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From Radio Insight: After 100 years and a drastically changed landscape, it is interesting how radio is still so easily explained, but how rarely it benefits from a modifier. That?s especially true when you?re looking to differentiate the product originating on AM/FM from other like services. Not everybody who reads Ross on Radio regards ?terrestrial radio? as a pejorative. ?It sounds futuristic, like it?s out of science fiction,? says Jeff Berlin. ?It feels special and magical, like we are,? says Lauren Pressley of New Jersey?s WOLD.* Mostly, though, ?terrestrial radio? still comes across as satellite radio?s attempt to position itself as the space-age service, and everybody else as something lesser. That was certainly why the consumer press so enthusiastically adapted it in the early ?00s, and why radio advocates like Erica Farber have campaigned against it.* Edison Research, in its studies, uses AM/FM radio to signify stations originating there, even if those stations are consumed on another platform. In this column, I?ve mostly used the term ?broadcast radio? in the same way. As a proud broadcaster, I know that term is easily understood among us, but there?s no sizzle there for a consumer. In the first segment of Point-to-Point Media?s recent What Workers Want study, Strategic Solutions Research asked listeners about ?your local radio station.? It was a term that many respondents viewed favorably, and one that Strategic?s Hal Rood encouraged radio to embrace, particularly since there was no consumer benefit to ?terrestrial.? Part I of the What Workers Want trilogy of webcasts found that ?local information? was still valuable to 48% of respondents, third after non-stop music and ?funny content.? Even traffic, the thing still on most stations because it?s sponsored, but thought to have been made redundant by your phone, is still an attraction for 33% of listeners. ?I like ?local radio,?? says veteran PD Monica Starks. ?It?s where it?s originating from and hopefully not lost on programmers.? I agree that ?local radio? is a great thing to offer people. As Starks notes, being ?local radio? carries with it the responsibility to deliver ?local? rather than just talking about it. Even when an air personality is sitting in a station?s studios, and even if they?re speaking in real time, they may still be talking about entertainment news or what doctors in Sweden have discovered. When I listen to client stations, ?I need to learn more about the market? is usually among my notes.* ?Local radio? doesn?t cover everything, or have to. I?ve said before that not all radio needs to be local. Part of my vision for a more compelling radio dial is the creation of more ?real national? or ?real regional? to replace ?faux local.? I?ve also suggested that some of that national (or regional radio) could have some of the benefits of local just by being more transparent about where content is emanating from, something that works well for SiriusXM.* ?Traditional radio? reinforces the notion of radio as hidebound. ?Classic radio? means radio with the values that have always made radio great, but it also doesn?t provide for an ongoing evolution, and it?s easily confused with Classic Hits radio. For myself, I think of those stations that still do the right things as ?real radio.? That wouldn?t be a bad way to differentiate ourselves for listeners, but that one also carries a burden of proof.* Some readers make distinctions with friends depending on what exactly they?re referring to. ?I usually make it as specific or vague as necessary,? says Country Insider?s Brian Mansfield, who will use ?local,? ?terrestrial,? ?satellite,? or ?broadcast? as applicable. But he uses radio ?if it?s just delivered audio. Then I count on the reader to go, ?wait, what?s the difference between ?terrestrial radio? and ?radio??? And that sets up a teaching moment.? ?When I?m talking with people about how they listen to music, they usually don?t give a generic answer ?I stream,?? says Bruce Cole. ?They answer with brand specificity: Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, etc. My takeaway is to talk brand more than delivery message ? not radio but WXRT, CBS-FM, V103, etc.? For many readers, like Alan Sells, the answer is just ?radio, that?s what it is. You would have to waste too much time trying to rebrand any other term for 99% of potential users, who wouldn?t know why you were trying to rebrand the project.? It?s not news that streaming pureplays still often find ?radio? to be the easiest way to explain what they do. ?We don?t have to explain what we are,? says syndicated morning host Jerry Broadway. ?We are radio. Satellite and internet ?radio? are derivatives of a well-established brand. We don?t have to explain, they do.? When I?m asked about the survival of ?radio,? a question poised even by some broadcasters themselves at the National Assn. of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas earlier this week, there?s no grim determination required when I tell people that I believe there will be a franchise for ?radio? forever. The only issue is who will provide it and on what platform. Despite its initial publicity, SXM has always been for me a bastion of ?real radio,? although some of its expanded offerings, particularly following its merger with Pandora, are less so. “Free radio” is a popular and valuable talking point at the moment, but I?m still in favor of SiriusXM being thought of as radio and counting towards radio?s ?Share of Ear? in Edison?s studies, and in the perception of the media and advertisers. It would also help broadcasters in the perception of the media and advertisers if there were a way to make their presence in podcasting better known and recognized. According to Edison, four of podcasting?s top 10 networks and two of the top three are part of the radio industry; (again, I?m including SiriusXM here). Sharing that story would help reinforce the notion of “radio everywhere.” For those listeners on which that distinction might be lost, it would help broadcasters if just a fraction of the inventory of those podcasts went toward directing listeners to real-time radio, some likely for the first time. If broadcasters were able to target podcast listeners, they would have to offer both a compelling message and a product. That would require the same improvements, particularly in both quantity and quality of spots, that would improve radio for the existing audience. They might indeed do better to market specific brands or shows, and whatever they market will have to be available on multiple platforms, including the one they?re listening to at that moment. We won’t necessarily have to explain what real radio is; but it will be necessary to deliver it.* more

From Radio Insight: The Lindsay Cochrane hosted “Life with Lindsay” will join the lineup at Lee Family Broadcasting Country ?Kat Kountry 106? KKMV Rupert/Twin Falls ID on Wednesday, May 1. KKMV will add the show for overnights replacing Premiere Networks’ After Midnite with Granger Smith. KKMV Program Director Scotty Cameron states, “Kat Kountry 106 KKMV is a local radio station that focuses on our community and independent country music. I had a chance to meet Lindsay in Nashville and loved her personality. After listening to her I knew she would make the perfect addition to the Kat Kountry family. She focuses on real life and has the Country Music tea everyone wants to hear.” Cochrane commented, “I’m so excited to add KKMV to the Life with Lindsay affiliate list. They have such a loyal country audience that has already started to welcome me on social media, I can’t wait to invite them to be a part of the show! Scotty has done such a great job having the station be a big part of the community and I am honored that he believes in my content on Life with Lindsay and wants me to be a part of the Kat Kountry family.? Life with Lindsay is available via barter to air in any daypart. Those interested in the show are asked to reach out to Cochrane at Lindsay@lifewithlindsayradio.com or Virtual Jock’s Jason Kidd atjkidd@virtualjock.com. more

From Radio Insight: Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, proudly names Corinne Baldassano, the 2024 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer.* Corinne most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming & Marketing at Take On The Day, LLC/The Dr. Laura Program. MIW?s Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) President and CEO Frances Preston, is MIW?s highest accolade. It is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. Corinne Baldassano is a well-respected radio veteran with a long, extremely successful, and storied career, which began at WHN Radio in New York City, where she started as an Editorial Researcher and rose to Music Director. She spent 16 years with ABC, including roles as Music Director at WPLJ-FM in New York and Program Director at KAUM-FM in Houston. She also served as Program Director under Boston Globe?s WSAI-FM in Cincinnati. Later, Corinne was named Program Director of ABC’s Contemporary and FM Radio Networks, Director of the ABC Entertainment Radio Network, and Vice President of Programming for ABC Radio Networks, overseeing major programs like American Top 40. She also served on the Board of Directors for Nashville’s Country Radio Broadcasters and worked as Vice President of Programming at Westwood One, and Senior Vice President of Programming at Sony’s SW Networks. Corinne became General Manager of the Radio Division at the Associated Press and most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Programming and Marketing at Take On The Day, LLC. She is a founding member of the MIWs and serves on its Advisory Board. The MIW Trailblazer Award was presented during the 2024 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show on the Main Stage, on Monday, April 15th. MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff comments, ?Corinne’s remarkable career firmly establishes her as a Trailblazer. In addition to all she’s accomplished, her selfless devotion to mentoring women and men, and absolute delight in helping them achieve their goals, is the essence of who she is. She is truly a mentor of mentors. We are thrilled to recognize her with our highest award.? Corinne adds, “I am honored to accept this year?s Trailblazer Award from the MIWs.* As I built my career, it was natural for me to offer guidance to others who also wanted to take a similar path.* And it?s turned out to be one of the most important and satisfying things I?ve ever done.* I?m proud of those I have mentored and I?m humbled to be recognized by an organization committed to fostering the growth of broadcasting?s next generation of women.* I?m happy to see my work and theirs come full circle.* Thank you!” Corinne joins an illustrious group of media professionals who are esteemed for their leadership and dedication to the radio industry. Prior honorees include the late Laurie Kahn (2023), Michelle Duke (2022); Christine Travaglini (2019); Julie Talbott (2018); Mary Quass (2017); Beth Neuhoff (2016); Kim Guthrie (2015); Diane Sutter (2014); Weezie Kramer (2013); Caroline Beasley (2012); Ginny Hubbard Morris (2011); Lynn Anderson (2010); and Erica Farber (2009). more

From Radio Online: Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) names Corinne Baldassano as the 2024 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Corinne most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming andamp; Marketing at Take On The Day LLC/The Dr. Laura Program. MIW's Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and More...

From Radio Online: "Life with Lindsay" adds Lee Family Broadcasting's KKMV (Kat Kountry 106) in Twin Falls (Sun Valley), ID to its lineup. The syndicated Country show, available thru VirtualJock.com, is hosted by Lindsay Cochrane and will debut on May 1 from 12-6am. KKMV Program Director Scotty Cameron stated, "Kat Kountry More...

From Radio Online: Unionized podcast workers at iHeartMedia, represented by the Writers Guild of America East, have lodged an unfair labor practice complaint against their employer with the National Labor Relations Board, reports the Hollywood Reporter. The employees accuse the media giant of intimidation tactics and More...

From Radio Online: Gemini XIII and MyJourney Technologies launch PodJourney, a coaching platform designed for podcasters seeking one-on-one support from industry experts. PodJourney helps podcasters expand their audience and find a path to monetization through its unique tool set and network of coaches. Developed by More...

From Radio Online: Yea Networks syndicated "The Greg Beharrell Show'' adds 13 new markets. The show can now be found in mornings at Mid-West Family Broadcasting's Alternative 106.1 WQYQ/St. Joseph, late nights on Federated Media Active WRBR (Rock 103.9)/South Bend, nights on Saga's WZZP (Rock 97.5)/Hopkinsville and nights on More...

From Radio Online: O'Reilly Auto Parts will be recognized as the 2024 Radio Mercury Awards "Radio Marketer of the Year" Award in recognition of the company's longstanding use of radio to empower consumers and build their brand. O'Reilly Auto Parts has made radio central to its marketing activities to More...

From Radio Online: The Radio Television Digital News Association has announced Kristie Anderson, Assistant News Director at WXIA in Atlanta, has been selected as the 2024 recipient of RTDNA's Loren Tobia Leadership Award. The award is given annually to a journalist who exemplifies true leadership within their company or More...

From Radio Insight: After initiating contractual buyout offers last month in an attempt to prevent layoffs, Boston University Public News/Talk 90.9 WBUR-FM Boston has stated that despite 24 employees volunteering, they will also lay off four full-time staffers, three part-timers, and eliminate nine vacant positions. WBUR CEO Margaret Low says that four senior managers will take the buyouts and exit the station on Friday, May 10. They are: Executive Director of Business Partnerships Pete Matthews, Senior Director of Finance Del Reese, Director of Membership & Campaign Strategy Mike Steffon, and Executive Director of Engineering, Operations and IT Karl Voelker. The number may rise as there is still a May 1 deadline on accepting the buyouts. Among other changes to be made due to the cuts, WBUR will cut local evening newscasts after 8pm. All Things Considered anchor Lisa Mullins will also anchor the 7 and 8pm newscasts. Sharon Brody will continue to anchor Weekend Edition, but add hourly newscasts through 3pm. The station’s daily podcast “The Common” will transition to a weekly production, while expanding its on-air and digital content and allow host Darryl C. Murphy to contribute further to “Field Guide to Boston”. Low’s memo to staff follows: Dear All, I’m writing with an important update ? the last phase of our plan to significantly reduce WBUR’s expenses. As I’ve shared, we need to begin FY25 with a budget that is $4 million lower than this year. You all understand our financial woes, so I won’t belabor those here. I will begin with the hardest news. We are laying off seven people, including three part-time colleagues. This means valued co-workers are losing their jobs and will leave WBUR before the end of June. We’ve already spoken to everyone who is immediately affected by these changes. It’s painful to lose longtime colleagues and friends and we’ll make time in the weeks ahead to recognize those who will depart. For now, we’ll leave it to individuals to share their personal news as they see fit. We’re also hopeful that some of those who were notified today will find new opportunities at WBUR. In the meantime, a little later in this note, I will capture some of the changes we’ll be making in light of this news. The Voluntary Program First, I want to brief you on the status of the Voluntary Program. Twenty-four colleagues have elected to participate. The number of people who raised their hand allowed us to limit the number of layoffs. It also creates opportunity, as we will need to fill some ? though not all ? of the newly vacant jobs. We will plan to share all jobs as they open up in The Update. Among those taking the package are four members of the senior leadership team: Pete Matthews, Del Reese, Mike Steffon*and Karl Voelker. This is a significant loss of institutional history. It’s worth noting that three of the four have been at WBUR (or Boston University) for more than 25 years. They all saw the Voluntary Program as a rare opportunity to turn the page and do something new. For the time being, Deb Taylor and I will manage the direct reports of these four leaders and take a little time to rethink our organizational structure. Beyond those four colleagues, 20 others raised their hands. But that number won’t be firm until Wednesday, May 1 when participants must formally commit to the Voluntary Program. I won’t try to characterize what led people to choose this path ? the reasons are many. Everything from being ready to retire to a chance for another chapter. We recognize that the departure of so many colleagues will be a significant change for WBUR and it will take time to absorb it all. This group’s last day will be Friday, May 10 and between now and then, we will work with team leaders to make the transition as smooth as possible. More on this in the days ahead. Other Expense Reductions Beyond the Voluntary Program and the layoffs, we will reduce expenses across the board. Most notably, we are eliminating nine unfilled positions, cutting travel costs, spending less or negotiating lower rates on contracted services. A small but not insignificant item ? we will no longer buy Peet’s Coffee. Thanks to our Business Partnerships team, we now have a trade deal with a local coffee roaster ? Fazenda. This will save WBUR thousands of dollars a year. Finally, we will no longer cover cell phone costs for any non-represented colleagues. As you know, we made the decision to find $4 million in expense savings starting in FY25, because this will put us on a better financial course. FY25 will be another year of deficit spending as we map a path to sustainability. Which we are doing. It’s our belief that $4 million dollars in cost reductions was as much as this organization could bear. Many people advised us to cut deeper than we needed to. We did not do that because we don’t think you can cut your way to success. We need the runway ? a little more time ? to build the resources necessary so WBUR can thrive for decades to come. Changes to Weeknight and Weekend newscasts There are some programming implications to the departures, too. Let me try to break it down as simply as I can. Starting sometime before the end of the fiscal year, our last local newscast will be at 8 p.m. every weeknight. In addition to hosting All Things Considered, Lisa Mullins will also anchor the 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. newscasts. On weekends, Sharon Brody*will continue to host Weekend Edition on both Saturday and Sunday. She will also anchor hourly newscasts and local continuity until 3 p.m. A New Chapter for The Common After 15 months, and more than 300 original episodes, The Common has become a core dimension of who we are and what we sound like. Thanks to a gifted team, the show is attracting a new, younger and more diverse audience for WBUR. At the same time, we haven’t seen the audience and revenue growth we were hoping for. This is why the next era of The Common will be all about expanding the show’s presence on our local air, our digital platforms, in the community, and for Darryl C. Murphy to be an even bigger contributor to Field Guide to Boston. With all that, we remain enthusiastic about the podcast and its potential. So The Common will become a weekly show, with much the same format and identity ? just a different cadence. We plan to make this change sometime before the end of the fiscal year, and we’ll work with the team to figure out the right timeline. We’ll then focus our resources on building out the show’s original reporting on multiple WBUR channels ? amplifying Darryl and the show’s brand and, as always, bringing the best work of our newsroom right back onto The Common. The team will continue to report to WBUR Podcasts. Our Path Forward While we’ve had to make very difficult decisions in the last few weeks, I’m confident that WBUR has a bright future. In large measure because of our shared commitment to five strategic pillars: Focus on Editorial Excellence Grow the Audience Deepen Engagement Future-Proof Revenue Make WBUR an Exceptional Place to Work It’s paying off. We are the #1 news station in Boston. For 14 months and counting. We have a 6.4 share in a market with two public radio stations. That’s double, even triple what some other major market stations can claim. Our journalism is stronger than ever. Just this week, Walter Wuthmann*published a big investigative scoop about police failing to take action against an accused serial rapist, despite DNA evidence pointing to a string of crimes over years before he was finally arrested. Our listening audience is growing steadily and our digital numbers are on the rise, too ? WBUR newsletters and podcasts have legions of loyal fans. Beyond All Repair, Amory Sivertson‘s*10-part series about an unsolved murder, shot up the Apple Podcast Charts to #2. Ahead of Serial and The Daily. That’s extraordinary. CitySpace is buzzing with live events many nights a week. Tomorrow night, Robin Young will be on stage with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The event sold out in an instant. Here & Now and On Point*reach millions of people across the country each week. On Point‘s audience grew by nearly 50% year over year ? after many stations across the country added the show. We’re in the midst of a digital transformation ? our Catapult Initiative ?* modernizing our technology to personalize our relationships with everyone who engages with WBUR. That will roll out in June. Thanks to the smarts and relentless hard work of dozens of future-focused colleagues across the organization. At the same time, our audience heard our clarion call and gave more generously than they ever have before. There are millions of people in Boston and beyond who count on us and can’t imagine a day without WBUR. Our Comprehensive Capital Campaign is off to an impressive start and every one of our sellers on the Business Partnerships team bleeds WBUR. I believe in them and know they will deliver for us in the months and years ahead. In Closing There is so much for all of us to be proud of, but I recognize that this has been a tough period for everyone at WBUR. Change of this magnitude is very hard. Before I sign off, I want to underscore how thankful I am for all of you. To a person, you have been thoughtful, generous and creative ? as we searched for solutions together. You all rallied to help secure WBUR’s future and, at the same time, you?ve been looking out for one another. Please continue to do that. Even in one of our hardest hours, I’m so proud to lead this organization. I have said many times that WBUR is brimming with talent and ambition. We’re also an organization filled with really wonderful people. Your collective humanity shines through at every turn. To those who are leaving, I’m endlessly grateful for the time you’ve devoted to WBUR. We are better because you were here. You will exit with my profound gratitude and a promise to build on the legacy you leave behind. To those who are staying ? thank you for everything you do to make WBUR such a special place. What unites us is a shared belief in our mission and a deep caring for one another. That is what will allow us to press on and continue to do exceptional work. With admiration and appreciation, Margaret Low Chief Executive Officer WBUR more

From Radio Insight: YEA Networks has announced that the Greg Beharrell Show has added thirteen new affiliates in the United States and Canada bringing his show to over 65 affiliates on the continent. Beharrell’s show has been added for mornings at Mid-West Family Broadcasting Alternative 106.1 WQYQ St. Joseph MI, nights at Saga Communications Rock “Z97.5” WZZP Clarksville TN, late nights at Federated Media Active Rock “103.9 The Bear” WRBR South Bend IN, and on ten of Pattinson Media’s Variety Hits stations in Canada. Mid-West Family/Michigan PD Bill Gamble said, “It is really difficult to underestimate Greg Beharrell.” Beharrell commented, “This is something I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams which is odd because one does have a subconscious semblance of control when in a dreamlike state, so you would think I?d choose to dream myself a better imagination within my dreams. For information on adding TGBS, or utilizing Beharrell as imaging VO, you can contact YEA Networks Director of Affiliate Sales, Scott Kerr through email (scott@yeanetworks.com), phone (843-270-2836), or skywriting (cursive only).* more