The most discussed stories yesterday (10/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Former Trump Administration Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining FOX News Media as a as a contributor. She’ll begin providing commentary and analysis on November. 1. CEO 
Suzanne Scott says, “Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape. We look forward to her providing our audience with authentic and sharp insight across all FOX News Media platforms.” Leavitt’s experience includes running as the Republican candidate for congress in her home state of New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District in 2022, serving as communications director for then-House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and during the first Trump Administration serving as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Too often, for too many in radio, it has been a Blue Christmas in recent years. If you have been displaced – or if you are working, and, shall we say, “assessing your options” – don’t underestimate what you have to offer.
Artificial Intelligence has changed the rules for your resume
Its job isn’t to get you hired. It’s to get you the interview. In the 2026 update of her “Resumes for Dummies,” Laura DeCarlo has some advice that may surprise you:
To read a generous free sample – how AI changes your job search — scroll-down to “Recommended Reading” on the home page 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
Legendary recording artist (and WABC, New York radio host) Tony Orlando is pictured above delivering the keynote speech at the 18th Annual Harry Hurley Charity Dinner & Silent Auction at Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City on Friday (10/2). More than 300 guests enjoyed the evening that’s become an annual “who’s who” of potentates from business, industry and electoral politics. The charity raised a record $90,000, adding to a total of more than $2.2 million raised since the event debuted 18 years ago. WPG, Atlantic City morning drive host Harry Hurley tells TALKERS, “Tony Orlando is my ‘Friend for Life,’ (an actual limited club that we formed years ago) — Tony was so generous with his time and many talents. Tony spent three days on property — arriving a day before our event.” The next Harry Hurley Charity Dinner & Silent Auction is already set for Friday, October 1, 2027, at Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City.
The New York State Broadcasters Association has finished up its 2026 Upstate Regional Training Sessions and Awards Luncheons on Friday (10/2) in Albany after sessions and luncheons in seven cities from NYC to Buffalo. The Upstate regional gatherings opened with a training session led by Derron Steenbergen, president and founder of the Swagger Institute, in which he led broadcasters through practical strategies, including AI-powered prospecting, to give sales and management teams tools they can put to work right away. NYSBA president and executive director Heidi Raphael says, “It is a privilege to honor the inspiring broadcasters across our state who do so much for industry the communities they serve. These awards reflect the incredible talent, creativity, and commitment to public service that define New York broadcasting.” You can see the list of winners here.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (10/3-4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Pictured above is WHO, Des Moines talk host Simon Conway (right) with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright (left). Conway tells TALKERS that this is the fourth time he’s been invited to the White House to speak with administration officials. He says, “It is a true honor. You kind of have to pinch yourself actually when you realize where you are.” Conway spoke with seven officials including Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner (below).
FOX Business Network unveils a new weekday programming lineup effective October 12 that includes “Big Money in the Morning” (6:00 am to 9:00 am ET) hosted by Dagen McDowell, Brian Brenberg and Taylor Riggs with Barron’s Josh Schafer. “The Big Money 
Show” (12:00 noon to 2:00 pm ET) adds rotating co-hosts Cheryl Casone, Marcus Lemonis, and Lou Basenese alongside current host Jackie DeAngelis. Additionally, Liz Claman will launch a new Friday night program titled, “Claman’s Power Players” (7:00 pm to 7:30 pm ET). FOX News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace says, “We’re excited to bring viewers fresh programming from a seasoned team of journalists, offering expert insight and analysis on the forces shaping the economy and driving business news. FOX Business remains committed to delivering compelling business news, market analysis, and conversation throughout the day, and these changes will further strengthen our weekday lineup.”
The National Association of Broadcasters opens the entry window for the 41st annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards, recognizing radio stations for outstanding community service. The 2027 awards will 
honor community service efforts conducted between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. A panel of judges representing the broadcast industry and community service organizations will review the submissions and select 50 finalists. From that group, 10 stations will be named Crystal Radio Award winners. Winners will receive national recognition during a ceremony at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, on March 2, 2027.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/28-10/2) 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.
Midwest Communications news/talk WMBD, Peoria, Illinois dismisses longtime morning drive co-host Dan DiOrio and morning drive news anchor Julia Bradley. DiOrio had served with the station for the past 35 years, most recently co-hosting the “Greg and Dan Show” alongside Greg Bratton, who continues as the station’s morning host solo.
Edison Research put questions about AI hosts before those surveyed for its Q1 2026 Edison Podcast Metrics and reports two-thirds have a negative reaction to the notion. Saying that it is exploring the role AI should play in podcasting, Edison says it 
“asked weekly consumers how they would feel if their favorite podcast host started using an AI-generated version to host their podcast. Most weekly podcast consumers, 66%, reacted negatively to the idea. One-third of weekly podcast consumers said they would feel ‘deceived,’ with another third feeling ‘upset.’ Thirty-two percent said ‘skeptical,’ followed by 28% who felt ‘betrayed.’” On the flipside, “14% of weekly podcast consumers were ‘impressed’ by the usage of an AI-generated host. Another 12% were optimistic, and 10% were ‘fascinated,’ all at the bottom of the list.”
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Beasley Broadcast Group is selling shares alongside private warrants for approximately $5 million in expected gross proceeds that it would 
use to pay down debt. The offering includes a single institutional investor buying 357,000 Class A shares, or common stock equivalents at $14 per share in the registered direct offering. The concurrent private placement covers warrants to buy up to 357,000 Class A shares at $15 per share. The warrants first become exercisable six months after issuance and expire five-and-a-half years after issuance.
The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards announce a partnership with AwareNow Media to launch the AwareNow Award that recognizes storytelling using the power of film, audio and documentary to “raise awareness and inspire action around health and medical issues.” New York Festivals says, “The 
partnership brings together two international organizations that share a belief in the power of storytelling to inform, connect and inspire positive change.” Executive Vice President Rose Anderson adds, “I’m thrilled that New York Festivals is partnering with AwareNow Media on this new special award. Our TV & Film and Radio Awards have a long history of recognizing award-winning health and medical documentary storytelling. These stories can be an inspiration for so many. We hope the AwareNow Award will put an even brighter spotlight on this type of programming and encourage the filmmakers and audio storytellers around the world who use their craft to share knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire positive action.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Two New York-based broadcasters have swung a deal. Pamal Broadcasting is acquiring the 10 radio stations owned by Galaxy Media in the Syracuse and Utica markets. The stations – including sports talkers WTLA “ESPN Syracuse” and WRNY/W243DY “ESPN Utica/Rome” – will begin being operated by Pamal tomorrow (10/1) 
under an LMA. The deal is contingent upon FCC approval. The sale of Galaxy’s stations comes a little more than a month after Galaxy founder and CEO Ed Levine announced his plans to retire at year’s end. Levine says, “I have been fortunate to live out a lifelong dream of mine for the past 36 years. Time and life march on. While I will miss Galaxy and Syracuse/Utica, I could not be
happier to hand things off to Pamal Broadcasting.” Pamal is owned by founder James Morrell and he tells Syracuse.com, “With this addition, Pamal stations cover an enormous geography ranging from New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey, through the entire Hudson Valley to the Capital District, up to Lake George and now out through Utica and Syracuse. It truly is a great opportunity for us all.” See the Syracuse.com story here.
Lotus Communications promotes Jeff Pohjola to director of news and programming for all-news KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle in which he’ll oversee programming strategy and newsroom operations at Northwest Newsradio. Lotus Seattle director of operations and brand 
Jeff Connell comments, “Jeff’s experience, editorial judgment and deep understanding of the Seattle market make him the right person to lead Northwest Newsradio’s news and programming.” At the same time, Lotus announces programming changes at KNWN and sister news/talk KVI. At KNWN beginning Monday (10/5), the midday schedule will include Bloomberg Radio’s “Balance of Power” from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, “Bloomberg Businessweek Daily” from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, and “The Ramsey Show” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Local programming will see Scott Carty join Aaron Wright on “Northwest Afternoon News.” Eric Heintz becomes morning editor and sports, and Kevin Dodrill adds KNWN APD duties to his role as program director for KVI. At KVI, “The Ari Hoffman Show” moves from afternoon drive to the 6:00 am to 9:00 am daypart. Westwood One’s Dan Bongino will air in early afternoons with Compass Media Networks’ Lars Larson holding down afternoon drive.
Pictured above are Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk radio hosts Clay Travis (center) and Buck Sexton (right) meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Monday (9/28). The duo shared the details of their meeting with their listeners. In addition to the president, they spoke with administration figures Marco Rubio, Karoline Leavitt, Natalie Harp, Stephen Miller, and Susie Wiles.
Hubbard | Media That Connects promotes John Goforth president of the Gamut Podcast Network. The company says that the new title places Gamut alongside Hubbard’s other media and entertainment companies and reflects its continued investment in podcasting. 
Hubbard says, “Gamut’s revenue has grown 47% over the past two years, and the network now spans more than 250 national and local shows, including flagship franchises ‘American Nightmares’ and ‘Professor of Rock,’ plus local sports networks SKOR North in Minneapolis-St. Paul and 312 Sports in Chicago. Hubbard CEO Ginny Hubbard adds. “John has been leading Gamut since the day he walked in the door, and we’ve watched him turn it into something everyone at Hubbard is proud of. He understands this business from the creator’s side and the sales side, and he genuinely cares about the people making these shows. Naming him president is our way of recognizing that, and of letting the industry know how much we believe in where Gamut is headed under John’s leadership.”
WBAL to Air Gubernatorial Debate. Hearst’s WBAL-TV 11 and WBAL NewsRadio will provide coverage of the only scheduled debate in the 2026 Maryland gubernatorial campaign between Democratic incumbent Governor Wes Moore and Republican challenger Dan Cox. WBAL-TV and WBAL-AM president and general manager Dan Joerres says, “We are honored to air Maryland’s only scheduled gubernatorial debate. As a local broadcaster, we have a responsibility to give voters a fair opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, consider their ideas, and make informed decisions about the future of our state.”
MIW to Present AI for Content Creators Webinar. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc is presenting a free webinar titled, AI for Content Creators, on October 28. MIW says, “Designed for on-air personalities, producers, programmers and content creators, the virtual panel will explore how artificial intelligence is becoming part of the modern content creation process and how radio professionals can use AI to work smarter, expand ideas and create stronger connections with audiences across broadcast, digital, social and podcast platforms.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Connoisseur Media’s news/talk KXL, Portland “FM News 101” enters into a news partnership with KOIN-TV in a move that brings together “two established Portland news organizations to expand coverage of 
local news, weather and information across radio, television and digital platforms.” KXL program director Grant McHill says, “Partnering with KOIN 6 News allows us to expand our commitment to delivering fast, accurate and essential news to the Pacific Northwest. By combining KXL’s deep roots in local news radio with KOIN-6’s trusted reporting, we are building a stronger, more dynamic news ecosystem for Portland and beyond.”
KBLA, Los Angeles “Talk 1580” is hosting a daylong town hall and ballot forum on Saturday (10/3) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at SEED LA School in Los Angeles. The event is free and open to the public. 
Station owner Tavis Smiley tells TALKERS that the station received commitment from 19 candidates for state and local offices – including for the governor’s office and the LA mayor’s office – to appear at the forum. The station says attendees will hear remarks from all candidates with follow-up questions from the forum’s sponsors and live audience. After the candidates’ appearances, attendees will receive a non-partisan briefing on statewide, county, and City of Los Angeles ballot measures.
Red Apple Audio Networks announces that it is making Michael Cohen’s one-hour Sunday WABC-based radio program, “When You Know, You Know…” available to stations nationwide beginning 
November 1. RAAN says the move “follows the growing demand from stations looking to bring Cohen’s distinctive voice and insider perspective to their listeners.” Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis comments, “Michael worked for the president for over a decade and has a unique perspective on how Trump thinks when we do opinion pieces. ‘When You Know, You Know…’ is an opportunity for stations to add a distinctive personality and compelling content that hyper-engages listeners and attracts advertisers.”
Audacy’s urban news/talk WAOK, Atlanta is named the 2026 Radio Station of the Year in the Large Market category, taking home a 
GABBY Award from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. The honor was presented Saturday (9/26) during the annual GABBY Awards in Duluth, Georgia. WAOK brand manager Joyce Littel states, “This award is a reflection of the continued efforts and hard work of our entire team. They work hard throughout the year, and they deserve recognition for all that they do for our station and, most importantly, for the community we serve. We are extremely proud to receive this honor.”
