KC Radio: The Fan Is Adding A Full-Power FM Signal

Audacy announces the launch of 96.5 The Fan (KFNZ-FM), a new Audacy Sports station and the new FM home for Kansas City sports, effective August 15 at 6:00 a.m. CT.

The market-leading sports talent, commentary, analysis and play-by-play coverage previously heard on 610 Sports Radio (KCSP-AM) will now be heard on 96.5 The Fan – marking Kansas City’s first full-time FM Sports station.

This FM sports destination will be the new flagship radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre, regular and postseason games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf (WDAF-FM) for the 2024 season.

The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on The Fan AM 610 (KFNZ-AM), formerly known as 610 Sports Radio (KCSP-AM), with select Royals games airing exclusively on The Fan AM 610.

96.5 The Fan will launch with the following on-air lineup.

• 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. CT: “Fescoe and Dusty” with Bob Fescoe and Dusty Likins
• 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT: “Cody and Gold” with Cody Tapp and Alex Gold
• 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT: “The Drive” with Carrington Harrison

“Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round,” said Roxanne Marati, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Kansas City. “This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”

“We have enjoyed a strong partnership with Audacy over the past few years and are excited for them to launch 96.5 The Fan heading into the 2024 football season,” said Kim Hobbs, Vice President of Partnership Strategy and Development, Kansas City Chiefs. “In addition to being the new home of the Chiefs and the flagship station of the Chiefs Radio Network, 96.5 The Fan is going to take a strong lineup and offer exciting and entertaining sports content throughout the year through the power of the FM dial.”

96.5 The Fan replaces ALT 96.5 (KRBZ-FM). As a result, longtime ALT 96.5 afternoon drive show, “Church of Lazlo,” starring Lazlo, Slimfast and Snowcone, will move to 98.9 The Rock (KQRC-FM), Kansas City’s No. 1 Rock station, weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT starting August 8. “Church of Lazlo” will continue airing on ALT 96.5 via simulcast until August 14 at 6:00 p.m. CT. The station will sign off at that time, and 96.5 The Fan will launch at 6:00 a.m. CT on August 15.

📻Listeners can tune in to 96.5 The Fan (KRBZ-FM) in Kansas City on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram.

WBD Hammered: Reports $10B Quarterly Loss

Warner Bros. Discovery posted a nearly $10 billion quarterly loss mostly due to a write-down of the value of its cable networks, a stunning acknowledgment of how the television industry has deteriorated since the blockbuster deal that created the conglomerate two years ago.

The Wall Street Journal reports the $9.1 billion noncash impairment comes as the cable networks of Warner Bros. Discovery including CNN, TNT and TBS have been hammered by cord-cutting, declining ratings and a weak advertising market. Streaming platforms such as Netflix have taken audiences and subscribers away from what was once the engine powering the media industry.

Another recent blow to the company’s cable business was TNT’s inability to strike a new deal to keep rights to carry National Basketball Association games beyond next season, which could adversely affect subscriber fees and ad revenue for the channel.

David Zaslav

“It’s fair to say that even two years ago, market valuations and prevailing conditions for legacy media companies were quite different than they are today,” Chief Executive David Zaslav said during a call with investors. “And this impairment acknowledges this.”

Warner Discovery isn’t the only company whose cable-television business is facing challenges. Disney and Paramount Global’s traditional cable channels are also dealing with declining revenue and profitability.

Despite the woes of the company whose stock has nearly halved in the past year, executives poured cold water on recent speculation that Warner Discovery might consider splitting up the company to unlock value.

Disney Parks Struggle Over Weakened Consumer Spending

Disney had reportedly shed shed 23% of its value since its last quarterly report three months ago, when Disney first warned of weakness impacting its parks. 

The Wall Street Journal reports the decline of the cable-TV business and growth of the far-less-profitable streaming side has given theme parks a starring role on Disney’s bottom line. Combined operating profits from domestic and international parks accounted for 54% of Disney’s total operating income in the last fiscal year ended September, compared with a 26% contribution averaged in the five years before the pandemic.

Other factors are weighing on profit as well. Disney is adding three new ships to its cruise business over the next 18 months, and start-up costs associated with those launches will be “a little over double” in the next fiscal year compared with the current one, according to Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston on Wednesday’s investor call. The overall cruise industry has been performing well lately and reporting strong bookings for the year ahead, which speaks well of Disney’s ultimate prospects there.

But weakened consumer spending that has also hit rival theme-park operators bodes poorly for Disney as it works to cope with the broad industry shifts that have hit the media industry with a vengeance.

 Revenue from the linear networks unit, comprising the company’s traditional cable and TV businesses, fell 7% year over year due to a drop in both affiliate fees and advertising. It came in below Wall Street’s projections for the September quarter. Sports helped offset some of that weakness; ESPN’s domestic revenue rose 5% year over year to about $3.9 billion.

TV Ratings: Fox Leads Cable During Slow News Week

The first week with non-seismic political news sees Fox News continuing to lead its cable rivals. With a reset to the presidential election in place, the cable nets could not sustain the momentum from the previous week, leading all three to record week-to-week declines.

Not to be discounted in these drops is the effect the 2024 Paris Olympics is having on cable news viewership in primetime and total day.

TV Newser reports Nielsen live plus same-day data for the week of July 29 saw FNC average 2.262 million total viewers and 273,000 A25-54 viewers during primetime. The network was down -21% and -31%, respectively relative to the week prior. In total day, Fox News averaged 1.439 million total viewers and 188,000 demo viewers for week-to-week declines of -16% and -21%, respectively.

Among all basic cable networks, FNC remained No. 1 in total primetime viewers, but slipped to second place in the demo. In total day, it continued to lead in total viewers and was No. 2 in the total day demo. The NBCUniversal-owned USA Network—buoyed by the Olympics—took the top spot in the demo in both primetime and total day.

MSNBC’s primetime lineup averaged 1,117,000 total viewers and 107,000 viewers in the A25-54 demo. That translates to week-to-week declines of -26% and -42%, respectively. Among all basic cable networks, MSNBC fell from No. 2 to No. 3 in total primetime viewers and from second to 10th place in the demo. During total day, it rose from sixth place to third place in total viewers and dropped from No. 5 to No. 7 in the demo.

CNN averaged 638,000 total viewers and 120,000 A25-54 viewers during primetime for week-to-week drops of -26% and -38%, respectively.  CNN remained fourth in primetime with total viewers and fell from third to seventh place in the demo. In total day, it dropped from second to fourth in total viewers and slipped from No. 2 to No. 5 in the demo.

Fox News occupied 12 of the 15 spots for most-watched cable news shows of the week, with The Five (3.289 million viewers at 5 p.m. ET) reclaiming its first place throne. MSNBC occupied the remaining spots, with the The ReidOut (1.574 million viewers at 7 p.m. ET) landing at No. 13.

Jesse Watters Primetime (360,000 viewers at 8 p.m. ET) continued to be the most-watched show among Adults 25-54. Fox News had 14 out of the 15 top shows in the demo overall, with the ReidOut (165,000 viewers at 7 p.m. ET) taking the final spot.

TV Ratings: Paris Olympics Dominate Primetime

NBCUniversal’s nightly Paris Olympics show from 8-11 p.m. ET/PT has dominated primetime, topping 13 million viewers each night across NBC and USA Network, according to Nielsen. In addition, the show accounts for 12 of the 19 most-watched primetime shows in 2024, excluding NFL (chart below).

Most-Watched Primetime Shows, 2024, Nielsen-only (excluding NFL)

Source: Nielsen, Live + Same Day Data; Excludes Pre- and Post-Shows *Viewership across multiple television networks

Beginning with the Opening Ceremony, NBCUniversal has a posted 12-day Total Audience Delivery average of 32.2 million viewers across the combined live Paris Prime (2-5 p.m. ET) and U.S. primetime (8-11 p.m. ET/PT) time periods – up 77% from Tokyo (18.2 million).

Total Audience Delivery is based upon live-plus-same day official figures from Nielsen and digital data from Adobe Analytics. Live viewership from 2-5 p.m. ET (Paris Prime) is inclusive of NBC, Peacock, USA Network, E!, Paris Extra 1, Paris Extra 2, and additional NBCU digital platforms. Primetime viewership includes NBC, Peacock, USA Network, Paris Extra 1 and Paris Extra 2.

New Orleans leads all markets in local NBC station ratings through the first 11 days of broadcast coverage (“Paris Prime” + primetime windows). Following are the Top 20 markets:

For the latest comprehensive NBCUniversal Paris Olympics schedule information, please visit https://www.nbcolympics.com/schedule.

Taylor Swift Concerts Canceled Over Fears Of An Attack

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour shows in Vienna have been canceled due to what Austrian police say was a planned terrorist attack targeting the concerts, according to NBC News.

"With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety," Barracuda Music, an event organizer in the city, posted on Instagram Wednesday evening.

Taylor Nation, an Instagram account affiliated with Swift's team, reposted the message to its story.

According to the post, all tickets will be refunded and ticket holders can visit a website to request refunds.

Swift's website also appears to reflect the cancelation. The Vienna shows under the "tour" tab on her website now have a note accompanying the date and location information.

"*All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days," the note says.

Swift has yet to say anything on social media, nor has she confirmed the show cancelations.

Billboard reports Swift was scheduled to perform at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the international leg of The Eras Tour.

The announcement comes hours after police confirmed that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested Wednesday morning for planning an unspecified terrorist attack on Vienna, the focus of which was supposed to be Swift’s concert. A second suspect was arrested in the afternoon, according to ABC News.

The outlet also reports that Franz Ruf, director-general for public safety in the Ministry of the Interior, claimed in a press conference that the suspects had radicalized themselves online, with the 19-year-old allegedly pleading allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State in July. Before the shows were canceled, Ruf had said that security would be increased at the concerts, which were expected to attract 65,000 concertgoers each day.

Madison Radio: Jason Bjorson Named SVP/MM For Audacy

Audacy has named Jason Bjorson Senior Vice President and Market Manager of its Madison market. In this role, Bjorson will oversee the market’s portfolio of brands, including 94.9 WOLX (WOLX-FM), MIX 105.1 (WMHX-FM), 105.5 Triple M (WMMM-FM) and CHANNEL Q (WOLX-HD2).

Bjorson will continue to serve as Market Manager of Audacy Milwaukee, a role he has held since joining the Company in 2023. Audacy Milwaukee includes 99.1 The Mix (WMYX-FM), 103.7 KISS FM (WXSS-FM), Hot 105.7 (WXSS-HD2), 1250 AM The Fan (WSSP-AM) and CHANNEL Q (WXSS-HD3).

Jason Bjorson

“Jason’s success thus far in Milwaukee has demonstrated his ability to drive growth and innovation, making him a sound choice to oversee our Madison team,” said Brian Purdy, Regional President, Audacy. “We’re looking forward to him taking the helm of our Madison market and its brands as we aim to super-serve our listeners and clients.”

“I am excited to work with our legendary Audacy Madison stations and tenured staff. They feel like a tight family,” said Bjorson. “I’m even more thrilled to combine the Madison group with Milwaukee to carry the torch for Team Wisconsin.”

Bjorson is a media veteran with over two decades of experience in the industry, including time at Cox Radio in Jacksonville, FL, and Journal Broadcast Group in Knoxville, TN. At Journal Broadcast Group, he rose from Account Executive to lead the company’s flagship station, WTMJ-AM, in Milwaukee, WI, and the Green Bay and Milwaukee Brewer Radio Networks. Bjorson joined Audacy after leading a new business sales team for an HR Tech company in the SAAS space and overseeing advertising sales teams for Spectrum Cable.

Bjorson succeeds Andrea Hansen, who is departing the Company.

Denver Radio: Alice 105.9 Extends “BJ & Jamie Show”

Audacy has announced a multiyear contract extension with morning show hosts BJ Harris and Jamie White, co-hosts of the top-rated “BJ & Jamie Show” on Alice 105.9 (KALC-FM) in Denver. The duo will continue to be heard weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. MT.

“Audacy and our Denver listeners are ecstatic to have four more years of BJ and Jamie’s amazing content, whether it’s their relatable opinions or hilarious takes,” said Micah Goldberg, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Denver. “Year after year, the ‘BJ & Jamie Show’ has proven to be a hit, and we’re looking forward to seeing what its extended stay on Alice 105.9 will bring.”

“Jamie and I’ve had an incredible run with the support of our loyal listeners,” said Harris. “This extension marks an opportunity for continued growth, stronger bonds with the Denver community and additional time to do what I love most. We’re super excited going forward!”

Harris joined Audacy in 2012 after serving in programming and on-air positions in Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix and Tampa. Harris is a four-time winner of Billboard’s Program Director of the Year Award and a two-time On-Air Personality of the Year recipient.

“It’s been quite a ride,” said White. “I can’t wait to continue this adventure with my buddy BJ and all the awesome people at Audacy Denver.”

White obtained iconic local celebrity status as one of the original Alice 105.9 personalities in the 90s, co-hosting the “Frosty, Jamie and Frank Show.” Since then, she has had radio stops in Kansas City, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, as well as TV and film stints, including a role in the 2001 comedy-drama, “Rock Star.”

📻Listeners can tune in to Alice 105.9 (KALC-FM) in Denver on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram.

Townsquare Media Reports Revenue Fell Short

Townsquare Media Wednesday released its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Here are the key takeaways:

Earnings and Revenue: Earnings per share (EPS) came in at 14 cents, falling short of the analyst estimate of 35 cents per share. However, the company managed to beat revenue expectations, reporting $118.23 million in revenue, slightly better than the estimated $117.90 million1.

Segment Performance:

• Townsquare Interactive: This segment saw sequential revenue growth in each month of Q2. Positive subscriber trends contributed significantly to this improvement.
• Digital Advertising: Despite challenges, digital advertising net revenue continued to grow year-over-year, albeit modestly.
• Broadcast Advertising: Net revenue from broadcast advertising remained relatively flat compared to the prior year, showing improvement from Q1 declines.

Overall, digital accounted for 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in the first half of 2024.

Financial Flexibility: The company maintains strong cash flow, allowing it to invest in its digital growth initiatives. Debt and share buybacks demonstrate Townsquare’s commitment to financial flexibility.

Bill Wilson

“I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s momentum is building as demonstrated by another quarter of sequential net revenue improvement, primarily due to our local focus and our unique and differentiated digital platform. Second quarter net revenue decreased -2.5% year-over-year and Adjusted EBITDA decreased -8.3% year-over-year, both meeting guidance and reflecting a sequential improvement from first quarter declines,  commented Bill Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Townsquare Media, Inc.

"In the second quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $48.9 million, in large part due to non-cash impairment charges. Our Q2 performance was driven by stabilizing and/or improving trends across segments: Townsquare Interactive returned to sequential revenue growth in each month of the quarter, as a result of positive subscriber trends that have improved dramatically compared to previous quarters; Digital Advertising net revenue growth continued at +1% year-over-year; and Broadcast Advertising net revenue was approximately flat as compared to the prior year, an improvement from first quarter declines. In total, Digital represented 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in the first six months of the year,” added Wilson.

Minority Representation Soars In Radio News

The latest RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey found that the minority workforce in radio rose nearly 5 points to 21.5% — the highest level ever — eclipsing the old record of 17.8% set in 2022. All minority groups set record highs except Native Americans, which edged down by 0.1.

The big change this year came in commercial radio — which soared from last year’s 9.8% minority to this year’s 19.4%. Non-commercial radio held fairly steady at 23.5% minority — compared to 23.2% last year. We cannot account for the big jump at commercial stations. We’ll wait until next year’s numbers to see if this is real or a one-year anomaly.

In radio news, historically, men have outnumbered women by about 50%. Men still outnumber women, but the margin got noticeably tighter this year, with 57.4% men compared to 42.6% women. That’s 4 points down for men, and 4 points up for women. This year, only white men outnumber women. Among Caucasians, the percentage is 61.6% men versus 38.4% women. That’s 3 points down for men, 3 points up for women. In all other groups, women now outnumber men. With Hispanics, it’s 54.7% women and 45.3% men; African American women outnumber men, 57.5% to 42.5%; Asian American women way outnumber the men, 64.2% to 35.8%, and Native American women are 55.6% to 44.4% men. 

Historically, women news directors have been much more common at non-commercial stations than commercial ones, and that’s certainly true again this year. There were gains for women news directors in major markets but losses in medium and small markets. In the end, the percentage overall is virtually identical to a year ago. Women news directors are most common in the West. This year we also have the first reports of non-binary news directors — at 0.7% overall. 

The Deep Dive:  HERE

FOX News Channel to Present Gutfeld! Live at 11PM During the DNC

FOX News Channel’s (FNC) Gutfeld! will broadcast live at 11 PM/ET each night following the network’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. From August 19-22nd, host Greg Gutfeld will be joined live by a studio audience in New York City for the first time ever.

The live DNC edition of television’s highest-rated program will air after FNC’s Democracy 24: Democratic National Convention co-anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Throughout the program, Gutfeld, along with panelists Kat Timpf, George “Tyrus” Murdoch and two guests, will break down the headlines from the convention as well as other news of the day with their signature satirical banter.

During its live programs in Milwaukee last month following the Republican National Convention, Gutfeld! delivered its most-watched week in program history with 3.3 million viewers and 643,000 in A25-54, according to data from Nielsen Media Research. 

From July 15-18th, Gutfeld! outpaced The Daily Show (head-to-head), CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers and CBS’ After Midnight with total viewership.