Industry News

Cumulus Appoints Top Shareholder Steven Galbraith to Board

Cumulus Media Inc. appoints of Steven M. Galbraith to its Board of Directors. Board chairman Andrew W. Hobson states, “We are thrilled to welcome Steve to our board. As a longtime shareholder in the Company, Steve has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Company’s success. His impressive investmentim management background and expertise complement the diverse strengths and wide-ranging capabilities of our existing board, and we are excited to leverage his vision and insights to drive growth and capitalize on new opportunities.” Galbraith is currently a managing member of Kindred Capital Advisors LLC, and is among the largest shareholders of Cumulus through his personal holdings and those held through Kindred.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1.Trump Lays Off Government DEI Staff

2. Trump Anti-Immigrant Orders

3. DOGE

4. New LA Wildfires Force Evacuations/Southern Snow Storms

5. Pete Hegseth Nomination

Industry News

iHeartMedia Names Brian Long PD for KFI, Los Angeles

iHeartMedia names programming pro Brian Long program director for its Los Angeles talk stations KFI, KEIB, and sports KLAC. Long most recently served with Bonneville’s Phoenix station group. He takes over theimg role that opened up after longtime programmer Robin Bertolucci exited the company in December. iHeartMedia EVP of programming for Los Angeles John Peake says, “Programming KFI, KLAC and KEIB, requires a unique skill set, and Brian checks every box. His exceptional track record in ratings and revenue success, combined with professional play-by-play broadcasts, makes him the ideal leader to manage our partnerships with the world champion Dodgers and the Los Angeles Chargers.” Long comments, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead these powerful iHeartMedia brands in Los Angeles and to work with some of the best talent in America. I truly could not be more excited to embrace this new challenge.”

Industry News

Chris Krok Exits WBAP, Dallas

Talk radio host Chris Krok has exited Cumulus Media’s WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth where he’s been the evening host for the past 13 years. Prior to that, Krok hosted the afternoon show at sister KLIF-AM. He alsoimg did editorials on WFAA-TV, Dallas for six years. Krok shared the following message via his social media: “It’s been an amazing 15-year run at the biggest news/talk station in America’s 4th largest market. We’ve gotten to know each other so well, and I can’t wait to share the airwaves again, doing what God made me to do – tell stories, react to life, and have fun together.” Krok tells TALKERS that he has a nice home studio where he fills in on network and local shows. He says he’s available for fill-in work and is ready to talk about his next opportunity. Reach him at: kroktalk@protonmail.com.

Industry News

Kevin DeLany Retires from Westwood One

Kevin DeLany, who served as vice president of news & talk programming at Westwood One, retired from the company on Friday (1/17). DeLany had not previously announced his intention to retire from theimg company as one Westwood One staffer called the exit a “surprise announcement” from him. DeLany is a Philadelphia native who, according to Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, was one of two staffers who remained with WWDB-FM, Philadelphia when it made the format change from jazz to talk. The other staffer was Sid Mark, host of the long-running “Sounds of Sinatra” program. DeLany would retain his connection to the program and Sid Mark after it moved from WWDB to WPHT. His work in network radio began as a producer at the Mutual Broadcasting System and he eventually rose to VP of news & talk at Westwood One where he managed 30 network news correspondents, anchors, editors and producers at the Westwood One newsroom in Washington, DC.

Industry News

Sean Hannity to Interview President Trump Tonight

FOX News Channel talk host Sean Hannity will conduct the first interview with Donald Trump as the 47thimg president of the United States. The interview will take place tonight at 9:00 pm ET on FNC’s “Hannity.” The interview will focus on the executive orders Trump has signed thus far, his first 100 days in office, and news of the day.

Industry News

Cumulus Media’s 2025 Audioscape Dives into Podcast Advertising

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One AudioActive Group blog presents data from Cumulus Media’s 2025 Audioscape report that examines the latest podcast consumer trends from Edison Research’s Podcastimg Metrics and “Share of Ear” Report, MRI-Simmons, Screen Engine/ASI, Podscribe, and Magellan AI. Four of the key findings from this are: 1) Podcast ad campaigns are too light: No brand is coming close to “saturating” podcast audiences; Brands should allocate 5% of digital budgets to podcasting; 2) After five years with a median age of 33 to 34, podcast audiences finally age to 36, reflecting broader appeal with older audiences; 3) Screen Engine/ASI: Podcast audiences offer CTV advertisers significant incremental reach; and 4) Podcasts tighten their grip on audio audiences: Among podcast listeners, 35% of all audio time spent now goes to podcasts. Read the full blog post here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1.Trump Executive Orders

2. January 6 Commutations

3. Pete Hegseth Nomination

4. TikTok

5. Winter Storm Hits the South

Industry News

Brendan Carr Named Chairman of the FCC

As expected, newly inaugurated President Donald J. Trump names FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.  Carr says, “I am deeply grateful to President Trump and honored by his decision to designate me as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Iimg have had the privilege of working at the FCC for over a dozen years now, including serving previously as the agency’s General Counsel, and I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the FCC. The FCC has important work ahead – on issues ranging from tech and media regulation to unleashing new opportunities for jobs and growth through agency actions on spectrum, infrastructure, and the space economy. We will also advance America’s national security interests and protect consumers. I am eager to accelerate the FCC’s work on these and other fronts. I look forward to collaborating with the Trump Administration, my Commission colleagues, and the FCC’s talented staff as well as Congress to deliver great results for the American people.”

Industry News

Premiere Networks Launches “The 47 Morning Update” Podcast

Yesterday morning (1/20), Premiere Networks debuted “The 47 Morning Update,” a podcast hosted by Ben Ferguson. The new 12- to 15-minute program is available Monday through Friday, with a weekly recap onim Saturdays, and spotlights the latest news and political headlines and stories, with a special focus on the Trump administration’s policies and agenda. Ferguson says, “I’m excited to launch this short-form podcast, taking listeners behind the scenes of the Trump administration to tackle the biggest stories the media won’t cover. ‘The 47 Morning Update’ will deliver unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and honest commentary on the issues shaping America today, straight from President Trump’s Oval Office.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott comments, “We’re thrilled to present this short-form podcast hosted by Ben Ferguson. We are confident that Ben’s fresh and vibrant style of entertainment will offer audiences a crucial means to stay informed and engaged in the national conversation.”

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Attends South Carolina Inaugural Ball

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Pictured above is Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated host Mike Gallagher (right) with SRN colleague Joey Hudson (left) at Sunday night’s South Carolina Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. Gallagher was also a guest at the Turning Point USA Ball hosted by SRN talk host Charlie Kirk. On Monday (1/20), Gallagher originated his program from Washington covering the Inauguration of Donald Trump.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Issues Preliminary Fiscal Report for 2024

Townsquare Media announces preliminary estimated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The company says its full-year net revenue will be between $450 million and $452 million, within its guidance range of $448 million to $452 million. It also expects fourth quarter netimg revenue will be between $117 million and $119 million. Company CEO Bill Wilson adds, “As anticipated, our digital divisions had a very strong fourth quarter, as Townsquare Interactive returned to year-over-year revenue growth, and Digital Advertising net revenue accelerated to year-over-year growth rates in excess of +15%, helped by national digital advertising returning to revenue growth together with ongoing strength in our digital programmatic business. In total, we expect fourth quarter Digital revenue to increase approximately +11% year-over-year, and represent 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in 2024, a true point of differentiation from others in local media, as we have evolved from a local broadcast radio company that was founded in 2010, to a Digital First Local Media Company with a world class team and a unique and differentiated strategy, assets, platforms and solutions.”

Industry News

Mississippi Talk Host Paul Gallo Dies at 77

According to a report in Mississippi Today, longtime talk radio host Paul Gallo died on Sunday (1/19). Theimg cause of death is not revealed in the story. Gallo’s program, “The Gallo Radio Show,” aired on the SuperTalk network of talk stations across the state. The network issued a statement saying, “For over five decades, Paul didn’t just talk about Mississippi — he helped shape its story. Paul dedicated his life to his listeners, his state, and the pursuit of the truth. From DJ to program director, from sales and management to ownership, Paul mastered every facet of the industry.”

Industry News

Alan Hirschbein Joins iHM Bay Area as VP of Sales

Media sales pro Alan Hirschbein is named vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s Bay Area operations. Hirschbein most recently served as senior director at SiriusXM. He began his career at Susquehanna Broadcasting and later served with CBS RADIO and Inner City Broadcasting, before joining KGO, Sanim Francisco. iHM region president AJ Punjabi says, “Alan’s deep experience in both traditional broadcast and digital audio innovation makes him the ideal leader to drive our business forward. His results-driven approach and commitment to client success will strengthen our market leadership across platforms.” Hirschbein comments, “I’m energized to join iHeartMedia’s tremendous leadership team as vice president of sales. As the enduring leader in broadcast radio, iHeartMedia has also transformed itself into a dynamic force in podcasting and digital audio, standing at the forefront of audio innovation. I’m eager to contribute to this continued evolution and help our partners harness the unmatched reach and engagement that only iHeartMedia can deliver.”

Industry News

CMG Promotes David Abel to VP and Market Manager for Atlanta Radio

Cox Media Group promotes David Abel to vice president and market manager for CMG Atlanta Radio (including news/talk giant WSB-AM/WSBB-FM), effective February 17. Abel most recently served the company as VP and market manager for the Sanimg Antonio radio operations. Cox Media Group EVP of radio Rob Babin comments, “It’s always rewarding to promote from within CMG. I’m confident that David’s experience and expertise will help us achieve new milestones and drive our vision forward while we work daily to serve our audiences, clients, and talented employees at CMG Atlanta.” Abel says, “My journey with Cox Media Group started nearly 25 years ago, and it has been a privilege working alongside the many talented and dedicated team members in San Antonio and throughout our company. I am looking forward to working with CMG’s flagship radio brands and serving our team, listeners, customers, and communities throughout Atlanta.”

Industry News

BFoA to Honor Dan Mason with Lifetime Achievement Award

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is recognizing Dan Mason with the 2025 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given annually to an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the broadcast industry and will be presented to Mason during the BFoA’s Golden Mic Awardimg Gala and Fundraiser at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Monday, March 10. Mason, who formerly served as vice chair and chair of the BFoA, led CBS RADIO as president from 1995-2002 and as CEO from 2007-2015, among other career achievements. Mason says, “I am honored to receive this distinction from the Broadcasters Foundation. Broadcasting gave me a career that I love on the air and in the boardroom. There are many broadcasters across our country who feel the same way, but tragedy struck their lives, leaving them in need of help. That’s why I served on the Board of the Broadcasters Foundation and continue to support its charitable mission.” Current BFoA chair Scott Herman comments, “Dan is a passionate broadcaster and media visionary whose accomplishments helped define today’s broadcasting business. I worked with Dan for many years, at Westinghouse and CBS, and his leadership elevated our efforts and led us to outstanding success.”

Industry News

WABC, New York’s Frank Morano Mulls Run for NYC Council

WABC, New York overnight talk host Frank Morano says he’s “leaning very heavily towards running for Newimg York City Council” for the seat currently occupied by Joe Borelli. Term limits are forcing Borelli to leave the council in 2025. Borelli recently appeared on WABC, New York on Sid Rosenberg’s program and on WNYM, New York on Joe Piscopo’s program and spoke kindly about Morano. Morano adds, “I’m really considering running because Staten Island was a great place to grow up for me and I’d like to keep it that way for my son.”

Industry News

Wildfire Threatening Mt. Wilson Brought Under Control

According to a report from Inside Towers, the Eaton Fire that was threatening Mount Wilson and the numerous broadcast facilities located there was brought under control late last week. Although the blaze did reach the summit area of the mountain, it did not affect broadcast operations, according to iHeartMedia engineer Doug Irwin. Mount Wilson is the site of 21 FM radio signals and several TV stations.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Hosts Wildfires Town Hall

iHeartMedia presented a special town hall event featuring California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday (1/19) that aired across the company’s California radio stations. Newsom answered questions from Californians impacted by the recent wildfires and discussed future recovery and prevention plans.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/20)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1.Trump Inauguration

2. Trump/Biden Pardons and Commutations

3. Economy – DOGE/Migrant Crisis/Crime

4. Tik Tok

5. LA Wildfires – Political Response and Accountability – Social Media Misinformation

Industry News

Supreme Court Upholds Ruling Requiring TikTok to Be Sold or Banned

Tik TokThe Supreme Court ruled against TikTok today (1/17), rejecting the social media company’s First Amendment challenge to the law that effectively bans it in the United States starting on Sunday. The unanimous decision came a week after the justices heard a First Amendment challenge to a law aimed at the wildly popular short-form video platform used by 170 million Americans that the government suspects could be influenced by China. The decision may deal a death blow to the U.S. operations of the exceedingly popular app, which delivers short-form videos that are a major source of information and entertainment to millions of Americans, especially (but not exclusively) in the younger demos. “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement and source of community,” the decision said. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.” This ruling obviously comes with a boatload of First Amendment implications and will add even more fuel to the fiery debates unfolding in the talk media sphere about the application of “free speech” and First Amendment Constitutional principles in the heightened environment of misinformation stirred up by the digital era.

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases December 2024 U.S. Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital®, the global technology and services provider to the digital audio, podcast, and broadcast radio industries, announced (1/16) the release of its December 2024 reporting period (December 2, 2024 – December 29, 2024), U.S. Podcast Ranker, as measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service.im

iHeart Audience Network earned the #1 spot again on the Top Sales Networks Report for the month of December, with 62.7M Average Weekly Downloads and 17.8M Average Weekly Users. NPR came in again at #2 with 24.5M Average Weekly Downloads and 5.8M Average Weekly Users, followed by Audacy Podcast Network at #3 with 11.9M Average Weekly Downloads and 4.4M Average Weekly Users.

For this reporting period, the top three podcasts based on downloads included “NPR News Now”(NPR) again at #1, “Up First” (NPR) again at #2, and “The Dan Bongino Show” (Cumulus Podcast Network) again at #3.

For listeners, the top three podcasts included “NPR News Now” (NPR) again at #1, “Up First” (NPR) again at #2, and “The Dan Bongino Show” (Cumulus Podcast Network) again at #3.

There were several debuts for the month of December including “24/7 News: The Latest” (iHeart Audience Network), “The Adam Friedland Show Podcast” (Audioboom), and “Ear Biscuits with Rhett & Link” (Audacy Podcast Network) and more for both downloads and listeners.

“This Is Important” (iHeart Audience Network), “Headline News from The Associated Press” (Audioboom), “TigerBelly” (All Things Comedy), “The Tony Kornheiser Show” (Audacy Podcast Network), “Red Eye Radio” (Cumulus Podcast Network) and more debuted for downloads.

“Mobituaries with Mo Rocca” (iHeart Audience Network), “Soder” (Audioboom), “Sleep With Me (Soundrise/PRX), “Otherworld” (Audacy Podcast Network) and more debuted for listeners.

The Top Sales Network Reports are ranked by Average Weekly Downloads and Average Weekly Users in accordance with v2.1 of the IAB Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines. Participating Sales Networks include content owners/creators and sales representation organizations. Certified by the IAB Tech Lab, Triton’s Podcast Metrics eliminates inconsistent measurement practices and self-reported data, providing content creators, marketers, media buyers, and the audio industry at large with validated and transparent podcast audience data.

Any sales network or publisher with an audience in the United States is eligible to participate in the U.S. Podcast Report. To learn more, contact: solutions@tritondigital.com.

 

Industry News

WHERE MUSIC MEETS TALK: Legendary Air Personality Cousin Brucie Morrow Now Available to Stations Across the Country from Red Apple Music Networks

Cousin Brucie

Red Apple Music Networks, the music radio unit of Red Apple Audio Networks, has expanded its national syndication with one of America’s most popular, trusted, and beloved music radio personalities Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow. “Cousin Brucie‘s Rock & Roll Party” airs live on Saturdays from 6:00-10:00 pm ET and is the second music radio program from the network, whose flagship is the iconic talker 77WABC, New York.

Cousin Brucie has a long and storied career with 77WABC, where he was on the air during the early days of rock ‘n’ roll and introduced fans to The Beatles, Motown, 60s Soul, surf music, and more. He even interviewed The Beatles when they first came to the U.S. in 1964!

Fast forward to 2020… John Catsimatidis purchases 77WABC and brings Cousin Brucie, who had been on SiriusXM, back to radio and his legions of fans. Last year, when Now and Then, a new Beatles song that used AI to fill in John Lennon’s voice, Paul McCartney recorded a personalized message for Cousin Brucie to play on his “Rock & Roll Party.”

“We are giving radio stations across America the opportunity to experience the success we have had with Cousin Brucie in New York,” said Catsimatidis. “Brucie is passionate about his show, the music, and his listeners and that is a large part of why his fans are so loyal.”

Red Apple Music“Cousins, being on radio again, playing the best music, and connecting with listeners is as exciting for me now as it was in 1964,” said Morrow. “The magic of radio, the beauty of theater of the mind is unduplicated. I’m looking forward to the fun we’re going to have on radio stations across America!”

Morrow has 80,000 followers on Facebook where he interacts directly with his listeners throughout the week. Every Saturday, he posts a video to share with fans who his special guest will be that evening. Recent guests included rock ‘n’ roll superstars Ringo Star, Frankie Valli, Darlene Love, Dion DiMucci, Mike Love, and Ronnie Spector.  

“The goal with our networks is to deliver top-quality programming and nationally recognizable talent like Cousin Brucie to radio stations across the country,” stated Chad Lopez, president of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “Brucie has unparalleled access to the artists who performed the biggest hits of the 50s and 60s, bringing listeners closer to the music they love.”

Morrow is a past recipient of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award and is considered by the publication’s editorial board to be a “talker” as much as a “disc jockey” where he is positioned, as described by Michael Harrison, in a “pop cultural stew at the very nexus of cross-generational history with interviews, storytelling and conversations.” Red Apple Music Networks also syndicates “Sundays with Sinatra with Joe Piscopo.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Salt Lake City Names Joyce Wirthlin Market President

Joyce WirthliniHeartMedia announced today (1/17) that Joyce Wirthlin has been named market president for Salt Lake City, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Salt Lake City is home to six iconic stations featuring music, talk, and news formats on both broadcast and digital platforms.  In her new role, Wirthlin will oversee all aspects of operations in Salt Lake City, including sales, promotions and programming. She will report to Nick Gnau, division president for iHeartMedia. “I am very excited to have Joyce leading this team in Salt Lake City. Since the day I started working with Joyce, I was impressed with her leadership, the culture she has built with her team and the deep knowledge of the market. I have no doubt that she will propel this team to the next level!” Gnau tells TALKERS. Wirthlin joined the company in 1998 as VP of Sales. Over the years, she advanced within the organization. Most recently she served as the SVP of sales, where she played a pivotal role shaping sales strategies, fostering team development and strengthening the company’s presence in the market.  “I am deeply honored to be appointed market president of iHeartMedia Salt Lake City and grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional team,” said Wirthlin. “The people here are the core of our success. Together, we are eager to build upon our achievements and continue to shape the future of media in Salt Lake City.

Industry News

UP CLOSE FAR OUT: Talk Show Host Jeff Katz of WRVA, RIchmond, Talks About Radio as First-Responder and Societal Safety Net – Don’t Miss This!

UFCO with Michael Harrison and guest Jeff Katz

Longtime talk radio mainstay and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Jeff Katz is this week’s guest on “UP CLOSE FAR OUT with Michael Harrison.”  Katz is the tremendously popular 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm host at Audacy’s WRVA, Richmond, VA where he has developed a national reputation within the broadcasting industry as a champion of public service and community outreach. In addition to being a compelling political commentator and dazzlingly entertaining personality, Katz – a former Philadelphia police officer – has worked tirelessly for years supplementing his daily “take” on the issues as a champion of law enforcement, the needy, disaster victims and the disabled.  A former recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, Katz has received numerous honors over the years from service organizations and public officials including the President of the United States, Director of the FBI, and Governor of Virginia.  Just recently, VA Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Katz to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities where he is sure to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Katz and Harrison discuss radio’s handling of the current water crisis afflicting central Virginia, which has been overshadowed, in terms of national attention, by the Southern California wildfire disaster, in addition to the importance of radio as an invaluable societal safety net.  Don’t miss this.  It’s emotional, compelling and touches directly upon the very heart of 21st century radio.

To watch the entire uninterrupted video on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel, click here

 

Industry News

Legendary Baseball Player/PBP Announcer Bob Uecker Passes at 90

Bob UeckerThe Milwaukee Brewers have announced that Bob Uecker, the legendary radio voice who had called their games since 1971, died this morning (1/16) at the age of 90. He was fondly known throughout the sport as “Mr. Baseball.”  Uecker was widely admired for his sense of humor and gained national acclaim for his role as announcer Harry Doyle in the “Major League” movies. A Milwaukee native, Uecker was an MLB catcher for six seasons, playing his first two years with his then-hometown Milwaukee Braves and winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964.  Uecker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, which honors a broadcaster every year.

Industry News

Audacy Elevates Matt Cahill to Brand Manager of The Team 980 in DC

Audacy Announces the promotion of Matt Cahill to brand manager of The Team 980 (WTEM-AM) in Washington D.C.Matt Cahill In this role, Cahill will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations and branding. He will continue to serve as assistant brand manager of 106.7 The Fan (WJFK-FM) and executive morning show producer. “Matt’s creativity, love for sports and commitment to evolving the brand makes me confident that he will be a great brand manager for The Team,” said Ivy Savoy-Smith, SVP / MM, Audacy Washington D.C. The Team“Those that have worked with Matt know his dedication to creating a positive working environment and we’re excited to see how he leads the internal team while increasing external traffic for the station.” “I’m absolutely thrilled to lead Team 980 into the future with our outstanding group. The Team has a storied history and to be given this opportunity is humbling,” said Cahill. “I’m very thankful for the guidance and trust that Chris Kinard and Ivy Savoy-Smith have given me. We have great on-air talent talking about issues that matter to D.C. sports fans, and the potential for The Team 980 brand is unlimited.”  Cahill was named assistant brand manager of 106.7 The Fan (WJFK-FM) in 2019 and took on the same responsibilities for The Team 980 in 2021. He has also served as EP of 106.7 The Fan’s “The Sports Junkies” morning show since 2012. Cahill began his radio career at CBS Radio Phoenix in 2006 before joining WJFK-FM as a Producer in 2007.

 

Industry News

AJ Lurie Named VP / Cluster Manager of Beasley Media Group New Jersey

AJ Lurie
Beasley Media Group announces the appointment of AJ Lurie as vice president and cluster manager of the company’s New Jersey-based radio properties. Lurie, who also works with Beasley’s Fort Myers radio stations, will lead a diverse portfolio of stations across New Jersey, including WDHA-FM, WMGQ-FM, WCTC-AM, WRAT-FM, WMTR-AM and WJRZ-FM.  Prior to managing Beasley’s Fort Myers market, Lurie served as the director of local market integrated partnerships, where he played a key role in fostering strategic collaborations and increasing revenue opportunities across the company. BeasleyLurie also served as MM of Beasley’s Wilmington, Delaware radio property, WJBR-FM, and contributed to the sales development of Beasley Esports. He began his career as an account executive at Beasley’s Southwest Florida cluster.  “AJ’s proven experience, ability to drive results and commitment to localism made him the perfect choice to lead our New Jersey cluster into the future,” said Beasley Media Group COO and EVP, Brian Beasley.  “I look forward to working alongside the talented team in New Jersey to build on their success and continue delivering exceptional results for our listeners, advertisers, and communities,” said Lurie. “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Dan Finn, whose legacy of excellence has set a high bar for all of us.”  He succeeds Dan Finn, who will officially retire from Beasley at the end of March 2025 after a distinguished career in broadcasting.

 

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

John Catsimatidis‘ Red Apple Audio Networks announces “Inauguration: 2025” – a one-hour special available to all radio stations now through January 20.  The show features highlights of past inaugurations from FDR to Donald J. Trump featuring Red Apple’s own Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Dick Morris, Noam Laden, and James Flippin plus expert insight from historian Ryan Walters. Red AppleThe “Inauguration: 2025” special is available to radio stations for download upon request. Stations may contact: affiliation@redappleaudionetworks.com…..Due to the challenges inflicted by the LA wildfires, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced an extension for submissions to the milestone 50th Gracie Awards. Gracies LogoThe extended deadline is February 6, 2025, while the regular deadline, with no additional fee, is January 30, 2025.  The Gracie Awards, presented by AWMF, has recognized programming and individual excellence by women across all media for five decades. A full list of the categories, including new categories for 2025 can be found HERE. The Gracie Awards Gala will be May 20 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire hotel and the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held on June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street, New York. The 2025 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Entry details, including pricing and updated categories, can be viewed at https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/…..Josh Hammer ShowNewsweek has added 660 AM The Answer (KSKY) in Dallas as an affiliate for its conservative syndicated program, “The Josh Hammer Show.”  Hammer is Newsweek‘s senior editor-at-large.  The one-hour weekly show, which began as a podcast, will air on the Salem station Saturdays at 7:00 pm.

 

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/15)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump Transition Hearings

2. LA Wildfires – Political Response and Accountability – Social Media Misinformation

3. Israel-Hamas War Cease Fire on Hold

4. Economy – DOGE / Migrant Crisis / Crime

5. Big Tech Influence / TikTok

Industry News

Audacy Announces Programming Updates to WEEI, Boston

Audacy has announced a series of programming updates for WEEI-FM/AM in Boston. WEEIThe station debuts a new afternoon show, welcoming three-time NFL champion Ted Johnson as afternoon show co-host alongside Andy Hart and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, who is expanding his role. The trio will be heard on weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET beginning January 21. Ted JohnsonJohnson will also co-host “WEEI Football Sunday’” with Christian Arcand, Meghan Ottolini, Chris Scheim, Tom E. Curran, Stevens, Hart and Jermaine Wiggins during the NFL season. Former afternoon show co-host Christian Arcand will host nights weekdays from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.

Fitzy“Ted not only hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy three times as a Patriot, but he also played alongside new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel,” said Mike Thomas, SVP/MM, Audacy Boston. “After his playing days, Ted honed his broadcasting skills in Houston and back here in Boston. He has entertaining stories and valuable information that all Boston sports fans won’t want to miss. Fitzy has been an asset to the station and we’re excited to expand his role to ‘WEEI Afternoons’ with his knowledge as a die-hard Boston sports fan.”

“I had the good fortune of playing on some incredible teams in my 10-year career, and now, 30 years later, I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be a part of another great team at WEEI,” said Johnson. “I’ll never take for granted the relationships I’ve formed and the awesome experiences I’ve shared with the fans here, and I look forward to strengthening those connections through the WEEI airwaves. I appreciate the unique opportunity Mike Thomas, Mark Hannon, Jeff Sottolano and Ken Laird have given me. I look forward to talking to y’all soon!”

The new WEEI weekday programming lineup is as follows:

6:00 – 10:00 am ET: “Greg Hill Morning Show”

10:00 am – 2:00 pm ET: “Jones & Keefe”

2:00 – 6:00 pm ET: “WEEI Afternoons”

6:00 – 10:00 pm. ET: “Christian Arcand”

Johnson joins WEEI after serving as an on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub since 2018. Upon his retirement from the NFL in 2005, he began his professional media career at CBS Boston doing pre- and postgame shows for the Patriots. Stevens is a Massachusetts native with a passion for Boston sports. He joined WEEI in the summer of 2019 and has hosted shows across every daypart at the station, including “The 6 Rings Postgame Show” with Hart after every Patriots game.

Industry News

Ramsey Co-host Ken Coleman Launches New Show, “Front Row Seat”

Ken Coleman, three-time bestselling author, host of “The Ken Coleman Show,” and co-host of “The Ramsey Show” (with host Dave Ramsey) is debuting his new show, “Front Row Seat,” on Tuesday, January 28.Keb ColemanThe show, available on all podcast platforms and YouTube, offers an in-depth look at the untold truths behind success. Each episode features unfiltered conversations with top achievers from various fields, including guests such as Nikki Haley, Layne Norton, Dan Martell, and Will Guidara.

In each episode of “Front Row Seat,” Coleman provides listeners with an insider’s perspective on what it takes to rise above the competition and lead effectively.Ramsey “Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all journey,” said Coleman. “Front Row Seat creates a space for listeners to hear the untold stories and the real, sometimes messy, path to becoming the best version of themselves. I have so much fun doing this show – it’s incredibly rewarding to dive deep into these conversations, and I can’t wait to share these incredible stories with our audience.”

As mentioned, Coleman is also the co-host of “The Ramsey Show,” ranked in the TALKERS Heavy Hundred as number two in the nation and the fourth podcast to ever reach one billion downloads. Both “The Ramsey Show” and “Front Row Seat” are part of The Ramsey Network, which features 12 podcasts and 11 YouTube channels.