Tag: "John Caracciolo"
Monday, February 15, 2021
Monday Memo: UQ. “The most-common mistake I hear?” In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke offers talk radio wallflowers “proven dance steps.” Read it here.
Trump Acquitted/Capitol Insurrection Investigation, Trump Georgia and NY Legal Troubles, COVID-19 Stats & Vaccines, WHO Wuhan Investigation, Winter Weather, and Claudia Conway on ‘American Idol’ Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Saturday’s acquittal of Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial and the ongoing investigation into the Capitol insurrection investigation; the legal troubles facing Trump in Georgia relative to his call to the secretary of state seeking vote changes and New York’s probe into his business’ finances; the falling number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the rollout of vaccines; the WHO’s coronavirus investigation in Wuhan, China creates more questions about the initial outbreak; the cold, snow and ice affecting much of the U.S., including the South; and Kellyanne Conway’s daughter Claudia appears on “American Idol” were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: Reminder. Sales and marketing pro Steve Lapa writes in this week’s column that sometimes we forget what we get paid to do. When sellers face seemingly impossible buying parameters, they pass. But that, Lapa says, can be a knee-jerk reaction to challenging buying criteria. “The time, the details, the resource drain, all fly through your mind as you process the decision to pass. Yet your income is dependent on one (maybe two) critical step(s) in the process. Closing. No close, no deal, no compensation for you or your talent. And don’t forget collections. You get paid when the deal is closed and the check clears.” Read more here.
‘Florida Man Radio’ Expands to Fort Walton Beach. At JVC Media’s newly acquired Fort Walton Beach, Florida cluster, the company is bringing its “Florida Man Radio” format to classic rock WZLB-FM with a target date of March 1. The company says WZLB will be the third affiliate of “Florida Man Radio,” joining flagship WDYZ-AM/W288CJ, Orlando and WYGC-FM, Gainesville-Ocala. The “Florida Man Radio”
lineup features Bubba the Love Sponge in morning drive, Justin Clark from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, Ed Tyll from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, and Shannon Burke from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. JVC Media CEO John Caracciolo says, “The vision for ‘Florida Man Radio’ was of a talk station that isn’t afraid to confront the big issues of the day while not taking itself too seriously. We’ve invested in great personalities that truly bring the attitude of ‘Unfiltered and Unafraid’ – it’s fun to listen to and we know it will be incredibly popular along the Emerald Coast and throughout Northwest Florida!” JVC Florida director of programming Stevie DeMann adds, “Our shows all approach today’s volatile climate head-on with creativity, humor, and compelling content. We don’t hold back. You’ll hear clearly that our shows on ‘Florida Man Radio’ unapologetically love America and support the men and women of our military. That mindset fits like a glove throughout Northwest Florida, especially with Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field right in our backyard!”
Valdosta, Georgia Mayor and Talk Host Subject of Ethics Complaints. According to a report by WALB-TV, Albany, four Valdosta, Georgia community organizations have petitioned the city clerk to look into what they say are ethics violations by Valdosta
Mayor Scott James Matheson, who is also principal of Small Town Broadcasting, owner of talk outlet WDDQ-FM where he co-hosts the morning show. The organizations – Concerned Clergies of Valdosta, NAACP Lowndes Chapter, The Mary Turner Project, and Valdosta/Lowndes Community Alliance – say Matheson’s comments on his radio program include unsubstantiated claims of illegal voter canvassing and unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. The organizations claim Matheson has violated six tenets of the City of Valdosta’s Code of Ethics for elected officials. The complaints will be forwarded to the city’s ethics committee.
TALKERS News Notes. Philadelphia sports talk host John Kincade is working to encourage Philadelphia Eagles fans to donate to quarterback Carson Wentz’s charity, The Audience of One Foundation, as well as collecting Wentz jerseys and t-shirts to
donate to those in the community in need. It’s widely believed that Carson Wentz will be traded during this offseason and WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” personality Kincade says, “Jamie Lynch suggested on ‘The John Kincade Show’ last week that he was envious of the way the Buffalo Bills fans always find a way to do good for others. It got me thinking. Carson Wentz, no matter what has gone down, will be part of the greatest Philadelphia sports story ever told in that Super Bowl championship. Let’s honor him for the 11 wins he contributed to that effort which, ironically, coincide with his uniform 
number.”…..BBC World Service, iHeartMedia, and American Public Media announce their collaborative efforts to produce the new podcast, “Deeply Human.” Hosted by writer and musician Dessa, the show strives to answer questions about the inner self: why we do the things we do and how the brain guides us and plays tricks on us. About the podcast that will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network beginning March 1, Dessa says, “It’s funny how much of your own mind is stowed away in a backroom. So many of our behaviors are driven by forces we can’t feel. On this show, I engage with brilliant people across all sorts of disciplines, traipsing around the dimly-lit subbasement of human nature –the parts not listed on the guided tour. People are endlessly fascinating – our accents, our ticks, the way we style our hair and spend our money – and the perspectives I’ve gained on this show help me understand them just a little bit better.”…..The syndicated Erick Erickson show is added to the program schedule at RadioJones LLC‘s news/talk WJAT-AM/W259AK, Swainsboro, Georgia to air in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
JVC Media Giving Away Free Airtime. The company that operates stations in New York and Florida is announcing it is opening the airwaves of all of its stations to help promote local essential businesses and services that are still open and still serving
the community. JVC Media’s Florida stations include talk outlet WDYZ-AM/W288CJ “Florida Man Radio.” Its Long Island group includes news/talk WRCN “LI News Radio 103.9.” The company says the message is simple: “In Florida call the Quarantine Speed Advertising line at 407-647-5332, in NY call 631-542-5441, and leave a 30 second voicemail showcasing your business. The JVC team will produce your message and play it on the appropriate radio station free of charge.” JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “This is the time for radio to shine. We are not closed, we are not automated, we are live, local, and serving our local communities. I don’t see the streaming or satellite services offering something like that.”
Neuhoff Media Using Radio to Connect Teachers and Students. In an effort to ameliorate the disconnect between teachers and students in Central Illinois, Neuhoff Media announces the Louise Neuhoff Educational Access Project initiative.
The project is named in honor of the Neuhoff Media co-founder. The company will make available specific periods of time each day for public school teachers to present lessons, read books, and review specific material on air. These programs will ensure educators are readily accessible to all students and their parents while under stay-at-home orders. Neuhoff Media president and CEO Beth Neuhoff comments, “We have the ability for teachers to talk directly to students each day regardless of technology. We wanted to find some small way to help bridge the gap between teachers and primary students. We are simply providing local educational leadership the opportunity to use our most popular radio stations to connect with students and their parents.”
Bonneville Outlines Coronavirus Initiatives. Company president Darrell Brown issued a press release outlining Bonneville International’s plans to ramp up its coronavirus crisis efforts. Brown says, “Bonneville has always prioritized our purpose above our profits. Our mission and the reason our company was created was to be a trusted voice that builds up, informs, connects and celebrates the
families and communities we serve, and there is a great need right now for all of those things.” Some of the company’s initiatives include: News/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix is providing statewide newscasts for other radio groups and supporting local businesses through an “Open for Business” campaign; in Salt Lake City, the cluster is operating the “Stronger Together Utah” campaign to promote local businesses while “Newsradio” KSL-AM/FM is hosting a daily coronavirus call-in show and a related podcast; and Seattle’s news/talk KIRO-FM is producing the podcast “COVID-19: Seattle” as the station’s “Gee and Ursula Show” started a “Letters of Hope” project to send messages of encouragement to the elderly.
TALKERS News Notes. Pittsburgh talk show host Wendy Bell is trending on Twitter for stating on the air that she’s “on the fence” about the conundrum of saving lives
versus protecting people’s livelihoods. According to a piece in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the KDKA-AM personality said, “We’re told that we need to shut down the economy. There’s a cost. Everything shuts down, but to what end? Yes, every life lost is one too many. Yes, that’s the talking point. That’s what we’re going to say. But ultimately dollars and cents boil down to, ‘Are you going to bankrupt America and the future for less than 1% of our population?’ Many of whom are already ill or aged. I’m 
on a fence.”…..The nationally syndicated “Small Business Advocate” program hosted by Jim Blasingame adds new affiliate stations KFAQ, Tulsa and KSHP, North Las Vegas, Nevada. The program is syndicated by Skip Joeckel’s Talk Shows USA. Joeckel says, “Small businesses need all the help they can get and Jim’s program has been dedicated to helping them since 1997!”…..This year’s National Headliner Awards – bestowed since 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City – have been announced and in the radio division, 
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One News wins first place for “Breaking News or Continuing Coverage of a Single News Event” for coverage of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio last year. Entercom’s all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco took home the first-place honor for “Radio Stations Newscast (all markets)” category for its morning news coverage of the Kincade Fire on October 24, 2019. Hearst’s WBAL-AM, Baltimore won first place for “Breaking News or Continuing Coverage of a Single News Event” for “FBI Raids Mayor Pugh’s Home” by reporter Scott Wykoff and the station’s news staff. Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington won first place in the “Radio Stations Feature and Human Interest Story” category for “Rock Creek Rescue” in which reporter Megan Cloherty recounted the “riveting and fascinating story about a WTOP staffer who becomes a hero after saving a woman who had fallen into an icy, life-threatening Rock Creek.” See all awards here…..Entercom reports that according to data from Podtrac, Triton, and Apple Podcast Top Charts, it is experiencing “blockbuster audience growth across its Podcast Network, which includes Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Studios, outperforming recent softness in listening reported among other leading podcasters.” Entercom says it hit new record listenership of 28 million listeners worldwide during the month of March.
WCCO, Minneapolis Meteorologist Mike Lynch Retires. After a 40-year career with Entercom’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis, meteorologist Mike Lynch is retiring from the station. In a Facebook post, Lynch says, “It’s been an incredible run that I have been so blessed to have the privilege of doing. I grew up in Richfield,
Minnesota and WCCO Radio has been part of my life from the get-go. I can picture in my mind my parent’s kitchen radio on corner shelf at 6617 Lakeshore Dr. I remember hearing greats like big Bob De Haven, Howard Viken, Joyce Lamont, Randy Merriman, and others. When I was delivering morning newspapers, I loved to listen with a transistor radio and laugh out loud at 5:00 am with Roger Erickson and Maynard Speece. When I came home every day from Holy Angels High School the ‘Cannon Mess’ was on in our kitchen… It was Steve Cannon though who took me under his wing and launched my career. I couldn’t have done it without his kind heart. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences at WCCO Radio.”
Glenn Beck Publishes New Book, Arguing with Socialists. Nationally syndicated
talk host Glenn Beck releases his latest book, Arguing with Socialists (2020, Threshold Editions). According to the publisher, the Premiere Networks personality’s new book “arms readers to the teeth with information necessary to debunk the socialist arguments that have once again become popular and proves that the free market is the only way to go.”
U.S. Coronavirus Infections/Deaths/Projection, Sanders Drops Out, Vote-By-Mail Debate, Trump WHO Criticism, Financial Markets Activity, and Linda Tripp Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/8). The tally of confirmed U.S. coronavirus cases, the death toll, and the death projection; Bernie Sanders drops out of the Democratic race for the nomination; the debate over the potential for the November election to be handled by mail; President Trump’s criticism of the World Health Organization, claiming it acquiesced to China in downplaying Covid-19 early on; the world’s financial markets react to the coronavirus pandemic; and Clinton whistleblower Linda Tripp dies among top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Red Apple Media President Chad Lopez Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The president of Red Apple Media, the New York City-based firm that recently acquired heritage radio outlet 77WABC from Cumulus Media, Chad Lopez, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Red Apple Media is a division of the Red Apple Group – a multi-billion-dollar company in the energy and supermarket businesses owned by its CEO and founder, John Catsimatidis. Catsimatidis, in addition to being a self-made business mogul and a former top-tier NYC Republican mayoral candidate, is a talk show host in his own right with a syndicated weekly show, “The Cats’ Roundtable,” that emanates
from friendly cross-town talk rival WNYM “AM 970 The Answer”. He is also a lover of radio and has an extremely warm spot in his heart for WABC and its legacy. Chad Lopez comes to the position of president of this new endeavor with an extraordinary background in New York City radio management and sales. He was a kid from Queens who grew up 
listening to NYC radio and, after attending college in the area and serving four years in the Navy as a petty officer on the aircraft carrier USS Independence, worked his way up through the ranks of Big Apple radio that included 16 years in sales managing at CBS Radio – including such giant outlets as WFAN, WINS, WCBS AM/FM and the New York Yankees Radio Network. He stepped up the corporate ladder after his time with CBS and became VP/market manager for the New York cluster of Cumulus Media which involved overseeing hot AC WPLJ, urban WNBM, country WNSH “NASH-FM” and news/talker 77WABC. When Red Apple Media acquired 77WABC, Lopez was promoted to president of the company. Commenting on the purchase of WABC by Catsimatidis, Michael Harrison recently stated, “This is quite possibly the most important radio ownership transaction of the past several years. A local businessperson with significant assets who has demonstrated a lifetime love for radio acquires a major market heritage station with the promise of strengthening its service. This could be just the model that sets the stage for radio’s next renaissance! The industry’s eyes and ears will be on this one.” Harrison and Lopez discuss Red Apple’s plans for 77WABC along with the state of radio in this extraordinarily transitional year for New York City, the nation, the world and the American broadcasting industry. This is a deep-dive conversation about the business that professional radio broadcasters should not miss! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Non-commercial triple A WYMS-FM, Milwaukee “88Nine Radio Milwaukee” names Kevin Sucher executive director. Milwaukee native Sucher worked as a professional musician for several years, teaching himself recording and sound engineering skills
that eventually led to a career as a music producer. Through his producing work, he built relationships with artists and influential professionals in the entertainment industry and that led to a national career in artist management in which he worked with artists, including: Eric Benét, David Foster, Train, The Tenors, and Michelle Branch. Radio Milwaukee board president Juli Kaufmann comments, “While rooted in Milwaukee, Kevin brings connections and innovative ideas drawn from his national music industry experience. He is an inclusive leader who brings fresh perspective to enhance our already exceptional team. We are thrilled to advance our mission under Kevin’s leadership.”
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
More Radio Company Furloughs and Job Cuts: Beasley Media Group, Townsquare Media, and JVC Media. Seeing their advertising revenue hit drastically by the COVID-19 pandemic, more radio companies are taking the
desperate measures of cutting jobs and instituting furloughs. Beasley Media Group just announced that it has eliminated 67 positions within the company, it has furloughed almost 20 staffers and is cutting full-time hours for the rest of its employees from 40 hours 
to 36 hours per week. CEO Caroline Beasley is taking a 20% pay cut. The company states, “These are very difficult decisions. We are confident that the steps we take today will allow us to continue to serve our clients, communities and ensure our company will emerge stronger once the crisis abates.” Townsquare Media is reporting that is
has cut 65 positions – 26 of those at the corporate level. CEO Bill Wilson and other corporate officers are taking a 10% pay cut. The company is also warning that other measures will need to be taken if the effects of the pandemic continue to affect its business. Long Island-based JVC Media is furloughing an unspecified number of staffers and hopes to be able to call them back to work when the crisis abates. JVC CEO John Caracciolo has eliminated his own position as paid CEO and will operate his company on a voluntary, unpaid basis.
Tra Thomas Exits WPEN-FM, Philadelphia. Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Tra Thomas announced via Twitter yesterday (3/31) that he’s one of the
victims of cuts being made by Beasley Media Group. Thomas was co-host of the morning show at sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “The Fanatic” alongside Marc Farzetta. He tweeted, “Welp guys it’s been real! I was just notified that due to cutbacks, I’ve been released from @975Mornings. I want to thank @MarcFarzetta @jelynchjr @BobCooney76 and @samwils18 and our listeners for an amazing ride. I’ll see you guys on the other SIDE, SIDe, SIde, side.”
Entercom Backs Off 2020 Guidance. Not surprisingly, Entercom Communications follows several other media companies in filing with the
Securities Exchange Commission to withdraw its 2020 guidance as a result of the coronavirus pandemic At the same time, the company reports that it is drawing $96.5 million in cash from a revolver loan that is in addition to the $50 million that it drew earlier in March and marks “substantially all” of the cash available in the revolver. The company says, “The amounts drawn under the revolver were borrowed as a precautionary measure to preserve financial flexibility and may be used for working capital, general corporate or other purposes as permitted by the Credit Facility.” Entercom reports it currently has $180 million in cash on hand.
TALKERS News Notes. WOR, New York news anchor and reporter Alice Stockton-Rossini is one of the focal points of a Philadelphia Inquirer story about a party thrown for her mother’s 90th birthday and the fallout from that get-together after two guests later died from the coronavirus, including her mother’s best friend. Stockton-Rossini was in New Rochelle, New York in early March, reporting on the containment zone. But she was also planning her mother’s party later that week. Now, she wonders, “did I bring this down there?” Read the piece here…..According to its own research, iHeartMedia says that new statistics “provide insight into how Americans are consuming a vast array of
podcasts as they stay home and practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to seeing increased podcast listenership, especially in markets with stay-at-home orders, Americans are specifically turning to podcasts covering business, finance, education and entertainment, including shows from several leading iHeartRadio personalities – versus true crime podcast listening, which has seen a slight decline.” iHM says that across its more than 350 podcasts, listenership for the iHeartPodcast Network is up 6% month-over-month as more Americans began staying at home. That number is even higher in markets where governors announced shelter-in-place orders, with listening up 13% in California 
and 8% percent in New York state in just one week…..Bonneville reports that in the Seattle market where it operates the digital news destination MyNorthwest in conjunction with its radio stations – including news/talk KIRO-FM – MyNorthwest saw a more than 200% increase in user growth during the month of March. Director of digital Tina Sorensen says, “With such a large audience trusting Bonneville Seattle, our social engagement team and the MyNorthwest team have demonstrated their dedication and determination to provide our users with what they need during this unprecedented time.”…..SiriusXM launches “She’s So Funny,” a new hand-curated, full-time comedy channel showcasing a spectrum of female comedic talent. The channel features artists such as: Tiffany Haddish, Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, Tig Notaro, Maria Bamford, Whoopi Goldberg, Ali Wong, Kathleen Madigan, as well as legends such as Joan Rivers, Lily Tomlin, and Moms Mabley.
Coronavirus Cases and Deaths Data, Trump’s Tuesday Evening Press Conference, Financial Markets Activity, Churches Violating Social Distancing Directives/Constitutional Rights Debate, Stimulus Package, Recession Fears, and the Presidential Race Among Top News/ Talk Stories Yesterday (3/31). The growing number of U.S. cases of COVID-19 and the death toll; President Trump’s two-hour, Tuesday evening press conference addressing the pandemic; the world’s financial markets again turn bearish; the church pastors in several communities refusing to suspend in-person services and the related debate over constitutional rights; the stimulus package enacted in the U.S.; economists’ fears about a severe recession as a result of the coronavirus; and the presidential race were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In New Orleans, iHeartMedia brings Bailey Coleman south from the company’s Milwaukee station group to serve as the new VP of programming for the eight-station NOLA cluster. Coleman has been serving as program director and air personality at urban
contemporary WKKV, Milwaukee “V100.7” as well as on iHeartMedia’s innovation team that uses technology to create community-based multi-platform listening experiences. Coleman assumes the position recently held by Uptown Angela Watson-Charles, who was elevated to an executive vice president of programming role within the company’s new Community Division…..Entravision Communications debuts its new CHR KKPS, Brownsville-McAllen-Harlingen, Texas “Fuego 99.5 FM Hot Hits.” The station will feature core artists such as: Cardi B, Ozuna, Billie Eilish, Daddy Yankee, and Bad Bunny. DJ Marky Mark will host the afternoon drive show from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Entravision VP of Audio Nestor Rocha comments, “We are thrilled to heat up the South Texas music scene on Fuego 99.5 FM with the hottest and newest talent across the board. DJ Marky Mark has a huge presence in the Rio Grande Valley region, and we’re excited to have him anchor our new station. This is another great opportunity for us to connect and relate to our audience with the music they want.”
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk (Part 2). TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a second look at the performances of sports talk stations in Nielsen Audio’s PPM markets during the November 2019 survey. This report ranks sports talk listening by market and details the increases and decreases in 6+ ratings by market. Which PPM markets registered the most sports talk listening during the November survey? The top three are all East Coast markets: Philadelphia (11.2 share), Boston (11.1 share), and Long Island (9.3 share). See how the rest of the markets stack up here.
NYPost: Benigno and Roberts for WFAN, New York Afternoons. Sportswriter Andrew Marchand says in his December 16 New York Post column that the
new, permanent program schedule for Entercom’s sports talk WFAN, New York “The Fan” will indeed be Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno in afternoon drive (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm) and Maggie Gray and Mark Malusis in the midday slot (10:00 am to 2:00 pm). It’s already public knowledge that current WFAN midday personality Bart Scott is heading across town to work at ESPN and its radio outlet WEPN-FM “ESPN New York.” These changes come after Mike Francesa’s transition from afternoons to a daily 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm show.
Programmer Buzz Knight Leaving Beasley for Consultancy Venture. Programming pro Buzz Knight is leaving his post with Beasley Media Group as executive vice president of strategy and innovation to launch his consultancy, Buzz Knight Media. Beasley says, “In his new role, Knight will continue to
advise Beasley Media Group’s various brands on multiple projects and initiatives as well as focus on enhancing brand health for other media companies, with an eye on maximizing audience and revenue.” Knight says, “I’m very grateful to Caroline Beasley, Bruce Beasley, Brian Beasley, and Justin Chase for providing me with the incredible opportunity to join the company three years ago. The great teams in the markets continue to perform at the highest level and I’m very proud to be able to continue to be associated with them. Special thanks to Caroline for providing me with the privilege of extending my relationship with Beasley Media Group as I fulfill a lifelong dream of launching my own consultancy firm.”
WABC, New York Raises $200,000-plus for Children’s Hospital. Pictured above at the recent “Radiothon for the Kids” broadcast from TALKRADIO 77 WABC are (from l-r): WABC program director Dave LaBrozzi, talk host Curtis Sliwa, Joshua Berg, and talk host Juliet Huddy. During the radiothon broadcast live from Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York on Friday (12/13), a total of $205,213 was raised for the Children’s Miracle Network hospital.
TALKERS News Notes. The final round judging panel for the 29th Annual Radio Mercury Awards is announced. The Radio Mercury Awards are governed by the
Radio Creative Fund and produced by the RAB. The RAB says the panel of top-level agency creative leaders represents radio’s top advertising categories, including automotive, communications, financial services, OTC, packaged goods, quick-serve restaurants, retail and spirits. Robin Fitzgerald, chief creative officer at BBDO Atlanta is 2020 chief judge. On the panel are: Justine Armour, chief creative officer, Grey NY; Nathalie Brown, executive creative director, VMLY&R New York; Gary Du Toit, VP creative director, BBDO New York; Kevin Jones, creative director, Wieden & Kennedy Portland; John Matejczyk, chief creative officer and co-founder, M/H VCCP San Francisco; Andrés Ordóñez, chief creative officer, FCB Chicago; Alejandro Ortiz, vice president and creative director, Casanova//McCann; and Sherman Winfield, vice president and creative director, Fitzco//McCann…..There are a number of end-of-year programs being made 
available to affiliates from ABC Audio, including four longform programs featuring top news stories, interviews and major events from the past year and eight short-form series looking at the year in politics, entertainment, health, sports and more. The longform shows include: “Playback 2019” in which ABC News correspondents Cheri Preston and Aaron Katersky look at the biggest stories of the year; the three-hour “2019: The Year in Review” told through highlights of ABC News Radio’s live breaking news coverage; a special, decade-end edition of “Perspective,” ABC News Radio’s weekly newsmagazine exploring the biggest stories of the 2010s; and “World News This Year” – a special edition of the “World News This Week” program…..SiriusXM announces year-end and decade specialty programming across its music, talk, and entertainment channels. SiriusXM chief entertainment anchor Jess Cagle will host “Top 100 Interviews of 2019” – a limited-run channel that will launch on Thursday, December 19 and run through Tuesday, December 31. “Top 100 Interviews of 2019” will feature interviews by SiriusXM hosts including Andy Cohen, Jenny McCarthy, Hoda Kotb, Jess Cagle, Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, and more…..iHeartRadio is introducing iHeartRadio Family in time for the holiday season, now available on Roku, Android TV (set to launch later this year) and Facebook Portal’s latest device, Portal TV, with support for new Portal tablets coming this January. iHeartRadio says, “Some of the cool features included are customized parental controls, artist radio – with the family-friendly versions of their favorite artist songs, animations like a disco ball and a ‘slime drip’ to complement certain audio experiences, and now a variety of fun kid-friendly podcasts to listen to and more. In addition, iHeartRadio Family fans who use Amazon Fire TV will also be able to enjoy an upgraded experience with the addition of podcasts that are kid-friendly added to the platform.”
JVC Media’s Long Island News/Talk Station Vandalized with Anti-Trump Graffiti. Pictured above is the remote studio for JVC Media’s news/talk WRCN, Riverhead, Long Island “LI NEWS RADIO 103.9,” located at the Long Island MacArthur Airport. In the inset is an image of the anti-Trump graffiti that staffers found on large stickers affixed to the glass windows of the studio. JVC uses the studio for live shows during the day and it is not occupied overnight. JVC Media president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “It is unfortunate that someone took out their expression of anger against our president on our
broadcast studio. We pride ourselves on fair and balanced news reporting. I understand people are angry, but maybe next time the culprit can call in to our afternoon show and express his or her feelings in a more civilized way.” Long Island MacArthur Airport police are investigating the incident and are reviewing the many video cameras in and around the radio broadcast center. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison discussed the incident with John Caracciolo. To listen, click here.
Impeachment, Ukraine Controversy, 2020 Presidential Race, FBI Report Aftermath, Boeing 737 Production Halt, and Record Dow Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/16). The House’s impeachment against President Trump; Trump attorney Rudy Guiliani’s explanation about why Marie Yovanovich was removed as Ambassador to Ukraine; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the aftermath of the inspector general’s report critical of the FBI’s surveillance operations; Boeing’s decision to suspend production on the 737 Max; and Monday’s record-setting Dow were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Second in the Series of Talk Media Forums on US-China Relations Now Posted! The second installment of the Talk Media Forums on US-China Relations co-presented by TALKERS and The Epoch Times Tuesday morning (12/10) at the National Press Club in Washington, DC is now posted here on Talkers.com as well as other online platforms. The conversation again focused on the US-China trade war, the Hong Kong protests, China’s human rights abuses, Huawei and the worldwide battle for 5G dominance, the North Korea nuclear threat, China’s ongoing intellectual property theft, and the long term goals and methods of the Chinese Communist Party, plus more. The 90-minute event featured a panel of three experts on the state of US-Chinese relations including Nan Su of NTDTV, and Joshua Philipp and Dr. Dana Cheng of The Epoch Times, plus four leading talk radio hosts – John Fredericks of the John Fredericks Radio Network; Dr. Sebastian Gorka of the Salem Radio Network; Larry O’ Connor of WMAL, Washington, DC; and Doug Stephan of Stephan Multimedia. According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who again moderated the discussion, “The numerous pressing issues that exist under the umbrella of US-China relations promise to be a major component of talk media conversation for years to come and it is important that its practitioners stay on top of these complex concerns free of the spin and propaganda constantly manufactured by the Communist regime in Beijing. Our colleagues at The Epoch Times are firmly situated on the leading edge of the Chinese resistance to the Communist grasp on their homeland and serve the culture’s diaspora in the United States and around the world with bold, truthful reporting of the facts.” The Epoch Times was formed in 2000 by Chinese Americans and is now published in multiple languages around the world. To view the video in its entirety, please click here. Photo: Samira Bouaou/Epic Times
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Entercom’s country KMLE, Phoenix “Country 107.9,” Gunner Jackson and Cheyenne Davis (pictured below) are named hosts of the new “Gunner & Cheyenne” morning show, effective tomorrow (12/18). They join KMLE from KDBL-FM, Yakima,
Washington. Entercom Phoenix SVP and market manager Dave Pugh says, “We are excited to introduce our audience to Gunner and Cheyenne. Together, they will bring a ton of energy and positivity to the show and are the perfect hosts to help our listeners begin their mornings.” The duo were recently honored with a 2019 Yakima Herald-Republic Readers’ Choice Award for Best Radio Personality…..iHeartMedia announces Trevor 
Morini joins the Raleigh station group as senior vice president of programming, effective January 21. Morini will also serve as program director for CHR WDCG-FM “G105.” He’s been serving the company as program director for KHFI “96.7 KISS FM” and alternative KASE-HD/W248CU “ALT 97.5” in Austin…..On-air pro Jeanne Ashley exits Entercom’s adult contemporary KSWD, Seattle “94.1 The Sound” where she was assistant 
program director and morning drive co-host with John Fisher. Ashley posts on her LinkedIn account, “Thanks to budget cuts, I’m taking time to take stock while I take the long way from Seattle back to NJ.”…..Caldwell Media’s KERL, Caldwell, Arkansas flips from classic rock to adult hits using Envision Networks’ and Kroeger Media’s BOB FM format…..Spanish-language media company MLC Media is assuming management of XHLNC-FM, Tijuana, Mexico and is launching “Mas Flo” on the San Diego signal tomorrow (12/18). The company says,”‘Mas Flo’ will feature a blend of the hottest and latest Spanish urban music from the top Latin artists in the industry. The music genres will include reggaeton, trap, tropical, and urban from artists like: J Balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Rosalia, Bad Bunny, and more…..ABC Audio is making the music special, “2019 Rewind: The Biggest Country Hits of the Year” – hosted by country star Morgan Wallen – available to affiliate stations for year-end programming. The special rounds up all of the year’s hottest songs and includes interviews with Dan + Shay, Eric Church, Runaway June, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Old Dominion and more.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Report: Liberty Media Seeks Control or Ownership of iHeartMedia. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Liberty Media is asking the
Department of Justice for permission to up its stake in iHeartMedia. Currently, Liberty owns 4.8% of iHM. The WSJ’s sources say the deal that Liberty is seeking permission for would give it control or “outright ownership.” 
One source says Liberty has not decided “what kind of transaction, if any, it would proceed with should it receive permission.” Liberty Media currently owns 33% of Live Nation – the concert business that then-Clear Channel spun off in 2005 – and 71% of SiriusXM Holdings. The WSJ piece notes that Justice Department officials are asking “interested parties” how they’d be affected by a major live events business and a leading radio company being co-owned.
Radzik to Program ’98.5 The Sports Hub’ in Boston. At Boston sports talker WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Rick Radzik is named the station’s new
program director, effective immediately. Beasley Media Group announces Radzik is assuming the role being vacated by Mike Thomas, who heads to Chicago to become market manager for the ESPN-owned and Good Karma-managed WMVP “ESPN 1000.” Radzik has been the station’s assistant program director since the station 
signed on in August of 2009. Prior to that, he’d served for 15 years as a producer at all-news WBZ-AM, overseeing Boston Bruins broadcasts. He began his career at crosstown WEEI-AM (when it was a news station) producing the Bruins and Boston Celtics broadcasts, as well as various talk shows. Beasley Media Group Boston director of programming Cadillac Jack says, “Rick has been a key member of the ‘Sports Hub’ programming team since the station’s inception. The knowledge he has amassed over the past decade, coupled with his relationships and passion for continuing our winning history, make him uniquely qualified to lead the ‘Sports Hub’ into the 2020s and beyond!”
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC (12/13). The new episode titled “Meddling and Muddling!” reviews the week of December 9-13, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Sebastian Gorka, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Joan Michelson; Executive producer/host, GreenConnectionsRadio.com; Bob Lonsberry, talk show host, WHAM, Rochester/WSYR, Syracuse; Doug Stephan, talk show host, Stephan Multimedia; and Scott James Matheson, Mayor-elect, Valdosta, Georgia. This acclaimed news/talk radio show first airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC on Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm. It then airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. It also appears on the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
‘Cats Roundtable’ Show Joins ‘Florida Man Radio.’ The weekly “Cats Roundtable” show hosted by Red Apple Group president and CEO John
Catsimatidis is being added to the program schedule at JVC Media’s WDYZ-AM/W288CJ, Orlando and WYGC-FM, High Springs (Gainesville market) “Florida Man Radio.” Catsimatidis’ company Red Apple Media recently entered into a deal to acquire venerable WABC-AM, New York from Cumulus Media for $12.5 million. That deal has not closed yet. JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “‘The Cats Roundtable’ radio show is perfect for ‘Florida Man Radio.’ John’s unique take on the news and his A-list celebrity interviews are fascinating conversations that keep listeners coming back for more. We have been very successful with his show on our Long Island station and know this is a great fit for our growing ‘Florida Man Radio’ network.”
The Trump Impeachment Proceedings Top News/Talk Story for Week of December 9-13. The articles of impeachment against President Trump were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing in the top spot on the Talkers TenTM. Tied at #2 this week was Russia’s meddling in the U.S. elections and the inspector general’s report on the FBI’s surveillance practices. At #3 was Time magazine’s selection of Greta Thunberg as Person of the Year and the greater topic of climate change, followed by the deadly Jersey City shooting and the rise of anti-Semitism at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio this week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. The WGBH, Boston and PRI-produced program “Innovation Hub” takes a look at the rise of conservative talk radio and its
influence on the America political scene on its most recent episode. Joining host Kara Miller is author and University of Pennsylvania scholar-in-residence Brian Rosenwald. His book, Talk Radio’s America: How an Industry Took Over a Political Party That Took Over the United States (2019, Harvard University Press) examines the theory. The teaser of the radio show says, “When Rush Limbaugh’s conservative talk radio program began in Sacramento in the 1980s, no one could have guessed that he would not only reinvigorate AM radio but also create a new format that would help remold the American political landscape.” Check out the program here…..The WFAN watch continues as Newsday’s Neil Best writes that the odds-on replacement for Mike Francesa in afternoon drive on
the Entercom sports talk station is midday team Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno. He also says that Maggie Gray and Mark Malusis are “favorites” to serve as the midday personalities. Francesa left his regular full-time role with the station a couple of weeks ago but will contribute to The Fan’s on-air content with a nightly, half-hour show at 6:00 pm. WFAN has made no announcements about its plans for the station as of today 
(12/13)…..Chicago media maven Robert Feder writes today about longtime Chicago radio personality Turi Ryder’s new podcast that takes its name from her fictionalized memoir, She Said What? Ryder co-hosts the show with Kathryn Lake and she tells Feder she’ll drop two podcasts each week, no longer than 15 minutes in length. You can check it out here…..Condolences to the family and friends of longtime radio journalist Pete Combs, who died in Atlanta after a three-month
battle with lung cancer at age 61. Combs had been working at Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta since May of 2018. He previously worked for WSB from 2006 through 2015 but left for KOMO-AM, Seattle before returning last year. During his career, he worked at stations including: WGST-AM, Atlanta; KRLD-AM and the Texas State Network, Dallas; USA Radio News, Dallas; WINK-AM Fort Myers; and WBT-AM, Charlotte. He also reported for TV station in Charlotte and Tulsa during the early 1990s. See the rest of WSB’s tribute to Combs here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Sales pro Dawn Girocco is named director of sales for Cumulus Media’s country KSCS “New Country 96.3,” country KPLX “99.5 The Wolf,” and CHR KLIF-FM “Hot 93.3” in Dallas. She was most recently vice president/market manager for
Cumulus Los Angeles. Cumulus Dallas/Houston RVP Dan Bennett comments, “Being able to get someone of Dawn Girocco’s experience and success back in our company to join our Dallas team as a key sales management leader is a great plus for Dallas and our company. Dawn’s past success in Los Angeles speaks for itself and we can’t wait for her to get started here in Texas.”…..Alpha Media 
promotes Danny Dwyer to assistant program director for country KUPL, Portland “98.7 The Bull” and inks him to a new, multi-year deal. Dwyer will continue to host the midday show and continue his role as music director. Alpha Portland SVP and market manager Lisa Decker states, “The energy and dedication Danny brings on and off the air to our ‘Bull Nation’ listeners, musicans, artists, labels, advertisers’ and community partners are an incredible asset to our station. His leadership with station events and promotions including our St. Jude Radiothon and Countryfest concert are irreplaceable.”…..Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette, who is planning a 31-date North American tour next year, performed a special acoustic set of the album Jagged Little Pill in its entirety on December 2 at New York’s legendary The Apollo. That show will be broadcast exclusively on SiriusXM today (12/13) through December 22…..Air personality Brittany Rose joins Townsquare Media’s CHR WJBQ, Portland as co-host alongside Lori Voornas and Jeff Parsons on the “Q Morning Show,” effective January 2. She was most recently with Townsquare Media’s WEBB-FM, Augusta “B98.5.”…..Cumulus Media’s alternative WWWX, Appleton, Wisconsin “96.9 The Fox” announces the nationally syndicated “The Dave and Mahoney Morning Show” takes over the morning slot, effective Monday (12/16).
