iHeartMedia to Put Sports Talk WDAE, Tampa on Full-Market FM
iHeartMedia swaps some frequencies in its Tampa Bay cluster, moving its “Rumba” music format off 95.7 FM and adding that full-market 100,000-watt signal to the broadcast of sports talk WDAE, effective next Monday (2/23). iHeartMedia Tampa market president Russell
Robertson states, “Expanding WDAE’s heritage brand strengthens our long-standing broadcast and marketing partnerships with the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, Lightning, Florida Gators and USF Bulls. This evolution also reflects our continued commitment to serving Tampa Bay listeners across multiple platforms.” WDAE program director and midday host Nick Wize adds, “I am beyond excited for Tampa Bay sports fans. This is a championship market, and we’re delivering a strong, engaging lineup that brings fans closer to the teams and conversations they care about most.”
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm beginning tonight (2/2). KIRO-FM director of news and talk programming Bryan Buckalew states, “Chad has a unique ability to break down complex issues in a way that’s engaging and accessible. He respects the intelligence of the audience, values facts, and understands how to connect with listeners in a meaningful way. He’s a strong addition to our evening programming.”
Streaming radio and podcasts don’t just add reach. They double down on impact by warming the audience before they ever click.” The company adds, “Audio brings something no other channel can touch. It’s literally in your audience’s ears. It’s personal. It’s focused. And it shows up during moments where screens aren’t competing for attention, like commuting, working, cooking, unwinding. That’s when messaging sticks. Audio builds familiarity and trust early in the journey, so when someone sees your display ad, social post, or paid search result later, they’re not meeting your brand for the first time. They already recognize you. And recognition drives response.” 
WKNR-AM “ESPN Cleveland.” The station says in a social media post, “Since joining the station in 2018, he’s played a key role in shaping programming, managing content across platforms, and helping drive the station’s expanding digital strategy. We’re excited to see Jordan lead our programming and content vision now and into the future. Well deserved!” 
clarity, and consistency, earning the respect of audiences, peers, and industry leaders alike. He brings decades of experience across writing, podcasts, broadcast, and live events, along with a proven record of leadership, audience growth, and editorial excellence to one of the nation’s most influential conservative platforms. O’Connor is known for his deep understanding of the political and cultural landscape. His career spans multiple media formats, and he has built a large, loyal national audience by combining sharp analysis, principled conservatism, and engaging conversations.” O’Connor has been writing for Townhall and HotAir since 2016. His daily podcast, LARRY, is streamed at 12:00 noon ET on Townhall.com and YouTube. O’Connor comments, “Townhall has been a cornerstone of the conservative movement for decades, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of editor. This is a platform with a powerful legacy, an outstanding team of contributors, and a loyal audience that cares deeply about ideas, culture, and the future of our country. I’m eager to build on that foundation, elevate strong conservative voices, and help Townhall continue to inform, challenge, and inspire readers every day.”
appeal of the District Court’s ruling on Cumulus’ request to seal the record and protect witnesses’ identities. That request was granted by the District Court. Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen alleging that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on the separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data.
the way the commission is operating. She took issue with FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s interpretation of how the Commission should ensure that licensees operate in the public interest. She stated, “For months, this FCC has asserted an apparent roving mandate to police speech that this Administration does not like, invoking an undefined and unchecked concept known as the ‘public interest’ standard.
commercially unreasonable rate for its Nationwide Report may cause it to have to do away with the Nationwide Report altogether. This testimony accompanied Nielsen’s request for a stay pending appeal as it appeals to the Second Circuit. This is the latest in action in Cumulus’ suit alleging that 
Nielsen is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. Judge Vargas denied the stay pending appeal but did grant an administrative stay will be in effect only until January 16, 2026, to allow Nielsen time to file a motion for a stay in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Tunkel’s testimony states that the order would cause Nielsen “significant irreparable harm if required to comply with the Court’s ruling during the pendency of Nielsen’s appeal… As a result, Nielsen would not be able to apply that policy in any of the at least ten negotiations with clients that Nielsen expects to have in 2026. If Nielsen is unable to apply the Network Policy, then it will be hindered in its ability to ensure that it can recover the costs of collecting the local radio-ratings data that make up the Nationwide report and spread those costs appropriately across the customers that use the products generated from those joint costs. If Nielsen cannot recover these costs, then it may have to retire the Nationwide report, similar to when Nielsen retired its other national data product, RADAR. If it does not retire the Nationwide report, it may have to pass a higher share of the costs of collecting local data on to other customers, including local radio stations, hurting Nielsen’s negotiating position with respect to those customers, as well as those customers themselves.”
Media | Westwood One says, “The relaunch marks Bongino’s most extensive digital commitment to date, designed to meet increasing audience demand for long-form and in-depth content. The two-hour format strengthens the show’s position as a major voice in independent media, offering a highly engaging, daily destination for listeners seeking headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural commentary, and special ‘Bongino Army’ segments.” Bongino comments, “I’m excited to get back behind the mic and reconnect directly with the audience. This show has always been about cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what matters. We’re coming back bigger, bolder, and always unfiltered — exactly how people want it.” Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network president Collin Jones adds, “Dan Bongino is back! Few voices in talk media command the loyalty and firepower that Dan brings. His audience? Formidable. His influence? Undeniable. This promises to be an incredible journey as Dan drives the national conversation daily on the most important issues at hand, with authority that has been hard-fought and well-earned. Westwood One is beyond proud to help power the next chapter of ‘The Dan Bongino Show.’”
midday talk host Allen Stiles (right) to afternoons to join “The Drive Guys with Kevin Gleason” (left) as a co-host, effective January 12. The station says, “Allen is no stranger to Sactown Sports listeners. He has already been a key part of the Sactown Sports family as the host of ‘The Allen Stiles Show, which currently airs weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, building a strong connection with the audience through his knowledge, passion, and engaging style.” The station has not indicated its plans for the midday daypart.
We sell advertisers the attention we earn, and earning it has never been tougher. When we design client stations’ billboards, we’re not “writing a 60” or “a 30,” or even “a 10.” It’s a one-second spot. At a glance, someone driving needs to understand what the station delivers, and why to listen.
Every media creator knows this moment. You are building a segment, you find the clip that makes the point land, and then the hesitation kicks in. Can I use this? Or am I about to invite a problem that distracts from the work itself?
accountability in government spending and policy. He has also served as executive director of the Medina County Republican Party and as national director of state legislation for Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Action. Un Durwood says, “We’re creating a space where Northeast Ohioans can engage with the issues that matter most to them. Whether you agree or disagree, this show is about elevating the conversation and encouraging active participation in our community’s future. Educating and enlightening our fellow Ohioans in a style that encourages active audience engagement is what drives and motivates me. I look forward to mixing it up with those in our audience with whom I agree — and with those with whom I disagree.”
that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on the separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data. Vargas’ injunction orders Nielsen to cease conditioning national ratings access on local subscriptions during ongoing contract negotiations. It also bars Nielsen from charging a commercially unreasonable rate for its nationwide ratings when sold as a standalone product while the case proceeds.
rate increases. Cumulus argued, “Nielsen, a monopolist engaging in anticompetitive behavior, holds all of the power during contract negotiations, resulting in an unequal bargaining dynamic that is ripe for retaliation. For example, Nielsen can and has raised its rates significantly during negotiations. 
If identifying information is revealed to Nielsen’s businesspeople, Nielsen can retaliate with additional rate increases, resulting in manifest injustice to these third parties actively involved or who will be involved in negotiations with Nielsen.” After denying Cumulus’ request on December 4, Cumulus filed a supplemental brief and on December 15 Judge Jeannette Vargas agreed with Cumulus, writing, “Cumulus has established that sufficient countervailing factors – in particular, the privacy interests of these non-party declarants, the lack of bearing these narrowly tailored redactions have on the merits of this action, and the non-party declarants’ susceptibility to economic retaliation – outweigh the strong presumption in favor of public access to judicial documents.” 
Mason says, “Ramon is the perfect embodiment of what The Zone stands for – local sports passion, credibility, and connection. His instincts, stories, and relatability make our mornings stronger and our sports brand more authentic.” Foster comments, “I am thrilled to announce the extension of my media career with ‘104.5 The Zone’ for the foreseeable future. Engaging in lively discussions about sports, life, and pop culture with our passionate listeners each morning has been instrumental in my seamless transition from the NFL. The Zone’s impressive reach in Nashville, its surrounding areas, and nationwide through digital platforms is truly unparalleled. I eagerly anticipate continuing to grow alongside our fans, the station, and Nashville and surrounding cities for many years to come. I appreciate everyone who’s supported me, my wife and kids, Zone Family, and our listening audience I run into often while out in the community. Thank you again!”
manager for the cluster that includes news/talk KMAJ-AM “The Big Talker,” sports talk KTOP-AM and four music brands. Lee announced her exit via social media saying, “After 11 years and 11 months, my position with Cumulus was eliminated. Reaching almost 12 years with a single employer is a remarkable feat in media. If you’ve listened, commented on social, came to an event, played a contest, or even waved at me while I was driving that huge van, thank you for engaging. The state of radio today can be hard to love. What’s next for me? TBD.”
host the show with WFAN personality Chris McMonigle. Audacy New York market president and chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Craig Carton’s return reaffirms WFAN’s position as New York’s premier sports destination for big personalities, compelling conversation, and highly engaging content that is difficult to ignore. Our 2026 lineup has familiar marquee voices all day and all night, guaranteeing that whenever you tune into ‘The Fan,’ you will be smack dab in the middle of the New York sports culture.” Carton states, “WFAN has always been home to me. Having the opportunity to return and rejoin the best sports talk station in the world is an opportunity I am eagerly looking forward to and beyond excited for.” Carton’s return bumps current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays and current hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata will exit. Additionally, “Evan and Tiki” executive producer Tommy Lugauer will host a new evening show titled, “After Hours.”
Broadcasting/Westwood One late-night airwaves, succeeding titans like Larry King and Jimbo [Jim Bohannon], and engaging with the listeners – my “amigos,” my amazing radio “familia.” I thank God for all of it! The team at Westwood One is top-notch, and I congratulate my successor on his new role. We’re passing him a solid show, and I’m confident he’ll do well. I am proud to exit the show having expanded live endorsements each year, and the reach of the program by dozens of affiliates in 2023, 2024, and 25 more in 2025. Now, it’s time for me to expand my own reach and opportunities in streaming video. I’m leaving WWO, but not leaving my microphone. I will continue to host “This Is America with Rich Valdés,” and my contributions on cable television and terrestrial radio will continue as well. In true radio fashion, I’ll leave you with a tease – stay tuned, America, because there’s more to come straight ahead in 2026! Godspeed.”
Running a successful radio station, hosting a show, or producing a podcast is a lot like hosting Thanksgiving dinner. You need a plan. You need to deliver something satisfying to a crowd with varying tastes. And most of all – if you get it right – you’ll have leftovers you can turn into even more value long after the main event.
connect with listeners, deliver compelling talk content, and handle breaking news and severe weather with credibility, confidence, and energy. As part of our award-winning team, you’ll shape the conversation every day by interviewing newsmakers, reacting to breaking stories, and engaging directly with the audience on-air and online. 
Westwood One’s long running, late night program “America at Night,” as of last night’s program (11/13). His replacement will be KTRS, St. Louis morning host McGraw Milhaven, slated to begin on December 1. Valdes took over the reins of the program in upon the passing of its longtime host Jim Bohannon in October of 2022. Stay tuned for updates and developments as they are available. Milhaven states, “I’m deeply grateful to Westwood One for entrusting me with “America at Night” — a show that builds on a proud tradition of engaging listeners during one of radio’s most meaningful times. It’s both an incredible honor and a profound responsibility. From listening to Larry King and Jim Bohannon in high school — too intimidated to call in — to now being named host of this show, this journey has exceeded anything I could have imagined. My nightly mission is simple: to seek out great stories from great storytellers — and to share a few of my own along the way.” 
About his show, McCullough says, “‘That KEVIN Show’ doesn’t whisper opinions – it detonates them. In a media world allergic to truth and humor, we bring both, with a healthy dose of common sense. I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to grow this show with the team at Salem, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.” McCullough is already in the Salem sphere as a columnist for Townhall.com and a regular contributor to the Salem News Channel and BizTV. Salem SVP of spoken word format Phil Boyce comments, “Kevin McCullough is one of the most engaging communicators in talk radio. He brings a bold voice with strong convictions, a great sense of humor, and a deep faith that shines through in every broadcast. We’re thrilled to welcome That KEVIN Show to SRN and know it will connect powerfully with listeners across both our news/talk and Christian talk stations.” The KEVIN Show will also produce weekend editions airing from 8:00 am to 10:00 am ET on the Salem News Channel and 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET on SRN Radio.