The 24th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon – held on August 17-18 – raised more than $7.1 million. Sports talk WEEI, Boston owner Audacy says, “With the generous support of the Jimmy Fund community and Red Sox Nation, the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon has now raised more than $87 million to strike out cancer since the first broadcast in 2002.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
In Monday’s edition of TALKERS, we wrote that the new, nationally syndicated afternoon drive show from Westwood One starring Dan Bongino and Shawn Farash would “air live from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET,” giving the impression the program will be produced live during that time. To clarify, the two hours of the program hosted by Bongino are repurposed from his daily podcast – produced by Silverloch Productions and distributed and repped by the Cumulus Podcast Network – and will be delivered to affiliates during the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart.
Following Tuesday’s news that ABC is filing suit against the FCC alleging a violation of its First Amendment rights, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez comments on the matter. She states: “For months, the FCC has waged a campaign of 
censorship and control against Disney’s ABC stations, using the threat of broadcast license revocations to punish a company for speech this administration doesn’t like. I have long called on companies to push back against this kind of government intimidation, and I’m glad Disney has shown courage and stepped up. This should be a welcome sign for every broadcaster who has felt the weight of this overreaching government pressure in silence.
“I am hopeful that this will mark the beginning of the end of this administration’s disregard for the Constitution and the law, and that the coming months will bring the costly legal defeat this agency has been asking for since it started down this path. It is time this administration understands that the Constitution does not bend to political convenience, and that the First Amendment protects the news and commentary Americans see on their screens even when those in power wish it didn’t.”
Former KXNO, Des Moines sports talk hosts Sean Roberts and Lucas Strain are putting their online sports talk show – “Beyond the Bench” – on hold after receiving a cease-and-desist from iHeartMedia, ostensibly for violation of the non-compete in their 
contracts. The two were part of a round of layoffs at the station last month. The two posted to X: “‘Beyond the Bench’ will not be airing for the time being. We are currently being pursued in a legal matter by our past employer, and as a result, we need to step away temporarily while that situation is addressed. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported the show and hope to be back soon. In addition, we will provide updates as we are able and will let everyone know when we have more information. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
The new media platform being launched by Outkick founder and Premiere Networks personality Clay Travis is striking a deal with “The Next Round” for national distribution. Travis’ new venture – “Sport & State” – officially debuted today (8/19). “The Next Round” is a product of DBL Down Media led by former WJOX, Birmingham 
broadcasters Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor and will officially join “Sport & State” on August 24. “The Next Round” president and general manager Bo O’Neal states, “‘The Next Round’ has proven that a great live sports show doesn’t have to be confined by a radio signal or a geographic market. What Jim, Ryan and Lance have built is pretty remarkable. They’ve created independent, personality-driven sports content with an audience that reaches well beyond Alabama. What Clay is building with Sport & State aligns perfectly with who we are and feels like the natural next step for us. We’re not changing what The Next Round is. We’re giving it a much bigger stage. It’s an incredible opportunity for the guys, our team, our advertising partners and everyone who has played a part in making ‘The Next Round’ successful.”
Dr. Daliah Joins WFEA, Manchester. The Talk Media Network syndicated program “The Dr. Daliah Wachs Show” is joining the weekend schedule at Saga Communications’ news/talk WFEA, Manchester, New Hampshire.
KUT Names Philpott Morning Edition Host. Public radio outlet KUT, Austin names journalist Ben Philpott the new local host of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” KUT says, “Ben has been with KUT News since the newsroom launched in 2002 and was its first political reporter, covering eight Texas legislative sessions and presidential campaigns before becoming managing editor. He succeeds Jennifer Stayton, who steps away from ‘Morning Edition’ after 22 years to lead KUT News’ reporting initiative on aging in Central Texas.”
WUSF Welcomes Ira Glass. Public radio station WUSF, Tampa is bringing “This American Life” creator and host Ira Glass to town for an in-person solo show at the Tampa Theatre on December 5.
WNYC Adds Council Speaker Segment. WNYC, New York’s “The Brian Lehrer Show” is adding a “Speak with the Speaker,” interview and call-in segment with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. Lehrer says, “We’re excited that Speaker Menin will be joining our show more regularly, offering New Yorkers insights into the work of the City Council. We’re dedicated to offering listeners an opportunity to both hear from their elected officials in their own words and ask their own questions about the issues that matter most.”
Outkick – the sports and culture platform recently acquired by FOX News Digital – is bringing WFAN, New York afternoon drive host Craig Carton aboard to host a new show that will drop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning September 8. 
Outkick says this new show debut coincides with OutKick integrating as the official sports brand of FOX News Digital on August 24. FOX News Digital editorial executive vice president Tommy Firth says, “This is a pivotal moment for OutKick as the integration with FOX News Digital will expand its reach and influence throughout sports media. Craig Carton’s distinctive voice will resonate with our audience and seamlessly meets this moment for OutKick.” Carton says, “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining OutKick. I’ve always been a fan and appreciate their authenticity and willingness to speak their minds. It’s something I’ve done throughout my career and will do during this next chapter of hosting ‘The Craig Carton Show.’”
WJJF-FM, Montauk morning drive host Lee Elci is off the air at the Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk station at the company reviews its options regarding Elci’s recently announced campaign for Connecticut’s 20th State Senate District seat. After announcing his 
campaign, Elci stated that he intends to not discuss campaign issues or his campaign during his program. But incumbent Senator Martha Marx’s campaign is demanding equal time under FCC rules. Marx tells CT Mirror that if Elci wants to stay on the air, then the station has to give her a four-hour show. The other issue is that if Elci stays on the air, it could be considered an in-kind campaign contribution by the station and that could violate Connecticut campaign laws. For his part, Elci tells CT Mirror the station’s lawyers are seeking clarification for elections enforcement officials. He adds, “Big picture is I wouldn’t want to put my station in jeopardy,” he said. See the CT Mirror story here.
The latest blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reveals data from MRI-Simmons, Edison’s Share of Ear study, and Nielsen that shows advertising on AM/FM radio elevates the media plan. Key takeaways from the post include: 1) 
Reach is the primary media driver of growth. Always aim to get more customers from all segments of the market. It’s the main way brands grow; 2) AM/FM radio is America’s number one mass reach media among persons 25-54 and, surprisingly, among 18-34s; 3) AM/FM radio generates significant incremental reach to social media platforms and YouTube; 4) Digital audio only reaches a third of Americans daily. Adding AM/FM radio causes reach to soar to 72% of the U.S.; and 5) AM/FM radio makes your TV better. The younger the demo, the greater the incremental reach. The addition of AM/FM radio lifts TV reach by +32% among 25-54s and +65% among 18-34s. See the full blog post here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Buffalo talk radio personality Tom Bauerle was fired from Audacy’s news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo on Friday – the day after 
he returned from a sold-out trip with listeners to Italy. Bauerle didn’t go into details about exiting the company’s Buffalo cluster where he’s been on the air – if you include his time at sister sports talker WGR – for the past 42 years but it stands to reason the decision by management was a financial one. It’s unclear what Audacy’s plans for the afternoon drive daypart are. As of today, Bauerle’s show is still listed on the station’s website.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is launching a syndicated radio show starring Dan Bongino that will debut next Monday (8/24). The program is called “The Bongino Report PM with Dan Bongino and Shawn Farash” that will air live 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. 
Bongino returned to the Cumulus fold doing his podcast that’s sold by the Cumulus Podcast Network after leaving his assistant director position with the FBI. The new show will feature Shawn Farash hosting the first hour and Bongino hosting hours two and three. Bongino comments, “I’m excited to partner with Shawn to bring listeners a daily program focused on the stories that matter most. Our goal is simple: deliver honest analysis and keep our
audience informed and engaged. Radio remains one of the most powerful ways to connect directly with people, and I’m excited to be back on Westwood One!” Farash adds, “This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with listeners across the country every day. Working alongside Dan and the team at Westwood One allows us to bring a fresh, energetic approach to afternoons while staying focused on the stories our audience cares about most.”
Cumulus Media – which is still awaiting approval from the FCC as it works to exit Chapter 11 reorganization – reports its operating results for the second quarter of 2026 and reveals net revenue of $167.9 million, a decline of 9.7% from the same period in 2025. The company reports a net loss of $9.2 million, down from the 
$12.8 million net loss it reported for the same period in 2025. Breaking down the company’s revenue by segment, broadcast spot revenue was $81.5 million, down 10.6% from a year ago; network revenue was $21.4 million, a decline of 21.5% compared to 2025; and digital revenue was $38.7 million, basically flat compared to Q2 of 2025. Cumulus Media CEO Mary G. Berner comments, “We are pleased to report our second quarter earnings. With our plan of reorganization confirmed by the court and the FCC approval process well underway, we are positioned to emerge from Chapter 11 with a stronger balance sheet to capitalize on future market opportunities.”
iHeartMedia sports talker KVET, Austin “1300 The Zone” expands the morning drive show by and hour, to have “The Morning Kickoff” 
with Mike Hardge and Mark Henry air from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Station program director Bryan Erickson says, “With the 2026 college football season just around the corner, this move gives Longhorn fans another hour of the in-depth analysis, big-name interviews and passionate discussion they’ve come to expect from Hardge and Henry.”
Nancy Mace Launches YouTube Show. Outgoing South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace launched her new YouTube talk show on Sunday (8/16). She describes her new show as a media destination in which “a bulldog leaves Washington to take the fight to the people.”
Leyden Joins AdLarge. AdLarge appoints Nicole Pezzola Leyden vice president, brand partnerships, in which she’ll “focus on developing strategic sponsorship opportunities and integrated marketing programs for advertisers.” Has served with organizations including TED, Scripps Networks, Discovery, and the NHL.
The Big Ten and Compass Renew. The Big Ten Network and Compass Media Networks agree to a multi-year extension for the exclusive national audio rights to the TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament and Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game along with the expansion of rights to include the exclusive rights to broadcast the Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (8/15-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Lee Elci is the morning host at Red Wolf Broadcasting’s news/talk WJJF-FM, Montauk, New York and he announces that he’s throwing his hat in the ring as a Republican candidate for the Connecticut State Senate in the 20th District. Numerous Connecticut media outlets are reporting the story, including LymeLine, and Elci tells the news site, “There’s a great quote from Theodore Roosevelt back in 1910 about being ‘a man in the arena,’ I think it’s time for me to get in the arena and try to do what’s right.” Elci is entering the race a bit late after the candidate endorsed by the Connecticut Republican Party in May – Ron LaBonte – says he’s no longer able to run for the office currently held by Democrat Martha Marx. The Connecticut State Legislature is a part-time body that meets for several months during the first half of the year. Elci says he could do both jobs if he wins the race. Elci tells LymeLine he will continue to do his show and will not talk about his campaign or issues involving towns in the district. See the LymeLine story here.
The story of noted radio news executive Lee Harris‘s surprising departure (8/12) from his role as senior vice president of news and programming at Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York and its Worldwide News Network (WWNN) has left a dust storm of conflicting details and speculation in its aftermath on radio message boards, social media and industry trades.
Harris joined Red Apple Media on May 4 as VP of news for WABC and the new Worldwide News Network, which launched May 23. Six weeks later, Red Apple promoted him to SVP of news and programming, expanding his authority across WABC, WWNN and Red Apple Audio Networks. On August 12 – roughly 100 days after his hiring – company CEO / owner John Catsimatidis announced Harris’s departure. Catsimatidis stated he had requested Harris’s resignation following a dispute involving a longtime employee returning from medical leave. Red Apple later attributed the separation to differences involving “leadership style.” Harris said he had decided to return to his longtime independent business developing broadcast technology products, but neither side identified a replacement nor fully explained in detail whether Harris resigned voluntarily or was dismissed.
Seasoned radio industry veterans know that it is a common practice for the actual details of such endings of employment to remain ambiguous. It is also known that strong-minded members of a company’s staff in both talent and management can be prone to butt heads within the minefield of corporate structure.
In this story, everything beyond that remains unproven. Early forum speculation suggested political or ideological incompatibility, but no reporting supports that theory; available off-record information specifically contradicts it. The returning employee’s identity also remains unconfirmed, as does the precise sequence of resignation and dismissal. The safest conclusion is that this was an internal management conflict subsequently framed by Red Apple as a personnel-related termination and by Harris as a voluntary career change.
As Cumulus Media continues its culling of local personalities at its stations across the country, the majority of those being let go served at music outlets. But there have been talk hosts also getting pink-
slipped including KFRU, Columbia, Missouri talk hosts David Gaines and Simon Rose. Gaines posted to Facebook: “As of this week, I’m no longer with Columbia’s heritage radio station KFRU. Corporate downsizing, the elimination of Cumulus Media positions nationwide, hit our market this week. That’s the nature of this business. Despite this setback, I’m writing this with a sense of gratitude. These past 18 years have been such a wonderful stretch of my career. I’ve worked with so many talented and creative people. Been a part of countless wonderful events. Interviewed multiple local and state leaders, and interesting guests from all walks of life.” Rose’s wife Jenna posted to Facebook: “Simon Rose has come to the end of a legendary run in local radio. He weathered plenty of rounds of belt-tightening over the years, but this time was the one he didn’t survive. The hardest part for him isn’t the ending itself – it’s that he didn’t get the chance to say a proper goodbye to the listeners on either station. He wants them to know how much being part of their lives has meant to him. They have been with him since before we were married and took daily interest in him and our growing family. Thank you for that.”
The Radio Television Digital News Association is revealing the 
winners of the 2026 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award winners. They are grouped by regions and broken down by television and radio as well as by market size. RTDNA says national winners will be celebrated at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12 at Gotham Hall in New York City. See all the winners here.
Longtime WJR, Detroit personality Joe Gagnon – host of “The Home & Appliance Show” – died yesterday (8/13) at the age of 84. Gagnon was known to generations of listeners as “The Appliance 
Doctor.” His obituary says he “built a distinctive broadcasting career around consumer advocacy, home-appliance expertise and his ability to make practical advice entertaining.” His radio program was on the air for more than 25 years and was heard beyond Detroit on stations around the country. His consumer advocacy transcended radio; he worked as a fraud investigator for Detroit Consumer Affairs and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. During a live WJR broadcast from Novi, Michigan, “Radio’s Best Friend” Art Vuolo shot video of the event and you can see that here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/10-14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Salem Media is a company in transition as it prepares to go private after a deal to be acquired by WaterStone was announced in May. That deal has WaterStone acquiring all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s recent trading price. 
For the second quarter of 2026, Salem’s net revenue was $45.9 million, a decrease of 15.2% from the same period in 2025. On the plus side, Salem’s net loss for the quarter was $3.4 million, a dramatic 81% decline from the $17.6 million net loss it reported a year ago. By segment for the quarter, Salem’s broadcast advertising revenue was $17.85 million, a dip of 11.3% compared to Q2 of 2025; broadcast programming revenue was $34.3 million, a decline of 6.3%; and digital revenue was $32.7 million, a decrease of 12.5%.
Beasley Broadcast Group’s financial report for the second quarter of 2026 reveals net revenue of $44.1 million, a decrease of 16.7% from the same period in 2025. The company posts net income of $84.3 million, a big turnaround from the net loss of $154,175 that it reported in Q2 of 2025. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “While second quarter results continued to reflect pressure across portions of the traditional advertising marketplace, 
we are encouraged by the progress we’re making in transforming Beasley into a more diversified, higher-margin media company. Our digital and local direct spot businesses continue to build momentum, our cost structure is significantly more efficient than it was a year ago, and we remain focused on improving the quality of our revenue. We believe these initiatives are creating a stronger operating foundation and positioning the company for more consistent financial performance over the long term. At the same time, we continue to execute against the financial priorities we established at the beginning of the year. We are operating with discipline, allocating capital thoughtfully, and taking deliberate actions to strengthen our balance sheet through debt reduction, portfolio optimization, and improved financial flexibility. These efforts, combined with our ongoing operational initiatives, are designed to improve cash flow generation and create long-term value for our shareholders. Looking ahead, our strategy remains unchanged. We are focused on delivering sustainable revenue growth, expanding EBITDA through continued operating discipline and higher-margin revenue, and further reducing leverage over time. While the broader advertising environment remains dynamic, we believe the actions we are taking today are positioning Beasley to emerge as a stronger, more profitable, and more resilient company.”