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RNC Chair Michael Whatley Credits WBT Listeners with Delivering NC to Trump.  WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive star Brett Winterble was joined by Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Whatley, yesterday (11/25) to talk about the GOP’s election victories.  During the conversation in which Whatley discussed the election’s immediate impact on issues ranging from wars in the Middle East and Central Europe to immigration and the economy, Whatley credited Radio One’s WBT listeners with helping secure the victory for Donald Trump in North Carolina.  Winterble is a rising star in the talk radio industry currently ranked at # 41 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  To listen to the conversation between Winterble and Whatley please click here.

The Performance Racing Network (PRN) Taps Brad Gillie to Assume Role of Lead Anchor Alongside Mark Garrow beginning with the 2025 NASCAR season. Gillie will be replacing longtime lead anchor Doug Rice who has retired after a distinguished 36-year career left a void few could fill. “The obvious choice to succeed me is Brad Gillie,” Rice tells TALKERS. “He has been an integral part of our broadcast team for decades. He is an excellent broadcaster that our fans trust and are very familiar with, which I know will make this a smooth transition.”  Gillie has spent more than two decades working in motorsports. His career started in 1998 at Texas Motor Speedway where he spent 16 years in a variety of positions.  In 2006, Gillie began broadcasting live NASCAR events with PRN, where he could be heard in any broadcast position. “I am truly grateful to PRN and Speedway Motor Sports for the opportunity to continue building on a long legacy of exceptional broadcasts,” said Gillie. “It is an honor to move up to the anchor chair and, along with our great team, deliver the excitement of NASCAR to our listeners and affiliate stations. I also want to thank Doug Rice for his friendship and mentorship. His values and commitment to excellence have made PRN an elite network recognized throughout the motorsports and radio industries.”

FOLLOW UP TO YESTERDAY’S STORY: 77WABC, New York Partners with AARP NY, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities for Annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway During Holiday Season.  WABC Radio continues its self-stated “commitment to the community” with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicked off at 10:00 am yesterday morning (11/25) when turkeys were handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church on W. 49th St. in New York City. “WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets. “Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.” Pictured above, John and Margo Catsimatidis participating in the holiday initiative.

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial (some more than others) ongoing department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America.  There is still a growing fascination – to the point of gossipy entertainment – among hosts and callers with the complicated alpha male relationship unfolding between Trump and Elon Musk. The economy and War in the Middle East and Central Europe were again among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Katz Media Group announces the retirement of Tucker Flood, president of Eastman Radio, after more than 35 years of dedicated service. Tucker will retire at the end of the year, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, growth and lasting relationships across the broadcast and advertising industries. Throughout his career, Flood has been a driving force within Katz Radio Group, known for his passion, strategic insight and commitment to excellence. His tenure has been marked by a unique ability to balance the business and relationship sides of the industry, forging deep partnerships with broadcasters and agencies that have propelled growth and success. Flood’s leadership journey includes years at the helm of Christal Radio and the re-establishment of Eastman Radio, where he built a high-performing team and consistently delivered outstanding results for Katz partners. As president of Eastman Radio, Flood has been instrumental in expanding opportunities and achieving new milestones, establishing Eastman as a trusted and influential player in the market.  Beyond his role at Eastman, Flood has also been a pivotal leader across Katz Radio Group significantly contributed to advancing Katz’s systems, technology and programmatic capabilities. In addition, Flood has overseen Katz’s political and multicultural business, collaborating closely with EVPs Pat McGee and Rick Ramos to broaden the company’s impact and enhance its offerings in these critical sectors.  “Tucker’s contributions to our company and his mentorship to countless colleagues have been extraordinary,” Christine Travaglini, president of Katz Radio Group. “Working alongside him for over 30 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. His wisdom, friendship and guidance have left a lasting imprint on the entire organization and industry.”  “Tucker’s leadership, vision and dedication have left an enduring legacy with Katz and the industry as a whole,” said Mark Gray, CEO of Katz Media Group. “We are profoundly grateful for his contributions and the impact he’s had on our team, partners and the broader media community — and wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement.” “It has been an honor to work alongside so many talented colleagues and partners over the years. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to watching Katz continue to thrive,” said Flood.

Westwood One to Cease Distribution of Ben Shapiro Show.  Affiliates of Westwood One’s “Ben Shapiro Show” received a letter from company SVP affiliate sales Stuart Greenblatt on Friday (11/18) notifying them that “Westwood One is ceasing distribution of the Ben Shapiro Show. The final episode will air on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.” Beginning as a major conservative media podcast produced and distributed by The Daily Wire (co-founded by Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing), its reach greatly expanded when Westwood One picked up the program for radio syndication. In January 2019, Westwood One expanded Shapiro’s one-hour podcast-to-radio program, adding a nationally syndicated two-hour live radio show, for three hours of Ben Shapiro programming daily. According to Westwood One, The Ben Shapiro Show was being carried by more than 200 stations, including in nine of the top 10 markets. TALKERS ranks Ben Shapiro at #16 on its “Heavy Hundred” list of The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  This plan not to renew the distribution deal between Westwood One and The Daily Wire also includes programs hosted by Michael Knowles and Matt Walsh. No further information is available at press time.

77WABC, New York Partners with AARP NY, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities for Annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway During Holiday Season.  WABC Radio continues its self-stated “commitment to the community” with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicked off at 10:00 am this morning (11/25) when turkeys were handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church on W. 49th St. in New York City. “WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets. “Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.”

THE BUZZ CONTINUES:  The transition of presidential power dominated this past weekend’s conversation (11/23-24), highlighted by yapping over highly controversial appointments to cabinet and department head positions in the forthcoming Trump Administration. Predictions, questions, and concerns over the coming massive migrant deportation comprised the top story followed closely by speculation over what incoming Trump policies will have on inflation and a growing chorus of threats about a recession. There was also a lot of talk about how the new administration will impact the wars in the Middle East and Central Europe as well as abortion rights and health care according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

Cumulus Media announces(11/21) that it has promoted Marv Nyren to regional vice president of Cumulus Media in Chicago, IL, and Minneapolis, MN. Nyren currently serves as VP/MM for Cumulus Chicago and adds oversight responsibilities for Cumulus Minneapolis to his purview.  Nyren joined Cumulus Media in 2017 as VP/MM of Cumulus Chicago. Prior to that, he was vice president, corporate sponsorships for Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ-FM. Nyren also held roles as president/regional vice president for iHeartMedia’s 13 radio stations in Jacksonville, FL, and Brunswick, GA, and was regional VP/MM for Emmis Media for 12 years, managing the company’s stations in Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Indianapolis.  Dave Milner, president, operations, Cumulus Media, tells TALKERS, “Marv brings a wealth of experience across multiple U.S. markets to this expanded role. Known for his highly effective and impactful leadership in Chicago, Marv will be a tremendous asset to our talented teams and strong brands in the Twin Cities.” Marv Nyren comments, “I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Chicago team, and now, expanding to the Minneapolis market is truly a dream come true. Being part of both teams is a privilege, and I’m excited to contribute and make a positive impact in both markets.”

Cox Media Group news/talk outlet 102.3 KRMG (KRMG-FM), Tulsa hit a historic milestone on the 19th year of its annual Stories of Light fundraising campaign to benefit Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. The three-day event raised more than $326,000, pushing the collective amount raised since its inception over the $5 million mark. At the conclusion of a 52-hour radio broadcast, KRMG was able to announce on Thursday night (11/21) that its listeners had donated enough to provide more than 65 wishes for Oklahoma children from this year’s campaign. “We cannot think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than to help kids who need something to look forward to during treatment,” says Levi May, KRMG director of branding and programming. “This fundraiser has become part of KRMG’s history and are proud of the impact we have been able to make year over year for nearly 20 years.” During the two-and-a-half-day remote broadcast at LaFortune Park, KRMG featured the stories of Oklahoma kids who have had their wishes granted already. The emotional interviews shed light on how donations are spent locally and the impact they make on young patients. Make-A-Wish helps fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses and KRMG’s Stories of Light campaign is the organization’s largest fundraiser in Oklahoma. To learn more about the campaign, visit krmg.com.

Audacy Minneapolis’ 830 WCCO raised over $348,000 to provide meals and care for those in need for Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities during the 22nd annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon.” This brings the total amount raised to $4.6 million since the radiothon’s inception in 2003. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities helps people rebuild their lives and aims to break the cycle of poverty.  “We are deeply grateful to our fans who always show such tremendous generosity,” said Brad Lane, brand manager of WCCO. “This outpouring of support will continue helping UGMTC do the tremendous and necessary work they are engaged in every day here in the Twin Cities. It also demonstrates the power and relevance of this legacy station in the community!”  “Our partnership with WCCO for the Hunger Mission Radiothon 2024 reflects the heart of our mission at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities – coming together as a community to extend hope and transform lives,” says Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. “We are deeply grateful for WCCO’s unwavering support in amplifying the stories of resilience and redemption that inspire us all to make a difference and bring the community together to give.” 830 WCCO’s 22nd annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon” was broadcast live (11/19) from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm inside the Mall of America Huntington Bank Rotunda.

Nielsen Media Research: Morning Joe Ratings Plummet After Co-hosts Meet with Trump. Nielsen numbers indicate that the MSNBC “Morning Joe” show ratings suffered a significant drop on Tuesday (11/19) after co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski announced that they met with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. “Morning Joe” delivered one of its lowest-rated programs of 2024 with just 680,000 viewers and 76,000 in the 25-54 demo on Tuesday. Tuesday was the show’s third lowest broadcast of 2024. Compared to the show’s 2024 average, Tuesday’s broadcast plummeted 38% with viewers and 37% in the 25-54 demo. And compared to Monday’s broadcast, the show was also down double digits seeing a 12% decline with both viewers and A25-54.

WPG, Atlantic City Morning Legend Harry Hurley Makes Prestigious List. The InsiderNJ.com Annual New Jersey Power List 2024 has again placed longtime WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley as one of the Garden State’s most politically influential citizens (11/20). It is always released on the Wednesday of the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference. Hurley placed in the #48 position on this year’s list. Power lists are nothing new for Hurley who came in at #25 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says of Hurley, “If talk radio were boxing, Harry Hurley would be its ‘pound-for-pound’ champion.”

Hercules, Hercules! Yup that is Hollywood Legend Kevin Sorbo and WRVA, Richmond Afternoon Mainstay Jeff Katz. Actor Kevin Sorbo was in town to deliver a speech and he took the time to appear on the Jeff Katz Show. Katz presented Sorbo with a Julia Katz bracelet which is made by Emily Morrissey, a local artist with special needs, who sells her work at http://www.emilysbracelets.com  and then donates the profits to a variety of charities including The Friendship Circle of Virginia which benefits from the sale of each Julia Katz bracelet. Julia Katz is the adult daughter of Jeff Katz who has faced special needs challenges since birth and has been the inspiration for the radio star’s enormous humanitarian contributions over the years to money- and consciousness-raising in the Richmond market.

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial (some more than others) ongoing department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America. The focus has turned to the allegations of sexual misconduct being raised against nominees Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth. There is still a growing fascination – to the point of entertainment – among hosts and callers with the complicated relationship unfolding between Trump and Elon Musk. The economy and escalation of war in the Middle East and Central Europe were again among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) celebrated the achievements of eight trailblazing leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards, yesterday (11/19) at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The event honored these extraordinary women for their significant contributions to the media industry, showcasing their leadership, vision and dedication to excellence across broadcasting, journalism, digital media and beyond.  In addition to the awards, the luncheon featured a special fireside chat with Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award. As NBC News’ chief Washington correspondent, chief foreign affairs correspondent and host of MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports,” Mitchell shared her incredible journey in journalism, offering powerful insights into her decades-long career. Her conversation with Libby Leist, executive vice president of “TODAY” and “Lifestyle” highlighted the importance of elevating women’s voices in the media, mentorship and the lasting impact of bold, investigative storytelling made possible by diligent homework, checking your facts and doing research.  Honorees pictured above at the event (l-r):  Sylvia Strobel, AWM Legacy Leadership Award recipient and president/CEO, Twin Cities PBS; Holly Tang, CFO, NBC Universal Entertainment; Jennifer Leimgruber, EVP entertainment programming, Premiere/iHeartMedia; Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award – NBC News’ chief Washington correspondent/ chief foreign affairs correspondent and host of MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports“; Deborah Parenti, president/publisher, Streamline Media (Radio Ink, RBR + TVBR); Jen Sargent, CEO, Wondery; and Sylvia Bugg, chief programming executive/GM, PBS. Not pictured, Sonia Coleman, ESVP/ chief human resources officer, The Walt Disney Company.

Jon Hull Named Vice President Emeritus at Hope Media Group.  Hope Media Group (HMG) – a ministry of Christian-oriented media brands – announces Jon Hull as its new vice president emeritus, effective January 1, 2025.  In his new position, Hull will use his extensive experience to help lead and encourage the on-air donor acquisition teams, while also working with those teams that engage existing and lapsed donors off-air. In addition, Hull will join the leadership team that strategizes support drives and programming initiatives. “I’m so grateful Jon Hull will become Hope Media Group’s vice president emeritus. This title is one of distinction and honor – something Jon has more than earned in his 28 years of service to God through this ministry. I consider Jon a national treasure, as does the Christian radio industry,” shared Joe Paulo, CEO of Hope Media Group.

Canada’s Rogers Sports & Media Lays Off Dozens of Radio and Podcast Employees. According to an article by reporter Manuela Vega in the Toronto Star (11/19), Canadian broadcasting giant Rogers Sports & Media – reflecting major cutbacks taking place in the U.S. radio industry – has laid off more than two dozen employees in the company’s radio and podcasting divisions, citing declining revenue and challenges in advertising.  “With the radio industry continuing to feel the pressure of an uncertain advertising market, we made some difficult but necessary changes in our audio business impacting roles in several markets,” a Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson told the Star in a statement last night. The company said the job losses included a “handful” of journalists, as well as some managerial and administrative positions, but noted there would be no closures or terminations of stations, programming or podcasts. “We recognize and thank the team members who are leaving us for their dedication to our listeners and advertisers,” the statement read.  To read the complete article, please click here.

Lotus Seattle Corp in Seattle, Washington is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated Account Executive/Radio Sales-Account Executive. The company is 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 – they are looking for hard-working salespeople who want to have FUN at work, make money, and help local businesses grow.  Compensation: · $55,000 – $70,000. Salary plus commission which varies by product and platform.  This role is also eligible for various benefits, including the following:  medical and dental insurance, vision, basic life insurance, 401K plan, plus more.  Lotus Seattle Corp. is a subsidiary of Lotus Communications Corp. and is a media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio properties. Lotus Communications Corp. operates 48 radio stations in the Western United States including stations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Sacramento, Boise, Tucson, Fresno, Seattle and Bakersfield.  To apply, please send your resume to hr@lotuscorp.com.  For more information about the position and its requirements, please click here. 

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial ongoing department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America. There is a growing fascination among hosts and callers with the complicated relationship unfolding between Trump and Elon Musk.  The economy and escalation of war in the Middle East and Central Europe were also among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

FOX Issues Statement About Duffy.  Former congressman Sean Duffy is now the second FOX TV personality to leave the network to pursue a role in the forthcoming Donald Trump administration following Pete Hegseth who was named as the president-elect’s choice to be Secretary of Defense.  Duffy – a FOX Business host – has received the Trump nod to be Secretary of Transportation.      Duffy is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, who co-hosts “FOX & Friends Weekend” alongside – until last week – Pete Hegseth.  FOX put out the following statement per Duffy’s departure: “Sean Duffy provided valuable insights and analysis in co-hosting the FOX Business Network program, ‘The Bottom Line.’ As Duffy departs FOX News Media effective today (11/18), we wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington. Moving forward, ‘The Bottom Line‘ will continue with Dagen McDowell joined by rotating co-hosts.”

Raising Awareness All Year Long.  Nationally syndicated, Nevada-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred personality Dr. Daliah Wachs (pictured) never stops teaching and promoting health causes that lead to everything from prevention awareness to blood drives.  She tells TALKERS, “Where breast cancer awareness happens every October but education around this common disease needs to continue year-round.  Mammograms save lives and I’m grateful to Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging for helping make my mammogram and ultrasound testing easy and painless.”  The Steinberg facility has been serving South Las Vegas outpatients for more than 30 years.

By Andy Gladding, Ed.D.
WMCA 570 / WNYM 970 Radio, New York
WRHU 88.7 FM, Hofstra University
Chief Engineer

Following the 2024 election cycle, there has been a flurry of conversation and speculation over the diminishing role linear media played in deciding the outcome of high-profile national races. With both the Trump and Harris teams choosing to heavily engage with social media influencers, digital media outlets and podcasters, campaign operatives have demonstrated that they are willing to shift their political ad spending into newer forms of broadcast messaging. This has called into question just how much influence and effectiveness legacy media has over audiences in the current media market.

However, not every country shares this perception. In 2020, WRHU Radio Hofstra University in New York formed an alliance with 89.5FM Bush Radio in Cape Town, South Africa. Bush Radio is the oldest community radio station in South Africa, having long been an established voice for the Cape Town area since the early 1990s. With programming in three languages and a highly diverse staff, the station is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Cape Town media space. The parallel goals of WRHU and Bush Radio, specifically emphasis on local journalism, community programming and educational radio training, provided a strong foundation for the stations to build this joint venture. The purpose of this partnership was to explore the power and reach of community radio in each station’s respective broadcast area. Since the inception of this relationship, both stations have enjoyed a continuous flow and exchange of ideas, goals and programming, even co-producing a weekly show called “1World Radio,” which highlights news, talk and music content featured WRHU and Bush Radio.

Bush Radio journalists Jasnine Roberts, Lydia Marwanqana, Renato Van Schalkwyk, and Adrian Louw tour the Salem Radio New York facilities with chief engineer Andy Gladding (pictured in rear) and assistant production manager Alex Garrett (pictured in front).

As part of this alliance, the stations were able to engage in a radio exchange program commencing just before the 2024 U.S. elections. With monies gained from a cultural grant, Bush Radio sent five radio journalists abroad to New York and Washington, DC to cover the national elections. The purpose of this trip was for the Bush Radio journalists to have the opportunity to see the American democratic process up close and later report their findings back to the Cape Town listening audience.

To continue to the entire special feature article, please click here.

Dr. Andrew Gladding is the chief engineer of the Salem Media stations in New York City – WMCA 570 / WNYM 970 – as well as WRHU 88.7 FM, Hofstra University, where he also serves as a lecturer on communications. He can be reached at 516-527-0764 or andyg@nycradio.com.

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America. The economy and escalation of war in the Middle East and Central Europe were also among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Cumulus Media today (11/18) announced strategic operating moves to its San Francisco market with stations including 104.5 FM/680 AM KNBR The Sports Leader; KSFO, The Bay Area’s Exclusive Hot Talk, and Classic Rocker KSAN-FM/107.7 The Bone.  Next week, KNBR begins the rollout of a new weekday programming line-up featuring new on-air talent teams in middays and afternoons. Joining the KNBR full-time roster is new midday co-host and producer Greg Silver, who will join popular midday host and San Francisco 49ers play-by-play announcer Greg Papa. The duo can be heard on KNBR Monday through Friday from 10:00 am-2:00 pm beginning today (11/18).  Adam Copeland, current KNBR afternoon co-host, welcomes a new on-air partner, Derek Papa. The new duo of Adam Copeland and Derek Papa can be heard weekdays from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm beginning Monday, December 2nd.  KNBR will also move its primary broadcasts from offices at 750 Battery Street, San Francisco, to its studios at San Francisco’s renowned Levi Stadium, home of KNBR and KSAN broadcast rights partner, the San Francisco 49ers. The move, accordg to Cumulus, will bring even more insight, access and “best-seat-in-the-house” opinions to Bay Area sports fans. Cumulus San Francisco further announced that KNBR sister station, KSFO, now heard at 560 AM, a 5,000-watt signal, will increase its signal and reach substantially with the news/talk station’s move to 810 AM, a 50,000-watt signal beginning today (11/18).  Larry Blumhagen, regional VP and market manager, Cumulus San Francisco, tells TALKERS, “We make these moves as Cumulus San Francisco is experiencing an exceptionally successful year. We continue to evolve as an organization committed to excellence and to growing for the future. With these changes, we say goodbye to some of our most storied and influential talent and we extend our gratitude for their countless contributions.”

iHeartMedia announced today (11/18) that Mark Glynn has been appointed area president for Washington, effective immediately. The iHeartMedia Washington markets include sixteen iconic station brands across both broadcast and digital formats, offering a diverse lineup of music, talk and news programming. In his new role as area president, Glynn, who is currently market president in Seattle, will add oversight of the Spokane market operations to his responsibilities. He will report to Nick Gnau, division president for iHeartMedia. “Mark is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success in the media industry. Since the day I met him, his passion for his team and his ability to foster a collaborative and creative work environment has been effective and impressive, making him the perfect person to lead Spokane to the success he’s achieved in Seattle,” Gnau tells TALKERS.  “I’m honored to lead iHeartMedia Washington. In an era where audio thrives as a powerful medium, our brands in Seattle and Spokane stand at the forefront, poised to continue our legacy of success. I am grateful for the support of our dedicated sales teams and leaders in both markets,” says Glynn.

WTOP Reporter Evan Haning Succumbs to Cancer at 74.  Veteran news reporter Evan Haning, whose 50-year radio career included almost a decade as an anchor and reporter at WTOP, Washington, DC has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. Haning’s career began well before his stint as a reporter at WTOP, from the early 2000s through 2011, and showed his flexibility as a broadcaster. Born in 1950 in Sydney, Iowa, Haning’s radio career began in 1970, shortly after graduating from Simi Valley High School, in California. Haning was in Los Angeles for the Boss Radio boom. In 1973, Haning joined KRLA Radio as a disc jockey. “He came to Washington when he joined WJOK in 1983,” his daughter said. Long before Comedy Central, WJOK was the first all-comedy radio format in the country. By the mid-1980s, Haning became the production director at WWRC, the talk radio station featuring hosts like Joel A. Spivak, Bob Kwesell, and the morning duo of Bruce Alan and Ed Walker.  Haning is survived by his wife Melissa, daughter Amber, son Garrison, and two grandchildren, Matilda and Seneca. Memorial arrangements are pending.

SRN to Present Special Christian Series.  Salem Radio Network (SRN) is presenting a special series this week spotlighting Dr. Erwin Lutzer (pictured above left).  In interviews with SRN News correspondent Lori Tradup (pictured above right) Lutzer— Pastor Emeritus at Moody Church in Chicago—exposes what SRN describes as “the heart of America’s cultural crisis as it impacts pastors in pulpits nationwide.”  In the series, Dr. Lutzer advises Christians to stay rooted in Biblical truths as they grapple with challenges including abortion, transgenderism and other topics. His newest book is titled The Eclipse of God (Harvest House, 2024)

The transition of presidential power dominated this past weekend’s conversation (11/16-17), highlighted by buzz over highly controversial appointments to cabinet and department head positions in the forthcoming Trump Administration. Speculation over the coming massive migrant deportation was the top story followed closely by speculation over what incoming Trump policies will have on inflation and a growing chorus of threats about a recession. There was also a lot of talk about how the new administration will impact the wars in the Middle East and Central Europe as well as abortion rights and health care according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

It seems in every election cycle a new communications vehicle emerges as a pathway to gaining voter engagement. Many media observers are deeming the 2024 presidential campaign as the “Podcast Election” as both candidates appeared on high-profile shows. Edison Podcast Metrics™, a respected service that measures all shows across all platforms, presents a strong indication of the reach achieved by each campaign from their appearances. Per Podchaser – from the time Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race in July until Election Day, she made an appearance on eight shows while former President (and now President-elect) Donald Trump appeared on 20. According to Edison’s report, “While we don’t have access to the number of listeners to the specific episodes on which they appeared, and surely these episodes garnered far higher listening than the average level, we do have the estimates for the average audiences for these shows. And clearly Mr. Trump spoke to a far greater number of listeners than Ms. Harris did. Combining the average reach of each show they appeared on and then de-duplicating the results to account for listeners to more than one, the podcasts Trump appeared on reach approximately 23.5 million Americans 18+ in an average week, while the podcasts Harris appeared on reach only 6.4 million Americans 18+ in an average week. Mr. Trump’s total is of course supercharged by his appearance on what is by far the largest podcast in America, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’  But it’s worth noting that even if one removes Rogan from Trump’s calculation, Mr. Trump’s other appearances still would have far outstripped Ms. Harris’s. The weekly reach of many of America’s biggest podcasts outstrips that of many cable tv networks and individual television shows. It is fair to expect that this rapidly growing channel will continue to be used in any national conversations or media strategies.”

The aftermath of the election and a “postmortem” of the circumstances leading to its results were the dominant topics of conversation on talk media programs this past week (11/11-15).  In addition, here’s how the stories stacked up: Trump Controversial Appointments; The Economy; Migrant-Border Crisis; Abortion / Health Care; Russia-Ukraine War; U.S.-Israel Relations; Climate Change / Race Relations /Gender Relations; Big Tech / Media Corruption-Bias; and Crime / Homelessness.  To see the complete chart of the most talked about stories and people, please click here.

Subject to Senate confirmation, FOX News Channel personality Pete Hegseth has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as defense secretary in his forthcoming administration.  Hegseth is co-host of  “FOX & Friends Weekend” and a decorated U.S. Army veteran who was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  He unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012, has authored several books supportive of the MAGA philosophy, and has been involved in grass roots conservative political activism.  His selection has come as a surprise to Washington-watchers of all political stripes, and it is expected that his nomination will be met with a strong level of political resistance questioning his experience to take on and manage such an enormous responsibility.  Regardless, his nomination illustrates the continuing growth and influence of talk show hosts in the modern-era political arena.

The Salem Radio Network’s twin 24/7 news networks – SRN News and TOWNHALL News – announce extensive plans for upcoming coverage of Donald J. Trump’s Inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.  SRN’s White House correspondent Greg Clugston will spearhead live broadcast coverage from the West Capitol beginning at 11:30 am ET on Monday, January 20th. He will be joined by U.S. Senate correspondent Bob Agnew and House correspondent Bernie Bennett covering events leading up to Vice President-elect JD Vance’s oath of office around 11:55 am, followed by Trump being administered the oath at 12:00 noon followed by his Inaugural Address. Live coverage will continue until the day’s ceremonies conclude. In addition to the Inauguration itself, throughout the days leading up to January 20th Salem newscasts will provide analysis and perspective from a variety of contributors including Alfredo Ortiz, CEO of Job Creators Network; SRN News military affairs analyst Col. Robert Maginnis; former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum; and TOWNHALL.com columnist Kurt Schlichter among many others. “Donald Trump’s election on November 5th represents the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States,” states Tom Tradup, SRN VP/news & talk programming, adding “Salem Radio Network’s live Inauguration Day coverage is part of SRN’s ongoing commitment to provide affiliates with Breaking News coverage 24/7.”