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Top Radio News
Audacy/San Francisco Elevates Kieran Geffert to SVP/MM
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Audacy names Kieran Geffert as Senior VP and Market Manager for its portfolio of brands in San Francisco. Geffert launched her career in 1991 at CBS Radio as a sales assistant for KCBS in the market. Additional roles include Account Executive, Local Sales Manager, GSM, VP of Sales, and most recently Vice President of Sales for San Francisco and Sacramento. She succeeds Stacey Kauffman, who recently departed the company.
"Kieran's experience, leadership and deep engagement in the San Francisco market and with our team make her the perfect candidate to lead the team forward," said Audacy COO Susan Larkin. "We look forward to the continuing momentum and success she will bring to our team, listeners and advertisers across the Bay Area."
"I am honored to step into this role. Having been part of this exceptional team for over three decades, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, creativity and resilience that fuel our success," added Geffert. "I am eager to lead our iconic brands and passionate team into this new chapter."
LABF Honors the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting Recipients
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) paid tribute to industry leaders for lifetime achievements during the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The annual event took place from 11:30am to 2pm on Tuesday, November 12 at Gotham Hall in New York City. The event was emceed by CBS News 60 Minutes' correspondent and 2018 Giant Bill Whitaker.
During the annual ceremony, Hearst Television was honored with the prestigious 2024 LABF Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award for the company's ongoing commitment to preservation through its digitalization initiative.
The 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts honorees include:
Mike McVay
President
McVay Media Consulting
Patricia C. (Patsy) Smullin
President and Owner
California Oregon Broadcasting, Inc.
Steve Jones
President and Chief Executive Officer
Skyview Networks
Wendy McMahon
President and Chief Executive Officer
CBS News and Stations & CBS Media Ventures (CMV).
Al Roker
Weather and Feature Anchor
TODAY and Co-Host, 3rd Hour of TODAY
Christine Baranski
Two-time Tony and Emmy Award Winning Actress
Stephen A. Smith
Star of ESPN
Creator and Host of The Stephen A. Smith Show
"We are thrilled to celebrate these outstanding trailblazers in the radio and television industry and recognize Hearst Television for their outstanding commitment to preservation," said LABF Co-Chairs Heidi Raphael and Jack Goodman. "It is a privilege to pay tribute to these incredible individuals and organization for their significant impact in broadcasting and on American Culture.
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the past, reflecting the present, and informing the future. The awards presentation celebrates the remarkable creators, innovators, leaders, performers, and journalists who have blazed trails in the radio and television broadcasting industry.
Edison Research Releases Top 50 U.S. Podcasts Q3 2024
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Edison Research has released the Top 50 U.S. podcasts among weekly podcast listeners age 13+ for the third quarter of 2024. Remaining in the same order in the top three since the second quarter are "The Joe Rogan Experience," "Crime Junkie" and "The Daily." "SmartLess," now part of the SiriusXM Podcast Network, breaks into the Top Five for the first time. "MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories" makes its debut in the Top Ten at #9.
Here's the complete top 50:
In the Top 50 for the first time: Several new podcasts enter the Top 50 this quarter. "The MeidasTouch Podcast" rises to #28, driven by its daily election campaign coverage. "The LOL Podcast" enters the list at #32, reflecting steady audience growth since its debut in June 2023. "How I Built This with Guy Raz" makes its debut at #35, followingits spotlight in the "Wondery Means Business" campaign and a recent feature in Forbes.
Additionally, "Kill Tony" earns the #41 spot, propelled by two sold-out live tapings at Madison Square Garden, with one including a guest appearance by Joe Rogan. Recently, "Kill Tony" host, Tony Hincliffe, gained even more notoriety after his controversial speech at Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden rally.
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Coleman Insights Launches Validate Platform for Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Coleman Insights has introduced a new attribution platform called Validate aimed at helping stations across the U.S. demonstrate the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns. Developed in collaboration with Canada-based Pattison Media and Momentum Media, Validate tracks how radio advertising translates into consumer engagement and website traffic. Coleman Insights holds exclusive rights to sell and promote Validate within the U.S. market.
"Validate will deliver remarkable results for radio stations in the U.S.," said Coleman Insights President Warren Kurtzman. "Advertisers have long wanted concrete ways to measure radio's impact. In my 40 years in the industry, I have rarely seen such a positive response to a new concept as with Validate."
Early adopters Cox Media Group and Connoisseur Media have already committed to the platform, following consultations with the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) board, which has arranged discounts for its members.
"Radio needs tools that clearly convey the strong results we deliver for advertisers," stated Cox Media Group Executive Vice President of Radio Rob Babin. "We believe Validate does just that and are excited for this partnership."
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw echoed this sentiment: "When I first saw Validate, I knew it was something that could drive revenue for our stations. We're eager to be among the first groups using this tool to demonstrate radio's impact to advertisers."
Validate leverages streaming data, traditional audience estimates and a proprietary algorithm to estimate overall reach across streaming and broadcast. It provides radio sales teams with almost instant feedback on ad performance and includes a unique conversion tracking feature that captures listener engagement on advertisers' websites for up to 90 days after exposure.
More details about Validate can be found here.
RAB Presentation: Make Audio Ads That Work Harder
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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The Radio Advertising Bureau will hold the next installment of RAB's creative best practices presentations on Wednesday, November 20 at 1pm ET. Powered by the Radio Mercury Awards, this series of live presentations are designed to help brands and agencies create audio ads that work.
"10 Creative Tips to Make Radio Ads That Work Harder" features Tony Mennuto, owner and chief creative officer, Audio Milkshake, who will share the secret sauce to crafting creative for audio while answering questions like "what is the worst thing you can do when starting to write a script?" or "what's the magic ingredient to make highly memorable ads?"
Click here to register for the complimentary presentation.
Wondercraft Launches Automated Ad Personalization
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Wondercraft, an AI-driven creative audio studio, and audio management platform Frequency have partnered to streamline the creation and deployment of personalized audio ads. The new integration enables brands and media publishers to scale up personalized audio ad campaigns with a faster and more efficient workflow.
A key part of this integration is Wondercraft's new Variations feature, designed to automate the creation of ad variations tailored to audience data. Using this feature, advertisers can create hundreds of ad versions, adjusting copy and personalizing messages based on signals like location, demographics, weather, and time of day. Once developed, the ads are seamlessly deployed through Frequency's platform, allowing real-time optimization based on over 35 different data points to target audiences with precision.
The Variations feature reduces the production costs and time involved in creating personalized audio ads, which has long been a challenge for brands aiming to reach specific audience segments. "Audio ad production has historically been a major barrier for brands," said Oskar Serrander, co-founder of Wondercraft. "With Variations, brands can now produce hundreds of ad versions in minutes. This allows for greater creativity and more effective campaigns."
Frequency CEO Pete Jimison emphasized how the partnership could transform the industry: "The audio industry is full of creative potential, but production and coordination challenges have held it back. This partnership with Wondercraft removes those barriers, marking a shift toward a faster and more innovative audio industry."
DAX US President Brian Conlan described the integration as a "major shift" for the industry, enabling advertisers to provide more relevant ads to listeners while boosting engagement and flexibility.
With this collaboration, Wondercraft and Frequency aim to make personalized audio advertising more accessible and adaptable, empowering brands to connect with audiences in new ways.
Country Radio Seminar Offers Discounted Unemployment Rate
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 is offering a reduced registration rate to support industry professionals affected by job loss. The special $299 "unemployment rate" registration fee is available exclusively to those who have faced unemployment since the last CRS, allowing them to participate in CRS 2025 as they reconnect and pursue new opportunities within the Country radio and music industry
The discounted rate provides full access to three days of CRS 2025 sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, scheduled events, and luncheons. This outreach to industry members in transition underscores CRS's commitment to career development. The 2025 agenda specifically includes several targeted professional advancement sessions focused on recognizing transferable skills and assets, as well as monetizing radio strengths for opportunities beyond the industry.
The package, however, does not include admission to the New Faces of Country Music Show.
Anyone interested in registering at the $299 unemployment rate can do so here. The deadline for the unemployment rate is January 17, 2025. Registrants should select "unemployment rate" as the registration type when applying.
Table & Twine Partners with iHeartMedia in the Carolina
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Table & Twine, a provider of chef-prepared, ready-to-enjoy meal deliveries, has teamed up with Overflowing Hands and iHeartMedia's Carolina Region for "A Thanksgiving to Remember" initiative. The campaign aims to bring Thanksgiving meals to families in western North Carolina and surrounding mountain areas, still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Through this partnership, Table & Twine will prepare full Thanksgiving meals, which donors can sponsor. Each meal serves six people and includes traditional holiday staples like turkey, classic side dishes, and desserts. Contributions of any size are welcome, allowing more families affected by the hurricane to receive a meal this Thanksgiving.
Dean Ogan, founder of Rocky Top Catering and spokesperson for Table & Twine, emphasized the importance of gathering around a meal in times of hardship: "We know the power that sharing a meal can have in bringing comfort and community. It's our privilege to work with Overflowing Hands and iHeartMedia to reach families during this season of gratitude. Every contribution directly benefits families recovering from the storm, providing both a delicious meal and the warmth of support this Thanksgiving."
Ashley Wilson, Director of Programming and Strategy for iHeartMedia Charlotte, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the role iHeartMedia played in connecting communities impacted by the hurricane. "Our staff in WNC provided an essential lifeline during the devastation brought on by Helene. We are grateful for the partnership with Table & Twine so that we can bless families with a Thanksgiving meal this season."
iHeartMedia Carolinas has rallied its air talent and digital platforms, including personalities like Paul Schadt, Sarah Lee and The Bobby Bones Show, to spread awareness of the campaign and encourage community involvement. B93.9 WNCB-FM in Raleigh will also contribute $2 from every ticket sold to its Rising Stars Concert on November 22 to support Overflowing Hands' efforts.
Donations can be made through Overflowing Hands with all proceeds going directly to provide meals for families affected by the hurricane. Organizers encourage anyone who wants to help to contribute, with even small donations making a significant difference for those in need this holiday season.
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Johnjay and Rich's 2024 #Lovepup Family Fest
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Throughout the year, Premiere Networks-syndicated personalities Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra -- hosts of The Johnjay & Rich Show, gave back with their #LOVEUP charity, which focuses on children living in foster care, and Johnjay and Blake Van Es' pet project, #LOVEPUP, which re-homes dogs at no cost to the adoptive family. The duo held their annual #LOVEPUP Family Fest this past weekend featuring a day full of music, food and puppies at Vertuccio Farms on November 9.
Attended by 7,000 to 10,000 listeners, #LOVEPUP family fest welcomed dog rescues from all over Arizona, who found forever homes for nearly all of their adoptable pets. The special event also featured musical performances by Country star Austin Burke, Shinedown and The Rich Berra Band.
The brainchild of Johnjay Van Es, #LOVEPUP Family Fest brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in non-spot revenue to participating stations. The event has expanded to other markets including Dallas, Colorado, Georgia and Portland with great success. Affiliates interested in having the #LOVEPUP Family Fest in their market can contact Johnjay@iheartmedia.com.
Mackz Launches ''Post Run High'' Podcast with iHeartPodcasts
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Kate Mackz and iHeartPodcasts have teamed up to launch a new podcast series entitled "Post Run High," designed as a deeper companion to Mackz's viral digital show "The Running Interview Show." The new podcast, which will release episodes every Wednesday, aims to build on Mackz's signature running-based conversations by offering listeners expanded discussions and insights from her show's high-profile guests.
Each episode of "Post Run High" will revisit and deepen the conversations from "The Running Interview Show," featuring candid stories and experiences shared by an array of personalities-from entrepreneurs to influencers and actors. Upcoming guests include figures like designer Rebecca Minkoff, YouTuber Hannah Meloche, fitness influencer Benton McClintock, actress Jackie Tohn and reality star Matt James, among others.
In the first episode, Mackz sits down with model and influencer Olivia Ponton, delivering a firsthand look into Ponton's journey, motivations, and upcoming projects. Mackz's unique approach-combining running with interviews -- has earned her a notable following in the fitness community, as she continues to chat with celebrity and local figures alike in an environment that's as authentic as it is physically challenging.
Post Run High is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms, bringing Mackz's high-energy conversations to fans of fitness and beyond. The first episode featuring Olivia Ponton is available now.
''Sense of Space'' Podcast Launches on SURROUND Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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The SURROUND Podcast Network is launching "Sense of Space," a new podcast aimed at deepening the public's understanding of the design and architecture that shape our surroundings. Hosted by architect Ella Hazard and designer Faraz Shah, the podcast takes listeners through an exploration of how the built environment affects daily life and what it means to create spaces that resonate with people.
In each episode, Hazard and Shah guide conversations that address common questions about design, making complex architectural concepts accessible to listeners both within and outside the industry. Their discussions will cover a range of topics, offering insights into the elements that shape homes, offices, and public spaces.
Season one of "Sense of Space" premiered on November 6, inviting the audience to explore the visible and unseen layers of design that influence the spaces around them.
Ballen Studios, Wondery Premiere New True Crime Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
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Ballen Studios, led by podcast host John B. Allen (known as MrBallen), in partnership with Wondery, has launched a new podcast series, "REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana." Hosted by Marine Corps Reconnaissance veteran Luke Lamana, the series dives into once-classified information to expose hidden secrets and controversial truths behind powerful global institutions.
"REDACTED" delves into covert operations, CIA cover-ups, and high-stakes military missions, with each episode presenting real-life stories that were once shrouded in secrecy. Lamana, drawing on his background and experience, guides listeners through some of history's darkest secrets, offering insight into the events hidden from the public.
New episodes are released every Tuesday, available on major podcast platforms, including Wondery+ and Amazon Music, with early and ad-free access available to Wondery+ subscribers.
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Urban One Reports 6.3% Decline in Q3 2024 Revenues
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 12, 2024 |
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Urban One reported a decrease in net revenues and a significant operational loss for the third quarter of 2024. The company's net revenue fell by 6.3% to $110.4 million, down from $117.8 million in the same quarter last year. This decline reflects a broader contraction across several key segments, including radio, digital and cable television advertising.
The company faced a challenging quarter marked by a 13.3% drop in cable television advertising revenues and a 4.1% decrease in digital advertising. Radio advertising revenue also decreased by 3.6%. Despite these declines, political advertising saw a significant increase, surging 222.2% to $3.5 million, buoyed by the election cycle.
Operating expenses for Q3 2024 totaled $136.6 million, compared to $173.9 million in the previous year, showing some cost containment even as the company recorded a substantial $46.8 million impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets. This led to an operating loss of $26.2 million, a stark improvement, however, from the $56.1 million loss recorded in Q3 2023.
Interest expenses also decreased slightly from $14.0 million in Q3 2023 to $11.6 million in Q3 2024, and the company gained $3.5 million on the retirement of debt, helping to mitigate some financial pressures. Nevertheless, net loss attributable to common stockholders deepened to $31.8 million from $54.4 million a year earlier, illustrating ongoing profitability challenges.
Urban One's adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $25.4 million, down from $34.6 million in the prior year's quarter, reflecting tighter operating margins and the ongoing impacts of a challenging economic environment on the media sector.
The company's balance sheet showed $115.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, down significantly from $233.6 million at the end of 2023, underlining a decrease in liquidity. Total debt stood at approximately $593.9 million, with an interest rate of 7.375% on its senior secured notes due in February, 2028.
Nielsen Audio Cuts Listener Count to Three Minutes
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 12, 2024 |
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Nielsen has announced that starting January, its Nielsen Audio division will adjust the duration needed to count a radio listener from five minutes to three minutes. The ratings giant explained that this update will enable radio broadcasters and advertisers to better account for listeners who hear their advertisements and content. This change is based on five months of planning and data analysis.
The adjustment, which focuses on the Portable People Meter (PPM) system, aims to "modernize" how audiences are measured by Nielsen Audio. This shift to a three-minute qualifier is in response to industry feedback and is intended to better reflect current listening behaviors. According to Nielsen, this will help capture a greater number of listening occasions and impressions than before, increasing the visibility and impact of radio in the overall media mix.
Key benefits outlined by Nielsen Audio include:
- A 24% increase in measurable ad impressions, with projected growth in radio audience sizes across all markets and stations using the PPM system.
- Enhanced daily cumulative audience reporting that expands the base of panelists contributing to each station's ratings, thus improving the detail and accuracy of audience measurements.
- Expanded advertising options through more defined dayparts and format opportunities, allowing for more precisely targeted campaigns.
- Opportunities for broadcasters to refine the length, number, and timing of commercial breaks to optimize listener engagement.
Nielsen has scheduled a client webinar for November 19 at 3pm ET to discuss the implementation plan, key milestones and the resources available to assist clients in adapting to these changes. The webinar will also include a detailed market-by-market grid showing expected audience adjustments across various demographics.
iHeartMedia Wilmington Names Katie Ewell Market President
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 12, 2024 |
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iHeartMedia appoints Katie Ewell as Market President of its 5-station cluster in Wilmington, DE, effective immediately. Prior to her expanded role as Market President, Ewell served as the Vice President of Sales for iHeartMedia in Salisbury, MD. She began her career at MediaOnePA, part of the USA Today Network, and is a graduate of Millersville University. Ewell will report to iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic Area President Brit Goldstein.
"Katie has done incredible work in Salisbury, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and creativity," said Goldstein. "By adding the Wilmington market to her purview, she will bring her outstanding approach to partnership and innovative solutions to the entire Delmarva Peninsula. I'm excited to see Katie and the team flourish in her expanded leadership role."
"I'm excited to expand my role and take on opportunities of the Wilmington market," added Ewell. "I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams in both Wilmington and Salisbury to drive success and deliver outstanding results for our partners and listeners."
KFI-AM/Los Angeles Significantly Reduces News Team
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 12, 2024 |
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Talk KFI-AM in Los Angeles has significantly reduced its news team, affecting 13 employees and cutting the staff in half. The layoffs were part of a broader initiative by parent iHeartMedia to trim its workforce nationwide, amidst financial challenges including a substantial debt of approximately $5.21 billion.
Chris Little, the station's long-serving News Director who joined KFI-AM in 1991 and was promoted to News Director in 2000, was among those let go. Little shared the news on Instagram, posting an image of a freshly decorated Christmas tree -- a stark contrast to the grim news delivered to the team. According to Little, the reduction left the newsroom from a team of 25 to just 12.
KFI-AM host Tim Conway Jr. discussed the layoffs during his show. Conway expressed his personal connection to the affected colleagues, recalling how some had been part of his life since his early days at the station when his daughter was only three years old. He described the layoffs as a difficult reality, where familiar voices would leave, and new ones would soon take their place. Conway committed to keeping listeners informed and encouraged them to seek information on the changes.
iHeartMedia's CEO, Bob Pittman justified the layoffs as a necessary step in the company's "modernization journey" during a recent earnings call. Pittman highlighted the integration of technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency, aiming to save about $150 million by eliminating redundancies.
iHeartMedia Los Angeles President Paul Corvino emphasized that although the layoffs were hard, they were crucial for KFI to fully leverage the capabilities of iHeart's 24/7 News network, ensuring better service for listeners in the Los Angeles area. Despite the cuts, Corvino expressed optimism about the future, appreciating the contributions of all KFI employees and looking forward to enhanced resource availability for the remaining team.
Reyes Media Acquires KKSW From Great Plains for $2.25M
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 12, 2024 |
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Spanish-language Media company Reyes Media Group has agreed to acquire 100kW CHR KKSW-FM (105.9 Kiss FM) from Great Plains Media for $2.25 million, according to filings with the FCC. The station, covering the Topeka and Kansas City areas, may potentially transition to a Spanish-language format under Reyes Media, aligning with the company's current portfolio of Spanish-language properties in the Kansas City metro, which includes three stations and a newspaper.
Great Plains Media, the current owner of 105.9, also owns two other Lawrence-based stations, News/Talk KLWN-AM (1320) and Country KMXN (92.9 The Bull), which are not part of this transaction.
The acquisition is strategic for Reyes Media, as it currently operates all its Kansas City area stations on the AM band. The FM outlet, positioned in rural Douglas County, extends its reach to both Topeka and key western segments of the Kansas City market, significantly boosting Reyes' market presence.
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