Industry News

iHeartMedia Announces AudioGraph to Deliver Attribution to Broadcast Radio

iHeartMedia unveils AudioGraph – a suite of advertising capabilities that the company says will, for the first time, “bring digital-like targeting, identity-based planning and measurement, and outcome-based attribution to broadcast radio at scale.” These capabilities are powered by Triton Digital, the global technology and services leader. iHeartMedia says, “The vast majority of audio imgconsumption (64%) comes from broadcast radio, yet up until today, it has lacked the targeting and measurement infrastructure available in digital. iHeartMedia’s broadcast radio stations reach more than 278 million consumers every month, and now with AudioGraph, for the first time, advertisers can plan, target, measure, and attribute that audience using privacy-safe, ID-informed insights with digital-like precision.”

Powered by Triton Digital, AudioGraph makes it possible by connecting a privacy-safe identity spine, enriched audience attributes built from TransUnion data, and proprietary ID-level listening models that enable planning and measurement at the listener level while activating campaigns at broadcast scale. Proof of concept shows that broadcast radio campaigns planned and measured using privacy-safe AudioGraph IDs can deliver a KPI outcome 75% higher than traditional demo-based plans.

iHeartMedia chief business officer Lisa Coffey comments, “Audio has always delivered unmatched scale and human-to-human connection, but measurement and precision have lagged behind digital. With nine out of 10 Americans listening to broadcast radio every month, it’s extremely important that buyers can access this scale and impact with the precision and efficiency of digital media. With AudioGraph, we’ve closed that gap. Marketers can now use audio as an addressable and measurable performance channel at a national scale; with the same accountability they expect from every other part of their media plan.”

Industry News

Red Apple Ups Harris to SVP of News & Programming

Red Apple Media promotes Lee Harris to SVP of news & programming, up from his vice president of news position with the Worldwide News Network. Now, Harris will also oversee imgprogramming strategy and content development for WABC Radio and Red Apple Audio Networks. Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis states, “Lee is a game-changing talent. His ability to build winning content, lead high-performing teams, and understand what audiences want is second to none. As we continue growing WABC Radio, the Worldwide News Network, and Red Apple Audio Networks, Lee will play a critical role in shaping our future and driving our success worldwide.” Harris, who spent nearly 30 years as a news anchor at 1010 WINS, joined Red Apple Media six weeks ago. He says, “Red Apple Media is one of the most exciting and innovative companies in broadcasting today. Under John’s vision and Chad [Lopez’s] leadership, the company is building something truly unique in American media. I’m honored by this opportunity and energized by the challenge ahead. Together, we’ll continue creating compelling programming, expanding our national and international footprint, and delivering content that informs, entertains, and connects with audiences across the country and around the world.”

Uncategorized

“Stuff You Should Know” Tops Triton Digital’s May Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for May (based on weekly average downloads for participating networks) and reports imgthat iHeart Audience Network’s “Stuff You Should Know” rises one place to #1, displacing Audioboom’s “Pod Save America” (#2). Other noteworthy changes include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” falling one spot to #4; Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” moving back four places to #12; and American Public Media Group’s “Marketplace” rising one place to #11. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

FOX News Media Unveils America 250 Broadcasts

FOX News Media announces its plan for honoring the 250th birthday of the United States of America with commemorative programming airing from iconic locations across the country before, during and after America 250 festivities. FOX News imgChannel’s live coverage begins on June 24 and concludes on Sunday, July 5, taking place from historic locations as the National Mall, Liberty State Park, Philadelphia, Mount Rushmore, and Teddy Roosevelt’s Presidential Library, among others. Throughout the network’s special coverage, “FOX & Friends,” “America’s Newsroom,” “America Reports,” “The Five,” “Special Report with Bret Baier,” “The Ingraham Angle,” “Jesse Watters Primetime,” “Gutfeld!,” “FOX & Friends Weekend,” “FOX News Live with Aishah Hasnie,” “FOX News Sunday,” “The Sunday Briefing” and “The Big Weekend Show” will all broadcast live from the National Mall as the nation’s capital hosts the event highlighting all 50 states as well as U.S. territories during the Great American State Fair.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Lee Habeeb Presents “The Art of Storytelling”

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Noted raconteur and documentarian Lee Habeeb kicks off TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter with an engaging morning presentation titled, “The Art of Storytelling.” Habeeb, the charismatic producer, host, and writer of the wildly popular syndicated news/talk radio series “Our American Stories,” makes a case for the effective use of storytelling in all aspects of talk radio citing several iconic episodes of American history as examples of the endless wealth of material available to hosts. Stay tuned to TALKERS daily posts of new video of the outstanding sessions that recently took place (6/5) at the 28th installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering. To see the Habeeb presentation in its informative and inspirational entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Red Apple Offers Freedom 250 Music Special

Red Apple Music Networks is making the program, “The Freedom 250 Special: Celebrating 250 Years of America” available to stations. The four-hour show is hosted by legendary radio great Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow and ’70s music star Tony Orlando. Red Apple says the show features “classic American anthems that pay tribute to freedom and resilience, the special spotlights the biggest hits from the most iconic American rock & roll artists from the ‘60s and beyond including: Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, The Ronettes, Chicago, The Commodores, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, Stevie Wonder, Lee Greenwood, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, and more.” Available to radio stations for barter, the first and third hours of “The Freedom 250 Special: Celebrating 250 Years of America” are hosted by Cousin Brucie, and the second and fourth hours are hosted by Tony Orlando.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 8-12)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/8-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Iran War / Agreement or No Agreement?
  2. Trump in NYC / NBA Finals
  3. The Economy / Inflation / Gas Prices
  4. Primary Elections / Trump Face the Nation Interview
  5. Trump UFC Controversy
  6. Trump Great American State Fair Performers Controversy
  7. Trump Ballroom Project Controversy / Trump DC Reflecting Pool Controversy
  8. AI / Data Center Controversy
  9. Strong El Niño Formed / World Cup
  10. Epstein Files

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Marco Rubio
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Todd Blanche
  5. Scott Bessent
  6. Mike Johnson
  7. JD Vance/Pete Hegseth
  8. Zohran Mamdani
  9. Kristen Welker
  10. Jay Clayton

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

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Presents 65 Speakers, Draws 338 Attendees, Addresses Hot Issues

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Pictured above: Walter Sterling, host of WABC, New York’s and Red Apple Audio Network’s nightly program, “The Other Side of Midnight,” addressing the topic, “Talk Radio: Past, Present, and Future,” at TALKERS 2026.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

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Pictured above: Lee Habeeb, CEO, host, and producer of the wildly successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories,” addressing the crowd about “The Art of Story Telling” at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross section of talk media professionals from the worlds of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

Beginning next week, TALKERS will provide in-depth photo and video coverage of the historic event.  Stand by!

Industry News

NPR Names Zylstra Chief Content Officer

NPR appoints Nadine Zylstra its new chief content officer. NPR president and CEO Katherine Maher states, “To meet the evolving needs of our audiences, we knew we needed a visionary leader who understands both the responsibility of our public service mission and imgthe dynamic strategies required to serve audiences in a crowded ecosystem. Nadine brings an extraordinarily rare blend of creative foresight, business acumen, and deep personal commitment to mission-driven storytelling. She is the right leader at the right time to ensure NPR’s journalism and cultural programming find new ways of serving and enlivening American discourse.” Zylstra most recently served as global head of programming and originals for Pinterest

Industry News

Bryant Rises to SVP at AURN

Bryant Rises to SVP at AURN

American Urban Radio Networks promotes Isaiah Bryant to SVP of revenue & strategic partnerships. AURN CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey comments, “Isaiah has consistently demonstrated the vision, imgleadership, and business acumen that have helped drive our growth across audio, digital, podcasting, streaming, and emerging media platforms. As we continue expanding our portfolio and creating innovative opportunities for advertisers and strategic partners, Isaiah’s ability to execute forward-thinking solutions makes him the ideal leader for this role.”

2026 Heavy Hundred 76-100

The 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #76: Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins, Compass Media Networks

76. Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #77: Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

77. Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James – KTAR-FM, Phoenix


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #78: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

78. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #79: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

79. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #80: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

80. Rod Arquette – KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #81: Lisa Wexler, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

81. Lisa Wexler – WICC, Bridgeport, CT

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #82: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

82. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #83: Dan O’Donnell, WISN, Milwaukee

83. Dan O’Donnell – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #84: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

84. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #85: Kevin McCullough, Salem Radio Network

85. Kevin McCullough – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #86: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

86. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #87: Mark Walters, Armed American Radio

87. Mark Walters – Armed American Radio

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #88: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

88. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #89: Andy Hooser, KQAM, Wichita / Hooser Media Network

89. Andy Hooser – KQAM, Wichita / Hooser Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #90: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

90. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #91: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

91. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #92: Bill Spadea, WKXW-FM, Trenton

92. Bill Spadea – WKXW-FM, Trenton


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #93: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

93. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #94: Solomon Jones, WURD, Philadelphia

94. Solomon Jones – WURD, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #95: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

95. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #96: Joe Thomas, WTON, Staunton, Virginia / Talk Media Network

96. Joe Thomas – WTON, Staunton, Virginia / Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #97: Lee Elci, WJJT, New London, CT

97. Lee Elci – WJJT, New London, CT


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #98: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

98. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #99: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

99. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #100: Sam Bushman, Liberty News Radio Network

100. Sam Bushman – Liberty News Radio Network

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry News

Nielsen: News/Talk Remains Top Format for Total Radio Listening

Nielsen issues its quarterly “report card” – called The Record- on listening by U.S. consumers and says that, for persons 18+, 62% imgof Americans listen to AM/FM radio as part of their daily audio consumption. Podcast listening gets 20% with ad-supported streaming getting 16%, and ad-supported satellite radio accounting for 2%. The report also indicates that the news/talk radio format maintained its position as the top format with 10.9% share of total radio listening (P18+), a slight uptick from the 10.8% it captured in Q4 2025. All-news listening also increased, climbing from 2.7% to 2.9%. See more about the report here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Look at the Actual Numbers

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A Walter Sterling
Host, The Other Side of Midnight
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

imgBillionaires make predominantly good investments, which is why they are billionaires.

John Malone saved Sirius with a $500 million investment just days from the company missing payroll. He remains the controlling shareholder.

Warren Buffett just made a significant investment in highly profitable SiriusXM.

George Soros owns Audacy. Audacy’s robust list of major market radio stations are jewels that require a better financial structure. Soros Fund Management bought $400,000,000 of the company’s debt and controlling ownership. Note that Soros now owns all but one of the country’s all-news stations.

Apollo Advisor’s billionaire CEO Marc Rowan  a former candidate for Secretary of the U.S. Treasury – owns Cox Radio and Television. Apollo was an original investor in Sirius.

John Catsimatidis wrote a check for WABC-AM and is buying more properties. Radio properties. Cats owns an oil refinery, land, and the Gristedes supermarket chain, but his focus is on WABC Radio.

The health of radio? The future? Those sharp investors, brutal businesspeople, determine the business future of radio, and they are apparently very optimistic!

Failing industries don’t expand

In 1970, there were 2,126 commercial stations in the U.S.

Today there are:

  • AM stations: 4,342
  • FM commercial stations: 6,589
  • FM noncommercial (educational) stations: 4,755

Sell the biggest number

Cable channels are investor valued by “Homes Passed.” Not audience or cash flow. How many people who can see the programming rather than how many people actually see the programming.  Now apply that logic to radio station values.

BILLBOARDS sell impressions. Impressions represent the total number of people who could potentially see a billboard ad.  That is the biggest number by which billboard can be measured, so that’s what they sell.

DIRECT MAIL is the number one local ad medium. It is data driven beyond your wildest dreams. Direct mail automation uses real-time signals and integrated data to deliver mail at the most meaningful point in the customer journey. For example, when someone abandons a shopping cart or repeatedly views a product online, you can design a programmatic mailing campaign to automatically send print pieces in response to that specific consumer behavior.

Rather than pushing the biggest, stable number – CUME – radio sells the smallest measurements. Radio’s 100+ years of success, astonishing outlet growth, 92% penetration of American homes, 65% daily population usage deserve has earned a much higher commercial unit price.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “The Other Side of Midnight” is heard on WABC, New York and the Red Apple Audio Network 1:00 am – 5:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.  He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.

Industry News

NAB Statement on Inclusion of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in House Surface Transportation Package

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has included the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in a larger transportation bill, moving it closer to becoming law. NAB president Curtis LeGeyt says, “NAB applauds the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for including the AM imgRadio for Every Vehicle Act in its surface transportation reauthorization package. We thank Chairmen Brett Guthrie and Gus Bilirakis and Ranking Member Frank Pallone for their continued leadership on this critical issue and for creating another path to pass this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation. As lawmakers consider policies affecting America’s transportation infrastructure, ensuring continued access to AM radio in vehicles remains essential for public safety. Leaders on both sides of the aisle recognize AM radio’s unique and indispensable role in keeping Americans informed, especially in times of emergency. We appreciate the support of the Act’s nearly 380 House and Senate cosponsors and urge Congress to take swift action to advance this legislation into law.”

Industry News

New York Festivals Radio Awards Announce Winners

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New York Festivals Storytellers Gala announces the 2026 Radio Awards winners and American media companies taking home trophies include ESPN, NPR, Alabama Media Group, WBEZ, SiriusXM, Bloomberg, iHeartMedia and CBS News. NYF says, “Engaging storytelling and audio innovation took center stage at the 2026 Storytellers Gala virtual event, celebrating the achievements of global creators in radio and podcasting. Innovative audio storytelling from creators across six continents was evaluated by the New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards Grand Jury. This year’s winners reflect the impressive range of the medium, spanning audiobooks, podcasts, drama, documentaries, breaking news, entertainment, and music, and showcasing work from global networks, production companies, and independent storytellers.” For the second consecutive year, CBC/Radio-Canada was named New York Festivals Radio Awards Broadcaster of the Year. See all the winners here.

Industry News

Salem Media Partnership Produces New Film

Salem Media’s strategic partnership with Compel Studios results in a new documentary film, By Dawn’s Early Light. Salem says, “The film explores the enduring principles of faith, liberty, and the American spirit through compelling storytelling, historical reflection, and cultural commentary. imgThrough the partnership, Salem Media and Compel Studios will bring the film to audiences nationwide through streaming platforms, churches, and Salem’s extensive multimedia network.” SalemNOW general manager Rob Ellis adds, “By Dawn’s Early Light is exactly the kind of meaningful and culturally relevant storytelling that resonates deeply with our audience. We’re excited to partner with Compel Studios to help expand the film’s reach and bring its message to viewers across the country.”

Industry News

The John Kasich Show to Debut on SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. Channel

Former Ohio Governor John Kasich is joining SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel as host of the Saturday morning political talk program “The John Kasich Show,” premiering this weekend (5/23). The former presidential candidate says, img“There’s too much shouting and not enough listening in our country right now. I’ve always believed in unity over division, personal responsibility, service to others, and the ability of everyday Americans to make a difference. This show is about slowing things down, having honest conversations, and creating a place where people can reflect, find clarity, and focus on what still unites us in a noisy world.” The show airs from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon ET with a Sunday replay.

Industry News

JFMN Announces Debut of “Pennsylvania Posse” Show

The John Fredericks Media Network is expanding its one-hour, state-focused programming with a show titled, “The Pennsylvania Posse,” that will air each Monday at 9:00 am ET. JFMN says, “This isn’t scripted cable-TV nonsense. This is real talk. Real issues. Real imgfighters. ‘The Pennsylvania Posse’ brings together some of the toughest and most influential conservative voices in the Keystone State.” Appearing on the program will be GOP strategist and political insider Mike Barley, Pennsylvania State Senators Doug Mastriano and Jarrett Coleman, and Pennsylvania State Representative Stephanie Borowicz. JFMN adds, “‘The Pennsylvania Posse’ will tackle the biggest issues facing Pennsylvania and the nation: election integrity, border security, energy independence, inflation, parental rights, government corruption, the economy, and the battle to save the American Dream.” This show joins the other state-focused weekly programs: “Texas Truth Line” (Tuesdays), “Peach Crew” (Wednesdays), “DC Dispatch” (Thursdays), and “Virginia Gang” (Fridays).

Industry News

SRN News Unveils “Faith & Freedom” Series

Salem Radio Network News is launching a multi-week special series titled, “Faith & Freedom,” that will air today (5/18) through July 4th. On the series, House Speaker Mike Johnson – featured regularly on SRN’s “This Week on Capitol Hill” with Tony Perkins – will offer his perspective on the upcoming 250th birthday of our nation, along with imgmany other prominent political and religious leaders including Rev. Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse; Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church in Tennessee; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Evangelist Alex McFarland; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC); Dr. Erwin Lutzer, former head of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute; and United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. SRN vice president of News and Talk Programming Tom Tradup says, “This special series will give national prominence to the religious freedoms Americans are blessed to enjoy in the words of men and women who are strong leaders in both political and religious life in our nation.”

Industry News

Mark Kaye Launches AI-Powered Media Analysis Tool

Radio personality and podcast host Mark Kaye is releasing what he calls a “first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence tool that lets users expose bias, spin, and missing context in news headlines and articles in real time.” It’s called RightPen.ai and Kaye tells TALKERS he’s making the tool imgavailable to radio hosts and producers free of charge. Kaye says, “I built this for me. I needed a faster way to break down what the media was actually saying versus what they were leaving out. Then I showed it to a few people. Then a few more. And it hit me. Every American deserves this tool. Not just hosts. Not just journalists. Everyone.” Kaye says RightPen.ai’s signature feature is the trademark Red Pen Correction Tool, which marks up news articles and headlines the way an English teacher marks up a bad essay. Bias gets circled. Spin gets crossed out. Missing context gets added in. The corrections appear directly on the article itself. Hosts or producers interested can reach out to Mark Kaye at support@rightpen.ai.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

Lee Habeeb to Kick Off TALKERS 2026 Discussing “The Art of Storytelling”

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TALKERS 2026, the 28th annual installment of the longest running and most important national talk media industry gathering, is less than a month away and on track to be an early sellout.  Set for Friday, June 5 on the beautiful Long Island campus of Hofstra University, the historic conference will again present more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power packed day of non-stop conversation about the state and future of talk radio and the talk media industry.

The day will launch with a breakfast discussion of “The Art of Storytelling” presented by Lee Habeeb, CEO, host, and producer of the tremendously successful syndicated series, “Our American Stories” which offers an impressive roster of hundreds of news/talk stations across the nation with extremely well written and exquisitely produced overviews of uniquely American aspects of history and popular culture.

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most important and original broadcasters in the modern talk radio industry. ‘Our American Stories’ consistently delivers a very high level of contemporary spoken word programming that fits the format but broadens its boundaries in a positive manner that rises above hackneyed political ideology. It is no surprise that, since its launch, the show has consistently been one of the classiest and fastest growing syndicated properties in the business.” Harrison concludes, “Everyone talks about the fundamental importance of storytelling in the talk biz. It is only logical that TALKERS 2026 would present the industry’s leading storyteller as a featured speaker.”

For more information about TALKERS 2026, please click here.

Industry News

APM Names Adams Host of “Marketplace Morning Report”

American Public Media announces that Kimberly Adams is being promoted to host of the flagship weekday morning program, “Marketplace Morning Report.” Adams has been serving as senior Washington correspondent and host of the podcast, “Make Me Smart.” Marketplimgace VP and general manager Neal Scarbrough says, “We are thrilled about this next chapter for the ‘Morning Report,’ and our audience should be too. Kimberly has distinguished herself as a ground-breaking, multiplatform correspondent and host who has built an unwavering connection with our audience. Beyond her diligent reporting, listeners have embraced Kimberly’s leadership and versatility as the host of ‘Call to Mind,’ ‘Marketplace Tech,’ and ‘Make Me Smart.’ This is an exciting time for the millions of listeners who start their day with the ‘Marketplace Morning Report.’”

Industry News

Gomez Urges Review of Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is calling on the FCC to “conduct a full, independent, and rigorous review of the foreign ownership interests embedded in the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.” Noting that under federal law, foreign governments and their representatives are prohibited from owning the licenses of CBS’s television stations and any indirect foreign ownership above 25% imgrequires Commission approval after a serious look into whether that arrangement serves the American public and protects our national security. Gomez states, “The American public deserves to know who owns the airwaves that carry their news. I am alarmed by what appears to be an effort to rubber stamp a financial structure that places nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies into the hands of foreign governments with documented records of press suppression and a troubling willingness to silence journalists. There are serious, unresolved questions about how this foreign investment may jeopardize national security, and this Commission has a legal obligation to answer them before handing wealthy friends of this administration yet another Billionaire Buddy Bypass on a transaction that strikes at the heart of American journalism.” In her statement, Gomez points out that this deal involves sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi investing in a company that controls CBS broadcast stations, as well as major cable news operations including CNN. According to Paramount’s own filing, total foreign ownership of the combined company upon closing would reach approximately 49.5 percent. Nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies would be in foreign hands.

Industry News

Ted Turner Dies at 87

CNN creator Ted Turner has died after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Among Turner’s accomplishments during his career was the launch of CNN – the Cable News Network – in 1980. The cable channel went on to change the way Americans got their news and launched the 24-hour news cycle. It would also ultimately bring opinion and commentary programming to television and lead Rupert Murdoch to build his own news network in the form of FOX News Channel. But it was the 1991 Gulf War that made CNN feel like “must-see TV” for Americans and much of the rest of the world. Turner sold his media assets to Time Warner in 2000.

Industry News

Glenn Beck Presents Ellis Island Event in Celebration of America’s 250th

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Last Saturday (5/2), Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Glenn Beck in conjunction with non-profit organization Moms for Liberty and the American Journey Experience (a museum, research library and education center focused on American history that’s operated by Beck’s charitable organization Mercury One), hosted an America’s 250th Anniversary celebration on Ellis Island titled, “Sea to Shining Sea.” The exclusive event featured performances by award‑winning singer Mary Millben and contest winners Grace Allen, Derek Hinckley and Chrissy Owens, who were selected from entries submitted to “The Glenn Beck Program” and trained with renowned vocal coach Roger Love. The event also included special guest speakers and a live performance with a 51‑piece orchestra featuring two original songs written by Beck titled, “They Came for the Hope” and “O, Lady of Liberty.” Pictured above in the Ellis Island Great Hall are (from l-r): Derek Hinckley, Grace Allen, Chrissy Owens, Joy Horn, Glenn Beck, and Colleen Shelton.