Industry News

KOGO-AM, San Diego Unveils New Afternoon Lineup

iHeartMedia makes changes to the afternoon programming on news/talk KOGO, San Diego “Newsradio 600.” Mike Slater hosts the 3:00 pm hour, “The Lou Penrose Show” follows from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, andim Leland Conway and Mark Larson host from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. KOGO program director Mary Ayala says, “I’m thrilled about our new afternoon lineup. It showcases some incredible local talent who are ready to tackle tough San Diego issues head on in addition to providing listeners with insights and perspectives on national news and politics as we navigate this crucial election year.” Penrose comments, “I am excited about the announcement of this new contract with iHeartMedia and proud to be serving under a great San Diego leadership team. Onward and upward for Newsradio 600 KOGO and San Diego. Let’s GO!”

Industry News

Companywide Cuts Hit WDBO, Orlando’s Joe Kelley

Cox Media Group has been making staff cuts at its radio stations and Joe Kelley, news director and afternoon host (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm) at the company’s news/talk WDBO-AM, Orlando is the latest victim.im Kelley is taking the high road, writing in a Facebook post, “Nothing lasts forever. I have spent the last 19 years of my career working for Cox Media Group. But that ended today. I can honestly say that CMG has been the best part of my 41-year career. I walk away with marketable skills, good friends, and countless contacts. Shed no tears for me. I’m blessed beyond words. If you ever get a job offer from CMG, take it. You won’t regret it.”

Industry News

FNC’s “Gutfeld!” to Air Live from RNC in Milwaukee

FOX News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” will broadcast live from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee atim 11:00 pm ET July 15 through July 18 before a live studio audience in Milwaukee’s Deer District. Host Greg Gutfeld, panelist Kat Timpf, and three guests will appear on each show. The live show will follow FOX News Channel’s “Democracy 24: Republican National Convention” special primetime coverage helmed by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.

Industry News

KURM-AM/FM, Rogers, Arkansas to Cease Operations

According to a report in the Siloam Springs Herald Leader, news/talk KURM-AM/FM in Rogers, Arkansas (about 25 miles north of Fayetteville) go dark on July 1 after 45 years of service to the community. The station is owned by Kermit Womack, the 89-year-old father of Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, whoim states in a press release, “It’s with a great deal of regret that I announce today the end of an era in local broadcasting. KURM has been a mainstay in this region for nearly 45 years, dedicated to the coverage of local events across a three-state region. Our style of radio is hard to do. That, coupled with some unfortunate health circumstances, have led to this decision.” Steve Womack put the station on the air in 1979 and the Herald Leader says he managed it for 11 years before leaving to join the Army ROTC program at the University of Arkansas. Steve Womack tells the paper, “It’s a sad day, to be sure. But over time, not only has this business changed dramatically, but the listening habits of people have changed. There are simply too many outlets competing for consumers. My father is an institution. He’s among the last of a vanishing breed. He is KURM, and if he is unable to continue, it is fitting that the station retires with him.” Read the Herald Leader report here.

Industry News

Red Apple Syndicates James Golden Weekend Show

Former Rush Limbaugh producer James Golden, a.k.a. Bo Snerdley, is being syndicated by Red Apple Audio Networks. The WABC, New York-based program “The James Golden Show” airs Saturdays from 7:00im am to 10:00 am with “news, interviews, and entertainment, with a relaxed vibe that listeners want on weekends.” Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis states, “Presenting listeners with captivating, interesting programming and big-name hosts always wins, and we have seen proof of that with our growing weekend audience. Our listeners on WABC Radio have gravitated towards the interesting programs we deliver on weekends, including ‘The James Golden Show’ on Saturday mornings.”

Industry News

BFoA Golf Tourney Set for September 9

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is holding its annual Celebrity Golf Tournament and Fundraiser on September 9 at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. Leo MacCourtney, president and CEO of Katz Television Group and vice chair and treasurer of the BFOA board of directors, will serve as the 2024im Celebrity Golf Chair. This year, the Broadcasters Foundation will debut The BFOA Pickleball Challenge, which will take place from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by cocktails and dinner. The Pickleball Challenge is designed to give junior-level broadcast professionals the opportunity to network with their peers and executives, learn more about the Foundation’s charitable purpose, and have fun. MacCourtney states, “The Celebrity Golf Tournament is the second largest Fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation. The funds we raise are essential to continuing the Foundation’s mission. Requests for aid continue to escalate and we must be there to help every broadcaster who qualifies.” Get more info on the events here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/25) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Thursday’s debate; primary races; WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich’s Russian espionage trial; Donald Trump’s legal battles; Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s plea deal; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war; and the Midwest floods were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

SuperTalk Mississippi Media Offers News Via Spotify and Apple

SuperTalk Mississippi Media is making hourly newscasts from SuperTalk Mississippi News available via Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The company’s news is aired across the more than 45 talk and music stations. SuperTalk Mississippi Media president and CEO Kim Dillon says, “SuperTalk Mississippi News now beingim available through both major podcast platforms is a testament to SuperTalk Mississippi Media’s commitment to keeping more and more listeners up to date with what’s going on across the state. I’m very proud of our news team and their ability to not only broadcast accurate news but deliver it to the masses in more ways than just the radio dial.” SuperTalk Mississippi Media news director J.T. Mitchell adds, “While radio is still incredibly effective in delivering news and I don’t believe that’s ever going to change, we want to offer more ways for our listeners to have news at their fingertips. I am so thankful for the team’s willingness to adapt and thrive as we find more ways to reach Mississippians and keep them informed on a daily basis.”

Industry News

ESPN Chicago Announces Third Annual Football Fest Event

Good Karma Brands’ WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” is presenting the third annual “Football Fest” at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on August 25. GKB says, “The highly anticipated event, now in its third year, is back with even more excitement, special guests, and unique experiences for fans. We are thrilled toim welcome back ESPN NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Field Yates, who will be sharing their expert insights and engaging with fans throughout the event.” ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman states, “‘Football Fest’ is the unofficial kickoff of the NFL season, and I am excited about this year’s fest, from the stars we’ll have in the room to the show we have planned. We listened to fan feedback, and we’ve added new ways for fans to interact with their favorite ESPN Chicago and Bears Radio Network personalities, as well as a live onstage version of our fan-favorite, unfiltered podcast ‘Crosstalk Unhinged’ with Carm, Jurko, Waddle, and Silvy.”

Industry News

Nationally Syndicated Jock Tom Kent Passes at 69

Programmer, radio DJ, and independent syndicator Tom Kent died on Monday (6/24) after a two-year battle with cancer. Kent worked his entire career in music radio – mostly as a CHR jock – but his success in the CHR genre was admired by many talk radio personalities. He led the Tom Kent Radio Network for which he hosted and produced syndicated daily, weekend and, 24/7 programming each week on approximately 600im stations mostly for classic hits and adult contemporary music formats. Prior to syndication, Kent worked on the air and in programming at legendary Top 40 stations including WLS, Chicago; KLIF & KFJZ Dallas-Ft Worth; WIBG Philadelphia and more. On the passing of Tom Kent, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “He was a quintessential practitioner of one of America’s great forms of audio art – top 40 radio.  The disc jockey, in that now almost completely extinct genre, was a uniquely specialized vocal performer akin to being a singer or musical instrument deftly inserted within the hyper-dynamic backdrop of a symphony known as a radio format. Art Vuolo’s video captures not only the superb talent possessed by Kent in executing this amazing audio choreography – but amply displays his passion for excellence and behind-the-scenes pride. When Kent seamlessly hits the posts on driving rock intros of songs with which he is intimately familiar and pumps his fist with glee when pulling it off, it unleashes an adrenaline rush similar to a pro basketball star landing a slam dunk and swinging that extra second from the rim. See the tribute video created by Voulo Video’s Art Vuolo here.

Industry News

Damon Amendolara Makes News with YouTube Show in Oakland

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Veteran sportscaster Damon Amendolara (pictured above with A’s fans) made news in Northern California when he interviewed Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao at a recent Oakland Athletics’ fan convention on his live YouTube program “Watch D.A. Live.” Amendolara has been a champion for Athletics’ fans who want their team to stay in Oakland instead of moving to Las Vegas.  Mayor Thao said, “It’s frustrating… and it’s f***d up. I have warned the legislators in Vegas to watch out for John Fisher and Dave Kaval… and the majority have not listened. And that’s what pisses me off. If you just wanted a ballpark (and not the property around it), that could’ve been done.”

Industry News

Katz Takes Pie in the Face for Charity

WRVA, Richmond talk host Jeff Katz is pictured here getting a pie in the face as the Fatherhood Foundationim of Virginia teamed up with the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team for an awareness campaign and fundraiser called, “Pie Dad in the Face,” which takes place during home games at The Diamond. Katz says, “I ‘volunteered’ knowing full well that my kids were unavailable, but my best friend Jamal offered the services of his son Judah who was more than happy to lay the whipped cream down on Uncle Jeff.”

Industry News

Outkick Adds Ricky Cobb as Host of New Daily Show

National multimedia sports platform OutKick announces that Ricky Cobb, the personality behind @Super70sSports, signs on to host a new daily show launching later this summer. Outkick says Cobb’sim show will be an extension of his humor and expansive knowledge in sports and culture that’s highlighted every day on @Super70sSports. In addition to the show, Cobb will also make appearances across OutKick programs, including “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” “OutKick The Morning with Charly Arnolt,” “OutKick The Show with Clay Travis” and “Hot Mic with Jonathan Hutton & Chad Withrow.”

Industry News

WGAE and iHeart Reach Collective Bargaining Agreement

Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at iHeart Podcast Network ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The 100-member bargaining unit overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract that came after more than two years of negotiations. Included in the CBA are: A minimum starting salary ofim $63,000 for unit members in New York or Los Angeles and  $58,000 for members in other locations; Annual minimum salary increases of 3% in the first year of the contract, and 2% in the second and third year of the contract; Continued 401(k) match, after the company cut the match for non-union employees; and the right to bargain over any implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. In a statement, the iHeart Podcast Network’s bargaining unit states, “We are incredibly proud to announce the ratification of our first contract. After two long years of bargaining, we’ve landed on a contract that we feel greatly improves our working and everyday lives. We are excited to begin life under a union contract and to continue to advocate for our entire unit.”

Industry News

Townsquare to Present at Media Conference

Townsquare Media will present at Noble Capital Markets’ Consumer, Communications, Media, and Technology Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference on June 26. The presentation will be held at 11:00 am ET and will feature a fireside style Q&A session with questions welcome from the live virtual audience.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/24) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race and Thursday’s first debate; Julian Assange strikes plea deal with U.S. over Wikileaks’ release of secret documents; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war; the Houthi rebels’ attacks in the Red Sea; and the heavy rainfall affecting parts of the Midwest were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry Views

Pending Business: “Go F-Yourself”

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhen it comes to advertisers who cancel, Elon Musk said it loud and clear at the NY Times Dealbook Summit, “Go F-Yourself.” He claimed advertisers who objected to content on X were “blackmailing him with money” by canceling ad campaigns on his X platform.

C’mon, Elon. I guess you never made the sales calls many of us have made pitching Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, or any of the many in talk radio who made the dreaded “no buy” list because an advertiser was alienated by their political lean, or content. Maybe Elon forgot that many advertisers feel the feedback of their customers and reflect customer input in their marketing dollars.

Many of us who made those sales calls tried to work alongside the content objections voiced by advertisers. The goal was to earn the advertiser’s dollars, not consider a cancellation as “blackmail.” A loud and clear, “Go F-Yourself,” was and still is the best way to kill the customer, torch the relationship, as your general manager, owner, stockholders, and about everyone including the wife and kids are amazed at your out-of-control rant.

Michael Richards, a.k.a. Kramer of Seinfeld fame, calls it “canceling yourself.” He should know. It seems after careful review Musk may be feeling the pain of his famous F-bomb message to “X” advertisers. Elon is now repackaging his pitch to include an A.I. component that could blunt those content objections. Will A.I. step in and keep the content compatible with the goals and objectives of those advertisers who cancelled X?

Wow, why didn’t I think of that? Eliminate good old-fashioned human judgement to understand the content the advertiser is identifying as incompatible with their goals. Maybe or maybe not. Think about how many of your advertisers listen to your talent and offer you, the seller, content feedback. Like the saying goes, many advertisers buy where they listen.

Back to the F-bomb comment. It is hard to be critical of one of the wealthiest people on the planet, but in this one instance, even a billionaire learned from his missteps. As time passed, perhaps cooler heads prevailed and those at X learned what those of us who made those early “no buy” list sales calls learned:

1. Advertisers who control budgets do not like to be told to “Go F-yourself”

2. Content cancellations are not “blackmail.” Those cancellations are based in:

a. Customer feedback

b. Advertiser culture

c. Misaligned goals

Next time you get the urge to blurt out your frustrations, remember a basic tenet of sales, “Never say anything that is too big to eat.”

Steve Lapa is the president of Lapcom Communications Corp. based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lapcom is a media sales, marketing, and development consultancy. Contact Steve Lapa via email at: Steve@Lapcomventures.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: NOW What?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Cost cuts continue. If you’re still working, it is, unfortunately, only prudent to wonder for-how-long. If your position is safe, are you being given additional responsibility without additional compensation? And/or have you had-it-up-to-here with the hours?

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The skill set you have accrued working on-air can open lots of doors elsewhere, especially because you are a local brand. Here are 18 options, most of which I, personally, have exploited. Which of these fit you?

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

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

The 27th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place on Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments.  See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

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Salem Radio Networks star Mike Gallagher gives the TALKERS camera a big thumbs up from the halls of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. In addition to broadcasting his show that day from the state-of-the-art studios of the university’s acclaimed WRHU, Gallagher participated in the TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond “Great Debate” representing the conservative viewpoint in a refreshingly civil exchange with progressive host Thom Hartmann.

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WABC, New York/Red Apple Audio Network star Frank Morano (standing); WDUN, Gainesville, GA midday force Martha Zoller (seated r); and WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive personality Brett Winterble (seated l) are pictured during an informal moment at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.

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Noelle Huizenga, VP public policy/communications, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) was among the attendees at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.

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Nationally syndicated Talk Media Network (TMN) radio personality Kate Delaney (l) captured a cozy selfie with (l-r) Ryan McCormickMichael Harrison, and Mark Goldman at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond. Goldman and McCormick are the managing partners of Goldman McCormick Public Relations.

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John Sardelis (l) is pictured at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond with Westwood One affiliate sales manager, Laura Martinez.  

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Broadcasters General Store (BGS) marketing executive Buck Waters attended TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond dispensing sage advice about the latest equipment and technology available to conference registrants. Waters, along with BGS tech wizard David Antoine, provided oversight to the process of video recording the sessions at the event which will soon be posted here and on YouTube.

Industry News

Reuters Study Reveals Newsmax is a Top News Brand

The annual Digital News Report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism shows that Newsmax is one of the 12 online news brands that Americans turned to most. Reuters found that 8% of Americans —im about 25 million Americans — turn to Newsmax for their news at least weekly.  Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Newsmax’s rise is even more stunning considering the newness of our brand, Big Tech efforts to thwart us, and several virtual TV distributors still keeping us from their subscribers.” Newsmax recently announced its plans for an initial public offering later this year with a listing on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq.

Industry News

Mott Joins AdLarge as Director of National Digital Partnerships

AdLarge announces that Jess Mott is named director of national digital partnerships. AdLarge EVP of audioim sales Robin Sloan says, “I am delighted to welcome Jess Mott to AdLarge and the fwd. network. Her extensive experience and success in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we expand our digital capabilities.”

Industry News

Beasley Signs Up for SPECai

ENCO Systems, Inc, Benztown, and Compass Media Networks announce that they have entered into an agreement with Beasley Media Group to provide their SPECai product to Beasley’s local advertisingim executives companywide. Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We are very excited to be among the early users of SPECai. The technology is a game-changing tool for our sales teams to quickly and easily produce great-sounding spec spots for clients in minutes that don’t sound AI-generated, making them very compelling for advertisers. It’s amazing technology for our industry.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race and this week’s first debate; the U.S. migrant crisis; the expected SCOTUS ruling on former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity; the deadly terror attacks in Russia’s Dagestan province; the Israel-Hamas war and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s trip to the U.S.; the more than 1,300 heat-related deaths at the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia; the heatwaves affecting the U.S. and climate change were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Talk Host and Governor Candidate Bill Spadea to Appear Before NJ Election Commission

On Monday (6/17), WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” morning drive host Bill Spadea announced his candidacy for governor of New Jersey as a Republican. Townsquare Media stated that regarding Spadea continuing to do his radio show “we have taken steps and imposed guidelines to ensure that Bill’s on-airim presence over the coming months and until he becomes a legally qualified candidate are in accordance with New Jersey election law, applicable FCC guidance, and industry standards and best practices for such circumstances.” The question that the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has is because a gubernatorial candidate in the 2025 primary election must not knowingly accept a contribution in excess of $5,800 from a single source, is Spadea’s radio show – a valuable medium through which to campaign – an in-kind contribution that surpasses that monetary threshold? The Commission is requesting that Spadea appear before it at a hearing on June 26. The Commission has issued an Order to Show Cause at which time “Spadea for Governor, Candidate Spadea, and Townsquare Media shall appear and show cause before the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for consideration by the Commission as to why a determination should not be made that the candidate’s radio airtime is an in-kind contribution from NJ 101.5 or Townsquare Media and therefore subject to the contribution limit.” The same parties are ordered to file written responses by Monday (6/24).

Industry News

Audacy Names Chris Kinard Sports VP

Audacy names Chris Kinard sports format vice president. Kinard takes over for Spike Eskin, who recently returned to Philadelphia to serve as afternoon show co-host on SportsRadio 94WIP. In this role, Kinard will lead brand and format strategy and execution for the company’s sports portfolio and collaborate closely withim vice president of sports Danny Freisinger on the company’s multiplatform content strategy and production. Kinard will continue to serve as vice president of sports programming and cluster director of operations for Audacy Washington DC that includes WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan,” WTEM-AM “The Team 980,” and WIAD-FM “94.7 The Drive.”  Audacy EVP and head of programming Jeff Sottolano comments, “We are privileged at Audacy to benefit from the best local sports content thought leaders in the country and Chris has distinguished himself through his leadership of WFJK-FM and WTEM-AM in D.C. over many years. I am excited to see Chris take on this new role and partner with our local and central leadership on further strengthening our unrivaled position in sports.”

Industry News

Alex Cadelago Promoted to RVP for Cumulus in Albuquerque, Tucson and Houston

Cumulus Media promotes Alex Cadelago to regional vice president of Cumulus Media for Albuquerque, Tucson, and Houston. He currently is vice president and market manager for the Houston market. Cumulusim president of operations Dave Milner says, “Alex is an extremely effective and capable leader. His track record in Houston has been outstanding, so it’s a logical progression for him to help lead both Albuquerque and Tucson.” Cadelago comments, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with our amazing teams in Albuquerque and Tucson and am looking forward to building upon the success Jeff and Ken have achieved in these regions. I would like to thank Mary Berner and Dave Milner for their support in expanding my role with Cumulus, and Dan Bennett for his mentorship over the past 10 years.”