Industry News

SiriusXM to Carry Court TV Content

SiriusXM and Court TV announce a deal that will create a Court TV channel on the satellite audio service. Court TV was recently acquired by Law&Crime and SiriusXM says, “Through a live audio imgstream of its television programming, Court TV will now offer SiriusXM listeners access to expert legal analysis, in-depth reporting, and detailed insight into the evidence and legal perspectives at the center of the cases captivating the nation.” Law&Crime was founded by ABC News chief legal analyst Dan Abrams.

Industry News

Thomas Media’s WTON-AM Returns to Air After a Year

Thomas Media co-owner Joe Thomas tells TALKERS that his radio station WTON-AM, Staunton, Virginia is back on the air. He says the station was evicted from the transmitter site a year ago imgand survived via an STA (special temporary authority) on their two FM repeaters in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville. Thomas says, “Ask my high school teachers. All my projects were done just in the nick of time!” He thanks his engineer Alan Williams, the engineers at Kintronics and his lawyer Patrick Cross from Brooks-Pierce for getting the FCC to give their approval. Pictured here are (from l-r): Thomas Media general manager Vinnie Kice, Elaine Thomas, and Joe Thomas with the Virginia Association of Broadcasters’ CT Lucy Lifetime Achievement award and the 2026 Best Newscast award.

Industry News

Media Rating Council Revokes Accreditation for Nielsen’s PPM Service in Four Markets

Last Friday (10/16), the Media Rating Council released its quarterly accreditation report for the numerous media rating services and in it revoked the accreditation for Nielsen’s Audio imgPPM service in the Baltimore, Jacksonville, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets. Additionally, the MRC denied accreditation for the Audio PPM service in 18 markets including Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Hartford, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC, and West Palm Beach. This does not mean that Nielsen cannot continue to market the service; the PPM ratings in the above markets will lose their “audited” label. As in the past when accreditation is revoked or denied, Nielsen says it is working to improve the measurement systems.

Industry News

WWO: Hurricane Isaias Impacts Radio Usage Patterns

In a blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group, an examination of Xperi’s DTS AutoStage next-day AM/FM radio audience measurement service shows how AM/FM radio was used in the various markets affected by Hurricane imgIsaias. Some of the key findings include: 1) On Friday, October 9, Hurricane Isaias hit Mobile: While hour-by-hour in-car AM/FM radio listening occasions reveal drivers heeded shelter warnings, from 9AM to 11AM, there was higher than normal car traffic for last-minute shopping and getting to safety; 2) Sunday, October 11: Mobile morning in-car occasions recovered to 86% of historical levels and on Sunday, noon to midnight, in-car listening recovered to 98% of historical levels; 3) Atlanta’s News and Talk WSB notched its highest shares and cumes as Hurricane Isaias hit the market; 4) In Panama City, Florida, Christian stations saw strong audience growth during the storm week; 5) The Cumulus Pensacola cluster shares doubled versus a typical day; and 6) In Mobile on Friday, October 9, hurricane landfall day, the Cumulus cluster share grew 30% compared to a typical day. See the complete blog post here.

Industry News

America’s First News Adds New Affiliates

img“America’s First News with Gordon Deal” adds some 20 new affiliate stations, including KMOX, St. Louis; WCCO, Minneapolis; and KMBX, Las Vegas. This brings the total number of affiliate stations for the Compass Media Networks-syndicated show up to 325.  Host Gordon Deal says, “It’s both humbling and motivating to grow listenership and find new partners. We promise to continue leading in the news space.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

“Animal Thunderdome with Clay Travis and Danny G Launches. A new podcast from Premiere Networks titled, “Animal Thunderdome with Clay Travis and Danny G.” Hosted by Clay Travis and veteran FOX Sports Radio producer Danny Garite, the show is inspired by a long-running bit from Travis’ old “Outkick the Coverage” sports show that humorously examines “viral wildlife stories, unbelievable attacks to bizarre escapes, unexpected heroes and the strange moments only nature can create.”

WYPR, Baltimore Debuts “The Engagement” Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR begins airing “The Engagement,” a locally produced, news-driven public affairs program hosted by New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist D. Watkins. BPM says the show “features Watkins bringing his experience across journalism, literature, television, film and education to conversations about the news, politics, community, arts and culture shaping Baltimore, Maryland and the broader region.”

Job Opportunity

Lotus Seattle Seeks PT Anchor-Reporter

Lotus Seattle’s all-news KNWN-AM/FM “Northwest Newsradio 97.7 FM and AM 1000” is seeking a dynamic and experienced part-time news anchor, reporter, and news editor. Lotus says, “The ideal imgcandidate will help prepare and deliver engaging news content, report on breaking news events, serve as a board operator for special programming, and produce special projects and programming as assigned. The part-time position fulfills a combination of needs for our station on weekends.” Candidates must submit an audio demonstration of their on-air ability with their resume and be prepared to take a writing test if requested. Please submit resumes and required audio demonstrations to hr@lotusseattle.com.

Industry News

WIBC, Indy’s Jason Hammer Inks New Deal

Talk radio host Jason Hammer announced via social media that imghe’s singed a multi-year contract extension to continue his role on the “Hammer and Nigel” afternoon drive show on Urban One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. Hammer co-hosts the show with Nigel Laskowski. Hammer posts, “I’m really happy with the outcome here. Thanks to the management team at Urban One and the best agent in the game Heather Cohen for making this happen! LFG!”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Occasions, Not Duration

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgFor 100 years, radio programmers have tried to keep listeners listening longer. “Coming up next…”

Another few minutes? Yes! Ask! And do so as-seductively-as-possible, saying “you” and “your.” But there’s very little you can say to keep someone sitting in a parked car after they’ve turned the engine off.

A more realistic opportunity?

Life is fragmented. Audio is everywhere. Listeners move among broadcast radio, podcasts, streams, satellite, YouTube and whatever their phones serve up next. Oh, and off-air promotion – billboards, TV, direct mail – remember them – cost money.

Sales 101: Say it with me: “Your best prospect is…?”  An existing customer! Sell ‘em again, in this case inducing an existing listener to listen again later – specifically later-today, and same-time-tomorrow. You can’t win by earning TSL when they’re not listening. So, seem useful-enough that they’ll want to come back again.

  • First thing in the morning…
  • Before leaving home…
  • During the commute…
  • At lunch…
  • Before the drive home…
  • When weather threatens…
  • When big news breaks…
  • When the game will air…

All-news stations have understood this for decades. The very first one – 1010WINS/New York, to-this-day #1 in morning drive – said, “Give us 22 minutes and we’ll give you the world.” The product was designed for repeat use.

This also changes how we use digital tools 

Too many stations treat the app, stream, and social media as separate products. They should be pathways back to useful content. A push alert can invite immediate listening when something important happens. A social clip can preview what the morning show will develop tomorrow. A podcast can serve someone who missed the original conversation while promoting the next live one.

The objective is not to trap listeners. It is to accompany them. Try this…

  • Map your target listener’s day. Identify five moments when your station could be helpful, entertaining or reassuring. Then ask yourself…
  • Do we offer something worth returning for at each moment?
  • Do listeners know we offer it?
  • Do we remind them when to return?

And when they do return, do we deliver immediately? Or make them wait through clutter?

Duration still matters. Every unnecessary word still spends attention. So, program at-the-speed-of-life. But focusing only on longer listening per-occasion overlooks how people actually live. You can’t keep someone sitting in a parked car. You can earn more visits.  

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

Industry News

WTAX PD John LaTessa Passes Unexpectedly

WTAX-AM/FM, Springfield, Illinois content director and technical director John La Tessa died last week. The station – via owner imgSaga Communications’ CapitolCityNow news platform – reports LaTessa was found dead in his apartment in downtown Springfield. Chris Bullock is VP and general manager for Saga’s Capitol Media Group and he says, “Capitol Media Group was John’s family. We know what a huge Cardinals fan John was, and he LOVED working for us.” Saga says station personnel will take on LaTessa’s work in the interim, as plans have not yet been made for a replacement. Funeral services have also not yet been announced. Read the full story here.

Industry News

America’s Best Small Airport Has a Radio Station Right in the Terminal

By John Caracciolo
JVC Broadcasting
President and CEO

imgMost radio stations broadcast from office buildings, broadcast centers or studios tucked away from the public. JVC Broadcasting decided to do something different.

It put a live radio studio inside an airport.  And not just any airport.

Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), home to JVC’s LI News Radio 103.9 FM broadcast studio, has just been named the No. 1 Best Small Airport in America in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

For JVC Broadcasting, the recognition is especially meaningful. The independent radio company has maintained a live broadcast presence inside the airport since launching LI News Radio in 2013, creating one of the industry’s more unusual and visible broadcasting environments.

Located directly in the airport’s baggage claim area, the glass-fronted LI News Radio studio brings live radio into the daily flow of airport activity. Travelers can see broadcasters at work while newsmakers, elected officials, business leaders and community personalities come through the studio for interviews and programming.

It’s local radio in the middle of the community it serves

Most broadcasters spend a fortune trying to get their stations in front of people. We decided years ago to put our radio station where the people already are. Every day, travelers walk right past our studio. They see live radio happening in front of them. That’s the kind of connection local radio should have with its community.

More Than a Studio – A Unique Media Partnership

JVC’s relationship with MacArthur Airport extends well beyond broadcasting.

Since 2019, JVC has also served as the airport’s advertising concession partner, developing and managing advertising opportunities throughout the terminal.

The combination of live radio, digital advertising, airport displays, social media and JVC’s Long Island radio properties creates a distinctive marketing platform connecting local businesses with travelers and the wider Long Island community.

When MacArthur Airport was nominated for the USA TODAY 10Best award, JVC put that platform to work.

The company supported the airport’s campaign across its radio stations, encouraging listeners to vote and using its media reach to build awareness of the competition.

The effort reflected the power of locally owned broadcasting: bringing a community together behind something that matters to the region.

From No. 2 to No. 1

MacArthur Airport finished second nationally in 2025 before capturing the top position in 2026. The recognition represents a major achievement for the Town of Islip, airport leadership, employees, airline partners and the Long Island community.

For JVC, the victory reinforces the value of partnerships between independent media companies and the communities they serve.

We’re proud to have played a role in helping get the word out. This is a great airport, and we wanted the rest of the country to know it. We’re not some national media company looking at Long Island on a spreadsheet. We live here, we work here, and when something great happens for Long Island, we’re going to get behind it.

A Different Approach to Local Broadcasting

At a time when much of the radio industry is focused on consolidation, automation and reducing its physical footprint, JVC continues to invest in local visibility and community connections.

The airport studio demonstrates a simple philosophy: radio works best when it is part of people’s everyday lives.

From live news and talk programming to interviews with community leaders and visiting personalities, the studio serves as a highly visible reminder that local broadcasting remains relevant, accessible and connected.

And with MacArthur Airport now holding the nation’s top small-airport honor, JVC has another reason to celebrate the partnership.

People sometimes ask me about the future of local radio. My answer is pretty simple. Get out of the building. Get involved in your community. Do things differently. We’ve had a radio studio inside an airport for more than a decade, and now that airport is number one in America. That’s a pretty good story.

What’s Next for JVC at MacArthur Airport?

For JVC Broadcasting, the airport’s national recognition is not the finish line. It’s another opportunity to build on a partnership that has already demonstrated how broadcasting, advertising and community engagement can work together in unexpected places.

We’ve always believed that local radio needs to do things differently. Putting a live radio studio inside an airport was a pretty unconventional idea when we did it, and it’s turned into something special. But we’re not done. We’ve got some exciting ideas for the next chapter of our relationship with MacArthur Airport, and I think people are going to be pretty surprised by what comes next.

For now, we’re just proud to celebrate this incredible achievement with our friends and partners at ISP. But stay tuned. We’ve got a lot more planned.

John Caracciolo is president and CEO of JVC Broadcasting, an independently owned radio and media company operating radio stations and multimedia advertising platforms in New York and Florida. He can be emailed at johnc@jvcbroadcasting.com.

Industry News

Comrex Releases FieldLink Cloud Service

Comrex officially releases its new FieldLink Cloud subscription service. This expands the service of the FieldLink sideline reporter codec released in 2025 that replaces expensive wireless mic/IFB solutions and efficiently move audio to and from sideline reporters and the press box using smartphones. With a directional, private, imgwireless access point, sideline reporters use their smartphones to send and receive high-quality, low-delay audio using the free Comrex FieldTap app. This new option provides more connectivity options such as 4G/5G, and public Wi-Fi services. FieldLink Cloud is a Comrex-managed server that gets around complex router and firewall issues to make connections fast and simple. It uses both iOS and Android devices and the device’s default web browser to give the user a simple, yet comprehensive interface for connection, control and statistical feedback when connected to the FieldLink codec. Comre4x says that for a limited time, customers purchasing a FieldLink sideline reporter codec will receive a free, one-year subscription for FieldLink Cloud. Subscription signup is all managed through the FieldLink codec’s front panel OLED screen and is fast and simple. FieldLink and Comrex’s suite of broadcast reliable products will be on display at the NAB New York Show October 21 and 22 at the Javits Convention Center. Visit Comrex at Booth 445.

Industry News

Retired Radio Exec Rod Calarco Dies at 79

Retired radio executive Rod Calarco (John Anthony Calarco) died imgon October 12 at 79. Calarco served with CBS Radio for 28 years, beginning as a salesperson at WCBS-AM before rising to vice president and general manager of WCBS-FM. His career also included positions at ABC Television, CBS-owned WCAU-AM, Philadelphia and The CBS National Sales Rep Firm in Chicago. He began his career in sales at WFAS-AM in White Plains, New York, returning years later as general manager, a position he held until his retirement.

Industry News

Cumulus Exits Chapter 11 Reorganization

Cumulus Media Inc announces today (10/16) that is has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from the Chapter 11 reorganization process, following receipt of all required approvals, including from the Federal Communications imgCommission. Cumulus canceled 100% of its existing funded indebtedness – approximately $600 million – in exchange for 100% of the Company’s reorganized equity and $50 million of new convertible notes issued to former lenders. Cumulus is now a privately owned company with a new board of directors but retains its existingimg management team. Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner states, “I am grateful to our lenders and noteholders for their collaboration throughout this process, and to our employees, vendors, affiliates, customers, and partners for their continued trust and support. Emerging with a significantly stronger balance sheet, we are more committed than ever to providing engaging content across our national footprint, serving as a lifeline and voice for the local communities we serve, driving meaningful growth for our advertising partners, and delivering value for our new shareholders.”

Industry News

WPHT, Philly Talk Host Kathy Barnette Presenting Second Annual F3 Forum

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For the second consecutive year, WPHT, Philadelphia talk show host, community activist, and former U.S. Senate candidate Kathy Barnette is presenting what is billed as the F3 Forum. The one-day event focuses on faith, family, and the future of education in America.  Barnette tells TALKERS, “The gathering of educators, pasters, and community leaders will explore improving the condition of education in Philadelphia and America – what works, and how we can create the conditions for success.  The F3 Forum takes place next Saturday, October 24 between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at Brand Mills in Philadelphia.  It promises to be an uplifting and important event. For complete information including registration and agenda details, please click here. www.kathybarnette.com.

Industry News

Terry Gross to Interview Sir Paul McCartney at The Town Hall in NYC

WHYY is presenting a live event at The Town Hall in New York City on November 23 titled, “A Conversation for the Ages: Terry Gross in Conversation with Paul McCartney.” WHYY says, “The event offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience an intimate, live conversation between one of the world’s most influential musicians imgand one of America’s most accomplished interviewers. It’s the culminating celebration of Gross’s 50 years with ‘Fresh Air,’ honoring five decades of curiosity, thoughtful listening, music and revealing conversations.” Gross says, “I was 13, screaming in the movie theater, when A Hard Day’s Night came out. It is an honor to now have the opportunity to talk with Sir Paul, on stage, about different chapters of his life and music. Is there a better way to celebrate my 50th anniversary hosting Fresh Air? Absolutely not! Thank you, Sir Paul.” The event will directly benefit public media and WHYY president and CEO Bill Mazzarro says, “We’re deeply grateful for his generosity and for everyone joining us to help sustain public media and Fresh Air’s work for generations to come.”

Industry News

Chris Jones Named GSM at CMG Atlanta

Cox Media Group names Chris Jones general sales manager for Cox Media Group’s Atlanta stations including news/talk WSB-imgAM/WSBB-FM “95.5 WSB.” Jones comes to CMG from his most recent post as SVP of sales with iHeartMedia. CMG Altanta director of sales Kris Hackett Lucas says, “We’re excited to welcome Chris to an already exceptional sales team at CMG Atlanta. He brings fresh energy and proven leadership that will help us build on our momentum and raise the bar even higher. I’m confident Chris will make an immediate impact—creating new opportunities for our clients, inspiring our team, and helping drive our sales organization forward.”

Industry News

TALKERS to Serve as the Presenting Sponsor for 2027 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference – Harrisons Set to Speak

imgFor the third consecutive year, TALKERS will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Conference. The event – IBSNYC – the longest running and most important national gathering of campus radio and mediacommunicators, will take place February 25-27, 2027, at the Sheraton Times Square hotel in the heart of Manhattan. It will bring together almost 1,000 outstanding broadcasters from university, college and high school radio-TV stations and departments of communication. Its power packed agenda of speeches, panels, workshops, exhibits, award ceremonies, and networking opportunities will cover the ever-expanding spectrum of platforms and issues unfolding before young practitioners entering the field of modern communications. This outstanding event is a must-attend for bright industry newcomers who are serious about developing careers in a landscape marked by unprecedentedly rapid change as well as established players determined to keep up with what’s coming and discover new colleagues.

mattybheadshotTALKERS VP / associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison will again join the roster of outstanding IBSNYC speakers.  Harrison, senior partner in the firm of Harrison Media Law, is a media and intellectual property attorney and author who advises radio hosts, digital content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights.

Michael Harrison to Deliver Keynote Address

imgTALKERS founder, publisher, and radio industry icon, Michael Harrison will deliver one of the conference’s two keynote addresses.  The speech, titled, “Five Things Every Communicator Must Know to Survive and Even Thrive During the Next Five Years,” promises to be a riveting, eye-opening highlight of the conference.

Harrison states, “TALKERS is dedicated to the future of this industry and its pioneering visionaries. This amazing conference is the epicenter of that dynamic scene.”

IBSNYC 2027 has been designed for affordability and the convenience of its attendees.  The time to register for the conference and hotel, in order to take advantage of these stunning discounts, is now! For full information, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 12-16)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/12-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Midterms / Trump on the Campaign Trail
  2. The Economy / Inflation
  3. Russian Diesel Deal
  4. Russia-Ukraine War / Starlink Issue
  5. Ilhan Omar Investigation
  6. Katie Zacharia Controversy / Guilfoyle-Deters Case
  7. China-Houthis Connection
  8. AI / Data Centers Controversies
  9. Cornell Rape Case
  10. Hasan Execution

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. James Talarico / Ken Paxton
  3. JD Vance
  4. Vladimir Putin
  5. Volodymyr Zelensky
  6. Scott Bessent
  7. Ilhan Omar
  8. Kimberly Guilfoyle / Eric Deters
  9. Katie Zacharia
  10. Pete Hegseth / Nidal Hasan

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

Industry News

Nielsen: Just Because it’s Easy to Measure Doesn’t Mean it’s Effective

A new Insights piece from Nielsen looks at radio and podcasting’s value to advertisers. Titled, Everyone. Everywhere., it begins, “In the era of constant digital scrolling and fragmented attention, it’s easy for marketers to be lured by the ‘new and next.’ We often prioritize platforms based on how easily we can track a click, sometimes imgforgetting that ease of measurement doesn’t always equal effectiveness. Yet there is a legacy powerhouse that continues to outperform nearly every other medium in the one metric that matters most: actual human reach. That’s radio.” The piece underscores radio’s reach, zeroing in on the fact that radio doesn’t just reach older demos, every month it reaches the 87% of adults 18-34 – the demo often described as “digital only.” Additionally, the report says, “Americans spend nearly four hours a day with audio. Of the ad-supported time advertisers can actually buy, radio and podcasts account for 82%, while streaming music services account for only 16%. An audio plan built without both radio and podcasts misses most of the audience.”

But what about digital’s ease of attribution? The report says a survey of marketers ranked radio last out of 10 channels in perceived effectiveness, “yet it delivered a weighted ROI of $2.00, second only to social media at $2.22 and ahead of TV, display, search and CTV. Podcasts performed well too, at $1.49, comparable to TV and display. The lesson is to scale into digital without substituting away from high-reach, high-return platforms like radio.” See the rest of the story here.

Industry Views

That’s My Voice but Those Aren’t My Words

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

imgA Tokyo ruling has revisited a question that Bette Midler raised decades ago.

For anyone earning a living behind a microphone, your voice carries more than sound. It carries your reputation and your audience’s trust. An AI imitation can borrow both. Paying for the technology doesn’t necessarily buy permission to use the identity.

A September 30, Tokyo District Court decision recognized that a voice’s commercial appeal can receive publicity-rights protection. Actor Kenjiro Tsuda sought removal of 188 videos allegedly imitating his voice through AI. The court dismissed those claims because the material was already gone, leaving actual infringement undecided. Still, the underlying question should sound familiar to Bette Midler.


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After Midler declined a Ford commercial, the advertising agency hired a former backup singer to imitate her. The agency had licensed “Do You Want to Dance.” It hadn’t secured Midler’s participation. In 1988, the Ninth Circuit held that deliberately imitating a professional singer’s distinctive, widely known voice to sell a product could violate California law. Permission to use the song didn’t settle permission to borrow the identity.

The Tokyo court described the voice as 「個人の人格の象徴」- “a symbol of individual personality.” Also, the perfect spring break tattoo: a generic phrase announcing how unique you are.

The Japanese decision doesn’t establish American law, and Midler doesn’t make every imitation unlawful. But together they frame a practical question for broadcasters using synthetic voices: whose identity is helping sell this, and what permission covers that use?

AI has changed the machinery. The person behind the voice still matters.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney advising broadcasters, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonLegalGroup.com

Industry News

McVay Media to Produce and Coach “Regret Free” Podcast

The new podcast from Myron Mullins is being produced and coached by McVay Media. The new program stems from Mullins’ new mission “focused on helping men – particularly former executives and high-achieving professionals – rediscover purpose, imgconfront personal struggles, and build lives defined by faith, family, freedom, and intentionality.” During his more than 30-year career, Mullins built and led 16 business enterprises, “leading diverse teams, and serving on corporate and organizational boards. His career provided him with firsthand experience navigating the pressures, responsibilities, expectations, and sacrifices that often accompany professional success. But behind the accomplishments was a deeply personal journey: In 2006, Mullins surrendered his life to faith, beginning a transformation that would eventually lead him to turn his experiences – both the victories and the failures – into a platform for mentoring, coaching, speaking, and storytelling.” McVay Media president Mike McVay says, “Ryan Kershner and I are honored to work with Myron and join this journey.”