TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter This Friday
The dynamic agenda is set for the 28th installment of the annual TALKERS conference that will take place on Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. The longest running and most important national talk media conference – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – will feature more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power-packed day (8:00 am – 6:00 pm) chock full of existential industry takeaways and platform/career building networking opportunities. The conference is heading toward being an early sellout. Don’t be shut out!
All sessions will take place on the state-of-the-art “Soundstage A” of Hofstra’s multi-award-winning Lawrence Hebert School of Communication and will be video recorded for later presentation and historic posterity on a number of prominent platforms. In addition to the panel discussions, special presentations and keynote address, these recordings will also include one-on-one video interviews with attendees and speakers conducted by Hofstra’s excellent team of reporters, producers, and videographers.
TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “The thorough video documentation of this event brings the excitement to an even higher level. This is turning out to be one of the most important installments of the annual TALKERS extravaganza.”
For up to the minute agenda, registration, and hotel information, please click here.
off – at least for now. That the two media firms were in preliminary talks first broke in early May. As DealBook notes, there is a history between the two companies: “Liberty SiriusXM Group, once an affiliate of John Malone’s media empire, used to hold significant stakes in both companies. Liberty SiriusXM eventually sold its stake in iHeartMedia (primarily a broadcast radio company) and split off its ownership of SiriusXM (primarily a satellite radio company) into a separate entity.”
If you are doing talk radio, much of your programming is syndicated. If you do music radio, your most formidable competitors are robotic streams that live in the cloud. Either way, YOU, being local, can make friends — and money — if you plan now to exploit these occasions.
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hosted his last show Saturday (5/30) that turned into a big farewell with co-workers, family and friends packing the Audacy station’s studio. Long served with WCCO for 55 years of his 60-year career. He joined the station in 1971 as program director for the then-music formatted station. He remained with WCCO in numerous capacities, most recently as host of the Saturday morning show. Long says he’s retiring for health reasons but adds that with a little luck and good medical care he’ll be alright.
The Radio Television Digital News Association announces the winners of the 2026 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. Regional winners advance to the national competition, with winners announced in August. National winners will be celebrated at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12 at Gotham Hall in New York City. 
Maryland. The award is given annually for excellence among radio and TV stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The award is one of five first-place awards given to WBAL NewsRadio at the annual CAPBA banquet. WBAL director of programming and news director Jeff Wade says, “The WBAL NewsRadio team proves once again they are best-in-class in the region with this outstanding showing at the CAPBA Awards. We’re honored to win Outstanding News Operation for the second consecutive year – a testament to our staff’s consistent pursuit of excellence in broadcast journalism.”
Wayne Allyn Root” Saturdays at 12:00 noon for the past four years. The new show will be caller-based, something that Root says has rarely been done on television. He tells TALKERS he tested the caller-based model on a special show last month and received 21,000 calls. Root comments, “The people of America are angry, disillusioned, motivated, and intensely focused on national politics. They want to have their say. They want their ‘15 minutes of fame.’ This is their soapbox. Anyone and everyone will now get to talk with Wayne Allyn Root and give their opinions live on national TV.”
before Judge Wexler hundreds of times in connection with a variety of different matters. I feel confident in saying that I have never appeared before a judge with as much compassion and empathy as Judge Wexler… She always homes in on the issues that are most important to the people involved. For while many judges view cases as purely legal matters, Judge Wexler knows that for the people involved, it can be a daunting, intimidating and frightening experience. She never forgets that the individuals before her are people with hopes, dreams and fears, not just parties to a legal case. She understands the importance of letting people who appear before her have a voice and be heard.” Wexler’s radio program is heard daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
committed to raising awareness for brain cancer. Audacy Chicago VP of sports programming Mitch Rosen says, “More than 1,900 listeners rallied together to pledge donations, and we are deeply moved by their incredible generosity. Through the stories shared by our hosts and guests, we see firsthand how cancer impacts families. This radiothon is a reminder that no one has to fight alone. Our heartfelt thanks go out to our community, sponsors, team, and our great partner, the Chicago Cubs.”
chair Patrick Mara, but Fredericks says he thinks it’s important to try to build something for Republicans in deep-blue DC. In a campaign video, Fredericks says Republicans have “‘zero representation, zero respect, zero results’ — and [he] promises to promote an ‘agenda that’s going to make your life better: Get rid of the rats, lower rents.’” 
anything at all we kind of announce it ahead of time. And so today it’s my turn.” He added, “I figure if I’ve done it for 59 years it’s probably enough. Everything’s fine, my health is fine, my wife’s health is fine, we’re just deciding that it’s time to go enjoy the rest of our life that won’t include getting up at 4:20 in the morning. So, we’re going to do that.” A succession plan is in place as DeLucia introduced Tucker “Frito” Young as the newest member of “The Infomaniacs” yesterday (5/27). Young says, “I was excited by the opportunity, mostly because growing up in College Station and Bryan and around the area, if you listen to radio, you would listen to you (Scott) and Jay and Tom and everybody else. So, this is kind of like being on the radio show of record for the Brazos Valley.”
Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters, and eight Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association. In 2024, Jurgens was presented with The Pioneer Award from the North Dakota Broadcasters Association. He says about his decision to retire, “I’m getting to the point where I want to do something else. There’s a lot of things that happen – phone calls, texts in the middle of the night, so I think it’s just time.” The station says that while Jurgens is leaving KFGO in a full-time capacity, it is possible that he returns to the station on a part-time basis in the future. His replacement is expected to be announced today (5/28) on the Joel Heitkamp show.
Megan Lazovick, vice president, Edison Research at SSRS and will offer a look at the U.S. podcast audience through multiple lenses, including: Reach of podcasts among U.S. consumers from The Infinite Dial; Share of daily time spent with podcasts from Share of Ear; and Content preferences from Edison Podcast Metrics. 
also shining a spotlight on the BFOA’s charitable mission of providing critical financial assistance to broadcasters in need.” The event will feature radio executive Dan Mason, who will meet attendees and share insights from his remarkable career in broadcasting from behind the microphone to the head of the CBS Radio. BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “The Broadcasters Foundation’s Media Mixers have become one of the most important gatherings for the future of our industry, bringing together rising broadcast professionals, influential executives, and legendary broadcasters in one room. Broadcasting is built on relationships, mentorship, and community, and this event captures the very best of what makes our business so special while also supporting broadcasters facing critical need.”
Gracie Awards, where she received the Gracie Award for “Best Audio Podcast Host” for her program that centers around “meaningful and revealing conversations about identity, resilience and finding our way back to ourselves.” Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 New Podcasts of 2025” and included in The Guardian’s “20 Best Podcasts of 2025,” Lewinsky’s program about exploring vulnerability, identity, resilience, and how we make sense of the world through the broader lens of reclaiming has featured such notable guests as Miley Cyrus, John Oliver, Lena Dunham, Lizzo, Malala, Olivia Munn, Alan Cumming, and Dylan Mulvaney. She says, “Reclaiming has always been about creating honest conversations around identity, humanity, and what it means to move forward after difficult experiences. I’m excited to partner with the fwd. network, a team that understands the importance of meaningful storytelling and supporting voices that challenge, connect, and inspire.”
in the NY-12 Democratic primary race to replace US Representative Jerry Nadler on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 pm. Participating candidates will be state assemblymember Alex Bores; lawyer and activist George Conway; state assemblymember Micah Lasher; political commentator Jack Schlossberg; and scientist Nina Schwalbe. The debate will be hosted by NY1’s longtime host Errol Lewis, WNYC’s Brian Lehrer, and WNYC/Gothamist senior politics reporter Brigid Bergin.
designed to meet listeners throughout their daily lives. Salem SVP David Bingham comments, “As we’ve seen strong engagement with ‘Your Nightly Prayer,’ we recognized a natural opportunity to serve our audience even more deeply. ‘Your Nightly Scripture’ is the perfect companion for listeners who want to end their day not only in prayer but grounded in God’s Word. At night, when many people are still carrying the stress and noise of the day, Scripture has a unique way of bringing peace, calm, and renewed perspective.”
stations. Audacy says, “The move ensures listeners continue receiving trusted national and international reporting from ABC News Audio, while Audacy stations remain focused on delivering live, local journalism in the communities they serve. Existing ABC News Audio affiliates, including 1010 WINS in New York and KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia, will continue their longstanding relationships as part of the expanded collaboration.”
music brands. iHeartMedia area president Matt Bell says, “Margie’s passion for this business, her commitment to the Mansfield and Marion communities and the relationships she built over nearly four decades have left an incredible mark on our company and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. She has been a trusted leader, mentor and advocate for both our employees and our partners, and her presence will truly be missed. We are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed to iHeartMedia and wish her nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter.” Reflecting on her career, Tasseff comments, “Spending 39 years with one employer is truly uncommon. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built together over the years — from the friendships and partnerships to the impact we’ve made through local radio. I’ve been fortunate to grow professionally while working with outstanding colleagues and serving a community that has meant so much to me. These stations will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Mike Hulvey says, “Sabina’s leadership experience, industry knowledge and understanding of broadcasters and the local communities which they serve make her an outstanding addition to the RAB team. Her passion for helping media organizations grow and evolve will further strengthen the support, education and resources RAB provides to its members.” Widmann comments, “I’m excited to join RAB during such an important time for the industry. Radio and audio continue to play a vital role for our communities and advertisers. I look forward to working with RAB’s members and team to help provide meaningful resources, education and support that help broadcasters navigate continued change and growth.”
program is hosted by husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Amy Long. It is currently also heard on digital stations throughout the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and beyond. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “I was hooked the moment Jeremy and I first started talking about travel. Travel is a topic people are extremely passionate about. This will go well with our growing portfolio of lifestyles shows which include a wrestling show and program about pets.”