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Tag: "Nashville"
Thursday, May 5, 2016
TALKERS 2016 Conference to Feature Podcasting Panel. Attendees at this year's TALKERS 2016 Bridging the Generations conference at Hofstra University on Friday, May 20 will have the opportunity to hear PodcastOne chairman and founder Norm Pattiz moderate "The Podcasting Session." This panel will feature: Panoply/The Slate Group chief content officer and co-founder Andy Bowers; WOR, New York program director Tom Cuddy; Hubbard Radio SVP of programming Greg Strassell; and Edison Research VP of strategy Tom Webster. This panel discussion will delve into the issues relevant not only to the podcasting platform itself, but also into issues AM/FM broadcasters who are also producing podcasts are dealing with. TALKERS magazine executive editor Kevin Casey says, "Podcasting is obviously a hot topic in the radio industry right now. Talk radio practitioners are eager to learn about the best practices for producing and selling this digital content and this panel discussion, led by industry pioneer Norm Pattiz, will send them home with actionable information on this nascent form of broadcasting." TALKERS 2016 Bridging the Generations is nearing a sellout. For complete agenda information click here. To register or for sponsorship information, call 413-565-5413.
Emmis Fiscal Q4 Revenue Down 6%. The Indianapolis-based company functions on a fiscal calendar and its 2015 fourth quarter ended on February 29 of this year. Emmis Communications reports its radio net revenue was $36.4 million, down 6%. For the full fiscal year of 2015, radio revenue was $169.2 million, compared to $176.3 million in the prior year, a decrease of 4%. President and CEO Jeff Smulyan states, "Emmis' fourth quarter was weak, mostly due to expected underperformance in Los Angeles. The good news is our first quarter is much improved and currently pacing flat to the prior year. New York's performance has been stellar, ratings in LA have begun to grow again, and ratings across our other radio markets are very strong. NextRadio is coming off a fantastic National Association of Broadcasters convention, and momentum is building. At NAB, it was announced that PRSS, the distribution network for public radio, is being integrated into NextRadio. Carrier and handset conversations are robust, and advertiser interest is high. In addition, we will launch in our first international market, Peru, in the coming weeks. I couldn't be more pleased with the efforts of Paul Brenner and his team in bringing NextRadio to our industry and to listeners everywhere."
Salem Media Group Broadcast Revenue Rises 4.2%. It was a quarter of increases all the way around for Salem Media Group. Its total revenue increased 4.4%. The broadcast segment saw revenue rise 4.2%. Digital media was up 4.6% and publishing revenue increased 6.5%. CEO Ed Atsinger says the 4.2% broadcast sector increase "compares favorably to the market generally which was up about 1.7% at least in the markets in which we operate according to Miller Kaplan. Our block programming had another solid quarter, up 7.1%, local spot revenue grew 3.6%, network revenue grew by 16.7%. And geographically, we had a strong market performance in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, while facing some weakness in the Dallas market."
Radio One Reports First Quarter Revenue Hike of 3.1%. Company president and CEO Alfred Liggins III says the good first quarter news is continuing into the second quarter. For Q1 of 2016, Radio One net revenue was approximately $109.1 million, an increase of 3.1% from the same period in 2015. Station operating income was approximately $39.6 million, an increase of 10.1% from the same period in 2015. Liggins states, "We saw a sequential monthly improvement in our radio revenues as the first quarter progressed, and that positive momentum is continuing into Q2 where we are pacing up low single digits. Political revenues were strong, which augurs well for the fourth quarter when we historically receive the bulk of political radio advertising. TV One had a strong first quarter, with growth in both advertising (+3.5%) and affiliate revenues (+12.3%). All four of our reportable segments posted year-over-year, double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth. Overall I was pleased with our 13% growth in consolidated adjusted EBITDA, the stabilization of our radio revenues, and growth of radio cash flow."
Saga Communications Net Revenue Up 12.7%. For the radio segment of Saga Communications, the pro forma net operating revenue was up 4.6% on revenue of $27.5 million for the first quarter of the year. The company closed on its purchase of classic rock WLVQ, Columbus during the quarter and had been operating the station under an LMA since last November. Saga reports that free cash flow increased 35.4% to $4.9 million and operating income increased 40.1% to $5.3 million.
Sports Talker John Lund Crosses Street to KNBR, San Francisco. The Bay Area sports talk personality leaves Entercom's KGMZ "95.7 The Game" to become co-host of the afternoon drive show at Cumulus Media's KNBR with Tom Tolbert. John Lund co-hosted the midday "Papa & Lund" show with Greg Papa at KGMZ. He's also worked at KXTG-AM, Portland; KESN-FM, Dallas; WXYT-FM, Detroit; WEAE-AM, Pittsburgh; and KZNS-AM, Salt Lake City. KNBR program director Lee Hammer says, "John brings a wealth of sports knowledge and experience to KNBR. He's worked in San Francisco for several years, and has keen insights into our Bay Area teams. KNBR fans are in for a real treat when he's teamed up with Tom Tolbert in afternoon drive. It will definitely be 'appointment listening.'"
Ramsey, Rich Headlining Radio Show. In a vCreative-sponsored session, financial expert/radio host Dave Ramsey will keynote this year's Radio Show. Part of his "Cutting Edge Trends in Marketing" address at the confab, produced by the Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Association of Broadcasters, will include a conversation with country music artist John Rich (right) of the duo Big & Rich. According to RAB president and chief executive officer Erica Farber, "We are delighted and honored that Dave Ramsey and John Rich will join us at this year's conference. These two incredible innovators will share some great ideas. Radio Show attendees will walk away with tremendous takeaways they can then put to use immediately." NAB executive vice president of radio John David comments, "The power of radio has contributed to the successful careers of both Dave Ramsey and John Rich. We are pleased to present these talented and engaging individuals at the Radio Show." Ramsey's daily syndicated eponymous radio program is heard on more than 550 stations, while his "Financial Peace" and "Total Money Makeover" books have sold more than a combined 10 million copies. He was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2013 and into the National Radio Hall of Fame two years later. The Radio Show will be held in more than four months (9/21 – 23) at Nashville's Omni Hotel; The Ramsey-Rich session takes place the first day of the conference, Wednesday, September 21.
PodcastOne and MediaDC Launch Two New Podcasts. Two new shows are debuting on the PodcastOne platform. MediaDC, publisher of The Weekly Standard and Washington Examiner, is working with PodcastOne to present "Examining Politics by Washington Examiner" and "Weekly Standard Confab." Washington Examiner senior congressional correspondent David Drucker hosts "Examining Politics" which will revolve around the publication's editorial content. It'll feature Drucker and a roundtable of staff. "The Weekly Standard Confab" is hosted by managing editor Eric Felton, who will be joined by a different guest each segment to talk about topics ranging from politics, policy and international affairs, to arts and culture. PodcastOne chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz says, "There's just too much going on this election season for PodcastOne not to be part of it. In partnering with MediaDC to produce and distribute podcasts from The Weekly Standard and Washington Examiner, we've accomplished our mission."
Odds & Sods. The USA Radio Networks-syndicated "Trending Today USA" with Rusty Humphries moves to the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart and adds a new affiliate in iHeartMedia's WGST, Atlanta. Station PD Dan Hunt says, "Rusty has a great history in Atlanta and we are excited to have him back on Talk Radio 640 WGST. 'Trending Today USA' provides our listeners with the latest news and information in real time, while bringing a fresh perspective that can't be duplicated anywhere else in the market."…..KCSP, Kansas City sports talkers Danny Parkins and Carrington Harrison were disturbed by the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to draft Tyreek Hill after the football player had pleaded guilty to hitting and choking his pregnant girlfriend. They decided to do something positive about it and started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the Rose Brooks Center domestic violence shelter. So far they have raised more than $12,000.
The Presidential Race, Hillary Clinton Email Server Case, Battle Against Islamic State, North Korea Nukes, Russia-NATO Tensions, California Ups Legal Cigarette Purchase Age, and NBA-NHL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/4). GOP candidate Donald Trump secures the nomination with a victory in the Indiana primary election; allegations by Romanian hacker Guccifer that he accessed Hillary Clinton's private email server; the death of a Navy SEAL in Iraq and the ongoing battle against Islamic State; the reported build-up of nuclear weapons by North Korea; Russia's military posturing and threats against NATO; California becomes the second state to make tobacco purchases legal for those 21 and older; and the NBA and NHL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Dave Ramsey Packs the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Nationally syndicated talk show host Dave Ramsey brought his Smart Money live event to his hometown of Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry House last night (10/8). The program, which also included Ramsey Solutions personality and speaker Chris Hogan, was promoted with the assistance of local affiliate, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WLAC. iHeartMedia market president Dan Endom says, "Newsradio 1510 WLAC is extremely proud to be part of the Dave Ramsey Smart Money Tour stop in Nashville. Dave has helped millions take control of their financial futures and, this event provides a live and in-person platform for folks, through a common sense approach, to achieve financial freedom." Pictured here are (from l-r): Endom, Ramsey and Craig Hahn, SVP of sales iHeartMedia/Nashville.
WABC Names Libertini Staff Announcer and Production Director. On the heels of the retirement of New York radio legend Johnny Donovan back in May, Cumulus Media announces it is appointing veteran voice talent and creative audio production pro Christopher Libertini staff announcer and production director for 77 WABC Radio. Libertini's resume includes stints with Howard Stern, NFL Radio, SiriusXM, ESPN, MLB, and CBS RADIO. Currently, Libertini's voice can be heard on Cartoon Network, The Biography Channel, New York Lottery ads and various documentaries. WABC program director Craig Schwalb states, "Though you cannot truly replace a legend like Johnny Donovan, you can find the next generation of production enthusiasts with indelible voices that resonate with your audience. Chris is proof positive that the sonic element of a talk radio station is vital and worth investing in."
Dr. Joy Browne Back on Daytime Live in New York Market. The daily GCN-syndicated show hosted by perennial talk radio mainstay Dr. Joy Browne has been added to the lineup of WVNJ 1160 "The Voice" where it will be heard live between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. This marks the first time the longtime TALKERS Heavy Hundred superstar has been on the air in the Big Apple during daytime hours since leaving WOR, New York several years ago when that station changed ownership from Buckley Broadcasting to then-Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) and revamped its programming lineup to suit the company's direction. Since then, Dr. Joy Browne has been heard in New York on Salem Media's WNYM 970 "The Answer" but DB'd during the overnight hours. Browne tells TALKERS, "I am so grateful to the wonderful folks at WNYM for keeping the show on the air in New York during this period… but live during the daytime is hard to resist." She adds, "I am thrilled to be back on the air live in New York where I have enjoyed so many years of fabulous support during my live and local days on WOR – and where I am very well-known and connected in the community." WVNJ is family-owned by Universal Broadcasting of New York. The station, licensed to Oakland, NJ pumps out a powerful 20,000 watts and can be heard throughout much of the Tri-State area including large swaths of New Jersey, New York City, Westchester and Long Island.
Nielsen Audio Releases Tampa Bay PPM Numbers. After a delay of more than a week, Nielsen Audio has released the September 2015 PPM survey for the Tampa Bay market. The ratings were delayed after Nielsen determined there was evidence of tamper that was found to be executed by Bubba the Love Sponge, whose independently syndicated program airs on Beasley Broadcast Group's WBRN-FM. Bubba admitted to the charge and Beasley reports it is taking action against him but the program will remain on the station that's been crafted around his morning drive program. See TALKERS and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian's "Takeaways" from the Tampa ratings at RadioInfo.com.
Odds & Sods. Denver talk host Dan Caplis is interested in running for one of Colorado's U.S. Senate seats, according to Jason Salzman in the Huffington Post. Caplis is an attorney who hosts the 9:00 am to 11:00 am show on Salem Media's KNUS, Denver. If he decides to take on Democrat Michael Bennet, he'll know within the next six to eight weeks…..News/talk WVLK, Lexington, Kentucky adds an FM signal with the sign-on of translator W266AN at 101.1 FM. Cumulus Media corporate program director Jim Mahanay says, "We are extremely pleased to announce that our audience in Lexington can now enjoy WVLK's exceptional news/talk programming — including Larry Kudlow, John Batchelor, Mark Levin and 'The Savage Nation' — on the all-new simulcast at 101.1 on the FM dial."…..Hockey's St. Louis Blues and CBS RADIO's St. Louis stations extends the multi-year broadcast rights agreement for play-by-play and related programming. The agreement expands the existing deal that includes Newsradio 1120 KMOX, hot AC KYKY "Y98" and adult contemporary KEZK. One of the most significant changes under the agreement is the creation of new Blues-related programming on KMOX. In addition to existing game coverage, KMOX will introduce three new weekly shows during the season and will also carry a 30-minute Blues postgame show.
Russia's Syria Military Campaign Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of October 5-9. The Russian military campaign in Syria was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. Close behind at #2 was the related U.S. policy for battling ISIS. At #3 were the activities of the candidates for president in 2016 followed by the Oregon college massacre and Hillary Clinton's gun control plan 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. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week's entire chart here.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Rathert Named Morning Host at KSSZ, Columbia, Missouri. Taking over the morning drive program on Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group-owned news/talk KSSZ, Columbia, Missouri "HotTalk 93.9 The Eagle" is Branden Rathert. He was most recently afternoon drive personality at ADX Communications' WNRP, Pensacola "Newsradio 1620." Zimmer director of programming Jamie Mac states, "We are excited to welcome Branden to 'Wake Up Columbia' on '93.9 The Eagle.' We feel Branden's unique perspective, where he is able to take a specific topic and come at it in a non-traditional way, will translate very well in the Columbia market. His passion for making great radio, strong work ethic and creativity make him a great addition for our station and the talk radio community here locally."
CBS RADIO's Mick Anselmo to Retire. Senior vice president and market manager for CBS RADIO's Minneapolis cluster, Mick Anselmo, announces he's retiring from the company at the end of the year. Anselmo has been managing radio stations in the Twin Cities for more than 20 years – for iHeartMedia and the old AM/FM and Chancellor groups – with the last seven spent working for CBS RADIO. The company is searching for Anselmo's replacement to oversee news/talk WCCO "Newsradio 830," country KMNB "BUZ'N @ 102.9" and adult hits KZJK "104.1 Jack FM."
Jeanine Pirro Podcast Debuts on PodcastOne. A new, weekly program featuring FOX News personality and former New York District Attorney Jeanine Pirro is launching on PodcastOne. Titled "Due Process," the podcast will "provide the legal insight behind breaking news, high profile court cases and political issues, in addition to welcoming analysts and experts on these topics." The show will also include TED speaker and content strategist Terri Trespicio joining Pirro each Monday. PodcastOne founder Norm Pattiz comments, "Jeanine has the intellect and the energy to do a great podcast. It will be entertaining, interesting, and deal with exciting subjects. It's great to add her to our lineup, and it's always good to know a judge."
Odds & Sods. Southeastern radio pro Dave Cobb is named the general manager for MARC Radio's seven-station Gainesville, Florida cluster that includes news/talk WRZN "NewsRadio 980."…..Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania-based Forever Media is buying sports talk WGET "ESPN Sports" and country WGTY in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania from the Times and News Publishing for $4.2 million.
CBS Sports Radio's Jim Rome Visits Tampa. Nationally syndicated sports talk personality Jim Rome visited affiliate WHBO, Tampa "Sports Talk 1040 The Team" recently, taking part in a meet-and-greet during a live remote at Beef O' Brady's Restaurant. The Genesis Communications-owned station says, "Hundreds of Rome fans attended, giving Jim a standing ovation as he entered the restaurant. Jim made it a point to talk to every fan, sign autographs, and take photographs. People were lined up for hours to talk with him." Pictured here are (from l-r): Rome show producer Kyle Brandt, Genesis president Bruce Maduri, Rome, and Sound Mind LLC chief Kraig Kitchin.
Nielsen Calls Audible to Publishing September Stats. Rather than spreading out the release of ratings information over four days as it typically does with its monthly data, Nielsen Audio is opting to consolidate its September PPM results into two – next Tuesday (9/29) and Wednesday (9/30). The first batch of markets is unaffected by the decision and will get their September numbers next Tuesday as originally planned. Those markets are New York City; Los Angeles; Chicago; San Francisco; Dallas; Houston; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario (Los Angeles' Inland Empire); San Jose; and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The second group not only moves up one day, it will join group one – meaning 24 (rather than 12) markets will have data released next Tuesday. Group two consists of Washington, DC; Boston; Detroit; Miami; Seattle; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis. Stations from the remaining 24-PPM markets (groups three and four) get to see the outcome of the September 2015 sweep next Wednesday. Group three is Portland; Charlotte; Pittsburgh; Sacramento; San Antonio; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Kansas City; Orlando; and Columbus. Comprising group four are facilities in Austin; Milwaukee; Indianapolis; Providence; Raleigh; Norfolk; Nashville; Greensboro; West Palm Beach; Jacksonville; Memphis; and Hartford.
Ben Carson Muslim Controversy, Walker Drops Out/2016 Presidential Candidates, Pope Francis' U.S. Visit, Russia's Military Support of Syria, Muslim Migrant Issue, VW Emissions Scandal, Afghan Child Abuse Claims, David Petraeus' Congressional Testimony, and Xi Jinping Visits U.S. Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/22). The controversy over GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson's statement he would not support a Muslim for president; Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker drops out of the presidential race tied with the activities of the rest of the 2016 presidential candidates; Pope Francis' visit to the United States; reports of military support for Syria's Assad regime by Russia; the issue of Muslim immigrants in Europe and the U.S.; the emissions scandal plaguing Volkswagen; the controversy over allegations the U.S. military instructs personnel in Afghanistan to ignore sexual abuse of young boys by Afghan military commanders; former CIA director David Petraeus' apologizes for relaying sensitive material to former mistress; and Chinese president Xi Jinping visits the United States were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
National Radio Hall of Fame Voting Starts Today. After a five-year hiatus, listeners again have the opportunity to participate in selecting National Radio Hall of Fame inductees. For the next two weeks (through Wednesday, 8/26), voters can text 36500 with their one vote for the four nominees (each) in the "Music Format On-Air Personality" and "Spoken Word On-Air Personality" categories. National Radio Hall of Fame chair Kraig Kitchin declares, "These eight personalities are beloved by their listeners. Giving the audience an opportunity to participate in the process of acknowledging their favorite hosts for their contributions over the years just makes sense." Nominees and text info for the "Music Format On-Air Personality" are Delilah (text "DELILAH" to 36500); Elvis Duran (text "ELVIS" to 36500); Steve Harvey (text "STEVE" to 36500); and Ryan Seacrest (text "RYAN" to 36500). Nominees and text info for the "Spoken Word On-Air Personality" are Sean Hannity (text "HANNITY" to 36500); Clark Howard (text "CLARK" to 36500); Jim Rome (text "ROME" to 36500); and Dr. Laura Schlessinger (text "DR. LAURA" to 36500). Listener-chosen winners will be announced at the end of this month (8/31), and we cannot forget that all-important fine print that "message and data rates may apply." In addition to the two listener-voting categories, four categories are being voted on by a panel of 400 industry professionals. The induction ceremony takes place November 5 at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in downtown Chicago.
IAB Gears Up For Debut Podcast Upfront Showcase. The one-day marketplace for advertisers and media buyers to preview podcast programming will be held next month (9/10) in New York City. Scheduled to present at Interactive Advertising Bureau's inaugural podcast upfront showcase include representatives from AdLarge Media, Midroll, NPR, Panoply, Podtrac, and WNYC. Industry Initiatives, IAB vice president Carl Kalapesi explains, "More and more advertisers are incorporating audio programming into their digital marketing strategies. The individual and intimate listening experience enjoyed by podcast listeners provides a unique vehicle for brands to connect with consumers. IAB is excited to bring so many digital audio leaders together to discuss their upcoming programming and the wide array of advertising opportunities available through podcasts." Invited executives will get to preview content developments from each presenting company in 20-minute segments.
Cassell (Posthumously) Wins SCBA Radio Personality of the Year Award. The "State Television And Radio" (STAR) awards of the South Carolina Broadcasting Association honor "exceptional accomplishments of the state's stations and their broadcast professionals." Entercom-owned talk WYRD-FM, Greenville-Spartanburg host Russ Cassell (left), who passed away last year, won the "Radio Personality of the Year" award. Entercom market vice president and general manager Steve Sinicropi declares, "The broadcasting legacy of Russ Cassell lives on; our entire team is grateful for the SCBA recognizing Russ with this important award." The cluster's production director Stan Fisher received STAR recognition for best production-multi spot campaign on rock WTPT "93.3 The Planet" for local attorney Rob Ianuario. In the station's first year in the format, WYRD-AM "ESPN Upstate" sports broadcaster Greg McKinney was recognized with a "Sportscaster of the Year award of merit at the event, which was held in Columbia, South Carolina over the weekend.
McCollim Heads to Colorado Springs as iHeartMedia's Senior VP/Programming. Transferring from Spokane where he programmed iHeartMedia talker KQNT and KKZX "The Classic Rock Station," Jason McCollim is appointed senior vice president of programming for the company's Colorado Springs and Pueblo stations. Senior vice president of programming/regional markets Tony Coles states, "McCollim is one of our rising stars. He has done an incredible job for us in Spokane. His leadership skills and passion for programming will allow him to ramp up quickly and build immediate relationships with the programming and sales teams." Colorado-Pueblo market president Darci Ewell comments, "Jason's proven track record in Spokane and his versatile experience will make him an incredible asset to the Colorado Springs-Pueblo cluster. Jason brings a high level of energy and creativity that will greatly benefit our team." McCollim remarks, "I am very excited about working with the fantastic iHeartMedia team in both Colorado Springs and Pueblo; thanks to Tony Coles and Darci Ewell for the opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful parts of our country." McCollim spent more than 14 years at KQNT and KKZX; he is vice president of the Inland Empire Bloodhounds Search & Rescue. The Colorado Springs stations he will oversee are rhythmic CHR KIBT "The Beat"; hot AC KVUU "My-99.9"; adult contemporary KKLI "Sunny 106.3"; country KCCY "Y-96.9; and classic rock KDZA "Z-107.9." The three Pueblo facilities are classic hits KPHT; KCCY "Fox Sports 1350″; and talk KCSJ.
Rdio Debuts Live Broadcast Radio. The global music streaming service begins with nearly 500 U.S. stations. Listeners can mark songs they like as a favorite, share the song, start a custom station based on the song or view more music by the artist. Paying subscribers to Rdio's $3.99 and $9.99 plans can download songs for unlimited listening, add it to a custom playlist, listen to related songs from that artist or recently played songs on that station as often as they want. Rdio chief executive officer Anthony Bay comments, "We are committed to providing Rdio customers around the world with easy access to the audio content they want to hear through innovative features that enhance listening. Broadcast radio brands and talent continue to be the dominant tastemakers in music, so integrating live broadcast radio into Rdio's critically acclaimed customer experience is an exciting development that we are thrilled to introduce." Through a September 2013 partnership with Cumulus Media, Rdio has access to Cumulus' programming and is promoted on Cumulus stations. Cumulus Media chief executive officer Lew Dickey states, "Bringing our national platform of stations to Rdio allows us to instantly create broader access for our listeners and new opportunities for advertisers to reach their target audiences. The combination of our premier broadcast assets with Rdio's acclaimed user experience and music discovery features creates a full-service listening experience that is unparalleled." In addition to music, live broadcast programming includes sports content from local stations as well as through Cumulus Media's Westwood One. Featured stations include Cumulus Media-owned country WNSH, New York; rock KLOS, Los Angeles; triple-A KFOG, San Francisco; urban-rhythmic oldies WRWM, Indianapolis; and country WSM-FM, Nashville. Additional stations will launch later this year.
WOWO Producing 90-Year Retrospective. The Fort Wayne (Indiana) talk outlet is observing its 90th anniversary and – appropriately enough – is putting together a 90-minute documentary. Station executives are in the process of gathering interviews from former employees for the special, which will cover WOWO's impact and reach. In addition to audio samples of historic and comical moments, Bob Sievers, Jack Underwood, Jay Gould, and Bob Chase are among those who will be featured. Program director Ryan Wrecker (email@example.com) is seeking station memorabilia that can be displayed during the ongoing celebration, as well as memories past staffers or listeners would like to share. Those contributing will receive a preview edition of the special, which is scheduled to air on Federated Media-owned WOWO (Thursday) November 19.
KNX Schedules Second Annual Blood Drive. In light of the fact that blood donations typically dip during summer months, KNX, Los Angeles is joining the American Red Cross for the CBS Radio all-news outlet's second annual blood drive. The five-day event at participating Red Cross blood centers starts two weeks from Saturday (8/29) and concludes the following Wednesday (9/2). CBS Radio vice president/Los Angeles market manager Dan Kearney comments, "KNX is proud to team up with the Red Cross once again as we expand our blood drive effort. We know summer is a challenging time for people to think about donating blood, and we hope to raise awareness so our listeners will lend their support and help the Red Cross maintain a safe and stable blood supply." American Red Cross Southern California blood services external communications manager Tony Briggs notes that although many donors stepped up to give following a pressing call issued earlier this month, "The American Red Cross continues to have an urgent need for blood donors of all blood types to give before Labor Day." Last year's inaugural two-day KNX blood drive produced 834 pints of blood, which helped 2,502 patients. Greater Los Angeles/Southern California donation locations include Arcadia, Glendale, Santa Monica, Claremont, Downey, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Granada Hills, Los Angeles, Laguna Hills, Long Beach, Pasadena, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, West Covina, Woodland Hills, and Yorba Linda. As an incentive (and while supplies last), blood drive sponsor – The Southern California Gas Company – will give blood donors a KNX emergency preparedness guide; two tickets to Hollywood's Laugh Factory; a ticket to Madame Tussauds Hollywood; and a sample of Hawaiian Host chocolates.
Maranville Departs USA Radio Networks. One-year USA Radio Networks chief content officer-director of channel development Tim Maranville exits. He expresses thanks to "everyone at USA for all the hard work, especially show hosts Steve Deace, Kevin Jackson, Steve Noble, Jim Sharpe, Joe Messina, Chris and Emilee, Angie Austin, and Tony Perkins. The future is bright and I hope to have one, maybe two, announcements about my next contribution to the planet by mid-September." Maranville joined USA after a nearly six-year run as vice president of programming at Westwood One. He previously was vice president and director of operations of the Denver Radio Company; vice president and director of operations of Sun City Communications; director of operations at KFRC, San Francisco; and director of operations of Phoenix stations KMLE, KOOL, and KZON. In addition, he owns/operates Mutations Media and he co-owns The Show Must Go On, an independent syndication consulting and affiliation company.
Donald Trump Continued to be the Second Most Talked About Person on News/Talk Radio Yesterday — a VERY close second to Barack Obama (8/11). Top topics include the Presidential Race, the Iran Nukes Deal, Immigration Reform and the Chinese Economy. According to TALKERS research, fallout from last week's audience record-breaking GOP debate on Fox News Channel continues to dominate conversation on news/talk radio across America and people (and the media) remain fixated on Donald Trump. Other hot topics include the presidential election in general, Hillary Clinton's email controversy and the global economic impact of China's devaluation of its currency.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Tidwell Tapped as iHM San Antonio SVP/Programming. Inbound from Tucson where he was iHeartMedia's senior vice president of programming, Lance Tidwell transfers to San Antonio for similar duties. Executive vice president of programming for iHeartMedia major markets Brad Hardin comments, "I am extremely pleased to welcome Lance to the iHeartMedia San Antonio family. Tidwell is a strong talent and has had much success in his tenure with iHeartMedia. His programming acumen and depth of experience will allow him to ramp up quickly and build immediate relationships with the programming and sales team." San Antonio market president Marlene Trevino remarks, "I am excited that our San Antonio programming operations will be led by Tidwell. He understands our company¹s vision to be innovative with every move. Lance¹s experience collaborating with programming and sales teams will provide us and our partners with unbeatable forward momentum in the continued evolution of our brands in the San Antonio market." Tidwell notes that he is "grateful" to Trevino and Hardin "for the chance to work with these great brands and team in San Antonio. I am eager to get started and lead the market to continued growth and success." In addition to having programmed in Seattle, Memphis, Hartford, Monterey-Salinas, and New Haven (Connecticut), Tidwell was chief operating officer for Southern Star Broadcasting. With 6+ share/market ranks from the most recent Nielsen Audio PPM sweep in parentheses (July 2015), iHeartMedia's San Antonio cluster consists of country KAJA "KJ-97" (6.0, #3); mainstream CHR KXXM "Mix 96.1" (4.8, #5); adult contemporary KQXT "Q-101.9" (4.7, #6); talk WOAI (4.2, #10); rhythmic CHR KZEP "Hot 104.5" (2.1, #19); regional Mexican KQXT-HD3 (1.8, #20); sports KTKR "The Ticket" (.6, #26); and classic country KRPT "B-Buc" (.2, #27).
CBS Radio Q2 Revenue Off 5%. While second quarter revenue for CBS Corp. increased 1% to $3.22 billion from $3.19 billion in 2014, CBS Radio revenue declined 5%. Executive chair Sumner Redstone states, "CBS is at the center of the action during an extremely exciting time in media. We continue to succeed as a result of our world-class content." According to president and chief executive officer Les Moonves, "This quarter underscores the key steps we are taking to build out our long-term growth strategy. Our premium content remains the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident this fall's new primetime lineup will lead us to another victory next season." The company's local broadcasting revenue was down 2% to $654 million from $665 million, as television station revenue was up 1%, and local broadcasting operating income (OI) fell 8% to $198 million from $215 million. The company posted net earnings of $332 million, down from $439 million in the year-ago period.
Nielsen Audio Releases Third Round of July 2015 PPM Data. The third of four rounds of July 2015 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. The July 2015 survey period covered June 18 through July 15. You can find the complete ratings from subscribing stations here. Additionally, TALKERS and RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his "Ten Takeaways" from this group on the main page of our sister publication here.
National Radio Hall of Fame Nominees Announced. The 24 candidates in six categories were determined by the organization's steering committee. National Radio Hall of Fame chair Kraig Kitchin brings back public engagement through social media balloting in the "Music Format On-Air Personality" and "Spoken Word On-Air Personality" categories. This is the first time that will be done in the last five years. "This impressive list of nominees represents the best examples of talent with commendable audience relationships past and present," Kitchin declares. "Each individual and show was selected after extensive deliberation by the steering committee. We are all looking forward to seeing the results as determined by our industry peers and listeners nationwide." The four nominees to be voted on by a participant panel in the "Longstanding Local/Regional (20 years or more)" category are Tom Barnard (Minneapolis); Johnny Dare (Kansas City); Johnny Holliday (Washington, D.C.); and Ronn Owens (San Francisco). Those in the "Active Local/Regional (10 years or more)" category are "Big Boy" – real name Kurt Alexander (Los Angeles); Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison (Philadelphia); Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart (Chicago); and Garland Robinette (New Orleans). The four candidates in the "Networks/Syndication (10 years or more)" category include Tom Kent (Cleveland); Dave Ramsey (Nashville); Diane Rehm (Washington, D.C.); and Michael Savage (San Francisco). Those in the "Longstanding Network/Syndication (20 years or more)" category are Bob Kevoian & Tom Griswold (Indianapolis); Bob Kingsley (Weatherford, Texas); "Marketplace" (Los Angeles); and Harry Shearer (Los Angeles). Nominees to be voted on by listeners nationwide in the "Music Format On-Air Personality" category are Delilah (Seattle); Elvis Duran (New York); Steve Harvey (Atlanta); and Ryan Seacrest (Los Angeles). In the "Spoken Word On-Air Personality" category, the nominees are Sean Hannity (New York); Clark Howard (Atlanta); Jim Rome (Los Angeles); and Dr. Laura Schlessinger (Los Angeles). Voting begins today; names of the winners will be revealed in just over three weeks (8/31). The induction ceremony will be held in three months (11/5) at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in downtown Chicago.
NextRadio, CBI Team To Find Best Radio Spot. College students are encouraged to create/submit a 60-second radio spot, as NextRadio and College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) join forces to find the "best-of-the-best in radio spot ads." According to NextRadio president Paul Brenner, there are currently 50,000 – 70,000 radio spots that run each month supporting the NAB National Awareness Campaign, which launched in February; "this is a huge opportunity for students to have their radio spot played nationally among thousands of broadcast stations and heard by millions. We will get the opportunity to showcase rising talent for the radio industry." CBI president Greg Weston comments, "CBI is thrilled to team with NextRadio to offer students from our media outlets this unprecedented opportunity to have their work appear in front of millions of listeners. Not only will the winners get national exposure for their talent, they will be able to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them at the National Student Electronic Media Convention." First-place winner will have his or her 60-second spot included in "flight four" of the NAB National Awareness Campaign, which starts October 1. The contest begins one week from next Monday (8/17) and will run through September 18; winners will be announced September 28.
Westwood One, PGA of America In Multiyear, Multiplatform Deal. Live hole-by-hole coverage of the PGA championship returns to Westwood One for the first time in a decade. In addition, Westwood One will provide short-form updates, as well as a Brad Heller-anchored recap show, "The PGA Championship Tonight." Senior vice president of sports for Westwood One (and parent company Cumulus Media) Bruce Gilbert remarks, "Westwood One is proud to present the 2015 PGA championship. It is a very exciting time in professional golf with so many terrific stories this year. Our team is prepared and excited to describe the remarkable performance of the world's best players live from the PGA championship for the next few years." PGA of America chief commercial officer Jeff Price states, "Westwood One and SiriusXM are synonymous with live, major sports event broadcasting. The PGA of America is delighted that we will partner with these two world-class radio partners to bring the drama and excitement of the PGA championship to fans." Broadcast coverage from the PGA championship at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin begins one week from today (Thursday, 8/13). It will run through (Sunday) the 16th and can be heard on SiriusXM, Westwood One Sports affiliates, and WestwoodOneSports.com. SiriusXM PGA tour radio host Earl Forcey will anchor the joint coverage from the 18th tower, while former pro golfer/Golf Channel host Charlie Rymer will be lead analyst. Westwood One's Ted Emrich will anchor short-form reports from the course, and provide leader board updates during the long-form coverage. Looking ahead, Westwood One Sports will provide PGA championship coverage next year from Baltusrol Country Club in Springfield, New Jersey and, in 2017, from the Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte.
2016 Presidential Candidates-GOP Debates, Nashville Theater Attack, Iran Nuclear Deal, Immigration Policy Debate, Hillary Clinton Email Investigation, Baltimore Gets Help with Violence, MH370 Debris Confirmed, and Deflategate Flap Among Top News Stories Yesterday (8/5). The activities of the candidates for president in 2016 and tonight's GOP debates; the thwarted attack on a cinema in Nashville on Wednesday; the political battle over the proposed nuclear deal with Iran; the ongoing controversy over America's immigration policy; the Feds supply help to Baltimore's police in battling the explosion of murders in the aftermath of the Freddie Gray slaying; the plane debris found last week is confirmed to be from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370; and the NFL's deflategate case were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
"Secret Weapon" Reveals Radio's Greatest Ally. As vice president of talent development, iHeartMedia's Dennis Clark is often referred to inside the company as its "secret weapon." Interviewed in Los Angeles by Ramsey Media president Mark Ramsey during hivio 2015, Clark emphasizes that talent is the "difference maker of what radio is today" and what the medium could be in the future. "At iHeartMedia, we realize that our point difference is the talent we have on our radio stations," he acknowledges. It is up to an individual talent though to have personal drive and that starts, Clark suggests, when they raise his or her hand. "They might become super-irritating or annoying, but we really love it," he comments because it shows that a person "has the energy and the spirit." At that point, the person has most likely researched the station for which they want to work, or what their "act" could be. "It has to be a great show inside what the station is," Clark states. "The person has to really know [that particular] station's brand, its overall, 24-hour mission, and where [he or she] fits into that package." That philosophy of Clark's, which he readily admits is not easy-to-teach, applies to all day-parts, not simply morning drive. In order to get his point across to talent, Clark uses examples of other people "who have built a brand." For example, Bobby Bones – who formerly did mornings on iHeartMedia Austin CHR KHFI "Kiss-FM" – approached (iHeartMedia's Premiere Radio Networks) with the idea of syndicating his 6:00 am – 11:00 am morning drive program to country stations. "We listened to his show as-is and felt it could fit," Clark recounts. "The opportunity came for him in Nashville" on iHeartMedia's country WSIX-FM "The Big 98" and "he went all-in. His CHR experience has been very helpful for him. He understood – and was a great student of – branding. It is very important that talent [get] that." While iHeartMedia has quite a number of talented on-air personalities at its hundreds and hundreds of stations, no one has a higher profile than "American Idol" host and television production mogul Ryan Seacrest. Not only does the man spearheading morning drive with Ellen K on CHR KIIS "Kiss-FM" accept direction, he welcomes it. That, Clark stresses, is a characteristic of a great talent. "It goes to show his drive. Really great personalities have many ideas, but they also know when something is not working. Each show is unique and the ideas have to come from them. Ryan seizes the opportunity to have the conversation at the right time." Years ago on Seacrest's show, there was a producer whose nieces and nephews were big fans of "Hanna Montana," the 2006-2011 Disney Channel television program starring Molly Cyrus. Seacrest played a few of her records, even though the label – Hollywood Records – was not actively promoting them. "At the time, it was a fad and it became a phenomenon," Clark explains. It might be said that one particular social media platform is also "a fad that has become a phenomenon" and Clark declares, "Twitter has been the best thing for radio. It is now; it is in the moment; and it is interactive." Among the beliefs at iHeartMedia is that the more ears that hear their company's shows the better – regardless of method of distribution. "This is a cume business," Clark puts forth. "The more you invite – the more people will come. The more that they hang into a show, [the greater the chance that] they could become raving fans and disciples of the brand you are developing." The two-day hivio 2015 conference was held Thursday (6/4) and Friday (6/5) at Hollywood's Improv.
Are Television Ratings No Longer Relevant? A production of Chicago public radio station WBEZ, "Serial" was a hot topic of conversation during the two-day (Thursday, 6/4 and Friday, 6/5) hivio 2015 seminar in Los Angeles. Among those invoking the Peabody Award-winning podcast was TV Guide Magazine Los Angeles bureau chief Michael Schneider, who possesses more than 20 years covering the television business. Regarding "Serial," he points out to Mark Ramsey Media president Mark Ramsey that, "It is a game-changer and has television people talking, and you don't hear television people talk too much about audio. You can see the impact of 'Serial' on television, which is ironic because 'Serial' reminded television people of 'Dateline NBC' and '48 Hours.'" the most Perhaps the most important issue in television these days is ownership. In announcing their fall lineups, TV network executives indicated they are picking up more of their own in-house productions. "That's the way [the networks] still make money," Schneider explains. "They are not making it on advertising anymore because ratings are going down." NBC and Fox are in the distribution space; however, as the former 12-year television editor of the trade publication Variety points out, people no longer consume programs on those networks live. "They are watching their shows time-shifted, on Hulu.com, or someplace else." It is Schneider's contention that television ratings no longer matter. "Look at Netflix – look at Amazon," he stresses. "We constantly bug Netflix to have them tell us who is watching, but they will not do it. I have no idea who is watching 'Orange is the New Black.' All they say is that it is their top-rated show, but that does not help me at all." Given they do not sell advertising, there is no need to disclose that information – and they are not doing so. Several of Schneider's friends work at Netflix. Their feedback is that Netflix has figured out just what the audience wants and the company has it down to a science. A strong partisan of CBS Radio Los Angeles alternative outlet KROQ morning drivers Kevin & Bean, Schneider downloads their four-hour show each day. "They do a fantastic job and I love them," he proclaims of the recent Radio Hall of Fame inductees. "When you take out the music and commercials, they do about two hours of content every day. I have a ridiculous one-hour [one-way] commute." By the time Schneider leaves for work and then returns home, he has listened to all two hours of the "Kevin & Bean" content. "In the 'old days,' I would have heard bits and snippets of their show going in, but nothing on the way home," he states. "Now, I get a concentrated two-hour dose of that show every day. I am more in-tune to what they are doing." As a result, he has become even more of an "avid fan" of their daily broadcasts since he feels a greater investment in the program. On the flipside, he no longer listens to the terrestrial station (KROQ). Particularly this time of year, which is Emmy campaign season, Schneider is moderating panel discussions with major television stars and producers. Relevance to a radio audience is that Schneider is a podcaster for Los Angeles public outlet KCRW (Santa Monica Community College). He brings along a digital recorder to his panel sessions and is able to have a "bonus edition" to his "The Spin-Off" podcast. "Suddenly, I am doing four podcasts a month," Schneider explains. "All I have to do is ask my pals at KCRW to edit it down a little bit. We are in the early experimental stages of podcasts where we can get away with doing something like that. People are hungry for content so they dig it. The more I give, the more I hear from people."
Sunday, 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.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Joe McDonnell: LA Saddened at Giant-Size Talent's Passing. How "big" was Joe McDonnell in Los Angeles? Consider this: Friday's (3/13) lead item for several newscasts on the city's only all-news station, CBS Radio's KNX, was that the 58-year-old McDonnell – widely-known as "Big Joe" or "The Big Nasty" – had passed away. "Big" references regarded his weight, approximately 700 pounds at one time; however, the sports talk host underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost roughly more than half of that. "Nasty" became a handle owing to his highly opinionated nature. The overwhelming majority of those familiar with McDonnell's exemplary on-air work in Los Angeles would quickly associate him with being a "legendary" or "iconic" sports talk radio "fixture" and that would certainly be accurate. He was, however, among the rarest of on-air talents in the country's second-largest market, in that, in addition to doing a nightly (7:00 pm – 11:00 pm) sports program ("The Joe McDonnell Experience") on Clear Channel's (now iHeartMedia) KLAC, he also did a Sunday (12:00 noon – 2:00 pm) political talk program ("The Joe McDonnell Show") on co-owned KTLK-AM (now KEIB). Most recently, McDonnell did fill-in work at KNX. Reaction to his death has continued virtually nonstop, with a who's who in local and national media, as well as executives of major sports franchises, offering condolences. Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia knew McDonnell ever since Scioscia first came up as a catcher in the Dodgers' organization. "He was a good friend who will be missed. It's sad," Scioscia states. On Twitter, Keith Olbermann writes, "Heartbroken to learn of death of LA radio legend, my friend, Joe McDonnell. He leaves us having never held a grudge." Ken Rosenthal comments, "So sad to hear about the passing of Joe McDonnell, a one-of-a-kind sports personality in Los Angeles and a reporter at heart." Several years ago, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian, then the special features editor for Inside Radio, did an extensive profile of McDonnell, who freely used the word "idiot" to describe someone with whom he disagreed. It was a trademark of the bombastic on-air persona of "The Big Nasty" and customarily delivered in vitriol by the dean of Los Angeles radio sports talk hosts. McDonnell garnered legions of dedicated fans. Once – to benefit charity – he accepted the challenge of co-workers and successfully completed a four-hour shift without uttering one negative. In his profile, Kinosian shattered the myth about McDonnell and let the truth be told that in real-life, McDonnell was a far cry from the manic personality listeners were accustomed to hearing. Pensive and completely conscientious McDonnell qualified as a native Angelino, having relocated from Philadelphia in 1959 at age three with his parents. "I loved radio and wouldn't go anywhere without it," he fondly recalled to Kinosian. "I'd go to bed listening to it and wake up with it. I went through radios [as others] went through socks. Even when doing homework, I had the radio on." Although thoroughly enthralled by the medium, McDonnell at that time never thought about pursuing a career in it. Family members urged him to be a lawyer, but McDonnell formulated sportswriter aspirations while attending L.A. Valley College and Cal State – Northridge. His radio career was, in his words, "a total accident." A high school buddy McDonnell hadn't seen in a while told him he received academic credit for working at a radio station. That was all it took for McDonnell: He scored an interview for a newsroom opening at KGIL in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley and his first day was September 18, 1975 – the day they arrested Patty Hearst. "I was so excited to be there and hung around to watch what everybody did. Then the story broke and I wound up staying until 10:00 pm. I fell in love with radio my first day and knew this was for me." Freelance sports opportunities later surfaced for him at Mutual, AP Radio, and UPI Radio and he adroitly transitioned into a daily field correspondent. Play-by-play was briefly tinkered with, but long enough for McDonnell to know it didn't captivate him. Something else did and as he flatly asserted to Kinosian, "My interest in politics is equal to my interest in sports. They are jobs but they are [also] passions. I love being able to show another side of my life. I am very liberal but do not [rubber-stamp] everything simply because that is what [other liberals] say you should do. I take things on a position-by-position basis. It is impossible and disingenuous to be one way on every subject. No one can ever accuse me of being a phony." The first Gulf War was underway when he hosted a general talk show on KFI, Los Angeles. America's first casualty came as a result of friendly fire. Soon after that, the victim's widow drove to KFI one Sunday afternoon and McDonnell did two hours with her. "It was the most gut-wrenching, yet most fulfilling, thing I've done on radio," he told Kinosian. "Quite honestly, I didn't know I was capable of pulling it off. People heard me do sports and wondered what I knew about [politics]. I had to win them over." Multiple Golden Microphone award winner McDonnell toiled in the Southland at KMAX and KWNK between 1994 – 1997; won raves doing sports updates for (then-all news) KFWB; and was part of the original 1992 staff transitioning KMPC to all-sports – although the outbreak of the L.A. riots was the considerably more monumental story the night of the format flip. For numerous personal and professional reasons, a five-year run beginning in 2000 as KSPN "ESPN 710," Los Angeles' assistant program director and afternoon driver profoundly affected him. "My first three years there were great," McDonnell declared to Kinosian. "I had a say in what went on and helped build KSPN from the ground up with [KABC & KSPN OM] Erik Braverman who was my KFI producer. Unfortunately when Erik decided he wanted to concentrate on KABC, they brought in people who didn't share our ideas." It was one different concept after another and became the beginning of the end for McDonnell there. "They killed morale and dissolved everything we did. I wanted to leave every day the last two years I was there but made so much money I would've been put in a mental institution if I quit." From the minute McDonnell walked into the Burbank offices of KLAC to interview with KLAC general manager/program director & KTLK program director Don Martin, he sensed something different. "This might sound crazy – but I really liked that they made me earn my position. Don put me on KTLK and let me do some KLAC fill-in. It meant a lot when he said I assimilated with the audience and staff. People have this idea you expect everything be given to you." Being a sports talk host was a 24 hour-a-day job for McDonnell because, "Information doesn't stop." His shows were frequently punctuated with "24" and "Da Ali G" clips and laced with abundant/energetic hip-hop tracks as bumpers. At first, longtime "McDonnell – Douglas" partner Doug Krikorian wasn't part of the equation for the "Joe McDonnell Experience," although the Long Beach Press-Telegram sportswriter joined the ensemble to deliver weekly "K-Files" reports. After all, it was Krikorian who hung the "Big Nasty" moniker on McDonnell when Big Joe collared/disposed of a rowdy patron one night at their favorite hangout. Naturally, the subject of McDonnell's weight came up in the Kinosian profile of him and McDonnell said that even before the gastric bypass procedure, the heavy burden he was carrying didn't really bother him. He did however eventually begin slowing down, getting sick, and spending more time at home. "I stopped going to games because it was uncomfortable. My doctor told me I had to do something. Any addict – and I'm definitely a food addict – thinks you can do it on your own." That's the fallacy and something an addict desperately wants to believe but McDonnell stressed it can not be done alone. "It got to the point where I realized I was going to die. I had the surgery and lost 300 pounds. On Christmas Day, I put slabs of turkey and prime rib on a plate [surrounded with] potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce. I took it to the table and had a bite of each. Hey look – I'm a food addict and always will be." The old Joe most likely would've avoided on-air surgery mentions. If it did pop up, he probably would've been brutal in challenging the person referencing it. A much mellower McDonnell made a conscious decision when he left KSPN that the "Big Nasty" had died. "It was a great vehicle for what I needed – but – that really isn't me," he emphasized to Kinosian. "I'm opinionated and will raise my voice but I'm a nice guy and like to have fun. One reason I love my job is it allows me to hang with people." Conceding it was a "shortcoming" on his part as a talk show host to refrain from mentioning much about his personal life, McDonnell declared, "You can't be isolated and expect to reach your audience; you have to let them in on your life. For the most part, I refused to do that. Don Martin and I had a long talk about that and he said the best on-air people let you know about them." A happy, healthy, and exuberant McDonnell chatted up his March 30, 2007 wedding to KLOS' lovely Elizabeth Cohn (now working at cross-town Bonneville-owned KSWD "The Sound"). "I finally met someone who will put up with me and I [married] the most wonderful person in the world," McDonnell emphasized in that profile. Joe and Elizabeth worked together for four years inside ABC Radio Los Angeles (now Cumulus Media) and basically didn't say a word to each other. "She understands I'll occasionally make fun of her on-air and exaggerate things but my life is now an open book." Numerous health ailments – some nearly life-threatening – plagued McDonnell and he frequently credited Elizabeth as being the rock who held him together. An avowed movie junkie, McDonnell would go to as many as three or four in one day. It was his way to relax and escape. "One of the biggest benefits of losing weight is I can fit into theater seats. That was honestly a problem before." Such McDonnell segments as "Who Do You Want To Kick Out Of LA?" gave him a Northeast-sounding vibe, but his entire nearly 40-year career was spent in Los Angeles. The ardent WWE fan told Kinosian, "It would take a million dollar offer for me to leave Los Angeles. In the early-1990s, I had a chance to work for a friend in Nashville and had a big offer to go to Seattle in 1994 but my mother had cancer so I wasn't about to leave town. There was a preliminary discussion years ago with WFAN, New York about being a reporter/weekend host but Los Angeles is my home. I'm part of the radio landscape." Eerie now, but McDonnell confided to Kinosian in that lengthy printed conversation, "All the stuff I've done is leading up to something. I've always felt there was a bigger plan for me and a different path. God has kept me around for a reason – but I don't know what it is. With what I've put myself through, any other person would have been dead by now." Even at his heaviest, the voracious reader managed to stay in "fairly good shape." The only weakness until recently was with his knees. According to McDonnell, "The ultimate moment for me would be to somehow find out who really killed John F. Kennedy." As for the once "Big Nasty," no cause of death was reported; several reports – including the one on KNX – said he died at Los Angeles' Good Samaritan Hospital after a "brief illness." A two-hour Friday night (3/13) Jeff Biggs-hosted show on KSPN paid tribute to McDonnell, who typically aired his "Kick Out" segment Fridays. Poignant, touching, and chillingly appropriate, the final word was given to Elizabeth McDonnell who somehow managed to summon up the strength in her voice to utter she wanted to kick Joe out of LA. Dramatic, goose-bump radio. "When I die," McDonnell once told Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News, "I want to be cremated and then have a plane spread half of my ashes over Dodger Stadium and the other half over the [ex-home of the Lakers] Forum."
Friday, September 26, 2014
Cox Promotes Spriggs and Anderssen. Longtime Cox Media Group talk radio programmers Pete Spriggs and Drew Anderssen both receive promotions. In Atlanta, Spriggs, who serves as director of branding and programming for heritage news/talker WSB (WSBB-FM "News 95-5" and WSB-AM), is now news/talk/sports radio format leader. At the same time, the company announces that WDBO, Orlando director of branding and programming Drew Anderssen becomes the company's news/talk/sports format coordinator. These appointments mean the two, in addition to maintaining their current roles, will work with CMG VP of radio programming Steve Smith and the local PDs of the company's talk and sports stations. Those include: news talk WXKT and WGAU and sports WRFC-AM in Athens, Georgia; news/talk WHIO-AM/FM, Dayton; news/talk WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville; sports KONO-AM, San Antonio; and news/talk KRMG, Tulsa. CMG EVP of Radio Kim Guthrie comments, "Pete and Drew are two of our most talented directors of branding and programming and we're thrilled they will share their skills with the rest of our team. Their natural instincts will help all of our Cox Media Group news/talk/sports stations across the country continue to grow and flourish."
'ESPN Radio' New York Makes Lineup Adjustments; Lupica Show Adds an Hour. The ESPN O&O in New York tweaks its programming schedule in several ways, effective Monday September 29. The moves come about a month after the company shifted the role of Stephen A. Smith, taking him off the WEPN midday show. The changes include an expanded two-hour show hosted by Mike Lupica airing from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Ryan Ruocco – who co-hosted with Smith – partners up with Dave Rothenberg for a one-hour show airing at 12:00 noon. Ruocco also will join the PM drive Michael Kay show where he becomes a contributor. In the evenings, Alan Hahn and former Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro are the permanent hosts of the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm program. Additionally, Bill Daughtry's role with ESPN grows as his Saturday morning show on WEPN is now heard from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. He'll continue to host New York Knicks broadcasts as well as provide daily "SportsCenter" updates from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daily. "ESPN Radio NY 98.7FM" program director Justin Craig comments, "These changes strengthen an already powerful personality driven lineup on 98.7FM. Two hours of Mike Lupica's passion and opinions, additional opportunities for Bill Daughtry, Ryan Ruocco and Dave Rothenberg, and the new team of Alan Hahn and Rick DiPietro, whose chemistry was evident from day one, reinforce our commitment to serve sport fans."
Mickey Ryan Named to PM Drive Show at WGFX-FM, Nashville. The afternoon drive sports talk show 3HL heard in Cumulus Media's WGFX-FM, Nashville "104-5 The Zone" adds Mickey Ryan to the cast that includes Brent Dougherty and Blaine Bishop. Station program director Brad Willis notes that Dougherty and Bishop have been part of 3HL since it launched in January of 2010 in the midday slot. The show moved to the PM drive daypart on October of 2011. Prior to the launch of 3HL, Ryan had worked with Dougherty on the station's evening show. Willis says, "Mickey was a great part of our team five years ago, and life took him to Arkansas. During his time there, he hosted his own radio show and became the assistant athletics director for Arkansas State University. We are excited to have Mickey as part of our radio family again, and are looking forward to having him on air with Brent and Blaine on 3HL."
WLS-AM, Chicago Morning Host Dan Proft to Support GOP Candidates Via PAC. In addition to his position as morning drive co-host on Cumulus Media's WLS-AM, Chicago, Dan Proft heads up the conservative political action committee Liberty Principles PAC. According to a story in the Chicago Daily Herald, Proft will spend some $2 million before the November elections in an effort to get Republicans elected to state offices. In the piece, Proft cites the vast majority that Democrats enjoy in the Illinois House as a reason to get more Republicans elected. He says, "We think that there needs to be more balance in state government." Read the whole story here.
Nathan Butler Joins Clear Channel Satellite. Named the new director of operations for Clear Channel Satellite is Nathan Butler. The company says Butler has served in the radio broadcasting, engineering and technology field for years. His background includes director of operations at Kentucky News Network and Total Traffic Network. His expertise includes working with the X-Digital System, radio broadcasting, radio programming, social networking, broadcast journalism, radio producing and digital media.
U.S. ISIS Policy/Syria Strikes Tops Talkers TenTM for Week of September 22-26. The air strikes on ISIS targets in Syria and the U.S. military policy combating ISIS was the most talked about story on news/talk radio this week. At #2 was the negotiations with Iran over cooperation against ISIS and the country's nuclear program. Following at #3 was the number of new terror plots uncovered and at #4 was the NFL domestic violence cases and the suspension of Bill Simmons by ESPN. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on talk radio during the week. It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week's entire chart here.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Clear Channel Suspends Hank Bauer for One Broadcast. After making an anti-Semitic joke during the San Diego Chargers-San Francisco 49ers pre-season game, Clear Channel is suspending radio color man and former Charger Hank Bauer for the final pre-season game tomorrow evening. Chargers play-by-play airs on CC's rock KIOZ and sports KLSD. During the broadcast, noting that fans in the expensive seats were leaving the game early, Bauer's partner Josh Lewin said he would stay for the entire game if he had those seats. Bauer then quipped, "But then again you know how copper wire was invented? Somebody dropped a penny between Josh and his family member." Bauer later posted an apology on Twitter, stating, "I made a hurtful insinuation that I regret and I would like to express how sorry I am. My poor choice of words were unfortunately open for negative interpretation, please know it was never my intention to offend any of my listeners. I hope you accept my apology."
Paul Ryan to Guest Host Sean Hannity Show August 28. In a rare example of a sitting member of Congress occupying the host chair for Sean Hannity on his Premiere Networks nationally syndicated radio show, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) – and former vice presidential candidate – will serve as guest host Thursday, August 28. Premiere Networks says in a statement that Ryan will "weigh in on ISIS, the Ferguson tragedy, slain American journalist James Foley, and why Burger King should move to Canada."
Chad Doing Joins KGMZ, San Francisco. After years at Alpha Media's KXTG-AM, Portland, sports talk personality Chad Doing is lined up to become part of the air staff at Entercom's KGMZ, San Francisco "95.7 The Game." The station isn't announcing a specific role for Doing yet, but station PD Jason Barrett comments, "I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Chad on to our team. When you listen to Chad host a talk show, you can't help but notice his passion, honesty and high energy. He comes across as a genuine guy who truly loves sports but more importantly, you sense that he loves to connect with his audience. I'm looking forward to getting Chad settled in and utilizing his abilities to help grow our radio station in the future."
Clay Travis to Exit WGFX-FM, Nashville. After failing to come to terms on a contract renewal, Clay Travis will exit the "3HL" show on Cumulus Media's sports talk WGFX-FM, Nashville after tomorrow's program. The show will continue with Blaine Bishop and Brent Dougherty. Travis writes on his Fox Sports Outkick the Coverage blog that he wanted to remain with the station but that corporate would only approve a $5,000 raise. He'll continue to write for Outkick the Coverage and appear on Fox Sports TV.
Deal for Statesboro, Georgia Stations Closes. According to the Statesboro Herald, the $600,000 deal that has six stations in the market changing hands has closed. Neal Ardman is operating Radio Statesboro, Inc. and will acquire the stations from Georgia Eagle Media. That company will retain ownership of the towers which will be leased to Radio Statesboro. The stations include: adult contemporary WPMX-FM "Eagle 102.9," country WHKN, news/talk WMCD-FM, classic rock WZBX, news/talk WWNS and sports talk WPTB. According to the story, the formats on WWNS and WPTB will flip in the near future and Radio Statesboro plans to drop classic rock on WZBX and go CHR.
Radio Show Sets "Magic of Radio" Session. Renowned programmer/WCBS-FM, New York wakeup talent Scott Shannon, Cumulus Media syndicated morning drivers Bob (Kevoian) & Tom (Griswold), and Westwood One consumer expert Clark Howard will discuss ways that their fellow on-air personalities can effectively impact listeners in a positive manner. The four noted talents will share their opinions at next month's (9/10 – 12) Radio Show in Indianapolis in a Gary Berkowitz-moderated session, "The Magic – Radio's Storytellers." Also on the agenda is the (Friday) 9/12 "Programming Masters Series," which addresses the effect of the multi-platform media environment on radio programmers. Panelists will include Marilu Henner; ABC News Radio vice president and general manager Steve Jones; Howard Cogan (the voice of Jack-FM); Kane; and HOCO Productions and The Blaze Radio Network vice president of programming Dom Theodore. The Radio Show is produced by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)and National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
Michael Brown Death Aftermath, American ISIS Fighter Killed, U.S. Military Policy in Iraq and Syria, Mid-Term Elections, Obama Climate Change Deal, Lois Lerner Emails Controversy, and IMF's Lagarde Under Investigation Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/26). The aftermath of the shooting death of Michael Brown; the death of American Douglas MacArthur McCain killed in Syria while fighting for ISIS; the Obama Administration's military policy in Iraq and Syria; the looming mid-term elections; President Obama's reported plan to skirt the U.S. Senate for a global climate change treaty; new information about the status of Lois Lerner's IRS emails; and investigation of IMF chief Christine Lagarde on fraud charges were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Dan Mandis Hosts Early Afternoon Show at WWTN, Nashville. Talk radio pro Dan Mandis is the new 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm personality at Cumulus Media's WWTN, Nashville "SuperTalk 99.7." Mandis, who spent years as executive producer of the Dr. Laura Program, has most recently been programming such talk radio outlets as Clear Channel's KHOW and KKZN in Denver and Federated Media's WOWO, Fort Wayne. He also hosted the Saturday morning show on KOA, Denver. With Mandis' arrival at "SuperTalk 99.7," the station is now live and local from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm. He'll follow morning host Ralph Bristol and late morning personality Michael DelGiorno while leading into PM drive host Phil Valentine. WWTN program director Brian Wilson states, "We think Dan's view of the world is just familiar enough to be comfortable for our audience and at the same time just different enough that he'll make a lot of people stop and think twice about the disease behind the symptoms. As the fourth leg to the table, we think all our core shows will complement each other. The effect is that the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts." Mandis comments, "There are so many reasons to be excited about this opportunity. Being part of an amazing talk radio station on FM is one, and living in a great city like Nashville is another. I honestly can't wait to get started."
'PowerTalk 96.7' Fresno Host Bill Manders Receives Kidney from Teen Suicide Victim. Afternoon drive personality Bill Manders returned to his show on Clear Channel's news/talk duo KALZ and KRZR in Fresno after kidney transplant surgery three weeks ago. According to local TV station KFSN, Manders received a kidney from a local teen who had just committed suicide. It turns out 17-year-old Lexi Morris' father Jason is a regular listener to Manders' program and made the unusual request that Manders receive his daughter's kidney. As the story notes, this is not the usual procedure but the kidney was a perfect match. Manders tells the TV station, "I was in tears when I heard her story, but I would rather concentrate on the plusses in her life. She was smart, athletic, she has a great family, and I know she's there looking down on me, so I've got to honor her." Read the whole story here.
Marc Hochman Officially Signs with Beasley to Host PM Drive on WQAM, Miami. Nothing is ever official until the contract is signed but Marc Hochman's departure from Lincoln Financial Media's crosstown WAXY last fall with the intent on sitting out his non-compete and landing in PM drive at WQAM was one of radio's worst-kept secrets. As soon as it was legal (at 12:01 am on 4/1), Hochman (second from left) inked a pact with WQAM to begin his run as the station's afternoon personality. The new Marc Hochman show will also feature Zach Krantz (right), former Miami Dolphins cheerleader Sha Tabb (second from right), and longtime WQAM producer Victor Bermudez (left). WQAM program director Andy King says, "Marc is an incredible talent and one of the most creative minds in radio. His ability to blend sports, pop culture and humor into an entertaining show has led him to tremendous success throughout his career and I'm excited for him to continue that success here at 560 WQAM." Hochman adds, "I am the quintessential 'radio nerd,' so the opportunity for me to host an afternoon drive show on the most legendary sports talk station in Miami was one that I couldn't pass up. When I first moved to Miami in 1987, I listened to WQAM all the time. Now, a little over 25 years later, I'll be sitting behind that microphone, and I couldn't be more thrilled!" The station also announces that one of the most legendary voices in South Florida sports history, Howard Schnellenberger, has signed on as the imaging voice of the Marc Hochman show. All the show intros and production will be voiced by Schnellenberger.
Melanie Morgan Returns to Radio in Santa Rosa. Long time Bay Area news radio and talk radio pro Melanie Morgan (formerly with Cumulus Media's KGO and KSFO, San Francisco and, for a time, with TRN's "America's Morning News") joined Sonoma Media Group-owned KSRO, Santa Rosa, California as news director and morning anchor. She began her news director duties yesterday (3/31) and starts on-air next Monday (4/7). Melanie replaces a heritage morning news anchor, David Wesley Page, who retired from radio about a month ago after nearly 30 years on the KSRO morning news. Morgan is married to former longtime KGO program director Jack Swanson.
Brian Mitchell and Scott Jackson Re-Up with WTEM, Washington. Two of Doc Walker's co-hosts on Red Zebra Broadcasting's WTEM, Washington "ESPN980" are in the fold for another three years. The company announces that Brian Mitchell and Scott Jackson have extended their contracts with the station, keeping them on the "Inside the Locker Room" with Walker through 2017. The mid-afternoon show teams former Washington Redskins Doc Walker and Brian Mitchell along with veteran talk show host Scott Jackson. Mitchell has been a part of the "ESPN980" family for five years. Brian also is a contributing member of the Washington Redskins Radio Network, offering analysis pre-game, post-game and during halftime. Jackson has worked at WTEM for nine years and will serve in many additional roles, including hosting "Redskins Recap," Mondays after Washington Redskins games and as the station's lead NBA analyst. Vice president of programming Chuck Sapienza says, "'Inside the Locker Room' has been a ratings success. To have all three guys under contract for the next few years makes our station stronger. Doc, B-Mitch and Jack have so much fun on the air, you can't help but laugh along with them while listening."
Business Rockstars Radio Affiliates with CRN Digital Talk Radio. This week "Business Rockstars Radio," hosted by Ken Rutkowski began an affiliation relationship with CRN Digital Talk Radio. The program that features "Rockstar" CEOs, entrepreneurs, and start-ups targeting the 30 million "Wantrepreneurs" in the U.S., joins CRN's integrated audio platform combining television, radio and social media. CRN Digital Talk Radio CEO Mike Horn says, "We're thrilled about our new partnership with 'Business Rockstars Radio,' a show with such compelling content, we've decided to air it three different times across our platform. 'Business Rockstars Radio' is the only national entrepreneurial radio show that brings in 'Rockstar' CEOs and entrepreneurs combined with the magic of Ken Rutkowki's talent and continuing with each guest on the show. We are also excited to partner with the legendary Steve Lehman, a name synonymous with cutting-edge talk radio." Lehman adds, "We're excited to expand the Business Rockstars Radio footprint by joining Mike Horn's renowned CRN Digital Talk Radio Network. This new alliance will add an additional 11 million television households across the U.S. to the Business Rockstars Radio Network, allowing us to reach more 'Wantrepreneurs' with fun, fast-paced, and compelling content about growing, starting, and funding businesses." Business Rockstars Radio guests include some of the biggest CEOs and entrepreneurs daily, including: Nolan Bushnell (Atari and Chuck E. Cheese Founder), Akon (musician and entrepreneur), Daymond John (Host of ABC's "Shark Tank"), Cheryl Tiegs (model, actress and entrepreneur), Thom Beers (CEO of Freemantle Media), Scott Painter (Founder and CEO of TruCar) and many others.
Sports Talk Post-Super Bowl. The American sports (and money!) juggernaut that is the National Football League plays a huge role in the success of sports talk radio in America. Not to disparage the MLB, NBA, NHL and NCAA, but it's clearly the most successful and popular league in professional sports in America. So, what effect does the end of the NFL's season the first weekend in February have on sports talk stations? TALKERS managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian takes an in-depth look at sports talk radio's performance in PPM markets leading up to the Super Bowl and in the month that follows. Check out his report here.
McHale Named VP/CTO for Journal Broadcast Group. The Milwaukee-based company announces Brian McHale is its new vice president and chief technology officer, overseeing "the leadership, management, implementation and long-term planning of the company's technical and physical infrastructure across its 13 television stations and 35 radio stations in 11 states." Journal Broadcast Group also says McHale will "ensure the efficient and on-schedule delivery of media content, identify emerging technologies and how to profitably deploy them, and work closely with Journal's leadership team to develop the company's operational and strategic direction." McHale comes to Journal from Seattle's Fisher Communications where he was vice president of technology.
How to Help Your Remote Guests Shine. Radio is a busy business and sometimes hosts must process guests with a level of assembly-line speed that doesn't always allow for the kind of attention to detail that can make the difference between a quality broadcast and a tune-out. Many interviews on radio sound like there was no forethought to audio quality. And many guests sound like they were thrown into an unfamiliar situation with no preparation. In a very helpful, extensive advice piece posted today (4/1) Genesis Communications Network (GCN) talk show host Michael W. Dean ("The Freedom Feens" and "Michael Dean After Dark") offers advice on how to maximize the quality of your remote guests covering everything from programming content to technical delivery in today's frenzied radio environment. To read it in its entirety, please click here.
ObamaCare Criticism, Russian Aggression, North and South Korean Tensions, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Discrepancies, Global Warming, and "Noah" Criticism Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/31). Scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; the international implications of Russia's aggression in Ukraine and Eastern Europe and President Obama's dealings with Vladimir Putin; heating tensions between North and South Korea; conflicting information from the Malaysian government about the disappearance of Flight 370; renewed debate about global climate change; and criticism of the new film "Noah" were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Monday, January 13, 2013
Clear Channel Media + Entertainment Chairman and CEO John Hogan Retires; Position Eliminated. In a move that comes as a surprise to many, John Hogan is retiring from Clear Channel Media + Entertainment as chairman and CEO and will take on the title of chairman emeritus. At the same time, his position will not be filled and folks in the CCM+E division will report to CC Media Holdings chairman Bob Pittman and president and CFO Rich Bressler as Pittman announces he's signed a five-year extension of his contract. In a statement this morning, Pittman says, "John Hogan has made tremendous contributions to Clear Channel during his tenure – particularly during the unprecedented economic headwinds our country, our industry and our company, faced in 2008 and 2009. He has been an excellent partner for me and for Clear Channel's leadership as we have evolved into the only multi-platform media company with national reach and the ability to execute locally. As my friend and partner in Clear Channel Media + Entertainment, John has been an important element in Clear Channel's transformation into a multiplatform media company. There is never a perfect time to make big decisions like this, but his logic was compelling and making this change at the start of a new year made sense. We thank him for his long service and the enormous positive impact he's had on both our company and the radio industry, and we are delighted that John will remain part of the family with his title of Clear Channel Media + Entertainment chairman emeritus." Hogan joined Clear Channel when Jacor – for which he was serving as senior vice president of radio – was acquired by the company in 1999. He became president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio in 2002 and took on the chairman and CEO of CCM+E role in 2012.
WBEN, Buffalo Talk Host Tom Bauerle Is the Subject of Talk Himself After Police Visits to His Home. From a piece published in the Buffalo News, we learn that there is concern among WBEN, Buffalo afternoon drive host Tom Bauerle's Williamsville, New York neighbors and local police about his recent behavior that some might describe as paranoid. Here's the short version: the paper reports that police responded to a 911 call to Bauerle's home last Wednesday where Bauerle complained he was under surveillance by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's operatives. Police found Bauerle in his backyard with a loaded weapon. He surrendered the weapon to police – who were not able to find evidence of anyone spying on Bauerle – and was also willing to surrender additional weapons in his home to his attorney. The paper also reports that Bauerle's neighbors held a recent meeting with the talk host after he sent them emails raising the issue of him being "watched." Neighbors told the paper his concerns seemed "quirky" and "made you scratch your head." Nonetheless, Bauerle – who was off the air last Wednesday and Thursday but returned to the air on Friday to explain his absence was due to hitting a "physical wall of exhaustion" – did agree to a voluntary psychiatric evaluation on Wednesday of last week. No reports have been released yet and the Buffalo News received its information from neighbors and interviews with police officers who are remaining anonymous until the report is released. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident. Read the Buffalo News story here.
Profile: Salem Radio Network's Mike Gallagher. Talk radio personality Mike Gallagher has been in the business since he talked his way into a substitute position at WAVI, Dayton while a junior in high school in 1978. Thirty-six years later and heard in syndication across the country, Gallagher tells TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian that he's still going strong after a career that's seen him in morning drive at WABC, New York; in business for himself running his own syndicated show; and moving on with his career after the heartbreaking loss of his wife Denise to endometrial cancer in 2008. His philosophy about programming a talk show remains simple, "I go where my gut takes me. You have to reflect the 'hits,' and in our business, the 'hits' mean the headlines." He tells TALKERS that he has always stayed on top of how his show is performing from a business perspective. "It is self-preservation, and my secret to longevity. I learned many years ago that ratings in our business are very volatile, and in particular, talk radio ratings can be cyclical. We are subjected to a political season and a post-political season, so ratings go up and down. I will always win, however, if I deliver revenue…I know where we are to the penny at any given point, and right now, I'm 7% over my January budget. It is a tough environment, so I am very proud of that. We are fighting and scrapping for every dollar. I have always viewed the radio show as a business. I learned that many years ago from Greg Anderson." Read Mike Kinosian's entire profile of Mike Gallagher here.
KFBK, Sacramento FM Signal Changes. News/talk KFBK, Sacramento's FM simulcast had been 92.5 for much of the past two years. But after Christmas, Clear Channel Sacramento flipped KFBK's FM signal to 93.1 – most recently the location of classic hits KHLX. Now we know that the company made the switch so that it could turn the better 92.5 signal into new country outlet "The New B92.5." The 93.1 frequency is licensed to Pollock Pines – some 40 miles west of downtown Sacramento – whereas the 92.5 signal is centered on the market and provides full-market coverage.
KXTG-AM, Portland Sports Talker Named Sportswriter of the Year. Midday sports talk host John Canzano – heard from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daily on Alpha Broadcasting's KXTG-AM, Portland – is named 2013 Oregon Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and Hall of Fame. Finalists for the award were nominated by NSSA members from mid-October to mid-November. Final balloting took place during the month of December. In addition to his work on KXTG-AM, Canzano writes for the Oregonian and makes regular appearances on KGW-TV. Oregonian editor and vice president of content Peter Bhatia states, "John is a terrific columnist and reporter. He brings something special to our city and state every day and it is great to see that recognized." KXTG-AM PD Bernie Bokenyi adds, "I am honored to have John as a part of our team on '750 The Game.' His commitment to readers, listeners and viewers every day is unmatched." Canzano comments, "This market offers the most compelling news anywhere in the country. I love working and living here and being able to bring that to readers and listeners and viewers. We're different than other markets — we have an ongoing dialogue."
Long Named Co-GSM at WSB, Atlanta. At Cox Media Group's Atlanta Radio, Jaleigh Long is named new co-general sales manager for news/talk WSB where she'll work alongside fellow GSM Beth Bowers. Director of sales Walt Phillips says, "Jaleigh Long has a proven track record of leading her teams from the front. Her focus has and will continue to be on developing talent and driving new business development initiatives. She's strategic in her problem solving and decision making with an extensive background in digital ad products and strategy. Partnering with current GSM Beth Bowers only strengthens our position when it comes to coaching and leading this team into a new era at news/talk WSB." Long spent the last seven years as GSM for South Central Media in Evansville, Indiana.
Brandon Randazzo Named Social Media Director at Sports USA. The executive producer of Sports USA's "Conversations with Joe Morgan," and podcasts "Leigh Steinberg on Sports" and "Odds Are with Jimmy Vaccaro" is upped to director of social media for the company, Sports USA president Bob Moore says Brandon Randazzo "is a go-to guy with a vast history of getting the job done. His background in programming, producing, promotions, and voicing radio stations tied to his skill set of social media makes him the ideal person for this position. Brandon will front all of our social media platforms going forward." Randazzo comments, "Sports USA is one of the most respected names in radio. Their relationship with a significant network of over 400 radio affiliates and massive audience will increase the exposure of our social media platforms every day. I am excited for this opportunity to expand the Sports USA brand into social media."
Talk Personality Brian Holland to Host Syndicated Overnight Show. The program is called "The Graveyard Shift" and host Brian Holland is planning to self syndicate it beginning March 17. In a statement, Holland says, "Overnights are often a forgotten daypart because everyone assumes that one show is unstoppable. That was true a few years ago, but now, the fact of the matter is when a program isn't challenged, it's of course going to stay number one. We are getting a lot of attention from stations that are either concerned with the drop in their overnight audience, or are looking for something serious and sustainable to carry in that daypart." Holland's press release states the program will focus on the paranormal and what he calls "fringe topics," but will also cover popular culture, movie news, video game news, and other topical items. Each program will feature at least one guest for an interview, listener phone calls and emails, and a look at current affairs from all walks of life. The show was formerly syndicated by Harris Broadcasting Network but ceased after the death of that company's principal.
Three Broadcasters Facing Legal Action for Copyright Infringement. Orange County California-based Mavrix Photographs LLC has filed complaints against Clear Channel, CBS Radio and Townsquare Media for copyright infringement in the United States District Court Central District of California. Mavrix claims that the three companies all posted images it owns – specifically, images of pop star Katy Perry – to some of their stations' websites with full knowledge that the photos did not belong to them. As in the past, Mavrix is seeking $150,000 per illegal use per company but it is more likely that the issue will be settled out of court for less than what Mavrix seeks. Still, the lesson for website operators is that – especially with celebrity photos – the companies that own the copyrights will seek out violators and will file complaints if they recognize their property being used without permission.
Cool Talk Radio Opportunity. WWTN-FM, Nashville seeks full-time midday host. This is a rare opportunity in the city The New York Times calls "it!" Nashville is on the rise and WTN is the dominant talk station in Music City. We are a live and local operation. With the addition of this position the station is live and local from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm every weekday. And "yes," we usually beat Rush. This is not an entry level job. We are looking for some authentic, fresh energy – someone that is a people person and will weave themself into the fabric of the community in short order. Expect to work social media and participate in public events. We're looking for someone who is a voracious consumer of news and info – someone that brings solutions with the problems, someone with a sense of hope. You should be as good as any trial lawyer at convincing people of your position using indisputable logic to connect the dots. You can't 'just' do national-political; you have to sound like Nashville. You must be good at sensing the mood of the community and covering a wide range of emotions. If you are just angry, don't bother applying. Being a fan of and having interest in country music is a plus. Email resume, references, optional cover letter, and un-scoped air-check to email@example.com put "WWTN-FM Nashville Host" in subject line. Cumulus Media is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Mike Huckabee Considers Radio Future in Arkansas Business Story. In a piece that ran in Arkansas Business yesterday, Cumulus Media Networks nationally syndicated talk host – and former Arkansas governor and U.S. presidential candidate – Mike Huckabee speaks openly about his current media projects and how his political experience has helped his media career. Huckabee gives no clear indication he'll stop doing the daily three-hour show, but neither does he sound all-in when he states, "Within the next month, I'll decide if I want to continue it or not. I know we will, but it's just such an incredibly intensive process that I really have to decide that I want to spend that kind of time…" Huckabee describes the long days preparing for the program and how he works that in with his Fox News Channel weekend program. "I've got to always weigh how much time I'm putting in it and what the return is. How long it will take to make it what I call hopefully disgustingly profitable. That's what one always hopes for in a deal like this." Read the entire story here.
Can Radio Overcome its Smothering Debt and Be a Viable Business in this New Era? That, according to Michael Harrison is THE existential question facing the industry today — and one that TALKERS magazine and RadioInfo tackle head-on in a blockbuster article posted May 2 in BOTH trade publications. Researched and written by TALKERS/RadioInfo west coast bureau chief/managing editor Mike Kinosian, this extensive piece taps deeply into the experience, wisdom and vision of a stellar panel of industry power-players who share their real world perspectives of this pressing issue that directly ties into the future of radio as both a medium and a business. They include (in alphabetical order): Sandi Bergman of MyMediaBroker, Ed Christian of Saga Communications, Erica Farber of the RAB, Charlie Gross of Newsweb Radio Corp., Michael Harrison of TALKERS/RadioInfo, Jerry Lee of WBEB ("B101") in Philadelphia, Chuck Lontine of Headwaters MB, David Pearlman of American Radio Systems, Ed Perry of WATD in Marshfield, MA, Tom Quinn of Americom Broadcasting, Jeff Smulyan of Emmis Broadcasting, Peter Smyth of Greater Media and Dave Van Dyke of Radiate Media. Upon the publication of this information-packed article, TALKERS/RadioInfo VP/executive editor Kevin Casey states, "This is one of the most important pieces published in the radio trades in years and I advise anyone in this business who cares about its future to take the time to read it thoroughly. It dives right into the most pressing issue facing all of us today and provides insight from all angles – big-time groups, large and small market stations, investment banks, services providers, and advertising advocates. A piece like this gets to the very heart of what will determine radio's future – its ability to function and options to consider as a viable business in a daunting, obstacle-ridden environment." Read Mike Kinosian's story here.
Mark Carbonaro Out at KION, Salinas, California; Armstrong & Getty In. According to a report in The Californian, local morning drive host Mark Carbonaro's program has been replaced on KION, Salinas with the Sacramento-based Armstrong & Getty show. Californian writer Jeff Mitchell reports that calls to local management were not returned prior to his deadline. Both KION and Armstrong & Getty's home station KSTE are owned by Clear Channel.
WNSR, Nashville to Get FM Simulcast in June. Nashville Sports Radio's WNSR, Nashville will simulcast on 95.9 in addition to its 560 signal early this summer. The station says it will position itself as "Nashville's SportsRadio 560 on 95.9 FM." The new FM signal will be located near the Davidson/Williamson County line, providing excellent 24-hour coverage of WNSR's programming. General sales manager and afternoon host Thom Abraham states, "Before the Predators and Titans, WNSR brought sports programming to the airwaves in Nashville. This station has stayed true to the format for over 15 years and we are now excited to make it available on the FM band. The new logo puts the emphasis on WNSR, which has stood for Nashville's Sports Radio since 1997, something we are very proud of, and something I have come to appreciate since coming here four years ago."
Fox News Radio Offers Memorial Day Weekend Specials. The network is offering two hour-long special programs for air during the Memorial Day Weekend. "Remembering Iraq" is hosted by Fox News Channel's Griff Jenkins and reflects on the 10 years since the United States entered the Iraq War. Jenkins will take a look at the front lines and those who were affected by the war, including the men and women who served as well as their spouses and children. "The Next Disaster" is hosted by Fox News Channel's Janice Dean. It's a multi-part series that examines disasters, including tornados, earthquakes and terrorist attacks and how to best prepare for them. Additionally, Dean will take a look at how weather forecasting and other technology have helped people prepare for natural disasters in the past and will also report on the impact of early warnings. More information about the specials can be found on the Fox News Radio affiliate website in the specials section.
Sports Talk WDAE, Tampa Gets FM Simulcast on 95.3. The signal is 250-watt translator W237CW that was most recently simulcasting the audio of Clear Channel's hip hop WBTP "95.7 The Beat." CC flips it over to sports talker WDAE. The AM 620 signal of WDAE covers the market just fine but now the station will have an FM presence that's strongest in St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Clearwater.
Benghazi Cover-up Allegations, Syria-Israel Tensions, Obama OSU Commencement, and North Korea Missile Threat Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/6). New information regarding the deadly attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi and the political ramifications; military tensions between Israel and Syria; President Obama's commencement speech at Ohio State University over the weekend; and the North Korean missile threat were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Can You Imagine Meeting These 47 People (and About 500 More) All in One Day? The roster of industry luminaries signed up to serve as speakers at the forthcoming Talkers New York 2013 has been announced and it reads like a who's who of the talk radio industry. Not yet named on the list are several more "surprise" speakers including the yet-to-be revealed recipient of the 2013 Freedom of Speech Award which will bring the total to around 50. In making the announcement, TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey states, "In the 16-year colorful history of this national conference, I believe this is the best and most balanced lineup of speakers we've ever assembled. This power-packed gathering of management, programming, sales and technical leaders will directly address today's most important issues, as the radio industry – not just spoken word – faces some of the most existential challenges of its century-long history." Talkers New York 2013 takes place on Thursday, June 6 between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm at the Concierge Conference Center, 780 Third Avenue on Manhattan's East Side. The event, which is on the verge of being an early sellout, is open exclusively to members of the working media. Registrations can only be booked by credit card over the phone at 413-565-5413. The following individuals will be speaking (in alphabetical order): Michael "Bax" Baxendale, Co-Host, "Bax & O'Brien Morning Show, WAQY "Rock 102", Springfield, MA; Michael Berry, Host, KTRH, Houston (and syndication); Jim Bohannon, Host, Dial Global; Phil Boyce, VP/Spoken Word Format, Salem Communications; Spencer Brown, former CEO, Dial Global; Kevin Casey, VP/Executive Editor, TALKERS; Mark Chernoff, VP of Sports Programming, CBS Radio/OM, WFAN, New York; Jeremy Coleman, SVP, Talk & Entertainment Programming, Sirius/XM; Alan Colmes, Host, Fox News Radio; Holland Cooke, President, Holland Cooke Media; Jana Cosgrove, President, CBS Radio Sales/Entercom Radio Sales; Jerry Crowley, VP/GM, WNYM "AM 970 The Answer", New York; Tom Cuddy, PD, WOR, New York; Andy Dean, Host, Premiere Networks; Dave Elswick, PD/Host, KARN, Little Rock; Erica Farber, President/CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau; Mike Francesa, Host, WFAN, New York; Ian Freeman, Co-Host, Free Talk Live; Dom Giordano, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Steve Goldstein, EVP, Saga Communications; Sean Hannity, Host, Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Ron Hartenbaum, President, WYD/WYM Media; Thom Hartmann, Host, WYD Media; Bill Hess, PD, WMAL, Washington, DC; Clay Hunnicutt, EVP, Programming, Clear Channel; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Tom Leykis, President/Host, The New Normal; Lionel, Host, WWIQ "IQ 106.9", Philadelphia; Steve Malzberg, Host, Newsmax.com; Carole Marks, CEO, Talk Media, Inc.; Kevin McCullough, CEO/Host, XtreMedia; Mike McVay, SVP, Programming, Cumulus Media; Dan Metter, SVP, Sales, Premiere Networks; Jon Miller, Director of Programming Services, Arbitron, Inc.; Trevor Oliver, former SVP/Operations, Premiere Networks; Norm Pattiz, CEO, Courtside Entertainment, LLC/Launchpad Digital Media; Tom Ray, President, Tom Ray Broadcast Consulting; Walter Sabo, Chairman, Sabo Media; Michael Smerconish, Host, SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Jeff Smulyan, CEO, Emmis Broadcasting; Doug Stephan, President/Host, Stephan Multimedia; Andrea Tantaros, Host, Talk Radio Network/Fox News Channel; Phil Valentine, Host, Cumulus Media; Paul Vandenburgh, President/GM/Host, WGDJ "Talk 1300 AM", Albany; Lincoln Ware, Host, WDBZ (The Buzz), Cincinnati; Jeff Wasserman, President, Life Coach Media; David Webb, Host, Sirius/XM; Steven J.J. Weisman, Esq., Senior Partner, Harrison Strategies; Lisa Wexler, Host, WFAS, Westchester, NY; and Dennis Wharton, VP Communications, National Association of Broadcasters. The actual agenda of sessions and times will be posted here later this week.
WVON, Chicago to Celebrate 50th Anniversary April 5-6. Midway Broadcasting-owned WVON, Chicago commemorates 50 years on air tomorrow and Saturday with a two-day celebration kicked off with a special performance by musician Roy Ayers on Friday and culminating with the "IMPACT 50 Grand Gala" at the historic Chicago Theater featuring Toni Braxton on Saturday night. Those expected to be in attendance on Saturday include: media personality Roland Martin, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Radio One's Cathy Hughes, Rev. Al Sharpton, and actor/activist Dick Gregory. Radio historians may be aware that the station was founded by Leonard and Phillip Chess, founders of the famous Chess Records that recorded so many black artists during the 1960s. Current Midway Broadcasting chief Melody Spann Cooper's father, Pervis "Blues Man" Spann, bought the station and since that time it has morphed from an urban music outlet into the urban news/talk station it is today. Cooper tells the Huffington Post that two years ago she wasn't sure the station was going to survive to see its 50th. "Being independently owned in the third largest market, we definitely faced some challenges to stay afloat. We have stood the test of time and worked through the challenges, so this makes it an extra special time for us." The station's calls originally stood for the "Voice of the Negro" but now, the station calls itself the "Voice of the Nation." WVON's being available on Clear Channel's iHeartRadio digital delivery system certainly gives it a broader reach than its 1,000 watt Chicago signal can deliver. WVON prides itself on its ability to talk about local issues as well as issues germane to African Americans across the country with its lineup of largely live and local personalities. The station features Matt McGill in mornings, Perri Small in late mornings, the syndicated Rev. Al Sharpton in middays and Cliff Kelley in PM drive.
Nils Larsen Exits Tribune Broadcasting President and CEO Role. Chicagoland Radio and Media is reporting that Nils Larsen has left the Tribune Company and his latest role as president and CEO of the broadcasting division. The site states Tribune confirmed his exit but said there will be no formal announcement of the change. Larsen previously served as chief investment officer during the Sam Zell/Randy Michael's era. It goes on to say that Larsen, who had no experience in the broadcasting field but was a financial analyst, was only put in the position overseeing the broadcasting division to watch over the finances as the company exited from bankruptcy. Larry Wert serves as president of local broadcasting in the Tribune Broadcasting division.
Financial Talker Phil Grande Signs with Genesis Communications Network. The move will allow Phil Grande to expand his "Phil's Gang" program from the one-hour 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET live broadcast time to a new, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET time. The new deal also includes the debut of a one-hour Saturday program airing from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. "Phil's Gang" partner and CEO Marta Grande says, "This is an exciting opportunity to join the Genesis Communications Network. Adding a strong network like Genesis is the perfect complement to our strong affiliate lineup." Grande says the program is displaying an expanding affiliate roster, thus indicating unprecedented growth, especially in the major markets. This new partnership will add even more strength to the GCN affiliates, providing the best source of media for host Phil Grande to expand with his coined message of "I'm going to tell you what Wall Street doesn't want you to know!"
Cromwell Broadcasting Flips WQZQ, Nashville to Sports Using NBC Sports Radio and Content from WPRT-FM. Cromwell Broadcasting's WQZQ, Nashville drops the gospel format and goes sports on the AM 830 frequency using both NBC Sports Radio Network programming as well as the PM drive "Sports Night" show featuring George Plaster, Willy Daunic and Darren McFarland from sister sports talker WPRT "102.5 The Game." The same format is also airing on translator W248BM, Murfreesboro on the 97.5 frequency. Cromwell general manager Tincy Crouse states, "We are excited to be a part of the brand new 24/7 NBC Sports Radio family from the beginning and looking forward to adding another quality sports talk product into the Nashville market." The "Sports Night" program begins airing at 3:00 pm on WQZQ but not until 4:00 pm on WPRT due to the latter's carriage of the Dave Ramsey program.
MSNBC Continues to Add to Weekend Lineup. MSNBC has already announced the move of talk media personality Ed Schultz from his nightly "Ed Show" to a new weekend program. Now, the network adds a new show as a lead-in to Schultz's show. MSNBC gives political analyst, former Democratic National Committee spokesperson and Clinton White House staffer Karen Finney her own Saturday and Sunday 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm program. Schultz's new program will air from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In a statement, MSNBC's Phil Griffin says, "Karen's rich background in both education policy and politics will add a unique point of view to our expanding live weekend programming."
Odds & Sods. WIBC-FM, Indianapolis talk personality Ed Wenck leaves the PM drive program on the Emmis news/talk station to enter the sales department at the cluster and sell for sports talker WFNI "The Fan."…..CRC Media West's KPSF, Desert Hot Springs, California brings Marshall Gilbert aboard to host the daily "Business for Breakfast" program that airs from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Gilbert most recently served at crosstown KWNZ, Palm Springs…..Call letter changes take place at Clear Channel's Raleigh cluster with news/talk "Rush Radio 106.1" giving up the WRDU calls to its classic rock clustermate at 100.7. The news/talker takes the calls WTKK (most recently held by Greater Media's former Boston talk station) and adopts the brand "More Stimulating Talk."
North Korea Threats, ObamaCare Costs, Gun Legislation Issue, Illegal Immigration, and Sequester Effects Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/3). The heightening threats against the U.S. by Kim Jong Un; the cost and effects of the Affordable Care Act; gun legislation proposals; the recent increase in illegal border crossings; and the effects of the sequester were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Journal Broadcast Group 2012 Q4 Revenue Up 53% on Strong Political; Radio Up 15%. Journal Communications chairman and CEO Steve Smith reports the Broadcast Group's fourth quarter of 2012 was up an amazing 53% due to a very good quarter of political advertising. He says that same-station revenue – excluding political – was up 4%. Journal owns TV stations so when that was broken down, radio was up 15% for the quarter compared to the same period a year ago. President and CFO Andre Fernandez went a little more in depth about radio during the conference call. "On radio, revenue increased nearly 15% in Q4, but only 1.5% on a same-station basis excluding political and the extra week. And that was driven by a 4% gain in local and helped by such categories as auto, up over 20%. Political revenue was a more modest $700,000 in radio for the quarter and $1.7 million for the full year. Looking ahead to the first quarter for radio, total revenue is pacing up in the mid-single digits, though in the low single digits on a same-station basis."
NBC Sports Radio Moves Erik Kuselias to AM Drive; Jon Stashower to Evenings. As the NBC Sports–Dial Global co-operative sports radio network project prepares to go full time on April 1, NBC Sports Radio announces that current evening host Erik Kuselias will be the AM drive host airing from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and weekend sports talk personality Jon Stashower will move to the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot. Kuselias has been in the evening slot for the network since its soft debut in September of last year. Rob "Stats" Guerrera will serve as Kuselias' producer. Kuselias states, "I'm thrilled to be in the prime spot for NBC Sports Radio's first daily lineup. We believe this is the smartest and most fun sports radio program in the nation, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Additionally, NBC Sports and Dial Global Sports allow us to have an unparalleled guest list, which will help us rejuvenate mornings for those looking for a fresh approach." As for the evening show, Jon Stashower says, "In sports, so much happens at night. It's when the games are played and so many of the stories break. I'm really looking forward to being on every night to break down all that's going on."
Heavy Hundred to be Revealed at 12:00 noon ET on Tuesday, March 12. The highly anticipated 2013 installment of annual TALKERS magazine feature, "The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America," — also known as the "Heavy Hundred" — will be posted at Talkers.com this coming Tuesday at 12:00 noon ET. This marks the 19th edition of the feature (which launched in April of 1995 as the "Talkers 25" and was expanded to 100 in 1996). In announcing the date, TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey states, "It is never an easy task for the TALKERS editorial board to arrive at a final list considering all the many factors taken into consideration, not to mention the pressure and consequences attached to the endeavor. This year, however, has been especially challenging due to all the changes that have taken place in the composition of the industry during the past year and we needed an extra week to make last minute adjustments. You wouldn't believe all the screaming matches that take place in our conference room during this process every year. It would make an amazing reality TV show."
KRLA, Los Angeles Debuts "The Bigger Picture with Timothy Spangler." Salem Communications' KRLA, Los Angeles "AM 870 The Answer" brings a new program to its Sunday evening schedule as "The Bigger Picture" hosted by Timothy Spangler is airing in the 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight slot. The station calls it a show with "its focus on the unusual and humorous aspects of international affairs and global events…it brings the attitude and sensitivities of 'The Daily Show,' 'The Colbert Report,' and 'Tosh 2.0' to talk radio for a younger generation of listeners." Spangler is an accomplished young man having studied applied mathematics at UCLA and law at Vanderbilt University, he earned his PhD in law at the London School of Economics. He is admitted to practice as an attorney in California and New York, as well as a solicitor in England and Wales. He writes an award-winning syndicated foreign affairs column that appears each week in the Orange County Register and the Jerusalem Post, as well as other newspapers across the US. He is currently an adjunct professor of law at UCLA School of Law. He also serves as a visiting lecturer at the University College, London's Faculty of Law and a senior fellow at the University of Melbourne School of Law.
2013 "Hersky" Awards for Achievement in Talk Radio Advertising and Sales Announced Today. Each year, TALKERS magazine's resident radio advertising and sales maven, Al Herskovitz, presents the "Hersky Awards" recognizing outstanding achievement in the field of talk radio advertising and sales. This years presentations are made for the following categories: Best Live Read, Best Humor, Best Produced, Best Website Presentation of Sales by a Rep, Best Website Presentation of Sales by a Radio Station, Best Jingle, and Nosey (which means Most Stinky). To read Al Herskovitz's presentation of this year's Herskys, click here.
On the Road with Dave Ramsey. Nationally syndicated talk radio superstar Dave Ramsey has been on the road recently visiting markets including Kansas City and Las Vegas. In Las Vegas he presented his intimate "Building Your Legacy" live event before a sold-out crowd. At this event Ramsey's daughter, Rachel Cruze, joined him on stage. Local affiliate KXNT helped promote the event. Ramsey (center) is pictured here with KXNT program director Andrew Paul (left) and SVP/GM Jerry McKenna (right). Paul says, "Our listeners were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and hear Dave. He is such a dynamic speaker. He motivated and inspired everyone. We are so grateful and proud that Las Vegas was a stop on the 'Building Your Legacy' tour." Ramsey also visited Kansas City recently hosting his "EntreLeadership 1 Day" event there before a packed house at Folley Theater. Ramsey, along with speaker Jon Acuff, spoke about how to run a business using the same common sense principles that Ramsey practices in his own company of more than 300 employees. Affiliate KCMO took part in the event.
Odds & Sods. Nashville-based syndicated talk show host Phil Valentine tells TALKERS magazine his program was the top-cuming talk show in the Nashville market during the Fall 2012 Arbitron survey. Phil says his show had "more listeners than Limbaugh and Hannity combined and almost four times the listeners of Beck!" The 12-plus DMA weekly cume for his program was 144,800…..CBS Radio Philadelphia announces all-news KYW reporter Mark Abrams will report live from Vatican City as the Cardinals of the Catholic Church prepare to elect Pope Benedict XVI's successor. The station reports Abrams has arranged interviews in Rome with a number of Catholic Church officials and clergy from the Delaware Valley. His reports will begin this weekend on KYW Newsradio, and can be heard hourly throughout the conclave….."Gun Talk Radio" host Tom Gresham reports that he delivered 16,630 new "Lifetime Members" to the National Rifle Association. Gresham announced a special $300 Lifetime Membership deal with the NRA on his program during the second week in January with a special direct phone number. The deal ended the last day of February. He tells TALKERS, "It's incredible that we were able to send the NRA almost five million dollars in only seven weeks."…..Digital audio aggregator TuneIn announces the continuance of its relationship with Performance Racing Network. With this alliance, TuneIn now carries the excitement of every NASCAR race. Listeners can hear live coverage of all 36 races of the Sprint Cup Series, including the Coca-Cola 600, the Brickyard 400, and the Bank of America 500.
Broadcasters Foundation of America Announces Ward L. Quaal Recipients. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the recipients of the 2013 Ward L. Quaal Leadership Awards that will be presented at the BFoA's annual breakfast on April 10 at the Wynn Hotel during the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas. The six honorees this year are: Skip Finley, radio executive, managing partner, Noepe Communications; Alan Frank, president/CEO, Post-Newsweek Stations, retired; David Kennedy, former president/CEO, Susquehanna Media Co.; Mike McKinnon, president/CEO McKinnon Broadcasting; Charles Osgood, TV news anchor, radio and TV personality; and Bob Schmidt, president/CEO Eagle Communications, retired. The Leadership Awards are given annually in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at large, and are named in honor of iconic broadcaster Ward L. Quaal. The breakfast, which is complimentary to all, is sponsored by the National Association of Media Brokers, Arbitron, Frank N. Magid Associates, the Television Bureau of Advertising, Marketron and the National Association of Broadcasters.
Sequestration Battle Remains Top News/Talk Story for Week of March 4 – 8. Even with a number of major international stories breaking during the week, the battle over the sequester stayed atop the Talkers TenTM for the third straight week as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio. At #2 this week was North Korea's nuclear threats. Coming in at #3 was Iran's nuclear program followed by the death of Hugo Chavez at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on American news/talk radio during the week and is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week's entire chart here.
Controlling the Language
By Phil Valentine
Talk Show Host
WWTN-FM, Nashville/Dial Global
NASHVILLE — I read Richard Neer's piece. ("When it Comes to Ethnic Slurs, Just Don't Go There" 2/23/12) and, quite frankly, it frightened me. Somehow too many people have succumbed to the notion that something doesn't have to be offensive, it just has to sound offensive. Case in point? ESPN.
ESPN editor Anthony Federico found out the hard way. His headline on ESPN's website got him fired. The egregious headline was as follows: "Chink in the Armor: Jeremy Lin's 9 Turnovers Cost Knicks in Streak-stopping Loss to Hornets."
Now, you may be saying to yourself, "Ah, he should've known better," but Federico says the word "chink" as a slur against someone Chinese never entered his mind. "This had nothing to do with me being cute or punny," Federico told the New York Daily News. Doesn't matter, Anthony. It sounded offensive to the self-anointed oversensitive media watchers and you were sacrificed at the altar of political correctness.
What really bugs me is how the mainstream media have portrayed Jeremy Lin as Chinese. He's no more Chinese than I am. He was born and raised in California. He's as American as me yet he's offered up as some kind of Chinese sensation. They even show large groups of people gathered back in Taiwan crowded around big screen TVs. Sure, his parents are from Taiwan, but he isn't.
I wonder if these same media types ever talk about black athletes in terms of being "African." They indeed use the PC term "African-American" but not in their wildest dreams would they cut away to some folks in Nigeria watching NBA hoops.
Portraying a guy who 'looks' Chinese as being from China is as stereotypical as it gets. It's like all this glory in which Lin is basking is being piped back to the motherland. How about some speculation that Lin is so hot right now because he's able to calculate the trajectory of the ball in some freakishly difficult math equation because we all know Asians are great at math.
The week prior to Federico's headline, ESPN anchor Max Bretos used the same term, "chink in the armor," when asking a former Knicks player about Lin on the air. It wasn't until the Federico headline that Bretos was called on the carpet. (I'm sorry. Is that offensive to Arabs? Carpet? Did I mean flying carpet?)
By the way, Bretos was suspended for 30 days. No word from ESPN as to why it is that saying it is less offensive than writing it.
So, let's just strike the phrase "chink in the armor" from ESPN's lexicon. Forget that it has nothing whatsoever to do with anyone Chinese. Doesn't matter. You think anyone else at ESPN is going to ever utter that phrase again, to anyone about anybody or anything?
See, this is what political correctness does. Moreover, this is exactly what political correctness is designed to do. It's designed to control the language and as I wrote several years ago in the book The Conservative's Handbook, controlling the language ranks right up there with controlling the currency. In fact, it can be said that language is the currency of thought. So now we have the very definition of the thought police. Each and every person who writes or reports for ESPN will forever edit themselves before they ever let that term move from their mind to their mouth. Mission accomplished.
The politically correct have a long list of words and phrases they want stricken from the language because they've managed to become offended on behalf of someone else. Need I bring up the whole 'Redskins/Braves' brouhaha?
The folks at ESPN are now on notice. Even the most innocent slip of the tongue can get you fired. I wouldn't be surprised if the next Indianapolis 500 is begun with, "Gentlemen, start your native Americans."
Phil Valentine is a Dial Global nationally syndicated talk host based at WWTN-FM, Nashville. He can be e-mailed at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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