Industry News

Audacy Names Mark Randall Sacramento Promotions Director

Audacy announces that Mark Randall is the new promotions director for Audacy Sacramento that includes sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” and five music brands. Audacy Sacramento SVP and market managerimg Aaron Miller says, “Mark’s track record of crafting iconic promotions and working alongside some of radio’s biggest personalities makes him a legend in our business. He has the ability to create moments that resonate far beyond the airwaves and we look forward to having him bring that magic to our brands and our audience.” Randall comments, “I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to re-join the Audacy team and this legendary group of stations. Aaron is building an amazing culture in Sacramento, and I’m stoked to be a part of it. The charismatic people within this industry have always been the reason. Let’s go!”

Industry News

Date Set for Posting 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

 

img

The TALKERS editorial board has announced the date of the 2025 edition of the TALKERS “100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – also known as the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred.” The prestigious list will be posted Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

This will mark the 30th anniversary of one of the most popular annual features published by TALKERS magazine since its debut as a list of 25 in 1995 (it expanded to 100 in 1996) and comes in conjunction this Summer with TALKERS magazine’s 35th anniversary as a broadcasting industry trade journal.

According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “The criteria for inclusion in the class of 2025 will remain radio-centric, however, with additional weight given to influence wielded in associated talk media platforms such as audio and video podcasting along with other means of online distribution appropriate to evident changes in the industry.”  Casey adds, “But the criteria that all inductees in the Heavy Hundred must have a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at ‘press time’ will continue.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/24)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Iran Strikes Aftermath
2. MAGA “Civil War”
3. Trump at NATO Summit
4. ICE Raids
5. NYC Mayoral Primary

Industry News

WWO: 36% of Americans Can’t Name an Auto Dealer

This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at marketing strategies for new and used auto dealers – historically radio’s biggest advertiser category. Nielsen senior clientimg solutions executive Michael Katz writes that, according to Scarborough consumer purchase data, consumers were asked to “select auto dealerships where you or other household members might shop if you were planning to buy or lease a new or used vehicle (including in-store and online shopping)” and 36% were unable to name an auto dealer. Katz adds that one out five auto intenders (21%), those who will lease or buy a new or used vehicle in the next year, cannot name one auto dealer. He says, “Auto dealers need ads that teach people who they are and build their brands.” Read the full blog post here.

Industry News

Majority of Reps Sign on to AM Radio Bill

The National Association of Broadcasters says that the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has reached the key milestone of a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives cosponsoring the legislation. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, states, “Securing 218 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, alongside a filibuster-proof 61 cosponsors in the Senate, marks a pivotal milestone for the AM Radio for Every Vehicleimg Act and underscores AM radio’s enduring value to the American people. For more than a century, AM radio has been a lifeline, delivering trusted news, local sports, crop reports and emergency information when and where it matters most. From rural communities to urban centers, from first responders to everyday commuters, over 80 million Americans rely on this free, local service to stay informed and safe every month. NAB thanks Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Frank Pallone (NJ-06) for championing this legislation, and the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who recognize AM radio’s essential role in communities across the country. We look forward to continuing our work with the Energy and Commerce Committee and House leadership to advance this bill without delay.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia’s AI Efforts to Translate Podcasts

Yesterday’s news that iHeartMedia is offering 10 of its top podcasts in six different languages besides their native English did not go into detail about how these podcasts are being translates. A story in Digiday looksimg at how iHeartMedia handled the process of using AI to translate and voice-clone the original podcast hosts. iHeartPodcasts president Will Pearson is quoted saying the AI translations faced two main challenges: ensuring accuracy and preserving each show’s unique tone. iHeartMedia worked with the company Speechlab to clone the voices of the hosts use them to read the show’s transcript in multiple languages. Pearson also says about a quarter of his company’s downloads come from outside the U.S. Read the Digiday story here.

Industry News

Urban One Shareholders Vote to Allow Reverse Stock Split

At its recent annual shareholder meeting, Urban One shareholders approved an amendment to the company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to permit it to effect a reverse stock split of itsimg outstanding Class A and Class D Common Stock, at a ratio within a range between one-for-two and one-for-30, subject to and as determined by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors. This comes as the company faces an August 11 deadline for its Nasdaq-traded stock to close at a price above $1 for 10 consecutive sessions, or risk delisting. If that fails, the company could apply for a 180-day grace period but it’s more likely the board goes ahead with the stock split.

Industry News

Skyview Kicks Off BFoA Giving Day with $10k Donation

The Broadcasters Foundation of America reports that Skyview Networks is making a $10,000 corporate donation to cover any Skyview employee matches. BFOA Giving Day is today (6/24) when everyone in broadcasting is asked to consider a contribution of any amount. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “Weimg are grateful to Steve and Ken Thiele (founder & executive chairman) for their magnanimous corporate contribution to support the work of the Broadcasters Foundation. With support like this from the broadcast industry, the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to deliver much-needed aid to those in our business who need it most. We hope this match campaign inspires other organizations to find impactful ways to support our unique mission.” For information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org,

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/23)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Israel-Iran Truce / U.S. Iran Strikes
2. SCOTUS Deportation Ruling
3. MAGA “Civil War”
4. Powell’s House Testimony
5. NYC Mayoral Primary

Industry Views

Monday Memo: On-Demand is In-Demand

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you saved back issues from when TALKERS was a print tabloid, dig-down about 20 years into the stack. A couple times a year beginning then, I was reporting from conferences then called The Podcast and New Media Expo, which later evolved into NMX and BlogWorld and other incarnations.

As I was typing-as-fast-as-I-could in the back row, I was hearing a new medium take shape.

— These energized events had the mojo radio conventions used to. But radio was already struggling as consolidation eliminated many on-air jobs, cutbacks that continue today.
— But plucky podcasters were already self-publishing about high-affinity Long Tail topics too narrowcast for AM/FM radio. And because it is what we then called “the World Wide Web,” they were growing a following far beyond local broadcasters’ signal footprints.

Remember iPod? Suddenly, EVERYONE had one. Then, just-as-suddenly, everyone didn’t. Because Apple rolled-out iPhone, which could also tote your tunes, and do thousands of other things. Yet the term “podcasting” – which first referred to the device – endures.

im

What’s remarkable about the podcasting phenomenon, is that users – not the device manufacturer – came up with the idea. iPod was designed as a music player. But it was We The People who reckoned that audio-is-audio and started self-publishing radio-without-radio.

“P-O-D” = “Programming On-Demand.” Think Netflix for audio.

— But unlike Netflix, stations aren’t investing aggressively in on-demand content. Short-staffed, it’s all they can do to feed multiple transmitters robotic programming.
— Meanwhile, enthused podcasters are generating content, some of which is amusing quirky boutique topics. Others are doing local news, now in shorter supply from AM/FM radio.
— Smart stations buddy-up with these DIY creators, showcasing their sponsorable stuff. They create audio, we sell audio.

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

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Do You Really Think the Back of Your Head is Worth Watching?

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
and TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgThe drive to stream video of radio shows has always been risky. Remember your shock when you first saw one of your radio heroes? Video streaming can present a constant disconnect between the show in the listener’s head and the show on the stream. Many stations make the disconnect worse by streaming terrible video images. Combine the trauma of how a host really looks with a dreary TV show and the package cannot benefit the relationship between station and listener/viewer.

Too many stations stream from one or two fixed cameras in the studio. That picture looks like a police interrogation room. Some stations embarrassingly use one camera on a two person show. The result is a shot of the face of one host and the back of the head of the other, for the entire show. OMG.

Done right, video should enhance the listening experience, it should make the hosts more attractive, more engaging, and more entertaining.

Mistake: Many radio hosts ignore the cameras during spot breaks. These hosts go silent during spots, giving a viewer absolutely no reason to stream. Obviously, if one sits in silence during the break the image presented is pure boredom. On the radio, the listener hears commercials. On their stream they see a silent radio host doing nothing. Double disappointment.

Producing video that enhances a radio show experience takes planning and commitment. One technically simple way to make video work for a host is to address the audience directly during commercial breaks. One on one. The moment a break starts, smart hosts and anchors address the camera and candidly speak with the viewer. Their conversation is topical, urgent and fun.

Engaging the viewer during radio commercial breaks provides added value to a stream and a reason to watch.

Some examples worth watching are found in these links:

B-93, Grand Rapids morning host Aly Mac never stops talking with streaming viewers. She does itimg right, two shows… one on the radio, one on the stream. Seamless and fun.
WPHT produces a TV show with switching, graphics that flows with the radio show.
Baylee Martin is a TV anchor who could teach the industry how to conduct an on-air show enhanced by the stream.  Hearst should sell schedules in her stream content. Have a look, she’s a streaming savant.

When streaming, consider if the video stream is helping or hurting the radio show. If the “reveal” is the back of a head, hurting!

Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Now Offering Top Podcasts in Six Languages

iHeartMedia announces that 10 of its top podcasts – “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” “Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell,” “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know,” “Before Breakfast with Laura Vanderkam,” “How to Money,” “Stuff to Blow Your Mind,” “Betrayal,” “The Girlfriends” and “Murder 101” – are now available in six foreign languages: Spanish, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindiimg and Mandarin, with plans to expand to even more shows and languages in the future. Host Jay Shetty says, “We have been fortunate to build a huge global audience that continues to reach more people around the world every day. One of the questions I get asked most is, ‘When will the podcast be in Spanish? When will it be in Hindi?’ And now, not only those, but several more languages as well. Expanding into more languages gives us the special opportunity to serve our audience better and bring these conversations to even more people. I truly believe this will deepen our impact, extend our reach and push forward our mission to make the world happier, healthier and more healed.” iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “Global podcast listenership continues to rise, with podcast consumption significantly growing in regions such as Latin America, Europe, India and other parts of Asia. Podcast translation is an exciting step forward as content continues to globalize, allowing us to bring our catalog of hit shows and talent to these regions, helping us reach new audiences and bring fresh, insightful content worldwide.”

Industry News

KRMG, Tulsa Hosts FOX News Radio’s Jimmy Failla

img

FOX News personality Jimmy Failla traveled to Tulsa to help affiliate KRMG-AM/FM celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Failla’s “FOX Across America Stay Gold Edition” was held at both the Outsiders House Museum and Puck’s Sports Bar and Grill. The Outsiders House museum founder Danny Boy O’Connor joined Failla at the museum where they recorded a segment of “FOX Across America” with a special studio audience. They discussed the movie, “The Outsiders,” as well as today’s current political events. “KRMG Afternoon News” host Skyler Cooper was live during the evening broadcast, interviewing Failla, Danny Boy O’Connor, and Outsiders House executive director Ashley Beck. Pictured above at The Outsiders House museum is O’Connor (far left) and Failla (center).

Industry News

BFoA Media Mixer in New York City

img

Last Wednesday (6/18), the Broadcasters Foundation of America held one of its popular Media Mixer events in New York City designed to give “junior people in broadcasting the opportunity to network with executives and to increase awareness or the charitable mission of the BFOA to help broadcasters in acute need.” Pictured above is BFoA chairman and former CBS Radio COO Scott Herman (center) speaking with two attendees.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (6/21-22)

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

1. U.S. Strikes on Iran
2. MAGA “Civil War”
3. Israel-Iran Bombings
4. ICE Raids
5. Heat Dome Scorching Eastern U.S.

Industry News

Dennis Malloy Leaving “New Jersey 101.5” Midday Show

Midday talk host Dennis Malloy announces that he’s leaving his full-time role at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5 when his current contract expired on July 31. Malloy co-hosts the Dennis & Judi midday show with Judi Franco. He told listeners earlier this week that he thinks the time is right to step into a new role.img “Two of my children live out of state and it’s difficult to sneak in quick visits. But now it won’t be. I’ll get to spend longer periods with my kids and grandkids, and just hopefully take and enjoy what life has to offer. There is no drama and no intrigue. Judi and I are still very good friends, almost like brother and sister. We’re both grateful that they threw us together back in 1997. The chemistry was instant, and the laughter has never stopped. Yeah, there have been some tumultuous times thrown in there as well, but it was all good. So, so, so good. I was lucky enough to be a part of radio’s history in New Jersey. Don’t get me wrong: Our ratings are still very high, and for that, I am extremely grateful. But I will still be a part of the radio station, filling in when the need arises. I’ll possibly be doing some appearances and definitely some writing for NJ1015.com.” Read Malloy’s full post here.

Industry News

WLS-AM and Ray Stevens Ink Renewed Deal

Cumulus Media re-signs morning drive talk host Ray Stevens to a new contract to continue his role with 890 WLS-AM. The station says Stevens’ show debuted last June “and has quickly become a morning ritual for Chicago’s passionate talk radio listeners.” “Ramblin’ Ray Stevens,” served for years as an air personality atimg crosstown country WUSN-FM “US 99” and was honored by the Country Music Association as Major Market Personality of the Year in 2010 and for four consecutive years, was honored as the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Major Market Talent of the Year. Station program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Ray has been instrumental in bringing Conservative content to morning drive on the Big 89. His energy, his experience, and his ability to deliver the local lens of the right conversation has been invaluable for our listeners. We look forward to the continued growth and success of 890 WLS with Ray Stevens in morning drive.” Stevens comments, “Excited to continue doing wake ups in my hometown of Chicago. I love that WLS management always supports my wild ideas. Ideas that make our city better for every neighborhood and everybody! Pets included! We have a lot of work to do, and we are doing it!”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Present at Cannes Lions Festival

img

Pictured above is author Malcolm Gladwell (left) speaking with Questlove (right) at the iHeartCafé at La Californie during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity on June 17 in Cannes, France as they do a live recording of the iHeartPodcast “Questlove Supreme.” It was just one of many iHeartMedia-presented events held during the weeklong festivaldesigned to demonstrate the creativity and the advertiser value in audio entertainment. Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

Industry News

Hurley Thankful for Successful Charity Golf Tourney

img

WPG, Atlantic City morning drive star Harry Hurley held his charity’s 18th annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Golf Open at Linwood Country Club yesterday. Hurley tells TALKERS, “Remarkably, for 18 consecutive years it has never rained on our event. The Linwood Country Club is one of the finest golf courses in America and the food is world class. Our annual golf tournament and dinner/silent auction has now raised more than $2 million over the past 18 years.” Hurley (left), says the charity’s annual dinner and silent auction will be held on Friday, October 3 at Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City and the guest of honor and keynote speaker will be New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatterelli (right).

Industry News

WRHU Radio Hofstra Celebrates Gracie Honors

img

The student news team of WRHU-FM Radio Hofstra University earned two Gracie awards from the Alliance for Women in Media. WRHU general manager John Mullen says that the organization has the largest radio news team on Long Island with more than 60 student journalists. They earned the Gracie’s for WRHU-FM’s morning drive talk program and their live, locally focused half-hour afternoon drive news show. Pictured above are Hofstra president Susan Poser with the WRHU staff, Mullen, Pro in Residence Doualy Xaykaothao; WRHU alums Jamie Morris, morning host WKJY-FM, Hempstead; Heather Cohen, president the Weiss Agency; Dean Mark Lukasiewicz, and Liane Souza, director of affiliate sales for Compass Media Networks.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 16 – 20, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/16-20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Israel-Iran Conflict / Trump Mulls Involvement
2. MAGA “Civil War”
3. ICE Raids / Protests & Arrests
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. Hortman Assassination / Lawmakers Safety Concerns
6. SCOTUS Transgender Ruling
7. Big, Beautiful Bill / Fed Holds on Interest Rates
8. DC Military Parade
9. Tariffs / China Trade Negotiations
10.Hurricane Erick

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Benjamin Netanyahu / Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
3. Pete Hegseth / Tulsi Gabbard
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Tucker Carlson / Steven K. Bannon
6. Brad Lander / Alex Padilla
7. Kristi Noem
8. Vance Boelter / Melissa Hortman
9. Jerome Powell
10.Barack Obama

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

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Fourth Anniversary

Los Angeles talk radio outlet KBLA “Talk 1580” was launched four years ago today (6/19) by Smiley Audio Media owner Tavis Smiley. The company says it is proudly celebrating the anniversary “with four high-profile public events. Since its launch, KBLA Talk 1580 has become the station of choice for Black andimg African American residents, as well as progressive listeners more broadly. KBLA Talk 1580 continues to be the most ‘trusted, credible, and reliable’ media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond. While KBLA Talk 1580 is unapologetically progressive, the station and its on-air talent prioritize good ideas over ideology.” KBLA will hold a “Juneteenth Backyard Barbecue” today at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Saturday (6/21) KBLA will present an “Empowerment Congress Juneteenth Community Celebration & Dialogue” at The Beehive from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and on Sunday (6/22), station host Dominique DiPrima will moderate a “State of Black Women in Los Angeles” symposium at The Living Room @ Faithful Central Bible Church from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Industry News

Buffalo’s “The Patriot” to Launch on July 4

Buddy Shula’s new radio station WUSW, Niagara Falls, New York – formerly WHLD – will officially launch its conservative talk format on July 4 as “1270 AM The Patriot.” Shula, who operates oldies WECK in theimg Buffalo market, acquired WHDL from Cumulus Media earlier this year. He says, “I’m thrilled to be debuting a local talk station that deals with real issues. I feel the conservative talk lane is open, and that will give listeners a choice of the type of talk that they really want to hear.” The station will feature syndicated shows including Premiere Networks’ “The Sean Hannity Show,” “Glenn Beck,” “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton,” and “Jesse Kelly,” plus Erik Erickson, Lars Larson, Vince Coglianese, and more. New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro will also host a local program.

Industry News

St. Louis Talk Host Witnesses Israel-Iran Conflict

img

St. Louis talk radio host Chris Arps – co-host of the “Tim Jones & Chris Arps” show on News/Talk STL (KLJY-HD3/K270BW/KNBS-FM) – was witness to the violence in Israel during a trip to the region. FOX2 Now reports that Arps and his wife are among those who had been taking cover in underground bomb shelters in Israel during their trip. They were traveling with a group that was able to make it out of the region by taking a bus to Jordan. Arps tells FOX2 that he was on a “once-in-a-lifetime trip with a group called ‘Heroes to Heroes’ to see the holy sites in Israel with veterans suffering from PTSD. The trip’s overall goal was to promote spiritual healing.” See the FOX2 Now report here.

Industry News

Nielsen: Radio Outperforms Perceived Effectiveness

Nielsen states that its 2025 Annual Marketing Report comes to the conclusion that marketers are driving investment in digital channels because they are perceived to have measurability and direct attribution. Nielsen says ease of measurement does not always equate to effectiveness or higher ROI. “Proprietaryimg KPIs and lower CPMs can be misleading, and a channel’s ability to claim conversion credit doesn’t necessarily translate to real value. This bias can lead to underinvestment in traditional channels, like radio, which, despite being perceived as less effective, can deliver substantial ROI.” The perceived effectiveness of radio by marketers puts it dead last in ROI. But a weighted average shows that radio is second only to social media in ROI. The study also found that “podcasts demonstrate strong ROI, comparable to TV and digital display, yet they are often overlooked or undervalued.” See more about the study here.

Industry News

50th Annual Gracies Luncheon in NYC

img

The AWM Foundation presented the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City yesterday (6/18). Host Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline” led the program alongside a lineup of presenters that included WFAN’s Boomer Esiason, iHeartMedia’s Medha Gandhi, CNN’s Erica Hill, and NBC News’ Vicky Nguyen. Pictured above is “CBS Sunday Morning” host Jane Pauley (left) presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime colleague and friend, “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent Martha Teichner (right).

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Israel-Iran Strikes / U.S. Mulls Involvement
2. ICE Raids / Student Visa Process
3. SCOTUS Transgender Ruling
4. Lawmaker Safety Concerns
5. Hurricane Erick

Industry News

Trusty Confirmed to FCC Seat

Republicans were able to get FCC Commissioner nominee Olivia Trusty confirmed, giving FCC Chairman Brendan Carr the quorum he needs to do business. The Commission was without a quorum in the aftermath of Democrat Geoffrey Starks planned exit and Republican Nathan Simington’s surprise resignation on June 6. Chairman Carr comments, “I want to extend my congratulations to Olivia Trusty on her confirmation to serve as an FCC Commissioner after President Trump’s nomination earlier this year.img  Olivia will be a great addition to the Commission.  Olivia brings years of valuable experience to the agency, including her public service on Capitol Hill and time in the private sector.  I am confident that her deep expertise and knowledge will enable her to hit the ground running, and she will be an exceptionally effective FCC Commissioner.  I look forward to welcoming Olivia to the Commission as a colleague and advancing an agenda that will deliver great results for the American people.” Fellow Commissioner, Democrat Anna Gomez also welcomes Trusty, saying, “I want to congratulate Olivia Trusty on her confirmation and welcome her to the FCC. I have known Olivia for years and have been very impressed with her strong background in communications policy and deep understanding of the technical aspects of this job, which will be a great asset to this agency. I look forward to working with her to return the FCC to its core priorities of protecting consumers, promoting innovation and competition, and securing our communication networks.”

Industry News

Retired Pats Center Andrews to Contribute to “98.5 The Sports Hub”

Recently retired New England Patriots center David Andrews is joining Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” as a contributor starting with the 2025 season. Andrews won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and he’ll appear on “The Zolak & Bertrand Show” with a weekly appearanceimg throughout the Patriots season. Andrews will also be featured on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network Pregame Show and will co-host a video podcast with Alex Barth. WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “David’s leadership and deep understanding of the game made him a standout on the field, and we’re excited to bring that same level of insight and authenticity to our listeners. He’s a natural fit for our lineup and the perfect voice to help break down the season from a player perspective.” Andrews comments, “I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with ‘The Sports Hub’ since coming to New England 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to providing my analysis and perspective across the station’s various platforms this season.”

Industry News

NPR Keeps Top Spots on Triton Digital Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for the month of May (April 28-June 1) based on weeklyimg average downloads and NPR maintains its grasp on the top two spots with “NPR News Now” at #1 and “Up First” at #2. iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” is #3 and Audacy’s “48 Hours” is #4. Other radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rising three spots to #7, Salem Media Group’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” dipping two spots to #8, and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” falling three places to #11. See the complete ranker here.

Job Opportunity

Lotus Seattle Seeks Promotions Staffers

Lotus Seattle Corp is seeking staff for its part-time Promotions Event Staff ON-CALL team members to work at station events and represent stations in a positive, professional manner. Lotus says, “This is a great opportunity to earn extra money by working at various stations’ events including local sporting events,img community events, retail/client events, local fairs and more. You will meet new people and engage with the public. Plus, interact with multi-media marketing pros to get an edge on your career with real world experience. This is a great job for all ages over the age of 18. If you are retired, a veteran, looking to fill some time on the weekends, in college looking for some extra part-time work or interested in the radio and television industry this is a great opportunity.” The position pays $21 per hour. Send your resume here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/17)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Israel-Iran Strikes / U.S. Weighs Military Action
2. Russia-Ukraine War
3. ICE Raids-Protests / NY Comptroller Arrested
4. Big, Beautiful Bill
5. Hortman Assassination