PPM Analysis: Public News/Talk. Of all the subgenres of spoken-word talk radio, public radio news/talk appears of have benefitted the most from the election of Donald Trump, according to data from Nielsen Audio’s PPM surveys.  Today, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents this analysis of the performances of public news/talk stations based on data from the April 2017 PPM survey.  Kinosian notes, “Well over half the stations showing year-to-year (6+) growth do so by at least one full share, including Boston University’s WBUR (2.4 – 4.3, +1.9, 6+), which jumps by nine rankers (#17 to #8).”  Additionally, nine public news/talk stations ranked in the top five in their respective markets during the April survey.  See the whole report here.

Kuby Confirms Departure from WABC, New York a Budget Move.  As TALKERS magazine speculated yesterday, the firing of Ron Kuby from WABC, New York’s “Curtis & Kuby” show was financially motivated.  Kuby issued a statement that reads, in part, “Yesterday I was informed by WABC management, after my show, that I had just done my last show. Those of you who know the business know this is a standard (if unpleasant) way of discharging people.  I was told that the reason was budgetary, and I no reason to doubt that explanation.  I had already made the decision that this year would be my last, and I informed management in December.  The election of Trump and the threats he poses to civil rights and liberties requires more of me than being a part-time lawyer. I feel a moral compulsion to be the best and hardest working advocate I can be, using the skills I have been taught for over three decades.  Thanks to WABC management for giving me the opportunity that I have (mostly) enjoyed for the past three 1/2 years.”

Joe Pyne the Subject of Smithsonian Magazine Piece. A story published in Smithsonian Magazine titled, “Joe Pyne Was America’s First Shock Jock,” tells the story of the man who set the stage for what would become the contemporary television and radio talk show that featured heated arguments led by an aggressive, name-calling host.  Joe Pyne’s vituperative style comes off as campy in this day and age, but most media historians agree that Pyne was the first in-your-face, issues-oriented conservative talk show host.  But more interesting to talk radio fans and industry insiders is the work being done by a man named Charles Churchman.  He’s currently attempting to digitally archive more than 100 episodes of the old Joe Pyne television show.  The shows were recorded on 2-inch videotape that is quickly decaying from age.  For a summary of Pyne’s career, a look at who was influenced by him, and the story of the preservation of the TV show tapes, read the Smithsonian piece here.

Manchester Terror Bombing, Trump Visits The Vatican, the Trump-Russia Investigation, Trump Budget Proposal, Philippines Martial Law, Seth Rich Controversy, Roger Moore Dead at 89, and MLB, NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/23). The aftermath of the Manchester terror bombing; President Donald Trump visits Pope Francis on his international tour; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia; the Trump administration’s federal budget proposal; Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law order and his praise from President Trump; controversy over theories that murdered DNC staffer Seth Rich leaked information to Wikileaks; actor Roger Moore dies at the age of 89; and MLB, NBA, and NHL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Dr. Daliah Wachs Joins Michael Harrison for this Week’s Podcast.  She has just been named TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” in recognition of her amazing achievements in supporting health-oriented charities, including her work getting “Blood Donation Days” instituted in many states and “National Blood Donation Week” becoming official across America.  Board-certified physician, Daliah Wachs, M.D. practiced family medicine in Las Vegas for 16 years.  She became a daily local radio talk show host in 2009 on KLAV and then KDWN.  Her show grew to include other affiliates around the nation and eventually was carried by SiriusXM Satellite Radio and iHeartRadio, in addition to her main platform, Genesis Communications Network.  In March of 2016, she closed her practice due to rising costs and red tape she says is smothering independent medical practitioners.  She is currently a faculty member at Touro University.  As this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” Wachs talks about the challenges of hosting a successful, health-flavored generalist program on politically defined news/talk affiliates, in addition to explaining her non-partisan criticism of both the Affordable Care Act and the new GOP bill before Congress.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

TALKERS magazine Publishes 2017 Heavy Hundred. The 2017 edition of TALKERS magazine’s “100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – known as the “Heavy Hundred” – has been published.  This 23^rd edition of the Heavy Hundred consists of a ranking of radio talk show hosts by the editors of TALKERS magazine based on a number of hard and soft factors, including: ratings, revenue, courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, recognition, service, talent, and uniqueness.  Regular TALKERS readers and talk radio aficionados will recognize a number of personalities who are perennial members of the list.  But there are some newcomers as well as some hosts who’d made the list in years past and are making a return.  Yes, this list – like many that are created by editors of industry publications – is subjective to some degree or another.  It will raise questions as to who is on the list, who is not, and where those on the list are ranked.  But, that’s part of the fun of it!  Regardless, TALKERS editors take this project very seriously and wish to congratulate all the members of the 2017 TALKERS Heavy Hundred.  See it here.

Tags: Curtis Sliwa, Joe Pyne, New York, news/talk radio, Nielsen Audio, PPM, public news/talk, Ron Kuby, Smithsonian magazine, Talkers Magazine, WABC

Category: Front Page News, Industry News