Capitol Broadcasting Company applies to sell seven North Carolina signals to Curtis Media Group. Those signals include sports talk WMFD-AM, Wilmington as well as WRMR-FM, Jacksonville; WKXB-FM, Boiling Spring Lakes; WILT-FM, Wrightsville Beach; WAZO-FM, Southport; and translators W269DF-FX and W240AS-FX, Wilmington.
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks 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 on Long Island. TALKERS 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 – radio, talk media, and entrepreneurism. John Catsimatidis is presently setting the greatest 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.
Catsimatidis will be joined by more than 60 speakers comprised of legendary industry figures as well as fresh faces and rising stars. A detailed agenda including speakers and schedule – a “who’s who” of industry luminaries – will be posted in TALKERS this coming Tuesday (4/28). See the link below for the names of all speakers booked to date.
The power-packed, one-day agenda is being organized and designed to address the field of talk media’s most pressing and existential issues. 
Harrison continues, “This important conference will illuminate the forward path of the expanding talk media universe, including all aspects of digital communications from AI and podcasting to streaming networks. As has been its tradition, this latest TALKERS conference will approach the onrushing future of the talk business from a radio perspective. This crucial gathering will cover the new undeniable realities of the radio business for those who not only want to survive but thrive as well. It will be about opportunities, networking, and entrepreneurism for individuals in talent, programming, sales, marketing, and management who are serious about staying in the game.”
Attendance at the conference is only open to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited to maintain intimacy, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $260. All registrations are non-refundable. This power-packed, one-day event is being presented in association with Hofstra’s multi-award-winning station, WRHU Radio, and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
For more detailed agenda info please click here
Conference Registration and Hotel Information
To register for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
To book a hotel room at the nearby Long Island Marriott – Uniondale, please click here: www.TalkersRoomRate.com or call 516-794-3800 and mention TALKERS 2026. Act quickly because the number of rooms available at the hotel for this event are limited.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/27-5/1) 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.
Magellan AI and iHeartMedia announce an expansion of their relationship that will include broadcast radio attribution. Magellan AI has been partnering with iHeartMedia for attribution across podcasts, streaming audio, connected TV, and other digital media. Magellan AI says expanding measurement capabilities to broadcast radio will enable advertisers “to evaluate performance 
across audio and digital channels within a unified framework.” Magellan AI’s platform will leverage iHeartMedia’s simulcast data, which maps listeners exposed to broadcast radio to measurable outcomes. Attribution reporting powered by that data will be available exclusively to advertisers working with iHeartMedia. Magellan AI says, “Advertisers using the solution will gain deeper insights into how radio campaigns deliver full-funnel results, including web visits, form fills, leads and purchases. By combining measurement across the full spectrum of audio and digital channels, Magellan AI provides a complete view of how campaigns perform across the media mix.” iHeartMedia Insights president Lainie Fertick states, “iHeartMedia has always focused on helping advertisers understand the power of audio. By combining Magellan AI’s attribution technology with our proprietary in-market simulcast data, we’re providing brands with deeper visibility into how broadcast radio works alongside podcasts, streaming audio, connected TV, and other channels to drive meaningful results.”
Cumulus Media says that it is “accelerating its commitment to data-driven sales by partnering with The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions to bring sophisticated market and consumer intelligence to Cumulus stations across a growing number of U.S. markets, providing a level of local clarity that goes far beyond traditional audience metrics.” The company says that The Media Audit provides granular local market data 
on consumer lifestyles, purchasing behavior and cross-platform media usage while TOMA.Solutions adds a powerful layer of competitive insight by measuring “Top-of-Mind Awareness,” revealing which local brands own the first-to-mind position in their categories. Cumulus president of operations Dave Milner says, “Today’s advertisers want more than audience delivery. They want insight, clarity, and a stronger connection between marketing decisions and business results. By integrating specialized resources like The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions into our broader research suite, our teams in these markets provide an even deeper level of local intelligence, helping our clients build more precise and effective campaigns.”
By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York
To quote a radio friend, “Some talk show hosts think the news of the day only exists to serve up interesting fodder for their shows.” Many media practitioners, whose jobs encompass letting their audiences know about the pain and suffering of “others,” feel personally exempt from experiencing a connection to the talking points of poverty, ignorance, violence, and injustice that they eagerly collect (and even welcome) as fresh “content” for their platforms. It’s all just “material” to them.
That was a largely overlooked aspect of last Saturday night’s Washington Hilton debacle in which some 2,600 members of the press, media, and political punditry came face-to-face with the sheer terror of not knowing if they were about to be caught in a spray of deadly bullets from an insane perp’s automatic weapon. During those fleeting seconds of horror we witnessed, in excruciatingly real time, a political cross-section of America’s media insiders understandably cowering in the face of such a deadly possibility. A critical mass of the nation’s observers, influencers and content creators, might never again be numb to what had seemingly become a normal occurrence in schools, malls, churches, theaters, and other public places. Empathy comes from experience… and experience has a way of transforming the abstract into the concrete.
The WHCD (alleged) shooter “incident” forced several thousand formally attired, champagne-sipping, Saturday evening socialites into becoming terrified participants – actors in a very real-life news story that they had told countless times – looking for a table under which to take cover or a rolling tray behind which to hide.
First-hand life experience reshapes us (or our core beings) more profoundly than any other learning format curriculum. This concept is especially applicable to talk radio – one of humanity’s most personally influential forms of mass communication.
Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com. Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc completes the exchange offer and offer to purchase that will eliminate about half of its current $220 million in debt. 
Holders of the company’s existing 9.200% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2028 agreed to exchange them for newly issued 10.000% Senior Secured Second Lien PIK Notes due 2027 at an exchange ratio of 50 cents on the dollar. On March 30, Beasley completed the purchase of $15.9 million aggregate principal amount of Existing First Lien Notes, and $15 million aggregate principal amount of the Existing First Lien Notes remains outstanding.
Radio license holders may see regulatory fees rise after several years of decreases. The proposed 2026 FCC annual regulatory fees for 
commercial radio stations are set to increase by approximately 5% with proposed fees ranging from $395 for small-market Class D AM stations to as much as $25,000 for major market FM stations. The fees are based on population served and station class. For the smallest operators there is a silver lining as stations with a total regulatory fee liability of $1,000 or less for the year may be exempt.
Audacy congratulates Philadelphia Eagles play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese on being named a 2026 recipient of the Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service for his outstanding contributions to mass 
communications and his lasting impact on sports broadcasting. Audacy’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia serves as flagship station for Eagles broadcasts. Reese was honored on April 24 at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware. Fellow 2026 honorees include astronaut Michael Massimino and actress Jane Seymour. Audacy SVP of sales David Yadgaroff comments, “Merrill Reese is a Philadelphia institution and one of the greatest play-by-play broadcasters in NFL history. His passion, professionalism and unmistakable voice have defined generations of Eagles football on the radio. We’re incredibly proud to have him on our team and see him receive this well-deserved and remarkable achievement.” Each recipient receives a $75,000 prize, funded through a trust established by Ralph Hayes.
After a 22-year career at ESPN and almost five decades in media, ESPN EVP, executive editor, Sports News and Entertainment David Roberts will retire at the end of August. Roberts joined ESPN in 2004 as a coordinating producer and currently oversees ESPN’s news operation including sports news and coverage, investigative and enterprise 
journalism, research and digital editorial. He also supervises ESPN Audio. Roberts comments, “This has been both a real honor and a blessing to work for and with the most talented people in the industry. I am extremely humbled and grateful to have had the opportunities afforded me as a member of the ESPN leadership team. It has been simply an awesome 22 years.” ESPN president of content Burke Magnus states, “David Roberts has had a long and extremely distinguished career in this industry, and we’ve been fortunate to have him as part of the ESPN team for more than two decades. His leadership has made a tremendous difference, and he will leave a lasting legacy at ESPN. We wish him all the best in retirement.”
Audacy appoints of two new members to its board of directors – Walker Jacobs, DAZN Global chief revenue officer and president of DAZN USA, 
and Gabriel Brotman of Soros Fund Management. Audacy president and CEO Kelli Turner states, “The appointments of Walker and Gabe to the Audacy board of directors further advance our ability to capture all the opportunities we see across the fast-changing audio landscape. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our platform, strengthen our partnerships, and drive long-term value for our audiences, advertisers and shareholders.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Audacy is launching an FM sports talk station in Los Angeles branded “97.1 The Fan.” The company is splitting the AM/FM simulcast of all-news KNX to give the LA market its first-ever FM sports talker. The move gives Audacy an FM sports talk outlet in all of the top 10 markets. Andrew Williams will serve as the station’s brand manager. Audacy says, “With the addition of ‘97.1 The Fan’ to its lineup alongside KNX News 1070, Audacy also increases its commitment to providing Los 
Angeles with even more of the best in local news, sports, traffic, and information. Both brands will also be available through the Audacy app, partner streaming platforms, and all social channels.” Audacy West regional president Jeff Federman states, “Los Angeles is the epicenter of the sports world, and ‘97.1 The Fan’ is its new voice. With legendary franchises and global events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the time was right to bring our industry-leading sports programming to this market. The Voice of LA Sports will be a 24/7, multiplatform home where fans are part of the conversation every day, building on the same commitment to local connection that has made KNX News a trusted cornerstone in Los Angeles and strengthening our overall offering.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero adds, “This launch further strengthens Audacy as the unrivaled leader in sports audio, reaching more sports listeners than our eight closest competitors combined. Adding Los Angeles – one of the most passionate and influential sports markets in the country – completes our presence across the top 10 markets and meaningfully expands our reach and scale. It allows us to deliver even greater impact for listeners and partners through premium content, unmatched distribution, and deeper fan engagement.”
Cumulus Media is first out of the gate reporting its operating results for the first quarter of 2026. Net revenue for the company was $164.4 million, a decline of 12.2% from the same period in 2025. Cumulus saw its net loss shrink by almost half to $16.9 million compared to Q1 of 
2025. The company reports declines in all segments of its business; even digital revenue was off 8.3% ($33.5 million). Network spot revenue was down 25% ($33 million), and broadcast spot revenue was $67.7 million, a decline of 16.3% from Q1 of 2025. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “We are pleased to report first quarter earnings. The Court’s recent approval of our reorganization plan marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening our financial foundation and positioning the company to compete in the evolving media landscape. While we await FCC approval of the plan, we remain focused on leveraging our core strengths to drive long-term value creation.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is ordering a review of Disney’s ABC TV O&Os two years before their licenses are up for renewal. The order states the reason is violation of the Commission’s “unlawful discrimination” policy through ABC’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Critics of the move believe the real reason Carr is ordering the investigation is President and First Lady Trump’s anger over late night 
host Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes aimed at the two. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued a statement about the order, saying, “This is the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date. As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call. This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail. This should be a lesson to media companies that no amount of capitulation to this administration will buy them protection. The only choice is to stand up and stand firm in defense of the First Amendment.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media promotes Art Webb to program director for news/talk stations KABC, Los Angeles and KSFO, San Francisco. He has been serving as assistant program director and executive producer for both stations since 2017. He takes over for Luis Segura, who recently 
assumed the operations manager role at the company’s WMAL-FM, Washington. Cumulus regional vice president Larry Blumhagen states, “Art has proven to be exceptionally dedicated and creative in his years as APD for KABC. We are eager to watch him bring those qualities to the role of program director for KABC and KSFO.” Webb comments, “I’m excited to step into this role and build on the strong foundation already in place at both stations. Our focus remains on creating engaging, relevant content that truly connects with California listeners while continuing to elevate the incredible work of our talented teams. With such outstanding rosters in Los Angeles and San Francisco, I’m looking forward to sharing in much success together.”
Newsmax is launching a weekly podcast titled, “Greta Wire,” hosted by cable news pro Greta Van Susteren. The show will be based in 
Washington and will “feature interviews with notable figures from politics, business, sports and entertainment.” Van Susteren also hosts “The Record With Greta Van Susteren” daily on Newsmax. Van Susteren says, “I am excited about this new platform so I can explore issues more deeply with listeners who want to know the full story.” Newsmax Audio and Radio CEO Ralph Renzi adds, “We are proud that Greta will bring her insightful journalism to the podcast world.”
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Lori Flowers is its president-elect with her term beginning next January. Flowers serves as manager of integrated marketing and project 
management for Urban One. MIW says Flowers “has built a career centered on driving revenue, fostering meaningful brand partnerships, and creating opportunities for growth across the industry.” MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “Lori is truly a light in this industry, someone who consistently shows up with intention, generosity, and a commitment to lifting others. She brings both strategic clarity and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does, and I have no doubt she will continue to push MIW forward while creating meaningful opportunities for women across the business.”
Pictured above is Charlamagne Tha God (left) leading a panel discussion at last weekend’s 2026 Black Effect Podcast Festival at the Pullman Yards in Atlanta. The event featured live podcast recordings, panel discussions spanning the business of podcasting, a pitch your podcast both, the Black Marketplace and more. iHeartMedia calls the festival “another unforgettable celebration of Black voices, storytelling and community.” Photo: Derek White/Getty Images
Triton Digital Collaborates with Nielsen Audio. Nielsen and Triton Digital are collaborating to integrate Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics Demos+ into Nielsen’s cross-media planning tool, Nielsen Media Impact (NMI). Managing director of Nielsen Audio Rich Tunkel says, “Our collaboration with Triton Digital makes it easier for advertisers to evaluate and plan podcasts alongside, and with the same level of precision, comparability and confidence as other media channels, delivering a critical need.”
Seaboard Networks to Distribute Wrestling Show. Seaboard Networks is now distributing “Wrestling with Heart by Stanley Karr” – a one-hour program hosted by wrestling fanatic Stanley Karr. Seaboard’s marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei states, “Wrestling has a fan base of millions of people. This is a good place for them to enjoy banter on their favorite topic.”
Nielsen Names DeTraglia to Executive Post. Nielsen is appointing Julie DeTraglia head of content and strategic insights. In this role, she’ll lead strategy for Nielsen’s editorial marketing content, which includes social media, insights articles, client communications, events, sales enablement tools and podcasts. Nielsen head of global marketing Sacha Weinberg states, “Julie has a rare talent for transforming data into clear, actionable strategy. She doesn’t just look at where the market has been – she identifies the signals that tell us where it’s going next. Her ability to synthesize deep historical insights with current market dynamics will be a gamechanger for how we deliver value to our clients in a constantly evolving landscape.” DeTraglia most recently served as vice president of ads measurement at Netflix.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
According to a report by Lauren Hirsch and Benjamin Mullen in The New York Times, SiriusXM is in the early stage of talks to acquire iHeartMedia. The report notes that neither company responded to 
requests for comment. The report states, “Liberty SiriusXM Group, once an affiliate of John Malone’s media empire, formerly held significant stakes in both companies. But it eventually sold its stake in iHeartMedia, primarily a broadcast radio company, and split off its ownership of SiriusXM, the satellite radio company, into a separate entity.” The story goes on to underscore that the talks are in the early stages, and a deal may not take place. See the Times story here.
Cumulus Media is renewing “The John Phillips Show” with a new multi-year agreement. The program – hosted by John Phillips and Randy 
Wang – is heard on 790 KABC-AM in Los Angeles and 810 KSFO-AM in San Francisco daily from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Phillips is also a columnist for the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Daily News. Wang also hosts the locally focused “KABC News Blitz” daily from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen says, “We are thrilled to extend “The John Phillips Show” and will continue to have John Phillips and Randy Wang speak about accountability in California to their loyal audience.”
Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-AM/FM, Boston announces that Rich Shertenlieb will co-host a new afternoon drive show with Ken Laird and Ted Johnson. Shertenlieb most recently hosted mornings on WZLX with Johnson as co-host. Prior to that he co-hosted mornings on WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” with Fred Toucher for 14 years before an acrimonious parting. Audacy SVP of programming and sports format vice 
president Mike Thomas says, “Rich is one of the most dynamic and entertaining voices in Boston media, with a proven ability to connect with audiences across platforms. Paired with Ted’s championship pedigree and insight, and Ken’s deep understanding of the station and its audience, this show brings together a unique combination of credibility, energy and perspective that will resonate with Boston sports fans.” Shertenlieb says, “I’m thrilled to be at WEEI and reunite with my buddy and one of my favorite colleagues, Ted Johnson, and work with Ken to see what we can build together. The station’s connection to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund makes this deeply personal, given the role those organizations have played in saving my wife’s life. I’m grateful for this next chapter and can’t wait to get started.”
