Industry News

Connoisseur Media Closes on Sale of South Dakota Stations to Riverfront Broadcasting

Connoisseur Media closes on the sale of KDLO-FM, KIXX-FM, KSDR-AM, KSDR-FM, KWAT-AM, in Watertown, South Dakota and KKSD-FM, Milbank, South Dakota to Riverfront Broadcasting. Riverfront – a South Dakota-based company headed by Doyle and Carolyn Becker – paid $350,000 for the six signals. Riverfront Broadcasting specializes in localized radio broadcasting and digital media.

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Clay Travis Expand Relationship

iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks announce a renewed and expanded agreement with Clay Travis, co-host of “The Clay & Buck Show.” As part of the longterm agreement, Travis will imgcontinue co-hosting “The Clay & Buck Show.” Travis’ new sports media platform Sport & State is partnering with iHeartMedia for a podcast network and with advertising sales across digital and web content. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott states, “Clay Travis is one of the most dynamic and influential voices in talk radio, and we’re thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with him. His ability to engage audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and deliver results for our station partners and advertisers has been extraordinary, and we look forward to continued growth and success together.”

Industry News

Reflections on 9/11 – 25th Anniversary

As we enter September of 2026, the American talk media industry is gearing up to present numerous specials, documentaries, tributes, interviews, and remembrances commemorating the tragic event that befell our nation a quarter century ago.  According to imgTALKERS conversations held with programmers and talk show hosts across the nation this week, historic events and milestones get heightened attention on anniversaries divisible by five-year intervals with 10-year, quarter- and half-century markers receiving the most. “This is going to be a big one,” exclaimed KSCO, Santa Cruz station owner Michael “MZ” Zwerling stating, “The combination of 9/11 reaching its quarter-century anniversary coupled with the nation being at war with a Middle East adversary makes remembrances of the tragedy even more appropriate than ever.”

In the spirit of this solemn broadcasting occasion, longtime talk media host, commentator, and director of Good For You Network (www.goodforyounetwork.comC.C. Carter is making the audio file of her compelling PodJockey piece titled, “Reflections on 9/11,” available at no cost for airplay on interested radio stations, networks and talk shows for next Friday’s 25th anniversary of the tragic attack on America. The presentation, featuring background music by the legendary band Gunhill Road, runs a tight, crisp 4:15. It is one of the most heartfelt and compelling 9/11 pieces on the internet.

Regarding “Reflections on 9/11,” Carter – an NYC resident – tells TALKERS, “Two months after 9/11, I went down to the World Trade Center site to pay my respects. I walked over to the makeshift ‘Teddy Bear’ memorial site, where people had spontaneously left notes and cards – and teddy bears. I wanted to write down some of what was left, because it was meant to be heard.  I wanted to give voice to people’s hearts and heartache. And so, I ask you to listen to the raw emotions emanating from their hearts. TALKERS founder (and Gunhill Road member) Michael Harrison adds, “C.C. Carter’s ‘Refections on 9/11’ is one of the most powerful shortform pieces about 9/11 on the internet. I am extremely gratified that it is being made available to talk radio again this special year.”

To download the piece, please click here.  To arrange an interview with C.C. Carter, please call Barbara Kurland at TALKERS at 413-565-5413.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Receives Congressional Tribute

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz was honored on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday (9/2) imgby Congressman John McGuire of Virginia’s Fifth District. McGuire saluted Jeff for his prior police service, for serving as a law enforcement peer support counselor for more than three decades and for creating the Lieutenant Jan McTernan Blue Friday Award 10 years ago. The award is bestowed publicly on a Central Virginia law enforcement officer during an on-air segment on the last Friday of each month. See a video of the tribute here.

Industry News

ESPN Radio’s College Campus Tour Returns

ESPN Radio and Good Karma Sports announce the return of ESPN Radio’s College Football Campus Tour. ESPN and Good Karma say, “Leading directly into the featured ESPN Radio game of the week, the Campus Tour brings a national pregame broadcast and interactive Fan Zone experience to some of the imgbiggest college football matchups of the 2026 season.” The tour will make 10 campus stops across the country, beginning Saturday, September 5, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when Clemson takes on LSU. Additional stops throughout the season include College Station, Texas; Louisville, Ky.; State College, Pa.; Gainesville, Fla.; Austin, Texas; Oxford, Miss.; and a return to Baton Rouge, with additional tour locations and matchups to be announced. At each stop, ESPN Radio hosts Jonathan Zaslow and Amber Wilson will broadcast live for at least two hours leading up to kickoff.

Industry News

KRMG, Tulsa Names Hill & Berg PM Drive Hosts

Zoellner Media Group’s news/talk KRMG, Tulsa announces that April Hill and Steve Berg are the new hosts of the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm show. KRMG program director Levi May says, “April and Steve are two of the strongest voices on our news team and bringing them together for the afternoon is a natural fit. They know Tulsa, they know news, and most importantly, they know how to connect with our listeners. We’re excited about what they’ll bring to the afternoon and to KRMG.” Hill states, “I’m incredibly excited and honored to be stepping into the role of host of the KRMG imgAfternoon News. KRMG has such a strong connection with our community, and I am thrilled to be able to spend my afternoons telling stories and interacting with listeners. I’m looking forward to working more with this team and sharing some laughs along the way.”  Berg adds, “I’m honored, excited, and humbled all at the same time about the new show. I grew up in Tulsa listening to John Erling on KRMG, interned at the station when I was in college, and ultimately wound up working here. KRMG is kind of in my DNA, so to have my name attached to a KRMG show is almost surreal and very flattering.  I’m eager to begin this new phase at the station.”

Industry News

Tommy Castor to Lead iHeartMedia Salt Lake City

iHeartMedia appoints Tommy Castor has been named market president for the Salt Lake City operations that includes KNRS-AM/FM. Castor was most recently with Audacy as SVP and market manager in Wichita. Area president Glynn Alan states, “We are imgthrilled to have Tommy join the Salt Lake City team. His winning track record, industry expertise, and commitment to excellence make him a tremendous addition to iHeartMedia. Tommy’s leadership will inspire those around him and help position our team for even greater success in the years ahead.” Castor comments, “I’m honored to join the iHeartMedia team in Salt Lake City and lead such a talented group of professionals. This market has an incredible media landscape and strong community connections. I look forward to building on the SLC team’s success and positioning iHeartMedia as the premier media partner in the marketplace.”

Industry News

Salem Media Announces Executive Promotions

Salem Media promotes longtime executives Autumn Marcus and Monica Montijo within the company’s finance and accounting imgdepartment. Marcus is now serving as SVP, finance and strategic planning, and Montijo rises to SVP, controller and accounting. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “Salem is entering an important new chapter, and Autumn and Monica will be key members of the leadership team helping us shape it. They know Salem and our businesses extremely well, and I have tremendous confidence in both of them and the teams they lead.”

Industry News

Audacy Presenting 10th Annual “I’m Listening” Campaign

Audacy is bringing its 10th annual mental health broadcast special “I’m Listening” to listeners nationwide this month in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day (9/10). The program will air across Audacy’s portfolio of radio stations between Tuesday, September 8 and Sunday, September img13. It will feature artists, newsmakers and mental health professionals in honest and meaningful conversations about mental health, emotional well-being and the importance of speaking openly and listening without judgment. Audacy SVP of programming Dave Richards says, “Nearly a decade after we first launched ‘I’m Listening,’ the need for honest conversations about mental health has never been more important. Every year, we’re reminded of the power of simply creating space for people to listen, share their experiences, and know they’re not alone. We’re proud to bring this important program back to our audiences nationwide and continue using the reach and intimacy of audio to connect people with stories, resources and hope.”

Industry News

Zoellner Media Swaps Frequencies in Tulsa

Zoellner Media Group swaps frequencies between Hot AC KRAV and news/talk KRMG in Tulsa. KRMG moves to the bigger, 100,000-watt Class C signal while KRAV takes up residence on imgthe Class C2 50,000-watt signal. Zoellner Media Group says, “The realignment places each brand on a signal footprint that more closely matches the audience it serves while creating additional opportunities for advertisers throughout the Tulsa market and surrounding communities.” Zoellner president and general manager Steve Hunter adds, “This is a very positive move for our listeners and our advertising partners. The new frequency positions give both stations an opportunity to reach more of the audiences they are built to serve, while also giving our advertisers increased reach and stronger opportunities to connect with consumers across the market.”

Industry News

Stillman Joins Skyview as VP of Sales

Media sales pro Liz Stillman is named vice president, sales for Skyview Networks, I which she’ll focus on network audio sales and new client development across agencies and advertisers. Skyview says she joins the company with “deep expertise in network audio imgsales and a record of leading agency sales for national media brands, a combination that allows her to build programs the way agencies plan them.” Skyview CEO and chairman Steve Jones adds, “She knows the audio business, how agencies plan and how to open a door that has never been opened before. Bringing Liz to Skyview is an investment not only in revenue growth, but also in the longterm strength of the relationships that will continue to drive our business forward.” Stillman comments, “Network audio still does something no other medium does, putting a brand in front of a national audience at scale, in an environment people trust. Skyview has the reach, station partnerships and technology to deliver that, and I am looking forward to opening those conversations and building programs that deliver measurable results.”

Industry News

Jeff Katz Signs New Deal with WRVA, Richmond

imgTalk radio host Jeff Katz and Audacy get together on a new deal that keeps Katz on WRVA, Richmond where he’s been hosting the afternoon drive daypart for the past 13 years. Audacy notes that Katz has been recognized throughout the region for his charitable work. He has helped raise more than $1 million for Central Virginia charities and was appointed by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.

Industry News

Salem Chicago Celebrates 3rd Annual Shaunfest

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Salem Media Chicago is celebrating the success of the third annual “Shaunfest” – a live remote broadcast of WIND-AM, Chicago’s afternoon drive Shaun Thompson program that drew about 1,400 attendees. Salem Chicago market manager Marcus Brown tells TALKERS the live event has grown steadily, attracting about 1,000 fans two years ago and about 1,200 last year. Brown says, “The live broadcast culminated with a tribute to two special members of the AM 560 family who passed away over the last year – Charlie Kirk (who grew up listening to the station before becoming a host with Salem) and Rich Gervasio (a caller “Rich from Indian Head Park” who became a fixture on the show), followed by a live performance of the national anthem. It was a powerful moment that capped off the broadcast.” Brown adds, “In addition to the nearly 1,400 attendees, we also had a dozen local sponsors who had lines of listeners at their booths for hours. Truly an incredible event that underscores the power of local radio in an era where these types of things are becoming rare.”

Job Opportunity

WBT, Charlotte Seeks News Anchor

107.9 FM WBT, Charlotte’s News Talk is looking for the next great multimedia journalist to join the WBT News Team as a Full-Time News Anchor. If you’re a compelling storyteller on air and on the page, have the ability to deliver the facts beyond the headline, and imgunderstand that there is a critical difference between news reporting and simple dictation, we’d love to hear from you.  What will set you apart? Journalistic objectivity, understanding what makes a news story relatable, the flexibility to cover breaking news whenever it happens and, most importantly, to be a great teammate and collaborator, working with the entire WBTeam of hosts, anchors, reporters, and producers for the benefit of the Charlotte listeners.  If this sounds like you, please upload your resume, air checks and writing samples here.

Industry News

FTC Finalizes Orders Against CMG

The Federal Trade Commission reveals it has issued finalized orders requiring Cox Media Group and New Hampshire-based MindSift LLC and Wisconsin-based 1010 Digital Works LLC to pay a total of $930,000 to settle allegations they deceived customers imgby falsely claiming to offer an AI-powered service that could target localized ads based on conversations captured from consumers’ smart devices and that consumers had opted into such targeting. The FTC had alleged that the companies “deceived customers by claiming they used a special algorithm to listen in on and detect pertinent conversations from smart devices in order to target ads to consumers within a specific geographic region. Contrary to these companies’ claims, however, the marketing service wasn’t based on voice data, and consumers hadn’t opted into this service. If the service had functioned as advertised, this collection and use of consumers’ voice data without adequate consent would itself violate the FTC Act.”

Industry News

Frank Morano to Fill in for Smerconish on SiriusXM

New York City Councilor Frank Morano is getting back behind the imgmic today and tomorrow (8/31-9/1) to fill in for Michael Smerconish on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Morano – who was a talk host at WABC, New York for many years before running for public office – tells TALKERS, “I’ve got a fun couple of shows lined up, including Kelsey Grammer, along with some other interesting guests and plenty of calls and conversation.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “So What?”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgAbout those commercials… which pay for you. When a prospective client says, “We tried radio. It didn’t work,” I ask to hear the commercial. Within seconds I can tell why.

It opens with the business name. It lists products. It rattles off prices. It stuffs in an address, a website, a phone number, and a slogan. Then it ends. Nothing happened. Nothing memorable. Nothing emotional. Nothing that gave a listener a reason to care. Yet radio gets blamed. Like blaming a fishing rod because you cast with no bait.

The commercial has one job: Make someone care enough to take the next step

That’s it. Not explain everything. Not impress everyone with how many years you’ve been in business.

Its purpose is to create curiosity…confidence…desire…trust…urgency…hope. Any one of those emotions can motivate action. A list of merchandise almost never does.

The listener doesn’t wake up hoping to buy a water heater, or hire a lawyer, or replace a roof. People act when something in their lives creates a need. Good advertising connects with that moment.

A mattress store isn’t selling mattresses. It’s selling better mornings. A financial planner isn’t selling investments. She’s selling confidence. A heating contractor isn’t selling furnaces. He’s selling warmth on the coldest night of the year.

Translate Features into Benefits

Every advertiser has a product. Every customer has a problem. Say it with me: “Successful spots connect the dots.”

Here’s a simple exercise: Every time they mention a feature, ask, “So what?”

  • “We stock thousands of [item].” So what? “You won’t spend your weekend driving from store to store.”
  • “We’ve been serving this community since [year].” So what? “We’ve helped generations of local families buy homes, build businesses, and send kids to college.”
  • “We offer custom designs.” So what? “The ring she’ll wear forever will be unlike anyone else’s.”

If the answer explains how the listener’s life becomes:

  • easier
  • safer
  • faster
  • healthier
  • happier
  • less stressful
  • more convenient
  • more secure
  • more enjoyable

…you’ve found the benefit, and you get paid.

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

iHeartMedia Announces Additions to Steelers Audio Network

iHeartMedia Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Steelers announce that former Steelers’ guard and Super Bowl champion Willie Colon and former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams are joining the weekday lineup. Colon will join Rob King and Max Starks co-hosting “In the Locker Room, Presented by your Neighborhood Ford Store” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on WBGG-AM “FOX Sports Pittsburgh” and on Steelers Nation Radio. Williams will join Tom Opferman co-hosting “The Steelers Blitz” from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.