5/6 WAKE-UP CALL: Israel Fires Rockets After 3 Soldiers Killed

Three Israeli soldiers were killed in a rocket attack claimed by Hamas armed wing, near the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, where Palestinian health officials said at least 19 people were killed by Israeli fire on Sunday. Hamas's armed wing claimed responsibility on Sunday for an attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza that Israel said killed three of its soldiers. Israel's military said 10 projectiles were launched from Rafah in southern Gaza towards the area of the crossing, which it said was now closed to aid trucks going into the coastal enclave. Other crossings remained open.

As cease-fire talks appeared to sizzle, Hamas militants attacked Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, disrupting aid shipments into Gaza. pic.twitter.com/1wvEuGGZXN

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) May 6, 2024

Hamas' armed wing said it fired rockets at an Israeli army base by the crossing, but did not confirm where it fired them from. Hamas media quoted a source close to the group as saying the commercial crossing was not the target. More than a million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah, near the border with Egypt. Shortly after the Hamas attack, an Israeli airstrike hit a house in Rafah killing three people and wounding several others, Palestinian medics said.

.@TSoufiBurridge reports as ceasefire talks hit a snag between Israel and Hamas, with both sides digging in as the IDF appears ready to attack Rafah. https://t.co/9FnUIbllS3 pic.twitter.com/DyQ11XcsAn

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) May 6, 2024

ISRAEL FACING BIG RISK:  Israel wants to go into Rafah. It's taking a big risk. Israel insists on targeting Rafah in Gaza to eliminate Hamas. Its military will somehow have to thread the needle between not doing so much damage that it inflames international outrage, further impairs its crucial relationship with the U.S. and kills some of the Israeli hostages believed to be held there, while not going in so softly that it fails to rout Hamas and puts its own soldiers at risk. The broader effort to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia in hopes of realigning the balance in the Middle East is in the equation as well. Those considerations are sharpening as talks for a possible cease-fire deal enter a crucial phase. Negotiators are gathering in Cairo this weekend, but a main sticking point remains: Hamas wants a path to a permanent cease-fire while Israel insists on retaining the right to fight on, including in Rafah.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are criticizing how colleges are responding to campus protests about the Israel-Hamas War. In NY, police are investigating hoax bomb threats against several synagogues as tensions rise. @Alex_Presha reports. https://t.co/Bon4PXlIw0 pic.twitter.com/77DE0DA26i

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) May 6, 2024

➤PRO HAMAS CAMPUS PROTESTOS RECEIVED TRAINING: Pro-Palestinian campus protesters received training from activist groups before campus protests. The tactics underlying some of the demonstrations were the result of months of training, planning and encouragement by longtime activists and left-wing groups. 

WATCH: Fox News’ @JonScottFNC: “60% of those arrested at NY City College were not students and 29% at Columbia University were not students…” pic.twitter.com/24tXFlB0y8

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) May 5, 2024

At Columbia University, organizers researched past protests and engaged with groups such as the National Students for Justice in Palestine, veterans of campus demonstrations and former Black Panthers. They also picked up skills needed to pull off an effective protest movement from participating in Black Lives Matter marches or student labor organizing. Some have raised concerns over what they call the antisemitic rhetoric on campus—though protesters have denied these assertions, noting that many of those in the encampments are Jewish themselves.

Fox News reports latest polling has Trump winning seven top swing states pic.twitter.com/jcLy32jHgR

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) May 5, 2024

➤TRUMP CLAIMS GAG ORDER IS ELECTION INTERFERENCE: Trump and his campaign have been barred from speaking about Matthew Colangelo, a lead prosecutor in the case who spent two years serving in the Biden administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) as acting associate attorney general. After working near the top of the DOJ under Attorney General Merrick Garland, Colangelo joined the Manhattan District Attorney’s office as senior counsel in December 2022. Many have raised questions about Colangelo’s move from DOJ to work in the Manhattan DA’s office at the same time District Attorney Alvin Bragg was investigating Trump for a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Kim Godwin Embattled ABC News Chief Exits

ABC News President Kim Godwin stepped down Sunday night, months after a corporate restructuring that effectively stripped away much of her management autonomy. 

“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin said in the email sent to staff Sunday night. “Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision. But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.”

The Wall Street Journal reported Sundy night that no successor has been named for Godwin, who was named president of the division in 2021. 

Godwin’s retirement comes after a restructuring in February that gave her a new boss in Debra OConnell, who serves as president of parent Disney’s news group. OConnell is a company veteran who is familiar with ABC News, having scrutinized operations across Disney’s networks as part of a corporate review.

 Here are some key points which contributed to Godwin decision to resign:

Debra O'Connell

Leadership Style and Restlessness: People within ABC News were restless and extremely frustrated due to Godwin’s perceived hands-off leadership style. OConnell, who reports directly to Mouse House co-chair Dana Walden, is dissatisfied with this approach.

Talent Retention and Ratings: OConnell was upset by Godwin’s inability to fill key roles left vacant by departures. For instance, former head of talent Galen Gordon’s position remains unfilled even a year after his departure. Additionally, Godwin’s failure to retain key editorial stars had been a concern. Under Godwin’s watch, ABC’s flagship morning news show “Good Morning America”saw its dominant ratings position erode somewhat as “CBS Mornings” has closed the gap.

Review and Potential Impact: OConnell’s top-to-bottom review of the news division spelled doom for Godwin.

Elevation and Resentment: OConnell’s promotion above Godwin reportedly did not sit well with Godwin. She resented the fact that she did not report directly to Disney CEO Bob Iger’s inner circle. 

OConnell told employees in a memo that “for the time being,” she will oversee the network. Thanking staffers for their “patience and understanding through this period of transition,” OConnell said she is “looking forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a new path forward together.

Digital Revenue Increasingly Important To Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media’s focus on digital marketing services and successful debt reduction efforts have driven growth, even amidst revenue challenges. Let’s delve into the recent developments in Cumulus Media’s digital business and explore how online ad upselling has contributed to its growth.

Financial Highlights for Q1 2024:

• Total Revenue: Cumulus Media reported total revenue of $200 million, which represents a 2.7% decline year-over-year.
• EBITDA: The company achieved $8.4 million in EBITDA for the first quarter.
• Digital Marketing Services Revenue: This segment experienced robust growth, increasing by 25% during the quarter.
• Podcasting and Streaming Revenue: While not as significant, podcasting and streaming revenue saw a modest increase in the low single digits compared to the previous year.
• Political Revenue: Political revenue declined by 55% from 2020 due to less competitive presidential primaries.

Debt Reduction: Cumulus Media successfully reduced its outstanding debt by approximately $33 million. Interest Rates: The company secured attractive interest rates. Expenses: Operating expenses decreased by approximately $4 million year-over-year.

Positive Points:

• Refinancing Success: Cumulus Media refinanced its capital structure, extending maturities to 2029 and significantly reducing debt.
• Digital Growth: Digital marketing services revenue grew by 25%, demonstrating strong performance in the digital sector.
• Customer Conversion: The company improved its conversion of previously radio-only customers to digital marketing services buyers by 12%.
• Gross Merchandise Sales: Cumulus Media increased its total gross merchandise sales customers by over 25% in Q1.
• National Advertising Trends: Improvements were seen in national spot and network business trends, particularly in consumer packaged goods and insurance categories.

Challenges and Outlook:

• Overall Revenue Decline: Despite digital growth, the total company revenue declined by 2.7% year over year.
• Uneven Recovery: The recovery in national advertising remains uneven, with certain categories facing obstacles due to the interest rate environment.
• Local Spot Revenue: While improved from Q4 2023, local spot revenue still faces challenges in local markets.
• Q2 Pacing: Total company revenue is currently pacing down in the low single digits for Q2, indicating continued revenue challenges ahead.

Digital Business Breakdown: Cumulus Media’s digital businesses are roughly divided into thirds:

1. Direct Marketing Services: This segment has shown strong growth.
2. Podcasting: Continues to contribute to the digital portfolio.
3. Streaming: Also plays a role in the overall digital strategy.

The company’s commitment to digital innovation promises future growth.

Report: Digital Ad Spend Growth Rates Accelerating

Digital ad spending in the US grew yet again last year despite difficult economic conditions, registering a 7.3% year-over-year increase to a new high of $225 billion, according to the latest revenue report from the IAB and PwC. That represents a decelerated rate of growth from last year’s 10.8% gain, but in a reversal from last year, digital ad spend growth rates accelerated with each consecutive quarter.

Indeed, year-over-year growth rates climbed from 2.1% in Q1 to 4.7% in Q2, 9.1% in Q3, and 12.3% in Q4 as the second half of the year posted double-digit growth of 10.8% and accounted for 54% of the full year’s revenues.

Here are 3 takeaways from the report.

Report: Radio Offers Listeners Connections

As media consumption behaviors evolve, certain sentiments continue to stand out with radio fans across generations: the appreciation of radio's local and personal connections. Advertisers on radio can tap into these connections as they strive for meaningful engagement with consumers in today's media landscape. Findings from Jacobs Media Strategies' recent Techsurvey 2024 reaffirm this relationship between listeners and radio, especially among the younger cohorts.

Radio Fosters Connections Across Generations

More than half of radio listeners say a main reason they tune in to radio is their feeling of connection with it (55%). When asked about their favorite station in particular, more than three-quarters of listeners report really feeling connected to it. And among those listeners, more than half (42% out of 77%) "strongly agree" with the statement, truly embracing that relationship. This heightened connection is felt across all ages, but is strongest among Generations X through Z. And the feeling is growing - the number of fans who feel strong connections to their favorite station has risen +35% over the past 5 years. 

A major driver of this listener connection is personal: radio's on-air talent. This year, 61% of radio listeners say they tune in to radio for the DJs, hosts, and shows, +4 points above hearing their favorite music and artists. Listeners of all ages appreciate this personal, human connection, with highest levels seen among Millennials. 

Boomer Esiason Gets Honest About His Exit From CBS

Boomer Esiason, morning host at WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FN NYC and co-host of CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today,” has addressed his exit from the show. During an interview on “The Dan LeBatard Show,” Esiason shared his perspective on leaving the program and his future plans.

Esiason, who had been part of the show for a considerable time, expressed that he wasn’t overly upset about CBS replacing him. Instead, he had been contemplating leaving the show, and the timing seemed right. He emphasized the importance of finding a better work-life balance, which led to his decision to step away from “The NFL Today” seat. Esiason stated, “I loved that seat. I cherished talking to football fans every Sunday, but there comes a time when you have to find some time for yourself. And this was the right time”.

Despite leaving the show, Esiason will continue his broadcasting career. He has signed a long-term deal to remain on WFAN radio as the co-host of the morning show alongside Gregg Giannotti. His departure from CBS coincided with Phil Simms, another former quarterback and longtime co-host, also deciding not to return after a 26-year run. The revamped lineup for “The NFL Today” will now feature Matt Ryan and J.J. Watt alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher1.

Esiason reflected on his time at CBS, acknowledging it as a “great run.” He appreciated the opportunity to engage with football fans and discuss controversial topics related to the NFL. Notably, he mentioned that no one at CBS ever asked him to tone down his criticism, and he harbors no ill will toward anyone. His decision to step away aligns with his desire for personal time and a healthier work-life balance1.

Israel Gives The Boot To Al Jazeera

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet has voted unanimously to close Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel, escalating the country’s long-running feud with the channel. This decision comes at a time when cease-fire negotiations with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, are gaining steam.

Al Jazeera Media Network has condemned this move as a “criminal act” that violates human rights and the basic right to access information. The network asserts its right to continue providing news and information to its global audiences. Israel’s suppression of the free press, particularly targeting Al Jazeera, is seen as an effort to conceal its actions in the Gaza Strip. The network also rejects allegations that professional media standards have been violated and reaffirms its commitment to its Code of Ethics.

Paramount Now Talking With Sony, Apollo Management

Paramount has decided to formally open negotiations with a bidding group led by Sony Pictures Entertainment and the private equity giant Apollo, according to three people familiar with the matter. The move comes after a period of exclusive talks with the Hollywood studio Skydance lapsed on Friday night.

The NY Times reports a special committee of Paramount’s board of directors met Saturday and signed off on beginning deal talks with Sony and Apollo, which last week submitted a nonbinding letter of interest offering to buy the company for around $26 billion in cash, the people said. The committee also decided to push for further negotiations with Skydance, a studio founded by the technology scion David Ellison.

Paramount, the owner of Nickelodeon, MTV, CBS and Paramount Pictures, has been exploring a deal as it faces industrywide headwinds, including the decline of cable TV and the unprofitability of its streaming business.

Any deal between the Sony group and Paramount faces hurdles. Government regulations restrict foreign ownership of broadcast networks and could prevent Sony’s parent company, based in Japan, from owning CBS outright. The bidding group would probably push for Apollo, which is based in the United States, to hold the rights to the CBS broadcast license, according to two people familiar with their strategy.

Election Year Traffic Plunges for Most Right-Wing Newsites

TheRighting released its March 2024 election year traffic analysis of mobile and desktop traffic for right wing and mainstream news websites based on Comscore data.

Among the highlights of TheRighting’s March 2024 findings:

MARCH 2024 VS MARCH 2020: THE ELECTION YEAR COMPARISON

News websites representing both sides of the political spectrum suffered huge drops in unique visitors in March 2024 compared to March 2020. For its third election year comparison report, TheRighting found that only Newsmax posted an audience increase of the 21 it surveyed. Almost all the rest suffered major year-over-year (YOY) declines in unique visitors.

The Washington Times (-92%) and The Washington Examiner (-91%) led all news websites in audience losses between March 2020 and March 2024.

The three mainstream news outlets TheRighting follows regularly saw audience erosion: CNN (-34%), The New York Times (-46%) and The Washington Post (-61%).

“The enormous traffic decreases in March 2024 was expected,” said Howard Polskin, President and Founder, TheRighting. “Because of the pandemic, which mushroomed into a huge global story four years ago and touched everyone on the planet, March 2020 was one of the most tumultuous months this century. The traffic in March 2020 reflected the public’s almost insatiable appetite for news, insights and opinion about the pandemic from a wide variety of news sources. March 2024, by comparison, was a relatively stable news month resulting in much softer audience levels for most news websites.”


MARCH 2024 VS MARCH 2023

U.S. Right Wing Websites Ranked by Unique Visitors

Five right wing news websites posted YOY traffic increases in March: The Federalist, Townhall, Infowars, the Washington Free Beacon and the Daily Signal. After three straight months of YOY traffic gains, Newsmax saw its audience fall 1%.

Taylor Swift Matches Her Own All-Time Record

Most new songs–even those released by superstars–typically need a few weeks to become top 10 hits on the radio charts in America. The way those rankings are compiled, and based on how radio works these days, it simply takes a little while for almost all titles to become major successes. Of course, the rules don’t seem to apply to Taylor Swift.

According to Forbes, “Fortnight,” the lead single from Swift’s new album The Tortured Poets Department, goes against what’s common on the Adult Pop Airplay chart this week. The tune debuts inside the top 10 on the ranking of the songs that reach the largest audience at adult pop radio stations throughout the U.S.–something that’s almost never seen.

Swift’s new single opens at No. 9 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart. That starting point ties the all-time record for the highest debut on Billboard’s radio ranking.

Who does Swift tie for this bit of history? Why, with herself, of course.

Back in 2014, Swift inaugurated her 1989 era with the single “Shake It Off.” That track was an instant hit on a variety of Billboard charts, including the Adult Pop Airplay tally. It broke the record for the highest debut ever on the list when it opened at No. 9.

Post Malone now shares in this bit of history with Swift. The multi-genre artist is credited as a featured act on “Fortnight,” so it is his hit as well. Now, only two tracks have debuted at No. 9 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart, and two names have managed to do so—but Swift is responsible for both.

Audacy Observes Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting understanding of mental health conditions. This month-long observance aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, increase access to mental health resources, and encourage people to prioritize their mental well-being.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point. Despite this, mental health remains stigmatized in many communities, leading to feelings of shame and isolation for those who experience mental health challenges.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to start a conversation about mental health and to reduce the stigma surrounding it. By raising awareness and promoting understanding of mental health conditions, we can help break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.

Audacy’s Support: I’m Listening

Radio History: May 6

➦In 1911...Frank Brandon Nelson born (Died from cancer at age 75 – September 12, 1986). He was a comedic actor best known for playing put-upon foils on radio and television, and especially for his "EEE-Yeeeeeeeeesssss?" catchphrase.

He made numerous guest appearances on television shows, including The Addams Family, The Jack Benny Program, I Love Lucy, The Real McCoys, and Sanford and Son. He also provided voices for animated series such as The Flintstones, Mister Magoo, The Jetsons, Dinky Dog, and The Snorks.

Frank Nelson

Nelson began his entertainment career in radio, and later moved into television and movies. In 1926, at age 15, Nelson played the role of a 30-year-old man in a radio series broadcast from the then-5,000-watt KOA-AM Dener.  In 1929, Nelson moved to Hollywood, California and worked in local radio dramatic shows, usually playing the leading man. The first sponsored radio show he appeared in to reach a national market was Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel, a situation comedy radio show that aired from November 28, 1932, to May 22, 1933, starring two of the Marx Brothers, Groucho and Chico, and written primarily by Nat Perrin and Arthur Sheekman.

Nelson first found fame as the put-upon foil to Jack Benny on Benny's radio show during the 1940s and 1950s. Nelson typically portrayed a sales clerk or customer service worker.

Nelson performed on a number of Hollywood-based radio shows during this time, including Fibber McGee and Molly, and did radio work well into the late 1950s, on the few shows that remained on the air, including dramatic roles on such programs as Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.

Nelson continued to appear on Benny's television show in 1950, doing the same "rude clerk" shtick. His other catchphrase, that would be worked into every routine, would have Benny asking something mundane, such as, "Do these shirts come in a medium?", and Frank would bellow, "Oo-oo-oo-ooh, DO they!" He also appeared on several other radio programs. Nelson's sudden appearances usually led to spontaneous laughter or applause on the part of the audience.

Orson Welles

➦In 1915...George Orson Welles born  (Died – October 10, 1985). He was an actor, director, writer and producer who worked in theatre, radio and film.

In 1934, Welles got his first job on radio—on The American School of the Air

In 1937, Welles co-founded their own repertory company, the Mercury Theatre. The name was inspired by the title of the iconoclastic magazine, The American Mercury. Welles was executive producer, and the original company included such actors as Joseph Cotten, George Coulouris, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Arlene Francis, Martin Gabel, John Hoyt, Norman Lloyd, Vincent Price, Stefan Schnabel and Hiram Sherman.

Simultaneously with his work in the theatre, Welles worked extensively in radio as an actor, writer, director and producer, often without credit. Between 1935 and 1937 he was earning as much as $2,000 a week, shuttling between radio studios at such a pace that he would arrive barely in time for a quick scan of his lines before he was on the air.

In addition to continuing as a repertory player on The March of Time, in the fall of 1936 Welles adapted and performed Hamlet in an early two-part episode of CBS Radio's Columbia Workshop. His performance as the announcer in the series' April 1937 presentation of Archibald MacLeish's verse drama The Fall of the City was an important development in his radio career and made the 21-year-old Welles an overnight star.

In July 1937, the Mutual Network gave Welles a seven-week series to adapt Les Misérables. It was his first job as a writer-director for radio, the radio debut of the Mercury Theatre, and one of Welles's earliest achievements. He invented the use of narration in radio.

That September, Mutual chose Welles to play Lamont Cranston, also known as The Shadow. He performed the role anonymously through mid-September 1938.

After the theatrical successes of the Mercury Theatre, CBS Radio invited Orson Welles to create a summer show for 13 weeks. The series began July 11, 1938, initially titled First Person Singular, with the formula that Welles would play the lead in each show. Some months later the show was called The Mercury Theatre on the Air.  The weekly hour-long show presented radio plays based on classic literary works, with original music composed and conducted by Bernard Herrmann.

The Mercury Theatre's radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells October 30, 1938, brought Welles instant fame. The combination of the news bulletin form of the performance with the between-breaks dial spinning habits of listeners was later reported to have created widespread confusion among listeners who failed to hear the introduction, although the extent of this confusion has come into question.  Panic was reportedly spread among listeners who believed the fictional news reports of a Martian invasion. The myth of the result created by the combination was reported as fact around the world and disparagingly mentioned by Adolf Hitler in a public speech.

➦In 1922...KSL is Utah's oldest radio station, signed-on. The station KSL/KZN began as life as the radio arm of the Deseret News, a Salt Lake City newspaper also owned by the LDS Church. The station's first broadcast was talk by then-LDS Church president Heber J. Grant. In 1924 the station was sold to John Cope and his father, F.W. Cope, who formed the Radio Service Corporation of Utah. Earl J. Glade (later a four-term mayor of Salt Lake City) joined the station in 1925 and guided KSL's operations for the next fourteen years. John F. Fitzpatrick, publisher of The Salt Lake Tribune (owned by the Kearns Corporation) acquired a quarter interest of KSL for a modest price, as did the LDS Church. This was the Tribune's first business partnership with the LDS Church, though the Church later (re)acquired full interest in the station.

KSL first broadcast

In 1924, it changed its call letters to KFPT for one year and then adopted its current call letters in 1925 after they became available, with the "S" and "L" standing for "Salt Lake." (Until that time the KSL call sign had been used by a radio station in Alaska.) A series of power boosts over the next decade brought the station to its current 50,000 watts (daytime broadcast power) in 1932. It spent time at several frequencies over the years before settling at 1160 kHz in 1941.

The station's owners made their initial foray into FM broadcasting in 1947 when they started the original KSL-FM on the then sparsely-populated FM band at 100.3. After simulcasting KSL for a number of years, the FM station switched to a beautiful music format, a contrast to the then-current KSL format of news and talk interspersed with middle of the road music. The FM station was sold to a private owner in the mid-1970s due to FCC regulations on multiple station ownership, since greatly relaxed. The station, now the adult contemporary KSFI, was reunited with KSL when Bonneville repurchased the station in 2003 in a deal that included classic rock station KRSP-FM (103.5) and then-hot AC KQMB-FM (102.7). In the mid-1980s KSL adopted an all-talk format, completely dropping music programming, aside from its Sunday broadcasts of the Tabernacle Choir.

On September 3, 2005, KQMB was converted to a simulcast of KSL, with the call sign changed to KSL-FM. Since then, the stations have branded as "KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM," though the AM signal is the main station. FM 102.7's former branding, radio station, call sign, and hot adult contemporary format were later picked up an unrelated station, and an unrelated company licensed to Levan on a lower powered version of the station on 96.7 FM.

➦In 1935...KTM-AM in Los Angeles changed call letters to KEHE (now KABC)

➦In 1937...WLS-AM Chicago reporter Herb Morrison described fiery disaster of zeppelin Hindenburg ("Oh, the humanity!") at Lakehurst, NJ.  Here's a corrected synch of Herb Morrison's recording of the event matched with footage from the Pathe newsreel and the Universal newsreel. Where film isn't available, pictures are substituted.