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Friday, January 21, 2022

TALKERS | 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 Ten^TM. 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 Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

FOX News Media Has Radio Reporter Opportunity. For this Washington, DC-based position, FOX News Media is seeking an experienced reporter. You will cover a wide range of political, government, and Congressional stories for FOX News Audio (FOX News Headlines 24/7 and FOX News Terrestrial Radio). You possess strong journalism skills and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Most importantly, you have great editorial judgement and the ability to break important news stories. See more about this position and apply here.

FOX News Audio Seeks Podcast Producer. For this New York-based position, FOX News Audio is looking for a podcast producer to be part of the fast-paced and growing FOX News Podcast Network. This position’s responsibility will be to develop ideas, pitch stories, and work with FOX News Channel talent in crafting daily and weekly podcasts. They will direct bookings, edit shows for broadcast, and work with production teams to create high-quality products every day. In addition to their production duties, they will also lead creative on social media posts and website write-ups to promote the products. See more about this position and apply here.

Full-Time News Anchor Opening at FOX News Audio. This is a New York-based position. FOX News Audio is seeking a full-time news anchor to join the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOX News Headlines 24/7, Sirius XM Channel 115. In addition, you may be asked to anchor on the FOX News Radio affiliate network. As a radio news anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a days’ notice. See more about this position and apply 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

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Has Opening for Programming and Content Manager. In this position, the programming and content manager must meet objectives related to the mission and goals of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as the key contributor to and executor of the long-term strategic plans for The Billy Graham Channel. Assists executive director and managing producer in determining the target audience for the channel. With target in mind, crafts the formatic structure of the channel and cultivates its particular “personality” in production and writing of content. This includes development and direction of special programming for the channel. Direct and, as needed, writes “Billy Graham Radio Specials” for broadcast radio. Serves as point contact for “Billy Graham Minutes” features. Also contributes in the development and review of Audio Ministry Services-produced podcast content. See more about this position and apply here.

Monday, December 13, 2021

TALKERS | December 13, 2021

Pending Business: Tips for Getting Through Down Days. How are you feeling as we close out the 2021 sales calendar? Whether you are relieved, optimistic, defeated, encouraged, or discouraged, radio sales pro Steve Lapa offers some tips for getting through down days. Back in the 1970s, Lapa worked in Buffalo. Facing a bad economy, 23% unemployment, and 30-plus snow days per year, he learned a lot of lessons about getting through tough times. Check out his tips here.

Monday Memo: You Say It’s Your Birthday. With most radio broadcast hours now robotic, consultant Holland Cooke suggests “a simple, but very personal touch that will distinguish you to listeners (and advertisers).” Read it here.

Chris Wallace Leaves FOX News; Will Join CNN+. He didn’t tell his viewers where he was headed, but longtime “FOX News Sunday” host Chris Wallace bid his viewers adieu at the conclusion of yesterday’s program. He said, “After 18 years — this is my final ‘FOX News Sunday.’ It is the last time — and I say this with real sadness — we will meet like this. Eighteen years ago, the bosses here at FOX promised me they would never interfere with a guest I booked or a question I asked. And they kept that promise. I have been free to report to the best of my ability, to cover the stories I think are important, to hold our country’s leaders to account. It’s been a great ride. We’ve covered five presidential elections, interviewed every president since George H.W. Bush, travelled the world — sitting down with France’s Emanuel Macron and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. And I’ve gotten to spend Sunday mornings with you. It may sound corny, but I feel we’ve built a community here. There’s a lot you can do on Sunday mornings. The fact you’ve chosen to spend this hour with us is something I cherish. But after 18 years, I have decided to leave FOX. I want to try something new, to go beyond politics to all the things I’m interested in. I’m ready for a new adventure. And I hope you’ll check it out. And so —for the last time, dear friends — that’s it for today. Have a great week. And I hope you’ll keep watching FOX News Sunday.” Wallace will join CNN as an anchor for the new streaming service CNN+ that will debut in 2022. He’ll host a weekday show featuring interviews with newsmakers “across politics, business, sports and culture.” In a statement, Wallace adds, “I am thrilled to join CNN+. After decades in broadcast and cable news, I am excited to explore the world of streaming. I look forward to the new freedom and flexibility streaming affords in interviewing major figures across the news landscape — and finding new ways to tell stories.”

KYW, Philadelphia Presents Richard Monetti Scholarship to Newstudies Student. Philadelphia all-news KYW Newsradio held its 54^th consecutive, annual Newstudies program that offered a diverse and talented group of high schoolers from around the Philadelphia region the opportunity to participate in the Audacy station’s one-of-a-kind program. Throughout the fall, students attended sessions where they learned the principles of broadcast journalism from industry professionals and produced their own news reports that aired on KYW. The program culminated Saturday (12/11) in a graduation ceremony at Temple University. Audacy Philly SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “For decades, Newstudies has allowed our talented staff to share their expertise with the next generation of journalists. KYW Newsradio’s tradition of fair, credible, local journalism is a tremendous learning opportunity for these students, and we were thrilled to see and hear their passion.” Pictured above is Souderton Area High School student Sara Bishop (left) receiving the $2,000 Richard Monetti Scholarship from KYW brand manager Alex Silverman (right). The scholarship is named for a Newstudies graduate killed in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 and honors a student whose work demonstrates overall excellence.

Joe Madison on Day 36 of Hunger Strike for Voting Rights Legislation. Talk radio host Joe Madison – heard daily on SiriusXM’s Urban View channel – is on day 36 of his hunger strike to raise awareness for voting rights legislation that he says is necessary to combat the actions being taken in numerous states to restrict voting abilities. Madison says he’s going to post a photo to his Twitter account every week to show how his hunger strike is affecting his body. Madison says, “I’ve lost over 20 pounds on my #hungerstrike for voting rights. Starting today, I intend to take a photo every week while I continue to sacrifice my body for democracy.”

TALKERS News Notes. Next Monday (12/20), Edison Research will present its final webinar of the year that will feature its “Top 10 Findings of 2021.” At the 2:00 pm ET webinar Edison SVP Tom Webster and director of research Laura Ivey will host and will be joined by many of the researchers behind the studies to reveal “the most fascinating data from the past year.” You can register here…..The podcast docuseries, “We Interrupt This Broadcast: Before it Was History, it Was News” announces that it claims the #1 and most popular spot in the History category and has placed in the top 25 of all Apple Podcasts. MSNBC host Brian Williams, who signed off for the last time Thursday evening ending his 28-year career with the network, is the narrator and executive producer of the series. Williams says, “Podcasting allows us to get it right—we get to tell the story calmly and accurately. If we do it right, it will bring people as close as possible to the feeling of being as fortunate as we are to have this job.” Hosted by legendary broadcaster Bill Kurtis and narrated by Williams, ‘We Interrupt This Broadcast’ is a celebration of the art of journalism and the heroism of journalists who broke the news and reported the captivating details from the front lines of these iconic moments…..Yesterday (12/12), Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York honored Frank Sinatra on his birthday with a live broadcast from Hoboken, New Jersey where a statue of the late, great crooner was unveiled. Later that evening, Joe Piscopo hosted a special edition of his weekend Sinatra program on WABC that included members of Sinatra’s family and special guests.

WNYC Names Misdary Health and Science Reporter. Public media’s WNYC, New York announces that Rosemary Misdary is joining the organization full time as a health and science reporter on the community health and environment desk. Misdary, who worked as a civil engineer for a decade, was an intern at WNYC in 2019 and later covered the George Floyd protests as a weekend reporter. And for the last month, she’s been covering health stories, including how New Jersey hospitals are preparing for a winter COVID surge and the effort by NYC health experts to remove racially biased computer algorithms from patient treatment options. She was a 2020-2021 NPR Kroc Fellow, covering New York for the national desk and producing for “Weekend Edition.” She has also covered crime, courts, prisons and breaking news at New York Daily News and The New York Post.

COVID-19 Omicron Variant/Vaccines/Mandates, Deadly Tornadoes, Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Russia’s Ukraine Aggression, January 6 Investigation, Jussie Smollett Guilty Verdict, and Author Anne Rice and Musician Mike Nesmith Die Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The rising number of COVID cases in the U.S.’ northern states, the Omicron variant, and mandates; the deadly tornadoes that killed more than 90 in Kentucky and Illinois; criticism of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better spending plan; Russia is warned by G7 nations of consequences of invasion of Ukraine; the January 6 investigation and a judge’s ruling allowing some to be charged with felony obstruction; the aftermath of the Jussie Smollett guilty verdict; and the deaths of author Anne Rice and musician Mike Nesmith were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Monday, November 1, 2021

TALKERS | November 1, 2021

Monday Memo: “Try to Sell Everyone You Talk to.” Regardless of your stated occupation, you’re in sales, “especially if you’re in radio, where, lately,” consultant Holland Cooke observes, “return on investment in talent is calculated ruthlessly.” In this week’s column, HC recommends a read that he says, “changed my life decades ago, no less than a master class in the way we deal with each other day to day.” Read it here.

Pending Business: Killing the Customer. Radio sales pro Steve Lapa writes in today’s column about handling the situation in which management puts the kibosh on a sale after it’s been consummated. How does a radio seller preserve the relationship with the client? Lapa offers some thoughts on handling this delicate situation. Read more here.

Key Networks and Summit Technology Group Partner for ATMOS Weather Reporting Syndication. This deal between Key Networks and Summit Technology Group will offer ATMOS Weather Reporting to radio stations of all formats and market sizes for no additional barter. Key says ATMOS Weather Reporting is an advanced routine and emergency weather reporting system developed by Summit Technology Group that uses artificial intelligence to generate a script and natural text-to-speech synthesis to deliver a customized, localized weather forecast in a broadcast quality voice. The result is seamless, accurate and as personable as a real meteorologist. With ATMOS Weather Reporting, all advertising inventory is contained in the weather forecasts that are delivered, so stations can sell the forecasts to local sponsors and others. Key Networks chief revenue officer Dennis Green comments, “Key Networks’ mission is to bring innovative products and services to the market that you cannot find anywhere else. Mission accomplished with ATMOS Weather powered by Key Networks. Stations will get precise and accurate weather forecasts without having to give up additional inventory outside the content. That is a game changer. This service works on any station in any format and you’ll want to sign up soon, as there is additional cutting-edge technology coming that will provide even more localization to your weather forecast. Prepare to be wowed and provide your local listeners and advertisers with weather forecasts around the clock and branded as you desire. I’m beyond excited to get stations on board!”

Churchill Author to Keynote Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation’s 6^th Annual Event and Dinner. The non-profit arm of the Bold Gold Media Group, the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation, which supports educational programs that help students prepare for careers in broadcast journalism, announces that professor Andrew Roberts, author of the 2018 international best-seller, Churchill: Walking With Destiny, will keynote the organization’s 6th Annual Event & Dinner taking place on November 19 at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre. The theme of the event is: Celebrating the Leadership of Winston Churchill – Defender of Free Speech and Western Civilization and once again focuses on the importance of freedom of speech, the press and First Amendment rights. Bold Gold Foundation president Vince Benedetto says, “Winston Churchill used the power of speech and the power of radio to rally his nation and the world to fight against tyranny. Churchill also confronted many of the dangerous ideologies that we see reemerging today… ideologies that are a threat to individual freedom and self-government, and he vanquished them. Professor Roberts is going to talk about how he defeated them, and what lessons we can learn from his leadership that are applicable in our time.” Also at this year’s event, the Bold Gold Foundation will honor Northeast PA business leader, Rob Grimm, of Grimm Construction, with The Atlas Award for Citizenship, presented to individuals who, through their hard work and bold actions, show what is possible to achieve in a free society, and who exhibit extraordinary dedication to the highest ideals of character, community service, entrepreneurialism, patriotism, leadership, and virtue. For more info about this event and to reserve your place, visit www.BoldGold.org

Altitude Ventures Transitions KKSE-AM, Denver to Sports Betting Format. Denver sports talk outlet KKSE-AM, “Altitude Sports Radio 950 AM,” is transitioning to a 24/7 sports betting information format, airing VSiN The Sports Betting Network content. Altitude Sports Radio general manager and SVP Dave Fleck says, “With hundreds of millions of dollars bet on sports in Colorado, credible sports betting information and analysis is increasingly valuable to Denver sports fans. Our listeners have repeatedly told us that they want informative, quality content focused on sports gaming. We’re responding to those listeners by bringing them some of the most knowledgeable sports betting talk in the business, as we become the home of VSiN in Denver.” Air talent include morning talk personalities Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard, former Denver Bronco and Denver radio host Mike Pritchard, sports betting analytics expert Gill Alexander, former pro football executive Michael Lombardi and sportscasting legend Brent Musburger.

El Dorado Broadcasters Names Ashley Gorniak Promotions Director in Victor Valley. For its Victor Valley, California radio station cluster, El Dorado Broadcasters announces that Ashley Gorniak is the new promotions manager. The cluster includes talk KIXW-AM “Talk 960” and five music brands. Gorniak is an upstate New York native who recently relocated to California to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. El Dorado VP of programming Mark Mitchell says, “Ms. Gorniak started as promotions assistant in August and has shown the ability to take on this new role with the station. Ashley has the drive and focus to help our station grow and achieve great things. We welcome her addition to our organization. She is exactly what we need to make the Victor Valley stations sing.”

TALKERS News Notes. The USA Radio nationally syndicated Wayne Allyn Root show moves from its six-year Las Vegas flagship affiliate Silver State Broadcasting’s KBET-AM to Kemp Communications’ crosstown news/talk KMZQ-AM in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart…..Salem Radio Network announces its Election Night 2021 coverage that includes the two high-profile gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as key mayoral races in New York, Boston, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. SRN News and TOWNHALL News are providing live updates during newscasts at the top of each hour as well as Live Special Reports each hour. The one-minute Live Special Reports will air at 30-minutes past the hour beginning at 7:30 pm, ET and continuing until least 11:30 pm, ET or longer if either contest remains undecided…..FOX News Channel names Carley Shimkus co-host of “FOX & Friends First” (weekdays 4:00 am to 6:00 am ET). Shimkus made her debut alongside co-host Todd Piro this morning (11/1). Host Jillian Mele left the position to return home to Philadelphia to focus on her MBA program at La Salle University. In making the announcement, FNC VP of morning programming Gavin Hadden says, “Carley brings great experience to this role developed over nearly a decade at FOX News Media and we are excited to have her join ‘FOX & Friends First.’ We wish Jillian all the best as she returns home to Philadelphia and thank her for her outstanding contribution and dedication to the FOX & Friends franchise.”

Biden Spending Bills, January 6 Investigation/Trump Election Fraud Claims, COVID-19, COP26 Summit, VA Governor’s Race, SCOTUS Abortion Case, and World Series Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The fate of President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill and $1.75 trillion economic plan and Congress likely to act on them this week; the investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and former President Donald Trump’s ongoing claims of election fraud; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., mask & vaccine mandates, and school board tensions; this week’s COP26 Summit in Glasgow and the issue of climate change policies; Democrats are sweating the Virginia gubernatorial race between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican challenger Glenn Youngkin; the U.S. Supreme Court will begin hearing the case of Texas’ restrictive abortion law; and the World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Pending Business: Who Cares?

TALKERS | October 11, 2021

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Those could be the two harshest words in sales.

Think about this scenario. You have prequalified the advertiser. You spend hours developing a proposal loaded with your best sales points. Every #1 position you can muster is so baked into your pitch you can recite the numbers in your sleep. If your station is not in the business of ratings, you find another #1 strategy. Your talent bios show a spectrum of photos that range from influential guests to family photos that warm the coldest hearts. Confidently, you hit the send button, looking for the feedback that leads to winning the business you’ve worked hard to develop. But wait! You’ve missed one of the single most important steps in this process. Before you hit the send button, has your proposal passed the “Who Cares?” test when it comes to all these perceived salient points? Have you considered what is truly RELEVANT to this advertiser?