Karoline Leavitt Joins FOX
Former Trump Administration Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining FOX News Media as a as a contributor. She’ll begin providing commentary and analysis on November. 1. CEO 
Suzanne Scott says, “Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape. We look forward to her providing our audience with authentic and sharp insight across all FOX News Media platforms.” Leavitt’s experience includes running as the Republican candidate for congress in her home state of New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District in 2022, serving as communications director for then-House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and during the first Trump Administration serving as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary.
Too often, for too many in radio, it has been a Blue Christmas in recent years. If you have been displaced – or if you are working, and, shall we say, “assessing your options” – don’t underestimate what you have to offer.
Show” (12:00 noon to 2:00 pm ET) adds rotating co-hosts Cheryl Casone, Marcus Lemonis, and Lou Basenese alongside current host Jackie DeAngelis. Additionally, Liz Claman will launch a new Friday night program titled, “Claman’s Power Players” (7:00 pm to 7:30 pm ET). FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace says, “We’re excited to bring viewers fresh programming from a seasoned team of journalists, offering expert insight and analysis on the forces shaping the economy and driving business news. FOX Business remains committed to delivering compelling business news, market analysis, and conversation throughout the day, and these changes will further strengthen our weekday lineup.”
honor community service efforts conducted between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. A panel of judges representing the broadcast industry and community service organizations will review the submissions and select 50 finalists. From that group, 10 stations will be named Crystal Radio Award winners. Winners will receive national recognition during a ceremony at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, on March 2, 2027.
Midwest Communications news/talk WMBD, Peoria, Illinois dismisses longtime morning drive co-host Dan DiOrio and morning drive news anchor Julia Bradley. DiOrio had served with the station for the past 35 years, most recently co-hosting the “Greg and Dan Show” alongside Greg Bratton, who continues as the station’s morning host solo.
“asked weekly consumers how they would feel if their favorite podcast host started using an AI-generated version to host their podcast. Most weekly podcast consumers, 66%, reacted negatively to the idea. One-third of weekly podcast consumers said they would feel ‘deceived,’ with another third feeling ‘upset.’ Thirty-two percent said ‘skeptical,’ followed by 28% who felt ‘betrayed.’” On the flipside, “14% of weekly podcast consumers were ‘impressed’ by the usage of an AI-generated host. Another 12% were optimistic, and 10% were ‘fascinated,’ all at the bottom of the list.”
use to pay down debt. The offering includes a single institutional investor buying 357,000 Class A shares, or common stock equivalents at $14 per share in the registered direct offering. The concurrent private placement covers warrants to buy up to 357,000 Class A shares at $15 per share. The warrants first become exercisable six months after issuance and expire five-and-a-half years after issuance.
partnership brings together two international organizations that share a belief in the power of storytelling to inform, connect and inspire positive change.” Executive Vice President Rose Anderson adds, “I’m thrilled that New York Festivals is partnering with AwareNow Media on this new special award. Our TV & Film and Radio Awards have a long history of recognizing award-winning health and medical documentary storytelling. These stories can be an inspiration for so many. We hope the AwareNow Award will put an even brighter spotlight on this type of programming and encourage the filmmakers and audio storytellers around the world who use their craft to share knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire positive action.”
under an LMA. The deal is contingent upon FCC approval. The sale of Galaxy’s stations comes a little more than a month after Galaxy founder and CEO Ed Levine announced his plans to retire at year’s end. Levine says, “I have been fortunate to live out a lifelong dream of mine for the past 36 years. Time and life march on. While I will miss Galaxy and Syracuse/Utica, I could not be
happier to hand things off to Pamal Broadcasting.” Pamal is owned by founder James Morrell and he tells Syracuse.com, “With this addition, Pamal stations cover an enormous geography ranging from New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey, through the entire Hudson Valley to the Capital District, up to Lake George and now out through Utica and Syracuse. It truly is a great opportunity for us all.” 
Jeff Connell comments, “Jeff’s experience, editorial judgment and deep understanding of the Seattle market make him the right person to lead Northwest Newsradio’s news and programming.” At the same time, Lotus announces programming changes at KNWN and sister news/talk KVI. At KNWN beginning Monday (10/5), the midday schedule will include Bloomberg Radio’s “Balance of Power” from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, “Bloomberg Businessweek Daily” from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, and “The Ramsey Show” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Local programming will see Scott Carty join Aaron Wright on “Northwest Afternoon News.” Eric Heintz becomes morning editor and sports, and Kevin Dodrill adds KNWN APD duties to his role as program director for KVI. At KVI, “The Ari Hoffman Show” moves from afternoon drive to the 6:00 am to 9:00 am daypart. Westwood One’s Dan Bongino will air in early afternoons with Compass Media Networks’ Lars Larson holding down afternoon drive.
Hubbard says, “Gamut’s revenue has grown 47% over the past two years, and the network now spans more than 250 national and local shows, including flagship franchises ‘American Nightmares’ and ‘Professor of Rock,’ plus local sports networks SKOR North in Minneapolis-St. Paul and 312 Sports in Chicago. Hubbard CEO Ginny Hubbard adds. “John has been leading Gamut since the day he walked in the door, and we’ve watched him turn it into something everyone at Hubbard is proud of. He understands this business from the creator’s side and the sales side, and he genuinely cares about the people making these shows. Naming him president is our way of recognizing that, and of letting the industry know how much we believe in where Gamut is headed under John’s leadership.”
local news, weather and information across radio, television and digital platforms.” KXL program director Grant McHill says, “Partnering with KOIN 6 News allows us to expand our commitment to delivering fast, accurate and essential news to the Pacific Northwest. By combining KXL’s deep roots in local news radio with KOIN-6’s trusted reporting, we are building a stronger, more dynamic news ecosystem for Portland and beyond.”
Station owner Tavis Smiley tells TALKERS that the station received commitment from 19 candidates for state and local offices – including for the governor’s office and the LA mayor’s office – to appear at the forum. The station says attendees will hear remarks from all candidates with follow-up questions from the forum’s sponsors and live audience. After the candidates’ appearances, attendees will receive a non-partisan briefing on statewide, county, and City of Los Angeles ballot measures.
November 1. RAAN says the move “follows the growing demand from stations looking to bring Cohen’s distinctive voice and insider perspective to their listeners.” Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis comments, “Michael worked for the president for over a decade and has a unique perspective on how Trump thinks when we do opinion pieces. ‘When You Know, You Know…’ is an opportunity for stations to add a distinctive personality and compelling content that hyper-engages listeners and attracts advertisers.”
GABBY Award from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. The honor was presented Saturday (9/26) during the annual GABBY Awards in Duluth, Georgia. WAOK brand manager Joyce Littel states, “This award is a reflection of the continued efforts and hard work of our entire team. They work hard throughout the year, and they deserve recognition for all that they do for our station and, most importantly, for the community we serve. We are extremely proud to receive this honor.”
manager Brian McGhee states, “Jud brings the right mix of programming judgment, operational discipline, and people-first leadership to this role. He knows how to strengthen local brands, support great talent, and build the kind of team that will help our stations connect with audiences, positively impact our communities, and deliver for advertisers.” Heussler takes over for Jules Riley who recently moved to the company’s Atlanta station group as director of operations and programming.