Industry News

WTOP Promotes Woodfork as Part of Renewed Sports Initiative

Hubbard Radio all-news WTOP, Washington promotes Rob Woodfork to senior sports analyst in what the organization calls its “ongoing evolution of its local sports coverage.” WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler states, “We are excited to announce Rob’s promotion. This imgis a key part of our long-term strategy to transform how we cover sports. We’re committed to delivering content that goes beyond highlights and final scores – focusing instead on context, analysis, and storytelling that resonates with today’s audience.” WTOP says that in his new role, Woodfork will lead a more dynamic, multi-platform approach to sports journalism, anchored by daily video and audio commentary designed for modern consumption habits. His work will prioritize insight and authenticity – meeting audiences where they are, particularly among Gen X and Millennial fans seeking more than traditional sports updates.

Industry News

Edison: Radio Still Dominates In-Car Listening

Citing data from its Q1 2026 Share of Ear, Edison Research says that even though consumers have more audio options than ever before in their cars, AM/FM radio takes up the majority of time spent listening toimg audio in the car among Americans 13+. Edison adds, “As of Q1 2026, 55% of in-car audio time is spent listening to AM/FM radio. The next closest platform in the car is streaming audio. Time with streaming audio has grown over the 12-year history of Share of Ear but remains a distant competitor to AM/FM radio among the total population ages 13+, with 16% of in-car audio time going to streaming platforms… Among Americans 13-34, 46% of their in-car audio time is spent listening to AM/FM radio and 30% with streaming audio sources.”

Industry News

Former Philly Sports Talker Missanelli Charged with Assault

As reported by Crossing Broad, former WIP and WPEN-FM, Philadelphia sports talk host Mike Missanelli was arrested and charged with simple imgassault and harassment after an alleged incident involving his fiancé. According to several Philadelphia media outlets, Missanelli allegedly slapped his fiancé during a “scuffle” in which she allegedly struck him in the chest. Missanelli has a preliminary court hearing on April 22. Missanelli’s long career in sports talk included time spent with both WIP and WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic.” He left WPEN during a round of staffing cuts last summer. See the Crossing Broad story here.

Industry News

Audacy: 84% Trust All-News Radio

Audacy says that based on a study by Alter Agents that it commissioned, 84% of respondents placed their confidence in all-news radio for local news and information – outpacing both broadcast TV and social media. This comes at a time when Americans report low confidence in traditional media. Additionally, while cable news audiences skew either heavilyimg conservative or liberal – depending on the channel – all-news radio’s audience is almost perfectly balanced. Audacy adds that it matters when it comes to election season. “While most national news platforms reach consumers who already lean one way or another, all-news radio’s neutrality makes listeners more willing to hear a message – even from a candidate they might initially distrust. The Alter Agents study found that 77% of listeners considered all-news advertisers to be ‘trustworthy’ simply by running adjacent to the content.” See the full story here.

Industry News

Podtrac Top U.S. Podcasts for March Remain Steady

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts ranker for March 2026 based on U.S. unique monthly audience for participating networks and nothing changedimg from February in the top five as NPR’s “NPR News Now” stays in first place. Some moves of note include DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” rising one spot to #6; Silverloch’s “The Dan Bongino Show” falling two places to #11; and NPR’s “The NPR Politics Podcast” climbing 10 places to #19. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Segura Named OM for WMAL-FM, Washington

Cumulus Media appoints Luis Segura operations manager for its news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, DC, effective May 4. Program director Bill Hess retired at the end of 2025 after a long time leading the station. Segura was most recently program director for the company’s KSFO,img San Francisco. Cumulus chief content officer Brian Philips says, “Among our strong field of Cumulus programmers, Luis leapt from the pack as the person possessing the energy and imagination to lead WMAL. Luis visualizes the multi-dimensional future of this big brand. The immense benefit of keeping Luis ‘in house’ is that he will continue to offer expert counsel to our revitalized operations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as needed.” Segura says, “I’m incredibly excited to work with the legendary staff of Cumulus’ flagship news/talk. WMAL is packed with national names like Larry O’Connor and Chris Plante, and I can’t wait to join the team.”

Industry News

Westwood One: Radio Reaches 64% of Registered Voters

A blog post by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group using data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study says “AM/FM radio is an alternative to YouTube and CTV that can generate strong voter reach and impact during election seasons.” Using the recent Q4 2025 Share of Ear study, the post says data reveals how politicalimg agencies can use AM/FM radio in their upcoming media plans. Some key points include:1) AM/FM radio has a 64% share of ad-supported audio among registered voters; 2) AM/FM radio has substantial shares (62% to 65%) among Independents, Republicans, and Democrats: 3) Marketers and media agencies significantly underestimate AM/FM radio listening shares and dramatically overestimate Spotify and Pandora audiences; and 4) Digital audio only reaches a third of Americans. With AM/FM radio, reach soars to 73%. See the blog post here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Why Local Media Still Moves Communities

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIn “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows” (Scribner) cognitive scientist Steven Pinker unpacks a deceptively simple idea: Society runs on common knowledge. Not just what people know individually, but what they know OTHERS know-they-know.

Read that again, aloud. It describes the invisible wiring that drives humans to coordinate, trust, cooperate, and sometimes revolt.

If that sounds abstract, it shouldn’t. Radio and television are the most powerful common knowledge machines ever invented. And in an era when media fragmentation has turned audiences into isolated microtribes, broadcasters who understand Pinker’s point gain a strategic advantage.

Broadcasting creates the “Shared Reality” communities run on

When a radio or TV station says, “Schools are closed,” that’s not just information. It’s a signal that everyone else in town heard the same thing. That shared certainty is what lets a community move in sync. Pinker reckons that this is the essence of coordination: people don’t just act on facts – they act on what they believe others believe.

This is why broadcasters remain indispensable during storms, emergencies, elections, and civic moments. Digital platforms can inform individuals. Only broadcasting can inform everyone at once, and – crucially – make it known that everyone else heard it too.

Trust and legitimacy flow from common knowledge

Pinker notes that institutions derive their authority from shared understanding. Money works because everyone knows everyone else accepts it. Laws work because everyone knows everyone else knows the rules.

Local broadcasters occupy that same psychological space.

A trusted anchor or morning host doesn’t just deliver news – they confer legitimacy. When they say, “Here’s what’s happening,” they’re not merely reporting; they’re establishing the community’s shared frame of reference. In a fragmented media world, that’s gold.

Dueling Realities: FOX News vs MSNow

Inside each bubble, people know what everyone-like-them knows. When national narratives clash, local broadcasters become the last shared reality left.

Local radio and TV, by contrast, still operate in the realm Pinker describes: weather, schools (and EVERYTHING ELSE that triggers a parent’s concern), roads, emergencies, local elections, shared rituals and routines. These are not ideological. They’re lived. Local broadcasters still produce the kind of common knowledge that makes a town function. Cable networks and partisan talk radio produce the kind that makes a tribe feel coherent.

Local broadcasting is still where a community becomes a community.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Uncategorized

Dr. Asa Andrew Poised at Dynamic Intersection of Radio and Pro Wrestling

Health/lifestyle syndicated talk media star and ringside physician, Asa Andrew, M.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Asa) finds himself strategically positioned at the dynamic intersection of radio and wrestling as TNA Wrestling announces a collaboration that will integrate its premium live events, weekly television programming, digital platforms, and fan experiences across iHeartMedia’s formidable audio network. Dr. Asa has achieved imgTALKERS “Heavy Hundred” national prominence for years, originally launching his daily three-hour “The Dr. Asa Show” on its flagship radio affiliate, iHeart’s WLAC, Nashville. Andrew has subsequently and simultaneously returned to his roots as a professional wrestler and recently joined TNA Wrestling as the company’s ringside physician and head of sports medicine.

Andrew tells TALKERS, “I am excited to see these two entertainment and media giants come together. Finally, my two passions are aligning synergistically. TNA Wrestling has seen immense expansion this year as its president Carlos Silva led the company into one of its largest growth periods. This includes a major TV network deal with AMC for our weekly live show, ‘Thursday Night iMPACT!,’ as well as filling up arenas in major cities across America with record breaking crowds. Now – from the radio, TV, and podcast studio to the professional wrestling ring – talk media’s ‘America’s Health Coach’ and professional wrestling’s ‘Ringside Physician’ Dr. Asa has a significant cross-section of his brand in one place.”

As part of the agreement, iHeartMedia will serve as the presenting sponsor of the TNA Wrestling Pay-Per-View Pre-Show for all remaining 2026 premium live events. The integration will feature prominent brand visibility across broadcast graphics, in-arena announcements and event marketing. On TNA’s flagship weekly television program, “Thursday Night iMPACT!,” airing nationally on AMC, and streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., and worldwide on TNA+, iHeartMedia will receive premium broadcast integration including sponsorship of the LED Walkout Ramp, one of the most visually recognizable elements of TNA’s live events and television presentations.

Check out Dr. Asa, the ringside physician, in action

Dr. Asa had to respond a real-life medical emergency during a recent TNA World Championship match in New Orleans between current standard bearer Mike Santana and challenger, “Bulletproof” Steve Maclin. Maclin took a superkick and Santana connected with the left side of his jaw almost knocking him out and delivering an instant concussion (as immediately evaluated by referee Alice Lane).  Dr. Asa‘s instincts were equally quick as he was sliding into the ring while referee Lane was throwing up the X sign. That’s when a referee crosses the two forearms to make an X. It signals there is a serious injury and the match needs to pause until a medical doctor can evaluate the wrestler to see if the match is to be stopped or can continue. Dr. Asa made the decision to stop the match, and Maclin was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Thankfully, Maclin only suffered a mild concussion with slight neck pain and spasm. He should be returning to the ring soon once he is medically cleared.  To see a video clip of this incident, please click here. 

Industry News

Graham Returns to Hot Talk 99.5 Morning Show

Radio personality Leanne Graham (left) returns to Dick Broadcasting Company’s WRNN, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s “Hot Talk 99.5” as part of the morning slow alongside host Joe Cats (right) and producer DJ Slide (center). Graham stepped away from the station in 2021. Stationimg PD and operations manager Charlie Steele says, “We’re excited to have Leanne back in the family. Her energy and personality will be a great addition to the show, and I’m excited to hear where Joe, Leanne, and DJ Slide take the show next.” Graham comments, “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in. But seriously, the path of least resistance has a funny way of surprising you. Never in a million years did I imagine my ‘restart button’ would lead me back on air – but I know it’s because it brought me home to my long-lost family at WRNN. I feel like the prodigal daughter finally finding her way back.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Licata to CEO of Multiplatform Group

Ann Marie Licata rises to CEO of the iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group, the largest of the company’s three operating segments. Licata was previously president of markets group & sales operations. The company’s other two operating segments will continue to be led by Conal Byrne, CEO of the Digital Audio Group, and Mark Gray, CEO of the Audio and Media Services Group. The Multiplatform Group includes the iHeartMedia imgMarkets Group, including the radio stations, the iHeart live events and sponsorships; the radio networks businesses, including Premiere and TTWN; the Enterprise Business Development Group; and data targeting and attribution products for broadcast radio. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “We couldn’t be more pleased that Ann Marie will be leading the growth and innovation efforts for our company’s largest segment. In addition to helping businesses and brands grow effectively and efficiently, the Multiplatform Group has been an important engine to develop our own important new businesses – including podcasting and the iHeartRadio digital service – as well as our iconic live music events and awards shows. We look forward to the additional growth that will come as we move broadcast radio into the digital buying world through our data services and programmatic platforms.” The company also announced that Bernie Weiss will be promoted to president of the Markets Group. Weiss will oversee the operations of the company’s 160 markets. Weiss was previously COO of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.

Industry News

Former Miami Mayor Joins FOX News Media

FOX News Media brings lawyer and former Miami Mayor Francis X.img Suarez aboard as a contributor. FOX says Suarez will provide legal and political analysis across all network platforms. Suarez served as mayor of the city of Miami for two terms from 2017 to 2025. Currently, Suarez serves as president of Alpha Wave Global, an investment firm with nearly $30 billion in assets under management and is Of Counsel at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan.

Industry News

More Affiliates for Mark Walters’ “Armed American Radio” and “Daily Defense” Shows

Programs from Mark Walters’ CCW Broadcast Media added new affiliate imgstations in February and March. His “Armed American Radio” and “Daily Defense Hour” shows are now heard on KVOC, Casper, Wyoming. WOBX, Wanchese, North Carolina adds the “Daily Defense Hour.” “Armed American Radio” also joins WNRJ, Huntington, West Virginia and WXIC, Waverly, Ohio. Additionally, WKDP, Corbin, Kentucky bumps the “Daily Defense Hour” to live, daily from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Industry News

Goodman Joins KOA’s Rockies Coverage

iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver – flagship radio home of the Colorado Rockies – announces that Zach Goodman will join the KOA Colorado Rockies Radio Network broadcast team. Beginning tomorrow (4/4), Goodman will be on the call for all home and away games alongsideimg longtime “Voice of the Colorado Rockies” Jack Corrigan and executive producerJesse Thomas. Goodman – a Colorado native – joins the broadcast team after spending the past two seasons as the radio voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks AA affiliate, the Amarillo Sod Poodles in Texas. KOA and Rockies Radio PD Dave Tepper says, “I was immediately impressed by Zach’s natural, versatile talent first hearing him nearly two years ago. Rockies fans will appreciate his passionate, descriptive style, fueled by years of playing college baseball, alongside one of the great voices of the game, Jack Corrigan.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 30-April 3)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/30-4/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Trump’s National Address
  2. Gas Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  3. Bondi Exits AG Post
  4. DHS Funding / ICE Troops at Airports
  5. Birthright Citizenship Case
  6. White House Ballroom Construction Paused
  7. Trump’s National Voter List Order / SAVE America Act
  8. U.S.-Cuba Policy
  9. CPAC 2026 / “No Kings” Protests
  10. Lindsey Graham at Disney / Artemis II Launch

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth / Marco Rubio
  3. Pam Bondi
  4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  5. Kristy Noem / Corey Lewandowski / Byron Noem
  6. John Thune
  7. Chuck Schumer
  8. John Roberts / John Sauer
  9. Mike Johnson
  10. Lindsey Graham

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

Industry News

Asheville’s WWNC Adds FM Signal

iHeartMedia’s Asheville news/talk outlet adds an FM signal to its broadcast as it begins simulcasting on translator W225CJ-FM, Asheville. iHeartMedia Carolinas area president Drew Salamon states, “Extending News Radio 570 WWNC to 92.9 FM gives Western North Carolinaimg greater access to trusted news and talk at a time when local information matters more than ever. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to serve Asheville and the surrounding communities with credible voices, local connection and meaningful conversations.” iHeartMedia area SVP of programming Zac Davis adds, “After our post–Hurricane Helene broadcast, it became clear just how essential WWNC is to Western North Carolina. Over the past year, we’ve focused on expanding our ability to serve the community, and this next step allows us to reach even more listeners. It’s a natural extension of the incredible work our Asheville team has already done.”

Industry News

Cumulus Names Wirthlin to Lead Salt Lake City Cluster

Cumulus Media appoints Joyce Wirthlin vice president/market manager for its Salt Lake City station group that includes news/talk KKAT-AM and four music brands plus its digital marketing services for local advertisers. Wirthlin most recently served as market president for iHeartMedia’s Salt Lake City operations. Cumulus Media president of operations Daveimg Milner comments, “Joyce is an experienced market leader with deep relationships across Salt Lake City, enabling her to bring sharp local insight and credibility to every client partnership. She excels at delivering integrated marketing solutions, helping clients leverage our multi-platform strategies that maximize the combined power of audio and digital to drive results. Joyce will be a tremendous asset to our Salt Lake City team and a growth catalyst for our clients.”

Industry News

Steve Jones Assumes Ownership of Skyview Networks

In a memo to staffers, Skyview Networks president and CEO Steve Jones announces that he has completed the acquisition of the company and is the new owner, effective immediately. He writes: “This transition further strengthens long-term direction and focus that ensures continuity. Our leadership team will continue exemplifying our company values, and our day-to-day priorities remain centered on client outcomes, operational excellence and teamwork. It is also important to recognize Ken Thiele,img who founded the company 30 years ago.” Thiele’s message to staff was: “First and foremost, I want to thank you all. Skyview Networks exists, and is respected across the industry, because of the talent, grit and customer commitment each of you bring every day. Since joining Skyview Networks, Steve has expanded our business portfolio and led with a steady focus on growth and stability. It is with this confidence in leadership that Skyview’s trajectory and momentum continues.” Jones adds, “On a personal note, I am proud of the team that has built and sustained Skyview Networks’ reputation across the industry. This company is special because of you. Serving as the leader of Skyview Networks is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am committed to continue leading with transparency, respect and a long‑term focus on our people and business.”

Industry News

Audacy Cuts Hit WIP, Philadelphia

Audacy is undergoing another round of staffing cuts and Awful Announcing reports that WIP, Philadelphia’s Eagles sideline reporterimg Devan Kaney is among those cut. In 2024, Kaney was promoted to sideline reporter after the station let Howard Eskin go. She’d appeared regularly on the morning show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie. She’s quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer saying, “I had a blast working at WIP and sincerely enjoyed my time there. But as the old saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.” See the Awful Announcing piece here.

Industry News

Saga Files for 15-Day Extension on 2025 Annual Report

Saga Communications files with the SEC to reveal it is unable to file, without unreasonable effort or expense, its Annual Report on Form 10-Kimg for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 before yesterday’s deadline (3/31). Saga says it requires additional time to complete its analysis of technical tax matters and the resulting accounting impacts related to the company’s sale-leaseback transaction as disclosed in its current report on Form 8-K filed on October 20, 2025. Saga expects to file the 2025 Form 10-K within the 15 calendar day extension period.