Industry News

NCC and Connoisseur Media Announce Educational Collaboration

Long Island’s Nassau Community College and its award-winning radio station WHPC-FM, announce a collaboration with Connoisseur Media Long Island that is designed to provide students with valuable real-world experiences, professional mentorship, and pathways to careers in broadcasting, marketing, journalism, sales, digital media, and related fields. NCC will imgprovide CMLI with opportunities to engage with students and the campus community through WHPC and select college events. The college will also make available WHPC-produced public affairs programming, as well as student-produced content for potential use across CMLI’s stations. Connoisseur Media regional SVP Kristin Okesson says, “We’re excited to partner with Nassau Community College to help inspire and develop the next generation of radio and media talent. Partnerships like these create a direct pipeline for passionate students to gain real-world experience, build important industry connections, and ultimately become the future superstars of our business. We appreciate Shawn Novatt and the NCC team for their commitment to creating these opportunities, and we look forward to working together to support students as they begin their careers in broadcasting and media.”

Industry News

NYPR Announces Three Promotions

New York Public Radio president and CEO Christy Tanner announces the promotions of Emily Botein, Stephanie Clary and Eileen Delahunty to editorial and creative leadership roles across WNYC and Gothamist, WNYC Studios and WQXR. Botein is now head of WNYC Studios, Clary rises to editor-in-chief of the WNYC imgand Gothamist newsrooms, and Delahunty is now head of WQXR. Tanner says, “Stephanie, Emily and Eileen are exceptional, forward-looking leaders with deep commitment to excellence in journalism, culture and storytelling. As audiences increasingly engage with content across multiple platforms, we’re focused on creating experiences that connect our award-winning newsrooms, podcasts, live events and cultural partnerships. I’m excited to see the continued collaboration across NYPR as we strengthen our mission and help shape the future of public media for the next generation.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 1-5)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/1-5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Iran War / War Powers Resolution
  2. Primary Races
  3. Pelley Firing / Status of “60 Minutes”
  4. “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Nixed
  5. The Economy / Gas Prices
  6. Redistricting
  7. Delaney Hall Protests
  8. Ballroom Project
  9. 250th Celebration Performers Controversy / Kennedy Center Ruling
  10. Bolton to Plead Guilty

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Thomas Massie / Tom Barrett / Brian Fitzpatrick / Warren Davidson
  3. Scott Pelley / Bari Weiss / Nick Bilton
  4. Todd Blanche
  5. Scott Bessent
  6. Mike Johnson
  7. Joe Biden
  8. JD Vance
  9. David Venturella
  10. John Bolton

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

Industry News

MIW Opens Application Window for Programming Mentorship

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the opening of applications for its 8th Annual Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship. MIW says, “Designed specifically for women working in radio programming, the year-long mentorship imgconnects one rising programming professional with some of the industry’s most accomplished content leaders. Through personalized mentorship, strategic networking opportunities, and career-focused guidance, the program is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership skills and accelerate their professional growth.” The mentorship is open to one female brand manager, content/program director, assistant program director, or music director from any U.S.-based radio format. Applications are open now and will be accepted through July 2, 2026. Find out more and apply here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/3)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War / War Powers Resolution
  2. Pelley Firing / Status of “60 Minutes”
  3. Primary Races
  4. Delaney Hall Protests
  5. SpaceX IPO
Industry News

Nielsen: News/Talk Remains Top Format for Total Radio Listening

Nielsen issues its quarterly “report card” – called The Record- on listening by U.S. consumers and says that, for persons 18+, 62% imgof Americans listen to AM/FM radio as part of their daily audio consumption. Podcast listening gets 20% with ad-supported streaming getting 16%, and ad-supported satellite radio accounting for 2%. The report also indicates that the news/talk radio format maintained its position as the top format with 10.9% share of total radio listening (P18+), a slight uptick from the 10.8% it captured in Q4 2025. All-news listening also increased, climbing from 2.7% to 2.9%. See more about the report here.

Industry News

Montana Talk Host Wins Congressional Primary

Montana talk radio host Aaron Flint is projected to win the Republican primary for the U.S. House seat for Montana’s 1st imgCongressional District. Flint is host of the morning drive show “Montana Talks” heard across Townsquare Media news/talk stations in Montana, including KBUL, Billings and KMMS, Bozeman. Flint took leave of his radio show to run for office. According to the Associated Press, Flint will face the winner of the four-way race in the Democratic primary. Flint’s campaign says he is emphasizing “making the Montana dream affordable again,” by reducing regulatory burdens on building homes, encouraging trades education and boosting the U.S. timber industry.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Content to Be Available on LG Smart TVs

iHeartMedia and LG Electronics have struck a deal that will see iHeartMedia’s more than 850 live iHeartRadio stations, digital-imgonly stations and its catalog of podcasts will now be available on the LG Radio+ app that’s included on LG Smart TVs running webOS 6.0 and above. iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne comments, “We are excited to integrate iHeartRadio into LG Radio+. This integration reflects our commitment to meeting listeners everywhere they are, making premium audio content even more accessible in a seamless experience across the connected home.”

Industry News

BFoA Announces 2026 Giving Day

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that its annual BFOA Giving Day will take place on Thursday, June 25. The initiative rallies the broadcast industry for a one-day fundraising effort to provide critical financial assistance to radio imgand television professionals facing acute hardship due to catastrophic illness, disaster, or other life-altering circumstances. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “We have a responsibility to stand beside our fellow broadcasters when devastating illness or catastrophe turns their lives upside down. Giving Day is an opportunity for every broadcaster — individuals and companies alike — to make a meaningful difference for colleagues facing unimaginable challenges. Our industry takes care of its own, and together we can ensure no broadcaster faces hardship alone.” Get more information about giving here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/2)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War / Peace Negotiations
  2. Primary Elections / Alabama Redistricting Ruling
  3. “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Nixed
  4. CBS Fires Scott Pelley
  5. Trump’s AI Executive Order
Industry News

TALKERS 2026 to Present “The Big Picture” Super Panel

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TALKERS 2026 will continue to present one of the iconic conference’s most popular and impactful panel discussions – “The Big Picture.”

This year’s lineup of panelists is nothing short of superb: Steve Jones, president, CEO & Chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Chris Oliviero, chief business officer, Audacy; Frank Morano, Member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés,” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will moderate.

“The Big Picture” panel is more pertinent this year than ever before. According to Harrison, “Our goal will be to do exactly what the title implies – present a big picture overview of the state of radio and talk media as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, drawing upon the expertise and experience of a remarkably diverse and accomplished set of panelists. We will examine the relentless cultural, political, financial, and technological forces at work in America (and the world) that will impact the future of our field and its role in society at present and during the turbulent days ahead.”

The panel discussion that will tackle the big questions facing the talk media and radio industries will take place this Friday, June 5 – just three days from now – between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm on Television Soundstage “A” at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. This is the location at which all of the conference events will unfold.

All of the sessions at TALKERS 2026, including this one, will be video recorded for later playback on a number of platforms including the TALKERS MEDIA channel on YouTube.  For more information about registration, hotel and sponsorship, please click here.

Industry Views

Therapy, Entrepreneurism, and Talk Radio

By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York

imgThe iconic TALKERS conference is coming up this Friday (6/5) and, again, I am looking forward to it.  As a practicing therapist and prolific talk show guest for over two decades, I find this unique gathering to be a productive educational and social ritual. It provides an opportunity to make new friends, strengthen existing relationships, and learn new things about the ever-evolving talk media industry. We have similar issues in the mental health field marked by encroaching corporatism in a business once fueled by “mom & pop” operators and independent practitioners.

I am pleased to see that one of the prevailing themes of this year’s TALKERS gathering is a call for the rebirth of entrepreneurism in the radio arena. This is certainly applicable to those brave souls willing to buck the onslaught of consolidation and take the daring leap into station ownership. But it also applies to management-level pros who are faced with learning “intrepreneurship” in order to be effective, productive, and at home within the potentially stifling environment of a large corporation. Entrepreneurism also applies to “talent” now presented with endless opportunities to be their own persons in podcasting, blogging, and myriad online endeavors. Talk show hosts are the “brand managers” of their own personas.

I like talk show hosts for reasons that go beyond their political ideologies. For the most part, talk show hosts are brave, informed, outgoing (at least in performance), quirky and, no matter how seemingly tough on the air, sensitive to being easily bruised and emotionally pained.

Talk show hosts and therapists share similar functions and traits in the performance of their jobs, not to mention their commonality with entrepreneurs. It takes entrepreneurial thinking in identifying and solving problems – the backbone of both therapy and talk show hosting. To a certain degree, therapists are talk show hosts and talk show hosts are therapists.  And both groups are in need of developing their entrepreneurial instincts.

All professions attract individuals with certain emotional and behavioral challenges. Clichéd therapist portrayals show common clinician flaws such as being rigid, or overly analytical, as well as being too distant and reserved. Talk show hosts are not as burdened by behavioral pressures as therapists which include strict licensing regulations and the potential threat of bad “reviews,” but they have a slew of their own restraints to contend with in keeping their audiences and their jobs.

Talk show hosts DO have one enviable option in dealing with callers, not as readily available to therapists for handling patients. They actually get to hang up on people.

Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com.  Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.

Industry News

LaCroix Rises to PD at “105.7 The Fan”

Audacy’s sports talk WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” promotes Joe LaCroix to brand manager for the station in which he’ll be responsible for supporting the station’s content strategy, imgtalent, operations and branding. LaCroix joined the station in 2017 and has been executive producer of the “Big Bad Morning Show” since 2021. Audacy sports format VP Chris Kinard says, “Joe’s dedication over the past year has been nothing short of exceptional, constantly stepping up to support the team and taking on challenges outside his comfort zone. His tireless work ethic and natural ability to bring people together made him the obvious choice for brand manager.”

Industry News

Bolster Named GSM at JVC Panama City

JVC Broadcasting brings Panama City, Florida sales pro Stacie Bolster as general sales manager for the cluster that includes talk WYOO “Florida Man Radio” and three music brands. JVC says, “Bolster brings decades of experience in broadcast advertising, client development, team leadership, and revenue imggrowth. Her extensive market knowledge, longstanding relationships throughout the business community, and proven ability to help local businesses succeed make her an outstanding addition to the JVC Broadcasting leadership team.” Bolster comments, “I am honored to join JVC Broadcasting and excited for the opportunity to lead the sales efforts in Panama City. JVC has built an outstanding reputation for local programming, community involvement, and delivering results for advertisers. I look forward to working with our clients, our stations, and our growing sales team to help local businesses connect with consumers and achieve their goals.”

Industry News

Erick Erickson Show Adds New Affiliates

imgThe Compass Media Networks-syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” adds a bunch of new affiliates as KYST, Houston “Patriot Talk 920”; WJMX, Florence, South Carolina; and KXVB, Fayetteville, Arkansas “Freedom FM 101.5” are among the stations adding the program so far this year.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/1)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War / Peace Negotiations
  2. 250th Celebration Performers Controversy
  3. Primary Elections
  4. “Anti-Weaponization” Fund / Kennedy Center Rulings
  5. Tina Peters Released
Industry News

Report: SiriusXM-iHeartMedia Talks Have Stalled

The New York Times’ DealBook reported on Friday (5/29) that the talks about a potential acquisition of iHeartMedia by SiriusXM are imgoff – at least for now. That the two media firms were in preliminary talks first broke in early May. As DealBook notes, there is a history between the two companies: “Liberty SiriusXM Group, once an affiliate of John Malone’s media empire, used to hold significant stakes in both companies. Liberty SiriusXM eventually sold its stake in iHeartMedia (primarily a broadcast radio company) and split off its ownership of SiriusXM (primarily a satellite radio company) into a separate entity.”

Industry News

Gallagher and Hudson Emcee South Carolina Candidates Forum

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Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher (left) and his regular guest host & WORD-FM, Greenville host Joey Hudson (right) served as co-emcees at a Statewide Candidates Forum in Upstate South Carolina sponsored by 989 WORD-FM. During the forum, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Everette surprised hudson by presenting him with the state’s highest civilian honor “The Order of the Palmetto,” issued by Governor Henry McMaster.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Hungry for Some Summer Fun Next Month?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you are doing talk radio, much of your programming is syndicated. If you do music radio, your most formidable competitors are robotic streams that live in the cloud. Either way, YOU, being local, can make friends — and money — if you plan now to exploit these occasions.

  • Monday, July 6: National Fried Chicken Day
  • Tuesday, July 7: World Chocolate Day
  • Friday, July 10: National French Fry Day
  • Tuesday, July 14: National Mac & Cheese Day
  • Sunday, July 19: National Ice Cream Day
  • Wednesday, July 29: National Chicken Wing Day

And after all that, may I suggest a National Alka-Seltzer Day? JUST kidding. Wash-it-all-down on Friday, July 24, National Tequila Day.

For more upcoming opportunities to mingle with listeners — and engage advertisers – download my FREE 2026 Events + Occasions Calendar. Scroll down the home page at HollandCooke.com

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 Views

SABO SEZ: Look at the Actual Numbers

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A Walter Sterling
Host, The Other Side of Midnight
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

imgBillionaires make predominantly good investments, which is why they are billionaires.

John Malone saved Sirius with a $500 million investment just days from the company missing payroll. He remains the controlling shareholder.

Warren Buffett just made a significant investment in highly profitable SiriusXM.

George Soros owns Audacy. Audacy’s robust list of major market radio stations are jewels that require a better financial structure. Soros Fund Management bought $400,000,000 of the company’s debt and controlling ownership. Note that Soros now owns all but one of the country’s all-news stations.

Apollo Advisor’s billionaire CEO Marc Rowan  a former candidate for Secretary of the U.S. Treasury – owns Cox Radio and Television. Apollo was an original investor in Sirius.

John Catsimatidis wrote a check for WABC-AM and is buying more properties. Radio properties. Cats owns an oil refinery, land, and the Gristedes supermarket chain, but his focus is on WABC Radio.

The health of radio? The future? Those sharp investors, brutal businesspeople, determine the business future of radio, and they are apparently very optimistic!

Failing industries don’t expand

In 1970, there were 2,126 commercial stations in the U.S.

Today there are:

  • AM stations: 4,342
  • FM commercial stations: 6,589
  • FM noncommercial (educational) stations: 4,755

Sell the biggest number

Cable channels are investor valued by “Homes Passed.” Not audience or cash flow. How many people who can see the programming rather than how many people actually see the programming.  Now apply that logic to radio station values.

BILLBOARDS sell impressions. Impressions represent the total number of people who could potentially see a billboard ad.  That is the biggest number by which billboard can be measured, so that’s what they sell.

DIRECT MAIL is the number one local ad medium. It is data driven beyond your wildest dreams. Direct mail automation uses real-time signals and integrated data to deliver mail at the most meaningful point in the customer journey. For example, when someone abandons a shopping cart or repeatedly views a product online, you can design a programmatic mailing campaign to automatically send print pieces in response to that specific consumer behavior.

Rather than pushing the biggest, stable number – CUME – radio sells the smallest measurements. Radio’s 100+ years of success, astonishing outlet growth, 92% penetration of American homes, 65% daily population usage deserve has earned a much higher commercial unit price.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “The Other Side of Midnight” is heard on WABC, New York and the Red Apple Audio Network 1:00 am – 5:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.  He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.

Industry News

Denny Long Retires from WCCO, Minneapolis

Longtime WCCO, Minneapolis radio personality Denny Long imghosted his last show Saturday (5/30) that turned into a big farewell with co-workers, family and friends packing the Audacy station’s studio. Long served with WCCO for 55 years of his 60-year career. He joined the station in 1971 as program director for the then-music formatted station. He remained with WCCO in numerous capacities, most recently as host of the Saturday morning show. Long says he’s retiring for health reasons but adds that with a little luck and good medical care he’ll be alright.

Industry News

RTDNA Announces Regional Edward R. Murrow Winners

imgThe Radio Television Digital News Association announces the winners of the 2026 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. Regional winners advance to the national competition, with winners announced in August. National winners will be celebrated at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12 at Gotham Hall in New York City. See the winners from all 14 regions here.

Industry News

WBAL Honored with CAPBA Awards

Hearst’s WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5 in Baltimore announces that it won the 2026 Outstanding Radio News Operation award from the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association Saturday night (5/30) in Ocean City, imgMaryland. The award is given annually for excellence among radio and TV stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The award is one of five first-place awards given to WBAL NewsRadio at the annual CAPBA banquet. WBAL director of programming and news director Jeff Wade says, “The WBAL NewsRadio team proves once again they are best-in-class in the region with this outstanding showing at the CAPBA Awards. We’re honored to win Outstanding News Operation for the second consecutive year – a testament to our staff’s consistent pursuit of excellence in broadcast journalism.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (May 30-31)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (5/30-31) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War
  2. 250th Celebration Performers Controversy
  3. Gas Prices / Financial Markets Rise
  4. Delaney Hall Protests
    Kennedy Center Ruling
Industry News

TALKERS 2026 to Present Discussion About Independent Radio Station Ownership

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The spirit of entrepreneurship will be in the air at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter.  A panel of five of the industry’s most prominent independent radio station owner/operators will tackle existential questions about the business and its future.

Is there an opportunity to financially survive and even thrive in independent radio ownership? What are the challenges and advantages of owning and operating an independent station or group at this time?  What can big time corporate radio learn from indie operators? Does community involvement and localness count for anything anymore?  Where’s the revenue?  How much expansion is healthy?  What exactly IS radio? What’s the end game?

The morning panel will be moderated by John Caracciolo, CEO/founder, JVC Broadcasting and include Vince Benedetto, CEO/founder, Bold Gold Media Group; Paul Gleiser, owner, KTBB, Tyler, TX; Joe Thomas, co-owner, WTON, Staunton, VA; and Paul Vandenburgh, owner, Talk 1300/ 98.7 WGDJ, Albany, NY.

TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter will take place on Friday, June 5 on the beautiful campus of Hofstra University on Long Island.  For the latest agenda, registration, and hotel information, please click here.