Podtrac Releases September Podcast Ranker
According to data from Podtrac’s ranking of the top U.S. podcasts for September 2024 based on U.S. unique monthly audience, the top three shows remain unchanged from the August ranker: #1 is The New York
Times’ “The Daily,” followed by NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at #3. Some moves of note include Dan Bongino’s “The Dan Bongino Show” sliding from #4 to #5, The DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” dipping two spots to #11, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rising to one spot to #12. See the complete ranker here.
already streamlined Emergency Grant Guidelines and Application Process to make it even easier and faster to get funds into the hands of broadcasters hit hardest by these storms. The situation is catastrophic for many of our colleagues and with insufficient or total lack of internet service, an individual or families cannot even submit an application.” Under the adjusted guidelines, broadcasters who have suffered catastrophic loss contact their market or general manager, who then fills out the Hurricanes Helene and Milton Group Submission Form for all of those within their station who are applying. 
Storm specialist Mike Seidel is currently reporting from Madeira Beach, FL while correspondent Robert Ray is in Fort Myers Beach, FL. On Tuesday, Seidel will report from St. Petersburg, FL with Ray remaining in Fort Myers. FOX Weather will also deploy meteorologists Britta Merwin and Steve Bender to Sarasota, FL, Bob Van Dillen to Tampa Bay and Haley Meier to Daytona Beach, FL while meteorologists Michael Estime, Craig Herrera, Ari Sarsalari, Ian Oliver and Kiyana Lewis will anchor coverage from FOX Weather headquarters in New York. FOX Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross will also provide continuous updates from New York. FOX Weather Digital will provide comprehensive coverage of Hurricane Milton, available 24/7 on FOXWeather.com and in the FOX Weather app, including the exclusive Hurricane HQ tab. FOX Weather Digital will include leading meteorological analysis, exclusive expertise from Norcross, coverage from all FOX Weather field resources and related content of every angle related to US impacts of the storm.
With its state-of-the-art technology capabilities that includes satellite and IP distribution and live sports production, the company is available to offer additional services to those in need. “At Skyview Networks, our top priority is the safety of our partners and the continuity of their operations,” Aaron Mellis, VP, business services, Skyview Networks tells TALKERS. “With Hurricane Milton approaching, our team is fully prepared and ready to step in with services to support our clients’ needs, ensuring they are met seamlessly.” For inquiries on extended services in preparation of Milton, please contact ![](https://talkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MGS-Talkers_3.gif")
According to the company, after over four decades of distinguished service in the radio industry, Lohman will continue to provide his expertise to iHeartMedia in a consulting role. Lohman leaves behind a legacy of dedication, growth, and commitment to the radio industry and the Alaskan and Hawaiian communities. His tenure has been marked by outstanding leadership, innovative strategies, and commitment to fostering excellence within the organization. His career in radio began after a summer vacation to Alaska in June 1981, after graduating from Duke University. His first jobs in the state included a fish processor and roughneck at Prudhoe Bay. By October 1982, he started in radio sales, beginning a long and impactful journey in broadcasting. Reflecting on his career, Lohman said, “It’s been an absolute blast. Radio is truly an incredible industry that drives our economy and connects communities, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing its evolution firsthand. Finishing my career with iHeart has made the last decade the best chapter of my career.” Dan Lankford, iHeartMedia division president, expressed his appreciation for Lohman’s contributions, saying “It’s been a privilege working with Andy the last five years. He has successfully led his team in growing both revenue and ratings. As he steps into his much-deserved retirement, we celebrate his many achievements, thank him for his years of service and look forward to him continuing in his new advisory role.”
This edition explores game-changing shifts in creativity, artificial intelligence, measurement, and audience activation—highlighting key trends crucial for navigating the evolving ad environment. KEY FINDINGS: According to research compiled in the guide, emotional messaging is gaining renewed importance in audio advertising, driving an 8.2% increase in consumer action with ads that evoke positive feelings. In the creator economy, “test and see” strategies are becoming obsolete, as authentic creator partnerships are now essential to media plans. In fact, 40% of advertisers are shifting from one-off campaigns to year-long collaborations with creators, recognizing the lasting value these partnerships offer.
As most readers of TALKERS magazine know, dedicated and alert radio stations rise to the occasion of abundant vigilance and public service in providing their communities with vital information and support during natural disasters. Such has been the case with Hurricane Helene and the same thing will take place as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida and the East Coast.
Castiglione, who announced his retirement prior to the conclusion of the 2024 Red Sox season spent 42 seasons in the Red Sox booth, making him the longest tenured radio broadcaster in Red Sox history. A native of Hamden, CT, he began his career calling Colgate University football and baseball games while earning a B.A. from the university. He would later graduate from Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School with a master’s degree in Radio and Television. Castiglione’s Red Sox legacy started in 1983 when he was paired with another Red Sox legend in Ken Coleman. In his 40+ years with the Red Sox, Castiglione was the voice for millions during the lowest lows and highest highs of the franchise. He’s maybe most famous for his call at the end of the 2004 World Series which ended an 86-year World Series drought for the Sox, exclaiming “for the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox have won baseball’s world championship. Can you believe it?” The phrase would become a signature call. Joe Castiglione was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2015, and was named the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award winner, presented annually by the Hall of Fame for excellence in broadcasting, in 2024.
Britton had previously served as the station’s assistant brand manager since 2019. “Keith’s deep understanding of the station, his passion for sports radio, and his proven leadership make him the ideal person to drive The Fan’s continued success,” says Jeff Miller, SVP, market manager and director of sales, Audacy Cleveland. “Keith has played an integral role in shaping the station’s identity over the years, and we look forward to seeing him grow in this new position.” Britton tells TALKERS, “I’m humbled and excited to lead this radio station and our incredible staff. Having been here since the station flipped to sports in 2011, it’s been a phenomenal experience to help build a strong foundation with unlimited potential,” adding, “There are big shoes to fill in this position, and I want to personally thank Andy Roth for his endless mentorship, former market manager Tom Herschel, current market manager Jeff Miller, and operations manager Chase Daniels. This opportunity is one that I’ve looked forward to for a long time and one that I will value and approach with enthusiasm every day to help build the legacy of Audacy Cleveland.”
The one-hour show is live weekdays from 6:00 -7:00 pm. WGCH covers Fairfield County, CT as well as neighboring Westchester County, NY. The station serves the community with extensive local news, sports and talk programming. Boyer tells TALKERS, “My show will be fast paced, very informative, full of joy and very uplifting, for my listeners.” Boyer hosts two other syndicated shows – “Cannabis Talk A-Z” and “Frankie Boyer Radio.” For more information contact 508-878-1782 or 
He will report directly to PodcastOne’s president Kit Gray and will leverage his industry expertise to expand internal sales and publishing synergies, increase talent revenues and the company’s prominence with both media buyers and content creators. 
Departments, sheriff of Bernalillo County, head of public safety for the State of New Mexico under Governor Gary Johnson. Cumulus Albuquerque vice president and market manager Jeff Berry states, “I am SO excited for Darren’s return to Cumulus Albuquerque as program director. His passion for radio and vision for the future are contagious. We are fortunate to have someone with his background re-join our industry in a leadership position. Welcome home, Darren!” White comments, “I am honored to accept the position of program director for News Radio KKOB and KNML the Sports Animal, and I am humbled by the confidence Cumulus Media has placed in me for this exciting new challenge. Having been a part of Cumulus for over a decade, I have seen firsthand the incredible dedication and talent of the teams at both stations. With a proven history of delivering provocative, engaging, and informative radio that is second to none, I look forward to building on that legacy by attracting new listeners and continuing to bring dynamic programming to our loyal radio family.”
philanthropist Harry Hurley, has raised more than $1.4 million for worthy causes across New Jersey and beyond. It has become one of the most important annual civic events in the Garden State drawing 270+ guests including government officials, media representatives and community-minded business leaders. The gala will be at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Harrison says, “This is a huge honor and I’m looking forward to addressing this distinguished event with observations about the media’s position at the crossroads between politics, journalism and changing social norms.” Hurley tells TALKERS, “Our special event will be taking place four weeks before one of the most consequential national elections in American history… arguably, the most important election since the Civil War era. It deserves to have a keynote speaker as even-handed and eloquent as Michael Harrison.”
“Citizens United is thrilled to join with SalemNOW, America’s leading online destination for conservative documentaries, in presenting our newest feature – Trump’s Rescue Mission: Saving America.” SalemNOW general manager Robert Ellis adds, “It’s a privilege for SalemNOW to offer another incredible and important film from David Bossie and his team at Citizens United.”
regular and postseason games, as well as select Spring Training games. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “As we gear up for another Red October, we’re excited to announce our continued partnership with the Phillies. The Phillies are synonymous with this city’s great sports culture, and we’re proud to continue serving as the home for Phillies faithful – from every pitch throughout the season to yearlong updates and headlines surrounding their favorite team.”
FNN is looking for someone who brings excitement, passion, and interest in providing federal and industry executives with news and information about the policies, people and programs that drive the mission of the federal government. The ideal candidate MUST have knowledge of, and high degree of interest in, information technology, acquisition, human resources, financial and program management as they operate within the federal government. The current managing editor and anchor of the Federal Drive, Tom Temin, is retiring in April 2025 after 17 years of leading the program and more than 45 years in journalism. For this position, experience in developing ideas, conducting, and managing interviews is strongly preferred, but consideration will be given for the right person with the right background in federal issues. The host is primarily responsible for show content and adherence to Federal News Network editorial niche of serving federal employees and contractors. Federal News Network (first called WTOP2), the world’s first, Internet-only, all-news radio station was created in February 2000 with a focus on the federal community. Federal News Network is owned by Hubbard Radio. Federal News Network can be heard on a clear channel 50,000 watt station on 1500 AM. If you are interested in applying, contact Federal News Network executive editor