Industry News

MIW Names McNally 2026 Operations Mentee

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation announce that Eunice McNally is the 2026 mentee for the MIW NABLFimg LAUNCH Program. McNally currently serves as broadcast operations manager for Townsquare Media in Texas. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Eunice is exactly the kind of emerging leader LAUNCH was built to champion. Her hands-on operations experience at Townsquare and iHeart, paired with a learner’s mindset and obvious passion for the craft, signal real leadership potential. We’re excited to provide the mentorship, access, and support that will help her accelerate the next stage of her career.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/15)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Judge Blocks Shutdown Layoffs
    2. ICE Raids in Chicago
    3. SCOTUS Hears Voting Rights Act Arguments
    4. Israel-Hamas Accord Aftermath
    5. CIA Operations in Venezuela
Industry News

News Organizations Band Together Against Pentagon Media Requirements

The Department of War is asking news organizations to sign an agreement to adhere to strict reporting procedures – including a ban on reporting on classified information – to have access to Pentagon officials and, in an unusual show of solidarity in these times, ABC News, CBS News,img CNN, FOX News Media, NBC News, and Newsmax are declining to sign the agreement. A joint statement from ABC News, CBS News, CNN, FOX News Media, and NBC News says, “Today, we join virtually every other news organization in declining to agree to the Pentagon’s new requirements, which would restrict journalists’ ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues. The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections. We will continue to cover the U.S. military as each of our organizations has done for many decades, upholding the principles of a free and independent press.” Newsmax adds, “We are working in conjunction with other media outlets to resolve the situation. We believe the requirements are unnecessary and onerous and hope that the Pentagon will review the matter further.”

Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Talk Host Mo’ Kelly Out in iHeart RIFs

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that as the nationwide reduction in force taking place at iHeartMedia is claiming evening talk host Mo’ Kelly, his producer Tawala Sharp, and station imaging director Clay Roe. Columnist Richard Wagoner writes that in initial reports, ratings had been cited as the cause for the changes but says he doesn’t believe that to be the case. “Rather,img it appears that allowing the former programmer to resign, firing half the news department, and pulling back on advertising and marketing didn’t work the ratings magic they originally had hoped for. In my opinion, KFI has seemed rudderless since Robin Bertolucci left the programming spot last November. The current programmer Brian Long, meanwhile, is also in charge of KLAC (570 AM) and KEIB (1150 AM), but with no time, a limited budget, and a decimated news department, the result is what it is. I don’t blame him at all. For his part, O’Kelly is keeping it positive, posting on Facebook, ‘All jobs end. It is not our lives or our health. Perspective is paramount. There is nothing to be sad about here. I’m genuinely excited for the future.’” Kelly is ranked #83 in the TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred. See the Daily News piece here.

Industry News

A.J. Mansour Ousted from KFAN After 18 Years

A piece in Bring Me the News reveals that iHeartMedia Twin Cities sports talk KFAN has let A.J.img Mansour go as part of the company’s nationwide reduction in force. Mansour has been with the station for the past 18 years, most recently as senior executive in audio and digital marketing. He posted to social media, “What a ride it’s been. From creating dynamic content and marketing some of the biggest brands and personalities in the Twin Cities, to leading teams, driving revenue, and collaborating with some of the most talented people in media, I’ve learned, grown, and had an absolute blast along the way.” Read the Bring Me the News piece here.

Industry News

Two Named to KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame

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Audacy’s KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia inducts two of its most respected and recognizable voices into the KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame. Reporter/anchor John Ostapkovich and business editor/anchor Vince Hill were selected by their peers and colleagues to join the roster of “journalists who have shaped the legacy of trusted news in the Philadelphia region.” Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “This recognition speaks to the legacy of excellence that John and Vince have helped build at KYW Newsradio. Their voices have been a trusted part of daily life in the region for decades, and their dedication to storytelling, accuracy and integrity continues to resonate across our newsroom.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Yadgaroff, Hill, Ostapkovich, and KYW assistant brand manager Tom Rickert.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Davis to SVP of Programming in Minneapolis

iHeartMedia announced today that Rich Davis is promoted to SVP of programming forimg Minneapolis and program director of KEEY FM. The Twin Cities cluster of stations includes news/talk KTLK and sports talk KXFM-FM “KFAN.” This move comes as Gregg Swedberg transitions to a new strategic advisor role with the company. Davis says, “When I first got to KDWB in 1997 I never dreamed I’d one day get the chance to take over for the legendary Gregg Swedberg. I hope to make him proud and continue our success with these amazing teams and brands in the Twin Cities.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/14)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Federal Firings
    2. ICE Raids
    3. Israel-Hamas Peace Accord
    4. Deadly U.S. Boat Strike
    5. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
Industry News

WHYY and Penn State Agree to Deal to Save WPSU-FM

After declining a proposal last month that would have required Penn State University to pay $17.6 million to transfer public media outlet WPSU-FM, State College, PA to Philadelphia’s public media firm WHYY, a new deal has been approved by the school’s trustees that will allow WPSU-FM to avoid shutting down at in June of next year. After last month’s failed transaction, Board of Trustees chairmanimg David Kleppinger says the school received a lot of public comments expressing concern about the loss of the station. As reported by Penn State, the new proposed transition includes commitments for WHYY to operate WPSU for at least three years after the transfer and to offer existing WPSU employees the opportunity to apply for comparable positions. Penn State also plans to transfer endowments and gifts designated for WPSU to WHYY. The story says, “Penn State will not be required to provide additional subsidy funds as previously negotiated. Rather, WHYY will first secure at least $8.36 million in outside financing. WHYY president and CEO Bill Marrazzo said that effort is already well underway and that PSU alumni are making contributions.”

Industry News

KXEL-AM Broadcasts “Iowa’s Roast & Ride” Veteran’s Benefit

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NRG Media’s news/talk KXEL-AM, Waterloo/Cedar Rapids, Iowa broadcast from the 10th annual “Iowa’s Roast & Ride” at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Saturday (10/11). The event is sponsored by Mission Iowa to support Iowa-based veterans causes. Pictured above is KXEL host Jeff Stein (left) with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (right). Stein broadcast a 90-minute program prior to the event that included special guests Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, as well as state GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann and representatives from Blue Star Mothers of Iowa. Stein says, “It was our privilege to be invited by the organizers again this year to share the excitement of the event with our audience. The only thing we couldn’t share with them was the tasty Iowa pork sandwiches, and I did my best to represent listeners at the buffet line, as well.”

Industry News

Phil Hendrie Makes Off-Broadway Debut

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Pictured above is the cast of the Off-Broadway play, The Pitch, in which Premiere Networks star Phil Hendrie (center) plays the intimidating IRS agent Mel. Premiere Networks and Hendrie recently announced reuniting and partnering on his long-running podcast, “The World of Phil Hendrie” that features a modern-day satirical view of the world through the eyes of Hendrie and his multiverse of characters.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/13)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Israel-Gaza Peace Accord
    2. Government Shutdown / Federal Firings
    3. ICE Raids / ‘Fat’ Guardsmen Fired
    4. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
    5. Zelensky & Trump to Meet at White House
Industry News

Salem Amidst Companywide Reduction in Force

Last week, Salem Media Group began a round of companywide layoffs that include staffers at radio stations across the country. KLUP-AM, San Antonio program director Barry Besse isimg among those exiting the company and he posted to Facebook: “After 15 years at Salem Media San Antonio and a total of 17 years with Salem as a company I was a part of a massive companywide reduction in workforce. Over the years Salem has tried its best not to have a reduction in workforce but like most corporations it had to happen. I’m not bitter or angry I understand how this business works. I was proud of the work I did for Salem Media Group and even prouder to have worked with the people I did.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Podcasting Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThe most common mistake podcasters make is assuming the microphone alone creates an audience. Too many would-be hosts hit Record without a clear strategy for WHY they’re doing a show, WHO it’s for, and what makes it DIFFERENT from millions of other podcasts.

Here’s where radio people have an edge. They already understand what makes audio work, fundamentals instructive to pure-play podcasters:

Know your listener. The #1 podcasting error is failing to define the audience. A show that tries to appeal to “everyone” ends up resonating with no one. In radio, you wouldn’t program an AC station to please hard rock fans; the same logic applies here. Create a mental picture of your ideal listener and talk to that person… as an individual. A radio show might have thousands of listeners, but they’re listening one-at-a-time. Podcasting is even more intimate. It’s the opposite of “Hi everybody.”

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Prep like it matters. Many podcasters think conversation is enough. But even the loosest-sounding successful shows are tightly structured. Radio taught you this already: segments, clocks, and story arcs keep things moving. Format your podcast.

Edit ruthlessly. The average podcast listener has thousands of options. Rambling is death. Trimming, pacing interviews, and cutting inside jokes shows respect for your listener’s time. Walking-the-walk, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison takes a mere 44 seconds to explain in this video.

Be consistent. If your show drops sporadically, you won’t build loyalty. Listeners want reliability, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Radio wouldn’t move a morning show around the schedule; don’t do it with your podcast.

Think discoverability. A podcast isn’t a “Field of Dreams” (if you build it, they will come). Great audio needs marketing: social media clips, smart SEO in show notes, cross-promotion, and ideally, visibility on your broadcast platforms.

Make it about them, not you. This is the big one. Too many podcasts are self-indulgent — hosts talking about what interests them. Successful shows flip the script: What does my audience care about, and how can I deliver it in a way only I can?

The bottom line: Radio has invested 100 years doing what podcasting is just learning — creating focused, disciplined, listener-first audio. Bring those habits with you, and you’ll click, while others are still figuring it out.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Audacy Expands Partnership with DC’s Monumental Sports

Audacy and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announce a multi-year extension of their broadcast and content partnership. Some features of the new deal include sports talk WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan” now serving as the flagship station for the NBA’simg Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. “The Sports Junkies” show, which also simulcasts every weekday morning on MNMT, will now be available to watch live and on demand on 106.7 The Fan’s YouTube channel. Additionally, “BMitch and Finlay,” airing daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, will now simulcast on MNMT starting November 3. Audacy Washington DC SVP and market manager Ivy Savoy-Smith says, “We are excited to extend and expand our partnership with Monumental Sports to enhance the listening and viewing experience for fans. Being the flagship station for the Wizards and Capitals solidifies our position as the top destination for D.C. sports fans. Through the expansion of our television and YouTube simulcast, we are creating more dynamic content for our audiences.”

Industry News

Salem’s Pavlich Covering Trump in Israel

imgSalem Radio Network is providing coverage of President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel as headdresses the Israeli Knesset and personally greets Israeli hostages released as part of the Israel-Hamas peace plan he negotiated. Townhall.com editor Katie Pavlich is among six American media members in the out-of-town travel pool accompanying President Trump on Air Force One.  Pavlich will be filing reports as she follows Trump’s schedule.

Industry News

FOX’s Guy Benson Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

FOX News Radio host and FOX News contributor Guy Benson shared a health update toimg listeners describing his recent skin cancer diagnosis. Benson detailed his diagnosis, removal, and treatment process of a melanoma while emphasizing the importance of regular dermatology visits and self-checking for skin abnormalities. You can hear Benson discuss his diagnosis here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/11-12)

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

  1. 1. Hamas Releases Living Hostages
    2. ICE Raids / Illinois Guard Ruling
    3. Government Shutdown
    4. The Economy / China Tariffs
    5. Diane Keaton Dies
Industry News

Mike Gallagher to Broadcast from Israel

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In the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire, Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher is announcing plans to broadcast his nationally syndicated talk show from Israel. “The Mike Gallagher Show” will originate from Jerusalem on October 29, 30 and 31. SRN says the programs will feature interviews with officials from the Israeli Defense Forces, the Netanyahu government, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee among others. Pictured above is Gallagher (right) interviewing International Fellowship of Christians and Jews president Yael Eckstein (left) and getting her reactions to the news of the impending release of the hostages.

Industry News

UPDATE: Conservative Media Factions Fighting Each Other Over Administration Approval

Since TALKERS ran the following story yesterday (10/9), we learned about another angle to this story and have updated it.

There is no unity for the various conservative media outlets fighting for both viewers/listeners and the approval of the Trump Administration. Since 2016 it’s been widely reported that President Donald Trump watches FOX News Channel constantly. But a recent interview with Donald Trump Jr. by Chris Salcedo on Newsmax TV indicates that, at least for the president’simg eldest son, FNC is in the doghouse. Newsmax published an account of the interview which quotes Trump Jr. saying, “Honestly, I don’t watch it anymore because it is so ridiculous. They try so hard to be unbiased that they’re actually biased against conservatives at this point. But this shouldn’t be surprising. These are networks that banned me for two-and-a-half. I’m barely on anymore. I know my father was banned.” However, TALKERS has learned that Donald Trump Jr. appeared on FOX News Channel four times recently – on August 13 and September 3, 11, and 12. He told Salcedo img“FOX’s approach has left conservatives silenced while Democrats and establishment figures get free rein.” The president recently complained about FNC in a post on Truth Social in which he singled out White House correspondent Peter Doocy for talking to Arizona Senator Mark Kelly about his healthcare agenda. He wrote, “Why is Fox News and Peter Doocy putting on Democrat Senator Mark Kelly to talk about, totally unabated or challenged, Healthcare?” SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly recently complained about FOX News Channel’s coverage of Charlie Kirk’s slaying, saying, “It’s really bothering me how FOX News is talking about Charlie, like he was theirs — he wasn’t. It’s a lie. Just stop.”

Industry News

Civic Media Expands News/Talk in Milwaukee Market

Civic Media announces its news/talk outlet WAUK-AM – licensed to Jackson, Wisconsin adds FM translator W262CJ, Milwaukee at 100.3 FM to the station’s broadcast that enlarges its signal in the Milwaukee market. Civic Media adds that in conjunction with FM translator launch onimg October 6, it debuted a new morning program it says is designed specifically for Milwaukee commuters. Civic Media says, “‘All News All Morning’ is hosted by veteran broadcaster Dan Hanni and features a format that syncs with the average commute time in Milwaukee. Every 20 minutes, listeners will hear local news, traffic, sports, and weather, ensuring they stay informed no matter when they tune in during their drive.” WAUK regional president and general manager Chris Moreau comments, “This is a no-frills approach to delivering what people look for in the morning. News and information that they can use to start the day without wading through padding, filler, fluff, and partisan opinion. And they can hear it all within the average commute time in Milwaukee.”

Industry Views

When Satire Stands Its Ground

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgWhen we first covered this case, it felt like only 2024 could invent it – a disgraced congressman, George Santos, selling Cameos and a late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, buying them under fake names to make a point about truth and ego. A year later, the Second Circuit turned that punchline into precedent. (Read story here: https://talkers.com/2024/12/19/jimmy-kimmels-fair-use-victory-what-it-means-for-content-creators/)

And just to clear the record: this has nothing to do with Jimmy Kimmel’s unrelated dust-up with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. Different story, different planet. This one’s about copyright and commentary – and it’s a clear win for both.

The Set-Up

After his expulsion from Congress, George Santos began offering paid video shout-outs on Cameo. Kimmel’s writers sent absurd requests under pseudonyms for a segment called “Will Santos Say It?” – and he did. The show aired those clips to highlight how easily a public figure would say anything for a fee.

(If you want a taste, look up “Jimmy Kimmel Pranks George Santos on Cameo” on YouTube. That’s the kind of transformative satire the court later called “sarcastic criticism and commentary.”)

Santos sued Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for copyright infringement, fraud, and breach of contract, claiming the videos were sold for “personal use.” The district court tossed it; Santos appealed.

The Ruling

On September 15, 2025, the Second Circuit unanimously affirmed the dismissal. The panel said Kimmel’s use was transformative: he turned Santos’s self-promotion into political satire. Even Santos’s complaint described the bit as sarcastic commentary.

Claims of “market harm” fell flat. Airing a few clips on network TV doesn’t compete with Cameo. Embarrassment isn’t economic loss.

And the supposed bad faith – using fake names to order the clips – didn’t undo fair use. The court stuck to the statutory factors: purpose, nature, amount, and effect. Mischief isn’t a fifth one.

The rest of the claims – fraud, contract, enrichment – stayed dismissed as pre-empted or too thin to matter.

Why It Matters

This decision lands as courts wrestle with whether AI’s use of copyrighted works can ever be “transformative.” Santos v. Kimmel shows what that word really means: a human taking existing material and using it to say something new.

Fair use protects meaning, not mimicry. That’s why satire, commentary, and criticism still stand when they have a point.

For media creators, the lesson is simple: transformation beats permission. If you use third-party material, make sure you’re adding perspective – not just recycling content. That, more than any fine print, is what keeps you on the right side of the line.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Report: WPEN-FM to Feature Rotating Co-Hosts for Jon Marks Show

Crossing Broad’s Kevin Kinkead reports that new WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” midday host Jon Marks is announcing the regular appearances of former Fanatic hosts including Harry Mayes and Jason Myrtetus on the program. Marks tweeted that they will be “part of the rotating co-host chair, once or twice a week to start.” See the full story here.

Industry News

Beasley CFO Burrows Resigns, Company Names Greening Chief Accounting Officer

Beasley Media Group reveals in an 8-K filing with the SEC that chief financial officer Lauren Burrows is resigning from the company effective October 17, “in order to pursue other opportunities. The resignation was not due to any disagreement with the Company on anyimg matter relating to its operations, policies, or practices.” Company CEO Caroline Beasley will serve as principal financial officer on an interim basis. At the same time, the company announces the promotion of Shaun Greening to chief accounting officer. Greening joined Beasley in 2000 and has been serving as vice president of financial reporting. Greening joins John Coury, who was recently promoted to corporate controller and director of treasury. Caroline Beasley states, “Shaun brings extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven track record of success to his role. Together with John, their leadership will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth and long-term success.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 6-10, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/6-10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Gaza Cease Fire
  1. 2. Government Shutdown / Furloughs
  1. 3. The Economy / Tariffs
  1. 4. ICE Raids
  1. 5. National Guard Troop Deployment
  1. 6. James Indictment
  1. 7. Comey Indictment
  1. 8. Russia-Ukraine War
  1. 9. Vaccine and Health Care Controversies
  1. 10. Epstein Files / Maxwell Pardon Speculation

                People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  1. 2. Pam Bondi
  1. 3. Letitia James / James Comey
  1. 4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  1. 5. Gavin Newsom / JB Pritzker
  1. 6. Pete Hegseth
  1. 7. Chuck Schumer / Hakeem Jeffries
  1. 8. Mike Johnson
  1. 9. RFK, Jr
  2. 10. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell

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

Industry News

Layoffs Hitting iHeartMedia Stations Across the Country

iHeartMedia has been cutting staff at radio stations across the country and talk hosts are part of this reduction in force. Some of those affected by the cuts include sports talk radio personalities Steve Czaban – who co-hosted the Czabe & Butch program with Brian Butch on theimg company’s WRNW-FM, Milwaukee “97.3 The Game,” and KBME-AM, Houston “SportsTalk 790” morning host Sean Salisbury. Salisbury tweeted, “It’s been a hell of a run the last 8 years [at] SportsTalk 790. I fully understand the financial decisions that corporate has to make. I appreciate the great bosses at iHeart that I got to work with and here in Houston, who have become friends too. Very grateful for good coworkers and the talent you hear daily on the SportsTalk 790 lineup. I’m so blessed to have worked with special teammates/friends on my show every morning, you know my love for you guys!” Also, a victim of this latest round of cuts is Salt Lake City market manager Joyce Wirthlin.

Industry News

SiriusXM Gives Megyn Kelly Her Own Channel

SiriusXM inks Megyn Kelly to a new multi-year deal and as part of the new contract Kelly will headline her own SiriusXM channel. The satcaster calls her program “one of the platform’s mostimg successful political and cultural programs.” The new Megyn Kelly channel will also feature brand-new programming, including the debut of an exclusive daily after-show program. Additional series, shows, and specials will be announced in the coming weeks. Kelly comments, “Linear television news is dead. People can’t stand those stilted, censored conversations anymore, which is exactly why this medium is thriving. I’m thrilled to deliver our bold brand of no-BS news live on SiriusXM and to be expanding my relationship with such a stellar, blue-chip brand and great partner. Soon our listeners will have the Megyn Kelly Channel to enjoy and trust for the conversations and content they love.”

Industry News

Buck Sexton Interviews Taiwan President During Fact-Finding Mission

 

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Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Buck Sexton (above left) is seen here with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (right) during his week-long fact-finding mission to the nation. As part of his trip, Sexton sat down for an exclusive interview with President Lai. The two discussed the rising tensions with China, including Xi Jinping’s expanding military presence in the Taiwan Strait and the South and East China Seas. President Lai also emphasized Taiwan’s growing importance in the global AI race and delivered a direct message to President Donald Trump, urging vigilance and strategic focus. Sexton co-hosts “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” for Premiere Networks.

Industry News

Australian Media Pro Joins New York Festivals Radio Awards Advisory Board

The New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards announces that broadcaster and publisher of radioinfo and Radio Today Australia Steve Ahern joins the New York Festivals Radio Awards Advisory Board. NYFestivals says Ahern “brings more than four decades of leadership,img innovation, and influence across the global audio and broadcasting industry to the Advisory Board. His extensive experience will further strengthen the Radio Awards’ mission to honor groundbreaking storytelling and celebrate excellence across all genres of audio content.” New York Festivals EVP Rose Anderson adds, “Every year, we work with our advisory board and industry thought leaders to make sure that our categories recognize the innovative audio content being created today world-wide and reflect our commitment to the power of the individual voice. With Steve’s addition to the Board, we gain the 360-degree perspective of someone who is on top of all the new developments in the world of sound in our ever-changing and interconnected world.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

AWMF Announces Gracies Call for Entries. The AWM Foundation is now accepting entries for the 51st Annual Gracie Awards. AWMF says, “For over five decades, these awards have celebrated outstanding programming by, for, and about women — while funding scholarships and programs that support the next generation of women in media.” All information related to the Call for Entries including entry descriptions and full list of categories can be found here.

NAB Reveals Marconi Awards Hosts. The National Association of Broadcasters announces today that iHeartMedia’s “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” co-hosts Danielle Monaro and Medha Gandhi will host the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, taking place at The Edison Ballroom on October 21, the evening before NAB Show New York kicks off.  NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Danielle and Gandhi represent everything that makes local radio special — personality, authenticity and a genuine connection with their audiences.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/8)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan
    2. Government Shutdown / Furloughs
    3. FAA Shortages / Flight Delays
    4. Trump Deploys Guard Troops to Chicago and Portland
    5. Katie Porter Campaign Controversy
Industry News

Mark Handwerger to Lead Connoisseur Portland

Connoisseur Media names Mark Handwerger market manager for the Portland station group that includes news/talk KXL-FM. Handwerger has been serving as director of sales for theimg cluster that was recently acquired from Alpha Media. Handwerger, who assumes his new role on October 16, will take over for current market manager Robert Dove, who is retiring at the end of the year and will transition to an advisory role until then. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “Portland is a major part of who we are. It’s a great market with incredible talent and strong brands. Mark’s the right person to lead this next chapter. He understands how to connect with the community and drive results, and that’s exactly what we want in a local leader.”