Tag: "Jay Mohr"
Thursday, January 26, 2017
FOX Sports and Jay Mohr Part Ways. Today’s sudden – and unexpected – announcement from FOX Sports Radio/Premiere Networks and Jay Mohr calls it a mutual decision to “conclude production and syndication of ‘Jay Mohr Sports,’ effective immediately.” Mohr’s show occupied the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET slot on the network.
The companies say a new show will be unveiled soon and that until then, FOX Sports Radio’s Dan Beyer and Jonas Knox will sit in. Mohr’s statement is: “I’ve always loved radio, and having a national 
platform to share my brand of sports talk and comedy was an incredible experience. I loved interacting with the fans, athletes and sports figures over the past three years, but it’s become difficult to juggle the commitment of a three-hour weekday radio show with a film and TV career, stand-up comedy shows, as well as time with my family. It was a tough decision to leave radio, but I appreciate all the support from the team at FOX Sports Radio and Premiere Networks, as well as the listeners and fans.” Premiere president Julie Talbott states, “When we partnered to launch ‘Jay Mohr Sports,’ we aimed to create something truly different – a fusion of comedy, sports and entertainment – and it was very successful. We’re proud of what we accomplished together and wish Jay the best of luck as he focuses on the next chapter of his entertainment career.”
TALKERS News Notes. The unofficial “mayor” of Atlantic City – WPGG morning show host Harry Hurley – is
out front covering the Atlantic City and New Jersey scene. He tells us he’s scored the first radio interview with New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno since she declared her candidacy for governor. Hurley says he quizzed Guadagno on her preparedness to be the Garden State’s next chief executive, her plan to limit state spending and lower taxes, and her thoughts on the unpopular state takeover of Atlantic 
City…..WPHT, Philadelphia morning drive personality Chris Stigall tells TALKERS magazine that, with the election of President Donald Trump, the Philadelphia media has a “newfound interest” in what he’s saying on his show. Stigall was featured on the cover of Wednesday’s daily Metro Philadelphia publication and did a hit with CBS Television’s KYW-TV (pictured at left) during yesterday afternoon’s 5:30 newscast from outside the Loews Hotel where the Republican Congressional retreat is taking place…..Comedian, talk host, and “Celebrity Name Game” host Craig Ferguson is launching a daily talk show on SiriusXM. The 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm program will air on the Comedy Greats channel starting February 27. SiriusXM says Ferguson will showcase his unique talents on his new two-hour SiriusXM show, which will feature his perspective on the news of the day and have celebrity interviews, sketches, and correspondent stories. SiriusXM subscribers will also be able to call into the show…..CBS Sports Radio is broadcasting a new, live edition of “The Taz Show: Bodyslams & Beyond” – following wrestling’s annual major winter pay-per-view event – on Sunday, January 29 from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am. Sports broadcaster and former wrestler Taz will host the three-hour show, joined by special guests Evan Roberts of WFAN, New York and Mike Johnson of PW Insider, to discuss the night’s biggest winners, biggest losers, and best wrestling moves. In addition to airing on over 200 CBS Sports Radio affiliated stations and 13 CBS RADIO owned sports stations, a live audio and video stream will be available online at TazShow.com, and later as on-demand
content…..The Washington cluster of CBS RADIO stations enters into a strategic partnership with Wrapify – a company that wraps personal vehicles with local advertising messages, for which the drivers are paid a monthly fee. An app tracks the vehicle’s mileage and route and combines the data with local traffic patterns to determine the number of impressions made on consumers on a particular day and time. Wrapify CEO James Heller states, “Partnering with CBS RADIO Washington brings Wrapify the ability to roll out large-scale sales efforts in the DC market while providing our partners with a way to integrate visual impressions into their advertising campaigns.”
Trump Orders Border Wall Built, Trump Voter Fraud Investigation, Effects of TPP and NAFTA Exits, Trump Targets Sanctuary Cities Polices, Mary Tyler Moore Dies at 80, and Super Bowl LI Matchup Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/25). President Donald Trump signs order to begin process of building Mexican border wall; Trump’s intent to investigate voter fraud from the 2016 presidential race; questions about the effects of America’s exit from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and NAFTA; the looming battle between sanctuary cities and the Trump Administration; television legend Mary Tyler Moore dies at age 80; and the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Guy Phillips Re-Ups with ‘Y98’ in St. Louis. Thirty-eight-year station morning personality Guy Phillips signs a new, multi-year contract with CBS RADIO’s hot AC KYKY “Y98” to continue leading the “Phillips & Company Morning Show.” Program director Marty Linck comments, “Guy is an institution in the St. Louis area. He
continuously reinvents his show, and makes me laugh every morning on the way to the office. Hundreds of thousands of listeners have the same experience every morning. I’m thrilled he will continue to call ‘Y98’ home.” Phillips states, “I’ve been one of the luckiest guys to ever work in this business. I have had steady employment over five decades in St. Louis and I haven’t once failed to laugh, on the air and off, on any of those days. I work with a crew that is not only passionate about their jobs but have compassion for one another. I thank a great radio company in CBS RADIO for their enduring trust and support.” The “Phillips & Company Morning Show” Phillips, Courtney Landrum, Jen Myers, Kevin “the Intern,” and Lance Hildebrand.
Cumulus Drops Classic Hip Hop for CHR on KENZ in Salt Lake City. Gone from the 94.9 frequency in Salt Lake City is the classic hip hop and the “94-9 The Vibe” brand, here now is “Power 94.9” – Cumulus Media’s 
newest CHR outlet. Cumulus Salt Lake City vice president and market manager Patrick Reedy says, “We’re excited to offer a fresh CHR approach to the Salt Lake City market. Although there are some very well-programmed CHRs in SLC currently, we believe Rick Vaughn’s prior multi-city success in exploiting listeners’ unmet needs within the CHR format speaks for itself. In addition, we also believe that advertisers will find ‘Power 94.9’ to be the perfect complement to our sister station [hot AC KBEE] B98.7.”
Sam Hunt Visits NASH Campus. Pictured above is Universal Music Group Nashville recording artist Sam Hunt with the personalities from Cumulus Media’s “Mornings with Ty, Kelly & Chuck.” Hunt appeared on the show to talk about his new single, “Body Like a Back Road,” set for release next Wednesday (2/1) and his “15 in a 30 Tour” that kicks off this summer with fellow artists Chris Janson, Maren Morris and Ryan Follese. Pictured are (from l-r): Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford, Hunt, and Chuck Wicks.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Air personality Riley Couture is named to co-host iHeartMedia’s WIHT, Washington-based “The Kane Show.” Kane says, “As a fellow WFLZ alumni, I’ve watched her learn and grow into an outstanding, brave, incredibly relatable, dominant female talent throughout the years — she’s the perfect addition to our team.”…..Chris Jackson is appointed to the operations manager post at KZIA Inc’s CHR KZIA, Cedar Rapids and sister sports talker KGYM.
Round Two of Holiday PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of Holiday 2016 PPM ratings from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s Holiday 2016 survey period covered December 1, 2016 – January 4, 2017. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Washington, D.C. – Locked on 4.5 (6+) in September and October, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH picked up four-tenths in November; added one full-share in December; and now piles on a +4.5 (4.9 – 5.9 – 10.4, 6+), marching from third to first. This time last year, WASH was at #1 as well with a 12.0 (6+, “Holiday” 2015).
Displaced from the penthouse following five successive months there is American University‘s WAMU (11.5 – 9.2, -2.3, 6+), which slips to the runner-up slot. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was +1.5 in December to 11.5, the most potent 6+-share in its PPM-history. The public station recorded its previous best the previous month (10.0, 6+, November 2016). Down the past five sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ “Majic 102.3” regains roughly one-quarter of that total with a +.6 to 4.4, elevating from tenth to seventh. Steady at #4, its direct competitor – Howard University‘s WHUR – is trending 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.7 (October 2016 – “Holiday” 2016, 6+). In 
the spoken-word arena, after notching five straight sweeps without a decrease for a net +1.3 (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Cumulus Media talker WMAL is off by nine-tenths to 3.3 (#7 to #12, 6+). Meanwhile Hubbard Broadcasting-owned all-news WTOP drops seven-tenths to 8.7 (second to third, 6+), thus halting three straight up or flat trends and relinquishing the combined +.7 (8.7 – 9.2 – 9.4 – 9.4, 6+). Dropping by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS (2.9 – 2.3, #13 to #16, 6+) and CBS Radio rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM (4.0 – 3.5, ninth to tenth, 6+). Steady at #5, Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” dips by one-tenth to 5.0 (6+), thus curtailing five successive improvements that produced a cumulative +2.2 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). After 13 consecutive ratings periods within 3.5 – 3.9 territory (6+), CBS Radio hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh” slips from 3.7 to 3.4 (6+), but remains at #11.
2) Boston – Nearly quadrupling the +1.5 it dialed up in December, Beasley Media Group-owned adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7” repeats at #1 (6.3 – 7.8 – 13.4, +5.6, 6+). The former Greater Media property is -1.4 from its 14.8 (#1, 6+) from “Holiday” 2015. Prior to advancing to #1 in December, “Magic” was in the runner
-up slot April through November. When it registered a 6.6 in September, “Magic” halted three successive down or flat trends for a combined -1.2 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). A -.6 in July, meanwhile, stopped a successive string of five increases for a cumulative +1.2 (6.3 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). Co-owned WROR forfeits all of December’s +1.1 plus three-tenths (6.6 – 7.7 – 6.3, -1.4, 6+) but stays at #2. “Boston’s Classic Hits” was the market leader for 11 monthlies in succession before being dislodged in December by “Magic.” In advance of December’s +1.1, WROR had been down by a combined two 
full-shares over the last four sweeps (8.6 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 6.6, 6+). Sibling WKLB “New Hit Country 102.5” (unchanged at #9) has its fourth straight negative trend (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+) and is a combined -1.4 since September. The market’s FM sports share swells by one-half share with CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” (flagship station of the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots) picking up two-tenths (5.4 – 5.6, 6+) and Entercom’s WEEI-FM
(Boston Red Sox flagship) adding three-tenths (4.5 – 4.8, 6+); they carry on at fourth and sixth, respectively. Both had been down the past two sweeps, with WBZ-FM a cumulative -.9 (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+) and WEEI-FM a combined -1.7 (6.2 – 5.4 – 4.5, 6+). Up by +1.1 in back-to-back monthlies (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.5, October-November-December, 6+), Boston University-owned WBUR surrenders eight-tenths to 3.7 (6+) to fall from sixth to eighth (6+). Albeit they remain at #11, CBS Radio hot AC and classic rock cluster-mates WBMX “Mix 104.1 Boston’s Best Variety” and WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7” register identical moves (3.7 – 3.0, -.7, 6+). WZLX is down for the fourth straight time for a collective -1.5 (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+).
3) Detroit – The fourth straight improvement by WNIC is by nearly seven full-shares (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 13.7, 6+) as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary property is +8.8 since September. Moreover, WNIC progresses from second to first. In “Holiday” 2015, WNIC was #1 with a 14.6 (6+). Departing the #1 spot it held in November and
December and trading places with WNIC at #2, CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” regresses by nine-tenths, thus stymying four straight gains for a combined +1.7 (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+). December 2016’s 7.1 is the highest 6+-share for WOMC since 7.2 in December 2015. Having gained +1.8 in three straight up or flat trends (4.9 – 5.9 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+), Cumulus Media talker/Detroit Lions flagship WJR returns two-thirds 
of that increase (5.5, -1.2, 6+) and slides from third to fourth. Eroding by eight-tenths each are hot AC sibling WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Hits” (#12 to #15, 6+) and University of Michigan-owned WUOM (1.8, #17 to #20, 6+). “Today’s Best Hits” is a combined -1.3 in four successive sweeps without an increase (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+). WUOM registered a 2.6 (6+) in three of the last four ratings periods. Following three consecutive up-trends yielding a +.6 (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB surrenders all of it and is back at 3.6 (6+), but “FM 98 Detroit’s Hip-Hop & R&B” carries on at #11. Off by a collective nine-tenths since October (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” slides from
ninth to tenth. In five straight declines (7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5 – 6.0 – 4.9 – 4.5, 6+), sports cluster-mate WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is -3.3 (6+), dipping from sixth to seventh. After a one-month hiatus from the top spot, WXYT-FM returned to #1 in September and repeated there in October; “The Ticket” was #1 in April, May, June, and July. With each station’s September 2016 6+-stat in parentheses, these Bell Media (Canada) properties are unlisted for the fourth straight month: alternative CIMX (1.6); triple A CIDR (1.3); classic hits-oldies CKWW (.2); and talk CKLW (.1).
4) Miami – Owing to a December decline of one-half share, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR had its string of consecutive up or flat trends that produced a +.7 end at five (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+), but “99 Jamz” rolls out a +1.1 (4.7 – 5.8, 6+) and remains at #5. Notching one-half share gains are urban AC sibling 
WHQT “Hot 105” (6.8, fourth to second, 6+); Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” (5.1, flat at #6, 6+); and iHeartMedia classic rocker WBGG “Big 105.9” (3.3 – 3.8, #13 to #10, 6+). Finishing first in June and then second the next three sweeps, “Hot 105” was without an increase the past six sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+). The cumulative seven-tenths that “Zeta 92.3” gained in October and November was more than wiped out with December’s -.9 (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.5 – 4.6, 6+). “Big” was frozen on 3.7 (6+) in June, July, August, and September. Off by one-tenth in both the December and “Holiday” sweeps (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is nonetheless on top for the third consecutive time. “Easy 93.1” was a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth straight ratings period resulting in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom-owned, similarly-programmed WLYF “Lite FM” slides from third to fourth and has its lowest 6+-share since September 2015 (6.2 as well). “Lite FM” was #1 from July through October. Off by a combined -1.2 (4.9 – 4.0 – 3.7, September-October-November, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC made up half of it in December with a +.6, but “Hits 97.3” now sputters by seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #12). Despite being down one-tenth, iHeartMedia’s similarly formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.7 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+) catches “Hits 97.3.” Registering a 2.1 (6+) in each of the last five ratings periods, talk sibling WIOD (#17 to #21) falters by one-half share to 1.6, the same 6+-stat it had in April, May, and June.
5) Seattle – Exchanging places at the top are Hubbard Radio adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” (second to first) and CHR cluster-mate KQMV “MOViN 92.5 All The Hits” (7.1 – 6.8, -.3, first to second, 6+). In three successive gains, “Warm” – which was #1 this time last year with a 13.4 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+) – is a cumulative +6.6
(4.3 – 4.4 – 6.7 – 10.9, 6+). KQMV had been on top the past 12 sweeps. Its -.9 in December halted a string of three straight gains that netted a +2.3 (5.7 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+). After 13 successive times in three-share range (6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5” busts out a +2.1 to 5.5 (6+), rocketing from #12 all the way to #3. Without a decrease for the seventh consecutive sweep yielding a +1.3 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” cracks the top ten (#13 to #8). The market’s FM country share dwindles by -1.5 as CBS Radio’s KMPS sputters by -1.0 (4.0 – 3.0, #7 to #13) and Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” is off by -.5 (#18 to 20). As a result of four consecutive slumps, “The Wolf” is a combined -1.8 (4.1 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Sputtering by nine-tenths each are University of Washington-owned KUOW (5.3 – 4.4, fourth to sixth, 6+) and Pacific Public Media’s KNKX (3.5 – 2.6, #11 to #18, 6+). Down six-tenths (3.7 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM More Music, More Variety” departs the top ten (#8 to #12). In 
the spoken-word arena, Bonneville talker KTTH is -.7 (2.4 – 1.7, #20 to #22, 6+); co-owned talker KIRO-FM is -.6 (third to fourth, 6+); Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO regresses by -.5 (3.7 – 3.2, #8 to #11, 6+); and iHeartMedia sports outlet KJR-AM is also -.5 (2.2 – 1.7, flat at #22, 6+). KIRO-FM is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+) for a cumulative -.9. Without an increase for the fifth successive time for a cumulative full-share loss (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), CBS Radio classic rock KZOK dips from sixth to seventh. A combined -1.6 in five successive ratings periods without a gain (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7 100% Throwbacks” actually improves from #18 to #16.
6) Phoenix – Not quite doubling December’s impressive +3.5, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ hangs out a +6.7 (6.3 – 9.8 – 16.5, 6+) and is #1 for the 28th successive ratings period. In addition, its whopping 16.5 (6+)
actually matches what KESZ recorded in “Holiday” 2015. Posting a gain of one-tenth to 3.5 (6+), co-owned KNIX not only returns to the top ten (#11 to #8), “102.5 #1 for New Country” applies the brakes to four consecutive down or flat sweeps that produced a cumulative -.9 (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+). Three straight negative trends (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.4, 6+) produce a collective -1.4 for CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KOOL, which drops from fourth to ninth. Seven-tenths is unlucky for the following as all four are down by that margin: Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” (third to fifth, 6+); iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 Today’s Best Music” (4.3 – 3.6, fifth to sixth, 6+); adult hits sibling KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” (#7 to #11, 6+); and The Yucaipa Companies’ adult contemporary KOAI “The Oasis” (2.1 – 
1.4, #25, 6+). “The Mountain” is down or flat for the sixth consecutive time (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+), while “Arizona’s Real Rock” is without a gain for the fourth straight month (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths each are Bonneville talker KTAR-FM (3.4, sixth to ninth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR (#19 to #22, 6+); Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” surrenders one-half share (#16 to #19, 6+). While KTAR-FM had been up or flat the past four monthlies (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), this is the fourth straight down or flat trend for “La Tricolor 103.5” (3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+).
7) Minneapolis – Honors for loftiest (6+) December 2016 – “Holiday” 2016 increase for the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far goes to iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL. Faltering in five straight ratings periods for a combined -1.7 (8.0 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+), “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits”
rebounded with a +1.3 in December, but dwarfs that with a resounding +8.3 (7.6 – 15.9, 6+) to repeat at #1. The majority of the other Twin Cities outlets feel the pinch of that +8.3, including co-owned KFXN “Sports Radio FM 100.3 K-FAN,” which “Kool” evicted from the top spot in December when Minnesota Vikings flagship “K-FAN” tumbled by -1.1. Now, KFXN erodes by an additional -1.4 (8.5 – 7.4 – 6.0, 6+) and slides from second to fourth. With an 8.9 in October, “Sports Radio FM 100.3 K-FAN” boasted the best 6+-share in its PPM-history. Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW (sixth to eighth, 6+) returns nearly twice of December’s +.7 with a -1.3 to 4.6 (6+), ending three straight positive trends (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+). Declining by nine-tenths each are iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station,” down for the fourth straight time (8.1 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.1, 6+) and Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock,” off for the third successive sweep (7.1 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+). Ironically, KDWB actually improves from fourth to third and KQRS inches up from fifth to fourth. Similarly, while Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” falters by another seven-tenths and has not had an increase since February (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+), it advances from third to second. In these 11 straight sweeps without an increase, “KS-95” is a combined -3.8. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KTCZ “The Cities” duplicates December’s -.6 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, #11 to #12, 6+). Talk sibling KTLK-AM – which was without a loss the past six sweeps for a combined +1.2 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+) – drops six-tenths as well and moves from #14 to #16. After adding one-tenth in December to halt five straight down or flat trends that produced a collective -1.2 (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is also down by six-tenths (to 4.6, 6+) but is steady at #8. Having registered four successive declines that totaled a -1.4 (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), CBS Radio’s similarly-formatted KMNB “BUZ’N @102.9” (flat at #13, 6+) picked up three-tenths in November; returned it in December; and now forfeits another one-half share (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+). In addition to KMNB, adult hits cluster-mate KZJK “104.1 Jack FM Playing What We Want” (5.7 – 5.2, seven to sixth, 6+) and Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” (5.0 – 4.5, ninth to tenth, 6+) decline by one-half share as well; “Jack” and “93-X” were -.5 and -.6, respectively, in December.
8) San Diego – Over and above posting a +4.6 to extend its string of up or flat trends to five and a 146% increase (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 9.1, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned hot AC KYXY vaults from ninth to first. With a 7.5 (6+), KYXY finished first in the “Holiday” 2015 report as well. It succeeds Entercom-owned KXSN 
“Sunny 98.1” (5.5 – 5.2, -.3, first to second, 6+), which was on top in November and December. Regressing by six-tenths each are “Sunny” cluster-mate KSON “New Country” (4.6 – 4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “102.9 Mas Variedad,” which registers its third consecutive decrease for a collective -1.7 (5.3 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+); “Mas Variedad” falls from #10 to #11. Following November’s gain of seven-tenths that put it in a three-way tie at #7, KOGO duplicated the feat in December but the iHeartMedia talker – which prior to November had been in three-share range the
previous 16 sweeps – falters by one-half share (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+), slipping from the runner-up slot to fourth. In three-share range for the fourteenth straight time, sibling KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock Music” is off by two-tenths (3.8 – 3.6, 6+) but improves from #12 to #11. Following eight consecutive up or flat trends that produced a gain of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+), Midwest Television talker KFMB-AM drops three-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and segues from a three-way tie at #18 to #20. Just ahead of it at #19 is Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative,” which is in 2.1 – 2.6 range (6+) for the fourteenth straight monthly (2.3 – 2.1, -.2, 6+).
9) Tampa – After slipping by one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (9.5 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV answers with an emphatic +3.4 to 12.7 (6+) as “Lite Favorites” is #1 for the 51st successive ratings period. At this time last year, “Lite Favorites” registered a 14.9 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+). Up for the third straight
month netting a +1.3 (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The JOY FM” leaps from tenth to fourth. Following four straight gains for a cumulative +1.3 (4.0 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Leader” surrenders virtually all of it (4.1 -1.2, 6+), spiraling from fourth to eighth. It is one-tenth ahead of its format rival, Beasley Media Group’s WQYK (4.4 – 4.0, -.4, seventh to ninth, 6+); “99.5 QYK” was -1.1 in December. This marks the third straight fluctuation of one-half share for co-owned Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima” (#11 to #14, 6+), which is trending 3.9 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.4 (6+). “Maxima” had been in 3.1 – 3.9 range (6+) the previous ten survey periods. Off by one-half share as well is classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” (4.4 – 3.9, 6+), drifting from seventh to tenth. After five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle” is down by one-tenth to 6.4 (6+), but carries on in the runner-up position. One-tenth of a share separates the market’s two CHR outlets, with co-owned WPOI “Hot 101.5 – All The Hits” losing four-tenths (5.0 – 4.6, flat at #6, 6+) while iHeartMedia’s WFLZ “Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” picks up one-tenth (4.3 – 4.4, unchanged at #7, 6+).
10) Denver – Repeating at #1, Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101 Real-Music-Variety” dials up its third straight gain and has more than doubled its 6+-share since October (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 11.6, 6+). KOSI is basically at the 
same spot it was this time last year when it was first with an 11.7 (6+, “Holiday” 2015). As a result of eroding by -1.3 in December, KTCL not only ended four straight up or flat sweeps that produced a +1.3 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), “Modern Rock Channel 93-3” concluded four consecutive months at #1. The iHeartMedia property, however, rebounds with a +.9 (5.3 – 6.2, 6+) and carries on as runner-up to KOSI. Jumping from #13 to #9, Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” improves by four-tenths to 4.0 (6+), pulling the plug on three straight negative trends that resulted in a combined -1.6 since September (5.2 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Trending 5.7 – 5.9 – 5.7 (October-November-December, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” sputters by nine-tenths to 4.8, slipping from fourth to fifth. In 3.3 – 3.8 range (6+) six straight times entering the December sweep, KALC “Alice 105.9” registered a +.7 to 4.3 (6+), but the Entercom hot AC forfeits all of it plus one-tenth (4.3 – 3.5, -.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #13). Notching a -.8 as well is Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR (4.6 – 3.8, #7 to #11, 6+), whose (6+) fluctuations in calendar year 2016 included +.7 (January); -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.7 (April); -.7 (June); +.7 (July); -.8 (October); and +.6 (November). Dipping from sixth to seventh, iHeartMedia classic rocker KRFX “The Fox” is off by six-tenths (4.7 – 4.1, 6+), while sibling KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” (3.8 – 3.3, #12 to #14, 6+), Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (#14 to #16, 6+), and public KUNC (1.0 – .5, #27, 6+) are all down by one-half share. KBPI is in 3.0 – 3.8 range for the fourteenth successive sweep. A loss of six-tenths in November by “The Fan” halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). October’s 4.9 represents its most potent 6+ showing under PPM methodology, but it has now lost two full-shares in three straight downward sweeps (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+).
11) Baltimore – The four most recent fluctuations for WLIF “Today’s 101.9” are +.5 (October 2016); -1.1 (November 2016); +1.1 (December 2016); and a walloping +7.0 in “Holiday” 2016 (7.8 – 8.3 – 7.2 – 8.3 – 15.3, 6+).
The CBS Radio adult contemporary facility – which was first in “Holiday” 2015 with a 15.0 (6+) – proceeds from second to first. A -.4 in September 2016 by “Today’s 101.9” ended its string of successive increases – which netted a +1.1 – at three (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Exiting the #1 position after just one month is Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “Q-92 Jams” (8.5 – 8.3, -.2, first to second, 6+). Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), co-owned WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” adds one-tenth to 8.2 (6+) and remains at #3. As a result of a -1.2 in July, “Magic 95.9” exited the top spot. Before that, “Magic 95.9” put together four straight increases for a combined +3.7 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 8.2 – 9.8, 6+). In fourth-place the past seven ratings periods, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” falls to fifth and has surrendered a combined -2.5 in three consecutive slides (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 4.7, 6+). While Hearst Television’s WIYY falters by -1.1 (6.0 – 4.9, 6+), “98 Rock” actually climbs from fifth to fourth. Stuck on 4.3 (6+) in November and December, iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by seven-tenths to 3.6 (6+), sliding from seventh to eighth. Albeit off by six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, 6+), Shamrock’s WZBA “100.7 The Bay Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” is steady at #13.
12) St. Louis – Having trotted out a +.9 in December, KEZK tacks on a +5.3 to cruise from sixth to first with its fourth successive progressive trend (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1). The CBS Radio adult contemporary outlet was #1 in 
“Holiday” 2015 as well with a 14.8 (6+). After improving in three straight ratings periods for a combined +2.2 (5.4 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+), Hubbard Radio adult hits WARH “The Arch” spirals by -1.7 to 5.9, drifting from first to fifth. Up a combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU relinquished a -1.6 in December, but bounces back in grand style with a +3.8 (6.1 – 9.9, 6+), bumping up to second from fifth. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. Stymied on 6.1 (6+) in October and November, CBS Radio hot AC KYKY “Y-98” notched a +.5 in December but erodes by three times that margin in “Holiday” (6.6 – 5.1, -1.5, 6+) slipping from third to sixth.
After five straight increases for a collective +1.9 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 4.2, 6+), Emmis talker KFTK tumbles by -1.2 (3.0, #14 to #16, 6+). Forfeiting December’s +.6 and an additional three-tenths as well (4.5, -.9, seventh to ninth, 6+), University of Missouri-owned KWMU has its string of consecutive upward trends which produced a +1.2 snapped at three (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+). Registering decreases of six-tenths each are iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station,” down or flat for the fourth consecutive sweep (5.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.8, #12 to #13, 6+) and co-owned KSD-FM “93.7 The Bull #1 For New Country” (3.9 – 3.3, flat at #15, 6+). Not only is KMOX without an increase for the sixth straight ratings period and a cumulative -3.1 in that stretch (7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+), the CBS Radio talker departs the top ten (#10 to #12).
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Multi-Media Communications Artist Jay Mohr Guests This Week on Harrison Podcast. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison describes nationally-syndicated Fox Sports Radio host Jay Mohr as a “remarkably diverse and original multi-media communications artist” and welcomes him as his guest this week on the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out.” In addition to being heard daily as a sports talker on more than 160 stations, Mohr is an acclaimed stand-up comic (one of the “100 Greatest of All Time” according to Comedy Central) and an accomplished actor who has starred or appeared in more than 25 movies (including “Jerry McGuire” and “Picture Perfect”) and 50 television shows (including “Gary Unmarried” and “Ghost Whisperer”). Between 1993 and 1995, he served as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” He’s been
nominated for an Emmy and a Grammy. He is the author of two best-sellers, Gasping for Airtime: Two Years in the Trenches of Saturday Night Live (Hachett, 2004) and No Wonder My Parents Drank: Tales from a Stand-Up Dad (Simon & Schuster, 2010). He also hosts a weekly PodcastOne series, “Mohr Stories.” Harrison and Mohr talk about comedy, radio (and really rip apart the PPM), and sports as well as philosophy, space and time. Harrison says, “Mohr is startlingly candid and thoughtfully provocative. Our audience of ‘media freaks’ around the world will love this one.” To listen to the podcast 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.
Nielsen Audio Releases Round Four of November 2016 PPM Data. The fourth and final round of November 2016 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. The November 2016 survey period covered October 6 to November 2. 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.
Report: Conservative Media Personality Monica Crowley Possibly Up for Trump Administration
Post. Current Fox News Channel analyst and Washington Times columnist (and former, longtime radio talk show host) Monica Crowley is reportedly being considered for a position on the Trump Administration’s communications team. The New York Post reports that it’s unclear if Crowley is being considered for Press Secretary or another position in the West Wing.
NBA Great Elvin Hayes to Host Weekly Show on SB Nation Radio. Basketball legend – and NBA Hall-of-Famer Elvin Hayes is debuting a new, weekly radio show on SB Nation Radio, starting this 
Saturday (12/3) at 12:00 midnight ET. The show, “In the Post,” will include co-host Joe George and will “provide interviews and analysis from all the biggest newsmakers in college and pro basketball.” SB Nation PD/COO Craig Larson states, “I’m absolutely thrilled to have Elvin Hayes on the network. There are very few athletes who have made an impact on a particular city more than Elvin has for Houston. His combination of grace and charm are as present on radio as they have always been on the hardwood.”
Odds & Sods. Effective in the New Year, Westwood One will no longer be offering the weekend “Best of John Batchelor” program. His nightly program on the network continues to air…..In Pittsburgh, Shelley Duffy has exited CBS RADIO’s news/talk KDKA, Pittsburgh where she was a personality on the afternoon drive “KDKA Afternoon News” with Robert Mangino.
Jill Stein Recount Effort/Trump ‘Voter Fraud’ Charge, Trump Transition, ‘Fake News’ Phenomenon, Ohio State Knife Attacker, Castro Death Aftermath, Holocaust Ice Dance Controversy, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/28). The controversy over Green Party candidate Jill Stein’s efforts to force recounts in hope that Hillary Clinton will be declared winner of the presidential race, tied with Donald Trump’s claims that millions voted fraudulently; the Trump transition and the ongoing filling of cabinet positions; talk about “fake news” and the role it played in the election; the attacks on students at Ohio State by a knife-wielding student; the death of Fidel Castro and criticism of various heads of state for praising the Cuban dictator; the bizarre holocaust-themed ice dance performed by the wife of a high-level aid to Vladimir Putin; 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.
Graham Mack Interviews All-Girl Band Pioneer Suzi Quatro on TalkersRadio’s ‘London Calling.’ In one of the latest episodes of “London Calling,” host Graham Mack talks to Suzi Quatro in the kitchen of her Elizabethan mansion in Essex. Suzi shares stories about life on the road in an all-girl band touring the USA before she moved to Britain, how her life changed when she met British record producer Mickie Most, and how at the age of 18 and pregnant by a married man she made the difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy. She tells Mack, “I carry the stigma of that forever.” “London Calling with Graham Mack” is a weekly show produced in the UK specifically for TalkersRadio, TALKERS magazine’s special online radio experimental workshop and program showcase. Suzi Quatro (r) is pictured with Graham Mack (l). To listen to the entire episode of “London Calling” please click here.
CMG’s Bill Hoffman to Receive BFoA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The third Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the Broadcasters Foundation of America will go to Cox Media Group president Bill Hoffman. He will be honored during the Golden Mike Award dinner on Monday, February 27, 2017, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The gala is a major fundraiser for the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America to help broadcasters in need. Hoffman states, “I am honored to be recognized by the Broadcasters Foundation of
America. I have always been proud of our industry for the generous donations from individual broadcasters, stations, and groups across the country. It is only with that kind of support that the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to help those in our business who need it most.” BFoA chairman Dan Mason comments, “Bill is a respected leader in broadcasting, and we are proud to recognize his accomplishments at Cox and his contributions to our industry. As a member of our Board for several years, Bill has helped us advance our mission of helping every broadcaster who qualifies for help.” The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen tragedy. Personal donations can be made to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund. Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be made through the Foundation’s Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
2016 Marconi Award Finalists Announced; News/Talkers Dominate Legendary Station of the Year Category. The finalists for this year’s Marconi Radio Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters have been announced. The winners will be announced September 22 at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show at the 2016 Radio Show in Nashville. News/talk stations dominate the Legendary Station of the Year category. The finalists are: KRLD-AM, Dallas; WBAL-AM, Baltimore; WBT-AM, Charlotte; WDBO-FM, Orlando; and all-news WINS-AM, New York. Two Premiere Networks sports talk hosts are finalists in the Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year – Jay Mohr and Dan Patrick – along with Premiere’s Delilah and Elvis Duran plus Entravision’s Erazno y la Chokolata. CBS RADIO’s Mike Francesa (WFAN, New York) and Toucher and Rich (WBZ-FM, Boston) are finalists in the Major Market Personality of the Year category along with KFI, Los Angeles’ Tim Conway Jr. and music radio personalities Mark Curry of KBLX, San Francisco and Woody from KYSR, Los Angeles. See the rest of the finalists here.
Brian Beasley Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Beasley Media Group. The company announces Brian Beasley is promoted to chief operating officer of Beasley Media Group, Inc. from his EVP of operations post. He comments, “This COO position is a great honor, considering my entire life has been dedicated to the radio business. I’ve benefitted greatly from my hands-on experience at all levels of this business and I’ll be continuing to contribute to the successful operations of our stations for many years to come.”
George Noory Interviewed by Michael Harrison. The nation’s leading late-night talk show host, George Noory is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne hit “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” posted today (7/26). The multi-talented Noory, who has hosted Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” for the past 14 years, talks about how the show has evolved and expanded from primarily covering the paranormal (UFOs, ESP, time travel, astral projection, etc.) to now include the paranoid (conspiracy theory, the
Illuminati, special interest groups, etc.). Harrison and Noory discuss the impact of digital age technology and modern communications on the human nervous system and society. The podcast is coordinated with today’s release of prolific author Noory’s first novel, Night Talk (Forge 2016) – a thriller that tells the story of a late night talk show host (“Greg Nowell”) who gets himself entangled in a web of intrigue that involves the same elements as the subject matter covered by its real life author. To listen to this fascinating podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column of every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Progressive Talker Nicole Sandler Battling Lung Cancer. A YouCaring fundraising account has been set up to help defray the cost of the medical bills that she says will not be paid by insurance. Radio pro and progressive talk personality Nicole Sandler recently relaunched her Internet radio show in a partnership with fellow talk host
Randi Rhodes, whose show follows Sandler’s on the stream. But now she’s facing a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma – Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. Sandler is blogging about her experience – and keeping followers well-informed about her struggles with her insurance company – and she says the cancer does not appear to have spread beyond the one lung but that other tests are pending to determine if that’s the case. You can visit Sandler’s YouCaring page here.
Entercom Launches Late-Night, Syndicated Paranormal Show ‘Beyond Reality Radio.’ The program – Entercom’s first syndication effort – launches on August 1 on 10 company-owned news/talk stations live from 
12:00 midnight to 2:00 am ET. It stars Jason Hawes, co-founder of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) and creator and star of Syfy’s blockbuster hit “Ghost Hunters,” and JV Johnson, a
longtime paranormal investigator and current publisher and editor of TAPS paraMagazine. Entercom stations airing the program are: KJCE, Austin; WRKO, Boston; WBEN, Buffalo; KEZW, Denver; WSKY, Gainesville; WYRD, Greenville; KMBZ, Kansas City; WWL, New Orleans; KNSS, Wichita; and WILK, Wilkes-Barre. JV Johnson says, “Radio has a long history of programs about the paranormal, dating back to the 1920s, so it’s very exciting to bring ‘BRR’ to the airwaves with Entercom and continue this tradition, but with a contemporary twist. We’ll be engaging with our listeners not only through call-in, but through our digital platforms. So while we’re reaching a larger audience, we’re also creating a community with which we’re intimately connected.”
The Presidential Race/Democratic National Convention, Verizon-Yahoo! Deal, Rio Troubles/Russian Doping Scandal, Cuomo NC Ads Controversy, SoCal Wildfires, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/25). The aftermath of the Republican National Convention, day one of the Democratic National Convention, and the activities of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump; the acquisition of most of Internet pioneering firm Yahoo! by Verizon; the troubles facing Rio De Janeiro as it prepares to host the Olympics and the related Russian doping scandal; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s state-paid ads aired in North Carolina that critics say violate the Hatch Act; the wildfires affecting Southern California; 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.
Odds & Sods. The regular CBS RADIO Pittsburgh promotion “eat.drink.SUMMER” is taking place on August 12 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Lodge at North Park. Attendees can enjoy samples from some of Pittsburgh’s finest restaurants along with new products, spirits, beers and more. On-air personalities from the CBS Pittsburgh stations will be in attendance throughout the evening…..In the Greenville, South Carolina market, Entercom Upstate – with seven radio stations in the market – is being honored by the Greenville Health System for Entercom’s support and promotion of the Children’s Hospital over the last 10 years. The GHS Children’s Hospital is dedicating its fifth floor Family Room to Entercom Upstate to recognize how the stations have helped the hospital through the Children’s Hospital Radiothon, an annual fundraising event that has raised more than $2.6 million to date and supported thousands of children. The 9th Annual Radiothon will take place on August 4…..The RAB announces the retirement of SVP, research Andy Rainey. Rainey has led the research team at the RAB for the last 23 years. At the same time, Annette Malave, vice president of business development is promoted to SVP, insights, effective August 1.
Friday, January 29, 2016
The Presidential Race Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of January 25-29. The activities of the candidates for president – highlighted by Thursday’s GOP debate and candidate Donald Trump’s choice not to participate – were the most-talked-about story during the week. At #2 was the low price of oil and its effects on the world’s financial markets. Coming in at #3 was the boycott by some black entertainment industry figures of this year’s Academy Awards show, followed by U.S. immigration and refugee policy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. View this week’s entire chart here.
Frontlines of Freedom Adds New Affiliates; Hosts Honored Veteran Guest. The Talk Media Network-syndicated “Frontlines of Freedom” program announces the addition of 10 new affiliate stations, pushing its station roster to 105. The weekly military and veterans talk show is hosted by Denny Gillem, LTC, U.S. Army (Retired). Gillem states, “Our goal is the same today as when we came up with the idea for Frontlines of Freedom: To assist our listeners in better understanding the role of our military, and the challenges our nation faces.” New affiliate stations include: WWRC, Washington; KBNP, Portland; and WGMD-FM, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Talk Media Network CEO Josh Leng reports that the program recently hosted a special guest. “You need to have great content to attract and retain an audience, and the colonel’s interview this week with Chris ‘Tonto’ Paronto, one of the heroes portrayed in the movie 13 HOURS: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, is another example of our commitment to delivering compelling stories and information through ‘Frontlines of Freedom.’” Program host Lt. Col. Denny Gillem is a graduate of West Point and is an Airborne Ranger. He served 22 years in the US Army, including two tours in Vietnam, where he earned seven awards for valor and two Purple Hearts. He also served as a Mideast War Planner and later ran the ROTC program at the University of Tampa.
Odds & Sods. During Super Bowl week, FOX Sports Radio announces it will again present programming from
the Bay Area in the build-up to next Sunday’s championship game. “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” “Jay Mohr Sports,” J.T. The Brick, and the Jason Smith show with Michael Harmon will broadcast live from radio row at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, while the Dan Patrick show and the Rich Eisen show will emanate from the site of DirecTV’s remote broadcast at the historic Presidio in San Francisco…..Greater Media promotes Ellen Rubin to senior vice president and general counsel for the company. She’s been with Greater Media since 2003. In 2007 she was promoted to VP and general counsel. Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth states, “Ellen is a brilliant attorney who has been a key player in shaping Greater Media’s future. We are fortunate to have someone like Ellen in our company.”
Monday, December 21, 2015
Andy Bloom Exits WIP-FM and WPHT, Philadelphia OM Post. This is being termed a budget-related move as programmer Andy Bloom – until Friday the operations manager for sports talk WIP-FM and news/talk WPHT – exits the CBS RADIO Philadelphia station group. There’s lots of
speculation in the Philly media about why Bloom was let go and what this will mean for WIP and WPHT. Bloom tells Philly.com, “It is part of another restructure and strictly a budgetary move. That has happened across the industry over the past several years. It’s been an incredible 8 years with CBS Philly.” Philadelphia Business Journal 
wonders what this means for news/talk WPHT citing its November 2015 PPM (6+ AQH share Mon-Sun 6A-12M) rating of 1.5. The mag reports Bloom previously noted the current lineup has only been in place for a year and needs time to gel. Local news and opinion site Crossing Broad wonders what Bloom’s exit will mean for WIP, especially afternoon drive personality Josh Innes. Kyle Scott opines that Innes’ future at WIP could be affected by this change, “[H]e was Bloom’s guy and given a long leash with which to do his sometimes-sports thing. I’m assuming a successor will not be as lenient as Bloom. One would wonder if Josh would even want to stick around. A general turmoil has surrounded the station since he came on-board, and most of Bloom’s decisions since can be traced to Innes’ presence.”
Anthony Cumia Arrested on Domestic Battery Charges. New York radio personality Anthony Cumia was arrested on Saturday on charges of strangulation, criminal mischief, unlawful imprisonment and assault. He’s pled not guilty to all and his attorney tells the New York Post, “Mr. Cumia emphatically denies the allegations brought against him and is optimistic that when the truth comes out he will be exonerated.” This comes after a woman described as Cumia’s girlfriend used the app Periscope to request police assistance at Cumia’s Long Island home after claiming Cumia broke her hand, took her phone when she tried to call police and held her captive. The woman uses the handle Dani Golightly. Cumia was released on his own recognizance and ordered to stay away from the woman. Cumia was fired from SiriusXM’s Opie & Anthony show last year after he authored a series of racist Tweets and they went viral.
iHeartMedia Goes Sports in Denver on Former ‘Real Talk 760.’ The calls change from KKZN to KDSP and the new sports talker is branded “Denver Sports 760.” Local programming will include longtime iHeartMedia Denver personality Dave Logan co-hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program with Susie Wargin and Andy Lindahl hosting the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm show. (Lindahl also hosts “PrimeTime Sports” on sister KOA from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.) Also airing on the station will be: Dan Patrick from 7:00 am to 10:00 am; “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm; “Jay Mohr Sports” from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; “Ferrall On The Bench” from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight; Ben Maller from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am; and “FOX Sports Daybreak with Andy Furman & Mike North from 4:00 am to 7:00 am. iHeartMedia Denver market president Tim Hager states, “We’re excited to serve our listeners, partners and advertisers with a new station featuring original Denver Broncos content and the biggest names in sports.”
California Environmental Regulations Preventing KSCO, Santa Cruz from Addressing Flooding Problem. KSCO, Santa Cruz, California station owner Michael Zwerling is in a tough situation, stuck between California environmental laws and the need to keep his station on the air with current weather conditions creating flooding problems for his transmitter. Zwerling was prevented by sheriffs from digging a trench that would allow flood waters to drain as they usually do after a citizen complained to police about potential violations of the environmental laws. A look into the law indicates Zwerling will have to try to convince officials that his station – as a facility licensed to serve the public – is worthy of protection as well. KSCO has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most community-involved as well as marketing-innovative local talkers in the nation. Zwerling says the solution does not involve harm to the beach or the marine life but activists have risen to challenge his desire to do the minor excavation necessary to abate flood waters. Hear his appeal, broadcast over the KSCO airwaves, here.
Karter Named Radio One Cincinnati OM. Inbound from iHeartMedia Chicago urban contemporary WGCI-FM, Kenard Karter will assume operations manager duties of Radio One Cincinnati. Radio One vice president of programming Colby Tyner comments, “We are excited to be working with Kenard; he is a very smart programmer with a lot of creative energy. Our team in ‘Cinci’ can’t wait to get started.” Station manager Mitch Galvin notes, “Kenard will be bringing strong leadership to our station cluster and a drive to win.” According to Karter, “I am truly humbled and excited about the opportunity to lead the Cincinnati radio brands that the Radio One family has afforded me. I am proud to join a team that is so full of passion and promise.” Prior to his WGCI-FM stint, Chicago native Karter – who begins his Cincinnati duties in three weeks (1/11) – spent four years at San Francisco urban contemporary KMEL, where he was the station’s assistant program director/mid-day talent. Radio One Cincinnati consists of urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 Cincinnati’s Hip-Hop & R&B,” urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “Old School 100.3,” and WDBZ “Your Talk Station 1230 The Buzz.” According to 6+ stats in the latest (November 2015) Nielsen Audio PPM report for Cincinnati, WIZF ranks #8 with a 4.6 (+.7) from October and its best performance since June (also 4.6); WOSL is #13 (2.5); and WDBZ is #22 (.4). The (6+) market leader is iHeartMedia talker WLW (10.2).
Cumulus Brings New HR Exec Aboard. Human resources pro Todd C. McCarty comes to Cumulus Media from his most recent position as SVP of global human resources for Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Cumulus CEO Mary Berner says, in making the announcement of McCarty’s appointment, “Cumulus has tremendous assets with our reach to 245 million listeners across 90 markets and our outstanding audio content and brands. However, it’s critical that, as we move quickly and
efficiently to build on our strengths, we retain and attract top performers on and off-air, and support and motivate them to deliver exceptional performance across all disciplines and markets. Todd stands out among his peers in terms of qualifications and experience and we are fortunate and delighted that he will be leading our effort to consolidate and centralize our key human resources disciplines into a department that has the capabilities and focus to deliver the services and solutions we need to grow our business.” McCarty has served in similar positions at The New York Times Company and The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.
Odds & Sods. The nationally syndicated Stephanie Miller show is now being aired on the CRN Digital Talk
Radio network from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET. Miller’s show is syndicated WYM Media 
Managemen…..Live radio coverage of the CBS Sports Classic college hoops event from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn was provided by Westwood One Sports. Pictured here calling the games for the network are WW1 sports announcer John Sadak (right) and CBS Sports Radio personality Doug Gottlieb (left) as North Carolina beat UCLA 89-76 and Ohio State upset Kentucky 74-67. WW1 reports more than 300 affiliate stations carried the
games…..Andi Poch joins CBS Local Digital Media to serve as SVP Sales. Poch is being charged with managing and executing the overall digital advertising sales strategy for the division. She’ll work closely with the local digital sales teams for CBS RADIO’s 117 stations and the 29 CBS Television stations, as well as the entire national sales group. She comes from Townsquare Media where she was SVP, integrated/digital sales and strategy…..At Townsquare Media, the company brings Susan Kravitz aboard to serve as SVP, head of national digital sales and will oversee the company’s national digital and branded entertainment sales efforts. Kravitz was most recently head of global sales at Say Media.
Entercom Offers New Employee Benefits. Beginning in 2016, Entercom Communications Corp. will begin offering qualified employees three significant new additions to the benefit plan designed to further enhance the quality of life for its staffers. They are: 1) Personal Volunteering Time – a half-day off each quarter to volunteer for a non-profit organization of their choosing; 2) Discounted Stock Purchase Program – Entercom employees will be able to purchase Entercom stock at a 15% discount through a payroll deduction plan; and 3) Student Loan Reimbursement Program – $1,000 per calendar year to reduce outstanding student loans for employees who have graduated within the past eight years. Company CEO David Field states, “We are always looking for ways to improve ourselves and make Entercom a better and stronger organization, and that includes enhancing the quality of life for our team. We have examined benefits programs from leading companies all across the country in a wide range of industries and have honed in on a few highly compelling programs that we think will make outstanding additions to life at Entercom. We are very excited to be delivering these new benefits to our people.”
Making Merry in Vegas. Pictured here enjoying the festivities over the weekend at the Beasley Media Group Las Vegas holiday party are (from left to right): director of sales Cory Cuddeback; market manager Tom Humm; news/talk KDWN program director John Shaffer; and nationally syndicated talk host Dr. Daliah Wachs.
Democratic Primary Debate, Star Wars Film Opens and Miss Universe SNAFU Among Top Weekend News/Talk Stories. The coverage of and the aftermath of Saturday night’s Democratic candidates’ debate; the record-breaking opening weekend of the new Star Wars film; and Steve Harvey’s mistake misidentifying the winner of the Miss Universe pageant, were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend on stations airing live talk shows.
Friday, December 11, 2015
KOA, Denver’s Mike Rosen Dials Back Radio Duties; Mandy Connell to Assume Midday Show. Denver talk radio icon Mike Rosen is stepping down from his daily midday talk show at iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA “NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM” after close to 30 years with the station. Rosen – also a longtime columnist for The Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Post – will continue to work with the company’s Denver talk stations as a contributor, a regular weekend host and a political
commentator. He’ll also serve as an occasional guest host on both KOA and sister KHOW “TalkRadio 630.” Rosen comments, “Doing my brand of radio, with 24/7 research and show prep, takes a work week of more than 60 hours. After 35 years on-air, I’ve decided to give myself a little more well-earned leisure time as I pass my 71st birthday. I’ve been with KOA for almost 30 years and have loved every minute of it. 
It’s a wonderful station with a glorious history and a great team of people. I couldn’t bring myself to just walk away from it, and a full-fledged retirement wouldn’t suit a Type-A guy like me. So, I’m delighted to still have a presence with KOA as a part-time, on-air contributor. While this may disappoint my long-time loyal listeners, to whom I’m eternally grateful, I hope they will find a little of Mike Rosen at least better than none at all.” KOA program director Greg Foster is moving current KHOW morning drive host Mandy Connell to Rosen’s midday show, effective January 4. He comments, “Mandy has a knack for creating solid, entertaining shows. Nobody can replace Mike Rosen, but we’re confident that Mike’s fans will connect with Mandy and she’ll bring a new perspective to KOA NewsRadio.” Foster has not announced who will assume the morning show duties on KHOW.
Geraldo Follows Through on Promise to Sue Cumulus for Breach of Contract. After being “locked out” of the WABC, New York studios in late November with Cumulus Media apparently deciding it was ready to end Geraldo Rivera’s midday talk show on the station, Rivera said he would
sue Cumulus Media for reneging on its deal to extend his contract through 2016. Bloomberg Business is reporting the suit was filed on Wednesday (12/8). Cumulus has not commented on the matter but Rivera says, in a suit filed in New York, that his agent negotiated a deal to extend his $600,000 per year deal with then-Cumulus EVP John Dickey, which he alleges new Cumulus leaders broke upon assuming control of the company. Back in November, Rivera threatened the suit via his Facebook page on which he wrote: “It is not about the money…Because of their unforgivable disrespect, I will fight them and they will end up costing their battered company far more in damages than they expect to save in my salary.”
Elisa Jaffe Named Afternoon Anchor at KOMO-AM/FM, Seattle. Seattle all-news KOMO-AM/FM lost a valued broadcaster this past August when Jane Shannon passed away unexpectedly. Now, the Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned station announces that KOMO-TV
news pro Elisa Jaffe will co-anchor the afternoon drive program with Tom Glasgow from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. KOMO-AM/FM program director Rick Van Cise states, “Elisa is known and respected around the Northwest for her decades of hosting KOMO-TV’s ‘Northwest Afternoon’ and anchoring and reporting on KOMO 4 News. She brings the perfect balance of personality, news credibility and compassionate storytelling to KOMO’s drive home.” Jaffe comments on her new position, “I could never fill our friend Jane Shannon’s shoes but it’s an honor to follow in her footsteps.”
Odds & Sods. Filling in today on iHeartMedia’s South Florida sports talker WINZ, Miami is former WUCS-FM, Hartford “97.9 ESPN” Maxim Radio personality Michael Bower who hosts Andy Slater’s 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
program…..Good Karma-owned sports talker WUUB-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN West Palm” announces Miami Dolphins EVP of football operations Mike Tannenbaum is joining the station for a weekly edition of its “ESPN West Palm Tonight” program as a recurring guest. Tannenbaum will join host Jeremy Marks-Peltz Thursdays at 6:20 pm through the Super Bowl. He’ll discuss the latest news 
from the Miami Dolphins and the NFL, and give his perspective as a current front office executive, and former agent and general manager…..FOX Sports Radio syndicated sports talk host Jay Mohr is nominated for a Grammy Award for his recent comedy album Happy. The actor and comedian released the album that’s the result of his one-hour comedy special filmed during the Santa Barbara LOL Comedy Festival. It features a “hilarious set of intimate stand-up comedy stories about his marriage to Nikki Cox, raising two kids, and great lessons in ironic behavior. This special aired on Showtime Comedy and has the distinction of being written entirely by Cox, who for years has been Mohr’s trusted collaborator and creative partner.”
Trump Muslim Ban Proposal Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of December 7-11. GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s proposal that all Muslims be prevented from entering the country to prevent terrorist strikes was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Coming in at #2 was the activities of the rest of the 2016 presidential candidates. At #3 was the San Bernardino shootings aftermath, followed by the Paris Climate Summit at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Broadcasters Foundation of America Guardian Fund Annual Appeal Underway. Most broadcasters are aware of the outstanding work that the Broadcasters Foundation of America does aiding broadcasters and their families who are beset by unforeseen disasters or medical emergencies. Now, in an appeal to the industry titled, “Taking Care of Our Own,” Guardian Fund chairman and Whitney Media president and editorial director William O’Shaughnessy cites BFoA vice chair Dick Foreman who says, “It’s really all about taking care of our own.” O’Shaughnessy states, “We are broadcasters. And on that, and that alone, do we base our appeal to assist the hurting and almost forgotten in our own tribe.” The BFoA reports that “last year, relying on your essential and vital contributions to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund, we dispatched almost $850,000 in life-sustaining grants. We need your urgent assistance to continue that mission.” It’s simple to make an online contribution by going to the BFoA’s site here.
Friday, April 3, 2015
PPM Analysis: All-News. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian provides another thorough ratings assessment, as he updates the status of all-news outlets. You might recall that in January, the format – albeit with a qualifying database of approximately 20 stations in PPM markets – managed to do something rather astounding: It kept all of them out of negative “Holiday” 2014 – January 2015 territory. The natural question now is: Did the format keep this incredible momentum going? Using data from Nielsen Audio‘s February 2015 PPM survey, Mike examines the performances of all-news facilities in sweep-to-sweep and year-to-year comparisons, as well as charting them in terms of 6+ rank and
6+ market share. Additionally, we have a side-by-side look of the format’s ultra-impressive January numbers and – in some cases – ironically similar February stats. See the exclusive all-news analysis and overview here.
KOGO Adds DeMaio For Midday Duty. San Diego talker KOGO is pairing Carl DeMaio and Bob “Sully” Sullivan as co-hosts of the 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm “DeMaio – Sullivan Report.” KOGO program director Brian Long comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Carl DeMaio to our lineup. I have no doubt that, with his experience as a government watchdog and his inside knowledge of politics, this will be the most talked about show in San Diego.” According to DeMaio, “Our show will give San Diegans a vehicle to learn not only about important issues, but to get involved in making a difference and advancing solutions.” In addition to focusing on local news, the three-hour weekday program on the
iHeartMedia-owned station will combine investigative journalism to examine stories behind the stories. The 40-year-old, Dubuque, Iowa-born DeMaio (Republican and openly gay) previously served four years (2008 – 2012) on San Diego’s city council representing district five. DeMaio lost to former congressman Bob Filner in San Diego’s 2012 mayoral contest and he was defeated by incumbent Scott Peters two years later in a race for California’s 52nd congressional district seat. He is a Georgetown University alum.
Mohr Wins Big By Horsing Around. As part of its March Madness “Celeb Pick ‘Em” series, USA Today‘s “For the Win” featured an interview with Fox Sports Radio host Jay Mohr. Within the piece, the star of the 2008 – 2010 CBS-TV sitcom “Gary Unmarried” (which co-starred Paula Marshall) revealed how a bet he made on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament netted him an unusual payoff. It was 16 years ago (1999) and St. John’s was making a run to the “Elite Eight” under head coach Mike Jarvis. Mohr was wagering with a friend who kept saying, “Double or nothing.” His friend – a jockey at Santa Anita racetrack – eventually ran out of money. If St. John’s went another round in the tournament, the friend told Mohr he’d give Mohr the horse on which he (the jockey) was sitting. St. John’s – and Mohr – won but since the actor/comedian had a small yard, the horse was not with him very long. For the record, the St. John Red Storm beat Maryland 76 – 62 in the infamous game-winning bet for Mohr, but lost to Ohio State in a squeaker (77 – 74) the next round. According to Mohr, the primary excuse someone should offer for missing work to watch the Final Four should simply be that you are going to watch the tournament. “If you are not in a sports-friendly work environment,” he says, “I would fake a birth.” It is Mohr’s contention that talk radio show callers should push the envelope and “make the host
uncomfortable. The crazier they are, the more fun we have when we play it later when we run out of ideas of our own.” So – how did Mohr do with his NCAA brackets this year? Not bad. He correctly has Kentucky and Michigan State in the Final Four, but also included Iowa State and Ohio State, rather than Wisconsin and Duke. He had Duke losing to San Diego State in the third round and Wisconsin falling to Ohio State in the Elite Eight. His prediction for the final game is that Kentucky’s Wildcats will beat Michigan State’s Spartans.
Newsday Reports Tense Relations Exist Between WFAN Sports Talk Legend Mike Francesa and CBS Brass. According to a report yesterday in Newsday (4/2), sports talk WFAN, New York afternoon star Mike Francesa says his relationship with executives at the station’s parent CBS Radio have “never been worse.” In a story written by Neil Best, the iconic media figure who will be delivering the welcoming keynote at the forthcoming Talkers New York 2015 on Friday, June 12, has described his relationship with company brass as “very poor,” “awful” and “terrible.” According to the story, speaking during a break in his show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manhattan, Francesa said that for legal reasons he cannot go into detail about the nature of the dispute. But he acknowledged one source of tension is his ongoing frustration over his often pre-empted simulcast on Fox Sports 1 and 2, and CBS’ inability or unwillingness to find a contractual solution. The story goes on to report, Francesa did not name the executives with whom he is at odds, but he specifically excluded CBS chief executive Leslie Moonves, who was a target of harsh criticism from him after Moonves fired Don Imus in 2007. What does Moonves make of Francesa’s status with CBS in 2015? “We love Mike,” he said. “He’s done a great job . . . Let him keep doing what he’s doing and getting the ratings he’s doing and I’m very happy with him.” TALKERS magazine’s annual feature “The 100 Most Important Sports Talk Radio Hosts in America” (also known as the “Talkers Sports Talk Heavy Hundred”) lists Francesa consistently as being THE most important radio sports talk host in the business — local or national – and has been described by Michael Harrison as “one of the treasures of the talk media industry, sports talk or otherwise.” Ironically, Harrison has also described the executives that run CBS Radio, with whom Francesa is likely at odds, as “among the smartest and classiest in the business.” So it would be to the benefit of all parties concerned, including Francesa’s legion of devoted fans and detractors alike, that this dispute is soon settled. To read the entire Newsday piece, please click here.
Proffitt to Pacifica Foundation Radio as Executive Director. In just over five weeks (6/11), former KUHF, Houston chief executive officer and general manager John Proffitt will take over as executive director of Pacifica Foundation Radio. Pacifica national board chair and interim executive director Margy Wilkinson states, “We have spent much of the past year stabilizing Pacifica after a turbulent time. Bringing on permanent, experienced leadership is the next step. While Pacifica still faces significant challenges, I am confident that John can see us through them and put our network back on a path of growth.” National board vice chair Lydia Brazon remarks, “John’s significant experience in radio broadcasting speaks for itself, but it is his recognition of Pacifica’s unique place in today’s media landscape that impresses most. I fully trust John Proffitt can and will rise to the challenge.” Proffitt comments, “I deeply admire the Pacifica commitment to independent news and feature reporting that tell the stories other media outlets frequently ignore or soft-pedal. Its leadership in broadcasting and promoting local art and
performance is second-to-none, as is its grassroots support from the community. I consider Pacifica to be a national treasure and feel honored to work for its success.” Recording engineer and producer Proffitt spent 25 years at KUHF; more recently, he was a volunteer fundraiser/host (“Thresholds” and “Open Journal”) at Pacifica Houston’s noncommercial KPFT. He will be based in Pacifica’s Berkeley, California headquarters. The five noncommercial stations Pacifica operates are WBAI, New York; KPFK, Los Angeles; KPFA, San Francisco; KPFT, Houston; and WPFW, Washington, DC.
WABC to Report from the Final Four. In harmony with Cumulus Media sibling Westwood One, New York City talker WABC will have a presence during this weekend’s “Final Four.” Sports reporter Mike Gunzelman will broadcast from radio row in Indianapolis with extended sports reports within “[Don] Imus in The Morning,” “The Geraldo Rivera Show,” and “Right Now with Doug McIntyre.” According to program director Craig Schwalb,”With the continuing dialogue
surrounding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and all the excitement that is college basketball, it is an important intersection; WABC will be in Indianapolis for all of it.” Reports will be featured in newscasts as well as in social media. WABC will produce two live streaming programs, which will debut tomorrow (Saturday, 4/4) and Sunday (4/5) at 12:00 Noon. Live sports streams are separate from the station’s main WABC Radio stream.
KFWB, Clippers to Host Fan Appreciation Night. Flagship outlet of the NBA‘s Los Angeles Clippers – all-sports KFWB “The Beast” – will present a fan appreciation night one week from Monday (4/13) when the Clippers play the Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. Various prizes and merchandise will be distributed throughout the game, and a halftime presentation will
acknowledge “Beast” on-air personalities and station executives. Performances from the Clippers Spirit will tap things off as part of a 5:30 pm fan festival. Among the prizes is an MVP package that includes Clippers playoff tickets in the private suite of “The Beast” and a meet/greet with a Clippers’ broadcaster.
NAB Reveals Radio Board Election Results. Those voted to the National Association of Broadcasters’ radio board include: Bill Coleman, owner, Team Radio Marketing Group of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Bruce Goldsen, president and general manager, Jackson Radio Works of Jackson, Michigan. Randy Gravley, president and chief executive officer, Tri-State Communications of Jasper, Georgia. Bill Hendrich, vice president and market manager, Cox Media Group Jacksonville. Ed Henson, president, Henson Media of Louisville. Beth Neuhoff, president and chief executive officer, Neuhoff Communications of Springfield, Illinois. Bob Proffitt, president and chief executive officer, Alpha Media of Portland (Oregon). Their two-year terms will begin in two months (June).
Albuquerque Picks Up A Sports Outlet. Newcomer to the format in Albuquerque is KXKS, which transitions to sports from a religious teaching format. According to general manager Eddy Aragon, “We are excited to bring the premier Fox Sports network to the most powerful sports radio signal in the Albuquerque market. Listeners will be able to tune to the 10,000-watt signal of KXKS [at 1190 AM], plus the simulcast signal on 107.5 FM.” Rock of Talk LLC operates KXKS under an LMA with licensee Wilkins Communications. The religious format that previously aired on KXKS moves to Wilkins’ KKIM. KXKS was not among the 21 stations listed in Nielsen Audio‘s fall 2014 ratings book.
St. Louis Sports Outlet Augments On-Air Lineup. Leased by web-based programming provider TalkSTL.com, sports talk KRFT, St. Louis brings in J.C. Corcoran for 7:00 am – 9:00 am duty and Kevin Slaten for 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm chores on the AM day-timer. In just over two weeks (4/20), former East St. Louis, Illinois-licensed WQQX talents Howard Balzer and Charlie “Tuna” Edwards will begin doing a daily 11:00 am – 1:00 pm program. TalkSTL.com co-owner and operator Scott Gertken comments, “We could not be more excited about the lineup we were able to finalize. We have done a whole lot in 10 days.” According to Corcoran, his morning drive show “will be exactly the same thing I have been doing. Anybody who listens to the show is going to hear J.C. Corcoran – they know what they are going to get. It will be a general interest talk show, entertainment, and a heavy dose of my twisted mind.” Gertken says he hopes to have KRFT as a 24-hour operation by next month.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The SBG-syndicated Marilu Henner program is added to the program schedule at: KINX-FM, Great Falls, Montana; WLAD, Danbury, Connecticut; WTHU, Thurmont, Maryland; and WOMI, Owensboro, Kentucky.
Religious Freedom Act Controversy Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of March 30-April 3. The chatter about Indiana’s religious freedom legislation and Governor Mike Pence’s promise to “fix” the law – along with Arkansas’ vow to pass a similar law – was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week. Coming in at #2 was the Iran nuclear program negotiations. Following at #3 was the investigation into the downing of Germanwings Flight 9525, followed by the 2016 presidential prospects at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It’s published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Mike Agovino Named to New Executive Vice Chairman Role at Courtside Entertainment/PodcastOne. After Triton Digital was acquired by private equity firm Vector Capitol late last week, Triton co-founder and COO Mike Agovino leaves that company to join Norm Pattiz’s Courtside Entertainment and PodcastOne to serve in the newly created post executive vice chairman. A press statement from Courtside says that Agovino will “work with
chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz, president Kit Gray and COO Greg Batusic across all divisions of PodcastOne and Courtside Entertainment, contributing his extensive experience in new media technology, audience analysis and development, and revenue growth for the continued expansion of the groundbreaking podcast network.” Pattiz states, “Mike has been a pioneer in the audio industry and brings a unique global perspective of the digital audio business to PodcastOne. He shares our vision that on-demand premium content is a key driver in the future of audio, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build audience and revenue, while creating new opportunities across this powerful and growing platform.” Agovino’s career began at Katz Media where he spent 18 years rising to become president of Katz Radio before launching Katz Interactive and later Clear Channel Radio Sales as president/COO. He departed Katz to become co-COO of Interep Radio Sales, leaving several years later to start Triton.
The LA Dodgers and iHeartMedia Re-Brand Sports Talker KLAC, Los Angeles. Big changes come to sports talker KLAC, Los Angeles as now-co-owners iHeartMedia and the Los Angeles Dodgers re-brand the station to reflect this new relationship. The new brand is “AM 570 LA Sports” and it comes with some programming changes. (Oh yes, it also includes the Dodgers’ spiffy new 2015 slogan, “We Love LA!”) The programming lineup is as follows: Dan Patrick from 6:00 am to 9:00 am; the newly created “LA Today with Bill Reiter and Leann Tweeden” from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon; Jay Mohr from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm; “The Petros and Money Show” with Petros Papadakis and Matt “Money” Smith from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm; plus another new addition, “Dodger Talk featuring David Vassegh and Kevin Kennedy,” which will air immediately following Dodgers baseball games or at 7:00 pm Monday through Friday. That show will air year round starting with Spring Training and throughout the regular season.
Mark Starling New AM Host/News Director at WWNC, Asheville. From his most recent gig as afternoon drive anchor at Cox Media Group’s WDBO, Orlando “News 96.5FM,” Mark Starling heads North to Asheville, North Carolina to serve as the morning host and news/director at iHeartMedia’s 
WWNC “News Radio 570.” Starling says if his new challenge, “Making the jump to the Asheville market is exactly the kind of move I have been after for several reasons. Not only is it the chance to get back to doing mornings, but the chance to really create a hyper-local morning show concentrating on the news and information the community is really looking for. It’s an adventure I can’t wait to get started on.” Starling starts March 25.
Larry Gifford: Radiodays Europe – Day Two. Consultant and talent coach Larry Gifford is in Milan, Italy attending the Radiodays Europe 2015 conference and files this special report to TALKERS magazine. On day two, Gifford covered, among other things, a keynote speech by iHeartMedia/Premiere
Networks morning show star Elvis Duran (pictured here). The “Z100”-based morning personality says over the years he’s come to appreciate his work even more than when he was young. That’s based in part on his believing that he’s not bigger than the show. He says he’s also found new joy in helping people – especially listeners – tell their stories. Also included in this report is a “psychoanalysis” of radio and Australian personality Mel Greig’s thoughts about her infamous prank call to a London hospital that resulted in a nurse committing suicide. Read Gifford’s full report here.
Nielsen Audio Releases First Round of February 2015 PPM Data. The first of four rounds of February 2015 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 February 2015 survey period covered January 29 through February 25. You can find the complete ratings from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS magazine and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Ten Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
Fisher and Kage Launch New Program on Digital Platform. Tampa Bay radio pros Chris Fisher and Jesse Kage are launching a videocast to stream live Monday through Thursday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm ET via their “Fisher and Kage” app and www.fisherandkage.com. The duo says the “uncensored show” will also be available on-demand and will stream from a brand new studio at Jannus Live in downtown St. Petersburg. They’ve named “Special” Ed Grubbe as executive producer. Fisher hosted mornings at WSUN, Tampa “97X” from 2001-2011 and worked at WHPT, Tampa “102.5 The Bone” before exiting in 2013. Jesse Kage worked at “97X” from 2004 to 2007 before moving to WXTB, Tampa “98Rock” where he worked afternoons until last year.
Odds & Sods. On-air changes take place at Dot Com Plus-owned sports talk WNSP, Mobile “Sports Radio 105.5 FM” as Chip Ramsey is replaced in the AM drive chair by PM drive co-host Mark Heim. Afternoon co-host Randy Kennedy recently assumed programming responsibilities from Ramsey…..SiriusXM announces the debut of an all-new channel curated and presented by multi-media star Andy Cohen. The host of “Watch What Happens Live” on Bravo will also host a weekly radio show in addition to producing the new Radio Andy channel.
Meeting of Mega-Mouths. The Palm Beaches in sunny Florida have become one of the talk radio capitals of the nation as evidenced by the chance meeting the other evening of syndicated stars Rush Limbaugh and Howie Carr at a local PB eatery. Carr and his dynamic wife Kathy Carr were on the scene taking a brief break from the frozen, snowy tundra that has gripped New England this winter. The Carrs will be two of approximately 65 speakers who will be addressing a sold-out, packed house at the forthcoming Talkers New York 2015 on Friday, June 12.
2016 Presidential Prospects, Hillary Clinton Email Probe, Ferguson Cops Shootings, Iran Nukes/GOP Letter, Fate of Netanyahu, Battle Against ISIS, Russia Flexes Military Muscle, 49er Borland Retires at 24, and March Madness Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/16). The potential candidates for president in 2016 and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s visit to New Hampshire last weekend; the ongoing controversy over Hillary Clinton’s use of private email for State Department business; the case of the two officers shot in Ferguson; the negotiations with Iran over its nuclear policy and the GOP letter to the Iranian government; the Israeli elections and the fate of Benjamin Netanyahu; the continuing battle against ISIS; Russia’s ramping up of military activity and Vladimir Putin’s talk of nuclear readiness; the early retirement of 49ers linebacker Chris Borland at age 24 due to concerns about brain injury; and the field for the NCAA men’s basketball tourney were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Longtime Rush Limbaugh Staffer Kit Carson Dies After Battle with Cancer. TALKERS magazine has learned from Sound Mind LLC principal Kraig Kitchin that longtime Rush Limbaugh staffer Christopher “Kit” Carson passed away this morning (1/26), in New Jersey. The cause was brain cancer. Kitchin says Carson had suffered a bout of cancer four years ago but found his way to recovery two years later and was given a clean bill of health. In the last several months, the cancer returned. Kit Carson was the “chief of staff” of Limbaugh’s program since the early 1990s. He became part of the program’s staff in 1989. Kitchin says Carson wanted to be an actor, but fell in love with his work on the program. He screened calls, opened and answered the mail, and he took every opportunity to be invaluable. And he became invaluable. Later, he was nicknamed “H.R.” with Limbaugh naming him after Nixon Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman. A clearly shaken, 
tearful Rush Limbaugh announced the news at the top of his radio program today (1/26). He said, “We are all experiencing a huge void in all of our hearts here today.” Limbaugh praised Carson as never having a bad word to say about anyone and was always a mediating force for good and harmony among the staff. Limbaugh said that Carson was the longest-running employee of the show and quickly proved himself to be the new program’s number one defender, champion and evangelist. Limbaugh also credited Carson with coming up with many ideas and angles that he used as his own on the air—and was also a tremendous force for Rush maintaining optimism and positivity in his work and attitude about life. Clearly he was the one guy who Limbaugh never once doubted – “I had total trust in him.” Limbaugh said, “Even at 58 he had an innocent exuberance about him.” Carson is survived by his wife, Theresa, and two sons.
Now Showing on TalkersTV: Writing Commercial Copy That Produces RESULTS. Just try not to flinch when you hear The Six Most-Dreaded Words in Radio Sales: “We tried radio, it didn’t work.” Even when the retail business and the station fit-like-a-glove — AND the client buys enough frequency — the campaign can flop, and the disappointed advertiser gives up on radio entirely. WHY? Consultant and TALKERS contributor Holland Cooke explains, “Too often, it’s because the commercial copy was ineffective. Not surprisingly, this can happen because cutbacks have cost the station a creative department and reps are writing their own spots… too often banging out scripts quickly, so they can get back on the street to close new business — which they’re under pressure to do, because of churn. Why does this often happen? You guessed it: Because clients cancel…because they didn’t get results…because the copy didn’t work. It’s a vicious cycle.” Cooke adds, “Ironically, the same problem is common at stations that HAVE a creative person or department.” And he cites three reasons:
1. The conveyor belt is out of control. With four, five or six stations under one roof, the writer gets overwhelmed.
2. ESPECIALLY this time of year, when stations stage the annual first quarter “one day sale,” piling even more work on the writer; in many cases spots that will air long-term (or until the disappointed client cancels).
3. The writer, back at the station, didn’t share the rep’s in-person contact with the prospect during the important Needs Assessment step. Cooke figures that “account executives are, potentially, better writers than…writers, because they know clients’ stories first-hand.”
“Potentially,” Cooke stipulates, “because account executives need to speak to the listener (the advertiser’s client) the same way they approached the advertiser. Reps are natural sellers, but don’t always apply their persuasive talent to copy writing.” In a video now showing on TalkersTV, Cooke outlines what he calls “the dance steps of a 60-second commercial script,” based on his work helping client station reps craft copy for local retailers. See Cooke relate what he terms “The Five Steps of Selling Anything to Anybody” (how reps got the order) to the copy-writing process. See the TalkersTV box at the top right-hand column of this page and every page of Talkers.com.
KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno Names Musson Co-Host. The new late morning show at Cumulus Media’s Fresno news/talker KMJ-AM/FM launches today as “Broeske & Musson.” KMJ program director Blake Taylor announces the station promotes Christina Musson from station executive producer to co-host of the program alongside John Broeske. Taylor says, “We tried out dozens of potential co-hosts for John, but we only needed to look down the hall for the perfect answer. ‘Broeske & Musson’ is going to be a dynamic show with tons of energy. They’ll continue to deliver the hard-hitting and fun topics of the day that our listeners expect.” Musson has been executive producer the past six years. Her resume also includes production and reporting work at Fresno’s KMPH-TV KGPE-TV as well as KAPP-TV in Yakima, Washington. She says, “I’m excited to take the next step in my career at such an amazing station and to partner with John Broeske – someone I admire and respect. I grew up listening to KMJ, so it’s a dream come true.”
Radio & Television News Association of Southern California Presents Awards. The 65th annual Golden Mike awards were presented by the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California (RTNA) on Saturday evening (1/24) in Universal City. The awards are presented annually for excellence in radio, TV and Internet broadcast journalism. CBS RADIO’s all-news KNX, Los Angeles was recognized with seven Golden Mike awards in the following categories: Best New Broadcast Over 15 Minutes – “KNX Morning News”; Best Live Coverage of a News Story – “LAX Shooting”; Best News Reporting – “Nanny Nightmare” by Charles Feldman; Best Spot News Reporting – “The Great UCLA Flood of 2014” by Desmond Shaw, Ed Mertz, and Pete Demetriou; Best News Public Affairs Program – “Ask the Mayor”; Best Traffic
Report – KNX Traffic at 6:15 am; and Best Sports Reporting – “Watts Bears” by Ed Mertz. Pictured above left are (from l-r) KNX staffers Ron Kilgore, Frank Mottek, Kathy Kiernan, James Tuck, Ric Schroeder, Wendy Thermos, and Pete Demetriou accepting the award for Best Live Coverage of a News Story. iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KFI and reporter Steve Gregory also took home seven Golden Mike awards (see photo at right) in the following categories: Best Radio News Special – “Breaking Down The Border Crisis” by Steve Gregory and Oswaldo Borraez; Best Radio Investigative Reporting – “Mold School” by Steve Gregory and Oswaldo Borraez; Best Radio Light Feature (less than a minute) – “Valentine’s Day Flower Inspection” by Steve Gregory; Best Radio Serious Feature (less than a minute) – “Operation Boo” by Steve Gregory; Best Radio Hard News Series – “Trial Of Jailed Marine In Mexico”; Best Radio Internet News Reporting – “Operation Boo” by Steve Gregory and David Perez; and Best Radio Newscast (under 15 minutes). KFI program director Robin Bertolucci comments, “We have the best news team here at KFI, these folks rock and Steve is a prime example of the caliber of talent that makes us so proud!”
Round Four of Holiday PPM Data Released. The fourth of four rounds of Holiday 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period was December 4 to December 31. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page at RadioInfo.com here.
New York Talk Legend Joe Franklin Dies at 88. The New York talk television and talk radio icon who was famously parodied by Billy Crystal on “Saturday Night Live,” died after a long battle with cancer on Saturday (1/24). Joe Franklin hosted a television program interviewing celebrities and offbeat characters beginning in the early 1950s. He worked in radio later in his career at such stations as WOR, New York and most recently on the Bloomberg Radio Network. Franklin ranked 71st in the 2010 TALKERS magazine 20th Anniversary Heaviest Hundred list (which ranks “the 100 most important radio talk show hosts of all time”) and appeared a number of times as a special guest speaker at the annual TALKERS Convention in New York City. Publisher Michael Harrison would introduce him to the attendees from out of town as a famous New York City “tourist attraction as legendary as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park.” Franklin juggled so many careers in the media that it’s a good thing he stopped to write a book every few years – in fact, 23 in all — to capture his amazingly colorful life. His autobiography Up Late With Joe Franklin (Scribner, 1995) is jam-packed with celebrity-rich-anecdotes — from Eddie Cantor and Rudy Vallee to Howard Stern, for example. According to the Library Journal, “He actually knew those early entertainers and knew many of those currently entertaining.” What originally made him a household name — even before the highly touted “Saturday Night Live” parodies by Billy Crystal — was Franklin’s late night variety program “The Joe Franklin Show,” which ran from 1950 through 1993. The Guinness Book of World Records lists it as the longest running TV talk show in history manned by one host. And what a show it was! Much like visiting your favorite neighborhood hardware store, you never knew what unexpected gems would pop up among the variety and clutter. A sample show would feature a sculptor, belly dancer, an up-and-coming comic, a podiatrist and then maybe a famous actor or singer. According to Publisher’s Weekly (1994), his program’s “total guest list ran between 200,000 and 300,000.” and included such names as Frank Sinatra Jr., Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Vincent Price, Howard Stern, Buddy Hackett, — as well as first TV exposure for eventual stars like Sammy Davis Jr., Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Barbra Streisand and Julia Roberts. “It would be easier to list the few who did not appear than to catalogue those who did,” PW says. Franklin started and ended his long show business career in radio. His first job, at 16, was working behind the scenes at WNEW, New York where he became “the record librarian,” (or really “the record picker”) for Martin Block’s popular “Make Believe Ballroom” radio program. Once station management recognized his unique expertise in vaudeville and entertainment trivia, they offered him a 15-minute program dedicated to nostalgia. Eventually that became his calling card and part of the schtick he’d weave into shows, whether radio or television. The self- proclaimed “King of Entertainment” had an encyclopedic knowledge of “all things entertainment” from the first half of the 20th Century: silent films, Broadway stage shows, musicians and singers. With that, he also earned the title the “king of nostalgia.” After his television show ended, Franklin focused on his long-running “Memory Lane” radio program, which ran on WOR on weekend overnights. He’d tell stories about many of the entertainers whose records he would play. In recent years, up until the time of his death, he hosted a weekends-only series of six-minute segments on Bloomberg Radio Network called ‘The Business of Show Business.’ Audio podcasts are still available at Bloomberg.com. Throughout his career, the round-faced, jovial Franklin was commonly called back to television to do guest spots on the big late night and daytime talk shows such as those hosted by Regis Philbin and David Letterman. Considered a good luck charm for the start of a new talk show due to the length of his show’s run, Franklin often kicked off day one of a show – and did so on the first broadcasts of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “This American Life.” Though Franklin may never have wanted to act in movies – like his childhood friend Tony Curtis – he did appear as himself in “Ghostbusters” and “Broadway Danny Rose,” just to name two of the 34 titles that IMDb lists. Franklin was born in 1926 in the Bronx, New York. He met his model/actress wife when she was a secretary and he was “a kid of 24 just doing radio… and we were married on the TV show called ‘Bride and Groom,’” where real-life couples tied the knot after being quizzed about their relationship on national television. Perhaps what sums Joe Franklin up best is his favorite personal quote: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s even more important to be nice.”
Odds & Sods. Former “Regular Guys” personality Eric Von Haessler begins hosting his “The Von Haessler Doctrine” show on Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB, Atlanta airing Sundays at 1:00 pm. Since exiting his “Regular Guys” co-host position at Cumulus Media’s crosstown rock WNNX “96 Rock” in June of 2014, Von Haessler has been doing fill-
in work at WSB and podcasting…..Boston sports talk personality Danny Picard launches his new eponymous podcast at the same time he debuts his new website and celebrates the opening of his new studio inside Beantown Athletics in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Picard is a weekend personality on Entercom’s WEEI-FM, Boston and is part of the “Patriots Pre-game and Post-Game Live” shows on Comcast SportsNet New England…..Westwood One is 
announcing some of the details of its Super Bowl programming as the official network radio partner for the National Football League. It will feature a full schedule of game day programming leading up to kickoff. Westwood One’s live game coverage features Kevin Harlan, handling the play-by-play duties for the Super Bowl for the fifth straight year, and Boomer Esiason, serving as the color analyst. Hall of Famer James Lofton and Mark Malone will once again report from the sidelines. Emmy Award-winning host Jim Gray will anchor the pregame and halftime coverage…..FOX Sports Radio is also on the scene in Glendale, Arizona this week leading up to the Super Bowl. FSRN announces that as part of its continuous coverage “Jay Mohr Sports” news anchor Dan Beyer and J.T. The Brick will broadcast live from radio row while the Dan Patrick show and the Rich Eisen show will broadcast from the DIRECTV Super Fan Festival at the Pendergrast Family Farm in Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District across from Phoenix Stadium. Also, former NFL player Lincoln Kennedy will broadcast a special edition of the network’s Saturday morning program Gargano & Kennedy…..CBS Sports Radio’s plans for coverage of the big game include live-from-Glendale broadcasts all week by the network’s Jim Rome, Doug Gottlieb and the Tiki Barber and Brandon Tierney program.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
iHeartMedia Appoints GSMs in San Francisco and D.C. There are two GSM appointments within iHeartMedia to report. Suzy Rufail is named general sales manager for the San Francisco station group, while Todd Freundlich has been tapped for similar duties at the company’s Washington, DC cluster. iHeartMedia major market executive vice president of operations Hartley Adkins declares, “Suzy will be a great addition to the San Francisco sales team. Her extensive experience creating personalized, creative and strategic cross-platform marketing solutions for clients will be an amazing asset for the cluster. Suzy is an accomplished sales and marketing leader with a successful track record. She will be a valued member of the San
Francisco sales leadership team as we continue to provide a greater reach than any other media company.” Market president Katie Wilcox comments, “Suzy has a robust background in senior management, experience in complimentary formats and a successful record of leading high performing organizations. I am confident she will be a vibrant contributor to the San Francisco team.” Rufail remarks, “I am honored to join a company that I have long admired for its strategy and innovation. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with a dynamic leader like Katie Wilcox and the exceptional team of talent she has brought together in this thriving market.” On the opposite coast, iHeartMedia Washington, DC and Baltimore vice president of sales Ken Roberts observes of Freundlich, “Todd is a terrific leader whom I have admired for years. I am proud to add his professionalism and market expertise to our stellar management team. His passion and focus for clients fits perfectly in our culture.” Freundlich states, “It is a privilege to be able to join iHeartMedia – a cutting edge company with products and platforms second to none. I look forward to working alongside the iHeartMedia DC sales team and contributing to the high standards and strong foundation they have created in this market.” For the past nearly three years, Rufail was American General Media’s Albuquerque market manager and director of sales. She previously worked as senior account manager for Cox Orlando rhythmic CHR WPYO “Power 95.3”; was general sales manager for Univision Radio Albuquerque; and general manager of Ramar Communications Albuquerque’s KRTN-LP and KTEL-LP. For the last five years, Freundlich was general sales manager of Cumulus Media Washington, DC talker WMAL.
Fox Sports Radio Network Adds Rich Eisen to Daily Schedule. This is the second show produced by DirecTV that Fox Sports Radio Network and Premiere Networks are distributing in radio
syndication – Dan Patrick is the other. Beginning November 3, FSRN begins making the Rich Eisen show available to affiliate stations in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET slot. In order to make room, Jay Mohr moves to 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET, Steve Gorman slides back to 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET, JT The Brick ft. Tomm Looney will air from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET and Jason Smith’s show is cut by an hour, airing from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am. Premiere Networks is repping the show. Eisen – whose primary gig is with the NFL Network – debuted his TV/radio show yesterday (10/6) on DirecTV’s audience channel.
Boortz to Podcast Via ConnectPal. Retired talk show legend Neal Boortz is joining the Andy Dean-founded ConnectPal to produce a program two to three times per week that will be available to subscribers of the service. Boortz left his full-time gig in the radio business in January of 2013.
iHeartMedia and Omnicom Media Announce Partnership. In a deal that the two sides say could be worth $200 million, iHeartMedia and ad giant Omnicom Media Group announce they will work together in a way that will “result in increased access to exceptional creative services and campaign ideation for Omnicom Media Group’s vast array of advertising clients.” In a press release, the companies say they will also “collaborate on developing new,
groundbreaking audio and cross-platform opportunities for clients that leverage technologies and insights from both companies.” iHeartMedia president, national sales, marketing and partnerships Tim Castelli states, “At iHeartMedia we’re constantly searching for ways to utilize our unparalleled reach and insights into our consumers to help our advertising partners cultivate creative and cost-effective individualized marketing campaigns. What makes this new partnership with Omnicom so exciting is that it allows us to do that and more. Ultimately, our collective goal is to leverage iHeartMedia’s technologies, insights, and comprehensive media offerings to provide Omnicom clients with richer media and marketing campaigns. We believe that with this new partnership, Omnicom Media Group clients will have the ability to leverage their partnerships with us to accomplish bigger and more impactful solutions.”
Odds & Sods. Detroit all-news WWJ is bringing Dr. Deanna Lites aboard to serve as the station’s health reporter. She’ll be an on-air contributor and serve as a writer for CBS RADIO’s Detroit website…..News comes from Christopher Seward at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Turner Broadcasting Systems – parent company of CNN – is announcing it will trim its workforce by 10% or some 1,475 positions in an effort to “reduce redundancies, focus resources and prioritize investment in programming, monetization and
innovation.” Almost 1,000 of the cuts will affect workers in Atlanta but less than 300 will come from CNN Worldwide…..Cher Ames exits the director of marketing and promotion position at CBS RADIO’s WBBM-AM and WCFS, Chicago. She’d been with the stations for 14 years…..The NBA’s Portland Trailblazers will be heard in the Eugene-Springfield, Oregon market after the team agrees to a deal with Eugene Comedy Radio-owned KLZS, Eugene “All Comedy 1450.”…..Executive vice president and chief content officer Kinsey Wilson exits NPR after a six-year stint with the public media company.
Cool Job Opportunity. Digity Media seeks morning show co-host for male-leaning show in Myrtle Beach. Here’s the scoop: Our long time co-host of 8½ years is leaving for an opportunity in TV. That means you have a rare chance to replace her, move to the beach and be a part of a long-running, winning morning show. Here’s some of the things we are looking for: Proficient in Cool Edit/Adobe Audition, able to find a story in anything, energetic, self-motivated, connected to what’s happening now and a Rolodex of guests wouldn’t hurt either. Morning show experience not required but helpful. Send resume and aircheck (preferred) to myrtlebeachjobs@digity.me or via mail to: 1016 Ocala Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Attention: B.J. Kinard. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Digity Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CBS Radio News Collects at the Murrow Awards. Photos here are from the Edward R. Murrow Awards ceremony at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. It was
presented last night (10/6) by the Radio Television Digital News Association to honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. CBS Radio News won in three categories: Best Audio Continuing Coverage: Boston Marathon bombing; Best Audio Newscast: World News Roundup; and Best Writing: Bob Schieffer Weekly Commentary. Schieffer is pictured at left accepting his award and at right is national correspondent Dan Raviv accepting a Murrow Award from correspondent Steve Hartman for coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Nice Station Vehicle! At the world-famous 43rd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Cumulus Media news/talker KKOB’s balloon was flying high. Program director Pat Frisch took this photo. He tells TALKERS, “The event was started by 770 KKOB as part of the station’s 50th birthday party in 1972. That year there were 14 balloons at the event. This year there are more than 550 balloons. The event has now grown to a nine-day festival with more than a million people attending and 23 countries represented with balloons. Pretty cool!”
SCOTUS Gay Marriage Ruling, Ebola Pandemic Threat, Obama Immigration/Amnesty Policy, U.S. Military vs. ISIS, Joe Biden ISIS Remarks, and Affleck-Maher Islam Kerfuffle Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/6). The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear cases challenging several appellate court rulings overturning same-sex marriage bans in five states; the U.S. cases of Ebola and the threat of a pandemic; President Obama’s policy in immigration and amnesty; the U.S.-led military strikes against ISIS and questions about intelligence accuracy; Vice President Joe Biden’s remarks accusing Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates of aiding ISIS; and the argument between Ben Affleck and Bill Maher over Maher’s criticisms of Islam on his HBO program were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
