Urban One, Inc announces that it will hold a conference call for investors, analysts and other interested parties to discuss the results from the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024 on Thursday, March 27 at 10:00 am ET.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Trump Dismantles Department of Education
2. Trump vs Judiciary
3. The Economy-Jobs-Inflation
4. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
5. Israel-Hamas War-Gaza Cease Fire Broken / Russia-Ukraine War
6. Astronauts Return
7. ICE Deportation Crackdown
8. First Amendment Issues / GOP Town Halls
9. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
10.Healthcare / Avian (Bird) Flu / Measles Outbreak
People
1. Donald Trump / Elon Musk
2. Benjamin Netanyahu
3. Vladimir Putin
4. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
5. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
6. Jeff Bezos
7. Mike Johnson
8. John Roberts / James Boasberg
9. Butch Wilmore / Suni Williams
10.JD Vance / Marco Rubio
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Salem Media Group’s Salem Radio Network is putting host Charlie Kirk onto the Dennis Prager affiliate stations, effective March 31. This move comes as the result of Prager suffering a debilitating injury last
November after a fall in his home in which he suffered a spinal cord injury. Prager is going through extensive rehabilitation. Charlie Kirk has been hosting his show live in the same 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart as Prager since October of 2020 and SRN says this will be an easy transition for most stations. Prager and 
Salem have agreed to his return for one hour a day, airing 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET, starting Tuesday, June 3. Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce says, “Dennis may have some physical limitations at the moment, but his wit, wisdom, insights and passion are as strong and as clear as ever and we are delighted at his spirit and resolve to return to his audience. We want Dennis to remain a part of the Salem family and want his millions of loyal fans to continue to hear his voice. Affiliates of Charlie will continue to get the Kirk show with no interruption, and affiliates of Dennis will soon get Charlie Kirk as a strong and able replacement.”
According to the February 2025 U.S. Podcast Ranker from Triton Digital, the top of this chart doesn’t change from January with NPR maintaining its grip on the first two spots with “NPR News Now” at #1 and
“Up First” at #2. Remaining at #3 is Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show.” Moves of note in February include iHeartRadio’s “The Daily Show: Ears Edition” rising five places to #20; Audacy’s “We Can Do Hard Things” falling six places to #25; and iHeartRadio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” dropping eight places to #37. The Triton Digital U.S. Podcast Ranker is based on weekly average downloads. See the complete ranker here.
The New York Festivals 2025 Radio Awards announces the 2025 Radio Awards Shortlist. NYFestivals says, “This year’s impressive shortlist features entries across a range of categories, including audiobooks, podcasts, dramas, documentaries, breaking news coverage, entertainment, and music specials.
Pioneering work was submitted by radio stations, networks, prominent production companies, and independent producers worldwide.” Additionally, the 2025 National Press Club Award will go to the highest scoring entry in news program categories including: Coverage of Breaking News Story, Coverage of Ongoing News Story, Nonfiction Series, Investigative Journalism podcast, and News Podcast. The winner will be announced during the New York Festivals 2025 Storytellers Gala virtual event on May 22, 2025. See the entire 2025 Radio Awards Shortlist here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (3/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump to Order Department of Education Closed
2. Trump-Putin Talks/Russia-Ukraine War
3. Deportations/Court Orders
4. Fed Holds Firm on Rates
5. Trump Trade War
NewsTalkSTL announces programming changes on its trio of signals in the St. Louis metro that includes KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine in Missouri. The
“NewsTalkST” brand is filling the hole in middays due to the end of the “Dan Bongino Show” by moving “The Allman Report” with Jamie Allman to the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm daypart and expanding the “The Vic Porcelli Show,” hosted by Porcelli and Ken Williams to 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. NewsTalkSTL president of programming Jeff Allen says, “This is the first major change to our prime time weekday lineup since we launched nearly four years ago, which speaks to how important this expansion is for our station and our listeners. Listener feedback over the past few weeks made it clear this was the lineup they wanted, and we’re excited to deliver it.”
Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announces he is resigning from the Commission. He issued the following statement: “Today I sent a letter to the president and leader Schumer indicating that I intend to resign my seat as a commissioner this spring. Serving the American people as a
commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life. With my extraordinary fellow commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security. I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them. I have been inspired by the passion, engagement and commitment I have seen from colleagues, advocates, and industry. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to working with the chairman and my fellow commissioners, and all FCC staff, to further the mission of the agency.” Starks is one of two Democrats currently serving on the Commission.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, as the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, is
presenting coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The network will present all of the games through the National Championship on Monday, April 7. The trio of Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, and P.J. Carlesimo will announce all the action for the Final Four and the National Championship.
The most discussed stories yesterday (3/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Chief Justice Roberts Rebukes President Trump
2. Trump-Putin Talks
3. Stocks Slide/Recession Fears
4. Musk’s Dismantling of USAID
5. Israel Attacks on Gaza
Audacy makes a number of changes to its senior management team beginning with interim CEO Kelli Turner being named permanent president and CEO. In addition to a couple of promotions, the company has parted ways with four of its senior managers as COO Susan Larkin, chief digital officer J.D. Crowley, chief marketing officer Paul Suchman, and general counsel and EVP Andrew Sutor all exit. Promotions
include Chris Oliviero rising from market president for New York to chief business officer; Bob Philips shifting from president of networks and multi-market sales to chief revenue officer; and deputy general counsel Mike Dash rising to EVP and general counsel. Audacy chairman and lead media investor in Soros Fund Management Michael Del Nin says, “On behalf of the Audacy board, we are delighted that Kelli Turner has agreed to take on the permanent president and CEO role and lead Audacy through its next phase of reinvention and growth. She is an exceptional media executive who, along with Chris Oliviero and the rest of the Audacy team, will ensure we continue to invest in high-quality content to engage our audiences and provide best-in-class solutions to our partners.”
Broadcasting pro Rich Herrera is the new host of “Richmond’s Morning News” on Audacy’s WRVA/WTVR-HD2, Richmond. Audacy Virginia SVP and market manager Bennett Zier says, “Rich brings an authentic voice to the morning airwaves and a strong commitment to his community. His sharp analysis and ability to
engage listeners in meaningful and entertaining conversation make him a valuable addition to the WRVA team. We’re excited to welcome Rich and continue delivering the news that matters most to our community.” Herrera comments, “I am thrilled to join the WRVA team, a legendary station with a great lineup of hosts and shows. After meeting with Bennett Zier and Zach McHugh and getting the chance to host Richmond’s morning news, I fell in love with the station. My family is excited to make Richmond our home. I want to thank Chris Oliviero and Jeff Sottolano for their support and mentorship, as well as Drew Anderssen, our format vice president, who encouraged me a year ago to transition from sports talk to general news.”
Salem Media Group is selling its remaining Hawaii broadcast properties and digital assets to Malama Media Group. Malama is acquiring country KHCM-FM, sports talk KGU-AM and KHCM-AM/K236CR,
Christian KGU-FM, classic hits KKOL-FM, and news/talk KHNR-AM/K232FL. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “While Salem closes our chapter in Honolulu, I am thrilled to know that these stations are going to a buyer that has a shared passion for the formats we have there and plans to keep those formats intact, particularly the Christian teach and talk and conservative news/talk formats.”
Premiere Networks announces that “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” reaches the 550-affiliate milestone. Recent affiliate additions include: WOWO-AM/FM, Fort Wayne, IN; WTAQ-AM, Green Bay;
KLIX-AM, Twin Falls, Idaho; and more. Premiere Networks EVP of affiliate sales Peter Tripi states, “We couldn’t be happier to celebrate this milestone with Clay and Buck. They’ve worked hard to develop a unique brand that stands out in the marketplace and delivers unparalleled results for our partners. In addition to producing the highest-quality program, their dedication to working directly with our affiliates to drive success in markets across the country is what sets them apart.”
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the election of Kristin Cantrell, owner/CEO Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications; Kate Riley, president and CEO America’s Public
Television Stations; and Peter H. Smyth, former chairman and CEO Greater Media, to its board of directors. Broadcasters Foundation chair Scott Herman comments, “We are delighted that broadcast executives of this caliber will serve on our Board. Their advocacy for our charitable mission is exemplary. Their input and ideas will help us continue to reach out to broadcasters across America to help those in our business who are in critical need.”
iHeartMedia and BIN: Black Information Network announced a new podcast series set to debut on March 24 titled, “To Altadena, With Love.” The five-part series focuses on the devastating impact of the Eaton
fires on the historic Black middle-class community of Altadena, California. The company says, “This groundbreaking series will explore the significance of Altadena, its legacy and the personal stories of survivors and community members who lived through one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters.” The series is hosted by Black Information Network journalist Mimi Brown.
Good Karma Brands’ sports talk WMVP “ESPN Chicago” announces that Jeff Meller is named the host of the Pregame and Postgame shows for Chicago White Sox broadcasts this season, Meller is a longtime
producer and host at the station. “ESPN Chicago” director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are excited to add Jeff to the ‘ESPN Chicago’ White Sox broadcast crew. We know fans of the Sox will appreciate his knowledge and will connect with him as a lifelong fan of the club. Meller has been a member of the ESPN Chicago team for 20 years! He has great passion for the Sox and all Chicago sports. This is a ‘dream job’ for him and we know he will add great value to our broadcasts.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (3/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Israel Strikes in Gaza
2. Deportations-Court Orders
3. Russia-Ukraine War
4. Trump’s Trade War
5. Deadly Weather Aftermath
Nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s home was swatted last week, bringing heavily armed police officers to his home at 2:35 in the morning. Pags recounted the events for his listeners and posted video of the segment to X. In it, says that he’s usually up until 5:00 am and therefore was awake when his cameras app told him there was something outside his house. His
camera app showed the image you see in the photo here – a man who appears dressed as a cop with an AR-15 outside his house. Pags says he quickly called 911, identified himself, told the operator he thought he was being swatted and asked if the police were at his house. After confirming that it was the police, Pags was able to get the officers to stand down and they were assured there was no reason to be there. Pags tells his listeners that the goal of the swatters was to get him to grab his gun and go outside, in which case he likely would have been killed. You can listen to the show segment here.
Cumulus Media is undergoing a corporate mandate to shutter underperforming stations across the country. As reports of dark stations tickle in TALKERS can report that according to the Fulton Sun, Cumulus Media
has ended operations of news/talk KLIK-AM and its translator K278CT. The station ceased broadcasting on March 14. Read the Sun story here. The company also ended operations at sports talk WLZR-AM, Melbourne, Florida and its translator W300DL at 107.9 FM. Last week it was reported that Cumulus ceased operations at KZAC-AM, formerly KSFO-AM.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
There has never been more news. And news has never been more quotable. It costs two-plus cents to make a penny.
Events impacting everyday life are unfolding around-the-corner, around-the-world, around-the-clock. The listeners our advertisers want as customers are in “What NEXT???” mode.
There have never been more places to get news. And the broadcasters that monetize information best have evolved what we used to call “a radio station” into a multiplatform source of content pertinent to its target listener. Trusted call letters are the surname shared by digital siblings.
Being known for helpful information is key. My client stations image relentlessly as “Your Only Local News Radio.” If you are too, rip me off, and burn-it-in.
But imaging merely talks-the-talk. All the promos in the world won’t walk-the-walk. We become habit-forming by delivering information that is relevant and useful and enabling and easily understood and seems up-to-date.
Accordingly:
What is being reported by national media, how does it hit home, and who locally can comment or explain?
Music radio is in the fight of its life with streams, and too much talk radio is an angry caricature. Matter most, and money will follow.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Townsquare Media reports its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and for the full year of 2024. Company CEO Bill Wilson says, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s performance improved meaningfully throughout 2024, culminating with fourth quarter net revenue growth of +2.6% year-over-year (on revenue of $117.8 million), and Adjusted EBITDA growth of +25.8% year-over-year, driven by the strong sequential improvement in our two digital businesses and the benefit of political revenue. In
addition, net income (loss) improved $26.9 million year-over-year in the fourth quarter, and $32.1 million in the year, in large part due to a reduction in non-cash impairment charges… Our Broadcast Advertising net revenue declined in-line with our expectations for 2024 (mid-single digit ex-political decline) which aligns with our view that broadcast is a mature cash cow business that will continue to face headwinds going forward, as businesses will continue to share shift from traditional advertising to digital advertising. Thankfully, we are often the beneficiary in that case, as we frequently have the most comprehensive set of digital advertising solutions available in our markets. Digital is and will continue to be Townsquare’s growth engine, and we believe Townsquare’s ability to drive profitable, sustainable digital growth is a key differentiator for our company, and consistent with our strategy of being a Digital First Local Media Company.”
Salem Media Group reports total net revenue of $237.5 million for the full year of 2024, a decline of 8.1% from 2023. But Salem made a number of changes in its business in 2024, including the sale of its Christian
music stations and it Christian contemporary format. It sold a number of other assets during the year. While its broadcasting net revenue was $185.9 million, a decline of 6% from 2023, its digital net revenue was $45 million, an increase of 7.2%. Salem was also able to report net income of $16.2 million for 2024, compared to the net loss of $43.3 million it reported for 2023.
Last year WRVA, Richmond afternoon talk host Jeff Katz promised to get the logo of the Special Olympics of Virginia tattooed if he was able to raise $15,000 for the organization, and he did. This year he promised to walk on 1,200-degree coals a la Tony Robbins if he could beat last year’s amount. Teaming up with his friend, local county Sheriff Karl Leonard, they raised just shy of $18,000! Pictured above is Jeff strolling the coals. Regarding next year’s challenge, Katz says, “We have not decided, but alligator wrestling is under serious consideration.” Katz raises funds for the Special Olympics in honor his favorite Special Olympian, his daughter Julia.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Immigrant Deportations
2. Trump Trade War/Financial Markets Activity
3. Russia-Ukraine War/U.S. Strikes Houthis in Yemen
4. Schumer Blowback
5. Deadly Weekend Weather
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is promoting his agency’s new deregulatory initiative, the new docket of which is titled, “In re: Delete, Delete, Delete.” The Commission says it is seeking comment on every rule, regulation, or guidance document that the FCC should eliminate for the purposes of alleviating
unnecessary regulatory burdens. This follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14192 titled, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation” and Executive Order 14219 titled “Ensuring Lawful Governance And Implementing The President’s ‘Department Of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative.” FCC Chairman Carr says, “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Administration is unleashing a new wave of economic opportunity by ending the regulatory onslaught from Washington. For too long, administrative agencies have added new regulatory requirements in excess of their authority or kept lawful regulations in place long after their shelf life had expired. This only creates headwinds and slows down our country’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The FCC is committed to ending all of the rules and regulations that are no longer necessary. And we welcome the public’s participation and feedback throughout this process. The American people expect and deserve a government that will efficiently deliver great results. We are committed to doing exactly that at the FCC.”
The NPR program “All Things Considered” produced a piece on political talk media pioneer Joe Pyne
(pictured here) that aired on the program yesterday (3/13). TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison was among those interviewed for the eight-minute segment called Radio Diaries. Pyne began his career as a disc jockey but after injecting political commentary into his show was encouraged to do more talking and that eventually evolved into the Joe Pyne radio show that the NBC Radio Network put into syndication in 1966. Pyne enjoyed bringing controversial guests – including “hippies, women’s libbers, Scientologists, swingers, a snake charmer, members of the Ku Klux Klan and the John Birch Society.” He then segued to television in Los Angeles. Harrison is quoted in the segment saying, “There were a lot of people that didn’t like Pyne, but they watched him anyway because they thought it was — amusing? Entertaining? Sensational? Different? You know, not boring.” Photo: Everett Collection Read more and listen to the segment here.
Video-sharing platform and could services provider Rumble unveils Rumble Live, a linear livestreaming lineup of content that features well-known talk media personalities including Vince Coglianese, Steven Crowder, Russell Brand, and more. Rumble say it is reimagining the video platform experience by
offering a format in which shows use the Rumble Raiding technology to follow one another and carry audiences seamlessly into the next show. Rumble chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski says, “This is more proof that the content creator community at Rumble is the best place to be, because this new daily lineup will help everyone and be great programming for viewers. Creators in the lineup will build off each other’s audiences, and everyone on the platform will benefit by increased traffic across the board. Unlike the broadcast day on a television network, Rumble adheres to the principles of free speech and these are shows that people actually want to watch.”
The Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee is reminding the public that the deadline for submissions
for the class of 2025 is Monday, March 31 at 11:59 pm PT. You can visit www.radiohalloffame.com to make a submission. Twenty-four broadcasters will be selected as nominees to be voted upon by industry personnel later this year. The 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Chicago on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/10-14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. GOP Budget/Government Shutdown Threat
2. Trump’s Trade War/Financial Markets Plunge
3. Musk-DOGE Activities
4. Department of Education Elimination
5. Russia-Ukraine War
6. EPA Deregulation
7. Greenland Elections
8. Israel-Hamas War
9. U.S.-Canada Relations
10.Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Vladimir Putin/Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Benjamin Netanyahu
5. Howard Lutnick/Doug Ford
6. Chuck Schumer
7. JD Vance
8. Linda McMahon
9. Mike Johnson
10.Jens-Frederik Nielsen
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Cumulus Media names veteran broadcast journalist Gilbert Baez host of news/talk WFNC, Fayetteville, North Carolina’s “Good Morning Fayetteville,” effective March 17. Baez has been a fixture on WRAL-TV, in Raleigh but served as WFNC’s morning news anchor from 2000 through 2001. Cumulus Fayetteville VP
and market manager Tish Boden says, “Team Cumulus Fayetteville is excited to have Gilbert Baez join our team as the new host for ‘Good Morning Fayetteville’ on WFNC News Talk. When you say the name Gilbert Baez in the market it is synonymous with news. I look forward to Gilbert’s success on Good Morning Fayetteville.” WFNC program director Kelvin Culbreth adds, “Gilbert Baez brings a deep desire to report the news and a true sense of devotion to Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Cumberland County. He’ll bring his wealth of knowledge about our area and his vast cache of connections. We have heard, ‘Everyone knows Gilbert and Gilbert knows everyone.’ He is the perfect host to carry GMF into the future.”
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night,”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, Sterling On Sunday, TM
Thank you, TALKERS for having me on panels at the TALKERS Generations 2025 IBSNYC conference this past Saturday (3/8). Moderator and Philadelphia talk show god Dom Giordano asked us the inevitable: “What is the future of radio?”
You’ve likely had the experience of saying something funny or profound and been surprised. “Where did that come from!??”
What’s the future of radio? I replied, “The next sentence out of your mouth. Radio will have a future if the next thing you say compels a listener to hear your next sentence.”
Where did that come from? The future is up to us. For over 100 years radio has engaged our listener to want to hear the next sentence. No wires, cable, laptop, computer. Distribution? No problem. Subscriptions? No. Technical challenges? No. Radio just works.
Your listener will want radio to just-work as long as the next sentence is our best. Ever.
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 “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. 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