Tag: "Tony Manes"
Friday, May 28, 2021
Cox Media Group Announces National Syndication of ‘The Erick Erickson Show.’ Beginning on June 1, Cox Media Group will offer “The Erick Erickson Show” in national syndication live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart. “The Erick Erickson Show” is the top-rated host on CMG’s ratings monster WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta “95.5 WSB Radio.” CMG says, “Erickson, who is also a nationally syndicated columnist, has been a
mainstay on 95.5 WSB for a decade. He is consistently one of the most-listened-to local hosts in the country and has the ear of conservative leaders across the nation.” Erickson says, “I’ve been working towards this for a very 
long time, and I appreciate my long relationship with CMG. We look forward to continued success at 95.5 WSB and many new affiliates across the country.” Erickson has been self-syndicating a radio show across the state of Georgia and those affiliate stations will join the roster of the new syndicated program. WSB director of branding and programming Drew Anderssen comments, “Erick’s contribution to WSB has been phenomenal. His ratings are through the roof and we’re excited to see him have similar success for affiliates across the country.” John McConnell of Workhouse Media represents Erick Erickson and facilitated this syndication effort. Andrew Kalb is handling affiliation for the program and he can be reached via Andrew@AndrewKalb.com or by calling 917-217-4050.
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Working in the Lab Late One Night,” looks back at this past week of May 24-28, 2021. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Larry O’ Connor, talk show host, WMAL, Washington, DC; Bo Thompson, talk show host, WBT, Charlotte; Dr. Daliah Wachs, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Steve Weisman, law professor, Bentley University, Boston / founder, Scamicide.com; Larry Young, talk show host, WOLB, Baltimore; and Claire Carter, talk show host / commentator, TalkersRadio / founder GoodForYouNetwork,com. The show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; the iHeart Podcast Network; Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno Names Christopher Gabriel Morning Host. On-air pro Christopher Gabriel is the new morning drive personality at Cumulus Media’s news/talk KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno, effective Monday (5/31). Gabriel will work with morning anchor Matt Otstot on the 6:00 am to 9:00 am show and will host a weekend talk
program, as well. Cumulus notes that Gabriel was on air in Minneapolis and Fargo before heading west to Fresno where he’s worked in both news/talk and sports. Prior to launching his radio career, the USC alum worked on stage as a classically trained actor. KMJ program director Blake Taylor 
says, “Christopher is a true pro with superb energy, personality, smarts and has the news chops to take KMJ’s #1 rated morning news to the next level. He’s talented and a team player. We couldn’t ask for more. I can’t wait to hear what the future holds!” Gabriel adds, “When the program director of the number one station in a great radio market like Fresno calls, you listen. When he says he’s interested in you hosting their award-winning morning news program, you do more than listen. KMJ is the gold standard, as is ‘Fresno’s Morning News.’ Matt Otstot is a pro’s pro and someone I’ve been friends with and an admirer of since I met him five years ago. To say I’m excited to work with Matt and the entire team at KMJ would be a massive understatement. I’m hoping what I’ll bring in creativity, passion and focus will help elevate us even more.” Gabriel takes over for Tony Manes who recently relocated out of state to be closer to family.
iHeartMedia Adds Jacksonville to Markets Airing BIN: Black Information Network. The new station is “BIN 104.1” and is heard on translator W281AM at 104.1 FM (it’s unclear which iHeartMedia station is feeding the translator). It’s part of the company’s
BIN: Black Information Network, the recently launched “24/7 comprehensive national audio news service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective.” BIN president Tony Coles comments, “We are thrilled to have the BIN: Black Information Network expand its reach across the country. We are honored to welcome the Jacksonville market, a community with a deep and rich Black heritage. BIN takes pride in being the most trusted source for both local and national news in the Black community, and Jacksonville deserves a full-time news service by and for the Black community.”
GAB Radio Network Cancels Joe Walsh’s Talk Show. In a tweet, former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh – a former Salem Radio Network syndicated host based in Chicago –
announces his talk radio show syndicated by the GAB Radio Network has been cancelled. He writes: “Some bad news. Looks like I’ve lost my radio show. The network is run by a big Trumper, and he’s wanted to boot me for awhile. Looks like it finally happened. Not surprised, but I am bummed. I thought it was so important to have ONE anti-Trump conservative voice on the radio.” Walsh’s program aired from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. Walsh and Salem Radio Network parted ways in 2019 after Walsh announced he was going to run against President Donald Trump in the Republican primary.
TALKERS News Notes. A collaboration between PodcastOne and the National Independent Venue Association, supported by sponsor Hyundai, is resulting in three
integrated vodcasts with top PodcastOne talent that supports the efforts to raise funds for NIVA’s grant program to help small, independent venues. The vodcasts are hosted by Adam Carolla and New York Times best-selling authors Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek of “The LADYGANG” podcast. The vodcasts were recorded at two of the most famous and iconic independent venues in Los Angeles, the Theatre at the Ace Hotel and the Whisky A Go Go, and will be shared on LiveXLive.com…..All episodes of ABC News’ podcast, “Soul of a Nation: Tulsa’s Buried Truth,” written and hosted by ABC News senior national correspondent Steve Osunsami are available now. The episodes feature archival audio accounts from witnesses and interviews with historians. “Tulsa’s Buried Truth” brings listeners through the painful history and into the modern-day quest for closure and healing. “Soul of a Nation: Tulsa’s Buried Truth” also features “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin.
COVID-19 Origins, Vaccines, and Long-Term Symptoms Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 24-28. The search for the origin of the coronavirus, vaccine hesitancy, and research into long-term symptoms of COVID-19 combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week and finishing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the political battle over forming a January 6 Commission. Tied at #3 was race relations, police reform, anti-Semitism, and Asian hate crimes. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Cox Media Group’s ‘95.5 WSB’ Names Erick Erickson Early Afternoon Host. At news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta, Cox Media Group announces that the daypart long occupied by the “Rush Limbaugh Show” will be hosted by the station’s Erick Erickson, beginning on Monday (3/22). Erickson will move from his current 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot and the station’s early evening host Mark Arum will take over the 4:00 pm
to 7:00 pm program. WSB will air an hour of Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity program live at 3:00 pm and will air the rest of the show delayed from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. WSB director of branding & programming Drew Anderssen says, “With these lineup changes, 95.5 WSB will better serve 
Atlanta with more local programming. Erick Erickson and Mark Arum are both tremendous talents, and the move will continue to strengthen the extraordinary brand that is 95.5 WSB.” Erickson also hosts his own self-syndicated 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET talk radio show that has garnered almost 20 affiliate stations in its first year (although speculation has already begun that other syndication developments could be in the works that take into account the host’s
new schedule). Erickson says, “I would never have gotten into radio without encouragement from Rush Limbaugh who has been gracious over the years with a lot of great advice and guidance. It was an honor to fill in for him on his show, and it is overwhelming and humbling to move into the slot Rush occupied with such distinction for so long. I appreciate and intend to live up to the responsibility that comes with this time slot.” Mark Arum, who’s been with WSB since 1997, also serves as traffic anchor for WSB-TV’s “Channel 2 Action News This Morning.” Arum says, “When I was hired at 95.5 WSB over 23 years ago, I could never have envisioned that I would ever get the opportunity to host a drive time show on the best news and talk station in the nation. It’s a cliché, but this is truly a dream come true.”
WOKV-FM, Jacksonville Goes Local in the ‘Rush Daypart.’ As sister news/talk giant WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta is doing (see story above), Cox Media Group’s WOKV-FM, Jacksonville is filling the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart occupied by Rush Limbaugh for so many years with a local host, in this case current late morning
personality Mark Kaye. CMG says that Kaye “has been growing his audience on 104.5 FM from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon for multiple years. Mark has gained a national following through multiple video streaming platforms, 
as well as a show on Newsmax TV.” Cox will fill Kaye’s current daypart with FOX News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade whose radio show will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Kaye comments, “As a life-long fan of Rush Limbaugh, I am still adjusting to a world without his voice. Producing a daily show in ‘Rush’s timeslot’ is a daunting task for any broadcaster, but I am grateful to the leadership team at CMG and 104.5 WOKV for placing their trust in me. With the audience’s help I promise to do my best to keep Rush’s spirit, energy, and unique brand of conservative entertainment alive. This is an incredibly bittersweet opportunity.”
iHeartMedia Names Paul Rogers Area President for North Florida. Media executive Paul Rogers is named area president for iHeartMedia’s newly configured North Florida area that includes Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Panama City. Rogers takes over for Nicky Sparrow who was recently promoted to SVP of multicultural sales for iHeartMedia Markets Group. Rogers reports to division president Linda Byrd. She says, “I’ve worked with Paul for over 35 years, in many different roles. His integrity, judgment, professionalism, and competitiveness are what any manager would look for in a market leader. He is the perfect choice as a successor, and I have no doubt that he will take this area to the next level. I also want to thank Nicky for the great work she has done in getting Jacksonville to where we are today and congratulate her on this exciting new opportunity to expand her role in iHeartMedia.” Rogers has been serving iHeartMedia as market president for Tallahassee and Panama City since 2017.
Townsquare Media 2020 Q4 Net Revenue Down 3.2%; Full Year Revenue Declines 15%. Compared the second quarter of 2020 when Townsquare Media’s net revenue was down 35% compared to 2019, the fourth quarter’s decline of just 3.2% was a source of joy for CEO Bill Wilson. While Q4 net revenue was $108.5 million (down
3.2%), net revenue for the full year was $371.3 million, down 15% from the full year 2019 ($431.4 million). What has Wilson pumped is Townsquare’s digital assets. He says, “Townsquare Interactive, our digital monthly subscription business, excelled throughout the year, accelerating year-over-year net revenue growth in Q4 to +16% and generating over $70 
million of revenue for the full year (+14% YoY) at a profit margin of approximately 30%. In total, digital net revenue increased +6% year over year, driven by both Townsquare Interactive and Townsquare Ignite (our digital programmatic advertising platform), which grew net revenue by +11% year over year. With $162 million of 2020 digital net revenue, digital now accounts for approximately 44% of our total net revenue, further differentiating us in the local media marketplace.” Wilson says that the company is proud of its roots and DNA in local radio, “2020 was the year Townsquare became a ‘Digital First’ company.” He says, “I am also pleased to reaffirm our expectation that Townsquare Interactive and Townsquare Ignite will each generate $100 million in revenue in two to three years. 2020 served to accelerate Townsquare’s transformation into a premier local media and digital marketing solutions company proudly super-serving markets outside the top 50 markets.”
TALKERS News Notes. One of WFAN, New York afternoon co-host Craig Carton’s
fraud victims is petitioning the court asking that Carton’s restitution order be rewritten because Carton has returned to the Entercom sports talk station in what petitioner Gerard LoDuka says “is almost surely an extremely lucrative job,” according to a piece in the New York Post. LoDuka claims that the restitution order requiring him to pay 15% of his yearly income toward the nearly $5 million he owes victims should be rewritten because of his new, high-profile job. But Carton’s attorney says Carton makes “a fraction” of his 
previous salary as morning drive co-host…..Cumulus Media announces that for the second year in a row, news/talk KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno’s “Morning News” takes home the Golden Mike Award for “Best Newscast under 15 minutes” (Division B) from the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California. KMJ news anchors Matt Otstot, Tony Manes, Liz Kern and Aaron Abeytia – along with sports anchor George Takata and weather anchor Kimberly Kolliner – teamed up for the winning newscast…..The
National Association of Broadcasters is offering a new online training course for radio stations containing critical information and guidelines for complying with Federal Communications Commission regulations. The Radio Rules! A Guide to FCC Regulations for Radio Stations course is now available here. The scenario-based training course tests participants’ understanding of acceptable practices for FCC regulation compliance. The guide outlines compliance related to content, advertising, station operation and management, copyright, and public files and reporting in four learning activities.
Mildred Carter Mentoring Program Announces 2021 Participants. The Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio Group, a volunteer organization dedicated to developing management and leadership skills for women in radio broadcasting, introduces the MIW Group Mildred Carter Mentoring Program’s Class of 2021. They are (pictured above from left to right) The 2021 class is comprised of the following professionals, listed in alphabetical order: Lisa Kirkman, national accounts director, Ruby Radio, Northeastern Nevada; Jenna Miller, integrated sales manager, Cox Media Group, Tampa; Tonee Roper, on-air personality and promotions director, Neuhoff Media, Springfield, Illinois; and Ashley Wilson, director of country programming, iHeartMedia, Kentucky/Indiana Region. The program, now in its 20th year, matches up-and-coming women in radio with female professionals recognized as leaders in all aspects of the industry. vCreative is serving as the lead sponsor of this year’s program. The MIW Group Mildred Carter Mentoring Program is named in the memory of Mildred Carter who, along with her husband Andrew “Skip” Carter, founded the first African American-owned radio station in the U.S. in 1950, when they turned on KPRS, Kansas City.
Migrant Border Crisis, COVID-19, Cuomo Allegations, Stimulus Package, COVID-19 Stats & Vaccines, Voting Bills, Georgia’s Trump Investigation, Gavin Newsom Recall Effort, North Korea Warns U.S., and the Grammy Awards/Oscar Nominations Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/15). The Biden administration’s immigrant problem as thousands of parentless children amass at the U.S.-Mexico border; the number of COVID cases in the U.S., concerns about variants, the removal of mask mandates in some states, and the rollout of vaccines; the sexual harassment allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the fellow Democrats calling for his resignation; Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package becomes law; the voting bills in various states critics say will make voting more difficult; the investigation into Donald Trump’s call to the Georgia Secretary of State asking for more votes; California Governor Gavin Newsom battles the recall effort against him; the sister of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un warns the U.S. about military exercises with South Korea, and Sunday night’s Grammy awards and the unveiling of this year’s Oscar nominations were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
