Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Buffalo’s The Patriot Adding Translators. Radio One Buffalo, LLC announces that conservative talk WUSW-AM, Buffalo “The Patriot” will soon add FM translators W235BC at 94.9 and W227BW at 93.3 to the station’s broadcast. Radio One Buffalo owner Buddy Shula says, “This is a total game changer. Pairing these two powerful metro FM translators with WUSW- AM will give nearly complete market coverage for ‘The Patriot’ on the FM band. We hope to have these FMs approved and running by January 2026.

Audacy’s WIP Helps Raise $610,00 for Autism Charity. Audacy’s annual Eagles Radiothon, that aired live on SportsRadio 94WIP in Philadelphia last week, raised a record-breaking $610,000 for the Eagles Autism Foundation. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Each year, I’m astonished by the generosity of our listeners, fans, and partners during the Eagles Radiothon. It continues to drive us year after year to make a meaningful difference. The whole SportsRadio 94WIP family is proud to help raise money for such an important cause.”

Industry News

Castor to Lead Audacy Wichita

Audacy promotes Tommy Castor to SVP and market manager for the Wichita market that includes news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, sports talk KFH-AM/FM and three music brands. Castor will continue to serve asimg VP of sales for the market. Castor is taking over for Becky Domyan, who continues her role as to serve as SVP and market manager for the St. Louis market. Castor has also co-hosted “Sports Daily” on KFH Radio since 2022. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy says, “Tommy has a proven track record of success and a deep connection to this market, and we couldn’t be happier to have him take the reins to lead Audacy Wichita forward. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Becky for her leadership and impactful work in Wichita. We are thankful for the strong foundation she leaves behind and are confident Tommy will build upon that success.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Schrager Launches Football Podcast. ESPN and Omaha Productions announce that ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager is debuting, “The Schrager Hour,” a Wedsnesday show in which Schrager “dives into key storylines and match-ups around the league, taking you behind the scenes of Monday Night Football and recapping his week on the road covering the NFL.” In addition, Schrager will be on the sidelines of Monday Night Football alongside Katie George and will appear regularly across ESPN’s studio programming, including frequent appearances on “Get Up,” “First Take,” “The Pat McAfee Show,” “NFL Live” and “SportsCenter.”

Browns Extend Partnership with Audacy and Good Karma Brands. The Cleveland Browns announced a multi-year agreement with Audacy and Good Karma Brands, reaffirming the stations’ continued roles as the team’s official flagship radio partners for the University Hospitals Browns Radio Network. ESPN Cleveland market manager Tom Olson says, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Cleveland Browns. This renewal not only extends our tradition of delivering the excitement of Browns content to our fans, but also opens new opportunities to integrate our local partners directly into the fabric of the play-by-play broadcast.”

Industry News

Report: Bernstein Owns Mistakes That Led to Firing

Chicago sports media personality Dan Bernstein tells Axios that his dismissal from Audacy’s WSCR “Theimg Score” in March as the result of a social media rant against a critic was his fault. He says, “I own my mistakes. This was the culmination of a slow, rolling mental health crisis.” Bernstein recently began working with Hubbard’s 312 Sports platform on the daily podcast “Dan Bernstein: Unfiltered” with co-host Matt Abbatacola. He says, “I learned a lot in therapy, and I’m continuing to learn a lot about the dopamine outrage cycle and how real that is and how my brain chemistry works.” He adds, “I think I’ll be better served by the pace and tone of podcasting.” Read the Axios piece here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Audacy’s “I’m Listening” Returns. Audacy’s mental health initiative, “I’m Listening,” is again presenting its annual broadcast special in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and National Suicide Prevention Month. All Audacy stations nationwide will air the “I’m Listening” broadcast that week. Radio personality and co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” and host of “The Voice,” Carson Daly, and Audacy’s nationally syndicated country host, Katie Neal, host of “Katie and Company,” will host the special.

New Affiliate for RMWorldTravel. The nationally syndicated travel program “RMWorldTravel with Robert & Mary Carey and Rudy Maxa” adds East Carolina Radio Inc’s WZPR-FM, Nags Head, North Carolina to its roster of affiliates. The show is now heard on 610 stations every week.

Industry News

KNSS, Wichita’s “Steve and Ted” to Celebrate 7,000 Shows

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The award-winning morning drive show on Audacy’s news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, Wichita is celebrating its 7,000th broadcast next Tuesday (8/26). “Steve and Ted” show hosts Steve McIntosh (left) and Ted Woodward (right) have been on air together since 1998 and during that run have won the Edward R. Murrow Award, an NAB Marconi Award, and are in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. McIntosh, who is retiring at the end of the year, says, “It’s been a professional and personal pleasure to work with Ted for nearly 28 years. Thank you to all our loyal listeners and advertisers.” Woodward adds, “The road to our 7,000th show has been a long journey for me, nearly half my lifetime. What a cherished gift, as listeners have invited us into their homes, cars, phones, computers, devices, and AI microchip implants (maybe?) for 27-plus years. It’s been our honor, and we’re truly blessed!”

Industry News

Audacy Flips WSFS, Miramar to Sports

Audacy flips alternative WSFS-FM, Miramar, Florida – between Miami and Fort Lauderdale – to a simulcast of its Miami sports talker WQAM and is petitioning the FCC to change the calls to WQAM-FM.img The station is at 104.3 FM and boasts a 100,000-watt signal. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus says, “Miami’s sports fans have an unrivaled passion, and they deserve a destination that matches their energy. By adding this powerful FM signal, we’re not just expanding our reach – we’re solidifying WQAM’s position as the undisputed leader in South Florida sports radio.” The weekday lineup consists of “The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood” (6:00 am to 10:00 am), “Tobin & Leroy” (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) and “Hochman, Crowder & Solana” (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).

Industry News

WSCR, Chicago Helps Raise $750k for BrainUp

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Audacy sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” partners with the Chicago Cubs for the second “Cubs for a Cure” radiothon and raised more than $750,000 for BrainUp, a nonprofit committed to brain cancer awareness. As a result, the effort, in collaboration with AbbVie, Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Cologuard and Stand Up To Cancer, collectively raised over $1.5 million for the cause.

Industry News

Audacy Webinar on Marketing with Audio is Today at 2:00 pm ET

Audacy is presenting a webinar this afternoon (8/5) at 2:00 pm ET addressing the value of audio in connecting brands with customers. The webinar features a panel of marketers and media expertsimg exploring the audio strategies behind real business success to provide behind-the-scenes insights, creative inspiration, and tips from brands that are scaling with sound. Topics being addressed include: 1) What makes audio such an effective channel for performance and brand-building. 2) How local advertisers are using radio to stand out and win more wallet share. 3) Why podcast hosts have become some of the most trusted voices in advertising. And 4) Lessons learned: real-world advice from brands turning listeners into loyal customers. You can register here.

Industry News

“98.9 WORD” in Greenville Tops in June PPMs

Audacy’s news/talk WYRD-FM, Greenville, South Carolina “98.9 WORD” ranked #1 in Nielsen Audio’s June PPM survey in Persons 18+ as well as in Persons 35+. In touting the performances of WYRD-FM, Audacyimg says, “Weekday shows ‘Sunrise Carolina with Joey Hudson,’ ‘The Tara Show,’ ‘The Mike Gallagher Show,’ ‘Straight Talk with Bill Frady,’ and ‘The Charlie James Show’ also secured the top spot across all prime dayparts with persons 12+ and adults 35+.” Audacy South Carolina operations manager Mark Hendrix says, “The exceptional performance of our Audacy Greenville stations is a direct reflection of our incredible talent, the passion they bring every day, and their connection with our listeners.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Releasing Top Podcast Badges. Edison Research announces the release of an official Top Podcast badge for shows to use that designate them as having achieved a spot within the top rankings of weekly podcast listeners, based on Edison Podcast Metrics. The Top Podcast badge is available for shows in the Top 10, Top 25, and Top 50 rankings from Edison Podcast Metrics in both the U.S. and the UK.

Compass Enters Deal with Deja Vu. Radio personality and ABC Television contributor Déjà Vu is working with Compass Media Networks to manage all aspects of marketing, distribution, and advertising sales for “The Deja Vu Show.” She says, “I love radio, and it is my mission to continue to do whatever it takes to grow our presence on the radio in every possible market in the country.”

Audacy Partners with C-Word Podcast. Audacy Podcasts partners with award-winning writer, director, actor, and producer Lena Dunham and writer, historian, and curator Alissa Bennett to handle sales and distribution for their podcast, “The C-Word,” bringing the previously paywalled podcast to all major podcast platforms for free for the first time. The two creators say, “We loved making ‘The C-Word,’ and now we’re thrilled to bring her out of the vault and into the hearts of listeners everywhere. These stories are just as resonant today as when we first told them, and partnering with Audacy allows us to reach a broader audience.”

Industry News

Warshaw’s Soros Fund Management Suit Changes Venues

Both parties in Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw’s suit against Soros Fund Management and Michael Del Nin agreed to moving the matter from Superior Court in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the Complex Litigation Docket in Stamford. Warshaw is suing for breach of contract, unfair trade practicesimg and more in alleging that he had a deal with Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquiring Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” Warshaw also says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024 and alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. As for the change of venue, both parties agree the case involves both complex legal issues and a claim for monetary damages. The defendants says it’s likely to require resolution of “complicated legal and factual issues.” (Del Nin has already moved to dismiss on jurisdiction grounds, which involves questions of constitutional law.) Plus, SFM anticipates the case will benefit from careful discovery oversight as it will need discovery from Warshaw as well as potentially from third parties, including from Connoisseur and the other investment firms Warshaw references in the Complaint.

Industry News

WJR’s Lloyd Jackson Named Voice of Detroit People Mover

Cumulus Media announces that “JR in the Morning” co-host Lloyd Jackson is the official voice of the Detroitimg People Mover, the city of Detroit’s elevated public transportation system. The city makes the announcement as the People Mover celebrates its 38th anniversary and Jackson becomes the first new voice for the system’s on-board station announcements in over 30 years. The WJR personality’s voice will now greet thousands of riders daily, both on the trains and from the station platforms. In addition to station announcements, Jackson will also be heard on a series of welcome messages, greeting riders from the station platforms.

Industry News

SABO SEZ: Star Search – They’re Out There!

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
and TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgConventional industry wisdom: “If our morning star leaves, we’re dead. How could we replace them?”

First, loosen up the criteria. There are actual conversations taking place right now at an AC station between executives afraid to hire a great country jock because she has never “done AC.” Let that nonsense go and pay attention to the qualities of a star.

Consulting work brought regular demands to find star talent. Disruptive. Audience builders. Talent can be found anywhere, everywhere when we put down the notion of an ideal resume.

FAVORITE STORY: I was on the 23rd Street bus a few years ago. It was packed. There was a woman on her cell phone giving advice to a caller about living with a man prior to marriage. She had a big personality, easy to hear. New Yorker after New Yorker listened to this intriguing conversation and then… passenger after passenger started to express their opinions to this passenger, on a New York City bus, at rush hour. By the time she had to get off, half the bus was participating with her in her private conversation.

I wrote her a note on my card and asked her to please get in touch with me.

She did. We had coffee for one hour. It seemed like five minutes. Her life story was intriguing, overwhelming, timeless.

Anna Smith. “Anna on the Bus.” I had her in the production room at Audacy in New York and tough big city radio people gathered around the studio and whispered to me, “She should have her own show.”

Anna tells compelling stories: Her father was an 18-wheeler. He would arrive first with his deliveries. Dispatchers usually sent him to the back of the line because he was Black. After waiting for hours to dock, he was fined for late deliveries.

Anna lost several of her seven children to disease and shootings. No anger. Just “the way of the world.” Stories like that. She’s been on my show many times. She’s a radio star.

“Anna on the Bus.”

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Portland’s “The Fan” Gets New FM Signal; Harrah Named Brand Manager

Audacy’s sports talk KFXX-AM “1080 The Fan” gets a full-market FM signal as the company drops the AC format on KRSK-FM and begins simulcasting on the 105.1 FM frequency, effective today (7/22). Additionally, the station announces that longtime station host Dusty Harrah adds brand manager duties following theimg retirement of Jeff Austin. The station the serves as flagship for University of Oregon Ducks football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. Along with these changes, the station unveils a tweaked program schedule that includes the debut of “The Firm of Harris and Marang,” airing daily from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm and hosted by Danny Marang and Patrick Harris; “Dirt and Sprague” extending their show an hour from 6:00 am to 10:00 am; and “The Happy Hour with Luke Andersen” airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Audacy Portland SVP and market manager Ryan Cooley says, “We’re incredibly excited to bring ‘The FAN’ to the FM dial. This move is long overdue and all about delivering a better listening experience for our audience with clearer sound and great content our fans know and love. For the first time in our history, our entire primetime on-air lineup will be 100% local and led by our new brand manager, Dusty Harrah, a native Oregonian.”

Industry News

Report: 1010 WINS Reporters Demand Fair Deal from Audacy

As reported by Deadline, the journalists working at Audacy’s all-news WINS, New York represented by Writers Guild of America East have presented a petition to management demanding it “negotiate a fair deal” as its current deal expires Monday (7/22). The demand focuses on worker safety. The letter says, “We askimg that Audacy bargain respectfully and in good faith as we work to improve our salaries, benefits, pathways to promotion, workplace safety, remote work options, preserve severance, and protect against the growing threat of artificial intelligence.” Regarding the issue of safety, WGAE president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen says, “1010 WINS runs 24/7 and requires people to commute to the office at all hours. The station’s journalists have been threatened and even attacked. Audacy needs to take responsibility for the safety of its employees and our members. This is one of the many issues that management still needs to address in a fair and equitable contract.” See the Deadline story here.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Deegan to SVP and Market Manager

Audacy promotes Tatjana Deegan to SVP and market manager for the Austin station group that includes news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands. Deegan has been serving as vice president of sales for theimg cluster and will continue in that role. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy comments, “Over the past few months, Tatjana has seamlessly led the team with the powerful combination of her contagious passion for this business and people-first leadership. Since stepping in as vice president of sales a little over a year ago, she has been a driving force in the market’s success, and we’re confident she’ll bring that same energy and creativity to her expanded role. We’re excited to see how she continues to uplift our Austin brands.”

Industry News

Audacy: In Marketing Mix Models Radio is “Quietly Efficient”

Audacy SVP of research & insights Ray Borelli writes in an insights piece that data consistently shows that in marketing mix models (MMMs), there is a large gap in the perception of its effectiveness versus how it actually performs. Borelli writes, “Despite outperforming most channels in ROI, Audio can be overlooked byimg marketers, not because it’s ineffective, but because it’s quietly efficient.” He adds, “Low levels of variability and the lack of granular data at the campaign and market levels can cloud the results. Smaller campaign investments can also fly under the radar, making it harder for models to detect Audio’s true impact.” Borelli says Audacy is working with other audio companies and with partners like the RAB and IAB to provide more granular data and to standardize model inputs. “We’re running model audits and retroactive studies to properly demonstrate Audio’s impact including replacing media plan data with ‘as-run’ actuals because as-run data provides significantly more variation, which stimulates the models to more effectively identify radio’s correlation with sales results.” See the complete piece here.

Industry News

Logan Named VP of Programming for Audacy Houston

Audacy welcomes Bruce Logan to the Houston station group as vice president of programming andimg operations for the cluster that includes sports talk KILT-AM, sports betting KIKK-AM and four music brands. Logan says, “I’m so excited to be returning to Audacy and Houston! Thanks to Sarah Frazier, Brian Purdy, Tim Roberts, Dave Richards, Jeff Sottolano and Chris Oliviero for once again handing me the keys to these legendary Houston brands. I know Houston is hot, I know it’s where to find the best queso in the world, and I know how to help teams achieve success! We start immediately.”

Industry News

Del Nin and Soros Fund Respond to Warshaw’s Lawsuit

Last month, Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw filed suit in Superior Court in Connecticut against Soros Fund Management and the company’s Michael Del Nin for breach of contract, unfair trade practices and more. Warshaw alleges that he had a deal with Soros Fund Management’s Michael Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquire Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage theimg business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. After that though, Warshaw says Del Nin balked and denied there was ever an agreement, calling any such claims “fabricated.” Now, Soros and Del Nin filed both a Motion to Dismiss saying the “Court lacks personal jurisdiction over Mr. Del Nin under Connecticut’s long-arm statute”; and a Motion to Revise that asks Warshaw to revise his complaint with specific details about his contracts – written or verbal – that he claims were breached, and more. In the Motion to Revise, Soros and Del Nin imply that Warshaw doesn’t have the contractual proof necessary to support his claim.

Industry News

Audacy’s KRLD and Texas State Network Providing Flood Information

Audacy says that its Dallas news/talk station KRLD-AM “NewsRadio 1080” and Austin news/talk KJCE-AM have been keeping Texans informed since the deadly floods began in the early morning of July 4. The company says that “NewsRadio 1080” and Texas State Networks reporter Christopher Fox has beenimg tirelessly reporting from along the river between Kerrville and Centerpoint, Texas, “delivering succinct and informative reports on NewsRadio 1080, additional Audacy stations, and various CBS affiliates across the country. His Texas State Network reporting includes hourly newscasts reaching over 100 affiliates in 86 markets.” KRLD brand manager and Audacy news/talk foremat vice president Drew Anderssen says, “‘NewsRadio 1080’has been a critical lifeline for Texans. Our commitment to timely and essential news, weather and traffic information never wavered in the early days of this tragedy, over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and we are committed to continuing our compassionate and impactful coverage in the days ahead.”

Industry News

WBEN, Buffalo Unveils Lineup Changes

On Monday (7/7), Audacy news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo unveiled a new program lineup that includes a new show hosted by Joe Beamer airing in the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm daypart. Beamer had been co-host of theimg station’s morning show alongside Brian Mazurowski, who continues hosting the morning show. Other changes include David Bellavia’s show airing an hour earlier (9:00 am to 1:00 pm), and Tom Bauerle’s afternoon drive show beginning an hour later at 3:00 pm. The station also adds FOX News Radio programs “Will Cain Country” (7:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm), as well as FOX News hourly reports.

Industry News

KMOX and MLB’s Cards Extend Broadcasting Deal

Audacy’s news/talk KMOX-AM/FM, St. Louis announces a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with the MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals. KMOX will continue to provide play-by-play coverage of all regular,img postseason and select Spring Training games. KMOX recently integrated new Cardinals coverage, including the “Gas House Gang,” airing weekdays at 12:00 noon and the “Red Bird Rush Hour” airing weeknights at 5:00 pm. Audacy SVP and market manager Becky Domyan says, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to delivering the content our community loves, and with KMOX now on FM, we’re even more fired up to bring every single game, plus exciting new programming, to more fans than ever before.”

Industry News

KILT-AM Raises $27k for Houston Food Bank

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Audacy sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610” raised $27,240 during its inaugural “Reggie and Ron Radiothon” benefiting the Houston Food Bank. All proceeds go toward the Houston Food Bank’s mission to eliminate food insecurity in southeast Texas and ensure Texans have access to nutritious food to fuel a healthy life. Pictured above are (from l-r): “In the Loop” producer Figgy Fig, Ron Hughley, Houston Food Bank’s chief development officer Julie Voss, Reggie Adetula, and “The Drive” producer Tyler Milner.

Industry News

Audacy Content Now Available on iHeartRadio Platform

iHeartMedia and Audacy agree to a content distribution partnership that will have Audacy’s portfolio of more than 240 radio brands and time-shifted podcasts be available on iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says that through the iHeartRadio app, Audacy content will be available on more than 500 additional platforms and over 2,000 additional devices, including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtualimg assistants, televisions and gaming consoles. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This is an exciting day for our industry as the addition of Audacy’s stations to iHeartRadio maximizes imgradio’s presence across the country as the most listened to and trusted medium for audiences and consumers. This move gives our listeners even more opportunities to connect with the stations and content most relevant to them, aligning with our mission to always meet our audiences where they are and enhance their experience.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero states, “We believe in the power of being everywhere, and this partnership is a meaningful step in our strategy to ensure our iconic stations, talent and programming are available wherever and however audio is consumed.”

Industry News

Audacy Shuttering Pineapple Street Studios

Numerous news outlets, including Variety, Bloomberg and Podnews.net, are reporting that Audacy is closing podcast production house Pineapple Street Studios. Pineapple Street was acquired by then-Entercom inimg 2019 for $18 million as the podcast industry was really taking off in terms of listenership. Podnews.net notes, “Audacy shut Cadence13 (a $50mn purchase) in March 2024, and rebranded Podcorn ($22.5mn) as Audacy Creator Lab in April this year.” An Audacy spokesperson says in a statement, “This difficult decision aligns our resources with our core strengths and the most promising growth areas for our podcasting business. We’re sorry to say goodbye to talented colleagues and are grateful for their contributions.”