Tag: "Holland Cooke"
Friday, April 16, 2021
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, “Bloodshed and Blood Clots,” looks back at this past week of April 12-16. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Larry Young, talk show host, WOLB, Baltimore; Michael Zwerling, talk show host / owner, KSCO, Santa Cruz; Dr. Daliah Wachs, physician / talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Graham Mack, talk show host, Podcast Radio, UK; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. The show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; 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; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; the iHeart Podcast Network; Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA; 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.
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Radio: Live On Air and Everywhere. Fresh survey data from Edison Research and NPR identifies six types of radio listeners, bolsters broadcasters’ top-dog-of-audio status, and arms sales reps and public radio fundraisers with powerful ammo. For example, the study finds that the
heaviest users of radio are the most open to its advertising messages. Two of the six segments of listeners, “Radio Heads” and “Connection Seekers,” the groups that spend the most time with radio, are the least likely to avoid ads or sponsorship messages on AM/FM radio. Consultant Holland Cooke covered the webinar for TALKERS magazine and he points to the free multimedia download and summarizes yesterday’s debut webinar in his coverage here.
JAKIB Media Launching New Football Talk Show Starring Dan Sileo. A new football-focused sports talk radio program is debuting on April 26 featuring Dan Sileo as host
and produced by JAKIB Media Partners for the JAKIB Media Network. JAKIB says “The National Football Show with Dan Sileo” will air live weekdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET and will “bring the real inside stories, in-depth knowledge, and insight that only a former player, his teammates 
and coaches can deliver. Dan’s recent NFL posts have drawn millions of views as he often has a head start on breaking stories.” YouTube will be the exclusive video platform. This new show is in addition to the nightly, three-hour “Dan Sileo Show” airing in Dallas, Miami, Minneapolis, across the USA Radio Network and on Dansileoshow.com. JAKIB Media founder Joe Krause says, “Dan Sileo will provide hard-core football content to a local, regional and national fan base that craves conversation about the game. So far in 2021, JAKIB Media has amassed over 5 million minutes of content consumption by the public on our digital platform. With Dan Sileo joining the team, we expect to double that number.”
Sun Broadcast Group Names JJ Hutton Media Research Analyst. Marketing and research pro Joseph Hutton Jr. joins Sun Broadcast Group as media research analyst and affiliate support. Hutton most recently served with GroupM as a national audio
buyer. In his role with SBG, Hutton will provide competitive positioning, consumer insights, and creative strategy to assist both clients and agencies. SBG corporate research director Anny Mansfield says, “With his background in buying audio for Group M, JJ will be able to help us pinpoint the relevant research that buyers are looking for. I’m looking forward to working with him as we develop sales presentations for our advertisers.” Sun Broadcast Group COO Danno Wolkoff adds, “JJ is the final piece we were looking for to complete Sun’s dream team for sales, planning, and research. His wealth of knowledge and insight into the advertising needs of clients will help our sales team deliver results each and every time for the buyers.”
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Opens Applications for 2021 Scholarship Program. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation scholarship program for the 2021 fall semester is now accepting applications. AWMF is partnering with the Ford Motor Company Fund, The Loreen Arbus Foundation, and NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, recognizing and supporting future generations of women in media with more than $20,000 in scholarships awarded annually. AWMF board chair
Heather Cohen says, “For years, these generous partners have stood with AWMF to support, encourage, and promote women in the media industry at every level, and we are proud to continue that tradition of advancing women in 
media. Now, more than ever, we are proud to provide deserving young women the opportunity to complete their education and meet their full potential.” The four scholarship opportunities for this fall include: 1) Ford Emerging Voices Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship for a student pursuing a media career as a producer, writer, director or on the business side of media companies in areas such as television, radio, digital media, streaming, publishing, advertising, and production; 2) Ford Empowering America Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship for a winning student pursuing a media career as talent in front of the camera or microphone in an area such as television, radio, or digital media; 3) Loreen Arbus Foundation & AWMF Scholarship, that focuses on the needs, achievements, contributions, and stories of citizens with disabilities and provides a deserving female communications/media undergraduate or graduate student with a scholarship to their educational institution for $2,500 and a ticket to attend an upcoming AWM event; and 4) NCTA & AWMF Scholarship, that allows a deserving female communications/media undergraduate or graduate student to create an original piece (essay, digital short, video, animation, multi-media or other concept chosen by the student) that will be featured in NCTA and AWMF media distribution channels. In addition, the chosen student will receive a scholarship to their educational institution for $5,000 and a ticket to attend an upcoming AWM event. Learn more about the AWMF scholarship opportunities and to apply here. Scholarship materials are due by June 11, 2021.
TALKERS News Notes. The firm Research Director, Inc. is celebrating is 30th anniversary serving the radio industry. The company says, “Founded during the analog age in the basement of an Arlington, Virginia home, Research Director, Inc. has served
over 800 radio stations, providing both top-notch sales and programming research and consulting services. We pride ourselves on our innovative roster of proprietary reports, custom sales materials, and unrivaled experience, which have enabled our clients to maximize both ratings and revenue over the years.” Founding partner Marc Greenspan says, “I’d like to express my appreciation to the thousands of customers we’ve worked with over this period. I hope they’ve learned as much working with us as we’ve learned from them. I’m also deeply appreciative of our team of uniquely experienced, dedicated professionals.”…..The University of Florida 
and Seven Bridges Radio LLC strike a deal for sports talk WJXL-AM/FM “1010XL/92.5 FM” to air Gators play-by-play. Seven Bridges says, “‘1010XL/92.5 FM,’ the flagship station of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, has become the home for Gators athletics, beginning with this week’s airing of Gator baseball games as well as the two-hour Florida football spring special. The four-year arrangement will make ‘1010XL/92.5 FM’ the home for all Gators football and men’s basketball games, as well as conference and other selected baseball games, plus all Gators talk shows.”…..SiriusXM announces its season-long coverage for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, featuring live broadcasts of every race all season long, as well as shows and podcasts hosted by active drivers. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins with the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday (4/18). SiriusXM listeners will have access to the live call of this race and every one of the 17 events on the INDYCAR calendar, from the green flag through the finish, including the Indianapolis
500 on May 30…..iHeartMedia Nashville’s radio five radio stations – including news/talk WLAC-AM/W252CM – unveils the Inaugural Bourbon & Bubbles Fest that will take place on May 22 and will benefit Friends of Franklin Parks. Station air personalities will host the event and will encourage listeners to attend and enjoy tastings of bourbon, all kinds of bubbles including sparkling wine as well beer, and a variety of other wine and spirits that will be on hand for tastings.
CBS News Launches Earth Day Special Series. The title of the series from CBS News is, “EYE ON EARTH: OUR PLANET IN PERIL,” and is “a new division-wide initiative to deliver incisive reporting, exploring all aspects of climate change and efforts to heal the planet.” The series launches Monday (4/19) on all CBS platforms. Jeff Berardelli leads the five-part radio series reporting on several of the planet’s climate change “tipping
points” and the solutions, both controversial and practical, being considered to save the earth, as well as a new threat to global sea levels. Berardelli will look at new evidence that a key glacier in Antarctica may be near the point of no return. Reports will be featured all week in CBS News Radio’s top-of-the-hour broadcasts, the “CBS WORLD NEWS ROUNDUP” and the “CBS NEWS WEEKEND ROUNDUP.” And to round out the week and mark Earth Day, on April 23, CBS Audio presents a special edition of the weekly show “AMERICA: CHANGED FOREVER,” highlighting CBS News’ extensive reporting on climate change. CBS Audio’s weekly podcast “THE DEBRIEF,” hosted by CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, is airing a special two-part audio documentary on climate change and its effects on both societies and our planet. In a new episode of “THE TAKEOUT,” Major Garrett speaks with staff writer for The New Yorker and author of the book The Sixth Extinction, Elizabeth Kolbert about climate change’s role in pushing the planet to being “on the verge of another mass extinction.”
Industry Memorial Tribute to the Late Barry Farber Set for May 5. The family of Barry Farber, in association with TALKERS magazine, is presenting an industry memorial tribute to the legendary radio talk show host on May 5 via Zoom. The virtual event will mark the first anniversary of his passing and the 91st anniversary of his birth.
Farber, considered by industry observers to be one of the greatest talk radio hosts of all time, as well as one of the genre’s most influential pioneers, passed away on May 6, 2020 – one day after his 90th birthday. The event will consist of a series of personal remembrances delivered by a select panel of family, friends and radio industry colleagues. It will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing as part of a larger display of memories and Farber history being developed for a special commemorative website devoted to the broadcaster. Barry Farber’s on-air career was launched in 1960 and continued all the way to his death in 2020. It included his hosting major shows on such legendary New York outlets as WINS, WOR, and WMCA. He also was syndicated by ABC Radio Networks and Daynet. His final shows were carried by CRN Digital Talk Radio Network. According to The New York Times, at the time of his death he was the longest continually running radio host. Farber was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2014 and is a past recipient of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award among many other honors. He was the author of three books and a student of 26 languages. The memorial event will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, May 5 between 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm and be hosted by Michael Harrison. Invitations to join in the Zoom event will be limited. For more information about participating please email info@talkers.com. Stay tuned to Talkers.com for updates as they develop.
COVID-19 Variants, Vaccines, Stats & Politics Top News/Talk Story for Week of April 12-16. The numerous aspects of COVID-19 – the variants, vaccines, statistics and the politics – combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week and landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was race relations and police reform with the shooting death of Daunte Wright in suburban Minneapolis and the ongoing trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Tied at #3 were the issues of gun control and changes in voting laws in several states. 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.
Radio: Live On Air and Everywhere
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Both programmers and sales reps – and retail advertisers you pitch – will find this NPR/Edison Research useful.
Based on 1,500 early-2021 online interviews with Persons 18+ who had listened to radio in the past week, weighted, it’s available for free download here. Included there: video interviews with some who were surveyed, which will make you long for the days when radio funded focus groups.
Monday, April 12, 2021
Monday Memo: Sound Bites. After major radio networks have rebranded as “Audio,” and the third-biggest station owner changed its name from one made-up word to another, consultant Holland Cooke reckons that, “you might be wondering what business you’re in.” In this week’s column, he recommends channeling the timeless wisdom of Yogi Berra. Read it here.
Pending Business: New and Improved. Sales and marketing pro Steve Lapa writes in
today’s column about promoting the value of your new talent to advertisers and asks if there is any language in your sales sheet that explains why this new and improved talent is good for the advertiser’s business. He asks six questions to help you illustrate the value of your talent to advertisers. Read it here.
Marty Bannister Joins iHeartMedia Chillicothe as News & Sports Director. Ohio sports and news media pro Marty Bannister is joining iHeartMedia’s Chillicothe station group that includes news/talk/sports WBEX-AM and six music brands as news &
sports director. Bannister has served with the Ohio News Network and ESPN Radio in addition to being a former Ohio State University announcer and sideline reporter. He currently works with the Ohio University Bobcats. He comments, “I started in the business in 1981. I’ve worked on Ohio State games. I do a lot of work now for Ohio University on ESPN3 on their football and basketball radio networks. I’ve been a part of ONN, the Ohio News Network for many years. I’ve called Wittenburg football and basketball and have been on the Ohio High School Athletic Association radio network for years. I’ve worked pretty much about everywhere in the state, and there’s no place I would rather be than doing this. I’m excited about this. People rely on their radio stations in communities this size for their information.”
New Executives Named to Positions with LiveXLive. Three new executives are joining LiveXLive Media – owner of PodcastOne, Slacker Radio, React Presents, and Custom Personalization Solutions. Nikki Hart Caldeira joins as SVP of strategic development and Ari Molovinsky is named SVP of corporate development and strategy. The company says both will focus on expanding LiveXLive’s “industry leadership through the expansion of relationships with global consumer brands,
monetization of programming and content, business development and unification of new and existing assets that align with LiveXLive’s flywheel — listen, watch, attend, engage and transact — through lifestyle, music, pop culture and exceptional content and tech across all platforms.” Nikki Hart Caldeira most recently served with AXS Group LLC, AEG’s now 
wholly-owned ticketing company that services worldwide music venues and live sporting events. Molovinsky joins LiveXLive from SiriusXM Radio where he was instrumental in the launching of their streaming service. Additionally, Jonathan Flax joins LiveXLive as vice president, social media and marketing and will “oversee and drive the brand’s continued growth across social channels via the creation and execution of multiplatform content strategies for both earned and owned media.” Prior to joining LiveXLive, Flax was VP, Howard Stern Video where he directed video content strategy and social media programming for Stern at SiriusXM. LiveXLive chairman and CEO Robert Ellin says, “The hiring of Nikki, Ari and Jonathan comes at a time of significant growth in our flywheel of businesses and divisions. LiveXLive’s expansion has come from offering exceptional content, providing a talent platform that allows us to maximize social visibility, sponsorship opportunities and new business development while growing our employees by over 220% in less than three years and expanding audiences across our platforms organically and globally.”
Tomorrow Is Deadline for Radio Cares: Feeding America Radiothon. Tuesday (4/13) is the deadline for radio stations to join more than 200 stations and several major networks already signed on for Wednesday’s “Radio Cares: Feeding America Radiothon.” The grassroots charitable radiothon to relieve hunger in America is
presented by the Independent Broadcasters Association and Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization in the U.S., with a member network of 200 local food banks. Radio stations do not need to be IBA members to participate and all donations go directly to Feeding America. IBA president and Adams Radio Group CEO Ron Stone says, “Last year’s inaugural ‘Radio Cares: Feeding America Radiothon’ helped provide 5 million meals to people experiencing food insecurity in America. As little as $1 can provide 10 meals! People who were making ends meet before the pandemic now find themselves in a perilous situation, unable to feed themselves and their families. Over 3,000 stations participated last year. This is radio’s chance to participate in a nationwide event for a great cause. Radio, working together and executing locally, can drive listener donations to help feed families in America.”
FCC Opens iHeartMedia Request for Increased Foreign Equity for Public Comment. The petition filed with the FCC by iHeartMedia requests that the foreign equity and voting interests in it held by Bahamas-incorporated Global Media & Entertainment Investments Ltd be increased up to a non-controlling amount not to
exceed 9.99%. On November 5, 2020, the Commission granted iHeart’s July 25, 2019, petition for declaratory ruling, authorizing up to and including 100% aggregate direct and/or indirect foreign investment (voting and equity) in iHeart and specifically approving two groups of foreign entities not including GMEI or the GMEI reporting persons to hold more than 5% of voting and/or equity interests in iHeart. That ruling included the provision that iHeartMedia must obtain Commission approval for any new or additional foreign entity to obtain more than 5% of equity and/or voting interests, or a controlling interest in the company. GMEI’s recent acquisition of 8.7% of iHeart requires it to seek approval from the Commission. Interested parties must file comments no later than May 10, 2021.
COVID-19, Minneapolis Police Shooting-Protests, Derek Chauvin Trial, Biden’s Infrastructure Plan, Matt Gaetz Investigation, Border Crisis, BLM Founder’s Real Estate Portfolio, Strike on Iranian Nuke Site, and Death of Prince Philip Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The status of COVID cases in the U.S., concerns about variants, and the rollout of vaccines; the deadly weekend Minneapolis police shooting and the protests that followed; the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd; Joe Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan; the investigation into allegations U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz paid for sexual relations with a minor; the large number of unaccompanied children at the U.S.-Mexico border; criticism of Black Lives Matter founder Patrisse Kahn-Cullors’ acquisition of several high-priced real estate investments; the weekend strike on an Iranian nuclear site; and the death of England’s Prince Philip at 99 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: Sound Bites
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — To quote the immortal Yogi Berra: “You can observe a lot by just watching.” And listening! And shoptalk we hear reminds us to be agile WHILE doing-what-only-we-can-do:
“It has the best-best of both worlds.”
SiriusXM CFO Sean Sullivan, telling the recent Deutsche Bank Annual Media, Internet & Telecom Conference how new two-way interactive 360L satellite radio receivers “can offer up other content, including podcasts and other things” such as Pandora, which SiriusXM bought two years ago, and Stitcher, acquired more recently. NOT among “other things:” Local news and personalities, which smart stations continue to offer.
Monday, April 5, 2021
Monday Memo: Argument? Or Assessment? Reckoning that “I may be the only person in talk radio who thinks his own opinion DOESN’T matter,” consultant Holland Cooke compares what listeners are hearing to what they’re feeling and warns that “ambiguity is risky.” Read his column here.
Pending Business: Some Good News. Sales and marketing pro Steve
Lapa says last week’s employment news was encouraging – over 900,000 new jobs and counting – the biggest increase we’ve seen in over six months. With the hope of an expanding economy in mind, Lapa asks, “Are you ready for local business leaning into a recovery mode? The smart managers and sellers will be prepared with plans and packages that show advertisers the flexibility and creativity that only radio can offer.” See his five-point checklist here.
Former KROQ, Los Angeles Morning Host Gene Baxter’s ‘Podcast Radio’ Profiled in Forbes. Former longtime KROQ, Los Angeles morning personality Gene “Bean” Baxter (pictured here) has been living in the UK since he retired from LA radio and his current
gig as a presenter on “Podcast Radio” – a DAB+ digital radio station that, as the name implied, broadcasts podcasts over the radio – is the focus of a piece in Forbes. The project is led by British broadcasters Gerry Edwards and Paul Chantler. The broadcast radio station – claiming to be the first in the world to be exclusively playing podcasts on the air – debuted in February of 2020 and can be heard in London, Birmingham, Surrey, Manchester and Glasgow (and digitally via smart speakers, apps, and the Podcast Radio website). Sunday Times radio correspondent Gillian Reynolds says of the project, “Podcast Radio has found its place on the dial because of its investors’ belief that, with millions of podcasts to choose from, people will trust radio to discern the ones that are worth hearing.”
Cumulus Washington Market Manager Ken Roberts Dies at 65. Condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Ken Roberts, vice president and market manager of Cumulus Media’s Washington, DC operations, who died unexpectedly on Saturday
(4/3) at the age of 65. Roberts is survived by his wife Sandy and three children. Cumulus Media EVP of operations Dave Milner says, “The Cumulus family is sad to confirm the news that Cumulus Washington, DC, VP/market manager Ken Roberts has died. This is such tragic news and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Ken was a passionate and smart professional, who cared greatly for the team in D.C. He has been a friend and coach to so many in radio and we’re all better because of our time with Ken. We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ken’s family and are grateful for the time we had with him.”
Townsquare Media Appoints Tom Kreutzian Market Manager for Faribault/Owatonna, Minnesota. Media executive Tom Kreutzian joins Townsquare Media as market president for its Faribault/Owatonna, Minnesota market. The company says that the four-station cluster had been managed under Townsquare’s Rochester, Minnesota leadership structure since 2012. Kreutzian comes to Townsquare Media after serving with Spectrum Reach (formerly Charter Communications) for the past 20 years overseeing sales for several markets in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Townsquare regional vice president Kelly Quinn says, “There is an immense opportunity to partner with local businesses in this area stretching far south of the Twin Cities, which composes a large population base. We are already super-serving some of these areas with outstanding community involvement. And now, under Tom’s leadership and with his digital acumen, we will be able to not only better leverage our recently upgraded radio signals, but also better prescribe our incredible digital solutions, providing our business partners a fantastic path to growth.”
Allison Zolot Joins Townsquare Media as SVP and General Counsel. From the corporate headquarters of Townsquare Media comes news that the company has named Allison Zolot SVP and general counsel. Zolot joins Townsquare from Mayer Brown, LLP where she served as a senior associate representing financial institutions, major corporations, and individuals in high profile litigation and regulatory matters. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson says, “We are thrilled to have such a talented lawyer join our company. Allison is a strong and effective leader who will make a great addition to our senior management team. I look forward to working with Allison as we continue to drive long-term growth and shareholder value through the execution of our ‘Local First’ strategy.”
Radio Producer Mike Jacobsen Dead at 35. As reported by Chicago media writer
Robert Feder, Mike Jacobsen, a longtime radio producer who served with Chicago sports talk WMVP and news/talk WGN before venturing out West to work in Los Angeles and Phoenix where he served with Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM and sports talk KMVP, died on March 29 at age 35. During his career, he also served as program director for Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WTLX-FM, Madison. No details of his passing have been released.
Dr. Tony Fauci Appears on ‘DeDe in the Morning.’ Pictured above (right) is NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci in a split screen photo with Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated morning drive personality DeDe McGuire (left) on this morning’s program. During the interview, McGuire and Fauci talked about the status of the fight against the virus, the effectiveness of the vaccines; and his relationship with former President Donald Trump.
TALKERS News Notes. This Friday evening (4/9), nationally known comedian Pat McGann will host the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm program for Dave Plier on WGN-AM,
Chicago. The Nexstar Media Group station says McGann has toured with Sebastian Maniscalco and has performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” His first comedy special “Sebastian Maniscalco presents Pat McGann: When’s Mom Gonna Be Home?” was released in summer 2020 and is available on streaming platforms. Pat McGann has been both a guest and fill-in host on WGN Radio…..The “Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour” is presenting its next virtual performance 
Saturday night (4/8) at 8:00 pm ET. The show is headlined by Stephanie Miller along with guests John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and Frangela and will be an all-new show of sketch comedy and celebration “that restores our positivity after the horrors of the last four years.” Plus, very special guest Rosie O’Donnell joins Stephanie Miller for a no-holds-barred interview…..Outdoors lifestyle brand MeatEater, Inc. and iHeartMedia announce a major production and distribution partnership, the first of its kind in the outdoor category. Founded with the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, MeatEater brings together leading influencers in the outdoor space to create premium content, apparel and products in the areas of hunting, fishing, wild foods and conservation. iHeartMedia says “The partnership will leverage MeatEater’s brand, made popular by the Netflix Original MeatEater – currently currently in its 9th season – and chart topping podcast network which averaged over four million monthly downloads in 2020, and the massive reach of iHeartMedia’s cross-platform digital and broadcast network in order to serve outdoor-minded listeners across the country.”
COVID-19, Biden Infrastructure Plan, Voting Legislation/MLB All-Star Game Move, Florida Reservoir Situation, Derek Chauvin Trial, Amazon Union Vote, and NCAA Tournaments Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., concerns about variants, and the rollout of vaccines; the battle in Washington over President Joe Biden’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan; the voting changes in Georgia, Democrats’ federal voting rights bill, and Major League Baseball’s moving the All-Star Game out of Atlanta; the potential flooding issue at a Florida toxic pollutant reservoir; the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd; the vote whether or not to unionize at Amazon’s Bessemer, Alabama operations; and the weekend’s NCAA tournaments and Stanford’s victory over Arizona in the Women’s division were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: Argument? Or Assessment?
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — While shutdown-weary listeners yearn for The American Comeback:
- FOX News feeds gotcha questions to budding correspondents it sends to White House briefings, where this president’s press secretary is more diplomatic than her predecessors.
- Once CNBC’s credible, iconic “Money Honey,” FOX News B-teamer Maria Bartiromo seems to have taken the baton from disgraced Lou Dobbs. Mark Levin’s pitch is approaching an octave only dogs can hear.
- Prominent among cable news and talk radio catch-phrase accusations are that Democrats want “utopia” and “open borders,” words I have never heard Democrats utter.
- Asian-Americans are being assaulted in broad daylight, after Donald Trump branded COVID-19 “The Chi-nah Virus” relentlessly, because he knows what our sales reps preach to advertisers: repetition works.
- Gun sales are so brisk that ammunition – already price-gouged — is being rationed in some places. The U.S. Capitol grounds seem no safer than supermarkets and other modern day killing fields.
- There aren’t enough mental health professionals to meet demand.
Monday, March 29, 2021
Monday Memo: Copy Worth Copying. “Make commercial copy you craft for local advertisers THIS crisp,” and, consultant Holland Cooke says, “you will make money.” In this week’s column, he rips-off…er, “compiles” examples. Read it here.
Pending Business: Checking In. Sales and marketing pro Steve Lapa says
that you’re more likely get a renewal from that advertiser if you check in regularly instead of adopting the “no-news-is-good-news” approach to gauging a campaign’s effectiveness. “Great sellers are like commercial airline pilots, or cruise ship captains. Everyone is prepared with specific goals, timelines, and once the journey (schedule) begins, ready to control the mission.” Read his column here.
The ‘Todd Starnes Podcast’ Joins Salem Podcast Network. Beginning April 5, the “Todd Starnes Podcast” joins the Salem Podcast Network. Salem Media Group SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “SPN is delighted to join in this partnership with Todd
Starnes, one of the leading voices in conservative America. His courage in saying what needs to be said is unmatched. His knowledge and ability to 
explain what is really going on is his forte.” With this deal, the Salem Podcast Network assumes distribution, marketing, and sales representation duties for the “Todd Starnes Podcast.” Starnes also hosts a daily, syndicated radio program and he previously spent more than a decade at the FOX News Channel, hosting a daily radio program on the FOX Radio Network. He comments, “Salem is known for its cutting-edge platforms and excellence-driven programming. I’m honored to join such a well-respected industry leader like the Salem Podcast Network.”
WJR-AM, Detroit Takes Station of the Year Honor. Detroit news/talk WJR-AM is named “Commercial Radio Station of the Year” by the Michigan Association of
Broadcasters for the 17th time since 2000. The Cumulus Media station also received 17 other awards, including eight “Merit Awards,” as well as nine “Best Awards.” Some of the “Best Awards” include: Regularly Scheduled Broadcast Personality/Team – “The Guy Gordon Show”; Sports – “Lions Pregame: Around the League”; Special Show Broadcast Personality/Team – “War of the Worlds” live stream event; and Continuing News Coverage – COVID-19 Replay.
iHeartMedia Names Barbara Latham Area President for Central Florida. Sales and management pro Barbara Latham is promoted to area president for iHeartMedia Central Florida in which she’ll oversee the Orlando and Melbourne markets that include talk WTKS-FM “Real Radio 104.1,” news/talk WFLF “WFLA,” sports talk WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game,” plus 10 music brands. She’s most recently been serving the Orlando cluster as SVP of sales. Latham reports to division president Linda Byrd, who says, “I am thrilled to be able to promote Barb to this position. We’ve worked together for 36 years and in many different capacities. She is one of the brightest and most competitive employees I know. Barb has always been a winner, and to her, there is no other option. No one deserves this opportunity more, and it makes me happy to put this team, that I’ve managed for the last 21 years in her capable hands.”
WABC, New York Recognizes Greek Independence Day. Pictured above (from l-r) are Chad Lopez, president of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC; Margo and John Catsimatidis, owners of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC, and Renee Cassis, owner of RC Communications Marketing on March 25 as the radio station hosted a celebration for the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. The event was held in WABC’s event space, Studio 77. During his opening remarks, John Catsimatidis noted the diversity of America and stated that the celebration was for every ethnicity and race.
Josh Innes Returns to iHeartMedia as Morning Host at WNRQ-FM, Nashville. Sports radio talk host Josh Innes is joining iHeartMedia’s Nashville classic rock WNRQ-FM “105.9 The Rock” as morning drive host, effective April 5. The station says “The Josh Innes Show” will be a Nashville-focused blend of classic rock, news, sports
and commentary and will broadcast weekday mornings from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. WNRQ program director Jonathan Shuford says, “Josh is wildly talented as a personality, idea generator, and storyteller. He’s unconventional, creative, and exceptionally compelling. We’re beyond excited to welcome him to Nashville and foster in the next great classic rock morning show!” Innes was most recently afternoon host on Gow Media’s sports talk KFNC-FM, Houston. He’s also served with iHeartMedia’s sports talk KBME-AM, Houston, and Entercom’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia. He hosts “The Josh Innes Show” podcast live on Twitch and heard on iHeartRadio.
iHeartMedia Issues Statement on FCC Ruling. The company’s statement issued on Friday (3/26) is in regard to the approval of its pending applications to acquire certain radio stations, and the temporary shareholder restrictions required by the FCC to be imposed upon Global Media & Entertainment Investments Ltd. The company says, “iHeartMedia values its shareholder relationships and we welcome all new shareholders to iHeartMedia. However, because GMEI is a foreign shareholder, its recent investment was inconsistent with the FCC’s foreign ownership rules and created an operating issue for us under the FCC’s regulatory framework. As background,
GMEI’s purchase of an 8.7% position in our Class A Common stock, as reported in its Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2021, caused a violation of the FCC’s foreign ownership regulations and the FCC’s November 5, 2020 declaratory ruling related to the company’s foreign ownership, both of which limit a foreign investor in GMEI’s position to 5% without prior FCC approval. To address this issue, over which iHeartMedia had no prior knowledge or control, we filed a remedial petition for declaratory ruling requesting FCC approval for GMEI to have the ability to increase its ownership to up to 9.99%. Notwithstanding the GMEI investment, the FCC has approved iHeartMedia’s acquisitions of certain stations, including stations for BIN: Black Information Network. However, the FCC has required that the company impose temporary shareholder restrictions on GMEI as a condition of approving those radio station acquisitions. To comply with the FCC order, iHeartMedia’s Board of Directors resolved to take action consistent with the FCC’s conditional requirements. These actions include imposing temporary voting and other shareholder restrictions on GMEI which will apply during the pendency of the Petition. iHeartMedia respects the FCC process and will, as a matter of consistent policy, ensure the company’s compliance with the FCC’s foreign ownership and other regulations.”
COVID-19 Stats & Vaccines, CNN’s COVID War Special/WHO Origin Report, Suez Ship Jam, Border Crisis-Immigration Policy, Hedge Fund Failure-Financial Markets, Chauvin Trial, U.S. Afghanistan Operations, and Nashville Floods Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., rising cases in some states, and the rollout of vaccines; CNN’s Sunday special featuring the six doctors leading the U.S. COVID program and the WHO’s report concluding the coronavirus likely came from an animal at a Chinese wildlife market; the status of the container ship blocking the Suez canal and its effect on the global economy; the crisis of unaccompanied children at the U.S.-Mexico border and the Biden administration’s immigration policy; the failure of a major hedge fund causes problems for Credit Suisse and Nomura that could reverberate through the global economy; today’s beginning of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin; the United States’ Afghanistan operations and the Doha agreement that calls for U.S. troop removal by May 1; and the historic floods in Nashville and Middle Tennessee were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: Copy Worth Copying
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Make copy you craft for local retailers THIS crisp, and you and they will make money.
“Used cars never felt so new.”
Tag line from Shift.com TV commercial.
“Find local dentists who take your insurance.”
ZocDoc.com
Monday, March 22, 2021
Pending Business: One Year Later. Sales and marketing pro Steve Lapa recognizes the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and notes that, while the radio sales climate is nowhere near where it was pre-pandemic, “the uphill process of slowly rebuilding an economy is emerging and it depends heavily on a foundation of sellers… you can feel the confidence of target business categories coming back as vaccines and mandated safety standards become more and more mainstream.” Read his column here.
Monday Memo: Lennon, McCartney, Marbourg. “Non-music stations – particularly AMs –are at a fork in the road,” consultant Holland Cooke reckons. In this week’s column, he explains why “ambiguity is your enemy.” Read it here.
Salem Media Group Names Shaun Thompson WIND-AM, Chicago PM Drive Host. Weekend talk host Shaun Thompson is being promoted to the afternoon drive slot at Salem Media Group’s news/talk WIND, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer.” Thompson takes over the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm show today (3/22) from Steve Cortes, who is
leaving the station to pursue a new national television project. Thompson has been serving as a weekend and fill-in host on the station since 2016. He most recently filled in for Cortes from July through November of 2020 when Cortes took a hiatus to work on the re-election campaign of Donald Trump. Salem regional VP and general manager Jeff Reisman says, “It’s rare in 
radio to have transition as smooth as this one. Shaun Thompson has developed such a deep bond with our listeners because he was one of them before becoming a talk show host. He knows this city and this audience and what they care about. His passion and personality make him a unique talent. We’re excited to have him join the lineup as a full-time host.” Thompson says, “Twelve years ago, I made my first phone call to a talk radio station as a listener. Five years ago, I had the opportunity to host my first show on AM 560. During that time, I’ve come to appreciate this format and the listeners who spend time with us every day. I look forward to providing my perspective each afternoon and engaging with the audience. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I’m also thankful for Steve Cortes and his friendship. He’s made it so easy for me to slide into this role as he’s prepared to leave. I look forward to having him on the show as a regular guest.”
WPHT Supports Liberty USO Via Radiothon. WPHT, Philadelphia held its fourth annual USO Radiothon on Friday (3/19) between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm to raise awareness and funds for the USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. From
the time a service member enlists, the USO is by their side until the day they transition back to the community. Through the USO Radiothon, WPHT brought many of the untold stories about the good work done by the Liberty USO to its listeners and raised awareness of the amazing effect that this charity has on active duty National Guard and reserve military personnel and their families. Co-hosted by WPHT morning host Rich Zeoli and mid-morning host Dom Giordano, the event raised thousands of dollars for the worthy cause. This year to aid the fundraising, Dom Giordano reached into his charity bag of tricks and called upon some national celebrities to each jot off a quick autographed doodle and send it to him be bid upon by listeners. Giordano tells TALKERS, “We had Bill O’Reilly, Brad Thor, Geraldo Rivera, Mike Rowe, Herschel Walker, Lee Greenwood, and Jesse Watters. Nelson Perez, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, even contributed one. The doodles also provided a lot of fun during the broadcast and a listener even bid $300 for my wife’s doodle of me.”
Entercom Launches ‘The Bet 105.9’ in Chicago. A new, sports-betting focused radio station is hitting the air in Chicago as Entercom unveils “The Bet 105.9” on the HD2 channel of WCFS-FM. The station is a “BetQL Audio Network” and CBS Sports Radio
affiliate and programs airing on the signal include: “BetQL Daily” with Joe Ostrowski and Ross Tucker, “You Better You Bet” with Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley, CBS Sports Radio’s “Tiki and Tierney,” “The DA Show” and “Reiter Than You.” Entercom regional president and market manager Rachel Williamson says, “Since legalization in 2019, sports betting has exploded in the state of Illinois and we’re delighted to enter the arena of this rapidly growing landscape to deliver insightful content to our listeners with the launch of this new station. The station will serve as the home for several favorites from the BetQL Audio Network and CBS Sports Radio Network, giving listeners a wide array of expert analysis.”
iHeartMedia Reveals New Downtown Cleveland Facilities. The nine Cleveland radio brands operated by iHeartMedia will have a new home by the end of the year. The company is moving to Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland and it says the 10-year
agreement with K&D Group provides space for the stations’ studios along with the company’s sales, marketing, digital and Total Traffic operation in a new, state-of-the-art street level facility. iHeartMedia Cleveland president Keith Hotchkiss says, “We are thrilled to return our broadcast and digital operations to the heart of our city. Connecting our influencers, marquee talent, and operation staff with the downtown business district will further drive the passion to serve the community we all call home.” New office features will include five conference rooms, 11 studios featuring cutting-edge technology, eight service booths for news, traffic, and podcast creation, and phone audio sound via Sound+. A marquee broadcast studio and mixed-use podcast content creation room both face street level on Euclid Avenue. Studio designs are by Beneville Studios and AUX1 design.
Tom Hamilton Named Market Manager for Curtis Media’s North Carolina Sports Talk Trio. Radio management pro Tom Hamilton is returning to Curtis Media Group as the new market manager for the sports talk trio “Hub Sports” WSJS-AM, WMFR-AM, and WPCM-AM in the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point market. Hamilton previously served as GM of WSJS and WMFR with Curtis Media Group from 2007 until 2011. Curtis president and COO Trip Savery comments, “We are very pleased to welcome Tom back to Curtis Media Group. He has enjoyed much success in the Triad for many years, and we look forward to Tom leading our efforts with WSJS Sports.”
Jerry Donadio to Lead Sales at ‘The Mightier 1090’ in San Diego. The Times of San Diego reports that San Diego sports talk outlet XEPRS “The Mightier 1090” names sales pro Jerry Donadio vice president of sales and marketing. Station operator Bill Hagen tells the paper that Donadio will be responsible for building revenue growth for “The Mightier 1090.” Donadio tells the Times, “This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I now have the opportunity to return to 1090 and build my own sales team. Prior in my career, I’ve always been in media sales with an existing infrastructure. I’m really excited to be part of The Mightier 1090’s renaissance.” Donadio was most recently serving with KFMB-AM and KFMB-FM as an account executive from 2017 to 2020.
COVID-19, Spring Break, Asian Protests, Border Crisis, Cuomo Troubles, Trump Social Media Platform, Chauvin Trial, and Deshaun Watson Allegations Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The number of COVID cases in the U.S., concern about variants and the rollout of vaccines; the chaos in Florida as the beach towns are inundated with spring break revelers; protests in the Asian community over the shooting deaths of six Asian women in the Atlanta area; the crisis of young migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border; the allegations of sexual misconduct by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo; the news that Donald Trump will launch a new social media platform within the next few months; the ongoing jury selection in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin; and the allegations of sexual harassment against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday Memo: Lennon, McCartney, Marbourg
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Paul McCartney mused, “You’ve got to admit, it’s getting better, a little better all the time.” John Lennon muttered, “It can’t get much worse.”
And in the words of now-retired radio traffic reporter Bob Marbourg – a rock star to heavy listeners when he was part of my WTOP crew in the 1980s – “Pick your lane and stay with it.”
