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Lou Dobbs, Former CNN and FOX Business Network Host, Dies

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Lou Dobbs, Former CNN and FOX Business Network Host, Dies

Longtime political and financial host for both CNN and FOX Business Network Lou Dobbs has died at the age of 78, his family announced in a social media statement.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of ‘the great Lou Dobbs.’ Lou was a fighter til the very end — fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country,” the statement read. “Lou’s legacy will forever live on as a patriot and a great American. We ask for your prayers for Lou’s wonderful wife Debi, children and grandchildren.”

Dobbs began working at CNN at its 1980 launch serving as both a reporter and Vice President of the network. He also hosted and served as the managing editor of the show Moneyline before being renamed Lou Dobbs Tonight. He left the network in 1999 before rejoining in 2001 and ultimately leaving for good in 2009.

In 2011, he joined Fox Business Network where he worked until his program was canceled in February 2021 after he continually alleged improprieties in the 2020 presidential election. However, reports at the time alleged Fox News Media executives were considering ending his program before demands for a retraction from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic.

“An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry,” a statement from a Fox News Media spokesperson read. “We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

After his Fox Business Network exit, Dobbs began hosting a one-hour weekend program entitled Lou Dobbs Sunday and a daily 90-second financial feature, The Lou Dobbs Business Report, for 77 WABC and Red Apple Audio Networks.

“WABC Radio is saddened by the news of Lou’s passing, the company said in a statement to Barrett News Media. “He was a visionary in providing Americans with daily financial reports and successfully segued into both financial and political commentary. WABC Radio and its listeners will miss him.”

In addition to his radio work with Red Apple Audio Networks, he also hosted Lou Dobbs Radio with United Stations Radio Networks from 2008 to 2012.

Ryan Arnold Resigns From WXRT, Chicago

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Ryan Arnold Resigns From WXRT, Chicago

On his 11th anniversary with the company, Ryan Arnold has resigned from Audacy’s Triple A WXRT/Chicago.

In confirming the news, Arnold told Ramp, “The abrupt elimination of my afternoon drive position in the spring and the shift to part-time hourly tracking nights proved untenable. I’ll now be focusing on my PR firm De Soto & State Communications and our work in the not-for-profit sector.”

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Rumba 95.7 (#1 Para Hits Y Variedad) Debuts in Tampa Bay

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Rumba 95.7 (#1 Para Hits Y Variedad) Debuts in Tampa Bay

iHeartMedia flipped frequencies today in Tampa Bay, with Spanish Hits WRUB and Hip-Hop WBTP (The Beat) trading places on the dial. With “The Beat” moving to 106.5/102.9, WRUB will transform to Classic Hip-Hop/R&B “Rumba 95.7” (“#1 Para Hits Y Variedad.)

P.J. Gonzalez, SVP Programming for iHeartLatino, said, “Rumba 95.7 will feature a special mix of music tailored specifically to the local Latino community in Tampa Bay. We’re also excited to have Enrique Santos hosting our morning show on a far superior signal, ensuring his unique content reaches even more listeners.”

iHeart Division President Chris Soechtig added, “We are thrilled to expand coverage of Rumba 95.7 on a massive 100,000-watt signal, in addition to being available across multiple platforms via the iHeartRadio app, dedicated to serving and celebrating the vibrant Latino community in Tampa Bay. This station will provide a platform for diverse voices, culture, and music, and we are excited to foster stronger connections within our community.”

The Beat transitions to Classic Hip Hop/R&B “The Suncoast’s Throwback Station.”

Tommy Chuck, iHeart SVP Programming, said, “We are excited to launch this fresh brand, which is dedicated to curating over 25 years of iconic music for the Suncoast, which encompasses the Tampa and Sarasota markets. 106.5/102.9 The Beat offers a fun playlist that will resonate with a diverse group of listeners.”

Dan Le Batard: The Sports Media Industry ‘Isn’t Dying, But It’s Shaking’

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Dan Le Batard: The Sports Media Industry ‘Isn’t Dying, But It’s Shaking’

Earlier this year, Jon Weiner, aka Stugotz from The Dan Le Batard Show, threw his name in the hat to become the new program director at WFAN in New York. He ultimately decided not to take the position which ultimately went to Ryan Hurley, formerly of ESPN New York.

The day it was discussed on the air, Dan Le Batard said, “I hope New York radio is flattered that someone who helped shape and shake this industry was willing to consider it at 50, but he didn’t want to work that hard.”

Stugotz replied, “Well, that hard for that amount of money.”

While Stugotz was off the program today, Le Batard, along with Billy Gil and Mike Ryan Ruiz, brought the subject back up and discussed what they believe he is really most interested in.

“I can’t believe that you are legitimately learning for the first time that Stugotz is flirting with WFAN again,” Le Batard said. “He wants to be a program director, man.”

“He doesn’t,” replied Gil.

Le Batard then said, “Well, he doesn’t want to do the work of it. He just wants the power,”

“No, he just wants the money,” Ruiz said. “He’ll outsource the power to somebody else to do it.”

Le Batard then realized that while it might be the money Stugotz was after, but since he didn’t take the position, it clearly wasn’t the amount of money he was looking for.

“That’s the thing,” Le Batard said. “He doesn’t want the money. It’s not enough money. Otherwise, he’d already be doing it at WFAN.”

“No, he wants the money that he thought was attached to the role,” Ruiz surmised.

“No, he wants all the money here and that money without doing any of the work of being program director over there,” Le Batard concluded.

“I hope he’s listening,” Ruiz later said. “I could not envision a worse program director at this point. I mean, look at how we open the show, guys. He is who he has always been. Always. But you don’t want that as a program director.”

Le Batard brought it back to what he thinks it really is all about and that is money and future contracts. Talking about it brought out some real direct conversation about the state of where things are today in the sports media industry as a whole.

“He’s angling,” Le Batard said. “The whole thing, I think, is meant to be a negotiation. I mean, contract year here for everybody. I think it’s meant to create [negotiation]. Look, man, the industry isn’t dying, but it’s shaking. When you get all of these people at ESPN who are either being asked to take pay cuts or get out of there while they give the money to just a few people, the industry really is struggling and spasming.

“And when I get scared about stuff around here, it’s at least in part because I’m not sure if we don’t make this succeed, where are these jobs in Florida? The jobs that we presently have here, where do we get them in Florida while remaining near and around our families if they’re not created by us?”

Petros Papadakis: Only ‘Self-Important’ Boston and New York Sports Radio Hosts Can’t Handle MLB All-Star Week

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Petros Papadakis: Only ‘Self-Important’ Boston and New York Sports Radio Hosts Can’t Handle MLB All-Star Week

Sports radio generally looks at the week of the MLB All-Star Game as the week about nothing. AM 570 LA Sports host Petros Papadakis actually likes the challenge the period provides.

While appearing with Dave “Softy” Mahler and Dick Fain on 93.3 KJR in Seattle, Papadakis said he doesn’t view this week as difficult one as a sports radio host.

“I don’t mind the All-Star break. A lot of sports talk guys don’t know what to do. But we’re able to stretch our legs a little bit and have a little creativity during All-Star Week,” Papadakis said.

After Mahler said the station used to play into the slow week by promoting “The Slowest Day in Sports,” he was glad they went away from that branding.

“I always hated that. I’m like if it’s the slowest day in sports, then why should people turn into sports radio? We should be better than that,” the Seattle host shared.

Petros Papadakis joked that he is one of the chief purveyors of sports shows not talking about sports, so the week isn’t a difficult one for him

“I’m one of the founding fathers in this industry. It’s damn right. You don’t need sports. Hell no,” he said with a chuckle before noting his Petros & Money show had plans to do a film review on a 1960s movie starring Audrey Hepburn. “There’s all kinds of things to discuss. People that are bored when there’s no sports are boring people. And that’s the Boston and New York sports markets. Joyless douchebags that sit there and talk about their self-important sports opinion like it matters.”

After the MLB All-Star break, the league officially returns to action on Friday with every franchise in the big leagues playing.

‘ESPN8: The Ocho’ to Return with New Seldom-Seen Sports Over Four Days

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‘ESPN8: The Ocho’ to Return with New Seldom-Seen Sports Over Four Days

A new edition of ESPN8: The Ocho will be airing on ESPN platforms from Thursday, Aug. 1 to Sunday, Aug. 4, marking the return of the broadcast event with four days and 54 hours of esoteric sports offerings. The company expanded the venture to a three-day event last year and will be utilizing an additional day to bring fans additional sports content.

Banana Ball will begin the venture for the second consecutive year featuring a prime-time broadcast of the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals game on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN2. Following the opening game, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, the 2004 film starring Vince Vaughn, Christine Taylor and Ben Stiller that inspired the creation of ESPN8: The Ocho, will air on ESPN2. After the film concludes, more sports will air throughout the night to conclude the first day of the event.

The Bananas and Party Animals will play another prime-time game on Friday beginning at 7 p.m. EST. This contest will be broadcast on ESPN, which represents the first time ESPN8: The Ocho programming will air on the network during the primary day of this event. The final game of the series between the two teams will return to prime time in ESPN2 on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. EST.

The four-day event will provide fans with 21 new sports in the lineup, including the World Jump Rope Championships, ZoneBall Clash, and the 2024 World Juggling Federation Ultimate Overall Championship. A robot fighting championship, speed jigsaw puzzling, ultimate tire wrestling and the Roofball World Championships are also included among the sports as well. Rock Hill, S.C. will serve as the center of seldom-seen sports as the host of nearly 16 hours of ESPN programming that includes ax and knife throwing, a Fling Golf all-star skills challenge and the USA Dodgeball All-Star Showcase. Other sports that will be making their debut within ESPN8: The Ocho include Pop-A-Shot, the 2024 Hamlin Adult Big Wheel Races, Major League Paintball, National Putting League and Carjitsu Championship. 

Victoria Arlen, Arda Öcal and Cristina Alexander will serve as co-hosts on The Ocho Show, which will air live from Rock Hill and showcase several different events. All events taking place in the area are free for fans at each venue. Moreover, there will be an ESPN8: The Ocho Fan Zone at Manchester Meadows that includes food trucks, music, vendors and giveaways, along with ESPN’s Big Wheel Racing with a sonic twist.

The ESPN original podcast, Never Tell Me the Odds, will feature Öcal with Clinton Yates and Ryan McGee at the summer event as well. The show will have a live edition highlighting the top sports seen in Star Wars on Sunday, Aug. 4 at 8:30 a.m. on ESPN2, which is the first time this podcast will be available to watch on linear television. ESPN8: The Ocho debuted as the network’s first-ever free, ad-supported television (FAST) channel last December, providing fans with continuous coverage and replays of obscure sports.

Matt Deane named 98.5 KTIS, Minneapolis Station Manager

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Matt Deane named 98.5 KTIS, Minneapolis Station Manager

Northwestern Media’s Christian AC KTIS-FM/Minneapolis has named Matt Deane as Station Manager, effective September 30.

Deane takes over for Dave St. John, who is promoted to Senior Director of Media Markets for Northwestern Media.

Deane joined the station in March 2021 from co-owned KNWS (Life 101.9)/Waterloo, IA, and before that, KNWI (Life 107.1)/Des Moines.

David Schultz Hangs Up His Microphone in Lafayette

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David Schultz Hangs Up His Microphone in Lafayette

After more than 20 years in sports and broadcasting in various markets, David Schultz announced via social media he is leaving ESPN 103.7 and the industry.

“As I’ve said many times, ‘Life is about making the adjustments’, and I’m about to make a big one,” Schultz posted. While noting that he will still continue doing work for Locked on Sun Belt, he said, “I’m going to hang up my microphone.”

Schultz said, “It’s been an amazing ride that’s taken me across almost the entire country.” He then said he had called baseball games for teams in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, he has sports talk radio experience in Syracuse, Harrisburg, Miam, Lafayette, and Mobile.

Schultz said in his career he has covered “college baseball regionals, Super Regionals, worked a Super Bowl, and attended a couple of World Series with my father. But now it’s time to try something new.”

He said he will be working at the Jim Beam Distillery on the Bourbon Trail in Louisville. “If you’re hitting the Bourbon Trail, please come for a visit and I’ll be happy to show you around and of course offer you a few tastings from Jim Beam,” he wrote.

Schultz added, “The most important parts have been the friendships and all of the great people I’ve met and still consider friends…Thanks for everything Lafayette.

1210 WPHT to Host Event with Donald Trump Jr.

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1210 WPHT to Host Event with Donald Trump Jr.

1210 WPHT has announced plans to host Donald Trump Jr. as its featured guest at its “Politics & Pints” event later this month.

On Tuesday, July 30th, the son of former President and current Republican nominee Donald Trump will be at Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey to meet with listeners of the Audacy Philadelphia news/talk station.

Doors for the event will open at 6:00 PM ET with the presentation beginning at 7:15 PM ET.

Tickets for the event — which include a copy of the book “Letters to Trump”, written by the former President — are on sale now. Reserved seats begin at $195 with VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with the Trump Organization Executive Vice President and a commemorative Politics & Pints tumbler, selling for $500.

Conversations with Donald Trump Jr. at the 1210 WPHT event will include the 2024 election, the current political state of the United States, and his worldview, according to a press release from the station.

“Woody & Jim” Return To Nashville Mornings

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“Woody & Jim” Return To Nashville Mornings

Cromwell Media today ended speculation with the announcement of “Woody & Jim’s” return to Nashville radio. The duo will join the rebranded 93.3 FM—Totally Hits/Totally Nashville for mornings beginning July 22.

Director of Music Programming Chris Atticus said, “Their chemistry and connection with the community is unparalleled, and we can’t wait for them to bring their energy and fun back to Nashville radio.”

The duo is known in the market for their 25-year run at iHeartMedia’s WRVW (1075 The River). They exited the station in May 2023. They also worked together at WFLY (Fly 92)/Albany, NY for seven years.

Market GM Shawn Fort added, “We are beyond excited to have Woody & Jim join our team. Their ability to not only entertain but connect and give back to the community perfectly aligns with our motto at Cromwell Media of ‘making a difference where you are.’ After our first meeting with them we knew we had to make this happen. Woody & Jim are back, and they found the perfect home.”

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