Industry News

NCC and Connoisseur Media Announce Educational Collaboration

Long Island’s Nassau Community College and its award-winning radio station WHPC-FM, announce a collaboration with Connoisseur Media Long Island that is designed to provide students with valuable real-world experiences, professional mentorship, and pathways to careers in broadcasting, marketing, journalism, sales, digital media, and related fields. NCC will imgprovide CMLI with opportunities to engage with students and the campus community through WHPC and select college events. The college will also make available WHPC-produced public affairs programming, as well as student-produced content for potential use across CMLI’s stations. Connoisseur Media regional SVP Kristin Okesson says, “We’re excited to partner with Nassau Community College to help inspire and develop the next generation of radio and media talent. Partnerships like these create a direct pipeline for passionate students to gain real-world experience, build important industry connections, and ultimately become the future superstars of our business. We appreciate Shawn Novatt and the NCC team for their commitment to creating these opportunities, and we look forward to working together to support students as they begin their careers in broadcasting and media.”

Industry News

NYPR Announces Three Promotions

New York Public Radio president and CEO Christy Tanner announces the promotions of Emily Botein, Stephanie Clary and Eileen Delahunty to editorial and creative leadership roles across WNYC and Gothamist, WNYC Studios and WQXR. Botein is now head of WNYC Studios, Clary rises to editor-in-chief of the WNYC imgand Gothamist newsrooms, and Delahunty is now head of WQXR. Tanner says, “Stephanie, Emily and Eileen are exceptional, forward-looking leaders with deep commitment to excellence in journalism, culture and storytelling. As audiences increasingly engage with content across multiple platforms, we’re focused on creating experiences that connect our award-winning newsrooms, podcasts, live events and cultural partnerships. I’m excited to see the continued collaboration across NYPR as we strengthen our mission and help shape the future of public media for the next generation.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 1-5)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/1-5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Iran War / War Powers Resolution
  2. Primary Races
  3. Pelley Firing / Status of “60 Minutes”
  4. “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Nixed
  5. The Economy / Gas Prices
  6. Redistricting
  7. Delaney Hall Protests
  8. Ballroom Project
  9. 250th Celebration Performers Controversy / Kennedy Center Ruling
  10. Bolton to Plead Guilty

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Thomas Massie / Tom Barrett / Brian Fitzpatrick / Warren Davidson
  3. Scott Pelley / Bari Weiss / Nick Bilton
  4. Todd Blanche
  5. Scott Bessent
  6. Mike Johnson
  7. Joe Biden
  8. JD Vance
  9. David Venturella
  10. John Bolton

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

Industry News

MIW Opens Application Window for Programming Mentorship

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the opening of applications for its 8th Annual Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship. MIW says, “Designed specifically for women working in radio programming, the year-long mentorship imgconnects one rising programming professional with some of the industry’s most accomplished content leaders. Through personalized mentorship, strategic networking opportunities, and career-focused guidance, the program is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership skills and accelerate their professional growth.” The mentorship is open to one female brand manager, content/program director, assistant program director, or music director from any U.S.-based radio format. Applications are open now and will be accepted through July 2, 2026. Find out more and apply here.

Industry News

Nielsen: News/Talk Remains Top Format for Total Radio Listening

Nielsen issues its quarterly “report card” – called The Record- on listening by U.S. consumers and says that, for persons 18+, 62% imgof Americans listen to AM/FM radio as part of their daily audio consumption. Podcast listening gets 20% with ad-supported streaming getting 16%, and ad-supported satellite radio accounting for 2%. The report also indicates that the news/talk radio format maintained its position as the top format with 10.9% share of total radio listening (P18+), a slight uptick from the 10.8% it captured in Q4 2025. All-news listening also increased, climbing from 2.7% to 2.9%. See more about the report here.

Industry News

Montana Talk Host Wins Congressional Primary

Montana talk radio host Aaron Flint is projected to win the Republican primary for the U.S. House seat for Montana’s 1st imgCongressional District. Flint is host of the morning drive show “Montana Talks” heard across Townsquare Media news/talk stations in Montana, including KBUL, Billings and KMMS, Bozeman. Flint took leave of his radio show to run for office. According to the Associated Press, Flint will face the winner of the four-way race in the Democratic primary. Flint’s campaign says he is emphasizing “making the Montana dream affordable again,” by reducing regulatory burdens on building homes, encouraging trades education and boosting the U.S. timber industry.

Industry News

John Kincade to Leave “97.5 The Fanatic” This Summer

Beasley Media Group announces that Philadelphia sports media pro and current morning drive co-host John Kincade will leave the “Kincade & Salciunas Morning Show” after the duo’s last program on July 31. Andrew Salciunas will continue to host the imgprogram. WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” program director Scott Masteller states, “John has brought tremendous passion, professionalism, and authenticity to our morning show and to the Philadelphia sports community. He’s been an important part of the station’s success, and we’re grateful for everything he has contributed both on the air and behind the scenes. We fully support his decision and wish him and his family nothing but the very best in this next chapter.” About his decision to leave the show, Kincade says, “After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided that this summer will be the right time for me to step away from mornings at ‘The Fanatic.’ This decision comes after a lot of reflection following my cancer battle and thinking carefully about what’s best for me and my family moving forward. I’m incredibly grateful to Beasley, to my teammates, and most importantly to the Philadelphia listeners who welcomed me back home in 2021 and supported me every step of the way. I’m proud of what we’ve built on the morning show and very confident in the future of ‘The Fanatic.’ There’s a tremendous team here both on-air and behind the scenes. I’m not retiring, and I’m excited to eventually explore what comes next professionally. Philadelphia has meant so much to me, and I can’t thank the fans enough for their support, especially during my health journey.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Content to Be Available on LG Smart TVs

iHeartMedia and LG Electronics have struck a deal that will see iHeartMedia’s more than 850 live iHeartRadio stations, digital-imgonly stations and its catalog of podcasts will now be available on the LG Radio+ app that’s included on LG Smart TVs running webOS 6.0 and above. iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne comments, “We are excited to integrate iHeartRadio into LG Radio+. This integration reflects our commitment to meeting listeners everywhere they are, making premium audio content even more accessible in a seamless experience across the connected home.”

Industry News

BFoA Announces 2026 Giving Day

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that its annual BFOA Giving Day will take place on Thursday, June 25. The initiative rallies the broadcast industry for a one-day fundraising effort to provide critical financial assistance to radio imgand television professionals facing acute hardship due to catastrophic illness, disaster, or other life-altering circumstances. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “We have a responsibility to stand beside our fellow broadcasters when devastating illness or catastrophe turns their lives upside down. Giving Day is an opportunity for every broadcaster — individuals and companies alike — to make a meaningful difference for colleagues facing unimaginable challenges. Our industry takes care of its own, and together we can ensure no broadcaster faces hardship alone.” Get more information about giving here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 to Present “The Big Picture” Super Panel

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TALKERS 2026 will continue to present one of the iconic conference’s most popular and impactful panel discussions – “The Big Picture.”

This year’s lineup of panelists is nothing short of superb: Steve Jones, president, CEO & Chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Chris Oliviero, chief business officer, Audacy; Frank Morano, Member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés,” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will moderate.

“The Big Picture” panel is more pertinent this year than ever before. According to Harrison, “Our goal will be to do exactly what the title implies – present a big picture overview of the state of radio and talk media as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, drawing upon the expertise and experience of a remarkably diverse and accomplished set of panelists. We will examine the relentless cultural, political, financial, and technological forces at work in America (and the world) that will impact the future of our field and its role in society at present and during the turbulent days ahead.”

The panel discussion that will tackle the big questions facing the talk media and radio industries will take place this Friday, June 5 – just three days from now – between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm on Television Soundstage “A” at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. This is the location at which all of the conference events will unfold.

All of the sessions at TALKERS 2026, including this one, will be video recorded for later playback on a number of platforms including the TALKERS MEDIA channel on YouTube.  For more information about registration, hotel and sponsorship, please click here.

Industry News

LaCroix Rises to PD at “105.7 The Fan”

Audacy’s sports talk WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” promotes Joe LaCroix to brand manager for the station in which he’ll be responsible for supporting the station’s content strategy, imgtalent, operations and branding. LaCroix joined the station in 2017 and has been executive producer of the “Big Bad Morning Show” since 2021. Audacy sports format VP Chris Kinard says, “Joe’s dedication over the past year has been nothing short of exceptional, constantly stepping up to support the team and taking on challenges outside his comfort zone. His tireless work ethic and natural ability to bring people together made him the obvious choice for brand manager.”

Industry News

Bolster Named GSM at JVC Panama City

JVC Broadcasting brings Panama City, Florida sales pro Stacie Bolster as general sales manager for the cluster that includes talk WYOO “Florida Man Radio” and three music brands. JVC says, “Bolster brings decades of experience in broadcast advertising, client development, team leadership, and revenue imggrowth. Her extensive market knowledge, longstanding relationships throughout the business community, and proven ability to help local businesses succeed make her an outstanding addition to the JVC Broadcasting leadership team.” Bolster comments, “I am honored to join JVC Broadcasting and excited for the opportunity to lead the sales efforts in Panama City. JVC has built an outstanding reputation for local programming, community involvement, and delivering results for advertisers. I look forward to working with our clients, our stations, and our growing sales team to help local businesses connect with consumers and achieve their goals.”

Industry News

Report: SiriusXM-iHeartMedia Talks Have Stalled

The New York Times’ DealBook reported on Friday (5/29) that the talks about a potential acquisition of iHeartMedia by SiriusXM are imgoff – at least for now. That the two media firms were in preliminary talks first broke in early May. As DealBook notes, there is a history between the two companies: “Liberty SiriusXM Group, once an affiliate of John Malone’s media empire, used to hold significant stakes in both companies. Liberty SiriusXM eventually sold its stake in iHeartMedia (primarily a broadcast radio company) and split off its ownership of SiriusXM (primarily a satellite radio company) into a separate entity.”

Industry News

Gallagher and Hudson Emcee South Carolina Candidates Forum

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Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher (left) and his regular guest host & WORD-FM, Greenville host Joey Hudson (right) served as co-emcees at a Statewide Candidates Forum in Upstate South Carolina sponsored by 989 WORD-FM. During the forum, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Everette surprised hudson by presenting him with the state’s highest civilian honor “The Order of the Palmetto,” issued by Governor Henry McMaster.

Industry News

Denny Long Retires from WCCO, Minneapolis

Longtime WCCO, Minneapolis radio personality Denny Long imghosted his last show Saturday (5/30) that turned into a big farewell with co-workers, family and friends packing the Audacy station’s studio. Long served with WCCO for 55 years of his 60-year career. He joined the station in 1971 as program director for the then-music formatted station. He remained with WCCO in numerous capacities, most recently as host of the Saturday morning show. Long says he’s retiring for health reasons but adds that with a little luck and good medical care he’ll be alright.

Industry News

WBAL Honored with CAPBA Awards

Hearst’s WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5 in Baltimore announces that it won the 2026 Outstanding Radio News Operation award from the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association Saturday night (5/30) in Ocean City, imgMaryland. The award is given annually for excellence among radio and TV stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The award is one of five first-place awards given to WBAL NewsRadio at the annual CAPBA banquet. WBAL director of programming and news director Jeff Wade says, “The WBAL NewsRadio team proves once again they are best-in-class in the region with this outstanding showing at the CAPBA Awards. We’re honored to win Outstanding News Operation for the second consecutive year – a testament to our staff’s consistent pursuit of excellence in broadcast journalism.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 to Present Discussion About Independent Radio Station Ownership

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The spirit of entrepreneurship will be in the air at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter.  A panel of five of the industry’s most prominent independent radio station owner/operators will tackle existential questions about the business and its future.

Is there an opportunity to financially survive and even thrive in independent radio ownership? What are the challenges and advantages of owning and operating an independent station or group at this time?  What can big time corporate radio learn from indie operators? Does community involvement and localness count for anything anymore?  Where’s the revenue?  How much expansion is healthy?  What exactly IS radio? What’s the end game?

The morning panel will be moderated by John Caracciolo, CEO/founder, JVC Broadcasting and include Vince Benedetto, CEO/founder, Bold Gold Media Group; Paul Gleiser, owner, KTBB, Tyler, TX; Joe Thomas, co-owner, WTON, Staunton, VA; and Paul Vandenburgh, owner, Talk 1300/ 98.7 WGDJ, Albany, NY.

TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter will take place on Friday, June 5 on the beautiful campus of Hofstra University on Long Island.  For the latest agenda, registration, and hotel information, please click here.

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root to Launch New Show on Real America’s Voice TV

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root is launching a new TV show to his hosting duties. The program “America Speaks with Wayne Allyn Root” debuts on Monday (6/1) on Real America’s Voice TV at 10:00 pm ET. Root has been hosting the weekend program “America’s Top Ten Countdown with imgWayne Allyn Root” Saturdays at 12:00 noon for the past four years. The new show will be caller-based, something that Root says has rarely been done on television. He tells TALKERS he tested the caller-based model on a special show last month and received 21,000 calls. Root comments, “The people of America are angry, disillusioned, motivated, and intensely focused on national politics. They want to have their say. They want their ‘15 minutes of fame.’ This is their soapbox. Anyone and everyone will now get to talk with Wayne Allyn Root and give their opinions live on national TV.”

Industry News

Lisa Wexler Endorsed by Democrats for Another Term as Probate Judge

Connecticut probate judge and WICC, Bridgeport talk host Lisa Wexler has earned the Democratic Party endorsement to run for another four-year term as probate judge for the Westport/Weston District. This will be the second time Wexler is running as a Democrat, having been elected previously as both a Democrat and as a Republican. Westport attorney Andrew Nevas nominated Wexler. He says, “I have been practicing law for many years, and have appeared before hundreds of judges. I have also appeared imgbefore Judge Wexler hundreds of times in connection with a variety of different matters. I feel confident in saying that I have never appeared before a judge with as much compassion and empathy as Judge Wexler… She always homes in on the issues that are most important to the people involved. For while many judges view cases as purely legal matters, Judge Wexler knows that for the people involved, it can be a daunting, intimidating and frightening experience. She never forgets that the individuals before her are people with hopes, dreams and fears, not just parties to a legal case. She understands the importance of letting people who appear before her have a voice and be heard.” Wexler’s radio program is heard daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.