Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; Donald Trump’s legal battles; Vladimir Putin’s visit with Kim Jong Un in North Korea; Russia’s warships in the Caribbean; a Kentucky judge blocks Joe Biden’s Title IX expansion; the Juneteenth holiday; New Jersey Democrat George Norcross indicted on racketeering charges; and the heat dome affecting much of the eastern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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 this past Friday (6/7) 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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One of the exciting sessions of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was titled “The Big Picture.”  It sparked a dialogue about the state of talk media and radio in general in the face of tremendous technological and sociological change.  It put forth the premise that for “radio” to succeed in the multiplatform arena of the digital age, its health and survival will depend upon its practitioners having a clear understanding what the term “radio” means and how that definition differs from the word “audio.” The stellar panels included (l-r): Tavis Smiley, host/owner, KBLA, Los Angeles / Smiley AudioMedia; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Sound Mind, LLC; Deborah Parenti, publisher, Radio Ink / RBR+TVBRChris Oliviero, market president, Audacy New York; Lisa Wexler, host, WICC, Bridgeport; and Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Network. (Not pictured, moderator Michael Harrison.)

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Westwood One host Rich Valdes, host of “America at Night,” introduced “The Big Picture” panel eloquently pointing out that for radio to successfully serve the big picture of American society it will have to grasp the demographic and ethnic changes that are rapidly taking place within the nation’s shifting population.

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The “Beyond Politics” panel explored the programming options available to talk radio stations – particularly news/talk – to expand programming possibilities that enhance ratings and revenue beyond reliance on the popular paradigm of pure, targeted 24/7 partisan politics.  Panelists included (l-r):  Asa Andrew, MD, host, “The Doctor Asa Show”; Danielle Lin, C.N., producer/host, “The Art of Living and the Science of Life”; Lee Habeeb, CEO/host/producer, “Our American Stories”/American Private Radio; Daliah Wachs, MD, host, “The Dr. Daliah Show”; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, co-host, morning show, WAQY (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; and Walter Sabo (A.K.A. Walter M Sterling), consultant, Sabo Media Partners / host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN / “Sterling at Night,” WPHT, Philadelphia. (Not pictured, moderator David Bernstein.)

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Talk radio programming legend David BernsteinTALKERS director of broadcast operations, served as moderator of the “Beyond Politics” panel session.

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Kevin Casey, TALKERS VP/executive editor (l) served as TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond master of ceremonies and John Fredericks, owner/host, the John Fredericks Radio Network (r) delivered the introduction to the “State of Sports Talk Radio” fireside chat. 

Industry Views

Pending Business: Summertime Blues

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

imWhen market leaders drop rates, what comes next?

We have all been there. A market leading radio station will review sales, income, profits, pacing, costs and determine the best path to increasing income and reversing a negative sales trend is to strategically reduce, repackage or simply drop rates.

Assume the position of being downstream in audience delivery, which should mirror most reading this column. This is the time of year when many news/talk operators face this never-ending strategic pricing dilemma. Unless you are fortunate enough to sell or manage for the market leader, the trickle-down effect of the market leader dropping rates in a knee-jerk reaction to slow sales can be a 90–120-day revenue and income killer for those living downstream. It can happen in any business, but ad sales are particularly vulnerable as cancellations, market business conditions and weather can often impact the delicate ecosystem of radio ad sales.

Like it or not, very few if any business decision makers wake up shouting, “Gotta buy some radio ads right now!” With Father’s Day behind us (hope you had a good one) and Labor Day in front of us, let us review some basics to help keep our collective eye on the prize and focus on delivering performance through year end.

1. Summer Sales. Like or not, the American retail world we grew up and live in today conditioned us to anticipate and respond to those great summer sales events. July 4th, Labor Day, Back to School, these are all themed marketing opportunities that most of us expect and celebrate. That “Summer Sizzler” sale is not limited to steaks, barbeques, fashion, and vacations. Be creative, go with the flow and work with your teams to be a front runner in the creative packaging opportunities department.

2. Plan to adjust. Keep an idea or two on hold until it is “break the glass” time, then pull the trigger on your adjustment and move fast!

3. Expand your prospecting universe. New business opportunities are the lifeblood of sales. That email you send asking if there is anything happening this season is a necessary evil and without anything compelling to add it is deleted as quickly as you hit send. Be different!

4. Balance your short-term sales panic button with a long-term plan. We all must deal with the uncontrollable competitive variables in our sales environment. But success belongs to those who anticipate, adjust, accommodate, and answer the challenge!

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: “Cart This Up”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Talk host: Hot-key this SFX: stopwatch – TV’s iconic “60 Minutes” sound – 60 seconds of tick-tick-tick, then some sort of time’s-up sound. Play it underneath callers who vehemently disagree with you, or each other.

By giving them uninterrupted time, you will seem more welcoming than rude controlling caricature hosts. (The most compelling shows are those that sound nearly-out-of-control.)

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If the caller’s beef is with you, you’ll likely “win,” because even the most PO’d caller can’t fill the allotted :60.

Another SFX: tap dancing. Play this underneath callers or sound bites of newsmakers who sound like they’re on-the-spot… or under interviews that sound humorously all spin.

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

KBLA’s Climate Justice Symposium to Air on C-SPAN

Smiley Audio Media’s talk KBLA, Los Angeles Talk 1580 is presenting the Climate Justice Symposium at theim California Science Center in Los Angeles tomorrow (6/18) live from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm PT and the program will be broadcast live on C-SPAN. The event is being moderated by Smiley Audio Media chief and KBLA talk host Tavis Smiley and will feature leaders of the nation’s climate and environmental justice community. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will offer remarks and Dr. Cornel West will deliver remarks on the intersection of Climate Justice and Juneteenth.

Industry News

Lonnquist to Lead Sales for iHeartMedia Twin Cities

iHeartMedia names Eric Lonnquist SVP of sales for the company’s Minneapolis stations that includes news/talk KTLK-AM, sports talk KFXN “K-Fan” and five music brands. Lonnquist most recently served inim major market sales at Paycor. iHeartMedia Minneapolis market president Greg Alexander comments, “Eric Lonnquist is a seasoned sales professional in the Minneapolis market. His extensive background in media sales, combined with his leadership roles in major market sales makes him the perfect fit for our team. We are excited to have Eric lead our sales strategy and drive our continued success across our iconic broadcast and digital platforms.”

Industry News

Radio Hall of Fame Unveils 2024 Inductees

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the eight 2024 inductees into the Radio Hall of Fameim who will be honored at the ceremony on September 19, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Six of the inductees were elected by a voting participant panel comprised of more than 900 industry professionals and two inductees were voted on by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. This year’s inductees are: “The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase); Lee Harris; Phil Hendrie; Jaime Jarrin; Kraig Kitchin; Barry Mayo; Mary McCoy; and Matt Siegel.

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Announce WSAN Shows

iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment announce the inaugural lineup of original podcast shows for the Women’s Sports Audio Network (WSAN). iHeartMedia says the free, ad-supported network available across its broadcast, digital and podcast platforms is “designed to amplify well-known and new influentialim women sports athletes and relevant programming to millions of listeners nationwide, and also unlock access to inventory and opportunities for brands to engage.” iHM chief marketing officer Gayle Troberman says, “We’re committed to championing incredible athletes and building further awareness until women’s sports reaches the kind of nationwide and international prominence it has always deserved. It’s humbling and inspiring that the first-ever, dedicated women’s sports reports will start airing with the massive reach of iHeart’s broadcast radio platform and the full-on power of collaboration between world class athletes, incredible journalists, podcasters and the fans.  This is a pivotal moment for women’s sports to get heard.” Content will include: “Good Game with Sarah Spain,” and shows hosted by Sheryl Swoopes, Tisha Alyn, Madison Packer, Rennae Stubbs, Caitlin Thompson, and Khristina Williams.

Industry News

BIN Announces Gun Safety Campaign

BIN: Black Information Network announces the new initiative, “Lock It and Store It! A BIN Gun Safety Awareness Campaign,” designed to inform the community about the importance of keeping guns out of the reach of children to help save lives. It will include the airing of special features, news reports and socialim media on the costs and impacts of unintentional shootings by Black children in America. BIN president Tony Coles states, “This campaign is a shining example of the role community leaders play in the programming on the Black Information Network. This topic has been a part of so many stories we have aired, and keeping children and families safe is vital to the communities we serve. Bringing this campaign to life started with the BIN Local Roundtable and would not be possible without them.” The BIN Local Roundtable was designed as a forum for business and civic leaders from local communities across the U.S. to provide perspective and collaborate with BIN’s leadership team regarding the network’s programming and local engagement.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Supreme Court’s mifepristone and bump stock rulings; the presidential race; Benjamin Netayahu disbands the Israeli war cabinet; Justice Department won’t prosecute Merrick Garland; Alex Jones bankruptcy court ruling; U.S. migrant crisis; the rise of Europe’s far right; surgeon general seeks warning labels for social media; and the deadly heatwave predicted to affect much of the country this week were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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 this past Friday (6/7) 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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A group of top talk radio pros participated in the panel discussion “Programming News/Talk Radio.” Pictured (l-r): Doug Stephan, CEO/Founder, Stephan Multimedia; Phil Boyce, SVP, spoken word format, Salem Media Group / ops VP, New York region, WMCA / WNYM-AM 970 The Answer; Paul Vandenburgh, owner/host, WGDJ Talk 1300, Albany, NY; Scott Lakefield, APD, WOR, New York; Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia; and Grace Blazer, VP, national NTS brand coordinator, director of news and AM programming, Florida region, iHeart Media Miami.  The panel was moderated by Mike McVay, president McVay Media Consulting (pictured below).

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TMN syndicated host Dr. Daliah Wachs performed the singing of the National Anthem.

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One of the main panel discussions at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era.” Pictured (l-r): Moderator Steve Lapa, president, Lapcom Communications Corp.; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Josh Leng, Founder/CEO, Talk Media Network; John Caracciolo, president/CEO JVC Broadcasting; Ron Hartenbaum, managing member, Crossover Media; Kathy Carr, president, Howie Carr Radio Network; and Julie Talbott, president Premiere Networks.

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Pictured above is a segment of the crowd at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond giving a standing ovation during the event.

Industry News

Round Four of May PPMs Released

imThe fourth of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey covered April 25 through May 22. Today, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeways from this group of markets. In Austin, Waterloo Media’s news/talk KLBJ-AM is steady with a 4.4 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share) and remains ranked #7, while in Raleigh, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WTKK-FM adds a full share for an 8.3 share and climbs to the #2 rank, and in Indianapolis, Urban One’s news/talk WIBC-FM rises 1.2 shares for a 6.9 share finish that lifts it to the #4 rank. In Milwaukee, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN posts its ninth straight #1 rank after adding 1.8 shares to finish with a 12.1 share. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

REVERSE ROLES: Harry Hurley Interviews MH on Harrison Podcast About Artificial Intelligence

WPG, Atlantic City radio star Harry Hurley reverses roles with MH on this week’s installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Actually, this week’s episode of the long-running podcast consists of provocative excerpts from Harrison’s recent guest appearance (6/4) on Hurley’s popular WPG morning show in which he was booked to discuss the technological and sociological implications of AI. This took place in conjunction with the release of the new Gunhill Road music video, “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song).”  Harrison co-wrote and performs lead vocals on the song with the venerable band which had its world premiere on WPG that morning and kicked off Harrison’s “Obsolete Slobs” radio tour in support of the piece. The conversation is a no-holds-barred look at the implications – beneficial and destructive – of the remarkable new technology that is disrupting art, communications, and life here in the early decades of the 21st century and promises to have dramatic impact on the course of humanity going forward. Don’t miss this! Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.

Industry News

Frank Morano Show Adds Stations in Las Vegas and the Twin Cities

The WABC, New York-based overnight talk show, “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano,” is nowim airing on Audacy talk outlets WCCO, Minneapolis and KMXB-HD3, Las Vegas “K-DAWN.” Red Apple Audio Networks distributes the show live from 1:00 am to 5:00 am nightly. Morano comments, “I’m incredibly grateful to be on both of these great radio stations. I’ve dreamt of being on the radio in Minnesota ever since Jesse Ventura ran for governor. It’s great to be on a station that has so many independent thinkers. As far as ‘K-DAWN’ goes, I’m absolutely thrilled to be on the air in Las Vegas, a 24/7 city. It’s great to talk to an audience in a city that’s up all night.”

Industry News

Hegseth’s War on Warriors Tops Bestseller List

The new book from Army veteran and “FOX & Friends Weekend” co-host Pete Hegseth, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men who Keep us Free (FOX News Books, 2024) hits the top spot onim the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list. FOX News Media says that this marks Hegseth’s fourth New York Times bestselling title and follows the runaway success of his inaugural FOX News Book, Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes, which debuted in 2020. Hegseth says, “Publishing this book has been a moving experience from start to finish. I am honored and humbled that The War on Warriors has resonated with so many people; most especially with actively serving troops, veterans, and military families. This book is for them, and for our country. A great nation needs a great military, and I hope this book plays a role in restoring the military to its core function: deterring, fighting, and winning our wars.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of June 10 – 14

The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Hunter Biden guilty verdict, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal battles at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imMay 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 survey period (April 25 – May 22) has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford.

No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.

MLB team names of spoken-word flagships are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are April 2024 – May 2024 (6+). 

AUSTIN

News/Talk

KLBJ-AM 4.4 – 4.4, #7 – #7

KJCE .1 – .1, #30 – #29

News

None

Sports Talk

KBPA-HD2  .9 – 1.0, #21 – #21

KVET-AM .5 – .6, #24 – #22

KTAE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUT 7.6 – 6.1, #2 – #3

KUT-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA   

Note: Public radio news/talk KUT’s -1.5 (7.6 – 6.1) represents Austin’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

RALEIGH

News/Talk

WTKK 7.3 – 8.3, #4  – #2

WPTF .6 – .4, #23 – #24

News

WRAL-HD3 .7 – .7, #21 – #19

Sports Talk

WCMC-FM 3.1 – 3.2, #12 – #12

WCMC-FM HD2 .1 – .1, #25 – #25

Public Radio News/Talk

WUNC 7.9 – 6.9, #3 – #5 

Note: Public radio news/talk WUNC’s -1.0 (7.9 – 6.9) represents a tie for Raleigh’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

INDIANAPOLIS

News/Talk

WIBC 5.7 – 6.9, #7 – #4

News

WOLT-HD2 .2 – .3, #25 – #22

Sports Talk

WIBC-HD2  2.3 – 3.5, #16 – #14

WNDE .3 – .1, #22 – #23

WXNT DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WFNI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFYI 5.9 – 4.8, #6 – #9 

Notes: The +1.2 by news/talk WIBC (5.7 – 6.9) and sports talk WIBC-HD2 (2.3 – 3.5) represents Indianapolis’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase 

Meanwhile, public radio news/talk WFYI’s -1.1 (5.9 – 4.8) is tied for the market’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

MILWAUKEE 

News/Talk

WISN 10.3 – 12.1, ninth consecutive month at #1

WLIP .1 – .1, #26 – #26

WAUK DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

WTMJ DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA (Brewers)

WGKB DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

News

None

Sports Talk

WRNW 2.3 – 2.1, #15 – #15

WOKY .2 – .3, #21 – #21

WSSP .2 – .2, #21 – #23

WKTI DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WUWM 3.3 – 2.6, #10 – #14 

Notes: In addition to being #1 for the ninth consecutive month, news/talk WISN posts Milwaukee’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase (10.3 – 12.1, +1.8).

Conversely, public radio news/talk WUWM’s -.7 (3.3 – 2.6) represents a tie for the market’s largest (6+)April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

NASHVILLE

News/Talk

WWTN 5.7 – 6.5, #5 – #4

WLAC 1.7 – 1.6, #18 – #17

News

WNRQ-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WGFX 5.5 – 5.3, #7 – #9

WPRT 2.5 – 2.3, #17 – #16

Public Radio News/Talk

WPLN 3.2 – 3.1, #15 – #15

WPLN-HD3 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

PROVIDENCE 

News/Talk

WPRO-AM 7.0 – 7.3, #4 – #4

WHJJ  1.1 – 1.2, #12 – #13

News

None

Sports Talk

WVEI 1.7 – 1.8, #9 – #10

WPRV .1 – .1, #18 – #19

WBZ-FM DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WGBH 2.1 – 2.2, #8 – #8

WNPN 1.0 – 1.0, #13 – #15

WCAI .1 – .1, #18 – #19

NORFOLK

News/Talk

WNIS  2.1 – 2.4, #14 – #13

WGH-FM HD2  .1 – .1, #24 – #24

News

WNOH .3 – .3, #23 – #22

Sports Talk

WVSP 1.1 – 1.4, #17 – #16

WGH-AM .1 – .1, #24 – #24

Public Radio News/Talk

None

JACKSONVILLE

News/Talk

WOKV-FM 9.1 – 8.7, #3 – #3

News

WJBT-HD2 .2 – .2, #21 – #22

Sports Talk

WOKV-AM .2 – .2, #21 – #22

Public Radio News/Talk

WJCT 2.4 – 2.8, #13 – #12

WEST PALM BEACH

News/Talk

WFTL 2.6 – 2.6, #8 – #9

WJNO .9 – 1.2, #14 – #13

WZZR 1.2 – 1.0 #13 – #14

News

None

Sports Talk

WMEN .5 – .5, #16 – #16

WBZT .3 – .3, #19 – #18

Public Radio News/Talk

WLRN 2.6 – 2.2, #8 – #11

WLRN-HD2 Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA    

GREENSBORO

News/Talk

WPTI 3.9 – 3.7 #10 – #10

News

None

Sports Talk

None

Public Radio News/Talk

WFDD 4.4 – 4.2, #7 – #9

WUNC 2.5 – 2.1, #12 – #12

MEMPHIS

News/Talk

WREC 1.4 – 1.4, #10 – #10

KWAM .4 – .5, #13 – #12

News

None

Sports Talk

WMFS 2.3 – 2.6, #7 – #7

WMC-AM .2 – .3, #15 – #13

WMFS Stream .2 – .2, #15 – #14 

Public Radio News/Talk

WKNO 1.1 – 1.0, #11 – #11

WKNO-HD2  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

HARTFORD

News/Talk

WTIC-AM 5.4 – 4.2, #6 – #8

WDRC-AM 1.6 – 1.2, #16 – #16

WPOP .2 – .2, #20 – #20

WTIC-AM Stream .2 – .2, #20 – #20

News

None

Sports Talk

WUCS 1.8 – 1.5, #14 – #15

Public Radio News/Talk

WNPR 5.0 – 6.4, #7 – #5

WFCR .4 – .4, #18 – #19 

Notes: Public radio news/talk WNPR’s +1.4 (5.0 – 6.4) represents Hartford’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase. 

On the other hand, news/talk WTIC-AM’s -1.2 (5.4 – 4.2) is the market’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease. 

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

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 this past Friday (6/7) 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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Pictured (l-r) are the industry visionaries who made the “Brave New World” panel one of the most illuminating highlights of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond – Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/associate publisher, TALKERS / senior partner, Harrison Media Law; Steven Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Agency; John T. Mullen, GM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University; and Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH / Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. Not pictured, moderator Harry Hurley, morning host, WPG, Atlantic City. The session explored radio’s generational divide, the impact of YouTube and social media; changing technology, the protection of intellectual property rights, artificial intelligence and more.

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Bill Brady, owner/host, KFNX, Phoenix “The Pulse of Arizona” delivered a compelling address appropriately titled, “The Case for AM Radio” that received a standing ovation.

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WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (r) presented Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Scott Herman (l) with a donation of $8,000 from the famous Hurley in the Morning Charty Foundation.  Each year, beginning with a $1,000 donation in 2017, Hurley has presented a gift to the BFoA at the TALKERS conference increasing the sum by a thousand dollars each year. The total now stands at $36,000. Herman delivered an emotional address detailing the tremendous work the Broadcasters Foundation does each year in providing financial support and protection to radio and TV professionals who have fallen on hard times due to catastrophic health issues or natural disasters.  For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation of America please click here.  www.broadcastersfoundation.org

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Rob Finnerty, host of “Wake Up America” on Newsmax TV, delivered an insightful lunchtime address titled “In Front of the Camera” expressing the perspective of talk show hosts on the television side of talk media.  Newsmax sponsored the lunch at TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond.

Industry News

WABC Names Dominic Carter Host of 3:00 pm Hour

Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York announces that Dominic Carter is the new host of the daily 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, the same slot previously occupied by Rudy Giuliani until he was let go by the company in mid-May. The show simulcasts on WABC Radio and WLIR-FM, Hampton Bays on Long Island. Carter willim continue to host his nightly 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am show as well as his 11:00 pm to 12:00 midnight heard on Sundays. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Dominic as our 3 to 4 pm host. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist and political commentator who presents all sides of issues relevant to our listeners. He’s done an excellent job with his overnight programs and I know he will do the same with the 3:00 pm hour.” Carter comments, “I’m excited about hosting an afternoon slot and grateful for the trust that Mr. Catsimatidis and [president] Chad Lopez have shown in me. It’s an honor to serve the New York City area listeners, especially on a powerhouse station like WABC Radio, as well as WLIR 107.1, our sister station on Long Island.”

Industry News

Paul Blake to Lead Beasley Philadelphia

Beasley Media Group promotes Paul Blake to cluster manager for its Philadelphia stations. He most recently served as vice president/director of sales and has been with the cluster for the past 22 years. In his new role,im he will report directly to president Bruce Beasley and will be responsible for overseeing WMMR-FM, WMGK-FM, WXTU-FM, BEN FM, 97.5 The Fanatic, WWDB 860 and Camden’s WTMR 800. He states, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of cluster manager for Beasley Media Philadelphia. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Beasley family for their unwavering trust and confidence in me. It is an incredible privilege to lead one of America’s premier groups of radio stations and digital content creators, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the media industry.”

Industry News

Round Three of May PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey covered April 25 through May 22. Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets. In Portland, although Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM dipped six-tenths to a 5.8 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share), it remains ranked #2, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KEX-AM rises one-tenth to a 1.7 share stays in the #20 rank. In San Antonio, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOAI-AM is steady with a 2.8 share but falls back to the #13 rank, while Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA slides back two-tenths to a 1.9 share good for the #19 rank. In Salt Lake City, Bonneville’s news/talk KSL-AM/FM loses 3.2 shares to finish with a 4.9 share and regresses to the #4 rank, while iHeartMedia’s news/talk KNRS-AM/FM adds half a share for a 3.1 share finish that lifts it to the #14 rank. See Mike Kinosian’s complete Ratings Takeaways from this group of markets here.

Industry News

Aitken Named Cumulus Media Chief HR Officer

Cumulus Media promotes Kriston Aitken to chief human resources officer, effective July 1, 2024. She’ll be responsible for human resources strategy and operations, talent management, compensation and benefits, and supporting the advancement of the company culture. She succeeds Todd McCarty, who is retiring afterim nearly nine years with the company. Aitken joined Cumulus Media in 2016 and has been SVP of human resources for the past two years. Cumulus CEO Mary G. Berner says, “For the past nearly eight years, Kriston has been a stand-out HR executive, and I’m delighted that she is fully ready and able to step into this important role. Given our significant focus on culture and the fact that 94% of our surveyed employees express pride in working at Cumulus, it’s crucial to have a leader genuinely invested in cultivating our culture. Kriston’s commitment to this aspect and her proven operational skills give me full confidence that she will continue to enhance the legacy that Todd leaves behind.”

Industry News

Today is BFoA Giving Day

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the Hunter Biden guilty verdict; the G7 meeting in Italy and the plan to loan Ukraine $50 billion; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. House votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt; Southern Baptist convention bans churches with women pastors; the Israel-Hamas war and the strikes against Northern Israel from Lebanon; Russian war games near Cuba; the Fed reports inflation is easing but expects just one rate cut this year; and NBA legend Jerry West dies at 86 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Ratings Takeaways

May 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Three

imMay 2024 PPM Data – Information for Nielsen Audio’s May 2024 ratings period (April 25 – May 22) has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus.

No share or rank thresholds are required to be included here.

MLB team names of spoken-word flagships are bolded.

DNA – DNA = Did Not Appear – Does Not Appear

Comparisons are April 2024 – May 2024 (6+).

PORTLAND

News/Talk

KXL 6.4 – 5.8, #2 – #2

KEX 1.6 – 1.7, #20 – #20

KUFO .7 – .7, #23 – #24

KPAM .3 – .3, #30 – #31

News

None

Sports Talk

KXTG 1.5 – 1.2, #21 – #21

KFXX 1.4 – 1.0, #22 – #22

KPOJ .6 – .4, #27 – #26

KMTT .2 – .2, #34 – #33

KFXX Stream  DNA – .1, DNA – #36

Public Radio News/Talk

KOPB 5.1 – 5.0, #4 – #5

KOPB Stream  .7 – 1.0, #23 – #22

CHARLOTTE

News/Talk

WBT-AM/FM 4.2– 4.7, #8 – #7

News

WRFX-HD2 DNA – .1, DNA – #23

Sports Talk

WFNZ-FM 3.3 – 3.7, #13 – #10

WSOC-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WFAE 4.4 – 3.4, #6 – #12

WNSC .8 – .7, #20 – #21

WFAE-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

SAN ANTONIO

News/Talk

WOAI 2.8– 2.8, #12 – #13

KTSA 2.1 – 1.9, #17 – #19

News

None

Sports Talk

KTFM 1.2 – 1.4, #24 – #21

KTKR .6 – .5, #29 – #29

KZDC .5 – .4, #31 – #31

Public Radio News/Talk

KSTX 2.2 – 2.1, #15 – #17 

SACRAMENTO

News/Talk

KFBK 6.2 – 8.0 #3 – #2

KSTE-AM 1.9 – 2.5, #19 – #15

KSAC-AM .8 – 1.0, #23 – #21

News

None

Sports Talk

KIFM 1.0 – 1.0, #22 – #21

KHTK 1.8 – .9, #20 – #23

KIFM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA 

Public Radio News/Talk

KXJZ 2.8 – 3.6, #14 – #10

KQEI .3 – .2, #28 – #28

KQED .1 – .1, #30 – #30

KUOP DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Note: News/talk KFBK’s +1.8 (6.2 – 8.0) represents the largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets.

PITTSBURGH

News/Talk

KDKA-AM 4.3 – 4.6, #9 – #9

KDKA-AM Stream  .2 – .3, #21 – #18

News

None

Sports Talk

KDKA-FM (Pirates) 8.0 – 7.8, #2 – #3

KDKA-FM Stream (Pirates).4 – .3, #20 – #18

WBGG DNA – .1, DNA – #20

Public Radio News/Talk

WESA 5.4 – 4.7, #7 – #8

SALT LAKE CITY

News/Talk

KSL-AM/FM 8.1 – 4.9, #2 – #4

KNRS-AM/FM 2.6 – 3.1, #15 – #14

KKAT .1 – .1, #29 – #27

News

None

Sports Talk

KALL 1.0 – 1.2, #23 – #22

KZNS-FM .4 – .7, #26 – #25

KZNS-AM .6 – .3, #24 – #26

KZNS-AM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KZNS-FM Stream  DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KOVO DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KUER 3.2 – 3.6, #14 – #12

KBYU-HD2 Stream  .3 – .1, #27 – #27

KUMT .3 – .1, #27 – #27    

Note: News/talk KSL’s -3.2 (8.1 – 4.9) represents the largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease by any station in the 36 PPM-markets analyzed thus far. 

LAS VEGAS

News/Talk

KMXB-HD3 1.6– 1.7, #23 – #22

KXNT .2 – .2, #34 – #33

KMZQ .1 – .1, #35 – #37

KXNT Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KWWN .6 – .5, #28 – #28

KKGK .6 – .3, #28 – #29

KENO .1 – .1, #35 – #37

KRLV .1 – .1, #35 – #37

Public Radio News/Talk

KNPR 1.9 – 1.5, #20 – #24

ORLANDO

News/Talk

WTKS 6.5 – 5.1, #4 – #7

WDBO 3.9 – 3.7, #10 – #10

WFLF .6 – .8, #19 – #19

WFYY .5 – .5, #21 – #21

WFYY-HD3 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

WYGM .9 – 1.0, #17 – #17

WOCL-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WMFV 1.9 – 1.8, #15 – #16

WMFE DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA  

Note: News/talk WTKS’ -1.4 (6.5 – 5.1) is Orlando’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

CINCINNATI

News/Talk

WLW 13.3 – 11.8, following back-to-back months at #1, slips to #2 (Reds)

WKRC 6.0 – 6.1, #5 – #5

News

None

Sports Talk

WCKY .7 – .8, #19 – #19

WSAI .7 – .4, #19 – #21

Public Radio News/Talk

WVXU 3.3 – 3.2, #10 – #10

Note: News/talk WLW’s -1.5 (13.3 – 11.8) is Cincinnati’s largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

CLEVELAND

News/Talk

WTAM 7.4 – 7.4, #4 – #5 (Guardians)

News

WMMS-HD2 .1 – .1, #23 – #23

Sports Talk

WKRK 4.2 – 4.8, #10 – #10

WKRK Stream .6 – 1.0, #20 – #19

WARF .1 – .1, #23 – #23

Public Radio News/Talk

WKSU 6.5 – 5.5, #7 – #7

WKSU-HD4 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KANSAS CITY

News/Talk

KMBZ-FM 5.6 – 5.4, #4 – #4

KCMO-AM 1.5 – 1.5, #18 – #17

KMBZ-AM 1.3 – 1.3, #19 – #18

KMBZ-FM Stream .9 – 1.3, #22 – #18

KCMO-AM Stream DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

KMBZ-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

News

None

Sports Talk

KCSP 3.4 – 3.3, #10 – #11 (Royals)

KCSP Stream  .6 – 1.1, #26 – #21 (Royals)

KWOD DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

KCUR 2.2 – 2.3, #15 – #15

KANU-HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

COLUMBUS

News/Talk

WTVN 5.2 – 5.5, #7 – #6    

News

WYTS DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Sports Talk

WBNS-FM 7.6 – 7.8, #2 – #2

WBNS-AM .6 – .4, #20 #21

WMNI .1 – .1, #22 – #23

WBNS-FM HD2 DNA – DNA, DNA – DNA

Public Radio News/Talk

WOSU 6.1 – 5.4, #5 – #7

Note: Public radio news/talk WOSU’s -.7 (6.1 – 5.4) is Columbus’ largest (6+) April 2024 – May 2024 decrease.

Up next: May 2024 overviews for Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford.

Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com

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 this past Friday (6/7) 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.

im

KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, Seattle afternoon talk show host John Curley was the 2024 recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award (the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Community Service). He is pictured delivering his acceptance speech discussing the importance of using your platform for good causes.

im 

Michael Harrison (l) interviewed Fred Toucher (r), morning show co-host of WBZ-FM 98.5 The Sports Hub, Boston in a fireside chat titled, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.”  The discussion included comparisons between sports talk and news/talk radio, the benefit of sports talk hosts operating in on-air teams, the relationship sports talk hosts have with home teams and their ardent fans, dealing with harsh criticism on social media, the impact of gambling on sports talk radio, the challenges hosts are facing in covering women’s basketball and more.

im

One of the many highlights of the conference was a blessedly civil “Great Debate” between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann (c) representing the left and Salem Radio Networks host Mike Gallagher (r) representing the right.  The session was moderated by Lee Harris (standing l), director of integrated operations, NewsNation/WGN Chicago.

im

The panel session titled, “Behind the Mic,” delved into the issues and challenges faced today by talk radio talent. Participants included (l-r) Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media; Martha Zoller, WDUN, Athens, GA; Moderator Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Compass Media Networks; Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network; and Chris Krok, WBAP, Dallas.