You are here: Home » Archives for WWL
Tag: "WWL"
TALKERS | September 27, 2019
The WWL, New Orleans-Seth Dunlap Case Gets More Bizarre; Station Accuses Host of Extortion. According to coverage of this story in the Times-Picayune, the reason Entercom went from an internal investigation of the anti-gay slur tweet against sports talk host Seth Dunlap to turning it over to the police (as TALKERS reported yesterday), is because it believes Dunlap himself sent the text and is attempting to extort $1.85 million out of the company. The New Orleans police department says WWL believes the tweet was sent from Dunlap's cell phone. The police report also notes that the station is accusing Dunlap of threatening to go "scorched earth" over the matter and is demanding $1.85 million in order to get out of personal financial trouble. The station adds that it has been receiving letters regarding wage garnishment for Dunlap as creditors attempt to collect for unpaid credit card bills and personal loans. The police are currently working to corroborate WWL's conclusions. Right now, they are calling it a possible extortion case. Dunlap's lawyer, Megan Kiefer, says Dunlap didn't have access to the station's Twitter account and that the station is "attempting to blame the victim of its own anti-LGBT culture."
New KIRO-AM, Seattle Program Schedule Unveiled. As a result of the semi-retirement of longtime KIRO-AM personality Dave "The Groz" Grosby and the transition of the "Brock & Salk" morning show to a podcast, Bonneville's sports talk KIRO-AM, Seattle "710 ESPN" announces its new lineup, effective Monday (9/30). First, in afternoon drive, Bob Stelton moves from the early afternoon show to afternoon drive with Dave Wyman and Jim Moore for the "Bob, Dave and Moore" show. Stelton's departure from the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show results in Tom Wassell being joined in the daypart by Stacy Rost and Jake Heaps for the "Tom, Jake and Stacy" show. Rost is a Seahawks insider who has served as a writer and editor with 710Sports.com and host with KIRO-AM. Heaps played quarterback at BYU, Kansas and Miami. He had pro stints with the Jets and Seahawks and joined the station in 2018. That show will be produced by current "Brock & Salk" producer Kyle Brown. Taking over the 7:00 am to 10:00 am show is the "Danny and Gallant" program, featuring Danny O'Neil and Paul Gallant. O'Neil moves from his current afternoon drive role on the "Danny, Dave and Moore" show and Paul Gallant arrives from Houston where he'd most recently been hosting mornings at Entercom's KILT-AM. Jessamyn McIntyre will produce the "Danny and Gallant" program. Mike Salk leaves his daily show to focus on his program director role with the station but, as noted above, he and Brock Huard will produce a weekly podcast version of their show, beginning next week. As TALKERS reported previously, Grosby steps away from his daily show but will do a segment with John Clayton at 11:45 am and will serve as a guest host. He's also going to have an expanded role with 710Sports.com.
New Installment Posted of "The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation." The recently launched, 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 on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia's WONK-FM, Washington, DC (9/20). The new episode titled "Whistle a Yappy Tune!" looks back at this past explosive week of September 23-27, 2019. Recorded at this week's "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" radio row in Washington, DC, the show features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Dale Jackson, WVNN, Huntsville, AL; Michael Brown, KHOW, Denver; Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks; Casey Hendrickson, WRTC, South Bend, IN; Michael Patrick Leahy, WLAC, Nashville; Martha Zoller, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; Dan "Ox" Ochsner, KNSI, St. Cloud, MN; Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Fort Lauderdale/Miami; and John De Petro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as well as other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; and KBKW, Aberdeen, WA as a special week-in-review and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week's episode (and the program's complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
SRN's 'Battle for America's Soul' Tour Hits Phoenix. Pictured above are Salem Radio Network talk show hosts in Phoenix as SRN's "Battle for America's Soul" tour stopped at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. SRN says the sellout crowd of more than 1,000 heard the hosts discuss topics from impeachment to the culture wars. From left to right are: SRN hosts Larry Elder and Dr. Sebastian Gorka, two unidentified KKNT, Phoenix listeners, Twitchy.com founder Michelle Malkin, and moderator/SRN talk host Mike Gallagher.
Seen and Heard at the Radio Show. TALKERS magazine special features correspondent Jeff McKay reports from the 2019 NAB/RAB Radio Show in Dallas. He says Thursday's sessions focused on podcasting and sales, culminating in the annual Marconi Awards ceremony. He notes that 139 students interested in radio and media from across the country attended the Radio Show as part of the Broadcast Education Association's mentoring program. Executive director Heather Birks says of the 400 or so students who've taken part in the last five years, 75% are now working in media and about 50% are working in radio. Read Jeff McKay's report here.
2019 Marconi Award Winners Honored. At last night's awards dinner at the 2019 NAB/RAB Radio Show, the Marconi's were handed out. Spoken-word winners of this year's honors include: Hubbard Radio's WTOP-FM, Washington for Major Market Station of the Year; Bonneville's KIRO-FM, Seattle for News/Talk Station of the Year; and Beasley Media's WBZ-FM, Boston for Sports Station of the Year. WBZ-FM's "Felger and Massarotti" – Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti – were honored with the Major Market Personality of the Year award. WRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York "Radio Hofstra University" was honored with the "College Station of the Year" award. See all the winners here.
TALKERS News Notes. Journalist Katie Couric is hosting an iHeartRadio Original podcast titled, "Next Question with Katie Couric." The show becomes part of iHeartMedia's iHeartPodcast Network and will "explore some of today's most important issues and transformative trends through insightful and engaging conversations that span news, politics, and pop culture." Topics addressed in the 12 episodes include: ABC's of CBD, Jennifer Garner's foray into entrepreneurship, whether ageism is the last socially acceptable "ism," the eSports universe, and a conversation with a former white supremacist who now works to deradicalize others…..SiriusXM announces the launch of "The Johnny Carson Channel," on October 1. The month-long special programming will feature the top, handpicked episodes of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." The programs will highlight notable classic moments, including the first "Tonight Show" stand-up appearances by Jerry Seinfeld (1981), Jay Leno (1977), and Ellen DeGeneres (1986), and Eddie Murphy (1982). There are also interviews with Lucille Ball, Muhammad Ali, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Billy Crystal, and Oprah Winfrey.
The Impeachment Inquiry Is the Top News/Talk Story for the Week of September 23-27. The Democrats decision to begin an impeachment inquiry against President Trump was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Ukraine phone conversation flap. Coming in at #3 was immigration reform, followed by the UN General Assembly and climate change tied at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week's entire chart here.
Sports Talk and Album Rock Radio Pioneer Richard Neer Is This Week's Guest on Harrison Podcast. There have been a number of stories these past couple of weeks from the world of popular culture. They include the milestone of Bruce Springsteen reaching his 70th birthday and the impact of his political outspokenness on how his fans might view him. The deaths of rock stars Ric Ocasek and Eddie Money – also in their seventies; the disturbing saga of football wide receiver Antonio Brown; and the growing popularity in the podcasting world of the "true crime" genre. WFAN, New York, sports talk personality Richard Neer is this week's guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series "The Michael Harrison Interview." Harrison describes Neer as "one of my oldest and best friends… and one of my top go-to guys on the subjects of sports, music and crime." Neer has been a sports talk show host on WFAN in New York since 1988. He is also a pioneer of album rock radio having worked in the golden era at WLIR on Long Island and WNEW-FM in New York. He wrote the milestone book about rock radio titled FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard, 2001) and has a growing following of fans for his series of murder mysteries featuring the ongoing adventures of Riley King, Private Investigator. To listen to the podcast in its entirety please click here or click on the player box marked "The Michael Harrison Interview" located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air personality Joe "Flu Season" Lewis joins Cumulus Media as afternoon host and programming assistant at urban contemporary KTCX, Beaumont, Texas "Magic 102.5." He was most recently the evening host at Cumulus' WLZN-FM, Macon, Georgia. KTCX program director Kelly Mac says, "Joe is a passionate, multi-skilled on-air talent who brings an array of experience to the table. He not only gets the on-air aspect of radio, but strongly embraces the community as well as the digital, imaging, and branding aspect of radio, which made him a perfect fit for this role. I look forward to watching him grow and succeed with the Cumulus team."…..Leaving his brand/content director post with Hubbard Radio's adult hits WARH-FM, St. Louis "106.5 The Arch" for a yet-to-be-revealed position is programming pro Scott Roddy. He joined the station in February of 2016…..Below is Premiere Networks personality Amy Brown (right) with Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott (left). Scott appeared on the "4 Things with Amy Brown" podcast to talk about the band's new album and the single, "Ocean." She's also a guest on Scott's weekend radio program, "Women of iHeartCountry."
TALKERS | November 14, 2017
New Entercom Names Format Captains; Newman, Butler and Chernoff to Lead Spoken-Word Formats. When the Entercom–CBS RADIO merger closes – as early as this Friday (11/17) – format captains for the new company will be in place. The spoken -word formats will continue to be led by Diane Newman (talk), Steve Butler (all-news), and Mark Chernoff (sports). Newman is the longtime operations manager and program director for Entercom's WWL, New Orleans. Butler is director of news and programming at KYW, Philadelphia and vice president of news radio for CBS RADIO. Chernoff is the longtime program director at WFAN-AM/FM, New York who also holds the vice president of programming title. Other format captains include: Jimmy Gonzalez – Spanish Language, Brian Kelly – Top 40, Michael Martin – Alternative, Mike Moore – Country, Nikki Nite – Adult Contemporary, Dave Richards – Rock/Classic Rock, Reggie Rouse – Urban, Jim Ryan – Classic Hits, and Steve Salhany – Hot Adult Contemporary. Michael Martin will continue in his role as SVP of programming and music initiatives in the new organization. Format captains will report to president of programming Pat Paxton and EVP of programming Chris Oliviero. Paxton comments, "We are excited about the best-in-class programming team we are building at Entercom. This talented team of experts has the skills and experience to take our live, original and local audio content to new heights and compete at the highest level in the media industry."
Report: Trio of Carlin, Scott and Gray to Take Over Afternoons on WFAN. The stories in the New York media – Newsday and the New York Daily News – indicate an official announcement from WFAN, New York could come today (11/14) regarding the fate of the afternoon drive show after Mike Francesa's departure next month. They are reporting that current WIP-FM, Philadelphia afternoon personality Chris Carlin and former New York Jets player Bart Scott will team up with SI.com and CBS Sports Radio staffer Maggie Gray for the new show. WFAN program director Mark Chernoff had no comment on the reports, according to both papers. The stories also indicate that NBC Sports' Chris Simms and the NFL Network's Kimberly Jones both turned down offers by the station to be part of the new program.
Michael Savage Pens New Book: God, Faith and Reason. Nationally syndicated talk show host Michael Savage says this new book is a result of his own spiritual journey and his belief that God wants us to question things. On his website, Savage says that publisher Hachette asked him to write another book after his last release, Trump's War: His Battle for America. He says he agreed on the condition that he could "dedicate my next book to God, who has given me everything." He also says, "I'm not a holy guy, I'm not a holy roller, I'm not an evangelist. I'm not better than the next man, I'm just really talking about my odyssey. I'm still questioning myself and my existence. What's it all about? I believe God wants us to question." See more here.
Roy Moore Allegations, Uranium One/Clinton Foundation Investigation, GOP Tax Plan, North Korea Nukes/U.S. Carrier Exercises, Saudi Arabia-Iran Tensions, Roger Goodell-Jerry Jones Battle, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/13). The allegations of contact with underage girls against Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore; Republicans' request to investigate possible connections between the Uranium One deal and the Clinton Family Foundation; the details of the Republican tax reform plan; North Korea's nuclear program and the presence of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region participating in drills with South Korea and Japan; tensions in the Middle East as Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of fomenting war; speculation that Jerry Jones leaked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's new contract requests in an effort put him in a bad light; 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.
Democrats Request Probe into FCC's Treatment of Sinclair. With the proposed acquisition of Tribune Media's 42 television stations by Sinclair Broadcast Group (owner of 193 TV stations) hanging in the balance, U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Elijah Cumming (D-MD) are asking the FCC's inspector general to look into whether FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is giving favor to Sinclair because of its perceived conservative slant. As Reuters reports, the advocacy group Free Press stated in an FCC filing that Sinclair's stations "air pro-Trump propaganda" and then seek favors from the administration. Politico published a piece purporting that Sinclair struck a deal with then-candidate Donald Trump to get access in exchange for favorable coverage from its news departments. While this is largely a TV story, Sinclair owns three radio stations in Seattle it acquired in the Fisher deal. Two of them are all-news KOMO-AM/FM and news/talk KVI. Tribune owns Chicago news/talk WGN-AM.
KIDO, Boise's Kevin Miller Talking Turkey. For the sixth consecutive year, KIDO, Boise morning drive personality Kevin Miller is living outside a local Walmart for an entire week to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger and to get donations to benefit the Boise Rescue Mission. Pictured above, Miller is dressed in a turkey suit while being interviewed by KTVB-TV's Larry Gebert. Over the past six years, Miller has helped raise more than $400,000 in cash, food, and clothing.
TALKERS News Notes. In recognition of the current "Saturday Night Live" exhibition at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, Tribune's WGN Radio will be doing a series of live broadcasts from the museum. Next Tuesday (11/21), the Steve Cochran morning show will produce a remote broadcast that will include special guests and former "SNL" cast members Nora Dunn, Tim Kazurinsky and Julia Sweeney. Later in January and February, "The Bill and Wendy Show," "The John Williams Show," and "The Roe Conn Show with Anna Davlantes" will also originate live broadcasts from the "SNL" exhibit at the museum…..Crawford Broadcasting Company announces the addition of WMUZ-AM, Taylor, Michigan "1200 The Salt" to its lineup of Christian stations in the Detroit area. The company says the station will be ministry talk, featuring local and national pastors and teachers, including Alistair Begg and Dr. David Jeremiah…..The Coffee With Kenobi podcasting network is joining BlogTalkRadio, moving some four years of shows to the platform. Creator of the Star Wars-themed podcast outfit Dan Z says, "We are thrilled to bring members of our Coffee With Kenobi family network to BlogTalkRadio. If you love analysis and Star Wars conversation, this is the podcast you're looking for!"
Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air and programming pro Rich DeSisto is appointed to the program director position at Beasley Media Group's adult contemporary WJBR-FM, Wilmington, Delaware. DeSisto has been serving Beasley as APD and afternoon personality at adult hits WBEN-FM, Philadelphia and as a weekend jock on classic rock WMGK (a role he'll continue). The company says that DeSisto has spent most of his 30-year radio career in the region, working at such stations as WYSP-FM, Q104.3-FM, WPST-FM, WZXL-FM and WSJO-FM. In addition, DeSisto served as the director of programming of the WMGM-FM/WJSE-FM/WTKU-FM cluster in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Beasley VP/market manager AJ Lurie says, "I have learned to hire people brighter than myself, and Rich is one of those people!"…..iHeartMedia promotes Jacob "Tight Pants" Bowling to assistant program director, music director and afternoon personality for alternative rock KTHR, Wichita "ALT 107.3," effective November 20. iHeartMedia Wichita SVP of programming Jim Dorman says, "We are very excited at what 'Tight Pants' will be bringing to Wichita. His work ethic and passion for music is second to none and I am looking forward to working with him on 'ALT 107.3.' He truly deserves this promotion."…..Curtis Media Group brings Morgan Thomas back to the Raleigh market to host the morning show on adult hits WBBB-FM "96.1 BBB." Thomas co-hosted the successful "Mike & Morgan" show on the company's country WQDR from 2001 through 2004. She left the market to take on the morning co-host role at KSON, San Diego, working there until 2010. Station SVP/general manager David Stuckey says, "Morgan is a proven major market personality and I am very pleased to welcome her back to Raleigh on '96.1 BBB.'"…..This year's "The Night Before" show at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul (the night before Super Bowl LII) will feature the Dave Matthews Band. CBS RADIO and On Location Experiences are co-producing the show…..Content producer and syndicator Westwood One is presenting 12 holiday-themed, weekend music specials for affiliate stations to air from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas weekend. The first is the four-hour "A Thanksgiving Weekend Celebration with Chris Young." Christmas-themed shows are being hosted by such stars as Brett Eldredge, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Kelly Clarkson, Dave Koz, and more…..iHeartMedia's Phoenix adult contemporary signal KEZ brings the Premiere Networks syndicated "Delilah" show back to the program schedule for the evening daypart.
TALKERS | July 10, 2017
Entercom/CBS Radio Divulges Senior Management. Based on a memo from Entercom president/chief executive officer David Field, we are getting a clearer picture of the combined giant's management team, but, as Field stresses, until everything becomes official, Entercom and CBS Radio remain separate companies. "I want to express my appreciation to everyone for their patience as we work through this process," he writes. "We all want to see the deal close as quickly as possible, but these large mergers just take time. I am pleased to report that we are right on schedule and hard at work, making great progress in every area required to complete our merger successfully. There is nothing more important to our future success than the quality of our people. We have spent a great deal of time working to build a 'best in class' team composed of highly talented, high performance stars from CBS Radio and Entercom, plus a number of newcomers from outside of the industry who bring new perspectives and capabilities. The list is a work-in-progress and in the weeks ahead, as planning continues, we will announce additional members of the leadership team, as well as information on a wide range of other important topics as we continue to prepare for this game-changing event." In alphabetical order, executives include: JD Crowley (EVP/digital); Mike Dee (president/sports); Michael Doyle (regional president and president/sales operations); Ruth Gaviria (chief marketing officer); Weezie Kramer (chief operating officer); Chris Oliviero (EVP/programming); Pat Paxton (president/programming); Bob Philips (chief revenue officer); Rich Schmaeling (chief financial officer); and Andrew Sutor (SVP/general counsel). Field adds, "I also want to add a special word of recognition to Scott Herman, who has done a terrific job over so many years in various leadership roles at CBS, culminating in his current position as chief operating officer. While we are disappointed that Scott will be moving on to pursue other personal and professional endeavors, we greatly respect his outstanding leadership contributions to the organization. "In addition, I want to share some further information on our programming leadership. Pat Paxton will oversee the music brands and Chris Oliviero will oversee the news/talk/sports brands. They will be working collaboratively, along with the programming team across the country to ensure that we continue to develop outstanding brands with the best personalities and content for our listeners nationwide."
Cox Media Group Atlanta Taps Turcotte To Be GSM. Inbound from Midwest Communications Nashville where he was general sales manager, Mark Turcotte will join Cox Media Group Atlanta later this month (7/31) in a similar capacity. Cox Media Group Atlanta director of sales Jaleigh Long comments, "Mark Turcotte has an exceptional track record for converting vision into sales strategy and execution. This is the perfect time for Mark to join Atlanta's talented sales leadership team." Turcotte adds, "A return to Atlanta and Cox Media Group at arguably the most successful radio cluster in the country is such a tremendous honor. The values of the company and their leadership align perfectly with those I have tried to emulate throughout my career. This is a great opportunity to work with folks I consider to be among the absolute best in the profession." With their May 2017 6+ Nielsen Audio PPM stats and rankings in parenthesis, Cox Media Group Atlanta includes news/talk WSB-AM (8.6, #1 for the 17th straight ratings period); classic hits-oldies WSRV "Classic Hits 97.1 The River" (6.7, #2); urban AC WALR "Kiss 104.1 – Atlanta's R&B" (6.3, #4); and adult contemporary WSB-FM "B-98.5" (4.2, #10).
Kaufman Joins Cumulus Media As SVP, Revenue/Operations. Based in New York City, John Kaufman is named to Cumulus Media's newly-created position of senior vice president, revenue strategy and operations. According to Cumulus Media president and chief executive officer Mary Berner, "John's strategic and operational expertise [as well as his] deep understanding of the critical function that pricing and inventory management plays in maximizing revenue will be a tremendous asset to our operations. In this new leadership role, he will increase the company's revenue management capabilities through intelligent and attractive pricing strategies and systems. John will support our team of more than 900 sales professionals in 90 markets as they serve our advertisers with local impact and national reach." Kaufman remarks, "Seeing all the great change underway at Cumulus, I am so pleased to be joining Mary and her leadership team at this exciting time. I look forward to helping the company continue in its evolution." With an undergraduate degree from Cornell University and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, Kaufman was senior vice president of business operations for iHeartMedia, later advancing to president of business ops there. Three years ago, he started JK Steele Consulting and a year later was president and chief operating officer of start-up company ParcMate. Prior to that, he was executive vice president of revenue management & electronic marketing at Extended Stay Hotels and vice president of global revenue management for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Robinette Retires From WWL. Having hosted the three-hour (10:00 am – 1:00 pm) "Think Tank" on Entercom New Orleans news/talk WWL for the last 12 years, Garland Robinette is retiring. Off the air since mid-April battling pneumonia, Robinette will pursue his interest in painting. "Never did I think a boy from the swamps with little education could travel the world, meet presidents, kings, movie stars and see places I had only read and dreamed about," Robinette reflects. "If we do come back to this world for multiple lifetimes, I think I'm in trouble because I've used up all my luck in this one. Ironically, even those of you who disliked me helped me. One thing I always tried to do was listen to people who disagreed, and in a large percentage of those debates, you were right and I was wrong. Each of those debates was a learning experience of which I emerged a little bit better educated, a little bit better able to see the world not as I wanted, but as it is." WWL vice president and general manager Chris Claus remarks, "Garland means so much to WWL, to our community, and to the region. His voice, his leadership and undying passion will be greatly missed." Operations and program director Diane Newman adds, "Magic happens on WWL when the talent is as big as the stage – Garland was that magic. He brought wisdom, passion, and guts to WWL at a time when our city, state, and region needed leadership. He was the voice of the people during Hurricane Katrina, the aftermath and recovery. From that microphone, he drove the recovery and rebirth, speaking truth to power and accepting nothing less than the change necessary to protect and preserve the jewel that is New Orleans." Prior to joining WWL in 2005 to replace the late David Tyree, Robinette was a 20-year news anchor/reporter for WWL-TV, New Orleans and headed a public relations firm. He and co-anchor Angela Hill were married in 1978 and were divorced nine years later, but continued their on-air partnership.
WODT Set to Expand Local Programming. In addition to Garland Robinette retiring from Entercom-owned news/talk WWL, New Orleans (see above), there's more industry news from the Louisiana market as – starting next Monday (7/17) – iHeartMedia's WODT "Fox Sports 1280" will quintuple its locally-originated programming to ten hours per day. The 8:00 am – 10:00 am slot will be filled by Chris Gordy, who will continue as assistant program director of co-owned KBME "Sports Talk 790," Houston. Hosted by New Orleans Times-Picayune writers Jeff Duncan and Larry Holder, "Dunc & Holder: Smart Sports Talk for Serious Fans," will follow from 10:00 am -12:00 noon. Another KBME, Houston staffer – Baton Rouge native Josh Innes – will oversee WODT's 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm block. Based at Delta Media Lafayette's KLWB "103.7 The Game," former LSU basketball player/current football sideline reporter Jordy Hultberg is added at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, while Kaare Johnson remains in-place from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. The remainder of the WODT schedule, including Clay Travis (5:00 am – 8:00 am), will be filled by Fox Sports Radio network programming.
Remembering Claude Hall. Broadcasters of a certain era were fond of saying they had truly "made it in the business" when Claude Hall mentioned their name in his Billboard Magazine "Vox Jox" column. Just as we were approaching our deadline last Friday (7/7), TALKERS broke the news that – owing to injuries suffered from a fall earlier last week – Hall had died at Sunrise Medical Center in Las Vegas. Prior to his death, he continued "Vox Jox" in partnership with talk show host/radio station owner Rollye James as a weekly online newsletter specializing in the activities of older and retired radio broadcasters (www.voxjox.org). Among those commenting on Hall's death was Randy West, who explains, "Claude had been in ill health for several years. He was an author of fiction books and non-fiction radio texts, and a great friend of the airwaves. He was beloved by hundreds of [on-air personalities] and returned that love by continuing to network and make connections among the survivors of radio's greatest era. Claude took a whole era of radio with him. He championed, celebrated, honored, and escalated the business." As Russ DiBello points out, Hall "took a series of scattered jobs, and with a gossip column, morphed them into a profession. That guy doing overnights in Boise whom you'd never met was now your colleague. If you never heard the stations in a market, you still had a good idea of what was going on in various outposts of American radio. Stations everywhere knew where the hot programming talent was hanging out, and whenever they moved, their creativity would cross-pollinate the industry with bits and air talents that would become the norm in programming and production. If all that doesn't convince you, think of how many more columns like that – which were spinoffs of 'Vox Jox' – popped-up in other publications in subsequent years." Lee Arnold adds, "To those of us in the record and radio business, Claude Hall was not just a legendary journalist, but a wonderful human being that spent most of his life promoting all that we hold dear in this business that we love. Claude, thank you for your friendship – you will be missed." Mark Driscoll states, "Our industry lost a wonderful caring man who so loved broadcasting. I for one am devastated. May God bless Claude Hall's soul." Others noting Hall's passing included Dan O'Day, who admits, "I don't have the words to express my sadness as well as my gratitude to Claude" and Anita Bonita emphasizing, "Rest in peace, sir – you absolutely made a difference." Clark Smidt succinctly described Hall as, "The Master." Talkers publisher Michael Harrison recalls, "There was once a time when Claude Hall was the major source of all information pertaining to the radio industry. He is the founding father of the style of radio trade publishing that has set the tone of this business for the past five decades. I am lucky to have known him and remember what a thrill it was to appear in his columns back when I was a young PD in my 20s. His love of radio and contributions to this industry are incalculable – he's number one with a bullet." In February 2016, Hall wrote his own obituary and accidentally sent it to all his friends. His son – Andrew Clark Hall – shares that obit, complete with empty blanks. "Claude Hall, who was born in Brady, Texas and attended high school in nearby Winters, died of heart complications _(day)_____ at his home in Las Vegas. He was (age). The highlight of his career was 14 years with Billboard Magazine. Although he covered the news in music and radio, he was mostly known for a column called 'Vox Jox,' that was widely read in the United States and Canada and translated and read throughout Brazil. It was even read behind the then Iron Curtain and on islands in the South Pacific. Hall entered the University of Texas shortly after being discharged from the U.S. Army. He had served in Germany shortly after World War II. He graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 1958. His first newspaper job was with the El Paso Herald-Post, but he quit after a few months and hitchhiked to New York City. He spent two years on a trade magazine, American Druggist, published by Hearst, then two years with Cavalier, then a man's adventure magazine published by Fawcett. Married and with a young son, he and his wife Barbara (she'd worked for Dr. Joyce Brothers at NBC) spent two years in New Orleans. He worked on the Times-Picayune, then considered one of America's finest newspapers, and his wife finished up her master's degree from Columbia University. Later, he landed a position with Billboard in New York where he was named radio-TV editor and spent the next 14 years. He also created and organized the International Radio Programming Forum for 10 years. After Billboard, he earned a master's degree in education at a small Christian university in Oklahoma while serving as the school's director of public relations. With his degree, he joined the State University of New York at Brockport as a journalism and public relations professor where he taught the next eight years before retiring. He has since authored more than two dozen novels. He and Barbara also wrote This Business of Radio Programming, considered by many to be the best book on radio programming ever written and once adopted as a textbook by 22 major universities. His books are available via Amazon Kindle Books. He leaves a wife and sons John, Darryl, and Andy. Two brothers and a sister previously passed on."
Matt Patrick: Update. It was just last Friday (7/7) that we reported that KTRH, Houston morning drive personality Matt Patrick (real name Michael Ryan) had announced to his audience that he was ending treatment for an aggressive case of esophageal cancer. Sadly, after that two-year battle, Patrick passed away yesterday (Sunday, 7/9) in Katy, Texas; he was 58 years old. This news coincides with his six-year anniversary at the iHeartMedia news/talk station. Patrick was diagnosed with Stage IV mucosal melanoma on September 11, 2015. The Cleveland-born broadcaster earned a degree in psychology from John Carroll University and was a two-time Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee. Prior to KTRH, he worked for almost 30 years at WKDD, Akron, followed by stints at WLW, Cincinnati and WTAM, Cleveland. Rubber City Radio Group vice president/director of operations Sue Wilson Cordle declares, "Matt was the voice of Akron. He woke us up for so many years as morning show host at WKDD. I was honored to work with him when we first changed WKDD from mellow rock to top 40. He was originally on middays in 1981, and then quickly moved to mornings where he remained for three decades. He will be missed so much. Thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing." He is survived by (among others) his wife of 15 years, Paula; their son Jake; daughters Alexandra Ryan and Alanna Ryan; mother Marie; step-father John Drummond; and sisters Maureen Shell and Colleen Ryan Neubauer. A memorial service will be held in Houston, followed by a private family service and burial in Ohio.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/10) with Vince Benedetto, Ron Hartenbaum and Karen Hunter. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are the "Welcoming Remarks" by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O' Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation "You HAVE Options" by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the "Fireside Chat" between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the "Fireside Chat" between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation "The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio" by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation "Podcasting and Local Radio" by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first in a series of three consecutive "one-on-one" sessions discussing the topic "Maximizing Talk Radio's Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue" beginning with a conversation between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman (facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter). Today (7/10), the second in that series has been posted featuring Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto in conversation with DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum. Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
Scully to Receive ESPY Icon Award. After having spent the past 67 seasons as the play-by-play voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the legendary Vin Scully called it quits when the 2016 season ended. Scully will be presented with the Icon Award at The 25th ESPYS. The honor is given to individuals whose careers have left a lasting impression on the sports world; actor Bryan Cranston will make the presentation to Scully. Easily one of the country's best-known broadcasters, Scully started with the Dodgers when the franchise was located in Brooklyn. His career with the team marks the longest tenure of any broadcast with a single professional sports organization. Hosted by Peyton Manning, The ESPYS will be televised on ABC-TV this Wednesday (7/12) from Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater.
Confer Radio Talent Institute Begins Today. This is the fourth annual such "institute" at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Today's headliner (Monday, 7/10) is Cumulus Media and Westwood One chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard. Handling the closing session in ten days will be Forever Media Group partner Kerby Confer, who comments, "We want to make a difference; to give back; and give this next generation a good firm foundation in how radio, television, and the internet work. We are going to birth a whole new generation of radio people." National Radio Talent System founder/president Dan Vallie remarks, "This is the radio talent farm that we in the industry have always said we needed. It is true today more than ever." Those in charge of leading sessions come from entities that include Beasley Media Group, CBS Radio, Cumulus, Entercom, Forever Media Group, iHeartMedia, and Seven Mountains Media. Various aspects of the medium will be addressed from sales to on-air; sports; news; production; promotions; digital; social media; and engineering. Students with a desire and drive to be in radio were accepted from nine different universities including Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Ohio University, Pennsylvania State University, Robert Morris University, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna University, and Temple University.
Haze Adds KMYI PD Duties. Effective immediately, KMYI "Star 94.1," San Diego afternoon drive host Joe Haze is elevated to program director of the iHeartMedia hot AC. In addition to his new assignment, Haze will continue programming co-owned mainstream CHR KHTS "Channel 93.3." Senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia's San Diego-Riverside region Rob Scorpio notes, "Haze has been instrumental in the success of 'Channel 93.3' since its inception. His passion for CHR and hot AC, along with his knowledge and experience, make him the ideal choice to continue [KMYI's] dominance in the San Diego market." Haze – who will carry on in PM drive on "Star 94.1" – comments, "I am very grateful to have the opportunity to program two powerful, iconic brands like 'Star 94.1' and 'Channel 93.3.' To be able to further my career in a market like San Diego is amazing." Haze previously did nights at 'Channel 93.3' and he has worked in Phoenix (KZZP) and Jacksonville (WAPE and WJBT).
Steele Sets Sights on Washington. At a Houston press conference, author, lecturer and a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame – Dayna Steele – has announced her candidacy for the congressional seat in Texas' 36th district. She received an on-stage endorsement from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joan Jett, who wore a "Dayna Steele For Congress" tee-shirt. "Joan did a very brave thing for me," remarks Steele. "People with the courage to speak out are what inspired me to [seek this] office in the first place." The former KLOL, Houston on-air talent and Seabrook, Texas resident will run as an independent Democrat. Steele is the author/publisher of the "101 Ways to Rock Your World" series and other books including: "LinkedIn: 101 Ways To Rock Your Personal Brand"; "101 Ways to Rock Your World: Everyday Activities for Success Every Day"; "Rock to the Top: What I Learned About Success from the World's Greatest Rock Stars"; "Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine"; "Havana: 101 Ways to Rock Your World in Cuba"; "Welcome to College: 101 Ways to Rock Your World": "In the Classroom: 101 Ways to Rock Your World for Teachers"; and "On the Golf Course: 101 Ways to Rock Your World."
KSSX On-Air Lineup Adjusted. Starting today (7/11), iHeartMedia San Diego rhythmic CHR KSSX "Jam'n 95.7" music director/afternoon drive talent Frankie V moves to mornings, where he'll team with current AM drive co-host Tati Pelegreen, while morning co-host Pablo Sato segues to afternoons. Meanwhile, Nina Chantele – who does afternoons on co-owned Los Angeles urban contemporary KRRL "Real 92.3" – adds a daily mid-day assignment on KSSX; Beto Perez will do night duty on "Jam'n." According to iHeartMedia San Diego-Riverside vice president of programming Rob Scorpio, "In the last year, 'Jam'n 95.7' has experienced significant growth. With Frankie V and Tati in mornings; Nina in middays; and Pablo in afternoons, we expect to take over the market." Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio's May 2017 PPM, KSSX ranks #14, registering a 3.1 for the third time in the last four sweeps.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, "Country Countdown USA" host Lon Helton is resting at home ….. As of now, the event's location is still a "top-secret," but iHeartMedia Nashville CHR WRVW "107.5 The River" is sponsoring a Demi Lovato-hosted "House Party" this Wednesday (7/12) to celebrate the singer's "Sorry Not Sorry" single due out tomorrow (7/11). Lovato has two billion combined total streams and a social media following of over 153 million ….. Formerly with Alpha Media Louisville urban contemporary WGBZ "B-96," Lashonda "Tropikana" Hatch joins Radio One St. Louis' similarly-formatted WHHL "Hot 104.1" as music director/afternoon drive talent. In addition, "Tropikana" will voice-track for Radio One-owned stations in Cincinnati (WIZF "The Wiz 101.1"); Cleveland (WENZ "Z-107.9"); and Columbus (WCKX "Power 107.5"). She did similar voice-track duties for LM Communications' WBTF "107.9 The Beat," Lexington (Kentucky) ….. Mainstream CHR KGOT, Anchorage (Alaska) afternoon personality McConnell "Man at Large" Adams adds Saturday and Sunday night responsibilities as "McConnell" on co-owned (iHeartMedia) Portland adult contemporary outlet KKCW "K-103."
Adams Radio Acquires Four Tallahassee Stations. The quartet of Tallahassee outlets Adams Radio is buying from Red Hills Broadcasting includes CHR WHTF "Hot 104.9"; country WWOF "103.1 The Wolf"; classic rock WQTL "106.1 The Path"; and adult hits WANK "99.9 Hank FM." Adams president/CEO Ron Stone comments, "We are thrilled to be the next steward of these amazing stations and even more excited about the future of the stations under [Red Hills Broadcasting president Hank Kestenbaum's] continued management alongside Adams Radio. This cluster is another rare opportunity to join forces with a company that has been under the same ownership and management for two decades. These stations are a great complement to our existing markets and will no doubt bring many great ideas into the Adams Radio Family." Kestenbaum notes, "I want to congratulate Ron Stone and his team at Adams Radio on buying four great Tallahassee radio stations. Every day I'm privileged to work with a dedicated and talented group of people at serving our community with entertaining live and local radio. I look forward to leading these stations and this team into a new era of success, service, and prosperity under Adam's ownership." Adams Radio also owns/operates clusters in Las Cruces, New Mexico; Fort Wayne, Indiana; suburban Chicago (Northwest Indiana); and Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland. Brokering the Adams Radio-Red Hills Broadcasting transaction was Bill Fanning of MVP Capital LLC.
Benz To Depart WEEI-FM. Revealing on Twitter that he "underestimated the difficulties that go along with working a job in one city while trying to maintain a home and marriage in another," Entercom sports WEEI-FM, Boston mid-day "MFB" co-host Tim Benz will return to Pittsburgh early next month. Boston-born Benz joined WEEI-FM approximately 14 months ago from iHeartMedia Pittsburgh. In addition to being sports director of that company's six-station "Steel City" cluster, Benz did morning drive on alternative WXDX "The X." According to Benz, Boston was "every bit the city" he wanted to experience; however, he notes that it is best for him "personally and professionally" to be back in Pittsburgh with his wife Kate. No details were released about his new assignment in Pittsburgh, where the two sports outlets are iHeartMedia's WBGG "970 ESPN" and KDKA-FM "The Fan," owned by CBS Radio – the parent of WEEI-FM format rival WBZ-FM "The Sports Hub." Benz – who angered many locals by remaining partial to the Pittsburgh Steelers – will do his final "MFB" show tomorrow (Thursday, 7/30). The other members of "MFB" are former Boston Red Sox super-sub Lou Merloni, and ex- New England Patriots tight end Christian Fauria. Benz' father is Dr. Edward Benz Jr., the president and chief executive officer of Boston's renowned Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
WW1's Bouvard: What If Brand Advertising Were Based on 'Cost Per Awareness?' In the current edition of his regular blog post, Westwood One chief marketing officer Pierre Bouvard uses recent data from an Ipsos study of the media campaign for the July 15 Amazon Prime Day Sales event to illustrate the effectiveness of radio versus TV and online in this campaign. Bouvard notes (as TALKERS published last week) that Ipsos reports "radio advertising was the most effective at converting awareness into Prime Day purchases when compared to TV and online. Of those exposed to radio ads, 52% made a purchase versus TV (39%) and online (48%)." He goes on to say that, contrary to what one might expect, radio did a better job of targeting 18-34s than TV or online. But what Bouvard really gets at is how much was spent by Amazon on each medium and he posits that if brand advertising were sold on cost-per-awareness basis, radio would have come out on top in this case. Here's why: Amazon spent $6 million on TV for a 34% ad recall (among 18-34s), resulting in a $177,000 cost-per-awareness point, while it spent $1.4 million on the radio campaign for a 14% ad recall that results in just $100,000 for each cost-per-awareness point. Read Bouvard's entire piece here.
Odds & Sods. Radio consultant Kipper McGee's new book, Brandwidth: How Big Broadcasting Missed the Mediamorphosis, is out and ready for shipment. McGee describes the book saying he "reveals the common traits of the biggest failures and offers powerful takeaways for ANY brand planning to thrive in the ever-changing digital world order."…..Former North Carolina State tight end and NFL player Mark Thomas is leaving sports talk WCMC, Raleigh "99.9 FM The Fan" after almost eight years to join the marketing and ad firm Krash Creative. Thomas hosts the Mark and Mike show with Mike Maniscalco…..The NHL's Florida Panthers radio play-by-play broadcasts will continue to be heard on flagship WQAM, Miami after CBS RADIO reached an agreement to extend their deal. "Red Deer" Randy Moller will continue to call the action from the booth. As part of the partnership, WQAM will air a 30-minute pregame show and a 15-minute postgame show. The station will also broadcast weekly updates, and exclusive interviews with Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant, Panthers players and other hockey personalities. A 60-minute "Panthers Insider" program hosted by Moller will air on Saturday mornings. The Panthers will also receive comprehensive promotion on CBS RADIO stations country WKIS and hip hop WPOW…..Greater Media sports talker WPEN-FM, Philadelphia "97.5 The Fanatic" will be the radio outlet for the Arena Football League's 2015 East Division Champion Philadelphia Soul as it enters the playoff round of competition. The station's Joe DeCamara and Soul general manager Tom Goodhines will provide color commentary…..Univision takes over Spanish-language broadcasts of Chicago Bears games from SBS as its WVIX and WVIV simulcast and WRTO-AM have acquired the rights in a new multi-year deal. Hector Lozano and Omar Ramos will be in the booth for play-by-play duties.
Former WWL and WRNO, New Orleans Host Andre Trevigne Dead at 66. Longtime New Orleans TV and radio personality Andre Trevigne got her start in radio in Chicago but rose to prominence after moving back to her hometown of New Orleans and shifting from radio to television. She worked at WWL-TV where she partnered with Eric Paulsen to co-host that station's morning news program. She went back to radio as a talk show host at WWL-AM in 1999 and stayed there through 2004. She hosted a radio talk show on WRNO from 2006 through 2009. Trevigne died in hospice after a long illness.
KMOX, St. Louis' Charlie Brennan Spearheads Ferguson Clean-Up. As the one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri approaches, KMOX, St. Louis mid-morning personality Charlie Brennan came up with the idea of a community clean-up to help the community bounce back. Almost 400 volunteers turned out for a massive clean-up of West Florissant, the street that became ground zero for the protests, looting and fighting that would occupy the area for weeks. Pictured here is Brennan (standing) broadcasting from the station's remote base during the clean-up.
2016 Presidential Candidates-Trump Criticisms, Obama's 'Could Win Third Term' Comment, Planned Parenthood Videos Scandal, Bill Cosby Rape Allegations, Minnesota Dentist Lion Hunt Controversy, Iran Nuclear Deal, Immigration Policy-Syrian Refugee Influx, Tom Brady Suspension Upheld Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/28). The activities of the candidates for president in 2016 and the intense scrutiny of Donald Trump; President Obama's statement that if he could run again, he'd win; the ongoing controversy over the videos showing Planned Parenthood doctors haggling over the price for body parts from aborted fetuses; the ballooning allegations of rape against Bill Cosby; the case of a Minnesota dentist who paid to kill and African lion; the uncertain state of the nuclear deal with Iran; ongoing debate over America's immigration policy and concerns over an influx of Syrian refugees; and the upholding of the four-game suspension of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
TALKERS | March 22, 2015
Shane Succumbs to Cancer. Chief executive officer of Houston-based Shane Media Services, and publisher of the music magazine Best in Texas – Ed Shane – has lost his battle against colon cancer. Shane and his wife/business partner/former country programmer (KILT, Houston, WIL, St. Louis) Pam Shane revealed his diagnosis on social media less than four weeks ago (2/24). In that posting, Pam Shane noted, "This will be an interruption for Ed and me during the next few months. Shane Media clients are aware of this, and know that I will be keeping their projects moving forward. We appreciate the support from friends and colleagues at this difficult time." Outpouring of sympathy and exceptionally kind comments permeated social media. For example, renowned sports broadcaster (Boston Red Sox radio play-by-play, among others) Jerry Trupiano declares Shane was, "a true giant in the industry and one of the best people I ever worked with." Among the many others "heartbroken" to hear the news of Shane's passing is CBS Radio country KFRG "K-Frog," Riverside on-air talent Heather Froglear, who comments, "We were so fortunate to have [him] on our team for many years. I will be forever grateful for [his] guidance on the air. He always encouraged this young gal just starting in country radio. I considered [him] a mentor – but mostly a friend. My heart goes out to Pam and the rest of Ed's friends and family. You will be missed – terribly." Longtime group program director Frank Bell recollects that during his tenure at Keymarket/Sinclair, "Ed Shane helped us launch many great country stations, including KFRG; WGGY, Wilkes Barre-Scranton; and WOGY, Memphis. His handiwork in news-talk helped shape the sound of WWL, New Orleans; WBEN, Buffalo; and WLAC-AM, Nashville. Ed's clarity of thought made him a welcome addition to every conference call and strategic planning meeting. He was one of those rare consultants who 'talked the talk' and 'walked the walk.' In Texas terms, he wore a big hat and had lots of cattle. Thoughts and prayers today go out to his life and business partner, Pam, and that talented group of Shane Media programmers, both past and present." Distinguished programmer Ed Scarborough (Lieblick) declares, "We have lost a true 'gentle' man. Condolences to Pam and Ed's family, and to Ed's extended family. He touched many lives and leaves a wonderful legacy." According to Brent Clanton, "Ed gave me my first job in Radio at Paul Taft's KODA, Houston and he taught me so much more than the business. I was privileged to work with him on two [Houston] start-ups, KIKK-AM 'Business Radio 650' with the equally-legendary Dickie Rosenfeld, and more recently, the launch of Radio One's 'News 92 FM' [KROI]. Ed was a gentleman, a perfectionist, and was always thinking ahead on ways to make a radio station's product better. He made me a better broadcaster, and planted in me an appreciation of how to bring up the next generation of radio professionals." Intersat's manager of media product strategy (and former programmer) Chuck Dickemann comments, "Ed's influence on me and my career went far beyond broadcast and radio. His support, confidence, and mentorship permeated everything I did. Beyond that, he was a friend – a true friend." Programmer John Roberts mentions that, "Ed was a pro's pro for sure, but more importantly, he was simply a great guy. Plenty of people in radio, including me, owe significant career steps to Ed & Pam's generous advice and help. Stories about change in our business, real or perceived, seem to hit us between the eyes daily. The idea of consultant Ed Shane not being around is one legit 'change' I wish we did not have to face." Mardit Media Consulting president Barry Mardit notes that Shane was a "familiar face at CRS. He always greeted me with a warm smile and a hearty handshake. I always looked forward to our brief chats as well as his in-depth presentations. The consummate professional and true champion who so believed in the power of radio. Ed was a vast storehouse of the knowledge and expertise needed to harness and unleash its full potential. Our industry has lost a giant and those who have known Ed have lost a giant of a friend." SeniorNet Dallas president Dan Halyburton states, "Ed Shane was a great radio man and a good friend. Ed played an important role in the efforts at KPLX, Dallas in the 1990s to fight one of the toughest country battles ever. His knowledge and commitment to winning were unequaled. Ed always had such energy and presence." Country consultant Joel Raab notes, "Ed Shane was a great guy and solid professional. He was always generous with his thoughts and advice. He gave me lots of encouragement – even though we were competitors. For that I will always be grateful." Ron Parker recalls that his "very first radio job was at WPLO-FM, Atlanta and Ed was the operations manager of the station for Plough – thoughts and prayers to Pam and the Shane family." Ed Shane – who founded Shane Media in 1977 – entered hospice care early this past week. He previously was station manager of Houston's KRBE and programmed talk KTRH in that market. He also was the former program director of KKDJ, Los Angeles (now iHeartMedia CHR KIIS), as well as a number of other major market stations.
TALKERS | January 13, 2015
Cumulus New York to Address Race Relations in 'Radio Summit' Simulcast. News/talk WABC and urban contemporary WNBM "Radio 103.9" – both Cumulus Media properties – will present a historic radio summit "and simulcast covering some of the most pressing issues of our time." In the aftermath of the Ferguson grand jury decision, the Eric Garner case and the tensions between Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York Police Department, both stations will produce a 60-minute, commercial-free discussion focused on the New York City community. The company says, "This broadcast will include substantial, heartfelt conversation discussing the issues facing the city, recounting events and proposing proactive solutions on how the city and its people can move forward." Taking part in the discussion will be 77 WABC's Curtis Sliwa and Ron Kuby, 'Radio 103.9' host DL Hughley and Minister Kirsten John Foy, Northeast Regional Director of the National Action Network. It will air tomorrow (1/14) at 12:00 noon ET and will also stream on each station's website. WABC program director Craig Schwalb says, "Ultimately, our stations are here to serve the community and this historic simulcast demonstrates our commitment to our audiences in an honest, compelling way." WNBM programmer Ken Johnson adds, "We are happy to be a part of this extremely timely dialogue. If we can set an example for a civil discussion and spark discourse nationally, then we have accomplished our mission." TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison was quick to react when learning of this development, stating, "What a powerful, productive idea and use of the enormous potential of radio as a medium of healing and education within the community it serves. What is especially appealing about this initiative is the coming together of a heritage news/talk AM facility with a hip FM culture/music station for the purpose of aggressively and positively addressing highest-common denominator concerns. This type of programming harnesses the inherent positive energy of consolidation. When I hear about this kind of project it stokes my optimism about the future of radio. Yes!"
Entercom Replaces 'Spud' McConnell with Syndicated Show at New Orleans Sports Talker. A longtime talk host on Entercom's WWL, New Orleans, John "Spud" McConnell moved across the hall in 2013 to host the afternoon drive show on sports talker WWWL "3WL." Now, management says it's being forced to make cuts and McConnell's show drew the short straw. Entercom New Orleans vice president and general manager Chris Claus tells the Times-Picayune's David Lee Simmons that "I love Spud. He's a great entertainer, he's a great host, he's a great actor, he's great in theater, he's great in TV, and he's great in the movies. But, unfortunately, we had a position to eliminate and his was the one." The station will carry NBC Sports Radio Network's "Under Center" with Donovan McNabb and Mark Malone. Claus also told the paper he'd consider bringing McConnell back to news/talk WWL but there's no opening for a host there right now.
CBS RADIO Extends 'Felger & Mazz Show' at '98.5 The Sports Hub' in Boston. Afternoon drive sports talkers Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti have re-signed with CBS RADIO's WBZ-FM, Boston "98.5 The Sports Hub" on a multi-year deal. As part of the new deal, Massarotti will write two columns per week for www.cbsboston.com and will host "The Baseball Reporters Show," weeknights during the baseball season from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. CBS states in a press release that the duo "have consistently been the number-one show in afternoon drive with Men 25-54 for almost four years and running."
Bryant Rejoins Westwood One as Executive VP of West Coast Sales. Relocating to Los Angeles, Kim Bryant departs as Cumulus Media New York City market manager to become executive vice president of west coast sales for Cumulus-owned Westwood One. According to Westwood One president Steve Shaw, "Kim is a superb seller and a born leader. She will enhance the quality of our leadership team as we build the industry's foremost sales organization." Bryant remarks, "The opportunity to work with Steve Shaw and Westwood One is a dream. The New York Cumulus experience – including the people I have worked with over the last few years – has been terrific. It was a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am thrilled to continue to work for Cumulus in this different capacity and I look forward to having/building success in the west." Several years ago (2009 – 2011), Bryant was Westwood One's regional vice president of western ad sales. Her previous background includes being president and market manager for San Francisco stations owned by Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia), and executive vice president of marketing and sales for international cable channel CineMoi. An announcement is reportedly forthcoming regarding Bryant's replacement in New York City.
Midwest Communications to Flip WQTX, Lansing to Sports Talk. The station will leave its country format behind and become "The Ticket 92.1 FM," effective Monday, January 19. Midwest Communications is working with program producer Spotlight Media Marketing Production and WQTX will continue to air non-sports morning show "Michigan's Big Show" with host Michael Patrick Shiels, as well as adding "Michigan's Business Rap," the "Griff & Grinz Show" with hosts Mike Griffith and Steve Grinczel, "The Drive" with Jack Ebling (who's moving across town from Townsquare Media's sports talk WVFN "The Game"), plus programming from Fox Sports Radio Network.
Odds & Sods. From a report in the Alaska Dispatch News, Australian national Catie Quinn is being ordered to leave the country – and her gig as news director at Radio Kenai-owned news/talk KSRM, Kenai, Alaska. Quinn's E-3 work visa is expiring and her field is not specialized enough to allow her to stay under the E-3 conditions…..According to ESPN, consumption of its digital audio content was up in 2014. The company says the download of its podcasts – ESPN On Demand – totaled more than 302 million last year and streaming of ESPN Audio content generated more than 7.8 billion total listening minutes, an increase of 8% over 2013…..Steve Holman is named the 2015 Georgia Sportscaster of the Year. Holman calls Atlanta Hawks games on CBS RADIO O&O WZGC, Atlanta "FM 92.9 The Game." He's called almost 2,500 games without an absence during his almost three decades on the job…..Hubbard Washington, DC news outlet WTOP announces the release of a new mobile-optimized website as well as an interactive mobile app. WTOP says the new site uses a "responsive" technology that formats the website appearance to match whatever device the user is on. Other new features include expanded Living, Sports, Technology and Entertainment sections, an enhanced weather section, more photos and a "cleaner and more modern look."
WJZ-FM Back as Birds' Flagship. After Hearst Corporation talker WBAL had carried its games the past several years, the Baltimore Orioles are switching flagships to CBS Radio sports outlet WJZ-FM "The Fan." The multi-year deal takes effect this season, with WJZ-FM being the key station across the seven-state, 34-station Orioles radio network. Baltimore's "Fan" held rights to the team's game from 2007 – 2010. CBS Radio Baltimore senior vice president Bob Philips declares, "This partnership with the Orioles is a great addition to our market leading #1 sports brand and platform in Baltimore." Orioles' vice president of communications and marketing Greg Bader comments that "The Fan" is "the ideal flagship home for the Orioles radio network. Partnering with the region's premiere radio destination for sports fans allows us to effectively reach our diverse fan base on a daily basis and to develop valuable multiplatform marketing opportunities for our sponsors." Joe Angel and Fred Manfra return for their twelfth season calling the team's games.
KNX to Corner Beautiful Downtown Burbank. The 10-hour (9:00 am – 7:00 pm) visit later this month (Friday, 1/30) is part of CBS Radio-owned all-news KNX, Los Angeles' "On Your Corner" series on local communities. Team coverage will focus on issues, events, and interesting places in Burbank – frequently referred to as the media capital of the world. "KNX Business Hour" host Frank Mottek will do his 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm broadcast from well-known Burbank eatery The Castaway, and he will be followed by Chris Sedens and Diane Thompson anchoring the afternoon news (2:00 pm – 7:00 pm). In 2013, "KNX On Your Corner" received the "Best Feature – News" Golden Mike Award from the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California.
Former CBS Radio Newsman Miliano Passes. A 40-year national and local reporter, Lou Miliano, 67, died yesterday (Monday, 1/12) in a Pinellas Park, Florida hospice. Miliano was diagnosed with lung cancer several years ago. CBS Radio News vice president Harvey Nagler comments, "Lou was one of the unique, wonderful individuals in our business – and he was an extraordinary broadcaster. His use of sound and ability to transport the listener to the scene of the story set the standard in our industry, one that has been emulated by other broadcasters nationwide. He was expert in incorporating natural sound, vivid descriptions and visual references laced with the voices of those making or affected by news events. More than that, Lou was a joy to be around." After beginning his career in 1967 at South Lake Tahoe, California's KOWL, Miliano spent 12 years as a reporter, anchor, and news director at several stations around the country. Based in London as the European bureau chief for the RKO Radio Networks (1983-1989), Miliano did two tours with the Pentagon pool in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War and he covered the U.S. – Soviet summits in Geneva, Reykjavik, and Moscow. Miliano covered an array of stories for WCBS-AM, New York where he won Associated Press awards for "Best Continuing Coverage" for his work on the crash of TWA flight 800 and "Best Investigative Reporting." He joined the CBS Radio Network in 1998 and retired in 2007. The Jersey City, New Jersey native attended colleges in Florida, California, and Colorado. He is survived by four daughters and three sons – there are no plans for a public funeral or memorial.
Charlie Hebdo Aftermath/Unity Rally, ISIS Hacks Pentagon Social Media, 2016 Presidential Prospects, Sinking Oil Prices/World Financial Markets Activity, and the Golden Globe Awards Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/12). The state of terror threats after last week's massacre at Parisian newspaper Charlie Hebdo and the criticism against the Obama administration for not sending a high-level official to Paris unity rally; the hacking of the Pentagon's social media network by ISIS; Mitt Romney's possible run for president in 2016 and Paul Ryan's statement he will not run; the continued sinking of oil prices and their effect on the world's financial markets; and Sunday's broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Big Day for All-News at Marconi Awards: WBBM-AM, Chicago Wins Legendary Station Award. The NAB/RAB Radio Show is the site of the annual Marconi Awards and this year, CBS Radio's WBBM-AM, Chicago took home the Legendary Station Award. Other news and talk-related winners included: Cox Media Group's KRMG-FM, Tulsa taking home Medium Market Station of the Year; CBS Radio's WBZ-AM, Boston winning News/Talk Station of the Year; Brian Byers of WSOY, Decatur, Illinois winning Medium Market Personality of the Year; and KTCK, Dallas taking home Sports Station of the Year. This year's "NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show" was hosted by "Shotgun Tom" Kelly of CBS Radio's KRTH-FM in Los Angeles. The show also featured a performance by Grammy Award-Winning band The Mavericks from Big Machine Label Group.
Rush Limbaugh Tells Affiliates Taking Show to Satellite Radio Would Be a "Betrayal." Speaking at a party in his honor to celebrate 25 years in national syndication hosted by syndicator Premiere Networks, talk radio superstar Rush Limbaugh told industry insiders – many of whom were station owners and programmers who carry his program – that "I can't thank you all enough because without you and all of the people who run the radio stations I'm on, I wouldn't be possible." Speaking about the importance of the relationship between the personality and the radio station, Limbaugh said from his earliest days in radio, he's always believed that "it takes the radio station to make the personality, the personality can't make the radio station." He said that at industry gatherings such as the Radio Show he is invariably asked if he would ever go to SiriusXM and he said, "The first moment the question was asked, I've always looked at that as a betrayal, if I were to do that because of the opportunity to be on your radio stations has provided me and I honestly believe it's a lifetime commitment. I don't think it's a debt I can ever fully repay." Limbaugh went on to allude to the controversial nature of talk radio – and his image in particular – when he added, "And Lord knows, I've put you through hell." (The room responded with rousing laughter.) "Probably more times than even I know! I'm aware of the times I know. I can't tell you how much it means to me that whatever the obstacle or controversy – whenever it pops up – that you all hang in there. One thing that's such a blessing of freedom: I don't have to worry when those things happen that you're going to be affected by whatever the media is attempting or whatever detractors are attempting. The one thing that fuels me and gives me confidence and strength is I know I'm not going to lose you all…and I'm going to be forever grateful."
KMOX, St. Louis Personality Charlie Brennan Celebrates 25 Years at CBS News/Talker. St. Louis talk show host Charlie Brennan (pictured here at left) celebrated his 25th anniversary on news/talk KMOX today (9/20) with a live broadcast in front of a packed audience at the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten. Brennan first began broadcasting on KMOX on September 20, 1988. He was joined on the air this morning by MSNBC's Chris Matthews – his very first guest on KMOX. Also calling in with kudos today were: Joe Buck, Bob Costas, Larry King, Morley Safer, Juan Williams, Jennifer Griffin, Senator John McCain, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, singers Ricky Skaggs and Michael McDonald, Tony La Russa, Joe Garagiola, Bob Pettit, Ted Koppel and George Vecsey. Through a proclamation, Mayor Francis Slay declared today "Charlie Brennan Day" in St. Louis.
Hill Joins WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans. Former WWL-TV, New Orleans news anchor Angela Hill will come out of her short-lived retirement September 30 to begin 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm duties on Entercom news/talk station WWL-AM/FM. "It doesn't get any bigger than this," Entercom New Orleans vice president and general manager Chris Claus states." Angela is one of the most respected, popular, and beloved personalities in New Orleans. Hill retired from WWL-TV earlier this year and comments that she was "always looking for the next chapter" of her life. "Radio allows you to connect with and engage people on a more personal level. When you add the power and reach of WWL radio, we can do great things. My show will be engaging, fun, and attract big-time guests – the sky's the limit." According to WWL operations/program director, Diane Newman, "Angela Hill is a trusted journalist, an amazing interviewer and a great listener." Hill will succeed "Talk Gumbo with John 'Spud' McConnell," but Claus points out McConnell, "isn't going anywhere. We have big and exciting plans for him" that apparently will be announced on-air on Monday, September 23.
Premiere's George Noory Appears on 'The View' with Whoopi Goldberg. On Thursday, September 19, "Coast to Coast AM" host George Noory made an appearance on ABC TV's "The View" for the debut of a new segment called "Out of this World with Whoopi," which showcases Whoopi Goldberg's fascination with the paranormal. During the segment, Noory shared a few stories of ghost sightings and cursed objects, and told the audience how his fascination with the paranormal began as a child. Goldberg asked him about peoples' fascination with the unexplained and Noory said, "People want to know why we are here, who we are, and is there life after death….and that's what we do, we try to find answers."
Odds & Sods. ESPN Radio personality Mike Greenberg – co-host of the "Mike & Mike" morning drive program – is named grand marshall of Northwestern University's Homecoming Parade. Greenberg is an alumnus of the school and will revisit the campus the weekend of October 4-5 and be an honored guest during the festivities…..WTAG, Worcester morning drive host Paul Westcott sits in for nationally syndicated talk host Andy Dean tonight (9/20, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET) on his Premiere Networks program "America Now with Andy Dean."…..Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett signs a deal to become an on-air personality on CBS Radio's WSCR, Chicago where he'll make weekly appearances on the "Boers and Bernstein" show at 5:00 pm every Monday during football season, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.
U.S.-Russia Tensions Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 16-20. Scrutiny over the Obama Administration's relationship with Russia and president Vladimir Putin relative to the Syria issue was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Following at #2 was the deal for Syria to turn its chemical weapons over to Russia to avoid a U.S. strike. At #3 was the Washington Navy Yard slayings, and at #4 was the ongoing debate over the funding and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS and is posted every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week's entire chart here.
Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano Upped to Full Time at WGN, Chicago. The husband-and-wife team have been hosting the 9:00 pm Sunday evening program on Tribune's WGN, Chicago and now the company announces they will become part of the legendary news/talker's full-time lineup. The question is, where? Station officials are just saying the change will take place "later this summer." But with midday personality Mike McConnell holding down the 10:00 am to 3:00 pm shift, it's not a bad guess it'll be sometime in the midday hours. WGN president and general manager Jimmy de Castro says, "Bob's respected reputation and vast experiences on radio and television make him the perfect fit for 'Chicago's Very Own 720.' I'm excited to expand Bob's role and allow him to share more of his rich Chicago stories. And Marianne adds another strong female voice to the tradition of WGN Radio." Sirott hosted "The Noon Show" on WGN Radio from 2007 to 2010 and currently co-anchors the "Fox Chicago News at 9" weeknights with Robin Robinson. He's also worked at CBS Radio's WBBM-FM and Cumulus Media's WLS radio and garnered national and local Emmy awards for his work on CBS, NBC and PBS television. Murciano has co-anchored WFLD-TV's "Fox Thing in the Morning" with Sirott and working as a feature reporter for WTTW-TV's "Chicago Tonight." Sirott comments, "When I was growing up in Chicago, WGN was the 'Radio home of millions throughout mid-America,' and this is still very much true. Marianne and I are thrilled to call WGN our radio home."
OK City to Get New Sports Talk Outlet. Tyler Media will move classic rocker KRXO from its 107.7 FM frequency to new translator K283BW at 104.5 (it will also be simulcast on 107.7's HD2 channel) and 107.7 will become a full-fledged sports talk station. Tyler media president Ty Tyler says in a statement that they are still in the process of hiring local talent and are not ready to release information about how the station will be branded but he says, "We are excited to expand our portfolio of stations. A big league city needs a big league sports station." Tyler does say the station will air Oklahoma University play-by-play and plans to air a full slate of NFL games as well. The Oklahoman speculates that local sports talk personality Mike Steely, who most recently was heard on crosstown Cumulus sports talk WWLS "The Sports Animal" but hasn't been on the air since June 29, will join the new station.
Award-Winning Talk Host Bob Lonsberry Offers Advice to Producers. In a powerful, tell-it-like-it-is column posted today (7/12), WHAM, Rochester/WSYR, Syracuse talk show host Bob Lonsberry writes an open letter-style "Note to Talk Radio Producers" in which he offers advice to the person on the other side of the glass that so many talk show hosts have been grumbling about for years. In this not-to-be-missed piece, Lonsberry advises: 1) listen to the show (claiming producers do not always pay attention to what is on the air); 2) be a broadcaster (if he the host gives you the chance to say something on the air – be ready); 3) handle callers well (don't just "screen" them – rate them and rank them); and 4) think like a reporter (be proactive and creative in gathering information and booking guests). And that's just for starters. To read Lonsberry's entire piece, please click here (and then pass it on to every producer you know).
Longtime New Orleans Sports Broadcaster to Be Remembered. WWL, New Orleans sports radio fixture Kenneth Wilkerson lost his battle with cancer last week and funeral services are scheduled for next Tuesday. Wilkerson began his career with Entercom's WWL as a sideline reporter for New Orleans Saints games in 1997. He moved into the sports talk radio realm as co-host of WWL's "Sports Talk" with co-hosts including the late Buddy "D" Diliberto and former Saints QB Bobby Hebert. Wilkerson was diagnosed with cancer 15 months ago.
SRN's Mike Gallagher Thrilled with Success of First Responders Bible Project. A while back TALKERS wrote about Salem Radio Network talk show host Mike Gallagher's First Responders Bible project in which – via his Gallagher's Army charitable foundation – he distributes King James Bibles to first responders corps across the country to help the individuals deal with the daily stresses of the occupation. So far, thousands of specially produced King James Bibles have been distributed to first responders throughout the country as part of an effort to help these men and women gain the spiritual fitness needed to cope with the stress they face each time they are called to respond to an emergency. The First Responders Bible includes a spiritual fitness guide as well as counseling and spiritual tips on how to stay strong and faith-filled when faced with catastrophic life-or-death situations. Gallagher says, "These police officers and EMTs and firefighters encounter all kinds of ghastly things in the course of their day-to-day duties. This Bible serves as a spiritual fitness manual for these oftentimes husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers." Mike Gallagher's foundation director Joey Hudson (who also serves as Gallagher's business manager) says, "I am excited to say we were well received. Many sheriffs expressed that our ministry was much needed, and we did not have a single person not accept a Bible and they promised to have their chaplains follow up with us to request shipments for more. Additionally, we had a number of requests to attend future state sheriffs' meetings in the coming year." For more information on Gallagher's Army and the First Responders Bible, visit gallaghersarmy.com. In the photo here, Joey Hudson is seen at the organization's booth at the annual conference of the National Sheriffs' Association held last month in Charlotte.
Odds & Sods. NPR names Arun Rath host of "Weekend All Things Considered" airing on Saturdays and Sundays. Rath states, "'Weekend All Things Considered' manages to cover the full range of human experience in an hour. It's hard work but the payoff is amazing. I'm especially excited to join the show as it reinvents itself at NPR West. The intense diversity of Los Angeles is invigorating – all the racial, economic and political diversity smashed together – it's what's best and most exciting about America."…..Clear Channel's rock WPYX, Albany "PYX 106" re-ups with the NFL's New York Giants to broadcast play-by-play for the next three seasons.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. Premiere Networks' Sean Hannity program is added to the program lineup at Clear Channel's KQNT, Spokane…..GCN-distributed "Smoke Filled World" hosted by Ethan Bearman has its first hour added to the program schedule at TalkSuperstation.com…..GCN-syndicated Dr. Daliah Wachs' daily program is picked up by WVNJ, Oakland, New Jersey…..Farm Journal Media's "AgriTalk" radio program is added to the lineup on SiriusXM's new Rural Radio Channel and AM stations KFRM, Clay Center, Kansas; KNDK, Langdon, North Dakota; and KMBS, West Monroe, Loiusiana.
Immigration Reform/Amnesty Top Talk Radio Story This Week. The issues surrounding immigration legislation and amnesty for illegal aliens currently in the United States were #1 on the Talkers TenTM this week. Other stories on the chart of this week's most-talked-about are, at #2, Egypt civil and political turmoil. At #3 is ObamaCare criticism followed by the Asiana Airlines crash landing at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week, according to ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week's entire chart here.
TALKERS | November 5, 2012
KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa Promotes Dan Potter to AM Drive Show. There's been a lot of movement among Cox Media Group staffers between properties lately. It started with long-time KRMG-AM/FM, Tulsa program director Drew Anderssen moving to the company's WDBO-AM/FM, Orlando at the end of the summer. Then it was announced that WDBO morning host Jim Turner would retire and KRMG AM drive personality Joe Kelley would move to Orlando to take over the morning show there. Now, KRMG announces that it is promoting "Tulsa's Afternoon News" host Dan Potter and he will slide into the morning drive chair beginning November 19. Potter says, "Under Joe Kelley's leadership, the 'KRMG Morning News' has become the single most important morning show in Oklahoma, both in terms of content and listenership. I hope to continue the growth Joe started and to attract new listeners to the show. I am humbled, honored and very excited for this opportunity. I anchored newscasts on a similar morning show in Dallas-Fort Worth for over 15 years and am constantly impressed by KRMG's commitment to covering breaking news better than anyone. You could take this newsroom and this product and put it in any major market in the country and be competitive."
ESPN Audio Debuts New PM Drive Show with Jonathan Coachman. A new sports talk show from ESPN Audio debuts this afternoon hosted by ESPN studio anchor Jonathan Coachman. The 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET show will have Coachman initially joined by a rotating array of ESPN on-air personalities to present three hours of personality-driven opinion, analysis, humor and interviews covering the news of the day, as well as interaction with listeners via e-mails, texts and calls. The program is available to terrestrial affiliates as well as being heard via the ESPN app, espnradio.com, TuneIn and SiriusXM. During his time at ESPN, Coachman has hosted "NBA Tonight," "College Football Live," "NASCAR Now," and "ESPN2 Friday Night Fights." Coachman says of the new venture, "To say I am excited about 'Coach' & Company would be an understatement, but it's going to be about our entire team – our production team and the team of fans at home – who will all have a hand in hopefully making it a successful show. I am very serious about sports, but people can expect above all else a show that is fun. And, with my background in the WWE, I feel I can really bring an entertainment value to the show in a strong way."
Clear Channel's Columbia, South Carolina Country Jocks Pull Double Duty; Host PM on News/Talk WVOC. Jonathon Rush and Kelly Nash – known to their country WCOS, Columbia listeners and Rush & Nash, hosts of the "Morning Rush" program – begin a new chapter in their careers hosting the "Afternoon Rush" on sister news/talk WVOC. The station parted ways with PM drive host Keven Cohen last week. Rush and Nash will continue to host their morning program on "My Country 97.5." In a statement, Kelly Nash says, "This is an opportunity I've dreamed of for years. We can play the world's greatest music for the greatest music fans in the morning and talk with the most passionate radio listeners every afternoon."
WOWO-AM/FM, Ft. Wayne Names Ryan Reker PD. Federated Media's heritage WOWO-AM/FM, Ft. Wayne, Indiana announces the hiring of Ryan Reker as program director. Reker comes to the station after a management shuffle that saw Gregg Henson (now at Clear Channel's WPGB and WBGG, Pittsburgh) exit the post and Federated's own Woody Zimmerman oversee the station briefly before being reassigned to oversee the company's Warsaw, Indiana cluster. Reker most recently served as program director and morning host at Maverick Media's classic rock WEGE-FM and as program director of sports talk WWSR-FM, both in Lima, Ohio. Reker also worked at Clear Channel's news/talk WOOD-AM in Grand Rapids and Entercom's sports WSSP, Milwaukee. He says of his new position, "WOWO is a unique station with very unique listeners. I love the reputation and passion they've built with the community. I'm honored and excited for the opportunity to work with such a great group of broadcasters."
How to Write a Professional Radio Facebook Post (Part 2). Radio digital consultant Chris Miller was so amazed by the high level of interest in his previous TALKERS piece, "Start Doing THIS Right NOW on Facebook," published here last week, that he decided to share a few more tips to help you get your radio station's pages and posts right! Miller writes, "A lot of us radio folks see the value in social media. Still, many could use some help working it in a way so you're building your brand, instead of just spinning your wheels. Many of the mistakes businesses make on Facebook have to do with how your write what you post. We tend to speak in marketing-ese or like we're scripting a promo. That's a huge error that may have people consistently hiding your content." Read Miller's entire article explaining how to write a post that works for you, here.
President Obama Friendly to African American-Targeted Radio. President Obama is credited with being the first presidential candidate to seriously use social media to assist his election and re-election efforts but he's also been a user of radio programs that target the urban audience. SiriusXM talk radio star Joe Madison (whose program is also heard on terrestrial outlet WOL, Washington, DC) tells TALKERS magazine the president reached out to him early and often. "His administration nurtured a relationship with black talk radio since he first took office. I have had access to most members of his cabinet. They have addressed issues related to the black community and the general population. Contrast that with Romney's campaign, we have not received a single news release or response to appear on my show." In fact, Madison will host the president on his radio show today. Madison says he believes the get-out-the-vote effort targeted to black radio by the Obama campaign appears to be working. "I believe the early voting we've seen in our community is due to black talk radio encouraging our audience to vote. Yesterday in Dade County, Florida, voters were in line until 1:00 am."
Report: Actor John Cusack to Produce and Star in Film About Rush Limbaugh. The Huffington Post reports that actor John Cusack's company, New Crime Productions, is putting the finishing touches on the script of a movie about Rush Limbaugh tentatively titled "Rush." The story quotes actress/director Betty Thomas (who also directed Howard Stern's "Private Parts") saying she will direct and that production starts sometime next year.
NBC Sports Radio Names Stan Van Gundy NBA Senior Analyst. The former head coach of the Orlando Magic joins the NBC Sports Radio network as senior analyst for the NBA. Stan Van Gundy will call into network shows each week during the NBA season. He'll talk exclusively to NBC Sports Radio affiliates and co-host for an hour every Friday during the NBA season, on a show soon to be announced. NBC Sports Ventures senior vice president Rob Simmelkjaer states, "We are thrilled to add one of the most respected and outspoken coaches in the NBA to the NBC Sports Radio roster. Our listeners will get to enjoy Stan's unique insight into events and storylines around the league on a weekly basis."
KABC, Los Angeles' Doug McIntyre Emcees Bennett Film Opening. KABC, Los Angeles morning drive host Doug McIntyre had the opportunity to emcee the Los Angeles opening of the new Tony Bennett documentary titled, "The Zen of Bennett" before a sold-out crowd at the Landmark Theater. McIntyre tells TALKERS, "The distributor of 'The Zen of Bennett' is a fan of the documentary I made with my wife, 'Trying to Get Good: The Jazz Odyssey of Jack Sheldon.' Since I had a background in music — specifically the Great American Songbook and jazz, and have a ton of experience doing these kind of interviews (Robert Redford, Betty White, etc.,) – he recommended me to Tony's manager, Danny Bennett. I had met Tony a number of times before but this was the first chance I had to really spend some time with him, a thrill for me, probably less so for Tony." McIntyre says the event was not a KABC promotion but the station did give away tickets to the premiere.
"Free Talk Live" Celebrates 10 Years on the Radio. "Free Talk Live" – the evening and weekend independently syndicated talk program hosted by Ian Freeman and Mark Edge – celebrates its 10th anniversary. Freeman writes, in a memo to affiliates and the industry, that the program began in Florida after a format change at the station at which he was working. "In 2001, rock WYNF, Tampa flipped to hot talk and was using content from Orlando's successful 'Real Radio' WTKS-FM as well as the other 'Real Radio,' WZZR-FM in West Palm Beach. After a year of this, I approached management, Big Jim Davis and Ron White, and pitched the idea of a local show for the weekend. I said we'd be willing to do it for free. They gave us the green light and 'Free Talk Live' was born, at first on Sunday nights. The response from the audience was so spectacular that it was within the first few weeks that we were asked to take over weeknights. Clear Channel ended up flipping the format of the station back to rock in 2003, but FTL continued online, then on another station in town, then another, until I approached the Genesis Communications Network and asked them if they were looking for new programs. We started in syndication as a weekend show and within a few weeks were offered weeknights. Since then we have continued doing our live Saturday show (our most popular) and added a live Sunday show as well. We've grown to over 110 AM/FM affiliates and are also heard all week on XM."
Odds & Sods. Former New Orleans Saints quarterback and current WWL, New Orleans PM drive co-host Bobby Hebert was ejected from the press box at Saturday's LSU-Alabama game for ignoring warnings not to create a disturbance by cheering. The Times-Picayune reports the press box was stuffed with 947 credentialed media people and police escorted Hebert out in the fourth quarter of LSU's 21-17 loss…..Proving that she CAN hang with Democrats, on Friday night (11/2), KRLA, Los Angeles morning drive host Heidi Harris sang in the Barbra Streisand concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. She was in the choir for "Make Our Garden Grow."…..Kim Komando, host of the eponymous nationally syndicated weekend computer talk show is appointed to the Phoenix-located Musical Instrument Museum's President's Cabinet. The President's Cabinet is comprised of Valley leaders who provide guidance and support to MIM's president and director, Dr. Bill DeWalt. Komando joins the ranks of other notable Phoenix-area business leaders and philanthropists and will assist MIM with furthering its mission.
WNIR, Akron Host Tom Erickson Mourned. Talk show host Tom Erickson died on Saturday (11/3) after a long battle with peritonitis. He was 58. Erickson was the evening host on Media-Com's WNIR, Akron. He worked for nearly 30 years in the radio and television news end of the media business and became a talk show host at WNIR in 2001. He was on medical leave to deal with his health issues and last appeared on the radio in early June.
From WMAL's Swing State Road Show. Cumulus Media's WMAL-AM/FM, Washington, DC has been touring the "swing state" of Virginia broadcasting from diners across the commonwealth as the election approaches. The tour wrapped up on Friday with the final road show broadcast featuring former House Speaker (and former presidential candidate) Newt Gingrich. Pictured here are (from l-r): Breitbart columnist and WMAL guest co-host Larry O'Connor, Gingrich, and WMAL's "Mornings on the Mall" host Brian Wilson.
TALKERS | August 28, 2012
Mark Masters' TRN Companies File Lawsuit against Dial Global Claiming Monopoly Practices. These companies, (usually referred to generally in the industry as Talk Radio Network (TRN), include The Original Talk Radio Network, Inc., Talk Radio Network Enterprises, LLC and Talk Radio Network-FM, Inc. They have initiated the filing of a Federal action against Dial Global, Inc. and multiple other parties, asserting anti-trust, anti-monopoly and other claims. In announcing that action, Mark Masters, CEO of the plaintiff companies, states, "This is a sad but necessary day for us. But the steps we take today are for the sake of the entire community of independent spoken word syndicators, and independent radio networks who depend on outside sale representation for their very financial survival. These independent producers, syndicators and networks serve America's over 10,000 commercial radio stations, helping them save costs, and increase quality at a critical time to those stations' survival in the current difficulties they face in navigating today's national economic environment. Today, we reluctantly are forced to bring this action, as the largest group of independent spoken word syndicators/networks in the United States. In doing so, we hope this signals a beginning of the end to active monopoly and anti-competitive actions within radio's independent spoken word syndication markets." In the suit TRN lists a variety of marketplace operational grievances against Dial Global citing the recent demise of CNN Radio News as a prime example: "The plaintiff companies note in particular that the recent destruction of CNN Radio (which was on over 1,100 radio stations in the US and had been operating for over 20 years), going into a presidential election, in favor of its immediate replacement by a branded news operation, at the election of its sales representatives, is a telling example of the threat posed by the ability of a small handful of unelected Wall Street executives who have achieved sufficient dominance in one sales market to force changes in the separate independent spoken word market, and the threat posed to other independent spoken word syndicators absent prompt corrective actions." Masters goes on to state, "The sudden death of CNN Radio News, after 20 years, and in a presidential election year besides, is a veritable canary in a coal mine for independent spoken word syndication in radio." The idea to file this lawsuit has obviously been brewing in the mind of Mark Masters for some time now. Attendees at the recent industry gathering presented by TALKERSmagazine, "The New Media Seminar" in New York on June 7 might recall the TRN CEO hinting during his luncheon address about the possibility that his company might be taking unprecedented legal action against an alleged radio industry monopoly. Seems he meant it. TALKERS contacted Dial Global CEO David Landau who said, "No comment."
Broadcasts and Interviews Abound as Talk Radio Shows Emanate from Tampa. The official activities at the Republican National Convention may have been put on hold for a day but the skies cleared and planned broadcasting activities went on pretty much unabated at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Convention Center where the RNC will officially resume today. Talk hosts, news professionals, celebrities and political commentators gathered and took advantage of the day to talk about the presidential race and all that goes with it. Pictured here is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher (r) speaking with actor Jon Voight (l) who spoke with Gallagher on the record for his nationally syndicated program. Voight told Gallagher, "Much of the Hollywood community has 'blood on our hands' for taking leftist positions in the 60s and 70s." He says he's "atoning" for that by supporting Mitt Romney's campaign for president. "He's serious, he's a problem solver and he's been in public service all his life." Meanwhile, XtreMedia president and nationally syndicated talk host Kevin McCullough (l) had the opportunity to chat with Minnesota Senator and former presidential candidate Michele Bachmann (r) on radio row inside the convention center at the Talk Radio News Service booth. Cumulus Media Networks syndicated talk host – and career journalist – Geraldo Rivera (r) meets up with news colleague Sam Donaldson of ABC News (l) at the news organization's booth inside the convention center. Meanwhile, as Isaac bears down on the Gulf Coast and moves straight towards New Orleans…
Gulf Coast Radio Stations Prepare to Keep Citizens Informed. The people of Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf Coast are understandably nervous. It has been seven years since Hurricane Katrina roared through this region making history and leaving an indelible mark on the lives of millions of people. During that natural disaster — and a number of others both before and since – good ol' terrestrial radio has risen to the occasion, in many cases putting competitive barriers aside, and served the community. In preparation for the coming storm, Entercom's WWL-FM/AM went into wall-to-wall coverage mode preparing its listeners with updates on the approaching storm's direction and progress. The radio station's website this morning looks like something you would expect to see from the Weather Channel. Guaranty Broadcasting Group reports to TALKERS it is all over the storm today with simulcasts on their various formats in the market that began at 5:30 am. Talk 107.3 FM began live simulcast coverage on Eagle 98.1's 100,000 watt signal. Matt Kennedy and Brian Haldane are leading coverage with the Talk 107.3 FM morning show. Darren Gauthier and Scotty Drake will provide mid-day coverage. The husband and wife team of Bill and Karen Profita will anchor afternoon coverage. 104.5 ESPN's Charles Hanagriff and Matt Moscona will take on coverage until midnight on the Talk 107.3/Eagle 98.1 simulcast. Bill and Karen Profita will return with the overnight shift beginning at midnight. The Talk 107.3 FM/Eagle 98.1 simulcast will continue throughout the hurricane as proves to be necessary. The simulcast will also feature live coverage from Guaranty's TV partner WAFB Channel 9 with continuous updates from chief meteorologist Jay Grymes. Guaranty VP/market manager Gordy Rush tells TALKERS, "We are thrilled to bring unprecedented 24-hour live and local coverage to South Louisiana with the names and voices that carried this region through the likes of Katrina and Gustav." (Image courtesy of NASA)
CBS Sports Radio Names Eric Spitz Director of Programming; Chris Oliviero to Supervise New Division. WFAN, New York program director Eric Spitz is named the director of programming for CBS' new sports talk radio network and the company announces CBS Radio SVP of programming Chris Oliviero will take on a supervisory role in the new sports talk venture. Spitz is a longtime WFAN employee, beginning his tenure there as a desk assistant back in 1987 when the station first debuted. Spitz split from WFAN for a period in 2002 when he was named vice president, operations and programming for Westwood One's Shadow/Metro Traffic but returned to WFAN in 2005. In a statement, Oliviero comments on the new management structure. "Eric has a unique skill set ideal for building a sports radio network as proven by his tremendous success at WFAN. Eric has been involved with the pioneering radio station since the beginning and watched the format grow from its infancy to what is now one of the most successful in the industry. His perspective is exactly what's needed to launch a sports radio brand that can stand the test of time. And his selection for this critical position proves the value we are putting on leadership with a strong editorial track record in sports programming. We are also fortunate to be able to call on the expertise of Mark Chernoff, who is without a doubt the most successful sports radio program director of all time. Mark has been one of the principals helping to lay the foundation for CBS Sports Radio and his continued guidance will be a huge advantage as we craft programming we are confident will be of great interest to our affiliates around the country." The 24/7 sports programming network will launch on January 2, 2013 with Cumulus Media Networks as syndicator and sales partner.
WRKO, Boston Promotes Bill Cooksey to Assistant PD. Morning show executive producer Bill Cooksey will keep his duties managing the production of the Todd Feinburg and Michele McPhee morning drive show at Entercom's WRKO, Boston as he adds the assistant program director tag to his business card. Cooksey will effectively take over the day-to-day operations of WRKO with this promotion. WRKO PD Jason Wolfe says, "Bill has more passion for WRKO than anyone and has earned this promotion. He's smart, aggressive, and a true leader. His efforts over the past several years have been outstanding and I'm really looking forward to working with him in this new capacity." Cooksey started at WRKO in 2006 and became executive producer of the morning show in 2010. Of his promotion, Cooksey states, "I'm honored by this promotion and couldn't be more excited about the future of WRKO. We've made several big changes in recent months and top to bottom WRKO is a stronger radio station today than ever before. WRKO has been home for me for the last six years. I am proud of what we accomplished and I look forward to building on those accomplishments in the future."
Cincinnati Talk Host Eric Deters to Surface at Rock Trimulcast. Just days after leaving Christian Broadcasting System's WQRT, Cincinnati due to clashes with management, talk host Eric Deters (who has also worked at Clear Channel's WLW, Cincinnati subbing for Bill Cunningham and hosting his own weekend show) will take over the morning show at Class X – the classic rock trimulcast that's heard on WMWX, Miamitown, Ohio; WKCX, Crittenden, Kentucky; and WYNS, Waynesville, Ohio. No official start date for Deters has been given.
Local Fan Wins Eagles Season Tix in Celebrity Call-In Contest on WPEN-AM/FM, Philadelphia. Kristin Lee of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania won Eagles season tickets in PM drive host Mike Missanelli's Celebrity Call-In Contest in which listeners had to work their connections to urge a celebrity to call in to Missanelli's program on 97.5 The Fanatic. Lee convinced P-Diddy to phone in and she was awarded the tickets on Friday, August 24. The impressive list of celebrities to call in during the contest included: actor Colin Quinn, actress Anne Hathaway, golfer Gary Player, model Cheryl Tiegs and musician Alicia Keys, to name a few.
Fox Sports Radio Develops Weekend Golf Show with Hank Haney. The program will air live from 8:00 am to 10:00 am ET beginning Saturday, September 8 and FSRN has nabbed SupremeGolf.com as the title sponsor for the show. Hank Haney – legendary golf instructor and author of a recent best-selling book – "will take listeners beyond the green to provide expert analysis on today's players and events, talk with celebrities, insiders and golf fans, and provide insight on how to become a better golfer." Senior vice president, sports programming for Premiere Networks, Don Martin, states, "We're excited to give listeners the opportunity to interact with one of the best golf instructors in the world every weekend. Hank's many years of experience and expertise in golf will provide our listeners with tremendous insight into the sport, and access to the best players on the course today."
Republican National Convention, Tropical Storm Isaac and the Death of Neil Armstrong Were Among the Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/27). The Republican National Convention in Tampa Bay; the effect of Tropical Storm Isaac on the convention and its path toward New Orleans; and the death of legendary astronaut Neil Armstrong were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
TALKERS | January 6, 2012
2012: Talk Media Industry Forecast. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison presents eight leading trends and factors facing talk media as we head into 2012. As is usually the case, we have a mixture of the good, the bad and the in-between. The challenges are indeed daunting – but the opportunities are great. Read the story here.
WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans' Bob DelGiorno to Retire. Morning drive host Bob DelGiorno is retiring from radio after 34 years on the air in the Big Easy – most of it spent at Entercom's WWL-AM/FM. DelGiorno says, "This place, this station has been very good to me…But, now it's time to get off the road, to give up the daily responsibility and just enjoy waking up later and enjoying life." The station's Tommy Tucker is being eased into the morning slot to succeed DelGiorno.
New Jersey 101.5 Ends Evening Relationship Show Hosted by Michelle Jerson. The Townsquare Media station has been airing Michelle Jerson's "After Hours" relationship program for a number of years but New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW, Trenton) program director Eric Johnson says, "Through audience research, our listeners made it very clear to us that they would like to hear the entertaining and informative Jersey-based topics that we discuss all day, in the evenings as well. New Jersey 101.5 would like to thank Michelle Jerson for her service to the station and we wish her well going forward." Johnson says the station will be looking for a permanent host for the 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm show. In the meantime, part-time host and Monmouth County native Steve Trevelise, who is also a candidate for the full-time position, will be hosting the evening show. As for Jerson, she tells TALKERS, "I was at New Jersey 101.5 for three and a half years as the number one evening show in New Jersey (had been at the station twice before over the years). My background includes hosting lifestyle talk shows on 106.7 WJFK, Washington and Sirius Satellite Radio, co-hosting morning shows on talk and top 40 stations, reporting for Howard Stern's news team – Howard 100 News – and working as a television travel correspondent for Travelzoo.com. I am ready for my next big adventure and can be reached at michelle@michellejerson.com."
Main Street Radio Network's "Battle Line with Alan Nathan" Adds Third Hour; Nathan Takes Commentator Role with TalkSport Network. Main Street Radio Network announces "Battle Line with Alan Nathan" adds a third hour to its program airing live from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. The first two hours of the show are distributed on Lifestyle TalkRadio Network, the new third hour is distributed on sister Business TalkRadio Network. Main Street president Jane Silk states, "Main Street is very excited with the addition of Battle Line on BTRN. The team at BTRN is truly a professional group and we look forward to the continued relationship and the expansion of Main Street programs." Meanwhile, London-based TalkSport Network adds Alan Nathan as international commentator after regular requests to offer color commentary with TalkSport hosts Matt Forde and Mike Graham during which he offers listeners across the United Kingdom a view of American politics from the perspective American radio's "aggressive centrist." Jane Silk says of Nathan's new role, "Alan is truly someone who can succinctly and efficiently dispel someone's misconceptions with an amazing grasp of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and, most importantly, logic and fact! How wonderful to have "the Colonies" experience a true and gifted host and show!"
Dial Global Drops Westwood One Name from NFL Play-By-Play. With the merger Westwood One and Dial Global now four months old, Dial Global is re-branding its NFL play-by-play product as the Dial Global Radio Network. Dial Global has exclusive national radio rights to the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl. Dial Global sports executive producer Howard Deneroff states, "Listeners will hear the same standard of play-by-play commentary and overall production that they've come to expect from Westwood One on the Dial Global Radio Network. We are extremely excited about the merger, our broader platform and the future opportunities it might provide."
KPAM, Portland Parent Pamplin Media Group Partners with Local CBS TV Affiliate for News Content Sharing. The deal between Pamplin Media Group and KOIN-TV ("LOCAL 6") allows for sharing of content on its combined television, radio and print properties, as well as websites and mobile apps. The agreement includes shared editorial access, opportunities for exclusive interviews, news support, cross-collaboration for specific marketing activities and the ability to promote exclusive media on a variety of platforms. KPAM program director Dennis Glasgow states, "This is a watershed moment for the Pamplin Media Group that simply and clearly defines our group as the local news leaders in Portland. There's not one other media partnership in our city that can lay claim to the winning trifecta that is AM 860, The Portland Tribune and KOIN Local 6." KOIN-TV president and GM Tim Perry says, "We are very enthusiastic about entering this strategic partnership with such a talented group of media executives and committed journalists. We look forward to deepening our tenured relationship with this community." Pamplin had been in a partnership deal with Fox affiliate KPTV-TV, Portland. That deal ends today (1/6).
Goldline International and Leslie Marshall Enter into Advertising Partnership. Renowned gold dealer Goldline International, Inc. and independently syndicated progressive talk host Leslie Marshall announce Goldline is becoming the exclusive precious metals sponsor of Marshall's national radio talk program. Marshall says, "I am looking forward to helping my listeners learn about diversifying their portfolios with gold. I've met personally with Goldline's senior management and visited their offices in Santa Monica, so I can confidently recommend Goldline to my listeners who are considering physical gold and precious metals." The consumer press has often wrongly associated precious metals dealers only with conservative news/talk programming but as Marshall's new deal illustrates, that's a misconception. Goldline CEO Scott Carter states, "Leslie's longevity on the airwaves speaks to her ability to engage listeners across the political spectrum. Goldline is proud to be a sponsor of the Leslie Marshall show."
ESPN Radio Adds "Hill & Schlereth" Show to Evening Lineup. The new evening program from ESPN Radio begins on January 10 airing Monday through Thursday through the Super Bowl and then five nights per week after the game. Former NFL Pro-Bowler Mark Schlereth has been with ESPN since 2001 and Mike Hill is a current SportsCenter anchor. The duo will host the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm program. SVP of ESPN Audio Mo Davenport says, "Mike Hill and Mark Schlereth are already fan favorites. Their ability to expand on their friendship, their experiences, and their knowledge of sports, combined with our listeners' passion, equals great content that can be enjoyed on multiple platforms."
Sports Talker Cliff Saunders Out at WXOS-FM, St. Louis. As a result of the recent talent shuffle at Hubbard Radio's 101 ESPN (WXOS-FM) in St. Louis, evening host Cliff Saunders is out and seeking his next opportunity. Saunders co-hosted the 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm show at the station. He previously worked for Entercom's WSSP, Milwaukee. He can be e-mailed at cliff_saunders2000@yahoo.com.
KTRS, St Louis to Host U.S. Senate Primary Debate with Live Audio and Video Feeds on Facebook. Morning drive host McGraw Milhaven tells TALKERS magazine he and St. Louis Beacon political writer Joe Mannies will co-moderate the January 10 GOP primary debate for candidates vying for the Republican ticket to face off against Democrat incumbent Claire McCaskill in November for her U.S. Senate seat. The debate will take place in front of a live audience at the Missouri Athletic Club, be broadcast live on KTRS, KTRS.com and KTRS' Facebook page at 9:00 am. Milhaven says, "It is the first time ever that a radio station is airing anything on Facebook with both audio and video." Congressman Todd Akin and former Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman are taking part in the debate.
Compass Media Networks' Lars Larson to Broadcast from Israel. Portland, Oregon-based regional and nationally syndicated talk host Lars Larson heads to Israel to broadcast his program from Jerusalem during the week of January 16. Stating that America's relationship with Israel will be a topic of debate in the 2012 presidential election, Larson comments, "This trip is sure to be an eye opener to my listeners who never imagined all the ways that their lives are impacted by conflicts in the Middle East." Larson plans to speak on his program with an array of diplomats, Palestinians, Israeli citizens, journalists and ambassadors.
Thom Hartmann Show Goes on the Road to Iceland and Sweden. Dial Global's Thom Hartmann takes his talk radio program across the Atlantic next week where he'll broadcast live from Rekyavik, Iceland on January 9 and Stockholm, Sweden on January 12. Hartmann says, "We've booked a number of pundits, politicians and reporters, and are looking forward to hearing directly from the people involved how the Icelanders told the banksters to take a hike, and how the Swedes dealt with their bank failures 15 years ago and why their economy is doing so well now." Hartmann is keynoting a conference in Sweden on Psychiatry and ADHD – he's published several books on the subject including The Edison Gene (Park Street Press 2003).
Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco to Host Show on WWBA, Tampa. Genesis Communications' WWBA, Tampa announces former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco joins the station's programming department to host a weekly "business, public affairs and non-partisan political talk program beginning with a live debut from Malio's Restaurant on January 9. In a statement, VP of programming Len Weiner says, "We are thrilled to have Tampa's former mayor Dick Greco join our news team. His amazing background in politics and business will be an asset to our listeners. This station has a powerful 50,000-watt signal that will carry Dick's program throughout the state of Florida." Greco's first guest will be current Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
Iowa Caucuses/2012 Presidential Race Tops Talkers TenTM Chart of Biggest Talk Radio Stories During Week of January 2-6. According to ongoing research from TALKERS, the Iowa Caucuses and the 2012 presidential race was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week. Coming in at #2 was Iran's military ambitions. At #3 was the world financial markets activity followed by euro zone instability at #4. The Talkers TenTM chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio each week is published at Talkers.com every Friday. See the entire chart here.
TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup. Doug Stephan's daily "Good Day" program picks up KBYR, Anchorage; KWMO, Washington, Missouri; KBJT-KQEW, Fordyce, Arkansas; and KMMS, Bozeman, Montana…..Doug Stephan's weekend "Talk Radio Countdown Show" is added to WGDJ, Albany; KBYR, Anchorage…..Genesis Communications Network-distributed "America Tonight" with Kate Delaney picks up WLOB-AM/FM, Portland…..The Dr. Dahlia Wachs show is added to the lineup at KSIS, Sedalia, Missouri….."Free Talk Live" with hosts Ian Freeman and Mark Edge adds KBRA-FM, Freer, Texas.
TALKERS | September 6, 2011
On Any Given Monday. In a PPM world, holidays such as Labor Day cannot be considered a programming throw away. In a special feature story written by associate editor Alan Linder, published yesterday, radio execs tell TALKERS that although star hosts are still usually given time off for three and four day weekends, holidays must receive the same level of programming attention as regular weekdays. This is generally accomplished by upgrading the production value invested in creating "best-of" shows or, in the case of stations using the "live-and-local" element as a signature asset, being sure that the station's talent bench of fill-in hosts is up to the task of keeping the audience satisfied. No longer are "best-of" shows just "okay" recent shows kept in the can for repeats on holidays. They are special montages of outstanding elements culled from a variety of shows supplemented by previously unheard features and interviews prerecorded especially for such occasions. For the live-and-local stations, careful thought and care is given to the selection and nurturing of fill-ins. In today's competitive talk radio, bench and weekend talent (including the emergence of "super part-timers") are as important to the line-up as designated hitters and relief pitchers are in baseball. Then there's the dedicated syndicated morning star who loves what he does so much that he never misses a live show regardless of whether it is a holiday. Read all about it here.
Today Is the First Official Day on FM for WIP, Philadelphia. The changeover actually began Friday as rock WYSP-FM, Philadelphia played its last song ("Fade to Black" by Metallica) and flipped to a simulcast of sports WIP. The station is now positioned as "94 SportsRadio WIP." The first day of WIP on FM was also the last day of the regular afternoon program for Philadelphia sports talk legend Howard Eskin. He signed off his regular program after a 25-year career hosting a sports talk show in Philly. Eskin remains with the station to host Eagles game day programming and will continue to work with WIP on part- time projects while exploring other media options. The station's new schedule premiers today with Angelo Cataldi remaining in AM drive, Comcast SportsNet host Michael Barkann joining Eskin's former partner Ike Reese for the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show and Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow in the 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm time slot. On Friday, Sirius XM's Howard Stern appeared on WYSP-FM with Spike Eskin (Howard Eskin's son who stayed on the air with his dad for his last show) to talk about his love for Philadelphia and bid adieu to the rock station. WYSP-FM was the first station to pick up Stern's program as it began its move into syndication from New York's WXRK-FM. On a side note, Longport Media's WBSS, Atlantic City, New Jersey will begin simulcasting WIP soon. Longport Media president David Coskey tells the Press of Atlantic City Philadelphia sports is an important part of his market's interest so the move makes sense. By the way, if you haven't read TALKERS special features correspondent Mike Kinosian's excellent piece on CBS Radio's FM sports talk stations, check it out here.
Emmis Communications Receives Delisting Notice. Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan was not surprised by the NASDAQ notice that it has until February 27, 2012 to get its stock price above $1 for 10 consecutive business days or be delisted. The notice came just a day before Emmis closed on the sale of WWWN-FM and WLUP-FM, Chicago and WEMP-FM, New York to Merlin Media for $120 million. Emmis is using the influx of cash to pay down debt while retaining an interest in the Merlin properties.
WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans Talk Host Garland Robinette Cited in Bribery Probe. Robinette's attorney tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune that his client – the WWL-AM/FM "Think Tank" host – has been told he is not a target of the investigation. But federal authorities have spoken with Robinette numerous times after the investigation showed Robinette received $250,000 from local landfill owner Fred Heebe. The issue here is Heebe's campaign to shut down two other competing landfills in the area, theoretically so that his facility could accept more of the post-Katrina waste needing to be dumped. Robinette enters the picture due to the money he received and his addressing the landfill issue regularly on his radio program in which he stated he believed the two competing landfills were not safe. Robinette, through his attorney, states the money he received from his friend Heebe was a personal loan that he expects to pay back. Meanwhile, Heebe allegedly paid $460,000 in bribes to a former state official to lobby to close one of the competing landfills.
Atlantic Coast Radio Splits WLOB-AM/FM, Portland Talk Simulcast. WLOB-AM remains news/talk but the FM side picks up the sports programming signal from WPEI-FM and begins simulcasting it. WLOB-FM is licensed to Topsham, Maine near Brunswick and gives Atlantic Coast coverage for the northern side of the newly expanded metro while WPEI-FM is licensed to Saco, Maine to the south of Portland, thereby covering that side of the market.
Jobs Creation, 2012 GOP Candidates, Post Office Financial Woes and Texas Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/5). President Obama's and Congress' plans for jobs creation, the 2012 GOP presidential candidates, the looming threat of the USPS shutdown and the wildfires affecting Texas were all among the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday.