Tag: "WRKO"
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
WIP, Philadelphia’s Angelo Cataldi Announces Retirement. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that longtime WIP-FM, Philadelphia morning host Angelo Cataldi will retire from the Audacy sports talk station when his contract expires at the end of 2022.
Cataldi has been with the station since 1989. The Inquirer’s Rob Tornoe writes that Cataldi decided to work another year (instead of retiring at the end of 2021) “after meeting with WIP’s new program director, Rod Lakin, 
whose first day at the station was Monday. Cataldi told listeners he started to become burned out back in May and was prepared to announce his retirement at the end of this year when his contract expired but said Lakin asked him to remain on an additional year.” WIP made some concessions to keep Cataldi around for another year, including a new four-day work week, a driver to shuttle him to Atlantic City for remotes, and the rehiring of marketing director Cindy Webster as a “special consultant” to the show to “help with our relationships with the teams and promotions.” Cataldi hosts the show with fellow cast members Rhea Hughes and Al Morganti as well as a rotating group of Philadelphia sports figures.
Audacy Names Lena Moss Glaser VP and Executive Producer for 2400Sports. Production pro Lena Moss Glaser joins Audacy as vice president and executive producer of the company’s new podcast studio, 2400Sports. In this role, Glaser will
oversee all production and content operations for all 2400Sports podcasts, partnering with producers and talent internally and externally to develop slates of new podcasts. Audacy chief digital officer J.D. Crowley says, “I’m thrilled to welcome Lena to Audacy and our podcast team as we continue to scale our newest studio 2400Sports. Her deep experience in sports media, from digital and social-first content to international productions at the biggest sporting events in the world, and her ability to find unique stories that engage a diverse range of audiences, combined with her reputation as an incredible leader, makes her a perfect fit to lead 2400Sports, and we’re looking forward to Lena lending her voice, skills and talent to our team.” Glaser began her career with NBC, where she produced network studio shows for four Olympic Games and served as coordinating producer of NBC’s Paralympics coverage in Sochi, Rio, and Pyeongchang. Her additional remote, studio, and feature credits include work on the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros; three Super Bowls, and “Football Night in America.”
Round Two of September PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s September 2021 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s September 2021 survey period covered August 19 – September 15. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In the Washington market, Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM drops seven-tenths for an 8.5 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) finish and falls from #1 to #2. At Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WMAL-FM, the station sheds one-tenth for 3.2 share finish and the #13 rank. iHeartMedia Boston’s news/talk WRKO tacks on one-tenth to finish with a 3.9 share and remains ranked #9 while sister all-news WBZ-AM adds four-tenths to remain ranked #3 on the strength of a 6.6 share. In Seattle, Bonneville’s KIRO-FM continues its occupation of the #1 spot even though it dipped two-tenths and wrapped the survey with a 7.1 share. Lotus Communications’ all-news KOMO-AM/FM stays in the #3 rank while shedding four-tenths for a 5.4 share. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this round of markets (as well as yesterday’s first round) here.
CUMULUS Promotes Conrad Trautmann to Chief Technology Officer. Rising from his previous position as SVP, technology & operations for CUMULUS MEDIA to chief technology officer is Conrad Trautmann. He reports directly to president and CEO Mary Berner. Trautmann joined CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One in 2000 as EVP,
technology, and was promoted in February 2016 to SVP, technology & operations. In his new role, he is responsible for the oversight of companywide broadcast engineering and information technology, as well as purchasing, real estate and facilities management across the company. He also serves on the Radio Technology Committee of the National Association of Broadcasters. Berner says, “Conrad’s contributions to the company over the past 21 years are countless. Unsurprisingly, Conrad has done a particularly commendable job successfully leading the company through the technical challenges presented by COVID-19, and by severe weather events we’ve experienced across the country. He has also been critical to broadening and advancing the technology that drives our growth platforms in digital and podcasting. This promotion recognizes the vital role that he continues to play in our success.”
Triton Digital Releases August 2021 Streaming Ranker. Data from Triton Digital’s Streaming Metrics measurement service for the August 2021 period is released. Rankings are computed based on Average Active Sessions (AAS) which represents the
average number of sessions at any point in time in the reported time period, with invalid sessions omitted. AAS can be calculated by dividing Total Listening Hours by the number of hours within the reported time period. Measuring the Monday – Sunday 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight period in the U.S., iHeartMedia is far and away #1 with 289,528 AAS. The following media companies also ranked in the top 25: NPR Member Stations (#2), Audacy (#3), Cumulus Streaming Network (#4), Beasley Broadcasting Corporate (#7), Hubbard Broadcasting (#8), Salem Communications (#11), Urban One (#12), Bonneville International (#13), Midwest Communications (#18), and Lotus Broadcasting (# 23). You can see all the rankings in the August survey here.
Jim Thompson to Retire from Broadcasters Foundation of America; Tim McCarthy to Transition to President Role. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that president Jim Thompson will retire from the Foundation at the end of 2022. In conjunction with that announcement, the BFoA unveils a succession plan
whereby Thompson and broadcast veteran Tim McCarthy will serve as co-presidents through 2022, at which time Thompson will move into an active consultancy role. The search committee unanimously chose McCarthy as 
the best candidate for the position, and the board of directors unanimously endorsed him and the succession plan. BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “I have known Tim for almost 20 years. He is an outstanding leader and I look forward to working with him and Jim for a seamless transition. Jim has done a phenomenal job getting the word out about our mission and increasing the number of broadcasters we help. The entire board and I are delighted that he will remain with the Foundation as co-president and then as a consultant.” Thompson says, “Serving the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation has been the most rewarding experience of my career. I cannot think of a more worthy task then helping our colleagues in their darkest moments. The search committee and the board have made an excellent choice in Tim – I know I will be leaving our mission in good hands.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago morning drive star Eric Ferguson is off the air at WTMX-FM for the month of October while Hubbard Radio deals with the accusations of now three former station staffers who’ve accused Ferguson of inappropriate behavior. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Hubbard Chicago VP and market manager Jeff England announced to the rest of the staff that Ferguson would be off the air while the station does more investigating. He said, “We take these allegations seriously and we are confident in the results of multiple investigations we have initiated. But we also owe it to ourselves and our listeners to have a deliberate and thoughtful process about our path forward, and candidly we are not there
yet.”…..Beasley Media Group announces that WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” air personality Hardy is adding new duties as afternoon drive host at sister classic rock station WBOS-FM “ROCK 92.9.” Hardy is co-host of the “Zolak & Bertrand” midday show on “98.5 The Sports Hub.” WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “Hardy is one of the most talented, creative people I have ever worked with. His day-to-day role on ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ and with 98.5 will remain the same. Expanding his role locally and within the company is a win for everyone.”
MIW Announces Traci LaTrelle is This Year’s Mentee. This year’s mentee in Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio’s MIW & BDSradio Mentorship Program is
Howard University Radio Network’s WHUR-FM music and assistant programming director Traci LaTrelle. MIW Board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Traci is incredibly accomplished and still eager to grow further in our business. I am so excited for the opportunities that lie ahead of her and the chance for MIW to play a part in her growth. Congratulations to Traci and, as always, big thanks to Haley Jones, Scott Musgrave, and MRC Data who make this mentorship possible.”
Biden Infrastructure and Reconciliation Bills/Debt Ceiling, Facebook Whistleblower, COVID-19, January 6 Investigation, and California Oil Spill Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/5). The negotiations among Democrats over President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill and his $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill and the related issue of the debt ceiling; Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen appears before a U.S. Senate committee; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., boosters, and mask & vaccine mandates; the ongoing investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack and the subpoenaing of Trump administration officials; and the damage and probable cause of the Southern California oil spill were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Binnie Media Names Michael Czarnecki Director of Brand Operations. Radio programming pro Michael Czarnecki is named director of brand operations for Binnie Media, owner and operator of 15 signals in New Hampshire and Maine. Czarnecki joins
the company from iHeartMedia where he most recently served as program director of WONK-FM (WWDC-HD2) Washington DC. Before that, Czarnecki was program director for iHeartMedia’s WRKO, Boston. At Binnie Media, 
Czarnecki will work alongside Binnie Media VP of programming Heath Cole, who says, “In his new role, Michael will work closely with our marketing, promotions, news/talk, and music initiatives in all formats. We are very excited to have Michael joining us on the programming leadership team.” Binnie Media president Massimo Rosati adds, “Michael’s skillset and energy combine to make him the perfect addition at Binnie Media.” Czarnecki, who began his radio career at WGIR in Manchester, New Hampshire, comments, “I am thrilled to be joining the Binnie media team. This is a return home for me, it’s full circle. Special thanks to Massimo Rosati and Heath Cole for making this incredible opportunity possible.”
SuperTalk Mississippi Unveils ‘SuperTalk Mississippi Outdoors with Ricky Mathews.’ The new weekly program “SuperTalk Outdoors with Ricky Mathews” will air on Mondays from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm across the 12-station SuperTalk Mississippi network. Mathews is the former publisher of the Times-Picayune, NOLA.com, Mobile
Press-Register, and the Sun-Herald. He retired in 2016 as president of Advance Southeast before joining SuperTalk Mississippi Media as the host of “Coast Vue” in January of 2020. He says, “Enjoying the outdoors is a big part of our Mississippi heritage. It’s part of our DNA in this state. Hunting or fishing or just simply soaking up the endless number of other outdoor recreational activities is at the core of this great state. I’m thrilled to be the host of this new show.” SuperTalk Mississippi Media owner Steve Davenport states, “Ricky has been a compass for our company and always seeks to forge a path toward improving our great state. He understands the importance of Mississippi’s outdoors, one of our greatest resources. I am confident that he will use this opportunity to engage and educate the public and will work to lead the conversation in this state about Mississippi’s outdoors.”
2021 Radio Mercury Awards Finalists Announced. The finalists in this year’s Radio Mercury Awards have been announced and 149 radio/audio spots and campaigns made it to the finals of this year’s 30th anniversary awards. The Radio Advertising Bureau notes that this year marks the first time all categories were open to all languages. The submissions were created by advertising agencies, brands, production companies,
radio stations and digital companies. The 2021 finalists range from regional to large advertising agencies and radio stations, as well as national and local advertisers from categories including automotive, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, government services, healthcare, insurance, nonprofits, quick-serve restaurants, telecommunications, travel and hospitality. Entries were judged on their creativity, originality, execution and effective communication of a brand’s message. Robin Fitzgerald is chief creative officer at BBDO Atlanta and chief judge for the 2021 Radio Mercury Awards. She says, “This year’s Radio Mercury Awards is celebrating the work that came through in 2021 and acknowledging the awards’ 30-year history. It was great to hear the amazing work, and I can’t wait to celebrate the winners in November.” RAB president and CEO Erica Farber adds, “Every year, the Radio Mercury Awards shines a light on the best of the best in radio creative, and this year is no different. This year’s finalists showcase a wonderful range of audio work that leverages the medium and delivers for the advertiser.” The Radio Mercury Awards winners will be presented at 6:00 pm ET on November 17 during a virtual ceremony. See more at www.radiomercuryawards.com.
Cumulus Media Creates Audio Active Group. The company calls the new division “an audio media and creative advisory group for marketers and agencies.” The Audio Active Group is being led by Pierre Bouvard, chief insights officer of CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One and that this is the “natural evolution from a sponsor-focused research and insights group to a true comprehensive marketing advisory. The company says the Audio Active Group partners with clients to measure the impact of the entire audio campaign (not just the CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One investment), specializing in
the following areas: 1) Audio creative best practices: Advising on the development and testing of sonic logos and advertising creative; offering recommendations on how to optimize and enhance current creative; advising on how to 
deploy new creative strategies to meet campaign objectives; 2) Media planning: Providing recommendations on daypart mix, flighting, weight levels, podcast genres, and AM/FM radio programming formats to meet campaign objectives, based on audience analytics; 3) Strategic allocation within audio: Advising on the right mix of ad-supported audio platforms; and 4) Measurement of the entire audio investment: Advising on the right approach for brands to measure campaign effectiveness, including brand lift, sales effect, and search and site attribution. Cumulus EVP, marketing and president, Westwood One Suzanne Grimes states, “One-third of brands in audio today are new to the medium. As major brands discover audio, they have lots of questions about audio creative strategy, media planning, and campaign measurement, and we have a deep understanding of what audio campaigns can accomplish. Under Pierre’s deft leadership, we are the only company that measures the impact of the entire audio investment and uses our trove of creative-testing and campaign-effectiveness data to help guide clients’ media investments and creative strategy.”
Cumulus Media Wichita Falls Offices Burglarized Overnight. According to a report from Texomashomepage.com, the offices and studios of Cumulus Media on Call Field Road in Wichita Falls, Texas were burglarized sometime early this morning (9/28). The story notes that the Wichita Falls Police Department responded to a call from a Cumulus employee who arrived early this morning to find the building had been “burglarized and ransacked.” Authorities say “there is extensive damage to the office areas of Cumulus Media and Henderson Appraisals.” Additionally, a station vehicle was stolen from the parking lot.
COVID-19, Biden’s Infrastructure and Spending Plans, Debt Ceiling Issue, Afghanistan Withdrawal Hearing, Border Crisis, Trump Georgia Rally, Chips and Labor Shortage, and R. Kelly Conviction Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/27). The rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., boosters, and mask & vaccine mandates; this week’s debates on President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure plan and his $3.5 trillion spending plan; the battle over the U.S. debt ceiling and a possible government shutdown; today’s congressional testimony from Pentagon brass about the withdrawal from Afghanistan; the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and the status of Haitian migrants; former President Donald Trump’s weekend rally in Georgia and his role in the GOP; the global silicon chip shortage, supply chain woes, and the labor shortage; and singer R. Kelly is convicted of sex trafficking charges were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pioneering Radio Programmer Christine Cooper Spindel Dies at 97. The Memphis Commercial Appeal has the obituary of former WDIA, Memphis programmer Christine Cooper Spindel, who passed away in Urbana, Illinois last week at the age of 97. As her daughter Carol Spindel states, Christine Cooper Spindel was a pioneer both as a female program director at WDIA in 1948 and for hiring an all-Black programming staff. Spindel appeared in Martin Scorsese’s 2003 PBS documentary, “The Blues,” to talk about her role in hiring the Black DJ staff that included legendary bluesman B.B. King. Memphis music historian Robert Gordon is quoted in Bob Mehr’s story saying, “Instead of caving in to the racist pressures all around her, she persisted, and we as a city — and also we as blues lovers — all benefitted. Chris Spindel is evidence of how ordinary citizens have the power to change the world.” The story goes on to say, “In 1948, WDIA was still a small struggling outlet, when [co-owner Bert] Ferguson, Spindel and the station’s production head Don Kern decided to take a risk and hire Nat D. Williams, a Black high school history and social studies teacher, to host an afternoon program directed at Memphis’ large Black radio audience. ‘It was an unprecedented thing to do. Although Black people were accepted as entertainers… to put a Black man on the air was actually to empower Black people. They could speak in their own right,’ recalled Spindel. ‘I heard this phrase a lot and I deplore the phrase, “We must keep these people in their place” and their place was not in front of a microphone. It was to be subservient to the white community. But we tried to change that.’”
Friday, September 10, 2021
NOW POSTED: This Weekend’s Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The latest installment of the one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. This new episode titled, “Mandates and Milestones,” looks back at this past week of 9/6 – 9/10. The program features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Dan Mandis, talk show host/program director, WWTN-FM, Nashville; Kyle Bailey, news director, program director, anchor, KQEN, Roseburg, OR; Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, talk show host, Compass Media Networks; Claire Carter, health and social commentator, Good For You Radio; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. The show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; KTLK-FM, St. Louis; WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WTRW-FM, Scranton/Wilkes Barre, PA; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, DE; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; WCED, DuBois, PA; K-NEWS 101.3, Owensboro, KY; WWTK, Sebring, FL; WSAR-AM/FM, Fall River, MA; WIZM-AM/FM, La Crosse, WI; WMVA, Martinsville, VA; KQEN, Roseburg, OR; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; CRN Digital Talk Radio Network; the iHeart Podcast Network; Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
WABC, New York Presents ‘9/11 – 20 Years Later.’ New York City news/talk outlet WABC, in conjunction with Tunnel to Towers, is presenting two days of programming called, “9/11 – 20 Years Later,” in commemoration of the anniversary of the terror attacks. The Red Apple Media-owned station is airing the programming today (9/10) and tomorrow (9/11) on WABC and on WLIF-FM, Long Island. The two days will feature
listener remembrances and guests who were on the front lines on 9/11, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former New York Governor George Pataki, former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, and former Fire Department of New York Commissioner Thomas Von Essen. Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “9/11 was the day everyone in America became a New Yorker. We witnessed the tragedy of lost lives and the courage of our first responders as they raced into the burning towers. We experienced the best in leadership from Rudy, George, and Bernie, and I thank them for joining us as WABC remembers 9/11, 20 years later.” WABC will report live audio and video from the St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine at 7:30 pm tonight when the Shrine’s translucent marble dome will be illuminated. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is the only house of worship at the World Trade Center and the only one that was destroyed in the attacks on 9/11. It includes a non-denominational bereavement center and is open to everyone of all faiths.
Sean Hannity Celebrates 20 Years in National Syndication. As TALKERS magazine noted on Tuesday when we reported Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Sean Hannity had surpassed the 650-affiliate mark, he is also celebrating his 20th year in syndication today (9/10). Hannity’s program launched the
day before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2021. Since that time, Hannity has climbed to the #1 spot on TALKERS magazine’s annual feature, “The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” (a.k.a. The Heavy Hundred), he’s been honored by the NAB with two Marconi Awards for “Nationally Syndicated Personality of the Year” and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2017. He comments, “But for this audience, I would not be where I am today. I am humbled and grateful for the men and women who give me this microphone every day, and to the greatest country in the world, that allowed me the opportunity to pursue this dream. Thank you.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott adds, “Sean is one of the most talented personalities in all of talk radio, and we couldn’t be happier to mark this special milestone with him. His passion for talk radio and dedication to his audience continue to drive growth and success for our station and advertising partners.”
Round Two of August PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s August 2021 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s August survey period covered July 22 – August 18. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways. In Washington, DC, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM dips four-tenths for a 3.3 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) but moves up to the #10 rank while Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM adds four-tenths for 9.2 share and the #1 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston stays in the #9 rank after adding three-tenths for a 3.8 share while sister all-news WBZ-AM rises to the #3 rank on the strength of three-tenths rise and a 6.2 share finish. In Seattle, Bonneville’s news/talk KIRO-FM continues to hold down the #1 rank even though it lost a half share and finished with a 7.5 share. Meanwhile, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO-AM/FM also loses a half share for a 5.8 share finish but rises from #4 to #3. You can see Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets (as well as yesterday’s first round) here.
‘ESPN Chicago’ Names Winner of Small Business Contest. Sports talk outlet WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago,” in partnership with First Midwest Bank, announces that Chicago-based Amani Coffee is the winner of the “Giving a Small Business a Big Future” contest, that awards the purpose-driven company with a customized $50,000 advertising campaign to air on “ESPN 1000.” Amani Coffee was chosen based on its
dedication and passion to support its customers and communities. Founded in 2016, Amani Coffee brings organic coffee grown in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Chicagoland area via direct, personal relationships with the country’s farmers. The company operates with a focus on fostering sustainable farming and engages customers in its efforts to give back by donating 10% of every purchase to a nonprofit organization of the customer’s choice and 10% to Amani’s own charity, which builds infrastructure where its farmers live. To date, the company has built a school, created a clean water supply and provided better coffee process equipment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “ESPN Chicago” market manager Mike Thomas says, “We’re excited to offer Amani Coffee the chance to connect with the passionate Chicago area sports fans. ‘ESPN Chicago’ and First Midwest Bank are proud to support a local business, especially one who gives back to others in such a meaningful way. We’re looking forward to meeting with Amani Coffee and helping them continue to do great things in our community.”
Longtime Talk and Music Radio Personality Don Geronimo to Host Mornings on ‘Big 100’ in Washington. Washington, DC-area radio legend Don Geronimo returns to the market to host the morning drive show on iHeartMedia’s classic hits WBIG-FM “BIG 100,” effective September 23. Geronimo was most recently with iHeartMedia
Sacramento hosting “The Don Geronimo Podcast” from 2014 to 2019. He’s well known in DC for co-hosting “The Don & Mike Show” based at WJFK-FM from 1991 through 2008 and syndicated nationally by Westwood One for a period. He also worked at WAVA-FM in 1986 and WPGC-FM in 1980. Geronimo says, “I am thrilled to wake up with Washington D.C. on the iconic ‘BIG 100.’ I can’t wait to return to my hometown to host a morning show that engages our DC listeners, allowing them to participate in live show content and games while hearing the best classic rock.”
TALKERS News Notes. The Baltimore Sun names Urban One founder Cathy Hughes its 2021 Business and Civic Hall of Fame honoree. Quoted in the accompanying piece is
Emory University senior lecturer in film and media management Nsenga Burton, who says, “Cathy Hughes’ leadership in entertainment is unparalleled and has served as a model for many who have come behind her in the industries she represents. In a world where the term visionary is tossed around loosely, Cathy Hughes is in fact a visionary who helped change the media landscape and made room for women and African Americans as owners where there was previously little to none. She has a legacy that will continue to inform, entertain, influence and uplift well into the future.”…..On Monday (9/13), iHeartMedia chairman & CEO Bob Pittman
and president & COO Rich Bressler will take part in a Q&A session during the BofA Securities “2021 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference.” The session takes place at 2:20 pm ET and will be webcast live…..Cumulus Media announces a new podcast series for this fall titled, 
“Voices of Football,” on the “Just Getting Started with Rich Eisen” podcast. The first episode in the series features Al Michaels in “From Sun Devil to Sunday Night Football,” discussing the full span of his career and decades calling football play-by-play. Other episodes will feature sports media figures Joe Buck, Erin Andrews, Kevin Harlan, Jim Nantz, and Michael Strahan…..FOX Sports Radio, a division of Premiere Sports Network, announces its weekend lineup for the 2021 football season and adds some new talent and programs for this fall. First, Joy Taylor – co-host of the
“The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” – returns to host “The Joy Taylor Show” from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET Saturdays. FSR says, “Taylor’s distinctive opinions on the sports world will be on full display, in addition to conversations with insiders, players and experts.” Also, FSR adds podcast/radio show “Covino & Rich” – Steve Covino and Rich Davis – for the 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm slot. FSR VP of sports programming Scott Shapiro comments, “We’re thrilled to add Joy and ‘Covino & Rich’ to what’s already the best live weekend sports roster in the game. No matter what happens on the football field or beyond, FOX Sports Radio features instant reaction 24/7 with the most engaging and credible hosts in the space.”…..Former NFL offensive lineman Willie Colon joins the “Morning Men” show on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel alongside co-hosts Evan Cohen and Mike Babchik. Colon played with the Steelers and Jets during his career and after he retired, he joined Barstool Sports as a radio host for the “Barstool Breakfast” show on the Barstool Radio channel on SiriusXM.
Philly Sports Talker Big Daddy Graham Dies. Philadelphia television outlet WPVI-TV
“ABC 6” reports that longtime market sports radio personality Big Daddy Graham, a.k.a. Edward Gudonis, has died at 68. Although he’d been diagnosed with and beaten cancer in the past, in 2019 the longtime overnight host on Audacy’s sports talk WIP-FM was diagnosed with a blood clot on his spine that caused him to become paralyzed from the waist down and he never recovered from the illness.
COVID-19 Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 6-10. The topic of COVID-19, including vaccines, masks, kids in schools, and mandates combined as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Joe Biden’s presidential approval rating tied with the economy. Following at #3 was discussion about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
