Longtime ESPN play-by-play personality Mike Patrick died of natural causes on Sunday (4/20) at the age of 80. Patrick spent 36 years as a play-by-play commentator for ESPN. He also served as ESPN’s NFL voice for “Sunday Night Football” for 18 seasons. His final game behind the mic was the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, on December 30, 2017.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump’s Trade War/Powell Status
2. Pope Francis Death
3. Hegseth Criticism
4. State Dept. Reorganization
5. “60 Minutes” Boss Quits
Salem Media Group brings talk media personality Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo aboard to host a new podcast titled, “Unshaken and Unafraid,” across its platforms. Pagliarulo’s daily, three-hour talk radio show is syndicated
nationally with affiliate relations and sales handled by Compass Media Networks. Pags says, “This is more than a podcast. It’s a platform for real talk in a world drowning in propaganda. They’ve tried everything to shut me up, but I’m getting louder. Salem understands our fight, and I’m honored to team up with them.” Salem chief strategy officer Brad Parscale says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Joe Pags to the Salem Podcast Network. He brings massive credibility, a loyal national audience, and the courage that’s desperately needed right now. This show is going to shake things up.”
Back in January, John Reid left his post as host of the morning program on Audacy’s news/talk WRVA,
Richmond to run for lieutenant governor in Virginia. Now, his opponent for the Repubican nomination – Pat Herrity – has exited the race due to health issues. Reid is an unusual candidate in that he’s openly gay but a conservative Republican who says he’s “against boys in girls’ sports and the extreme trans-agenda being forced upon our children.” Prior to his work at WRVA, Reid once served as communications chief for then-Virginia Governor George Allen. WRVA named Rich Herrera host of the morning show last month.
Red Apple Audio Networks says it is expanding the nationally syndicated “Anthony Cumia Show” to three hours.
The program now airs live on 77WABC from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET Sundays becomes available to affiliates on May 4. Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “The response from listeners and affiliates to Anthony’s return to radio has been astounding. Listeners and affiliates were clamoring for more Anthony Cumia, so we extended his show.”
SiriusXM Announces NFL Draft Coverage. SiriusXM is presenting live coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft from Green Bay on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The SiriusXM broadcast will be anchored by Jason Horowitz. SiriusXM’s expert analysts will be former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller, former coach Rick Neuheisel, and former NFL running back Jacob Hester.
Cumulus Q1 Report Comes on May 1. Cumulus Media will present its first quarter 2025 operating results during a conference call on May 1 at 8:30 am ET. The company will issues a press release with the results prior to the call.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Remember how Larry King would interrupt rambling callers to ask, “What’s your question?” It could sound gruff, but it was really a courtesy, to viewers or listeners. Larry feared TV clickers and dashboard radio buttons. He kept-it-moving to keep viewers and listeners from wandering.
And if you follow research on podcast consumption, you understand that attention there is an even heavier lift than for real-time broadcast programming which asks less of the consumer to acquire. Accordingly, these tips:
— Hook early, hook hard: Your first 60 seconds (max) are your billboard. Don’t waste them. Create curiosity about what listening to the episode will deliver, early-in (or before) your produced intro.
— Edit aggressively: Cut fluff and filler, avoid rabbit holes. Trim “um,” “you know,” and circular chit-chat. Each listening moment needs to earn the next moment.
— Apply proven radio techniques: teasing, resetting, production tactics.
— Be “sticky with structure:” A consistent format helps make your podcast habit-forming. If applicable to your topic, think “Problem-Story-Solution.” Note how Keith Olbermann’s podcast emulates his previous TV show format. I’m not saying do THAT format; I’m saying HAVE one.
— Speak to one person – like radio does, but even more so – because podcast listening is so intentional, and topics can be so specialized. Make eye contact, and don’t talk to “the audience.”– Create “next time” anticipation: Plant seeds for the next episode.
— Make replayable moments. Your slam-dunk is having listeners share your podcast with their friends. Deliver content that somehow enables them. Or makes them laugh, or cry, or care.
Like broadcasting, podcasting competes with EVERYTHING, TikTok, text messages, EVERYTHING, and life’s chaos. Make every second count.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
2. Google Anti-Trust Ruling
3. Hegseth Signal Chat Controversy
4. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
5. Financial Markets Activity
The New York Post is reporting that President Trump has appointed Cumulus Media | Westwood One nationally syndicated talk radio and FOX News personality Mark Levin to the “revamped” Homeland Security Advisory Council. The former members of the council were dismissed shortly after Trump was
sworn in. According to the report, Levin will join ex-NYPD detective and former “Don Imus” show contributor Bo Dietl, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Florida State Senator Joseph Gruters. President Trump posted to Truth Social: “Under Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s leadership, HSAC will work hard on developing new Policies and Strategies that will help us secure our Border, deport Illegal Criminal Thugs, stop the flow of Fentanyl and other illegal drugs that are killing our Citizens, and MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.” See the Post story here.
Pubcasters to Present NJ Governor Candidates. New Jersey public media network NJ PBS and public radio outlet WNYC announce their live broadcasts covering the New Jersey gubernatorial race with conversations with the candidates. Republican candidates will appear on May 7, at 7:00 pm; Democratic candidates will appear on May 12, at 7:00 pm. The broadcasters say the goal is to have the candidates engage in civil, solutions-based discussion about issues facing New Jersey.
NHPR Nominated for a Peabody. New Hampshire Public Radio and collaborator The Pudding are being nominated for a Peabody Award in the Immersive & Interactive category for “Failures to Act” — reporting that delved into one of the largest youth detention abuse cases in American history that took place in New Hampshire. The reporting revealed the stories contained in more than 1,281 civil lawsuits filed by people who say they were abused as children while in state custody.
Lotus Communications is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated radio and digital account executive. The company says, “We are looking for someone who can connect with clients and help them achieve
their business objectives through effective broadcast and digital advertising. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, have an enthusiastic and outgoing personality, along with a drive to succeed. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-working salespeople who want to have FUN at work, make money, and help local businesses grow.” See more about this position and apply here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/14-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case/Judge Threatens Contempt Charges
2. Trump vs Harvard
3. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / Powell Speech
4. Meta Anti-Trust Case
5. FCC’s Carr Threatens Comcast / Trump’s 60 Minutes Criticism
6. DOGE
7. U.S. – Iran Nuclear Talks
8. Russia – Ukraine War / Israel-Gaza War
9. Bernie Sanders-AOC Rallies
10.RFK Jr Promises Autism Cause
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Kilmar Abrego Garcia/Nayib Bukele
3. Alan Garber
4. Pam Bondi
5. Jerome Powell / Xi Jinping
6. Mark Zuckerberg / Elon Musk
7. Brendan Carr
8. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelensky
9. Bernie Sanders / AOC
10.RFK Jr
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The Radio America nationally syndicated program “The Dana Show” – hosted by Dana Loesch – is joining the daily lineup at Bonneville’s news/talk KTTH, Seattle in the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart
starting Monday (4/21). KTTH program director Jason Antebi says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Dana Loesch to KTTH’s weekday lineup. Dana’s bold, no-nonsense style and sharp political insights have built a loyal national following, and we’re confident her wit and fearless commentary will strike a chord with our Seattle audience. She’s a powerhouse voice in conservative media, and we’re proud to have her on board.” Loesch states, “I love my listeners in the Emerald City, and I’m thrilled to now be part of the great lineup at KTTH. Thanks to Jason and his team at Bonneville Seattle for making this opportunity possible.”
Nationally syndicated technology expert Rich DeMuro is going to be heard on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York. His weekly program, “Rich on Tech,” will air Sunday nights from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and he’ll join WOR morning personality Larry Mendte for a weekly segment every Thursday. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “We are excited to welcome ‘Rich on Tech’ to the new WOR Sunday lineup. Rich’s expertise and passion for technology make him a perfect fit for our audience, and we look forward to providing our listeners with Rich’s valuable and entertaining content, including hidden features of your iPhone, Androids, how AI can help around your home, the best new smart TVs, cybersecurity tips and much more.” In addition to his Premiere Networks radio show, DeMuro is a tech reporter for KTLA-TV, Los Angeles. Pictured above are Larry Mendte (left) and Rich DeMuro (right).
Salem Radio Network is producing a one-hour special show for affiliates on the first 100 days of the Trump
administration that will air on Tuesday, April 29. It will take the place of the third hour of the Larry Elder show at 8:00 pm ET. “The 100 Days of Trump” is being hosted by Larry Elder with co-host Chris Stigall – host of SRN’s morning show – as the two will interview White House officials, cabinet members, members of congress, plus other Salem hosts.
Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for March based on weekly average downloads for participating networks and the top four shows keep their places on the ranker: 1) NPR’s “NPR News Now,”
2) NPR’s “Up First,” 3) Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE,” and 4) iHeart Audience Network’s “Stuff You Should Know.” Moves of note from March include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” rising three spots to #6, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” falling four places to #9, and iHeart Audience Network’s “The Sean Hannity Show” soaring 24 places to #14. See the complete ranker here.
Beasley Partners with University of Michigan Athletics. Beasley Media Group, University of Michigan Athletics, and Learfield’s Michigan Sports Properties announce a multi-year broadcast agreement that makes rock WCSX-FM, Detroit the new flagship radio home for the Michigan Wolverines. WCSX-FM will broadcast all Football, Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Hockey games, along with coaches’ shows and exclusive ancillary programming. In addition, WMGC-FM will carry select Women’s Basketball regular-season games as well as postseason matchups.
Lisa Waks Named to Executive Position. AdLarge and the fwd. network name Lisa Waks EVP of business development and partnerships. In this role, Waks will be leading the business development team in strategic digital partnerships and expanded opportunities for the company and creators across the fwd. network’s portfolio of female-focused content.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump vs Harvard
2. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case/Judge Threaten Contempt Charges
3. Trump Tariffs/Jerome Powell Speech
4. FCC Chair Attacks Comcast Over News Coverage
5. RFK Jr. Promises Autism Cause
Guy Gordon leaves Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR-AM, Detroit after declining to take the company’s offer to move from mornings to early afternoon and take a 60% pay cut, according to a story by Neal Rubin in the Detroit Free Press. Gordon says he understands that the request by management was due to
a budget crunch – the company has been eliminating positions at stations across the country. He says he didn’t have “an inkling” that his job was at risk, “I probably should have. Radio is really tough now.” Gordon has been a host on the morning show since June of 2023 and was on in afternoons six years prior to that. During his long career in Detroit, he worked as 11:00 pm news anchor at WXYZ-TV and as morning anchor on WDIV-TV. He told his listeners, “If this is the end of the career, I have no grievances. I’m Lou Gehrig without the horrible disease. I’m the luckiest man on Earth.” See the Detroit Free Press story here.
According to data from Edison Research, female monthly podcast listenership has tripled over the past decade, growing from 15% in 2015 to 45% in 2025. This is from Edison’s “Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts” with support from SiriusXM Media. The report finds that when factoring in video podcast viewership, estimates for engagement by women climbs even higher, to 52% of women age 18+ now
consuming podcasts in some form. Other notable findings from the report: 1) Female podcast consumers skew younger (39% between ages 18-34), have higher incomes (29% with household incomes over $100K), and higher education levels (51% with college degrees); 2) Primary motivations among women monthly podcast consumers include exploring topics in depth (53%), learning (46%), and entertainment (44%); and 3) Among the women monthly consumers who have heard an ad on a podcast, 75% have acted as a result of hearing an ad. The Women’s Audio Report was based on 2,520 interviews with women age 18+ who had listened to audio in the last month. See more about the Women’s Audio Report webinar here.
Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Charlie Kirk is visiting college campuses to engage with students, specifically students who disagree with him. According to KIVI-TV, Boise, the founder of Turning Point USA is on “The American Comeback” tour and was at the campus of Boise State University yesterday (4/15). On the tour, Kirk talks with students who disagree with him under a pop-up tent with the words, “Prove Me Wrong,” emblazoned along its top. Kirk will visit Washington State University in Pullman, Washington tomorrow (4/17). Kirk is pictured above at the event on the Boise State campus.
Civic Media owns and/or operates 20 signals across the state of Wisconsin airing its news/talk programming and announces a new weekday lineup for the network. First is a new morning show, “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow,” hosted by the founding editor of Courier Newsroom’s Wisconsin digital media outlet, UpNorthNews. The company says several existing morning shows will be folded into the new program, while new voices will be added in other communities around the state to provide the best mix of
state and local information. Earl Ingram, host of “The Earl Ingram Show,” will join “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” on 540AM WAUK in Milwaukee and appear as a regular guest on other network shows. In other moves, “Matenaer On Air” with Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach shifts one hour earlier, airing from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. “The Thom Hartmann Program” returns to its live air time (11:00 am to 2:00 pm). “The Todd Allbaugh Show” moves to 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and “The Maggie Daun Show” now airs from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Civic Media CEO Sage Weil says, “We are excited to bring a more robust and flexible morning show to the state, and to reposition our best shows to serve our uniquely Wisconsin audience. This new approach will provide the flexibility to spotlight our local voices that focus on what is happening in our local communities, from Earl Ingram in Milwaukee to Chad Holmes in Wausau, and to share that content both on and off the air.”
Katz Media Group promotes PJ Stack to vice president of political sales and Kevin McTigue to director of
political sales for their Katz Digital Video division. The promotions are effective immediately. The company says these leadership moves reflect Katz’s continued 
investment in delivering strategic, results-driven solutions for political advertisers through both linear and digital media. Katz Media Group CEO Mark Gray states, “Katz has built the most experienced and trusted political sales team in the industry. With deep-rooted expertise across both broadcast and digital, our team delivers unmatched scale, strategy, and results for political advertisers. As the landscape continues to evolve, Katz remains the go-to partner for campaigns looking to connect with voters in meaningful and measurable ways.”
Houston sports talk personality and former University of Arkansas star quarterback Clint Stoerner was inducted into Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame on April 11 during their 67th annual induction banquet at the
Oaklawn Event Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Stoerner co-hosts “The Drive with Clint Stoerner and Ron Hughley” in afternoon drive at Audacy’s sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610.” Audacy Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier comments, “We are so proud of Clint and his accomplishments both on and off the field. Not only is he a premier sports radio host who was a finalist the same night for Media Alliance of Houston as Sports Specialist, but he is a great teammate to all of us in the building.” Stoerner began as a fill-in host on “SportsRadio 610” in 2018 and joined as a full-time host in 2019.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
2. Harvard Refuses Trump Demands
3. Trump Tariffs/Financial Markets Activity
4. FTC’s Anti-Trust Case Against Meta
5. Joe Biden’s Public Comments on Trump
Good Karma Brands’ Milwaukee news talk outlet 620 WTMJ is making changes to its program lineup that says will enhance its news offerings and doubling down on its political talk. Effective tomorrow (4/16), Kristin Brey and Steve Scaffidi will co-host the late morning program Point Taken from 10:00 am to
12:00 noon. “Wisconsin’s Morning News” with Vince Vitrano & Erik Bilstad, will air from 6:00 am until 10:00 am and the station’s midday news show, “Wisconsin’s Midday News” with Greg Matzek & Jessica Tighe, will air from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. The change eliminates Brey’s one-hour 9:00 am show and moves business-
focused “The Upswing” with Jeff Sherman (heard from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon) to Saturdays and available as a podcast. Brey says, “Steve first invited me to come onto his show back in 2020 and we hit it off immediately. He is largely the reason I have a career in radio at all. After years of being a guest on each other’s shows or a fill in host, I am so excited that we finally have the chance to tussle with the biggest political stories of the day with each other every weekday. We rarely agree but we always have fun and I think that’s the kind of energy that makes good radio and interesting conversations.” Scaffidi adds, “I’m thrilled to finally be able to work with Kristin on a daily basis. We recently launched our podcast, You Need to Listen, but having two hours with her each weekday morning will offer our fans and listeners a chance to hear our unique perspectives on the news of the day.”
Salem Media Group announces multi-dimensional deal that it says not only adds two of the most influential voices in American media, Donald Trump Jr. and Lara Trump, but launches the company into an entirely new era of scale, relevance, and cultural power. As part of the deal, Salem acquires a 30% stake in MxM News, a mobile news aggregation app co-owned by Trump Jr., and enters into a longterm services
agreement under which Trump Jr. and Salem will work together to develop a series of high-impact promotional and growth initiatives. At the same time, Salem enters into a strategic agreement with Lara Trump to collaborate on business growth in the digital podcast space, advertiser partnerships, and content innovation. Both Trumps become significant stakeholders in Salem Media. Salem CEO David Santrella states, “These aren’t just partnerships, they’re power moves. Donald Trump Jr. and Lara Trump bring credibility, energy, and the kind of megaphone that moves markets and shapes public opinion. Their alignment with Salem signals a massive leap forward in our ability to lead the next era of conservative media. Donald Trump Jr. and Lara Trump aren’t just becoming business partners with Salem, they now also have significant ownership stakes in the company with a major incentive to grow shareholder value which in turn will drive the stock price. It’s definitely an exciting time to be a Salem shareholder.”
RTDNA’s Dan Shelley to Retire. RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley is reriting at the end of 2025 after more than 25 years with the organization. The RTDNA board of directors voted to approve current executive director Tara Puckey as the new president and CEO beginning in January of 2026.
Two Media Companies Announces Q1 Earnings Reports. Townsquare Media will release first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, May 8. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain first quarter 2025 financial results that day 8:00 am ET and Saga Communications will release its First Quarter 2025 results at 9:00 am ET while holding a conference call at 11:00 am ET that morning.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
2. Trump Tariffs/Financial Markets Stabilize
3. Trump vs Harvard
4. FTC’s Anti-Trust Case Against Meta
5. Trump Angered by “60 Minutes” / AP Blocked from White House Presser
Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher was a passenger on one of the two Delta flights from Mexico that were diverted to Montgomery, Alabama due to severe weather in their destination city of Atlanta. By law, passengers must go through customs and since Montgomery is not an international airport
there are no customs agents there and the passengers were forced to remain on the planes for more than six-and-a-half hours. The Daily Mail reported the story and included some of Gallagher’s social media posts that he made throughout the night, including this one: “After 12 hours at the overwhelmed Montgomery, Alabama airport – 7 hours trapped on the plane on the tarmac, 5 hours stuck in a cordoned-off area of the airport – they are now boarding people 10 at a time. They are checking off names by pen, one by one. So hey, 16 hours after our original departure, there’s hope! I’m thinking it will take at least an hour to board.” See the Daily Mail story here.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Trade War/Financial Markets Activity
2. Deportations & Detentions
3. GOP Mega-Bill
4. Meta Anti-Trust Case
5. Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion Arson
Season 11 of Katie Couric Podcast Debuts. iHeartMedia announces season 11 of the podcast, “Next Question with Katie Couric.” In this podcast, Couric talks with politicians, DC insiders, and journalists to uncover what’s worth attention (and what’s not). In the first episode, Couric speaks with journalist, documentary filmmaker, and best-selling author Chris Whipple, whose latest book “Uncharted” captures the human drama behind the 2024 election.
Irby Promoted at Baltimore Public Media. The corporation that operates non-commercial outlets WTMD and WYPR in Baltimore announces Danyell Irby is promoted to chief of content for both stations. Most recently, Irby served as executive director of news at WYPR, joining the organization’s leadership team in April 2020. Prior to that, she held multiple editorial and leadership roles at NPR, including anchor, editor, and senior supervising producer of newscasts.