Tag: "Nielsen"
Friday, January 21, 2022
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Manchinian Candidate,” looks back at this past week of 1/17 to 1/21. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dave Elswick, talk show host, KDXE 101.1 The Answer, Little Rock; Joyce Kaufman, talk show host, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale-Miami- Palm Beaches; Thom Hartmann, talk show host, WYD Media; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; and Dr. Daliah Wachs, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/Physician. The show airs each weekend on WONK-FM, Washington, DC; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; KMZQ, Las Vegas; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Steve Jones Named CEO and President for Skyview Networks. Network executive Steve Jones is promoted to CEO and president of Skyview Networks from his previous COO/president role. In this new role, Jones will lead the sales, content, broadcast distribution and technology company. Founder and CEO Ken Thiele
transitions to founder and executive chairman of the board, in which he’ll continue to engage in a high-level advisory role for the company. Thiele says, “Over the last 25 years, Skyview has evolved into a dynamic solutions leader in network audio, and through our enduring growth, we have always maintained a commitment to innovation and quality. I have had the privilege of working alongside Steve both as a client and as a leader within our 
company — he embodies these characteristics, which are also matched with an unyielding drive for excellence, keen business sense, and distinguished experience. I am privileged to welcome him to the role of CEO.” Jones comments, “I am grateful to Ken for trusting me to steward the company he has built in partnership with longtime EVP, Jeanne-Marie Condo. During the last three-years, despite pandemic challenges, Skyview Networks has become the fastest growing leader in network audio sales, syndication and distribution. Our unwavering commitment to customer service and proven financial performance have convinced content creators and influencers to join Skyview, while simultaneously providing advertisers effective, efficient and creative campaigns that achieve their marketing goals. At the core of this success is our company culture built on integrity and transparency, resulting in employees committed to one another and to our customers.”
FOX News Channel Reveals New Weekend Primetime Lineup. Effective the weekend of January 29, FOX News Channel debuts a new Saturday primetime lineup. Lawrence Jones will host a new, one-hour show titled, “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” airing at 10:00 pm ET and Brian Kilmeade will host his eponymous show at 8:00 pm ET.
“Unfiltered with Dan Bongino” moves to the 9:00 pm ET slot. The 8:00 pm ET hour was formerly hosted by Jesse Watters who was named solo host of the weeknight “Jesse Watters Primetime” program. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott says the promotion renders Jones, 29, the youngest Black solo host of a program in cable news. In addition to this new role, Jones will 
continue as the enterprise reporter for the “FOX & Friends” franchise. “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” will focus on newsmakers from across the political and cultural spectrum, spotlighting the leading concerns facing Americans nationwide. Kilmeade remains a co-host of FNC’s morning franchise “FOX & Friends” while also hosting the three-hour daily “Brian Kilmeade Show” on FOX News Audio and “What Made America Great” on FOX News Media’s streaming service FOX Nation. Scott says, “Lawrence has been an impact player since joining the network in 2018 and we are thrilled to add his critical insights to our weekend lineup.” Kilmeade comments, “I am truly honored that Suzanne has given me another incredible opportunity at FOX News Media. My ultimate goal is to create a program that will always seek solutions rather than sow division.”
Triton Digital Publishes December 2021 Podcast Report. The U.S. Podcast Report from Triton Digital is released and ranks podcast networks and podcasts from participating podcast networks based on average weekly downloads in the U.S. For the
period of November 29 to January 2, Stitcher Media was the #1 podcast network with 43.1 million active downloads. NPR was #2 with 31.7 million, Audacy Podcast Network was #3 with 28.7 million, and Cumulus Podcast Network was #4 with 18 million. The report also ranks individual podcasts by average weekly download and audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” was #1. At #2 was “NPR News Now,” followed by Cumulus’ “The Ben Shaprio Show” at #3. You can see the complete rankers for the top 20 networks and the top 100 podcasts here.
SiriusXM Talk Host Joe Madison Ends Hunger Strike. In the aftermath of the failure of the Democrats to get the Senate to take up the Voting Rights Act, SiriusXM Urban View channel morning drive host Joe Madison ended his hunger strike. Madison spoke at length on his program about what, in the face of the Democratic leadership’s failure, his 74-day hunger strike accomplished. The SiriusXM PR staff transcribed his monologue and you can read it here.
Talk Radio Host Dr. Asa Pursuing Pro Wrestling Dream. Nationally syndicated talk radio and television personality Dr. Asa Andrew (right) is pursuing his dream of being a pro wrestler at the not-so-tender age of 50 – and he’s doing it with the help of WWE three-time World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page (left). But after turning 50 and
being asked if he has any regrets considering his vast accomplishments in medicine and media, he said, “I started a professional wrestling career years ago, and due to several life events, I wasn’t able to finish. I finish everything that I start.” In 2000, Dr. Asa was invited to an open tryout at the original WCW Power Plant in Atlanta. There he was one of two out of 35 that made it and was offered a contract. Paul Orndorff and Jody Hamilton ran the facility and told him to go finish his doctorate, and then he would start. Dr. Asa had nine months left to complete his degree, and during that time Vince McMahon bought WCW, and the opportunity was gone. His next chance had to be passed on as Dr. Asa’s father was dying of cancer and Asa knew he had to be there for him. Years later, Dr. Asa and his friend Dallas Page – whose backstory is that he is the oldest to successfully start a career in professional wrestling – decided the time is now to start that journey. Dallas called Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall with AEW’s affiliated developmental school, The Nightmare Factory, in Atlanta, and Dr. Asa started their training camp in October. As Dr. Asa continues to pursue his dream, he and Dallas Page are filming a new documentary on helping others transform their health that will be released sometime in the upcoming year.
WWO: NCAA Men’s Basketball Listening Reaches 33 Million. A study called the NCAA Men’s Basketball Listening Report from the CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One Audio Active Group concludes that 33 million people listen to NCAA Men’s Basketball each season on Westwood One. This report includes a just-completed Nielsen PPM
analysis of season-long audiences and brand-new data from a MARU/Matchbox study tracking a day in the life of an NCAA basketball fan. The study also found that among persons 18-34, Westwood One reaches 59% of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Audience and is the number two platform, ahead of linear television (behind streaming video). The younger the NCAA audience, the greater the reach and resonance of Westwood One’s audio platform. It also concludes that its audio coverage maximizes the value of an NCAA television media plan, generating incremental reach (+19%) and frequency. Executive vice president of marketing for Cumulus Media and president of Westwood One Suzanne Grimes says, “There is no denying the fervor of the NCAA basketball audience and the excitement March Madness generates. Our Westwood One broadcasts cater to everyone, from the casual fan to the diehard, and they all are just the kind of listeners advertisers want – upscale, employed, and listening on the go.” See the complete study here.
TALKERS News Notes. Radio talk host Dave Elswick signs a new, one-year extension
with Salem Media Group’s KDXE-FM, Little Rock “101.1 The Answer” to continue hosting the station’s morning show. He’s been with KDXE for the past eight years after serving for 14 years with crosstown news/talk KARN-FM…..The Radio Mercury Awards, produced by the Radio Advertising 
Bureau and funded by the Radio Creative Fund, announces that Alejandro Ortiz, executive creative director, Campbell Ewald, is the 2022 chief judge for the 31st annual edition of the Radio Mercury Awards. In his role, Ortiz leads the creative teams in New York, for a number of clients, including Empire State Development, I❤️NY, Port Authority of NY and NJ, a number of spirits and beverage brands at Constellation, and the New York Power Authority, as well as Shamrock Farms. Call for Entry for the 2022 Radio Mercury Awards will open in a few weeks. Learn more information on this year’s Call for Entry guidelines and deadlines here.
Biden Anniversary Press Conference & Agenda Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 17-21. Wednesday’s press conference by President Joe Biden on the first anniversary of his taking office, criticism of his first year, and his agenda going forward were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, coming together atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Supreme Court denying Donald Trump’s request to keep White House notes from the January 6 House Select Committee tied with the New York attorney general’s investigation into the Trump Organization. Following at #3 was the rate of COVID-19 Omicron variant cases, vaccine & mask mandates and the effect on the nation’s schools. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
KFRU-AM/FM, Columbia Seeks Talk Show Host. KFRU-AM/FM, Columbia, Missouri is looking for a dynamic full-time, talk show host who will hit the ground running and immediately contribute to the successful community-based heritage radio station. The
successful candidate understands the broadcast business and takes pride in their work. This candidate needs to be a strategic and pro-active thinker. We require creative idea generating skills to constantly put the station in a position to succeed. Candidate needs a deep understanding of on-air, digital, and social media branding as well as a passion for impacting listeners in the community. If you enjoy a fast-paced work environment and have the gift to talk, please apply. Send your information to: casey.bartholomew@cumulus.com
Pending Business: What You See Is What You Get
By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — By now you’ve heard the forecast for holiday travel.
The estimate is nearly 100 million will be on the road moving from one holiday destination to another and that should be music or chatter to your ears.
If you sell radio ads for a living, time to high five your steering wheel. Congested traffic means more time in the car, listening to and engaging with your programming. Most importantly longer commutes are another indication of our attempt to get back to a more familiar post-covid routine. Isn’t it great to see the legendary commuter routine that made in-car captive listening a mainstay of radio sales?
Friday, November 19, 2021
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled “Biden Passed Gas” looks back at this past week of 11/15 – 11/19. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Dave Ramsey, talk show host/CEO, Ramsey Solutions; Lars Larson, talk show host, Compass Media Networks; Harry Hurley, talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; and Sean Spicer, talk show host, NewsmaxTV. The show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; the iHeart Podcast Network; Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Salem Los Angeles Re-Ups Horn In AM Drive. A new contract agreement between Jennifer Horn and Salem Media Group will keep Horn as co-host of “The Morning Answer” on Los Angeles news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer.” Horn and Grant Stinchfield co-host the 6:00 am – 9:00 am show, which is simulcast in the Inland Empire (Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario) on Salem’s KTIE “AM 590 The Answer.” Salem vice president of spoken word Phil Boyce remarks, “Waking up Los
Angeles is one of the most important jobs in radio – Jen and Grant have figured out the formula. They always have a smile, but can deliver the day’s top news with a dose of reality. Salem is very proud to showcase these hosts.” KRLA & KTIE program director Chuck Tyler notes, “Jen and Grant are the most talented team I have ever had the privilege of working with. They have the rare ability to cover and comment on serious issues, while having some fun at the same time.” Horn adds, “Once in a career you get a golden opportunity and this is it. It has been the ultimate honor working with Salem and our local team to develop a morning show that is making incredible strides in the Los Angeles market. Grant Stinchfield is the ultimate professional. He brings a background in journalism, a unique perspective, and sense of humor. It’s been so much fun to partner and build chemistry with him.” Newsmax host Stinchfield came aboard to join Horn on KRLA & KTIE six months ago (5/18).
Lieberman Lands In The IE as iHM’s Senior VP/Sales. Three-year Townsquare Media Tri-Cities, Washington market president Ryan Lieberman is named senior vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s five-station cluster in Southern California’s Inland Empire (Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario). Lieberman – whose appointment is effective immediately – spent almost two decades with CBS Radio (now Audacy) in both Los Angeles and Chicago. iHeartMedia San Diego, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario president Melissa Forrest states, “We look forward to having Ryan on board. His knowledge, leadership, and passion will be a tremendous addition to the region and to our team.” Lieberman adds, “I am thrilled to return to Southern California as part of the iHeartMedia family by joining the Riverside team. Having spent the better part of my career competing against iHeartMedia, and being envious of how their teams execute marketing solutions for their clients, I’m excited to lend my expertise to an already high-functioning team.” News/talk KFOO “1440 AM Black Information Network” and sports talk KPWK “AM 1350 Fox Sports” are among iHeartMedia’s Inland Empire outlets, as are rhythmic CHR KGGI; rock KTMQ; and alternative KMYT.
iHeart Pledges To Create 180 Jobs in Downtown Nashville. The iHeartMedia commitment would generate 180 jobs in downtown
Nashville over the next five years. While the company’s “Music City” radio stations (news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 98.3 & 1510”; Black Information Network affiliate WNRQ-HD2; classic rock WNRQ-FM; CHR WRVW; urban contemporary WUBT; and country WSIX) are housed in a separate Music Row facility, the new jobs will be based in the company’s 40,000 square-foot downtown facility, which opened last year. As first reported by the Nashville Business Journal, the Tennessee Funding Board, “unanimously approved a $1.25 million grant to iHeartMedia [yesterday, 11/18]. The company was finalizing a lease as the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in early-2020.” At the time, iHM was billing the downtown location as a “second headquarters” for its digital division. The state grant reportedly equals 44% of the $2.85 million that iHeartMedia is spending on its Nashville expansion. Per the NBJ article and state records, “The grant will be used for building retrofit, fixture improvements, lease payments, and tenant improvements. A headcount did not become public until Wednesday’s meeting of the Funding Board.” State records indicate that the 180 jobs will pay an average of $51.82 an hour.
Report: WarnerMedia Planning An Audience-Measurement Data Operation. While this would be for television, Variety reports that WarnerMedia is directly targeting Nielsen Holdings, which – of course – has had a stranglehold on the TV ratings business for decades. According to Variety, WarnerMedia is talking to as many as 15 different measurement vendors with expectations it can test possibilities in next year’s first quarter. WarnerMedia data/research chief Andrea Zapata opines to Variety, “There has got to be a better alternative in measurement solutions.” At the same time though, she comments, “Nielsen is definitely a part of our business as usual and can earn a place in our future.” As the James Aycock-written Variety article mentions, “Nielsen has taken a number of hits from its media partners, particularly complaints of mismeasurement during the COVID-19 pandemic that culminated in losing its MRC accreditation.”
Today’s Homeowner Media Acquires On The House Media. After a 35-year home improvement media career, James and Morris Carey (The Carey Brothers, pictured at the right) are retiring to focus on their family remodeling business, and have sold their On The House Media to Today’s Homeowner Media. The final installment of
“On The House with the Carey Brothers,” will air on its 100+ affiliates Christmas Day (12/25). Then one week later (1/1/2022), Today’s Homeowner Media will take ownership of On The House Media’s website, digital content, and social channels. Today’s Homeowner Media president/host Danny Lipford comments, “I’m both happy and sad about James and Morris’ decision to hang up their headphones and step down from their 35-year home improvement media career. They are legends in the business and will be missed. I’m glad they’ve enjoyed such a successful run, and grateful that I’m able to carry on their media tradition and legacy. Today’s Homeowner looks forward to featuring their articles, videos, and, hopefully, airing on the many radio stations they’ve earned during their career.” James Carey notes, “Morris and I have been moved by the tremendous outpouring that we have received since announcing our retirement. The positive comments, and expression of gratitude and support have been overwhelming and heartening.” Morris Carey adds, “Danny [Lipford] is a warm, pleasant and knowledgeable guy. I can’t think of anyone to whom I would rather pass on the torch.” Currently in its 13th year, the weekly, two-hour “Today’s Homeowner” is hosted by Lipford and author Joe Truini; it has 320 affiliates.
TALKERS News Notes. Recent Comscore data details continued growth of Newsmax’s online properties, including Newsmax.com.
According to Comscore, Newsmax is now the #2 conservative news brand online, behind Fox News. Newsmax reports that its online increase mirrors “tremendous audience growth.” Meanwhile – per Nielsen – Newsmax TV is the fourth-highest-rated cable news channel … Syndicated host Erick Erickson’s annual three-hour “Erick Erickson Christmas Show” combines Erickson’s theological background; conversations about Christmas; and 
Christmas music. “Christmas is the perfect time to focus on the big picture and not the daily news headlines,” he comments. “[Our] Christmas show is designed so everyone can come together, exhale after a crazy year, and focus on the holidays.” Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM & WSBB-FM “Atlanta’s News & Talk” is the flagship for “The Erick Erickson Christmas Show,” which is available on a first come/first served basis. It can be broadcast anytime from 6:00 am -12:00 midnight on (Friday) December 24 and (Saturday) December 25 … The five-station Cox Media Group Tampa cluster – which includes news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone” – is teaming with Metropolitan Ministries today (Friday, 11/19) to host “Feed The Bay.” All five CMG Tampa outlets are encouraging listeners to donate food items to Metropolitan Ministries’ donation location. Cox Media Group Tampa vice president and market manager Keith Lawless notes, “This is the ninth consecutive year that Cox Media Group Tampa has been a partner with Metropolitan Ministries for the holidays. We are starting to get back to normal, but there is still a tremendous need to feed those in our community.”
U.S. Podcast Report. Top network reports are ranked by average weekly downloads and average weekly users in accordance with v2.1
of the IAB Podcast technical guidelines. They are measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics and cover the reporting period of October 4 – October 31 (2021). Stitcher Media remained first on the top networks report with 39.5 million average weekly downloads/10.7 million average weekly users. It was followed by NPR with 32.3 million average weekly downloads/7.2 million average weekly users. Coming in third was Audacy with 31.8 million average weekly downloads/10.2 million average weekly users. Among the top twenty networks, new podcast network ViacomCBS ranked ninth in average weekly downloads/tenth in average weekly users. New shows debuting this period include “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah: Ears Edition” (ViacomCBS); “Over My Dead Body” (Wondery); “Fantasy Football Today” (Viacom CBS); and “The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe” (Audioboom). Full results of the U.S. Podcast Report can be seen at https://www.tritondigital.com/resources/podcast-reports.
IBA, Vipology Sign Multiyear Extension. The pact with the Independent Broadcasters Association retains Vipology as IBA’s
exclusive digital consultant and partner. In its first year, Vipology created the IBA’s member site; scheduled/moderated over 60 info-webinars; and handled IBA’s national contesting. Independent Broadcasters Association chief executive officer Ron 
Stone comments, “There would be no IBA without Vipology’s vision, technology, and execution. I’m thrilled to continue to have Vipology on-board to advise and provide the best digital products and services.” Vipology chief executive officer Chris Peaslee notes, “We are thrilled to continue to work with the IBA; dedicated to the digital success of the IBA and its members; and offering the latest digital solutions at the industry’s lowest prices. We’re proud to be standing side-by-side with Ron [Stone] and IBA members.” The IBA was established last year (July 2020) to serve the needs of independent radio stations and groups across the country; it represents a membership base of 1,500 stations.
California Combo Rebrands From VPR To KVPR. As of this past Wednesday (11/17), Valley Public Radio (NPR affiliate) news/talk-classical KVPR, Fresno and KPRX, Bakersfield rebrands from “VPR” to “KVPR” and has a new logo. A driving force for the switch was a conflict with Vermont Public Radio, which uses the “VPR” name, as well. KVPR president and general manager Joe Moore states that, “Over the years, we’ve gone by so many different names – ‘KVPR,’ ‘FM-89,’ ‘VPR,’ ‘KPRX,’ ‘Valley Public Radio,’ and ‘NPR.’ It has led to clutter, and at times confusion. As more and more users access our content online, ‘FM-89’ has proven to be less than adequate as a name for the station. There are multiple ‘FM-89s’ across the country, and the term isn’t really relevant for non-broadcast content.” The rebranding includes a renaming of its Audiophile Magazine to the KVPR Magazine.
Friday, October 29, 2021
WTAM, Cleveland Legend Mike Trivisonno Passes at 74. The Cleveland operations of iHeartMedia announce that longtime WTAM-AM talk host Mike Trivisonno has died. A statement from the company says: “It is with heavy hearts that WTAM 1100 announces the passing of radio legend and current talk show host, Mike Trivisonno. He
was 74 years old. Trivisonno, a Cleveland native, began his talk radio career in 1986. Since his days as ‘Mr. Know-it-All,’ Triv has been voted ‘Best Talk Show Host’ by Scene Magazine and The Achievement in Radio Awards. The Cleveland Plain Dealer named him the ‘Voice of Cleveland,’ Cleveland Magazine named him ‘One of Cleveland’s Fifty Most Interesting People,’ and he was a 2003 NAB Marconi finalist for ‘Personality of the Year.’ Triv proudly raised over $5 million dollars for local charities during his career, including Coats for Kids, whom he hosted his annual ‘Vegas Show Benefit’ in support of. Although ‘The Voice of Cleveland’ has been silenced, his impact on Cleveland will be felt and heard for years to come. All of us here at WTAM send our love and support to his family during this difficult time. We will bring you more details as we receive them, including information on memorials.”
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “War of the Words,” looks back at this past week of 10/25 – 10/29. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Armstrong & Getty, talk show co-hosts, independently syndicated; Glenn Jacobs, mayor of Knox County, TN/former world heavyweight champion wrestler (Kane), WWE. The show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, Nashville; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; the iHeart Podcast Network; Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
SiriusXM Q3 Revenue Rises 9%. Satellite and digital broadcaster SiriusXM revealed its financial results for the third quarter of 2021 and reports revenue of $2.2 billion, an increase of 9% compared to the prior year period. The company recorded net income of $343 million in the third quarter of 2021, compared to $272 million in the same
period a year ago. SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz says, “By adding a record 616,000 net new SiriusXM self-pay subscribers in the third quarter, we attained our prior full-year guidance of approximately 1.1 million net additions in just nine months. We are increasing all of our financial guidance for 2021 and expect to add more than 1.1 million net new self-pay SiriusXM subscribers this year, making 2021 our best for self-pay subscriber growth since 2018. During the quarter, we saw continued low monthly churn and outstanding ARPU performance in the SiriusXM business, and we are also making important progress driving advertising growth at Pandora.”
Nielsen Revenue Increases 5.5% in Q3 of 2021. Reporting its financial data for the third quarter of 2021, Nielsen Holdings Plc says revenue increased 5.5% to $882 million on a reported basis. Net income from continuing operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders increased 18.2% to $117 million, compared to $99 million in the
third quarter of 2020. Nielsen CEO David Kenny comments, “We are pleased with our strong third quarter results, building on our track record of execution and demonstrating continued progress on our strategic growth plan. In Audience Measurement, clients see the value in our enhanced and expanded products, and it is driving strong performance across national media and digital-first clients. In Outcomes and Content, growth was driven, in part, by improving trends post-COVID, and we are continuing to build on our global leadership position. Our updated guidance today reflects our strong performance year to date and confidence in our ability to deliver on our objectives.”
iHeartMedia Executive Tony Coles Joins Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Radio executive Tony Coles is joining the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The press release says Coles – who serves iHeartMedia as division president of Metro Markets and president of Black Information Network –
brings “expertise in media and a passion for mentorship, especially in reaching communities of color, to BBBSA to increase equity and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.” He most recently worked with BBBSA in securing music artists Blanco Brown and Parmalee as special guests for the organization’s virtual national conference, to bring awareness about the need for more mentors. Coles says, “When I think about the impact mentors have played in my life, I am grateful for those who poured into me and encouraged me to achieve the goals I set for myself — personally and professionally. I am excited to join a powerful board of committed individuals who are focused on making sure the next generation is equipped and prepared for life.”
WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte Wraps Up ‘Talktoberfest.’ The second annual “WBT Talktoberfest” wrapped up last night (10/28) at Radio One’s “News Talk 1110 & 99.3 WBT” in Charlotte. WBT program director Mike Schaefer says this year’s “Talktoberfest” expanded on the 2020 event in which WBT host and former Governor Pat McCrory chatted virtually with Key Networks syndicated talk icon Bill O’Reilly. This year, each
Thursday in “Talktober” two of WBT’s personalities met virtually for an hour or so with listeners in a fun “ask us anything” forum on the station’s Facebook Live, Twitter and YouTube platforms. The first episode brought together morning drive host Bo Thompson and the newest member of the team, 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm host Pete Kaliner, discussing everything from their local roots to Pete’s return to WBT to host in the daypart formerly held by Rush Limbaugh, to pizza. The second edition was more news focused as WBT news reporters Mark Garrison and “Breaking” Brett Jensen broke down the biggest local news stories in Charlotte and North Carolina. Week three featured late morning and afternoon drive hosts Vince Coakley and Brett Winterble with a discussion that leaned heavily towards national politics, with discussions of Vince’s previous run for Congress and Brett’s time as a member of the Rush Limbaugh show team. The “Talktoberfest” finale featured an extended version of the station’s twice-daily “AM/PM” discussions with Bo Thompson and Brett Winterble. Schaefer says, “WBT’s Talktoberfest 2021 was a fun, unpredictable series driven largely by the participation of our loyal listeners! We’re excited to see how the event will evolve in 2022!”
Nielsen and SCBA: The Power of Impressions for the Radio Industry. A recent study by Nielsen – commissioned by the Southern California Broadcasters Association – shows the power of impressions-based buying for the radio industry, according to the SCBA. The study reveals that agencies are increasingly using impressions to evaluate media, and the usefulness of impressions to evaluate radio and digital using a common metric. According to the study, the benefits of impressions-based buying (how many
times an ad was heard) offers increased granularity over ratings (how many people were listening during a given time period) and adds value to more dayparts and easier comparison across markets. It also gives audio and digital platforms the ability to capture all of their audiences no matter where content is consumed. Additionally, the study showed that impressions also provide a brand safe environment for advertisers looking for premium impressions at the local level. Other highlights include: 1) The shift to buying on impressions is accelerating. In fact, 54% of agency professionals are now buying on impressions; 2) Buying on CPM levels the playing field, where supply and demand determine pricing rather than market size; and 3) The line between radio and digital is starting to blur, and impressions are key to evaluating radio station app and website audiences. SCBA president Miles Sexton says, “The importance of combining radio and digital advertising effectively cannot be overstated, and impressions are clearly where the industry is headed. As radio continues to evolve within the digital ecosystem, the building blocks of a successful cross-platform campaign will include impressions.” See more here.
Radio Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2021. The 2021 Radio Hall of Fame inductees
were honored at last night’s ceremony held at Chicago’s Wintrust Grand Banking Hall. Eight radio professionals were inducted, including talk personalities Kim Komando (pictured here with Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig T. Kitchin) and sports talk host Dan Patrick. Additionally, 33 late broadcasters were inducted as part of the Legends Class of 2021 that included: Dr. Joy Browne, Barry Gray, and Dr. Toni Grant. Last night’s program was hosted by Jonathon Brandmeier with Hall of Famer Jim Bohannon also doing announcing duties throughout the show. Photo: David Kindler Photography.
Federal Budget Negotiations Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 25 – 29. The negotiations over President Joe Biden’s infrastructure and social spending bills was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy, the supply chain disruption, inflation, and labor issues. Following at #3 was COVID-19 vaccines, masks & mandates, and the politics and school board issues surrounding the pandemic. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio and is the result on ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Saturday, October 30 Marks the 83rd Anniversary of Historic ‘War of the Worlds’ Radio Broadcast. With concerns over so-called fake news, “deepfakes,” and algorithm manipulation in the zeitgeist, this Saturday (10/30) marks the anniversary of the original “deepfake of 1938,” when more than eight decades ago, “War of The Worlds,” Orson
Wells’ radio drama about an alien invasion theatrically presented as “breaking news,” reportedly scared the daylights out of the nation (and many claim that even the level of hyperbole surrounding those reports were fake news about fake news). The story about this event is extremely well-covered in today’s (10/28) posting of the premiere episode of Season 2 of the hit podcast series, “We Interrupt This Broadcast.” ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS: this is a great, last minute Halloween radio special in a bottle. The show’s producers are offering news/talk radio stations and broadcasters who read TALKERS free access to the podcast and use of any or all of its production elements to tie in with the event’s connection to Halloween. Here is a link to the “War of The Worlds” episode: The War of The Worlds: The Original Deep Fake of 1938. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact the podcast’s producer Joe Garner at jgarner@garnercreative.com or 818-439-6771.
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Ramsey Solutions’ Borrowed Future Premieres Today; Teachers Given Free Access to Share with Students. The student load documentary produced by Ramsey Solutions is being released today (10/14) and the company is offering every teacher in the U.S. free access to the film. Borrowed Future: How Student Loans Are Killing the
American Dream is produced by Dave Ramsey and is now available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play. Ramsey Solutions says the film uncovers the dark side of the student loan industry and exposes how it’s built to work against borrowers. Dave Ramsey – CEO of Ramsey Solutions, host of “The Ramsey Show,” and executive producer of the film – comments, “It’s ironic to me that the dumbest decisions we make as a society are related to education, of all things. Student loans are not the only way to get a degree. Young people need to know all their options instead of settling for student loans because it’s ‘normal.’ Normal is broke.” The main subjects of the documentary are college graduates who owe between $9,000 and $1 million in student loans, a debt-free college graduate, and high school students who haven’t yet questioned the norm of student loans – until now. Borrowed Future is directed by David DiCicco and features experts such as Seth Godin, Dave Ramsey, Seth Frotman, Kristina Ellis, Dr. John Delony and Anthony ONeal, as well as the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Mike Rowe. See more about Borrowed Future here.
Audacy Offers $45 Million in New Notes to Fund ‘Small Digital Acquisition.’ A subsidiary of Audacy – Audacy Capital Corp – plans to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $45 million in aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s 6.500% senior secured second-lien notes due 2027. Audacy says it is in the process of completing a small digital acquisition for approximately $40 million and expects to fund this acquisition through a draw on the Issuer’s revolving credit facility. This acquisition is expected to close in October 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Audacy
intends to use the net proceeds from this offering (after deducting discounts and commissions and paying offering-related expenses) to repay outstanding amounts under the Issuer’s term loan to offset the impact of the revolver draw. This offering is not conditioned upon the consummation of the acquisition, nor is the acquisition conditioned on the consummation of this offering. The Additional Notes are being offered as additional notes under an existing indenture, dated April 30, 2019, pursuant to which the Issuer previously issued $425 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.500% senior secured second-lien notes due 2027. The Additional Notes will have identical terms (other than issue date and offering price) as the Existing Notes. The Additional Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured second-lien basis by each direct and indirect subsidiary of the Issuer that guarantees the Issuer’s senior secured credit facility. The Notes and the related guarantees will be secured on a second-priority basis by liens on substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and the guarantors. The Additional Notes will be offered in a private offering exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and will be offered and sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers.
NAB’s Marconi Awards to Happen Virtually; Radio Show to Merge with NAB Show Permanently. With the cancellation of the in-person NAB Show this fall, the
National Association of Broadcasters announces the presentation of the 2021 NAB Marconi Radio Awards and the State of the Industry Address by NAB president and CEO Gordon Smith will take place virtually on November 10 at 2:00 pm ET via
NAB.org/watch. At the same time, NAB announces that going forward, the annual Radio Show will be integrated into the NAB Show beginning in April 2022 in Las Vegas. NAB says, “This change provides more opportunities in one location for radio professionals and elevates radio in the larger media ecosystem represented at NAB Show.” NAB adds that the integrated event in Las Vegas will feature signature awards, networking events and a comprehensive conference program, including popular sales and marketing sessions presented by the Radio Advertising Bureau. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber comments, “It’s important that we continue to bring radio professionals together to network, celebrate audio and engage in meaningful discussions around the future of our industry.” Salem Media Group president of broadcast media and NAB joint board chair David Santrella states, “In today’s world where radio companies are essentially multimedia companies, the value in attending NAB Show cannot be overstated. We are now streaming and podcasting and even producing video. NAB Show provides unparalleled access to the critical tools, knowledge and connections we need to grow and thrive in today’s media business.”
Nielsen: AM/FM Radio Listening Near its Highest Point in a Year. Results from Nielsen’s ongoing Audio Consumer Sentiment survey that addresses current American feelings about the COVID pandemic and how it impacts their lives have been released and they indicate that nearly nine in 10 (86%) say they are spending the same amount or more since the Delta variant emerged. Despite the Delta variant and increasing
COVID cases in the summer, more than eight in 10 (82%) don’t think their own financial situation will change in the coming months. Also, radio’s average quarter-hour (AQH) audience trend is up 4% year over year, with 7.5 million people age 12+ listening during an average quarter-hour in PPM Markets in September 2021. Radio’s reach trend is stable. Radio reached 121.5 million consumers in PPM markets during an average week in September 2021. In Continuous Diary Measurement markets, Radio’s reach and AQH audience have been remarkably stable during the past year. The study finds that seven in 10 working Americans now work outside the home – an 80% jump since April 2020. The gain in those who work outside the home is a key statistic for audio since consumers spend more time with radio when they travel in vehicles to get to work or shop. There were also big gains in the area of transportation. Overall, nearly a third (31%) are spending more than an hour in their vehicles yesterday compared with 14% in April of last year. That’s a two-fold increase, and heavy radio listeners are far more likely to spend more time in their vehicles. In September, 55% of heavy radio listeners spent more than an hour in their vehicle yesterday.
Warren Eckstein’s ‘The Pet Show’ to Celebrate 40 Years on Air. In November, Warren Eckstein will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his radio program “The Pet Show with Warren Eckstein.” His program is syndicated nationally via Radio America. In addition to his work as a pet behaviorist and TV-radio personality, Eskstein founded the
Hugs & Kisses Animal Fund – a not-for-profit organization in memory of his late wife, Fay. Its mission is to fund hundreds of small animal organizations across the U.S. The Hugs & Kisses Animal Fund aims to be the outsourced fundraising arm for small animal rescues when other financial resources are unavailable. Speaking about his show, Eskstein says, “Unlike most talk radio shows, my focus is on the listeners and callers. I rarely do interviews, because for 40 years, pet guardians are calling with questions they need answers to. My show has listeners with four generations of pets. We’ve laughed together and cried together. There is a level of trust the show has built with my audience – they know I will never endorse a product unless I personally use it for my pets. My reputation is on the line with every show.”
CBS News Honored with Four Honors from New York Festivals 2021 Radio Awards. The winners of the New York Festivals 2021 Radio Awards have been announced and CBS News earned four honors in this year’s competition. “The Debrief with Major 
Garrett” took home the Gold Award in the News Podcast category; “Mobituaries with Mo Rocca” earned a Silver Award in the Narrative/Documentary Podcast category; “My Life of Crime” from “48 Hours” correspondent Erin Moriarty was a finalist in the Narrative/Documentary Podcast category; and “Century of Sound” was a finalist in the Best Nonfiction Series category.
TALKERS News Notes. Imaging firm Benztown promotes Thomas Green to director of custom imaging and appoints Royce Stevenson to the custom imaging manager role that Green held prior to his promotion. With Benztown since 2019, Brooklyn, New York-based Green is the audio producer for National Geographic’s FYC Podcast “The Making Of.” Stevenson joins Benztown from Audacy’s KDGS-FM, Wichita “Power 93.5” where he was most recently assistant brand manager and music director…..KMG Utopia Studios, TalkShoe, and Mark Krantz Productions announce that award-winning actor Joe Pantoliano and his daughter Daniella Pantoliano are kicking off season two of their popular podcast, “No Kidding? Me Too!” at Advertising Week NY 2021 with a live Q&A on Monday, October 18 at 4:30 pm ET and a virtual session on Tuesday, October 19 at 2:00 pm ET. The two will conduct an intimate interview with Kelly Carlin – author, performer, and life coach – the only child of comic legend George Carlin. She’ll share her family’s struggle with mental health, addiction, and healing. Joe Pantoliano says, “We are thrilled to bring this important conversation to Advertising Week. It is important for us to collaborate with brands and advertisers on the increasing intensity of brain Dis-Ease, the co-occurring nature of addiction, and how to discover a recovery process. This is a perfect opportunity to raise the volume on recovery.”…..Stitcher announces its acquisition of “The Bellas Podcast” hosted by sisters, WWE Hall of Fame Inductees, TV personalities, and best-selling authors Brie and Nikki Bella. Before going on hiatus in spring 2021, “The Bellas Podcast” was part of the Endeavor Audio network. As it relaunches, hosts Brie and Nikki will produce the show with support from Stitcher.
Former Baltimore Talk Host Alan Christian Dies at 81. The Baltimore Sun has the obituary for Alvin Eugene Christian Jr., a.k.a. Alan Christian, who hosted talk radio programs on Baltimore radio stations during the 1970s and 1980s. Christian died on October 5 at age 81 after suffering from heart complications. During his career, Christian hosted talk shows on WBAL-AM, WERQ-AM, and WFBR-AM. His radio career launched in 1967 when he joined Metromedia Radio News to cover the Pentagon and the 1968 presidential campaign before being promoted to Washington bureau chief. He joined WCBM-AM in 1971 and moved to WBAL in 1974 to host “The Alan Christian Show.” At the end of his radio career, he hosted a weekly show on WERQ from 1992 to 1993 before retiring.
Supply Chain Crisis, Oil Prices/Inflation, SS COLA, COVID-19, Debt Ceiling/Biden Spending Bills, January 6 Investigation, China’s Taiwan Aggression, and Jon Gruden Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/13). The broken global supply chain’s effect on the U.S. economy; near-record high oil prices and the inflation affecting retail prices; Social Security announces cost-of-living increases for monthly recipients; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the controversy over mask & vaccine mandates; the battle in Congress to raise the debt ceiling and the negotiations over President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill and the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack; China’s continuing military aggression against Taiwan; and NFL coach Jon Gruden resigns from the Raiders due to racist emails were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
