Industry News

Audacy Announces Programming Changes for “ESPN 1320” in Sacramento

Audacy’s Sacramento sports talk outlet KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” announces a new programming lineup that will take effect next Monday (2/2).  A new morning program called “The Jump” and starring Kyleimg Madson and Jesse Tapia airs live from 7:0 am to 9:00 am with a replay airing from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm the same day. The station notes that this is Tapia’s first on-air role and that he’ll continue producing the “D-Lo and KC” show. That program, starring Damien Barling & Kenny Caraway, is moving to the 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart. The station adds that James Ham is expanding his role as the Sacramento Kings insider as he’ll provide breaking news updates and analysis weekly on “The Jump” and “D-Lo & KC.” Station brand manager Kyle Madson says, “Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for sports, and we’re excited to evolve our lineup with the launch of ‘The Jump,’ bringing high-energy to Sacramento mornings. By moving the unmatched wit of D-Lo & KC to the full afternoon drive and having James as our Kings Insider across all shows, we’re doubling down on the local insight and personality that defines Northern California sports radio.”

Industry News

Connoisseur Media and Super Hi-Fi Announce Partnership

Connoisseur media and Super Hi-Fi announce a partnership that will see the radio company use Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform for its stations. Additionally, Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw will join the Super Hi-Fi board of directors. Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform is described as “animg end-to-end, cloud-native operating system designed specifically for radio… powered by a suite of proprietary AI technologies that master, schedule, produce, and deliver each station directly to a Super Hi-Fi playout device at the transmitter.” Warshaw says, “Our mission is to have the best live and local radio experience in every market across America and Super Hi-Fi’s unique capabilities will allow us to do that in ways the industry just didn’t have before. We’re excited to work with them to drive forward and deliver the most compelling radio products in the industry.”

Industry News

Podcaster Jiggy Jaguar Covers AVN Awards in Las Vegas

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Noted talk media personality Jiggy Jaguar (a.k.a. James Lowe) was in Las Vegas last week covering the AVN Adult Entertainment Awards and Expo at the Virgin Hotel in downtown sin city. Jiggy was out doing interviews with adult film stars for his Jiggy Jaguar Show audio and video podcast. He’s pictured here (1/21) with adult film star Silver Foxxey as she was appearing at the STD Hero booth. NOTE: STD Hero, by Better Life Science, featured a prominent, high-traffic booth promoting their at-home STI testing kits with celebrity appearances. The company offered discreet, CLIA-certified, and FDA-cleared, laboratory-based testing for common infections and HPV. 

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/26)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minnesota ICE Operations-Protests
  2. Leadership Changes / Gun Rights Groups Criticize Trump Officials
  3. Winter Storm Aftermath
  4. U.S. Dollar Falling-Gold & Silver Spiking
  5. Canada-China Trade Deal
Industry News

“Seattle Red” Adds Scott Jennings to Lineup

Bonneville’s conservative talk KTTH, Seattle “Seattle Red” adds Salem Radio Network’s Scott Jennings to its lineup airing from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Station program director Jason Antebi says, “Scott Jenningsimg is a fearless communicator with unmatched credibility. His experience, intelligence, and no-nonsense delivery make him a strong addition to our primetime lineup. Scott doesn’t just react to the news — he shapes the conversation and arms listeners with insight they can use.” Jennings comments, “I’m thrilled to join the lineup at Seattle Red! My mission is to debunk liberal narratives, bring forward blockbuster news-making conversations, and give the audience a daily dose of common sense. Can’t wait to be part of this terrific station!”

Industry News

Sports Talker Terry Boers Dies at 75

Former Chicago sports talk radio host Terry Boers has died at 75. Boers, co-hosted the “Boers & Bernstein” show on Audacy’s WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” from 1999 through 2016. He retired from the station inimg January of 2017. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen posted the following to social media: “The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones. Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in The Score hallways. Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person. Terry’s family’s wish is there won’t be a funeral, but The Score will celebrate his life on the air next week. So today and forever, RIP Terry Boers.” Boer was one of the original hosts on “The Score when it launched in January 1992. Boers had worked for years in the newspaper business, including as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (1/24-25)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (1/24-25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Fatal ICE Shooting in Minnesota / Homeland Security Funding
  2. Weekend Winter Storm
  3. China Accuses General of Giving Nuke Secrets to U.S.
  4. Canada-China Trade Deal
  5. Melania Movie / NFL Playoffs
Industry News

FCC’s Gomez Responds to Commission’s Equal Opportunity Memorandum

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez responds to the Commission’s Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations that it issued on January 21, taking an opposing view from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. She states: “Nothing hasimg fundamentally changed with respect to our political broadcasting rules. The FCC has not adopted any new regulation, interpretation, or Commission-level policy altering the long-standing news exemption or equal time framework. For decades, the Commission has recognized that bona fide news interviews, late-night programs, and daytime news shows are entitled to editorial discretion based on newsworthiness, not political favoritism. That principle has not been repealed, revised, or voted on by the Commission. This announcement therefore does not change the law, but it does represent an escalation in this FCC’s ongoing campaign to censor and control speech.

“The First Amendment does not yield to government intimidation. Broadcasters should not feel pressured to water down, sanitize, or avoid critical coverage out of fear of regulatory retaliation. Broadcast stations have a constitutional right to carry newsworthy content, even when that content is critical of those in power. That does not change today, it will not change tomorrow, and it will not change simply because of this Administration’s desire to silence its critics.”

Industry News

Good Karma Brands Ups Klimack to Director of Content

Good Karma Brands promotes Jordan Klimack to director of content atimg WKNR-AM “ESPN Cleveland.”  The station says in a social media post, “Since joining the station in 2018, he’s played a key role in shaping programming, managing content across platforms, and helping drive the station’s expanding digital strategy. We’re excited to see Jordan lead our programming and content vision now and into the future. Well deserved!”

Industry News

WNIR, Akron’s Carey Coleman Exits Station for Congressional Run

Longtime Northeastern Ohio media figure Carey Coleman is exiting his evening talk show on WNIR-FM, Akron to run for U.S. Rep. in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Before becoming at talk radio host,img Coleman was a television meteorologist who worked in the Cleveland market at WKYC-TV and WOIO-TV, as well as with The Weather Channel and CNN. Carey’s campaign website says “understands the real challenges facing working families: rising costs, government overreach, and a political system that puts insiders ahead of citizens. He is running for Congress to restore fiscal discipline, secure our borders, defend constitutional freedoms, support law enforcement, and ensure parents have a strong voice in their children’s education.”

Industry News

Edison Research Releases Top 50 Podcasts Report for Q4 of 2025

Edison Research is publishing its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q4 2025 among weekly podcast consumers ages 13+. The listimg ranks podcasts based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics. At #1 is “The Joe Rogan Experience,” followed by “Crime Junkie” at #2 and “The Daily” at #3. Other news/talk media related shows of note include “The Megyn Kelly Show” at #13, “The Tucker Carlson Show” at #20, “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #47, and “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #48.  See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Podtrac Unveils New Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking

Podtrac releases the first edition of its Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking that now includes the following when constructing its rankings: audio episode downloaded on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast apps; Videoimg episodes viewed and streamed on YouTube and Spotify; and Podcast video clips played on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Under this new format, Podtrac’s Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking for December 2025 ranks “The Meidas Touch Podcast” #1, followed by “The Joe Rogan Experience” at #2, and “The Rest is History” at #3. Other news/talk media related shows of note include: “The Tucker Carlson Show” at #12, and “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #17. See more about this ranker here.

Industry News

Rich Valdés Inks Deal for Spanish Language Show

Talk host Rich Valdés, who succeeded the late Jim Bohannon on the Westwood One network, announces his next move as he joins Globalimg Media Federation and its streaming network Festiva TV syndication partnership. The deal will make Valdés’ late-night show exclusively in Spanish to Roku’s 90 million+ subscribed households. Valdés’ English-language show continues to be available via iHeartRadio, and Valdés says he is “completely open to English syndication opportunities across terrestrial radio, cable television, and streaming platforms like Rumble—building on my ongoing work in those spaces.”

Industry News

RTDNA to Honor Steve Bertrand with Lifetime Achievement Award

Retired WGN, Chicago journalist Steve Bertrand is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the RTDNA Foundation’s 2026 First Amendment Awards taking place at the Watergate Hotel in Washington on March 12. RTDNA says it “is celebrating Steve Bertrandimg with the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor designated contributions to local news. Bertrand has been a trusted voice on WGN Radio for four decades, anchoring news since 1992 and earning the confidence of generations of Chicago listeners. Over his career, he covered many of the most significant local and national events of the past 40 years while mentoring colleagues and helping define the standard for excellence in local radio journalism. His retirement in 2025 marks the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to informing the public and strengthening the role of local news.”

Industry News

TALKERS to Present IBS NYC 2026

TALKERS magazine is pleased to announce that it will again serve as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference.

IBS NYC 2026 – America’s preeminent annual college radio and mediaimg gathering – will take place February 19-21 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

In making the announcement, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “Campus broadcasting continues to take on a growing importance as the radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a new generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences going further into the digital era. TALKERS is proud to be able to provide major financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated producers of this very special event for the second consecutive year. I highly recommend that radio and media professionals attend this dynamic gathering because the grass roots future of the field oozes out of its meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and hallways.  It is a great gathering at which to network with almost a thousand up and coming stars in both talent and management.”

For general information please click HERE.

The event is extremely affordable.  Attendees are encouraged to lock in the low rate of $139 (available until January 31) by clicking HERE.

A limited number of rooms at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel are available at only $199 per night.  For rooms, please click HERE 

The powerful agenda is coming together.  Check its development, thus far, by clicking HERE.

Continue to follow breaking news and details about IBS NYC 2026 during the days and weeks ahead here in TALKERS.  Register now to take advantage of remarkable discounts for those that sign up early.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 19-23, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (1/19-23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Trump at Davos / Greenland Strategy
  2. ICE Raids-Protests / Administrative Warrants
  3. Affordability / Financial Markets Activity
  4. Board of Peace
  5. SCOTUS Hears Lisa Cook Case
  6. Clintons-Contempt of Congress Charges / Epstein Files
  7. Jack Smith Testimony
  8. Iran Protests-Deaths
  9. Halligan Exits Justice Department
  10. Indiana Wins Football Championship / NFL Playoffs

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Mark Rutte
  3. Mette Frederiksen / Lars Løkke Rasmussen
  4. Gavin Newsom
  5. Vladimir Putin
  6. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  7. Lisa Cook
  8. Bill & Hillary Clinton
  9. Jack Smith
  10. Lindsey Halligan

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Audacy Sells RI Sports Signal to Pubcaster

Ocean State Media announces that it has acquired WVEI-FM, Westerly, Rhode Island from Audacy to replace its five-signal network that carries public radio content from NPR and others. WVEI has been theimg Providence market outlet for Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston for more than two decades. Audacy closed the WVEI offices in 2023. Ocean State Media president and CEO Pam Johnston says they are spending $4.9 million on the new FM. “From an operational and financial standpoint, we are going to be financing the cost of this frequency, which will allow us to eventually sell all the frequencies that we currently have. And so over time we believe that this transaction actually is going to pay for itself.” She says making it easier for listeners is important, “One signal reaching much farther than our current series of five different signals, a greater experience where you don’t have to change the channel as you move your way through Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.”

Industry News

FCC Issues Guidance on Equal Opportunity Issues

On the heels of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce last week in which he reiterated the Commission’s duty to enforce broadcast licensees’ obligations toimg serve in the public interest, the FCC yesterday issued a Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations. While the memorandum is written to television stations, it obvious applies to radio stations as well. The memo ultimately addresses the 1959 order that exempts broadcasters from providing equal time to qualified candidates on any: (1) bona fide newscast; (2) bona fide news interview; (3) bona fidenews documentary (if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary); or (4) on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events (including but not limited to political conventions and activities incidental thereto). Programs such as “The Tonight Show” and “The View” are cited as entertainment shows in which an interview segment can qualify as a bona fide news interview. Regarding this, the memo concludes with two important paragraphs:

“Concerns have been raised that the industry has taken the Media Bureau’s 2006 staff-level decision to mean that the interview portion of all arguably similar entertainment programs whether late night or daytime—are exempted from the section 315 equal opportunities requirement under a bona fide news exemption. This is not the case. As noted above, these decisions are fact specific, and the exemptions are limited to the program that was the subject of the request.

Importantly, the FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption. Moreover, a program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption under longstanding FCC precedent. Any program or station that wishes to obtain formal assurance that the equal opportunities requirement does not apply (in whole or in part) is encouraged to promptly file a petition for declaratory ruling that satisfies the statutory requirements for a bona fide news exemption.”

Industry News

Casey Bartholomew to Guest Star on “Sterling Every Damn Night”

Talk radio pro Casey Bartholomew – who recently exited Cumulus Media’s WBAP, Dallas – will guest star tonight and tomorrow night onimg WPHT, Philadelphia on “Sterling Every Damn Night” for Walter Sterling. Sterling says, “When I read in TALKERS that Casey was on the loose, I immediately grabbed him to guest star on my 10:00 pm to 1:00 am show. He has a stunning history of winning ratings in the Northeast on ‘New Jersey 101.5.’ We approach radio content from a similar perspective; it’s not that important. Our goal is to give the listener a reason to eat the wrong snack.”

Industry News

Stuff You Should Know Sits Atop Triton Digital’s December Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for December 2025, based on weekly average downloads for participating networks, andimg iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” was #1, followed by Audacy’s “48 Hours” at #2 and Salem Media Group’s “Charlie Kirk Show” at #3. Other talk radio-related shows include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” at #10, iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” at #11, and “Armstrong & Getty on Demand” at #14. See the full ranker here.

Industry News

Talk Host Larry O’Connor Named Editor of Townhall.com

Salem Media Group’s Townhall Media announces that it is naming WMAL-FM, Washington morning drive talk host Larry O’Connor as editor of Townhall.com, effective immediately. Townhall Media says, “Larry O’Connor is a trusted conservative voice known for credibility,img clarity, and consistency, earning the respect of audiences, peers, and industry leaders alike. He brings decades of experience across writing, podcasts, broadcast, and live events, along with a proven record of leadership, audience growth, and editorial excellence to one of the nation’s most influential conservative platforms. O’Connor is known for his deep understanding of the political and cultural landscape. His career spans multiple media formats, and he has built a large, loyal national audience by combining sharp analysis, principled conservatism, and engaging conversations.” O’Connor has been writing for Townhall and HotAir since 2016. His daily podcast, LARRY, is streamed at 12:00 noon ET on Townhall.com and YouTube. O’Connor comments, “Townhall has been a cornerstone of the conservative movement for decades, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of editor. This is a platform with a powerful legacy, an outstanding team of contributors, and a loyal audience that cares deeply about ideas, culture, and the future of our country. I’m eager to build on that foundation, elevate strong conservative voices, and help Townhall continue to inform, challenge, and inspire readers every day.”

Industry News

Las Vegas Talk Host Alan Stock Named to Governor’s Antisemitism Working Group

Las Vegas talk radio host Alan Stock joins the Antisemitism Working Group created by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and announced in December. Lombardo’s office says the Antisemitism Working Group “willimg bring together leaders from Nevada’s Jewish community, educators, advocates, and law enforcement professionals to advise the governor on emerging challenges, community safety concerns, and long-term policy solutions.” Stock tells TALKERS, “The group will provide an important opportunity for Jewish community leaders to share their perspectives and ensure that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo hears directly from those affected as we work together to address antisemitism in Nevada. Policy recommendations will be due by April 15, shaping the agenda for Nevada’s 2027 legislative session.” Stock hosts his daily morning program “Vegas @ 8” on news/talk KXNT and produces commentaries that air three times per day on the Audacy station.

Industry News

Nielsen Gets Administrative Stay as Cumulus Suit Awaits Appeals Court Panel

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is granting Nielsen an administrative stay of the District Court’s order pending a decision by a three-judge motions panel. That means Nielsen can continue to operate its radio ratings business as usual until the panel rules on Nielsen’simg appeal of the District Court’s ruling on Cumulus’ request to seal the record and protect witnesses’ identities. That request was granted by the District Court. Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen alleging that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on the separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data.

Industry News

Priebus Joins FOX News Media as Analyst

FOX News Media brings Reince Priebus aboard as a political analyst, in which he’ll appear across all platforms. He made his debut last nightimg (1/20) on make his debut on FOX News Channel’s “Hannity.” Priebus is a former Republican National Committee chairman and served as White House chief of staff to Donald Trump in 2017. He currently is president of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, chairman of Michael Best Strategies and is a senior adviser to Centerview Partners. He also holds roles on President Trump’s Intelligence Advisory and Oversight boards.

Industry News

FCC’s Gomez Testifies About First Amendment Concerns

At last week’s appearance before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez testified about her concerns withimg the way the commission is operating. She took issue with FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s interpretation of how the Commission should ensure that licensees operate in the public interest. She stated, “For months, this FCC has asserted an apparent roving mandate to police speech that this Administration does not like, invoking an undefined and unchecked concept known as the ‘public interest’ standard.

Instead of functioning as a principle intended to serve the public, this standard is being treated as a license to weigh in on content, viewpoint, and editorial judgment.

This is not what the FCC was created to do. The Commission’s job is not to police content, root out media bias, or guarantee favorable coverage for any administration. Its responsibility is to regulate communications infrastructure and markets, not censor the speech that flows through them.

The First Amendment protects against government interference with speech, and the Communications Act prohibits the FCC from engaging in censorship. In a free society, the government does not decide what speech is acceptable or aligned with its views. When the government’s media regulator claims the power to judge content or police bias, we move away from oversight and closer toward censorship and control.

That is why it is so important for the FCC to clearly define what it means by the public interest standard, something I have called on it to do repeatedly. It is also why Congress must insist on guardrails that prevent content-based regulation and protect against the FCC acting as an arbiter of speech.”

Industry News

Stephen A. Smith to Receive Inaugural BFOA Broadcast Personality of the Year Award

ESPN and SiriusXM personality Stephen A. Smith is being honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America with its first-ever “Broadcast Personality of the Year Award” that will be presented during the BFOA’s Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on March 9. BFoA presidentimg Tim McCarthy comments, “We are excited to introduce the Broadcast Personality of the Year Award and there is no one better to be our first honoree than Stephen. There are very few in broadcasting that are as authentic as Stephen. His tremendous work ethic and candid delivery make Stephen a personality on any platform that you must pay attention to, and I know first-hand his work ethic is second to none.” Smith says, “I am honored to receive this recognition from Tim and the Broadcasters Foundation. The Broadcasters Foundation is a unique charity that helps support those in our industry who are suffering under the most daunting circumstances. I am delighted to be a part of this important fundraising gala that will help so many.”

Industry News

Joe Concha Added to Red Apple Audio Networks

The national syndication arm of Red Apple Media adds the Joe Concha-hosted show, “Concha At Night” in the 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot. “Concha At Night” debuted on WABC, New York earlier this month.

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 at Davos / Greenland Ambitions
  2. Minnesota ICE Protests
  3. The Economy / U.S. Treasury Bond Selloff
  4. Clintons in Contempt of Congress
  5. Halligan Exits Justice Department
Industry News

NAB Goes to Bat for Removal of Ownership Caps

The National Association of Broadcasters is testifying on behalf of over-the-air broadcasters who would like to see the Federal Communications Commission’s radio and television station ownership caps eliminated. In lengthy testimony regarding the 2022 Quadrennial Regulatory Review – Review of the Commission’s Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted  Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, NAB says that, unlike those arguing to keep or even strengthen ownership caps, those asking for their removal are providing real-world testimony. The NAB writes, “They documented in detail the vastimg competition local radio stations today face for audiences and vital advertising revenues from online and satellite content providers and digital ad platforms not subject to any comparable restrictions on their scale and scope; the dire negative effects that consumer and advertiser substitution of competing digital audio content and advertising for traditional radio has had on the listenership and advertising revenues garnered by local radio stations, including in mid-sized and small markets; and how the retention of asymmetric ownership restrictions has prevented radio broadcasters from gaining local scale to take advantage of important economic efficiencies, obtain investment capital, and better compete for audiences and advertising revenues, and thus enhance – or even maintain – their provision of news, emergency information, and valued entertainment and sports programming in local communities across the country at no cost to the public.”  Responding to testimony from musicFirst Coalition and the Future of Music Coalition – referred to as the Coalitions – NAB writes, “First, the fact that the Coalitions continue to hold themselves out as protectors of small, local independent broadcasters not just borders on the absurd but crosses over into full-blown absurdity. The Coalitions represent the interests of the music industry, which is dominated by three consolidated international record labels. Compared to even the largest radio station groups, the giant record labels are the 800-pound gorillas of the music world. Those three labels earn billions more in revenue than the approximately 11,000 full-power commercial AM/FM stations combined. As NAB earlier reported, the three major music companies jointly generated about $2.9 million per hour in 2023. In remarkable contrast, in 2023 and 2024 the vast majority of radio stations garnered less – and often much less – than $2.9 million per year in advertising revenues. Needless to say, the Coalitions have never explained how local radio stations earning such low levels of revenue (and even lower, if any, profits) are supposed to keep talented employees and provide high quality programming, including popular music, sports, and informational programming, such as weather updates and emergency information, OTA and free to the public without achieving increased local scale, greater economic efficiencies, and more robust ad revenues. See the NAB’s complete testimony here.

Industry News

Speaker Johnson Addresses British Parliament

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Pictured above is U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressing Britain’s House of Commons and House of Lords today (1/20), making him the first sitting Speaker to address the U.K. Parliament. Johnson’s remarks focused on 2026 being America’s 250th Birthday as a free independent nation. Salem Media says that Johnson’s reaction to his reception in Parliament – plus excerpts of his address – will be featured on SRN News, TOWNHALL News and the upcoming edition of the weekly Salem news program “This Week on Capitol Hill with Tony Perkins” on which Johnson is co-host. Photo: GB News

Industry News

MIW Announces Erica Farber Mentorship Class

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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio announces the MIW Erica Farber Mentorship in Management Class of 2026.  MIW says, “This prestigious initiative selects four exceptional women from across the radio industry – spanning sales, marketing, programming, and digital – to participate in a year-long mentorship experience designed to accelerate leadership development and career advancement.” They are (from l-r): Angela Williams, manager of business operations, Crawford Media Group, Chicago; Bridget England, program director & morning show host at 96 Rock, Cincinnati, Cumulus; Cassie Reimold, regional digital sales manager, Salem Media, Tampa, Orlando & Atlanta; and Kelly Harlow Pruitt, general sales manager, Cumulus Media, Indianapolis.