Industry News

AP Reveals Staff Cuts Due to Customer Base Changes

The Associated Press is planning staff cuts to its U.S. workforce, according to a story from Axios. This is part of a broader restructuring “away from hyper-local print coverage and toward video and national topics,” according to executive editor Julie Pace and global chief revenue officer Kristin Heitmann. It’s not surprising that the AP’s revenue fromimg U.S. newspapers has shrunk, but right now it accounts for less than 10% of total revenue. In fact, “Revenue from that cohort has declined 25% over the past few years, while revenue from tech companies has grown roughly 200%.” The story goes on to note, “Over the past few years, the AP’s business has evolved to become less reliant on local newspaper revenue and more reliant on a broader set of customers, including digital outlets, broadcasters and non-news companies.” See the Axios piece here.

Industry News

Audacy Partners with Portland Fire and Portland Thorns Clubs

Audacy is entering into broadcast agreements in Portland to use its radio stations as the official radio home of the WNBA’s Portland Fire and the NWSL’s Portland Thorns. KMTT-AM “910 ESPN Portland” will serve asimg the flagship for the Portland Fire. Select games will also simulcast on KRSK-FM “105.1 The Fan.” Portland Thorns games will air on KNRK-HD2 with 10 select games airing on “910 ESPN Portland.” Audacy Portland SVP of sales Ryan Cooley states, “We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Portland Fire and the Portland Thorns to the FAN Sports Network. Our city has long been a leader in supporting women’s sports, and we’re especially excited to welcome the Fire back to Portland after over two decades.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Partners with NBC Sports for Hosting and More

Triton Digital says NBC Sports has selected it to power key components of its podcast and digital audio infrastructure. Through a suite of Triton technologies, NBC Sports will leverage advanced hosting, monetization, audience measurement, and audience insights tools to support and scale its growing podcast and digital audio portfolio. Triton president and CEOimg John Rosso states, “We’re really excited to work with NBC Sports and support their continued growth in podcasting. Premium media companies are investing heavily in digital audio, and they need infrastructure they can trust to scale audiences and monetize effectively. Our goal is to make that easier – bringing together hosting, measurement, and monetization in one place so teams can focus on creating great content.”

Industry News

Warshaw Implies Cumulus Had Eyes on Audacy Before SFM Got Involved

The Jeffrey Warshaw vs Soros Fund Management case has brought up questions about how SFM became majority owner of Audacy. Connoisseur Media owner Jeffrey Warshaw is suing SFM for breach of contract, unfair trade practices and more in alleging that he had a deal with the company’s Michael Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try acquiring Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw wouldimg manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” Warshaw also says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024 and alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition.

imgNow, in recent court filings, Warshaw claims that by mid-2023 he had identified HG Vora as the key holder of Audacy’s distressed debt and, through industry contacts, came to believe that HG Vora was already aligned with Cumulus Media to merge the two companies. But the filings stop short of proving that such a deal ever existed in a formal sense.

Warshaw relies on what he “deduced” from conversations in the market – not on a signed agreement, binding term sheet, or documented commitment between HG Vora and Cumulus. SFM’s response goes directly at that point saying it had been evaluating a potential investment in Audacy for more than a year before Warshaw’s involvement, positioning its eventual acquisition not as a hijacked opportunity, but as the result of an independent strategy already in motion.

Now we wait to see if Warshaw can prove a Cumulus-backed pathway was real or if SFM can demonstrate that it was already tracking Audacy. Whether the Cumulus-Audacy deal was a genuine near-transaction or simply informed speculation appears to hinge on what documents and/or third-party witnesses reveal.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Common Sense is Always the Solution

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling Every Damn Night
Sterling on Sunday Syndicated, TMN
Another Side of Midnight, WABC, New York

imgIn 1952, the success formula for today’s radio was discovered and put into practice by two hungry entrepreneurs:  Todd Storz and Gordon McLendon. Both men owned dying radio stations in medium and major markets. The industry was suffering from a lack of purpose or solutions due to the advent of television which drove the migration of hit network radio shows to television. Lucille BallBob Hope, and Gertrude Berg were on radio first.

Storz and McLendon developed “Top 40” with their own brains and money. Top 40 was research and focus group based, as well as. Storz tried it first in Omaha, then Kansas City and Miami. McLendon in Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, and New Orleans. The formula was simple but not obvious. Their common-sense solution worked in all formats: music and talk.

Ruth Meyer was Storz’s PD in Kansas City and I worked with her at ABC. She was very clear when outlining the Storz history, “It was all Todd.”

Success ingredients

The formula: Target one demographic. Play their hits – often. Call out the names of as many people in the audience as possible – make the listener a star.  Present with enthusiasm. Promote at every local crowd event possible. Repeat.

All of the McLendon and Storz stations grew instantly, usually to number one.

That ingredient list works repeatedly for station after station for decades. But, and here’s the but, all of those ingredients have to be in the recipe. Leave out promotion, for example, or research, and it doesn’t work. But the full ingredient list does work for every single format.

I asked Mickey Luckoff, who ran talker KGO as the number one station in San Francisco for most of our lives, how he selected his on air talk hosts to which he replied, “They all come from top 40 because I can teach them talk but I can’t teach them radio.” His promotions were non-stop and smart, TV campaigns were non-stop and research, yes, research – non-stop!

When Adult Contemporary was evolving, my team was responsible for the NBC FM properties. Corporate finance people who went to Wharton urged me to go slow, layer in expenses when launching this odd new format. I knew layering was a recipe – for failure!!! All the ingredients had to be rolled out at once. In 1981, WYNY in New York had a $2 million dollar cash and a $2 million barter promotion budget. Result, a $3 million profit and a 5 share.  Thanks to PD Pete Salant and GM Al Brady Law. We used the Storz/McLendon recipe with AC music and Dr. Ruth, it obviously works.

WGMS-FM was a classical station in Washington, DC. When it was owned by RKO and run by visionary Jerry Lyman, it applied the Storz/McLendon recipe to classical music. Their promos announced that WGMS played “Real Oldies – Your favorites from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s!” WGMS aired a tight playlist of hits. Special weekends were popular, such as a “Beethoven Weekend” with t-shirt giveaways. The station was a profit monster, top 10 in Washington DC.

Five years ago, WABC-AM was about 28th in NYC as a result of cutting costs, by god the cost cutting was epic and so was the failure. Today, John Catsimatidis, the owner, and Chad Lopez, the president, have grown the station to a 4 share and number eight in New York. An AM talk station, number eight and growing. What? How? They put in all the ingredients. The station is data driven. The talent is live. External paid ads run for WABC almost every single day. The air team goes to local events to meet the crowds. WABC airs live listener music requests and dedications on the weekend with Cousin Bruce Morrow and Joe Piscopo – live. Did I mention live?

Today not history

The team is happy. They are making radio. This isn’t nostalgia. Mr. Cats is a very current based businessman who expects results. Like Storz and McLendon he is an entrepreneur, a private owner deploying common sense. He’s doing what is proven, what works. Bravo.

Conclusion: There is nothing wrong with radio. Just stop. Include every ingredient in the proven recipe; expect stunning results.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many others. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. 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 recently began hosting “Another Side of Midnight” weekends on WABC, New York. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com or phoned at 646-678-1110.

Industry News

Mateo to Host Sunday Show on WABC

Red Apple Media unveils a new weekend program on WABC, New York hosted by former NYC mayoral candidate, co-founder and spokesman for United Bodegas of America, and chairman of the New York Stateimg Federation of Taxi Drivers, Fernando Mateo. The new show, “No Excuses with Fernando Mateo” airs Sundays and 6:00 pm. Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “There are 65 million Hispanics in the U.S. and New York City is home to nearly three million of this fast growing population… With Mateo as part of our on-air lineup, we can super serve the needs and interests of the Hispanic community.”

Industry News

BFOA Scores High in Charity Ratings

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that it has received the highest scores from two independent organizations that track commitment to accountability and impact for 501(c)(3) charities: a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a 100% Give With Confidence Score from Charity Navigator, and a Four-Star Rating, also from Charity Navigator. BFOA board chair Scott Herman says, “Our board of directors is comprised of a team of broadcast industryimg executives who are dedicated to ensuring full transparency and maximum effectiveness from the Broadcasters Foundation. Our goal is to help every broadcaster who qualifies for aid, and we must always have the funds to do so.” BFOA president Tim McCarthy adds, “Our donors have often commented on the fact that they see the money going where it belongs – to the hard-working individuals in our business who are suffering from debilitating illness or disaster and simply need a hand-up during a trying time. These top-tier ratings are a further affirmation of our ongoing commitment to providing aid to broadcast radio and television professionals in critical need – whether behind the mic, in front of the camera, or at a desk.”

Industry News

Beasley Brings Sontag Aboard as VP of HR

Beasley Media Group names Bill Sontag vice president of human resources. Sontag has served for the past 30 years with Procter &img Gamble. Beasley says in his new role, he’ll oversee all human resources and benefits functions across Beasley Media Group. His responsibilities include employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, and the development of programs designed to support the well-being and professional growth of employees across the organization. He will also oversee the company’s business insurance programs.

Industry News

Bongino Soars in Triton Digital’s February Podcast Ranker

Former FBI Assistant Director Dan Bongino returned to the podcast universe after a year with the Trump Administration and his daily podcastimg has climbed up Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Ranker, finishing at #3 for the February 2026 period. Audioboom’s “Pod Save America” displaced iHeart Audience Network’s “Stuff You Should Know” for the #1 spot. Elsewhere, Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” fell two places to #6 as did iHeart Audience Network’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” which landed at #12. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Cutburth Named EVP of Marketing for iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia announces that Jamie Cutburth is named executive vice president of marketing. Cutburth most recently was EVP of marketing & brand partnerships for NBCUniversal. iHeartMedia chief business officer Lisa Coffey states, “As we continue to expand iHeart’s unique multiimg-platform footprint, we’re thrilled to welcome Jamie and his decades of expertise in driving meaningful success for blue chip media companies. Jamie swings big, experiences that inspire action, drive growth and leave lasting impressions on the audience. He will fit right in as our team continues to push innovative ideas at the leading edge of the industry.” Cutburth says, “My role sits at the intersection between brand, revenue, content and culture, and will ensure that iHeart shows up in the market with a clear story and a modern marketing engine. I am excited to bring my years of building successful partnerships and experiences to this team and to a company so clearly focused on innovation and growth.”

Industry News

Cumulus Says 2025 Annual Report Filing Late Due to Bankruptcy Proceedings

Cumulus Media files a notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealing that it is unable to files its annual 10-K with the Commission due to its status in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.img Specifically, since the company must get permission from the court to retain PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the company and its subsidiaries to complete the 10-K, it must wait to clear the objection hurdle expected to be complete by April 8. Cumulus notes that the ultimate timing of its filing of its Annual Report is dependent upon entry of the order.

Industry News

Pioneering Black Talk Host Bob Law Dies at 86

Bob Law, the Black radio personality who hosted “Night Talk” on WWRL,img New York, has died at age 86. According to The Grio, Law put “Night Talk” into national syndication in 1981 through the National Black Network. The piece says it was considered the first nationally broadcast Black radio talk show in the country. He began his career with WWRL in New York as a community affairs director, eventually rising to program director. See The Grio piece here.

Industry News

Connoisseur Media to Acquire Five Nebraska Signals from NRG Media; Will Sell Four Topeka Stations to MSC Radio Group

Connoisseur Media is both a buyer and a seller in news today. First, the company announces it is acquiring five radio signals in Nebraska from NRG Media. Those include news/talk KLIN-AM, Lincoln and its FM translator K257GN-FX and four music stations – three in Lincoln and one licensed to Milford, Nebraska.  Connoisseur says the transaction isimg pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close in summer of this year. Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “We are over the moon to be able to add these phenomenal properties and team to our company. This marriage will allow us to even better serve the community and our clients.” NRG Media CEO Mary Quass adds, “The Lincoln stations have been a very important part of our story, and we are pleased to pass them to Jeff and his team. Jeff is a broadcaster who shares our commitment to great local service, quality programming, and deep community connections!” At the same time, Connoisseur is entering into a deal with MSC Radio Group to sell its Topeka cluster that includes news/talk WIBW-AM and three music brands. About this sale, Jeff Warshaw says, “We’re incredibly proud of the impact these stations have had in Topeka and the connections they’ve built with listeners. As we continue to refine our portfolio, this agreement allows us to focus our resources on key growth markets while ensuring these stations are well-positioned for the future with KNZA. We’re confident they will continue their legacy of serving the community with a strong emphasis on local engagement, news, and partnerships.”

Industry News

Debbie Kenyon to Lead Central U.S. Markets for Audacy

Audacy promotes Debbie Kenyon to regional president for its Central U.S. markets. Kenyon currently manages the company’s Detroit stations, and her new responsibilities will include Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Madison. She’ll oversee such heritageimg signals as WSCR-AM/FM “The Score” and news/talk WCCO-AM. Audacy president and CEO Kelli Turner comments, “Debbie Kenyon has been a pillar of our business for over a quarter century, and her elevation to regional president for our Central region is a testament to her ability to drive innovation and deliver consistent performance. Her appointment supports our commitment to empower our teams and build on our unmatched presence in local markets and communities while fully leveraging our scale and reach.” Kenyon joins Jeff Federman, Mark Hannon, Claudia Menegus and chief business officer Chris Oliviero in regional president roles overseeing key Audacy markets.

Industry News

Adam Star Named Program Director for Beasley Augusta

Beasley Media Group announces that programmer Adam Star rejoins the company as program director for its Augusta, Georgia radio clusterimg that includes news/talk WGAC and four music brands. He previously served as operations manager for Beasley’s Fort Myers stations prior to the sale of the properties to Fort Myers Broadcasting and Sun Broadcasting. Vice president of operations AJ Lurie states, “Adam has a great instinct for what connects with audiences and how to position our brands for growth. We’re looking forward to the energy and perspective he brings as he partners with the team in Augusta.”

Industry News Uncategorized

Allen Sliwa Named PM Drive Co-Host at KGB-AM, San Diego

iHeartMedia San Diego’s KGB-AM “Sports 760” appoints Allen Sliwa co-host of the afternoon drive show alongside Jon Schaeffer. “Schaefferimg and Sliwa” airs daily from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Sliwa most recently served with the Los Angeles Lakers Radio Network. Station PD Mary Ayala says, “I’m incredibly excited to welcome Allen to our team. His experience, sports knowledge and natural connection with listeners make him an outstanding addition to our station. Pairing Allen with Jon creates a team we believe will deliver one of San Diego’s premier sports talk shows.”

Industry News

“Friday Night Live” Celebrates Five Years

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Last Friday night (3/27), Kevin McCullough and Cristyne Nicholas hosted their “Radio Night Live” program based at Salem Media’s WNYM-AM, New York AM 970 The Answer and celebrated the program’s fifth anniversary. McCullough says, “Since launching March 19, 2021, during New York City’s pandemic recovery, the show has delivered roughly 260 episodes and featured more than 400 A-list guests. Blending talk radio with entertainment-driven interviews and live-event energy, the program has established a unique niche in primetime spoken-word programming. Friday’s show reflected on its founding mission – helping reconnect audiences – and pointed toward continued growth across Salem Media Group platforms and digital distribution channels.”

Industry News

New York Festivals Unveils the 2026 Radio Awards Shortlist, Showcasing Global Audio Excellence

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The New York Festivals (NYF) 2026 Radio Awards unveils the 2026 Radio Awards Shortlist. NYF says, “Innovative audio storytelling from creators across six continents was carefully evaluated by the New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards Grand Jury. This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth of the medium, featuring entries across audiobooks, podcasts, drama, imgdocumentary, breaking news, entertainment, and music, submitted by global networks, production companies, and independent storytellers.” Submissions of note include programs from Alabama Media Group, Bloomberg, CBS News, ESPN, NPR, and SiriusXM. Award-winning entries will be announced during the New York Festivals 2026 Storytellers Gala virtual event on May 21. The virtual event will include featured global audio and video highlights, award winners’ acceptance speeches from around the world, and up-close and personal spotlights featuring some of radio and television’s most respected storytellers. See the complete shortlist here.

Industry News

Zoe Burdine-Fly Retiring from Connoisseur Media

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

Industry News

Marlins Announce Broadcast Deal with WQAM

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

Industry News

Bankruptcy Court Allows Cumulus to Use Cash Collateral to Continue Operations

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

Industry News

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

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

Industry News

Caroline Beasley to Be Honored by the Florida Association of Broadcasters

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

Industry News

Tavis Smiley to Interview Excluded California Gubernatorial Candidates

Today (3/25) at 10:00 am PT, KBLA, Los Angeles-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Tavis Smiley will interview the four candidatesimg who were excluded from the recently canceled March 24 KABC-TV | University of Southern California gubernatorial debate. Smiley says he’ll speak with Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond, Betty Yee, and Antonio Villaraigosa separately in four 15-minute segments about the race, their campaigns, and their plans for California’s future. He adds, “It’s no coincidence that the four gubernatorial candidates who were excluded from a debate hosted by ABC7 and USC – canceled due to public outcry – are now appearing on KBLA Talk 1580, a Los Angeles-based, Black-owned, progressive radio station, to discuss their campaigns and the race for California’s top office.”

Industry News

Hubbard Launches New Cubs Podcast

Hubbard Radio announces that via its 312 Sports network it is launching, “Off the Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast,” hosted by Dan BernsteinMatt Abbatacola, and Cody Delmendo. Hubbard says “Off the Ivy” marks theimg latest addition to Gamut’s growing 312 Sports network, a Chicago-focused lineup anchored by “Dan Bernstein Unfiltered” and featuring shows such as “Forward Progress: A Chicago Bears Podcast” and “Organizations Win Championships,” a Chicago Bulls podcast. Gamut Podcast Network head John Goforth comments, “This isn’t just another recap show. Chicago fans don’t think about their teams in a vacuum, and we’re not going to talk about them that way either. ‘Off the Ivy’ is about what it all means – what a win says, what a loss exposes, and where this team is actually headed. If you care about the Cubs, this is the conversation you want to be part of.”