Industry News

Joe Thomas Broadcasts from CES2026

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Nationally syndicated morning drive host Joe Thomas (center) is pictured here at last week’s CES2026 trade show in Las Vegas where he broadcast to his “First Thing Today” show to his 50-plus affiliates via Talk Media Network. Thomas says, “It’s an amazing event and if you dig past the robot lawn mowers and giant TV’s you’ll find amazing folks like Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Dr. Alex Creely (left) and Siemens’ Dr. Thiago Ribeiro (right). Thanks to Holland Cooke who convinced me years ago that it doesn’t matter what your politics are, this impacts everybody! (and you all should read Lawrence Ford‘s new book, The World DOES Need You!)”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

“Truth Matters” Show to Launch. A new weekend program titled, “Truth Matters with Tom Donahue Angeline Marie” is debuting next Saturday (1/17) on the Salem Radio Network. Donahue says, “We have been friends and colleagues for over 15 years. We co-hosted several popular podcast series in the past. We hold similar political views, and we are both inspired to deliver our takes reporting on the most compelling topics from a factual and rational perspective. Always from a Christian, America First, independent conservative vantage point. We plan to shed light and insight on the prevailing controversies, coverups, and conspiracies.” 

WBUR to Debut New Business Show. Public radio outlet WBUR, Boston announces the debut of a new business-focused series titled, “The WBUR Breakfast Club,” designed to bring Boston decision makers together to connect and explore the most pressing issues facing business leaders today. The inaugural event on Thursday, January 22, features Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert in conversation with Ari Shapiro, former host of NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (1/10-11)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (1/10-11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minnesota ICE Protests
  2. Iran Protests-U.S. Warned Not to Interfere
  3. Powell Subpoenaed Over Fed Building Renovations
  4. Venezuela’s Oil / Trump’s Greenland Ambitions
  5. Mississippi Synagogue Burning
Industry News

Galaxy Media Announces Five Promotions

Syracuse-based Galaxy Media promotes five staffers to new positions. Nick Maine is promoted from chief revenue officer to chief operating officer; Alex Conn is upped from brand manager to chief content officer for the company’s 13img stations; Jennifer Wells is promoted from business manager to controller after 25 years with the company; after 16 years of service and “proven sales leadership,” Tami Grashof is promoted to regional sales manager; and Brittany Capparelli is elevated event marketing specialist to director of client experience. Galaxy Media CEO Ed Levine says, “These promotions are a pivotal moment for Galaxy Media. We’re energized to celebrate our team’s growth and excited for the leadership, creativity, and drive they bring as we shape the next chapter of our company.” Among Galaxy’s stations is sports talk WTLA-AM/W249BC, Syracuse “ESPN 97.7/100.1.”   

Industry News

Report: Townsquare Wins Suit for Unpaid Ad Bills

According to a report by Bill Heltzel in WestfairOnline, Townsquare Media has won a suit against furniture dealer Regency Management for unpaid advertising bills that totaled $1.15 million. In 2022, Heltzel writes that U.S. District Court imgJudge Kenneth M. Karas concluded Townsquare failed to establish monetary damages on most of the contracts and ordered Townsquare a partial award of about $115,000 but ruled in favor of Regency on most of the deals. Townsquare requested reconsideration, and in 2023 Judge Karas concluded that he had overlooked evidence on 10 advertising contracts. After holding a bench trial last June, Karas on December 12, 2025, ordered Regency “to pay $114,936 that remained unsatisfied from his 2022 partial decision for Townsquare; $694,328 on the contracts he reconsidered, and $344,833 in interest, for a total of $1,154,097.” See the WestfairOnline story here. 

Industry News

Audacy Goes with Podscribe for Measurement

Audacy names Podscribe its preferred measurement partner beginning in this year. Podscribe will enable attribution across most of Audacy’s digital portfolio, including streaming audio, podcasting, CTV, and display, with client-facingimg dashboards and API access that support automated reporting and portfolio-level insights. The collaboration will also support select broadcast attribution initiatives within Audacy’s radio portfolio, complementing existing measurement partners. Audacy president of digital sales Michael Biemolt says, “Audacy consistently strives to deliver measurable results for advertisers, and our partnership with Podscribe further strengthens that promise. With enhanced attribution and transparency across our portfolio, we’re giving clients even greater confidence in how Audacy drives performance at scale.”

Industry News

John Terrett to Host Red Apple Market Reports

Red Apple Media announces that John Terrett is the host of the twice-daily Red Apple AM/PM Market Reports. CEO John Catsimatidis says, “More than ever before, listeners need clarity on what’s happening on Wall Street. John has been a guest on my Sunday program, ‘The Cats Roundtable,’ many times, and his exceptional understanding of the financial world arms listeners with the knowledge they need to make smart financial decisions.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 5-9, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (1/5-9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Maduro Captured and Arraigned
  2. Venezuelan Oil / “Donroe” Doctrine
  3. Fatal Minneapolis ICE Shooting
  4. Trump Greenland Ambitions
  5. Iran Protests-Instability
  6. U.S. Exits 66 Treaties
  7. Social Services Money to Blue States Frozen
  8. RFK Jr’s Dietary Recommendations / CDC Vaccination Guidelines
  9. Dokoupil’s CBS News Debut
  10. U.S. Rep LaMalfa Dies

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Nicolás Maduro 
  3. Marco Rubio
  4. Mike Johnson
  5. JD Vance
  6. Renee Nicole Good / Jonathan Ross
  7. Pele Broberg
  8. Masoud Pezeshkian
  9. RFK Jr.
  10. Doug LaMalfa

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

Industry News

New York Broadcasters Association Searching for New President

New York State Broadcasters Association president David Donovan reveals that he will be stepping down from his post at the end of 2026 after 15 years leading the organization. NYSBA says that Donovan will continue to lead its government relations efforts. That said, the organization is forming a search committee to begin the process of selecting a newimg president. NYSBA chairman Chris Musial states, “David is doing an outstanding job, but he believes the time has come to turn over management of the Association to the next generation. The Board of Directors is delighted he will continue to lead our lobbying efforts in Albany and Washington.  The NYSBA Board and Executive Search Committee look forward to advancing the important work of Broadcasters on Multiple Platforms as we begin this search.” Donovan comments, “It has been a great run. Our goal is to bring someone on board earlier in the year to have a smooth transition. NYSBA has an outstanding Board of Directors and the best staff of any association in America.” Resumes will be accepted until February 28, 2026. See the job description here.

Industry News

KBLA’s Tavis Smiley Offering Courses on The Art of Conversation

SmileyAudioMedia chief Tavis Smiley, owner of KBLA, Los Angeles, is presenting six courses under the umbrella of The Art of Conversation. Smiley says that over the span of his 40-year career he’s had thousandsimg of conversations with world leaders, artists, activists and others who shape our world and “somewhere along the way I’ve realized that the art of conversation is dying.” Because of this he’s creating practical courses in the “art of conversation.” He adds, “I’m going to teach what the past 40 years have taught me: how to have conversations that matter… conversation is a skill and like any skill, it can be taught.” The titles of the six course are: The Anatomy of a Great Conversation, How to Know More Than Your Interlocutor Thinks You Do, Generous Listening as a Superpower, Handling Difficult Conversations and Conflicts, Creating Memorable Moments, and Why Conversation Matters in Democracy. Find out more here. 

Industry News

KHTK Pairs Up Allen Stiles with Kevin Gleason for PM Drive

Bonneville’s sports talk KHTK, Sacramento “Sactown Sports 1140” movesimg midday talk host Allen Stiles (right) to afternoons to join “The Drive Guys with Kevin Gleason” (left) as a co-host, effective January 12. The station says, “Allen is no stranger to Sactown Sports listeners. He has already been a key part of the Sactown Sports family as the host of ‘The Allen Stiles Show, which currently airs weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, building a strong connection with the audience through his knowledge, passion, and engaging style.” The station has not indicated its plans for the midday daypart. 

Industry News

Little Change at Top of Podtrac’s December Podcast Ranker

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts ranker for December based on U.S. unique monthly audience for participating networks and the top threeimg places remain unchanged with NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #1, followed by The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at #3. Changes among news/talk shows include The Daily Wire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show’ up two places to #12, the Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” falls 11 spots to #15, and “The Tucker Carlson Show” dips two spots to #19. See the full ranker here. 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Compass Presents 18th Season of College Hoops. Compass Media Networks is launching its 18th season of broadcasting men’s college basketball with 20 top-ranked, regular season matchups that includes top 25 ranked schools from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC conferences.

WTOP Partners with Top Workplaces. Hubbard Radio’s WTOP News is partnering with TOP Workplaces (formerly of the Washington Post) to recognize and celebrate the best places to work across the Washington, D.C. region. WTOP president Joel Oxley says, “WTOP is proud to carry forward the Top Workplaces program, recognizing and supporting exceptional local employers. As the go-to place for news and information in Washington D.C. this partnership felt like a natural fit.” 

FCC’s Carr Names Chief Economist. Federal Communications Chairman Brendan Carr names Dr. Jonathan Williams chief economist for the Commission in addition to his current role as chief of the office of economics and analytics. The chief economist advises the chairman, commissioners, and bureaus & offices on economic issues and works with the agency’s Office of Economics and Analytics. 

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/7)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minneapolis Deadly ICE Shooting
  2. Scramble for Venezuela’s Oil / More Tankers Detained
  3. Trump’s Desire for Greenland
  4. U.S. Exits 66 Treaties
  5. RFK Jr’s New Health Guidelines
Industry News

WPHT’s Rich Zeoli Transitioning to Daily Podcast

Rich Zeoli, afternoon drive host at Audacy’s news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia, announces that he is leaving his role as the live afternoonimg drive host to launch a daily, one-hour podcast that will also air on WPHT from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Zeoli says in a Facebook announcement that, while radio isn’t going anywhere, he realizes that people want to consume content where and when they’d like and this move allows people to download the podcast and listen at their leisure or listen to the broadcast version at 6:00 pm. The podcast will launch on Monday (1/12). Audacy has not announced programming for the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart yet. 

Industry News

Michael Reagan Dies at 80

Longtime talk radio host and conservative media personality Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, died on Sunday (1/4) at age 80. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social media saying, “Michaelimg Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.” Reagan began his talk radio career in the late 1980’s first doing commentary on KABC, Los Angeles and then hosting his own show on KSDO, San Diego. For years his radio program was distributed nationally by Radio America and then by Premiere Networks. At the time of his death, Reagan was serving as a columnist for Newsmax. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Michael Reagan was one of the pioneering talents that launched news/talk radio to new levels of achievement and influence in the 90s, in addition to forging a successful decades-spanning career as a host and commentator.  From a media industry standpoint, he was a self-made man, never leaning on his famous family connection as an advantage. Off the air, he was a regular guy. On the air, he was just plain good.”

Industry News

Dan Bongino Teases Return to Media

Dan Bongino, who left his Westwood One radio show and podcast to take on the deputy director position with the FBI, is teasing a return to media. Bongino, a veteran and former Secret Service agent before getting into talk media, announced late last year that he would be leaving the FBI, is expected to get back into media, posted the following to X: “Thanks forimg everything while we worked on cleaning up. Working in the administration was the experience of a lifetime. I’ll have some announcements coming up but I’m taking a couple of days to spend with the family. A couple of things: Thank you for your interest in the show and its return date. We will have something for you soon. The Trump team is not kidding around. It’s an otherworldly experience from the other side. He’s determined and focused. And having been around quite a few Presidents, this one broke the mold.  If we blocked you, it’s because we care so little about your bullsh*t that we deem it not worthy of even seeing. If you’re bitching and whining about it that means you can’t exist without seeing and commenting on ours. You’ll need to get over that. We do it because there’s nothing black-pillers and anti-Trumpers want more than to create division and drama. We’re about results, and we’ll talk about some of it soon.”  

Industry News

Ramsey Press Publishes What No One Tells You About Money

Ramsey Press announces the publication of, What No One Tells Youimg About Money, the newest release from bestselling author and “The Ramsey Show” co-host Jade Warshaw. Ramsey Press says, “Warshaw draws from her own journey of paying off more than $460,000 of debt to offer readers a clear, practical way forward. She pairs honest storytelling with simple, hands-on tools readers can use to break cycles and build confidence that lasts. Unlike traditional money books that focus only on tactics. Warshaw adds, “People don’t need just another plan — they need a way to understand what keeps pulling them off track. When you deal with the emotional weight behind your money choices, that’s when real progress starts.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/6)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Trump Threatens Denmark Over Greenland
  2. Maduro’s Fate / Venezuela’s Oil 
  3. The “Donroe Doctrine”
  4. Social Services Money to Blue States Frozen
  5. Congressman Doug LaMalfa Dies
Industry News

Salem Launches Jake Underwood Show on WHK, Cleveland

Salem Media names Jake Underwood host of the new late morning show on its O&O WHK-AM, Cleveland “1420 The Answer.” Underwood began his media career as a news anchor and reporter at WTAM, Cleveland covering state and local politics with a focus onimg accountability in government spending and policy. He has also served as executive director of the Medina County Republican Party and as national director of state legislation for Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Action. Un Durwood says, “We’re creating a space where Northeast Ohioans can engage with the issues that matter most to them. Whether you agree or disagree, this show is about elevating the conversation and encouraging active participation in our community’s future. Educating and enlightening our fellow Ohioans in a style that encourages active audience engagement is what drives and motivates me. I look forward to mixing it up with those in our audience with whom I agree — and with those with whom I disagree.”

Industry News

ST Radio Flips to Sports in Bloomington, Indiana

Sarkes Tarzian’s ST Radio flips WGCL, Bloomington, Indiana from news/talk to sports talk with the new call letters WWZN and the brand “98-7 The Zone.” The station is also airing onimg FM via translator W245DP. The station will blend local talk shows with national content from Westwood One Sports. Local shows include Kent Sterling in the 9:00 am to 11:00 am slot, Jim Coyle from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and Mike Glasscot in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart. The station will also serve as an affiliate for play-by-play for the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers. Sterling, who will serve as the station’s program director, states, “Sports talk in Bloomington is long overdue, and I’m so pleased ST Radio is the company to make this happen. Bloomington is the Big Ten’s best sports town, and ’98-7 The Zone’ will be the Big Ten’s best sports station.”

Industry News

Brandon Tierney Transitions to Streaming Show

Former WFAN, New York sports talk host Brandon Tierney has launched his streamingimg sports talk show just a couple of weeks after being ousted from WFAN due to the return of Craig Carton to that station’s afternoon daypart. Tierney and co-host Sal Licata were let go on December 19. Tierney’s new show “BT Unleashed” is streamed on YouTube and other platforms. Tierney tells the Brooklyn Reporter, “I thought it was a pretty easy decision. I felt the iron was hot. I certainly felt a desire for more of my work and I wanted to get right back out there. People understand that it was an abrupt ending at the FAN and that this is a pretty dramatic transformation.” See the Brooklyn Reporter story here. 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

New Affiliates for Erick Erickson. Nationally syndicated talk host Erick Erickson adds new affiliate stations including WMAC, Macon, Georgia; Virginia Talk Radio Network’s WIQO-FM, WBLT-AM/FM and WMNA-FM; WUSX-FM, Seaford, Delaware; WETR-AM/FM, Knoxville; and WBRP-FM, Baton Rouge.

MIW Management Webinar Set for January 15. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc are presenting a webinar titled, “Management 101: Becoming an Impactful Leader,” next Wednesday, January 15 at 2:00 pm ET. Media executives including Townsquare Media Group COO Erik Hellum, StreamGuys’ Dara M. Kalvort, Audacy San Francisco’s Kieran Geffert, and WGN Radio’s Mary Boyle will appear as panelists. You can register here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/5)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Maduro Arraignment
  2. Venezuela Oil
  3. Denmark Warns Trump Over Greenland
  4. Minnesota Fraud Investigation / Walz Won’t Seek Re-election
  5. CDC Childhood Vaccination Recommendation
Industry News

Beasley to Celebrate 65 Years of Broadcasting

Beasley Media Group announces that it is marking its 65th anniversary this year and will commemorate the milestone throughout the year of 2026. The company was founded on December 3, 1961, when its late founder George Beasley was awarded an FCC license toimg build WPYB-AM in Benson, North Carolina. The company says that at a time when many smaller communities lacked access to local broadcasting, he recognized radio’s unique ability to inform, connect, and serve and that vision became the cornerstone of the company. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Reaching 65 years is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of the people who make Beasley Media Group what it is today. While we are incredibly proud of our legacy, this milestone is equally about where we are headed — continuing to evolve, embrace innovation, and strengthen the local connections that have always set us apart.” The company currently operates 55 radio stations in large and mid-sized markets. Beasley says the anniversary theme — “65 Strong: Forward Together” — reflects both the strength of the company’s foundation and its focus on the future.

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Hubbard Unveils “JC & Ken” on WMEN-AM, Royal Palm Beach

Hubbard Radio is pairing up Josh Cohen and Ken LaVicka for a new one-hour show called “JC & Ken” that will air at 5:00 pm on “FOX Sports South Florida” (WMEN-AM/WIRK-HD2)img and will be distributed as a podcast immediately afterwards. Cohen and LaVicka previously co-hosted together. Cohen currently hosts his national show, “Questionable Call with Josh Cohen”on YouTube. LaVicka is currently the voice of Florida Atlantic University football & basketball, as well as the “Sports & Golf Boardroom” show on “FOX Sports South Florida.” Station brand and content director David Adams says, ”Josh & Ken are two of the best known and most respected voices in our community. I couldn’t be more excited to add them to the ‘FOX Sports South Florida’ lineup!”

Industry News

Audacy’s ESPN Memphis Announces Lineup Changes

Audacity sports talk WMFS-AM/FM, Memphis “92.9 FM ESPN” is making a series of programming changes as 16-year host and local columnist Geoff Calkins exits to focus on his role at the Daily Memphian. Effective January 12, “J&J” with John Martin and Jasonimg Smith will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and “Jeffrey Wright and Company” is expands to a three-hour show airing from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Station brand manager and operations manager Brad Carson comments, “Since helping launch the station in 2010, Geoff Calkins defined the brand through his unique ability to blend smart, prepared sports storytelling with deeply resonant coverage of the broader Memphis community. We’re excited for the new generation of talent he personally mentored to build upon the powerful legacy he leaves behind and the foundation he built. Our listeners can remain confident that the station will uphold its commitment to unrivaled sports coverage and the authentic, community-driven storytelling that Memphis relies on.”

Industry News

Cumulus Wins Injunction in Nielsen Case

Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Jeannette A. Vargas granted Cumulus Media a preliminary injunction against Nielsen that limits the price Nielsen can charge for national radio ratings while the case is in the court system. Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen allegingimg that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on the separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data. Vargas’ injunction orders Nielsen to cease conditioning national ratings access on local subscriptions during ongoing contract negotiations. It also bars Nielsen from charging a commercially unreasonable rate for its nationwide ratings when sold as a standalone product while the case proceeds.

Industry News

Newsmax Files Petition to Deny in Nexstar-Tegna Merger

Newsmax Media, Inc filed a Petition to Deny on December 31 asking the Federal Communications Commission to block the proposed $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA Inc., saying that the deal would violate federal law, harmimg competition, raise prices for consumers, and damage local news across the country. If the deal is approved, Nexstar would become the largest TV station owner in the nation owning 244 television stations across 44 states. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “This merger would create an unprecedented and dangerous consolidation within the broadcast TV industry, giving them immense control over local news and political news coverage.” Newsmax says that the national television ownership cap was set by Congress at 39% of U.S. television households in 2004 and explicitly stripped the FCC of authority to modify it and argues that any change in the cap by the FCC, including waivers, is a direct violation of law. See the Newsmax story here. 

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Connoisseur Media Names Tina Murley SVP

Connoisseur Media names Tina Murley senior vice president, Western Region and marketimg manager for San Francisco and San Jose. Murley was most recently chief revenue officer for Beasley Media Group. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Tina is exactly the kind of leader we look for at Connoisseur. She brings exceptional operational instincts and a people-first leadership style that aligns perfectly with our culture. We could not be more excited to welcome her to the Connoisseur family as we continue to grow our presence on the West Coast.”

Industry News

Salem Radio Network Covers Maduro Arraignment

Salem Radio Network announces that today’s Chris Stigall Show and the Mike Gallagherimg Show will both present live coverage of the expected arraignment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on narco-trafficking charges in New York City. Salem Radio Network VP/news and talk programming Tom Tradup interviewed Venezuelan citizens in the Dallas area, saying, “Like their counterparts in Washington, D.C., Chicago and elsewhere, Venezuelans in Dallas appear to be overjoyed that President Trump removed the dictator who had ruled over their home country.”

Industry News

WABC, New York Adds Concha to Weeknights

Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York adds Joe Concha to its weeknight lineup,img airing from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Concha has been hosting a Sunday show from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and will continue in that role. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is exactly the kind of smart, credible, non-nonsense voice we promised our listeners. Listeners trust Joe and his ratings success backs that up. We are delighted to add him to our weeknight programming.” Concha is a columnist, author, and FOX News contributor.