FCC Commissioner Simington Announces Surprise Resignation
Republican FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington – who joined the Commission during President Trump’s first term – surprised the industry on Wednesday (6/4) by issuing a statement announcing his exit from the Commission. He said, “I will be concluding my tenure at the Federal Communications Commission at the
end of this week. It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the American people as a Commissioner. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility by President Donald J. Trump during his first term. The Commission is in excellent hands under the leadership of my distinguished colleague, Chairman Brendan T. Carr, and is supported by an extraordinary staff whose dedication to public service is second to none. Throughout my tenure, I worked to defend free expression, safeguard national security, and promote infrastructure investment to benefit all Americans… I look forward to continuing to serve the public interest in the years ahead and to contributing to the vital conversations surrounding our communications infrastructure, national security, and technological leadership. I remain committed to advancing the cause of limited government, free speech, and American innovation. These principles guided my time at the Commission and will continue to shape my future endeavors. As I move forward, I remain committed to shaping the future of communications policy and will continue to advocate for the values and priorities that have guided my public service.”
and regional news director position with iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver. She says, “iHeartMedia has graciously agreed to keep me part time, so you will still hear me anchor a newscast here or there… I have been honored to talk and write my way through 35 years at KOA.” 
Nathan Fischer, and fellow farm department contributors are teaming up to produce the debut show this Saturday (6/7). WHO adds, “‘We Speak Farm Saturday’ builds upon all that’s delivered throughout the week during ‘The Big Show’ with a Market Recap, a weekly ‘Agriculture USA’ segment from the USDA, insightful conversations on Iowa farming, agronomy and food, and will also cover topics such as gardening, farmers markets, rodeos and county fairs.” WHO program director Cole Blair comments, “We are always looking to deliver more for the hard-working farmers and all those involved in Iowa’s agriculture industry at WHO, so we’re proud to expand our Ag programming with the launch of ‘We Speak Farm Saturday.’ When farmers and Ag industry workers get in the truck, tractor or workplace on Saturday it’s only right we’re there with them, too.”
#3. Radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” steady at #6, iHeartPodcasts’ “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” rising two spots to #9, and Silverloch’s “VINCE” falling two places to #20. 
commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.
and outcomes that matter for its partners.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Our growing digital portfolio will benefit from this new organizational structure, setting Audacy up perfectly for further success. With Michael at the helm, we will lean into his expertise, experience and creativity to further energize our digital sales, unlocking new opportunities and creating better workflows and results for our local and national teams. We’re excited about what this means for our client partners and colleagues.” Biemolt most recently served as executive vice president at Audacy where he was responsible for leading digital transformation efforts and helping grow national sales capabilities.
served as a fill-in host for “The Rush Limbaugh Show.” WMAL program director Bill Hess says, “We’re thrilled to have Derek’s fresh voice and perspective on our fulltime lineup. His width of interests will make for a fun and informative afternoon program as we wrestle this news cycle each day.” Hunter comments, “I couldn’t be more excited – this is a homecoming for me. Returning to where I first hosted is a great feeling. I’ve been fortunate to fill in across the lineup – from ‘O’Connor and Company’ to Chris Plante, and even for Rush Limbaugh. To now have a permanent home here is incredibly special. I want to thank Bill Hess, Jeff Boden, and all of Cumulus for this amazing opportunity.”
hosted by Sam Madonia and Greg Halbleib moves from sister sports talk station WFMB-AM/W222CG to WMAY-AM/FM. Current WMAY morning personality Patrick Pfingsten moves to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart as host of “PM Springfield.” Back over at Sports Radio 92.3 FM/1450 AM, the station debuts a new morning show called, “The Morning Huddle with Darin Pritchett.” Woodward market manager Kevin O’ Dea says, “We’ve heard our listeners loud and clear. These changes allow us to better serve our audiences with the content they love, while strengthening our ties to the community.”
states, “Steve has shared his entire broadcasting career with the WGN Radio audience and built respect, trust, and friendships along the way. It’s a special relationship and four decades deserves recognition.” Bertrand started at WGN Radio as an intern and was hired full-time in 1985. He has been in the news anchor chair since 1992. Bertrand reflects, “Growing up in a small town, I always had my eye on moving to the big city. Never during those years of daydreaming would I have imagined the career I’ve had at WGN Radio. I have worked with, and still do work with, some of the best in radio. I’m so grateful. And lucky. Back in the day, many people might have considered my fantasy a pipe dream. But, it turns out, dreams can come true.”
study of 303 media agencies and marketers conducted in August 2024 found the perceived combined audience share of Pandora/Spotify is 43%, much greater than the perceived share of AM/FM radio (27%). In reality, “According to the Q1 2025 Share of Ear, AM/FM radio’s persons 18+ share of ad-supported audio (68%) is 14 times larger than ad-supported Pandora (5%) and ad-supported Spotify (5%).” The data also reveals that podcasts take the second-place spot with a 20% share. Ad-supported Pandora (5%), ad-supported Spotify (5%), and ad-supported SiriusXM (3%) lag distantly. 
Morano. Lionel comments, “I’m honored beyond words to be back at WABC – where it all began, my alma mater, the greatest talk radio station in the world. Legendary, historic, storied, unmatched in its legacy. This isn’t just radio, it’s home. It’s the gold standard, the birthplace of giants. And now, I’m back where I belong.”
encompasses four divisions: Local TV and Radio; Network, Syndication Service, Program Service TV and Radio; Digital News Organizations; and Student Awards. RTDNA says the Murrow Awards “recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. Murrow Award-winning work demonstrates the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.” 
iHeartRadio, the deal includes a cross-marketing collaboration of both brands throughout the BIG3 season with promotion nationally across iHeartMedia’s multiple platforms including broadcast radio, podcast digital, social and live events, with a heavy focus in “game” markets including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dallas and others. iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “We are very excited about our new partnership with BIG3 and having the opportunity to provide play-by-play coverage and promotional support to build further brand awareness, introducing the game to millions of more fans. We look forward to bringing the passion and excitement of BIG3 to our listeners on a local and national level week after week.”
Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. After that though, Warshaw says Del Nin balked and denied there was ever an agreement, calling any such claims “fabricated.” Warshaw is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and asking that the court award specific performance of their agreement.
that the KNBR “‘Papa and Silver’ midday show signed off from the 750 Battery St. studios just before 2:00 pm. After a break, the ‘Dirty Work’ afternoon show went live from Daly City.” The story notes that sports talk KNBR was originally KPO-AM when it launched on April 17, 1922 with its tower on top of the Hale Brothers department store at 901 Market Street.