The Never-Ending Story
By Michael Harrison
Publisher
TALKERS
In the nearly four decades that I have been publishing TALKERS, I’m consistently asked by reporters who cover media and politics, “Now that the election is over, what is talk radio going to have to talk about?” This inquiry is based on the false – but widely held assumption – that “talk radio” is a one-trick pony. Drives me nuts.
This question hasn’t been limited to elections (although they lead the pack). It also comes after the resolution of wars (the two Persian Gulf wars were biggies), and major murder trials with racial overtones (O.J. Simpson comes to mind and let’s not forget the tragic saga of George Floyd). We need a good “reckoning” every now and then in this country.
There is also a variation of the question that I’ve fielded consistently at the end of each year: “What will next year’s big talk show topic be?” This one is easy. I always say, “The unknown.” Two mighty examples of that were 9/11 and Covid-19.
I’m often asked, “What would it take to bring people together during these polarized times?” My answer: “A hefty asteroid impact.”
I clearly remember an incident on April 19, 1995, while being interviewed by a reporter for The New York Times about the mechanics and philosophy of talk radio programming. He asked, “So what will be next week’s big topic on talk shows?” (As if I’m a fortune teller.)
As he was delivering the question, I noticed out of the corner of my eye on the Sony TV screen mounted near the ceiling of the TALKERS newsroom, the gigantic explosion of a building that was identified on the chyron as the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. I instantly responded, “Turn on CNN… I think it’s happening right now.”
So back to the election. Every ending launches a new beginning. Talk radio is a competitive game based upon the strategy of positioning. It’s sort of like a log rolling contest.
It requires a deft balance between leaning left or right and understanding the perplexing laws of gravity, momentum, and inertia.
It also requires an understanding of the true nature of marketplace conditions and the ever-changing state of public opinion.
Most important, it requires an understanding of the target core and the awareness that sometimes you have to piss off segments of it in order to maintain forward momentum.
There really is no such thing as “mass appeal” in talk radio. Back when Michael Savage was the highest rated talker in San Francisco, I was often asked, “How is it possible for such a conservative figure to be the top guy in one of the most liberal markets in America?”
My answer, “Because talk radio (and radio in general) is not an election. It is a competition for fractions of a point within niches. Michael Savage couldn’t get elected dog catcher in San Francisco… but he has the right appeal to a disenfranchised minority that is large enough to put him on top in his niche. The game is played the way the game is scored.”
I’ve always believed that there is a place for the left and a place for the right in talk radio. And as any sailor knows, the winds can change direction on a dime. The lefties have their work cut out for them and hopefully will take advantage of this new opportunity.
But all is not lost for the righties. Hardly! They are now finally free to move forward and cultivate the fascinating and engaging rebuilding of the very legitimate American Conservative movement without having to kiss the ass of a man who has hijacked both radio and frittered away the legitimacy of its content for far too long.
Michael Harrison can be reached at michael@talkers.com.
director. Stigall hosted a show on KCMO, Kansas City in the past. Most recently, Stigall hosted his eponymous talk show syndicated by Salem Radio Network. He gave up his radio show to run for office. KCTV-TV reports, “Stigall campaigned heavily on securing Missouri a seat on the House Agriculture Committee, noting the state currently has no members on it. District 6 includes more than 27,000 farms and drives a large share of the state’s agricultural economy. Stigall said a committee seat would help provide stability for farmers and support passage of a new Farm Bill. He has also called for cutting regulatory ‘red tape’ to make it easier for rural hospitals and health care providers to operate.” 
At 8:15 am, a radio host plays part of a television interview and explains why the guest’s answer deserves scrutiny. By noon, another program has clipped that host’s commentary and is taking it apart. The first use feels like doing the job. The second can feel like somebody helping themselves to your work, especially when they sell advertising around it.
the continued strength of our Digital Advertising platform. Third quarter net revenue of $110.9 million increased 3.9% year-over-year and exceeded our guidance range, Adjusted EBITDA of $22.6 million increased 2.7% year-over-year and was within our guidance range, and net loss narrowed by $1.5 million year-over-year to $4.0 million. These results were driven by the growth of Townsquare Ignite, our Digital Advertising business, and by political revenue that is tracking ahead of our expectations. Digital Advertising net revenue grew 12.7% year-over-year, accelerating for the third consecutive quarter, led by programmatic revenue growth of 22.5%. Our Media Partnerships business now serves 18 partners and extends our digital programmatic advertising platform to 122 markets across the United States, and we expect Media Partnerships revenue to more than double in 2026. In addition, Townsquare Interactive delivered strong profitability, with Segment Profit margins of 36% in Q3, as we rebuild and grow our sales team.”
Wilson continues, “At the same time, we want to be candid about the challenges we face. Our local clients continue to feel pressure from higher operating costs and interest rates, and they are scrutinizing every marketing dollar, particularly those spent on traditional media. Excluding political, Broadcast Advertising net revenue declined 5.2% in the third quarter. We expect those declines to deepen in the fourth quarter, partly as political advertising crowds out other inventory. In addition, while Townsquare Interactive’s profit remains strong, lower-than-anticipated sales velocity means it will not return to sequential revenue growth in Q4 2026 as we had projected.”
around the Veterans Day holiday. O’Connor tells TALKERS the program features extraordinary stories from wounded veterans, military families, and the people who help them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. “These are compelling, deeply personal conversations about service, sacrifice, recovery, and the remarkable work Fisher House does for our military families. This is professionally produced, ready-to-air Veterans Day programming that you can offer your listeners at absolutely no cost.” 
listeners, but the most trusted expert voices tend to drive the most conversion. According to data from Audacy’s own Power of Influencers Study (2026), podcast listeners are 27% more likely to be influenced by topic experts than well-known celebrities. The blog notes, “The brands winning in podcast advertising right now aren’t all sponsoring the biggest names. They’re finding the mid-sized shows. The shows where listeners have been there since episode 12, and where a host recommendation lands more like a text from a friend who actually tried it. Meet the “midfluencer.” No celebrity status or massive profile. Just a deeply loyal audience who listens. It turns out the shows with the tightest communities drive better conversions.” 
It’s budget season. Your clients are planning next year’s spending right now, and your rates should be set before they do, not after.
On the list of imagined crimes committed by the act of consolidation upon the radio industry is the myth that it killed the “farm team” for emerging talent. There never was a farm team.
Talk 2.” KAOX-FM talk host Neal Larson announced the change on his program last Friday (10/30). The station is airing syndicated programming including Premiere Networks shows “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” “The Michael Berry Show,” plus FOX News Radio’s “Brian Kilmeade Show.” 
excited about the opportunity to join Zimmer Communications. I’ve consulted them for more than a decade, so I know it is a first-class radio operation that still believes in being local and connecting with listeners. I’d like to thank [general manager] Carla Leible and [operations director] Trevor Morgan for making this possible.” Morgan comments, “Mike has a genuine passion for creating great radio. His creativity, organization, and keen ear for compelling content have already made a tremendous impact on the stations he’s worked with through Jacobs Media. We’re excited to bring his expertise and experience to all our brands as we continue to create great content and find meaningful ways to connect with our listeners and advertisers.”
New York market president Chris Oliviero has been elected chair of the board of directors. NYSBA president and executive director Heidi Raphael comments, “This is an exceptional team. Chris Oliviero brings vision and deep market leadership to the chair, and our board reflects the full strength of broadcasting across New York. We are especially grateful to [outgoing chair] Chris Musial for his steady leadership and to our departing directors for their commitment. Together, we’re ready to make 2027 another remarkable year for our members and the communities they serve.”
Communications Act limits how many commissioners may belong to one political party, ensuring that decisions on broadband, media ownership, and network security are tested by more than one point of view. Preserving that balance is central to how the Commission is meant to function. Commissioner Gomez has brought independent judgment and a clear command of the FCC’s statutory responsibilities to her work and has consistently engaged with members on both sides of the aisle on the merits of an issue rather than its politics. She has remained focused on many of the core responsibilities that Congress has entrusted to the FCC: closing the digital divide, protecting consumers, promoting competition and innovation, strengthening the security of our communications networks, and advancing U.S. technological leadership.” The group also says, “The Commission functions as intended only when both parties have a seat at the table. Confirming an additional Republican nominee without also securing continued Democratic representation would upset that balance. Commissioner Gomez has shown the experience and judgment to continue that work. We therefore ask that the Senate pair any new Republican nominee with her renomination to a full term, consistent with the bipartisan design Congress built into this agency.”
What makes a life – or the work we do – matter? In Make It Matter, author Matthew Emerzian explores how recognizing our own worth, making others feel valued, and contributing to something beyond ourselves can give everyday choices a deeper purpose.
resounding success. The power-packed one day event (11/24) drew several hundred parents and concerned citizens to Braid Mill in Germantown to meet, mingle, and see an array of speakers including educators, pasters, and policy experts to discuss the state and future of education. Fellow WPHT talk show host, education advocate and podcaster Dom Giordano was one of the featured panelists (see photo). 
on the program was the notion that Ukraine has been persecuting Christians. Zelenskyy said on the program, “Tucker Carlson and other such guys, they I think they’ve never been. I mean, I think these men never been in Ukraine, how he can discuss what’s going on in Ukraine and to speak about the what’s going on with the with religious people in Ukraine, we are very free.” “This Week on Capitol Hill” with Tony Perkins is produced by Salem in cooperation with the Family Research Council. It airs live at 10:00 am on Saturdays on the Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel and is streamed four times each weekend on the Newsmax 2 platform.
Group managing member Scott Calka says, “‘The No Snooze Podcast’ is a compelling, engaging and inspirational program hosted by a personality who’s equally compelling, engaging and inspirational. With his special blend of motivational leadership insights, uplifting personal-growth stories and practical health and fitness advice, Dave is poised to break out in the podcast universe. Our new partnership underscores our confidence in his potential and is emblematic of an evolving model for our podcast business.” Reggina’s diagnosis as a teen with Crohn’s disease sparked his dedication to health, fitness and resilience. He is the author of the book, 30 Lessons to Lead: From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs, and co-founded A.C.E. (Action Cultivates Excellence), a transformative personal and professional growth movement and community.
guests. Recent interviews have included Stephen A. Smith, Kathie Lee Gifford, Vanilla Ice, Franklin Graham, Rahm Emanuel, Cornel West, and Adam Carolla.
actively pursued involving the community in the station in creative ways. The station is presenting a Halloween radio drama as well as an airstaff music video to create community engagement. Scooby-Doo’s “A Night of Fright Is No Delight” will air on Saturday (10/31) at 7:00 pm featuring voices from the airstaff, clients and community, with a soundtrack performed by local band Cold Flavor Repair in a production that will raise awareness for the Dutchess County SPCA. Gladding says, “Local radio needs to reestablish its position as the community megaphone. At a time when AI-generated content, opinion and voices are saturating the market, the live, local DJ must be reestablished and elevated as the centerpiece of trusted messaging. Giving our staff more creative freedom and control ultimately leads to a stronger team and higher-quality output.” He adds, “There’s a lot of talent walking through this building. Give people room to use it. That’s how you make radio people care about.” 
13+ population as well as those whose primary vehicle they ride in or drive is an EV, but at dramatically different rates. The total population spends 53% of their in-car audio time with AM/FM radio, while EV drivers and riders spend 42% of their in-car audio time with the platform. Streaming music time remains second behind AM/FM radio, but gains significant ground among EV drivers/riders, increasing from 17% of time to 22%. The EV audience’s share of in-car time with podcasts is twice that of the total population. Time spent with SiriusXM also increases among EV drivers/riders, rising from 16% of time to 20%. All other platforms remain relevantly consistent across the two groups.”