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Tasha Simome Exits Hot 107.7 In Cumulus Music Radio Layoffs

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Tasha Simone exits as Program Director and midday host at Cumulus Media’s “Hot 107.7” WUHT Birmingham as part of the company’s ongoing downsizing.

Simone, who has been with WUHT since 2005, took on the Program Director position in January 2022. In addition to her work at WUHT, she has also hosted nights on Westwood One’s “The Touch,” a 24/7 R&B format.

Earlier in her career, Simone worked with Cox’s Birmingham cluster and contributed to WERC-TV from 2006 to 2011.  

Simone said, “When it comes to passion, we all know that it isn’t something we can control. Radio is my passion. It is a relationship that I will never leave, and it will never leave me. Nearly three decades in, and radio remains one of my most cherished and unexpected blessings. And just like people, radio is evolving, and so am I. This recent shift is propelling me into another Jeremiah 29:11 experience. Thank you to my Birmingham Midday listeners who have allowed me to be the BFF in their ears for almost 20 years; my adored Evening listeners across the country (The Touch); and the Cumulus Birmingham team, James Robinson, and Kenny Smoov. We made great radio together.”

Reach her here.  

Fox News Digital Eclipses CNN in Unique Visitors During October

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Fox News Digital has reason to celebrate its October performance, as it surpassed CNN in total unique visitors during the month.

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Fox News Digital saw nearly 116 million unique multi-platform unique visitors according to Comscore. That figure represented a 26% increase year-over-year.

In total, the Fox News mobile app reached 6.5 million unique visitors during the month.

CNN, meanwhile, saw a decrease of 11%, finishing the month with 115,500,000 unique visitors for the month.

Fox News was also up in other metrics. In multi-platform total views, the network eclipsed 2 billion, compared to 1.1 billion for CNN.com and 1.6 billion for The New York Times. Additionally, Fox News saw a 13% increase in multi-platform minutes, with 3.9 billion for the month. CNN was down 16% to 1.9 billion, while The Times was up 2% to 1.6 billion.

On social media, Fox News was the most engaged brand with 47 million social interactions between Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. The network saw 283.2 million views on the video platform, up 11% compared to October 2023.

Lara Dua-Swartz Named Program Director and Content Strategist for WUGA

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Lara Dua-Swartz has been appointed as the Program Director and Content Strategist for WUGA (91.7 & 94.5), the University of Georgia’s NPR affiliate in Athens, GA.

For the past year and a half, she has contributed to the station as both an On-Air Host and Digital Content Producer while also serving as a midday host for Cox Media Group’s AC Magic 102.1 WGMG.

Dua-Swartz succeeds Martin Matheny, who exited WUGA in August after 12 years with the station.

Before relocating to Athens, Dua-Swartz was on air in New York City at the now-defunct ALT 92.3, WPLJ, and 92.3 NOW under the on-air name “Lars.”

She also spent seven years at iHeartMedia’s Top 40 HOT 99.5 in Washington, in late-night and midday slots as “Vibegrrl.”

Dua-Swartz said, “I’m so thrilled and beyond grateful for the opportunity to help WUGA expand its audience across Athens-Clarke County and Northeast Georgia. I have always longed for a chance to marry my skill sets in a way that will allow me to really give back to my community, and this position embodies that wholly.”

OutKick Draws 31 Million Total Multiplatform Views in October, Up 30% Over Last Year

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OutKick delivered major growth year over year in October. The platform says it saw 8.6 million total desktop and mobile unique visitors. That number represents a lift of 61% over the previous month and 44% growth over the previous year.

OutKick says it had 31 million total multiplatform views in the month of October. That is an increase of 32% from the prior month and 32% over October 2023. The platform also reports 28 million total multiplatform minutes, up 35% versus the prior month, and 21% year over year, according to Comscore.

OutKick believes several factors added to the growth including focusing on topics such as the San Jose State University volleyball controversy, coverage of the college football and NFL season as well as two separate interviews with President-elect Donald Trump. One was with OutKick founder Clay Travis during the Georgia-Alabama football game and the other was a sit down on the show Maintaining with Tyrus.

The company also had increases on social media. On Facebook, X, and Instagram, OutKick saw over 1.9 million social actions in the month. That number is up 27% versus the prior month and 119% versus October 2023.

OutKick reports over 19.7 million total video views on Facebook, X, and YouTube. That number is up 36% versus the prior month and up 73% year over year, according to Shareablee.

Broadcasters Foundation Reintroduces ’12 Days Of Giving’

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFoA) is reintroducing its “12 Days of Giving” campaign in conjunction with Giving Tuesday and the upcoming holiday season.

Running from December 1-12, the initiative invites broadcast professionals to support the Foundation’s efforts in assisting industry colleagues experiencing illness or facing hardships due to disasters.

Contributions can take various forms, including individual or corporate donations, promoting the Foundation’s mission on social media, or highlighting the BFOA during holiday events.

The “Fantasy Gifts and Experiences for Good” online auction is now underway, running through Giving Tuesday. Participants can place bids on a variety of unique items, including a signed guitar from Taylor Swift and exclusive sports experiences. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the BFoA and the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation. (BMM 11/19)

Broadcasters Foundation President Tim McCarthy said, “We are devoted exclusively to providing aid to colleagues in broadcasting who are suffering from illness or facing hardship from a devastating disaster. Grants are supported solely by contributions from individuals and companies within our industry. We’re asking everyone in broadcasting to please consider including the BFoA in your 2024 charitable giving.”

Visit broadcastersfoundation.org.

Lizzette Perez New Midday Host At ‘102 Jamz’ Orlando

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Audacy’s Rhythmic Throwbacks “102 Jamz” WJHM, Orlando, has announced Lizzette Perez as the new midday host, effective today (11/22).

Perez is returning to the brand for the third time. She began her career there in 1995 as a promotions and research assistant and as a fill-in host for both the brand and “O-Rock 105.9” WOCL.

Perez is back for her third stint with the station, where she began her career in 1995. She also served as a fill-in host for both the brand and “O-Rock 105.9” WOCL. After five years, she transitioned to sister station “Mix 105.1” WOMX as an overnight host in 2000 and later hosted the night shift from 2007 to 2010.

Perez then returned to WJHM and its successor, “101.9 Amp Radio” WQMP, where she worked as Public Service Director and fill-in host, including periods as interim morning and midday host until 2019. That same year, she spent time with Christian AC station “Z88” WPOZ-FM.

ESPN to Air Five Episodes of ‘They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce’ Starting January 2025

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Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and current ESPN football analyst Jason Kelce will test a new late-night show on ESPN. The network has announced They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce will air late on Friday nights/early Saturday mornings starting with the first episode on Saturday Jan. 4 at 1 a.m. ET.

The network says the show will be a “personality-driven, one-hour program” which “will take its inspiration from traditional late-night television, emphasizing a comedic approach…” The show will run in conjunction with the finale of the NFL regular season and playoffs and is scheduled for five total episods.

NFL Films will produce the show in conjunction with Kelce’s Wooderboy Productions and Skydance Sports. It will air on ESPN and also be available on ESPN+, ESPN YouTube and Kelce’s YouTube channel, with replays available on ESPN2.

The format of the show will have Kelce and guests dissecting NFL topics and storylines, mainly focused on that weekend’s games, in both conventional and good-humoredly unconventional approaches including active participation from the fans in attendance.

In a release, ESPN said, “The atmosphere inside Union Transfer will bring the Kelce experience to life, amplified by live music from SNACKTIME, Philadelphia’s own beloved band with soul, funk, hip hop, and rock influences. Each show will be taped on Friday evening, mere hours prior to airing.”

Cumulus Media Names Marv Nyren Regional Vice President for Chicago and Minneapolis

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Cumulus Media has announced it is promoting Marv Nyren to Regional Vice President, where he’ll oversee the Chicago and Minneapolis markets.

Nyren originally joined the company in 2017 to serve as the Vice President and Market Manager of Cumulus in Chicago. He joined after previously working as the President and Regional Vice President for iHeartMedia in Jacksonville and Brunswick, Georgia, in addition to stops working at Emmis Communications and Chicago Public Media.

“I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Chicago team, and now, expanding to the Minneapolis market is truly a dream come true,” said Marv Nyren. “Being part of both teams is a privilege, and I’m excited to contribute and make a positive impact in both markets.”

Cumulus Media owns and operates three stations in both Chicago and Minneapolis.

“Marv brings a wealth of experience across multiple U.S. markets to this expanded role,” said Cumulus President of Operations Dave Milner. “Known for his highly effective and impactful leadership in Chicago, Marv will be a tremendous asset to our talented teams and strong brands in the Twin Cities.”

Update Given on Dennis Prager More Than One Week Since Hospitalization

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Last week, Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager was hospitalized after a fall at his home in Los Angeles. A new update on his condition has been shared.

Earlier this week, Salem Radio Network shared an update stating that Prager had still been dealing with “a lot of swelling and inflammation around his neck and upper spine,” and that “progress has been slow, but steady.”

The update added that “the overall trend is positive. Patience is required.”

“This will be a longer process than any of us wish,” fill-in host Carl Jackson shared on Wednesday.

On Thursday, however, friend Dr. Carol M. Swain shared that Prager had seen his condition change “in a not-so-great direction,” revealing he had been diagnosed with pneumonia.

Many colleagues from the conservative media space have continued to call for prayers and well wishes for Dennis Prager after suffering the fall last week.

Jennifer Horn, Mark Davis, Bob Frantz, and Carl Jackson have all served as fill-in hosts for Prager during his absence.

The Erick Erickson Show Raises More Than $300K for Hungry For A Day Charity

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The Erick Erickson Show recently completed its charity drive for the Hungry For A Day non-profit, and it was a record year for giving.

The national non-profit partners with food banks around the nation to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need.

$319,038 was raised to support the initiative of ensuring as many Americans as possible have a robust Thanksgiving meal. Hungry For A Day reports that $40 will feed an entire family at Thanksgiving. That means Erickson’s listeners funded meals for just shy of 8,000 families around the country.

“Every year we do this, my listeners overwhelm me with their generosity,” Erickson said. “This year, we have raised enough to support thousands of families. Hungry For A Day will make sure each family has a turkey or smoked ham, sweet or mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and a pie. In situations where a family lacks the means to cook the meal, Hungry For a Day and their local partners will make sure the meal arrives ready to eat.”

The Erick Erickson Show originates from 95.5 WSB in Atlanta and is distributed nationally by Compass Media Networks. Hungry For A Day was launched in 2012 and is based in Smyrna, Georgia.