Gow Communications’ KFNC, Houston Hacked; Racist Content Broadcast
Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC-FM, Houston “ESPN 97.5” was hacked on Sunday afternoon while the station was airing the Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys game and
racist messages were broadcast for a period of time. Station officials posted the following message to X at around 4:30 pm: “In the past hour, there was audio airing on 97.5 FM signal that didn’t come from the radio station. Our signal had been hacked. We are actively trying to rectify the problem. We appreciate the many of you who posted to alert us of the issue.” The station able to return the game broadcast to the air.
Running a successful radio station, hosting a show, or producing a podcast is a lot like hosting Thanksgiving dinner. You need a plan. You need to deliver something satisfying to a crowd with varying tastes. And most of all – if you get it right – you’ll have leftovers you can turn into even more value long after the main event.
York City. The annual black-tie Golden Mic gala is the biggest fundraiser for the BFoA, which is devoted exclusively to helping radio and television professionals in need of financial assistance due to critical illness or tragedy. Lazarus says, “I am deeply honored to receive the Golden Mic Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America, an organization that stands at the heart of our industry’s values – service, compassion, and community. Broadcasting has always been about connecting people, and the Foundation’s work reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege we have to support one another, especially in times of need.”
Independence Center that drew fellow Black conservatives and Democrats to discuss important issues facing families today. Barnette says, “America is at a crossroads, and I believe my voice comes at a critical time. I don’t talk about poverty or perseverance from a spreadsheet – I’ve lived it. From a pig farm in Alabama to the halls of corporate America, from serving in the military to building a national platform, I’ve seen firsthand what faith, discipline, and hard work can achieve. My show is about bringing authenticity, courage, and moral clarity back to the airwaves – and planting the kind of seeds that will offer shade for generations to come.” Barnette was the national grassroots director and senior advisor Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and is the author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America (2020, Center Street). 
their local market. Bonneville says, “The platform brings together Arizona Sports, Seattle Sports, Denver Sports, Sactown Sports, and KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, delivering more than 63 hours of live sports programming every day across audio, video, digital, and social channels.” Bonneville president and CEO Tanya Vea adds, “Bonneville Sports Network gives advertisers both flexibility and scale. Our network reaches fans wherever and whenever they engage with sports, across every platform. Advertisers can now leverage that strength in a way that aligns with their goals, whether they’re pursuing national reach or meaningful local impact.”
Dan Mathews and Cole Thompson. Thompson has been with KBME for the past year producing “The A-Team” on the station and hosting, “The Night Cap.” Mathews began his career covering Houston sports and worked in Atlanta at Audacy’s WZGC-FM and Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN-AM. Station program director Chris Gordy states, “We’re thrilled to add Cole to mornings, alongside Dan. Both guys eat, sleep and breathe all things Houston sports, and bring a passion and enthusiasm to kick off each morning right.”
former Milwaukee County attorney, and former Republican legislative staffer Todd Allbaugh are no longer airing. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Allbaugh announced his exit via social media and said the reason was budgetary – for “the long-term financial viability of the company.” Allbaugh noted that he was told of the change before his did his final show, adding, “They did not have to give me a last show. It was immensely appreciated.” 
president and executive editor Jay Wallace says, “Bill’s dogged dedication to uncovering the story and deep understanding of national issues make him an excellent fit to cover the complex world of Congress.” Since joining FOX News Media in 2021, Melugin has been at the forefront of reporting on all angles of immigration, spending roughly half of his tenure reporting onsite from the United States’ southern border from 2021 through 2024.
connect with listeners, deliver compelling talk content, and handle breaking news and severe weather with credibility, confidence, and energy. As part of our award-winning team, you’ll shape the conversation every day by interviewing newsmakers, reacting to breaking stories, and engaging directly with the audience on-air and online. 
regularly listen to AM or FM.” Company SVP of research Elizabeth Falke states, “The bottom line here is just how much people value having easy access to both AM and FM radio in their cars. Consumers want radio for a variety of different reasons that are largely unique to local radio – everything from discovering what new music matters to weather updates, the latest sports reports and local news and events.” As the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 makes its way through congress, Falke says its important that manufacturers understand the absence of radio would also influence new car purchasing decisions. The study found that 96% of Americans would miss radio if it were removed and 89% say the lack of a radio would likely keep them from buying that vehicle. She concludes, “This research is crucial for car manufacturers as we see that, immediately, half of consumers wouldn’t even look at buying a car without a radio. The ease and simplicity of radio is embedded in the lives of drivers consuming various forms of audio in their cars.” 
pioneers. Audacy St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyan states, “For 100 years, KMOX has kept St. Louis informed and connected, a legacy we are incredibly proud of. We now honor the pioneers who helped build this station. They are the definitive voices and leaders who became synonymous with KMOX and defined a century of service. We look forward to building on their foundation and continuing to serve as the home for news St. Louisans rely on for the next hundred years.” Pioneers include former KMOX general manager Robert Hyland, sports broadcaster Bob Costas, former station hosts Jack Carney, Rex Davis, Bob Hardy, Anne Keefe, John McCormick and Jim White, former St. Louis Cardinals play-by-play announcers Jack Buck, Harry Caray and France Laux, and former St. Louis Blues play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly.
and two of its sister music-formatted outlets to a local operator – Zoellner Media Group, led by Dr. Robert Zoellner. Potter tells the Tulsa World that his exit came as a surprise. He says he was called into a meeting with Dr. Zoellner. “Our paths hadn’t crossed yet in his ownership. Shook his hand, sat down. He said, ‘We’re not renewing your contract.’ They handed me a check, and security showed me out of the building.” Prior to joining KRMG, Potter served in Dallas with WBAP-AM in several capacities, including news director.
announces new affiliate stations that include WOR, New York; KNEW, San Francisco; WTAM, Cleveland; WOAI, San Antonio; WSJS, Greensboro; WSTP, Charlotte; KKXT, Corpus Christ; WHLO, Akron; KYQQ, Abilene; KIXW, Riverside; and WOND, Atlantic City. “Our American Stories” is now heard on 480 stations nationwide.
shows. NPR’s “NPR News Now” and “Up First” rank #1 and #2, respectively, and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” remains ranked #3, more than a month after his slaying on September 10. Other talk radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” climbs one place to #12; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” falls two places to #18; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” rises four places to #34. 
holiday dinners – including turkey or smoked ham, sweet or mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and pie – to families who might otherwise go without. Erickson says, “Every year, my listeners remind me why this show exists – not just to discuss the issues of the day, but to drive real change in people’s lives. In these tough times, knowing we’ve put food on the table for thousands of families fills me with gratitude. This isn’t about politics; it’s about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors. Hungry for a Day makes it seamless, and our audience makes it extraordinary with an impact from coast to coast.”
position the cluster for continued success and growth. They include the promotion of Grant McHill to program director for “NewsRadio 101.1 FM KXL.” McHill has been serving as KXL’s news director. McHill says, “As someone who has worked at KXL for a decade, I appreciate and understand the station’s importance to the community and its potential for growth in Portland and beyond. I am thrilled, honored, and thankful for this opportunity. A huge thank you to Jeff Warshaw, Keith Dakin, Mark Handwerger, and Ross MacLeod for their confidence in me.”
market manager Jeff Miller says in a memo to staff, “Since arriving in Cleveland almost three years ago, Chase has concentrated on our brands, our execution and our team with hopes of building on the great foundation that was already in place. His relentless focus on being the best, along with consistent coaching and leadership, has led to significant growth for individuals and our four stations. Please join me in congratulating Chase on his well-deserved elevation to VP of programming for Cleveland. Chase will continue to focus on the overall programming performance for all four of our brands as we head into 2026 and beyond.”
“Our American Stories” founder and host Lee Habeeb was tapped by the White House to tell the story of John Adams and his defense of the Redcoats in the trial the Boston Massacre. This is part of the White House’s America 250 “Story of America” series that’s being created in partnership with Hillsdale College and the US Department of Education. 
Finally. Not by Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, nope; I was banned from a WBIR anchor’s video live stream.
KWAM, Memphis, is offering stations a three-hour holiday special titled, “A Starnes Country Christmas.” Starnes tells TALKERS that the show will include live musical performances, special holiday guests, and Christmas trivia featuring celebrity panelists. You can get more information about carrying this complimentary program by emailing Todd Starnes at: 
formats. The program is available in three versions: three-hour, one-hour, 25-minutes and 30-minutes and are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor, morning drive host at WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. It features stories of America’s military heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, how they sustained their injuries, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries. This year’s program features a special focus on the incredibly inspiring victories our wounded warriors enjoy on the field of competitive, adaptive sports. Fisher House supports the Wounded Warrior Games and the lnvictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or 
Lochridge entered the business in the sales department and by 1970 became the general manager of WRIF, Detroit. He was promoted by ABC to general manager for WPLJ, New York in 1973. He would serve at KAUM, Houston before returning to New York to serve with ABC Radio Networks. He later joined NBC’s The Source. In 1988 he and his wife purchased a small station in Wickenburg, Arizona.