Monday Memo: Podcasting and Broadcasting
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Listeners now expect what-they-want when-they-want-it. And advertisers want their attention wherever they can get it. So, yes, archiving on-air programming for on-demand consumption has value. Respecting how scarce attention is, this tip: In addition to whole-hour airchecks, offer short, single-topic show excerpts, and title them as obviously as possible. Don’t expect listeners to click-click-click through or sit-through an hour-long aircheck for three great minutes about “How to keep Alexa from spying on you.” So post-and-Tweet that. Otherwise, understand how broadcasting and podcasting are cousins, not siblings.
How podcasting is unlike radio: AM/FM broadcasters’ content is mass-appeal, and locally-oriented. But the best podcast topics are “narrowcast” stuff. And you’re on what we used to call “the Worldwide Web.” So going real narrow is opportune. Example?
Do a podcast about gardening, and you’ll get lost-in-the-weeds. Do one about growing vegetables year-round in a vertical hydroponic garden in a closet and you’ll click.
How successful podcasts are like radio: You’re asking for attention. And with so much competition for it now, that’s a big ask.
That’s where professional broadcasters have an advantage over amateurish podcasters. Best practices that radio has spent 100 years proving are techniques that can earn you habitual listening.
More, including what TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison considers the #1 success factor in podcasting, here: http://getonthenet.com/podcasting.html
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn.
iHeartMedia Tulsa has expanded the reach of 1300 The Patriot (KAKC-AM), “Oklahoma’s home for Real Talk,” to additional platforms. The station is now simulcasting to its new home on 93.5 FM and 106.1 HD2, in addition to its current frequency at 1300 AM and streaming on iHeartRadio. “‘The Patriot’ has become a trusted voice in Oklahoma, and this expansion is a testament to its success,” says JC Lowe, area president for iHeartMedia Tulsa. “By broadening our reach to FM and HD, we’re ensuring that even more listeners can engage with the high-quality talk and news content that ‘The Patriot’ delivers every day.” JJ Ryan, SVP/programming iHeart Media Tulsa adds, “The expansion to FM and HD radio allows our audience to enjoy ‘The Patriot’ on whichever platform they prefer — whether that’s on AM, FM, HD radio, or digitally through iHeartRadio. Regional news director and PD Brian Gann has done an outstanding job in transforming KAKC-AM into a trusted source for both local and national news. We’re proud to continue offering top-tier programming from national personalities including Michael DelGiorno, Glenn Beck, and Clay Travis & Buck Sexton.”
Canceled (WOKV-FM, Jacksonville) Talk Radio Host Returns With Political Podcast “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic!”Radio talk show host and Newsmax TV personality Mark Kaye tells TALKERS that he’s launching an entertaining new political podcast, “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic!”
The new daily podcast and livestream promises to deliver fun and informative takes on breaking news and political headlines. Mark approaches the show with his trademark high energy and quick wit to create what he describes as “a cool atmosphere for all his loyal listeners affectionately called Kayetriots.” Kaye states, “I am beyond excited to create entertaining and informative daily content again. Since I was canceled [by WOKV-FM, Jacksonville], my audience has been struggling to find real news and true conservative values on the radio or anywhere else. This is not just another news podcast. It’s an online world where patriotic Americans come together to get the daily information and inspiration they need to keep fighting for this great country. My listeners and I are going to save the republic and we’re going to have a lot of fun doing it!” The show kicks off this week with live coverage from the Presidential Debate in Philadelphia. “Mark Kaye Saves The Republic!” is produced by Kayetriot Media.
Heidi Harris Inducted Into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame. After 26 years in radio including stints at KXNT and KDWN in Las Vegas, veteran talk show host Heidi Harris was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame this past weekend (9/7). Harris tells TALKERS, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Nevada Broadcasters Association, which works tirelessly on behalf of the broadcasting community, and awards generous scholarships every year to the next generation of broadcasters.” Harris continues to be a trailblazer presenting “The Heidi Harris Show” as an online streaming and video podcast production.
Connoisseur Media tells TALKERS about a variety of significant changes for its Western Connecticut news/talk powerhouse, WICC 600 AM, Bridgeport – changes inspired by the closing of Audacy’s WCBS 880 in adjacent New York City. 
WICC is now “The Voice of Connecticut” expanding its reach by simulcasting on 95.9 FM, previously home to classic rock formatted “The Fox.” This strategic move is designed to strengthen WICC’s position as Fairfield County’s premier source for news, talk, and information. A pivotal part of this transformation is WICC’s new affiliation with CBS News, which will provide national news coverage at the top of every hour. Station officials tell TALKERS, this partnership reinforces WICC’s role as the region’s trusted news source, delivering timely and credible information to the communities it serves. “This rebranding and expansion to 95.9 FM represents a pivotal moment for WICC,” stated Keith Dakin, VP of Programming for Connoisseur Media. “The talent on our team, coupled with our new affiliation with CBS News, will allow us to meet the demand for news and talk programming in Southern Connecticut. We’re excited about this next phase and looking forward to serving a much wider geography and bigger audience.” But, as the saying goes, that’s not all. A new local daytime show from 12:00 noon-2:00 pm ET will be added beginning September 30th hosted by Brigitte Quinn who was the creator, host, and managing editor of “Newsline” on WCBS 880. She was the station’s first female morning-drive anchor and later anchored mornings on 1010 WINS. Quinn’s TV career includes roles at MSNBC, NBC News at Sunrise, and Fox News Channel. Quinn remarks, “Ever since my family and I moved back to beautiful Connecticut, I’ve become a faithful WICC listener. I’m delighted to be joining such a great news/talk radio station, ‘The Voice of Connecticut.’” Quinn’s addition brings WICC’s entire daytime lineup local as she joins talk hosts Melissa Sheketoff 5:00 am -10:00 am, Lisa Wexler 10:00 am-12:00 noon and Paul Pacelli from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. New additions to weekend programming also include Emmy nominee Chef Plum, Mike Cerulli of WTNH, New Haven, and Dave Ruden of the Ruden Report covering local high school sports. The station plans to continue evolving in this direction with one more critical news reporter position to fill. “We invite Fairfield County listeners to tune in to ‘The Voice of Connecticut,’” says Kristin Okesson, SVP of Connoisseur Media Connecticut. 
“Our affiliation with CBS News paired with these exciting changes in programming reinforces our commitment to deliver modern, engaging content and we’re confident that our audiences will appreciate the new ‘voice’ they hear. I’m especially proud that our daytime shows are hosted by four incredibly talented hosts – three of them in particular are outstanding women in their own right.” WICC can be streamed at 
iHeartMedia announced today (9/6) that Jill Strada has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for Atlanta, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Atlanta has six radio stations in the market comprised of talk, news, and music formats. Estrada will be responsible for oversight of all the Atlanta stations. She will report to market president Spencer Bynes who tells TALKERS, “We are thrilled to welcome Jill Strada to the iHeart Atlanta team. Jill has a remarkable talent for launching, developing, and elevating brands in fiercely competitive markets. Her proven track record of success and unwavering dedication to excellence make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team.” Strada joins the Atlanta market from Cox Media Group Miami, where she most recently served as director of operations.
Longtime talk media host, commentator and director of the 
WABC, New York/Red Apple Media owner/CEO John Catsimatidis continues to add intriguing live elements to the lineup of his radio station and leverage them into product for his growing syndication platform, Red Apple Audio Networks. The latest such addition to the station and network is unapologetically controversial political strategist Roger Stone. Since the 1970s, Stone has worked on the campaigns of Republican politicians, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Jack Kemp, Bob Dole, and most recently, Donald Trump. Stone’s show is heard on WABC, Sunday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. The first two hours focus on national and world news and are available to radio stations across the nation via the Red Apple Audio Network. The third hour is specific to WABC and issues focused on the New York area. In making the announcement about his new association with Stone, Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “His insightful commentary on the political landscape and what’s ahead for America will be of tremendous value to our listeners in New York, around the country, and around the world.” Stone adds, “John has done a great job bringing in big names from politics, business, and entertainment and I’m looking forward to enjoying being on the radio, sharing my perceptions about what’s going on in Washington and the world, and connecting with listeners across America.”
Toyota and Lexus Join New Three-Year SiriusXM Subscription Program. 
SiriusXM capability is a standard feature in all Toyota and Lexus models sold in the United States. Now, participating Toyota and Lexus dealerships can choose to add the three-year Extended Service Subscription to new models featuring the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia and Lexus Interface. The three-year subscription’s cost will be added to the vehicle’s purchase or lease price. Vehicles that do not include the three-year Extended Service Subscription will continue to include a standard three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM.
Hubbard Radio’s innovative Twin Cities talk outlet, “myTalk 107.1” (KTMY, Minneapolis-St. Paul) is teaming up with noted filmmaker/author/social activist Justin Baldoni 
and two domestic violence agencies to host a roundtable to discuss the pain and trauma of domestic violence. myTalk 107.1’s Brittany Arneson, Kendall Mark and Colleen Lindstrom will lead the conversation live on the radio from 3:00 to 4:30 pm CT tomorrow (9/5). The program will also be available on demand. Station officials tell TALKERS, the goal of the discussion is “to create an open dialogue to help remove unwarranted shame from victims and bring the issue into the light to work toward a solution.” Justin Baldoni produced, directed, and played a leading role in the film “It Ends With Us” which has brought domestic violence to the forefront,
spurring honest and open conversations about an issue that is too often not discussed. The film has grossed over $275 million worldwide. Joining the conversation will be representatives from two agencies – No More Foundation and Tubman. 
No More Foundation is a national agency with a mission to “end domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.” Tubman is a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based domestic abuse agency with a mission “to advance opportunities for change so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing.” myTalk 107.1 has hosted a series of award-winning roundtable discussions about important issues inspired by current events and pop culture news. Past roundtables have tackled teen suicide, sexual harassment, and transgender issues.
Salem Radio Network talk host (and former political candidate) Larry Elder will host a two-hour Trump/Harris Pre-Debate Special from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern next Tuesday, September 10th prior to the start of the ABC News debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. 
The program will air live on the Salem Radio Network (SRN) and on Salem News Channel (SNC) and will feature analysis and insight from Elder, as well as SRN/SNC talk hosts Mike Gallagher (reporting live from a debate-watching party in Tampa), 
Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Dennis Prager. Additional perspective on the issues facing America in advance of the debate will be supplied by Tony Perkins, president of D.C.-based Family Research Council and host of the weekly Salem Media Group news program, “This Week on the Hill.” Phil Boyce, Salem’s SVP/spoken word formats, tells TALKERS, “Larry Elder’s solid experience as a talk show host – as well as perspective he gained as a candidate for Governor of California and President of the United States – makes him uniquely qualified for this pre-debate special role. His insight and knowledge are unmatched.” 
NOTE: Current SRN Larry Elder affiliates will receive the special as Hour #2 and Hour #3 on Tuesday’s (9/10) program; non-Elder stations wishing to clear the special can contact the Salem Radio Network affiliate representative for their region: East of the Mississippi, 
Michael Berry has been added to Premiere Networks all-star line-up of nationally-syndicated talk talent. Effective October 7, Houston’s top-rated talk show host will be available to stations nationwide on a two-hour weekday evening program. Currently heard on 25 affiliates in independent syndication across the U.S., “The Michael Berry Show” will continue to originate from iHeartMedia Houston’s NewsRadio 740 KTRH in the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm CT weekday timeslot. “The Michael Berry Show” features the colorful radio personality and “Czar of Talk” as he discusses news, politics, and culture with his insightful and straightforward commentary that’s accessible to a broad range of listeners. 
“I’m fired up to join the team that brought Rush Limbaugh, my hero, to America, alongside my talented friends Clay Travis, Buck Sexton and Jesse Kelly, and legends like Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck,” Berry tells TALKERS. “Being a part of the talk radio industry is already a literal dream come true, but being supported and represented by Premiere, the best in the biz, is big time.” “Michael has become one of the top voices in the world of talk radio, and we’re excited to expand his program to even more stations across the country,” said Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. “His relatable style, keen intellect and deep connection with listeners drive success for affiliates and sponsors alike, which are qualities we look for in our syndication partners.” Ranked at a lofty #7 on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, Berry is one of the most original conservative voices in talk media. With a career spanning over two decades, his radio journey began in 2005 with his weekend program, “Michael Berry’s Real Estate Review,” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. His success led to a weekday talk show on Talk Radio 950 KPRC, where he quickly gained a loyal following. During that time, he also hosted various timeslots on KPRC, in addition to serving as operations director for KTRH, KPRC, and KBME from 2007 to 2011. Before his radio career, Berry served as a three-term Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. During his tenure, he was named “Councilman of the Year” by the Houston Police Officers Union. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston, a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, and an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from the University of Nottingham. He has worked as an attorney, real estate developer, and restaurateur. Berry is a passionate supporter of veterans’ causes serving as the national spokesman of Camp Hope, which assists veterans and their families beating PTSD. He does an annual drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and hosts an annual adoption and fostering special, as well as yearly specials focused on mothers, fathers, veterans, law enforcement and teachers. Berry resides in Houston with his wife, former Texas Secretary of State, Nandita Venkateswaran Berry, who hails from India, and their two sons, both of whom were born in Ethiopia. For more information, click here to visit his website. 
Here’s an industry experiment worthy of widespread attention. United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) has launched an exclusive radio “pop-up” station on 98.7FM WEPN, the former home of ESPN Radio in New York City. This past weekend (8/31), the Emmis Corporation station became “TJ98.7: A Pop-Up Station” as a limited engagement, and features an ambitious mix of contemporary programming, including the rapidly growing morning program, “The TJ Show,” hosted by Z100 Alumni, TJ Taormina. 
The innovative project marks TJ Taormina’s return to the NYC radio market with the mission of offering listeners a fresh blend of music and what is described as “joyful talk” content, aiming to redefine what’s possible for the radio experience by blending traditional broadcasting with modern, interactive elements. The station also features voices from YES Network and Inside Edition’s Steve Kamer, and former “Good Day” talk show co-host, Jai Kershner. Radio.Cloud powers the project with its leading-edge cloud-based automation platform, allowing the network to customize local and national content. United Stations COO Charles Steinhauer tells TALKERS, “I want to thank Emmis Corporation for helping us continue our long-standing commitment to fun and new ideas in the audio space. The TJ Show has been growing in each market of operation – it’s unique and joyful and I’m looking forward to the reaction of the NYC audience.” The pop-up station will be available for a limited time. TJ Taormina, is a multi-dimensional radio talent who deserves the attention of talk stations looking for new directions as well as those with music formats. Now reaching over 60 markets, the TJ Show continues to grow and it will be interesting to see how this adventurous experiment develops. For more information, click here 
TALKERS Heavy Hundred mainstay and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Kim Komando, in addition to broadcasting a tremendously successful syndicated show heard on over 510 radio stations, has developed a newsletter titled The Current that has amassed more than 509,000 subscribers. Komando – known as “America’s Digital Goddess” – is the nation’s leading talk media technology specialist and as computerization, social media, AI, VR and other manifestations of the high-tech world continue to gain importance in the lives of people, so has her program grown in pertinence and dominance. Although she has been sending newsletters since the 1990s, Komando tells TALKERS, “This one is different” adding, “It’s a way for me to truly connect with my audience. Today, if you’re not tech aware you are tech left-behind in the dust.” Each morning, The Current goes out to more than 509,000 followers. Kim covers the tech news of the day (focusing only on the news that impacts everyday people), along with her trusted tips and advice. She edits and approves every single issue herself. She says, “In a world of impersonal social media and overproduced advertising, email is a rare opportunity to speak directly to the reader. The inbox is a powerful place to build trust and share important information.” She’s looking to grow The Current from over half a million to a million subscribers. And she’s looking now for other hosts and broadcasters to help spread the word. Through an exclusive affiliate program, Komando is offering fellow broadcasters $1 per subscriber that they send her way. Her team does all the back-end work to track it, and participants get a check each month. Komando states, “Hosts, stations, and shows make money and their audiences find a great new way to keep up with tech. The math is simple: They give me 1,000 subscribers and I send them $1,000!” 
Brett Pomykala Named SVP/Sales for iHeartMedia Washington, DC. It was announced today (9/3) that Brett Pomykala has been named senior VP of sales for iHeartMedia Washington, DC effective immediately. iHeartMedia Washington, D.C. has a strong cross-platform presence and includes an array of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than eight stations comprised of talk, news, and music formats. In this role, Pomykala will manage the sales efforts in Washington, DC reporting to Aaron Hyland, region president for iHeartMedia Washington, DC and Baltimore.
Salem’s Tom Tradup: “There’s a Growing National Appetite for Christian Films Among American Audiences.” Salem Radio Network VP/news and talk programming Tom Tradup (pictured here over the weekend at a showing of “The Forge” with the film’s star Priscilla Shirer) tells TALKERS, “Filmmakers the Kendrick Brothers have created a solid film with a powerful message about how mentoring can turn around the lives of troubled youth in America. ‘The Forge’ is nearing $20 million in box office receipts in only nine days and proves that theatergoers are looking for content beyond just superheroes, car crashes, and rehashed animated features.” SONY/Affirm Films’ “The Forge” logged in at #7 in the top ten films over the competitive Labor Day weekend. “The built-in audience for Christian films makes them much more profitable than multi-million-dollar Hollywood blockbusters,” Tradup adds. He cited 2023’s Erwin Brothers film “Jesus Revolution.” The biographical film about Southern California pastor Greg Laurie premiered in February last year, produced on a slim budget of $15 million, went on to gross more than $54 million dollars.
Veteran Talk Show Host Heidi Harris Gaining Traction with Facebook Page Show. Veteran Las Vegas-based talk show host Heidi Harris (formerly with KXNT, KDWN, in LA as well as KRLA, Los Angeles) has been gaining traction with her independently produced and distributed online version of “The Heidi Harris Show” 
She tells TALKERS, “Last week, retired Metro Traffic Sergeant Tom Page joined me for a chat about traffic stops, which are often the first contact a citizen has with police. What are they allowed to do, and what are you obligated to do during a traffic stop? Get the answers to these and other common citizenship questions here. We’ll be doing more of these informative chats in the coming weeks.” Harris is a past recipient of the Electronic Media Award (EMA) for Best Local Radio Talk Show in Las Vegas as well as being a former member of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred. She’s also an author. Check out her show by 
92.5 FOX News, WFSX-FM, Fort Myers/Naples, FL is looking for an “energetic and experienced” talk host to join their team. The Sun Broadcasting-owned station describes the opportunity as follows: “This isn’t just a job; it’s a golden opportunity to secure your dream role in sunny Southwest Florida. We’re on the hunt for a seasoned broadcaster who can captivate our loyal and massive audience with compelling story-telling skills, unique insights, and a strong grasp of conservative values.” For more information about the opportunity and its benefits along with contact information, please 
WBUR, the leading public radio station in Boston, has named Tiziana Dearing as host of its “Morning Edition” show beginning September 18. Dearing is a familiar voice to the station’s large, loyal audience, currently hosting the midday show, “Radio Boston.” In an article published on the station’s website, it was reported that in an internal announcement yesterday (8/28), WBUR CEO Margaret Low praised Dearing as a “singular talent – an extraordinary host with deep ties to this city and region.” Dearing states she has loved hosting “Radio Boston” and now looks forward to the opportunity to “meet a huge swath of Greater Boston as they get up and start their day.” She said, “It’s a tremendous privilege and it’s a tremendous responsibility.” The transition at one of Greater Boston’s most listened-to radio shows follows the departure of Rupa Shenoy, after she was unable to reach an agreement with the station this summer to extend her contract. Before that, Bob Oakes led the show for nearly three decades. The program features news, commentary and interviews with local, regional, and national officials and newsmakers. An example of the power of public radio, WBUR has jockeyed for first place in the 6:00 am to 9:00 am time slot this year with WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub) among the prized 25-54 age demographic. (Photo by Li Linder.)
Beasley Media Group has announced the official launch yesterday (8/28) of Augusta Today, a new online news site. Augusta Today will focus on local news in, around, and about the Greater Augusta metro area. Developed with the goal of giving people both “the stories they want and the news they need,” the hyper-local publication features established Augusta-area writers and media figures such as Ashley Brown, Austin Rhodes, and Kris Fisher. Augusta Today will be free. “Free and easy – that’s the mantra,” says editor-in-chief Steven Uhles. “We wanted to make sure that these stories were not blocked by a paywall and that our conversations with the community remain unfettered and unencumbered.” Inspired by both the classic daily newspaper model and the more free-wheeling approach of alternative weeklies, Augusta Today has been developed “to educate as well as entertain” featuring breaking local news, sports coverage, lifestyle features and an array of columns. “We all are extremely excited about Augusta Today and what we believe it will mean to this community,” Kent Dunn, VP/market manager of Beasley Media Group tells TALKERS. “We see this as a great addition to our portfolio of radio stations here in the Augusta market and a real extension of our local-first approach to engaging with the community.” To visit Augusta Today please 
Joe Rogan Tops Podcast Ranking in the U.K. Podcaster and media personality Joe Rogan’s popularity is strong on both sides of the Atlantic. This is according to Edison Research in releasing the Top 25 Podcasts in the UK based on reach for Q2 2024 among weekly podcast listeners age 15+. Remaining in the same rank order in the top three are “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett,” and “Sh**ged Married Annoyed.” To see the entire list, please 
Rob Parker’s “Sports Rap Radio” in Detroit Discontinues Broadcasting. According to reports in Barrett Media and Awful Announcing, less than 90 days after launching the country’s first all-Black sports radio station, Rob Parker’s “Sports Rap Radio” is no longer on the air. The groundbreaking format debuted on June 4 on WXYT AM 1270 which FOX Sports Radio host Parker and a group of backers leased from Audacy. On August 27 at 5:00 pm ET, Sports Rap Radio programming was removed from WXYT, with Parker explaining the station’s second round of funding didn’t come through. “Sports Rap Radio, the idea and concept, is viable and serves the underrepresented Black community in sports-talk radio,” Parker said. “I’m proud that we were able to launch the first all-Black sports talk station in this country. I’m proud of the product the staff delivered. But I’m devastated that I couldn’t deliver this for our culture. I failed my people.” Parker had been working on the concept since 2020 taking note of there being no Black full-time sports radio hosts in Detroit. According to the reports, it’s not just Detroit – minority hosts have long been underrepresented by sports radio stations around the country. Only 10-14 percent of the on-air talent on nearly 800 sports radio stations around the country were Black or Hispanic as recently as 2020. Audacy has flipped WXYT back to its BetQL Network.
which he oversees 12 stations across Kansas and Oklahoma and hosts a popular, award-winning show, “The Voice of Reason” on “Big Talker” KQAM. Over the years, this dynamic millennial’s reputation as a talent-on-the-ascent has grown significantly. Heavy Hundred syndicated star Todd Starnes knows that and turns to Hooser as a regular guest-host on his show, receiving positive feedback. He also regularly serves as a guest-host on “Armed American Radio with Mark Walters.” Now Hooser’s “The Voice of Reason” has been launched into national syndication as a two-hour 
weekend show airing live on Saturdays 5:00 – 7:00 pm ET and offered by his own independent Hooser Media Network (distributed via satellite by Salem Radio Network). Hooser tells TALKERS, “There is a great need in the industry for live, fresh, weekend conservative talk programming. Now stations won’t have to wait for Monday to recap breaking stories over the weekend. They can stay informed and up to date with a show discussing the big weekend events, while recapping the conversations of the previous week.” “The Voice of Reason” can be aired live or downloaded for delayed broadcast on Saturday nights or anytime Sunday. For information, call Hooser Media Network at 316-553-0992 or 
acquisition since its founding in 2022. Additionally, The Recombobulation Area founder Dan Shafer is joining Civic Media as political editor. Civic Media says, “The Recombobulation Area has thousands of subscribers, has been read in 50 states and 66 countries and, to date, has reached more than 1.5 million readers. The publication has won 13 Milwaukee Press Club Excellence in Journalism awards in four years for opinion writing, feature stories, multi-story coverage, and public service journalism. Shafer has been active as a radio personality as a regular guest on Civic Media’s ‘Matenaer on Air’ and several other shows.” Civic Media CEO Sage Weil comments, “Dan Shafer and The Recombobulation Area exemplify the type of thoughtful, in-depth, and locally focused reporting that is so important to Wisconsin. We can’t wait to bring his voice to the rest of the Civic Media network, both on and off the air. It is local journalism, with an emphasis on local issues and an understanding of what is important in local communities, that will rebuild trust in our media ecosystem and, ultimately, our democracy.”
Success Stories with Joe Connolly.” The program will highlight local business success stories and air on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is the best business news reporter in New York and a highly trusted source for business intelligence. In the midst of questions about the economy and where it’s going, Joe will find success stories that inspire others. New York radio listeners, especially those who own or run businesses, will benefit from these uplifting interviews.”
presence in the community and offers fans a sneak peek into the magic that happens behind the scenes.” In addition to the ESPN Radio programs “UnSportsmanlike with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon,” “Greenie,” and “Carlin vs. Joe,” the station moves “Theoretically Speaking with Theo Dorsey” to a new, two-hour slot (2:00 pm to 4:00 pm) and debuts “Russo and Rizzo” in the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. GKB market manager Stephanie Prince-Springmyer says, “We are beyond thrilled with what our team has achieved over the last six months. Our growth is a direct result of the passion and dedication our team brings to the table every day. We are committed to delivering top-tier sports coverage to our fans, whether it’s on-air, online, or in the community. We are grateful for the support of our fans and partners and look forward to continuing our impact, both in West Palm Beach and beyond.”
WTKS-FM and news/talk WFLF-AM in Orlando and news/talk WMMB in Melbourne. Copier most recently served the company as metro president in Salt Lake City. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell says, “Orlando/Melbourne is an important market for iHeartMedia with incredible growth potential. Judy is an exceptional leader and has delivered strong results in a number of executive roles. I am confident she will build upon the market’s incredible success and strong reputation with its listeners, advertising partners and the community.”
As an industry, radio has a peculiar modesty. We diminish our magic and power in relating to listeners and colleagues by using the wrong slang terminology. May I suggest new “labelling” of commonly used radio terms?