Industry News

Music/Video Anthem Celebrating Talk Radio Continues to Gather Thousands of Worldwide Views and Downloads

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Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted more than half a million worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, is enjoying notable traction with its latest release, “Don’t Stop Talking,” an anthem celebrating talk radio. “Don’t Stop Talking” is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in supporting American freedom of speech and the First Amendment.  Non-partisan lyrics ring out: “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!”  The original composition co-written and performed by core band members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages dedicated talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and valuable service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of more than 85 individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. Matthew B. Harrison, who produced the video visual components states, “Gunhill Road has achieved enormous internet recognition around the nation and world – much of it fueled by the attention and exposure its unique songs and videos have received on talk radio. This amazing piece is the group’s way of giving back.” To view the video in its entirety, please click talkradioforever.com. To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison about the song and talk radio’s vital role in the marketplace of ideas, please email info@talkers.com.  Another recent Gunhill Road release titled “Idiots” presents a stinging non-partisan commentary about the dangers inherent in a democracy populated by an ignorant and disengaged public. This song/video has already gathered more than 200,000 online views and downloads worldwide – also fueled largely by talk radio airplay and attention. It can be viewed at www.idiotsvideo.com.  For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.

Industry News

WWO: Audio is Optimal for Movie Releases and Streaming Subs

The latest blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the value of audio marketing for movie theatrical releases and streaming video subscriptions. Using data from five separate studies, the report comes to a number of conclusions, including 1) Audio listeners areimg voracious consumers of movies in the theater and films on streaming services. They are first to see a movie in the theater on opening weekend and when films debut on streaming services; and 2) Versus linear TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely to see movies in the theater and indicate a greater willingness to watch content. Looking at data about marketing moves and streaming video, the study finds that 1) Linear TV advertising spend for theatrical releases and video streaming brands is 30X audio. Despite this, TV viewers show low awareness of new films and low interest in upcoming films and streaming service subscriptions; and 2) Audio (AM/FM radio, streaming audio, and podcasts) should become a much greater allocation in the entertainment marketing media plan. Reallocating 20% of linear TV theatrical and streaming video media plans to AM/FM radio doubles campaign reach with no additional cost. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

NYPR Speaks Out Against Stripping CPB Funding

NYPR president & CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver issued a statement to listeners in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s executive order to withhold Corporation for Public Broadcasting funds. He says, “If it holds, the executive order will restrict New York Public Radio from using CPB funding to purchase programming or services from NPR. CPB said in a statement that the White House had no legal authority over the company, and NPR called it ‘an affront to the First Amendment.’ Public radioimg and public television have enjoyed bipartisan support since 1967. The system has a profound impact on Americans in all 50 states and in every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and remote. This indispensable service costs the American taxpayer about $1.60 a year, and it is one that the majority of Americans want to maintain. Recent polling from the Pew Research Center shows that only 24 percent of Americans support cutting federal funding. The budget request and executive order are only part of the administration’s ongoing effort to dismantle the American public broadcasting system as we know it. We expect even more to come. If successful, the effort will exacerbate existing news deserts and create new ones, as public radio has become the main (or only) remaining source for fact-based local news, educational and cultural programming, and critical emergency broadcast services in many communities across the country.” He encourages them to contact their legislators and to either donate or increase one’s current contribution to the public broadcasting organization.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Make AI Your Intern, Not Your Replacement

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgWhen a blogger found “no biography, or further information about the woman who is supposedly presenting this show,” it forced Australian Radio Network to acknowledge that Artificial Intelligence supplies the voice of “Workdays with Thy” on one of its stations (CADA, available on the iHeartRadio app). “Exploring how new technology can support great content,” the network statement rationalized.

If you’re a (human) music DJ, this is chilling. If you’re a talk host, are you next? Hey, IBM’s Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997, back when we were still dialing-up Internet access. So don’t think souped-up AI couldn’t someday interact with human callers. Or the fake callers vendors now offer.

Flip-the-script, to put the robot to work for you and sound local and super-relevant. Here’s how, step-by-step.

1. Use Google Trends, filtered to your metro area.

— Go to Google Trends.
— Set the location to your city, state, or region.
— Look at:
-Trending Searches (daily hot topics)
-Related Queries (people often search “near me” + other urgent needs)

2. Focus on “Near Me” signals that reflect tension, urgency, or curiosity

— “Near me” searches usually spike when:

– People have a problem (e.g., “urgent care near me”, “cheap gas near me”).
– There’s a trend or event (e.g., “earthquake near me”, “protest near me”).
– There’s fear, confusion, or excitement (e.g., “layoffs near me”, “concerts near me”).

— These are rich veins for call-in topics because:

– They touch emotions (fear, anger, hope).
– They’re localized — content your new-tech audio competitors won’t have.
– They’re now — you can spin them for immediate reaction.

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3. Translate “Near Me” searches into talkable angles

— Example:

Search Trend Possible Call-In Topic
“Layoffs near me” “Are you worried about job security? Have you or someone you know been laid off recently?”
“Protests near me” “What’s your take on the demonstrations downtown? Are they making a difference or making things worse?”
“Gas prices near me” “Have high gas prices changed your driving habits? Are you cutting back or just absorbing it?”

4. Bonus Tip: Cross-Reference “Near Me” with social media buzz

— Use X (Twitter) trends and Facebook community groups to see if local chatter matches what Google is showing.

5. Create a simple daily habit

— Spend 5 minutes a day on Google Trends.
— Pull one or two local “near me” topics.
— Frame them into emotionally loaded questions for on-air teasing:

– “Do you feel less-safe after [recent incident? [phone number].”
– “Have YOU or someone you know been affected by the [local layoffs]?”

Evidence that you can make AI your assistant, and not your replacement? I asked ChatGPT to outline the instructions above; and this fill-in-the-blanks a Topic Mining Sheet you can use daily to systematically turn Google “near me” trends into great call-in topics.

Oh, and from the website for that Australian station: “We are an inclusive workplace embracing diversity in all its forms.” You do the punchline.

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

Carl Richardson Hosting New Paranormal Show Online

A new talk show called “Midnight Frequency” with host Carl Richardson is debuting on Twitch andimg YouTube that will stream live from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am ET, beginning this Friday (5/9). The show is being produced by Joshua Chaires and will be available on Spreaker and iHeartRadio beginning this month. Richardson says his goal is to eventually make the show available to terrestrial radio stations all over the country via XDS feed. Find out more about the show by visiting NWDN.net.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (April 28 – May 2, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/28-5/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump’s First 100 Days / Polling Numbers
2. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / The Economy
3. U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. DOGE / Musk and Tesla
6. Canadian Elections
7. Deportations / Abrego Garcia Case
8. Trump vs Harvard
9. Kamala Harris Speaks Out
10.Belichick-Girlfriend Flap

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Xi Jinping
3. Volodymyr Zelensky
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Elon Musk
6. J.D. Vance
7. Mark Carney
8. Kilmar Abrego Garcia
9. Joe Biden / Kamala Harris
10.Bill Belichick / Jordon Hudson

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

Industry News

WBT, Charlotte to Launch the “TJ Ritchie Show”

Radio One’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte announces the debut of “The TJ Ritchie Show” that will air from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm weeknights beginning May 27.  Ritchie is one half of the longtime syndicated radio show “Ace & TJ” (with the late David “Ace” Cannon) now titled “TJ & Riggins” andimg co-hosted by Bryan “Riggins” Weber. Ritchie says, “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and getting to do it on the legendary WBT is such a thrill. The timing is perfect because there are so many people who are just starting to become interested in the political landscape of our culture. Being ‘America’s Coolest Conservative,’ I’ll be able to engage them with a high energy, fun, and humorous show. It’s going to be spectacular. All of that AND I get to keep my day job!” WBT program director Mike Schaefer adds, “WBT’s history of night-time programming boasts some of radio’s biggest names – Bob Lacey, ‘Hello’ Henry Boggan, and ‘Charlotte’s Most Beloved,’ John Hancock. When the opportunity to add TJ to that list presented itself, there was nothing to think about besides a start date. We are beyond excited for TJ to bring entertaining late, live, and local programming back to Charlotte on WBT!”

Industry News

RTDNA: Radio Salaries Are Rising

According to its 2025 Radio Salaries Report (produced in partnership with Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications) radio salaries that lagged following COVID-19 – withimg three stagnant years below inflation and a net drop of 2.5% last year – appear to be rebounding. RTDNA says reported salaries are increasing 14.5%. “Employees who contribute to the web were among the higher earners, which brought the figures up. Additionally, commercial stations often matched or exceeded the wages of non-commercial stations — an uncommon trend historically.” See more about the report here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (April 21 – April 25, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/21-25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

                          Stories

1. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
2. Financial Markets / Fed Chair Powell’s Status
3. Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Gaza War
4. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
5. Pope Francis Dies
6. Google Anti-Trust Ruling/Meta Anti-Trust Case
7. Hegseth Signal Chat Controversy
8. Iran Nuclear Talks
9. State Dept. Reorganization
10.“60 Minutes” Producer Quits

              People

1. Donald Trump
2. Xi Jinping
3. Jerome Powell
4. Volodymyr Zelensky
5. Kilmar Abrego Garcia
6. Pope Francis
7. J.D. Vance
8. Elon Musk
9. Pete Hegseth
10.Bill Owens

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

Industry News

New Ramsey Book is a #1 Bestseller

The latest book from Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey is a #1 national bestseller. Build aimg Business You Love is a book in which Ramsey shares the lessons he’s learned starting his business on a card table in his living room and growing it into a $250 million-a-year company. Dave Ramsey says, “For people serious about starting a business, it’s the ride of a lifetime. It will be hard, and it will take longer than expected, but it also offers the opportunity to become a better person as you become a better leader. I hope readers find the courage to keep going, the humility to keep learning and the heart to build something that serves others.”

Industry News

Monday Memo: Podcasting in the Age of Attention Deficit

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgRemember how Larry King would interrupt rambling callers to ask, “What’s your question?” It could sound gruff, but it was really a courtesy, to viewers or listeners. Larry feared TV clickers and dashboard radio buttons. He kept-it-moving to keep viewers and listeners from wandering.

And if you follow research on podcast consumption, you understand that attention there is an even heavier lift than for real-time broadcast programming which asks less of the consumer to acquire. Accordingly, these tips:

— Hook early, hook hard: Your first 60 seconds (max) are your billboard. Don’t waste them. Create curiosity about what listening to the episode will deliver, early-in (or before) your produced intro.
— Edit aggressively: Cut fluff and filler, avoid rabbit holes. Trim “um,” “you know,” and circular chit-chat. Each listening moment needs to earn the next moment.
— Apply proven radio techniques: teasing, resetting, production tactics.

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— Be “sticky with structure:” A consistent format helps make your podcast habit-forming. If applicable to your topic, think “Problem-Story-Solution.” Note how Keith Olbermann’s podcast emulates his previous TV show format. I’m not saying do THAT format; I’m saying HAVE one.
— Speak to one person – like radio does, but even more so – because podcast listening is so intentional, and topics can be so specialized. Make eye contact, and don’t talk to “the audience.”– Create “next time” anticipation: Plant seeds for the next episode.
— Make replayable moments. Your slam-dunk is having listeners share your podcast with their friends. Deliver content that somehow enables them. Or makes them laugh, or cry, or care.

Like broadcasting, podcasting competes with EVERYTHING, TikTok, text messages, EVERYTHING, and life’s chaos. Make every second count.

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

IAB Report Dives into 2024 Digital Advertising Data

IAB just released its Internet Advertising Revenue Report for 2024 and the results of the study indicate the digital advertising industry saw ad revenue climb to $259 billion, a 15% year-over-year increase from 2023. IAB says, “This record growth reflects the industry’s ability to adapt to evolving technologies, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer behaviors. In parallel, the streaming landscape continues to shift, with ad-supported streaming becoming dominant and live sports driving premium ad investments.” Other takeaways from the study including that Digital Video is the fastest-growing format, with revenueimg increasing 19.2% YoY to $62.1 billion, now accounting for 24% of total ad revenue, and that Podcast advertising revenues show a strong YoY growth of 26.4%, a significant acceleration from 5.5% last year. IAB adds, “This growth was fueled by shifting consumer media habits, with cord-cutting driving greater engagement with on-demand audio, and podcasts emerging as a key platform for political advertisers seeking to connect with voters ahead of the election.” Overall, digital audio – including podcasting – has continued to grow, earning $7.6 billion in revenue with an 8.5% YoY growth from FY23 which is a slowdown in growth compared to last year’s 18.9% rate. Podcasting however saw a surge in growth at 26.4%, while other related formats such as Streaming Music and Radio stifled overall Audio growth. IAB concludes, “As audio consumption trends rise our data suggests that there will be continued digital audio advertising expansion and growth in the year ahead as brands and platforms invest more in podcasts, streaming music, and voice-based advertising.” See more about the study here.

Industry News

Black Information Network Launches Black Maternal Health Campaign

iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network launches a new special public awareness campaign focusing on the critical and urgent issue of Black maternal health. The campaign is titled, “Saving Black Moms: A Maternal Health Crisis,” and will “shine a light on the issue of Black maternal health and advocateimg for change through an integrated media campaign including special on-air reports, news features, public service announcements, social media engagement, a dedicated microsite, and community partnerships.” BIN president Tony Coles says, “As a network committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, it is our responsibility to shine a light on the alarming disparities that Black women face before, during and after childbirth. This campaign is about advocacy, action, and partnership. By working with trusted community organizations and The BIN Local Roundtable, we can help raise awareness and ensure every Black mother receives the care and support she deserves.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Pubcasters to Present NJ Governor Candidates. New Jersey public media network NJ PBS and public radio outlet WNYC announce their live broadcasts covering the New Jersey gubernatorial race with conversations with the candidates. Republican candidates will appear on May 7, at 7:00 pm; Democratic candidates will appear on May 12, at 7:00 pm. The broadcasters say the goal is to have the candidates engage in civil, solutions-based discussion about issues facing New Jersey.

NHPR Nominated for a Peabody. New Hampshire Public Radio and collaborator The Pudding are being nominated for a Peabody Award in the Immersive & Interactive category for “Failures to Act” — reporting that delved into one of the largest youth detention abuse cases in American history that took place in New Hampshire. The reporting revealed the stories contained in more than 1,281 civil lawsuits filed by people who say they were abused as children while in state custody.

Industry News

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

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/14-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case/Judge Threatens Contempt Charges
2. Trump vs Harvard
3. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / Powell Speech
4. Meta Anti-Trust Case
5. FCC’s Carr Threatens Comcast / Trump’s 60 Minutes Criticism
6. DOGE
7. U.S. – Iran Nuclear Talks
8. Russia – Ukraine War / Israel-Gaza War
9. Bernie Sanders-AOC Rallies
10.RFK Jr Promises Autism Cause

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Kilmar Abrego Garcia/Nayib Bukele
3. Alan Garber
4. Pam Bondi
5. Jerome Powell / Xi Jinping
6. Mark Zuckerberg / Elon Musk
7. Brendan Carr
8. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelensky
9. Bernie Sanders / AOC
10.RFK Jr

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

Industry News

Edison Research: Women Podcast Listeners Triples in 10 Years

According to data from Edison Research, female monthly podcast listenership has tripled over the past decade, growing from 15% in 2015 to 45% in 2025. This is from Edison’s “Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts” with support from SiriusXM Media. The report finds that when factoring in video podcast viewership, estimates for engagement by women climbs even higher, to 52% of women age 18+ nowimg consuming podcasts in some form. Other notable findings from the report: 1) Female podcast consumers skew younger (39% between ages 18-34), have higher incomes (29% with household incomes over $100K), and higher education levels (51% with college degrees); 2) Primary motivations among women monthly podcast consumers include exploring topics in depth (53%), learning (46%), and entertainment (44%); and 3) Among the women monthly consumers who have heard an ad on a podcast, 75% have acted as a result of hearing an ad. The Women’s Audio Report was based on 2,520 interviews with women age 18+ who had listened to audio in the last month. See more about the Women’s Audio Report webinar here.

Industry News

Dave Ramsey Publishes New Book, Build a Business You Love

Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey publishes his latest book titled, “Build a Business You Love,” (2025, Ramsey Press). In this new book, Ramsey shares his 30-plus years of building a business from a one-imgman operation to a $250 million-a-year company with over 1,000 employees and a nationally recognized brand. Ramsey says the book draws on his hard-earned lessons, equipping readers at every stage of business to grow themselves, lead their teams and scale their businesses.  He says, “Running a business is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it can also be the greatest thing you’ve ever done. If you’re not careful, you can wind up hating what you’re trying to build. I’m a guy who’s lived it and made it work — someone who’s messed up a lot and gotten back up after being knocked down. This book isn’t theory. It’s the blueprint for building something you can be proud of.” See more about the book here.

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Presents Remote Altadena Broadcast

Tomorrow (4/16), KBLA, Los Angeles “Talk 1580” radio personalities Tavis Smiley, Dominique DiPrima, and Nii-Quartelai Quartey will participate in the radio station’s community town hall titled, “Theimg Eaton/Altadena Fire: 100 Days and Counting,” from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Robinson Park Recreation Area in Pasadena. There will be a panel of survivors, community leaders, activists, experts, and more to reflect on the 100 days since the fire erupted and address hard and heart questions about where the community goes from here. Tavis Smiley, founder of Smiley Audio Media, says, “I’m looking forward to hearing from our beloved Black Altadenians and learning how KBLA Talk 1580 can continue to support their efforts to find justice and accountability to make them whole.”

Industry News

WWO Blog: The Sales Effect Power of Creative

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog reveals data from Advertiser Perceptions, commissioned to annually survey brands and media agencies on the sales contribution of five advertising effectiveness factors: Brand, Creative, Reach, Recency, and Targeting. In February,img Advertiser Perceptions surveyed 301 marketers and media agencies on the sales generated by each of the five sales drivers and as they have for the past six surveys, those surveyed had an average % of perception of creative’s contribution toward driving sales around 20%. But the reality according to one study is that creative’s contribution toward driving sales is actually about 49%. Quatical principle Marc Binkley says, “Creative is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet… it’s a way to supercharge budgets. Emotional, well-branded creative is a way to be more memorable. The goal isn’t just awareness, it’s being memorable in as many buying situations as possible.” See the complete blog post here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: 5 Books That Will Change Your Life

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

imgThese books have helped me tell stories, prioritize programming initiatives and manage career strategies. If interested in a book the link connects to its page on Amazon.

You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, By Quentin Schultze. Not what I thought. It’s not about the goofy episodes in the “A Christmas Story” movie. Jean Shepherd, radio star, wrote and narrated the movie. This book deconstructs how Jean told stories. Shepherd was the greatest radio storyteller of all time. He told stories on WOR every single night for 27 years. His one-hour show had no guests, no phone calls, simply his astonishing stories. Author Schultze, a college professor, spent hundreds of hours with Jean discovering how he imagined, enacted and teased his stories. The book is an advanced course for today’s magic makers. https://a.co/d/fHXIBlt

It’s One O’Clock and Here is Mary Margaret McBride, by Susan Ware. We know but a little. The first national star of midday radio was Ms. McBride. She was so popular and powerful that she required seven secretaries to answer her mail. On her show’s 10th anniversary, she packed Madison Square Garden with listener fans and celebrities. Eleanor Roosevelt hosted McBride’s 15th anniversary at Yankee Stadium. Show prep was her life, that’s why her show sounded informal. https://a.co/d/5idc7TC

Dress for Success, By John Molloy. Yes, the book reveals Molloy’s research on success dress, but perhaps more importantly the book helps the reader think like a success. This guide to the C Suite explains how to reach the top of any business. On the air? When preparing for work, consider all the steps we take toward meeting the station’s biggest client and do that every day. On the plane? No sweat pants! If you want to join a club, look like you already belong to it.  https://a.co/d/99XI61d

Effective Frequency: The Relationship between Frequency and Advertising Effectiveness, Compiled by the ANA. The DNA of everything. 100 years of studies on how a listener’s memory works. How many spots actually cause burn? How often should the promo run? Do listeners remember the first or last spot best? How to rotate songs? And why did the original phone numbers have seven digits? This deceptively thin, rich book will startle!  https://a.co/d/foZUreI

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, by Gertrude Stein. The author was the ambitious patron of the Cubist art movement in Paris. Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and many others were inspired and sponsored by Stein. Alice was her lover. Stein understood that controversy is a possible result of great artwork. Picasso’s first show in Paris caused outrage within the crowd. Watching the gathering’s reaction from the show’s balcony, “Gertrude Stein smiled.” Remember Stein’s reaction to Picasso’s audience the next time “sales” gives a host a hard time! https://a.co/d/1IuU1pV

My life has been changed by these works. How to dress, prep for an interview, cope with controversy, and rotate promos are skills shaped by these classics. Please let me know how they impact you.

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

Industry News

KFBK, Sacramento Names Sam Shane Early PM Host

iHeartMedia Sacramento announces that effective June 2, air personality Sam Shane will transition from co-hosting “The KFBK Morning News” to host of the 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm show that’s been held by Tom Sullivan for more than 30 years. Sullivan recently announced his semi-retirement. Shane says, “I’mimg humbled and honored to be taking over the time slot occupied by Tom Sullivan at KFBK, a radio station with a rich history of producing superior news/talk programs. Never have I enjoyed producing and delivering a program more than these last six years as I have co-hosted the morning news show on KFBK with Cristina Mendonsa. I’m very proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity imgto have worked with Cristina and everyone behind the scenes who made it happen. Now it’s on to a new chapter.” Mendonsa continues as host of “The KFBK Morning News” and will be joined by Mark Demsky, who will serve as news anchor and present special report segments. Demsky joined KFBK last year after serving as a sports anchor and reporter at KTXL-Fox 40 in Sacramento. Mendosa says, “This next chapter is about helping listeners wake up to what really matters, stories that affect their lives. After 30 years in journalism and a multi-generational connection to Northern California, our goal is to bring listeners smart, relevant news with a balanced perspective, cutting through the noise to bring more insight.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (April 7 – April 11, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/7-11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

                      Stories

1. Trump Tariffs/U.S. vs China
2. Financial Markets Activity/Recession Fears
3. Deportations- Detentions-Visa Revocations
4. SCOTUS Gangsters Ruling
5. DOGE/Universities Funding Freeze
6. U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks
7. Russia-Ukraine War/Israel-Gaza War
8. Bernie Sanders Rallies-CNN Town Hall-“Hands Off” Protests
9. HHS Job Cuts/Health Care/Vaccines
10.Severe Weather in Mid-South/NCAA Hoops Championships

                   People

1. Donald Trump
2. J.D. Vance
3. Elon Musk
4. Howard Lutnick / Scott Bessent
5. Xi Jinping
6. Benjamin Netanyahu
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Kilmar Abrego Garcia
9. RFK Jr.
10.Karoline Leavitt

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

Industry News

PodcastOne: Video Views Up 218% Year-Over-Year

PodcastOne says that after accelerating and investing in diversifying its content offerings and expanding audience reach, it has achieved a 218% year-over-year increase in video views of its programs. The company’s shows are distributed across video streaming services including YouTube, Rumble, Substack, Spotify, TikTok and Apple+. PodcastOne says it has “broadened its video production capabilities andimg distribution for its podcast offerings, enabling listeners the option to engage with content in a more dynamic and interactive way. This move has proven highly successful, leading to an explosive increase in video consumption across both its owned channels and third-party platforms.” Company president and co-founder Kit Gray comments, “We are thrilled with the success of our video distribution strategy. Podcasting is no longer just about audio, it’s about offering our audience a rich, immersive, and multi-channel experience. Expanding into video has allowed us to reach new viewers and unlock impactful opportunities for our advertising partners. PodcastOne has a unique ability to support our shows with the technology and resources needed to create best-in-class video podcasts.”

Industry News

KFNS, St. Louis to Change Hands and Sports Talk Format

Changes are afoot at KFNS-AM, St. Louis. “FOX 2” St Louis is reporting that Zobrist Media has found a buyer for the station licensed to Wood River, Illinois that’s been airing sports talk for much of the past three decades. Big Toe Media has reportedly agreed to acquire the station and will assume control over itsimg operations via a local management agreement, though a format change it in the works. Big Toe Media’s president and director of sales Dave Greene tells FOX 2, “I was attempting to sell it on Dave Zobrist’s behalf and got very close with one person and had several others interested. When the strong lead didn’t work out, we were able to work out a very favorable deal for both sides.” Regarding the format, Geene says, “The idea of one singular topic for content is outdated. We will talk about what St. Louis talks about, which includes plenty of sports but also local news, culture, food, business, events and more.” FOX 2 notes that Greene is “closely involved with the leadership team” of Sports Hub STL, a digital sports network producing content from local personalities, most of whom have worked in St. Louis sports radio at some point over the years. See the FOX2 St. Louis story here.

Industry Views

HC at the NAB: Radio, One Way or Another

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThese conventions used to be about making-the-most-of those towers behind radio stations that played in several rooms at home and occupied two knobs and six buttons in the dashboard. Back to the future…

“Take every available opportunity to connect with audiences.”

 Longtime programmer turned podcaster Buzz Knight moderated the session, “Cross-Platform Content Wins – Radio and Podcast Success Stories.” And here’s one now, a radio news guy I’d like to clone, WBZ-AM, Boston’s Matt Shearer, the next-gen’ talent whose skill set and perspective yields the sort of content that takes radio beyond those towers.

Shearer told us he “had been making video from my radio pieces. Now, I’m making radio from my video.” Whereupon Alpha Media EVP of content Phil Becker urged broadcasters to “focus on THAT they use you, not WHERE they use you.” And noting that – as “streaming services have divided audiences” – South Carolina Public Radio director Sean Birch recognizes that “We have to hit a bunch of audiences all at once.”

Common thread in panelists’ remarks: Broadcast and podcast listeners “are very different audiences;” and “we have to be where people are.” Still, revenue stacks-up in two piles: broadcast bucks and digital dimes. And Hubbard Radio EVP/programming Greg Strassell reckons, “Any engagement you do is an opportunity to promote the mothership.” Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington simulcasts its on-air programming via YouTube, and Greg says average Time Spend Listening there is 17 minutes.

“Using Social Media to Develop Community”

In this session, Beasley Media Group’s Dave Snyder recommends a Basic Success Framework:

— Understand your community. Rather than thinking platform (“We need to be on TikTok”), limit your reach to platforms that offer the most engagement potential. “Not all platforms will be a fit for your content.”
— Set your goals. What does success look like? Gauge value by engagement counts like Comments and Likes, rather than mere Views.
— Be authentic. Build brand guidelines, and have a moderation policy, and a style/tone guide. AI is a useful tool, “but it’s not authentic.”

Develop Engagement. Social media gives broadcasters a unique potential to:

— Share a behind-the-scenes view as content is created, “how the sausage is made,” giving your community a different perspective.
— Expose the community to content creators’ personalities. Building community is only possible if people feel like they actually “know” you.
— Interact with the audience. “Community building can’t just be about pushing content. Engagement flows two ways.”

Keep it going. “Once you have your Framework and Content plan, then comes the hard part.”

— “Consistency and cadence is probably the most important part of growing a consistently engaged community.”
— “Use ‘the whole buffalo.’ Optimize your content for cross-platform use.”
— Use analytics to “build on what works and chuck what doesn’t.”

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 Views

HC at the NAB: More Than Spots, Less Than Clutter

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgRadio sells advertisers our listeners’ attention. For a hundred years, our inventory has largely been commercials. Now, as our wandering audience leads us to more revenue channels, are we hooked on spots?

“We’re still in the same business. What’s changed is the tool box.”

Salem Media Group EVP, operations and revenue development Linnae Young was among panelists exploring “The Local Advertising Buying Landscape: What are Clients Buying, and how are Radio Sellers Succeeding or Missing Out?” Her laser-like focus is on the client’s need: “The HVAC company has two trucks and wants six.”

Ditto from session moderator Mike Hulvey, the Radio Advertising Bureau’s president & CEO. He called pitching a multi-store McDonald’s franchisee, who heard-him-out, then asked “Will that idea sell a hamburger?”

We sure have ideas. Researcher Gordon Borrell reckons that “the biggest mistake radio stations are making is underestimating the potential [of digital].” Many now sell video advertising. Prospects “don’t have any questions about radio, other than ‘Can you lower the price?’ They have lots of questions about digital.” Be their guide.

And obsess on outcomes. “Stop with the tactics,” urges Marketron senior director of digital strategy Dustin Wilson. “It’s all about solutions-based selling.”

“As radio has encountered increased pressure on revenue, it has often increased spot loads.”

Ad nauseam, in the view of Edison Research co-founder & president Larry Rosin, whose Ted Talk-type session “Considering Spot Loads” was plainspoken.

Radio has violated what Larry calls “The Commercial Broadcast Bargain” – the unspoken deal that content is worth the time spent listening to ads. “We’ve tilted the bargain in an unfair way,” he said, pointing to “fewer, but much longer breaks; and many, many [music] stations now loading all their spots into two interminable breaks per hour.”

Rosin’s team has long tracked listening habits through its Infinite Dial series, and the trend is clear: Radio’s “Share of Ear” never fully recovered after the pandemic; and commercial loads went up during that time.

“The real problem” is not understanding how ‘Infinite’ today’s ‘Dial’ is, “ignoring the fact that there are other things to listen to.” Ad loads tend to be shorter in podcasts and in non-paid streams. These ad-supported competitors never run more than two spots back-to-back. And increasingly, Americans are paying for ad-free content, via SiriusXM, Spotify, YouTube Premium, and others.

Solutions? Larry was clear: “What I’m NOT saying: ‘cut the load and charge more’ in today’s low-demand environment.”

— Even if you can’t lower total inventory, consider more shorter breaks. “Listeners have, or at least had, an internal clock: song (3 minutes) – song (3 minutes) – song (3 minutes) – break (3 minutes). When you ask music radio consumers, a break should be the length of a song. The two long breaks clock simply can’t be the best we can do for advertisers.”
— Bonus on Rating, not Share, which would “reorient radio programmers to consider ALL competitors, not just other local stations. Radio’s insular world hurts it.”
— Don’t demonize commercials – “a disservice to advertisers” – the way we seem to when we call the stop set “a break;” or tout commercial-free hours to pump-up a daypart (then overdose the load in adjacent hours).
— Improve the quality of commercials.

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

Manda Factor Named KIRO-FM, Seattle Morning Co-Host

Bonneville announces that award-winning journalist Manda Factor is joining news/talk KIRO-FM, Seattle as co-host of “Seattle’s Morning News” alongside Charlie Harger, who assumed the role of host in January. Bonneville Seattle director of news and talk programming Bryan Buckalew says, “We’re thrilledimg to have Manda Factor join ‘Seattle’s Morning News.’ Her reputation in the Pacific Northwest and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with our community make her a fantastic addition. With Manda and Charlie Harger at the helm, we’re excited to bring our listeners a morning show that’s both informative and engaging.” About her new position, Factor says, “I am beyond excited to join Charlie and the KIRO Newsradio team. Charlie has been an integral part of the Seattle community, and I look forward to collaborating with him to bring important news and meaningful conversations to our listeners every morning. There is so much happening in the world, and I am passionate about delving into those stories to share with our community.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Trying is the Real Win

Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

imgSerious business coaches reveal that a common trait of successful people is their ability to immediately forget their failures and to move on. Next idea. Next project. Surrounded by seas of committees, forms, rules and mediocrity, effective leaders know that just trying something, regardless of the outcome, is the WIN.  

Strategic “forgetting” requires a unique worldview. An introvert’s worldview. To forget a failure means not caring what colleagues think of new ideas. Innovators do not consider if they are embraced, they care that their idea launched.

Television legend and programmer Fred Silverman recreated broadcast television. He was so successful he was recruited to helm CBS, ABC and NBC. After corporate leadership he was an independent producer commandeering four hours of prime time a week, earning… a lot.

All that mattered to him was getting it on the air. Like all programmers not everything he produced worked. One hit show is a miracle, he created dozens.

To Fred, he was proud of all his shows. He never bragged about the hits because to him, a hit was anything that got on the air. New was a hit.

Fred’s innovations can be seen on TV now. Before Fred, a TV show promo consisted of a slide and a VO. Starting at ABC, Silverman was the first to pull video from a show, edit it into a 30 second hook clip turning it into a fast-paced promo for the show. Each promo aired once. A staff of 150 people was hired to create a brand-new promo every time. Fred would often sit in the edit bays, producing fresh promos. He hated repeated promos. Finance hated him; engineering hated him; scheduling hated him. Nielsen did not hate him.

I sat many an all-nighter in edit bays as Fred’s production partner until what was on the screen matched what was in his head.

The radio greats have similar patterns of behavior: Tom Bigby, Greg Stockard, Ruth Meyer, Howard SternGreg Moceri, Rick Sklar, Skip Eskin, all the legends were/are focused and driven. There is no downtime. When one insists that their precise vision be implemented, they won’t have many friends, but they will have stunning results.

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

Industry Views

Monday Memo: NAB Show, Survive and Thrive

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgHello from Las Vegas, ever-changing yet timeless. Here this week the NAB Show is “Powering the Next Era of Storytelling.” And it’s about time. While there is now a filibuster-proof U.S. Senate majority to require that cars include AM receivers, some AM stations are being shut off. Over the weekend millions took to the streets and this morning Wall Street braced for more. So, the vibe here is positively rejuvenating.

“If you’re here, you’ve already defied the odds.” 

National Association of Broadcasters president & CEO Curtis LeGeyt congratulated attendees at a perennial event that – on its own – paid for the trip, the NAB Show Small and Medium Market Radio Forum. As big corporate owners make big trade press headlines in big markets, the mojo in the minor leagues is downright invigorating.

Picture speed-dating for great ideas. The room is set up with roundtables. Each half-hour, attendees share what’s working back home, then rotate. Table topics included, “The Secret to Radio’s Digital Ad Success is Being Local First,” and “Podcasting Strategies for Radio,” and “Monetizing High School Sports,” and there were heartwarming stories about “Developing Your Community with Events and Social Media.” And, yes, THE most popular table – to which participants dragged chairs from elsewhere: “AI’s Use Throughout Your Station.”

Did you know that May is National Small Business Month? And National Small Business Week is May 4 to 10? Plan now to do what these plucky broadcasters shared ideas for doing: Use your broadcast and digital assets and your local engagement to, in NAB Show speak: “Unlock the Power of the Creator Economy.”

im

“A connection on LinkedIn is worth a hundred on Instagram.”

As corporate cost cuts continue, I’ve been collecting and sharing opportunities. In a recent column here, I described 18 non-radio career options for which your skill set as a broadcaster could qualify you. And in last week’s column I recommended and demonstrated some valuable and FREE tools.

Now – courtesy of ThinkTAP’s Richard Harrington – a road map for selling your services. Here’s the deck from his super-useful session “Working with Brands: How to Get Your Foot in the Door and Stay There.” And don’t let the term “brands” scare you. Think local businesses.

Sampler:

— Your prospects crave the sort of engagement that successful on-air people have accomplished. “Build your Email list!” Harrington urges.
— Then, take every opportunity to engage. Important: “Reply to people who replied” to something you have posted. “Such a small percentage do reply that this makes their day.”
— “Do what you can to pull audience into a place you can control.” Anyone working in the industry we used to call “radio” now needs to be facile with social media and podcasting and video. So, use those skills and tools to “create content that can be used by the brand.”
— Especially opportune: demonstrate how to use what your client sells.

New to selling your services? Generous with his experience, Harrington’s deck will suggest lots of transactional technique.

Our industry, like ‘Vegas, is ever-changing yet timeless.

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

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 31 – April 4, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/31-4/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Donald Trump’s Trade War
2. The Economy-Jobs-Inflation
3. Wisconsin & Florida Elections Aftermath
4. Musk-DOGE Activities / Tesla Under Attack
5. Israel-Hamas War / Russia-Ukraine War
6. HHS Job Cuts / Health Care / Vaccines
7. Trump vs Judiciary
8. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
9. Tornadoes-Severe Weather / Myanmar Earthquake
10.March Madness / MLB Season Opens

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. J.D. Vance
4. Howard Lutnick / Scott Bessent
5. Mike Waltz / Pete Hegseth
6. Benjamin Netanyahu
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Volodymyr Zelensky
9. RFK Jr.
10. Karoline Leavitt

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

Industry News

Hubbard Officially Launches Gamut Podcast Network

Hubbard Radio announces the official launch of the Gamut Podcast Network, what it calls “a dedicated podcast division that represents a bold and strategic expansion into the ever-evolving world of on-demand media. Gamut now stands as the third foundational pillar of Hubbard’s media strategy – alongside its legacy terrestrial radio operations and its digital marketing arm, 2060 Digital.” The company notes thatimg many of the shows within the Gamut Podcast Network have already been established across Hubbard’s markets, but this marks a transformation: from podcasts as supplemental to radio, to podcasts as a focused, scalable business in their own right. Hubbard CEO Ginny Hubbard states, “The launch of Gamut is more than a rebrand; it’s a pivotal evolution for our company. By establishing Gamut as a core component of our business, we are embracing the future of media and ensuring Hubbard’s relevance for the next century.” John Goforth joined Hubbard in August and is serving as vice president and general manager of Gamut Podcast Network. He says, “Gamut is designed to reflect both where the industry is and where it’s going. Yes, we’re building a national powerhouse – but we’re just as focused on lifting up unique voices and staying true to the communities we serve. It’s about reach and relevance. That balance is what makes Hubbard special, and it will make Gamut special too.”