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Monday, August 17, 2020

TALKERS | August 17, 2020

Monday Memo: Emulate Success. Talkers of all sorts – music DJs, talk hosts, podcasters – are fighting for attention, now more than ever, in what TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison calls “today’s sped-up world.” In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke lists success prescriptions from industry icons. Read it here.

USPS Controversy/Mail-In Voting, Presidential Election/Kamala Harris Choice, COVID-19 Statistics & Projections, School Opening Debate, Portland Protests/Urban Violence, WAP Controversy Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The funding issues facing the U.S. Postal Service and President Trump’s allegation that mail-in voting breeds fraud; the November presidential election and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s choice of Kamala Harris as his running mate; the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and projections for future cases; the debate over opening schools this fall; the ongoing protests in Portland and rise in violent crime in a number of U.S. cities; and the controversy over the Cardi B song “WAP” were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Pending Business: In the Market for a Test Drive. A personality endorsement campaign is a commitment on both sides – the client’s and the talent’s and AE’s. What happens when a prospect responds with the desire to “try it for a month?” Sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications, writes about tying the length of time it takes to get a consumer through the purchase process to the minimum term required for an endorsement campaign featuring one of your talk personalities. Read it here.

WQAM, Miami Re-Vamps Daily Program Schedule. South Florida sports talker WQAM “560 The Joe” announces it’s tweaking its daily lineup, adding ESPN Radio’s “Greeny” with Mike Greenberg in the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm daypart and is expanding the afternoon drive “Hochman and Crowder” show – hosted by Marc Hochman and Channing Crowder – to 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Entercom South Florida SVP and market manager Keriann Worley says, “With the return of live sports, we aim to give sports fans of South Florida a home for both national headlines and premier coverage of their favorite teams. As he returns to radio, Mike Greenberg is a nationally recognized and trusted voice and we’re delighted to add his show to our already impressive lineup of weekday programming.”

John Fredericks Radio Network Announces New Virginia Digital News Operation. In conjunction with Star News Digital Media, the Virginia based John Fredericks Radio Network is launching The Virginia Star – a new, digital news operation that begins publishing today. John Fredericks is host of the network’s morning drive program and he’s also serving as publisher and editor-in-chief of the news operation. He says, “We are very excited about this new venture: real news in real time. The Virginia Star will be fiercely local in its core news reporting content, augmented with a national flavor and robust commentary section. Like on my radio show, we encourage all voices.” Star executives say they have hired three local, full-time reporters and have contracted with several more on a part-time basis. Fredericks adds, “We are going to cover the stories important to our readers that the fake news refuses to do simply because it doesn’t fit their narrative. At The Virginia Star, we have our own narrative, it’s called the truth.” Star News Digital Media CEO Michael Patrick Leahy says, “The Virginia Star now becomes the fifth state-based news site in the Star News Network, joining The Tennessee Star, The Ohio Star, The Minnesota Sun, and The Michigan Star.” Star News Digital Media chief technology officer Christina Botteri adds, “The Virginia Star is the first affiliate of the Star News Network. We own and operate our four other news sites. We searched the country to find the right organization with the reputation and experience to work with in a fifth state, and the John Fredericks Radio Network in Virginia was hands down the right choice for us. Together with John, our crackerjack team of on-the-ground reporters, and the great people of Virginia, we will change the face of news in the Commonwealth.”

PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2020 PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk. As sports leagues begin returning to live play-by-play, America’s sports talk stations are hoping it will translate into improved ratings. During the July 2020 survey, Tegna’s WBNS-FM, Columbus “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” was the big gainer, adding seven-tenths to post a 3.6 share. Right behind was Cumulus Media’s KNBR, San Francisco tacking on six-tenths for a 2.5 share finish. Comparing July 2020 to July 2019, the top gainer is iHeartMedia’s KXFN, Minneapolis “K-FAN,” which posts a seven-tenths gain for a 5.0 share. No sports talk station ranked #1 in its market in July – not even close. However, three stations – Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub”; WBNS-FM, Columbus; and KXFN-FM, Minneapolis – tied for ranking #8 in their respective markets. See the complete report here.

TALKERS News Notes. This month, Premiere Networks is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of FOX Sports Radio. Premiere says that it and FOX Sports “have enjoyed a long partnership that kicked off in 2000 with the goal of producing a home for industry-leading talent focused on delivering entertaining, informed and thought-provoking programming for sports fans. FOX Sports Radio launched in August of that year, and the network’s storied 20-year run has developed a loyal following of more than 14 million listeners across more than 500 affiliates nationwide with an unmatched weekday lineup featuring some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting, including Colin Cowherd, Dan Patrick, Clay Travis, Doug Gottlieb, Chris Broussard, Rob Parker, R.J. Bell, Jason Smith, Mike Harmon and Ben Maller.” Premiere SVP of sports programming Don Martin says, “What an amazing accomplishment – 20 years! I’ve been fortunate to be part of the FSR family for the entire run, both as an affiliate and on the management team.”…..San Diego is getting its first taste of “The Mightier 1090” today (8/17) as the Bill Hagen-led station begins operating. XEPRS-AM had been a sports talker as “The Mighty 1090” operated by Broadcast Corporation of the Americas but that organization lost its lease on the Mexican blowtorch last year. Now, ad exec Hagen is re-imagining the station. Times of San Diego reports that former XEPRS sports talk host Scott Kaplan is hosting afternoon drive. The rest of the schedule is: SportsGrid’s “The Morning After” with Ariel Epstein and Jared Smith in morning drive, Rich Eisen from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, two programs hosted by Scott Ferrall, and Tony Bruno in evenings…..ESPN Radio announces that effective today (8/17), personalities Dan LeBatard and Stugotz are presenting new daily podcast-exclusive content. A new digital-only episode will be recorded and posted before their 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET national radio show. Following the radio program, LeBatard and Stugotz will record more thoughts and ramblings as a digital-only “post-game show.” In addition, each hour of the radio show – as well as their local hour heard in Miami – will continue to be available as podcasts. ESPN Audio VP, digital marketing and strategy Tom Ricks says, “Dan and Stugotz already have a large digital-only audience, and we wanted to better serve that audience with exclusive podcast content. They are a unique show on sports radio and now their podcast listeners will get more unique podcast content each day.”

Michael Harrison Joins Gunhill Road with New Song About Life During Pandemic. Here they come again! Gunhill Road, the legendary album rock band that was a cult favorite of FM radio in the early 70s and then scored a Top 40 AM radio one-off smash in 1973 with “Back When My Hair Was Short” has returned in 2020 with a reworked version of the classic hit. This time the catchy tune has new lyrics that address the coronavirus with a lovingly humorous take on the sacrifices society is making to contain it. Rock enthusiasts might recall that Gunhill Road reunited in 2014 to a packed house at New York’s Bitter End and a brand new double album titled, “Every 40 Years,” which became the subject of a feature film documentary. The long-running ensemble which consists of original members Glenn Leopold, Steve Goldrich, and Paul Reich and new members musician/arranger Brian Koonin and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison has a new set of songs ready to drop in early 2021. Among the new songs is one co-written and performed by Harrison that addresses the issue of animal welfare. To check out the new “Back When We Used to Hug” video, please click here.

Newsmax TV Adds ‘Stinchfield’ to Nightly Lineup. Four-time Emmy-winning journalist Grant Stinchfield is joining the evening lineup at Newsmax TV, beginning tomorrow (8/18) at 8:00 pm ET. Newsmax says “Stinchfield” is “a full hour of the day’s top news and provocative conversation.” Stinchfield says, “I’m thrilled to be at Newsmax TV. Each night, our viewers can look forward to a compelling mix of up-to-the-second news and compelling discussions with newsmakers and Newsmax TV’s great roster of contributors.” Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Grant has an impeccable track record in broadcast journalism with the awards to prove it. He will bring our viewers solid news reports with the insight they can’t find elsewhere.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Townsquare Media’s Albany, New York station group, country WGNA brand manager Matty Jeff is promoted to director of content for the cluster that also includes alternative WQSH, rock WQBK, adult contemporary WPBZ, hip hop WQBK-HD2/W256BU, and sports talk WTMM-FM. Townsquare Albany market president Kevin Rich says, “Matty has programmed WGNA to be a consistent local ratings and online leader and by far the #1 country station in the Capital Region. Having him as my partner in the director of content role will make our locally programmed stations even stronger.”…..Country radio air personality Jessica Cash announces she’s leaving Alpha Media’s WFLS, Fredericksburg, Virginia at the end of this week. She says, “Fourteen years is a long time for someone in our profession to be in one place. I’ve had the good fortune to do that, to hopefully get your day started with a smile. But, now it’s time for me to make a change in my life.” Cash co-hosts the morning drive show with Steve Waters. The duo has won honors over the years, including CMA’s Small Market Morning Show in 2018 and the ACM Small Market Personality in 2019. The station is searching for her replacement…..Condolences to the family and friends of longtime South Florida radio personality Sonny Fox, who passed away on Friday (8/14) in Dunnellon, Florida after an illness at age 73. An obit in the Miami Herald notes that Fox worked at former rock outlet WSHE (now hip hop WMIB), CHR WHYI, oldies WMXJ, and country WKIS.

Monday, January 16, 2017

TALKERS | January 16, 2017

Report: Laura Ingraham Considering Run for Virginia Senate Seat. According to a report in the Washington Examiner, talk show host – and Trump adviser – Laura Ingraham is seriously debating whether to throw her hat into the ring for a run for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat currently held by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 running mate, Tim Kaine. The Examiner’s Paul Bedard writes that “several party insiders have approached the media giant to run and that she is considering it. In preparation for a bid, her business partner, Peter Anthony, has begun buying website domains for Ingraham to use should she decide to move forward. It includes: ingrahamsenate.net, ingrahamsenate.com, ingrahamforvirginia.com and ingraham2018.com.” The story also notes that Virginia U.S. Representatives Barbara Comstock and Dave Brat – both Republicans – are considering challenging Kaine. See the Examiner story here.

iHeartMedia Execs Nab Big Bonuses. These bonuses – approved last Tuesday by the iHeartMedia board of directors – are retention bonuses. Here’s what the board approved: chairman and CEO Bob Pittman gets $1.75 million; COO and CFO Rich Bressler gets the same; and SVP of corporate finance Steven Macri is awarded $750,000. Because they are retention bonuses, the three must remain employed by the company for two years after the effective date of January 12, 2017 or they must repay 100% of the after-tax value of the bonus. If either is terminated without cause, leaves for a “good reason,” or due to death or disability before the first anniversary of the effective date, they must pay back 50% of the after-tax value. Additionally, the board of directors approved the 2017 Key Employee Incentive Plan in which Pittman and Bressler can earn bonuses of up to $7,000,000 and $3,000,000 respectively during the year for hitting quarterly performance goals set by the compensation committee of the board of directors.

Cumulus Media’s Mary Berner Pockets $1 Million-plus Bonus. Unlike the retention bonuses paid to iHeartMedia’s Bob Pittman and others (see story above), this payment to Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary Berner is a “one-time discretionary cash incentive compensation award” of $1,087,500 for “her exceptional efforts and contributions during 2016, both individually and as a member of the management leadership team, in the initial phase of the company’s operational turnaround plan and ongoing operational and financial restructuring.” The board of directors notes that this award is in lieu of any award she may have received under its annual incentive plan for 2016.

Charlie Sykes to Take Part in Public Radio Show. The Milwaukee radio icon retired from E.W. Scripps’ WTMJ at the end of 2016 after a 23-year career with the news/talk station. Now, Charlie Sykes is part of a new, national call-in talk show being produced in what is a cooperative venture by WNYC, New York, Minnesota Public Radio and The Economist. According to a story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sykes will be one of four co-hosts of the program titled, “Indivisible.” The other hosts are: WNYC’s Brian Lehrer, The Nation features editor Kai Wright, and MPR’s personality Kerri Miller. Sykes will not be heard on the radio in his home market because his non-compete prevents local pubcaster WUWM from airing the show. Under the terms of Sykes’ deal with WTMJ, any radio show on which Sykes appears during the term of the non-compete must air on WTMJ. The station asked to air the new show but NPR is not giving consent.

Will Talk Show Hosts Get Access to Trump Press Conferences? On Sunday (1/15), Trump Administration Press Secretary Sean Spicer told FOX News that the president-elect is considering moving press briefings to a larger location due to “off-the-charts” interest in the new administration. Spicer said, “There’s a lot of talk radio and bloggers and people that can’t fit in right now and maybe don’t have a permanency because they’re not part of the Washington elite media, but to allow them an opportunity to ask the press secretary or the president a question is a positive thing. It’s more democratic.” The Brady press room (pictured) in the West Wing only holds 49 people. However, the White House Correspondents’ Association is concerned about the move, in part because it fears the media could be moved from the press work space behind the Brady press room, according to a statement from WHCA president Jeff Mason. He says that space is important because it is close to West Wing staffers whom the press rely on for news. Spicer says he’ll work with the WHCA on any changes.

Trump Inauguration Protests, ObamaCare Replacement Plans, U.S.-Russia Relations, Orlando Cop Killer Search, Davos Economic Forum, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Ringling Brothers Circus to Close, and NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The planned protests and Democratic members of Congress planning to skip Donald Trump’s Inauguration on Friday; the GOP’s plans to replace the Affordable Care Act; the relationship between Vladimir Putin’s Russia and the United States with Trump set to take office; the search for the man police believe killed Orlando police officer Debra Clayton; this week’s meeting of world leaders at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland; today’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday; Ringling Brothers’ decision to shutter the 146-year-old circus; and the NFL playoff games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend.

Odds & Sods. Nationally syndicated “Free Talk Live” with Ian Freeman and Mark Edge adds new affiliates to its roster, including: WNIX-AM/FM, Greeneville, Mississippi; KLKS-FM, Brainerd, Minnesota; KHMO-AM, Hannibal, Missouri; and WBNW, Concord/Boston…..Teenage conservative talk show host Caiden Cowger announces his show is added to the program schedule at Kol Ami Havurah-owned WDUQ-LPFM, Benwood, West Virginia “Beautiful Music 99.1.” This is the fourth affiliate station for Cowger’s program. The one-hour show airs evenings at 9:00 pm…..In the San Antonio market, Cox Media Group drops the sports talk programming on KONO-AM after three years as a CBS Sports Radio affiliate and is now airing an oldies format.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In San Diego, air personality Sam Bass moves from middays to weekends on hot AC KYXY for personal reasons. Moving into his slot on the CBS RADIO station is Joe Rosati, who slides over from sister CHR KEGY “Energy 103.7.” Program director Chris Patyk promotes evening personality Alexia Gloria to middays on KEGY to fill Rosati’s old slot…..There are a few promotions to report at the Nashville operations of Midwest Communications. First, Barbara Bridges – currently adult contemporary WJXA brand manager – is upped to operations manager for the entire cluster. Second, afternoon drive host Joe Breezy is adding brand manager duties to his work at CHR WNFN “i106.7.” Finally, WNFN midday personality Butter Harper takes on assistant brand manager responsibilities for the station…..Chad Valentine exits iHeartMedia’s CHR WHYI, Miami “Y100” as the result of his position being eliminated. He was assistant program director and music director there…..Alexa Smith exits her role as program director at Sierra H Broadcasting’s hip hop KNRJ, Cordes Lakes, Arizona and rhythmic oldies KAJM, Camp Verde, Arizona after three months in the position. Prior to that, she’d been APD at CBS RADIO’s rhythmic AC KTWV, Los Angeles “94.7 The Wave.”

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

TALKERS | November 16, 2016

Cooke: Listeners Expect to Be Heard. Media consultant Holland Cooke presents another in his series of TALKERS TV videos – this one titled, “Listeners Expect to Be Heard.” Cooke states, “Donald Trump conveyed ‘I hear you’ to voters who already expected to be heard, by virtue of social media. Yet the talk format – radio’s most interactive – often offers monologue to listeners now accustomed to dialogue.” Cooke says he has advice for programmers and talk hosts interested in being positioned at the center of conversation “that extends Time Spent Listening, and makes you sound popular to advertisers.” View the video in the Talkers TV box in the upper right side of this page.

Crabtree: Radio’s Social and Digital Dilemma. Atlanta-based talk show host and writer Bryan Crabtree advocates for an aggressive use of social and digital media for radio talk hosts in a piece published today in TALKERS magazine. Crabtree hosts a daily show heard on “biz1190” and “AM920 The Answer” in Atlanta and he says, “Talk radio is no longer just a three-hour, on-air production. Our shows must continue ‘24/7’ via Twitter, Facebook, Soundcloud, iTunes, YouTube and other digital platforms. For me, it created pure anxiety in knowing that all of these platforms were available for free because the manpower required to utilize them was daunting. I knew there had to be some way to expedite and automate this process.” Read more about how Crabtree is using social and digital media here.

TALKERS’ Harrison on CNN’s ‘Anderson Cooper 360.’ TALKERS magazine publisher and editor Michael Harrison is pictured above on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360” last night discussing the potential for Courtside Entertainment nationally syndicated talk host Laura Ingraham to be named Press Secretary in the Trump Administration. Harrison said talk hosts are perfect for press secretary roles because they are able to articulate sometimes complex political issues to the press and public so well. He also noted that if President-Elect Donald Trump gets Ingraham for the Press Secretary post, he’s showing his skills in the “art of the deal” since she’s probably earning far more now than the Press Secretary position pays!

Odds & Sods. Memphis native Jeffrey Wright returns home to join the programming department at Entercom’s sports talk WFMS-FM “92.9FM ESPN.” Having most recently served the Yahoo/Rivals network covering Old Miss in Oxford, Mississippi, Wright’s duties at WFMS will include serving as executive producer of the Geoff Calkins show from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, as a contributor to the 929 Line at 929espn.com, as well as handling talk host duties at the station. Wright takes over the Calkins show producing duties from John Martin who is now partnered up with Jason Smith on the midday “Jason & John Show.”….. The National Association of Media Brokers is jumping into the fray over the FCC’s recent refusal to update its media cross-ownership rules. NAMB – a group of professionals representing buyers and sellers of radio and television stations and related businesses – is responding to the recent news that the National Association of Broadcasters and the News Media Alliance (formerly the Newspaper Association of America), each has filed suit against the FCC regarding its quadrennial media ownership rules review which maintained the prohibition against the common ownership of broadcast media and daily newspapers in the same market. NAMB vice president Eddie Esserman comments, “To agree with the FCC’s decision about cross-ownership, you would have to believe there is not enough media in the marketplace. I don’t know anyone who believes that.”…..The “Intelligent Medicine” with Dr. Ronald Hoffman podcast hits the 3 million download mark, according to Media Management Group EVP/business development Alan Eisenson. He says, “We are very proud of this major accomplishment and the rate at which Dr. Hoffman’s podcast and other digital assets have grown.”

Trump Victory Aftermath/Transition, U.S.-Russia Relations, Battle Against Islamic State, the State of ObamaCare, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/15). The aftermath of the Donald Trump victory over Hillary Clinton and the transition of the Trump Administration; speculation about the potential relations between Vladimir Putin and the U.S. after Trump’s inauguration; the fight to take Mosul from Islamic State; the future of the Affordable Care Act under the Trump Administration; and NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Dunkle and Nadel Upped at TTWN. Two promotions are taking place at Total Traffic & Weather Network. VP of affiliate sales Jack Dunkle rises to SVP of affiliate sales, in which he’ll report to Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott. In this newly expanded role, he’ll manage TTWN’s radio, television and digital product sales and distribution. At the same time, vice president of affiliate sales and compliance Roger Nadel is promoted to SVP of affiliate operations. He’ll also report to Julie Talbott.

Rare Talk Show Opportunity in Milwaukee. WTMJ, Milwaukee is building a dynamic midday talk show. E.W. Scripps’ WTMJ Radio is looking for an engaging LOCAL host or team to connect Milwaukee and Wisconsin with the issues, news and stories of the day. The host or team must LIVE the multi-platform audio experience and lead its 12:00 to 3:00 pm daily show with timely, relevant and entertaining talk. The opportunity is now. The show will begin in January as Charlie Sykes retires, with longtime WTMJ host Jeff Wagner moving into Sykes’ time slot. WTMJ is not limiting this opportunity to political-only shows, but to the next generation of talkers who can inform and entertain on whatever the big story happens to be that day. E.W. Scripps Radio is “Famous for Localism.” Apply at Scripps.com under the “Careers” tab and send materials along with your ratings track record to Eric Brooks, director of programming & news at: Eric.Brooks@WTMJ.com. EEO.

Cool Sales Opportunity. Entercom is seeking a director of sales for news/talk WBT-AM/FM and hot AC WLNK-FM in Charlotte, North Carolina. The right candidate must possess a strong desire to win, must lead by example, and have a track record of revenue success. The director of sales must have a strong background in running successful stations. Candidate must be an exceptional sales trainer, be a creative thinker, and be able to recruit and hire the best in the business. Primary responsibilities: Oversee all aspects of the sales operation; Implementation and compliance with CRM tools; Set rates through yield management tools; Meet or exceed all revenue goals; Work as a coach, leader and problem solver; and understand the digital space and present a specific plan for its growth. Please submit your cover letter and resume to hired@wbt.com or hired@1079thelink.com or mail to: Human Resources, WBT/WLNK, Entercom Charlotte, One Julian Price Place, Charlotte, NC 28208. EOE.

The Yappy Tour Rolls On. The coast-to-coast book tour of Bernadette Duncan rolled back into New England this past week as the author of Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (AuthorHouse/Talkers Books, 2016) stopped by Saga Communications’ WHMP-AM/FM, Northampton, Massachusetts (the station that launched the radio career of Rachel Maddow) where she appeared on the live-and-local, mid-morning show of noted civil rights and criminal defense attorney Bill Newman. The book recounts Duncan’s 26-year career as a producer of radio talk shows working with such big-name talents as Larry King, Sally Jessy Raphael, Lou Dobbs, Tom Snyder, Gil Gross, Charles Osgood and many more during modern talk radio’s pre- and post-9/11 “golden era.” Plus, she tells stories about behind-the-scenes encounters with hundreds of guests from the worlds of show business, politics, media, business and literature. Duncan (r) is pictured with host Bill Newman (l). Her national “Yappy Tour” will roll on through the remainder of the year. She has already appeared on more than 30 local and syndicated programs. Hosts and shows interested in booking Bernadette Duncan can do so by calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

TALKERS | October 11, 2016

Cooke: The Value of Social Media to Broadcasters. Media consultant Holland Cooke writes today about how broadcasters are applying their use of social media to their on-air work. Several radio pros Cooke spoke with say that listeners like the ability to connect “personally” with them via social media. He notes that at the recent NAB/RAB Radio Show in Nashville, Cumulus/Westwood One’s Lori Lewis said it reminds people “that they matter.” Most of the broadcasters say they learn from their P1s about what kind of show content might interest those P1s that they themselves would never have thought of. And still others use social media to continue “the show” even after it goes off the radio. Read Cooke’s entire report here.

Video of Recent Industry Memorial Tribute to Dr. Joy Browne Posted to TalkersTV. A group of industry figures recently gathered in New York City to present “A Celebration of Joy” memorial tribute to talk radio legend Dr. Joy Browne, who died unexpectedly on August 27. It took place Tuesday, October 4 at the Helen Mills Theater in the Chelsea district of Manhattan and featured a roster of speakers who eulogized and shared stories about their memories of the famed radio psychologist. The program was co-hosted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Salem Radio Network syndicated star Mike Gallagher. Speakers included (in alphabetical order): Ted Anderson of Genesis Communications Network; David Bernstein of TalkersRadio; Pierre Bouvard of Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Tracy Cramer of the Alzheimer’s Association of America; Bernadette Duncan of Talkers Books; Joan Hamburg of WABC, New York; and Doug Stephan of Stephan Multimedia. To view the video please click here or on the TalkersTV box at the top of the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami Dynamo Joyce Kaufman Joins Michael Harrison on this Week’s ‘Up Close and Far Out.’ She is one of the most politically provocative news/talkers in the industry and a longtime mainstay of South Florida local radio. Joyce Kaufman – who hosts 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daily show on Alpha Media’s WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale – has been outspoken for decades about the full spectrum of conservative issues – from Second Amendment rights to abortion to illegal immigration and much more. She is a true regional mover and shaker – and no stranger to controversy. In a candid conversation on this week’s installment of the PodcastOne international hit series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” Kaufman discusses dealing with the intense negative blowback that accompanies her broadcasting career path and the impact it has had on her life raising children as a single mother. Harrison and Kaufman further delve into the impact social media has on radio hosts as well as society in general. They also discuss the shocking changes we are witnessing in the style of public political discourse marking the current presidential election. Kaufman says, “The genie is out of the bottle, there’s no going back.” To listen to this fascinating conversation that even includes a look at the role local radio plays in providing vital service to the public during hurricanes, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.

CLARIFICATION. For our readers who saw Monday’s story regarding the Facebook post by E.W. Scripps Milwaukee VP/GM Tom Langmyer, TALKERS magazine would like to clarify. Our story gave the impression that Langmyer wrote that talk show hosts should not offer opinions about political candidates via social media. What Langmyer did say (and Tom’s Facebook friends who read the piece are aware) was that reporters and anchors, i.e. journalists, should read their company’s policy on social media use because he’s seeing so many of his reporter colleagues opining about candidates – something they are, in many cases, not allowed to do on their day jobs or via other avenues. As for talk show hosts, Langmyer says of course they can have opinions about candidates – that’s part of their job. His problem with some talk hosts is their use of “F-bomb laden posts about how much they hate a candidate.” He goes on to say that he believes the policy should be, if you wouldn’t say it on the air, don’t write it on social media. Langmyer says his disappointment stems from having worked with and trained some of the people who are doing these things and he feels frustration that his training didn’t get through to some of them.

Odds & Sods. Des Moines-based talk host Simon Conway is doing triple duty today. This morning he filled in on iHeartMedia’s WFLF, Orlando. That’s in addition to his regular morning show on the company’s WMT, Cedar Rapids and his afternoon drive show on WHO, Des Moines…..ABC Radio vice president Steve Jones is pictured here accepting the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Radio from the RTDNA. During his acceptance speech he stated, “It’s an honor for ABC News Radio to be recognized by our peers for the excellence of our work. We are deeply appreciative of the support we receive every day under James Goldston’s leadership and from all of our ABC colleagues, particularly those here tonight.”…..“Free Talk Live” with hosts Ian Freeman and Mark Edge is added to new affiliate stations KWAM, Memphis; WXME, Monticello, Maine; and WMXF, Waynesville, North Carolina…..Westwood One enters into a partnership with Jerry Springer, whose “Tales, Tunes & Tomfoolery” weekly podcast joins Westwood One’s Podcast & On-Demand platform via audioBoom. Westwood One is providing exclusive ad sales representation for the show. The show is streamed live every Tuesday night and emanates from Ludlow, Kentucky’s Folk School Coffee Parlor and promoted as “an easygoing and intimate conversation between three friends — Springer, Jene Galvin, and Megan Hils – who provide a mix of comedy, liberal political talk, and contemporary roots music.”

Presidential Race/Sunday’s Debate, Syria Civil War/Russian Military Involvement, Hurricane Matthew Aftermath, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 Woes, MLB Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/10). The presidential campaign, the Trump hot-mic tape, and Sunday evening’s debate; the ongoing Syrian civil conflict and growing criticism of Russia’s military involvement in the war; the effects of Hurricane Matthew plaguing the Carolinas; Samsung’s decision to stop producing the Galaxy Note 7 in the wake of continuing safety issues; the Major League Baseball playoffs; and the weekend’s NFL games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

TALKERS | June 8, 2016

Nielsen Audio Releases First Round of May 2016 PPM Data. The first of four rounds of May 2016 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The May 2016 survey period covered April 21 to May 18. You can find the complete 6+ ratings numbers from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS/RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Twelve Takeaways” from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.

Nielsen Audio Announces Changes for Spring 2016 Diary Markets; Breaks Newburgh Out of Hudson Valley Market. Beginning with the Spring 2016 diary survey, Nielsen Audio is bringing back the Newburgh-Middletown, New York market. The market consists of Orange County with Sullivan County included in the TSA. Arbitron – prior to its acquisition by Nielsen – created the Hudson Valley market five years ago consisting of Orange, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. Nielsen is also going to deliver Spring and Fall diary surveys for Sioux Falls, South Dakota beginning with the Spring 2016 survey. The ratings company is also adding four counties to the Traverse City, Michigan market and is renaming the market Traverse City-Petoskey-Cadillac.

McConnell: Base Voters ‘Misled’ by Talk Hosts. Speaking at a recent event sponsored by the American Enterprise Institute, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that “a lot of talk show hosts and others” have misled the base voters about what can be accomplished by a Republican-controlled Congress with a Democrat in the White House. According to a report in the Washington Examiner, McConnell was responding to a question about why voters are favoring “outsider” candidates. Read the Examiner story here.

The Presidential Race, Battle Against Islamic State, Stanford Rape Case Sentencing, NYC Restroom Use Ad, Bilderberg Group Meeting, and NBA-NHL Finals Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/7). The activities of the candidates for president and yesterday’s California primary election; the ongoing battle against Islamic State in Iraq and the fight by Iraqi forces to retake Fallujah; reaction to the light sentence for a Stanford student convicted of rape and comments made by the student’s father; New York City’s use of $250,000 for an ad suggesting people use the restroom they are most comfortable with; this week’s meeting in Germany of the Bilderberg Group and its agenda to address the Donald Trump campaign, European migrant issues, the state of the European Union and more; and the NBA and NHL Finals were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Michael Harrison Gets ‘Up Close and Far Out’ with Retired CBS RADIO President Dan Mason. In this week’s new episode of the PodcastOne hit series “Up Close and Far Out,” retired CBS RADIO president/CEO Dan Mason joins host Michael Harrison for a wide-ranging dialogue about the state of radio broadcasting in the digital era. The discussion focuses on Mason’s recent change of career direction that includes assuming the chairmanship of the 60-year-old, non-profit charity, the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) as well as putting on the headphones again and becoming a CBS Sports play-by-play announcer for college athletics. Mason discusses his passion for women’s basketball as well as his roots in radio programming going back to his days as a teenage top 40 fan (a “contest pig”) in Louisville, Kentucky. The two talk about the fine work being done by the BFOA on behalf of broadcasters in acute need and the satisfaction Mason is getting by being able to “give back” to the industry. The discussion covers the viability of the “stick” as a business going forward, HD radio, and the role of the computer screen in digital audio media. Not to be missed! To listen to the entire podcast, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” players located in the right-hand column of every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.

Odds & Sods. Media executive and entrepreneur Steve Lehman – founder of Premiere Networks and current chairman of Business Rockstars – joins the group of partners of Peter Csathy’s new firm Creatv Media. In a story in Variety, Csathy says the company will “fund new ventures and provide a range of services including business and strategy development, marketing, production and distribution.”…..A new Star Trek podcast is launching on CBS’ Play.it podcast platform. CBS RADIO, CBS Local Digital Media and CBS Consumer Products are bringing “Engage: The OFFICIAL Star Trek Podcast,” to Play.it starting June 22. The program is being hosted by Jordan Hoffman, a film critic and writer of the “One Trek Mind” blog on StarTrek.com. The three episodes available June 15 feature special guests including “Weird Al” Yankovic, and Adam Nimoy…..Radio pro Mike Tyler joins BizTalkRadio to lead the affiliate relations department. Tyler is owner of Broadcast Affiliate Sales and a partner in Fishnet Syndication. Tyler was also most recently vice president of TKO Radio Networks – a venture with partner Kent Jones…..77 WABC’s Joan Hamburg taped a special show on Tuesday (6/7) at Sardi’s Restaurant in Times Square in advance of this Sunday’s Tony Awards. She spoke with some of Broadway’s finest actors, including: Christopher Fitzgerald from Waitress, Daveed Diggs and Christopher Jackson from Hamilton, Laura Benanti from She Loves Me, Heather Headley from The Color Purple, Billy Porter and Brian Stokes Mitchell from Shuffle Along, and Jayne Houdyshell and Reed Birney from The Humans. The show will air on Saturday, June 11, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 77 WABC and streamed live at www.wabcradio.com. Pictured at right at the taping are (from l-r) Matthew Broderick, Hamburg, and Billy Carter as the two talk to Hamburg about a new show called Shining City…..The Baltimore Orioles welcomed FOX Sports Radio personality Steve Gorman and his brother Jim Gorman to Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 5 to help raise awareness for The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition. The “Steve Gorman SPORTS!” host threw out the first pitch and the brothers were recognized by the Orioles for their efforts to raise money and awareness for MSA, which Jim was diagnosed with in 2014. Pictured at left are (from l-r): the Orioles’ mascot, Jim Gorman, Steve Gorman and Orioles pitcher Mychal Givens…..Hubbard Radio Washington, DC all-news WTOP grabbed eight Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association Awards last weekend. The news organization won Outstanding Website award for WTOP.com, Outstanding Specialty Reporting by Chris Core, and Outstanding Year-Round Local Sports award, among others…..The “WAR NOW: The Wayne Allyn Root Show” moves from its 6:00 pm start to the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot on Silver State Broadcasting’s KBET, Las Vegas “790 TalkNOW.” The show launched on the station back on February 1.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

TALKERS | March 10, 2016

10^th Annual ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Radio Row Happens June 22-23 in Washington. The event is being called the “year’s largest immigration-focused media gathering” by organizer Federation for American Immigration Reform. The 10^th annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire Radio Row will take place at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill on June 22 and 23. Talk hosts from across the country will broadcast live both days debating immigration policy while interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists and those who live and work along the southern border. FAIR says the radio row is “scheduled after all the primaries and caucuses are finished, before the conventions and during the time the Supreme Court is most likely to rule on Obama’s unconstitutional amnesties. The outcome of that ruling is the most consequential of this year, not only for the immigration issue but for the preservation of the separation of powers. The event also occurs while both the House and Senate are in session to accommodate lawmakers who regularly attend the event.” FAIR executive director Bob Dane says, “This event is about holding our elected leaders accountable and educating the public. Those running for office – and those staying in office – need to know the immigration crisis is now front and center in voter’s minds and the issue isn’t going away until it’s resolved. Now is the time for answers, solutions and action.” For hosts wishing to participate, reservations are required and hosts/producers should call now. There is no cost to attend and all technical engineering and ISDN lines are provided by FAIR. Congressional guests, activists, high-profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews with an expected crowd of 60 talk hosts. Contact event manager Cassie Williams at 202-328-7004 or cawilliams@fairus.org.

iHeartMedia Gets 14-Day TRO. The temporary restraining order prevents certain senior creditors from issuing notices of default to iHeartMedia. This stems from the December maneuver in which the company gave 100,000 shares of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings to a new subsidiary called Broader Media. Some of the senior lenders are claiming breach of covenant and they issued notices of default, which were put on hold by the order. The share transfer could help iHeartMedia sell a new bond to help whittle down some of its $20.6 billion in debt. The company faces close to $10 billion in debt that is coming due over the next three years. $193 million in notes comes due this calendar year.

Compass Media Networks and Learfield Sports Renew College Play-By-Play Deal. Radio sales and syndication firm Compass Media Networks and Learfield Sports renew their college sports partnership. Under the terms of the deal, Compass Media Networks retains first right of refusal to broadcast nationally any Learfield home football and men’s basketball game and retains the exclusive national audio rights to broadcast the Big Ten Football Championship Game and the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. Compass also will broadcast expanded coverage of regular-season men’s basketball and football games. Learfield manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for 120 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas nationwide, including the Big Ten Conference at the league level and eight of its members through individual rights agreements. Compass and Learfield have been in partnership since 2009.

Odds & Sods. Popular podcaster Jason Stapleton partners with Westwood One to have his video podcasts available on Westwood One’s Podcast & On-Demand platform via audioBoom. Westwood One will provide exclusive ad sales representation for the show, boost efforts to increase listenership, and drive awareness beyond the thousands of daily downloads. Advertisers will have access to endorsements, live reads, pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll advertisements.…..Bonneville Seattle Media Group and the MLB’s Seattle Mariners are agreeing to a new, multi-year contract extension for KIRO-AM “710 ESPN Seattle” to continue serving as the flagship station for Mariners Baseball. Mariners baseball has been heard KIRO-AM since the station’s transition to an all-sports format in 2009…..SiriusXM, which has aired every game of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament since 2005, is now also streaming all of the games for subscribers to its SiriusXM app…..Tomorrow (3/11), ESPN Radio continues its coverage of college basketball conference tournaments as it presents the semifinals both the Big 12 and ACC Tournaments. The Big 12 and ACC Tournament Finals will air on Saturday, March 12, at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, respectively.

The Presidential Race, Obama to Skip Reagan Funeral, North Korea Nuke Threats, Iran Missile Tests, Domestic Spy Drone Missions, European Migrant Troubles, and Battle Against Islamic State Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/9). The activities of the candidates for president; criticism of President Obama for his plans to skip Nancy Reagan’s funeral to speak at a SXSW event; the nuclear threat by North Korea and its testing of a missile; the recent ICBM tests by Iran and its threats against Israel and the U.S.; the Pentagon’s admission it has used military drones for domestic missions; the political effect Syrian migrants are having on European nations; and the battle against Islamic State were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations to Feature Fabulous Roster of Speakers. The editorial board of TALKERS has named the first 40 speakers of what will eventually grow to a list of 65 for the forthcoming TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations conference scheduled for Friday, May 20 on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. This marks the 19^th annual installment of the longest-running and most important national talk radio industry convention. Speakers already confirmed include (in alphabetical order): Bruce Avery, general manager, Radio Hofstra University; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host, WAQY-FM (“Rock 102”), Springfield, MA; Ethan Bearman, host, KSFO, San Francisco; Vince Benedetto, president/CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; David Bernstein, general manager, TalkersRadio; Jim Bohannon, host, Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Dr. Joy Browne, host, Genesis Communications Network; Kevin Casey, vice president/executive editor, TALKERS; Mike Calta, host, WHPT-FM, Tampa “102.5 The Bone”; Howie Carr, host, Howie Carr Radio Network; Kathy Carr, vice president, sales & marketing, Howie Carr Radio Network; Heather Cohen, executive vice president, The Weiss Agency; Alan Colmes, host, Fox News Radio/commentator, Fox News Channel; Holland Cooke, consultant, Holland Cooke Media; Evan Cornog, Ph.D., dean, Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication; Mike Francesa, host, WFAN, New York; Michael Harrison, publisher, TALKERS; Sean Hannity, host, Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel; Ron Hartenbaum, managing partner, DGital Media; Thom Hartmann, host, WYD Media; Bill Hess, vice president, news/talk, Cumulus Media/program director, WMAL, Washington; Harry Hurley, host WPGG, Atlantic City; Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; Brian Landau, executive vice president, digital sales and strategy, DGital Media; Tom Langmyer, vice president & general manager, Milwaukee radio operations/vice president, news/talk/sports programming, E.W. Scripps Company; Tom Leykis, chief executive officer/founder, The New Normal; Mark Levin, host, Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Carole Marks, chief executive officer, Talk Media, Inc./host, A Touch of Grey; Jimmy Mathis, host, WBAL, Baltimore; Meghan McCain, host, Premiere Networks; Mike McVay, senior vice president/content & programming Cumulus Media & Westwood One; John T. Mullen, director of operations, Radio Hofstra University; Chris Oliviero, executive vice president – programming, CBS Radio; Norm Pattiz, chief executive officer/founder, PodcastOne; Joe Sciacca, editor-in-chief, Boston Herald/Boston Herald Radio; Mark Simone, host, WOR, New York; Craig Schwalb, program director, WABC, New York; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Steven JJ Weisman, Esq., professor, Bentley University/legal editor, TALKERS; Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore; and John Ziegler, host, Envision Networks. The event kicks off at 8:00 am with the traditional “Breakfast with Hannity” opening social. It will conclude 12 hours later with a gala, early-evening reception on the university’s magnificent television soundstage. Located just outside of New York City, Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s most respected and influential breeding grounds of great broadcasters. The NAB honored WRHU-FM in 2015 with a Marconi Award as the first ever “student operated” non-commercial station of the year! Radio Hofstra University WRHU-FM is also currently ranked number one – best college radio station – by the Princeton Review. WRHU-FM also earned a Pinnacle Award – station of the year – from the CMA. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “2016 marks a great leap forward in the rich and colorful history of this legendary conference. Tapping into the theme ‘Bridging the Generations,’ TALKERS 2016 will intensely focus on talk radio’s successful and as seamless-as-possible transition into the digital era concentrating on attracting younger demos, broadening the format menu, modernizing political positioning, enhancing both journalistic and entertainment impact, incorporating all aspects of pop culture, understanding Millennials and the New Authenticity, creating a viable cross-platform presence, embracing the new technology, and of course, podcasting, podcasting and more podcasting.” Harrison adds, “This conference will be inter-generational. I cannot begin to express the level of excitement and pride we have in partnering this year with Hofstra University, its wonderfully dynamic Lawrence Herbert School of Communication and its famous radio station WRHU – clearly one of the greatest, heritage campus outlets in America. Their amazing, state-of-the-art resources will provide an exhilarating backdrop and platform for this gathering. As far as we are concerned, the future of talk media begins now!” The cost of a full registration is $299 per person with a special student rate of $249. Registration is only open to professionals currently or recently (within one year) employed in media-related industries as well as students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities. Registration includes all sessions, presentations, exhibits, receptions, and tours as well as breakfast/lunch/refreshment and social networking activities. Registrations can only be taken over the phone (to verify qualifications) and paid for with a credit card. As in years past, for the sake of intimacy and productivity, total attendance will be limited to 500 and TALKERS 2016 will be an early sellout. No registrations can be sold after that point. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. To register or obtain sponsorship information, please call 413-565-5413. Information about special local hotel discounts for attendees is detailed below. Agenda and speakers to be announced in the days and weeks ahead, leading up to the event. Register now!

Fantastic Group Rate Available at Long Island Marriott for TALKERS 2016. A limited number of rooms are still available for a limited amount of time for the nights of Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20 at the fabulous Long Island Marriott hotel located near Hofstra University – the site of TALKERS 2016. To take advantage of the $169 per night rate, book as early as possible by clickinghere or calling reservations at 1-800-228-9290 and telling the agent you are with the TALKERS event group.