Industry News

Eric Bolling Joins New Citizen-Owned Media Platform

Former FOX Broadcasting, Red Seat Ventures, and Newsmax talk host and journalist Eric Bolling is the new senior communications manager and partner at Re:Public, the new “citizen-powered media platform forimg local communities and civic issues.” According to a press statement, Bolling will assist in guiding Re:Public’s strategic communications, serve as voice of the platform in national and regional media, and assist with outreach as Re:Public expands throughout the United States. Bolling says, “Re:Public is an innovative new platform that returns the voice of ordinary Americans to the center of our public life. Local news has been dominated by goliath corporations for too long. Re:Public empowers people with the ability to report what is important in their own neighborhoods — unfiltered, uncensored, and held accountable.”

Industry News

WJR’s Lloyd Jackson Named Voice of Detroit People Mover

Cumulus Media announces that “JR in the Morning” co-host Lloyd Jackson is the official voice of the Detroitimg People Mover, the city of Detroit’s elevated public transportation system. The city makes the announcement as the People Mover celebrates its 38th anniversary and Jackson becomes the first new voice for the system’s on-board station announcements in over 30 years. The WJR personality’s voice will now greet thousands of riders daily, both on the trains and from the station platforms. In addition to station announcements, Jackson will also be heard on a series of welcome messages, greeting riders from the station platforms.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Innes to Host Mornings in Detroit. Radio personality Josh Innes, who has worked in the sports talk format in Philadelphia and Houston, is the new morning drive host at iHeartMedia’s rock WLLZ, Detroit. The station says, “‘The Josh Innes Show’ will wake up Detroit listeners with an interactive show that combines live callers, opinions and commentary on a wide variety of topics. From sports to pop culture and local interests, Josh Innes brings a fresh and engaging approach that is both fun and uniquely Detroit.

iHeartMedia Q2 Financial Report Announced. iHeartMedia, Inc will issue financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2025 on Monday, August 11. The company will conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm ET, following the release of its earnings announcement, to discuss its financial results and business outlook.

Urban One to Present Q2 Operating Results. Urban One announces it will reveal the operating results from the second quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, August 19 and will hold a conference call for investors, analysts, and other interested parties at 10:00 am ET that morning.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/23)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/223) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. The Epstein Files
2. Columbia & Harvard Cases
3. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Tariffs

Industry News

TALKERS Celebrates 35th Anniversary Today

It was 35 years ago today (July 23, 1990) that the first edition of TALKERS rolled off the presses. Then aimg newsprint tabloid, TALKERS proclaimed that “talk radio” was, indeed, an “industry within an industry” and worthy of its own, unique full-service trade publication. Founded by pioneering radio broadcaster (KMET, WNEW-FM, WLIR-FM, WCBS-FM, WPIX, KPRI, CBS, Westwood One, RKO) Michael Harrison, who also brought his experience with publications including Radio & RecordsGoodphone Weekly, and Billboard to the table, the independent journal went on to produce annual conferences, numerous radio shows, and contribute to the ongoing success and influence of a variety of spoken word formats and talk media offshoots.

Industry News

Rich Eisen Returns to ESPN

Sports talk media personality Rich Eisen is returning to the ESPN radio fold, effective September 2. ESPN says “The Rich Eisen Show” will be available nationally on ESPN Radio, in addition to Disney+ and ESPN+img live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. The show will be simulcast live on Disney+ every day and on ESPN+ during select weeks in the year. In addition to his weekday show, Eisen brings his full podcast lineup from The Rich Eisen Podcast Network to ESPN platforms. Eisen says, “Once we struck a deal with Disney for the video version of The Rich Eisen Show, it made complete sense to migrate the audio version to ESPN Radio, where I got started in the terrestrial radio world almost 30 years ago. It’s just another way to return to my roots with my old and now new friends at ESPN and GKB. I couldn’t be more excited about our future together on multiple platforms.”

Industry News

NPR’s Edith Chapin to Step Down

NPR announces that editor-in-chief and acting chief content officer Edith Chapin will step down from her position with the public media organization this fall. NPR says this comes days after Congress, driven largelyimg by President Trump’s claims of liberal bias at NPR, voted to strip public broadcasting of all federal funding. But Chapin says the choice was hers and not driven by the action in Congress. Chapin says, “I have had two big executive jobs for two years, and I want to take a break. I want to make sure my performance is always top-notch for the company. NPR CEO Katherine Maher says, “Edith has been an indispensable partner during my first year at NPR, a steady leader for a large part of this organization, and a fantastic collaborator as a member of the executive team.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. The Epstein Files
2. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
3. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
4. Trump vs Powell
5. Ozzy Osbourne Dies

Industry News

Portland’s “The Fan” Gets New FM Signal; Harrah Named Brand Manager

Audacy’s sports talk KFXX-AM “1080 The Fan” gets a full-market FM signal as the company drops the AC format on KRSK-FM and begins simulcasting on the 105.1 FM frequency, effective today (7/22). Additionally, the station announces that longtime station host Dusty Harrah adds brand manager duties following theimg retirement of Jeff Austin. The station the serves as flagship for University of Oregon Ducks football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. Along with these changes, the station unveils a tweaked program schedule that includes the debut of “The Firm of Harris and Marang,” airing daily from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm and hosted by Danny Marang and Patrick Harris; “Dirt and Sprague” extending their show an hour from 6:00 am to 10:00 am; and “The Happy Hour with Luke Andersen” airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Audacy Portland SVP and market manager Ryan Cooley says, “We’re incredibly excited to bring ‘The FAN’ to the FM dial. This move is long overdue and all about delivering a better listening experience for our audience with clearer sound and great content our fans know and love. For the first time in our history, our entire primetime on-air lineup will be 100% local and led by our new brand manager, Dusty Harrah, a native Oregonian.”

Industry News

Lenz to Lead iHeartMedia Milwaukee

iHeartMedia promotes Dan Lenz market president for its Milwaukee operations. Lenz has been serving asimg SVP of sales for the station group. This move comes after the recent retirement of Jeff Tyler. iHeartMedia division president Nick Gnau comments, “Over the past two years, Dan has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance and a deep understanding of the market, earning him this well-deserved promotion to market president. His leadership as the sales lead has been instrumental to our success, and we are confident that both our team and partners will benefit even more from his expanded role.”

Industry News

FCC’s Trusty Comments on CPB Funding Recission

Newly confirmed FCC commissioner Olivia Trusty issues a statement about the recent recission of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. She states, “I am mindful of the long-standing role that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has played in supporting educational and cultural programming acrossimg the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, Americans are increasingly skeptical of media institutions, with trust in media at historic lows. That reality cannot be ignored. It is not unreasonable for taxpayers to expect transparency, accountability, and balance from any outlet receiving federal support. Nor is it unreasonable for Congress to reassess whether public funding models established in a different media era remain justified today, especially when Americans have more access to more content from more sources than ever before. This action does not signal the end of public media.  Instead, it presents an opportunity for innovation, partnerships, and more localized decision-making. As a regulator, I will continue to support policies that promote access and competition in media, without presupposing that one model of funding or content creation should be immune from public scrutiny or reform.”

Industry News

Starks Rises in Steelers Game Day Audio Coverage

iHeartMedia Pittsburgh promotes former lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Max Starks to colorimg commentator for game day broadcasts. Starks has been a member of the Steelers Audio Network broadcast team since 2021, and transitions from his previous role as sideline analyst to join play-by-play host Rob King in the booth. Missi Matthews continues to deliver game day reporting from the sidelines. In addition, King and Starks will co-host, “In The Locker Room, Presented by Neighborhood Ford Store” that airs in-season from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Steelers Nation Radio and on WBGG-AM “FOX Sports Pittsburgh.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. The Epstein Files
2. Tariffs / Trump vs Powell
3. MLK Jr. Files Released
4. Malcolm-Jamal Warner Death
5. Gaza Violence

Industry Views

When One Clip Cuts Two Ways: How Copyright and Defamation Risks Collide

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By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgA radio (or video podcast) host grabs a viral clip, tosses in some sharp commentary, and shares it online. The goal? Make some noise. The result? A takedown notice for copyright infringement – and then a letter threatening a defamation suit.

Sound far-fetched? It’s not. In today’s media world, copyright misuse and defamation risks often run on parallel tracks – and sometimes crash into each other. They come from different areas of law, but creators are finding themselves tangled up in both over the same piece of content.

Copyright Protects Ownership. Defamation Protects Reputation

It’s easy to think of copyright and defamation as two separate beasts. One guards creative work. The other shields reputation. But when creators use or edit someone else’s content – especially for commentary, parody, or critique – both risks can hit at once.

Take Smith v. Summit Entertainment LLC (2007). Smith wrote an original song. Summit Entertainment slapped him with a false DMCA takedown notice, claiming copyright they didn’t actually own. Smith fought back, suing not just for the bogus takedown but also for defamation, arguing that Summit’s public accusations hurt his reputation. The court said both claims could go forward.

That case shows just how easily copyright claims and defamation threats can pile up when bad information meets bad behavior.

Murphy v. Millennium Radio: A Close Call with a Clear Message

In Murphy v. Millennium Radio Group LLC, a New Jersey radio station scanned a photographer’s work – with his credit – and posted it online without permission. That alone triggered a copyright claim. But the hosts didn’t stop there. They mocked the photographer on-air, which sparked a defamation lawsuit.

Even though the copyright and defamation claims came from different actions – using the photo without permission and trash-talking the photographer – they landed in the same legal fight. It’s a reminder that separate problems can quickly become one big headache.

Why This Double Threat Matters

Fair Use Isn’t a Free Pass on Defamation. Even if you have a solid fair use argument, that won’t protect you if your edits or commentary twist facts or attack someone unfairly.
Public Comments Can Double Your Trouble. The second you speak publicly about how you’re using content – whether you’re bragging about rights you don’t have or taking a shot at someone – you risk adding a defamation claim on top of an IP dispute.
Smart Lawyers Play Both Angles. Plaintiffs know the playbook. They’ll use copyright claims for takedown leverage and defamation claims for reputational damage – sometimes in the same demand letter.
FCC Rules Don’t Cover This. It doesn’t matter if you’re FCC-regulated or a podcaster on your own. These risks come from civil law – and they’re coming for everyone.

The Takeaway

The overlap between copyright and defamation isn’t just a legal footnote – it’s a growing reality. In a world of viral clips, reaction videos, and borrowed content, creators need to watch how they frame and comment on what they use, just as much as whether they have permission to use it in the first place.

Because when one clip cuts two ways, you could take a hit from both directions.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: The Dog Days of Summer

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgAsk any dog: The humans’ greatest invention EVER? Ice cream. Share summer’s sweetest treat with them, and listeners, during National Ice Cream Month.

Ask dog owners: “What makes YOUR dog happy?” Callers will tell stories.

im

And what’s cooler than hot wings? Do something special on July 29 – National Chicken Wing Day – and you will seem more special than non-local and/or robotic audio competitors.

Ditto International Hot Dog Day, August 26.

Convene a meeting to brainstorm opportunities on Thursday (July 24, National Tequila Day). Or August 8, International Beer Day.

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

Industry News

Superadio Launches AmplifiedVoices.com

Superadio Network and American Urban Radio Networks announces the expansion of its digital audio footprint with the official launch of AmplifiedVoices.com. Superadio calls it “a dynamic content hub dedicatedimg to elevating Black culture and storytelling across podcast and video platforms” that will serve as the exclusive home for both the Amplified Voices Podcast Network and the soon-to-launch Amplified Voices TV. Superadio and AURN CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey says, “This launch represents a powerful evolution in our mission to serve Black audiences. By creating three distinct digital destinations – AURN.com, Superadio.com and AmplifiedVoices.com – we are sharpening our focus to better meet the needs of our listeners, viewers and content distributors.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Colin Cowherd Adds 400th Affiliate. FOX Sports Radio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” reaches the 400-affiliate milestone with the addition of iHeartMedia’s “Rip City Radio 620 Portland” (KPOJ-AM). Cowherd says, “I couldn’t be more excited about the move! The Northwest has always held a special place in my heart! I was so fired up when I got the call from iHeart and am extremely honored that of all the cities, Portland’s KPOJ is my 400th affiliate.”

Benztown Partners with APM Music. Benztown is partnering with production music library APM Music to bring the latter’s work to radio stations. The APM Music library includes 1.3 million tracks in every genre and style from around the world and a constant flow of new releases, with more than 180 new curated new albums, 8,000 new tracks, and 2,000 songs with stems added each month.

Mission Media AI Partners with VSiN. Mission Media AI partners with VSiN, The Sports Betting Network to exclusively represent advertising sales across VSiN’s portfolio of content. Mission Media says the partnership strengthens its growing footprint in the sports space and unlocks new revenue opportunities for VSiN across their multitude of consumer touch points, including eight regional sports networks.

Paragon Welcomes Mikel Ellcessor. Paragon adds longtime public radio professional Mikel Ellcessor as an on-air fundraising consultant. Paragon says Ellcessor’s expertise will complement on-air fundraising consultant Christina Shockley’s specialized and proven approach to strategizing and producing modern, listener-focused, and impactful on-air fund drives and membership campaigns and adds that Paragon is fully situated to provide new fundraising strategies at a time when public radio stations are seeking new revenue solutions.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (7/19-20)

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

1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Interest Rates
3. ICE Raids
4. Gaza Violence
5. Extreme Weather-Flooding

Industry News

Report: 1010 WINS Reporters Demand Fair Deal from Audacy

As reported by Deadline, the journalists working at Audacy’s all-news WINS, New York represented by Writers Guild of America East have presented a petition to management demanding it “negotiate a fair deal” as its current deal expires Monday (7/22). The demand focuses on worker safety. The letter says, “We askimg that Audacy bargain respectfully and in good faith as we work to improve our salaries, benefits, pathways to promotion, workplace safety, remote work options, preserve severance, and protect against the growing threat of artificial intelligence.” Regarding the issue of safety, WGAE president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen says, “1010 WINS runs 24/7 and requires people to commute to the office at all hours. The station’s journalists have been threatened and even attacked. Audacy needs to take responsibility for the safety of its employees and our members. This is one of the many issues that management still needs to address in a fair and equitable contract.” See the Deadline story here.

Industry News

Gomez Speaks Out on CPB Funding Cuts

FCC commissioner Anna M. Gomez says in a statement that Congress’ vote to claw back money appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is not about saving money but about controlling speech. She says, “This action is a key step in a coordinated campaign to silence public media, and the latest attempt by this administration to censor and control speech. We’ve yet to see any effort to probe,img defund, or threaten news outlets that support the government’s views, and there’s a reason for that. This has never been about saving money. It’s about silencing those who report the news accurately, without fear or favor. The true cost of this one-sided attack on free speech will be felt most by small and rural communities across the country. Much like the disappearance of local newspapers, cutting off support for public stations could create a new kind of ‘news desert.’ In many hard-to-reach areas, these stations may be the only source for the public to receive emergency alerts, traffic updates, and information about local events and ways to stay engaged in their own neighborhoods. Defunding them strips away these essential services and further isolates the very communities these stations seek to serve. The FCC is playing a dangerous game with its own baseless attacks on public broadcast stations. Its role should be to protect and expand the public’s access to timely, accurate news that is free from political interference. I will continue fighting this FCC’s politically motivated efforts to investigate and harass these stations.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Deegan to SVP and Market Manager

Audacy promotes Tatjana Deegan to SVP and market manager for the Austin station group that includes news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands. Deegan has been serving as vice president of sales for theimg cluster and will continue in that role. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy comments, “Over the past few months, Tatjana has seamlessly led the team with the powerful combination of her contagious passion for this business and people-first leadership. Since stepping in as vice president of sales a little over a year ago, she has been a driving force in the market’s success, and we’re confident she’ll bring that same energy and creativity to her expanded role. We’re excited to see how she continues to uplift our Austin brands.”

Industry News

Townsquare Names Endom to Lead Lubbock and Amarillo Clusters

Townsquare Media names Dan Endom regional market president for its station groups in the Lubbock andimg Amarillo markets. Those markets include news/talk KFYO and talk KKAM/K280GU in Lubbock and news/talk KIXZ, Amarillo. Most recently, he served as president of iHeartMedia’s Nashville station group.

Industry News

GuestBooker.com Making Congressional Directory Available to TALKERS Readers Free of Charge

GuestBooker.com, one of the talk media industry’s leading public relations firms and the lead sponsor of the 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred, is making a limited number of its new 118th Congressional Directoryimg available free of charge to the first 200 TALKERS readers who respond to the offer.  This valuable resource is packed with contact information to reach Members of Congress and their key staffers.  To put your name on the list, please click here

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 14 – 18, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/14-7/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. The Epstein Controversy / MAGA Rift
2. Congress Passes DOGE Cuts
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. Trump Tariffs
5. ICE Raids
6. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
7. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
8. FEMA Criticisms / Texas Foods Aftermath
9. Bove Nomination
10.Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi / Dan Bongino
4. Ghislaine Maxwell
5. Jerome Powell
6. Stephen Miller
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Kristi Noem / David Richardson
9. Emil Bove
10. Rosie O’Donnell

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

Industry News

Audacy: In Marketing Mix Models Radio is “Quietly Efficient”

Audacy SVP of research & insights Ray Borelli writes in an insights piece that data consistently shows that in marketing mix models (MMMs), there is a large gap in the perception of its effectiveness versus how it actually performs. Borelli writes, “Despite outperforming most channels in ROI, Audio can be overlooked byimg marketers, not because it’s ineffective, but because it’s quietly efficient.” He adds, “Low levels of variability and the lack of granular data at the campaign and market levels can cloud the results. Smaller campaign investments can also fly under the radar, making it harder for models to detect Audio’s true impact.” Borelli says Audacy is working with other audio companies and with partners like the RAB and IAB to provide more granular data and to standardize model inputs. “We’re running model audits and retroactive studies to properly demonstrate Audio’s impact including replacing media plan data with ‘as-run’ actuals because as-run data provides significantly more variation, which stimulates the models to more effectively identify radio’s correlation with sales results.” See the complete piece here.

Industry News

Salem and Former Host Settle in Dominion Voting Suit

Salem Media Group and former KNUS, Denver talk host Randy Corporon have settled with former Dominion Voting Systems employee Eric Coomer who filed suit against the them for defamation. Courthouse News reports that the suit stemmed from Corporon’s radio interview with a local businessman who claimed he heardimg “Eric from Dominion saying he was going to make sure President Trump lost the 2020 election.” That was picked up and broadcast by OAN network and further repeated by the Trump campaign and Trump attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. Coomer also sued MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and won a $2.3 million judgement. Courthouse News also reports that Coomer is also suing Salem personality Eric Metaxas who recently filed with the court to settle and is awaiting approval from the court. Interestingly, Corporon – a practicing attorney – is representing Gateway Pundit owner James Hoft who is also being sued by Coomer for defamation. That case is scheduled to go to trial in April of 2026. See the Courthouse News coverage here.

Industry News

NPR Stays Atop Triton Digital Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for June (June 2 – 29) based on weekly average downloadsimg and NPR’s most popular podcasts – “NPR News Now” and “Up First” – maintain their first and second-place finishes, respectively. Changes of note from May to June include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” rising three places to #5, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” rising one spot to #10, and iHeartRadio’s “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton” falling two places to #16. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Carton and Parkins Lose FS1 Show

FOX Sports has canceled the “Breakfast Ball” show on FS1 co-hosted by Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.img Both personalities came to television from radio – Carton from WFAN, New York and imgParkins from WSCR, Chicago. Industry watchers are speculating whether the two, especially Carton, will return to radio. In the New York Post, sportswriterAndrew Marchand notes that after his prison stint for a fraud conviction, Audacy’s now-chief business officer Chris Oliviero was instrumental in bringing Carton back to WFAN as afternoon drive co-host. Carton did radio and the FS1 show before leaving radio to focus on the early morning TV show.

Industry News

Edison Research to Present Podcast Webinar

Edison Research announces it is presenting a webinar to reveal data from its research report, The Podcastimg Consumer. Edison says the webinar will cover the current size and habits of the U.S. podcast audience and explore how things have changed over time. The webinar is July 23 at 2:00 pm ET. You can register here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/16)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Senate Passes DOGE Cuts
2. The Epstein Case / MAGA Rift
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes

Industry Views

The Soundbite Trap: How Editing in Radio and Podcasting Creates Legal Risk

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgIn radio and podcasting, editing isn’t just technical – it shapes narratives and influences audiences. Whether trimming dead air, tightening a guest’s comment, or pulling a clip for social media, every cut leaves an impression.

But here’s the legal reality: editing also creates risk.

For FCC-regulated broadcasters, that risk isn’t about content violations. The FCC polices indecency, licensing, and political fairness – not whether your edit changes a guest’s meaning.

For podcasters and online creators, the misconception is even riskier. Just because you’re not on terrestrial radio doesn’t mean you’re free from scrutiny. Defamation, false light, and misrepresentation laws apply to everyone — whether you broadcast on a 50,000-watt signal or a free podcast platform.

At the end of the day, it’s not the FCC that will hold you accountable for your edits. It’s a judge.

1. Alex Jones and the $1 Billion Lesson

Alex Jones became infamous for promoting conspiracy theories on Infowars, especially his repeated claim that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax – supported by selectively aired clips and distorted facts.

The result? Nearly $1 billion in defamation verdicts after lawsuits from victims’ families.

Takeaway: You can’t hide behind “just asking questions” or “it was my guest’s opinion.” If your platform publishes it – over the airwaves or online – you’re legally responsible for the content, including how it’s edited or framed. 

2. Katie Couric and the Gun Rights Group Edit

In “Under the Gun,” filmmakers inserted an eight-second pause after Katie Couric asked a tough question, making it seem like a gun rights group was stumped. In reality, they had answered immediately.

The group sued for defamation. The case was dismissed, but reputations took a hit.

Takeaway: Even subtle edits – like manufactured pauses – can distort meaning and expose creators to risk. 

3. FOX News and the Dominion Settlement

FOX News paid $787 million to Dominion Voting Systems after airing content suggesting election fraud – often based on selectively edited interviews and unsupported claims.

Though FOX is (among other things) a cable network, the impact shook the media world. Broadcasters reassessed risks, host contracts, and editorial practices. 

Takeaway: Major networks aren’t the only ones at risk. Radio hosts and podcasters who echo misleading narratives may face similar legal consequences. 

4. The Serial Podcast and the Power of Editing

“Serial” captivated millions by exploring Adnan Syed’s murder conviction. While no lawsuit followed, critics argued the producers presented facts selectively to build a certain narrative. 

Takeaway: Even without a lawsuit, editing shapes public perception. Misleading edits may not land you in court but can damage trust and invite scrutiny.

Whether you’re behind a radio microphone or a podcast mic, your editing decisions carry weight – and legal consequence.

The FCC might care if you drop an indecent word on air, but they won’t be the ones suing you when a guest claims you twisted their words. That’s civil law, where defamation, false light, and misrepresentation have no broadcast exemption.

There’s one set of rules for editing that every content creator lives by – and they’re written in the civil courts, not the FCC code.

Edit with care. 

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

FOX News Announces Deal with “Ruthless” Podcast

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FOX News enters into a licensing agreement with the “Ruthless” podcast as part of its new media expansion. At the same time, Porter Berry – current president and editor-in-chief of FOX News Digital – adds new media to his role. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “The FOX News Media ecosystem we have built over the past seven years continues to thrive and set new records, and the ‘Ruthless’ deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content. We have cultivated an unrivaled bench of successful personalities who are well-positioned to excel in today’s evolving media landscape, where podcasting offers the kind of deep engagement our platforms are known for. Porter is a talented executive whose leadership will enhance these new media ventures and creators, while further strengthening FOX News Digital.” Ruthless is hosted by public affairs and digital advocacy consulting firm Cavalry’s founding partners Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook as well as Shashank Tripathi, pseudonymously known as “Comfortably Smug.” They were represented by Workhouse Media’s John McConnell. About their new partnership with FOX, the co-hosts say, “We are thrilled to take ‘Ruthless’ to the next level through this strategic partnership. There is a growing appetite for authentic political and cultural conversations, and our podcast delivers with no-holds-barred, irreverent takes that deeply resonate with our dedicated audience.”