Industry News

March 2024 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Part Four

imThe fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for: Austin; Raleigh; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Nashville; Providence; Norfolk; Jacksonville; West Palm Beach; Greensboro; Memphis; and Hartford. The March 2024 survey period covered February 29 – March 27. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from these 12 markets. Despite being a combined -2.5 in back-to-back down or flat sweeps (11.5 – 9.0 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WISN is #1 for the seventh consecutive month. For the fourth time in a row, crosstown format foe – Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ – is unlisted. Appearing at #22, Civic Media progressive news/talk WAUK “The Sha 101 FM” posts a .2 (6+). Repeating in fifth-place, Cumulus Media Nashville news/talk WWTN posts its third progressive trend for a combined +2.6 (3.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+). Meanwhile in that Tennessee market, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WLAC is trending 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 (January – February – March, #17 to #18, 6+). Albeit that their combined March 2024 6+ total is 4.8, three news/talkers surface in West Palm Beach’s top twenty. Specifically, Hubbard’s WFTL bounces back from a February dip of seven-tenths with a gain of three-tenths (3.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, ninth to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WJNO is up or flat the third straight time (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1, #14 to #13, 6+) and ties co-owned WZZR (1.4 – 1.1, flat at #13, 6+). With a half-share March increase to 6.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+), Audacy Hartford’s WTIC-AM continues an alternating down-up-down pattern that began in October and has yielded an overall +1.1 (5.1 – 4.8 – 5.3 – .2 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Remaining flat at 1.6 (6+), cross-town Red Wolf-owned WDRC-AM slips from #14 to #16. See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets here.
Industry News

Stephanie Miller Among Those To Enter Buffalo’s HOF

Buffalo Hall of Fame The Buffalo Broadcasters Association (BBA) has announced this year’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees; Stephanie Miller included on the list is syndicated talk show host Stephanie Miller. Buffalo Broadcasters Association president Steve Monaco comments, “Our Hall of Fame classes become more impressive every year. Each inductee has made important contributions to broadcasting in Buffalo.” A standup comedienne and best-selling author, Miller gained her first radio experience doing comedy bits on Sandy Beach’s morning show. She began her talk radio career at Los Angeles’ KFI in 1994. Miller would later host afternoons in Los Angeles at KTZN in 1997, before doing evenings at KABC (1997 – 2000). Her show was heard on progressive news/talk KTLK from 2005 – 2013 and she started the “Stephanie Miller’s Happy Hour” podcast. In a 1995 Los Angeles Times interview, Miller admitted, “I never thought about doing talk radio. To me talk radio was like old gray-haired guys talking about the budget.” Miller’s fellow BBA 2024 inductees will be former WGR sports radio morning host Howard Simon; former WGR-TV news anchor/reporter Sheila Murphy (who was a news reporter/anchor at Buffalo radio outlets WGR-AM and WBEN); network television producer/writer/actor Nick Bakay; former WKBW-TV reporter Mary Travers Murphy; morning radio team Shredd & Ragan; WGRZ-TV videographer J. Dooley O’Rourke; and former director of national sales for Buffalo/Toronto Public Media Jim DiMino. The Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Dinner will be held September 19 at 7:00 pm at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville.
Industry News

TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond Conference Set for Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University

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The 27th annual presentation of the longest running and most important national talk media gathering scheduled for Friday, June 7 at Hofstra University on Long Island is being organized with 60+ industry notables set to speak. Highlights include a special guest keynote address by Premiere Networks superstar Glenn Beck in addition to exclusive morning and afternoon “Fireside Chats” with WBZ-FM, Boston (“98.5 FM The Sports Hub) morning co-host Fred Toucher and FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel host Brian Kilmeade, respectively. This power-packed, one-day event will again be presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. To register for TALKERS 2024 or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. For a look at the full list of speakers, stories about key panel discussions & presentations, as well as a list of nearby hotels, click here.

Industry News

Travis’ Atlanta, Seattle Travelogue

Clay TravisThis past Tuesday (4/16) in Atlanta, Clay Travis of Premiere Networks’ “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” joined Georgia leaders, lawmakers, and over 300 attendees at Greater Georgia’s Second Annual Legislative Awards Ceremony. Among those at the Travis-emceed  event included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones; former Senator/Greater Georgia chair Kelly Loeffler; and Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. Then the following night (Wednesday, 4/17), Travis was in Washington State where he spoke at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar in Bellevue. The biannual event drew over 500 attendees and addressed politics; economics; and culture. Hillsdale College is a sponsor of “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” which airs weekdays 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm (ET) on more than 470 stations. During his trip, Travis visited/broadcasted live from Dickey Broadcasting Atlanta news/talk WFOM “XTRA 106.3 FM,” and iHeartMedia Seattle news/talk KPTR “1090 The Patriot.” Travis formerly hosted FOX Sports Radio’s weekday morning “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis.”  Pictured above: Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry P. Arnn (left) and Clay Travis (right) at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar
Industry News

BFA Honors Industry Leaders

BFASeveral notable industry executives were honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America during the organization’s annual breakfast held this past Wednesday (4/17) at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Among those cited was RAB president/chief executive officer Erica Farber, the recipient of the Lowry Mays “Excellence in Broadcasting Award.”  Pictured above (l-r): McVay Media Consulting president Mike McVay; Wiley partner Kathleen Kirby; CBS Radio and ABC Radio executive Don Bouloukos; Erica Farber; NBCU Local chief revenue officer/president, commercial operations Frank Comerford; ABC Affiliate Relations, Disney Platform Distribution executive vice president John Rouse; and ABC Radio Network president/ESPN Radio senior vice president Traug Keller.
Industry News

KMJ’s Triple-Play Day At City Hall

Cumulus Media’s Fresno news/talk KMJ was celebrated in triplicate at Fresno City Hall yesterday (4/18), as Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer officially declared April 18thChristopher Gabriel Day”; “Christina Musson Day”; and “Fresno’s Morning News Day.” Gabriel is part of KMJ’s “Morning News” (6:00 am – 9:00 am), while Musson co-hosts the station’s “Broeske & Musson” program (9:00 am – 11:00 am). The proclamations were in recognition of the station’s community service and several awards KMJ has recently received. KMJ’s morning news team – Gabriel, Liz Kern, KMJDon York and Gabe Navarro – won a Golden Mike for “Best Newscast” from RTNA Southern California; Gabriel also notched a “Best Sportscast” Golden Mike. Meanwhile, Musson won her second successive Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Gracie Award for “Best Co-Host, Talk/Personality – Small/Medium Market Radio.” Pictured above (top photo right to left): Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer; KMJ, Fresno’s Christina Musson; her husband Ralph Rendon; and Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld. Also pictured above (bottom photo left to right) Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld; KMJ, Fresno’s Christopher Gabriel; his daughter Cadence; his wife Wendy; and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Job Opportunity

Baltimore Station Seeks GSM

A heritage radio station in Baltimore, MD is seeking a creative, hands-on manager with a passion for helping account executives develop their skills and meet and exceed company goals.

Candidates should have a record of success in media sales and management, experience selling a conservative talk format, and a strong background in digital sales. The ideal candidate should be an expert in coaching and developing all levels of sellers.

This is a full-time position with compensation to include salary, overrides, and incentives.

Please send your resume or contact information to radiosalesmanager@gmail.com.

Job Opportunity

WHO, Des Moines Seeks Talk Host

iHeartMedia is seeking a talented talk show host in a rare opportunity to join one of America’s great radioim stations… the legendary WHO in Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines is a wonderful place in which to live with terrific amenities. You will work with strong local management invested in your success. WHO is a ratings and revenue leader that is looking for opportunities to grow and win. You could be the next chapter in the second century of WHO serving Iowa! Find out more and apply here.

Job Opportunity

Cumulus Seeks OM/PD for Albuquerque

CUMULUS MEDIA | Albuquerque is looking for a dynamic operations manager/program director. Our staff takes pride in our community and value teamwork. If you can deliver lifestyle headlines, be focused, creative and multi-task and most of all… love radio, we should talk.  Board work, remotes, production,im and podcasts are all a part of what we do, so show us what you’ve got. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of programming including scheduling content, coaching on-air staff, station and AM/FM cluster strategy, development of on-air/online promotions and generating associated revenue, oversight and content creation for digital extensions (including streams, websites and podcasts), and have a strong customer service approach towards listeners, staff, & sales. Additionally, the candidate will act as the program director for Legendary News Radio KKOB and KNML The Sports Animal. Find out more and apply here. Cumulus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunity

Stonecom Has Openings in Cookeville, Tennessee

Stonecom Cookeville has three positions open. They are seeking a broadcast journalist/news reporter who is a lover of news who wants to lead their team and do news the right way. It is radio but on-air does NOT have to be part of the job. Writing and reporting MUST be part of the job. Send writing samples,im airchecks, and salary requirements to the address below. The company also seeks an on-air talent and programming assistant to be a part of the Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93.7, 106.9 Kicks Country, News Talk 94.1, 93-3 The Dawg, Sports Radio 104.7, 101.9 / AM 920 WLIV, 96-9 Hwy 111 Country team. Send your resume. Send an aircheck. Send two sentences describing your goal in work and why this job interests you. You must do all three. And finally, Stonecom is seeking a graphic artist who designs clean, attention-getting logos, posters, mailers and web graphics. A great opportunity to supplement your income, add additional clients to your growing repertoire, or work from home. Send at least five examples of your work – along with your resume. Reply to: Stonecom, Attn: Human Resources, 1 Stonecom Way, Cookeville, TN 38501 Or email marcia@stonecomradio.com. Stonecom is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunity

Saga Looking to Fill Weather Director/News Reporter Role

Saga Communications’ Spencer Radio Group is looking to hire a full-time weather director and news reporter for KICD-AM; BIG Country 107.7; MORE 104.9 and PURE Oldies 98.3/98.5 in Spencer, Iowa.im They seek someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Knowledge of radio automation software, Adobe audition, WordPress, and general computer experience is preferred. SRG offers paid vacation and great benefits including – health, vision, dental and 401K. Send your resume and demo! No phone calls. No voicetrack inquiries. Saga Communications of Iowa, LLC is an EOE. Kevin Tlam, Operations Manager, Spencer Radio Group, P.O. Box 260, Spencer, Iowa 51301 ktlam@spencerradiogroup.com

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of April 15 – 19

The tensions between Israel and Iran escalating from the Israel-Hamas War was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media during the week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.   At #2 this week was the presidential race followed closely by former President Donald Trump’s election tampering criminal trial. Other hot topics include the state of the U.S. economy focusing on inflation,  House Speaker Mike Johnson’s struggle with members of his own party per supporting Ukraine and Israel, The U.S. migrant crisis, and SCOTUS and the January 6 case.  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 magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here

Industry News

Genesis Communications Network to Shut Down

TALKERS has learned that effective Sunday May 5, Genesis Communications Network (GCN) will be ending its broadcasting operations.  In a letter sent to its program producers, signed by GCN owner/CEO Ted Anderson and chief engineer George Prondzinski, it states, “It is with great sadness, I wish to inform you that the Genesis Communications Network will be closing effective Sunday May 05, 2024. im This decision has been most difficult for us to make in lieu of poor economic and industry conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause you and appreciate your affiliation with GCN.”  GCN was launched in 1998 by Anderson and has featured a diverse line up of daily and weekend programming covering politics, finance, health, self-help, how-to and topics of general interest. At last count the network was carrying 37 hosts and programs including Alex JonesWhen asked by TALKERS if GCN would continue in any form, Anderson replied, “No, I’m done but would entertain proposals from anyone interested.”  

Industry News

AM Radio Legislative Hearing Set

Congressional Seal“Draft Legislation to Preserve Americans’ Access to AM Radio” is the title of a legislative hearing that House Energy and Commerce Committee chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) and ranking member Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) will hold the last day of the month (4/30). Rodgers and Pallone previously released draft legislation that mirrors legislative language the Senate Commerce Committee passed out last year. NAB president/CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “NAB is deeply grateful to chair Rodgers and ranking member Pallone for their continued leadership in safeguarding continued access to AM radio in new cars. With 82 million monthly listeners, AM radio is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System and serves as a trusted source of factual news and diverse programming in communities across the country. Local broadcasters look forward to continuing to work with [Rodgers, Pallone] and all committee members to ensure this critical communications medium remains accessible to listeners across the country.” The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S.1669/H.R. 3413) currently has 48 co-sponsors in the Senate and 245 House co-sponsors. In related news KFNX, Phoenix owner Bill Brady will be delivering an address titled “The Case for AM Radio” at the forthcoming TALKERS 2024:Radio and Beyond conference on June 7 at Hofstra University.  More information in stories below and here.
Industry News

Round Three of March PPMs Released

imThe third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s March 2024 PPM survey has been released for: Portland; Charlotte; San Antonio; Sacramento; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Kansas City; and Columbus. The survey period covered February 29 – March 27. TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from these 12 markets. Even though Alpha Media Portland news/talk KXL-FM drops four-tenths (6.9 – 6.5, 6+), it retains its #2 ranking. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KEX-AM adds three-tenths for a second straight month (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, 6+) and returns to the top 20 (#21 – #20). In San Antonio, iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI has its second successive downward trend (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), but continues at #14. At the same time, cross-town Alpha Media news/talk KTSA is off four-tenths (2.3 – 1.9, 6+), slipping from #16 – #17. Anchored in the runner-up slot, Salt Lake City news/talk KSL-AM & FM is a combined +3.1 since the “Holiday” 2023 report (3.6 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). The Bonneville property widens its lead over iHeartMedia’s KNRS-AM & FM, which is down a cumulative nine-tenths since January (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+), tumbling from #13 to #17. Not only does iHeartMedia Cincinnati news/talk WLW notch a robust February – March +1.1 (10.2 – 11.3, 6+), it has the distinction of being the only spoken-word station from this group of 12 markets to rank first (#2 – #1, 6+). Steady in fifth-place, co-owned WKRC is trending 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 (January – February – March, 6+). Progressing from seventh to fifth, iHeartMedia Orlando’s WTKS notches its third straight positive trend for a combined +2.8 (3.1 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+). In that same period, cross-town Cox Media Group’s WDBO is a repetitive  3.1 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.5, #13 to #12, 6+). See Mike Kinosian’s complete “Ratings Takeaways” from this group of markets here.
Industry News

Winding Up A Sterling Career

Industry Views

Lee Harris is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast

Radio journalist, personality, media manager and tech creator Lee Harris is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” It’s been nearly a year since Harris surprised the world of broadcast journalism when he announced that after nearly 30 years, he would be leaving one of the most important positions in all-news radio – morning anchor at the legendary 1010 WINS, New York. He left by his own choice to accept the position of director of integrated operations with NewsNation, the new and rapidly growing cable news network, where he would be responsible for the development and distribution of the multi-platform operation’s audio content. Based at NewsNation’s New York newsroom, this Edward R. Murrow Award-winner would also assist in news writing and the creation of NewsNation specials. He is also playing a large hand in the programming of the company’s major radio property – the historic WGN, Chicago. Harrison and Harris discuss a variety of subjects from 1010 WINS history back to its top 40 roots to NewsNation’s positioning as an unbiased news platform. (Harris will moderate “The Great Debate” between Mike Gallagher and Thom Hartmann scheduled for TALKERS 2024 on June 7.) Harrison and Harris’s fascinating conversation also covers AI and technology’s impact on programming. Listen to the podcast in its entirety here.