Lessons for Talk Media in CEO Murder
By Renee Kohanski, M.D.
Psychiatrist
The horrific murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at the hands of Luigi Mangione at the end of 2024 was a wake-up call for the talk media industry.
There is widespread deep and growing distress in America over our devolving health care system and it is manifesting national RAGE. Regardless, neither the conversation sparked by the 2024 election nor talk radio and its related media platforms that same year gave the situation its due.
As a working member of both the health care (practicing physician) and talk media (podcaster and guest) communities, I say it is time that we approach this subject with the focus and urgency it demands.
Hippocrates says First Do No Harm. There is something horribly wrong in the areas of medicine in general, psychiatry in particular, and man versus man at large. This emerges in the bigger picture of a devolving society that can no longer articulate even its basic core values.
In medicine and psychiatry (for starters), we have shifted the individual’s experience as a respected and valued patient to a worthless cog in a faceless, monstrosity machine. We have morphed from a field of involved healthcare professionals to corporate drones in a healthcare system. Our family physician, who smacked our behinds to get us breathing as we entered the world, is now some nine-to-fiver who may or may not remember to run a stethoscope across our chest to hear a heart sound. Don’t forget your prescriptions on the way out the door at the end of your six-minute visit and remember to dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have a true emergency.
Twisted sociological fallout: In our unabashed ignorance, a disturbingly significant segment of the population has the gall to the think some head of a major insurance company is to blame for all this or that a cold-blooded killer, who may possibly also be suffering from a major mental illness, could – in some alternate universe – be a hero. Let’s all wake up and stop pretending this is normal or okay.
Mind you, it’s not that it’s all doom and gloom, but there’s no denying the radical shift in the entire construct of the rapidly disappearing patient-doctor relationship. We are now part of a Borg-like amorphous healthcare system that doesn’t necessarily think the needs of its individual patients are paramount.
Communcations prescription: In the talk media space, we must address the public’s spiraling rage over this brewing infection by increasing the dose of conversation and enlightening information so evidently needed. We missed that opportunity in 2024.
Renee Kohanski, M.D. is a practicing general and forensic psychiatrist in New Jersey and Connecticut. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Physicians and Surgeons, the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and serves as a Director for the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. She is a longtime talk media expert guest, and her medical podcasts are available on Spotify. To contact Dr. Kohanski or arrange for her to appear as a guest, she can be reached via email at wellness@rkdoctor.com.
Welcome to 2025… TALKERS 35th year! Everything seems to be moving faster and faster as we hurtle deeper into the 21st century and what is turning out to be a “brave new world” even for Gen-Z. Each year at this time, I am invariably asked by broadcasters, reporters, and friends, “What do you think we’ll be talking about in the new year ahead?” And each year I give the same answer: THE UNEXPECTED.
Adell Media announced today (1/6) the addition of “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” to the lineup at 910 AM – Detroit’s News Talk Superstation (WFDF-AM), effective immediately live weekdays 6:00 am – 9:00 am ET. This clearance marks the 50th affiliate for the program, which joined Premiere Networks’ national lineup in October 2024. With a motto of “so much information, so little understanding,” DelGiorno engages listeners with entertaining discussion that goes beyond the latest news and political headlines to include lifestyle, pop culture topics and humor. The goal of the show is to help the audience start their day with fun, witty and interesting conversation that’s also informative. Since the station re-launched in September 2023 with a 24/7 lineup of news and conservative talk, as well as local news, weather and traffic from Total Traffic & Weather Network and breaking news coverage from ABC Radio, the station’s audience has grown +500% to date (Source: Nielsen Audio, PPM, NOV24 v SEP23, MoSu 6a-12m, P6+).
“Michael DelGiorno is a perfect fit to lead our impressive weekday lineup featuring the biggest talent in talk radio,” said Kevin Adell, CEO. Adell Media. “In just over a year since launching our conservative talk format, we continue to see incredible audience gains and look forward to continued growth and success as we provide a leading source for news and information in our community.” “I’m always singing, ‘Oh, how I wish again, I was back in Michigan!’ So, it’s a song come true for me,” said DelGiorno. “All joking aside, as a Flint native, I’m thrilled to be coming home to start the day off right on Detroit’s Superstation and just in time for my Lions’ first Super Bowl!
Hello from fabulous Las Vegas, where the faded Tropicana is now a heap of rubble holding space for the Las Vegas Athletics stadium; and where SO much else here changes between visits. There is just too much do-re-mi at stake for this place not to continue to strive to surprise and satisfy, and keep ya comin’ back for more… which is also the ballgame for broadcasters and podcasters.
After making great strides with ratings, revenue, podcasts, local in-market promotions, and a national, live political forum (“The Gathering”) in 2024, which included expanding to 27 affiliates, the Compass Media Networks syndicated Erick Erickson Show starts today (1/6) with an additional 29 affiliates, bringing the total to 56. Effective today, the following stations will start airing the Erick Erickson Show: KBYR, Anchorage, AK; KLOO, Corvallis, OR; WDBT, Dothan, AL; KSLM, Salem, OR; KSUE, Susanville, CA; WTNY, Watertown, NY; and the Supertalk FM network in Mississippi (WRQO, Brookhaven, MS; WXRZ, Corinth, MS; WTCD, Greenwood, MS; WOSM, Gulfport, MS; WFMM; Hattiesburg, MS; WFMN, Jackson, MS; WLAU, Laurel, MS; WZKR, Meridian, MS; WTNM, Oxford, MS; WKBB, Starkville, MS; WMPK, Summit, MS; WFTA in Tupelo, MS and it will also move into the live spot on KROF in Lafayette, LA. The show is a longtime staple of Cox Media Group’s 95.5 WSB, Atlanta where it airs 12:00 noon- 3:00 pm daily. In 2024, Erickson conducted live events in Las Vegas, Tulsa, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Athens, and Orlando, covering his own costs so stations could make more money. “The Gathering” attracted 1,000 attendees from 47 states to hear from key Republican figures like Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Mitch McConnell. In 2025, Erickson tells TALKERS, “We plan to expand this event to other markets.”
Today (1/6), KBLA Talk 1580 kicks off its bold new weekday lineup, which includes some of the nation’s most progressive and provocative voices. The new programming includes Dr. Cornel West, renowned scholar and former independent presidential candidate, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. and former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner. They join KBLA White House correspondent Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, and nationally syndicated hosts Tavis Smiley and D.L. Hughley, who already appear weekdays on KBLA Talk 1580, the flagship station of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc., based in Los Angeles.
“I am both humbled and proud that Dr. Cornel West, Nina Turner, and Jesse Jackson, Jr. have joined the KBLA Talk 1580 team as we continue to build the nation’s most innovative and empowering Black talk media platform,” said Smiley, Founder of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. and chief visionary officer for KBLA Talk 1580. “No talk station in America can match the intellectual firepower that launches today, January 6th. KBLA Talk 1580 is proud to have more Black women talk show hosts than any talk station in the country, including Dominique DiPrima, the first Black woman to host her own radio talk show, “First Things First,” in LA morning drive time (6:00 am to 9:00 am).
BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 comprehensive national audio news network specializing in what it describes as “objective, accurate and trusted continual news with a Black voice and perspective,” today (1/6) announced Terry Foxx has joined as VP, news and content effective immediately. In his new role, Foxx will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of BIN: Black Information Network’s newsroom and its team of journalists, with a focus on development of news content and original programming. “I am excited to have Terry join BIN: Black Information Network,” said Tony Coles, the network’s president. “In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, the role of news in shaping public discourse has never been more important. We’re confident his contributions will strengthen our position as a leader in delivering inclusive and impactful news and content to our audiences.” Prior to his new role with BIN, Foxx served as regional director of talk programming for iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio. His career includes roles at KUT-FM, University of Texas, and major stations such as WPLJ-FM, New York; B96, Chicago; KKDA-FM, Dallas; and WZGC-FM, Atlanta.
“I am thrilled to contribute to the growth and success of BIN: Black Information Network,” Foxx tells TALKERS. “BIN is a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices and delivering trusted, relevant news to our communities. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and further strengthen the connection between BIN and the audiences we serve.” BIN is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on local AM/FM broadcast radio stations across America, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.
With the imminent departure of Salem Radio Network (SRN) star Sebastion Gorka to join the forthcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump in an advisory position, longtime Salem Philadelphia morning star Chris Stigall of 980 AM WNTP will replace Hugh Hewitt in the 6:00 am – 9:00 am ET position starting January 13. That same day, Hewitt will move into Gorka’s daily 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm slot. Pictured above: Stigall addressing thousands of conservatives yesterday (12/19) at AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix where SRN “introduced” him to a large swath of its core audience. AmericaFest is an annual rally hosted by Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA – also an SRN personality.
With nearly 30 years of experience in journalism, Lenzi has held roles as morning editor, managing editor, and most recently, news director and program director at KNWN/KOMO. He led coverage of major events such as the 2009 Lakewood Police shooting, the 2014 KOMO TV helicopter crash, and the 2020 police dispersal of the Seattle CHOP Zone. Bonneville Seattle SVP/ market manager Cathy Cangiano tells TALKERS she’s eager for Lenzi to come aboard. “Frank’s extensive experience and proven leadership in the industry make him the perfect fit for our team. His dedication to journalistic excellence and his ability to inspire and lead will keep our newsroom standards high. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas he will bring to KIRO.” 
Bryan Buckalew, KIRO program director, echoed those sentiments. “Frank has a deep commitment to keeping audiences informed and connected. I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to our team.” Lenzi comments, “KIRO has always been the gold standard for radio journalism not only in the Seattle market, but across the country. It is an honor to lead this fine team of veteran broadcasters.” Lenzi will replace outgoing news director Charlie Harger, who will take over as host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO in January.
WDAE’s weekday lineup, which already features “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” will now also broadcast FOX Sports Radio from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am ET, which includes “The Odd Couple with Kelvin Washington & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon,” and “The Ben Maller Show.” Additionally, WDAE will broadcast FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends. “We are thrilled to announce the further expansion of FOX Sports Radio programming to our lineup, which features the best sports content and personalities, both local and national,” said Nick Wize, WDAE program director. “We believe this expansion will provide our audience with even more engaging and insightful sports talk, continuing WDAE’s legacy as the ultimate meeting spot for the Tampa Bay sports fan.”
In a recent high-profile case, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel successfully defended himself against a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by former congressman George Santos. The case, which centered on Kimmel’s use of prank videos involving Santos, highlights the ongoing importance of fair use protections for media creators, broadcasters, and digital content producers.
NYF Radio Categories eligible for the award include News Program, News Report/Feature, Documentary, Entertainment, Promo, Digital, Podcast, and Student.
In 2024, over 180 award-winning teams worldwide shared their acceptances, while industry leaders spotlighted their creative journeys in special segments. Additionally, the JusticeAid Award-winning submission will be honored at the JusticeAid Concert in May 2025 in New York City, showcasing the transformative power of music and the arts to raise awareness for civil rights and inspire positive change.
available free of charge to radio stations around the nation.Special guests include Gov. Mike Huckabee, actress Sam Sorbo, and Pastor Robert Jeffress. Stations interested in broadcasting the show should reach out to todd@starnesmediagroup.com.