The Power of First-Hand Experience
By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York
To quote a radio friend, “Some talk show hosts think the news of the day only exists to serve up interesting fodder for their shows.” Many media practitioners, whose jobs encompass letting their audiences know about the pain and suffering of “others,” feel personally exempt from experiencing a connection to the talking points of poverty, ignorance, violence, and injustice that they eagerly collect (and even welcome) as fresh “content” for their platforms. It’s all just “material” to them.
That was a largely overlooked aspect of last Saturday night’s Washington Hilton debacle in which some 2,600 members of the press, media, and political punditry came face-to-face with the sheer terror of not knowing if they were about to be caught in a spray of deadly bullets from an insane perp’s automatic weapon. During those fleeting seconds of horror we witnessed, in excruciatingly real time, a political cross-section of America’s media insiders understandably cowering in the face of such a deadly possibility. A critical mass of the nation’s observers, influencers and content creators, might never again be numb to what had seemingly become a normal occurrence in schools, malls, churches, theaters, and other public places. Empathy comes from experience… and experience has a way of transforming the abstract into the concrete.
The WHCD (alleged) shooter “incident” forced several thousand formally attired, champagne-sipping, Saturday evening socialites into becoming terrified participants – actors in a very real-life news story that they had told countless times – looking for a table under which to take cover or a rolling tray behind which to hide.
First-hand life experience reshapes us (or our core beings) more profoundly than any other learning format curriculum. This concept is especially applicable to talk radio – one of humanity’s most personally influential forms of mass communication.
Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com. Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.
and Gabriel Brotman of Soros Fund Management. Audacy president and CEO Kelli Turner states, “The appointments of Walker and Gabe to the Audacy board of directors further advance our ability to capture all the opportunities we see across the fast-changing audio landscape. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our platform, strengthen our partnerships, and drive long-term value for our audiences, advertisers and shareholders.”
2025. The company reports declines in all segments of its business; even digital revenue was off 8.3% ($33.5 million). Network spot revenue was down 25% ($33 million), and broadcast spot revenue was $67.7 million, a decline of 16.3% from Q1 of 2025. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “We are pleased to report first quarter earnings. The Court’s recent approval of our reorganization plan marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening our financial foundation and positioning the company to compete in the evolving media landscape. While we await FCC approval of the plan, we remain focused on leveraging our core strengths to drive long-term value creation.”
As a newly minted program director (remember them?), I found the 1980 “NAB Radio Programming Conference” downright enchanting. New-tech cart machines (remember them?) would FIND the splice! And after the cart played, a flashing light saved careless DJs from accidentally playing it again.
In a 
previously disclosed Plan of Reorganization. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “When we initiated this prepackaged restructuring in March, we did so with a clear objective: to right-size our balance sheet to support long-term success. The court’s prompt approval of our plan keeps us firmly on track to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt and positions us to emerge with a significantly stronger financial foundation. We look forward to completing the restructuring and emerging as a well-capitalized company, better equipped to compete in the evolving audio landscape.”
U.S. newspapers has shrunk, but right now it accounts for less than 10% of total revenue. In fact, “Revenue from that cohort has declined 25% over the past few years, while revenue from tech companies has grown roughly 200%.” The story goes on to note, “Over the past few years, the AP’s business has evolved to become less reliant on local newspaper revenue and more reliant on a broader set of customers, including digital outlets, broadcasters and non-news companies.” 
iHeartMedia division president Jeff Thomas says, “Over the past three months I have had the opportunity to work with Care and I can say without hesitation that she is the best person for this important role. Her leadership and coaching skills make her a perfect fit for the position.” Jones comments, “I’m absolutely thrilled to step into the role of market president at iHeartMedia — it’s an incredible honor and an even greater opportunity. I can’t wait to celebrate big wins, chase bold goals and grow alongside a truly exceptional team.”
show while Hale was away on vacation in Florida. Blueberry vice president Bruce Biette told the paper it is “time to evolve the station.” Biette added, “Simply put, George has had a magnificent media career. He’s the reason a lot of us chose to get into this business, and we here at Blueberry Broadcasting appreciate everything he’s done for VOM.” The Daily News states, “WVOM is an influential station because it is one of only three in the state that runs a locally produced news talk show and the only one based in the Bangor area. WGAN and WLOB, with shows hosted by conservatives Matt Gagnon and Ray Richardson, respectively, are based in the Portland area.” 
Worldwide provides audio creation tools, media intelligence, music analytics and television operations technology. She takes over for Philippe Generali. RCS says, “Her leadership roles in major markets further shaped her as an operator who understands scale, complexity, and the disciplined, data‑driven decision‑making required to deliver strong performance across diverse portfolios.”
The recent shutdown of CBS News Radio isn’t just another media headline – it’s a wake-up call. A clear example of what happens when decisions about our information, our communities, and our voices are made in corporate boardrooms disconnected from real life.
If you work in radio, you’ve heard every flavor of AI anxiety. Some fear it will wipe out jobs. Others treat it like a super shortcut – cranking-out spots, promos, and proposals faster and cheaper. Kate O’Neill’s 
music-driven and spoken-word programming. Maryland Media One CEO Steve Clendenin says, “The landscape of radio programming is changing. We’re here to partner with stations to develop and distribute top-tier music and spoken-word formats and content. Our goal is to help stations grow with compelling programming that is affordable, easy to implement, and designed for today’s radio and streaming environment.” Among the first offerings available through Seaboard Networks is the Outdoor Radio Network, a full-time programming format built around hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor lifestyle content.
Right,’ and ‘3 Martini Lunch.’” Radio America president and CEO Mike Paradiso states, “Helios Media is the natural progression of what Radio America has been building for decades – trusted content, powerful reach, and authentic voices that resonate with millions of Americans. With Helios Media, we’re giving creators the tools, the platform, and the audience to stand out in the competitive landscape of podcasting and digital media.” Radio America adds, “While Radio America continues its leadership in radio syndication – home to popular shows like ‘The Dana Show’ with Dana Loesch and ‘The Chad Benson Show’ – Helios Media serves as a distinct brand, purpose-built for podcast development, distribution, marketing and sales, amplifying news, culture, and entertainment stories through voices that challenge the mainstream and speak with conviction.” 
“designed to help brands reach and engage multicultural audiences across today’s digital media landscape.” AURN CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey says, “AURN has always been committed to helping brands connect authentically with multicultural audiences. Our partnership with AdGrid allows us to expand that connection beyond audio and into the broader digital ecosystem, giving advertisers new ways to reach these influential audiences with scale, cultural relevance and measurable results.”
license renewals come up. The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not. And frankly, changing course is in their own business interests since trust in legacy media has now fallen to an all time low of just 9% and are ratings disasters. The American people have subsidized broadcasters to the tune of billions of dollars by providing free access to the nation’s airwaves. It is very important to bring trust back into media, which has earned itself the label of fake news. When a political candidate is able to win a landslide election victory after in the face of hoaxes and distortions, there is something very wrong. It means the public has lost faith and confidence in the media. And we can’t allow that to happen. Time for change!” Carr included a Truth Social post from President Donald Trump in which he complains about papers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reporting on a strike against the U.S. base in Saudi Arabia that hit five refueling tanker planes. Trump said the reporting was intentionally wrong. 
field with global technology platforms.” He underscored broadcasters’ unique and essential role in public safety, civic engagement and strengthening local democracy. Additionally, broadcasters heard from key policymakers shaping broadcast policy, including Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), who spoke about the enduring value of broadcast radio and his leadership on the bipartisan effort to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act… and U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, who spoke about the need for broadcast ownership rules to reflect today’s landscape and the importance of keeping AM radio in cars.
recent trends towards fragmentation facilitate or inhibit the ability of local broadcast television stations to meet their public interest obligations, including their production of local news and reporting? In what ways is the marketplace continuing to evolve and how will future changes impact consumer access to free over-the-air news and information, including public safety information?”
If you work in radio, you’ve heard every flavor of AI anxiety. Some fear it will wipe out jobs. Others treat it like a super shortcut – cranking-out spots, promos, and proposals faster and cheaper. Kate O’Neill’s “
following their Super Bowl LX win, roster-building strategy, draft preparation, and the evolving landscape of the NFL. “Seattle Sports” program director Kyle Brown comments, “In the wake of an unforgettable Super Bowl run, we’re excited to give fans even deeper access to the leadership guiding the Seahawks into their next chapter. John’s perspective on team-building, the draft, and what it takes to construct a championship roster will be invaluable as the Seahawks look to build on the momentum of their 2026 title.”
morning, we announced that we will not be renewing Alexis Thompson’s contract. Alexis has been with myTalk 107.1 for 20 years, and co-host with Jason Matheson in morning drive since 2013. Her warm, funny, and authentic personality have made her a favorite with myTalk listeners, clients and all her co-workers in the Hubbard Radio hallways. The success of the Jason & Alexis Show is well documented.” Thompson was given the opportunity to go on the air to say goodbye to her listeners but chose to have Matheson read her farewell statement that read: “Dearest myTalkers, My time at myTalk has come to an end. The station didn’t renew my contract. I’m sorry I can’t be there for a final show to say goodbye. It’s too emotional for me. I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for 20 plus years of talking pop culture and entertainment, laughing, crying and sharing our lives. We’ve grown up together. Thank you for starting your morning with a smile and a laugh with me. myTalkers, together we have raised millions of dollars and awareness for charities doing real meaningful work. I’m incredibly proud. One thing I know for sure, community is everything. And thank you for building community with me. I have been lifted by your love and trust. I’m forever grateful. Remember you be you! And when you see me, don’t forget to say, ‘Hey girl, hey!’ Let’s keep in touch and follow my adventures @lexandthecities. Love always, Alexis” Regarding their decision, Hubbard explains, “Radio is changing. The radio business is still strong, but it is changing. The audio landscape is evolving, and we have been challenged to run our operations more efficiently going forward. Sadly, in this case it came at the expense of someone we all admire and adore. We have nothing but the utmost respect for Alexis’ grace, professionalism, and her many contributions to ‘myTalk 107.1.’ Future plans for the morning show are not clear. The next few weeks we will work with Jason and [producer] Holly [Roberts] to chart a new course. The remainder of the ‘myTalk 107.1’ schedule remains unchanged.” 
times per week – Monday through Wednesday – and will be available on both YouTube and Rumble in digital video format with future expansion on other platforms. The company adds, “For the first time, Levin will offer audiences access to original digital video content via an ad-supported model, instead of a subscriber paywall. ‘Liberty’s Voice with Mark Levin’ will present exclusive, in-depth commentary from one of America’s most influential constitutional scholars and political thinkers. Sharing his intellectual rigor, brilliant wit, and signature passion, Levin will draw on history, economics, law, and philosophy as he goes beyond the headlines to examine the ideas and principles that shaped the United States – and the forces challenging them today. Each episode will deliver substantive analysis of current events, grounded in the founding ideals of liberty, limited government, and individual sovereignty, while exposing the dangers of centralized power and historical amnesia.”