Top News/Talk Media Stories this Past Week (12/9-13)
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. CEO Murder Suspect Apprehended / Health Care
2. Trump Nominations and Appointments
3. Trump Tariff-Trade War Plans
4. Migrant-Border / Economy / Crime
5. Biden Pardons
6. DOGE / Trump-Musk-Ramaswamy Relationship
7. Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hezbollah Cease Fire
8. Syria Overthrow
9. Abortion Rights
10. Big Tech Influence / Media Bias
To see the complete charts of the most talked about stories and people, please click HERE.
Noted real estate industry figure and radio personality Suzanne Miller, the founder of Empire State Properties and host of “The Miller Report,” was honored last night (12/11) in a dazzling awards party featuring speakers, food, music, and dancing in the Manhattan offices and studios of WABC Radio. The event brought together New York media luminaries, and close friends of Miller for a night, in a packed room, celebrating not only her accomplishments but the resilience and vibrancy of the city she loves.
Kylie Kelce, wife of former Philadelpia Eagles star Jason Kelce, sister-in-law of Kansas City Chiefs star (and Taylor Swift boyfriend) Travis Kelce, mother of three (with a fourth on the way), and Dunkin’ Donuts enthusiast, can add another descriptor to that incomplete list: No. 1 podcast host. Wickman writes, “I suspect Rogan will be back in first place soon, but for now, this ranking reinforces the Kelce family’s cultural dominance. (‘If everyone’s going to be talking about me and my family, you might as well hear it from me,’ she says in the show trailer.)” Kelce’s husband Jason and brother-in-law Travis host the popular “New Heights” podcast. The inaugural episode of “Not Gonna Lie,” featuring “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” star Kaitlin Olson as a guest, was published on December 5, with new episodes planned to drop each Thursday. To read Wickman’s entire VF piece, please click 
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After over three decades as a talk show host, I’ve come to appreciate one essential truth about this industry: there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Program directors, executives, and consultants often believe their advice applies universally, but experience has taught me otherwise. The reality? Not every tip or trick works for every host—or every audience.
Your topic is often plucked from the on-hour newscast, asking callers’ take on what you reckon to be top-of-mind and relevant to listeners you target.
Cumulus Media announced yesterday (12/5) that KCMO 95.7 FM and 710 AM, has added longtime Kansas City broadcaster Kevin Kietzman to the station’s weekday programming lineup with the launch of his new midday show, “Kevin Kietzman Uncanceled.” The program debuted this week and airs on KCMO Monday through Friday from 10:00 am-11:00 am. Kietzman is a well-known voice in the Midwest, having hosted his highly successful sports/talk radio show in Kansas City for over two decades. He is currently the host of the “Kevin Kietzman Has Issues” podcast, covering Kansas City news, sports, and politics. Donna Baker, regional VP/MM, Cumulus Kansas City, tells TALKERS, “Under Pete’s leadership, KCMO Talk Radio is one of the fastest growing stations in the Midwest. Kevin’s passion and commitment to his craft make him the perfect fit for the KCMO Talk Radio audience and our client partners.” Pete Mundo, KCMO PD and morning show host, commented: “During my years in Kansas City, we have delivered on our promise, ‘If it’s happening IN KCMO, it’s ON KCMO.’ There are few who have entertained and informed Kansas City listeners for over two decades like Kevin Kietzman. Kevin’s ability to engage fans, whether the topic of today is our Championship sports teams, the local news landscape, national politics, or the pop culture world, make him the ideal addition to KCMO Talk Radio.” Kevin Kietzman said: “It’s great to be back on radio but even better to be a part of something as exciting as KCMO Talk Radio, now on 95.7 FM. I’ve known Pete Mundo for years and absolutely nobody in KC media works harder or is more dedicated to serving listeners than Pete and the management team at Cumulus Media. It’s a sweet spot to follow his popular morning show where Kansas City listens every day to learn what’s going on throughout Missouri and Kansas.” Kietzman added: “These are historic times. Americans have spoken loudly that we are a free speech society, we have the most popular sports team in the world in our city, and I can’t wait to be back on air to talk about it all. I look forward to hearing from so many of you that have listened throughout the years. Let’s go!”
Early Bird Deadline for the Milestone 50th Gracie Awards Approaching. The AWM Foundation invites all content creators to submit their exceptional work for the historic 50th Annual Gracie Awards. With the Early Bird Deadline approaching on December 12, 2024, now is the time to take advantage of discounted entry fees and secure your place in celebrating the best in media. As the Gracie Awards commemorate 50 years of recognizing excellence, it is more important than ever to honor the exceptional talent in front of and behind the camera and microphone across radio, podcasting, television, streaming, and online programs in news and entertainment. The Gracie Awards recognize contributions from journalists, actors, hosts, producers, showrunners, writers, directors, and other roles that bring impactful stories to life. Each entry directly supports the AWM Foundation, with the Gracies serving as the largest fundraiser of the year. “This year’s milestone celebration reflects our continued commitment to honoring the talent that shapes the stories of our time,” said Becky Brooks, president of the AWM Foundation. “We encourage local media to participate and take advantage of the best rates and prepare to celebrate together in 2025.” For a complete list of new and updated categories for 2025, pricing, and submission guidelines, please visit 
In this newly updated edition, industry pros as well as aspirants will find a complete guide to becoming a successful communicator. Beyond Powerful Radio teaches time-tested techniques that work in any format – radio, TV, podcast, or digital. Learn how to get, keep, and grow audiences with powerful storytelling, and become a dynamic presenter. This book holds the tools needed to create winning content; tell compelling stories; build your brand; develop talent; produce a show; report the news; sell; and write commercials. 
Practical tips and methods from over 50 top experts from across the world of media illuminate interviewing, managing talent, becoming an authentic personality, and getting started in the business. This fully revised edition features new sections on podcasting, social media, storytelling, artificial intelligence, and cross platform synergy. Whether you’re a professional with years in the industry, an instructor with a class full of media hopefuls, or you are just starting out as a podcaster or radio host, this book will help you reach your goals. A full Instructor Manual is available with complete lesson plans for broadcast instructors. For more info, please click 
Tomorrow (12/5) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW-FM) is presenting a special Town Hall broadcast, “Targeted: Protecting New Jersey Children from Online Predators,” confronting the crisis of online child predators, and how New Jersey children and parents are affected. In what is an alarming statistic, the FBI estimates that 500,000 predators are online daily, with kids between the ages of 12 and 15 most at risk. These predators are lurking on social media sites, online gaming platforms, chatrooms, and anywhere else popular with kids. New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott leads the news and digital departments in bringing listeners the most up-to-date information about the ever-changing ways predatory behavior manifests itself on the internet and connected devices. “Our kids are spending considerable time on the internet every day,” Scott warns. “Parents need to understand how to identify where predators are lurking and how to safeguard their children.” The program’s on-air guest panel includes John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former commander of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Alicia Kozak, internet safety expert and founder of The Alicia Project; Stephanie Lyon, licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychology at Rutgers University; and Gina Cavallo, a consultant and vice president for the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Online, the program will be streamed live and available for embedding at facebook.com/nj1015/live. The broadcast may also be accessed via nj1015.com, the New Jersey 101.5 YouTube channel, or the free New Jersey 101.5 app.
Newsmax launched on DIRECTV Latin America’s leading media technology company in connectivity and entertainment in the region – one recognized for its multi-platform experience. The distribution move comes as millions around the globe are tracking news about the recent presidential election and the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
These critically-praised programs feature many legendary songwriters of fond memory who explain how their classic, holiday hits originated. Currently, there’s a total of 43 programs: 20 Short-Form programs (crafted as entertainment and informative holiday features where all the verses of a particular Christmas song are wrapped around the songwriter’s narrative), and 23 two-minute programs, suitable for the live and local talk and news/talk stations, providing a type of holiday feel to their regular programming. Additional programs are produced and released yearly. Since 2011, Pallotta has been producing and syndicating these one-of-a-kind holiday vignettes. During that time, hundreds of stations throughout the U.S.A. and Canada in mostly small, medium-sized and suburban markets, have aired the series. Thus far, the series is being carried on stations having 14 different formats.
Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Elvis Duran, host of “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” was featured on “CBS Sunday Morning” this past weekend (12/1). Duran was interviewed by correspondent Mo Rocca for an in-depth piece about the magic of radio and how his personality has won him loyal fans, including some of the biggest names in pop music. Duran also discussed how his love for radio began when he was a young child. He shared that the special connection with on-air personalities is what originally drew him to the platform and that unique friendship continues to inspire him every day. Duran stated, “We are in the friendship business. I think about you (the listener) when you hop in your car in the morning. You’re either leaving a house that may be full of turmoil or going to a job with a boss you don’t like, but I have you for 20, 30 minutes, and I can be your friend,” said Duran. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “CBS Sunday Morning really nailed it with this piece. When the radio industry started telling DJs to ‘shut up and play the music’ and then backed it up by firing almost all the talented disc jockeys to save money, they basically forfeited their ownership of the popular music culture in America – not to mention the very backbone of radio itself, friendship and companionship. 
Endangered species like Elvis Duran are among the greatest ‘talkers’ out there and prove the potential for integrating talk and pop culture successfully can still keep the idea of ‘radio’ alive for years to come. The terms ‘disc jockey’ and ‘top 40’ are so obsolete. This is a wonderful permutation of ‘talk radio’ and should be regarded as such. I hope everyone in the business watches this past Sunday’s report.” Click 
The ratings competition for eyeballs and eardrums between multi-platform news content providers has grown increasingly fierce as burgeoning interest in politics – especially during this remarkably heated 2024 election cycle – has driven huge audiences to information venues seeking the latest data and ideological affirmation. The correlation between MSNBC’s notable ratings declines after the “Morning Joe” visit to Mar-a-Lago illustrated the sensitivity of branding and audience expectations within this volatile arena. So, what media outlets did Americans turn to for political news during the heated 2024 presidential election? Pew Research did some digging to find out and Newsmax has earned bragging rights for being among the top U.S. news brands for Americans seeking political news. The Pew survey for September of 2024 asked close to 10,000 Americans: “What news source do you turn to most often for political news?” The question was open ended — with Pew giving no possible responses as respondents gave their own answers. The Pew Study found Newsmax ranked among the top news outlets and networks and tied with media giants X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube — as respondents’ go-to source for citizens seeking political news. Newsmax even ranked ahead of the Associated Press and local news, and was just one percentage point behind NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and The New York Times. Major established news outlets FOX News, CNN, and ABC News led the pack. “Multiple studies continue to show Newsmax is a major news player, and we are continuing to rise,” Newsmax Inc. CEO Chris Ruddy tells TALKERS. “The credit belongs to our team here and our viewers who are tired of old media and want the quality journalism we’re providing.” The Pew study confirms a 
Radio syndication firm, Key Networks and Bloomberg Audio, a leading provider of radio business news in the U.S., announce that Bloomberg Audio and Audacy have renewed their agreement to deliver Bloomberg Audio business and consumer news programming across the majority of Audacy’s 26 all-news and news talk stations. Audacy owns and operates many of the most influential news and news talk stations in America, including 92.3 FM and 1010 WINS in New York, News KNX-FM 97.1 and 1070 AM News Radio (KNX-AM/FM) in Los Angeles, WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) in Chicago, and more. 
Bloomberg Audio has been Audacy’s primary business and consumer news provider for several years. Under the new multi-year agreement, Bloomberg Audio will continue to provide Audacy stations with access to its world-class radio news content, including live, customized reports, “Bloomberg Money Minutes,” and specialty features including: “Bloomberg Business of Sports,” “Bloomberg Business of Entertainment,” “Green Report,” “Small Business Report,” “Real Estate Report,” and more. “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Bloomberg Radio, a trusted leader in business news, to continue delivering top-tier, timely financial and consumer content to our listeners,” said Jeff Sottolano, chief programming officer, Audacy. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing unparalleled business news coverage across our all-news and news talk stations, ensuring our audiences have access to the insights and information they need.”
Rumble, the high-growth video platform and cloud services provider, announced that the much-anticipated fourth season of “Surviving Barstool” will move to Rumble, unedited and uncensored, beginning today (12/2). Rumble users and Barstool fans can subscribe to the Barstool Sports Rumble channel 
In an age of rapid information and rising concerns about misinformation, the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) announces the launch of its statewide KAB Trust Campaign: “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth.” This initiative highlights the critical role Kansas broadcasters play as trusted sources of news and information. “Broadcasting is built on trust, accountability, and community connection,” KAB president Allison Mazzei tells TALKERS. “This campaign reminds Kansans of the unique value broadcasters provide – delivering accurate, timely, and trustworthy information in an era of misinformation.” To support this effort, KAB partnered with KMBC, Hearst, to produce customizable TV and radio spots, along with digital assets, available to Kansas stations at no cost. Stations are encouraged to customize and air the materials by December 1, 2024. The campaign directs audiences to learn more at 
Greg Souchick (l) and Rick Minard (r) expressed their appreciation for the popular music host with a huge mural on the side of a building in downtown Bradford at 181 Main Street. Phelps was overwhelmed by the rendering and said he’s headed up to north central Pennsylvania to see it himself. We’re not sure if any other radio talent has ever had such a tribute. Phelps said, “I’ve had a racehorse named after me and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, but I’m truly stunned by this incredible mural. My phans are phantastic!” Part of Phelps’ schtick is he spells all Fs with PH. He is known for his fast-talking, retro style of broadcasting and for making American geography a focal point of his show. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Phelps is a remarkably creative disc jockey who uses the element of ‘talk’ in a most entertaining and productive way by tying local towns, villages and communities around America into his show and saluting each with special attention to detail. He is my seven-year-old grandson and geography buff, Oliver Harrison‘s favorite radio star. Don’t think I don’t take notice of such things.” Phelps is heard nationally on SXM’s channel 73 M-F 6:00 am – 12:00 noon ET.
We See a Pattern of Philanthropy Developing Here.77WABC, New York has continually been using its powerful platform to support charities and people in need – in addition to creating exciting live and local talk radio. The station is partnering now with Shriners Children’s™️for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing The Most Amazing Care Anywhere™️. Started on November 18 and running through Giving Tuesday on December 3, 77WABC is running promos on air and in its e-newsletter soliciting donations to Shriners Children’s healthcare system. 
WABC Radio personality and legendary New York TV anchor Ernie Anastos is the voice of the campaign. On Giving Tuesday, WABC will expand the promotion to include a stream display on the 77WABC app, video social media posts from all talent, and pre-rolls on its podcasts, with the call to action to donate to Shriners Children’s. Donations to Shriners Children’s on Giving Tuesday will be 3X matched by one of their supporters for triple the impact on children’s health. In addition, on Giving Tuesday listeners will be invited to donate $225 per person to the WABC Radio Foundation, with net proceeds earmarked for Shriners Children’s, to be part of an intimate, 40-person audience for a live broadcast of “Sid & Friends In The Morning” with host Sid Rosenberg (pictured above). 
The live broadcast will take place in January at Studio 77, WABC Radio’s state-of-the-art audio/video event space. These audience members will have the opportunity for a picture with Sid and will receive a Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blanket. In addition, a silent auction to benefit Shriners Children’s will take place for listeners attending the live broadcast, who will have the opportunity to bid on Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blankets. “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “At WABC Radio, we are proud to help support Shriners Children’s mission to deliver specialty medical care to children.” “77WABC is committed to serving our community across the New York City area,” added Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “By partnering with Shriners Children’s, we are able to bring awareness and help raise funds for their charitable mission.”
The effort by KISS 104.1 (WALR), 95.5 WSB (WSBB-FM/WSB-AM), B98.5 (WSB-FM) and 97.1 The River (WSRV) generated 12,272 meals for food-insecure individuals in Georgia. “We have the best listeners in Atlanta. Each year they support these terrific events and help us do good for the communities we serve,” said Chris Eagan, SVP audience/programming for Cox Media Group. “This is what live and local radio is truly all about.” “We are grateful to the Cox Media Group radio station teams and personalities who continue to show an unwavering commitment to supporting the Food Bank’s efforts during the holiday season,” said Kyle Waide, president/CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Our partnership with Cox Media Group helps us amplify the prominent issue of food insecurity among our neighbors, and these events underscore the generosity and willingness of the community to help those in need.” During the holidays, food becomes a focal point for many family gatherings, which deepens the despair felt by many neighbors who are already struggling. Thirteen percent of Georgians and 18 percent of children in Georgia are estimated to be food insecure. Among communities of color, food insecurity can be as much as two or three times higher than their white neighbors. Every dollar donated can make a giant impact. The Food Bank’s processes and partners help them transform every dollar donated into up to three meals.
Yesterday (11/26), a Russian court in the Siberian city of Chita sentenced Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Nika Novak to four years in prison. “The unjust conviction of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak continues Russia’s cruel pattern of persecuting and silencing journalists simply for reporting the truth,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “Nika has been wrongly detained by Russia for more than 11 months on bogus charges. It’s time for her to be released without delay and allowed to return to her family.” “We condemn the unjust conviction and sentencing of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak in Russia,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus. “These politically motivated charges are intended to silence individual reporters and cause a chilling effect. We call for Nika’s immediate release to her family.” Novak was first detained by Russia on December 25, 2023. Sources close to the investigation told RFE/RL on November 26 that Novak was found guilty of “collaboration with a foreign organization on a confidential basis.” Since 2022, Novak has collaborated with RFE/RL as a freelance correspondent for Siberia.Realities. She has been the head of the Gifted Center in Chita since 2021. Previously, Novak worked at ChitaMedia and served as editor-in-chief of the Zab.ru news website. Learn more about Nika Novak’s case 
Legendary journalist and all-around local media hero in Western Massachusetts, G. Michael Dobbs, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison states, “Western Mass is a special place I’ve called home for the past 40 years. Although I have had several simultaneous homes in different parts of the country during this stretch of time, the Springfield, Massachusetts area has played a very important role in my life. And in this beautiful, ‘salt of the earth’ segment of America, my guest is well-known to just about all its civically, socially and politically active citizens. His half-century career has been a testimony to the power and importance of local media… which, as we all know, is rapidly becoming an endangered species.” After decades of service, the recently retired executive editor of Reminder Publishing, continues his multi-faceted career in mass communications. Harrison comments, “I’m not sure he understands the meaning of the word retirement.” In his no-frills-down-to-the-basics career, Dobbs has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, freelance writer, radio talk show host, college instructor and was the editor of two nationally distributed magazines about animation. He has written seven books to date and continues to write as well as appear as a host for Focus Springfield cable television. Harrison adds, “He has covered hundreds of school board and city council meetings; conducted thousands of interviews with local leaders; knows just about everything involved in how local government operates; and is an expert on cigars, brandy, old films, cartoons, comics, and even strippers. He’s an amazing guy and a quintessential example of the tremendous importance of local, grassroots journalism in sustaining and preserving American freedom and democracy.” The conversation with Dobbs started out with Harrison appearing as a guest on the media practitioner’s local podcast titled, “The Ink-stained Wretch with G. Michael Dobbs.” But, according to Harrison, “The conversation went deep into some very meaty material, so I decided to dip into it and extract some content for my own podcast.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please 
RNC Chair Michael Whatley Credits WBT Listeners with Delivering NC to Trump. WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive star Brett Winterble was joined by Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Whatley, yesterday (11/25) to talk about the GOP’s election victories. During the conversation in which Whatley discussed the election’s immediate impact on issues ranging from wars in the Middle East and Central Europe to immigration and the economy, Whatley credited Radio One’s WBT listeners with helping secure the victory for Donald Trump in North Carolina. Winterble is a rising star in the talk radio industry currently ranked at # 41 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. To listen to the conversation between Winterble and Whatley please 
The Performance Racing Network (PRN) Taps Brad Gillie to Assume Role of Lead Anchor Alongside Mark Garrow beginning with the 2025 NASCAR season. Gillie will be replacing longtime lead anchor Doug Rice who has retired after a distinguished 36-year career left a void few could fill. “The obvious choice to succeed me is Brad Gillie,” Rice tells TALKERS. “He has been an integral part of our broadcast team for decades. He is an excellent broadcaster that our fans trust and are very familiar with, which I know will make this a smooth transition.” Gillie has spent more than two decades working in motorsports. His career started in 1998 at Texas Motor Speedway where he spent 16 years in a variety of positions. In 2006, Gillie began broadcasting live NASCAR events with PRN, where he could be heard in any broadcast position. “I am truly grateful to PRN and Speedway Motor Sports for the opportunity to continue building on a long legacy of exceptional broadcasts,” said Gillie. “It is an honor to move up to the anchor chair and, along with our great team, deliver the excitement of NASCAR to our listeners and affiliate stations. I also want to thank Doug Rice for his friendship and mentorship. His values and commitment to excellence have made PRN an elite network recognized throughout the motorsports and radio industries.”
FOLLOW UP TO YESTERDAY’S STORY: 77WABC, New York Partners with AARP NY, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities for Annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway During Holiday Season. WABC Radio continues its self-stated “commitment to the community” with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicked off at 10:00 am yesterday morning (11/25) when turkeys were handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church on W. 49th St. in New York City. “WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets. “Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.” Pictured above, John and Margo Catsimatidis participating in the holiday initiative.