Anticipation of last night’s presidential debate and coverage thereof topped the list of yesterday’s topics followed closely by the economy. Abortion, gun control, the migrant crisis, the Israel-Hamas war, the Russia-Ukraine war and climate change were also some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/10), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
PodcastOne Names Steve Lehman Vice Chairman. PodcastOne – a leading podcasting platform – announced today (9/10) the appointment of Steve Lehman as its vice chairman, focusing on helping the firm drive both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, as well as advising its senior management with regard to mergers and acquisitions efforts, as well as overall strategy and increasing its shareholder value. Lehman will leverage his extensive background in business and finance having headed both Nasdaq and NYSE companies, as well as start-up businesses in the media, entertainment, and tech industries. “We are pleased to welcome Steve Lehman to PodcastOne. His unique knowledge of content and media, and his successful track record and history in merger, roll-up, and consolidation, perfectly aligns with PodcastOne’s strategy and vision for its long-term growth. We continue to launch new revenue channels with high margins atop of our existing strong infrastructure, and we look forward to leveraging Steve’s experience, leaning into his expertise and relationships as PodcastOne further builds its global brand,” said company president and co-founder, Kit Gray.
Dylan Douglas to Host New Gen Z Political Program Exclusively for SiriusXM’s Progress Channel. 
SiriusXM announced today the launch of a new “limited engagement” political program, “Young American with Dylan Douglas,” designed to engage Gen Z and other young listeners during the run-up to the highly-anticipated November elections. Starting September 14, “Young American with Dylan Douglas” will air every Saturday at 11:00am ET on SiriusXM’s Progress channel 127, with replays throughout the weekend. Douglas, a ‘22 graduate of Brown University has spent much of his young adult life working on political campaigns and grassroots movements, including as a deputy campaign manager for a high-profile congressional race. Despite growing up as the son of Academy Award-winning actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dylan has to this point chosen to work mainly behind-the-scenes in the political world. He’s now stepping in front of the microphone because he feels strongly that his generation needs to play a more active and integral role in shaping the future of the country. Douglas will focus on topics that will be driving young voters to the polls in this year’s election, including some of the defining issues of his generation, such as reproductive rights, climate change, gun control, and much more. He will also speak with politicians and activists to exchange ideas on how Gen Z and politicians can work together to address issues and reach goals that are important to young Americans. Dylan will also regularly engage with his social media followers, including on Instagram, and have them submit questions and topics they’d like him to ask our nation’s leaders.
The annual Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 (GRC2024) has announced that it will be held at the historic Gallier Hall in New Orleans from September 26 to 29, with the theme “Using Our Platforms to Protect Democracy.” Local New Orleans radio stations 102.3FM WHIV-LP and 99.1FM WXDR-LP are hosting the event with a consortium of other local nonprofit radio stations, including WRBH (radio for the blind), WAMF-LP, WTUL and HOWL (Loyola University’s new online radio station). The GRC2024 will be a gathering of community radio stations, independent media outlets, and grassroots organizations nationwide. It is a networking, learning, and collaboration space in independent media. The conference’s stated mission is to empower and amplify diverse voices often marginalized by mainstream media. “We are thrilled to bring the Grassroots Radio Conference to New Orleans this year,” said Liana Elliott, co-founder of host radio station 102.3FM WHIV-LP and GRC2024 co-chair. “As a city with such a rich history of activism and community organizing, we feel that New Orleans is the perfect location to explore how grassroots media can protect our democracy.” The conference will feature workshops, panels and discussions on various topics, including media ethics, diversity and inclusivity in media, fundraising strategies for independent outlets and more. The agenda will include keynote speeches from Thom Hartmann, host of the Thom Hartmann Show and named by TALKERS the nation’s #1 progressive talk show host for over a decade; David Sirota, founder of The Lever and campaign writer for Bernie Sanders in 2020; Monica Pierre, Emmy award-winning journalist and author of several books; Sam Seder, actor, left-wing political commentator, media host; Wade Rathke from ACORN and WAFM-LPFM; and Wajahat Ali, author of Go Back To Where You Came From: And, Other Helpful Recommendations on Becoming American. “The Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 aims to address systemic oppression and amplify the voices of marginalized communities in our efforts to protect democracy,” said co-founder of host radio station 102.3FM WHIV-LP and GRC2024 co-chair Dr. MarkAlain Déry. “This conference is not just about protecting our democracy but also about creating a more just and fair society for everyone.” Registration for the conference is now open.
Anticipation of tonight’s presidential debate topped the list of yesterday’s topics followed closely by the economy. Gun control, the migrant crisis, the Israel-Hamas war, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Tyreek Hill detainment were also some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/9), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
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.
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.
Beasley Broadcast Group Launches Exchange Offer, New Notes Offer, Tender Offer and Consent Solicitations Relating to Existing Notes. Beasley Broadcast Group is offering, to people who hold its current debt, the opportunity to exchange their existing debt for new debt with slightly better terms, as well as some shares of the company’s stock. The company is also giving an option for those debt holders to sell part of their debt for cash, though at a lower price than its original value. Beasley hopes this will help improve its financial situation by reducing its debt and extending the deadline for paying it off. Most of their debt holders are already on board with this plan.
FOX Weather Debuts Sports Weather Video Podcast. FOX Weather meteorologists Ian Oliver and Steve Bender are debuting a one-of-a-kind sports weather video podcast entitled “Storming the Field” today (9/6). The podcast, which will air each week during the NFL season, will be made available on FOXNewsPodcasts.com, FOX Weather’s YouTube page and stream Friday nights on FOX Weather from 11:00 -11:30 pm ET. Featuring FOX Weather’s exclusive Risk of Weather Impact (ROWI) forecast, Oliver and Bender will break down how the weather will affect each week’s top NFL games and players. They will be joined by a special guest to preview each game, detail how the teams will handle the elements and explain the impact weather will have on the fan experience, fantasy football and sports betting. Free agent NFL running back Melvin Gordon III is Oliver and Bender’s guest on today’s first episode.
The presidential race including claims of Russian interference is #1 this first week in September followed by the tragic Georgia school shootings at #2. Tied at #3 are Donald Trump’s legal issues and Hunter Biden’s plea change. #4 is the economy, inflation, and the job report. #5 is the migrant crisis. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
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.”
The New York Festivals® 2025 Radio Awards competition is officially open for submissions. The New York Festivals Radio Awards offer a platform to celebrate creative storytellers from around the world. NYF has recognized both innovation and exceptional quality in broadcast audio content across all genres and platforms since 1957. “This year, we are thrilled to announce the debut of multiple new categories for fiction and nonfiction reflecting the ways today’s audio storytellers are encouraging audiences everywhere to tune in and stay engaged,” said Rose Anderson, EVP and executive director, New York Festivals. “They join our existing categories for Sound Art, Audio Books, Podcasts, and Social Justice.” Always at the forefront of the evolving global landscape of audio content creation, the 2025 Radio Awards has kept pace with global industry trends and introduced seven new categories further showcasing the wide range of talent and creativity that drives the industry. The entry deadline for the 2025 Radio Awards competition is January 31, 2025. To enter the 2025 Radio Awards please visit: HERE, for additional information visit: Rules and Regulations and 2025 Radio Awards categories.
National Blood Donation Week. Yesterday (9/4) was National Blood Donation Day in America and this is National Blood Donation Week (9/1-9/7). Las Vegas-based TMN syndicated and TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs was instrumental in creating these established annual events during which governors across the U.S. unite to help generate blood donations and raise awareness in support of the nation’s blood banks. A former recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, she is pictured above giving blood while being interviewed yesterday by media personality Everett Cardwell on Las Vegas TV station KSNV channel 3. Drives are being held across the country and can be found by visiting the American Red Cross website. For media inquiries, or to arrange an interview, please contact Dr. Daliah Wachs at doctordaliah@hotmail.com or (702) 279-4123.
Toyota and Lexus Join New Three-Year SiriusXM Subscription Program. 
SiriusXM today (9/5) announced that Toyota is now participating in its new three-year Extended Service Subscription program designed to empower automakers and dealerships in the United States to deliver even more value to new-vehicle buyers. Through this program, participating Toyota and Lexus retailers across the nation are now able to include the Extended Service Subscriptions to SiriusXM’s leading audio entertainment services with the purchase of select new vehicles, expanding the Toyota and Lexus Connected Services features available for customers while providing flexibility in payment options. 
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.
iHeartMedia New York and Charlamagne Tha God in Partnership with Mental Wealth Alliance. iHeartMedia New York and media mogul Charlamagne Tha God, in partnership with Mental Wealth Alliance, will celebrate World Mental Health Day by hosting the fourth annual Mental Wealth Expo on October 12, 2024 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm ET at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York City. The free event will feature experts on everything mental health, panels, live podcasting and breakout rooms, including MEternal addressing the complexities of the Black maternal health crisis.
The horrific Georgia school shooting topped the list of yesterday’s topics followed closely by the presidential race. Donald Trump’s ongoing legal issues, the economy, the migrant crisis, the Israel-Hamas war, and the Russia-Ukraine war were also some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/4), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
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, Jim Bligh; West of the Mississippi, Kelli DeShan.
Cumulus/Westwood One Study: Sports Listeners More Engaged than Sports Viewers. According to a brand-new season-long Nielsen analysis of Portable People Meter tuning for the 2023-2024 season, a total of 64 million people listened to the NFL on Westwood One. This week’s Cumulus Media/Westwood One Audio Active Group blogs break down the findings which indicate among other talking points that the sports listener is more passionate than the TV viewer, giving audio commercials greater impact; that audio is usually closest to the point of purchase reaching busy on-the-go people whose “best available screen” is their in-car AM/FM radio; and that audio reaches desirable consumers – young, employed, upscale, and with greater spending power. Just in time for the NFL 2024-2025 season, click here for the full study: Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog
Kelvin Washington to Replace Chris Brousard as Co-host of FOX Sports Radio’s “The Odd Couple.” It was announced live on the air yesterday (9/3) that Kelvin Washington will join FOX Sports Radio’s lineup as co-host of the weekday evening program “The Odd Couple” with Rob Parker, effective Monday, September 16. Current co-host Chris Broussard officially announced his decision to leave the program to focus on his TV duties with FS1. His final radio broadcast will be Friday, September 13. Watch the announcement on YouTube here.
WIP Extends PNC Bank Advertising Contract with Eagles in Philly. Audacy Philadelphia and PNC Bank have extended their longtime relationship with PNC continuing as the presenting sponsor of the Eagles Radio Network on SportsRadio 94WIP (WIP-FM), the flagship radio station of the Philadelphia Eagles. The sponsorship also includes on-air promotional reads and collaboration for client events throughout the year.
The presidential race/latest polls/U.S. accuses Russia of trying to influence election; Israel-Hamas tensions/protests; the Russia-Ukraine war; the economy/inflation; the migrant crisis; and a former NY State official accused of spying for China were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/3), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
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!” Use this link to get started.
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.
VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, Unveils Fall Programming LineupAnnounces New Talent and Shows. VSiN, The Las Vegas-based Sports Betting Network (“VSiN”) announced its new programming lineup with an injection of new talent joining familiar faces. In time for the beginning of the 2024 NFL season, VSiN begins rolling out its fall schedule to cement what it describes to TALKERS as its position as the trusted authority in sports betting.
For the full schedule, please click here.
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 clicking here.
KAB Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees and Individual Award Recipients. The Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) will induct four new members into the Kansas Broadcasting Hall of Fame, as well as honor four other outstanding broadcasters. Inductees will be honored at the 2024 award ceremony at the KAB Convention, Oct. 20-21, in Wichita. Information on inductees and awardees, along with the criteria for these awards, including past recipients, can be found by clicking here. www.kab.net
SiriusXM to Open Technology Center of Excellence in Ireland. SiriusXM Satellite Radio has opened of a new state-of-the-art technology facility in Dublin, Ireland. The Company’s Dublin-based employees are expected to play a critical role in the audio entertainment company’s continued digital transformation and will function as a “center of excellence” for SiriusXM’s Product and Technology organization. SiriusXM is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland. SiriusXM’s Dublin workforce will primarily focus on software development, automotive technology and engineering, adtech, data science, and analytics. Talent based in the new technology hub will be charged with developing and implementing best-in-class standards for high-quality, scalable software deliveries for SiriusXM’s streaming and in-vehicle audio entertainment platforms. Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke tells TALKERS, “I congratulate SiriusXM on their expansion. Our team had the pleasure of meeting the SiriusXM management team recently, and I am pleased that they are opening a new Technology Center of Excellence in Dublin and availing of the wealth of professional talent available here.”
The presidential race including the mic muting debate and CNN interview with VP Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz was the most talked-about story in news/talk media this week landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Arlington National Cemetery incident; At #3 former president Donald Trump’s legal issues; the economy with a focus on inflation at #4; the migrant crisis at #5; Israel-Hezbollah tensions at #6; and the Russia-Ukraine war at #7. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
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 click here.
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.
The presidential race; the debate “to mute or not to mute” debate; the Trump team Arlington National Cemetery incident; Trump’s legal issues; the Facebook-Covid-19 censorship Zuckerberg revelation; Israel’s West Bank raid; and the late-summer heatwave affecting parts of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (8/28), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
The Wisconsin progressive radio company Civic Media announces that it adds the progressive political news digital publication The Recombobulation Area to its holdings. Civic Media notes that this is the first non-radio
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.”
Good Karma Brands unveils the new program lineup at WUUB-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN West Palm.” The company says the station recently celebrated 20 years as a sports talk outlet in the market and is enjoying the recent studio relocation that gives it street-facing, ground-floor studios that “further enhance its
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.”
The presidential race; Jack Smith files a new indictment against Donald Trump; the Trump team Arlington National Cemetery incident; a federal judge pauses the Biden administration’s citizenship pathway for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens; Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg says Biden administration pressured Facebook to censor COVID-19 content; Israel launches a West Bank raid; January 6 rioter sentenced to four years in prison; and the late-summer heatwave affecting parts of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
As reported in the New York Post (8/26) by reporters Steven Vago, Steve Janoski and Carl Camanille, an assailant seized a 1010 WINS journalist by the hair and body-slammed her to the ground in a random senseless act outside the radio station office building, according to police and the victim. Kelly Dillon – a veteran New York City news and traffic reporter who was also with WCBS 880 – detailed the sudden attack in a Saturday TikTok video, describing how she was “assaulted on the streets of New York City, randomly, by a man” just after midnight Wednesday. “There are many crimes being committed – random acts, random attacks – on females on the streets,” Dillon said. “It’s not going away, and it’s not getting any better. And it’s getting much, much worse. And the media and the police are definitely downplaying this. It’s a huge, huge problem.” Dillon’s ordeal began when she left the Hudson Street office building and started heading home to New Jersey after finishing her last report of the night, she said. “The area is quite desolate at night, it’s a quiet neighborhood,” she said in the video. “I’m always on guard walking through the city as a young female alone.” Dillon added that she thinks city officials are trying to cover up such recent violence, which she believes is more widespread than people know and is being perpetrated by an organized group of men with a vendetta against women. “They’re absolutely trying to downplay this,” Dillon said of the city. “It cannot be downplayed. The streets are not safe for women or, honestly for anybody right now. But in particular, females. This felt very deliberate and planned.” The NYPD responded to the allegation in a statement to The Post on Sunday by recounting Dillon’s report of the attack and adding, “There are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.” Dillon said she is slowly recuperating from the shocking assault. “I can’t move my arm. At this point it’s still healing,” she said. “That’s quite painful. And just obviously, the whole body is in a tremendous level of pain from the body-slam, hitting the pavement and just the trauma, the whole situation.” To read the entire NY Post story, please click here.
Rutgers Men’s Basketball Moving to WFAN. Rutgers men’s basketball broadcasts are moving to Audacy’s WFAN-FM-AM, New York for the highly anticipated upcoming 2024-25 season.
WFAN will become the home for Rutgers football and men’s basketball with both sports housed together on the same station. Rutgers men’s basketball was previously heard on WCBS 880.
Catsimatidis Says He Was on Track to Acquire WCBS 880. On yesterday morning’s (8/26) installment of Sid Rosenberg’s “Sid & Friends” show on WABC, New York, station co-owner John Catsimatidis, boasted his Red Apple Media company was in negotiations to buy WCBS 880 from Audacy, but the deal went south due to complications stemming from the pending George Soros initiative to acquire a large chunk of Audacy. Catsimatidis indicated that he would have made WCBS a “B” station to WABC (whatever that means). He said, “We’re going to beef up our news {on WABC} and so we’re going to be better than [W]INS. We’re going to be better than WCBS ever was.”
The presidential race, the debate microphone disagreement, RFK, Jr’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump, the polls, the economy, the migrant crisis, the Israel-Hamas war, and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (8/26) according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Remember that song, by campy Leon Redbone?
If you’re doing a broadcast radio show, in this crowded audio arena, that’s your mission statement.
Tip: Round-off teases.
• I try not to scoff when I hear well-intentioned hosts dutifully plug something-coming-up “in seven minutes” or “at three fifty-three,” as though listeners were taking notes.
• Do make an appointment with listeners for what’s coming up. But simply, creatively, say that it’s “coming up.” Spare busy motorists the math with non-round numbers. When life’s a blur, nobody thinks they can wait seven minutes.
• Yesterday, a voice-tracking DJ on a 60s/70s/80s station sounded lots less robotic when he said “Years before ‘yadda-yadda-yadda,’ there was ‘Obladi Oblada,’ and the Beatles will sing it right after Fleetwood Mac” into “Say You Love Me.” He owned me for the next seven minutes.
Talking: Ditto. Tell me how I’ll be rewarded for not wandering-off. Especially effective: a question which includes “you” and/or “your,” the Magic Words.
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
WCBS 880 Final Tribute. Radio videographer and historian Art Vuolo has provided the industry with an aircheck of the three-hour WCBS 880 special from when it was repeated yesterday 8/25. With digital spot remover, he got it down to a total running time of 2:11:20. Reflecting on the special and the legendary station’s times, Vuolo tells TALKERS, “It was well done with a lot of news memories. Another great AM goes away. Sad.” The special can be heard by clicking here.
“This Old House” Personality Roger Cook Dies. TV Personality Roger Cook, a longtime landscape contractor on “This Old House,” passed away last week at the age of 70 after bravely waging a long battle with illness. “This Old House” got its start at Boston public media producer GBH in 1979. GBH president/CEO Susan Goldberg tells TALKERS, “Roger was a beloved mainstay of “This Old House” and he fully embodied the spirit of public television in his dedication to educating his audience in plain language about all nuances of landscaping. Roger leaves behind an unforgettable legacy for so many ‘This Old House’ fans and for GBH. He will be missed.” Please click here for more information.
Audacy Adds New Players to Its Talent Roster at BetQL Network. 
Audacy has announced a series of weekday programming updates for BetQL Network, the company’s network of sports betting content heard across its broadcast portfolio and digital platforms. Joining the network are Brad Evans, Sam Panayotovich and Femi Abebefe. Evans, a Fantasy Sports Writers Association Hall of Famer with nearly two decades of experience at Yahoo! Sports, Bally Sports and SiriusXM, will join Ryan Horvat on “BetMGM Tonight” (weekdays 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET). Panayotovich, recently a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and NESN, will team up with Joe Ostrowski on “BetQL Daily” (weekdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. ET). Panayotovich also has experience with WGN Radio, NBC Sports and VSiN, and previously worked with Ostrowski on the original “Chicken Dinner Podcast.” Abebefe joins Nick Kostos on “You Better You Bet” – the #1 sports betting live show and podcast in the country (weekdays 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET). Abebefe joins BetQL Network from VSiN and previously served as a local sports anchor for KOMO-TV, Seattle. Evans succeeds Trysta Krick, who will continue as a contributor to Audacy’s 670 The Score in Chicago. Abebefe succeeds Ken Barkley, who recently announced his departure from the network.
Bold Gold Foundation Annual Event to Focus on “Enduring Importance of the American Revolution.” 
The non-profit arm of the Bold Gold Media Group, the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation, which supports educational programs that help students prepare for careers in broadcast journalism, has announced this year’s signature event will feature author and historian, Jack Warren, as keynote speaker. Warren’s recent book, “Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” will serve as this year’s theme. Attendees will receive a complimentary signed copy of the book. The Ninth Annual Event and Dinner will be held on Friday, September 20th at 6:00 pm in the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bold Gold president (and former TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award recipient) Vince Benedetto tells TALKERS, “This year’s event will be an uplifting and inspirational examination of the extraordinary beginnings of the United States. The American Founding continues to be one of the most shining moments in human history, and its continued understanding is critical to the preservation of our civilization. We’ll also be highlighting and celebrating the enduring importance of our cornerstone rights of free speech and a free press.” The Bold Gold Foundation will also be honoring Northeast Pennsylvania business leader and philanthropist, Christopher Hackett, with The Atlas Award for Citizenship. Those interested in attending or sponsoring the event can make reservations online at: www.BoldGold.org. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for students interested in a career in broadcast media, as well as for military members and first responders. Contact the Bold Gold Foundation for additional information.
The Democratic National Convention was the most talked-about story in news/talk media this week landing atop the Talkers TenTM including a wide array of issues connected to the presidential race. At #2 this week was the economy including inflation and jobs, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis at #3, the Israel-Hamas war at #4, and the Russia-Ukraine war at #5. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
IBS National Conference Set for 2025. The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) has announced its annual conference will be coming back to New York City next year. Set for March 7-8, 2025, the nation’s longest running, largest and most important gathering of college radio broadcasters will be held again at the Sheraton Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Organizers have plans in the works for activities like additional sessions and tours during the day on Thursday, March 6 as well. Early registrants can save big bucks. $109 per person for up to 10 attendees, then the rest of your staff goes for free! This offer ends October 15, (and then prices and group deals go up). TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who was a featured speaker at last year’s conference says, “One of the most dynamic scenes in radio today connecting the present with the future is playing out on college campuses across the nation. Professional broadcasters interested in the future of this medium and industry should attend this event. I always come away from it invigorated and inspired.” For more info on IBSNYC 2025, please click here.
Sterling Shines in Philly. In the first two months since the debut of “Sterling Every Damn Night” on WPHT, Philadelphia, the quirky 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight talk show hosted by Walter M Sterling (a.k.a. legendary media consultant Walter Sabo) has been gathering jaw dropping metrics. The show has delivered five times the total share of audience 12+ since the same time last year and has proven to be formidably competitive in every key news/talk radio demo. What makes it so interesting on an industry level is its departure from the standard left-right partisan politics that dominates the news/talk format. It covers what is described as “nightly life” – such as the trouble with customer service, in-laws, schools, and romance. What one talks about with their best friends is what the show discusses. Features on the show include listener calls, plus “People of Walmart,” “True Detective Stories,” and new perspectives on current events: Sterling had the first interview with a citizen of Ukraine while bombs were going off, and a Tel Aviv bus driver sharing thoughts on America’s alleged lack of support for Israel. The show is designed for guards up all night in the building lobby, people getting done with second shift, going on third shift, cramming for finals or trying to get the baby to sleep. This is a show that deserves radio industry attention.