The most discussed stories yesterday (12/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Saga Communications repurchases 184,215 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.1 million, or $11.50 per share, through a privately negotiated transaction. The repurchased shares represent approximately 2.8% of the
company’s currently outstanding common stock, based on 6,556,621 shares outstanding as of December 11, 2025. After closing, these shares were returned to treasury and are no longer outstanding. Chief financial officer Samuel Bush says, “We are pleased to announce the completion of a privately negotiated stock repurchase transaction, which underscores our ongoing commitment to deliver value to our shareholders. This transaction reflects our confidence in the company’s long-term strategy and financial strength, while providing us with greater flexibility to manage our capital structure. We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation and generating a meaningful return for all stakeholders.”
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc is presenting a webinar titled, “Management 101: Becoming an Impactful Leader,” taking place January 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET. MIW
says, “This interactive session brings together four distinguished executives representing key areas across today’s audio landscape, offering attendees an opportunity to learn practical leadership skills, modern management strategies, and actionable insights for navigating a rapidly evolving industry.” Panelists will include: Erik Hellum, chief operating officer, Townsquare Media Group; Dara M. Kalvort, VP of digital sales, StreamGuys; Kieran Geffert, SVP and market manager, Audacy San Francisco; and Mary Boyle, VP & general manager, WGN Radio Chicago – Nexstar Media Inc. Register for the webinar here.
Audacy Buffalo Holds Radiothon for SPCA of Erie County. News/talk WBEN-AM and sister station WLKK-FM in Bufflo helped raise $132,000 during the 22nd Annual SPCA Serving Erie County Radiothon. Audacy Buffalo SVP and market manager Tim Wenger comments, “This annual event really brings the community together and the amount raised is a testament to the generosity of our listeners. We love supporting SPCA’s mission and giving second chances to pets and animals in Buffalo.”
Bold Gold Media Stations Hit Fundraising Goals. Via two of its ongoing holiday fundraisers, Bold Gold Media Group’s radio stations in the Pocono Lake Region of Pennsylvania produced the The Wayne County Ford & Bold Gold Media Holiday Toy Drive Challenge and The Michael G. Stanton Shower for Charity. The Holiday Toy Drive Challenge saw listeners fill up at least four pick-up trucks with toys for needy kids and for the 24th year in a row, market manager Michael G. Stanton stood in a claw foot tub on Main Street in Honesdale in 20-degree weather clad in only Christmas-themed shorts and raised more than $46,000 for the Wayne County Childrens Christmas Bureau.
“105.7 The Fan” in Milwaukee Helps Raise $100k for Kids. Audacy sports talk “105.7 The Fan” (WSSP-FM / 1250AM) in Milwaukee – with the help of two of its sister music outlets – collected more than $100,000 in toys and cash to benefit Children’s Wisconsin Immediate Impact for Kids Fund. Station host and assistant brand manager Steve “Sparky” Fifer says, “I’m so proud of everyone involved in the 19th Annual Toy Drive for Children’s Wisconsin. We couldn’t make this a success without everyone in the community and around the state of Wisconsin contributing to it. The number of kids that these toys will impact is the reason we do this each year. There isn’t anything better than a smile on a kid’s face.”
JVC Broadcasting Helps Set Record in Long Island Toy Drive. Last Friday, JVC Broadcasting of Long Island conducted the JVC Town of Brookhaven INTERFACE Toy Drive featuring air personalities from all six JVC Long Island stations – including “LI News Radio” – to collect thousands of toys donated by generous community members that will go to more than 7,500 children, ranging in age from infants to 15 years old, helping ensure that families across the community experience joy during the holiday season. JVC president and CEO John Caracciolo says, “This is what local radio and local government working together is all about. When you bring the community together around a cause, incredible things happen.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Live talk programming ended on Friday (12/12) on Latino Media Network’s WAQI-AM Miami Radio Mambí, putting to an end 40 years of Spanish-language talk with roots in the Cuban exile community. Launched in 1985 by Cuban-American businessman Amancio Suárez, the
station featured a strong anti-communist tone. Station general manager Mike Sena says the reason for the change is financial. “Like our beautiful city, Radio Mambí, its audience and the media industry are evolving rapidly, which presents financial challenges for many in the market.” The station is continuing to broadcast, airing archived programming, music, and Spanish-language broadcasts of the NBA’s Miami Heat and MLB’s Miami Marlins. The Miami Herald says staffers that have lost their jobs include Jorge Luis Sánchez Grass, José Luis Nápoles, José Carlucho, Lilliet Rodríguez and Lucy Pereda. See the Miami Herald story here.
Amber Lee exits Cumulus Media’s Topeka station group where she served as operations
manager for the cluster that includes news/talk KMAJ-AM “The Big Talker,” sports talk KTOP-AM and four music brands. Lee announced her exit via social media saying, “After 11 years and 11 months, my position with Cumulus was eliminated. Reaching almost 12 years with a single employer is a remarkable feat in media. If you’ve listened, commented on social, came to an event, played a contest, or even waved at me while I was driving that huge van, thank you for engaging. The state of radio today can be hard to love. What’s next for me? TBD.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
If you missed yesterday’s webinar, look for the replay which will be posted today at EdisonResearch.com and which explains these trends well.
If you’re in broadcast radio, reading this list – which presenters offered “in no particular order” – you might feel like you’ve missed a memo… or a decade:
Recommendation for radio broadcasters: Make #4 our Priority Number One, defending a hill radio still holds. Audit your station’s app experience. And consider that Bonus Finding evidence that morning drive survived the pandemic shutdown after all.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
On December 17 at 2:00 pm ET, local marketing experts from Audacy and Amazon will present a webinar on programmatic media buying using Amazon DSP. Audacy says that the webinar will show a number of things about Amazon DSP, including: 1) 1st party data for high-intent shoppers. The platform is for more
than just retail businesses. From brands to home services to manufacturers — if your customers are shopping online, you’ll be able to find them, right at the point of purchase; 2) Move the dollars that matter. Learn why successful advertisers are shifting traditional TV budgets to Amazon DSP to reach ready-to-buy audiences more efficiently; and 3) Prove performance with clarity. See real results from local case studies that connect campaign exposure to leads, site visits, and sales. See more and register here.
The Radio Television Digital News Association announces that the entry period for the 2026 Edward R. Murrow Awards is now open. RTDNA says the Murrow Awards are dedicated to “recognizing outstanding achievements in both professional and student-level broadcast and digital journalism. The Murrow Awards,
first handed out in 1971, are among the most prestigious in journalism. In 2025, about 5,000 entries were submitted in the professional and student categories, also making it one of the most competitive.” To be eligible, work must have been published between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. This year, RTDNA is offering an Early Bird Discount for entries submitted by 5:00 pm ET on Tuesday, January 20. The final entry deadline is 5:00 pm ET Thursday, February 19. Entrants can find complete rules and category descriptions here. Regional winners will be announced in the spring. All regional winners automatically advance to the national competition, which will be announced in August. National winners will be celebrated at the 2025 Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala, to be held October 12, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Paragon announces that public radio sponsorship sales pro Geary Yonker is joining Paragon as sponsorship consultant. Paragon CEO Mike Henry says, “Geary’s established role in producing sponsorship revenue for WBEZ Chicago, Sound Opinions, and with events is invaluable for Paragon clients. Public radio stations need increased sponsorship revenue and new revenue streams ensure sustainability, and Geary will help them reach their income goals.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The Golden Globes will present one podcast with the inaugural Best Podcast award on January 11 in Los Angeles and the nominees are shows that appear to avoid any sort of politics or controversy. Mark Kennedy writes about the nominations for the AP saying, “The six nominees for the inaugural best podcast award are “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The 
Mel Robbins Podcast,” “SmartLess” and “Up First,” from NPR. Representing a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews, they were drawn from a shortlist of 25 programs the Globes had previously deemed eligible. The nominations avoided politics or controversy by passing on popular podcasts from the shortlist, such as conservative-leaning programs ‘The Megyn Kelly Show,’ ‘The Tucker Carlson Show,’ ‘The Ben Shapiro Show,’ Candace Owen’s ‘Candace’ and, most notably, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience,’ which topped Spotify, Apple and YouTube’s list of weekly podcast charts this year. The left-leaning ‘Pod Save America’ also was snubbed, as were popular true crime podcasts like ‘Morbid’ and ‘Rotten Mango.’” Kennedy notes in his report that Ben Shapiro lobbied hard for his show. “Shapiro had launched an all-out Golden Globes publicity campaign for his decade-old podcast, on which he’s spoken with the likes of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the past year. In addition to making the rounds with industry publications, Shapiro also secured massive billboard space in New York City’s Times Square.” Read the AP story here.
Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group blog reveals data from Edison Research’s ongoing Share of Ear study, specifically data from the third quarter of 2025. Among the key takeaways from the study are: 1) AM/FM radio dominates ad-supported audio with a 64% share, followed by podcasts at 20%;
2) Marketers and media agencies significantly overestimate audience shares to Pandora/Spotify and massively underestimate AM/FM radio audiences; and 3) Interestingly, as older demographics flock to podcasts, the median age of the podcast audience ages sharply from 29 in 2017 to 39. The study notes that “in 2017, podcasts’ daily reach was greatest among 18-24s. Eight years later, podcasts’ daily reach has surged, especially in older demographics. The older the age group, the greater the growth in the podcast daily audience. Today, podcasts’ greatest reach centers on 25-44s, with significant growth among 45-64s.” See the full blog post here.
Cumulus Media names Jeremy Price vice president and market manager for its Stockton-Modesto,
California station group that includes sports talk KESP-AM and five music brands. Price most recently served with Alpha Media prior to the Connoisseur Media merger in Bakersfield. Cumulus Media regional vice president Patty Hixson comments, “Jeremy is a very special leader and a highly effective manager who will greatly contribute to the success of the Stockton-Modesto cluster. We are pleased to welcome him aboard.”
Kirby and Raphael Join Media Institute Board. Media pros Kathleen Kirby of Wiley Rein LLP and Heidi Raphaelof Beasley Media Group are elected to the board of trustees of The Media Institute. The Media Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment.
Baltimore Public Media Names New Program Director. Baltimore Public Media names Maxie C. Jackson III program director in which he’ll oversee content strategy and programming across WYPR 88.1 FM, WTMD 89.7 FM, and Your Public Studios. Jackson most recently served as executive director of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, “where he led transformative programming and format strategies that inspired philanthropic investment, drove audience growth, and strengthened the organization’s cultural impact.”
The WBUR Festival Returns This Spring. WBUR, Boston announces the return of The WBUR Festival happening Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2026. The event features “speakers, captivating conversations, musical performances, multiple stages and a vibrant street scene along Commonwealth Avenue.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
News people I coach reckon that my epitaph will read: “Consequence, not Process.”
Too often, news copy – while factually correct – is arcane minutes-of-the-meeting stuff, rather than emphasizing impact on the listener’s routine.
Process: “The Transit board revised its fare structure.”
Consequence: “Riding the bus will cost 50 cents more starting Monday.”
Process: “The district reallocated Title I funds.”
Consequence: “Some after-school programs could be cut.”
Process: “The committee advanced a bill on short-term rentals.”
Consequence: “Airbnb hosts may soon face new rules – and fees.”
Process: “The planning board approved a variance…”
Consequence: “Construction can now begin on that apartment complex near the campus.”
Unwrap the package. To illustrate, here’s a video I am playing in client stations’ conference rooms – and it’s a dang clinic in impactful local news reporting.
The back-story: If I say “Hasbro,” you might think Monopoly, Scrabble, Mr. Potato Head, Play-Doh, G.I. Joe, and Transformers. Eventually it added Star Wars and Marvel action figures to its repertoire. Hasbro became a major player in video games, TV, and movies. This 100-plus-year-old company has outgrown its Rhode Island roots and announced it is moving to Boston. In any-size state – let alone the smallest – losing 700-plus jobs hurts.
Here’s the video: https://getonthenet.com/Hasbro.MP4
After playing that, I sometimes hear “But TV has more manpower than a radio station.” Yes and no.
Management confirmed to me that this reporter was in MMJ mode that day, meaning “Multi-Media Journalist.” Translation: She worked alone, no videographer, no producer. Praising her work when I requested the video, I was told that “she did a great job executing what we brainstormed in the morning meeting.”
And THAT’S the advantage TV has over most radio news operations: There is more than one person in the newsroom to have that meeting. We’re radio people. We think aloud. But with whom, when you alone, ARE the news department?
Have that collaborative conversation with ChatGPT or MS Copilot. Brainstorm story angles and interview prospects and questions. At client stations, we have asked – and AI apps delivered – actual coverage timelines. Try it. The interaction feels surprisingly human – like having a sharp, tireless producer who’s always ready to riff, reframe, and help you make it matter.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
The New York Festivals Radio Awards announces the distinguished 2026 Radio Awards Grand Jury. NYF Radio Awards says the Grand Jury “unites over 100 standout audio innovators from 20 countries, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of global storytelling. This influential group includes award-winning producers, directors, journalists, writers, and sound artists known for pushing creative boundaries
across documentary, entertainment, news, sports, and corporate audio.” NYFestivals EVP Rose Anderson adds, “The robust world of audio storytelling today is fully represented in the 2026 edition of the Grand Jury. From audiobooks to podcasts and video podcasts, from investigative journalism to live events, and from mystery to social justice, this year’s men and women of the jury volunteer their time and lend their expertise.” See the bios of the Grand Jury here. There is still time to enter the New York Festivals Radio Awards. The entry deadline for the 2025 Radio Awards competition is January 31, 2026. To enter the 2026 Radio Awards please visit: HERE. For additional information including Rules & Regulations, categories, and more visit: HERE. New York Festivals Radio Awards welcomes entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers across 30+ countries. Its mission is to recognize and elevate the exceptional work of the creators shaping today’s global audio storytelling landscape. Award-winning entries for 2026 competition will be showcased at the Radio Awards winners gallery. View the 2025 Radio winners’ showcase.
Edison Research to Present The Top 10 Findings of 2025. Research firm Edison Research says it will present a 30-minute webinar on December 11 at 2:00 pm ET to highlight its Top 10 Findings of 2025. This report is the result of the company examining it Weekly Insights, custom studies, and syndicated services research.
WYPR’s Tom Hall Transitioning to New Post. Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR 88.1 FM announces that midday talk host Tom Hall will step down from the daily host role in early 2026 and transition into a new role as WYPR’s senior news analyst. In January, he’ll move to a three-day hosting schedule while WYPR conducts a search for the show’s next full-time host. When the new host is chosen, Hall will shift fully into his new role, contributing interviews, features, and essays and spearheading special projects.
105.3 The Fan Raises Funds for Charity. Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan” raised $77,000 during its 12th annual Piece-a-Thon Fundraiser benefiting two local organizations, My Possibilities and Sandlot Children’s Charity. Station midday hosts Kevin Hageland and Cory Mageors from “K&C Masterpiece” broadcast live from RJ Duke’s Sports and were joined by special guests throughout the day.
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
According to a report in The Athletic by Andrew Marchand, former WFAN, New York personality Craig
Carton is finalizing a deal to return to the station in afternoon drive. This comes several months after Carton exited FS1 where he hosted a couple of different versions of a morning show that, from a ratings standpoint, never took off the way FS1 execs had hoped. Carton’s return will reportedly bump current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays which would force the station to cut ties with current midday hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. As for Carton’s co-host, Marchand is reporting that overnight host Chris McMonigle is the leading candidate for that role.
Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host and owner of news/talk KWAM, Memphis Todd Starnes (left) with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (right) in Memphis where some 1,000 federal agents gathered as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Starnes tells TALKERS that he received a call from the White House asking if he would be interested in providing a meal to the agents. He agreed and provided a home-cooked meal to the 1,000-plus agents along with Bondi, HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Bill Hagerty.
CMG Atlanta Collects Food for Charity. Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect 10,700 pounds of food leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. CMG Atlanta VP and general manager David Abel says, “Congratulations to our CMG Atlanta radio team and our incredible listeners for their hard work and generosity. It is an honor serving the needs of our communities and our team couldn’t be happier with the results of this year’s food drive. Being able to provide 20,188 meals will make a real difference for local families who need it most.”
77WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s. 77WABC in New York City partnered with Shriners Children’s for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing children with The Most Amazing Care Anywhere for Giving Tuesday. Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “Children are our future. We are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and support their mission of providing specialty medical care to children across the country and around the world.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Red Apple Media is expanding on Long Island. The company is filing to acquire WLID-AM, Patchogue, and
FM translators W239CY, Patchogue at 95.9 and W296EK, Brentwood at 107.1 for $500,000 from Cantico Nuevo Ministry. The addition of the three signals will improve news/talk WABC’s coverage in Suffolk County. Red Apple Media will assume operation of the signals under a Local Marketing Agreement.
Last month, Audacy announced the launch of the Detroit Sports Network – a syndication of sports talk radio
from its WXYT-FM, Detroit 97.1 The Ticket – and its deal with Townsquare Media to air the format on Townsquare stations in Michigan. Now, Townsquare is flipping WFGR-FM, Grand Rapids from classic hits to sports talk as “Sports Radio 98.7.” Townsquare Media COO Erik Hellum says, “Townsquare Media is excited to bring such high-caliber, Michigan-focused sports programming to West Michigan. This is a big win for listeners who want strong, local sports conversation without having to rely on national networks.”
Dr. Daliah Wachs Show Adds Affiliate. The Talk Media Network nationally syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs Show” is now being heard on weekends on Larson-Wynn Inc’s news/talk KODL-AM, City of The Dalles, Oregon
PodcastOne and Dr. Phil Announces Partnership. PodcastOne and Dr. Phil’s Envoy Media Co are partnering to launch a co-branded multi-platform podcast network. The networks’ content lineup debuts later this month with an all-new daily “Dr. Phil Podcast” distributed across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, PodcastOne, as well as LiveOne’s streaming video network.
Saga to Present at Financial Conference. Saga Communications president and CEO Christopher S. Forgy EVP/CFO and treasurer Samuel D. Bush will be presenting at the Noble Capital Markets’ Twenty First Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference at Florida Atlantic University tomorrow (12/3). A video webcast of the presentation will be available following the event on the company’s website.
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The Broadcasters Foundation of America is seeking donations to help colleagues in need during tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday campaign. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Requests for aid continue to
come in every week, and we have to keep up with the demand. We cannot turn our backs on our colleagues who have worked at their local station and are now in desperate need of our help. We ask everyone in radio and television to come together to help our colleagues.” Giving Tuesday donations can be made here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.