Industry News

iHeartMedia Joins NBCUniversal as Olympics Audio Partner

NBCUniversal announces that iHeartMedia is serving as its exclusive audio partner for the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games taking place from February 6 to February 22. As part of the partnership, iHeartRadio will provide 24/7 play-by-play audio channels ofimg NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Games. It will also produce a new Winter Games season of “Two Guys, Five Rings” hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, produce Olympic-specific episodes of some of its podcasts, and promote tune-in for NBCU’s coverage. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “We’re eager to build upon our relationship with NBCUniversal and once again deliver premium audio coverage of the Olympic Games, this time focusing on the awe-inspiring athletes and incredible stories set to come from the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. As the leading destination for sports audio, we’re excited to deepen the connection between audiences and the athletes they love.”

Industry News

VSiN Adds New Radio Affiliates

VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, adds three new affiliate stations as WARF-AM, Cleveland “The Gambler,” expands to 20-plus hours of VSiN’s sports betting programming daily and WIWF-FM/HD-3, Charleston, South Carolina and KOSP-FM, Springfield, Missouri add VSiNimg programming to their lineups. VSiN president and chief business officer Brian Musburger states, “We’re thrilled to bring these new radio markets the news, analysis, and expert insights listeners need to make more informed wagering decisions. Through the continued distribution expansion VSiN is delivering its trusted sports betting programming to more listeners than anyone else and solidifying our position as the largest sports betting radio network in the country, by far.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/28)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research include:

    1. 1. Trump’s Asia Tour
    1. 2. Government Shutdown / Payroll for the Military
    1. 3. Israel Strikes in Gaza
    1. 4. Today’s Fed Meeting
    1. 5. NYC Mayoral Race
Industry News

Audacy: All-News Ratings Are Up as People Seek “Established Credibility & Trust”

Audacy SVP, research & insights Ray Borelli writes that “with nearly two-thirds of U.S. households now either cord-cutters or cord-nevers, accessing credible and trusted local news is harder today than ever before.” He adds, “Furthermore, distrust in social media is likely fueling aimg 16% year-over-year decline in the percentage of Americans who say they get their news ‘often’ from apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.2. In this rapidly changing landscape, consumers are increasingly turning to All News Radio for local news, trusted voices, and fact-based reporting.” Borelli cites as evidence for this Nielsen data indicating that Audacy all-news stations are up 11% versus last year and adds that’s coming off a presidential election year. Ben Mevorach is vice president of news at WINS, New York and he says, “As the number of places to get news continues to grow, the number of places to find news that is credible, trustworthy, and without bias is rapidly shrinking. People constantly tell us that 1010 WINS is their sole source for news they can trust.” Read Borelli’s complete story here.

Industry News

Hannity to Present Town Hall with NJ Republican Candidate Jack Ciattarelli

Talk media superstar Sean Hannity is on the road Thursday (10/30) as his FOX News Channel show that evening will be a town hall with New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jackimg Ciattarelli at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant. The one-hour town hall will focus on the top issues impacting New Jersey and the proposed policies that Ciattarelli would implement across the state. Additionally, FNC’s Harris Faulkner will join Hannity and Ciattarelli to discuss the issues that matter most to New Jersey ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. FNC national correspondent Bryan Llenas will also be on site providing live updates on the event.

Industry News

Richmond to Lead Bonneville Sacramento

Bonneville names Jim Richmond SVP and market manager for its Sacramento station group that includes sports talk KHTK-AM, “Sactown Sports” and three music brands. Richmond has been serving as director of sales for the company’s Seattle operations since September of 2020.img Bonneville president and COO Tanya Vea says, “I’m thrilled for Jim to take on this leadership role in Sacramento. This market has a great lineup of stations, a strong digital sales business, and wonderful employees. Jim has shown himself to be an excellent leader, and his background is the perfect fit. I’m confident that he will build on the strengths of the market, developing the business and the culture at Bonneville Sacramento.” Richmond comments, “I’m honored to join the Sacramento team. These stations have a meaningful connection to the community, and I look forward to supporting our people, growing our digital presence, and serving listeners wherever they are across every platform with purpose and innovation.”

Industry News

WWO: Importance of Branding Early and Often

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog addresses creative best practices related to branding. Blog author Pierre Bouvard writes that when a campaign fails to get the desired brand lift or poor website traffic, usually creative is the issue and your campaign is failing to “brand early and often.” He recommends the following analysis procedure: 1)img Conduct a “brand early and often” creative audit: Watch/listen to all your ads. Check off if your brand is mentioned in first two seconds and if there are at least five or more audio track brand mentions in 30-second ads; 2) You can look away but you cannot shut your ears: In video ads, audio branding does all the brand recall heavy lifting; 3) Audio case studies reveal implementing the “brand early and often” creative best practice generates stronger purchase intention and increased brand lift and website attribution; 4) Do you want your brand association and recall to explode? Use a jingle with melody that says the name of your company; and 5) Don’t blame the media plan or media vendors for weak attribution and brand lift: Usually creative is the issue and the ad copy fails to “brand early and often.” See the full blog post here.

Industry News

Cumulus’ WFNC Helps Promote Air Angels: Flight Helene Film

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Veterans Day (November 11) is the day of the world premiere of the Just Do GOOD Entertainment-produced film, Air Angels: Flight Helene, that honors the “everyday heroes who sprang into action during Hurricane Helene” in September of 2024. The film – which tells the inspiring stories of individuals who selflessly used their own aircraft, vehicles, time, and resources to rescue and support strangers stranded during the aftermath of catastrophic Hurricane Helene – premieres at Cameo Art House Theatre in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Cumulus Media’s news/talk WFNC-AM/HD2, Fayetteville is sponsoring the showing and station morning host Gilbert Baez – and Emmy Award-winning journalist and Army Rangers veteran – will host the screenings. Gilbert will offer his personal perspective of what it was like to film Air Angels this past summer and share his experiences with catastrophic storms. Baez says, “It’s going to be a pleasure to host the premiere of Air Angels in downtown Fayetteville. I’m also very proud that Cumulus agreed to be a media partner since I host a morning show on one of its stations. It’s exciting and an honor to work with Valerie Smaldone. For years, she’s been a well-known radio voice in New York. Now, Valerie is a tv and film producer who develops outstanding special programming.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Hannah Brown-Kitchens (strategic data analyst, Cumulus Media), Smaldone (co-founder Just Do GOOD Entertainment), Baez, and Tish Boden (VP/market manager, Cumulus Media).

Industry News

Marshall Promoted at Quu

Quu Inc – provider of technology to deploy of visual content for radio – promotes Joe Marshallimg to vice president of technical success. In this expanded role, Marshall will lead Quu’s technical support and implementation efforts, helping stations seamlessly integrate the company’s patented Visual Radio technology that enable broadcasters to display real-time music, content, and advertiser text and images wherever audiences listen.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/27)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research include: 1) Government Shutdown / Battle Over Health Care Benefits; 2) Trump’s Asia Trip; 3) Trump Entertains Third Term Talk; 4) NYC Mayoral Race; and 5) the Biden Autopen Issue.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgPossibly not – beginning Sunday – unless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Everywhere else, clocks will change when we “fall-back” on November 2.

It’s uncanny how just that one-hour shift impacts listeners’ lives. So, it’s a BIG topic of conversation. Plan now to empathize with the emotional and practical adjustments they’re confronting, including…

Increased Morning Light:

  • Positive: With the clock set back, it becomes lighter earlier in the morning, which can help people wake up more easily and feel more alert, especially for those who need to start their day early.
  • Negative: For people who start their day later, they may not notice much of a change, but the adjustment period can still be disruptive.

Shorter Evenings:

Positive: The extra hour of light in the morning might be useful for early morning commuters, outdoor activities, or children heading to school.

  • Negative: On the downside, the sun sets earlier in the evening, meaning it gets dark sooner. This can affect evening activities and make commutes home feel less pleasant or even more dangerous due to reduced visibility.

Disruption to Sleep Patterns:

  • Positive: The “fall back” of the clock gives people an extra hour of sleep, which many enjoy.
  • Negative: Some people experience disrupted sleep patterns and may feel temporarily groggy as their bodies adjust to the new time.

Health and Mood:

  • Positive: For some, the extra morning light can improve mood and reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  • Negative: The early evening darkness can lead to feelings of fatigue, a drop in energy levels, or contribute to “winter blues” or SAD. especially as daylight becomes limited.

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Impact on Productivity:

  • Positive: People may feel more productive in the morning due to earlier sunlight.
  • Negative: However, the earlier sunset could reduce motivation to engage in activities after work or school, potentially leading to a decrease in evening productivity.

Safety Considerations:

  • Positive: More daylight in the morning can make commuting safer for drivers and pedestrians during rush hour.
  • Negative: With darker evenings, there’s an increased risk of accidents, especially for people who are walking or biking.

Energy Consumption:

  • Positive: Energy usage patterns may shift as a result of less artificial light being used in the morning.
  • Negative: However, people tend to use more lighting and heating in the evenings, which may counterbalance the potential energy savings.

Impact on Schedules:

  • Positive: Some people enjoy having the extra hour in their day when DST ends.
  • Negative: For parents and workers, adjusting children’s or personal routines to the earlier darkness can be challenging.

What’s a radio station to do?

  • Bump with or play songs related to time (Cyndi Lauper “Time After Time,’ Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time”).
  • Explain the history of DST.
  • Ask listeners’ opinions on DST. Do they love it or hate it? You’ll hear both.
  • “How will you spend your extra hour?”
  • Give away nostalgic items (like retro vinyl records or vintage tech).
  • Sleep tips from health professionals and mental health experts.
  • Advertisers offer “10% off for the extra hour! Sale only valid from midnight to 1 AM.”
  • Coffee or breakfast gift card giveaways.
  • Pertinent commercial copy hooks, i.e., “It’s time for a new ___!”

And please note: It’s “Daylight Saving Time,” not “Daylight Savings Time.”

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

Industry News

Bibi Farber Performs Guest Vocals on New Gunhill Road Song

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Bibi Farber (right), daughter of the late talk radio legend Barry Farber, has recorded a guest vocal appearance on a brand new Gunhill Road song titled, “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” which will appear on the group’s forthcoming fifth album. The track is a sentimental love songimg examining the lifelong love affair of a fictional couple from childhood to old age – an emotional roller coaster ride reflecting the romantic ups and downs of a complex relationship. The tear-jerker is a departure from the heavy-hitting social commentaries that have made Gunhill Road a favorite among talk radio hosts and audiences for the past half decade.  The intriguing group, formed in the late 1960s, is still going strong with core members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael HarrisonMatthew B. Harrison produces the ensemble’s videos that employ leading-edge techniques and technology. Ms. Farber, who shares lead vocals on the song with Brian Koonin, is a talented singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist with a number of singles, albums and television commercial soundtracks among her credits. She is presently an advocate for the well-being of nursing home residents and organizer of initiatives to bring live music into their lives. To watch the music video for “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” please click here.  To learn more about Bibi Farber please click here.

Industry News

Former Sports Talker Tirrell Arrested on New Fraud Charges

Former Des Moines sports talk host Marty Tirrell was arrested a week ago on federal wire fraud charges. This comes after Tirrell was sentenced to almost three-and-a-half years in prison on mail fraud charges in 2021. That sentence was in connection with a luxury ticket-flipping schemeimg in which Tirrell used the proceeds for personal expenses and gambling. Now, prosecutors say Tirrell has done pretty much the same thing again, getting investors to give him money to buy luxury tickets for events like the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Taylor Swift concerts, Indiana Fever games and football and baseball playoff games. Tirrell was to sell the tickets and pay investors their original investment plus a share of the profits. Prosecutors say Tirrell did pay some investors back but did so with money from new investors. In fact, they say Tirrell never made the ticket purchases and instead used the money for personal expenses and gambling. Tirrell worked as a sports talk host at KXLQ-AM, Des Moines and later at KXNO, Des Moines. See the Des Moines Register story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/25-26)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Battle Over Health Care Benefits
    2. White House Ballroom Project
    3. Trump’s Asian Trip
    4. U.S.-Venezuela Tensions
    5. Newsom Admits Mulling Presidential Run
Industry News

Nielsen: AM/FM Grabs 64% of Ad-Supported Audio Listeners

Based on research from Nielsen and Edison Research, Nielsen’s The Record: Q3 U.S. Audio Listening Trends report concludes that “daily audio consumption in the U.S. in Q3 2025 averaged 3 hours and 53 minutes of daily listening across both ad-supported and ad-freeimg platforms like radio, podcasts, streaming music services and satellite radio, with ad-supported audio representing 64% of total listening.” Breaking that down further, the study reveals that within the ad-supported audio universe, imgconsumers spent 62% of their daily time with radio, 20% with podcasts, 15% with streaming audio services and 3% with satellite radio. Among 18-34 year-olds radio accounted for 43% of daily ad-supported audio time, where podcasts accounted for 31%. And adults 35+ spent 69% of daily ad-supported audio time listening to radio and only 16% listening to podcasts. Looking at listening based on radio formats (Nielsen PPM Cross-Market AQH Share. Q3 2025. Mon-Sun 6a-Mid), news/talk garnered a 10.6 share for Persons 18+ and a 12.0 share for Persons 35+, and a 6.1 share in the 25-54 demo. See the complete report here.

Industry News

Triton Digital: Charlie Kirk Show Podcast Continues to Rise

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for September (Sept. 1-28) based on weekly average downloads for participating networks and Salem Media Group’s “The Charlie Kirkimg Show” rose three places to the #3 spot, behind NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#1) and “Up First” (#2). Kirk was slain in September 10 and new episodes of the program continue to be produced. Other talk radio related shows of note include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” drops two places to #13; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” drops two places to #16; and iHeartRadio’s “The Jesse Kelly Show” climbs three places to #49. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Condo-Bucknell Joins Infinity Networks

Network radio sales and marketing pro Jeanne-Marie Condo-Bucknell joins Audacy’s Infinity Networks as senior revenue leader. Condo-Bucknell served with Skyview Networks for 25 years, leaving the company in April. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Jeanne-Marie is a respected and accomplished leader in network radio, and we couldn’t be happier to have her joinimg the Infinity Networks team. Her exceptional reputation for delivering revenue growth, strategic vision, and innovative approach to developing new revenue paths makes her an invaluable addition as we scale Infinity’s sales strategy.” Condo-Bucknell says, “I am truly honored. This is a fantastic next step, doing what I love, centered on driving revenue with an exceptional team. Infinity Networks is making great strides as a network leader, and I look forward to making a significant impact. Driving revenue requires strategic plans with depth-based concepts, stellar industry relationships, fresh ideas, and new revenue paths, all of which Infinity is 100% focused on. We will leverage strategic audio partnerships, cross-generational audience engagement, and unwavering commitment to client service, driving impactful results.”

Industry News

Dr. Murray Sabrin Interviewed on TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel

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Noted “public intellectual,” Dr. Murray Sabrin is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel series “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Sabrin, a prolific author, Substack columnist and public speaker, has been one of the most sought-after guests in news/talk media for the past three decades. He’s one of America’s most visible experts on libertarianism and free market economics – ideologies that have strong followings within the influential arena of talk radio. Sabrin is emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, associated scholar at the Mises Institute, and a former Libertarian Party standard bearer in the Garden State. He is the founder of a grassroots movement, “Make Americans Financially Independent (MAFI)” – a counterpoint to the present tendency toward runaway, unconstitutional government spending that has led the U.S. to take on trillions of dollars in stifling debt. Harrison probes the present-day nuances of libertarianism and questions its practicality in 21st century America. Among numerous provocative questions, he asks: Where does President Donald Trump fit along the spectrum of libertarian thought? Are Americans – in general – intelligent, altruistic, and educated enough to take on the societal responsibilities of a true libertarian society? To view this timely video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 20-24, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/20-24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
  2. 2. ICE Raids / Chicago Guard Troops Ruling
  3. 3. Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
  4. 4. Israel-Hamas Peace Process
  5. 5. Trump Demands Cash from Justice Department
  6. 6. “No Kings” Protests
  7. 7. Louvre Jewelry Heist
  8. 8. Trump Commutes Santos’ Sentence
  9. 9. Alleged Drug Boats Strikes
  10. 10.Mob-Linked Sports Rigging Case

People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  2. 2. Mike Johnson
  3. 3. Chuck Schumer / Hakeem Jeffries
  4. 4. Karoline Leavitt
  5. 5. J.D. Vance / Benjamin Netanyahu
  6. 6. George Santos
  7. 7. Pete Hegseth
  8. 8. Vladimir Putin
  9. 9. Robert DeNiro / Stephen Miller
  10. 10.Chauncey Billups / Terry Rozier

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

Industry News

Report: Curtis Sliwa Angrily Quits WABC

According to the New York Post, WABC talk radio host Curtis Sliwa – currently a Republican candidate for mayor of New York City – fumed on the station’s morning show with Sid Rosenberg that he will never be seen in the studios of WABC again after station owner Johnimg Catsimatidis and others urged him to exit the mayoral race to give former Governor Andrew Cuomo a better chance of beating Democrat Zohran Mamdani. During his on-air conversation with Rosenberg, Sliwa “accused colleagues of betraying him” and he told Rosenberg WABC is “giving preferable treatment” to Cuomo. Catsimatidis later told the Post, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. Catsimatidis added, “I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should.” Sliwa said on the air that he’s had to hire private security due to threats against him and his wife. “If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals. My life is on the line here.” Sliwa’s radio show is currently off the air due to his active political campaign.  Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Elimination of Federal Programs
    2. Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
    3. ICE Raids / Chicago Guard Troops Ruling
    4. Israel-Hamas Peace Process
    5. Trump Sanctions Russia’s Oil Giants
Industry News

KKOB Names Csanyi-Salcedo News Director

Cumulus Media appoints Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo news director for News Radio KKOB 770 AM/96.3 FM in Albuquerque. In this role, Csanyi-Salcedo will oversee the station’s news content strategy, newsroom operations, and talent development. Csanyi-Salcedo most recently servedimg as news director at KRGV-TV, Weslaco “ABC 5” in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where he led a bilingual newsroom. Cumulus Albuquerque OM and program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “Zoltan is exactly the kind of newsroom leader Albuquerque needs right now — grounded, relentless, and passionate about storytelling that matters. He’s built winning, trusted newsrooms in every market he’s touched, and we’re thrilled to have him guiding KKOB’s next chapter.” Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo comments, “KKOB has always been a trusted voice for New Mexico, and my mission is to strengthen that trust every day. This newsroom will focus on local truth first — fast, fair, and useful information that helps our audience make sense of what’s happening in their communities.”

Industry News

Schellhas to Lead iHeartMedia Cincinnati

iHeartMedia names Stefan Schellhas market president for its Cincinnati operations that includes news/talk WLW-AM, news/talk WKRC-AM, and sports talk stations WCKY and WSAI. iHeartMedia division president Dave Carwile states, “We’re thrilled to welcome Stefan Schellhas as the new market president for iHeartMedia Cincinnati. Stefan brings not only a strategic vision and proven leadership, but also a deep-rooted understanding of the Cincinnati market. Having spent years building relationships and driving results across the region, he knows the pulse of the city and what resonates with our listeners and advertising partners. His passion for the community, combined with his commitment to innovation and team development, makes him the ideal leader to guide our Cincinnati brands into the future.” Schellhas was most recently with Sinclair as VP/GM of its Cincinnati stations. Shellhas says, “My career started with an internship at 700 WLW, so returning truly feels like coming full circle. While consumer media habits—driven by technology—have evolved exponentially, what hasn’t changed is that ‘content is king,’ and iHeart continues to lead the way in the audio space. I’m honored to work alongside such a passionate team here in Cincinnati, and together we’ll continue to serve our advertisers and the Greater Cincinnati community.”

Industry News

Cumulus and Audacy Unveil Westwood One Sports

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and Audacy announced the rebranding of the Infinity Sports Network as Westwood One Sports, effective December 29. The companies say “this strategic move solidifies both companies as recognized leaders in national sports audio. Westwood Oneimg Sports’ 24/7 network will continue to deliver unmatched live coverage, expert commentary, and real-time sports programming to millions of listeners nationwide. This extends a partnership between Westwood One and Audacy that first began with the launch of CBS Sports Radio in 2012.” Westwood One will assume programming imgand distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming, including “The Jim Rome Show,” anchoring the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart. Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs and additional weekend programming as part of the Westwood One Sports roster. The full programming lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero comments, “Audacy and Westwood One have a long, storied history of collaboration,img and today’s evolution of our national sports partnership is that next chapter in our commitment to our hundreds of affiliates, their listeners, and our client partners. Be it local or national, broadcast or digital, opinion content or play by play, we continue to smartly look at ways to enhance our leadership position in sports content.”  Westwood One & EVP corporate strategy & development, Cumulus Media Collin Jones adds, “Westwood One Sports has always been synonymous with the biggest moments in sports audio. Launching Westwood One Sports 24/7 programming strengthens that legacy and positions us to deliver unmatched coverage and commentary to fans coast-to-coast. We’re excited to work with Audacy to make this transition seamless and impactful.”

Industry News

77WABC Presents “Back The Blue” Tribute

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77WABC’s “Back The Blue” daylong tribute held on Tuesday (10/21) dedicated its programming to honoring the brave men and women in law enforcement. During the opening press conference, WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis announced they will be donating $1 million in digital advertising across all Red Apple Group digital assets for a law enforcement recruitment campaign. Pictured above participating in the roundtable discussion are (from l-r): 77WABC air personality Dominic Carter, host of Red Apple Podcast Networks’ “Cop Talk” and retired NYPD detective Kevin Schroeder, Catsimatidis, 77WABC host Sid Rosenberg, and Red Apple Group chief of staff and former head of NY FBI George Venizelos.

Industry News

SiriusXM and the NBA Agree to Multi-Year Renewal

SiriusXM and the NBA say the renewal of their broadcasting agreement will ensure that fansimg throughout North America will continue to have access to every NBA game on SiriusXM as well as select WNBA game broadcasts and the exclusive 24/7 SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. Additionally, the SiriusXM app features 30 dedicated NBA team channels, providing official radio commentary for each team.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
    2. Vance in Israel
    3. ICE Raids / Guard Troops
    4. Trump Demands Cash from Justice Department
    5. White House Ballroom Project
Industry News

NewsTalkSTL Adds Susie Moore to Morning Show

NewsTalkSTL announces that effective October 27, Susie Moore will join “The Mike Ferguson Show,” taking over for Gabe Phifer, who exits to spend more time with his family. Moore, deputy managing editor at RedState, has been a regular guest and fill-in host on NewsTalk STL. Mooreimg comments, “It has been such a privilege to be part of the NewsTalkSTL team from the outset. I am thrilled to be joining ‘The Mike Ferguson in the Morning Show’ as co-host. I can’t wait to be part of the conversation with imgMike and our NewsTalkSTL listeners every weekday morning.” Ferguson adds, “Susie is the perfect addition to the show. We’re fortunate to be able to add someone who does such great work in the conservative movement through RedState and knows our community here in St. Louis. Our audience knows Susie, likes her, and respects her. We’re going to miss Gabe, but we’re excited about what Susie brings to the show.” NewsTalk STL is head on three signals in the region: KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine, Missouri.

Industry News

Audacy Launches Wisconsin Sports Radio Network

Audacy unveils the new Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, which the company says “will unite the state’s biggest sports voices, markets and fans onto a statewide platform produced and distributed by Audacy.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “The Wisconsin Sports Radio Network brings our state’s passion for sports under one roof. With ‘Theimg Fan’ leading the charge and these powerhouse affiliates joining forces, fans from Green Bay to Duluth can now experience the best local sports conversation anywhere in Wisconsin.” Audacy’s WSSP-FM, Milwaukee “105.7 The Fan” is serving as the network flagship. The daily program lineup include: “Inside Wisconsin Sports” with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht (6:00 am to 9:00 am); “Nine2Noon with Kuhn” with John Kuhn, Ramie Makhlouf, and Brandon Sneide (9:00 am to 12:00 noon); “The Mason Crosby Show” with Mason Crosby, Mitch “Thunder” Nelles and Tommy Wortz 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm); “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with Steve “Sparky” Fifer and Charlie Uczen (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm); and “Wisconsin Sports Wrap Up” hosted by Tommy Wortz (5:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Initial affiliate stations include Midwest Communications’ WNFL, Green Bay WRIG-AM/FM, Wausau; and WDSM-AM, Superior.

Industry News

Saga Sells 22 Towers to GTC Uno

Saga Communications agrees to sell 22 of its tower sites to GTC Uno, LLC for approximately $10.7 million. Saga says this transaction will continue to allow the company to use the towers with no cash lease payment. Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy says,img “Saga previously announced its plans to optimize our portfolio of assets, and this is a significant step in doing so. We are committed to evaluating every asset we own while still efficiently and effectively operating our businesses.” The company intends to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, public and private block trades or other forms of buybacks. The implementation of any stock buyback program remains at the full discretion of the company’s board of directors.

Industry News

KTSA, San Antonio Holds Annual Thanksgiving Fundraiser

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Connoisseur Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM, San Antonio raised $165,601 during its 18th Annual KTSA Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner Radiothon. The funds support the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, considered the largest Thanksgiving event in the United States and founded by San Antonio restaurateur Raul Jimenez 46 years ago. The annual event has grown over the years and now feeds more than 25,000 people in downtown San Antonio each Thanksgiving Day. KTSA says the event provides a warm holiday meal – and a sense of family – to elderly residents, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone in need of community and care. Pictured above are station morning drive personalities Trey Ware (center) and Sean Rima (second from right). Ware says, “It’s such an honor to lead the KTSA Radiothon for the Jimenez Thanksgiving Meal. I love giving back to the community that has given so much to my family for 70 years.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/20)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
    2. Appeals Court Portland Guard Ruling
    3. “No Kings” Protests
    4. Louvre Jewelry Heist
    5. AWS Outage