Industry News

IHeart Philadelphia Promotes Daija Moore-Evans to Digital Content Manager

Daija Moore EvansiHeartMedia Philadelphia announced today (8/6) that Daija Moore-Evans has been promoted to digital content manager, effective immediately. In her new role, she will lead the market’s digital content efforts across iHeartMedia Philadelphia’s six-station cluster, which spans music, talk and news formats, driving audience growth and engagement across broadcast, digital and social platforms. In this role, Moore-Evans will lead the cluster’s digital content strategy, audience engagement, and social media initiatives. She will oversee the development and execution of digital content designed to expand audience reach, strengthen brand engagement, and support the company’s on-air and online platforms. She reports to Jeff Hurley, SVP of programming, iHeartMedia Philadelphia. Hurley tells TALKERS, “Daija has already made a tremendous impact on our team, and this promotion is well deserved. Her creativity, work ethic, and vision make her the perfect person to lead our digital efforts into the future.”

Industry News

Jenny Tartikoff Named Senior Vice President and Head of Communications for SiriusXM

Jenny TartikoffSiriusXM today (8/6) announced that Jenny Tartikoff has been named senior vice president and head of communications, effective August 10, 2026. Tartikoff will report to president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein and lead SiriusXM’s overall communications and public relations strategy and execution. She will be responsible for promoting the company’s content and business narrative while serving as a senior advisor to the company’s leadership team on major business developments and high-profile moments. Tartikoff brings more than 20 years of communications experience across media, entertainment, and technology. She most recently served as EVP, Global Communications at Paramount Pictures, where she led internal and external corporate communications, corporate social responsibility and awards strategy for the studio’s live-action and animation properties. During her tenure, Tartikoff guided the company’s communications through the industry’s post-pandemic recovery and the evolution of Paramount’s multi-platform release strategy.

Industry News

97.5 The Fanatic in Philly Announces New On-Air Lineup Featuring Jon Marks in Morning Drive

Fanatic Philly logoBeasley Media Group’s 97.5 The Fanatic (WPEN-FM), Philadelphia’s announced a new weekday on-air lineup highlighted by the promotion of current midday host Jon Marks to the station’s morning drive program. Beginning Monday, August 17th, Marks will join Andrew Salciunas as co-host of the weekday morning show from 6:00 to 10:00 am, following the departure of John Kincade. Marks, who currently hosts the station’s popular “Middays with Marks” program, will transition to mornings alongside Salciunas, who has been part of the morning show for the past two-and-a-half years. The move pairs one of Philadelphia’s most recognized sports radio personalities with one of the market’s emerging voices while maintaining a strong local focus during the station’s highest-profile daypart.  The programming changes also create new opportunities across the station’s weekday schedule. Ray Dunne, who previously served as producer of the station’s midday program, moves into an on-air hosting role and will join Sean Brace to lead the midday show from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Meanwhile, “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo” will continue in afternoon drive from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  “Jon Marks has earned the trust of Philadelphia sports fans through years of outstanding work on the air, making him a natural choice to drive our morning show” said Paul Blake, Vice President and Market Manager, Beasley Media Group Philadelphia.  “Along with Andrew, Sean, Ray, Ricky and Bill, we’re confident this lineup reflects the depth of talent at The Fanatic and reinforces our commitment to delivering the best local sports talk in Philadelphia.”

Industry News

Cumulus Media’s 97 Rock Welcomes Buffalo Broadcasting Legends Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester to Buffalo Bills Team Coverage

Buffalo Bills announcers
Kevin Sylvestor (l) and Paul Peck (r)

As Buffalo Bills football returns to Cumulus Media’s 97 Rock/WGRF-FM, the station is bringing back two of Western New York’s most respected and recognizable sports voices. Veteran broadcasters Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester will join the station’s Bills coverage team, delivering in-depth analysis, insight, and entertainment as part of an expanded pregame lineup this season. Peck and Sylvester will host the first two hours of 97 Rock’s game day coverage, beginning four hours before kickoff each week. They will be followed by NFL Draft and Buffalo Bills analyst Chris Trapasso and former Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse, giving fans a full four hours of comprehensive pregame coverage leading into every Bills game.  Joe Russo, program director, 97 Rock, tells TALKERS, “Together, Paul and Kevin bring decades of experience covering the teams, players, and moments that have defined Buffalo sports. Their deep local roots, combined with their passion for entertaining fans, make them the perfect team to help launch a new era of Bills coverage on 97 Rock. We are so excited to welcome them to our team.”

Industry News

Houston Public Media Names Tessa Barrera as New Co-Host of “Hello Houston”

Tessa BarreraHouston Public Media today announced that popular local media figure Tessa Barrera is joining its weekday daytime talk show, “Hello Houston,” as co-host alongside longtime personality, Ernie Manouse. Barrera makes her on-air debut on August 17.  Barrera brings 13 years of regional television and radio experience to the program. The plan is for Barrera and Manouse to conduct conversations with newsmakers, community leaders, artists and neighbors, giving audiences a fresh, engaging look at the issues, events and people making an impact in Greater Houston.  “Tessa’s warmth, curiosity and ability to connect with people make her an outstanding addition to ‘Hello Houston,’” said Josh Adams, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media. “Alongside Ernie, she’ll continue the thoughtful, community-focused conversations that reach audiences across radio, television, digital, HPM+ streaming and social platforms.”  To learn more about Houston Public Media, visit houstonpublicmedia.org

Industry News

New England Talk Radio Icon Howie Carr to Give Public Talk on Corruption, Crime, and Politics at Hyannis Arts Hall

03211822259Long known as the kind of radio talk show host who can “draw a crowd,” legendary New England personality, best-selling author, newspaper columnist, and broadcasting entrepreneur Howie Carr will bring his passion, wit, and personal experiences in journalism to the Hyannis Arts Hall stage on Sunday, August 16, where he will speak from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.  Carr, host of the largest regionally syndicated talk radio show in New England, will bring his unmistakable blend of outspoken passion and confrontational conservative politics to what is expected to be a sellout live audience. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com. In 2015, Howie Carr launched The Howie Carr Radio Network, the first major host-owned radio network in New England. Carr quickly grew his network from a few stations in Massachusetts to more than 20 terrestrial radio stations across New England. The Howie Carr Radio Network is the only radio network reaching a majority of the 14 million people living in New England. Carr has authored numerous books, including the bestselling The Brothers Bulger, Hitman, and other works focused on Boston’s underworld and political corruption. Copies of some titles will be available for sale at his appearance.

Industry News

Tulsa News/Talker KRMG to Move FM Dial Position

 

KRMG

Zoellner Media Group announced an upcoming frequency realignment involving two of its flagship radio stations, music-formatted Mix 96.5 and news/talker 102.3 KRMG. As part of this strategic move, Mix 96.5 and 102.3 KRMG will transition to new positions on the FM dial, Mix 102.3 and 96.5 KRMG, reportedly “enhancing signal reach and strengthening the listener experience across the Tulsa market.”  Group owner, Dr. Robert Zoellner tells TALKERS, “We are always looking for ways to better serve our listeners and our community. This frequency realignment allows us to strengthen our signal presence and ensure that both Mix and KRMG are positioned for continued growth and long-term success. It’s an exciting step forward for our company and for the audiences we serve.” The transition will take place on August 31, 2026, and listeners will be guided through the change with on-air messaging and promotional support to ensure what station management describes as “a seamless experience.”

Industry News

1210 WPHT Raises Over $45,000 for Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation at the 2026 Ben to the Shore Bike Tour

WPHT, Philadelphia raised over $45,000 for the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation during the 39th annual “Ben to the Shore Bike Tour” (7/29). All proceeds go towards supporting families of fallen or critically injured first responders by providing financial assistance and offering programs that strengthen relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. The annual 65-mile cycling event began in Philadelphia and concluded in Atlantic City, NJ. This year’s “Team Kayal and Company” featured on-air personalities Nick Kayal and Dawn Stensland along with station brand manager Greg Stocker who rode alongside dozens of teammates and supporters in a shared commitment to honoring first responders and the families they protect.  “The Ben to Shore ride is one of the most inspiring events our station participates in each year,” said Stocker. “Families Behind the Badge has a deeply meaningful effect on our community, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to support them with the help of our listeners, sponsors and teammates.

Industry News

Salem’s WNYM, New York (AM 970 The Answer) Teams with Hofstra’s WRHU-FM to Produce Series of 9-11 Tributes

Annie SiddiqueIn an impressive example of the productive synergy that can be generated by the teaming of campus and professional spoken word radio organizations,

Jim Berghorn

Salem’s WNYM, New York (AM 970 The Answer) is running a series of vignettes collectively titled “Courage, Sacrifice and Commitment” during the months of August and early September, featuring tributes to 9-11 first responders. These short form productions highlight stories of New York City’s heroes and give first-person perspectives on what happened the day of and after 9-11. The stories are being produced by Hofstra University / WRHU-FM student journalist Annie Siddique, who has developed into what has been described by WNYM and WRHU management as a “master interviewer” in organizing and producing this campaign. To sample an episode of the program featuring a profile of retired FDNY Lt. Jim Berghorn, please use player below, or click here.

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Industry News

Audacy to Shut Down KXNT, Las Vegas

Longtime KXNT, Las Vegas host of the station’s morning show “News at 8,” Alan Stock delivered the sad news of the station’s demise to his listeners this past Friday.  Photo credit: the Las Vegas Review-Journal.   

After nearly 40 years as a mainstay of Las Vegas radio broadcasting, News Talk 840 KXNT will be going dark effective September 1.  Parent company, Audacy announced its plan to shut down the iconic news/talk outlet this past Friday (7/31) on longtime Las Vegas radio talk show host Alan Stock‘s one-hour morning program, “News at 8.” According to a report by John Katsilometes in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Stock stunned his audience with the statement,  “I have an important update for our listeners. Effective September 1, News Talk 840 KXNT will conclude its broadcast operation.” Stock continued reading from a prepared statement: “To put it simply, the station’s transmitter site is shutting down. Our parent company, Audacy, explored a number of alternative transmission options, but ultimately wasn’t able to identify a technically and financially viable long-term solution. This wasn’t an easy decision. I know KXNT has been a part of this community for a long time, and it’s been an honor to spend time with you every day.” Stock continued, “I’m incredibly grateful to our listeners, our advertisers, and everyone who has made the station such an important part of Las Vegas.”  The article in the Friday NEON section of the Vegas publication went on to report that according to Audacy, Stock’s show will move to the company’s other Las Vegas news/talk property, KDWN 101.5-FM in its 8:00 am weekday time slot beginning Tuesday, September 1. At this point, Stock’s “News at 8” is the only locally-produced talk show on KXNT, a conservative platform that is otherwise home to nationally syndicated programming. The report states, shows hosted by such right leaning voices as Glenn Beck and Mark Levin will end their programming in Las Vegas, but still be available nationwide, as the station signs off. Station SVP/market manager Gina Massenzi said the station’s approximately 40 full- and part-time staffers would remain with the company. KXNT-AM 840 signed on under the call letters KVEG in 1986, mixing talk and middle-of-the-road music. In 1997, KVEG changed its call sign to KXNT, the “NT” standing for “News/Talk.”

Industry News

Radio Hall of Fame Announces “Legends” Inductees

imgThe Radio Hall of Fame announced today (8/3) the selection of nine 2026 Legends inductees. These individuals were selected by the Radio Hall of Fame’s 2026 Nominating Committee, which meets annually to recognize deceased individuals who made significant contributions to the radio industry. The Radio Hall of Fame is housed within the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.

The following nine radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately:

  • Lin Brehmer — on-air personality
  • Vivian Carter — on-air personality and record company executive
  • Dale Dorman — on-air personality
  • Gary Krantz — network radio and syndication executive
  • Wink Martindale — on-air personality, game show host, and television producer
  • B. Mitchell Reed — on-air personality
  • Pierre Robert — on-air personality
  • Polito Vega — on-air personality
  • D.E. “Duke” Wright — radio station owner and executive

Dennis Green, co-chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, tells TALKERS: “The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year’s Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio. From iconic on-air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame.”

Kraig Kitchin, co-chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, adds: “It’s an honor and privilege to witness the induction of these radio industry legends. We hope this recognition of their industry contributions benefits their family, colleagues, friends, and listeners.”

The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2026 class of inductees at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Fairmont Chicago. Tickets are on sale now at RadioHallOfFame.com. A portion of each ticket purchase is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.`

Industry News

FCC’s Gomez Comments on ABC-Disney Case After Public Comment Period Closes

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez continues to address the Commission’s forcing ABC/Disney to go through an early license renewal for its eight owned-and-operated television stations ostensibly for “news distortion.” After the recent close of the public comment period in the matter, Gomez states, “When given the imgchance to weigh in on whether to allow the FCC to continue its campaign of censorship and control, the American public showed up in a big way, and the vast majority who spoke up delivered the same message. They believe in the value of their local news, they trust those who cover their communities, and they understand that the FCC has no business deciding who is a journalist and what counts as real news. A small number of partisan voices tried to hijack this process into a referendum on a network they dislike, but the public refuses to let local stations become collateral damage in the FCC’s political games. The FCC has no authority to police the ideological balance of the airwaves, and no matter what this Commission does next, the record now makes clear that this was never a genuine search for the public interest.”

Gomez’s press release adds, “In the docket covering the early license renewal proceeding, the agency received more than 150,000 comments. In the docket covering the FCC’s effort to unwind a more than two-decade old precedent recognizing the interview portion of ‘The View’ as a bona fide news program, the agency received nearly 80,000 comments. In both dockets, totaling more than 230,000 comments, the vast majority of commenters defended the stations and rejected the FCC’s attempt to use its licensing authority to punish constitutionally protected speech.”

Industry News

WTOP Ends 103.9 FM Simulcast; K-Love Takes Over

Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington will cease its simulcast on the Frederick, Maryland station imgWTLP-FM (licensed to Braddock Heights) at 103.9 FM and the company will begin leasing it to the Christian music network K-LOVE on August 1. WTOP general manager Joel Oxley states, “Our main signal on 103.5 FM covers most of Frederick County’s population and with the advent of streaming, listeners can get us anywhere in the country.” WTOP began simulcasting on 103.9 FM in 2007.

Industry News

Seven-Signal Capitol to Curtis Deal Closes

The sale of seven radio signals from Capitol Broadcasting Company to Curtis Media Group has closed. The $1.75 million deal gives Curtis Media imgWRMR-FM, Jacksonville, NC; WMFD-AM, Wilmington, NC; WKXB-FM, Boiling Spring Lakes, NC; WILT-FM, Wrightsville Beach, NC; WAZO-FM, Southport, NC; and translators W269DF-FX and W240AS-FX, Wilmington, NC. KALIL & CO., INC. was the exclusive broker for this transaction.

Industry News

NAB Joins Radio Ready

The National Association of Broadcasters joins Radio Ready – a global coalition dedicated to safeguarding radio’s prominence in the connected car dashboard. Radio Ready was launched as a unified global response to the rise of the digital dashboard in automobiles and the initiative “brings broadcasters together to ensure AM/FM and digital radio remain prominent, accessible and easy to use in connected vehicles, while giving the industry a imgpowerful, collective voice when negotiating with automakers, tech platforms and policymakers.” NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt adds, “Radio has long been an essential part of the driving experience, delivering trusted local news, lifesaving emergency information and the entertainment Americans rely on every day. As dashboards evolve, ensuring broadcast radio remains accessible is more important than ever. By joining Radio Ready, NAB looks forward to partnering with broadcasters from across the world to ensure that free, trusted radio remains easy for drivers to find and use in the vehicles of today and tomorrow.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

NYPR Announces Collaboration with URL Media. New York Public Radio is collaborating with URL Media, a network of more than 50 independent publishers and content creators serving diverse communities across the United States. NYPR president and CEO Christy Tanner says, “New coalitions, bold approaches, and radical collaborations such as our work with URL are essential as we lead a new era of democracy where journalism and creativity thrive, facts unite us, and power answers to the people. Our collaboration with URL Media is a call to action and an invitation to reimagine how creators and media organizations can collectively amplify impact and build community.”

WUSF Plans Expanded Election Coverage. Listener-supported radio station WUSF, Tampa announces a project to produce dramatically expanded news coverage and resources for voters in advance of elections across Florida this year. The station says it is enlisting more reporters into this effort, including journalists from the WUSF newsroom, plus student journalists from the University of South Florida, and partner public media stations across the state. WUSF general manager Leslie Laney states, “The result is the residents of this state will have access to some of our strongest-ever election coverage. And as part of our public service mission, all of this coverage will be free – not behind a paywall.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 27-31)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/27-31) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran War / Hamas Disarmament Deal
  2. Fauci Hearing
  3. Graham Ceremonies
  4. ICE Operations
  5. Gas Prices / Financial Markets / Fed Policy
  6. Trump Polls / November Mid-Terms
  7. Mail-In Voting Reforms
  8. Blanche Confirmation Delay / Comey Prosecution
  9. Mitch McConnell Health
  10. European Wildfires

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Benjamin Netanyahu
  3. Anthony Fauci / Rand Paul
  4. Lindsey Graham / Darline Graham
  5. JD Vance
  6. Tom Homan
  7. Kevin Warsh
  8. Mike Johnson
  9. Todd Blanche / James Comey
  10. Mitch McConnell

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

Industry News

Chuck Tiller Exits Salem Houston

Salem Media’s Houston operations manager Chuck Tiller exits the company. The Houston operations include news/talk KNTH-AM/K277DE. Tiller posted to social media, “My time at Salem Radio Houston has come to an imgend. My job was eliminated Friday, July 24th. I was at Salem for a total of 25 years. I worked there twice. I assisted getting KNTH on the air as the latest news/talk station in November 2004. I met many great people while there. I had great staff, too. One of the biggest thrills was producing the Sam Malone Show, as well as his sidekick. JP Pritchard along with Tom Fontaine contributed to the success of the show. Good times; great oldies.”

Industry News

Zimmer and Mid-West to Merge in Springfield, Missouri

Local media in Springfield, Missouri are reporting that Zimmer Communications and Mid-West Family are merging their operations with Zimmer taking over what will be the nine-station cluster, pending FCC approval. imgZimmer will take over the operation of sports talk KOSP-FM “102.1 The Won” and three music brands. It currently owns news/talk KWTO/K227KO and sports talk KBFL-AM/K245CA. Zimmer Communications president John Zimmer says,img “This is an exciting opportunity to bring together two organizations that share the same values and a deep commitment to local broadcasting. By combining our strengths, we’ll be able to offer advertisers even more effective marketing solutions while continuing to provide the trusted local content our audiences rely on.” Mid-West Family president Mike Paterson adds, “As the local radio and media landscape continues to evolve, bringing these two organizations together creates even greater opportunities for our advertising partners, our communities and especially our employees.” See the OzarksFirststory here.

Industry News

MIW Announces Fourth Annual Speak Up! Mentorship Program

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio says the application window is open for its Fourth Annual Speak Up! Mentorship Program in partnership with Media Staffing Network. The application period runs through imgFriday, August 28. The program was created in honor of the late founder of Media Staffing Network, Laurie Kahn. MIW says Speak Up! is a year-long mentorship program designed to empower women working in small- and medium-market radio stations across all departments. One outstanding candidate will receive personalized mentorship from MIW’s network of female broadcast leaders, complemented by executive coaching from Media Staffing Network’s certified coaches. Get more info and apply here.

Industry News

Court Grants Cumulus Bankruptcy Extension

Cumulus Media has requested and received an extension of its exclusive rights period from a Bankruptcy Court judge. The company is in Chapter 11 imgreorganization and is waiting for the Federal Communications Commission to finish its regulatory approval process. The court is extending the company’s filing deadline for its Chapter 11 plan to October 30.