Tag: "Talkers Radio"
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
FCC Commissioner O’Rielly: Future of AM Decided by ‘Demands of Listeners.’ Speaking at a luncheon of the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly addressed the issue of AM revitalization. He noted that the changes allowing the relocation of FM 
translators is something of which a number of AM operators are taking advantage. However, he said there’s still more work to do. “For instance, I’d personally like to see us split off the relief for the main studio rule from the FNPRM so as to complete it before year’s end, and you are likely to hear more from me on this soon. In addition, I am carefully considering the Commission’s proposal to reduce the protected daytime primary service contour for certain AM stations, and of course when doing so, the actual areas and levels of additional interference are of primary interest.” But, O’Rielly also said that, in the final analysis, the “future of AM radio will be decided in the market by stations seeking to meet the demands of listeners, as it should be. No amount of Commission action or government involvement is going to save the medium from irrelevancy if listeners and advertisers abandon stations, although I don’t see that happening in the immediate term. From my conversations with AM radio license holders, that’s exactly how they see it too: they just want the Commission to eliminate some of the barriers to competition so they have the tools to win the hearts and minds of listeners and then let the chips fall where they may.”
Kitchin to Consult The Mix Group. Radio exec Kraig Kitchin is entering into a consultant relationship with
radio imaging and production firm The Mix Group. Kitchin is co-president of SoundMind LLC, which manages the businesses of high-profile broadcast personalities and companies. He’s also the chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame. On joining The Mix Group, Kitchin says, “Once stations discover The Mix Group, there’s no turning back. Jason [Garte] and his team of talented producers create an exceptional sound that differentiates a station from all others in the market. The individual attention to detail for each station client is really remarkable.”
TalkersRadio Launches New International Talk Show Hosted by Award-Winning British Host Graham Mack. The name of the show is “London Calling with Graham Mack” and it is the newest featured program exclusively heard on the TALKERS magazine experimental radio platform, TalkersRadio. Graham Mack hosts a daily morning program on BOB-FM in London’s “Home Counties” region. In this new program, Mack tells 
TALKERS, “I will present a weekly look for American listeners at what’s happening across the Atlantic – from princesses to prime ministers, from ‘Dr. Who’ to ‘Downton’ and from Beckham to Brexit – things that matter and some things that just don’t.” The debut installment of the show features an exclusive interview with the legendary English actor, comedian, writer, and film producer – John Cleese. According to
TalkersRadio general manager David Bernstein, “We are very excited about this fabulous new show debuting on our experimental talk radio platform. This show is totally major league right out of the box and I expect that it will have a major impact not only here in the states but around the world as well. Graham Mack is an outstanding broadcaster and this show sizzles with information and entertainment.” Mack has been awarded a number of honors over the years. They include: “Best Radio Personality” New York Festivals International Radio Awards – 2013 Bronze; “Best Talk Show Host” New York Festivals International Radio Awards – 2012 Finalist; “Breakfast Show of the Year” Sony Radio Academy Awards – 2011 Gold; and “Best Programme Presenter” Gillard Award – 2011 Gold among others. TalkersRadio was launched several years ago to serve as an experimental workshop to develop new types of radio talk shows as well as provide a showcase for new concepts worthy of broadcast radio consideration. “London Calling with Graham Mack” joins current TalkersRadio programs “Healed Planet with Alan Colmes” and “Good for You Radio with Claire Carter.” Past TalkersRadio programs have included “Vox Animali with Lori Lundin,” “American Family Farmer with Doug Stephan,” and others. To follow the latest “London Calling with Graham Mack” show info and guests on Twitter: @GrahmMack. Got a question about life in Britain and Europe? Send your question as an MP3 to graham@mackmedia.co.uk. To listen to “London Calling with Graham Mack,” click here.
Odds & Sods. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Eddie Volkman – half of the highly successful, former Windy City radio duo “Eddie & Jobo” – is leaving his talk show gig with suburban WCKG-AM. Volkman’s been doing a 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm show on the station since earlier this summer but declares he’s ready to try to get back on the air on a big Chicago signal…..“Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts is producing a podcast series based on her book, Robin Roberts: Everybody’s Got Something (Grand Central 2014). Her production company Rock’n Robin Productions and ABC Radio are working together on the project. Each show will be a 45-minute episode in which listeners will hear Roberts and her guests share “their incredible, real-life challenges that will inspire everyone to face their ‘somethings’ and believe in the power of resilience.”…..Westwood One News is providing live, anchored coverage of all three presidential debates and the vice presidential debate in late September and October, plus is providing live, special reports on each night the debates are held. Coverage will be anchored by Chas Henry, with on-scene reporting by correspondents Bob Costantini, Steve Kastenbaum, Jim Roope, and Karin Caifa. The first presidential debate is September 26 at 9:00 pm ET from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
NJBA President Paul Rotella Reiterates Call to Activate FM Chip in Smartphones. Citing the importance of receiving crucial information during emergencies, New Jersey Broadcasters Association president Paul Rotella is asking senators and congressman to again urge Verizon to activate the FM chips in 
smartphones that it sells. Referencing the bombings in New York and the bombs found in New Jersey over the weekend, he writes, in part, “One year ago to the day, I wrote to you to urge the adoption of a mandate to light up the FM chip in all smartphones. The tragic events this past week in our state and in New York now make this request a matter the highest urgency, as well as a matter of national security. For almost a century, New Jersey’s radio broadcasters have been the primary source of critical information to the public in the event of
disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, snowstorms, earthquakes, tsunamis, solar storms, terrorist violence, mass transportation accidents, and industrial or technological catastrophes. This important role can be both before an impending event, to warn the public as we did before Hurricane Sandy, or help law enforcement through life saving AMBER Alerts, but most importantly, after a catastrophic event. In an emergency, the role of broadcasters is even more important because they serve local communities with essential, fact-checked, reliable information, and they distribute it to all within the broadcast signal. Today, the most common battery operated device readily available to our citizens may be a smart phone, but it is useless without cell service. However, with an activated radio chip, a smart phone will function similar to the time-proven reliable transistor radios found in emergency kits around the globe, providing our citizens with information essential for survival. This includes where food, water and shelter are available; where FEMA and other humanitarian assistance are located.” Rotella is asking that bill be filed to make chip activation a reality.
The Presidential Race, Terror Attacks in NYC/NJ/Minn., Syria Civil War/U.S-Russia Tensions, Sunday’s Emmy Awards, NFL Action and MLB Playoffs Push Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/19). The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; the investigation of the terror bombings in New York, the pipe bombs found in New Jersey and the stabbings in St. Cloud, Minnesota; the resumption of violence in Syria and the military tensions between the U.S. and Russia in the region; chatter about the political speeches at Sunday’s Emmy Awards show; the weekend’s NFL action; and the Major League Baseball playoff push were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
CBS RADIO Announces Sales Management Appointments for Chicago Stations. Director of sales Mark Day was let go from the CBS RADIO Chicago cluster in early January (at the same time market manager Rod Zimmerman exited) and now the company is announcing its new sales managers. Paul Agase is named director of music sales, and John Cravens is the director of news and sports sales. SVP and market manager Tim Pohlman says, “I am extremely excited to have two senior veterans in the market lead our sales efforts with the great brands of CBS RADIO Chicago. Paul and John have been leaders in the Chicago market for many years. Their solid relationships with partners, clients, and our internal team will be key to growing our revenue in the years ahead.” Agase (who was promoted from within) will oversee sales operations for the market’s music stations – WBBM-FM (CHR ), WJMK-FM (classic hits), WUSN-FM (country), and WXRT-FM (triple A) – while Cravens (former crosstown sports WMVP DOS) will manage sales efforts for WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM (all-news), WSCR-AM (sports talk), and sports play-by-play sales for both the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.
Presidential Race, Apple vs FBI, Immigration Policy, Scalia Replacement, ISIS Threatens Zuckerberg and Dorsey, Syrian Conflict-Russian Military Build-Up, and Oscars Boycott Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/24). The primary elections and the activities of the candidates for president; the controversy over Apple’s refusal to hack the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino terrorists; the immigration and refugee policies of the U.S. government; the scenarios for replacing Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia; the threats by ISIS against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey; the conflict in Syria and Russia’s military involvement there; Sunday’s Academy Awards and the planned boycott were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Academy Award-Nominated Screenwriter Leigh Savidge Launches ‘Straight Outta…The Podcast.’ Joining the PodcastOne platform is screenwriter Leigh Savidge, who is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film Straight Outta Compton. The podcast is based on the critically acclaimed film and involves Savidge focusing on “the inner culture of the hip hop world, from its inspirational roots, to top current-day artists. Leigh has spent years in the underground hip hop scene and will invite guests to share eye-witness accounts of rap’s most controversial and intriguing moments.” The series launches today with guest Alonso Williams, the NWA mentor who assisted the group with their first album. Original NWA member Arabian Prince joins Savidge next week, followed by a two-parter with Suge Knight’s ex-wife Sharitha Knight. PodcastOne EVP of content development Mike August states, “We are very excited to have one of the Oscar-nominated writers of Straight Outta Compton in the person of Leigh Savidge joining our PodcastOne family with never-before-heard interviews with the artists, producers and promoters that both created and drive the hip hop music business to this day.”
Radio One Q4 Report: TV Bails Out Radio. Although the company’s 2015 Q4 net revenue was basically flat (down 0.3%) and revenue from the cable television helped offset a down quarter for radio, president and CEO Alfred Liggins believes the radio side of Radio One is well positioned for 2016. “Overall, our radio advertising revenue was down 5.2% for the final quarter of 2015. We underperformed our markets in Atlanta, Baltimore and Houston, but outperformed in Washington DC. Our audience ratings have generally shown strong growth year-over-year, and I anticipate that we will monetize these audience gains in 2016. While our gross cable television advertising revenues were up by
11% for the quarter, the liability incurred due to under delivery against rate card meant that overall TV advertising revenue was down by 3.5% for the quarter. This was more than offset by the 27.5% increase in cable television affiliate fees. Management remains focused on turning around underperforming radio markets and advancing our digital and cross platform sales strategies. We have had a number of significant client successes with our One Solution cross-platform sales and marketing effort, and I expect that momentum to continue into 2016.” Other notable figures from the Q4 report include an operating loss of approximately $11.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, compared to operating income of $19.4 million for the same period in 2014 and a net loss of approximately $24.3 million or $0.50 per share compared to $13.5 million or $0.28 per share, for the same period in 2014.
Kalman Named LSM at ’98.7 ESPN New York.’ Former WFAN, New York play-by-play- sales manager Steve Kalman is named local sales manager at ESPN O&O WEPN, New York. ESPN notes that Kalman spent more than a decade in the trade events business before moving into managing sports broadcast media sales. Kalman has managed broadcast play-by-play sales teams for the New York Mets, New York Giants and the New York Yankees.
Rally for ‘First Dude’ Hopeful. Former President Bill Clinton spoke at an Old Town Alexandria, Virginia rally yesterday (2/25) for Hillary Clinton at which hundreds of loyal supporters waited in line in the rain to attend. Pictured covering it for her various platforms is noted Washington, DC-based radio newswoman Lori Lundin (Washington Examiner, NPR and more) who hosts the experimental animal rights program “Vox Animali” for TalkersRadio. Lundin quickly turns to the TALKERS camera while the former Chief Executive addresses the crowd.
Odds & Sods. Broadcasting from this week’s National Religious Broadcasters conference in Nashville is Salem Radio Network’s SRN News and Townhall.com. Both are originating morning drive newscasts from the event in addition to coverage of two separate presidential candidate forums which are being moderated by SRN’s Eric Metaxas…..The winner of Beasley Media Group’s “President’s Club Overall Winner” award for the calendar year 2015 is Beasley Tampa senior account manager Paige Grady. The President’s Club consists of Beasley sales
executives, who are honored annually for their abilities to meet or exceed individual and market goals, attain accreditation from the Radio Advertising Bureau as Certified Radio Marketing Consultants (CRMC), and over-deliver their clients’ expectations on a daily basis. Each month throughout the year, one account executive from each of Beasley’s radio markets is named in the President’s Club. At the end of each year, every market names their winner based on overall performance. The individual with the highest ranking from this notable pool of top-performers is named Beasley’s “President’s Club Overall Winner” for the previous calendar year…..CBS RADIO reports its PPM market stations – as a whole – saw ratings performance increase comparing January 2016 PPM data to January 2015 numbers. The company says its stations “across 25 major markets posted a nearly 5% increase in listeners Persons 12+, reaching a total audience in excess of 45 million and an increase of more than two million over the prior year.” The biggest increases in audience in the top 10 markets were seen at KJKK-FM (Dallas, 48%), KLUV-FM (Dallas, 44%), KTWV-FM (Los Angeles, 44%), WIP-FM (Philadelphia, 32%), WIAD-FM (Washington, D.C., 31%) and WZGC-FM (Atlanta, 30%)…..This week, more than 500 local radio and television broadcasters gathered in Washington, DC for the National Association of Broadcasters’ annual State Leadership Conference. The event featured speeches from prominent policymakers on federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting the broadcast industry, and provided attendees an opportunity to meet with their legislators to discuss how local radio and TV stations serve their communities.
Cool Job Opportunity. Greater Media Charlotte is seeking a continuity and traffic assistant. Ideal characteristics for this position include: someone who enjoys analytics and puzzles, is innately curious, is meticulous with details, thrives in a fast-paced environment, works calmly and effectively under pressure, reacts quickly to meet tight deadlines, is diplomatic and determined with solid people skills. To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to hired@gmclt.com . You may also fax your information to 704-338-3079, attention: Sandra Szoke, director of sales, or mail to: Human Resources – WBT/WLNK Radio, ATTN: Continuity and Traffic Assistant, Greater Media Charlotte, One Julian Price Place, Charlotte, NC 28208. EOE.
‘Talk Radio: The Big Picture’ Panel Coming Together for TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. One of the traditional keynote events at the annual TALKERS magazine conference is the broad-strokes panel session titled, “Talk Radio: The Big Picture.” Moderated by Michael Harrison, the session addresses a cross-section of the most important issues facing the institution of spoken-word radio in America by tapping into the experience and insights of major players from various aspects of the field. Already booked for this year’s installment are (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, president/CEO Bold Gold Media Group; Heather Cohen, executive vice president, The Weiss Agency; Tom Langmyer, vice president & general manager, Milwaukee radio operations and vice president, news/talk/sports programming E.W. Scripps Company; Mike McVay, senior vice president/content & programming, Cumulus Media & Westwood One; Chris Oliviero, executive vice president programming, CBS Radio; and Joe Sciacca, editor-in-chief, Boston Herald & Boston Herald Radio. Additional panel sessions to be announced include “The Millennials and Media,” “The Podcasting Session,” “Generating Revenue in the Digital Era,” and “The Talk Rumble” among others. Stay tuned for more news about speakers and events. TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations will take place on Friday, May 20 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY (near NYC). More details in the stories below.
Stellar Lineup Developing for TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations. More than 60 leading industry speakers will fill a power-packed day and evening of panel discussions, special presentations, keynote addresses, exhibits, social networking functions, meals and live broadcasts at the forthcoming 19th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention. TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations will take place on Friday, May 20 on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The event kicks off bright and early 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. Already scheduled: Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity will be
interviewed in a morning “Fireside Chat” conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and WFAN, New York sports talk titan Mike Francesa will follow his morning address with a live broadcast (with student participation) of his legendary five-and-a-half hour afternoon drive show via the state-of-the-art facilities of the university’s award-winning radio station. Pictured: Mike Francesa (l), Michael Harrison (c) and Sean Hannity (r). 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. Upon making the announcement of this year’s event, 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. An early bird registration rate of $249 will be in effect until 5:00 pm ET on Monday, February 29 unless the event sells out prior to that date. 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, 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 clicking here or calling reservations at 1-800-228-9290 and telling the agent you are with the TALKERS event group.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Scott Herman Promoted to COO of CBS Radio. President Andre Fernandez announces EVP of operations Scott Herman has been promoted to chief operating officer for CBS RADIO. The company says that in this new role, Herman will continue to report to Fernandez and lead local operations across the division’s 117 major market stations. CBS RADIO’s market managers will now report to Herman. Fernandez states, “Scott has a
tremendous reputation in the industry, and is a distinguished representative for radio. He understands CBS RADIO’s vision for the future and will provide strength to our senior leadership team as we move forward with a variety of key growth initiatives. Having someone with Scott’s experience collaborating directly with our station management will result in new value for CBS RADIO and our partners.” The company notes that, because of this experience, Herman “works particularly close with the division’s news and talk stations, and his expertise in this area has allowed CBS RADIO to retain its leadership position in the format.” Herman was promoted to EVP, Eastern Region for CBS in 2003. Prior to that, he was senior vice president, market manager for the division’s New York properties, including all-newsers WINS and WCBS plus sports talk WFAN. Herman was vice president and general manager of WINS from 1994-2003 and WNEW-FM on two different occasions during the 1990s.
TRN Loses Appeal of Back Pay Judgement in Savage Case. The appeal of the ruling by an arbitration panel that the Original Talk Radio Network Inc. owes talk host Michael Savage
$800,000 in back pay is unsuccessful after the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco ruled Friday in Savage’s favor. A small victory for TRN, though, as the Court denied Savage’s request for sanctions against TRN for filing a “frivolous appeal.” This latest court action stems from Savage’s original suit against TRN to void his contract with the syndicator after the relationship between the two parties had soured and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One pursued Savage’s services.
Early Line on Cowherd’s Replacement at ESPN Radio: Le Batard. According to TALKERS sources, there are two scenarios for filling the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm slot on ESPN Radio after Colin Cowherd does his final show for the network before departing for FOX Sports. The first is that Dan Le Batard
moves to the slot and Jorge Sedano slides down from his 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm show to assume Le Batard’s 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot. The second possibility is that ESPN keeps Le Batard where he is and moves Sedano into the midday program. TALKERS sources also say ESPN is high on Bomani Jones, who hosts 
the 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm show and potential talent shuffles could involve a better daypart for his show. As for Cowherd, reports indicate that he was making about $2.5 million with ESPN and that FOX Sports will pay him approximately $6 million per year. Just what FOX Sports’ plans are for Cowherd are not set in stone and the company hasn’t been specific, but it’s expected he’ll host a nationally syndicated radio show and host a TV show on Fox 1, possibly at 6:00 pm to compete with ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”
Emmis’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis Adds Radio America’s Chad Benson Show for Evenings. Saying the show has a “Gen-X perspective,” WIBC-FM, Indianapolis program
director David Wood announces the Radio America-syndicated Chad Benson show joins the station’s lineup for the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot. Wood says, “I was looking for something unique and contemporary for evenings. I found it in Chad Benson. Chad’s show has a great energy and Gen-X perspective, but still with conservative sensibilities. Plus he’s got the best set of tattoos in talk radio.” Radio America says Benson’s sense of showmanship and entertainment was developed from years in music radio and has had a huge influence on him as a talk host.
WGN, Chicago’s Nick Digilio Returns to the Air; Explains Stomach Ailment Exacerbated by Alcohol. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports on the return to the WGN airwaves of overnight personality Nick Digilio, who was back hosting his show today (7/20) after an absence of a month. Digilio explained to his listeners that he landed in the hospital after complicating existing stomach troubles by consuming too much alcohol being unable to eat much food. He explained that he came down with a stomach ailment in May that made it difficult to eat. His overconsumption of alcohol caused him to spend five days in the hospital. Now, he says he’s done drinking. He admits it was a stupid thing to do and blames no one but himself. Read Feder’s piece here.
Walter Pasacrita to Host Local Show on Sports Talk KONO-AM, San Antonio. The station had been an oldies outlet before flipping to sports talk in January of 2014. Now, the Cox Media Group-owned station is adding a local show by market pro Walter Pasacrita, who previously co-hosted a sports talk show with Jeff Vexler on iHeartMedia’s crosstown KTKR. Pasacrita will host the afternoon drive show on KONO-AM. He tells the San Antonio Express’ Jeanne Jakle he is prepared to take on the competition on crosstown sports talkers KTKR and KZDC. “I have more experience on the radio in San Antonio than the rest of those people. I’m more passionate about sports than the rest of those people. I don’t sugarcoat anything. . .and don’t let relationships get in the way of what should be stated. I tell it like it is.”
Sean Adams and Chip Brown to Host Mornings on KVET, Austin. A new, local sports talk show replaces ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike on iHeartMedia’s KVET, Austin. Sean Adams moves from his early afternoon “Adams Theory” show to the morning slot alongside Chip Brown for “The Bottom Line with Sean Adams and Chip Brown.” Brown was most recently with crosstown Total Austin Sports Radio-owned KTXX-FM. The two worked together from 2007-2010.
TalkersRadio’s “Vox Animali with Lori Lundin” Posts Second Installment. The second installment of the groundbreaking, experimental talk show, “Vox Animali” hosted by award-winning radio journalist Lori Lundin is posted today (7/20) after receiving widespread positive response to its pilot episode last month. The series – the latest offering of TalkersRadio’s “laboratory” workshop – is dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of animals that are institutionally abused and tortured at the hands of humans and foster respect for the dignity of all earthly creatures. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “I am so pleased that we are able to address a deeply important cause that hardly gets its due share of attention in the media – including talk radio – and when it does get attention, it is usually in the form of ridicule.” Harrison
continues, “We are very happy to have a brilliant and talented radio journalist of Lori Lundin’s caliber spearheading this project.” Lori Lundin – who has received a number of prestigious industry honors including a Gracie this year – is an anchor with WTOP, Washington, DC and a reporter/podcaster with the Washington Examiner. Harrison adds, “Lori, who is a breast cancer survivor and an all-around inspirational human being, brings a level of intelligence, sensitivity and empathy to her work that takes it beyond today’s typical newsroom fare in connecting to the heart as well as the brain.” TALKERS general manager of broadcast operations, David Bernstein adds, “This is a heck of a show. It has the potential to become a very influential vehicle for consciousness-raising for the animal rights movement, one of the fastest growing areas of public sentiment in America today. And that’s what TalkersRadio is all about – developing spoken-word programs that address issues and interests outside the rigid boundaries of everyday broadcast radio.” The new installment of “Vox Animali” features a look at the abuse and suffering of chimpanzees and presents an interview with Laura Bonar of Animal Protection of New Mexico. Another current show under development on the TalkersRadio platform is “Healed Planet” hosted by Fox News Radio/Fox News Channel personality Alan Colmes that explores the human consciousness movement. A recent “graduate” of TalkersRadio is the weekly “American Family Farmer” hosted by Doug Stephan. Its mission is to champion the beleaguered small farmers of the nation being pushed out by the alliance of Big Agriculture and Big Government. It has now cleared about 30 stations and is adding new ones daily on the GCN and Radio America platforms. Bernstein says, “TalkersRadio is not set up to compete with broadcast radio or develop long-term hit shows for its own sake… but rather, as an experimental theater… a laboratory… to help new ideas develop to the point that they find a regular home on broadcast media.” To listen to TalkersRadio, please click here. For more information, contact David Bernstein at 413-565-5413.
Odds & Sods. There’s a new, two-year contract for some 400 NPR staffers represented by SAG-AFTRA. The union announces the new pact will provide 2 ½ % salary increases at the start of each of the next two years. Other provisions include NPR paying 70% of health care benefits and a contribution of 7% of workers’ pay into the retirement plan…..Hubbard Broadcasting donates $5 million to the Newseum in Washington, DC and gets naming rights to the concourse level of the building. Hubbard chairman and CEO Stanley Hubbard comments, “Our family has always been a strong advocate of a free press. Because it is the only institution solely devoted to educating the public about the fundamental value of First Amendment freedoms and free expression, the Newseum is a great gift to the nation and the world. It’s an honor for our family and our company to help support this noble cause.”
Dr. Daliah Wachs Welcome’s Scott Walker. Nationally syndicated talk host and practicing physician Dr. Daliah Wachs (right) welcomes Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (left) to Las Vegas. Walker – a just-announced candidate for president in 2016 – visited the Silver State a day after announcing his candidacy.
