Colbert-Talarico Interview Draws Attention to Equal Time Rule as FCC Commissioners Disagree About its Interpretation
It’s no surprise to regular TALKERS readers that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Democratic Commissioner Anna M. Gomez disagree – at least to some degree – on how the equal time rule should be applied
to television and radio programming. After the back-and-forth between The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert and CBS attorneys over the interview with U.S. Senate candidate U.S. Rep. James Talarico that did not air on CBS television but was pushed out on the show’s social media accounts instead, broadcasters – including news/talk radio programmers and hosts – may be confused about how the equal time rule is being applied.
For her part, Gomez issued the following statement: “This is yet another troubling example of corporate capitulation in the face of this Administration’s broader campaign to censor and control speech. The 
FCC has no lawful authority to pressure broadcasters for political purposes or to create a climate that chills free expression. CBS is fully protected under the First Amendment to determine what interviews it airs, which makes its decision to yield to political pressure all the more disappointing. It is no secret that Paramount, CBS’s parent company, has regulatory matters before the government, but corporate interests cannot justify retreating from airing newsworthy content. The FCC is powerless to impose restrictions on protected speech, and any attempt to intimidate broadcasters into self-censorship undermines both press freedom and public trust. I once again urge broadcasters and their parent companies to stand firm against these unlawful pressures and continue exercising their constitutional right to speak freely and without government interference.”
As far as news/talk radio is concerned, TALKERS editors have pointed out that in most cases, talk radio stations and their hosts are usually happy to have any qualified candidate be interviewed – whether
Republican or Democrat. Often, Democratic candidates balk at being interviewed by conservative hosts for fear they will not get a “friendly” interview as their Republican opponent might have. Regardless, the law is about equal time, and the matter late night shows are dealing with is assuming they qualify for the “bona fide news” exemption that excuses them from the equal time rule. Chairman Carr’s position is there is no blanket exemption; it is taken on a case-by-case basis.
following their Super Bowl LX win, roster-building strategy, draft preparation, and the evolving landscape of the NFL. “Seattle Sports” program director Kyle Brown comments, “In the wake of an unforgettable Super Bowl run, we’re excited to give fans even deeper access to the leadership guiding the Seahawks into their next chapter. John’s perspective on team-building, the draft, and what it takes to construct a championship roster will be invaluable as the Seahawks look to build on the momentum of their 2026 title.”
recommended proposals for the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference, which will be held in 2027. The World Radiocommunication Conference is a treaty-level forum held by the International Telecommunication Union (a United Nations agency) every three to four years in which countries decide on the allocation of frequency spectrum to allow the deployment or growth of all types of radiocommunication services such as wireless, broadcasting, satellite, and aeronautical services.
Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media to Dr. David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church and founder of Turning Point Ministries. The award, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Salem co-founder and longtime chairman Stuart Epperson, who passed away in July 2023. Epperson co-founded Salem in 1974 with his brother-in-law Edward G. Atsinger III, building what would become a leading Christian and conservative media company.
morning, we announced that we will not be renewing Alexis Thompson’s contract. Alexis has been with myTalk 107.1 for 20 years, and co-host with Jason Matheson in morning drive since 2013. Her warm, funny, and authentic personality have made her a favorite with myTalk listeners, clients and all her co-workers in the Hubbard Radio hallways. The success of the Jason & Alexis Show is well documented.” Thompson was given the opportunity to go on the air to say goodbye to her listeners but chose to have Matheson read her farewell statement that read: “Dearest myTalkers, My time at myTalk has come to an end. The station didn’t renew my contract. I’m sorry I can’t be there for a final show to say goodbye. It’s too emotional for me. I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for 20 plus years of talking pop culture and entertainment, laughing, crying and sharing our lives. We’ve grown up together. Thank you for starting your morning with a smile and a laugh with me. myTalkers, together we have raised millions of dollars and awareness for charities doing real meaningful work. I’m incredibly proud. One thing I know for sure, community is everything. And thank you for building community with me. I have been lifted by your love and trust. I’m forever grateful. Remember you be you! And when you see me, don’t forget to say, ‘Hey girl, hey!’ Let’s keep in touch and follow my adventures @lexandthecities. Love always, Alexis” Regarding their decision, Hubbard explains, “Radio is changing. The radio business is still strong, but it is changing. The audio landscape is evolving, and we have been challenged to run our operations more efficiently going forward. Sadly, in this case it came at the expense of someone we all admire and adore. We have nothing but the utmost respect for Alexis’ grace, professionalism, and her many contributions to ‘myTalk 107.1.’ Future plans for the morning show are not clear. The next few weeks we will work with Jason and [producer] Holly [Roberts] to chart a new course. The remainder of the ‘myTalk 107.1’ schedule remains unchanged.” 
Township southeast of Buffalo) and adds FM translator W284AP, Buffalo at 104.7 to the simulcast. Senior VP and Buffalo-Rochester market manager Tim Wenger comments, “WGR has been the heartbeat of Buffalo sports, and now that beat is louder than ever. We know our fans are second-to-none, and simulcasting on FM allows us to expand our footprint to the furthest corners of Western New York, allowing more fans to join the live, local and high-energy conversations that define our region all year round.”
times per week – Monday through Wednesday – and will be available on both YouTube and Rumble in digital video format with future expansion on other platforms. The company adds, “For the first time, Levin will offer audiences access to original digital video content via an ad-supported model, instead of a subscriber paywall. ‘Liberty’s Voice with Mark Levin’ will present exclusive, in-depth commentary from one of America’s most influential constitutional scholars and political thinkers. Sharing his intellectual rigor, brilliant wit, and signature passion, Levin will draw on history, economics, law, and philosophy as he goes beyond the headlines to examine the ideas and principles that shaped the United States – and the forces challenging them today. Each episode will deliver substantive analysis of current events, grounded in the founding ideals of liberty, limited government, and individual sovereignty, while exposing the dangers of centralized power and historical amnesia.” 
Debbie Kenyon states, “In Detroit, the Lions represent our resilience and our pride. We are honored to extend our long-standing partnership with the team, serving as the bridge between the field and the fans. This extension underscores our deep commitment to the team and to delivering the most authentic and highest quality game-day experience to the dedicated Lions fans across the region and beyond.” “97.1 The Ticket” will continue to air the “Lions Review Show” hosted by play-by-play voice for the Lions Radio Network, Dan Miller and “97.1 The Ticket” hosts Will Burchfield and Bob Wojnowski. Throughout the season, guests, including starting quarterback Jared Goff and head coach Dan Campbell, will make weekly appearances on the morning and midday shows.
politics, and beyond. Filmed from Hannity’s new set in Florida, dubbed the personal ‘man cave,’ the show will offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the conversations that take place when the cameras stop rolling.” FOX News Digital and New Media president Porter Berry says, “Sean Hannity remains one of the most influential voices in media, grounded by the same values and work ethic that defined his early days. We’re thrilled to expand our podcast portfolio with one of the most accomplished broadcasters to ever pick up a microphone.” Hannity comments, “I’ve always been interested in how people got to where they are – the risks they took, the failures they pushed through, and the lessons that don’t make it on TV. This podcast is a chance to slow down and have those conversations, no scripts, no talking points, just real discussions with people who have something meaningful to say.” In addition to the podcast, Hannity will continue to host his Premiere Networks nationally syndicated radio program, “The Sean Hannity Show,” while sunsetting “Sean” on FOX Nation. 
interview due to potential implications under the Federal Communications Commission’s “equal time” rule. The rule requires broadcast licensees to provide equal opportunities to legally qualified candidates for public office if one candidate is given airtime.
documentary explores the extraordinary life and career of Billy Preston, one of the most influential yet often overlooked musicians in modern music history. Barclay is widely known for his prolific, award-winning work directing major television series, including ‘NYPD Blue,’ ‘The West Wing,’ ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ and ‘ER,’ bringing both historical insight and emotional depth to Preston’s story.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Many people know Billy Preston’s music without knowing Billy Preston’s story. His work is woven into some of the most recognizable music ever recorded, yet his life and legacy are not widely understood. This is exactly why we celebrate Black History Month — to recognize the artists, innovators and cultural figures whose influence we experience every day, even when their stories remain untold.”
Carter Sherman and Kai Wright. Guardian U.S. editor Betsy Reed says, “This project is a major step toward bringing audio and video journalism to American audiences, showcasing the breadth of our global content and reporting muscle. It’s also 
the latest step in our ongoing US expansion, which we’ve seen in recent months across politics, media, sports, culture, breaking news, and more.” Carter has been serving the Guardian as reproductive health and justice reporter since 2023 and recently published the book, The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation’s Fight Over Its Future (2025, Gallery). Wright was most recently host and managing editor of Notes From America with Kai Wright and has served with WNYC, New York. 
Every radio conference agenda and much of what’s-up in the trade press and chat groups is about exploiting Artificial Intelligence. Often these conversations land in one of two places: fear (“Will this replace us?”) or fascination (“Look what it can do!”). Both miss the point.
Robertson states, “Expanding WDAE’s heritage brand strengthens our long-standing broadcast and marketing partnerships with the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, Lightning, Florida Gators and USF Bulls. This evolution also reflects our continued commitment to serving Tampa Bay listeners across multiple platforms.” WDAE program director and midday host Nick Wize adds, “I am beyond excited for Tampa Bay sports fans. This is a championship market, and we’re delivering a strong, engaging lineup that brings fans closer to the teams and conversations they care about most.”
response to Nielsen’s Counterclaims, including any motion to dismiss the Counterclaims and March 16 for Nielsen to notify the Court whether it intends to file an amended pleading. If Nielsen doesn’t amend its Counterclaims, then April 3 is the deadline for Nielsen to file its opposition to Cumulus’s 
motion to dismiss the Counterclaims, if any, and April 17 for Cumulus to file a reply, if any. Then, if Nielsen amends its Counterclaims, April 24 is the date for Cumulus to file its response to Nielsen’s amended Counterclaims, including any motion to dismiss the amended Counterclaims. May 15 is the deadline for Nielsen to file its opposition to Cumulus’s motion to dismiss the amended Counterclaims, if any, and May 28 is the deadline for Cumulus to file a reply, if any.
2026, to shareholders of record on February 26, 2026. The aggregate amount of the payment will be approximately $1.6 million. The quarterly dividend will be funded by cash on the company’s balance sheet. Including this dividend, the company will have paid over $143 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.
the Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida market from Hall Communications. The deal includes news/talk WLKF-AM (but not its current FM translator W244BJ at 96.7 MHz) country WPVC, and adult hits WONN-AM and its translators W296CS at 107.1 FM and W240DB at 95.9 FM. MARC Radio says it expects the deal to close in May, pending FCC approval.
Adventureland’s family-friendly guest experience. The partnership further solidifies JVC Media’s growing role as Long Island’s leading out-of-home and place-based advertising company, building on its successful advertising programs at Long Island MacArthur Airport and the Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill.” JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “Adventureland is a Long Island institution with a loyal, multi-generational audience. This partnership gives brands the opportunity to connect with families in a positive, high-attention environment while giving Adventureland a professionally managed sponsorship platform.” He adds, “Out-of-home advertising is most effective when it’s part of a larger local media strategy. By combining physical venues with radio, we help advertisers build frequency, trust, and real community impact.”
be celebrated on-air and transform their classrooms with a $5,000 DonorsChoose gift card. iHeartMedia president of programming operations and digital music says, “iHeartRadio’s ‘Thank a Teacher’ aims to shine a light on the quiet and positive work happening in classrooms across the country and to offer a very public thank you to the teachers who are doing so much.” Over the course of the contest 60,000 teachers were nominated for $50,000 in gift cards shared by the 10 final winners. 
Broadcasting Awards. Stations honored include: NewsRadio WILK, Wilkes-Barre for “Special Edition – Paul Miller’s Law”; KYW Newsradio, Philadelphia
served as PM drive anchor at Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas. WTOP director of news and programming Julie Ziegler says, “From the moment I met Kristin, I knew there was something special about her. Her commitment to telling stories that impact the diverse, local community she serves and doing so across platforms, aligns perfectly with WTOP’s mission. I can’t wait for the WTOP audience to get to know her.” Diaz was awarded the 2021 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. She was also the recipient of the 2023 Texas Association of Broadcasters award for Best Newscast.
The Hub – The Voice for Freedom.” The station features Salem Radio Network programming including Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Larry Elder, and Scott Jennings, plus Compass Media Network’s Erick Erickson. The station is also airing local agribusiness programming from hosts Tony St. James and Steven Orr in morning drive. 
causing listeners to speculate about his status. Earlier this week Kirwan addressed the matter saying, “As most of you have noticed, Jim Miller was not with us last week at the Super Bowl. We’re going to let all of you know, today, that Jim is no longer a member of the SiriusXM team. We’re grateful for all of Jim’s insights and contributions through his many years on SiriusXM, and I’m personally grateful to have him as my on-air teammate for a long time. I wish him the best going forward, as all of you will as well. For the sake of Jim, we should leave this subject as it is and hope and pray that he gets on with his life and things go well.”
largest weekly audiences that launched last year. Number one is “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” which won a Golden Globe for best podcast. News/talk podcasts on the chart include “The Nerve with Maureen Callahan,” published by Megyn Kelly’s MK Media, the progressive “Keith Edwards Show,” and iHeartPodcast’s “This is Gavin Newsom.”