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Nielsen Officially Moving to 3-Minute Qualifier for PPM Collection

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Nielsen has officially announced plans to change its current five-minute collection sample to three minutes beginning during the January 2025 PPM survey.

As a result of the movie, radio stations, and advertisers will get credit for more of the audience that hears commercials and content by moving to the shorter collection qualifying period.

“Moving from a 5-minute to a 3-minute qualifier addresses industry feedback and aligns with today’s listening habits,” a letter from Nielsen to subscribers obtained by Barrett Media stated. “By shortening the minimum amount of time required to be counted in the audience, Nielsen will capture more occasions and impressions than previously reported. This alone is reason enough to make this change, but the higher audience levels will also enhance how Radio shows up in the media mix and provide more robust inputs for attribution, outcomes measurement, and market mix models.”

The change is projected to increase advertising impressions, provide more comprehensive daily cume reporting while expanding the base of panelists, and allow broadcasters to experiment with length and placement of commercial breaks for maximum tune-in.

“This enhancement to Nielsen radio currency is a direct result of the engagement and feedback we’ve received from our broadcast, agency, and advertiser clients,” the statement continued.

“We would also like to thank The Nielsen Audio Alliance, The Nielsen Audio Advisory Council, The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), the NAB Committee on Local Radio Audience Measurement (COLRAM), and the Network Radio Research Council (NRRC) whose guidance and close collaboration helped identify opportunities to enhance our offering. Additionally, we are grateful to the Media Rating Council (MRC) for their input and planned audit of this new methodology prior to production.”

The organization has planned a webinar outlining the plan for the rollout of the new measurement. On Tuesday, November 19th at 3:00 PM ET. The company will provide materials to clients to help prepare for the changes in the coming days.

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Sid Rosenberg: Len Berman and Michael Riedel ‘Put On the Worst Show in the History of Radio’ on 710 WOR

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Len Berman and Michael Riedel exited 710 WOR last week during iHeartMedia layoffs. 77 WABC host Sid Rosenberg believes he played a role in their departure.

During Sid & Friends in the Morning, the New York news/talk host argued that his show dwarfed the competing Berman and Riedel in the ratings, leading to their departure.

“So Friday, Clear Channel (sic) announces that Len Berman and Mike Riedel — two very nice men, I’m friends with both of those guys, and both have a modicum of talent, Len mostly with sports, and Mike with Broadway — but together, God bless both of them, they put on the worst radio show in the history of radio,” said Rosenberg. “It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t okay, it was impossible. And the ratings there were even more of a mismatch than what I did to WCBS.”

Sid Rosenberg asserted he routinely draws 6 shares compared to the 2 shares the 710 WOR hosts would garner. He took issue with the insinuation that he had nothing to do with their departure and that it was simply due to cost-cutting.

“I don’t know what they were making, but I’m sure it was decent money. Probably, combined, they make more than me, and I’m killing them. I’m killing them,” he reiterated. “I’m basically putting that station out of business, and all day long, they can’t catch up.”

77 WABC News Director Noam Laden told Rosenberg that if iHeartMedia wanted to compete with the station in morning drive, they should simply “back up the Brinks truck” to Rosenberg and have him replace Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Rosenberg, however, said he was under contract for another 13 months and has too much admiration for owners John and Margo Catsimatidis to depart the station for a competitor like 710 WOR.

Reyes Media Group Purchases ‘KISS 105.9’ Lawrence/Kansas City For $2.5 Million

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According to filings with the FCC, Reyes Media Group, a Spanish-language media company, has reached an agreement to purchase 100kW Top 40 105.9 Kiss FM KKWS from Great Plains Media for $2.25 million.

The station, which broadcasts to the Topeka and Kansas City regions, will likely change to a Spanish-language format under Reyes Media. This move would complement the company’s existing portfolio, which includes three stations and a newspaper serving the Kansas City metro area.

This addition is significant as the company previously operated all its stations in the Kansas City area on the AM band. The new FM outlet enhances the reach into Topeka and important western areas of the Kansas City market.

Great Plains Media, which currently owns Kiss-FM, also operates two additional Lawrence-based stations: News/Talk KLWN-AM and Country KMXN 92.9 The Bull. These stations are not included in this transaction.

Len Berman Speaks For First Time Following 710 WOR Exit During iHeartMedia Layoffs

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Len Berman departed 710 WOR last week during the widespread iHeartMedia layoffs. And the former morning host is speaking for the first time since departing.

Berman joined the station in 2015 before being paired with Michael Riedel, who was added in 2018. Berman was a longtime fixture in New York television as a sports anchor at WNBC before joining the iHeartMedia station.

In an interview with Newsday, Berman shared that being laid off was a “surprise”, especially just days after he led the first-ever radio broadcast of the New York City Marathon.

The 77-year-old made no bones about his role as the resident liberal on the station and his relationship with co-host Michael Riedel.

“Michael and I are good friends but we’d fight like cats and dogs on the air, then go to a commercial, [and say] ‘What are you having for dinner tonight? Oh, I don’t feel like Japanese,'” he shared. “We’d get pretty heated at times and then that all went away when we socialized. Just a couple weeks ago, we had dinner with Michael and his wife.”

Len Berman also said that he was let go immediately after Friday’s program ended with no chance to say goodbye to longtime listeners of the program.

Carmelo Anthony, Wave Sports + Entertainment, Back with Season 2 of ‘7PM in Brooklyn’

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Wave Sports + Entertainment announced their original series, 7PM in Brooklyn will return for a second season. New episodes of the show are scheduled to begin Friday Nov. 15. Hosts Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero, will be joined by a cast of rotating co-hosts, including former NBA star Rudy Gay, rising NBA & WNBA media personality and analyst Monica McNutt, and Emmy-Award Winning TV host, Kazeem Famuyide.

The season premiere episode will feature Carmelo’s son, Kiyan Anthony, revealing his college basketball commitment, followed by episodes with retired NFL star Chad Ochocinco and Carmelo’s former New York Knicks teammate, Iman Shumpert.

“7PM in Brooklyn has always been a space where authentic conversations meet the heart of basketball and culture, and I’m excited for fans to experience the fresh immersive journey we’ve created this season,” said Carmelo Anthony in a release. “In Season 2, we’re raising the bar even higher, building on the momentum from the first season while introducing new voices and perspectives. This season is set to deliver dynamic, insightful conversations that fans won’t find anywhere else!” 

Season 1 guests of the show included Jayson Tatum, Issa Rae, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, Rich Paul, Dwyane Wade, Sue Bird, Common, Joe Budden, and more. To date, the series has over 28 million YouTube views and accumulated 100 million social impressions across platforms.

“I’m excited to be joining the 7PM in Brooklyn family and collaborate with a team that has established itself as a leader in helping athletes create impactful digital content,” said Rudy Gay. “Carmelo is one of my favorite people on and off the court and I can’t wait to see what we cook up together.”

Wave Sports + Entertainment is also behind podcasts such as New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, Podcast P with Paul George, The Right Time with Bomani Jones, and the recently launched Fitz & Whit hosted by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth.

Fans can tune into new episodes of 7PM in Brooklyn every Thursday on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

FOX Sports Radio Update Anchors Exit Amid iHeartMedia Layoffs

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iHeartMedia continues to carry out widespread layoffs, with several FOX Sports Radio staffers announcing their departures.

Overnight update anchor Eddie Garcia revealed early Tuesday morning that he was among those affected by the cuts.

“I was a bit surprised but I had also felt that I’ve had this amazing job for a lot longer than I ever dreamed,” Garcia wrote in a post on social media.

Garcia wasn’t the only update anchor to leave the network.

Kevin Wyart also announced that he had been let go.

“Radio has always been a tough business, and for me, it’s gotten murkier. I’ve been laid off from my anchor position at Fox Sports Radio,” he shared. “These past two years have been an experience beyond anything I could’ve asked for, and I thank everyone at iHeart Media for making it possible.”

Bryan Fenley, who hosts UCLA Bruins postgame shows for AM 570 LA Sports in addition to his work with FOX Sports Radio, also announced his exit.

“Grateful for my time at Fox Sports Radio. I was told I will no longer be working there for budgetary reasons,” Fenley shared. “Timing felt right as I’ve been doing a lot of remote events lately and haven’t been at FSR much recently.”

Additionally, update anchor Nick Koop had a similar story to share, stating he would be leaving FOX Sports Radio.

“Today was my last day at Fox Sports Radio. I was cut as part of iHeart’s company-wide layoffs,” Koop wrote. “Thankful for the opportunity to learn from so many talented people over the last two-plus years.”

The news of the reductions at FOX Sports Radio comes on the heels of other widespread cuts made by iHeartMedia nationally. The company is in the midst of slashing 5% of its total workforce, with several other sports stations and employees being affected by the layoffs.

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98.7 The Shark Tampa Moves To Super Hi-Fi AI Operating Model

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Beasley Media’s Classic Rock station, “98.7 The Shark,” in Tampa, FL, is the latest station to be driven by Super Hi-Fi’s AI-driven radio operating system.

Audacy’s 103.1 “Front Range Country” in Denver recently deployed the system on KQKS-HD2 (BMM 10/31). “The Shark” represents the full-power first station with an airstaff to take on the system.

A Super Hi-Fi spokesperson says, “With this new operational model, human talent continues to program the music and host all personalities, ensuring the station retains its authentic touch. However, the integration of Super Hi-Fi’s AI-enabled, cloud-based system revolutionizes the station’s programming, management, voice-tracking, updating, and delivery. The entire station has “moved to the cloud”, with Super Hi-Fi’s enterprise-grade stream delivered directly to a modern, optimized transmitter-based playout system. This strategic set of upgrades positions Beasley at the forefront of the industry’s digital transformation, showcasing a new way to deliver radio that reduces complexity and costs while enhancing the listener experience.”

“We’re excited to begin the deployment of Super Hi Fi’s technology in Tampa, marking another key milestone in our AI and technology roadmap,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley. “This technology enables us to deliver our broadcast in a cloud-to-ground approach that streamlines operations and prepares the stations for the future. This launch enhances our station’s capabilities, underscores our commitment to integrating innovative technologies that enrich the listener experience and positions us at the forefront of the evolving audio landscape.”

Zack Zalon, Co-Founder and CEO of Super Hi-Fi, commented, “We are thrilled to work with Beasley on their roadmap for the future. The legacy of Beasley’s innovations in radio is already a huge part of the industry’s history, so it’s an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside them as they help carve the next step for radio.”

Chris Wallace Leaving CNN With Eye on Independent Digital Future

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CNN host Chris Wallace is leaving the cable news giant when his contract expires after a three-year run with the organization.

Wallace joined CNN in 2022 after almost 20 years working at Fox News. However, he told The Daily Beast his interest now is focused on a digital footprint with podcasting and digital video on platforms like YouTube and Rumble.

“This is the first time in 55 years I‘ve been between jobs,” he said. “I am actually excited and liberated by that.”

CNN CEO Mark Thompson wished the outgoing anchor well in his future endeavors in a statement released after the news became public.

“Chris Wallace is one of the most respected political journalists in the news business with a unique track record across radio, print, broadcast television, cable television, and streaming,” said Thompson. “We want to thank him for the dedication and wisdom he’s brought to all his work at CNN and to wish him the very best for the future.”

The Chris Wallace Show — the weekend offering from the anchor — will conclude next month, while Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? will end after Friday’s final episode.

The move by Wallace to leave cable news for digital endeavors follows a similar path blazed by others in recent months. Mehdi Hasan has found success with his Zeteo News product since departing MSNBC. Additionally, CNN reporter Oliver Darcy launched his own digital media startup after leaving CNN. Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon have each also launched digital video shows to differing levels of success since their cable news exits.

Wallace was reportedly offered a new contract by CNN to extend his current down. However, reports indicate it was “for significantly less” than the reported $8.5 million contract he signed with the network under previous leadership.

Joel Klatt: Prior to Big Noon Saturday on FOX, the Early College Football Window Was ‘Non-Existent’

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FOX Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt took to his social media to defend the Big Noon Saturday college football window. College football fans, notably many from Ohio State, have been upset with the number of marquee games which have been in the 12 p.m. ET window. Ohio State will have six straight noon games to end their season, with five of those being chosen by FOX.

Klatt calls the Big Noon games with play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson. He has now been in the role for a decade with the Big Noon window created in 2019. Klatt has discussed the topic on his show, The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast and he made some similar comments in his social posts.

“Lots of talk about Big Noon Saturday…Here are some things I think you should know,” Klatt started out. “Big Noon Saturday has been the most watched CFB window for the last few years…last year our window avg. almost 7m viewers/game – Prior to Big Noon this window in CFB was non-existent.

“Fox Sports saw a clear opportunity to build value into the sport by creating a 3rd window for premium CFB. That clearly worked – The Big 10 entered into partnership with 3 network partners and those partners have exclusivity in their preferred window – Fox at Noon, CBS at 3:30, NBC at 7. When each network gets to select a game for network AIR it must be shown in that networks exclusive window. When we have the privilege to select one of the great matchups of the week we showcase that game in our premium window.”

Klatt then ended his social post writing, “I love this sport and am committed to showcasing the incredible environments, programs, and players that make our sport so incredible. You will find me and the entire hard working Fox Sports Big Noon crew wherever we are sent, celebrating this great sport and its amazing fans.”

FOX Sports won the Week 10 television ratings with the Big Noon broadcast of Ohio State-Penn State averaging 9.9 million viewers. The week before, the Nebraska-Ohio State game won the week with 5.96 million viewers. FOX Sports also won the week in Week 2 when Texas-Michigan reached an average of 9.19 million viewers.

Yahoo Sports and The Rich Eisen Show Announce Partnership

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Yahoo Sports and The Rich Eisen Show have announced a partnership which will see the network add a page which will air video-on-demand clips from the show. The network will also post the clips on their social channels to help drive more fans to the show which streams free on The Roku Channel weekdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

According to Yahoo Sports, the partnership, “enables The Rich Eisen Show to tap into the significant scale of the Yahoo Sports network (which averages 115M monthly unique visitors, per Comscore) to reach new audiences and drive tune-in for its live broadcast.” The page will be located at yahoosports.com/richeisen.

“Very excited to partner with the great, award-winning The Rich Eisen Show and to bring show clips and highlights to Yahoo Sports,” said Yahoo Sports President Ryan Spoon.

The popular former ESPN SportsCenter anchor who just celebrated his 10-year anniversary of The Rich Eisen Show, visits with some of the top names in sports and entertainment. Recent guests have included Tom Brady, Matt Damon, Travis Kelce, Jerry Seinfeld, Shaquille O’Neal, Larry David, Deion Sanders, Jodie Foster, Jack Flaherty, Matthew McConaughey, Keegan Michael Kay and more.

The show is also available on Cumulus, along with Sirius XM, Audacy and TuneIn along with ReachTV. In addition to Yahoo Sports, the Rich Eisen Productions banner currently has deals with Roku and Westwood One for its portfolio that includes The Rich Eisen Show and five shows under The Rich Eisen Podcast Network.