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Beasley Media Group announces the upcoming retirement of Dan Finn, senior vice president and regional market manager of the company’s New Jersey cluster. Finn, a respected leader and industry veteran, has decided to conclude his distinguished career with the company at the end of the first quarter of 2025.  The veteran radio executive joined Beasley Media Group in 2016 following the company’s acquisition of Greater Media, where Finn served as SVP/regional GM since 2007. He initially was hired by Greater Media in 2002 as VP/regional GM after having firmly established himself as a leading radio broadcasting executive at a variety of major stations. “Dan Finn has been an integral part of our Beasley family and a trailblazer in the broadcasting industry,” said Caroline Beasley, CEO at Beasley Media Group. “His strategic vision, steadfast leadership, and ability to foster meaningful relationships have made a profound impact on our company and the industry at large. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter in his life.” No replacement has been named as of press time.

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.

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.

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!

With the imminent departure of Salem Radio Network (SRN) star Sebastion Gorka to join the forthcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump in an advisory position, longtime Salem Philadelphia morning star Chris Stigall of 980 AM WNTP will replace Hugh Hewitt in the 6:00 am – 9:00 am ET position starting January 13. That same day, Hewitt will move into Gorka’s daily 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm slot.  Pictured above: Stigall addressing thousands of conservatives yesterday (12/19) at AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix where SRN “introduced” him to a large swath of its core audience. AmericaFest is an annual rally hosted by Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA – also an SRN personality.

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.

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.

Rich Eisen Will Replace Jim Rome in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET Time Slot on the Radio on Infinity Sports Network in Early 2025.According to the New York Post, “The Jim Rome Show” – nicknamed “The Jungle” – will be moving to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET slot and be independently syndicated by Westwood One. Rome hinted at the news when he teased a big show announcement for Monday in a post on X over the weekend. Infinity is a partnership between Audacy and Westwood One. Rich Eisen’s show can also be found on Roku and every relevant podcast platform, with highlights additionally posted on YouTube and through a Yahoo Sports portal. Eisen was previously a part of iHeart’s Fox Sports Radio lineup, and since exiting that network in 2020 he’s been syndicated by Westwood One.The rest of the Infinity lineup includes shows hosted by Maggie Gray and Andrew Perloff, Bill Reiter and Zach Gelb. To read the entire New York Post story, please click HERE.

Kicking off 2025, Stephanie Miller’s Live “Sexy Liberal Show” Books January Date at Warner Theater in DC. Progressive talk radio legend Stephanie Miller and her long-running, successful live review, “The Sexy Liberal Show,” have booked an upcoming appearance on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the historic Warner Theater in Washington, DC.  In addition to Miller, the program features regulars, John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks, and Frangela (Francis Callier and Angela V. Shelton). The show’s producers tell TALKERS, this evolving live road show gives Miller fans (“Steph Heads”) the opportunity “to rally the resistance, laugh through the chaos, and gear up for the fight ahead.” As is customary, the show will also feature soon-to-be-announced special guests.  For those who cannot make it in person to the show, it will be available via pay-per-view.   For more information, 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 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

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.”

Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated (TMN) talk radio star, Daliah Wachs, M.D. continues her philanthropic ways.  Each year, Opportunity Village holds its Magical Forest event in Southern Nevada that runs from Thanksgiving through the New Year.  Opportunity Village helps those with intellectual disabilities and their families through enrichment, empowerment, and employment programs and services.  Sponsors decorate a tree that comprises a huge beautiful magical forest, one of their largest fundraisers to fund their programs and employment placement.  Wachs (pictured above with her “medical tree”) tells TALKERS, “It’s super cool and our show has helped support their mission for years.  We create a medical tree with an EKG sign and it’s one of our favorite local charities we support.”  Wachs is a member of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred and a past recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award.

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.

TALKERS encourages its readers in the professional media community to post the brand-new music video for the talk radio anthem “Don’t Stop Talking” by Gunhill Road on their websites.  The song is a non-partisan celebration of talk radio, liberty, and the First Amendment and should proudly be shared with the public.

Here’s what to do:   

Go to www.TalkRadioForever.com. The exact YouTube page featuring the song will load. If you haven’t already liked the video and subscribed to the channel – please do so.

Underneath the video is the “Share” button. Press it and a window will pop up.

The first option for sharing is “Embed.” Press it and another window will pop up.

Press the copy button in the lower right corner. This highlights and copies all of the code necessary to paste into your own site.

This code creates a YouTube player with the song ready to go.

There are other sharing options including linking, posting to Facebook, Linked-in and the like, and sharing with a friend directly via text, email or What’s App.

Plus there’s always www.TalkRadioForever.com.

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN

A grim day. They fired the whole band. You know who “they” are! Bloated management. The future of radio… ruined!

Year: 1936. Bandleaders took WNEW, New York, to court claiming that it was illegal to play recorded music on the air. Recorded music, conductors believed, stole performance rights fees from musicians. Consequently, Radio stations hired live bands to play music and networks offered live bands to affiliates until the court made a decision on the complaint.

Ultimately, the courts said that as long as a radio station owned the record, they could play it on the air.

Local bands were fired, network bands were fired. The radio industry embraced recorded music when it realized that WNEW’s

DJ Music show, “The Make-Believe Ballroom” was pulling a 25 audience share.

Airing recorded music was legal and moral. But many talented, capable, often union musicians lost their jobs. The radio industry changed.  That change resulted in the viability of modern radio.  Recorded music birthed the business of top 40.  Kids in an Akron record shop discovered “race” music in the back of the store and bought it with passion and speed compelling the retailer to reveal the phenomenon to local DJ Alan Freed. Freed put the songs on the air for a few hours a week… then he labelled the music rock ‘n’ roll.

Rock might never have defined our culture if music selection had been left up to the in-studio live bands. And a one and a two.

But a lot of musicians were fired in 1936.

This month, tragically at the holidays, many of our colleagues have lost their jobs. Time to challenge the aging legacies and rock.

The stage awaits.

Consultant Walter Sabo A.K.A. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 10:00 pm – 1:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com.

According to a piece by writer Kase Wickman published yesterday (12/10) in Vanity Fair, Kylie Kelce‘s new podcast, “Not Gonna Lie,” has unseated Joe Rogan‘s “The Joe Rogan Experience” from its lofty position at the top of the most-listened charts on both Apple and Spotify.”  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 HERE.

FOX Nation’s sixth annual Patriot Awards ceremony took place last evening in a sold-out event at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville, New York on Long Island. Emceed by Long Island native and FOX News Channel’s top-rated primetime host Sean Hannity, the Patriot Awards honor and recognize America’s finest patriots, including military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes. President-elect Donald Trump (pictured above) spoke at the event and was honored with the inaugural “Patriot of the Year” award.  Introduced by Hannity, who presented the award, Trump delivered an upbeat address in which he outlined his goals, thanked FOX News and specifically praised Hannity for his friendship and service to the country.

SiriusXM announced yesterday (12/5) the launch of the “Women’s Empowerment Network,” a new podcast network executive produced by SiriusXM Urban View host and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Karen Hunter. Launching on Monday, December 9, the “Women’s Empowerment Network” will debut with two new podcasts, with more original content set to premiere in the coming months.  Available on the SiriusXM app and all other major podcast platforms, “The Women’s Empowerment Network” will offer a variety of new original shows, which will feature interviews with influential women from various industries and backgrounds, self-improvement tips, financial advice, mental health discussions, and more news relevant to women’s lives and careers. The network will also spotlight stories of resilience, activism, entrepreneurship, and community, with a focus on uplifting women in all walks of life.  Among the first podcasts to premiere under the network is “Karen Hunter Is Awesome!”, a daily podcast where Hunter dives deep into a wide range of thought-provoking topics. In what she considers a companion piece to her regular Urban View radio show, Hunter will set out to challenge her listeners in new ways, covering everything from Bible prophecy to the purpose of race, and even the latest TV shows and movies, while still delivering her signature blend of intellect and candidness.  Also launching on December 9 is “Financially Speaking,” a daily podcast designed specifically to help women navigate the complex and evolving financial landscape. Hosted by a team of renowned financial experts, including Dr. Tonya Evans (cryptocurrency and intellectual property), Dr. Tisa Silver Canady (financial wellness and student loan debt eradication), Jacquette Timmons (financial behaviorist), and Ruchi Pinniger (financial coach and founder of “Watch Her Prosper”), this podcast will offer listeners practical advice and insights to help them make informed financial decisions and build lasting wealth. “The Women’s Empowerment Network is a destination where women can come together and be heard in ways that are authentic, uplifting, and transformative,” said Karen Hunter. “I’ve always believed in the power of women supporting each other, and I’m excited to have this new platform where we can rise together.”  “Karen has a great talent for identifying emerging voices and building communities through audio,” Dave Gorab, VP/GM of SiriusXM’s talk programming. “I’m excited to see Karen’s vision for a new podcast network thrive while it has a meaningful impact on all who listen.”  In addition to her new podcast, Hunter will continue to host “The Karen Hunter Show” weekdays from 3-6pm ET on Urban View channel 126.

WLS 890 AM, Chicago Morning Host Ramblin’ Ray Stevens Kicks Off “The 12 Strays of Christmas,” Highlighting PAWS Chicago Pets in Need of Forever Homes This Holiday Season.  Every day for 12 weekdays starting yesterday (12/5), WLS 890 AM morning host, Ramblin’ Ray Stevens is featuring on-air and on social media a PAWS Chicago pet that’s available for adoption. PAWS Chicago is a no-kill animal shelter for homeless pets.  Kicking off the parade of adorable, adoptable pets was Finley, an energetic and playful three-month-old puppy with a heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging! With soft, fluffy fur and floppy ears, he’s always on the move, ready for a game of fetch or a snuggle on the couch. Stevens tells TALKERS, “We call them rescues, as if we are saving them, when in fact, they are actually saving us. Nothing will ever love you like a shelter pet.”

WABC Radio Partners with GOYA Foods and Gristedes to Support PAL Annual Holiday Party.  WABC, New York has partnered with Goya Foods and Gristedes Supermarkets to support the Police Athletic League (PAL) Annual Holiday Party. Five thousand pounds of food will be handed out to 450 PAL families by WABC Radio owners John and Margo Catsimatidis and WABC Radio personalities Ernie Anastos and Dominic Carter. The event will take place at the PAL Harlem Center, 441 Manhattan Ave. and West 119th St., tomorrow (12/7).  “We are long-time supporters of PAL, an organization that has changed the lives of many at-risk youths,” said John Catsimatidis, who hosts a monthly luncheon to raise funds for PAL. “I want to thank Goya Foods for joining us to help PAL families enjoy the holidays with a healthy and satisfying meal.”  WABC is also running on-air promos, asking listeners for donations at wabcradio.com/pal.

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 https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/. Questions can be directed to gracies@allwomeninmedia.org.  The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Cable and Telecommunications Association and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org. For the latest news on the Gracies, follow The Gracies on Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Broadcasting Consultant Valerie Geller Drops Third Edition of Classic Book. Beyond Powerful Radio – The New Edition: An Audio Communicators Guide to the Digital World (Focal Press 2024).  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 HERE.

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.

IHeartMedia Hartford and New Haven, home to 10 iconic stations featuring music, talk and news formats, announced today (12/3) that Steve Honeycomb, area president (pictured above), will retire at the end of this year after an exceptional career spanning nearly four decades in broadcasting.  Honeycomb began his broadcasting career in 1985 as an AE at WINE-AM in Brookfield, CT, later joining WRCH-FM in Hartford. After 14 years in sales, he transitioned to iHeartMedia as national sales manager in 2000.  He rose through key leadership positions, including director of sales, before being named market president in 2008.  Reflecting on his career, Honeycomb shared, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent my entire career in Connecticut, the place I call home, in an industry I love. It has been a journey full of extraordinary moments, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to iHeartMedia for the countless opportunities I’ve been given to grow, lead and learn.”  “Steve’s leadership and vision have been instrumental to the success of our Hartford and New Haven markets. We are extremely grateful for his hard work, dedication and commitment throughout his years with iHeart, and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement,” said Hartley Adkins, president of markets group, iHeartMedia. While stepping away from day-to-day responsibilities, Honeycomb will remain connected to iHeartMedia in a consulting role through the end of 2025, supporting a seamless transition.

iHeartMedia Philadelphia is teaming up with Boost Mobile and Cradles to Crayons® to launch the “Boost Up for Winter” campaign, a large-scale community coat drive in support of the Cradles to Crayons® Gear Up for Winter initiative. From now (12/2) until Sunday, December 22 the drive will aim to collect and distribute 20,000 warm winter coats and other essential items to children and families in need across the Greater Philadelphia area. Cradles to Crayons® distributes donated items via a robust network of Service Partner organizations including hospitals, schools, and community centers.  As winter approaches, many families face the harsh reality of inadequate protection against cold weather. Too often, the cost of winter wear and boots are out of reach for the more than 300,000 children living in low-income or homeless situations in Greater Philadelphia. Through this campaign, iHeartMedia Philadelphia and its partners are committed to ensuring that local children have the clothing and essentials necessary to stay warm at home, at school, and at play throughout the season. For more information on the campaign, including participating Boost Mobile store locations please click HERE.