TALKERS 2026 Video: Joe Pags Advises “Be Ready When You Get That Call”
TALKERS continues to post a cornucopia of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is an advisory message from Compass Media Networks syndicated talk radio star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo titled, “Be Ready When You Get That Call.” Introduced by programming legend David Bernstein, Pags advises radio broadcasters to be ready to take advantage of all the marvelous technology available to continue broadcasting independently on a moment’s notice when you get the dreaded call from your station or platform claiming that “budget cuts” are forcing their hand to drop your show. Don’t miss this informative and inspirational address! Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. There’s plenty more to come next week. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.
he’ll be on the air, will come at a later date, Dickey says Kincade is “a familiar and respected voice in sports radio, [who] previously built a strong connection with listeners during his 20-year tenure with the station, becoming a trusted presence in the market.” The company adds, “His addition reflects DBC’s broader commitment to industry-leading investment in its people, technology, and strategic partnerships ensuring the company remains at the forefront of sports media. By continually enhancing its talent roster, embracing innovative broadcasting tools, and strengthening collaborations across the industry, Dickey Broadcasting Company is well positioned to inform, entertain, and serve its audience at the highest level.”
owned-and-operated digital inventory both locally and nationally, including digital, audio, podcasts and creator-led content, creating a more unified path for advertisers to activate multi-platform campaigns at scale. iHeartMedia chief business officer Lisa Coffey comments, “Advertisers are increasingly looking for media solutions that combine scale, intelligence and simplicity across channels. By combining Amazon Ads’ shopping insights and advertising technology with iHeart’s audio leadership, we’re creating a more seamless, data-informed way for brands to create more effective campaigns across sound and sight.”
hosted by nationally syndicated talk radio pro Larry O’Connor features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care. 
interviews for audio actualities, anchor local newscasts and post stories on website and social media, etc. This person will also be responsible for doing play-by-play of regional High School football and basketball games during the season. Some evenings and weekends will be required… We need someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Send your cover letter, resume, audio demo(s), and references to Kevin Tlam at 
analysis and commentary to an audience of millions who feel underserved by mainstream outlets. His direct, no-nonsense style has built one of the most loyal and engaged followings in independent media, with over 800,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 166 million total views.” Helios Media president and CEO Mike Paradiso comments, “Matt has built a loyal and highly engaged audience through his independent, insightful commentary on the news and cultural issues shaping America. His authentic voice and growing influence have made him one of the most promising rising stars in independent media.”
Lucas Strain and Connor Ferguson of the afternoon show “Off The Bench” are out, as are hosts of “The 1st Quarter,” Heather Burnside and Alec Busse. Roberts says in a Facebook post, “Earlier today after our show myself as many others were laid off at iHeart Des Moines. I’m not angry or am going to blame anyone… it’s part of the business. You can have good ratings, good revenue etc… Doesn’t matter… your number on that excel sheet can be picked any day. I sit here proud of my career in radio and proud of what we did at KXnO. I’ve been doing sports talk radio in Des Moines since 2014 and it’s been a hell of a ride with so many people to thank.”
AM/FM and sports talk KTIK-FM “953FM The Ticket,” plus three music brands. Fabian most recently served with Townsquare Media in Arizona. Fabian states, “I am honored to join the Boise team and look forward to becoming part of both the organization and this remarkable community. Throughout my career, I have always believed that great teams and strong relationships are the foundation of success. I am excited to work alongside this talented group, serve the Boise community, and help build on the strong tradition these stations have established.”
illness or disaster. The BFOA has distributed more than $20 million in aid to radio and television professionals over the past 15 years, representing over 200 broadcast companies across 45 states and U.S. territories. BFOA says, “On Giving Day, we encourage everyone in broadcasting to come together and support our broadcast community. Every contribution helps ensure that the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to provide a helping hand to broadcasters in need when tragedy strikes.” 
company works to become more nimble. The memo also notes that while it will be creating new roles to this end in the future, the unfortunate reality is that some people are going to lose their jobs. “We have given this a great deal of thought and do not take this step lightly; we are deeply grateful for the contributions of those affected, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition.”
Fame. He’ll officially join the Hall on October 22 during a ceremony at the Rainbow Room in New York City. NYSBA says in a letter to Rosenberg,” Your career has been outstanding… while successful at WFAN and 1010 WINS, you have become a radio legend in your 10 years at 77WABC. From co-hosting the “Bernie and Sid” in 2016 to today’s “Sid and Friends in the Morning,” you have blazed a path in the tough New York City market.”
signals as WGN, Chicago; KMOX, St. Louis and 18 other affiliate stations. Sterling says, “There is something magical about overnight radio. It’s the one part of the day when listeners let down their guard and have real conversations. They share their stories, their questions, their experiences, and together we explore the fascinating, funny, mysterious, and sometimes unbelievable side of life. To be heard on legendary stations like WABC, WGN, and KMOX is both a professional milestone and a personal honor. I’m excited to spend the nights with listeners across America and build a community where every voice matters and every story is worth telling.”
Outside the Box. We wish Ben nothing but the best moving forward.” According to WFRV-TV, Green Bay, the station says it will release more details in the coming weeks “about which local programming will replace Cominos and its political block.” Cominos is not giving up his show, however. He tells the Green Bay Press-Gazette, “I’m not going to bury the lede, I’m no longer employed by WHBY. ‘Outside the Box’ will still live on though. My show has been picked up by Minocqua Brewing.” He says “Outside the Box” will stream 9:00 am to 11:00 am weekdays on the Minocqua Brewing Co. Times Substack and on his own Facebook, TikTok and YouTube accounts. Cominos describes his show as “a working class political show for the people that feel left behind by the two-party system.”
Springs market that includes news/talk KVOR to his duties and he’ll continue to lead the Oklahoma City operations. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker states, “Jay is an accomplished leader and the perfect partner for the team in Colorado Springs. We are eager to see the impact he and the team will continue to have in that community for our listeners and clients.”
helping patients with blood cancers or disorders find matching blood stem cell donors. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane comments, “The auction experiences created excitement. Our fans created impact. In an era of infinite content and fractured attention, this event wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a reminder that radio still matters. It still creates community, inspires generosity, and has the power to turn listeners into neighbors united behind a common cause. We’re honored to help bring people together in support of NMDP’s mission.”
Now, the station announces that Malloy is returning to the station on July 13 to resume his role as co-host of the “Dennis & Judi Show.” This change doesn’t put Franco’s current co-host Eric Johnson out on the street. The former, longtime “New Jersey 101.5” program director is returning to management as operations manager and program director. He will serve as a fill-in talk host on the station and will spin records during
the station’s weekend music programs. Johnson says, “So here is where we are. Dennis and Judi are back together on July 13. I am moving into a role that lets me put 48 years of experience to work shaping what New Jersey radio sounds like across three markets. And I will still be here, writing about this state I have loved my whole life, and showing up on the air when you need a familiar voice.”
would be retiring from daily talk show hosting later this summer on Jacobs Media’s WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, where she presided over a hugely popular midday program since 2019. The decision was made due to heart-related health issues. She planned to remain with the powerful station as an occasional political consultant and commentator. Zoller, the 2023 recipient of the TALKERS “Woman of the Year” award, was an influential figure in Georgia politics having run for Congress in the U.S. 9th District as a Republican in 2012. Before that she served her first stint as a radio talk show host in North Georgia for a number of years. She was also a member of the State Board of Education representing District 9 in Northeast, Georgia in addition to engaging in a number of other community-oriented activities.
perspective, and multi-platform success that aligns perfectly with our vision for the new ‘97.1 The Fan.’” Audacy notes that Koh is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and sports personality with experience at FOX 11, NBC 4, NFL Network, DIRECTV Sports, and the Clippers Radio Network, as well as national work at Amazon Prime Sports, FuboTV, and EA’s official Madden broadcasts. Beyond the microphone, he is an entrepreneur and educator, co-owning a football analytics website and serving as an adjunct journalism professor.
will take on the role of digital sales manager for Cumulus Knoxville. He says he will continue to be heard on air as part of the Tennessee football postgame show. He told his listeners, “I want the next chapter in my life to be where I’m no longer the main character, but that I’m able to help other people to be the best version of the main character themselves.” He added, “I’m tired. This is a grind. This [new management position] opens up more time that I can spend with my wife. This opens up a situation where I can step in and grow other people.” 
The stations I work with make big money with live endorsement spots delivered by familiar local on-air personalities. Remember them? With most AM/FM broadcast hours now robotic or non-local, your relationship with the listener is precious and can be leveraged… carefully.
program is hears on more than 550 stations nationwide. Two years later, Premiere launched The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Podcast Network currently offering eight news, politics and culture podcasts. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We’re so proud to celebrate this milestone with Clay and Buck. They had enormous shoes to fill when we launched this show, and they’ve surpassed our expectations in every way. Clay and Buck have built a dynamic, high-impact brand of talk radio that continues to grow across multiple platforms and delivers unmatched results for our affiliate and advertising partners. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones together!”
the organization. BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “We are honored to welcome Michael and Tim to the Broadcasters Foundation board of directors. Both are highly accomplished leaders whose careers reflect excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to our industry. Their insights, relationships, and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to grow awareness of the Foundation’s mission and ensure that broadcasters across the country know that help is available when they need it most.”