Industry News

Worldwide News Network to Air in Germany

Red Apple Audio Networks’ Worldwide News Network announces entry into its first European market as it begins a distribution partnership with BLR, a Germany leading radio news and content syndicator based in Garching near Munich. Worldwide News Network’s top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts and special reports are now available to German broadcasters. Red Appleimg CEO John Catsimatidis states, “Audiences around the globe deserve the facts about what is going on in our world and that is why we created the Worldwide News Network. We’re delighted to partner with BLR and look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our reach into more European markets and around the world.” Worldwide News Network SVP of news and programming Lee Harris comments, “Expanding beyond the U.S. is an important milestone for Worldwide News Network. We’re excited to partner with BLR to bring an authentic American perspective on world events. This is the first step in building an international network of partners who value trusted, high-quality radio journalism.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Cumulus and Memphis Tigers Renew. Cumulus Media Memphis renews its agreement with Univerity of Memphis’ Tiger Sports Properties (the locally based team of Learfield) in which WKIM-FM “News Talk 98.9 The Roar of Memphis” will continue to serve as the exclusive radio home for University of Memphis Tiger football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, along with football and men’s basketball coaches’ shows.

Williams Named Interim Communications Contact for Beasley. With Heidi Raphael leaving Beasley Media Group to lead the New York State Broadcasters Association after August 14, Jennifer Williams will serve as interim communications contact on behalf of Caroline Beasley and the company until the end of the year.

Hidden Brain and PRX Ink Distribution Deal. Social sciences program “Hidden Brain” moves from distributor NPR to PRX beginning October 1, 2026. Host Shankar Vedantam says, “I’m delighted that ‘Hidden Brain’ will join PRX and its portfolio of innovative and beloved radio programs. We’re excited to continue to work with the many stations that carry ‘Hidden Brain,’ and to collaborate with PRX on new ways to serve our broadcast listeners and the public media community.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Iran War / Hegseth on Capitol Hill
  2. Trump Defers CA and MN Medicaid Payments
  3. U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal / Mamdani’s Netanyahu Threats
  4. Cyclospora Outbreak
  5. Zelensky Dismisses Top General
Industry News

WWO: Xperi’s AutoStage is AM/FM’s “Big Data” Moment

Last week, Cumulus Media announced its new deal with Xperi to use its DTS AutoStage service to get “near–census-level insights into in-car radio consumption.” DTS AutoStage is reporting in-car AM/FM radio audiences in more than 300 local U.S. markets from 6 million vehicles and Cumulus Media | Westwood One says in what is a first for the radio industry, the new data includes overnight ratings in all 300 markets. So, what does this mean?img The key takeaways include: 1) AM/FM radio’s “big data” moment has arrived with massive sample sizes that grow each month: TV has long had cable set top data and smart TV data to generate large samples of tuning data. It’s now radio’s turn! Just like cable set top data, there are no demographics but all markets have large samples. Overall, sample sizes are 5-10X bigger than current ratings samples; 2) Overnight ratings in over 300 markets: In an industry first, every market now has audience shares from yesterday. See your station’s daily audience trends refreshed each day; 3) All listening occurs with humans present: 25% of TV viewing occurs to an empty room but AM/FM radio listening in traveling vehicles always has humans present!; 4) Large samples mean stable listening trends: In all sized markets and for all sized stations, daily share trends are stable and consistent; and 5) AM/FM radio now has modern, cutting edge, timely measurement, which does not rely on a consumer’s memory or require a consumer to do something (like wear a gizmo). See the Audio Active Group blog post here.

Industry News

PA Official on Leave After Suggesting KDKA-AM/FM Talk Host Kill Himself

KDKA-AM/FM, Pittsburgh afternoon drive talk host Colin Dunlap was recently suggesting to his listeners that staying indoors to avoid the smoky conditions was fine if you have health conditions, but otherwise do what you like. Patch.com reports that Dunlap said, “If you’re A-OK with things and you feel like, well, you know we’re all gonna die someday anyway, what’s one day of walkingimg around getting a little smoke in my lungs, then go out and live your life. I find the pandemonium about some smoky conditions in Western Pennsylvania for like 26 hours to be over the top – especially when you consider this: some of our grandparents lived like this every day here and smoked a pack a day on top of it.” The communications director for Allegheny County executive Sara Innamorato, Abigail Gardner, testily responded to Dunlap suggesting he go smoke a pack on a bridge – and then jump.” Gardner later apologized for her “lapse in judgement.” See the Patch.com story here.

Industry News

Former Iowa Sports Talk Host Marty Tirrell Convicted of Second Ticket Fraud Scheme

Sports talk host Marty Tirrell spent a little less than two years in prison after being convicted of mail fraud in December of 2019 in connection with a tickets scheme. He convinced investors he was an insider who could get VIP tickets at discount, would sell them for a profit and share the profits with them. However, since thoseimg tickets were nonexistent, he had to find more investors to pay off the earlier debts. He served time from 2021 to 2023. That case involved eight investors and about $1.5 million. This latest conviction involved four investors and a little more than $1.5 million. Prosecutors say he diverted most of the funds to pay off earlier investors and used the rest for gambling and personal expenses. Tirrell will be sentenced at a later date and could get up to 20 years on each count. During his days on the air in Iowa, Tirrell hosted shows at KXNO, KXLQ, and KBGG in Des Moines, as well as KJJC, Osceola, Iowa. See the Casino.org story here.

Industry News

TALKERS 2026 Conference Videos Attract 30,000-plus Views on YouTube

img
Attendees at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication’s TV Studio A

The 28th annual installment of the TALKERS conference, TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter, has drawn more than 30,000 views thus far on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel.  This year’s installment of longest running and most important talk media industry gathering was held on Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island, drawing a crowd of 338 registrants and more than 65 speakers. TALKERS VP / executive editor Kevin Casey comments, “The world-class Hofstra video team at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication really came through for us in documenting a power-packed day of panel discussions, one-on-one presentations, and keynote addresses making the event’s valuable content available to a wide broadcast industry audience across the nation as well as internationally. We couldn’t be more pleased.”  To view the events of that special day captured on video, please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/20)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Iran War Escalates / U.S. Fatalities
  2. Gas Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  3. Primary Races / Darline Graham to Run for Full Term
  4. ICE Killings Aftermath
  5. Tropical Storm Bertha
Industry News

Sean Hannity to Present First Interview with Senator Darline Graham

On this evening’s edition (7/20) of FOX News Channel’s “Hannity,” Sean Hannity will conduct the first exclusive interview withimg Senator Darline Graham (R-SC), sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham. FNC says, “During the interview Senator Graham will reflect on her brother’s legacy, the shared values that shaped their family and upbringing and her decision to carry on his public service representing the people of South Carolina following his passing.”

Industry News

Latzer Retires from Salem Surround

Salem Media announces that longtime company executive Jon Latzer is retiring from the company and his role as leader of its Salem Surround digital marketing agency. Salem Media chief digital officer Jamie Cohen says, “Jon has been a tremendous leader and trusted partner throughout his time at Salem. He hasimg helped shape Salem Surround into the business it is today through his commitment to our people, our clients, and our local markets. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s contributed and wish him the very best in his retirement.” The company says that Christian Kligora, senior director of multimedia sales, will assume interim leadership of Salem Surround’s revenue organization. Additionally, Salem says that William Cosey and Jonathan Greer will continue leading Salem Surround’s operations, fulfillment, and client execution, ensuring continuity for customers, vendors, sales teams, and internal stakeholders.

Industry News

Prolific Talk Radio Guest, Dr. Linda Salvin Addresses African Clean Water Crisis at UN.

img

One of talk media’s most popular guests (and former radio host) on a wide range of subjects from metaphysics to epidemiology, Linda Salvin, PhD, recently spoke (7/16), during her current New York City media tour, at a special meeting at the United Nations where she serves as a representative and speaker for the international organization’s Water & Sanitation for Africa. The WSA is a pan-African intergovernmental agency that holds Permanent Observer status at the UN. Operating under this mission, the organization actively promotes clean water, sanitation initiatives, and recently launched Africa’s first Three Tier Sanitation Club to empower youth and students. Dr. Salvin (l) is pictured at the discussion along with Professor Ada Okika (c), and Dr. Nabhit Kapur (r) along with a wide array of international experts and spokespersons. She tells TALKERS, “2.2 million people in the world are still without water. As a former epidemiologist, I know cholera, dysentery dehydration, salmonella, and other diseases are rampant. The goal is to have fresh water – especially for women and children worldwide.  We take it for granted. They walk miles for water. I’m proud of this assignment.”  The Southern California-based Dr. Salvin continues, “I’m going to be a guest with Walter Sterling on his “The Other Side of Midnight” show on WABC Tuesday, July 21st at 1:00 am ET, 10:00 pm PT. I’m really looking forward to joining such an icon.”  Dr. Salvin’s website is www.LindaSalvin.com.

Industry News

Lil Wayne and Craig Carton Partner for Video Podcast

Rapper Lil Wayne and WFAN, New York afternoon sports talk host Craig Carton are teaming up for a new, weekly video podcast titled, “The Joint Venture Show.” Produced by Magillaimg Entertainment, it debuts on Wednesday (7/22) on YouTube and other podcast platforms. Carton comments, “There’s nothing better than swapping takes with Wayne on sports, pop culture and a whole host of other topics. ‘The Joint Venture Show’ gives us a great excuse to keep doing what we’ve been doing for years, while also having some famous friends stop by and chop it up with us. There’s no better job in the world.” See the Music Universe story here.

Industry News

O’Malley Promoted to SVP of Revenue Development for Saga

Saga Communications announces the promotion of Paul O’Malley imgto SVP of revenue development after having served as president and general manager for the company’s Charleston, South Carolina cluster for the past eight years. O’Malley says, “I’m honored by the opportunity to help lead Saga’s next phase of growth by developing innovative revenue strategies, strengthening client partnerships, and working alongside our exceptional fulfillment partners and corporate team.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Robot vs. Robot

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgRadio stations used to announce the present temperature at the end of the weather forecast, empowering listeners who are heading out to dress accordingly. It’s the ultimate live-N-local information.

 It was SO conspicuous that – in diary markets – competing stations would fib if the temperature was a competitor’s dial position. I was the 7-midnight DJ during WPRO’s 1970s Top 40 heyday — yep, a live voice at night, before the overnight guy took over. Our AM dial position was 63, a temperature never announced on WGNG (55) or WJAR (92). And vice-versa.

Back to the future: The forecast still airs on AM/FM radio, but often without a live temp’ at the end, because the station is robotic and the weather is canned. Common faux pas: At 4 pm, the forecast begins “Today will be…”

Listeners who want the temperature now get it – instantly – where Amazon Prime subscribers can also ask for 2 million songs…from a robot, Alexa.

In next week’s column here: How radio wins the future – not by becoming more like technology, but by becoming more human. 

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

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (July 18-19)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (7/18-19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.- Iran War / U.S. Service Members Killed
  2. Gas Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  3. AI Bubble Concerns / Data Centers Backlash
  4. Burnham New UK Prime Minister
  5. Tate Brothers Arrested
Industry News

Skyview Networks Announces Organizational Changes for “More Focused Leadership”

Skyview Networks is unveiling a series of organizational moves that president and CEO Steve Jones says are “designed to sharpen strategy, improve alignment and increase efficiency across the company. These changes create clearer, more focusedimg leadership around the priorities that matter most, and I’m confident they will help us move quickly, enhance innovation and stay at the leading edge of a changing media landscape as we build toward the future.”

Among those changes are Andrew Kalb rising to chief operating officer. Jones says his new title and oversight reflect the leadership role he plays across the organization, a change imgintended to strengthen coordination and execution across our operational functions. Clayton Nix is now chief financial officer. Jones says Nix has become an instrumental member of the executive team in guiding the company’s financial direction, and this title reflects both his growing responsibilities and his impact in shaping our strategic decisions, enhancing partner service and delivering industry insight through reporting and analytics.

Additionally, Sarah Foss joins the company in the role of chief transformation officer in which she’ll work closely with executive leadership to drive key initiatives across the company and ensure disciplined execution. Ethan Aragon rises to senior executive director, business strategy, and Nicholaus Tzineff joins the company as revenue analytics strategist.

Industry News

Gomez: FCC Cannot Change Ownership Cap

After FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the Commission votes to eliminate the cap on television station ownership, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued a statement on the matter. She says: “This unlawful effort to hand control of the public airwaves to billionaire buddies of this administration will destroy imglocal newsrooms, silence community reporting, and drive-up costs for the American families who depend on local stations for news and emergency alerts. A free and diverse media landscape depends on real limits on how much of the public airwaves any one company can control, and this FCC is now poised to allow local broadcasters to sell those airwaves off to the highest bidder. Congress set the 39 percent national ownership cap in federal law, and only Congress has the authority to raise or eliminate it. The Commission cannot waive away that limit simply because these corporate behemoths want to get out from under it.”

Industry News

Hoffmann to Pay $20 Million for Audacy St. Louis Stations

The asset purchase agreement recently filed with the FCC imgindicates that St. Louis-based Hoffman Media Group will pay Audacy $20 million for its six-station cluster that includes news/talk stations KMOX-AM/FM, KFTK-FM, and four music outlets. Hoffman Media Group is a subsidiary of Hoffman Family Companies and recently acquired the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 13 – 17)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. ICE Killings
  2. U.S.- Iran War
  3. Graham Death Aftermath / McConnell Health Status
  4. Trump’s Election Integrity Address
  5. Dems Block Defense Bill
  6. Blanche Confirmation Hearings
  7. SCOTUS Requests Increased Security Funding
  8. DOJ Subpoenas NYT Reporters
  9. Judge Rebukes Trump-IRS Deal
  10. Wildfire Smoke Smothers Midwest & Northeast / Texas Floods

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Joan Sebastian Guerrero / Lorenzo Salgado Araujo
  3. Lindsey Graham
  4. Mitch McConnell
  5. JD Vance
  6. Marco Rubio
  7. Chuck Schumer
  8. Todd Blanche
  9. Elena Kagan / Amy Coney Barrett
  10. Kathleen Williams

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

Industry News

Nielsen: Audio Still the Backbone of Podcast Consumption

Nielsen issues the results of data from an analysis of consumers’ consumption of podcasts. The study finds that while more people are seeing video-enabled podcasts, audio remains the absolute foundation of the ecosystem, with 90% of all monthly podcast consumers choosing to listen, while 62% engage by watching. imgOther key findings include: Sports content acts as a unique bridge between listening and watching experiences, drawing the closest parity between listeners and viewers across top genres; Format choice signals entirely distinct consumer mindsets: the highly structured, utility-driven “Pragmatic Listener” versus the entertainment-seeking, visually focused “Interactive Watcher.”; and Conversion mechanics differ by format, with audio consumers acting as direct digital responders and video watchers acting as high-intent brand translators and social amplifiers. See the report here.

Industry News

Edison: Car Infotainment Systems Drive Digital Listening

As it gets easier to connect to the internet from one’s vehicle, more people are doing just that and are using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to listen to digital audio. Edison Research says that according to its Share of Ear study, in 2019 18% of those ages 13+ imgowned an in-car infotainment system, and 40% own one today. In 2019, 86% of in-car listening time among those who have an Android Auto or Apple CarPlay went to non-digital sources such as AM/FM over-the-air, SiriusXM satellite radio, and owned music like CDs. Now, seven years later, in-car infotainment owners spend 36% of their total in-car audio time with digital sources including streaming music, AM/FM streaming, podcasts, and audiobooks. Even on, 64% still goes to non-digital sources like AM/FM over-the air radio and satellite radio.

Industry News

Buffalo Bills Radio Network Adds Affiliates in NYC and West Palm Beach

During the spring, the NFL’s Buffalo Bills announced they would, through a deal with Good Karma Brands, take production and distribution of Bill radio play-by-play in house after years of imgAudacy’s sports talk WGR-AM, Buffalo serving as the flagship station. Now, the team announces that it has 23 stations signed up as affiliates, including Good Karma-operated WHSQ-AM, New York City (formerly WCBS-AM at 880 kHz) and WESP-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN West Palm” – both stations operated by Good Karma. In the Buffalo market, games will be heard on Cumulus Media’s rock WGRF-FM.

Industry News

Beasley Promotes Roldan to Head of Tech & Infrastructure

Beasley Media Group promotes Jose Alberto Roldan to head of technology and infrastructure. In this newly created position, Roldan will oversee the company’s technology strategy, information technology operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, imgand enterprise systems. Beasley says Roldan, who most recently served as vice president of IT, joined Beasley Media Group in 2019 and has played an instrumental role in modernizing the company’s technology environment, enhancing cybersecurity, improving operational efficiency, and advancing strategic technology initiatives across the organization. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Jose has been an exceptional leader and trusted member of our technology team since joining Beasley Media Group. His expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to innovation have helped strengthen our technology infrastructure and position the company for continued growth. We are pleased to recognize his many contributions with this well-deserved promotion.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/15)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Blanche Confirmation Hearings
  2. ICE Killings
  3. Trump’s Election Integrity Address
  4. U.S.-Iran War
  5. Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Northeast & Midwest
Industry News

Nielsen: Removing Radio from Cars a “Multi-Billion Dollar Gamble”

Nielsen is saying that an In Car Radio Study that it conducted in partnership with iHeartMedia in May 2026 shows that auto manufacturers are risking alienating their customer base by not including AM/FM radios in new cars. Nielsen says, “Despite the influx of modern infotainment options, the study of over 1,000 recent and prospective car buyers highlights that traditional radio imgremains bedrock equipment.” Some of the findings include: 1) Around half of all respondents stated they would outright refuse to purchase a vehicle that lacks an AM/FM radio; 2) More than seven in 10 consumers view AM/FM radio as an essential feature that should come standard as basic equipment in all new vehicles. This places its perceived importance on par with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and significantly ahead of satellite radio or built-in subscription music apps; 3) Around half of respondents indicated that if an OEM decided to completely remove AM/FM radio from its lineup, they would instantly have a less favorable perception of that car brand; and 4) This brand erosion and purchase refusal is significantly more pronounced among buyers aged 55+, creating a massive hurdle for brands relying on loyal, returning buyers. Read the report here.