AM Radio Bill Speeds Through Markup in Congress
The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” during a full committee markup on a 50-1 vote. The bill now goes to the House floor for a vote. Amendments to the bill include a shortening of the sunset of the proposed law from 10 to eight years as well as the bill now directing the Government Accountability Office to study the potential impacts of the requirement on automotive innovation and vehicle safety, as well as the feasibility of alternative emergency alert systems. National Association of Broadcasters notes that public sentiment if behind the bill as a recent survey indicates 83% of respondents strongly support keeping AM radio in new cars so drivers can access free emergency warnings and public safety information while on the road. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Today’s decisive committee vote sends a clear message: AM radio remains essential to public safety, and every American deserves access to it in their car. We thank Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis, Ranking Member Pallone and members of the committee for overwhelmingly advancing this bipartisan legislation. Policymakers and consumers alike recognize AM radio’s essential role in delivering emergency alerts and reliable information when it matters most. We urge House and Senate leadership to move swiftly to pass this bill and preserve this vital service for the American public.”
Salem Radio Network announces that Megyn Kelly is hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” today (9/17). This week, guest hosts have included Vice President JD Vance and Glenn Beck. It appears SRN will continue to present more high-profile talk media personalities as guest host of the show. Additionally, Salem Radio Network will provide live coverage of the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona this Sunday, anchored by SRN’s White House correspondent Greg Clugston.
Region and Darla Isham is appointed vice president, Northern Region. Other excutive appointments include Aaron Carreno as SVP of product; John Scott as VP of marketing, and Drew Smith as VP of technology. Weil comments, “This leadership restructuring reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service to our listeners and communities across our coverage areas. Each of these executives brings deep experience and a passion for local broadcasting that aligns perfectly with our mission to serve as the voice of our communities.”
Sports” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, “Nine2Noon” hosted by John Kuhn and Ramie Makhlouf, “The Mason Crosby Show” with Mitch Thunder Nelles from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, and “Wisconsin Sports Daily,” hosted Steve “Sparky” Fifer remaining in PM drive. Audacy Wisconsin SVP Jason Bjorson says, “As we celebrate the station’s 20th anniversary, we wanted to match our listeners’ passion by assembling the dream team here at ‘The Fan.’ With legendary names and two former Green Bay Packers players on our roster, we are going full-throttle. We’re excited to bring our fans the best talent in the market and give them the most entertaining sports coverage Wisconsin has to offer.”
guest host because he specifically asked for the honor, so he can share his thoughts and remembrances on the passing of his personal friend. SRN adds, “We have received permission from Premiere Networks to allow Glenn to do this, even though he may be on a competing station in some radio markets. This is one of those rare times where competitors unite for the common good. We wanted our stations to know this special broadcast has been approved. It promises to be memorable radio.” SRN says other major stars will fill in during the coming days. Vice President JD Vance guest-hosted live from The White House on Monday and Tuesday’s show was hosted by Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles and Ben Shapiro.
that listening has grown across all demographics and time periods versus the Fall 2024 Nationwide report. Some key takeaways are: 1) Among persons 25-54, total U.S. AM/FM radio AQH has grown +6%, powered by a +19% increase in the Portable People Meter markets; 2) Weekends and nights have the greatest growth compared to Fall 2024; 3) Versus Fall 2024, Spring 2025 total U.S. audience growth is greater among men versus women and has increased in older demographics; and 4) Total U.S. Spring 2025 audience growth is up significantly among college graduates and upscale $75K+ income Americans. The blog post notes that the PPM audience growth is due to Nielsen’s three-minute qualifier modernization, which provides a significantly more comprehensive and realistic definition of AM/FM radio’s audience and their listening behavior. Nielsen found 23% of PPM listening occasions were three or four minutes. Under the old five-minute listening qualifier rule, none of this tuning would have received listening credit. Effective with the January 2025 PPM survey, Nielsen began crediting tuning occasions that are three minutes or greater. 
across key iHeartMedia markets including: Rochester, Minnesota; Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson, and Grand Forks in North Dakota; and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. iHeartMedia division president Shosh Abromovich says, “I’m thrilled to welcome Dee Doers as Area President over our six MidNorth markets. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Dee brings strategic vision and a proven track record of driving growth. He’s the ideal leader to take these markets to even greater heights.” Doers previously served the company’s Minneapolis market as vice president of sales.
exclusive sales rep for the Australian market. With this deal, Australian advertisers will be able to access Audacy’s titles as part of their audio campaigns. The partnership broadens the breadth of available content for LiSTNR audiences and increases the reach for clients, with access to a range of titles including “Office Ladies with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsley,” “Fly on the Wall with David Spade and Dana Carvey,” “Search Engine,” “The Moth” and dozens of podcasts from CBS Sports and CBS News & Entertainment.
Salem Media Group announces that to honor Salem Radio Network talk host Charlie Kirk, Vice President JD Vance is guest hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” today (9/15) at 12:00 noon ET. This special broadcast live from The White House will air on the Salem Radio Network and will be simulcast on Salem News Channel. Vice President Vance tweeted on Sunday, “I will have the honor of hosting the Charlie Kirk Show. Please join me as I pay tribute to my friend.” Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “The Vice President and Second Lady Usha Vance flew to Phoenix to be with the Kirk family immediately following last Wednesday’s assassination, and they also flew Charlie’s coffin home from Utah on Air Force Two.”
Audacy’s WFAN, New York enters into a strategic partnership with creator-led digital sports media company Jomboy Media to air the “Talkin’ Yanks” show each Saturday at 2:00 pm ET. Audacy chief business officerand New York market president Chris Oliviero says, “WFAN and Jomboy Media both are committed to bringing Yankees fans the most relevant and engaging content of their favorite team whenever and wherever they want to consume it. Together, the combined influence and reach of both brands will elevate the experience for the pinstripe faithful and shine an even greater spotlight on New York’s all-time pastime, baseball.”
The Nashville-based “George Plaster Show,” with co-hosts Kelly Holcomb and Billy Derrick, is now heard on Saga Communications’ sports talk WKFN-AM/W281BT in Clarksville, Tennessee. Clarksville Now reportsPlaster said he’s excited for the opportunity to be here and tap into a new market of sports fans. “I’m very excited about being in Clarksville. For me, this is about adding listeners – listeners who knew me from years ago. I think we’re going to do really well here, it’s a market that has a lot of sports fans, and we just simply want to tap into it.” “The George Plaster Show” will air live from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. 
least $3.4 million from the university to operate the station. TribLive reports, “Penn State officials said they proposed transferring the operating assets of WPSU to WHYY and provide a $17 million subsidy structured to decrease over five years, to give WHYY an opportunity to help WPSU reach a financial break-even point and continue broadcasting across central Pennsylvania.” That proposal was not accepted by the trustees. 
FOX News Channel presenting a primetime special titled, “Charlie Kirk: An American Original,” hosted by FOX News Channel’s Jesse Watters tomorrow at 7:00 pm ET with an encore presentation on Sunday (9/14) at 7:00 pm ET. FOX News says Watters “will reflect on Kirk’s extraordinary impact as a conservative thought leader, gifted communicator, and a monumental force for the MAGA movement.” Kirk colleagues and friends being featured include: Donald Trump Jr., “My View” host Lara Trump, Graham Allen, and Pastor Jack Hibbs. In addition, FNC personalities Will Cain, Laura Ingraham, Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones will reflect on Kirk’s impact.
Bruce DuMont
Cox Media Group’s Atlanta news/talk 95.5 WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB-FM) is adding Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” hosted by George Noory to its program schedule. WSB director of branding and programming Ken Charles says, “We’re thrilled Coast to Coast AM with George Noory is joining the 95.5 WSB-AM lineup. George’s unique voice and compelling content are a perfect overnight fit for our listeners. This is a powerful addition to our lineup of live and local talent.”
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of eight new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2025, recognizing radio broadcasters who have passed away. This year’s inductees include longtime WLS-AM, Chicago morning drive cohost Don Wade and nationally syndicated host Dale Sommers “The Truckin’ Bozo.” Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin comments, “Each of these individuals contributed to the growth and vibrance of our radio industry and are worthy of induction. I’m thrilled to see recognition for their talents and efforts and heartened that their family, friends and colleagues can witness this well-deserved honor.” 
and the countless people whose lives he touched through his words, his work, and his unwavering commitment to faith and country.” Salem CEO David Santrella is quoted saying, “Charlie was more than a broadcaster – he was a fearless defender of truth and a faithful servant of God. This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy of faith, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire generations.” Salem Media chief strategy officer Bradley Parscale stated, “I have had the privilege of working with Charlie for nearly a decade. He was part of the Salem family. His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom. This heinous act of evil was meant to silence him, but as Christians, we know darkness cannot overcome the light. Charlie’s influence cannot and will not be silenced.” The company added, “Charlie’s partnership with Salem Media was defined by his uncompromising defense of biblical values, liberty, and truth. Through his nationally syndicated show and podcast, he reached millions who relied on his voice to cut through lies, honor truth, and give courage to those fighting for faith and freedom.”
