Friday, January 21, 2022
Steve Jones Named CEO and President for Skyview Networks. Network executive Steve Jones is promoted to CEO and president of Skyview Networks from his previous COO/president role. In this new role, Jones will lead the sales, content, broadcast distribution and technology company. Founder and CEO Ken Thiele
transitions to founder and executive chairman of the board, in which he’ll continue to engage in a high-level advisory role for the company. Thiele says, “Over the last 25 years, Skyview has evolved into a dynamic solutions leader in network audio, and through our enduring growth, we have always maintained a commitment to innovation and quality. I have had the privilege of working alongside Steve both as a client and as a leader within our
company — he embodies these characteristics, which are also matched with an unyielding drive for excellence, keen business sense, and distinguished experience. I am privileged to welcome him to the role of CEO.” Jones comments, “I am grateful to Ken for trusting me to steward the company he has built in partnership with longtime EVP,
Jeanne-Marie Condo. During the last three-years, despite pandemic challenges, Skyview Networks has become the fastest growing leader in network audio sales, syndication and distribution. Our unwavering commitment to customer service and proven financial performance have convinced content creators and influencers to join Skyview, while simultaneously providing advertisers effective, efficient and creative campaigns that achieve their marketing goals. At the core of this success is our company culture built on integrity and transparency, resulting in employees committed to one another and to our customers.”
FOX News Channel Reveals New Weekend Primetime Lineup. Effective the weekend of January 29, FOX News Channel debuts a new Saturday primetime lineup. Lawrence Jones will host a new, one-hour show titled, “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” airing at 10:00 pm ET and Brian Kilmeade will host his eponymous show at 8:00 pm ET.
“Unfiltered with
Dan Bongino” moves to the 9:00 pm ET slot. The 8:00 pm ET hour was formerly hosted by
Jesse Watters who was named solo host of the weeknight “Jesse Watters Primetime” program.
FOX News Media CEO
Suzanne Scott says the promotion renders Jones, 29, the youngest Black solo host of a program in cable news. In addition to this new role, Jones will
continue as the enterprise reporter for the “FOX & Friends” franchise. “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” will focus on newsmakers from across the political and cultural spectrum, spotlighting the leading concerns facing Americans nationwide. Kilmeade remain a co-host of FNC’s morning franchise “FOX & Friends” while also hosting the three-hour daily “Brian Kilmeade Show” on FOX News Audio and “What Made America Great” on FOX News Media’s streaming service FOX Nation. Scott says, “Lawrence has been an impact player since joining the network in 2018 and we are thrilled to add his critical insights to our weekend lineup.” Kilmeade comments, “I am truly honored that Suzanne has given me another incredible opportunity at FOX News Media. My ultimate goal is to create a program that will always seek solutions rather than sow division.”
Triton Digital Publishes December 2021 Podcast Report. The U.S. Podcast Report from Triton Digital is released and ranks podcast networks and podcasts from participating podcast networks based on average weekly downloads in the U.S. For the
period of November 29 to January 2,
Stitcher Media was the #1 podcast network with 43.1 million active downloads.
NPR was #2 with 31.7 million,
Audacy Podcast Network was #3 with 28.7 million, and
Cumulus Podcast Network was #4 with 18 million. The reports also ranks individual podcasts by average weekly download and
audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” was #1. At #2 was “NPR News Now,” followed by Cumulus’ “The
Ben Shaprio Show” at #3. You can see the complete rankers for the top 20 networks and the top 100 podcasts
here.
WWO: NCAA Men’s Basketball Listening Reaches 33 Million. A study called the NCAA Men’s Basketball Listening Report from the CUMULUS MEDIA | Westwood One Audio Active Group concludes that 33 million people listen to NCAA Men’s Basketball each season on Westwood One. This report includes a just-completed Nielsen PPM
analysis of season-long audiences and brand-new data from a
MARU/
Matchbox study tracking a day in the life of an NCAA basketball fan. The study also found that among persons 18-34, Westwood One reaches 59% of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Audience and is the number two platform, ahead of linear television (behind streaming video). The younger the NCAA audience, the greater the reach and resonance of Westwood One’s audio platform. It also concludes that its audio coverage maximizes the value of an NCAA television media plan, generating incremental reach (+19%) and frequency. Executive vice president of marketing for Cumulus Media and president of Westwood One
Suzanne Grimes says, “There is no denying the fervor of the NCAA basketball audience and the excitement March Madness generates. Our Westwood One broadcasts cater to everyone, from the casual fan to the diehard, and they all are just the kind of listeners advertisers want – upscale, employed, and listening on the go.” See the complete study
here.
TALKERS News Notes. Radio talk host Dave Elswick signs a new, one-year extension
with
Salem Media Group’s KXDE-FM, Little Rock “101.1 The Answer” to continue hosting the station’s morning show. He’s been with KXDE for the past eight years after serving for 14 years with crosstown news/talk KARN-FM…..The Radio Mercury Awards, produced by the
Radio Advertising 
Bureau and funded by the
Radio Creative Fund, announces that
Alejandro Ortiz, executive creative director,
Campbell Ewald, is the 2022 chief judge for the 31st annual edition of the Radio Mercury Awards. In his role, Ortiz leads the creative teams in New York, for a number of clients, including Empire State Development, I??NY, Port Authority of NY and NJ, a number of spirits and beverage brands at Constellation, and the New York Power Authority, as well as Shamrock Farms. Call for Entry for the 2022 Radio Mercury Awards will open in a few weeks. Learn more information on this year’s Call for Entry guidelines and deadlines
here.
Biden Anniversary Press Conference & Agenda Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 17-21. Wednesday’s press conference by President
Joe Biden on the first anniversary of his taking office, criticism of his first year, and his agenda going forward were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, coming together atop the Talkers Ten
TM. At #2 this week was the Supreme Court denying
Donald Trump’s request to keep White House notes from the January 6 House Select Committee tied with the New York attorney general’s investigation into the Trump Organization. Following at #3 was the rate of COVID-19 Omicron variant cases, vaccine & mask mandates and the effect on the nation’s schools. The Talkers Ten
TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio 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.
FOX News Media Has Radio Reporter Opportunity. For this Washington, DC-based position, FOX News Media is seeking an experienced reporter. You will cover a wide
range of political, government, and Congressional stories for FOX News Audio (FOX News Headlines 24/7 and FOX News Terrestrial Radio). You possess strong journalism skills and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Most importantly, you have great editorial judgement and the ability to break important news stories. See more about this position and apply
here.
FOX News Audio Seeks Podcast Producer. For this New York-based position, FOX News Audio is looking for a podcast producer to be part of the fast-paced and growing FOX News Podcast Network. This position’s responsibility will be to develop ideas, pitch stories, and work with FOX News Channel talent in crafting daily and weekly podcasts. They will direct bookings, edit shows for broadcast, and work with production teams to create high-quality products every day. In addition to their production duties, they will also lead creative on social media posts and website write-ups to promote the products. See more about this position and apply here.
Full-Time News Anchor Opening at FOX News Audio. This is a New York-based position. FOX News Audio is seeking a full-time news anchor to join the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOX News Headlines 24/7, Sirius XM Channel 115. In addition, you may be asked to anchor on the FOX News Radio affiliate network. As a radio news anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a days’ notice. See more about this position and apply here.
KFRU-AM/FM, Columbia Seeks Talk Show Host. KFRU-AM/FM, Columbia, Missouri is looking for a dynamic full-time, talk show host who will hit the ground running and immediately contribute to the successful community-based heritage radio station. The
successful candidate understands the broadcast business and takes pride in their work. This candidate needs to be a strategic and pro-active thinker. We require creative idea generating skills to constantly put the station in a position to succeed. Candidate needs a deep understanding of on-air, digital, and social media branding as well as a passion for impacting listeners in the community. If you enjoy a fast-paced work environment and have the gift to talk, please apply. Send your information to:
casey.bartholomew@cumulus.comBilly Graham Evangelistic Association Has Opening for Programming and Content Manager. In this position, the programming and content manager must meet objectives related to the mission and goals of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as the key contributor to and executor of the long-term strategic plans for The Billy Graham Channel. Assists executive director and managing producer in determining the target audience for the channel. With target in mind, crafts the formatic structure of the channel and cultivates its particular “personality” in production and writing of content. This includes development and direction of special programming for the channel. Direct and, as needed, writes “Billy Graham Radio Specials” for broadcast radio. Serves as point contact for “Billy Graham Minutes” features. Also contributes in the development and review of Audio Ministry Services-produced podcast content. See more about this position and apply here.
Tags: 101.1 The Answer, Alejandro Ortiz, Audacy, audiochuck, Brian Kilmeade, broadcast distribution, Campbell Ewald, CEO, Content, content creators, Crime Junkie, Cumulus, Dan Bongino, Dave Elswick, FOX Nation, Fox News Channel, Fox News Media, influencers, Jeanne-Marie Condo, Jesse Watters, KARN-FM, Ken Thiele, KXDE-FM, Lawrence Jones, Little Rock, MARU/Matchbox, NCAA Mens Basketball, network audio, news/talk radio, Nielsen, NPR, NPR News Now, PPM, president, Radio Advertising Bureau, Radio Creative Fund, Radio Mercury Awards, Sales, Skyview Networks, Steve Jones, Stitcher Media, streaming service, Suzanne Grimes, Suzanne Scott, Syndication, Talkers Magazine, The Ben Shapiro Show, Triton Digital, U.S. Podcast Report, Westwood One
Category: Front Page News, Industry News