Industry News

Lotus Names New Managers for Seattle Stations

Lotus Communications names Andrew Adams as general manager for its Seattle stations that includes news/talk KVI-AM, all-news KNWNimg-AM/FM and country KPLZ-FM. At the same time, the company announces that Jeff Connell is the new director of operations & brand management. Adams most recently served with Stephens Media Group in Spokane. Connell rises from his role as regional PD for KPLZ and KTHI-FM, Boise. In his new role, Connell will give up his programming role at KTHI.

Industry News

Edison Research Releases The Infinite Dial 2026

Edison Research presented the results of its ongoing study The Infinite Dial 2026 in a webinar yesterday (3/12). Vice president of Edison Research at SSRS Megan Lazovick revealed the data that Edison says “provides critical insights into digital media behaviors, and, debuting thisimg year, generative AI adoption among American consumers.” Some of the key findings include that online audio consumption has hit an all-time high: 1) 81% of Americans age 12+ (233 million) listened to online audio in the last month, and 76% (219 million) listened in the last week; 2) Americans age 55+ are driving the most recent increases. Monthly online audio listening among this group jumped from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026, a gain of nearly 20 percentage points in just two years; 3) 80% of Americans age 12+ (230 million) have ever listened to or watched a podcast, an all-time high; and 4) 58% of Americans age 12+ (167 million) have consumed a podcast in the last month, also an all-time high. See more about the study here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia to Present 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards

On Monday at SXSW in Austin, the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards will beimg presented at ACL Live at the Moody Theatre at 8:00 pm ET. Actress, comedian and host of the “Thanks Dad” podcast, Ego Nwodim, will emcee this year’s iHeartPodcast Awards, actor and comedian Will Ferrell will open the show and Holly Frey, host of “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” will be the winners correspondent. The full list of the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards categories and nominees can be found here.

Job Opportunity

Connoisseur Seeks Long Island Sales Pro

Recent promotions at Connoisseur Media’s Long Island station group have created an opening at director of sales. Connoisseur says it isimg “conducting a search for a new director of sales, a dynamic leader who values their connection with the Long Island community.  The ideal candidate will be a high-energy seller experienced in developing custom marketing solutions leveraging assets like broadcast media, digital capabilities, and event marketing.  Leadership experience, a passion for driving results, and a talent for building strong client relationships are essential.” See more and apply here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 9-13)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran War Expands
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Oil Prices
  3. Financial Markets React
  4. MAGA Fractures
  5. Michigan Synagogue Attack
  6. Virginia Old Dominion Shooting
  7. Drone West Coast Threat
  8. Epstein Files
  9. Save America Act
  10. Senate Housing Affordability Package

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Mojtaba Khameini
  5. Vladimir Putin
  6. JD Vance
  7. Xi Jinping
  8. Pam Bondi
  9. Jeffrey Epstein
  10. Mike Johnson / Gavin Newsom

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

Industry News

Salem Media’s 2025 Total Net Revenue Down 10.5%

Salem Media Group reveals its operating results for 2025 and reports total net revenue of $212.7 million, a decline of 10.5% over 2024’s reported $237.6 million. The company’s total operating expenses roseimg 3.9% to $252.4 million in 2025. After posting net income of $16.2 million in 2024, the company is reporting a net loss of $34.6 million in 2025. Salem reports revenue by segments and the erosion of its broadcast advertising revenue was dramatic after it shut down its Christian music formats and sold numerous radio stations, falling 36% — from $62.6 million in 2024 to $40.75 million in 2025. However, the company’s digital revenue (including advertising, streaming, downloads, and subscriptions) rose 5.5% from $83.8 million in 2024 to $88.4 million in 2025.

Industry News

Edison: Moving Ad Spend from TV to Podcast Improves Reach

Edison Research says that data shows moving 5% of the broadcast and cable TV spend in a marketing plan, brands can achieve “outsized results in audience reach.” In this example, using data from Nielsen Podcast Fusion powered by Edison Podcast Metrics, a leadingimg pharmaceutical brand’s original buy targeting adults 18-54, 100% of the budget was allocated to traditional television, with 87% to broadcast and 13% to cable. This achieved a reach of 39%. By shifting only 5% of the total spend away from the usual go-to television outlets, and into podcasts, reach increased significantly. Reach among those ages 18-54 went from 39% in the old campaign to 55% in the new campaign, a lift of 41%. Note that this is shifting dollars, not adding dollars. The brand reached 26 million additional people without increasing the advertising budget.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Discusses His Rock Radio Days (and More) on Video Podcast

TALKERS publisher and iconic radio programmer/personality Michael Harrison talks about his colorful 59-year career in radio including his early days as a pioneer in the progressive rock genre and founder of the “Album Oriented Rock” (AOR) format in the early 1970s through his present-day involvement in spoken word media.  All this and more was recorded (3/5)img during an informal conversation with his longtime friend, music industry publicist Anne Leighton on her YouTube program, “The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview.”  Harrison talks about the evolution of radio and its influence on popular culture through more than a half century of imgbroadcasting adventures including his present-day role as a member of the classic rock band, Gunhill Road.  Harrison states, “Anne is such a unique player in this business – a longtime proponent of music discovery – she has such a respect for the artists and their fans.  Her podcast is SO refreshingly grassroots. It was a remarkable, fun experience talking with her about all that cool stuff.” Fans of music and radio history should not miss this.  To view this installment of the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview in its entirety, please click HERE.

Industry News

Judge Rules Against Talk Hosts Denied Washington State Capitol Press Access

A trio of conservative media figures – including KVI, Seattle afternoon drive host Ari Hoffman – failed in their bid to get a temporary restraining order that would force the state legislature in Washington to give them access to parts of the Capitol building only accessible to bona fideimg journalists. The attorney for Hoffman and co-litigants Brandi Kruse and Jonathan Choe argued that the “process used to deny them press credentials was vague and arbitrarily applied, violating their due-process rights, and withholding access because of they disagree with the lawmakers’ political views violates their constitutional rights of free speech and free press.” U.S. District Judge David Estudillo denied the TRO, saying, “The three failed to show that they are likely to succeed on their free press or due process claims, and the ‘House has a substantial interest in ensuring the reporters it permits to access the House floor meet the credential standards promulgated so the House may debate and pass laws without interruption or lobbying in that space.’” This story, as reported by KSL-FM, Salt Lake City, says, “The Washington State Capitol Correspondents Association guidelines for granting press passes says the person must be ‘a bona fide journalist’ and there must be a line ‘between professional journalism and political or policy work.’ The association shifted the credentialing process to the Legislature after the three threatened a lawsuit in 2025. The Senate eventually issued the passes, but the House took over the process and denied the pass requests.” The three say they will appeal. See the KSL story here.

Industry News

RTDNA Presents 2026 First Amendment Awards Tomorrow

The RTDNA Foundation will recognize 12 individuals and organizations at tomorrow’s 2026 First Amendment Awards being presented at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. RTDNA Foundation president Tara Puckey says, “At a time when the rights guaranteed by the Firstimg Amendment are challenged on every front, the journalists, organizations and individuals we honor today stand as powerful examples of courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to the free flow of information. Their work informs, supports and strengthens our communities, and it definitely protects the core principles that make a free press essential to democracy. We are proud to shine a spotlight on these champions of press freedom and to celebrate their vital contributions.” Honorees include recently retired WGN, Chicago news anchor Steve Bertrand; former “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens; and FOX News pentagon reporter Jennifer Griffin. See more here.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Gets “Mayo’d” for Special Olympics

img

Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (right) with Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard (left) at The Texas Inn in Richmond doing a stunt to raise funds for Special Olympics of Virginia. Following their tradition of crazy stunts to raise money for the cause, the two donned ladies tank tops while people bought giant buckets of mayonnaise to throw at them. Katz tells TALKERS, “We raised more than $10,000! The weather was a ‘balmy’ 34 degrees with freezing rain. In addition, across Virginia at Texas Inn locations there is now a Katz Dog with fifty cents from the sale of each going to SOVA.”

Industry News

“Talking Real Money” Goes Podcast Only

The Seattle financial talk program “Talking Real Money” – co-hosted by Don McDonald and Tom Cock – leaves its longtime home at Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle “Northwest Newsradio” to continue as a podcast only. McDonald tells Podnews.net, “We’ve loved being on the radio in Seattle for more than three decades, but the podcast format is the future of broadcast audio, in the same way streaming is the future of television. Our podcast is the same show, the same conversations, the same advice, but our listeners can join anywhere, anytime, not just Saturdays at noon.”

Industry News

Cumulus Media’s Pre-Pack Reveals Plan for Secured Lenders to Operate Company

Cumulus Media’s filing with the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Texas outlines the Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization. In the plan’s introduction, the company lays out the reason for the Plan that, if approved by the Court, will put control of the company into the hands of an “ad hoc group of secured lenders.” After a 2018 restructuring that greatly reduced the company’s debt, and consistent efforts in the ensuing years in which it employed cost-imgreduction and asset-optimization initiatives, it went into refinancing mode in May of 2024, pushing loans that matured in 2026 into 2029. The filing states, “Despite these measures, ongoing industry revenue declines and macroeconomic headwinds continued to constrain liquidity and free cash flow. As a result of these various pressures, in the last quarter of 2025, the Company, with the assistance of its advisors, began to explore various strategic alternatives and potential liquidity-enhancing transactions. After considering the available options, the Debtors and their advisors determined that the best path forward was to implement a comprehensive recapitalization transaction either out-of-court or through the filing of prepackaged chapter 11 cases.” The key provisions of the Plan are: “2029 Secured Claims will be canceled in exchange for 95% of the equity in the reorganized Company” and “Other Funded Debt Claims will be canceled in exchange for 5% of the equity in the reorganized Company.” Additionally, the current Board of Directors will be discharged and it will be up to the new Board whether it keeps any or all of the current organization’s corporate officers.

Industry News

Hannity Podcast Launches Tuesday

img

Sean Hannity’s new FOX News Media-produced podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” debuts at 7:00 am tomorrow (3/10) and in the first episode, Hannity talks with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith (pictured above). In a piece by Axios, it’s revealed that guests soon to appear on the program include: Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Team USA hockey gold medalist Matt Tkachuk. Hannity tells Axios, “This show isn’t about chasing the news cycle – it’s about the people living inside it. The podcast will be curious, irreverent and a lot less buttoned-up. No countdown clocks, no talking points. He adds, “I started in radio on a tiny campus station that no one listened to – now we’re on more than 750 stations nationwide. That didn’t happen overnight, and this podcast won’t either. But I’ve learned that if you build something honest and human, people eventually find it.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Your Local Advantage

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgSmall businesses often underestimate their greatest competitive edge. It’s not price. It’s not selection.

It’s localness. Big companies spend millions trying to sound personal and relatable. Small businesses already are those things – yet they often fail to exploit their advantage.

Common small business marketing mistake: Trying to sound big, speaking in an unnatural tone, a kind of “corporate costume.” It sounds like: “We are committed to excellence” or “Our mission is to provide unparalleled service” or “We pride ourselves on quality and customer satisfaction.” That’s verbal Styrofoam. Nobody talks like this and nobody remembers this.

Local isn’t just location

It’s a feeling. When customers say they prefer to “shop local,” they don’t necessarily mean geographically close, independently owned/noncorporate. Those things do matter, but they’re not the heart of it.

What customers really mean is:

  • “I feel like these people understand me.”
  • “They get what matters here.”
  • “They’re part of this place.”
  • “They care about the same things I do.”

Local is emotional

It’s relational, human. Show that you understand the place your customers live by referencing familiar landmarks, acknowledging local quirks, using neighborhood names, mentioning local events, speaking the way locals speak. Explaining that the advertiser is “just off the rotary at the bridge” tells would-be customers: “We’re here. We get it.” Big brands can’t fake that.

Tout personal service: 

“You can buy the same shed from Lowe’s or Home Depot, cash-N-carry. Buy yours at Lorraine Lumber and Paul Jr. will set it up in your back yard.”

This is the second installment in a 3-part series about optimizing commercial copy, the fundamentals we’re covering in Sales meetings as I visit client stations this spring. If you missed last week’s column, here’s “If It Doesn’t Matter to the Customer, It Doesn’t Matter.”  Next week here: “Anatomy of a Results-Producing Spot.”

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

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Koehl Named Senior Fellow at D2C. Longtime talk radio professional Corny Koehl, whose career includes positions producing Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Suze Orman, Satellite Sisters, and Harpo Radio, is named Inaugural Senior Fellow at The Dedication to Community (D2C) Justice Institute at University of Mount St.Vincent. In this new role. Koehl will play a foundational role in shaping the Institute’s mission to advance justice-centered communication, public engagement and narrative change.

Tom Donahue Show to Launch on April 4. Talk media pro Tom Donahue says his program Truth Matters will debut on April 4 and will transition from SRN satellite distribution to online streaming and podcast audio file delivery to stations. The show will still air at 9:00 pm ET Saturday nights via direct stream from K-Star Talk Radio Network and will be heard on Talk Stream Live, World Broadcasting Network, “930 AM The Answer,” and later Sunday nights on KCAA Radio.

Industry News

Top Podcasts Steady on Podtrac’s Latest Ranker

There was no movement in the top five on Podtrac’s February 2026 Top U.S. Podcasts ranker based on unique U.S. monthly downloads forimg participating networks. In order from #1 to #5 are NPR’s “NPR News Now,” The New York Times’ “The Daily,” “Up First from NPR,” NBC Universal’s “Dateline NBC,” and FOX Audio Networks’ “FOX News Hourly Update.” Other talk radio-related shows of note include DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #7 and Silverloch’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #9.  See the complete chart here.

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Announces Hire and Promotions in Sales Department

Compass Media Networks names Stephanie Dolan vice president of advertising sales and reveals expanded duties for four other executives. Speaking about her new position, Dolan says, “Compass Mediaimg Networks has a sterling reputation in our industry with a tremendous product line and management team. I cannot wait to get started and superserve our clients.” Additional moves include Laura Peyer being promoted to SVP of advertising sales; Anthony Severino being upped to VP of sales planning; Michael Weiss rising to VP of advertising sales; and Laura Schaefer named as director of advertising sales & manager of sales planning. Compass president of advertising sales & marketing Paul Gregery states, “It is truly my very good fortune to work with such a talented, hardworking, and passionate group of people. We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our wonderful company and equally thrilled to honor her colleagues with their promotions.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 2-6)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/2-6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Operation Epic Fury / War Powers Resolution
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Oil Prices
  3. Financial Markets React
  4. MAGA Fractures
  5. Bondi Subpoenaed in Epstein Files Case / Clintons’ Testimony
  6. Pentagon-Anthropic-OpenAI Deals
  7. Primary Elections
  8. Tariffs Refunds Issue
  9. Kristi Noem Replaced at DHS
  10. Minnesota Fraud Probe / Austin Mass Shooting

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Mojtaba Khameini
  5. Pam Bondi
  6. Bill & Hillary Clinton
  7. Dario Amodei / Sam Altman
  8. John Cornyn / Ken Paxton / James Talarico
  9. Kristi Noem / Markwayne Mullin
  10. Tim Walz / Keith Ellison

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

Industry Views

Spring-Forward Show Prep

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgUnless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, your clocks will change when we “Spring Forward” on Sunday 3/8.

Every year, that one missing hour becomes a big topic of conversation. So, it’s an opportunity to flex your local radio advantage. Plan now to empathize with the emotional and practical adjustments listeners are confronting, including…  

Darker Mornings
Positive:

  • Later sunrise can feel cozy, especially for people who enjoy easing into the day.
  • Early-morning workers may appreciate the quieter, calmer pre-dawn hours.

Negative:

  • For many, waking up in darkness can be jarring.
  • Kids heading to school and commuters on the road face reduced visibility.

Longer Evenings
Positive:

  • More daylight after work boosts mood, encourages outdoor activity, and feels like the unofficial start of spring.
  • Families get more time outside; businesses tied to recreation, dining, and retail see a lift.

Negative:

  • Evening routines shift, especially for parents managing homework, sports, and bedtime.
  • People who work late may feel the day stretching uncomfortably long.

Sleep Disruption
Positive:

  • Some listeners welcome the psychological “reset” of a seasonal shift.
  • A later sunset can help night owls feel more aligned with the clock.

Negative:

  • Losing an hour can hit hard.
  • Many experience grogginess, irritability, and a few days of circadian chaos.

Health and Mood
Positive:

  • More evening light is a proven mood-booster.
  • For those prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, the extended daylight is a relief.

Negative:

  • The abrupt change can trigger fatigue, headaches, and short-term stress.
  • Sleep-deprived mornings can amplify anxiety.

Productivity and Daily Rhythm
Positive:

  • Longer evenings can inspire productivity, exercise, and social plans.
  • People feel like they “get their life back” after winter.

Negative:

  • Morning productivity tanks for a few days as bodies adjust.
  • Parents, shift workers, and early risers feel the strain most acutely.

Safety Considerations
Positive:

  • More daylight during high-traffic evening hours improves visibility and reduces accident risk.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings increase hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren.
  • Sleep deprivation contributes to slower reaction times.

Energy Consumption
Positive:

  • Longer daylight in the evening can reduce lighting needs.
  • Outdoor activity replaces indoor energy use.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings mean more lights, heat, and coffee makers running earlier.
  • Any savings are inconsistent and vary by region.

Impact on Schedules
Positive:

  • The seasonal shift feels like a milestone — spring is coming.
  • People use the change as a cue to refresh routines.

Negative:

  • Parents, pet owners, and anyone with a rigid schedule face a tough adjustment.
  • “Losing an hour” becomes a shared gripe.

So, What’s a Radio Station To Do?
This is where local radio can shine – being human, helpful, and hyper-local.

  • Songs about time: Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” etc.
  • Explain the history of Daylight Saving Time(NOTE: it’s “Saving,” not “Savings”).
  • Ask callers how they feel about DST. You’ll get strong opinions on both sides…and stories.
  • “What will you do with your longer evenings?”
  • Giveaways that fit the moment: Coffee cards, breakfast treats, outdoor gear, spring-cleaning kits.
  • Partner with advertisers: “Spring Ahead Specials,” etc.
  • Interview a local health pro about sleep.

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