Industry News

SRN Launches Texas Disaster Relief Effort

Salem Radio Network is partnering with international non-profit relief agency Food for the Poor to rush emergency relief kits to flood-ravaged Texas. SRN talk hosts Mike Gallagher, Chris Stigall, Hugh Hewitt,img and Larry Elder are supporting this campaign on their programs. SRN vice president/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says Food for the Poor’s “decades of providing disaster relief throughout our hemisphere which – in coordination with trusted partners in San Antonio – will assure swift, professional response to communities affected by Central Texas flooding.”

Industry News

WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s for Charity Softball Game

WABC Radio is partnering with Shriners Children’s for a charity softball game called Day of Champions on Sunday, July 20, at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. It will feature a softball game between members of the NYPD versus members of the FDNY with net proceeds going to Shriners Children’s. Johnimg Sterling, who hosts a Saturday afternoon sports talk program on 77WABC, will provide play-by-play of the game, as well as the Little League pre-game.  This event includes pre-game activities for families including meet-and-greet opportunities with 77WABC on-air personalities and sports legend Dwight Gooden, Fastest Pitch and Home Run Derby contests, Kids Zone, Sports Memorabilia Silent Auction and more!  Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis says, “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay. At WABC Radio, we are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and, together, provide a fun-filled day for our community while supporting this great mission.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Research Unveiling Podcast Report. Edison Research is presenting its The Podcast Consumer 2025 in a webinar on July 23 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says a key focus in the new report is the evolving definition of podcast “consumption,” exploring podcast viewing as well as listening. You can register for the webinar here.

Saga to Present Q2 Financial Data. Saga Communications, Inc announces that it will release second quarter 2025 operating results at 9:00 am on August 7 and will hold an investors conference call the same day at 11:00 am ET.

Industry News

Mark Walters Programs Add New Affiliates

Two programs hosted by Mark Walters pick up new affiliates as the weekly “Armed American Radio” showimg and the “AAR Daily Defense Hour” join the programming at Omni Broacasting’s WTKE in the Ft. Walton Beach-Destin, Florida market. Additionally, the “Armed American Radio” show is being distributed by CRN Talk to cable systems operated by Cox Communications, Optimum TV, and Xfinity Stream.

Industry News

KMOX and MLB’s Cards Extend Broadcasting Deal

Audacy’s news/talk KMOX-AM/FM, St. Louis announces a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with the MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals. KMOX will continue to provide play-by-play coverage of all regular,img postseason and select Spring Training games. KMOX recently integrated new Cardinals coverage, including the “Gas House Gang,” airing weekdays at 12:00 noon and the “Red Bird Rush Hour” airing weeknights at 5:00 pm. Audacy SVP and market manager Becky Domyan says, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to delivering the content our community loves, and with KMOX now on FM, we’re even more fired up to bring every single game, plus exciting new programming, to more fans than ever before.”

Industry News

KILT-AM Raises $27k for Houston Food Bank

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Audacy sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610” raised $27,240 during its inaugural “Reggie and Ron Radiothon” benefiting the Houston Food Bank. All proceeds go toward the Houston Food Bank’s mission to eliminate food insecurity in southeast Texas and ensure Texans have access to nutritious food to fuel a healthy life. Pictured above are (from l-r): “In the Loop” producer Figgy Fig, Ron Hughley, Houston Food Bank’s chief development officer Julie Voss, Reggie Adetula, and “The Drive” producer Tyler Milner.

Industry News

KXNO, Des Moines Unveils New Lineup

iHeartMedia’s sports talk KXNO, Des Moines is debuting its new program lineup after the departure of a number of local hosts over the past six months or so. Last year, the “Murph and Andy Show” starring Keith Murphy and Andy Fales exited for a podcast initiative. Also exiting were Ross Peterson in late 2024 andimg morning drive personality Travis Justice in January of this year. New in morning drive are Heather Burnside (who moves from the PM drive show) and Alec Busse hosting “The 1st Quarter.” Ken Miller and Trent Condon continue in the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm slot, and program director and personality Sean Roberts partners with Lucas Strain for the afternoon drive “Off the Bench” show. Overtime Iowa – a “best of the day” program – airs from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Industry News

Little Change at the Top of Podtrac’s June Podcast Ranker

NPR’s “NPR News Now” stays at #1 on Podtrac’s June 2025 Top Podcasts chart based on U.S. uniqueimg monthly audience. In fact, the top eight spots are the same as the May ranker, including FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” holding on to the #5 spot. One move of note is Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” jumping 12 places to the #19 rank. See Podtrac’s rank of the top 20 U.S. podcasts here.

Industry News

WWO: Audio is Ideal for Finding Job Seekers

This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at data from a commissioned MARU/Matchbox December 2024 study of 1,000 respondents exploring the labor market. Some key findings from the study include: 1) Audio is an ideal advertising environment for recruitment brandsimg and companies seeking to hire, especially among passive job seekers who are less likely to use job sites: Nine out of 10 job seekers are reached by ad-supported audio. Over-the-air AM/FM radio reaches nearly 80% of active and passive job seekers. Six out of 10 active job seekers are reached by podcasts; 2) AM/FM radio streaming’s audience growth has surged among job seekers: Since 2021, AM/FM radio streaming has soared in usage among both active and passive job seekers. Six out 10 active job seekers are reached by AM/FM radio streaming; 3) Passive job seekers outnumber active job seekers by +50%. Active job seekers are growing: The optimal source for filling positions are passive job seekers who outnumber active job seekers by +50%. Active job seekers have surged from 15% in 2018 to 24% currently; and 4) Advertising works: There is a very linear relationship between ad spend, share of voice, ad recall, and market share. The greater the ad spend, the greater the ad recall and market share. See the full blog post here.

2025 Heavy Hundred 76-100

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #76: Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins, Compass Media Networks

76. Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #77: Rob Carson, Newsmax

77. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #78: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

78. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #79: Russ Rollins, WTKS-FM, Orlando

79. Russ Rollins – WTKS-FM, Orlando

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #80: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

80. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #81: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

81. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #82: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

82. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #83: Mo Kelly, KFI, Los Angeles

83. Mo Kelly – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #84: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

84. Rod Arquette – KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #85: Terry Gross, NPR

85. Terry Gross – NPR

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #86: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

86. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #87: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

87. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #88: Martha Zoller, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

88. Martha Zoller – WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #89: Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

89. Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James – KTAR-FM, Phoenix

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #90: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

90. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #91: Mark Walters, Armed American Radio

91. Mark Walters – Armed American Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #92: Paul Gleiser, KTBB, Tyler, TX

92. Paul Gleiser – KTBB, Tyler, TX

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #93: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

93. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #94: Andy Hooser, KQAM, Wichita

94. Andy Hooser – KQAM, Wichita

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #95: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

95. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #96: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

96. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #97: Joe Thomas, WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

97. Joe Thomas – WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #98: Sam Bushman, Liberty News Radio Network

98. Sam Bushman – Liberty News Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #99: Lisa Wexler, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

99. Lisa Wexler – WICC, Bridgeport, CT

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #100: Lee Elci, WJJT-FM, New London, CT

100. Lee Elci – WJJT-FM, New London, CT

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 51-75

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #51: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

51. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #52: Chris Plante, Westwood One

52. Chris Plante – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #53: Gary & Shannon, KFI, Los Angeles

53. Gary & Shannon – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #54: Rita Cosby, WABC, New York

54. Rita Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #55: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

55. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #56: Jeff Deminski, WKXW-FM, Trenton

56. Jeff Deminski – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #57: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

57. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #58: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

58. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #59: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

59. Dan Yorke – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #60: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

60. Jennifer Horn – KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #61: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

61. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #62: John Curley, KIRO-FM, Seattle

62. John Curley – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #63: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

63. Eric Von Haessler – WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #64: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

64. James T. Harris – KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #65: Gene Valicenti, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

65. Gene Valicenti – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #66: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

66. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #67: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

67. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #68: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Talk Media Network

68. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #69: C4 & Bryan Nehman, WBAL, Baltimore

69. C4 & Bryan Nehman – WBAL, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #70: Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott, WCBM, Baltimore

70. Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott – WCBM, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #71: Jay Weber, WISN, Milwaukee

71. Jay Weber – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #72: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

72. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #73: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

73. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #74: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

74. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #75: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

75. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 26-50

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #26: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

26. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #27: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

27. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #28: John Kobylt, KFI, Los Angeles

28. John Kobylt – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #29: Larry O’Connor, WMAL-FM, Washington

29. Larry O’Connor – WMAL-FM, Washington


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #30: Wayne Allyn Root, Talk Media Network

30. Wayne Allyn Root – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #31: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

31. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #32: Chad Benson, Radio America

32. Chad Benson – Radio America


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #33: Erick Erickson, Compass Media Networks

33. Erick Erickson – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #34: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

34. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #35: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

35. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #36: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

36. Armstrong & Getty – KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #37: Brett Winterble, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

37. Brett Winterble – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #38: Rich Valdés, Westwood One

38. Rich Valdés – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #39: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

39. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #40: Charlie Kirk, Salem Radio Network

40. Charlie Kirk – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #41: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

41. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #42: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

42. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #43: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

43. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #44: Tim Conway, Jr, KFI, Los Angeles

44. Tim Conway, Jr – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #45: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

45. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #46: Simon Conway, WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

46. Simon Conway – WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #47: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

47. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #48: Vince Coglianese, Westwood One

48. Vince Coglianese – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #49: John Catsimatidis, WABC, New York

49. John Catsimatidis – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #50: Bob Sirott, WGN, Chicago

50. Bob Sirott – WGN, Chicago

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 1-25

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #1: Sean Hannity, Premiere Networks

1. Sean Hannity – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #2: Dave Ramsey, Ramsey Networks

2. Dave Ramsey – Ramsey Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #3: Brian Kilmeade, FOX News Radio

3. Brian Kilmeade – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #4: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Premiere Networks

4. Clay Travis & Buck Sexton – Premiere Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #5: Dana Loesch, Radio America

5. Dana Loesch – Radio America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #6: Michael Berry, KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

6. Michael Berry – KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #7: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

7. Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo – KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #8: Thom Hartmann, WYD Media

8. Thom Hartmann – WYD Media


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #9: Mike Gallagher, Salem Radio Network

9. Mike Gallagher – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #10: Lee Habeeb, Premiere Networks

10. Lee Habeeb – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #11: Glenn Beck, Premiere Networks

11. Glenn Beck – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #12: Mark Levin, Westwood One

12. Mark Levin – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #13: Sid Rosenberg, WABC, New York

13. Sid Rosenberg – WABC, New York


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #14: Lars Larson, KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

14. Lars Larson – KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #15: Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia

15. Dom Giordano – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #16: Tavis Smiley, KBLA, Los Angeles

16. Tavis Smiley – KBLA, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #17: Bill Handel, KFI, Los Angeles

17. Bill Handel – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #18: George Noory, Premiere Networks

18. George Noory – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #19: Harry Hurley, WPG, Atlantic City

19. Harry Hurley – WPG, Atlantic City

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #20: Walter Sterling, WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

20. Walter Sterling – WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #21: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

21. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #22: Howard Stern, SiriusXM

22. Howard Stern – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #23: Todd Starnes, KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

23. Todd Starnes – KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #24: Rich Zeoli, WPHT, Philadelphia

24. Rich Zeoli – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #25: Jimmy Failla, FOX News Radio

25. Jimmy Failla – FOX News Radio

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry Views

Monday Memo: X Marks the Spot – Radio’s Most Valuable Demo

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIpsos Generations Report 2025: “Right now, it’s Generation X who are the highest-earning generation in the US, surpassing both Boomers and Millennials.”

Born 1965 to 1980, they grew up with an AM/FM radio habit. And – as they are about to inherit a LOT of money from wealthy grandparent Silents and Boomer parents over the next few decades – which prospective advertisers want to meet them?

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Prospect banks, financial planners, real estate agents, and wellness and eldercare consultants and Elder Law and Trust attorneys.

Recommended commercial creative: advertorial. “Tell ‘em and you’ll sell ‘em,” with spots disguised as informative features. Sample topics:

— “5 Inheritance Mistakes to Avoid”
— “How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Will”
— “Downsizing Without Downgrading”
— “Kids, Parents, and Cash”

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

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Names Ryan Ermanni Afternoon Host

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR, Detroit appoints Ryan Ermanni host of the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, effective today (7/7). Ermanni is well known in the Detroit market as co-host of  “The Nine” on WJBK-TV FOX 2 Detroit where he served for more than 20 years. Cumulus Detroit/Ann Arbor regional VP and marketimg manager Steve Finateri says, “Ryan Ermanni is not only a seasoned broadcaster with deep roots in Detroit media, he’s also a longtime fan of WJR. His passion for Detroit, his engaging on-air presence, and his respect for what WJR represents make him a perfect fit for our team.” Ermanni comments, “I am so honored to be a part of the WJR daily lineup. I’ve always considered myself just a regular guy from the neighborhood who happens to have a really cool job. The WJR call letters mean something to me, as they do for many people who have grown up in our city and our state. I hope to build the same trust and connection here on WJR as I did at FOX 2. I’m not your typical newsman. I wear my personality on my sleeve, and I react to stories the way someone might if they were sitting at home or in their car. We joke that I’m a “man of the people” — and honestly, I take that as the highest compliment. What you see is what you get. So, if you spot me around town, don’t be shy – come say hello.”

Industry News

FCC Commissioner Gomez Criticizes Paramount-Trump Settlement

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is calling out Paramount for its settlement with Donald Trump over what she calls “a meritless lawsuit regarding a CBS News interview last year.” Gomez says, “This moment marks a dangerous precedent for the First Amendment, and it should alarm anyone who values a free and independent press. Despite repeated attempts to deny the obvious, this Paramount Payout is a desperateimg move to appease the Administration and secure regulatory approval of a major transaction currently pending before the FCC. For months, it has been clear that this lawsuit was entirely meritless, just like the complaint now before the Commission. The transcript and video of the 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Harris show no evidence of wrongdoing, only the standard editorial judgments used across the news industry to ensure clarity and brevity. Had Paramount chosen to fight this in court, they would have prevailed on the facts and the law. But instead of standing on principle, Paramount opted for a payout. That decision now casts a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction pending before the FCC. Given the extraordinary public interest in this deal, the novel legal questions raised by the lawsuit and its resolution, and the repeated calls from lawmakers for transparency, I once again urge the FCC to bring this matter before the full Commission for a vote. Approving this transaction behind closed doors and under the cover of bureaucratic process would be a shameful outcome that denies the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve, especially when press freedom is at stake.”

Industry News

FCC Chairman Carr Promotes Build Agenda in Sioux Falls

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota yesterday (7/2) to promote the FCC’s “Build America Agenda.” Carr said, “Our ‘Build America Agenda’ will focus on delivering on a number of core objectives. We will unleash high-speed infrastructure builds. We will restore America’s leadership in wireless. We will boost the U.S. space economy. We will advance our national security. And we willimg strengthen America’s tower and telecom workforce.  We will deliver on all of this by implementing smart policies while carrying out a massive and comprehensive deregulatory agenda. As we do so, we will be guided at the agency by a few simple ideas. For one, we will keep the Gretzky test front and center. We want to keep our eye on where the proverbial puck is going, not where it has been. For another, we are going to take a first principles approach. Just because a regulation has been on the books for 30 years, we are not going to keep it there simply out of a sense of inertia. For still another, we will focus on competition as it exists today. The old regulatory silos have been breaking down for quite some time, so the agency must move forward with a keen understanding of today’s converged markets.  We are going to focus on outcomes, rather than process to nowhere. We are going to have a bias towards action. After all, delay has an unappreciated economic and social cost. We are going to push for simple, clear rules, rather than complex and bespoke frameworks. And we are going to support U.S. businesses and domestic onshoring.”

Industry News

Torrey Snow Exits WBAL, Baltimore

Hearst news/talk WBAL, Baltimore parts company with afternoon drive talk host Torrey Snow after fiveimg years in that role. Snow doesn’t say much about his departure other than to post to his X account, “It’s been real, WBAL! On to the next great adventure! Thank you all for being part of a wonderful chapter of my life!” WBAL’s website doesn’t reveal what the station plans to air in the PM drive daypart.

Industry News

New Affiliate for Erick Erickson Show

The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” announces a new affiliate station and another stationimg moving the program to airing live. Buddy Shula’s new Buffalo news/talk station WUSW “1270 The Patriot” debuts this weekend and will be a new affiliate station for the show. Also, current affiliate WTIC-AM, Hartford moves the program to airing live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart.

Industry News

SAVE THE DATES: TALKERS to Team Up Again with Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) for 2026 Conference

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Iconic broadcasting industry trade publication, TALKERS is pleased to announce that it will again be teaming up with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) in presenting and sponsoring the forthcoming IBSNYC26 conference for the second consecutive year. The event will again take place at the centrally located Sheraton Times Square hotel in midtown Manhattan and embrace the “Generations” theme thatimg made last year’s mingling of student and professional broadcasters such a resounding success. The dates are set for Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “There are exciting things happening at the radio stations and communication departments of high school, college, and university campuses across America. These institutions and creative outposts embody a spirit emanating from its practitioners as well as its audiences that bode well for the future of general radio, talk media and digital communications. This tremendous source of talent, ideas and energy has been burgeoning right under the noses of our professional industry for years. It’s time to harness that obvious synergy at this pivotal juncture.” More details including agenda, registration, hotel and sponsorship information will be posted in TALKERS in the coming weeks. Save the dates!

Job Opportunity

Lotus Seeks Weekend Anchor/Editor/Reporter

Lotus Seattle is seeking an experienced weekend anchor/editor/reporter for all-news station KNWS-AM/FM, Seattle “Northwest Newsradio 97-7, AM 1000.” Lotus says, “The ideal candidate will help prepare and deliver engaging news content, report on breaking news events, and produce special projects and programming as assigned. This position at Northwest Newsradio is a vital news delivery and content creatorimg for our station. Your material is used throughout the day on several different broadcasts. This individual in this position is also an overall ambassador for our brand, and is expected to also work at special events, and alongside our sales staff promote the station to Northwest Newsradio clients. The perfect candidate has a minimum of two years’ experience in large market media, is proficient and aggressive in social media, is an excellent writer, and embraces using digital platforms (podcasting, streaming audio, streaming video) to promote the Northwest Newsradio brand. Candidates need to submit an audio demonstration of their on-air ability with their resume, along with a sample of radio news writing. Candidates should also be prepared to take a writing test if requested. Applications should be sent here.