iHeartMedia Alaska and Hawaii Markets Announce Retirement of Area President Andy Lohman
iHeartMedia Alaska and Hawaii markets announce the retirement of area president Andy Lohman, effective immediately. 
According to the company, after over four decades of distinguished service in the radio industry, Lohman will continue to provide his expertise to iHeartMedia in a consulting role. Lohman leaves behind a legacy of dedication, growth, and commitment to the radio industry and the Alaskan and Hawaiian communities. His tenure has been marked by outstanding leadership, innovative strategies, and commitment to fostering excellence within the organization. His career in radio began after a summer vacation to Alaska in June 1981, after graduating from Duke University. His first jobs in the state included a fish processor and roughneck at Prudhoe Bay. By October 1982, he started in radio sales, beginning a long and impactful journey in broadcasting. Reflecting on his career, Lohman said, “It’s been an absolute blast. Radio is truly an incredible industry that drives our economy and connects communities, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing its evolution firsthand. Finishing my career with iHeart has made the last decade the best chapter of my career.” Dan Lankford, iHeartMedia division president, expressed his appreciation for Lohman’s contributions, saying “It’s been a privilege working with Andy the last five years. He has successfully led his team in growing both revenue and ratings. As he steps into his much-deserved retirement, we celebrate his many achievements, thank him for his years of service and look forward to him continuing in his new advisory role.”
This edition explores game-changing shifts in creativity, artificial intelligence, measurement, and audience activation—highlighting key trends crucial for navigating the evolving ad environment. KEY FINDINGS: According to research compiled in the guide, emotional messaging is gaining renewed importance in audio advertising, driving an 8.2% increase in consumer action with ads that evoke positive feelings. In the creator economy, “test and see” strategies are becoming obsolete, as authentic creator partnerships are now essential to media plans. In fact, 40% of advertisers are shifting from one-off campaigns to year-long collaborations with creators, recognizing the lasting value these partnerships offer.
As most readers of TALKERS magazine know, dedicated and alert radio stations rise to the occasion of abundant vigilance and public service in providing their communities with vital information and support during natural disasters. Such has been the case with Hurricane Helene and the same thing will take place as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida and the East Coast.
Castiglione, who announced his retirement prior to the conclusion of the 2024 Red Sox season spent 42 seasons in the Red Sox booth, making him the longest tenured radio broadcaster in Red Sox history. A native of Hamden, CT, he began his career calling Colgate University football and baseball games while earning a B.A. from the university. He would later graduate from Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School with a master’s degree in Radio and Television. Castiglione’s Red Sox legacy started in 1983 when he was paired with another Red Sox legend in Ken Coleman. In his 40+ years with the Red Sox, Castiglione was the voice for millions during the lowest lows and highest highs of the franchise. He’s maybe most famous for his call at the end of the 2004 World Series which ended an 86-year World Series drought for the Sox, exclaiming “for the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox have won baseball’s world championship. Can you believe it?” The phrase would become a signature call. Joe Castiglione was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2015, and was named the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award winner, presented annually by the Hall of Fame for excellence in broadcasting, in 2024.
Britton had previously served as the station’s assistant brand manager since 2019. “Keith’s deep understanding of the station, his passion for sports radio, and his proven leadership make him the ideal person to drive The Fan’s continued success,” says Jeff Miller, SVP, market manager and director of sales, Audacy Cleveland. “Keith has played an integral role in shaping the station’s identity over the years, and we look forward to seeing him grow in this new position.” Britton tells TALKERS, “I’m humbled and excited to lead this radio station and our incredible staff. Having been here since the station flipped to sports in 2011, it’s been a phenomenal experience to help build a strong foundation with unlimited potential,” adding, “There are big shoes to fill in this position, and I want to personally thank Andy Roth for his endless mentorship, former market manager Tom Herschel, current market manager Jeff Miller, and operations manager Chase Daniels. This opportunity is one that I’ve looked forward to for a long time and one that I will value and approach with enthusiasm every day to help build the legacy of Audacy Cleveland.”
The one-hour show is live weekdays from 6:00 -7:00 pm. WGCH covers Fairfield County, CT as well as neighboring Westchester County, NY. The station serves the community with extensive local news, sports and talk programming. Boyer tells TALKERS, “My show will be fast paced, very informative, full of joy and very uplifting, for my listeners.” Boyer hosts two other syndicated shows – “Cannabis Talk A-Z” and “Frankie Boyer Radio.” For more information contact 508-878-1782 or 
He will report directly to PodcastOne’s president Kit Gray and will leverage his industry expertise to expand internal sales and publishing synergies, increase talent revenues and the company’s prominence with both media buyers and content creators. 
Departments, sheriff of Bernalillo County, head of public safety for the State of New Mexico under Governor Gary Johnson. Cumulus Albuquerque vice president and market manager Jeff Berry states, “I am SO excited for Darren’s return to Cumulus Albuquerque as program director. His passion for radio and vision for the future are contagious. We are fortunate to have someone with his background re-join our industry in a leadership position. Welcome home, Darren!” White comments, “I am honored to accept the position of program director for News Radio KKOB and KNML the Sports Animal, and I am humbled by the confidence Cumulus Media has placed in me for this exciting new challenge. Having been a part of Cumulus for over a decade, I have seen firsthand the incredible dedication and talent of the teams at both stations. With a proven history of delivering provocative, engaging, and informative radio that is second to none, I look forward to building on that legacy by attracting new listeners and continuing to bring dynamic programming to our loyal radio family.”
philanthropist Harry Hurley, has raised more than $1.4 million for worthy causes across New Jersey and beyond. It has become one of the most important annual civic events in the Garden State drawing 270+ guests including government officials, media representatives and community-minded business leaders. The gala will be at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Harrison says, “This is a huge honor and I’m looking forward to addressing this distinguished event with observations about the media’s position at the crossroads between politics, journalism and changing social norms.” Hurley tells TALKERS, “Our special event will be taking place four weeks before one of the most consequential national elections in American history… arguably, the most important election since the Civil War era. It deserves to have a keynote speaker as even-handed and eloquent as Michael Harrison.”
“Citizens United is thrilled to join with SalemNOW, America’s leading online destination for conservative documentaries, in presenting our newest feature – Trump’s Rescue Mission: Saving America.” SalemNOW general manager Robert Ellis adds, “It’s a privilege for SalemNOW to offer another incredible and important film from David Bossie and his team at Citizens United.”
regular and postseason games, as well as select Spring Training games. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “As we gear up for another Red October, we’re excited to announce our continued partnership with the Phillies. The Phillies are synonymous with this city’s great sports culture, and we’re proud to continue serving as the home for Phillies faithful – from every pitch throughout the season to yearlong updates and headlines surrounding their favorite team.”
FNN is looking for someone who brings excitement, passion, and interest in providing federal and industry executives with news and information about the policies, people and programs that drive the mission of the federal government. The ideal candidate MUST have knowledge of, and high degree of interest in, information technology, acquisition, human resources, financial and program management as they operate within the federal government. The current managing editor and anchor of the Federal Drive, Tom Temin, is retiring in April 2025 after 17 years of leading the program and more than 45 years in journalism. For this position, experience in developing ideas, conducting, and managing interviews is strongly preferred, but consideration will be given for the right person with the right background in federal issues. The host is primarily responsible for show content and adherence to Federal News Network editorial niche of serving federal employees and contractors. Federal News Network (first called WTOP2), the world’s first, Internet-only, all-news radio station was created in February 2000 with a focus on the federal community. Federal News Network is owned by Hubbard Radio. Federal News Network can be heard on a clear channel 50,000 watt station on 1500 AM. If you are interested in applying, contact Federal News Network executive editor 
news network’s primetime lineup at 8:00 pm ET, debuting on October 8. For the past four years, Finnerty has been co-host of Newsmax’s “Wake-Up America” morning program with Sharla McBride. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy says, “Rob has demonstrated success in our morning show and connects with our audience in a powerful way, and we believe he will continue that success in primetime.” Finnerty comments, “For far too long cable news has been a monolith – with very few options available to the American people, but Newsmax is proof that the model is changing, and I feel incredibly honored to be a part of that change. Ever since I got here, Newsmax has kept growing and growing, which is amazing for this industry. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to Newsmax and its team led by CEO Chris Ruddy.” Pictured here is Rob Finnerty as a special guest speaker at TALKERS 2024. 
pm, New York City time, on October 4, 2024, unless further extended. The Settlement Date has been extended to October 8, 2024, unless further extended. The extension was granted at the request of certain key holders of the existing 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 to amend their relative participation in the Tender Offer and the Exchange Offer. As of 5:00 pm on September 30, 2024, approximately 93% of outstanding Existing Notes have been submitted for tender or exchange in the Offers. The Company anticipates that after accommodating this request the total number of Existing Notes tendered or exchanged by the requesting Holders will remain unchanged.
has amassed “a combined 12 million subscribers across platforms. ‘The Benny Show’ has become a go-to platform for the next generation of news consumers and creators alike. The program features commentary and exclusive interviews with special guests including presidential candidates, world leaders, cultural icons and Hollywood actors.” Under Westwood One’s leadership, the Cumulus Podcast Network distributes, markets, and monetizes “The Benny Show” exclusively with this new partnership. WWO president Collin R. Jones says, “As the Cumulus Podcast Network further expands into video, ‘The Benny Show’ is a natural addition to our portfolio of personality-driven talk shows. Benny is well known on YouTube as a strong and independent voice in conservative talk. He challenges mainstream opinions with cutting-edge insight and straightforward questions, capturing both listeners and partners with his streamlined, frank approach.”
and Fort Myers. Stacie Waldrop, who has been serving as the digital sales manager for Beasley’s Tampa-based radio cluster, is promoted to RVP of digital sales in which she’ll oversee digital sales for the Fort Myers market in addition to Tampa. And Randy Cable, formerly the director of sales for Beasley’s Fort Myers radio cluster, is promoted to regional director of sales in which he’ll oversee all sales operations for both the Tampa and Fort Myers markets. Beasley regional VP Ron deCastro says, “I am excited to announce these well-deserved promotions. Randy, April, and Stacie each bring unique skill sets that will greatly enhance our ability to serve the needs of advertisers and listeners in both markets.”
featuring Brady Quinn, LaVar Arrington and Jonas Knox. The program will continue to air in the network’s 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET weekday timeslot on 380 stations nationwide. FSR and iHeartMedia executive Don Martin and Scott Shapiro say in a statement, “We’re so proud of what this trio has built with ‘Two Pros and a Cup of Joe.’ The unique combination of these dynamic personalities has created one of the most fun and entertaining sports morning shows, and we continue to hear excellent feedback from advertisers, affiliates and listeners alike. They are the perfect kickoff to our weekday lineup, and we look forward to extending our relationship for years to come.”
Colleen Williams, news anchor at KNBC, Los Angeles and KBIG, Los Angeles morning personality Valentine. BFoA says the purpose of the Media Mixers is to 
Jackson, Jr. is hosting the new weekly podcast “No-Contest Wrestling” with co-host TJ Jefferson the show combines Jackson’s and Jefferson’s unique takes on sports entertainment by interviewing the biggest stars, going behind the scenes with untold stories from the world of wrestling. The second show is “The Jim Jackson Show,” hosted by two-time All-American and 14-year NBA veteran Jim Jackson. In this show, Jackson covers basketball from the college game to the highest levels of the NBA. Eisen says, “I’ve been in a constant search for new, fresh, thought-provoking, and entertaining voices to add to our growing podcast business, and I’m thrilled to add both O’Shea Jackson, Jr. and Jim Jackson to the roster.”
WOR, New York morning co-host Michael Riedel returned to the airwaves yesterday morning (10/1) after a camping trip to North Carolina that turned into a rather harrowing experience due to Hurricane Helene. 
Riedel arrived in North Carolina last Tuesday and learned from his group’s guide that the forecast was rain for the entire duration of their trip. At that point, no one connected the rain with the hurricane, however. When their time on the mountain first began, Michael and his fellow hikers may have thought their near run-in with a bear was going to be the craziest part of their trip, but after two days of near-steady rain, Riedel’s group’s guide made the decision to end the hike and come down the mountain to seek safety. “The guide said if we don’t get down to the road…the river is going to flood and we will be trapped,” Riedel told his co-host Len Berman and morning news anchor Larry Mendte. “[But] all of the little streams and the creeks that we crossed on the way up…were now raging torrents of water, and we had to find places to cross. And when we crossed the streams, we all had to, like, hold on to each other to form a chain so that the water wouldn’t wash us away…and we had to do that three times.” Even though they were without electricity, internet, or phone service and had virtually no food and were down to just four bottles of water to share among 10 group members, Riedel and his group found a bed and breakfast in downtown Asheville that despite calls for evacuation was willing to take them in. “You know, I have to say I was very lucky,” Riedel reflected. “There was a woman who worked [there who] took water from the Creek behind the B&B and… made vegetable soup [using vegetables from their garden]…to feed us.” Ultimately, after three days of being stranded, Riedel was able to share a ride to the airport with another guest at the bed and breakfast and landed back at LaGuardia airport Monday evening (9/30). Talk about home sweet home. To hear more about Riedel’s adventure, 
Heavy Hundred mainstay Mark Levin will host an original content series. Yael Eckstein, president/CEO of The Fellowship, will serve as co-host of the series and lend insight from her expertise as a resident of Israel. The series will explore Jewish cultures and tradition, the significance of Judeo-Christian values, the historical hatred of Jews through the centuries, and the centuries-old cycle of violence that led to the devastating attacks on October 7th. The series will feature four episodes in 2024. “I am very excited about our new podcast partnership with The Fellowship,” said Levin. “It is a fantastic organization with a wonderful mission and a truly righteous group of people, from the president and CEO Yael to her dedicated team.” Ekstein tells TALKERS, “At a time when the world seems to have once again turned on Israel and the Jewish people, I feel so blessed to partner with Mark Levin – a strong voice for Israel,” adding, “Together, as we discuss and find inspiration in how Israel is standing up for democratic societies around the world, we are continuing to build bridges of understanding to help combat the terrifying rise in global anti-Semitism.” The four episodes will be released on 10/2, 10/23, 11/20, and 12/18.
Like you, my guideposts come from innovators, leaders in our business. These are the words I “work” by every day that have led to consultant and host success.
Focusing on being a trusted guide to podcast discovery, Podcast Radio features a diverse lineup of curated podcasts across various genres, with presenters, giving listeners in Minnesota an expanded radio experience. The station was the first Podcast Radio affiliate to feature dedicated genre hours, including business, true crime, comedy, and musical conversation. According to sources at Podcast Radio, “This genre-based scheduling allows listeners to enjoy expertly curated content that aligns with their interests, delivered through our innovative platform and partnership with Local Radio Network (LRN).” Gerard Edwards, CEO of Podcast Radio, tells TALKERS, “We are excited to have Podcast Radio on in Minnesota. Our genre-based scheduling allows us to offer something for every listener, while using the trusted radio format to connect audiences with the world of podcasts. Alpha Media has been an incredible partner, and we look forward to expanding our presence.” Podcast Radio Minnesota joins Podcast Radio Missouri, broadcasting in dayparts on KREI-AM (Farmington), KWIX AM/FM (Moberly) and KJFF (Festus). Podcast Radio also has four 24/7 stations with Beasley Media Group in Detroit, the Carolinas, Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. For more information on how to bring Podcast Radio to your station, contact Gerard Edwards — gerard@podcastradionetwork.com — or send general questions to