Industry News

Carr: Equal Time Rule Wasn’t Being “Misconstrued on the Radio Side”

According to a piece in The Hollywood Reporter, the Federal Communications Commission’s recent Guidance on Equal Opportunity Issues was pointed toward broadcast TV license holders and not radio is because, as FCC chairman Brendan Carr states, “There wasn’t a relevant precedent that we saw that was being misconstrued on the radio side asimg that wasn’t part of anything in that decision. It was focused on the potential misreading of precedents on the broadcast TV side. Of course, as you know, the rule applies to broadcast, radio and TV, but that one was focused on those TV precedents.” The memo to broadcast TV was relative to the 1996 bona fide news interview exemption that came about in the wake of an interview Jay Leno did with then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on “The Tonight Show.” The FCC Media Bureau ruled that “The Tonight Show” did not have to give Schwarzenegger’s opponent equal time because that interview segment qualified as a bona fide news interview. This matter doesn’t seem to be a big one for news/talk radio since news/talk stations are viewed as news outlets, on top of the fact that most talk radio hosts would love the opportunity to interview candidates with whom they might not personally agree. See The Hollywood Reporter story here.

Industry News

WIND-AM, Chicago Announces “The Real Story” Midday Show

Salem Media’s Chicago news/talk station WIND “AM 560 The Answer” is expanding its Jeanne Ives-hosted weekend show, “The Real Story,” to a daily airing from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon with the addition of former WIND personality Amy Jacobson (left) joining as co-host. Regional VP andimg station general manager John Gallagher states. Bringing Amy Jacobson back to the station fills a huge void for our audience. She has been relentless in her quest for the truth, and she gets answers that our listeners need to hear. Jeanne Ives (right) is one of the most politically connected people in the state of Illinois. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding so many issues that affect everyone within our listening area. I am looking forward to the in-depth conversation and new perspective this team will offer.” Ives says, “I am thankful and excited to be a part of the Salem family. Information is power and Amy and I want to bring the ‘Real Story’ on policy along with informed commentary from years of experience knowing the players and politicians to our listeners. We want listeners to be informed, so they can hold the politicians accountable.” Amy Jacobson adds, “I am thrilled to be returning home to ‘AM 560 The Answer.’ Jeanne and I will be part of the strongest conservative lineup in Chicago radio! As many of you know, life takes some unexpected turns, but when you love what you do, the signal always finds its way back.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Qatar Team Up for Web Summit Qatar 2026

iHeartMedia and the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar announce that iHeartPodcasts will be the official podcast partner for the 2026 Web Summit Qatar. The third edition of Web Summit Qatar is expected to bring more than 30,000 technology and business leaders,img founders, world-leading investors, media and more than 1,600 startups to the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 1-4. iHeart Media says that this year’s Centre Stage sessions will welcome Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group along with other leading podcast talent including Questlove, host of “The Questlove Show”; Steven Bartlett, host of the podcast “The Diary of a CEO”; Arabic sensation Islam Fawzy and more. The event will also serve as the official launch of iHeartArabi, iHeartPodcasts Arabic show slate. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “At iHeart we believe in fostering conversations that lead to creative and innovative ideas and solutions, and our partnership with the GCO continues to expand the boundaries of podcasting. Our goal is to work together to generate the kind of discussions and interactions that enhance and grow the future of this medium for audiences everywhere.”

Industry News

Local Officials Extend Deadline for Data Center at WGN, Chicago Transmitter Site

According to the Daily Herald, officials in suburban Elk Grove Village are extending the deadline to begin construction on a data center campus on the current site of WGN-AM, Chicago’s broadcast towers. The original dealimg required that construction was to have begun in 2025, but village officials agreed to push the deadline back to September of 2017. The Daily Herald story reports, “Nexstar Media Group’s original plans called for selling off the southern 35 acres of the 102-acre property for a three-building data center campus, ancillary electrical substation, and six public pickleball courts to be leased to the Elk Grove Park District. The primary 750-foot radio tower and its 250-foot backup were to be demolished, replaced and relocated slightly to the north, while the small building that houses the station’s transmitters and backup studio would have remained intact.” Nexstar says the transmitter move would not affect listeners’ ability to hear the station. See the Daily Herald story here.

Industry News

“105.1 The Fan” to Serve as Portland Timbers Flagship

Audacy’s sports talk outlet KRSK-FM, Portland “105.1 The Fan” is now the flagship radio home for the Major League Soccer club the Portland Timbers. As part of the deal, Timbers matches will be broadcast across theimg FAN Sports Network. Audacy Portland SVP and market manager Ryan Cooley states, “We’re extremely excited to partner with the Portland Timbers as we continue delivering the best local sports content and growing the FAN Sports Network. Together, we’re committed to delivering high-quality coverage and meaningful access for fans, so The Fan becoming the radio home of the Portland Timbers was a natural fit. We look forward to working closely with the club to enhance the matchday and season-long experience.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM Reveals Super Week Programming. SiriusXM says it is presenting comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl LX Week from San Francisco next week. Subscribers will get multiple game broadcasts, a dedicated pop-up channel, plus exclusive live sports and entertainment programming originating from the Super Bowl LX Media Center.   

Benztown Offering Free Winter Games AudioPack. Benztown is offering radio stations its Winter Games AudioPack at no charge. Benztown says it “brings the excitement and action of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 to stations and includes sound effects, music beds, and sweepers – everything stations need to quickly produce timely, high impact imaging that will take their listeners to Italy for all the Olympic feels and chills.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 26-30, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (1/26-30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Killings by ICE Agents / 2nd Amendment Uproar
  2. Dems Threaten DHS Funding
  3. Noem & Bovino Criticism
  4. Potential Government Shutdown
  5. Fed Keeps Rates Steady / Warsh Nominated for Fed Chair
  6. The Economy / Falling Dollar
  7. U.K. & Canada China Deals
  8. Trump Threatens Iran
  9. Winter Storm Aftermath
  10. Melania Movie / Belichick Snubbed by HOF

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Kristi Noem / Gregory Bovino
  3. Tom Homan
  4. Alex Pretti / Renee Good
  5. Chuck Schumer
  6. Jerome Powell / Kevin Warsh
  7. Keir Starmer / Mark Carney / Xi Jinping
  8. Masoud Pezeshkian
  9. Melania Trump
  10. Bill Belichick

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Audacy: Adding Audio to Marketing Plan Provides 11% Lift

In a post by Audacy’s Audio Insights, the company says that “when OTT runs alone, conversion rates hover around 38%. Add Audio to the mix, and conversion jumps to 42%. That’s an 11% lift, just by layering in Audio…img Streaming radio and podcasts don’t just add reach. They double down on impact by warming the audience before they ever click.” The company adds, “Audio brings something no other channel can touch. It’s literally in your audience’s ears. It’s personal. It’s focused. And it shows up during moments where screens aren’t competing for attention, like commuting, working, cooking, unwinding. That’s when messaging sticks. Audio builds familiarity and trust early in the journey, so when someone sees your display ad, social post, or paid search result later, they’re not meeting your brand for the first time. They already recognize you. And recognition drives response.”  See the complete post here.

Industry News

FOX Sports Radio Sets Super Week Plans

FOX Sports Radio says it will be on location at the media center atimg Moscone Center in San Francisco next week (February 2-6) for the 26th annual Super Week. Shows originating from San Francisco will include “Stugotz and Company LIVE!,” “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “Covino & Rich,” and “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington.” The “Dan Patrick Show” will broadcast live from China Basin Park.  

Industry News

Townsquare Sets Q4 Operating Results Date

Townsquare Media says it will release fourth quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Monday, March 16, 2026. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2025 financial results that day at 8:00 am ET.

Industry News

WNYC/Gothamist Honored for Rikers Island Sexual Assault Story

Public media organization WNYC/Gothamist is being honored with an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for its investigation into allegations by 24 women of sexual assault by a single corrections officer on Rikers Island. The audio story – which aired on WNYC’s NYC Now local news podcast – revealed how an officer known as “Champagne” had been accused of abusing female inmates for years. Interim editor-in-chief Stephanie Clary says, “We are grateful for this recognition of the newsroom’s work. This investigation required months of difficult and deep reporting, and it led to meaningful change — underscoring the essential role of local journalism in holding people in power to account. We are especially thankful to the women who entrusted us with their stories. Their voices and interviews were critical to this reporting and ultimately helped make the city safer for others.”

Industry News

“America Tonight” Adds Affiliates

“America Tonight with Kate Delaney” adds new affiliate stations as Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis is now airing the program from 12:00 midnight to 2:00 am as is Genesis Communications’ WHBO-AM, Tampa.

Industry News

Radio HOF Opens Nominations Window

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that the Radio Hall of Fame is accepting suggestions for 2026 nominees beginning February 1 through March 31. The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Chicago at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Find out more here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/28)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. ICE Minnesota Operations / Agents on Leave / 2nd Amendment Uproar
  2. Dems Threaten DHS Funding / Criticism of Noem and Bovino
  3. Fed Keeps Rates Steady
  4. Potential Government Shutdown
  5. U.K.-China Deal
Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Celebrates 10 Years on WABC

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WABC, New York morning drive personality Sid Rosenberg celebrated his 10-year anniversary on the station with a special seven-hour live broadcast from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm broadcast from WABC’s Studio 77 event space. Joining Rosenberg live on the air were Red Apple Media and WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis. Special guests via phone included President Donald Trump, Lara Trump, Sean Hannity, Bruce Blakeman, Bill O’Reilly, Charles McCord, and more. In addition to the celebration of Rosenberg’s 10 years, New York State Broadcasters Association president Dave Donovan honored Rosenberg with the organization’s Service to New York Award. Rosenberg comments, “Ten years at WABC has been the honor of my career. This station gave me a microphone, a family, and the freedom to be unapologetically myself every morning. I’m incredibly grateful to John and Margo Catsimatidis, Chad Lopez, and the entire WABC team for believing in me, and to the listeners who’ve been with me through every high and low. This anniversary isn’t about looking back — it’s about how much more we’re going to do together.”

Industry News

JVC Broadcasting Presents 2nd Annual Latino Business Awards

JVC Broadcasting’s Spanish talk WLIM-AM/W227CL “EnVivo 93.3FM and 1440AM” announces the return of the Latino Business Awards. The station says that “following the success of its inaugural year, the 2026 awards willimg once again bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners who are making a powerful impact across Long Island.” The 2026 Latino Business Awards Gala will take place on May 14 at Stereo Garden in Patchogue, New York. JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo says, “Latino-owned businesses are essential to the strength and growth of our local economy. Through the Latino Business Awards, we proudly highlight the entrepreneurs whose dedication, innovation, and leadership continue to move our communities forward.” Station operations manager Ana María Carballo adds, “These awards go beyond recognition — they tell the story of perseverance, sacrifice, and success behind every Latino-owned business. We are honored to provide a platform that celebrates their contributions and inspires future generations of entrepreneurs.”

Industry News

Beasley’s WBZ-FM Unveils Super Bowl Week Programming

Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” the flagship station for New England Patriots broadcasts announcesimg Super Bowl Week coverage that will emanate live from live Radio Row in San Francisco culminating with the official local call of the game. Station PD Rick Radzik says, “After an eight-year absence, ‘The Sports Hub’ is thrilled to celebrate the Patriots’ return to the big game with fans across the region. We’ll once again deliver the best coverage all week, capped by the best call of the game on Sunday. Pats Nation will be well represented in San Francisco, and we can’t wait to be part of it.”

Industry News

Ken Prehl Joins United Stations

United Stations names Ken Prehl director of affiliate sales & special projects. Prehl brings more than two decades of experience from AccuWeather, where he most recently served as director, audio services. United Stations president Stefan Jones states, “Ken and I worked closely together for more than a decade while he served in senior leadership at AccuWeather, and I have the utmost confidence in his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to our vision. He is uniquely qualified to lead our affiliate relations efforts and help drive growth across our expanding product portfolio.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/27)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. ICE Minnesota Operations / Noem Resignation Calls
  2. Second Amendment Uproar
  3. Dollar Sinks to Four-Year Low
  4. Omar Attack
  5. Extreme Winter Weather / Power Grid Concerns
Industry News

KFAN’s Paul Allen Off Air; Apologizes for “Paid Protesters” Comment

KFXN, Minneapolis “KFAN” late morning host and Minnesota Vikings play-by-play voice Paul Allen is off the air at the iHeartMedia sports talk outlet after apologizing for comments he made on Friday (1/23) about ICE protesters. During a discussion with former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway and Vikings beat reporter Alec Lewis, Allen veered intoimg politics. It started with addressing the freezing weather with Allen bringing up exploding trees. Then he said, “I’m beginning to wonder if, in conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay? Those are the things that I’ve been thinking about this morning.” Greenway said, “Yeah, probably not going to touch that one,” then Allen added, “Everybody’s catching strays this week. Flores, Kevin Stefanski from Baker, Charlie Biatch caught one out of nowhere. Paid protesters caught one this morning.” Prior to Monday’s program, KFAN aired Allen’s apology in which he said, in part, “While it was never meant with any ill intent or political affront, I absolutely and wholeheartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it… As I’ve stated many times before, we serve you, not the other way around. We are very fortunate and thank you for counting on us as long as you have. It means more than you’ll ever know. My best was lacking Friday, and for that I am sorry. I am taking a few days off but wanted to express these thoughts and my sincere apology, with you, before I do.” It’s unclear whether Allen is serving an official suspension by station management and how long he’ll be off the air.

Industry News

Audacy Announces Programming Changes for “ESPN 1320” in Sacramento

Audacy’s Sacramento sports talk outlet KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” announces a new programming lineup that will take effect next Monday (2/2).  A new morning program called “The Jump” and starring Kyleimg Madson and Jesse Tapia airs live from 7:0 am to 9:00 am with a replay airing from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm the same day. The station notes that this is Tapia’s first on-air role and that he’ll continue producing the “D-Lo and KC” show. That program, starring Damien Barling & Kenny Caraway, is moving to the 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart. The station adds that James Ham is expanding his role as the Sacramento Kings insider as he’ll provide breaking news updates and analysis weekly on “The Jump” and “D-Lo & KC.” Station brand manager Kyle Madson says, “Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for sports, and we’re excited to evolve our lineup with the launch of ‘The Jump,’ bringing high-energy to Sacramento mornings. By moving the unmatched wit of D-Lo & KC to the full afternoon drive and having James as our Kings Insider across all shows, we’re doubling down on the local insight and personality that defines Northern California sports radio.”

Industry News

Connoisseur Media and Super Hi-Fi Announce Partnership

Connoisseur media and Super Hi-Fi announce a partnership that will see the radio company use Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform for its stations. Additionally, Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw will join the Super Hi-Fi board of directors. Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform is described as “animg end-to-end, cloud-native operating system designed specifically for radio… powered by a suite of proprietary AI technologies that master, schedule, produce, and deliver each station directly to a Super Hi-Fi playout device at the transmitter.” Warshaw says, “Our mission is to have the best live and local radio experience in every market across America and Super Hi-Fi’s unique capabilities will allow us to do that in ways the industry just didn’t have before. We’re excited to work with them to drive forward and deliver the most compelling radio products in the industry.”

Industry News

Podcaster Jiggy Jaguar Covers AVN Awards in Las Vegas

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Noted talk media personality Jiggy Jaguar (a.k.a. James Lowe) was in Las Vegas last week covering the AVN Adult Entertainment Awards and Expo at the Virgin Hotel in downtown sin city. Jiggy was out doing interviews with adult film stars for his Jiggy Jaguar Show audio and video podcast. He’s pictured here (1/21) with adult film star Silver Foxxey as she was appearing at the STD Hero booth. NOTE: STD Hero, by Better Life Science, featured a prominent, high-traffic booth promoting their at-home STI testing kits with celebrity appearances. The company offered discreet, CLIA-certified, and FDA-cleared, laboratory-based testing for common infections and HPV. 

Industry Views

WPHT, Philly Star Dom Giordano Guests on TALKERS Media Channel’s “Up Close Far Out”

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Don’t miss this deep-dive analysis of the “dumbing down of America” as WPHT, Philadelphia midday host (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) Dom Giordano joins Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the YouTube TALKERS Media Channel’s “Up Close Far Out.” Recognized as one of the most important radio talk show hosts in America for almost four decades,img Giordano is a political commentator, social generalist and seasoned expert on education. He is a former Pennsylvania-based schoolteacher whose keen insights, innovative ideas, and communication skills were discovered by talk radio in Philadelphia in 1987 when, after serving as a dependable “go-to” source on education, he became a fulltime host on WWDB-FM. In 2000, he moved over to powerhouse WPHT 1210 am in Philly where he has been broadcasting ever since. In addition to his enduring radio presence, Giordano hosts several podcasts including the groundbreaking “Old School, New School, Next School” which takes a critical-but-constructive view of America’s education crisis and is must-listening for parents who care about their kids and the future of America. Get ready for a no-holds-barred view of such hot topics as school choice, the tyranny of social media, the distraction of smart phones, short term attention spans, bullying, the threat of guns and violence, responsible parenting, media complacency, and a whole lot more. View the conversation in its entirety here.

Job Opportunity

WBAP Seeks Mid-Morning Talk Host

Cumulus Media is seeking a talk host for the 9:00 am to 11:00 am daypart. The company says, “Candidates must be entertaining, curious, funny, well-read, up on all current events and pop culture, not justimg politics! If you live and breathe politics, this is not the job for you. This is an 8-hour-a-day, full-time job doing prep, research, and living life that translates and relates to a 35-64-year-old. Must have an extremely strong work ethic, be sales department and client friendly, a team player and coachable, embrace all social media platforms daily, be a great interviewer, and have a proven track record of radio ratings success. The right fit for this job is extremely reliable, flexible and passionate about radio and digital audio mediums. Get more info and apply here.

Job Opportunity

WORT, Madison Seeks Development Director

Community radio WORT, Madison, Wisconsin is looking for an experienced fundraiser to play a key role in shaping the future of the station. You will be responsible for a $895,000 annual fundraising plan that highlights the station’s partnership with listeners and donors. Incumbent will direct on-air fundraising drives to engage with major donors, write monthly donor newsletters, and promote our many income streams. Salary range: $60,000 – $65,000. A detailed position description and complete benefits package are available here. (PDF) To apply, click HERE

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/26)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minnesota ICE Operations-Protests
  2. Leadership Changes / Gun Rights Groups Criticize Trump Officials
  3. Winter Storm Aftermath
  4. U.S. Dollar Falling-Gold & Silver Spiking
  5. Canada-China Trade Deal
Industry News

“Seattle Red” Adds Scott Jennings to Lineup

Bonneville’s conservative talk KTTH, Seattle “Seattle Red” adds Salem Radio Network’s Scott Jennings to its lineup airing from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Station program director Jason Antebi says, “Scott Jenningsimg is a fearless communicator with unmatched credibility. His experience, intelligence, and no-nonsense delivery make him a strong addition to our primetime lineup. Scott doesn’t just react to the news — he shapes the conversation and arms listeners with insight they can use.” Jennings comments, “I’m thrilled to join the lineup at Seattle Red! My mission is to debunk liberal narratives, bring forward blockbuster news-making conversations, and give the audience a daily dose of common sense. Can’t wait to be part of this terrific station!”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Mr. Wonderful Thinks Radio is Wonderful

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgThe plague of pessimism about the future of radio is fueled internally by radio employees. Doomsayers are logically found in the sales department. All day, salespeople meet with buyers. A buyer’s job is to negotiate a lower price by arguing radio’s negatives. The wall of negativity thrives within the work environment of a seller. Tough.  But there is little or no reason for pessimism.

Kevin O’ Leary (a.k.a. “Mr. Wonderful” on TV’s Shark Tank) is a pragmatic investor. When asked about AI’s impact on radio, he says, “It’s the same phobia we had when television hit radio. ‘Oh, it’s going to decimate radio!’ No, it’s not. The art form exists today, even bigger, terrestrial, and in space. To me, AI is just a tool.” (Variety. January 5, 2026)

Surprising to many, radio’s audience numbers today are virtually the same as they were in 1970.

Radio Listenership Today (2020s)

Weekly Reach: As of 2022–2023, approximately 82% to 88% of Americans aged 12 and older listen to terrestrial (AM/FM) radio in a given week.

Monthly Reach: Nielsen data indicates that AM/FM radio reaches 91% of U.S. adults each month.

Daily Listening: Approximately 66% of U.S. adults listen to broadcast or streaming AM/FM radio on a daily basis.

Resiliency: Despite the rise of podcasts and music streaming, 55% of Gen Z in the U.S. still listen to AM/FM radio every day, and it remains the top reach medium, even exceeding social media.

1970s: The era of AM to FM transition and the peak of top-40 terrestrial radio, with 25 million CB radios also becoming popular in the mid-70s.

Today: While reach is still high, the amount of time spent listening is more fragmented, with radio facing competition from streaming (Spotify/Apple Music) and podcasts, although it remains the dominant ad-supported audio choice in cars.

CB radio, cassettes, 8-tracks, CDs, DVDs, Walkman, iTunes, iPhones, SiriusXM, Spotify, podcasts, Pandora… all terminators of radio. None of them made a dent. The killer of radio will be radio’s odd internal pessimism that while predicting doom that never comes drives actions that are suicidal: Elimination of audience qualitative research. Tracking. More Tracking. (Radio Fracking!) No external marketing. Endless talent cuts. No contests. (A $1,000 national contest WOW!) None of those cuts are good business because they cut potential revenues.

And yet there is a relentless, funded determination to end all FCC ownership caps allowing companies to buy more radio stations to operate with great Panglossian efficiency!

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry Views

You Are the Asset: Why Protecting Your Voice and Likeness Is No Longer Optional

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By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgFor years, “protect your name and likeness” sounded like lawyer advice in search of a problem. Abstract. Defensive. Easy to ignore. That worked when misuse required effort, intent, and a human decision-maker willing to cross a line.

AI changed that.

When Matthew McConaughey began trademarking his name and persona-linked phrases (“alright, alright, alright”), it was not celebrity vanity. It was an acknowledgment that identity has become a transferable commodity, whether the person attached to it consents or not.

A voice is no longer just expressive. It is functional. It can be sampled, trained, replicated, and redeployed at scale. Not as a parody. Not as commentary. As a substitute. When a synthetic version of you can narrate ads, read copy, or deliver endorsements you never approved, the injury is not hypothetical. It is economic.

We have already seen this play out. In the past two years, synthetic versions of well-known voices have been used to sell products the real person never endorsed, often through social media ad networks. These were not deep-fake jokes or parody videos. They were commercial voice reads. The pitch was simple: if it sounds credible, it converts. By the time the real speaker objected, the ad had already run, the money had moved, and responsibility had dissolved into a stack of platform disclaimers.

This is where many creators misunderstand trademark law. They think it is about logos and merchandise. It is not. Trademarks protect source identification. Meaning, if the public associates a name, phrase, or expression with you as the origin, that association has legal weight. McConaughey’s filings reflect that reality. Certain phrases signal him instantly. That signaling function has value, and trademark law is designed to prevent identity capture before confusion spreads.

Right of publicity laws still matter. They protect against unauthorized commercial use of name, image, and often voice. But they are largely reactive. Trademarks allow creators to draw boundaries in advance, before identity becomes unmoored from its source.

This is not a celebrity problem. Local radio hosts, podcasters, commentators, and long-form interviewers trade on recognition and trust every day. AI does not care about fame tiers. It cares about recognizable signals.

You do not need to trademark everything. You do need to know what actually signifies you, and decide whether to protect it, because in an AI-driven media economy, failing to define your identity does not preserve flexibility. It invites identity capture.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Sports Talker Terry Boers Dies at 75

Former Chicago sports talk radio host Terry Boers has died at 75. Boers, co-hosted the “Boers & Bernstein” show on Audacy’s WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” from 1999 through 2016. He retired from the station inimg January of 2017. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen posted the following to social media: “The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones. Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in The Score hallways. Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person. Terry’s family’s wish is there won’t be a funeral, but The Score will celebrate his life on the air next week. So today and forever, RIP Terry Boers.” Boer was one of the original hosts on “The Score when it launched in January 1992. Boers had worked for years in the newspaper business, including as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Dogs Are Having a Moment

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgNotice how often you see one in TV commercials, even when the product has nothing to do with pets? I see spots for a local building supply outlet, in which the owner’s dog ambles through every shot, then plops down – seeming to smile – among employees in the closing shot.

I am disappointed not to hear local radio spots – with a bark toward the end – for that same business. Does a retailer in your area appear in TV commercials with his or her dog? Can radio – the #1 in-car media – can take that business for a “RIDE???”

Dogs appearing in national ads convey loyalty and adventure. Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Target, Volkswagen, and Subaru are among brands that have used dogs to soften their image and boost attention. Why? Research demonstrates that “harnessing the ​universal ​appeal of man’s‌ best friend, these advertisements ​have emerged as ‍a powerful ‌tool ​for marketers‍ seeking to resonate with consumers on a deeply ‍emotional level.” Dogs evoke warmth and joy. They refine a brand, ‌making it‌ more relatable and trustworthy. ‌

“If only radio had pictures,” you say? We do, in social media posts and on station websites and everywhere else we can take a local advertiser. And beyond dog copy, think: dog content.

  • A number of news/talk stations I’ve worked with broker weekend ask-the-expert hours to veterinarians whose investment ROI’s big-time. The lines are jammed and smart stations extend such weekend warriors by repurposing excerpts. “Pet Pro Dr. Donna Stone has tips for helping your critters keep-their-cool during this long, hot summer” links to an aircheck clip that you Tweet-out and post elsewhere online. Include a picture of an adorable puppy and you’ll click like crazy. Music stations: Sell the vet spots-disguised-as informative features that invite listeners to see/hear/learn more in podcasts or videos or other content on your or the doctor’s website.
  • One of my client stations boosts adoptions each holiday season by featuring “The 12 Strays of Christmas” from the local shelter, sponsored by, you guessed it, a vet.’
  • Tchotchke opportunity: a station-logo’d tennis “BALL!” Toss ‘em around at dog parks and give ‘em away at appearances.
  • Brainstorm other opportunities.

I live at the beach — dog nirvana. It’s a sensory symphony: the scent of salt air, warm sun, sand to dig and roll-around in… canine bliss. On the beach here, dogs don’t have to be leashed; and when you let ‘em romp they sure do, chasing waves, and plunging-in to retrieve “BALL!”

In that wonderful moment, they are living like they will never grow old. Sadly, we know better. Thus The Farmer’s Dog tag line “Making old dogs feel young again;” and Blue Buffalo’s “Love them like family. Feed them like family.”

That’s the emotional space radio can own: warmth, loyalty, companionship, trust. Let’s create messages – and moments – that honor the joy and spirit our buddies bring us.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn