Industry News

KFNS, St. Louis Transitioning to KLIS “The Lou Information Station”

Longtime sports talk outlet KFNS, St. Louis is in the process of changing hands as Big Toe Media announced its intent to acquire the station from Zobrist Media back on April 10. Now, Big Toe Media is revealing that its plans for the station include call letter changes – to KLIS – and a re-brand to “Theimg Lou Information Station.” The station’s new lineup includes: “IN YOUR CITY Show” with Kelley Lamm and Gordon Montgomery; “Hot Take Central” with Jim Hayes& Cam Janssen; “Sounds of STL” with Tony Patrico; the nationally syndicated program “The Ramsey Show” and more. Big Toe Media says the station will be “a dynamic new content platform designed to deliver fresh, relevant, and engaging daily programming focused on the news, sports, culture, and conversations that matter to most of the St. Louis community. The press release adds that “The Lou Information Station” is a “modern media platform built for how St. Louis consumes content in 2025 with live and on-demand shows via YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.”

Industry News

Bob & Tom Show Does Live Jingles & Commercials for Indy Clients

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Yesterday (5/20), “The Bob & Tom Show” and flagship station WFBQ-FM, Indianapolis produced live spots for a dozen local clients. During spot breaks, the advertisers were featured in a live commercial accompanied by musicians and singers from The Bob & Tom Show band. Each business received a custom musical jingle, written and produced by “Bob & Tom” host Tom Griswold and his network of musicians and comedy writers. Griswold says, “This allows local businesses to both have fun with radio advertising and then see the real results that follow when creative thinking is applied to focus on their product or service.” Radio Advertising Bureau CEO Mike Hulvey attended the broadcast and “praised the innovative format as a ‘model for how radio can remain fresh, fun, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.’” The advertisers also received a professionally produced video and audio recording of their performance to use in future marketing.

Industry News

Terry Fahy Retires from Salem

Salem Media Group announces that company executive Terry Fahy retires from the company he’s served for the past 43 years. Fahy began his career with Salem in 1982 as general manager of KDAR-FM and quickly rose through the ranks to hold key leadership roles, including as general salesimg manager at KKLA-FM, market manager for Los Angeles, and regional vice president overseeing major markets such as Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco, Oxnard, San Diego, and most recently, Honolulu. Salem Media Group CEO David Santrella comments, “Terry’s vision, integrity, and deep commitment to Salem’s mission have left a lasting mark on everyone who has had the privilege to work with him. His contributions extend beyond radio programming into building meaningful community experiences and nurturing strong leadership in our teams.” Fahy reflects, “I am grateful for the opportunities and support Salem’s leadership has afforded me to make a spiritual impact in Southern California and other West Coast markets. I also treasure the talented and hard-working broadcast and media professionals I have had the privilege to work alongside. I am proud of what we accomplished, not only on air but also with our community events. Many people hope to look back on their careers with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. By God’s grace that has been my experience and privilege at Salem.”

Industry News

Joe Rogan Remains Atop Edison’s U.K. Podcast Chart

Edison Research releases its Q1 2025 Top U.K. Podcasts chart and “The Joe Rogan Experience”img keeps its place at the top of the chart, above a host of U.K.-produced podcasts. Edison notes that on this edition of its chart, the U.S.-based true crime podcast “Rotten Mango” breaks into the Top 25 for the first time, mirroring the show’s ascent in the U.S. chart. Host Stephanie Soo currently is providing daily updates from inside the courtroom at the high-profile Sean “Diddy” Combs trial in New York.

Industry Views

When the Algorithm Misses the Mark: What the Walters v. OpenAI Case Means for Talk Hosts

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgIn a ruling that should catch the attention of every talk host and media creator dabbling in AI, a Georgia court has dismissed “Armed American Radio” syndicated host Mark Walters’ defamation lawsuit against OpenAI. The case revolved around a disturbing but increasingly common glitch: a chatbot “hallucinating” canonically false but believable information.

The Happenings: A journalist asked ChatGPT to summarize a real court case. Instead, the AI invented a fictional lawsuit accusing Walters of embezzling from the Second Amendment Foundation — a group with which he’s never been employed. The journalist spotted the error and never published inaccurate information. But the damage, at least emotionally and reputationally, was done. That untruth was out there, and Walters sued for defamation.

Last week, the court kicked the case. The court determined Walters was a public figure, and as such, Walters had to prove “actual malice” — that OpenAI knowingly or recklessly published falsehoods. He couldn’t but now it may be impossible.

The judge emphasized the basis that there was an assumption false information was never shared publicly. It stayed within a private conversation between the journalist and ChatGPT. No dissemination, no defamation.

But while OpenAI may have escaped liability, the ruling raises serious questions for the rest in the content creation space.

What This Means for Talk Hosts

Let’s be honest: AI tools like ChatGPT are already part of the media ecosystem. Hosts use them to summarize articles, brainstorm show topics, generate ad copy, and even suggest guest questions. They’re efficient — and also dangerous.

This case shows just how easily AI can generate falsehoods with confidence and detail. If a host were to read something like that hallucinated lawsuit on air, without verifying it, the legal risk would shift. It wouldn’t be the AI company on the hook — it would be the broadcaster who repeated it.

Key Lessons

  1. AI is not a source.
    It’s a starting point. Just like a tip from a caller or a line on social media, AI-generated content must be verified before use.
  2. Public figures are more exposed.
    The legal system gives less protection to people in the public eye — like talk hosts — and requires a higher burden of proof in defamation claims. That cuts both ways.
  3. Disclosure helps.
    OpenAI’s disclaimers about potential inaccuracies helped them in court. On air, disclosing when you use AI can offer similar protection — and builds trust with your audience.
  4. Editorial judgment still rules.
    No matter how fast or slick AI gets, it doesn’t replace a producer’s instincts or a host’s responsibility.

Bottom line: the lawsuit may be over, but the conversation is just beginning. The more we rely on machines to shape our words, the more we need to sharpen our filters. Because when AI gets it wrong, the real fallout hits the human behind the mic.

And for talk hosts, that means the stakes are personal. Your credibility, your syndication, your audience trust — none of it can be outsourced to an algorithm. AI might be a tool in the kit, but editorial judgment is still the sharpest weapon in your arsenal. Use it. Or risk learning the hard way what Mark Walters just did. Walters has yet to comment on what steps – if any – he and his lawyers will take next.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison issued the following comment regarding the Georgia ruling: “In the age of internet ‘influencers’ and media personalities with various degrees of clout operating within the same space, the definition of ‘public figure’ is far less clear than in earlier times. The media and courts must revisit this striking change. Also, in an era of self-serving political weaponization, this ruling opens the door to ‘big tech’ having enormous, unbridled power in influencing the circumstances of news events and reputations to meet its own goals and agendas.”

Matthew B. Harrison is a media attorney and executive producer specializing in broadcast law, intellectual property, and First Amendment issues. He serves as VP/Associate Publisher of TALKERS magazine and is a senior partner at Harrison Media Law. He also leads creative development at Goodphone Communications.

Industry News

CMG to Sell Tulsa Stations to Local Operator

Cox Media Group is agreeing to sell its Tulsa radio stations to Zoellner Media Group, a local firm led by entrepreneur and optometrist Dr. Robert H. Zoellner for an undisclosed sum. When the deal closes, Zoellner Media Group will own news/talk duo KRMG-AM/FM and three music-formatted stations. A press release from CMG notes that Zoellner is “a pillar of the Tulsa business community for nearly four decades. Widely recognized as a visionary entrepreneur and optometrist, Dr. Zoellnerimg launched his first optometry clinic in 1991. Since then, he’s built his businesses on the power of radio advertising and has long championed the value of local broadcast radio.” Dr. Zoellner states, “We’re thrilled to welcome these incredible radio stations into the Zoellner Media Group family. Radio has played a crucial role in my business success, and I have always been passionate about its ability to connect communities and drive meaningful engagement. This acquisition allows us to build upon a legacy of excellence while fostering innovation across broadcast and digital platforms. I couldn’t be more excited to get started.” Tapped to manage the station group as president and general manager is Steve Hunter, who served for 22 years as director of operations at Cox Media Group Tulsa and seven years with Griffin Media. The transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close early in the second half of 2025.

Industry News

Connoisseur Media to Acquire Alpha Media’s Debt

The filing with the FCC for Connoisseur Media to acquire the radio stations and other assets of Alpha Media is now public and Jeffrey Warshaw’s Connoiusseur is not paying cash for Alpha Media; it is instead assuming the company’s debt. The complicated deal announced back on May 5 will result inimg current Alpha Media shareholders retaining their interest in the company but ceding control to Connoisseur. Under the terms of the deal, Alpha shareholders will reorganize into a new company which will become part of Connoisseur in exchange for a 3.75% equity stake in Connoisseur, plus two warrants to allow them to acquire more equity – one for 5% at $30 million valuation and the other for up to 5% at $70 million valuation. Connoisseur is acquiring new credit facilities to finance the retirement of Alpha debt plus a new, revolving credit line. Connoisseur is operating the Alpha under an LMA and when the deal closes, the new Connoisseur will own and operate 218 stations in 47 markets.

Industry News

WWO: News/Talk & Sports Make Up 28% of Streaming Audience

This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group analyzes data from Edison Research’s ongoing Share of Ear study to determine what advertisers should consider for animg ad-supported media campaign. Among the findings is that in order to ensure that digital audio buys are effective, marketers should commit news/talk and sports stations because they represent 28% of all 25-54 AM/FM radio streaming audiences. Among 25-54s, spoken-word formats have a massive 28% streaming share, 2.4 times larger than the overall spoken word share of 12%. The news/talk format has a 6.7% share of total AM/FM radio listening. The streaming share for news/talk is 15.4% — more than double its total share. The sports format has a 12.5 share of the streaming audience, 2.5 times bigger than its overall 5 share. Further, the data indicates that for the 18-34 demographic, sports and news/talk streaming is a combined 19.6% share. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

“Brad vs Everyone” Joins iHeartPodcasts

Premiere Networks announces that journalist and social media influencer Brad Polumbo’s podcastimg “Brad vs. Everyone” is joining iHeartPodcasts. Polumbo’s podcast featured him covering “the most interesting and entertaining stories in politics and on the internet from a center-right, independent perspective.” He comments, “I’m thrilled to launch this partnership with Premiere Networks and iHeartPodcasts, and to work with their fantastic team to bring ‘Brad vs. Everyone’ to new audiences. It’s an honor to join a network with incredible talent and massive reach, and I look forward to the podcast reaching new heights!”

Industry News

What Makes Harry Run?

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WPG, Atlantic City, NJ iconic morning host Harry Hurley has been racking up awards in South Jersey since he was a kid. The 1975 Atlantic City High School undefeated Track & Field Team was inducted yesterday (5/19) into the Atlantic City High School Athletic Hall of Fame… exactly 50 years after they won the South Jersey championship. They are the only undefeated track and field team in Atlantic City High School history. Pictured above is Harry Hurley winning the one-mile race nearly 50 years ago!

Industry News

Broadcast Engineer Ted Randall Dies at 73

Nashville-based broadcast engineer Ted Randall has died at the age of 73. Randall was a Michigan native show worked at numerous stations there. He moved to Tennessee in 1979 and worked atimg signals including WQKR, WAMG, WCOR, WRMX, WSM-AM, WSM-FM, WZPC – Power Country 102.9, WFCM / Moody Radio, WJKM, and more. He also served with Cumulus and as chief engineer for 5 Star Radio in Clarksville. During his time with WSM-AM, he also served as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry. Randall managed and operated WJKM for five years and served as chief engineer for Cromwell Radio (now Cromwell Media) for over 20 years, overseeing engineering for ten stations in the greater Nashville area. Randall’s son, Matt Aaron, serves as a broadcast engineer for Ramsey Solutions. See his obituary here.

Industry News

BFoA to Host Media Mixer in NYC

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that due to popular demand, it is presenting its next Media Mixer at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia on June 18 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. BFoA says the popular event brings together up-and-coming broadcast professionals with their peersimg and executives and increases awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission. This event will be co-hosted by Angela Yee, BFOA Ambassador and nationally syndicated host of “Way Up with Angela Yee.” Also hosting will be Pedro Rivera, reporter and anchor for ABC7’s Eyewitness News. Closing out the night will be Long Island singer-songwriter Camryn Quinlan. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We are thrilled that there has been such an overwhelmingly positive response to our Media Mixers. During today’s dramatic changes in the media landscape, more broadcast professionals – entry, junior, and senior levels – want to get together to exchange experiences and brainstorm for the future.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Your Passion, Your Media Station

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgTALKERS publisher Michael Harrison introduced the term in the 1990s, inviting us to think-beyond the real-time audio we were sending up those towers. What he described seemed conceptual, even futuristic, back then, when we were still logging-onto AOL via dial-up (screech).

The “Media Station” he reckoned we would be producing by now seemed more like a place than a show. It wouldn’t be bound by regulation or sponsor sensitivities or an on-air format. Content needn’t be 30- or 60-seconds or minutes. It won’t even have to be audio. Or governed by how long you can last between bathroom breaks or eating or sleeping, because it won’t be the real-time content that radio was confined to then.

Back to the future. Among headlines from 2025 Edison Research “Infinite Dial” research:

— 248 million Americans are on social media.
— 91% (262 million) own a smartphone.
— 101 million own a smart speaker.
— 40% of vehicles now on the road have phone integration.
— Though AM/FM is still the #1 in-car audio, #2 is online audio, #3: podcasts.
— 210 million listen to online audio every week.
— “Podcast consumption is at an all-time high.” 55% of Americans listen each month.

Anyone anywhere can publish something that is available to everyone everywhere.

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Most who read this are probably content creators, many working full or part-time at radio stations, doing the station’s business. Using that same skill set, build your own, a Media Station. Most of the tools are free, including ChatGPT, which will even help you plan it.

What’s your area of expertise?? Your hobby? Your passion? Your media station could include:

— Podcasts
— Blog, inviting participation
— Tutorial videos about a craft or skill
— Tips-N-Tricks about ____
— Checklists/worksheets/recipes/other documents, as PDF downloads
— Stories about businesses or artists, traditions or customs, history, science, tech
— DIY projects, of any sort
— Makeover transformations
— Fitness routines and workout tips
— Money topics
— Food topics of all sorts, including restaurant reviews
— Relationship topics
— Travel
— Product reviews/recommendations
— Sports
— Amazon Associate links to earn commission on related products
— Whatever!

NOT saying: Build a media station so it becomes your livelihood after the next round of cutbacks. But, hey…

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

Conservative Groups Petition FCC for Regulatory Relief

More than 20 conservative groups, led by Heritage Action for America, sent a letter Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr voicing their support for the agency’s efforts to modernize what they call outdated ownership regulations that they say negatively impact local TV and radio stations. The letter puts forth the argument that digital media is at an advantage over analogue media due to these regulations. “The FCC’s television and radio ownership rules date back to theimg 1940s, when broadcast dominated mass communications in the U.S. Since then, the media marketplace has changed drastically – from widespread deployment of cable and satellite television networks to the rise of social media, podcasts, and streaming. Local broadcasters compete directly with Big Tech, streaming services, and social media platforms in the marketplace of consumer content. Yet, unlike their competitors such as YouTube and Facebook, broadcasters are limited by the ownership rules in how many households and consumers they can reach. This is an inherent disadvantage.” The letter adds, “By eliminating the national television cap, local TV duopoly restrictions, and local radio ownership caps, broadcasters can better achieve the scale and efficiencies necessary to compete – and to attract vital investment – in a fragmented and rapidly evolving information market.” See the complete letter here as posted by NAB.

Industry News

FCC’s Gomez: Trump Administration in “Coordinated Efforts to Censor and Control”

In a speech at the 2025 Media Institute Communications Forum on May 15, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized what she called the Trump administration’s “campaign to censor and control” stating “[S]ince day one the FCC has been implementing the will of this Administration and undermining the First Amendment at every turn.” Gomez said the administration has “initiated investigations andimg floated debilitating rate regulation schemes that target national network broadcasters for their newsrooms’ editorial decisions, harassed private companies for their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, and threatened tech companies that respond to consumer demands for content moderation and fact-checking.  Separately, they have attempted to shutter Voice of America and sought retribution against lawful residents that protest Administration policies.” She cited two occasions where presidents – FDR in 1939, and John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s – asked their FCC Chairs to shut down media outlets critical of their policies and those FCC Chairmen boldly refused.  She added, “This is what courage looks like—FCC Chairs refusing to wield the agency’s licensing authority as a weapon in contravention of the First Amendment and the Communications Act, even in the face of political pressure.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Bloomberg Extend Podcast Partnership

iHeartMedia and Bloomberg Media are renewing their podcast deal to continue co-producing new original podcasts and extend iHeartMedia’s role as the exclusive distributor of Bloomberg Media’s slate of shows. iHeartPodcasts president Will Pearson says, “Since 2021, we have produced andimg distributed over 30 podcasts with Bloomberg Media that offer critical news alongside compelling storytelling across the world of business and finance.  We are thrilled to continue our partnership to develop, distribute and monetize this impressive lineup and grow our audience worldwide. With an impressive lineup of upcoming shows in the pipeline, our renewed partnership will continue to leverage iHeart’s massive audience reach to expand upon Bloomberg’s community of listeners and provide them with engaging content across the current economic landscape.”

Industry News

Fisher House Memorial Day Weekend Show Now Available

Fisher House Foundation has the Memorial Day weekend edition of “The Fisher House Story” ready for stations to download for free. Stations can check out the demo at radio.fisherhouse.org. “The Fisher House Story” in four lengths – 3-hour, 1-hour, 25 min., and the 30-minute public affairs versionimg suitable for all formats. All are hosted by WMAL-FM, Washington, DC morning personality Larry O’Connor. Fisher House says, “The inspiring and patriotic radio show features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War, and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, the injuries and illnesses they endured, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries.” For more information on this radio special, contact Larry O’Connor at: 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

Kayla Anderson Exits WGFX-FM, Nashville

Sports media personality Kayla Anderson exits Cumulus Media’s sports talk WGFX-FM, Nashville 104.5 The Zone, where she was part of the morning show with Ramon Foster and Will Boling sinceimg 2022. Prior to joining WGFX-FM, Anderson was a sports anchor, reporter, and digital contributor at WKRN-TV, Nashville. While this sounds like a budget move on the station’s part, Anderson didn’t mention the reason she’s out in her X post: “First and foremost, thank you so much to our loyal listeners, you made my time in radio here so amazing. You all are so passionate about your teams here in Middle Tennessee and I love that. I’m gearing up for the next chapter of my book to write itself. All I’ve ever known is to keep navigating it to the best of my ability.”

Industry News

WGN’s John Williams Honored by Chicago Headline Club

WGN, Chicago talk host John Williams was honored with the “Best Featured Reporter or Host” Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club. The station says Williams last received a Peter Lisagor award in this category in 2023. In 2024, John Williams and his producer Pete Zimmermanimg earned a Peter Lisagor Award for their 2023 interview with the student editor of The Daily Northwestern. Williams also accepted the William Booth Award from The Salvation Army at their annual Chicago Civic Luncheon held May 8 at Navy Pier. The William Booth Award is one of the highest awards conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army and honors people who show strong character and commitment to their community. Williams hosts a radiothon on WGN Radio every December for the organization. In addition to his on-air work, Williams also hosts “The Mincing Rascals” award-winning podcast featuring a roundtable discussion with Chicago journalists about top news stories released every Wednesday.

Industry News

Podcast Presents 18-Part Series “The Journey Beyond Death”

“The Outer Limits of Inner Truth,” hosted by Ryan McCormick, announces the release of an 18-part series “that offers one of the most in-depth, compassionate, and thought-provoking explorations of death and the afterlife ever produced in modern media,” titled, “The Journey Beyond Death.” McCormick says the podcast series spans 65img original interviews, including 28 with individuals who have had near-death experiences (NDEs). He says, “This series weaves together stories of survival, grief, revelation, and spiritual awakening. It brings together voices rarely heard in one place: grief counselors, psychologists, metaphysical teachers, mediums, and survivors of clinical death – all sharing their deeply human experiences and insights.” He adds, “This series was created for people in mourning and for those who are curious about life beyond this world. The program is not driven by ideology or dogma. It’s about opening a door and letting others walk through it in their own way. I truly hope this presentation can bring people some measure of peace.” Check out the podcast series here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia Expands Coverage of Seattle Soccer Teams. iHeartMedia announces the expansion of its multi-year partnership with the Seattle Sounders FC and the Seattle Reign FC. iHeartMedia says “This new agreement marks a significant leap forward in Seattle soccer storytelling, delivering unmatched radio and digital streaming audio experiences for both clubs through iHeartMedia Seattle’s market-leading platforms.”

“The Score” to Air Select Chicago Sky Games. Audacy’s sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” is airing select Chicago Sky games this WNBA season. All games will also stream on the Audacy app within the Chicago area. Kylen Mills will serve as play-by-play announcer and midday show host Leila Rahimi will serve as color commentator. The station will also air pregame, halftime, and postgame shows, all hosted by station contributor Alyssa Bergamini.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (May 12 – 16, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/12-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump’s Middle East Trip
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / Medicaid Cuts
3. Birthright Citizenship Case / Universal Injunctions
4. Alien Enemies Act / Deportations / WI Judge Case
5. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
6. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
7. Tapper & Thompson’s Biden Book
8. Air Traffic Control Troubles
9. Diddy Trial
10.Menendez Brothers Case

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Mike Johnson
3. Clarence Thomas / Brett Kavanaugh / Amy Coney Barrett
4. Hannah Dugan
5. Xi Jinping
6. Volodymyr Zelensky / Vladimir Putin
7. Joe Biden / David Plouffe
8. Sean Duffy
9. Sean “Diddy” Combs / Cassie Ventura
10.Erik and Lyle Menendez

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

Industry News

KIVA, Albuquerque’s Eddy Aragon to Run for Congress

Radio station owner and talk host Eddy Aragon says he’s planning to run for congress as a Republican in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District in 2026. Aragon is the operator of Rock of Talkimg LLC, owner of news/talk KIVA, Albuquerque and hosts the afternoon drive “Rock of Talk” show. The seat is currently held by Democrat Gabe Vasquez. The Albuquerque Journal reports that Aragon ran for congress in the state’s 1st Congressional District in 2021 and previously ran for mayor of Albuquerque. He tells the paper, “I can win this race… We need more privatization of education. I think the approach that’s being taken at the national level is important. We don’t want to do without the money, but we definitely want to do without the bureaucracy.” See the Albuquerque Journal story here.