Tag: "WICC"
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Adam Hoge Promoted at WGN; Content Partnership with The Athletic Announced. WGN, Chicago enters into a content partnership with The Athletic that will provide The
Athletic subscribers an exclusive, additional podcast from WGN Radio’s Adam Hoge and The Athletic’s Adam Jahns. The “Hoge & Jahns” podcast has been popular with WGN listeners and the addition of the new podcast coincides with Adam Hoge’s promotion to manager of digital sports content for 
Tribune’s Media’s WGN Radio. WGN director of marketing & digital innovation Tabitha Green says, “The success of ‘Hoge & Jahns’ is a great example of the innovation Adam will bring to his new role. His passion for sports and expertise in digital storytelling will take us to a whole new level.” In this new role, Hoge will oversee online strategies and content created by WGN Radio sports journalists. Hoge will continue to be the station’s Chicago Bears insider, traveling with the team throughout the season.
Connoisseur Promotes Keith Dakin to VP of Programming. Connecticut-based programmer Keith Dakin has been the regional operations manager for Connoisseur Media. Now, after nine years with the company, Dakin rises to vice president of
programming for the entire station group. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Keith has done a terrific job with our Connecticut stations and has been an extremely valuable resource for Connoisseur. His ability to work with talent is particularly prized within our company.” Dakin says, “I am beyond honored to be given a chance to oversee the programming for Connoisseur Media. Our CEO Jeff Warshaw has assembled a collection of legendary radio stations that I can’t wait to work with. These are huge brands that really connect on a local level and bring unique, interesting and compelling content to our listeners.” Connoisseur recently acquired news/talk WICC, Bridgeport and AC WEBE, Westport Connecticut, as well as Frederick, Maryland duo news/talk WFMD-AM and country WFRE-FM.
Cumulus Names Eric Mastel to Charleston Market Manager Role; Gigi South to Lead Savannah Station Group. The July passing of Charleston, South Carolina market manager Sherry Dollar put Cumulus Media in the position of searching for her
replacement. Now, the company announces it is moving Eric Mastel from his VP and market manager post in Savannah to the leadership position in Charleston. The Charleston cluster includes news/talk WTMA-AM and four music outlets. Cumulus EVP Bob Walker comments, “We are thrilled that Eric 
will be moving to Charleston to lead our team and our great brands. He is an accomplished leader and will complement the strong team in Charleston nicely.” Taking over the cluster management in Savannah is Gigi South, who joins Cumulus Media to serve as vice president and market manager for the six-station group that includes news/talk WBMQ-AM and sports talk WJLG-AM “The Ticket AM900,” as well as four music brands. South was most recently general manager with Mississippi Broadcasters. Prior to that, she was vice president of WSCG-TV in Beaufort, South Carolina. South says, “To say that I am overjoyed to return to the Savannah-Hilton Head market with Cumulus would be an understatement. A thriving market, a results-focused team, the support and tools available from Cumulus, and our dominant signals are enough to get anyone excited.”
Great Lakes Media Adds Mitch Dolan and Ed Nolan to Leadership Team. The Milwaukee-based firm Great Lakes Media Corp. announces two additions to its leadership team. Mitch Dolan joins as chief operating officer and Ed Nolan is named chief financial officer. Dolan was most recently COO of radio & outdoor for Times
-Shamrock Communications. During his career he also served as president of the ABC Radio Station Group and president and general manager of WPLJ-FM, New York. Nolan was most recently SVP/CFO & treasurer of Greater Media, Inc. Great Lakes Media CEO Tom Langmyer states, “I’m 
pleased to welcome two experienced and exceptional leaders to Great Lakes Media. Mitch is highly respected in the media industry and, whether in New York City, where he operated stations directly, or in the ABC major markets he led across the U.S., his outstanding track-record of achievement was defined by his ability to consistently out-perform the companies and stations with whom he competed. Ed’s distinguished career is highlighted by his oversight and successful execution of a number of complex M&A transactions while serving on the senior leadership team of one of America’s finest and most-admired media companies.” Great Lakes Media Corp. intends to primarily invest in the acquisition of local radio stations and digital platforms in the U.S., focusing on properties in medium and large markets in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Clingerman Appointed Market President for Townsquare’s Wichita Falls Stations. Moving from the television to the radio business is Troy Clingerman, who is named market president and chief revenue officer for
Townsquare Media’s Wichita Falls, Texas cluster that includes news/talk KWFS-AM and three music-formatted stations. Clingerman was most recently local sales manager for Tegna’s KYTX-TV in Tyler, Texas. Prior to that, he served in the digital sales department at E.W. Scripps’ KJRH-TV, Tulsa. Clingerman says, “I’m excited to join the Townsquare team in Wichita Falls. The key to our success will be talented people and all the solutions any small business would ever need, both of which we have in Wichita Falls.”
Sports Talk WOFX-AM, Albany Adds FM Signal. Albany market sports talk outlet
WOFX-AM “FOX Sports 980” adds an FM signal to its broadcast via translator W240EC at 95.9. The iHeartMedia station carries the FOX Sports Radio daily lineup – “Outkick the Coverage with Clay Travis” in mornings, followed by Dan Patrick, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” and Doug Gottlieb in afternoon drive. Station program director Jeff Wolf says, “FOX Sports has the best national talent and sports play-by-play programming for sports fans all over the Capital Region. We are absolutely thrilled to bring FOX Sports programming to even more listeners on 95.9 FM.”
Christine Travaglini to Receive MIW Group’s 2019 Trailblazer Award. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group announces that Katz Radio Group president Christine Travaglini is the recipient of this year’s MIW Group Frances Preston Trailblazer Award. The MIW Group Trailblazer Award is presented annually to a woman
who, through her leadership and success in the industry, creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. Travaglini will receive the award on September 25 during the Wednesday headliner, “You’re Not Just in the Radio Business Anymore: Stories from Innovators Who’ve Made the Transformation,” session at the NAB/RAB Radio Show. MIW Group National Spokeswoman Denyse Mesnik says, “Christine began her career with Katz as a sales assistant in the Atlanta office and was the first person to rise from an assistant to a division president within the organization — that personifies a Trailblazer! When selecting our MIW Trailblazer, we look for a woman who forged her own path to success in our industry while making it a priority to nurture others in their career growth. Christine embodies those qualities and we look forward to honoring her at the 2019 Radio Show.”
TALKERS News Notes. On October 7, Howard Stern will commemorate the official opening of SiriusXM Hollywood, the company’s new Hollywood complex that features
artist-first studios, with his first broadcast from the West Coast in almost 20 years. The new broadcast and performance space is located in the heart of the burgeoning Hollywood Media District at 953 N. Sycamore Ave. SiriusXM/Pandora says it “has been built from the ground up to reflect the company’s commitment to the West Coast artist community and audience, and to be the base for originating great talk, compelling entertainment, world class music, and exclusive performances for the more than 100 million listeners of the United States’ leading audio entertainment company.”…..The Westwood One-distributed “BOB & TOM Show” begins airing in Chicago on Monday (9/9) on Cumulus Media’s WKQX-HD2. Cumulus says, “The popular show will broadcast with limited commercial interruption via a full metro market signal broadcasting from the top of the John Hancock Building. The nearly 1.8 million HD Radio-equipped cars in the Chicago DMA will make ‘The BOB & TOM Show’ accessible for scores of people in the Chicagoland area who grew up listening to the legendary morning comedy show in markets across the Midwest and beyond.”…..iHeartMedia Milwaukee announces it has joined forces with The Wisconsin Podcast Festival to promote one listener’s podcast on-air with the “iHeart Your Podcast” contest. The promotional contest will give the winner the opportunity to have their podcast advertised on all six of iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s stations including, news/talk WISN and sports talk WRNW-FM “97.3 The Game.” The festival is the first of its kind and will feature live podcasts and special guests, including ‘95.7 BIG FM’ personality Eric Paulsen. Wisconsin Podcast Festival founder Allison Phillips says, “It only made sense to partner with iHeartMedia Milwaukee for the Wisconsin Podcast Festival. We can’t wait to bring Wisconsin’s podcasters and aspiring podcasters together for a weekend of learning and sharing.”…..Rapper and actor Tip “T.I.” Harris drops his first two “expeditiously” podcast episodes in partnership with PodcastOne. In one episode, hip hop legends LL Cool J and Ice Cube join Harris to share never-before-heard stories of transitioning from kids who rapped in the hood, into mega superstar MCs, along with their evolution into successful businessmen…..iHeartMedia Riverside’s KPWK “FOX Sports AM 1350” enters into a broadcast agreement with the California Baptist University athletics department, effective for the 2019-2021 athletic seasons. As part of the deal, “FOX Sports AM 1350” will serve as the official flagship radio station for the school’s men’s basketball team.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chicago, Hubbard Radio names Rachel Kelso associate producer of the morning drive “Sherman & Tingle Show” on classic rock WDRV “97-1 FM The Drive.” Kelso previously served as producer for the “Jenn & Friends Show” at Entercom’s CHR WSTR, Atlanta “Star 94.”…..Pictured below (l-r) are WMMR, Philadelphia’s Bill Weston, Jacky Bam Bam, and Bill Burns assembling boxes of food at Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance as part of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia’s 2019 Day of Caring Initiative. Three shifts of Beasley volunteers peeled and chopped vegetables, prepared and packaged soups, and assembled breakfast, lunch and dinner meal trays for freezing. The organization provides medically appropriate meals, three a day, seven days a week, for area residents affected by chronic, life-threatening illnesses.
August 2019 PPM Data – Information for the August 2019 ratings period has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s August 2019 survey period covered July 18 – August 14. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these nine PPM markets.
Washington, DC
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of July’s +.9, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL is steady at 5.3 (6+) but pushes up from sixth to
fifth. July’s increase halted three successive March through June declines that accounted for an overall –2.4 (6.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4, 6+). Immediately before that streak, WMAL posted three straight (“Holiday” 2018 through March 2019) improvements for a collective +2.5 (4.3 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), with March’s 6.8 its best 6+-stat in the PPM-era. After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the 13th sweep in succession.
This is the third consecutive report that Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM (Nationals) has logged a 3.4 (#13 to #12, 6+). In June, “106.7 The Fan” recaptured almost half (three-tenths) the eight-tenths lost in May. After nearly doubling (+.4) its 6+ AQH share via four straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .9, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is off 33% (-.3) in July/August (.9 – .7 – .6, #21 to #23, 6+). On July 1, Cumulus Media suspended its news/talk simulcast of WMAL-AM & WMAL-FM; WMAL-AM became sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol.” WSBN checked in with a .1 (#29, 6+) in the July report but is unlisted in August.
An overall -2.5 in six successive down or flat sweeps (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), WTOP applies the brakes with a +.1 to 8.0 (6+) but backslides from second to third. The Hubbard Broadcasting all-news operation shifted to the runner-up slot in July after six straight months at #1. January’s 10.4 was its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Entercom business news WDCH gains two-tenths via three consecutive up or flat moves (.4 – .5 – .6 – .6, #24 to #23, 6+).
A July boost of four-tenths by American University-owned news/talk WAMU (8.0 – 8.4, 6+) interrupted three successive slips that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.0, 6+). “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which progressed from the runner-up slot to #1 this time last month, forfeits two-tenths to 8.2 (6+) and is tied for the lead position. Immediately prior to gaining three-tenths in March, WAMU was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Over and above adding one-half share to July’s +.2 (7.5 – 7.7 – 8.2, 6+), Radio One urban AC WMMJ “Majic” – which had been anchored in third-place the past eight reports – marches to a first-place tie (with public news/talk WAMU – see above). July’s increase applied the brakes to three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to that skid, “Majic” put together six successive increases that netted a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). This is its highest 6+-showing since March (8.2, as well). Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR is off six-tenths in three down or flat monthlies in succession (6.5 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+) and is in fourth-place the fourth consecutive time. Down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), WHUR regained that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths. Its March loss of one-tenth suspended three successive increases that accounted for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). Tacking on eight-tenths to July’s +.1 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” carries on at #7. Myersville, Maryland-licensed WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” surfaced in print in January with a .6 (6+). The Manning Broadcasting classic hits-oldies station cracked the top twenty in February, April, May, and June. “The Eagle” is up one-half share to 1.2, its highest 6+-stat since debuting in January, and lands at #19. A loss of one-half share (3.8 – 3.3, 6+) sends Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA “90.9 – Washington’s Classical Music Station” off the top ten (#9 to #13). While it remains in fifth-place, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 – Washington’s Variety” surrenders one-tenth to 5.3 (6+), thus snapping four straight sweeps without a loss that accounted for a +1.0 (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). July’s 5.4 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018 (10.4). On May 31, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3 More Music – More Variety” transitioned to an Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian as WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” May 2019 marked the final sweep before the format/ownership switch and “Mix” added six-tenths (3.5 – 4.1, 6+) to exit as a top ten station (#11 to #8). Its January 2019 through May 2019 topline was 3.5 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.1 (6+). In its new format, WLVW eroded by roughly 78% (-3.2) in June/July (4.1 – 2.2 – .9, #17 to #19, 6+); however, WLVW adds four-tenths in August to 1.3 (6+) and inches up to #18.
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Eight positive or neutral trends in succession by iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO have yielded a +1.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+); “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” repeats at #8. For the third month in a row, co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” adds one-tenth (.4 – .5 – .6 – .7, #26 to #25, 6+).
Up four-tenths (3.3 – 3.7, tenth to eighth, 6+) Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM (Red Sox) catches Beasley Media Group-owned (Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” which has lost nearly half (-3.3) its 6+ AQH-share in three drops in a row (7.0 – 5.6 – 3.8 – 3.7, seventh to eighth, 6+). Sample shifts for WEEI-FM include: -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); +.6 (April); and -.6 (July). Nine recent shifts for “The Sports Hub” include: +.9 (October 2018); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); -1.4 (June); and -1.8 (July).
Frozen on 5.0 (6+) the past five months, iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” busts out a one-half share increase to 5.5 (6+) and continues in fifth-place; WBZ-AM was +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+).
Up four-tenths in July/August (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR moves from ninth to seventh. In addition to advancing from #16 to #14, WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH picks up six-tenths to 2.8, its best (6+) showing since December 2018 (2.8, as well).
Boston Music Formats – Improving by six-tenths each are Beasley Media Group’s WBOS “Boston’s Rock 92.9 Rocks” (#14 to #13) and Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV “92.5 The River – Boston’s Independent Radio” (2.1 – 2.7, #17 to #15, 6+). “Rock 92.9” is up eight-tenths in three straight increases (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.2, 6+). When “The River” relinquished six-tenths in July, it curtailed four consecutive upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.8 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+). A gain of three-tenths to 2.2 (flat at #18, 6+) by iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” pulls the plug on six straight down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.2 (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is #1 the fifth month in a row, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” falters by -1.1 (8.8 – 7.7, 6+). This follows – and basically wipes away – back-to-back (June and July) increases of six-tenths (7.6 – 8.2 – 8.8, 6+). When WROR dropped two-tenths in May, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (January, 7.3, and February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March and April, 7.8 – both times, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); and WROR (June, 8.2, July, 8.8, and August, 7.7, 6+). In the market’s CHR arena, iHeartMedia’s aforementioned WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” is an overall -1.3 in three setbacks in succession (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3, 6+) but is in the runner-up slot the third straight month. A one-half share increase in May took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is without an increase the seventh consecutive time for a net loss of seven-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8, #16 to #19, 6+). The combined +.8 that Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” racked up in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+) is vaporized in July/August with a -.9 (6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0, 6+). June’s 6.9 was its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. The April 2019 through August 2019 (6+) profiles of Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” and Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1” are extremely similar. “Hot” is -1.0 in four straight down or flat moves (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3, #10 to #11, 6+), while “Mix” is -.6 in four consecutive months without an increase (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3, #10 to #11, 6+).
Miami
English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – The April 2019 through August 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is a very consistent 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 (#18 to #17, 6+).
Recently rebranded from “Sports Radio 560” to “560 The Joe,” Entercom-owned WQAM (Dolphins) gains one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.5 – 6 – .7, #30 to #28, 6+). It leapfrogs co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which is down 33% (-.3) in July/August (.9 – .8 – .6, #26 to #29, 6+).
After logging four straight up or flat reports that produced two-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN falters by seven-tenths in July/August (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).
Miami Music Formats – Within 6.3 – 6.6 range in each of the last eight survey periods (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” breaks out a +.7 to 7.0 (6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. This (7.0) is the highest 6+-stat for “Hot” in just over one year (June 2018, 7.1, 6+). A collective -1.1 through six straight negative or neutral moves (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WEDR ends the slump with a +.3 to 4.4 (6+); “99 Jamz” is anchored at #7. By gaining six-tenths (3.2 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WBGG “Big 105.9” cracks the top ten (#12 to #8) and records its best 6+-showing (3.8) since November 2017’s 3.9. In addition to regaining the three-tenths it lost in July (7.6 – 7.3 – 7.6, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is #1 the eighth consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February). Eight-tenths has been a common fluctuation recently for “Easy” as it was down eight-tenths in February; up by that magnitude in March; and up again by eight-tenths in June. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF repeats July’s (6+) AQH-share (5.5) and market rank (fourth). When “101.5 Lite FM” picked up one-tenth in July, it curtailed four straight sweeps without an increase that led to an overall -1.2 (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+). It was in third-place March, April, May, and June. Following four upticks in succession that produced a +1.3 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WPOW “Power 96” surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase and fades from the top ten (2.9, -1.2, #7 to #15, 6+). While it continues at #9, Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ “El Zol 106.7” is -1.2 in six straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” gains three-tenths (2.8 – 3.1, 6+) at the same time that Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” forfeits three-tenths (3.3 – 3.0, 6+). As a result, “Y-100” (#15 to #11) overtakes “Hits 97.3” (#11 to #13).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady in fifth-place, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM gains
one-half share in July/August (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio,” which logged a +.5 in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+), drops two-tenths to 1.5 (flat at #22, 6+). In five successive negative or neutral reports, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI lost more than half (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share since February (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, 6+), but “Talk Radio 570” ends the slide by picking up two-tenths to .9 (#26 to #25, 6+).
A collective -1.3 in four straight down or flat trends (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (Mariners, Seahawks) slumps from #14 to #17. After having its 6+ stat sliced by more than 60% (-.9) via four consecutive slips (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” improves by three-tenths to .8 (6+) and repeats at #28.
An increase of four-tenths (2.8 – 3.2, #15 to #13, 6+) takes Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO to its best 6+-stat (3.2) since November 2017’s 3.4.
In three consecutive decreases (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW has lost nine-tenths and drops from second to fourth.
Seattle Music Formats – June’s first-place tie between iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” and Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” was broken with emphasis in July when the former gained nine-tenths and the later spiraled by eight-tenths. The roles are reversed in August though as “MOViN’ 92.5” hangs out a +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, third to first, 6+) while “Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” plummets by -1.0 (7.0 – 6.0, first to second, 6+). An overall -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), KQMV ended the slump in June with a gain of one-tenth. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. As a result of August’s -1.0, KZOK snaps its consecutive string of eight straight positive spikes that produced a +3.3 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of that particular run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). It’s a strong sweep for the market’s two adult contemporary outlets as Entercom’s KSWD “94.1 The Sound” logs a +1.0 (4.4 – 5.4, sixth to third, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s KRWM “Warm 106.9” improves by six-tenths (4.3 – 4.9, eighth to sixth, 6+). In each of the last three sweeps, “The Sound” and “Warm” were separated by one-tenth. Prior to eroding by -1.1 in April, “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Entering the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. By notching a +.3 to 3.1 (flat at #15, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” halts seven straight down or flat reports that accounted for a collective -2.3 (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). A combined +1.4 in July/August (3.7 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM Playing What We Want” surrenders half that increase (4.4 -.7, fourth to eighth, 6+). In July, Seattle’s version of “Jack” reached the five-share threshold (5.1, 6+) for the first time in nearly ten years (5.0, October 2009). After a lengthy hiatus from being in print, Hubbard Broadcasting adult standards KIXI resurfaced with three straight .7 showings (February, March, and April, 6+). It elevated to 1.3 (6+) in May; 1.2 (June, 6+); and 1.4 (July, 6+). In August, however, “AM 880 – Music As Cool Now As It Was Then” drops to .9 (#25, 6+). After more than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), co-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” returns one-tenth to 4.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). One-tenth ahead of “The Bull” is Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country” (4.1 – 4.3, +.2, #12 to #9, 6+), which wiped away May’s +.9 with June/July’s combined -.9 (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, KKWF was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+).
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Six straight sweeps without an increase by Cumulus Media’s
WJR led to a -1.7 (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+), but “News Talk 760” (Lions) applies the brakes with a +.2 to 2.2 (6+) and is flat at #19.
Stuck on 5.0 (6+) in February and March and then on 5.4 (6+) in April and May, Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM (Tigers) is a combined -1.5 in three successive setbacks (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+); “97.1 The Ticket” exits the top ten (#9 to #11).
A combined -1.4 in June/July (6.2 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” roars back with a +1.1 to 5.9 (6+) and vaults from sixth to second; WWJ was #1 in March.
The (repetitive) April 2019 through August 2019 topline for Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM is: 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 (flat at #20, 6+). Unchanged at #21, Wayne State University news/talk WDET regains the two-tenths it dropped in July (1.2 – 1.0 – 1.2, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – Not only is Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC +1.3 in July/August (3.9 – 4.1 – 5.2, 6+), “105.1 The Bounce” jumps into the top ten (#11 to #7) and reaches the five-share level for the first time since February 2017 (5.2, as well). Co-owned WRIF “Everything That Rocks” improves by six-tenths (4.6 – 5.2, 6+) to advance from eighth to seventh. This (5.2) is its highest 6+-showing since February’s 5.9. Still in that Beasley Media Group cluster, WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is off three-tenths (7.2 – 6.9, 6+) but repeats at #1. Its June/July +.8 (6.4 – 6.5 – 7.2, 6+) followed three successive down or flat months that accounted for a -1.4 (7.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+). In March, WCSX eroded by -1.3 to shift from first to second. Its March/April decline of -1.5 followed back-to-back gains of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+). “Detroit’s Classic Rock” spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September 2018. Off a full-share through four straight survey periods without an increase (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 – Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” halts the slide with a +.4 to 3.5 (#15 to #14, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (6.2 – 5.6, 6+) sends adult contemporary cluster-mate WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” from second to fifth. After its 6+ AQH share eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) in four successive sweeps (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), WNIC answered with a May increase of four-tenths. WNIC’s “Holiday” 2018 17.9 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. On top in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share via four straight increases (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+). Unchanged at #10 is its format rival – Entercom’s WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” – which is off a combined eight-tenths in July/August (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). CHR WDZH “Amp Radio” became adult contemporary “The Breeze” in early-November (2018) and, in eight successive reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), it more than doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share. The streak, however, ended in July. Even though Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WDRQ is +1.3 through six consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), “93.1 Nash FM” backslides from #16 to #17. This (2.9) is its best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 3.0. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WYCD “99.5 Detroit Country Music” is off seven-tenths in July/August (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+) and slides from sixth to ninth.
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of June’s -.8 (4.0 – 3.2, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (Arizona Cardinals) is a combined
+1.0 in July/August (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.2, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#11 to #6). Despite being off seven-tenths via three drops in succession (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” climbs from #16 to #15.
Off -1.0 in June/July (3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+) Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (Arizona Diamondbacks) notches an August +.3 to 2.4 (6+) and leaps from #19 to #15 (tied with KFYI).
Albeit that Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ repeats July’s 3.4 (6+), it departs the top ten (#10 to #11).
Phoenix Music Formats – Recording increases of one-half share each are Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” (third to second) and iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country” (steady at #5). KOOL is an overall +2.3 in five bumps in succession (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (6.3) in more than two years (July 2017, 6.4, 6+). KNIX “Today’s Best Country” gains nine-tenths in three successive spikes (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+), obliterating its -.9 in three straight decreases (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+) and matches February’s 5.1. Adult contemporary sibling KESZ is an overall +1.7 via five consecutive upticks (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+) and repeats at #1 with its strongest 6+-showing since January (7.0, as well). Owing to three drops in a row (5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.7, 6+), CHR cluster-mate KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” is a cumulative -1.6 and shifts from seventh to tenth. The last time “Kiss” fell below a four-share (6+) was “Holiday” 2017 (3.0). Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9,” which was -1.1 in four straight sweeps without an increase (3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 1.9, 6+), ends the slide with a +.3 to 2.2 (6+) and reenters the top twenty (#21 to #18). Off seven-tenths (2.7 – 2.0, 6+), Entravision’s similarly-formatted KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” fades from the top twenty (#14 to #21). Faltering by one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” (6.7 – 6.2, second to third, 6+); Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” (4.6 – 4.1, fifth to seventh, 6+); and iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” (4.4 – 3.9, eighth to ninth, 6+). Recent shifts for KYOT “The Mountain” include: -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January/February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April) -1.2 (May); +1.2 (June); and -.5 (August). “The Mountain” ranked first three ratings periods in succession before being ousted in May. KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” has its lowest 6+-stat (4.1) since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.0. In July, KMXP “Mix” gained one-half share to halt seven successive down or flat reports that accounted for a -2.0 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+).
Riverside
Spoken-Word Formats – After three ratings periods in a row of being unlisted, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” resurfaces with a .1 (#20, 6+).
Unchanged at #20, co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” has a November 2018 through August 2019 topline of: .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 (6+). For the 20th straight sweep, similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.
This is the fourth report in a row that San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is below a one-share (.8 – .4 – .6 – .5 – .8, flat at #14, 6+). Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” posts a .3 (6+) for the third time in the last five reports (.1 – .3 – .1 – .3 – .3, 6+) and repeats at #16.
Riverside Music Formats – Off six-tenths in June/July (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “LA 101.9” erases that shortfall with an increase of nine-tenths to 3.3 (eighth to sixth, 6+). In three down or flat trends in a row (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.5, 6+), Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KLVE was a collective -1.1 but “107.5 K-Love” picks up two-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and carries on at #5. Not only does KLYY add eight-tenths to July’s one-half share increase (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+), “Jose” marches from second to first. Prior to July, the Entravision Spanish adult hits outlet was an overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+). It had been in the runner-up slot in April, May, June, and July. In advance of the April ratings period, “Jose” occupied the #1 spot 11 sweeps in succession. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. After four straight months at #1, KOLA segues to #2. The Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies station is -1.7 in July/August (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+), immediately after being +1.8 via three successive positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to May, the last time KOLA reached the eight-share level (6+) was February 2018 (8.4). KOLA finished second in 11 successive survey periods and went to #1 in April. Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN falters for the sixth time in the last seven sweeps and is a collective -1.7 in that stretch (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.4, sixth to eighth, 6+). “Family Friendly 89.7” falls below a three-share (2.4, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 2.7. Two of its format rivals – Educational Media Foundation-owned KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted for the second month in succession. After reaching the five-share level in July (5.1, 6+), Entercom’s KFRG “New Country K-Frog” sputters by seven-tenths to 4.4 (6+) but continues at #3. In four consecutive down or flat trends, Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB is down eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+) but stays in seventh-place. This (2.5) is the lowest 6+-showing for “Que Buena 96.1” since 2.3 in November 2018. The +1.6 that LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” chalked up in three successive improvements (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+) becomes a -1.6 in five consecutive setbacks (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1, flat at #9, 6+).
San Jose
Spoken-Word Formats – In ten straight San Jose sweeps without an increase (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4,
6+), KGO lost more than 50% of its 6+ AQH share (-1.6). The Cumulus Media news/talk station answers with an August gain of four-tenths to 1.8 (6+) and reenters the top twenty (#23 to #19). There is a similar turnaround for co-owned news/talk KSFO, which is up two-tenths to 1.0 (#27 to #24, 6+), thus pulling the plug on three successive declines that accounted for a loss of roughly half (-.7) its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .8, 6+). In July, KSFO fell below a one-share (.8, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (.9).
Regressing by six-tenths each are KGO and KSFO sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” (4.2 – 3.6, seventh to eighth, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (#21 to #24, 6+). Giants flagship KNBR erased June’s half-share decrease and had posted a 4.2 (6+) three times in the previous four reports (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+); KNBR was +1.1 in April. “The Game” erodes by nearly two-thirds (-1.9) in three straight sharp declines (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+), immediately after a +1.4 as a result of three consecutive positive spikes (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.9, 6+).
The (repetitive) April 2019 through August 2019 topline for all-news sibling KCBS-AM is: 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 (fifth to fourth, 6+). KCBS-AM was -1.9 in three straight March through May decreases.
Even though it returns the three-tenths it added in July (6.0 – 6.3 – 6.0, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED remains at #3. Three straight slips by KQED accounted for a collective -1.1 (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW follows July’s +.6 with an August drop-off of three-tenths (1.3 – 1.0, flat at #24, 6+).
San Jose Music Formats – Positive news continues for Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits,” which not only is #1 the fourth consecutive month but hauls out a +1.3 (7.3 – 8.6, 6+). “Bay FM” answered April’s -1.5 with a +1.3 in May (6.2 – 7.5, 6+), returning to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, KBAY had been +1.5 via three bumps in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Notching increases of six-tenths each are Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” (3.0 – 3.6, tenth to eighth); iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD “Wild 94.9” (2.9, #13 to #11, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KJLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.1 – .7, #31 to #28, 6+). “Que Buena” has its best 6+-stat (3.6) in nearly two years (3.8, November 2017). “Wild” was a combined -1.1 in June/July (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+), falling below a three-share (2.3, 6+, July 2019) for the first time since November 2018 (2.9). “K-Love” popped on with a .6 (6+) in June and then lost one-half share in July. Up one-half share (3.6 – 4.1, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “95.3 San Jose Hot Country” has its best 6+-performance since December 2018 (4.1, as well) and advances from ninth to sixth. Major ups/downs continue for Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3,” which was an overall -1.1 in three successive declines (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+); rebounded in July with a +.9 to 5.9 (6+); but now craters by -1.5 (4.4, fourth to fifth, 6+). In three straight drops, Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” falters by an overall -1.9 (5.8 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 3.9, sixth to seventh, 6+). This is the eighth month in a row that adult contemporary sibling KOIT-FM is unlisted in San Jose. As the result of five straight increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. KOIT-FM remains in print in the San Francisco report.
Middlesex
Spoken-Word Formats – In a bit of an oddity, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is #1
the seventh successive month yet hasn’t had an increase the seventh time in a row. “New Jersey 101.5” is -1.5 in that January 2019 through August 2019 timeframe (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.6, 6+). A boost of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.5, 6+) enables iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” to rocket from #17 to #12. Owing to three Middlesex-Somerset-Union upticks in succession, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC doubles (+.6) its 6+ AQH-share (.6 – .7 – .9 – 1.2, #25 to #24, 6+).
Three successive bumps by Entercom sports talk WFAN (Yankees, Giants) result in a net gain of eight-tenths (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4, tenth to ninth, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” which added seven-tenths in May, is down an overall nine-tenths in June/July/August (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, flat at #23, 6+).
In addition to being up one-half share via four consecutive positive spikes (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom all-news WINS enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). Conversely, co-owned/similarly-programmed WCBS-AM (Mets) is off seven-tenths in July/August (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #22).
After losing six-tenths in three consecutive decreases (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM ends the slide with a +.1 to 2.0 (6+) and repeats at #21.
Middlesex Music Formats – In addition to jumping from sixth to fourth, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is a collective +1.9 in four consecutive positive or neutral trends (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.3, 6+). This (5.3) is the strongest 6+-stat for “Magic” since “Holiday” 2018’s 5.8. Posting a robust August 2019 increase of nine-tenths as well is Emmis urban AC WBLS (5.4 – 6.3, third to second). WBLS now trails market frontrunner (news/talk) WKXW by just three-tenths. Three up or flat moves in succession by rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WQHT yield a +1.1 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+) as “Hot 97” enters the top ten (#11 to #10). This is its best 6+ Middlesex-Somerset-Union performance since November 2018 (3.6, as well). An uptick of six-tenths by iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ enables “Q-104.3 – New York’s Classic Rock” to reach the five-share level (4.4 – 5.0, unchanged at #6, 6+). On the other hand, off by six-tenths each are Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” (3.3 – 2.7, #12 to #15) and iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” (3.1 – 2.5, #15 to #17, 6+). This (2.7) is the lowest 6+-stat for “Alt” since 2.5 in “Holiday” 2018. When WKTU posted a July gain of three-tenths, it interrupted three down or flat moves in a row that led to a loss of two-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Faltering by one-half share (4.1 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” slips from ninth to tenth. Unchanged at #14, iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” is off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+). While Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ is without an increase the fourth straight time for a -1.0 since April (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), “Mega 97.9” actually climbs from #16 to #15. Five successive improvements by Entercom hot AC WNEW net a +1.7 (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+) as “NEW 102.7” continues in fifth-place. A combined -3.4 in June/July (3.8 – 2.0 – .4, #22 to #30, 6+), WNEW’s former hot AC competitor, WPLJ, disappears from print. Cumulus Media sold WPLJ to Educational Media Foundation, which shifted the station from hot AC to contemporary Christian on May 31.
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Talk Radio Pioneer Mike Siegel is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Veteran conservative/libertarian talk radio personality Mike Siegel is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Siegel, a former private practicing attorney and school teacher, currently syndicated by Genesis Communications Network (GCN), was one of the early broadcasters to emerge in the late-eighties post-Fairness Doctrine period described by Harrison as “the modern era of talk radio.” During that period, Siegel – who hosted shows on such stations as KING and KVI in Seattle – was, according to Harrison, “the quintessential, local, muckraker aggressively holding local politicians, government and big corporations accountable for their actions.” Harrison and Siegel, whose latest book is titled Airing the Wave: Talk Radio at the Dawn of the Digital Era (Page Publishing, 2016), informally chat about the changes talk radio has experienced through the years as it has evolved from the analog era into the digital age, not to mention the transitional state of journalism itself. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Ten Candles Atop WBZ-FM’s Birthday Cake. One week from today (Tuesday, 8/13), Beasley Media Group Boston sports talk outlet WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” will commemorate its 10th anniversary by airing a ten-hour special (7:00 am – 5:00 pm) celebrating Boston sports moments and events. It will include the victories and agony the city has experienced, as well as special moments that have been broadcast the past decade. According to Beasley Media Boston vice president/market manager Mary Menna, “In ten short years, [WBZ-FM and national spoken-word brand manager] Mike Thomas and the amazing team that he has assembled have built ‘The Sports Hub’ into an award-winning iconic brand and a household name in New England.” Thomas states, “It is an honor to work with the incredibly-talented ‘Sports Hub’ staff, on and off-the-air Not many people gave us a chance ten years ago. We were heavy underdogs – but so were Boston teams for many, many years. The ascendancy that Boston sports fans have experienced is unprecedented. We are just happy to have been along for the ride the past ten years and we look forward to many more victories to come.” Nielsen Audio July 2019 results will be released later today, but in Boston’s June 2019 report, WBZ-FM placed fourth (5.6, 6+). “The Sports Hub” is the flagship station of the Stanley Cup runner-up Bruins; Super Bowl champion New England Patriots; and the Celtics. By the way, in the years since “The Sports Hub” surfaced in 2009, the Patriots have won three Super Bowl titles (2015, 2017 and 2019) and the Red Sox have scored two World Series championship banners (2013 and 2018). The Bruins won the Stanley Cup in the 2010 – 2011 season, while the Celtics were NBA champions in 2008 – one year before “The Sports Hub” debuted.
Cumulus Media Faces $233,000 Sponsorship ID Rule Violations Fine. The infraction as cited by the FCC stems from Cumulus
Media’s apparent violations of the commission’s sponsorship identification rules. In addition, Cumulus Media ostensibly failed to promptly self-report some violations, even though the company agreed to do so under a 2016 consent decree with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. It is noteworthy, however, that the commission’s “Notice of Apparent Liability For Forfeiture” only advises 
Cumulus Media on how it has perhaps violated the law and sets a proposed fine. This isn’t a final ruling. The FCC cannot impose a higher penalty than the proposed $233,000 amount. Cumulus Media has a chance to appeal to the “Notice.” Prior to acting further to resolve the matter, the commission will evaluate Cumulus Media’s legal arguments and any submission of evidence. More than three years ago, the Commission’s Enforcement Bureau reached a $540,000 settlement with Cumulus Media regarding sponsorship identification in radio ads promoting a proposed energy project. It was the largest payment in FCC history for a single-station violation of the commission’s sponsorship ID laws. The settlement resolved an investigation into whether the company’s Dover, New Hampshire country outlet WOKQ “The Big 97.5” violated the rules. The FCC is alleging that in 2017 and 2018, seven Cumulus Media operations failed, in 26 instances, to air appropriate sponsorship identifications as required by its rules. Moreover, the FCC claims the company waited approximately eight months before reporting some rule-breaking, which would be in conflict of its 2016 consent decree commitments.
“Share of Ear” Study Highlights Audio Habits of Registered Voters. Share of Ear views how Americans consume audio content.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One has released results of Edison Research’s recent quarterly analysis. Edison reports share of audio time spent and percentage of Americans who use each type of content. Westwood One president/Cumulus Media executive vice president of marketing Suzanne Grimes states, “To build name recognition, candidate perception, affinity, and voting intent, campaigns have to reach as many voters as 
possible. According to this new analysis, AM/FM radio has massive and powerful ad-supported audience shares among registered voters and key voter segments.” Among registered voters, AM/FM radio’s share of audio time spent (80%) is eleven times larger than Pandora (7%), twenty times larger than Spotify (4%), and twenty-seven times larger than SiriusXM (3%). Terrestrial radio has the highest share of ad-supported audio time spent among all three major political affiliations: Independents (79%), Republicans (82%), and Democrats (78%). Each quarter, Edison Research conducts a national study of 1,000 Americans (13+) to measure reach and time spent listening to audio sources. Respondents complete a 24-hour diary of their audio listening on an assigned day. Diaries were completed both online and by-mail using a paper diary. Diaries were completed in English and Spanish. Each report consists of 4,000 respondents representing the prior year worth of surveys. This wave is based on persons from the third and fourth quarters of 2018, and the first and second quarters of this year (2019).
Recipe for Better Sales Revenue: Better Sales Compensation Programs. In an exclusive TALKERS advice piece posted today (8/6), veteran radio/media sales pro Bill Brady – president/CEO of Futures & Options, Inc. – suggests that the key to reviving radio sales is to reward hard-working, well-trained reps with increased compensation packages. He writes, “Over the last generation, radio companies have gone through several rounds of sales compensation reductions. Sales staffs were reduced in size and byzantine commission and compensation plans were implemented. Radio revenues have essentially stagnated ever since.” Read the article here.
Entercom, Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics Join Forces. As part of the multiyear, multiplatform agreement, Entercom Philadelphia’s 50,000-watt WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” becomes the new radio home for Penn State football and men’s basketball games, beginning with the 2019 – 2020 athletic season. In addition, Radio.com will feature ancillary on-demand programming. Entercom Philadelphia senior vice president and market manager David
Yadgaroff remarks, “As a proud Penn State alum, the easy access to Penn State sports content on air and on Radio.com makes me very happy for our listeners, the University, and all alumni. This will be an excellent partnership with Penn State Athletics and will complement our existing portfolio of leading sports coverage in the city.” Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics vice president Sandy Barbour states, “We appreciate the opportunity to create a new radio partnership with Entercom. The tremendous reach of WPHT ‘Talk Radio 1210’ allows us to connect with Penn State alumni and fans throughout the Delaware Valley, and promote the comprehensive excellence of Penn State Athletics. We look forward to our new partnership and having a great new radio home for Nittany Lion basketball and football in metro Philadelphia.” Penn State Sports Properties vice president and general manager Doug Nelson adds, “We’re happy that WPHT ‘Talk Radio 1210’ will serve as our new radio home for Penn State football and men’s basketball in Philly. The enhanced radio audience and promotional opportunities for Penn State with our new Entercom partnership are exciting for both fans and advertisers.” WPHT cluster-mates KYW “News Radio 1060,” WIP-FM “Sports Radio 94,” adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1,” classic hits-oldies WOGL, and CHR WTDY “96.5 Today’s Hits” will provide promotional support for Penn State Athletics.
Mayor Joins iHeartMedia Louisville For Its First Community Breakfast. Last Friday’s (8/2) event at the Muhammad Ali Center united over 125 community leaders, business partners, and non-profits to showcase iHeartMedia Louisville’s commitment to the community. WHAS “News Radio 840” on-air talent Terry Meiners hosted the event which spotlighted iHeartMedia Louisville’s community partners. In his keynote speech, Louisville mayor Greg Fischer discussed the importance of giving back within the community. Fischer comments, “Compassion is good for business and it’s good for our city and our country. I want to thank the folks at iHeartMedia Louisville for supporting our vibrant and active non-profit community.” Plans call for iHeartMedia to quadruple its efforts by providing media support to twelve non-profit organizations that fall under the “Kids: Heart of Kentuckiana” theme. Region president for iHeartMedia Kentucky-Indiana Earl Jones notes that, “Each campaign will include PSAs, on-air personality endorsements, as well as streaming and digital placement. We are committed to using our resources to amplify the message of these organizations that work so hard for our community.” Pictured below (left to right) are Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, iHeartMedia Kentucky-Indiana Region president Earl Jones, and WHAS “News Radio 840” afternoon personality Terry Meiners.
SiriusXM To Debut Daily “Jess Cagle Show” This Fall. Former editor of Entertainment Weekly (2009 – 2014) and People (2014 – 2019), Jess Cagle will host a two-hour weekday (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, PT) Los Angeles-originated eponymous show on SiriusXM starting this fall. It will feature pop culture news and long-form conversations from Cagle and co-host Julia Cunningham. Of Cagle, SiriusXM senior vice president of news, talk, and entertainment Megan Liberman notes, “It’s hard to think of anyone who knows Hollywood better or could bring more insight and expertise to the conversation about pop culture. This show will be a destination for the biggest stars in movies and television and a must-listen for entertainment fans.” SiriusXM chief entertainment anchor Cagle states, “As a magazine editor, I’ve done a lot of work with SiriusXM. The producers and executives there have been magnificent partners – smart, strategic, and innovative. Over the years, SiriusXM has become a second home to me. I’ve always wanted to do a news and talk show with a lot of humor, smart commentary, and in-depth interviews. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to make that a reality, and excited to work with SiriusXM on their growing podcast and video content. I’m a longtime fan of Julia Cunningham, and am really looking forward to working with her every day.” In addition to his daily show on “SiriusXM Stars” (channel 109), Cagle will host SiriusXM Town Hall events and appear across channels. Cagle spearheaded the partnership with SiriusXM to launch Entertainment Weekly Radio and recently joined the USC Annenberg Center of Communication Leadership & Policy as a senior fellow.
Focus 360 Partners With Lipstick & Vinyl. As a result of investing in the female-oriented podcast network Lipstick & Vinyl and
assuming its ad sales representation duties, Focus 360 cracks the podcast arena. According to Focus 360 chief executive officer Phil 
Brown, “We have been looking for a podcast partner that offered stand-out content. By seeking out the underrepresented and diverse voices in the marketplace, Lipstick & Vinyl delivers audiences that are super-loyal and highly engaged. Expanding our suite of audio ad platforms enables us to offer more solutions to our advertisers.” Lipstick & Vinyl founder and chief executive officer Allyson Marino notes that, “Focus 360 is known for its outstanding relationships with agencies. That is extremely important to the growth of our company and our content partners. Podcasts provide a wonderfully unique and intimate way to connect with people and tell stories. Focus 360’s expertise in audio ad sales made them the perfect choice to help us grow.” Lipstick & Vinyl network hosts include journalists, TV writers, comedians, single mothers, and advocates for social change.
TALKERS News Notes. Changes going into effect today (Tuesday, 8/6) at iHeartMedia San Diego sports talk KLSD “XTRA 1360” find Darren Smith
taking over mid-days (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) and Jon Schaeffer shifting from that slot to 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, where he’ll join “Loose Cannons” hosts Steve Hartman and Rich Ohrnberger. Prior to his west coast broadcast career, Smith spent four years (1998 – 2002) at ESPN Radio, where he produced several programs, including “The Dan Patrick Show.” Smith will be joined by senior reporter/producer – and San Diego State University grad – Marty Caswell. Taking an “NFL Insider” role with the station is Nick Hardwick, who most recently co-hosted mid-days with Schaeffer. Hardwick’s “Football Hour” will air Monday and Friday at 8:00 am. The revised KLSD “XTRA 1360” weekday lineup is: Costa & Richards (6:00 am – 9:00 am); “The Herd” with Colin 
Cowherd (9:00 am – 12:00 noon); Darren Smith (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm); “The Loose Cannons” (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm); and Ernie Martinez (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm) ….. Meanwhile, across the hall at news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600,” Lou Penrose’s “Penrose Report” grabs the vacant afternoon drive (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm) opening created when Carl DeMaio (“The DeMaio Report”) exited to focus on running for California’s 50th congressional district seat. Director of news & sports programming for iHeartMedia San Diego/Riverside Brian Long notes, “Lou Penrose is an exciting talent and a perfect addition for the afternoon drive show.” Penrose runs a full-service government relations and public affairs consulting firm and has served as district chief of staff for multiple U.S. congress members, including John Campbell, Ed Royce, and Mary Bono. He previously was director of news & talk programming for Morris Media’s KNWZ, Palm Springs (California) ….. Having covered the Washington Nationals for NBC Sports Washington, Bobby Trosset joins Hearst
Television Baltimore news/talk WBAL “News Radio 1090” and co-owned WIYY “98 Rock.” He will anchor morning sports updates on both stations and be a significant part of the stations’ coverage of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. WBAL & WIYY president and general manager Cary Pahigian declares, “Nobody covers sports in Baltimore like we do. The home of the Baltimore Ravens and Navy Football welcomes Bobby Trosset to Maryland’s most-connected and elite sports staff.” Trosset – who starts his new assignment this Thursday (8/8) – adds, “Baltimore’s loyalty to its sports teams is second to none. I’m ecstatic to be returning to the city I called home during my college years at Loyola and look forward to providing coverage, insight, and analysis to a passionate fan base.” ….. “The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth” begins two 
weeks from this Saturday (8/24) at 12:01 am throughout Long Island Sound. The tournament offers up to $40,000 in cash prizes, including the grand prize of $25,000 for heaviest bluefish. Connoisseur Media Bridgeport, Connecticut news/talk WICC “600 AM” will broadcast hourly update results all weekend from Captain’s Cove and
interview the first-place winner live … After 14 years with ESPN, Ryen Russillo departs to join Bill Simmons’ The Ringer. On Twitter, Russilo writes, “So … the news is out. I’m headed to [The Ringer]. Want to thank [ESPN] for the last 14 years. I grew up on [SportsCenter]. To be on the actual set, my name on a show, I have to remind myself at times how cool that is.” Using the same social media platform, Simmons tweets, “Happy to confirm that [Ryen Russillo] will be working exclusively for [The Ringer] for all multi-media stuff starting in September. Will be a regular on my BS Pod as well.” ….. This Saturday (8/10), iHeartMedia 
Wilmington, Delaware holds its 15th annual “Miles For Military” motorcycle ride to benefit USO Delaware. A number of on-air personalities from the cluster will be on site hosting the event, one of the largest motorcycle rides crossing the state. Participants will finish at Dover International Speedway. USO Delaware director Bruce Kmiec remarks, “We are excited about our partnership with iHeartMedia Delaware for the ‘Miles for Military’ motorcycle event. It has grown over the years into a household name event. We are floored by the amount of support we get for our current military and their families by all the riders that attend this amazing event. The money raised provides funding to over 50 USO Delaware military support events and programs we hold each year.” The five-station iHeartMedia Wilmington cluster consists of WDOV “News Radio 1410,” WILM “News Radio 1450,” and WWTX “Fox Sports 1290,” as well as WDSD “94.7 Delaware’s Continuous Country,” and hot AC WRDX “92.9 Tom-FM.” ….. In an unusual move, “CNN Newsroom” showed the names of 49 GOP lawmakers who turned down an invitation to discuss this weekend’s shootings in El Paso and Dayton. “CNN Newsroom” offered 50 Republican lawmakers a chance to discuss the attacks. Yesterday (Monday, 8/5), it led an interview with Florida Republican Congressman Ted Yoho by naming the 49 other GOP lawmakers, who refused to come on the network to talk about the shootings.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. With over 20 years of broadcast industry experience, Al B. Sure! last night (Monday, 8/5) debuted his Sunday through Friday, 7:00 pm – 12:00 pm, REACH Media-syndicated “Love and R&B Hosted By Al B. Sure!” program. The five-hour longform show launched on affiliates in markets that included Dallas; Washington, DC; Detroit; St. Louis; Cincinnati; Columbus; Raleigh; and Richmond. REACH Media and Radio One chief executive officer David Kantor 
comments, “Al B. Sure! has a style that’s been well-established with his music, performance, and past broadcast experience that is ideal for evening listening. I’m confident he will be a nightly draw to a very large listening audience.” According to the host, “I am elated to 
be part of what media icon Ms. Cathy Hughes identified as the ‘Dream Team of Radio’ – REACH Media. I look forward to taking ‘Love and R&B’ to a new level.” When the program director of San Francisco’s KISQ “98.1 Kiss-FM” heard Al B. Sure! being interviewed in the early-2000s, he asked the singer if he would do a weekend radio show. Shortly thereafter came Al B. Sure!’s syndicated “‘Secret Garden Radio” show. His musical career dates back to 1988 with “In Effect Mode,” which was certified triple platinum and spent seven straight weeks at #1 on the R&B chart. He has received four Grammy awards; the American Music Award for “Best New R&B Artist”; and more than 75 ASCAP awards for writing and composition performance. Sean Andre is the program’s producer. Founded by Kantor and Tom Joyner in 2003, REACH Media is an Urban One company ….. Under program director Jeremy Reyes (a.k.a. “DJ Jeremiah Red”), Entercom Los
Angeles introduces “FireLane” on KAMP-HD3 and Radio.Com. The station features mixers such as DJ Vice, Flipside, DJ Lisa Pittman, DJ Majestik, DJ Sophenom, DJ Drew Pierce, and DJ Sabio. Entercom Southern California regional president Jeff Federman notes that we are “currently living in a world where music tastes have collided and consumers are more interested in the authenticity of the music blend, rather than the genre. I have to credit a member of our team for suggesting the development of a station that encompasses today’s ‘festival tent’ feel with rhythmic, dance, hip hop, and EDM all being represented.”
July 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three markets.
New York City
Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat the past five survey periods for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” picks up one-tenth in July to 1.6 (6+) and repeats at #20. The March 2019 through July 2019 topline for Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” is a very consistent 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3 (#23 to #22, 6+). May’s one-tenth increase halted five straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall loss of four-tenths. Following four successive decreases accounting for a loss of six-tenths (1.5 – 1.3 -1.2 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), news/talk WABC adds one-tenth to 1.0 (#24 to #23, 6+). Cumulus Media is selling WABC to John Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Media for $12.5 million; the deal is expected to close later this year.
A May/June loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+) by Entercom sports talk WFAN is followed by a July improvement of one-tenth to 3.6 (6+) as the Yankees’ flagship inches up from ninth to eighth. Off one-tenth (1.7 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+), WEPN has its weakest 6+-stat (1.6) since “Holiday” 2018’s 1.4. Before adding two-tenths in May, “98.7 ESPN New York” posted a 1.8 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+).
Entercom all-news siblings combine for a net June 2019 – July 2019 decrease of four-tenths, after an overall May 2019 – June 2019 loss of one-half share. Specifically, WINS is trending 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #13), while Mets flagship WCBS-AM falters by a collective full-share via four straight declines (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, flat at #15, 6+). In advance of adding two-tenths in May, WINS was -1.1 in three successive down or flat reports (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+).
While unchanged at #18, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM has lost a collective eight-tenths in three successive negative or neutral sweeps (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+). An April boost of three-tenths curtailed four successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.0 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). The February 2019 through July 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM is .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .3 (#37 to #35, 6+).
New York City Music Formats – Within 3.1 – 3.7 range (6+) in each of the last ten ratings periods (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU erupts with an increase of six-tenths to 4.3 (eighth to sixth, 6+). The last time “103.5 KTU” reached the four-share level (6+) was in September 2018 (4.0). Its format rival, Emmis’ WQHT “Hot 97,” has lost a collective half-share in four straight down or flat moves (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, #11 to #12, 6+). Peekskill, New York-licensed Pamal Broadcasting adult contemporary WHUD “100.7 – Westchester & The Hudson Valley’s Music Station” debuts with a .5 (#27, 6+). This marks the third month in succession that WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” logs a 6.8 (6+), as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet is #1 for the 25th consecutive ratings period. WLTW posted a one-half share increase in March, but surrendered seven-tenths in April. A combined -5.3 in January/February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), “Lite FM” was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). In back-to-back mega losses totaling a massive -2.7, WPLJ has virtually wiped away its May AQH-stat (3.1 – 1.5 – .4, 6+) and plummets from the top twenty (#20 to #31). In conjunction with its sale from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation, WPLJ flipped from hot AC to contemporary Christian “K-Love Classics.” The legendary contemporary music outlet went out on a very positive note leading up to the format flip though, as it posted five straight New York City gains for a cumulative +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 3.1, “Holiday” 2018 through May 2019, 6+). Down one-tenth in May, Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” follows the WPLJ format change with a combined June/July gain of six-tenths (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #8). Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1” notches its fourth successive up or neutral move for an overall plus of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, flat at #11, 6+). In the last six sweeps, Spanish tropical sibling WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” has recorded a 5.0 (6+) on three occasions and a 5.3 (6+) the other three times (5.3 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, fourth to fifth, 6+).
Los Angeles
Spoken-Word Formats – After a combined May/June uptick of eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640”
drops two-tenths to 4.3 (6+) but carries on in fifth-place. Ever since debuting in February, its internet stream notched three straight up or flat moves (.6 – .6 – .7 – .8, #34, 6+), but disappears from print in June and July. Co-owned news/talk KEIB regains the one-tenth it lost in July (.9 – 1.0, flat at #32, 6+). “AM 1150 The Patriot” was off by just an overall one-tenth in three straight down or flat sweeps (9 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+) before adding two-tenths in May to 1.0 (6+). Having regressed by three-tenths in June (.9 – .6, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” rebounds with a spike of two-tenths to .8 (#35 to #34, 6+). Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” loses half (-.3) its 6+ AQH-share in three straight dips (.6 – .5 – .4 – .3, #41 to #42, 6+).
Just as they were in June, iHeartMedia sports talk/Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” and Disney-owned KSPN “710 ESPN” are deadlocked at #27, as both repeat June’s 1.4 (6+). KLAC was up two-tenths in June and KSPN improved by one-tenth.
Five straight negative or neutral monthlies by KNX “1070 News Radio” accounted for a full-share loss in that January 2019 – June 2019 timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) but the Entercom operation is up one-tenth in July to 2.8 (#14 to #13, 6+).
Up one-tenth after June’s loss of one-half share (2.3 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” remains at #23.
Los Angeles Music Formats – Recording an AQH share between 1.4 – 1.9 in each of the last ten sweeps (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” busts out an improvement of seven-tenths to 2.6 and reenters the top twenty at #16. This is its finest 6+-performance in over a year (2.6, as well in May 2018). Bouncing back from June’s decrease of eight-tenths with a one-tenth gain to 5.9 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” is #1 the tenth straight time. After its “Holiday” 2018 13.0 (6+), “Coast” has followed with 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 5.8 – 5.9 (6+). Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 through five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). Co-owned hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” is up or flat the third straight time for a half-share gain (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6, unchanged at #4, 6+). While it repeats in eighth-place, KLOS logs its seventh straight up or flat trend for a net gain of nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). Meruelo Media Holdings acquired KLOS from Cumulus Media for $43 million and is programming the station under a Local Marketing Agreement. A loss of three-tenths to 2.9 (6+) by Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX not only snaps at seven its consecutive string of up or flat moves that yielded a +1.1 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+), “97.9 La Raza” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Notwithstanding that it has lost eight-tenths in five consecutive negative or neutral sweeps (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” continues in seventh-place. Prior to June, the last time “Kiss” was under a four-share (6+) was in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory the 26th time in a row (2.4 – 2.3, #16 to #17, 6+). Slipping from #18 to #19, iHeartMedia’s KYSR “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” has lost two-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). It remains two-tenths ahead of format rival, Entercom-owned KROQ (flat at 2.0, #20 to #21, 6+), whose June gain of one-tenth ended four consecutive negative or neutral sweeps that resulted in a collective half-share deficit (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+).
Chicago
Spoken-Word Formats – Even though Tribune Media news/talk and White Sox flagship WGN repeats June’s 2.9 (6+), it drops from #12 to #13. Not only is WLS-AM “890 AM” without a loss the seventh consecutive report, doubling (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share in that “Holiday” 2018 through July 2019 timeframe (1.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is back in the top twenty after a lengthy absence (#21 to #20).
In May, Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” posted its best 6+-showing (4.2) since October 2018, but the Cubs flagship loses a combined four-tenths in June/July (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.8, flat at #7, 6+). Erasing June’s loss of two-tenths with a July increase of three-tenths (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” progresses from #26 to #24.
Dipping from third to fourth, Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM is an overall -1.4 via six successive down or neutral moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to April, WBBM-AM finished on top the previous three survey periods.
Off a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ ends the slide with a gain of two-tenths to 2.7 (unchanged at #19, 6+).
Chicago Music Formats – A combined -1.3 in May/June (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” reduces roughly half the deficit with an improvement of six-tenths to 4.9 (fourth to third, 6+). The combination of a three-tenths uptick by Hubbard Broadcasting classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” (5.1 – 5.4, second to first) and an equal margin decrease by hot AC cluster-mate WTMX “101.9 The Mix” (5.5 – 5.2, second to first, 6+) results in the siblings swapping places at the top. “Mix” was #1 the past three months and continues its relatively steady January 2019 through July 2019 topline of 5.4 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 (6+); April’s 5.9 was its highest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 6.3. A combined +.9 in May/June (3.9 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase (4.8 – 4.0, -.8, 6+), skidding from third to sixth. Advancing from #18 to a three-way scrum at #16, Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” has a February 2019 through July 2019 topline of 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.8 (6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WEBG repeats June’s 1.6 (6+) but inches up from #24 to #23. Before dropping two-tenths in June, “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” had been up or flat the previous seven sweeps for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). Chicago’s three principal adult contemporary operations all record June 2019 – July 2019 fluctuations of one-tenth. On the positive side, iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” is up or neutral the fourth time in a row for a gain of four-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.3, sixth to fifth, 6+) and Venture Technologies Group-owned WRME-LP “FM 87.7 – Me TV” has its third straight bump for a collective increase of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, #12 to #11, 6+). Prior to gaining three-tenths in June, WLIT was an overall -9.4 as a result of five successive down or flat reports (13.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+); “Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+). June’s 3.0 marked the first time WRME-LP reached the three-share level (6+) since November 2018’s 3.3. Meanwhile, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE,” which was up one-tenth in June, returns that increase in July (2.8 – 2.9 – 2.8, #15 to part of that three-way logjam at #16, 6+). Before faltering by one-half share in May, WSHE notched an overall increase of eight-tenths via four consecutive positive or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). Up four-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss, alternative WKQX logs a 3.0 the third time in a row (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0, #12 to #13, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WGCI-FM has a January 2019 through July 2019 topline of: 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 (flat at #16, 6+).
Friday, July 26, 2019
NY Post: Pitaro and Le Batard ‘On the Same Page.’ According to Andrew Marchand’s column in the New York Post, ESPN radio and TV personality Dan Le Batard and ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro are “on the same page” regarding the
media organization’s stance on purely political content after yesterday’s face-to-face meeting in New York City. Le Batard violated that directive last week when he chose to comment on the “Send her back” chants shouted at President Trump’s campaign rally, calling them “un-American.” After being called out by management, Le Batard criticized ESPN, calling it “cowardly” for avoiding such issues with the blanket policy. Marchand’s source for today’s story offers no details on yesterday’s meeting other than that the two have an understanding and Le Batard will continue his work on the company’s radio, cable, and podcast platforms.
New Air Talent Join ‘ESPN 630’ in Washington, DC. Washington sports radio pros Andy Pollin and Bram Weinstein are joining Cumulus Media’s new sports talk WMAL-AM “ESPN 630.” Weinstein is a 10-year veteran of the DC sports scene as a reporter and talk host. He also spent seven years as an ESPN anchor. He is the new afternoon drive talk host. Additionally, he’ll host the 6:00 pm “Redskins Today” show. Pollin, a longtime crosstown WTEM personality, will serve as morning drive sports update anchor during the “Golic & Wingo” show. He’ll also be a features correspondent for the station. Program director Bill Hess says, “We’re thrilled to welcome these DC sports radio icons to ‘ESPN 630’ and look forward to sharing news of further additions to our team in the very near future.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Cumulus Washington DC vice president/market manager Jake McCann, Weinstein, Pollin, and Hess.
Chessare Named Market President for Townsquare’s Princeton Cluster. Radio sales pro Steve Chessare is named market president and chief revenue officer for Townsquare Media’s Princeton, New Jersey station group that
includes sports talk WNJE “920 The Jersey,” as well as CHR WPST and religion WCHR-AM. Chessare – whose resume includes service with Westwood One, WLTW-FM and WCBS-FM in New York, and Greater Media – was most recently vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media’s Bridgeport, Connecticut operations. Townsquare senior vice president Rob Williams says, “Steve Chessare is among the most talented media executives I have worked with. He has led some of the biggest brands in our industry and has an extraordinary ability to build winning teams that deliver consistently strong results for our clients.”
‘ESPN Upstate’ Host Mark Sturgis Recovering from Stroke. Sports talk host Mark Sturgis is recuperating after suffering a stroke earlier this week (7/23).
Sturgis hosts the “Straight Up ith Sturg” afternoon drive program on Entercom’s sports talk multi-cast “ESPN Upstate” (WORD-AM/WYRD-AM/W246CV/W249DL). Sturgis’ wife Theresa posted the following message on his Twitter account: “I am sorry to inform y’all Mark had a stroke yesterday morning. He’s in ICU and will be off the air for some time. Hopefully will be able to go home from the hospital, but short-term rehab in a nursing home is a possibility. Just send him a positive thought.”
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched one-hour weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled, “Political Theater on Both Sides of the Pond!,” looks back at this past week of
July 22-26, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Wayne Allyn Root, talk show host, USA Radio Network/Newsmax TV; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Thom Hartmann, talk show host, WYD Media/Free Speech TV; Karen Hunter, talk show host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio “Urban View Channel;” Heidi Harris, talk show host, KMZQ, Las Vegas; and Joyce Kaufman, talk show host, WFTL, Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches. The news/talk media show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation mark for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, Massachusetts. Hosted by Michael Harrison, this excellent show is now being made available as a service to terrestrial news/talk stations from TALKERS for on-air or online presentation on a market-exclusive basis. For information call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here.
Lisa Wexler Show Moves to WICC, Bridgeport. In Connecticut, “The Lisa Wexler Show” begins airing on Connoisseur Media’s WICC, Bridgeport, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, effective August 5. Wexler’s program launched on WSTC/WNLK in Fairfield County in 2006. And most recently has been airing on WGCH,
Greenwich from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Wexler is an attorney admitted to the Connecticut and New York Bars. She’s been serving as the Westport/Weston Probate Judge since 2013. She comments, “I am thrilled to be joining the legendary WICC AM 600. The WICC audience is incredibly knowledgeable and engaged. I will be discussing the issues that occupy our thoughts and bringing to the airwaves the people that influence our lives. Our emphasis will be on what is happening right here in our own communities. Listeners are encouraged to call into the show to air their opinions and provide their own perspectives.”
Nik Miles Moves to New Portland Flagship. Portland, Oregon-based automotive radio host Nik Miles moves his flagship station affiliation from Alpha Media’s KXL-FM to Salem Media Group’s crosstown KPAM “860 The Answer.” His program, “Our Auto Expert,” is nationally syndicated via Envision Networks. Salem Portland general manager Dennis Hayes says, “Not only are we excited to add ‘Our Auto Expert’ to the ‘AM860 The Answer’ weekend lineup, but we are honored to be the ‘home station’ for the show, Nik Miles, and his team in Portland. We enthusiastically welcome them to the Salem Media Group and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship!”
Sports Garten Network’s ‘Wanna Bet!?’ Enters Syndication Via Envision. The sports talk and betting show “Wanna Bet!?” – hosted by Tom Barton – is being syndicated by Envision Networks and will launch in four markets:
Chicago, Las Vegas, Richmond, and Paducah-Cape Girardeau. Sports Garten Network’s Wanna Bet?! debuted on WRCN-FM, Long Island “103.9 FM LI Radio” in September 2018. Now, it’s joined the Envision Networks lineup as a four-hour, daily show. Barton says, “The time is now for sports talk to reach an audience craving not just wagering news but knowledgeable information. The response to what we’re doing is phenomenal. Radio is ripe for a transition from arguing hosts and home team bias to important decision-making information and guests whose opinions are not only entertaining but informative. This is a game changer.”
Brad Carson Upped at Entercom Memphis. Programming pro Brad Carson rises from his director of branding and sports programming to operations manager/sports brands, effective immediately. Carson has been leading the programming on Entercom’s Memphis sports stations WMFS-AM/FM and WMC-AM “ESPN 92.9.” Carson has served with the Memphis station group for the past 15 years.
Museum of Broadcast Communications Names Susy Schultz Executive Director. Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications names Susy Schultz its executive director, effective August 19. Museum board chairman David Plier says, “Susy is experienced in developing and implementing innovative programs with key stakeholders. She also has demonstrated the ability to initiate and foster robust partnerships and strategic alliances with community, journalists, sponsors and donors.” Schultz has been serving as president of the nonprofit community media training organization Public Narrative since 2013. She takes over for Julian Jackson, who resigned from the post this March. Schultz comments, “I look forward to working with the board in developing a strong curriculum to discuss the history, the impact, and the relevance of broadcast and digital media. Chicago has and always will be integral to the history and future of television, radio, and beyond.”
Mueller Testimony Top News/Talk Story for Week of July 22-26. Wednesday’s testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller before the House judiciary and intelligence committees was the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the 2020 Presidential race and President Trump’s war of words with the Democratic congresswomen known as “the Squad.” Coming in at #3 this week was Boris Johnson’s election as the UK’s new prime minister, followed by the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello 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. See this week’s entire chart here.
Britain’s Fix Radio Produces Boris Johnson Viral Video. “Fix Radio” is a radio station for tradespeople working in Great Britain. It’s led by broadcaster Graham Mack, who also serves as a TalkersRadio personality and as The Michael Harrison Wrap’s British correspondent. The organization got a lot of attention after creating a video purporting to show newly elected Prime Minister Boris Johnson auctioning off items left at 10 Downing Street by former PM Theresa May. Check it out here.
Ancient Interview with George Harrison Played on This Week’s Installment of Michael Harrison Podcast. Inspired by the recently released film, “Yesterday,” and the ongoing popularity of the 2011 Martin Scorsese documentary, “George Harrison: Living in the Material World,” TALKERS founder Michael Harrison dug into the archives and pulled out a 43-year-old interview he conducted with the late Beatles lead guitarist back in 1976. It was originally recorded at the Warner Bros. studios in Los Angeles to be a promotional radio special (“A Personal Musical Dialogue with
George Harrison”) released by Dark Horse Records in conjunction with the debut of George’s solo album, “33 1/3,” and aired on hundreds of stations around the world. It serves as this week’s “retro” installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” This recording is widely regarded as one of the best interviews ever conducted with George and contains fascinating information and insights into his life at that time as well as the never-ending Beatles story. The segment in which George discusses his legal battle over the “My Sweet Lord”/“He’s So Fine” plagiarism case holds up today as one of the most-thorough explanations of the historic intellectual property rights clash ever recorded. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here www.MHInterview.com or click on the player box located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and every page of Talkers.com.
Cool Promotion and Marketing Position. In Baltimore, Hearst Television is seeking a highly motivated promotion and marketing manager for news/talk WBAL and rock WIYY “98Rock.” The company says, “This person must be able to manage numerous projects simultaneously while elevating the sound and
image of our legacy brands. This person will also be a key player in helping develop and produce targeted, promotional campaigns that connect with our audiences across all platforms. Among other duties, you will oversee, manage and lead marketing & promotion department; identify and implement strategies for increasing station brand awareness and resonance; develop ongoing marketing strategies on all platforms including production & placement of television commercials; manage, along with news & program directors, production of compelling image & special event campaigns and topical promotion for all platforms; attend outside community functions and meetings and manage our Baltimore Ravens promotional partnership, including on-site events. See more and apply here.
PPM Analysis: Alternative.TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on alternative. The June ratings period saw more alternative stations go up (weekly AQH share) than down. Entercom’s KXTE, Las Vegas led that group with a +0.7. Comparing June 2018 to this year, about half the alt rock stations in our panel were down, but big gainers during that period include Hubbard Radio’s KPNT, St. Louis “105.7 The Point” (+1.6), Entercom’s KITS “Live 105” in San Jose (+1.2), and iHeartMedia’s KTCL, Denver “Channel 93.3” (+1.0). KPNT was the highest-ranking alternative station in the June survey, coming in at #3 in the St. Louis market (6+). See the entire piece here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At the Memphis operations of Entercom, programmer Chris Michaels is promoted to operations manager/music brands. Michaels has been the director of branding and programming for hot AC WMC-FM, adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River,” and country WLFP “94.1 The Wolf.”…..In Raleigh, PMC Broadcasting names Brian “B” Paiz director of branding for hip hop WAUG-AM/W250AZ “Hot 97.9.” Paiz was most recently with iHeartMedia as SVP of programming in the Columbus-Albany, Georgia market…..Atlanta radio personality Jeff Dauler and his wife Callie have launched a podcast titled, “The Upside with Callie and Jeff.” Dauler was most recently morning drive co-host on WSTR “Star 94.” Prior to that he was executive producer and air talent on the syndicated “The Bert Show.” In a press release, the two say, “We’ve had the idea for a while to create something to spread the message about gratitude and finding the positive in every single situation. That mindset has changed our lives for the better… and we want everyone to understand what we have learned. It was just an idea… until Jeff lost his job. We decided just a few days later that now is the time.”
Thursday, May 2, 2019
TALKERS CONVENTION SPOTLIGHT: Navigating Year Three of the Trump Presidency. The president’s idiosyncratic governing style, his social media habits, and his war on the media have made the Donald Trump presidency one of the most challenging for talk radio hosts – but they’ve also made his
presidency a bonanza for hosts who handle it properly. Talkers 2019: Telling the Story, set for New York on Friday, June 7, is featuring Phil Boyce, who is Salem Media Group SVP/spoken word format and VP/operations Salem Radio Network, as he delivers a presentation titled, “Navigating Year Three of the Trump Presidency.” In this session, Boyce explains the programming strategies his Salem personalities use to capitalize on the Trump presidency. There is still time to register but the conference is rapidly approaching sellout status. To see the entire up-to-the-minute agenda and for registration/hotel information, please click here.
Changes Take Place at WICC, Bridgeport. Programmer Mike Bellamy exits news/talk
WICC-AM, Bridgeport, Connecticut as Connoisseur Media takes over operation of the station under an LMA. Connoisseur is acquiring the station as part of a swap with Cumulus Media. Bellamy, who’d been with the station for 12 years, announced his departure in a Facebook post. Bellamy also co-hosted the morning drive show with Tony Reno. He remains on board and air personality Melissa Sheketoff moves to the morning show as his co-host.
KYW, Philadelphia to Present ‘Jill on Money Live.’ Philadelphia all-news outlet KYW
Newsradio is presenting “Jill on Money LIVE” – a local event featuring CBS business analyst Jill Schlesinger at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel on May 22. The live chat is in support of Schlesinger’s first book, The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money: Thirteen Ways to Right Your Financial Wrongs, and will focus on matters pertaining to retirement, college financing, insurance, real estate, and more. Schlesinger’s presentation will be followed by a question and answer session with audience members.
TALKERS News Notes. Talk show host Joe Madison is being asked to be the keynote speaker at the NAACP’s 110th annual convention taking place in July in Detroit. Madison hosts a daily morning show on SiriusXM’s Urban View channel. He’s being asked to address the Membership Luncheon on July 23…..The talk radio scene in Delaware gets a profile from Out & About
magazine’s Ken Mammarella, who talks with staffers from WDEL, 
Wilmington and WXDE-FM, Lewes for the piece. WDEL’s Rick Jensen, WXDE’s Dan Gaffney, WDEL programmer Chris Carl, and WDEL’s Allan Loudell, all talk with Mammarella for the story you can read here…..TMZ is reporting that Westwood One syndicated talk star and DailyWire founder Ben Shapiro and his family were the target of “serious death threats” and that the FBI has taken a suspect into custody in
Kent, Washington. The investigation and subsequent arrest of the suspect came after Shapiro filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that WMVP “ESPN 1000” sports talk host 
David Kaplan has a new deal to remain in his other gig as a personality on NBC Sports Chicago. He hosts the weeknight “SportsTalk Live” program on the cable channel and his new contract will allow him to take on new duties, including “creating ‘fan-focused content’ over a variety of platforms.”…..Political commentator and activist Charlie Kirk is launching a new podcast on PodcastOne. “The Charlie Kirk Show” will feature “the inside scoop on the biggest news of the week and what’s really going on behind the headlines.” Kirk says he considers the new show “a report from the frontlines of the culture war, and what’s really going on from America’s college lecture halls to the halls of Congress.” The debut episode features an unfiltered interview with Donald Trump, Jr. and girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle…..SiriusXM is again offering subscribers comprehensive coverage of the this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. The satellite radio service has a deal with Horse Racing Radio Network to cover all Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes – as well as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The wire-to-wire race broadcast of the Kentucky Derby is provided by NBC Sports Radio and produced in partnership with HRRN and Westwood One.
WFDF, Detroit Adds Michael Baisden Show for PM Drive Time. Detroit talk station WFDF
“910 AM Superstation” is adding the Sun Broadcast Group-syndicated Michael Baisden show for afternoon drive, airing from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, starting May 6. The Baisden show is described as “four hours of music, engaging content, daily thought-provoking conversation, and is the premier destination for listeners to be entertained, inspired, and educated.” WFDF CEO Kevin Adell says, “I’m excited to bring Michael Baisden back to the State of Michigan on ‘910AM Superstation,’ the full-power station with 50,000 watts, because we do a super job,”
Trish Johnson Promoted to CFO of NAB. The National Association of Broadcasters announces the promotion of Trish Johnson to chief financial officer and SVP of finance. She
rises from her previous SVP and controller, finance position. NAB president and CEO Gordon Smith says, “In her two years at NAB, Trish and her finance team have demonstrated consistency and keen professionalism in steering our organization’s finances. NAB member stations are well served by Trish’s competence and leadership, and we are pleased to reward her with this well-deserved promotion.” Prior to joining NAB in 2017, Trish worked for Public Broadcasting Service and public TV station WETA-TV, Washington DC.
Barr Hearings/Mueller Report Aftermath, 2020 Presidential Politics, Rising Anti-Semitism Statistics, Southern Border Crisis, Trump Tax Returns/Business Records, Venezuela Unrest, NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/1). The testimony of Attorney General William Barr before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the wake of the release of the Mueller Report; the Democrats vying to face President Trump in 2020; the global rise in anti-Semitism and the attack on the LA synagogue; the status of the migrant influx at the U.S.-Mexico border; the attempts to get President Trump’s tax returns and his suit to prevent Deutsch Bank and Capital One from releasing his business’s records; the political instability in Venezuela; and the NBA playoffs 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. The deal that transfers ownership of three Panama City, Florida stations – adult hits WASJ-FM, classic rock WRBA-FM and country WKNK-FM – from Powell Broadcasting to Gulf Coast Broadcasting closes. Powell decided to sell the stations after suffering damages to the facilities and tower from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Gulf Coast paid $375,000 for the stations. Prior to the hurricane, Powell had sold WPFM-FM, Panama City to Educational Media Foundation for $472,000…..The Hollywood Reporter is premiering a new video
conversation series titled, “Emerging Hollywood,” hosted by The Breakfast Club’s Charlamagne Tha God. The weekly series will feature “on-the-rise voices in entertainment sharing their views on topics including inclusion, racial politics, gender, and body positivity.” The first guest is “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. Charlamagne says, “I don’t do interviews. I do conversations. I love conversations because through conversation, you hear people’s stories, and through people’s stories, you get information and inspiration. That’s all I want people to get out of these conversations is information and inspiration.”
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Sid Rosenberg Tells TALKERS, ‘The [NYC] Market is Ripe for the Taking.’ Big Apple AM drive shows beware, Bernard McGuirk and Sid Rosenberg (“Bernie & Sid”) are fired up and ready for their WABC morning show debut this Monday (4/2) that replaces the retiring Don Imus. Both broadcasters have strong roots and ties to Imus, playing various side-kick and producer
roles with the legend over the years. Rosenberg tells TALKERS, “I think it’s fair to say that in our almost-20-year relationship, Imus and I are closer now than we’ve ever been. I think that’s the case on and off the air. It’s been special walking with Imus down memory lane these past few months.” What about the program’s targeting and positioning? In an exclusive TALKERS interview, Rosenberg says, “I think our new morning show will appeal to a wide range of audience. It’s fair to assume the 40-year-old male and female will enjoy our brand. WFAN’s morning show targets the enthusiastic sports fan. WOR? Well, I’m not sure whom they target. Politics – local and national – news, sports, pop culture, and entertainment will all take center stage daily on our new show. We’ve already received commitments from big name guests from all the arenas I just mentioned. Plus, the competition can’t come close to contending when you include the daily laughs Bernie and I will provide.” Rosenberg confidently concludes, “With Imus saying goodbye, Howard Stern on satellite radio and Craig Carton off mornings on WFAN, the market is ripe for the taking. Bernie and I have talked about and waited for this opportunity for the better part of 18 years. We have a decidedly better product than the competition and we expect to win!”
WRKO, Boston and Howie Carr Sign Long-Term Extension. There was probably no one happier than Boston-based talk show host Howie Carr when it was announced iHeartMedia was acquiring Boston talk station WRKO. He’d
always expressed admiration for the company’s dedication to the news/talk format and he’d certainly butted heads with previous owner Entercom over the years. As Carr and iHeartMedia announce the signing of a new long-term agreement, Carr is quoted in the presser saying, “iHeart is the gold standard of talk radio in America. I am so happy to be associated with the best company in the industry.” iHeartMedia Boston Region president Alan Chartrand says, “We are so glad to have Howie with our iHeart family here in Boston. Howie is a staple in this market and we are excited to have his brand be a part of the iHeartMedia Boston team.”
Cumulus Names New Market Managers – John Lewis to Lead Huntsville; Steve Chessare to Manage Bridgeport. In the Huntsville, Alabama and
Bridgeport, Connecticut markets, Cumulus Media names new market managers. Most recently with USA Today/Gannett, John Lewis assumes the vice president and market manager role at the 
company’s Huntsville cluster that includes news/talk WVNN and sports talk WUMP. This is a return to the company for Lewis who had served with Cumulus in Albany, Georgia; Pensacola; Lexington, Kentucky; and Memphis. He takes over for Ray Nelson, who is retiring. Stephen Chessare joins Cumulus Bridgeport, Connecticut as vice president and market manager from his most recent role as market manager for Greater Media Detroit. In Bridgeport, Cumulus operates news/talk WICC and adult contemporary WEBE.
‘Ben & Woods’ New Morning Hosts on San Diego Sports Talk ‘The Mighty 1090.’ Since previous morning personality Dan Sileo exited the morning daypart on Broadcast Corporation of the Americas’ XEPRS, San Diego “The Mighty 1090” to join Entercom’s new crosstown sports/guy talk KEGY “97.3 The Machine,” the station has been searching for his replacement. Now,
management reveals Ben Higgins and Steve Woods are hosting the new “Ben & Woods” morning show, starting today (3/27). Higgins is the sports director and evening sports anchor at KGTV-TV, San Diego. Woods has served at a number of San Diego stations. Most recently he was with iHeartMedia as a weekend, fill-in host on rock KIOZ. He co-hosted the “Cantore + Woods” morning show on alternative KBZT “FM 94.9” with Chris Cantore. XEPRS vice president of programming Mike Shepard says, “These guys really are the ‘Odd Couple’ of San Diego radio. It’s super-nice, straight-arrow Ben along with loud, opinionated and funny Steve Woods. They really have chemistry and genuinely like each other. It’s going to be fun.”
Nielsen Providing Monthly Insights Reports for Diary Markets. This new set of reports is available to diary market subscribers of PD Advantage and Arbitrends. Nielsen says the Diary Monthly Insights Reports will “provide audio clients with more granularity and specificity about diary listening
behavior and trends and will be delivered to subscribers on a monthly basis.” Nielsen Audio managing director Brad Kelly says, “In today’s hyper-competitive environment, it’s vital for radio stations to be able to detect changes in their listening audience as early as possible. Radio stations require faster, more granular insights to understand their listeners. The Diary Monthly Insights Reports are an advanced new tool offering users the programming edge that comes with a quicker, more discrete read on the radio listening marketplace.”
TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated talk hosts Hugh Hewitt and Mike Gallagher are hosting “Overtime with Hewitt & Gallagher” on Sunday,
April 29 in Minneapolis. The live event is presented by Salem Media Group-owned news/talk WWTC “AM 1280 The Patriot” and features Salem Radio Network personalities Hewitt and Gallagher 
discussing the current political climate and the upcoming mid-term elections in Minnesota with moderator Ed Morrissey of HotAir.com…..WGN, Chicago is inducting a new class into its Walk of Fame on Friday, May 18 at the Tribune Tower on North Michigan Avenue. This is the fifth class to be inducted and will include: Pierre Andre, David Kaplan, Chuck Swirsky, Roger Triemstra, and Mary Van De Velde. WGN Radio station manager Todd Manley says, “In this year’s class, we give tribute to two prominent Chicago sports personalities, an affable weatherman, an announcer from the ‘golden days of radio,’ and a trusted voice in morning drive for over two decades.”…..Bristol Broadcasting promotes Jason Reed, a.k.a. Chris Arnold, to the operations manager position at the Bristol-Johnson City-Kingsport cluster that includes news/talk WFHG…..Westwood One continues its coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament with the Final Four live from the Alamodome in San Antonio this weekend, followed by the National Championship game on Monday night.
Stormy Daniels ’60 Minutes’ Interview, Trump-Russia Investigation, U.S. Expels Russian Diplomats, Bolton National Security Adviser-Designate, Trump Approval Rating Up, Ryan Resignation Rumor, FTC Facebook Investigation/British Cambridge Analytica Probe, Kim Jong Un in China, March Madness, NFL Free Agency, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/26). Sunday night’s “60 Minutes” interview with Stormy Daniels; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; President Trump expels 60 Russian diplomats in the aftermath of the poisoning of a former Russian spy in the U.K.; former Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, is named Trump’s National Security Adviser-Designate; a CNN poll shows President Trump’s approval rating is at 11-month high; the rumor that House Speaker Paul Ryan will resign within “three to six months”; the Federal Trade Commission reveals it is investigating Facebook and Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Wylie’s testimony before a British Parliamentary committee; reports that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un may be visiting China; the weekend’s NCAA Men’s tournament games; the NFL’s free agency period; and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Miami country outlet WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” names John O’Connell program director. Entercom SVP and market manager Keriann Worley says, “We are looking forward to having John join the ‘Kiss Country 99.9’
team. His expertise and passion for country radio, along with knowledge of Miami listeners, will be an asset to the team. John is a remarkable leader and we are confident he will take on this heritage brand with vigor.” O’Connell adds WKIS programming duties to his current responsibilities as program director for alternative WSFS “104.3 The Shark.”…..WDRV, Chicago “97.1 The Drive” midday personality Bob Stroud re-ups with Hubbard Radio to continue his duties with the classic rock station. WDRV program director Rob Cressman comments, “Bob is not only an exemplary brand ambassador for ‘The Drive,’ he is an iconic brand in Chicago. His experience with classic rock’s artists and his deep understanding of what makes the genre timeless have ensconced him as one of Chicago’s premiere sources for music curation. His contributions to the classic rock format have been widely celebrated throughout his career. We are thrilled to know that the daily companionship Bob provides the Chicago community will endure for many years to 
come.”…..Beasley Media Group appoints programming pro John Candelaria program director for rhythmic oldies WMGC, Detroit “105.1FM The Bounce.” Candelaria is the company’s urban format captain and has most recently been the operations manager for rhythmic oldies KOAS and hot AC KVGS in Las Vegas. Beasley Detroit VP and market manager Mac Edwards says, “John’s proven track record as a strategic programmer and tactician makes him the perfect choice to lead our very talented air team. He ‘gets’ this format and is bringing the ideas and energy to fuel the next phase of growth for ‘105.1 The Bounce.’ This should be fun!”
