The Mighty 990 KWAM morning host Ben Deeter has exited mornings at the Starnes Media Group Memphis news/talk station.
Deeter has hosted Wake Up Memphis since September 2022. The show airs from 7-9 AM. Deeter originally joined the station owned by nationally syndicated radio host Todd Starnes in May 2021 as a news anchor.
Deeter’s final show with the station was on Monday, April 28th. According to Starnes, Deeter is departing to take a position working in Washington D.C. on Capitol Hill.
“It has been really quite remarkable to see how you have grown, and really how you’ve become an important part of the community, a part of the city,” Starnes said during Deeter’s final show. “A lot of people, if you see them on TV, you get this perception of who they are. But a lot of times, that perception is not the reality.
“But in radio, you get to find out pretty quickly if someone is being authentic. And for us, that person was you,” Starnes continued to Ben Deeter. “You have made a great impact here, you’re going to make a great impact in Washington D.C., and we really are sorry that you’re leaving. I was hoping you were going to stick around for another 15 or 20 years.”
The Mighty 990KWAM is in search of Deeter’s replacement. The ideal candidate would have three years of talk radio experience with a strong background in politics and news, according to Starnes. The position is based at the station’s studios in Memphis.
To apply for the position, send a resume and aircheck to Starnes by clicking here.
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Cumulus has dropped the Cat Country 94.1 brand in Cincinnati in favor of the station’s frequency and call letters.
The slogan is “Queen City Country.” The format and air staff remain in place—syndicated morning show “Kincaid and Dallas” in the morning. Karen Van Zant hosts from 9 am to 12 pm. Austin “Tater” Ratcliff, 12 pm to 3 pm, with Amanda Valentine from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Kincaid and Dallas Photo Westwood One
Evenings and overnights are handled by syndicated “Country Nights Live with Bev Rainey” and “The Overnight Ride with Justin Franiak.”
This is the station’s fourth branding since it went to Country. First was Great Country 94.1, then Nash-FM, then Cat Country 94.1, and now 94.1 WNNF.
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Peter King has covered the National Football League since he began with the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1980, and he has enjoyed watching the league from afar since he announced his retirement in February of 2024. Currently, King is working on his new memoir, which explores his legendary career and examines how the NFL has changed since he first began covering the league.
Recently, he was a guest on the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch of The Athletic in a wide-ranging interview. During the conversation, he was asked about his opinion on how ESPN and Mel Kiper Jr. handled the storyline of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his slip into the fifth round of the draft.
“I thought it was way over the top,” said King. “I would say there was probably four or five times that Mel got on his high horse about Shedeur Sanders. I might be wrong. Maybe it was three but seemed like it was more than three. ESPN started the draft on Thursday night, talking about Shedeur probably as much as Cam Ward, if not more. Shedeur wasn’t the pick, Cam Ward was the pick.”
Furthermore, he noted that Kiper, along with other pundits during the draft broadcast, could have contacted general managers or head coaches who continued to pass on selecting Sanders and asked for some sort of information on background. Moreover, the longtime NFL scribe was critical of some of the commentary surrounding why Shedeur wasn’t drafted as high as many had expected.
“Forget all these people who say, ‘Oh, it’s either it’s racist or anti-Deion.’ This is an anti-Deion. That’s a ridiculous statement,” King stated. “It’s so oversimplification of this. It is the fact that this guy had a bunch of job interviews that, at best, went in a shaky manner. Teams in the NFL, when you’re talking about a quarterback, they don’t like that.”
Later in the podcast, Deitsch asked King if he believed Kiper is better served being correct with his picks or being more of an entertainer with his presentation. Although King said he couldn’t answer that question definitively, he did express the belief that it probably would be better served if Kiper leaned more into being entertaining than being right.
“ESPN got the ratings,” said King. “ESPN accomplished what it wanted to do. It made Shedeur a huge story. He was a big story already, and this made it huge.”
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Approaching The Summit is a series of special interviews created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing featuring speakers at the upcoming 2025 BSM Summit in Chicago, IL. Follow along with this series as prominent names surrounding the event coming up on May 8-9 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) inside the Edlis Neeson Theater and share their insights and expectations for what’s to come in the Windy City.
Mike Ricordati has been hosting programming on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, Ohio since December 2003 and will be attending the BSM Summit for the first time. Ricordati has been in the afternoon drive daypart since late 2008 and will begin working with Tim Hall on the airwaves starting on Monday, May 12 after a run with Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith. On the first day of the event in Chicago, he will take part in the “Afternoons in the Morning” panel with Marc Silverman, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes.
Prior to the BSM Summit in May, Ricordati spoke with Barrett Media about his anticipation for the event and topics that he hopes are addressed on stage.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
BSM Staff: You are attending the BSM Summit for the first time this year. What are you looking forward to this year as the event makes its return to Chicago?
Mike Ricordati: I guess just meeting some people. I’ve had the same job for 22 years, so I don’t really get a chance to mingle with other people in the industry, and that’s, I guess, the curse of job security is that you get to sort of be in your little cave, but it’ll be nice to get out and talk to the people and see what they’re doing in other markets.
BSM Staff: What is the value for industry professionals to leave the office and attend the BSM Summit?
Mike Ricordati: I think just knowing how things are working in other markets. Audiences are different, styles of shows are different, and I think the old-school consultants back in the day would say there was a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it, and I think that the talk radio landscape, especially sports talk, has changed so much in the last 20 years that there really is no right and wrong. It’s just whatever is working for you, and it’s good to pick up little ideas as to how other people are succeeding.
BSM Staff: What does it mean to represent 97.1 The Fan and the sports media industry by being a speaker at the event?
Mike Ricordati: It’s great. I was laughing when I saw the list because I know all those guys – I don’t know them personally – but I know their work in Chicago, and I made the joke that the panel should be called, ‘Four Guys from Chicago and You’ve Heard of Three of Them,’ because I’m quite sure that they’re familiar with each other and they’re familiar with the landscape, and I made the decision to leave knowing that it probably wouldn’t be the right time for me to ever come back and I’d make my name here.
But I think that representing what we do here in this market – my show is very unique. I think it’s different than most other shows, and that’s not to say that it works for everybody, it just so happens to work for me, and if I can share those ideas and somebody gets something out of them, then I guess that’s a win.
BSM Staff: How do you feel the subsets of the sports media industry as a whole can continue fostering additional synergy and work together to ensure growth?
Mike Ricordati: I think we have to just to survive. There’s times where we are looking at what other people are doing, especially on the digital platform. We were a little late to adopt that, and you look at this station and say, ‘Oh, what are they doing on YouTube? How are they doing it? Are they monetizing it?,’ and there’s really no secret sauce. I feel like people are very willing to talk about what’s making them successful because I think every radio station’s rooting for each other because we’re constantly being told. I’ve been told since I started in this business that radio’s dying, and yet we’re still here, and I think it’s the willingness to share ideas with each other is the reason why we are still here.
BSM Staff: As you view the return on investment with the BSM Summit, what do you hope to take away from the event and bring back to your station?
Mike Ricordati: I guess maybe a little recognition of what we’ve been able to do here. We’re not the biggest market in the world, but the numbers we’ve been able to do here, the revenue we’ve been able to do here, I think that that’s something that other stations can look at and say, ‘Well, if they can do that, then there’s no reason why we can’t do that,’ and I hope that we can help other stations achieve those goals, but really just shining a spotlight on a bunch of people that I think deserve some recognition. Not necessarily me, but other people that work here and shape what we do.
Purchase your tickets to the 2025 BSM Summit here, and for more information, visit BSMSummit.com.
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iHeartMedia Indianapolis Market President Leon Williamson is trading desks and assuming the same role in Memphis and Tupelo, MS.
Williamson said, “Joining Memphis’ vibrant market and Tupelo’s exceptional community is an amazing opportunity! I’m absolutely thrilled to work with iHeart’s iconic and heritage brands, enhancing their legacy of connection and community.”
Kentucky/Memphis Area President Kristy Beebe added, “Leon brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in our industry. His leadership and vision will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and success in the Memphis and Tupelo markets. Leon is not only a seasoned professional but also a dedicated supporter of the community, actively involved in various initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. This passion for service and his strategic approach to market challenges make him the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under Leon’s leadership, we will achieve new heights and continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients and partners.”
Williamson joined iHeart Indianapolis in August of 2022 as SVP/Sales before being promoted to Market President. Williamson will oversee all operational activities in the Memphis and Tupelo markets.
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Last week, ESPN commentator Shannon Sharpe announced he will be taking a temporary leave from his duties on ESPN’s First Take program. Sharpe made the announcement following a civil lawsuit filed by a woman who claims that the former NFL star sexually assaulted, harassed, and committed battery against her. According to a lawsuit filed on April 20 in Clark County, NV, the plaintiff, under the alias “Jane Doe,” said she was in a rocky relationship with Sharpe for nearly two years and is seeking $50 million in damages.
Sharpe denied the allegations through his lawyer and several posts on social media. Furthermore, according to the New York Post, Sharpe was in mediation with his accuser, with Sharpe’s lawyer, Lanny J. Davis, stating that his client was at least willing to settle for $10 million.
Meanwhile, Sharpe’s co-host Stephen A. Smith was a guest on the BigBoyTV podcast hosted by syndicated radio host Kurt Alexander, a.k.a. ‘Big Boy,’ and revealed he found out about the lawsuit just minutes before going on air. As a result, he knew that the allegations would lead to Sharpe leaving the ESPN airwaves.
“Although I was hopeful that it ultimately would not lead to him being off the air, I knew it wasn’t going to go down like that because I know Disney,” said Smith. “The court of public opinion is what the Disney’s of the world and others concerned themselves with. That’s a more immediate issue, and unfortunately, that has worked against him at this particular moment in time.”
Subsequently, Sharpe’s announcement last week stated that he was electing to step aside temporarily from ESPN to devote more time to his family and to respond to what he termed as “false and disruptive allegations” against him. However, he has not made the same decision to step back from his NightCap podcast and Club Shay Shay ventures. In fact, Sharpe broadcast live from the site of the NFL Draft in Green Bay alongside co-host Chad Ochocinco just hours after making his announcement about his temporary departure from ESPN.
Additionally, Smith said that while he will not reveal the details of the conversations he’s had with Sharpe since the lawsuit, he does believe Sharpe is innocent and hopes he can return to the airwaves in the summer as planned.
“I know the brother tells me he’s innocent. I believe him,” said Smith. “I know that he does not trust easy, and that honest conversations that he’s had with me he wouldn’t have with just anybody. I’m going to honor that, and I’m going to make sure that he knows and that everybody knows that no matter how things go down, not to say that he would rely on me, but if he ever chose to, anything that I can do for him as a friend I will do.”
Moreover, the First Take host and executive producer noted that Sharpe was pushed out from his duties previously with FS1, saying he knew there were some people internally at the FOX network who hoped it would be the end of Sharpe’s career. Smith added that he is grateful for everything Sharpe has contributed during his time at ESPN since joining the network, and he hopes for that to continue later this year following Sharpe’s temporary leave.
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Rock 98.9 Kansas City has announced a new lineup and unveiled a new logo. The lineup changes cascade from the exit of the “Johnny Dare Morning Show,” as part of recent Audacy job cuts.
“The Church of Lazlo” will slide from afternoons to mornings. The show featuring Lazlo and Slimfast will air weekday mornings from 6 to 10.
Photo Rock 98.9 Website
Ryan Westward will retain his midday slot, and Ashley O will take PM Drive. Ashley will continue to host “The Best Damn Morning Show” on Bayou 95.7 in New Orleans which she has done since April 2024.
Ryan Westwood Photo Rock 98.9 Website
Lazlo said, “We’ve been on the air for 20 years, and to take over the morning drive with such a legacy is surreal. Our fans are the reason we’re here. Nothing is off-limits, so tune in to join the conversation.”
Ashley O added, “I’m pumped to join the team at The Rock, speaking to the ‘Heart of America’ for the first time in my radio life! I can’t wait to bring my charisma and limitless mindset to a city as lively and welcoming as Kansas City. The food is awesome, the people are ridiculously friendly, and their sports teams don’t suck.”
Ashley O Photo Audacy
Roxanne Marati, SVP Market Manager, said, “The legacy of 98.9 The Rock is marked by the brand’s commitment to bringing rock music to the Kansas City community and having top-tier talent who connect with loyal listeners and passionate fans. This revamp is an exciting evolution for the brand.”
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NBC News has announced the final date that Lester Holt will helm NBC Nightly News, as well as the initial start for new anchor Tom Llamas.
Lester Holt, who last year was tabbed as the most trusted news anchor in America by a Morning Consult poll last year, will host NBC Nightly News for the final time on Friday, May 30th.
That date will mark the end of the line for Holt, who has hosted the venerable nightly news program since taking over for Brian Williams in 2015. It will be just shy of a decade since he officially held the role after he was officially named the replacement for Williams on June 18th, 2015.
Holt had previously announced his intentions to step away from the anchor chair of the nightly newscast earlier this year. However, he was vague about the timeline of his departure, simply stating that he would depart in the early portion of summer later this year.
As previously announced, Lester Holt will be succeeded in the anchor chair at NBC Nightly News by Tom Llamas. The network has revealed that Llamas will take over the role on Monday, June 2nd.
“Anchoring NBC Nightly News is a profound honor and one that carries tremendous responsibility. I look forward to working with the world-class journalists at Nightly News and Top Story to bring viewers the most important stories every night,” Llamas said after he was announced as the new anchor of the newscast. “Lester Holt is a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time. Just like Lester, I promise to be devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.”
Lester Holt will remain with NBC News in spite of his exit from the nightly newscast. He will now turn his attention to his role on the network’s popular Dateline program.
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Cumulus Media has revealed its first-quarter financial results, and the company noted a loss of revenue in the first three months of 2025.
The company posted total revenue of $187.3 million during the quarter. That figure represents a 6.4% decline compared to the first quarter of 2024.
Net losses for Cumulus mounted during the window, as it finished the quarter with a loss of $32.4 million. In the same quarter last year, Cumulus lost $14.2 million.
The company did see an uptick in digital revenue, in spite of its relationship with conservative powerhouse The Daily Wire ending. Digital revenue accounted for $36.6 million for the quarter. That’s an uptick of 6.1% year-over-year. When excluding the impact of the loss of The Daily Wire’s content, it is an increase of 20.4%.
Digital marketing revenue drove the growth, as that sector was up 30%. Podcasting, however, dropped 13% due to the end of partnership with The Daily Wire.
“For the first quarter, we delivered revenue in line with pacing guidance despite worsening economic headwinds reflecting, among other things, the imposition of tariffs that have depressed both consumer and advertiser sentiment,” said Cumulus Media President and CEO Mary Berner.
“However, with that backdrop, what remains constant is our relentless focus on actions to mitigate the impacts of the macro environment,” continued Berner. “For example, we accelerated growth in our digital marketing services business, which was up 30% for the quarter; leveraged our entire platform to capture demand opportunities; and drove additional annualized cost reductions of $7.5 million. Moving forward, we will continue to execute these strategies while simultaneously working to fundamentally transform the way we use and leverage our key assets.”
The company recorded an Adjusted EBITDA of $3.5 million. That figure was $8.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. Cumulus Media ended the quarter with $52.7 million in cash, and reported a total of debt of $670.2 million.
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Robyn Taylor, co-host of the “Boris & Robyn Show” at Rocker 101.5 WPDH, Hudson Valley, NY, has been off the air since the end of March. Taylor first experienced life-threatening health issues in November 2022.
At that time, Taylor called into the show to address her absence. You can hear that here.
Posting about her most recent absence from the show, the station reports that her condition is not as serious as it was in the first incident.
“The good news is that Robyn is not in as bad of shape as she was back then and is being attended to by doctors. While we don’t have an exact date, we expect Robyn to return to the show as soon as she has her energy back,” the post read in part. In 2023, Taylor called the morning show during her convalescence to explain how she almost lost her life.
Taylor has been with the station for most of her adult life. She began as a midday host and moved to mornings in 2012 when she was asked to “fill in,” and has been there since.
The station added, “We share everyone’s hope for a speedy recovery for the Hudson Valley’s favorite radio personality and can’t wait to hear her voice again.
Photo 101.5 WPDH Website
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