Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Change of Corporate Officers at iHeartMedia. In an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, iHeartMedia states that it has transitioned Scott Hamilton from his role as the its principal accounting officer to a consulting arrangement. Michael B. McGuinness, the company’s executive vice president, deputy chief financial officer, is designated as the company’s principal accounting officer. iHeartMedia states, “Mr. Hamilton’s change in status is not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the company, including with respect to any matters relating to the company’s accounting practices or financial reporting.”

SiriusXM Announces U.S. Open Coverage. SiriusXM is the exclusive national audio broadcaster for the 125th U.S. Open Championship, and will offer live shot-by-shot coverage across all four days of Championship play – June 12-15 – from Oakmont Country Club, outside Pittsburgh. The broadcast team will feature Taylor Zarzour and Brian Katrek as the play-by-play voices, alongside analysts Steve Melnyk and Brendon de Jonge. Three-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin will join the SiriusXM team on air to provide analysis during the Saturday and Sunday rounds.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 2 – 6, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/2-6/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump-Musk War
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt / Debt Ceiling
3. Medicaid Cuts
4. Trump vs Harvard & Columbia
5. ICE Raids / Deportations
6. Trump Doubles Steel & Aluminum Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
7. Colorado Fire Attack
8. Biden Health Coverup / Biden Actions Investigation
9. Ukraine Drone Strikes on Russia / Deadly Gaza Violence
10.Travel Ban / Iran Nukes

               People

1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Mike Johnson
4. Rand Paul / Mike Lee
5. Linda McMahon
6. Xi Jinping
7. Volodymyr Zelensky
8. Joe Biden
9. Mohamed Soliman
10.Benjamin Netanyahu

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

Industry News

FCC Commissioner Simington Announces Surprise Resignation

Republican FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington – who joined the Commission during President Trump’s first term – surprised the industry on Wednesday (6/4) by issuing a statement announcing his exit from the Commission. He said, “I will be concluding my tenure at the Federal Communications Commission at theimg end of this week. It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the American people as a Commissioner. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility by President Donald J. Trump during his first term. The Commission is in excellent hands under the leadership of my distinguished colleague, Chairman Brendan T. Carr, and is supported by an extraordinary staff whose dedication to public service is second to none. Throughout my tenure, I worked to defend free expression, safeguard national security, and promote infrastructure investment to benefit all Americans… I look forward to continuing to serve the public interest in the years ahead and to contributing to the vital conversations surrounding our communications infrastructure, national security, and technological leadership. I remain committed to advancing the cause of limited government, free speech, and American innovation. These principles guided my time at the Commission and will continue to shape my future endeavors. As I move forward, I remain committed to shaping the future of communications policy and will continue to advocate for the values and priorities that have guided my public service.”

Industry News

Kathy Walker Leaving Full-Time KOA, Denver News Director Post

Longtime news radio pro Kathy Walker announces that she is “sunsetting” her life as a full-time broadcasterimg and regional news director position with iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver.  She says, “iHeartMedia has graciously agreed to keep me part time, so you will still hear me anchor a newscast here or there… I have been honored to talk and write my way through 35 years at KOA.”

Industry News

WHO-AM, Des Moines Unveils Saturday Agriculture Show

iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO-AM, Des Moines “NewsRadio 1040 WHO” is launching a new agriculture program titled, “We Speak Farm Saturday,” airing from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. The station says that longtime WHO-AM farm director Bob Quinn, along with co-farm director Duane Murley, producer of ‘The Big Show’img Nathan Fischer, and fellow farm department contributors are teaming up to produce the debut show this Saturday (6/7). WHO adds, “‘We Speak Farm Saturday’ builds upon all that’s delivered throughout the week during ‘The Big Show’ with a Market Recap, a weekly ‘Agriculture USA’ segment from the USDA, insightful conversations on Iowa farming, agronomy and food, and will also cover topics such as gardening, farmers markets, rodeos and county fairs.” WHO program director Cole Blair comments, “We are always looking to deliver more for the hard-working farmers and all those involved in Iowa’s agriculture industry at WHO, so we’re proud to expand our Ag programming with the launch of ‘We Speak Farm Saturday.’ When farmers and Ag industry workers get in the truck, tractor or workplace on Saturday it’s only right we’re there with them, too.”

Industry News

NPR Stays Atop Podtrac Podcasts Chart for May

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts chart for May based on U.S. unique monthly audience and NPR’s “NPR News Now” remains ranked #1, followed by The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” atimg #3. Radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” steady at #6, iHeartPodcasts’ “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” rising two spots to #9, and Silverloch’s “VINCE” falling two places to #20. See the complete chart here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Premiere Launches “Comedy Saved Me”. Premiere Networks and Buzz Knight announce the launch of a new podcast, “Comedy Saved Me,” hosted by TV and radio pro Lynn Hoffman. In each episode, Hoffman sits down with comedians, entertainers, and cultural voices to share personal, powerful stories about how comedy changed their lives, and sometimes even saved them.

Jones Joins WNYC/Gothamist. Journalist Gabrielle Jones joins the local news team at WNYC/Gothamist as the director of digital news and audience. The public media organization says Jones will work with the newsroom, live radio shows, and across New York Public Radio to grow audiences on WNYC’s local news website Gothamist, the WNYC app, their newsletters and social media.

Radio CEOs Speak with Chachi. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes interviews two group heads on his podcast, “Chachi Loves Everybody.” The most recent edition of his podcast series features Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy and Meruelo Media president and CEO Otto Padron.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/4)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Debt Ceiling Debate
2. Trump Issues Travel Ban
3. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
4. Biden Actions Investigation
5. Trump vs Harvard and Columbia

Industry News

Beasley Unveils “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo”

 

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Beasley Media Group announces that the afternoon drive show on WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” is “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo” and debuts on Monday (6/9), airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bill Colarulo (above, left) had been a fill-in host with the station before becoming a full-time part of the station’s midday Mike Missanelli show. Colarulo takes over the role that opened up when Tryrone Johnson exited the station at the end of April. Ricky Bottalico (above, right) and Sylvana Kelleher had been part of that show. Bottalico says, “I’ve never been one to sugarcoat things, and that’s exactly what this show is about – raw, real, and unfiltered. Philly fans deserve honesty, and Bill and I are here to give it to them straight – no fluff, just great sports talk.” Colarulo adds, “This city lives and breathes sports, and getting the chance to be part of that conversation every afternoon with Ricky is something I don’t take for granted. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to bring passionate, informed, and entertaining Philly sports talk to our listeners every day.” Station PD Scott Masteller says, “I’m thrilled to bring Ricky and Bill together for afternoons on ‘The Fanatic.’ Ricky’s passion, energy, and deep knowledge of the game, combined with Bill’s sharp analysis and connection with our audience, make for a dynamic duo that’s going to resonate with Philly sports fans in a big way.”

Industry News

Stephen A. Smith Joins SiriusXM for Daily and Weekly Programs

Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith is joining SiriusXM to produce two programs for the satcaster. SiriusXM says the multi-year agreement includes Smith hosting a new, daily sports talk show on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel in addition to a weekly program covering current events, pop culture, and socialimg commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Biemolt to President of Digital Sales

Audacy promotes Michael Biemolt to president of digital sales. In this role, Biemolt will spearhead all national and local digital sales strategies, focusing on Audacy’s “dedication to delivering innovative solutionsimg and outcomes that matter for its partners.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Our growing digital portfolio will benefit from this new organizational structure, setting Audacy up perfectly for further success. With Michael at the helm, we will lean into his expertise, experience and creativity to further energize our digital sales, unlocking new opportunities and creating better workflows and results for our local and national teams. We’re excited about what this means for our client partners and colleagues.” Biemolt most recently served as executive vice president at Audacy where he was responsible for leading digital transformation efforts and helping grow national sales capabilities.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Florida’s Voice Radio Adds Affiliates. Conservative talk host Drew Steele’s “Florida’s Voice Radio” program adds new affiliates as WDBO, Orlando; WOKV, Jacksonville; and WROD, Daytona Beach add the program to their lineups. Steele says, “I’m thrilled to join the lineups of WDBO, WOKV, and WROD. Florida has some of the most passionate and engaged listeners anywhere, and I can’t wait to connect with them and be part of what matters to these communities.”

Stefanik Makes News on Sid & Friends. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said on the “Sid & Friends” morning show on WABC, New York that she is considering a gubernatorial run. Politico reports that Stefanik said to Sid Rosenberg, “We need to save New York, and I’m taking a very strong look. I’m going to make a decision in the coming months.”

“The Breakfast Club” Hits Download Milestone. iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network celebrate “The Breakfast Club” podcast surpassing one billion downloads. The show was launched in 2010 on iHeartMedia New York’s “Power 105.1” and the company says it “quickly became a must-stop destination for musicians, entertainers, politicians and the most talked about cultural figures of the moment. Since then, it has amassed a dedicated following captivated by the honest opinions and cultural breakdowns from current hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious and Charlamagne Tha God.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/3)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Big, Beautiful Bill / Musk Criticism
2. Trump Doubles Steel & Aluminum Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
3. Hegseth to Rename USNS Harvey Milk
4. ICE Raids / Deportations
5. Emergency Abortion Policy

Industry News

Michael Harrison Interviews Mark Walters

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TALKERS EXCLUSIVETALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (left) is pictured conducting an exclusive interview yesterday (6/2) with “Armed American Radio” host Mark Walters (right) about this recent court case and groundbreaking defamation lawsuit against Open AI and ChatGPT.  To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Derek Hunter Named PM Drive Host at WMAL-FM, Washington

Cumulus Media officially names Derek Hunter afternoon drive talk host at “News Talk 105.9” WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. Hunter has been a regular fill-in host on the station since 2011. Hunter is also a senior columnist for Townhall.com, a podcaster, and a former managing editor at The Daily Caller. He previouslyimg served as a fill-in host for “The Rush Limbaugh Show.”  WMAL program director Bill Hess says, “We’re thrilled to have Derek’s fresh voice and perspective on our fulltime lineup. His width of interests will make for a fun and informative afternoon program as we wrestle this news cycle each day.” Hunter comments, “I couldn’t be more excited – this is a homecoming for me. Returning to where I first hosted is a great feeling. I’ve been fortunate to fill in across the lineup – from ‘O’Connor and Company’ to Chris Plante, and even for Rush Limbaugh. To now have a permanent home here is incredibly special. I want to thank Bill Hess, Jeff Boden, and all of Cumulus for this amazing opportunity.”

Industry News

Woodward Makes Frequency and Programming Moves in Springfield

Woodward Community Media announces a frequency swap and programming changes to its stations in Springfield, Illinois that will take effect on July 1. News/talk WMAY-AM/FM is moving from 92.7 FM to 97.7 FM. The company’s rock WQLZ is returning to its old home at 92.7. The “AM Springfield” morning showimg hosted by Sam Madonia and Greg Halbleib moves from sister sports talk station WFMB-AM/W222CG to WMAY-AM/FM. Current WMAY morning personality Patrick Pfingsten moves to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart as host of “PM Springfield.” Back over at Sports Radio 92.3 FM/1450 AM, the station debuts a new morning show called, “The Morning Huddle with Darin Pritchett.” Woodward market manager Kevin O’ Dea says, “We’ve heard our listeners loud and clear. These changes allow us to better serve our audiences with the content they love, while strengthening our ties to the community.”

Industry News

Bertrand Celebrates 40 Years with WGN, Chicago

Nexstar Media’s WGN Radio announces that afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand celebrates his 40th anniversary with the station today (6/3). Bertrand has hosted several shows and anchored news on nearly every part of the clock during his tenure with WGN. Station VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyleimg states, “Steve has shared his entire broadcasting career with the WGN Radio audience and built respect, trust, and friendships along the way. It’s a special relationship and four decades deserves recognition.” Bertrand started at WGN Radio as an intern and was hired full-time in 1985. He has been in the news anchor chair since 1992. Bertrand reflects, “Growing up in a small town, I always had my eye on moving to the big city. Never during those years of daydreaming would I have imagined the career I’ve had at WGN Radio. I have worked with, and still do work with, some of the best in radio. I’m so grateful. And lucky. Back in the day, many people might have considered my fantasy a pipe dream. But, it turns out, dreams can come true.”

Industry News

WWO: Agencies & Advertisers Underestimate AM/FM

This week’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study and research from Advertiser Perceptions and finds that agencies and advertisers underestimate AM/FM’s share of audience. The blog post notes that an Advertiser Perceptionsimg study of 303 media agencies and marketers conducted in August 2024 found the perceived combined audience share of Pandora/Spotify is 43%, much greater than the perceived share of AM/FM radio (27%). In reality, “According to the Q1 2025 Share of Ear, AM/FM radio’s persons 18+ share of ad-supported audio (68%) is 14 times larger than ad-supported Pandora (5%) and ad-supported Spotify (5%).” The data also reveals that podcasts take the second-place spot with a 20% share. Ad-supported Pandora (5%), ad-supported Spotify (5%), and ad-supported SiriusXM (3%) lag distantly. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

Lionel to Host WABC’s “The Other Side of Midnight”

Red Apple Media Group announces that Lionel is assuming hosting duties for the station’s overnight program, “The Other Side of Midnight,” formerly hosted by newly elected New York City Councilor Frankimg Morano. Lionel comments, “I’m honored beyond words to be back at WABC – where it all began, my alma mater, the greatest talk radio station in the world. Legendary, historic, storied, unmatched in its legacy. This isn’t just radio, it’s home. It’s the gold standard, the birthplace of giants. And now, I’m back where I belong.”

Industry News

WCCO Raises $92k in Cancer Auction

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Audacy’s news/talk WCCO, Minneapolis raised more than $92,000 during its third annual “Cure Blood Cancer Radio Auction” benefitting the NMDP Registry supporting bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants through research, patient assistance grants and adding more potential donors. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane says, “We are overwhelmed by our fans’ incredible generosity, the considerate financial support from our corporate partners and the innovative contribution of ideas and time from our personalities. We had a blast auctioning off priceless, unique experiences and packages for a cause so close and personal to us and in honor of our friend, teammate and stem-cell transplant recipient Jordana Green (above left)!” Pictured at right above is WCCO host Chad Hartman.

Industry News

Former Chicago Radio Towers Fall

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ABC7 Chicago has video of the former towers for WCFL, WLUP-AM and ESPN 1000 in the 100 block of 39th Street in the suburb of Downers Grove being demolished. The station’s coverage notes “they were not the original towers. The towers went up in 2003 to replace the original towers that were erected in 1932.” See the video here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/2)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
2. ICE Arrests / Student Visas Policy
3. Ukraine Drone Strikes on Russia
4. Colorado Fire Attack
5. Deadly Gaza Violence

Industry News

RTDNA Wraps 2025 Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards

Winners in this year’s annual Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association have been announced. The RTDNA competition has been presented since 1971 and nowimg encompasses four divisions: Local TV and Radio; Network, Syndication Service, Program Service TV and Radio; Digital News Organizations; and Student Awards. RTDNA says the Murrow Awards “recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. Murrow Award-winning work demonstrates the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.” You can see the winners across the 14 regions here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia and BIG3 Basketball Ink Audio Deal

iHeartMedia and BIG3 – the professional three-on-three basketball league – announce a deal that makes iHeartMedia the audio home of BIG3 games. The league’s eighth season tips off on June 14 at Allstate Arena in Chicago with play-by-play on CBS and iHeartRadio. In addition to BIG3 games streamed live onimg iHeartRadio, the deal includes a cross-marketing collaboration of both brands throughout the BIG3 season with promotion nationally across iHeartMedia’s multiple platforms including broadcast radio, podcast digital, social and live events, with a heavy focus in “game” markets including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dallas and others. iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “We are very excited about our new partnership with BIG3 and having the opportunity to provide play-by-play coverage and promotional support to build further brand awareness, introducing the game to millions of more fans. We look forward to bringing the passion and excitement of BIG3 to our listeners on a local and national level week after week.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (5/31-6/1)

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

1. Trump Tariffs Ruling
2. Big, Beautiful Bill
3. Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russia
4. Colorado Flamethrower Attack
5. ICE Arrests / Student Visas Policy

Industry News

Jeffery Warshaw Sues Soros Fund Management for Breach of Contract

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw is suing Soros Fund Management for breach of contract, unfair trade practices and more in Connecticut Superior Court. In the complaint, Warshaw alleges that he had a deal with Soros Fund Management’s Michael Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquireimg Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. After that though, Warshaw says Del Nin balked and denied there was ever an agreement, calling any such claims “fabricated.” Warshaw is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and asking that the court award specific performance of their agreement.