Sandhill Media Group drops the CHR format on KAOX-HD2/K286BU in Idaho Falls and flips it to news/talk as “News 
Talk 2.” KAOX-FM talk host Neal Larson announced the change on his program last Friday (10/30). The station is airing syndicated programming including Premiere Networks shows “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” “The Michael Berry Show,” plus FOX News Radio’s “Brian Kilmeade Show.”
Programming pro Mike Stern is leaving his position with Jacobs Media to join Zimmer Communications as director of programming for the company’s Missouri stations in Columbia, Springfield and Jefferson City. He says, “I couldn’t be more 
excited about the opportunity to join Zimmer Communications. I’ve consulted them for more than a decade, so I know it is a first-class radio operation that still believes in being local and connecting with listeners. I’d like to thank [general manager] Carla Leible and [operations director] Trevor Morgan for making this possible.” Morgan comments, “Mike has a genuine passion for creating great radio. His creativity, organization, and keen ear for compelling content have already made a tremendous impact on the stations he’s worked with through Jacobs Media. We’re excited to bring his expertise and experience to all our brands as we continue to create great content and find meaningful ways to connect with our listeners and advertisers.”
The New York State Broadcasters Association announces its 2027 officers and board of directors elected during the recent fall meeting in New York City. Audacy chief business officer and 
New York market president Chris Oliviero has been elected chair of the board of directors. NYSBA president and executive director Heidi Raphael comments, “This is an exceptional team. Chris Oliviero brings vision and deep market leadership to the chair, and our board reflects the full strength of broadcasting across New York. We are especially grateful to [outgoing chair] Chris Musial for his steady leadership and to our departing directors for their commitment. Together, we’re ready to make 2027 another remarkable year for our members and the communities they serve.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (11/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
A group of 21 House Democrats is appealing to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation chair Ted Cruz to only advance the confirmation of Republican FCC nominee Danielle Thumann Severs alongside the renomination of the agency’s lone Democrat, Anna M. Gomez. The congressmen write: “The 
Communications Act limits how many commissioners may belong to one political party, ensuring that decisions on broadband, media ownership, and network security are tested by more than one point of view. Preserving that balance is central to how the Commission is meant to function. Commissioner Gomez has brought independent judgment and a clear command of the FCC’s statutory responsibilities to her work and has consistently engaged with members on both sides of the aisle on the merits of an issue rather than its politics. She has remained focused on many of the core responsibilities that Congress has entrusted to the FCC: closing the digital divide, protecting consumers, promoting competition and innovation, strengthening the security of our communications networks, and advancing U.S. technological leadership.” The group also says, “The Commission functions as intended only when both parties have a seat at the table. Confirming an additional Republican nominee without also securing continued Democratic representation would upset that balance. Commissioner Gomez has shown the experience and judgment to continue that work. We therefore ask that the Senate pair any new Republican nominee with her renomination to a full term, consistent with the bipartisan design Congress built into this agency.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
What makes a life – or the work we do – matter? In Make It Matter, author Matthew Emerzian explores how recognizing our own worth, making others feel valued, and contributing to something beyond ourselves can give everyday choices a deeper purpose.
If you are podcasting, here’s your take-away: Make listeners feel that THEY matter…not merely that your podcast matters.
Emerzian’s narrative builds around three perspectives: “I Matter. You Matter. We Matter.” Applying that framework to podcasting suggests practical lessons.
The big idea: A listener who feels understood has a reason to come back…and recommend your podcast.
Make It Matter: Unlocking Human Potential Through The Mattering Mindset by Matthew Emerzian is published by Wiley Books. To read 2 free sample chapters, scroll down to “Recommended Reading” at HollandCooke.com
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
WPHT, Philadelphia weekend talk show host, former U.S. Senate candidate, and community organizer Kathy Barnette‘s recent F3 Forum: Faith • Family • Future of Education in America was a
resounding success. The power-packed one day event (11/24) drew several hundred parents and concerned citizens to Braid Mill in Germantown to meet, mingle, and see an array of speakers including educators, pasters, and policy experts to discuss the state and future of education. Fellow WPHT talk show host, education advocate and podcaster Dom Giordano was one of the featured panelists (see photo). To view video coverage of the event, please click here.
Salem Media’s weekly news magazine “This Week on Capitol Hill” with Tony Perkins aired an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on this past weekend’s edition of the show. Among the topics discussed 
on the program was the notion that Ukraine has been persecuting Christians. Zelenskyy said on the program, “Tucker Carlson and other such guys, they I think they’ve never been. I mean, I think these men never been in Ukraine, how he can discuss what’s going on in Ukraine and to speak about the what’s going on with the with religious people in Ukraine, we are very free.” “This Week on Capitol Hill” with Tony Perkins is produced by Salem in cooperation with the Family Research Council. It airs live at 10:00 am on Saturdays on the Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel and is streamed four times each weekend on the Newsmax 2 platform.
High school and college broadcasters have until midnight tonight (11/2/26 at 11:59 pm ET) to submit their work for inclusion in the 2026-2027 IBS Media Awards. The awards ceremony will take place during IBSNYC 2027 February 25-27, 2027 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. Get all the information you need here.
Crossover Media Group is partnering with leadership expert, keynote speaker and author Dave Reggina to handle advertising sales for his “The No Snooze Podcast.” Additionally, CMG has acquired an equity interest in the program. Crossover Media 
Group managing member Scott Calka says, “‘The No Snooze Podcast’ is a compelling, engaging and inspirational program hosted by a personality who’s equally compelling, engaging and inspirational. With his special blend of motivational leadership insights, uplifting personal-growth stories and practical health and fitness advice, Dave is poised to break out in the podcast universe. Our new partnership underscores our confidence in his potential and is emblematic of an evolving model for our podcast business.” Reggina’s diagnosis as a teen with Crohn’s disease sparked his dedication to health, fitness and resilience. He is the author of the book, 30 Lessons to Lead: From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs, and co-founded A.C.E. (Action Cultivates Excellence), a transformative personal and professional growth movement and community.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (10/31-11/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The latest talk show starring Sean Hannity jumped into the top 50 in Edison Research’s The Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. chart for the third quarter of 2026 (based on weekly audience) and sits at #44. This isn’t the podcast edition of “The Sean Hannity Show” syndicated by Premiere Networks but “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” produced by FOX News Media. Shot with a casual vibe on Hannity’s man-cave set, the podcast allows Hannity to explore a broader range of topics and interview a surprising array of 
guests. Recent interviews have included Stephen A. Smith, Kathie Lee Gifford, Vanilla Ice, Franklin Graham, Rahm Emanuel, Cornel West, and Adam Carolla.
TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who has closely followed Hannity’s career since his early days as a promising radio upstart in Huntsville, AL, sang the host’s praises in a recent statement: “I am thrilled but not surprised to see Sean’s success with this new podcast vehicle. It provides the icon with a much wider playing field going way beyond politics where he can display his natural conversational skills, warmth, and charisma across the spectrum of pop culture. Marvelous!”
Regarding this latest career development, Hannity tells TALKERS, “Having reached a couple of milestones this year, 30 years at FOX, my 25th anniversary in radio syndication, has simply resulted in a gratitude and gratefulness to be so blessed to do what I love to do every day. Now that I’ve added the podcast, which is completely different than both the radio and TV shows, it has simply added a new passion in my life. I love the ability to talk about faith, the mysteries of life and the universe, and so much more. I’m grateful, most of all, to the people that give me this special gift every day. My viewers and listeners. They encourage me to always want to exceed expectations and to always do my best. It is one of the most rewarding things I do.”
In the fall of 2025, TALKERS wrote about well-known New York radio engineer Dr. Andy Gladding’s acquisition of WKZE-FM, Salisbury, Connecticut – a Triple A station serving the Hudson Valley. Gladding serves as chief engineer for Salem New York and for Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York. Since acquiring the station with his wife Katie Berghorn, they have 
actively pursued involving the community in the station in creative ways. The station is presenting a Halloween radio drama as well as an airstaff music video to create community engagement. Scooby-Doo’s “A Night of Fright Is No Delight” will air on Saturday (10/31) at 7:00 pm featuring voices from the airstaff, clients and community, with a soundtrack performed by local band Cold Flavor Repair in a production that will raise awareness for the Dutchess County SPCA. Gladding says, “Local radio needs to reestablish its position as the community megaphone. At a time when AI-generated content, opinion and voices are saturating the market, the live, local DJ must be reestablished and elevated as the centerpiece of trusted messaging. Giving our staff more creative freedom and control ultimately leads to a stronger team and higher-quality output.” He adds, “There’s a lot of talent walking through this building. Give people room to use it. That’s how you make radio people care about.” You can see the air staff music videoof “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell that peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984 here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/25-29) 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.
Pictured above in this screen grab is KXEL, Waterloo/Cedar Rapids Jeff Stein (left) appearing on Newsmax TV to provide his local perspective on the Iowa midterm races. The station says that Stein has been a frequent guest on Newsmax leading up to the election. The race for the seat left open by the retirement of Republican Senator Joni Ernst features GOP Congresswoman Ashley Hinson against Democrat state representative Josh Turek and Libertarian Thomas Laehn, an elected county attorney.
According to data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study that looks at share of in-car audio time among the total U.S. 13+ population and those whose primary car is an electric vehicle (EV). Edison says, “AM/FM radio still accounts for the largest percentage of in-car audio time. This is accurate for the total U.S. 
13+ population as well as those whose primary vehicle they ride in or drive is an EV, but at dramatically different rates. The total population spends 53% of their in-car audio time with AM/FM radio, while EV drivers and riders spend 42% of their in-car audio time with the platform. Streaming music time remains second behind AM/FM radio, but gains significant ground among EV drivers/riders, increasing from 17% of time to 22%. The EV audience’s share of in-car time with podcasts is twice that of the total population. Time spent with SiriusXM also increases among EV drivers/riders, rising from 16% of time to 20%. All other platforms remain relevantly consistent across the two groups.”
Media sales pro Amy Pilewski announces via a LinkedIn post that she is joining Hubbard’s Gamut Podcast Network as head of sales. 
“I’m very excited to dive right in to help build the network with great people, original voices, and strong brand partners. Huge thanks to John Goforth for this incredible opportunity to lead Ad Sales for our growing podcast network within Hubbard | Media That Connects. Excited for my next adventure collaborating with all of the talented people in the audio and advertising industry!” Pilewski most recently served Realm as head of sales.
Longtime WOLB, Baltimore talk show host Larry Young (seated, center) has been an active force in Maryland politics and community activities for decades. A past recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, Young is pictured with a group of supporters of the Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) reelection bid. They call themselves the GOTV Squad, and they have been engaging in daily events including distributing T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers and posters as well as car waves, canvassing, and running a phone bank.
SiriusXM Reveals Election Coverage. SiriusXM today announce its live programming for the 2026 midterm elections, with its political talk channels delivering wall-to-wall coverage throughout election night and into the following day. Starting November 2, Stephen A. Smith will broadcast live from Washington, D.C., for three consecutive evenings, hosting editions of “Straight Shooter with Stephen A.” in front of a studio audience. On Election Night, Megyn Kelly will host a live broadcast from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET.
iHeartRadio Unveils “Lite Mode.” iHeartRadio today announces the launch of “Lite Mode,” a new product feature for the iHeartRadio app designed to give users the ability to simply and quickly toggle back and forth between full-function mode and the ‘just essentials’ Lite Mode depending on their usage and needs at any time. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “Radio is uniquely personal – it’s about companionship. Our listeners sometimes want to browse and discover, and at other times they simply want to go directly to what they’re looking for. This new ability to toggle between full functionality and Lite Mode, which has just the essentials, gives them the opportunity to make every experience the right one for them.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America is opening its needs-based College Scholarship Program to more college students pursuing careers in broadcasting, regardless of whether they come from a broadcasting family. The change opens the door to more aspiring radio and television professionals and reinforces the BFOA’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of industry 
talent. In addition to the original $10,000 scholarship for a qualifying student from a broadcast family, the BFOA will award six new scholarships of $2,500 each annually, bringing the total to seven scholarships and $25,000 in annual awards. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “The future of broadcasting depends on attracting talented, creative people with fresh ideas and a passion for our industry. We want to make sure that financial circumstances or family background don’t stand in the way of a promising student pursuing a career in radio or television. By broadening our scholarship program, we’re opening the door to more members of the next generation of broadcasters and investing in the future of our industry.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Townsquare Media chief growth officer Kelly Quinn announces he’s leaving the company on Friday (10/30) after 25 years. Quinn says in a LinkedIn post, “It feels surreal to even be typing this, but 
the timing is right to close this chapter. During my time at Townsquare, I’ve had the opportunity to wear a lot of hats… For now, I’m going to take some time away and think about what I want the next chapter to look like. Whatever comes next, I know I’ll continue to be drawn to the things I’ve always loved most: building businesses, developing people, solving problems and helping teams accomplish things they didn’t think were possible.” Quinn has served as VP of sales, chief revenue officer for the company’s Ignite business, and as chief growth officer. Townsquare has not stated its plans for replacing Quinn.
Sports media personality Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson announces his plans to launch a new multimedia digital media network in early 2027. Robinson is partnering with Crossover Media Group for management of national brand integration, sponsor partnerships, host-read integrations and distribution. 
Robinson says, “From cutting my teeth in radio at 12 years old to building a decade of community with “Scoop B Radio,” this network is the culmination of a lifelong commitment to narrative sovereignty and authentic storytelling.” He adds that the network will launch a first-of-its-kind women’s basketball channel led by a veteran storyteller, focusing on strategic execution and cultural momentum in women’s hoops. Crossover Media Group co-founder and managing partner Scott Calka says, “What ‘Scoop B’ has organically built is a masterclass in audience loyalty and cultural relevance. In today’s fragmented media ecosystem, audiences are looking to be authentically connected with trusted, deeply engaged communities. By pairing our cross-platform monetization strategies, brand integration expertise and network infrastructure with Brandon’s unmatched access and eye for content, we are establishing a blueprint for modern sports and lifestyle entertainment.”
Salem Radio Network will launch “Hollywood 360” on November 30, an initiative that aims to bring “the legendary voices and unforgettable stories of Hollywood’s Golden Age of Radio to stations nationwide.” The program is hosted by radio producer and 
historian Carl Amari and co-host Lisa Wolf. The five-hour weekly program features meticulously restored classic radio dramas, mysteries, westerns, and comedies starring Hollywood icons including Humphrey Bogart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Jack Benny, Henry Fonda, and Elizabeth Taylor. Originally launched in 2009, “Hollywood 360” has grown to more than 100 affiliates nationwide. Amari has been digitally restoring these programs and has created a library of more than 100,000 half-hour classic radio shows, including: “Suspense,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Gunsmoke,” “The Jack Benny Program,” “The Whistler,” “Escape,” “Sam Spade,” “Yours Truly,” “Johnny Dollar,” and “Fibber McGee & Molly,” among many others.
