Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Among 2026 NYSBA Hall of Fame Inductees

The New York State Broadcasters Association officially announces the 2026 inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at the Rainbow Room in October. This year’s class includes WABC, New York imgmorning drive host Sid Rosenberg. In addition to Rosenberg, this year’s class includes: Bill Ritter – journalist/ anchor – WABC-TV, New York; Rosanna Scotto – journalist/anchor – WNYW-TV (FOX 5), New York City; Dan Miner – station manager – WCKM-FM, WCQL-FM, WWSC-AM & FM, and WDKM-FM, Glens Falls; Pete Cloutier – morning co-host & sales – WCKM-FM, Glens Falls; Chuck Samuels – VP & general manager – WHAM-TV, Rochester (retired); and Bob Krummenacker – VP & General Manager – WBNG-TV, Binghamton (retired).

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Value of News/Talk Audience to Advertisers

In an insight piece titled, Attention is Heard to Earn: News/Talk Already Has It,” Audacy presents a strong argument for the value of the format to advertisers. Some of the key elements of the presentation include: 1) News/talk is now the No. 1 radio format across broadcast and streaming, accounting for 22% of all AM/FM imgstation streaming, nearly 3x the next closest format; 2) One in four Americans now identifies as a “News Fanatic,” checking the news five or more times a day and actively seeking deeper context – not just headlines; 3) News/talk listeners are more loyal than sports fans. Fifty-four percent are primary listeners who spend most of their listening time with news/talk, compared with 41% for sports; 4) Trust remains news/talk’s biggest advantage. Local news radio is trusted by 84% of listeners – higher than broadcast TV, national news radio, or social media; 5) The audience has significant buying power. Median household income is approximately $95,000, with listeners over-indexing for net worth above $2 million; and 6) The advertising works. Among ad-exposed consumers, news/talk campaigns drive 56% awareness, 47% consideration, and 49% purchase/conversion, while Audacy campaigns generate an average 24% lift in website traffic, with some categories seeing increases as high as 67%. See more here.

Industry News

FCC’s Gomez Critical of Dismissal of Petition to Repeal News Distortion Policy

Federal Communications Commission commissioner Anna M. Gomez is criticizing a summary dismissal of a Petition for Special Relief with the Commission seeking a repeal of the Commission’s news distortion policy filed last fall by a bipartisan group of former imgFCC officials. Gomez filed a petition for mandamus with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia seeking to compel action by the FCC on such petition. Instead, of responding to the mandamus petition, on June 22 the Commission filed its response and included a copy of an unpublished letter dismissing the News Distortion Petition that was signed by the Acting Chief of the Media Bureau on delegated authority.

Gomez writes, “The Commission has increasingly used its regulatory authority as a cudgel against broadcasters whose coverage it dislikes rather than as a neutral enforcement tool, and license renewals and merger approvals have been treated as leverage over editorial judgment rather than as the objective processes the Communications Act requires them to be. This is not an isolated tactic, and the Commission has repeatedly reached for rarely used or long dormant authority to discipline broadcasters it views as critical, including reviving a license renewal mechanism that had not been invoked in over half a century apparently to target a single company’s news coverage. This includes repeated reliance on the previously rarely invoked news distortion policy at issue here.  That pressure has had a real effect, and station groups and local broadcasters across the country have asked my office what topics are now considered too risky to cover, a question that should never need to be asked in a country with a First Amendment. When a federal agency with the power to grant or revoke broadcast licenses starts weighing in on editorial content, the chilling effect reaches far beyond any single station or story, and it is compounded here by the Commission’s choice to resolve this particular petition through an unpublished staff letter rather than a public vote of the full Commission.

“The Commission regularly uses delegated authority to get the work of the Commission done, issuing licenses, seeking comment, granting rule waivers, etc. These are instances where the bureaus and offices of the agency take actions consistent with established Commission precedent.  Delegated authority allows the Commission to operate efficiently.

“Delegated authority, however, can be abused to shield significant actions from judicial review as only final Commission actions can be appealed.  That is what appears to be happening in this instance and the consequences for our democracy are serious.  The Commission has repeatedly used the Media Bureau to take actions that are inconsistent with longstanding Commission precedent that violate both the Communications Act and the First Amendment.

“I am cognizant that my dissent on the substance will not change the outcome of the News Distortion Petition by the Commission.  Not providing the Commissioners with an opportunity to vote on this important petition, however, shields the Commission’s actions from critical judicial review.  Accordingly, I stand ready to vote on an order addressing the issues raised in the News Distortion Petition to facilitate the timely advancement of this matter to a final appealable order that will allow the appellate review process to move forward without unnecessary delay.”

Industry News

Public Media Organizations Partner for News Coverage

Baltimore Public Media and Delmarva Public Media announce a strategic partnership that the organizations say will expand local journalism, deepen collaboration, and strengthen public media service throughout Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula. The partnership creates a formal framework for the two organizations to share content, reporting, and resources while maintaining their distinct identities and local focus. Baltimore Public Media president and CEO Craig Swagler says, “Public media has always been strongest when it works together. This partnership is how we turn that belief into action. By combining our strengths, we can provide the kind of coverage this region needs and build something that serves our audiences and the Chesapeake Bay region for years to come.” The first major initiative under the partnership, a shared agriculture and environmental reporter position, will focus on issues that connect communities across Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula. The shared reporter position is the first step in a broader vision for the partnership. Both organizations say they are exploring ongoing newsroom collaboration, content sharing, audience engagement initiatives, event partnerships, and additional resource opportunities that will expand the reach and impact of public media across Maryland and Delmarva, building a stronger regional public media ecosystem for the communities they serve.

Industry News

RMWorld Travel Broadcasts Live from U.S. Intrepid

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Pictured above is the “RMWorld Travel Connection” program with Robert & Mary Carey and Rudy Maxa broadcasting live from the deck of the U.S. Intrepid in New York City on July 4. During the broadcast, the hosts interviewed Intrepid Museum EVP Dave Winters, cultural historian Jeana Rogers and others, including New York-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Kevin McCullough of “That KEVIN Show.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Doing Talk on a Music Station”

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TALKERS continues to post information-laden videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a one-on-one conversation titled, “Doing Talk on a Music Station,” which explores the diverse world of talk shows programmed on predominantly music-formatted stations. Many of these shows, usually heard in the morning, are on mostly classic rock or adult contemporary outlets, and are a hybrid of general news/talk radio – leaning heavily on social issues – mixed with a component of celebrity gossip, sports, and the hosts’ personal, real-life stories. They are usually comprised of a host and a co-host or simply two equal co-hosts. The special guest in this video is Mike “Bax” Baxendale, the long running co-host of the wildly successful morning show on classic rock station WAQY-FM (Rock 102), Springfield, MA. Facilitating the dialogue is WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley.  Baxendale – who is a household name in the Western Massachusetts-Northern Connecticut market – has co-hosted the dominant show for the past 31 years working for a couple of decades with the late John O’ Brien and more recently with Steve Nagle. Don’t miss this! Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Former Trump Fixer Michael Cohen to Host Show on 77WABC

This coming Saturday (7/12), former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen will get behind the microphone for his first radio show on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Cohen is taking over the Saturday 5:00 pm show while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo takes the summer off. Cohen – who ended up imgtestifying against his former boss in cases revolving around Stormy Daniels – has apparently made up with President Donald Trump. Or so says WABC owner John Catsimatidis. He tells the New York Post, “I checked with the White House and they had no objection. I understand everything is fine.” Cohen tells the Post, “I was told the president gave me a glowing recommendation for this gig because he believes I’m going to be the next Rush Limbaugh.” Red Apple Media says Cohen program, titled, “When You Know… You Know,” will be a “provocative and bold new one-hour program that promises to expose the truth behind politics, power, betrayal, and the stories the headlines never tell. Drawing on firsthand experience from the highest levels of American politics to federal prison, Cohen will challenge conventional wisdom, expose deception, and deliver the kind of insider perspective few people on the planet can match.” In addition to the radio show, Cohen is also doing a weekly podcast called, “When You Know… You Know Unleashed.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Programming News/Talk Radio”

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TALKERS continues to post a plethora of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Programming News/Talk Radio,” which explores the intricacies of spoken word radio’s most popular and influential format – news/talk.  Moderated by WRVA, Richmond afternoon star, Jeff Katz, the panel includes (in alphabetical order): Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN-AM, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; and Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Walnut Media to Bring Back WOW in Omaha

Walnut Media is acquiring the dark signal KXSP-AM, Omaha and plans to bring the station back on air as a sports talk outlet with the legendary WOW call letters originally assigned in 1926. The station will return to the air on July 6 featuring content from ESPN imgRadio, local talk and coverage of University of Nebraska sports. Walnut Media president Patrick Combs says, “This is an incredibly exciting moment for our company and for sports fans across the region. We are proud to add this historic signal to our group and are excited to offer not only top-notch sports content but also give Husker fans a powerful regional signal.” The station will become the Omaha market’s radio source for Huskers athletics including football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball and “Sports Nightly.” Walnut Media vice chair Nick Seline adds, “We are pleased to add one of the largest and most historic stations in the Midwest to our growing media family. This investment will give us added ability to serve both our listeners and our advertisers.”

Industry News

WURD Presents Freedom Journeys Salon

Urban talk WURD, Philadelphia is presenting Freedom Journeys Salon tomorrow (7/3) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Love Lab. The station says the event is part of Freedom Journeys, WURD Radio’s year-long initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th imganniversary by celebrating 250 remarkable Philadelphians whose lives and legacies have shaped the city, the nation, and our history. The event features a live panel discussion moderated by station personality Solomon Jones that includes: Michael Coard, host of Radio Courtroom, attorney, and founder of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition; Karen Warrington, award-winning news director and arts advocate; Dr. Anthony Monteiro, scholar and founder of The Saturday Free School for Philosophy and Black Liberation; and Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Brave New World” – A Look at Campus Broadcasting and Radio’s Next Generation

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TALKERS continues to post a motherlode of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Brave New World,” which explores the future of radio by presenting an informed overview of what’s happening in campus broadcasting. Moderated by Salem Radio Network and WMAL, Washington, DC syndicated star, Larry O’Connor, the panelists include (in alphabetical order): Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH, Hillsdale College; George Capalbo, VP / chief technical officer, Backbone Networks; Dr. Andy Gladding, chief engineer, Salem Media of New York / chief engineer, WRHU, Hofstra University; Shawn Novatt, director, 90.3 WHPC, Nassau Community College / VP, conference & community colleges, Intercollegiate Broadcasting System;  and Norm Prusslin, founder, advisor, WUSB-FM, Stony Brook University. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Gomez Unleashes on SCOTUS Ruling

With her status uncertain after her term officially ended on June 30, Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Slaughter. Gomez, who seems intent upon remaining with the Commission, knows that President Donald Trump can fire her and continued her criticism of the imgadministration and the Supreme Court’s ruling. She wrote: “This decision puts at risk how Congress intended independent agencies to function in American democracy. When Congress established the Federal Communications Commission, it made a deliberate choice to create a multi-member, multi-party, independent body insulated from political pressure precisely because the decisions this agency makes about who can speak over the public airwaves, how spectrum is allocated, and how communications markets are regulated, are too consequential to be made on the basis of political loyalty. We are already seeing what political control of this agency looks like in practice, through investigations targeting broadcasters and government critics for coverage this administration finds unfavorable.

“In a companion decision, the Court protected the Federal Reserve from political interference while leaving media regulators exposed. Democracy depends on a free press and the preservation of free expression through all communication technologies as much as it depends on a stable economy.

“For nearly a century, the FCC’s credibility as an expert-driven regulatory body has been a cornerstone of American leadership in global communications. When we negotiate spectrum agreements with foreign governments and international bodies, our counterparts trust that our positions reflect technical expertise and legal authority, not the political preferences of whoever occupies the White House at a given moment. That credibility is difficult to build and easy to destroy, and the uncertainty created by this decision puts it at risk in ways that will reverberate far beyond our borders.

“The potential consequences for consumers and for American innovation are just as serious. Independent agencies exist to make decisions based on facts and the law. Those who argue these agencies are unaccountable misunderstand how they were designed, as the FCC answers to Congress, the democratically elected body that created it, through oversight, appropriations, and legislation. When commissioners can be removed for their policy views rather than for cause, the inevitable result is an agency that pulls its punches and defers to political winds rather than the record before it. Consumers pay the price for that kind of regulatory timidity in higher costs, fewer choices, and slower progress toward the connected future this country deserves.

“Protecting consumers, promoting competitive innovation, and defending free expression are at the heart of my work at the Commission, and I intend to keep doing that work for as long as I am able to serve.”

Industry News

Steve Czaban Returns to Milwaukee Airwaves on “The Fan”

Sports media pro Steve Czaban returns to the Milwaukee air with a talk show on Audacy’s WSSP-AM/W289CB “The Fan” for an imghour-long morning program with Josh Albrecht. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the program will also air across Audacy’s Wisconsin Sports Radio Network in markets including Greeb Bay-Appleton, Wausau, Madison, and Duluth-Superior. Czaban previously hosted a morning program on iHeartMedia’s then-sports WRNW-FM “97.3 The Game” that iHeartMedia flipped to AC last fall. See the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel story here.

Industry News

Bortnick Joins CMG for Executive Sales Post

Cox Media Group brings sales executive Danny Bortnick aboard as vice president, local revenue and client growth for CMG Radio. Bortnick most recently served with Hubbard and 2060 Digital in West Palm Beach. CMG says, “In this newly created leadership role, Bortnick will partner with market leaders and sales managers to drive local customer and revenue growth. He will work with cross-functional teams to align client engagement and revenue strategy, focused on long-term growth through strong client imgrelationships and innovative solutions. He will also focus on enhancing CMG Radio’s high-performing, client-first sales organization, advancing sales enablement, and ensuring consistent execution across markets.” Bortnick comments, “I’m honored to join the CMG family under [CMG Radio president] Rob Babin’s leadership, and I’m excited to help accelerate local revenue growth across the organization. Local media plays an essential role in every marketer’s strategy, and CMG Radio’s brands deliver measurable impact for our clients. I look forward to partnering with our talented teams across the country to continue building lasting client relationships, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional results.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: “What Does Talk Radio Have in Common with Pro Wrestling?”

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TALKERS continues to post a treasure chest of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a spellbinding one-on-one presentation titled, “What Does Talk Radio Have in Common with Pro Wrestling?”  The facilitator is WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley.  The special guest is the one and only Dr. Asa Andrew.  “Doctor Asa” – a multimedia star – is the host of his own nationally syndicated health and wellness talk radio show. In addition, he is the head of medicine and ringside physician for TNA professional wrestling, as well as an occasional wrestler himself. Hurley and Andrew take a deep dive into the theatrical aspects of presentation and storytelling that talk radio and pro wrestling have in common – and the result is nothing short of fascinating. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Hoffman Media Group to Acquire KMOX, St. Louis and Other Stations from Audacy

Numerous media outlets are reporting the blockbuster deal that will see the David Hoffman-controlled Hoffman Family of Companies take ownership of Audacy’s St. Louis cluster that includes heritage news/talk KMOX, talk KFTK-FM, and four music brands. According imgto KSDK-TV, St. Louis, Hoffman Media Group recently took majority ownership of Lee Enterprises, which owns the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. David Hoffman said in a statement to STLPR, “This is a deliberate step to accelerate the expansion of our media platform and establish it as one of the imglargest print and digital news organizations in the United States. With our planned acquisitions, combined with our existing portfolio of 154 newspapers and our expansion into radio, we expect to become the second-largest media company in the United States by year-end.” Audacy president and CEO Kelli Turner reportedly issued a memo to staff revealing the deal (in which the terms were not disclosed) and stated that Audacy will continue to own and operate the stations until the deal closes and that listeners, advertisers, partners and employees should expect “business as usual” during the approval process.  See the KSDK-TV story here.

Industry News

“Lou & Michele” Join Revamped Lineup at “New Jersey 101.5”

On the heels of last week’s news that Dennis Malloy is returning to Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” to co-host the “Dennis & Judi Show” with Judi Franco come more changes to the station’s lineup. Beginning July 13, Lou Russo (right) and Michele Pilenza (left) will host the “Lou & Michele Show” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. They move to “New Jersey img101.5” from the company’s hot AC WJLK-FM, Asbury Park “94.3 The Point.” That move chops an hour off the “Deminski & Moore” afternoon show which now airs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. As we reported last week, Eric Johnson moves from his on-air role with Judi Franco to operations manager. Townsquare New Jersey VP for content Sam Elliot Gagliardi says, “These changes are about investing in local talent, local content, and local conversations. No one understands New Jersey better than the people who live here. This lineup brings together some of the strongest personalities in the state and reinforces New Jersey 101.5’s role as the place where New Jersey comes together every day.”

Industry News

Lyn Joins Worldwide News Network

Red Apple Audio Networks announces that it has hired former CBS Radio News anchor Stacy Lyn for its Worldwide News Network. RAAN says, “Lyn brings more than three decades of broadcast journalism experience, including coverage of the White House, Congress, national elections, and major breaking news events. Her distinguished career includes reporting and anchoring roles in major markets and on national platforms, earning her numerous industry honors, including an Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence, a Gracie Award, an Associated Press imgAward for Outstanding Newscast, and more.” Red Apple SVP, news & programming Lee Harris says, “Stacy Lyn is exactly the kind of broadcast news anchor we set out to recruit when we launched the Worldwide News Network. She is a proven broadcaster with tremendous credibility and a long track record of delivering breaking news and major stories with accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Stacy’s experience covering the highest levels of government and the biggest stories in America will be an enormous asset to our affiliates and listeners.” Other former CBS Radio broadcasters now serving with Worldwide News Network include Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper.