Tag: "WNDB"
Monday, January 25, 2021
INDUSTRY AND NATION MOURN: Talk Media Pioneer Larry King Dead at 87. According to a report on Facebook posted by the producers of his current syndicated television show, Ora Media, legendary star of talk radio and television, Larry King died this weekend at the age of 87. The statement says: “With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.” The statement continues, “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.” The cause of death was not indicated, however King had been reportedly hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this month. King was a major player in the talk media world who ushered in the modern era of syndication in radio on the Mutual Broadcasting System and the cable news/talk show format on television at CNN. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison issued the following statement: “Larry King was not the greatest talk show host on radio or television in terms of skills, outrageous personality or direct and profound influence on public policy. He was, however, the most important pioneer who paved the way for today’s robust talk media presence on both radio and television. If there ever was a case of the right person at the right time, Larry King fit the bill and that’s all it took for him to be a mighty force. He was the modern era of talk radio’s first national celebrity born solely as a result of his work in the medium. And his contribution to today’s institutional cable news/talk TV format is undeniably fundamental to the medium’s current presence as America’s political and sociological meeting place. We have lost one of the greatest broadcasting presences of the first century of radio and television history as well as one of the quirkiest and most colorful individuals to ever sit behind a microphone.” Read TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian’s “Remembering Larry King” feature here.
Tributes to Larry King Pouring in from All Over the Industry. TALKERS has received dozens of tributes, anecdotes, and comments from readers in all sectors of the broadcasting industry in reaction to the passing of Larry King on Saturday (1/23). The following statements from people who knew him and worked with him reflect the basic sentiments expressed across the board. Westwood One legend Jim Bohannon rose to national prominence as Larry King’s fill-in host back in the early days of King’s career as
the late-night “king of talk radio” on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Bohannon tells TALKERS, “Larry King was the first certified big shot for whom I’d ever worked, and I was all set for some screaming prima donna jerk. What I found was a funny, savvy, decent human being who was always very supportive of me. His best advice: Be yourself. My 11 years backing him up on the radio were always based on being a first-rate Jim rather than a second rate Larry.” This Friday (1/29) marks Bohannon’s 28th anniversary of hosting that very same show fulltime. Norm Pattiz, chairman of PodcastOne and founder of 
Westwood One, was instrumental in Larry King’s fabulous radio career. He tells TALKERS, “Larry King was a superstar on radio well before he became a talk show icon on television and his contribution in those media will never be duplicated. I first met Larry in 1985 when Westwood One Radio bought the Mutual Radio Network. Some said at the time that I bought the network just to get the ‘Larry King Show’ and I never corrected them. When CNN came calling, I was thrilled to share Larry with them and when his show became one of the most influential nightly talk shows in history it only confirmed what I had known all along. No one will ever match the style, compassion, and genuine love for a great interview that Larry had and the worlds of television, radio, and podcasting are worse today for his loss.” Tom Tradup, VP/news and talk programming, Salem Radio
Network, tells TALKERS, “My favorite memory of Larry was when I was president/GM of WLS in Chicago and was meeting with Larry for lunch in the now-closed Cape Cod Room restaurant of Chicago’s Drake Hotel. Always upbeat and gregarious, Larry seemed just a little down. He revealed he was speaking to a business group that night and his hotel had lost his trademark suspenders. After lunch I ran over the Marshall Field’s on State Street and bought him a pair. Big smile from a broadcast legend whose talent endured for decades.” And media consultant, TALKERS columnist, and host of “The Big Picture” on RT America (which also carried Larry King’s syndicated TV show at the time of his death), Holland Cooke adds, “One year ago this week, Larry was my guest on the very first show produced at RT’s new Los Angeles studio. Larry’s gift was his curiosity; and his legacy to fellow talkers is the art of the short question. I remember him asking Bob Hope, ‘Who do YOU think is funny?’ And he asked David Duke, ‘Don’t you ever get tired of hating?’ Often, guests on book tours or who are otherwise timely are prepped with ‘safe’ answers, regardless of the questions asked. And they get away with it, because hosts ask verbose questions and don’t listen closely to responses. Larry’s short question would catch the guest off-guard – enough to yield an answer you wouldn’t hear elsewhere along the tour.
King and I: An Excerpt from Bernadette Duncan’s Landmark Book Yappy Days: Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (Talkers Books, 2016). I landed a part-time job with the Larry King Radio Show in 1986 because I was in the right place at the right time. My late shift at NBC Radio Networks where I produced the Neil Myers Show ended at 1:00 am and no other talk producer was on the premises. All
that was required? Meet Mr. King in the lobby, escort him to the elevator, guide him down the hall to the nearest empty studio, check mics and audio, and then be prepared to do the same with the on-coming, big-name parade of guests scheduled for the night. Basically, I was a “handler” for an extra 75 bucks a shift. At the time, this pre-suspenders-wearing Larry King was one of the most successful radio talk show hosts in the industry who at the height of his show’s prominence had nearly 500 affiliate stations around the country. Just the year before, in 1985, he began hosting a nightly TV program on the new cable network called CNN (for Cable News Network) and “Larry King Live” was getting some buzz. In addition to television at 9:00 pm… then radio after midnight… he was in contract to write a book. Larry King’s career was hot. And it was this book deal with a New York-based publisher that brought him to the Big Apple four or five days a month to meet with his editor face-to-face. I became his New York producer/handler, working in coordination with his crew in Washington, DC. Little did I realize when I signed up with “the King of Talk,” I would dive into a world as quirky as what you’d find down Alice’s rabbit hole. To read the entire excerpt please click here.
Alpha Media Announces Pre-Arranged Chapter 11 Reorganization. The company says in a statement on its website that it has entered into a “restructuring agreement with certain of its lenders to reduce its debt, as well as raise incremental capital” to allow it “to successfully navigate current market conditions and pursue growth opportunities. The company expects no disruption to its broadcast operations,
customers or employees. Management will remain in place and continue to maintain the company’s day-to-day operations.” Alpha Media says it has filed “a pre-arranged plan of re-organization, disclosure statement and voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Virginia. Certain of the company’s existing lenders have agreed to provide new capital in the form of committed debtor-in-possession and exit financing. These lenders, together with management, are expected to collectively own 100% of the equity of the re-organized company, subject to regulatory approvals from the Federal Communications Commission. The restructuring of the company’s balance sheet will require receipt of bankruptcy court approval and certain regulatory, including FCC, approvals and satisfaction of other customary conditions. The company expects to conclude the restructuring process in the first half of 2021.” Alpha chairman and CEO Bob Proffitt comments, “We have made significant progress in aggressively deleveraging our business in recent years. As we proceed with our financial restructuring to improve our capital structure and manage through the ongoing downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the agreement we reached today will leave Alpha Media well positioned for a market recovery as a stronger and even more competitive company. Broadcast radio is the leading reach medium in the United States, with attractive ROIs for advertisers, and radio continues to be an indispensable communications platform nationwide. We believe the balance sheet restructuring will provide greater financial resources and flexibility to Alpha Media, enabling the Company to strengthen its position as a leading mid-market broadcaster in the United States, and invest in new digital capabilities to better serve our advertisers and communities. Our core business continues to perform well despite current market challenges. We will continue to invest in our talented teams to foster the unique culture that has been key to Alpha Media’s success in delivering dynamic, diverse and exciting content to our communities.”
Monday Memo: Time Management 2021. “Short version? Time will not be managed.” But in this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke explains how “tasks can,” and that’s gotten trickier in pandemic shutdown mode. He outlines solutions for recurring distractions. Read it here.
COVID-19 Stats & Vaccine Rollout Troubles, Trump Impeachment, Capitol Attack Investigation, Trump Third Party Launch, Tacoma Protest/Deadly Indianapolis Shooting, and NFL Conference Championships Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The number of COVID cases and deaths in the U.S. and the strategic troubles affecting the rollout of the vaccines; the Article of Impeachment against Donald Trump; the arrests being made during the investigation into the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol; the rumors that Donald Trump intends to launch a third political party; the Tacoma protest in which a police officer drove into a crowd and the shooting in Indianapolis in which five adults and an unborn child were killed; and Sunday’s NFL Conference Championship games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: Value. Sales and marketing pro Steve Lapa says, “Presenting the value proposition is a never-ending challenge, especially for the broadcast seller. I’ve seen too many sellers get hung up on product features that are station-centric – important to management, talent, and the seller. The truth is the advertiser doesn’t see it the same way.” The past year has taught us that the value perception of your station’s product has changed. For more on this, read Lapa’s column here.
WCCO-AM, Minneapolis Program Director John Hanson Exits. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Entercom’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis has let program director John Hanson go. Hanson had been serving as the station’s PD since
the fall of 2018. Hanson is a native of the Twin Cities who worked on air as co-host of KSTP-TV’s “Twin Cities Live” afternoon talk show that launched in 2008. He joined Entercom in 2013 to program sports talk KCSP-AM, Kansas City. The reason for Hanson’s departure is not clear but the staff was alerted in a memo from market SVP Shannon Knoepke, who wrote on January 21, “Reaching out this afternoon to notify the staff that John Hanson is no longer with the company, effective today. More to come as we move forward and work to fill this position.”
WJBC, Bloomington-Normal Adds Michael Koolidge Show. The independently syndicated Michael Koolidge show is added to the program schedule at Cumulus
Media’s WJBC-AM, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois in the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm slot. Koolidge says, “We couldn’t be more excited to join WJBC. I’ve been trying to break into the Bloomington-Normal market for years and I’m thrilled that Cumulus’ WJBC decided to pick up the show!” WJBC operations manager Dan Westhoff says, “We are very excited to be adding ‘The Michael Koolidge Show’ to our lineup. Michael’s been very successful throughout Illinois and the Midwest and we can’t wait to have him on WJBC.”
Marc Bernier Show Celebrates 30th Anniversary. Pictured above is WNDB, Daytona Beach talk host Marc Benier broadcasting live from DB Pickles restaurant in Ormond Beach, Florida celebrating his 30th year on air as a talk host. The celebration was also a benefit for Halifax Urban Ministries. January 21 was declared “Marc Bernier Show Day” with a flag flown over the state capitol and declarations declared honoring Bernier in the cities and county of Volusia. A number of local and state officials attended the broadcast.
WRHU Radio Hofstra University will Receive World Radio Day Award 2021. In conjunction with World Radio Day coming up on February 13, the Academy of Radio Arts and Sciences of America has selected WRHU Radio of Hofstra University to receive the 2021 World Radio Day Award. The honor commemorates World Radio Day, established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization) and is celebrated annually on February 13. World Radio Day is intended to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio. WRHU is the first student-run station to receive this honor. WRHU Radio 88.7 FM is the campus radio station of Hofstra University, a private university located on Long Island in Hempstead, NY. The station has been the recipient of numerous regional, state, and national awards, including three prestigious Marconi Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters (2014, 2017, and 2019). With studios housed in Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the station has been committed to training the next generation of radio professionals for more than 60 years in a wide variety of radio genres including news, sports, public affairs, community programming, and music. For the past decade, WRHU has exclusively produced and distributed radio broadcasts of New York Islanders hockey games, the first and only college radio station to have such an agreement with a professional major-league sports team. “We are immensely honored 
to receive this award of recognition,” said Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. “WRHU and its managers and staff deserve enormous credit for carrying on their work throughout the pandemic and providing vital information to the community.” The annual World Radio Day Award honors a U.S. radio station that exemplifies the best attributes of the radio industry. Recipients may be large or small stations, commercial or noncommercial, located in any market, and broadcasting in any language. The award jury looks for stations that demonstrate ideals of localism, audience reach, community service, effective use of new digital platforms, diversity in program content and staffing, and financial and ratings success. For this year’s award, the jury has highlighted the work done during the coronavirus pandemic, in light of UNESCO’s theme for the World Radio Day 2021 celebration, which is “New World, New Radio” in the sense that radio is a medium for resilience of our society. The jury of Academy is composed by eight highly qualified professionals of the broadcast industry (in alphabetical order): Heather Cohen, EVP, The Weiss Agency; Michael Harrison, founder/publisher, TALKERS; Paul McLane, editor in chief, Radio World; Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting; Francisco Montero, partner, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth; Chris Oliviero, SVP/MM, Entercom New York; Deborah Parenti, publisher, Radio Ink; and Paul Rotella, president of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. WRHU was recognized for its efforts during the crisis, expanding its content as student and community staffers worked and broadcast from their homes during a New York state lockdown. Hofstra University has been cited on the Best College lists of U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Fiske, Washington Monthly, Forbes, LinkedIn and Payscale.com. It is the only university chosen to host U.S. presidential debates in three consecutive election cycles (2008, 2012 and 2016). The World Radio Day Award was initially created by the Spanish Radio Academy to spread awareness of World Radio Day. The annual February 13 commemoration was endorsed by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly and accompanied by the creation of the International Radio Committee, which collaborates with UNESCO to promote World Radio Day each year. Last year, the award went to all-news station, WTOP, Washington DC. The 2021 World Radio Day Award will be presented to WRHU at Hofstra University in early February. For more information, click here.
Townsquare Media to Repurchase 10 Million Shares. In a press release, Townsquare Media, Inc announces it has entered into an agreement to repurchase a minimum of 10 million of the 12.5 million shares of Class A common stock, shares of Class B common stock and warrants held by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P., for $6.40 per security, which reflects a 19% discount from the closing price of the Class A common stock on Friday, January 22, 2021. The repurchase was approved by the board of directors following the recommendation of a committee of independent and
disinterested directors. The aggregate purchase price is expected to be at least $64 million, subject to the company’s ability to elect to purchase additional securities at closing of the repurchase. At closing, the repurchased securities will be retired and, subject to the company’s election to repurchase additional securities, the company’s outstanding securities will be reduced from approximately 28 million to approximately 18 million. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson says, “We appreciate the opportunity to facilitate this significant transaction with Oaktree and are excited about this repurchase, which secures the exit of a very long-term private equity majority shareholder that current and potential shareholders have described to me consistently as being an obstacle to investing more, or establishing a position, in Townsquare given the significant overhang Oaktree’s holding represented. This repurchase is immediately accretive to shareholders and we thank our board of directors for their vote of confidence in our medium and long-term business plan to grow revenue and profits.”
TALKERS News Notes. According to a report by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, WGN-AM, Chicago afternoon news anchor Kim Gordon has resigned from the Nexstar
Media Group station after 15 years. It’s rumored that Gordon will be joining Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WLS-AM to serve as the afternoon news anchor on the Big John Howell program. Back at WGN, Feder reports that Lauren Lapka will be the news anchor on the Steve Bertrand afternoon program…..iHeartMedia flips sports talk WFXJ-AM, Jacksonville “The Game” to Gospel as “Hallelujah AM930/93.3 HD2.”…..News and sports radio pro Mike Smith is leaving his gig with iHeartMedia’s WBEX-AM, Chillicothe, Ohio to pursue other career opportunities, The 43-year radio pro says, “Thanks to all the great listeners, which many, many of them became life-long friends, and I can say the same about my colleagues being life-long friends and that means more to me than any nice thing that anybody ever said about the job that I did.”
Monday, November 25, 2019
Monday Memo: Podcast Best Practices. Google “podcast tips” and you’ll find plenty, most for newbies (“State your name and the name of your podcast at the beginning”). Since you’re a pro, this week’s column by consultant Holland Cooke is Advanced Placement stuff. Read it here.
Impeachment Testimony, 2020 Presidential Race, Hong Kong Elections, Navy Secretary Fired, Mr. Rogers Movie, and AMAs Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The week’s impeachment testimony; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and former Republican-turned-Democrat Michael Bloomberg’s entrance into the race; the Hong Kong elections that saw pro-democracy candidates win in local races; Navy Secretary Richard Spencer forced out of his post over the Edward Gallagher case; the A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood film; and Sunday evening’s American Music Awards were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
WIP, Philadelphia Morning Star Angelo Cataldi Signs Contract Extension. Morning drive sports talk host Angelo Cataldi signs a multiyear contract extension with Entercom’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia. He’ll continue to lead the “Angelo and the Morning Team” program with co-hosts Al Morganti, Keith
Jones, and Rhea Hughes. The former Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat writer began hosting the morning show on WIP in 1990. He comments, “It’s an honor to continue my time at WIP as I move past my 30-year anniversary at the best sports station in America. All I can do is express my appreciation to Entercom and to all of my colleagues at WIP. But most of all I want to thank the listeners who have been so loyal to me and to everyone at the morning show. I can’t believe I get to do a job I love in the city whose passion for sports is incomparable. Now let’s win another championship.”
Sam Moser Named Chief Revenue Officer and EVP of National Sales for Newsmax TV. Former FOX News advertising sales executive Sam R. Moser joins Newsmax TV as chief revenue officer and EVP of national sales. During his career, Moser has also served with MTV, the Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, and the Game Show Network. Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Sam has a stellar reputation for building,
developing, and directing highly successful sales teams for major cable networks – both established and start-up. He’s a consummate sales professional and has amassed an impressive track record of increasing billings significantly from existing advertisers as well as new business development.” Moser says, “Newsmax has quickly become the most-talked-about cable news network in the United States. I’m excited to be part of the cream of the crop Chris is assembling and help further accelerate the growth of this exciting, must-watch news outlet.” Newsmax TV says it has cable agreements with all major MVPD outlets, including DirecTV, Dish, Xfinity, Spectrum, Fios, U-verse, Altice (Optimum and Suddenlink), and Cox, among many others. The network expects to reach close 80 million MVPD homes in 2020.
TALKERS News Notes. Corpus Christi morning drive personality Jim Lago
announces he’s retiring from iHeartMedia’s news/talk KKTX-AM after his December 6 program. Lago suffered a mild stroke in April but later returned to his show. He’s been a Corpus Christi air personality for more than 30 years…..In Kansas City, Ron “Show” Hughley exits the midday show at Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports.” His former partner Josh Vernier and producer Stephen Serda remain hosting the program that’s been renamed “Mid-Days” on the station’s website…..WHO, Des Moines afternoon 
drive talk host Simon Conway is doing double duty this week. In addition to his WHO program (also heard on iHeartMedia’s WMT-AM, Cedar Rapids), he’s sitting in for Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo on his nationally syndicated show today through Wednesday (11/25-27)…..AdLarge Media announces that it has renewed its deal with The Weather Channel Radio Network and will continue serving as radio ad sales rep for TWC. AdLarge co-founder and co-CEO Gary Schonfeld says, “The Weather Channel television and radio network is a marquee brand trusted by radio stations and advertisers. With this extended partnership, our team can continue providing AdLarge advertisers with access to listeners of top-rated radio stations across the country. We are delighted to continue our relationship with the network.”…..WBUR, Boston appoints Margaret Low CEO and general manager. Low was most recently with The Atlantic where she was the president of AtlanticLIVE. Prior to serving with The Atlantic, she was SVP of news for NPR and a former senior producer for “All Things Considered.” During her five years at The Atlantic, Low oversaw the live events division, which produces more than 100 events a year across the country and around the world.
WNDB’s Marc Bernier Interviews Senator Tom Cotton. Pictured above is WNDB, Daytona Beach afternoon drive talk show host Marc Bernier interviewing U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) before a live audience at the Miami BookFair International live on C-SPAN about his book Sacred Duty: A Soldier’s Tour at Arlington National Cemetery (2019, William Morrow). This is the 15th consecutive year that Bernier’s “BookMarc” radio and TV show has broadcast from the Miami BookFair International.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro John DeSantis is leaving All Pro Broadcasting’s hot AC KHTI, Riverside-San Bernardino “Hot 103.9” on December 15 after 23 years with the station. He’s also worked on-air at the station in mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Station VP and general manager Kimberly Martinez says, “John will forever remain a part of All Pro Broadcasting’s history. He was a very important part of our X103.9 programming. When we flipped formats in December 2015 he continued on as our program director. John has been a dedicated employee and an important part of the All Pro Broadcasting family, we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”…..On Friday, November 15,
iHeartMedia’s rock WDVE celebrated its 50th Anniversary with by an alumni party at Cefelo’s – a local Pittsburgh venue. The party brought together the station’s former sales and support staff, along with top on-air personalities, including Randy Baumann, Val Porter, Michele Michaels, and Russ Rose as well as former air personalities Scott Paulsen, Jimmy Roach, Steve Hansen, Marsy, Terry Caywood, Herschel, Sean McDowell, Eddie Crowe, Kenny Gibbs, Cris Winter, Joe Fenn, and Jesse Scott. In addition, program director John Moschitta was joined by former program directors from throughout the decades – which included Gene Romano, Dave Lange, Garrett Hart, and special guest attendee Alan Shaw.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
FOX News Channel Taps Mark Levin for Sunday Evening Program. The name of the new program is “Life, Liberty & Levin” and will debut in February and air at 10:00 pm ET on Sunday nights. FOX News Channel says Mark Levin’s show “will explore
the fundamental values and principles undergirding American society, culture, politics, and current events, and their relevance to the nation’s future and everyday lives of citizens. The hour-long program will feature Levin’s lively, in-depth and long-form interviews and powerful debate style with consequential guests covering history, philosophy, and economics.” 
FNC president of programming Suzanne Scott adds, “Mark’s passion for the principles found in the Constitution and success in talk radio has made him a distinct figure in the media landscape. We look forward to adding this spirited program to our weekend lineup.” Levin says, “I am honored to join FOX News, a network I have enjoyed appearing on as a guest for quite some time. As a proud citizen of the United States, I am delighted to share the significance of American values with such a wide audience and look forward to engaging with important guests about crucial topics.”
Jim Blasingame Celebrates 20 Years of ‘The Small Business Advocate.’ The nationally syndicated “The Small Business Advocate” program, hosted by Jim Blasingame, debuted on November 17, 1997 and is still the only syndicated, live weekday program “dedicated to Main Street businesses.” Blasingame says, “When we began, we wanted to provide Main Street entrepreneurs with the information,
resources and inspiration they need to start, run and grow a small business. Thanks to the support of our audience, Brain Trust members and corporate partners, we’ve accomplished that goal and continue to deliver multi-media resources for small businesses, including a mobile site and a video series.” In addition to his radio work, Blasingame is a prolific writer with three books to his credit (plus, one due out next year!) and a weekly, syndicated column that’s appeared in newspapers and business journals, plus online publications, including Forbes.com, BizJournals.com, Manta.com and Nasdaq.com, plus his own weekly ezine. Forbes Media chairman Steve Forbes comments, “Congratulations to Jim Blasingame on his 20th anniversary. I’ve been a regular guest on Jim’s show for years. He really knows Main Street business, is a great interviewer, and his peerless commitment to serving small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship comes through in everything he does. Well done, Jim.”
Salisbury Gives Up Local Show on KFNC-FM, Houston to Focus on Network Program. Sports talk personality Sean Salisbury is leaving his post at Gow Media’s KFNC-FM “ESPN 97.5” where he co-hosts the “Unfiltered: with Sean Salisbury & John
Granato” to “focus his energies exclusively on his national radio and TV show.” His eponymous sports talk show is heard from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET on the SB Nation Radio Network. The program is also simulcast from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on beIn Sports TV. Gow Media CEO David Gow says, “The Sean Salisbury show is on a really strong trajectory with a ton of momentum. The show has recently picked up new radio station affiliates in Lubbock, Phoenix and Atlanta. And we are excited to have Sean focus his efforts on the next wave of growth for the show.”
Dickey Broadcasting Drops ‘The Regular Guys’ on ‘The Fan 2.’ The four-month experiment with Larry Wachs’ new version of “The Regular Guys” hosting mornings at WFOM, Atlanta “The Fan 2” is over. The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Rodney Ho reports that station chief David Dickey says the company is going to focus on an all-sports lineup on the station. Both Dickey and Wachs tell Ho that everyone put in a good effort to get the show off the ground but, in the end they agreed that it just wasn’t going to work. Read Ho’s piece here.
Schieffer Faces Daytona Beach. Pictured above is former “Face the Nation” host Bob Schieffer (left) being interviewed by WNDB, Daytona Beach afternoon drive personality Marc Bernier (right). The two appeared at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University last night (11/20) as part of the school’s Speaker Series. The two discussed the current state of reporting and Schieffer’s new book, Overload: Finding the Truth in Today’s Deluge of News (Rowland & Littlefield, 2017). Photo: David Massey.
Roy Moore Case, New Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Sanctuary Cities Ruling, GOP Tax Plan, Charles Manson Dies, Putin-Assad Meeting, Trump vs Marshawn Lynch, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/20). The allegations of sexual predation against Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore; the latest round of allegations of sexual misconduct against Charlie Rose, Senator Al Franken, and NYT reporter Glenn Thrush; a federal judge rules against President Trump’s order to withhold funding from “sanctuary cities”; analysis of the possible effects of the Republican tax reform plan; Charles Manson dies at age 83; Vladimir Putin meets with Bashar al-Assad over Syria’s civil war; President Trump’s criticism of Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch for standing during the Mexican national anthem; and the weekend’s NFL 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. At Detroit country outlet WDRQ “NASH FM 93.1,” Cumulus Media appoints Jessica Tyler midday personality, APD and music director. Tyler comes to Detroit from her most recent post with Summit Media at country WQNU, Louisville “Q103.1” where she was morning drive co-host and APD. Cumulus Detroit director of FM programming Robby Bridges states, “I’ve known
Jessica a long time and the special bond she creates with listeners on and off the air, the friendships she develops with the artists, songwriters and managers, plus the relationships she has with the record community in Nashville are second to none.”…..Madison radio pro Sara Freeman is giving up her full-time afternoon drive show on Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s adult contemporary WMGN “Magic 98” to take a position with her husband’s real estate firm. She’ll continue to handle weekend shifts. Coming aboard the station is former WKTI, Milwaukee personality Jillene Kahn. She’ll host middays 
until Freeman exits, then take over afternoon drive. On tap to fill the midday slot after that is Julie Jacobs…..Former WBMP, New York “92.3 AMP Radio” weekend personality Mike McGinn joins Beasley Media Group to host the afternoon drive show on WMGQ, New Brunswick, New Jersey “MAGIC 98.3.” WMGQ program director Debbie Mazella says, “I am really excited to have Mike on the air and make ‘MAGIC 98.3’ his home. He’s got the energy we are looking for in afternoon drive. Take a listen and you will hear what I mean!”…..In Jacksonville, Cox Media Group swaps frequencies between alternative WXXJ and adult contemporary WEZI. WXXJ moves to the class A signal at 106.5 and WEZI slides down to the class C frequency at 102.9. CMG Jacksonville market vice president Dan Lawrie states, “Our ‘Easy’ listeners told us they wanted a larger signal and we listened!”…..iHeartMedia’s Detroit adult hits WDTW flips to alternative rock as “ALT 106.7.”…..Sun Broadcast Group announces Shelby Wood Wasicki joins the company as national account manager. In this role, she’ll forcus on products including: Shazam For Radio, The Hit List with Fitz, Country Fried Mix with DJ Sinister, Sun Select RADAR, Sun Latino Networks, and many others.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Growing Joe Pags Show Hits 50-Affiliate Mark. The WOAI, San Antonio-based Joe Pags show – hosted by Joe Pagliarulo and syndicated by Compass Media Networks – is in expansion mode and recently hit the 50-affiliate mark with the addition of E.W. Scripps’ KQTH, Tucson and Bicoastal Media Licenses’ KMED, Medford, Oregon to its roster of stations. Joe Pags tells TALKERS magazine that his team had the goal of adding 50 stations in a year and has accomplished the feat in just eight months. He also says he’s pleased to announce they have a number of station additions “in the hopper” and hope to announce confirmed additions soon. Besides his daily program, Pagliarulo is also heard across the country on more than 200 affiliate stations on Saturdays hosting the Premiere Networks program “The Weekend.” For more about the Joe Pags show, click here.
Nick Wright Exiting KILT-AM, Houston for Fox Sports One Gig. The KILT-AM, Houston “Sports Radio 610” morning drive co-host is not specific in his farewell to listeners but says he’s pursuing “a dream come true” with his move to Los Angeles to host a national cable TV show on FOX Sports’ FS1 channel. Nick Wright joined CBS RADIO’s KILT-AM in 2012 after working at KCSP, Kansas City. He’s been co-hosting the morning show with John Lopez. He says he’ll announce more about what he’ll be doing at FS1 “within the coming days and weeks.”
Fox News Journalist Rosen Supports Bold Gold Foundation. Journalist James Rosen addressed a private audience of Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation supporters in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on Saturday (3/26). The Fox News Channel chief Washington correspondent (and host of the online show “The Foxhole”) spoke about a number topics, including the important work the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation is undertaking to help educate and train tomorrow’s broadcast and communications leaders. Regular TALKERS readers may be aware that the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation helped Hillsdale College build its first radio station and broadcast program on its main campus in Hillsdale, Michigan, as well as its state-of-the-art studio at the school’s Kirby Center for
Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C. Speaking about his appearance, Rosen stated, “Every single student I met there was just the kind of young person that you pray America will keep producing to stay America, and by establishing a student radio station to help that student population explore and understand media, that’s real service the Bold Gold Foundation is providing.” Bold Gold president Vince Benedetto comments, “James sets a very high bar for journalistic excellence and, as such, is an outstanding and inspirational example to young people everywhere who seek a future in broadcast media. We’re grateful for his interest in, and support of, our Foundation’s efforts.” At Saturday’s event it was announced that Rosen will be coming back to Northeast Pennsylvania to be the keynote speaker at the Foundation’s 2nd annual event at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre on June 14. For more information about how you can be a part of this annual event featuring Mr. Rosen, visit: www.BoldGold.org.
Hurley Upped to VP of Digital Sales for Westwood One. Media sales pro Kelli Hurley is promoted from her VP, national partnerships and digital activation, Midwest position with Westwood One to vice president, digital sales for the entire network. In this role, Hurley will oversee all sales efforts for the company’s portfolio of digital products — including streaming audio, on demand, and podcasting — and will continue to develop new content partnerships. Chicago-based Hurley will report directly to Westwood One president Steve Shaw. During her career, Hurley has served with Premiere Networks, United Stations Radio Networks, and TargetSpot.
WTMJ, Milwaukee to Air Special Coverage of Tonight’s GOP Town Hall. This evening’s GOP Town Hall meeting at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee will feature remaining Republican contenders Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich. E.W. Scripps-owned news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee announces it will present special coverage of the event, including carrying the audio simulcast from CNN’s telecast. WTMJ will add one hour of special coverage with a special focus on local issues in advance of the three-hour event. WTMJ president and general manager Tom Langmyer says, “When news is made in Milwaukee, WTMJ is there to cover it. We are ‘Wisconsin’s Radio Station’ and that means delivering live and local coverage on which our listeners can depend.”
Odds & Sods. Tomorrow (3/30), sports talk personality Marc James is sitting in for Jim Rome on his
nationally syndicated CBS Sports Radio Network program. James most recently was morning drive co-host at CBS RADIO’s WZGC, Atlanta “92.9 The Game.”…..Ratings results for the Fall 2015 period (September 10 – December 2) based on Nielsen Audio data are being reported by ESPN Radio and the network says its quarter-hour impressions (Monday – Sunday, 6a-6p) were up 18% over the same period in 2014. Additionally, the company says ESPN Streaming is up 28% over last year…..Pubcasters Chicago Public Media and Window to the World Communications are literally linking their newsrooms in a cooperative venture. The operators of WBEZ-FM and WTTW-TV, respectively, are linking the newsrooms in order to share reporters and correspondents for WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” and WBEZ’s news programming. A robotic camera is being installed at WBEZ and an audio link will allow WTTW reporters to appear on WBEZ shows…..At public radio news/talk WFPL, Louisville, Bill Burton is the new local host and producer of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” Also, Kathi Lincoln joins the station as midday host and producer.
Here Comes the Judge. Pictured here on the stage at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University are Fox News senior legal analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano (left) and WNDB, Daytona Beach afternoon drive personality Marc Bernier (right). Bernier notes that with an FBI investigation looming over presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and an opening on the Supreme Court, there was plenty to discuss before the audience at the university-sponsored event, “An Evening with Fox News Sr. Legal Analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano.” Photo: Jack H. Taylor
The Presidential Race, the Aftermath of the Brussels Terror Attacks, Taliban Targets Christians in Pakistan Terror Bombings, FBI Accesses San Bernardino Attacker’s iPhone, Battle Against Islamic State-Crucifixion of Priest, ‘Convention of States’ Movement, and March Madness Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/28). The activities of the candidates for president; the aftermath of the terror attacks in Brussels; the deadly targeting of Christians in Pakistan by Taliban terrorists on Easter Sunday; the FBI calls off its legal action against Apple after gaining access to an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists; the ongoing battle against Islamic State and the organization’s execution of a Catholic priest via crucifixion; the “convention of states” movement to circumvent congress feels momentum; and the Final Four were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Presidential Race, Middle East Military Escalation, North and South Korea Tensions, Scalia Replacement Debate/Death Theories, Apple iPhone Hack Refusal, LA Hospital Records Hack Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/17). The activities of the candidates for president, including the South Carolina GOP Town Halls; Turkish clashes with Kurds in Iraq and the ongoing Syrian conflict; military tensions between North Korea and South Korea; debate over the proper process for replacing Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and theories about his cause of death; Apple’s refusal to create backdoor software to open the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino terrorists; and a Los Angeles hospital’s paying off hackers in bitcoin to receive the return of its medical records were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Bill Carroll Lands at CFRA, Ottawa in AM Drive. Less than two months after exiting his midday talk show at iHeartMedia’s KFI, Los Angeles and then announcing his departure from his afternoon gig at Corus’ CFMJ, Toronto, Bill Carroll is brought aboard at Bell Media’s CFRA, Ottawa to host “The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll.” Joining him as co-host on the new show will be Tricia Owens. Carroll arrives as Bell Media lets AM personality Mark Sutcliffe and evening hosts Ron Corbett, John Counsell, and Nick Vandergragt go. The station also announces it’s bringing Brian Lilley on to host the evening program. Both shows will launch on March 7. Carroll comments, “My family had decided late last year that it was time to come home – what great timing that a legendary station like CFRA is making some changes. I can’t wait to join the team in Ottawa and get started. And I hope the people of Ottawa will forgive my years of cheering the Kings and Leafs. I will adapt, slowly.”
Round Two of January PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of January 2016 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period was December 31 – January 27. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Top Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page at RadioInfo.com here.
Odds & Sods. A new interactive radio app has just been released for Salem Radio Network personality Eric
Metaxas. Salem says the app – powered by Clip Interactive technology – is part of its mobile radio strategy. Salem notes that the app enables fans to listen and interact with the show and its content. Fans can directly connect with Eric in the studio using the app’s “call the studio” feature. Additionally, the show is now able to quickly gather listener insights and opinions with the app’s real time polling and “talk back” features…..Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” announces the 
addition of award-winning State House reporter Michael Symons to its staff as State House bureau chief. Symons comes to New Jersey 101.5 from Gannett New Jersey, where he was a State House reporter. New Jersey 101.5 VP and head of news and digital operations Eric Scott says, “Mike Symons is a tough, but fair reporter and investigator. He will be a valuable asset for our news operation.” Scott says Symons is one of the longest-tenured reporters currently covering New Jersey politics from the State House in Trenton. He’s won awards for his work from the New Jersey Press Association and in 2004 he was a member of the Gannett New Jersey team that was awarded the prestigious Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting…..Tonight’s second-of-two GOP Town Hall Meetings in South Carolina will be produced by CNN with the radio feed being distributed by Westwood One. CNN’s Anderson Cooper is moderating…..The
Radio America-syndicated Chad Benson show is added to the lineup at CBS RADIO’s Las Vegas news/talker KXNT. In addition to his regularly scheduled program, Benson has been offering extended live coverage of the Republican and Democratic debates as well as coverage of the caucuses and primaries. Those special editions of the program are available to all current affiliates, as well as interested stations in markets where the show is not currently cleared.
Talking National Security. WNDB, Daytona Beach talk show host Marc Bernier (right) talks national security with former United States Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel (left) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University on Tuesday (2/16). The Town Hall event was part of the ERAU Speaker Series.
Cool Job Opportunity. Top 25 Market Seeks News Anchor. Number one news team in a top-25 market has a rare opening in the afternoon. We need someone who can ad-lib effortlessly, tell a great story, and ask the toughest questions of the biggest guests. We also need someone who lives on social media, is super curious and can generate stories, ideas, and fresh ways at looking at recurring things. Responsibilities include: News gathering and writing; Good understanding of national issues, quick learner on local issues; Follow social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc) for story leads and breaking news; Post stories on our own Website and Facebook sites; Generate unique news stories for the station; Plan stories for the next day and days in advance; Strong understanding of the English language and use of proper grammar; A willingness to quickly learn our news computer system and board operation. Candidate should have 2 or more years’ experience in broadcast media. Send materials to: Top25NewsAnchor@gmail.com.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Kristi Lee’s Exit from Bob & Tom Show Official. On December 16, TALKERS magazine reported that there were rumors Bob & Tom Show cast member Kristi Lee might not return to the program after the holiday break due to a negotiations breakdown. Now, comes word via the Indianapolis Star that Lee has officially left the show, though her statement to the paper indicates she exited “to pursue new opportunities.” Bob Kevoian retired from the show in December and the nationally syndicated program is continuing with Tom Griswold and Chick McGee. The Star reports WTHR, Indianapolis news anchor Pat Carlini – a former Bob & Tom cast member – has been filling Lee’s role on the show, but there’s no indication whether or not the move is permanent.
WLW, Cincinnati Hearing Criticism Over Roethlisberger Bit. Dredging up six-year-old allegations of sexual misconduct by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, iHeartMedia news/talker (and Cincinnati Bengals flagship) WLW, Cincinnati aired a mock PSA that warned young females of Roethlisberger’s presence in the area. Needless to say, much of the criticism of the bit was not out of concern over Roethlisberger’s reputation but because some believe the bit treated the issue of sexual assault lightly by using it as the basis for a joke. Here’s the copy from the bit: “This is a severe Ben Roethlisberger update from 700 WLW. The Tri-State is currently under a severe Big Ben warning from now through early Sunday morning. The Steelers quarterback has been spotted in the downtown Cincinnati area. All females ages 18-40 are to use extreme caution, especially if heavily consuming alcohol. Males should also be on the lookout, just in case. If you see Big Ben and he flashes Little Ben, you are asked to report it to authorities immediately. He poses the greatest threat to 18-to-40-year-olds, especially those with boob jobs in the downtown Cincinnati area. You are safe if you live in Butler or Clermont counties, pretty much anywhere in Kentucky and most of southeast Indiana.”
Obama Guns ‘Town Hall,’ Presidential Race, Hillary Clinton Emails Probe Heats Up, Philly Cop Attack, NYC Gang Rape Case, Record Powerball Jackpot, Sunday’s Golden Globes Awards, and NFL Wild Card Action Among Top Weekend News/Talk Stories. The aftermath of the CNN/White House produced “town hall” on guns in America; the activities of the candidates for president; the increasingly damning content of Hillary Clinton’s emails on her personal server; the attack on a Philadelphia police officer by an allegedly radicalized Muslim man; the case of a New York woman gang raped at an NYC playground; the fervor over the record Powerball jackpot; the anticipation of and coverage of Sunday’s Golden Globes Awards; and the weekend’s NFL wild card games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Jeremy Grunin Assumes AM Drive Role at WOBM, Lakewood Township, New Jersey. Ocean County, New Jersey champion Jeremy Grunin takes over the morning drive program on Townsquare Media’s news/talk WOBM, Lakewood Township. He replaces the husband and wife team of Bob and Marianne Levy. Marianne Levy remains with the station co-hosting the Preferred Home Health Care-sponsored “Preferred Company” show that airs from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Grunin is an investor, developer and the executive director of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation with over 20 years’ experience in retail sales and management, business development, investment and leadership capacity building. About his new gig, he comments, “I am thrilled to be partnering with the great team at Townsquare Media on WOBM-AM. I am looking forward to the upcoming months of building on Bob and Marianne’s loyal listeners with new ways of connecting our great residents and visitors to the Jersey Shore.”
Experts Discuss the Future of Media. TALKERS magazine sales and marketing specialist Al Herskovitz joined a panel of broadcasters at a recent forum presented by the Brandeis University National Committee in Sarasota, Florida, to discuss the future of the media. A standing-room-only crowd greeted the panelists. According to event chairperson Anne Sherwood it was “the largest crowd ever to attend one of our forums.” Pictured here from (l-r) are: media broker Burt Sherwood, Herskovitz, former president of ABC Television James Duffy, Florida Media Roundtable chairman Irwin Starr and (standing) Anne Sherwood.
Hugh Hewitt Sits on ‘ABC This Week’ Panel. Nationally syndicated talk show host Hugh Hewitt is pictured here on the set of “ABC This Week with George Stephanopoulos” yesterday (1/10). The Salem Radio Network personality has been getting a lot of national facetime, including appearing on CNN’s GOP primary debate panels.
Odds & Sods. Florida talk personality Marc Bernier is celebrating his 25th anniversary on WNDB, Daytona Beach with a special broadcast and reception on January 21. The event is taking place at the News Journal Center in Daytona with a live broadcast of his afternoon drive
program and a private reception to follow…..Westwood One announces it is making some changes to its “Real Estate Today” – the official radio program of the National Association of Realtors. The program has a new host in Stephen Gasque and is being redesigned with some new features to appeal to a wider segment of home buyers and real estate investors. The program currently airs on 180 stations nationwide.
Friday, January 30, 2015
DreX to Host New KGO, San Francisco Talk Show. Music radio personality DreX crosses into the news/talk realm with his new gig as evening host at Cumulus Media’s KGO, San Francisco. The station notes that DreX worked in the market in the past at KSJO, San Jose – now “NASH FM 92.3.” DreX crafted successful CHR night shows in markets including San Antonio, Dallas and Philadelphia. He then shifted to mornings at signals such as WHYT, Detroit and WKSC, Chicago “Kiss FM.” Cumulus SVP of programming Mike McVay comments, “Drex brings a unique perspective to the news/talk format and an uncanny ability to entertain and inform in his own engaging style.” San Francisco VP/market manager Justin Wittmayer adds, “DreX brings his unique voice to KGO nights for a highly compelling program that is fresh, live and local. The Bay Area is in for quite an experience with DreX.”
Malzberg and Newsmax TV Extend Relationship. The new three-year deal keeps talk media pro Steve Malzberg hosting his Newsmax TV daily news and talk program that currently airs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Newsmax says in a statement that Malzberg is “a veteran TV and radio personality, [who]
attracts a star-studded roster of news-breaking guests and delivers insightful commentary around topical, often-contentious issues that connect with audiences.” Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Steve Malzberg is a key member of our on-air team who brings a fearless and informed approach to news/talk programming. Our growing audience is truly responding to him and he will no doubt continue to deliver provocative talk and engagement with his guests as we enter into the pivotal, upcoming presidential election period.”
Mark Levin Show to Air on KRLA, Los Angeles. The Westwood One-syndicated Mark Levin show is moving to a prime spot in Los Angeles, airing live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm PT on Salem Communications-owned news/talk KRLA, effective February 3. With the change, Salem Radio Network’s Hugh Hewitt will move to the 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm timeslot. Salem SVP of spoken word format Phil Boyce comments, “Rarely do you have the chance to add somebody of Mark’s quality in market #2, and we decided it was an opportunity we could not pass up. Hugh Hewitt is also a class act, so running these two back-to-back makes this lineup even stronger.” Levin states, “It’s an honor to join the wonderful lineup at KRLA. I know my great listeners, who include two of my biggest fans in the LA area (my kids, who live and work there!) will appreciate hearing the show LIVE, too!”
WNDB, Daytona Beach Producer Arrested on Child Porn Charges. According to a story by WKMG-TV, Orlando, WNDB, Daytona Beach executive producer Chand Worob has been taken into custody by Daytona Beach police on charges of receiving and distributing child pornography. The story reports police had been investigating the 25-year-old radio station staffer since October. They arrested him at the radio station where he works on the Marc Bernier morning show and served a warrant at his home where they reported finding a laptop with some 500 images on it.
CBS RADIO Ups Zeise at ‘Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan’ in Pittsburgh. The new evening personality at CBS RADIO sports talker KDKA-FM “Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan” is Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sportswriter Paul Zeise. He’s been hosting programs at the station on a part-time basis since 2011. Program director Ryan Maguire says, “Paul has truly developed as a personality and we’re happy we could make him a larger member of our on-air team. Paul has strong ties within the local sports community and will provide unique insight and hard-hitting opinions that will resonate with our listeners.”
Fifth Annual ‘Imus on Broadway’ Happens on February 9. On Monday, February 9, New York radio legend and WABC morning drive personality Don Imus will present the fifth annual “Imus on Broadway” at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. Ticket sales from the one-night only performance will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel will join Imus as emcee. The evening will showcase live performances from some of Broadway’s top musicals including: Kinky Boots, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, It Shoulda Been You, Honeymoon In Vegas, The Lion King, Cabaret, Into The Woods, Les Miserables, Chicago and more!
WFAN, New York to Begin 5th ‘Fantasy Phenom Challenge.’ Next Sunday (2/8), CBS RADIO sports talker WFAN, New York kicks off the 5th “Fantasy Phenom Challenge” at the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station, New York in which contestants will have the chance to earn on-air shifts on “The Fan.” The station will register the first 100 contestants online and those will audition before a panel of judges at area shopping malls around the region. A change in this year’s competition will allow for finalists to receive personal coaching from one of WFAN’s on-air hosts! Up to 12 participants will move on to round two, where online voting will determine the top six contestants for the final. The finalists will be part of a special St. Patrick’s Day remote broadcast featuring WFAN’s Boomer and Carton show and simulcast on CBS Network. The Finals will be held in late March or early April on Mike Francesa’s afternoon drive show. “Fantasy Phenom” year 4 winner, Dimitri Adrahtas, is completing his one-year stint with the station broadcasting his show to Tri-State area listeners.
Odds & Sods. Longtime Los Angeles talk radio personality Marc Germain, formerly “Mr. KABC,” will host the evening show on CBS RADIO’s KXNT, Las Vegas all next week, February 2-6. Germain has been making his home in Sin City for the past five years and has been hosting a nightly live show and podcast from his TalkRadioOne.com base…..A
new, four-year renewal between USC and ESPN O&O KSPN, Los Angeles “ESPNLA” means the station will continue to serve as the flagship radio outlet for Trojan football through the 2018-19 season. The deal also means approximately one-half of USC’s men’s basketball games will also air on “ESPNLA.”…..CBS RADIO’s sports talk WFAN, New York begins its inaugural year of broadcasting the New York City Football Club with Tom Kolker, Glenn Crooks and Roberto Abramowitz handling the announcing duties. For English-language broadcasts, Tom Kolker is the new play-by-play voice and Glenn Crooks will provide in-game analysis. For Spanish-language broadcasts airing on WADO, they will be led by Roberto Abramowitz. A Spanish-language analyst will be named at a later date.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The Dr. Joy Browne program – distributed nationally by Genesis 
Communications Network – is added to the program schedule at: WPTF, Raleigh; WDXR, Paducah, Kentucky; and WVFT, Tallahassee…..As noted earlier in the week, Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity joins the program schedule at Beasley Media Group’s KDWN, Las Vegas while Dave Ramsey moves to a live airing at CBS RADIO’s KXNT, Las Vegas…..The Kim Komando weekend “digital lifestyle” program is now airing on: Entercom’s WRKO, Boston; Townsquare Media’s simulcast KCHH and KBUL-AM, Billings, Montana; and WNBF, Binghamton, New York.
Northeast Blizzard Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of January 26-30. Winter storm Juno and the criticism of forecasters and government officials anticipating the event was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. Coming in at #2 was the 2016 presidential race followed by ISIS threats tied with Taliban 5 developments at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Two Talk Radio Pros Take Their Craft to the Internet. Longtime KABC, Los Angeles talk radio personality Larry Elder debuts his new Internet-only talk show emanating from his website, LarryElder.com. The program streams live Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm PT. In
addition to the live stream, Elder offers fans an “Elderado” premium subscription tier that includes access to commercial-free podcasts and more. Elder exited KABC late last year as the station was tweaking its news/talk format. Albuquerque media personality Larry Ahrens – a longtime news/talk KKOB host – is leaving his current gig at uPublic TV’s “The Morning Brew” program to begin an Internet radio endeavor focusing on healthy living. According to Albuquerque Business Journals, Ahrens is joining the Phoenix-based Doublewide Networkout operated by Arizona radio personality Dave Pratt. The show is being titled, “Smart Living with Larry Ahrens” and is expected to launch later this month.
Townsquare Media Teases Positive Q4 2014 Growth. In an 8-K filing with the SEC, Townsquare Media – which went public back in July of last year – announces pretty good 2014 fourth quarter financial numbers. In issuing the preliminary financial results, the company says its fourth quarter pro forma net revenue jumped 9% to 10% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. Further, pro forma adjusted EBITDA rose 5% to 9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. For the year of 2014 as a whole, Townsquare expects to report revenue of about $385 million – an increase of about 8% compared to 2013.
Round One of Holiday PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of Holiday 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period was December 4 to December 31. TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here. In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page at RadioInfo.com here.
New York Broadcasters Honor Barry Farber. Talk radio pioneer Barry Farber (right) was honored with induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame last fall, but his New York colleagues wanted to throw a special NYC bash for him as the cherry on the cake, and did so recently at The Statler Grill in Midtown Manhattan. Among the more than 100 media pros and friends to attend was WABC, New York personality Curtis Sliwa (left) who, during his remarks, cited Farber as one of the talk show hosts who gave the Guardian Angels, and its predecessor organization The Magnificent 13, early publicity and support. He also stated that it was because of Barry Farber, Barry Gray and Bob Grant that he was able to have a career in talk radio at all. Farber is still heard on the radio via CRN Digital Talk Radio weeknights at 8:00 ET.
Timely Live Event. Just before President Obama delivered the State of the Union address on Tuesday (1/20), WNDB, Daytona Beach afternoon talk show host Marc Bernier moderated a discussion with Fox News political analyst and author Charles Krauthammer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as the latest in the school’s President’s Speakers Series. Krauthammer recently published his latest book, Things That Matter (2013 Crown Forum). Bernier tells TALKERS magazine that this event was the 117th in the series that dates back to 1993.
State of the Union Speech, 2016 Presidential Prospects, Paris Mayor Vows to Sue Fox News/‘No-Go Zones’ Controversy, Collapsing Oil Prices/World Financial Markets Activity, ISIS Holds Japanese Men for Ransom, Huckabee’s Beyonce Criticism, and NFL Deflated Balls Flap Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/20). Tuesday’s State of the Union address and President Obama’s pledge to tackle income inequality; the controversy over assertions of Muslim “no-go zones” in Europe and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s threat to sue Fox News; the continuing collapse of oil prices and the effects on the world’s financial markets; ISIS violence in the Middle East and the holding of two Japanese men for ransom; potential presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s criticism of Beyonce; and the controversy over deflated footballs used in the Patriots-Colts AFC Championship game were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Immigration Radio Row Timed to Coincide with Amnesty Bill. The coming talk radio row sponsored by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) – set for April 17 and18 in Washington, DC and reported to be the largest ever – will take place at the same time a major amnesty bill is expected to be debated. FAIR tells TALKERS, “Already, 50 talk hosts from across the country are confirmed to broadcast live from Capitol Hill debating immigration reform while interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists and citizens who live along the border.” FAIR 
communications director Bob Dane states, “President Obama, the Democrats, business lobbies, and now many misguided Republicans are setting the stage to introduce a major amnesty bill sugarcoated with enforcement just like we saw and defeated in 2007. As before, talk radio will gather to represent the interests of the American public, the constituency perpetually left out of the debate. Americans want existing laws enforced and their jobs protected with mandatory E-Verify. They do not want a protracted battle over a bill that grants amnesty in exchange for promises of border security that this administration cannot be trusted to honor.” For talk hosts who are considering taking part in the radio row, act fast. Dane says that only four slots remain available – one in morning drive, two in midday and one in afternoon drive. Reservations are required and hosts/producers should call now. There is no cost to attend and all technical engineering, ISDN lines and long distance is included. Silver Lake Audio of New York is the official engineering firm for “Hold Their Feet to the Fire.” Congressional guests, activists, high profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews. Contact event managers Bob Dane or Kristen Williamson at 202-328-7004 for further information and to reserve a broadcast slot.
Courtside Entertainment and Launchpad Digital Founder Norm Pattiz’s New PodcastOne Profiled in the Los Angeles Times. Just a couple of days after announcing his newest venture to the industry – a destination for “the best of the best” called PodcastOne.com – Westwood One founder Norm Pattiz speaks to the consumer world via Steve Carney’s piece in the Los Angeles Times. Pattiz explains his thinking and what differentiates PodcastOne.com from other content aggregators. First, Pattiz says the menu is more limited to about 200 of what they consider prime programming including well-known names like Adam Carolla, Dr. Drew Pinsky and Laura Ingraham. He goes on to say, “What nobody’s done is organize [podcasts] and give them the kind of attention they need to make them a real significant opportunity for advertisers.” The benefit of PodcastOne is his company’s ad sales, promotion, audience research and technical expertise. Pattiz relates research done by Edison that found, “29% of Americans 12 and older had listened to an audio podcast, up from 23% in 2010 and 13% in 2007. Half those listeners were ages 12 to 34, and 38% said they used an iPod, smartphone or other device to listen to digital audio in their cars at least once a week.” This is what is convincing him there is a business model to be developed here. Read the entire story here.
TuneIn Debuts Customized User Experience Function. Audio content aggregator TuneIn announces it is launching “TuneIn Live,” a customized experience allowing listeners to more easily discover the content that aligns most with their individual preferences. The company says this comes “on the heels of a website redesign; a new Trending feature, launched to help TuneIn listeners navigate through the largest breadth of audio content available through one service; and a new integration with Google+, enabling a calendar reminder feature for live events.” TuneIn CEO John Donham states, “Our biggest opportunity has been discovery. We have more than 70,000 radio stations and more than 2 million on-demand programs from around the world, and that’s a lot for anyone to digest. We needed a sophisticated system to do the work for our listeners, not ask them to do extra work in order to personalize their experience. TuneIn Live is a big part of that system.” The service creates a customized experience through rotating tiles that surface relevant music, sports and news happening live, based on individuals’ listening habits and interests. Combined with a new Trending feature, which shares a current feed of the most-listened-to radio from around the world, TuneIn listeners can more easily discover meaningful programming among the millions of listening options on the TuneIn service. Donham continues, “Every day, there are thousands of live events on the radio, from concerts to interviews to sports to a DJ playing a set of songs and, until now, there has never been a way to relay all of this live content to people worldwide. That’s where we’re innovating with TuneIn Live. We’re combing through our millions of listening options from around the world and, for each individual listener, we’re bringing into focus just the stations that mean something to them.”
Sioux Falls News/Talk Outlet Gets FM Signal. Midwest Communications-owned news/talker KELO, Sioux Falls, South Dakota is now heard on KQXL’s 107.9 frequency in addition to its original 1320 AM frequency. The move displaces the oldies format that had been airing on the FM station. Midwest has owned the stations for a little more than six months having acquired the cluster from Backyard Broadcasting in July of last year.
KMOX, St. Louis Personality Mark Reardon Gets Some Love from the Missouri Times. Mid-afternoon talk host Mark Reardon was recently featured in a piece in the Missouri Times that focused specifically on his weekly roundtable discussions that he says he’s patterned to a degree after the old “Politically Incorrect” program hosted by Bill Maher. Reardon tells the publication he enjoys bringing people into the studio at CBS Radio’s KMOX who represent different viewpoints and who can mix it up without being hostile. In fact, Reardon says guests who can’t maintain civility are not asked back on the program. While the program deals with political issues, he underscores that the show is not all about politics, telling the Times it’s not limited to politics and that he wants interesting people, “Look, this is entertainment, but there’s no reason you can’t still learn something and laugh a little bit.” Read the entire piece here.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. The Kevin McCullough show surpassed the 300-affiliate mark (309 to be exact!) and announces the return of the program to SiriusXM as well as the addition of Salem Communications Detroit cluster of WDTK-AM, WLQV, and WTDK-FM as affiliates of the XtreMEDIA syndicated program…..Talk Radio Network’s “Watchdog on Wall Street” with Chris Markowski adds affiliates KYNS, San Louis Obispo; WHSY, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; WPBQ, Jackson, Mississippi; and KBSZ, Apache Junction, Arizona…..Fox News Radio’s feature commentary from Todd Starnes is now heard on affiliates WOAI, San Antonio and WLOB-AM, Portland, Maine.
Talking Survival on WNDB, Daytona Beach. During the 89th installment of the President’s Speakers Series and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, WNDB talk host Marc Bernier interviewed former Navy Seal sniper, Discovery Channel personality and author Cade Courtley in front of a packed house at the college. Courtley is promoting his new book, SEAL Survival Guide: A Navy SEAL’s Secrets to Surviving Any Disaster. Bernier tells TALKERS that with security issues very much on the minds of Americans, Courtley outlined ideas for how the average person can best survive the unthinkable. The event was also broadcast on WNDB. Photo: Arthur J Byrnes.
KDKA, Pittsburgh Event Benefits Wounded Warriors Project. CBS Radio’s KDKA and station morning host Larry Richert announce that Bruno Sammartino, who will be inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame in April, will serve as the keynote speaker at “Larry Richert Honors Hometown Heroes” at the Lexus Club at PNC Park next Thursday, March 7 in a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project. “Larry’s Heroes” will honor five ordinary individuals in the community who have done extraordinary things. Those being honored are Jamie Holmes for awarding “dream” opportunities to those living with medical conditions; Sergeant Patrick Manning for restoring a youth baseball field in Penn Hills; William R. Neal, Jr. for building programs that aid disadvantaged youth and others in finding employment opportunities; Summer Tissue for her work in sending packages to deployed Soldiers and Marines and Paul Shields for helping his neighbors escape a fire in their home in Ross Township the day after Thanksgiving. Each hero will receive a $1000 donation to a charity of their choice.
Sequestration Battle Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 25-March 1. The Washington fight over sequestration landed atop the Talkers TenTM chart of the most-talked-about stories discussed on news/talk radio this week. Coming in at #2 was the costs associated with the Affordable Care Act. At #3 was Secretary of State John Kerry’s trip to Europe followed by Iran and North Korea nuclear weapons threats at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s chart here.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Tom Leykis’ Return to Talk Draws Loyal Audience to Web-Based Content. Off the radio for more than three years after CBS Radio blew up KLSX-FM, Los Angeles and his contract kept him from working for anyone other than CBS, Tom Leykis returned to the microphone on April 2 for an internet-delivered talk show. The show is broadcast live at www.blowmeuptom.com at 3:00 pm PT and on a 24/7 streamed replay via major media players – Tune In, Windows Media Player, iTunes, iPhone, Shoutcast and Winamp. Leykis says the numbers for the first week of the show were impressive: The total number of listeners from April 2 to Monday, April 9 was 401,180. The average number of show listeners for that week in any 15 minute period totaled 1,575 and the average time spent listening by each listener was a half hour each day in the seven-day week. “These numbers are way higher than what we’d anticipated. We’re way farther along in our progress than I ever could have imagined. Kind of makes you wonder what competing alternative content like this will ultimately mean for radio.” Leykis, who will be speaking at the New Media Seminar in New York City on June 7, tells TALKERS that the combination of doing a daily show and running his own business has made him “more focused than ever” stating, “Now is the time for talk talent to think of themselves as more than employees…they must think entrepreneurially for their own survival. The way to start is by developing a healthy relationship with your advertisers.”
Act Quickly! Word just in from Bob Dane, event manager for this year’s annual “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row is that due to larger than expected demand, they expanded the number of broadcast booths. As of 10:00 am ET this morning (Monday, April 23), Dane reports there is now one remaining, fully equipped booth in morning, midday and afternoon drive left. And it’s first come, first serve. This event is a must-attend-and-no-reason-not-to given that everything is turnkey and at no cost for the convenience of the participating broadcasters…and if you act fast, possibly a hotel room can be part of the package — but availability is extremely limited. Hold Their Feet to the Fire 2012 is staged annually by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, this year, May 8-9 in Washington, DC focusing on immigration issues facing the candidates in this heated election year. Contact Bob Dane at 202-328-7004.
Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly Close to Re-signing with Fox News Channel. The New York Times reports it has confirmed through anonymous sources that Fox News Channel superstars Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly are ready – as early as next week – to sign contract extensions with News Corp.’s cable 
news/talk network that would keep them in the fold through the 2016 elections. FNC is declining to comment on the story but the sources seem to indicate that the deals to keep the two most-watched personalities on the network in place for four more years are being cemented quickly and should be announced within the next week or so. Sean Hannity’s national talk radio show is syndicated by Premiere Networks and Bill O’Reilly’s daily commentary is syndicated to talk radio stations across the country via Courtside Entertainment Group.
NOW Attempts to Inject Life into Anti-Rush Limbaugh Campaign. The National Organization for Women is firing up a campaign called “Enough Rush” aimed at getting the Premiere Networks talk superstar’s show cancelled. As these things usually do, the blowback suffered by Rush Limbaugh from his Sandra Fluke comments has all but disappeared. But NOW – working in conjunction with the anti-conservative organization Media Matters for America – is reigniting its efforts to end Limbaugh’s program. NOW president Terry O’Neill states, “For more than two decades, Rush Limbaugh has degraded women, people of color and anyone who doesn’t look or think like him. Like bullies everywhere, Limbaugh uses the age-old tactic of savaging one woman for the purpose of intimidating all women away from the public square. Rush’s hostile, hateful speech is destructive to our public discourse, our communities and our democracy.” NOW is organizing rallies in a number of cities designed to build momentum for the campaign. Meanwhile, PPM ratings for the month of March indicate publicity generated by the campaign against Limbaugh has actually increased his ratings in many markets.
Arbitron Drops Diary-Based Ratings in Seven Markets. Lack of enough subscribers to make it profitable can be credited for Arbitron Inc.’s decision to eliminate the diary-based ratings in Saginaw-Bay City-Midlands, Michigan (market #139); Ann Arbor, Michigan (#155); Wilmington, North Carolina (#162); Dubuque, Iowa (#237); Columbus-Starkville-West Point, Mississippi (#261); Sebring, Florida (#276); and Mason City, Iowa (#283).
WPRO, Providence Talk Host and Former Mayor Buddy Cianci’s Daughter Dies. The colorful two-time former mayor of Providence – and PM drive talk host at Cumulus Media’s WPRO/WEAN-FM, Providence – Buddy Cianci has lost his daughter to an apparent drug overdose. Nicole Cianci’s death at her home in the city was reported Friday and Cianci issued the following statement, “This is a tragic and emotional time for Nicole’s mother and I. Our entire family appreciates your thoughts, prayers and sentiments. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.” Nicole Cianci was Buddy Cianci’s only child and the mother of his three grandchildren.
TALKERS to Publish Four-Part Series by Walter Sabo on FM Talk this Week. Sabo Media president Walter Sabo, one of the earliest and most accomplished proponents of FM talk, has written a powerful and informative four-part series on the hot topic that will run exclusively in TALKERS this week. In the series, one of radio programming’s most prolific visionaries delves into such areas as mistakes to avoid, finding and inspiring great hosts, methods to develop cume, topic management, the differences between AM and FM “share” and much more. The series begins tomorrow (Tuesday, April 24) and will run every day this week through Friday. Sabo will be a featured speaker at the forthcoming New Media Seminar in NYC on June 7.
WFLA-FM, Tallahassee AM Drive Show’s Eggers Exits to Join Think Tank. Eric Eggers is producer and on-air co-host of the WFLA-FM, Tallahassee’s morning drive show hosted by Preston Scott. He announces he’s leaving the Clear Channel Media and Entertainment station and the program he’s been producing for the past seven-plus years to join the Government Accountability Institute – a non-profit think tank based in Tallahassee and founded by conservative author Peter Schweizer. Eggers tells Tallahassee.com, “Peter wrote his last book about insider trading in Congress. And so it’s going to be more projects along the same vein in terms of focusing on corruption, cronyism, looking at some of the ways the current federal government system is broken and failing us — not looking out for the little guy.”
Ed Tyll Begins Regular Web-Based Talk Show Tonight. Longtime talk radio host Ed Tyll begins a new regular talk program broadcast via the internet at TalkRadioX (http://talkradiox.com/) at 8:00 pm ET. TalkRadioX was co-founded by Dan Delgado and Antubert Johnson – two personalities who’ve made the TALKERS “Frontier Fifty” list of internet talk show hosts blazing a trail in the world of web-based programming since the list began being published three years ago. (The 2012 “Frontier Fifty” list will be published at Talkers.com in September.) Tyll says TalkRadioX is “a 24-hour streaming talk station that boasts an original line up of enthusiastic talkers, reminiscent of when talk radio was both fun and informative.” Dan Delgado tells TALKERS, “Getting someone of Ed Tyll’s caliber and stature in the industry is something we at TalkRadioX had been looking to do for some time. We’re thrilled to be getting someone with his experience on the station. What he brings in terms of talent and energy is something that will bring all of us to the next level.” Tyll states, “TalkRadioX represents a key moment in the history of a format that I love hosting. It’s the perfect place for what I do on the air. I’m convinced that my success with the Casey Anthony trial in Orlando will be eclipsed by the enormous potential of this network’s unique combination of terrestrial radio and world wide web radio listenership.” During his career, Ed Tyll has worked at numerous major market talk stations as well has having been nationally syndicated.
The Fight for Freedom in Afghanistan. WNDB, Daytona Beach talk show host Marc Bernier (l) is pictured here interviewing author and former Army Ranger Captain Sean Parnell (r) as the two discuss his new book Outlaw Platoon: Heroes, Renegades, Infidels and the Brotherhood of War in Afghanistan (William Morrow 2012). The interview was conducted before a live audience at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is the 78th such event – broadcast live on WNDB – in Bernier’s live interview series.
