Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WYPR, Baltimore to Launch New Local Show. Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR-FM will debut a new program in October hosted by New York Times bestselling author and journalist D. Watkins titled, “The Engagement.” WYPR says the show is a “new locally produced, news-driven public affairs program, in which Watkins brings “his experience across journalism, literature, television, film and education to conversations about the news, politics, community, arts and culture shaping Baltimore, Maryland and the broader region.”

FOX Sports Radio Preps for NFL Season. FOX Sports Radio, a division of Premiere Sports Network, announces its weekend lineup for the 2026 football season. Among the new voices is Anita Marks, who will partner with Greg Cosell, NFL analyst and senior producer at NFL Films, who joined the network last season. They’ll host Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 10:00 am providing previews of the biggest matchups in the NFL.

Industry News

Ryan Gorman Show to Air on WFLF, Orlando

iHeartMedia announces that addition of “The Ryan Gorman Show” to the morning drive daypart at “NewsRadio WFLA Orlando” (WFLF-AM), effective September 14. The program is based at imgiHeartMedia’s WFLA, Tampa and is also heard on WIOD, Miami. It features Gorman (left) and Dana McKay (right) with news anchors Nathalie Rodriguez and Chris Trenkman. iHeartMedia NTS brand coordinator and SVP of news and AM programming Florida Region Grace Blazer says, “Ryan and Dana bring an authentic connection to Florida and a unique ability to tackle the biggest stories of the day in an entertaining way. We’re thrilled to bring the show to Orlando and continue WFLA’s legacy of delivering trusted news and engaging content.”

Industry News

1010 WINS Reveals 9/11 Programming

Audacy all-news WINS, New York announces its programming plans for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The company says it will start at 8:30 am ET with reporters Juliet Papa and Scott Stanford co-hosting the start of the program from the studio through the first moment of silence at 8:46 am. The broadcast will continue through the reading of the names and imgmoments of silence honoring those killed on September 11, 2001, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, as well as those who have died from 9/11-related health effects. WINS reporters will be stationed throughout the region, including at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Atlantic Beach, Yankee Stadium and Citi Field ceremonies, and the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, providing live reports and updates throughout the morning. Audacy adds, “With the 25th anniversary marking a significant milestone in the city and nation’s remembrance of 9/11, 1010 WINS will offer extensive on-air reporting, interviews and eyewitness coverage from across New York.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Compass Media Begins 18th Season of NFL Coverage. Compass Media Networks announces its 18th season covering the NFL continues this season with a slate of broadcasts of Sunday NFL Doubleheaders, coast-to-coast coverage of the Dallas Cowboys, and exclusive audio coverage of the Las Vegas Raiders. Compass general manager and VP of sports Robert Blum says, “This upcoming season is packed with incredible and compelling games, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our affiliates.”

Westwood One Begins 40th Consecutive Season of NFL Coverage. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One – the official network audio broadcast partner of the NFL – announces its 2026 NFL season programming lineup as it celebrates its 40th consecutive season presenting audio game coverage. Westwood One will broadcast Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, eight International Games, late-season Saturday games, and more.

Steve Gruber’s “One Nation” Hits #6 on Billboard Chart. Michigan Talk Network host Steve Gruber and his band The Freedom Project reached notable heights on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart this summer.  The song peaked at #6 during the week of July 11. See the video for the song here.

WURD Sets November 20 for Founders Day Gala. Urban talk WURD, Philadelphia announces that it will celebrate “the life and legacy of its founder, Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D., and the extraordinary contributions of Black Philadelphians” at its 2026 Founder’s Day Gala on November 20 at the Barnes Foundation.

Industry News

WWL, New Orleans Sports Talk Host Mike Detillier Dies at 65

New Orleans sports talk radio host Mike Detillier died at age 65 after a brief battle with cancer. The WWL, New Orleans personality had just learned of his terminal diagnosis and had planned to tell his listeners about it today (9/8), which would have been his 66th birthday. Audacy reports that the longtime NFL and college football imganalyst was just diagnosed less than two weeks ago. Detillier had prepared the following: “Last week, I was rushed to the hospital for stomach pain. After several CAT scans and tests, doctors broke the unbelievable news: I have metastatic pancreatic cancer. Stage 4. Incurable. While it’s an incredibly emotional time, I want to thank everyone – the listeners, the whole team at WWL radio and Audacy, New Orleans, and all those who put up with me over the years – from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to let me live my passion: The game of football. Hosting SportsTalk with Bobby J, Deuce, Hoss, Steve, and the whole crew – working for WWL has been the honor of a lifetime.” WWL brand manager Diane Newman comments, “Mike Detillier captured the heart of our community with his honesty, buoyant personality, and his rich and deep fact-loaded analysis. He became a reflection of this region’s pure passion for football better than just about anybody. Mike is dedicated and has a true love of the game at every level – high school, college, and NFL. And he’s navigated his role with the utmost respect and admiration for players and coaches, and you see that respect in return. His connection to them is as authentic as his accent. And, when we made that decision to put our two Cajuns together to host ‘SportsTalk,’ you could almost hear something click. When you turn the dial and put on Bobby Hebert & Mike Detillier – you’ve tuned into unbridled magic. “

Industry News

FOX Announces 9/11 Anniversary Coverage

FOX News Media reveals its plans for covering the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. FOX network personalities and correspondents will present commemorative packages and interviews while reporting live from locations across New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. imgOn the TV side, FOX News Channel’s “FOX & Friends” is broadcasting live from several locations and will feature interviews with guests about their experiences 25 years ago. FOX News Radio will also offer breaking news coverage of the NYC memorial ceremony on Friday, featuring reporting from Ground Zero. “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” and “The Guy Benson Show” will interview guests and newsmakers impacted by the attacks. On YouTube, “The Brian Kilmeade Show” will provide access to some of Kilmeade’s most notable 9/11 interviews, and FNR affiliates will be offered an anniversary special from Kilmeade that reflects on how America has evolved since then.

Industry News

Salem Dallas and Salem News Channel Covering RNC

With the Republican National Convention taking place this week in Dallas, Salem Media’s KSKY “660 AM/The Answer” and the Salem imgNews Channel are covering the event. Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Our city is rolling out the red carpet for the convention delegates and journalists who will be covering them.” Tradup says coverage will include a keynote address by President Donald Trump, speeches by Vice President JD Vance and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson among others.

Industry News

AM Radio in Cars Act to Get Floor Vote

Proponents of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act are celebrating the bill’s floor vote scheduled for September 14. The bill appears to have broad support and the delay in getting to this point has been imgfrustrating for supporters. National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments: “America’s broadcasters applaud House Majority Leader Steve Scalise for his announcement to bring the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to the House floor for a standalone vote the week of September 14. This is an important step forward for legislation that has earned overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and across the country.

We are grateful to House leadership and lead cosponsors Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone and Sens. Cruz and Markey, along with hundreds of lawmakers from both parties whose persistence and leadership have brought us to this moment.

Our listeners have also made their voices heard loud and clear: AM radio is an indispensable lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source of news and information, and a vital connection for communities nationwide.

Now is the time to finish the job. We urge every member of the House to vote to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and preserve access to this essential public safety resource in every vehicle.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Tony Michaels Launches Storytelling Series. Jefferson City, Missouri-based writer and broadcaster Tony Michaels announces the national launch of his program “Five Minutes in America.” He says it’s a “five-minute weekday storytelling series set in the fictional Missouri town of Coffman’s Landing. The stories use small-town humor and ordinary people to explore work, community, citizenship and the things that hold a town together.” It’s being syndicated by Radio Linx.

Audacy and Mavericks Partner. The NBA’s Dallas Mavericks are partnering with Audacy for KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” to serve as the official flagship radio station of the franchise. Mavericks chief communications officer Gina Miller says, “105.3 The Fan has built tremendous equity in the market with sports fans across North Texas, and we’re excited to bring the Dallas Mavericks to the Audacy family.” Chuck Cooperstein, in his 22nd year as the radio voice of the Mavericks, calls play-by-play alongside analyst Brian Dameris.

Sileo Moves to Weekdays on SportsGrid. Sports talker Dan Sileo’s “Outspoken” program moves from weekends to a new weekday schedule on SportsGrid. It now streams Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Reflections on 9/11 – 25th Anniversary

As we enter September of 2026, the American talk media industry is gearing up to present numerous specials, documentaries, tributes, interviews, and remembrances commemorating the tragic event that befell our nation a quarter century ago.  According to imgTALKERS conversations held with programmers and talk show hosts across the nation this week, historic events and milestones get heightened attention on anniversaries divisible by five-year intervals with 10-year, quarter- and half-century markers receiving the most. “This is going to be a big one,” exclaimed KSCO, Santa Cruz station owner Michael “MZ” Zwerling stating, “The combination of 9/11 reaching its quarter-century anniversary coupled with the nation being at war with a Middle East adversary makes remembrances of the tragedy even more appropriate than ever.”

In the spirit of this solemn broadcasting occasion, longtime talk media host, commentator, and director of Good For You Network (www.goodforyounetwork.com) C.C. Carter is making the audio file of her compelling PodJockey piece titled, “Reflections on 9/11,” available at no cost for airplay on interested radio stations, networks and talk shows for next Friday’s 25th anniversary of the tragic attack on America. The presentation, featuring background music by the legendary band Gunhill Road, runs a tight, crisp 4:15. It is one of the most heartfelt and compelling 9/11 pieces on the internet.

Regarding “Reflections on 9/11,” Carter – an NYC resident – tells TALKERS, “Two months after 9/11, I went down to the World Trade Center site to pay my respects. I walked over to the makeshift ‘Teddy Bear’ memorial site, where people had spontaneously left notes and cards – and teddy bears. I wanted to write down some of what was left, because it was meant to be heard.  I wanted to give voice to people’s hearts and heartache. And so, I ask you to listen to the raw emotions emanating from their hearts. TALKERS founder (and Gunhill Road member) Michael Harrison adds, “C.C. Carter’s ‘Refections on 9/11’ is one of the most powerful shortform pieces about 9/11 on the internet. I am extremely gratified that it is being made available to talk radio again this special year.”

To download the piece, please click here.  To arrange an interview with C.C. Carter, please call Barbara Kurland at TALKERS at 413-565-5413.

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Clay Travis Expand Relationship

iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks announce a renewed and expanded agreement with Clay Travis, co-host of “The Clay & Buck Show.” As part of the longterm agreement, Travis will imgcontinue co-hosting “The Clay & Buck Show.” Travis’ new sports media platform Sport & State is partnering with iHeartMedia for a podcast network and with advertising sales across digital and web content. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott states, “Clay Travis is one of the most dynamic and influential voices in talk radio, and we’re thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with him. His ability to engage audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and deliver results for our station partners and advertisers has been extraordinary, and we look forward to continued growth and success together.”

Industry News

ESPN Radio’s College Campus Tour Returns

ESPN Radio and Good Karma Sports announce the return of ESPN Radio’s College Football Campus Tour. ESPN and Good Karma say, “Leading directly into the featured ESPN Radio game of the week, the Campus Tour brings a national pregame broadcast and interactive Fan Zone experience to some of the imgbiggest college football matchups of the 2026 season.” The tour will make 10 campus stops across the country, beginning Saturday, September 5, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when Clemson takes on LSU. Additional stops throughout the season include College Station, Texas; Louisville, Ky.; State College, Pa.; Gainesville, Fla.; Austin, Texas; Oxford, Miss.; and a return to Baton Rouge, with additional tour locations and matchups to be announced. At each stop, ESPN Radio hosts Jonathan Zaslow and Amber Wilson will broadcast live for at least two hours leading up to kickoff.

Industry News

Tommy Castor to Lead iHeartMedia Salt Lake City

iHeartMedia appoints Tommy Castor has been named market president for the Salt Lake City operations that includes KNRS-AM/FM. Castor was most recently with Audacy as SVP and market manager in Wichita. Area president Glynn Alan states, “We are imgthrilled to have Tommy join the Salt Lake City team. His winning track record, industry expertise, and commitment to excellence make him a tremendous addition to iHeartMedia. Tommy’s leadership will inspire those around him and help position our team for even greater success in the years ahead.” Castor comments, “I’m honored to join the iHeartMedia team in Salt Lake City and lead such a talented group of professionals. This market has an incredible media landscape and strong community connections. I look forward to building on the SLC team’s success and positioning iHeartMedia as the premier media partner in the marketplace.”

Industry News

Salem Media Announces Executive Promotions

Salem Media promotes longtime executives Autumn Marcus and Monica Montijo within the company’s finance and accounting imgdepartment. Marcus is now serving as SVP, finance and strategic planning, and Montijo rises to SVP, controller and accounting. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “Salem is entering an important new chapter, and Autumn and Monica will be key members of the leadership team helping us shape it. They know Salem and our businesses extremely well, and I have tremendous confidence in both of them and the teams they lead.”

Industry News

Audacy Presenting 10th Annual “I’m Listening” Campaign

Audacy is bringing its 10th annual mental health broadcast special “I’m Listening” to listeners nationwide this month in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day (9/10). The program will air across Audacy’s portfolio of radio stations between Tuesday, September 8 and Sunday, September img13. It will feature artists, newsmakers and mental health professionals in honest and meaningful conversations about mental health, emotional well-being and the importance of speaking openly and listening without judgment. Audacy SVP of programming Dave Richards says, “Nearly a decade after we first launched ‘I’m Listening,’ the need for honest conversations about mental health has never been more important. Every year, we’re reminded of the power of simply creating space for people to listen, share their experiences, and know they’re not alone. We’re proud to bring this important program back to our audiences nationwide and continue using the reach and intimacy of audio to connect people with stories, resources and hope.”

Industry News

Zoellner Media Swaps Frequencies in Tulsa

Zoellner Media Group swaps frequencies between Hot AC KRAV and news/talk KRMG in Tulsa. KRMG moves to the bigger, 100,000-watt Class C signal while KRAV takes up residence on imgthe Class C2 50,000-watt signal. Zoellner Media Group says, “The realignment places each brand on a signal footprint that more closely matches the audience it serves while creating additional opportunities for advertisers throughout the Tulsa market and surrounding communities.” Zoellner president and general manager Steve Hunter adds, “This is a very positive move for our listeners and our advertising partners. The new frequency positions give both stations an opportunity to reach more of the audiences they are built to serve, while also giving our advertisers increased reach and stronger opportunities to connect with consumers across the market.”

Industry News

Stillman Joins Skyview as VP of Sales

Media sales pro Liz Stillman is named vice president, sales for Skyview Networks, I which she’ll focus on network audio sales and new client development across agencies and advertisers. Skyview says she joins the company with “deep expertise in network audio imgsales and a record of leading agency sales for national media brands, a combination that allows her to build programs the way agencies plan them.” Skyview CEO and chairman Steve Jones adds, “She knows the audio business, how agencies plan and how to open a door that has never been opened before. Bringing Liz to Skyview is an investment not only in revenue growth, but also in the longterm strength of the relationships that will continue to drive our business forward.” Stillman comments, “Network audio still does something no other medium does, putting a brand in front of a national audience at scale, in an environment people trust. Skyview has the reach, station partnerships and technology to deliver that, and I am looking forward to opening those conversations and building programs that deliver measurable results.”

Industry News

Jeff Katz Signs New Deal with WRVA, Richmond

imgTalk radio host Jeff Katz and Audacy get together on a new deal that keeps Katz on WRVA, Richmond where he’s been hosting the afternoon drive daypart for the past 13 years. Audacy notes that Katz has been recognized throughout the region for his charitable work. He has helped raise more than $1 million for Central Virginia charities and was appointed by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.