Industry News

Bonneville Sports Network Targets Sports Advertisers

Bonneville International is launching the Bonneville Sports Network to leverage the power of the company’s sports brands for advertisers who wish to buy nationally across markets or fully ownimg their local market. Bonneville says, “The platform brings together Arizona Sports, Seattle Sports, Denver Sports, Sactown Sports, and KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, delivering more than 63 hours of live sports programming every day across audio, video, digital, and social channels.” Bonneville president and CEO Tanya Vea adds, “Bonneville Sports Network gives advertisers both flexibility and scale. Our network reaches fans wherever and whenever they engage with sports, across every platform. Advertisers can now leverage that strength in a way that aligns with their goals, whether they’re pursuing national reach or meaningful local impact.”

Industry News

“SportsTalk 790” Unveils “The Morning Drive with Dan & Cole”

iHeartMedia sports talk KBME-AM, Houston “SportsTalk 790” announces its new morning show that will debut on Monday. “The Morning Drive with Dan & Cole” is hosted by Houston nativesimg Dan Mathews and Cole Thompson. Thompson has been with KBME for the past year producing “The A-Team” on the station and hosting, “The Night Cap.” Mathews began his career covering Houston sports and worked in Atlanta at Audacy’s WZGC-FM and Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN-AM. Station program director Chris Gordy states, “We’re thrilled to add Cole to mornings, alongside Dan. Both guys eat, sleep and breathe all things Houston sports, and bring a passion and enthusiasm to kick off each morning right.”

Industry News

Report: Civic Media Cancels Two Programs

Wisconsin media company Civic Media has canceled two of the talk radio programs that aired across its network of progressive news/talk stations. Program hosted by Margaret Daun, aimg former Milwaukee County attorney, and former Republican legislative staffer Todd Allbaugh are no longer airing. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Allbaugh announced his exit via social media and said the reason was budgetary – for “the long-term financial viability of the company.” Allbaugh noted that he was told of the change before his did his final show, adding, “They did not have to give me a last show. It was immensely appreciated.” See the Journal-Sentinel story here.

Industry News

FOX News Media Promotes Melugin to Congressional Correspondent

FOX News Media promotes Bill Melugin to congressional correspondent. FOX News Mediaimg president and executive editor Jay Wallace says, “Bill’s dogged dedication to uncovering the story and deep understanding of national issues make him an excellent fit to cover the complex world of Congress.” Since joining FOX News Media in 2021, Melugin has been at the forefront of reporting on all angles of immigration, spending roughly half of his tenure reporting onsite from the United States’ southern border from 2021 through 2024.

Job Opportunity

KRMG-FM, Tulsa Seeks Talk Host

Zoellner Media Group is searching for an engaging, informed, and dynamic Full-Time News/Talk Radio Host to lead live and local programming. This position requires an individual who canimg connect with listeners, deliver compelling talk content, and handle breaking news and severe weather with credibility, confidence, and energy. As part of our award-winning team, you’ll shape the conversation every day by interviewing newsmakers, reacting to breaking stories, and engaging directly with the audience on-air and online. Find out more and apply here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WCCO-AM Raises Funds for Homelessness Charity. 830 WCCO in Minneapolis raised $374,607 during its 23rd “Interrupt Homelessness” radiothon, benefitting Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. This brings the total amount raised to just shy of $5 million since the radiothon began in 2003.

MLB-ESPN Deal Keeps ESPN Radio National Audio Home for Baseball. ESPN and Major League Baseball agree to a multi-faceted agreement featuring a broad range of national rights, plus local out-of-market rights and in-market rights. As part of the agreement, ESPN Radio continues to serve as national audio home of MLB, including the World Series.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (November 17 – 21, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (11/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

                Stories

  1. The Epstein Files
  2. Megyn Kelly “Pedo” Comments
  3. Trump-MBS Meeting
  4. Trump vs Reporters
  5. ICE Raids
  6. Trump -Mamdani Meeting
  7. Comey Prosecution Errors
  8. Texas Redistricting Ruling
  9. UN Approves Trump’s Gaza Plan
  10. Venezuela Military Operations

                People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
  3. Megyn Kelly
  4. Mohammed bin Salman
  5. Catherine Lucey / Mary Bruce
  6. Zohran Mamdani
  7. Mike Johnson
  8. Lindsey Halligan / James Comey
  9. Jeffrey Brown / David Guaderrama
  10. Nicolás Madura

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

Industry News

Study: 96% of Americans Want Car Radios

Research firm Critical Mass Insights says its recent study indicates that 96% of Americans say having a built-in AM/FM radio is important when purchasing a new car, and 98% say it’s important that radio remains easy to find on the dashboard. Critical Mass Insights says that its findings “cut across every demographic group surveyed, with consumers ages 18 to 74 overwhelmingly agreeing that access to radio is essential – even among those who don’timg regularly listen to AM or FM.” Company SVP of research Elizabeth Falke states, “The bottom line here is just how much people value having easy access to both AM and FM radio in their cars. Consumers want radio for a variety of different reasons that are largely unique to local radio – everything from discovering what new music matters to weather updates, the latest sports reports and local news and events.” As the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 makes its way through congress, Falke says its important that manufacturers understand the absence of radio would also influence new car purchasing decisions. The study found that 96% of Americans would miss radio if it were removed and 89% say the lack of a radio would likely keep them from buying that vehicle. She concludes, “This research is crucial for car manufacturers as we see that, immediately, half of consumers wouldn’t even look at buying a car without a radio. The ease and simplicity of radio is embedded in the lives of drivers consuming various forms of audio in their cars.”

Industry News

KMOX. St. Louis Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

Audacy’s news/talk KMOX, St Louis is celebrating 100 years of service to its listeners. Today (11/20), KMOX celebrating its centennial anniversary with over 10 hours of exclusive programming featuring current and former KMOX talent, as well as recognizing 12 stationimg pioneers. Audacy St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyan states, “For 100 years, KMOX has kept St. Louis informed and connected, a legacy we are incredibly proud of. We now honor the pioneers who helped build this station. They are the definitive voices and leaders who became synonymous with KMOX and defined a century of service. We look forward to building on their foundation and continuing to serve as the home for news St. Louisans rely on for the next hundred years.” Pioneers include former KMOX general manager Robert Hyland, sports broadcaster Bob Costas, former station hosts Jack Carney, Rex Davis, Bob Hardy, Anne Keefe, John McCormick and Jim White, former St. Louis Cardinals play-by-play announcers Jack Buck, Harry Caray and France Laux, and former St. Louis Blues play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly.

Industry News

Dan Potter Exits KRMG-FM, Tulsa

Morning drive host Dan Potter is out at news/talk KRMG-FM, Tulsa after 17 years with the station and 13 years as morning drive personality. Cox Media Group recently sold the stationimg and two of its sister music-formatted outlets to a local operator – Zoellner Media Group, led by Dr. Robert Zoellner. Potter tells the Tulsa World that his exit came as a surprise. He says he was called into a meeting with Dr. Zoellner. “Our paths hadn’t crossed yet in his ownership. Shook his hand, sat down. He said, ‘We’re not renewing your contract.’ They handed me a check, and security showed me out of the building.” Prior to joining KRMG, Potter served in Dallas with WBAP-AM in several capacities, including news director.

Industry News

New Affiliates for “Our American Stories”

“Our American Stories,” hosted by Lee Habeeb and syndicated by Premiere Networks,img announces new affiliate stations that include WOR, New York; KNEW, San Francisco; WTAM, Cleveland; WOAI, San Antonio; WSJS, Greensboro; WSTP, Charlotte; KKXT, Corpus Christ; WHLO, Akron; KYQQ, Abilene; KIXW, Riverside; and WOND, Atlantic City. “Our American Stories” is now heard on 480 stations nationwide.

Industry News

Triton Digital: Charlie Kirk Podcast Remains #3 in October Ranker

Triton Digital publishes its U.S. Podcast Ranker for the month of October – ranked by weekly average downloads for participating shows – and there is no movement among the top fiveimg shows. NPR’s “NPR News Now” and “Up First” rank #1 and #2, respectively, and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” remains ranked #3, more than a month after his slaying on September 10. Other talk radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” climbs one place to #12; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” falls two places to #18; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” rises four places to #34. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Like Father, Like Daughter

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Pictured above is Syracuse University student Dorothy Sabo (right) with CBS News reporter, producer and event organizer Sara Kugel (left) showing off her first place JANY Award as Executive Producer best regularly scheduled TV student newscast at the Journalists Association of New York awards ceremony at SU’s Newhouse School of Communication. Pictured below are John Mullen (left) professor and general manager of Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, winner of several JANY Awards this year, and Newhouse School alumnus Walter Sabo (right).

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Industry News

Erick Erickson Show Raises Funds for Hungry for a Day

The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” helped raise more than $265,000 for Hungry for a Day to provide Thanksgiving meals nationwide. The drive focuses on delivering completeimg holiday dinners – including turkey or smoked ham, sweet or mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and pie – to families who might otherwise go without. Erickson says, “Every year, my listeners remind me why this show exists – not just to discuss the issues of the day, but to drive real change in people’s lives. In these tough times, knowing we’ve put food on the table for thousands of families fills me with gratitude. This isn’t about politics; it’s about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors. Hungry for a Day makes it seamless, and our audience makes it extraordinary with an impact from coast to coast.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (11/19)

The most discussed stories yesterday (11/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. The Epstein Files
  2. Legislators Censures
  3. Comey Prosecution Errors
  4. Trump’s Venezuela Policy
  5. Israel Strikes Gaza
Industry News

Connoisseur Media Names Grant McHill PD for KXL-FM, Portland

Connoisseur Media announces a series of strategic promotions and new appointments across its Portland radio properties it says are designed to strengthen programming leadership and toimg position the cluster for continued success and growth. They include the promotion of Grant McHill to program director for “NewsRadio 101.1 FM KXL.” McHill has been serving as KXL’s news director. McHill says, “As someone who has worked at KXL for a decade, I appreciate and understand the station’s importance to the community and its potential for growth in Portland and beyond. I am thrilled, honored, and thankful for this opportunity. A huge thank you to Jeff Warshaw, Keith Dakin, Mark Handwerger, and Ross MacLeod for their confidence in me.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Chase Daniels to VP of Programming

Audacy announces the promotion of Chase Daniels to vice president of programming for the station group that includes sports talk WKRK-FM “92.3 The Fan.” Audacy Cleveland SVP andimg market manager Jeff Miller says in a memo to staff, “Since arriving in Cleveland almost three years ago, Chase has concentrated on our brands, our execution and our team with hopes of building on the great foundation that was already in place. His relentless focus on being the best, along with consistent coaching and leadership, has led to significant growth for individuals and our four stations. Please join me in congratulating Chase on his well-deserved elevation to VP of programming for Cleveland. Chase will continue to focus on the overall programming performance for all four of our brands as we head into 2026 and beyond.”

Industry News

Our American Stories’ Lee Habeeb Tells Boston Massacre Trial Story as Part of White House’s “Story of America” Series

img“Our American Stories” founder and host Lee Habeeb was tapped by the White House to tell the story of John Adams and his defense of the Redcoats in the trial the Boston Massacre. This is part of the White House’s America 250 “Story of America” series that’s being created in partnership with Hillsdale College and the US Department of Education. You can see the story that Habeeb wrote here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: I Was Banned by WBIR-TV

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgFinally. Not by Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, nope; I was banned from a WBIR anchor’s video live stream.

Background:

Throughout the country, bored local TV anchors and radio hosts set up their phone on their desk and stream their newscasts. During their breaks, they address the Live Stream with actual news, real news, top-of-minders that are far more compelling than the accident at 5th and Piedmont that gets on the air.

Some of the live streams are truly entertaining and would pull 20 shares if aired. While watching the featured TikTok WBIR-TV stream, the anchor at the desk was having her nails done. A co-worker showed off her spectacular, exotic, eccentric nails. Any father of daughters could appreciate her next level of nail art. It was news. In the live stream comments, I typed… show the nails on the air. They are fantastic. Of course, that never happened. Instead, the anchor ran with the story of a Casey’s chain store open for a third shift. “It’s kind of like a store that never sleeps,” center store manager Kimberly Hunley said.

The nails were stunning, but the passion of the anchor and her co-workers was the actual news. The team’s focus on the nails was compelling. Their passion was the news. News belongs on the air.

BANNED!  Saturday morning. After my third polite comment urging the WBIR team to show the nails on the air, I was banned from commenting on the stream. A first. Finally, I said something so offensive, so contrary to the news narrative that I was banned.

[EDITOR’S NOTE:  What the heck did you say, Walter?]

Get Your New Playlist at Thanksgiving

This holiday the rule at dinner will be, don’t talk about politics. Pay close attention to what is discussed. Make notes. If your station wants younger demos, FM music-type demos, trust that the Thanksgiving conversation is an all-hits conversation. Hosts that aren’t afraid to air the hits get ratings.

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.

Industry News

Todd Starnes Offers Free Holiday Program

Todd Starnes, nationally syndicated talk radio host, best-selling author, and owner of news/talkimg KWAM, Memphis, is offering stations a three-hour holiday special titled, “A Starnes Country Christmas.” Starnes tells TALKERS that the show will include live musical performances, special holiday guests, and Christmas trivia featuring celebrity panelists. You can get more information about carrying this complimentary program by emailing Todd Starnes at: todd@starnesmediagroup.com or calling 917-331-9866.

Industry News

Fisher House Thanksgiving Edition Now Available at No Cost

Fisher House Foundation is making its Thanksgiving Week edition of “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” available to stations for free. You can check out a demo and register here. “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” is a radio special provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show suitable for allimg formats. The program is available in three versions: three-hour, one-hour, 25-minutes and 30-minutes and are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor, morning drive host at WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. It features stories of America’s military heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, how they sustained their injuries, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries. This year’s program features a special focus on the incredibly inspiring victories our wounded warriors enjoy on the field of competitive, adaptive sports. Fisher House supports the Wounded Warrior Games and the lnvictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Breaks Ground for Center for Disabled Adults

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz – in his capacity as a member of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities – breaking ground for The Virginia Home’s new site for the organization that has been serving disabled adults in Central Virginia for a century.

Industry News

Dr. Daliah Wachs Show Supports Magical Forest Charity Event

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs with her show’s Christmas tree at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest event in Southern Nevada that runs from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Dr. Wachs tells TALKERS that Opportunity Village helps those with intellectual disabilities and their families through enrichment, empowerment, and employment programs and services. Sponsors like her decorate a tree that comprises a huge beautiful magical forest that serves as a major fundraiser for their programs and employment placement. She says, “It’s super cool and our show has helped support their mission for years. We create a ‘medical’ tree with an EKG sign and its one of our favorite local charities we support.”

Industry News

Radio Executive and Station Owner Willard Lochridge Dies at 85

Longtime radio executive and station owner Willard Lochridge died on November 13 at age 85.img Lochridge entered the business in the sales department and by 1970 became the general manager of WRIF, Detroit. He was promoted by ABC to general manager for WPLJ, New York in 1973. He would serve at KAUM, Houston before returning to New York to serve with ABC Radio Networks. He later joined NBC’s The Source. In 1988 he and his wife purchased a small station in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (11/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (11/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Jeffrey Epstein Files
  2. Trump-MBS Meeting
  3. Texas Redistricting Ruling
  4. Trump vs Reporters
  5. ICE Raids
Industry News

Connoisseur Media to Sell 15 Missouri Stations

Just a day after announcing that it is selling its three-station Bakersfield, California cluster to local operator Frequency Broadcasting, Inc, Connoisseur Media announces that it is entering into an agreement to sell its 15 radio stations in Missouri to Carter Media LLC and Carter Media Too LLC. Carter Media is based in Carrollton, Missouri which is about halfway between Kansas City andimg Columbia. The stations are in small markets and include: KAAN-AM/FM, Bethany; KWIX-FM, Cairo; KKWK-FM and KMRN-AM, Cameron; KIRK-FM, Macon; KTCM-FM, Madison; KRES-FM and KWIX-AM, Moberly; KJEL-FM and KBNN-AM, Lebanon; and KFBD-FM, KOZQ-FM, KJPW-AM, and KIIK-AM in Waynesville. Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, “These Missouri markets did not fit into our long-term plans. We are pleased to have found a trusted buyer in Miles Carter and his family-oriented company.” Carter comments, “We have wanted to expand for a while and when the opportunity came, we were eager to talk with Connoisseur. As we look toward the new markets, our mission remains the same: bring trustworthy local news, agriculture coverage, and community-focused storytelling to areas that need a stronger voice. Expansion isn’t about getting bigger, it’s about serving more people with the kind of reliable, hometown broadcasting Carter Media was built on.”

Industry News

Vicky Moore Exits KNX-AM/FM Los Angeles

After 22 years as a news anchor on Audacy’s all-news KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles, Vicky Moore left the station last Friday. During her on-air farewell, Moore stated, “I really love radio. Because radio is about community. At a time when the phone in our pocket and in our hands right now creates distance between us, and the politics divide us, the AI make us questioning what is real,img people here at KNX all around me are real. And they are people who live and work in this community. Brian Douglas and Sioux-Z Jessup, our traffic team, Sabina – they care about people driving in from places like Santa Clarita. Or when you hear sirens on the westside or Monrovia, we here at KNX are curious too! And we can joke about the differences between LA and Orange County and how Irvine is always topping the list somewhere because we are here with you in this community. We know Southern California. It has been my privilege to be part of this community and to tell you stories about things that matter, as well as things that just might brighten your day. We’ve had so much fun. It has been my absolute pleasure to meet some of you, along the way… So, I hope that you will continue to listen to KNX and enjoy my partner here and support him, Mike Simpson, and the new owner of my chair as the morning co-host, that is Margaret Carrero, we wish her well.” With Carrero’s move to mornings, Alex Silverman joins the afternoon lineup, alternating shifts with Brian Douglas.

Industry News

Madson Promoted to Brand Manager for “ESPN 1320” Sacramento

Audacy promotes Kyle Madson to brand manager for sports talk KIFM, Sacramento “ESPNimg 1320.” Madson will continue his role as co-host of “The Insiders,” that airs daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Audacy Sacramento SVP and market manager Aaron Miller says, “Since Kyle joined ESPN 1320, he has demonstrated incredible initiative and passion for sports radio. We’re excited for him to take on this new role and eager to see how he continues to contribute to the success of the station.” About his promotion, Madson comments, “I love radio. I love Sacramento. I love this station. I’m so excited to lead ‘ESPN 1320’ to the heights I know it can climb to.”

Industry News

Haley Taylor Simon Exits “97.5 The Fanatic”

WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” part-time utility talent Haley Taylor Simon posts toimg social media that she has exited the Beasley sports talk station. “4.5 years ago I started my journey at 97.5 The Fanatic. Today was my final day. While this was unexpected I was able to come out of college and work my dream job. Not many people get to do that. I love my morning show fam (chat too fam bam). I’m always wishing nothing but the best for everyone who works there. I’m not going anywhere with my Flyers/ESPN+ jobs. I LOVE radio. That I will miss. Go birds and thank you all for supporting me live out my dream. It did come true. How lucky am I??”

Industry News

Cumulus: YouTube Hits All-Time High as Podcast Platform

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights publish the Podcast Download – Fall 2025 Report, what they call “a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends.” The firms say that the 15th edition of the study examines the habits of weekly podcast consumers and concludes that there are differences in consumption patterns among those who prefer listening or watching podcasts. Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group senior insights manager img Elizabeth Mayer states, “In our continued focus on YouTube and watchable podcasts, this edition of the Podcast Download reveals YouTube at an all-time high for consumption. Regardless of tenure or heavy usage, YouTube remains in the top spot, which speaks to podcast consumers seeking out watchable podcasts. 12% of weekly podcast consumers use Smart TVs where video components are intuitive and easy to access to listen to podcasts.” Signal Hill Insights president and CEO Paul Riismandel adds, “Audio is still key. While we see yet another bump in the preference to use YouTube for podcasts, we don’t see notable change in the number of weekly podcast consumers who are only watching their podcasts. This segment remains a tiny minority – just 8% in this report.” See more and download the full report here.

Industry News

KARN, Little Rock Helps Raise Funds for Arkansas Food Bank

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Pictured above are staff members from Cumulus Media’s news/talk KARN-FM, Little Rock at the United We Feed Food Drive to benefit the Arkansas Food Bank held on November 6 and 7 that helped raise 4,000 pounds of food and $8,075.

Industry News

KRLD, Dallas-Fort Worth Raises $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

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NewsRadio 1080 in Dallas raised over $30,000 benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas during a live broadcast on November 13. Pictured above with Make-A-Wish recipient Luke and his family are KRLD morning host Joe Kelley (bottom, left), midday host Mike Rogers (rear, second from left) and reporter and weekend anchor Austin York (rear, right).