Author: TALKERS

Industry Views

Part 2: Understanding Fair Use

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.Incorporating copyrighted material into your media content can enhance its impact, but understanding fair use is essential to avoid legal risks. This article, the second in a series, explores the first fair use factor – purpose and character of the use – and explains how transformative use can protect creators. Learn how transforming copyrighted material, such as remixing or critiquing it, allows for new purposes like commentary or parody. Key examples, like “Auto-Tune the News” and radio broadcasts, illustrate how repurposing content can fall under fair use. Discover practical guidelines for ensuring your use is transformative and legally sound.  To read this important article in its entirety, please click here.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724.484.3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

Industry Views

Part 2: Understanding Fair Use

By TALKERS | by TALKERS
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.Incorporating copyrighted material, such as video clips or actualities, can enhance your content, but understanding fair use is critical to avoid legal trouble. Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, or parody without needing permission. Courts assess fair use based on four factors: purpose and character of the use (is it transformative?), nature of the work (factual vs. creative), amount used, and the effect on the market. Learn practical tips on safely navigating fair use, including using brief excerpts, transforming content, and considering market impact.

This is the second in a series of articles addressing the broader topic of fair use for media creators. Click here for the first installment.

Understanding Fair Use: Purpose and Character of the Use. When using copyrighted material belonging to others in the creation of your own media content, it is important to understanding the concept of fair use. Fair use allows copyrighted material to be used without permission for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, or parody. It’s not an absolute right but rather a defense you can claim if challenged. Courts assess fair use based on four key factors, all which broadcasters should carefully consider.

The first factor of fair use that courts consider is the purpose and character of the use. Specifically, is the use of the material transformative? Transformative use is a key concept that can often determine whether your content qualifies as fair use or not – and really is the heart of the inquiry.

What Does Transformative Mean? In legal terms, a use is considered transformative when it adds new expression, meaning, or message to the original work. This is different from merely copying the work or using it for the same purpose as the original creator. By transforming the material, you’re creating something that serves a different purpose or offers new insights, rather than simply replicating the original content.

Example: Auto-Tune the News. One of the most famous examples of transformative use is the Gregory Brothers’ viral “Auto-Tune the News” series, which turned news clips into catchy, auto-tuned songs. In 2010, they took an interview clip with Antoine Dodson, who was describing an attempted home invasion, and turned it into the widely popular “Bed Intruder Song.”  In this case, the original news segment was purely factual—a straightforward broadcast of a local news report. However, by remixing the clip with auto-tuned vocals and adding music, the Gregory Brothers transformed the clip into a piece of entertainment and social commentary. This new purpose—entertainment and humor—was distinct from the original intent of simply delivering news, making it a classic example of transformative use. Although the raw news footage was copyrighted, the remix was so different in tone, presentation, and purpose that it was protected under fair use. The transformation added new creative elements and reframed the original material as a humorous, catchy song.

How Does This Apply to Radio? Let’s take this concept and apply it to radio, a medium that often uses clips from other sources. Imagine you’re running a talk show, and you want to use excerpts from a political speech to make a satirical point about current events. If you simply play the speech on air without any changes, it may not qualify as fair use because you haven’t transformed the original material – you’re just rebroadcasting it. However, if you take portions of the speech and then critique, analyze, or poke fun at it, you’re more likely to be in the clear. For example, if your show involves playing clips of political speeches interspersed with humorous commentary or parody, you’re repurposing the original work in a new and transformative way—much like “Auto-Tune the News.”

Another example could be a radio show that plays clips from popular songs but recontextualizes them within a larger discussion of musical trends or cultural history. If the song clips are used to illustrate a point and not simply for entertainment value, the new purpose—educational or critical analysis—can qualify the use as fair. In cases involving parody or political commentary on radio, the fair use defense has sometimes been successful. For instance, radio shows that use short clips from speeches, interviews, or news broadcasts for commentary, satire, or criticism can invoke fair use if the content is transformed for a new purpose.

One example is when talk radio shows play brief excerpts of copyrighted works (e.g., speeches, news clips) to critique or analyze them. If the use is transformative and doesn’t replace the original work in the marketplace (i.e., people wouldn’t listen to the radio show as a substitute for the original), courts have shown a willingness to accept fair use in such contexts. However, detailed legal battles involving radio stations using copyrighted material for parody or commentary are less common than those involving music licensing.

Example: Rogers v. Koons (Rebroadcast of News Content). While not as widely reported as music-related cases, one example of a copyright infringement suit involving the rebroadcast of talk content was a case where a news organization sued a radio station for replaying portions of its copyrighted interviews and reports without permission. In cases like this, radio stations or broadcasters may try to claim fair use based on the purpose of the rebroadcast, such as using a portion of an interview for commentary, satire, or news reporting. However, if the content is used purely to replay the original, as opposed to being transformed into a new, critical, or educational piece, the fair use defense may not succeed.  For example, news stations may license their talk content (like interviews or original reporting) through syndication deals. If a radio station broadcasts this content without securing the necessary licensing agreement, they may face a copyright lawsuit.

Example: Talk Show Hosts and Syndicated Content. A real-world scenario can involve syndicated talk shows or podcasts that are copyrighted. Radio stations can face lawsuits if they replay this content without proper authorization. An example would be stations rebroadcasting popular talk radio shows or political commentaries (such as those by syndicated hosts like Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern) without purchasing broadcast rights. This unauthorized use can lead to legal action from the copyright holders. For example, if a station replays clips of an interview conducted by NPR or a news network for entertainment or even news purposes, and it doesn’t transform the content for criticism or commentary, it may be violating copyright law. Radio companies might try to claim fair use, but the courts will look closely at whether the replay served a new, transformative purpose or was simply a verbatim rebroadcast.

Key Considerations for Broadcasters. To better understand whether your use of copyrighted content is transformative, ask yourself:

• Are you adding new meaning or message? The more your work transforms the original content – such as using it for commentary, criticism, or satire – the more likely it qualifies as fair use.

• Does your use serve a different purpose? If you’re using the content for a new purpose, like entertainment, education, or social commentary, rather than simply duplicating the original, it can be seen as transformative.

• Are you just using the original for its own sake? If the copyrighted material is used in a way that does not add new expression or meaning, it’s less likely to fall under fair use. Transformative use is a powerful defense in fair use claims, but it’s not a guarantee. Always make sure your purpose and character are different from the original intent of the work, and when in doubt, seek legal counsel.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724.484.3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

 

Industry Views

Fair Use: A Media Creator’s Guide to Using Copyrighted Content

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.As a media creator, incorporating copyrighted material, such as video clips or actualities, into your content can enhance your message. But when using someone else’s work, you need to consider fair use, a legal principle that permits limited use of copyrighted material under certain conditions – without needing permission from the copyright holder. Understanding when and how you can safely use this material is critical to avoiding costly liability – whether it’s a copyright strike or complicated copyright litigation.

What is fair use? Fair use is the legal principle that allows copyrighted material to be used without permission for purposes above and beyond the original version – like criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, or parody. It’s not an absolute right but rather a defense you can claim if challenged. Courts assess fair use based on four key factors, all which creators should carefully consider.

Purpose and character of the use.  Is the use of the material transformative? This means that you’re adding something new or giving it a different purpose than the original, rather than just copying it. This is more likely to be allowable. On the other hand, simply reposting someone else’s video with little change is not transformative and could be seen as infringement.

Nature of the copyrighted work.  Not all content is treated equally under fair use. Factual works (such as news reports) are more likely to be subject to fair use than creative works (like movies or music videos). Why? Courts recognize that creative works often involve a higher level of personal expression, so they deserve more protection. Plus, society has an interest in being able to quickly disseminate news and other important information – therefore, facts generally have little to no protection themselves.

Amount and substantiality. The more of the original work you use, the less likely it is to qualify as fair use. Using a brief clip or excerpt is more defensible than using an entire segment or the “heart” of a work, which is often the most memorable or critical part. This becomes less of an issue when using factual material, though immediately can get complicated if the material being used is someone elses opinion and commentary. This is where taking less is going to be more – in terms of preventing potential liability.

Effect on the market. If your use of the copyrighted material could replace the need for the original courts are more likely to see it as infringement. In other words – is your use of the material taking money out of the pockets of the original creator? This isn’t a moral judgement but purely an objective analysis. If your use does not impact the market for the original work, such as in a news or educational context, it’s more likely to fall under fair use.

Practical Takeaways for Media Creators

Use brief excerpts, not whole segments. The less you use, the more likely it’s fair use.

Make sure your use is transformative. Add commentary, criticism, or parody to distinguish your work from the original.

Be mindful of market impact. Avoid using copyrighted material in a way that competes with the original.

Credit is not enough. Even if you give attribution, it doesn’t exempt you from potential liability. Fair use depends on how you use the material, not just on crediting the original creator.

While fair use provides flexibility, it’s crucial to apply it carefully. When in doubt, consult with legal counsel to ensure your content remains within legal bounds.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

CRN ReunionOld Friends and Colleagues Gather for CRN International Reunion.  Some 50 long-ago colleagues gathered at a warm weekend reunion at a cozy restaurant in the Nutmeg State for what, in the 1970s, began as “Connecticut Radio Network.” It evolved into CRN International, a major advertising promotion agency, which ceased operations a decade ago. CRN SkiWatch reports aired across the USA, customized for each affiliate, and based on conditions reported by CRN’s army of spotters. Pictured above (l-r): consultant Holland Cooke; CRN International founder Barry Berman; and WABC, New York news personality, Joe Connolly. (NOTE: CRN International is not to be confused with long-active CRN Digital Talk Radio.)

 

Circle ThisAdLarge Adds Innovative “CIRCLE THIS” Podcast to Client Stable.  AdLarge, a pioneering podcast advertising agency, has announces the addition of “CIRCLE THIS with Andrea ‘Dre’ Bendewald” to the fwd. network, an innovative media brand championing female creators. “CIRCLE THIS” is described as a series of deep, playful, and intimate conversations shedding light on how to create magic and meaning in your everyday life. Bendewald invites her close circle of friends which include innovators, authors, entrepreneurs, healers, and artists, to share their stories and practices for building and nurturing authentic relationships. Adding “CIRCLE THIS” to the fwd. network, represents a “bold step forward” in what AdLarge describes as its “ongoing effort and dedication to amplifying female creators as crucial voices in the modern media landscape.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Move or Die!

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN

Walter M. SterlingIf a shark doesn’t swim, it dies. Radio is just fine, thank you, but it’s not swimming. Water, check. Tank, check, Sharks, check. Swimming to the next meal, nope. For the past 10 years at least, the radio show in every city is stuck in place and that sound in the distance that wakes you up at night is a death rattle.

The public perceives radio to be live, current, and local. Those three ingredients are the foundation of radio’s hundred years of success and the envy of all other media. That’s right – ALL. OTHER. MEDIA.  Radio was born with the characteristics envied by newspapers, magazines, streaming, TV… name it.

The savior of the AM band was not a three-hour-a-day-host. The savior is all-news and local live. The FM formats that thrive and grow put up a live mirror to a city’s needs and tastes.  Stations that sound like their city, and no other city, do not just win – they dominate. The radio shark is the forward momentum of urgent local information, new ideas, new jokes.

When asked, most people will say, “I don’t think I listen to the radio much…” But they do. The problem is radio is not top of mind. Why not? Because radio must demand listener attention with urgent, new ideas, entertainment, and information. “Your favorites from the 90s and today” isn’t doing that. Listen to air checks of the double-digit share legends of top 40 night-time radio. They weren’t so great. BUT in every single break they announced the names of local schools, listeners, events – every break with urgency. The more listener names, the higher their shares. Radio math. The more listener names, the more live local points of reference, the higher the audience share.

Consider the stunning ratings of too many NPR stations. What accounts for their growth trajectory? Clock the percentage of time your local NPR station spends presenting local news, local information, and new ideas.

Compare that with any other station in the city. In its own dreary way, most NPR stations deliver on the presumed benefits of the medium of radio: Local, live, urgent ideas. Yes, many commercial stations command major ratings for the same reason: All-news stations, and hybrids such as WSB, Atlanta; KRLD, Dallas; New Jersey 101.5, WABC, New York; KFI, Los Angeles; WTAM, Cleveland; WPHT Philadelphia.

It’s sacred geometry: The more often a listener hears about their local, daily life, the higher go the ratings.

Consultant Walter Sabo A.K.A. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/21) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The election was front and center yesterday (10/21) as the rhetoric, mudslinging, and atypical campaign environment intensifies.  Former President Donald Trump’s cosplay at McDonalds and observations of schlongology (Jeffrey Epstein and Arnold Palmer) were highlights of the day’s conversation .  The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/22), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

New Ramsey Solutions Research Shows Nearly 80% of U.S. Adults Say They’re Worried About The Economy

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Two weeks before Americans head to the polls to elect a new president, 78% of adults say they’re worried about the economy according to Ramsey Solutions’ new State of Personal Finance report for the third quarter of 2024. Ramsey SolutionsThe research notes millennials (ages 27-42) are the most concerned at 83%.  The survey finds people are feeling the effects of the higher costs of goods and services, and they remain concerned about inflation. In addition, 37% said their finances are in worse shape than four years ago. Thirty-four percent said their finances are about the same, while only 29% said they’re better off than they were four years ago. The research indicates more than half (52%) of Americans believe the U.S. presidency has a major impact on their personal finances. “We encourage every American to go out and vote,” said Dave Ramsey, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show.” “But remember, what goes on in your house is a whole lot more important than who’s in the White House. The research shows that less than half of Americans believe a written household budget is the way to win with money. That has to change, or nothing will.”

Other key findings include:

• 1 in 3 Americans can’t afford Christmas and plan to use credit cards to make up for the shortfall.

• Nearly half of Americans (49%) report some difficulty paying bills, with Gen Z struggling the most (69%).

• 34% said they have at least $10,000 in consumer debt.

• Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults are investing 15% or more of their income.

To see the full results of Ramsey Solutions’ State of Personal Finance report, please click here.

The State of Personal Finance is a quarterly research study conducted by Ramsey Solutions with 1,006 U.S. adults to gain an understanding of opinions and attitudes toward money in America. The nationally representative sample was fielded September 12-16, 2024, using a third-party research panel.

 

 

Industry News

Fair Use: A Media Creator’s Guide to Using Copyrighted Content

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

Matthew B. Harrison, Esq.Incorporating copyrighted material, such as video clips or actualities, can enhance your content, but understanding fair use is critical to avoid legal trouble. Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, or parody without needing permission. Courts assess fair use based on four factors: purpose and character of the use (is it transformative?), nature of the work (factual vs. creative), amount used, and the effect on the market. Learn practical tips on safely navigating fair use, including using brief excerpts, transforming content, and considering market impact. To read this important article in its entirety, please click here.

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; Senior Partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications.  He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724.484.3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com

Industry News

Stephanie Miller Bringing “The Sexy Liberal Show” to the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles (11/2)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Sexy Liberal Tour

Progressive, multi-platform talk show icon Stephanie Miller is bringing her long-running live touring review, “The Sexy Liberal Show” to the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles (11/2). The evolving stage presentation has been selling out live theaters and pay-per-views across the nation for years in support of progressive and Democratic Party politics.  In addition to Miller, this installment will feature “Sexy” regulars John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and the satirical duo Frangela. Miller tells TALKERS, “This will be the perfect pre-election party to get out the vote for Kamala Harris/Tim Walz and down-ballot Democrats, adding, “We’ve got an incredible lineup of special guests: Mark Hamill, Martin Sheen, Rep. Adam Schiff, and Glenn Kirschner! With their blend of political insight and humor, this night will have you laughing and fired up to hit the polls on Tuesday!”  The show goes live at 8 pm PT and will be available on-demand for a limited time. Live tickets on sale Here. PPV tickets on sale Here.  Also available: VIP Meet and Greet tickets.

Industry News

Talk Media Industry Publicist Produces Trump Film Documentary Set for Late October Release

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

“Trump’s Big FUSS (Fight for US Sovereignty),” a film documentary written and produced by veteran talk media publicist Jerry McGlothlin – president of Special Guests – and co-written by Todd Beezley, is set for theatrical (and online venues) release in the coming days of late October to “encourage apathetic voters and undecided voters to head to the polls Tuesday, November 5.”

Trumps Big Fuss
Targeted cinemas for the release are in swing states Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina. The film takes a decidedly pro-Donald Trump position.  McGlothlin is available to do interviews as part of his self-described “Late October Surprise” to explain how he believes “Trump’s fight to maintain U.S. sovereignty differs from Kamala Harris’s globalist policies.”  To reach Jerry McGlothlin, call 919-437-0001 or email jerry@specialguests.com. Further information is available here.

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Bleep?

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

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As the Dodgers celebrated the win that advanced them to the National League Championship Series, a FOX Sports TV reporter asked LA’s Enrique Hernandez, “What made this team so special?” First checking, “Are we live?” Hernandez replied, “The fact that we don’t give a f**k!” (which was not bleeped).

Earlier that day vice presidential candidate Tim Walz campaigned in Michigan. Reacting to disparaging remarks Donald Trump had made ABOUT Detroit IN Detroit, Walz quipped “All’s they know about manufacturing is manufacturing bullshit.”

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Later that evening, Bill Maher delivered the amusingly plainspoken experience his HBO viewers paid to opt-into. Next day, his uncensored vocabulary jumped to basic cable, via CNN’s free-with-commercials rebroadcast. I’ve heard a CNN talking head say “asshole” – and panelists on other cable news channels now say “bullshit” nonchalantly.

So WHERE IS The Line? For this week’s column, I asked around.

Bleep Task Force

To read Holland Cooke’s complete column, please click here.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

 

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Bleep?

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

F bomb

As the Dodgers celebrated the win that advanced them to the National League Championship Series, a FOX Sports TV reporter asked LA’s Enrique Hernandez what made this team so special.

First checking “Are we live?” Hernandez replied, “The fact that we don’t give a f**k!” (which was not bleeped).

Earlier that day vice presidential candidate Tim Walz campaigned in Michigan. Reacting to disparaging remarks Donald Trump had made ABOUT Detroit IN Detroit, Walz quipped “All’s they know about manufacturing is manufacturing bullshit.”

Later that evening, Bill Maher delivered the amusingly plainspoken experience his HBO viewers paid to opt-into. Next day, his uncensored vocabulary jumped to basic cable, via CNN’s free-with-commercials rebroadcast. I’ve heard a CNN talking head say “asshole;” and panelists on other cable news channels now say “bullshit” nonchalantly.

Call me a prude, but I make my living improving the results businesses get by advertising on radio stations I consult…because listeners keep listening. Lotsa luck if they don’t hear the commercial…because they tuned out…because they have kids in the car.

 

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Admittedly, by simply uttering a term as antique as “prude,” I risk seeming late.

Why I wince when I hear “pissed off” on the air? That’s grown-up talk Homer and Marge Listener might use when Bart and Lisa and Maggie aren’t around. And my clients can recite my spiel about how “parents with children of any age still living at home are the super-spenders local retailers want to meet.” So, wouldn’t “irked” or “chagrined” or “miffed” do?

I asked around…

Bleep Task Force

Salem Media Group CEO David Santrella: “I couldn’t agree more. I’ve never been asked why I DIDN’T use foul language, but a few times, on the occasion that I did, I have been asked why I chose those words. That’s always ended with me needing to apologize.”

Consultant Mike McVay hears “a continual downgrading generation-to-generation of what’s acceptable.” He recalls, “When I was eight years old, some older kids were laughing about the ‘F Word’ being written in chalk on a sidewalk. I asked my mother what it meant. She was horrified. Today it is used in off-air conversation casually. It’s used in many songs” radio plays.

Evolution? Devolution?

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison observes how “the potency of these words has changed over the years. Words like ‘hell,’ ‘damn,’ or even ‘bitch’ were no-no’s.” Now, political correctness has us on the verge of saying what we allude to with initials, “the ‘N’ word, the ‘R’ word, and the ‘F’ word.”

Veteran network radio and TV anchor Ted David reckons that “language is a dynamic thing. ‘Scumbag’ — which meant a condom — is now universally accepted. ‘Sucks’ used to mean fellatio. And in Europe the ‘C’ word is frequently uttered in public. How long till here?”

McVay recalls: “One of my adult children recently used the phrase ‘pissed off’ in a public setting. I said, ‘Not appropriate.’ She said, ‘I didn’t think of it as profanity’ and apologized.”

Is it just a matter of time?

Among Mike’s daughter’s demographic cohort, WJNK VP and Jessamine County Living Magazine president Brittany Moses: “With the changing media landscape, listeners are more conditioned to hearing language we would have gasped at even 5-10 years ago. I do think that while there should be some limitations for the ‘family’ stations, I could see the broadcast community getting more lax on language. I think it’ll be inevitable. SXM, podcasts, etc. are already moving that direction.”

Even as Bill Maher‘s vocabulary leaks from HBO to CNN, Arkansas Broadcasters Association executive director Neal Gladner draws a line: “Where someone is paying to listen to a specific program, I presume they know what they’re going to get and those are not advertiser-based offerings. It’s a different set of concerns.” For broadcasters? “Whether it’s a morning talk show or news on a cable network, I think the best rule to apply is would you use that language in front of your grandmother?”

WABC’s Joe Connolly is among dozens of WDRC/Hartford alumni who advanced to major market success. He recalls venerable PD Charlie Parker‘s advice to “imagine the people listening as a family watching a parade – grandparents, parents and kids.” Joe says “I’ve followed that advice ever since. It hasn’t hurt my career one bit.”

How did we get here?

Lisa Gache has advised Oscar-winning celebrities, and high-profile brands such as Mattel, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, TJX Companies, American Girl, Beverly Wilshire and the Hotel Bel-Air.

“People are negative. They’re angry, they’re fed up, they’re impatient, they’re right and they’re not taking it anymore. And this is what we’re hearing reflected in our vocabulary. It’s everywhere, it’s crass and it’s uncomfortable. But it did not begin with Trump.”

Her advice? “Managing the cringe can only occur through leading by example. This is why I always try to clean up my side of the street first and be the role model I’d like to see in the world. I never tell anyone what to do (including offering advice), unless you’re my kid or you’ve hired me to instruct you.”  Gache adds, “And while we’re on the subject of foul language, I have to admit I started watching VEEP again, and the expletive-laden analogies they spew, one after the other, is some of the smartest dialogue I’ve ever encountered! I cannot stop laughing because it’s too good and it works. But this is the celluloid world and in the real word, you just can’t do that!”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Patty Hixson, regional vice president, Cumulus Fresno/Stockton/Modesto, was honored during the Marjaree Mason Center’s 41st Annual Top 10 Professional Women and Leading Business Awards (10/16). Patty HixsonThe hallmark awards ceremony, presented by CalViva Health in the New Exhibit Hall of the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center. The awards paid tribute to 10 Central Valley women who have excelled professionally, served as role models, and given back to their communities, as well as one business honored for its support of women and women’s issues. Patty Hixson’s successful radio career spans 32 years serving the Central Valley. An active leader in the community, she has been a member of the Fig Garden Rotary Club for 30 years, serving as president in 2018, and was a longtime member of the California State University-Fresno’s Bulldog Foundation. Hixson also served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. Patty Hixson said: “I’m honored and humbled to be recognized among this astute group of leaders. Giving back to the community is a central part of my DNA, and I thank the Marjaree Mason Center for this award and for its important efforts supporting all women in our community.”

Edison Research to present the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play.  Edison Research today announces that the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play with SiriusXM Media will be presented in a webinar on Tuesday, October 29 at 2:00 PM ET.  This third and final installment from the Sports Audio Report, from Edison Research, SiriusXM Media, and GroupM, will explore the diversity in sports fandom, examine sports fans’ interaction with sports audio, and discuss how to reach different groups of sports fans when it comes to advertising. The webinar will be presented by Salma Aly, manager of research at Edison Research and MaryKate Breslin, senior manager, sales research at SiriusXM Media.  Registration for the webinar is now open.  For more information: Daniella Peter Paul-Loor, dpeterpaulloor@edisonresearch.com

 

Jeff Lewis Signs New Multi-Year Agreement with SiriusXM, Expands Hit Talk Show “Jeff Lewis Live” to Two Hours Daily. SiriusXM announced today that Jeff Lewis has signed a multi-year agreement extension with SiriusXM.Sirius The agreement extension will feature Jeff Lewis expanding his popular show, “Jeff Lewis Live” to two hours a day giving listeners more of Jeff Lewis promoted as “just the way you want him…live and uncensored.”  Lewis tells TALKERS, “SiriusXM has given me the freedom to build a show that is unfiltered, unapologetic, and morally corrupt. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow my show and my cult…I mean, listeners.” The show will now air Monday through Fridays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm ET on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy (ch. 102) and on the SiriusXM app. SiriusXM’s Radio Andy features 24/7 content produced and curated by Andy Cohen, and features the latest in pop culture, celebrities, lifestyle, news and more. SiriusXM’s Radio Andy lineup includes “Andy Cohen Live,” “Jeff Lewis Live,” “Smith Sisters Live (Lauren, Rachel, and Mariah Smith),” “Gayle King in the House,” “The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham,” “It’s Me, Tinx,” and more.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Weekend (10/19-20)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The presidential race highlighted by scrutiny and defense over Trump’s alleged cognitive decline was the most discussed story on news/talk media this past weekend (10/19-20), followed by fear of escalating violence in the Middle East by Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. These stories were closely followed by (or incorporated) the economy, the migrant crisis, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine war, Elon Musk’s election money activity and the MLB playoffs according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Harris FOX Interview Delivers Blockbuster Ratings

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Harris on FoxIdeology and, as Michael Harrison calls it, “the daily dance of affirmation” aside – perhaps there’s something to be said about booking “opposition” political luminaries as guests on our industry’s highly “targeted” venues.  FOX News Channel’s (FNC) “Special Report with Bret Baier” delivered 7.8 million viewers and 1,126,000 in the 25-54 demo during anchor Bret Baier’s exclusive interview with VP Kamala Harris from 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm ET this past Wednesday (10/6), according to Nielsen Media Research. The interview marked the highest rating of the Harris-Trump political season, outrating Harris’s individual appearances on “60 Minutes,” “The View,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” CNN and MSNBC. For the full 6:00 pm ET hour, “Special Report” drew 6.7 million viewers and 901,000 in the 25-54 demo. Combined with the show’s midnight airing 12:00 midnight -12:30 am ET, the interview with VP Harris nabbed 9.2 million viewers and 1.4 million in the 25-54 demo, beating ABC’s interview with President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race (8.5 million viewers). FNC averaged more than 12 million viewers on Wednesday between all three airings of its interviews with VP (6:00 pm ET and 12:00 midnight ET) and its town hall with former President Donald Trump (11:00 am -12:00 noon ET). Interestingly, according to Nielsen Media Research, Pittsburgh, PA was the top-rated market in the country for the interview.

Industry News

2024 Presidential Race Taking on Historic Role as Nation’s First “Podcast Election”

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Tyrus and Trump

Although news/talk radio, cable news/talk TV and all other platforms still lumped under the heading of “legacy” or “mainstream” media remain collectively powerful as venues of exposure for the national conversation in this crucial political year, the 2024 presidential race has significantly elevated podcasting to a seat at the table of influence drawing ongoing guest appearances by the major party candidates.  Pictured above: OutKick’s “Maintaining with Tyrus” podcast hosted by George “Tyrus” Murdoch.  Murdoch is a FOX News Channel (FNC) contributor and a New York Times best-selling author. The interview was recorded this morning (10/18) at Trump Tower in New York City and can be viewed here.

Podcast industry expert/media writer Ashley Carman aptly describes this year’s cycle as the first real “podcast election” in her Bloomberg Newsletter column.  Carman credits the following factors in fueling the rise of podcasting in the presidential arena:

The number of people listening to podcasts monthly has more than doubled since 2016. An estimated 135 million people listen to a podcast monthly while 98 million listen weekly, according to Edison Research’s “Infinite Dial” study this year. This is a significant uptick from 2016 when Trump first ran for president. At that time, 21% of Americans over the age of 12 said they’d listened to a podcast monthly. This year that figure is 47%. The reach of the medium continues to grow. At this point, it’s basically mainstream.

Monthly podcast listeners have more than doubled since the 2016 election. Source: Edison Research “The Infinite Dial 2024”

People trust podcasters. A few different studies suggest people trust podcasters more than other media personalities, particularly when it comes to hearing about the news. Research from Deloitte last year found that 75% of surveyed respondents said they agreed with the statement, “I trust the podcast hosts I listen to.” Pew Research found last year that most people who get news from podcasts either say they trust that news more than the news they receive from other sources (31%) or trust it about the same (55%). We typically see this play out through podcast product endorsements, the backbone of the industry. Promo codes on podcasts have become a parody at this point, but the reality is that they work. People often take action when a podcaster throws their weight behind a product, and if having a guest on counts as a tacit endorsement of sorts, listeners are likely going to pay attention. Podcasters have also turned into superstars in their own right, inspiring fans to spend money to see them live and demonstrating how committed people are to the programs. Just this past week, The Rest Is Politics sold out the O2 arena in London. Some 13,000 fans attended. In August, the popular US-based podcast, “Kill Tony,” performed at Madison Square Garden over two nights. Those events generated $2.4 million in gross revenue with over 25,000 tickets sold, according to Pollstar.

Podcast hosts can influence their audience more than other media formats. Source: Deloitte Digital Media Trends, 17th edition (April 2023)

Young people, and yes, men, are spending time listening to podcasts. Much of the coverage around Trump’s and Vance’s podcast appearances has centered on their efforts to reach young men. More generally, young people are spending time listening to podcasts. Last year, of people between the ages of 13 and 24, 77% had at some point listened to a podcast, according to Edison Research and SXM Media, and 47% had listened to one in the last month. From that same study, men and boys listened slightly more than women and girls in a month — 53% compared to 46%.

Political messaging. But perhaps greater than any single data point is the general recognition of how well the podcast format suits political messaging. Anyone who has listened to a general interview podcast knows these shows often allow guests to speak at length, without interruption, making it an ideal venue for a politician to communicate beyond their worn-out soundbites. Few other media formats provide this kind of access to Gen Z for such prolonged periods of time.

To read Ashley Carman’s entire column, please click here.

Industry News

Erick Erickson Plays Both Sides of the Field

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Erick 95.5 WSB, Atlanta (and nationally syndicated) TALKERS Heavy Hundred star, Erick Erickson is giving both sides an airing today (10/18) in his midday show that he’s broadcasting from the parlor in the Texas Governor’s Mansion (see pic at left) before UGA battles University of Texas tomorrow.  He tells TALKERS, he’ll have on both Governors Gregg Abbott (R-TX) and Brian Kemp (R-GA) to talk about the border, the election, and football.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Week (10/14-18)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The presidential race highlighted by VP Kamala Harris’s appearance on FOX News Channel and tightening polls, escalating violence in the Middle East by Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and the ongoing hurricane relief efforts initiative by radio topped the list of stories discussed in the news/talk media this past week (10/14-18) followed by the economy, the migrant crisis, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs according to ongoing research from TALKERS. To see the complete chart, please click here.

Industry News

September 2024 U.S. Podcast Ranker Released from Triton Digital Plus New Political Podcast Data

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

TritonTriton Digital has just released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for September 2024. The ranker is measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service and includes a reporting period of September 2, 2024 – September 29, 2024.

Highlights this month include:

• iHeart Audience Network was the #1 Top Sales Networks Report, SiriusXM Podcast Network came in at #2, followed by NPR at #3.

• Top podcasts based on downloads included “NPR News Now” (NPR) at #1, “Up First” (NPR) at #2, and “Crime Junkie” (audiochuck) climbing to #3.

• Top podcasts for listeners were “NPR News Now” (NPR) at #1, “Crime Junkie” (audiochuck) at #2, and “Up First” (NPR) at #3.

• Top podcast debuts included “NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal” (iHeart Audience Network), “Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)” (SiriusXM Podcast Network), and “All In With Chris Hayes” (NBCUniversal News Group).

Additionally, Triton Digital collaborated with Signal Hill Insights to uncover political podcast downloads and audience trends as the U.S. presidential election approaches:

• Political podcasts have seen a 28% increase in year-over-year downloads with incremental increases over the last six months.

• Twice as many downloads come from Democrat-leaning podcasts as Republican-leaning ones. Although Democrat-leaning podcasts still make up the majority of the political podcast market, they saw their listenership decline from 58% to 56% year-over-year while Republican podcasts rose from 23% to 28% of total political podcast downloads.

• The demographic profile of political podcast listeners reveals an older, highly educated, and affluent audience compared to the U.S. general 18+ population: 59.7% are college graduates, 31.9% report a household income exceeding $100,000, and nearly half (47.2%) are 55 years or older.

• While still affluent and educated compared to the U.S. Population, Republican-leaning podcast listener profiles under-index compared to Democrat and Independent-leaning podcasts on these attributes. Additionally, they boast the highest proportion (89.9%) of White/Caucasian listeners among the three political leanings. Democrat-leaning podcasts have attracted the highest proportion (17.4%) of Black/African American listeners.

• Independent-leaning podcasts claim the highest proportion (16.2%) of Hispanic listeners and are 68.2% college-educated, and 62.4% male.

Please click HERE and for more details.

Industry News

Florida Association of Broadcasters Donates $25,000 to BFOA’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton Fund to Meet/Match Donation from WABC Owner John Catsimatidis

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Florida Association of Broadcasters Logo BlkThe Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) has donated $25,000 to the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) Hurricanes Helene and Milton Fund. With the addition of FAB’s donation, BFOA has exceeded the amount necessary for the $25,000 match donation from John Catsimatidis, owner and CEO of Red Apple Media and WABC,  New York.  “The Broadcasters Foundation has been a tremendous help to individuals in broadcasting who are in the greatest need of assistance from the onslaught of these back-to-back hurricanes. On behalf of FAB’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, we are proud to make this contribution,”  said Pat Roberts, president/CEO of FAB. im “Unfortunately, this is far from over,” he continued. “Many of our colleagues are just now discovering the extent of the damage and the cost of repairing or rebuilding. On behalf of our members and all broadcasters who are suffering from the catastrophic impact of these storms, please continue to contribute to the Broadcasters Foundation Hurricanes Fund.”  “We are so grateful to John and Pat and all the individual donors who continue to rise to the occasion and provided much-needed donations to help our colleagues, many of whom are temporarily homeless,” stated Tim McCarthy, President of BFOA. “The volume of requests that pour in every day is overwhelming. We need everyone in radio and television to give as much as they can afford. There is no such thing as a too small donation. Every dollar helps.”  The Broadcasters Foundation has temporarily adjusted its already streamlined Emergency Grant Guidelines and Application Process to make it even easier and faster to get funds into the hands of broadcasters hit hardest by these storms. Under the adjusted guidelines, broadcasters who have suffered catastrophic loss contact their market manager or GM, who then fills out the Hurricanes Helene and Milton Group Submission Form for all of those within their station who are applying. To access the new temporary application form, market or general managers may click here. To make a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America Hurricanes Helene and Milton Emergency Fund, please click here.

Industry News

Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA) Awards include Heritage News/Talk Radio Stations WTIC, Hartford and WICC, Bridgeport

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Brian and Co
The Connecticut Broadcasters Association debuted its first station awards presentation on Tuesday night (10/15) during its annual gala dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.  The organization also welcomed six new members into its CBA Hall of Fame, including former longtime radio talker (WTIC), and current TV News 8 (New Haven-Hartford) anchor/political correspondent Mark Davis.  Heritage news/talker WTIC NewsTalk 1080, Hartford received two awards: Best Morning Show – “Brian & Company” (Brian Shactman); and Best Radio News Reporter – Morgan Cunningham.  WICC-AM, Bridgeport’s “Melissa in the Morning” (Melissa Sheketoff) received the Best Talk Show honor. Pictured above (l-r): WTIC’s Joey Bourgoin, Bob Cox, Morgan Cunningham, Brian Shactman, Matt Sirois, and Mark “The Shark” Christopher.

Industry News

NYF and PushDesign Celebrate the Power of Storytelling: Unveiling the “What Defines Greatness” Campaign

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

NY FestivalsNew York Festivals Radio and TV & Film Awards have launched the 2025 multi-platform call for entries campaign for the annual competitions which culminate in the Storytellers Gala every spring.  The two themes of the eight-video campaign are “What Defines Greatness” and “Sounds Over The Years.”  Together they celebrate a stand-out all-star list of innovative NYF winners through the years: My Octopus Teacher, Peaky Blinders, The Olympics, Done+Dusted, CBS Radio News, The Beatles Channel, Das Boot, A Capitol Fourth, The New York Philharmonic, CBC News, Molly Solomon, Marvin Kalb, and Donna de Varona.  “PushDesign’s Emmy-award winning creative work is a perfect match for NYF,” said Rose Anderson, EVP of New York Festivals and executive director of the TV & Film and Radio Awards Competitions. “These high energy sizzle reels let you see and hear what NYF winners are all about – enthusiasm, excitement, and excellence.”  “The New York Festivals has a global reach, is peer judged, and honors industry legends” said Rob Tobin, founder and creative director of PushDesign, “We wanted to let the programs and winners speak for themselves to inspire entrants.” The 2025 Grand Jury panel selection process is underway, and the TV & Film and Radio Grand Juries will be announced on October 23.  The New York Festivals TV & Film and Radio Awards competitions receive entries from over 50 countries.  Members of the Grand Jury panels vote to determine the Shortlists and final standings for Tower Trophies.  The 2025 Storytellers Gala will honor trophy winners of both competitions in the spring.  The official deadline to enter the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards is December 31, 2024. For more information on the 2025 TV & Film Awards visit: https://tvf.newyorkfestivals.com/. The official deadline to enter the 2025 Radio Awards is January 31, 2025. For more information on the 2025 Radio Awards winners visit: https://radiohome.newyorkfestivals.com/

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

GraciesAndrea Mitchell to Receive Prestigious Award.  Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) has announced that Andrea Mitchell, NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent and chief Washington correspondent, will be honored with the prestigious Gracies Icon Award at the 2024 Gracies Leadership Awards. The awards luncheon will take place on Tuesday, November 19, at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The 2024 Gracies Leadership Awards will also celebrate previously announced honorees, including Sylvia Bugg, Sonia Coleman, Jennifer Leimgruber, Deborah Parenti, Jen Sargent, and Holly Tang. In addition, Sylvia Strobel will be recognized with the Legacy Leadership Award for her significant contributions to the industry and the Alliance for Women in Media. For tickets and more information about the Gracies Leadership Awards, please visit their website.

Radio One Charlotte Hosts “Help One Another” Radiothon.  Relief EffortsRadio One Charlotte, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, is presenting an all-day radiothon today (10/17) to support those affected by Hurricane Helene. This event is taking place from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm across Radio One Charlotte stations: WOSF, WFNZ, WLNK, WPZS, WOSF-HD2 and heritage news/talk WBT.  Marsha Landess, Radio One Charlotte regional VP, tells TALKERS, “We are focusing the power of our six radio stations to help raise funds for the relief efforts for our neighbors in the western part of our state. We know their lives have been turned upside down, and we want to do our part to assist them in rebuilding and recovering.  Our goal is to raise a substantial amount to help them begin to put their lives back together.  Every dollar counts, whether large or small.” Kay Carter, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, adds, “Everyone at Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is so grateful to Radio One for all their efforts to assist us as we work to help the many victims of Hurricane Helene.  The needs are great, and we want to thank all the radio stations and their listeners for considering a donation to the Radiothon.  We promise to use the donations wisely to provide food and other supplies throughout the affected areas.”

Cox Media Group Provides Nearly $1 Million Plus Critical Support For Hurricane Relief Including Meals, Water, Money and Other Assistance. Cox Media Group Even as its stations were airing hundreds of hours of continuous live news and storm coverage during hurricanes Helene and Milton, Cox Media Group (CMG) was raising nearly $1 million and providing food, water and necessities for impacted people and communities. That includes taking mobile charging stations into communities for people to charge their phones and other devices.  Hurricane relief efforts took place across CMG’s southeast TV and Radio stations. “These efforts by our CMG family highlight the indispensable role of our stations – and our entire broadcasting industry – as we work together to make a powerful and positive impact on the communities we live in and serve,” said Dan York, CMG’s president/CEO. “As importantly, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our local partners and audiences. The response of our viewers and listeners has been nothing short of remarkable.”  CMG radio stations include news/talker WDBO 107.3 / AM 580 in Orlando.

 

Clay Travis Broadcasts from News Radio 570 WWNC, Asheville, NC to Support Hurricane Relief. Clay and MarkPremiere Networks personality Clay Travis co-hosted “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” live from affiliate News Radio 570 WWNC in Asheville, NC (10/11). Travis toured the area via helicopter to witness the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene in an effort to continue raising awareness, funds and volunteers for hurricane relief that will be needed for months to come.  During the visit, WWNC morning host/news director Mark Starling joined the broadcast for a powerful conversation about the devastation the community has experienced.  He detailed how the station covered Hurricane Helene, providing vital information to the Asheville community including coordinating rescue efforts and reuniting families. Starling, who stayed at the station for 14 days straight during the hurricane, said: “…when TV couldn’t do it, the newspaper couldn’t do it, there was nothing online, the only thing left was AM/FM radio. All seven stations stayed on the air simulcasted… we were wall-to-wall…what we wanted to do here at the radio station, at iHeart Asheville, was we wanted to show the community that we can get through this. And we’ve been kind of repeating this line: ‘community is the answer to this crisis.’ …what we have seen is the absolute best in humanity in an absolute horrific, horrific time.”  Listen to their full conversation HERE.

Benztown Offers Stations Free Election Day AudioPack in Run-Up to the 2024 Elections.  Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingles is offering a free Election AudioPack with world-class FX and audio about issues of listener interest and major election discussion topics. The Benztown Election AudioPack also presents daily breaking news updates and other audio from Benztown’s news/talk libraries that can enhance a radio station’s election coverage. Check out the Election Day drones, sweepers, liners, listener audio, and more. You can download yours for free now through Tuesday, November 5, 2024 by clicking here.  For more info, contact Masa Patterson, VP, sales/perations, Benztown, at: mp@benztown.com or at (818) 842-4600.

Industry News

Starnes to Offer Six-Hour Election Night Special

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Election Night with Todd StarnesStarnes Media Group is hosting a live, six-hour Election Night special for radio stations across the nation. The free program will broadcast from 6:00 pm – 12:00 midnight ET. The show will be hosted by nationally syndicated TALKERS Heavy Hundred personality Todd Starnes and will feature radio reporters in all seven battleground states and more than two dozen pundits and pollsters. The show will also take calls from listeners. And stations will also be able to embed a digital television broadcast of the program on their websites. For information on clocks and how to get the show, email todd@starnesmediagroup.com or call 917-331-9866.  Starnes, who also is the owner of KWAM News Radio in Memphis, was re-elected to Tennessee Broadcasters Board. He has taken a large role in lobbying Congress on keeping AM radio in cars.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/16) Top News/Talk Media Stories

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

A flurry of high-profile political interviews dotted the news/talk media landscape again yesterday highlighted by VP Kamala Harris’s appearance on FOX News Channel solidifying the presidential race as the dominant topic. There was also a lot of discussion about former President Donald Trump’s musical “love fest.” The aftermath of the hurricanes remained among the most talked-about stories sparked by numerous radio-oriented relief efforts. The escalation of violence in the Middle East, climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/16), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

EDISON RESEARCH: The Race to Rogan – Who Will Candidates Reach on America’s Top Podcast?

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

As both presidential candidates rush to appear on popular podcasts, and the industry waits to see who will land on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the number one podcast among weekly podcast listeners Age 13+ in the U.S. according to Edison Podcast Metrics™,  Edison Research reveals the demographics of listeners that Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are likely to reach if they end up as guests on the popular podcast:

  • 80% Male
  • 51% age 18-34
  • 35% Independent or Something Else
  • 32% Republicans
  • 27% Democrats
  • 21% Hispanic or Latino

With such a diverse and politically balanced audience, Rogan’s show offers candidates an invaluable opportunity to reach key voter groups, especially independents and younger voters. Edison Research provides comprehensive data on podcast rankings, making it an essential resource for understanding how shows like “The Joe Rogan Experience” are shaping public opinion.  Click here for more insights on the top-ranking podcasts candidates are using to target voters.