Tag: "Wayne Avrashow"
Friday, August 20, 2021
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, “It’s Finger Pointing Time,” looks back at this past week of August 16-20. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Frank MacKay, talk show host, (Long Island News Radio) WRCN-FM, Riverhead, NY; Dr Renee Kohanski, forensic psychiatrist/podcaster, Princeton, NJ; Wayne Avrashow, attorney/columnist, RealClearPolitics.com, Los Angeles; Dr. Daliah Wachs, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network/physician; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. 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; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; 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; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; 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.
WABC, New York Adds Bo Snerdley to Daily Lineup. Longtime “Rush Limbaugh Show” staffer Bo Snerdley, a.k.a. James Golden, is being added to the daily, afternoon lineup at Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York, effective Monday (8/23). Snerdley has
been hosting a two-hour, Saturday morning program and now steps into the 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm slot that’s been occupied by “The Rundown with Lidia Curanaj.” His show will air in between Rudy Giuliani’s one-hour show and John Catsimatidis’ program. The station says, “WABC is committed to bringing you the best talk lineup. Shows that entertain and inform, with a true connection to real New York and you. That’s what James Golden, a.k.a. Bo Snerdley delivers, keeping it real. With great guests, compelling conversation and excellence in talk radio, welcome back to the ‘Golden’ age of radio with James Golden.”
‘Miller and Moulton’ Show Exits ‘FOX Sports Radio SWFL.’ The Fort Myers News-Press reports that the “Miller and Moulton” show – co-hosted by Mark Miller (left) and David
Moulton (right) – has been dropped from the lineup at Sun Broadcasting’s sports talk “FOX Sports Radio SWFL” heard on WHEL-HD3/W277AP/W290DB. Moulton tweeted, “Suffice to say that Act 2 is over. It was not our decision. These last 4 years were some of the most enjoyable of our 14 years together. On top of that, we think it may have been our best work. We are optimistic there can be a 3rd Act but we will need a little time to regroup. To our unbelievably loyal fans/listeners, many who followed us from one station to another, from afternoons to mornings, from bad signal to good signal to bad again…‘Thank You’ is insufficient.”
Danno and Laura Wolkoff Sue G-Networks for Wrongful Termination. In a case that has been moved (at the request of G Networks LLC) from and Ohio Common Pleas Court to US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division, Danno Wolkoff and his wife Laura Wolkoff are suing G Networks LLC for wrongful termination
and are seeking $1.2 million. The complaint states that the Wolkoffs were informed by G Networks in late June of this year that the company was accusing them of costing the business some $1.8 million in damages due to “gross negligence” and “gross incompetence” in the performance of their duties as chief development officer and VP of business operations, respectively. The Wolkoffs argue that G Networks failed to offer any “specific conduct constituting alleged grounds for termination for cause or any specific, reasonable measures to cure such conduct, thereby interfering with, and effectively rendering impossible,” their “bargained-for right to cure.” The Wolkoffs sold their company Envision Networks to then-Sun Broadcast Group (at the time headed by Jason Bailey) and entered into employment agreements to serve in the positions noted above.
Triton Digital Releases July 2021 Podcast Report. Global technology and services provider Triton Digital releases the results of its July 2021 U.S. Podcast Report (June 28 – August 1, 2021), as measured by its Podcast Metrics measurement service. The
Top Networks Report, based on Average Weekly Downloads, indicates SiriusXM’s Stitcher ranks #1 with NPR at #2, Audacy Podcast Network at #3 and Cumulus Podcast Network at #4. Also included in the top 15 networks are FOX News Podcasts at #11, Salem Podcast Network at #12, and Bonneville International at #14. The July 2021 rank of the 100 Top Podcasts (ranked by Average Weekly Downloads) has “NPR News Now” at #1, Cumulus’ “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #3, Cumulus’ “The Dan Bongino Show” at #9, Salem’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #14, and “FOX News Radio Newscast” at #16. You can see the complete results of the July report here.
SportsMap Radio Network Adds ‘America on the Road’ for Weekends. The SportsMap Radio Network announces that it is adding the weekly automotive radio show “America on the Road” to the network, airing Saturdays from 7:00 am to 8:00 am ET. The program is hosted by Jack Nerad, Charlie Baker, and Chris Teague. Nerad
says, “We are very excited to introduce ‘America on the Road’ to the extensive SportsMap Radio Network audience. Our goal is to entertain while making what is sometimes very technical information clear to our listeners. And that’s been a successful formula for more than two decades.” Nerad has covered the automotive industry for more than 20 years in a number of prestigious editorial posts. He currently serves as editor of DrivingToday.com, and he contributes to a number of online publications. He has also been featured on “The Today Show,” “CBS This Morning,” “Good Morning America,” and FOX News Channel.
TALKERS News Notes. According to data from Comscore, FOX News Digital earned the top spot in both multiplatform minutes and multiplatform views in July, reaching
nearly 1.6 billion multiplatform views and approximately 3.4 billion multiplatform total minutes. In the most recent month of July, the digital network surpassed CNN.com in total multiplatform minutes for the fifth consecutive month and outperformed all other news brands in the news competitive set. FOX News Digital also outpaced CNN.com in total multiplatform views, delivering nearly 89 million multiplatform unique visitors. Additionally, the FOX News Mobile App drove close to 6.9 million unique visitors in July, beating out CNN in the category for the third straight month…..iHeartMedia and live streaming and on-demand fitness and wellness marketplace NEOU announce a new marketing partnership. Through a multiplatform marketing campaign across iHeartMedia’s audio network including broadcast radio, digital, podcast and social platforms, listeners will be introduced to NEOU’s fitness offerings…..ABC News Radio is presenting the Labor Day weekend special, “Help Wanted,” hosted by anchor Cheri Preston, in which she and a team of ABC News correspondents report on America’s jobs – from the most desirable positions to the most difficult careers and some unbelievable and rare jobs in between. The program explores the shifting U.S. labor market and examines roles across all kinds of industries.
Afghanistan Top News/Talk Story for Week of August 16 – 20. The Taliban’s unexpectedly quick takeover of Afghanistan’s major cities as the U.S. withdraws from the nation and the criticism being leveled at President Joe Biden was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this was the rate of COVID-19 Delta variant cases and the debate over vaccines, boosters, and mask mandates, followed by the battle over mask and vaccination mandates in the country’s schools and colleges at #3. 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.
Great News Opportunities at Saga Communications. The company is expanding its NEWS presence in several markets. Group program director Scott Chase says, “We are looking for news people who are more than just news people. If you’re a storyteller with a news mindset; if you’re charismatic and have a sense of humor; if you’re active in your community; if you’re interesting; if you’re an elite communicator, we’re looking for you.
We want someone who understands how to reach the local listeners and make a story interesting. We want an individual who loves to connect with listeners and the leaders of their respective community. Are you still with us? If so, APPLY NOW. We are expanding our news footprint in South Dakota, Iowa, New York, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, and the New England area, and we would love to talk to you about your ideas on news in a world that thinks the media delivers fake news. Saga Communications is a great company to work for and an equal opportunity employer. Apply Now!” Contact group program director, Scott Chase at schase@sagacom.com. Please send your resume, audio sample, and or writing sample.
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Ramsey Solutions’ Film Borrowed Future Debuts on October 14. The first documentary film from Ramsey Solutions will premiere on digital platforms on October 14. Titled, “Borrowed Future: How Student Loan Debt Is Killing the American Dream,” and produced by Dave Ramsey, it “uncovers the dark side of the student loan industry, exposes how it’s built to work against the 45 million Americans currently in debt for their education, and shows that it’s possible to beat the student loan system.” The film is directed by David DiCicco and features experts such as Seth Godin, Dave
Ramsey, Seth Frotman, Kristina Ellis, Dr. John Delony and Anthony ONeal, as well as CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Mike Rowe. The main subjects of the documentary are college graduates who owe between $9,000 and $1 million in student loan debt, a debt-free college graduate, and high schoolers who haven’t yet questioned the norm of student loans. DiCicco says, “This film is a warning for kids and teenagers who aren’t victims of the student loan industry yet. I want viewers to walk away from this film with eyes wide open to the true cost of student loans. Teens need to know that they can have the American Dream — they just shouldn’t listen to America on how to get it.” Dave Ramsey adds, “The student loan problem is out of control, and it’s messed up millions of lives. Smart young people got sucked into a false narrative about what success looks like, and it’s left them paralyzed. It’s time to call the student loan industry what it is: an epic failure.” See more about the film here.
Phil Valentine Update: Family Says He Remains in ‘Grave Condition.’ The status of WWTN-FM, Nashville “SuperTalk 99.7” afternoon drive talk host Phil Valentine has not improved as his family provided an update last night (8/16) asking his fans to “pray for a
miracle” as he remains in “grave condition.” Valentine contracted COVID-19 in mid-July and initially Valentine told his listeners that while he was pretty sick, he believed he was “on the other side of it.” His family revealed on July 22 that he’d been hospitalized and was eventually put on a ventilator due to his suffering from COVID pneumonia. Although Valentine had expressed concerns over the safety of the vaccines and disagreed with mask mandates, his family says he was never an “anti-vaxxer,” but he does regret not being more “pro-vaccine.” His family is urging his fans to get vaccinated.
Salem Media Group Promotes Jamie Cohen to SVP of Broadcast Digital. Digital media pro Jamie Cohen is promoted to senior vice president, broadcast digital for Salem Media Group. The company says that in his new role he’ll oversee all aspects of the digital operations for Salem’s local and national/network digital efforts. Salem
Broadcast Media president David Santrella comments, “Jamie has done a tremendous job building Salem’s digital enterprise for our local stations. Overseeing all aspects of our digital operations, both locally and nationally, will open more channels of opportunity and unify our efforts in reaching our audiences through digital avenues and monetizing our digital assets.” Cohen says, “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and am bullish on our future. With the emergence of platforms like Salem Now, the Salem Podcast Network and other innovations, our audience has never been bigger. We have an amazing opportunity ahead of us and I can’t think of a better place to be.”
Phil Cianciola to Host Mornings on WOSH-AM, Oshkosh. Radio pro Phil Cianciola is named morning drive host for Cumulus Media’s WOSH-AM, Oshkosh, Wisconsin “NewsTalk 1490,” effective August 23. The station says, “It is important for WOSH that
we retain a local voice in mornings and provide a show that will be uniquely Oshkosh. We wanted to find someone who would get what Oshkosh and the Valley are all about and would be able to entertain our listeners while also providing the news and community information that matters most. That’s a lot to ask of someone, but we’re confident that Phil fits our needs perfectly.” During his career Cianciola has served at Milwaukee news/talk outlets WISN and WTMJ. He comments, “I believe in LOCAL radio. The magic of radio is the relationships we build with listeners over the air. It’s all I’ve ever done. I guess you could say radio is in my blood.”
Brian Hauswirth Named News Director at KSSZ-FM, Columbia, Missouri. News pro Brian Hauswirth joins Zimmer Communications to serve as news director for news/talk KSSZ-FM, Columbia, Missouri “93.9 The Eagle.” In this role, he becomes the newest member of the “Wake Up Columbia” morning drive program. Zimmer
Communications operations manager Jeremy Washington states, “We’re thrilled to have Brian Hauswirth be part of our Zimmer News Network. Brian shares our vision for excellence in broadcasting and will strongly enhance our award-winning local news coverage in Mid-Missouri.” Hauswirth most recently served with Missourinet where he was a senior capitol reporter, covering the Missouri statehouse in Jefferson City. His radio station experience includes time spent working at KMZU, Carrollton; KTRS, St. Louis; and KRES-KWIX, Moberly. In addition to his new role, Hauswirth will continue his 23rd season as a college football scoreboard host at Learfield, where he handles the updates for five major colleges across the nation, including Mizzou, Alabama, Texas Tech, Purdue, and Wyoming.
Audacy and Urban One Enter into Digital Platform Relationship. A content
distribution partnership between Audacy and Urban One will put audio from the latter’s 57 stations in 13 markets 
onto the Audacy digital platform. Audacy VP of business development Corey Podolsky comments, “This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to amplifying diverse voices and delivering premier audio content to the communities in which we serve. We’re delighted to unite with a power player in the audio space to expand and enhace our content offering and add dozens of dynamic brands to our library.”
iHeartMedia Launches Progressive Podcast Network Cool Zone Media. The launch of Cool Zone Media will highlight “vital voices often overlooked in today’s rapidly changing political landscape,” according to iHeartMedia. The progressive podcast network is being powered by investigative journalist and podcaster Robert Evans. The
company says Cool Zone Media will provide an “in-depth look at topics including climate change, the Capitol insurrection, and uncovering QAnon – offering listeners a place unique from others in the political sphere by melding media and politics with storytelling.” The network debuts with the first episode of the new daily podcast, “It Could Happen Here,” that focuses on climate change and picks up where Evans’ 10-episode weekly podcast by the same name left off. Evans, who is serving as the head of content for Cool Zone Media, will be joined by the iHeartPodcast Network’s executive producer, Sophie Lichterman, who will become Cool Zone Media’s head of creative, to help curate and elevate other vital voices in today’s progressive political landscape for the network.
TALKERS News Notes. Canton radio stations WHBC-AM “News/Talk 1480” and WHBC-FM “Mix 94.1” wrapped their 14th Annual Aultcare Wish-a-thon to benefit Wishes Can Happen on Friday August 13 and the Alpha Media outlets helped raise a
record $334,928. The charity grants wishes to children with severe and terminal illnesses in Northeast Ohio. The record number was an increase of almost $145,000 over last year’s event, thanks in large part to the many businesses, individuals and foundations who stepped up…..PodcastOne announces it has secured the exclusive sales and distribution rights for B-Real’s “Dr. Greenthumb” podcast and the sales rights to the show in its vodcast form. “Dr. Greenthumb” launched in January of 2020 as a program dedicated to all things entertainment, music, and cannabis and now has more than 300 recorded episodes to date that include guests such as Tommy Chong, George Lopez, Tony Hawk, Matt Barnes, John Sally and Ricky Williams. B-Real says, “PodcastOne has set the bar for what podcasts have become. With their amazing roster of shows, best-in-class distribution and advertising approach, there is no other platform for the ‘Dr. Greenthumb’ podcast. I am excited to partner with Norm Pattiz and the PodcastOne family.”…..Pictured below are staffers from the Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina operations celebrating their honors from the 2021 State Television and Radio (STAR) Awards presented by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. News/talk WYRD-FM “106.3 WORD” was honored with four STAR Awards including: Radio Station of the Year, Radio Personality of the Year (Tara Servatius), Best News Talk Show (Tara Servatius), and Production PSA.
Benztown West Coast Commercial Production Director Jeff Kelly Dies at 50. The company announces the untimely death of Jeff Kelly, who had joined Benztown in January as West Coast Commercial Production Director. Kelly passed away unexpectedly on August 13 at the age of 50. He and his fiancé had recently moved to L.A. to work with the Benztown team in its Glendale studios. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes says, “We are deeply saddened we were not able to spend more time with Jeff and we will miss him very much. Jeff was incredibly energized and excited about working for Benztown and his recent move to L.A. from Albuquerque, and his positive attitude and tremendous talents were inspiring. His production, writing and VO skills were among the very best in the business and I am incredibly grateful for his contributions to our company, the Commercial Production Department and YamanAir.”
Biden on Taliban in Afghanistan, COVID-19 Stats & Mandates, New Trump Book, Western Drought/Wildfires, and Newsom Recall Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/16). President Joe Biden defends his Afghanistan pullout amidst the Taliban’s resurgence and the social chaos; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the rate of vaccination, and mask mandates for schoolchildren; the new book from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa titled, Peril, that chronicles the final days of the Donald Trump administration; the drought and wildfires plaguing the U.S. West; and the recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom heats up were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Bill O’Reilly is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Longtime radio and TV commentator, as well as prolific author, Bill O’Reilly is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The conversation took place during a “fireside chat” at the recent TALKERS 2021 conference held June 11 at Long Island’s Hofstra University. The conference was presented in association with Hofstra’s renowned student-run radio station, WRHU. Harrison and O’Reilly discuss topics geared to an audience of professional broadcasters and serious students of communication that include the state of the book publishing industry and its relationship to broadcasters; the shrinking attention span of the younger generations induced by digital technology; maintaining credibility with the core audience without compromising your values or the truth; the state of corporate media in America; and details about his forthcoming limited engagement arena “History Tour” with former President Donald Trump. Don’t miss this! To listen to the interview in its entirety, click here.
WVNN, Huntsville Announces New Program Lineup. Huntsville, Alabama news/talk WVNN-AM/FM announces the new program schedule that will take effect on July 5.
Morning personality and station PD Dale Jackson will get a bit of a break as his program will air from 5:00 am to 9:00 am instead of ending at 11:00 am as it does right now. Moving from afternoons to the 9:00 am to 11:00 am slot is Michael Yaffee. Westwood One’s Dan Bongino will air from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the Cumulus Media station and former Alabama State Senator Phil Williams will host the news 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm “Rightside Radio” show.
Video Coverage of TALKERS 2021 Begins Next Monday June 28. Every keynote speech, fireside chat, special presentation and panel discussion that took place at the recent 24th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, largest and most important national convention – TALKERS 2021 at Hofstra University – was recorded under the direction of renowned industry videographer and chronicler Art Vuolo. These videos will be posted one per business day beginning next Monday June 28, right here on Talkers.com. If you were unable to attend the event in person, you will not want to miss the opportunity to take in some of the most pertinent industry conversation about the state of radio, talk programming, and related media to take place since the start of the pandemic.
RTDNA Local News Diversity Report Released. The latest segment of the RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey has been released and it focuses on local news diversity in television and radio. The study concludes that “radio newsrooms now include the highest percentage of people of color in radio since 1998 – and the second highest percentage ever – but nearly 85% of the radio news workforce is still white. The local radio news workforce is 15.8% Black, Indigenous or people of color overall, up just under half a percent. Public radio is significantly more
representative, for both women and people of color, than commercial radio news. Public radio newsrooms are 78.8% white compared to commercial newsrooms which are 91.7% white. Representation in radio news improved over the last year for news staff identifying as Native American or Hispanic/Latino, but slipped slightly for African American and Asian American radio staff.” When it comes to radio news management, the study finds that “representation of people of color increased marginally among radio news directors, from 7.1% to 7.2%. This year saw higher percentages of radio news directors who are African American or Hispanic/Latino, but fewer who are Native American.” Looking at women in radio news management, the study concludes that “there are fewer women radio news directors this year, down 3.5 percentage points from close to a third to just over a quarter. The public-commercial gap in representation grew, with women better represented than last year at public stations, but worse at commercial ones. Public radio women news directors now outpace commercial women radio news directors by 18 points.” See the study here.
Audacy Study: Optimizing Audio Increases Return on Ad Spend. The results of a recent study conducted in partnership between Audacy and Neustar titled, “The Audio Amplification: The Return on Ad Spend,” indicates that “a slight shift of advertiser dollars to optimize audio brings significant returns across various industries.” The study assessed the impact of optimizing audio elements, both over-the-air (OTA) and digital audio, of more than 40 national advertisers’ media mix performance. The analysis
reveales that a 1.2% shift of media investment to audio would surge brands’ return on audio ad spend by as much as 23%. Across multiple industries, Audio is a high-performance player, having a direct and significant impact on results while boosting other media’s performance – primarily propelling TV, paid search, and online video. Audacy SVP, research and insights Idil Cakim says, “In today’s cluttered landscape, reach alone is not enough to break through, engage and convert. Brands need meaningful connections with their audiences through all the moments that matter and we know that audio powers up media plans. This study shows optimizing OTA and digital audio in the media mix catapults sales to new heights.” Neustar consultant Kayla Coutts adds, “Our findings revealed that there are still untapped ad opportunities in audio media, across key verticals that can be leveraged to drive marketing performance. As consumer needs continue to shift, it’s become increasingly critical that marketers ensure they are constantly evaluating their media spend in relation to these consumer trends so as to ensure they are maximizing the value of their media investments.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago sports talker WMVP-AM “ESPN 1000” announces that the station is available to listeners via a new HD2 channel at 100.3 FM. ESPN Chicago market manager Mike Thomas says, “HD Radio has been around since 2002, and
today over 50% of new cars have HD Radio as standard equipment. Our partnership with Hubbard Chicago will allow fans to hear our ESPN 1000 shows and White Sox baseball in crystal clear, digital FM. As of today, you can listen to Chicago’s Home for Sports on ESPN 1000, 100.3 HD2 and on your phone from anywhere on the ESPN Chicago app!” The deal with Hubbard Radio allows “ESPN 1000” to broadcast on adult contemporary WSHE-FM’s HD2 channel…..Audacy and the NFL’s New England Patriots announce a multi-year extension to their broadcast 
partnership. The agreement includes the exclusive continuation of “Patriots Monday” and “Patriots Friday” programming, headlined by New England Patriots six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick and Patriots players on WEEI, Boston. The partnership between WEEI and the Patriots began in 1995. Audacy Boston SVP and market manager Tim Clarke says, “We’re delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with the New England Patriots and continue giving Patriots fans exclusive access to their favorite team every week. We look forward to Coach Belichick and multiple veteran leaders providing perspective and game analysis that only they can share every week on WEEI.”…..Boston public media outlet WBUR reveals Scott Tong is the new co-host of NPR and WBUR’s midday news program “Here & Now.” The program is syndicated to 477 NPR stations nationwide. Tong, who starts his new gig on July 12, has served with “Marketplace” for the past 16 years. “Here & Now” executive producer Carline Watson says, “I am thrilled and excited that Scott is joining our host lineup. The depth of his journalism, his extensive reporting experience and his willingness to be a guide for the listener will complete our already outstanding team comprised of Tonya Mosley and Robin Young.”…..PodcastOne announces that it is teaming up with writer/director Barbara Schroeder (Netflix’s “Evil Genius”) to produce and distribute another true crime podcast titled, “Bad, Bad Thing.” The six-episode podcast, written and hosted by Schroeder, tells the story of a loving wife, Jennair Gerardot, who spirals into darkness when she suspects that her husband of 24 years, Mark, is having an affair with his dynamic, younger and beautiful boss…..2021 Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves sits down for a one-on-one interview with former Indianapolis Colts All-Pro punter Pat McAfee for a special “virtual” SiriusXM Town Hall event with an audience of SiriusXM listeners and race fans. The hour-long broadcast event airs on tonight (6/24) at 6:00 pm ET.
Infrastructure Deal, COVID-19, Urban Crime Spike, Big Tech Censorship-Monopolies, Border Crisis-Harris Criticism, SCOTUS Cheerleader Ruling, Afghanistan Pullout, Britney Spears Guardianship Case, and Western Drought/Heatwave Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/23). The Senate and the White House agree on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill compromise; the rate of vaccinations in the U.S., concerns about the Delta variant, and worries about vaccine side effects; the soaring rate of violent crime in America’s urban areas; claims of bias against conservatives by big tech and the drafting of the Ending Platform Monopolies Act; the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris’ failure to visit the border; the Supreme Court rule in favor of the high school cheerleader who was suspended for swearing in an off-campus social media post; the Taliban’s resurgence as the U.S. exits Afghanistan; the Britney Spears guardianship case; and the Western drought and heatwave were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Friday, June 4, 2021
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, “Err, FORMER President Trump,” looks back at this past week of May 31 – June 4, 2021. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Dr. Asa Andrew, talk show host, Asa Rx; Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network/Salem Media Group; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Wayne Avrashow, attorney/columnist, Real Clear Politics; Frank Morano, talk show host, WABC, New York; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. 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.
WINS, New York Reporter John Montone Retires. Longtime WINS, New York reporter John Montone announced to listeners yesterday (6/3) that he’s retiring from the Audacy all-news station. He told anchor Lee Harris, “It’s been almost 40 years that I’ve had the honor of working for what I call the world’s most important radio station in the
world’s greatest city. And today, I hang them up for the fishing pole, the bicycle and the pickleball paddle. I am retiring.” Montone is famous in New York for his man-on-the-street interviews and his frontline reporting on the city’s biggest stories. On the WINS website, the station says, “On 9/11, John was caught in the middle of the chaos in lower Manhattan. For a time, we didn’t hear from him, and everyone was a wreck. You can imagine how relieved we were when Ben Mevorach, our brand manager and director of news and programming, spotted him on the street covered in ash. It turns out he had escaped death because a quick-thinking stranger pulled him inside a building as the first tower fell.” Mevorach wrote in a memo to the WINS staff, “No single person has been more identified with the WINS call letters than John. He is a masterful writer, an extraordinary storyteller, and – perhaps most incredibly – he creates an intimacy with the people he interviews…the result is some of the most memorable moments in the station’s history. This concrete jungle has been his playground. His stories are recited back to him by listeners… sometimes years after they first aired. That is the kind of impact that can never be overstated.”
Dan LeBatard to Kick Off New Venture with Today’s 24-Hour Broadcast. New company Meadowlark Media – launched by former ESPN personality Dan LeBatard and former ESPN chief John Skipper – and their new partner DraftKings are celebrating that relationship with today’s 24-hour broadcast on YouTube (beginning at 12:00 noon) live from South Beach, Florida titled, “FreeDumb.” After being warned by ESPN brass last fall to steer away from politics and stick with sports, LeBatard
engineered his exit from ESPN late last year and then he and Skipper began plans to create a new company to present LeBatard’s content as well as eventually offer it to radio stations. DraftKings posted a story about today’s event saying, “For those of you unfamiliar with the Miami-based media startup, which spent a decade as the No. 1 sports talk radio show in South Florida before becoming a staple of afternoon drive and then mid-mornings on ESPN, the secret to the sauce is being a sports talk radio show making fun of a sports talk radio show. Clichés are mocked, as are final-score prediction radio and hosts that pontificate loudly with limited information. What is embraced is the awkward, Florida Marlins baseball players from the 90s, and the intersection of how sports, race, politics and media blend in the 21st century. Your average show ranges from thoughtful insight on Naomi Osaka stepping away from the French Open, to asking a world-renowned zoologist ‘who would win in a fight’ between a giraffe and four humans, one of whom is holding a steak knife. If you want to hear breakdowns of the Clippers pick-and-roll defense, we’d suggest looking elsewhere.”
TALKERS News Notes. Public radio news magazine “All Things Considered” is being inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the 2021 NAB Show taking place October 9–13 in Las Vegas. The NPR program debuted on May 3, 1971, on 90 public radio stations. The current hosts of the program are Ailsa Chang, Audie Cornish, Mary Louise Kelly, Ari Shapiro and on weekends by Michel Martin…..Weekend radio program “Cafe Mocha” and Compass Media Networks are expanding their relationship with Compass Media Networks taking over affiliation and marketing responsibilities in addition to advertising sales, effective immediately. This two-hour show is hosted by Emmy Award winner comedienne, actress, and co-host of ‘The REAL’ daytime show Loni Love, GRAMMY-nominated artist YoYo, and veteran broadcaster and producer Angelique Perrin. Miles Ahead Broadcasting CEO and “Café Mocha” creator and executive producer Sheila Eldridge comments, “All of us at ‘Café Mocha’ are excited to expand our partnership with Compass Media Networks to handle affiliate relations for the Café Mocha radio show. Over the past five years the Compass Media Networks team has helped us to firmly establish our platform of ‘radio from a woman’s perspective’ that speaks to ‘women of color’ from 25 to 54 that represent a combined buying power of more than $1.2 trillion.”…..SiriusXM and Sawdust Podcast Network have entered into an agreement that makes SiriusXM the distributor and ad representative for five popular Sawdust fantasy sports and gaming podcasts, including: “Fade the Noise with Brad Evans,” “Fantasy Fast Track,” “The Rant with Jeff Ratcliffe,” “Fantasy Alarm Presents: Ante Up with Howard Bender & Adam Ronis” and “Sticks and Stacks.” SXM Media will serve as the central representative for these Sawdust podcasts to plan, produce, manage, and measure effective digital audio advertising.
COVID-19 Vaccines, Politics & Stats Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 31- June 4. The rate of vaccinations, concerns about vaccine hesitancy, and the politics surrounding COVID-19 combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week and landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the notion former President Donald Trump could be “reinstated,” along with election fraud claims and theories, followed by voter legislation initiatives at #3. 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.
iHeartMedia’s KFAB, Omaha Looking for a Full-Time Talk Host. Omaha news/talk
KFAB “NewsRadio 1110” has a rare opening for a full-time talk radio host. Program director Scott Voorhees says, “The right host/team will put ‘entertainment’ above ‘agenda,’ and be energized to connect with our community via radio, social media, live events, and turning clients into friends.” Interested talk radio personalities should contact Voorhees via email at: scott@kfab.com.
New York City Radio Sales Opportunity. The New York City radio stations owned and
operated by Salem Media Group announce a sales opportunity. The company says, “NYC is REOPENING and sales are starting to boom – the hottest stations around belong to Salem Media Group’s NY cluster, come join us! If you were born to sell and want a great career with benefits and financial security, write directly to: Jerry Crowley, VP/GM at: Jcrowley@nycradio.com.
Morning Radio Opportunity at KFAQ, Tulsa. Thirteen-year KFAQ, Tulsa morning host Pat Campbell is not returning to his show in order to focus on health challenges. As a result, Griffin Communications is seeking his successor. Director of operations and programming Steve Hunter says, “We are looking for someone to fill his big shoes. We need someone that is plugged into current events, sports and community events. This
is a rare opportunity to work for a locally owned company in brand-new, state-of-art studios in the heart of downtown Tulsa. Griffin Communications Tulsa Radio/Talk Radio 1170 is looking for an on-air talent that can do a daily morning show that speaks to our 35-54-year-old demo. Digital/Social Media skills are a must. We are seeking a great communicator and a fun storyteller with a keen sense of how to create excellent content that will be displayed across all our platforms. The perfect candidate is exceptional on the air, excellent digitally and has worked in various formats including talk radio, news radio or sports radio. This is a very active radio group, heavily involved in the community and requires someone who is fearless and willing to get out of the studio and meet listeners. If you are ready to work in a building full of incredible talent with a family atmosphere and a must-win attitude, we would love to hear from you. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays. Qualified candidates can contact me or Talk Radio 1170 PD Jeremie Poplin at Jeremie.poplin@griffin.news.
Friday, May 14, 2021
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, “Vulnerability,” looks back at this past week of May 10-14, 2021. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Michael Riedel, talk show host, WOR, New York; Steve Weisman, law professor, Bentley University, Boston / founder, Scamicide.com; Joey Hudson, talk show host, 94.5 The Answer, WGTK-FM, Greenville, SC; Dr. Daliah Wachs, talk show host, Genesis Communications Network / physician; Wayne Avrashow, attorney / commentator, RealClear Politics; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. 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.
Radio One’s WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte and Morning Host Bo Thompson Renew. WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte morning drive host Bo Thompson and Radio One reach a multi-year agreement for Thompson to continue hosting the morning show on the heritage news/talk station. The Charlotte native began his career at WBT in 1990 at age 16.
He worked at the station while still attending Myers Park High School and continued through his years at Davidson College. Thompson’s entire three-decade broadcast career has been in Charlotte, mostly dedicated to WBT. Radio One regional vice president Marsha Landess says, “Bo has done an amazing job of keeping Charlotte listeners engaged and informed during mornings on WBT. He has proven to be a compelling broadcaster keeping Charlotte informed on local, regional and national issues and we are thrilled he will be taking WBT into the future.” Thompson adds, “I’m very proud to continue working for the station that has been my broadcast life. It’s an honor for me that I’ll be here both for WBT’s 100th anniversary and to celebrate a decade hosting mornings next year.”
Bill O’Reilly’s Killing the Mob Hits #1 on NYT Best Sellers List. The latest book by
conservative media personality, author, and broadcast journalist Bill O’Reilly has reached #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers List. Sales of KILLING THE MOB: The Fight Against Organized Crime in America (St. Martin’s Publishing Group) have soared since its release on May 4 to push it into the top spot and it’s the 16th time one of O’Reilly’s books has accomplished this feat. O’Reilly is also host of the Key Networks-syndicated programs “The O’Reilly Update” and “The O’Reilly Update – Morning Edition,” heard on more than 240 stations across the country. In his new book, O’Reilly traces the brutal history of 20th century organized crime in the United States and plumbs the history of this nation’s most notorious serial robbers, conmen, and especially, mob family bosses.
Markley, van Camp & Robbins Show Adds 10 New Affiliate Stations; Surpasses 100 Station Mark. The Compass Media Networks-syndicated “Markley, van Camp & Robbins Show” has recently added 10 new stations to its roster of affiliates and now
enjoys distribution across a growing platform of 105 metro markets. Compass Media Networks says the show – airing live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daily – “represents perspectives from every generation. David van Camp is a millennial, Jamie Markley represents Gen X, and Scott Robbins is the Baby Boomer. The witty and downright funny conversations between the hosts about the news topics of the day make this show truly unique.” Jamie Markley comments, “I’m humbled. We feel like we have such a real connection with all the great people that listen to the show. Something I seem to hear a lot is something to the extent of ‘when I listen to you guys, I feel like I’m hanging out with friends, talking about what’s going on in the world and having some laughs.’ That’s one of the greatest compliments you can get in my opinion. Thanks to Compass Media Networks for taking a shot on us and connecting us to so many good people across America!”
Cherri Gregg Exiting KYW, Philadelphia to Join Public Radio WHYY. The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Cherri Gregg will leave her community
affairs reporter position with Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia to join crosstown public radio outlet WHYY-FM, effective June 14. In her new role with WHYY, she’ll be afternoon host in which she’ll anchor local top-of-the-hour news and other breaks in the national programming plus take on interview and news assignments. In a statement, Gregg says, “I truly respect the grassroots, in-depth approach to storytelling at WHYY. I am excited about the opportunity to help engage the community in the many important conversations of our time.” Gregg has been with KYW since December of 2010. Her role with KYW has included serving as host and executive producer of the weekly public affairs show “Flashpoint.”
BIA Advisory: Radio Revenue Fell 23.6% in 2020; Digital Continues to Be Strong. The first quarter edition of BIA Advisory Services’ 2021 Investing In Radio Market Report is out and BIA says, “As anticipated, the radio industry took a very big hit in 2020 due to the pandemic and subsequent cutbacks in overall spending activity. According to the report, over-the-air advertising revenues dropped to $9.7 billion, a 23.6 %
decline from $12.8 billion in 2019. Digital ad revenues at stations demonstrated their continued strength, though, posting only a slight decline to $939 million in revenues in 2020 versus $1 billion in 2019.” BIA SVP and chief economist Mark Fratrik says, “Local radio stations have been feeling the impact of new competition for the past few years; unfortunately, the pandemic just exacerbated the problem and it will take some time to recover. The shining star continues to be radio’s online digital advertising revenues, which will outpace over-the-air growth this year and moving forward. Those broadcasting groups that have invested in and oriented their companies toward digital will benefit faster from that foresight.” Fratrik forecasts 2021 total local radio revenues to reach $11.7 billion, with $1 billion coming directly from online revenues; a 9.7 % increase over 2020. Find out more about the study here.
TALKERS News Notes. A new multi-year agreement between Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” and the NHL’s Boston Bruins is
signed, extending the partnership for the station to serve as flagship for the Boston Bruins Radio Network. In addition to broadcasting all Bruins games, “98.5 The Sports Hub” will continue to air 30-minute pre- and post-game shows along with the two-hour weekly program, “The Hockey Show” which airs Saturdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am during season. Beasley Boston VP and market manager Mary Menna comments, “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with the Boston Bruins and to be able to share our passion for the Bruins with our loyal New England fans. We are so excited to be back in the TD Garden cheering the Bruins on to the playoffs.”…..At the 2021 IAB Podcast Upfront, Audacy’s 
Cadence13 announces some new podcasts it is launching. First, Grammy-nominated bassist Este Haim and Primetime Emmy Award-winning actor Darren Criss are co-hosting their first-ever podcast, “That Thing I Do.” Launching this summer, the close friends will share their mutual love of music, pop culture, and more with special guests on the weekly show that focuses on the “things that people do” that wider audiences may not be as familiar with. Second, Cadence13 is partnering with award-winning actress Ellen Pompeo — the star of ABC’s long-running hit series “Grey’s Anatomy” — for her first-ever podcast, “Tell Me with Ellen Pompeo,” set to launch this fall. On the program Pompeo will sit down for in-depth, candid conversations with a wide range of guests— celebrity and otherwise — who inspire her, extraordinary people who do extraordinary things, to find out what makes them great. Pompeo will use the weekly show to shine a light on people and highlight issues important to her and the world at
large…..iHeartMedia is launching a new, standalone podcast venture – My Cultura, dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and creators, and sharing the Latinx experience with millions of listeners. In partnership with Enrique Santos, the company’s top-rated on-air personality and president and chief ceative officer of iHeartLatino, My Cultura will offer creators a platform to share stories and perspectives relevant to Latinx listeners and all audiences. The network will roll out six new shows at launch in Summer 2021, and 30 shows throughout its first year, across a variety of genres including pop culture, music, comedy, mental health, finance, news and more.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy, Variants and Stats Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 10-14. The number of Americans who are hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine, concerns about variants, and the number of cases in the U.S. and abroad combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney’s ouster from her leadership role and the influence of former President Donald Trump on the Republican party. Following at #3 was the Colonial Pipeline hack and the resulting gas shortage in the Southeast. 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.
Barry Farber Memorial Tribute Now Posted on YouTube. The Industry Memorial Tribute to talk radio legend Barry Farber presented by the Farber Family and TALKERS
has been posted to YouTube. Several dozen family members, colleagues, and friends of late talk radio icon Barry Farber gathered via Zoom on Wednesday, May 5 to pay tribute to the uniquely talented broadcaster who passed away a year earlier, one day after his 90th birthday. The informal presentation was moderated by Michael Harrison and featured, among its many speakers, members of Barry Farber’s immediate family including his daughters Bibi Farber and Celia Farber, industry colleagues Sean Hannity of Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel, Mike Horn of CRN Digital Talk Radio Network, and Frank Morano of WABC, New York. To view the event on YouTube, click here or visit the memorial website Barry Farber Radio here.
