The sale of seven radio signals from Capitol Broadcasting Company to Curtis Media Group has closed. The $1.75 million deal gives Curtis Media 
WRMR-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.
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 
powerful, 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.”
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.”
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Legal Group, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
New laws may hold AI companies responsible, but regulating machine-generated speech presents risks of its own.
Florida recently sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that they marketed ChatGPT while concealing known safety risks. California has taken a different approach: a company accused of causing harm cannot defend itself simply by saying the AI acted autonomously. Neither development guarantees liability, but both signal that “the AI did it” may no longer work as a legal escape hatch.
That sounds sensible. An AI model cannot pay damages, carry insurance, exercise professional judgment, or go to jail. If a company releases a system, profits from it, and markets it as useful or reliable, the law should at least ask what the company knew, promised, and reasonably could have prevented.
Mark Walters – host of Armed America Radio – learned how difficult that can be. ChatGPT falsely reported that he had been accused of embezzling money from a gun-rights organization. Walters sued OpenAI for defamation, but a Georgia court granted the company summary judgment in 2025, finding insufficient evidence that OpenAI knew the output was probably false. The machine was wrong; the legal remedy failed.
The harder question involves speech. Colorado adopted requirements intended to prevent discriminatory automated decisions, prompting AI to sue on First Amendment and equal-protection grounds. The Federal Trade Commission has now suggested that secretly steering a model away from the accurate or objective answers users expect could itself constitute consumer deception.
This presents a genuine slippery slope. Government should protect people from fraud, defamation, discrimination, dangerous products, and nonconsensual deepfakes. It should not acquire a broad power to decide what an AI system must identify as “truth,” particularly in areas involving politics, history, public policy, or contested scientific opinion.
For broadcasters and content creators, the immediate lesson remains familiar. AI may assist with research, writing, editing, and production, but it does not inherit responsibility for the finished product. The person or company that publishes the words still needs to verify them, while the companies building the machines should not escape scrutiny merely because no human typed the final sentence.
Accountability should follow control, knowledge, and profit. The challenge will be imposing that accountability without turning AI regulation into government supervision of lawful speech.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonLegalGroup.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
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
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
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 
end. 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.”
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. 
Zimmer 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,
“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.
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 
Friday, 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.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media has requested and received an extension of its exclusive rights period from a Bankruptcy Court judge. The company is in Chapter 11 
reorganization 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.
The National Association of Broadcasters reveals the list of finalists for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. The winners of the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards will be 
announced during a special dinner at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on October 20. While four spoken-word-formatted stations made the cut in the Legendary Station category, it’s interesting to note that just one talk host – news/talk or sports talk – is a finalist across five personality categories. That distinction goes to WCHS-AM, Charleston, West Virginia morning drive host Chris Lawrence who is a finalist in the Small Market Personality of the Year category. Go get, ‘em Chris! We’re pulling for you.
The John Fredericks Media Network enters into a relationship with the sports wagering media company Past The Wire Sports that will the company’s content appear across JFMN’s more than 20 terrestrial radio stations and connected TV, as well as its digital assets, beginning August 3. JFMN notes that Past The Wire Sports has evolved from a horse racing media brand into a platform covering sports wagering, prediction markets, professional sports, premium video programming, and proprietary technology.
“The Kim Komando Show” is now airing on iHeartMedia’s KEIB, Los Angeles “The Patriot” on 
Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Industry affiliate relations pro Jim Watkins is serving WestStar Entertainment as director of affiliate sales, he says, “We’re excited to partner with KEIB and expand Kim’s presence in one of the nation’s most important radio markets. Technology touches every part of daily life, and Kim’s rare ability to make complex issues entertaining and easy to understand makes her program an outstanding addition to The Patriot’s weekend lineup.
Cox Media Group’s news/talk 95.5 WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta) raised a record $2.3 million to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during its 26th annual 95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon broadcast on July 23 and 24. WSB director of operations, branding and programming Ken Charles says, “Thanks to the generosity of the 95.5 WSB listeners and the passion and commitment of our team, we had another record-breaking year. I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved over these incredible and inspirational 38 hours.” Since 2001, the 95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon has raised more than $38 million for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The John Fredericks Media Network says it is in the process of acquiring WAKM-AM, Franklin, Tennessee that will add to its sports division. JFMN says the addition of WAKM-AM will complement WENO-AM, Nashville and the News-Talk Nashville – The Flame digital app and adds that the acquisition represents 
“another major milestone in JFMN’s strategic vision of building the nation’s premier independently owned News-Talk-Sports media network.” JFMN co-founder John Fredericks says, “As we continue to grow across America, Tennessee is a key market for our future. Our mission is simple: deliver compelling News-Talk-Sports programming that people can’t get anywhere else. We’re building platforms that serve our audience – not shareholders – and this expansion is another major step in that vision. We’re proving that News-Talk and Sports belong together. Our audience wants breaking news, honest opinion, and the teams they love – all from one trusted source. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
By Robert Pearl
Veteran journalist, author, political commentator, and 77WABC Radio personality Dominic Carter was honored with the American Heritage Award at the Kings County Conservative Party’s Annual American Heritage Reception on July 23 at the Knights of Baron DeKalb in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. The event celebrated Carter’s more than four decades in broadcast journalism, recognizing his distinguished career as a radio host, television commentator, author, and one of New York’s most respected media voices.
Hosted by Kings County Conservative Party and Chairwoman
Frances Vella Marrone, the reception brought together elected officials, candidates, community leaders, and supporters to recognize Carter’s professional achievements while celebrating the values of perseverance, public service, and the American Dream.
Presenting the award, Vella Marrone praised Carter’s remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in a Bronx housing project to becoming a nationally recognized broadcaster.
“Where you begin in life does not determine where you can go,” she said, describing Carter as someone whose life story reflects the opportunities made possible through determination, personal responsibility, and hard work. She also commended his willingness to openly share his experiences through his journalism and bestselling memoir, “No Momma’s Boy”, inspiring listeners and readers far beyond New York City.
Accepting the honor, Carter explained that he had undergone surgery less than 24 hours earlier but was determined to attend.
“I was not going to miss this event,” he told the audience. “The Conservative Party has saved my life.” Carter reflected on his upbringing in public housing and his political evolution, saying he came to embrace the values of work, family, accountability, and opportunity. “I was a lifelong Democrat… but the Democrat Party left me. I didn’t leave them,” he said, noting he proudly shares those beliefs on the air and during speaking engagements nationwide.
One of the evening’s heartfelt moments came when Carter invited his son, Dominic Jr., and wife, Marilyn, to the stage. Sharing that doctors once believed his son would never graduate from high school because of epilepsy and a learning disability, Carter proudly announced that Dominic Jr. earned two college degrees.
“Never let anybody define who you are,” Carter said, drawing sustained applause.
Vella Marrone thanked supporters and volunteers for strengthening the Kings County Conservative Party and encouraged continued grassroots involvement.
“We’re going to keep fighting and fighting,” she said, urging attendees to remain engaged in preserving liberty and opportunity through civic participation.
Additional remarks were delivered by Conservative Party State Chairman Gerard Kassar, Assembly Minority Leader Edward Ra, Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, and other elected officials, all of whom praised Carter’s broadcasting career and contributions to journalism. The evening concluded with a standing ovation, featuring book signings, and photographs as guests celebrated Carter’s enduring impact on New York media and public discourse.
Robert Pearl is a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes about New York City media, politics, and culture. He can be emailed at pearlknows@yahoo.com.
FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy will serve as chair of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 2026 Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday, September 14, at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. Abernethy says, “The BFOA Celebrity Golf 
Tournament is one of the industry’s signature events. It offers a unique opportunity to play one of the region’s premier courses while spending the day with colleagues, industry leaders, and celebrities, all in support of a charity that provides a vital lifeline to our fellow broadcasters when they need it most.” All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the BFOA’s charitable mission.
The Divorce Hour Hits Five-Year Mark. “The Divorce Hour,” hosted by acclaimed divorce journalist and advocate Ilyssa Panitz, proudly celebrates its fifth anniversary on CRN Digital Talk Radio. CRN says, “‘The Divorce Hour’ has become a staple and respected voice in the divorce and relationship space, featuring carefully vetted attorneys, financial planners, therapists, mediators, coaches, authors, wellness experts, celebrities, and other notable guests. Every episode is carefully designed to educate, inform, inspire, and empower listeners with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions.”
NHPR Promotes Content Leaders. New Hampshire Public Radio names 16-year NHPR staffer Rebecca Lavoie the organization’s first chief content officer. Lavoi, who previously ran NHPR’s podcast studio, will ensure that NHPR’s journalism and programming meet its business objectives and strategic goals. Additionally, NHPR promotes news director Dan Barrick to vice president of news.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
In Full Stack Human: The Mindset Upgrade You Need to Stay Human in a World Ruled by Technology (2026, Wiley Books) Dara Simkin and Tane Hunter describe a 2026 media landscape where people face information overload, shrinking attention spans, negativity fatigue, algorithmic manipulation, and constant distraction.
The irony is that radio may win the future not by becoming more like technology, but by becoming more human. In an age of artificial everything, that’s the sustainable competitive advantage local radio has. And the more crowded the media landscape becomes, the more valuable radio’s unique strengths become.
Consider what today’s digital platforms do best. They personalize content as algorithms learn what users like and deliver more of it. Streaming services can build custom playlists. Social media feeds are tailored to individual interests. AI can generate content instantly.
What those platforms cannot do is belong to a community. Spotify doesn’t know why I-95 is jammed. TikTok doesn’t care that the town council just approved a controversial zoning change. An AI-generated playlist can’t tell listeners where to find shelter during a storm or why Friday night’s high school football game matters. Local radio can. And as media becomes increasingly global, local content becomes increasingly scarce. And scarcity creates value.
Citing research, the book points to another opportunity: Digital platforms are optimized to trigger emotion, especially outrage and conflict – the 1990s talk radio caricature on steroids. The result is a public that often feels overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious.
Listeners want information, and are looking for context, usefulness, connection, and (dare we?) a reason to smile. Stations willing to do more than simply amplify the argument du jour become indispensable. Winners deliver local information, from trusted voices, a genuine connection that answers the listener’s constant question: “What’s in this for me?”
Click here to read a free sample chapter of “Full Stack Human: The Mindset Upgrade You Need to Stay Human in a World Ruled by Technology.”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Longtime New York City talk radio host Mark Simone and iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York agree to a new, long-term deal that keeps Simone on the air for “years to come.” As part of the new deal, Simone’s show expands by an hour and will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Prtogram director Tom Cuddy says, “Mark Simone is one of the most talented and respected broadcasters in America. His ability to inform, entertain and connect with listeners is unmatched. Expanding his show by an additional hour is a win for our audience, our advertisers and the station.” iHeartMedia EVP of programming Thea Mitchem adds, “Mark Simone is ‘Mr. New York’ for a reason. His extraordinary connection with listeners combined with his ability to inform, entertain and engage audiences, has made him one of the most respected voices in talk radio. We’re thrilled to extend our partnership and continue delivering value to listeners, advertisers and 710 WOR.” Pictured above (from l-r) are: Tom Cuddy; Bernie Weiss, president, markets group; Mark Simone; Thea Mitchem; and Steve DeLusant, region president, iHeartMedia New York.
Talk media entrepreneur John Fredericks – owner of the John Fredericks Media Network that’s comprised of more than a dozen signals in five states – reports that its combined monthly audience for June 2026 across radio, television, streaming, digital, and social media platforms achieved a 2.7-million-person audience reach. JFMN says the achievement reflects its expansion as an independent multimedia platform. John Fredericks states, “We built this network from the ground up without corporate owners, private 
equity, or Wall Street investors. We answer to one group: our audience. This milestone proves there’s tremendous demand for independent voices delivering news, politics, sports, and commentary people can trust. Truth and clarity are making a comeback.” Company CEO Anne Fredericks adds, “We strive to cover what matters most in people’s daily lives: their country, their community, and their sports teams. News, talk, and sports are simply different expressions of the same mission: giving people truthful information, honest perspective, and a voice. What makes the John Fredericks Media Network different is our independence. No newsroom hierarchy, no C-Suites, no suits and no boardrooms.”
Audacy’s sports talk WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” unveils its newest afternoon drive show, “The Final Drive,” hosted by former Ravens linebacker Femi Ayanbadejo with co-hosts Ken Weinman and Tim Barbalace. “105.7 The Fan” brand manager 
Joe LaCroix says, “Femi’s sports knowledge spans far beyond football, encompassing the entire Charm City sports scene. His fearless opinions and local sports knowledge will complement Ken’s fiery takes and Tim’s sharp insights. We can’t wait for our listeners to experience the next chapter of afternoons with ‘The Final Drive.’” Ayanbadejo’s radio experience began in 2012 with contributions to several programs, including “The Scott Garceau Show,” Ravens game-day radio with Gerry Sandusky, and, most recently, “The Bruce and Femi Show” on “105.7 The Fan.”
KIRO-FM Debuts Home Improvement Show. Bonneville’s KIRO-FM, Seattle “Newsradio 97.3 FM” will launch “Inside Out with Tami Michaels” on August 8 airing from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. KIRO says the home improvement show will bring listeners an entertaining and informative mix of interior design trends, practical how-to advice, innovative home and lifestyle products and services, pet topics, and more.
WPEN-FM Becomes “97.5 LeBron – Home of King James.” Following Friday’s news that LeBron James is joining the Philadelphia 76ers, Beasley’s sport talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” is celebrating by temporarily rebranding the station “97.5 LeBron… Home of King James!” Program director Scott Masteller comments, “These are the moments sports radio is built for. Philadelphia has been waiting for this day, and every conversation is about LeBron and the Sixers. From the first show this morning through the final segment tonight, we’re bringing fans everything they need to know about one of the biggest stories in NBA history.”
