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Thursday, January 26, 2017

TALKERS | 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

TALKERS | 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

TALKERS | 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

TALKERS | January 29, 2016

The Presidential Race Tops Talkers Ten^TM 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 Ten^TM 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

TALKERS | 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.