4/16 WAKE-UP CALL: Trump Being Kept Off The Campaign Trail

Donald Trump faces a deep blue jury pool as his hush-money case begins. Jury selection could take a week or more on the Democratic turf known as New York City. The presiding judge, prosecutors and Trump’s lawyers are expected to question hundreds of prospective jurors to weed out people who can’t set aside their views of a former president whose tenure sparked deep divisions. The former president called the case, involving the alleged coverup of a payment to buy porn star Stormy Daniels’ silence ahead of the 2016 election, nonsense and “political persecution” when he arrived at the courthouse. It was the first of four criminal cases brought against him in state and federal courts and might be the only one that wraps up before the November election. Trump’s lawyers have said that their client, who is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, can’t get a fair trial in Manhattan.

🚨 Donald Trump speaks after the first day of his criminal trial, reveals Judge threatened him with JAIL if he skips court to go to Barron's graduation. pic.twitter.com/hQRPohB2Bu

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 15, 2024

➤ISRAEL REPORTS MINIMAL DAMAGE: Israel intends to punish Tehran for the drone and missile barrage that represented Iran’s first-ever direct attack on its territory, Israeli officials said. The challenge is finding a way that avoids further escalation, preserves the partnership that helped fend off the assault and doesn’t derail its war aims in Gaza. The weekend’s slow-moving, telegraphed attack drew a robust military defense from Israel, the U.S. and other allies and resulted in minimal damage on the ground. Iran and Israel are more than 1,000 miles apart. Tehran said the attack was in response to an Israeli airstrike that killed a senior Iranian general at what it identified as an Iranian diplomatic building in Syria. Israel hasn’t confirmed or denied involvement. The U.S.’s defense of Israel’s skies has sparked Ukrainian envy and anger.

WATCH: Fox News’ @BritHume on Iran's attack on Israel: “This was a spectacular failure of deterrence and a spectacular success of defense” pic.twitter.com/3EMa2cME5q

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) April 15, 2024

➤ISRAEL VOWS RESPONSE: Military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said Israel would respond. He provided no details. "This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response," he said at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, which sustained some damage in Saturday night's attack. The prospect of Israeli retaliation has alarmed many Iranians already enduring economic pain and tighter social and political controls since protests in 2022-23.

As PM Netanyahu considers Israel's next move, Pres. Biden urged him to think carefully about the risk of escalation with Iran. The U.S. has privately told officials that if Israel strikes back militarily, it will do so alone. @marykbruce has more. https://t.co/tV0P4reChu pic.twitter.com/vngN3XcxRe

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) April 16, 2024

Iran launched the attack in retaliation for what it says was an April 1 Israeli airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus, and signaled that it does not seek further escalation. While the attack caused no deaths and limited damage, it has increased fears of open warfare between the long-time foes and fueled concerns that violence rooted in the Gaza war is spreading. U.S. President Joe Biden told Netanyahu at the weekend that the United States, which helped Israel blunt the Iranian attack, will not participate in an Israeli counter-strike.

Since the war in Gaza began in October, clashes have erupted between Israel and Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Israel said four of its soldiers were wounded hundreds of meters inside Lebanese territory overnight.

President Biden reiterated his support for Israel while expressing concerns about further escalation of conflict in the Middle East. CBS News has learned that, in a phone call Saturday night, Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu the U.S. would not participate if Israel… pic.twitter.com/lbS2gDbiFc

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) April 15, 2024

➤STALLED CONGRESS MAY FINALLY ACT: An Iranian attack on Israel over the weekend has put new momentum behind a stalled Congressional effort to pass billions of dollars in foreign aid to a pair of key U.S. allies. After months of delay, House Republicans said on Monday they will take a different approach to get the issue across the finish line: Put funding for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific allies up for a vote on their own, plus a fourth bill that will include several other unrelated GOP foreign policy priorities. Those include provisions to seize Russian assets to distribute them to Ukraine and to force TikTok's Chinese parent company to sell it or face a practical ban in the United States.

➤TESLA SALES SLOW..LAY-OFFS NEXT:  Tesla plans to lay off more than 10% of its workforce. The world’s most valuable automaker is focusing more on developing autonomous vehicles as its growth prospects for selling electric ones dim. Tesla’s once-enviable profit margins have also narrowed in recent quarters, and the company has used deep price cuts to stimulate sales. CEO Elon Musk cited the need to reduce costs and increase productivity, according to an email sent to employees today, seen by the WSJ. Industrywide, EV sales further decelerated in the first quarter, as purchases of gas-electric hybrids remained strong, accentuating a trend that started last year.

Survey: Audiences Expect AI Use In Media

At the hotly anticipated NAB Show 2024, Futuri’s CEO Daniel Anstandig, alongside co-presenter Ameca, the AI-powered humanoid, shared findings from the most comprehensive study ever conducted on AI's role in media. 

In collaboration with CMG Custom Research, a team that conducts audience research for high-performing television and radio stations, the study surveyed nearly 5,200 radio and TV news consumers across the United States, revealing powerful insights into audience perceptions, expectations, and the future of AI-powered media content.

Daniel Anstandig

The findings challenge the traditional approach of media production and content creation, suggesting a shift towards openness to human-AI collaboration: "Futuri’s study shows that audiences are open to media’s adoption of AI for content creation. In fact, they already believe they’ve experienced AI in use on radio and television. We learned that audiences believe that AI will assist media in creating more relevant and engaging content. They just want to be informed of its use, and for it to be used in the right scenarios," Anstandig noted, highlighting the need for balance between human creativity and AI efficiency.

Anstandig added: "This study reveals an industry that is ready to harness the potential of AI to redefine its future. With audience demand for content reaching unprecedented levels, AI empowers broadcast teams to generate the vast volume of content required across multiple platforms to satisfy their audiences.”

Key Insights from the Study:

NAB Show Fireside Chat Hears Praise for AM Radio

During the NAB Show Welcome, NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt delivered a fireside chat that resonated with the audience. AM radio received an enthusiastic ovation during this chat, solidifying its position as one of broadcasting’s most significant regulatory success stories this year. The imminent passage of the AM For Every Vehicle Act underscores this achievement.

Curtis LeGeyt

LeGeyt emphasized the critical role that AM radio continues to play in the lives of Americans. He highlighted the bipartisan effort to preserve it, with more than 400,000 listeners actively petitioning Congress. The bill, aimed at ensuring the continuity of AM radio, has garnered over half of the House’s co-sponsorship. Notably, Ford’s decision to retain AM radio in their vehicles further bolsters this movement.

LeGeyt’s vision extends beyond AM radio. He stressed the resource scarcity faced by local stations and advocated for redirecting resources to support local storytellers and journalists. Additionally, he addressed the potential impact of generative AI on disinformation and misinformation. While AI poses risks, it also holds the potential to enhance real-time fact-checking and improve local reporting accuracy.

LeGeyt’s optimism about the bill’s passage and his commitment to guiding communities through elections demonstrate his dedication to broadcasting’s future. The FCC’s active engagement with the industry also came up in discussions after the fireside chat.

NYC Radio: John Sterling Retires As Lead Voice Of The NY Yankees

John Sterling will retire immediately as the lead radio voice of the Yankees, the team announced Monday.

Newsdaye reports Sterling, 85, has had health challenges in recent years, including early this season, and has cut back severely on his schedule on WFAN, especially for road games.

The Yankees will hold an on-field ceremony for Sterling at Saturday's game at the Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Fans find a certain comfort in the daily rhythms of baseball," the Yankees said in the news release. 

"Day in and day out, season after season, and city after city, John Sterling used his seat in the broadcast booth to bring Yankees fans the heartbeat of the game, employing an orotund voice and colorful personality that were distinctly, unmistakably his own. John informed and entertained, and he exemplified what it means to be a New Yorker with an unapologetic and boisterous style that exuded his passion for baseball, broadcasting and the New York Yankees."

Sterling has held the job since 1989 and called 5,420 regular-season games and 211 postseason games for the Yankees.

“I am a very blessed human being," Sterling said in the news release. "I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It’s all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday.”

Justin Shackil and Emmanuel Berbari have been filling in for Sterling alongside Suzyn Waldman and presumably would continue to do so for the rest of the season if he leaves.

Sterling had not missed a game since 1989 before he skipped some in 2019.

MIW To Honor Industry Vet Erica Farber

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, proudly announces the remarkably deserving Erica Farber, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Radio Advertising Bureau as the recipient of its inaugural “Impact Award.” 

This prestigious new accolade is dedicated to honoring a woman who has effected positive change on multiple fronts. A true champion of service, this individual actively engages with impactful organizations, generously contributing their time, wisdom, network, and resources. They are deeply involved, consistently doing the work necessary to drive meaningful change.

Erica Farber

For over 12 years, Erica has served as President and CEO of the RAB (Radio Advertising Bureau). Her advocacy for the broadcasting industry has helped drive business, grow advertising revenue, and communicate Radio's digital transition. Prior to the RAB, Farber was the CEO of the radio consulting and Internet service provider, The Farber Connection LLC, a firm she founded in 2010. During her fifteen year tenure at Radio & Records, Farber held various positions including COO, President, Publisher, and CEO.

Farber has held nearly every position in Radio Sales & Management including rising through the ranks at the INTEREP Companies and serving as Executive Vice President/Radio Development Director.

During the early years of her career, she held positions at KRTH-FM, KABC-TV, and KIIS-AM in Los Angeles. Her radio management career grew quickly when she was appointed General Sales Manager and General Manager of WROR-FM in Boston in the same year. Her success then led to an appointment as Vice President/General Manager of WXLO-FM, In New York. 

Study Shows Why Radio And Digital Should Be A Base Buy

While local advertisers have a lot of different marketing options, a new analysis from Nielsen reveals that the most effective media plan consists of a base buy of AM/FM radio and digital solutions.

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog examines how advertising works and why AM/FM radio and digital should be the base media buy.

• Marketing has two equally important jobs: converting existing demand and creating future demand.
• Since reach is the foundation of marketing effectiveness, adding media grows reach and sales effect.
• Adding AM/FM radio to a TV + digital buy significantly grows reach.
• The addition of digital to an existing AM/FM radio campaign increases reach.
• The addition of AM/FM radio to an existing digital-only campaign causes reach to surge.
• Versus other media plans, an AM/FM radio base plan with digital extensions drives the greatest market reach.

Phoenix Radio: Entravision Launches Fuego 106.7FM

Entravision Communications Corporation announces the highly-anticipated launch of KDVA Fuego 106.7 FM. As a vibrant celebration of culture and music, Fuego 106.7 FM emerges as the premier destination for the dynamic and thriving Latino community in Phoenix and surrounding areas.

“Aimed at the growing Latino youth segment, Fuego 106.7 FM strategically taps into their influence in both cultural and ideological landscapes. This initiative provides a platform to elevate their voices and mobilize them toward community and civic issues, all while celebrating their culture through their love of music”

Fuego 106.7 FM presents a carefully curated fusion of Latin Urban beats and Musica Mexicana rhythms, capturing the essence of today’s hottest stars in the global music scene. This groundbreaking initiative underscores Entravision’s dedication to amplifying the voices and experiences of Latino youth, providing a dynamic platform where culture and creativity converge harmoniously.

“We are thrilled to unveil Fuego 106.7 FM; it represents a milestone moment in our journey to connect with Latino audiences on a deeper level. Through the power of music and cultural storytelling, we aim to ignite passion, spark conversation, and foster a community where listeners and brands can connect, celebrate and be inspired,” said Jeffery Liberman, President and Chief Operating Officer at Entravision.

DOJ Expected To Take Legal Action Against Live Nation

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is poised to take legal action against Live Nation, the major concert promoter and parent company of Ticketmaster. 

According to The Wall Street Journal citing reports, the DOJ is preparing to file an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation as early as next month. The allegations center around Live Nation’s alleged abuse of dominance in the live music industry, particularly in the area of ticketing for live events1.

Live Nation’s subsidiary, Ticketmaster, has long faced criticism for its aggressive tactics and high pricing. In 2022, Ticketmaster’s ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour were marred by controversy, leading to demands for investigations into the company’s practices. The forthcoming lawsuit is expected to claim that Live Nation’s actions have undermined competition in the ticketing market1.

While the DOJ and Live Nation have not yet responded to requests for comment, the potential consequences of this legal battle could be significant. If found in violation of antitrust laws, Live Nation may face penalties or structural changes that impact its operations and market position1. The situation warrants close attention as it unfolds.

In related news, the DOJ has also recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against tech giant Apple, alleging market exclusionary actions2. These legal actions underscore the ongoing scrutiny of large companies and their impact on consumers and competition.

Milwaukee Radio: WTMJ's Bob Reitman Retiring This Week

Longtime Southeast Wisconsin radio personality Bob Reitman is stepping away from the mic at the end of this week with his final edition of WUWM’s weekly music program “It’s All Right, Ma, It’s Only Music.”

Bob Reitman

According to a posting on the WTMJ website, Reitman has been on the air in the Milwaukee area since 1966. In addition to WUWM, he joined various local radio outlets including WZMF, WAWA, WTOS, WQFM and WKTI, where he teamed up with 620 WTMJ legend Gene Mueller.

His show, “It’s Alright, Ma, It’s Only Music,” was formed during an earlier stint at WUWM and relaunched in 2007 as a live weekly music show.

“For the past 17 years, Reitman was a bridge between our past and our future. Reitman’s underground and freeform style, which he pioneered with us, will always be a part of our ethos here at WUWM and we will miss him greatly,” said General Manager David Lee.

“Bob Reitman is the best of what we do in radio, from his origins at WUWM to his blockbuster career throughout Milwaukee, and back to where it all started. We are lucky to have been the home to ‘It’s Alright, Ma, It’s Only Music’ and are thankful for everything he’s done for our radio listeners. I am going to miss him so much,” Ele Ellis, Vice President of Content and Programming stated.

CBS-TV To Repeat Billy Joel Special April 19

CBS has officially released a statement on Monday (April 15) after Billy Joel’s long-awaited concert special, The 100th: Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden – The Greatest Arena Run of All Time, was cut off during the end of Joel’s iconic ballad, “Piano Man.”

In the statement shared with Billboard, a spokesperson for CBS explained the mix-up, writing “A network programming timing error ended last night’s Billy Joel special approximately two minutes early in the Eastern and Central Time Zones. We apologize to Mr. Joel, his fans, our affiliated stations, and our audience whose viewing experience was interrupted during the last song. Due to the overwhelming demand from his legion of fans, BILLY JOEL: THE 100TH – LIVE AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN will be rebroadcast in its entirety on CBS on April 19th at 9:00PM ET/PT.”

According to Billboard, the show was originally slated to run from 9-11 p.m. on CBS, but the network’s live coverage of the Masters golf tournament pushed back the start of the Joel concert’s airing about half an hour, which meant that the climactic ending of the show was cut off for many viewers to throw to the local news. As a result, for many fans, the screen went black during 1973’s “Piano Man.”

Joel will be back at MSG on April 26 and May 9 for two more gigs at his home-away-from-home, before hitting the road this summer for a run of baseball stadium gigs that run through November.

News Websites: NY Post Sees Biggest Monthly Growth

Celebrity newsbrand People was the fastest-growing news website in the US in March according to Press Gazette’s latest ranking. Visits to People.com were up 27% year-on-year to reach 145.7 million, according to data from digital intelligence platform Similarweb.

Along with USA Today (143.4 million visits, up 13% year-on-year) and New York Times (498.6 million, up 10%), it was one of three of the top ten websites by number of visits in March to see double-digit growth.

Month-on-month the picture was more positive for the ten biggest sites, with all but People (down 8%) seeing more visits in March than February. The New York Post (up 12%) saw the biggest monthly gain, followed by The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post (122 million) and CNN, which each saw a 9% month-on-month boost in visits.

The Daily Mail remained the best-ranked British newsbrand in the ranking (rank 11, 113 million visits), just ahead of the BBC (rank 12, 106.9 million).

Since November Similarweb has excluded the figures for edition.cnn.com in its report to Press Gazette since they are counted under the main domain. Visits to edition.cnn.com however make up a very small share of all visits to the CNN domain in the US.

Similarweb generates its traffic data by applying machine learning and modelling to the statistically representative datasets that the company collects. Datasets are based on direct measurement (i.e. websites and apps that choose to share first-party analytics with Similarweb); contributory networks that aggregate device data; partnerships and public data extraction from websites and apps. The sites in the list are based on Similarweb’s classification of news and media publishers, although Press Gazette refines the list to exclude some sites with a less news-based focus.

FOX Nation to Present ‘Battle for the Arctic with Bill Hemmer’

FOX Nation, FOX News Media’s streaming service, will debut Battle for the Arctic with Bill Hemmer fronted by FOX News anchor Bill Hemmer on Wednesday, April 17.

The new one-hour special follows Hemmer as he embarks on a trip embedded with the U.S. Navy as they travel to the Arctic Circle. 

With an inside look at the Navy’s recently launched Operation Ice Camp 2024, a three-week operation for research in the Arctic region, Hemmer discovers how the Navy operates in the extreme conditions. 

Aboard the USS Hampton, a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine, Hemmer spends 24 hours learning about the lives and mission of its crew and explores the resources, including natural gas, oil and minerals, different countries are vying for in the region.

 

FOX Nation is a direct-to-consumer on-demand streaming service designed to complement the FOX News Channel experience with a members-only destination for its most passionate and loyal super fans.

Radio History: April 16

➦In 1913...Les Tremayne born (Died at age 90 from heart failure - December 19, 2003). He was a radio, film and television actor.

Les Tremayne

Born in England, he moved with his family at the age four to Chicago, Illinois, United States, where he began in community theatre. His mother was Dolly Tremayne, a British actress. He danced as a vaudeville performer and worked as amusement park barker. He began working in radio when he was 17 years old.

In 1974, Tremayne commented, "I've been in more than 30 motion pictures, but it's from radio ... that most people remember me."

His radio career began in 1931, and during the 1930s and 1940s, Tremayne was often heard in more than one show per week. Replacing Don Ameche, he starred in The First Nighter Program from 1936 to 1942. He starred in The Adventures of the Thin Man and The Romance of Helen Trent during the 1940s. He also starred in the title role in The Falcon, and played detective Pat Abbott in The Abbott Mysteries in 1946–47. Tremayne was once named one of the three most distinctive voices on American radio. The other two were Bing Crosby and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In his later years, Tremayne was active in Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters as the group's historian and archivist. Those roles included interviewing people who were active in early radio to provide source material for researchers

Joan Alexander

➦In 1915...Joan Alexander was born (Died at age 94 – May 21, 2009). She portrayed newspaper reporter Lois Lane in the superhero radio program The Adventures of Superman for more than 1,600 episodes. The series began in 1940, two years after Superman's debut in the modern-day DC Comics' Action Comics #1 (June 1938), with Lane first appearing in the seventh episode.

Initially, the show, which ran through to 1951, was syndicated through the Mutual Broadcasting System's cornerstone station, WOR in New York, subsequently taken up by the Mutual network and finally to ABC.

Alexander also was heard on Dimension X and Philo Vance, Against the Storm and on Perry Mason, in the first portrayal of supporting character Della Street, secretary to defense attorney Mason. She also played Althea on The Brighter Day on radio.  Alexander additionally provided Lois Lane's voice in the 1940s Fleischer Studios/Paramount Pictures (Famous Studios) animated Superman shorts. She reprised the role of Lois Lane for one season of the 1966 Filmation animated series The New Adventures of Superman.

➦In 1922....KFI 640 AM signed-on in Los Angeles. Currently owned and operated by iHeartMedia. It received its license to operate on March 31, 1922 and began operating on this date and after succession of power increases, became one of the United States' first high-powered, clear-channel stations. KFI is a Class A 50,000 watt, non-directional station.

KFI Original 1922 50-Watt Transmitter

KFI initially used a 50-watt transmitter made from a crank telephone. Early on, Earl Anthony operated the station from his garage, and later from atop his Packard automobile dealership. In its early days, it was typically on the air for only four and a half hours a day.

From the time of its inception in 1926, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) operated two networks, the Red Network and the Blue Network. The Red Network carried sponsored commercial programs, while the Blue Network carried the sustaining ones (those without commercial sponsors). The red and blue designations came from the colors of the lines drawn on network maps. In 1931, NBC reorganized its West Coast operations, creating Orange and Blue networks for that area to replace its previous Pacific Coast network. KFI was part of the Orange group, along with KGO, Oakland; KGW, Portland, KOMO, Seattle, and KHQ, Spokane.

KFI was an affiliate of the NBC Red Network and Early Anthony's other raido station KECA 1430 AM carried programming from the Blue Network. In 1939, KECA moved to 780 kHz, the frequency of the former KEHE. Anthony sold KECA in 1944 and it moved to 790 kHz and became KABC.

KFI and KECA Building - 1939

KFI's call letters were assigned sequentially but many people assumed that the "FI" stood for "Farmers Information." Every winter evening between 1924 and 1956, KFI would deliver a frost report at 8 pm that would tell citrus farmers whether to turn on wind machines or light "smudge pots" to keep their orange and lemon groves from freezing. The frost warnings moved to 7 pm until the late 1970s when they were removed from the schedule.

On November 29, 1944, KFI officials broke ground on Mount Wilson for construction of a new FM and TV transmitting facility. The ceremony was broadcast live over KFI (AM) from Mount Wilson from noon to 12:15 pm that afternoon. KFI-FM went on the air from that site at 105.9 megacycles (Megahertz today) in July 1946 with its first test program, though some later sources say the station went on the air in 1947.

The station only lasted until 1951 when the owner, Earle C. Anthony, decided to turn off the FM station and returned the license to the FCC. This was common at the time, when some station owners saw no money from FM and no future in FM. In the early 1950s, while the audio quality was much better than AM, FM radios were not widely available, the AM-FM combination radios were expensive and stereo broadcasting on FM didn't exist until 1961.

➦In 1935...1st radio broadcast of "Fibber McGee & Molly"

➦In 1962...Walter Cronkite succeeded Douglas Edwards as anchorman of the CBS Evening News.

NYC Radio: Ryan Hurley Named New PD At WFAN

Audacy welcomes Ryan Hurley as the new Brand Manager of WFAN (WFAN-FM/AM) and Infinity Sports Network. Hurley succeeds Spike Eskin, who is departing for SportsRadio 94WIP (WIP-FM) in Philadelphia, as the lead content executive for both brands.

“Ryan knows radio, sports and New York, making him a triple threat to take the reins of WFAN, which continues to be the city's most influential and dominant sports platform,” said Chris Oliviero, New York Market President, Audacy. “In addition, with Infinity Sports Network, Ryan will have a major impact on the sports conversation nationwide. All of us at Audacy are excited to welcome him to the team.”

Ryan Hurley

“I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join this legendary station,” said Hurley. “The term ‘dream job’ can get thrown around a lot, but as someone who grew up listening to The Fan religiously, that is exactly what this is. There is an incredible team here led by Chris Oliviero, and I look forward to this journey ahead with them.”

Hurley spent the last two decades at ESPN New York, starting there as an intern in 2004 after graduating from Hofstra University. While there, he produced various shows and live play-by-play broadcasts, working his way to becoming the station’s Executive Producer and eventually Program Director in 2017.

David Mayurnik has been named Assistant Brand Manager of WFAN and Infinity Sports Network and will report to Hurley.

📻Listeners can tune in to WFAN (WFAN-FM/AM) in New York on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.