Industry News

“Wellness Unmasked” Launches on CTBS Podcast Network

Premiere Networks announces that The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network debuts theimg “Wellness Unmasked with Dr. Nicole Saphier” program, effective Tuesday, May 13. Dr. Saphier serves as a FOX News contributor, is a New York Times best-selling author, and a board-certified physician. She says, “I am thrilled to join the dynamic Clay & Buck team as we launch ‘Wellness Unmasked,’ a podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise and delivering honest, science-based insights on all things health and wellness. Together, we will empower listeners with knowledge to live their best lives.”

Industry News

SiriusXM and FOX Nation Partner for Streaming Bundle

SiriusXM and FOX Nation announce they are offering their streaming content in a bundle to consumers for $11.99 per month. SiriusXM SVP of business development and partnerships Daveimg Geary says, “FOX News Media and SiriusXM are leaders in news and entertainment programming respectively, and we are delighted to bring to the market a bundle of our streaming services that offers exceptional consumer value. FOX Nation’s library of original video programming and SiriusXM’s vast offering of music for every mood and moment, live sports from every major league, plus entertainment and news combine to make a highly attractive streaming audio and video bundle.”

Industry News

Music/Video Anthem Celebrating Talk Radio Continues to Gather Thousands of Worldwide Views and Downloads

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Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted more than half a million worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, is enjoying notable traction with its latest release, “Don’t Stop Talking,” an anthem celebrating talk radio. “Don’t Stop Talking” is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in supporting American freedom of speech and the First Amendment.  Non-partisan lyrics ring out: “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!”  The original composition co-written and performed by core band members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages dedicated talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and valuable service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of more than 85 individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. Matthew B. Harrison, who produced the video visual components states, “Gunhill Road has achieved enormous internet recognition around the nation and world – much of it fueled by the attention and exposure its unique songs and videos have received on talk radio. This amazing piece is the group’s way of giving back.” To view the video in its entirety, please click talkradioforever.com. To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison about the song and talk radio’s vital role in the marketplace of ideas, please email info@talkers.com.  Another recent Gunhill Road release titled “Idiots” presents a stinging non-partisan commentary about the dangers inherent in a democracy populated by an ignorant and disengaged public. This song/video has already gathered more than 200,000 online views and downloads worldwide – also fueled largely by talk radio airplay and attention. It can be viewed at www.idiotsvideo.com.  For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

Industry News

WWO: Audio is Optimal for Movie Releases and Streaming Subs

The latest blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the value of audio marketing for movie theatrical releases and streaming video subscriptions. Using data from five separate studies, the report comes to a number of conclusions, including 1) Audio listeners areimg voracious consumers of movies in the theater and films on streaming services. They are first to see a movie in the theater on opening weekend and when films debut on streaming services; and 2) Versus linear TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely to see movies in the theater and indicate a greater willingness to watch content. Looking at data about marketing moves and streaming video, the study finds that 1) Linear TV advertising spend for theatrical releases and video streaming brands is 30X audio. Despite this, TV viewers show low awareness of new films and low interest in upcoming films and streaming service subscriptions; and 2) Audio (AM/FM radio, streaming audio, and podcasts) should become a much greater allocation in the entertainment marketing media plan. Reallocating 20% of linear TV theatrical and streaming video media plans to AM/FM radio doubles campaign reach with no additional cost. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

NYPR Speaks Out Against Stripping CPB Funding

NYPR president & CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver issued a statement to listeners in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s executive order to withhold Corporation for Public Broadcasting funds. He says, “If it holds, the executive order will restrict New York Public Radio from using CPB funding to purchase programming or services from NPR. CPB said in a statement that the White House had no legal authority over the company, and NPR called it ‘an affront to the First Amendment.’ Public radioimg and public television have enjoyed bipartisan support since 1967. The system has a profound impact on Americans in all 50 states and in every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and remote. This indispensable service costs the American taxpayer about $1.60 a year, and it is one that the majority of Americans want to maintain. Recent polling from the Pew Research Center shows that only 24 percent of Americans support cutting federal funding. The budget request and executive order are only part of the administration’s ongoing effort to dismantle the American public broadcasting system as we know it. We expect even more to come. If successful, the effort will exacerbate existing news deserts and create new ones, as public radio has become the main (or only) remaining source for fact-based local news, educational and cultural programming, and critical emergency broadcast services in many communities across the country.” He encourages them to contact their legislators and to either donate or increase one’s current contribution to the public broadcasting organization.

Industry News

Western Massachusetts Media Industry Mourns the Passing of Mark G. Auerbach

Springfield, MA-based multimedia broadcaster, writer, and publicist Mark G. Auerbach passed away this past Friday, May 2 after waging a long, brave battle against kidney and heart disease. Auerbach had an indelible presence – primarily in the local arts & entertainment community – as the long-running host of radio and television programs as well as his print columns and coverage of the region’s active theater and music scenes. Actively developing a legacy that spanned almost a half century, Auerbach was engaged in his dynamic career until the very end, producing and hostingimg “ArtsBeat,” “Athenaeum Spotlight,” and “On The Mark” for WCPC, Channel 15 and WSKB-FM 89.5, both in Westfield, MA. He was a regular contributor to Berkshire Onstage and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association. His weekly column “Arts Beat” appeared in The Westfield News. In his youth, Auerbach studied theater at American University and the Yale School of Drama. During his multimedia career his impact was felt nationwide, and he was an indefatigable fundraiser for public broadcasting. As a publicist, he was a devoted supporter of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and numerous other not-for-profit artistic organizations. TALKERS publisher and local Western Mass resident Michael Harrison states, “I am proud to have been able to call Mark Auerbach a friend for the past 39 years, during which time I have come to respect and admire him as one of the finest media practitioners with whom I have had the pleasure of working. He was a champion of the arts and all that celebrates the humanities in our modern multimedia environment.  He was a local giant on a multitude of levels and leaves an irreplaceable void in this part of America’s grassroots media community.” Auerbach requested no funeral services but said if people wish to do something in his memory they can make a gift to either Springfield Chamber Players MOSSO) (www.springfieldsymphonymusicians.com), Northfield Mount Hermon School (nmhschool.org), or the theatre of your choice.

Industry News

Indy’s “The Fan” Serving as Broadcast Partner for WNBA’s Fever

The Indiana Fever and Radio One announce that Indianapolis sports talk outlet “93.5/107.5 The Fan” will serve as the team’s official radio broadcast partner during the 2025 WNBA season. All Fever preseason and regular season games, home and away, will be broadcast live on “93.5/107.5 Theimg Fan.” Former University of Kentucky standout and Indiana Miss Basketball Bria Goss will provide the game analysis, and long-time broadcaster John Nolan will deliver the play-by-play on the Old National Bank Radio Network. Radio One sports format captain Jeff Rickard says, “Basketball is such an integral part of the Indiana community, and the Fever are certainly a big part of that story. For ‘107.5 The Fan’ to be able to share in telling the story of this exciting chapter in Indiana’s pro basketball history is a wonderful opportunity. We’re thrilled we can bring Fever fans a little closer to the action.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (5/5)

The most discussed stories yesterday (5/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump NBC Interview
2. Trump Alcatraz Order
3. Abortion Pill Suits
4. Tariffs / U.S. China Trade War
5. Newark Airport Chaos

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Won’t Work on FM

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

img“It won’t work on FM.” Country. Country was predicted to be a failing format for the FM band. At the dawn of FM proliferation in the 1970s, the future of the band was viewed with fear and skepticism. Why wouldn’t country music work on the FM band? The conventional chatter said that “country needs to be on AM because truckers drive long distances and AM signals cover long distances. FM does not.”

According to AM management, every music and talk format that thrived on AM was going to fail on FM. Obviously, all AM genres succeeded on FM, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. The ones that succeeded quickly had common characteristics:

In the public’s mind, FM radio had specific, positive traits: Lower commercial load, cooler hosts and jocks, a subversive tone, fewer interruptions of every type. Talk on FM was absolutely going to fail. The first mother of talk hits on FM were “New Jersey 101.5” (which for decades had the largest FM talk cume in the world); WTKS-FM, Orlando; and WLUP, Chicago. GM Larry Wert, brilliant. In 1990 when those stations launched, the industry pundits ordered more drinks and pronounced their doom.

John Kobylt, of KFI, Los Angeles fame, was the first PM drive host on “New Jersey 101.5.” He explained to me the key difference in his work versus that of an AM talk show host: “My competition is 10 music stations playing hit songs. If Ken Chiampou and I don’t entertain this second, the audience is gone.”

Little noticed was that stations like WTKS-FM shared less than 8% of its cume with WDBO-AM (a very serious station!) WTKS sharing was with WMMO-FM and other alt rock and FM AC stations. While radio people think “talk is talk,” the audience perceives FM talk and AM talk to be very different formats. Completely different.

Today, to drive audience to an FM talk station the strategy proven to fail is to air AM shows on FM without making significant accommodations for the differences in the band. Profound differences.

QUICK NOTES:

— New 23-year-old, very good, control board operator for “Sterling Every Damn Night” asked me, “Who is Rush Limbaugh?”

— All-digital 18-year-olds today have no idea what you mean when you say, “The top of the hour.”

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Make AI Your Intern, Not Your Replacement

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgWhen a blogger found “no biography, or further information about the woman who is supposedly presenting this show,” it forced Australian Radio Network to acknowledge that Artificial Intelligence supplies the voice of “Workdays with Thy” on one of its stations (CADA, available on the iHeartRadio app). “Exploring how new technology can support great content,” the network statement rationalized.

If you’re a (human) music DJ, this is chilling. If you’re a talk host, are you next? Hey, IBM’s Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997, back when we were still dialing-up Internet access. So don’t think souped-up AI couldn’t someday interact with human callers. Or the fake callers vendors now offer.

Flip-the-script, to put the robot to work for you and sound local and super-relevant. Here’s how, step-by-step.

1. Use Google Trends, filtered to your metro area.

— Go to Google Trends.
— Set the location to your city, state, or region.
— Look at:
-Trending Searches (daily hot topics)
-Related Queries (people often search “near me” + other urgent needs)

2. Focus on “Near Me” signals that reflect tension, urgency, or curiosity

— “Near me” searches usually spike when:

– People have a problem (e.g., “urgent care near me”, “cheap gas near me”).
– There’s a trend or event (e.g., “earthquake near me”, “protest near me”).
– There’s fear, confusion, or excitement (e.g., “layoffs near me”, “concerts near me”).

— These are rich veins for call-in topics because:

– They touch emotions (fear, anger, hope).
– They’re localized — content your new-tech audio competitors won’t have.
– They’re now — you can spin them for immediate reaction.

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3. Translate “Near Me” searches into talkable angles

— Example:

Search Trend Possible Call-In Topic
“Layoffs near me” “Are you worried about job security? Have you or someone you know been laid off recently?”
“Protests near me” “What’s your take on the demonstrations downtown? Are they making a difference or making things worse?”
“Gas prices near me” “Have high gas prices changed your driving habits? Are you cutting back or just absorbing it?”

4. Bonus Tip: Cross-Reference “Near Me” with social media buzz

— Use X (Twitter) trends and Facebook community groups to see if local chatter matches what Google is showing.

5. Create a simple daily habit

— Spend 5 minutes a day on Google Trends.
— Pull one or two local “near me” topics.
— Frame them into emotionally loaded questions for on-air teasing:

– “Do you feel less-safe after [recent incident? [phone number].”
– “Have YOU or someone you know been affected by the [local layoffs]?”

Evidence that you can make AI your assistant, and not your replacement? I asked ChatGPT to outline the instructions above; and this fill-in-the-blanks a Topic Mining Sheet you can use daily to systematically turn Google “near me” trends into great call-in topics.

Oh, and from the website for that Australian station: “We are an inclusive workplace embracing diversity in all its forms.” You do the punchline.

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

FCC’s Simington Targets Reverse Retransmission Fees to Combat “Fake News”

FCC Commissioner Nathan A. Simington and his chief of staff Gavin M. Wax penned ann op-ed published in The National Pulse calling for a cap on reverse retransmission fees as a measure to protect local journalism and rein in corporate media monopolies. Simington and Wax propose limiting reverse retransmission fees to 30%, arguing that such a cap would curb the financial power of legacy media giants, support independent broadcasters, and restore integrity to America’s media landscape. They write in the piece, “These fees (and ad sales) generate revenue for broadcasters that they use to run their operations and produce local journalism. However, media conglomerates like Paramountimg Global, the parent company of CBS, have begun charging what’s known as ‘reverse’ retransmission fees to broadcasters. The networks demand a share of broadcasters’ revenue for the right to use their content. This practice was once unheard of, but some networks now regularly require more than 100% of broadcasters’ retransmission fees as ‘reverse’ fees, leaving broadcasters to sustain themselves solely on whatever ad sales they can make with their limited inventory (also capped by the networks, and often amounts to only a few minutes of airtime per hour). This funnels more and more money out of local markets and local journalism and into the hands of mega media corporations, who threaten broadcasters with content blackouts if they don’t get sky-high payouts.” They go on to argue that the “problem gets even worse with providers like YouTube TV and Hulu Live. Under their affiliate agreements with the networks, local affiliates can’t even negotiate for online providers to carry the content. The networks do it for them and pay the affiliates whatever they deem reasonable (sometimes, nothing). This gives the networks total control over streaming distribution while robbing local stations of revenue and autonomy in the rapidly growing online video space. What was once a mechanism to support hometown news is now a corporate racket. Instead of investing in local reporters, meteorologists, and producers, local broadcasters’ funds are siphoned to bloated national newsrooms that churn out anti-Trump propaganda and woke talking points. Meanwhile, higher cable bills pass the cost to everyday Americans.” Read the full op-ed here.

Industry News

WABC Host Frank Morano Wins NYC Council Seat; 2025 Primary Election is Next Month

WABC, New York overnight host Frank Morano beat out Cliff Hagen and Griffin Fossella to assume the Staten Island South Shore city council seat vacated by Joe Borelli in January. Now, Morano willimg hold the seat through the end of the year. However, he faces a June primary and, if successful, then a November general election to remain in office into 2026. Morano tells TALKERS, “We have another election in June, but I’m hoping to stay on the radio, whether it’s in my current time slot or another. I’m determined to stay on radio, even while doing the people’s work.”

Industry News

Carl Richardson Hosting New Paranormal Show Online

A new talk show called “Midnight Frequency” with host Carl Richardson is debuting on Twitch andimg YouTube that will stream live from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am ET, beginning this Friday (5/9). The show is being produced by Joshua Chaires and will be available on Spreaker and iHeartRadio beginning this month. Richardson says his goal is to eventually make the show available to terrestrial radio stations all over the country via XDS feed. Find out more about the show by visiting NWDN.net.

Industry News

Edison Research Releases Q1 Top Podcasts Data

Edison Research releases its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q1 2025 among weekly podcast listeners ages 13+. The list ranks podcasts based on total audience reach from Edisonimg Podcast Metrics. The top six podcasts are unchanged in rank from the previous chart from Edison with “The Joe Rogan Experience” at #1, followed by “Crime Junkie” at #2, and “The Daily” at #3. Other radio-related podcasts of note include “The Ramsey Show” at #20, “The Dan Bongino Show” at #21, “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #22, and “The Shawn Ryan Show” at #29. See the full chart here.

Industry News

Talk Host Sam Greenfield Dies

Details are incomplete but TALKERS is being informed that progressive talk host Sam Greenfield hasimg died. During his career, Greenfield hosted radio talk shows at WEVD, WWRL, and WVNJ in the New York City market. Recently, he’d been producing talk content posted to his YouTube channel. Information posted on the Democratic Underground message board indicates that Greenfield had been in some sort of occupational therapy and rehabilitation when he contracted COVID and died from pneumonia.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (5/3-4)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / The Economy
2. Trump’s Alcatraz Plan
3. Trump’s NBC Interview
4. Houthis Strike Israel
5. Student Loans Payback Resumes

Industry News

Salem Host Dennis Prager’s Return to Air Delayed

Salem Media Group issues a statement saying Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager will be delayed in his return to the airwaves, due to a setback in his recovery from a spinal cord injury. The company had been hopeful Prager would be ready to start hosting an hour of content by June. SDRN says that in the meantime, it will continue airing the Jack Posobiec show in the 2:00 pm ET hour. Salem says, “Jack has done a fabulous job there for months. SRN transitioned Charlie Kirk into the Dennis Prager hours of 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm ET on March 31, one month ago. While it is nearly impossible to replace an icon like Dennis, our affiliates have made that transition work. Listeners love the Charlie Kirk show, while at the same time are missing Dennis. We will continue to keep watching the recovery for Dennis and pray for his improvement.”

Industry News

WVMT, Burlington Host Kurt Wright to Retire

Kurt Wright, who served in numerous political roles in Vermont including as a state representative and as a Burlington city council member, tells his listeners that he will retire from his role at the Voximg AM FM Digital-owned news/talk WVMT, Burlington on May 30. Wright told his audience, “I’ve made the decision to move on… I’m going to miss it. But I’ve never been a morning person and getting up at 4:00 am is a bear for me… once I get here the adrenaline gets me going but my wife and I want to travel. We haven’t seen nearly enough of this country. When you have a health event like I had a couple months ago, it puts things into focus for you.” Wright says it will have been six-and-a-half years that he’s been hosting the program on WVMT.

Industry News

SiriusXM Q1 Revenue Falls 4%

Reporting its operating results from the first quarter of 2025, SiriusXM reveals revenue of $2.07 billion, a decrease of 4% from the same period in 2024. The company reports net income of $204 million. SiriusXM self-pay subscribers decreased by approximately 303,000, a 16% improvement compared toimg the same period last year. Self-pay monthly churn was 1.6%, compared to 1.7% in the first quarter of 2024. The company ended the quarter with approximately 33 million total subscribers. In a conference call with investors, imgCEO Jennifer Witz said the company is re-focusing on in-car listening after its less-than-successful attempt to become a leader in streaming content. She says, “We entered 2025 focused on what we do best: delivering standout experiences to our core subscribers, curating compelling content, strengthening our advertising business, and enhancing the value of our service. Today, we’re operating with greater discipline, improving execution across the board, and reallocating capital toward the areas where we see the greatest impact. We’re building a more focused, more efficient SiriusXM — aligned around what matters most to our listeners and our business — and I’m pleased with how we’ve started the year.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (April 28 – May 2, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/28-5/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump’s First 100 Days / Polling Numbers
2. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / The Economy
3. U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. DOGE / Musk and Tesla
6. Canadian Elections
7. Deportations / Abrego Garcia Case
8. Trump vs Harvard
9. Kamala Harris Speaks Out
10.Belichick-Girlfriend Flap

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Xi Jinping
3. Volodymyr Zelensky
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Elon Musk
6. J.D. Vance
7. Mark Carney
8. Kilmar Abrego Garcia
9. Joe Biden / Kamala Harris
10.Bill Belichick / Jordon Hudson

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

Industry News

WBT, Charlotte to Launch the “TJ Ritchie Show”

Radio One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte announces the debut of “The TJ Ritchie Show” that will air from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm weeknights beginning May 27.  Ritchie is one half of the longtime syndicated radio show “Ace & TJ” (with the late David “Ace” Cannon) now titled “TJ & Riggins” andimg co-hosted by Bryan “Riggins” Weber. Ritchie says, “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and getting to do it on the legendary WBT is such a thrill. The timing is perfect because there are so many people who are just starting to become interested in the political landscape of our culture. Being ‘America’s Coolest Conservative,’ I’ll be able to engage them with a high energy, fun, and humorous show. It’s going to be spectacular. All of that AND I get to keep my day job!” WBT program director Mike Schaefer adds, “WBT’s history of night-time programming boasts some of radio’s biggest names – Bob Lacey, ‘Hello’ Henry Boggan, and ‘Charlotte’s Most Beloved,’ John Hancock. When the opportunity to add TJ to that list presented itself, there was nothing to think about besides a start date. We are beyond excited for TJ to bring entertaining late, live, and local programming back to Charlotte on WBT!”

Industry News

Newsmax Debuts National Update on Streaming Platform

Newsmax is beginning a new weekday news show on its N2 streaming platform titled, “National Update,” anchored by Tracy Sobol, and airing from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. Newsmax says the showimg is “bringing America the headlines that matter – fast, accurate, and in-depth. Anchor Tracy Sobol covers politics, economy, culture, and global affairs with trusted analysis and real-time reporting from coast to coast and around the world.” Sobol comes to Newsmax from EWTN where she anchored “EWTN News Nightly.” Sobol comments, “I am thrilled and honored to be joining Newsmax. I could not be more excited to be a part of one of the fastest-growing news organizations, bringing real news to Americans. There is no place that I would rather be.”

Industry News

FNC’s Doocy Takes New Coast-to-Coast Co-Host Role

FOX News Channel’s “FOX & Friends” founding co-host Steve Doocy is taking on a new coast-to-coast co-hosting role for the show in which he’ll relocate to Florida and broadcast from cities andimg towns across the country, “bringing viewers unparalleled access and insight to the people, places and issues that make up America.” FOX News Media EVP of morning programming & program development Megan Albano says, “For nearly 30 years, Steve has been a force on the curvy couch with his signature smile and wit. His relationship with our audience is unmatched and we are looking forward to him taking his trademark style from the couch to cities across America’s heartland where he will co-host from diners to pickleball courts and more and finally not have to drive across the George Washington Bridge at 3:30 am every morning.”

Industry News

Cumulus Media Q1 Revenue Falls 6.4%

Cumulus Media reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2025 and says net revenue was $187.3 million, a decline of 6.4% from the same period in 2024. The company’s net loss increased to $32.4 million compared to the net loss of $14.2 million it reported in Q1 of 2024. Cumulus presidentimg and CEO Mary Berner says, “For the first quarter, we delivered revenue in line with pacing guidance despite worsening economic headwinds reflecting, among other things, the imposition of tariffs that have depressed both imgconsumer and advertiser sentiment. However, with that backdrop, what remains constant is our relentless focus on actions to mitigate the impacts of the macro environment. For example, we accelerated growth in our digital marketing services business, which was up 30% for the quarter; leveraged our entire platform to capture demand opportunities; and drove additional annualized cost reductions of $7.5 million. Moving forward, we will continue to execute these strategies while simultaneously working to fundamentally transform the way we use and leverage our key assets.”

Industry News

Leon Williamson to Lead Memphis/Tupelo for iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia names Leon Williamson market president for the Memphis/Tupelo area. Williamson most recently served as market president and SVP of sales for the company’s Indianapolis operations. iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis area president Kristy Beebe. She says, “Leon brings a wealth ofimg experience and a proven track record of success in our industry. His leadership and vision will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and success in the Memphis and Tupelo markets. Leon is not only a seasoned professional but also a dedicated supporter of the community actively involved in various initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. This passion for service and his strategic approach to market challenges make him the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under Leon’s leadership, we will achieve new heights and continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients and partners.”

Industry News

RHoF Announces 2025 Nominees

The Museum of Broadcast Communications releases the selection of the 24 Radio Hall of Fame 2025img nominees that were chosen by the nominating committee with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting begins May 27 and runs through June 16. The top six vote-getters will be inducted as part of the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. Nearly 1,000 industry members will receive a ballot on Tuesday, May 27. Nominees from spoken word formats include: Bob Sirott, Colin Cowherd, Joey Reynolds, John & Ken, and Larry Elder.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WGN, Chicago Adds Ted Cruz Show. WGN Radio is adding the Premiere Networks program “Verdict with Ted Cruz” lineup airing Sunday nights at 8:00 pm The program is hosted by Texas Republican Senator and Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and national radio personality and political commentator Ben Ferguson.

BIA Blogs Offer Tariffs Guidance. BIA Advisory Services is examining the potential effects of new tariffs on local advertising and drafted a report titled, “Understanding Tariff Impact on Local Advertising: Business Vertical Analysis Part 1 and 2.” In two new blogs drawing from that report, BIA offers “When Trade Wars Hit Home: Tariffs and Local Ad Markets,” Part 1 and Part 2 in which it explores how the Trump administration’s trade policies may force businesses to rethink their local advertising strategies, tracking possible changes in advertising spending.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (4/30)

The most discussed stories yesterday (4/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump’s First 100 Days
2. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / The Economy
3. U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
4. DOGE
5. Russia-Ukraine War

Industry News

FCC’s Simington Argues for American Reindustrialization

In an op-ed piece published in The Daily Caller, FCC Commissioner Nathan A. Simington – with newly appointed chief of staff Gavin M. Wax – makes the case for American reindustrialization to effectively compete with China. He says, “Today, a growing fraction of China’s manufacturing strengthimg lies in its ability to deploy high-end, labor-light, automation-heavy processes at scale. It’s a productivity story now, driven by robotics, industrial AI, and, most crucially, advanced 5G infrastructure deployed as an industrial platform — not just as a consumer gimmick.” He adds, “Compare this with our own policy environment, where even the best private sector players are hamstrung by outdated regulations, capricious permitting processes, and the dogma that government shouldn’t pick winners — especially in telecom or manufacturing. That ideology might have made sense in the 1990s, but it’s lethal to the future of our telecommunications industry now, and in consequence, our manufacturing future.” See the entire op-ed here.

Industry News

RTDNA: Radio Salaries Are Rising

According to its 2025 Radio Salaries Report (produced in partnership with Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications) radio salaries that lagged following COVID-19 – withimg three stagnant years below inflation and a net drop of 2.5% last year – appear to be rebounding. RTDNA says reported salaries are increasing 14.5%. “Employees who contribute to the web were among the higher earners, which brought the figures up. Additionally, commercial stations often matched or exceeded the wages of non-commercial stations — an uncommon trend historically.” See more about the report here.

Industry News

Katz and Wynter Broadcast from the White House

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Pictured above are WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (left) and WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta evening talk host Shelley Wynter (right) at the White House media event held in recognition of the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

Industry News

Third Annual Black Effect Podcast Festival Held in Atlanta

Last Saturday (4/26), iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God presented The Third Annual Black Effect Podcast Festival at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. They say, “For the third year in a row, the festivalimg brought together podcast fans and The Black Effect Podcast Network’s top talent for a day of live podcast recordings from network’s most popular shows including ‘Trap Nerds Podcast,’ ‘Good Moms, Bad Choices,’ ‘R&B Money Podcast with Tank and J. Valentine,’ ‘Naked Sports with Cari Champion’ and ‘Woman Evolve with Sarah Jakes Roberts.’”