Salem Radio Network Announces Extensive Coverage Plans for Inauguration
The Salem Radio Network’s twin 24/7 news networks – SRN News and TOWNHALL News – announce extensive plans for upcoming coverage of Donald J. Trump’s Inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. SRN’s White House correspondent Greg Clugston will spearhead live broadcast coverage from the West Capitol beginning at 11:30 am ET on Monday, January 20th. He will be joined by U.S. Senate correspondent Bob Agnew and House correspondent Bernie Bennett covering events leading up to Vice President-elect JD Vance’s oath of office around 11:55 am, followed by Trump being administered the oath at 12:00 noon followed by his Inaugural Address. Live coverage will continue until the day’s ceremonies conclude. In addition to the Inauguration itself, throughout the days leading up to January 20th Salem newscasts will provide analysis and perspective from a variety of contributors including Alfredo Ortiz, CEO of Job Creators Network; SRN News military affairs analyst Col. Robert Maginnis; former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum; and TOWNHALL.com columnist Kurt Schlichter among many others. “Donald Trump’s election on November 5th represents the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States,” states Tom Tradup, SRN VP/news & talk programming, adding “Salem Radio Network’s live Inauguration Day coverage is part of SRN’s ongoing commitment to provide affiliates with Breaking News coverage 24/7.”
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) tells TALKERS they are thrilled to introduce Nikki Kuniej as the first mentee for the non-profit’s newly launched Digital Sales Mentorship Program. As director of digital strategy at Saga Communications’ Charleston Media Solutions, MIW states, “Nikki exemplifies the spirit of this program with her dedication to growth and community service. She brings a passion for driving strategic growth for local businesses.” Beyond her career, Kuniej is deeply involved in her community, serving as a Big Sister and board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. She is active with the Charleston Chamber, where she contributes to the Regional Policy Committee, Thrive Ladies Networking, and the Regional Housing Coalition. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored as a 2023 “One to Watch,” a Charleston Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient, and a 2024 recipient of the RAB’s “Rising Thru the Ranks” award. Supported by its sponsor, Beasley Media Group, this program will provide Nikki with invaluable mentorship from top digital leaders. As the 2024-2025 mentee, Kuniej will engage in monthly coaching sessions with a Digital Mentor and leading digital experts, gaining valuable insights and guidance to drive her career forward. 
“I am overjoyed to be selected as the MIW Digital Mentee,” says Kuniej. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to have personal access to such accomplished and high achieving women for a year. Heading into 2025, I set a personal goal to focus on professional development, and this is the ideal way to start the year.” “We are thrilled to support such an impactful mentoring program that underscores the critical role of digital innovation in our industry,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff adds, “Nikki’s dedication to her professional growth and community service truly embodies the spirit of this mentorship. We’re eager to see the impact she’ll make as she continues to thrive in her career. With leaders like Nikki, the future of radio is promising – and with the support of companies like Beasley Media Group, our ability to offer meaningful mentorship opportunities is stronger than ever.” For more information on all MIW mentorship programs, please visit
the Cumulus Media news/talk station on November 7. Sutton began working full time at the station in 1997. He tells WHTM that he does not plan on retiring. “Tomorrow is the first time in 52 years that I don’t have to work, but I hope that doesn’t last long because I am not retiring. God is in control, and I know there are new opportunities ahead and a new chapter in my life.” Sutton says he and producer Mark McKenzie were dismissed due to budget cuts. 
number of retailers shopped, retailers shopped most often, brand perceptions, and advertising recall have recovered; 2) Brand equity and shopping patterns for the top two performers (AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts) are stable to up. The second-tier players are slightly off; 3) AM/FM radio and podcasts are the ideal platforms to advertise auto aftermarket. TV underperforms with category usage and brand equity: Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners visit more retailers in the category, make more shopping trips, and spend far more than the average. Two key consumer segments, do-it-yourselfers and ultra-heavy shoppers are more likely to be heavy AM/FM radio listeners. TV viewers are weak category users. 
iHeartMedia, first starting in 1992 as chief engineer for the Cincinnati cluster. He was part of the team that created the first version of the iHeartRadio App and worked with Toyota and Ford on the first integration of iHeartRadio. More recently, Littlejohn helped spearhead a modernization of iHeart’s studio facilities and conversion to cloud-based audio systems. iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins says, “There are few people in the industry with the expertise and longevity that Jeff has and we’re grateful for the incredible work he’s done for iHeart. We’ve been fortunate to rely on him for over three decades and I’m so thankful we’ll keep drawing from Jeff in his new consultancy role.” 
been serving the company as market president for the Salisbury, Maryland operations. iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic Area president Brit Goldstein says, “Katie has done incredible work in Salisbury, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and creativity. By adding the Wilmington market to her purview, she will bring her outstanding approach to partnership and innovative solutions to the entire Delmarva Peninsula. I’m excited to see Katie and the team flourish in her expanded leadership role.” 
ESPN Wisconsin programming, including weekly appearances on “The Great Dane Huddle” on ESPN Madison with former Badgers Derek Engler and Tarek Saleh. Good Karma Brands founder and CEO Craig Karmazin says, “Barry’s significance to the Wisconsin sports landscape and to Good Karma Brands can’t be overstated. I would not have visited Wisconsin as a college student and eventually started a company here had it not been for the way he and Pat Richter transformed the Wisconsin football program. To add a teammate with his leadership skills, experience, knowledge, and passion is a huge win for our fans, advertising partners, ESPN Madison, and all of GKB.”
and Howie Carr encouraging listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Once again, the WRKO listeners responded in support of our Veterans. Their generosity provides much needed services for those who sacrificed so much for our country.” Since 2016, the DAV Radiothon has raised over $1,125,000 to benefit veterans in the community.
media producer and host of WCPC’s “Arts Beat” and “On The Mark” serves as producer and host. Auerbach, who survived simultaneous kidney failure, a massive heart attack, and complicated surgery in the last year, tells TALKERS, “As I fought to get back on my feet, friends and total strangers reached out to tell me how they had coped, survived, and moved on. Thanks to great healthcare people and friends, I’m here to tell my story and share others’ stories. We can learn and be inspired, as we see people conquer what appears impossible.” “Survivor Stories,” premiers this Friday, November 15, at 7:00 am on Westfield Community Programming, 89.5 FM WSKB, Southwick Community TV, and Agawam Media. It will be archived on YouTube under WSKB Community Radio.
(11/8) – Bertolucci as program director of heritage giant KFI AM 640, Los Angeles and Martin as EVP of programming, iHeartMedia Sports (which includes FOX Sports Radio) and PD of sports talk AM 570 KLAC, Los Angeles.After nearly a quarter century of exemplary service in these positions,
the ambiguous terms cited for the couple’s simultaneous departure do not mask the general industry observation that they were direct victims of the national radio cutbacks being affected by iHeartMedia as severe cost-cutting measures. Chris Berry, iHeartMedia EVP of news, will assume the role as interim program director of both KFI and KLAC.
Included in the cut – their show’s producer Terry Trahim, after more than 20 years of service to the station.
iHM SVP of programming for the Ohio-West Virginia area and PD /afternoon host of WSPD, Toledo has also been let go.
In San Antonio, although he remains one of the most successful syndicated hosts in American talk radio with a rapidly growing roster of more than 170 stations coast to coast, Compass Media Networks star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo‘s local highly-rated afternoon show of 19 years at his flagship WOAI (where he is a market legend) has been dropped from the lineup as a cost-cutting measure. Pags is one of talk radio’s most notable rising stars and will undoubtedly be okay – but his departure from WOAI is indicative of the wrecking ball nature of these types of budget-cutting measures.
Do you wish you could get in just one more hour of focused work… but your brain won’t cooperate? You’re not alone.
The iHeartMedia Allentown and Reading markets include seven iconic station brands across both broadcast and digital formats, offering a diverse lineup of music, talk and news programming. In her new role, DiMartini will oversee sales, programing, promotions, and operations for both the Allentown and Reading markets. She will report to Brit Goldstein, president of the iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic area. “Lisa is the consummate professional – unflappable, positive, and centered. She has rejuvenated the Allentown market with her unique approach to fostering culture and partnerships,” said Goldstein. “I’m very excited to see Lisa apply her business principles to the Reading market and beyond.” DiMartini most recently served as the VP of sales for iHeartMedia Allentown, where she played a pivotal role in driving growth and fostering innovation. Prior to that, she served successfully as account executive for iHeart Allentown. Her career began at The Morning Call in Allentown and she is a graduate of Millersville University. “I am honored to expand my role to lead both the Allentown and Reading markets,” DiMartini tells TALKERS. “I look forward to working with the talented teams in both locations to drive continued success and growth while delivering value to our partners and listeners.”
DeLusant and Kurtz will report to Bernie Weiss, division president, iHeartMedia. DeLusant and Kurtz will be responsible for managing multiple platforms across New York and Chicago iHeartMedia brands. In these newly appointed positions, both region presidents will work closely with the sales, programming and digital teams for all station brands in the New York and Chicago markets and will also have direct oversight of the respective sales teams. “I’m thrilled to promote both Steve and Adam. It’s especially rewarding to find the best candidates for key leadership roles in your own buildings,” Weiss tells TALKERS. “They’re extremely knowledgeable about our ever-evolving business and have built some of the best media sales teams in the country. I’m confident that they will continue to elevate our New York and Chicago operations to even greater heights and continue to drive revenue.” Prior to his new role, Steve DeLusant has held the position of SVP of sales for iHeart New York since January 2020. 
Earlier in his career, DeLusant was senior account executive for Emmis Communications and a sales associate for WLTW. Adam Kurtz is a seasoned media veteran with 23 years of sales experience at iHeartMedia including 14 years in sales management. Kurtz began his media career at WLIT in Chicago where he was an account executive for nine years.
This presidential election cycle provided a number of insights, revelations, and takeaway lessons for news/talk radio. And by using the term “news/talk radio” I mean all spoken word platforms on the AM/FM dial including commercial, public, educational, and ethnic outlets that provide news, politics, and commentary. They are all RADIO.
Let’s continue our ongoing series of articles about fair use. A recent case highlights fair use considerations in audio media and podcasting, particularly concerning music and short audio clips used in intros, where some creators assume that brief snippets automatically qualify as “fair use.” Legal experts clarify that using a song clip, even if brief, doesn’t inherently meet fair use criteria. Courts have emphasized that fair use hinges not just on brevity but also on factors like purpose, nature, and market impact on the original work. Music clips, even short ones, are often seen as significant portions of the original content, carrying substantial value, making unauthorized use in podcasts or similar formats legally risky.
Journalism is alive and well within certain college radio circles. On Election Night (11/5), the WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM student broadcast team hosted live coverage from the Searle Center on Hillsdale College’s campus in Hillsdale, MI and invited students, faculty, and staff to attend and watch election results roll in and listen to analysis. Student anchors were joined by the presidents of Hillsdale College Republicans and Hillsdale College Democrats, three members of the Hillsdale faculty, a candidate for the Michigan State House, a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, and reporters from the Detroit News, the Daily Caller, the Center Square, and the Daily Signal. Back at the WRFH studios, the station’s news team worked to update listeners with results from state and local races all night long. More than 200 people came out to the broadcast in action. WRFH GM Scot Bertram tells TALKERS, “It was a home-run event! Students work hard to prep for this quite unpredictable night. There’s an enormous amount of planning and research involved to set everything up. Then the night unfolds, and they realize it’s a ton of fun, as well. I’ve heard from more than a few students who took part in our previous Election Night events that it’s one of their best experiences on campus and really drew them deeper into the journalism program here at Hillsdale.”
The Broadcasters Foundation of America has launched its annual Year-End Giving Campaign, which seeks to raise donations from tax-deductible personal contributions to the Guardian Fund and corporate contributions to the Angel Initiative. The Broadcasters Foundation, a 501c3 charity, is the only charity devoted exclusively to helping colleagues who are in dire need of monthly or emergency financial assistance due to life-altering illness or a disaster. “We are devoted exclusively to providing aid to colleagues in broadcasting who are suffering from extreme illness, or hardship from a devastating disaster,” stated Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation. “We also take care of colleagues who have retired. Grants are supported solely by contributions from individuals and companies within our industry and offer a ‘hand-up’ to our colleagues during trying times. We’re asking everyone in broadcasting to please consider including the Broadcasters Foundation in your 2024 charitable giving.” Over the past 20 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has distributed over $15 million in aid to colleagues nationwide, across all states and territories, who need it most. “Requests for aid continue to grow exponentially as more of our peers and their families are affected by severe illness or disasters, such as the recent flurry of destructive hurricanes,” explained Scott Herman, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Whether it’s a monthly grant or one-time aid in response to an emergency, the Broadcasters Foundation is often a refuge and beacon of hope for colleagues whose lives have been upended by unforeseen and tragic circumstances. Please consider a donation. Donations go directly to helping our colleagues who are in desperate need.” For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit 
These episodes feature Chachi’s special guests Al Roker, longtime weatherman on NBC’s The Today Show and co-anchor of the iconic morning show’s third hour, and Patsy Smullin, owner/president of California Oregon Broadcasting, and host of the successful television interview series, Up Close and Personal. Roker and Smullin will be among those honored next week as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City. To listen to these new “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast episodes, please 
more than 10,000 employees, a source with knowledge said, amounting to hundreds of job losses as the company streamlines its business and eliminates redundancies. The story also quotes iHeartMedia spokesperson Wendy Goldberg, saying the company has focused on expanding its Gen Z audience and that its broadcast radio audience has “more listeners than it did 10 years ago. Although in a company of 10,000 people very few jobs have been affected, there have been some and we never take this step lightly no matter how few jobs it entails; every team member is important to us and has our respect and appreciation.”