Industry News

CTBS Podcast Network Launches “Nation States with Yates”

Premiere Networks says The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network is debuting a new podcast hosted by foreign policy strategist and former White House national security advisor Steve Yates, titled, “Nation States with Yates.” Premiere says, “‘Nation States with Yates’ is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign imgpolicy, and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. In each episode, Yates draws on his decades of experience across government, policy, and advisory roles to break down how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.” Yates comments, “The world comes at you fast, not just at the White House, but at your house. My pledge to you in each episode is to deliver concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, what they mean for the United States, and what they mean for your world.”

Industry News

FIFA World Cup Coverage to Be Heard on iHeartRadio

FOX Sports is the English-language home for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the network is partnering with iHeartMedia to bring the call of every match to broadcast radio and digital streaming from June 11 through the Final on July 19. iHeartMedia chief programming officer Tom Poleman imgsays, “This summer’s World Cup will be the biggest yet, with more teams than ever competing as the U.S. Men’s National Team takes the global stage on home soil, and we’re thrilled to partner with FOX Sports to bring this monumental tournament to our combined audiences. This partnership allows us to deliver complete, live coverage at an unprecedented scale, reaching fans wherever they are – at home, in the car or on the go – and connecting them to the passion and unforgettable moments of the World Cup.”

Industry News

Salem Media to Go Private After Acquisition by WaterStone

Salem Media announces that it is entering into a definitive agreement to be acquired by The Christian Community Foundation, Inc., d/b/a WaterStone in a transaction that will take the company private. WaterStone will acquire all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s recent trading price. Salem says that the consummation of imgthis deal will “strengthen Salem’s longterm mission across radio, digital media, streaming, podcasting, television, and publishing.” Company co-founder and board member Edward Atsinger III says, “For the last 10 years the Atsinger and Epperson families have been looking for a successor that would continue to carry the torch of delivering quality Christian and conservative media into the next generation and beyond. When we met with WaterStone some 24 months ago we believed it was a divine appointment. WaterStone is deeply aligned with the vision we had when our families founded this company.” Richard von Gnechten is chairman of Salem Media’s board of directors and president of WaterStone. He comments, “This is about building on what makes Salem unique. Salem has spent decades earning the trust of listeners, ministries, advertisers, and audiences by staying true to its mission. WaterStone believes deeply in that mission and in the people behind it. This partnership gives Salem additional strength and longterm stability while creating new opportunities to expand its reach for the future – which is why we are making this investment.” This deal is expected to close in August, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Industry News

Beasley’s Q1 2026 Net Revenue Declines 12.9%

Beasley Broadcast Group reports it operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and reveals net revenue for the period was $42.6 million, a decline of 12.9% from the same period a year ago. The company says that decline is due to “persistent weakness in the traditional agency advertising market that was partially offset by the continued expansion of our high-margin, owned-and-operated direct digital revenues.” Beasley imgadds that it recorded operating income of $7.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to an operating loss of $0.3 million in Q1 of 2025. The increase in operating income was driven primarily by the sale of its Fort Myers stations. Beasley also reported net income of approximately $3.2 million compared to a net loss of $2.7 million, reported a year ago. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “While first quarter results continued to reflect pressure in certain legacy advertising categories and an uneven pace of recovery across our markets, we made meaningful progress against the strategic priorities we outlined over the past year. Importantly, we continue to see strong momentum in digital, particularly in our owned and operated products, which grew year-over-year on a same station basis and now represent an increasingly important contributor to both revenue quality and long-term profitability. Markets with stronger digital adoption continue to demonstrate greater revenue stability, reinforcing our confidence in the long-term direction of the business.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 to Feature Major Programming News/Talk Radio Panel

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More than 60 speakers are set to tackle the major issues facing the talk media universe at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. One of the featured sessions of this power-packed day is “Programming News/Talk Radio.”

Moderated by afternoon drive talk show host Jeff Katz of WRVA, Richmond, the featured speakers on this panel include (in alphabetical order):  Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; and Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia.

The session, described by TALKERS VP / executive editor Kevin Casey as “a lightening-paced overview of the key issues facing programmers of the news/talk format during this amazingly volatile and transitional era” will run between 11:35 am and 12:20 pm.  For more details about TALKERS 2026, please click here.

Industry News

WGN, Chicago Anchor Honored with Chicago Headline Club Award

WGN, Chicago news anchor Sylvia Snowden was honored with a “Best Investigative Reporting” Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline imgClub at an awards ceremony held last Friday (5/8). Snowden’s award-winning investigation centered on a high-profile TikTok personality and party promoter who organized a massive West Side gathering despite explicit police warnings regarding potential violence. The event, which drew nearly 1,000 attendees, was followed by three separate shootings that left two people dead. Sylvia’s report revealed the promoter was a Chicago Public Schools employee; her continued coverage tracked his initial suspension with pay and his eventual return to the classroom following a district investigation.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Posts Q1 Revenue Increase of 9.6%

iHeartMedia bucks the recent trend and posts a net income increase of 9.6% on $884 million during the first quarter of 2026. For the quarter it reports operating income of $1.5 million, compared to the operating loss it took in Q1 of 2025. The company posted a net loss of $95.6 million, down from the net loss of $280.8 million in posted a year ago. That’s the good news. Unfortunately for some staffers another round of cuts is coming as the company seeks to make its radio station operations profitable. President and COO Rich Bressler states, “In the first quarter, the Digital imgAudio Group continued its strong momentum, with revenues up 18% year over year, slightly ahead of our guidance, while our Podcasting revenues grew 26.9% compared to prior year, above our guidance. We are announcing a new savings initiative that will generate an additional $50 million of annualized savings, in addition to our previously announced $100 million of in-year 2026 savings, as well as now paying minimal cash taxes in 2026, which we expect will have a $150 to $200 million impact over the next 3 years. And today we are reaffirming our Full Year Adjusted EBITDA guide of $800 million and our Free Cash Flow guide of $200 million.” The company is also expecting the increase in programmatic revenue to be some $200 million (+50%) during 2026.

Industry News

State Broadcasters Associations Approve Resolution Asking Congress to Preserve Live Sports on Broadcast TV

The 50 state broadcasters associations adopted a resolution asking congress to re-examine the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 in order to “preserve broad fan access to sports programming as more games move behind streaming paywalls.” The National Association of Broadcasters applauds the move saying, “When the law was enacted, policymakers imgcould not have anticipated today’s streaming options. This resolution reflects growing concern that sports programming is increasingly fragmented across exclusive digital platforms, forcing fans to purchase multiple subscriptions, maintain reliable broadband access and navigate a maze of services just to follow their favorite teams. It calls on congress to assess whether these evolving distribution practices are covered under the law, serve the public interest and preserve broad fan access to sports programming.” NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “We commend the state broadcasters associations for their leadership and engagement on this important issue. Local television remains the only universally available video platform in America, delivering live sports, trusted local news, emergency information and essential public service to every community. Policymakers should put fans first and ensure that the future of sports distribution preserves broad access through free, local broadcast television.”

Industry News

Horizon Broadcasting Launches Spokane News/Talker

Horizon Broadcasting is firing up a new news/talk station in the Spokane-Coeur d’ Alene market on KBNW at 107.1 FM and KSBN at 1230 AM. The company says that 107.1 FM | 1230 AM News Radio KBNW is being led by Keith Shipman, who has served as president & CEO of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters for the past decade and Roger Nelson, a Spokane broadcaster who’s served with the KXLY Broadcast Group and Phase 3 Digital. Shipman says, “Local imgbroadcasting is at its best when it informs, connects and serves the community. Our goal is to provide timely, relevant information that keeps the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene metropolitan area well informed, whether it’s breaking news, traffic slowdowns, severe weather or the stories shaping our region each day.” Nelson adds, “After more than 25 years in Spokane broadcasting, I’ve seen how important live and local news is when people need it most. News Radio KBNW is built to be present at the start and end of every weekday, delivering reliable information people can depend on, along with engaging and entertaining talk programs the rest of the broadcast day.”  The two say the news staff will consist of Steve Wilke, Joe Paisley, Erich Ebel and Scott Carlon.  Talk programs will include: Dave Ramsey, Mike Gallagaher, Lars Larson, and Armstrong & Getty.

Industry News

WURD, Philadelphia to Host Democratic Primary Forum and Live Election Night Special

WURD, Philadelphia is hosting a live candidate forum featuring three leading Democratic candidates in Pennsylvania’s Third Congressional imgDistrict race today (5/12) from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The forum featuring candidates State Rep. Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford and State Sen. Sharif Street is being moderated by WURD Radio hosts Dr. James Peterson, Joann Bell and Solomon Jones.  on Tuesday, May 12, from 5–6 p.m. during a special edition of Evening WURDs. The station will also host a live remote Election Night Special on Tuesday, May 19, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm from Honeysuckle on Broad St.

Industry News

Cumulus’ “The Ticket” Expands 2026 The World Soccer Coverage

Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, “Sportsradio 96.7 and 1310 The Ticket” is expanding its soccer program, “The KickAround,” into a nightly destination for fans during the 2026 World Soccer action as coverage will run from June 11 to July 19. Longtime contributor and European soccer imgjournalist Lars Sivertsen will join ‘The KickAround’ in studio for the duration of the World Soccer coverage alongside the show’s long-standing hosts, Andy Swift and Peter Welpton. KTCK program director Jeff Catlin states, “This is our fourth year to cover World Soccer with expanded programming on ‘The KickAround.’ Interest this year is at an all-time high with key tournament games being played in Dallas-Fort Worth. ‘The KickAround’ will be a destination for Ticket listeners and both soccer fans and casuals.”

Industry News

The Black Effect Podcast Network Debuts “Front Page”

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network are launching “Front Page” – a new daily Black Effect original poimgdcast and an extension of The Breakfast Club’s popular “Front Page News” radio segment. Black Effect says host Mimi Brown expands her on-air coverage of the most-talked-about news stories each weekday into easily digestible 10-to-12-minute episodes that will give listeners more of the headline-making details they crave.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Net Revenue Dips 1.9% in Q1

Townsquare Media reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and says net revenue was $96.8 million, a decline of 1.9% compared to the first quarter of 2025. The company reveals net income of $2.96 million in Q1 of 2026 after reporting a net loss of $1.5 million during the same period a year ago. Townsquare reports data by segment and digital revenue for the quarter was $39.3 million, up 6.8% from Q1 of 2025, subscription digital marketing solutions revenue was $17.5 million, imga decline of 7.9% from last year and broadcast advertising revenue was $38.6 million, down 6.6% from the same period a year ago. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson comments, “With our digital growth engine driving our performance, each year our business mix continues to shift to a greater percentage of both digital revenue and profit. In the first quarter, 59% of our total revenue and 63% of our total Segment Profit was generated from our differentiated digital solutions – each our highest percentages ever. Our Digital Advertising revenue returned to high-single digit revenue growth in Q1, which we believe will continue throughout the year due to the consistent performance of our digital programmatic offering and the success of our Media Partnership division; the strong revenue growth of the direct sales of our local owned and operated digital properties; and the stabilization of our online audience and remnant revenue. I would also like to highlight Townsquare Interactive’s strong profit performance, with Segment Profit margin of 34% in Q1, representing year-over-year margin expansion.” The company also announced that its board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable on August 3, 2026 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2026.

Industry News

Red Apple to Acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester

Red Apple Media files applications with the FCC to acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester, Massachusetts from Carter Broadcasting for $1.45 million. This will be the first signal acquired by John Catsimatidis’ media imgcompany outside of the New York City market. The station is currently airing a news/talk format of local, syndicated and brokered programming. Local air personalities include the daily morning show hosts Hank Stolz and Ben White (“Talk of the Commonwealth”) and longtime New England talk host Frankie Boyer who is heard in middays. Red Apple will assume operations under a local marketing agreement until the deal closes. Red Apple and Catsimatidis have made no indication of the company’s intent for future programming.

Industry News

Michael Johnson Jr. Named PD for iHeartMedia’s Connecticut Talk and Sports Stations

iHeartMedia names Michael Johnson Jr. program director for sports talk WUCF-FM “FOX Sports 97.9” news/talk WPOP-AM NewsRadio 1410 in Hartford and news/talk WELI-AM and sports talk WAVZ-AM “FOX Sports img1300” in New Haven. iHeartMedia SVP of programming Dylan Sprague says, “Michael’s energy, passion and leadership make him a strong fit to lead our Sports and Talk portfolio in Hartford and New Haven. These are powerful brands and we’re excited to build on their success under Michael’s leadership.” Johnson comments, “I am thrilled to begin this next chapter at iHeart. Sports fans are passionate and engaged. I am eager to grow all of the stations, deepen the connections with listeners and continue expanding our digital presence.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

Lee Habeeb to Kick Off TALKERS 2026 Discussing “The Art of Storytelling”

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TALKERS 2026, the 28th annual installment of the longest running and most important national talk media industry gathering, is less than a month away and on track to be an early sellout.  Set for Friday, June 5 on the beautiful Long Island campus of Hofstra University, the historic conference will again present more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power packed day of non-stop conversation about the state and future of talk radio and the talk media industry.

The day will launch with a breakfast discussion of “The Art of Storytelling” presented by Lee Habeeb, CEO, host, and producer of the tremendously successful syndicated series, “Our American Stories” which offers an impressive roster of hundreds of news/talk stations across the nation with extremely well written and exquisitely produced overviews of uniquely American aspects of history and popular culture.

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most important and original broadcasters in the modern talk radio industry. ‘Our American Stories’ consistently delivers a very high level of contemporary spoken word programming that fits the format but broadens its boundaries in a positive manner that rises above hackneyed political ideology. It is no surprise that, since its launch, the show has consistently been one of the classiest and fastest growing syndicated properties in the business.” Harrison concludes, “Everyone talks about the fundamental importance of storytelling in the talk biz. It is only logical that TALKERS 2026 would present the industry’s leading storyteller as a featured speaker.”

For more information about TALKERS 2026, please click here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: AI Side Hustles

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgJason Reddick’s The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles is aimed at beginners trying to build passive income. But read it through a broadcaster’s lens and it suggests a blueprint for how radio talent and podcasters can leverage AI to expand their influence, diversify revenue, and stay indispensable in a media economy that rewards relevance and speed.

His central thesis is simple: AI doesn’t create talent – it amplifies it. And that’s especially advantageous if you are already a communicator.

AI Enhanced Audio Services: Your Voice, Supercharged

Reddick writes about “leveraged skills,” and the most leveraged skill you have is your voice. Consider exploiting AI tools to offer:

  • local tourism audio guides,
  • church or nonprofit announcements,
  • fundraising video narration,
  • audio newsletters for local businesses,
  • corporate training narration,
  • e-learning or product demonstration voiceovers.

Each of these is high-trust, high-value, and repeatable. Businesses want a real human voice, and if you’re on radio or have a popular podcast, local businesses already know and trust your voice. AI simply lets you scale it. 

Repurposing: Your Secret Weapon

Reddick emphasizes turning one idea into multiple assets. You already generate hours of content. With AI, that becomes:

  • a monologue turned into a newsletter or newspaper column,
  • a segment turned into a blog post,
  • a rant turned into a daily, shareable email.

You’re already doing the hard part. AI helps multiply the output.

“Small, Fast, Useful”

Reddick likes what he calls “microproducts” – simple digital items that solve a problem quickly. As a broadcaster or podcaster, you already know how to explain things clearly and in plain English.

Whether you are repackaging interviews you already do or advertisers you already have (or want), or exploring your own personal interests, or simply addressing the everyday issues you yourself confront as a consumer, what can AI help you produce?

  • “How to Explain Tech Problems to Customer Support”
  • “How to Write a Complaint That Gets Results”
  • “Explaining Big News Stories to Young Children”
  • “Talking to Teens About Online Safety”
  • “How to Cancel SiriusXM Without the Runaround”
  • “Welcome! Starter Kit if You’re New to the Area”
  • “How to Sound Confident on Conference Calls”
  • “Airport Survival Guide for Infrequent Flyers”

Why These Work: They’re “evergreen” (relevant today and a year from now), high-utility (solves a problem quickly, low-lift (AI drafts, you refine), and trust-based (your voice + clarity = credibility).

If AI can scale your talent, the only limit now is your imagination. You can read the first two chapters of “The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles,” free, here.

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

Industry News

Kathy Barnette Show Making Waves in Philly

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The WPHT, Philadelphia-based “Kathy Barnette Show” has launched into national syndication via her non-profit Seed & Root Initiative. The weekly show has been airing live on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am ET since January and is now being delivered nationally via the Salem Radio Network and by download. Barnette recently announced the national launch of her program at the recent Philadelphia Seed & Roots Summit at the Independence Center that drew fellow Black conservatives as well as Democrats to discuss important issues facing families today.

Barnette – a former U.S. Senate candidate in Pennsylvania – tells TALKERS, “America is at a crossroads, and I believe my voice comes at a critical time. I don’t talk about poverty or perseverance from a spreadsheet – I’ve lived it. From a pig farm in Alabama to the halls of corporate America, from serving in the military to building a national platform, I’ve seen firsthand what faith, discipline, and hard work can achieve. My show is about bringing authenticity, courage, and moral clarity back to the airwaves – and planting the kind of seeds that will offer shade for generations to come.”

Last week (5/2), Barnette devoted an episode of her radio show to the topic, “Breaking the Democrat Lock: Black Men Speak.” She tells TALKERS, “I brought Black men into the studio to discuss the ongoing shift in Black voter sentiment away from the Democrat Party after nearly 70 years of Democrats holding a dominant share of the Black vote. We explored a central question: What changed? What’s driving the erosion?”

Pictured (l-r): William Small II, congressional candidate 3rd CD; Amir Collins, 17-year-old Big Brother volunteer; Kathy BarnetteJohn Hemphill III, U.S. Air Force Gulf War veteran; and John Allante McAuley, PA GOP State Committee candidate.  The child pictured in front is William Small III.

Barnette, a home school teaching mother of two, was the national grassroots director and senior advisor for Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and is the author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America (Center Street, 2020).

Industry News

Saga Communications’ Q1 Net Revenue Falls 5.6%

Saga Communications reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and states net revenue was $22.9 million, a decrease of 5.6% from the same period in 2025. The company also reports and operating loss of $3.3 million compared to $2.3 million for the same quarter last year. Additionally, station operating income decreased 62% to $900,000. Sagimga is reporting a net loss of $2.4 million for the quarter compared to the net loss of $1.6 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 20, 2026. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. With payment of this most recent declaration Saga will have paid over $145 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 to Present “The Big Picture” Panel

 

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One of the most popular panel discussions of the annual TALKERS conference – “The Big Picture” – will again be featured at the forthcoming 28th installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering.  Moderated by TALKERS publisher/founder Michael Harrison (pictured here) and featuring a remarkable, diverse lineup of industry luminaries, the session tackles the major issues – social, political, imgtechnological, and financial – facing the talk media business in the current environment of rapid change. Described as the fastest-moving 40 minutes in the broadcasting conference arena, this year’s panelists will include (in alphabetical order):  Steve Jones, president, CEO & chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Frank Morano, member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Chris Olivero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés.” The session will take place between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter on Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island. Harrison states, “This rapid-fire session of heavyweights ties it all together in terms of trying to make sense of the uncertainties we presently face in the talk media business.”  For more information about TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter, please click here

Industry News

KSAC Drops Grant Napear Show

Lotus Communications’ sports talk KSAC, Sacramento “FOX Sports 104.7/890 AM” drops “The Grant Napear Show” after eight months animgd replaces it with FOX Sports Radio’s “The Odd Couple” with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington. Napear broke the news himself tweeting out, “BREAKING NEWS: I was just informed they are pulling the plug on my show. My thanks to you for your support and @RyaninSactown who did a great job.” Napear references on-air producer Ryan Bohamera. Napear was a host on KHTK, Sacramento and TV voice of the NBA’s Kings but was fired after a media exchange with DeMarcus Cousins over the Black Lives Matter movement.