Industry News

WGN Hosts Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker Return with Special Friday Three-Hour Friday Night Radio Nostalgia Show (8/15)

Bob Sirott and John Landecker WGN

WGN, Chicago announced today (8/14) its hosts Bob Sirott (left) and John Records Landecker (right) will return for another night of radio nostalgia. Back by popular demand, “For Radio Geeks Only,” sponsored by Apple Chevy, is expanded to a three-hour show airing on Friday, August 15 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.Sirott and Landecker first united in July for an hour’s show, reminiscing about their days as music DJs.img “Listeners to our first ‘For Radio Geeks Only’ special told us they wantematthewd more – and John and I did, too! We’re glad to bring it back with an even longer show this time,” said Bob Sirott.  Go back to the days before streaming, cable, VCRs, DVDs, and smartphones when rock ‘n’ roll radio was a source of entertainment. Sirott and Landecker will play their favorite jingles and will be joined by special guests, including 1960s disc jockeys Ron Riley and Spike O’Dell, one of WGN Radio’s very own. Listeners are being encouraged to call or text the station at 312-981-7200 to share their stories of listening to radio and records. The show will be available as a podcast on wgnradio.com.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: The Future Will Include a Need for Talk Show Hosts

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
And TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgThe problem with technocrats is they believe computer programs and machines solve all problems. A technocrat in charge of a business will it kill it, for sure.  For example, once a movie theatre is automated, not requiring a pesky projectionist or even a snack counter attendant, you and I would still not buy a ticket – unless the theater was showing an actual MOVIE!

A radio company can “invest” in automation systems like Wide-orbit, saving an outrageous 15 bucks an hour for a “board op” or NexGen or NewsBoss. None of those systems win a single Nielsen meter.

The future of the radio medium is determined by its ability to attract an audience. Audience is obviously not built by technology but by compelling hosts. This phenomenon is eternal. For over 100 years, listeners have been attracted by personalities, ideas, information, songs, jokes, passion.

PREDICTION: Tech, AI will not replace any truly talented talk radio host by a mile.

One More Thought: Write a Letter

What can a host do to secure their essential participation beyond prepping a show? Write a letter! My Dad was a retailer who bought a lot of radio time. In his office he had a credenza of awards, family photos, and… framed letters from radio personalities. Spending hours in the car with a radio voice turns that voice into a star. Receiving a letter from a star is a life event. My Dad framed the letters he got from his favorite radio stars who hosted the shows he sponsored.

All the damn spots we air are actually invitations to send fan mail to the advertisers. Cheesy, yes, but the autograph industry is robust. The more ways a host engages with advertisers and listeners (touchpoints), the more secure their job becomes.

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/13)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump-Putin Meeting / Israel-Gaza War
2. Trump Tariffs / DC National Guard Deployment
3. ICE Raids
4. Texas Redistricting
5. Epstein Files / Lincoln Center

Industry Views

Who Said That? A Practical Guide to Voice Imitation Risk

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgArtificial intelligence now makes it possible to replicate a human voice with striking accuracy. For broadcasters, podcasters, and content creators, the central question is: When does using or imitating a voice become a legal problem? The answer depends on the person being imitated, the purpose of the use, and the rights attached to that voice. Below is a six-bucket framework to help evaluate the risk.

Bucket 1 – Human Imitation of a Living Person
Example: In Midler v. Ford Motor Co. (1988), Ford hired a singer to imitate Bette Midler’s voice for a commercial after she declined. Legal focus: Right of publicity, false endorsement, misappropriation of identity. Risk: High – especially for commercial use without parody or commentary.

Bucket 2 – AI Cloning of a Living Person
Example: AI trained on hours of a broadcaster’s work generates new scripts in that broadcaster’s voice. Legal focus: Same as Bucket 1, plus emerging AI laws in several states. Risk: Very high – AI makes imitation faster, more precise, and harder to defend as coincidental.

Bucket 3 – AI Cloning of a Deceased Person Within Post-Mortem Publicity Window
Example: An AI-generated George Carlin special, written by humans but performed in a Carlin voice model. Legal focus: Post-mortem right of publicity, lasting 20–100 years depending on the state. Risk: High without estate authorization, even if marketed as a tribute.

Bucket 4 – Historical/Public Domain Figures
Example: Voicing George Washington in an original script. Legal focus: Minimal – rights generally end at death and do not extend for centuries. Risk: Low unless portrayal implies a false endorsement of a current product or service.

Bucket 5 – Corporate Library Owner Using AI to Create New Content
Example: A company acquires a complete host archive, such as Howard Stern’s, and uses AI to create new programming in that voice. Legal focus: Copyright in recordings is separate from publicity rights in the voice. Owning the archive does not automatically permit new performances in that voice. Risk: High without explicit contractual rights to name, likeness, and voice for future works.

Bucket 6 – Inspired-By Voice Not Clearly Identifiable as a Specific Person
Example: An AI voice styled as “a gravelly, old-school talk radio host” without matching a real person. Legal focus: Minimal unless resemblance convinces listeners it is a specific individual. Risk: Low to moderate, depending on closeness to a real identity.

Decision Path
Before using a recognizable voice, ask: 1. Is the person living or deceased? 2. If deceased, are they within their state’s post-mortem publicity period? 3. Is the voice a deliberate imitation? 4. Do you have written permission? 5. Is the purpose parody, commentary, or other transformative use?

Takeaways
Talent: Protect your voice rights in contracts, including AI uses. Buyers: Archive ownership does not guarantee the right to generate new voice content. Creators: Parody and commentary may help, but they are not blanket defenses. As voice cloning becomes more accessible, securing clear rights before production remains the safest path. The cost of permission is almost always less than the cost of defending a lawsuit.

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@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com

Industry News

L.A. Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford to Host “Let’s Go!” on SiriusXM for 2025 NFL Season

Lets Go!

SiriusXM announced (8/12) that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led the Rams to a championship in Super Bowl LVI, will join the SiriusXM show, “Let’s Go!” as a host for the 2025 NFL season. In his first media role, Stafford will join Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Gray for weekly discussions on the Rams and other trending topics around the league. Stafford and Gray will also be joined throughout the season by special guests from the worlds of sports, entertainment and beyond. Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby and Hall of Fame NFL journalist Peter King also return for their second season on “Let’s Go!” and will host alongside Jim Gray each week. The fifth season of “Let’s Go!” begins Monday, September 1, ahead of the kickoff of the 2025 NFL season later that week. New episodes will debut every Monday at 6:30 pm ET/3:30 pm PT on SiriusXM NFL Radio (channel 88). After debuting on SiriusXM, the show is available on all major podcast platforms, with additional bonus content available only on the SiriusXM app.

Industry News

New Research: The Most Avid NFL Fans Live on Sports Audio

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New research from Audacy and Vision Insights reveals that the most passionate NFL fans aren’t just watching games – they’re living the NFL lifestyle through sports audio. Over 80% of NFL fans listening to sports talk radio, play-by-play, and sports podcasts identify as avid fans – outpacing TV viewers and social media followers. These listeners are also a marketer’s dream: higher incomes, more spending power, and deeper emotional connections to brands that support their teams. Audacy’s sports network claims to reach more monthly listeners than the next three competitors combined, making it the largest home for NFL diehards.

Please click here for full survey results.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/12)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs / DC National Guard Deployment
2. Forthcoming Trump-Putin Meeting / Israel-Gaza War
3. ICE Raids / Texas Target Shooting
4. Texas Redistricting
5. Epstein Files

Industry News

Ed Herman Joins Big Toe Media, LLC as Partner in Ownership of KLIS Radio, St. Louis

KLIS
 

St. Louis-based Big Toe Media, LLC, the recently launched media company behind The Lou Information Station (KLIS 590 AM), has announced that Ed Herman, managing partner of Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, has officially joined the company as a partner (8/12).  The company tells TALKERS that Herman, a prominent voice in the St. Louis legal and media communities, brings with him a wealth of experience in brand development, audience engagement, and community impact. Herman’s investment in Big Toe Media signals a bold step forward in the company’s mission to reshape local talk radio and digital content.  “Ed has been part of building one of the most recognizable brands in St. Louis through innovation and an unwavering focus on connecting with people,” says Dave Greene, cofounder of Big Toe Media. “His belief in our vision—and his decision to invest in it—gives us the momentum and credibility to take KLIS to the next level.”  KLIS 590 AM, now branded as The Lou Information Station, is being reimagined as a locally driven platform for talk radio, live video streaming, podcasts, and real-time digital engagement. Programming focuses on the people and stories that matter most to the St. Louis region. “I’ve always believed in using media to empower and inform,” says Herman. “While I’ll continue serving as managing partner at Brown & Crouppen, joining Big Toe Media gives me the chance to be part of something that’s not just entertaining – but truly meaningful. This is local media done right.”  With Herman on board, Big Toe Media plans to continue expanding original programming, investing in local talent, and creating new advertising and sponsorship opportunities that serve both listeners and the region’s business community.

Industry News

“Verdict with Ted Cruz” Reaches 200th Affiliate Milestone

Verdict With Ted Cruz Header

Premiere Networks announced today (8/12) that “Verdict with Ted Cruz” has reached the 200th affiliate milestone with the addition of Audacy’s WRVA 1140 AM / 96.1 FM – Richmond’s News & Talk. Effective immediately, the weekly one-hour program joins the station in the 9:00 pm ET timeslot on Sundays.  WRVA logo 2020The program is hosted by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Premiere Networks-syndicated radio personality and podcaster Ben Ferguson who break down the most important news stories of the week and what they mean for Americans. “Verdict with Ted Cruz was first launched as a podcast in January 2020. Premiere Networks expanded the podcast into a weekly one-hour radio program for talk radio stations, which debuted on 100 stations in April 2025.

Industry News

Starnes Address Gun Owners of America

Independent (Starnes Media Group) nationally-syndicated radio host and KWAM, Memphis owner Todd Starnes delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Gun Owners of America Summit in Knoxville, Tennessee. Some 6,000 gun owners and defenders of the Second Amendment attended. GOA also hosted a signing for Starnes. His latest book is titled Star-Spangled Blessings: Devotions For Patriots.

Industry News

Newsmax Set to Host Major Celebration in Israel Tomorrow (8/13)

Newsmax is set to host its fourth annual “Fourth of July” celebration in Israel tomorrow (8/13) bringing together an elite gathering of political, business, and media leaders including personalities from American talk radio.  The high-profile event will take place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem, which has become a highlight of the summer social calendar in Israel.

Newsmax logo

Newsmax holds this reception each year to celebrate what the company describes as “the enduring friendship and shared democratic values between the United States and Israel.” This year’s celebration will be marked by a special appearance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Netanyahu is expected to speak at about 1 p.m. EST in the U.S. with the address carried live on the Newsmax and Newsmax2 networks.

“America and Israel share a deep and unbreakable bond grounded in freedom, democracy, and mutual respect,” said Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax. “This gathering is an opportunity to celebrate those ties while also fostering dialogue and cooperation among leaders in politics, media, and business.”

The event comes at a time when Newsmax’s global footprint continues to expand, with its coverage now available in more than 100 countries across five continents.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/11)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump Tariffs / DC National Guard Deployment
2. Forthcoming Trump-Putin Meeting
3. Israel-Gaza War
4. Texas Redistricting
5. Epstein Files

Industry News

FCC Commissioner Gomez Issues Scathing Statement on Paramount-Skydance Merger

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez has made no secret of the fact that she’s horrified not by the merger itself but with Paramount’s acquiescence to the Trump Administration in seeking approval to merge with Skydance. Here is her statement in full: “Today marks the final chapter of a dark moment in our nation’s history. After months of cowardly capitulation, including an unprecedented payout to settle a meritless lawsuit in exchange for regulatory approval, Paramount and Skydance have completed their merger, and ‘New Paramount’ will be created.

“This will be a new company, born in shame after trading away fundamental First Amendment principles inimg pursuit of pure profit. It embraced this Administration’s radical notion that discriminatory behavior should be tolerated and even embraced, while efforts to expand opportunity for everyone should be rejected.

“More alarmingly, the company agreed to never-before-seen forms of government control over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment – actions that violate both the First Amendment and the law. A government-sanctioned ‘truth arbiter’ will soon arrive at CBS. Their role will be to ensure that journalists at CBS do not criticize this Administration or express views that conflict with its agenda. That should alarm anyone who values the core democratic principle of a free and independent press.

“All of this is being carried out under the guise of combating so-called ‘media bias,’ a term which, in practice, appears to encompass anything or anyone who disagrees with this Administration. Never mind that those now feigning concern over media bias are the same individuals who have spent the past decade attacking the press and sowing public distrust in journalism. And even if such bias did exist to the extent they claim, the last entity the American people should entrust with defining or policing it is the federal government.

“Sadly, this will not be the end of this Administration’s campaign of intervention in media to silence critics, gain favorable coverage, and impose ideological conformity on newsrooms that should remain independent. With longstanding institutions like CBS compromised in this way, it will be up to us – as citizens – to hold this Administration accountable for its abuses.

“I urge others to take notice and find their courage. And I will continue to call out cowardly corporate capitulation for what it is: a betrayal – not just of journalistic independence, but of the public trust.

“Because if the First Amendment is to mean anything at all, it must mean that no government –regardless of party – gets to decide what is true, who gets heard, or which voices are silenced.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Topics That Tune-Them-In

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgBaby Boomers (born 1946–1964) are some 20% of the U.S. population, but control more than 50% of all household wealth. They hold $70+ trillion in assets and spend an estimated $548 billion annually. They are lifelong AM/FM listeners, and they’re redefining what life after 60 looks like. Are you into what they’re up to?

Some are having the time of their lives. Others are confronting new realities. All are seeking relevance, respect, and real-world information. Consider these issues for call-in topics and guest interviews and podcasts. Possibly a sponsored series?

Lifestyle & Purpose

— “How to Make Your Bucket List Actually Happen”
— “Finding Purpose Beyond the 9 to 5”
— “Encore Careers That Start with a Volunteer Gig”

Health & Wellness

— “Sleep After 60: What Changes and What Helps”
— “The Foods That Fight Brain Fog”
— “Fitness Without the Injuries: Smarter Workouts After 50”

Financial Confidence

— “How Much is Enough? Retirement Planning Backwards”
— “Social Security Myths That Could Cost You”
— “Turning Your Home into Income” (downsizing, ADUs, Airbnb)
— “Helping Without Hurting: When Adult Kids Need Financial Help”

im

Freedom & Adventure

— “How to Travel More for Less”
— “National Parks Over 60: Hidden Gems and Senior Pass Tips”
— “Cool Day Trips”

Home & Relationships

— “Downsize Without Drama”
— “Living With – or Near – Your Kids: Pros, Cons & Boundaries”
— “Home Safety Upgrades You’ll Be Glad You Made”
— “The Second Time-Around Marriage: Legal & Emotional Realities”
— “Grandparenting Without Overstepping”

Learning & Creativity

— “The Science of Lifelong Learning: Why Your Brain Craves It”
— “It’s Never Too Late to Learn an Instrument (or a Language)”
— “Turning Your Life Story Into a Book – Or a Podcast”
— “Digital Detox: How to Stay Connected Without Feeling Glued”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry Views

When the Library Talks Back

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By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgImagine SiriusXM acquires the complete Howard Stern archive – every show, interview, and on-air moment. Months later, it debuts “Howard Stern: The AI Sessions,” a series of new segments created with artificial intelligence trained on that archive. The programming is labeled AI-generated, yet the voice, timing, and style sound like Stern himself.

Owning the recordings might suggest the right to create new works from them. In reality, the answer is more complicated – and the music industry offers a useful comparison.

Music Industry Precedent

Sony, Universal, and others have spent hundreds of millions buying music catalogs from artists such as Bob DylanBruce SpringsteenPaul Simon, and Queen. These deals often include both composition rights and master recordings, giving the buyer broad control over licensing and derivative works.

In music, the song and the recording are the assets. In talk content, the defining element is the host’s persona – voice, cadence, and delivery – which changes the legal analysis when creating new material.

Copyright and Persona Rights

Buying a talk archive usually transfers copyright in the recordings and any scripts. That permits rebroadcast, excerpts, and repackaging of original programs.

It does not automatically transfer the host’s right of publicity – control over commercial use of their name, likeness, and in many states, their distinctive voice. In Midler v. Ford Motor Co. (1988), the court ruled that imitating Bette Midler’s voice in a commercial without consent was an unauthorized use of her identity.

This means a company can own the shows without having the right to make new performances in the host’s voice unless the contract clearly grants that right.

The AI Factor

AI technology can replicate a host’s voice, tone, and style with high accuracy, producing entirely new programming.

Outside broadcasting, a recent AI-generated George Carlin special – written by humans but performed by a voice model trained on decades of his work – sparked debate about rights and legacy.

In talk radio, similar AI use could create “new” episodes featuring well-known hosts. Even with clear labeling, right-of-publicity claims may arise if the host or their estate never authorized it. Disclaimers may address consumer confusion but do not remove identity-rights issues.

Why It Matters

This applies to more than national figures. Any broadcaster or podcaster with a substantial archive could face it. Selling or licensing a library could give the buyer the tools to replicate your voice without your participation.

For buyers, the ability to produce new content from archived material has commercial appeal. But without the right to use the host’s voice for new works, it carries significant legal and reputational risk.

Contracts Decide

The key is in the contract:

— Did the talent assign rights to their name, likeness, and voice for future works?
— Is use limited to original recordings or extended to derivative works?
— Does it address future technologies, including AI?

Older agreements often omit these points, leaving courts to decide. Future contracts will likely address AI directly.

Takeaways

For talent: Know what you are transferring. Copyright ownership does not necessarily include your future voice.

For buyers: Owning an archive does not automatically give you the right to create AI-generated new material in the original host’s voice.

For everyone: As AI advances, control over archives will depend on the contracts that govern them.

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@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Five to Be Inducted to Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame

Nebraska Broadcasters Association

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct (husband-wife team) Dennis & Kathi Brown, along with prominent broadcasters Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into its Hall of Fame tomorrow (8/12) in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention.  Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees. For more information, please click here.  www.ne-ba.org

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (8/9-10)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Tariffs Go into Effect
2. Deadly CDC Shooting
3. Trump Federal Takeover of DC
4. Trump-Putin Meeting
5. Israel’s Gaza City Takeover

Industry News

Katz Radio: Radio Delivers for Fast Food Joints

Data from a Katz Radio survey of consumers who eat fast food from quick service restaurants (QSRs) at least once a week, are highly responsive to radio messaging. Katz says its study indicates that “radio is an ideal platform for interest among receptive and responsive fast food consumers. It plays a foundationalimg role in the decision-making journey, often sparking the craving before any digital ad or social scroll can. In fact, the survey shows a measurable lift in intent: consumers targeted by radio campaigns were 4% and 7% more likely to visit, reinforcing radio’s power to drive foot traffic.” Further, the study shows that “89% reported making last-minute meal decisions while in the car—right in radio’s sweet spot. Additionally, 84% believe it’s smart for fast food restaurants to use radio advertising to inform customers about menu items and deals. And notably, 82% admitted that simply hearing ads about food can make them feel hungry, highlighting radio’s unique ability to trigger cravings and drive immediate action.” Read more here.

Industry News

Saga’s Net Revenue Falls 5% in Q2

Saga Communications reports its operating results for the second quarter of 2025 says net revenue was $28.2 million, a decrease of 5% from the same period in 2024. Station operating expense decreased 4.6%img for the quarter to $22.2 million compared to the same period last year. For the quarter, operating income was $1.4 million compared to $2.1 million for the same quarter last year and station operating income decreased 6.4% to $6.0 million. Saga reports net income of $1.1 million for the quarter compared to the net income of $2.5 million it reported in the second quarter of 2024.

Industry News

Audacy Flips WSFS, Miramar to Sports

Audacy flips alternative WSFS-FM, Miramar, Florida – between Miami and Fort Lauderdale – to a simulcast of its Miami sports talker WQAM and is petitioning the FCC to change the calls to WQAM-FM.img The station is at 104.3 FM and boasts a 100,000-watt signal. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus says, “Miami’s sports fans have an unrivaled passion, and they deserve a destination that matches their energy. By adding this powerful FM signal, we’re not just expanding our reach – we’re solidifying WQAM’s position as the undisputed leader in South Florida sports radio.” The weekday lineup consists of “The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood” (6:00 am to 10:00 am), “Tobin & Leroy” (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) and “Hochman, Crowder & Solana” (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).

Industry News

KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids Cuts Three Hosts

According to a report in The Gazette, KZIA Inc.’s sports talk KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is canceling two local programs for financial reasons. “The Todd Brommelkamp Show” (6:30 am to 9:00 am) and theimg “Gym Class” with Scott Unash and Mark Dukes (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) did their last shows this week. The local show “Spencer on Sports” with Spencer Wagen will continue in its 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. KZIA Inc. CEO Julie Hein is quoted saying, “Like a lot of media, including your, and national TV and local TV, restaurants, factories, we are experiencing some economic changes. I hope there is a rebound. Scott Unash and Mark Dukes have been legends in this market for decades and have done amazing things for sports in the Corridor. Todd Brommelkamp, to me, was a breath of fresh air and a real leader in talking about the Hawkeyes and all kinds of great things. I adore all of them and I am forever a fan of all three men.” Read The Gazette story here.

Industry News

NAB Reveals Marconi Finalists

The National Association of Broadcasters announced the finalists for the 2025 NAB Marconi Radioimg Awards. The winners will be presented on October 21 at The Edison Ballroom, the evening before NAB Show New York. Finalists for Legendary Station of the Year include news/talk WABC, New York. Finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: KFI-AM, Los Angeles; WABC-AM, New York; WBAL-AM, Baltimore; WBBM-AM, Chicago; and WENG-AM, Englewood, Florida. See all the finalists here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (August 4 – 8, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/4-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump Tariffs
2. The Economy / Fed Policy
3. Texas Redistricting Battle
4. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
5. The Epstein Files
6. Fort Stewart Shooting
7. ICE Raids / Detention Camp Plans
8. Israel-Gaza War
9. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
10.Sydney Sweeney Controversy

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jerome Powell
3. Greg Abbott
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
6. Quornelius Radford
7. Kristi Noem
8. Pam Bondi
9. Benjamin Netanyahu
10.Sydney Sweeney

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

Industry News

Cumulus Q2 Net Revenue Falls 9.2%

Cumulus Media reveals operating results for the second quarter of 2025 and reports net revenue of $186 million, a decline of 9.2% from the same period in 2024. The company’s net loss shrunk to $12.8 million compared to the $27.7 million it reported in Q2 of 2024. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Bernerimg says, “While the advertising backdrop for legacy media remains challenging, in the quarter we continued to outperform our radio peers, gaining market share across all broadcast spot revenue channels. We also significantly outperformed in digital, delivering double the growth rate of our radio peers, driven by the 38% year-over-year increase in our digital marketing services business. Additionally, we executed $5 million of annualized cost reductions, bringing total annualized cost reductions to $175 million over the last 5 years. These results underscore our disciplined focus on optimizing performance and investing in growth opportunities despite capital constraints. Looking ahead, while we do not expect near-term relief from market headwinds, we are confident in our ability to position the business for long-term success through strong execution and by capitalizing on the Company’s valuable underlying assets.”

Industry News

WGN’s Dave Eanet to Retire; Andy Masur Named AM Sports Anchor

WGN Radio morning drive sports anchor Dave Eanet is retiring from his role on the Bob Sirott morning show. The station announces that Andy Masur will assume the sports anchor position effective August 28. Eanet is not retiring from broadcasting as he’ll continue as play-by-play voice for Northwestern Wildcatimg football and men’s basketball games broadcast on WGN and he’ll also serve as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk. Eanet says, “Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios. As I close this chapter of my career, imgthe word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work. Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station.” WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “I am thrilled to share that our own Andy Masur will assume morning show sports duties going forward. Andy is a talented broadcaster who has built a rapport with the WGN Radio audience as a regular fill-in for Dave and as our weekend sports anchor. We are lucky to have him.”

Industry News

Grant Napear Returning to Sacramento Sports Talk

Former KHTK, Sacramento sports talk host and former Sacramento Kings TV broadcaster Grant Napear is returning to Sacramento sports radio to host the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm show on Lotus Communications’img sports talk KSAC-AM/K284CM, effective September 2. This comes five years after he was fired by Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento and the Kings after a social media exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins about the Black Lives Matter movement and used the phrase, “all lives matter.” Napear sued Bonneville and lost but is currently appealing that ruling. Napear tells the Bee, “It’s going to be the Grant Napear show that people have listened to for decades. I’m competitive. I’m not only coming back to Sacramento. I’m coming back to win.” Read the Sacramento Bee story here.

Industry News

NewsTalkSTL Hosts to Broadcast from Israel

NewsTalkSTL hosts Tim Jones and Chris Arps will be broadcasting their program from Israel on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The station (KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; K270BW, Bellefontaine; and KLJY-HD3, Clayton in Missouri) says the duo will be in Israel all next week providing special coverage as part ofimg a partnership between NewsTalkSTL and Newsmax. NewsTalkSTL says this will be Chris Arps’s second visit to Israel in the past month. His previous trip, which took place during Iranian airstrikes, was a sightseeing tour. This time, he returns as part of a diplomatic delegation organized by Newsmax in coordination with the Israeli government. Tim Jones says, “Traveling to Israel, especially during this consequential time, will be a life changing trip. Experiencing the Holy Land, visiting with top Israeli officials, all while literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus, will be an incredible experience for all of us in NewsTalkSTL nation.” NewsTalkSTL president of programming Jeff Allen says, “It should be an incredible week of content from Tim and Chris. They won’t just be sharing their impressions; they’ll have stories you can only get by being there on the ground.”

Industry News

Taylor Named Triton Digital CRO

Triton Digital names Sharon Taylor chief revenue officer. (CRO), effective immediately. Triton Digitalimg president and CEO John Rosso says, “Sharon has been instrumental in our continued success at Triton Digital, and her promotion to chief revenue officer is a reflection of her exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and proven ability to drive results. Her track record in scaling audio technology platforms and her deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape will be invaluable as we accelerate our global growth and deepen partnerships with audio publishers and advertisers.”

Industry News

WSCR, Chicago Helps Raise $750k for BrainUp

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Audacy sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” partners with the Chicago Cubs for the second “Cubs for a Cure” radiothon and raised more than $750,000 for BrainUp, a nonprofit committed to brain cancer awareness. As a result, the effort, in collaboration with AbbVie, Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Cologuard and Stand Up To Cancer, collectively raised over $1.5 million for the cause.

Industry News

Ben Stevens Joins VSiN

VSiN, The Sports Betting Network announces the addition of Ben Stevens to it staff. Most recently,img Stevens anchored weekday mornings on SportsGrid. VSiN EVP Steve Cohen says, “Ben is a terrific addition to the most trusted brand in sports betting information at a time when sports fans across the country look to us for information that helps them make informed college football wagering decisions. A seasoned on-air sports betting talent that can speak across all major sports, ‘Big 10 Ben’ has deep expertise in college football that our viewers and listeners will enjoy.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/6)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump Tariffs Kick In
2. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
3. Fort Stewart Shooting
4. ICE Raids
5. Israel-Gaza War

Industry News

Townsquare Media Q2 Net Revenue Down 2.3% as Income Rises

Townsquare Media reports net revenue of $115.5 million in the second quarter of 2025, a decline of 2.3% from the same period in 2024. However, the company posts net income of just over $2 million afterimg reporting a net loss of $48.8 million in the same quarter a year ago. Townsquare reports revenue in segments and the broadcast advertising segment saw net revenue of $48.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from the same quarter in 2024. The company’s digital advertising segment’s net revenue was $42.5 million, an increase of 2.4% over Q2 of 2024.