Tag: "Tom Langmyer"
Be the Best Talent Coach: Maximize Potential
By Jon Quick
JonQConsulting
President/Founder
“Coaching is unlocking people’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”
–John Whitmore, Coaching for Performance: Growing Human Potential and Purpose: The Principles and Practice of Coaching and Leadership
CARMEL, Ind. — Many programmers just don’t do it, though it’s the most important part of their role, or at least it used to be. Coaching talent for: Great preparation. Powerful execution. Compelling communication. Audience retention. Better relating to the listener.
Ask today’s program director and too often you hear, “I don’t have the time.”
Programmers are often so caught up in corporate matters or minutiae that they really don’t have the time by the end of the day.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Adam Hoge Promoted at WGN; Content Partnership with The Athletic Announced. WGN, Chicago enters into a content partnership with The Athletic that will provide The
Athletic subscribers an exclusive, additional podcast from WGN Radio’s Adam Hoge and The Athletic’s Adam Jahns. The “Hoge & Jahns” podcast has been popular with WGN listeners and the addition of the new podcast coincides with Adam Hoge’s promotion to manager of digital sports content for 
Tribune’s Media’s WGN Radio. WGN director of marketing & digital innovation Tabitha Green says, “The success of ‘Hoge & Jahns’ is a great example of the innovation Adam will bring to his new role. His passion for sports and expertise in digital storytelling will take us to a whole new level.” In this new role, Hoge will oversee online strategies and content created by WGN Radio sports journalists. Hoge will continue to be the station’s Chicago Bears insider, traveling with the team throughout the season.
Connoisseur Promotes Keith Dakin to VP of Programming. Connecticut-based programmer Keith Dakin has been the regional operations manager for Connoisseur Media. Now, after nine years with the company, Dakin rises to vice president of
programming for the entire station group. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Keith has done a terrific job with our Connecticut stations and has been an extremely valuable resource for Connoisseur. His ability to work with talent is particularly prized within our company.” Dakin says, “I am beyond honored to be given a chance to oversee the programming for Connoisseur Media. Our CEO Jeff Warshaw has assembled a collection of legendary radio stations that I can’t wait to work with. These are huge brands that really connect on a local level and bring unique, interesting and compelling content to our listeners.” Connoisseur recently acquired news/talk WICC, Bridgeport and AC WEBE, Westport Connecticut, as well as Frederick, Maryland duo news/talk WFMD-AM and country WFRE-FM.
Cumulus Names Eric Mastel to Charleston Market Manager Role; Gigi South to Lead Savannah Station Group. The July passing of Charleston, South Carolina market manager Sherry Dollar put Cumulus Media in the position of searching for her
replacement. Now, the company announces it is moving Eric Mastel from his VP and market manager post in Savannah to the leadership position in Charleston. The Charleston cluster includes news/talk WTMA-AM and four music outlets. Cumulus EVP Bob Walker comments, “We are thrilled that Eric 
will be moving to Charleston to lead our team and our great brands. He is an accomplished leader and will complement the strong team in Charleston nicely.” Taking over the cluster management in Savannah is Gigi South, who joins Cumulus Media to serve as vice president and market manager for the six-station group that includes news/talk WBMQ-AM and sports talk WJLG-AM “The Ticket AM900,” as well as four music brands. South was most recently general manager with Mississippi Broadcasters. Prior to that, she was vice president of WSCG-TV in Beaufort, South Carolina. South says, “To say that I am overjoyed to return to the Savannah-Hilton Head market with Cumulus would be an understatement. A thriving market, a results-focused team, the support and tools available from Cumulus, and our dominant signals are enough to get anyone excited.”
Great Lakes Media Adds Mitch Dolan and Ed Nolan to Leadership Team. The Milwaukee-based firm Great Lakes Media Corp. announces two additions to its leadership team. Mitch Dolan joins as chief operating officer and Ed Nolan is named chief financial officer. Dolan was most recently COO of radio & outdoor for Times
-Shamrock Communications. During his career he also served as president of the ABC Radio Station Group and president and general manager of WPLJ-FM, New York. Nolan was most recently SVP/CFO & treasurer of Greater Media, Inc. Great Lakes Media CEO Tom Langmyer states, “I’m 
pleased to welcome two experienced and exceptional leaders to Great Lakes Media. Mitch is highly respected in the media industry and, whether in New York City, where he operated stations directly, or in the ABC major markets he led across the U.S., his outstanding track-record of achievement was defined by his ability to consistently out-perform the companies and stations with whom he competed. Ed’s distinguished career is highlighted by his oversight and successful execution of a number of complex M&A transactions while serving on the senior leadership team of one of America’s finest and most-admired media companies.” Great Lakes Media Corp. intends to primarily invest in the acquisition of local radio stations and digital platforms in the U.S., focusing on properties in medium and large markets in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Clingerman Appointed Market President for Townsquare’s Wichita Falls Stations. Moving from the television to the radio business is Troy Clingerman, who is named market president and chief revenue officer for
Townsquare Media’s Wichita Falls, Texas cluster that includes news/talk KWFS-AM and three music-formatted stations. Clingerman was most recently local sales manager for Tegna’s KYTX-TV in Tyler, Texas. Prior to that, he served in the digital sales department at E.W. Scripps’ KJRH-TV, Tulsa. Clingerman says, “I’m excited to join the Townsquare team in Wichita Falls. The key to our success will be talented people and all the solutions any small business would ever need, both of which we have in Wichita Falls.”
Sports Talk WOFX-AM, Albany Adds FM Signal. Albany market sports talk outlet
WOFX-AM “FOX Sports 980” adds an FM signal to its broadcast via translator W240EC at 95.9. The iHeartMedia station carries the FOX Sports Radio daily lineup – “Outkick the Coverage with Clay Travis” in mornings, followed by Dan Patrick, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” and Doug Gottlieb in afternoon drive. Station program director Jeff Wolf says, “FOX Sports has the best national talent and sports play-by-play programming for sports fans all over the Capital Region. We are absolutely thrilled to bring FOX Sports programming to even more listeners on 95.9 FM.”
Christine Travaglini to Receive MIW Group’s 2019 Trailblazer Award. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group announces that Katz Radio Group president Christine Travaglini is the recipient of this year’s MIW Group Frances Preston Trailblazer Award. The MIW Group Trailblazer Award is presented annually to a woman
who, through her leadership and success in the industry, creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. Travaglini will receive the award on September 25 during the Wednesday headliner, “You’re Not Just in the Radio Business Anymore: Stories from Innovators Who’ve Made the Transformation,” session at the NAB/RAB Radio Show. MIW Group National Spokeswoman Denyse Mesnik says, “Christine began her career with Katz as a sales assistant in the Atlanta office and was the first person to rise from an assistant to a division president within the organization — that personifies a Trailblazer! When selecting our MIW Trailblazer, we look for a woman who forged her own path to success in our industry while making it a priority to nurture others in their career growth. Christine embodies those qualities and we look forward to honoring her at the 2019 Radio Show.”
TALKERS News Notes. On October 7, Howard Stern will commemorate the official opening of SiriusXM Hollywood, the company’s new Hollywood complex that features
artist-first studios, with his first broadcast from the West Coast in almost 20 years. The new broadcast and performance space is located in the heart of the burgeoning Hollywood Media District at 953 N. Sycamore Ave. SiriusXM/Pandora says it “has been built from the ground up to reflect the company’s commitment to the West Coast artist community and audience, and to be the base for originating great talk, compelling entertainment, world class music, and exclusive performances for the more than 100 million listeners of the United States’ leading audio entertainment company.”…..The Westwood One-distributed “BOB & TOM Show” begins airing in Chicago on Monday (9/9) on Cumulus Media’s WKQX-HD2. Cumulus says, “The popular show will broadcast with limited commercial interruption via a full metro market signal broadcasting from the top of the John Hancock Building. The nearly 1.8 million HD Radio-equipped cars in the Chicago DMA will make ‘The BOB & TOM Show’ accessible for scores of people in the Chicagoland area who grew up listening to the legendary morning comedy show in markets across the Midwest and beyond.”…..iHeartMedia Milwaukee announces it has joined forces with The Wisconsin Podcast Festival to promote one listener’s podcast on-air with the “iHeart Your Podcast” contest. The promotional contest will give the winner the opportunity to have their podcast advertised on all six of iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s stations including, news/talk WISN and sports talk WRNW-FM “97.3 The Game.” The festival is the first of its kind and will feature live podcasts and special guests, including ‘95.7 BIG FM’ personality Eric Paulsen. Wisconsin Podcast Festival founder Allison Phillips says, “It only made sense to partner with iHeartMedia Milwaukee for the Wisconsin Podcast Festival. We can’t wait to bring Wisconsin’s podcasters and aspiring podcasters together for a weekend of learning and sharing.”…..Rapper and actor Tip “T.I.” Harris drops his first two “expeditiously” podcast episodes in partnership with PodcastOne. In one episode, hip hop legends LL Cool J and Ice Cube join Harris to share never-before-heard stories of transitioning from kids who rapped in the hood, into mega superstar MCs, along with their evolution into successful businessmen…..iHeartMedia Riverside’s KPWK “FOX Sports AM 1350” enters into a broadcast agreement with the California Baptist University athletics department, effective for the 2019-2021 athletic seasons. As part of the deal, “FOX Sports AM 1350” will serve as the official flagship radio station for the school’s men’s basketball team.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chicago, Hubbard Radio names Rachel Kelso associate producer of the morning drive “Sherman & Tingle Show” on classic rock WDRV “97-1 FM The Drive.” Kelso previously served as producer for the “Jenn & Friends Show” at Entercom’s CHR WSTR, Atlanta “Star 94.”…..Pictured below (l-r) are WMMR, Philadelphia’s Bill Weston, Jacky Bam Bam, and Bill Burns assembling boxes of food at Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance as part of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia’s 2019 Day of Caring Initiative. Three shifts of Beasley volunteers peeled and chopped vegetables, prepared and packaged soups, and assembled breakfast, lunch and dinner meal trays for freezing. The organization provides medically appropriate meals, three a day, seven days a week, for area residents affected by chronic, life-threatening illnesses.
August 2019 PPM Data – Information for the August 2019 ratings period has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s August 2019 survey period covered July 18 – August 14. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these nine PPM markets.
Washington, DC
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of July’s +.9, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL is steady at 5.3 (6+) but pushes up from sixth to
fifth. July’s increase halted three successive March through June declines that accounted for an overall –2.4 (6.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4, 6+). Immediately before that streak, WMAL posted three straight (“Holiday” 2018 through March 2019) improvements for a collective +2.5 (4.3 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), with March’s 6.8 its best 6+-stat in the PPM-era. After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the 13th sweep in succession.
This is the third consecutive report that Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM (Nationals) has logged a 3.4 (#13 to #12, 6+). In June, “106.7 The Fan” recaptured almost half (three-tenths) the eight-tenths lost in May. After nearly doubling (+.4) its 6+ AQH share via four straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .9, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is off 33% (-.3) in July/August (.9 – .7 – .6, #21 to #23, 6+). On July 1, Cumulus Media suspended its news/talk simulcast of WMAL-AM & WMAL-FM; WMAL-AM became sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol.” WSBN checked in with a .1 (#29, 6+) in the July report but is unlisted in August.
An overall -2.5 in six successive down or flat sweeps (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), WTOP applies the brakes with a +.1 to 8.0 (6+) but backslides from second to third. The Hubbard Broadcasting all-news operation shifted to the runner-up slot in July after six straight months at #1. January’s 10.4 was its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Entercom business news WDCH gains two-tenths via three consecutive up or flat moves (.4 – .5 – .6 – .6, #24 to #23, 6+).
A July boost of four-tenths by American University-owned news/talk WAMU (8.0 – 8.4, 6+) interrupted three successive slips that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.0, 6+). “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which progressed from the runner-up slot to #1 this time last month, forfeits two-tenths to 8.2 (6+) and is tied for the lead position. Immediately prior to gaining three-tenths in March, WAMU was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Over and above adding one-half share to July’s +.2 (7.5 – 7.7 – 8.2, 6+), Radio One urban AC WMMJ “Majic” – which had been anchored in third-place the past eight reports – marches to a first-place tie (with public news/talk WAMU – see above). July’s increase applied the brakes to three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to that skid, “Majic” put together six successive increases that netted a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). This is its highest 6+-showing since March (8.2, as well). Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR is off six-tenths in three down or flat monthlies in succession (6.5 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+) and is in fourth-place the fourth consecutive time. Down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), WHUR regained that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths. Its March loss of one-tenth suspended three successive increases that accounted for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). Tacking on eight-tenths to July’s +.1 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” carries on at #7. Myersville, Maryland-licensed WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” surfaced in print in January with a .6 (6+). The Manning Broadcasting classic hits-oldies station cracked the top twenty in February, April, May, and June. “The Eagle” is up one-half share to 1.2, its highest 6+-stat since debuting in January, and lands at #19. A loss of one-half share (3.8 – 3.3, 6+) sends Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA “90.9 – Washington’s Classical Music Station” off the top ten (#9 to #13). While it remains in fifth-place, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 – Washington’s Variety” surrenders one-tenth to 5.3 (6+), thus snapping four straight sweeps without a loss that accounted for a +1.0 (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). July’s 5.4 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018 (10.4). On May 31, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3 More Music – More Variety” transitioned to an Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian as WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” May 2019 marked the final sweep before the format/ownership switch and “Mix” added six-tenths (3.5 – 4.1, 6+) to exit as a top ten station (#11 to #8). Its January 2019 through May 2019 topline was 3.5 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.1 (6+). In its new format, WLVW eroded by roughly 78% (-3.2) in June/July (4.1 – 2.2 – .9, #17 to #19, 6+); however, WLVW adds four-tenths in August to 1.3 (6+) and inches up to #18.
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Eight positive or neutral trends in succession by iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO have yielded a +1.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+); “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” repeats at #8. For the third month in a row, co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” adds one-tenth (.4 – .5 – .6 – .7, #26 to #25, 6+).
Up four-tenths (3.3 – 3.7, tenth to eighth, 6+) Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM (Red Sox) catches Beasley Media Group-owned (Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” which has lost nearly half (-3.3) its 6+ AQH-share in three drops in a row (7.0 – 5.6 – 3.8 – 3.7, seventh to eighth, 6+). Sample shifts for WEEI-FM include: -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); +.6 (April); and -.6 (July). Nine recent shifts for “The Sports Hub” include: +.9 (October 2018); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); -1.4 (June); and -1.8 (July).
Frozen on 5.0 (6+) the past five months, iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” busts out a one-half share increase to 5.5 (6+) and continues in fifth-place; WBZ-AM was +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+).
Up four-tenths in July/August (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR moves from ninth to seventh. In addition to advancing from #16 to #14, WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH picks up six-tenths to 2.8, its best (6+) showing since December 2018 (2.8, as well).
Boston Music Formats – Improving by six-tenths each are Beasley Media Group’s WBOS “Boston’s Rock 92.9 Rocks” (#14 to #13) and Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV “92.5 The River – Boston’s Independent Radio” (2.1 – 2.7, #17 to #15, 6+). “Rock 92.9” is up eight-tenths in three straight increases (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.2, 6+). When “The River” relinquished six-tenths in July, it curtailed four consecutive upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.8 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+). A gain of three-tenths to 2.2 (flat at #18, 6+) by iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” pulls the plug on six straight down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.2 (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is #1 the fifth month in a row, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” falters by -1.1 (8.8 – 7.7, 6+). This follows – and basically wipes away – back-to-back (June and July) increases of six-tenths (7.6 – 8.2 – 8.8, 6+). When WROR dropped two-tenths in May, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (January, 7.3, and February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March and April, 7.8 – both times, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); and WROR (June, 8.2, July, 8.8, and August, 7.7, 6+). In the market’s CHR arena, iHeartMedia’s aforementioned WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” is an overall -1.3 in three setbacks in succession (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3, 6+) but is in the runner-up slot the third straight month. A one-half share increase in May took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is without an increase the seventh consecutive time for a net loss of seven-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8, #16 to #19, 6+). The combined +.8 that Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” racked up in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+) is vaporized in July/August with a -.9 (6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0, 6+). June’s 6.9 was its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. The April 2019 through August 2019 (6+) profiles of Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” and Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1” are extremely similar. “Hot” is -1.0 in four straight down or flat moves (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3, #10 to #11, 6+), while “Mix” is -.6 in four consecutive months without an increase (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3, #10 to #11, 6+).
Miami
English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – The April 2019 through August 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is a very consistent 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 (#18 to #17, 6+).
Recently rebranded from “Sports Radio 560” to “560 The Joe,” Entercom-owned WQAM (Dolphins) gains one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.5 – 6 – .7, #30 to #28, 6+). It leapfrogs co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which is down 33% (-.3) in July/August (.9 – .8 – .6, #26 to #29, 6+).
After logging four straight up or flat reports that produced two-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN falters by seven-tenths in July/August (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).
Miami Music Formats – Within 6.3 – 6.6 range in each of the last eight survey periods (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” breaks out a +.7 to 7.0 (6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. This (7.0) is the highest 6+-stat for “Hot” in just over one year (June 2018, 7.1, 6+). A collective -1.1 through six straight negative or neutral moves (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WEDR ends the slump with a +.3 to 4.4 (6+); “99 Jamz” is anchored at #7. By gaining six-tenths (3.2 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WBGG “Big 105.9” cracks the top ten (#12 to #8) and records its best 6+-showing (3.8) since November 2017’s 3.9. In addition to regaining the three-tenths it lost in July (7.6 – 7.3 – 7.6, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is #1 the eighth consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February). Eight-tenths has been a common fluctuation recently for “Easy” as it was down eight-tenths in February; up by that magnitude in March; and up again by eight-tenths in June. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF repeats July’s (6+) AQH-share (5.5) and market rank (fourth). When “101.5 Lite FM” picked up one-tenth in July, it curtailed four straight sweeps without an increase that led to an overall -1.2 (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+). It was in third-place March, April, May, and June. Following four upticks in succession that produced a +1.3 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WPOW “Power 96” surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase and fades from the top ten (2.9, -1.2, #7 to #15, 6+). While it continues at #9, Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ “El Zol 106.7” is -1.2 in six straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” gains three-tenths (2.8 – 3.1, 6+) at the same time that Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” forfeits three-tenths (3.3 – 3.0, 6+). As a result, “Y-100” (#15 to #11) overtakes “Hits 97.3” (#11 to #13).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady in fifth-place, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM gains
one-half share in July/August (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio,” which logged a +.5 in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+), drops two-tenths to 1.5 (flat at #22, 6+). In five successive negative or neutral reports, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI lost more than half (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share since February (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, 6+), but “Talk Radio 570” ends the slide by picking up two-tenths to .9 (#26 to #25, 6+).
A collective -1.3 in four straight down or flat trends (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (Mariners, Seahawks) slumps from #14 to #17. After having its 6+ stat sliced by more than 60% (-.9) via four consecutive slips (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” improves by three-tenths to .8 (6+) and repeats at #28.
An increase of four-tenths (2.8 – 3.2, #15 to #13, 6+) takes Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO to its best 6+-stat (3.2) since November 2017’s 3.4.
In three consecutive decreases (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW has lost nine-tenths and drops from second to fourth.
Seattle Music Formats – June’s first-place tie between iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” and Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” was broken with emphasis in July when the former gained nine-tenths and the later spiraled by eight-tenths. The roles are reversed in August though as “MOViN’ 92.5” hangs out a +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, third to first, 6+) while “Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” plummets by -1.0 (7.0 – 6.0, first to second, 6+). An overall -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), KQMV ended the slump in June with a gain of one-tenth. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. As a result of August’s -1.0, KZOK snaps its consecutive string of eight straight positive spikes that produced a +3.3 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of that particular run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). It’s a strong sweep for the market’s two adult contemporary outlets as Entercom’s KSWD “94.1 The Sound” logs a +1.0 (4.4 – 5.4, sixth to third, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s KRWM “Warm 106.9” improves by six-tenths (4.3 – 4.9, eighth to sixth, 6+). In each of the last three sweeps, “The Sound” and “Warm” were separated by one-tenth. Prior to eroding by -1.1 in April, “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Entering the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. By notching a +.3 to 3.1 (flat at #15, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” halts seven straight down or flat reports that accounted for a collective -2.3 (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). A combined +1.4 in July/August (3.7 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM Playing What We Want” surrenders half that increase (4.4 -.7, fourth to eighth, 6+). In July, Seattle’s version of “Jack” reached the five-share threshold (5.1, 6+) for the first time in nearly ten years (5.0, October 2009). After a lengthy hiatus from being in print, Hubbard Broadcasting adult standards KIXI resurfaced with three straight .7 showings (February, March, and April, 6+). It elevated to 1.3 (6+) in May; 1.2 (June, 6+); and 1.4 (July, 6+). In August, however, “AM 880 – Music As Cool Now As It Was Then” drops to .9 (#25, 6+). After more than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), co-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” returns one-tenth to 4.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). One-tenth ahead of “The Bull” is Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country” (4.1 – 4.3, +.2, #12 to #9, 6+), which wiped away May’s +.9 with June/July’s combined -.9 (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, KKWF was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+).
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Six straight sweeps without an increase by Cumulus Media’s
WJR led to a -1.7 (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+), but “News Talk 760” (Lions) applies the brakes with a +.2 to 2.2 (6+) and is flat at #19.
Stuck on 5.0 (6+) in February and March and then on 5.4 (6+) in April and May, Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM (Tigers) is a combined -1.5 in three successive setbacks (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+); “97.1 The Ticket” exits the top ten (#9 to #11).
A combined -1.4 in June/July (6.2 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” roars back with a +1.1 to 5.9 (6+) and vaults from sixth to second; WWJ was #1 in March.
The (repetitive) April 2019 through August 2019 topline for Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM is: 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 (flat at #20, 6+). Unchanged at #21, Wayne State University news/talk WDET regains the two-tenths it dropped in July (1.2 – 1.0 – 1.2, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – Not only is Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC +1.3 in July/August (3.9 – 4.1 – 5.2, 6+), “105.1 The Bounce” jumps into the top ten (#11 to #7) and reaches the five-share level for the first time since February 2017 (5.2, as well). Co-owned WRIF “Everything That Rocks” improves by six-tenths (4.6 – 5.2, 6+) to advance from eighth to seventh. This (5.2) is its highest 6+-showing since February’s 5.9. Still in that Beasley Media Group cluster, WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is off three-tenths (7.2 – 6.9, 6+) but repeats at #1. Its June/July +.8 (6.4 – 6.5 – 7.2, 6+) followed three successive down or flat months that accounted for a -1.4 (7.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+). In March, WCSX eroded by -1.3 to shift from first to second. Its March/April decline of -1.5 followed back-to-back gains of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+). “Detroit’s Classic Rock” spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September 2018. Off a full-share through four straight survey periods without an increase (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 – Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” halts the slide with a +.4 to 3.5 (#15 to #14, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (6.2 – 5.6, 6+) sends adult contemporary cluster-mate WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” from second to fifth. After its 6+ AQH share eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) in four successive sweeps (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), WNIC answered with a May increase of four-tenths. WNIC’s “Holiday” 2018 17.9 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. On top in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share via four straight increases (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+). Unchanged at #10 is its format rival – Entercom’s WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” – which is off a combined eight-tenths in July/August (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). CHR WDZH “Amp Radio” became adult contemporary “The Breeze” in early-November (2018) and, in eight successive reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), it more than doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share. The streak, however, ended in July. Even though Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WDRQ is +1.3 through six consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), “93.1 Nash FM” backslides from #16 to #17. This (2.9) is its best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 3.0. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WYCD “99.5 Detroit Country Music” is off seven-tenths in July/August (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+) and slides from sixth to ninth.
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of June’s -.8 (4.0 – 3.2, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (Arizona Cardinals) is a combined
+1.0 in July/August (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.2, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#11 to #6). Despite being off seven-tenths via three drops in succession (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” climbs from #16 to #15.
Off -1.0 in June/July (3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+) Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (Arizona Diamondbacks) notches an August +.3 to 2.4 (6+) and leaps from #19 to #15 (tied with KFYI).
Albeit that Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ repeats July’s 3.4 (6+), it departs the top ten (#10 to #11).
Phoenix Music Formats – Recording increases of one-half share each are Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” (third to second) and iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country” (steady at #5). KOOL is an overall +2.3 in five bumps in succession (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (6.3) in more than two years (July 2017, 6.4, 6+). KNIX “Today’s Best Country” gains nine-tenths in three successive spikes (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+), obliterating its -.9 in three straight decreases (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+) and matches February’s 5.1. Adult contemporary sibling KESZ is an overall +1.7 via five consecutive upticks (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+) and repeats at #1 with its strongest 6+-showing since January (7.0, as well). Owing to three drops in a row (5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.7, 6+), CHR cluster-mate KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” is a cumulative -1.6 and shifts from seventh to tenth. The last time “Kiss” fell below a four-share (6+) was “Holiday” 2017 (3.0). Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9,” which was -1.1 in four straight sweeps without an increase (3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 1.9, 6+), ends the slide with a +.3 to 2.2 (6+) and reenters the top twenty (#21 to #18). Off seven-tenths (2.7 – 2.0, 6+), Entravision’s similarly-formatted KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” fades from the top twenty (#14 to #21). Faltering by one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” (6.7 – 6.2, second to third, 6+); Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” (4.6 – 4.1, fifth to seventh, 6+); and iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” (4.4 – 3.9, eighth to ninth, 6+). Recent shifts for KYOT “The Mountain” include: -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January/February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April) -1.2 (May); +1.2 (June); and -.5 (August). “The Mountain” ranked first three ratings periods in succession before being ousted in May. KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” has its lowest 6+-stat (4.1) since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.0. In July, KMXP “Mix” gained one-half share to halt seven successive down or flat reports that accounted for a -2.0 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+).
Riverside
Spoken-Word Formats – After three ratings periods in a row of being unlisted, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” resurfaces with a .1 (#20, 6+).
Unchanged at #20, co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” has a November 2018 through August 2019 topline of: .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 (6+). For the 20th straight sweep, similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.
This is the fourth report in a row that San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is below a one-share (.8 – .4 – .6 – .5 – .8, flat at #14, 6+). Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” posts a .3 (6+) for the third time in the last five reports (.1 – .3 – .1 – .3 – .3, 6+) and repeats at #16.
Riverside Music Formats – Off six-tenths in June/July (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “LA 101.9” erases that shortfall with an increase of nine-tenths to 3.3 (eighth to sixth, 6+). In three down or flat trends in a row (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.5, 6+), Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KLVE was a collective -1.1 but “107.5 K-Love” picks up two-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and carries on at #5. Not only does KLYY add eight-tenths to July’s one-half share increase (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+), “Jose” marches from second to first. Prior to July, the Entravision Spanish adult hits outlet was an overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+). It had been in the runner-up slot in April, May, June, and July. In advance of the April ratings period, “Jose” occupied the #1 spot 11 sweeps in succession. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. After four straight months at #1, KOLA segues to #2. The Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies station is -1.7 in July/August (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+), immediately after being +1.8 via three successive positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to May, the last time KOLA reached the eight-share level (6+) was February 2018 (8.4). KOLA finished second in 11 successive survey periods and went to #1 in April. Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN falters for the sixth time in the last seven sweeps and is a collective -1.7 in that stretch (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.4, sixth to eighth, 6+). “Family Friendly 89.7” falls below a three-share (2.4, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 2.7. Two of its format rivals – Educational Media Foundation-owned KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted for the second month in succession. After reaching the five-share level in July (5.1, 6+), Entercom’s KFRG “New Country K-Frog” sputters by seven-tenths to 4.4 (6+) but continues at #3. In four consecutive down or flat trends, Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB is down eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+) but stays in seventh-place. This (2.5) is the lowest 6+-showing for “Que Buena 96.1” since 2.3 in November 2018. The +1.6 that LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” chalked up in three successive improvements (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+) becomes a -1.6 in five consecutive setbacks (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1, flat at #9, 6+).
San Jose
Spoken-Word Formats – In ten straight San Jose sweeps without an increase (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4,
6+), KGO lost more than 50% of its 6+ AQH share (-1.6). The Cumulus Media news/talk station answers with an August gain of four-tenths to 1.8 (6+) and reenters the top twenty (#23 to #19). There is a similar turnaround for co-owned news/talk KSFO, which is up two-tenths to 1.0 (#27 to #24, 6+), thus pulling the plug on three successive declines that accounted for a loss of roughly half (-.7) its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .8, 6+). In July, KSFO fell below a one-share (.8, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (.9).
Regressing by six-tenths each are KGO and KSFO sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” (4.2 – 3.6, seventh to eighth, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (#21 to #24, 6+). Giants flagship KNBR erased June’s half-share decrease and had posted a 4.2 (6+) three times in the previous four reports (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+); KNBR was +1.1 in April. “The Game” erodes by nearly two-thirds (-1.9) in three straight sharp declines (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+), immediately after a +1.4 as a result of three consecutive positive spikes (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.9, 6+).
The (repetitive) April 2019 through August 2019 topline for all-news sibling KCBS-AM is: 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 (fifth to fourth, 6+). KCBS-AM was -1.9 in three straight March through May decreases.
Even though it returns the three-tenths it added in July (6.0 – 6.3 – 6.0, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED remains at #3. Three straight slips by KQED accounted for a collective -1.1 (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW follows July’s +.6 with an August drop-off of three-tenths (1.3 – 1.0, flat at #24, 6+).
San Jose Music Formats – Positive news continues for Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits,” which not only is #1 the fourth consecutive month but hauls out a +1.3 (7.3 – 8.6, 6+). “Bay FM” answered April’s -1.5 with a +1.3 in May (6.2 – 7.5, 6+), returning to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, KBAY had been +1.5 via three bumps in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Notching increases of six-tenths each are Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” (3.0 – 3.6, tenth to eighth); iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD “Wild 94.9” (2.9, #13 to #11, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KJLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.1 – .7, #31 to #28, 6+). “Que Buena” has its best 6+-stat (3.6) in nearly two years (3.8, November 2017). “Wild” was a combined -1.1 in June/July (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+), falling below a three-share (2.3, 6+, July 2019) for the first time since November 2018 (2.9). “K-Love” popped on with a .6 (6+) in June and then lost one-half share in July. Up one-half share (3.6 – 4.1, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “95.3 San Jose Hot Country” has its best 6+-performance since December 2018 (4.1, as well) and advances from ninth to sixth. Major ups/downs continue for Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3,” which was an overall -1.1 in three successive declines (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+); rebounded in July with a +.9 to 5.9 (6+); but now craters by -1.5 (4.4, fourth to fifth, 6+). In three straight drops, Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” falters by an overall -1.9 (5.8 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 3.9, sixth to seventh, 6+). This is the eighth month in a row that adult contemporary sibling KOIT-FM is unlisted in San Jose. As the result of five straight increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. KOIT-FM remains in print in the San Francisco report.
Middlesex
Spoken-Word Formats – In a bit of an oddity, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is #1
the seventh successive month yet hasn’t had an increase the seventh time in a row. “New Jersey 101.5” is -1.5 in that January 2019 through August 2019 timeframe (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.6, 6+). A boost of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.5, 6+) enables iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” to rocket from #17 to #12. Owing to three Middlesex-Somerset-Union upticks in succession, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC doubles (+.6) its 6+ AQH-share (.6 – .7 – .9 – 1.2, #25 to #24, 6+).
Three successive bumps by Entercom sports talk WFAN (Yankees, Giants) result in a net gain of eight-tenths (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4, tenth to ninth, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” which added seven-tenths in May, is down an overall nine-tenths in June/July/August (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, flat at #23, 6+).
In addition to being up one-half share via four consecutive positive spikes (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom all-news WINS enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). Conversely, co-owned/similarly-programmed WCBS-AM (Mets) is off seven-tenths in July/August (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #22).
After losing six-tenths in three consecutive decreases (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM ends the slide with a +.1 to 2.0 (6+) and repeats at #21.
Middlesex Music Formats – In addition to jumping from sixth to fourth, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is a collective +1.9 in four consecutive positive or neutral trends (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.3, 6+). This (5.3) is the strongest 6+-stat for “Magic” since “Holiday” 2018’s 5.8. Posting a robust August 2019 increase of nine-tenths as well is Emmis urban AC WBLS (5.4 – 6.3, third to second). WBLS now trails market frontrunner (news/talk) WKXW by just three-tenths. Three up or flat moves in succession by rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WQHT yield a +1.1 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+) as “Hot 97” enters the top ten (#11 to #10). This is its best 6+ Middlesex-Somerset-Union performance since November 2018 (3.6, as well). An uptick of six-tenths by iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ enables “Q-104.3 – New York’s Classic Rock” to reach the five-share level (4.4 – 5.0, unchanged at #6, 6+). On the other hand, off by six-tenths each are Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” (3.3 – 2.7, #12 to #15) and iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” (3.1 – 2.5, #15 to #17, 6+). This (2.7) is the lowest 6+-stat for “Alt” since 2.5 in “Holiday” 2018. When WKTU posted a July gain of three-tenths, it interrupted three down or flat moves in a row that led to a loss of two-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Faltering by one-half share (4.1 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” slips from ninth to tenth. Unchanged at #14, iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” is off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+). While Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ is without an increase the fourth straight time for a -1.0 since April (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), “Mega 97.9” actually climbs from #16 to #15. Five successive improvements by Entercom hot AC WNEW net a +1.7 (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+) as “NEW 102.7” continues in fifth-place. A combined -3.4 in June/July (3.8 – 2.0 – .4, #22 to #30, 6+), WNEW’s former hot AC competitor, WPLJ, disappears from print. Cumulus Media sold WPLJ to Educational Media Foundation, which shifted the station from hot AC to contemporary Christian on May 31.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Salem Radio Network to Syndicate Sebastian Gorka in 2019; Michael Medved Moves to New Platform. Beginning January 1, Salem Radio Network begins airing the “America First with Sebastian Gorka” program in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET
daypart, replacing the Michael Medved program. Salem Broadcast Division president David Santrella says, “The listener feedback we receive each time Dr. Gorka fills in for one of our network hosts is overwhelming. I think Dr. Gorka is the right person at the right time and the Salem Radio Network is definitely the right place.” Gorka is FOX News Channel’s national security strategist and is a regular guest on “Hannity” and the FOX Business Network. He writes for The Hill and is the author of best-sellers Why 
We Fight: Defeating America’s Enemies—With No Apologies (Regnery) and Defeating Jihad: The Winnable War (Regnery). Gorka was an advisor to candidate Donald Trump and served on the staff of the White House in 2017 as Deputy Assistant to the President for Strategy. Salem Radio Network senior vice president Phil Boyce says, “There is a culture war going on in this country and Dr. Gorka is uniquely qualified to take this fight to talk radio. His program will deal with the hot breaking news stories of each day, and help listeners understand what to make of it.” Michael Medved comments, “I feel grateful for the more than 21
years I’ve worked with Salem Media Group and I wish continued success to my friends and colleagues at the network. Together with my team of producers here in Seattle, we’ll be continuing our daily broadcast with no interruption, making it available to our devoted listeners in an exciting new format. We’ll also move forward with our emphasis on history programs and commentary to encourage public appreciation of the real blessings of this amazing country. Stay tuned.”
Tom Langmyer Forms Radio and Digital Acquisition Firm. Radio executive Tom Langmyer – most recently the vice president and general manager for news/talk WTMJ and country WKTI in Milwaukee – is forming Great Lakes Media Corp., a
company that will “invest in local broadcasting and digital media opportunities through the acquisition of local radio stations and digital platforms in small markets.” A press release indicates the firm will investigate acquisition of “properties in small markets, focusing on opportunities in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.” The company is meeting with investors and brokers – and others who are interested in specific markets; and plans to announce appointments of officers and partners in the weeks ahead. Langmyer says, “Smaller communities are making a big comeback. This new generation of people, to whom 
quality of life and community are very important, are building their lives and businesses in these places. Over the years, the shifting economy and technology had ended an era of localism in media. Today, people are once again in search of real community and the greater connection that comes with being a part of a ‘place.’ Local media builds that connection – particularly in smaller markets. The need is clear as many of the broadcast media platforms have been providing white-labelled, generic, unremarkable content. And while it’s growing, the digital space is in dire need of compelling content to make it a more robust advertising and revenue platform. Radio and digital complement each other as it’s not an either/or proposition. There’s great open space in creating more personal local experiences by leveraging these platforms – and expanding the emotional connection between consumers and local brands.” Langmyer is president and CEO of Great Lakes Media Corp. Prior to managing WTMJ and WKTI for Scripps Media, Langmyer was general manager for Tribune’s WGN-AM, Chicago. Earlier in his career he transitioned from programming CBS RADIO’s KMOX, St. Louis to serving as general manager. He exited WTMJ and WKTI on October 31 upon the transfer of the stations from Scripps to Good Karma Brands LLC.
Report: Mancow to WLS-AM Mornings, Shapiro Show to Air in Afternoons. Chicago media writer Robert Feder says he has inside info indicating Cumulus Media
intends to insert Ben Shapiro – whose current one-hour, podcast-for-radio program will morph into a two-hour live show beginning in January distributed via Westwood One – will be heard in afternoon drive and that 
Mancow Muller may assume the morning drive show, bumping Big John Howell and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens from AM drive. This comes after the station announced it would be re-tooling the programming on WLS, and that includes the announced departure of Windy City icon Steve Dahl from afternoons (though he continues his podcast relationship with the company). Shapiro’s new show will be distributed by WWO live from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Recall that Westwood One’s Michael Savage – currently heard live in afternoons Eastern Time – is transitioning his show to a one-hour live program (live 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET?) followed by a one-hour podcast available to stations in 2019. Stay tuned.
The Fall of Craig Carton. TALKERS magazine legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman writes about the case against former WFAN, New York morning drive personality Craig Carton and the concert tickets scam that will likely send him to federal prison for a number of years. Weisman writes, “It is common for scammers to take advantage of positions of trust. People trust radio personalities who they feel they get to know over years of broadcasting. But sometimes that trust, as was the case with Carton, is abused.” Read the whole column here.
Rush Limbaugh Show Presents Fifth Annual Mahindra Military Salute Giveaway. In honor of Veteran’s Day (Sunday 11/11 but observed on Monday 11/12), the fifth annual military promotion from Rush
Limbaugh and Mahindra North America is underway. In recognition of the service and sacrifice of our military, all active and veteran military service members are eligible to enter for a chance to win a Mahindra 1000 Gas Standard utility vehicle with roof and windshield in “The Rush Limbaugh Show’s Mahindra Military Salute Giveaway.” Entries are being accepted for the utility vehicle giveaway through November 11 at 11:59 pm PT at http://sweeps.rushlimbaugh.com/mahindra2018/. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on Monday, November 12. Limbaugh says, “My thanks to Mahindra, makers of the world’s number one selling tractor. And God bless all of you who protect our freedom.”
USA Radio Networks and Oasis Productions Partner for Trucker-Targeted Programming. This deal between USA Radio Networks and Oasis Productions
entails Oasis broadcasting USA Radio’s top-of-the-hour national news on its truckersmusic-radio.com and truckersrock-radio.com sites. Additionally, the “Truckers Radio Network” has added USA’s syndicated late-night show featuring veteran Dallas icon Charley Jones from 12:00 midnight to 2:00 am ET and USA’s “Classic Radio Theater” on Sunday evenings. USA Radio Networks COO Janet Bro (left) says this is the first of several new partnerships and ventures that the company will undertake in the next year. “We’re definitely in a growth mode.” Oasis COO Rex Allen, Jr. (right) comments, “We feel that this is a great opportunity. Truckers Radio expands USA’s reach to millions of listeners both nationally and internationally and provides our listeners with quality information and programming.”
Midterm Elections Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 5-9. The midterm elections and the battle for control of the House and Senate was the top story on news/talk this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the related status of the Mueller Trump-Russia investigation. Coming in at #3 was the revocation of CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s White House press credentials by President Trump, and the deadly California bar shootings at #4. The Talkers TenTM is 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 and Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Flipping from country to adult contemporary as “92.5 The Breeze” is iHeartMedia’s KBEB, Sacramento. The company says the station will debut on Monday (11/12) at 3:00 pm with 10,000 commercial-free songs in a row. Core artists will include: Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, Vanessa Williams, and more. The on-air lineup for the station will be announced in the coming weeks. iHM SVP of programming for Sacramento Curtiss Johnson says, “No doubt many in Sacramento will remember the station 92.5 for its decades-long heritage as an adult contemporary station and one of the top stations in the market. I’m happy to say we’re bringing that format back. ‘92.5 The Breeze’ is the perfect station for relaxing to favorites while you work, unwinding after a long day, or just for getting into that weekend frame of mind.”…..After more than 41 years in the industry Cox Media Group San Antonio market manager Ben Reed will retire at the end of this year. Reed says, “When looking back on the last four decades and the opportunities I’ve been afforded in my career, all I can say is I’m blessed – it’s that simple. The success we’ve achieved as an organization and the expectations we’ve exceeded year after year in the San Antonio market is truly remarkable. The camaraderie I share with my team and colleagues at CMG will live in my heart
forever.”…..Country radio pro Charlie Cook signs a new, multi-year deal with Cumulus Media to continue with the company as vice president, country formats; operations manager for the Nashville cluster; and program director for WSM-FM, Nashville “NASH Icon.” Cumulus Media EVP content & programming Mike McVay says, “Charlie Cook is not only one of the best known and most successful country programmers in the history of the format, he is a solid and strategic thinking multi-format radio expert. We are excited to continue this partnership with him.”…..iHeartMedia Atlanta announces today the debut of the new WBZY, Atlanta ‘Z105.3, Tu Estación Para Super Hits,’ effective immediately, flipping from regional Mexican to Spanish CHR. Core artists will include: Daddy Yankee, Shakira, Ozuna, Romeo Santos, Maluma, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, and Enrique Iglesias. iHM Atlanta SVP of programming Brian Michel comments, “With the launch of ‘Z105.3,’ we are proud to continue the tradition of being the innovator and leader of Atlanta’s Hispanic media landscape. With the rapidly growing Hispanic population in Atlanta, as well as emerging musical tastes, this move puts us in a position to super-serve our listeners, advertisers, and the community.”…..Westwood One announces affiliate sales pro Debbie Brand joins the company as manager of affiliate sales, country. Brand, who returns to Westwood One after having served with the company in the mid-1990s, takes over for Tim Closson.
PPM Analysis: Country. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on country. The number of country stations moving either up or down – weekly 6+ AQH Share – in PPM markets in October was split about 50/50 with the remaining stations unchanged, and the numbers were pretty similar comparing year-over-year. Two country outlets were able to claim the 6+ #1 rank in their respective markets: Beasley Media Group’s WSOC, Charlotte and iHeartMedia’s WCOL, Columbus. However, 10 other country stations finished in the top three in their markets. See the whole report here.
Friday, August 24, 2018
Tom Langmyer to Exit WTMJ and WKTI-FM in Milwaukee; Steve Wexler to Lead the Stations for Good Karma. Management and programming pro Tom Langmyer will be
replaced at heritage Brew Town news/talker WTMJ-AM and country WKTI-FM by a familiar face – former Journal Communications and E.W. Scripps executive Steve Wexler. He headed Journal’s radio division and stayed with the stations after they became part of E.W. Scripps. Buffalo native Langmyer – who rose from program director at KMOX, St. Louis to station manager, then served as GM of WGN, Chicago – will stay with the stations until Good Karma assumes control.
Francesa’s Mike’s On App Is Released. New York sports talk icon Mike Francesa’s new app – dubbed Mike’s On after the name of his new WFAN show – has been released. The new digital platform for Francesa is a collaborative effort between Francesa’s agency CAA and WFAN owner Entercom. In addition to giving listeners digital access to his daily radio show, it will include exclusive extras such as a Saturday 
college football show and a Sunday NFL show. Francesa also is promising to comment on sports stories as they happen, anytime day or night. The app is $8.99 a month – a price point that some are criticizing for being higher than the typical media app. In a press statement, Francesa says, “I wanted to create my own exclusive platform to provide fans and subscribers with fresh content to complement the WFAN program they have known and trusted for decades, but with a level of information and immediacy they have never experienced before. If it’s breaking news at 7AM or 1AM after a crushing defeat, fans will hear from me instantaneously. No barriers. No restrictions.”
KKNT, Phoenix Host Seth Leibsohn to Sue Political Consulting Firm Over Services. According to a report by the Arizona Republic’s Ronald Hansen, KKNT, Phoenix “960 The Patriot” afternoon drive talk show host Seth Leibsohn is suing political consulting firm Compass Strategies for its failure to assist him in getting enough qualified signatures in his bid to run for U.S. Rep. in Arizona’s 9thcongressional district. After 
ending his bid for congress – for which he was prepared to leave his radio show due to equal time concerns – Leibsohn spoke about the matter on his radio show and said he was assured by Compass that all was well with the nomination signatures. The paper quotes Leibsohn saying, “I am embarrassed about it and I am ashamed over it and I am committed to doing everything I can to give the donors to this campaign their money back. We were assured on multiple occasions all was going well and there was no problem. Indeed, some on the campaign staff joked…about other campaigns having problems but not ours. Well the joke as it turned out — the terrible, awful joke — was on me and on you. The others had the signatures and we did not.” The story notes that the Leibsohn campaign had raised $144,000 as of June. Read the Republic piece here.
Michael Harrison Says Trump Uses His Contentious Relationship with the Press to Political Advantage. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison participated in a discussion about media and news bias in covering President Trump in a conversation on CNN’s Headline News Channel (HLN) yesterday (8/23) on “Across America with Carol Costello.” In a conversation with the show’s host, Carol Costello, and media analyst Bill Carter, former media reporter for The New York Times, Harrison says that there is blatant bias being perpetrated by both the pro- and anti-Trump media. He attributes it to the long-running trend of the media “targeting audiences for commercial purposes” and confirming people’s pre-determined opinions (pro and con) about the president in the process. Harrison states, “There is nothing wrong with political opinion – it’s a cherished tradition in journalism – as long as it is disclaimed as such and done in good spirit and good will. We’ve lost sight of that and a lot of people don’t know the difference.” As far as Trump complaining that 80% of the coverage of his presidency is fake news, Harrison says, “Trump uses the contentiousness [with the press] to his advantage with his base and wouldn’t want it any other way.” To view the entire segment, please click here.
TALKERS News Notes. Pictured at right is Jack Phillips (second from left) – the Colorado baker whose refusal to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple based on
religious beliefs that was the subject of the recent 7-2 U.S. Supreme Court victory – visited the Salem Media Group Los Angeles offices seeking support for his Alliance Defending Freedom legal team. From left to right are: Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager, Phillips, SRN vp/news & talk programming Tom Tradup; and SRN talk host Larry Elder…..On today’s edition of the syndicated “John Fredericks Radio Show,” U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) – who serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces – sat in as guest host…..iHeartMedia’s Milwaukee sports talker WOKY “The Big 
920” is going local in the midday, replacing FOX Sports Radio’s Colin Cowherd with Milwaukee Bucks play-by-play man Ted Davis, WISN-TV sports director Dan Needles, and former WAUK “540 ESPN” personality Mitch “Thunder” Nelles hosting “The Crossover” from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm daily…..Entercom’s WWEI-FM, Springfield, Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts renew their deal for the station to serve as flagship for football and men’s basketball play-by-play broadcasts. Additionally, the station will air the weekly “UMass Insiders Show” featuring UMass football head coach Mark Whipple, men’s basketball head coach Matt McCall and men’s hockey head coach Greg Carvel. WWEI-FM carries sports talk programming from Entercom’s WEEI-FM, Boston…..At the recent Beasley Media Group managers meeting, Jonathan Kraft, president of The Kraft Group and the New England Patriots, was the featured guest speaker. Kraft participated in a lunchtime “fireside chat” with WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” midday personality Marc Bertrand at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. Pictured below (from l-r) are: Dr. Bob Beasley, Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Kraft, Beasley Media Group founder and chairman of the board George Beasley, COO/EVP Brian Beasley and president Bruce Beasley. Photo: HSA Photo.
Lars Larson Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Veteran radio talk show host, Lars Larson is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Operating out of KXL in Portland, Oregon, he is an “iron man” hosting six hours of radio every weekday. He starts this daily marathon by hosting 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm PT on a network of about 20 regional stations, including KXL, on Alpha Media’s Radio Northwest Network. Then he immediately plugs into his Compass Media Networks coast-to-coast roster of about 150 radio stations and does a national show from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm PT. He shows up to work every day prior to going on the air at around 6:00 am and puts in about six hours of prep time to be up to date on all the local, regional, and national issues. And he
performs his shows standing up to attain proper breathing and projection! He’s been hosting radio shows in the Northwest for more than four decades since he was 16 years old and he just celebrated his 15th anniversary in national syndication. Along the way, he also did some top-notch work for 20 years as a television reporter and news anchorman… but radio is his first love. Larson is a highly regarded dyed-in-the-wool conservative who has received more than 70 awards from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Press Club, including two Emmy’s and a Peabody for his reporting and documentaries. Harrison and Larson take a deep dive into exploring the state of talk radio, the changing nature of journalism, the differences between radio and TV, and his personal recipe for on-air durability. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of every page on Talkers.com.
Longtime Garden Show Host Paul Parent Dies Unexpectedly. Condolences go out to the family and friends of Boston-based garden show host Paul Parent. His son Michael contacted TALKERS magazine to let the industry know that Paul passed away unexpectedly last week. He’d been hosting a gardening show on the radio for the past 34 years. Beginning his “Paul Parent Garden Club” at WRKO in 1984 during the reign of talk radio greats Jerry Williams and Gene Burns, he worked there for 15 years before going into national syndication. At the time of his death, his show was syndicated by Genesis Communications Network.
Manafort Conviction and Cohen Guilty Plea Top News/Talk Stories for Week of August 20-24. The conviction of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort on financial fraud charges and the guilty plea by former Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to campaign finance violations tied for the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Robert Mueller-led Trump-Russia Investigation. Coming in at #3 was the Mollie Tibbetts murder case, followed by President Trump’s ordering Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to investigate South Africa’s farm expropriation program and Trump’s Jeff Sessions criticisms tied at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result on ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Music 
Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Brian Paiz is named SVP of programming for iHeartMedia’s Columbus and Albany, Georgia markets. He joins the company from IBX Media in Greenville, North Carolina where he was brand manager for WRHD-HD2. Paiz has also held several programming positions for iHeartMedia, including program director for iHeartMedia’s “100.1 The Beat” and director of urban
programming for WIBB and “V101.7” in Macon, Georgia…..The Envision Networks-syndicated “Wolfman Jack Radio Show” picks up new affiliate stations as KEDB-FM, Des Moines; KRWN-FM, Farmington, New Mexico; KIWA-FM, Sioux City; and WRHL, Rockford, Illinois add the program to their lineup. Envision CEO Danno Wolkoff says, “Wolfman Jack is back and blowing up the airwaves again. In my 30-plus years of launching network programming for radio stations to broadcast, I have never seen these many affiliations so quickly. The Wolfman legend continues.”…..Univision’s hip hop KBBT, San Antonio “The Beat 98.5” is adding Premiere Networks’ “The Breakfast Club” featuring Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy for morning drive…..iHeartMedia 
announces Mike “McCabe” Kerr is named program director at CHR WERZ, Exeter, New Hampshire “Z107.” McCabe will also host the afternoon drive program. iHeartMedia New Hampshire SVP of programming Tim Moore says, “Mike’s talent and experience stood out immediately and we are thrilled to have him join the iHeartMedia New Hampshire team. He’s a true radio geek — which I love — from on-air to programming — and even engineering! This guy is the real deal and we can’t wait for him to help take ‘Z107’ to even greater heights!” McCabe joins the New Hampshire market from Saga Communications Ithaca where he most recently served as the program director and morning host for WFIZ “Z95.5.”
Thursday, June 21, 2018
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk. More than half of the sports talk stations in PPM markets saw their 6+ weekly AQH shares rise compared to the April survey (54%). Better still, 65% of sports stations realized positive 6+ movement compared to the same ratings period a year ago. There are no sports talk stations ranking #1 in their market (6+), however Entercom’s WFAN, New York ranked #3 in the Long Island market and the company’s KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh also ranked #3. See the entire report here.
Bloomberg: iHM Still Open to Takeover Talks After Shooting Down Liberty. According to a report today by Bloomberg, Liberty Media officially retracted its $1.8 billion takeover offer to iHeartMedia (on 6/15) after some creditors
apparently balked at the offer for a 40% equity stake in the 
company, saying it wasn’t enough. However, iHeartMedia is still open to takeover talks – including with Liberty Media – as it tries to work its way through Chapter 11 reorganization. Experts quoted in the piece say they expect Liberty to come back with another offer because Liberty hasn’t been acquiring iHM debt in order to get a fraction of that back in bankruptcy reorganization. It wants leverage at the bargaining table.
Beasley Adds FM Translator to News/Talk KDWN, Las Vegas. Las Vegas news/talker KDWN-AM officially begins life on the FM band today (6/21) as
Beasley Media Group adds translator K268CS at 101.5 FM to the station’s transmission. At the same time, the station re-brands as “The New 101.5FM/720AM The Talk of Las Vegas.” The translator is located “high atop the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. The decision to create a simulcast broadcast stems from the company’s market research and a desire to offer Las Vegas residents an alternate way to hear KDWN’s locally originated programming, along with a venerable line-up of personalities that will include Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin.” Beasley Las Vegas VP and market manager Dennis Gwiazdon adds, “We’re truly excited about this new opportunity to expand KDWN’s presence in the Las Vegas market. Not only does this provide our listeners with an additional choice to enjoy KDWN’s programming, but an FM simulcast immediately adds value to our advertising customers.”
TRN Seeks Permission to Appeal Case Against Westwood One. Radio company Talk Radio Network is asking Southern District of New York
bankruptcy court Judge Shelley Chapman to give it relief from the automatic stay so it can appeal the Oregon federal court dismissal of its case against Westwood One and others. TRN says it filed a timely appeal of the previous dismissal but Cumulus Media’s entry in to Chapter 11 last fall put an 
automatic stay in place that prevented the Eleventh Circuit Appellate Court from taking up the case. Now that Cumulus has exited Chapter 11, TRN wants to continue the appeal process. It’s also asking for an extension in which to file its Opening Brief in the Westwood One case. Fellow defendants in the case are: Compass Media Networks, WYD Media Management, WYM Media Management, Lew Dickey Jr., and Charles Steinhauer. Mark Masters-led TRN has claimed in a number of previous suits that Westwood One and the other defendants all conspired to monopolize the radio syndication ad sales market and that Westwood One also committed breach of fiduciary duty, among other allegations.
TALKERS News Notes. Award-winning hospitality figure, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and television personality Jon Taffer is
partnering with PodcastOne to present his new podcast, “Jon Taffer: No Excuses.” The new program debuted this week with fan-voted guest Big Cat from Barstool Sports. The weekly show “features the Bar Rescue star’s trademark straight talk and unapologetic approach to daily topics, current events and celebrity interviews. In addition to his genuine opinions and in-your-face analysis on these topics, Jon will offer tough-love advice to fans in the interactive 
program.”…..Conservative media figure Armstrong Williams – who had a long career hosting a radio talk show on AM stations – is putting his SiriusXM program to bed. Williams tells the Heritage Foundation’s Daily Signal that he will focus all of his attention on his television station company, Howard Stirk Holdings. He’s not exiting the performance side of the business entirely as he’ll continue to host his eponymous TV show and will keep producing his podcast…..Scripps executive Tom Langmyer is being honored by the Buffalo
Broadcasters Association with entrance into its Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2018. Langmyer, who currently serves as VP of News, Talk and Sports and GM for news/talk WTMJ and country WKTI in Milwaukee, is a Buffalo native and former WGR-AM traffic reporter. He’s being honored with the Buffalo Bob Smith Award bestowed upon a native broadcaster who achieves national prominence…..WBUR, Boston announces the winner of its Next Great Show Content and has selected “McSweeney’s Presents.” The program was submitted – and beat about 400 other program pitches – by McSweeney’s Internet Tendency editor Chris Monks as a way of bringing the online magazine’s humor and insight to radio. Monks says, “I am thrilled that WBUR chose my idea for the Next Great Show contest. I look forward to making a radio version of McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and the challenge of not bringing shame upon my family of avid WBUR listeners.” The program is said to be a “satirical look at the world, from pop culture, to politics, to the playground, featuring work of the country’s best established and up-and-coming writers and comics.”
Illegal Immigration Policy/Peter Fonda Tweet, Trump Trade War, U.S.-North Korea Meeting, Cops Kills Black Teen in Pittsburgh, World Cup, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/20). The controversy over the separation of children from parents in the crackdown on illegal immigration and the related case of Peter Fonda’s Tweet about separating President Trump’s son from his family; the tariffs being tacked on foreign goods and concerns about global trade war; the aftermath of President Trump’s meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un; the death of an unarmed black teenager at the hands of a police officer in Pittsburgh; the World Cup tournament in Russia; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Detroit radio personality Lauren Crocker signs a new contract with Cumulus Media’s hot AC WDVD where she’s co-host of the ‘Blaine Fowler Morning Show.” She joined the program in 2015. Program director Robby Bridges
says, “It sounds clichéd, but it is the absolute truth. When Lauren first walked in and interviewed with me seven years ago, I knew then she was going to be a superstar. To see her flourish as co-host of ‘The Blaine Fowler Morning Show’ alongside Blaine and Matty, become a fixture in the Detroit market, work with local charities and appear on ‘Dish Nation’ and WDIV-TV’s ‘Live in the D’ is just terrific. Lauren’s star is still on the rise and I’m so glad she’ll be with us 
at Cumulus into the next decade!”…..In Chicago, Cumulus signs alternative WKQX personalities Walt Flakus and Lauren O’Neil to multi-year contracts. Flakus is assistant program director, music director, and evening personality. He’s been with WKQX since 2014. Midday personality O’Neil is entering her seventh year with the station. Cumulus Chicago VP and market manager Marv
Nyren states, “There’s no greater joy than being able to work with incredibly talented people, and Walt and Lauren are two of the most creative, hard-working, and talented people I’ve had the privilege to work with. They are an essential part of what truly separates us from our competition every day. Together, Walt, Lauren and the entire staff make 101WKQX one-of-a-kind.”…..WBBM-FM, Chicago morning personality Kevin Buchar, a.k.a. DreX, is off the air as he recovers from complications that arose from a previous surgical procedure. In the interim, co-host Nina and producer Gabe Ramirez are handling the show duties…..Colorado Springs classic rock KKFM “Classic 
Rock 98” appoints Jonathan “J.P.” Peletis afternoon drive host and promotions director. Cumulus Media Colorado Springs operations manager Bobby Irwin says, “J.P. brings to KKFM and our station cluster an awesome mix of radio rock show, digital marketing and promotions experience, with passion for the Colorado lifestyle.”…..Longport Media agrees to sell Atlantic City CHR WWAC “AC 102.7” to Educational Media Foundation for $570,000. EMF will convert the station into a non-profit and flip it to a Christian music format…..iHeartMedia and MediaLink combined to host the seventh annual intimate VIP Dinner in Antibes, France during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. On Tuesday evening (6/19), the VIP Dinner included a special performance by Jon Bon Jovi. Attendees included corporate officers from such firms as Unilever, AT&T, Google, Vivendi, Conde Nast and others. Katie Couric and Ryan Seacrest were also in attendance. Picture below are (from l-r): Gayle Troberman, chief marketing officer for iHeartMedia; Tom Poleman, chief programming officer for iHeartMedia; Rich Bressler, president, COO and CFO of iHeartMedia; Jon Bon Jovi; John Sykes, president of entertainment enterprises for iHeartMedia; Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia; and Tim Castelli, president of national sales and marketing partnerships for iHeartMedia.
