Industry News

TV Nets Suspend Pool Coverage After White Bans CNN, MS Now and Politico

In the aftermath of the Trump administration’s banning CNN, MS Now and Politico reporters from covering the administration from The White House, television pool members FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News issued the following statement: “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.” All other pool coverage will continue as normal, including Congress, VIPs, and selected events in Washington and around the country. Additionally, CNN MS Now and Politico announced a suit challenging their ban, saying, “This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes. Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists’ credentials because it objected to our reporting. Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference.”

Industry News

Salem Radio Network Refuses to Back Networks “Stunt”

In response to the stoppage of White House pool coverage, Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup issued the following statement: “This morning, the major TV networks announced they will cease pool coverage of imgPresident Donald J. Trump in solidarity with CNN, which had its hard pass revoked over the weekend by the White House.

As longtime members of the White House Correspondents Association pool, SRN has notified the WHCA that our network will refuse to join this incredibly juvenile stunt which is actually more like a RICO violation by mobsters than actions of legitimate American media.

Access to the Oval Office and to the President of the United State’s pool events is a privilege, not a free pass to slant coverage against – or for – any occupant of the Presidency. With this action, the major networks have shown their bias and petulance outweighs how they envision their responsibility to cover news under the First Amendment for which they so quickly cry crocodile tears.”

Industry News

92.7 WMMB Talk Host Bill Mick to Retire

Longtime Space Coast talk radio host Bill Mick is retiring from iHeartMedia’s “92.7 WMMB, The Space Coast Talks” (WMMB-AM/W224DJ) after today’s show.  iHeartMedia says, “Mick began his Space Coast radio career in 1998 and took over mornings at WMEL in Melbourne in 2001. In 2004, he joined what is now imgiHeartMedia, where ‘Bill Mick LIVE’ became a longtime fixture on Space Coast morning radio.” Prior to his radio career, Mick spent 17 years in law enforcement in his native West Virginia, including roles in patrol, SWAT and as a detective. Mick says, “When I started in radio, I was new to Brevard, but talking with local leaders, newsmakers and our listeners quickly taught me about this community and made it home for me and my family. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who gave me the opportunity to build a career here, and especially to the dedicated audience that has been with me for more than 25 years. The Space Coast is home, and I can’t say thank you enough.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (September 14-18)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/14-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Midterm Elections / SCOTUS Blocks Mail-Vote Order
  2. AI Danger Warnings
  3. Oil Prices / Saudi Pipeline Attack
  4. Fed Hikes Rates / The Economy
  5. Hegseth Impeachment / House Recesses
  6. EU-Canada Economic Ties
  7. U.S.-Iran War / Israel Weapons Deal
  8. Russia Sanctions Bill
  9. U.S. Denies Visas to Palestinians
  10. Kennedy Center Closed

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Brett Kavanaugh
  3. Dario Amodei / Elon Musk / Sam Altman
  4. Mark Zuckerberg / Jensen Huang
  5. Scott Bessent
  6. Kevin Warsh
  7. Pete Hegseth / Thomas Massie / Mike Johnson
  8. Mark Carney
  9. Vladimir Putin
  10. Matt Floca

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

Industry News

New National News Program Debuts on September 21

The new national news program, “America’s Morning News,” produced by AccuMinute and distributed by Talk Media Network, launches on September 21. AccuMinute says, “The weekday program delivers a fast-moving hour of news, business, sports, entertainment and useful information. For stations currently imgcarrying “America in the Morning,” the timing is intentional. That program concludes September 18. ‘America’s Morning News’ begins the following Monday. A weekend edition is also planned. Current “America in the Morning” producer Jeff McKay is joining “America’s Morning News” in the same capacity. The program is anchored by Rich Johnson. Talk Media Network founder Josh Leng states, “Stations shouldn’t have to replace a decades-long show on a few weeks’ notice, said Talk Media Network founder Josh Leng. “We are providing a smooth transition, with a strong brand for both mornings and weekend airplay.

Industry News

Broadcasters Honored at Rhode Island Radio & TV Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

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Above is the Class of 2026 (l-r): Heather Gersten, morning host, WWLI, Providence “Lite 105”; Jim Hummel, host “The Hummel Report” and WPRO Radio; Les Breault, longtime news photographer, WPRI-TV, Providence; Sara Wye, trailblazing WJAR-TV, Providence anchor and reporter; Will Gilbert, host of WPRI-TV’S “The Rhode Show” and WPRO-FM DJ; Art “Spencer” Soares, evening host WWLI, Providence “Lite 105”; Georgia Boyer, accepting posthumously for her father Bill Rappleye, longtime WJAR-TV, Providence reporter. Photo: Rob Rainville

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Picture above are broadcasters who attended the dinner to support the inductees (from l-r): Joe Connolly, longtime WCBS, New York business editor; Phil Zachary, retired market manager, Saga Portland Radio Group; Doug Stephan, host, “The American Family Farmer” and “Talk Radio Countdown Show”; Bill Haberman, news director, WPRO, Providence; Chris Camp, retired news director, WSB, Atlanta, and previously WPRO; Holland Cooke, News/Talk consultant and TALKERS columnist; front: Dan Paquet, assistant news director, WJAR-TV, Providence.

Industry News

FCC Looking for Public Comments on LUC Issue

The Federal Communications Commission is asking for public comment on the challenge of the Media Bureau’s guidance that the lowest unit charge (LUC) for political ads applies not just to candidates but to authorized committees engaged in jointimg fundraising with federal candidates and to candidate-party coordinated advertisements. Democratic candidates Sherrod Brown, Jon Ossoff, Roy Cooper and Kristen McDonald Rivet are arguing that the Media Bureau’s guidance is incorrect because Congress only intended the discounted rates to benefit candidates and their candidate committees.

Industry Views

WABC Radio Gala Recognizes 25th Anniversary of 9/11

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By Robert Pearl

imgWABC Radio brought together broadcasting legends, entertainers, civic leaders and political figures Friday night at Cipriani 42nd Street for its 9/11 & Freedom 250 Gala, commemorating 25 years since the September 11 attacks while also recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.

Prior to the program, was a live broadcast from Cipriani’s as the room filled with guests. John Catsimatidis, owner/operator of WABC and Red Apple Media, co-hosted with veteran broadcaster Rita Cosby and former Gov. David Paterson, welcoming a stream of high-profile guests.

As attendees entered the landmark venue, the evening quickly became a reunion of New York radio, entertainment, public figures and political candidates, blending remembrance, patriotism and live performance. Among those in attendance were many notables including former Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, WOR talk host Mark Simone, and WABC personalities Dominic Carter, Lionel, Joe Concha, Dr. Marc Siegel, Dick Morris, Michael Cohen and Walter Sterling. (Pictured above from l-r are: Simone, Lionel, and Sterling.)

John and Margo Catsimatidis took the stage during the program, joined by Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez, hosting an evening benefiting Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Police Athletic League and the George Pataki Foundation.

Former New York Governor George Pataki, honored for his leadership following the September 11 attacks, received the “Leadership Crisis Award.” Pataki reflected on the loss, resilience and unity that followed one of the darkest days in the city’s history. He recalled New Yorkers and Americans standing “shoulder to shoulder” in the aftermath and urged the country to remember the unity that emerged from the tragedy.

Veteran columnist and New York media icon Cindy Adams received a Lifetime Achievement Award, deadpanning, “It’s about time.”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, recognized with the “Guardian of New York Award,” delivered remarks and a prayer, praising the city’s first responders, health care workers, civic leaders and others who have helped New Yorkers through times of crisis.

The gala closed on a powerful patriotic note as Lee Greenwood performed his signature anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” bringing the crowd together for a fitting conclusion to an evening dedicated to remembrance, resilience and freedom.

Robert Pearl is a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes about New York City media, politics, and culture.  He can be emailed at pearlknows@yahoo.com.

Industry News

BIA Advisory Ups U.S. Local Advertising Forecast

BIA Advisory Services updates its 2026 U.S. Local Advertising Forecast, projecting total local ad revenue to reach $186.1 billion, imgup $1.6 billion (+0.9%) from the firm’s April 2026 estimate of $184.5 billion and approximately 9% year over year from 2025. BIA predicts that 6.5% of that ad spend will go to over-the-air radio and digital radio – about $12.2 billion. BIA says the increase is driven primarily by higher political ad spending heading into the midterms, along with continued strength in mobile.

Industry News

Gunhill Road Releases Fifth Album as Talk Radio-Fueled Band Approaches 2M Listens, Views, Streams, and Downloads

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The combination of talk radio, internet, solid music, captivating videos, and an ocean of time have been kind to the band, Gunhill Road. The durable group, with a gritty name inspired by the famous Bronx thoroughfare, has just dropped its fifth album titled, But on the Other Hand.  Although Gunhill Road was heard on top 40 and album rock radio as well as charting in the early seventiesimg while playing venues such as the Bitter End and TV shows like “Midnight Special,” the band has gained a multi-generational fan base over the past six years due in large part to exposure on talk radio. Talk show hosts have been attracted to Gunhill Road’s engaging themes, sharp lyrics, and provocative YouTube videos that tackle the hottest issues of the day. These include the rise of idiocy, scourge of scammers, threat of censorship, dangers of AI, noise of politics, cruelty to animals, aging, and more. Since 2020, more than 1,500 talk shows, stations, and networks have aired Gunhill Road songs in whole or part, extracted segments for bumpers, and interviewed a member about its provocative messaging.

Gunhill Road members include original group co-founder and keyboard wizard Steve Goldrich; longtime band vocalist/guitarist, Paul Reisch; acclaimed multi-faceted instrumentalist/vocalist/arranger, Brian Koonin; and TALKERS publisher, Michael Harrison. Their modern era videos are produced by Matthew B. Harrison.

The new But on the Other Hand collection features 20 original compositions consisting of seven previously released music video singles and one brand new one titled, “Readers”(see below) along with 12 never-before-heard songs – all organically performed. In addition to displaying diverse well-crafted musical genres – including rock, folk, jazz, and adult contemporary – the new album was mixed in the Dolby Atmos format, the current industry standard for audio quality.

New Music Video Single, “Readers”

The new music video single, “Readers,” is a light-hearted ditty about the popular practice of cataract surgery – a relatively safe, common outpatient procedure to remove and replace a cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that is often praised for its remarkable results. To access the “Readers” music video directly, please click here.

To access the new album in its entirety, please click here. www.gunhillroadmusic.com.

To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison, please call 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com.

Industry News

Cumulus Brings Greg Papa Back to KNBR

Cumulus Media is bringing Bay Area sports broadcaster Greg Papa back to sports talk KNBR, San Francisco a month after laying him off from the midday show he co-hosted with John Lund. Papa – the radio voice of the San Francisco 49ers – had taken leave from the station to focus on his battle with cancer. imgNow, Papa will rejoin Lund daily from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm for “Lunch with Papa” – part of Lund’s 10:00 am to 2:00 pm show. Additionally, Papa will present “Niners Updates With Greg Papa” twice weekly that will air during KNBR’s morning drive and afternoon drive shows. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen says, “Greg Papa is a Bay Area icon in sports broadcasting. His name and voice are synonymous with sports in this market. That connection is even stronger when speaking about the San Francisco 49ers. We are excited to have Greg back on air sharing his insights about all things Niners, and more!” Papa comments, “I’m thrilled to be back on ‘The Sports Leader’ and even more thrilled to be working with my good friend John Lund again. Let’s do this!”

Industry News

Audacy Unveils New Football Show “Inside the North”

Audacy is combining the talents of its sports talk hosts at stations in markets within the NFL’s NFC North division to launch “Inside the North,” a brand-new, weekly one-hour show focusing on the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota imgVikings. The host of the program will be WSCR-FM, Chicago personality David Haugh and will feature a panel of NFL experts including former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt, former Packers kicker Mason Crosby, former Lions (and Packers) offensive lineman T.J. Lang and former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway. It will aur Sunday mornings on WSCR-FM; WXYT-FM, Detroit; WSSP-FM, Milwaukee; and WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. In addition to the Sunday morning broadcasts, video episodes will drop early on YouTube every Friday evening. Audacy sports format VP Mitch Rosen says, “The NFC North features some of the most passionate fanbases and intense rivalries in all of football. By combining David Haugh’s signature hosting with the firsthand perspective of four iconic division figures, ‘Inside the North’ delivers unmatched context and insider access to these markets every single week.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (September 7-11)

Here are the most-talked-about stories of the past week (9/7-11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran War / Oil Prices
  2. Trump’s $5k Dividend / Midterms / Fetterman Video
  3. Mail-in Voting Battle
  4. U.S.-Canada Trade War
  5. 9/11 Anniversary
  6. SCOTUS Nixes Missouri Redistricting
  7. AI Warnings / Data Centers Battles
  8. AfD Victory in German Elections
  9. Kirk Slaying Anniversary
  10. Bartiromo Exits FOX

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance
  3. John Fetterman
  4. Mark Carney
  5. Brett Kavanaugh
  6. Joseph Coxon
  7. Ken Paxton / James Talarico
  8. Mike Johnson
  9. Charlie Kirk
  10. Maria Bartiromo

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

Industry News

Edison: Ad-Supported Audio Dominates Car Listening by Young Adults

Edison Research says that according to its ongoing Share of Ear study, Americans between the ages of 13 and 34 spend an average of just under one hour per day listening to audio in the car with 63% of that time spent with ad-supported audio platforms. Although this demographic listens to a number of ad-supported imgplatforms, AM/FM radio, including over-the-air and radio streams, accounts for 70% of the time spent with ad-supported audio sources in the car. Edison says, “Podcasts rank a distant second, accounting for 11% of ad-supported in-car audio time. Streaming music accounts for a significant amount of in-car audio time, but most of that listening is ad-free. When we filter consumption by ad-supported platforms, streaming music comes in third at 10%. Music and music videos on YouTube close out the fourth slice of the pie at 7%. Note that Share of Ear captures listening by everyone in the car, not just the driver.”

Industry Views

Sabo Sez: The Smartest Minds in the Radio Room

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

imgWhen in doubt, I recall smart quotes from people in our business who are successful, well paid, kind, and future oriented. I have always focused on what’s next rather than what’s been. These observations drive good results:

“Citytv of Canada is the model local TV News and has been for 50 years.” – Strategist, John Parikal

“Progress moves in many directions. Imagine if cable came first, then someone invented a way to send shows over the air.” – publisher / broadcaster, Michael Harrison

“The goal is a playlist of one song.” – Al Brady Law, a kind mentor and brilliant programmer.

“An Urban station should sound like music bouncing off the rooftops in Harlem on a July night.” – Frankie Crocker

“Top 40 will always be a successful format because by definition it plays the most popular songs of the day.” – Allen Shaw, former vice chairman of Beasley Broadcasting.

“We have a business plan; our stations have to be number 1.” – Robert McAllan, president emeritus Press Broadcasting / founder of WTKS-FM Real Radio. Orlando / New Jersey 101.5.

“One day all music will be on FM and all talk will be on AM.” – Jean Shepherd, WOR Radio host, 1964.

GM Mickey Luckoff on why number 1 KGO, San Francisco moved like an express train: “I hire hosts who have done Top 40. I can teach them Talk; I can’t teach them Radio.”

“My staff just can’t barge into the studio when I’m on, they have to understand this takes concentration, the job is to get to the next thing.” – Howard Stern

“It’s a simple business; people make it hard.” – Edward F. Mclaughlin president EIB network.

“My business decisions are always based on common sense.” – John Catsimatidis, owner, WABC Radio.

“When we release a movie, I stand outside the theatre on opening night and talk to the audience members as they file out. That’s the best research we do.” – Leonard Goldenson, founding chairman ABC Inc.

“No, I don’t watch many TV shows because I know all the stories.” – Fred Silverman, program chief CBS, ABC, NBC.

About streaming music services: “There has always been a box of records next to the radio.” – Bob Pittman, CEO, IHeart.

Tom O’Neil, founder, RKO General Radio, “Pay whatever you have to for a morning man, a production director, and for equipment to make the loudest signal, the rest you’ll have to beg for.”

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

Art Vuolo Makes 9/11 Tribute Available to Radio Stations

Radio’s Best Friend Art Vuolo is offering his 9/11 video tribute to stations to use on the air. Vuolo’s video tells the story of that morning 25 years ago from the perspective of radio, using actual radio audio and video from September 11, 2001, with added commentary from those on the air that morning. Vuolo tells TALKERS, “I am hoping its greatest showcasing will be this year on the 25th anniversary. It works well as just an audio presentation.” See the video here.

Industry News

Salem Media Plans Charlie Kirk Tribute

Salem Media announces that it will “honor the life and legacy” of Charlie Kirk on September 10, the one-year anniversary of his tragic death, with a special tribute airing across Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel and Townhall Media platforms. The special program is being narrated by Salem hosts Mike Gallagher, Larry O’Connor, and Alex Marlow, with a special appearance by imgLarry Elder.  Salem says, “The special tells the story of how Charlie started Turning Point USA in his parents’ garage and built it into one of the largest youth organizations in the country, becoming the most consequential conservative voice of his generation. The program will tell Charlie’s remarkable story largely through his own voice, including rare audio from his first interview with longtime Salem host Dennis Prager when Charlie was just 22 years old.” Salem CEO David Santrella adds, “There was nobody quite like Charlie. He connected with young people in a way few others could and turned that connection into a movement.”

Industry News

BFoA Announces Inaugural Scholarship Recipients

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the recipients of its inaugural Scholarship Fund are Nathaniel Bradley, a sports communications junior at Marquette University, and Inoa Manfredy, a junior at Boston University studying communications and political science.  The needs-based scholar program was created by the BFOA to support broadcast students from imgbroadcast families, and awards $10,000 to each recipient for college tuition. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “This initiative reflects the BFOA’s growing commitment to strengthening the future of the radio and television industries by investing directly in the next generation of broadcasters. We could not be happier with our first two recipients, both of whom received glowing recommendations from their professors. Nathaniel and Inoa exemplify the caliber of communications students we want to attract to broadcast radio and television.”

Industry News

Urban One Community Business Competition Launches Next Month

Urban One and the National Urban League announce the launch of the Urban One Community Business Competition – a “high-stakes showdown designed to supercharge the next generation of business leaders.” The event takes place October 26 to November 1 during the ONE Voyage Experience cruise. Open exclusively to imgregistered cruise passengers, business owners will pitch their ventures live to a panel of judges for a shot at life-changing promotional prizes. Urban One CEO & president Alfred C. Liggins III says, “My mother, Cathy Hughes, started Urban One as a small business, so supporting entrepreneurs and founders is in our foundational DNA. By partnering with the National Urban League on ONE Voyage Experience, we are doubling down on our steadfast, lifelong commitment to small businesses, Black entrepreneurship, and unstoppable economic empowerment.”

Industry News

John Catsimatidis Interviews Hunter Biden on WABC

Red Apple Media and WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis interviewed Hunter Biden for his “Cats Roundtable” show that aired on WABC on Sunday (9/6). In the interview, Biden defends his father’s term, crediting Joe Biden with “rebuilding NATO, rallying the world against Russian imgaggression in Ukraine and helping bring the country back after COVID.” Biden tells Catsimatidis he believes the current political climate has made it difficult for people to judge his father’s presidency clearly, but said historians will eventually take a different view. “I think the historians will look at my dad’s presidency as an incredible success,” Biden said. The interview also touches on Hunter Biden’s recovery, the attacks he faced during his father’s presidency, the future of the Democratic Party, immigration, veterans, addiction and whether he would ever consider running for public office.

Industry News

Conservative Talk Hosts Turning to Michael Berry for Insight Into High Profile Texas Senate Race

The Texas U.S. Senate Race has escalated into a major hotspot of talk radio conversation across America with Houston-based Premiere Networks star Michael Berry being tapped into by fellow imgconservative hosts across America as he offers encouraging commentary to growing national concerns among Republicans about the Democrats flipping an all-important Senate seat in the traditionally red Lone Star State.  Yesterday’s installment of the highly rated “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton” Show featured an in-depth interview with Berry (a.k.a. The Czar of Talk) about the Texas Senate race between AG Ken Paxton and James Talarico, who President Donald Trump has taken to calling “Talacreepo.” Listen to the segment here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (August 31 – September 4)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/31-9/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran Hostilities
  2. Primaries / Midterms
  3. Venezuelan Oil Deal / Trump’s Price-Gouging Allegations
  4. U.S.-Canada Trade War / Lake America Controversy
  5. ICE Operations / Judge Halts Birthright Citizenship Order
  6. The Economy / Bond Selloff
  7. Army Secretary Resigns
  8. Russia-Ukraine War
  9. FTC to Sue Amazon
  10. Gloria Steinem Dies

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance
  3. Mike Johnson
  4. Abdul El-Sayed
  5. Ken Paxton / James Talarico
  6. Nicolás Maduro / Delcy Rodríguez
  7. Mark Carney
  8. Dan Driscoll
  9. Vladimir Putin
  10. Gloria Steinem

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

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Closes on Sale of South Dakota Stations to Riverfront Broadcasting

Connoisseur Media closes on the sale of KDLO-FM, KIXX-FM, KSDR-AM, KSDR-FM, KWAT-AM, in Watertown, South Dakota and KKSD-FM, Milbank, South Dakota to Riverfront Broadcasting. Riverfront – a South Dakota-based company headed by Doyle and Carolyn Becker – paid $350,000 for the six signals. Riverfront Broadcasting specializes in localized radio broadcasting and digital media.