Tag: "Lance Richard"
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Townsquare Media Reports Q3 Net Revenue Down 1%. That 1% figure is also what Townsquare Media is down for the first nine months of 2017. For the third quarter, the culprit wasn’t the Local Marketing Solutions segment (which includes radio). That was up 1.7% (or 3% ex political). The Entertainment segment (live events) was down 4.1%. For the first nine months of the year, that segment is down 7%. The company’s total third quarter net revenue was $164.1 million. Co-CEO Bill Wilson states, “The highlight of Townsquare’s third quarter was, without a doubt, the strength of our Local Marketing Solutions segment, which delivered net revenue growth of 1.7%, and 3% excluding political revenue. However, challenges in our smaller business segment, Entertainment, offset these strong results, resulting in an overall decline to net revenue, net income and Adjusted EBITDA of 1.0%, 9.9% and 11.1%, respectively. Due to these challenges, we have begun a strategic review of our Entertainment business.”
Entercom Reveals New Management Structure. Ahead of the closing of the Entercom–CBS RADIO merger, a corporate memo from Entercom chief operating officer Weezie Kramer reveals the new management structure for the company. First, in an effort to be consistent with the CBS management titles, Entercom market managers will hold the senior vice president titles and regional managers will carry the president title. At the same time, Kramer announces that lineup of national regional presidents. They are: Doug Abernethy for Miami, Orlando, Gainesville, Atlanta, Denver, Greensboro, Greenville, Charlotte, Houston, Austin, Richmond, and Norfolk; Susan Larkin for San Francisco, Sacramento, Riverside, and San Diego; Dave Alpert for Kansas City (where he remains market manager), St. Louis, Milwaukee, Madison, and Wichita; Mark Hannon for Washington, Buffalo, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (he’ll also be market manager for Boston); Brian Purdy for Las Vegas, New Orleans, Memphis and Chattanooga (he’ll remain Dallas market manager, as well); and president of sales operations and regional president Michael Doyle will oversee Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Rochester, and Seattle. Newly appointed market managers include Jimmy deCastro for Chicago, Keriann Worley for Miami, Bennett Zier for Virginia, Jeff Federman for Los Angeles, John Fullam for Denver, Bob Bollinger for San Diego, Jack Hutchison for Seattle, Lance Richard for Sacramento, Dan Kearney for Las Vegas, and Phil Zachary for Hartford, Providence and Springfield, Massachusetts.
George Noory to Be Inducted into St. Louis Media Hall of Fame. Nationally syndicated talk radio star George Noory is being inducted as part of the 2018 class of the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame. The class includes “legendary news reporters, editors, photographers, broadcasters, ground-breaking filmmakers, and shapers of public opinion.” The St. Louis Media History Foundation says that the new inductees were selected “for their significant contributions to print and broadcast journalism, digital media, advertising, and public relations. Noory, of course is syndicated via Premiere Networks on the “Coast to Coast AM” program. In St. Louis, he also was the news director at KSDK-TV and hosted the late-night show at news/talk KTRS. The induction ceremony takes place at a gala on Saturday, March 17, at St. Louis City Center hotel.
WMAL Diner Tour — Former Virginia Governor George Allen (center) is pictured above with joins WMAL’s “Mornings on The Mall” co-hosts Mary Walter (left) and Vince Coglianese (right) during Friday’s WMAL Diner Tour in advance of today’s Virginia Gubernatorial Election. In addition to several political candidates, Mary and Vince were joined at the Metro 29 Diner in Arlington Virginia by veteran commentator Cal Thomas and “Voice of The Redskins” Larry Michael.
ESPN Syracuse Adds Local Sports Talk Show with Actor Daniel Baldwin. Syracuse sports talker WTLA “ESPN Syracuse” announces the creation of a new, daily one-hour sports talk show featuring actor Daniel Baldwin as host with co-host Josh Grosvent. Galaxy Communications CEO Ed Levine says, “The Daniel Baldwin Show does not fit into the typical sports show mold. Although Daniel knows every bit of his Xs and Os, he will weave stories in around the scores. The show has a spontaneous and fun feel. Think of it as intermission to your day of sports talk.” The show is simulcast on WTLA-AM and W249BC at 97.7 FM from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Grosvent is also the host of “The Show” that airs mornings on sister rock station WKRL/WKLL “K-Rock.”
Craig Carton Speaks to USA Today. Former WFAN, New York morning personality Craig Carton has broken his two-month media silence since being arrested and charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy in early September. He spoke exclusively with USA Today and, for obvious reasons, does not talk specifically about the case, but reiterates his innocence. In the piece, close friend and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stands up for Carton, saying he believes he is innocent. Read the story here.
Texas Church Masssacre/Gun Control, Trump-Russia Investigation, Brazile Clinton Criticism, U.S.-North Korea Tensions, Saudi Corruption Arrests, Bird-Flipping Cyclist Fired, Virginia and New Jersey Governor Races, Weinstein Assault Cases, Comcast Internet Outages, NFL Attendance, Protests and Sunday Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/6). The slaying of 26 at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas and the related issue of gun control; the Robert Mueller investigation into connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents; Donna Brazile’s criticism of the Hillary Clinton campaign in her new book; President Trump’s trip to Asia and the tensions between the U.S. and North Korea; the spate of arrests of princes in a crackdown on corruption in Saudi Arabia; woman who flips off the Trump motorcade is fired from her job; the battle between Democrats and Republicans in the Virginia and New Jersey governor races; the New Yorker story alleging Harvey Weinstein used spies to investigate actresses and reporters aware of his sexual predation; Monday’s widespread loss of internet among Comcast customers; shrinking attendance at NFL stadiums, anthem protests and Sunday’s action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
WPHT’s Rich Zeoli Broadcasts Philly Police Event — Afternoon drive personality Rich Zeoli is pictured above with all of the Philadelphia police officers who’ve been honored by the “Barbera Backs the Badge” program over the past year. Barbera on the Boulevard is a family-run Philadelphia auto dealership that has donated more than $15,000 to the FOP Survivors Fund. WPHT has been involved with the honoring of the deserving officers.
Emily Barr Named 2018 Golden Mic Award Recipient. Next spring, television executive Emily Barr will receive the 2018 Golden Mike Award from The Broadcasters Foundation of America. The Graham Media Group president and CEO will be honored at the BFoA’s annual black-tie gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on March 5. BFoA chairman Dan Mason comments, “Emily is a consummate broadcaster, whose leadership and service to the industry and the communities that the Graham stations serve are commendable. We are proud to honor her and recognize her accomplishments.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Shawn Stevens is joining Beasley Media Group’s Las Vegas operations to take on the program director position at country KYCE “102.7 The Coyote.” Stevens has been with Cumulus Media’s
country KUBL, Salt Lake City “K-Bull 93” for the past 20 years, most recently as program director and air personality. Beasley Las Vegas operations manager John Candelaria comments, “We searched for a very long time to find the perfect PD fit for KCYE. Shawn’s total understanding of the format, his vision for KCYE-FM and his friendly attitude is tailor-made for the Beasley Las Vegas culture. Shawn brings a wealth of knowledge and with his leadership abilities, ‘102.7 The Coyote’ will continue to grow to new heights.”…..On Friday (11/10), iHeartMedia presents its exclusive “iHeartRadio reputation Album Release Party with Taylor Swift.” Beginning at 12:00 midnight ET on November 10, iHeartRadio’s CHR and hot AC stations across the country will play a new track off of reputation at the top of every hour leading up to the hour-long, on-air special at 8:00 pm local time. iHM says, “Fans will have a chance to hear directly from Taylor Swift as she introduces songs and exclusively discusses never-before-heard details about the making of the year’s most anticipated album.”…..Cumulus Media classic rock station KQRS, Minneapolis is presenting a special broadcast this Saturday (11/11) in honor of Veterans Day. KQ’s “Military Takeover” begins Saturday morning with a series of guests, including World War II veterans, Purple Heart recipients, along with members of the Freedom Alliance and The Real Warriors. Additionally, KQRS will talk with representatives from the American Legion discussing their “Shop, Ship & Share” initiative where consumers can donate needed items to the troops and have them shipped overseas during the holidays. Each “honorary guest DJ” will receive a digital download of their radio show as a keepsake and to share with friends, family and military colleagues…..Cumulus Media, Westwood One and the 2017 CMA Awards are official radio partners for “The 51st Annual CMA Awards” and they will present radio stations across the country with five full hours of programming and exclusive content. Cumulus Media/Westwood One are offering the “Countdown to the 2017 CMA Awards” program, anchored by Elaina Smith; the live radio simulcast of ABC-TV’s broadcast of the awards; and “The 2017 CMA Awards Wrap Up Show,” co-hosted by Shawn Parr and Elaina Smith. All Cumulus country “NASH Nights Live” affiliates and NASH Icon stations will air the special coverage of the 2017 CMA Awards.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Anthony Gargano Officially Named WPEN-FM, Philly Morning Host. Last week Philly.com called it the “worst-kept secret in Philadelphia sports talk radio” – and it turns out that was true. As reported almost everywhere, former longtime WIP-FM, Philadelphia personality Anthony Gargano is the new lead morning drive talent on Greater Media’s sports talker WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic.” Gargano – who left CBS RADIO’s WIP-FM recently after failing to come to terms with the company on a contract renewal – will be joined on “Anthony Gargano in the Morning” by co-host Jon Marks, sports update anchor
Maureen Williams and producer Jamie Lynch. The station had been airing ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike in the Morning” which can now be heard in the market on Beasley Media Group’s WTEL-AM. Greater Media Philly SVP/market manager John Fullam comments, “We are thrilled to have Anthony join ‘97.5 The Fanatic.’ He is the perfect lead-off man for Philly sports talk every weekday morning. It is great to provide Philly sports fans an all-star lineup for their drive times with Anthony in the morning and Mike Missanelli in the afternoon. We are also proud to continue our long-standing affiliation with ESPN and our outstanding contributors including Sal Paolantonio, Ron Jaworski and Jayson Stark.”
New Kevin McCullough-Hosted Show Debuts on WNYM, New York Tonight. Syndicated talk host and XtreMEDIA principal Kevin McCullough adds another talk program to his busy schedule as he debuts “Late Night with Kevin McCullough” airing on Salem Media Group’s WNYM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” from 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. McCullough says the show will be him “rounding out the talk radio day with an irreverent look at the news, the talk radio industry, and everything else in life,” and says it’s a joint endeavor between his company and Salem New York. McCullough says the show will “in some ways be a throwback to the greatest era of radio where the steaks always sizzled and the beverages are always cold! Newsmakers, icons, and listeners will drive the conversation. ‘The Ladies Lounge’ will feature some of the most important but not-yet-amplified voices of ladies in talk media – plus a ‘house band’ called The Hot Sardines.” The program debuts tonight (4/20).
Salem Rolls Out Metaxas Show. The radio syndication of popular author and TV personality Eric Metaxas by Salem Radio Network was announced back in late February but today the show celebrates its national debut. Although Metaxas is well known in the Christian community, Salem says it believes his program will crossover into the news/talk format as well. The show will launch in 26 of the top 30 markets, mostly on Salem O&Os. Salem SVP Phil Boyce says, “This is the biggest rollout for Salem Radio Network in 10 years. Eric’s show will be different, and a little bit about everything. His personality and sense of humor will shine through.” The show airs live from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET.
Scott Hopeck Named President of iHeartMedia New York. This is a move from the market president position at iHeartMedia’s Phoenix station group for Scott Hopeck. Prior to his work in Phoenix, Hopeck was SVP/sales for the company in Atlanta where he was also general manager of the Braves Radio Network. Hopeck will report to EVP of operations Hartley Adkins, who says, “Scott’s unique skills and experience in digital and technology are perfect for the evolution of this market from traditional media to world-class, multiplatform media with a tremendous impact on advertisers. Additionally, his sports and MLB experience are ideal for the important and unique opportunities we have in New York.”
Entercom Sacramento Raises Richard to VP/Market Manager. The vacancy in that position in California’s capital city was created this past week when Sean Shannon was named to replace the retiring Jon Pinch at Cumulus Media Atlanta (RadioInfo, 4/17). Entercom Sacramento immediately promotes vice president of sales Lance Richard to be Shannon’s successor. According to Entercom station group president Weezie Kramer, “Lance has helped to improve our sales organizations, our coaching ability, and our ability to deliver multi-platform programs that work for advertisers. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to reward that success with a promotion to vice president and market manager in Sacramento.” Richard comments, “We have the best brands in the market, great local talent and content, strong ratings, and an excellent team in-place. I look forward to continuing our momentum and leading Entercom Sacramento’s market leading portfolio of brands.” The Auburn University graduate has been
with Entercom since 2009, previously as its corporate vice president of integrated sales. His resume also includes two years as regional sales director for Monster MediaWorks; four years as director of sales for Emmis Chicago; and two years as executive vice president of sales and strategic marketing at IP2M. Entercom Sacramento consists of KCTC “ESPN 1320″; CHR KDND “The End”; alternative KKDO “Radio 94-7”; KRXQ “98 Rock”; classic rock KSEG “The Eagle”; and hot AC KUDL “Star 106.5.”
Industry Programmers to Take Part in ‘Programming Talk Radio in 2015’ at Talkers New York Conference. On Friday, June 12 at the India House in Manhattan’s Financial District, the talk
media industry will gather for the 20th annual edition of the TALKERS magazine-presented conference. One of the nine panel discussions and presentations will be titled, “Programming Talk Radio in 2015” and will feature panelists: Carl Anderson, EVP, Programming, iHeartMedia;
Mike Bendixen, Program Director, Newstalk 1010, Toronto; Valerie Geller, CEO Geller Media International; Scott Masteller, Program Director, WBAL, Baltimore; Mike McVay, SVP,
Content & Programming, Cumulus Media; and Paul Vandenburgh, owner and GM, WGDJ, Albany. It will be moderated by TALKERS magazine VP and executive editor Kevin Casey. Issues addressed will include: integrating digital into news/talk programming; dealing with resistance to advertising; the challenge of keeping the format fresh;
finding the next generation of talent; allocating resources to the actual program and to social media; seeking alternative ways to monetize the format; balancing the levels of local and syndicated talk content; and more. Casey says, “I’m really looking forward to talking about the state – and
the future – of the format with this outstanding panel of industry heavyweights. These questions are on the minds of industry programmers and it will be enlightening to hear what our panelists have to say.” Registrations for Talkers New York 2015 are moving fast. To reserve your place, call 413-565-5413. For more information about the event, click here.
Odds & Sods. At the Salem Media Group’s New York news/talk outlet WNYM “AM 970 the Answer,” the new Eric Metaxas show being syndicated nationally by the company’s Salem Radio Network (see story above) bumps Chicago-based Joe Walsh from the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot on the station. Walsh had been heard there since January of 2014. Walsh remains on WIND, Chicago…..In Boston, market news pro Henry Santoro leaves his gig with streaming station RadioBDC (operated by the Boston Globe and Boston.com) to join pubcaster WGBH as midday anchor. Prior to joining RadioBDC, Santoro had spent almost 30 years with the old alternative outlet WFNX.
Longtime CBS RADIO Engineer Scott Mason Dead. Details are few but a statement from CBS RADIO Los Angeles SVP/market manager Dan Kearny was made public earlier this morning. Kearny writes: “The entire CBS RADIO family is grieving today over the passing of Scott Mason, who has been part of CBS since 1979. With his spirited passion for radio and unwavering dedication to his work, Scott’s accomplishments were numerous, from being an on-air personality at KROQ to hosting diverse programs like the popular “Loveline” and “OpenLine,”a long-running public affairs show, to overseeing the design and construction of CBS RADIO LA’s state-of-the art facilities on the Miracle Mile. Our thoughts today are with his family and all those who knew and worked alongside Scott during his amazing life and career. Due to Scott’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. A memorial will be planned in the weeks to come.”