Industry News

Aaron Miller Named DOS at CMG Tampa

Radio sales pro Aaron Miller is named director of sales for Cox Media Group’s Tampa station group that includes talk WHPT-FM “102.5 The Bone” and five music brands. This is a return to CMG Tampa for Millerimg who most recently served with Audacy in Sacramento as SVP and market manager. Cox Media Group VP and market manager Jason Meder states, “Aaron’s experience, leadership, and passion for our radio make him a tremendous asset to our Tampa leadership team. We’re excited to welcome him back and look forward to the impact he will have on our sales organization, our clients, and our continued growth in the Tampa market.”

Industry News

WWO: Guidelines for Using AI to Build Your Media Plans

Today’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group addresses the use of AI by local advertisers to inform their media plans. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker says that use of AI is fine but there are “some watchouts and best practices to consider.” Heimg offers these tips: 1) Be exact: The more specific the language used, the more accurate the response; State a desired outcome like “grow awareness”, “increase sales”, or “expand my customer base”; 2) Use reputable sources within search queries to get accurate information; 3) Take careful note of sourcing and dates: Don’t take data at face value without checking it; 4) Understand that AI platforms are different: Results will vary depending on the platform; and 5) Expect responses will change: Lots of factors impact the AI answers so read them carefully. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Presslaff Named 2026 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc named Ruth Presslaff the 2026 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. She is the founder of Presslaff Interactive Revenue, former MIW board president, and current MIW advisory board member. The Trailblazer Award is named for music industry pioneer and longtime BMI president and CEO Frances Preston. Presslaff was honored on Monday (4/20) during the 2026 NAB Show.

SiriusXM Announces NFL Draft Coverage. SiriusXM will cover all seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft from Pittsburgh Thursday through Saturday (4-23-25) on the NFL Radio channel. The broadcast will be anchored by Jason Horowitz with expert analysis from will be provided by Pat Kirwan, Jacob Hester, Danny Kanell, and Bobby Carpenter.

Industry News

Live, Local Saturday Night Show Gains Traction in Hartford

“Nighttime Neighbors” – a multi-topic talk show launched this past January on heritage giant WTIC-AM, Hartford is making waves. Hosted by the station’s morning news anchor, Morgan Cunningham, the program airs late Saturday evenings 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight and is quickly connecting with an engaged audience of what he describes as img“truckers, shift-workers, travelers, insomniacs, shut-ins, and anyone else looking for a late-night community.” Cunningham tells TALKERS, “I grew unhappy with what was my usual dancing at Manhattan-area nightclubs on Saturday nights. Yet, I sought conversation and connection in an environment that didn’t involve crowds or virtual chats. My talk show was born.” In describing the show’s format, Cunningham continues, “There are no guests. It’s just me, various topics as I see them, and open lines. The formula is simple… and it’s a hit.” Before the show’s debut in January, Cunningham studied comparable news/talk stations in each of the top 75 radio markets explaining, “I could only find a handful of stations that offered live, late-night talk heading into overnights, particularly on Saturday nights. You can now add Hartford to that list.”

Industry News

Bob Kevoian Dies at 75

“The Bob & Tom Show” co-founder Bob Kevoian died on Friday at the age of 75 after a three-year battle with cancer. With partner Tom imgGriswold, the two launched The Bob & Tom Show in 1983 and the WFBQ, Indianapolis-based program took off, going into syndicated in 1995. The program, still led by Griswold, is heard on some 100 affiliate stations. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015. Kevoian went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2023 and launched “The Bob & Cancer Show” podcast with his wife Becky and Whit Grayson.

Industry News

ABC News and SiriusXM Partner for Two Channels

SiriusXM and ABC News are collaborating on two new channels for the satellite service. The ABC News Live channel delivers around-the-clockimg coverage of breaking news across the United States and around the globe. The 20/20 True Crime channel will launch in the coming weeks and will be a nonstop destination for in-depth storytelling from 20/20 and ABC News. The channel will feature award-winning narrative podcasts, full episodes of 20/20, installments of 20/20: The After Show, and curated cases from the 20/20 True Crime Vault.

Industry News

Townsquare and KSE Announces Digital Marketing Deal

Townsquare Media and Denver’s Kroenke Sports and Entertainment – owner of radio stations – announce a digital marketing deal. Shaun Collignon is chief revenue officer of Townsquare Ignite and he says, “KSE Radio / Kroenke Sports & Entertainment represents some of the most valuable and engaged audiences in media today. By integrating Townsquare Ignite’s data-driven platform, strategy and executionimg capabilities, we’re enabling KSE to scale its digital offering and drive stronger, more measurable results for its clients. This partnership is a powerful example of how media companies can evolve and win in a performance-driven marketplace.” Townsquare launched their Media Partnerships division in 2024 in which it provides a white-label service that equips other local media companies with the digital advertising solutions that have fueled Townsquare’s own growth and success, with digital now comprising over 50% of Townsquare’s total revenue and profit. KSE Radio SVP and general manager Joel Clary says, “Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is excited to partner with Townsquare Ignite for all of our entertainment assets in the Denver market. Townsquare has the best digital solutions in the radio industry and a proven track record of delivering great results to clients.”

Industry News

Charlie Kirk’s Accused Killer Seeks to Keep Cameras Out of Courtroom

The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk is petitioning the judge in his murder trial to keep cameras out of the courtroom, arguing that live broadcasts are violating his right to a fair trial. Tyler Robinson is due in imgcourt today (4/17) Friday when his lawyers will argue that biased coverage is tainting potential jurors in his aggravated murder case.  According to Audacy’s report, media organizations, prosecutors and Kirk’s widow, Erika, want the court to allow cameras. They argue the best way to guard against the misinformation and conspiracy theories that concern Robinson’s defense team is to make the process transparent. Read the Audacy story here.

Industry News

Talk Radio News Pro Chris Barnes Dies at 66

Former radio host and news director Chris Barnes died on April 14 at the age of 66 from a blood infection that led to live and kidney failure. Syracuse.com reports that he posted a video to Facebook hours before his passing at Reading Hospital in West Reading, Pennsylvania, saying, img“I had a good run. I spent every cent I ever made… I would have rather saved some, but you can’t take it with you. I love you all. Thank you so much.” Barnes began his radio career in the 1980s at WEOK-WPDH in Poughkeepsie, followed by a nearly four-year run as an afternoon news anchor and reporter for WGHQ-WBPM in Kingston. He served as morning news anchor and news director for WSYR, Syracuse; worked at “All News 99.1 WNEW” in Washington, DC, as well as with USA Today Channel on SiriusXM in Washington; FOX News Radio in New York; and The Blaze Radio Network in Washington. DC. See the Syracuse.com obituary here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (April 13-17)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Israel’s Lebanon Attacks
  2. Trump-Vance vs The Pope / Trump’s AI Jesus Posts
  3. Trump Threatens Jerome Powell
  4. Looming Expiration of FISA 702
  5. Swalwell & Gonzales Exit Congress
  6. Orban Ousted
  7. Fairfax Murder-Suicide
  8. Labor Secretary Investigation
  9. New Jersey Special Election
  10. Russini-Vrable Scandal

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance
  3. Pope Leo XIV
  4. Mike Johnson
  5. Pete Hegseth
  6. Jerome Powell
  7. Eric Swalwell / Tony Gonzales
  8. Viktor Orbán
  9. Lori Chavez-DeRemer
  10. Dianna Russini / Mike Vrable

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

Industry News

Bankruptcy Court Approves Cumulus’ Plan of Reorganization

The next step for Cumulus Media in its Chapter 11 reorganization is the Federal Communications Commission after the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas yesterday (4/15) approved itsimg previously disclosed Plan of Reorganization. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “When we initiated this prepackaged restructuring in March, we did so with a clear objective: to right-size our balance sheet to support long-term success. The court’s prompt approval of our plan keeps us firmly on track to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt and positions us to emerge with a significantly stronger financial foundation. We look forward to completing the restructuring and emerging as a well-capitalized company, better equipped to compete in the evolving audio landscape.”

Industry News

Host Ron Slay and “104.5 The Zone” Renew Deal

Afternoon drive personality Ron Slay and Cumulus Media agree to a new contract that will keep him co-hosting the afternoon drive “3HL” show on WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” alongside Brent Dougherty and Dawn Davenport. The station says that since joining “3HL” in 2021, Slay has become an essential part of the show’s identity – blending sharp sports insight, humor, and a natural storyteller’s instinct that resonates far beyond the studio. Station programming operations manager Paul Mason comments, “Ron is a game‑changer. He brings energy, curiosity, and joy to everything he touches. Watching his growth – not just as a broadcaster, but as a leader and connector – has been incredible. His ceiling truly doesn’t exist, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.” In addition to his work with “104.5 The Zone,” Slay serves as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network.

Industry News

Philadelphia to Be Prominent in Beasley’s America’s 250th Initiative

Beasley Media Group announces that in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, its Community of Caring Initiative will roll out across on-air, digital, and in-car platforms, leading up to the historic milestone with Philadelphia playing a key role as the birthplace of American independence. The company says that as part of the initiative, stations will air public service announcements multiple times daily, ringing to lifeimg the defining moments of 1776 – from the leadership of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the actions of the Continental Congress and George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. These messages will be complemented by live and recorded interviews throughout 2026, featuring special guests sharing stories and perspectives tied to America’s founding and evolution. Beasley chief communications officer Heidi Raphael adds, “At this pivotal time in our nation’s history, Philadelphia holds an especially unique and powerful place in telling America’s story. Through our Community of Caring Initiative, we’re proud to share that story across our platforms – connecting our audiences to the past while celebrating what lies ahead.”

Industry News

FARM Announces New Weekend Show

Farm and Ranch Media announces the addition of a weekend version of their popular weekday talk show, “Agriculture of America” that will launch on May 1. FARM VP of national ag content and host of the program Jesse Allen says, “There continues to be no shortage of news andimg information for farmers and ranchers and we are looking to double down on our efforts to bring that information to them through our radio affiliate partners. I am honored that we are able to grow the AOA footprint and expand to include a weekend offering that will continue to tell the story of agriculture, one conversation at a time.” Agriculture of America” debuted in 2018 by the team at FARM in conjunction with National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Adams featuring interviews and conversations with agricultural leaders, members of congress, market analysts, newsmakers and more and has grown into a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 70 affiliate radio stations and SiriusXM Rural Radio 147 every weekday.

Industry News

Beasley Extends Exchange Offers

Beasley Broadcast Group extends its Tender Offer Settlement Date and the Exchange Offer Settlement to 5:00 pm ET on April 24. The company reports that as of the Early First Lien Tender Date, 100% of the Existing First Lien Notes had been tendered, and the company accordinglyimg accepted $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of such tenders in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer. On March 30, 2026, the company completed the purchase of $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Existing First Lien Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. As of 5:00 pm on April 15, 2026, approximately 98% of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Second Lien Notes have validly tendered in the Exchange Offer and provided consents to the proposed amendments to the Existing Second Lien Notes Indenture.

Industry News

Shapiro Joins CNN as Contributor

Former longtime NPR journalist Ari Shapiro joins CNN as a contributor. CNN says, “Shapiro will bring his distinctive voice and signature wit to CNN’s on-air and digital programming, and will co-host a new video podcast titled, “Engagement Party,” alongside longtime colleague and friend, CNN anchor and analyst Audie Cornish. CNN says that on “Engagement Party,” Cornish and Shapiro will share the culture and ideas they’re engaging with – and why they’re obsessed. It will premiere on Friday, May 22.

Industry News

Forgy Returns to Saga from Medical Leave

Yesterday (4/15), Saga Communications announced that CEO imgChristopher S. Forgy had fully resumed his regular duties following a medical leave that began on February 13. The company adds that during his intermittent recovery from open heart surgery, Forgy remained available for consultation, led the company’s fourth-quarter and year-end 2025 call on March 12, 2026, and the executive team, headed by COO Wayne Leland and CFO Samuel D. Bush, maintained operational continuity.

Industry News

Beasley Gets Delisting Warning from Nasdaq

On Monday (4/13), Beasley Broadcast Group received written notice from Nasdaq advising the company that it is not in compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The rule requires companies listed on Nasdaq maintain a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity for continued listing. At the end of 2025, Beasley reported a stockholders’ deficit ofimg $49,330,431 – below the stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing. Beasley now has until May 28, 2026, unless otherwise directed by Nasdaq staff, to submit a plan to Nasdaq outlining how the company intends to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing standards. If Nasdaq accepts the plan, it may grant Beasley until October 10 to come into compliance. Beasley says it plans to timely submit its compliance plan to Nasdaq but notes that there’s no assurance Nasdaq will accept the or that if it does, Beasley will be able to regain compliance within the period provided.

Industry News

Murphy Named to Executive Post at Crossover Media Group

Media sales executive John Murphy is named vice president of strategic partnerships for Crossover Media Group. The move marks a reunion for Murphy with members of the Crossover Media Group team, with whom he’s worked as both a partner and a client. Most recently, Murphy served as senior vice president of content monetization at Veritone. In his new imgrole with Crossover, Murphy will work to secure new content as well as to expand the company’s client portfolio. Crossover managing member Sue Freund says, “We’ve known and worked with John for many years; his excellent relationships throughout the content and advertising communities make him a tremendous addition to our team in building strategic partnerships with clients, agencies, and content providers as we continue to grow. He has a proven track record of building high-performing sales organizations, monetizing premium content, and delivering performance-driven advertising solutions for brands, agencies and media partners.” Murphy comments, “I’m excited to be joining Crossover Media Group. The team has built a strong reputation for delivering results-driven solutions for both creators and advertisers, and I look forward to contributing to that momentum. There’s a clear opportunity to unlock new growth across partnerships, and I’m eager to help scale the business while driving meaningful value for clients.”

Industry News

Seaboard to Distribute “Killer Carl” Show

Seaboard Networks announces it is completing a deal to distribute the syndicated political interview talk show, “The Killer Carl Program.” Theimg show is hosted by Carl “Killer Carl” Brown and has been on the air for almost a decade and is part of the John Frederick Radio Network. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “We welcome all shows that affiliates will desire. Carl seems to put his own views and thoughts first, and they are not based on just ideology. That is refreshing.” The program currently airs on stations throughout America including WJFM, Richmond; WJFV, Norfolk; WBRG, Lynchburg; and WLMB, Atlanta.

Industry News

KNBR Renews Flagship Radio Deal with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers and Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR, San Francisco “The Sports Leader” extend their deal in which KNBR AM/FM serves as the 49ers’ flagship station. Broadcasters Greg Papa and Timimg Ryan will continue calling live 49ers games, as well as pre-and post-game shows. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen comments, “We at KNBR are tremendously excited to continue this valued partnership with the Niners. We have a wonderful relationship with the organization and its people, and they are truly a partner to us in connecting their fans with all the gameday action they love and demand. We look forward to continuing to provide 49ers fans with outstanding game day coverage on all KNBR platforms from AM/FM to streaming.”