Industry News

PodcastOne Moves Network of Programming to ART19

PodcastOne announces that it is moving its existing network of programming to hosting service ART19. The Amazon-owned podcast distribution and monetization service lets customers manage content and ad operations in one place. PodcastOne says this change enables it to “unlock new monetization streams,img optimize operations, and deliver even more value to advertisers and content creators alike. Additionally, by leveraging ART19’s advanced tools for dynamic ad insertion, PodcastOne can implement programmatic advertising and direct sponsorship integrations. PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray states, “We’re not only ensuring the stability of our current monetization streams but unlocking new growth opportunities by leveraging ART19’s cutting-edge technology and advertising opportunities. This move underscores our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional value to our talent, advertisers, listeners and shareholders.”

Industry News

Outstanding Speakers Joining “GENERATIONS 2025” Agenda

The lineup of industry speakers set to speak at the forthcoming GENERATIONS 2025 conference being presented by TALKERS at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) convention – IBSNYC 2025 – continues to grow.

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A stellar line-up of speakers have already signed up to speak at this groundbreaking industry event including (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia; Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner; Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network; Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One; with several more to be announced in the next few days. See agenda and accompanying stories below.

Sheraton Times Square New York Hotel
New York East Room
Saturday March 8, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

AGENDA

12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address “Welcome to the Brave New World”

Speakers:
Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner

1:10 – 1:40 pm Fireside Chat “Setting the Stage”

Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest: Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group

1:50 – 2:20 pm Discussion: “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry”

Moderator: Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speaker: John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Speaker: TBA
Speaker: TBA

2:30 – 3:00 pm Discussion: “Old School/New School/Next School – Learning from Each Other”

Moderator:  Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City
Speaker:  Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Speaker: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism
Speaker: Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

3:10 – 3:40 pm Discussion: “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World”

Moderator: TBA
Speaker: Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network
Speaker: Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One
Speaker: TBA

3:50 – 4:20 pm Discussion: “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation”

Moderator: Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Speaker:  Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia
Speaker: Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA
Speaker: TBA

4:20 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up:  Group Chat

Industry News

WABC, New York President Chad Lopez Named Special “Fireside Chat” Guest for GENERATIONS 2025 Conference

The first in the stellar array of 16+ guest speakers to be named for the forthcoming TALKERS GENERATIONS 2025 Conference at IBSNYC 2025 is 77WABC, New York / Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez. Lopez will serve as the special guest interviewee in the event’s Fireside Chat session in a candid one-on-one dialogue conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison. Lopez – described byimg Harrison as “one of the most dynamic and effective radio managers in America” – has served as president of WABC Radio, Red Apple Media Group, and the Red Apple Audio Network since the iconic AM station was acquired and expanded five years ago by New York-based billionaire businessman / talk show host / philanthropist John Catsimatidis.  Since then, the station and its associated media group have shown explosive growth that has grabbed the attention and respect of the national broadcasting industry.  Prior to joining Red Apple, Lopez had already achieved notable recognition for his leadership as VP/MM of Cumulus New York and before that as GSM of CBS Radio New York.  The Fireside Chat will be one of the highlights of the innovative four-hour TALKERS event on Saturday, March 8 that will be co-located with the national Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference March 7-8 at the Sheraton New York Times Square hotel.  More speakers will be announced next week.  For more information about the event including discount conference registration and room registrations, please see the story immediately below.

Industry News

Radio HoF Begins Accepting Suggestions for Class of 2025 Nominations

The Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee will begin accepting suggestions for nominations for the classimg of 2025 beginning February 1 through March 31. Radio HoF co-chairman Dennis Green says, “We look forward to hearing from people across the country to advance names of outstanding broadcasters worthy of Hall of Fame recognition. 2025 marks the 37th year of bestowing the honor of Radio Hall of Fame induction on those who left an indelible mark and had a lasting impact on the radio industry.” The 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Chicago on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Industry News

BIA Advisory Holding Radio Revenue Webinar Today (1/30)

Today at 2:00 pm ET, BIA Advisory Services will present a webinar titled, The 2025 Radio Revenue Outlook.img It says, “BIA will share radio ad forecasts to offer a clearer picture of what’s in store this year and which verticals are ready to spend in 2025. The advertising landscape keeps shifting, and we’re here to make sense of it all.” You can register for the webinar here.

Industry News

David Field Exits Audacy CEO Role

Audacy, Inc. announces that David J. Field is stepping down as president and CEO of the company and is leaving his seat on the board of directors. Named interim president and CEO is current board member Kelli Turner. The board will conduct a search for a permanent CEO. Meanwhile, Field will serve as a special advisor to the CEO and the board. Audacy board chairman Michael Del Nin states, “David has left animg indelible mark on the industry, growing Audacy from a few small radio stations into a scaled multi-platform audio content and entertainment powerhouse. He has built a great company with leading positions across the country’s largest markets and an outstanding portfolio of exclusive, premium audio content. Under David’s dedicated leadership, Audacy has been positioned for longterm success, and we look forward to working with Kelli and the entire team as the company begins its next exciting chapter.” In a statement, Field says, “Since I joined Audacy, then Entercom, we have grown from $10 million in revenues with ten niche radio stations into a $1.2 billion, multi-platform audio leader with one of the country’s two scaled radio broadcast groups, one of the largest podcast networks and the unrivaled top position in sports audio. Audacy recently completed a very successful 2024, delivering industry-leading EBITDA growth of more than 70% through the third quarter and significant revenue share gains across our radio and digital businesses. With the company in a strong competitive and financial position, now is the optimal time to pass the baton to new leadership. I am deeply proud of our extraordinary team and everything we have accomplished for our listeners, customers, partners, and communities. The company is in great hands, and I look forward to seeing the next chapter of Audacy’s success.”

Industry News

Newsmax Offering Preferred Shares in Advance of IPO

Newsmax says that it expects to go public within the “next 30 to 45 days” and is offering Preferred Shares to investors before any potential listing on the stock exchange. Mark Elenowitz is managing director for Digitalimg Offering LLC and says the deadline to apply for shares in the pre-public offering private placement is Friday (1/31). Newsmax says that its private placement investments are near the $185 million mark. Newsmax has made information about the offering available via its NewsmaxInvest.com site. The offering is available to accredited investors with an annual income of $200,000 or a $1 million-plus net worth.

Industry News

NJ Gubernatorial Candidate Files Complaint Against Townsquare and Bill Spadea

According to a report in the New Jersey Globe, Republican candidate for governor Jack Ciattarelli has filed a complaint with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission alleging that fellow candidate Billim Spadea – morning drive host at WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” – and his employer Townsquare Media created an illegal “shadow campaign.” The complaint says Townsquare used radio, social media and public events to promote Spadea’s campaign thereby providing him with “hundreds of thousands of dollars” worth of advertising. Ciattarelli is asking the Commission to deny Spadea’s campaign access to matching public funds and to fine Townsquare for the campaign violations. Spadea’s campaign says the complaint is baseless and that it has complied with election law throughout his campaign. See the New Jersey Globe story here.

Industry News

Red Apple Offers Black History Month Feature Series

Red Apple Audio Networks is offering its series of 90-second vignettes celebrating Black History Month to radio stations throughout February. Red Apple says the vignettes honor the contributions and legacy ofimg African Americans across U.S. history and society. Red Apple Audio Networks air personalities Dominic Carter and James Golden, a.k.a Bo Snerdley anchor the stories about notable black figures from activists and civil rights pioneers to entertainers, politicians, scientists, and athletes who broke through racial barriers including: Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr,Malcom X, Rosa Parks, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Portier, Muddy Waters, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson,Kobe Bryant, Clifton Wharton, and more. The RAAN Black History Month Vignettes are available to radio stations for download upon request by contacting the network here.

Industry News

Cody Welling Named Regional VP for Cumulus Flint/Saginaw

Sales and management pro Cody Welling is returning to Cumulus Media as regional vice president and market manager for the Flint/Saginaw, Michigan market. Welling was most recently station manager and director of sales for Tegna’s sports talk WBNS-FM, Columbus and the Ohio News Network. Previously, heim managed Cumulus’ Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana stations. Welling takes over for the retiring Chris Monk. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker says, “We are thankful to Chris for the strong foundation he has built for our clusters in Flint and Saginaw and wish him all the best in his retirement. As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Cody back to Cumulus to take our powerful brands to the next level. Cody is a passionate broadcaster who is dedicated to helping local businesses connect with our audiences and fully leverage the opportunities our traditional and digital assets provide.”

Industry News

Nielsen Releases Black Audience Report

Nielsen is releasing its latest research on Black audiences, titled, Engaging Black Audiences. Charlene Polite Corley is Nielsen’s vice president of Diverse Insights & Partnerships and says, “Reaching Black consumers may not be a challenge – but connecting with us can be. Black consumers are leaning intoimg platforms that emphasize conversation and create a sense of connection. To win with this community who wields $2 trillion in buying power, brands must prioritize engagement strategies that center diverse Black experiences and cultural nuances.” The study notes that social media apps have become a haven for Black consumers – Black adults overall spend more time scrolling than their peers. Black millennials (between 18 and 34-years-old) spend the most time on social media among all adults by almost an hour per week. Black adults also have high engagement with radio and podcasts. Radio averages the same as TV in weekly reach with Black adults – each medium reaches 27 million Black adults on average. You can download the report here.

Industry News

Lee Habeeb is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Video Podcast

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Lee Habeeb, the host and founder of the popular syndicated news/talk radio series “Our American Stories,” is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel production “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Habeeb is one of the most accomplished and influential storytellers in news/talk radio. He is the creator and host of one of the most innovative and well-received syndicated talk radio shows to come down the pike in many years. It’s called “Our American Stories” – one of the premiere storytelling shows and podcasts in America. It’s a standout show listeners can go to for comfort and inspiration and hear positive, redemptive stories about a good and great country. Two hours a day, five days a week, our guest and his amazing team of broadcast professionals tell the story of America to Americans. There’s no debate. No opinion. No politics. No news. Just stories that bring people together around common values, themes, and the founding principles and ideals of our nation. Stories that create a space for listeners to escape the news and noise of the day and be moved and informed. Habeeb’s talk show credentials are formidable. He co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media in 2008 as VP of content, and launched “Our American Stories” in 2016. He’s a University of Virginia Law School graduate, a Newsweek essayist, and lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Valerie and daughter Reagan. He is currently ranked #11 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Harrison and Habeeb engage in an illuminating conversation about the importance of history and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this! Watch the podcast in its entirety here

Industry News

FNC’s Sean Hannity to Broadcast Interview with JD Vance

FOX News Channel’s Sean Hannity will air a pre-recorded interview with Vice President JD Vance on hisimg show tonight (1/29) at 9:00 pm ET. The interview was recorded at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and FNC says it “will cover the first 100 days of the Trump-Vance administration and other news of the day.”

Industry News

iHeartPodcasts Official Partner for 2025 Web Summit Qatar

iHeartMedia announces that its subsidiary iHeartPodcasts will serve as the official podcast partner for the 2025 Web Summit Qatar. A press release says the second edition of Web Summit Qatar is set to gather more than 20,000 technology and business leaders, founders, world-leading investors, media and a recordimg 1,250 startups at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 23 – 26. Sessions at the event will feature iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne, as well as iHeartPodcasts talent including Malcolm Gladwell, Jay Shetty, David Eagleman, and Jonathan Strickland. Additionally, as part of the partnership, Web Summit Qatar will introduce the iHeart Podcast Creator Studio, featuring an on-site iHeartPodcasts Recording Studio and attendee lounge for live show taping on the showroom floor.

Industry News

Senator John Kennedy Urging FCC to Review Soros’ Audacy Debt Acquisition

U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) wants the Federal Communications Commission to review the approval of billionaire George Soros’ acquisition of $400 million of Audacy’s debt that makes him the largest shareholder of the company that exited Chapter 11 restructuring last year. New FCC chairman Brendan Carr has promised to “take a very hard look” at a petition to reconsider the license transfer to the newimg Audacy. Before he was chairman, Carr had argued that the FCC should not allow a “Soros shortcut” but must follow FCC procedure. In June of last year Carr said the FCC had never previously used the “Soros-shortcut” procedure to approve licenses to a firm with significant foreign ownership. But Audacy argued in its opposition to the Petition to Deny (filed last summer) that there is nothing unique about this request, saying that the FCC “granting a limited waiver deferring its foreign ownership review to facilitate a licensee’s prompt emergence from bankruptcy is consistent with the Communications Act.” Audacy added that the notion that the limited waiver is new “completely ignores longstanding precedent establishing the Commission-approved special warrant process used in a number of prior transactions to allow licensees to emerge from bankruptcy promptly, while affording the Commission sufficient opportunity to review foreign ownership issues post-emergence.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases 2024 U.S. Podcast Report

This is the third annual U.S. Podcast Report from Triton Digital and according to the report, the number of monthly podcast listeners continues to rise with 23% growth over the past three years and almost 10% over the past year. In 2024, 44% of the U.S. population reported listening to a podcast within the past month. Triton says these listeners were found to be younger, more educated, more affluent, and more diverse. Other key findings include: 1) YouTube continues to be the preferred platform with 33% of listeners in 2024, upimg from 27% in 2021; 2) the top podcast genres of 2024 were News (25% of downloads), True Crime (19%), and Comedy (13%). Of True Crime podcast listeners, 67% were female, of Comedy podcast listeners, 61% were male, and of News podcast listeners, 56% were male; 3) NPR News Now (NPR) remained the top podcast in 2024; and 4) “Bongino Report Early Edition with Evita” had the #1 debut in 2024. Triton SVP measurement products & strategy Daryl Battaglia says, “2024 marked another year of remarkable growth for the podcast industry, with listenership broadening across demographics and becoming more mainstream than ever. As new audiences dive into podcasts and spend more time listening, fueling deeper engagement, genres like True Crime, Kids & Family, and History drive the highest back catalog consumption, creating untapped opportunities for programmatic advertising. At Triton Digital, we remain dedicated to providing deep insights into listener behavior and platform preferences as this dynamic medium continues to evolve.” You can download the report here.

Industry News

WWO: Data Reveals the Cost of Dull Ads

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One AudioActive Group blog looks at the creative side of audio ads. The Institute for Practitioners in Advertising produced data that reveals brands must spend significantly more media money on dull ads compared to interesting, non-dull ads. Looking at key findings from “Another Dullimg Whitepaper: The Extraordinary Cost of Dull,” the analysis notes that 1) Neutrality, the absence of emotion, is the most common reaction to ads; 2) Business-to-business ads are even duller with greater neutral “feeling nothing” responses; and 3) Marketers have two jobs: Converting existing demand and creating future demand. Only about 5% of customers are in-market and “rational and dull copy using tightly target media” has its purpose here. But for the 95% of the customers not in-market and thinking about the category, “The objective is to create ads that produce positive feelings, especially happiness. If an ad makes people feel good, it’s more memorable and more effective at building positive associations with a brand.” See the complete blog post here.

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Honored on Food for the Poor Podcast

Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher is honored on the newest episode ofimg international nonprofit relief organization Foor for the Poor’s podcast, “Beyond the Plate.” Gallagher is feted for the philanthropic spirit and the millions of dollars raised by him and his listeners – inspired by his late wife, Denise. Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup states, “In addition to being one of America’s best talk show hosts, Mike Gallagher is literally second to none in tapping the generosity of his nationwide audience in fighting hunger and malnutrition by generating donations to nonprofits like Food for the Poor.” Listen to the podcast here.

Industry News

The Media Audit: NYC Radio Listeners Drive New Car Sales

Data from The Media Audit’s Fall 2024 survey indicates that radio stations “have a powerful opportunity to drive automotive advertising success.” The Media Audit’s New York market manager Pete Forester explains, “Our research clearly shows that radio is a key influencer in the automotive marketplace. 25.4 % of New York radio listeners plan to buy a new vehicle in the coming year. This is 30% higher than the general marketimg which is 19.6% of adults planning a new vehicle purchase. Among heavy radio listeners (those that listen more than 3 hours a day), that number jumps to 30%. That’s 53% stronger than the general market.” Forester says that podcasts are also a good genre for auto advertising. He says, “The multi-media analysis by The Media Audit revealed podcasts captured the interest of  30.1% of adults 18+ planning to buy a new vehicle in the next 12 months… 53% higher than the general market. Audio streaming does well at 22.7%… 16% higher than the general market” Forester concludes, “Automotive advertisers have a tremendous opportunity to leverage radio’s ability to connect with ready-to-buy consumers. Our data shows that radio not only drives awareness but also inspires action, making it an essential part of any automotive advertising strategy.”

Industry News

Townsquare Media Enters Strategic Partnership with Steel City Media

Townsquare Media announces a strategic digital advertising partnership with Steel City Media, which operates in the Pittsburgh and Kansas City markets. Todd Lawley, president of digital advertising division Townsquare Ignite, says, “We could not be more excited to have the talented team at Steel City Media join our partnership program. They will now be able to leverage Townsquare Ignite’s cutting-edge digitalimg advertising and marketing solutions to their expansive customer base, which importantly exists in markets that do not compete with ours. Our expertise is coaching and training high-performing broadcast sales teams to leverage our proprietary programmatic advertising platform and data-driven insights to deliver exceptional results for their clients. By sharing our proven strategies and dynamic approach, we look forward to helping Steel City strengthen their digital capabilities, driving growth and measurable success for their clients.” Steel City Media vice president Michael Frischling comments, “We are excited to partner with Townsquare Ignite in both of our markets. Townsquare has the best digital solutions in the radio industry and a proven track record of delivering great results to clients.”

Industry News

WABC’s Frank Morano Formally Announces NYC Council Bid

The New York Post reports that WABC, New York overnight talk host Frank Morano officially announced his bid for the New York City Council seat representing part of Staten Island. Morano is running in the specialimg election for the seat held by Republican Joe Borelli who is leaving his post to work as a lobbyist. Borelli would have to leave the Council at the end of this term in December due to term limits. Morano tells the Post he’s running because “he’s watched too many friends and family members leave the Big Apple over ‘woke policies’ driving up crime and costs and owes it to his three-year-old son Carmine to ‘fight.’” Morano could remain with WABC hosting his syndicated show while running but the show would have to be blacked out in the New York market because of campaign regulations. Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Former Des Moines Sports Radio Hosts Launch Streaming Show

Sports talk radio personalities Ross Peterson and Travis Justice exited iHeartMedia’s sports talk KXNO, Des Moines on November 4 of 2024 as the company was making staff cuts across the country. But the twoimg decided they didn’t want to call it quits and began formulating a plan to take their talents to the digital realm. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, they are launching the streaming program “The Rush” today (1/27). The 6:00 am to 8:00 am show streams live on YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms five days per week. The duo survived a round of layoffs in 2020 after their program was canceled but listener blowback caused management to bring them back. Read the Register story here.

Industry News

WSCR, Chicago Announces Winner of Super Bowl Ad Contest

Audacy sports talk outlet WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” announces that Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar is the winner of its annual “Score Big For Your Business” contest. The restaurant will get a 30-second commercial during the station’s broadcast of the Super Bowl on February 9. The competition ran fromimg December 30 to January 19 and aims to leverage its on-air reach to help a local business brand, rebuild, or grow. Audacy Chicago VP of sports programming Mitch Rosen says, “This contest and promotion embodies everything ‘The Score’ truly stands for: live, local sports and, most importantly, the community. From the hundreds of entries we received, we know how important it is for the community to support local businesses. We’re excited to spotlight Heritage and share their story to help them grow and expand their business. Given the massive audience the game attracts on ‘The Score,’ our goal is to leverage every platform to maximize exposure for the restaurant.”