Industry News

“98.5 The Sports Hub” Holding 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, “98.5 The Sports Hub” is hosting the 15th Annual “Who’s Your Caddy” Golf Classic on Monday, June 8, at Brookmeadow Country Club that will, with a major assist from the Boston Bruins Foundation, raise funds to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts. This year’s event will feature a new fan-imgfocused opportunity called, “We Need A 4th,” giving listeners the chance to bid online for the opportunity to join either the Fred Toucher, Rob ‘Hardy’ Poole & Jon Wallach foursome or the Tony Massarotti, Mike Felger & Jim Murray foursome. The highest bidder for each group will earn a coveted spot as the fourth player. Massarotti states, “We launched this event 15 years ago with the goal of combining our passion for sports, entertainment, and giving back. To see how much this tournament has grown over the years – and the incredible support from listeners, sponsors, and local organizations – has been truly rewarding. We’re excited to make this year’s event another memorable day for a great cause.” Since its launch in 2011, the “Who’s Your Caddy” Golf Classic has raised more than $300,000 for charities including Boston Children’s Hospital Pediatric Care Unit, Jaylen Brown’s 7uice Foundation, and now Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Industry News

Heritage Band Gunhill Road Cracks a Million Listens/Views Fueled by Talk Radio Exposure

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Talk radio-fueled music group Gunhill Road has surpassed one million listens and views on a variety of online platforms including YouTube. The four-member ensemble, consisting of Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and (TALKERS founder) Michael Harrison, has found a new worldwide online audience fueled largely by interviews and airplay on news/talk radio, specifically over the past six years. The group is known for its provocative lyrics and subject matter (which makes it popular with talk show hosts), along with eye-catching videos (produced by Matthew B. Harrison) and an array of superbly played musical styles. Gunhill Road has been writing and recording a wide variety of songs contained in four albums since the late-sixties, including the 1973 top 40 hit single, “Back When My Hair Was Short.” The group’s colorful history was the subject of a 2017 feature film documentary titled, “Every 40 Years.” They will be releasing their long-awaited fifth album in late June.

​Formed in Mount Vernon, New York by Steve Goldrich and Glenn Leopold in the late-sixties and named after an iconic thoroughfare in the Bronx, Gunhill Road has grown through several musical and personnel chapters for more than a half century. In its current incarnation, Gunhill Road addresses such compelling themes as politics, technology, relationships, aging, animal welfare, modern anxiety, the First Amendment and other issues that are aligned with the topics discussed on talk radio.

​Gunhill Road’s internet hits include:

“Idiots” click here

“AI (No Robots Were Injured in the Recording of this Song)” click here

“Close My Ears” click here

“Damn Scammers” click here

“Don’t Stop Talking” click here

“I Know You’re Real” click here

For more information about Gunhill Road call Barbara Kurland at TALKERS: 413-565-5413

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (5/20)

The most discussed stories yesterday (5/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Primary Results
  2. Iran War
  3. “Antiweaponization” Fund / Trump Immunity
  4. Gas-Food Prices
  5. U.S.-Cuba Tensions
Industry News

Bob Pittman and Boomer Esiason Among 2026 HoF Inductees

imgThe Radio Hall of Fame announces this year’s class of inductees and among them are iHeartMedia chairman Bob Pittman and WFAN, New York morning drive personality Boomer Esiason. The 2026 inductees will be honored at the 2026 Induction Ceremony on Thursday, October 8 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. See all the inductees here.

Industry News

The John Kasich Show to Debut on SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. Channel

Former Ohio Governor John Kasich is joining SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel as host of the Saturday morning political talk program “The John Kasich Show,” premiering this weekend (5/23). The former presidential candidate says, img“There’s too much shouting and not enough listening in our country right now. I’ve always believed in unity over division, personal responsibility, service to others, and the ability of everyday Americans to make a difference. This show is about slowing things down, having honest conversations, and creating a place where people can reflect, find clarity, and focus on what still unites us in a noisy world.” The show airs from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon ET with a Sunday replay.

Industry News

iHeartRadio Parters with Beach Football League

iHeartMedia announces its new partnership with the BFL – Beach Football League – that will “integrate iHeart’s expansive live radio, digital, podcast, social and live event platforms into the BFL’s growing national footprint, imgsupporting event promotion, fan engagement, entertainment programming, athlete storytelling, and community initiatives surrounding BFL events across the country.” Just what is the Beach Football League? It’s a new sports league founded by former NFL linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. “The BFL combines professional tackle football on sand with music, celebrity appearances, youth camps and festival-style beachfront entertainment experiences.” The partnership began last weekend with the Santa Cruz Beach Classic and continues with this Saturday’s Fiesta Hermosa Sunset Showdown.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (5/19)

The most discussed stories yesterday (5/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Primary Races / Massie Unseated
  2. Iran War
  3. “Antiweaponization” Fund / Trump Imunity
  4. Xi-Putin Meeting
  5. Ebola Outbreak
Industry News

The State of American Commuters and AM/FM Radio

This week’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the average American commute as well at the commutes of marketers and media agency pros. Two separate studies were commissioned to look into commuting habits and some of the takeaways from those studies include: 1) 64% of marketers and media agencies say they commute most or all days, an all-time imghigh since 2022 and 28% indicate they commute some days; 2) 85% of average Americans are commuting to work, slightly less than marketers and media agencies (92%); 3) Since AM/FM radio is the “soundtrack of the American worker,” it is the ideal media platform for advertisers; 4) AM/FM radio’s share of ad-supported audio in the car has been consistently dominant at an 83% share, according to Edison Research’s Q1 2026 “Share of Ear” report; 5) Average Americans are clocking slightly more days at work (4.7) compared to the advertising industry (4.4); and 5) Marketers/agencies and average Americans are most likely to work in the office Monday through Thursday with Friday seeing the lowest % of in-office work for both groups. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

Stephanie Tichenor Exits WLS-AM, Chicago

Programmer Stephanie Tichenor exited Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago last Friday after seven years in the role of program director and (more recently) director of social media. She posted to LinkedIn: “Radio is changing here in Chicago and across the country. I was laid off yesterday. I worked with Cumulus Media as Program Director and Director of Social Media for over 7 years. I worked with a wonderful team of professionals and I will cherish the friendships I have made. I’m grateful for my family and friends who support me, love me, and make me laugh every day. What’s next? I’m not sure. I am anxious. I am sad. Mostly I am hopeful.”

Industry News

Beasley Tampa Brand Manager Rick Thomas Resigns

Rick Thomas is leaving Beasley Media Group effective June 1 to begin a new chapter “with a focus on spending more time with his family.” He’s been serving as brand manager for the six-station cluster that includes sports talk WJBR-AM “Florida Alumni Radio.” Beasley chief content imgofficer Justin Chase comments, “Rick has been a steady, respected leader and a true partner across our teams. From leading nationally as a format leader at Summit Media and guiding successful multi-format brands in Tampa, New York, and Los Angeles, Rick brought an incredible depth of experience and strategic vision to Beasley. He has always led with passion, integrity, creativity, and a genuine commitment to both the brands and people around him. We’re grateful for the impact he made across the Tampa cluster and throughout the company, and we wish Rick and his family nothing but the very best in the future.”

Industry News

NPR Offering Newsroom Buyouts to Meet Budget Goals

NPR is reporting that it is “restructuring its newsroom, including cutting some reporting and editing jobs, as it attempts to keep pace with changing audience habits while adjusting to an era without federal subsidies.” NPR president and CEO Katherine Maher says the organization has to find img$8 million dollars to hit its $300-million annual budget. This is due in large part to the loss of federal subsidies to member stations who pay to air NPR programming.  NPR says it is offering buyouts to approximately 300 employees in newsroom positions (not including the staff or hosts on NPR’s news programs, who are not eligible), but that “the actual number of departing journalists will be far smaller.” NPR will accept up to 30 buyouts and adds that targeted layoffs would happen if not enough employees accept buyouts by May 26.

Industry News

“The Joe Rogan Experience” Tops Triton Digital’s Q1 2026 U.S. Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its Q1 2026 U.S. Podcast Ranker based on a survey of listeners/users – which is different from its monthly ranker that is based on weekly average imgdownloads for participating networks – and “The Joe Rogan Experience” is #1, followed by audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” at #2 and The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #3. Other podcasts of interest to TALKERS readers include: “The Tucker Carlson Podcast” at #19, “The Ramsey Show” at #30, “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #34, “The Megyn Kelly Show” at #43, and “The Dan Bongino Show” at #66. Triton also notes in this quarterly report that the top podcast categories by reach remain Comedy (43.6%), News (23.7%), and Society & Culture (21.2%). See the report here.

Industry News

“Jim Peters at Night” Getting Big-Time TikTok Views

Internet talk show host Jim Peters tells TALKERS that his show, “Jim Peters At Night,” has entered the top 1% of TikTok contributors based on views. Peters says his show imgdebuted on the internet as a live, video-based podcast on July 31, 2023, and recently streamed its 350th episode. Peters tells TALKERS, “We went from no presence on TikTok to the top one percent in five months. And amazingly, relatively speaking our average views by TikTok standards aren’t that high. But we generate so much content – from four shows weekly we’re posting about 40 shorts a week – that apparently that makes up for it.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (5/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (5/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War / Peace Negotiations
  2. Primary Elections
  3. Deadly Mosque Shooting
  4. “Antiweaponization” Fund
  5. Ebola Outbreak / Trump Rx
Industry News

JFMN Announces Debut of “Pennsylvania Posse” Show

The John Fredericks Media Network is expanding its one-hour, state-focused programming with a show titled, “The Pennsylvania Posse,” that will air each Monday at 9:00 am ET. JFMN says, “This isn’t scripted cable-TV nonsense. This is real talk. Real issues. Real imgfighters. ‘The Pennsylvania Posse’ brings together some of the toughest and most influential conservative voices in the Keystone State.” Appearing on the program will be GOP strategist and political insider Mike Barley, Pennsylvania State Senators Doug Mastriano and Jarrett Coleman, and Pennsylvania State Representative Stephanie Borowicz. JFMN adds, “‘The Pennsylvania Posse’ will tackle the biggest issues facing Pennsylvania and the nation: election integrity, border security, energy independence, inflation, parental rights, government corruption, the economy, and the battle to save the American Dream.” This show joins the other state-focused weekly programs: “Texas Truth Line” (Tuesdays), “Peach Crew” (Wednesdays), “DC Dispatch” (Thursdays), and “Virginia Gang” (Fridays).

Industry News

Free Memorial Day Weekend Show from Fisher House Foundation Available to Radio Stations

Fisher House Foundation is presenting a Memorial Day edition of the radio program, “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey,” that’s being made available to stations free of charge. It’s available in varying lengths – three-hour, one-hour, 25 minutes and 30 minutes – for news/talk stations and a 30-minuite public affairs show for all imgformats. The program is hosted by talk radio personality Larry O’Connor and tells the stories of America’s military heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary, free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care because “A Family’s LOVE is Good Medicine.” 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 Invictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. Listeners will hear about the riveting war stories detailing the injuries these heroes sustained, the ensuing medical and therapeutic healing process, right through the triumph on the field of international sports, as these brave veterans continue their dedication of service, representing America in international competition. Get information and register for the show here

Industry News

SRN News Unveils “Faith & Freedom” Series

Salem Radio Network News is launching a multi-week special series titled, “Faith & Freedom,” that will air today (5/18) through July 4th. On the series, House Speaker Mike Johnson – featured regularly on SRN’s “This Week on Capitol Hill” with Tony Perkins – will offer his perspective on the upcoming 250th birthday of our nation, along with imgmany other prominent political and religious leaders including Rev. Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse; Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church in Tennessee; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Evangelist Alex McFarland; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC); Dr. Erwin Lutzer, former head of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute; and United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. SRN vice president of News and Talk Programming Tom Tradup says, “This special series will give national prominence to the religious freedoms Americans are blessed to enjoy in the words of men and women who are strong leaders in both political and religious life in our nation.”

Industry News

“Talk of Delmarva” Host Kevin Wade Dies

Family, friends, co-workers and talk radio listeners in the Delmarva region are mourning the passing of Kevin Wade, whose radio show imgwas heard on Datatech Digital’s WGMD, Rehoboth Beach and WUSX-FM, Seaford in Delaware. Wade’s primary career was in engineering and technology. But he ran for the U.S. Senate unsuccessfully became a regular guest host on “The Talk of Delmarva.” The station says, “Friends, colleagues, and listeners remember Wade as a determined advocate who never hesitated to stand up for his beliefs. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, he remained engaged in public discourse and continued contributing to conversations important to the Delmarva community.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (May 16-17)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (5/16-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War
  2. Rededicate 250 Prayer Rally
  3. Trump-Xi Summit Aftermath
  4. Inflation / Trump Poll Numbers
  5. Georgia & Kentucky GOP Primaries
Industry News

TALKERS 2026 to Present 60-Plus Speakers in a Power Packed Day

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The dynamic agenda is set for the 28th installment of the annual TALKERS conference that will take place on Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. The longest running and most important national talk media conference – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – will feature more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power-packed day full of existential industry takeaways and platform/career building networking opportunities. The conference is heading toward being an early sellout. Don’t miss this! For up to the minute agenda, registration, and hotel information, please click here.

Industry News

Red Apple’s News Network Announces Journalist Hires; Announces Launch Date of May 23

Red Apple Audio Networks will launch its 24-hour national radio news service – Worldwide News Network – on Saturday, May 23. The company says the previously announced venture led by VP of news Lee Harris will deliver to stations “professionally produced top and bottom of the hour newscasts every hour, seven days a week, while simultaneously igniting one of the most aggressive newsroom staffing initiatives in radio imgsyndication.” Red Apple says is has brought aboard former CBS Radio broadcast journalists Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper as “the first major hires in what will be a rapid buildout of the network’s team of elite news anchors, correspondents, writers, and producers.” Harris says, “We are assembling top-tier journalists and building a modern radio news operation rooted in speed, authority, and facts – one that stations can rely on and listeners can trust.” Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis adds, “Our mission is to be the most trusted news gathering organization in media. We are creating a powerful, around-the-clock newsroom designed to compete at the highest level of broadcast audio news. Facts are what will drive the Worldwide News Network. We’re looking forward to our expansion in the European markets.”

Industry News

Urban One Q1 2026 Net Revenue Down 15.8%

Urban One reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and states that net revenue for the period was approximately $77.7 million, a decrease of 15.8% from the same period in 2025. The company reports an operating loss of approximately $2.2 million in Q1 of 2026, compared to operating income of approximately $2.1 million during the same period imga year ago. Additionally, Urban One reports a net loss of approximately $3.1 million for the period, compared to the net loss of $11.7 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III states, “First quarter revenue was soft across all divisions, with TV down 18.5%, Digital down 33.5%, Radio down 6.4% and Reach Media dropped by 17.0%. We had budgeted for a down-quarter in our Radio and TV divisions, but not at Reach Media and Digital… In Radio, our Miller Kaplan local Radio revenues were down 5.5% year-over-year vs the market down 7.1% and national was down 8.2%, vs the market down 6.7%. Including local digital, first quarter Radio revenue was down 2.8%. We did approximately $1.0 million in gross political advertising in the first quarter and have another $1.0 million on the books for the second quarter. Radio second quarter is pacing down 2.6%. We are in a turnaround situation at Reach Media, where we continue to be impacted by a weak marketplace, key client attrition and sales team re-building. Digital also had a soft first quarter, driven by weak advertiser demand but second quarter is forecasted to be up, and there is optimism for the back half of the year based on the current sales pipeline.”

Industry News

Beasley Cuts Evening Local Shows at “97.5 The Fanatic”

Several reports indicate that Beasley Media Group has cut the local weekday evening show at WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” in what is a budget-related move with Kevin Cooney exiting the station. imgKevin Kinkead at Crossing Broad reports, The station will be ending local weekday programming at 6:00 pm, airing a two-hour “best of” show from 6 to 8, and then shifting to national programming afterward. That’s according to super-secret sources. It means the Fanatic will broadcast its normal daypart lineup – Kincade and Salciunas in the morning, Marks and Brace middays, and then ‘Unfiltered’ with Bill Colarulo and Ricky Bo in the afternoon, but there will no longer be Fanatic hosts doing local shows after 6 p.m. For instance, no Kevin Cooney or Brendan Gunn on the evening shift, which had been generically branded as “Philly Sports Tonight.” Read the Crossing Broad story here.

Industry News

Connoisseur Sells South Dakota Stations

Connoisseur Media is selling six South Dakota stations to local operator Riverfront Broadcasting led by Doyle and Carolyn Becker. The stations imginclude news/talk stations KSDR-AM and KWAT-AM in Watertown along with four music-formatted signals. Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Riverfront Broadcasting being a South Dakota-based company, understands the local market and can carry on providing local content and will excel in serving the community.” Riverfront president Carolyn Becker comments, “We are very happy to bring local ownership and local focus back to these great stations in the community.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2026 to Present WBT Morning Duo

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The 28th installment of the iconic TALKERS conference – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – is only three weeks away, set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island. The longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering has aggregated a lineup of more than 60 industry luminaries in a series of non-stop presentations, panels, and workshops tackling the existential issues facing talk radio and its associated spoken word media platforms. It promises to be a bonanza of takeaways and networking opportunities.

One of the event’s special presentations is “Behind the Scenes at a Major News/Talk Radio Morning Show” featuring the tremendously successful team of Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman of Radio One’s heritage outlet, WBT, Charlotte. Thompson and Troutman will present candid insights into the complexities of what makes a modern era full-service morning show tick in 2026. It will take place between 12:25 and 12:45 pm and is not to be missed. Thompson and Troutman will also broadcast their 6:00 – 10:00 am show that morning live from Hofstra’s state-of-the-art WRHU studios.

For up-to-date agenda, registration, and sponsorship information about TALKERS 2026, please click here.

Industry News

Oxley to Retire from WTOP, Washington

Hubbard Broadcasting’s Washington, DC market president and general manager Joel Oxley announces is retiring later this year from the company he’s served with for almost 35 years. Hubbard says, “Under Oxley’s leadership, flagship brands WTOP News, Federal News Network img(FNN), and 2060 Digital have achieved consistent growth in revenue, profitability, and audience reach. The organization is on track to exceed last year’s performance and outperform its 2026 budget, reflecting strong results across digital, audio, video, and social platforms.” Oxley adds, “Our success is the result of extraordinary people doing exceptional work every day. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented journalists, finance people, marketers, sales professionals, tech people and leaders in the industry.” Hubbard Broadcasting president and CEO Ginny Hubbard states, “Joel’s leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to excellence have shaped this organization for decades. His impact on our people and our brands is lasting, and we are grateful for his remarkable service. We are also incredibly grateful that he is willing to continue offering his experience and expertise to the company once he steps away from leading WTOP-WFED’s daily operations and strategy.”

Industry News

Buffalo Bills Jump from Audacy to Cumulus for Radio Flagship

The NFL’s Buffalo Bills are moving from Audacy’s sports talk WGR, imgBuffalo to Cumulus Media’s WGRF-FM “97 Rock” as the flagship radio station for the Buffalo Bills Radio Network. The marks a return to “97 Rock” after 14 years with WGR. In the Bills broadcast booth will be Chris Brown, who returns for his fourth season as play-by-play announcer, joined by color analyst and former Bills Pro Bowl center Eric Wood for his seventh season. Bills legend Steve Tasker will join the game day coverage team as the sideline reporter.

Industry News

WFAN, New York Presents Live Remote Ahead of Subway Series

Audacy’s WFAN, New York is broadcasting remotely all day today (5/15) from the MLB Flagship Store in New York City ahead of tonight’s subway series matchup between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. The station’s entire weekday lineup will broadcast from the store as the imgday leads up to the New York Yankees pre-game show at 6:35 pm and the play-by-play broadcast with Dave Sims and Suzyn Waldman. WFAN brand manager Ryan Hurley comments, “In a city that lives for baseball, WFAN is proud to serve as the flagship home for the Yankees, and a year-round destination for fans of both New York clubs to stay up-to-date and informed about their favorite team. We are excited to celebrate this legendary rivalry alongside MLB at their New York flagship store and bring the passion New York sports fans have.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (May 11-15)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/11-15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Trump in China
  2. Iran War / Strait of Hormuz
  3. Gas Prices / Inflation Spikes
  4. Redistricting
  5. Warsh Confirmed as Fed Chair
  6. Patel Testimony / Hegseth Testimony
  7. Abortion Pill Order
  8. Reflecting Pool & Ballroom Controversies
  9. UK Election Results – Keir Starmer Challenged
  10. Hantavirus

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Xi Jinping
  3. Marco Rubio
  4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  5. Kevin Warsh / Jerome Powell
  6. Kash Patel
  7. Pete Hegseth
  8. Mike Johnson
  9. Hakeem Jeffries
  10. Keir Starmer

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

Industry News

Salem Media Net Revenue Falls 11.2%

Salem Media reveals its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and reports net revenue of $45.9 million, a decline of 11.2% from the same period in 2025. For Q1, Salem is reporting a net loss of $2.57 million, down from the net loss of $7.1 million it reported during the first quarter of img2025. Looking at Salem’s business segments, the company reports Broadcast Programming Revenue (from local and national block programming) of $17.2 million in Q1 of 2026, while Broadcast Advertising Revenue (national & local spot, network advertising) was $9.27 million during the quarter. Meanwhile, Salem’s total digital revenue for the period was $18.1 million. Salem Media announced this week that it is in the process of being acquired by WaterStone in a stock purchase deal that will take the company private.

Industry News

Mike Foss Rises to EVP at ESPN

ESPN names Mike Foss executive vice president, executive editor, Sports News and Entertainment, assuming the role from the retiring David Roberts. Roberts and Foss will work together on a transition of the role in the coming months. Foss has been serving with the company as imgSVP, Sport Studio & Entertainment since 2023. ESPN president of content Burke Magnus states, “In his nine years with ESPN, Mike has continually demonstrated his collaborative leadership style and excellent organizational and management skills, as well as his boundless vision, innovation and creativity. I am confident that he will continue to do so in his new role and help make us better every day.” The company says Foss will continue collaborating closely with “The Pat McAfee Show” and he will oversight of ESPN’s Creative Content Unit and Studio Enhancement Team.

Industry News

Mark Kaye Launches AI-Powered Media Analysis Tool

Radio personality and podcast host Mark Kaye is releasing what he calls a “first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence tool that lets users expose bias, spin, and missing context in news headlines and articles in real time.” It’s called RightPen.ai and Kaye tells TALKERS he’s making the tool imgavailable to radio hosts and producers free of charge. Kaye says, “I built this for me. I needed a faster way to break down what the media was actually saying versus what they were leaving out. Then I showed it to a few people. Then a few more. And it hit me. Every American deserves this tool. Not just hosts. Not just journalists. Everyone.” Kaye says RightPen.ai’s signature feature is the trademark Red Pen Correction Tool, which marks up news articles and headlines the way an English teacher marks up a bad essay. Bias gets circled. Spin gets crossed out. Missing context gets added in. The corrections appear directly on the article itself. Hosts or producers interested can reach out to Mark Kaye at support@rightpen.ai.

Industry News

CTBS Podcast Network Launches “Nation States with Yates”

Premiere Networks says The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network is debuting a new podcast hosted by foreign policy strategist and former White House national security advisor Steve Yates, titled, “Nation States with Yates.” Premiere says, “‘Nation States with Yates’ is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign imgpolicy, and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. In each episode, Yates draws on his decades of experience across government, policy, and advisory roles to break down how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.” Yates comments, “The world comes at you fast, not just at the White House, but at your house. My pledge to you in each episode is to deliver concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, what they mean for the United States, and what they mean for your world.”

Industry News

FIFA World Cup Coverage to Be Heard on iHeartRadio

FOX Sports is the English-language home for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the network is partnering with iHeartMedia to bring the call of every match to broadcast radio and digital streaming from June 11 through the Final on July 19. iHeartMedia chief programming officer Tom Poleman imgsays, “This summer’s World Cup will be the biggest yet, with more teams than ever competing as the U.S. Men’s National Team takes the global stage on home soil, and we’re thrilled to partner with FOX Sports to bring this monumental tournament to our combined audiences. This partnership allows us to deliver complete, live coverage at an unprecedented scale, reaching fans wherever they are – at home, in the car or on the go – and connecting them to the passion and unforgettable moments of the World Cup.”