Industry News

John Fredericks Featured in WaPo Piece; Running Unopposed for DC Republican Chair

Radio station owner, talk radio host, and unabashed Trump supporter John Fredericks is running unopposed for the chair of the Republican Party in Washington, DC’s Ward 2. As the Washington Post story notes, Fredericks has butted heads with DC Republican Party imgchair Patrick Mara, but Fredericks says he thinks it’s important to try to build something for Republicans in deep-blue DC. In a campaign video, Fredericks says Republicans have “‘zero representation, zero respect, zero results’ — and [he] promises to promote an ‘agenda that’s going to make your life better: Get rid of the rats, lower rents.’” See the WaPo story here.  

Industry News

Scott DeLucia Retiring from WTAW, College Station; Frito Young Joins “Infomaniacs” Show

Morning drive host Scott DeLucia (pictured here) is retiring from his role as ringleader of Bryan Broadcasting news/talk WTAW, College Station’s “The Infomaniacs” program, effective June 5. Last week, DeLucia told listeners, “It’s been the tradition of the show generally that when one of us leaves to go do something different or not do imganything at all we kind of announce it ahead of time. And so today it’s my turn.” He added, “I figure if I’ve done it for 59 years it’s probably enough. Everything’s fine, my health is fine, my wife’s health is fine, we’re just deciding that it’s time to go enjoy the rest of our life that won’t include getting up at 4:20 in the morning. So, we’re going to do that.” A succession plan is in place as DeLucia introduced Tucker “Frito” Young as the newest member of “The Infomaniacs” yesterday (5/27). Young says, “I was excited by the opportunity, mostly because growing up in College Station and Bryan and around the area, if you listen to radio, you would listen to you (Scott) and Jay and Tom and everybody else. So, this is kind of like being on the radio show of record for the Brazos Valley.”

Industry News

KFGO, Fargo’s Paul Jurgens to Retire

KFGO Radio news director Paul Jurgens announces he is stepping down effective Friday, May 29 after 43 years with the station and 38 years as news director. The station notes that under Jurgens’ leadership, KFGO News earned two Peabody Awards from the University of Georgia School of Journalism, five Marconi imgAwards from the National Association of Broadcasters, and eight Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association. In 2024, Jurgens was presented with The Pioneer Award from the North Dakota Broadcasters Association. He says about his decision to retire, “I’m getting to the point where I want to do something else. There’s a lot of things that happen – phone calls, texts in the middle of the night, so I think it’s just time.” The station says that while Jurgens is leaving KFGO in a full-time capacity, it is possible that he returns to the station on a part-time basis in the future. His replacement is expected to be announced today (5/28) on the Joel Heitkamp show.

Industry News

Edison to Present Podcast Consumer Webinar

Edison Research is presenting The Podcast Consumer 2026 webinar on June 3 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says it’s presented by imgMegan Lazovick, vice president, Edison Research at SSRS and will offer a look at the U.S. podcast audience through multiple lenses, including: Reach of podcasts among U.S. consumers from The Infinite Dial; Share of daily time spent with podcasts from Share of Ear; and Content preferences from Edison Podcast Metrics. You can register here.

Industry News

BFoA Sets Media Mixer for June 25

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces its next Media Mixer set for Thursday, June 25, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm ET at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia. BFoA says the Media Mixer “connects emerging professionals with some of the most influential executives and personalities in broadcasting, while imgalso shining a spotlight on the BFOA’s charitable mission of providing critical financial assistance to broadcasters in need.” The event will feature radio executive Dan Mason, who will meet attendees and share insights from his remarkable career in broadcasting from behind the microphone to the head of the CBS Radio. BFoA president Tim McCarthy comments, “The Broadcasters Foundation’s Media Mixers have become one of the most important gatherings for the future of our industry, bringing together rising broadcast professionals, influential executives, and legendary broadcasters in one room. Broadcasting is built on relationships, mentorship, and community, and this event captures the very best of what makes our business so special while also supporting broadcasters facing critical need.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

John Catsimatidis Set to Keynote 28th TALKERS Conference Heading Stellar Lineup of 60-plus Speakers

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WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks / Worldwide News Network owner John Catsimatidis has been named keynote speaker for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University. Publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – entrepreneurism. John Catsimatidis is presently setting a stunning example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.” Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul. The entire agenda of TALKERS 2026 will be video recorded including one-on-one interviews with attendees as well as speakers for later playback to a worldwide audience. For the latest agenda, hotel and sponsorship info, please click here.