no denying the fervor of the NCAA basketball audience and the excitement March Madness generates. Our Westwood One broadcasts cater to everyone, from the casual fan to the diehard, and they all are just the kind of listeners advertisers want – upscale, employed, and listening on the go.” See the complete study here.
TALKERS News Notes. Radio talk host Dave Elswick signs a new, one-year extension
with Salem Media Group’s KDXE-FM, Little Rock “101.1 The Answer” to continue hosting the station’s morning show. He’s been with KDXE for the past eight years after serving for 14 years with crosstown news/talk KARN-FM…..The Radio Mercury Awards, produced by the Radio Advertising 
Bureau and funded by the Radio Creative Fund, announces that Alejandro Ortiz, executive creative director, Campbell Ewald, is the 2022 chief judge for the 31st annual edition of the Radio Mercury Awards. In his role, Ortiz leads the creative teams in New York, for a number of clients, including Empire State Development, I❤️NY, Port Authority of NY and NJ, a number of spirits and beverage brands at Constellation, and the New York Power Authority, as well as Shamrock Farms. Call for Entry for the 2022 Radio Mercury Awards will open in a few weeks. Learn more information on this year’s Call for Entry guidelines and deadlines here.
Biden Anniversary Press Conference & Agenda Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 17-21. Wednesday’s press conference by President Joe Biden on the first anniversary of his taking office, criticism of his first year, and his agenda going forward were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, coming together atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Supreme Court denying Donald Trump’s request to keep White House notes from the January 6 House Select Committee tied with the New York attorney general’s investigation into the Trump Organization. Following at #3 was the rate of COVID-19 Omicron variant cases, vaccine & mask mandates and the effect on the nation’s schools. 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.
KFRU-AM/FM, Columbia Seeks Talk Show Host. KFRU-AM/FM, Columbia, Missouri is looking for a dynamic full-time, talk show host who will hit the ground running and immediately contribute to the successful community-based heritage radio station. The
successful candidate understands the broadcast business and takes pride in their work. This candidate needs to be a strategic and pro-active thinker. We require creative idea generating skills to constantly put the station in a position to succeed. Candidate needs a deep understanding of on-air, digital, and social media branding as well as a passion for impacting listeners in the community. If you enjoy a fast-paced work environment and have the gift to talk, please apply. Send your information to: casey.bartholomew@cumulus.com
Thursday, June 29, 2017
‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Day 1. Pictured above is KHTE, Little Rock “96.5 The Answer” afternoon drive host Dave Elswick (left) speaking with Bristol County, Massachusetts Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson (right) during the first day of broadcasts from the radio row at Federation for America Immigration Reform’s “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” event. This 10th edition of the Washington, DC radio row consists of a record 62 talk show hosts discussing U.S. immigration policy with legislators and experts on the issue.
WPHT’s Chris Stigall Hosts FNC’s Eric Bolling. WPHT, Philadelphia morning drive personality Chris Stigall (left) is pictured here on stage at the Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks County Community College outside of Philly last night (6/28) where he hosted Fox News Channel host and author Eric Bolling (right) before a sold-out crowd. Bolling is on tour promoting his new book The Swamp: Washington’s Murky Pool of Corruption and Cronyism and How Trump Can Drain It (St. Martin’s Press 2017). The event was recorded by “C-SPAN Book TV” and will be aired on C-SPAN at a later date.
Brendan Carr to Be Nominated for FCC Commissioner. It appears that sooner rather than later the FCC will
have a five-member board of commissioners. Following on the recent re-nomination of Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel, Republican Brendan Carr is being nominated for the remaining GOP commission seat. Carr has been serving the FCC in the office of the General Counsel.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (6/29). The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and, 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 and the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke. Today (6/29), the “Fireside Chat” between Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity has been posted. Closing out the week tomorrow, (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.
TALKERS News Notes. New York market sports talk icons Chris Russo and Mike Francesa will reunite at SiriusXM’s studios on July 6 for a special Town Hall broadcast. The duo – once famously paired on CBS RADIO’s WFAN – will field questions from host Chazz Palminteri and an intimate in-studio audience. They’ll talk about their on-air partnership that made the “Mike & the Mad Dog” show one of the most successful radio shows in sports talk history. It’ll air at 6:00 pm ET on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel…..The “Morning Sports Page” AM
show at Cumulus Media’s KTLT, Abilene, Texas “98.1 The Ticket” is wrapping after the Friday morning program. The two-year-old show features Trace Michaels and Matt McGraw. Michaels is leaving the radio station for a career outside the business…..According to a report in LARadio.com, KFI, Los Angeles reporter/anchor Jo Kwon is leaving the iHeartMedia station to take on a multi-media journalist position with CBS’ KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV. Kwon has been with KFI since 2012…..Despite the photo at right, Rhode Island talk show host John DePetro has no immediate plans to join the Trump Administration’s communications department. DePetro is in Washington, DC for the “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row and had the opportunity to snap a photo of himself in the White House press room. DePetro’s program is heard on WADK, Newport and WNRI, Woonsocket.
BFoA Releases Radio PSA. A new 30-second public service announcement is available for radio stations from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. This is part of the charity’s outreach and awareness campaign that launched earlier this spring. The BFoA provides financial assistance to broadcasters in acute need due to critical illness, accident, or other serious misfortune. BFoA says the goal of the outreach campaign and the PSA is to ensure that broadcasters know about its mission of granting hope so that those in need can apply for aid. BFoA president Jim Thompson says, “It is unacceptable that a broadcaster in need may not know that the Broadcasters Foundation is here to provide assistance. We are reaching out aggressively, across every avenue, to get our message of granting hope heard.” Radio stations interested in airing the PSA may download it by clicking on “News” from the homepage of the website at broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact the Foundation at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.
Status of GOP Health Care Bill, Illegal Immigration Legislation, Trump Travel Ban, U.S. North Korea Policy, CNN’s Yanked Russia Story, Palin NYT Suit, Global Malware Attack, Trump’s Irish Reporter Compliment, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/28). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s decision to delay a vote on the GOP health care bill and its status going forward; today’s votes in the House on the “Kate’s Law” and “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act” bills; tonight’s implementation of the Trump travel ban; the Trump Administration’s plans to get tough on North Korea and China; the aftermath of the Anthony Scaramucci-Russia story that CNN retracted; Sarah Palin sues The New York Times over its implication her PAC’s actions led to then-Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s shooting; the global malware attack and concerns about future similar attacks; chatter about President Trump’s compliment about an Irish reporter’s smile; 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.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Rising from his general sales manager position at iHeartMedia Chicago to vice president of sales for the Chicago Region is Joel Kelly. He joined the company in
Chicago in 2014 as GSM after serving as a senior account executive at CBS RADIO’s crosstown country WUSN…..In the Peoria market, Advanced Media Partners announces that Jonathan Steele is named program director for CHR WPIA “98.5 Kiss FM.” Steele comes to Peoria from his most recent PD gig with Martz Communications Group in Upstate New York. He’s no stranger to Peoria, having been on air at crosstown WNGY…..Entercom renews the “BJ and Jamie Morning Show” at hot AC KALC, Denver “Alice 105.9” starring BJ Harris and Jamie White for a five-year term…..iHeartMedia and Turner announce they will again work together to broadcast the former’s iHeartRadio Music Awards live from the “Fabulous” Forum in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 11, 2018. The event will once again be simulcast live on Turner’s TBS, TNT and truTV as well as on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on iHeartRadio. Next year’s awards show will be the fifth annual presentation…..Entercom’s CHR WNVZ, Norfolk “Z104” is presenting its annual Summer Shaggfest all-day music festival on Saturday (7/1) featuring Grammy-nominated recording artist Fetty Wap, ASAP Ferg, Aaron Carter, Aminé, Ashanti, Kyle and more than 20 local artists. Z104 PD Natalia Soniak says, “We’ve got an amazing show this year, Fetty Wap has never performed in Hampton Roads before. We’re gearing up for what is sure to be a successful event.”
iHeartMedia Flips WISX, Philly to Classic Hip Hop and R&B. The new format of former hot AC WISX bears the brand “Real 106.1, Philly’s Real No. 1 for Throwbacks.” Core artists for the format that will focus on rhythmic music from the late 90s and early 2000s include: Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kanye West. Morning personality Chio remains with the station hosting the AM program. iHeartMedia Philadelphia SVP of programming Brian Check states, “We’re thrilled to launch a station that really represents Philly. We hear from our listeners all the time that this music is fun, infectious and timeless, so we can’t wait to bring these songs back to the airwaves.”
Thursday, January 19, 2017
RTDNA and Journalism Coalition Seek Pow-Wow with Trump and Pence on Transparency. In an effort to discuss journalistic access to the Trump Administration and the U.S. Government, the RTDNA and 60 other journalism organizations are requesting a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. The RTDNA is announcing the coalition sent a letter on Wednesday (1/18) to Trump and Pence, 
asking for a meeting or conference call. Among the issues the coalition wished to discuss are: the ability of reporters to directly interact with government employees who are subject matter experts, rather than interacting with Public Information Officers (or having all conversations monitored by Public Information Officers); access to the activities of the president; and ensuring that the Federal Freedom of Information Act remains as strong as possible. RTDNA executive director Mike Cavender states, “This is an unprecedented time for the American media and, as a consequence, for the American public. It is imperative that the incoming administration understand the importance of transparency in government and the
cooperative spirit needed in working with the journalists who cover it. Only then will Americans be fully and fairly informed about the important decisions being made on their behalf.” Interestingly, this issue isn’t just about the incoming Trump Administration. Several similar letters were sent to the Obama Administration, beginning in 2013, regarding concerns about White House restrictions on photographers, transparency and public information officer restrictions. Three such letters were sent in 2013 and 2014. The Obama Administration’s reply in August of 2014 was deemed unsatisfactory by the journalism organizations. RTDNA provides a white paper and other articles on the matter for further background. Wednesday’s letter also issues the following requests: “We urge you to publicly affirm your commitment to transparency, to issue an executive order prohibiting the restrictive public information policies that have been the status quo, and to engage in a public discussion with us about the Trump Administration’s commitment to the free flow of information from the White House and all federal government, to the American people.”
Mayfield Promoted at Ramsey Media. Talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey announces some news from his
organization. Eight-year staffer Brian Mayfield – most recently vice president of Ramsey Media – is promoted to senior vice president for the company. Ramsey Media states that Mayfield will “continue to lead the media department while taking on additional company-wide responsibilities as part of the Ramsey Solutions Senior Leadership Team. He will continue to report to Suzanne Simms, EVP of the business to consumer division. Ramsey Media includes all aspects of the Dave Ramsey show – currently heard on more than 575 radio stations and a variety of digital outlets – and other broadcast initiatives of Ramsey Solutions.
Trump Inauguration, Last Days of Obama Presidency, Cabinet Nominees Confirmation Hearings, Obama’s Chelsea Manning Commutation, Report of Earth’s Hottest Year, GOP ObamaCare Plans, NFL-Lady Gaga Flap/NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/18). Friday’s inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump, the Democrats planning to skip the event, and the planned protests; President Obama’s final press conference; the confirmation hearings of Trump cabinet nominees Betsy DeVos and Tom Price; controversy over Obama’s commutation of Chelsea Manning for leaking classified documents to Wikileaks; the report that the planet’s mean temperature was the highest it’s been for the third year in a row; the status of the Affordable Care Act as the GOP plans to revamp the health care law; and the flap over whether the NFL is muzzling Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl halftime performance, tied with the NFL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Odds & Sods. On this weekend’s edition of “Legends of Success with John Resnick,” one of the top
entertainment lawyers in America appears on the program. John Branca – who’s represented some of the most successful musical acts in history, including: Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Carlos Santana, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, John Fogerty, and The Doors – talks about his rocky road to success and the many crazy situations he encountered. He relates that his success has been, in part, because he has been an authority figure to his clients, choosing not to socialize or party with them. The interview airs this weekend (1/22-23) and will be posted online on Monday…..Tomorrow’s presidential inauguration will be covered for its radio affiliates by FOX News Radio. Jared Halpern and Laura Ingle will co-anchor the main event, with correspondents reporting live from multiple locations in Washington DC…..Salem Radio Network News is also covering the inauguration tomorrow, beginning with a stand-alone, two-hour special titled, “SRN Inauguration Day 2017.” The special will be anchored
live from the steps of the U.S. Capitol by SRN News White House correspondent Greg Clugston and SRN U.S. Senate correspondent Linda Kenyon. SRN News U.S. House correspondent Wally Hindes and SRN News Washington bureau chief Ken Lormand will also participate from inside the Capitol building…..AdLarge Media has entered into an exclusive ad sales agreement to represent the podcast “Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine,” a weekly celebrity interview podcast hosted by the stage and screen actress…..KHTE-FM, Little Rock “96.5 FM The Answer” afternoon drive host Dave Elswick (left) is pictured here interviewing Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison (right) during Elswick’s recent three-day broadcast from the state Capitol.
Radio Row at SHOT Show in Las Vegas. This week in Las Vegas, hunters and shooting enthusiasts are converging on the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show, a.k.a. the SHOT Show, presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The radio row at the event is hosting such talk radio personalities as Mike Gallagher, Lars Larson, Ben Ferguson and others. Pictured above is Tim Kennedy (right), host of the History Channel hit “Hunting Hitler” speaking with “The Dana Show” host Dana Loesch.
‘Q100’ Atlanta Moves Adam Bomb to Afternoons. On-air pro Adam Bomb has been holding down the evening show at Cumulus Media’s CHR WWWQ, Atlanta “Q100” in addition to his Westwood One syndicated, eponymous program. Now, he moves to the live
afternoon drive slot on “Q100,” and that leaves an opening for a hot talent to take over the evening daypart. Reach out to program director Louie Diaz if you’re interested. Meanwhile, Diaz says, “Adam’s local involvement with Atlanta schools and his popularity with ‘Q100’ listeners at night made him the perfect choice to drive Atlanta home every afternoon… We have a lot of great stuff in mind for afternoons on ‘Q100,’ so get ready to be entertained!” He’ll continue to host the syndicated program.
Kramer to Host Mornings on ‘BIG 94.9’ Little Rock. Little Rock native Doug Kramer comes home to join
iHeartMedia’s classic hits KHKN “BIG 94.9” to host the morning show. The station says ‘The BIG Fun Morning Show With Kramer’ launches on Monday, January 23. Kramer says, “It is a dream come true to move home to Little Rock to be a morning personality on ‘BIG 94.9’ and raise my family. I can’t wait to start working with the iHeartMedia Little Rock team and get involved in my home town’s community efforts.” Previously, Kramer worked down the road at U.S. Stations-owned CHR KLAZ, Hot Springs.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Cox Media Group’s classic hits WSRV, Atlanta “97.1 The
River,” Debra Green rises from weekend talent to host of the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight show. WSRV director of branding and programming Chris Eagan says, “Deb is a great addition to our weekday lineup. Her fresh sound and great content make her the perfect fit for ‘The River’ at night. I’m proud of how hard she worked to get here!”…..In Anchorage, Alaska, Alexx Dupri moves from the afternoon show to AM drive alongside Mike LaJoie to co-host the “Alexx & Mike AM Takeover” at Ohana Media Group’s rhythmic CHR KFAT.
Legendary Sales Consultant Irwin Pollack Passes. After a battle with cancer, renowned radio sales consultant Irwin Pollack died yesterday (1/18). His widow posted the following message on Pollack’s Facebook 
page. “Irwin, my amazing husband, incredible father and so much more to so many more has moved on to whatever challenge awaits him after this life. Thank you all for your kind words and love. A true gift from God to our family even if just for a short time. Thank you for sharing your stories, memories and feelings.” Salem Radio Network VP of News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup recalls, “Over the years, I engaged Irwin to bolster our news/talk salespeople at KRLD, Dallas and at WLS, Chicago (his trademark self-confidence was his guarantee that if he didn’t enthusiastically brainstorm at least 24 revenue-generating ideas for our AEs we didn’t have to pay him for his training…we always paid. LOL!) and his 100% confidence in radio as the best-targeted and most efficient advertising medium in America was both hypnotic and contagious.”
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
CRTV Digital Network to Launch in December. Production firm CRTV is announcing plans to launch a new digital network in December “uniquely rich with honest and informative conservative content seen nowhere else in any medium anywhere.” The company (parent of the Conservative Review) partnered with Mark Levin (left) back in 
February to debut the digital video program “LevinTV.” Now, CRTV is adding conservative media personalities Michelle Malkin (center) and Mark Steyn (right) to the mix. CRTV chief content officer Chris Crane comments, “We have partnered with the best thinkers and storytellers out there and given each the resources to design their own show in their own voice on their own custom set reflective of each of their personalities.” Mark Levin adds, “With the huge success of ‘LevinTV’ launched earlier this year, we decided to accelerate plans. We know people have rejected liberal media bias and there is an enormous demand for straight, bold, conservative talk and they will get it here from a wide variety of talent. This is much bigger than any of us. It is about our beloved audience. This is a movement with millions of liberty lovers who know cable TV content doesn’t square with their worldview. Proudly conservative in content, CRTV will allow popular personalities, presenting scholarly thought, culture to comedy, the liberty to be themselves. And, viewers will have the freedom to consume straightforward, candid, unfiltered, commercial-free content whenever and wherever they want.” CRTV is a subscription-based service available on digital and mobile devices for $99 per year or $12 per month.
CBS RADIO Names Radiate Media New Traffic Data Provider. The 10-year deal between CBS RADIO and iHeartMedia’s Total Traffic Network ends on March 31 of 2017 and CBS is announcing that it has chosen 
Radiate Media as its new broadcast content traffic partner, effective April 1. In a statement, CBS RADIO says Radiate will supply it with customized traffic data for its over-the-air radio stations in 26 markets, as well as on corresponding station websites. Radiate
Media will sell sponsorships within traffic reports to national network advertisers while CBS RADIO will continue to sell sponsorships to local and regional advertisers. CBS RADIO COO Scott Herman states, “We are excited to work with Radiate Media to deliver superior traffic reports to our local listeners who rely on our stations for timely updates and alerts. The new arrangement allows for Radiate to better serve national network advertisers, while giving CBS RADIO maximum flexibility to deliver unique marketing opportunities to our local and multi-market partners.”
Genesis Simulcasts WHOO, Orlando’s Erik Kuselias Show to WHBO, Tampa. Back in April, sports
media personality Erik Kuselias joined Genesis Communications to begin hosting a sports talk show on Orlando’s WHOO and the company’s SportsTalkFlorida.com platform. Now, Genesis announces the show – airing 6:00 am to 9:00 am – will also be heard on the company’s WHBO, Tampa. Kuselias comments, “Tampa has always been one of my favorite sports towns. It’s incredibly underrated because it has smart, diverse sports fans. I think my show and the city will be a great match and I’m honored to be part of their scene.”
Nielsen Audio Releases Round One of October 2016 PPM Data. The first of four rounds of October 2016 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The October 2016 survey period covered September 8 (the first game of the NFL season) – October 5. You can find the complete 6+ ratings numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS/RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Twelve Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
Michael Harrison and Richard Neer Get ‘Up Close and Far Out’ with Baseball and the World Series. Veteran WFAN, New York sports talk show host Richard Neer is this week’s guest on the PodcastOne international hit “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” paying tribute to what used to be called America’s National Pastime and talking about the unusual “battle of the underdogs” nature of the 2016 World Series. The discussion
focuses on the importance of sports teams to their local communities and the people who grew up loving them. It covers changes in the relative popularity of sports in the US (baseball, football, boxing and horse racing) and even brings up Ronald Reagan’s early career as a baseball play-by-play pioneer. Harrison and Neer engage in a pop cultural-oriented sports dialogue unlike most heard on sports talk radio. To listen to this fun and illuminating conversation in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
The 2016 Election, Battle Against Islamic State in Mosul, Soaring ObamaCare Premiums, Enlistment Bonus Scandal, Friday’s Cyber-Attack, France to Demolish Calais Immigrant Camp, Josh Brown Spousal Abuse Controversy, Cubs-Indians World Series, and Weekend NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/24). The presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump as well as the U.S. House and Senate races; the fight against Islamic State in the battle to assume control of the Iraqi city of Mosul; reports of soaring premiums under the Affordable Care Act; the scandal at the California National Guard forcing thousands of soldiers to repay unqualified-for enlistment bonuses; the attack on U.S. DNS servers that greatly affected parts of the Internet on October 21; France begins to move immigrants from “the jungle” camp in Calais; controversy over the NFL’s handling of the Josh Brown spousal abuse admissions; anticipation for the Chicago Cubs vs Cleveland Indians World Series; 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.
Odds & Sods. KSTE, Sacramento-based, syndicated morning duo Armstrong & Getty is working to mobilize its listeners to help war veterans by signing a WhiteHouse.gov petition to ask congress to forgive the debts of the thousands of California soldiers who are being forced to repay enlistment bonuses a decade after they went to war. Through improper action by California National Guard recruiters, thousands of soldiers were given enlistment bonuses for which they may not have qualified. Many are now being asked to repay those bonuses. Jack Armstrong says, “We are outraged. Our listeners are outraged. We are going to get something done about this. The United States cannot mistreat our veterans like this.” Joe Getty adds, “It’s time that the bureaucrats and
politicians honor our promises to our vets and honor the will of the people. And it’s absolutely indisputable that these vets not get screwed. We are going to hold the politicians’ feet to the fire.”…..Award-winning political journalist Soledad O’Brien and National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Gordon Smith are being featured in a keynote session on the intersection of media and politics at the NAB Show New York on November 9 – the first day of the two-day conference at the Javits Convention Center in New York City…..Pictured at right, Gizmo the Clown (left) stopped by the KHTE-FM, Little Rock studios to visit with afternoon personality Dave Elswick (right) to discuss recent “scary clown” sightings in the Central Arkansas area.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
J.D. Crowley Named EVP Digital for CBS RADIO. Moving over from the CBS Television division where he was SVP and GM of digital media is J.D. Crowley, who takes on the EVP of digital role for CBS RADIO. The digital efforts he’ll be in charge of include: market-focused local websites operated jointly with CBS TV stations, local music and entertainment station websites, the streaming service Radio.com, podcast network Play.it, event 
discovery business Eventful, mobile apps, and social media outreach. Crowley is expected to develop and lead the future strategy of these properties while collaborating on their present operations with CBS Local Digital Media, a division of CBS Corporation which currently manages the assets. In connection with its separation from CBS Corporation, CBS RADIO plans to continue to collaborate with CBS Local Digital Media via a joint digital services agreement. Crowley says, “Local stations are the bedrock of any radio company and through our digital portfolio we are able to enrich listeners’ daily experience by reaching them wherever and whenever. With a focus on world-class products and industry-leading storytelling and experiences, I’m confident our digital efforts will help pave our road to success while retaining the personal connection with our audience that radio has always delivered. I am honored and excited to join CBS RADIO and look forward to working with the team to reimagine our future.”
Emmis Fiscal Q2 Radio Net Revenue Down 3.3%. The fiscal second quarter numbers from Emmis Communications come as tomorrow’s deadline for Emmis chairman Jeff Smulyan’s $4.10 per share offer to take the company private approaches. Regarding the company’s second quarter performance, Smulyan says, “Across the board, this was a difficult quarter. Third quarter radio revenues are currently pacing flat to the prior year. We are hopeful that we will see political advertising tailwinds strengthen as we move through October. We are increasing marketing spend at some of our largest brands to boost ratings and to give us a competitive advantage.”
Wildman Appointed VP, Strategic Partnerships for Westwood One. Advertising pro Mark Wildman comes to Westwood One as SVP, strategic partnerships from his previous role with William Morris. There, he was responsible for selling media, sponsorship, and content programs to clients by leveraging WME/IMG’s
entertainment, sports, and music event platforms and talent resources. His worked closely with a number of high-profile brands, including ABInBev, Heineken, Ford, Cadillac, Samsung, Gatorade, and Pepsi. At Westwood One, Wildman is “charged with leveraging Westwood One’s vast portfolio of multimedia assets including award-winning content, digital audio, and experiential opportunities across marquee events such as The GRAMMYS, Super Bowl, ACMs, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards, just to name a few.” Westwood One president Steve Shaw states, “Mark is an expert in packaging and selling original content and media programs to clients across multiple platforms. We are excited to have him join the company at a time of unprecedented ratings growth with strong engagement metrics.”
New Episode of International Talk Show ‘London Calling with Graham Mack’ Posted Today. Episode 3 of the exciting new TalkersRadio weekly program “London Calling” is posted today (10/6). The experimental show that swaps news, views and information between the US and Great Britain, hosted by award-winning English talk host Graham Mack, features Dr. Alison Cronin, who runs an ape and monkey rescue center on England’s south coast. She’s originally from California, has been awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II, and has become quite famous in the UK because of a reality TV show called “Monkey Life.” There’s also a call from Darren who talks about throwing bottles at the police and audio from the talk Mack gave at the Royal Institution in London. To hear the show in its entirety please go directly to TalkersRadio by clicking here.
The Presidential Race/VP Debate, Hurricane Matthew, NSA Contractor Arrested, Syria Civil War/U.S.-Russia Tensions, MLB Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/5). The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, plus the aftermath of the vice presidential candidates’ debate between Tim Kaine and Mike Pence; the potential for Hurricane Matthew to hit the Southeast U.S. hard; the arrest of a National Security Agency contractor suspected of stealing state secrets; the ongoing Syrian civil war and the military tensions between the U.S. and Russia; the Major League Baseball playoffs, and National Football League action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
NAB Provides Digital Toolkit for Stations to Combat Opioid Abuse Epidemic. Stations wishing to join the National Association of Broadcasters and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids in combating the nation’s opioid abuse crisis can access a digital tool kit that provides PSAs, digital messaging and programming ideas for broadcasters to educate their communities. At a September 13 press conference featuring prominent broadcasters and legislators, the NAB reported that nearly 78 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. It is making these resources and more available to the media. See more here.
German TV Visits KHTE-FM, Little Rock’s Dave Elswick. Pictured above is a German television crew reporting for the N24 network in studios of KHTE-FM, Little Rock “965FM The Answer.” Afternoon drive host Dave Elswick tells TALKERS the crew was reporting on the U.S. election and was in Arkansas to find out how Arkansans feel about former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Elswick (far right obscured by mic) says correspondent Stephan Strothe (center) sat in on the show for an hour and “was amazed how disliked the former First Lady is in the state. She trails Trump in Arkansas polls by nearly 20 points.”
