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Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports, has been named the recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) 2025 Golden Mic Award, to be presented at the annual black-tie fundraiser on Monday, March 10 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The BFOA is the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcasters in need from illness or tragedy…..Veteran broadcaster Michelle Jerson‘s weekly one-hour travel/parenting program “Passport Mommy” has been added to WPHT,Philadelphia on Saturdays at 12:00 noon.  The informational and entertaining show is distributed by Radio America.Stations interested can contact Jennifer Dedes at Radio America: jdedes@radioameria.com…..iHeartMedia announced (1/13) the latest podcast programming for iHeart Women’s Sports. Eight new shows will launch on the network in early 2025 featuring renowned female athletes like Ashlyn Harris, Mel Reid, Lexie Brown and more. The new expanded lineup further emphasizes iHeartMedia’s stated commitment to bringing equitable media coverage to women’s sports…..TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is available to do interviews on talk shows across the nation to discuss the latest music video release by Gunhill Road (the perennial pop music ensemble in which he is a member) – an anthemic tribute to talk radio – which has been gathering tens of thousands of views and downloads around the globe. Harrison talks about the state of talk radio in 2025 and its continuing importance as a vital communications/cultural venue.  Harrison can be reached via email at info@talkers.com.  To view the video, please click HERE.

These were the most talked about stories of the past weekend (1/11-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

1. LA Wildfires

2. Trump Confirmation Hearings

3. Tik Tok Controversy

4. Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War

5. NFL Playoffs

As Michael Harrison wrote in TALKERS at the start of the new year’s first full week (1/6), “Each year at this time, I am invariably asked by broadcasters, reporters, and friends, ‘What do you think we’ll be talking about in the new year ahead?’  And each year I give the same answer:  THE UNEXPECTED.”

Here we go again. Within what seems like mere moments after the optimistic news broke that California was again gaining population after years of depletion, the apocalyptic wildfires that sprung out of heavy winds and dry conditions in the Pacific Palisades pounced upon L.A. County and circled its metro like a raging beast from hell – thrusting local radio into its familiar role as a vital informational first responder.  Add to that, radio’s invaluable service as an emotional support provider for a confused and terrified public is on display.  TALKERS is receiving reports from Southern California and points throughout the Golden State that radio is, indeed, rising to the occasion with many all-news, talk and public radio outlets taking a wall-to-wall, “all hands-on deck” personnel policy both in studio and remote scenarios. This is especially important in areas where the power has gone out and car or battery-driven radios provide instant access to weather, traffic and other vital facts. The fires have also set off figurative sparks in terms of political finger pointing and emotional venting regarding budgets, preparedness, and general political accountability. Major industries – housing, entertainment, sports, healthcare and public safety – are being shaken to the core. No venue performs the service of unpacking all that on a mass level better than live, local, spoken word radio.

Broadcasters Foundation to the Rescue. As the wildfires continue to rage and spread in the Los Angeles area, the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) wants to remind broadcasters in Southern California that Emergency Grants are available for those who qualify.  “We have set aside Emergency Grant Dollars to provide financial assistance to broadcasters in LA who are in need,” stated Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation.

The BFOA Emergency Grant Application Process is streamlined to deliver financial aid to those in need as speedily as possible, usually within weeks.  Historically, it can take a week or more for victims of disasters like these wildfires to apply because their lives have been upended and they may not have immediate access to the internet, etc. For those broadcasters, the BFOA has set up an emergency phone number at 212-373-8250. To apply directly on line, broadcasters may go to www.broadcastersfoundation.org

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories/Topics

1. Los Angeles County Wildfires
2. Trump Legal Issues – Hush Money Case
3. Presidential Transition – Trump Appointments and Nominations
4. Trump Positions on Canada, Greenland, Denmark, Panama, Mexico
5. Jimmy Carter State Funeral
6. Economy-DOGE / Health Care / Climate Change
7. Migrant Crisis / Crime / Homelessness
8. Facebook Censorship Changes / Tik Tok
9. Israel-Hamas War / Russia-Ukraine War
10. Winter Weather

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Karen Bass / Gavin Newsom
3. Jimmy Carter
4. Joe Biden
5. Elon Musk
6. Barack Obama / George W. Bush / Bill Clinton
7. Justin Trudeau
8. Vivek Ramaswamy
9. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
10. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Xi Jinping

To see the complete TALKERS charts of the most talked about stories and people, please click HERE.

Premiere’s “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” Joins Albuquerque’s The Rock of Talk – AM 1600 KIVA.  AM 1600 KIVA announced (1/8) the addition of “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” to the station’s weekday lineup, effective immediately.  The program joins the station live in the Monday through Friday, 4:00 am – 7:00 am MST timeslot.  DelGiorno joins The Rock of Talk’s blue-chip lineup that includes “The Glenn Beck Program,” “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” “The Sean Hannity Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” “The Bill O’Reilly Show,” “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” and others. “I couldn’t be happier to offer nearly 24 hours of live programming on the station, and having Michael DelGiorno on board makes this even more possible!” said Eddy Aragon, owner of AM 1600 KIVA – The Rock of Talk. “’Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno’ is another top-notch show from a quality company that advertisers will absolutely love.”  “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to connect with Albuquerque listeners,” said DelGiorno. “We appreciate Eddy’s trust and look forward to making our mark on The Rock of Talk!”

Dr. Daliah Wachs Celebrates TMN Syndicated Show’s “Sweet 16” Anniversary.  TALKERS Heavy Hundred member Dr. Daliah Wachs’ show turns 16 today.  The Las Vegas-based physician and highly respected talker of medical and social issues launched the show at KLAV as a single station entity back on January 9, 2009, and then added KDWN January 31st that same month. Wachs is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare media on a number of fronts from charity initiatives to consciousness raising. The program was recently picked up by syndicator Talk Media Network (TMN) where Wachs tells TALKERS she is excited to be and is optimistic about the successful program’s continuing growth. The show airs live daily during middays.

The top story yesterday (1/8) on news/talk radio and related media venues was the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. In addition to prompting around the clock public safety information, the natural disaster stirred up emotional conversation about political accountability and speculation about what lies ahead in terms of the economy, housing, the environment, and SoCal-based industries including entertainment, tourism, and sports.  That was followed by heated analysis of the changes at Meta and Facebook regarding censorship and fact checking.  Discussion also continued about the many facets of the presidential transition currently underway, the state of Trump’s dangling legal issues, and U.S. foreign relations per the Middle East and Eastern Europe according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

Bonneville Phoenix announces (1/7) the appointment of LaDona Harvey as the new co-host for KTAR’s “Arizona’s Morning News.”  “We are excited to welcome LaDona to the talented ‘Arizona’s Morning News’ team,” said Ryan Hatch, Bonneville International Phoenix SVP/MM.  “She’s a natural storyteller with an infectious personality and a passion for connecting with the community.”  Harvey who moved to the Phoenix market after a successful run at Newsradio 600 KOGO, San Diego where she hosted “San Diego’s Morning News” for over a decade, will replace longtime KTAR anchor Jayme West who recently retired.  She will join award-winning host Jim Sharpe beginning Monday January 13. Harvey tells TALKERS, “I am thrilled to be back home in Arizona, joining the finest news team in the Valley at KTAR.”  She adds, “I have the privilege of caring for my ailing father and doing a job I am passionate about: telling Phoenix listeners the stories that affect their lives, and livelihoods.”

The top story yesterday (1/7) on news/talk radio and related media venues was focused on the remarks made at President-elect Donald Trump‘s press conference in which he floated the idea of annexing Canada and exerting military control over Greenland and Panama.  That was followed by heated analysis of the changes at Meta and Facebook regarding censorship and fact checking.  Discussion also continued about the many facets of the presidential transition currently underway, the state of Trump’s dangling legal issues, the economy, and U.S. foreign relations per the Middle East and Eastern Europe according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

Newsmax Raises $150 Million in Pre-IPO Plan.*  Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reports “We did it!” According to the ascending multi-platform news organization’s founder, “When we announced our plan to go public, we also announced our plan to raise $150 million in Preferred Shares before we became listed.”  Ruddy tells TALKERS, “I am glad to report Newsmax hit the $150 million* mark over the Christmas-New Year’s holiday. In fact, we have raised $153 million*, having exceeded our target by $3 million. And we have thousands of investors who are still in the process of buying Preferred Shares! So, Newsmax has decided to extend our offering to $175 million – an increase of $25 million above our target raise.”  Ruddy concludes, “Newsmax expects to close on the remaining $22 million remaining very soon.” Read More Here *NOTE: “Raised” includes closed proceeds and investments committed / in process of closing.

Alan Jurison Joins Quu to Lead Innovation and Special Projects.  Quu, Inc., an industry leader providing convenient deployment of visual content for radio, announces today (1/7) that Alan Jurison has joined the company to focus on special projects and innovation. Reporting to Joe Marshall, Quu’s senior director of technical services, Jurison will spearhead initiatives to enhance radio broadcasts with dynamic visual programming and sales messaging.  Jurison brings extensive experience from his time as senior operations engineer at iHeartMedia, where he was known for innovative work in technology and strategy. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about elevating radio technology and helping the industry understand the critical role of metadata, especially in the digital dashboard,” Jurison tells TALKERS. “Joining Quu is an incredible opportunity to build on that mission. I’m eager to contribute to this talented team’s efforts to strengthen radio stations’ relationships with their listeners and advertising clients.” “Alan’s innovative mindset and technical expertise make him an exceptional addition to Quu,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “His vision aligns perfectly with our goals to help radio boost ratings and generate new revenue through visual solutions that engage and retain audiences.” Alan will be at CES in Las Vegas this week, where he looks forward to connecting with industry peers. Interested in meeting up? Contact Alan at ajurison@myquu.com.

The top story yesterday (1/6)) on news/talk radio and related media venues was the Certification in Congress of the Electoral College presidential victory of Donald Trump to a second term peacefully presided over by VP Kamala Harris on the fourth anniversary of the January 6, 2021 riot.  That was followed by the announced resignation of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. There was heavy conversation about the ceremonial funeral proceedings of former President Jimmy Carter as well as continuing discussion of the New Orleans New Year’s terrorist tragedy.  Discussion also continued about the many facets of the presidential transition currently underway, the state of Trump’s legal issues, the economy, and U.S. foreign relations per the Middle East and Eastern Europe according to the ongoing research of TALKERS. Look for changes being applied to Facebook censorship policy and other free speech issues in the era of Big Tech being among today’s (1/7) top stories.

Today (1/6), KBLA Talk 1580 kicks off its bold new weekday lineup, which includes some of the nation’s most progressive and provocative voices. The new programming includes Dr. Cornel West, renowned scholar and former independent presidential candidate, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. and former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner. They join KBLA White House correspondent Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, and nationally syndicated hosts Tavis Smiley and D.L. Hughley, who already appear weekdays on KBLA Talk 1580, the flagship station of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc., based in Los Angeles.

“I am both humbled and proud that Dr. Cornel West, Nina Turner, and Jesse Jackson, Jr. have joined the KBLA Talk 1580 team as we continue to build the nation’s most innovative and empowering Black talk media platform,” said Smiley, Founder of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. and chief visionary officer for KBLA Talk 1580. “No talk station in America can match the intellectual firepower that launches today, January 6th. KBLA Talk 1580 is proud to have more Black women talk show hosts than any talk station in the country, including Dominique DiPrima, the first Black woman to host her own radio talk show, “First Things First,” in LA morning drive time (6:00 am to 9:00 am).

“After all the rhetoric about Black men during the 2024 presidential campaign, now is the time to pass the mic to Black men of different generations to facilitate conversations people won’t find anywhere else,” concluded Smiley. “It’s going to be a challenging four years. KBLA Talk 1580’s new line-up represents what resistance looks like.”

The John Fredericks Media Network, which lays claim to be the largest independently owned and operated news-talk-sports network in America, has expanded its operations in West Virginia. Fredericks radio company, Disruptor Radio, LLC has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) with LHTC-Radio Division to acquire it’s nine stations in West Virginia, which include:

• WGYE 102.7 FM / 95.3 FM – Morgantown WV, Mannington WV

• WMMN AM 920 / 95.7 FM – Fairmont WV, North Central WV, Wheeling WV

• WHTI 105.7 FM – Clarksburg WV

• WZST 100.9 FM – Morgantown WV

• WBKE AM 1490 / 98.3 FM – Morgantown WV, Fairmont WV, Grafton WV

• WRLF 94.3 FM – Morgantown WV, North Central WV, Fairmont WV

Disruptor Radio will take over operational control of the above stations effective today (1/6) through a License Management Agreement (LMA) with LHTC-Radio division until the sale formally closes. Both the LMA and APA have been filed with the FCC and is a matter of public record. The URL is WVTheTorch.com and a radio APP is available. The addition of the West Virginia radio cluster gives Fredericks’ company a total of 22 signals from West Virginia to Georgia.  The new West Virginia stations will air the JFRN lineup of populist proprietary hosts and sports. The full lineup can be found at WVTheTorch.com.

WVTheTorch.com and WZST 100.9 FM will remain the flagship radio network for WVU Athletics, which airs WVU Mountaineer football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball on all WV channels except WGYE and WHTI. WVTheTorch.com and its affiliated network carries the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL.

Fredericks tells TALKERS, “This West Virginia opportunity is key to our growth plan, as it dovetails nicely with our Pittsburgh footprint and reaches a very pro-populist, pro America First and pro-Trump area of America. West Virginian’s voted overwhelmingly -over 70 percent- for President-elect Donald Trump, who also carried Morgantown and the county. We are excited about offering listeners in West Virginia a choice from the stale, woke and warmed over pablum served up every day by the corporatists and conservative Inc. bunch that regurgitates FOX and RINO RNC talking points of the day.” Fredericks, whose show airs weekdays 6:00 am-10:00 am, Fredericks lives in Pittsburgh, PA and will be covering the White House live from Washington, D.C. most weekdays.

Anne Fredericks, Disruptor Radio’s CEO is credited as the ultimate architect of the company’s growth and acquisition strategy.  She tells TALKERS, “We’ve built a burgeoning national legion of devout and dedicated listeners across the country who yearn for the truth and a commonsense approach. We don’t rely on click bait for ad revenue and this approach has forged an unshakable bond with our audience.” She adds, “As a result, we are singularly focused on advertiser ROI, over-serving our customers, and a commitment to their economic success and enduring engagement.”

2024 has been a dramatic year of challenges, struggles, and measurable change for the nation, society, and our industry of talk radio and its related talk media platforms.  The chart below lists the 10 most talked about Stories, Topics and People discussed on talk shows across the nation during the past 12-month period, according to the research of TALKERS. In some cases, we listed several items as ties – because words and ideas overlap and can be somewhat amorphous. None of these items were discussed in a vacuum – the connections between individual stories and news items, the topics they cover, and the people who played them out under the spotlight of public scrutiny are quite entangled to say the least. We describe some issues as “umbrella” topics. Talk radio also has its own unique focus on populist issues that in many cases tend to be ignored by what is still referred to as the so-called “mainstream” or “legacy” media. (For example, talk radio was talking about public concern over immigration reform long before Donald Trump came down that elevator in 2015.) Conversely, there are “big” stories out there that talk radio leaves to the other media and generally ignores.

The biggest and most challenging issues that faced our industry in 2024 include:

• Economics of the radio industry.  Major companies continued to be preoccupied with financial survival and avoiding bankruptcy. The growing preponderance of layoffs across the industry has been heartbreaking. Can radio afford to do “radio” properly anymore? Talk radio is subject to the trials and tribulations of the larger radio industry. It is not surrounded by a protective force field simply because it is important.

• Podcasting and fractionalization. The burgeoning digital media ecosystem originally spawned and inspired by talk radio’s lead now competes with the medium within the interactive marketplace of ideas.  Talk radio faces the challenge of expanding to a multi-platform environment such as podcasting and video streaming while maintaining its special “radio” esthetic.

• Growing demographic divide.  With each passing year, radio (including talk) faces increasing abandonment by the new crop of adults who weren’t born until after 9/11.  This is a major problem no matter what pro-radio research and ratings company report.

• Freedom of speech.  Not only was the First Amendment under assault in 2024 from a number of directions – but so was an increasing level of intolerance by corporate America and the disease of hyper-wokeness for controversy.  Not good.

• AM radio in the dashboard.  The stated intention of the automobile manufacturers to eliminate AM radios from the dashboards of new vehicles is at least five years premature and extremely damaging to the interests of the public as well as the radio industry. The problem is compounded by the damage this issue does to radio’s image in the business world simply by having it being a much-discussed issue at all.

Let’s resolve to overcome some of these challenges in 2025.  Happy New Year!

After 28 years on the job, FOX News (FOX News Network and FOX Business Network) host/commentator Neil Cavuto surprised his audience at the conclusion of his “Your World” show yesterday (12/19) by announcing that it would be his final show with the network. During his long run, the business news specialist – often on the receiving end of Donald Trump‘s ire – wore a number of hats at FOX and was known for his independence even when it meant taking on positions unpopular with the network’s base viewers. Cavuto closed the show with the following remarks, “This is it. The final segment, but today I also wanted to let you know this is my final show. I’m leaving FOX. I’ve been planning this day for some time, this just seemed like a good time. Now, some of you might be thinking, ‘well, Neil, it is about time!’ After all, I’ve been doing this for nearly three decades here. You know, there are people working with me now, who weren’t even born when I started at FOX — that’s how old I am. But I’m not leaving journalism, I’m just leaving here. But I’m forever grateful to my bosses here. They have been very good to me these many years and offered a very generous opportunity for me to stay years more.”  To view Cavuto’s full closing remarks from yesterday’s broadcast, please click HERE.

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

1. Mangione Murder Case / Health Care
2. Trump Nominations and Appointments
3. Government Shutdown Struggle
4. DOGE-Economy-Inflation-Tariffs-Stock Market
5. Migrant-Border Crisis / Madison School Shootings / Crime
6. Drones
7. Russia-Ukraine War / Middle East Unrest
8. Pelicot Rape Case
9. Big Tech Influence / Media Corruption-Bias
10. Amazon Workers Strike

To see the complete charts of the most talked about stories and people, please click HERE.

Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, released an anthem late last week 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 by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and TALKERS publisher 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 almost 100 individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. Matthew B. Harrison, who produced the rapidly-paced video 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.  To download the 1:03 or :40 edits of the song, please click HERE or HERE

The top story yesterday (12/18) on news/talk radio and related media venues was the ongoing developments in the Luigi Mangione murder case followed closely by France’s Gisèle Pelicot mass rape trial.  There was continuing conversation about and outrage over the tragic school shooting in Madison, WI. Also big: problems with the health care system, the ongoing drone sightings mystery/drama, and the latest developments in the Donald Trump Georgia criminal case including the disqualification of Fani Willis. Discussion also continued about the many facets of the presidential transition currently underway, the economy, and U.S. foreign relations according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

New York Festivals Radio and TV & Film Awards announce a new partnership with JusticeAid, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using art and music to raise awareness about civil rights challenges and inspire action for social justice.Together, they will launch the inaugural JusticeAid Award, a new honor that will recognize the highest-scoring entry across all Social Justice categories in the NYF TV & Film and Radio competitions.

The JusticeAid Award will be presented to the entry that demonstrates outstanding storytelling in addressing critical social justice issues. The winner will be determined by the esteemed NYF TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards Grand Juries, who will evaluate entries across a range of categories.

Categories within TV & Film Awards include News Program, News Report/Feature, Sports, Documentary, Entertainment Program, Entertainment Special, Promo, Streaming, Student, and Corporate Image.NYF Radio Categories eligible for the award include News Program, News Report/Feature, Documentary, Entertainment, Promo, Digital, Podcast, and Student.

“With the JusticeAid Award, NYF shines a spotlight on the Social Justice categories across all genres and platforms encompassing Journalism and Entertainment categories alike. These stories show how individual actions can change the world and the ability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity,” states Rose Anderson, EVP/executive director of New York Festivals Radio and TV & Film Awards.

The first annual JusticeAid Award will be presented at the 2025 Storytellers Gala, a virtual event in the Spring 2025 celebrating global excellence in storytelling. In 2024, over 180 award-winning teams worldwide shared their acceptances, while industry leaders spotlighted their creative journeys in special segments. Additionally, the JusticeAid Award-winning submission will be honored at the JusticeAid Concert in May 2025 in New York City, showcasing the transformative power of music and the arts to raise awareness for civil rights and inspire positive change.

The New York Festivals TV & Film and Radio Awards competitions receive entries from over 50 countries.  Members of the Grand Jury panels vote to determine the Shortlists and final standings for Tower Trophies. The 2025 Storytellers Gala will honor trophy winners of both competitions in the spring.

The official deadline to enter the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards is December 31, 2024. For more information on the 2025 TV & Film Awards visit: HERE.

The official deadline to enter the 2025 Radio Awards is January 31, 2025. For more information on the 2025 Radio Awards visit: HERE.

Edison Research with support from LWC Studios, Latino Media Network, Libsyn, SiriusXM Podcast Network, and Uforia Podcasts unveiled the fifth-year anniversary of the “Latino Podcast Listener Report 2024” in a webinar hosted by Gabriel Soto, senior director of research at Edison Research, Elsie Escobar, director of community and content at Libsyn, and Briana Mendez, senior sales marketing manager at SiriusXM Media. The webinar offered up to five years of trending data and new findings about Latino podcast listeners as well as video interviews of podcast creators discussing how they’ve utilized the studies throughout the years. According to the study, 43% of U.S. Latinos age 18+ are monthly podcast listeners, a 72% increase since 2020 (25%).

Key findings include:

• Female listenership is up: Women now account for half of the U.S. Monthly Latino Listening population, making the composition of Latino podcast listeners 50% women and 50% men for the first time.

• Social media is a dominant source for podcast discovery: 47% of U.S. Latino monthly podcast listeners age 18+ first discovered podcasting by seeing it on social media, compared with 30% in 2020.

• YouTube gains share as the service used most often to listen to podcasts: 40% of U.S. Latino monthly podcast listeners age 18+ say they use YouTube the most to listen to podcasts – a 12-point increase from 2020. Thirty percent search on YouTube most often to find out about podcasts.

• Latino podcast listeners’ preference for video podcasts is up: Since 2021, U.S. Latino monthly podcast listeners age 18+ have increased their consumption of video that they actively watch while listening by 23% (2021: 70% vs. 2024: 86%), surpassing audio only podcasts at 72%.

• Gen Z and Millennial U.S. Latino listeners are more likely to listen or watch podcasts with other people: 43% of U.S. monthly Latino podcast listeners age 18+ have listened to or watched podcasts with others. Listeners aged 18–24 are 47% likely to share their podcast listening experience with others, those aged 25–34 are 46%, and those aged 35–44 are the most likely to listen to or watch podcasts with others at nearly half (49%).

• Latinos are spending most of their days with podcasts for entertainment: 78% of U.S. monthly Latino podcast listeners age 18+ “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that they listen to podcasts when they want to be entertained – an 8-point increase since 2020.

“Latinos have been trailblazers in podcasting, driving trends from leading the early adoption of YouTube to fueling the rise of video podcast consumption,” said Elsie Escobar, Director of Community and Content at Libsyn. Beyond educational content, Latino listeners are embracing a broader range of podcasts, from entertainment to inspirational stories. This growing diversity creates exciting opportunities for advertisers to connect with a vibrant audience and align brand messaging with their lifestyle interests and values.”

Soto says, “The number of Latinos consuming video podcasts has surpassed the number of those listening to audio-only shows. If the young Latino demographic is any indication of how listening will take shape among the rest of the podcast audience, podcasters will have another reason to consider video as part of their content.”

Click here to download the report.

Vince Benedetto – founder, president and CEO of Bold Gold Media Group – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  The video version is posted on The TALKERS YouTube channel program, “Up Close Far Out.”  In addition to being a radio industry rising star among station owners, Benedetto is an accomplished history buff. Harrison and Benedetto engage in a fascinating character study of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. They draw lessons for a better understanding of the demands of leadership in modern times.  Bold Gold Media Group owns and operates 15 broadcast radio stations throughout Pennsylvania and New York.  Benedetto started the company and acquired his first four radio stations at the age of 29.  This remarkable man is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a former Air Force Captain and Air Force OSI Special Agent, where he worked on counterintelligence, counterterrorism and felony level investigative efforts for the Department of Defense.  With a desire to be a media entrepreneur, Benedetto separated from the Air Force in his late 20s and formed Bold Gold, where his growing portfolio of radio stations has become a leader in social and digital media engagement. Benedetto serves as the chairman of the board of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB).  He is a member of the Radio Advertising Bureau’s ‘Sales Advisory Committee’ (SAC). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Churchill Society (ICS) and is president of the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania. Don’t miss this illuminating conversation about vital American/world history and its connection to the most important character issues of modern times. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click HERE.   To view the video in its entirety, please click HERE.

The top story yesterday (12/17) on news/talk radio and related media venues remained the tragic school shooting in Madison, WI followed by continuing heavy conversation about the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder, problems with the health care system, and the ongoing drone sightings mystery/drama.  Discussion also continued about the many facets of the presidential transition currently underway, the economy, and U.S.-Canada relations according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

Executives from Triton Digital – a global technology and services leader to the digital audio, podcast, and broadcast radio industries – are providing TALKERS readers with their insights into how audio marketing spending will evolve, how YouTube is impacting the podcasting industry, the growth of contextual targeting tools, and more for the coming year:

• Sharon Taylor, EVP podcast and content delivery: Brands and publishers will respond to a heightened focus on brand suitability by adopting tailored, podcast-specific solutions that integrate contextual curation tools. These tools will not only proactively guide brands on optimal content alignment but also streamline ad buying processes through automation and data-driven insights, reducing the need for extensive manual intervention. This approach will power precise content targeting and scale reach effectively, all while ensuring brand messages align seamlessly with the right contexts and audiences.

• Stephanie Donovan, chief revenue officer: The global advertising industry will exceed one trillion dollars by year’s end and is poised for continued growth in 2025, fueled by economic expansion across the United States, Australia and regions like Europe and Southeast Asia. Digital audio marketing spend worldwide will increase 10% next year, in part due to key drivers including the rise of contextual targeting, allowing advertisers to immerse their message within relevant content, and utilizing the growing versatility of dynamic audio insertion to make scaling campaigns more efficient. Additionally, the rapid growth of influencer marketing on TikTok and X is cooling, with marketers increasing spend on podcasts where creators can cultivate more meaningful audience connections. This growth in audio spending will heighten the insistence for transparency as advertisers demand greater visibility into performance metrics and content alignment to ensure trust and accountability. This convergence will solidify audio’s position as a successful channel for integrated marketing strategies worldwide.

• Daryl Battaglia, SVP measurement: In 2025, the number of podcast listeners will grow at a faster rate than in previous years. While podcasting will remain fundamentally audio-first, driven by convenience and flexibility, consumers now have more options for how they discover and consume content. YouTube is bringing in new, first-time podcast consumers with a different audience profile. In some cases, they are watching shorter length content or on additional devices other than mobile.  Informed by insights about their audience, publishers and creators will be able to deliver an engaged experience across listening platforms and devices, and grow reach.

• Ben Masse, chief product officer: The audio advertising industry will integrate AI more into their tech stack to scale campaigns and audience targeting. More specifically, the focus will be on enabling humans to automate tasks so they can focus on strategy. AI will be leveraged to drive more effective and efficient spending, including helping achieve yield for publishers and meaningful campaign outcomes for advertisers, as well as content analysis and audience insights. This tech shift will put a bigger emphasis on having robust data-backed insights on audiences, content, and campaign performance.

• Emanuele Rampichini, head of engineering: The podcasting industry will see publishers increasingly diversify into subscription-based revenues and build deeper relationships with dedicated audiences while reducing reliance on traditional ad models. This approach will be particularly transformative for long-tail podcasters and creators with smaller followings, offering a sustainable revenue stream that can be both a growth and retention strategy. For creators with niche audiences, subscriptions provide a viable alternative to ads and ensure the lion’s share of the revenue goes directly to the creator. As platforms invest more in these tools, creators will be able to engage directly with their subscribers through integrated communication features and eliminate the need for third-party tools. This evolution promises to empower indie creators by streamlining their workflows and enhancing their ability to cultivate loyal audiences.

• Rebecca Dalby, vice president of demand: The demand for precision in audio advertising is growing, making nuanced and contextual targeting more essential than ever. As advertisers prioritize accurate audience engagement, the shift toward contextual targeting is gaining significant traction. This trend is expected to drive more ad dollars into solutions that deliver measurable results. Innovative technology that amplifies the ability to connect with highly specific audiences at scale and helps meet advertisers’ evolving expectations will win. For publishers, this surge in demand for targeted ad placements unlocks exciting opportunities to expand inventory and enhance reach through strategic partnerships within digital audio networks.

The top story yesterday (12/16) on news/talk radio and related media venues was the tragic school shooting in Madison, WI. That was followed by continuing heavy conversation about the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder and the ongoing drone sightings mystery/drama.  Discussion also continued about the many facets of the presidential transition currently underway and the economy according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, released an anthem late last week 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 by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian 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 almost 100 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.  To download the 1:03 or :40 edits of the song, please click HERE or HERE

The mysterious drones spotted in the skies of New Jersey and across the Northeast took center stage this weekend (12/14-15) on the talk radio and related talk media venues of America. Beyond that, heavy conversation continued to focus on the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder and its many topical tentacles.  Also, among the biggest stories – conversation about President-elect Donald Trump‘s picks for cabinet posts and other government appointments. That was followed by the economy (including tariffs and inflation) and foreign affairs, all in accordance with the ongoing research of TALKERS.

Clay Travis meets with Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset

Clay Travis pays his respects at the Nova Music Festival Memorial where he laid a wreath.

Premiere Networks-syndicated personality Clay Travis, co-host of “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” broadcast live from Israel this week (12/9-12) in partnership with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), the leading non-profit organization building bridges between Christians and Jews while providing humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. In addition to co-hosting the radio show live from JNS – Jewish News Syndicate, Travis toured the region with the IFCJ, learning about the country’s rich history and the challenges faced in the current climate. He shared his first-hand accounts with millions of listeners this week as he traveled throughout the country, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In the North, Travis toured the town of Metula near the border with Lebanon that endured attacks from Hezbollah. He also met with a farmer who is struggling to maintain his crops in the face of constant rocket fire and who lost his son and several workers in an attack on October 31, 2024. In the South, Travis visited the Nir Oz Kibbutz near the border with Gaza that was horrifically attacked by Hamas on October 7. He also visited the Nova Festival site and toured a special facility that is helping traumatized families and children. Additionally, Travis met with Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, who joined the program mid-week. He also interviewed Idit Ohel, mother of an Israeli hostage taken at the Nova Festival and met with other families of hostages at the weekly Saturday night rally in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.  Plus, Travis toured the Tel HaShomer hospital where he met with injured IDF soldiers, and visited the Palmachim IAF Base and learned about the “Adopt a Battalion” program supported by IFCJ.  “Given the importance of the American-Israel relationship, I thought it was important to see with my own eyes the challenges and successes of Israel in the wake of October 7th and bring those perceptions to our audience,” Travis tells TALKERS. “Our team did a phenomenal job, and I couldn’t be happier with what we delivered to our audience this week.”

Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, has released 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 by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian 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 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.  For more information about Gunhill Road please visit www.GunhillRoadMusic.com.