WABC Morning Host Sid Rosenberg to Make Second Trip to Israel for Week-Long Live Broadcasts on Anniversary of October 7
Sid Rosenberg, host of “Sid & Friends In the Morning” on WABC, New York, is making his second trip to Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, for a series of live broadcasts, Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10, 2024, including from near the Gaza border. Rosenberg, who is active in the New York Jewish community and has streaming listeners in Israel, made his first trip in January, just a few months after the attack.
“I was so moved by the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, I just had to go,” explained Rosenberg. “I went to [station owner/CEO} John Catsimatidis and [station president] Chad Lopez and said, ‘I have to be there… we have to be there,’ and they said yes! I am so grateful for their support for this monumental trip and broadcasts to honor and remember those who lost their lives and those who are being held hostage.” John Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “When Sid came to us, we didn’t hesitate,” adding, “Sid is passionate about the attacks on Israel, and, make no mistake, he is putting himself in danger to bring the truth of what’s going on in the Middle East to our listeners.” Chad Lopez tells TALKERS, “WABC was the only New York radio station to broadcast from Israel following the October 7 attack, and we felt it was just as important to return for the anniversary,” adding, “As a broadcaster, it is our responsibility to deliver global news to our listeners, whether they are in New York, other states, or tuning in from around the world via the internet or our app. We are proud to support Sid on this important trip.”
NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ in Fresno, CA, joined forces with local agriculture company Gar Bennett to raise funds for the Central California Food Bank through the 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive (9/20). KMJ listeners responded to the one-day broadcast with generous donations to help their less fortunate neighbors, raising over $200,000 in a single day. Gar Bennett matched every donation with 50 cents on the dollar, for a grand total of $493,000 going to the Central California Food Bank. Co-sponsor Farm Credit also pitched in with a large donation to the cause. The annual one-day event has raised more than $4.5 million for the Central California Food Bank, providing 20 million meals in 11 years. This year’s record-breaking fundraising effort will feed over two million people who struggle with hunger in the Central Valley. Pictured above (l-r): KMJ’s Ray Appleton; Kym Dildyne, CEO, Central California Food Bank, and KMJ’s Liz Kern.
Six members of the state’s broadcasting community were inducted including Betty-Jo Cugini of WERI/WRX Radio/WLNE-TV/WJAR-TV; Chris DiPaola of WBLQ-AM Radio (posthumously); Joe Hassett, color commentator Providence College Basketball; Dan Yorke of WPRO-AM Radio/WPRI-TV; Paul Zangari of WEAN-AM Radio/RI PBS/ WPRO-AM Radio; and Sean Daly, WLNE-TV/WPRI-TV. An emotional high-point of the ceremony took place when the late Chris DiPaola was inducted as the inaugural recipient of the Ron St. Pierre Radio Innovator Award – named after the late RI radio legend who passed away earlier this year. The award was accepted by DiPaola’s father and son. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison attended the event, noting, “Last night’s beautiful gathering was a reminder that local radio and television are very much alive and well in Rhode Island. There were laughs, tears, pride, camaraderie, and an abundance of good vibes. It was inspirational!”
Broadcasting weekdays 5:00 am to 9:00 am PT, the show delivers what station sources describe as “unmatched news coverage of the critical stories shaping the community.” 
The program has a reputation for being a trusted news source dedicated to delivering timely and accurate coverage tackling everything from local and national news to business, entertainment headlines plus traffic and weather reports. Known for her warm delivery and engaging storytelling, Carter’s distinguished career includes roles at major news outlets such as WBBM in Chicago and Newsradio KFBK in Sacramento, where she became known for her sharp reporting and ability to connect with audiences. She will report to PD Mary Ayala who tells TALKERS, “I’m thrilled to welcome Veronica to our team,” adding, “Her depth of experience, vibrant enthusiasm and passion for connecting with the people of California make her a great addition to our morning show.” Carter comments, “I’m honored to join such a respected team and excited to connect with our listeners each morning, bringing them the news and stories that matter most.” Carter replaces LaDona Harvey, who announced she was stepping down from the role earlier this month.
Midday show host Laurence Holmes (pictured left) will transition to afternoon drive and join co-host Matt Spiegel. “The Spiegel and Holmes Show” began being heard weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm CT yesterday (9/23). The station also installs local broadcast veteran Marshall Harris as midday show co-host. Harris succeeds Holmes and will be heard alongside Dan Bernstein on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm CT beginning September 30. “We’re thrilled to debut the future of afternoons on The Score by pairing Laurence Holmes with Matt Spiegel,” said Kevin Cassidy, SVP/market manager, Audacy Chicago. “Laurence’s deep knowledge of Chicago sports, coupled with Matt’s existing rapport with our afternoon listeners, promises to deliver compelling, insightful content that resonates with our audience. We’re equally thrilled to welcome Marshall Harris, a seasoned sports broadcaster with deep local ties, to our midday lineup.” Holmes joined The Score in 1998 and covered the Bears for 10 years. He has also been a sports anchor on NBC5 and NBC Sports Chicago. He succeeds Danny Parkins, who recently left the station. Harris joins 670 The Score after serving as sports director for CBS2 in Chicago. He has also served as a fill-in host for 670 The Score since 2022 and has been heard on sister station Sports Radio 94WIP in Philadelphia.
What’s it like to be a self-made billionaire mogul with powerful ownership interests in the media, grocery, energy, real estate, political, and sports industries? TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison presents a candid one-on-one dialogue with Red Apple Group CEO and WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis that covers all the above bases and then some. “Cats” discusses his ongoing plans for WABC Radio; the future of the AM radio dial; roots of the inflated cost of food and gasoline; his development of beach front condo properties in Coney Island, NY and St. Petersburg, FL; and what he describes as his “common sense” approach to today’s political environment. Catsimatidis’ life is the embodiment of the American Dream – a true rags-to-riches story of a Greek immigrant who came to New York City with his family at the age of six months and worked his way to success, starting in his parents’ humble grocery store, to become one of the most influential individuals in the nation. Harrison and Catsimatidis take the viewer on an amazing “fun” journey from the nostalgic sidewalks and baseball stadiums of old New York to the pinnacle of 21st century business, media, and technology. To view this exciting new entry on the TALKERSMEDIA YouTube channel, please 
Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor member and legendary radio play-by-play announcer Al McCoy has passed away peacefully at the age of 91. The longest tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy was widely known as the “dean of NBA broadcasters” for his years of service and unique broadcasting style. He served 51 seasons as “The Voice of the Suns,” calling his first game on September 27, 1972 and his last on May 11, 2023. McCoy’s unforgettable calls of the most memorable moments in Suns history, including three trips to the NBA Finals, and his trademark phrases from “Shazam!” to “Zing Go the Strings” to “Heartbreak Hotel” have cemented his legacy throughout Arizona and the NBA. His distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep knowledge of the game created a unique style that remained a staple for more than five decades. McCoy will long be known as the Voice of the Phoenix Suns. His many contributions to basketball and sports broadcasting were recognized when he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. The first play-by-play announcer inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and a 2009 inductee into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, McCoy earned the team’s highest honor when he became the 15th person inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017. Funeral services are pending.
The Radio Hall of Fame inducted its 2024 class of honorees last night (9/19) during a gala ceremony and dinner at the Omni Nashville. 2022 inductee, Lon Helton was emcee for the event, with Radio Hall of Fame co-chairmen, Kraig Kitchin (also one of this year’s inductees) and Dennis Green, welcoming attendees with opening remarks. Pictured above: 2024 inductee Lee Harris (r) director of integrated operations, NewsNation (and of 1010 WINS, New York fame) and Scott Herman (l) chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America who inducted Harris. Herman and Harris worked together at 1010 WINS when the all-news operation was part of the CBS Radio fold and Herman served as the company’s COO. For more information about the Radio Hall of Fame and the eight 2024 Inductees, visit: 
Audacy has added “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” to its lineup on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia. Failla’s nationally syndicated political show will be heard weekdays from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET beginning October 7. “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” features guests from across the political spectrum for lively discussions on the day’s leading headlines. David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager, Audacy Philadelphia tells TALKERS, ““Jimmy’s coverage of today’s top stories brings a refreshing lightness to the political polarization in America, uniting listeners from all parties with laughter,” adding, “Talk radio has proved to be a reliable news source for listeners, so we’re proud to add this renowned program to our airwaves as the anticipation builds for the 2024 presidential election.” TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Failla says, “As a former taxi cab driver, I am thrilled to join a station that’s built the same strong relationships with its listeners as I built with my passengers,” adding, “I can’t wait to take this ride!” In addition to his radio program, which is heard on 150 stations nationwide, Failla hosts the television show “FOX News Saturday Night,” where he uses his experience as a stand-up comedian to add humor to the biggest stories of the week. He is the New York Times bestselling author of the FOX News book Cancel Culture Dictionary and began writing for the network in 2016. Failla is replacing Cumulus / Westwood One syndicated star (and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member) Mark Levin at night on WPHT.
Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. (Nasdaq: BBGI) has announced a 1-for-20 reverse stock split, effective September 23, 2024. But what does this mean for shareholders? A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares investors own while increasing the price per share. In BBGI’s case, for every 20 shares you hold, you’ll now own one share. For example, if you own 100 shares at $0.50 each, after the split, you’ll own five shares priced at around $10 each. Importantly, the total value of your investment stays the same before any market fluctuations. BBGI is conducting this reverse stock split to boost its stock price and comply with Nasdaq’s requirement for stocks to trade above $1.00. The split helps the company remain listed on the exchange. Shareholders don’t need to take any action – your broker will automatically adjust the number of shares. However, if you end up with a fractional share (e.g., owning 25 shares pre-split), you’ll receive cash for the fraction rather than owning a partial share. The reverse split will take effect on September 23, 2024, with shares trading at the new price starting September 24. While your share count decreases, the goal is to stabilize BBGI’s stock price and position the company for future growth. In summary, the reverse stock split is a technical adjustment, and the value of your investment remains the same. Keep an eye on the stock’s performance post-split to gauge its long-term impact.
Cumulus Media Appleton-Oshkosh, WI is looking for a dynamic morning show host for its legendary conservative talk and news station WOSH-AM (with FM translator). The station just celebrated its 83rd anniversary and is looking for an engaging presence to guide it to its next milestone. Station officials tell TALKERS, “The WOSH host shares the community voice and opinions and encourages listeners in the Fox River Valley to engage with the topics of the day, whether they agree (or even disagree) with us. Our talent, news, the sound of the station, and promotions are all forward thinking. If you are as well, maybe Wisconsin should be on your radar!” For more details and contact information, please 
The images accompanying the music will be a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. The group invites talk show hosts from around the country – local and syndicated – to contribute video clips of themselves in action on the mic. The clips need not be longer than one minute and show the face of the host on air in the studio (even if it is a home studio) and, if possible, show the station or program logo in the frame. Obviously, the group cannot guarantee inclusion in the final product, but every effort will be made to do so. Gunhill Road video producer (and TALKERS VP/associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison states, “The members of Gunhill Road are so grateful for the attention and airplay they have received over the past five years from talk radio that they want to give something special back to the industry and its medium.” Interested hosts should send their video clips to