Industry News

Salem Media Talk Host Chris Stigall to Run for Congress

Talk host Chris Stigall – who’s heard on Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel in morning drive (6:00 am to 9:00 am ET) – announces in a social media video that will run for congress in theimg Missouri 6th congressional district. Stigall is a Missouri native who graduated from Northwest Missouri State University and who says five generations of his family have called the 6th district home. He says, “After prayer, believe me, a lot of prayer, and careful consideration with my family, on this 250th anniversary of our great country this year, I’ve decided it’s time to join in the fight.” Stigall says he’s leaving Salem Media to run after U.S. Rep. Sam Graves announced he’s not running for reelection. See TV5 in Kansas City’s coverage and Stigall’s video here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “Tell Me What Happened”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgGood News/Bad News: Fender‑benders, slip‑and‑falls, and other “injuries caused by the negligent, careless, or reckless actions of others” will always happen. That’s the good news…for personal injury attorneys. Their bad news is that supply WAY-exceeds demand, and their advertising reflects it.

It all looks the same. The billboards are interchangeable: a headshot and a promise of six-figure settlements. When everyone is saying the same thing, differentiate with gimmicks. TV spots are either goofy shtick or tough-guy talk. Where I live, “The Heavy Hitter” has a phone number jingle Southern New Englanders can sing from memory. Competitors’ numbers are even easier, 444-4444 and 777-7777.

If you will be in Las Vegas for the NAB Show, turn on local TV there. You will howl. Some firms pitch “we charge less,” like a radio station dropping trou’ on rate to grab the whole buy. And there are the nationally syndicated spots, customized for local firms, in which cartoonishly terrified insurance executives beg to settle. Or the hard-boiled attorney threatens to “beat them in court.” Baloney! A jury trial is the last thing most personal injury firms want. Too time consuming, too risky.

Like radio’s, a lawyer’s inventory is perishable. We can’t monetize yesterday’s unsold avail. And lawyers can’t add the client who didn’t come in yesterday for that free, no obligation consultation. No “intake,” no sale. Which is exactly why they should be using radio.

“The lawyer is in, the meter is off” is the proposition when attorneys host brokered weekend talk shows and take listener calls. No look-alike billboard or tacky TV spot can humanize the attorney – and demonstrate comforting counsel – like eavesdropping on a conversation with a caller’s relatable situation. So instead of slogans or shouting about settlements, build the client’s message around four words that are turning callers into clients on weekend talk radio: “Tell me what happened.”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (March 28-29)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (3/28-29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Trump Mulls Seizing Kharg Island
  2. Oil Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  3. TSA Paychecks / ICE at Airports / Travel Woes
  4. CPAC / “No Kings” Protests
  5. SCOTUS to Hear Birthright Citizenship Case
Industry News

Salem Media Adds Roku to FAST Partners

Salem Media reveals a deal with The Roku Channel that will see its Salem News Channel available on Roku’s ad-supported streaming channel. Salem notes that while Salem News Channel has long been available through a dedicated Roku app, this new distribution places the network imgdirectly within Roku’s Live TV guide, allowing viewers to discover as they browse and begin watching instantly. Salem News Channel VP and general manager Cary Pahigian says, “This is a significant expansion of Salem News Channel’s reach, which already increased viewership by over 178% this year. Being part of The Roku Channel opens the door for entirely new audiences to discover the unique news and opinion that SNC provides.” This news comes two weeks after Salem announced Salem News Channel is joining Amazon Prime Video’s free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channel.

Industry News

Zoe Burdine-Fly Retiring from Connoisseur Media

Connoisseur Media senior vice president Zoe Burdine-Fly announces that she is retiring from the company as member of the leadership team in which she’s worked closely with teams across the organization in several markets. Burdine-Fly comments, “It was not an easy decision to retire from imgthe industry that I love. I will treasure the friendships and relationships I have built over the years. To those who have taken a chance on me, thank you. To those I have had the privilege to work with over the years, thank you. Working in radio has been a tremendous ride and I have enjoyed every minute of it.” Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Zoe’s career in this industry speaks for itself. We appreciate the experience and insight she shared with our team. I personally thank her for her time with Connoisseur Media and wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”

Industry News

Marlins Announce Broadcast Deal with WQAM

Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins are announcing a multi-year radio broadcast and streaming partnership with Audacy that will see sports talk outlet radio station WQAM, Miami serve as the flagship home of Marlins imgBaseball across South Florida. WQAM will broadcast all regular season Marlins games, delivering live play-by-play coverage along with pregame and postgame programming to listeners throughout the region. The broadcasts will also be available through the Audacy app, expanding access for fans across digital and streaming platforms.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 23-27)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/23-27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Conflicting Reports of Talks
  2. TSA-ICE-Air Travel Woes / DHS Funding Stalemate
  3. LaGuardia Investigation
  4. Oil Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  5. Mullin Confirmed to DHS Post
  6. Social Media Addiction Verdict
  7. SAVE America Act / SCOTUS Hears Mail-In Balloting Case
  8. Dem Flips FLA State Seat
  9. CPAC 2026
  10. Robert Muller Dies

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Jared Kushner / Steve Witkoff
  4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  5. Markwayne Mullin
  6. John Thune / Katie Britt
  7. Chuck Schumer
  8. Mark Zuckerberg / Sundar Pichai
  9. Emily Gregory
  10. Robert Muller

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

Industry News

Bankruptcy Court Allows Cumulus to Use Cash Collateral to Continue Operations

At the most recent hearing in United States Bankruptcy Court in Houston, Judge Alfredo Pérez agreed that Cumulus Media may use cash collateralimg to continue to operate its business as it makes its way through the Chapter 11 process that could be finalized in May if the pre-packaged bankruptcy plan continues to go smoothly. Attorneys for Cumulus reported to the court that the company now has the backing of 83% of its lenders for the reorganization plan that would put control of the company in the hands of the secured creditors. Once complete, the reorganization will have eliminated some $592 million of the company’s debt.

Industry News

CBS News Radio Fallout: Is Broadcast Journalism a Sacred Profession?

Is a career in broadcast journalism akin to the “priesthood?” Is radio just a “business” or something more? These philosophical questions were two of several addressed this morning (3/26) in an appearance by TALKERS imgfounder Michael Harrison on WPRO, Providence’s “The News with Gene Valicenti” discussing the shutdown of CBS News Radio.  The two seasoned broadcasters took an analytical look at the past 100 years of broadcast journalism – from Edward R. Murrow to modern times – comparing the role and impact of early day giants such as William S. Paley (CBS), David Sarnoff (NBC), and John W. Kluge (Metromedia) to today’s crop of moguls including the Ellison family’s Larry Ellison (Oracle) and his son David Ellison (Skydance Media) who now control Paramount, CBS, and a variety of other media and technological ventures. To listen to the entire segment, please click here.

Industry News

Park Promoted to Regional VP for Cumulus

Cumulus Media promotes Darlene Park to regional vice president, Cumulus Central Indiana. In this role, Park adds oversight two more Indiana music outlets to the Indianapolis stations she is overseeing thatimg include sports talk WXNT-AM. Cumulus Media president of operations Dave Milner comments, “We are thrilled to promote Darlene to Regional Vice President for Central Indiana, where she will oversee Indianapolis, Kokomo, and Muncie. Since joining Cumulus Media, Darlene has proven to be a strong leader who builds positive, high-performing cultures. Her ability to inspire teams and drive consistent, impactful results makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead this expanded region.”

Industry News

Caroline Beasley to Be Honored by the Florida Association of Broadcasters

imgThe Florida Association of Broadcasters will honor Beasley Broadcast Group CEO Caroline Beasley as a 2026 inductee into the Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame on June 18 at The Breakers Palm Beach. The Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers have left a lasting mark on Florida’s radio and television industry. Inductees are selected based on a distinguished professional career directly tied to Florida and at least 25 years of service to broadcasting.

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Agrees to Sell South Dakota Stations

Connoisseur Media agrees to sell its five South Dakota radio stations to Brookings Radio, LLC, locally owned and operated by Cami Powers, her husband Derrick Powers, and Chad Hogie.  Brookings Radio, LLC will acquire KBRK-AM and KBRK-FM licensed to Brookings, KDBX-FM licensed to Clear Lake, and farm news formatted KJJQ-AM and KKQQimg-FM, licensed to Volga.  The transaction is pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close in early summer of this year. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “The Brookings market did not fit into the long-term vision we set out for Connoisseur. As we pursued a potential sale, we looked for local quality operators to purchase these stations and found that the best operators in the market already worked for us! This is not the first time we have encouraged some of our local management to break into ownership so that they could continue to serve the communities we are so committed to. We are incredibly happy that Cami and her group stepped up to the challenge.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/25)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Conflicting Reports of Talks
  2. TSA-ICE-Air Travel Woes / DHS Funding Stalemate
  3. Oil Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  4. Social Media Addiction Verdict
  5. CPAC 2026
Industry News

Scarborough and Brzezinski Re-Up with MS Now

Variety reports that Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have signed a new deal to remain with MS NOW. The new contract keeps the duo with the network through 2029. Recently, thte program was cut from four hours to three to make room for a new program hosted by Stephanie Ruhle. Scarborough comments, “Mika and I are excited to be staying with our ‘Morning Joe’ family and friends who have been watching regularly for almost 20 years.” See the Variety story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/24)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Airborne Troops Deployed
  2. TSA-ICE-Air Travel Woes / LaGuardia Investigation
  3. Oil Prices-Financial Markets-Insider Trading Concerns
  4. DHS Funding
  5. Dem Flips FLA State Seat
Industry News

Audacy Philadelphia SVP Yadgaroff to Retire

Longtime Philadelphia SVP and market manager for Audacy’s Philadelphia station group David Yadgaroff announces he’s retiring from the company. He tells his staff, “Leading these iconic stations has been a great privilege and working alongside our team has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Our team has consistently deliveredimg unique, compelling content, embraced meaningful evolution, and made a real difference for our communities, our advertisers and one another. I am incredibly proud of the people in the Philadelphia radio market and across the country, whom I’ve had the opportunity to hire, train and mentor. Watching their growth and success has been a joy. After an extraordinary run of dedicating myself to radio and my colleagues for decades, it feels like the right time to step away and take time for myself, spend more time with family and friends, pursue new opportunities and contribute to organizations in meaningful new ways. I leave with deep gratitude and confidence in the future.” Audacy region president Mark Hannon says Yadgaroff will stay in his position through the end of May as they work on a smooth transition for the staff and the stations’ clients. The Audacy cluster includes news/talk WPHT and sports talk WIP-FM. 

Industry Views

Providing Support and Comfort to the Suffering Masses

By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York

imgIn ongoing discussions about the dwindling relevance of radio in the modern world, the medium is grudgingly defended as a reliable “first responder” during times of public emergencies.

Nothing beats having an old-fashioned battery powered radio handy when confronted by hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, blackouts, and (dare I say it) weapons of war. Yes, radio is quite useful in the thick of natural “disasters” when the grid goes down, and the lights go out.

However, we are missing a huge opportunity by limiting radio to the roleimg of modern-day media Sterno.

I’ve been a practicing therapist in New York and South Florida for the past 25 years, and although not a host, I have served, and continue to participate, as a guest on broadcasts across the nation, discussing the emotional connections between hot news topics and people’s feelings. I am not alone in the perception that people of my profession have performed for decades as fully invested members of the talk radio family.

During this period, it has become obvious that the one-time talk radio mainstay of the in-house or “go to” mental health professional has become an endangered species. Some of the biggest names in radio were practicing therapists. They were a familiar part of the talk (even news/talk) format. Without turning this into a historical essay or a scold, it is sad to note that most of them are gone.

Ironically, now more than ever, the deeply troubling events in the world, the nation, and our local communities, constituting news and statistics, are bringing deep emotional pain and crippling anxiety to the masses… especially the kind of people likely to tune in to talk radio. Professionals. Businesspeople. Workers. Parents.

Looking for younger demos? Gen-Z is perhaps the most anxiety-plagued segment of the population. These “kids” need support, guidance, and understanding.

Hurricanes and heat waves are not the only disasters that call for the helpful and healing power of radio.

The hot topics of the day: crime, inflation, corruption, disease, ignorance, racial strife, and identity politics – not to mention the ever-lingering threat of nuclear devastation – are not merely subjects (and excuses) to vent blame, anger and hate. They contribute to an environment of deep fear and institutionalized discomfort. There are millions of real-life, personal “disasters” going on out there, exacerbated by relationship betrayals and family breakdowns, that make a heavy snowstorm feel like an adventure by comparison.

Stoking people’s fear and anger with cherry-picked cherry bombs is only a small part of the equation when it comes to serving the desperate needs of both current and potential listeners.

It would be a good thing to bring back to the talk radio menu some psychology shows and professional purveyors of emotional clarity, available in the local communities, as guests to dole out much sought compassion, empathy, guidance, and old fashioned advice.

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.

Uncategorized

Tom Barnard Announces Alhzeimer’s Diagnosis

Legendary Twin Cities radio personality Tom Barnard announces to his podcast audience that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The former morning host on rock KQRS-FM, Minneapolis has beenimg hosting “The Tom Barnard Podcast” since leaving the station in December of 2022. On the podcast, Barnard was joined by family members including his wife and podcast co-host Kathryn Brandt who said they began to have concerns about Barnard’s health shortly after he retired from KQRS. Barnard says he’s been undergoing treatment that has had a positive effect on him, but he acknowledges that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/23)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Oil Prices
  2. TSA-ICE-Air Travel Woes / LaGuardia Investigation
  3. Mullin Confirmed to DHS Post
  4. SAVE America Act / SCOTUS Hears Mail-In Balloting Case
  5. Trump in Memphis
Industry News

Beasley and Investors Heading Toward Refinancing Agreement

On Friday (3/20), Beasley Broadcast Group filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealing it is entering into a Transaction Support Agreement with 98.7% of holders 11.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2028 and 76.5% of the aggregateimg outstanding principal amount of the 9.200% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2028. This exchange offer includes an exchange of all of the Existing Second Lien Notes for newly issued 10.000% Senior Secured Second Lien PIK Notes due 2027 at an exchange ratio of 50.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Second Lien Notes tendered for exchange, and an offer to purchase up to $15,899,000 of the Existing First Lien Notes at a price equal to 100% of the par value thereof.


The upshot of this is that if these offers are accepted, lien holders will have a lot of control over how the company operates. They will be allowed to appoint a director to sit on the company’s board of directors. But the most telling part of this plan is that it allows for lien holders to exchange their debt for equity – meaning they could assume control of the company. Beasley provided “cleansing information” to lien holders in the form of a profit & loss statement ahead of its 2025 Q4 and 2025 full year financial statements that indicates a significant decline in audio net revenue “driven by continued weakness across the industry as a result of reduced consumer sentiment.”  We’ll know soon enough whether this goes forward as the Transaction Support Agreement will terminate on May 15, 2026 if it’s not consummated.

Industry News

FCC Commissioner Gomez Criticizes “Unlawful” Nexstar-Tegna Merger

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued a statement on Friday (3/20) after the FCC’s Media Bureau approved the Nexstar/TEGNA merger, which Gomez notes violates the existing 39% national ownership cap inimg federal law. She says, “The FCC has once again chosen bureaucratic cover over public accountability. This merger was approved behind closed doors with no open process, no full Commission vote, and no transparency for the consumers and communities who will bear the consequences. A transaction of this magnitude, which includes new and novel issues before the FCC, demands open deliberation before the full Commission, not a quiet sign-off meant to avoid public scrutiny. Given the increasingly alarming pace of reckless media consolidation, the American public deserves to know how and why this decision was made.

“Local journalism is under extraordinary strain. Across the country, newsrooms are being consolidated, reporters laid off, and editorial decisions made far from the communities broadcast stations are licensed to serve. The Nexstar/TEGNA merger will accelerate exactly that trend, concentrating broadcast power in fewer corporate hands, shrinking independent editorial voices, and prioritizing national business interests over local needs. Nexstar has already begun cutting newsrooms throughout the country, and as these billion-dollar companies grow even larger, their increased negotiating leverage will drive up fees that translate into higher monthly bills for those families who can least afford them. The consequences of this rubber stamp approval will be felt in living rooms and newsrooms across the country, resulting in fewer voices, less competition, and higher costs for consumers.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “What Matters Next” for Radio?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf 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 What Matters Next lands squarely in the middle of this tension, and its message is one radio people need to hear: AI isn’t the disruptor. Human behavior is. AI just accelerates the consequences.

The book’s central argument is blunt: The organizations that thrive in an AI-driven world are the ones that stay relentlessly human. Not sentimental – human. Curious. Adaptive. Willing to rethink habits that calcified long before the first smart speaker ever said, “Now playing.” That’s a mirror radio hasn’t always wanted to look into.

For decades, the industry has survived by optimizing the familiar: tighter clocks, leaner staffs, syndicated shows, templated production, and “good enough” digital. AI tempts some operators to double down on that instinct – to automate more, localize less, and hope listeners won’t notice. This book argues the opposite: AI punishes sameness and rewards originality. When every business has access to the same tools, the differentiator becomes the people who use them with imagination, empathy, and purpose. That should sound familiar. It’s what radio used to brag about.

O’Neill also warns against the other extreme, the fear-driven paralysis that keeps talented people from experimenting. AI isn’t a job eater; it’s a task eater. It clears the underbrush so humans can do the work only humans can do: judgment, storytelling, connection, and community presence. In radio terms: the stuff listeners actually remember.

Imagine a morning show that uses AI not to replace prep, but to deepen it, surfacing hyperlocal stories, analyzing listener sentiment, or generating alternate angles on a topic the hosts want to explore. Or a sales team that uses AI to tailor proposals to each client’s issues instead of reshuffling the same deck. How about a newsroom (remember them?) that uses AI to sift data so stations can spend more time delivering what’s special to listeners (and sponsors): helpful local news they can’t get anywhere else. None of that eliminates jobs. It elevates them.

This book’s most important warning is this: AI widens the gap between organizations that learn and organizations that cling. Radio has lived through this before – streaming, podcasting, social media, smart speakers. The winners weren’t the ones who panicked or the ones who ignored the shift. They were the ones who adapted early, experimented often, and stayed close to their audience.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

NYC Radio Icon Richard Neer Publishes 16th Book

Legendary New York radio personality Richard Neer, who has served almost six consecutive decades entertaining audiences on album rock WNEW-FM and sports talk WFAN, has authored his 16th book. Titled, The Perfect Beast, the novel is the latest in Neer’s popular series of detective Riley King murder mysteries and deals with a number of issues of interest to radio and podcast imgmedia enthusiasts, including the invasion of AI into the talent job market. Neer first established himself as a heavyweight author in 2001 when he penned the landmark FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio. In The Perfect Beast, Neer poses the question to his fellow broadcasters, “Ever wonder if your job will someday be taken by an AI facsimile of your act?” imgThe story also deals with how a commentator’s words can be twisted and misused, resulting in something evil. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (who makes an appearance as himself in The Perfect Beast) describes Neer as a media “Renaissance man.” Neer can be contacted for interviews via email at  novelistcafe@windstream.net.

Job Opportunity

Salem New York is Hiring

Salem Media’s New York operations is reaching out to CBS News Radio staffers: “If you enjoyed working at CBS News with all of its professionalism and success, come join the smart and dedicated team at Salem Media of New York! We’re looking for top-notch professionals fromimg all departments who are eager to succeed and chase new opportunities in both terrestrial radio – local and national – and our booming digital business. Between AM 970 with legendary morning man Joe Piscopo, WMCA-NY’s Premier Christian Talk, Salem Radio Network with key hosts like Mike Gallagher and Scott Jennings, Salem Podcast Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Influencer Network, Salem Surround, and more! We have an exciting impactful platform at a flourishing company! Come join us! Email your resume and interest to general manager, Laura Sheaffer laura@nycradio.com

Industry News

CBS News Announces Cuts; CBS News Radio to Shut Down

According to a report in Variety, CBS News is laying off about 6% of its staff and will shut down the CBS News Radio service that is used byimg approximately 700 stations. Variety reports that these cuts come under new management at Paramount Skydance and are part of CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss’ plans to “make CBS News more relevant to younger, digitally savvy generations.” It’s expected that the personnel cuts will affect between 60 and 70 people. See the Variety story here.

Industry News

Congressional Subcommittee to Review Telecom Act of 1996

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology announce that next Thursday (3/26) the subcommittee will hold a hearing titled, The Telecommunications Act of 1996: 30 Years Later. Chairmen Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) say in a statement, “The communications marketplace has transformed dramatically in the 30 years since the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was signed into law. This hearing will examine what parts of the law have worked, what have not, and how Congress can build on those lessons to modernize our laws to promote innovation, strengthen competition, and drive investment in modern communications networks.”

Industry News

Radio Night Live Celebrates Five Years of Promoting NYC

The WNYM-AM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” program “Radio Night Live” marked its five-year anniversary on March 19. The Friday night program – co-hosted by Kevin McCullough and Cristyne Nicholas – launched during the global pandemic in March 2021 focusing on the best of New York City when the tourism and entertainment industries wereimg most in need of support. Today, the weekly talk show continues to focus on the best of New York City, interviewing leaders in travel and tourism, hospitality, Broadway and live entertainment, food & beverage, major sports events, as well as elected officials, heads of NYC’s business improvement districts, celebrities, members of the media and beyond. Kevin McCullough says, “A five-year journey that began buried in COVID has sprouted into the single most compelling argument for the greatest of all cities every single Friday.” Times Square Alliance president Tom Harris comments, “With most talk shows focusing on the worst, it’s refreshing to tune in each week and hear about the best of New York City. I am always honored to be a guest of Cristyne and Kevin and wish them continued success.”

Industry News

New Syndicated Radio Programming Initiative Launches

Maryland Media One announces the launch of Seaboard Networks, a new radio programming and syndication company offering 24/7 turnkey radio formats and syndicated programming to stations nationwide. The company says this initiative involves developing and distributing bothimg 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.

Industry News

Charges Against Former Chattanooga Talk Host Dismissed

According to the Chattanooga Free Press, harassment charges previously filed against former WGOW-AM/FM “Talk Radio 102.3” talkimg host Brian Joyce have been dismissed. Last August, Joyce was arrested following accusations of harassing a woman with whom he’d previously been in a relationship. As district attorney spokesperson said the alleged victim said she did not want to proceed with the case and that the court also found issues with the credibility of testimony prosecutors wished to use in the case. Joyce exited WGOW in February of 2025. See the Times Free Press story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 16-20)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/16-20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Energy Prices Soar
  3. Allies Decline to Join the War
  4. Kent Investigation / Mullin Confirmation Hearing / Intelligence Directors Testimony
  5. Fed Stands Firm on Rates / Low Level of U.S. Job Creation
  6. SAVE America Act
  7. Bondi’s Epstein Files Testimony
  8. DHS Funding-TSA Staffing
  9. U.S.-Cuba Relations / Cesar Chavez Bombshell
  10. Trump Postpones China Trip

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Benjamin Netanyahu
  3. Mojtaba Khameini
  4. Pete Hegseth
  5. Joe Kent
  6. Markwayne Mullin
  7. Tulsi Gabbard / Kash Patel / John Ratcliffe
  8. Jerome Powell
  9. Pam Bondi
  10. Dolores Huerta / Cesar Chavez

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

Industry News

NYFestivals to Honor Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Stephen Capus

New York Festivals Television & Film Awards and Radio Awards are honoring distinguished news leader Stephen Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and former president of NBC News, with the New York Festivals 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2026 Lifetime Award recipient will be celebrated at the annual Storytellers Gala, recognizing TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners from around the globe will be streamed on May 21, 2026. Capus says, “It is a profound honor to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award and beimgrecognized alongside this esteemed community of storytellers. This honor is not mine alone, but a testament to the journalists I’ve worked with throughout my career – especially my RFE/RL colleagues who are committed to showing the world what is happening inside places like Ukraine and Iran. Their passion for excellence and dedication to the truth inspires me each day. My deepest gratitude to my family, whose support has made all of this possible.”

New York Festivals says, “Under Capus’s leadership, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty continues its mission to promote democratic values by delivering accurate, uncensored news and fostering open debate in countries where free press is threatened and disinformation is pervasive. Reaching nearly 50 million people each week, RFE/RL fills a critical gap in regions where independent journalism is restricted, banned, or still emerging.” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s programs have earned multiple awards from New York Festivals TV & Film and Radio Grand Juries.  Most recently are 2025 Gold Tower for Human Rights Documentary “How Russian Forces Hunted Down A Ukrainian Shopkeeper In Bucha Bloodbath” (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service); 2025 Gold  Tower for Sports Podcast “Gordafarid” (RFE/RL’s Persian-language service Radio Farda); 2024 Bronze Tower for Social Justice Podcast “Vida” (RFE/RL’s Persian-language service Farda); and 2024 Gold Tower for Human Rights Documentary for “Silent Deportation” (RFE/RL).

Industry News

NRG Media to Sell Northern Wisconsin Stations to Midwest Communications

NRG Media is divesting its Northern Wisconsin stations in the Wausau and Rhinelander markets in a proposed sale to Midwest Communications’ WRIG, Inc subsidiary. This deal includes sports talkimg WOBT-AM and 11 other signals and FM translators. NRG CEO Mary Quass states, “We are proud of the great broadcasters in Wisconsin that we have proudly worked with and are happy they will continue serving Wisconsin with WRIG, Inc.” Midwest Communications president Peter Tanz comments, “Mary and her entire team have built an outstanding community service organization in Wisconsin. For over a century, the Wright family has proudly called Central Wisconsin home. We are honored to add NRG’s Wisconsin stations to our home market.”