Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Fourth Anniversary

Los Angeles talk radio outlet KBLA “Talk 1580” was launched four years ago today (6/19) by Smiley Audio Media owner Tavis Smiley. The company says it is proudly celebrating the anniversary “with four high-profile public events. Since its launch, KBLA Talk 1580 has become the station of choice for Black andimg African American residents, as well as progressive listeners more broadly. KBLA Talk 1580 continues to be the most ‘trusted, credible, and reliable’ media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond. While KBLA Talk 1580 is unapologetically progressive, the station and its on-air talent prioritize good ideas over ideology.” KBLA will hold a “Juneteenth Backyard Barbecue” today at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Saturday (6/21) KBLA will present an “Empowerment Congress Juneteenth Community Celebration & Dialogue” at The Beehive from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and on Sunday (6/22), station host Dominique DiPrima will moderate a “State of Black Women in Los Angeles” symposium at The Living Room @ Faithful Central Bible Church from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Industry News

Buffalo’s “The Patriot” to Launch on July 4

Buddy Shula’s new radio station WUSW, Niagara Falls, New York – formerly WHLD – will officially launch its conservative talk format on July 4 as “1270 AM The Patriot.” Shula, who operates oldies WECK in theimg Buffalo market, acquired WHDL from Cumulus Media earlier this year. He says, “I’m thrilled to be debuting a local talk station that deals with real issues. I feel the conservative talk lane is open, and that will give listeners a choice of the type of talk that they really want to hear.” The station will feature syndicated shows including Premiere Networks’ “The Sean Hannity Show,” “Glenn Beck,” “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton,” and “Jesse Kelly,” plus Erik Erickson, Lars Larson, Vince Coglianese, and more. New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro will also host a local program.

Industry News

St. Louis Talk Host Witnesses Israel-Iran Conflict

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St. Louis talk radio host Chris Arps – co-host of the “Tim Jones & Chris Arps” show on News/Talk STL (KLJY-HD3/K270BW/KNBS-FM) – was witness to the violence in Israel during a trip to the region. FOX2 Now reports that Arps and his wife are among those who had been taking cover in underground bomb shelters in Israel during their trip. They were traveling with a group that was able to make it out of the region by taking a bus to Jordan. Arps tells FOX2 that he was on a “once-in-a-lifetime trip with a group called ‘Heroes to Heroes’ to see the holy sites in Israel with veterans suffering from PTSD. The trip’s overall goal was to promote spiritual healing.” See the FOX2 Now report here.

Industry News

Nielsen: Radio Outperforms Perceived Effectiveness

Nielsen states that its 2025 Annual Marketing Report comes to the conclusion that marketers are driving investment in digital channels because they are perceived to have measurability and direct attribution. Nielsen says ease of measurement does not always equate to effectiveness or higher ROI. “Proprietaryimg KPIs and lower CPMs can be misleading, and a channel’s ability to claim conversion credit doesn’t necessarily translate to real value. This bias can lead to underinvestment in traditional channels, like radio, which, despite being perceived as less effective, can deliver substantial ROI.” The perceived effectiveness of radio by marketers puts it dead last in ROI. But a weighted average shows that radio is second only to social media in ROI. The study also found that “podcasts demonstrate strong ROI, comparable to TV and digital display, yet they are often overlooked or undervalued.” See more about the study here.

Industry News

50th Annual Gracies Luncheon in NYC

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The AWM Foundation presented the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City yesterday (6/18). Host Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline” led the program alongside a lineup of presenters that included WFAN’s Boomer Esiason, iHeartMedia’s Medha Gandhi, CNN’s Erica Hill, and NBC News’ Vicky Nguyen. Pictured above is “CBS Sunday Morning” host Jane Pauley (left) presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime colleague and friend, “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent Martha Teichner (right).

Industry News

Starnes Draws Hundreds to New Book Launch

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KWAM, Memphis owner and nationally syndicated talk host Todd Starnes (center) is pictured above with his co-author Michelle Cox (left) and Newsmax correspondent Caleb Parke at the launch gala for Starnes’ and Cox’s new book, Star-Spangled Blessings: Devotions For Patriots (2025, Post Hill Press). Also joining the launch celebration were: KWAM morning show host Steve Gill and Paul Shanklin, the former parody writer for Rush Limbaugh.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Israel-Iran Strikes / U.S. Mulls Involvement
2. ICE Raids / Student Visa Process
3. SCOTUS Transgender Ruling
4. Lawmaker Safety Concerns
5. Hurricane Erick

Industry News

Trusty Confirmed to FCC Seat

Republicans were able to get FCC Commissioner nominee Olivia Trusty confirmed, giving FCC Chairman Brendan Carr the quorum he needs to do business. The Commission was without a quorum in the aftermath of Democrat Geoffrey Starks planned exit and Republican Nathan Simington’s surprise resignation on June 6. Chairman Carr comments, “I want to extend my congratulations to Olivia Trusty on her confirmation to serve as an FCC Commissioner after President Trump’s nomination earlier this year.img  Olivia will be a great addition to the Commission.  Olivia brings years of valuable experience to the agency, including her public service on Capitol Hill and time in the private sector.  I am confident that her deep expertise and knowledge will enable her to hit the ground running, and she will be an exceptionally effective FCC Commissioner.  I look forward to welcoming Olivia to the Commission as a colleague and advancing an agenda that will deliver great results for the American people.” Fellow Commissioner, Democrat Anna Gomez also welcomes Trusty, saying, “I want to congratulate Olivia Trusty on her confirmation and welcome her to the FCC. I have known Olivia for years and have been very impressed with her strong background in communications policy and deep understanding of the technical aspects of this job, which will be a great asset to this agency. I look forward to working with her to return the FCC to its core priorities of protecting consumers, promoting innovation and competition, and securing our communication networks.”

Industry News

Retired Pats Center Andrews to Contribute to “98.5 The Sports Hub”

Recently retired New England Patriots center David Andrews is joining Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” as a contributor starting with the 2025 season. Andrews won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and he’ll appear on “The Zolak & Bertrand Show” with a weekly appearanceimg throughout the Patriots season. Andrews will also be featured on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network Pregame Show and will co-host a video podcast with Alex Barth. WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “David’s leadership and deep understanding of the game made him a standout on the field, and we’re excited to bring that same level of insight and authenticity to our listeners. He’s a natural fit for our lineup and the perfect voice to help break down the season from a player perspective.” Andrews comments, “I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with ‘The Sports Hub’ since coming to New England 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to providing my analysis and perspective across the station’s various platforms this season.”

Industry News

NPR Keeps Top Spots on Triton Digital Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for the month of May (April 28-June 1) based on weeklyimg average downloads and NPR maintains its grasp on the top two spots with “NPR News Now” at #1 and “Up First” at #2. iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” is #3 and Audacy’s “48 Hours” is #4. Other radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rising three spots to #7, Salem Media Group’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” dipping two spots to #8, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” falling three places to #11. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

PodcastOne Extends A+E Deal. PodcastOne extends its agreement with A+E Networks for the exclusive sales and distribution rights to five true crime podcasts: “Cold Case Files,” “I Survived,” “American Justice,” “City Confidential,” and “Ancient Aliens.” PodcastOne co-founder and president Kit Gray says, “Whether it is a limited series or a weekly production, we provide premiere podcasting services for companies and networks who have been hesitant or lack the internal resources to adapt existing programming into a podcast. By leveraging our strong infrastructure and expert technology within the medium, we can offer tailored services to bridge the gap between television and the world’s fastest growing media platform, podcasting.”

MPR Adds Trustees. The Board of Trustees of Minnesota Public Radio welcomes two new members. Sarah Karon, board president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and District 5 Town Commissioner in Longboat Key, Florida, and Dr. Brian Harrison, political scientist and author, were recently elected to the board. MPR CEO Jean Taylor states, “We’re delighted to welcome Sarah and Brian to the MPR Board of Trustees. Both of these new Trustees have great passion for service to their communities and are huge fans of public media. At the same time, they will each bring incredible expertise, perspective, and a track record of success in their own right in the areas of philanthropy and inclusion. Their presence and engagement will make an already strong board even stronger.”

Denes Hosts Warshaw and Parenti on Podcast. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes talks with Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeff Warshaw and Radio Ink president and publisher Deborah Parenti on the two current episodes of his podcast, “Chachi Loves Everybody.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/17)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Israel-Iran Strikes / U.S. Weighs Military Action
2. Russia-Ukraine War
3. ICE Raids-Protests / NY Comptroller Arrested
4. Big, Beautiful Bill
5. Hortman Assassination

Industry News

Podcast Download – Spring 2025 Report Released

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights are releasing the Podcast Download – Spring 2025 Report, what they call “a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends” that examines the habits of weekly podcast consumers. Cumulus says, “A key finding uncovered in the Podcast Download Report is that audio remains the primary mode of podcast consumption despite growing video options and the rise of YouTube as a podcast platform.” Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group senior insightsimg manager Liz Mayer says, “There is no denying that YouTube is playing an important role in the podcast ecosystem, especially when it comes to discovering new podcasts. However, over half of weekly podcast consumers indicate they consume via audio primarily. So, while the new video capabilities are exciting and need to be focused on, the industry can’t forget that it’s what consumers are hearing that is most important.” Highlights from the report include: 1) Audio remains the primary mode of podcast consumption (58%) despite growing video options; 2) YouTube is the leading podcast platform, yet it is not a walled garden as consumers listen to podcasts across multiple platforms; 3) Podcast discovery: YouTube is the place to be found; 44% of new podcast audiences started listening on YouTube; 4) Downloads and listens underestimate the actual audience: The current download impression model fails to account for co-listening; and 5) Why podcast advertising works so well: Podcasts hosts are three times more influential than social media influencers. See more about the study here.

Industry News

Eva Longoria Expands Partnership with iHeartMedia

Actress and producer Eva Longoria’s company Hyphenate Media Group acquires an equity share in iHeartMedia’s My Cultura podcast network dedicated to elevating Latino voices and stories. This is part of an expansion of the network’s collaboration with Longoria and her partner Cris Abrego, who serves as theimg group’s CEO. As part of the new deal, Hyphenate and Longoria will executive produce a slate of new original podcasts with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. She says, “Storytelling shapes how we see ourselves and how the world sees us, and podcasting is one of the most intimate, accessible and powerful ways to connect with audiences and share meaningful, authentic conversations. There’s never been a more urgent time to elevate Latino voices and talent. Through this partnership between Hyphenate and iHeart’s My Cultura, we’re building a bigger platform for stories that reflect the richness and complexity of our community.”

Industry News

Edison Research to Unveil Gen Z Audio Report

Edison Research says that its new “Gen Z Audio Report” – sponsored by SiriusXM Media – will be releasedimg to the industry in a free webinar on June 25 at 2:00 pm ET. More than 2,000 people ages 13-24 in the U.S. were surveyed for the report. Edison says, “The study explores what shapes the lives of Gen Z – from current issues to overall outlooks, and what their media choices include – from music discovery to their favorite podcasts. Learn how Gen Z listeners use audio, tech, and social media, and most importantly, the role audio plays in their daily lives.” You can register for the webinar here.

Industry News

Chris Pickett Promoted to WayFM Program Director

Hope Media Group announces that Chris Pickett is promoted to WayFM network program director, takingimg over for Jeff Evans, who was recently promoted to vice president of radio for HMG. Pickett previously served as director of content for Townsquare Media in Boise and as regional vice president at iHeartMedia, “further strengthening his background in multi-market and multi-format programming, talent development, and creating engaging on-air content. His broad experience and passion for mission-driven media make him uniquely equipped to lead WayFM into its next season of growth and innovation.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/16)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump at G7
2. Israel-Iran Strikes
3. Hortman Assassination
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. ICE Protests

Industry News

WABC Owner John Catsimatidis Honored at Fair Media Council Folio Awards

John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media Group and WABC, New York, was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award for WABC Radio, New York, from the Fair Media Council Folio Awards lastimg Thursday (6/12) in New York City. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to WABC Radio in recognition of a century of broadcasting leadership and its continued role as a vital force in American media. During his acceptance speech, Catsimatidis stated, “92% of the American people believed what Walter Cronkite said, and I think news has to get back to that situation and that’s what we’re doing at WABC.” He added, “I am honored to accept the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of WABC Radio, Margo [Catsimatidis], Chad [Lopez], and the entire team. We are committed to common sense, presenting all sides of a story, and letting the listeners decide.”

Industry News

Joe Thomas and TMN Broadcast from “Freedomfest”

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Pictured above at the weekend’s “Freedomfest” in Palm Springs, California is Joe Thomas (right) host of “First Thing Today” – syndicated nationally by Talk Media Network – and owner of WTON, Staunton, Virginia speaking with “Freedomfest” founder Mark Skousen (left).  Thomas tells TALKERS, “During a weekend where libertarians faced the debate over Israel’s missile strikes against Iran and whether US borders should be open or not, we brought all of it to our listeners from Portland to Daytona each day!”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (6/14-15)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Minnesota Lawmaker Assassinated
2. DC Military Parade
3. Israel-Iran Strikes
4. ICE Protests / “No Kings Day”
5. Big, Beautiful Bill

Industry News

Bill Spadea Loses Gubernatorial Bid

In January, talk radio host Bill Spadea took leave of his WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” morning drive program to run for governor of New Jersey as a Republican. His opponent, Jack Ciattrelli, won theimg primary to take on Democrat Mikie Sherrill in November. New Jersey 101.5’s coverage noted, “Conservative radio host Bill Spadea was expected to give Ciattarelli a fight, but any hope that Spadea might have had to keep the race close ended when President Donald Trump endorsed Ciattarelli. Ciattarelli defeated Spadea on election night with a landslide victory margin of over 40 points. Ciattarelli swept every county, including Ocean County, where Spadea’s base of support was believed to be strongest.” So far, neither the station nor Spadea have stated whether Spadea intends to return to the morning radio program.

Industry News

Salem to Debut Christian Talk on WWFE, Miami

Salem Media Group is undertaking what it calls the “first new Christian Teaching and Talk radio format Salem has launched in over a decade, underscoring a renewed commitment to grow Christian media inimg underserved major markets” as it will debut “The Word Miami” on WWFE, Miami. That station has been airing Spanish language “La Poderosa.” Salem CEO David Santrella comments, “This is more than a station launch – it’s a calling fulfilled. Miami has long been underserved by strong, consistent Christian broadcast content. Salem was called to fill that gap. This expansion is a bold step in our mission to proclaim the Good News through every available channel.” The station is simulcast on AM 1550 WRHC (Miramar) and is also available via FM translators at 103.1 FM (Miami) and 98.7 FM (Miramar).

Industry News

KXEL, Cedar Rapids Takes Over “Tractorcade”

NRG Media’s news/talk KXEL, Cedar Rapids took over the sponsorship of the “Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade” after another station in the Cedar Rapids and Waterloo markets discontinued its support. Thisimg was the 26th year for the iconic Iowa summertime event that brings some 325 vintage tractors together at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion fairgrounds in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. NRG Media says that while some entities might have been deterred from taking over such a popular and well-established event, company COO/CFO Jim Smith embraced the opportunity. He says, “We’re learning as we go, but we’re learning from people who have done this for a long time – very seasoned – so… it hasn’t been that heavy of a lift because we’re surrounded by good people.”

Industry News

Date Set for Posting 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

 

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The TALKERS editorial board has announced the date of the 2025 edition of the TALKERS “100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – also known as the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred.” The prestigious list will be posted Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

This will mark the 30th anniversary of one of the most popular annual features published by TALKERS magazine since its debut as a list of 25 in 1995 (it expanded to 100 in 1996) and comes in conjunction this Summer with TALKERS magazine’s 35th anniversary as a broadcasting industry trade journal.

According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “The criteria for inclusion in the class of 2025 will remain radio-centric, however, with additional weight given to influence wielded in associated talk media platforms such as audio and video podcasting along with other means of online distribution appropriate to evident changes in the industry.”  Casey adds, “But the criteria that all inductees in the Heavy Hundred must have a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at ‘press time’ will continue.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WCBM Adds Ted Cruz Podcast. The Baltimore news/talk station adds Premiere Networks’ podcast starring Ted Cruzand Ben Ferguson. Station PD Sean Casey says, “Talk Radio 680 WCBM is thrilled to add Senator Cruz and Verdict to our weekend lineup. We feel it’s important to feature strong conservative voices like Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson during this crucial time. I’m confident our listeners will look forward to hearing ‘Verdict with Ted Cruz’ every Sunday night.”

America Tonight Adds Affiliate. The nationally syndicated “America Tonight” program starring Kate Delaney adds new affiliate WVLK, Lexington, Kentucky “Newstalk 590 and 97.3 FM.”

Juju Chang to Host Gracies Luncheon. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announce that ABC News “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang is hosting the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in New York City on Wednesday, June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The Luncheon will also feature presenters including Arielle Chambers (ESPN), Boomer Esiason (WFAN), Medha Gandhi (iHeartMedia), Erica Hill (CNN), and Vicky Nguyen (NBC News).

WWO Presents College World Series. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, and in conjunction with the NCAA Radio Network, will be home to the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series Championship Finals, live from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska beginning June 21. Kevin Kugler will call all the action and will be joined in the booth by Scott Graham and field reporter Connor Happer.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 9 – 13, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/9-6/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

                 Stories

1. LA Protests / Trump Calls in Military
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / Trump Musk Feud
3. U.S.-Iran Tensions / Middle East Diplomats Recalled
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations / Tariffs
5. Saturday’s Military Parade
6. Russia-Ukraine War
7. FEMA Phaseout / RFK Jr Fires CDC Vaccine Panel
8. Israel-Gaza Unrest / Greta Thunberg Deported
9. Brian Wilson Dies
10.Air India Crash

                 People

1. Donald Trump
2. Gavin Newsom / Karen Bass
3. Elon Musk
4. Mike Johnson
5. Benjamin Netanyahu / Greta Thunberg
6. Howard Lutnick
7. Xi Jinping
8. Vladimir Putin
9. RFK Jr.
10.Brian Wilson

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