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Monday, August 24, 2020

| August 24, 2020

Pending Business: Competitors Aren’t Dumb. You can learn a lot about your own business by analyzing your competitors, says sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications. He says it pays to “look beyond commercial radio. Audio, video, even old school direct mail is gaining ground with advertisers. How does your competitor present their platform?” Read more here.

Monday Memo: Make Your Work Count Twice. Or three or four times. In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke explains why – and how – broadcasters need to reiterate on digital platforms, and podcasters’ metadata is key. Read it here.

WTAM, Cleveland News Anchor Fired for Referring to Kamala Harris as ‘Colored.’ A report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicates that iHeartMedia fired news anchor Kyle Cornell after he referred to Kamala Harris as “colored” in a news promo. It was broadcast on the company’s news/talk WTAM, Cleveland during last Wednesday evening’s Cleveland Indians game. Cornell wrote the news teaser that said, in part, that Harris is the country’s “first colored vice-presidential candidate.” After intense social media backlash, the station let Cornell go and issued the following statement attributed to program director Ray Davis: “We are aware of the reference made on WTAM by Kyle Cornell. We take this matter very seriously and addressed it immediately. The term used is extremely offensive and does not align with our station’s core values and commitment to the communities we serve. He is no longer with WTAM.”

Entercom Reorganizes Regional Structure. An internal memo from Entercom chief operating officer Susan Larkin outlines the company’s new regional president structure. Larkin continues to provide regional oversight for the New York markets. The following is the new management structure based on geographical markets: Doug Abernethy – Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Greensboro, Greenville-Spartanburg, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Norfolk, Phoenix, Portland, Richmond, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, Wichita; Jeff Federman – Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego; Mark Hannon – Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Hartford, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rochester, Springfield, Washington D.C., Wilkes-Barre/Scranton; Claudia Menegus – Gainesville, Memphis, Miami, Orlando; Brian Purdy – Austin, Chattanooga, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans; and Rachel Williamson – Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis. Claudia Menegus is promoted from her position as market manager for Orlando. Mark Hannon will continue to oversee the Boston market while the company searches for a market manager for the Boston operations.  Larkin says of the changes, “The streamlined model of, in most cases, geographically connected markets will allow our local markets to benefit from their shared leadership, increased collaboration, combined resources, and amplified opportunities for advertisers. We will unlock tremendous potential to leverage our scale, become increasingly competitive and nimble, and super serve our communities in ways that were not before possible.”

SRN News Providing Coverage of RNC. This week’s 2020 Republican National Convention is being covered by Salem Radio Network News and TOWNHALL News, beginning today (8/24) and culminating with President Trump’s acceptance speech Thursday night live from The White House. Salem says U.S. Senate correspondent Bob
Agnew will report live from Charlotte during top and bottom of the hour newscasts; SRN News will provide a live, unanchored “floor feed” from 9:00 pm ET until 11:00 pm (or close) each evening. This evening (8/24), White House correspondent Greg Clugston will anchor live, 1-minute special reports at 8:20, 9:20, 10:20 and 11:20 pm ET SNN left while the live “floor feed” continues uninterrupted on SNN right. Thursday night (8/27), on both SNN Right and Westwood XDS SRN will provide a live feed. At exactly 10:00 pm, Greg Clugston will kick off coverage of President Trump’s acceptance speech. He’ll will be joined by Bob Agnew live from Charlotte and — for analysis and commentary — former Arizona congressman J.D. Hayworth. After the president’s remarks conclude, Clugston and his panel will provide a wrap-up and and obvious signoff.

TALKERS News Notes. The Courier-Post of Cherry Hill, New Jersey reports that former WFAN, New York morning host Craig Carton is filing for bankruptcy protection. Citing debt obligations of $9.4 million and assets of just under $1 million, Carton says his monthly expenses are almost $36,000. Carton has four children with his ex-wife. He was ordered to pay $4.5 million in restitution to victims of his fraudulent concert tickets scheme for which he was sentenced to 42 months. He is under house arrest until June of 2021. He’s currently receiving about $4,300 per month from Street Smart Video, the firm producing a soon-to-be-released documentary about his life…..iHeartMedia and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s Gingrich 360 are expanding their relationship in which Gingrich 360 will co-produce several new podcast series. The iHeartPodcast Network has been hosting the “Newt’s World” podcast. The first podcast to launch through the new partnership is “Rob Smith Is Problematic,” a weekly podcast available now featuring the gay, Black, conservative veteran. In September, the slate will also debut “Outloud With Gianno Caldwell.”…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that radio news pro Steve Ruxton is returning to Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM as an anchor/reporter for the third time. Ruxton was most recently with Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WLS-AM. He is a correspondent for the syndicated financial news program, “Business First TV,” a position he’ll continue…..The USA Radio Networks-syndicated Dan Sileo show adds new affiliate stations KBDT-AM, Dallas; WNMA-AM, Miami; KQSP-AM, Minneapolis; KNNR-AM, Reno; KNNT-AM, Battle Mountain, Nevada; KELY-AM, Ely, Nevada; KAVB-AM, Hawthorne, Nevada; and KPKK-AM, Amargosa Valley, Nevada.

NAB Leadership Foundation Announces 2020 ‘Service to America’ Winners. The NAB Leadership Foundation held its “Celebration of Service to America Awards” on Saturday (8/22) to honor exceptional community service exhibited by local radio and television stations across the U.S. Radio winners this year were: Service to Community Award for Radio – Ownership Group: Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, “Miracles for Kids Radiothon.” Service to Community Award for Radio – Major Market: KIRO-AM Seattle, Wash., “710 ESPN Seattle and Coaching Boys Into Men.” Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market: WSGW Saginaw, Mich., “WSGW’s Sharing Hope Radiothon.” Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market: WKXW-FM Trenton, N.J., “New Jersey Judges.”

Presidential Election/Republican National Convention, Kellyanne Conway to Leave White House, Trump Sister Recordings, Portland/Milwaukee Protests, COVID-19 Stats & Projections, School Opening Debate/College Flareups, Kim Jong Un Status, and California Wildfires/Looming Tropical Storms Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The November presidential election and this week’s Republican National Convention; former Trump campaign manager and White House adviser Kellyanne Conway will leave her White House post to focus on family as 15-year-old daughter Claudia seeks emancipation; the recordings of Donald Trump’s sister Maryanne Trump Barry criticizing her brother; the violent racial protests in Portland and Milwaukee; the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and projections for future cases; the debate over fall school openings and the flareups of COVID-19 cases at several college campuses; questions about the health status of Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as some reports say he’s in a coma; and the California wildfires and two tropical storms heading for the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. The winners of the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards will be revealed on-air throughout Labor Day weekend on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide, and on the iHeartRadio app. Given the new limitations on events during the pandemic, this year’s live event of the iHeartRadio Music Awards, originally scheduled to air from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 29 on FOX TV, was cancelled. The show is set to return to FOX in 2021. Nominees for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards were announced on January 8 and artists receiving multiple nominations include: Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Daddy Yankee, Dan + Shay, Drake, Ed Sheeran, El Fantasma, Halsey, J Balvin, Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Khalid, Kygo, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Post Malone, Selena Gomez, SHAED, Shawn Mendes, Snow, Summer Walker, and Taylor Swift…..SiriusXM subscribers will get the first look at Metallica’s new concert set filmed for the Encore Drive-In Nights Series. While the film will premiere on August 29 at hundreds of drive-ins and outdoor theaters, SiriusXM can get a private concert preview hosted by Liquid Metal’s Jose Mangin on Friday (8/28). The band will join Mangin virtually for the program.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

| June 9, 2020

Round One of May PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2020 PPM survey have been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s May 2020 survey period covered April 23 – May 20. You can see all the 6+ data from subscribing stations here. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets and so far, it appears the weekly, 6+ AQH shares for news/talk stations has leveled off after enjoying ratings spikes during the April survey. In New York, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR went from a 3.0 share in April to a 2.6 share in May. In Los Angeles, iHM news/talk KFI dropped nine-tenths to finish May with a 4.6 share and the #2 rank in the market. Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM, Chicago forfeits four-tenths for a 5.2 share but remains in the #3 slot. Entercom all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago loses 1.4 shares but stays at #1 with a 7.0 share. In San Francisco, Entercom’s KCBS-AM gives back 1.4 shares for an 8.5 share finish and the #2 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta relinquishes 2.8 shares but stays in the #1 spot for the 11th straight sweep. In the New Jersey market of Middlesex-Somerset-Union, Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” adds one-tenth to finish May with a 6.8 share and the #3 rank in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways report here.

New Podcast from Pollster Scott Rasmussen Debuts on Just the News. The Just the News multiplatform news network announces a new, daily podcast called “Number of the Day” from pollster, political analyst, and author Scott Rasmussen.  The “Number of the Day” has been a long-running feature at Rasmussen’s Ballotpedia.org that now becomes the newest show on the Just the News podcast platform. Just the News founder John Solomon says, “Scott has been conducting our widely quoted daily poll and now he will give our listeners a podcast that makes sense of the numbers that define what Americans are thinking. He is one of the most respected barometers of American sentiment. The context and insights he brings to politics are a must-listen opportunity as we head into the 2020 fall election.” Ron Hartenbaum is managing member of Crossover Media Group, which handles ad sales for Just the News as well as produces, sells and distributes audio and video programming for the platform. He says, “Scott has earned his place among America’s premier pollsters and political analysts. He gets it right more often than most and his insights can be essential to understanding the 2020 races.” The podcast will be published each morning at 8:00 am ET.

BLM Protests, De-Fund Police Movement/Police Reform, U.S. in Recession, COVID-19 Statistics & Projections, Prince Andrew & Jeffrey Epstein Case, and Fate of MLB Season Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/8). The Black Lives Matter protests taking place across the country; the movement in several cities to de-fund police departments and New York’s discussion about reforming its police department; economists determine the U.S. officially entered a recession in February; the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the death toll, and concerns about rising numbers in the wake of re-openings and protest activities; the U.S. Justice Department’s interest in Prince Andrew in connection with the case of the late Jeffrey Epstein who was charged with sex trafficking; and the fate of the 2020 baseball season as players and the league continue to negotiate were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS News Notes. There’s a new content deal between FOX News Media and SiriusXM to report. FOX News Audio president John Sylvester announces that all of FOX News Podcasts’ original programming is now available to Pandora users across all tiers of the service. Also, the daily news digest “The FOX News Rundown” is now airing weekday mornings on SiriusXM’s Patriot channel. Sylvester says, “We are thrilled to expand our longstanding partnership, ensuring SiriusXM and Pandora’s combined over 100 million listeners continued access to our cutting-edge news coverage, as well as our best-in-class lifestyle and opinion programming.”…..iHeartMedia’s Milwaukee sports talker WRNW-FM “97.3 The Game” adds a new, Saturday evening show called, “On Your T’s and Q’s,” co-hosted by Milwaukee natives, Grady “Trey” Crosby III and Quinton “Q” Miller. Each Saturday evening from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm the duo will share their intense and passionate views on a variety of sports and discuss a multitude of topics within the Milwaukee community and worldwide…..According to May 2020 data from the London-based financial publication Learnbonds.com, just 10 podcast publishers accounted for 893.78 million streams and downloads. in May 2020. Learnbonds says, “iHeartRadio podcasts attracted the highest downloads and streams at 216.15 million, followed by NPR with 208.92 million. Among the top 10 podcast publishers, iHeartRadio and NPR accounted for 47.6% of the streams and downloads. In the third spot, there is New York Times podcasts which attracted 130.28 million streams and downloads. In the fourth spot, there is PRX which had 82.87 million streams and downloads while Barstool Sports closed the top five categories with 55.46 million streams.” Learnbonds says other publishers with top podcast streams and downloads include Wondery (53.64 million), NBC News (41.97 million), Cumulus/Westwood One (37.74 million), WNYC Studios (35.91 million) and Kast Media (30.74 million)…..SportsGrid announces its 24/7 linear video gaming network is launching on The Roku Channel. SportsGrid says its live video original programming will be available to Roku users “delivering insightful analysis with extensive team, player, pre- and post-game data and statistical intelligence. SportsGrid features a team of experienced anchors and analysts providing the network’s comprehensive signature programming coverage including “Ferrall Coast to Coast” hosted by Scott Ferrall, “Game Time Decisions” with Gabe Morency and “In-Game Live.”…..Beasley Media Group Philadelphia announces details about the Beasley Small Business Advertising Grant Program presented by PECO in which the company is giving away $250,000 in advertising grants to businesses located in the Philadelphia Metropolitan market. A total of five $10,000 advertising grants per Philadelphia station will be awarded. The stations include: country WXTU-FM, rock WMMR-FM, adult hits WBEN-FM, sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic,” and classic rock WMGK-FM and the initiative takes place June 8 – 21. A total of five $10,000 advertising grants will be awarded per station. Interested local businesses are encouraged to submit a 300-word essay on why they should be chosen to receive the advertising grant. Consideration will be based upon the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as community service, business culture, and employee loyalty.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Nate Reed is promoted to operations director for Cox Media Group’s Tampa station group. Reed has been serving as director of branding and programming for adult contemporary outlets WDUV “105.5 The Dove” and WWRM “Magic 94.9,” roles he will continue. His new position also gives him programming oversight for CHR WPOI “Hot 101.5,” classic hits WXGL “107.3 The Eagle,” and talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone.” CMG Tampa VP and market manager Keith Lawless says, “Nate is a brilliant programmer, thoughtful leader, and an all-around great person. The entire CMG Tampa team is fortunate to have Nate leading the future of our content.”…..The Wichita Eagle reports that SummitMedia’s country KFDI, Wichita laid off staffers recently and among the casualties are midday host, APD and music director Carol Hughes and assignment editor Wil Day. Former KFDI news director Dan Dillon is quoted by the paper saying, “I have never seen a better ambassador for that radio station than Carol Hughes. Listeners loved her. Her contacts in the country music industry were unbelievable. They still are.”…..Beasley Media Group announces rock WDHA-FM, Dover, New Jersey air personality Curtis Kay has died after a three-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer. Kay had been with the New Jersey rock station for 40 years. He launched his radio career in 1980 when he was hired by Howard Stern at WRNW in Westchester, New York. Beasley Media New Jersey SVP and regional market manager Dan Finn says, “Besides being an enormous and passionate talent, Curtis was the salt of the earth. He was such a kind person with an incredible disposition. I’m proud to have had the honor to work with him.”…..As the state of Connecticut continues to adjust guidelines related to graduation, Connoisseur Media’s rock WPLR, New Haven is helping one area high school with its graduation ceremony. Tomorrow (6/10) at 5:00 pm, the station will stop regular programming and air, commercial free, the full graduation ceremony of Amity Regional High School. The school is too big to comply with the state’s social distancing guidelines for an in-person graduation ceremony. Connoisseur VP of programming Keith Dakin says, “We have felt incredibly bad for our local high school seniors and we thought this was a great way to honor them. They won’t be able to walk across the graduation stage, but they will be able to hear their name over 50,000 watts throughout the state. Who else can say that?”

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

| July 10, 2019

Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with a Special Address by Bill O’ Reilly.  TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story.  Today’s (7/10) post presents the special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O’ Reilly.  Posted yesterday: A one-on-one discussion titled, “Sports Talk Radio’s Role in Popular Culture” featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting.   Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, served as facilitator.  Already posted: A panel discussion titled “Broadcasting and Podcasting,” featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence.  The discussion is moderated by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS.  The page also presents a video of the convention’s keynote “fireside chat” in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation.  The two discuss a variety of topics including Hannity’s special relationship with President Donald J. Trump; what it takes to be successful on both radio and television talk media; the challenges facing talk radio in terms of ratings and marketing; Hannity’s feelings about his life and career; plus more.  The session is introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones.  Also already posted:  The convention’s official opening address titled, “Telling the Story,” delivered by one of the industry’s great storytellers, Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories” as well as RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star “Cousin” Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event’s colorful history.  TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year.  To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.

Salem Radio News to Feature ‘Religious Freedom’ Series. A weeklong series titled, “America’s Fight to Preserve Religious Freedom” is being presented by Salem Radio Network’s SRN News to its 2,200-plus affiliate stations, beginning on July 15.  Salem says, “The multi-part broadcast focuses on threats by secular activists and politicians to drive Christianity and other religions out of the public square in America.” It features exclusive interviews with Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia (pictured at right with SRN V.P./news & talk programming Tom Tradup); Michael Farris, president & CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom; Texas attorney general Ken Paxton; Daily Wire talk host Michael Knowles; and David French, senior writer at National Review.  Tradup says, “From gender-bending activists to outright hostility by states and local governments, religious freedom in America is under more attack in 2019 than at any other time in our history.  Our series will shine the white-hot light of public scrutiny on the very real dangers facing one of our most fundamental rights as American citizens.  And we hope it will fuel a national dialogue on how men and women of faith can mobilize to reverse recent trends which have created hostility toward faith-based businesses and organizations here is the United States…which nevertheless remains the beacon of religious freedom around the globe.”

Five Podcast Publishers Sign Up for Nielsen’s ‘Podcast Listener Buying Power Service.’  A new tool for podcasters is launched called the Nielsen Podcast Listener Buying Power Service from Nielsen Scarborough and podcast publishers iHeartMedia, Cadence13, Midroll-Stitcher’s advertising arm, Westwood One and cabana are its charter clients.  Nielsen says, “For the first time, clients will be able to profile shows using program titles collected from our subscribers in order to connect specific types of listeners with particular advertisers and specific program-level insights…Nielsen Podcast Listener Buying Power Service has an effective sample of close to 30,000 respondents, with the ability to capture results for specific programs.  It also uses targeted questions on podcast listening with more than 12 podcast genres, over 2,000 retail/plan-to-buy categories and hundreds of advertisers with specific brand names such as insurance companies, automotive, quick service restaurants, home improvement retailers and more. These easy-to-use reports are generated from web-based software and have a two time per year data release.”

TALKERS News Notes. New York City sports media figure Michael Kay is off the air for the next month after having surgery on his vocal cords.  The WEPN-FM “ESPN NY 98.7” afternoon drive host and Yes Network Yankees broadcaster tweeted that he’d seen a doctor in Boston and surgery was recommended…..The KSTE-AM, Sacramento-based, nationally syndicated “Armstrong & Getty” program is now airing in the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm slot at Entercom’s news/talk KMBZ-FM, Kansas City.  This latest affiliate signing comes after last December’s announcement by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty that affiliate relations pro Craig Whetstine is working with Armstrong & Getty Media to take the program beyond its Western U.S. affiliation base…..CBS News is offering affiliate stations a one-hour Apollo 11 special titled, “One Giant Leap Revisited,” staring July 11, ahead of the July 16 50th anniversary of the moon landing.  CBS correspondent Peter King takes listeners from the Apollo 11 launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida to the Johnson Space Center in Houston where he talks with the brave men and women who made the mission possible…..A new iHeartRadio Original podcast is launched titled, “Noble Blood,” presenting “the salacious, secret, and tragic stories of monarchs like you’ve never heard them before.”  Dana Schwartz, entertainment writer for publications including Entertainment Weekly and Marie Claire hosts the program…..Envision Networks announces that registration is open for the next “Coffee with Envision” webinar, this edition titled, “Demographics for a New Age of Radio,” on July 16 at 1:00 pm ET.  Brand consultant/No Borders Radio “Brandfather,” Brian Burns, and Radio Consulting Services president Jon Holiday, will present and promise to “separate facts from the radio listening myths of Millennials and Baby Boomers.”  Envision president Danno Wolkoff says, “There’s so much misinformation out there about Millennials and Baby Boomers and their listening habits that we want to dispel.  Brian and Jon will cover the top myths and then provide the facts that programmers can reference when working to attract these valuable audiences to their stations.”…..Talk radio pro Simon Conway is doing double duty this week as he hosts his usual afternoon drive program on iHeartMedia’s WHO, Des Moines and fills in Wednesday through Friday in morning drive on the company’s WFLF-AM/W226BT, Orlando.  Conway used to work in the market and is looking forward to reconnecting with his old listeners.

Census Citizenship Question, Immigration/Detention Facilities, 2020 Presidential Race, Jeffrey Epstein Case, Ross Perot Dies, and U.S. Women’s Soccer Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/9).The Trump Administration’s battle to include a citizenship question on the 2020 U.S. Census; U.S. immigration policy and the controversy over conditions at border detention camps; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the sexual trafficking charges facing billionaire hedge fund manager Jeffrey Epstein; the death of business tycoon and former independent presidential candidate H. Ross Perot at 89; and the pay discrepancy issue brought up by the U.S. Women’s National Team 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. In New York City, a big change takes place at classic hits WCBS-FM.  Longtime midday personality Dan Taylor exits after New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office broadens its investigation into workplace misconduct dating back to CBS’ ownership of the station. Read the New York Post’s coverage here.  Meanwhile, WCBS-FM owner Entercom brings former WPLJ personality Race Taylor aboard to handle the midday show, effective July22.  Entercom regional president and market manager Susan Larkin says, “We are extremely excited to welcome Race to WCBS-FM and to reunite him with some of our most legendary on-air personalities.   We are thrilled to offer former WPLJ fans a new place to call home at our station and to offer Race’s loyal listeners more of the absolute best on-air listening experience for which we are known.”  Race Taylor spent more of the last 20 years with former hot AC WPLJ, prior to its sale to Educational Media Foundation…..Cumulus Media moves rock radio pro Axel Lowe from his position as PD and afternoon drive personality at WFTK-FM, Cincinnati “96 Rock” back to his hometown of Atlanta to program the company’s rock WNNX-FM.  Cumulus Atlanta VP and market manager Sean Shannon says, “Axel may well be the longest, continuously employed, full-time talent in Atlanta as he started in 1992 and has never been off the air since, even when he relocated to Cincinnati for the company nearly five years ago.  That said, we are thrilled to welcome him home to Atlanta as program director for ‘Rock 100.5,’ a station and a format he knows inside and out.  It will be terrific to have his leadership and passion for ‘Rock 100.5’ back at work here in our Atlanta studios.”…..J.D. Justice joins Midwest Communications’ country KTCO, Duluth “Kat Country” as brand manager.  He was most recently with Trending Media Inc’s country KXIA, Marshalltown, Iowa as PD and morning show host.  He takes over for Justin Henrickson, who exited to relocate to the state of Washington.  He’ll also co-host the morning show with “Brookie the Rookie.”…..Classic rock WBPT-FM, Birmingham, Alabama announces the passing of award-winning morning show personality Lisa Mason, after suffering health complications.  She served with WBPT for the past 17 years.  The station says, “While we mourn the loss of a very special woman, we also celebrate her remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young and old alike.  For those who may ask what they can do to honor Lisa, you may donate funds in her name to the ASPCA at the following link: https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial.”

Friday, July 21, 2017

| July 21, 2017

CBS RADIO Names Paul Douglas and Jordana Green PM Drive Hosts at WCCO-AM.  The new afternoon drive program on CBS RADIO’s WCCO-AM, Minneapolis will be hosted by Paul Douglas and Jordana Green and officially launch on August 1.  The change was necessitated by longtime WCCO personality John Williams’ decision to move to Chicago and focus on his 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm show on WGN. (Williams had been doing both shows from Minneapolis.)  Jordana Green moves to the co-host role after five years with the station hosting the 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm show and working with Williams in afternoons.  Paul Douglas is the head meteorologist at WCCO-TV and KARE-TV in the Twin Cities.  CBS RADIO says Douglas is “a nationally respected broadcaster and meteorologist, with 34 years of broadcast television and 36 years of radio experience.”  He also launched the national weather channel, WeatherNation TV in 2011. He provides daily weather for the Star Tribune, the St. Cloud Times, Conservation Minnesota and WeatherNation, and is an author and regular contributor to TPT’s Almanac. WCCO operations manager/program director Lindsey Peterson comments, “Our goal is to have a show that speaks to our community and brings listeners relevant and entertaining topics each day.  Paul and Jordana are passionate about speaking to our community and we are excited to have them as part of the station.”

PPM Analysis: Public News/Talk. In the first of a four-part analysis of the performances of stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s June PPM survey, managing editor Mike Kinosian takes a look at the public news/talk format.  Eight stations ranked in the top five in their respective in PPM markets – led by KQED, San Francisco and WAMU, Washington, both of which ranked #1.  Comparing year-over-year 6+ share, “more than seven of ten stations from our eligible public news/talk sample are up year-to-year (71%, 6+) while 27% decline; the remaining 2% are steady.”  WNPR, Hartford was tops in that category, rising from a 3.1 share in June 2016 to a 5.2 share in June 2017.  See the entire piece here.

PodcastOne Debuts New Mobile App with Video and Social Components. Digital content network PodcastOne launches a new platform and mobile app that the company says “offers unique video and social capabilities designed to enhance the listening experience and offer new and exciting ways for fans to engage with their favorite shows and hosts.”  The press statement goes on to say, “The new PodcastOne mobile app offers fans a collaborative destination where they can participate in conversation around shows, access exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, message one another, read trending articles and take polls.  In addition, a new loyalty program rewards users with virtual currency, which can be redeemed for access to special events in virtual reality (VR), premium content and merchandise discounts.”  PodcastOne founder and executive chairman Norman Pattiz adds, “The launch of our new PodcastOne mobile app is a milestone for our company, as we are providing a host of features for our listeners to choose from to enhance their listening experience that no other network provides.  Now, with our partners at MANDT VR, we can offer a truly immersive experience that allows the listener to sit in the recording studio, right across the table from the host.”

TALKERS News Notes. York, Pennsylvania news/talk WSBA-AM is now also airing on FM translator W253AC, recently moved in to York from Reading.  The Cumulus Media station now brands itself “Newstalk 93.9 & 910 WSBA.”…..In Fargo, Forum Communications fires up FM translator K261BA, Fargo at 100.1 MHz – recently moved in from Rolla, North Dakota – to air the programming of news/talk WDAY-AM…..The Genesis Communications Network-syndicated Dr. Daliah Wachs show is added to the program schedule at KLID, Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Fate of ObamaCare/GOP Health Care Plan Top News/Talk Story for Week of July 17-21.  The state of the Affordable Care Act and a GOP-authored health care plan were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio during the week, tying for the top spot on the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 this week was the investigation into connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents.  Coming in at #3 was President Trump’s approval rating, and following at #4 was Senator John McCain’s brain cancer diagnosis.  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.  View this week’s entire chart here.

CLARIFICATION.  In yesterday’s story in TALKERS, “WRRD, Milwaukee Owner Challenging WTMJ Translator Deal,” detailing WRRD owner Michael Crute’s filing of an Objection with the FCC to translator owner Frank McCoy’s Construction Permit Amendment filing, we wrote that “Scripps and translator owner Frank McCoy have filed applications with the FCC to move the translator to a tower owned by Scripps and to carry WTMJ programming.”  It should be noted that Scripps is not involved in the filing as the translator is owned solely by McCoy.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/21) with John T. Mullen, Scot Bertram and Scott Lakefield.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are:

–          The “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein).

–          The special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan).

–          The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).

–          The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo).

–          The special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard).

–          The special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell).

–          The first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.

–          A “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).

–          A “Fireside Chat” featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).

–          A “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman).

–          The first two in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.”  They feature a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess (introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri), a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA  Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young, and a conversation between Cumulus Media EVP programming and content Mike McVay and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).

–          TODAY (7/21), the first in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues collectively titled, “Where Does Talk Media Go From Here” featuring a conversation between WRHU, Hofstra University OM John T. Mullen and WRFH, Hillsdale College GM Scot Bertram (facilitated by WOR, New York APD, Scott Lakefield).

Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Fox Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb Coaches Team USA to Gold.  Pictured above is the USA team and coach Doug Gottlieb (crouching, lower right) who is also host of his eponymous sports talk show on Fox Sports Radio.   The men’s basketball team won the gold at the 20th World Maccabiah Games, held July 4-18 in Israel.  Gottlieb, who continued to host his national radio show for three weeks in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, led a team of Jewish athletes ages 18-35 at the games, that is the world’s third largest international sporting event with more than 9,000 total participants representing 75 countries.

 

 

Music Radio News and Career Moves. The new morning drive show on Beasley Media Group’s alternative WBOS-FM, Boston is the “Dave & Chuck the Freak Morning Show,” emanating from the company’s rock WRIF, Detroit.  The program, featuring Dave Hunter and Charles Urquhart, debuted on CIMX, Windsor/Detroit in 2001.  They left that station in 2012 and debuted on WRIF in May of 2013.  Beasley Media Group EVP of programming Justin Chase states, “We have been eager to expand Dave & Chuck’s content beyond Detroit and I couldn’t be more thrilled that it all starts in Boston.  This is a market where their genre of show has been very successful in the past and I’m certain Boston will love D&C!”…..Programmer Steve McKay is named program director for Cumulus Media’s adult contemporary WGNI “102.7 GNI” and classic rock WKXS “94.5 The Hawk” in the Wilmington, North Carolina market.  Cumulus says McKay’s “visionary radio programming” has led to success at WPTE, Norfollk; WBHT, Scranton; and “Jammin’ Gold” in Philly.  Cumulus Media Wilmington VP/market manager Eric McCart comments, “We searched for a leader who will take ‘102.7 GNI’ and ‘94.5 The Hawk’ to the next level, and most importantly, someone who will keep the music sounding the best, while creating a great listener experience and a deeper connection with our listeners, advertisers and community.  I’m ecstatic to welcome Steve to our family and we’re excited to have him on board.”…..At Midwest Television’s rock KFMB-FM, San Diego assistant program director and night personality Robin Roth moves up to the midday daypart.  Roth is a longtime market personality who joined KFMB-FM in May.  She says, “I’m so excited to do what I love in middays and following ‘The DSC’ is a dream come true.  Taking the baton from them every day is going to be an honor.  Plus, now I get to enjoy the San Diego scene at night again.”…..Relationship expert and author LaDawn Black is taking her radio show to urban contemporary WBLS-FM, New York.  Black has most recently been on air at Urban One’s urban contemporary WWIN, Baltimore “Magic 95.9.”  Her show will air Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, effective August 6…..On-air pro Dave Stewart exits CBS RADIO’s classic hits WCBS-FM, New York after a four-and-a-half year stint.  He posted to Facebook, “Having been even small part of that station’s huge legacy is a feeling I can’t describe.”…..Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw recently spoke with affiliates of Envision Networks’ Guest Services about the release of the band’s first new album in 14 years, The Mission (Universal).  Shaw is just one of a number of high-profile guests available to stations via Envision’s Guest Services.

Judge Rules Swift Attorneys Can Question Mueller About Meeting Recording.  This story was reported by KMGH-TV, Denver.  Taylor Swift’s lawyers will be allowed to cross-examine former KYGO, Denver morning personality David Mueller about a missing recording of Mueller’s meeting with radio station bosses immediately after he was accused of groping Swift’s bottom during a meet-and-greet.  Mueller made the surreptitious recording of the meeting and revealed segments of it but now he claims the full recording has been lost due to a failed computer hard drive.  Swift’s attorneys want to question him before the jury to determine if the missing recording was deleted deliberately or not.  Mueller is suing Swift for being instrumental in getting him fired.  Mueller claims someone else groped Swift and he’s been blamed falsely.

Friday, June 30, 2017

| June 30, 2017

KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh’s Mike Pintek Announces Cancer Diagnosis.  As reported by CBS Pittsburgh, KDKA-AM midday talk show host Mike Pintek on Thursday (6/29) informed his listeners that he’s been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer.  He said, “What I’m about to do is not easy.  In fact, it’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.  In early May, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  The stats are not great, but that’s the hand I was dealt and it is not operable.  They thought it was going to be operable at first, but it is not operable…at this time.”  Pintek went on to say that the cancer has spread to his liver and possibly to other areas of his body.  He added that the doctors hope that chemotherapy will shrink the tumor enough to make it operable.  “My focus is on trying to go through the therapies, to take the medicines, to follow the advice of what I consider to be the best doctors in the world at UPMC Hillman.”  He’ll be missing some time on air as he undergoes treatment.  He told his audience, “You are my family – my extended family.”  Pintek is on his second tour with the station.  He hosted a talk show on KDKA-AM from 1982-2005, and returned to the station in 2009.

Wells Fargo’s Ryvicker Addresses Entercom-CBS RADIO Merger. In a missive to investors, Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker offers her thoughts on the value of the Entercom–CBS RADIO merger. She concludes that for patient investors, the merger will bring rewards. She says that this will be good for current Entercom stock holders, “This transforms ETM into the industry leader, with one of the best balance sheets in radio and broadcast (<4x levered). You could also expect some upside potential via accretive M&A and shareholder returns late ’18/early’19.” What about CBS RADIO? She notes the station portfolio includes some respected, heritage brands but says, “CBS RADIO has great brands that have been mismanaged – thus there is real opportunity for growth in ratings and revenue. This should be good for Entercom and the industry, which has more or less lacked a leader for quite some time.” CBS people would probably take issue with that and note the company’s very competitive ratings and revenue quarter-after-quarter. But Ryvicker appears to be intimating that the stations should be performing better than they are. She goes on to say that ultimately this deal will be very good for the new Entercom’s cash flow. She’s also especially bullish about what CBS’ sports talk stations will bring to the company. Not only are many of them very successful sports talk outlets, but they come with rights to “about 50 pro teams” and “dozens of division one colleges.”

Successful ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Wraps.  Thursday (6/29) was day two and the final day of Federation for American Immigration Reform’s “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row in Washington, DC.  This year’s event was the 11th annual and was attended by 62 talk radio hosts/teams – a record number of broadcasters for the radio row.  The two-day event took place at the Phoenix Park Hotel and consisted of legislators and experts speaking with talk radio hosts about immigration reform issues.  TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison attended the radio row, speaking with hosts on 27 radio talk shows.  He says, “Interacting on air with that many hosts in a concentrated two-day period about a hot issue such as immigration reform really gives me an invaluable connection and experience with what’s happening in news/talk radio on a grass-roots level.  This event showed me first-hand the vibrancy and diversity of the format.”  Pictured above left is KXNT, Las Vegas morning drive personality Heidi Harris.  At right is KFYI, Phoenix personality Terry Gilberg.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (6/30).  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); and the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).  Closing out the week today, (6/30) the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo) has been be posted.  Within the following weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

TALKERS News Notes. Taking over for Joey Hudson – who’s just agreed to take on the position of general manager for the Mike Gallagher show – at Salem Media Group’s Greenville, South Carolina operations is Val Carolin.  He’s been working in radio in Atlanta for the past 20 years, most recently with Cumulus Atlanta.  Salem SVP of broadcast operations Allen Power states, “Val’s deep experience in all levels of media (local and national, terrestrial and digital) positions him well to lead our growing Greenville cluster.  This expertise combined with his excitement for the Upstate is a winning combination as our next general manager.  We are also grateful that Joey Hudson will continue as a local ambassador and talk show host for “‘94.5 The Answer.’”…..The nationally syndicated “Free Talk Live” program featuring Ian Freeman and Mark Edge announces new affiliate stations, including: KWTO-AM/FM, Springfield, Missouri; KINA-AM/FM, Salina, Kansas; and WMEL, Cocoa, Florida…..At Midwest Communications’ sports talk WNFL-AM/W270AJ in Green Bay, the “Outlaw Radio” program debuts next Saturday night (7/8) at 7:00 pm.  A press release says that the show is the brainchild of Magic Matt Alan.  It features regulars like radio legend Shadoe Stevens, entertainment manager Howard Lapides, Matt’s musician brother Marty, Hollywood producer Frank Hagan, Mark CG Boyer, and “Outlaw Radio” show producer (and widow of Morton Downey Jr.) Lori Downey Jr.  Midwest Communications VP/programming Jeff McCarthy comments, “There’s nothing like it anywhere else on the radio.  It’s true escape programming with an original brand.”

GOP Health Care Bill Top News/Talk Story for Week of June 26-30. The status of the GOP’s health care legislation was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing in the number one position on the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 this week was legislation aimed at addressing illegal immigration.  Coming in at #3 was the SCOTUS-approved portions of President Trump’s travel ban going into effect, followed by the controversy over Trump’s Twitter assault on MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski 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 of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Talk Show Host/Podcaster Rusty Humphries Writes New Book About Political Debating for Conservatives.  Veteran talk show host, podcaster and media coach Rusty Humphries has written and published a new book being released today titled, 7 Ways to Win Political Debates with Your Liberal Family and Friends (Humphries Publishing, 2017).  According to Humphries, “If you are tired of being in social situations and being ambushed by liberals who just won’t let it go, this book is for you.”  He advises his readers “how to go to important family functions prepared for the onslaught of jabs, jokes, and insults based on your deeply held conservative political beliefs.”  The Kindle version of the book is available today-only (6/30) for free.  To receive a copy, click here.  To arrange an interview with Humphries call 541-450-5708.

 

 

Music Radio News and Career Moves. KRBQ, San Francisco “Q102.1” midday personality Billy Vidal is adding music director duties to his responsibilities at the Entercom rhythmic oldies outlet.  OM and PD Elroy Smith says, “This decision was very easy for me because Billy is the epitome of a professional whose knowledge of our format is unparalleled.  I am excited to continue to watch him grow.”…..In Orlando JVC Media–owned country station WOTW “103.1 The Wolf” announces the addition of MurphDawg & Jenn to the lineup as the morning drive show.  JVC EVP Shane Reeve states, “The addition of MurphDawg & Jenn to ‘103.1 The Wolf’ is the latest step in the evolution and tremendous growth of ‘The Wolf.’  We are committed to country in the Orlando market and are here to stay.”…..iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary KQXT, San Antonio “Q101.9” brings Premiere Networks syndicated late night personality Delilah back to the station’s lineup, beginning July 3.

Friday, October 7, 2016

| October 7, 2016

Entercom Wichita Announces Frequency Swaps for Sports and News/Talk Stations.  This move creates a new FM presence for Entercom’s news/talk KNSS and keeps an FM simulcast for sports talk KFH-AM.  knssBeginning on Wednesday (10/12), “Sports Radio KFH” will move its FM frequency from KFH-FM at 98.7 to translator K248CY at 97.5 FM.  At the same time, news/talk KNSS will also begin simulcasting on KFH-FM at 98.7.  Entercom Wichita VP and market managerkfh Jackie Wise says, “We jumped on the opportunity to pick up a translator for KFH-AM because this opens up the 98.7 frequency for our AM news/talker KNSS.  We’ve had numerous requests through the years to broadcast KNSS on the FM band and now we have the opportunity to respond to our listeners’ requests and reach an available, large FM audience.  All of our popular KNSS 1330 AM shows, “Steve and Ted in the Morning,” Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin are now accessible for FM listeners, as well.”

Howard Stern Digital Video Component Targeted for 2017.  Part of Howard Stern’s December 2015 contract renewal with SiriusXM included a new video component to Stern’s brand that would be featured on thesternhoward satcaster’s digital platform.  It was expected to be up and running this year but SiriusXM CFO David Frear said at the FBR’s Investor Conference yesterday (10/6) that the initiative will likely launch in 2017.  The Hollywood Reporter says Frear stated, “Creative talks with the famed shock jock over what his video programming will look like has delayed the rollout of the video streaming service.”  Frear added, “We continue to work through with Howard about what product will appear on the screen.  It’s got to start there, with the creative element and exactly what he will present.”

BizTalkRadio Programming KFJZ, Fort Worth.  A deal between BizTalkRadio and Siga Broadcasting puts the former’s business talk programming on former Spanish music outlet KFJZ, Fort Worth, Texas andbiztalkradio translator K273CS at 102.5 FM.  Siga and BizTalkRadio also cooperated earlier this year to make Siga’s KGBC, Galveston, Texas a business talk outlet.  BizTalkRadio will assume daily management of the station and says it has plans to launch a local, daily business talk program later this fall.  BizTalkRadio EVP Scott Miller says, “We are pleased to bring the BizTalkRadio format to the Dallas-Fort Worth market.  We are based in Arlington, so it’s nice to have a flagship affiliate in our hometown.”

talkersten-logoPresidential Politics Atop the Talkers TenTM for Week of October 3-7.  The presidential race was again the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week with Monday’s vice presidential debate coming in at #2 on our list.  At #3 this week was the civil conflict in Syria and the related military tensions between the United States and Russia.  Coming in at #4 was the devastation in Haiti from Hurricane Matthew and its potential for hitting the Southeastern U.S.  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.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Odds & Sods.  Because its parent company has the national radio rights to MLB playoff baseball, ESPN O&O WMVP, Chicago “ESPN 1000” is also airing the Chicago Cubs-San Francisco Giants series.  CBS RADIO’s crosstown WSCR is the flagship for Cubs baseball…..Speaking of playoff baseball, digital platform TuneIn is presenting its own original baseball show, “MLB on TuneIn LIVE,” that includes postgame interviews, analysis, and previews of upcoming matches.  TuneIn Premium subscribers can hear the play-by-play coverage of all the postseason games.

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WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina Owner Anne Eller Moderates Mock Debate.  Pictured above is WCRS, Greenwood, South Carolina owner and personality Anne Eller (center) moderating a mock debate at the local Republican Club meeting.  At left, Hillary Clinton is being played by local GOP president and retired school principal Jo Ann Burroughs.  At right, Donald Trump is being played by Lander University security chief Eddie Briggs.

Monday, June 22, 2015

| June 22, 2015

mcmeartymikeWTOP, Washington Names McMearty Program Director.  Three months after former programmer Laurie Cantillo and Hubbard Radio parted ways, the company names 23-year staffer Mike McMearty program director for the multi-platform news operation.  McMearty moves up from his news director post to the new position of director of news and programming.  Hubbard Washington SVP/GM Joel Oxley comments, “Mike has been an integral part of our success for more than two decades.  He has led the newsroom to hundreds of industry awards for excellence in journalism, including 18 National Murrowwtop logo NEW 1-15 Awards and more than two dozen honors already in 2015.  I look forward to him taking the department to new heights.”  The station reports that Jim Battagliese continues his role as director of traffic, transit and weather.  Mitchell Miller is promoted to senior news director managing the newsroom weekday mornings, Darci Marchese moves up to a full-time news director weekday afternoons, and Jamie Forzato now will manage news operations on the weekends as weekend managing editor.  Meera Pal moves to social and digital engagement director reporting to Julia Ziegler, who moves from web and operations manager of FederalNewsRadio.com to become the news director of WTOP.com.  All of the changes will take place over the next several weeks.

2015 NYC 150Talkers New York 2015 Videos Begin Being Posted Today (6/22).  Starting today with WFAN, New York superstar Mike Francesa’s opening “Keynote Greeting,” TALKERS will be posting videos of each of the sessions that made Talkers New York 2015’s agenda one of the most successful in the convention’s 18-year history.  A session will be added each business day for the next nine days in a row, in the order that they took place at the event, until the entire agenda, video-recorded by Art Vuolo, is posted in a special Talkers TV feature sponsored by independent station owner, Michael Zwerling’s KSCO, Santa Cruz.  The entire feature will remain posted for the rest of 2015.  To see the opening session with Mike Francesa, please click here.  Tomorrow:  “The State of Radio Ratings” panel moderated by Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel icon Sean Hannity.

talkersnyc2015FrancesaMike Francesa Opens Talkers New York 2015 on Upbeat Note – See Video Today!  In a video posted today (6/22), legendary WFAN afternoon drive personality Mike Francesa sets the tone for what proved to be a realistic, but highly optimistic and solutions-oriented, agenda at the recent industry mega-conference, Talkers New York 2015 (6/12).  The tell-it-like-it-is broadcaster – who has been ranked at #1 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk Radio” for the past two consecutive years – blasted the pessimism that he says permeates the radio industry and offered his assessment of the tremendous opportunities available to radio in the digital era.  Francesa drew applause form the packed house stating, “It’s amazing the amount of negativity that exists no matter what part of the business you’re in… I’m here to tell you that even though I am a little closer to the finish [of my career] than I am to the start, back [in 1987] when I was pounding on the door at WFAN with Jeff Smulyan – it took me 18 interviews to get hired, folks — I would be as bullish on radio and as gung ho about getting a career and feeding my family on radio NOW… as I was back then.”  Francesa discusses the multi-platform nature of programming content today and the need/opportunity to monetize every element of it.  He praises the spread of smartphones as being equivalent to a theoretical resurgence of the old transistor radio and thus providing radio with universal portability… something it hasn’t enjoyed in decades.  He discusses the importance of branding in today’s media environment and vehemently champions the importance of “live and local” being the key to radio’s survival and purpose in the coming era.  To see Francesa’s entire speech, please click here.

russoronWestwood One Names Ron Russo EVP Northeast Sales.  Radio sales pro Ron Russo is named EVP, Northeast Region for Westwood One’s network sales division.  In this position, Russo will “manage and oversee the New York sales office and be responsible for revenue growth and multi-platform brand integrations across all Westwood One assets, including network sales, spot sales, platform, digital, and events.”  Russo will report to Westwood One president Steve Shaw.  In awestwood one NEW statement from WW1, the company notes that Russo comes to them from iHeartMedia where he was general sales manager for the NYC station group.  “In addition to building and overseeing the sales teams, he was instrumental in managing the transition when iHeart purchased WOR-AM from Buckley Broadcasting.  He also played an important role in securing the station’s radio rights to the NY Mets.”  He worked for CBS RADIO at hot AC WWFS, “Fresh 102.7” before joining iHeartMedia.   Russo says, “I am really looking forward to working with this great team of sellers and collaborating throughout the organization as we look for innovative ways to drive and accelerate results for our clients.”

ellismayesBillboard15Rob Ellis Lands at WPEN, Philadelphia.  Former WIP-FM, Philadelphia personality Rob Ellis debuts on crosstown Greater Media’s WPEN, Philadelphia, partnered up with Harry Mayes.  Ellis exited CBS RADIO’s WIP in March after failing to come to terms on a contract renewal with the station.  Ellis, who also hosts “Breakfast on Broad” on cable’s Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, takes over as co-host of the midday show for Eytan Shander, who remains with the company.  Former WIP personality Anthony Gargano also joined WPEN late last year as morning drive personality.

Odds & Sods. Both FOX Sports and ESPN are reporting that former San Diego Chargers player and longtimeWW1EmrichGrahamKuglerCWS2015 radio play-by-play analyst Hank Bauer has been let go from the radio broadcast team.  Bauer served a one-game suspension last season – missing the final preseason game – after he used a Jewish slur during the third preseason game.  He later apologized…..Westwood One presents coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series Finals beginning this evening from TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in Nebraska.  The best-of-three championship series between Vanderbilt and Virginia is being covered by (pictured here in front of the famous Road to Omaha statue standing from left to right) Ted Emrich, Scott Graham, and Kevin Kugler.

brownejoyIs15Dr. Joy Browne Tours Israel as Guest of Prime Minister – Meets with Victims of Terror.  Nationally-syndicated (GCN) talk show host and clinical psychologist, Dr. Joy Browne returns to New York today (6/22) after an intense week-long tour of Israel on a fact-finding/counseling mission that brought her into one-on-one encounters with Israeli victims of terror.  Browne (right) is pictured meeting with Israeli citizens at the Jerusalem headquarters of the OneFamily organization during what has been her first visit to the Middle East democracy this week.  According to a report in the Jerusalem Post, during the emotionally charged encounter, which was hosted by OneFamily CEO Chantal Belzberg, Browne met with former residents of the US, Canada, and the UK who were physically and emotionally scarred in terrorist attacks across Israel during the past few years.  “I am delighted and honored to be here,” Browne tells the Post. “After experiencing the aftermath of 9/11, we all share a common echo and I am impressed with the resilience of the people here who have worked or who are working to transcend fear and are getting on with their lives.”  The perennially popular radio personality, in addition to interviewing and counselling victims, also interviewed the organization’s various psychologists and therapists for a future segment on her widely heard program.  Browne’s trip to Israel was sponsored by the Office of the Prime Minister and America’s Voices in Israel. (Photo courtesy of the Jerusalem Post and Sarah Levin.)

ratnerPinkerton15FOX News Commentators Ellen Ratner and Jim Pinkerton Honored by Grenada’s St. George’s University. Media personalities Ellen Ratner and Jim Pinkerton were recognized with honorary doctorates from St. George’s University in Grenada for their charitable works.  Pinkerton and Ratner – who work together as conservative and liberal commentators, respectively, on FOX News Channel’s “FOX & Friends Weekend” on the “Long and Short of It” segment – are known for separate charitable efforts.  Pinkerton has been working with the school assisting with its cure strategy for diseases.  Ratner has been working for years to provide some of the basic tools for subsistence farming to people in South Sudan.  Ratner (third from left) and Pinkerton (fourth from left) are seen here receiving their honorary degrees.

morrisonbobDallas Newsman Bob Morrison Dies.  Former KRLD-AM and WBAP-AM, Dallas newsman Bob Morrison died yesterday (6/21) after a long illness. Salem Radio Network VP, News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup tells TALKERS, “When I served its VP/general manager, I hired Bob as news director of the USA Radio Network in 1999, and he brought a professional demeanor to reorganizing USA that was nothing short of amazing.  His planning and execution of the national political conventions in 2000 remains a highlight, and nurturing his strong delivery and solid journalistic skills will always remain a highlight of my career.”

Friday, May 3, 2013

| May 3, 2013

cc media logoClear Channel Highlights Artist Promotion Deals at Investor Conference Call; Radio Down 2% in Q1.  At the top of the conference call for investors for Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings (the publicly traded arm Clear Channel Media Holdings) chief financial officer and EVP Thomas Casey made it a point to shine a light on Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s work with high-profile artists.  He said, “I want to highlight with you one recent example of the opportunity Clear Channel is leveraging to monetize our multi-platform reach, and it’s the launch of the new Justin Timberlake album, ‘The 20/20 Experience.’  I’m using this as an example because it shows how we are constantly working with major advertisers to adjust their specific marketing challenges by developing innovative new caseytomproducts, services, content and events that bring new advertising dollars into the company.  Two months ago, Clear Channel utilized most of our key assets: radio, online, mobile, outdoor, entertainment, events, contests and talent relationships, in an innovative and coordinated partnership with national retailer Target to launch Justin Timberlake’s new album.  Clear Channel Media and Entertainment ran a first-of-its-kind, two-minute live road block across 800 stations, in essence, a virtual press conference, simulcast across all the stations at the same time that enabled Justin to both introduce his new album and kick off the exclusive ‘iHeart Album Release Party with Justin Timberlake.’”  Casey stated there are many other examples of CC using its many platforms to create coordinated campaigns for advertisers.  As for the numbers, Casey reported that CC premiere networks 2Media Holdings was down 0.5% compared to the same quarter in 2012 and the Media and Entertainment division revenue was down 2%.  But he said solid growth in radio and digital was offset by the traffic business that company is continuing to integrate.  Addressing the radio division, Casey reported, “For the quarter, national sales for our stations were up 2%, outpacing global.  Excluding the impact of political advertising, national sales were up 4%, and local was about up approximately 1%.  Our fastest growing larger advertising categories were financial services, retail and telecom.  We also saw a strong lift in digital revenue, with our iHeartRadio listening hours growing 31% over the first quarter of 2012. Although today digital listening for the industry represents only 7.6% of all audio listening, we are excited about the growth of iHeart and its new features, content and other innovations.”  Speaking to a question about network radio, Casey alluded to Premiere Networks having had a soft start to 2013 and said “that has modulated back” and the company feels good about that aspect of the business. Thanks to Seeking Alpha for the call transcript.  See the whole call here.

journalbroadcastgroupJournal Communications Q1: Radio Up 6.7%.  The radio division of Journal Communications’ Journal Broadcast Group reported an increase of 6.7% on revenue of $15.9 million.  The company reports that is 2.8% on a same-station basis.  The numbers break down this way: Local advertising revenue, excluding political, increased 7.2%, or 3.3% on a same-station basis, primarily due to an increase in retail advertising; National advertising revenue, excluding political, increased 2.1%, but decreased 1.3% on a same-station basis, primarily due to a decrease in communications advertising; Operating earnings from radio stations were $2.4 million compared to $2.9 million, a decrease of 15.3%; Radio operating expenses increased 11.9%, or 8.1% on a same-station basis, primarily due to employee-related expense increases and a non-cash building impairment charge of $0.2 million.

unitednationsTalk Radio Day at the United Nations Set for Friday, June 7.  After a one-year hiatus, TALKERS magazine announces the revival of its annual international initiative, “Talk Radio Day at the United Nations.”  Presented in conjunction with Talk Radio News Service and in association with the United Nations Foundation, the event consists of a massive radio row held in the heart of the United Nations’ iconic headquarters on the East Side of Manhattan. trns logo Approximately 20 talk show hosts and programs from around the country are given the opportunity to do live shows or simply record interviews on the scene for later playback with a wide variety of special guests, including UN officials, foreign ambassadors, international policy experts and representatives of the arts and sciences from harrisonmichaelaround the world.  “This is one of our most prideful annual events,” states TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “and I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to bring it back after a year off in 2012.”  Harrison says, “It accomplishes a number of important things – most notably, it gives a variety of talk show hosts and millions of their listeners in every corner of the country the opportunity to shift gears and discuss international news stories of significant consequence that rarely, if ever, are covered or discussed in the mainstream American media.  Some of these stories have enormous implications on war, peace, life and death.”  Harrison also points out, “Hosts of just about every political and ideological persuasion have raved about this event over the many years we have been doing it saying that it has proven to be a personally rewarding experience for them as much as it has provided a spectacular bit of special programming to their stations and networks.”  Talk Radio Day at the United Nations conveniently takes place the day after Talkers New York 2013 when many talk show hosts are already in New York City.  Hosts already on board include Alan Colmes of Fox News Radio, Michael Berry of Clear Channel, Doug Stephan of the “Good Day” show, Martha Zoller of WGAU, Athens, GA, Ethan Bearman of GCN and KSCO, Santa Cruz, Carole Marks of “A Touch of Grey” and more.  All equipment and broadcast setups are provided at no cost for the convenience of the participants — but placement is limited and this will fill up rapidly, so interested hosts should call 413-565-5413 quickly to inquire about signing up.

humphhart“The Hartmann and Humphries Show” Brings Two Different Hosts, Ideologies and Programs Together for Rare Simulcast.  It was one of those spontaneous one-time events that really clicked as TRN syndicated host Rusty Humphries (left) stopped by WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann‘s Washington, DC studiohumphhartgreen (Hartmann at right) during a recent visit to the nation’s capital and the two personalities did a simulcast of their individual shows which ran on both of their collective affiliates.  The Heavy Hundred performers engaged in refreshingly civil but spirited banter bringing their opposite points of view on a number of hot issues to the table.  Both hosts tell TALKERS that they enjoyed the experience and received very positive feedback from their respective audiences which encourages them to do it again sometime down the road.  In the photo at top left shows the two shots of each host the producer sees in the booth with background images in place.  The lower picture shows Humphries and Hartmann chatting in the studio in front of the green screen.

ktrstvbigKTRS, St. Louis Morning Drive Show Gets Video Accolades.  The McGraw Milhaven morning show on CH Holdings’ KTRS, St. Louis has been producing an online video component of its program for two months and the show has already surpassed the one million viewer minutes mark, according to the station.  The station has a full-time video director in Andrew Dowd and he utilizes four HD cameras as well as pictures, graphics, video and sports highlights to help tell the story each morning.  Also, guests can “skype” into the show and bring the listener moving pictures to go along with their spoken words.  The video segments of Milhaven’s radio show are then re-tweeted and shared through social media.  Milhaven tells TALKERS that even St. Louis Post-Dispatch TV critic Gail Pennington gives the video a thumbs up.  “It’s the best internet TV I’ve ever seen.  It’s so clear, and the video and graphics are amazing.”  Milhaven himself tells TALKERS, “We had a feeling people were going to enjoy the enhanced TV side of the broadcast, but we had no idea so many people would embrace it.  The time spent listening, or watching I should say, is off the charts.  One million viewer minutes in just over two months?  Wow, we wanted to let it grow naturally as we worked out all the kinks, but these numbers are better than we had ever expected.  All these people watching and we have just scratched the surface of what we can do with the TV side.”  In the image you see here is sports reporter Jason Lamar (left) interacting with Milhaven (right).

jtthebrickWEEI-FM, Boston Brings J.T. the Brick Back to Overnights.  The Fox Sports Radio Network star has aired on Entercom’s WEEI in the past and, as vice president of programming Jason Wolfe states, with much success.  “Even though he’s a diehard Yankees fan, J.T.’s show has always been extremely popular here in Boston.  The show was a winner for us when we aired it years ago, and I’m very pleased to be able to bring him back now.  Adding J.T.’s show provides a great balance to our overnight portfolio as we already air a very solid program in ESPN Radio’s SportsCenter Tonight on 850 AM.”

noorygeorgeOdds & Sods.  Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” with George Noory takes over the 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am slot at Emmis’ KFTK, St. Louis beginning Monday, May 6…..Entercom is making sports talk WMC-AM, Memphis a CBS Sports Radio Network affiliate beginning next week.  The station will carry the network lineup plus local and regional play-by-play.  Entercom also operates ESPN Radio affiliate WMFS-AM/FM in the market…..WEPN-FM, New York “ESPN New York 98.7” adds Mike Westhoff and Ray Lucas to the pre-game show for New York Jets broadcasts this fall.  The duo will make regular appearances on WEPN-FM during the season and former Jet Lucas will also continue his role on the post-game show…..Morris Communications’ KHAR, Anchorage flips from adult standards to sports talk using CBS Sports Radio Network programming.

carrremote13WRKO’s Howie Carr Promotes New Gangster Book.  WRKO, Boston afternoon drive host (and longtime Boston Herald columnist) Howie Carr is pictured here with listener Lori Vozzella and her daughter at Thursday’s remote broadcast from La Verdad Mexican Restaurant in the city’s Fenway neighborhood.  Carr did his show live from the restaurant to promote his latest book on an infamous Boston crime figure – Steven “Rifleman” Flemmi.  Carr’s book, Rifleman (Frandel LLC 2013) details the grisly career of the notorious mobster.  Carr has also written books about brothers Billy and Whitey Bulger and Johnny Martorano.

fema logoFEMA and Premiere Networks Cooperate on EAS Service.  Radio syndicator Premiere Networks and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are announcing a cooperative effort to provide an alternative method for radio stations to receive emergency information during a national emergency.  FEMA has added Premiere Networks as a Primary Entry Point station, which delivers information and instructions to the public in an emergency when there is no commercial power.  As part of the cooperative effort, Premiere, would use its satellite program receivers in thousands of affiliate radio stations across the country as another tool for delivering national Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages.  The radio affiliates would in turn broadcast the emergency messages to the public within its network.  FEMA’s Damon Penn states, “This cooperative effort between FEMA and Premiere Networks is one of the latest initiatives to engage the private sector’s cooperation in raising community preparedness across the nation.  We count on the broadcasting industry to alert and warn the public through the standard broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) including AM, FM, and satellite radio, as well as broadcast, cable and satellite TV, if a national emergency occurs.”

Boston Marathon Bombing Aftermath Remains Top Talk Radio Story for Week of April 29 – May 3.  The aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, spurred by the arrests of several of suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s friends and the ongoing investigation into the planning and execution of the attack, was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 was immigration legislation.  Coming in at #3 was the Benghazi attack investigation followed by Syria tensions at #4.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio across America and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS.  View this week’s entire chart here.