The most discussed stories yesterday (12/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
iHeartMedia Milwaukee unveils its new daily lineup in the aftermath of longtime morning host Jay Weber’s leaving mornings for a twice-weekly podcast role. Current late morning host 
Benjamin Yount is taking over the 6:00 am to 9:00 am show hosting duties. Yount has been with the station since 2018 as host and news director. He comments, “WISN has always been about serving Wisconsin with smart, honest conversation, and I’m honored to take on 
morning drive. Our listeners count on us to start their day informed and engaged, and I’m excited to continue that in a new time slot while keeping the same commitment to strong local coverage.” Jason Goch, who has been a fill-in host on WISN, moves into the morning news anchor and late morning talk host role. He’ll handle news duties during Yount’s program and host his own talk show from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Station program director Jerry Bott states, “This lineup builds on WISN’s momentum and reflects our focus on serving listeners with strong, credible voices throughout the day. Benjamin has earned the trust of our audience and brings proven ratings success to morning drive, while Jason is a terrific addition whose experience and versatility strengthen our local programming bench.”
During last week’s testimony before the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, FCC Chair Brendan Carr addressed, among other things, broadcasters’ obligation to serving the public interest. This comes as he is being accused by critics of using the power of the Commission to influence content. Carr testified, “The FCC is
working to empower local broadcasters to serve the public interest and meet the needs of their communities. As Congress, the Supreme Court, and the FCC have all made clear, broadcasters are different than every other distributor of media. Specifically, broadcasters are required by both the Communications Act and the terms of their FCC-issued licenses to operate in the public interest. This sets them apart from cable channels, podcasts, streaming services, social media, and countless other types of distributors that have no public interest obligation. The FCC’s broadcast hoax rule, its news distortion policy, its political equal opportunity regulation, its prohibition on obscene, indecent, and profane content, its localism requirements – all of those and more apply uniquely to broadcasters. Congress has instructed the FCC to enforce public interest requirements on broadcasters. The FCC should do exactly that.
“Television broadcasters have this public interest obligation because the government has given them the unique privilege of using a scarce national resource – the public airwaves – and in doing so has necessarily excluded others that might want to broadcast their own programming over that same spectrum. That is why they are required to serve, not just their own narrow interest, but the public interest, including the needs of their local communities.
“To ensure that broadcasters can meet their public interest obligations, the FCC has taken a number of actions, including seeking public comment for the first time in more than 15 years on the relationship between the large, national programmers on the one hand and the many local broadcast television stations on the other. Comments in that proceeding suggest that many local broadcasters are concerned that the national programmers have amassed enormous power and influence in recent years and have made it more challenging for local broadcasters to fulfill their public interest obligations. The FCC is going to continue its efforts to empower local broadcasters to meet their public interest obligations.”
According to TriStateHomepage.com, Townsquare Media is ending programming on
news/talk WGBF-AM, Evansville, Indiana at the end of the broadcast day on December 31. The company clearly isn’t getting the returns it wants on the operation of the station. The story indicates that the signal is up for sale but it’s unclear if there is any interest in the station that was launched in 1923 by the Finke Furniture company. The calls stand for G.B. Finke. See the TriStateHomepagestory here.
Cumulus Media promotes Andrea Ayers to vice president/market manager for its Lexington, Kentucky station group that includes news/talk WVLK-AM and three music brands. Ayers rises from her position as sales manager and takes over on January 1. Cumulus SVP of
operations Mark Sullivan comments, “Andrea and I have worked alongside each other for decades and shared in many successes together. She has a long track record of driving results for our Lexington stations, rooted in her passion for the business and service to the community, our advertisers, listeners, and employees. This is a well-deserved opportunity for her, and I’m looking forward to her success in this new role as VP/market manager.” Ayers says, “I’m truly honored to accept the role of VP/market manager for Cumulus Lexington. I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to the table and work alongside such a talented group to drive growth, strengthen relationships, and deliver exceptional results.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Each week here, TALKERS affords me a voice in the career conversation we all share. I
appreciate this real estate, and your feedback.
To say thanks, publisher Michael Harrison and I have a stocking stuffer for you, an anthology of all 2025 “Monday Memo” columns. Included: additional pieces I filed on Tuesdays of holiday weeks when TALKERS didn’t publish on Mondays; and daily reports during the Consumer Electronics Show and NAB Show, both of which I have covered for this publication for decades; and additional reports on news and trends pertinent to you, my fellow storyteller.
Here ya go, an instant E-book download: http://getonthenet.com/SoundThinking.pdf
And here’s to 2026!
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
iHeartMedia announces it is extending its relationship with Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of “The Breakfast Club,” and founder of The Black Effect podcast network. He hosts the daily
morning radio show with co-hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious and Loren LoRosa. Charlamagne Tha God comments, “When it comes to iHeartMedia, gratitude will always be my attitude. They’ve created space for me to grow not just as talent, but as an executive and true partner through The Black Effect Podcast Network. To say that I’m thankful is an understatement. iHeart is the biggest and best audio company on the planet and audio is the foundation on which the whole media conglomerate will be built. Podcasting, live events, TV/film and documentaries, the sky is the limit for where we are going; and radio will always be at the core of it. Here’s to a new era of growth, impact, and prosperity.”
Tampa Bay region public media newsroom and music broadcaster WUSF promotes Leslie Laney general manager, effective January 2. She’s been serving as station manager and takes over for JoAnne Urofsky, who is retiring. Urofsky says, “Leslie truly represents the next generation of innovators in public broadcasting, and she has already led so many teams and projects within our WUSF family that she is the natural choice to lead this station into the years ahead. I am thrilled that WUSF is so fortunate to have such a skilled leader within our own ranks.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Salem Media announces it is extending WNYM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” morning drive host Joe Piscopo for another two years, through the end of 2028. Piscopo – who broke out during his time as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” in the early 1980s – joined
WNYM in 2014. Salem Media New York general manager Laura Sheaffer says, “Joe Piscopo remains one of the most dynamic talents in New York radio. His authenticity and connection with our listeners are extraordinary and extending his presence on ‘AM 970 The Answer’ was an easy decision. Joe continues to raise the bar every single morning.” Piscopo comments, “Our audience relies on us for honesty, respect, and straight talk about the issues that matter, and that trust means the world to me. And let’s be honest – only in New York do you wake up at 3:00 am and call it show business! I’m honored, grateful, and excited to keep sharing these mornings with such an amazing audience.”
iHeartMedia announces three executive promotions. Mark Glynn rises division president of community markets in which he’ll oversee 20 markets across the Nebraska, Iowa, Pacific, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alaska regions. He’s been serving as area president for Seattle/Spokane. Jeff Thomas also rises to division president of community markets, leading 27 markets in Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Hawaii and Mid North
regions. President of community markets John Karpinski says, “Mark and Jeff consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership in developing business, cultivating long-standing client relationships, and building high-performing sales teams. Their strategic vision and deep understanding of our business will be instrumental as we continue to invest in our people and platforms. I am excited to see the impact they will have across even more markets.” Additionally, Marshal Burgess, currently president of the Portland market, is promoted to region president of the Pacific Northwest Area expanding his responsibilities to include Seattle, Portland, and Spokane. Division president Nick Gnau states, “Marshal has been a cornerstone of iHeart’s success in the Pacific Northwest, consistently driving growth and fostering strong relationships throughout the region. With a deep understanding of the business and a proven leadership track record, he is well-positioned to lead the region and drive success.”
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One unveils its new lineup for the Westwood One Sports Network that becomes effective on December 29. As previously announced, Drake C. Toll will host morning drive from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET. He’s followed by “You Better You Bet” with Nick Kostos from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Joining the weekday roster are longtime
Chicago sports radio hosts Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla airing from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET. Jim Rome remains in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart, followed by “BetMGM Tonight” with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET. Finally, “Westwood One Sports Night” will be hosted by Lynnell Willingham and Josh Graham airing from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am ET. SVP of sports | content & audience Bruce Gilbert states, “With our partners at Audacy, we’ve assembled a group of diverse and passionate sports voices committed to covering the biggest sports stories with opinions, expert analysis, and fan interaction. This lineup will highlight the biggest stories and provide timely information that is fresh, fun, and fan focused.”
Greg Papa – the voice of the San Francisco 49ers on KNBR, San Francisco – is returning to
call the final two games of the regular season and the playoffs. Papa has been off the air this fall as he battles leukemia. While Papa still must go through chemotherapy and receive a bone marrow transplant, his doctors have cleared him to return to the booth to broadcast games.
Audacy’s all-news WBBM Newsradio (780 AM / 105.9 FM) announces the winners of its first-ever “Made in Chicago: WBBM Newsradio’s Small Business Challenge” and the winner is Kikwetu Coffee Company. From October 13 to November 9, small businesses around the
Chicago area were encouraged to submit an entry for a chance to win a $10,000 media campaign and feature on WBBM-AM’s “Made in Chicago” news segment. Based on the originality, persuasiveness and creativity of their submission, Kikwetu Coffee Company takes home the Grand Prize that includes a media package consisting of a 1 minute 30 second “Made in Chicago” news feature and web article, plus the production and 60 runs of a custom 30-second commercial scheduled to air in February. Runners-up were Presto Real Estate Services and Palmer Florist Inc. and they are being awarded a media campaign valued at $2,500.
KBOI Breaks Record with Annual Toy Drive. Cumulus Media’s news/talk KBOI, Boise partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Charlie Co., 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and broke records for their annual holiday toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The community responded by filling 9.25 trailers with toys for all ages. Cumulus regional VP and market manager Don Morin says, “KBOI has always believed that a great radio station is more than just a voice on the air. It’s a partner in building a stronger community. Idaho’s Largest Toy Drive is a perfect example of that commitment.”
KXEL Announces Tractorcade Route. NRG Media’s Iowa radio stations, including news/talk KXEL-AM, Waterloo, are again supporting the “Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade” taking place June 14-17, 2026. This 27th annual event will bring more than 400 vintage tractor enthusiasts together for four days of traveling rural areas of Iowa. The always-anticipated route was announced in a special broadcast on December 12 helmed by KXEL’s Jeff Stein and broadcast live from the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo. Stein was joined by veteran ag broadcasters Ken Root and Russ Parker, founders of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/15-19) 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.
Former Cumulus Media | Westwood One talk radio host and current FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced yesterday that he will resign from the in January. He made the
announcement via a post on X, saying: “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.” President Trump commented on Bongino’s departure saying, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.” Now, the speculation begins as most industry watchers expect Bongino to return to the conservative talk media ecosystem, where will he resume his media career?
In testimony at an oversight hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, FCC chair Brendan Carr told senators that his agency is not an
independent one because commissioners can be removed by the president. Numerous news organizations pointed out that the mission statement on the FCC’s website described it as an independent agency – until yesterday afternoon when the website was apparently updated to reflect Carr’s testimony. Numerous news outlets also pointed to Carr himself describing the agency as independent as recently as April of 2021. When questioned about the FCC regulating content, Carr said that he believes political satire is protected speech but he added that broadcast television and radio stations are held to a “public interest” standard that the FCC is required by law to enforce.
Salem Radio Network reveals its plans for the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart previously occupied by the late Charlie Kirk. Effective January 5, Alex Marlow, editor-in-chief at Breitbart News, will anchor the 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm ET –1 p.m. ET hour, followed by Scott
Jennings, CNN political commentator and longtime conservative strategist, who expands his current SRN program to 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET. Salem Media SVP of content Phil Boyce comments, “This is an important moment for Salem. Salem has earned the trust of conservative audiences for decades, and we don’t take that lightly. Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow each bring a distinct voice, a rare 
ability to engage audiences, and real seriousness to the conversation. Together, they will carry the Salem legacy forward.” Meanwhile, “The Charlie Kirk Show” will continue as a podcast on Salem Podcast Network, and Salem Media will maintain its relationship with Turning Point USA. Executive producer Andrew Kolvet will continue as co-host of the podcast show. He says, “Salem has been so gracious through this process and even encouraged us to continue broadcasting the show on the Salem Radio Network. While ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’ team is excited to continue the live show and podcast in other venues, ultimately we agreed that Alex and Scott were the perfect hosts to take over on the radio portion. Both are great friends and extremely talented broadcasters. We are also grateful that Salem Media Reps will continue to represent and sell the time inside the show. While some of the details around how we want to distribute the show will change, our friendship and trust in Salem does not.”
OutKick announces that it is signing podcaster and 12-time All American collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines to a new multi-year deal in conjunction with FOX News Media’s new media expansion. FOX News Digital president and editor-in-chief Porter Berry states, “Riley has
been an instrumental voice on OutKick, across FOX News Media, and for women across this country. I am thrilled that she will be part of our new expansion and provide a unique and fresh perspective on everything from culture trends to current affairs and continue to be a leading voice for young conservative women.” Gaines comments, “I started this journey of simply saying men shouldn’t play in women’s sports and OutKick and FOX News Media have supported me from day one. They provided me a platform to bring national attention to the transgender issue in sports and ignite change that will forever protect women living out their dreams in athletics. I’m beyond excited to launch my new show that will cover a variety of topics and highlight the stories of women who are fighting alongside with me.”
Civic Media announces it is acquiring WNOV-AM, translator W293CX at 106.5 FM in Milwaukee and weekly print publication The Milwaukee Courier. WNOV is currently airing a hybrid of urban music and talk shows targeted to urban audiences including the “Tavis Smiley Show,” the “Rev. Al Sharpton Show,” plus local shows hosted by Michelle Bryant and Keith Parris. WNOV has been owned by Courier Communications Corporation since
1972. The company was headed by Dr. Jerrel Jones, who passed recently. His daughter, current owner and president Mary Ellen Jones, says, “My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee’s Black community a voice when few existed. Passing that responsibility forward was not taken lightly. Civic Media is committed to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media.” The company says that Dr. Robert “Biko” Baker will join as operations manager for both the radio station and newspaper. Civic Media CEO Sage Weil comments, “Acquiring The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV is both an opportunity and a responsibility. These are trusted institutions with deep roots in Milwaukee, and our role is to steward that legacy while investing in their future – modernizing operations, expanding digital reach, and ensuring they continue to serve the community with integrity. We’re proud to have Dr. Robert ‘Biko’ Baker lead this work.”
Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for November 2025 for participating networks (based on weekly average downloads) and there are new podcasts in the top positions. For reasons unexplained, NPR’s shows “NPR News Now” and “Up First from NPR” – ranked #1
and #2 in most past surveys – are gone from the ranker entirely. With that change, iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” is the new #1, with Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #2. Other changes for talk radio-related podcasts include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rising five places to #4, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” climbing two places to #10, and iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” moving up seven places to #11. See the complete ranker here.
FOX Sports Radio talk host Doug Gottlieb – who is in the second season as head coach of
UW-Green Bay’s men’s basketball team – says he will step away from his radio program in order to focus on his coaching duties. During his post-game press conference yesterday, Gottlieb said of his radio show, “As of now, we’re going to take a break from it. I’ve got to have a life. I’ve got to be there for these kids. I’ve got to really dig in because we’re building something cool here.”
Beasley Media Group promotes John Coury to vice president of treasury and corporate
controller. Coury has been overseeing the company’s treasury operations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and traffic functions. Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley says, “John’s leadership, strategic insight, and strong financial acumen have been instrumental in strengthening our company’s financial foundation. His dedication and expertise will continue to play an important role in advancing Beasley’s fiscal efficiency and long-term growth.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
